Tag: gilroy

Operation Freedom Paws, the nationally-renowned Gilroy organization that matches service dogs to US war veterans as well as special needs clients, has snatched up a competitive grant from the local philanthropic Gilroy Foundation.

• Yes. I don't agree with some of the policies but I do appreciate that we have a lot of beautiful tree lined streets. The 152 gateway is such a wonderful welcome to our community too! • Yes, hopefully. I believe now they are doing their homework and are planting trees that will not cause thousands of dollars to homeowners in 20 years by planting trees that uproot their sidewalks. Didn’t the City’s arborists think of researching tree root patterns back in the ’60s and ’70s? • In general, yes. However, the city is too aggressive in removing existing trees that are perceived as a potential liability due to possible failure – the massive Rainbow Park oak as an example. Apparently, placing a fence around the tree canopy wasn’t good enough. The city should not feel compelled to idiot-proof all facilities – the iron fence around the city skate park is yet another example of failed overkill. Unless the tree presents an imminent threat, leave it! Odds are it will survive for years to come. • Yes. If Santa Teresa is any indication ... however, I wish new developments were required to install more trees. • Yes. From what I've seen the street trees are well-groomed, not blocking any signs, and there are some new plantings on First Street. • Yes, for the most part. We are known as one of the best tree cities in America. We could stand to be rid of trees like the Palo Alto Liquid Amber planted many years ago in certain neighborhoods. They look nice, but have horrible, large burrs that litter the streets where they are still located. Their root system also ruins the sidewalks with upheaval and serious cracks. • Not quite. Why is the Santa Teresa corridor so over-planted? Did anyone realize that shrubs actually grow when they planted double the amount necessary? Now many should be transplanted elsewhere – are they going to do that? • No, it’s OK, but has fallen off like so many city programs. Gilroy should have a model urban forestry program.

The pride of Gilroy, current interim WBC welterweight champion boxer Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, 30, was packing more than a powerful punch Thursday morning when he was arrested at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and charged with illegally traveling with an unloaded pistol and three unloaded high-capacity bullet magazines.

The pickup truck driver pursued by authorities for more than 30 minutes Tuesday from Hollister to Gilroy escaped on foot, but the investigating sheriff’s office reported that it might have a positive identification on the suspect.

The six directors of the Santa Clara Valley Water District had to re-interview two of the candidates who signed up to fill an empty seat on the board, but Thursday morning they unanimously chose former Morgan Hill Mayor Dennis Kennedy to fill the unexpired term. 

The City of Gilroy has big plans this year to improve the overall mobility of its streets, and a new face in town will play a big roll in that vision.

Due to recent climbing ridership that is expected to continue, the organization that owns Caltrain expects to recover more of its costs from passengers without raising fares, according to Caltrain staff.

Police and deputies in Santa Clara County arrested 97 motorists on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. 

In the midst of all the shoulder patting, thanking, well-wishing and congratulating that transpired at the City Council chambers Dec. 7 when the public officially welcomed Don Gage as their new mayor, retiring Councilman Bob Dillon’s parting words put it best.

HONORS: Kahikoleiulu Dudoit: Navy Seaman Recruit Kahikoleiulu Dudoit, a 2011 graduate of Central High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.