Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: Mayor Blankley, councilmember Hilton will run for re-election in 2024

Councilmember Zach Hilton said he will seek re-election in 2024

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

It may be 16 months away, but the 2024 election is starting to take shape. Incumbent Mayor Marie Blankley announced recently that she is running again.

Marie Blankley

“At this time of significant accomplishments for our city despite the setbacks of the pandemic, I am proud to announce that I will seek re-election in 2024 as mayor of Gilroy,” she wrote.

She said she’s proud of her leadership through the challenges of the pandemic and to foster an executive team of city staff built from near scratch. She listed the city’s accomplishments:

• Addressed the failing streets with a five-year maintenance plan
• Worked with the San Jose Sharks to add an ice facility to the Gilroy Sports Park and a magnet for future expansion
• Invested more than $6.5 million in infrastructure improvements downtown, including the soon-to-be constructed pedestrian alleys on both the east and west sides of Monterey Street
• Advocated for viable public transportation services that make sense for more commuters to use, and in September, Gilroy will see the addition of a fourth weekday commuter train.

“With so much going and still to see through for the town that I love, I’m excited for this next term,” she said.

In more election news, Gilroy City Councilmember Zach Hilton said he will seek re-election in 2024.

“My vision is simple,” he said. “Have a livable Gilroy for all. We can achieve that through safe communities, local economic development, housing for all, and a quality education.“

During the past six years, as former chair of the Gilroy Bicycle Pedestrian Commission and current city councilmember he said he’s gained the governing experience and built the necessary coalitions within the community and region to have a seat on the council.

“Whether it is accomplishments we made in active transportation, safe routes to school, welcoming new businesses that allow us to grow as a community, housing for all, and safe spaces for youth, the role my office plays in the community makes me proud each day,” he said.

While it’s unfortunate that this year’s Garlic Festival will not take place, a dedicated group of Gilroy Garlic Festival Association volunteers continue to celebrate the spirit and philanthropy.

Gilroy Garlic Festival Association volunteers get their groove on at Downtown Live.

Since 1979, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association has proven that Garlic has the power to transform and unite a community.

In recent years, the GGFA has continued the celebration of the love of garlic and the community with smaller events, educational activities, and philanthropic opportunities.

Next on the calendar for GGFA is an appearance at Downtown Live, a free summer music festival in downtown Gilroy that includes live music, vendor booths, food trucks and more. The event is held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights through Aug. 3, on Monterey Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.

Clad in their favorite Garlic Festival shirts from past years, association volunteers will set up in a GGFA tent, handing out SWAG and taking volunteer sign-ups for the upcoming Gilroy Rodeo from Aug. 11-13.

After a successful clean-up of San Ysidro Park last month, mark your calendars for the next clean-up event Aug. 26 as the group of volunteers will attack Gilroy’s Historic Downtown.

With the help of 20 dedicated individuals, the group cleared out broken glass, bottle caps, small plastics, water balloons, and cigarette butts from the park.

To help at the next event, meet at 9 a.m. at the Downtown Gourmet Parking Lot, 7360 Eigleberry St.

Students can earn volunteer hours (don’t forget to bring paperwork), connect with like-minded individuals and make new friends. To make participation easy and hassle-free, the city will provide trash bags and grabbers. All volunteers will be required to sign a waiver, ensuring everyone’s safety. Sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/e/love-gilroy-help-keep-our-community-clean-litter-removal-event-tickets-646284513377

For the first time in five years, the Gavilan College men’s soccer team will be back on the pitch.

The Rams last fielded a team in 2018, when they finished 7-12-1 overall and 3-9 in the Coast Conference South Division. The program disbanded the following year and was dormant until the college decided to bring back both men’s and women’s soccer for the 2023 season.

The men’s team will be led by Josue Salgado, who played for the team in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He also coaches the Christopher High School boys team.

Good luck, coach!