GHS raising money for tsunami victims
Gilroy – The Associated Student Body at Gilroy High School is holding a donation drive for victims of the deadly tsunami in southeast Asia. Money is collected at lunchtime, and students who donate will receive a ribbon.
The drive will continue through the end of this week and already has collected several hundred dollars, said Jack Daley, director of athletics and activities at GHS. Anyone who wants to donate can do so at the high school’s ASB office. Daley said more student-led fundraising ideas are in the works, including a concert featuring local bands.
New SCVWD chairman elected by colleagues
San Jose – Richard P. Santos was elected by his colleagues Tuesday to be chairman of the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors for 2005.
Santos has been a member of the board since 2000. He was elected following a 33-year tenure with the San Jose Fire Department, where he retired as a fire captain.
Next month, the board will begin budget negotiations for the next fiscal year. It must find ways to replace $51 million in property tax revenue that it is losing to help cover the state’s budget gap.
Santos said Tuesday that no service cuts will be made without community input.
“We’re going to up the energy level to serve all of Santa Clara County,” Santos said. “We will take care of priorities, but we’re not going to do anything that is less than equitable throughout the community.”
Santos replaces outgoing chairman Joe Judge. Larry Wilson, on th board since 1994, is the new vice-chairman.
Mayor to speak to University Women
Gilroy – Mayor Al Pinheiro will speak to the Gilroy Branch of the American Association of University Women and guests about the State of the City on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 6:30pm at Mama Mia’s restaurant.
The buffet dinner meeting is open to members, family and friends for $20. RSVP by Jan. 15 at 842-9996.
Membership in AAUW is open to all college graduates. AAUW promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal change.
Details: Membership Chair Maretta Juarez at 504-8647.
Tour Almaden Quicksilver Museum
Almaden – The Gilroy Historical Society is inviting the public on a tour of the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum Saturday.
The free tour begins at 10am. After viewing the museum, the group will take a self-guided walking tour of nearby historic buildings associated with the mines. New Almaden was California’s first mining operation, beginning in 1845, and was of great importance during the Gold Rush as mercury is the primary reduction agent of gold and silver.
The area was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1958.
Meet at 9am Saturday at the Gilroy Museum, 195 Fifth St., for car pooling or at the Almaden Mining Museum, 21350 Almaden Road.
Details: Connie Rogers at 842-8494.
Leadership Gilroy selects new officers
Gilroy – Leadership Gilroy announces its new officers and board of directors for 2005. The executive committee consists of Deb Smith, president; Carol Peters, vice president; Stephanie Wemusa, secretary; Bob Costamagna, treasurer; and Bob Kraemer, past president.
New board members include Suzanne St. John-Crane and Aida Zaldivar-Perez. St. John-Crane is executive director of CMAP and Zaldivar-Perez is director of neighborhood development with South County Housing. They join current board members Marsha Becht, Maria Elena De La Garza, Christine Filice, Steve Kinsella, Karen LaCorte, Janie Mardesich, Debra Vaurs, and Roland Velasco.
Leadership Gilroy is a nine-month program designed to develop an informed and diverse group of leaders who will build Gilroy’s future. More information about the program can be obtained by calling Leadership Gilroy, c/o Gilroy Chamber of Commerce at 408-842-6437.
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.
