By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
School has started and summer is quickly coming to a close. That could only mean one thing … the annual Taste of Morgan Hill is right around the corner. Yes, the last weekend of September downtown transforms into a bustling hubbub of activity. And this year, the festival will stay open late Saturday night as local favorite Shane Dwight plays until 9 p.m. Wine and beer will be sold, and food and arts and crafts vendors are encouraged to stay open late. And many downtown eateries are sure to stay open and take advantage of the thousands of people who will be dancing the night away.
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Kudos to Josh Gonzalez, a member of the 2012 soccer team, who was recently named the Gavilan College student-athlete of the year. In 2008-09, the Rams Athletic Department teamed up with Famous Dave’s and Articulate Solutions to honor student-athletes for their accomplishments on and off the field. For the 2012-13 academic year, Gonzalez had a grade point average of 3.3 and was recognized as a two-time Dean’s scholar as well as scholar athlete. He was a first team All Coast Conference selection, scored five goals and had eight assists on the season. As a result of his hard work and determination, Gonzalez will be attending Chico State in the fall where he’ll continue his studies in kinesiology and playing soccer for the Wildcats. Nice job, Josh.
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The city of Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking applications from residents interested in serving an unexpired term in the commission beginning on appointment and ending April 1, 2014. The MHPRC provides the City Council with advice and recommendations on recreation programs, activities and resources. Commissioners also plan for the future growth and development of parks facilities and recreation programming. This seven-member commission meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of odd numbered months. Applications are information are available at www.morganhill.ca.gov/indez.aspx?NID=148 or in the city clerk’s office at 17575 Peak Ave. They will be accepted until 5 p.m. Sept. 23. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Oct. 2.
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The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce organized merchandise for 52 teachers new to the Morgan Hill Unified School District. They received dozens of gifts, two-for-one wine tastings, free meals and more. Much thanks to those businesses that donated and to the chamber staff for organizing the bags. And a hearty welcome to Morgan Hill to all the new teachers!
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Anyone interested in volunteering or in learning more about local nonprofits that support the Morgan Hill area, there is an event for you. The Fifth Annual Volunteer Morgan Hill Fair will be held on the Third Street Promenade from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14. The fair,which last year saw more than two dozen nonprofits and about 500 people attend, is a community-building event that unites a diverse group of individuals with nonprofits in need of volunteers. For more information, check out www.facebook.com/VolunteerMorganHill.
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Join Sobrato High School varsity and JV cheerleaders Saturday Sept. 28 for the Second Annual Morgan Hill Bulldog Fun Run. The Bulldog 5K and 10K are fast “out-and-back” courses that begin and end at Sobrato High School and follow the Coyote Creek Trail. Start times are 8 a.m. for the 10K and 8:15 a.m. for the 5K. Pre-registration is available online at www.bulldogfunrun.com. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m. the day of the event. Entry fees are $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K.
Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s race divisions. Proceeds benefit Sobrato High School cheer programs.
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Looks like the Amah Mutsun have prevailed. The Morgan Hill Unified School District board renamed the former Burnett Elementary School the Loritta Bonfante Johnson Education Center. The local tribal band requested former Gov. Peter Burnett’s name be removed after it was learned he pushed to eliminate American Indians from the state of California in the 1850s. The campus will house students from the former Central Continuation High School. What will happen to the former Central campus is not yet known.
