THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN
JANUARY 5, 2018
A section of the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times
OU T & AB T U F O AR O END S L A C T EV E N
Gilroy’s Blue Lotus provides a healing path
Return to peace SENIOR PERSPECTIVE P12 | TOXIC GARDEN P13
INNER READINESS Blue Lotus Center of Gilroy offers a path to peace BY JENNY ARBIZU PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT ELIASON
H
JANUARY 5, 2018
ave you had enough chaos, confusion and conflict in your life? If so, would you like to figure out how you can avoid the added stress? These are the kinds of thought-provoking questions Dr. Paula Whang-Ramos will ask her clientele at Blue Lotus Center (BLC) in Gilroy. As the owner and lead spiritual director, Ramos, 61, says she especially felt the need to ask these questions in the midst of 2017, when acts of extreme acts of nature and violence became prevalent across the country. Ramos said everyone she spoke with said they’d had enough chaos, confusion and conflict in their lives—and they didn’t want anymore. Ramos then asked herself what kind of remedy the Blue Lotus Center could offer others to address the agitation and difficulty going on in the country. ➝ 4
2
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY Blue Lotus creates a space for people to rediscover their
center—the peace within.
JANUARY 5, 2018
3
BLUE LOTUS CENTER
3
Sponsored by Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
3rd Tuesday of each month 6:00 p.m.
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
GREAT ROOM
2nd Floor—Support Services Building 911 Sunset Drive ▪ Hollister HEALING REALM The Blue Lotus Center offers meditation, Hatha yoga, spiritually conscious living, tai chi and qi gong.
2018 DATES:
JANUARY 16, FEBRUARY 20, MARCH 20, APRIL 17 MAY 15, JUNE 19, JULY 17, AUGUST 21, SEPTEMBER 18 OCTOBER 16, NOVEMBER 20, DECEMBER 18
The group will provide: Emotional support Hope for the future A place to talk What to expect in the months to come
For more information, please call:
Wendy Bell, RN, NVRN-BC Stroke Program Coordinator
JANUARY 5, 2018
(831) 637-5711 ext. 2038
4
“I knew we needed a change in our consciousness—and then I heard the inspiration—Return to Peace,” she says. It’s a theme the Blue Lotus Center adopted mid-2017—and one that is the collective response to addressing those needs. “In yoga, the teaching is that peace is always within us,” Ramos says. In a way, she says, we’re looking 180 degrees in the wrong direction when we’re going outside of ourselves to find peace. Blue Lotus Center is more than just your basic yoga studio; it is an affiliate of the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (CSE), which holds its World Headquarters in San Jose. The CSE is a meditation center in the spiritual tradition of Kriya yoga—a type of yoga introduced to the United States in 1920 by one of the first yogis to share its philosophy, Paramahansa Yogananda. “Yoga is a Sanskrit term that means ‘yoking’ or ‘returning to our essential wholeness,’” Ramos says. Yoga is the daily practice of sitting meditation, a fundamental part of yoga, says Ramos. Other practices, like hatha yoga, which is the physical manifestation of yoga most commonly recognized as “yoga” practice, are intended to
support, not replace, the essential daily practice of sitting meditation. For the past seven years, the Blue Lotus Center in Gilroy has freely offered classes in meditation, hatha yoga, spiritually conscious living, tai chi and qi gong. In essence, Kriya yoga is the practice of learning to use our thoughts, words and behaviors; to live from our essential peace, love and wholeness that we are, and that we all seek to realize in our lives, says Ramos. The center has found a home in Gilroy, and the community is excited to have it here, Ramos says. Ramos has an extensive background in both eastern and western teachings and offers a wealth of expertise to assist her clients in achieving their goals. She is the lead Kriya yoga, tai chi and qi gong instructor for the center. She also serves as an associate minister at CSE and has been a practicing psychologist for the Gilroy area for 27 years. “I serve those facing life-altering, chronic and life-threatening health conditions, including end-oflife and grief, and women moving through life transitions,” she says. Ramos realized there was something missing from the ➝ 6
OA & OUT & ABOUT ART SHOW
MONTEREY
GILROY
CYCLOCROSS RACE
MORGAN HILL
MUSICAL SHABBAT
SALSA CLASS
Experience Cyclocross at Lion Oaks Ranch. Race #7 of the Central Coast Cyclo-Cross Race Series and the 2017/18 Northern California Nevada Cycling Association District Championships are being held in Coyote Valley. Encounter a traditional course through a combination of pavement, flagstone walkway, grass, sand and other obstacles. On site registration will be available before the race. Join the fun Saturday, Jan. 6, 7:30am at Lion Oaks Ranch, 455 Kalena Ave, Morgan Hill. Visit lionoakscx.com.
Bring the family and enjoy kid friendly nature art at the Morgan HIll Community and Cultural Center. This free art show will feature images from Yosemite to the California Coast captured by Albert Munoz of AM Photography. Witness the beauty of nature Saturday, Jan. 6, 4-6pm at Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ y9nw23mc.
All are welcome to celebrate Shabbat at a lively, musical Friday night service with Shalom and Yuhu Braveman. Musical instruments are welcome and experience is not required. Please bring a vegan dessert for the oneg and call to contribute something special to the service agenda. Celebrate Shabbat, Friday, Jan. 5, 7-8:30pm at the offices of Shalom and Yuhu Braveman, 494 Alvarado St. For more information, call 831.375.7553 or visit cysantacruz.com.
Learn Salsa with Club Babalu Salsa Dance Instruction. Level I and II classes are available, both offering 45 minutes of full instruction followed by 15 minutes of practice with instructor assistance. First time dancers are invited to experience Salsa with a one hour free session. Classes will be held the second and fourth Monday of the month. Learn this unique, energetic dance Monday, Jan. 8, 7-9pm at Old City Hall, 7400 Monterey St, Gilroy. For more information, visit thebabaluclub.com.
JANUARY 5, 2018
MORGAN HILL
5
BLUE LOTUS CENTER
4
Maggie is a seasoned mortgage professional with over 20 years of experience in the Bay Area real estate market specializing in First Time Home Buyers and the South County Market. If you’re interested in refinancing or purchasing a new home, contact Maggie today!
Featured Mortgage Loan Officer for South County GIVE ME A CALL TODAY TO SEE HOW I CAN HELP YOU WHILE RATES ARE STILL LOW
Se Habla Español MAGGIE MCCARTHY Loan Consultant NMLS #926613 408-515-9324 Maggie.McCarthy@nafinc.com
newamericanagent.com/maggiemccarthy 18525 Sutter Blvd, #240 Morgan Hill, CA 95037 Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. NMLS ID#6606. Corporate Office is located at 14511 Myford Road, Suite 100, Tustin CA 92780. Phone (800) 450-2010. 12/2017
ESSENTIAL WHOLENESS Blue Lotus Center teaches Kriya yoga—a practice brought to the U.S. in 1920.
Sylvia, Paulette, Dr. Kinberly Antrim, Leslie and Crystal
Kinberly Antrim, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry JANUARY 5, 2018
7880 Wren Ave Suite A-113, Gilroy
6
Call
408.337.8950 for an appointment
Mondays: 1pm-7pm Tuesdays: 1pm-7pm Wednesdays: 8am-5pm Thursdays: 7am-1pm Fridays: 7am-1pm Saturdays: 7am-1pm
Putting the most fearful patients at ease Call
(408) 337-8950
for an appointment
western field of psychology that she had always found more complete than her eastern training. So after attending CSE in 2005, Ramos decided to enter its seminary program. She then received her Master’s of Divinity and in 2012 and was ordained in Kriya yoga. “I realized how powerful these teachings are,” she says. Jodi Barr, who has taken many classes at the BLC since it opened in Gilroy, can attest to the benefits of its teachings. “I have learned how to meditate and have learned many different meditation techniques,” Barr says. “Dr. Paula Whang-Ramos has created a peaceful place for all faiths and experience levels to come together and meditate in harmony.” The BLC offers weekly silent meditation groups and a Learn to Meditate class for newcomers. Those returning to meditation practice are welcome. Many of the sitting sessions are done in chairs, making the practice accessible to anyone interested in obtaining its benefits. “We want to be able to make the
teachings accessible to anyone who is called to be with us,” Ramos says. And because BLC is supported 100 percent by community donations, BLC is able to do just that by offering its meditation classes and its Kriya yoga classes on a donation basis. “As a philosophy—and not a religion—the ancient, universal teachings of yoga are beneficial to sincere seekers from all and no faith traditions,” Ramos says. “People from all backgrounds are welcome. In the yoga tradition, we don’t claim to be THE way—but we are a way— to live in a more transformative, peaceful, holistic, joy-filled way.” Blue Lotus Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 meditation yoga center located at 8347 Church Street in Gilroy. Beginning and experienced participants are welcome to all classes and groups. For more information and a current schedule of classes including its upcoming five-week workshop offering a practical of ancient yogic teachings: ‘Living Yoga: The Eternal Way,’ call 408.842.0208 or visit bluelotuscenter.org.
Dr. Preete Bhanot Ob / Gyn and Med-Spa • Coolsculpting • ThermiVa and ThermiSmoothing • Laser Hair Removal • Juvederm • Ultherapy • Botox Refresh and Rejuvenate Today!
Call For An Appointment 408-782-2515 • PreeteBhanotMD.com 18181 Butterfield Blvd., Ste. 125, Morgan Hill 1569 Lexann Ave., Ste. 220, San Jose
• Self - Defense • Confidence • Focus • Fitness
330 Digital Drive, Morgan Hill
Off of Butterfield between Main & Cochrane
$39.95 Includes Uniform
JANUARY 5, 2018
408.779.4364 www.UAMA.com
2 Week TaeKwonDo Intro Program
7
& CALENDAR OA
JANUARY 5, 2018
ARTISTIC PLATFORM
8
Join the Gilroy Center for the Arts as it presents “Still. I Rise.” This new art exhibition shines light upon incarcerated women by providing a platform for their voices to be heard through self-expression, healing, transformation and the inspiration to rise. Artists have been given an outlet to turn pain into beauty through art. Attend the exhibit reception Saturday, Jan. 13, noon-4:30pm followed by a Friendraiser, 6-8pm at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St, Gilroy. Experience the inspiring art exhibition Jan. 6-27, Tuesday-Friday, 2-5pm and Saturday 11am-2pm. For more information, visit gilroycenterforthearts.com.
GILROY HISTORIC TOUR Learn about the historic districts of Gilroy the
first Saturday of each month during Historic Walking Tours. Join members of the Gilroy Historical Society Saturday, Jan. 6 from 10am-noon for a free walking tour
of Monterey Street. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Meet at the Gilroy Historical Museum, 195 Fifth Street. For more information, call the Gilroy Museum at 408.846.0446. SELF-CARE SUNDAY All are welcome to gather together to practice and share self-care practices at Self Care Sunday. Participants will engage in heart felt discussions related to this month’s theme of mindfulness while creating a “beautiful moments jar” as described in the novel, “A Book That Takes Its Time.” Participants are invited to bring a snack or refreshment to share if they wish and, if possible, to also bring a washed, recycled
bottle for the “beautiful moments jar” activity. Practice mindfulness Sunday, Jan. 7, 1-4pm at 7460 Filice Dr. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y7qsoqz6. FREE MEDITATION Calm the mind, relax the body and open the heart at Blue Lotus Meditation & Yoga Center’s Free Meditation Classes. Experience the simple, ancient, time-tested meditation practice that has helped millions find innate peace and joy. Join the Free Meditation Class, Thursday Jan. 11, 6:30-8:30pm at Blue Lotus Meditation & Yoga Center, 8347 Church St. For more information, visit bluelotuscenter.org. BUNCO FUNDRAISER Enjoy
Learn about John Steinbeck’s works, the area’s rich history and more during Free Week at the National Steinbeck Center. Guests will be treated to free admission and a free activity each day including a “Women’s Work” quilt exhibit reception, movie screening of Cannery Row, Children’s Scavenger hunt with a chance to win items and more. Join the fun Friday, Jan 5-Monday, Jan 8 at The National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main St, Salinas. For information and a complete schedule, visit steinbeck.org.
FAMILY BINGO Bring the family to Family Fun Bingo Night to play, laugh, eat and win lots of prizes. Doors will open at 6pm with bingo
BOOK LAUNCH
Kick off a healthier 2018 at the Healing Intelligence (IQ ): Faith & Medicine: The Wellness Solution book launch event with Author Marilyn Hawke. Discover the ways an individual can stay healthier longer and bridge the chasm between belief and science, spirituality and medicine in a new way. Enjoy highlights from the book, refreshments, a Q&A, book signing, and more Saturday, Jan. 6, 3-6pm at BookSmart of Morgan Hill, 1295 E. Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill. Visit tinyurl.com/yd2pkzfa.
cards and daubers available for purchase and bingo games will begin at 6:30pm. Refreshments including pizza, drinks, snacks and desserts will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go toward current and future years’ funding of the Luigi Aprea Elementary School Kindergarten Yard Duty. Have some family fun Friday, Jan. 12, 6-7:30pm at the Luigi Aprea Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room, 9225 Calle Del Rey. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ybnv7x5q.
Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson with Create Your Spaces. January is National Organization Month; participants will learn how to get started organizing with a discussion on this method while enjoying wine and nibbles. Learn how various methods of organizing can benefit daily life and the lives of loved ones Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30-8pm at BookSmart of Morgan Hill, 1295 E. Dunne Ave. For more information, visit mybooksmart.indielite.org.
MORGAN HILL
SAN MARTIN
BOOK DISCUSSION Learn about the next home organizing craze at a discussion on The Gentle
WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM Join Sri Vallabha Maha Ganapathi Temple San Martin for weekly Abhishekam
to Sri Ayyappa Swamy during the Sri Ayyappa Swamy Mandalam auspicious period. Devotees are invited and welcome to participate and get blessings Sunday, Jan. 7, 4-6pm at Vaidica Vidhya Ganapathi Center, 11355 Monterey Highway. For more information, visit vvgc.org.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA WATERCOLORS EXHIBIT Visit Mission San Juan Bautista and view Nancy Burtch Hauk’s California Mission watercolors exhibit. The exhibit, “Loving Watercolor: Paintings of the California Missions by Nancy Burtch Hauk (1944➝ 10
JANUARY 5, 2018
a fun-filled evening of bunco and raising money for South County Tail Waggers’ medical fund. Attendees will enjoy a DJ playing awesome music and complimentary appetizers, dessert and refreshments. The event also features chances to win amazing raffle and silent auction items, including a three night stay in a gorgeous Napa home. Join the fun Friday, Jan 12, 5-9pm at Old CIty Hall Restaurant, 7400 Monterey Road. Tickets are limited, for more information or to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y7x2gqlv.
Marilyn Hawke
The National Steinbeck Center
FREE WEEK
9
OA & CALENDAR
9 to sign up for HomeIntel, a new free energy efficiency service from Home Energy Analytics that helps all PG&E and Silicon Valley Clean Energy customers save money on utility bills. Receive an online analysis of energy use based on smart meter data and custom recommendations to save money. The program is available for free to all Morgan Hill residents with more than 12 months of usage data and no solar panels. For more information or to start the Smart Audit, visit hi.hea.com/. JAZZ & GELATO Head to GVA Cafe for bumpin gelato, and even better jazz with Mike Sanchez Group. Enjoy original tunes filled with experience, emotion and respect for the standards. Hear new and fresh jazz music Saturday, Jan. 6, 7-10pm at Grinds Vines Automobilia Cafe, 17400 Monterey St, Morgan Hill. For more information, visit gvacafe.com.
GOLF CUP
Head to Gilroy Golf Course for the Two Man Scramble New Year Cup. Two-person teams will tee off, choose the best shot following every stroke and then play from that spot until holed out. $30 entry fee includes lunch, Closest to the Pin contest and Optional Team Skins tournament; golf and cart fee not included. Join the scramble Sunday, Jan. 7, 8-11am at Gilroy Golf Course, 2695 Hecker Pass Road, Gilroy. For information or to sign up, call 408.848.0490.
JANUARY 5, 2018
2016),” features watercolors and gouaches of Hauk’s favorite missions. Many paintings in this show are recent finds that have never before been exhibited. The exhibit is open through March 2018, MondaysSaturdays, 9:30am-4:45pm and Sundays, 10am-5pm at the Mission San Juan Bautista Museum, 406 Second St. For more information, call 831.238.5254.
10
EVENTS HACKJAMMERS SHOW Enjoy familiar rock, blues and funk cover tunes from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s with the HackJammers at their first show for 2018. This high energy quartet kicks off the new year with awesome drinks and party rock,
funk, and contemporary music. Get on the dancefloor Friday, Jan. 5, 7:30-10:30pm at 88 Keys Cafe, 1295 E. Dunne Ave, Suite 100, Morgan Hill. For more information, visit hackjammers.com. AC/DC TRIBUTE Fans of hard rock are encouraged to catch Bonfire at The District Theater. Bonfire is a high energy tribute to the music of early AC/DC from the Bon Scott early years to some of the more current Brian Johnson eras. Opening the show is local favorite, JJ Hawg. Rock out Friday, Jan. 5, 8-11:55pm at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey St, Gilroy. For more information, visit thedistricttheater.com. ENERGY AUDIT The City of Morgan Hill encourages residents
LEAF LIFTER Leaves are a major cause of local flooding. Leaves will fall, accumulate in the streets and clog up storm drain inlets, grates, and gutters. Neither City crews nor the street sweeper can effectively remove leaves throughout the entire City. Simply raking and removing leaves in the street and gutter can a big step is taken toward protecting homes and the neighborhood. The leaves removed today won't cause a flood tomorrow! Be a “Leaf Lifter” today! For tips, visit valleywater.org/ Services/FloodSafetyTips.aspx SURREALIST PAINTING Get surreal at the Paint with Dali17 monthly painting workshop. Participants are invited to uncork their creativity as experienced local artists Darls & Darls Fabrications lead stepby-step painting instruction. Tickets include canvas, painting supplies and museum admission. Unleash your inner Salvador Dali Saturday, Jan. 6, 4-6pm at Dali17 at the Museum of Monterey, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. Tickets sell out quickly and space is limited, call in advance to reserve a canvas, 831.372.2608.
For more information, visit dali17.com. WOMEN’S RETREAT Take a day to map out goals for the year at the New Year’s One Day Women’s Retreat. Participants will figure out daily practices to deepen passions, creativity and relationships and use a "LifeMap" to create a plan to follow. The retreat also features a yoga class, meditation, nutrition class, detox presentation and much more. Find fulfillment and bliss for the new year Saturday, Jan 13, 10am-4pm at The Healing Space, 503 Vineyard Blvd, Morgan Hill. For more information and to sign up, visit doloreskentyoga.com. INSPIRATIONAL CLASS Kick off 2018 with South County Lifelong Learning and be inspired to be your best self for the new year at the two-part interactive class The Spark That Lights the Flame. Session one features Debbie Vasquez and will focus on rediscovering the life participants want to live, strategies to overcome being stuck and to push to try new things. Session two features a panel of guests and will be an opportunity to hear from others who live a life of passion and purpose while having different passions, stories and adventures. Be inspired Wednesday, Jan. 17, 10am-noon at Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey St, Morgan Hill. For more information and tickets, visit bestself2018. brownpapertickets.com. MISSION 10 RACE Register now for the 35th annual Mission 10 Race, sponsored by Hollister Rotary Club. Participants of the Half Marathon, now TAC Distance Certified, will run through the scenic Anzar Hills and past Anzar Lake, and participants of the 5k race will compete for prizes for the top theme teams. WIth four different races, including a 1-mile kids fun run, there is something for everyone. All proceeds benefit local scholarships and charities. Join the 2018 Mission 10 Race Saturday, Jan. 27 at Mission Plaza, Second St, San Juan Bautista. Register now at mission10.racemine.com.
JANUARY 5, 2018
11
ON SENIORS
Perspective changes everything
ROCK OUT Daily life with seniors is anything but boring.
Never a dull moment with seniors
JANUARY 5, 2018
By CHERYL HUGUENOR
12
W
hen people hear that I work at Live Oak Adult Day Services, a day care center for the elderly, I usually get one of two reactions: “You must have the patience of a saint,” or “That must be a depressing job.” Sainthood doesn’t seem to be pending, but our days here are never depressing. We spend so much time laughing that it is impossible to feel depressed. We have a great group of seniors who spend time with us each day, some of whom have physical ailments from strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, and the like. Others are very physically healthy, but have dementia to some degree. We plan each day
for an organized, enriching and calming experience. However, the unexpected sometimes intervenes, and those with dementia frequently have no filter to prevent them from blurting out whatever is on their minds. For example, Penny greeted me recently saying, “Your hair looks fabulous today.” As I started to thank her, she added, “You combed it.” What can one do but laugh at such a comment? Penny is also the one who answered a trivia question. “What is missing from the famous statue of the Venus de Milo?” Her answer: “Her bra.” Then there was the day that all the staff was dancing with the seniors while a volunteer played the piano. Ninety-five year old Carl looked at each of our name tags and commented, “So
you’re all sisters?” A bit confused, I said, “We’re co-workers,” and looking thoroughly exasperated he said, “But the name tags say your last names are all ‘Staff.’” His son thought that was a riot when we told him about it later. We also had a getting-to-know-youbetter discussion one day where each senior was supposed to turn to the person next to him and ask a question. Most participants asked simple things, like favorite color. But Jim turned to Ellen and asked, “Why are you so fat?” Remember that comment above about having no filter? There is the perfect example. Everyone gasped, and Ellen was furious, yelling, “What did you say?” I recall the staff intervening to salvage the situation before it descended into a fight worthy of the wrestling federation, but we laugh about it now. We had a few interesting incidents with prosthetic devices, as well. Janie called one morning to say that she would not be able to attend the program that day. “My glass eye fell out and rolled away and we can’t find it.” I told her that, hands down, hers was the best excuse I have ever heard for missing a day here. Just recently during our sit-down exercise class, Artie was kicking his legs along with the teacher and the music, when suddenly his prosthetic leg came off and shot across the room. And I will never forget the day that Jack arrived, all excited that his dentures now fit perfectly. He had been complaining for weeks that they kept slipping and coming loose. We asked if the dentist had finally adjusted them correctly this time, and he told us that during the night the family dog had knocked over the glass holding his false teeth, then started gnawing on them. “I was so mad, but it was time to leave so I washed them off and put them in my mouth and now they’re just right.” And people ask me if it is depressing to work here. Unbelievable. Cheryl Huguenor is the program director at Live Oak Adult Day Services in Gilroy. For more information visit liveoakadultdaycare.org.
HOME & GARDEN
Garden myths contain more oxalic acid than rhubarb leaves. That’s why your teeth may feel funny after eating spinach. It’s oxalic acid crystals binding with any nearby calcium to create calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals stick to your teeth for several minutes to an hour.
Oxalic acid in nature
TOXINS AMONG US Certain plant leaves including rhubarb, cabbage, spinach and beet tops, contain oxalic acid.
Is eating rhubarb leaves deadly? By KATE RUSSELL
O
xalic acid—you’ve heard the warnings, telling how rhubarb leaves and other plant parts that contain oxalic acid should not be eaten. But that’s not entirely accurate. Let’s learn the truth about oxalic acid in the garden.
As an acid, oxalic acid is corrosive. It is used as an industrial bleaching agent and heavy duty cleaning product. Apparently, it works especially well on removing rust. Oxalic acid is also classified as nephrotoxin, which
Kate Russell is a UCCE Master Gardener in Santa Clara County. Find a table of oxalic acid levels common in foods here: http://bit. ly/2CnoAnm Learn more about the plants in your garden at the South County Teaching and Demo Garden, found at St. Louise Hospital, 9400 No Name Uno, in Gilroy. For more information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr. edu/events/ or call 408.282.3105.
JANUARY 5, 2018
The chemistry behind oxalic acid
means it can damage your kidneys. Oxalic acid, in the form of calcium oxalate, is the most common ingredient of kidney and urinary tract stones. Oxalic acid can also cause joint pain. At high concentrations, oxalic acid really is deadly. According to the National Institutes of Health, lethal doses range from 15 to 30 mg, though an oral dose of 5 mg has been fatal. In each of these cases, it is the amount of oxalic acid being ingested that is the problem. The levels found in many foods are too low to cause problems. Bottom line, a 150-pound person would need to eat approximately 12 pounds of rhubarb leaves for it to be dangerous. And spinach leaves
Oxalic acid is found in a surprising number of food plants that we eat every day. The trick is in the concentration. In fact, oxalates can be toxic to plants, too, but plants bind those oxalates up in crystals that they then use as tiny spears to defend themselves against herbivores. These specialized cells are called idioblasts. Oxalic acid is formed when plants burn sugars and carbohydrates as fuel. Oxalates are also used to balance calcium levels, within the plant, by binding to calcium molecules. This is why some people say eating high levels of oxalic acid can interfere with healthy bones and teeth, but, again, you would have to eat an awful lot—over a long period of time—to cause any real problems. By the way, our bodies produce oxalic acid out of Vitamin C, on purpose. Also, cooking plants that contain oxalic acid has not been shown to reduce oxalate levels. Armed with this information, I went out to my rhubarb plant and broke off a young leaf and ate it. The flavor was actually pretty nice, something akin to spinach, but lighter. And I lived to tell about it.
13
CENTURY 21 Showcase, REALTORS®
®
CalBRE #01879796
F EATURED A GENT
NEW PRICE
Open Sun 1-4pm
MOTIVATED SELLER ~ Best price & best views for 2Br/2.5Ba home. Spectacular views of San Benito hills. Kitchen w/newer appliances & dbl oven. Large family room. 721 Helen Drive, Hollister $426,900 Charlene King (831) 801-5464
Community Playground & Garden VISTA DEL MAR ~ Move-in ready studio w/new paint, flooring & kit appliances. Washer/dryer included. Covered patio. Dog friendly. Convenient to shopping & stores. Don’t Miss Out on this Great Opportunity! $255,000 Watsonville (831) 245-0321
Move-In Ready Investment Opportunity EASY LIVING ~ Lovely single-story endunit 2Br/2.5Ba townhome in Ridgemark Bluffs near the 16th hole w/golf course views. 2 masters, high ceilings, breakfast bar. Let This Home Be Yours! $469,900 Hollister (831) 245-0321
K ale Atencio
Mobile: (831) 297Ͳ2813
REALTOR® CalBRE #01370886
Full Impact Realtor
Kale was born & raised in Scotts Valley, California and moved to Hollister in 2002. She fell in love with Hollister for the beautiful mountains, the oldͲtown feeling and as a great place to raise kids. She started her real estate career as a loan officer in 1996 and enjoyed helping buyers so much she decided to get her real estate license in 2002. After obtaining her real estate license, Kale started working in Scotts Valley and Hollister. And has served the Association of Realtors on the Ethics Board for 2 years. Kale truly takes pleasure in assisting buyers & sellers with their life investments of home ownership. She listens, doesn’t push, makes sure they get the home that meets their requirements and sellers obtain the results they’re looking for. She is a real go getter!
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 12-3 & SUNDAY 1–4 772 HELEN DRIVE
Ridgemark Golf and Country Club. 1,675 S.F., 2 bdrm, 2 bath. Master bedroom bath updated. Enter through private courtyard, formal entry, high ceiling in living room/dining room features built in book shelves, unit was customized with extra storage tvhroughout, inside utility room. All appliances, paint and new flooring installed 5 years ago. Opens to private patio ideal for entertaining. Golf and tennis within minutes of your home. Clubhouse with full service restaurant and bar. Refrigerator, washer/dryer included with no warranty.
REDUCED: $445,000
Marilyn Ferreira 831.901.0161 Lic. BRE #00409787
F EATURED P ROPERTY NEW LISTING
Rockin’ In The New Year
JANUARY 5, 2018
Great Starter or Investment Opportunity DARLING ~ 3Br/2Ba w/fresh paint & ready for a new owner. Easy-care front & large backyard, fenced & private. Storage area at side of home for dog run, toys or gardening. Interested? Call for More Details! $250,000 Los Banos (831) 245-0321
14
Opportunity for Small Farming Business COUNTRY LIVING ~ Flat 12+ acre parcel with 2Br/1Ba 1108 sf home + small shed. Private well & in Williamson Act. Close to Hwy 152 & Gilroy. Great opportunity! Don’t Hesitate—Call Today! $650,000 Hollister (831) 245-0321
Open Sat & Sun 1-4pm Tammy Davis (831) 801-3179 Located on a spacious corner lot, this 3 bed/2.5 bath home is walking distance to schools & shopping. Bright kitchen with breakfast nook, gas stove, microware & built-in oven. Master bedroom & bath located downstairs, two additional bedrooms & full bath upstairs. Backyard is ideal for entertaining with built-in brick BBQ, covered patio, raised garden bed with seating & mature landscaping including a beautiful orange tree. Make 2018 your year to be a homeowner. 1111 Trieste Drive, Hollister Offered for $535,000
We are an award winning company offering superior service in each of our five locations! 330 Tres Pinos Road, Suite D1, Hollister (831) 245Ͳ0321 1544 Constitution Blvd, Salinas (831) 800Ͳ7341 496 Pearl Street, Monterey (831) 648Ͳ7271 237 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley (831) 438Ͳ8400 13117 Highway 9, Boulder Creek (831) 338Ͳ2125 or 338Ͳ2184
explore Art & Play in the Pre & K!
January 11, 9:30am
MountMadonnaSchool.org 408-847-2717 Pre/K - 12th grade
CAIS & WASC accredited | Nonsectarian | Bus Transportation Available | Founded in 1979
HOME & GARDEN HANDYMAN
LANDSCAPE & GARDEN
HAULING
Hauling, yard work tree & brush trimming, fence repair, vacant home & garage cleaning FREE ESTIMATES Ruben 408.310.0078
Humberto Montes Tree Services
South County Cleanup, Demo & Hauling
Pacheco Handyman & Gardening Services Valve repair, tree cutting, concrete, plumbing, drywall, demolition, roofing, cleanups, sod, window repair & stucco. Juan 408.665.2944
Adrian Urenda Gardening Service Complete Maintenance
• Hauling • Landscaping • Lawns • Yard clean-up • Aeration • Garden maint. 408.394.6824 Lic: #7921 Fully Insured
• Landscaping • Plants • Sod & seeding • Sprinklers • Hauling & yard • Lawns cleanups
Lic. #1397 Call 408.847.4337 Cell 408.314.5920
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
FENCES
Soares Lumber P.S.G. Fencing Redwood Fencing Chain Link • Decks Arbors • Hole Drilling 408.842.0260 831.726.2002 Lic. #606051
Unique Landscape and Gardening Services
CONCRETE
• Landscape maintenance • Lawn and sod installation • Sprinkler and irrigation systems • Tree & shrub trimming • Retaining walls, • Pavers & more...
J. Casalegno Concrete
A+ rated BBB company 35+ years experience • Driveways • Patios • Walkways • Stamped Concrete 408.279.8036
Please review and fax to: 408-842-3817
CONSTRUCTION
Rianda Construction - 30 years experience Quality • Integrity New construction Additions & remodels
408.847.1490 Lic: #649968 Credit cards accepted.
Pablo Martinez 408.612.2812
Lic# 381833 Bonded & Insured
APARTMENT FOR RENT
Bellagio Villas. 2 Bedroom apartments Starting at $1,995. Pool. Park like setting. Contemporary landscaping. 1129 Monte Bello Drive, Gilroy, CA 95020. Apply online: bellagiovillas.eprodesse.com 408.847.2328.
HOMES FOR RENT 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath $2,100 Nice big fenced yard. Near schools. Available NOW
HOME FOR SALE
3 Bed/2 Bath Gated Area
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath $2,300 Huge yard on corner lot. Available NOW
COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE
WITH EACH $25 GIFT CARD PURCHASED HURRY, OFFER ENDS JANUARY 31
600 sq. ft.
$800
STORAGE UNITS 127 sq. ft. to 790 sq. ft. Margaret L. Pidd, BROKER 339 Seventh St., Ste. B, Hollister
CALL 831.637.9273
www.professionalpropertymgt.com
FINISHED LOTS Land Sales Built-to-Suit For Sale or Lease Select Lots Have Airport Access Financing available airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802
60 4th Street cafe152breadco.com 408.767.2055
8401 Church Street cafe152burgerco.com 408.767.2868 JANUARY1,5, 2018 DECEMBER 2017
831.637.1691
831.637.4297
FREE $5 BONUS
$1,600
Professional Property Mgmt. & Sales
For more information, call
northpointebusinesscenter.com
RENTAL
2 Bed/1 Bath
HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES
3.5 Acres for Sale Lease or Build to Suit Industrial Shops For Lease
$485,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath $2,100 With RV parking. Available January 1st
Office Space, 200 Tres Pinos Rd All inclusive, tenant responsible for telephone and internet, good signage, front location, good parking, $850 + sec. dep. Contact Marilyn Ferreira BRE 00409787 831.635.6700
INDUSTRIAL LAND
23 15
OPEN
Open yourself‌
‌to explore a new adventure! Indulge your curiosity, master a new skill or enhance career growth. With hundreds of courses available, the opportunities are only limited by your imagination.
cies.sjsu.edu/OpenYou
Admission is Not Required Winter and Spring Terms Available