Attorney General sues drug companies
Sacramento – California Attorney General Bill Lockyer sued 39 drug companies Thursday for charging Medi-Cal patients artificially inflated rats for prescription drugs.
“They’re gouging the public on basic life necessities,” Lockyer said. “This scheme has cost California taxpayers potentially hundreds of millions of dollars and jeopardizing public by diverting money away from patient care.”
The suit alleges that the drug companies manipulate the prices they charge for prescriptions dispensed through the Medi-Cal program.
Final downtown concert tonight
Gilroy – Join the Downtown Business Association and the Theater Angels Art League for the final downtown music series Friday from 7 to 8:30pm on Fifth Street between Eigleberry and Monterey.
Listen to Candace Fazzio & Friends play. The concerts are free and open to the public, but they are BYOC – Bring Your Own Chair.
Summertime tunes in the park Sunday
Gilroy – The last Summer Concert is on its way. Enjoy musical tunes for the whole family at the Christmas Hill Park Amphitheater from 5 to 7pm Sunday when the Corvairs play their brand of ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll.
Mt. Madonna run benefits SV Symphony
Gilroy – The Mt. Madonna Challenge, a 6K Salamander Walk and race and a 12K run will be held on Sunday morning Aug. 28 with starting times of 8:30 and 9am. The event will be held at the Sprig Lake picnic area at the base of Mt. Madonna County Park. This race serves as a fund raiser for the South Valley Symphony and is the 30th annual running of the event.
Both runs follow established trails within Mt. Madonna County Park. The 6K (3.6 mile) loop has an elevation gain of 700 feet while the 12K loop course has an elevation of 1200 feet.
Pre-registration fee is $24. Participants will receive a commemorative cap and shirt. Online registration: www.active.com or www.theschedule.com. Race day registration and entries received after Aug. 14 will be assessed $30 which will include shirt and cap.
Registration begins at 7:15am day of race.
Age division will be A 10-18; B 19-29; C 30-34; D 35-39; E 40-44; F 45-49; G 50-54; H 55-59; I 60-59; J 70 plus.
Details: Bill Flodberg at 683-4683 or e-mail wflodberg
@aol.com.
Learn how to have fun camping
Gilroy – Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park hosts “Family Camping 101,” a free workshop provided by REI, one of the nation’s leading suppliers of outdoor gear and clothing.
Saturday, from 10am to noon, an REI representative will show you how to make camping with the family fun and enjoyable and provide tips on proper planning, important supplies and entertaining activities that keep both children and adults captivated.
Participants should meet at the Lakeview picnic area. A $5 vehicle entry fee may apply.
For directions and details: 842-7800 or 355-2255.
Nature bike ride through Gilroy hills
Gilroy – Mountain Bike Nature Ride at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch Sunday from 8 to 11am. Exercise your lungs and legs while exploring nature and new park trails on this 10-mile ride with a park ranger through the hills above Gilroy. Bring a mountain bike, helmet, spare tube, pump and plenty of water. Experienced riders only, reservations required.
Details: 842-7800.
Sip, swirl and savor at Art & Wine Festival
Gilroy – Gilroy knows how to throw a great party and will do so again Saturday, Oct. 8 at Christmas Hill Park from 10am to 5pm.
The first Gilroy Art & Wine Festival will provide food and wine lovers with opportunities to taste great award winning wines while also enjoying specialty items from fabulous local restaurants.
Artisans, craftsman and entertainers will add to the festival fun while patrons enjoy this free of charge great Fall activity.
A highlight of this new event will be the traditional Gilroy Arts & Culture exhibit usually held at the Willey House.
Free composting class in September
Morgan Hill – The cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill in coordination with the County of Santa Clara host a ‘Composting Basics for Beginners’ class Saturday, Sept. 10, 10am to noon in Morgan Hill.
Admission is free.
Local Master Composters conduct the workshop, and attendees will learn how to purchase low cost compost bins and equipment to get started composting.
All adults in the class will have the chance to win a free Earth Machine backyard compost bin.
Details: 918-4640 or www.ReduceWaste.org.
Women’s self defense class
Morgan Hill – A women’s self defense class will be held from 11am to 1pm Sept. 17 at the Morgan Hill Community Center. Ages 13+. Cost is $50. Info: 782-0008 or 807-8237.
Free screening clinic in September
Hollister – A free screening clinic will be held to identify children who can benefit from the expert care provided at Shriners Hospitals.
If you know any children under 18 who might have orthopedic problems bring them to the free clinic Saturday, Sept. 24, 10am to 2pm at Hazel Hawkins Hospital, 911 Sunset Drive in Hollister.
All care provided at Shriners Hospitals is absolutely free of charge.
Please bring birth certificate, immunization records and social security card if you have them.
Details: 842-4444 or (831) 637-2585.
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.
