The first official day of summer brings triple-digit
temperatures
n by Brian Babcock Staff Writer
Gilroy – As the temperature hit triple digits for the first day of summer Wednesday, residents did whatever they could to stay cool.
Thousands headed over to Bonfante Gardens to “drink slushies and just get wet.” Screaming and giggling children ran around the water features at the park getting soaked while their parents sat in the shade.
Liz Gaither stood in the shade while 5-month-old Eliza Reed laid on the table taking in all the excitement that was going on around her.
“It’s our little oasis in ‘Bonfurno Gardens,'” Gaither said about shade.
The temperature hit a high of 100 degrees, according to officials from the National Weather Service. But if you are hoping for a change, don’t hold your breath.
“Expect more of the same, just like today. There’s no real cooling until Monday or Tuesdayish,” said forecaster Diana Henderson.
Henderson said that although there is a marine layer crawling up the coast, Gilroy won’t see any of the benefits since it’s cut off by the mountains.
But Martina Hernandez wasn’t thinking about tomorrow as she escorted seven kids from her daycare in Hollister to Bonfante Gardens. She said she just wanted the children to have fun and enjoy their “little vacation.”
Aaron Machado ran around with his 17-month-old son, Joseph, in his arms as they were sprayed with water from the other children.
“We’re just splashing, laughing, screaming and just playing with the water,” Machado said. “And enjoying some ice cream.”
The Machados we not the only ones enjoying ice cream Wednesday.
“It’s been really busy. During the summer, especially during June, the lines are out the door,” said Deliah DeLeon, a keyholder for Cold Stone Creamery. As the place filled up, songs were sung by the employees, including “The Cold Stone Family,” a play on The Adams Family song.
However, not every business benefited from the heat. The batting cages in San Martin lost half of their normal business due to the temperature.
“It was really hot. Kids couldn’t even stay out here for more than 20 minutes at a time,” said Anthony Guidry, a supervisor for San Martin Practice Diamond.
But the children at Bonfante Gardens were soaking up the heat.
“We knew we were going to be out here so we grabbed our trunks and are playing in the water,” said Julie Aurelio, whose 4-year-old daughter stood cross-armed next to her – cold, she said, from playing in the water.
Forecasters predicted temperatures would reach 103 degrees by Friday.
