Shelters stay open until May
Gilroy – Cold weather shelters for homeless people in Gilroy and Sunnyvale will re-open through at least May 3, according to EHC LifeBuilders, the nonprofit that operates the shelters at National Guard Armories in both cities.
Santa Clara County officials can request a further lease extension from the National Guard if inclement weather persists.
Both shelters were closed for the first time March 31 at the traditional end of the shelter season, but EHC LifeBuilders requested contract extensions when weather forecasts indicated several more days of rain. The shelters closed a second time April 16 when funding and armory leases ran out.
The Gilroy National Guard Armory is located at 8490 Wren Ave.
Volunteer for Earth Day projects
Gilroy – As part of the California State Parks Foundation’s Earth Day 2006 Restoration and Cleanup, California State Parks is seeking 50 volunteers for trail maintenance at Henry W. Coe State Park’s Coyote Creek area. At 8:30am, Saturday, April 22, volunteers will help with trail maintenance, consisting of tread maintenance, erosion control and brushing.
This project is one of 41 environmental improvement sites funded through the California State Parks Foundation’s Earth Day 2006 program. Last month, $124,000 in grants was awarded to California state and community parks for conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
During the past nine years, the California State Parks Foundation’s Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup program has contributed more than $808,000 for long overdue environmental rehabilitation projects. More than 45,000 volunteers have been mobilized to assist with the massive effort, which is the nation’s only statewide Earth Day program.
Details: 1-888-98-PARKS or visit www.calparks.org.
Drug abuse expert talks about trends
Gilroy – Nationally recognized drug abuse expert Carol Falkowski is to speak tonight at Gilroy One Stop about trends in drug abuse that parents need to know.
During Alcohol Awareness Month, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence is hosting Falkowski to discuss what parents can do about teen alcohol and drug abuse.
She is the director of research communications at the Hazelden Foundation and her talk is titled “Surprising Trends in Drug Abuse: What Parents Need to Know.”
Falkowski will speak at the Gilroy One Stop at 7800 Arroyo Circle from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Sample green eggs and ham
Gilroy – Green eggs and ham cooking demonstration and food sampling on Saturday, April 22, from 9am to noon at Nob Hill Foods, 777 First St. to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ classic book “Green Eggs and Ham” and enjoy a colorful breakfast especially for children.
Details: www.raleys.com.
Calling all young artists
Gilroy – Calling all young artists between the ages of 5 and 18 years, to participate in the 2006 “Young Artists Show”, sponsored by the City of Gilroy Community Services Department.
Art entry is Monday, April 24, from 3 to 7pm, at the Willey Cultural Center, 140 Fifth St. Entries must be original works completed after April 19, 2005. Each artist may submit up to two pieces, with a fee of $5 per piece (non-residents at $7.50 per piece). Works must be dry, framed and ready-to-hang with eye screws and wire on the back. Works on paper (including photographs) must be under glass or similar covering. Maximum size is 3-feet by 4-feet, including frame.
The show will be held at Sunday, April 30, from noon to 3pm; Monday/Wednesday/Friday, May 1, 3 and 5, from 3 to 5:30pm; and Tuesday/Thursday, May 2 and 4, from 5:30 to 8pm.
Wildflower show this weekend
Santa Clara – The 34th annual Wildflower Show will take place at Mission College in Santa Clara April 22 and 23.
The Wildflower Show is a two-day expo showcasing the diversity and beauty of wildflowers of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. More than 400 species of wildflowers and native plants are displayed, each accurately labeled, many suitable for the home garden. Knowledgeable botanists and gardeners are on hand to answer questions. Books, posters, seeds, note cards, and other wildflower-related items are available for purchase. This year’s show will also offer free classes on native plant identification, wildflower gardening, and gardening with natives.
The venue is the Mission College Hospitality Management Building, conveniently accessible from the Great America Parkway exit off Highway 101 in Santa Clara. Parking is free in the designated lot.
Details: www.cnps-scv.org or call (650) 691-9749.
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.
