Interfaith forum

MORGAN HILL’S burgeoning population of commuters may have a difficult time keeping up with news of the community. Recognizing this, in 2012 Mayor Steve Tate convened a group of local religious and civic leaders, wanting to develop a forum where diverse representatives from the population could share information about making the city a better place to live.
Since then, this Interfaith Council made
up of representatives of the faith communities, city government,
the police department, and social service agencies has shared information about current and future events that may impact the lives of Morgan
Hill residents.
The most recent meeting was on Oct. 15. Participants gained a good deal of information from those in attendance that will be widely shared within their congregations and
other groups.
Mayor Tate gave an update about progress on the extensive street work going on downtown. Although Monterey Street will return to its previous lane configuration, important upgrades include specific traffic-calming measures such as new traffic signals to improve access to the Fourth Street Garage; the Downtown Mall demolition will allow construction of a hotel and event center.
The City Council is working on updating the General Plan, trying to discover the ideal balance between single- and multi-family housing.
Police Captain Jerry Neumeyer discussed the smooth operation of the Taste of Morgan Hill, plans for an upcoming marathon, and preparations to deal with the impact of Super Bowl 50.
School Superintendent Steve Betando shared information about a new discipline system (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) that is minimizing traditional punishments like suspension and expulsion by substituting elements of Restorative Justice. He also explained the educational benefits of the proposed secondary grade reconfiguration beginning next year, which include providing extra support for sixthgraders while expanding curriculum opportunities for them.
Erica Elliot, program manager for sexual assault and prevention at Community Solutions, explained the measures being planned to combat the expected rise in human trafficking (both sexual and labor) brought about by the Super Bowl in January. A coalition of 57 groups is concentrating on this issue.
Coordinator of Emergency Services Jennifer Ponce reported on ALERT SSC, an automated system notifying the public in the event of an emergency. Her office has been partnering with local faith groups to provide additional resources in case of disaster. For example, West Hills Community Church has volunteered to host an “ark,” a large shipping container full of emergency supplies that can be quickly distributed in the event of disaster.
Discovery Counseling Center Director Larry McElvain invited participants to attend upcoming presentations of “My Father, Maker of Trees,” a story of the 1994 Rwanda genocide and the spiritual rebirth and healing that followed.
Morgan Hill’s Interfaith Council has proven itself to be a great asset to the community. As people bring information and share concerns, residents become more aware of community events and problems while forging relationships across religious lines.
For more information about this organization or to find out about its next meeting, email Mayor Steve Tate at

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