Permit amnesty considered
Santa Clara County board of supervisors chair Don Gage has
proposed that permit fees be waived for South Valley residents
rebuilding after last month’s 12-day Croy fire, which destroyed
more than 34 dwellings in the Santa Cruz Mountains southwest of
Morgan Hill.
Permit amnesty considered
Santa Clara County board of supervisors chair Don Gage has proposed that permit fees be waived for South Valley residents rebuilding after last month’s 12-day Croy fire, which destroyed more than 34 dwellings in the Santa Cruz Mountains southwest of Morgan Hill.
Gage also has proposed amnesty to allow owners of homes built illegally to come into compliance with county regulations. Over the years, many cases of mountain homes built without benefit of building, grading or sewer permits have come to light.
Supervisors will act on Gage’s proposal after administrators calculate the cost. A similar break was given to homeowners rebuilding after the Lexington fire in 1985 and the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.
Hello teacher?
Seizing the authority given them by recently approved state Senate Bill 1253, Morgan Hill school trustees have approved tentatively the use by students of cell phones on campus. Pagers, two-way radios, PDAs and laptops with two-way capability won’t be permitted.
Under the new regulations, set to get final approval on Oct. 21, students may use cell phones only in the parking lot before and after class. Use of cell phones on buses will be at the discretion of the driver.
At any other time, students must keep cell phones turned off and out of sight. Violators are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, and confiscation of the device for return to parents or guardians.
Safe tricks, treats
The sixth annual Safe Trick or Treat sponsored by downtown Morgan Hill
merchants is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. between First and Third streets
on Oct. 31.
Businesses or organizations are invited to set up a table on the sidewalk to distribute treats and information to the expected 750 to 1,000 children up to age nine. There is no charge.
A photographer will be available and costumes will be judged. Interested people may contact Mitch Mariani at (408) 779-9444 or [email protected]
AAUW boutique fundraiser
The American Association of University Women has scheduled its holiday
boutique for Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Grange
Hall, 40 E. Fourth St. Proceeds support the club’s Tech Trek Junior High
School Scholarship, which sends girls to a summer science camp.
Among items at the boutique will be 500 glass Christmas ornaments from
Radko, Fitz and Floyd and Waterford. The ornaments are being donated by
Janina Paul, a retired antique dealer. She chose the AAUW cause in honor
of her mother, a member of the National Organization of Women who was
especially interested in education for women.
Halloween fun run
The 12th annual Halloween 10K and 5K runs sponsored by the Gavilan
Joggers and Striders are scheduled Oct. 26, starting in Christmas Hill
Park in Gilroy. The courses include bike path, rolling hills and
streets.
Participants in the 10K kick off at 8:30 a.m., 5K racers, 15 minutes
later. To reach the park, go west on 10th Street, turn right on Uvas
Park Drive and left on Miller Avenue. After crossing Uvas Creek, turn
left into the park.
Pre-registration is $18 with a long-sleeved shirt, $11 without. After
Tuesday (10/15), the fees are $22 and $15, respectively. Race day
registration is from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Medals will be awarded
three-deep, men and women, in eight age groups.
Entry forms can be sent to Bill Flodberg at 12925 Foothill Ave., San
Martin 94046. Online registration at www.Active.com. Information at
(408) 683-4683 or [email protected]. Pre-registration and donations
benefit the city of Gilroy mural project.
Benefit raises $30,000
The Gilroy Foundation, which has provided grants to South Valley
organizations since 1982, this year raised more than $30,000 at its 12th
annual wine tasting and auction. The fundraiser was held at Clos
LaChance Winery in San Martin.
“It was a sell-out crowd of 200,” said executive director Donna Pray.
Among items auctioned were a dinner for 10 at Clos LaChance, which
went for $2,000, and a week’s stay at a North Shore condo during skiing
season, which brought $2,800.
Grants are paid from interest on the investments, Pray said. The
principal is never touched.
Gilroy Chamber gets spirit award
Gavilan College yesterday presented its 2002 Community Spirit
Award to Gilroy recipients at a chamber of commerce mixer hosted by the
college.
The award was given to Susan Valenta, executive director of the
chamber of commerce, the Wild Rose of Taste restaurant and the
Mexican-American Community Services Agency.
Corresponding awards were given last month to Morgan Hill recipients –
veterinarian John Quick, Betsy’s Restaurant and the Mount Madonna YMCA.
Awards to Hollister recipients will be presented Dec. 12.
Fire safety tips offered
Gilroy firefighters will offer safety tips to adults and children
through Oct. 18 as National Fire Prevention Week activities continue.
Skits for children and safety awareness tips for adults will be offered
in various places.
The presentations emphasize the importance of developing a fire-escape plan for the home and regular review of the same. Fire-related deaths nationwide have decreased, but more than 5,000 people die each year in fires, the majority of them in the home.
Information about the presentations is available by calling either
Vicki Seaton or Yvette Phillips at (408) 846-0372.
Masons honor Blaustine
Morgan Hill Lodge No. 463, F&AM honored Leon Blaustein by the presentation of the Hiram Award for meritorious service to the community and the Lodge, Sunday at the Masonic Center in Morgan Hill. The event was a combination dinner and presentation ceremony. Leon and his wife, Marilyn, with their three daughters and several grandchildren, along with other guests from Morgan Hill and surrounding communities, were in attendance at the event.
Mr. Blaustein has served the Lodge in many capacities including being Master of the Lodge three times, Officer’s Coach, Secretary, volunteer at many civic and community functions and as an active participant in the Manzanita chapter of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Blaustein did the honors by placing the Hiram Medallion around the neck of her husband.
Relay for Life meeting
An organizational meeting to plan the Morgan Hill Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society is scheduled Monday at 16355 Reynolds Drive, Morgan Hill.
Everyone is welcome. Call Ingrid Wafelbakker at (408) 776-8987 or Joanne Wicker at (408) 779-8494 for information and directions.
It’s time to rhyme
The Garlicky Group of Poets invites the public to its free poetry reading tomorrow starting at 3:30 p.m. in the Gilroy public library, Sixth and Rosanna streets.
The group meets every second Saturday. Further information is available from Ed Nauss at (408) 779-4999.
