Plumes of smoke filled the air northeast of Gilroy Tuesday
afternoon as CAL FIRE and Henry Coe State Park conducted a
controlled burn in the south end of the park near Hoover Lake in
the Kelly Cabin Canyon area.
Controlled burn at Henry Coe State Park sends smoke skyward
Morgan Hill – Plumes of smoke filled the air northeast of Gilroy Tuesday afternoon as CAL FIRE and Henry Coe State Park conducted a controlled burn in the south end of the park near Hoover Lake in the Kelly Cabin Canyon area.
The burn, which engulfed about 300 acres, was completely contained within a black burn line, or fire line, according to CAL FIRE command center.
The goal is to burn about 980 acres for “range improvement.” Burning the area returns it to a “more natural state,” according to a CAL FIRE report, and keeps brush down so the next fire season – coming up in several months – there won’t be as much “fuel” for wildfires. If weather conditions permit, the controlled burn will continue today and Thursday.
Several crews were standing by during different times Tuesday afternoon to keep an eye on the blaze. A helicopter torch was used to ignite the brush in several areas.
The Desperados club presents a Sweetheart Social
Gilroy – The Desperados, a club formed in memory of Gary Filice, present their 8th annual Sweetheart Social, Feb. 10 at Coast Range Brewery 7050 Monterey St.
Social begins at 6pm, with social time and silent auction until 7:30pm. Dinner and a raffle begin at 7:30pm followed by dancing. Tickets are $35 per person, ticket price includes: pasta with red sauce, tri-tip, salad, garlic bread and complimentary beverages. Proceeds benefit the community and local youth, in memory of Gary Filice through the Gilroy Foundation.
Details: Gabe Nino, 891-7897 or gn*****@***oo.com
Give at upcoming local mobile blood drives and save a life
Gilroy – The American Red Cross, Northern California Region will be conducting mobile blood drives open to the public Thursday from 1:30 to 6:30pm at Church Hall, 8455 Wren Ave. Also, Feb. 17, from 10am to 3pm at Church Hall, 8095 Kelton Drive.
Details: www.BeADonor.com (Code: SVCC) to schedule an appointment or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE
Knights of Columbus crab feed and dance benefits charities, scholarships
Gilroy – Residents will have a chance to feast on crab, dance with a loved one to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and support a good cause on Feb. 17, during an event sponsored by the Gilroy Knights of Columbus Council 2469.
The event at St. Mary Parish Hall, at First and Church streets, begins with a happy hour at 6pm, followed by the crab feed at 7pm.
Proceeds from tickets – $35 a person – will support scholarships and charitable activities.
To purchase tickets, stop by the parish office at 55 First St., or call Frank Borge at 842-4357 or Stanley Villalobos at 848-9865.
Science comes alive at Gavilan College hands-on workshops
Gilroy – This event is a hands-on science experience for students in grades 6 to 8. Students may select among 19 exciting workshops including A Cow’s Eye View, Astronomy, Geology, and “Help Build A Trebuchet.” The day will begin with a check-in at the Gavilan College Student Center. The day will end with a raffle drawing and prizes. Workshops for parents are also offered, including information on preparing for college.
The cost is $10 per participant, and a limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Fee includes the cost of the workshop, lunch and snacks. Event is Saturday 8am to 3pm. Participants must register in advance. Space is limited. A complete listing of workshops and registration materials is posted at www.gavilan.edu/sciencealive.
Details: 846-4947
Senator Elaine Alquist hosts annual women’s health forum
Santa Clara – “Healthy Choices for Healthy Women,” is a free event, offering educational information for those interested in a healthier lifestyle. The forum will include free health screenings, a health fair featuring various community organizations and speaker panels of health experts addressing important health topics. Event is 9am to 12:30pm, Saturday at Wilcox High School, Mission City Center for Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe St.
Details: Sue North at 916-651-4013
Send news items to City Editor Robert Airoldi. FAX to 842-2206, mail to Gilroy Dispatch, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020, or e-mail ed****@****ic.com.