Park torn up: “I’m calling to find out what they’re doing at Las Animas Veterans Park, where they took out the playground area. They have it all fenced off and I’m wondering if they’re rebuilding it or what they’re doing there. Thank you.”
The Red Phone apologizes for the delay in answering your call, as it has been anxiously awaiting an answer from the city.
Thankfully, good Joe Kline, Gilroy’s public information officer, was able to get the information you requested.
“What I have been told is that the playground area at the park is undergoing a renovation which will take 6 to 8 months,” he said. “All of the playground equipment there is being replaced with new equipment.”
Lights galore: “Hey Red Phone, I just wanted to let you know that (several Friday’s ago) I was driving southbound on Monterey Street and as far as the eye could see, every streetlight was on, which doesn’t seem right because aren’t we supposed to be conserving energy during this heat wave? If you could check that out, it would be great. Thanks.”
No need to worry, caller, this was a one-time occurrence for a special event, according to city engineer Arlynn A. Bumanglag.
“About a month or so ago, there was a request by the Gilroy Downtown Association that put on the car show during the weekend of July 16,” Bumanglag said. “We had put the street lights on the afternoon of Friday, July 15, and they were turned off on Sunday, July 17. That was a request put in for the car show so that there would be adequate lighting in the area during early evening.”
Why the A/C?: “I was curious, with budget cuts and whatnot for the schools, why is the air conditioning still running when there’s no staff. Yes, there may be maintenance staff, but it doesn’t make sense to run air conditioning for four or five wings … aren’t we supposed to be conserving energy anyway on top of the dollars? Thank you very much.”
The Red Phone isn’t sure what location you called about, but Gilroy Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Steve Brinkman explained the best he could.
“Where we have people we have air conditioning,” Brinkman said. “Air conditioning should not be on in areas that are not occupied.”
Though students may not be in the hallways, there are school staff members working in offices on campuses.
“It’s hot. I don’t think air conditioning is too much to ask,” he said.
Colors, colors everywhere: “Hi Red Phone. What’s up with the banner of the newspaper this week? It’s blue, it’s gray, it’s red with no shadowing. What’s going on?”
• “What’s going on with the Gilroy Dispatch logo on the paper? It’s colors have been weird all week. Are you guys having problems with the printing or what?”
No, no problems, caller. Actually, the Dispatch is touching up its design a little, as you may have noticed. The design team is working with the Gilroy Dispatch banner to give it an updated look, along with a few other changes you’ll notice in the near future.
Have your say: An idea being batted around regarding the Garlic Festival is paid VIP parking. What do you think? Leave a name and number when you call or e-mail. The Red Phone won’t publish this information – it will only be used if verification is necessary. Contact the Red Phone at 842-9070 or e-mail re******@************ch.com.
