Opinion

Before we start, a HUGE shout out to all of the fine folks who volunteered at those Bay Area Bike to Wherever energizer stations and bicycle events last month. Your time and talents made it another wonderful happening for cyclists everywhere!Onto June, which means...

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, commerce and rapid urbanization, public art stands as a profound counterbalance—a humanizing force that elevates the collective spirit of a community. Art in public spaces does far more than decorate; it educates, inspires and connects. Public art is...

May is Preservation Month, a nationwide celebration led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It’s a time to honor the charming neighborhoods surrounding it, beloved landmarks like the Old City Hall, the Gilroy Museum and the Miller Red Barn in Christmas Hill Park.  Each...

As Memorial Day approaches, our community—like many across the nation—prepares for parades, backyard cookouts, and the unofficial start of summer. But at the heart of this holiday lies something far deeper and more solemn: the remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in...

Look what the AI can do…  There’s a curl of fog that crawls across the hill behind my house, misting in the dew and saturating the live oak trees across the hilltop as they drink thirsty from the sky. The marine layer from the Monterey...

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time not just for reflection but for action.  For decades, mental health has existed in the shadow of physical health, often stigmatized, misunderstood or simply ignored. But the truth is undeniable: mental health is an important aspect of...

It’s the fifth month, and I’m still finding it difficult to wrap my head around the fact that this is my final year with you. I see that I’ve been confessing a lot to you in 2025, so let’s keep that pattern going: for...

To my council colleagues, city staff and the public, I am very excited to be a part of the many changes coming to Gilroy this year. Legislating policy in house often doesn't require budget allocations, and many of the best practices are already open...

My name is Lee Kalpin, and I was born in Gilroy in 1946. My parents subscribed to the Dispatch as far back as I can remember, and I have been a constant subscriber for at least 55 years.  In fact, in the early 1950s I...

In his Letter to the Editor on April 11, City Council member Zach Hilton misleads readers with several observations and assumptions. He makes erroneous claims about existing Cal Fire service.  And he overlooks some facts that make his support for proposed changes without logic or...