Rain doesn’t put damper on work at middle school
GILROY
– Despite nearly 5 inches of rain falling on 76,000-square feet
of construction in recent days, work crews have Gilroy’s newest
middle school 65 percent to 70 percent complete.
Ascenscion Solorsano Middle School is set to open at the
beginning of the 2003-04 school year. According to a foreman for
the construction company in charge of the project, work should wrap
up at the end of May or beginning of June.
“The rain is slowing us down a little bit, but we don’t expect it to delay us overall,” foreman for H.A. Ekelin & Associates Duane Dunn said, as the latest in a series of storms passed through Gilroy Thursday afternoon.
Dunn said work on the entry way of the $2 million multi-purpose gymnasium, which is being partially funded by the City of Gilroy, had to be stopped once the rain came.
“We’re pulling workers in and out as the weather permits,” Dunn said.
Ascenscion Solorsano will house sixth-graders and Eliot Elementary School students in 2003-04, as the district’s oldest primary school gets demolished and rebuilt next school year. After Eliot kids move back to their regular campus, the middle school will be opened up to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.
City’s Health and Fitness program expands
GILROY – Popular classes like KickBox Aerobics, Line Dancing, 20-20-20 Step and Tai Chi will be back starting 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 on Monday evenings from 7 to 8 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.
Armed robbery
MORGAN HILL – On Wednesday evening, the Madrone Food and Meat Market at 19120 Monterey Rd. was robbed. At approximately 7:11 p.m., an adult male entered the store wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, a baseball-type hat, and red bandanna over his face with a small black semi-automatic pistol and forced the lone clerk to lie on the floor. The suspect removed the cash from the cash register and drop box and ran out of the store in an unknown direction.
Police believe that a female shopper who was in the store just prior to the robbery may be linked with the robbery. The male suspect is described as a white male adult, 30 to 35 years of age, six feet tall and approximately 170 pounds. He was wearing a black, long-sleeved T-shirt and rubber latex gloves. The woman is described as 30 to 35 years of age, blond hair, 5’7″ tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds. Anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or the suspects fleeing is asked to contact acting Sgt. Troy Hoefling at the Morgan Hill Police Department, 779-2101.
Gilroy throw blankets
GILROY – The Gilroy Assistance League is now selling “Historic Gilroy” throw blankets to raise funds for local youth charities. These throws sell for $60 and make a great Christmas gift. Details: Rose Farotte at 842-2432.
Food For Families
GILROY – Customers at Raley’s family of stores can help feed a neighboring family while shopping for their own meals. Food For Families, the nonprofit program that gives food banks a chance to fill their pantry needs, is seeking non-perishable food and cash donations. Now through Jan. 3, Food For Families donation bins can be found at Nob Hill Foods on First Street in Gilroy. Details: (800) 925-9989.
MH sobriety checkpoint
MORGAN HILL – The Morgan Hill Police Department is conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, Dec. 21. The checkpoint will be located on East Dunne Ave. at Joleen Way from 8 p.m. until approximately 1 a.m. Officers hope to accomplish three goals with the checkpoint: deter the public from driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, arrest any violators that pass through, and educate the public about the dangers of driving under the influence. Drivers who are contacted will receive a leaflet, printed in English and Spanish, which explains the consequences of a DUI arrest as well as the tragic statistics regarding DUI-related injuries and deaths. Drivers going through the area should expect minor traffic delays of approximately five minutes while the checkpoint is in operation.
Information night at GHS
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. The school is located at 750 West 10th St. Details: 847-2424 or www.gilroyhighschool.com.
