Opinion

Please consider joining us for our annual Memorial Day Ceremony held in downtown Morgan Hill. We will gather to honor those who have served in our Armed Forces, sing traditional patriotic songs, and hear the names of those Morgan Hill soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Our ceremony begins at 9am on Monday, May 28, at First Street and Monterey Road.Parents, this event quite clearly defines the meaning of Memorial Day. Please consider bringing your youngsters to help them discover Memorial Day isn't just the “beginning of summer,” but a time to pay tribute to America's fallen heroes.Children should wear red, white and/or blue. Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniforms.So many of our cherished American traditions remain alive and well in our Morgan Hill Community. The event concludes at 9:30 a.m., leaving time for family activities. Hope to see you there!Karen Ann CraneMorgan Hill

Five candidates are running for California Assembly District 30, and two have emerged as serious contenders to represent the region’s half million residents. The district includes south Santa Clara County and San Benito County and is currently represented by Anna Caballero, who is running for state senate.

About three weeks ago a group of us were having a Friday dinner when we heard police car sirens passing by over and over again. A little while later we start hearing the chirps and buzzes of messages being delivered to our faithful little electronic tethers to reality. C’mon, on a Friday night?Seems that something was happening at the Britton Middle School carnival right around the corner. Details were kind of sketchy at the time, but apparently someone had a knife and then half the world’s police showed up and things got ugly. Or something like that.More information arrived in the news the next morning—on the radio. Police officers were injured by several minors, eight arrested, one youth tazed, carnival cancelled and $20,000 in fundraising to support classroom related projects lost.Once again, something bad happened in Morgan Hill and the entire Bay Area gets to dwell on it with us. Can’t we get a break?So, we had a student with a knife at a carnival where police intervened, a mob got ugly, some police were assaulted, some young hoodlums went to jail, and the carnival was shut down.Can you find the good in all of this? One of my friends pointed out some things that we, in Morgan Hill, should appreciate. So here I go.First, someone noticed a knife being exchanged between two young males and they called the police, two of which were already on site patrolling the carnival. When approached, the young male with the knife handed it over without incident. No problem.So then the guy who first supplied the knife is approached and wants to tango with the MHPD and a crowd joins in.This is the smart part of dealing with the stupid part.Instead of possibly escalating the issue with the few MHPD officers on site with any number of defensive and offensive weapons at their disposal they reach for their—radios.This is the part I needed made clear to me.The MHPD brought in neighboring law enforcement agencies not to overwhelm the riotous crowd with lethal force, to but to be in large enough numbers to use the least amount of force possible for the situation.But until all of those other agencies showed up, things were getting pretty dicey. This is about the time some other police departments haven’t done so well. You see it on the news with shootings and complete riots.Apparently our officers were very cool in the face of all of this. Whether it’s training or hiring the right personnel, this discipline and cool headedness is now, to me, the face of our police department: cool and level-headed enough to think of calling in greater numbers to avoid violence and then remaining cool until they show up. They were surrounded by a mob and some officers were actually assaulted.With the possibility of someone greatly harming an officer or grabbing a service weapon, there are some who might say that deadly force is appropriate here. I can only imagine that if you’re afraid and freaking out you might turn to the last resort, deadly force, and the courts have in some cases said that it was appropriate. Not in Morgan Hill.Some are hungry for headlines like “Carnival at Middle School Ends with Officers Hurt”.I like “MHPD Diffuses Escalating Situation with Professionalism”.

We are fast approaching another Fourth of July. In Morgan Hill, we celebrate July 4 over two days with six events, together known as Freedom Fest.Many people are not aware that Independence Day Celebration, Inc., (IDCI) produces the events. A 501c3 nonprofit corporation, IDCI is staffed entirely by volunteer, community-minded individuals. With more than 500 volunteers led by more than 50 dedicated team leaders, six event chairs and a five-member board of directors, our team works much of the year to bring you these events. Freedom Fest is not produced by the city or Chamber of Commerce, although both work closely with us.The six Freedom Fest events have a little something for everyone. Our Patriotic Sing on July 3 features local children singing patriotic songs, Blue Star moms and much more. Immediately after, the Family Music Fest held downtown includes live music and a DJ for dancing, food and drinks featuring wine from local wineries.Runners and walkers can start the day on July 4 with a quick tour around the parade route, then enjoy the car cruise and historic parade. Following the parade, car enthusiasts can stop by our Car Show at the Community and Cultural Center. The Fireworks on the Green at the Outdoor Sports Center is the perfect way to end the day with live music, food, drinks and crafts to go with our world-class fireworks show.All volunteer community organizations face annual challenges in the areas of financial and volunteer support. Freedom Fest is a perfect example. Despite the growth surge that Morgan Hill is experiencing, we have funding challenges this year. Morgan Hill businesses and residents have given us tremendous support over the years. We hope it will continue, and even grow. Without your support, there can be no Freedom Fest.We always try to find new ways to reach out to sponsors and communicate with Morgan Hill residents. One new way we will do so this year is to mail our award-winning program to every household and business in Morgan Hill. In past years, we have increased our Facebook and web presence.On behalf of the Freedom Fest team, I want to thank the community for always showing up. It is your participation and support that makes Freedom Fest events a pleasure to produce. We are proud to serve our community in this way.Please go to mhfreedomfest.com to donate, volunteer or learn more about us.Jeff Dixon is a Morgan Hill resident and President of Independence Day Celebrations, Inc. He can be reached at [email protected].

On the June 5 ballot, Santa Clara County voters will be asked whether or not to recall Judge Aaron Persky, the judge who sentenced former Stanford student Brock Turner for sexual assault. I urge all voters to vote NO to the recall and here is why.Let me be clear, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and similar offenses are wrong, illegal, and those who commit these offenses should be held accountable. The issue is whether Judge Persky acted in a way that deserves a recall.While many believe the sentence in the Turner case was too lenient, the sentence was lawful and followed the recommendation of the probation officer.The recall campaign claims that Judge Persky is an “outlier” in his sentencing and that his cases show a “pattern of bias” toward white, privileged athletes. These assertions are false.Jeff Rosen, the Santa Clara County District Attorney and Molly O’Neal, Santa Clara County Public Defender, both oppose the recall. They each confirm they never received one report, phone call or email complaining about the conduct of Judge Persky or heard any suggestion that Judge Persky ever acted with bias in any case. Had they received such a complaint, they would have taken action.The California Commission on Judicial Performance thoroughly investigated Judge Persky’s prior sentences and found no bias or misconduct.While Judge Persky presided over more than 2,000 cases, the recall campaign identified five cases they felt support a pattern of bias; that’s .25 percent or one-quarter of one percent of Judge Persky’s cases.That is not a pattern!Four out of five of those cases were the result of a plea bargain between the DA and the defense. In only one case was the defendant an athlete (and he was African-American), and in only one case was the defendant white (and he was not an athlete).Finally, this recall threatens judicial Independence. Judges take an oath to follow the law and not to follow popular opinion. We do not want to politicize our judges. They are not politicians and should not give in to popular sentiment.This case has created a lot of emotion, but also a lot of misleading and inaccurate information. Get the facts at norecall2018.org and vote no on June 5.Swanee EdwardsMorgan Hill

Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. None of these words appeared in this newspaper’s May 3 editorial. In their place, Laurie Smith is referenced fourteen times. No other phrase appears more often, not even close.Nowhere in the editorial did this newspaper mention John Hirokawa’s nearly four decades of distinguished law enforcement experience serving and protecting the people of South County. No mention was made of Hirokawa's universal support from law enforcement groups, including the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Santa Clara County, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, Gilroy Police Officers’ Association, and over 80 career law enforcement individuals and organizations.That should tell you everything you need to know when this newspaper mentions John Hirokawa’s readiness.This newspaper just can’t see the safety of South County residents for all it’s Laurie Smith’s.Fortunately, South County voters read past this propaganda. In the 2014 election, I was honored to receive the support of a majority of South County voters despite similar efforts to distort the truth.The truth is that Smith has fought reforms every step of the way. As of April 2018, she paid an out-of-state consultant nearly $75,000 of taxpayer funds for a biased report that undermined independent oversight of the county jails.I ask South County to join the chorus of law enforcement and community members supporting John Hirokawa for a safer Santa Clara County. This group includes myself, retired Sheriff Bob Winter,and retired Judge Ladoris Cordell. Cordell advocated for a change in leadership alongside the Blue Ribbon Commission in response to the 2015 murder of a mentally disabled inmate.Vote for John Hirokawa for Sheriff to restore honesty, integrity, and transparency to our county's top law enforcement job.Kevin Jensen, Retired Sheriff’s CaptainJohn Hirokawa for Sheriff

The Morgan Hill Times article dated April 26, 2018 (“Moque project to face public review by summer”) is one-sided. The quote from the mother of the bullied student, who admits that the problem had been resolved a year ago, just instilled more negativity and caused dystopia.  Throughout history there is documented ill will. Concerning the Cordoba project (Mosque) in San Martin, not all who make threatening comments are from the “Muslims Go Home” side. I too have felt threatened by comments voiced to me. Was it because I am from San Martin? Was I singled out because I am a woman? Regardless, it was unacceptable, and caused angst.  But I am tired of the fear mongering and accusations against the residents of San Martin, from people who don't have a clear understanding about this unincorporated village.People are so quick to judge, cast the first stone and accuse others of being anti-Muslim or xenophobic. However, there were no cries of racism, or anti-Baptist slurs when the county denied the application (for the same parcel) years prior to  the Cordoba project application. The county denied it based on zoning.The county has since updated its zoning code, and there are many facts to be considered from all sides of the spectrum.The comment that "County planners have told the residents that the county cannot legally reject a project based on the religion of those who proposed it" is very condescending and offensive.  San Martin residents are not ignorant, and have stood firm on the fact that “Size Matters” in San Martin.The following are just a few serious concerns related to the Cordoba project:1. This project defies the guidelines of the Santa Clara County San Martin Integrated Design Plan;2. It is in very close proximity to Llagas Creek;3. There have been years of poor percolation testing, and the parcel floods southwest to Harding Avenue;4. The existing curve of Monterey Road, may necessitate the need for turning lanes and possible traffic signals;5.  San Martin does not have the community resources that a city has—most residents are entirely dependent upon private wells for potable water (drinking and bathing), and according to the World Health Organization guidelines, entirely too close for a proposed cemetery;6.  There would be excessive lighting at night for a development of this magnitude, which would affect wildlife.There was a reason the county established the San Martin Integrated Design Plan for San Martin. Yet, for years, our voices to protect this unique rural community have fallen on deaf ears.  Many thanks to San Martin Neighborhood Alliance, there is finally dialogue with the county, and the San Martin community has gained some respect.A South County traffic study is just underway, but will take a couple years to complete, so it is unknown how traffic will be impacted with a development of this magnitude.The article quotes plans "designed to accommodate up to'300 people at a time,” but claims there are presently 400 members of the South Valley Islamic Community who proposed the Cordoba project. In 2006-07, I had a discussion with Bill Shoe from the county planning office about the Cordoba Center application. He said the application on file was for a 25,000-square-foot development, and it was denied because of the project size. Those plans were to serve worshipers from the North Bay to San Benito County.  I do believe Size Matters in San Martin. Illustrations of the proposed Cordoba project, although lovely, show a facility that is much larger than any existing religious institutions in San Martin.Connie LudewigSan Martin

The Amgen Tour of California, the biggest bicycle race in all of these United States, is almost here! ARE YOU READY?It’s now May, which the League of American Bicyclists has declared National Bike Month. They have 57 million members, so they win—it’s Bike Month.Next, we are about to venture into our own Morgan Hill Bike Week. It’s the first time we’ve done it here and it’s being done right—with a little help from our friends. Bike Week officially starts May 9.To get an early start on Bike Week this Friday, May 4, you’ll want to mount up and head to the corner of First and Depot Streets. A no-host ride is planned to gather at 7:30pm and it promises to be one big party—a Bike Party to be exact. Bike Parties are popular in other cities, so let’s see how much fun we can have and make it a Morgan Hill style event. I’ve heard this bike event may include dancing…On Wednesday, May 9, you can ride to school with your children to celebrate Bike to School Day. Many of our local school children just learned about bike safety from the folks at Specialized Bicycle Components and AEG (Amgen ToC event organizers), so let’s practice safety and fun.Then next Thursday morning, May 10, is “Ride to Work Day.” Stop at the Community Center and get “energized” with refreshments and some goodies so you can leave the car at home.On Friday, May 11, head down to the Downtown Amphitheater for the Amgen ToC kick off concert. Specialized got involved, allowing the Chamber of Commerce to bring in some great musical acts. Specialized helped sponsor the concert, bike inspections and a bike rodeo that will take place in the parking lot with local bike shop partner “Bike Therapy” involved.Wanna try something different for Mother’s Day? Come out and ride with the Mayor and other community leaders you’d like to see sweat, and show that spending a few quality miles with mom is the way to spend the day. After the ride, sit down to some well-earned pancakes at the Morgan Hill Grange.Specialized is a friend to the Morgan Hill community, and what do friends do? They invite you over to their place on Tuesday, May 15. Specialized will open up their headquarters and “Windtunnel” to our community for a rare look around their digs. You must see all of the cool stuff they have in their museum, check out some custom bikes (like a chopper and hot rod bike) and maybe have a beer or glass of wine while you’re at it.To cap off our Bike Week, on May 16 we will host the world of international bicycle racing—that’s race day! I think I’ve already said enough about that.FYI:  a community meeting on street closures and details on the event will be held May 8, 6pm to 8pm, at the Community Center, 17000 Monterey Road. This is a great opportunity to hear details about the event so don’t miss it if you’d like to know more about getting around on race day.Enjoy your Bike Week!For detailed information, visit https://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/1679/Events-and-Activities.John McKay is president of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, city planning commissioner and co-founder of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance. He can be reached at [email protected].

In two decades as the county’s sheriff, Laurie Smith’s legacy includes both accomplishments and mistakes, and as she runs for a sixth four-year term, her challengers have sought to direct attention to the latter.