Good day Gilroy! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Zucchini Car Race and 4 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. California county tests whether it can block new ICE detention centers (wheninyourstate.com) — Residents near Gilroy are fighting a proposed ICE detention facility on county land just outside the city, using both lawsuits and highly visible protests. Santa Clara County and state officials argue the project violates environmental review rules and long-standing agricultural protections, while local organizers have built a broad "ICE Out of Gilroy" coalition. The outcome could shape how communities across California regulate detention centers on their doorstep.
2. List: Three Bay Area schools in top 10 of best public high schools in California (eastbaytimes.com) — Gilroy's own Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy just ranked 5th among all public high schools in California, according to U.S. News & World Report. The school stands out for 100% AP participation, strong test scores, and serving a relatively high share of economically disadvantaged students. Two other Bay Area schools, in San Jose and Fremont, also cracked the top 10.
3. Congressman Liccardo Partners with San Mateo County to Develop First Ordinance in Region that will Deploy its Land Use Authority Over Building of ICE Detention Facilities (coastsidebuzz.com) — Plans for a new federal detention facility near Gilroy are helping drive San Mateo County's move to regulate where such centers can be built in its unincorporated areas. County supervisors, working with Congressman Sam Liccardo, have directed staff to draft an ordinance controlling detention facilities to protect public safety, infrastructure, and community values across the region.
4. Grassroots Backlash Forces Big Tech to Rewrite Data Center Playbook (pymnts.com) — Gilroy briefly enters the national spotlight as an example of how communities are pushing back on massive AI data centers, after residents only learned of a $2 billion Amazon project once construction was underway. In response, Amazon held an open house in Gilroy, part of a broader industry shift toward public meetings, community benefits, and more transparency. Across the country, utilities and regulators are also rewriting rules so big tech pays more of the infrastructure costs tied to AI's huge power needs.
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Ok Gilroy! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
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