Senate OKs ranch purchase
Washington – The U.S. Senate passed a $162 million Interior Department appropriations bill that provides $7 million to the National Park Service for the purchase of the Pinnacles Ranch property, adjacent to the Pinnacles National Monument’s east entrance. The vote was 94-0, with six senators not voting.
“This is a great example of what we can do for conservation’s success when lots of parties work together – from the sellers to the National Park Service to Representative Farr to Senator Feinstein to locals who care about the issue,” said Misty Herrin, spokesperson for The Nature Conservancy.
Now that the bill has passed in the Senate, the next step is running it through a conference committee that will negotiate the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. Feinstein has also been appointed to this committee.
The House version of the bill contains only a quarter of the money in the Senate bill, and does not include earmarks for specific projects. The property in question is 1,700 acres and currently houses the only campground serving the park.
Bill would give board authority
n Sacramento – Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, has introduced legislation that would give the Central Coast Regional Water Resources Control Board more authority to set a replacement standard for drinking water contaminated by perchlorate.
The legislation is in response to a recent state water board decision that the regional board “abused its discretion” by ordering the Olin Corp. to provide water to San Martin residents who get their water from wells that test below the state’s public health goal for perchlorate of 6 parts per billion.
“I believe that the state board made an error and did not adequately apply the law in this case,” Laird said Thursday. “The state board’s decision will force community members in South County to drink contaminated water while they wait for the groundwater basin to be cleaned up. This is unacceptable.”
Classic cars in Gilroy
Gilroy – Meet garlic goodies in a historic downtown setting fun for all. The fifth annual Garlic City Fun Run is set for July 16 in downtown Gilroy. South Valley Street Rods, the Gilroy Downtown Business Association and the Gilroy Garlic Festival combine to provide entertainment, great food and of course, gorgeous cars for all to enjoy.
Registration for pre-1972 cars is available online at www.gilroyvisitor.org (events calendar), or you can pick up registration forms at several locations throughout Gilroy. Step back in time to the days of American Graffiti for an evening of great family fun.
Details: Dave Peoples at 408-842-6501 or visit www.gilroyvisitor.org.
Downtown music series tonight
Gilroy – Join the Downtown Business Association and the Theater Angels Art League for a new downtown music series every Friday from 7 to 8:30pm on Fifth Street between Eigleberry and Monterey. The concerts are free and open to the public, but they are BYOC – Bring Your Own Chair.
Tonight, see the Damien Carter Band. Next week Shiloh rocks the crowd.
Support the troops overseas
Gilroy – The founder and president of Operation Interdependence (www.oidelivers.org) will be in Gilroy Saturday to show how people can support the troops overseas without impacting military resources.
Supporting the troops may be as simple as giving 15 minutes of your time once, volunteering an hour each week or each month, writing a letter of support to the troops, packing goodie bags or donating goodies to be included in care packages.
Details: Karen at 848-2630.
Enjoy the sky at a star party
San Martin – Enjoy a star party Saturday from 9:30 to 11pm at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch staff. Members of the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) and The Astronomy Connection (TAC) will be on hand at the Lakeview Picnic Area.
Rangers will provide marshmallows for roasting and stories about the wonders of the universe while telescopes focus on stars, planets and more.
Details: 842-7800 or visit www.sjaa.net.
July Fourth racing for kids
Morgan Hill – Morgan Hill 5K and Children’s 1 mile will be July 4, at 8am at PA Walsh Elementary School, 353 West Main St. Registration from 6:15 to 7:45am day of race. All children 11 and younger receive a wristband.
Online registration: go to www.Active.com or download form at www.mhidi.com. Group discounts, call Charles 779-6686 or Ch*****@**********ts.com.
Send news stories 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.
