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Local rain gauges reported nearly two inches of rain in Morgan Hill in the last 24 hours, as more strong storms brought some torrential downpours and street flooding overnight and early in the morning Jan. 20.The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s West Edmundson rain gauge shows about 1.65 inches has fallen in the last 24 hours. The district’s gauge at West Little Llagas shows 1.46 inches has fallen in the same time period.Forecasters are expecting the rain to pick up again the afternoon of Jan. 20, after a few brief hours of scattered sunshine. The rainfall will continue at least until Jan. 24, with the heaviest downpours expected overnight Saturday and Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.Morgan Hill residents can still pick up sandbags to protect their property from flooding at three locations: next to the El Toro Fire Station near the intersection of Monterey and Old Monterey roads; the southeastern corner of the city’s Caltrain parking lot on Depot Street; and on Edes Court just outside the city’s corporation yard.

The Boys Varsity Basketball team traveled to Monterey Monday to face off with powerhouse Trinity Christian in an offensive slugfest, winning 83-73.

After a thorough grilling of dozens of applicants, the Morgan Hill City Council unanimously appointed attorney and local native Caitlin Robinett Jachimowicz to the vacant fifth seat on the dais.

The Santa Clara County Superior Court is looking for volunteers to serve on the 2017-18 Grand Jury, which serves as the county’s “civil watchdog,” according to a press release.The Grand Jury is an arm of the Judicial Branch of government. It serves to examine aspects of the county and city government, special districts and school districts. It is authorized to inspect and audit books, records, and financial expenditures, to ensure accountability of public funds.   The Grand Jury may also inspect jails and juvenile detention facilities.Serving on the Grand Jury allows citizens “the unique opportunity: to contribute to the efficiency of local government and play a key part in ensuring that government officials are held accountable to the residents and taxpayers, the release continues.Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, U.S. citizens, and residents of Santa Clara County. Service on the grand jury requires a time commitment of about 25 hours per week, or as determined by the Grand Jury. Candidates must be willing to dedicate this year of service to keep careful watch over various aspects of county government. The one-year term of the 2017-18 panel will begin June 22, 2017.“It’s vital that those who are charged with this incredible responsibility reflect the tremendous diversity that makes up Santa Clara County. First and foremost we’re looking for civic mindedness, strong ethics and courage, but we also need a mixed set of skills and abilities in our jurors so that we can assemble the deep reservoir of knowledge necessary in this broad oversight role,” expressed Presiding Superior Court Judge Patricia Lucas.Those interested in applying may obtain an application online at scscourt.org under “Civil Grand Jury.” Questions about informational events or the Grand Jury may be directed to [email protected] or by contacting Tamara Davis, Deputy Manager of Jury Services, at 408-882-2721.The deadline to submit applications is March 30.

Two motorists—one a Gilroy resident and one from San Jose—died in a head-on collision on Hale Avenue in north Morgan Hill Tuesday afternoon, according to police.About 3 p.m. Jan. 17, authorities responded to the accident involving a 2012 Volkswagen Golf and a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe on Hale Avenue just south of Willow Springs Road.The Tahoe, driven by Malissa Moon, 29 of Gilroy, was traveling northbound on Hale at about 45 mph, according to a California Highway Patrol incident report. The Volkswagen, with Scott Lane, 51 of San Jose, at the wheel, was going southbound about 65 mph.“Witnesses to this collision placed Lane driving in a reckless manner and passing vehicles on the west shoulder, prior to the collision,” reads the CHP report.For an unknown reason, the Volkswagen crossed the double yellow lines in the middle of Hale Avenue just north of Willow Springs Road. The left front side of the vehicle collided with the left front side of the Tahoe, according to police.The collision was so forceful that investigators think both drivers suffered fatal injuries immediately upon impact, the CHP report says. Witnesses called 911, and both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after paramedics and police arrived. The CHP report added that each driver was pinned inside the wreckage, and efforts to revive either motorist were unsuccessful.At about 4 p.m. at the scene, emergency personnel were preparing to use hydraulic tools to extricate both bodies from the wrecked vehicles, according to police.Alcohol or drugs are not suspected as factors in the accident, police said. The accident remains under investigation.Both lanes of Hale Avenue between Willow Springs Road and Tilton Avenue were closed to all vehicle traffic while police investigated and cleaned up the scene during the afternoon commute, police said.

Two motorists died in a head-on collision on Hale Avenue in north Morgan Hill Tuesday afternoon, according to police.About 3 p.m. Jan. 17, authorities responded to the accident involving a Volkswagen and a Chevrolet Tahoe on Hale Avenue just south of Willow Springs Road.The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene, according to California Highway Patrol Ofc. Smith. An adult female was driving the Tahoe, and an adult male was driving the Volkswagen. No other occupants were in either vehicle.The identities of the drivers were not immediately available.The Volkswagen was allegedly driving southbound in the northbound lane of Hale Avenue when it struck the Tahoe, which was traveling northbound. Smith said “multiple witnesses” reported that the driver of the Volkswagen was speeding, passing other vehicles and driving recklessly before the accident.Both lanes of Hale Avenue between Willow Springs Road and Tilton Avenue were closed to all vehicle traffic while police investigated and cleaned up the scene during the afternoon commute, police said.

Suspicious circumstances

On a crisp, sun-laden day, I paid a visit to Sycamore Creek Vineyards, newly owned by Frank Leal of Leal Vineyards. The driveway was lined with Manzanillo olive trees whose ancient, gnarled trunks belied their recent plantings. The olive trees, strung with twinkling lights for evening magic, along with the lovely working women in the tasting room and the very solid wines—all trademarks of Frank Leal’s success in the business.

We are lucky to live just over the hill from Santa Cruz—only an hour’s drive from cool summer air, seaside vistas and movies with fewer special effects and explosions. For years, I had heard about Pogonip, an open space near Santa Cruz, without really knowing what it was. I just knew it had a catchy name and trails to explore.