October 19, 2018
Hey Gilroy, What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
This is the question our planners posed to a group of 4th grade classes at Glen View Elementary School a few weeks ago. And the students responded with some compelling ideas covering recreation, economic development, health and vitality, shelter and education. The future is in good hands. Their ideas will be on display at City Hall in the near future. In the meantime, we've digitized just a handful of their ideas. Take a look and see if they captured what you would like to see in Gilroy in the next 20 years.
Gilroy is currently operating under the Gilroy 2020 General Plan which guides the growth of our community through 2020. But in the near future, we will begin planning growth through 2040. To be part of the process, take a look at our General Plan 2040 Project Page and subscribe for updates.
City Council Happenings
October 15th City Council Meeting Highlights:

  • The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce received a proclamation recognizing the week of October 15th as Chamber of Commerce Week.
  • A multi-way stop control was approved at the intersection of 6th Street and Eigleberry Street.
  • Recruitment to fill the volunteer position of city historian was opened. Applications are available on the city website and are being accepted until December 4th.
  • An ordinance amending the city code entitled "Protected Tree Removal" was introduced. The amendment addresses removal of significant trees on private property in order to protect this resource and regulate the removal or destruction of  protected trees and tree communities within the city. 
  • Council considered a request to subdivide a 8.36 acre site, located between the northern end of Greenfield Drive and Uvas Creek, into 14 single-family residential lots, 2 common lots and a 3.7 acre park reserve. This item was continued to their November 5th Council Meeting.
  • A report on oversized recreational vehicle enforcement was presented and direction was given to enhance enforcement of Gilroy City Codes relative to oversized recreational vehicles in public right of way.  
  • Council received a report on illegal fireworks enforcement on the Fourth of July, 2018 showing increased reporting and citations.
  • A proposal to develop a dirt pump track (bicycle skills area) was presented and direction was given to draft a Memorandum of Understanding that will come back to Council for approval to proceed with site evaluation and project development.

City Council will hold a Council Study Session on Monday, October 29th at 6:00 PM on the topics of Annexation, Housing and LAFCO . The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will take place on Monday, November 5th at 6:00 PM . Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers located at 7351 Rosanna Street.


Bicycle Pedestrian Commission 10/23 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers
Public Art Committee 10/24 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers
First Street Improvement Projects Update
Westwood/Wren Avenue: Waterline construction crews will continue to work along FIRST STREET between Westwood and Wren Avenue for the next few weeks.

Monday through Friday
9 am–3 pm
One lane in each direction will be maintained.

Please remember: Slow down, watch for construction workers, equipment and obey signage and traffic controls. Delays should be expected; please plan ahead and add extra time to your commute.

Water line interruptions are NOT anticipated until Feb-Mar 2019.

Construction will proceed along First Street from Santa Teresa Boulevard towards Monterey Road. Waterline construction activities are anticipated through Summer 2019.

If you have any questions about the project, please call our project helpline at 408-220-6025.

Great ShakeOut: Are You Ready?
This week, organizations across the state practiced the Great ShakeOut to plan and prepare for resiliency in the event of an earthquake. During an emergency situation, communications are key to receiving accurate and timely information. Remember to sign up for emergency communications from the City of Gilroy including the following platforms: CityofGilroy.org, Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, Nixle, AlertSCC and AM 1610.


Conversation and Coffee with Mayor Velasco
Join Mayor Roland Velasco for Conversation and Coffee on Saturday, October 20th at 9:30 am in Council Chambers. Joining the mayor will be representatives from the Economic Development Corporation, Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and Visit Gilroy. 
Volunteer and Help Guide Our Community
Interested in helping to guide growth and development in our community? Or fostering transparency in local government? Perhaps you have a passion for the arts and an interest in seeing arts flourish in our town? The City of Gilroy has several openings on volunteer Boards and Commissions and is looking for passionate, open-minded volunteers who have an interest in guiding our community through these volunteer positions. Appointments to Boards and Commissions are made by City Council. Applications are available online and must be received by Tuesday, December 4th at 5:00 PM.

Spirits Night at San Ysidro Park
Party in the Park series presents Spirits Night on Friday, October 26 at San Ysidro Park. Participate in games, arts & crafts, face painting, children's costume contest and more! The Halloween celebration is from 5:00 to 6:00pm and the Spirits Night celebration is from 6:30 to 8:00pm.

Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest
The Recreation Department and the Gilroy Elks Lodge #1567 are hosting the Elks National "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest. The contest is open to boys and girls, ages 8 to 13 and will be held on Saturday, November 3 at Solorsano Middle School Gym from 7:30-11:00am. Admission is free.

Great Garlic 5K