Binding arbitration ballot measure before council
Gilroy – City Council members will hold a special meeting at 6pm Aug. 2, in City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street, to vote on placing a measure on the November ballot that would give voters veto power over binding arbitration decisions. If approved, the measure would give councilmen the right to declare an arbitrator’s decisions detrimental to the city’s financial health and send the matter to voters for final approval.
Councilmen are expected to approve a ballot measure that would apply to pending arbitration proceedings between City Hall and the local fire union.
New law protects domestic violence victims
Sacramento – A bill signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday will increase protection for domestic violence victims by allowing the court to issue protective orders for up to five years.
Currently, a victim must go back to court every three years to get a protective order renewed.
The additional two years of protection allowed by restraining orders will make it more difficult for batterers to once again traumatize and revictimize their victims, said Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn, D-Santa Clara, who sponsored the bill, AB 99.
“Domestic violence isn’t over when the defendant is arrested and charged, or even when the victim leaves,” Cohn said. “The potential for a batterer to return and continue to harass, or even worse, physically harm the victim has been played out too many times in every one of our communities throughout the state.”
Downtown music series continues Friday
Gilroy – Join the Downtown Business Association and the Theater Angels Art League for a new downtown music series every Friday from 7 to 8:30pm on Fifth Street between Eigleberry and Monterey. The concerts are free and open to the public, but they are BYOC – Bring Your Own Chair. This Friday enjoy the Big Band sounds of the South Bay Swing Band.
Bird-seeking adventure along Coyote Creek
Gilroy – Bird Walk along the Coyote Creek Trail Aug. 6 from 9 to 11:30am.
Join a Park Ranger on a bird-seeking adventure along Coyote Creek. Bring binoculars and bird guide books if you have them.
Details: 779-3634.
GHS members of class of ’65 and ’66 sought
Gilroy – Where are you Gilroy High Class of 1965 and 1966? Organizers are planing their 40th class reunion Saturday, Sept. 24.
Please contact Barb (Goodrich) Dequin: 847-7755 or gd*****@*****er.net; Margie Enger: 842-9996 or me******@*ol.com; Suzanne (Fisher) Jaszewski: 395-8382 or st*********@*****il.com.
GHS class of ’80 planning 25-year reunion
Gilroy – The Class of 1980 will celebrate it’s 25-year reunion Aug. 20 and organizers are looking for all members.
Please contact Stephanie (Chantler) Williams: 842-6469; Mercy Cabrera: 408-472-0044; Hector Gonzalez: 848-0402; Debra (Havens) Mercado: 847-2844; or gh************@***oo.com
Donate old vehicles to help SM Animal Shelter
San Martin – Have any unwanted vehicles, boats, or R.V.’s? Donate them to the San Martin Animal Shelter by calling Charity Donation Services, which will make arrangements to help sell your vehicles and donate the proceeds back to FOSMAS (Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter). The proceeds will help buy needed food and medical supplies for the many homeless animals.
Details: Clark Halvorson, Charity Donation Services at 846-6751.
Join in a redwood hike at Mt. Madonna Park
Gilroy – Redwood Hike at Mt. Madonna County Park on Aug. 20 from 10am to noon. Explore the natural wonders of our unique West Coast redwood forest on this two-mile hike with a Park Ranger. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water.
Details: 842-2341.
Explore canyon waterfalls at Uvas Canyon Park
Gilroy – Waterfalls and Wildlife Hike at Uvas Canyon County Park on Aug. 21 from 9 to 11am. Explore canyon waterfalls and wildlife on this 1.5 mile hike with a Park Ranger. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Meet at the day-use parking lot.
Details: 779-9232.
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.
