While it is unusual for people to find explosive devices on their property, it does happen
This is a cannonball ordinance from the Civil War era that was found in Maryland and detonated by a bomb squad. It is similar to the one in a Morgan Hill resident’s home that was destroyed by a Santa Clara County bomb squad team.
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
An east Morgan Hill homeowner who had apparently forgotten he was given a Civil War-era cannonball, called police April 13 after a friend warned him it might be dangerous.
“He was freaking out,” Morgan Hill Police Sgt. Bill Norman said. MHPD told the man to not mess with the device and called the Santa Clara County Sheriff Department Bomb Squad.
They took possession of the cannonball and transported it to Woodchopper Flat at Henry Coe State Park, where they buried it, covered it with 50 sandbags and detonated it, Norman said.
While it is unusual for people to find explosive devices on their property, it does happen. Norman advised anyone who discovers one to call police.
Glad to hear things worked out for the best.
While the South Valley Civic Theatre is planning to put on in-person shows later this year, they urge the public to join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, “Clue” is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.
This virtual production will be available online April 23 and April 24. A link to request tickets will be available soon from SVCT’s website, www.SVCT.org.
Last year was one of the most devastating fire seasons on record. This year, the American Association of University Women will host a virtual webinar from 7 to 9 p.m. April 27, where you can question wildfire experts. Learn steps to take before you evacuate that will help protect you and minimize the damage to your home.
The speakers are Dr. Craig Clements, director of San Jose State University’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center; Dr. Amanda Stasiewicz, a wildfire social scientist who studies how people behave during evacuations and how their choices impact the actions of first responders; Dr. Kate Wilkin, who researches how communities can recover from wildfires and how people can reduce damage through fuel treatments, the creation of defensible space and by making homes more fire resistant; and Marcus Hernandez, the new battalion chief fire marshal for the city of Morgan Hill Fire Department.
Register at: www.us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tQzKGp4xTleO8PSs3Khr5A
Speaking of droughts and fire danger, the city cut residential watering to three days a week, effective April 1. Andi Borowski, environmental services assistant, laid out the schedule:
- Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for odd numbered addresses
- Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for even numbered addresses
- No watering on Wednesdays
- Irrigation is allowed before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
- Watering is limited to no more than 15 minutes per station
- This schedule is effective through Oct. 31.
Rules and restrictions can be found at www.mhvalueswater.com. For more information, email [email protected] or call (408) 310-4169. Thank you for conserving water.
The Gavilan College Career/Transfer Center is hosting a Virtual Career & Job Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29. Students and community members will have the opportunity to speak with people who work in a variety of industries, as well as apply for jobs and internships. These events will feature 20-30 minute presentations from employers. Attendees can also learn about the college STEM and Career Education programs. To join visit www.cccconfer.zoom.us/j/99086313568. Admission is free.
The Santa Clara County Library District is hosting a virtual author series. The Distinguished Author Series brings together authors who spark new thoughts, ideas, and deep discussion. Delve into the minds of Jaron Lanier, Joyce Carol Oates and Jhumpa Lahiri to explore topics of the biology of stress and related diseases, the impact of technology on present lives and the future, and immigration. Advanced registration required. All events are free, held online, and open to the public.
Lanier, scientist, musician, visual artist and author, is considered a Renaissance Man for the 21st Century. He will speak at 7 p.m., April 28. Register at www.sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/60495b72d8233a45006083ac
Oates, award-winning novelist, poet, playwright and essayist, has penned bestselling novels, critically acclaimed collections of short fiction, essays, plays and a memoir. She will speak at 3 p.m. May 8. Register at www.sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/60496b06d8233a45006084b8
Lahiri, a Pulitzer Prize-winning short story writer and novelist, will speak at 3 p.m. May 22. Register at www.sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/60496de91eedf024007f04e3.
Robert Airoldi is the editor of Morgan Hill Life. If you have a story idea or an Around Town item, reach him at (408) 427-5865 or at [email protected].
