Guest View: Highlighting unsung heroes
Growing up in Gilroy and coming from a campesino family, viewing such an impactful and humane story this past August, via a short documentary film, “Campesinos, America’s Unsung Heroes,” was an emotional and very moving experience. The audience reaction, many so personal, will forever...
Mayor Marie Blankley: A look into 2023
And just like that, it’s 2023! Halfway through my first mayoral term, it is my pleasure to share with you all that we’ve accomplished despite the setbacks of Covid, and what we have to look forward to.
In 2022 we began a five-year street maintenance...
Guest View, Fred Tovar: Saluting the pillars of Gilroy
As we bid farewell to 2023, I, Fred M. Tovar, a proud member of the Gilroy City Council, would like to take a moment to extend profound gratitude to the unsung heroes who relentlessly contribute to the well-being and vitality of our community—the dedicated...
Guest View: Public safety and second chances go hand in hand
Public safety and providing opportunities for individuals leaving jail or prison can be perceived as opposing objectives. But the County of Santa Clara is building relationships between law enforcement and reentry services to create environments where residents involved with the justice system can heal...
From My Perspective: The meaning of love
Driving around Gilroy, I still see remnants of Valentine’s Day. Glittery hearts have replaced Christmas decorations, colors of red and pink delight neighborhoods and banners blow in the wind saying “I love you more” or “Love you to the moon and back.”
Think about that...
Guest View: Eligible voters need protections
With our nation’s democracy facing existential threats, California’s duty to protect and empower every eligible voter in the state has never been more urgent. Although we often lead the nation with innovative laws designed to defend voting rights, thousands of eligible voters continue to...
Mayor’s Update: Looking ahead in 2024
Happy New Year, Gilroy! 2024 is sure to be a big year, beginning with a milestone birthday for me in February: 60 years old. Yikes! 2023 was a year of many accomplishments for Gilroy, and 2024 shows no less promise.
In 2023, we saw the...
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...
From My Perspective: We are all grieving in the pandemic
By Susan Mister
As I write this, it is the end of January, the season of gift giving is behind us, and yet, I have been given one special gift that I‘m excited about and want to share with all of you.
This is the first...
Guest View: Fruits of our labor
Spring is an uplifting time to rejoice and watch how the “garden” grows. A true time of renaissance.
During Downtown Gilroy’s Art Walk, I had the pleasure of seeing how the seeds of my teaching years blossomed. Like climbing roses with the right support coupled...





















