[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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],{"_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",6530613,"mediaKeyId","3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968","parentId",3647361,"title","Gilroy introduces interim police chief, welcomes new hires and promotions in public safety","audioSeconds",69,"startMs",201000,"endMs",270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968&start=201&end=270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968/thumbnail_201000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6530613/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Gilroy-introduces-interim-police-chief-welcomes-new-hires-and-promotions-in-public-safety","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530613-4e4bbdbc7420e28bb59d77efaca33a8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775147191&Signature=EWbRJiAHE19cAeUiXyxnTelEH43j~YAjfm57U2vZQStMy7~90VRRZomRL~HI9LctochuAmboXgyuZjuLAge8zDucR77F-P07J50DkRdhhU~4biYt8mjUbDJ-sHwy4bohlk639NiZjj6H906ReJ0ZnpYDvz~hcNFKlUjc13rMWP1CVeIqFjTRiLZ-nt1wt99OyT6BCiASHnV5rks0tRDAzqYKix~gBBkgIm0Gfc3khJoC0KUEOXlPtwhyIJIDWswfPUfrOMTgOrL0rYQ-xVDnaKmWIpmeDMwCJwDVRoD~Gexp6fsDZyoLrrI6Ui2oVNgvVI9n4CVLO4Fd8o4C6rG9lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-03T05:56:27Z","article","The Gilroy City Council meeting on June 2 opened with a series of employee introductions and promotions in public safety.

City Administrator Jimmy Forbes introduced Ken Bender as Gilroy’s interim police chief; Bender told the council he is “fully committed to, to ensuring appropriate public safety, community engagement, and a, professional workforce while I'm here.” Bender, a Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department retiree, is expected to serve during the multimonth recruitment for a permanent police chief.

The council also heard introductions from police and fire leadership for a new community coordinator and multiple promotions within the Gilroy Police Department. Captain Juan Rocha introduced Monica Marquez Padilla as the department’s new community coordinator. Promotions included Corporal Vanessa Ruiz, Corporal Estella Rocha and Corporal Matthew Avila; each introduced themselves and thanked staff and the community.

Fire Department introductions and promotions included probationary firefighter/paramedic Joe Scanlon (new hire) and promotion of Chris Channel to fire engineer. Interim fire leadership described training and academy credentials for new hires and promoted staff.

The introductions were part of the meeting’s “employee introductions” agenda item; no formal council action was required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Gilroy City Council Meeting | June 2, 2025 | 6:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Council heard introductions and promotions in the police and fire departments, including the swearing‑in of Interim Police Chief Ken Bender and several new and promoted officers and firefighters.","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},6530618,"Council awards modular restroom for Los Alamos Park and approves seven replacement trucks",3384,10800000,14184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968&start=10800&end=14184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968/thumbnail_10800000.jpg","/articles/6530618/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-awards-modular-restroom-for-Los-Alamos-Park-and-approves-seven-replacement-trucks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530618-fe15aca02e49dd8f5c288b5223e067f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775147191&Signature=nGh6~tTzKiq0UWQ6abq8jMqDOvVw2AxBxZvTO-Y1uKwP5Ce2ipyqqxYMWadZJWszAjcQOvVa56FaLFT1hhhOwRqUYo2sRnoacxOTXAm-IcRbGgGSjqV1OvzOVKiOwWXlPSONLuyH81i6aSGYtD9fFSr4W5fSa~16c0vNAQj2h-8p50~Uo97PwRAskiEgOZ57KVFUPzOw4C~zdZdfhYhYHtbGGn8BPYV7lwo2szG-gRZUVtj3VDIQZNgVQ5qqjphodjalA97vvZfHLq22QdMFe18GMEyRdAKHJi2~g-HpptxumWxgPezNnMIyMYQ0waEf9xG49Bj-z4QLZSElf9btsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gilroy City Council approved two procurement items on June 2: the purchase of a modular replacement restroom for Los Alamos Park and the purchase of seven Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4‑wheel‑drive crew‑cab trucks for public works and utilities.

Public Works Director John Dowdy said the Los Alamos restroom is more than 30 years old and “beyond its useful life,” requiring frequent maintenance. Staff recommended purchasing a CXT modular restroom model similar to units installed at Miller Park and Christmas Hill Park. Dowdy described the investment as improving park safety and lowering long‑term maintenance costs; the total cost presented to council was $244,921 including transportation and options. Council approved the purchase 7‑0; Councilmember Joey Fugazi moved the motion and Councilmember Sharon Marks seconded.

On vehicles, Administrative Services Director Leanne McPhillips presented a plan to replace six high‑mileage vehicles and buy one new truck, using the State of California’s piggyback contract to obtain competitive pricing. The council authorized awarding the $393,744 purchase to Winners Chevrolet (Colfax), with delivery expected in three to four months; the motion passed 7‑0 on a roll call.

Council discussion touched on vehicle choice and trade‑in/surplus procedures for the old fleet, and on delivery and transport costs for large modular units. Both purchases were budgeted in the FY25 budget different funds (capital/fleet/water/wastewater/CFD) as presented by staff.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are identified from the meeting transcript: John Dowdy, public works director; Leanne McPhillips, administrative services director; Councilmembers Joey Fugazi and Sharon Marks.","Council approved a $244,921 purchase of a modular restroom for Los Alamos Park and authorized purchase of seven Chevrolet Silverado trucks totaling $393,744 for public works and utilities, using cooperative/state contracts.",{"_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},6530623,"Council reallocates FY26 CDBG funds amid appeals from Rebuilding Together",928,14042000,14970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968&start=14042&end=14970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968/thumbnail_14042000.jpg","/articles/6530623/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-reallocates-FY26-CDBG-funds-amid-appeals-from-Rebuilding-Together","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530623-7f2bf246ef4ec0d710b8cd6804ef2ad6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775147191&Signature=WBNR0NnpIKJIzOGagMdRjSm5T~zzrdpVXB7M9qg4lPzO0WioTbyAwRT~gmxOz-37Is2mkcdIjwxsw3NeQgv6wlEkEKN2Ew0MdM~rRXbrgDVKSeDr5BIhpz~0FZb3k5XHbBBMTharFzLQJZT8f6V8sbSRZaNPIDfB-tNNNvpx~ceZtgLKOnfkj7T3Y3UNccf0sOMSEdoqfiY81dE~nPjHOpHt1jOZoyhXTe018o7dwtSA4PLLrkVtn~~jwYSToNnzBicIZDiNjJYxnAKFDeM3cFfznEZgRKjeWMjQehtiaHsChGh0cNg-uDUKTj5e2YO6ae5qcAJtwT8khcknNfQ5BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","In a public hearing on June 2, the Gilroy City Council approved submission of the city’s FY2025–26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan and approved an amended distribution of the available funds following public testimony.

Community Development staff reported the city’s FY26 HUD allocation at $380,083 plus prior‑year unspent CDBG funds of approximately $78,829. Several nonprofit applicants submitted proposals in the city’s Notice of Funding Availability. During public comment, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley urged council to fund its home‑repair program, citing urgent owner‑occupied repairs for low‑income seniors and residents with disabilities.

After public comment and council discussion, Councilmember Debbie Bracco moved — and Councilmember Terrence Klein seconded — a motion that directed staff to allocate $149,693.12 to Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley and $28,412.52 to a public‑works sidewalk/curb‑ramp project, and then submit the consolidated documents to HUD. The motion passed by a 7‑0 roll call vote.

Several speakers from Rebuilding Together emphasized the program’s ability to move quickly on owner‑occupied critical repairs and noted extensive community outreach and demand: “Safe, stable housing is infrastructure essential to public safety, health, and economic stability,” Rebuilding Together’s executive director said during public comment. City staff noted that sidewalk project planning may involve longer procurement and design timelines, while Rebuilding Together’s home‑repair work is largely “shovel ready.”

Staff will submit the adopted consolidated plan and annual action plan to HUD and will amend the FY26 budget in the CDBG fund to reflect the allocations approved by council. Council also authorized staff to make technical adjustments necessary to satisfy HUD submission requirements.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are identified from the meeting transcript: Sharon (Diane) Everton and Elena Purcell Schroeder (Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley representatives) and Community Development staff.","After public testimony from Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley and others, the council adjusted its CDBG action to restore a large allocation to home‑repair programs and allocate a smaller amount to sidewalks.",{"_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},6530628,"Council approves downtown food‑truck pilot, sets pilot zones and permitting requirements",362,5661000,6023000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968&start=5661&end=6023","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968/thumbnail_5661000.jpg","/articles/6530628/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-approves-downtown-foodtruck-pilot-sets-pilot-zones-and-permitting-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530628-0698382cf7b99f8c04720c1e0bd18898/orig.mp4?Expires=1775147191&Signature=j1KyqbWIEn2m0umJzv~HsC8yKShzVsXf-pHzahOdPHXv1mmwoOhVMO9i9HXJcFqzlWaOVK1j8ne-ozPc37QyGo3oaHoDhzvYJVGmEr79e4c2rB2Kagg0vn3hqVoT4Za7c9ojOY8tFu-zMakaoeq5tNXqNdnqYpeD8OhO7ygxlqPsvcosJ7NHEno2K3PNE6HxLYfTKt43oyBVN9CfbZT5GRCa0vGaGgGonLnhGNqaIcdsYVMW-CiCAia-j4sYgfuQcE7EqvU77bBbLKvC5wPOOXGPTniDGITQANjgSVXm8s0L5abjTnJ8UjVOSZVGLeorgZSzVYiejhATJlYUpn9EIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gilroy City Council on June 2 approved a temporary pilot program to allow food trucks to operate in designated areas of the city while staff completes a comprehensive update to the mobile‑vending ordinance.

Economic Development Manager Victoria Valencia presented the proposal and told the council the pilot is intended to “assess feasibility and public response, ensure land‑use compatibility, evaluate traffic, parking and pedestrian impacts, [and] support economic development and placemaking.” The pilot would remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2025, or until an updated ordinance is adopted.

Under council direction at the meeting, staff will implement these baseline rules for the pilot: vendors must hold a Santa Clara County Environmental Health permit and a state seller’s permit; vendors must either have an existing City of Gilroy business license or submit a business‑license application and a city mobile‑vending application during an amnesty period; the council approved a 60‑day amnesty window to allow vendors time to submit required applications; the city will not require live‑scan fingerprint background checks for food‑truck operators under the pilot; and special‑event vending is permitted with event organizer approval and required permits.

Council also designated pilot zones: a Fifth Street public parking lot area (staff recommended initial operating hours and the council discussed Thursday–Sunday evenings; council asked staff to be flexible and monitor demand — staff noted the lot will require traffic control and signage), selected Gourmet Alley adjacent parking lots (parking‑lot stalls parallel to the alley rather than in the alley), and Eagleberry Street‑adjacent spaces. The council established a no‑vending zone along Monterey Street (Leavesley to Luchesa) except for permitted special events.

Valencia noted health‑department rules that require restroom access for food‑truck workers when a vendor will operate longer than one hour; as a result, staff will require written permission showing restroom access on the same parcel or within 200 feet, or vendors will need to provide portable restroom access. Councilmembers and public commenters discussed later closing hours (some vendors asked for service into the late night); the council directed staff to allow extended hours where demand and safety allow and to monitor costs for staffing and traffic control.

The council voted 7‑0 to approve the pilot and directed staff to return with an update and a draft updated mobile‑vending ordinance in the fall. Councilmember Joey Fugazi moved the motion with Councilmember Sharon Marks seconding.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are identified from the meeting transcript: Victoria Valencia, economic development manager; Councilmembers Joey Fugazi and Sharon Marks; and multiple food‑truck owners and downtown business representatives who testified during public comment.","The council created a temporary pilot program allowing food trucks in designated downtown and private locations, set permitting and an amnesty window, and instructed staff to return with an update before the pilot expires.",{"_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},6530632,"Gilroy council adopts $207 million two‑year budget, delays new recreation hires",809,2666000,3475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968&start=2666&end=3475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647361-356de87d410d34fba0fa86ee70a40968/thumbnail_2666000.jpg","/articles/6530632/Gilroy/Santa-Clara-County/California/Gilroy-council-adopts-207-million-twoyear-budget-delays-new-recreation-hires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530632-2e8401697078145d8d48e1be1baf7852/orig.mp4?Expires=1775147191&Signature=V17TcIjU~~J174ilAXEc1~eKJNI~2Ewg5-ppRMFTgnottKsYCa~GvqP9oBHiyA2oSK8DHfs0L9F-YxrRg-wqIxc6vizN3Jf-3mAkcsIrNFf2b-hwqtGHOCIGd4ohKUi3W9sdm-Ubkykbg6x9pyvTAhhVjc~5bLO~SdyWqK71mDjGz7yXVxPhnb2MFvsgeQzpS7ubCJVOKkP8r238URoKoBMX2T-2tsGfPvFy1umfERP3iS4MsGAI2jmWuKIl5IBrXznVCQhWGl6g10ocZGEsjsFZ3P3S8QN6RwbtKTzXmpWa0~2VFzqHLiGV2uXcW4mYUK1yVvdwfAmPIJZeGaCZFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gilroy City Council adopted the city’s two‑year operating and capital budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 on June 2, approving an approximately $207 million spending plan and related items including an appropriations limit and a position control list.

City Administrator Jimmy Forbes told the council the budget process “started now a hundred and 10 days ago” and described the adopted plan as “a policy document” and “a dynamic document.” Finance Director Harjit Sanga said the recommended budget shows $207.1 million in expenditures for FY26 and roughly $206.6 million for FY27, with roughly $178.6 million in expected revenues in FY26 and planned use of fund balances for capital projects.

The council’s adoption includes a two‑year capital improvement program that programs roughly $59 million in FY26 and $54 million in FY27, with major projects noted for utilities, the Gilroy Ice Center and a planned fire station. Sanga said the budget maintains the council’s policy reserve (30%) through the forecast period.

Council members spent significant time on recreation funding after weeks of public comment and staff presentations. Forbes told the council that the recreation fund has built an approximately $1.5 million balance over several years and that staff recommended delaying hiring three recreation positions while the city finishes evaluations and a one‑year swim contract. “We are not removing it, we’re delaying it,” Forbes said, adding that staff would return with details and recommended staffing after additional analysis.

Several residents and Parks & Rec commissioners urged the council to keep or restore the new recreation positions and to use some of the accumulated recreation fund balance to expand programs, lower fees and invest in facilities. Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley and other nonprofits also urged greater funding for home repair work for low‑income residents (see separate article on CDBG funding).

The council voted 7‑0 to adopt related resolutions: the FY26 appropriation limit, operating and CIP budgets for FY26–27, and the position control list. The final adopted package included deletion/delay of the three proposed recreation positions and the addition of two temporary general‑fund code‑enforcement officers funded for two years. Harjit Sanga told council the two code positions would cost about $180,000 in year one and $378,000 in year two, and that the recommended change left the city “in a balanced position” under the staff forecast.

What’s next: staff will return over the summer with a more detailed recreation program analysis, recommendations on staffing and the swim program, and quarterly updates on the work plan items the council adopted as part of the budget process.

Votes at a glance: The council adopted the FY26–27 operating and capital budgets, the appropriation limit, and the position control list by a 7‑0 roll call vote with Councilmember Ramirez making the motion and Councilmember Marks seconding.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are identified from the meeting transcript: Jimmy Forbes, city administrator; Harjit Sanga, finance director; Councilmembers Joey Fugazi, Debbie Bracco, Terrence Klein, Sharon Marks, Melissa Hilton and Carol Ramirez; and multiple members of the public who spoke during the public hearing and public comment periods.","The City Council adopted a two‑year operating and capital budget that funds infrastructure and two temporary code‑enforcement positions while delaying three proposed recreation hires; council directed staff to return with more detailed recreation analysis this summer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Gilroy introduces interim police chief, welcomes new hires and promotions in public safety

Council awards modular restroom for Los Alamos Park and approves seven replacement trucks

Council reallocates FY26 CDBG funds amid appeals from Rebuilding Together

Council approves downtown food‑truck pilot, sets pilot zones and permitting requirements

Gilroy council adopts $207 million two‑year budget, delays new recreation hires