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Articles by Michael Moore
Letter: Silver Dems put community, values, voters first
John McKay’s recent letter, “Look Beyond Party Loyalty for Best Candidates,” raises several important points. We agree that ethical leadership, qualifications and a demonstrated commitment to our community should guide our choices, especially in local races. We would like to introduce the South County Silver Democratic Club (Silver Dems), an unchartered Democratic organization that has been actively engaged in our community for the past two years.
Morgan Hill Toros bring home four championships
Pictured are members of the Morgan Hill Toros 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U and 14U baseball teams, who made strong showings in tournaments Oct. 10-11 across northern California. Contributed photo This story is published courtesy of Morgan Hill Toros. It was a weekend to remember for the Morgan Hill Toros Oct. 10-11, as five teams took the field across Northern California and returned home with an incredible four tournament championships and one runner-up finish.
Suspect charged with murder after Morgan Hill wife found ‘unrecognizable’
Morgan Hill homicide suspect Roy Anthony Lopez was formally charged last week with murder and child endangerment for the death of his wife, Jasmyne Garcia, at the family’s home. Prosecutors with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office allege that Lopez had become intoxicated on Oct. 2 and assaulted one of the couple’s three children before beating Garcia to death inside their residence on Vintage Lane. Lopez, 37, was arraigned Oct. 6 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose.
Letter: AI should learn to let humanity grow
The Joe Heller cartoon of Sept. 18 (Opinion page) portrays an AI robot angered by dire warnings of disaster followed by a robotic smile when congress smiles regulation. Apparently the robot recalls how the same warnings were used to scare people with nuclear annihilation then saved by treaties. This AI robot could not exist without being fed the food from data centers. Robots and data centers seem to have a brain/body connection.
Former Undersheriff Rick Sung convicted in gun permit bribery scheme
Former Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung was convicted Sept. 21 of two felony bribery charges stemming from a long-running investigation into the sheriff’s office’s issuance of concealed weapons permits. The negotiated plea, announced by the District Attorney’s Office, requires Sung to permanently surrender his California peace officer certification and complete 400 hours of community service. He will not serve time in custody. Sung worked for the local sheriff’s office for nearly 20 years.
Guest View: Efforts inspire more inclusivity in youth chess
At my very first chess tournament, as I looked across the board, my mind overlooked the tactical opportunities, my candidate moves and the lines I had just calculated. Instead, it froze with the image of my opponent and his friends laughing at me, in the middle of the professional environment fostered by a rated tournament. I have carried that moment with me for years, wishing I had spoken up. Now, as a rising high school senior, I have finally found my voice.
Around Town: When Morgan Hill took center stage
Craft Roots owner Jay Gaich shows KTVU reporter Sal Castaneda some of the restaurant's delicious vegan fare. Photo: Robert Airoldi There are moments when a community gets to see itself through someone else’s eyes. Friday morning, Aug. 7, was one of those moments. KTVU’s Mornings on 2 brought its Zip Trip to Morgan Hill, turning the spotlight on our little corner of South County and giving viewers across the Bay Area a chance to see that Morgan Hill is a special place.
Letter: Creating pathways, inspiring leaders, transforming lives
Sometimes the most meaningful stories begin with a simple conversation and a belief that something greater is possible. Seven months ago, I had a vision: to bring California’s community college presidents together at Santa Clara University with a shared purpose, to celebrate educational opportunity, strengthen partnerships, inspire leadership and create more pathways for students to achieve their dreams.
Three motorists die in separate accidents in South Valley
A CHP officer investigates the scene of an accident on Bloomfield Road July 26. Photo: Chris Mora Three people died in separate vehicle accidents in South Valley over the July 25-26 weekend, according to authorities. Two of the crashes involved motorcycles, with their riders pronounced dead after officers responded. A California Highway Patrol commander emphasized that most accidents are preventable, and urged motorists to drive defensively and cautiously. The CHP is investigating all three crashes.
Gilroy Garlic Festival brings bigger crowd, more vendors
Jeff Day sports his newly purchased garlic hat July 24 at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Photo: Tarmo Hannula The Gilroy Garlic Festival drew more than 12,000 people over the three-day event, organizers said, as the festival pushes toward its 50th anniversary in 2028 following its return in 2025 after a yearslong hiatus.
Indigenous Fashion Show celebrates Native design, culture in South Valley
A model presents a design at the 2025 Indigenous Fashion Show in Tres Pinos. Contributed photo. On Aug. 29, the Pavilion at Bolado Park Event Center will transform into a runway. The Indigenous Fashion Show Gala will celebrate Native designs while featuring Aztec dance, live performances, food and community. The event is presented 3-9pm by the Indigenous Nations Diversity Network in partnership with Youth Alliance. Bolado Park Event Center is located at 9000 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos.
Gavilan College to host ‘Ready, Set, Enroll’ event
Gavilan College staff member, Stacey Porteur, helps attendees navigate the enrollment process. Photo: Courtesy of Gavilan College Gavilan College will host its annual “Ready, Set, Enroll” event on Aug. 1 to help new and returning students complete enrollment and prepare for the fall 2026 semester. The free event will take place from 9am-2pm at the college’s Gilroy and Hollister campuses. The Gilroy campus is located at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.
Guest View: Why we should focus on preventive care
More than half of Americans say the system treats them like a number rather than a person. In addition, only 39% feel that the healthcare system is working in patients’ best interests. Gilroy and parts of the surrounding area have some of the highest rates of heart disease and diabetes in the county. As a physician, I find those statistics staggering, but unfortunately, I know them to be the norm. As a Gilroy local, I hear an even louder call to action.
Construction paused at proposed Gilroy ICE center as lawsuit moves forward
Construction fencing is up at the 7240 Holsclaw Road property where I.C.E plans to build a detention facility. Photo: Tarmo Hannula Construction on a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in Gilroy has been temporarily paused while federal attorneys prepare their response to a lawsuit challenging the project, according to opponents of the facility.
Editorial: Open government shouldn’t stop at the council chamber door
Whether Morgan Hill should have joined the legal effort opposing the proposed ICE detention facility near Gilroy is a question reasonable people can answer differently. What should not be open to debate is how the City Council discusses an issue of such significant public interest. After hearing from roughly 20 residents—19 of whom urged the council to join an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against the project—the council immediately retreated into closed session.
Letter: Promotion of clean cars brings hope
A Gilroy free-ride-and drive event could be renamed to “What’s Under Your Hood” because popping the hood of an electric vehicle reveals absolutely nothing. This hood is empty: no cylinders, no pistons, no filters, no parts with no need for an oil change. Thank you for the Free Lance piece (“EV show promotes benefits of clean travel,” July 3). Most drivers welcome the knowledge.
Morgan Hill police arrest suspect with 80 pounds of fireworks
Morgan Hill Police released this photo of illegal fireworks allegedly found in a vehicle that was parked the night of July 5. Contributed photo During a patrol check, Morgan Hill Police found and seized about 80 pounds of illegal fireworks—or about $1,800 worth of products—from a vehicle and its occupants. An officer pulled over a suspicious vehicle that was parked behind a business, MHPD said in a July 5 press release.
New trial is set for Sierra LaMar’s murder suspect
Morgan Hill resident Sierra LaMar has been missing since March 16, 2012. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is preparing for another trial for Antolin Garcia Torres, after an appeals court overturned his conviction for murdering Morgan Hill teen Sierra LaMar. Garcia Torres will again be tried on a charge of first degree murder, and the new trial must begin by July 13, according to Deputy DA O’Bryan Kenney.
Gavilan Foundation appoints Bhandal, Rosso to board Original
The Gavilan College Educational Foundation has appointed two new members to its board of directors. Longtime community leaders Manny Bhandal and Evelia Morales Rosso will serve on the nonprofit board for the next three years starting on July 1. “On behalf of the Gavilan College Foundation Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome our newest board members,” Board Chair Tony Marandos said in a statement.
Recology composting program turns waste into natural fertilizer
Recology South Valley Organics Manager Jesse Telles grabs a handful of compost produced at the company’s Gilroy composting facility on April 21. Photo: Michael Moore On a 16-acre hilltop on Pacheco Pass Highway in southeast Gilroy, Recology turns thousands of tons of yard waste and food scraps from households throughout South Valley into nutrient-rich compost that farmers throughout the region use as a robust natural fertilizer.
Morgan Hill attorney among suspects involved in Santana Row brawl Original
Three suspects, including a Morgan Hill man, face felony charges following an investigation into a March 8 altercation on the patio of a busy restaurant in broad daylight in San Jose, authorities said.
Bill would require U.S. to pay anti-dumping funds to Christopher Ranch
Truckloads of fresh garlic have been pouring into Christopher Ranch in Gilroy as the harvest season hits a high gear. Photo courtesy of Christopher Ranch Two California legislators recently introduced a bill that will ensure the federal government pays out anti-dumping duties it has collected to U.S. producers of garlic, honey and crawfish.
Judge dismisses charges against Gilroy daycare operator
The criminal case against Christina Johnson, the former operator of a daycare in Gilroy, was dismissed in Santa Clara County Superior Court on Jan. 29. Felony charges against Johnson related to a Gilroy Police investigation dating back to 2024 were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said on Jan. 30. The DA’s office in July 2025 had charged Johnson, 60, with six felonies alleging she had sexually abused a child in her care.
South Valley carjacker was on violent spree, police say
San Benito County Sheriff’s deputies respond to the scene of the multi-vehicle carjacking and officer-involved gunfire on Westside Boulevard Jan. 21. Photo: Chris Mora A Davis man had been on a violent crime spree for several days before leading the region’s law enforcement agencies to Hollister and back to San Jose—exchanging gunfire with police along the way—where he was killed by officers, according to authorities. Just before 4pm Jan.
Armed suspect shot by San Jose Police after fleeing Hollister
Investigators marked numerous spent shell casings as evidence on Westside Boulevard Jan. 21. Photo: Chris Mora An armed carjacker led police on a pursuit through two counties and exchanged gunfire with officers in multiple locations, including Hollister, before he was shot dead by authorities in San Jose, according to the Hollister Police Department. The pictured stolen Corvette was abandoned on Westside Boulevard in Hollister, police said. Photo: Chris Mora About 3pm Jan.
Weather service forecasts a wet holiday for South Valley
Morgan Hill resident Yvonne Robeson tries to stay dry as she walks from the Third Street Garage to a downtown restaurant for lunch March 21. Photo: Michael Moore The South Valley is expecting and preparing for the strongest storms and heaviest rainfall of the season so far through the Christmas holiday, with wind and thunderstorms forecast through at least Dec. 26.
Young cast brings Roald Dahl classic to life on Morgan Hill stage
Director Carol Romo is bringing a world of pure imagination to the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse stage with “Willy Wonka JR.,” based on Roald Dahl’s beloved “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The show features 45 young performers aged 6-18 and runs Oct. 23-26 with five performances. The classic story follows Charlie Bucket, a poor boy living with his four grandparents and parents, surviving on cabbage soup whilst dreaming of visiting Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory.
Live Oak volleyball tied for first in league at the halfway mark | Morgan Hill Times | Morgan Hill, San Martin, CA
Live Oak girls volleyball is back on the winning track. It is a fierce battle in the Blossom Valley Athletic League, West Valley Division, with the Acorns, 7-1 in league play, tied on top with Santa Teresa at the loop’s halfway mark. San Jose and Del Mar are both just a game behind. Live Oak is 7-2 overall, after a rough campaign in 2024. “We bonded well and we’ve put in a lot of hours,” junior outside hitter Ciana Anaya said.
Second annual MOHI Festival showcases top local talent | Morgan Hill Times | Morgan Hill, San Martin, CA Original
Chef Charlie Palmer is so bullish on Morgan Hill, he chose it as the site of the forthcoming Appellation Hotel, a partnership he is undertaking with local entrepreneur Frank Leal. Set for completion in early 2026, the hotel will extend the reach of Appellation properties, the most recent of which just opened in Lodi, to encompass a stretch of Santa Clara Valley’s agricultural richness that has not yet been overtaken by high tech sprawl.
Sobrato volleyball looks for sixth straight CCS playoff bid | Morgan Hill Times | Morgan Hill, San Martin, CA
With a streak of five straight Central Coast Section playoff appearances, Sobrato High School volleyball is on a path where consistent defense and a diverse attack can carry them to another post-season. The offense is undersized but athletic. If the serve receive and passing will shine, Sobrato’s 6-2 offense can utilize setters Jordan Bouton and Jordyn Scettrini and the attack will put some balls down to the floor.
County opens new substance use recovery center in Gilroy
Santa Clara County on Sept .17 celebrated the opening of a new outpatient clinic in Gilroy that serves people with substance use disorders. The facility and the services it offers are part of the county’s strategy to expand access to vital substance use treatment and recovery services. Recover Gilroy, located on Eigleberry Street, is operated by the county’s Behavioral Health Services Department and Recover Medical Group.
Religion: The Shofar’s call awakens the season
While on vacation this summer, one morning my husband and I awoke to a loud alarm. Within seconds we realized the sound was coming from outside and was a fire alarm. We quickly left our room and went to the hotel front desk. We were safe and someone was on their way to reset the alarm. But we were wide awake. The fall season on the Jewish calendar is a time of turning and introspection. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, arrives on Monday night, Sept. 22.
Native heritage comes alive | Morgan Hill Times | Morgan Hill, San Martin, CA
Families gathered at Chitactac Adams Heritage County Park on Watsonville Road Sept. 13 for a day of cultural education and hands-on activities celebrating the rich heritage of the Amah Mutsun people during the park’s free Family Day event. The event featured guided tours led by volunteer docents who explained the significance of ancient petroglyphs, grinding rocks and other archaeological features scattered throughout the 4.6-acre park.
Tres Pinos festival keeps bluegrass alive | Gilroy Dispatch | Gilroy, California
A premier northern California focal point for the preservation, enjoyment, instruction and performance of bluegrass music is in San Benito County, where the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival takes place the second weekend of August every year in Tres Pinos. The 31st annual festival, Aug.
Authorities investigate Aug. 3 crash that killed two in San Benito County
Authorities are investigating an Aug. 3 traffic accident that resulted in the deaths of two people in south San Benito County. The solo vehicle crash happened about 12:35am on Cienega Road north of Limekiln Road. A vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a tree and became engulfed in fire, according to the California Highway Patrol Hollister-Gilroy Area office, which responded to the collision. Both male occupants of the vehicle died as a result of the collision, authorities said.
Protesters march to Morgan Hill ICE office
About 100 people gathered in downtown Morgan Hill Thursday, then marched to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office about a mile away to protest federal immigration policies and practices. The protest was organized by local activists including South County siblings Rebeca and Reymundo Armendariz, who helped gather a number of local organizations to the event.
Protesters march to Morgan Hill ICE office
About 100 people gathered in downtown Morgan Hill Thursday, then marched to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office about a mile away to protest federal immigration policies and practices. The protest was organized by local activists including South County siblings Rebeca and Reymundo Armendariz, who helped gather a number of local organizations to the event.
Painting Morgan Hill
A new three-story, 2,400-square-foot mural depicting vibrant images of local nature is almost complete on the side of a residential building on Monterey Road in Morgan Hill—and the artists give credit to countless passersby who have encouraged their work. The mural faces south on the outside wall of the new Morgan Hill Senior Housing complex on the 16600 block of Monterey Road.
Authorities investigate racial slurs in Morgan Hill student yearbook
The Morgan Hill Police Department and local school district officials are investigating the recent hand-written inscriptions of racial slurs in a student yearbook at Ann Sobrato High School. In a June 5 email to Morgan Hill Unified School District board members and superintendent’s office, San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP President Sean Allen described the incident and urged the district to address the concerns.
DAs office recognizes cybercrime poster contest winners, participants | Gilroy Dispatch | Gilroy, California Original
The top three winners of this year’s countywide “Justice for All” high school poster contest—in which young artists and designers were asked to help raise awareness of the growing threat of cybercrime—are students at high schools in Gilroy. The poster contest has been hosted annually for 14 years by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant DA Terry Harman and Gilroy educators announced the top three winners at a May 13 ceremony at the Neon Exchange in downtown Gilroy.
County Fire set to take over fire protection services in South County
Following a failed effort to protest the dissolution of the South Santa Clara County Fire District, county officials are preparing to consolidate fire protection services in unincorporated areas into the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District. Voters and property owners had an opportunity to protest the dissolution of the South County Fire District after the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted April 2 to do so.
County Fire set to take over fire protection services in South County
Following a failed effort to protest the dissolution of the South Santa Clara County Fire District, county officials are preparing to consolidate fire protection services in unincorporated areas into the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District. Voters and property owners had an opportunity to protest the dissolution of the South County Fire District after the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted April 2 to do so.
DA will not file charges in Morgan Hill Nazi flag incident Original
Authorities said this week they will not file charges against a person who hung a flag depicting a Nazi swastika on the Burnett Avenue overpass in Morgan Hill. Santa Clara County Supervising Deputy District Attorney Michel Amaral said the DA’s office has concluded an investigation into the March 21 incident and will not charge the person who displayed the flag over Highway 101 with a crime.
Morgan Hill Library's new children's space opens April 26
The Morgan Hill Library’s new children’s play space, Trusty Trails, will open April 26. The Santa Clara County Library District will lead a community grand opening celebration featuring special guests, giveaways and an unveiling of a new library card design featuring the play space mascot, HikerBot. The library’s new Storybook SCCLD children’s play space is an immersive children’s area that supports early literacy skills.
Man charged with hate crime for alleged assault against South Valley Islamic Community members
A Morgan Hill man has been charged with a hate crime in relation to a March 7 incident where the suspect targeted South County residents who were leaving a Muslim prayer service, according to authorities.
Morgan Hill man charged with hate crime for March 7 incident
A Morgan Hill man has been charged with a hate crime in relation to a March 7 incident where the suspect targeted South County residents who were leaving a Muslim prayer service, according to authorities.
Hundreds in South County tell Trump, Musk ‘Hands Off!’ Original
Hundreds of people in Morgan Hill and Gilroy hit the streets April 5 to deliver the message that they are not happy with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” protests. On just the 76th day of Trump’s presidency, more than 1,000 such protests took place around the U.S, including Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., New York City and in a number of European cities, including Frankfurt, Berlin and London.
CHP ramps up enforcement of Burnett overpass flags, displays
Authorities are starting to crack down on people illegally hanging flags, signs, banners and other items—regardless of the content of their messaging—on highway overpasses in South Valley, according to a local California Highway Patrol captain. The heightened enforcement plan is the CHP’s response to a March 21 incident in which a suspect hung a Nazi flag on the Burnett Avenue overpass in north Morgan Hill.
CHP ramps up enforcement of Burnett overpass flags, displays
Authorities are starting to crack down on people illegally hanging flags, signs, banners and other items—regardless of the content of their messaging—on highway overpasses in South Valley, according to a local California Highway Patrol captain. The heightened enforcement plan is the CHP’s response to a March 21 incident in which a suspect hung a Nazi flag on the Burnett Avenue overpass in north Morgan Hill.
Beloved South County politician Don Gage dies
Don Gage—a South County icon of politics and a beloved member of the Gilroy community—died on March 25 at age 79. Gage’s political career started in 1981 and spanned a range of local offices and specialties. He served as a Gilroy City Council member from 1981-1991; mayor from 1991-1997 and from 2013-2015; Santa Clara County Supervisor from 1997-2010; and Santa Clara Valley Water District Director from 2010-2012.
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