Robert Airoldi
The Morgan Hill Community Foundation, the umbrella organization for many nonprofits in town, raised more than $6,400 in 24 hours last week during the inaugural Silicon Valley Gives day. Did you miss the Silicon Valley Gives day? Don’t worry — you still can donate — and donate at www.morganhillcf.org/donate1.htm
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Need some extra cash? Well, the county of Santa Clara has more than $240,000 in unclaimed money, and some of it could be yours. The money comes from a variety of sources such as fines, penalty assessments, fees and restitution due to victims of crime. This list of names can be obtained at www.sccgov.org under “Hot Items.” Residents who believe that they may be due a refund or victim restitution payment based on their published names should fill out the claim form found on the website, at www.sccdor.org or contact (408) 282-3203. All claims should be filed by May 30. After the deadline, unclaimed money in the Victim Trust Fund will be used to fund the District Attorney Victim Witness Assistance Program. Unclaimed money in the General Trust Fund will be transferred to the county General Fund and used as directed by the Board of Supervisors.
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Ron Erskine
Outdoor writer Ron Erskine’s poignant portrayal of a father and son as they trek along the John Muir trail, “Measureless Mountain Days,” won him top honors as the 2014 Outdoor Writer of the Year presented by the Outdoor Writer’s Association of California.
Erskine, a Morgan Hill resident, began his professional writing career only 10 years ago. He had been a home builder and home brewer for decades before his passion for the outdoors blossomed into his writing career.
“I have strength of passion for the outdoors that comes out and needs to be said, so I write about it,” said Erskine. Time with his son on the John Muir Trail inspired the book. “I had an experience that I thought would connect with people and cross a lot of lines — it wasn’t just a personal experience, it was universal.” Congratulations, Ron!
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Enjoy a fun night and help raise money for a great cause at the Coldwell Banker Habitat for Humanity fundraiser from noon to 2 p.m. May 21 at Fortino Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Highway. The cost is $20 before May 16, $25 after. The event includes lunch, a glass of wine, live music, raffle and a silent auction. Please RSVP and buy tickets by visiting cbpartyinthevineyard.eventbrite.com.
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Good news for local boaters. The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department announced that Anderson and Coyote reservoirs are now open to boating. The county traditionally opens up all five recreational-use reservoirs in mid-April, however this year Stevens Creek and Lexington will remain closed due to low water levels. Calero has been open all year and will remain open.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District has been pumping water into Anderson every day since mid-February and will continue adding water until June to ensure the county has enough drinking water. Park officials are hopeful all three lakes will be able to remain open for the summer boating season. See you on the lake!
