There are some nasty rumors about the City of Gilroy eliminating
animal control due to budget cuts.
“There are some nasty rumors about the City of Gilroy eliminating animal control due to budget cuts. How are the citizens of Gilroy supposed to deal with aggressive and wild animals in the neighborhood? Back in March of 2008, my dog was attacked by a pit bull. My animal was seriously injured. The pit bull was seized by animal control. Now the animal would be allowed to run loose. The Dispatch has written several stories of pit bull attacks on postal workers and other citizens who were injured. The City of Gilroy needs animal control!”
Red Phone: Dear Lock ‘Em Up, The police department has not eliminated animal control yet. However, the department has scaled back on the number of community service officers who deal with animal control issues, said Gilroy Police Sgt. Jim Gillio. Currently, the department has three CSOs, and one deals primarily with animal control. The department used to have the equivalent of about two more CSOs before budget cuts.
State law requires that all animal bites be reported to animal control. You should also seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection. You can report any problems with animals to the police non-emergency line at 846-0350.
Widening Santa Teresa
“I would like to know if the city is planning to add a bike lane on Santa Teresa near Christopher High on the northbound side (the southbound side has one) and on Day Road on the westbound side (eastbound has one). As far as the widening project on Hecker Pass west of Santa Teresa is concerned, is the City of Gilroy planning to add a bike lane there too?”
and …
“I’m trying to find out if Santa Teresa is going to be widened to four lanes from Longmeadow to Day Road. Now that Christopher High has opened, there is a backup every morning. I tried looking online but could not find any information about the city’s plan for handling the extra traffic from the school. Thanks.”
Red Phone: Dear Wide Ride, Widening of Santa Teresa to four lanes and adding additional bike lanes is indeed part of the city’s master plan. However, the money for the construction is not currently in the city’s budget, so it could be at least five years before it becomes a reality, said City Engineer Don Dey. As of now there are no plans to add a bike lane northbound on Santa Teresa Boulevard. There are a couple trails in the area the city has grants for that are currently in the design and review stage, Dey said. One would go near Del Buono Elementary School near Lions Creek and the other would go on the west side of Uvas Creek to Solorsano Middle School.
Crossing too narrow
“I think somebody should look at the crossing they have at Day Road coming into Santa Teresa Boulevard. It’s a hazard. When you get into the turn to Santa Teresa, a car barely makes it through that opening. Thank you.”
Red Phone: Dear Too Close For Comfort, The area you are talking about recently had a stop light installed which should have fixed the problem, Dey said. “It is wide enough for cars, but it is a little tough for trucks,” he said. “Now the traffic signal fully controls the movements there so that problem should be alleviated as a result.”
