Police remind everyone they can assist in prevent DUIs.

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Be careful out there on the roads during the upcoming holiday season. The Morgan Hill Police Department will be conducting saturation patrols with a particular emphasis on Driving Under the Influence. The saturation patrols are currently being deployed and will continue through Jan. 1.

From November 2019 to November 2022, the Morgan Hill Police Department arrested 573 DUI motorists and investigated 121 DUI-related traffic collisions. Many of these collisions caused significant injuries. As a reminder, driving under the influence can involve alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

The MHPD would like to remind everyone they can assist in preventing DUIs. Being a responsible driver is simple; if you drink alcohol, do not drive. If you are planning an event or attending a gathering, please plan a safe ride home and ensure your friends are in the hands of a designated driver. The first DUI arrest can cost up to $10,000, including time in jail, losing your driver’s license, and increased insurance rates.

Anyone with questions regarding the DUI saturation patrols is encouraged to contact Cpl. John Kuhlen at (669) 253-4976 or [email protected].

The AAUW California announced its new virtual statewide program, Gov Trek. The goal is to address the shortage of women in political leadership roles by galvanizing a new generation to pursue careers in public service and elected office. During five two-hour sessions, students will engage in interactive and inspiring activities with exposure to women legislators, career options, and the inner workings of a political campaign. The program will culminate in a team competition to create a realistic campaign simulation.

Gov Trek is open to any girl currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior, whether in public, private, home, or continuation high schools. Students can register online on a first-come, first-served basis at aauw-ca.org. Deadline is Jan. 14. The program can accommodate 150 students.

For more information on AAUW, visit aauw.org. To learn about local branch activities and membership opportunities, contact Sandra Makela at [email protected] or visit Gilroy-ca.aauw.net.

Rotary Club of Morgan Hill is seeking local organizations to apply by Feb. 28 for $22,000 in community grants to help fund philanthropic projects or programs.

Grants providing financial assistance to help organizations fulfill their missions are offered in two categories, “Community Grants” and “Hearts of Rotary.”

For Community Grants, the club will fund tangible items that provide enduring benefit to many, such as technology, furniture or equipment. Organizations are not required to be designated nonprofits, but their project must have a specific community benefit.

Hearts of Rotary grants are limited to 501(c)3 nonprofits or other IRS tax exempt organizations and must be used for community benefit, and may be used to cover program operating expenses, such as staffing, facility expenses and non-tangible items.

In general, successful requests have focused on projects or programs that benefit youth, seniors, education or community benefit in the Morgan Hill area, as defined by the boundaries of the Morgan Hill Unified School District.

Applications and eligibility details can be found at https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6773/Stories/grant-applications-now-being-accepted-from-philanthropic-organizations-serving-the-morgan-hill-community. The Feb. 28 deadline is for the 2022-23 grant cycle; grant funds are expected to be awarded in May.

The Rotary Club of Morgan Hill awarded $11,000 in its last grant cycle to support 16 projects and programs.

Last year’s recipients were Alma Bonita Animal Rescue, BookSmart Community Advantage, Edward Boss Prado Foundation, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, Morgan Hill Art School, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Morgan Hill Unified School District — Central High School, Morgan Hill Unified School District — Sobrato High School, Operation Freedom Paws, Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Rasur Foundation International, RotaCare Bay Area, Inc., Santa Clara County Library District Foundation, South County Cal-SOAP Consortium, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center and the Wings of History Air Museum.

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What’s next for Sister Cities? The nonprofit’s busiest member, Emmie Turan, of Mission View Wines, is organizing another tour through Turkey, including a stop in Morgan Hill’s Turkish Sister City Seferihisar and several vineyards, cities and historical sites. Turan organizes regular tours cherished for creating fun and lifetime memories. The next tour is scheduled for March 31 through April 12. Contact Turan for pricing and details at (650) 678–8237, [email protected] or www.missionviewwines.com.