Community

Pups barked and pranced playfully around the parking lot on their way to the Morgan Hill Aquatic Center Oct. 11, anxious for the adventure that awaited them at Doggie Dip Day.

For the first time in the history of the annual Uesugi Farms Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, two pumpkins weighing more than one ton apiece were entered in the contest—and one of those set a new U.S. record.

Assemblymember Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, is asking residents of the 30th Assembly District—which includes all of Gilroy and Morgan Hill—to enter his annual “Ought to be a Law” contest. It works the way it sounds; residents within the district send Alejo ideas about the laws they'd like to see tackled in Sacramento.

Gilroy might be renowned for it's stinking rose, but there's more to the city than its cash crop.

With a one-year agreement already in place with the California Nurses Association and a guarantee to keep the hospitals operational for the next five years, Prime Healthcare announced Friday morning its purchase of the Daughters of Charity Health System, including Gilroy’s Saint Louise Regional Hospital.

Community Solutions, a Gilroy-based  nonprofit human services agency, will host its eighth annual play—titled Historias de Mi Madre VII—highlighting the various issues of violence against women and children 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25 inside the Gavilan College Theater (5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy).There is a suggested $10 donation for admittance. Due to the mature content, the play may not be appropriate for children, according to the organization’s press release.The bilingual play depicts how the silence, shame and secrecy of intimate partner abuse, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation can affect the family as a whole.“Children are our most valuable resource. They deserve to live out their childhood in safe and loving environments free from oppression, abuse and exploitation,” said Erica Elliott, Program Manager of the Solutions to Violence Programs at Community Solutions. “This bilingual play sheds light on these horrific occurrences so prolific in our communities in an effort to educate our community members to put an end to these crimes.”Proceeds from the evening will support Community Solutions programs and services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, according to organizers.Annual fall gala takes place Nov. 8Next month, Community Solutions will host its third annual fall gala—Black, White & Bling! to raise funds for critical programs and services in South County.The Nov. 8 fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. at the Willow Heights Mansion, 1978 Willow Springs Road in Morgan Hill.“Grab your black and white attire, add your best bling and shimmer the night way while supporting our clients’ futures,” said Erin O’Brien, Community Solutions President. “This is a fun and elegant dinner event with something for everyone.”To purchase tickets, visit communitysolutions.org or call (408) 846-4704.

“It hasn't sunk in yet because I'm still working,” Jesus "Jesse" Casillas said with a chuckle as he unloaded a bundle of mail out of the back of his truck for the last time. “It's going to be different. I've done this so long it's a big change.”

For the first time in nearly 30 years a husband and wife team is leading the National Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) and the National Auxiliary to SUVCW.

City and county officials cleared out a homeless encampment Oct. 3, effectively evicting a family who says they have no other place to go. A 100-bed emergency shelter operates between December and March in Gilroy, but the Garlic Capital has no year-round overnight shelter.