Happy Thanksgiving!
By Brittney Sherman
From everyone with Choose Morgan Hill, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Pedestrian Bridge Relocated to Support Major Flood-Protection Upgrades in Morgan Hill
By Brittney Sherman
An 18,000-pound pedestrian bridge in Morgan Hill was successfully relocated on September 18, 2025, as part of Valley Water’s upgrades to the West Little Llagas Creek flood protection system. The bridge, originally installed in 2008, was moved about 1,550 feet to span Edmundson Creek, allowing it to remain an active link in the city’s trail network.
The relocation clears space for new flood-control channels beneath Watsonville Road and Middle Avenue, which will redirect storm flows and reduce flooding risks for nearby neighborhoods and businesses. When the broader creek improvements finish next year, the upgraded channel will provide 100-year flood protection. The work is a component of the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project, supported by Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water Program, state subvention funds, and a federal USDA grant.
Read more HERE!
Pop-up markets, like Sidewalk Saturdays, become launchpads for small businesses
By Brittney Sherman
South Bay sidewalk festivals and pop-up markets have shifted from pandemic stopgaps to effective incubators for microbusinesses. Participation has grown dramatically, with events now drawing dozens of vendors, live entertainment, and steady crowds. Many sellers are part-time makers—teachers, corporate workers, first responders—using these markets to test products, find customers, and, in some cases, move into permanent shops.
Cities such as Fremont and Morgan Hill are intentionally using these events as low-cost launchpads for early-stage entrepreneurs. Organizers report that markets help vendors build brand awareness, gather real-time feedback, and generate direct sales. Cities also note increased foot traffic in business districts during festival days, reinforcing their value as a local economic development tool.
Read more HERE!
City Council Approves Targeted Zoning Updates
By Brittney Sherman
At its November 19, 2025 meeting, the Morgan Hill City Council approved a series of zoning amendments affecting several planned development areas along major commercial corridors. These updates clarify allowed uses, modernize development standards, and provide greater certainty for property owners, businesses, and future investment.
Actions included amendments to the Condit Road Auto Park, Condit Road Planned Unit Development, Laurel Road (Honda) site, and the Tennant Station Shopping Center. Collectively, the ordinances confirm existing commercial uses, refine development guidelines, and allow for greater flexibility where appropriate; such as expanded retail, dining, recreation, and entertainment uses.
Importantly, these changes do not expand the footprint or intensity of development beyond what is already planned. Instead, they align older development plans with current market conditions, clarify permissible uses, and reduce uncertainty for reinvestment and tenant activity.
Read more HERE!
A Look at Henry W. Coe State Park
By Brittney Sherman
Henry W. Coe State Park—just east of Morgan Hill—is Northern California’s largest state park and a major draw for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Covering more than 87,000 acres, its steep ridges, quiet canyons, and oak-covered hillsides offer a rugged, unspoiled setting for long hikes, backpacking trips, and wildlife viewing.
The park’s size and limited amenities mean visitors should come prepared with water, maps, and proper gear, especially in remote backcountry areas where cell service is sparse. Camping is available in designated locations for those looking to stay overnight.
As interest in outdoor recreation grows, Coe State Park has become an important destination for eco-minded travelers. Its natural landscapes support local tourism and offer a true backcountry experience that remains rare in Northern California.
Read more HERE!
City council loosens live entertainment rules in Morgan Hill
By Brittney Sherman
The Morgan Hill City Council unanimously approved updates to the City’s live entertainment ordinance on Nov. 5, removing permit requirements for music and dancing held before 10 p.m. as long as businesses comply with noise regulations. The modernization replaces a 1998 rule that required permits for entertainment at any hour.
Under the revised ordinance, businesses offering entertainment after 10 p.m. must continue to obtain an annual permit and meet strengthened security standards. Requirements for late-night venues include surveillance, controlled entry, and incident reporting, with additional measures—such as bag checks and metal detectors—applying to establishments hosting more than 100 people.
Read more HERE!