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Gilroy
April 16, 2026

Count every day a blessing and carry on a fine Gilroy tradition – give

I hadn’t seen Karen – or her sister – in a while, but she was a thought that popped up a few times in my mind before getting buried by “the next” of a busy American life. Then, I got an email that directed me to a site and the news written by Liz Fortino Glass: “Karen Covington Fortino had an active, vibrant life as an aqua aerobic instructor, manager of a coffee house, barista and waitress at night. Then, during a routine doctor appointment on June 14, she was diagnosed with extreme hypertension … But that didn't get her down; she picked up the pieces … found another job at a doctor’s office and began a new journey … a few months later, Karen noticed a suspicious lump in the back of her throat … more bad news; there was a large mass and the diagnosis had progressed to stage 4 (cancer). The only good news: it was 90 percent curable.” “Barista” Karen – I use the term loosely and with affection – made my morning for years at the coffee shop downtown on Fifth and Monterey. Her personality, friendly greetings, banter on the Gilroy issues of the day and hearty laughter coupled with a “cup of Joe” were a true pick-me-up. Her insurance, of course, won’t begin to cover the treatment, so there’s a website called gofundme.com where you can help. A direct link is www.gofundme.com/4wlztk. There’s $6,500 in the help Karen kitty and every bit truly helps.

Gas, Bush and Wal-Mart

June 10, 2004: Responding to terrorist attacks in the Kingdom

Railroad event supports the hungry

South Valley residents are invited to an enjoyable event that happens only once a year. On Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a dozen members of the Bay Area Garden Railway Society will open their yards in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Hollister and Salinas for public viewing of their beautiful gardens and elaborate model railroad layouts.

GOLF: Justesen likely done after second round at Frys.com Open

The Live Oak graduate finished 2-over-par 73 Friday at

Guglielmo celebrates 80th anniversary with week full of events

Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill is celebrating its 80th

GETTING OUT: Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail keeps your eyes busy

The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail is a classic Bay Area backpack trip. Any journey that goes from hilltops cloaked with Douglas firs through forests of old growth redwoods, past an 80-foot waterfall to the Pacific Ocean has a lot to recommend it.

GETTING OUT: A surprise along Mount Hamilton Road

It is always a sweet surprise to drop into Halls Valley, the

Olympics somewhat different today

OK, I admit it; I've gotten sucked into watching the Olympics. I

Say ‘Hi’ to Hyacinth

Right now, the best way to see hyacinth is in pictures on boxes

“Just in Case”

When it comes to packing for vacation, there are two types of

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