Holiday Cheer Abounds: Book Sale, Symphony Concert, and Environmental Justice
Bookworms rejoice! The Friends of Gilroy Library are hosting their monthly book sale on December 14th, inviting bibliophiles to a literary feast at the Gilroy Library, located at 350 West Sixth Street. From 10 am to 1 pm, readers can browse and purchase a variety of books. Bags of literary treasures are available for $5 for Friends of Gilroy Library members and $8 for non-members. For those interested in joining the Friends organization, memberships can be purchased for a mere $5 per year.
The Friends of Gilroy Library are always looking for passionate individuals to lend a hand. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time and support the library’s initiatives can reach out to the Friends via email at it****@ao*.com.
For year-round literary exploration, the library’s Isabel Jewell Book Store welcomes bookworms Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm, Wednesday from 1 pm to 4 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm, and on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 am to 1 pm.
South Valley Symphony to Fill the Air with Festive Sound
Music lovers are in for a treat as the South Valley Symphony gears up for its winter concert on December 14th. The harmonious event will take place at 3 pm at Advent Lutheran Church, located at 16870 Murphy Ave. in Morgan Hill. The orchestra has curated a program filled with cherished holiday classics, including Kyle Jones’ Christmas Concertante for Horn and Orchestra, Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and the beloved Winter Wonderland, among other festive selections.
Tickets for this musical celebration are available for purchase online and at the door. In a gesture of holiday generosity, students in kindergarten through 12th grade and those currently attending college can enjoy the concert for free. For more information about the program and to secure your seats, visit southvalleysymphony.org.
Perils of Improper Waste Disposal Highlighted in $3.5 Million Settlement
Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside District Attorneys’ Offices from Alameda County and San Mateo County, announced a significant settlement with Frontier California, Inc. The settlement resolves allegations of illegal disposal and mismanagement of hazardous waste materials by the company.
As part of the agreement, Frontier will be responsible for a $3.5 million payment, covering penalties, legal costs, and the funding of supplemental environmental projects aimed at benefiting the community. Additionally, Frontier is obligated to make substantial changes to its operational procedures and practices to ensure compliance with state environmental regulations.
Expressing his concern over the matter, Bonta stated, “For years, Frontier’s careless and unlawful hazardous waste disposal practices jeopardized the health and environmental well-being of California communities.” He further emphasized the importance of accountability, saying, “Today’s settlement holds them accountable for breaking the law and implements strict measures to prevent them from putting Californians and our environment at risk in the future.”
The settlement affirms the findings of over 12 waste inspections conducted from 2011 to 2013. During these inspections, conducted at 10 Frontier facilities previously owned and operated by Verizon California, Inc., more than 300 potentially hazardous items were discovered within regular trash dumpsters.
