Clear up the creek
”
Hello Red Phone. I’m just curious. … Has the city considered
contacting the water district regarding clearing the Uvas Creek of
the overgrowth and debris before we have a real back up problem and
flooding?
Clear up the creek
“Hello Red Phone. I’m just curious. … Has the city considered contacting the water district regarding clearing the Uvas Creek of the overgrowth and debris before we have a real back up problem and flooding? I suppose if the new school or some of the proposed housing out there gets flooded, something might get done. Now I suppose the city will have to hire a private consultant to make a decision to talk with the water district. I’m real sure they would hire a private attorney before they would answer those questions. So if you can get an answer, good luck. Thank you.”
Red Phone:
The Red Phone enjoyed your tinge of sarcasm and checked with water district spokesman Mike DiMarco to get an answer.
To decide who to call, you first have to know whether the portion of the creek lies inside the City of Gilroy or on county property. If it’s inside the city, contact the city at 846-0440 to file a complaint. If it’s in the Santa Clara Valley Water District at 299-2351.
And if you’re not sure, the best way to find out is by calling the water district or filing an online request for creek maintenance.
“We’ve got two clean-up programs – one begins in June and goes through October, where we go into the creeks, remove sediment, take care of overgrown vegetation and shore up creek banks,” DiMarco explained. “And then we have an emergency program in winter months.”
Both programs often rely on residents such as you, good caller, to serve as their eyes and ears, according to DiMarco. Give the city or water district a call or go to the Internet and fill out an online form at http://www.valleywater.org/Water/Watersheds_-_streams_and_floods. Once there, click on ‘service request forms’ and enter the requested information.
Looking to donate
“I’m calling about the letter to the editor recently in the Dispatch about contributions to the homeless shelter. I was thinking it would be really good if you could provide a phone number or contact information for those of us who would like to contribute books or clothes or whatever to the shelter. Thanks.”
Red Phone:
Thanks for the suggestion – and what a good one it is. The Red Phone is more than happy to oblige.
The Armory is located at 8490 Wren Ave. It is open for the shelter needs of individuals during colder winter months. This facility opens the last Monday in November and closes at the end of March.
To make donations to The Armory, stop by the Wren Avenue facility or call 847-8455.
The City of Gilroy also helps to fund the following agencies, which provide emergency housing assistance. The Red Phone imagines any of them would appreciate a helping hand.
– Domestic Violence Counseling and Shelter: 683-4118
– Community Solutions: 842-7138
– St. Joseph’s Family Center at 7950 Church St., Suite A, 842-6662
What’s the policy?
“Can you tell me if dogs are OK at Christmas Hill Park? I was there this weekend and there were several dogs running around without leashes. Thank you.”
Red Phone:
It checked with officials at Christmas Hill Park and was told that dogs are allowed, but not off-leash. Should you be at the park and notice off-leash animals, pick up your cell phone and call 842-6437.
Readers:
Have a question or comment that concerns Gilroy and its residents? Contact the Red Phone at 842-9070 or e-mail
re******@gi************.com
.
