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News and thoughts from our staff

 
Millions in tax credits offered to existing and future California businesses

Millions in tax credits offered to existing and future California businesses

By Brittney Sherman

Over $214.7 million in tax credits will be available in the next round of the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) program. Businesses that want to locate in or stay and grow in California and create quality, full-time jobs in the state that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business, are eligible to apply. To learn more, register to attend one of two webinars hosted by Go-Biz on February 26 or March 6. The official application period will open on Monday, February 24, 2025, and close on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Learn more about the CCTC and start your application HERE.

 
Poppy Jasper Film Festival attracts global attention

Poppy Jasper Film Festival attracts global attention

By Brittney Sherman

Recipient of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World in 2024,” the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (PJIFF) is gearing up for another award-winning year. In response to their “call for films” late last year, the PJIFF received 1,100 submissions from around the world. Of those, 300 films have been selected to be featured during the 9-day festival which spans 5 cities and 22 venues. The festival attracted some global attention and will welcome filmmakers from Egypt, Poland, China, Taiwan, Italy, Holland, Canada, Kansas, and Texas to Morgan Hill, to attend their film’s premiere. New this year, the festival will feature a VR Experience at the Cura Contemporary Gallery in Downtown Morgan Hill, where a filmmaker will perform a laser and hologram show. Festival Director Mattie Scariot is especially excited about this special feature: "Kalamazoo Gals" – A documentary on women who built Gibson guitars during WWII. Filmmakers from Canada and Connecticut will be bringing two of these rare guitars, where they will host an open mic night inviting local musicians to play them!

From short films to music videos to virtual reality, the 2025 PJIFF film lineup has something for every moviegoer to enjoy.

Learn more about PJIFF HERE!

 
Where culture, community, and hospitality thrive

Where culture, community, and hospitality thrive

By Brittney Sherman

When Dan McCranie decided to build an art gallery in Downtown Morgan Hill, he made clear he wanted none of the white walls and sharp lines found in traditional galleries. Instead, he mixed materials, shapes, colors and used mass-timber to design a building that in itself is a piece of art. Cura Contemporary Art Gallery exhibits both emerging and mid-career artists from the Bay Area and beyond in an open and engaging environment. Representing a large variety of styles and mediums, the featured artwork gives a fresh perspective and often has a deep connection to process and materiality. In addition to thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the gallery will host artist workshops, unique culinary experiences, and special events. It is truly a space where culture, community, and hospitality are blended and celebrated.

Read the full article on Architectural Record HERE!

 
A rose is just a rose; except on Valentine's Day!

A rose is just a rose; except on Valentine's Day!

By Brittney Sherman

Consumers are expected to spend an average of $188 each on Valentine’s Day purchases this year, according to a survey published by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Top gifts include candy, flowers, cards, an evening out, and jewelry, which are all expected to result in $25.7B in sales.

FUN FACT: According to the Society of American Florists, 83% of flowers purchased for Valentine’s Day in 2022 were roses; 2/3 of which were red. Approximately 1B roses will be imported into the United States, mostly from South America, to support the high demand for Valentine’s Day.

Read the full National Retail Federation article HERE!

 
Median trees shine twinkle pink

Median trees shine twinkle pink

By Brittney Sherman

If you drive through Downtown Morgan Hill tonight, you might notice that the center median trees from Main-2nd Street are covered in pink twinkling lights! This is the latest project funded and organized by the Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District, a nonprofit organization that manages the Property Business Improvement District funds. In 2024, the organization illuminated trees around Depot and the Railroad Park to increase safety and beautification in that area. Phase 2 of the project was to implement lights on all center median trees on Monterey Road between Main-Dunne. The color, intensity, and motion of the lights can be changed to coincide with holidays and seasons. The remaining blocks of the Downtown median trees are expected to be strung with lights by the end of February.

Learn more about the DMHID HERE!

 
From prohibition to global sales, Guglielmo Winery celebrates 100 years

From prohibition to global sales, Guglielmo Winery celebrates 100 years

By Brittney Sherman

Emilio and Emilia Guglielmo immigrated from Italy in 1909, purchased 10-acres of land in Morgan Hill, and planted their first row of grapevines. In 1925, the Guglielmo’s began producing red wine blends which they delivered in casks to their neighbors during prohibition, and later on a larger wholesale scale. The winery has evolved over the years along with the California wine industry which had only 11 vineyards when the Guglielmo’s started. Today, Guglielmo Winery produces over 40,000 cases of wine annually, offers a wide variety of blended and non-blended wines, boasts a flourishing Wine Club and manages an event center that holds hundreds of events every year. Although the winery footprint and business model have changed over the last 100 years, the winery is still a family run business with the 4th and 5th generations currently at the helm. Cheers to another 100 years of Guglielmo wine!

Learn more about Guglielmo Winery HERE.

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