Spoking My Mind: Camping fun at the next level
I’m sitting at my laptop, basking in the memories of last week’s camping trip to the Sierras. My camping trips actually began when I was still in diapers; after that, yearly camp adventures were part of my life. But, that magic age came for...
Zach Hilton: Moving Gilroy forward in 2023
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....
Guest view: Despite rain, water use cuts must continue
While December’s rain and snow show promise, water managers remember the same thing happened last year—epic early storms followed by the driest January through March in California’s recorded history.
After three dry years, all of us are hoping for some reprieve this winter. But the tough reality...
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...
Guest View: Things about mental health everyone should know
There’s a lot going on. In the last two years, we’ve endured political upheaval, the fallout of systemic racism, the growing impact of climate change, and genuine loss and collective trauma brought on by the pandemic, which drastically altered our social lives and school...
Guest View: The Gilroy Garlic Festival is not over
On April 21, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association (GGFA) released a statement that the Garlic Festival was postponed indefinitely due to prohibitive insurance required by the City of Gilroy.
We stand by that statement. Some of the talk online against the city and council is...
Mayor’s Update: The ‘Builder’s Remedy’
With 40% of jurisdictions in California pending State approval as of June 30 on how well their local housing policies and programs comply with statewide goals, it’s no wonder that questions and concerns regarding the implications to our local communities continue to grow. I...
SVCT’s ‘Percy Jackson Musical’ features youth cast and crew
South Valley Civic Theatre’s upcoming production, “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” is making its way to the stage Feb. 23 at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse.
The show is based on the popular book “The Lightning Thief” by author Rick Riordan, which was...
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...
Guest View, Stephanie Hernandez and Sarah Manjra: Advocate for the unhoused
Being a resident of Gilroy my entire life, it is disheartening to witness the growth of our homeless population over the past several years. Knowing how much the pandemic has affected millions of people all over the country, we have also seen its effects...





















