‘Alcopops’ classification re-considered
San Jose – The California Board of Equalization has agreed to hold public hearings to rethink the classification of “alcopops” beverages as distilled liquors rather than as malt liquor, Santa Clara County officials said.
The meetings come after the county filed a lawsuit in November against the state’s tax commission to increase the taxation of the flavored alcoholic beverages that mimic sodas and that are increasingly popular among underage drinkers.
Because they are classified as “beer,” concoctions laced with distilled spirits such as Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Silver can be purchased in retail outlets such as 7-Eleven that have only a license to sell beer and wine. Additionally, they are taxed at a rate of 20 cents per gallon while distilled spirits are taxed at a rate of $3.30 per gallon. According to the Board of Equalization this results in a reported loss of $40 million per year.
The five-member board of equalization voted 3-2 Dec. 13 to accept a petition from youth representatives from California Youth Council and Friday Night Live, a state-wide program that promotes healthy lifestyles free of alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances. The petition urged the board of equalization to tax sweet-flavored malt beverages as distilled spirits instead of beer to reduce accessibility to minors. The county has agreed to suspend legal action until after the review process is complete, county officials said. Dates for the hearings have not been announced yet.
County appoints chief information officer
San Jose – The County of Santa Clara has appointed Joyce Wing as Chief Information Officer. Wing has served as the acting chief information officer for the past nine months and brings to the CIO position more than 28 years of experience with information services at the county.
Wing’s salary is $180,124. She assumed her new title in November.
Prior to serving as the acting CIO, Wing was the director of information technology strategic planning for the county where she spearheaded several initiatives such as the countywide Information Systems Strategic Planning Project and the development and launch of the county’s new employee portal.
Wing oversees the county’s award winning Web portal, sccgov.org.
She will be working with departments to increase the number of online services and expand capabilities, such as increasing the number of services that can accept electronic payments.
Time to register for Gavilan College classes
Gilroy – New and continuing students can now register for winter intersession and spring semester classes at Gavilan College. Thanks to a statewide fee reduction, classes are only $20 per unit.
There are three ways to register:
n Online at www.gavilan.edu, click on “OLGA” (OnLine Gavilan Access). Online registration operates Mon. through Fri. from 8am to 10pm In addition to registering, OLGA lets you add and drop classes, check your class schedule and total fees, select a Credit/No-Credit option for a class, check prior semester’s grades, find open sections, purchase parking permits and student ID cards, check class prerequisites, and obtain an unofficial transcript. You can pay fees online using Mastercard or VISA. For help using OLGA, call (408) 848-4733.
n By phone at 846-3729, Mon. through Fri. 9am to 10pm. Both checks and credit cards may be used for phone registration. Before calling, make sure you have your Social Security number or student ID number and section numbers for your classes.
n In person at the Gilroy Main Campus, the Hollister Briggs Building, or the Morgan Hill Community Center site. Hours vary by location. Call 848-4800 for registration times.
Add Gilroy to newly designed note cards
Gilroy – Newly designed note cards featuring Gilroy’s historic homes are now available at the Gilroy Museum. Each package of eight contains sketches of four heritage homes and sells for $10.
They make a great Christmas gift and the profits benefit the museum. The Gilroy Museum is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and is located on the corner of Fifth and Church streets.
Heart warming Christmas gifts for sale
Gilroy – Wondering what to buy for that special someone on your Christmas list?
Gilroy Assistance League can make your life a little easier. On sale now are Gilroy Historic throws for $60 and GALS hard-bound cookbooks for $15 with recipes from some of the best cooks in the community.
Details: For throws call Roz at 842-2432, for cookbooks call Lynn at 847-1579
Help support a fallen rider
Gilroy – Mario Bonfante, a Gilroy native, had his promising AFM/AMA Road Racing career cut short by a tragic bicycle accident, which broke his neck and left him paralyzed. Mario and his family are now faced with the challenges ahead. You Can Help.
Mario is an active member of a youth Bible study. Members of his group came up with the idea to have a raffle to raise the funds needed to care for him through rehabilitation.
There will be five prizes announced at the raffle drawing Feb. 12: First prize is $1000, second prize is $750, Third is $500, Fourth is $250 and fifth is $100. Raffle tickets are available for $10 each at High Gear Powersports, 7661 Monterey St.
Details: 842-9955
Class of 1987 reunion
Gilroy – Gilroy High School class of 1987 20-year reunion will be held June 30, 2007.
Details: reunion.tafgraphicswebhost.com or e-mail Julie at de************@*sn.com.
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.
