Your Morgan Hill Weekly 411
Week of April 20, 2020
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Hello Morgan Hill!
We hope you are doing well and staying healthy. As we now begin our sixth week of sheltering-in-place, we may be getting stir crazy, but we are also getting adjusted and figuring out how to make it work. The City has been holding virtual town hall meetings on Thursday evenings from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. At the last town hall, we took a quick poll of participants with one of the questions being, "What are you enjoying most about sheltering-in-place"? A majority responded with "spending more time with family". We would like to ask you the same question. What are you enjoying most about sheltering-in-place? Let us know.
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Share the Road
The City would like to remind all drivers that during the shelter in place order we are seeing an increased number of pedestrians and bicyclists using our streets and sidewalks.
Some helpful tips for drivers to remember:
- Drive cautiously and slow down
- Reduce speed when encountering cyclists
- Recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space
- Scan for pedestrians and cyclists in traffic and at intersections
- Look out for children and don’t expect them to understand traffic laws
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Level of Service (LOS) to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Update
On April 28, 2020, the Planning Commission will hold a discussion item during their regular scheduled meeting regarding an update to the City's implementation of SB 743 and the transition from Level of Service (LOS) to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental review purposes. SB 743 mandates the transition from a level of service (LOS) based method of transportation impact analysis to a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) method in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc. is contracted with the City to assist in the transition from LOS-to-VMT. At the March 10, 2020 Planning Commission meeting the Nelson\Nygaard team provided an informational overview regarding SB 743 and VMT. At the April 28, 2020 Planning Commission meeting the City's consultant will provide an update regarding the work that has been completed to date for the transition from LOS-to-VMT and to accept comments and suggestions regarding the future development of draft thresholds of significance and screening criteria using VMT metrics.
For more information regarding SB 743 and changes that must be implemented by July 1, 2020
view the fact sheet.
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Upcoming May 1 Weed and Brush Abatement Deadline
The annual deadline to have weeds and brush cut down and in a “fire-safe” condition is just a couple of weeks away on May 1. These important public safety activities are deemed “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic and contractors and property owners included in the programs should proceed without delay to comply with the program notice(s) they’ve received. Work on publicly-owned properties and along streets will also be proceeding during this time.
For questions about the Brush Abatement Program, contact Fire Marshal Dwight Good at
Dwight.good@fire.ca.gov
or (408) 310-4654.
If your property is not already included in the Weed or Brush Abatement Programs, you are still responsible for properly maintaining your property in a “fire-safe” condition. Please feel free to contact the staff above if you need guidance. Failure to properly maintain your property can result in it being included in one of these programs – and the resulting payment of program fees.
Have a good week ahead Morgan Hill.
Remember, w
e are here for you! We will get through this together!
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Meetings and Opportunities to Engage
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Join the Morgan Hill Chamber for a Presentation and Q&A with Morgan Hill Mayor Rich Constantine. Learn about the efforts and next steps the City of Morgan Hill is taking to keep our residents safe and our business community afloat.
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Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Q&A with the Mayor
11:00am - 1:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID
: 933 4304 6702
Password:
440523
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,93343046702#,,#,440523# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
(CANCELLED)
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020
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Earth Day
Environmental Education – Distance Learning Resources
Since Earth Day Celebrations had to be cancelled due to the shelter-in-place order we wanted to share some wonderful Environmental Education Resources.
To assist families with the challenges that arise from distance learning, Morgan Hill’s Environmental Services Division compiled a list of resources from local and national organizations regarding environmental education— the understanding of the natural environment and the accompanying impacts of human actions.
Click the hyperlinked name of the organizations below to access hands-on and virtual educational opportunities for students of all ages (preschool to high school) that can be replicated at home with the whole family.
- Valley Water: (Santa Clara Valley Water District) digital outreach programs include story time, virtual site visits, and water-based lessons
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: guided lessons, activities, and games focused on fostering connections to our natural oceanic environments
- California Academy of Sciences: observation lessons, games, videos, and stories broken down by grade level
- California Science Center: Stuck at Home Science program including live activities every weekday at 10am
- California State Parks: rotating daily schedules of topical lessons categorized by grade
- Green Schoolyard: observations and activities with nature found right in your neighborhood
- Environmental Protection Agency: games, quizzes, and videos by topic and age on a variety of topics
- Rainforest Alliance: online games, printable activity sheets, and readings about rainforest ecosystems
- National Environmental Education Foundation: Watershed Sleuth Challenge three-part course all about watersheds, their importance, and what you can do to protect them
- Department of Energy: videos and printable worksheets on renewable energy sources
- 4-H at Home: activities, project instructions, even a 6-week course on growing your own at-home garden
- Ted Talks: 15-minute videos from experts on a variety of environmental topics
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020
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City Council Meeting
7:00 P.M.
Public Participation During COIVD-19 Pandemic
In accordance with Executive Orders N-25-20, N-29-20, and guidance from the California Department of Public Health on gatherings, remote public participation is allowed.
The Order will be addressed in the following ways:
- Members of the public may not physically attend meetings at the Morgan Hill City Council Chamber.
- The City Council meeting will be live-streamed on Channel 17 and on the City’s website.
- Members of the public may participate in the meeting remotely through an electronic meeting in the following ways;
- by either joining the electronic meeting at https://bit.ly/0415CityCouncilMeeting and enter ID: 512 830 012
- or by calling in (669) 900-9128 enter Meeting ID: 512 830 012#.
- Public comment for City Council meetings will be accepted via email to ccpubliccomment@morganhill.ca.gov .
- Members of the public participating in the electronic meeting wishing to speak may do so during public comment.
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Morgan Hill Community Town Hall Meeting Regarding COVID-19
5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
The community is invited to join the City Leadership Team for its third virtual town hall meeting regarding COVID-19 and Morgan Hill. This will be an opportunity for community members to ask questions regarding Morgan Hill's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shelter-in-place order, local impacts, and resources currently available. To join the meeting please
use the following link:
bit.ly/Communitytownhall
We hope to see you there.
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Engage Morgan Hill Community Advisory Group Meeting - Recommended Budget Review and Development of Input
9:00 A.M - 11:30 A.M
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 958 6615 7507
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,95866157507# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 958 6615 7507
We hope to see you there.
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Sharin' the Love During Shelter in Place
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As we continue to shelter in place, many are finding ways to be creative and share positivity and love in the community. Here are just a couple ideas we have become aware of. We'd love to hear other ideas from you.
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These neighborhood walks — inspired by Michael Rosen’s 1989 children’s book
“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”
— are suddenly popping up everywhere in the COVID-19 age. Friendly neighbors put teddy bears in their front windows. Then families take walks through their neighborhood searching for bears. Take pictures of your hunt and post to social media using #GoingOnABearHunt.
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#MorganHillRocks Project
- Get some smaller rocks/stone
- Paint them and/or write some inspiration short quote on it
- Sign your name(s) on the back of each rock
- Seal them
- Take some photos and post them on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor) with the hashtag #morganhillrocks
- As you go out (if needed, while respecting social distancing) to walk your dog, for a short walk or to shop place each rock along a trail, in front of a small business, restaurant, church, a neighbors front yard in a way it can be found.
- If you find someone else’s rock, take a photo of it and post it on social media with the hashtag #morganhillrocks
- Most importantly, have fun doing so, whether you will do it by yourself or your kids!
Let’s have some fun together!
Join the #morganhillrocks projects
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This is a worldwide movement putting hearts in windows to share love and support while we are all sheltering in place.
- Place hearts in windows where they will be seen by those walking or driving by.
- When you see a heart in someone's window take a picture and post to social media.
- Share them with us @ https://www.facebook.com/morganhillengage/
A fun project for kids and adults alike.
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Stay Updated on the Coronavirus and
Local Sheltering in Place
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We encourage the community to stay calm, shelter-in-place, and share accurate information with your friends and neighbors who may not have access to social media or other local communication channels.
We are here for you! We will get through this together!
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While You Are Sheltering In Place
Take The Census Online
Using any device with an internet connection, you can visit the
Census Bureau website
to complete the questionnaire in your preferred language. The Census Bureau has also created a
how-to video
that gives step-by-step instructions to complete the 2020 Census questionnaire online.
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Stay Active and Healthy
While Sheltering in Place
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CRC Virtual Membership
The City of Morgan Hill is committed to supporting our community’s health and wellness in partnership with the YMCA at the Centennial Recreation Center (CRC). To provide classes and resources to members during this challenging time, the CRC has launched a Virtual Membership. This virtual platform includes member-only access to on-demand classes taught by CRC instructors, written workouts, a private Facebook group with live classes, at home wellness sessions, and more!
If you’re a CRC member, you should have received an email with the password for the member-only content.
If you’re not a member, you’re invited to participate by clicking the “Become a Member” tab on the website at
www.mhcrcmembers.com
. There is no charge to access the virtual membership during the coronavirus (Covid-19) shelter-in-place order.
If you have any questions, please contact the CRC at 408-782-2128 or email Debbie Vasquez at
Debbie.Vasquez@mhcrc.com
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Tips for Working from Home
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Are you a South County resident?
Do you need help finding crisis support resources?
Do you need mental health services?
Are you experiencing a crisis and need to talk with someone?
Community Solutions SOS Program can provide:
- Information and linkage to community resources
- Linkage to mental health services
- Support de-escalating crisis situations to restore family stability
This service is for South County residents (Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin, and the surrounding areas). There are no fees or insurance required to call the crisis line!
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Help Keep Morgan Hill Parks and Public Spaces Safe and Open during Covid-19
Love your Parks 6 Feet Apart!
It is currently OK to go outside for exercise as long as you observe a minimum of 6 feet distance from others.
Santa Clara County
and City of Morgan Hill parks still remain open. Only playgrounds and picnic tables have been closed. Help us keep it that way!
The most effective way to stop the coronavirus and help ensure the safety of you, your family, and our community is to stay at home. Only go outside for food, essential work, and for your physical and mental health. Visiting parks and outdoor spaces is a health supporting activity allowed under State and County law, but when doing so you are required to comply with the following:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Stay 6 feet away from others. If you cannot, you should leave the area.
- Use the parks in your neighborhood whenever possible. If you don’t live near nature or your local parks are too busy find a less crowded park or trail.
- Avoid busy times at parks.
- Respect all closed areas, including playgrounds, the dog park, and the Skate Park.
- Social gatherings are not allowed.
- Group and team sports are not allowed.
- For trails and walkways, walk single file maintaining appropriate distancing and yield to others trying to pass.
- Please be considerate and don’t stay too long, which will allow others to enjoy the space as well.
Disregard of the guidelines listed above will lead to the closure of Morgan Hill parks and public spaces. Please remember to wash your hands before and after activities and bring hand sanitizer with you when possible.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure our community and parks stay!
#LoveYourParks6feetApart
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Let's do our part to support our local restaurants & wineries during this difficult time.
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You may not know this, but sanitary wipes including flushable ones (toilet wipes/baby wipes/wet wipes/pet litter, etc.) damage pumps and treatment equipment, cause process performance problems, and clog sewer lines.
Flushable wipes are not really flushable!
Do your part...keep the wipes out of the pipes!
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ARE YOU AN ESSENTIAL SERVICES WORKER NEEDING CHILD CARE?
This childcare program is aimed at helping Essential Services Workers to continue to do their jobs without having to worry about childcare issues due to closing of schools and daycares around the County. The program will be held at Barrett Elementary School in Morgan Hill.
The current price is $200 with a 20% sibling discount, but donor funds are available NOW to help with costs for those who need it.
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PG&E Residential Customers Will Receive State-Mandated Climate Credit Reducing April Bills
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The Morgan Hill Library building may be closed temporarily due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the online library is open 24/7. The library has many online library services available through the
website
. These include things you may not expect to find such as
online story times
,
online homework help
,
streaming movies
,
online classes,
and much more. The library also has a robust collection of
eBooks, audiobooks
,
streaming music, tv and videos
,
eMagazines, and news
— available for every age and interest.
For those who do not have a library account, if you live within the Library District including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, or any of the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, you can
apply for an eCard
from the website. If approved, the eCard gives you instant access to our entire online library
.
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Senior Take Out Lunch Service
The Centennial Recreation Senior Center has been successful in continuing the essential senior lunch services by turning it into a drive through pick up lunch service. For many of our seniors the lunch program is the only full nutritional meal they receive most weekdays.
A great big shout out to our own Morgan Hill heroes who are keeping this program running.
The program runs Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m -12:15 p.m.
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Silicon Valley Clean Energy
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic marks an unprecedented time in our modern history, impacting all aspects of our everyday lives.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy
(SVCE)
is taking special steps to support our customers and our strong and thoughtful local communities during this challenging time.
Maintaining a 4% Discount:
SVCE elected to maintain the 4% discount compared to PG&E electric generation service starting May 1, 2020, in spite of PG&E’s cost increases. Keeping the 4% discount to the customer will result in annualized savings of $18 million to the SVCE customer base, while still providing 100% carbon-free energy.
$10 Million COVID-19 Relief:
SVCE has allocated $10 million for programs to address customer relief and community resilience in response to COVID-19.
Read full press release
.
- Programs will provide assistance to financially vulnerable customers, workforce development, and increased community resilience through a grant program to member agencies. SVCE will bring specific programs to the Board in May.
New 40 MW Solar + Storage Project:
SVCE approved a 15-year contract with Rabbitbrush LLC, a large solar developer, to provide 40 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) supply with 8 MW of energy storage. This resource will serve approximately 3% of SVCE customer demand.
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Valley Water District News
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Check out the
most recent news
from Valley Water District's News & Events web page, plus highlights including:
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VTA News
COVID-19 Service Impa
cts
Check out the most recent news from Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
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City of Morgan Hill Recreation Guide
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Irrigation Is Now Allowed 3 Days Per Week
April 1 - October 31
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Water is always a precious resource and the City's permanent watering restrictions have been designed to best manage our potable water supply. These restrictions help avoid or minimize the effects of drought, climate change, and the unreliability of the imported water infrastructure that serves the City of Morgan Hill.
Customers can report water waste
online
or by calling the Water Waste Hotline at 408-310-4195.
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Morgan Hill City Hall
Office Hours
City of Morgan Hill offices are closed due to the County shelter-in-place order.
If you have questions or concerns during this time please call our virtual call center.
408.767.6404
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
Messages will be returned within 24 hours.
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Elected Officials
County Supervisor
District 1:
California State Assembly District 30:
Robert Rivas
California State Senate District 17:
U.S. Congressional District 19:
City of Morgan Hill
Advisory Commissions:
City of Morgan Hill Advisory Committees:
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