Guest View, Marie Blankley: How money doesn’t go where voters thought it would
By Marie Blankley
Measure B was passed in 2016 on the promise that it would provide an estimated $1.2 billion for the improvement of local streets and roads in all of the 15 cities of Santa Clara County. Elected officials from all cities in our...
Guest view: High-speed rail’s salvation may lie in Gilroy
Since Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first State of the State address six years ago, California has stopped pursuing a high-speed rail system that actually connects the Bay Area to Southern California, as was promised to voters in 2008. And in that void, politicians, pundits and...
Spoking My Mind: Opportunities lost and found
Recently, I was gazing out the window of our VRBO, two tall flights above the narrow, cobblestone path below. Florence’s early-morning street view was certainly a lot quieter than our previous one in Rome! Off to the right, I spied two colorful bicycle wheels...
Guest view: What to know about property tax relief as fire season arrives
Anyone driving through the cities and unincorporated areas of southern Santa Clara County will immediately notice its diverse and vibrant landscape. For many, the area evokes memories of the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
However, South County's location and topography also make it particularly vulnerable to...
Spoking My Mind: Rainy reminders and realistic resolutions
Sheesh, with all the recent rains, it’s been tough getting outside to ride. Still, every rainy day means a greener spring riding season. Until then…are you keeping your front and rear “blinky lights” flashing? When the days turn overcast, we cyclists tend to be...
From My Perspective: He is risen!
A fundamental foundation for Christian believers is commemorated on Easter Sunday (John 11:24-26). Jesus Christ’s resurrection follows 40 days of reflection, atonement, sacrifices and fasting that began on Ash Wednesday.
As I mentioned in the first “From My Perspective” column, I was raised Jewish, so...
Guest View: Open up schools to parents
I am very concerned by the Gilroy Unified School District’s decision to bar parents from the elementary campuses before and after school. This decision greatly diminishes the opportunity to build relationships within the school and is detrimental to building a positive school community. Good...
Guest View, Carol Marques: Spend energy on solutions, not negativity
By Carol Marques
I was disappointed last week when I read a letter to the editor in the Dispatch which reinforced the negativity that is trending right now. The writer’s perceptions of the City of Gilroy lack the facts. Much of what he is concerned...
Guest View: Plan to overhaul mental health system offers a glimmer of hope
Gov. Gavin Newson’s announcement in the spring to radically reshape California’s mental health care was compelling for several reasons. One is personal: I have an adult son with schizophrenia, a condition that’s impacted our lives for almost 30 years and counting.
My son is 44...
Guest View, Fred Tovar: Saluting the pillars of Gilroy
As we bid farewell to 2023, I, Fred M. Tovar, a proud member of the Gilroy City Council, would like to take a moment to extend profound gratitude to the unsung heroes who relentlessly contribute to the well-being and vitality of our community—the dedicated...





















