SBM1919

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance

MAY 10, 2019

STANDING STRONG Cameroon professor finds home in Hollister P4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P10 | OPEN STUDIOS P15 | REAL ESTATE P17

MAY 10, 2019

to pay tribute to our valued employees.

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Modern Medicine, Compassionate Care 911 Sunset Drive, Hollister â–Ş (831) 637-5711 â–Ş

Robert Eliason

Alexis Winder Financial Advisor

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615 San Benito St. Suite C Hollister 831-634-0694

NEW MEMBER Cameroon scholar Edwin Tangwa joined

the San Benito Oriana Chorale.

Diana Brenneise Financial Advisor

MAGAZINE

8060 Santa Teresa Blvd.

Suite 140 Gilroy 408-846-7748

64 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA Mailing address: P.O. Box 516, Gilroy, CA 95021 Phone: 408-842-6400

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Publisher

Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Editor

Erik Chalhoub Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

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Cover Story

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Crush

10 Calendar 12 Film 14 Concert

16 Getting Out 17 Real Estate

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Robert Eliason Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

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MAY 10, 2019

15 Art

Jenny Arbizu, Wallace Baine, Mary Bartholomew, Janet Enright, Ron Erskine, Kimberly Ewertz, Colleen Grzan, Cheryl Huguenor, Laura Ness, Susan Rife, Kate Russell, Neera Siva

Your Family Deserves The

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Robert Eliason

MAY 10, 2019

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FINDING A HOME Edwin Tangwa, who arrived in the U.S. from Cameroon in 2017, is a member of the San Benito Oriana Chorale.

UNRESTRAINED VOICE Outspoken Cameroon scholar finds asylum in the US, joins San Benito Oriana Chorale

BY JENNY ARBIZU

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exchange ideas from recent trends in the subject of American Literature of America,” Tangwa explains.

By August 2017, however, he found himself unable to return to his home country.

“It became clear that I would not be safe if I returned home,” says the 38-year-old. “So when the program ended, I had to file for asylum, which I did and got.”

And now, Tangwa, without his wife or three young children, is indefinitely residing—no longer a visitor—in America.

The reason for his asylum stems from years of tension that’s brewed beneath the surface of his bilingual country. And Tangwa, a professor in literature and literary theoreticism in his home country, has never been one to stifle his political concerns.

While attending SUSI in Washington, he voiced them on social media, leading to him to become a sort of “enemy of the government.”

“I kind of got into the spotlight with the government,” he says.

“And while I was here, I couldn’t help but criticize the government— and they don’t take that nicely.”

The differences among Cameroon’s citizens stem back to 100 years.

According to Britannica.com, World War I brought a period of British rule over two-thirds of the country and French rule over the remainder.

After World War II, a push for the country’s independence began in Cameroon and Europe; by 1960, that independence was granted.

Soon after, the country’s first president Ahmadou Ahidjo pledged to build a capitalist economy and maintain close ties to France.

That continued bond with France is something Tangwa believes created continued tension within the country.

And Tangwa says the francophone government now ➝ 6

MAY 10, 2019

dwin Tangwa has a presence like no other.

Blending his graceful tenor voice with fellow San Benito Oriana Chorale members, Tangwa stands strong and tall—not afraid to be heard while rehearsing for upcoming concerts with the local choir.

Tangwa chooses to live his life in the same manner, but strong voices can receive strong feedback from listening ears—an unfortunate reality Tangwa can attest to after his experiences in the last two years.

An exchange scholar from Cameroon, Tangwa came to the United States in June 2017 as one of 18 scholars participating in the SUSI (Study of United States Institute) program on Contemporary American Literature, held at Seattle University in Washington.

“Scholars from 18 different countries like Asia, Latin America and Africa, come together to

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EDWIN TANGWA

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Jenny Arbizu

STANDING STRONG Edwin Tangwa sings with the

MAY 10, 2019

San Benito Oriana Chorale at a recent rehearsal.

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wants to assimilate all systems, such as the English educational system and English judicial system.

“It’s generated into something close to a civil war, with the English part asking for total independence,” he adds.

When Tangwa’s exchange program ended, he stayed with extended family in Hollister with time left on his visa, “hoping that maybe things would get better,” he says.

But they didn’t.

Tangwa has now been residing with his extended family—his aunt and her family—in Hollister for nearly two years.

But in true fashion, Tangwa has chosen to pass his time productively.

“For the one year that I was going through the asylum process, I had no work authorization, so I volunteered with the parish doing catechism classes at Sacred Heart Church [in Hollister], and I joined the [Oriana] choir,” he says.

Once receiving his asylum visa, Tangwa began working at Costco in San Jose. But without a car, he relied on public transportation to get to and from work, sometimes traveling five or more hours each way.

“That was the first job I could get; there was no job around here,” he explains. “So it was kind of crazy, really. And I was on probation, so I had to be on time.”

Tangwa has since acquired a car, and has lessened his commute time by finding a job at Gilroy Healthcare and Rehab.

“But I’m not intending on making a career out of health care,” says the former teacher.

Having taught 10 years in a Cameroon secondary school and four years teaching at a university, Tangwa hopes to get back into the classroom to teach once again.

“I started an admission process at San Jose State University,” he says. “If everything goes according to plan, I’ll go back to ➝ 8

&

OUT & ABOUT AROMAS

GILROY

GARDEN TOUR

HOME TOUR

Besides views of unique growing spaces, the Aromas Country Garden Tour provides a chance to meet Aromas Hill Artisans artists in every garden. Saturday, May 11, 10am-4pm throughout Aromas. Tickets are available at the Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave, Aromas. For information, visit aromashillsartisans.com.

The Gilroy Assistance League’s 15th annual Impressions Home and Garden Tour and Boutique features a tour of five homes and an extensive private garden in the Princevalle area of Gilroy. Attendees can enjoy the boutique, featuring unique vendors, at the garden until 5pm each day. Tickets may be purchased online and will be held at the first home. Friday-Saturday, May 10-11, 10am-5pm beginning at 7640 Santa Teresa Dr. For tickets and information, visit gilroyassistanceleague. org.

MORGAN HILL

I CARE CLASSIC The Almaden Lions Club will sponsor its 28th annual I CARE Classic Bike Tour, with 100 percent of event proceeds benefiting disadvantaged children and adults.

The tour offers courses for all skill levels including a 100-mile, 100-kilometer, 50-kilometer and a 20-mile. This event is a tour, not a race or pledge ride.

Attendees will ride through South Santa Clara County on well-mapped, marked courses with rest stops and support along the way Saturday, May 11, 6am-4pm at 18735 Madrone Pkwy, Morgan Hill.

Visit www.icareclassic.org for tickets and information.

COUNTRY GARDENS

Tour country gardens while meeting local artisans at the Aromas Country Garden Tour May 11.

HOLLISTER

CHILDREN’S FUNDRAISER Sip, Savor & Celebrate is a benefit for CASA of San Benito County. This event features wine, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, auctions, raffles and more. Proceeds will provide advocacy, support and services to foster children from the community. Saturday, May 11, 2-5pm at Eden Rift Vineyards, 10034 Cienega Road, Hollister. For tickets and information, visit casasanbenito.org.

MAY 10, 2019

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Wings of Freedom Tour

EDWIN TANGWA

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Let’s Go!

B-17 Flying Fortress

Robert Eliason

B-24 Liberator

BACK TO SCHOOL Edwin Tangwa, who is a professor of literature in

Cameroon, hopes to find himself in a classroom again.

b-25 Mitchell

P-51 Mustang

P-40 Warhawk

monterey airport may 15th to may 17th Mt.view / moffett field may 17th to may 25th

MAY 10, 2019

More stops in NorCal! See our website.

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For FLIGHT RESERVATIONS, directions and information see our website www.cfdn.org or call 800.568.8924

school in August for a master’s in TESOL—Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.”

Though Tangwa has his doctoral degree from his former university, it only transferred some of his credits and credentials to WES (World Education Services) for verification.

“By the time WES sent for the second part, I had become an enemy of the government, so there was no response from the university,” he says. “[WES] had to work with what they got. I have at least a master’s; that’s all the document states.”

While awaiting his chance to start school in the fall, Tangwa also awaits his wife and children to join him in America.

“When I was going into asylum, they got an asylum through me,” he explains. “So I’m filing for them to come over. It’s a long process, but it’s on the way.”

He is able to communicate with them online, but only through apps that can’t be accessed by his government.

He is also passing the time by working, participating with his church, and spending his second season with Oriana Chorale.

Oriana members Stelvia

Chambless and Laurie Venturini have been happy to get to know Tangwa, and have high hopes for him in America.

“He is very happy to be here and seems determined to make himself a contributing member of this community,” Chambless says. “His demeanor is respectful, hopeful, open-minded and caring. If the U.S. grants him asylum, they will have gained a true American: hardworking, pioneering and loving.”

Venturini agrees, adding “he’s very personable and has a great sense of humor. I hope he stays with us, and I think he will unless he moves away for some reason.”

As for Tangwa, he hopes to find himself in the classroom again, whether it be teaching or learning.

“I’m just looking forward to the day I’ll be able to do what I really want to do and really love,” he says.

“In school, I kind of revive.”

San Benito Oriana Chorale presents “Bach to Rock” on Friday, May 17 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 19 at 3pm at Christ Fellowship Church, 2066 San Benito St. in Hollister. Tickets are available for $15 at Postal Graphics or for $20 at the door, $10 for students.

Participating Wineries Aver Family Vineyards Alerrain Wine Creekview Vineyards Fortino Winery Guglielmo Winery Heller Winery Kirigin Cellars La Vie Dansante Wines Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery Martin Ranch Winery Medeiros Family Winery Morgan Hill Cellars Sarah’s Vineyard

Tickets: $75 Discount price until May 10 (VIP $120) www.southvalleywineauction.org Charity Beneficiaries: Gilroy Compassion Center Goodwill Industries - Silicon Valley Intero Foundation Jake’s Wish Dog Rescue Live Oak Athletic Boosters Morgan Hill Historical Society Morgan Hill Peace Project Poppy Jasper International Film Festival Sobrato Athletic Boosters Sister Cities of Morgan Hill South Valley Civic Theatre Wineries of Santa Clara Valley - Scholarship Fund

Saturday, May 18, 2019 General Admission 6-9 pm VIP Tasting 4:30-6 pm | Be a VIP Channel your inner wine connoisseur!

Morgan Hill Community Cultural Center 17000 Monterey Road, Mogan Hill Sponsors (as of 3/25/2019)

The Ford Store Morgan Hill Bligy Sips Recology South Valley Paragon Mechanical, Inc. Heritage Bank of Commerce

MAY 10, 2019

Participating Restaurants Grapevine Huntington Station Ladera Grill Mama Mia’s Maroo’s Korean Cuisine Nick the Greek Noah’s Bar and Bistro Rosy’s at the Beach The City Fish Trail Dust BBQ

South Valley Wine Tasting & Charity Auction

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O& A CALENDAR

SUMMER DANCING

MAY 10, 2019

San Benito County Arts Council and Hollister Recreation are partnering to present Dance @ Dunne. The community is invited to get moving at a Zumba class every Friday, 5:30-6:15pm during the months of May-July. Participants will also learn a new style of dance each week following Zumba, beginning at 6:15pm. This program is free and all ages and abilities are welcome to attend.

Fridays, May 4-July 27, 5:30-7:30pm at Dunne Park, 600 West St, Hollister. For information, contact the Arts Council at 636.2787 or info@sanbenitoarts.org.

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HOLLISTER BEGINNING GENEALOGY Discover family history and trace family lineage at “Beginning

Genealogy: Learning to Trace Your Roots.” This six-week course is suitable for beginner and advanced beginner genealogists and will be taught by professional

genealogist Annette Lutnesky Perry. Saturdays, May 11-June 15, 11am-12:30pm each session at San Benito County Arts Council ANNEX, 217 Fifth St. Cost is $135 in advance or $150 at the door.

For information or to register, call 831.313.1297.

WILDFLOWER WALKS Discover spring wildflowers on an easy to moderate stroll at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Attendees will learn about the world of wildflowers and how they have adapted to ensure their survival by drawing in the world around them. Sunday, May 12, 10-11am at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, 7800

Cienega Rd, Mudstone Ranch.

Park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle; there is no charge for this event.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/ y3ahct37.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA EVENING AT THE OBSERVATORY Fremont Peak’s free Evening Public Program features a media presentation and the opportunity to observe the night sky through the 30-inch Challenger telescope and volunteers’ instruments from dusk until midnight. Weather may cause delays, shortening or cancellation

MUSICAL AUDITIONS

CAR SHOW

of program. Saturday, May 11, presentation at 8:30pm, viewing from 8pm-midnight at Fremont Peak Observatory, San Juan Canyon Road. Parking is available at nearby lots in Fremont Peak State Park for $6. For information and updated program times and availability status, visit fpoa.net.

donated by Cal Color Growers of Morgan Hill. Proceeds will benefit the Building Improvement Campaign, allowing necessary improvements and the ability to continue providing a quality facility for local veterans and the community. Saturday, May 11, 8am-1pm at the Gilroy Veterans Memorial Hall, 74 W. Sixth St. For information, contact Christine West at 842.3838 or christine@ sscvmemorialdistrict.org.

Actors ages 8 and up are invited to audition for San Benito Stage Company’s Summer Family Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Auditionees should bring a prepared song with sheet music or accompaniment track, wear comfortable shoes and be ready to dance. Performance dates for this family-friendly production are July 12-27. Auditions are Thursday and Friday, May 16 and 17, 6pm and Saturday, May 18, 9am at Hollister United Methodist Church, 521 Monterey St, Hollister. For information, visit sanbenitostage.org.

WATSONVILLE

GILROY PLANT SALE The Gilroy Veterans Memorial Hall is hosting a plant sale featuring flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, colorful bowls and hanging baskets

MORGAN HILL OUTDOOR BREAKFAST Henry W. Coe’s Ridge View campsite will host a Mother’s Day Breakfast.

Attendees will walk 1.25 miles from the parking area and enjoy a Western-style breakfast, and entertainment by Cactus Bob and Prairie Flower. Transportation arrangements available to those with special needs. Sunday, May 12, 8:30-11am at Henry W. Coe State Park, 9100 E. Dunne Ave. For information and tickets, visit coepark.net/mothers-day-breakfast.

AMGEN 2019 The 2019 Amgen Tour of California 2019 will be the longest and most challenging in its 14-year history with seven stages over seven days, a 773-mile course through 13 host cities and more than half of the stages featuring more than 120-mile courses. ➝ 13

MAY 10, 2019

INSPIRATIONAL EXHIBIT Stories and perspectives of Civil Rights and Chicano voting rights activists are on display at the visual art and history exhibit, “Vote!

Your Vote is Your Voice/¡Vote!

Su Voto es Su Voz,” In Memory

of Bob Fitch. The exhibit features selections from Stanford University Libraries, Watsonville voting rights history artifacts and contemporary art expressing the meaning of voting rights from a variety of perspectives. The exhibit can be viewed Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm daily through May 26, at Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St. For information, visit pvarts.org.

The 17th Annual Gold Coast Rods Car Show returns to downtown San Juan Bautista, featuring classic automobiles built prior to 1978 as well as modern two-door sports cars. Autos will be judged for awards of excellence, including a Best of Show Award. The show will also include a Poker Walk for cash prizes and merchandise and 50/50 Raffle. Sunday, May 19, 8am-3pm in Downtown San Juan Bautista. For information, visit goldcoastrods.org.

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FILM

‘Gavys’ light up the stage year in various classes offered by the department, from screenwriting, editing, audio production and more.

Starting in the fall, Gavilan will offer an associate’s degree in film, television and electronic media, which can be used to transfer to a university.

Many students who completed the program have gone on to film careers and even started their own companies, Richards said. One of those companies is Giggly Dickens, which has launched a successful Youtube channel that is generating revenue for the filmmakers.

Richards was joined by fellow instructors Tim Ahlin and Jeronimo Garcia, as well as Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Fran Lozano, in handing out the awards. Lozano, who helped start the film program and is retiring at the end of the semester, received a standing ovation, Richards said.

“Our films are getting better,” he said. “Our whole program is growing. My guess is it’s going to be even bigger next year. We’re so excited about it that we are going to do [the showcase] every year.”

BEST OF THE BEST Giggly Dickens won the award for Best Production Company.

Gavilan students show off films in annual event MAY 10, 2019

By ERIK CHALHOUB

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or any filmmaker, the true test of their work’s effectiveness comes when it is shown in front of an audience.

Gavilan College students got to experience those nerve-wracking butterflies when the college’s Film, Television and Electronic Media Department held its second annual Film Showcase on April 26.

“Unless an audience sees it, they don’t know what can work and what won’t work,” said Grant Richards, lead instructor of the department. “It’s very enlightening. Especially with a large audience, you can hear them gasp, you can hear the laughter, sometimes

BEST ACTRESS: Sophie Warren the crickets when you were hoping for a reaction.”

More than 420 people attended the showcase at the Gavilan Theater to view the 25 films, ranging from comedies, dramas, music videos, horror and many others.

Seven awards, known as the “Gavys,” were handed out for best actress, best screenplay and more.

Richards said that even though all the instructors who determined the winners were all on the same page, it was not an easy process.

“We wish we could’ve given two or three more awards because there are so many talented people,” he said.

The films were produced over a

BEST ACTOR: Joseph Sanchez BEST EDITING: Honna Afzal BEST SCREENPLAY: Grady Fiorio BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Derek May BEST DIRECTOR: Gio Silva BEST PRODUCTION COMPANY: Giggly Dickens

O& A CALENDAR

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SPRING CONCERT San Benito Oriana Chorale presents its 2019 Season Spring Adult Choir Concert, Bach to Rock. Attendees can enjoy the music of classical and modern composers including Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, Berlin, Billy Joel, the Beatles and Queen.

Friday, May 17, 7:30pm and Sunday, May 19, 3pm at Christ Fellowship Church, 2066 San Benito St, Hollister. Tickets are available for $20 at the door or $15 in advance at Postal Graphics. For information, visit orianachorale.org.

Robert Eliason

FARMERS’ MARKET

The Hollister Downtown Association’s Certified Farmers’ Market runs each Wednesday afternoon through Sept. 25, featuring fresh produce, flowers and more. This weekly downtown event also features free admission, handcrafted items, information booths, live entertainment and children’s activities. Additionally, specialty goods including organic and gluten-free selections, specialty baked goods and prepared foods will be available. Wednesdays, 3-7:30pm on San Benito Street between Fourth and Seventh streets, Hollister. For information, visit downtownhollister.org/certified-farmers-market.

EVENTS ALZHEIMER’S BENEFIT At the annual Night in the Garden to Benefit Alzheimer’s, guests will be treated to water, soda, coffee and live music from the Cook N Fenny Combo and Bluehouse. $20 tickets are available online.

Saturday, May 18, 4-9pm at Casa de Magee, 771 Carla Way, Gilroy.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/ y3ls4hw8.

SEWING BASICS Folks 8 and older are invited to learn sewing machine basics at Family Threads Quilt Shop. Students will learn about thread, needles, tension, bobbins and stitch count, and may bring their own sewing machines to class or rent one from instructor Michelle Zeiler. Machine Basics is appropriate for beginners; cost is $45. Friday, May 24, 5-8pm or 8-11pm at Family Threads Quilt Shop, 107 The Alameda, San Juan Bautista. For information, including a list of supplies needed for class, visit tinyurl.com/ yxjqyt6x.

SEASON KICKOFF Attendees of South Bay Polo’s opening day tournament, the Mother’s Day Moscow Mule Cup, can enjoy a picnic lunch while watching skilled athletes on horseback.

Admission includes parking and a barbecue lunch. Wine, beer and Moscow mules will be available for purchase. Saturday, May 18, 11am-5pm at South Bay Polo, 1290 Masten Ave, Gilroy. For information, visit southbaypolo.com.

MUSHROOM MARDI GRAS The 40th annual Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival will feature educational displays, cooking demonstrations and food vendors showcasing mushroom dishes, with two live stages of entertainment along with strolling musicians and street performers. Kids will enjoy games and rides at Munchkinland and attendees will find food and beverages to please everyone’s palate. Also featured is a handcrafted artists area and a 10k/5k Fun Run. Memorial Weekend, Saturday, May 25, 10am-7pm and Sunday, May 27, 10am-6pm at the Downtown Morgan Hill Amphitheater Grounds and Depot St, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. For information, visit mhmmg.org.

RACE TO UNRAVEL Race2Unravel will feature a 5k run/walk and an approximately one-mile Kid’s Fun Run, along with superheroes and princesses to meet, games, bounce houses, food, music and more. Registrants are encouraged to visit tinyurl.com/ yxtclr3l to create a fundraising page; prizes will be given to the top fundraisers, and anyone who raises at least $200 will receive an Unravel tank or T-shirt. Sunday, May 19, 8am-noon at Gilroy Sports Complex, 5925 Monterey Frontage

SUMMER PARTY Day on the Ridge 2019 will feature Drake White and the Big Fire and more entertainers in a private, intimate setting. Attendees will listen to rock, country, pop and more while floating in front-row inner tubes, along with games, beer, wine, food trucks and more. Event proceeds benefit St. Joseph’s Family Center; 21 and over only. Sunday, May 26, 2-11pm; park at Solorsano Middle School, 7121 Grenache Way, Gilroy and shuttle to the party location.

For tickets, visit dayontheridge.com.

MAY 10, 2019

Morgan Hill will host the Stage 3 Finish on May 14. Riders will begin Stage 3 in the City of Stockton and spectators in Morgan Hill will have an opportunity to line the streets to await the teams as they sprint to the finish near the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center. Tuesday, May 14, noon-4:30pm at Morgan Hill Sportsplex, 16500 Condit Road.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/ y3nbg9or.

MAY DAY BOUTIQUE The May Day Boutique and Craft Fair will feature local crafts, family-friendly booths, health and wellness, games and more. A purchase of any item includes a free raffle ticket with drawings for prizes every hour. Proceeds will benefit Bulldog Boxing Gym. Saturday, May 18, 11am-4pm at the corner of Gibbs Avenue and McCray Street, Hollister. For information, email ylparadigm@outlook.com.

Road, Gilroy. To register, visit e.givesmart.com/events/cDO.

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CONCERT PREVIEW

A grand Mother’s Day

STUDENT OF THE CONCERTO Pianist Leyla Kabuli will be the guest soloist at the South Valley Symphony’s Mother’s Day concert.

Guest soloist joins South Valley Symphony MAY 10, 2019

By SUSAN L. RIFE

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W

hen Leyla Kabuli was 6 years old, her mother took her to the Mondavi Center at UC Davis where internationally famed violinist Itzhak Perlman was performing.

But Kabuli had eyes only for the pianist accompanying Perlman. At the end of the concert, she insisted that she must learn to play the piano right there and then.

“The piano was so beautiful I couldn’t take my eyes off it,” said Kabuli, who will be the guest soloist at the South Valley Symphony’s

annual Mother’s Day concert at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill.

Kabuli continued to pester her mother for piano lessons, but it wasn’t until a year and a half later that her mother finally capitulated. And even then, the family didn’t have a piano. Kabuli’s first instrument was a $100 electronic keyboard.

She’s grown up since then, and graduated from the cheap keyboard to concert grand pianos. She has racked up dozens of awards and prizes for her playing, even though she is not a music major.

Instead, she is studying electrical

engineering at UC Berkeley, with a music minor.

On Mother’s Day, Kabuli will perform Rachmaninoff ’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 2, part of an all-Russian program for the afternoon. The orchestra will also perform works by Glazunov, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich and Solovyov-Sedoi.

The Rach 2, as it’s called, has been on Kabuli’s radar for about three years. She was studying a Prokofiev concerto when she encountered the Rach 2.

“I found myself playing Rach 2 instead of working on the Prokofiev,” Kabuli said. “I didn’t even have the music for it, was just playing the melody by ear. As soon as I started seriously studying it, I couldn’t look at the Prokofiev any more. I didn’t want to spend anymore time on anything except learning the Rach 2.”

The Rach 2’s appeal to Kabuli lies in both the beauty of the melody and the emotions it evokes in the listener, she said.

“It makes you think about your own life,” she said. “It was a turning point for Rachmaninoff, the piece that opened success for him, and then when you hear it, I think it evokes a lot of emotions in people, and I like that.

When I perform it, I personally lose myself in it. Every bit of it is beautiful.”

The Rachmaninoff concerto is unusual in that the piano soloist is treated much more as a part of the overall orchestral ensemble.

“It relates very well to the orchestra,” Kabuli said. “I like that several instruments get solo parts, especially in the second half; I love hearing that. It’s a great piece for the soloist and the orchestra.”

The South Valley Symphony performs “Mother’s Day Concert: Midnight in Moscow” Sunday, May 12 at 3pm at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main St, Morgan Hill. Tickets are $40; kids and students with ID are free.

For information, visit www.southvalleysymphony.org.

ART

Showcasing artistic talent

Karen Bieber

LOCAL ARTIST ‘Walking to Coit Tower’ is a watercolor work by Morgan Hill artist Karen Bieber.

Two Morgan Hill artists participating in Open Studios

artists in cities such as Burlingame, Palo Alto, San Mateo and others.

Overall, the artists are showing their work in more than 160 locations, working in media such as painting, fiber arts, jewelry, ceramics and more.

“SVOS gives visitors the opportunity to connect with the artists and see a lot of their work at one time,” said Mel Thomsen, executive director of SVOS. “The event showcases established and emerging talent, so it is an easy way for art enthusiasts to start an art collection.”

For a list of artist locations, visit www.svos.org.

MAY 10, 2019

By ERIK CHALHOUB

N

early 400 artists throughout the Silicon Valley, two of whom are in Morgan Hill, are opening their doors to the public.

Karen Bieber and Nancy Wulff will show their work and their work spaces during the 33rd annual Silicon Valley Open Studios. Wulff will welcome visitors May 11-12 at 18772 Rising Sun Drive, while Bieber will be showing her work May 18-19 at 16635 Glen Canyon Court.

Studios in the Northern area were open May 5-6, including

Bieber had participated in the tour for a number of years when she was a resident of Palo Alto.

Now, after recently moving to Morgan Hill, she said Open Studios is a chance for her to meet the community.

“It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the community,” she said.

Bieber works primarily in watercolor, focusing on a variety of subjects, including urban landscapes, animals and flowers.

She has been teaching watercolor in the Bay Area for more than 12 years, and is currently teaching an annual workshop at the Yosemite Art Center in Yosemite National Park.

“My philosophy is anyone can learn,” she said. “I find watercolor very exciting. A lot of people think it’s hard, but I find it very forgiving.”

Bieber is a member of the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society, as well as a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West and the California Watercolor Association.

A student of painting since she was a young adult, Wulff earned a bachelor’s degree in art from San Jose State University.

She has been teaching watercolor and drawing for 22 years, and her work is published in books including “Strokes of Genius 2” and “Drawing of Dancer #1.”

In her artist’s statement, Wulff said she strives to “capture the essence of the subject through color, gesture and design” in her oil and watercolor work.

“With watercolor I am more spontaneous and love the loose wet-into-wet painting,” she said.

“With oil I am more structured. In the studio I work on figurative and larger landscapes.”

15

GETTING OUT

Bald eagle neighbor

QUITE A SIGHT Bald eagles can be found close to home.

MAY 10, 2019

Finding the exotic in familiar settings

16

By RON ERSKINE

W

e tell ourselves that the world’s scenic wonders and special wildlife are somewhere else—some exotic location far, far away. Certainly, there are exciting things to see in distant places, but does our longing for wonders elsewhere close our eyes to the ones right in front of us?

A recent discovery reminded me yet again that exotic and unusual surprises are hidden behind the familiar setting we tend to overlook.

Alone on an early morning run along the Coyote Creek Parkway, I was startled by a huge bird that came from behind me and swooped low and close over my shoulder.

It pulled up and landed in a tree barely 50 yards away. It looked to be a bald eagle, but the pattern of random of black and white splotches was a coloration pattern that baffled me. The bird grabbed a long twig and took off. I followed its flight to a massive nest, perhaps five feet across, high atop a leafless cottonwood tree.

Since that day, I have made

regular visits to the nest site and found the oddly marked bird standing guard over the nest with a mate: a bald eagle with dark and light shades where I expected to see them.

A week later, I was talking to a birder friend about the eagle’s nest I had found. He was surprised to hear about it, but during our conversation, he told me about reports of a leucistic eagle in the area. A what? He explained that leucism is a pigmentation problem found in many animals that have some cells incapable of making pigment. The frequent result is a creature cloaked in a random pattern of color patches. I lit up with excitement. He was talking about “my” bird.

Recent visits to the nest have been uneventful. The pair is busy incubating eggs, a quiet pastime.

Only one bird occupies the nest at a time except when there is a shift change, which is brief and very business-like. The relieved bird then files off. The nest that had been so apparent atop the leafless cottonwoods is now mostly obscured since the trees have leafed out.

Reports of bald eagles nesting near home are increasing: atop a redwood tree at a Milpitas grammar school, beside Anderson Reservoir, at Vasona Park and many more.

From fewer than 30 nesting pairs in California in the mid-1960s, about 370 pairs thrive here now.

Monterey Highway to the west and Highway 101 to the east carry thousands of us close by this bald eagle nest every day. How many would guess it is there? We file that “same old” view we see so often under ordinary, a practice that conceals surprises hidden there; things like bald eagle nests, busy bobcats and coyotes, and mountain lions moving between mountain ranges.

Exotic places will always beckon, but home isn’t as ordinary as we think.

HOME OF THE WEEK

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS

H u g e S av i n g s S t o r e w i d e !

After 40 years at this location everything must go!

This is a total liquidation and all sales are final.

Bring your trucks and trailers.

EXPANSIVE YARD This home on Diablo Hills Road includes a low-maintenance landscape with drip irrigation.

Upgraded home on the market Tres Pinos property includes barn, expansive patio with pool

T

with french doors that open up to an expansive patio with a pool.

It also includes a three-car garage, as well as a 36-by-59foot barn/shop. The pool is solar-powered.

Built in 1994, this home is listed at $1,197,000 by Century 21 Showcase. For information, visit tinyurl. com/yxwceube.

Is there a home we should write about? Email suggestions to homeoftheweek@sanbenito.com.

Everything must go!

LOCAL DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

3131 SOQUEL DRIVE, SOQUEL, CALIFORNIA 831.462.3446 OPEN MON-SAT: 9:30AM TO 5:30PM SUN: NOON TO 5PM

WWW.SWEETSWOODFURNITURE.COM

MAY 10, 2019

his Tres Pinos home is up for sale for the first time in 19 years.

Located at 5625 Diablos Hills Road, this 3,170-squarefoot home features four bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It is accented with granite, stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island, large laundry room, cherrywood floors, new interior paint, dual pane windows, a jetted tub in the master bath and a separate family room

Dining furniture, home office, entertainment, bedroom, bookcases, occasional tables, bunk beds‌.

17

Showcase, REALTORS® Featured Agent

NEW LISTING

Open Sat 1-4pm SPECTACULAR!!! ~ Multi-generational or Air BNB on 2+ acres w/glorious views. 5Br/4Ba, great room, formal LR & DR, 2nd suite w/separate entrance, 2 walk-ins, expansive bath & spa tub.

3525 Pleasant Acre Lane, Aromas $995,000 Margaret Salazar (831) 320-7244

Open Sat 1-4pm IN GREAT AREA ~ Beautiful 4Br/2Ba perfect for entertaining w/glam kitchen (oversized island, Beechwood cabinets) that flows into living room w/FP. Spacious & easy-care backyard w/patio.

1900 Monte Vista Drive, Hollister $640,000 Tammy Davis (831) 801-3179 NEW PRICE

Great Family Home in Cul-De-Sac IN WELL-ESTABLISHED AREA ~ Light & bright 3Br/2Ba features separate living room w/FP & large kitchen open to dining area. Large fenced backyard. Close to elementary & middle schools.

Don’t Miss Out on this Opportunity! $532,000 Hollister (831) 245-0321

Eileen Stone

Eileen has 24 years of experience working in the real estate/mortgage industry. In 1995 she began working doing loan origination & loan processing in Seattle, WA. She relocated back to San Jose in 2003 and continued working as a mortgage loan officer. In 2009 Eileen became a licensed real estate agent and worked for Century 21 Alpha until 2019.

During these years she gained vast knowledge and success in various types of real estate markets including short sales, foreclosures and extreme seller markets.

Eileen moved to the lovely town of Hollister in 2017, where she and her husband enjoy raising their 2 children. She is excited about joining the Century 21 Showcase, REALTORS® family in Hollister, where she continues to help her clients reach their real estate goals and dreams. Let her experience and knowledge work for you!

Featured Property NEW LISTING

MAY 10, 2019

18

26 Years of Helping Buyers and Sellers Aggressive Commission Structures!

281 Bravada Circle Hollister Lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath, many upgrades!

2 years new, freshly landscaped, easy commute location!

Ask About Our Savings Programs...

Daniel J. Furtado, Broker www.danfurtadorealestate.com 408.313.0833 | 831.313.1656 furtadodan@gmail.com CalBRE: 01131718

770 RIDGEMARK DRIVE OPEN SATURDAY 1-4PM

GOLF COURSE LIVING AT IT’S BEST

2 Years New!

Great Opportunity to Live Downtown COZY & CLEAN ~ 3Br/2Ba extensively remodeled in 2013. Beautiful eat-in kitchen flows into back deck & large backyard great for entertaining family, friends. Storage unit in back.

Let Us Help You Get Moved In! $529,900 Hollister (831) 245-0321

COMING SOON

Mobile: (408) 506Ͳ0067 REALTOR® DRE #01479862

NEW PRICE

Fabulous Home With Many Custom Features OBVIOUS PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP ~ 4Br/2.5Ba on corner lot. Living room w/high ceilings, open kitchen/family room w/fireplace.

Room for RV or possibility of addl living unit.

A Must See—Call Today for a Private Showing! $619,900 Hollister (831) 245-0321

Looking to sell your home?

Want to buy a home?

(No HOA Dues) This darling home is in a great location within the community! At your front door there are a variety of fruit trees to pick from. This 3BR/2.5BA is filled w/many nice amenities. There is beautiful laminate flooring on the 1st level. The kitchen offers granite countertops, stylish cabinets, stainless steel appliances & plenty of room for the chef in the family.

The living room, kitchen & dining combo offer convenient living & easy access to the side yard which is a perfect size for your BBQ & to enjoy the outdoors when entertaining. A great space for your pets as well. Beautiful rod iron bannisters lead to the 2nd level w/good size master suite to accommodate your larger furnishings; and upstairs laundry room.

Opportunity Knocks in Hollister!

Offered for $509,900

(831) 245-0321

We are an award winning company offering superior service in each of our five locations!

330 Tres Pinos Road, Suite D1, Hollister (831) 245Ͳ0321 1544 Constitution Blvd, Salinas (831) 800Ͳ7341 534 Abrego Street, Monterey (831) 648Ͳ7271 237 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley (831) 438Ͳ8400 13117 Highway 9, Boulder Creek (831) 338Ͳ2125 or 338Ͳ2184

17,203 Sq.Ft. lot on the 18th Tee 2832 Sq.Ft. Updated Home 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath

Family Room, has a retreat with a stone fireplace, ideal for a reading room + wet bar. Formal Dining room, Sunken living Room, Home “Lives Big”.

Master bedroom has floor to ceiling fireplace and access to study or retreat. 6x6 walk in marble shower, dual shower heads + a Rainbird head. It just gets better and better. Enjoy your new kitchen, all new appliances, island + a breakfast area. PLUS walk in pantry. Room for everything.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND COME SEE FOR YOURSELF!

Asking: $848,800

445 MARKS DRIVE OPEN SUNDAY 1-4PM

SNUG AND SECURE

That’s how you feel living at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club – a 18 hole gated community! Large oversized corner lot, approx.. 13,000 + S.F.. 3 car garage – 682 S.F. New exterior paint and trim, lot slopes up from the street, new sod in private backyard, fresh plants in the front and new drip system. – it looks great! Brick façade on exterior with double doors to tile entry. Oversized living room to the left with large windows making the room light and bright – built in bookshelves and brick fireplace with mantle and paneling. Formal dining room on right. Quality laminate flooring. Refrigerator stays, AEK with cook top range – opens to possible Family room, office or retreat. Inside utility room including laundry sink, storage. This floor plan has endless possibilities 2159 S.F.. HOME SOLD IN PRESENT CONDITION “AS IS”.

Asking: $615,000

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT/ CONDO RENTALS

HOME RENTALS

$2,090 Month/$2,590 Deposit 1 Story with 2 car garage 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Duplex AVAILABLE MID MAY

BELLAGIO VILLAS

$2,950 Month/$3,450 Deposit Beautiful house on corner lot in Gilroy. 4 Bedroom 2 Bath.

Hardwood/Granite AVAILABLE NOW

2 Bedroom Apartments starting at $2095.

Pool. Park like setting.

Contemporary Landscaping.

1129 Monte Bello Drive Gilroy, CA 95020

HOLLISTER-RENTAL-PROPERTIES.COM

EXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITES

(408) 847-2328 • Apply online: http://bellagiovillas.eprodesse.com

200 Tres Pinos Road Excellent Location/Good Parking 2 units available starting at $325 to $525 Call Marilyn Ferreira 831-901-0161 Hollister Rental Properties

FINISHED LOTS

HOLLISTER HOME RENTALS 1/1 3/1 3/2 3/2 4/4

$1,500 $2,000 $1,550 $2,500 $4,400

1/1 2/1

$1,200 $1,800

2/1

$1,800

Land Sales Built-to-Suit For Sale or Lease Select Lots Have Airport Access Financing Available

HOLLISTER APARTMENT RENTALS

airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802

HOLLISTER DUPLEX/TRIPLEX RENTALS OFFICE SPACES AVAILABLE Adam Square Business Complex 330 Tres Pinos Rd. Executive Suite available and

HOLLISTER INDUSTRIAL LAND

exposure

3.5 Acres for Sale Lease or Build to Suit IndustrIal shops For lease

BRE# 00409787

northpointebusinesscenter.com

831.637.4297

HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES For more information, call

330 Tres Pinos Rd. Ste. B-1

831.637.1691

831.637.7337

www.pivetticompany.com Lic# 429006

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES CONCRETE

DOORS

HAULING

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

J. Casalegno Concrete

All Residential

South County Cleanup, Demo & Hauling LOW RATES • FREE ESTIMATES CLEAN UP-Yards, homes, properties, rentals & garages DEMO-Bathrooms, kitchens, decks, patios, small buildings HAULING-Garbage, yard waste, rock, sand & mulch POWER WASHING 408.430.3560

Humberto Montes Tree Services

A+ rated BBB company 35+ years experience • Driveways • Patios • Walkways • Stamped Concrete

408.279.8036

Installed • Finished Repaired • Entry • Patio Closet Pocket And More Call Adam at 408.710.4556

cccraftsman@gmail.com craftmansdooservices.com

CONSTRUCTION

HANDYMAN

Rianda Construction

Hauling, yard work tree & brush trimming, fence repair, vacant home & garage cleaning FREE ESTIMATES Ruben 408.310.0078

- 35 years experience -

Quality • Integrity New construction Additions & remodels

408.847.1490 Lic: #649968 Credit cards accepted

Publish

Your Business or Service Ad Here For more information Contact 408.842.5066 or email classifieds@ newsvmedia.com

408.394.6824

Lic: #7921 Fully Insured

Complete Maintenance • Landscaping • Sod & seeding • Hauling & yard cleanups • Plants • Sprinklers • Lawns Lic. #1397

Call 408.847.4337 Cell 408.314.5920

MAGNOLIA LANDSCAPE AND CONCRETE, INC. Specializing, Pavers, Concrete, Irrigation, Sod, Cleanups, All Landscape Construction Serving the Bay Area since 1992 Call for Free Estimates Licensed, Bonded and Insured 408-309-2973 License # 962540

MAY 10, 2019

Lic# 381833 Bonded & Insured

• Hauling • Lawns • Aeration • Landscaping • Yard clean-up • Garden maint.

Adrian Urenda Gardening Service

19

NEW MOVE-IN READY HOMES IN SALINAS

Come and check out new homes at Tierra at Monte Bella by Centur y Communities and see all that we have to offer!

1790 Marsala Way - Lot 31 The Juniper Plan $555,406

 Approx. 2,233 Sq. Ft.  3 beds

 2.5 Bath

 Designer selected finishes throughout 1798 Marsala Way - Lot 35 The Oleander Plan $613,993

TIERRA AT MONTE BELLA 1208 Campania Way, Salinas, CA Monday: 12pm - 6pm

Tuesday-Sunday: 10am - 6pm

 Approx. 2,853 Sq. Ft.  5 beds

 2.5 Bath

 Designer selected finishes throughout

Join our interest to be the first to know about new releases and announcements!

CenturyCommunities.com | 831.800.3964 | Se Habla Español Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are conceptual. Decorative items and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. Square footage/acreage shown is only and estimate and actual square footage/acreage will differ. Buyer should use his or her evaluation of the usable area. BMC Realty Advisors, Inc. Real Estate Broker, License #01920450. General Contractor, License #971581. ©05/2019 Century Communities