Preserving the Past: Don Ygnacio Ortega
It began in the little mining camp of Real de Santa Ana, Baja California. Jose Francisco Ortega had already completed 10 years in the king's army and was in 1768 the Superintendent of Osio's gold and silver mine at Real de Santa Ana.
To secure...
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, Robert Weaver: The jobs/housing imbalance
For years, I have been railing against the so-called jobs/housing imbalance, believing that the underlying construction of the logic that forms this seemingly simple premise is fundamentally flawed. While there are several flaws in the jobs/housing imbalance premise, this discussion will be limited to...
Spoking My Mind: A pair of perfect pedal parties
Just like a well-inflated tire, I am pumped! For the first time in forever, we’ve got ourselves both a Sea Otter Classic and a Tierra Bella in April. Two of the year’s top cycle celebrations, and they’re right here in our own backyard. It’s...
Guest View: How can we stop kids from abusing drugs?
School safety has been a hotly debated issue everywhere in America, as kids start to emerge from their homes to in-person education. While Gilroy is no exception, there seems to be a similar discussion around students from the view of drugs and drug safety,...
Guest View: Gilroy advances mobility options
In Gilroy, we have many examples of properties where we used to not require vehicle parking many decades ago, before a majority of zoning codes have been adopted that require more land to be developed for parking. With the recent implementation of Vehicles Mile...
Guest View, Victor Gomez: Lawyers ramp up advertising under Covid
Under the current economic slowdown, most Americans have spent time thinking about how they will cut personal spending, how they will pay their rent or mortgage, and some are also asking themselves how long they can endure this economy that is hanging on by...
Guest View: South County celebrates Chanukah after tragic terror attack in Sydney
The South County Jewish community was shaken to its core after waking on the morning of Dec. 14 to the tragic news of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where a terrorist attack targeted a Chanukah Menorah Lighting. The horror of the...
Spoking My Mind: Resolutions, rural rides and a reception
A Happy New Gear to you! May 2023 add mile after mile of wonderful new bicycle adventures! Three items for you as we kick it off:
1. Is “A New Me in ’23” one of your resolutions? Weight loss, more cycling, new distance goals: whatever...
From My Perspective: Say ‘yes’ to God
This column speaks to Christians, who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are ready to hear God’s voice to live out His plan for their lives. If this is you, read on. If this is something that intrigues you, or you...





















