Politics

The City of Gilroy could take an unprecedented turn for transparency by baring all when it comes to contract negotiations with employees.

A small protest by environmentalists at Silva's Crossing in Christmas Hill Park earlier this month helped spur city officials into action after the group shined a spotlight on piles of tree trimmings left on trails near Uvas Creek by Gilroy city officials.

Gilroy City Council candidate Fred Tovar has a history of missing election law deadlines and was fined nearly $2,000 for doing so, according to county records.

Gilroy

The former Gilroy Garlic Festival building may finally be

Roland Velasco has raised 20 percent more in campaign funds than Perry Woodward in his bid to be elected Gilroy’s next mayor. According to FPPC filings posted by the city clerk to Gilroy’s website, Velasco has raised $44,194 to Woodward’s $35,899 as of Sept 24.

Open seatsThis week you had a chance to vote for the people you want to run your city. Now you have a chance to get out and run things yourself.Gilroy has openings for people to serve on city boards, which make policies and recommendations to the City Council about how things should be in the city. For people interested in politics, it’s an excellent first step toward higher office. For people who just want to serve their community, it’s one of the most important things you can do. It’s also tremendously educational.Terms start in the new year and the deadline to apply is Dec. 12. Documents are available at the City of Gilroy website.Here are the openings:The Arts & Culture Commission has one opening on the seven-member board, which advises on all things to do with local art and performance. Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.The Bicycle Pedestrian Commission has two open seats for people to study and advise on matters of two-wheeled transportation. The five-member commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.The Building Board of Appeals has two of five seats open on a commission that hears construction and building appeals. It meets as needed.Community and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee has three of seven open seats. It studies needs and strategies for making neighborhoods better. It meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:45 p.m.Historic Heritage Committee has one of five seats available to work on preserving Gilroy’s history. It meets the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.Housing Advisory Committee has four of nine seats open to study housing matters. It meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.The Planning Commission has one of seven seats open. More than any body apart from the City Council, this one determines how Gilroy will look. It meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.The Library Commission deals with the library and meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. It has two of five seats open.The Parks and Recreation Commission has two of seven openings to determine all things about parks and fun. It meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.The Personnel Commission has one of five seats available to handle city staff matters. It meets the second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.The Physically Challenged Board of Appeals has two of five seats open. It deals with ways the community can help those who are physically challenged. It meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.The  Public Art Commission has two of seven openings to work on matters of public art. It meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.Don’t just talk about what you want to see in the city: make it happen here.       

Gilroy Library is running a reading program that will make kids feel like they are on a gameshow.

Car dealers, furniture dealers and other small business owners showed up in force to boycott Gilroy's extensive sign ordinance during a special council meeting Monday night.