October 23, 2020
Hello Gilroy,
It's one of the most beloved scenes in the 90's TV show, "Friends." Ross gets a new couch and enlists the help of his friends to get it up the stairs. But the couch is a bit large for the turn in the staircase and ends up getting stuck as Ross unsuccessfully directs everyone to "pivot" around this impossibly tight corner.

And hence in my family, whenever something is going unexpectedly awry, we turn to each other and in the most annoying voice possible exclaim, "pivot!" I've included a clip below so you can get the full effect. I assure you that this annoying proclamation is soon followed by fits of laughter.
In the business world, the term “pivot” has become a buzzword referring to a significant business change. A pivot is usually intended to help a business recover from a tough period, or survive after experiencing new factors that make the original business model unsustainable. And hence, it seems that 2020 has been all about the "pivot." And while the challenges have been great, let's take a moment to look at the ways we've successfully pivoted:

  • Students are navigating online learning
  • Restaurants have adapted to outdoor seating
  • Businesses have found ways to protect health and safety while allowing shoppers in their stores
  • We've adjusted to more frequent hand washing/sanitizing and masking up
  • Businesses that can, continue to encourage at-home work

So while this year has been a challenge, don't forget to celebrate the little successes that have come through our willingness to pivot and adapt to this challenge. To learn more about the importance of adaptability and how to cultivate it your life, here's some tips from Drexel University.

Here at the City, due to the closure of City Hall, we've pivoted to providing City Services remotely. And while we look forward to the day when we can safely greet our residents in-person, in the meantime, we've put together a list of phone numbers that you can use to reach out to us for services.

Have a great weekend and stay safe!
City Council Happenings
October 19, 2020 City Council Meeting Recap:

  • VTA presented their 2021 Service Plan which includes changes to Gilroy service
  • A contract was approved for the 2020-2021 Citywide Pavement Maintenance Project
  • A budget amendment was approved for the First Street Water Utility Improvements Project
  • An agreement was approved with the Cities of Giroy, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, and Community Media Access Partnership
  • An update on the downtown improvement incentive program was presented


The next regular Council meeting will take place on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 6:00 PM.

During the shelter in place, board, committee, and commission meetings will take place virtually and will be streamed to facebook.com/GilroyCityHallMeetings. Public comment for these meetings will be taken by email. Individual meeting agendas will provide the appropriate email to provide public comment for each meeting.

Bicycle Pedestrian Commission on 10/27 at 6:00 PM
Our Playgrounds Are Open!
City Crews have been busy this week inspecting and opening City playgrounds. All playgrounds should be open by the end of today, Friday, October 23, 2020. Please respect your neighbors and friends while at the playgrounds and follow the posted guidelines to help keep our outdoor playgrounds safe, open, and fun:
It's Time to Vote!
Election day is almost here!

Official Secure Ballot Drop-Boxes are already in place, located outside: Gilroy Council Chambers, Gilroy Library, Rod Kelly School, and Gavilan College Student Center.

In-person voting is available beginning October 31, 2020 to November 3, 2020. Locations of in-person voting centers are available on the City's website and include the Gilroy Police Department, Gilroy's First Baptist Church, and Gilroy Elks Lodge.

To help voters access information and make informed decisions, the nonpartisan and nonprofit League of Women Voters of California, Education Fund and Maplight have created Voters Edge Easy Voter Guides available in 5 languages.

Questions about Gilroy’s General Election? Visit our Election and Voter Information page 
Free Flu Shots - THIS SATURDAY
Free flu shots will be available through a drive-thru service at Valley Health Center in Gilroy on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. No appointments are needed and all are welcome regardless of immigration status. Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu shot every year, in the fall.

Shots will be available at this location for everyone 12 years and older. Children age 12-17 must be accompanied by a guardian. Younger children can get their shot from their regular doctor. To more locations for free flu shots and information visit: www.sccphd.org/flu

  • Free Flu Shots
  • Valley Health Center Gilroy
  • 7475 Camino Arroyo, Gilroy, CA 95​020
  • Saturday, October 24, 2020, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • No cost.
  • No appointments needed.
  • All are welcome regardless of immigration status.

Protect your family. Reduce your chance of ending up in the hospital.
COVID-19 Testing at San Ysidro Park Pop-Up
Free walk-in Covid-19 testing for anyone without symptoms will be available at San Ysidro Park on

  • Wednesday, October 28 from 1 PM – 5:30 PM

The County Health Department recommends the following persons get tested:
  • Anyone who has been exposed to someone who tested positive
  • Anyone who works with the public should get tested once a month
  • Anyone who rides public transit
  • Anyone who attends a mass gathering  

Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should contact their health provider for testing.

For more information on testing and available testing sites visit SCCFreeTest.org.
Homeless Prevention COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program: APPLICATION PERIOD EXTENDED
Due to a low number of applicants, updates have been made to this program to encourage participation. These updates include:

  • The income limits/guidelines for families to participate have changed. Families under the category of Very Low Income or 50% of medium-income are now eligible.
  • An increase of rent relief funds per family. Qualifying families can now receive up to a maximum of $3,000 in support.
  • To encourage early submittals, the program is now first-come-first-serve until funds are depleted. 

The City of Gilroy, in partnership with St. Joseph’s Family Center, is providing Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding (CDBG-CV) towards a rental assistance program. These funds will help very-low income tenants with paying a portion of their rents to avoid eviction. This program is tailored in response to Governor Newsom’s Statewide Covid-19 Tenant and Landlord Protection Legislation in an effort to protect the most vulnerable tenants. 

Visit www.stjosephsgilroy.org to review the eligibility requirements and download the Homeless Prevention COVID-19 Rental Assistance Application and forms. The completed application, and all required documentation, can be sent through a link on the website. You can also pick up and drop off completed applications at: 

St. Joseph’s Family Center 
7950 Church Street, Suite A Gilroy, CA 95020.
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm 
(408) 842-6662, ext. 22
Apply Now for Open Seats on City Boards and Commissions!
Bike Lanes Are for Bicycles, Not Trash Containers
Is today or tomorrow trash day for you? Please think twice about placing your trash cans into the bike lanes. Recology South Valley asks that you place the carts up against the curb. Please don't place them in the bike lane, Recology trucks have the ability to reach the carts placed up against the curb. The California Vehicle Code requires that the bike lanes be free of obstructions. People biking to work, home, recreation, dining, groceries, and school count on the bike lanes to be open.

Take the Gilroy Bike Pledge https://bit.ly/GilroyBikePledge and win a prize pack from local businesses!