THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN | NOVEMBER 2020
HEALTH & WELL-BEING HOME WORKOUTS | EATING VEGAN | GYM LISTINGS
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REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2020
COMMUNITY
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Promoting resilient families 4
Walking to help others 20
OUT & ABOUT
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
November 2020 calendar 8
Vegan options grow 22 SPOKING MY MIND
Finding inspiration during dark times 24
WINE
Fire season has mixed impact 10
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Local fitness centers 26
HOME OF THE MONTH
Castle on a hill 12
GARDENING
Harlequin bugs cause havoc 28
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Feeling the burn, at home 14 Publisher
Design Director
General Manager
Associate Publisher
Production Operations Manager
Advertising Account Executives
Dan Pulcrano Jeannette Close Editor
Erik Chalhoub Contributing Writers
Kimberly Ewertz Curt Hentschke Emanuel Lee Laura Ness Kate Russell
Plan, Promote, Positive Results!
Kara Brown
Harry Allison
Sean George
Carrie Bonato Eileen Katis Cynthia Runyon
Editorial Production Manager
Katherine Manlapaz
Cover by Michael Hawk Photography
Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission. 7455 Monterey St, Gilroy, CA | Mailing address: P.O. Box 516, Gilroy, CA 95021 | Phone: 408-842-6400
Marian Sacco joined EXIT Realty Keystone and Broker Margaret Vierra on “Team Vierra” in Spring of 2020. She brings many years of Sales, Marketing and Business experience to her “encore” career in Real Estate. Her successful project management skills are the perfect addition to a busy real estate office. A REALTOR for over 10 years, her message to buyers and sellers is “Plan, Promote, Positive Results” for a successful transaction. Listing, preparing and selling a home begins with the daunting project of making tough decisions to “keep or toss or give away”? In many cases, having a Listing Agent like Marian, adds a voice of reason and a process to your plan. Keeping track of vendors, expenses, donations and timeline is critical to a successful path to “get it on the market”. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, Marian has specialized in the downsizing and home preparation process. Marian is experienced with both the affordable housing programs and the fast-moving market in Santa Clara County. Buying a home requires attention and consulting on details of each step of the transaction. Guiding any buyer through the process of finding a home also starts with a plan! Marian has a reliable list of partners for buyers to work with to keep the timeline moving to close on their new home. Volunteering is a “must do” for Marian. She is a 2005 Graduate of Leadership Morgan Hill and is active on the Alumni Committee. This year, she serves as President of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Vice-President of Jackson Oaks Home-Owners Association. Marian leads the FireWise Program for her neighbors and organizes community education and active fire-safe clean-ups. Marian’s “Plan, Promote, Positive Results” method works for a “less stressful” real estate transaction. She will work hard for you or any of your family, friends or referrals!
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16175 A Monterey Road Morgan Hill, CA 95037 Marian.sacco@gmail.com | 408.218.7733 | DRE: 01939186
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echalhoub@newsvmedia.com 408.842.9505
MARIAN SACCO, REALTOR
Safe, L T
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NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
Submitted photo
ROLE MODELS Resilient Families Gilroy is a growing program that promotes family wellbeing.
hree years ago, licensed marriage and family therapist and certified family life educator Ana Morante helped establish a resource that ensures the health and stability of the families and children of the Gilroy community: Resilient Families Gilroy—Familias Resilientes Gilroy. The program teaches the safe, secure and loved (SSL) curriculum and promotes intergenerational healing, family wellbeing and resilience. “Safe, secure and love are the main principles of healthy secure attachment, which is the number one predictor of a person’s well-being, physical and mental,” Morante said. Morante discovered Resilient Families through her association with Sacred Heart in San Jose where Dr. Barbara Burns, professor of Child Studies at Santa Clara University, founded the program. To make this resource a reality for Gilroy, which according to the Department of Family and Children Services has
e, Loved Secure and
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the highest number of referrals for child abuse and neglect, Morante reached out to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and arranged a meeting with Father Robert Brocato and Burns. “The initial conversations happened in January or February 2017, and the first class was offered in October,” Morante explained, adding that a dozen mothers attended the first class. “I was excited to see the response, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen because at the time, nobody in the community knew about it,” Morante said. The main component of the program is the community-led six-week class for parents with children ages 0 to 3. This class offers information and skills to support sensitive parent-child attachment by stressing six key factors: emotional presence, stress management, selfcare, compassionate listening, brain development and dealing with change within the family. Graduates of the class are
encouraged to volunteer to serve in the role of promoters (promotoras), who are trained in the SSL curriculum and lead the class. Gilroy resident Juana Martinez has been involved in the program since it first began. “So I said, this is for me… because I always said if I become a mother, I want to be a good mom,” Martinez said. After attending the first class, Martinez realized how important it was to be the role model for her child. “For me, the important person was my husband, he was going to be the role model, that’s the way it was when I was growing up in Mexico,” Martinez said. “So it was shocking to me when I realized how important a mom is. I always say I’m grateful to Resilient Families because I am very different now. I think after the second class, we were like family. A family that can understand me, my feelings, my worries and my challenges.” She was so impressed with the program she volunteered
Program teaches health and stability for families BY KIMBERLY EWERTZ
to become a promoter, and taught her first class in 2018. “I always say that I am a promotora, but I am not teaching, we share with other mothers,” Martinez said. “We share experience, we laugh, we cry, and then everyone has something to teach, so I’ve been learning a lot.” In March, when the shelterin-place order went into effect, Morante was determined to find a way to continue the program because she knew it had become a vital part of her participants’ lives. “It has been a brand new experience for all of them,” Morante said. “Some of our promotoras were comfortable with technology and some were not, so we had to really teach them basically how to open a computer, open a window, and how to conduct a Zoom meeting. All this stuff. That’s been a challenge we’ve been working through.” “The promotoras have been amazing and putting a lot of time and energy into learning so we can do ➝ 6
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PROMOTORAS Graduates of Resilient Families are encouraged to return and volunteer with the program.
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virtually, the program is available to all Santa Clara County parents.” Research conducted by the DFCS confirms Morante’s belief that the program provides mothers with the tools needed to develop a healthy attachment with their children. “And prevents these families from going through the system,” Morante added. Faculty member for the child development and educational studies program at Gavilan College, Claire Boss, was already a fan of the Resilient Families program after learning about it from her student, a past participant. So when Boss had the opportunity to collaborate with Morante in
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
Parents interested in joining the program can register online at resilientfamiliesgilroy.com, call 408.688.6772 or email resilientfamiliesgilroy@gmail.com.
Submitted photo
5 classes online,” Morante said, adding that some of the parents also needed help with the technology. Moving the program online allowed Morante to offer classes several times a week, instead of the once a week in-person classes. “We are able to offer different days and different times so we’re able to reach more people,” Morante said. There was one more advantage resulting from the move to online classes. “Since the DFCS is paying for the program it was limited to certain zip codes before the pandemic,” Morante said. “Here in South County we could only pick parents from 95020. Now that the classes are held
April of this year, she was all in. “We started talking about the project and how my students could get involved,” Boss said. Morante shared with Boss her hope to document the participants reactions to the program and share their testimonials on the Resilient Families Gilroy website. “We discussed the idea that interviewing those who are actually engaged in the process, it helps to know the successes of the program and that information is really helpful especially for the future of the program,” Boss said. Boss feels her student volunteers, who recorded parent testimonials, benefited as much from the experience as the parents who shared their stories. “They themselves felt such privilege that the mothers were so entrusting to share their stories,” Boss said, adding, she too feels lucky to be able to help support the program and having the opportunity to meet and work with Ana. “It’s so intentional, her work, and then when you hear these stories, you hear just how valuable this program is to mothers and to fathers, and to the community,” Boss said.
Women (Un)Silenced October 10-November 20 Closing Reception November 20 from 6-9pm
7363 Monterey Street Gilroy, CA 95020 408.206.0018 www.GALLERY1202.com info@gallery1202.com Tuesday- Thursday 10-2 Friday & Saturday 12-6
A Pairing In India
Nov 28 - Jan 2 Opening Reception December 5 6-8pm
OUT & ABOUT
O& A
OUT & ABOUT
GILROY
CULINARY HERB WORKSHOP The Gilroy
Library and UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County will present an online workshop on how to grow culinary herbs on Nov. 7 from 3-4pm. UCCE Master Gardeners Joan Cloutier and Pamela Trounstine will cover basic cultural requirements of many herbs that grow well in the South Bay climate. Most are easy to grow and also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Herbs in containers will also be discussed. To register, visit tinyurl.com/y2xpdfmr.
2020 will take place Nov. 8 from 9-10:30am. This year, due to Covid-19, attendees are encouraged to participate virtually from wherever they are and post on social media. All the funds raised during this virtual, family-friendly 5k walk/ fun-run will go directly toward pediatric mastocytosis research via The Mastocytosis Society. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/y2lyobkp.
YOGA IN THE VINEYARD
Solis Vineyard, 3920 Hecker Pass Road in Gilroy, will host an outdoor, all levels yoga class on Nov. 8 from 10:30-11:45am.
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Michael Moore
WYATT'S VIRTUAL WALK 2020 Wyatt's Virtual Walk
BUSY MARKET Morgan Hill resident James Kleier shops for fresh grapes at Ken’s Top Notch Certified Organic produce stand at the Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Morgan Hill. Attendees are advised to bring a mat. Wine tasting will follow. Instructor Liz Falvey is a certified yoga teacher, specializing in Vinyasa Flow Yoga. She teaches yoga, dance and various movement classes at Gavilan and Evergreen colleges. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/ yyy34mtc.
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS VIRTUAL GALA Community Solutions will hold its annual gala in a virtual format on Nov. 7 from 7-8pm. The online, livestreamed event will feature stories by Community Solutions clients, free raffle drawings and a live silent auction. For information and to register, visit communitysolutions.org.
VIRTUAL PAINT PARTY Gilroy-based Moya Art Gallery And Studio will present the “Grinchmas Virtual Paint Party” on Nov. 13 at 6pm. Attendees can follow along as Nacho Moya takes them on a step-bystep process. To participate, attendees will need a canvas, paint brushes, a cup of water, plastic plate, napkin and
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acrylic paint. The class is free. For information and to view the live event, visit facebook.com/ moyaartgalleryandstudio.
‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’
STAR Arts will host a virtual performance of “The Addams Family” on Nov. 13 at 7pm. For tickets, visit stararts. booktix.com.
‘WOMEN (UN)SILENCED’
Gallery 1202’s Fall 2020 program will be spearheaded by the group show, “Women (Un)Silenced: A Survey of Contemporary Black Artists.” The show will take place in the gallery’s location, 7363 Monterey St. in Gilroy, through Nov. 20. The closing reception will be Nov. 20 from 6-9pm. Masks and timed entry required. “Women (Un)Silenced” showcases six American artists who give voice to those who have been historically silenced. Each of these artists seeks to challenge their audience to adjust and question their perspective on issues such as mental health, misogyny, racism, culture and gender by using the female figure as a tool in their respective medium. Mediums include photography, painting, digital illustration and textiles. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y6hwsk9o.
GILROY FARMERS MARKET The Gilroy Farmers
YOGA IN THE VINEYARD Solis Winery in Gilroy will host an outdoor yoga class on Nov. 8. Market is held every Saturday 9am-1pm at 6000 Miller Ave. Come and enjoy local vegetables and fruit, homemade soap, bakery items, hummus, garlic, flowers, and more. For information visit tcfm.farm.
MORGAN HILL MORGAN HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PHILANTHROPY NIGHT The Morgan Hill Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Night recognizes individuals
who have been nominated by their non-profit organization for impact to people and nonprofits in the local community. This year’s virtual event takes place Nov. 13 from 6:45-8pm, and will include both live discussion and presentations as well as pre-recorded segments. For information on how to access the event, visit morganhillcf.org.
SIDEWALK SATURDAYS
Sidewalk Saturdays takes place every Saturday from 9am-1pm on East Third Street
in downtown Morgan Hill. The outdoor retail marketplace features local shops. Face masks are required to attend. For information, visit facebook. com/SidewalkSaturdays MorganHill.
MORGAN HILL FARMERS MARKET At the Train Depot
Station parking lot, the Morgan Hill Certified Farmers’ Market brings together farmers, food producers and consumers from Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister every Saturday, 9am-1pm on Third and ➝ 35
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A Tale of
HARVEST 2020
Two Cities BY LAURA NESS
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arvest has been relatively painless for some in the Santa Clara Valley. For others, it’s been painfully difficult. It’s all a matter of where grapes are sourced. Most of Santa Clara Valley escaped the scourge of smoke, but other grape-growing regions weren’t so lucky. French-born winemaker Christian Roguenant of Lightpost Cellars confessed, “This is the worst harvest
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
in my career—the worst since 1984 in France. It rained every day during harvest. The fruit was so moldy, you had to wear a mask.” The good news is that he and owner Sofia Fedotova decided to make sparkling, and had already picked Chardonnay and Pinot for that program before the August fires erupted. While they were unable to obtain grapes from several ➝ 10 Pinot vineyards in the Santa Cruz
Courtesy of Besson Family Vineyards
Fire season has a mixed impact on Santa Clara Valley winemakers
HARVEST SEASON Denise Besson of Besson Family Vineyards picks pinot grapes at the Gilroy ranch.
Courtesy of Besson Family Vineyards
Mountains due to smoke taint, other vineyards came through for them. “We did get some Pinot Noir fruit from another newly planted vineyard in Santa Cruz which looks beautiful and it does not appear that we will have an issue there,” Fedotova said. “Our production scaled back for 2020 vintage as we have plenty of wine right now in the barrels and these are looking wonderful. We are really excited, as these are truly great wines. We are about to bottle 2018 vintage in a month. We age most of our reds for 24 months in a barrel.” Longtime Santa Clara grapegrowers, the Besson family sees a bountiful, taint-free harvest. The first beautiful big bunches of Pinot Noir were picked back in early September from the ranch where George Besson lives. His daughter, Denise Besson, said they picked Chardonnay and Zinfandel the fourth week of September. It looked amazing. Assistant Winemaker Niklas Zorn of Guglielmo Winery was wrapping up picks of the last of the estate Cabernet, Grignolino and Carignan in early October. They had already picked Zin, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto plus some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Chalone. “So far no smoke taint coming through, although we are on the lookout,” Zorn said. “Testing I have seen from parts of Alexander Valley and Chalone are clean, while other winemakers I am in contact with have been rejecting fruit and trying to figure out what to do. It is making the bulk market go a bit crazy.” He was very excited about their first Arneis, sourced from
FRESH OFF THE VINE Denise Besson and her husband James Fahey work on the crush pad with Pinot Noir.
Paso Robles, and was looking forward to the Nebbiolo they source from the same region. “Hopefully smoke taint won’t be a factor in what we have decided to bring in, but I believe we are very lucky compared to other areas that have lost buildings/fruit,” Zorn said. Church Creek first brought in estate Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc from a neighboring vineyard. Winemaker Carl Barsody reported they picked Tempranillo, Pinot Noir and some Sangiovese at the beginning of October, observing, “Plenty of fruit this year.” Not everyone would concur, especially those counting on fruit from Monterey and Santa Cruz
counties, which were hard hit by fires. One of those being winegrower Geoff Mace of Calerrain, who admitted, “Toughest harvest yet, honestly. Being a dad of two small children that are home from school has been so challenging. I end up working early morning hours, getting home for school and then dragging the kids to the winery until the evening. They are troopers, though. I’ve got all our Chardonnay and Pinot in. Had to skip SLH this year, which is disappointing for us and the grower. So sad what is happening up north. These fires are just too much.” ²
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HOME OF THE MONTH
CASTLE HILL This Morgan Hill home sits on nearly two acres.
Castle on a Hill with Valley Vistas Morgan Hill estate features unobstructed views
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rue to its name, this Castle Hill Estates home features views of the valley below from every room. Located at 18510 Castle Hill Drive in Morgan Hill, the 4,059-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It features a grand entry, living room, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, formal dining and family room complete with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace along with a wet bar and its own cooking/serving area. The main bedroom is equipped with a fireplace, wet bar, walk-in closets, lounge tub, shower and dual sink vanities. Other features include plantation shutters, a storage room, pantry/mudroom, laundry room, exterior water feature, spa, multiple decks and patios and more. The home, built in 1981, is listed at $1,987,532 by Keller Williams Realty. For information, visit tinyurl. com/y2t72w4s.
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NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
Courtesy of Rosewood CordeValle
Health & Well-being
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HOME GYM Laura Vasquez of Gilroy has ramped up her Peloton workouts during the pandemic. NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
Submitted photo
Health & Well-being
Feeling th
g the burn, at home Locals find ways to get their workouts in during a pandemic BY EMANUEL LEE
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prefers to pick up heavy objects or fill up sandbags for weighted exercises—a no-frills approach— while Vasquez uses Peloton, the popular in-home, connected workout service that contains the latest bells and whistles and gives users a dynamic hi-tech experience. Vasquez has been a Peloton member since December 2018 and since that time has completed 300 rides. The 31-year-old has unlimited streaming access to all of Peloton’s workouts, which includes its renowned spin classes. However, Vasquez said Peloton also offers other workouts like bootcamp strength-training sessions, which she streams onto her TV from her iPad or smartphone. Peloton was exploding in popularity even before the pandemic started, but sales have sky-rocketed since mid-March as people started working out from their own homes.
The forerunner of the smart home workout center—Tempo, Tonal and Mirror are some of the new fitness brands that feature trainers and a community of studio classes— Peloton allows users to choose from a variety of instructors. “It’s absolutely amazing,” Vasquez said. “You choose an instructor depending on the mood you’re in. One day I might want someone motivational. Another day I might need some laughs so I pick a funny instructor. Another day I might be well rested and ready for a really intense workout, so I’ll pick an instructor who will kick my butt.” Speaking of kicking butt, that’s what Eastus does with regularity. A CrossFit Gilroy trainer, Eastus had no troubles exercising once fitness facilities had to close. The 51-yearold Spartan World Championship competitor does a variety of climbs, sled pulls and weighted ➝ 16
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Health & Well-being
he coronavirus pandemic has forever changed the fitness industry, forcing gyms and fitness studios across the country to shut down. High-profile national gym franchises such as Gold’s Gym and 24 Hour Fitness filed for bankruptcy, and the latter had to permanently close more than 130 of its facilities throughout the country. Although gyms and local indoor recreational centers are starting to reopen locally at a reduced capacity, it’s all but guaranteed that many of those gym-goers or rec-users won’t be coming back. During the Covid19 era, people have had to evolve to get their workout fix. One has to look no further than a couple of Gilroy residents to see there are a variety of ways to exercise during the pandemic. Friends Jana Eastus and Laura Vasquez are working out more now than pre-pandemic times, utilizing different methods. Eastus
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15 carries using equipment anyone can buy at a cheap price. “I’ll tie a rope to my tree for climbs, drag a tire around the neighborhood, use a skateboard for ab-rollouts and fill anything with sand and carry it around for long periods of time,” she said. When Eastus isn’t outside pushing, carrying or climbing, she’s running on a trail or in her garage gym, which contains all the necessary equipment to keep her physically strong and mobile.
However, Eastus noted you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars in equipment to get in the best shape of your life (she definitely hasn’t). One of the best exercises that hits all the major muscle groups is the Farmer’s Walk, which involves carrying heavy objects in both hands and walking for a prescribed distance. A lack of equipment or gym is no excuse for not working out, said Eastus, who varies her workouts and focuses on jacking up her heart rate. One of her go-to workouts
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
include 10 burpees, 20 weighted lunges, 30 sit ups, and 30 squats. That’s one round. She’ll complete 10 rounds as fast as she can, comparing her numbers each time. Even though Eastus uses classic bodyweight exercises to get physically fit, she’s not averse to technology. She uses a Garmin smartwatch trainer to track her progress and other metrics such as sleep and recovery. What does the data say? “It tells me all the time I need a rest day,” she said with a chuckle. ²
Submitted photo
Health & Well-being
EQUIPMENT Jana Eastus works out with heavy objects in her garage.
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Walking to help others Mother, daughter participating in fitness challenge BY ERIK CHALHOUB
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NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
FINDING INSPIRATION Razya and Aspen Pollock are walking daily to raise money for the Golden Heart Fund.
have an underlying health condition or not,” she said. “It’s critical that we continue to move. Our normal activities don’t exist anymore. It’s really important to be aware of that and find other ways to keep moving. “As much as these times are different, there are ways to do things virtually. Covid-19 should send a message loud and clear: we are people helping people. This is how you do it.” For information about the Golden Heart Fund, visit goldenheartfund.org.
Submitted photo
Health & Well-being
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azya and Aspen Pollock are well-known in their Hollister neighborhood. Donning their San Francisco 49ers gear, the motherdaughter duo walk daily along their streets, playing rock n’ roll hits such as Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle” to keep their energy high. For Razya, a lifelong fitness enthusiast, her motivation comes from her daughter. Aspen, 22, was diagnosed with Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disorder at a very young age. The genetic disorder, of which she has a mild case, affects her motor movements as well as her hearing and vision. But it doesn’t slow her down, even with a recent knee surgery. “She has a lot of challenges, but when she says ‘Hi Mommy, let’s go,’ that inspires me,” Razya said. Razya and Aspen have even more inspiration for their walks. The two are participating in The Golden Heart Fund’s 49In49 Virtual Fitness Challenge, which raises funds for the foundation that helps former football players dealing with physical, mental and other challenges.
Participants are broken down into teams, each captained by a former 49ers player, and are challenged to complete 49 miles of walking, running or rolling on their own time from Sept. 20 to Nov. 8. Less than a month into the challenge, Razya and Aspen, who are on the team captained by former 49er Ronnie Lott, have well exceeded their goal, with more than 100 miles clocked. Aspen walks about a mile a day, with her mother pushing her wheelchair for the remainder of the daily workout. “I never push her too hard,” Razya said. “She’s naturally motivated like me. We love fitness.” Razya added that she wants to show her daughter that there are plenty of opportunities to do good for others in a world that has seemingly shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic. She also hopes that sharing her participation in the challenge will inspire other children and their families to give back. “With 49In49, it gives children what I think is so huge, a tool that allows them to think, ‘Wow, I can help others,’” she said. “You can do activities that make a difference.” In addition, Razya hopes that others will be encouraged to get out and move, which has become increasingly uncommon as people shelter at home to weather the pandemic. “It’s really important whether you
John Hausdorff, MD, Zach Koontz, MD, Mallory Sandridge, NP, Nancy Tray, MD, Debbie Branson,NP, Lulu Zhang, RogerMD, Shiffman, MD,Sandridge, Nancy Rubin, DO, Ashley Sandridge, NP, Branson,NP, John Hausdorff, MD, ZachMD, Koontz, Mallory NP, Nancy Tray, MD, Debbie (Not pictured: Denise Licini, NP, Dennis Niekro, NP) Lulu Zhang, MD, Roger Shiffman, MD, Nancy Rubin, DO, Ashley Sandridge, NP,
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Vegan options grow in the Sou Vegan options grow in the South Valley
VEGAN MENU A sample of the dishes at Craft Roots.
Craft Roots in Morgan Hill celebrates one year BY ERIK CHALHOUB
Health & Well-being
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full menu of vegan cocktails and local craft beers. Nyssa said she’s noticed an increase in vegetarian options at Morgan Hill restaurants, but vegan items—those that don’t contain animal products such as dairy and eggs—are extremely limited. Craft Roots helps fill that gap, she said. “I wanted to make sure there were no questions for people with our lifestyle,” she said. “I wanted them to come in and feel free to order anything off the menu without concern of cross-contamination.” The couple, who said they instill healthy eating habits in their two young children, hit their three-year all-vegan diet anniversary in July. Nyssa said the decision to become vegan came abruptly one night after “falling into the wormhole” of YouTube documentaries on unhealthy processed foods. “We looked at each other and said, ‘you want to do this?’” she recalled.
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
“He jumps up and he’s like, ‘Uhh, I guess.’ The very next morning we dumped our entire fridge out. “It was a big learning experience, and we’ve never looked back.” J said the response to Craft Roots has been “overwhelming.” It also received a trio of awards in the 2020 Best of Morgan Hill awards, including Best New Restaurant, Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant and Best Vegetarian Dishes. “We understand that the word ‘vegan’ can be off-putting,” he said. “We wanted to break those molds and show people that with a little bit of creativity, we can make this menu super relatable.” “We really struck gold with our staff,” he added. “They are working for more than just a paycheck, it’s something they believe in. To have it here in Morgan Hill means a lot for us.” For information, visit craftroots-mh.com.
Erik Chalhoub
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oing vegan has never been easier in the South Valley. Local residents and those from the Bay Area and beyond have been flocking to downtown Morgan Hill to check out Craft Roots, a restaurant with a purely plantbased menu that recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. J Gaich owns the business with his wife Nyssa and parents Nick and Ellen. “We understand that there are not thousands of vegans that live in this town,” he said. “Our whole business model is to create a menu that is super approachable and familiar.” The menu, described as a “balance between comfort and healthy,” includes a cornflake fried king oyster mushroom sandwich, kale Caesar salad and the popular buffalo cauliflower bites. Ingredients are sourced from local organic farms such as Spade and Plow and Mariquita Farm. Craft Roots, located at 17230 Monterey Road, also has a
SPOKING MY MIND
Happy Cranksgiving Finding inspiration during dark times BY CURT HENTSCHKE
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GO FOR A SPIN Riding a bicycle is a great escape from the troubles of the world.
Remember, we are blessed to live in an area where we are surrounded by beautiful roads and trails that can be cycled year round. Remember, especially as Christmas approaches, the cycling industry has been experiencing an uptick in business. Please be sure to contact Santa Claus (or your local bike shop) as early as possible. And finally, please remember that (social and political unrest, the coronavirus, wildfires, distance learning, and the rest of 2020
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
notwithstanding), if we really stop to think about it, we can still give thanks this Thanksgiving. You may even want to take Doyle’s advice on Nov. 26. Grab your family (or “quaranteam”), pedal out, and share your blessings. Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke, a retired Gilroy teacher, 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.
Curt Hentschke
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K, I’ll admit it. I was in a funk. It was time to start the November column… and, like many of you (I suppose), I found myself wallowing in my personal “When will this pandemic be over?” pity party. After a half-year of scripting a sorrowful succession of somber cycling scoops, I was desperate to deliver some positive news for a change. I began my column research online, checking out the local bike shops. On Bike Therapy’s alwaysinformative website, I came across the following quote: “When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.” Thank you, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; your 1896 Scientific American quote was just what I needed! Readers, I hope it helps you, too. Remember, the pandemic will pass, and we will emerge stronger and wiser.
GET FIT
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here’s no shortage of fitness options in South Valley and San Benito County. From traditional gyms, to yoga studios, kickboxing, golfing and everything in between and beyond, it’s all here. All you need is motivation. Like everything else it’s touched, the pandemic has changed the way we work out. Local fitness centers have adapted by offering virtual sessions and outside workouts. As Santa Clara and San Benito counties have slowly reopened, many gyms are now allowing indoor workouts by reservation and with reduced capacity. Choose any of the following fitness options that meet your needs and get active.
Morgan Hill
Health & Well-being
America Taekwondo Center
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16795 Monterey Road, Unit A, 408.779.8650; atcmorganhill.com
Anytime Fitness
715 Cochrane Road, 408.776.8980 tinyurl.com/ub4lg9j
California Sports Center
Mt. Madonna YMCA
Centennial Recreation Center
9Round
16959 Monterey Road, 408.776.0141 calsportscenter.com/locations/ morgan-hill
171 West Edmundson Ave, 408.782.2128 morgan-hill.ca.gov/1461/CentennialRecreation-Center
Club Pilates
1053 Cochrane Road #100, 408.905.7491; tinyurl.com/ryzafof
Coyote Creek Golf Club
1 Coyote Creek Golf Drive, 408.463.1400; coyotecreekgolf.com
Dolores Kent Yoga
503 Vineyard Town Center, 408.710.5277; doloreskentyoga.com
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
16145 Monterey Road, 408.607.4878 graciebarra.com/morgan-hill-ca
Morgan Hill Aquatics Center
16200 Condit Road, 408.782.2134 tinyurl.com/w5r5j9d
Awareness CrossFit
Morgan Hill Athletic Club
Brethren CrossFit
Morgan Hill Pilates
15650 Vineyard Blvd., Suite G, 669.888.3650; awarenesscrossfit.com
375 Tennant Ave., 408.390.3890 brethrencrossfit.com
126 Cochrane Plaza, 408.782.7060 themhac.com
16275 Monterey Road, Suite M, 408.465.9261; morganhillpilates.com
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
171 West Edmundson Ave., 408.762.6000 ymcasv.org/locations/ mt-madonna-ymca
1295 East Dunne Ave. #160, 408.763.4701 9round.com/fitness/morgan-hillca-x3485
Orangetheory Fitness
50 East Third St., 408.762.5858 tinyurl.com/yx4sykea
Rosewood CordeValle
1 Cordevalle Club Drive, San Martin, 408.695.4500; tinyurl.com/y4w47uah
Prisma Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Leandro Vieira 408 Tennant Station, 408.663.4441 leandrovieirabjj.com
The Little Gym of Morgan Hill
15750 Vineyard Blvd., Suite 190, 408.776.8125 thelittlegym.com/morganhillca
Titans Sports Academy
700 Jarvis Drive #120, 408.782.2872; titansmh.com
West Coast Martial Arts
15650 Vineyard Blvd., 408.778.2544 erniereyes.com ➝ 28
Hawaiian Bliss
Pono Welln ess S pa
Gift Card Gift Card Pono W ellness Sp a
We Follow State Safety Guidelines! Book online or purchase instant e-gift certificates at www.PonoWellnessSpa.com 35 E First Street, Suite A | Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | 408.612.8835
ERIC J. DEL PIERO, M.D. A MEDICAL CORPORATION
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Specializing in Diseases of the Retina and Vitreous Appointments available in Monterey, Salinas and Hollister
• Born and raised in Monterey County • Private practice in Monterey since 1985
Accepting new patients for treatment of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and flashing lights and floaters. Call 831-375-5066 for more information or go to www.montereyeye.com 871 Cass Street, Suite 200 • Monterey, CA 93940
GET FIT
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Gilroy Antdawgs MMA Training Center
6901 Monterey Road, 408.337.5774
Anytime Fitness
755 First St., 408.846.4222 tinyurl.com/nys7xzz
Best Yoga Studios
60 Fourth St., 408.848.0400 bestyogastudios.com
Coast Range CrossFit
1300 First St., Suite B, 408.840.3553 coastrangecrossfit.com
CrossFit Gilroy
8840 Muraoka Drive, 408.767.2560 crossfitgilroy.com
Eagle Ridge Golf Club 2951 Club Drive, 408.846.4531 eagleridgegc.com
Health & Well-being
Fit Republic
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8540 Church St., 408.663.5230 fitrepublic.com
Full Circle Martial Arts
1395 First St., Suite 101, 408.763.0000 fullcirclemartialarts-ca.com
Gilroy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
7560 Monterey Road, 925.639.4009 gilroybjj.com
Gilroy Golf Course
2695 Hecker Pass Road, 408.848.0490; gilroygolfcourse.com
Muscle House Gym
110 Old Gilroy St. #A, 408.843.8154 bodzbycamacho.com
9Round Fitness
1321 First St., Suite A, 408.337.1225 9round.com/fitness/Gilroy-CA-x2903
Pound4Pound Sports Fitness
7648 Monterey Road, 408.767.2835 facebook.com pound4poundsportsfitness
Snap Fitness
8050 Santa Teresa Blvd., 408.848.8701; tinyurl.com/v3euonh
Ultimate Pole
7560 Monterey Road #204, 408.607.3460; ultimatepole.net
USA Sports Gilroy
7800 Arroyo Circle C, 408.848.8720 usasportsgilroy.com
XIOS Strength & Conditioning
7387 Monterey Road, 408.337.5849 xiosfitness.com
Yoga Bella
8060 Santa Teresa Blvd. #130, 408.842.9688; yogabellagilroy.com
Hollister Anytime Fitness
1760 Airline Highway, 831.636.4699 tinyurl.com/lrwhtzf
Cold Storage CrossFit
320 Hillcrest Road #104, 831.801.2544; coldstoragecrossfit.com
CrossFit San Benito
827 Industrial Drive, Suite 101,
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
925.250.5032; crossfitsanbenito.com
Enterprise Academy Of Martial Arts
817 Industrial Drive #B, 831.638.9384 facebook.com/enterprisema
Fusion Elite All Stars 401 San Felipe Road fusioneliteallstars.com
Hollister Boxing Academy
320 Hillcrest Road #102, 831.537.7750
Live to Cycle Fitness
193 McCray St. #304, 408.833.8440 livetocycle.com
Main Street Kickboxing
401 Hillcrest Road #D, 831.638.1077 mainstreetkickboxing.com
Oasis Chiropractic
190 Maple St., 831.636.1397 oasis4women.com
Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort
3800 Airline Highway, 831.637.8151 ridgemarkgolfclub.com
Rovella’s Gym & Health Spa 854 Industrial Drive, 831.636.8500 facebook.com/rovellas
San Juan Oaks Golf Club 3825 Union Road, 831.636.6113 sanjuanoaks.com
USA Sports
864 Industrial Drive, 831.635.0872 usasportshollister.com
Monterey County Eye Associates MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DISEASES OF THE EYE Treatment for cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. Optical shop and contact lens service. Appointments available in Salinas and King City Hablamos Español • Most insurances accepted Brittney Dautremont, DO • Leland H. Rosenblum, MD Eric J. Del Piero, MD Additional services provided by Anna Shi, MD, Roger Husted, MD and Careen Caputo, OD • Lorena Soto, Optician In King City — Stephanie Luna, Optician
1441 Constitution Blvd., Building 400, Suite 100 Salinas, 831-424-1150 406 Canal Street, King City, 831-385-6400 www.montereyeye.com
St. Catherine catholic School of morgan hill invites you to our virtual
Parent Information Night Tuesday, November 10th at 6pm join us to learn about 2021/2022 admissions for Kindergarten through 8th grade REGISTER for a link to our live online event
stcatherinemh.org/admissions Questions? Contact us at
development@stcatherinemh.org
New Patient Special!
You’ve Come to the Right Place.
$39 exam & digital x-rays Hollister 1760 Airline Highway, Suite K Hollister, CA 95023
831.902.2810
BrightNow.com $39 Exam retail price $124 (ADA Code 150). Digital X-rays retail price $186 (ADA Code 210). $10 Personal Protection Equipment fee. New cash patients only. See office for complete pricing information. All offers are subject to change and cannot be combined. Treatment for all offers must be rendered by 12/31/20. Services, hours, and insurance plans vary by location. Valid government issued photo ID and checking account required to get financing on approved credit. Model is not a patient. Leng C. Haong, D.D.S., Inc., Leng C. Haong, DDS; Raymond Chan, DDS; Sarika Sood, DDS. Š2020 Smile Brands Inc. All rights reserved.
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10/6/20 9:35 AM
66 1st Street, Suite A, Gilroy, CA 95020 | (408) 847-8880 | informed-choices.org
GARDENING
Harlequin Bugs
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hey may look like something from the Renaissance Faire, but harlequin bugs are nothing to jest about. These black and orange stinkbugs feed on members of the cabbage family. Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, radishes, cabbages, horseradish, turnips, kale and other cole crops are the harlequin bug’s favorite hosts. These sap-sucking pests chew on stems and leaves, leaving a trail of white or yellow blotches. Since harlequin bugs use pheromones to attract mates, large crowds of harlequin bugs can cause extensive damage with all that feeding. Heavy infestations can cause plants to wilt, brown and die. Also known as calico bugs, harlequin cabbage bugs, and fire bugs, harlequin bugs (Murgantia histrionica) are shiny black with yellow, orange, or red markings. Immature harlequin bugs almost look like bizarre lady bugs with their rounded shell and white lines across their back. Adult harlequin bugs have the telltale shield-shaped back of the stinkbug family (Pentatomidae). Harlequin bugs are often confused with Bagrada bugs, but harlequin bugs are significantly larger, and the white markings of Bagrada bugs and harlequin nymphs are different. Adults can reach 3/8 of an inch in length. If you allow yourself to get
past the bit about how these are pests, they really are strikingly beautiful. These pests tend to lay their blackand-white striped eggs in November. This is probably because that is when their favorite foods are being planted. Clusters of 12 barrel-shaped eggs are laid on leaves. Allowed to hatch, they will spread out as they go through four or five molts before reaching adult size, usually around March or April. Harlequin bug adults often hide in weedy areas, or near blackberries. Now is the time to inspect plants for eggs and nymphs. Eggs can simply be brushed off of host plant leaves. When they hatch, they will starve. Nymphs should be hand-picked and dropped in a bucket of soapy water. Or, you can step on them. Keep in mind that they are called stinkbugs for a reason. They smell bad when threatened. Also, since many members of the stinkbug family eat mustard, you don’t want to smack one that happens to be crawling up your arm or leg. Members of the mustard family use chemicals, called glucosinolates, for self-defense. Harlequin bugs use those chemicals for their own defense and it can burn your skin. You can reduce or
NOVEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM
Colorful pests cause havoc on cabbage family BY KATE RUSSELL
eliminate hiding places by clearing out weedy areas and composting or destroying old cole and mustard crops. Insecticides are generally ineffective against stinkbugs. Parasitic wasps are believed to attack harlequin bug eggs, so avoid broad spectrum insecticides. Keep a lookout for these beautiful pests and their striking eggs. Enjoy them, and then end them. Kate Russell is a Santa Clara County Master Gardener and author of The Daily Garden, a gardening blog where readers learn how easy it is to grow food at home.
INFESTATION Harlequin bugs may look pretty, but they are sap-sucking pests that feed on members of the cabbage family.
FRAMES
EYE EXAM
100 OFF $ 69!
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MORGAN HILL | 1049 Cochrane Rd. | near Target | 408.778.4633 | SiteforSoreEyes.com The safety and health of our staff and community is our top priority. Please follow our safety protocols during your visit. Call for details. *Must purchase frames and lenses. Free second pair from large selection of frames with single-vision lenses. Not combinable with insurance or other offers. Some restrictions may apply. See store for details. Limited time offer. †Contact lens exam additional. Eye exams available by an Independent Doctor of Optometry, conveniently located at Site for Sore Eyes.
O& A
OUT & ABOUT
Experience Matters
9 Depot streets. For information, visit cafarmersmkts.com/ morgan-hill-farmers-market.
surviving family members are invited to attend. Attendees must wear a facial covering.
STEINWAY SOCIETY HOME CONCERT HALL SERIES International
OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE SCC Women's
classical piano artists will be performing for Steinway Society this fall through the Home Concert Hall virtual series. The series features Russian performers Zlata Chochieva in November and Vyacheslav Gryaznov in December, as well as American pianist Andrew Li in January 2021. The series will be sponsored by the Music Teachers’ of America (MTAC) Santa Clara County Branch in memory of long-time member Frieda Ann Murphy. The series will consist of recordings produced specifically for Steinway Society – The Bay Area that will not be available elsewhere on the internet. For tickets, visit steinwaysociety. com/tickets.
SAN BENITO COUNTY VFW RECOGNITION
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6359 will be honoring all paratroopers, “Rakkasans,” that served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War this Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, at its post in San Juan Bautista, 58 Monterey St. All former members, their families and
Ministries will host its Annual Outdoor Christmas Boutique on Nov. 14 from 10am-2pm at Sunnyslope Christian Center, 1520 Sunnyslope Road in Hollister. Face coverings and social distancing are required. For information, visit scchollister.org/womensministries.
LIGHTS ON CELEBRATION The Hollister Downtown Association’s annual parade will be held at the Hollister Municipal Airport this year from Nov. 28-29. Santa Claus will be flown in on Nov. 28 to greet residents at the Reverse Parade. This year will be a two-night event. The Lights On Celebration parade theme is “Inside Santa’s Workshop.”
with Compassion Enjoy half off your rent for the rest of 2020!* As a fifth generation family company, we know that experience counts when it comes to senior living. Merrill Gardens offers a quality senior living environment and a seasoned team that is here for you.
BOLADO PARK FARMERS MARKET Power Broadcasting and Medina Farms host a farmers market beginning at Bolado Park, 9000 Airline Highway in Tres Pinos. The market runs Sundays from 9am-1pm, weather permitting. It features farms from throughout the state, as well as food trucks and a flea market. For information, call 831.722.1122.
(408) 843-4897 • merrillgardens.com 7600 Isabella Way Lic #435202344 *Limited time offer. Gilroy, CA 95020 Call for details. Retirement Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care SANBENITO.COM | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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