Published in the Jan. 21 – Feb. 3, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
Say goodbye to the old El Capri restaurant building. The iconic landmark at the north entrance to Morgan Hill is now in the process of being torn down. Workers last week started taking out the asbestos, and, according to a source working on the project, demolition will take place in March.
The restaurant was a hot spot for eating, drinking and dancing beginning in the 1950s. People came from throughout the region to enjoy the fine Mexican food. Morgan Hill’s Mario Banuelos told us he took his wife Fawn Meyers to the restaurant when they first married, and has many fond memories. We’re sure many other locals have similar memories of the once-popular restaurant.
Over the years, the building became an eyesore. We’ll certainly miss the old place, but we’re sure a new building will be an asset to Morgan Hill.
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If you think you have talent then save the date Feb. 7. “America’s Got Talent” television show is coming to the Bay Area for auditions. The show is looking for the latest and greatest acts, of all ages and any size group. Showcase your talent for a chance to compete for the $1 million prize.
The auditions take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway. The auditions are free but acts should preregister at www.americasgottalentauditions.com. Sure would be nice to see some talented Morgan Hill resident competing for the grand prize later this year.
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Thank you Margaret McCann for getting Morgan Hill Life involved in making videos of nine high school students who participated Jan. 14 in the American Association of University Women Morgan Hill branch’s second annual Speech Trek contest. The students all spoke on the topic “College, is it worth the cost?” Each gave the audience of about 50 food for thought on the true value in dollars and quality of life that comes from a university education.
Photo by Marty Cheek
Local high schools represented in the AAUW contest were Sobrato, Live Oak, Oakwood and Mount Madonna. In the photo below, speech contest participants from left to right are Nina Singh, Miguel Alba,Amanda Giacobbe, Alex Holmstrom, Rachel McMillan, CeCe Moreno, Roxanne Ohayon, Rose Rastbaf and Makena McElroy.
Oakwood High School student Makena McElroy came in first and has a chance of attending the AAUW’s statewide speech contest later this year if selected. Local high schools represented in the contest were Sobrato, Live Oak, Oakwood and Mount Madonna. In the photo, speech contest participants from left to right are Nina Singh, Miguel Alba,Amanda Giacobbe, Alex Holmstrom, Rachel McMillan, CeCe Moreno, Roxanne Ohayon, Rose Rastbaf and Makena McElroy.
To see a video of McElroy’s winning speech, CLICK HERE.
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You’ll likely be seeing some changes in the near future, as the city will remove about 50 trees in city parks. The city annually has a professional arborist evaluate the trees to ensure they are healthy and safe for the public. The 2014 evaluation identified the trees that need to be removed due to their failing health or structural defects. While most of these removals are scattered in various areas, there are 20 requiring removal in the Paradise Park area. While some of the trees appear to be in good health, their structure is unstable and removal is in the best interest of those who use the park and trails. The removed trees will be turned into mulch and spread throughout the community.
Since the trees at Paradise Park had been in decline, the city began planting replacement trees two years ago.
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If you enjoyed the 1984 movie “Footloose,” head up to Mt. Madonna School’s Hawk Nest Theater for their interpretation of the film on stage. The story is about a city teenager who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned, and his rebellious spirit shakes up the populace. The production plays at 7 p.m. Jan 23 and 24 and 2 p.m. Jan. 25. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for those 18 and younger and are available by calling (408) 847-2717.
