YOUR GUIDE TO CITY-RELATED NEWS AND EVENTS | |
Statement to the Gilroy Community from the City of Gilroy | |
|
Dear Gilroy,
In light of recent conversations throughout the country regarding immigration, we wanted to take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to all members of our community, regardless of your immigration status. The City of Gilroy and the Gilroy Police Department remain committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and dignity of every individual who calls our city home.
We understand that conversations around immigration status can be sensitive. These discussions can result in fear and uncertainty for some of our community members. Please know, the City of Gilroy will continue to provide essential services to all, including emergency services. An individual’s immigration status does not play any part in how we treat you or how we serve you. We will not ask about your immigration status, ever.
We also want to assure you that the Gilroy Police Department is focused on keeping our community safe and does not participate in enforcement of federal immigration laws. Our local law enforcement officers are here to serve every member of this community, regardless of immigration status. We encourage everyone to continue to reach out to the police for assistance when needed. If you are a victim or a witness of a crime, we urge you to report it without fear of immigration enforcement. We will not ask about your immigration status, ever. Your safety is our top priority, and we will do all we can to help you without judgment or fear of deportation.
We are a city that values diversity, inclusion, and compassion. We stand by you, and we will continue to work to create a community where everyone can thrive in safety and peace.
You are an important part of our city, and together, we will ensure that Gilroy remains a welcoming place for all.
| |
Coffee with the Mayor: Strategic Planning | |
|
The community is invited to join Mayor Greg Bozzo for conversation and coffee to discuss your priorities for the City, Council Strategic Planning, or any other topics pertaining to the City.
Coffee with the Mayor will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 9:30 AM in Council Chambers, located at 7351 Rosanna Street.
To ensure everyone can participate, we are offering Spanish-language interpretation services for this meeting. To request this service, please get in touch with communications@cityofgilroy.org at least 72 hours before the meeting.
To learn more about Strategic Planning, check out the January 2025 Mayor’s Spotlight.
✅ Coffee with the Mayor
✅ Date: February 1, 2025
✅ Time: 9:30 AM
✅ Location: Council Chambers at Gilroy City Hall located at 7351 Rosanna Avenue
| |
County Votes to Change Fire Services to Unincorporated County Areas | |
|
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the County Board of Supervisors voted to dissolve the South Santa Clara County Fire District (unincorporated County areas), which currently receives its services via a contract with CalFire. The Board proposes to replace this service with that of the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
This proposal will be presented to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), which will assess how the County will deliver services in those areas moving forward. Evaluation processes through LAFCO typically take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. In this circumstance, both the Board of Directors for the South Santa Clara County Fire District and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors are in agreement with this proposed action. This agreement may affect the timing of the LAFCO process, but the exact timeline is undetermined at this time. Part of this process includes having community forums and involving the stakeholders who may be affected by this change, which would include the City of Gilroy.
Should this proposed action be approved through LAFCO, a transition would occur, transferring fire services from the contract with Cal Fire to the Santa Clara County Fire Department. The existing contract with Cal Fire is slated to expire on June 30, 2025.
In the event the transition of service providers is approved, the Santa Clara County Fire Department has indicated they have no intention of closing the Tree Haven or Masten Avenue stations in the Gilroy area. Their intent is to maintain these stations and the service levels currently provided.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
| |
|
Are You Registered?
Stay Informed with AlertSCC and Nixle
| |
|
Staying informed is crucial during and after a crisis. The City of Gilroy recommends that all residents sign up for AlertSCC AND Nixle to receive timely notifications about emergencies such as wildfires, earthquakes, severe weather, evacuations, and public safety incidents.
AlertSCC is used by Santa Clara County and may be used by the City of Gilroy to deliver critical updates directly to your mobile device, email, or landline about emergencies such as flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, or public safety incidents that impact your neighborhood.
Stay Prepared and keep your family safe - sign up today at AlertSCC.org
Nixle keeps you connected with emergency updates from local agencies, including the City of Gilroy and Gilroy Police Department. Receive alerts about severe weather, wildfires, public safety events, and more by texting your ZIPCODE to 888777. For additional details, visit Nixle.com
| |
|
Help Guide Gilroy's Planning & Funding Decisions
Survey Closes on January 31, 2025
| |
|
The Gilroy Community Survey 2024-2025 is now live! Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of our community.
Please take a few moments to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas for our community.
Your input will be used to help guide important planning and funding decisions for the next two fiscal years. The survey is quick – it takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
📝 Survey Link: gilroy.city/survey
🔒 Submissions are anonymous, and no personal information is collected.
⏰ The survey closes on January 31, 2025.
Thank you for helping make Gilroy an even better place to live, work, and play!
| |
Translation Services Available for All City Council Meetings | |
|
The City of Gilroy is proud to offer Wordly, a real-time translation service for City Council meetings. Whether you attend in person or watch online, accessing the translation for the meeting has never been easier.
In-Person:
- Bring a mobile device and earbuds if you'd like to listen.
- Scan the QR code on meeting agendas or the TV screen before the meeting begins.
Online:
-
Once a meeting has begun, visit the City Council Real-Time Translation Services webpage and click the translation link.
With Wordly, you can choose from over 30 languages, including Spanish, and listen or read the text of the meeting in real time.
Questions? Contact communications@cityofgilroy.org.
Learn more and access meetings on the City's Meeting and Agendas webpage.
| |
Know Your Code: Feather Banners | |
|
If you are thinking about using a feather banner sign in the City of Gilroy, it is important to know the rules you must follow. According to Gilroy Municipal Code Section 30.37.20, subsection (d) item 20, feather banners do not require a permit. However, there are still specific regulations they need to comply with.
Placement Restrictions: Feather banners may not be placed on vacant lots, public property, or extend onto neighboring private property. They must not be attached to utility poles or light standards in public areas.
Installation Guidelines: Feather banners must be securely installed and may not protrude into the public right-of-way, drive aisles, parking spaces, or other areas necessary for vehicle and pedestrian access. Exposed braces, guy wires, or cables are not permitted. The maximum height is 11 feet, while the maximum width is 2 feet 6 inches.
Visibility Requirements: To ensure safety, feather banners must not obstruct visibility over 3 feet high adjacent to driveways, alleys, or corners. This includes the triangular area formed by the intersection of the property lines and a line connecting points 20 feet from each corner.
Number of Feather Banners Allowed: The number of feather banners allowed on a property is limited to one for every 25 lineal feet of street frontage. If the property faces more than one public street, the longer side will be used for this calculation.
Adhering to these requirements ensures that your signage meets Gilroy’s Municipal Code while effectively promoting your business or event.
For questions, please get in touch with Code Enforcement for assistance at (408) 846-0454 or by e-mail at codeenforcement@cityofgilroy.org.
| |
|
Calling Young Actors!
Auditions for HONK! Jr. on Saturday, January 25
| |
|
The City of Gilroy Recreation Division and Little Theatre Productions are thrilled to announce auditions for HONK! Jr., a heartwarming, hilarious musical based on the story of The Ugly Duckling.
📅 Audition Date: Saturday, January 25th
📍 Location: Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna Street
🎭 Audition Schedule:
Ages 6-11: 10:00 AM
Ages 12-17: 12:30 PM
Pre-registration is required – scan the QR code on the audition flyer to sign up!
Prepare a song to sing a cappella and wear comfortable clothes for dancing.
Performance dates: March 21-30
Don't miss this chance to shine in a funny and touching tale about self-acceptance, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
| |
Join the Audax Youth Soccer League this Spring | |
|
Open to children aged 4.5 to 13 years, the Audax Youth Soccer League provides:
- 8 Saturday games, starting March 22
- One 60-minute practice per week
Registration Details:
- Early Bird Registration: Save $50 by registering before February 1
- Final Registration Deadline: March 1
Fees: $300 per participant (Early Bird: $250)
Location: All games and practices will be held at local Gilroy parks.
Don't miss out on this opportunity for fun, fitness, and teamwork!
Register online today: Audax Youth Soccer League Registration
Official Flyer
| |
Now Hiring: Environmental or Civil Engineer | |
|
The City of Gilroy is seeking a full-time Environmental or Civil Engineer to join the Utilities Department. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment.
The ideal candidate will play a key role in designing, implementing, and optimizing water treatment processes while developing sustainable practices to ensure clean, safe water for our community.
The Environmental Engineer will primarily support operations at the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) treatment plant. Responsibilities include permitting, reporting, planning, coordinating, and directing the design, investigation, development, operation, and construction of various civil and environmental engineering wastewater projects. The successful candidate will also apply modern principles and practices of Civil and Environmental Engineering to propose innovative ideas for operational and infrastructure improvements.
We look forward to meeting you! Apply today at CityofGilroy.org/jobs
Application deadline: February 24, 2025.
| |
Now Hiring: Operations Services Supervisor | |
|
The City of Gilroy is seeking a full-time Operations Services Supervisor for the Utilities Department. In this role, you will help shape the future of the City’s wastewater infrastructure maintenance and management.
The ideal candidate will have experience in the maintenance and repair of wastewater collections systems, including comprehensive knowledge and implementation of Sewer System Management Plans (SSMP), maintenance techniques and construction repair methods.
Don't Wait! Apply now at CityofGilroy.org/jobs
Application deadline: February 17, 2025
| |
Santa Teresa Fire Station Staffing Report | |
|
During the week of January 10, 2025, the Interim Santa Teresa Fire Station was staffed for two days.
During winter, when fire risk is generally lower, the Santa Teresa Station will mostly remain unstaffed.
We will continue to staff the Santa Teresa Fire Station with overtime when necessary in the event of heightened public safety concerns, such as:
- State of emergency declarations
- Red flag warnings
- 4th of July and the surrounding weekend
- Potential flood or other disaster
- Public events or gatherings in which there is a significant concern for public safety
This weekly report is provided as part of our commitment to transparency regarding the staffing status at the Santa Teresa Fire Station.
| |
|
Welcome to another Good in Gilroy adventure! This time, we explored Indoor Pickleball at the Wheeler Center, where approximately 17 players gathered to enjoy the game. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of ping pong, tennis, and badminton, and while the game can be played at a slow pace, it can also become fast-paced depending on the players’ skill level.
If you are looking for a fun way to stay active and connect with others in the community, Indoor Pickleball might be for you. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, welcoming both beginners and experienced players.
For more information, visit the Recreation Online Activity Guide!
| |
|
Voices of Our Community
Celebrating Positive Feedback
| |
|
Welcome to “Voices of Our Community,” where we spotlight the positive feedback and words of gratitude we've received from you—our community. Each message featured here is carefully selected to highlight the good news and positive experiences that embody the spirit and unity making Gilroy a great place to call home.
Responding to services provided by one of our building inspectors, we received this note:
| |
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback! We work hard to provide excellent customer service, and it's always great to hear that our efforts are paying off. | |
Ask Gilroy: Your City, Your Questions! | |
|
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions this week!
We've provided answers to some of the questions below, and look forward to more questions this week!
Responses provided by City Administrator Jimmy Forbis:
❓Will the City of Gilroy be enforcing new parking law AB413 prohibiting anyone from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or 15 feet from a crosswalk where a curb extension is present. The law also does not require to be painted red nor signs be posted for this violation.
AB 413. Vehicles: stopping, standing, and parking.
This bill prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
The Gilroy Police Department will be focusing on educating local residents about the new law from January 1, 2025, through April 1, 2025. To ensure the community is well-informed, the department will utilize various methods, including social media posts featuring informative graphics and explanatory content. Regular updates will be shared to offer reminders and provide clarifications on any evolving details.
One key update currently under review involves the violation fee, as Santa Clara County has yet to release the Traffic Bail Schedule for 2025. The department is actively working to obtain this crucial information.
Beginning on April 2, 2025, the Gilroy Police Department will begin full enforcement of the new law. Officers will retain discretion in determining enforcement actions, which may range from issuing a warning to issuing a parking citation, depending on the circumstances.
FAQ's
- Will the curbs be painted, or will there be "No Parking" signs near the corners of intersections?
- No, There is no requirement for painted curbs or "No Parking" signs.
- Is there mapping of all the areas where parking will be restricted?
- There is no mapping area because this law affects every intersection in California.
- How is "park" defined? Car parked, no occupants? Car stopped, engine running with occupants?
- Vehicles cannot be left parked, stopped, or standing, whether occupied or not.
- Does this rule apply to both sides of the road or just the side coming up to the intersection?
- This law only applies to the approach side of the street as you approach the intersection.
- Does this apply to neighborhoods as well? Does this mean I can no longer park in front of my house?
- Yes, this applies to all neighborhoods, including residential.
| |
Have you ever wondered about Gilroy's infrastructure, upcoming developments, municipal services, or important community events? Your curiosity fuels our mission to provide you with answers.
📢 How It Works:
Ask Away: Drop your questions in the “Ask Gilroy” survey form
We Answer: Each week, we'll pick a question and provide a detailed answer in our weekly email
Stay Informed: Sign up for our emails to access our answers and stay in the loop.
It's time to unlock the mysteries of Gilroy together! Let's dive into the heart of our community and discover what makes our city tick.
👉 Ready to ask? Drop your questions in the survey form linked below and let’s go! 🚀
| |
City of Gilroy
Office Hours
Gilroy City Hall is open to the public Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, and on Friday by appointment only.
City of Gilroy
(408) 846-0219
7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020
www.cityofgilroy.org
| | | | |
