Opinion

City rejects sustainable ag efforts

Mosque will enhance South BayIf you live across from the “mosque” in San Martin used by the Islamic community of South Bay, then you are very well aware that it is a barn turned into a prayer and meeting place, and is not a mosque.And if you haven’t seen 400 families there at one time, it’s because it is a small area, with insufficient parking, and so when there is a need for 400 families to meet, we rent halls at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center to meet those needs and celebrate our events. So thank you for pointing out the very reason that there is a need for a proper place of worship and gathering without compromising the serenity of your neighborhood.As far as what the residents of San Martin care about--water, land use, encroachment and paving over of this rural community--all of these concerns have been addressed. Many of our members are San Martin residents who are concerned with the same issues, and thus the expenditure of thousands of dollars to make sure none of these concerns will be negatively impacted.We will be more than happy to go over all your concerns to ease your anxiety.The Cordoba Center will be an enhancement to the South Bay community, more importantly to San Martin with its beautiful architecture and the orchards surrounding it.I would suggest you see plans for the Cordoba Center and read the results of the draft Environmental Impact Report with an open mind and heart to welcome this project.Nuzi AlaviMorgan HillWishful thinking by HSRThe California High-Speed Rail Authority wants to sell the new downtown alignment as a solution that can work for Morgan Hill. However, HSR presumes a lot when making this claim, including:1. HSR can reach an agreement with Union Pacific to share its right-of-way (at present there is no agreement);2. Electrification will bring more commuter trains to South County (CalTrain and VTA, the entities responsible for commuter trains, have not committed to doing so);3. Grade-level crossings are feasible given the amount of east/west traffic that must pass over the tracks (HSR has not studied the traffic and safety impacts to drivers, pedestrians and emergency services).These are just a few of the known issues.It is unclear how this alignment is anything more than wishful thinking by HSR and any less bad for Morgan Hill.Ryan TreffersMorgan Hill

Continue reporting on mosque concernsJudging from the "editor's picks,” you are in support of the Cordoba Center project.There has been a mosque in San Martin for many years. I live across the street from it. I've never seen 400 families there simultaneously. If there were, it would likely be in violation since this area is zoned rural residential.It is interesting that people who do not live in San Martin have free rein in your paper to tell us how we should live. Please stop making this about religion and provide equal comment on what a lot of San Martin residents care about: water, land use, encroachment and the paving over of this rural community.San Martin residents have genuine concerns, having been through water contamination at least twice in recent history. Zoning violations are rampant in this unincorporated town, and the county doesn't have the manpower to deal with the problem.I suggest you read the San Martin Neighborhood Alliance’s document addressing the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Cordoba Center. It came out yesterday, and I'd be happy to forward it to you.Thank you,Dawn PeruSan Martin

Aug. 26 has been designated as National Women’s Equality Day to honor the women who fought tirelessly for the commissioning of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The day also stands as a strong reminder that we need to continue to advocate for equality for all women.

Farmers’ markets represent a unique bridge between urban and rural communities that provide an opportunity to support the local economy, as well as access to fresh, nutritious foods. Aug. 5-11 is National Farmers’ Market Week. This designation seeks to increase the public’s awareness of the role local farmers’ markets play in creating healthy communities and in building prosperity among farmers and small businesses.Farmers’ markets support California’s small and diversified farms, and return money to our local economies. At a farmers’ market, 100 percent of your food dollar goes to your local farmer, while a farmer only receives 15 cents of every food dollar that consumers spend at traditional food outlets. Studies have shown that all farms, regardless of scale, are significantly more likely to survive if they have local food sales as a part of their marketing portfolio.Local markets also provide low-barrier entry points for new farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs, allowing them to start small and test new products.In 2017, 7,377 markets and direct-marketing farmers accepted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) electronic benefit transfers, resulting in $22 million in SNAP spent at farmers markets. This provides access to fresh, local produce and enables SNAP recipients to purchase the nutritious foods their families need to stay healthy.  A growing number of farmers’ markets also offer incentive programs to low-income seniors and WIC (Women, Infants and Children Program) customers.Unlike many supermarkets, farmers markets put fruits and vegetables front and center and create a shopping environment where nutritious foods are not only affordable, they are celebrated.Visit your local farmers’ market this week and enjoy the bountiful crops that are grown close to you.Sen. Bill Monning represents the 17th State Senate District, which includes all of San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties, and portions of Monterey and Santa Clara counties. The weekly Morgan Hill Farmers Market takes place year-round 9am to 1pm Saturday, at the Caltrain parking lot on Depot Street in the city’s downtown.

Welcome to my last column—at least for a while. I started writing this column five years and one month ago. I figure that’s gotta be over 100 columns where I had a chance to highlight the people, businesses, organizations, events and the beautiful place we live that makes up our community.