[{"_1":2,"_134":-5,"_135":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110,122],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6537892,"mediaKeyId","3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f","parentId",3424049,"title","Gilroy introduces new fire chief and promotes department engineers","audioSeconds",172,"startMs",1219000,"endMs",1391000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f&start=1219&end=1391","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f/thumbnail_1219000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6537892/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Gilroy-introduces-new-fire-chief-and-promotes-department-engineers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537892-4e4c4ec4d53a768be5e9a20ddfd39971/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657058&Signature=E~HSg~IdTWNBwVZEa-wdGykNG4CXEesb6qgnhjf5nv1KFcOg~rcRn1CQ9BaMJqRKM4kea7Man36wrzfojFRu~z7iO4MvG5W0FnpO717jPmJrV6rsIbVl-9Dw~c0O4O5iCNMMa4OSP3jh-AnnjTE4lE-uzvsC-ODAYG9GRp1zMpS4EtHa88dEnLpozXRWP-jF85-EWdMLBOxeYLmNkbPPU9id3EU1VhwzhMbHFQmbgfD~Z1mbfWZu4Ej8ldLwQno-g~U11pVfjj2LjeY8-nbnTAGvBSybH6Q-0sM2~q~jL8WaKt~rGOcVypUktDuhKmeIk56HW9AGPb~nbvzLLWtM2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-21T13:14:51.9Z","article","Council and staff introduced newly appointed Fire Chief Rob Flyup and several promoted members of the Gilroy Fire Department during the May 19 meeting.

Jimmy (presentation) and Chief Flyup described his 35 years of experience, career background including service in Kansas and earlier service in California and the Air Force, and his recent relocation to Gilroy; the chief said he was grateful for the department’s welcome during his first weeks on the job. Division Chief Arlene Summers and Chief Flyup introduced recently promoted engineers and new hires including Jesse Skapick and Ian Nicholas, and noted staff involvement in mutual aid deployments, medical advisory groups and upcoming training.

The introductions were ceremonial; no council action was required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Gilroy City Council Special Meeting | May 19, 2025 | 5:45 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The council heard introductions and remarks welcoming newly appointed Fire Chief Rob Flyup and promoted fire department engineers and paramedics.","taxTitle","Gilroy, Santa Clara County, California","taxId",3782,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6537897,"Gilroy Sister Cities Association reports travel exchanges, fundraising plan and private‑funded delegations",532,2038000,2570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f&start=2038&end=2570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f/thumbnail_2038000.jpg","/articles/6537897/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Gilroy-Sister-Cities-Association-reports-travel-exchanges-fundraising-plan-and-privatefunded-delegations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537897-dcc9e72a893f3caf80606a9c23844418/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657058&Signature=TKxBOHaXpcWvCMu-PHvOVUGPQ2BFNzObE1XMJSSMeU0AEukZnOQ1USLtDz6mE2hL0yc~T3iEgdZ-4evPKUE~Zj2ifzsSUVdbQcBy5Am8H2BwrSzNGpVRfLhmiQE5K6z10b-hFQsUnGZ74c3bgKKeF2h5uwkmYPAw~XMb6PuU15egkpMq45XRvWBJO0I5OLxZ6BQC9D7r~uI8oDW9pWJz-yAZklhIjx6azKSc2Eq1gwruflKIoLTlUdOlZ8rpyekWXP3dKVyb6Yw~ao7NuX1vGtNtE16NzxAoLPZ1bGnRiXQqF3QSVrVO3UlidhWVV-PN3AJLvUnHjG4HJ00LQea3QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","David Peebles, president of the Gilroy Sister Cities Association (GSCA), presented an annual update to the council May 19 describing recent international visits, student exchanges and a proposed budget for 2025.

Peebles reviewed the history of Gilroy’s sister‑city relationships and recent activities, including hosting delegations from Takamachi (Japan) and Angra (Azores), facilitating student exchanges, and participating in international festivals. He said GSCA has developed a draft short‑ and long‑term strategic plan and is rebuilding its website and social media outreach.

On finances, Peebles said the association projected 2025 expenses of about $21,600 and expected billable/fundraising of $13,000; GSCA reported reaching roughly 30% of its fundraising projection and had $3,757 in billable expenses to date. He emphasized that travel and delegation expenses are funded with private, personal funds and not city funds.

Peebles invited council members to engage with the association’s events and noted ongoing efforts to rebuild a more interactive presence for GSCA in Gilroy’s cultural calendar.","The Gilroy Sister Cities Association updated the council on recent visits, student exchanges and a draft budget; the group said travel expenses for delegations are funded with private dollars and reported partial fundraising progress for 2025 activities.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6537902,"Gilroy reports 10% overall vacancy rate; AB 2561 public hearing held before budget adoption",179,8581000,8760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f&start=8581&end=8760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f/thumbnail_8581000.jpg","/articles/6537902/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Gilroy-reports-10-overall-vacancy-rate-AB-2561-public-hearing-held-before-budget-adoption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537902-ceb2c99dfea9cefa6a393ebcb4be6409/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657058&Signature=SKSnnrUNeBKhtEOnlesZQolkASrBwfWuceKbWrWau8wtDGrX5IxJtBo-ScaSnGgT2z96U6lFLlmYpV7h~vkBpOY~xgWL6cLUNkNJsxIkuFOqUEchaLhCiysL~cSHvvL~Ksp~4JYhNhJfyu-Q5~JiDBUcaUkCEnJSF-agel88FNSyfawL3YqbmQ5OJGRTvzZTJ8H2TFmvumzAHPDLz-ZkgBbQ2zpYXOLuqkxtbcyHu7PlIjC729me9UhUpP12VPt0iOnOioQxTBk8qSjXRFgUyBuK2P1V9RZ8Pf3~asCrqpuo38yWeUlbadH~Ijq2nsZB57zFS0eqi1E0RQZ-885v1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Human Resources staff held the AB 2561 public hearing May 19 required before budget adoption and reported an overall citywide vacancy rate of 10%.

Leanne (staff) explained that AB 2561, which took effect Jan. 1, 2025, requires cities to hold a public hearing and report on position vacancies by bargaining unit before adopting a budget. Gilroy has 291 full‑time positions and 29 vacancies at the time of the report, a 10% vacancy rate. Leanne said most vacancies are in active recruitment and that none of the bargaining units exceed the 20% vacancy threshold that would trigger additional reporting requirements under the law.

The staff report broke vacancies down by bargaining group (AFSCME Local 101, Gilroy Police Officers Association, Gilroy Management Association, IAFF Local 2805, and unrepresented employees). Leanne said recruitment and selection processes were underway for most openings and that the vacancy figures represent a dynamic snapshot.

The report and the public hearing satisfy AB 2561’s requirement that the city discuss recruitment, retention and obstacles prior to budget adoption. No immediate budgetary action or specific hiring change was taken at the May 19 meeting; the presentation was given in advance of the June 2 budget adoption timeline.","City staff presented a statutorily required report under AB 2561 on May 19, showing 29 vacancies among 291 full‑time positions (about 10%). Staff said no bargaining unit exceeds the 20% threshold that would trigger additional reporting requirements.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6537906,"Local repair nonprofit urges Gilroy to preserve CDBG funds for low‑income home repairs",445,2613000,3058000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f&start=2613&end=3058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f/thumbnail_2613000.jpg","/articles/6537906/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Local-repair-nonprofit-urges-Gilroy-to-preserve-CDBG-funds-for-lowincome-home-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537906-392b9d77b3be2a90eae2bbde3c4d1e3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657059&Signature=Q6Jd7EUct4orLeyWkGv6hQLCBSC1d~Pq21y7bJWpcMFo883h1ttcHrfHwCec6ENNAKGyvEoSMBWiAwsR8hPKgDAQlH6WD~SySoWgwLmXirDUsOIwsSgYEepaL3qH3FzLNzjWyL2oODpoKzLXW-RLzLdC6m522eOduvPutg9SuuA~121udDUtjA3DUbatdLAujqxV1~QPibQko01Lvd5-UJGEy11nXnQ5Y~G5--C5KntZA9pokLyQ2MWmPObKrpd10rwWFtXK4kjVunyjJvDcOWySldA7T0PGgV097hZ8Qu2Yy3JBxKGzuKC4LzhCJc6mQ7hI5vZ4gkU4fELjPlvDFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley urged the Gilroy City Council May 19 to restore Community Development Block Grant funding to their low‑income home repair program, saying the nonprofit is “shovel ready” and that reallocating the money risks noncompliance with HUD requirements.

Elena Purcell Schroeder, speaking for Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley, said the program was on track to complete repairs for 15 Gilroy households by June but had already turned away more than 17 eligible families this fiscal year because of limited funding. “Our program is not only compliant, it's shovel ready,” she told the council, and asked the council to reconsider allocations at the June 2 meeting.

Linda Bostwick, another program representative, described the repairs as preventing serious health and safety outcomes — for example, fixing damaged flooring that creates fall hazards and restoring hot water. Bostwick said the program’s work directly supports the city’s five‑year consolidated plan priority of preserving affordable housing for low‑income homeowners.

Liz Murillo, a Gilroy native and board member for the nonprofit, invited council members to a lunch‑and‑learn to explain the program’s work and said the nonprofit has completed projects including wheelchair ramps and elevators for mobile home residents.

No council action was taken during public comment; the speakers asked the council to reconsider the CDBG allocation at its June 2 meeting and to prioritize funds that support existing, ready-to-implement housing repairs.","Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley and residents told the council the nonprofit is ready and compliant to spend Community Development Block Grant funds and warned that reallocating those funds could risk HUD pulling the money if not used before the deadline.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6537911,"Business owners and residents urge Gilroy council to reverse enforcement that restricts food trucks",245,3293000,3538000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f&start=3293&end=3538","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f/thumbnail_3293000.jpg","/articles/6537911/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Business-owners-and-residents-urge-Gilroy-council-to-reverse-enforcement-that-restricts-food-trucks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537911-d09e5a9ae7b6a237052fe2301e6d3df0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657058&Signature=Pe0~qskmLY8vU~FHec0pxcmC-j~RwcU~96UYGwHFF-w3O0zLTbaoSAS8VQVG-8m~HZBCPEaSXRJzQoYgkl3VQCkSm3PC79TOBCcA9k9VOCh09MF9e1h4tbw4hE9PD5WDf6FXmNPMmUM24F9hTWt7XtcKMUu-LsHdkPRlVy4aAPOJvbV8KZiQHartgKGa9rMlRsC6W50mRgJLF2ir7WZRpi5O9Htkh3Ua8BQTgK-11o1ZJN0Nlp0pdox~9R9c6KZqfDd~0Gbj0WWFkNiauhsdzkb7tYvj~Uebc1TomzRmhkuyF8UV4G-aChri2tKBrmr0~xTCk22p68HQXIdYzRhzww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of speakers at the May 19 public comment period urged the Gilroy City Council to reverse or reconsider a May 5 decision to enforce an existing ordinance against mobile vendors, arguing the action effectively bans food trucks and will harm small businesses.

Speakers included food-truck operators, downtown brewery owners and longtime residents. Giovanni Albanese, a downtown business owner, said the May 5 action was rushed and warned it would “drive our business out” by removing a key component of his brewery’s business model. Vendor and community advocates described proposed permit fees and background check requirements as costly and potentially discriminatory.

Several commenters said the ordinance as written was originally intended for ice cream vendors, not modern food trucks. Miguel (public commenter) said the proposed rules would impose burdens such as live scans and extensive background checks that other businesses are not required to provide. “Do not just pass something that would delete their complete presence from downtown or make it unreasonably difficult or burdensome for the small guy to operate,” he said.

Other speakers emphasized the economic and cultural benefits of food trucks to downtown foot traffic and festival activity. Terry Herman said the trucks “bring in people to downtown” and asked the council to “open back up for the food trucks.” Vendors and supporters asked the council to place the topic on a future agenda so city staff, business owners and vendors can develop a workable permitting approach.

Council did not take formal action on the issue at the May 19 meeting. Multiple speakers asked for a reversal of the May 5 enforcement and for the council to adopt a collaborative approach that balances public safety and downtown businesses’ needs.

The record of May 19 shows sustained public pressure on councilmembers to revisit the mobile vendor rules; councilmembers acknowledged the comments and said the issue could be addressed through a future agenda item and additional stakeholder meetings.","Multiple food truck operators, downtown businesses and residents asked the council May 19 to reverse a May 5 decision to apply an older ordinance to mobile vendors, saying the enforcement harms small businesses and discriminates against vendors.",{"_33":123,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":124,"_41":125,"_43":126,"_45":127,"_47":128,"_49":129,"_51":130,"_53":131,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":132,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":133,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6537914,"Gilroy council adopts district map F, sets sequencing and 30‑day residency rule",2575,4569000,7144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f&start=4569&end=7144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424049-1b953379331693d7f3acb42c5d22bc2f/thumbnail_4569000.jpg","/articles/6537914/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Gilroy-council-adopts-district-map-F-sets-sequencing-and-30day-residency-rule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537914-2fec72d80c0bcbfd99bf01a4d7ea4e8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657058&Signature=CkiGbBHgUZ155waOXNoD70MhS4GaXDFVEnFvtURthEdh1D3Asht6~fJCyoRXpE88dCahb9biKSMVfMLU9dGnvlUtyDeXRhjyAgIC4FfBht~VV5JzoZzNoFnJ7CNVe90P8od~QTbYcSv8fZJF2MWn65LouAddwAmOTzJDGSyaEM8MhxzsG40~mQiQ48WKlqqkdEqWblzFKVdeRMrvHeNpt2dsRTsZVn0aQYLrpnX25UAPjEgXi8x86mKArYnMmJHhReIlfVoKhh9cyhdEKaCWv54tg6pQ88Eme5XrbQHFEVlpM97bXKbpLAqHsv4tJdgm0hFgqyEwyA3j8wshqkJFsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gilroy City Council voted unanimously May 19 to adopt draft map F as the city’s district-based election map, set the first round of district elections for 2026, and approved an ordinance implementing the changes.

City demographer and staff presented two final draft maps — D and F — and summarized public input gathered since March. Liz (staff) told the council, “This is the last hearing. We've come a long way,” before explaining that the two maps both produced four majority‑Latino districts but used different dividing lines on the city’s east side and along Monterey Road.

Why it matters: councilors and dozens of members of the public described the choice as central to how the East Side of Gilroy will be represented after the transition from at‑large elections. Supporters of draft D said it kept East Side neighborhoods intact; supporters of draft F argued it would create two districts with stronger direct representation and more electoral competition.

At the vote to choose a final map, Council member Klein moved to select map F; Council member Fugazi seconded. The roll call vote was 7–0 in favor of F. Council members then voted 7–0 to have districts 4, 5 and 6 hold the first staggered elections in 2026 (the council’s sequencing choice for initial elections). On the issue of whether candidates must have lived in their district for a period before filing nominating papers, the council adopted a 30‑day residency requirement by a 5–2 vote.

The council subsequently authorized reading the implementing ordinance by title and waived further reading and then voted 7–0 to introduce the ordinance that (1) establishes six council districts, (2) identifies boundaries and election order, and (3) implements the 30‑day residency requirement. The ordinance will return at a future meeting for second reading and final adoption following standard timelines.

Public testimony at the hearing was lengthy. Proponents of map D included East Side residents and community groups who argued the East Side has been historically marginalized and should remain whole to ensure effective representation. Kathy Chavez Napoli told the council, “I strongly urge you to support d,” citing the East Side as a distinct community of interest. Supporters of map F — including other East Side residents and some downtown stakeholders — argued that F would create multiple majority‑minority districts and provide more direct representation in more than one seat.

Council members repeatedly said they had reviewed dozens of public maps and emails; staff reported receiving about 20 emails favoring map D and 44 favoring map F. Several council members described the process as thorough and noted the council will revisit district lines after the 2030 census as required by law.

The council’s actions finalize which map will be used for future elections and the order in which the first districts will hold elections, but do not immediately change current council membership. Incumbents who wish to run under the new system must meet the residency rule and follow normal nomination filings. The city clerk and city attorney outlined that residency claims may be subject to challenge and potential review if contested.

What’s next: the city will return the ordinance for final adoption at the required hearing/reading and will publish candidate filing deadlines, election sequencing, and administrative details ahead of the 2026 filing period.","After eight public meetings, the Gilroy City Council selected draft map F for district-based elections, set three districts to hold elections in 2026, and adopted a 30-day residency requirement for candidates. The ordinance implementing the changes was introduced by unanimous vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Gilroy introduces new fire chief and promotes department engineers

Gilroy Sister Cities Association reports travel exchanges, fundraising plan and private‑funded delegations

Gilroy reports 10% overall vacancy rate; AB 2561 public hearing held before budget adoption

Local repair nonprofit urges Gilroy to preserve CDBG funds for low‑income home repairs

Business owners and residents urge Gilroy council to reverse enforcement that restricts food trucks

Gilroy council adopts district map F, sets sequencing and 30‑day residency rule