September 3, 2021
Happy Labor Day Morgan Hill!

The City of Morgan Hill would like to wish you a Happy Labor Day weekend. We hope that you enjoy this time safely with family and friends.

Just a reminder that the City of Morgan Hill will observe
the Labor Day Holiday on Monday, September 6, 2021. All public safety services will continue as usual but calls to City Hall, the virtual call center, and other City facilities will not be answered. All messages will be returned on Tuesday, September 7th.
Centennial Recreation Center Senior Center Re-opening with limited hours

We are happy to announce that we will be opening the Senior Center Lobby beginning September 14 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. for limited socialization and programming. We want to ensure the safety of our participants and will have COVID protocols in place.

For more information, call (408) 782-1284 or visit www.mholderadults.com.
September is
National Emergency Preparedness Month

Emergency Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community emergency planning throughout the year. One of our goals this year is to prepare our community members to protect everyone they love by being prepared citizens. When you are prepared, you will be better positioned to help those around you. 
 
Emergency preparedness takes the whole community, including community members, law enforcement, fire, and EMS to respond to and rebuild after an emergency or disaster strikes. When we work together for the good of others, our communities are stronger.  
 
For this year’s Community Preparedness Month, we ask our community members to take 4 steps toward preparedness. 
 
4 Steps of Emergency Preparedness 
Week 2: Make A Plan 
Week 4: Help Your Family, Friends, and Neighbors 
 "Do 1 Thing"
Emergency Preparedness Campaign
September's Focus: Be Informed
 
Do 1 Thing” is a 12-month program that makes it easy to prepare yourself, your family, and your neighborhood for emergencies and disasters because preparedness tasks are broken down into small, manageable steps. Each month Morgan Hill's Office of Emergency Services releases a new, educational YouTube video (September's) to help you complete the program. 
The City of Morgan Hill Completes the 2021 Flood Report

The City's Land Development Engineering Division has recently completed its annual public outreach projects under FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) Program. Public outreach and other CRS program activities that we undertake result in flood insurance premium discounts for our community.  You may have recently received a report in your mail. You can also view the 2021 Flood Report online at the City's website.
Survey for Spanish-Speaking Community Members
¿Qué información es más útil para la comunidad
de habla hispana de Morgan Hill?

La Ciudad de Morgan Hill está mejorando sus esfuerzos de participación y alcance con los miembros de nuestra comunidad de habla hispana. Como parte de este esfuerzo, hemos elaborado una breve encuesta para comprender mejor qué recursos o documentos serían valiosos para nuestra comunidad de habla hispana. Tómese unos minutos para completar la siguiente encuesta: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LNG6CBY
City Engagement
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
2021 Election Ballot Box Locations and Info

The last day to request vote-by-mail ballot replacement is Tuesday, September 7, and ballots may be mailed in or dropped off by Election Day on Sept. 14. Elections are run by the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters, which has placed ballot boxes in front of City Hall and various other locations around the City. You are welcome to use whichever ballot box is the most convenient for you.
 
For more information on the September 14 California Gubernatorial Recall Election, including deadlines, the closest ballot box drop-off locations, and in-person voting locations, go to the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters Elections webpage.
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Library, Culture & Arts Commission
 
The Library, Culture, and Arts Commission meeting will be live-streamed on Channel 17 and the City’s website. Members of the community who would like to participate may join the virtual meeting at https://bit.ly/LCACMeeting or call 669-900-9128, then enter the meeting ID when prompted: 830 4187 3791#.
  
Public comment for Library, Culture, and Arts Commission meetings will be accepted via email to Chris Ghione. Members of the public may speak during public comment.
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Virtual Town Hall
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Join the City for this town hall scheduled to cover the 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan,
the Draft Urban Water Management Plan and Water in Morgan Hill.

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://bit.ly/Communitytownhall,
or iPhone one-tap : US: +16699009128, 82807319295#,
or Telephone: +1 669 900 9128 Webinar ID: 828 0731 9295.

This virtual town hall meeting will also be streamed live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/morganhillengage/.
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Cafecito Con Edith
9:00 a.m., La Soledad Bakery, 17865 Monterey Rd.

Learn what's going on in Morgan Hill during our ongoing virtual Zoom and in-person chats in Spanish. This is an opportunity for our Spanish-speaking neighbors to learn about city services and programs. Join Edith Ramirez, Assistant City Manager, Development Services. Flyers are available in English and Spanish.

Join the conversation to:
  • Learn about programs that City Hall offers
  • Find out about new projects that are under construction
  • Get help accessing City services for yourself or your family
  • Find out how you can be more involved

Location, dates, and times:
  • Saturdays in-person at La Soledad Bakery 17865 Monterey Road, Suite I, Morgan Hill 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. • September 11, October 9
  • Thursdays Virtual (Zoom): 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. • September 23, October 28
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Join City Staff at Morgan Hill's Farmers' Market, September 11, 9:00 a.m.

The City is looking forward to discussing the Urban Water Management Plan and the City Council Redistricting process, answering any questions, and providing additional information. The Morgan Hill Farmers' Market is located at 3rd and Depot Streets, near the Train Station. City staff will be available on the corner of Third and Depot from 9:00 a.m. - noon.

What is redistricting, and why am I hearing so much about it? Redistricting is drawing new boundaries that determine which voters are represented by each electoral district. It is such a hot topic right now because every 10 years - after the federal government publishes updated Census information - political districts at local, state, and national levels are redrawn so that the districts correctly reflect the population as it evolves over time.

Regarding Urban Water Management and the City's Draft Plan, the City of Morgan Hill, as a water supplier, must submit an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) to the Department of Water Resources in accordance with California Water Code requirements. The purpose of the UWMP is to review and maintain the reliability of urban water supplies, ensure that future beneficial use can be complemented by sufficient water supply, continue to promote policies and programs that benefit water conservation, and provide a means for response during water supply shortages and drought conditions.  
Saturday & Sunday, September 11-12, 2021
18th Annual Second Chance Week

Register by Sept. 8 for Morgan Hill's Weekend to Get Your Sale Promoted in Event Listing.

September 11-12 in Morgan Hill & San Martin
September 18-19 in Gilroy

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Morgan Hill, South County, and Gilroy will hold their 18th Annual "Second Chance Week" September 11-19. With the goal of putting more used stuff back into circulation and keeping it out of landfills, "Second Chance Week" features a diverse range of reuse, resale, and repair activities.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
California Coastal Cleanup Day!
Meet at 100 Edes Court, Morgan Hill    
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

West Little Llagas Creek and its wildlife need some help. Volunteers will concentrate on picking up litter.
Gloves, bags, litter grabbers, and water will be provided. Bring your own water bottle.

Meet at Corporation Yard, 100 Edes Court. Participants under 18 will need to bring a volunteer waiver signed by their parents the morning of the event. Call 408-310-4169 for more info or to get a volunteer waiver.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Sculptural Dedication: Tara Romero Never Forgotten
Civic Center Plaza, 17575 Peak Avenue, 1:00 p.m.

The sculpture is intended to represent any child and symbolize our community's commitment to maintaining a non-violent environment to raise our children. Flyer with further details or for questions, contact Chris Ghione.
Water Conservation & Private Sewer Lateral Ordinances
The countdown continues… 9 months left to go until the Water Conservation Ordinance and the Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance take effect on June 1, 2022. Maintaining and providing clean water to our community is a high priority for the City of Morgan Hill.

What does this mean for you? Are you thinking about selling your property? If you are, the property's plumbing fixtures and private sewer lateral lines need to be inspected and pass the inspection.

Plumbing fixtures will be required to be retrofitted, if not already so, with high-efficiency ones that consume less water with each use prior to a resale of the home. An inspection is required to be completed by a licensed contractor to check for these high-efficiency toilets, showers, and urinals with a flush mechanism. Upon passing, the homeowner will receive a Water Conservation Certificate.

Privately-owned sewer lateral lines will need to be inspected by a National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) certified contractor with a Morgan Hill business license. If there are any damages to the line, they will need to be repaired before a Compliance Certificate can be granted. To assist with the associated costs, grants are currently available on a first-come, first-served basis to homeowners.
Save the Date
Series Starting Saturday, September 11, 2021
Caregivers Conference, September 11 - October 2, 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Join the Caregivers Conference virtual via Zoom for four consecutive weeks, September 11, 18, 25, and October 2. Sessions will also be recorded, and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from informative speakers and senior service agencies to learn about supportive services in Santa Clara County. To access the Zoom links per session, see the full list of topics, and view speakers' biographies, visit https://www.caregiverscount.net/.
Saturday & Sunday, September 11 & 12, 2021
Morgan Hill Historical Society invites you to the 50th Anniversary Celebration
Series Starting Monday, September 13, 2021
Rebekah Children's Services (RCS): Kneaded Culinary Academy Fall Class

Join RCS for a safe, in-person, indoor group to help you prepare for a career in the hospitality industry. Instructors are credentialed teachers and professionals in the food industry who guide students through a 20-day program, with sessions meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., through November. Full details are available in English and Spanish, plus the application with contact information. Open to students ages 15-25 years old.
Friday, September 17, 2021
The deadline to apply is Friday, September 17, 2021

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is now accepting applications for service on the 2022 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury.

Residents who have lived in the county for at least one year, are United States citizens, and are at least 18 years of age may apply for service. The Court is seeking applicants of all backgrounds who are willing to make the commitment of a one-year term, beginning on January 3, 2022. 

Interested individuals may contact Britney Huelbig, Deputy Manager of the Civil Grand Jury, 408-882-2721 or [email protected]. Visit the Court's website or view the application.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Registration Deadline Sept. 18, 2021
Morgan Hill Open Studios
FREE Event Nov. 6-7, 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Morgan Hill Open Studios (MHOS) is excited to announce its first open studio event.

The event is a free opportunity for the public to meet local artists, participate in live art demonstrations, and view and purchase artists' works. If you are an artist interested in showcasing your work in our open studio event, visit the MHOS website to learn how to register.

The MHOS is a collaboration with the City of Morgan Hill's Library Culture and Arts Commission and operates as a non-profit under the Morgan Hill Community Foundation

Saturday, September 18, 2021
Leadership Morgan Hill - Leadership Excellence Award Tribute & Dinner
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Morgan Hill Leadership Excellence Award recognizes the vision and leadership that advance the spirit of community and charity; reflect courage and insight, and inspire others to lead in a like manner.

Leadership Morgan Hill (LMH) is proud to announce that community supporter and volunteer extraordinaire Cricket Rubino will be honored with the 2020-2021 Leadership Excellence Award at a gala evening outdoor celebration/fundraiser at Guglielmo Winery on September 18.  

Read more about Cricket Rubino in gmhTODAY magazine online at: https://bit.ly/3aSCu1r.

Buy tickets to the event here. For more information, visit https://www.leadershipmorganhill.org/.
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Leadership Morgan Hill - Information Night
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Leadership Morgan Hill is a nine-month program that provides insight, tools, and training to enable and inspire leaders in all walks of life to give back to the Morgan Hill community through service.

Where: Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, Diana Murphy Room

Visit leadershipmorganhill.org or follow on Facebook. For more information, please email [email protected].
City Maintenance Projects
Community Connections
Morgan Hill Library September Events

The library would like to invite patrons to several events throughout September for children, teens, and adults. View the full schedule on the latest calendar.
Light Rail Service is Back
& FREE through Sept. 12!

Light Rail is back on track. Okay…it’s only part of the system, but we are working hard to get the whole system back on track. For full details, view the VTA website.

First and foremost, please be careful around the tracks. Assume the entire system is "live," meaning overhead lines are electrified everywhere you see them. Obey all railroad crossing gates, signals, and warnings.  
Vaccinations

For locations or to make an appointment to get vaccinated: sccfreevax.org.

Food Resources

Morgan Hill Resources:

Gavilan College:
Free Drive-Thru Food Distribution, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020
On the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday every month, drive-thru food distribution is available. Register online at www.gavilan.edu/foodpantry.
Ongoing Rental Assistance and Housing Support Programs

Santa Clara County Housing Help
Project Sentinal and the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley provide services for those in need of housing help. View the flyer for information regarding services available.

State Program: Rent Relief for Renters & Landlords
Qualifying renters and landlords are eligible for 100 percent of rent and utilities owed, even if they already participated in the 80 percent program. Full program details and the application in different languages are available.

Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System
Rental assistance is available for extremely low-income residents. Eligible residents will receive assistance to help pay rent and may also qualify for additional funds to meet other basic needs. View the flyer for eligibility requirements and more info.
Stay Connected
Your Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill City Hall 
Office Hours

City Hall is now open with limited hours: Monday - Thursday, noon - 4 p.m.

Please note that City facilities, with the exception of the Centennial Recreation center and Aquatics Center will be closed on Monday, September 6th in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

If you have questions or concerns, please call our virtual call center: 408-767-6404
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Messages will be returned within 24 hours.
State and County Health Information


Elected Officials


County Supervisor
District 1: Mike Wasserman

California State Assembly District 30: 

California State Senate District 17: 

U.S. Congressional District 19: 

City of Morgan Hill Commissions:

City of Morgan Hill Advisory Committees: