Graduation woes
“I’m calling about the junior high graduation. I’ve got an inside person who said they’re thinking of having it again at the Christmas Hill Amphitheater. It was the worst thing they ever did last year. Yes, it rained, but they couldn’t predict that, they couldn’t predict the parking was going to be horrible, trying to get South Valley in there and then right after Brownell. Seating on mud and splintered wood was absolutely horrible. I just want to know if that’s the case. Could you have someone say why they’re having it there and not going at the new football stadium? If you could look into that, it would be great.”
Red Phone:
Yes, good caller, the middle school graduation will once again be held at Christmas Hill Park. The commencement isn’t held at the Gilroy High football stadium because that facility is reserved for high school graduation and middle school students are not receiving their high school diplomas.
Whether it will rain again, no one knows – just cross your fingers – and bring a cushion to sit on. And instead of thinking of things to complain about – and Red Phone knows there’s lots – just consider the joyous occasion of some young students taking that next big step in their education.
Name those hills
“I recently moved to Gilroy and have been a little surprised with the weather here. Although I don’t care for the rain and look forward to the warm summers I’ve heard about, the surrounding mountains are absolutely gorgeous from all the rainfall. Could you tell me what those mountains are called? Thank you.”
Red Phone:
Let it first welcome you to the City of Gilroy. Though Red Phone has grown tired of the rain as well, when those hot 100-plus degree Gilroy summers roll around, it will be longing for a cooler temp.
It went to the official Santa Clara County Web site, www.scc.gov, for the answer to your inquiry.
The major topographical features in the area are the Diablo Range to the east, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Baylands in the northwest.
The Diablo Range covers the entire eastern half of the county. It consists mainly of grasslands, chaparral and oak Savannah. The Santa Cruz Mountains contain rolling grasslands and oak-studded foothills, along with mixed hardwoods and dense evergreen forests. Higher elevations of the Santa Cruz Mountains are home to redwood forests, steep slopes and active earthquake faults. Areas of geologic instability are prevalent in both mountain ranges.
The Baylands in the northwestern corner of the county, adjacent to the southern San Francisco Bay waters consist mostly of vast salt evaporation ponds and remnant areas of salt marsh and wetlands.
Love the pictures
“I just wanted to call and let everyone know how much I enjoy the nature photographs you always publish on page two. They’re just lovely most of the time. I do wish you would publish a few more with animals in them though. I think the nature photographs with birds, cows, horses and such are just lovely. Thank you.”
Red Phone:
Why thank you, caller. Though the Red Phone is no photographer, it also appreciates a nice picture. For those who may not be aware, most of the photos you see on page A2 are submissions from people in the community. Should any readers like to submit a photograph – with animals, perhaps? – for publication, send it to a2******@************ch.com. Keep in mind submissions need to be at least 5 inches wide.
