Crash victim identified as Watsonville resident
Gilroy – The victim of a fatal car crash has been identified as Teresa Murillo, 53, of Watsonville, according to the Santa Clara County Coroner’s office.
Murillo was killed Monday after she lost control of her Nissan Pathfinder on Watsonville Road.
According to California Highway Patrol officer Chris Armstrong, the accident occurred about 5:20am as Murillo was traveling eastbound on Watsonville Road west of Pharmer Road. She made a right turn and lost control, sending the SUV into a spin. The driver’s side smashed into a wooden support pole and then overturned onto its roof. The investigation is ongoing.
Maribel Castro, a family friend, described Murillo as “a very happy and loving wife, mother, sister, grandma and friend.”
Family fun day benefits Rebekah’s programs
Gilroy – The annual Family Fun Day is 11am to 3pm, Saturday at the Elks Lodge to raise money for Rebekah’s Children’s Services. Families will receive one ready to stuff Noah’s Ark animal for $20. Proceeds support prevention and education programs at Gilroy Schools.
Find unique gifts at church’s annual craft bazaar
Gilroy – The Gilroy United Methodist Women will hold their annual bazaar starting at 8:30am, at the Methodist church. Admission is free but there will be sale of handmade crafts, jams, jellies and cakes. Lunch is served at 11:30am.
Physics can be fun
Gilroy – Discover how much fun physics can be at the free Tech Challenge: an interactive, hands-on science program for 7th and 8th graders. The event is from 4 to 5pm, Nov. 29, at the Gilroy Library, 7387 Rosanna St. Space is limited, so call to reserve your spot.
Details: 842-8207 or ky****@************ov.org
SV Ballet presents Nutcracker
Morgan Hill – The Morgan Hill Dance Center (South Valley Ballet) will be performing the first full-length ballet of the Nutcracker, this side of San Jose. There will be guest appearances from professional dancers from Ballet San Jose. Performance dates are: Friday, Dec. 15, and two shows Saturday, Dec. 16.
South County Democrats meet
San Martin – The next meeting is 10am, Saturday the new permanent location: The San Martin Lions Hall at 12415 Murphy Ave. Agenda items include: Election results, special guests and refreshments.
Details: 782-1017 or de******@****ic.com.
HOV lanes get HOT
San Jose – Soon, drivers will be able to pay their way into the fast lane. The High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane is normally off-limits to solo drivers during rush hours, but a new demonstration project approved by Valley Transportation Authority will allow single-occupancy vehicles to use the lane for a fee.
The High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes will be managed electronically, and will likely show up on Highway 101 and State Route 85, identified as suitable corridors by a VTA feasibility study. VTA approved a $2.25 million contract for preliminary engineering and development of HOT lanes countywide at a Nov. 2 board meeting. Caltrans and VTA will work together to convert HOV lanes to HOT lanes. Preliminary engineering is expected to take 20 months.
Carpoolers will still ride free, but solo drivers will pay a fee. The more congested the road, the higher the fee, depending on the time of day. Tolls will support construction of HOV facilities and improvement of transit services along HOT corridors.
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.
