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Here are the good news

 Since our fundraising began, the conservancy has raised $38,926.15 in cash and $2,200 in in-kind donations from board members. Our expenses have been mostly on insurance, fundraising platform fees, government filing and supplies for site improvements. Our current cash balance is $36,162.74.

Recently, HistoriCorps was onsite to restore the Montana Cabin. This organization has contributed a lot of effort at the hotspring over the years to help with the roofing of many cabins. We hope that they can take on the Shrine restoration next year which seems to be of interest to most visitors. 

Montana Cabin (built in 1913)

Here are the bad news

The GHSC was founded with the goal of helping the restoration of the hot springs as stated in Objective 6.2.1 of the Henry Coe’s State Park 2012 General Plan. We initially were looking at being a Operation agreement as we would be taking on the challenge of the restoration and operation of the campground. This contract type was turned down because the conservancy was new. We were then asked if a Collaborative Association agreement was of interest. We agreed, as long as the mission statement stayed intact and we could later return to an “operator partnership”.  After many months waiting for answers to our questions regarding the contract, the conservancy met with State Park personnel in October of 2022 to iron out these open questions. There, we were asked to change our mission statement. It has become clear to the board that hurdles keep being added. We expect that water rights will become an issue as the State Park has not invested time or not provided transparency on the discussion with the water agencies. 

The weekly volunteer day which has helped keep the buildings standing all those years by many dedicated uniformed volunteers was also canceled by the State Park Diablo District earlier this year. 

The hot spring is also suffering from record low output where the well is now showing signs of stagnant water. The consistent lack of rain in the last decade (though not this last winter) has not furnished deep underground water needed for the hot spring output to be plentiful.

Quick snippets of the last 20 years of the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs

2003: State Park acquires the hot springs from the Nature Conservancy for $2.4M and annexes it to Henry Coe State Park.
2004: The Shrine is saved from demolition and restored by volunteers.
2008: Structures are covered with temporary roofs.
2010 to 2022: Minnesota Cabin stabilization and partial restoration.
2012: Henry Coe State Park General Plan includes objectives for the hot springs.
2015: The Texas cabin is restored.
2018: Septic system is built for the Texas cabin.
2019: The conservancy provides a mission statement and business plan to the State Park to open a campground and raise funds to restore the hot springs structures. A letter of intent is signed by State Park to allow the GHSC to fundraise. 
2020: GHSC starts fundraising through fiscal sponsorship of the Gilroy Foundation.
2021: GHSC org is formed and obtains its tax exempt status.  Stabilization of the Enomoto Cabin begins. The raging fire of the Fire Complex at Henry Coe somehow stops half a mile away from setting ablaze the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs. 
2022: GHSC asked to change the mission statement by State Park. Fire hydrants and a 5000 gallon fire tank are installed by the State Park volunteers and personnel.
2023: No progress on contractual way forward for GHSC and uniformed volunteer one day a week restoration day halted by the Diablo District State Park administration.

Where do we go from here?

Due to the goal posts being moved by the State Park administration, many of our board members have expressed the desire to step down. We need fresh ideas and folks that have influence in the community to ensure that the hot spring’s cultural heritage is not lost. Over the years, tireless volunteers have helped cut down the weeds, paint, stabilize structures, provide the public a chance to visit the site and appreciate its beauty and history.  Our board is very thankful for all these folks that have shown an interest in this project.   

The Conservancy helped in the last 3 years to coordinate volunteer days for the general public. Also, guided tours dates were coordinated with State Park/Uniformed Volunteer docents and communicated through our newsletter to provide a chance for the public to appreciate what a jewel in the rough this place is. We did this all to help attract attention to the site although the guided tour fees were given to the Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs interpretive arm subsidiary of the Pine Ridge Association, not GHSC.

Recently, additional requirements have been added by the State Park. Unlike before 2023, we are now required to file for event permits and insurance for these events hence draining the fundraising we have tried so hard not to erode. Our 2019 original $90k budget to get a dry camp site established did not include such costs.

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:


2. GHSC wants to hear from you! Fill out our 5 min survey before Nov 30th. Are you interested in a board position?

         SURVEY

Our president, Marie Hunter, and other board members will stay for 6 months to ensure proper onboarding and fiscal responsibility transition.

ghsc-logo-283x300Nov. 23, 2022

ghsc-logo-283x300Nov. 23, 2022

Bridge over Creek
Hiking through state park

November 28th Guided Tour!

State Park is hosting a tour on Monday November 28th at noon. The guided tour is typically 2 to 2.5 hrs hrs 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!

Out building in park
Out building in park

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

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!!!

Park restoration

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.

ghsc-logo-283x300Sept. 8, 2022

Volunteer Day – Sept 10th at 8:45 am Please join us for a brush clearing volunteer day

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.

 

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.

ghsc-logo-283x300June 8, 2022

Pre-register for our June 11th DOCA event!

 

Special Access to the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs – 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. 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.

Registration is a flat rate of $20 per person to access all sites on Doors Open weekend. Please register the day prior as the online registration will not be available once you arrive at the hot springs (there is no cellular coverage within 20 min drive of the hot springs)

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 cooking).

We look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday!

ghsc-logo-283x300May 16, 2022

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).

ghsc-logo-283x300Apr. 18, 2022

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

ghsc-logo-283x300Mar. 21, 2022

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!

hotsprings

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

 

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-logo-283x300Feb. 1, 2022

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.

ghsc-logo-283x300Sept. 9, 2021

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 register for our for 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.

ghsc-logo-283x300Aug. 7, 2021

Volunteer Work Day Saturday 8/7

You can now register for our next public volunteer work day at Gilroy Hot Springs! See below for more information. Save the date to register for our volunteer work day on 9/11. We will announce fall dates in our next newsletter We have now fundraised $15,968.06 out of our $95,000 goal to reopen Gilroy Hot Springs for public use in spring 2022. Thank you donors!

SAVE THE DATE for our 10/9/2021 fundraiser: Soak It All In: A day of water, wine and history of Gilroy Hot Springs. We will announce registration and ticket sales in our next newsletter!

To learn more or donate, check out our fundraiser here!

On Saturday 7/10, you are invited to volunteer at Gilroy Hot Springs.  We will be painting and removing graffiti from historical structures.  Register Here.

We will meet at the main gate at 8:45 am 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!  Painting supplies will be provided by California State Parks and Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy.    

ghsc-logo-283x300July 6, 2021

Volunteer Work Day Saturday 7/10

You can now register for our next public volunteer work day at Gilroy Hot Springs!  See below for more information.  Save the date to register for volunteer work days later this summer on 8/7 and 9/11.

We have now fund raised $13,792.06 out of our $95,000 goal to reopen Gilroy Hot Springs for public use in fall 2021.  Thank you donors! 

SAVE THE DATE for our 10/9/2021 fundraiser:  Soak It All In: A day of water, wine and history of Gilroy Hot Springs. More info coming in August!

To learn more or donate, check out our fundraiser here!

On Saturday 7/10, you are invited to volunteer at Gilroy Hot Springs.  We will be painting and removing graffiti from historical structures.  Register Here.

We will meet at the main gate at 8:45 am 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!  Painting supplies will be provided by California State Parks and Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy.    
ghsc-logo-283x300June 5, 2021

You can now register for our first public volunteer work day at Gilroy Hot Springs! See below for more information. Save the date to register for volunteer work days later this summer on 7/10, 8/7 and 9/11. https://mailchi.mp/7051b8dfc1ba/register-65-volunteer-work-day-at-gilroy-hot-springs?e=c12828da47

ghsc-logo-283x300May 25, 2021 Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy plans to re-open the property one weekend per month in fall 2021 with soaking, camping and restored cabin rental. We have raised $6897 towards our $95k re-opening budget goal. Thank you donors! https://mailchi.mp/2c929c972f99/renovations-resume-zoom-session-882271?e=c12828da47
ghsc-logo-283x300Apr. 27, 2021 We have had a busy month at Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy! With covid restrictions loosening, renovations have resumed in preparation for our fall 2021 re-opening. Check out the photos below at a recent drone filming day with volunteer Lauren Cohn. Lauren is the the multimedia architect for Oracle and has been volunteering her time as a cinematographer, drone pilot and creative to help with the re-opening of the hot springs. We hope to show you her work soon! https://mailchi.mp/069ba4b81f74/renovations-resume-zoom-session-427?e=24974332a7

ghsc-logo-283x300Mar. 23, 2021 We are full steam ahead at the hot springs.

Lots of great news from Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy. Our next Zoom info session is TONITE 3/23 7-7:30pm. The link is the same if you signed up for our last session but couldn’t make it. Not signed up yet? Register Here. Our next session is 4/27, also 7-7:30pm. https://mailchi.mp/efeb1f5207f7/work-days-restart-zoom-session-tonite-history?e=24974332a7


ghsc-logo-283x300Feb. 20, 2021 GHSC earns tax exempt status with IRS! Great news came from the IRS on 2/4: Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy is now officially a 501(c)3 non-profit campground! Thank you to everyone who has carried the torch in many different ways over many years to get us here. https://mailchi.mp/83ee464f1773/irs-approval-zoom-info-session-223

ghsc-logo-283x300Jan. 13, 2021 Can you share your favorite photographs? Happy New Year to all! Do you have favorite pictures of your time spent at our beloved Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs? Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy is looking for photographs that we can use on social media to promote our fundraising activities for our 2021 re-opening plans. We currently have only a small library of shareable content, not enough to get our social media campaign going. https://mailchi.mp/bd737b9af44c/share-your-favorite-pics-from-gilroy-hot-springs?e=[UNIQID]>a?


Flag-pole1Nov. 27, 2020 NBC Bay Area at Gilroy Hot Springs. Hello hot springs enthusiasts! Did you catch us on the local Thanksgiving night news? If not, check out and share widely this exclusive visit to Gilroy Hot Springs by Joe Rosato of NBC Bay Area: https://mailchi.mp/acfee738784e/nbc-at-gilroy-hot-springs?e=[UNIQID]

reopen1Nov. 20, 2020 It’s Giving Tuesday at Gilroy Hot Springs. Did you know that Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy is sponsored by the Gilroy Foundation while we await approval of tax exempt status? Give the gift of community healing this season by donating to our 2021 Reopening Fundraiser. We accept private as well as corporate donations. Reply to this email with any questions you have or to obtain our tax id number for corporate matching donations. https://mailchi.mp/dfb4f32e4415/giving-tuesday-at-gilroy-hot-springs?e=[UNIQID]


Flag-pole1Nov. 4, 2020 Donate to soak and camp in 2021! Dear Friends, Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy is now accepting donations. Some donations are eligible to reserve the very first soaking and camping spots when we re-open in 2021. We hope this good news gives you hope and something to look forward to in difficult times. https://mailchi.mp/8a9629b654fc/gilroy-hot-springs-fundraiser-is-live?e=[UNIQID]

reopen1Nov. 2, 2020 The time has come to return to Gilroy Hot Springs. Can you imagine meeting your friends to soak in the healing waters at Gilroy Hot Springs? How about enjoying a meal and nap at your campsite after a day of soaking? Or even better, enjoying the sunrise and sunset from the deck of your Texas Cabin room? All of this and more is about to be possible in 2021. And we need your help. https://mailchi.mp/0501ac3f8d57/gilroy-hot-springs-survives-scu-complex-fire-836912?e=[UNIQID]


complex-fire1Sept. 3, 2020 Gilroy Hot Springs has survived the SCU Complex fire

Great news came yesterday from Eddie Guaracha, Superintendent for California State Parks Diablo District: our beloved and precious Gilroy Hot Springs has survived the SCU Complex Fire. The fire came about 1/2 mile from the property and is no longer burning near by. Thank you Calfire for all your hard work!

https://mailchi.mp/57aa6f10a606/gilroy-hot-springs-survives-scu-complex-fire?e=[UNIQID]

Flag-pole1July 21, 2020 Please welcome our new Board of Directors.

Hello Gilroy Hot Springs Enthusiasts! We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well during these trying times. This month, we would like to introduce you to the new board of directors for Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy. The Board looks forward to meeting and working with all of you in our shared passion for reopening the hot springs for pubic access in the coming months and years. https://mailchi.mp/d46b829eb3ce/meet-the-gilroy-hot-springs-board?e=[UNIQID]


reopen1June 7, 2020 While the SIP remains in effect, Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy is building a virtual organization. The work that we do now remotely and over the internet will form the foundation of all GHSC activities when the SIP is lifted. We have filed the articles of incorporation and will begin official board meetings in July. We are developing a volunteer program that will recruit, train and maintain volunteers from all over the country. https://mailchi.mp/efaf633beba4/gilroy-hot-springs-summer-plans-during-sip?e=[UNIQID]


reopen1May 1, 2020 Gilroy Hot Springs is on track to re-open.

Greetings to all Gilroy Hot Springs enthusiasts! We have good news to share, which is Gilroy Hot Springs is on track to re-open! We have officially formed a new organization, Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy. https://mailchi.mp/de130d2c4e00/gilroy-hot-springs-conservancy?e=[UNIQID]


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