The Gilroy Visitors Bureau and Gilroy Gardens came together
earlier this month to host the monthly board meeting of the Central
Coast Tourism Council.
Central Coast Visitors in Gilroy
Gilroy – The Gilroy Visitors Bureau and Gilroy Gardens came together earlier this month to host the monthly board meeting of the Central Coast Tourism Council. Members of the council from Ventura, Pismo Beach, Monterey County and other Central Coast communities enjoyed Gilroy Gardens.
Each attendee received welcome gifts from the Gilroy Premium Outlets, the GVB and Santa Clara County wineries. Board members also had the opportunity to tour the Gardens following the meeting.
The CCTC comprises seven coastal counties of the Golden State, stretching from Ventura County to the south to Santa Clara/Santa Cruz counties to the north. Eighteen board members representing the seven counties were selected to serve on the CCTC board at its recent meeting. Jane Howard, executive director of the Gilroy Visitors Bureau representing San Benito, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, was one of those elected.
In addition, Howard was chosen to serve as treasurer for the upcoming year.
The Gilroy Visitors Bureau is an active member of this cooperative marketing group advertising in the Central Coast Visitors Guide and hosting tours developed by the CCTC. Participating provides the Gilroy Visitors Bureau and other members a cost-saving way to showcase the numerous festivals, attractions, recreation and places to stay in the Central Coast.
Details: visit www.centralcoast-tourism.com.
Local Perchlorate Group Meets
San Martin – The next two Perchlorate Community Advisory Group meetings are scheduled as follows: From 7 to 9pm Thursday, May 31, at the San Martin Lions Club Hall, 12415 Murphy Ave. San Martin. The second will be held from 2 to 5pm Friday, June 29 at the San Martin Lions Club Hall.
Details: www.smnneigbor.org or www.valleywater.org.
Seniors Interview George Lucas
Watsonville – Fourteen students from Mount Madonna School’s senior class visited filmmaker and director George Lucas at his Big Rock Ranch in Marin County earlier this month. Lucas invited the Class of ’07 to visit after he learned of its involvement with Project Happiness and the Dalai Lama, and in particular an essay by senior Luke Sanders-Self titled “Star Wars and the Dalai Lama.”
Accomplished interviewers, the students have talked with heads of state, senators, congressman and an array of the world’s leading thinkers, including a private audience with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. But for some, the chance to meet with Lucas, creator of the Star Wars saga, and ask him what brings him true happiness, was the ultimate interview.
“He told us that having children is the biggest joy in life,” said Sanders-Self, “and that his kids were his definition of lasting happiness.”
Sanders-Self, a life-long “Star Wars” fan, brought to the interview his collectors’ replica lightsaber – the one used by in the movies by character Luke Skywalker.
“He signed it ‘To Luke from George Lucas,’ ” said Sanders-Self.
Luke’s blog can be viewed at http://blog.projecthappiness.net/?p=34
Las Madres Annual Brunch
Gilroy – Las Madres will hold their Annual Brunch from 11am to 1pm, Saturday, June 2, at Goldsmith Seeds, 2280 Hecker Pass Highway and meet local moms and moms-to-be.
Las Madres is a nonprofit network of neighborhood playgroups where members find friendship, support and helpful information, as well as an opportunity for their children to make friends their own age.
Find a New Buddy at Pet Fairs
San Martin – The Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter need help to find loving families for the many homeless companion animals currently at the shelter and in foster homes, and barns for mousing cats who prefer the independent lifestyle.
Visit the FOSMAS pet fairs from noon to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, at Petco-Morgan Hill,corner of Tennant Avenue and Monterey Road.
Find a new furry friend; make a donation to help cover spay/neuter, food, and litter expenses; find out how to become a foster parent or get more information on adopting barn cats; or sign up to volunteer for the shelter.
Details: 681-3788, or visit www.fosmas.org.
Italian Festa And Charity Benefit
Hollister – The third annual Italian Festa and Charity Benefit will be held from 10:30am to 6pm, Saturday June 2 at Casa De Fruta. Authentic Italian food, dancing and Italian games including bocce ball will entertain guests.
Adults pay $35 and children younger than 12 pay $15. Those younger than 5 are free. The donation includes a meal and dancing.
Details: (831) 638-1742
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.
