Santa Clara Valley Water District wins recognition
San Jose – The Santa Clara Valley Water District is the first special district in the nation to win National Weather Service certification as a StormReady community. StormReady is a volunteer program to help communities better prepare against, and mitigate effects of, extreme weather-related emergencies.
As a StormReady community, the Weather Service certifies Santa Clara County as better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather because of prudent planning, and through community education and awareness outreach programs conducted by the water district.
“No community is storm proof, but we are always looking for new methods of preparedness to save lives locally,” said Richard P. Santos, chairman of the district board of directors and a retired fire captain. “By combining the national weather service’s experience with the water district’s expertise, we can improve the safety of our community.”
Haunted park ranger station returns for Halloween
Gilroy – The Haunted Ranger Station is returning to Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park on Friday and Saturday, from 6 to 10pm.
Designed for the young, and the young at heart, it takes participants into the creepy, educational and fun world of park creatures and outdoor features.
Refreshments will be provided. Bring warm clothing, a flashlight and your camera. The event is free.
Details: 842-7800.
Tree-ker treat this weekend at Bonfante Gardens
Gilroy – Children ages 12 and younger are encouraged to dress up and Tree-ker treat their way through Bonfante Gardens Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm to 4pm.
Park docents will be distributing special holiday treats at each of the nine world-famous Circus Tress inside the park.
The event is free with park admission.
Details: www.bonfantegardens.org.
Spooktacular at the Premium Outlets Monday evening
Gilroy – Bring your costumed children trick-or-treating at Gilroy Premium Outlet’s 5th annual Halloween Spooktacular Monday, from 4 to 6pm.
Free glow bracelets will be distributed to the first 1,500 children who stop by the Information Center located in Building C.
Free trick-or-treat bags also will be provided to the first 1,500 children.
Candy and treats will be given out by participating merchants who will be identified with a flyer posted to the door.
Details: www.premiumoutlets.com/gilroy.
Health fair Sunday
Gilroy – The Gilroy Presbyterian Church will be holding a health fair Sunday at the church on Miller Avenue in Gilroy from 9:45am to 12:45pm.
Breakfast will be served. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for kids.
Free Internet literacy class
Gilroy – Adults at least 55 years of age can take a free class in Internet literacy. Learn to use e-mail, find information on interests or hobbies, news sources and the fun of browsing online.
Enjoy a six week course developed for adults, 55 and older on the following days:
• Nov. 2 to Dec. 7, at the Briggs Building, Hollister, on Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 to 2:30pm
• Nov. 1 to Dec. 8, at the Gavilan College Morgan Hill Cultural Center, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2pm
• Nov. 1 to Dec. 8, at the Gavilan Computer Technology Center, South Valley Middle School, Building I, from 10 to 11:30pm
Details: 848-4859 or register with instructor on the first day of class.
Hurricane relief concert at
St. Mary Church
Gilroy – A Hurricane Katrina Relief Concert will be held Friday, Nov. 4, at 7pm at Saint Mary Church.
Soprano Lara Bruckmann has appeared with West Bay Opera, San Francisco Choral Society, Arlington-Belmont Chorale, Colorado Lyric Theater, Pforzheimer Opera, Head Royce School Music Department and Diego Rivera Theater.
Ms. Bruckmann has appeared many times at San Francisco’s Plush Room and San Francisco Fringe Festival.
Her next opera appearance will be as Minnie Belle in Oakland Opera Theater’s production of Kurt Weill’s Johnny Johnson.
Oboist Kyle Bruckmann (Lara’s brother) returned to San Francisco recently after a successful stint in Chicago, where he appeared with Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the punk band Lozenge.
Here in the Bay Area, he is a part of Quinteto Latino and sdSound.
Suggested donation: $10
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.
