YOUR GUIDE TO CITY-RELATED NEWS AND EVENTS | |
Coffee with the Mayor
Saturday, May 2
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Join Mayor Greg Bozzo for coffee and conversation as he discusses Gilroy’s transition to district-based elections. This November, City Council Districts 4, 5 and 6 will be up for election, with Districts 1, 2, and 3 following in the 2028 election.
Coffee with the Mayor will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 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 through Wordly.
✅ Coffee with the Mayor
✅ Date: May 2, 2026
✅ Time: 9:30 AM
✅ Location: Council Chambers at Gilroy City Hall located at 7351 Rosanna Avenue
To learn more about Gilroy’s first district elections, their potential benefits and how to run for office check out the April 2026 Spotlight
| | Fire Weather Watch: Be Ready & Stay Alert | | |
What is a Fire Weather Watch?
A Fire Weather Watch is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when upcoming weather conditions could lead to dangerous fire behavior. This is an early alert that fire risk is increasing. Use this time to stay aware, review your emergency plans, and make sure you’re prepared.
During a Fire Weather Watch, the City of Gilroy will keep the community informed through Nixle, the City’s social media channels (Facebook and Instagram), and the City’s website.
What to do during a Fire Weather Watch:
- Prepare an emergency supply kit with essentials such as medications, first aid supplies, and important documents.
- Create a family communication and evacuation plan so everyone knows what to do and where to go.
- Make arrangements for evacuating with pets or livestock if needed.
Learn more about Fire Weather Watches on the National Weather Service website.
Sign up for Nixle alerts to stay informed.
| | Now in the Email Express: New Translation and Accessibility Features | | |
Recently, the City introduced DocAccess, a tool that makes PDF documents on the website more accessible by allowing them to be transcribed and read by accessibility tools.
In addition, the Email Express will benefit from this new feature by allowing subscribers to translate the newsletter into their preferred language. When you click on the link at the top of the email, “Ver el correo electronico en español,” you will be directed to a transcribed version of the Email Express, where you can select your language of choice. A menu on the right-hand side, supported by DocAccess, provides tools for translation, reading, and display adjustments.
This new feature is part of the City’s effort to meet updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, a new feature that better supports residents with accessibility needs.
If you have any questions about DocAccess, please contact us at communications@cityofgilroy.org
| | Ready to Start Tracking Your Water Use? | | |
The City of Gilroy has partnered with AquaTrax, a free online tool that helps you monitor your water usage. Here’s how you can register and start tracking your water use:
Auto-registration: Check your email for a message from AquaTrax with a link to set your password and finish setup.
Manual registration: Visit www.myAquaTrax.com/Gilroy, click Register Now, and enter your account details from your utility bill.
Once registered, you’ll have access to real-time water usage, budgeting tools, and leak alerts.
For additional information or for questions regarding AquaTrax, contact our Utility Billing team at (408) 846-0420 or ub@cityofgilroy.org.
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Your Perspective Can Shape Gilroy's Climate Strategy
Take the Blue Skies Survey
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Gilroy’s Blue Skies Initiative is the city’s roadmap to reducing our overall Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
We invite everyone in the community to participate in the survey so we can better understand the needs, priorities, and opportunities for reducing GHG and VMT in our community. This may include ideas such as improving walking and biking connections, enhancing public transit options, and supporting energy‑efficient buildings and infrastructure.
Complete the online survey: www.cityofgilroy.org/BlueSkiesSurvey
For questions or concerns regarding the survey, please contact Valerie Negrete, Project Manager at valerie.negrete@cityofgilroy.org or the Blue Skies team at: gilroyblueskies@cityofgilroy.org.
To learn more about the project, visit the Blue Skies Initiative web page: Blue Skies Initiative | Gilroy, CA - Official Website
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Gilroy's Affordable Housing Month Series
Happening This May
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The City of Gilroy invites the community to participate in the Affordable Housing Workshop Series, five free in-person events, designed to connect residents and stakeholders with valuable housing-related resources and support.
From first-time homebuyer assistance to home modifications, each workshop offers practical information and resources to help you navigate housing opportunities in Gilroy.
2026 Affordable Housing Event Schedule:
May 6
Santa Clara County Manufactured Home Purchase Program Stakeholder Workshop
Gilroy Library Community Room 2nd Floor, 350 W. Sixth Street
2:00 PM (English with Spanish interpretation)
May 7
Lunch and Learn: Volunteering, supporting, contract work, and free home safety repair and modification services from Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley
San Martin Animal Shelter Community Room, 12425 Monterey Rd.
11:30 AM (English with Spanish interpretation)
May 13
Partnering to Expand Affordable Housing: Opportunities for Rental Property Owners (Overview of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly Section 8)
Gilroy Library Community Room 2nd Floor, 350 W. Sixth Street
6:00 PM (English with Spanish interpretation)
May 27
Developer Roundtable Meeting
Gilroy City Council Chambers, 7351 Rosanna Street
10:30 AM (English)
May 27
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and Guild Mortgage First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Workshop
Gilroy Library Community Room 2nd Floor, 350 W. Sixth Street
6:30 PM (English with Spanish interpretation)
To sign up for a workshop or learn more about Affordable Housing Month, visit Housing and Community Services.
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Notice of Public Hearing
Adoption Consideration for PY 2026-2027 draft Annual Action Plan and draft Citizen Participation Plan
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The City of Gilroy invites the community to a public hearing on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Council Chambers, to consider adoption of the draft PY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and draft Citizen Participation Plan (CPP).
The draft PY 2026-2027 (AAP) describes the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, projects and funding allocations planned for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, to address the priority needs and goals identified in the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan.
This plan is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to apply for federal housing and community development formula programs, such as CDBG.
In addition, the CPP establishes the policies and procedures by which the City solicits and incorporates public input in the development, implementation, and evaluation of federally funded housing and community development programs.
Public Hearing
Topic: Adoption Consideration for PY 2026-2027 draft Annual Action Plan and draft Citizen Participation Plan
Date: May 4, 2026
Location: Council Chambers located at 7351 Rosanna Street
Time: 6:00 PM
For more information on funding allocations and public hearing, visit Housing and Community Services.
| | Join the Gilroy Youth Commission | | |
Join the Gilroy Youth Commission and help shape programs, events and policies that support Gilroy’s youth. This is your chance to make a difference in your community.
The Commission is currently seeking youth ages 13-19 who live within Gilroy Unified School District to fill five two-year positions, ending in June, 30, 2028.
Applications are due on Friday, May 15, 2026, by 5:00 PM
Apply today!
Visit the Gilroy Youth Commission page to learn more and submit your application.
The Commission is made up of 11 members and meets once a month from August to May, with additional participation in special events and committee work throughout the year.
Official Youth Commission Recruitment Flyer
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Big Trucks, Big Fun: Public Works Open House
May 20, 2026
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Celebrate Public Works Week with a hands‑on, interactive open house for students, families, and community members of all ages. Come explore how our Public Works team keeps Gilroy running and discover career pathways in local government.
Join us to learn about:
- Water conservation
- Wastewater treatment
- Engineering
- Park and road maintenance
Enjoy activities and giveaways, including:
- Public Works vehicles and equipment on display
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Free bike helmets and fittings
- Bounce house
- Free compost (while supplies last)
- Giveaways and a raffle
Event: Public Works Week Community Open House
Date & Time: May 20, 2026 | 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Location: City Hall / Civic Center Plaza located at 7351 Rosanna Street
We hope to see you there!
Public Works Week Official Flyer
| | FREE Worm Composting Workshop | | |
Join the UC Cooperative Extension of Santa Clara County for a FREE worm composting workshop on Saturday, May 2 at the Gilroy Senior Center.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, come learn how to turn your kitchen and yard waste into compost using the power of worms.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 AM to Noon
Where: Gilroy Senior Center,7371 Hanna St., Gilroy
Click here for more information or to sign up for the workshop.
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The Gilroy Recreation team is excited to welcome both new and returning campers to a summer filled with adventure, where you will make new friends, discover and learn new things, and create unforgettable memories.
From science experiments to sports, from mastering ninja moves to creating masterpieces, there’s a camp for every interest and plenty of fun you don’t want to miss!
Register today to secure your spot!
Some of the featured camps include:
For more information, visit the Gilroy Recreation Online Activity Catalog.
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Uvas Creek Cleanup Day
Saturday, May 16
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Join us for National River Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 AM to noon and help us keep Uvas Creek clean!
The Gilroy Recreation team is looking for volunteers to support this cleanup effort. This is a great way to give back to your community, help beautify Gilroy, and protect the local environment.
Invite your friends and family to join and make a difference. Sign up for the cleanup today!
Volunteers of all ages are welcome!
Event Details:
National River Cleanup Day
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Location: Christmas Hill Park located at 7050 Miller Ave. - check in at Christmas Hill Park, Ranch Site Softball Field.
Participants under 18 must have a completed liability waiver in order to participate. You can download the waiver in advance or fill one out on-site.
Garbage bags, gloves, and litter pickers will be provided.
Hope to see you there!
Uvas Creek Cleanup Official Flyer
| | Caltrain and Biking Make Your Commute a Breeze | | |
Make the first and last part of your commute a breeze. Biking to Caltrain is a convenient way to reach the station, and riders have two options at Gilroy Station. You can secure your bike in an electronic locker for only 5¢ an hour or bring it on board Caltrain. Pick the option that fits your trip and travel with confidence.
Learn more at www.caltrain.com/bikes.
| | Bike to Wherever Days is Here! | | |
Join thousands across the Bay Area and pledge to ride your bike. The traditional Bike to Work Day has transformed into a 3-day celebration from May 14-16.
While this event runs for three days, the entire month of May is Bike Month. So, challenge your friends and family and go for a ride!
Don’t forget to visit the following Energizer Station:
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The Gilroy Parks and Recreation Commission will be at the Christmas Hill Park levee entrance (on Miller) on Thursday, May 14 from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
The 6th Annual Ride the Gardens is scheduled for Friday, May 15, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gilroy Gardens. Participants must register to ride. This event is limited to 400 participants. Register to Ride the Gardens Today!
Visit Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition for bike resources and events.
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Now Hiring: Operations Services Supervisor
Public Works-Operations Division
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The City of Gilroy is seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Services Supervisor to join the Public Works Department and oversee key functions in Streets/Trees/Stormwater & Drainage. This is a unique opportunity to lead essential public infrastructure services while playing a meaningful role in shaping the future of our city’s maintenance and operations.
The Supervisor will manage a skilled team responsible for maintaining and repairing the city’s streets, sidewalks, storm drains, street trees, and flood control infrastructure. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the health, safety, and well-being of the Gilroy community.
Learn more about this job and apply at www.cityofgilroy.org/jobs
Application open until filled.
| | Santa Teresa Fire Station Staffing Report | | |
During the week of April 17, 2026, our firefighters staffed the Interim Santa Teresa Fire Station for five days.
We will staff the station as often as available personnel and responsible overtime practices allow.
When we have enough staffing, we will place the station in service with either:
- A Type 1 engine with three firefighters, or
- A Type 6 engine with two firefighters, depending on daily personnel availability.
On days when we do not have qualified personnel, we will leave the station unstaffed. This approach aligns with our winter-season operations.
We will continue to staff the station whenever heightened public safety concerns arise, including:
- State of emergency declarations
- Red Flag Warnings
- Fourth of July and surrounding weekends
- Potential flood conditions or other disasters
- Public events or gatherings where increased risk is identified
This weekly report is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency regarding the staffing status of the Santa Teresa Fire Station.
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Gilroy Students Complete Beyond Gilroy Program
Inspiring Youth Through Oceanic and Natural Life Exploration
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This spring, the Gilroy Recreation Division partnered with Save Our Shores, a Santa Cruz based environmental organization, to bring a hands-on learning experience to local youth. Over the course of 4 months, more than a dozen middle school students participated in an after school and weekend program, designed to explore and discover the oceanic and natural life of Monterey Bay.
Throughout the program, students engaged in interactive science experiments, team‑building activities, and discussions focused on solutions to address climate change. Students attended field trips to scenic locations, including Lovers Point Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods, Elkhorn Slough Reserve, and Palm Beach State Park. In addition to these outdoor adventures, participants completed six classroom-based learning sessions that helped them connect their field experiences.
The program was a great success and will be offered again next school year.
Thank you to all the youth who participated!
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Voices of Our Community
Celebrating Positive Feedback
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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.
After receiving a phone call asking if we could point out the largest drain in town, and the ensuing conversation and interactions, we received this note of appreciation to our water conservation officers, Heidi and Jessica:
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Dear Heidi and Jessica,
When I called last week on behalf of my young son, seeking the biggest drain in Gilroy, never in my wildest imagination did I expect such a thoughtful, generous, and kind response as the one you gave us. When you asked for my address, I assumed you might drop a few stickers in the mailbox, so I was pretty bummed when I stepped out to take my son to the Aquarium, only to see you on our cameras at the front door not ten minutes after we’d left.
When we got home, I almost didn’t know what to make of what we saw. There was so much in those bags. There was no shortage of “oohs” and “ahhs” as our son, Ethan, methodically went through every item, practically shaking with excitement. This kid loves watering plants with the hose on the Jet setting, and you had two spray nozzles in the bag. He loves small figures, so the water drop guy was an immediate hit. He’s a fan of clocks and time, so the hourglass timers for short showers were an instant classic. You also unknowingly upgraded the little man from Duplo blocks to his first proper LEGO set, which he absolutely loves.
I could go on, but I really just wanted to say thank you for taking time out of your day, on a whim, to do something so thoughtful. It brought our whole household some much-needed joy, and it’s a memory we won’t soon forget.
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We were absolutely delighted to receive this message and are so happy to hear how much joy the surprise brought to Ethan and your family. Our team always loves connecting with our community, and your note truly made our day.
A big shout‑out to Heidi and Jessica for going above and beyond—this is such a great example of the care and creativity they bring to their work every day.
And of course, we couldn’t resist sharing this wonderful photo of Ethan eagerly inspecting a great drain (we cropped the image to respect his privacy). His curiosity and enthusiasm are contagious!
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. Stories like this remind us why we do what we do.
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Have you noticed any potholes, water leaks, streetlight outages, tree issues, or have a neighborhood or city-related concern?
Our online service request portal and mobile app (available for download in app store), GilroyConnect, makes it easier than ever to report city-related concerns.
With just a few simple steps, you can submit your request, track your service request, and view other resident requests.
Once your request is submitted, you will have the option to create an account, which will give you access to additional features and to receive updates on your service request.
| | | Ask Gilroy: Your City, Your Questions! | | |
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions!
We've provided answers to some of the questions below, and look forward to more questions this week.
❓I live off of Mesa Rd near Gavilan college. Throughout the day I see drivers completely ignore the stop signs on this street. The speed through them like they are not there. This can endanger pedestrians and children riding bikes on the street. Can you install traffic cameras or have a police check point to help deter drives from driving through the stop signs?
Thank you to the resident who shared this concern regarding traffic safety on Mesa Road near Gavilan College.
Speeding and violations of stop signs and traffic signs/signals are issues we take seriously, as they directly impact the safety of our community. Our goal is to ensure that residents feel safe walking, biking, and traveling through our neighborhoods. This is especially important in areas where pedestrians and children are present.
We have added this location to our list of traffic complaints. Both patrol officers and traffic officers will monitor the area and conduct enforcement as their time and call load allow. Focused enforcement can be an effective way to address unsafe driving behaviors and improve compliance with traffic laws.
Regarding the use of traffic cameras, our department does not currently utilize red light cameras or speed cameras. At this time, speed enforcement cameras are not authorized for use in our city and are only being introduced on a limited basis through pilot programs in select California jurisdictions.
We appreciate community members bringing these concerns forward. Your input helps us identify problem areas and prioritize enforcement efforts to improve safety for everyone.
❓Is there more information regarding Gilroy Gardens event for Gilroy residents in May? I don't see anything on the city website.
(response provided by Gilroy Gardens)
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park's all-new event Voyage to the Islands kicks off Saturday, May 2nd and we are celebrating with a special offer just for Gilroy residents! On May 2nd & 3rd, Gilroy residents can start their adventure with discounted admission for just $12 and $12 parking. Proof of residency required. For more information visit www.gilroygardens.org/special-offers
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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! 🚀
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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
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