San Benito Magazine October 25-31

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance

Calendar of Events P10 Home of the Week P17 Real Estate P19

Folklorico dance group marks Dia de Los Muertos with traditional performance

Carrying on a Legacy

EDITOR’S NOTE

Folklorico performance

Alexis Winder Financial Advisor

For nearly four decades, Esperanza del Valle has been giving audiences in small-town communities along the Central Coast traditional ethnic dance performances that can usually only be found in major cities such as Los Angeles or Mexico City.

The group, based out of Watsonville, is coming to San Juan Bautista

for a three-day engagement in honor of Dia de los Muertos.

In this week’s cover story (page 4), Wallace Baine spoke with Esperanza co-founder Janet Johns to not only find out more about the performance but also gain an insight into the group’s plans for its 40th anniversary in 2020.

ERIK CHALHOUB

Editor, San Benito

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

Diana Brenneise Financial Advisor 8060 Santa Teresa Blvd.

Suite 140 Gilroy 408-846-7748

MAGAZINE

64 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA Mailing address: P.O. Box 516, Gilroy, CA 95021

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Phone: 408-842-6400 Publisher

Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Editor

Erik Chalhoub Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

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Cover Story

Jenny Arbizu, Wallace Baine, Ron Erskine, Kimberly Ewertz, Cheryl Huguenor, Laura Ness, Susan Rife, Kate Russell Advertising Account Executives

Carrie Bonato, Scott Harvey, Eileen Katis, Cynthia Runyon Design Director

Kara Brown Production Operations Manager

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Crush

10 Calendar NOVEMBER 1, 2019

14 Community

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15 Spoking My Mind 16 Theater 17 Home of the Week 19 Real Estate

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

Katherine Manlapaz Cover photograph by:

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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NOVEMBER 1, 2019

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“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2019 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Paid for by PG&E shareholders.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF?

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BY WALLACE BAINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT ELIASON

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

O

4

n an otherwise quiet and serene Sunday afternoon, an assertive and rapid-fire polyrhythm spills out onto Watsonville’s City Plaza. Too explosive to be drumming, the sound is coming from the plaza’s northeast side. There, inside the open doors of a dance studio on Cabrillo College’s small Watsonville campus, about two dozen people are stomping in staccato precision on the hardwood floor with their chunky-heeled folklorico dance shoes.

This is the unmistakable and distinctive sound of Esperanza del Valle.

For close to 40 years, Esperanza has been giving audiences in the Monterey Bay area the kind of tradition-grounded ethnic dance performances mostly found only in major cities like Los Angeles or Mexico City.

On this particular Sunday, the troupe—evenly numbered between men and women—are taking instruction from Daniel del Valle Hernandez, who traveled to Watsonville from his home in Veracruz, Mexico where he is the artistic director of the Ballet Folklorico of Puerto Veracruz. The dancers stomp in unison, the women holding their arms out parallel to the floor but bent at the elbow, in preparation for holding up their voluminous skirts during performance.

On Friday, Nov. 1—All Saints’ Day—Esperanza Del Valle will host a free performance outdoors at the Watsonville Plaza, followed by a five-performance, three-day engagement at El Teatro Campesino’s Playhouse in San Juan Bautista.

The weekend slate of performances is to celebrate the Mexican observance of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). But Esperanza del Valle is also using the occasion to take a deep dive into the remarkably rich dance/music subculture of the state of Veracruz and the region of Huasteca on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. ➝6

Folklorico dance group observes Dia de Los Muertos in San Juan Bautista

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

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STEEPED IN TRADITION

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Monday, th November 11 1:30 pm Downtown Hollister This year we are pleased to honor

San Benito County WWII Veterans as our Grand Marshals

ALL SAINTS’ DAY Esperanza Del Valle is preparing for its Dia de Los Muertos performances at El Teatro Campesino’s Playhouse in San Juan Bautista.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Additional Veterans Day activities at the Veterans Memorial Building:

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10:00 am Veterans Benefit Fair 10:30 am Banner Presentations 11:00 am Memorial Ceremony 12:00 noon BBQ Lunch

The traditional dance of the region is known as son jarocho, and if that sounds unfamiliar and distant, consider the case of “La Bamba.” Long before Los Lobos recorded it, long before even Ritchie Valens sang it, “La Bamba” was a prime example of the son jarocho style, and is still considered one of the classics of the tradition.

The El Teatro shows will feature Esperanza’s take on the traditional “La Bamba” as well as the Day of the Dead performance Danza de los Viejos.

“That one is about disguising ourselves as people who have passed on,” said Esperanza’s co-founder and artistic director Janet Johns. “We’re wearing

these masks made in the Huasteca region, all hand carved and made of cedar. The idea is to dress like people who have died and dance as they would have danced.”

Esperanza del Valle has maintained a relationship with the dance masters of Veracruz for years. For example, in years past, Esperanza has hosted choreographer Mario Cabrera, a widely admired popularizer of son jarocho.

“I think of him as the Mexican Fred Astaire,” said Johns of Cabrera. “There are bronze statues of him in Veracruz. He’s like an arts treasure in Mexico. He couldn’t come this year; he’s been ill. But Daniel (del Valle Hernandez) is carrying on the legacy.” ➝8

O& A

OUT & ABOUT

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

ANNUAL PARTY Jardines de San Juan presents the seventh annual Dia de los Muertos Party and Day of the Dead costume contest. Free live music in the back garden will be performed by Grupo Macabra, and those ages 21 and over are invited to enjoy tequila and mezcal tastings for $20. A taco bar and face painting will also be featured. Friday, Nov. 1, 5-10pm at Jardines de San Juan, 36 Washington St., San Juan Bautista. For information, visit jardinesrestaurant.com.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS El Teatro Campesino presents its 2019 Dia de los Muertos Weekend, celebrating arts and culture. Attendees will enjoy a community altar exhibit and live music and dance performances by Esperanza del Valle (tickets required). Guests are also invited to enjoy free activities that will be held in the Playhouse parking lot, including a Teatro performance, live music, dancing calaveras, raffles, children’s activities and more. Nov. 1-3 at El Teatro Campesino Playhouse, 705 Fourth St. For information, visit elteatrocampesino.com.

HOLLISTER

SUCCULENT SKULLS The GardenShoppe is hosting a special Dia de los Muertos hour-long drop-in class.

Students will plant succulents in Day of the Dead ceramic pots that they will paint themselves. Tickets are $15 each, and extra succulents will be available for purchase.

Guests may bring their own snacks; beverages, including beer and wine, may be purchased onsite. Saturday, Nov. 2, drop in between 11am-2pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y4auldtq.

GILROY

Gilroy Gardens will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with live entertainment, beer and margaritas as well as traditional Mexican food such as tamales, elotes (street corn), churros, hot chocolate and Pan de Muerto (Mexican pastry). Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Saturday, Nov. 2, 3-9pm at Gilroy Gardens’ South County Picnic Grove, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway. For information, visit gilroygardens.org.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Honor the

lives of departed loved ones at local Day of the Dead celebrations Nov. 1-3.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

FAMILY CELEBRATION

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STEEPED IN TRADITION

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RICH CULTURE Esperanza Del Valle’s performances are based off the dances

and music from the state of Veracruz in Mexico.

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The Dia de Los Muertos performances will feature other styles from Veracruz, which has a particularly rich cultural legacy thanks to the melding of indigenous, Cuban and Spanish influences. Perhaps most central to the show’s theme is Esperanza’s own original “choreodrama” called Macaria, based on a traditional Mexican story about a poor woman who is visited by angels and devils after she takes a turkey from a Day of the Dead altar.

Locally, Esperanza is known for its dress as much as its dancing, most notably, the brightly colored full skirts worn by the female dancers. The new performance, however, will present a wide array of costumes and dress styles. The show will feature no less than eight costume changes.

Formed in 1980, with six couples, Esperanza del Valle has survived on a shoestring. Staffed with volunteers, it spends what little money it raises on bringing in dance professionals from Mexico and in research on folklorico traditions in Mexico. Johns, who teaches folklorico dance at Cabrillo College, said that her dance company is kept alive by continuing interest from generation to generation.

“Right now, we span from 20 to

60 (years old),” she said. “My son is in his 20s and now his generation is coming into the group. It’s wonderful to have the older, veteran dancers. But luckily, we keep having these new generations of dancers coming up too.”

Johns pointed to 2020 as a watershed year for Esperanza del Valle. For its 40th anniversary season, the dance troupe hopes to be more visible than ever on the local performance calendar.

“Next year, for our 40th anniversary,” said Johns, “I want to bring in three master teachers, from three different states in Mexico, and have three different open studios so that the community can come in, maybe for a lecture, some photographs, to learn about the dance. And, of course, we’ll have some gala performances too.”

Esperanza del Valle will perform at El Teatro Campesino Playhouse, 705 Fourth St. in San Juan Bautista, Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 3 at noon and 5 p.m.

Admission is $22 adults; $17 military, students, and seniors (over 55); and $12 children under 12.

For information, visit esperanzadelvalle.org.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

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O& A CALENDAR

San Benito County Historical Society

VETERANS DAY

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

San Benito County Historical Society will host its World War I Veterans Celebration and Open House. The event features rare photographs of World War I draftees that left Hollister and headed off to Camp Lewis before joining the cause in France. The photos depict the 41 draftees parading around town after being sworn in at the Courthouse on Sept. 21, 1917 on their way to the train station. Other artifacts and stories from 1917-1919 will also be on display. This event is free and open to everyone. Sunday, Nov. 10, 1-4pm at 498 Fifth St., Hollister. For information, visit sbchistoricalsociety.org.

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HOLLISTER ENVIRONMENTAL DAY Recology San Benito County is hosting its November

Environmental Day event.

Residents of San Benito County are invited to securely shred important documents on site, drop off unwanted e-waste and receive up to 32 gallons of compost while

supplies last. Proof of residency is required, space is limited and all services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Saturday, Nov. 2, 9am-1pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1221 Memorial Drive. For information, visit recology.com.

RED RIBBON FESTIVAL San Benito County Behavioral Health presents the Red Ribbon Festival, featuring games, music, food, awards and prevention and drug awareness. The Red Ribbon Campaign is a nationwide effort to provide drug awareness in communities, especially for schoolage children and young adults.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 10am-2pm at Marguerite Maze Middle School,

900 Meridian St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y4n9dfhk.

CULT CLASSIC Everyone age 21 and over is invited to get their time warp on with the Rocky Horror Picture Show at The GardenShoppe.

Limited tickets are available for $20 and include nine of the 10 film props: rice, a water pistol, rubber gloves, newspaper, toilet paper, confetti, a noisemaker, party hat and playing cards. Dressing up is optional, and guests are requested to bring their own flashlights and toast. No outside food or beverages will be allowed. Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30-10pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yyecx2qe.

STOUT TASTING

The GardenShoppe’s Stout Beer Tasting Event features seven different stouts and a dinner of steak and cheddar pie, macaroni and cheese and beer bread and Guinness chocolate mousse for dessert. The full beer and wine bar will be open for regular purchase and purchases in the store will receive a discount. Saturday, Nov. 9, 5-9pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St., Hollister. Space is limited, ages 21 and over only. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y2yzxehh.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

MACHINE QUILTING Family Threads Quilt Shop presents a Machine Quilting, Ruler Work and Free Motion class for beginning quilters. Students will piece easy

GILROY HOLIDAY COMEDY The Gilroy Center for the Arts will host the performance of The Hallelujah Girls, written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. In this comedy, five women realize time is precious after the passing of a dear friend.

Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center’s 24th Annual Wildlife Fest is its largest fundraiser of the year. This family-friendly event offers a barbecue with all the trimmings, unique auction items available on both live and silent auctions, and craft projects for the youngsters. Saturday, Nov. 9, noon-3pm at the Morgan Hill Buddhist Building, 16450 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill. Photo opportunities with animal Education Ambassadors will be from noon-1pm. For information and tickets, visit werc-ca.org.

In an effort to change their lives and achieve their dreams they decide to turn a rundown church into a spa, but each has their own issues preventing them from being motivated. This production runs Nov. 1-Dec. 1 at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St. For information and performance schedule, visit limelightactorstheater.com.

VETERANS BARBECUE The El Camino Club presents its Veterans Appreciation BBQ. American Legion Post 217 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6309 members and a guest are free. Additional guests are $5 each. The event, which will feature live music, runs from 3-9pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 74 W. Sixth

St. RSVPs must be made to the post adjutant.

CONTAINER GARDENING UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County present “Growing Winter Vegetables in Containers.”

Containers allow gardeners to utilize many different spaces to grow food. Participants will learn about containers, soil, nutrients and cultural practices to help grow container vegetables successfully.

Root vegetables, salad greens, onions, shallots and more will be covered. There is no cost to attend. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7-8:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu. ➝ 13

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

FALL MIXER The SJB Library Auxiliary and San Juan Bautista Community Business Association will host the What’s Up Fall Mixer.

Attendees can learn what is going on in the community and enjoy a drawing and refreshments.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5-7pm at the Carl Martin Luck Memorial Library, 801 Second St., San Juan Bautista. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y3e77rqh.

placemats and learn different techniques in both ruler work and free motion on their machine.

A ruler work foot is required for each student’s sewing machine and will not be sold at the shop.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 1-4pm at Family Threads Quilt Shop, 107 The Alameda. For information, visit familythreadsquiltshop.com.

WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

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New Brighton Middle School Performing Arts Center 250 Washburn Avenue, Capitola

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O& A CALENDAR

11 Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9, 8pm and Sunday, Nov. 10, 2pm at Pintello Comedy Theater, 8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit pintellocomedy.com.

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

HELLO FROM JAPAN

Attendees can learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with contemporary culture at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose’s new exhibit, “Hello from Japan!” The exhibit features the Shinto shrine park and Kawaii Central, a streetscape inspired by Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku district.

Together, the exhibit gives visitors a family-friendly window into Japanese culture and highlights how old and new traditions coexist. View the exhibit through Feb. 2 at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way. For information, visit cdm.org.

MORGAN HILL

EVENTS WINTER FRUIT TREES The UC Master Gardeners of Santa

COMEDY THEATER Pintello Comedy Theater will present The Foreigner by Larry Shue. Hilarious hospitality ensues in this classic stranger comedy when the guests of the Meek’s fishing lodge assume the new guest doesn’t understand them and he overhears everything from the hilarious to the nefarious.

FALL VINTAGE FAIR Enthusiasts of vintage and antique clothing, home decor and more are invited to the Goat Hill Fall Vintage Fair.

More than 100 vendors will be spread across three large buildings, representing vintage treasures, antiques, up-cycled items, artisan food and more. Saturday, Nov. 9, 10am-4pm and Sunday, Nov. 10, 10am-3pm at Santa Cruz County Fair, 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville.

For tickets and information, visit goathillfair.com.

ANNUAL DINNER DANCE Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation holds its annual Dinner Dance, a black tie event featuring a champagne greeting, steak and lobster dinner, fine wine, dancing and limited live auction.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Saturday, Nov. 9, 5:3011pm at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, 3825 Union Road, San Juan Bautista. For sponsorship and ticket information, visit tinyurl. com/y4k9x6q4.

RANCHO ROVING Get to know the “canyon of gold” on a hike through Rancho Canada Del Oro. The moderate moderate 5.5-mile hike features views of the Santa Clara Valley and Diablo Range as well as oak woodland, creekside habitats and more. Attendees are advised to bring water and snacks and dress in layers, with good hiking shoes. Rain will cancel. Sunday, Nov. 10, 9:30am-12:30pm at Rancho Canada Del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Road, Morgan Hill. This event is free with donation opportunities, but an RSVP is required. For information and to RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/y4yhoa94.

ART FESTIVAL Aromas Hills Artisans present their annual Art Festival, featuring a mixture of Christmas spirit, homemade wares, food and music. The event includes a variety of free classes as well as works for sale by an array of artists showcasing creative artwork, carvings, jewelry, paintings, pottery, succulents, fiber arts and more. The festival also includes homemade soup, chili and baked goods, as well as a raffle offering the chance to win a piece of artwork. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17, 10am-4pm each day at Aromas Community Grange, 400 Rose Ave., Aromas.

Raffle drawing Sunday, Nov. 17, 2pm. For information, visit aromashillsartisans.com.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

WINE BOTTLING The public can learn how to bottle wine at Guglielmo Winery’s Bottle Your Own event. Attendees may bring their own clean bottles or purchase new from the winery and will receive a commemorative label.

Participants will bottle a red blend to take home to enjoy or give as a gift. This event is open to everyone; no reservations required.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 10am-3pm at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave. For information, call 408.779.2145.

Clara County will describe how to keep deciduous fruit trees healthy at the Winter Fruit Tree Care and Selection event. Learn about common diseases and insect pests, including control measures for them. Tips for selecting new trees and basic principles of pruning will also be discussed. There is no cost to attend. Monday, Nov. 4, 7-8:30pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.

BIKING COYOTE VALLEY Explore the Coyote Valley region by bicycle on a flat 21-mile loop beginning at the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Participants will bike across the valley floor, travel along the Coyote Creek Trail, make a stop at Spina Farm Stand and more while learning about the history, wildlife, water and agricultural story of the area.

Speakers will include former County Supervisor Ken Yeager, Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful Executive Director Deb Kramer and Committee for Green Foothills Executive Director Megan Fluke.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 9am-12:30pm at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, 550 Palm Ave., Morgan Hill. For information and to register for this free event, visit tinyurl.com/yxdanq3q.

HARVEST ON THE FARM Agricultural History Project’s November Second Saturday on the Farm will celebrate Harvest on the Farm. This free family event features apple tasting, fall crafts and corn stalk grinding. Attendees of all ages will experience the old days of life on the farm with activities including tractor driving, wooden cow milking, wagon rides, a puppet show and more. This month attendees are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy for donation.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 11am-3pm at Agricultural History Project, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. For information, visit aghistoryproject. org or call 831.724.5898.

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COMMUNITY

Services for survivors

File photo

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

HISTORIAS DE MI MADRE Community Solutions presents its 12th annual production on Nov. 9.

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Community Solutions’ play highlights program beginnings STAFF REPORT

C

ommunity Solutions, the largest non-profit human services agency in southern Santa Clara County, will celebrate the program’s beginnings with its annual production.

The 12th annual production of Historias de Mi Madre (My Mother’s Stories) will highlight the grassroots beginnings of services for intimate partner abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking in South County.

Historias de Mi Madre XII: Inicios (beginnings), explores the

genesis of services for survivors of abuse in South County—including the inception of La Isla Pacifica (the Peaceful Island) in 1978, the launching of sexual assault programs in 1981, and the expansion of services to include support to human trafficking survivors in 2003. La Isla Pacifica is a confidential shelter for survivors of intimate partner abuse and/or human trafficking and their children.

As one of the founders of the Rape Crisis Center, Lisa De Silva worked to ensure these issues gained visibility.

“When our programs began,

domestic violence was kept behind closed doors, sexual assault was buried within silence and shame, and human trafficking was not even in our consciousness,” she said. “Thankfully, these many years later, all three of these crimes have emerged from society’s shadows.

Yet, we unfortunately are still facing some of the same myths and stereotypes today that existed years ago.

In revisiting history we can ensure that it’s not repeated for our future.”

This will be the second year that Erica Leon participates in Historias de Mi Madre.

“I volunteer for many reasons,” she said. “I am a survivor. From childhood to womanhood, I found myself dealing with the brunt of toxic masculinity, but ultimately found the strength to break free. I participate to bring awareness so that individuals like me can see there is hope, and maybe they too can find their strength to begin again.”

During the last year, Community Solutions provided services to 792 domestic violence victims, 231 sexual assault survivors and 78 victims of human trafficking. Services include emergency confidential shelter, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, peer counseling, case management, safety planning, and resources and referrals.

The bilingual (English/Spanish) play will be performed on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gavilan College Theatre, located at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy. There is a suggested $10 donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Due to mature content, the play may not be appropriate for children.

For information regarding Historias de Mi Madre XII, call (408) 644-9774.

For domestic violence services, call Community Solutions’ toll-free 24-hour bilingual crisis line at 1-877-END-SADV (1-877-363-7238).

SPOKING MY MIND

Cranking and thanking Thank you all for keeping the wheels rolling. longtime readers know how I always recommend that we all count our blessings this time of year. Bicycle-ly speaking, I want to publicly express my gratitude to everyone involved in passing their love of cycling onto future generations, from grandparents who take their grandchildren on levee rides to folks who give up their precious weekends to ferry kids to BMX events throughout the state. From adults who model and support cycling to work and school to the advocates who are working tirelessly on cycle-centered projects like the proposed 536acre mountain bike park adjacent to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Thank you all for keeping the wheels rolling!

Rebecca Spencer White

CONTINUING TRADITION The passion for cycling must continue to be passed on to the younger generation.

By CURT HENTSCHKE

O

ut of left field: “Coyote Creek Cycling Classic is cancelled.” Like many of you, I received that email two days before the actual event. Nothing left to do but wait until next October.

Meantime, we still have plenty of late season cycling opportunities.

Palo Alto’s Cycle of Hope and Acampo’s Giro D’Vino both offer beautiful fall rides on the first Saturday

of the month. WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca continues to offer their monthly Twilight Cycling series on Nov. 20. Who doesn’t want to ride bicycles around the iconic Monterey raceway, a venue usually reserved for speeding automobiles?

Oh, and don’t forget to take the family out for a Thanksgiving spin … and don’t forget your lights and jackets. The days continue to get shorter and crisper.

Speaking of Thanksgiving,

• Nov. 3: Cycle of Hope, Palo Alto, habitatebsv.org • Nov. 3: Giro D’Vino, Acampo, deltavelo.com • Nov. 20: Twilight Cycling, Weathertech Raceway, Laguna Seca • Dec. 7-8: Coyote Valley Cross, coyotevalleycross.com • Dec. 22: Critical Christmas Bicycle Ride, Monterey, info on Facebook • Feb. 22: Pedaling Paths to Independence, Linden, communitycenterfortheblind.org Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke has pedaled more than 60,000 miles of South Valley and San Benito County trails. Send your cycle celebrations to heycycleguy@gmail.com. Check for last minute changes before attending.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Expressing gratitude for those who share love of cycling

Save the Dates

15

THEATER

Erik Chalhoub

SAYING GOODBYE Kevin Heath, the executive director of the Gilroy Arts Alliance and co-owner of Limelight Actors Theater, is moving out of the area. Limelight Actors Theater is currently performing its final production.

Limelight theater closing Owner Kevin Heath moving out of the area

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

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arly this decade, well-known local actor Kevin Heath decided to join the burgeoning Gilroy Arts Alliance on the recommendation of a friend.

The year 2010 was an exciting time for the organization. Gilroy Arts Alliance had just merged with the longtime local arts advocate group Theater Angels Art League, and had entered into an agreement with the city to lease the former Salvation Army building at 7341 Monterey St. and transform it into an interim arts center.

The first order of business was to clean up the dilapidated second-hand retail shop. Heath

received his first assignment as an arts alliance board member: Throw an old toilet into a dumpster.

“That was the moment I knew I’m all in for this,” he said.

Nearly 10 years later, the Gilroy Center for the Arts is a cultural hub downtown, with rotating exhibits, an artisan’s corner and a thriving resident theater company, with Heath at the helm as executive director.

But now it’s time to say goodbye.

Heath recently announced that he is retiring from the center on Nov. 27 and closing Limelight Actors Theater, as he and his husband and fellow theater company co-owner Alan Obata are moving from Gilroy to the Sierra Foothills.

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

“We’ve had some positive turns of events in our families,” he said. “It’s time for us to make our next step.”

“It was a very difficult decision,” Heath added. “It was so soul-wrenching to figure out: ‘Am I really going to do this? Am I going to end what I’ve built?’”

Once he announced his decision, the reaction was overwhelming. Heath said people have shown up to his home “just to hug us,” called him while crying, and invited him to dinner.

“All of that drove home the fact that we really created something special here,” he said. “If people are having that much of a visceral reaction, it meant something to them.”

For now, the arts alliance will not

hire a replacement director, Heath said. However, it is in discussions with some parties interested in continuing theater at the center.

“There are some promising leads to keeping theater here,” he said. “That to me is the most important thing. It’s something I built from scratch—it’s my baby— so it’s nice to see others interested in taking it and continuing it.

“The community will be very happy with the next steps of theater in this building.”

“The Hallelujah Girls” runs Nov. 1-Dec. 1 at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St. For information and performance schedule, visit limelightactorstheater.com.

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10

March 10, 1964

1975

2004

November 2018

Voters pass $3.7 million bond for college operations and future land purchase

Rudy Melone becomes president of Gavilan. He later became co-founder of the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 1978

Voters pass the Measure E facilities bond for Gavilan

Voters pass the $248 million Measure X, the largest bond in college’s history

1983

Gavilan purchases land in Coyote Valley and San Benito County for future campuses

1964 Board selects 125 acres of land off of Highway 101 in Gilroy for new campus. Shumaker family offers land for a “reasonable price.”

Summer 1967 Gavilan moves to new campus in Gilroy

Gavilan enacts tuition in face of budget woes

1997 Satellite sites added in Hollister and Morgan Hill

2008

2017 First phase of Coyote Valley Center completed

September 2019 Gavilan holds centennial gala

May 2020 Gavilan’s 100th graduating class Source: “To Dream on Your Behalf: A History of Gavilan College” by Leah Halper

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*Requires either participation in the SunStreet solar program or the separate purchase of the system. Details at SunStreet.com. Lennar’s automated homes are built according to the Wi-Fi Alliance® program guidelines for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs. See the Wi-Fi Alliance® website at www.wi-fi.org for additional information regarding the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design program. Homeowners are responsible for configuring all security features. Lennar does not warrant or represent that any network or network device is secure or can prevent all privacy intrusions, malware, or cyber-attacks, even when correctly configured. Certain products or services are provided by third parties, and not Lennar. Lennar does not guarantee any equipment or services provided by third parties. Features, amenities, floorplans, elevations, square footage and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Plans, elevations, hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Please see your New Home Consultant and home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature, additional information, disclosures, and disclaimers relating to your home and its features. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details and important legal disclaimers. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2019 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included, and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CalAtlantic Group, Inc., CA BRE Broker #02058246 (Responsible Broker: Joanna Duke). Lennar Sales Corp., CA BRE Broker #01252753 (Responsible Broker: Joanna Duke). BMR Construction, Inc., CA CSLB #830955. CalAtlantic Group, Inc., CA CSLB #1037780. Lennar Homes of California, Inc., CA CSLB #728102. 10/19 Amazon, Alexa, Echo Dot, and Echo Show are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.