Columnists

She flies, she sings and she dances—that’s what Heidi Oliphant does in this South Valley Civic Theatre production of Mary Poppins. Along with Zack Goller, who joins her as Bert the Chimney Sweep, and Elizabeth Calisi, who adds to the fun as the long-suffering Mrs. Banks, the three leads keep a lively crew of more than 40 kids aged nine to 70 moving in the right direction.

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.

As I look at my calendar for April I see lots of things going on, not the least of which is April 15—a date that still sneaks up on me every year no matter how often I prepare myself.So compared to dealing with the only other thing that I can’t avoid besides death, everything else looks pretty good. But then everything I’m about to mention is pretty good.I’ve been working on an oversized wooden resort chair that should be unveiled soon as part of the downtown public art mini-grant projects.This is a nine-foot-tall Adirondack chair so it will be hard to miss once it’s parked. This is just one piece of several soon to land downtown this month with the promise to add more elements of interest to the downtown placemaking effort.Down the street where the old liquor store used to be on Third Street and Monterey Road you will see a mini-grant mural revealing itself as soon as this weekend. But besides art the old liquor store will also be the home of something else new—a “bike HUB.” What is a bike HUB? Thought you’d never ask…I’ll define bike HUB for this location as a place where bicyclists can gather, park their bike and maybe get some minor emergency repairs or adjustments performed. Part of each Saturday starting in April the location will be staffed so you can feel comfortable knowing your bike is safe while you stroll around the downtown shopping and dining. As part of the downtown art mini-grants, there will also be a bike fix it station out front along with a very cool old time map of California bike routes. A local bicycling advocacy group, “Bike Morgan Hill,” will take care of the bike racks and volunteer staffing. With the increasing numbers of bicyclists downtown the bike HUB is sure to add a convenience that will be appreciated by many.Last weekend was the first “Indie Market” put together by the folks at the Morgan Hill Downtown Association. The west side of Monterey Road between First and Fourth streets saw colorful canopies erected by local independent home based businesses now offering a great outdoor venue. The event drew crowds of people and there was more activity downtown on a Sunday than most of us are used to—but could very easily get accustomed to. This will be repeated again on April 26.This is also the month when those of us who love wine turn our focus to downtown.Wine Week will kick off April 19 and is loaded with more events than ever. This year will also include a celebration of the numerous awards our local wineries are winning with a special event along with the exceptional slate of wine education, wine maker dinners and wine tastings established for this week. Wine Week will end with the Wine Stroll which annually brings more than a thousand visitors to the downtown sampling wine and getting exposed to the Morgan Hill we know and love.Get ready for April, that date in the middle is always a rough one but on either side are days filled with fun things to see and do in your town.John McKay is a longtime Morgan Hill resident, city planning commissioner and a member of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance.

It sure feels like spring these days with the beautiful warm and clear days. I had almost forgotten that the Godzilla of El Ninos was here with the spring like weather but that should be changing right about the time you read this.While it may feel like spring right now it won’t officially be here until March 20,  which just happens to coincide with one of my favorite things: the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley (WSCV) Spring Passport Weekend held March 18 to 20.You can hold a wake for the passing of winter and celebrate the beginning of spring in one weekend while enjoying wine in a region we can call our own.As usual, our local wineries have brought in dozens of wine awards in the prestigious 2016 SF Chronicle Wine Competition. And as great as it is reading about winners, it’s a lot more satisfying having one of those winners in a glass in front you right where it was made.Our Santa Clara Valley wines are constantly getting better and better, and their local association is always working to improve just about everything related to the exposure of local wines. This year you should be able to experience some of those efforts for yourself.Starting Friday, March 18, the WSCV Spring Passport Weekend kicks off with an invitation-only evening tasting event. You have to be a Passport Weekend ticket holder to get into this event (it’s really like a party) at the Morgan Hill Grange Hall. There will be at least 16 wineries pouring samples of their wines with many of the top local restaurants providing some special victuals that will again remind you that food and wine are an unbeatable pair, especially when done well.On these special weekends I usually set out right at the noon starting time since things can get busy, which means that some food is usually also in order.Over time many of the wineries have developed a reputation for their Passport food offerings—Satori Cellars with their chili and Morgan Hill Cellars with their pork sliders, amongst others.This year, something new will be added in the way of local restaurants also setting up to serve food at some of the wineries. Look for this as it promises to be a treat that could be a lifesaver later in the day.With only two days to sample the finest bounty of our valley in a glass, I recommend you plan ahead and try not to rush the experience. You don’t have to hit every winery in one weekend—they will be there for another visit.Take some time and enjoy the grounds at the wineries you visit. Some have elaborate properties, some funky and rustic, and some are like being at home. You could even plan a relaxing return visit with friends and a lunch basket.Get your tickets early; they will sell out (and remember you want to go to that Friday evening event), plan and pace your weekend and enjoy what few others have—our own local wine region.Go to santaclarawines.com for full details on the event and enjoy yourself in a safe and responsible manner.John McKay is a Morgan Hill resident, city planning commissioner, Vice President of the Downtown Association and co-founder of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance.