MH man injured in accident
Morgan Hill – A Morgan Hill man was flown to the hospital after crashing his motorcycle on Watsonville Road at Hummingbird Lane Thursday afternoon.
Mike Thompson, of Morgan Hill, was riding his Harley Davidson custom cruiser when he attempted to pass four cars carrying members of a wedding party traveling to a rehearsal as he headed south on Watsonville Road at 3:20pm. San Jose resident Sara Silva was at the first car Thompson intended to pass. As he began to pass the cars, Silva made a left-hand turn onto Hummingbird Lane and Thompson struck the rear driver’s side of Silva’s 1993 Isuzu Rodeo. Witnesses said Silva had her turn signal lights on. The impact threw Thompson off his motorcycle about 10 to 15 feet onto Watsonville road, according to California Highway Patrol officer Matt Ramirez.
Thompson – who was wearing a helmet – was conscious and talking when emergency workers responded to the accident. Ramirez said it did not appear Thompson suffered injuries to his head, though he may have broken several bones, including his collar bone.
“It appears the motorcyclist got impatient and while he was legally passing on the broken line, he didn’t see the vehicle turning left until it was too late,” Ramirez said. “It looks like a case of poor judgment.”
Thompson, who is in his 30s, was flown to Valley Medical.
Child who died was 5-year-old girl
Morgan Hill – The 5-year-old Morgan Hill child who died tragically Wednesday afternoon after being kicked by a horse at the family’s home was a girl, not a boy as originally reported by emergency officials at the scene of the accident.
The child, whose name has not been released because the accident occurred on private property, has a twin sister who witnessed the accident and attended the Charter School of Morgan Hill.
According to Santa Clara County Public Information Officer Terrence Helm, the child was not riding the horse and did not fall off, but was kicked by the horse. He said there were no charges filed against anyone and described the incident as “a very tragic accident.”
Local residents close to the family said they did not wish to speak to the press at this time.
House passes controversial new endangered species bill
Washington – U.S. Representative Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, joined 228 other House members Thursday in pushing through a controversial bill he authored to revamp the Endangered Species Act. Pombo and his supporters say the legislation will upgrade the decades-old federal law to better meet the needs of developers and endangered plants and animals, while critics say Pombo’s legislation will gut environmental protections and threaten critical habitat.
The bill, formally named the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act (TESRA) of 2005, now heads to the senate for approval, where it is expected to face greater opposition. Pombo district includes Gilroy.
Driver’s education class available through city
Gilroy – The Gilroy Recreation Department will offer a 4-day driver’s education course starting Oct. 8. The class will meet Oct. 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 8:30am – 4pm with an hour lunch break at noon. The class will meet at the San Ysidro Park Recreation Building. The fee is $100 for the four classes. Gilroy High School no longer offers a driver’s training course so the Gilroy Community Services department is now offering the course driver’s are required to take by the state of California to obtain a driver’s permit.
Blessing of the Animals
Gilroy – Bring your favorite furry, feathered or scaly friend to the Blessing of the Animals Saturday, at 11am at St. Stephen’s Church, 651 Broadway. There will be prizes for all and a free hot-dog lunch. St. Mary will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals from 2:45 to 3:45pm Tuesday on the school playground at 7900 Church St. School children and others are invited to bring their furry friends for a special blessing.
Pet adoption fair
Gilroy – Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) pet adoption fair will be Saturday, from noon to 5pm, at Petco in both Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
Details: San Martin Animal Shelter at 683-4186 or www.fosmas.org.
High on Health at Gavilan College
Gilroy – Gavilan Community College, sponsored by Student Health Services and the Associated Student Body presents the annual Health Fair. This free event, open to the entire community, will provide free blood pressure screening, free glucose testing for diabetes, free HIV saliva testing, as well as an opportunity to become a member of National Marrow Registry. Community agencies such as Kaiser Permanente, Planned Parenthood, Community Solutions and 40 others will provide information on a wide range of health related issues from fitness and nutrition to parenting issues, smoking cessation, and personal counseling. The Health Fair regularly draws over 1500 visitors.
Event will be Wednesday, from 9am to 1pm in the Student Center, Gilroy campus, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. An all-day parking pass costs $.75.
Details: Nurse, Alice Dufresne-Reyes 848-4791.
Sip, swirl and savor
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.
