Author: Joey Smith

Gilroy Hot Springs Survey Results are In!

Posted on by Joey Smith
 

Gilroy Hot Springs Survey Results are In!

Thank you to all that I fiiled our survey. The results will help inform the board on decisions to come.
 
 
 
 
 

Survey’s Other Feedback

The Other comments on the survey ranged from good wishes, how much the site is missed, volunteers not being valued by State Park personnel, ways to historically promote the site, ways to inspire park officials to see the potential, folks lending their expertise and ways to approach our local representatives to get help.  We also loved the “If I win the lotto, you’re on my list!”

Not finished with your X-Mas shopping?

 A Hundred Years of Gilroy Hot Springs is available for purchase here

GHSC Board

We are thankful that many individuals have shown an interest in a position on the board. We will be reaching each one in January 2024 and hope to bring some much needed energy to this project.

Interested in a tour?

Reach out to State Park ranger Jen Naber at Jennifer.Naber@parks.ca.gov
Or call Henry Coe State Park main phone number (408) 779-2728

CALL to ACTION:

1. Please call/email the local representatives and leadership of the Hot Springs to voice your opinion:

Upcoming Volunteer Work Days

Posted on by Joey Smith

Upcoming Volunteer Work Days

Saturday June 11th from 9 am to 5 pm We will need many volunteers to help us with the DOCA event. Register here

Saturday June 18th from 9 am to 12:30 pm. We will be dedicated to brush clearing so we are ready for the fire season: Register here.

Sept 10th and Oct 8th will be focused on building improvements including building a few steps to the front door of the Minnesota cabin and graffiti removal on the men’s bathhouse. 

Nikkei Matsuri – April 24th

The festival in San Jose was a hit. The Hunter family took part in displaying the wonderful history of the hot springs at a booth. As always, many passers by didn’t realize the hot springs existed. Also, we were visited by the son of the carpenter that built the Enomoto cabin. What a treat it was to find a picture of him as a young boy at the hot springs. 

Through conversation with visitors, we found out that Gilroy have a sister city in Japan called Takko – Garlic city. Also, it turns out that Netflix has a cartoon/documentary on the culture of hot springs from the perspective of an architect in Rome, 128 AD. Check out the quirky series called Thermae Romae Novae.

Amaya with Totoro!
 
 

Our Booth!

Guided Tour – Sunday May 22nd

 
We have an upcoming tour on Sunday May 22nd at 10:30 am at the Gilroy Hot Springs! 
Register here.

We can only accommodate the first 20 spots for this tour but will announce additional tour dates in our next newsletter.

Doors Open California – Saturday June 11th

 

The California Preservation Foundation will highlight more than 75 unique and fascinating places in all corners of the state including the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs. More information about the state wide event can be found at DOCA website.

We will be open on June 11th from 10 am to 4 pm where a guided tour will begin every 30 min starting at 10 am with last tour at 2 pm. The tours are expected to be approx 2 hours long. Along with the opportunity to touch the mineral hot water, you will learn about the 157 year history of this beautiful place, its natural resources and about the restoration efforts that are underway to reopen the site to the public.

No need to pre-register for this event. Note that parking will be limited so please try to carpool with others. We have picnic tables if you wish to bring a picnic lunch (no open flame).

November 28th Guided Tour!

Posted on by Joey Smith

November 28th Guided Tour!

State Park is hosting a tour on Monday November 28th at noon. The guided tour is typically 2 to 2.5hrs long and will provide a summary of the 157 yr history of the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs. Bring a picnic lunch if you wish to enjoy it while the docent provide pictures and good stories from the past.  The tour is $10 per person and is tax deductible. There is no bathing allowed at the hotspring but you will be allowed to touch the hot water.

Bring water and wear closed toed comfortable shoes as the terrain can be steep. No need to pre register for this event. Meet us at the bridge 15 min early (ie 11:45 am) for registration. Please allow for 30 min travel time from the Gilroy premium outlets to the bridge so you are not late. The gate will be locked promptly at noon at the bridge once everyone is registered. The site is located at 13800 Gilroy Hot Springs, Gilroy, CA

Hope to see many of you there!

Harvest Moon Craft Fair Oct 22nd recap

Thank you to everyone that came out to the Fair on October 22nd and special thanks to Carmel Valley Lodge for giving us a spotlight. It was great to meet folks that didn’t know about the hotsprings and see many of you sign up for our newsletter!!!
Women's Bathhouse

 

Volunteer Day – Sept 10th recap

We cleared vegetation around the women’s and men’s bathhouses. Thank you to individuals and park staff for lending a hand on a Saturday morning to keep the site safe!!!
 

 

Restoration News 

The park is looking into partnering with the HistoriCorp organization to restore more structures at the hot springs in 2023. The restoration typically is held over a 2 to 3 week campout with volunteers who are trained in restoring structures. All materials will be procured by the park.

The 5000 gallon fire tank is now connected to the piping system and fire hydrants installed. As always, we are hopeful that fire suppression will not be needed next fire season. At least now, we know there is fighting chance to save the historical buildings if it were to happen.

Volunteer Day – Sept 10th at 8:45 am

Posted on by Joey Smith

Volunteer Day – Sept 10th at 8:45 am

Please join us for a brush clearing volunteer day 

Meet with the coordinator at the bridge at 8:30 am to fill volunteer paperwork. The gate will be locked at 9 am so please be prompt. We will be brush clearing around structures that are susceptible to fire. Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, gloves, eye protection, and sunscreen. Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended. If time allows, you can walk to the hot springs and touch the hot spring water (sorry no soaking allowed). Tools will be provided, and you are not required to pre-register for this event.

 
Photo Courtesy of Timothy Richardson 

  

Water Quality of the hot spring

It is safe for recreational use. Continued testing will be done to achieve a consistent record of water quality.

Carmel Valley Art and Wine Festival – Oct 22nd

The event runs from 11am to 4pm at the Carmel Valley Lodge, 8 Ford Road, Carmel Valley, CA, 93

The Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy will be hosting a booth. You’ll learn about the history and our plans to reopen the site. The Bitter Ginger will be providing food and drink for sale and they never disappoint.


Photo Courtesy of Timothy Richardson

 

June 11th Special Access to Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs:

Posted on by Joey Smith

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  • Come enjoy the scenic mountain side historical site of the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs. A 2 hr guided tour will be provided every 30 min starting at 10 am. Last tour at 2 pm. Learn about the 157 year history of the hot springs. Bring your friends, family and a picnic lunch.
  • Location: 13800 Gilroy Hot Springs Rd, Gilroy, CA, 95020
  • Register at Doors Open California  https://californiapreservation.org/doca/

Monday April 18th Guided Tour

Posted on by Joey Smith

 

 

Monday April 18th Guided Tour

We have just received approval for this tour on Monday April 18th at 10:30 am at the Gilroy Hot Springs! We apologize for the last minute notice but we couldn’t advertise it until now.
Register here.
We can only accommodate the first 20 spots for this tour but will announce additional tour dates in our next newsletter. Please only register for one date.

Sunday May 22nd Guided Tour – Save the Date

We have not received approval for Sunday May 22nd at 10:30 am at the Gilroy Hot Springs! We will notify everyone on the newsletter list when we can open the registration.

Upcoming Events 

GHSC will host a booth at the Nikkei Matsuri festival in San Jose on April 24th 10 am to 5 pm. For more information: Nikkei Matsuri San Jose 2022

Tuesday March 22nd Guided Tour

Posted on by Joey Smith

Tuesday March 22nd Guided Tour

Upcoming guided tours offered on Tuesday March 22nd at 10:30 am at the Gilroy Hot Springs!
Register here.
We can only accommodate the first 20 spots for this tour but will announce additional tour dates in our next newsletter. Please only register for one date.

Sunday March 27th Guided Tour

Upcoming guided tours offered on Sunday March 27th at 10:00 am at the Gilroy Hot Springs!
Register here.
We can only accommodate the first 20 spots for this tour but will announce additional tour dates in our next newsletter. Please only register for one date.

GHSC Board Update

We want to welcome newly elected VP and Treasurer Ed Hunter for taking on a larger role in our organization. Our board is looking for members and committee lead positions to fill. If interested, please email info@gilroyhotspringsconservancy.org.

Upcoming Events 

GHSC will host a booth at the Nikkei Matsuri festival in San Jose on April 24th 10 am to 5 pm. For more information: Nikkei Matsuri San Jose 2022

National Preservation Month – Santa Clara County on May 21st at 7pm. The Conservancy will showcase the hot springs on the online space. For more information about the event see SCCPA Award Night 

Send us some your pictures

We’ve been receiving great pictures of the hot springs taken during the guided tours. Keep them coming!

Fundraiser Update

We are steadily making progress on our fundraiser averaging around $1k per month. Thank you Donors!

To donate you can go to our GoFundMe page or send a check to:

Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy
P.O. Box 51985, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Guided Tours

Posted on by Joey Smith

Guided Tours

After a long 2 year of Covid restrictions, you can now register for our next guided tour on Saturday Feb 5th at 1:30 pm at the Gilroy Hot Springs!
Register here.
We can only accommodate the first 20 spots for this tour but will announce additional tour dates in our next newsletter.

GHSC Board Update

Lucie Vogel stepped down as president in December. We want to thank Lucie for her dedication to the organization since it’s inception. She was instrumental in the formation of the conservancy and worked tirelessly to bring our cause to light in the community. Marie Hunter is currently acting as President and Treasurer. Our board is looking for members and committee lead positions to fill. A board voting meeting will take place to fill these positions on Wednesday 3/2/2022 at 7pm. If interested, please email info@gilroyhotspringsconservancy.org by 02/24/2022.

Fire Protection 

We are close to having a fire protected site. The trenches for the fire hydrant pipe distribution has been backfilled and 5000 gallon tank is ready to be installed. Thank you State Park! 

Fundraiser Update

We have now fundraised $33,000 out of our $95,000 goal to reopen Gilroy Hot Springs for public use. Thank you donors! To learn more or donate, check out our fundraiser here! If you prefer to send a check, please send it to our new mailing address: 626 Hillcrest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.

Coming soon are Volunteer Days in the spring. Students looking for volunteer credits are also welcome.

9/11 Work Day + 10/9 Fundraiser

Posted on by Joey Smith

9/11 Work Day + 10/9 Fundraiser

Check out Gilroy Hot Springs in the local news!  Thank you Gilroy Dispatch for getting the word out about reopening the hot springs.

You can now registerfor our next public volunteer work day at Gilroy Hot Springs!  See below for more information.  Fall dates will be announced in the next newsletter.

We have now fundraised $17,266.65 out of our $95,000 goal to reopen Gilroy Hot Springs for public use in spring 2022.  Thank you donors! 
 

YOU CAN NOW REGISTER for our 10/9/2021 fundraiser: 

Soak It All In: A day of water, wine and history of Gilroy Hot Springs.
Enjoy a historic day in Gilroy
Hosted by Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy, The Gilroy Museum and Satori Cellars
$100 per person, $50 children

Each ticket includes a self paced tour:

9am-noon Visit The Gilroy Museum for a special exhibition of the the famed “Flagpole Register” and other rare items, on loan from the McDonald and Lundblade families. 195 Fifth St., Gilroy, CA

10am-2pm Visit Gilroy Hot Springs for a walking tour of historic structures and to learn about reopening plans. See the natural hot springs flow! Tours leave on the hour, every hour. Or can be taken self paced. Please wear good shoes for hiking. Also bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. 13800 Gilroy Hot Springs, Gilroy, CA

Noon-3pm Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Satori Cellars. Each ticket includes a box lunch created by Gilroy’s own Chef Mark Segovia. 21+ are invited to enjoy a wine tasting of Satori’s prized local wines. 100 Buena Vista Ave, Gilroy, CA

Reserve your tickets here.
 

 
On Saturday 9/11, you are invited to volunteer at Gilroy Hot Springs.  We will be clearing space to create camp sites for overnite stays starting in spring 2022  Register Here.We will meet at the main gate at 8:45am and then work from 9am-noon.  Volunteers will have the chance to enjoy a picnic lunch by the hot springs source after.

Please bring your own gloves! We also need weed whackers, tools to trim branches and crow bars.

Check out our campsite plan that Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy is partnering with California State Parks to create.

  
On 8/7, volunteers braved the heat to complete the bridge painting project….
 

…..and were successful!  Look at that beautiful bridge!