YOUR GUIDE TO CITY-RELATED NEWS AND EVENTS | | |
February 24, 2025, City Council Special Joint Meeting with Gilroy Unified School District:
- GUSD reported on enrollment and impacts to GUSD budget.
- The City reported on community development activities.
- The City reported on economic development activities.
- The City and GUSD reported on school resource officers.
February 24, 2025, City Council Meeting Recap:
- March was proclaimed as American Red Cross Month.
- March was proclaimed as Youth Arts Month.
- The City Historian provided an Annual Presentation.
- A resolution was adopted declaring an intent to transition from an at-large election system to a district-based election system with the transition taking effect in time for the November 2026 and 2028 elections.
- A zoning map amendment and a resolution to approve a tentative map application to subdivide an approximately 37.54-acre site into 54 single-family residential lots was approved.
- An update on the Santa Teresa Fire Station was provided.
| | Council Meeting Highlight: February 24, 2025 | |
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Consider the Adoption of a Resolution Declaring an Intent to Transition from an At-Large Election System to a District-Based Election System Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10010, with the Transition Taking Effect in time for the November 2026 and 2028 Elections
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The City of Gilroy currently has an at-large election system, where each of the City's six Councilmembers are elected to staggered four-year terms by voters throughout the City. The mayor is also elected at-large to a four-year term.
On December 16, 2024, the City received a letter from attorney Kevin Shenkman of Shenkman & Hughes alleging that the City is in violation of the California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA") because the City elects its Councilmembers at-large, and that the City's elections are characterized by racially polarized voting. Racially polarized voting occurs where there is a sufficient/ significant correlation between the race or ethnicity of voters and those voters' choice of candidates or other electoral choices, as compared to the choice of candidates or electoral choices preferred by the rest of the electorate. The letter demands that the City immediately transition from an at-large elections system to a district-based one.
A district-based election system is one in which the City is divided into separate districts, each with one Councilmember who resides in that district and who is elected only by voters residing in that district. There are two district-based options to consider: the creation of six districts and the retention of the at-large mayor position; or, the creation of seven districts where one of the City Councilmembers serves as mayor on a rotating basis.
While the City does not believe it is in violation of the CVRA and is confident that its minority populations have been well-represented in the current at-large system, the City is also well aware of the risks inherent in fighting a CVRA lawsuit.
At Monday's Council Meeting, the Council adopted a resolution declaring the City's intention to transition from an at-large election system to a district-based election system.
Under the CVRA's safe-harbor provision, the City has 90 days from adoption of the resolution to transition to district-based elections. The process of creating and the eventual selection of district maps will include a large outreach component to collect community feedback on the many possible district boundaries.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
| | | | Coffee with the Mayor: Strategic Planning & Budget Process | | |
The community is invited to join Mayor Greg Bozzo for conversation and coffee to discuss your priorities for the city and the strategic planning and budget process, or any other topics pertaining to the city.
Coffee with the Mayor will take place on Saturday, March 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 contact communications@cityofgilroy.org at least 72 hours before the meeting.
To learn more about strategic planning and the budget process, check out the February 2025 Mayor’s Spotlight.
✅ Coffee with the Mayor
✅ Date: March 1, 2025
✅ Time: 9:30 AM
✅ Location: Council Chambers at Gilroy City Hall located at 7351 Rosanna Avenue
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The City of Gilroy is developing a new Civic Center Master Plan to better serve the growing community, address increasing demands, improve underutilized spaces, and update aging facilities. Community input is essential in shaping this vision. Community members are invited to participate in a series of community workshops to share their ideas. Each workshop will be conducted twice to accommodate different schedules.
Community Workshop Schedule
Workshop #1: Open House & Gallery Information Walk
📅 Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | 🕘 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM (2 sessions)
📍 Wheeler Center, 270 W 6th Street
Workshop #2: Alternative Concepts & Visioning Sessions
📅 Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 🕘 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM (2 sessions)
📍 Wheeler Center, 270 W 6th Street
Workshop #3: Preferred Concept & Visioning Sessions
📅 Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 🕘 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM (2 sessions)
📍 Wheeler Center, 270 W 6th Street
All meetings and materials will be provided in English and Spanish. Snacks and childcare will be provided.
Those unable to attend the workshops in person will have access to an online summary and survey to continue the conversation and provide additional input.
About the Project
The Civic Center site, spanning approximately 14 acres in central Gilroy between Sixth and Seventh Streets, currently houses key community facilities, including City Hall, the Police Station, Wheeler Center, the Gilroy Library, and the Senior Center. While some buildings will remain, others require rethinking to meet the future needs of Gilroy residents.
To support this effort, the City has partnered with ELS Architecture and Urban Design to develop a long-term master plan that reflects community priorities. Each workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the project, share ideas, and collaborate with City staff and the ELS team.
For project updates and workshop details, visit http://www.cityofgilroy.org/CCMP.
For questions or additional information, contact the Project Manager Ryan Osenton at ryan.osenton@cityofgilroy.org.
Official Flyer (English)
Official Flyer (Spanish)
| | US 101/SR 25 Interchange Pre-Construction Community Meetings | | |
In April, VTA, in collaboration with Caltrans, will begin construction of a new US 101 and State Route 25 interchange slightly north of the current interchange. The new interchange is designed to accommodate the higher traffic demands due to rapid growth in commuter, commercial, and recreational traffic that passes through this area.
VTA will be holding three community outreach meetings to provide more information about the project:
US 101/SR 25 Community Outreach Meeting #1
March 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Gavilan College Student Center Lounge, located at 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard
*Spanish interpreters will be available at the VTA public meeting
US 101/SR 25 Community Outreach Meeting #2
March 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Gilroy Library, Community Room, located at 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy
*Spanish interpreters will be available at the VTA public meeting
US 101/SR 25 Community Outreach Meeting #3
March 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Online meeting link: bit.ly/US101SR25Zoom
*Spanish interpreters will be available at the VTA public meeting
To register to attend, please visit the US 101/SR 25 project web page.
Each meeting will start with a project overview presentation. Following this, the community will be invited to explore various stations hosted by project experts:
- Project timelines
- Design plans
- Traffic impacts during construction
- Detour plans
- Addressing community concerns
- Mitigation strategies
- Pedestrian and bicycle considerations
- Ways the community can stay informed during construction
For more information, please contact VTA Community Outreach, at community.outreach@vta.org or call (408) 321-7575.
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Join GPD for Coffee with a Cop
Saturday, March 8
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Join the Gilroy Police Department for the first Coffee with a Cop of 2025! Gather to chat over a cup or two with department members about all things GPD -- including our very own VIPs! Our Volunteers in Policing will be on hand to share experiences about their time with the PD, how they get to be a part of team GPD, and much more.
We're looking forward to seeing you all!
When: Saturday, March 8
Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Where: Camino Coffee, 7300 Monterey Street
| | From the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department | | |
The Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department advises the community to recognize synthetic cannabis in products that often resemble snacks like gummies, cookies, chips, and even drinks, which can lead to life-threatening effects.
What is Synthetic Cannabis?
These substances are chemically engineered to imitate the effects of cannabis and often contain harmful chemicals. Synthetic cannabis has not been approved or tested by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for safe use and is easily attainable by young children. Products typically use bright colors, flavors, and cartoon themes to attract young individuals.
What we know about Synthetic Cannabis
In Santa Clara County, poisonings from synthetic cannabis are on the rise, especially among children.
- One in ten high school students reported using cannabis products in the last 30 days.
- 2 out of 5 youth who vaped cannabis used flavored products
- One in five high school students said they have “ever used” cannabis
- 40% of Delta- 8 synthetic cannabis exposures are accidental and mostly involve children
Protecting your kids from synthetic cannabis starts with prevention.
For resources and support to help you recognize synthetic cannabis and know the risks for your children visit: www.rightinplainsight.com
| | Join Our Team: Engineering Technician Inspector I/II/III | | |
The City of Gilroy is seeking a Full-Time Engineering Technician/Inspector I/II/III to join the Public Works Department's Engineering Division.
If you're passionate about innovation, safety, and progress, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
In this role, you’ll support the engineering team with technical tasks related to public works improvements, projects, and land development, combining both technician and inspection responsibilities. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of current public works engineering and construction practices.
Apply Today! www.cityofgilroy.org/jobs
Open until filled.
| | Santa Teresa Fire Station Staffing Report | | |
During the week of February 14, 2025, the Interim Santa Teresa Fire Station was unstaffed.
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.
| | CERT Training: Preparing is Key | | |
This week, Gilroy's CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) launched its first Spanish-language training program.
CERT training equips community members with essential skills to provide basic assistance in large-scale emergencies. Led by a team of first responders and trained volunteers, this 20-hour program is a valuable resource for preparedness in our community.
To learn more about CERT and upcoming training sessions, visit the Gilroy Emergency Preparedness Page.
Are you interested in joining our volunteer team? Please submit an inquiry form.
We’d love to hear from you. CERT Course Training Inquiry Form
| | 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:
❓With the recent announcement of a funding pause for sanctuary cities I wanted to ask will that affect Gilroy's funding for police/fire and infrastructure?
At this time, it is unknown if the pause will have any impacts as it relates to funding for police/fire and infrastructure.
❓I am curious when there will be lighting in the Parking Lots/Gourmet Alley. I see new lights installed but they are not working.
The City is waiting for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to energize the lights and have yet to provide a date.
❓Can we please get an update on the Sharks Ice project? My family and I are so excited for ice skating and other fun there. When can we expect to see physical work on the project actually start?
The Project is currently under environmental review. The City expects to provide a formal public update in the next 4-6 weeks.
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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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