Colleen B. Wilcox, Santa Clara County of Superintendent of
Schools, announced Wednesday her decision to retire from her post
in November.
County Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement
San Jose – Colleen B. Wilcox, Santa Clara County of Superintendent of Schools, announced Wednesday her decision to retire from her post in November.
“October marks my 14th anniversary as the county superintendent,” she wrote in a letter to SCCOE managers. “I owe a great debt of gratitude to the remarkable staff members who are ultimately responsible for all the achievements this office has made. It’s certainly the right time for me to move on to the ‘next chapter’ in my professional life.”
Although details of the transition have not been formalized, Joe Fimiani, SCCOE assistant superintendent for student services, will serve as acting superintendent while the board of education searches for a replacement.
Assemblyman Laird Named to Statewide Water Issues Group
Sacramento – Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez has named Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) to lead the Assembly working group focused on the special session on statewide water issues. The special session was called for by the governor.
In his role in the working group, Laird is expected to lead discussions between the governor, the Senate and the Assembly as they craft legislation to address various water issues facing California. The working group is expected to begin meeting next week.
A long-time leader on water issues, Laird authored a number of bills in 2007 related to flood control and water conservation that have been sent to the governor for his approval.
In addition to serving as chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, he is a member of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
Laird’s 27th Assembly District includes portions of Morgan Hill and San Martin, and unincorporated areas northwest of Gilroy.
Monterey Mushrooms Exceeds $1 Million in Scholarship Funds
Gilroy – The 2007-’08 school year represents a major milestone in Monterey Mushrooms ongoing scholarship program: More than $1 million in educational scholarships have been awarded to the children of Monterey Mushrooms employees, company-wide.
Initiated 15 years ago, this program was the vision of Shah Kazemi, president of Monterey Mushrooms and Carl Victor Fields, vice president of marketing. In 2004, to commemorate Field’s dedication and commitment, the program was renamed the Carl Victor Fields Scholarship Program – and now remains his continuing legacy. Eighty-five scholarships totaling $126,000 have been awarded for the 2007-2008 school year.
Join The Fun of Safe Night 2007 Friday
Gilroy – Safe Night will be held from 6 to 9pm Friday, Sept. 21, at South Valley Middle School for middle-school-aged youth. Victory Outreach is looking for volunteers from police and fire departments to participate in dodge ball and other activities with the youth.
Details: 848-0265.
Sound Reading Solutions Tutoring
Gilroy – COSTCO is looking for community volunteer tutors interested in tutoring fifth grade students in “Sound Reading Solutions” program. The program starts Tuesday at Antonio Del Buono Elementary School. Two 45-minute classes per week with one hour preparation time. All volunteers will be trained and are required to have a background check and fingerprinting.
Details: 848-0745
Las Animas Elementary School Dedication
Gilroy – Las Animas Elementary School will hold a dedication ceremony at 2pm Wednesday, 6550 Cimino St.
VNA Hospice Volunteer Training Scheduled
Gilroy – The Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice will hold free training sessions Sept. 28, 29 and 30 for volunteers, age 18 and older, who will assist the non-profit VNA hospice team in providing services during the final stage of a person’s life.
The first session will be from 6 to 9pm Sept. 28. The next sessions are from 9am to 6pm, Sept. 29 and 30.
Details: 372-6668 or on VNA’s Web site at www.ccvna.com
Event Raises Funds for Violinist’s Trip
Gilroy – Young violinists are going on a tour of Europe next summer to perform in Hungary, Austria, Germany and Slovakia.
The public is invited to a kick-off fund raising event “A Little Violin Music,” featuring Beverly Blount and Lori Franke and an all-you-can-eat-and-drink wine and appetizer reception. Event will be held from 1 to 4pm Saturday, Sept. 29, at 2290 Coral Bell Court, Gilroy.
Tickets are $50.
Details: www.violinkids.org
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****@ga****.com.
