Business

Phil Fortino has been appointed vice president and business banking officer for Rabobank, N.A. As business banking officer, Fortino is responsible for fostering relationships with small- to medium-sized companies and providing solutions to meet the banking needs of customers in Gilroy, Hollister and the surrounding area. Before joining Rabobank, Fortino served as small business banker for Bank of America and was president and general manager for his own company, Fortino’s Total Home. He attended Gavilan College in Gilroy and Fresno Technical College. He is involved with several organizations in Hollister, including the Rotary Club, Community Foundation, Elk’s Lodge, Chamber of Commerce and the Hollister Downtown Association.

Despite temperatures rising into the triple digits (again) this week, work proceeds on the downtown Gilroy Gourmet Alley project.  As of July 22, crews have been cutting surfaces and installing infrastructure for French drains through the alley between Fourth and Fifth streets, as well as...

Santa Clara County’s ban on large gatherings, as well its order to close all “non-essential” businesses for at least three weeks, does not apply to grocery stores. However, those involved in the food industry, from growers to markets, have found it necessary to respond...

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s annual Toys for Tots program runs until Dec. 13. Offices in Northern California will serve as collection centers for new, unwrapped toys for needy children in our communities. Members of the United States Marine Corps Reserve will pick up the toys and deliver them to charitable organizations and social welfare agencies in the area. Additionally, the public is encouraged to donate new and gently used winter items for the homeless and needy in their local communities as part of the annual One Warm Coat drive. Donate at 8050 Santa Theresa Blvd., Ste. 210 in Gilroy or 950 Tennant Station in Morgan Hill.

The City of Gilroy has halted negotiations with a company that previously showed interest in purchasing the city’s 536-acre property that includes Gilroy Gardens.  In a May 9 announcement, Gilroy Communications Manager Rachelle Bedell said the city has ceased talks with BayEcotarium that began under...

Local and county officials met with agricultural leaders at the restored Miller Red Barn to discuss policy changes aimed at supporting South County farmers, emphasizing a desire to collaborate closely to craft rules that update the county’s aging ordinances while reflecting the modern reality...