New contract for
county workers
San Jose – Santa Clara County supervisors and labor leaders have agreed on a new, three-year contract covering county workers who are members of the Service Employees International Union Local 715. Union members will receive an 8 percent raise between June 2006 and June 2009 as part of the contract, though they will now have to work 10 years, rather than eight, before becoming eligible for retirement health benefits. The new agreement also subjects all union members to performance appraisals.
Police cracking down
on teen drivers
Gilroy – California Highway Patrol officers have issued a warning for teen drivers to think twice about drag racing this summer. Police will be out “aggressively enforcing” speeding this year. The department has received several grants from the Office of Traffic Safety for this purpose. CHP officials warn against street racing and “trucking” which involves transporting other teens in the trunks of cars to avoid detection by police. According to police, teens are transporting their peers in trunks because of new laws restricting newly licensed teens from driving their friends around. CHP officials are asking for community members to report suspicious driving activity and be aware of what teens are doing when driving the family car.
Volunteers needed
Gilroy – The Live Oak Adult Day Services in Gilroy is in need of volunteers who can read stories in Spanish for our non-English speaking elderly members, or who can provide musical entertainment in Spanish.
Details: 847-5491.
Summer concerts
in the park
Gilroy – The city’s Community Services Department presents Summer Concerts in the Park, a series of free concerts, held the 2nd Sunday of each summer month, through Aug. 13.
The event is fun for the entire family. Enjoy a wonderful evening of music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Pack along a picnic dinner, and come help “kick-off” the summer series.
Discount Bonfante tickets
Gilroy – Bonfante Gardens, California’s only horticultural theme park, is offering Gilroy residents a special discount through June 25. Guests who present a valid ID listing a Gilroy address may purchase a discount admission ticket for just $21.99 (regular price $38.99) for up to six people in their immediate party.
Bonfante Gardens is open 11am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm weekends.
Details: www.bonfantegardens.com.
New Nar-Anon meetings
Gilroy – For the families and friends of addicts. Meetings held Thursday’s from 7:30 to 8:30pm, beginning July 6, at First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Ave., Room 106.
Details: Irene at 836-7549 or ir***********@ya***.com
Special education information
Gilroy – Training and information about Special Education and community support services for children with disabilities will be given especially for Spanish-speaking parents whose children go to Gilroy Unified School District and Morgan Hill Unified School District on June 22, from 10:30am to 12:30pm at San Andreas Regional Center, 7855 Wren Ave., Suite A.
Details: 846-5140.
Time to audition for ‘1776’
Gilroy – South Valley Civic Theatre announces auditions for “1776.” Roles available for 25 men (age 16 and up) and two women (between 20 and 40 years old). Audition times are 7pm Friday, check in at 6:30; 10am and 1pm Saturday, check in at 9:30am and 12:30pm. Auditions held at the SVCT Warehouse, 8565 Monterey Road. Come prepared to sing a song of your choosing (preferably not from this show).
Details: Kathy Tom at 683-2817.
Learn to drum for fun
San Martin – Learn how to drum for spiritual expression, meditation, healing, deeper states of awareness or just for fun Saturday, from to 4pm at Gavilan Hills Church, 13085 Monterey Highway. $10 fee. Bring your own drum or percussion instruments.
Details: 445-1712.
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.
