Local Digest

Local land battle heads to court

Gilroy – A court battle between the school district and the Filice family begins today, with a Santa Clara County superior court judge hearing motions related to land valuations for the site of a southwest Gilroy elementary school.

The Gilroy Unified School District and Glen Loma Group, an entity representing the 100-plus members of the Filice family, have failed to agree on an adequate price for a roughly 9 acre parcel of land located in the midst of the families 350-acre development.

If the motions are resolved today, jury selection will begin Monday.

The public court hearing will start 9am in Santa Clara County Superior Court Dept. 10, 191 First St. in San Jose.

Sobrato student arrested on campus

Morgan Hill – A Sobrato High School senior was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property. 

Ramon Watkins, 18, was arrested on campus Wednesday while school was in session after a school official called Morgan Hill police to search his car.

Watkins arrived on campus after school started, and a school official who saw him drive into the parking lot noticed smoke coming from the vehicle, according to Morgan Hill police Sgt. David Swing. After Watkins left the vehicle to go into school, Swing said, the school official walked up to the car.

“There was a distinct odor of freshly-burnt marijuana,” Swing said. 

When police officers arrived, Watkins was taken out of class. He gave permission for a search of his car, Swing said, although school officials do not need permission to search a car on school property. Officers found the drug Ecstasy in Watkins’ car, said Swing, and a video camera that was stolen from Sobrato.

Candy apple sale benefits grad night

Gilroy – Another delicious GHS Grad Night Fundraiser is going on through Dec. 4. The Original Unbelievable Apple is perfect for a holiday gift this season. It is a 2 to 3 pound Fugi Apple, covered and filled with caramel, chocolate and nuts. Pre-sliced, it is a must see and a must eat that easily serves eight. Cost is $20, and funds benefit the 2007 Gilroy High School Grad Night

Details: Kathy or Mike Stromecki at 847-8382 or 847-7637.

Calling all St. Mary school alumni

Gilroy – This year, St. Mary School is celebrating its 135th year continuously educating the youth of the area. On Jan. 27, 2007 alumni are invited to return to the school for an “Invitation Only” Anniversary Reunion.

The day begins with tours of the school and new Science Lab from 3 to 4:30pm. The annual Catholic Schools Week Liturgy will be recited in the church at 5pm. Following Mass, the reception will be held in the gym until 7:30pm.

Details: 842-8425 or via e-mail at

vi***@st**********.org











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Republicans meet Thursday

Gilroy – Conservative Republicans and others are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the California Republican Assembly (CRA) at 7pm Thursday. Meet at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites in Morgan Hill, 17035 Condit Road.

The objective of the local CRA chapter is to raise political sophistication and keep abreast of politics in the state and country. Post election candidates are invited to debrief the club on what was learned and how we can move forward.

Details: Doug Wilber, CRA Membership Chairman at 847-1692

Theatre features dark comedy

Gilroy – “Baby With the Bathwater” is a dark comedy that pokes fun at everything from modern child-rearing to psychotherapy. Every character is bizarre and when they interact with each other, hilarity ensues. Play is one weekend only, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

All performances are at 8pm at the Gilroy High School Theatre.

Tickets are: $15 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and GHS staff.

Mature show theme, not recommended for children younger than 14.

Details and tickets: 333-9065 or e-mail,

in**@od************.org











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Musicians invited to share talents

Gilroy – South Valley Music Makers will meet at 1pm, Dec., 9 at Gilroy’s Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1735 Hecker Pass Highway.

Music Makers welcomes musicians of all levels of advancement, and all ages at its get-togethers to share their favorite repertoire in sets up to 10 minutes.

Music of all historical periods is welcome. Those who would prefer just to listen are also encouraged to attend.

Details: Candace Fazzio at the Music Academy, 848-1064

SV Ballet presents the ‘Nutcracker’

Morgan Hill – The Morgan Hill Dance Center (South Valley Ballet) will be performing the first full-length ballet of the Nutcracker this side of San Jose.

There will be guest appearances from professional dancers from Ballet San Jose.

Performance dates are: 7pm Friday, Dec. 15, and two shows Saturday, Dec. 16; 1:30 and 7pm.

All shows are at the Ann Sobrato High School Theatre, 401 Burnett Ave. Morgan Hill. Tickets are $20 per seat.

Details: (408) 776-1661 or by e-mail at

ti*****@mo*************.com

Give blood and give the gift of life

Gilroy – Help out and donate blood, 1:30 to 6:30pm, Dec. 21 at the First Baptist Church Hall, 8455 Wren Ave. All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross fleece scarf.

Details: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.BeADonor.com,code: GILROY

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****@ga****.com











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