Rabbi Mendel Liberow: Caring for every person—A Passover message
In the foothills of Midian, a shepherd watches over his flock. He is responsible for the well-being and safety of every sheep there. Suddenly, he notices a lamb wandering away from the flock. The shepherd gives chase and finally catches up with the sheep—when...
Guest View: Teaching youth the power of voting
Every generation has grown up being told that they, the youth, are the future. In American society, this means that the youth (theoretically) have the power to sway elections once they are of voting age.
Unfortunately, the youth vote has not always met its potential...
Rabbi Mendel Liberow: As we respond to the crisis in Ukraine, unity is key
They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat.
Jewish festivals often conjure up something along these lines. Purim, the Jewish festival that takes place on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar—this year March 16-17—is no exception.
In 357 BCE, Persia’s King Ahasuerus...
Guest View: Why recall Councilmember Armendariz?
Diverse communities throughout Gilroy have unified in support of the recall of Councilmember Rebeca Armendariz. She demonstrated extremely poor judgment when she participated and assisted in the planning of a large-scale party where there was underage drinking. At this party, there was a shooting...
Guest view: Gavilan College serves South Valley community
The Gavilan Joint Community College District extends from the Coyote Valley to the southern edge of San Benito County, and includes the communities of Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Tres Pinos and Paicines, along with the surrounding rural areas. It...
Local veteran releases children’s book about four-legged heroes
My goal in taking on this project and partnering with Mary to create this book was to drive awareness and generate additional revenue for Operation Freedom Paws. I wanted to help Mary continue her mission and grow her inspiring non-profit organization.
Guest View: Fruits of our labor
Spring is an uplifting time to rejoice and watch how the “garden” grows. A true time of renaissance.
During Downtown Gilroy’s Art Walk, I had the pleasure of seeing how the seeds of my teaching years blossomed. Like climbing roses with the right support coupled...
Rabbi Mendel Liberow: How to prevent the next pandemic
Three years ago, the possibility of a global pandemic took up about as much headspace for most people as the possibility of a global conflict: technically possible, but not really a “thing” in this millennium. But as it turns out, history repeats itself. And...
Mayor’s Update: Gilroy’s next two years
In June the City Council approved our financial budget for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. For the next two years this budget drives the City’s spending and funding allocations within the limits of our revenue sources. As your mayor and a CPA by profession,...
Guest View: Groundwater, the hidden resource we rely on every day
Each year, communities across America take time to recognize an important but unseen part of our water supply: groundwater. During National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 8–14, we focus on protecting this valuable resource and highlight local efforts to keep groundwater safe and reliable.
In Santa...





















