County, union at odds over staffing, equipment needs at James Ranch
While those involved in the apprehension of five juveniles who attempted to escape from the William F. James Ranch July 18 agree the on-site staff handled the incident swiftly and safely, a union representative said the county is unwilling to provide counselors with resources they need to stay safe at the detention facility.
Four burglary suspects arrested in traffic stop
Morgan Hill police arrested four suspects who were carrying more than $2,000 worth of items recently stolen in local vehicle break-ins, authorities said.In the early morning hours July 28, three vehicles in Morgan Hill were burglarized, with items ranging from electronics, cell phones and duffel bags stolen, according to police. In one of the burglaries, it appeared the suspects attempted to steal the victim’s car.About 8:23 a.m. July 28, the MHPD received information from a citizen regarding a suspicious vehicle on Longview Drive in west Morgan Hill, police said. Minutes later, officers located a black Subaru matching the vehicle’s description and conducted a traffic stop.Officers contacted the four occupants of the vehicle, who were all from Contra Costa County, according to police. During the investigation, it was determined that one of the suspects—Omar Garcia Padilla, 19—had a $50,000 warrant for his arrest from San Jose Police. The warrant was for possession of a stolen vehicle.During the search of the suspects’ vehicle July 28, officers also found stolen property from the earlier vehicle burglaries in Morgan Hill, police said.Omar Padilla was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property, petty theft and the San Jose warrant, police said. The vehicle’s three other occupants—Luis Garcia Padilla, 20, Jose Chavez Pinto, 30, and a female juvenile—were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and petty theft.The three adults were booked at Santa Clara County Jail, while the juvenile was booked at Juvenile Hall, police said.In all, police recovered $2,235 worth of stolen property during the arrest, police said. This property has since been returned to its rightful owners.Anyone with information about this case can contact MHPD Corporal Scott Purvis at (408) 779-2101 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 947- 7867.
Gilroy councilman runs for state assembly
Peter Leroe-Muñoz, a Gilroy councilman, wants to simultaneously improve the quality of the state’s public education and cut regional crime rates. In a July 18 interview, Leroe-Muñoz, a Democrat, announced he’s running for California State Assembly in the November 2016 election.
Teacher accused of assaulting students back in court Aug. 3
Former elementary school teacher and Hollister resident John Loyd, who is accused of sexually assaulting four young female students, will appear at South County Courthouse Aug. 3.At a July 24 hearing at the Morgan Hill courthouse, Loyd waived the preliminary hearing, according to Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Tim McInerney. The preliminary hearing is when the judge would have heard evidence in order to determine if the case should go to trail. By waiving this proceeding Loyd, 52, is agreeing there is enough evidence to face a jury trial.Loyd, a teacher at Paradise Valley Elementary School in Morgan Hill, faces multiple counts of lewd and lascivious acts toward a child, according to authorities. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.Loyd has been on administrative leave from his fifth-grade teaching job at Paradise Valley since his arrest Oct. 2, when the first female victim—a student at the same school—told a school staff member that Loyd made inappropriate contact with her in his classroom, according to authorities.Loyd has been a fifth-grade teacher at Paradise Valley since 2008. He started teaching in the Morgan Hill Unified School District in 2000 at Nordstrom Elementary, his last assignment before he was transferred to Paradise Valley.Since his arrest, three more young female victims have been identified, authorities said.Loyd remains in custody at Santa Clara County Jail without bail, according to authorities.
City hall exhibit features young artist
Artwork by 6-year-old South Bay artist Thanmay Sarath will be on display at Gilroy City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St., through Aug. 28, the fifth solo exhibition of his young career. Thanmay started working with crayons when he was 9 months old and moved on to acrylic, oil and pastel.
Texas Cabin restoration celebrated with ribbon-cutting
Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs celebrated the restoration and dedication of the newly restored Texas Cabin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 18.The Texas Cabin was built in the early 1920s utilizing elements from an earlier building on the same site. Built during the period in which Gilroy Hot Springs was owned and operated by the William J. McDonald family, the cabin provided four separate accommodations with two bathrooms. Later it housed Japanese families recovering from their time in internments camps during World War II.The Texas Cabin is one of the largest remaining cabins at Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs. The restoration was jointly funded by California State Parks and private donations with work completed by Southwest Construction and overseen by state parks staff.Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs can be toured by reservation only by calling (408) 314-7185 or e-mailing [email protected].
County to reduce climate change impact by preserving farmland
Using proceeds from a competitive grant offered by the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, county officials will develop a comprehensive platform of maps, models and policies to reduce greenhouse gases by preserving at-risk farmland in South County.
Colon Cancer: What It Is, How It’s Diagnosed and How We Treat It
Colon cancer is the catch-all name for cancer of the colon or rectum. The proper name for this disease is colorectal cancer.
Homes Wanted: No-kill shelter cares for cat
What happens if your new baby is allergic to your longtime feline friend? Or the cheapest housing option doesn’t allow pets? How much can you afford to spend if he needs surgery or medication?
