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Date Posted: 7/30/2019

Media Contact: Media & Communications

Recently, our community was shocked by the tragic incident at the Garlic Festival in Gilroy. As our community processes these events and supports the victims, their families, and one another, I want to assure the community that the safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff is our number one priority.

It will be difficult for us all to process the incident that occurred and begin the healing process. One way we can begin to heal is to create a sense of safety for our students and staff by returning to regular, predictable routines as soon as possible. We must also be ready and open to listening to student and staff concerns and feelings as they process the impact of this tragedy.

Experiencing, witnessing, or even hearing of a traumatic incident may affect children in a variety of ways; therefore, it is essential that students be given ample opportunities to ask questions and to talk honestly about their thoughts and feelings in the aftermath of a tragedy. Many in our community will need ongoing attention, reassurance, and support. We stand ready to support the community and all of you through this difficult time in the days and weeks ahead.

The 含羞草社区 DA鈥檚 Office鈥檚 Victim Services Unit, the American Red Cross and the County鈥檚 Behavioral Health Services will open a Family Assistance Center from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday, July 30 through Friday, August 2 at Rucker Elementary School in Gilroy to assist those people affected by the shootings at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Information about the Family Assistance Center in Gilroy. The Victim Services Unit San Jose office is available for walk-ins, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 70 W. Hedding St., West Wing, San Jose. Please contact the Family Assistance Center at 408-209-8356 for additional information.