Vegetation fire burns near Casa de Fruta
The cause of a 26-acre vegetation fire that flared up 4 p.m.
Marijuana dispensary opens up on First Street
Two men have opened a medical marijuana dispensary in north
UPDATED: Traffic accident ignites grass fire
A big-rig truck burst into flames after colliding with a Mitsubishi, igniting a grass fire that forced a 3.5-hour closure of U.S. 101 in San Benito County Tuesday morning, authorities said. The accident happened on Highway 129, just west of U.S. 101 about 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, according to a press release from California Highway Patrol Officer Tran. The 2003 Mitsubishi was traveling eastbound on Highway 129 at an unknown speed, and the 2007 Freightliner big-rig was traveling westbound, police said. The driver of the big-rig told officers he was traveling about 45 mph. As the two vehicles approached each other, one of them crossed the double yellow line resulting in a head-on collision, police said. The Mitsubishi came to rest on the right shoulder of the highway, partially blocking the eastbound lane, police said. The 21-year-old driver, an Aromas resident, was trapped inside the vehicle and was extricated by personnel from the Hollister Fire Department and the San Benito County Fire Department. He was airlifted to San Jose Regional Hospital with major injuries. The 2007 Freightliner careered out of control after the collision, and hit the metal guardrail and fell down a 41-foot dirt embankment off the right shoulder of westbound Highway 129, police said. The 37-year-old driver from Hanford was able to exit the vehicle “just seconds” before it became fully engulfed in flames. The driver reported minor injuries to paramedics. The resulting fire spread to surrounding vegetation, and area fire departments responded to extinguish the flames, authorities said. The aftermath of the collision, grass fire and cleanup of diesel fuel on the roadway closed U.S. 101 to traffic for about 3.5 hours, police said. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and alcohol was not a factor, police said.
Community Solutions plans annual play, gala
Community Solutions, a Gilroy-based nonprofit human services agency, will host its eighth annual play—titled Historias de Mi Madre VII—highlighting the various issues of violence against women and children 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25 inside the Gavilan College Theater (5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy).There is a suggested $10 donation for admittance. Due to the mature content, the play may not be appropriate for children, according to the organization’s press release.The bilingual play depicts how the silence, shame and secrecy of intimate partner abuse, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation can affect the family as a whole.“Children are our most valuable resource. They deserve to live out their childhood in safe and loving environments free from oppression, abuse and exploitation,” said Erica Elliott, Program Manager of the Solutions to Violence Programs at Community Solutions. “This bilingual play sheds light on these horrific occurrences so prolific in our communities in an effort to educate our community members to put an end to these crimes.”Proceeds from the evening will support Community Solutions programs and services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, according to organizers.Annual fall gala takes place Nov. 8Next month, Community Solutions will host its third annual fall gala—Black, White & Bling! to raise funds for critical programs and services in South County.The Nov. 8 fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. at the Willow Heights Mansion, 1978 Willow Springs Road in Morgan Hill.“Grab your black and white attire, add your best bling and shimmer the night way while supporting our clients’ futures,” said Erin O’Brien, Community Solutions President. “This is a fun and elegant dinner event with something for everyone.”To purchase tickets, visit communitysolutions.org or call (408) 846-4704.
