News Briefs

James P. McEntee, Sr. Plaza Art Project Focus Group

Members of the public are invited to a focus group for the art project at the James P. McEntee, Sr. Plaza at the Santa Clara County Building, from 2-4pm, on Sunday June 11, in a conference room in St. Catherine’s Parish Hall, 17500 Peak Ave. Morgan Hill.

James P. McEntee, Sr. served as a priest at St. Catherine’s Church in Morgan Hill from 1968 to 1973, then spent 25 years as executive director of the Santa Clara County Office of Human Relations. He was a tireless advocate for the human rights of all people, regardless of their race, gender, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. While in Morgan Hill, McEntee was instrumental in building Village Avante, a low-income housing development. He was also an advocate for migrant workers and farmworkers. McEntee’s tolerance and understanding, and his willingness to promote dialogue among diverse groups, helped decrease the level of violence and discrimination against Muslims and Sikhs in Santa Clara County after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

For more information, call Anne Rosenzweig at (408) 779-7878.

Bark Market Lifts D.O.G.

The Morgan Hill Dog Owners Group grossed $4,000 on June 3 and 4 at its first-ever “Bark Market” rummage sale at the Granary in downtown Morgan Hill, said D.O.G. chairwoman Gloria Zufall.

The event was a fundraiser for D.O.G.’s effort to build an off-leash dog park in Community Park. The City of Morgan Hill has donated an acre and a half of land, but is leaving it up to residents to pay for the project. D.O.G. members say they need about $55,000 to get the job done. So far they have raised about $20,000 in one year’s time. The group’s currently planning a dog walk to raise more money in August. In addition to that, a new weekly “Yappy Hour” from 6-8pm on Friday nights, launched June 9, continues all summer long, allowing grown-ups a chance to sip complimentary wines and nibble on snacks while meeting others and their dogs.

To donate or learn more, visit www.morganhilldog.org, or call D.O.G. chairwoman Gloria Zufall at 779-3451.

Friday Night Music Series Returns

The 14th annual Friday Night Music Series returned downtown June 2.

This year’s series of outdoor concerts features 16 bands throughout the summer, ranging from blues to rock to country.

Old-time rock ‘n’ rollers the Corvairs play June 16, followed by blues masters Dave Barrett & The John Garcia Band on June 23.

Bands play 7-9pm every Friday at Second Street and Monterey Road in downtown Morgan Hill. For a full calendar, contact the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce at (408) 779-9444 or morganhill.org.

Fire Season Begins

The Santa Clara unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced the 2006 fire season has begun.

“The state has ample planes, fire retardant, fire engines and trained personnel to fight fires this season,” said CDF Director Ruben Grijalva. “We are fully prepared and ready to go. Temperatures are rising, vegetation is drying out, and summer weather patterns have begun. There is always a tremendous potential for wildfire in California.”

Fire season in northern California began June 5, Grijalva said. The opening of fire season throughout the state depends on weather conditions, fuel loads and increased fire activity.

There have been three grass fires in Morgan Hill within the last two weeks, one of them burning two acres, plus a fire in San Martin that destroyed a home and two vehicles.

Local firefighters remind Morgan Hill residents to clear a defensible space around their homes, do not throw cigarette butts from vehicles and check with a fire station before conducting a controlled burn.

Toastmasters Elect New Officers

The Morgan Hill Toastmasters Club elected its new officers on Thursday. The officers will serve from July 1 until Dec. 31.

The new officers are David Lister, president; Nancy Lowe, vice president of education; Harry Albert, vice president of membership; Marty Cheek, vice president of public relations; Reeno Nemec, secretary/treasurer and Michele Ing, sergeant at arms.

“The Morgan Hill Toastmasters club provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the South Valley to develop their speaking and leadership skills,” said Lister.

The Morgan Hill Toastmasters meets every Thursday at 7:30am at the ComUnity Lending headquarters, 610 Jarvis Drive, Suite 200, Morgan Hill.

For more information, call Cheek at (408) 778-8224.

Foundation Fights Obesity

The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley is seeking local community organizations or educational institutions offering programs focused on the prevention of childhood obesity through physical activity and nutrition education programs targeting Latino children, youth and their families. 

“We want to equip Latino children/youth and their families with the knowledge and skills to live a healthy lifestyle,” says Teresa Alvarado, foundation executive director. Investing in a healthy Hispanic community is aligned with HFSV’s vision to inspire Hispanic children and families to achieve personal greatness.

The foundation has provided cash grants to nonprofit organizations in Silicon Valley totaling approximately $850,000 since 1990. This year, they have received a dollar-for-dollar match in grant funds from The Health Trust in order to make a greater investment in services being directed to Latino children and families. A total of $70,000 will be distributed in cash grants this year. 

Many families are less active, eat fewer fruits and vegetables and turn to fast food for their daily meals. The 2004 California Healthy Kids Survey reported that one in four children ages 6-19 in Santa Clara County was at risk of becoming overweight or was overweight. Among Latino youth, the prevalence was greater than one in three. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of being overweight or obese adults.

Interested agencies must be incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and be located and service residents within Santa Clara County.  Letters of inquiry must be received at the foundation by June 30. Visit www.hfsv.org to download a copy of the letter of inquiry instructions or call (408) 278-2210.