Published in the August 15 – 28, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

From left, Megan Wenholz, with OFP; Cherisse White, Cherisse’s Hair Salon; Marguerite Murphy, South County Tail Waggers; and hairstylists Tanya Kerr and Anna Haro.

Congratulations to Cherisse White and Cherisse’s Hair Salon for their 9th Annual Pet Wash which raised $5,650 that was split between Operation Freedom Paws and South County Tail Waggers. More than 70 volunteers helped encourage people to stop by and they washed 37 dogs.

She wanted to give a special thanks to sponsors Manufab, Abacus Bookkeeping, Skyline Entertainment and Publishing, Realty World-Leonette Stafford, the Jewel Box, White Painting, Hillview Design Print and Media, Murphys’ Mercantile, Naturally Des, Monika’s Grooming, Goddessjoy Designs and a huge thank you for all the raffle prize donations and the San Jose Sharks signed jersey donation.

Good job, Cherisse. It’s always a fun event, and looking forward to the 10th annual event next year!

  •            •             •

Some members of a Morgan Hill Presbyterian group delivered 119 backpacks filled with school supplies to P.A. Walsh Elementary late last month. The packs were delivered to Principal Teresa Sermersheim and each was filled with the recommended starter supplies for each grade level. The donations have been going on for several years to fill the need of some families that need assistance in preparing their child for their school year.

Thanks to the Morgan Hill merchants who made these items available and thank you to those who provided 150-plus reams of paper for teachers. We are fortunate to live in such a generous community.

  •            •             •

There’s some good news for South County as the California Water Commission recently announced the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project will be awarded $484.55 million under Proposition 1, the full amount the Santa Clara Valley Water District requested.

The project will expand Pacheco Reservoir’s storage capacity to provide for increased emergency water supplies, improved water quality, and ecosystems benefits throughout the region and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, according to a news released from the district. This reservoir will serve as an insurance investment to support a secure water supply for the future.

“Today’s good news portends well for Pacheco’s delivery of investment value to the public and environment,” said Richard Santos, chair of the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors.

The water commission also approved the district’s request for early funding of $24.2 million. Now, the district can proceed with the next steps in completing environmental documents and permit applications without delay.

This award will fund half of the total cost estimate of $969 million. Santa Clara Valley Water District and project partners, San Benito County Water District and Pacheco Pass Water District, will also pursue federal funds. The remainder would be paid through local water rates over several decades.

Given the growth of our region, that’s smart planning for the future.

  •            •             •

It’s Second Chance Week and time to give your used belongings you no longer need a “second chance” at a series of garage sales, recycling and donation events throughout South County.

The 16th Annual Second Chance Week starts with the Morgan Hill/San Martin Citywide Garage Sale Sept. 8 and 9 and ends with the Gilroy Citywide Garage Sale Sept. 15 and 16. The sales “bookend” a full week of events dedicated to making people aware of different ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Monday Sept. 10 is “Universal Waste Awareness Day” — Properly dispose of consumer electronics, batteries, fluorescent lighting and other mercury containing devices

Tuesday Sept. 11 is “Freecycle Day” — Freecycle helps reduce waste by connecting people who are throwing away items with others seeking the same items.

Wednesday Sept. 12 is “Donate Coats for Kids & Adults Too Day” — Share your unwanted coats with underprivileged children and their parents.

Thursday Sept. 13 is “Second Sight Day” — Give your old eyeglasses a second chance to serve someone less fortunate.

Friday Sept. 14 is “Recycle Your Cycle Day” — Donate your “gently used” bicycles and they’ll be distributed to local charities. To register your garage sale for either of the weekends, visit secondchanceweek.com. A list of garage sale addresses will be posted by noon the Friday before.

Details: (408) 310-4169 or visit secondchanceweek.com.