Politics

Mayor Don Gage has scheduled his next “Coffee with the Mayor” event for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 at City Hall, according to a press release from City staff.

Plug it in, plug it in.

Despite three recent court rulings viewed by some as strikes against the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the $68 billion project is still steaming along locally in Gilroy and statewide, according to a representative with the group.

When Connie Rogers, president of the Gilroy Historical Society, first learned that City Council voted Nov. 18 to proceed with the demolition of the “Red Barn” in Christmas Hill Park within a year unless purchased or relocated by a private investor, to say she was disappointed would be an understatement.

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

The City of Gilroy is still looking for volunteers to fill 28 open seats on 13 different City boards, commissions and committees, according to City Clerk Shawna Freels. The deadline, originally Dec. 3, has been extended to Dec. 30.

By next summer, Gilroyans will be able to stroll from the parking lot of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce to Monterey Street through the City’s newest lighted and landscaped paseo, which is scheduled for construction this spring following City Council approval.

The City of Gilroy recently released its second quarter sales tax update for this fiscal year, demonstrating “significant” gains for new automobile sales and miscellaneous vehicle sales, along with a 1.9 percent increase in cash receipts for the City overall.

Assemblyman Luis Alejo traveled to El Salvador to meet with political leaders in Watsonville’s sister city, San Pedro Masahuat.

City Council voted unanimously in support of giving City Administrator Tom Haglund a 2 percent raise ($4,299) Monday night, which brings his annual salary to $219,255.