By Robert Airoldi
Photo courtesy Chamber of Commerce
Lisa DeSilva, with Community Solutions; Rich Firato, with Firato Janitorial Services; and Pam Garcia from Affordable Solar Roofs.
Kudos to Sakata Seed America, Inc. which recently completed one of the largest solar-powered projects in Santa Clara County. The 2,000-panel project can create more than 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity and is projected to eliminate 100 percent of the company’s current electrical usage. Dave Armstrong, president and CEO of Sakata Seed America, enthusiastically championed the solar initiative for the company.
“Sakata is an environmentally responsible company and is extremely interested in promoting care and respect for the natural world,” he said. “By converting our beautiful California sunshine to electricity for powering our operations, we not only save costs but also reduce our carbon footprint and continue to contribute to the improvement of our environment.”
Good job, Sakata! Hopefully other businesses that haven’t already instituted similar measures will consider doing so.
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Morgan Hill Fire Chief Steve Woodill got a grand goodbye from friends and family for his retirement Oct. 8. Fellow firefighters gave him a barbecue send-off after 43 years working for CalFire. Woodill began his firefighting career at age 17. “It was just a summer job when I first got into it and I fell in love with it,” he said. “It really was a calling. It became a way of life and a family.” The celebration of his career was held at the Monterey Road CalFire station and included a helicopter fly-by. In January, CalFire took over operations of Morgan Hill’s fire service. The city’s new fire chief is Derek Whitmer.
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And let’s continue to give out kudos. Here’s to Rich Firato, Community Solutions and Affordable Solar Roofs, winners of this year’s Gavilan College Spirit Awards. Firato is the current chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and has volunteered in Morgan Hill for more than 10 years. He also donates his pirate-themed backyard for fundraisers for worthy nonprofits.
Affordable Solar Roofs has been a leader in South County for environmental excellence since 1995. The company is locally owned and operated and has developed eco-friendly practices, demonstrating its stewardship of the environment, thus improving our community. Owner Pam Garcia has been involved with the local Earth Day event since its inception. She and her staff contribute to South County with their volunteer time.
Finally, whether at-risk youth in need of support, a woman fleeing domestic violence or an adult who has been isolated by mental health challenges, Community Solutions is there to help people in their time of need. The local nonprofit saw significant growth in the past five years and is now the largest human services agency in the area, as well as a significant employer. Morgan Hill is a better place because Community Solutions is an integral part of it.
The Community Spirit Awards were created in 1999, to promote and recognize service to the communities Gavilan College serves.
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Speaking of Community Solutions, the nonprofit will host its seventh annual play highlighting the various issues of violence against women and children. This year’s play, Historias de Mi Madres VII: El Puente, discusses socialization and the choices we each make. It takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy. There is a suggested $10 donation.
Proceeds support Community Solutions’ programs and services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in our community. For more information, call (408) 842-7138 or visit www.communitysolutions.org.
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The Ward home
Coming soon is a unique opportunity to visit one of Morgan Hill’s finest historic homes. Built in 1900, Ward’s Oak Glen Farm Home will open its doors to the community for docent-led tours from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Learn about the history of the Ward family, who settled in Paradise Valley in 1894.
Enjoy wine and appetizers served on the patio. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and available at BookSmart, 80 E. Second St., or online at www.morganhillhistoricalsociety.org.
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