Columnists

So much divisiveness was brought out locally during the 2016 election. The influence of the digital news media and social media was especially highlighted, which reflected an ongoing concern of mine.In digital news media, we now have the ability to post a comment with no fact checking or filtering for maliciousness, and thousands can see it instantly. Social media seems to be used effectively on the national stage, but we don’t yet understand the reach of it locally; I certainly believe in its potential. But again, there is no checking for facts or malicious intent.One thing that has been pointed out in many contentious public digital conversations is the lack of participation by our local elected and appointed officials, and city staff. This is generally a true statement.Until just a few days ago I rarely participated in public digital conversations. The reason was, early on I was misquoted and the piling on began; I didn’t step in to defend myself and it seemed to take on a life of its own. I then tried to defend my comments and that incited an even greater response. As much as I may not like being misquoted—it comes with the territory of being a city official—what I don’t like is the piling on and mean-spirited dialog that can so quickly ensue.So I refrain from engaging in public digital conversations because I feel no matter what I say there is no effective way of participating. I am tired of it, and now there is the cyber bullying.I have now been the suggested target for groups to protest at planning commission meetings when the issue did not include my commission work and there were efforts to disrupt my other community efforts.Cyber bullying is not just for children (do a search on adult cyber bullying).“Cyber bullying, like traditional bullying, involves an imbalance of power, aggression, and a negative action that is often repeated.”– Violence Prevention Works.How do we end rampant propagation of misinformation and hostile attacks in the digital realm? Participate yourself and support others in a civil manner. If attacked, provide support and remember to continue to use facts and remain civil. Remember that it’s not just about getting your point across; it’s also about how you do it.Let’s shine a light on those places where cyber bullying takes place. Take a screenshot of inappropriate behavior, particularly when you think that your post might be deleted by a biased moderator. Send those screen shots to: [email protected]. A website may be available to post these screenshots soon.So much has been said about the physical Morgan Hill, but what about the spirit and culture?I am confident the concerns of many issues in this election will be alleviated over time. What I am sure of right now is there has been an unpleasant shift in the spirit and culture within the digital realm in Morgan Hill.Isn’t how we treat each other just as important as issues like the concerns about how our community develops? Isn’t honesty and civil treatment more important than some focused issue?If we can get back to more honest and civil dialogues in our public digital conversations, I will certainly engage more. I hope others will too.John McKay is a Morgan Hill resident, city planning commissioner, president of the Downtown Association and co-founder of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance. 

At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park above Santa Cruz, a single ridge separates two very different habitats. Walking the trails on the park’s east side through bright slopes of mixed evergreen trees and chaparral, it seems so unlikely that just over the hill giant redwoods nearly 300 feet tall shade a forest floor dark, moist and green. The great thing about this park is that both settings are within easy reach of a day hiker.

The next three months may prove to be a trying time for our downtown businesses. Much of Monterey Road from Main to Dunne Avenue will be the host to some form of construction over the next three months.The good news is that the construction will move at an accelerated pace and be done in those three months. The bad news is that it is still three months.In the beginning you will still be able to travel by auto in the traffic lane like we have it now. And so far in the first few days of lane and shoulder closures, bicyclists can still use the buffered lane established during the city’s complete streets trial. But as the road work progresses, bicyclists will have to find another way through downtown or share a lane with the rest of traffic because the current bike lane will be sacrificed for construction.Street parking will pretty much be eliminated so that construction vehicles can park next to their work.The sidewalks will remain open but you’d better watch your step because there will be plenty of work there too.The second phase will then take the current traffic lane, next to the median, and make it construction parking and move traffic into what had been the buffer lane (which held the bike lane). The good news is that we then get our street parking back.The complete streets pilot test has come to an end. Whether you are a proponent of making it permanent or never seeing it return again, it is over for now. Valuable data has been collected and soon we’ll see what the numbers look like. But I’m sure the sentiment of the community will also weigh heavily in any future decisions.It will be a trying time for any business in the downtown area. It’s time to embrace and support our downtown businesses like never before. Our downtown has never been an easy place for our businesses. Just a few years ago the economy made it downright hostile, so this is a time for them to prosper; and I believe they will.When all of the upcoming changes are complete, the downtown is going to be a nicer and friendlier place for visitors.There will be so many more comfortable areas to just sit and relax, which is what I’ll be doing gazing at the subtle landscaping and architectural touches and talking to my friends. At night I’ll hang out in the glow of lanterns in the trees and the light shining through wonderfully sculpted cut-outs in metal panels beneath the many seating areas.There are so many wonderful touches that I can’t even mention them all here, but the feel will definitely be Morgan Hill with a nod to much of our heritage. From the wood plank pattern of the concrete in some of the walkways to the wine barrel hoop lanterns in the trees, almost everything has a real connection to the Morgan Hill that we love.Physical changes can take place quickly. Getting the community used to the changes can take a little longer. But I believe that the changes to our downtown will help bring more people than ever to our shops and restaurants.We all just need to accept a little dust and noise and inconvenience and keep patronizing our businesses downtown. You will benefit from a good meal or shopping experience, and your businesses will be there to continue providing you with those experiences.John McKay is a city planning commissioner and a co-founder of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance.