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...
Guest View: Gilroy’s unique rural appeal is in jeopardy
What would make Gilroy an even better place to live? It’s not billboards, especially not huge electronic ones. But the City is considering changes in our ordinance which would allow them.
The Mitigated Negative Declaration should be denied because it claims that our environment won’t...
Guest View: Delta surge, research shows it’s time to support public virtual charter schools
Like many parents across America, I watched the struggles of students, parents and teachers as the Covid-19 lockdown forced schools to adapt and find new ways of keeping their students engaged and on track. I saw the results of that evolution as well: social...
Spoking My Mind: Three cheers and the Red, White and Blue
I recently pedaled past what used to be Gilroy’s Sunshine Bicycles. Instead of all those shiny new bikes in the windows, all I saw was a lonely, little “For Rent” sign. Truly the end of an era.
Shifting gears from sad to happy…
A super Cycle...
Guest View: Vote Yes on Prop 50 to ensure your vote is counted
In the upcoming special election on Nov. 4, voters are going to see a new measure, Proposition 50. By a vote of the majority, California voters will decide if temporary changes to our congressional district maps should be authorized.
This would allow the legislature, members...
Guest View: Moving Gilroy forward in 2022
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. I will continue to bring the views of my constituents to these meetings, as well as my own.
We...
Guest View, Marie Blankley: VTA’s 10-year outlook still threatens local streets and roads
By Marie Blankley
On Jan. 7, Valley Transportation Authority staff presented the VTA Board with a revised Draft 10-year Vision that allocates 2016 Measure B revenue among the categories of projects to be funded by Measure B over the next 10 years. Among these projects...
Guest View, Zach Hilton: Biking for a vibrant city
Whose town has the true Pedal Power? Meaning, the most people with wind in their hair, and with wheels turning. With young people and adults rolling in the open air.
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition invited cities across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to a...
Guest View: It’s time to power up our local newspaper
In March 1870, the California state legislature approved an act allowing Gilroy to incorporate and become a full-fledged city. The Gilroy Advocate, our first newspaper, began publishing a weekly edition only a year earlier. The Dispatch, which came later, absorbed the Advocate in May...
Spoking My Mind: Resolutions, ravioli and rural rides
It’s Valentine's month. Make plans today for a Feb. 14 bicycle ride with your sweetheart!
Thanks for all the positive feedback on last month’s column regarding weight loss resolutions. As promised, I have my 2024 progress ready for you. Keep in mind, however, that I...






















