County supervisors are likely to restore at least $9 million in
proposed cuts to public health, mental health, and alcohol and drug
services thanks to additional state and federal revenues.
County Gets Additional $9M From State
San Jose – County supervisors are likely to restore at least $9 million in proposed cuts to public health, mental health, and alcohol and drug services thanks to additional state and federal revenues. The Santa Clara County Social Services Agency learned in April it would be receiving the additional funds in fiscal year 2007-08. The $607-million agency receives about 95 percent of its funding from state and federal sources to provide mandated social services to children and families such as foster care, food-stamp programs and adoption assistance.
The $9 million in additional revenues allowed Santa Clara County Executive Pete Kutras to establish a special $9 million reserve in his recommended budget to partially restore health and hospital services slated to be cut.
At a budget hearing Monday night, supervisors forwarded a favorable recommendation to use the funds to restore 72 nursing positions and services for women, children and infants – among other things – that were on the chopping block. Additionally, the extra funds could allow the San Martin health clinic on Highland Avenue to avoid being closed next year.
Supervisors this week are holding budget hearings and on Friday will attempt to adopt the fiscal year 2007-08 budget. Most departments face painful layoffs and cuts as supervisors struggle to plug a $227 million deficit in their $3.5 billion budget.
SJ Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash
Morgan Hill – A San Jose man was killed as he was riding his motorcycle on Bailey Avenue, just north of Morgan Hill and east of McKean Road within the San Jose city limits west of Coyote Creek Golf Course.
According to San Jose Police officer Enrique Garcia, Aaron Ditlow, 67, was killed in a single vehicle collision about 11:10am Sunday.
Garcia said a preliminary investigation suggests Ditlow lost control of his 1997 Yamaha while attempting to avoid a quail and collided with a power pole.
Ditlow was pronounced dead at the scene. There is no indication of alcohol or drug use in the accident, Garcia said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Liz Checke of the vehicular crimes unit at 408-277-4654.
Housing Program for Youth Kicks Off
Gilroy – A new program aimed at finding housing for former foster youth has started in Gilroy. EHC LifeBuilders, which also operates the Gilroy Armory, is seeking homes for two young men
Each is eligible for a rental subsidy of up to $550 per month, plus $60 for utilities. EHC staff will monitor the youths’ progress on their goals, meeting with them several times a month at home or work for up to two years or until the youth turn 24.
Details: Michelle Covert, Youth Division Director: 539-2105.
South County Dems to Meet Saturday
San Martin – The South County Democratic Club meets at 10am Saturday, at the San Martin Lions Club, 12415 Murphy Ave. San Martin. Congressman Mike Honda (D-Campbell) is the guest speaker.
Details: 782-1017
Internet Classes for Adults 55 and Older
Gilroy – Gavilan College is now offering a free course to teach adults older than 55 how to use the Internet. Students can now learn how to stay connected to their family and friends through e-mail and instant messaging. Students will learn how to use an e-mail account, search news sources, browse online, use interactive games and research topics of their choice.
The college is offering eight classes in Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister. Students are not required to attend every class.
Details: 848-4859.
Gilroy Students Win $1,000 Scholarships
Gilroy – Jairo Avalos and Jasmine Robles of Gilroy High School have each been awarded a prestigious Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarship in the amount of $1,000 by RMHC Bay Area for their outstanding community involvement and educational excellence.
Every year, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bay Area distributes $150,000 in scholarships to area high school students. Studies show that the harder it is for students to start college, the more likely they will drop out.
The goal of the RMHC National Scholarship Program is to provide resources to students who need financial assistance to attend college.
“The RMHC National Scholarship Program provides all high school seniors in participating markets who wish to continue their education the opportunity to apply for a scholarship and receive financial assistance to attend college,” said Wai-Ling Eng, chair of the Bay Area Scholarship Committee. “It is our goal to help make the dream of a college education a reality for students who may not otherwise attend college.
Ronald McDonald House Charities creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children.
Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the charity to offer help where children need it most – right in their own communities.
RMHC and its global network of local chapters have awarded more than $400 million in grants and program services to children’s programs around the world.
Give Blood and
Help Save Lives
Gilroy – The next American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 1:30 to 6:30pm Monday, June 14, at Community Church Hall, 8455 Wren Ave., and from 10am to 3pm Saturday, June 23 at South Valley Church Hall, 8095 Kelton Dr.
Details: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go to www.BeADonor.com (Code: GILROY) , to schedule an appointment.
History Comes Alive in San Juan
San Juan Bautista – Who says history is only learned from books? Visit Early Days at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park from 11am to 4pm on June 16, where history comes alive with period costumes and demonstrations.
Admission is $2 per adult and children younger than 16 are free.
Details: (831) 623-4881.
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
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