Cheers to South County wineries for bringing home the gold – and the silver, bronze and in one case a double gold – from the San Francisco Wine Competition, recognized as the largest competition of American wines in the world.
Sixty prestigious experts within the media, trade, hospitality and education industries from around the country joined together to judge the more than 5,000 entries from 23 states this year.
Located on Watsonville Road, Jason-Stephens Winery garnered the most awards of South County wineries with a tally of 15, and included a double gold among its five bronze, eight silver and one gold. Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill earned two bronze and two silver medals; Sycamore Creek Vineyards and Winery in Morgan Hill earned two bronze and four silver medals; Satori Cellars in San Martin earned one bronze, two silver and two gold medals; and Creekview Vineyards in San Martin earned three silver medals. For a complete list of award winners go to www.morganhilltimes.com.

Jeers to the Morgan Hill Unified School District for not giving out diplomas to foreign exchange students who complete all the necessary course requirements. They do give out honorary diplomas, but where’s the harm in giving out a real diploma when earned? Most foreign exchange students – such as two from Italy studying at Live Oak High School – must still pass their final exam in June to complete their fourth year and move on to their fifth year. Many European high schools are five years.
Thankfully, the MHUSD school board has the topic scheduled for discussion for their Jan. 31 meeting. Board trustee Bob Benevento said he would be interested in reviewing the policy. “I would be supportive of the idea of re-writing or composing a new board policy, where we could award a diploma to a foreign exchange student,’ he said. Let’s hope the rest of the board follows suit and OKs a policy that awards real diplomas – not honorary – to all students who complete the necessary requirements.
Cheers to the organizers of the “Your Words Have Power” fundraiser and the hundreds of people who came out to honor 14-year-old Tara Romero who was shot and killed in a drive by shooting in November. Jeff Turner, event host and one of its organizers, said the fundraiser was meant to serve several purposes, not the least of which is to remember the Nov. 4, 2011 murder victim. It was also intended to inspire Morgan Hill youth and encourage them to express themselves freely through words, art, music or any medium they excel at. And, by all accounts, it was a huge success.
Turner and other residents hope to continue honoring Romero with annual concerts at the Community and Cultural Center, and by gaining permission to paint a mural in her tribute in a prominent public place in Morgan Hill.
Romero’s father, Joseph Romero, was pleased with the strong showing of support for his daughter’s memory displayed at Friday’s fundraiser and throughout the community since she died.
“You hardly ever see the community stand up like this” in other communities such as his residence of Los Angeles. “I’m glad for Tara’s memory. This support is outstanding.”
Let’s unite as a community and continue our support of our youth.

 

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