Drunken Driver nabbed after toppling signal on First Street
Gilroy – Police arrested a man suspected of driving under the influence Sunday evening, after he reportedly crashed his car into a traffic signal and fled.
Audel Morales Rivera, 29, of 7795 Ferguson Road, was turning left from eastbound First Street onto northbound Wren Avenue when his 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier jumped the curb of the center median on Wren and knocked over a traffic signal, police said.
A witness to the incident followed Rivera to a nearby parking lot and notified police, who took him into custody about 5:30pm. His car had major front-end damage, police said.
Rivera was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence and misdemeanor hit-and-run. Police said Rivera told them he had been drinking at an out-of-town bar earlier in the day.
Traffic was briefly impacted while police cleared the downed traffic pole from the street. The incident cut power to all the signals at the intersection. A crew from Caltrans worked Sunday night and Monday morning to repair the broken pole and restore power to the other signals.
Gas price gouging hotline
Sacramento – California Attorney General Bill Lockyer launched an investigation into possible illegal profiteering by gasoline and oil companies since Hurricane Katrina hit gulf coast states. “To unjustly profit from tragedy is unconscionable,” Lockyer said. “I hope this investigation does not find that such greed has afflicted oil companies and gas station operators in California.”
Consumers, oil company employees, gas station workers and others who suspect price gouging should e-mail information or documents to ga*************@****ca.gov.
Gilroy AAUW lunch at the Claddagh kicks off year
Gilroy – The Gilroy Branch of the American Association of University Women will begin the year with their fall membership lunch at The Claddagh Irish Restaurant and Pub, 1300 First St., Suite A, on Saturday, Sept. 24. Prospective members are invited to attend to learn more about AAUW. Lori Franke, violinist, will speak to the group about her experiences founding and directing the South Valley Suzuki Strings Academy and what music means in a child’s life. There will be a special musical performance by Mrs. Franke and her young students.
The luncheon will be held from 11:30am to 2pm and will cost $15. Menu choices will include soup and sandwich or soup and salad combinations.
RSVP with menu choice to membership chair, Maretta Juarez, at 504-8647 by Friday, Sept. 16. Membership is open to any person with a BA or BS degree. AAUW promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal change.
Hot invite for stylists, students
Gilroy – All professional salon stylists and cosmetology students are invited to an evening of education at Gavilan College on Monday, Sept. 12 at 6:30pm. The featured artists are Cherisse White, a renowned long hair updo specialist and Lisa Cadiente an extremely talented makeup artist. Together they will demonstrate the latest fashions and trends for the coming holiday season. Tickets are available at the Gavilan Cosmetology Department 848-4884 or through Raymond Sanchez 683-4131.
Harvest Bike Ride Planned
Gilroy – The Bonfante Harvest Ride is coming to Bonfante Gardens Saturday, Oct. 22 and will offer a unique cycling event for young families and seniors wishing to learn more about cycling. Serious cyclists will enjoy a 25, 50 and 100-mile ride with great rest stops at Gilroy Hot Springs and Specialized in Morgan Hill. Raise money for Gilroy Community Services or your favorite health or activity related charity. The ride is also seeking volunteers. For more information visit www.bonfanteride.com or call (408)682-4700.
Native American Storytelling
Gilroy – Chitactac-Adams County Park presents Native American Storytelling Friday, Sept. 9, from 6:30 to 8pm. Become immersed in the rich culture of native California through stories and legends from the past. Meet at the amphitheater at 6:30. Food and drinks are welcome, but pets are not permitted. Call 323-0107 for more information.
SV Symphony season plans
Gilroy – The South Valley Symphony’s upcoming season will include performances at the San Juan Bautista mission, as well as the Bonfante Gardens amphitheater, according to music director and conductor, Henry Mollicone, in announcing the 2005-2006 concert schedule. In addition, the symphony board of directors has announced a musical variety show to be held in the brand new theater of the Ann Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, featuring several local musicians and musical groups.
Maestro Mollicone announced the following concert dates and musical selections as follows (subject to change):
Saturday, Oct. 15, at 7:30pm, Favorite Classics I, at the Gavilan Theater.
Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4pm, a Holiday Concert, at the Gavilan Theater.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006 at 4pm, a Family Concert, at the Gavilan Theater.
Saturday, April 8, 2006 at 7:30pm, A Piano, A Saxophone, A Symphony, at the San Juan Bautista Mission.
Friday, June 2 at 7:30pm, POPS! – Bonfante Gardens Amphitheater.
Details: Kristin A. Carlson, 828-8079; Tickets and information: Al Navaroli, 842-3934.
Saddle up for this meeting
San Martin – Join us Friday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Grange for the General Meeting of the San Martin Horsemen’s Association. Potluck, all welcome. Programs on manure and facility management, and the Bear Creek Ranch. See Web site for more details: www.smhorse.com
