Published in the September 12 – 25, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Former Miss San Benito Rodeo Corissa King was named Miss Gilroy Rodeo 2019. King will represent the Gilroy Rodeo at events and rodeos throughout California.

After six decades, the Gilroy Rodeo returned to Santa Clara County as a two-day event to celebrate the love of rodeo. The last rodeo was held in 1956. King was the 2017 Miss San Benito Rodeo and recently competed for Miss Salinas Rodeo 2018. Valerie Costanza of Hollister won the latter title.

The rodeo queen is set to start her sophomore year at CSU-Fresno studying agriculture communications. After graduation, she plans to become an agriculture teacher.

King said she is considering running for Miss Rodeo California in the future.

Congratulations, Corissa! We’re sure you’ll do an outstanding job.

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Each year, Santa Clara County volunteers fan out to creek sites throughout the county to clean up trash along the waterways during Coastal Cleanup Day. Many have already registered, but 1,500 are still are needed to clean up the 45 creek sites.

Last year, volunteer crews removed 87,997 pounds of trash from local creeks. That’s equivalent to the weight of 33 Honda Civics. Not only do these volunteer efforts beautify and improve the health of local rivers and creeks, but it also leaves participants of the impact that trash has on creeks.

Interested volunteers can find a list and map of cleanup sites and waiver of liability forms at www.cleanacreek.org. Pre-registration is required at most sites. Individuals, clubs and classes are welcome to volunteer, as well as those looking to fulfill community service requirements. All youth younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian signature on a waiver of liability form and will also need adult supervision for the entire event.

This year’s cleanup takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 15. If you love our environment, join this awesome event to help keep our creeks clean.

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Town Cats of Morgan Hill was recently selected by The Jackson Galaxy Project, a Signature Program of GreaterGood.org, to participate in the Autumn 2018 Semester of Cat Pawsitive Pro, a life-saving initiative that introduces positive-reinforcement training to shelter cats. This innovative training program for shelter cats aims to increase feline adoption rates as well as educate the shelter staff and volunteers on how to implement it.

Cats who are exposed to reward-based training methods of Cat Pawsitive Pro gain confidence, experience reduced stress level and build connections with staff, volunteers and potential adopters. The program can help a shy cat learn to feel comfortable coming up to the front of her cage to meet an adopter, a feisty cat can learn to play nice, and an outgoing kitty learn to give an endearing “high five” to his visitors to seal an adoption deal.

Way to go, Town Cats. Hopefully, this will result in more cats getting adopted.

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Congratulations go out to D.R. Domenichini Construction, which was recently selected by Remodeling magazine to join the Remodeling Big50. Each year since 1986, the Big50 inducts 50 remodeling companies that have set exceptionally high standards for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, craftsmanship, and impact in their community or the industry at large. Remodeling companies which are fortunate enough to be part of the prestigious Big50 run successful, often growing, companies of various sizes that have taken the lead in raising industry standards.

“To get a sense of how unique this status is, consider there are roughly 98,000 remodeling firms in America with paid staff,” said Craig Webb, Remodeling’s editor-in chief. “Since 1986, we have selected only about 1,600 firms. That’s just 1.6 percent of all the remodeling businesses in the country today.” To the remodeling industry, being part of the Big 50 is a true honor, such as the Hall of Fame is to a talented athlete.

“We’ve been honored to receive several accolades this year including three categories in Home Builder Digest’s Best of Silicon Valley and the Best General Contractor and Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeler in Morgan Hill for 2018,” said owner David Domenichini. “We are truly humbled to receive this national recognition and feel privileged to be named to this select group of remodelers.”