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The American Association of University Women, Morgan Hill chapter will host a forum for candidates for local offices to answer questions from the public and meet the voters.The forum will take place Sept. 27 at Morgan Hill Council Chambers, 17555 Peak Ave. The forum will start at 6pm with a meet-and-greet, with intros and questions/answers starting at 6:30pm.Invited to the forum are candidates for Morgan Hill Mayor and City Council, State Assembly District 30 and Santa Clara County Sheriff. A separate forum for candidates for local school district offices will take place Oct. 8, and will also be hosted by the local AAUW chapter. 

All Morgan Hill candidates have been qualified for the Nov. 6 election. This is Morgan Hill’s first election voting in City Council districts; however, no incumbents will be running for re-election. The races are for the mayor’s seat, and for council districts B and D. Here are the candidates for Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County Sheriff and 30th Assemblymember at a glance.

For a contest marked by so much scandal and mudslinging leading up to the June primary, the Santa Clara County sheriff’s race seemed oddly quiet lately. But Sheriff Laurie Smith’s challenger, retired Department of Corrections chief John Hirokawa, was apparently scrambling behind the scenes this past week after missing a deadline to get his candidate statement on the fall ballot.

Morgan Hill Councilmember Rene Spring has consistently voted against development projects that he says threaten the agricultural integrity of the city. It’s “smart growth,” he said.He has often been in the minority, most recently opposing a Sept. 5 decision to seek approval of a proposed annexation of land to pave the way for construction of a private Catholic high school.But the November election—with the city’s first district representatives and no incumbents running for Mayor in Districts D or B—offers Spring the opportunity to gain more “smart growth” allies.Julie Hutcheson is running in District D against John Mckay and former councilmember Marilyn Librers. Spring is acting as Hutcheson’s campaign manager and said the two have been friends for many years, and she said she is against the revised southeast Morgan Hill annexation.Spring said growth is a big issue on voters’ minds and believes his campaign for city council in 2016, running on a 1-percent growth platform, put pressure on the council to lower the rate of growth.Although Spring would still like the current 2 percent annual growth rate to be lower, he credits his campaign for changing popular opinion. “If someone like Julie Hutcheson would’ve been on the council, we would have won that vote,” said Spring.Hutcheson has a long history of advocating for environmental issues in Morgan Hill. Hutcheson advocated for an update to the city’s growth control measure, which has been in place since 1977. The update resulted in Measure S, which passed in 2016 with an annual cap of 215 housing units—a number the council can reduce each year.When describing her background, Hutcheson said, “One of the things I first tell everybody is a big part of that work has been around responsible growth,” the opposite of sprawl.Hutcheson said she would like to focus growth throughout the Monterey Street corridor. She believes this space could offer a good space for diversified housing and may allow for younger residents to stay in Morgan Hill.“A lot of folks move here because they like the look and feel,” said Hutcheson. “So how you grow is really important to them.”John Mckay, one of Hutcheson’s opponents in District D, has served as a city planning commissioner. “It’s obvious the community cares about the same basic things,” said McKay. He believes the term urban sprawl is “a catch phrase,” and that the city does not suffer from it.Where Spring and Hutcheson have fought against annexing land in the Southeast Quadrant, McKay said annexing the land may have given the city more control over the growth that may occur on those properties.He said the group advocating for the annexation of the full Southeast Quadrant, which was denied by LAFCO in 2015, were also environmentalists, but with a different view of how to do that. “We also want to preserve land,” said McKay. “It’s two different approaches.”McKay said in a statement to the Times that he does not support the annexation of land unless absolutely necessary and that he would like to focus on increasing density within city limits before looking outside to grow.Similar to Hutcheson, McKay hopes to continue to build along the Monterey corridor. Spring has also publicly endorsed Yvonne Martínez-Beltrán in District B. Beltrán is a city planning commissioner. Her campaign website states, “While I realize we can't preserve Morgan Hill the way it is or was, we can preserve the essence of Morgan Hill... so our children and grandchildren can grow, live, work and play here, too.”Kenneth Murray, one of Martínez-Beltrán’s opponents in District B, told the Times he would like to focus on commercial growth as opposed to residential growth. “Every time we have another resident, that has a negative impact on our city,” said Murray.Murray says he has the knowledge to bring jobs to Morgan Hill because of his background in the private sector. If elected, he hopes to see satellite tech offices open in Morgan Hill so residents don’t have to commute to San Jose.“My focus on growth is about developing a comprehensive revenue plan for the city,” said Murray. “Growth for growth’s sake is not of interest to me.”Murray thinks Butterfield Boulevard would be a good location for more commercial use.In the Morgan Hill mayor’s race, former councilmember Greg Sellers is running against current Councilmember Rich Constantine and Kirk Bertolet, who previously ran for mayor in 2016.Constantine warned that the spike in growth in Morgan Hill in recent years was not due to the council permitting an abundance of projects, but rather remaining allotments being used by developers who were unable to complete projects during the 2008 financial crisis.Constantine said he is focused on diversifying Morgan Hill’s tax space with commercial and industrial growth along with residential. He said ultimately there is nothing more the city can do to curb growth because Morgan Hill voters already voted to update and retain the growth control measure.Constantine had been the only councilmember to vote against putting the measure on the 2016 ballot, because he felt that the council’s 215 cap on residential units was not substantiated by data presented to the council. However, he urged the public to pass the measure.When residents express concerns about growth, Constantine says he congratulates them because as voters they made sure Morgan Hill had a plan in place. He said candidates are not smart growth. “The citizens are smart growth,” he said.Constantine said his worry now is that future councilmembers will feel pressure to change industrial zoning to residential in an effort to increase city revenue. He encouraged future councilmembers to think long term when making decisions.“You have to think past your term,” said Constantine, but ultimately he believed at this point Morgan Hill is a well planned city when it comes to growth.Bertolet publicly criticized Measure S as a candidate in 2016, and said he wanted a 0.5-percent increase in growth each year. Bertolet does not want to focus on residential growth and instead hopes to promote commercial growth if elected. He criticized Constantine and Sellers and said the two had shown too much support for growth throughout their public service.“If people are happy with the way Morgan Hill is growing for the last four to eight years, then vote for Sellers or Constantine,” said Bertolet. “If they’re not happy and they want someone to limit growth, then vote for me.”Sellers says smart growth is key, and he led the downtown revitalization task force before serving three terms on the city council.Focusing on providing a variety of housing options for residents, Sellers said, is a priority for him. He hopes to fill development as much a possible within city limits and work with state agencies on what the government is mandating cities like Morgan Hill provide.Sellers said growth has been an issue in Morgan Hill for 40 years and that it is important to get people on both sides of the issue sitting down together to come up with a plan. He said that as both a landowner and an environmentalist, he is in a unique position when it comes to approaching growth in Morgan Hill.“For me, it’s about coming up with a long-term plan that really preserves open space, not just saying no to growth,” said Sellers. “They’re two very different things.”

Nearly 10,000 people were transported to the past when the Northern California Renaissance Faire kicked off its six-weekend extravaganza on Saturday, Sept. 15.Visitors to Casa de Fruta, about 14 miles east of Gilroy and 12 miles north of Hollister on Highway 152, discovered medieval world-class jousting tournaments, court jesters, buxom wenches wielding ales, fair maidens, men in kilts, warriors, brave knights and fire-eating performers.Frances Larose, director of marketing for the Northern California Renaissance Faire, said the hope is to grow the Faire even more and bring in more families.“That is why we have added a sixth weekend, Halloween Fantasy,” said Larose. “It is geared to local families and friends.”Renaissance Faire visitors were entertained with theatrical and musical performances on six busy stages, a tournament of horses and even giant turkey legs in a royal food court.“Our knights are dashing and fearless,” said Larose. “They entertain audiences with a full contact joust, featuring shattering lances and riveting sword fighting.”With so many things to do, Larose recommended that visitors pick up a schedule at the front gate, plan out their day and even stop in the Belrose Costume shop for some festival-appropriate attire.“Besides the games we have fire eating, with revelry, dancing, glass blowing and amazing artisans with hand crafted wear,” said Larose.Visit the Northern California Renaissance Faire weekends through Oct. 21. Visitors can receive a $5 discount for the second and third weekends when buying online at norcalrenfaire.com. Use the code: Renaissance.

Candidate forum Sept. 27The American Association of University Women, Morgan Hill chapter will host a forum for candidates for local offices to answer questions from the public and meet the voters. The forum will take place Sept. 27 at Morgan Hill Council Chambers, 17555 Peak Ave. The forum will start at 6pm with a meet-and-greet, with intros and questions/answers starting at 6:30pm. Invited to the forum are candidates for Morgan Hill Mayor and City Council, State Assembly District 30 and Santa Clara County Sheriff. A separate forum for candidates for local school district offices will take place Oct. 8, and will also be hosted by the local AAUW chapter.Big CatsThe Peninsula Open Space Trust will host a screening of the documentary film “The Cat That Changed America” 6:30 to 9:30pm Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. The film tells the story of P22, a mountain lion in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, and a $50 million effort to create a safe wildlife crossing across two of the busiest freeways in America. The film screening will be an opportunity to reflect on similar local efforts to improve crossing for wildlife. POST will provide free pizza and lemonade for the community as this incredible story is told. The screening of the film will be followed by a panel of biologists, conservation planners and wildlife trackers who will talk about the South Bay efforts to protect wildlife and implement wildlife corridors that enable animals to move between protected spaces. To register, visit https://openspacetrust.org/event/the-cat-that-changed-america.Overnight Family FunBring your family to the Community Park baseball fields Sept. 21 and enjoy a night under the stars. A hot dog barbecue, movie in the park and breakfast are included in the overnight event. Each family should bring a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights and warm clothes. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The overnight starts at 6pm Sept. 21 and continues to 9am Sept. 22.One Step CloserMorgan Hill-based One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding will host its annual benefit gala 5:30 to 9pm Sept. 22 at Historic Coyote Ranch. One Step Closer offers equine-assisted therapy programs for those with special needs, veterans and families of fallen soldiers. The fundraising gala will feature live music and line dancing by the Country Cougars, barbecue dinner with drinks and a silent auction. For more information, visit osctr.org or call 408-778-3567.Dave Stamey In ConcertDave Stamey, who was recently inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame, will perform 5:30 to 8pm Sept. 23 at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Road. For more information and to order tickets, visit dstamey.brownpapertickets.com.Taste Of Morgan HillThe Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of Morgan Hill street festival will take place Sept. 29 and 30 in downtown Morgan Hill. Hours are 10am to 7pm Sept. 29 and 10am to 6pm Sept. 30. The free, family-friendly festival features a variety of arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food, wine and beer, and children’s activities.Giveaway For TeachersThe Morgan Hill Teachers Aid Coalition will host its annual classroom supplies giveaway Sept. 30 at P.A. Walsh Elementary School’s auditorium, 353 W. Main Ave. Each year, the TAC raises funds and relies on volunteers to provide classroom supplies for local teachers who would otherwise have to pay for the items out of their own pockets. To make a donation or volunteer for the Sept. 30 giveaway, email [email protected] or [email protected] With A CopOfficers from the Morgan Hill Police Department will host Coffee With A Cop 9am Oct. 3 at Starbucks, 17105 Walnut Grove, Suite 101. The event allows officers and community members to come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee. Coffee With A Cop is a nationwide initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice. Similar events are held across the country as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve. For more information, contact MHPD Sgt. Bill Norman at (408) 779-2101 or [email protected] Friday Art WalkTake a self-guided tour through downtown Morgan Hill restaurants and shops to take a look at the latest art exhibits during the First Friday Art Walk, 11am to 7pm Oct. 5. New artists will be featured on the walk, when all art venues are free and open to the public. Stop by GVA Cafe from 6 to 8pm for the Art Walk Reception.Ongoing events:Walk for fitnessThe Morgan Hill Walking Group for Fitness meets for daily walks, six days a week. Every Monday through Friday, the group walks from 6pm to 7pm. On Saturdays, walks go from 9am to 10:30am. The group meets at the Morgan Hill Center parking lot at Hale and West Main avenues. The group walks at a moderate pace, rain or shine, year-round. Everyone is welcome, including pet dogs.History at the houseFrom 10 to 11:30am the first Saturday of every month, the Morgan Hill Historical Society invites the community to the Hiram Morgan Hill House at Villa Mira Monte, 17860 Monterey Road, for “History at the House.” Attendees are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences about local history and landscapes with the monthly, ongoing conversation. The event is open to the public and free.ToastmastersThe Morgan Hill Toastmasters public speaking group meets 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. every Thursday at BookSmart, 80 East Second Street in downtown Morgan Hill. Breastfeeding support groupAre you a mother looking for breastfeeding support? La Leche League is here to help. Join other new moms and a lactations specialist at free weekly support groups at Casa Natal Birth Center, 50 W. Main Ave., Suite D. Support groups occur every Friday at 10 a.m. La Leche League meetings take place 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month.  Weight WatchersWeight Watchers meetings are held at 8:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Villa Mira Monte, 17860 Monterey St., Morgan Hill; and 8 and 10 a.m. Saturdays at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey St. Arrive a half hour before the meeting for registration and weigh in.Bingo FundraiserThe Live Oak Emerald Regime holds bingo every weekend at the Britton Middle School Auditorium, 80 W. Central Ave. On Saturday, doors open at 4:15 p.m., warm-ups begin at 5:45 p.m. and games begin at 6:15 p.m. On Sunday doors open at 11:45 a.m., warm-ups start at 1:15 p.m. and games begin at 1:45 p.m. For more information visit emeraldregime.org/bingo_page.htm. Learn to breathe easyAn explore breath and be stress free workshop is held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sundays at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Morgan Hill. RSVP requested due to limited seating. For more information, call Krishna at (408) 480-4493.Bridge at the Rec CenterBridge is held Monday nights at the Centennial Recreation Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave. Open stratified games begin at 6:20 p.m. PickleballPickleball, a tennis type game in which a whiffle ball is hit over a low net with a paddle, can be played from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays at the Centennial Recreation Center gymnasium, 171 W. Edmundson Ave. Play is free for CRC members, $8 for non-member seniors. Equipment is provided. For more details, visit usapa.org/whatis_pball/. Help for your food addictionFood Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill. For more information, call Bonnie at (408) 337-5136. Kiwanis Club meetsThe Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at BookSmart in Morgan Hill, 80 E. Second Street. For more information, call (408) 779-1473. Overeaters AnonymousOvereaters Anonymous meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. For more information, call (408) 859-8654. Bingo supports Senior CenterBingo is held at 5 p.m. Tuesdays to raise funds to benefit the Morgan Hill Senior Center. Bingo is played at the Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Adults only; $20 minimum buy-in, $30 electronic + paper buy-in. For more information, call (408) 782-1284. Learn bridge with Al PeponisPlay open stratified games with Al Peponis at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Morgan Hill. For more information, visit southcountybridge.com or call (408) 779-7122. Purchase fresh produceA produce market is held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at the Centennial Recreation Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave. Produce is sold at cost. For more information call (408) 782-2128.Rotary Club of Morgan HillWeekly meetings are held most Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the Hiram Morgan Hill Room at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. Cost is $18 and includes lunch. For more information, visitmorganhillrotary.org. Share your photographsShare your photos and learn about photography from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the Hiram Morgan Hill room of the Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. Learn more about club activities and resources by showing up at 6 p.m. for a pre-meeting orientation. For more information, visit morganhillphotographyclub.org. Love flowers? Join the clubThe Morgan Hill Flower Lover's Club meets from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road.Find treasures at indoor marketAn inside flea market is held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first Saturday of every month at the San Martin Presbyterian Church in San Martin, 13200 Lincoln Ave. Breast cancer support groupA free drop-in group open to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer is held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the first and third Thursday of every month at Pacific Hills Manor, 370 Noble Court. For more information, call Priti Zielinski at (408) 842-1248 or Sandy Ludlow at (408) 779-8004.199er and open gamesMonthly Unit Game—199er and Open Games—are held at 12:30 p.m. the third Sunday of each month at the Centennial Recreation center, 171 Edmundson Ave. For more information, email [email protected] for an emergencyMorgan Hill CERT offers a free emergency preparedness class from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Monday of every month at the Morgan Hill Police Department, 16200 Vineyard Blvd. This class is only open to residents of Morgan Hill. For more information and registration, visit mhcert.com.

There's no better way to top off a scrumptious dinner than with a big slice of this yummy coconut custard pie. With a mild taste of coconut and the sweet taste of custard, you'll be wanting to go back for seconds. If desired, top with toasted coconut or better yet, some whipped cream.  Find more dessert recipes at