City of Morgan Hill Government News Digest

Larry Carr, a former longtime elected official who served on the city council for 20 years, announced he is running for Mayor of Morgan Hill in the Nov. 8 election.

The Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras returns for the 41st year this weekend, May 28-29—this time with a new “Platinum Sponsor,” local mushroom cultivator Sempera Organics.

The City of Morgan Hill hosted a Pride Flag raising ceremony May 21 at the city’s civic center campus on Peak Avenue. The rainbow flag, which represents the LGBTQ community, will fly over several of the city’s facilities throughout June.

Pedro Avila comes from Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), where he serves as Vice President of Student Services.

Despite pandemic fears, Santa Clara County has experienced a smaller increase in homelessness than expected, and saw a decrease in unsheltered individuals in the first homeless census in three years.

Morgan Hill’s housing commission has approved a new housing project for veterans and unhoused residents. It will provide 66 units.

Morgan Hill is making it easier for restaurants by extending its 'Al Fresco' program for one year. This program, among other things, expedites the permitting process for restaurants to make use of parking lots and sidewalks.

Work is being done on Morgan Hill’s Evergreen Village now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted. The project has experienced stalls since being started two years ago.

Morgan Hill’s city hall will reopen to the public this month following a long closure due to COVID-19. However, public meetings will remain virtual for the time being.

The city of Morgan Hill will soon disburse up to $100,000 in federal “rescue” funds to local nonprofits, with a priority on organizations that were affected by COVID-19 or have a track record of supporting those who suffered due to the pandemic.

Morgan Hill Police Capt. Mario Ramirez—who has worked up the ranks within the local department during his nearly 20-year law enforcement career—was named a 2021 “40 under 40” awardee by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has approved a 73-unit affordable housing project in Morgan Hill that will include homes for agricultural workers. Known as Royal Oak Village, it will be located at 15440 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill.

Morgan Hill City Councilmember John McKay’s District D seat is up for election in November 2022, but he may face a recall. Local voter Michael Roberts submitted a “notice of intention to circulate recall petition” signed by 25 voters in District D—just the first step in a long process that must be followed.

With the population of Morgan Hill having jumped about 20 percent in the past decade, city officials anticipate significant changes in the four elective council districts before the next general election.

An array of white flags on the civic center lawn on Peak Avenue will remain on view in July to honor the 58 Morgan Hill residents who have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

Residents and business owners are being asked to water their lawns less often and stop washing their vehicles in driveways, as the council on June 16 declared a “Level 2” water shortage.

In downtown Morgan Hill, the thoroughfare will be reduced by one lane in each direction before the end of this year, as city officials and downtown business owners seek to make the neighborhood safer and friendlier.

The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce is currently planning to resume two of its most popular annual events this fall, if all goes well with the pandemic.

As it considers a “complete streets” makeover of downtown Morgan Hill, the city has scheduled a series of online and in-person meetings about “creating a more walkable, safer, accessible and inviting downtown area.”

Proposed by business owner Jon Hatakeyama, the memorial will honor Japanese-American soldiers who fought during World War II—a gesture he says would be particularly significant now, when incidents of prejudice toward Asian-Americans are on the rise.

Morgan Hill residents and visitors say the return of indoor dining at local restaurants makes them feel almost like life is returning back to the way things used to be.