Young burglars hit Morgan Hill neihborhood
MORGAN HILL, CA – On Christmas day, Officer Gary Smith arrested
two juveniles, ages 14 and 15, who are responsible for at least two
garage burglaries on Sorrel Court. Their names are being withheld
due to their ages. While conducting foot patrol in response to
those burglaries, Officer Smith observed a young man come out of a
garage wearing all black and standing near a screwdriver. Officer
Smith detained the juvenile, age 15, and began to investigate his
possible involvement in the burglaries. The garage the young man
came out of turned out to be his, however a search of that garage
revealed stolen property from a burglary that occurred earlier in
the evening. Officer Smith also contacted a witness who identified
the 15-year-old as being involved in a separate burglary the prior
week.
Based upon the arrest and subsequent questioning of the 15-year
old, Officer Smith identified a second suspect, a 14-year old
Morgan Hill resident. That young man was also arrested and
confessed to the burglaries during questioning.
Officer Smith’s investigation revealed the 15-year old had bent
the screwdriver to specifically gain access to the garages on
Sorrel Court, which are located underneath the condo units and
mostly unattended. Officers discovered that most of the garages
with standard locks had been tampered with. However those garages
where dead bolts had been installed were left untouched. Morgan
Hill residents are encouraged to take preventative measures to
ensure they are not crime victims.
Ride safely for free on
New Year’s Eve with VTA
SAN JOSE – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will continue its annual tradition of providing free rides on New Year’s Eve, but this year VTA will expand the free service through New Year’s Day. Free service will be offered on all VTA bus and light rail lines from 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Day. For trip planning assistance, call VTA customer service at 321-2300 or 321-2300.
New website gives information on schools
A cooperative venture between four separate education agencies in California has produced a user-friendly way of finding more information about schools and school districts online.
Ed-data, a new online databank at www.ed-data.k12.ca.us, provides reports on all public schools and districts in the state. School profiles, standardized test results and statewide academic rankings are among the topics that can be researched using the site which was launched mid-December.
The Education Data Partnership is comprised of the Alameda County Office of Education, the California Department of Education, EdSource and the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team. The new Web site is the partnership’s attempt at offering educators, policy makers, the legislature, parents and the public access to timely data about K-12 education in California.
New judge in county Superior Court
SAN JOSE – Gov. Gray Davis today announced the appointment of a Palo Alto lawyer as Santa Clara County’s newest Superior Court judge.
Patricia Lucas, 48, is currently in private practice with the law firm of Fenwick & West. Her practice focuses on employment, intellectual property and trade secret dispute litigation.
Lucas graduated from Rice University in Houston and received her law degree from UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. Her annual salary as a judge will be $139,476.
Help clear the air during winter months
BAY AREA – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is urging local residents to limit the burning of wood in their fireplaces during the winter season.
Air district spokeswoman Teresa Lee says that garbage and glossy paper should not be burned. These materials can release toxic chemicals into the air when burned. More information is available online at www.sparetheair.org.
Help with New Year’s health resolutions
GILROY – Popular classes like kickbox aerobics, line dancing, 20-20-20 step, and Tai Chi will start the week of Jan. 6. Several new and exciting classes will bring in the New Year. For men, a beginner Tri-Yoga class specifically designed to increase flexibility in areas of tightness common to many men will be held on Monday evenings from 5 to 6:15 p.m. with Paula Goldsmith at the Senior Center Meeting Room.
Goldsmith will offer Yoga for Women on Wednesday evenings. A beginner class meets from 5 to 6:15 p.m. and an intermediate class meets from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Classes meet at the new Ladies Health and Fitness.
Another new concept is a Saturday power walking class, Strut and Stride, held from 7:50 to 8:50 a.m. at South Valley Junior High. All ages can handle this class with ease. Theresa Monsour will offer a new intermediate Pilate’s-based stretching class on Monday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. and a beginner class from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Wheeler Center Dance Room.
All classes are taught by certified health and fitness professionals. If you would like a schedule of classes or would like to sign up for a class, call 846-0460.
New Year Dinner Dance
GILROY – Las Rositas Club will sponsr a New Year Dinner Dance at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St. on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $15. No children or alcohol, please. Details: 848-0465.
Neighborhood accountability board needs volunteers
GILROY – The restorative Justice Program needs volunteers to participate in the “Neighborhood Accountability Board” (NAB). The program emphasizes the need for first and second time juvenile offenders of minor offenses to make amends to their victims. The NAB is made up of community members and business owners of Gilroy who will work with the minor, the minor’s parents and the victims to develop appropriate contracts. Getting the community involved and emphasizing the minors’ responsibility and accountability is one of the program’s goals. If you would like to hear more about the program or are interested in volunteering, call Lacey Trevino, 846-8490.
Information night at
Gilroy High School
GILROY – Gilroy High School welcomes the class of 2007 and transfer students at its information night on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gilroy High School Theater. Students and their parents are invited to attend and learn about academic programs, extracurricular activities, sports, band and choir programs, college and career planning and school safety. The school is located at 750 West 10th St. Details: 847-2424 or www.gilroyhighschool.com.
Donate blood during
the holidays
CALIFORNIA – The American Red Cross is asking the local community to show their holiday spirit by donating blood. Donations can be made at any Red Cross donation site or community blood bank in Northern California.
“Blood banks traditionally see a decline in donations at this time of year – but the need for blood remains high,” said Becky O’Connor of the American Red Cross.
In order to give blood, you must be 17 years or older, weigh no less than 110 pounds and enjoy general good health. To donate, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or log on to: www.BeADonor.com.
NEWS ITEMS: Please fax local news items to City Editor Jodi Engle at 842-2206, e-mail to [email protected] or mail to 6400 Monterey St., Gilroy.
