Emotional, that’ s the word I would use to describe this issue of the magazine. I think we’ ve run the gamut in that department. Prepare to laugh, to cry and to think about the future. Our infrastructure series continues with a look at the High Speed Rail. Our Associate Editor / Senior Writer, Robin Shepherd did an excellent job researching, sifting through the vast amount of information involved in the complex state plan. Whether we embrace it or not, it is our future and staying informed is a good way to be part of the process and not be surprised by the impacts.( Pages 12-17)

Have a hanky or tissue ready when you read about Jennifer Lynn Kranz and how her parents turned an unthinkable loss into a blessing for so many. Their work in creating the non-profit, Unravel Pediatric Cancer, has not only helped them cope with their loss but also helped them make a difference in providing services and making advancements in the field of fighting pediatric cancer. It is truly an inspiring story and we thank Libby and Tony Kranz for sharing it with us.( Page 22) On the lighter side, I hope that my effort to share my new found love of man’ s best friend will make you smile as our Charlie does me each day. If someone were to say that I could be smitten over a dog ten months ago, I would have said“ no way!” But here I am— smitten.( Page 30)

Ever wonder just who your ancestors were? I have. I’ ve even gone to a class on how to do the research. Sadly, however, I haven’ t gone much further than that. My excuse is“ no time.” We interviewed a few folks that have made the time and have some interesting stories to tell. I’ m putting it on my bucket list. It will be accompanied by my“ gotta write a book” item.( Pages 62-64)

So I’ m watching my favorite TV station, HGTV, and the show Tiny Homes comes on. I’ m in awe of people who can live in such small spaces; and note that most of them are really young and not big in the physical size department. But I digress. To my amazement, the couple on the show are from Gilroy. Molly Goldsmith and Rodney Balajadia Jr. have created a lifestyle around their tiny home and agreed to share their experience with us.( Pages 54-56)

For those of you who love wine, you will want to visit The Stomping Ground. Jason and Janu Goelz and Tim Slater have transformed a former industrial facility into a state of the art winemaking studio with production, custom crush and storage facilities. And they will be hosing a number of premium wineries for wine tasting, entertainment and related agri-tourism activities. Sounds like a good email list to get on.( Page 80)

I want to thank all our contributors and department writers. They do an excellent job of helping us round out the content of the magazine with interesting special interest pieces. Also, I want to welcome to Bev Stenehjem, our new writer of The Vine.( Page 83) The next time you see one of them around town, be sure to tellthem how much you enjoy their contribution.

Last but not least, I will conclude by thanking Nicole and David Conragan of Morgan Hill for joining us at Cafe Thyme in Gilroy for our Dining Out With Friends series. It’ s always fun to share good food with good friends, old and new. Next time we will taking some Gilroy folks to a Morgan Hill restaurant.( Page 102)

Enjoy!

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JULY / AUGUST 2017 gmhtoday. com

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