Politics

The commander of the Hollister-Gilroy Area of the California Highway Patrol, Capt. Allen Stallman, has retired. There was a celebration of his distinguished career of more than 25 years of service on Feb. 21 at the “Old City Hall” in Gilroy, according to an announcement from the CHP. A representative from Assemblyman Luis Alejo’s Office, Jaiver Gomez, was in attendance to present Stallman with an assembly resolution signed by Alejo and State Sen. Bill Monning. From the CHP’s Coastal Division, Chief Reggie Chappelle presented Stallman with his retirement certificate, and Assistant Chief Scott Howland presented him with his retired captain’s badge. He served as the commander of the Hollister-Gilroy CHP area for approximately two years. According to the CHP, under his command the Senior Volunteer program was implemented and the CHP has begun presenting the Age Well Drive Smart classes for Senior Drivers.   

City Council voted to form a committee to look for an in-house attorney Feb. 24 – a sea change from its position since the early 1990s of using the City’s contracted legal firm, San Jose-based Berliner Cohen.

City Council voted to form a committee to look for an in-house attorney Feb. 24 - a sea change from its position since the early 1990s of using the City’s contracted legal firm, San Jose-based Berliner Cohen.

The City of Bell, once marred by scandal following the 2010 indictment of a significant portion of city officials for corruption, released the names of its retired public safety employees who have claimed a work-related disability. Bell sent a list of the names within 10 business days in response to a Dispatch request filed under the California Public Records Act.

Gilroy is a regional destination “capturing” sales tax in excess of what residents alone typically spend, according to the City of Gilroy’s third quarter sales tax update.

A proposed “Quality of Life” sales tax or bond measure originally floated by Mayor Don Gage as a mechanism to fund city capital improvement projects has taken a turn to include funding for additional public safety positions and upgrades to emergency communications equipment.

City Council will be holding a special meeting/study session Monday night to discuss planned unit development regulations and potential amendments to existing sign ordinances:

The iconic yet long-neglected fixture lodged within Christmas Hill Park, one that has been boarded-up and fenced off since the 1990s, will stand for another year after City Council voted unanimously to call off the bulldozers.

The City of Gilroy is making strides with its 15-step plan to address homelessness in the community, including seeking grant funding to house some of the long-term homeless and purchasing locks to install on the doors to restrooms in public parks, according to Gilroy Police Chief Denise Turner.

The City Council has a full agenda for their regular meeting Monday night. Here's a few of the items your community leaders will be discussing: