Guest View: For housing, ‘status quo’ has got to go
Gilroy has made strides to plan and promote housing opportunities for our workforce that are typically more affordable. This is needed more now than ever before.
The State recently released new income guidelines: a Santa Clara County household of one whose income is $92,250 is...
Guest View: Valley Water completes pipeline extension project
While Valley Water rebuilds Anderson Dam, we have ensured that Coyote Creek and the Coyote Percolation Ponds in South San José have enough water to recharge groundwater and support the surrounding habitat and wildlife.
In November 2024, our agency completed the Cross Valley Pipeline Extension...
Guest View: Period Project tackles menstruation stigma
Period poverty is defined as the struggle those who have a menstrual cycle face while trying to afford menstrual products. Despite not being able to control a menstrual cycle, those who have one are still left to purchase products that some cannot afford. I...
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...
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...
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: Valley Water gathering feedback on expansion of Pacheco Reservoir
The first few months of this rainfall season were below average across California, with drought conditions evident statewide. Although the Golden State received a much-needed soaking in late January, moderate drought conditions remain across Santa Clara County.
Valley Water remains focused on preparing for future...
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...
Mayor’s Update: Gilroy’s next two years
In June the City Council approved our financial budget for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. For the next two years this budget drives the City’s spending and funding allocations within the limits of our revenue sources. As your mayor and a CPA by profession,...
Guest View: The other side of the trigger
We are the members of Zach Hilton’s Student City Council Internship Program. We represent different genders, cultures and backgrounds. We are the first generation. Most importantly, we represent a demographic of the crippingly underserved.
We have come to let our written words lay bare, so...






















