San Benito Magazine December 6-12, 2019

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance

DECEMBER 6, 2019

New Challenge Local director reworks classic play in new space P4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P10 | ON SENIORS P16 | REAL ESTATE P19

Robert Eliason

4

NEW LOCATION El Teatro Campesino’s La Pastorela

will be performed at the ETC Playhouse this season.

MAGAZINE

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

16 4

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

7

Crush

10 Calendar DECEMBER 6, 2019

14 Spoking My Mind

2

15 Wine 16 On Seniors 17 Home of the Week

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.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

advertising@newsvmedia.com Phone:

19 Real Estate

408.842.9404

Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary More than 20 vendors!

Saturday, December 14 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Veteran’s Memorial Building

Raffle Drawings New Craft Vendors Thrift Shop Christmas Greenery & much more!

Downtown Hollister

Lunch available 11:00 am - 3:00 pm New menu with Hot Dogs, Chips, Sodas, Cookies and more!

DECEMBER 6, 2019

Bring the Whole Family!

3

REIM

Kinan Valdez, El Teatro tasked with transforming deep-rooted production

BY WALLACE BAINE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT ELIASON

A

ctor/director Kinan Valdez knows two things very well— intimately, you might say. One is La Pastorela, the old folk tale turned theatrical production staged every other Christmas season for decades by El Teatro Campesino. The other thing is the ETC Playhouse in San Juan Bautista where he grew up as the middle son of the landmark theater company’s founder, playwright Luis Valdez.

But, before 2019, those two elements remained wholly separate spheres. For more than 40 years, La Pastorela, like its twin production La Virgen del Tepeyac, has been presented in the majestic Mission San Juan Bautista. But last summer, in a seismic break with local theater tradition, ETC announced that this year’s production would be moved to the ETC Playhouse on Fourth Street.

Why? It has to do with improvements that the Mission made to the church interior,

DECEMBER 6, 2019

➝6

4

a tra

MAGINING

adition

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La Pastorela, after decades of being performed in Mission San Juan Bautista, moves into the El Teatro Campesino Playhouse for its 2019 production.

DECEMBER 6, 2019

CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

5

TRADITION

5

DECEMBER 6, 2019

NEW CHALLENGE Kinan Valdez has been tasked with reimagining El Teatro Campesino’s La Pastorela in a different space.

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replacing old pews with new ones, which were bolted to the floor for safety and stability. The play’s traditional staging required that the pews be movable, which they no longer are.

Valdez said that he respects the Mission’s decision to do what’s best for its parish. He called the production’s move out of the Mission a “logistical” issue.

“The issue is not so much that it’s impossible for us to stage the show there,” he said. “It just takes more time to reimagine it for the new circumstance. With this show, we have 40 years of material, props and set pieces that were customized for that particular staging.

There was just not enough time for us to completely reimagine La Pastorela in that space.”

Instead, ETC has chosen to transform its Playhouse to stage a new vision of La Pastorela. The theater’s proscenium set-up has been turned into an in-the-round arrangement, in which audiences will be seated on every side of the stage. Plus, ETC has traded majesty for intimacy. Traditionally, in the Mission, La Pastorela was able to accommodate a cast of up to 80—though, more typically, it was between 40 and 50. The new production has cut that number in half. The same applies for audiences—seating for the new production is at 169, about half the size of what the Mission could hold.

In that sense, said Valdez, the loss of the Mission space is a kind of hidden blessing, allowing the company to experience a refreshed vision of the play. After the initial

disappointment that came from leaving the Mission, the cast and crew began to embrace the challenge.

“We had to return to the intention behind the original choices made many years ago,” he said. “And we had to revisit some of the original ideas that shaped some of the staging, the scenic design, and the storytelling. We had to weigh everything and say, OK, we’re going in this direction. In that case, it has been somewhat of a blessing. The show now has to stand on its own, and it has to be a resonant experience, both energetically and spiritually.”

La Pastorela, or A Shepherd’s Tale, is a Mexican tradition that goes back almost 500 years, an interpretation of the Nativity story of Jesus, featuring a group of shepherds, caught in the middle of a battle between devils and angels.

The story is deeply resonant with Spanish colonization of Mexico and Central America—not to mention the immigrant experience today—and versions of the play are common throughout Mexico.

In the U.S., El Teatro Campesino has been at the forefront of keeping the La Pastorela tradition alive. Luis Valdez first began staging the play, largely using puppets, in the streets of San Juan Bautista, until he was invited to bring the play indoors in the Mission in the 1970s. The play received national prominence when it was made into a PBS film in 1991, directed by Luis Valdez and featuring, among others, Linda Ronstadt.

Kinan Valdez’s experience ➝ 8

ANNUAL PARADE San Juan

Bautista’s 150th Anniversary Grand Finale will be celebrated at the annual Holiday of Lights Parade Dec. 7.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS The 14th annual San Juan Bautista Holiday of Lights Parade features the theme, “San Juan Bautista’s 150th Anniversary Grand Finale.” Attendees can enjoy holiday floats, marching bands, dancers, classic cars, horses on parade and more. The celebration will also feature visits and pictures with Santa. Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-8pm beginning at San Juan School and traveling down Third Street in downtown San Juan Bautista. For information, visit rotarysanjuanbautista.com or call Jill Ortiz at 831.801.3920.

O& A

OUT & ABOUT

HOLLISTER

EXHIBITION AND RAFFLE The San Benito County Arts Council presents its newest show, “Small Works: An Exhibition & Raffle of Small Scale Artwork.” This exhibition features original artworks no larger than 7 inches by 9 inches, created by more than 40 local artists and including paintings, pottery, ceramics, photography, prints and more. This exhibition will be held through Dec. 6, concluding with an Art Party and Live Raffle Friday, Dec. 6, 6:30-8:30pm at ARTspace ANNEX, 217 Fifth St. For information, visit sanbenitoarts.org.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

LA PASTORELA El Teatro Campesino’s longest-running tradition, La Pastorela, is a musical retelling of the journey of the shepherds to Bethlehem after a sign from the Angel of the Lord and their trials along the way. This special offering runs Dec. 6-22 inside the El Teatro Campesino Playhouse, 705 Fourth St. Performance is presented in English and Spanish. For information, dates and tickets, visit elteatrocampesino.com.

HOLLISTER

VICTORIAN HOMES DECEMBER 6, 2019

Tour Hollister’s historic homes on the second annual Victorian Christmas Home Tour. Attendees will tour multiple historic homes of Hollister and enjoy specialty food, wine and handcrafted desserts provided by a variety of Hollister’s local restaurants and wineries. All proceeds benefit the Hollister Pregnancy Center. Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-9pm, tour check-in and registration begins at Hollister Pregnancy Center, 483 Fifth St. This is an adult-only event. For tickets and information, visit home-tour-2019.ticketleap.com/hpc.

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TRADITION

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Artistic Director, Josefa Villanueva-Reyes Composer: Tchaikovsky • Choreography: Benjamin Reyes

e

Nutcracker

Santa Clara Ballet’s 46th Annual Production

December 14, 2019: 2:00pm & 7:00pm December 15, 2019: 2:30pm Santa Clara Convention Center SETTING THE STAGE Kinan Valdez (right) works with

DECEMBER 6, 2019

www. santaclaraballet.com Tel: 408-247-9178 Email: info@santaclaraballet.com

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La Pastorela cast and crew during a recent rehearsal.

in La Pastorela goes back to his earliest memories. He first performed in the play as a small angel at 4 years old when the play was still performing in the streets of San Juan. He got to fight his older brother Anahuac, who was playing a devil, with wooden swords.

“He ended up swiping and hitting my hand,” Kinan said. “I had tears streaming down my face, and I was a little bit in shock. But I came from a theater family, so I knew I couldn’t leave the stage. My brother whispered, and the audience heard it, ‘Kill me, Kinan.’ I did as I was told and I ran off.”

Valdez ended up directing many productions of La Pastorela, beginning in the 1990s. But he had not directed the play since 2007. When El Teatro decided to stage the play at the Playhouse this year, he was the choice to guide the tradition through this perilous transition.

“It was not originally my intention to step back into this,” said Valdez at the ETC Playhouse with the puppets his father used in the earliest productions on a shelf above his head. “But when we spoke about which of our company directors had the longevity and the knowledge of the tradition, I was the most appropriate choice.”

Both La Pastorela and La Virgen del Tepeyac depend upon a community of actors and cast members who come back to the production year after year, balancing an influx of newcomers, many of whom were inspired to take part in the play as audience members.

“That’s one of the beautiful things about this tradition,” Valdez said. “There’s always the veterans of the experience who take the new people under their wings.

That hasn’t changed. The circumstances of this production might have changed, but the tradition lives on.”

The play is traditionally mostly in Spanish, with some English. The show is staged in a way that even non-Spanish speakers can broadly understand what is happening.

Luis Valdez, who originally adapted the play at El Teatro, is still the keeper of the flame, said his son.

“Every year, someone will want to make a change to the text, and my father will usually take those ideas and help with those adjustments,” Kinan said.

But the tinkering and the small changes of years past has now turned into a full-on re-working in a new space, with a new spirit.

“The new circumstance has created an opening where everything old is new again,” said Kinan Valdez. “We’re all invested in making this as powerful an experience for the community as possible.”

As for the future, whether moving the play out of the Mission is a new direction or merely a swerve in the road, Valdez said, “Given the fact that the shows have been staged in the Mission San Juan Bautista for more than 40 years, our dream is one day to be able to take the shows back into the Mission. That’s something we’re going to hold onto.”

DECEMBER 6, 2019

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O& A CALENDAR CALENDAR

Robert Eliason

WINTER CONCERTS

DECEMBER 6, 2019

San Benito Oriana Chorale and the Oriana Youth Chorus will present the Winter Concert Series, “Home for the Holidays.” Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for students. Concerts will be presented at Mission San Juan Bautista, 406 Second St., San Juan Bautista on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:30pm and at Christ Fellowship Church, 2066 San Benito St., Hollister on Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30pm and Sunday, Dec. 15, 3pm. For information, visit orianachorale.org.

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HOLLISTER SANTA’S BREAKFAST The public is invited to have breakfast and take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy crafts.

Breakfast includes all-you-can-eat

pancakes, an order of sausage and coffee, juice or tea. Tickets on sale at Hollister Recreation, 300 West St. Free to the first 250 children ages 12 and under. Saturday, Dec. 7, 8-11am at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San

Benito St. For information, visit hollister.ca.gov.

HOLIDAY MOVIE The family is invited to enjoy a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas on the big screen projector at the San Benito County Free Library.

Popcorn will also be served. The film is rated PG. Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-2:30pm at 470 Fifth St. For information, visit sbcfl.org.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA OPEN HOUSE The public is invited to head to Family Threads Quilt Shop to celebrate its Open House. Guests are invited to stop by, see what’s new, enjoy a treat and chat with the Family

Threads staff. The event features demonstrations, opportunities to win raffle prizes and a free gift with every purchase–one per customer.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10am-3pm at 107 The Alameda. For information, visit tinyurl.com/tvb99wt.

LIVING HISTORY Meet mountain men, Civil War soldiers, Victorian ladies and more while stepping back to the early days of San Juan. Enjoy craft and cooking demonstrations and see historic horse-drawn vehicles inside the Plaza Stables, along with Victorian furnishings in the Plaza Hotel and Zanetta Family home. Saturday, Dec. 7, 11am-4pm at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 19 Franklin St. For information, call 831.623.4881.

HOLIDAY PETOGRAPHY

HOLIDAY SYMPHONY

MISSION OF MUSIC Youth Orchestra Salinas presents its 2019 Winter Concert, “Holiday at the Mission.” This festive celebration of the season features performances from YOSAL’s Pre-Orchestra and Orchestra ensembles at the “Mission of Music.” Saturday, Dec. 7, 7pm at Mission San Juan Bautista, 406 Second St. For information, visit yosal.org.

MORGAN HILL

The GardenShoppe and local pet organizations will host a family holiday photo opportunity at “A Home for the Holidays Petography Fundraiser.”

This event features pet adoptions on site and Christmas photos starring the whole family, including the family pet and Santa. A large photo area will be set up with pet outfits available to those that wish to use them. Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-4pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St., Hollister. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/rrwo2dp.

HOLIDAY CONCERT South Bay Singers will celebrate the season at “Heaven and Nature Sing–A Holiday Concert.” The concert features a rendition of “Gloria” by

MELDED MUSIC The Unauthorized Rolling Stones present “Come Together, A Beatles and Stones Experience.”

The Unauthorized Rolling Stones have melded the two greatest catalogs in rock music into one cover performance. Saturday, Dec. 7, 9pm-midnight at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey Road. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/v4aa7pv.

TOT SHABBAT Children of all faiths are invited to take part in Hanukkah activities at Tot Shabbat at BookSmart Morgan Hill. The event features activities, games and projects as well as some Hanukkah treats. Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30-6:30pm at BookSmart of Morgan Hill, 421 Vineyard Town Center. For information, call 408.778.6467.

HOLIDAY BALL The Granada Theater presents a Holiday Party with a welcome reception and cocktail hour, live music, dancing and a seated dinner. A professional show by the Arthur Miller Dance Team will also be presented.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-10pm at Granada Theater, 17440 Monterey St., Morgan Hill. For information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/rvx8g3y.

SAN JOSE HANUKKAH CELEBRATION Families are invited to celebrate Hanukkah at “Menorahs and Miracles,” Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose’s Hanukkah cultural celebration. Guests can take part in activities including sculpting clay dreidels, playing dreidel games for Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins), tasting latkes, making celebratory candles, performances by the Yavneh Day School and more. Sunday, Dec. ➝ 13

DECEMBER 6, 2019

GILROY

Francis Poulenc in the first half and an array of familiar carols in the second half. Purchase tickets for $20 at the door; children under age 10 are free. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2pm at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave. For tickets, visit southbaysingers.com.

South Valley Symphony will present Spirit of Music 2: Holiday. The program features seasonal favorites and classical sounds highlighting solo vocalists Sandra Marlowe and Ted Sanchez. The symphony will perform “Twas The Night Before Christmas” with narrator Ted Sanchez, Leopold Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride” and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 “Little Russian.”

Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30pm at Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy. For information, visit southvalleysymphony.org..

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DECEMBER 6, 2019

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O& A CALENDAR

11 WINTER BOUTIQUE The family is invited to the Winter Magic Holiday Boutique for a day of shopping. Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Services presents this annual boutique featuring more than 20 vendors, the best of Hazel’s Thrift Shop, holiday music, raffle drawings, Christmas greenery and more. Also enjoy lunch, available from 11am-3pm, with a new menu including hot dogs and more. Saturday, Dec. 14, 9am-4pm at Veterans’ Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., Hollister. For information, visit tinyurl.com/suvypel.

VICTORIAN HOLIDAY

Almaden Quicksilver Park’s Casa Grande and New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum present a Victorian Holiday for the whole family. Learn about the Victorian era while participating in activities from the 1880s with costumed staff and docents. Attendees can also take part in demonstrations and crafts along with guided tours of the museum. Sunday, Dec. 15, 11am-3pm at Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 21350 Almaden Road, San Jose. For information, call 408.918.7770.

8, noon-4pm at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way. For information, visit cdm.org.

EVENTS

HOLIDAY TREE WALK At Roaring Camp’s Holiday Tree Walk, guests will ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain and take part in a walk lined with decorated holiday trees at the summit. The event also includes hot cider and a visit from Santa. Toys will be collected for Toys for Tots, and tickets purchased on site will receive a $2 discount per toy. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8, at Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. For information and available departure times, visit roaringcamp.com.

TOY DRIVE MBPhotography and Ohana Shave Ice are partnering for a holiday toy drive. Bring an unwrapped toy donation in exchange for a free professional photograph with Santa. Toy donations will be distributed to San Benito County Family Shelter and other housing programs. Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-4pm at 738 San Benito St., Hollister. For information, visit tinyurl.com/tmwg829.

HOLIDAY HUSTLE The public can adventure through Morgan Hill’s decorated neighborhoods at the Holiday Hustle 5k/10k urban map tour hosted by The Running Shop and Hops and Bike Therapy.

Participants will find holiday

STARRY NIGHTS The public is invited to an evening under the stars with astronomy docents eager to share the view at “Starry Nights in Open Space.” Dress in warm layers and bring drinking water; telescopes will be provided.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Saturday, Dec. 21, 7-9pm at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Road, Morgan Hill.

Attendees are advised to arrive before the gates close at 8pm to allow for undisturbed viewing.

Register by the number of cars in each group. For information, visit openspaceauthority.org.

HOLIDAYS IN HOLLISTER B&R Farms invites holiday shoppers to skip the hectic malls as it brings together boutiques, vendors and shops for “Holidays in Hollister.”

Refreshments include warm apricot cider, creamy apricot freezes and more, as well as complimentary gift bags and cards. Attendees can shop for handcrafted goods, natural beauty products, decor, artisanal food and more. Ten percent of all proceeds to benefit community nonprofits. Saturdays through Dec. 21, 10am-4pm at B&R Farms, 5280 Fairview Road. For information, visit brfarms.com/holidays-in-hollister.

GARDENS HOLIDAY Gilroy Gardens’ 26 acres of trees and gardens come alive with sparkling light displays and holiday treats during Gilroy Gardens Holiday.

Attendees can ice skate, visit with Santa, ride favorite rides and more. Select nights through Dec. 30, 4-9pm and Dec. 31, 4pm-midnight at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway. For information, visit gilroygardens.org.

DECEMBER 6, 2019

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Silver Circle hosts its annual Christmas Craft Sale featuring 15 handpicked artists and live seasonal music. The sale features quilts and knitted items, jewelry, carvings and more. The newest books by local authors Debra Smith and Joyce Oroz will also be available. Friday, Dec. 6, 10am-3pm at Watsonville Community Hospital, 75 Nielson St., Watsonville. Silver Circle works to help seniors stay active

and healthy. For information, email kesson1@comcast.net or call 831.722.0929.

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM The Agricultural History Project’s December Second Saturday on the Farm celebrates Christmas on the Farm. This free family event features traditional Christmas craft projects, holiday movies in the Owl Theater, visits with Santa and more. Attendees of all ages will experience the old days of life on the farm with activities including tractor driving, wooden cow milking, water pumps and visits with farm animals. This month attendees are invited to bring their Teddy Bear to enjoy a Teddy Bear Tea Party. Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am-3pm at Agricultural History Project, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. For information, visit aghistoryproject.org or call 831.724.5898.

displays and answer questions at checkpoints along the course and will round out the evening with treats and an instant raffle at the finish line. Costumes are encouraged, as well as headlamps or flashlights. Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30-8:30pm at 17540 Depot St., Morgan Hill. For information, visit terraloco.com.

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SPOKING MY MIND

Curt Hentschke

JINGLE RIDE December is a time to ride a bike festooned with festive lights.

Cranking at Christmas Holiday rides set for December BY CURT HENTSCHKE

DECEMBER 6, 2019

D

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id you hear what I heard? Morgan Hill’s Bike Therapy was recently honored as one of America’s Best Bicycle Shops! Fewer than 200 stores qualify for this honor, which is bestowed by the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

Congrats to Doug, Jodi and the crew!

All they want for Christmas is… a BMX pump track at the ranch side of Gilroy’s Christmas Hill Park. A big thanks to all of you who supported last month’s Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at the Hecker Pass Winery. Info: Garlic City BMX on Facebook.

It’s the most wonderful time... to use gears. “Yule” need them all in cyclocross. The closest mud bath this month is just north of Morgan Hill, at the Coyote Valley Cross, on Dec. 7 and 8. Check it out!

Oh, what fun it is to ride… with family and friends, on a bicycle festooned with all manner of lights and decorations. You have two opportunities this month. On Friday, Dec. 20, the Jingle Holiday Lights Ride rolls out of the aforementioned Bike Therapy. Dress warmly, meet at 7 p.m., roll out at 7:30 p.m., check out the beautiful holiday lights, then return to the shop for hot cocoa and cookies.

Two nights later, on Dec. 22, the 21st annual Critical Christmas Bicycle Ride rolls out of Monterey’s Custom House Plaza at 6 p.m. Both events should be amazing!

I wish you a Happy Hanukkah, I wish you a Special Kwanzaa, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Gear!

SAVE THE DATES DEC. 7-8: Coyote Valley Cross, coyotevalleycross.com DEC. 11: Twilight Cycling, Weathertech Raceway, Laguna Seca

DEC. 20: Jingle Holiday Lights Ride, Morgan Hill, ridemorganhill.com DEC. 22: Critical Christmas Bicycle Ride, Monterey, information 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.

WINE

Photo by Ron Jensen

KEEPING IT FRESH Verde Vineyards added new varietals

to its lineup this season.

Harvest comes to a close Wineries report on season By LAURA NESS

H

Sandy Moller of Satori Cellars credits their Harvest Club for expediting harvest.

“So many amazing people came out to the vineyard to learn and have fun,” she said. “It was a little lighter harvest than times past, but the quality of the fruit was outstanding. We picked each varietal at its perfect balance.”

Lion Ranch’s Kim Englehart noted, “We heard from some in the area about high mildew pressure, but we've had no issues using our organic schedule. Our viognier crop dropped significantly because we grafted two-thirds over to additional syrah, grenache blanc, picpoul blanc and— most exciting—multiple 'new to the market' reds: terret noir, vaccaresse, muscardin. We now grow all eight of the red Chateauneuf du Pape varietals.”

DECEMBER 6, 2019

arvest 2019 seemed endless to many. At last, it’s finally over.

John Aver of Aver Family Vineyards finally brought in cinsault, mourvedre and petite sirah.

Of 2019, he said, “I like the quality of the fruit, and acids and sugars seemed very balanced for the most part, but our yields were down slightly.”

Verde Vineyards reports they are adding new varietals to its lineup, including a 100 percent malbec, a merlot reserve, syrah, pinot noir, a 100 percent cabernet franc and a port. Explained Ron Jensen, “Pinot comes from Wrath Vineyards in Monterey County along with our chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Everything else is estate grown.”

Harvesting 80 tons vs. last year’s 60 puts them in the 5,000-caseper-year range.

Contact Carlo 408-930-6777 4605 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, CA 95020 info@heckerpasswinery.com • heckerpasswinery.com

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ON SENIORS

The need for low-cost care

DECEMBER 6, 2019

MEETING THE NEEDS Lower-cost in-home care is a must for seniors and families, but can be difficult to find.

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More nonprofit assisted living facilities are necessary

By CHERYL HUGUENOR

I

recently had the good fortune to view an amazing new documentary, Sue’s Story. Sue Berghoff, a Morgan Hill resident, was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia a few years ago. As she recalls in the film, she felt sorry for herself for a little while, then decided that she had to take action. What she and her husband, Chuck, did next has inspired many people around the world.

Because Lewy Body Dementia is not as well-known as Alzheimer’s disease, it gets much less attention

and much less funding, let alone awareness. Sue and Chuck decided to change all that. They held a fundraiser called “Pizza in Paradise” in their beautiful backyard, and invited friends and family along with many doctors and researchers who could educate everyone and get them involved in the fight. We learned that Lewy Body is named after Dr. Lewy who discovered this type of dementia. We learned that it affects one’s ability to make decisions and to find the right word in conversation, and it can cause visual

hallucinations. It is devastating for patients and families alike. There is currently no cure.

The documentary I viewed last month was made by local writer and filmmaker Robin Shepherd, and it features highlights from “Pizza in Paradise,” as well as the doctors and scientists who are working on better diagnosis and treatments. Sue and Chuck were present, as they always are, to answer questions and share their journey. Visit thesuesstoryproject.com to learn more about this remarkable couple.

This whole experience has inspired me to think about other needs of people with dementia.

Lower-cost in-home care is one that comes to mind. It is impossible for some families to pay the high hourly costs as well as the minimum hours required by some home care agencies. If one is low-income, there is a program that provides free care, but it is limited and does not provide evening care, help with medications or transportation, and if one does not meet the strict income and asset requirements, the for-profit companies benefit.

If out-of-home care is eventually required, that is another serious problem. Assisted living facilities offer no accommodations for those with limited means, and residential care homes cost thousands of dollars per month.

I would truly love to see the day when more of these facilities, including nursing homes, are nonprofit. And, yes, I fully expect to be considered naïve for this wish, yet Live Oak Adult Day Services is a non-profit agency, as are many other senior service programs. Our seniors and family members all deserve quality, affordable, care and assistance when dementia robs them of the ability to fully participate in our communities.

Cheryl Huguenor is the program director of Live Oak Adult Day Services in Gilroy. For information, visit liveoakadultdaycare.com.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary More than 20 vendors!

Raffle Drawings New Craft Vendors Thrift Shop Christmas Greenery & much more!

Saturday, December 14 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Veteran’s Memorial Building Downtown Hollister

Lunch available 11:00 am - 3:00 pm New menu with Hot Dogs, Chips, Sodas, Cookies and more!

Bring the Whole Family!

RIDGEMARK RESORT This Bonnie Lane home has a sizable backyard.

Attention to all the details Ridgemark Golf Club home includes pool, heating, other amenities The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light.

The multiple French doors open to a landscaped patio with pool and spa. Other amenities include dual heating and A/C zones, central vac, recirculated hot water and more.

The home, built in 1989, is listed at $927,000 by Intero Real Estate Services. For information, visit tinyurl.com/svyyul6.

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Savings with 2 year price guarantee with AT120 starting at $59.99 compared to everyday price. All offers require credit qualification, 2 year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/ Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification. Fees apply for additionalTV’s: Hopper $15/mo., Joey $5/mo., Super Joey $10/mo.

DECEMBER 6, 2019

A

n executive-style home has recently been put on the market at the exclusive Ridgemark Golf Club and Resort.

Located at 290 Bonnie Lane in Hollister, the 3,850-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and three baths. The home is noted for its attention to details, from the marble floors and crown molding to the grand staircase.

BETTER TV FOR LESS!

17

Showcase, REALTORS® NEW LISTING

Easy Entertaining

Modern Medicine, Medicine, Compassionate Compassionate Care Care Modern

S TATE TATE -- OF OF -- THE THE -A -A RT RT F F ACILITIES ACILITIES S  

 



Emergency Department Department with with Emergency 16 private treatment rooms and 16 private treatment rooms and 33 trauma trauma bays. bays.

Ambulatory Surgery Surgery Center Center Ambulatory Women’s Center with 12 private, spacious birthing suites.

Technologically advanced Diagnostic Imaging Center.

S PECIALTY SERVICES



Hollister Orthopedic Specialty Center



Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine



Barragan Family Diabetes Center



Hollister Multi-Specialty Center



Skilled Nursing Facilities

Open Saturday Noon-3pm Ana Milenewicz (831) 595-2036 Open Sunday Noon-3pm Charline King (831) 801-5464

Six-years new single-story 3Br/2Ba boasts pride of ownership! Living room w/cozy fireplace opens to spacious dining area. Light & bright kitchen w/island, lots of granite counters, S/S appliances—flows into the family room w/easy access to the backyard for family BBQs. The spacious master suite has a walk-in closet w/built-in shelves; master bath w/large soaking tub & stall shower. Easy to maintain backyard w/hardscape/artificial lawn.

1990 Morning Glory Drive, Hollister Offered for $608,999

Four-Plex: Each Unit 2Br/2Ba 850 SqFt DRESSED TO INVEST ~ Great location near schools, downtown & shopping. Coinoperated laundry (2 washers/2 dryers). Refinished parking area. Very well maintained.

Call Today About this Investment Opportunity! $1,100,000 Hollister (831) 245-0321

Located in Well Established Neighborhood GREAT FAMILY HOME ~ 3Br/2Ba at end of cul-de-sac. Light & bright w/separate living room & kitchen open to dining area.

Large fenced backyard. A Must See! Don’t Hesitate to Make this Home Yours! $532,000 Hollister (831) 245-0321

The real estate market is hot and inventory is low! Give us a call to find out what your home could sell for in today’s market!

2019 We are an award winning company offering superior services across Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties!

Thinking of Selling Your Property?

Why not save money too?

2019 LISTING SPECIAL

1% 2.5% 3.5%

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DECEMBER 6, 2019

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25 Years of Sales Experience

18

Daniel J. Furtado Broker

Cal BRE: 01131718 • NMLS: 330315

Visit my website for valuable information www.danfurtadorealestate.com REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS ARE NEGOTIABLE

911 911 Sunset Sunset Drive Drive ▪▪ Hollister Hollister ▪▪ (831) (831) 637-5711 637-5711 ▪▪ www.hazelhawkins.com www.hazelhawkins.com

You can save several thousands of dollars when you sell your home.

Contact Dan for a free, no obligation market analysis of your property.

Do not overpay for real estate services, this market is your opportunity to sell and save money on closing costs!

Call me for a no obligation consultation at 831-313-1656 If your home is on market please disregard this advertisement

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT/ CONDO RENTALS

$1,850 Month/$2,350 Deposit 3 Bed 2 Bath 2 Story Townhouse 1 car garage HOA AVAILABLE MID DECEMBER

BELLAGIO VILLAS

$2,550 Month/$3,050 Deposit 3 Bed 2 Bath Located at Ridgemark G&CC All new everything gardener included in rent.

2 Bedroom Apartments starting at $2245.

Pool. Park like setting.

Contemporary Landscaping.

1129 Monte Bello Drive Gilroy, CA 95020

$2,650 Month/$3,150 Deposit 4 Bed 2 Bath, 2 car garage.

Great neighborhood , near shopping and schools AVAILABLE DECEMBER 1ST

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

Publish

$2,750 Month/$3,250 Deposit 3 Bed 2 Bath Country living on a cul-de-sac.

Easy access to Hwy 25 and 156 Water and garbage included in rent.

AVAILABLE NOW

HOLLISTER-RENTAL-PROPERTIES.COM

Your Business or Service Ad Here

FINISHED LOTS

HOLLISTER HOME RENTALS

RENTALS

2/1 3/2 3/2 3/2.5 4/2 4/2.5

$2,200 $2,500 $2,600 $2,400 $2,300 $2,800

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

HOLLISTER APARTMENT RENTALS 1/1 2/1 2/1.5

airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802

$1,200 $1,550 $1,900

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA APARTMENT/DUPLEX RENTALS 2/2

$2,400

HOLLISTER INDUSTRIAL LAND

OFFICE SPACES AVAILABLE Adam Square Business Complex 330 Tres Pinos Rd. Executive Suite available and

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

northpointebusinesscenter.com

831.637.4297

For more information Contact 408.842.5066

HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES

or email classifieds@newsvmedia.com

For more information, call

330 Tres Pinos Rd. Ste. B-1

831.637.7337

www.pivetticompany.com

831.637.1691

Lic# 429006

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES CONCRETE

DOORS

HAULING

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

FENCES

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

Soares Lumber P.S.G. Fencing

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

408.394.6824

Lic: #7921 Fully Insured

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

Redwood Fencing Chain Link • Decks Arbors • Hole Drilling

408.842.0260 831.726.2002 Lic. #606051

GARDENING

Gregg’s Complete Gardening Service Wood fences • Clean ups Tree work •Sod Sprinklers • Maintenance Free estimate

Please call or text 831.537.5205

DECEMBER 6, 2019

Lic# 381833 Bonded & Insured

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

19

u o y h s i W ived here l EVERYTHING’S INCLUDED® NEW HOMES IN GILROY

Come discover your new dream home where Everything’s Included® at Glen Loma Ranch. Tour the models from three new communities, including gated Burgundy, Provence and Margaux to see all the features and upgrades that come at no additional cost. Enjoy, home automation, stainless steel appliances, solar* and more – without paying extra.

10 NEW MODELS NOW OPEN Approx. 2,409 to 3,639 sq. ft.

Up to 5 Bedrooms | Up to 4.5 Bathrooms

Text GARLIC to 31996

for more info

Welcome Home Center 7131 Spumante Ct., Gilroy, CA 95020

Lennar.com/BayArea 888-216-2330

New homes from the mid $700,000s

*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.