San Benito Magazine December 20-26, 2019

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance

DECEMBER 20, 2019

Classroom Creativity Arts program grows in Hollister schools P4

HOLIDAY PLANTS P10 | WINTER HOME TIPS P14 | REAL ESTATE P19

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CREATIVE LEARNING The San Benito County Arts Council and Hollister

School District have teamed up to bring art into the classroom.

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

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Cover Story

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Crush

9

Wine

DECEMBER 20, 2019

10 Gardening

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12 Calendar 14 Home & Garden 16 Wildfire 17 Home of the Week 19 Real Estate

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

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

Katherine Manlapaz Cover photograph by:

Jenny Arbizu 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:

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DECEMBER 20, 2019

3

Skillful

Arts council, school district bring art to the classroom

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DECEMBER 20, 2019

t’s the Friday before Thanksgiving break, and Katherine Alosi’s third grade class is working diligently on their latest assignment. In any other classroom, this may be a rarity—especially an hour from dismissal— but this Gabilan Hills Elementary School class has proven to be an exception when it comes to their art lessons.

Today, their teaching artist from San Benito County Arts Council, Clay Peer, has shown them how to sketch and color a cake, using skills learned in previous lessons.

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creativity

BY JENNY ARBIZU

“It’s exciting,” beamed third-grader Chantal Saucedo. “The first day we met [Clay], he taught us how to draw Legos. He also had something cut out for us, like a leaf, then we traced it. We used color pastels, and used cold colors and warm colors to color it after.”

It’s this kind of excitement about art—and the desire to learn its techniques—that Superintendent Diego Ochoa was hoping for when he helped launch the expansion of Hollister School District’s partnership with San Benito County Arts Council over the summer. ➝6

DECEMBER 20, 2019

Valentina Castellanos-Campos, Amelia Winklebleck, Bryant Quezada and Chantal Saucedo take part in an art lesson at Gabilan Hills Elementary School.

Photo at left submitted by San Benito County Arts Council. All other photos by Jenny Arbizu

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Matthew Campos-Aguilar,

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SKILLFUL CREATIVITY

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Photo by San Benito County Arts Council

DECEMBER 20, 2019

WORKING TOGETHER The Hollister School District launched its partnership with San Benito County Arts Council in the summer.

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“It was the partnership that the Arts Council had with the County Office of Education that led me to want to pursue more arts education,” Ochoa said. “In my work with Superintendent Krystal Lomanto, she just really explained to me how integral the Arts Council has been in developing these programs.

That's a big part of where this program came from; my collaboration with Krystal.”

Since September, every third through fifth grade classroom throughout the district has been part of the art education program provided by the SBC Arts Council. Teaching artists visit school sites throughout the week to ensure each class receives one art lesson per week.

While the SBC Arts Council’s pre-existing partnership with HSD schools (with one or two programs per year) established a spark for students, it was only “a drop in the bucket,” admitted Jennifer Laine, executive director of the SBC Arts Council.

But when Amanda Chiado, director of the Arts Education for the SBC Arts Council, began collaborating with Ochoa over the summer, both—fairly new to their positions—were able to bring fresh perspectives and knowledge to their partnership, leading to the new expansive program.

“This program is new and is definitely aimed at having a deeper and longer lasting impact,” Laine said.

In preparation for the program, nine new teaching artists were hired onto the SBC Arts Council to teach the curriculum. Each are now working an average of 20 hours a week at the schools. Chiado is excited about this development, since the artists are now being brought into the schools “for something that's really consistent.”

Peer, for instance, teaches art to 16 classes—or roughly 400 students.

“I’m on [the Gabilan Hills] campus five days a week,” he said.

“Monday, Wednesday and Friday is with the Hollister Dual Language Academy; I see third, fourth and fifth there. And then Thursday and Friday is with Gabilan Hills.”

Homeroom teachers are also benefiting from collaborative opportunities with the teaching artists—developing their own skills and honing in on those of their students.

“It’s helping my students with their fine motor skills,” Alosi said.

“And it’s making them more confident and more ready to use the mediums. When Clay is not here, I do art with them and it really does make a difference. They’re more confident when we do our projects together.”

By being taught the California Visual and Performing Arts standards (required for California elementary school students—but not often met), students are also getting a foundation that are preparing them for future art classes. ➝ 8

DECEMBER 20, 2019

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INTEGRAL TEAM San Benito County Arts Council Director of Education Amanda Chiado ( from left), Hollister School District Superintendent Diego Ochoa, Council Director Jennifer Laine and Council Marketing and Community Engagement Manager Heidi Jumper.

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“It is great for our kids to be accessing what it looks like nationwide to have a real robust arts education program,” Chiado said.

“They are working with line, shape, color and design elements. And then they can build on those skills as they move into more complex projects such as working in 3-D or working with clay. They’re also able to use sketchbooks for transitions and to practice all of the skills that they're learning.”

It was a purposeful decision to have multiple grade levels throughout the district be exposed to this year’s program, according to Ochoa.

“We know that the sixth-graders in 2022 are going to have had three full years of arts instruction that they've been receiving, going back to when they were in third grade,” he said. “So I'm feeling appreciative for what we're doing now, but I’m feeling really hopeful about what we’ll do in the future.”

He is also expecting unprecedented benefits of the program to come to surface.

One already has: an improvement in attendance since the program kicked off.

“We’d like to think that this program has played a part in that,” Ochoa added.

According to Peer, it’s played a huge role.

“I had some kids tell me they’re

coming to school because of it,” Peer said.

Another potential gain Ochoa believes will be seen is an improvement in students’ social and emotional health.

“I think we're going to see, as the program continues to develop, that it gives kids an artistic avenue to express how they’re feeling,” he said.

Chiado explained that data from all these variables are being collected so that the strengths and weaknesses of the program can be studied for future lessons.

“We’re in constant communication with teaching artists and classroom teachers to make modifications on the spot or to really adapt a program to fit the needs,” she said. “Especially for our special day class students. We really look at equity deeply.”

As for Ochoa, he plans on expanding the arts program in the future for the Hollister School District.

“As an educator, arts education really exemplifies the highest level of critical thinking, decision-making, rationalizing and editing,” he said. “So I'm feeling appreciative for what we're doing now, but I’m feeling really hopeful about what we’ll do in the future.”

The San Benito County Arts Council office is located at 240 Fifth St. in Hollister. For information on its programs, call 831.636.2787 or email info@sanbenitoarts.org.

O& A

OUT & ABOUT

HOLLISTER HOLIDAY BASH

Enjoy Ugly Sweaters and a musical tribute to the decades, Dec. 21 in Hollister.

UGLY SWEATER PARTY The Moondance Band will perform at Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Bash. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in their ugliest best and enjoy tributes to each decade of music from the ’50s to the 2000s including dance, country, classic rock and more. Saturday, Dec. 21, 9pm-midnight at Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort, 3800 Airline Highway. Ages 21 and over only and no cover charge. For information, visit tinyurl.com/uukg3zy.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

COMMUNITY BONFIRE San Juan Bautista’s annual bonfire pays tribute to the Hayden Family who, during the Depression era, bought candies, toys and oranges for the community children. Townspeople came together around a bonfire and celebrated with games and songs while keeping warm. The bonfire will be held Friday, Dec. 20, 6pm at the Community Hall, 10 San Jose St. Free photos with Santa Claus follow his arrival on a firetruck. For information, visit tinyurl.com/vfc7ymu.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

WINTER SOLSTICE The shortest day and longest night of the year will be celebrated in San Juan Bautista at the annual Winter Solstice Observation. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the Mission church at sunrise and witness the light of sunrise enter through the window, line up with the altar to illuminate it and its objects, then the aisle and end at the tabernacle. The free event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, 6am at Old Mission San Juan Bautista, 406 Second St. For information, visit sanjuanbautistaca.com.

MORGAN HILL

The Morgan Hill Chanukah Celebration and Grand Public Menorah Lighting will feature an LED show, Chanukah crafts for the children, music and traditional Chanukah songs, a raffle and more. Also enjoy traditional Latkes, doughnuts and chocolate coins. Admission is free and all are welcome. Sunday, Dec. 22, 4:30-6pm at the Morgan Hill Pop-Up Park, corner of Monterey Road and West Second Street. For information and to RSVP, visit jewishmh.com/chanukah.

DECEMBER 20, 2019

CHANUKAH CELEBRATION

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GARDENING

Holiday plant care

Photo by Kate Russell

HEALTHY PLANTS Poinsettias require strong morning sun and afternoon shade.

DECEMBER 20, 2019

Poinsettias, other festive plants need special attention

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By KATE RUSSELL

M

ost holiday plants receive too much water and heat, and not enough sunlight, to make it through January. Poinsettias, Amaryllis and miniature Christmas trees make delightful gifts, but they need special care to last.

Poinsettias are fascinating. The bright red blooms are actually modified leaves, called bracts, and the plant is a tree that can reach 13 feet in height. Poinsettias need 12 hours of darkness for at least five days in a row to turn from green to red. Even the slightest exposure to light will halt this process. To keep poinsettias healthy indoors, provide strong morning sun and afternoon shade.

Poinsettias can be grown outdoors as

long as they are protected from frost.

Poinsettias are susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases that can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Poinsettias contain latex, which can be an irritant, but they are not poisonous.

Use these tips to keep your poinsettias healthy: • New Year’s Day: Apply all-purpose houseplant fertilizer • Valentine’s Day: Check for whiteflies; cut down to five inches • St. Patrick’s Day: Remove dead leaves; add fresh potting soil • Memorial Day: Cut back three inches; repot, if needed, using fresh potting soil • Father’s Day: Move outside to a location with indirect light • Fourth of July: Trim again;

move into full sunlight; water and feed, as needed • Labor Day: Rinse plant off and move it indoors; reduce feeding • Autumnal Equinox: Place in uninterrupted darkness for 13 hours and bright light for 11 hours each day; nighttime temperatures of 60 degrees are ideal • Thanksgiving: Reduce water and feeding; place in a sunny window, rotating for full coverage • Christmas: Enjoy and repeat!

Most live miniature Christmas trees are Alberta spruce, Italian stone pine or Cypress. Rosemary is also used as a topiary Christmas tree. These plants prefer cooler temperatures, and more sunlight and moisture, than you will find in most homes. Before planting outside, know that Dwarf Alberta spruce will never perform well in high heat, and Colorado blue spruce can reach 75 feet tall. In 20 years or so, a stone pine can provide pine nuts. Rosemary takes care of itself, providing an excellent border or accent in any landscape.

Amaryllis plants are striking South American flowers. They need as much sunlight as you can provide, and temperatures between 68 and 70 degrees. Water sparingly, at first, and then more frequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Blooms should be removed when they start to wither. Amaryllis produces leaves for most of the year. As leaves turn brown, take them off and move your Amaryllis to a protected area on your patio. Being bulbs, your holiday Amaryllis can last for several years.

Understanding what your holiday plants need to stay healthy can transform them from short-lived hostess tokens to durable members of the landscape or home interior.

Kate Russell is a UCCE Master Gardener in Santa Clara County. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu or call 408.282.3105 between 9:30am-12:30pm, Monday through Friday.

DECEMBER 20, 2019

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O& A CALENDAR

GALA GETAWAY

DECEMBER 20, 2019

Casa de Fruta’s traditional gala New Year’s Eve Party features a catered dinner, dancing, champagne and party favors. Attendees are invited to spend a leisurely New Year’s without having to drive by taking advantage of the Inn and RV Park, just steps from the gala activities. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7pm-12:15am at the Casa de Fruta Music Hall, 10011 Pacheco Pass Highway 152, Hollister. For information, call 408.842.9316 or visit casadefruta.com.

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HOLLISTER 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 non-profits. Saturdays through Dec. 21, 10am-4pm at B&R Farms, 5280 Fairview Road.

For information, visit brfarms. com/holidays-in-hollister.

GIFT EXCHANGE Throw on an ugly sweater and head to Johnny’s Bar & Grill for the annual gift exchange. Wrap up a $20 storebought gift, or regift something; this party is always about the laughs. Saturday, Dec. 21, 7-10pm at Johnny’s Bar & Grill, 526 San Benito St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yb3vm22x.

ROCKIN PARTY Grillin & Chillin Alehouse will celebrate the

holidays with Soul Kiss Band at the Second Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Enjoy high-energy dance music as Soul Kiss performs a variety of top pop, rock, country, hip-hop, old school, classic rock and R&B hits from today and yesteryear. Guests are invited to wear their finest ugly Christmas sweater and dance the night away Saturday, Dec. 21, 8-11pm at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse, 401 McCray St. For information, visit soulkissband.com.

PRE-NEW YEAR’S EVE Celebrate New Year’s a few days early with The GardenShoppe at its Bubbly Tasting Event. Enjoy eight 3-ounce tastings along with

CHARITY GOLF

Growing Hearts is preparing for its 10th annual Bad Santa Golf Tournament. Entry fee is $100 per player plus an unwrapped gift for a child. Tournament proceeds benefit Growing Hearts, a nonprofit focusing on supportive employment for adult community members with special needs, and providing gifts for children in need. Saturday, Dec. 21, 7am at Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort, 3800 Airline Highway, Hollister. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/ruxj6dn.

nibbles including cheese fondue, raspberry baked Brie, fried bananas, cucumber bites, crunchy chicken bites and more. Space is very limited at this exclusive 21-and-over event. Saturday, Dec. 28, 5-9pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/ wmvmjny.

COOKIE EXCHANGE Elkhorn Slough Brewing Co. will hold its Holiday Cookie Exchange. Guests are invited to bring a plate of their favorite cookies to exchange for a plate full of cookies made

by Elkhorn Slough Brewery

GILROY BOUTIQUE FUNDRAISER Live Oak Adult Day Services presents its Holiday Boutique, featuring home baked goods, jewelry, holiday decor, ornaments, clothing and more. All items are offered at low prices and proceeds will benefit Live Oak’s nonprofit

Begin 2020 with a renewed sense of peace at the annual New Year’s Ashtanga Yoga Retreat. Participants can enjoy daily practices of pranayama and meditation, asana classes, devotional singing and dancing, presentations on tools for finding contentment in daily life and more. Also enjoy a New Year’s Eve celebration and New Year’s Day sacred chant for world peace. Saturday, Dec. 28-Wednesday, Jan. 1 at Mount Madonna Center, 445 Summit Road, Watsonville. For information and to register, visit www.mountmadonna.org.

center. Mondays through Fridays through Dec. 23, 9am-3pm each weekday at 651 W. Sixth St., Suite 2. Attendees are encouraged to bring items from their own closets or garage that are no longer needed to be sold at the event. For information, call 408.847.5491.

MEET SANTA Santa Claus will visit First Street Coffee House for some holiday cheer. Everyone is invited to meet, take pictures, and share wishlists with Santa during his visit. Drop in Saturday, Dec. 21, 10am-noon at First Street Coffee House, 1211 First St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ wwu9rvl.

MORGAN HILL MOVIE NIGHT At Guglielmo’s free Winery Movie Night, guests are invited to bring along their favorite snack or enjoy refreshments available for purchase from Ricky’s Grill BBQ Food Truck while viewing. All ages are welcome, children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Friday, Dec. 20, 6pm at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave. For information, visit guglielmowinery.com or call 408.779.2145.

THE NUTCRACKER Ballet Academy of Silicon Valley presents this year’s production of The ➝ 15

DECEMBER 20, 2019

WATSONVILLE

friends. Also enjoy a special line up of cookie worthy beers on tap, and those that participate in the exchange will also get half off their first pints. Monday, Dec. 23, 4-8pm at Elkhorn Slough Brewing Co., 65 Hangar Way. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ yx68dj9u.

YOGA RETREAT

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HOME AND GARDEN

Preparing for winter tune-ups to avoid unpleasant surprises. Change your furnace filter frequently so your air quality stays clean indoors, where you’re likely to spend more time as temps get cooler.

Also, consider setting up a schedule with a professional to have your ductwork cleaned on a regular basis.

Keep the outside out

HOME CARE Homeowners should clean gutters and check roofs in preparation for winter.

DECEMBER 20, 2019

Cold season can be damaging to homes

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N

o matter where you live, there are bound to be weather challenges this winter. Your home may suffer damage, minor or major, from the onslaught of colder weather, along with wind, heavy rain and ice storms. This can affect not only the integrity and value of your home, but may lead to costly repairs down the road. That’s why it's smart to prep now to prevent bigger problems in the future. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your home is prepped for spending more time indoors.

Here are basic tasks to prepare for wintry weather, and to ensure your family stays healthy and safe inside.

Perform a safety check Are your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order?

Make monthly testing of these safety features a regular part of your seasonal household chores. For battery-operated units, keep up to date with battery changes as per manufacturer instructions. Also be aware and take action if you hear any low battery alarms. Also, do you have a home fire extinguisher in your kitchen?

Ensure clean indoor air Make sure your home’s heating and air conditioning units are in good condition, and schedule regular

Check weatherstripping around exterior doors, replacing where necessary, then seal and caulk exterior wood, since wood trim can rot around windows and outside doors.

Walk around the outside of your home with sprayfoam gap sealer and caulk to plug gaps, cracks and holes in siding and around windows. Find and seal air leaks where you may be losing valuable heat and letting in the cold. Many energy companies offer an energy audit to discover where you may be losing both heat and money, and advise you on ways to improve your insulation. Making sure your gutters are cleaned out and in good condition helps protect your home’s exterior from exposure to moisture due to rain, ice or snow melt.

Check your roof Whether you inspect your roof yourself or hire a professional, it’s a good idea to take care of repairs before winter wind, hail, snow and ice do their worst. Look for blistering, curling, buckling—or missing—shingles. Moss or lichen growing can indicate decay underneath. Any visible sagging of your roof, rust or cracks around flashing or vent pipes should also be repaired promptly to avoid later problems like leaks.

Don't let the calamities of winter take you and your family by surprise.

Doing prep work and maintenance on your home now, with a focus on safety, will ensure that you’re ready for anything that may come your way— even if it’s just hunkering down in your home for the season. —Brandpoint

O& A CALENDAR

13 the ball drop in Times Square and countdown to noon across the time zones. Attendees will enjoy lots of confetti, a noisy celebration, shoutouts to different countries at the different ball drops and more.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10am-4pm at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose.

For information, visit cdm.org.

Robert Eliason

PUPPET SHOW

The Fratello Marionettes will present its puppet extravaganza, The North Pole Review. The Fratello Marionettes shows use the cabaret style of manipulation and are filled with marionettes ranging in size from 1- to 3-feet tall. This production showcases the high-kicking antics of the Russian Trepak Dancers, the ice skater Crystal Chandelier, and acrobatic penguins. Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:1511am at the Morgan Hill Library, 650 W. Main Ave., Morgan Hill. For information, visit fratellomarionettes.com..

EVENTS

Management. The John Smith Road Landfill will be accepting residents’ bulky items for free.

Limited to residents only, and participants are limited to two bulky items per event. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 28 and 29, 9am-3pm at John Smith Road Landfill, 2650 John Smith Road, Hollister. For information, visit johnsmithroadlandfill.com/bulkyitems.

BULKY RECYCLING San Benito residents are invited to take part in the Free Bulky Item Recycling Event presented by San Benito County Integrated Waste

MUSEUM CELEBRATION Include the whole family in celebrating the arrival of 2020 at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose’s version of

VINEYARD BASH Léal Vineyards’ annual New Year’s Eve Bash will feature dinner and dancing in the Barrel Room.

Guests will be treated to a threecourse plated dinner by the live+love+leal culinary team and dance to live music by the Isaiah Pickett Band. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7pm-1am at Léal Vineyards, 300 Maranatha Drive, Hollister. For tickets and more information, visit liveloveleal.com.

COUNTDOWN CELEBRATION The Chicano All Stars will perform at The District Theater’s New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration.

This local favorite will keep audiences dancing with Latin rock, rhythm & blues, old school and danceable reggae. Enjoy hosted appetizers, party favors, midnight Champagne toast and a midnight balloon drop. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8pm at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ t8nv5h5.

ROARING TWENTIES Celebrate that the ‘20s are almost here at Kelly Brewing Company’s Roaring Twenties NYE Party. Kelly Brewing will release a new beer for the first of the year. Attendees

DAY HIKE First Day Hikes is a nationwide promotion of healthy lifestyles and year-round outdoor recreation through free guided hikes. Participants will enjoy a moderate to strenuous threemile loop hike. Hikers should bring water, layered clothing and comfortable hiking shoes. Dogs on a leash are welcome; park entrance fee is $5. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 10-11am at Hollister Hills SVRA Nature Area, Mudstone Ranch, 7800 Cienega Road, Hollister. For information, call 831.636.2065 or email hollister.hills@parks.ca.gov.

YOUNG EAGLES Kids ages 8-17 fly free at the January Young Eagles Rally. Young aviation enthusiasts will get the chance to ride the skies on a safe and enjoyable flight. Participants will receive a free 20-minute flight along with a commemorative certificate. Saturday, Jan. 4, 9am-noon at the Watsonville Aviation Education Center, 60 Aviation Way, Watsonville. For information, visit eaa119.org/ youngeagles. To register, visit youngeaglesday.com.

MISSION 10 RACE The 37th annual Mission 10 Race, sponsored

by Hollister Rotary Club, features four different races, including a 1-mile kids fun run, TAC Distance Certified Half Marathon and 10 miles and a 5k. Each race will run through the scenic Anzar Hills through rural farmland and start and finish in front of the historic San Juan Mission. Family-friendly theme teams are encouraged and trophies will be awarded to top themes. All proceeds benefit local scholarships and charities.

Saturday, Jan. 25 at Mission Plaza, 406 Second St., San Juan Bautista.

Register now at tinyurl.com/tecetz2.

DECEMBER 20, 2019

Nutcracker. This family-friendly ballet is billed as the perfect way to introduce young children to classical dance. Friday, Dec. 20, 6pm and Saturday, Dec. 21, 1pm at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Road.

For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/udtsb34.

FAMILY CELEBRATION Ring in 2020 with the entire family at Gilroy Gardens. Attendees are invited to start the night off with Gilroy Gardens’ Holiday celebration and stay to midnight for live music and fireworks to countdown to the New Year. Attendees can ice skate, ride favorite rides and more.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 4pm-midnight at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway. For information, visit gilroygardens.org.

dressed in flapper dresses, pinstriped suits and fedoras will receive a free 13-ounce pour.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9pm-midnight at Kelly Brewing Company, 70 E. Fourth St., Morgan Hill. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ wq5rhgr.

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PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE

Dead or alive?

DECEMBER 20, 2019

DEAD BRANCH The presence of dead vegetation near homes greatly increases their vulnerability to ember attack during wildfire.

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Dead vegetation can easily be ignited by embers

By DWIGHT GOOD

Editor’s note: This is the next installment in a series of articles on wildfire preparation.

D

ead vegetation poses a much greater fire hazard than living plants. Actively growing plants can control the amount of water in their tissues by drawing on moisture from the soil to get more or by transpiring moisture to reduce the amount. Through irrigation, we can ensure that living plants in our landscape have plenty of moisture in their leaves and stems, which is a good thing during fire season.

On the other hand, the water

content of dead vegetation is largely controlled by the amount of moisture in the air. If it is a hot, sunny, windy day, with low humidity, dead vegetation will be very dry. The drier the vegetation, the easier it will be to ignite it and the faster it will burn. Dead vegetation should be routinely removed from around the home, roof, deck and wooden fences during fire season.

Dead vegetation includesdried grass and dried weeds, fallen pine needles and leaves, dead shrubs and trees, as well asdead branches on the ground or still attached to living plants.

The presence of dead vegetation on or near your home greatly increases your vulnerability

to ember attack during wildfire. Keep your landscape plants healthy, green and irrigated during fire season.

Most people believe that wildfires ignite homes through direct contact with flames, but it is rare to have a home ignite this way. Thanks to effective defensible space campaigns, very few homes are in direct contact with traditional wildland fuel models (e.g., uninterrupted fields of seasonal grass, flammable brush or tree canopies). The collective experience of our wildland firefighters suggests that homes most commonly ignite from airborne flaming brands and embers.

Flaming brands and embers can travel a mile or more ahead of the active front of a wildfire, and scientific research finds that up to 60 percent of wildland/urban interface home ignitions result from embers landing on flammable materials such as roofing or landscaping materials, or ember penetration into concealed spaces through vents and other structural openings.

Most of the activity that makes a home less vulnerable to ignition focuses on the home and its immediate surroundings. Defensible space preparations are part of the equation, but they do not address the ember threat. The Ember Aware campaign is intended to educate people on the risks of ember cast and the actions they can take to reduce those risks, to encourage residents to harden their homes against embers and/or to maintain those ember-resistant features, and to practice ember-safe housekeeping and landscaping. You can learn more at www.emberaware.com.

Fire Marshal Dwight Good, MS, EFO, serves the Morgan Hill Fire Department, South Santa Clara County Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit. He has 24 years of fire service experience.

For questions or comments, email Dwight.good@fire.ca.gov or call (408) 310-4654.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Service Times Holiday Events �f

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COMSTOCK ESTATES A grand entrance leads into this Hollister home.

Sought-after country estate Comstock Estates home outfitted with theater, expansive kitchen edge granite slab countertops, two islands, three ovens, warming drawers, two dishwashers, a commercial-sized refrigerator/freezer and more.

The family room features a theater screen with surround sound.

The home, built in 2007, is listed at $1,699,000 by Radix Real Estate, Inc. For information, visit tinyurl. com/w4y4a3w.

DECEMBER 20, 2019

T

his one-of-a-kind home is located in what is billed as the sought-after Comstock Estates.

Located at 1148 Stony Brook Drive in Hollister, the 4,200-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. The open floor plan features high ceilings, aged pinewood and travertine flooring throughout.

The kitchen is outfitted with high-end appliances, chiseled

17

AUGUST 23, 2019 | GAVILAN COLLEGE

7

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

Thank you for being a part of our family.

Friends, neighbors, and clients like you give us so much to celebrate.

We wish you and your family best wishes this holiday season!

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

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

NEW LISTING

Lovely Family Home 10

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

DECEMBER 20, 2019

GAVILAN CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

18

Open Sunday Noon-3pm Charlene King (831) 801-5464

This well-cared for 5Br/3Ba has it all! Spacious kitchen/dinette area opens to family room & is convenient to the backyard for family parties & entertaining. Downstairs bedroom w/full bath.

Laundry room w/deep sink, large closet & many cabinets for storage. Great space upstairs at the landing to use as you wish. The master suite is open & spacious; master bath w/oversized soaking tub, stall shower, double sinks & walk in closet. 3 more upstairs BRs are good sized & 2 w/walk-in closets. Landscaped backyard, covered patio & space for gardening!

1920 Sycamore Court, Hollister Offered for $665,000

NEW LISTING

Open Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm BREATHTAKING VIEWS ~ Custom built 5Br/3Ba, 2,600 sf + 480 sf finished attic. On 2.5 acres in gated area. Owned solar, tankless water heater, chicken coop, fruit trees + so much more!

35635 Eagle Ridge, Soledad $850,000 Shannan Matthews (209) 410-8078

Open Saturday Noon-3pm SIX-YEARS NEW ~ 3Br/2Ba boasts pride of ownership! Living room w/cozy fireplace, spacious dining area, light & bright kitchen open to family room & easy-to-maintain yard.

1990 Morning Glory Drive, Hollister $608,999 Charlene King (831) 801-5464

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!

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

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DECEMBER 20, 2019

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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

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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.