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A New SV Media publication
Friday, January 19, 2018
gilroydispatch.com • Vol. 151, No. 3 • $1
BUSINESS: Foodie hipsters’ web posts rock Instagram P12
Landscaper says status of workers important LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR SAYS THE CITY SHOULD CHECK IMMIGRATION STATUS By Bryce Stoepfel Reporter
➝ Landscaping, 15
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN
JANUARY 19, 2018
A section of the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times
OU T & AB OU T OF NDAR CA LE EN TS EV
Teaching for Life Morgan Hill’s Learning and Loving Center awarded Nonprofit of the Year
Inside this issue: Teaching to empower
THEATER AUDITIONS P8 | EXOTIC GARDEN SPECIMENS P14 | GETTING OUT P16
Barry Holtzclaw
A landscaping contractor who was passed over for work around Gilroy has told the city council it shouldn’t hire a company that doesn’t check the immigration status of its employees. Mike Carter, a representative from BrightView LLC, which had worked in the city for five years, took exception with the hiring practices of the soon-to-be new contractors in regards to immigration status. “There is no contract language that requires that a vendor’s employees be citizens of the United States and that will have an adverse effect on the people who use Gilroy parks,”
HERO DAD Sal Olivieri, owner of Pinnochio’s Pizza, is flanked by his wife, Vickie, daughter Gina,
and son-in-law Duke Polhaupessy in his Gilroy restaurant.
Sal protected wife, daughter PIZZERIA OWNER STABBED WHEN HE FENDS OFF ATTACKER AT GILROY BUSINESS By Barry Holtzclaw Managing Editor
This year marks the 40th year in business in Gilroy for Sal Oliveri, owner of Pinnochio’s Pizza. It’s a year he will never forget. The year began with him nearly losing his life defending
his family from a knife-wielding homeless man. In an interview this week, the humble pizza maker, son of Sicilian immigrants, said he is hopeful the year will end better than it started. Ten days later, Sal and his family calmly reflected on that day, and described a scene of terror and bloody mayhem. On Jan. 6, during the Saturday evening dinner rush at his restaurant at Church and Welburn, a man rushed in waving a large knife. When he lunged at Sal’s daughter, Gina Oliveri Polhaupessy, Sal and
his son-in-law, Duke, leaped into action, pushing the man towards the door. They ended up on one of the tables, and the man swung the knife towards Sal’s throat. When Sal raised his arm to block the blow, the assailant slashed it with his knife, then fled the store, as Duke was able to lock the door. Gina was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher throughout the frightening fracas, and the attacker was arrested without incident a blocks away a few minutes later.
“There was blood everywhere,” said Sal. Gina said she at first wondered if her dad had lost his arm in the attack. The wound had cut to the bone in his forearm, Sal said. “It’s scary when there are customers here, and my family — you don’t want to see anything happen,” said Sal. His right arm has a brace and heavy bandage from his bicep to his fingers. He has use of his hand, but more surgeries lie ➝ Pinnochio, 2
Two deaths heighten influenza concern REPORTED FLU FATALITIES IN SAN BENITO PROMPT NEW WARNINGS FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS Staff Report
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Two San Benito County residents have died due from an influenza virus, prompting new warnings from local public health officials. St. Louise Regional Hospital reported an increase in Emergency Department patients with “Influenza-like Illness,” said Pam Holmquist, Director of Infection Prevention. "However, the volume is manageable. Typically these patients are assessed, treated with antiviral medication, and sent home.”
“Influenza admissions into the hospital are not higher than a typical flu season." she said. Erring on the side of caution, St. Louise has restricted visitors to at least 16 years old and has asked visitors to steer clear of the hospital if they are not feeling well. In San Benito County, the news was grim. “We regretfully announce the deaths of two San Benito County residents associated with influenza virus infection,” Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said this week. One individual was an adult under the age of 65 and the other individual was over 65. Both had other medical conditions, possibly increasing the risk of severe complications from the flu, Newell said. Although the vaccination status for these residents was not reported,
KEEP YOUR CAREER ADVANCING WITH REAL PROJECTS AT TOP COMPANIES.
California state health officials report that “of the 27 influenza-associated deaths and 85 influenza-associated intensive care unit admissions in persons under 65 years of age for whom data were available, approximately 95 percent had at least one underlying medical condition and two-thirds were unvaccinated.” Influenza activity is increasing in San Benito County and throughout the state as indicated by disease surveillance data, Newell said. People at highest risk from severe complications from influenza infection include adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, and weakened immune systems. Newel emphasized the importance of getting the flu shot. “It is not too late to get
vaccinated,” she said. “We encourage everyone six months of age and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible every flu season.” Public health officials also advise the following steps to protect from the flu, as well as from other respiratory illnesses: • Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue • If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Stay home when you or family members are sick. Stay home until you have been symptomfree for at least 24 hours. For more information, go to https://hhsa.cosb.us/
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