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: Struggling artists take note—and take to social media
The past year and a half has been extremely hard on everyone, but it has been especially hard on small business owners. And according to Americans for the Arts, the arts were tremendously impacted by the pandemic, with an overall expected financial loss of...
Guest View, Connie Rogers: VTA housing proposal would overwhelm downtown
We are writing as a citizens’ group of Gilroy residents who are actively involved in Gilroy planning issues. Several of our members participated in both of the recent Zoom meetings with VTA staff and PlaceWorks regarding the transit-oriented development you are planning to build...
Guest View: Unique communities stand above the rest
Part 1 of this article, “Steps needed to create a thriving community,” which was published in the May 20 edition of the Gilroy Dispatch, covered the first five common characteristics of thriving communities.
This final installment will discuss the remaining four steps and stress why...
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: Amah Mutsun oppose building on Betabel land
For our tribe, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Betabel is much, much more than a vacant lot conveniently located by a Highway 101 offramp. Positioned at the confluence of the San Benito and Pajaro Rivers, where earthquake faults also meet, the Betabel area is a place of power where, for countless generations, our people came together for healing and renewal.
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: Updated district master plan meets water needs
Valley Water is committed to ensuring enough safe, clean water for families, homes, farms and businesses in Santa Clara County today and for future generations.
Our agency is updating the Water Supply Master Plan, which helps identify how to maintain a reliable, clean water supply...
Guest View: Americans and a lifelong relationship with health insurance
Health insurance—can’t live with it, can’t live without it… or can you? These days, it seems the price we pay for health insurance is more than what it’s worth.
When you tally up the monthly premiums, health care deductibles and copays, the average healthy American...
Guest View: A stimulating discussion
You may hear there was a lot of conflict at the Sept. 20 City Council meeting, but I suggest a different perspective.
The focus was on a time capsule, part of the Covid-postponed celebration of Gilroy’s 150th anniversary as an incorporated city. The committee that...






















