Cause of Morgan Hill fire may be accidental
Morgan Hill – The cause of a late afternoon fire that local authorities originally thought may have been a methamphetamine lab exploding was ruled to be “undetermined” by a California Department of Forestry arson investigator.
“I cannot rule out either accidental or incendiary as the cause, based on the physical evidence that was available,” CDF Fire Prevention Chief Steve Espe said Friday afternoon. “I found absolutely no evidence of a drug lab.”
The fire, which consumed a property at 15325 Sycamore Drive in a rural area in southeast Morgan Hill, was noticed by a neighbor at 4:50pm Thursday. Residents of the area watching the inferno Thursday said they heard explosions when the fire first ignited and law enforcement and firefighters on scene speculated the blaze may have been caused by the manufacture of methamphetamine which leaves extremely flammable chemical byproducts.
A barn and a Ford pickup on the property were engulfed in flames, which quickly spread to surrounding dry brush. There were no injuries.
Espe said the cause of the fire might be something simple.
“I’m kind of leaning towards accidental – parking a hot engine in four-foot tall dry weeds,” he said.
Violent crime down in Santa Clara County
San Jose – Violent crime in Santa Clara County fell 4.4 percent in 2004, according to figures released by the California Attorney General’s office.
There were 5,090 violent crimes in the county last year, including 37 homicides and 454 rapes. In 2003, there were 48 homicides and 456 rapes.
Property crimes were up 7 percent, however, led by a 22.1 percent surge in auto thefts. There were 1,217 more car thefts in 2004 than a year earlier.
Statewide, violent crime fell 5.2 percent from the 2003 level.
Law requires lights with windshield wipers
Sacramento – A state law requiring drivers to turn on their headlights whenever they use their windshield wipers is now being enforced. Headlight scofflaws will be subject to a $96 fine.
Explore Ohlone culture at Chitactac county park
n Gilroy – Explore Chitactac-Adams County Park’s native Ohlone culture with staff from 10am to noon July 9 and learn to make a traditional Chumash Indian rhythmic instrument called a “clapper stick.”
Reservations: 323-0107.
Members of GHS class of ’65 and ’66 sought
Gilroy – Where are you Gilroy High Class of 1965 and 1966? We are looking for you! We are planing our 40th class reunion on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Please contact Barb (Goodrich) Dequin: 847-7755 or gd*****@*****er.net; Margie Enger: 842-9996 or me******@*ol.com; Suzanne (Fisher) Jaszewski: 395-8382 or st*********@*****il.com.
Hit play ‘Disco Island’ revisited next weekend
Morgan Hill – John Bisceglie’s hit ’70s play returns for a four-show performance at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse. The shows are July 7 at 7:30pm, July 8 at 7:30pm, July 9 at 2 and 7:30pm. All tickets are $11.
Details: 607-4849 or www.jbpresents.org.
Dog walk along Coyote Creek trails
Morgan Hill – Coyote Creek Trail hosts a dog walk among Coyote Creek’s trails and trees from 10am to noon Saturday.
Participants should meet at the park office at the end of Malaguerra Avenue in Morgan Hill.
Bring a leash, water and sun protection.
Details: 779-3634.
Learn the basics of backyard composting
Morgan Hill – The cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill in coordination with the County of Santa Clara host a ‘Composting Basics for Beginners’ class Saturday morning July 9, 10am to noon in Morgan Hill.
Admission is free, and all interested adults are invited to attend and learn the ABC’s of backyard and worm composting in a fun and informative classroom experience.
Discover ways to recycle ‘garbage’ – yard trimmings and food scraps – into the magic soil conditioner gardeners call Black Gold.
Volunteers conduct the workshop, and attendees will learn how to purchase low cost compost bins and equipment to get started composting.
All adults will have the chance to win a free backyard compost bin.
Details: 918-4640 or www.ReduceWaste.org.
Send news items to City Editor Robert Airoldi. Fax to
842-2206, mail to Gilroy Dispatch, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020 or e-mail ed****@****ic.com.
