News

Dear Red Phone, "I'm reporting some graffiti. Somebody sprayed some gang stuff on our fence. Before I scrub it off, I want the police to document it and take a formal complaint. Thank you."

Each month, the principals of Gilroy and Christopher high schools choose a total of four students (two from GHS and two from CHS) to spotlight. CHS senior Justin Laveroni, 17, is this week's Student of the Week.

Roughly 200 concerned residents attended Wednesday night's Community Safety Meeting at Eliot Elementary School in Gilroy.

Connie Cooklin's Hollister home has been full of family members since her daughter Ashley Adams arrived for a visit with her quadruplets at the end of March. The babies – Samantha, Rylie, Braelynn and Wyatt – are 7 months old and they are beginning to scoot around their grandmother's house.

The City of Gilroy will have its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers, located at 7351 Rosanna St. Here are some of the upcoming items on the agenda.

The Gavilan College Board of Education is defending its controversial decision to shell out $20,000 to a 30-day interim president, despite some backlash from students, staff and community members.

ANNIVERSARY: Marianos celebrate 50 years: Mrs. Barbara A. Mariano (Barry) and Mr. Domi T. Mariano will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary April 15.

The Gilroy Unified School District is investigating an anonymous complaint that the manager of the cafeteria at Christopher High School makes vulgar, sexual advances on his female employees.

• Yes. I don't agree with some of the policies but I do appreciate that we have a lot of beautiful tree lined streets. The 152 gateway is such a wonderful welcome to our community too! • Yes, hopefully. I believe now they are doing their homework and are planting trees that will not cause thousands of dollars to homeowners in 20 years by planting trees that uproot their sidewalks. Didn’t the City’s arborists think of researching tree root patterns back in the ’60s and ’70s? • In general, yes. However, the city is too aggressive in removing existing trees that are perceived as a potential liability due to possible failure – the massive Rainbow Park oak as an example. Apparently, placing a fence around the tree canopy wasn’t good enough. The city should not feel compelled to idiot-proof all facilities – the iron fence around the city skate park is yet another example of failed overkill. Unless the tree presents an imminent threat, leave it! Odds are it will survive for years to come. • Yes. If Santa Teresa is any indication ... however, I wish new developments were required to install more trees. • Yes. From what I've seen the street trees are well-groomed, not blocking any signs, and there are some new plantings on First Street. • Yes, for the most part. We are known as one of the best tree cities in America. We could stand to be rid of trees like the Palo Alto Liquid Amber planted many years ago in certain neighborhoods. They look nice, but have horrible, large burrs that litter the streets where they are still located. Their root system also ruins the sidewalks with upheaval and serious cracks. • Not quite. Why is the Santa Teresa corridor so over-planted? Did anyone realize that shrubs actually grow when they planted double the amount necessary? Now many should be transplanted elsewhere – are they going to do that? • No, it’s OK, but has fallen off like so many city programs. Gilroy should have a model urban forestry program.

The American Legion Gilroy Post #217 will be celebrating its 92nd anniversary at 5:30 p.m. June 1, 2013 with dinner and member recognitions at the Veterans Memorial Building in Gilroy.