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News and thoughts from our staff

 
Santa Clara County considered Contiguous County for Disaster Relief

Santa Clara County considered Contiguous County for Disaster Relief

By Brittney Sherman

Due to the recent severe winter storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides that occurred between December 27th and January 31st, Santa Clara County is now considered a Contiguous County for the recent emergency declaration.  Businesses affected physically and/or economically, and homeowners/renters that sustained repair and replacement to their residences, can apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (Working Capital Loan) – Deadline is October 16, 2023.  Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets (Primary Counties Only). 

Read the FAQ page to learn more.

 
Morgan Hill receives two grants to bolster decarbonization plan

Morgan Hill receives two grants to bolster decarbonization plan

By Brittney Sherman

The City of Morgan Hill adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2021, which included a key central goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reaching carbon neutrality by 2045 and working toward this goal through several sub-goals, action items, and planning efforts. Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) awarded the City two grants, which strategically align with the CAP goals. 

The first grant will help fulfill the CAP goal of "converting all municipal buildings to "all-electric" by 2035" through the development of a new "all-electric" Fire Station and interpretive meeting area in the adjacent park space. The City's new Fire Station is anticipated to open in late 2024. The second grant will help implement the CAP's outreach, education, and engagement initiatives by supporting community activities related to climate change.

 
Morgan Hill artist's jewelry featured on the Red Carpet

Morgan Hill artist's jewelry featured on the Red Carpet

By Brittney Sherman

Morgan Hill resident and jewelry artist Sharon Winchester has been seeing her jewelry on the big screen for years, but this year was different. Through her membership with The Artisan Group, Winchester’s jewelry was featured at the Academy Awards! Not only were her popular “Synergy Earrings” included in the celebrity gift bags, but she received custom orders from individual celebrities. Read the full article in the Morgan Hill Times HERE.

Visit the artist’s website HERE.

 
Wildflower Run celebrates 40 years

Wildflower Run celebrates 40 years

By Brittney Sherman

The Mushroom Mardi Gras, Taste of Morgan Hill, and 4th of July Freedom Festival are just a few of the historic hallmark events hosted in Morgan Hill. This year’s Wildflower Run, organized by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), marks the event’s 40th anniversary. The race’s longevity and success can be attributed to its constant evolution. In the early years only women and girls were allowed to participate. Men were invited to race in 1988, a baby jogger 5k was introduced in 2012, and a senior 2K rounds out the latest iteration. The run started with 300 racers but today hosts approximately 1,200 participants coordinated by an entirely volunteer-run management team. Since its inception, AAUW has donated over $500,000 in scholarships, grants, and community and leadership programs for women and girls.

Learn more about AAUW HERE.

 
$4M grant awarded for Monterey Road improvements

$4M grant awarded for Monterey Road improvements

By Brittney Sherman

After a long and highly competitive process, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission awarded the City of Morgan Hill a nearly $4 million grant to improve Monterey Road. The grant is designed to support the resurfacing of the roadway, restriping of improved bicycle lanes, installation of missing sidewalks, upgrades to pedestrian ramps, and installation of new medians. The improvements aim to increase safety for all vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. 

The City of Morgan Hill has dedicated resources over the last several years to improving its roadways, resulting in a robust maintenance program and ongoing bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements. The City’s Vision Zero Policy is a core driver of these efforts. The City also continues to make distinguishable efforts in identifying and applying for competitive grants to ensure the residents benefit from Regional, State, and Federal transportation dollars. The improvements to Monterey Road are anticipated to begin in 2025. The City plans to establish and share a detailed schedule and list of impacts before construction commences. 

 
The rising trend of on-site daycare

The rising trend of on-site daycare

By Brittney Sherman

During the pandemic one-third of women left the workforce due to childcare challenges, and many have not yet returned. Providing on-site daycare has become the newest company benefit in an effort to entice workers back to the office. The Biden administration’s recent announcement requiring CHIPS Act funding recipients to provide access to high-quality and affordable childcare, is sparking a similar conversation in the private sector. Between April 2021- September 2022, the number of employers providing daycare services doubled when compared to pre-pandemic years. Companies now offering on-site childcare services are seeing an uptick in attraction and retention of employees, but state regulations and a six percent decrease in childcare workers pose challenges for many employers trying to implement the benefit.

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