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Gilroy
October 5, 2025

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DEAR EDITOR:

2 letters: Republican “foreign born” problem; Fill the boot for MDA please

GOP presidential candidates have the ‘foreign born’ problem

Do you think the city does a good job with planning and execution regarding street tree and community forestry programs?

• Yes. I don't agree with some of the policies but I do appreciate that we have a lot of beautiful tree lined streets. The 152 gateway is such a wonderful welcome to our community too! • Yes, hopefully. I believe now they are doing their homework and are planting trees that will not cause thousands of dollars to homeowners in 20 years by planting trees that uproot their sidewalks. Didn’t the City’s arborists think of researching tree root patterns back in the ’60s and ’70s? • In general, yes. However, the city is too aggressive in removing existing trees that are perceived as a potential liability due to possible failure – the massive Rainbow Park oak as an example. Apparently, placing a fence around the tree canopy wasn’t good enough. The city should not feel compelled to idiot-proof all facilities – the iron fence around the city skate park is yet another example of failed overkill. Unless the tree presents an imminent threat, leave it! Odds are it will survive for years to come. • Yes. If Santa Teresa is any indication ... however, I wish new developments were required to install more trees. • Yes. From what I've seen the street trees are well-groomed, not blocking any signs, and there are some new plantings on First Street. • Yes, for the most part. We are known as one of the best tree cities in America. We could stand to be rid of trees like the Palo Alto Liquid Amber planted many years ago in certain neighborhoods. They look nice, but have horrible, large burrs that litter the streets where they are still located. Their root system also ruins the sidewalks with upheaval and serious cracks. • Not quite. Why is the Santa Teresa corridor so over-planted? Did anyone realize that shrubs actually grow when they planted double the amount necessary? Now many should be transplanted elsewhere – are they going to do that? • No, it’s OK, but has fallen off like so many city programs. Gilroy should have a model urban forestry program.

How would you describe automobile traffic circulation in Gilroy?

• Fair. We have some issues with weekend visitor traffic and during the week with school drop offs/pick ups.  • Very good. I know I will be in the minority, but for those who think WE have it bad, go experience traffic anywhere else in the Bay Area. We are spoiled. And because we refuse to accept the fact that Gilroy is no longer a small town, we will all pay for it. Since the city currently requires relatively low traffic congestion (high level of service), as we grow that translates into lots of new, very expensive land, pavement and traffic signals all requiring monitoring and maintenance. Guess what, these cost get passed on to residents and businesses ... there's no free lunch! • Fair. I drive during the day if necessary and during commute time. Traffic navigation is not difficult. • Fair. There are a few key intersections where the lights don't seem to be synchronized well. Here are my favorite long-wait spots: 1. 10th St. from Chestnut to Camino - four lights that don't seem to talk to each other; 2. First and Miller where I often wait at a red light only to have the other direction turn red (my green) just as another car comes from that way!; 3. First and Monterey combined with First and Church. I have waited through three light changes to turn left from Monterey onto First because First is backed up from Church to Monterey. I may have the arrow, but no place to go. Good circulation happens at Masten and Monterey, Welburn/Leavesley and Monterey, Leavesley/101 ramps/Outlet & In 'n' Out paths. • Fair ... all depends on the time of day, the schools dictate the traffic flow at 8 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. traffic stinks! • Very good. We are so lucky that all we have to do is avoid the Outlets on weekends and holidays. There's no high traffic except by the two high schools before and after school. Life is good. Try living in San Jose, San Francisco or Los Angeles. The traffic and parking are nearly impossible in those cities. • Fair. Having a main artery from U.S. 101/Monterey Road to the northwest area would be nice, but we're stuck with Welburn, when it should have been Mantelli. When 10th Street finally connects with Santa Teresa, that will be a big help. But, we're growing and we just have to realize we can't "get across town" in 5 minutes anymore! • Not really liking the choices! I believe it is better than fair but not very good! So I will have to go with fair! • Actually, surprisingly good although somewhat heavier than when we first moved to Gilroy, of course. I think the lights around Christopher High School are especially responsive and on Santa Teresa in general. • Very good. I seldom have a problem with traffic except with people who don't pay attention to what they are doing or who don't think that stop signs/lights apply to them or at very high traffic locations around 10th and U.S. 101 or Leavesly and U.S. 101. • Good. The only issues with traffic are around schools when the are starting and getting out. It seems like most schools have plans that work pretty well. On Fridays and holiday weekends U.S. 101 backs up trying to get to Los Banos on Highway 152. • I believe it is good. There are a couple spots that notoriously back up, but they are associated with certain times and can be avoided.

First street gets smoother

A collective sigh of relief has been heard across Gilroy in response to the recent street paving up and down First Street—between Santa Teresa and the intersection of Monterey Road and Leavesley Avenue. As the road condition increasingly worsened over the last few years, locals and visitors began circumventing the bumpy, pothole-riddled street that is the main artery to grocery stores, retail, restaurants and many other services.

Sex offender information exists for the public good

The subject of how much scrutiny sex offenders who have served

A warm ‘thank you’ from your local paper

All around the country, families and friends are gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving. Here at the Gilroy Dispatch, we’re celebrating too.

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