Opinion

After two decades of addressing homelessness and housing in the public sector for various jurisdictions, I’ve learned that effective solutions and results depend on collaborative leadership. Prioritizing housing solutions, providing immediate relief for those experiencing homelessness, and facilitating housing necessary for the economic mobility...

Vote for responsible candidate for council I am voting for Kelly Ramirez for Gilroy City Council, and I want to share why.  I’ve had the privilege of knowing Kelly for many years and can confidently say that she is a person of exceptional moral character and...

Candidate opposes negative campaign When I began my mayoral campaign last spring, I wrote a letter to every council member, including the mayor, expressing my intention to run an honest and fair campaign. Our team has done that.  Now, people and entities from outside our community...

Hidden hands shape our local election I am outraged by the recent revelations surrounding the group responsible for sponsoring negative campaign mailers against Mayor Blankley. These attacks are funded by “Building Tomorrow, sponsored by California Friends and Family,” a group that was previously known as...

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Gilroy, the La Ofrenda Festival—Gilroy’s second annual Día de Muertos Festival & Wellness Fair from1-7pm Nov. 2—will be an extraordinary event and is more than just a day of festivities; it’s an immersive experience that embraces the essence...

A crucial decision This election, Gilroyans can vote for a strong incumbent, Mayor Marie Blankley, or a candidate with absolutely no experience in city government. In my opinion, that would be reckless and very risky. I believe this city deserves Marie as mayor for another...

Each October, for more than 40 years, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association distributed between $200,000-$300,000 to nonprofit organizations from proceeds earned at the annual July event. What some people may not recognize is the total amount of money raised at the festival by local...

As you prepare to vote in this election, I encourage you to choose someone who has consistently led with integrity, dedication and hard work—someone with a proven track record. I am proud to say that I don’t rely on attacking others because my actions...

Experience & leadership I support re-electing Marie Blankley as Gilroy Mayor. As a long time Gilroy resident (37-plus years), it has been great having her represent us. No hidden agendas, she listens to both sides before making a decision that she feels best serves the...

Homelessness a key issue in Gilroy election Early on and after the 2020 election, Gilroy City Council Woman Rebeca Armendariz strongly urged that Gilroy use Christmas Hill Park, and other Gilroy parks, for housing the homeless, in essence creating massive tent cities across Gilroy.  At the...