Fireplace ashes cause fire
Gilroy – The raging fire that consumed a Crest Hill Court home last Thursday was caused by ashes, dumped into the garbage, said Fire Chief Dale Foster. The Perino family, who lives in the home, apparently dumped the ashes from the fireplace into a metal can in the side yard on Monday, Dec. 18, away from ignitable items, and left to sit for two days.
But, that wasn’t long enough to snuff the embers, said Foster. After the homeowner transferred the ashes into the regular trash, alongside the garage, about 8pm Wednesday night, the ashes set the trash on fire, causing the three-alarm blaze early Thursday morning.
To safely dispose of fireplace embers, said Foster, place them in a metal container and spray them with water. Once the embers are completely extinguished, the ashes can be thrown in the trash.
Catch a free matinee
Gilroy – Visit the Gilroy Library for free matinee movies through Saturday. There will be a different family movie showing every day at 2pm.
New Year’s Eve ‘Bash’
Gilroy – Pedrizzetti Winery presents “Black & White New Year’s Eve Bash!” 8pm to 12:30am, Sunday. Wine Tasting, dancing with live music by the “Shrunken Heads,” hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast and countdown.
Attire: black and white, all black or all white, price is $35 for members, $40 for non members. Seats are limited, call or e-mail for reservations.
Details: 779-7983 or wi***@******es.net
Give blood, help save lives
Gilroy – Community blood drive will be held from 1:30 to 6:30pm Jan. 11 at the First Baptist Church Hall, 8455 Wren Ave. Also from 2 to 6pm, Jan. 22 at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave.
Details: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE
Free practice for the SAT
Gilroy – Princeton Review will provide free practice testing and a strategy session for high school students at the Gilroy Library (7387 Rosanna St.). Students must sign up at the library by Jan. 20. Test is 10am to 2pm Feb. 3 and results and strategy session is 10am to 2pm Feb. 10.
Details: 842-8207
Help support a fallen rider
Gilroy – Mario Bonfante, a Gilroy native, had his promising AFM/AMA Road Racing career cut short by a tragic bicycle accident, which broke his neck and left him paralyzed. Mario and his family are now faced with the challenges ahead. You Can Help.at the raffle drawing Feb. 12: First prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, Third is $500, Fourth is $250 and fifth is $100. Raffle tickets are available for $10 each at High Gear Powersports, 7661 Monterey St.
Details: 842-9955
Coyote Creek bird walk
Morgan Hill – A series of bird walks led by Jane Haley, a National Park Service docent for 20 years and Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (W.E.R.C.) volunteer, starts Jan. 6, from 9 to 11am along Coyote Creek, north of Morgan Hill.
Bird walks will also be held Feb. 3, March 3 and March 31. Participants can observe migratory birds as well as discover an appreciation of local birds, their habitat and ecological importance. Due to the terrain, these walks are not recommended for young children. The programs are free, space is limited and reservations are required.
Details: 779-9372 or www.werc-ca.org
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.
