"When will the concrete island be removed so traffic from Third Street can either make a left or proceed straight into Village Green? The island was there before traffic lights were installed. I see no need for it now. I live in the Third and Wren area and have to go out of my way to visit Village Green."

Dear Wants it Removed,

Red Phone contacted Traffic Engineer Don Day, who said it's a bit more complicated than just going out and removing the island, which will eventually occur. He said the traffic improvements to Santa Teresa Boulevard and Third Street are tied to the Hecker Pass Specific Plan, a document that outlines the development on Hecker Pass just west of Santa Teresa. Once that project begins moving forward, then money is contributed toward the planned improvements. In conjunction with that there will be a traffic study to determine improvements needed, including the removal of the island.

"Once the study is done and once all of the money is accumulated, then the island will be removed and a full signalized intersection will be installed at Santa Teresa and Third Street," Dey said. "There is no specific time frame because the development has been stalled."

It's a voluntary program for all

Why are businesses, the largest consumer of paper products and plastic, not required to recycle? Why is it businesses are allowed to do this?

Dear Recycler,

Red Phone contacted Lisa Jensema, environmental programs coordinator. She said the city of Gilroy has a voluntary recycling program for both residential and commercial customers.

"We do not require a resident to recycle but we strongly encourage it especially since a resident will pay more for a larger can of trash," she said. "The same incentives work for the commercial customers who can reduce their trash can size to a smaller one by recycling more materials. I cannot think of a city within our county that mandates recycling. The enforcement to do this would be extremely difficult."

So caller, Red Phone just hopes that everyone does their part to recycle. It can save money, as well as cut down on what gets taken to landfills.

Free compost was a mess

"It's nice that the city of Gilroy provides free compost soil at Christmas Hill Park every year. It's awesome that no one is there to supervise it while landscapers loot the soil by the truckload. I am sure they then charge their clients for the 'service.' I saw today a landscaper taking at least one ton of the soil from the remainder of the heap. I guess the rules don't apply to landscapers? Or should someone be there maybe to monitor how much people are taking? Jeez!"

Dear Composter,

Red Phone contacted Jensema again. She said there was an attendant working at Earth Day from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and was stationed next to the compost giveaway. There was a two cubic yard limit and the compost was gone by Sunday afternoon. It is a first-come, first-serve program and after the Earth Day event they can no longer monitor the pile (but there usually is nothing left anyways). Staff is considering conducting the compost giveaway more than one time per year. Stay in touch via the city's Web site at www.ci.gilroy.ca.us.

Missed the theater update

"I was wondering if you could tell us what's going into the old movie theater at the Arteaga shopping center. I see activity every day from U.S. 101. Since I don't have an opportunity to read the Dispatch every day online, I miss my daily update of what's happening around town. Thanks!"

Dear Missed It,

Red Phone reported on the old theater in the April 18 issue. Bill Faus, planning director, said a motorcycle parts store will move into the old theater. He did warn, however, that the use has changed a number of times in the past year, so things could change. So good caller, if you miss a Tuesday or Friday print edition, make you sure you find time to log onto www.gilroydispatch.com for all the latest in Gilroy.