October 12, 2018
Hello Gilroy!
It's another beautiful day in the Golden State with clear skies and highs in the eighties all weekend long.

And it's a beautiful weekend to consider a trip to the Renaissance Fair. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the fair provides an opportunity to step back in time and enjoy fine foods, homemade crafts, costumed performances, concerts, rides and activities.

Or bring your little ones to Gilroy Gardens@Night Halloween! Open Friday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the little ones can trick-or-treat for candy, ride favorite rides, take a ride on the "Boo Train," and enjoy an all new live show "The Great Big Boo!"

Whatever you decide to do with your time, we hope you enjoy your weekend in our beautiful town.
City Council Happenings
October 15th City Council Agenda Highlights:

  • Council will consider approval of establishing a multi-way stop control at the intersection of 6th Street and Eigleberry Street.
  • Council will consider opening recruitment to fill the volunteer position of city historian.
  • Council will discuss a possible amendment to the "Protected Tree Removal" code. The amendment would cover topics such as landscaping, water efficiency and stormwater retention and treatment.
  • Council will discuss 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 .
  • Council will receive a report on oversized recreational vehicle enforcement.
  • Council will receive a report on illegal fireworks enforcement on the fourth of July, 2018.
  • Council will receive a report on a proposal to develop a dirt pump track (bicycle skills area) within a vacant portion of land at Christmas Hill Park.

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.


Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/16 at 6:00 PM
Historic Heritage Committee Meeting 10/17 at 6:00 PM
Community and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee Meeting 10/17 at 6:45 PM
City Hall will be Closed Today, Friday, October 12, 2018 from Noon until End of Day.
Lane Restrictions at First and Westwood Starting Today (10/12)
Know Before You Go – 
Due to water line improvements, new lane restrictions and detours will be in place at First Street and Westwood Drive on Friday 10/12 from 9 am – 3 pm. Expect delays. Use alternate routes. Observe traffic controls. Watch for heavy equipment.

What is a Planner?
Our City of Gilroy Planners influence the future of our community by planning out ways to better our community’s health, happiness and general well-being.  They use the following value statements to guide their work:
  • Housing for people of all income levels
  • Jobs available for everyone who lives in Gilroy
  • Transportation for all: public transit, bicycles, pedestrians, and automobiles
  • Plenty of parks, recreation and open space
  • A downtown with restaurants, entertainment, and more
  • Protect the environment- air, water, nature
  • Strong revenues to pay for city services
  • Healthy community

National Community Planning Month is here and all month long we’re celebrating the lasting value that good planning brings to communities. Share your favorite spaces and places in Gilroy and celebrate with us!
What Are You Doing to Get More Prepared? 
Great ShakeOut 2018
Remember, we’re all in this together. With so many things to think about and do every day, preparing for an emergency can seem overwhelming. Start by making a plan including emergency communications, meeting locations and basic emergency supplies. Don’t forget to include schools and emergency contact information in your plan.  Ready.gov can be a helpful resource for planning.
The 2018 California Great ShakeOut Day will be held next week on Thursday, October 18th. As part of the Great ShakeOut, millions of people around the world will practice how to be safer during earthquakes including planning and preparing ahead.  

The City of Gilroy and Gilroy Unified School District hold regular emergency operation meetings to plan and prepare for emergency situations. We invite all of our community to join us during the Great ShakeOut in practicing, planning and preparing for safety and resilience during emergencies.
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.

Affordable Apartment Rentals
Property management companies are currently accepting pre-applications for 3 affordable housing projects in Gilroy; Alexander Station, Harvest Park and Cannery Apartments.

We are providing this information as a courtesy to our residents. For questions regarding rentals, please contact the respective property management company. For your convenience, additional information and applications are available on our website.
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