SVM1909

Page 1

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

MARCH 1, 2019

LAUGHS FOR LIFE Pintello Comedy Theater makes a habit of laughter P2

SPRING PASSPORT P10 | BLACK ROCK FALLS P13


All laughs for the

Pintello is all comedy, because no one needs more drama BY WALLACE BAINE

MARCH 1, 2019

M

2

aybe Tolstoy had it wrong with his famous comment that all happy families are alike. Sure, every happy family has its share of laughs. But the Pintellos of Gilroy have drawn on a reservoir of laughs that the rest of us can only envy. For the Pintellos, you might even say that humor is the family business. The title of the family’s namesake theater company—Pintello Comedy Theater—tells you all you need to know about their

orientation to performance art (and, frankly, their philosophy of life). Since 2003, the Pintellos have staged an astonishing 68 shows, every one of them a comedy. The theater’s guiding principle, credited to family matriarch Marion Pintello is “We only do comedy, because we all have enough drama in our lives.” Marion, her husband Rod, their adult children Whitney and Simon, and Whitney’s husband Charley Gilmore form the core of the all-volunteer theater company that mounts four shows a year at the Gilroy Grange Hall, including their

upcoming production Norm Foster’s play-within-a-play farce Opening Night. While most folks might gather the family around for an occasional evening of board games or movies, the Pintellos will regularly assemble in the living room with a bottle of wine and a few friends to read aloud from scripts. “We laugh all the time,” said Whitney Pintello. “My parents have always had a really youthful sense of humor,” she said of Rod and Marion, who are now in their seventies. “And they always let us in on the grown-up jokes since we were

young. I feel like we’ve all grown to be really in tune with each other.” The Pintellos have been a foundational family in the South Valley theater community going back more than 30 years. Rod and Marion each had a brother who was a professional actor, but they themselves chose theater only as an enjoyable sideline and a way to engage with the community. Rod Pintello, in fact, had zero experience in theater until the age of 36, in the early 1980s, when he volunteered to be part of the set crew of a local production of Jesus Christ Superstar. “I was a big fan of


FUNNY WAY Since 2003,

the Pintellos have staged an astonishing 68 shows, every one of them a comedy.

another theater group called Center Stage. But when Center Stage director Russ Hendrickson moved out of town, there were fewer opportunities for actors and directors interested in light comedies. The emphasis at SVCT was toward big splashy musicals, partly to maximize the number of people in the community who could be part of the cast. “If you couldn’t sing in a musical, or didn’t want to sing, you weren’t going to get cast in shows,” said Rod. Finally, the Pintellos decided to break away and do their own thing,

focus only on comedy, and take their chances. “My dad had put aside a little money in savings,” said Whitney, “enough to do one year. We decided, let’s just see if we like doing this. If we use up all the money at the end of the year, then we’ll say that was fun, and move on with our lives.” But the audiences did come, at least enough to raise the money to pay for the next show. That first show was called Holiday Snap, a witty mistaken-identity comedy. “Looking back on it now,” said Rod, “we can’t believe some of the stuff we did with duct tape and

extension cords. It was a real learning experience for us.” In its early incarnation, Pintello Comedy Theater was an itinerant troupe, performing wherever it could find an available stage. Then, the Pintellos discovered the Gilroy Community Grange, which was being used only sporadically by agricultural organizations and square-dancing groups. PCT had found its home. At the same time, Rod and Marion were slowly being drawn into larger community-theater circles, attending shows and festivals across North America ➝ 4

MARCH 1, 2019

that show, and I volunteered just for a chance to hear the music,” he said. To his surprise, he was persuaded to join the cast. At that point, Marion had had some experience as a director in her youth, and the couple decided to dive into the thriving subculture that supported Gilroy Community Theatre, which eventually became South Valley Civic Theatre. The Pintellos participated in productions, encouraged their daughter and son to perform in the children’s productions, even joined the theater company’s board of directors. They were also big players in

3


PINTELLO

3

MARCH 1, 2019

ACTING FAMILY Rod and Marion Pintello along with their daughter Whitney all have been drawn to theater on stage and behind the scenes.

4

and developing relationships with other producers and even notable playwrights. That includes celebrated and much-produced writer Norm Foster, often called “Canada’s Neil Simon.” The Pintellos have produced more than a dozen of Foster’s plays, and have often corresponded with him about prospective works they might produce. They have also nurtured a relationship with Jones Hope Wooten, a three-person playwriting team known for their Southern-themed humor, and have presented two of the trio’s plays as world premieres. “Sometimes, we’ll take a trip just because we want to see some small theater somewhere do a show we’ve done, or a show we’d like to see,” said Rod who has directed about a dozen of PCT’s shows (Marion and Whitney direct most of the shows). “Talking with other owners and producers, seeing what they’re interested in, hearing about their productions—that’s all a big part of what we do.” The focus is on maintaining a

flexibility of material. The Pintellos like to mix it up in their selection of material. A daffy farce one time, a witty elegant comedy the next. They’ve produced famous crowd-pleasers such as Simon’s The Odd Couple and the popular musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and next year, they plan on staging the immortal Little Shop of Horrors. But they are just as likely to take a chance on an unknown playwright, as long as they think the play is funny. “People will write to us,” said Whitney, “and (say) ‘I’m a new playwright. Would you consider my stuff?’ And we’re like, ‘Yes, absolutely!’” Most of their plays are family friendly, but they are not afraid of the risqué or the edgy. Perhaps their most ambitious production to date was the musical Avenue Q, an often salty comedy featuring puppets which ranks as one of the most popular draws on Broadway of the new millennium. But Pintello Comedy ➝ 6


&

OUT & ABOUT

WINE TIME

Kick off spring with a month of wine tasting along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail Mar. 1-31.

GILROY

MORGAN HILL

GILROY

SPRING PASSPORT

BLACK LIGHT PAINTING

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION

HISTORIC STORIES

Join the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley for an exciting month of wine tasting along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail during Spring Passport 2019. Throughout the month of March, meet talented winemakers and enjoy complimentary wine tasting, other surprises and special perks at the tasting rooms of more than 30 wineries along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail. Enjoy Spring Passport 2019 March 1-31. For individual winery hours, days of operation, tickets and a list of partnering restaurants, visit santaclarawines.com.

Paint a masterpiece with black lights and neon paints at Moya Art Gallery and Studio’s Black Light Paint Party. All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary to enjoy this unique event. Participants are invited to create a painting of their choosing freehand or to coordinate with the studio to have the picture pre sketched for them. Friday, Mar. 1, 6pm at Moya Art Gallery and Studio, 7516 Eigleberry St, Ste 100. For information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y4tgu7nk.

Visit Coe Park for Raincoats and Rubber Boots. Bring rain slickers and boots to play in the creek, float rubber ducks and boats and hike along the creek on a scavenger hunt to discover plants and animals that live there. Kids are encouraged to bring bikes and helmets to ride the obstacle course under supervision of experienced mountain bikers. Join the fun Saturday, Mar. 2, 10:30am-3pm at Henry W. Coe State Park, Hunting Hollow Entrance. Visit coepark.net.

Step back in time over a century at the Gilroy Library at Historical Family Stories from Santa Clara County and meet an early pioneer woman whose descendants still reside in Santa Clara County. Guests will enjoy a dramatic soliloquy by historian/actress Shay Azevedo in this special tribute to the stories of the early San Ysidro area. Saturday, Mar. 2, 11am-noon at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For more information, visit sccl.org.

MARCH 1, 2019

SANTA CLARA VALLEY

5


PINTELLO

4

Perfect for your mobile device. News | Events | Features

FREE

Subscribe on line at sanbenito.com morganhilltimes.com or sanbenito.com Subscribe before July 31 and automatically be entered to win 4 tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

BUILDING CONNECTION The Pintellos make an art of laughing at

MARCH 1, 2019

human foibles while at the same time connecting on a human level.

6

Theater is much more than a family affair. It has brought in more than 120 locals as performers and has built its own culture of actors, volunteers, audiences and other supporters. The theater’s roster of regular players is strong enough that the Pintellos never have to audition parts. They can mix and match from the actors that they know. Often, they’ll draw in locals who might have little to no experience in acting or even desire to perform. “We’re constantly auditioning people and they don’t even know it,” said Rod. “We’ll be at some function or some event, and we’ll nudge each other, ‘Listen to that person’s voice. Listen to how they tell a joke.’ Then, we’ll approach them, ‘Hey, you ever been to the theater?’” The only aspect of comedy that the Pintellos draw a bright red circle around is comedy that is vicious or mean-spirited. A lot of satirical comedy, especially in these Twitter-ized times, can draw blood. The Pintellos are unanimous in avoiding that brand of comedy. “That’s one thing we all agree on,” said Whitney. “We want every character to have some kind of appeal. If there’s a character, even a villain, that you don’t like, if you’re uncomfortable when that character

is on stage, you’ll have a tough time getting that to work.” “We’re happy to make fun of just about anything,” said Rod. “But we will not degrade anyone. We’ll never do anything mean-spirited on stage. That’s not what we do.” The Pintello family hopes that that spirit of bonhomie, of laughing at human foibles while at the same time connecting on a human level, spreads out from the script to the cast and even to the audience, which is after all made up of friends and neighbors. “It’s such a social event,” said Rod of his company’s productions. “We’ll have 120 people in the place and each one of them saw 30 other people that they have to take a moment to visit with. We feel like we’re inviting people into our living room and we want to make them feel welcome in just that way. It doesn’t really matter what the show is. If the show is excellent, hey, that’s just gravy.” For more information about Pintello Comedy Theater at 8191 Swanston Lane in Gilroy and its upcoming performances, including ‘Opening Night’ by Norm Foster running Mar.15-31, visit pintellocomedy.com.


Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino

Art & Play in the Pre & K!

YOUR BEST DEALS ARE NOW! FROM

319

$

AIR & ROOM PACKAGES

( INCLUDES ALL TAXES & FEES )

San Jose, CA to Laughlin, Nevada on the Banks of the Colorado River

MARCH 24 thru 28 Sunday–Thursday FOR RESERVATIONS

1.800.227.3849 RiversideResort.com

2/20/19 3:01 AM

Parents of toddler, preschool, and kindergarten age children are invited to come for a morning of activities and fun experiences with your child(ren) at the preschool/kindergarten. For information contact: benna.dimig@mountmadonnaschool.org or 408-846-4042

408-847-2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org

MARCH 1, 2019

*Prices are per person. Based on double occupancy. Single occupancy $50 additional charge. Includes roundtrip airfare, taxes, fees, ground transfers and hotel lodging at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino. Prices are subject to change, are not retroactive, and may not be available on certain departures or at time of booking due to limited space. Tickets are non-refundable. Must be 21 years of age or older. Change penalties apply. Scheduled air service provided by Sun Country Airlines.

SanJose.CA.RRsm.cmyk.MHGH&MS.indd 1

March 13, 9:30 am

7


O& A CALENDAR

COFFEE TASTING

MARCH 1, 2019

Heighten coffee tasting (also known as coffee cupping) skills and discover the art and science of coffee cupping with Kenz Coffee Roasters and Lion Ranch. Learn the basics of cupping, the intricate details of grading coffees on their multiple attributes and how to differentiate good coffee from bad coffee with tools used by coffee graders. Also enjoy coffee from Africa, Central America and South America. All participants will receive a pound of fresh roasted select Kenz Coffee. Sunday, Mar. 3, 9-11a, at Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery, 645 W. San Martin Ave, San Martin. Visit lionranch.com.

8

GILROY HISTORIC TOUR Learn about Gilroy’s historic districts the first Saturday of each month

during Historic Walking Tours. Join members of the Gilroy Historical Society Saturday, Mar. 2, 10am-noon for a free walking Women’s History Tour.

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Meet at the Gilroy Historical Museum, 195 Fifth S. For information, call the Gilroy Museum at 408.846.0446.

10am at Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Admission is free and the awards ceremony and music festival will begin at 3pm. For more information, visit gavilan.edu/music.

PIANO COMPETITION Gavilan College and the Filice Family present The 14th annual Marian Filice Piano Competition and Music Festival, showcasing piano students from fifth to 12th grades. Contestants will perform two contrasting pieces from the classical repertoire from memory. The competition consists of junior and senior divisions with nearly $2,000 in prize money awarded and honorable mentions recognized in each division. Sunday, Mar. 3,

READING BUDDIES Children in the first through fourth grades are invited to buddy up with a furry friend and practice reading aloud to a therapy animal at the Gilroy Library. Participants must sign up by calling or in person to guarantee a reading time slot. Drop-ins are allowed, but a furry friend may not be available without prior registration. Readers are asked to be on time as spots will only be held for five minutes before being given to another


HISTORIC FLIGHTS

Don’t miss the opportunity to recall the energy, passion and excitement of the Roaring ‘20s by flying aboard the Ford Tri-Motor airplane. Families are invited to visit and learn about this aircraft that marked the beginning of commercial flight. Viewing the aircraft is free; rides are available for a fee. Flights will run continuously throughout the day Thursday, Mar. 7, 2-5pm and Friday-Sunday, 9am-5pm daily at Watsonville Municipal Airport, 60 Aviation Way, Watsonville. For information and advanced tickets, visit eaa.org.

waiting reader. Thursday, Mar. 7, 7-8pm at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. Call 408.842.8207 or visit sccl.org.

SAN MARTIN ACOUSTIC TUNES Head to Clos LaChance for Tunes on the Terrace and enjoy the live classic rock, R&B and folk music of the P.S. Acoustic Duo. Attendees must be 21 and older. Sunday, Mar. 3, 1-4pm at Clos LaChance Wines, 1 Hummingbird Lane. Visit clos.com.

MORGAN HILL WILDFLOWER HIKE The 2019 Wildflower Season is here,

The four week Essentials of Novel Writing series will help aspiring authors get their novels on paper. Participants will discuss and write about strong scenes, powerful plotting, compelling character development and page turning tension throughout the four week course. Arrive ready to write with a laptop computer or notebook and pen. Tuesdays, Mar. 5-26, 6:30-8pm at Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey St, Morgan Hill. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/yypfklc3.

and Open Space Authority is presenting four free Coyote Ridge docent-led wildflower hikes to welcome it. This strenuous 7.5mile round trip hike gains 900 feet in elevation to the top of the ridge, where hikers will enjoy breathtaking views, stunning wildflowers and native wildlife. Bring at least one hiking pole, plenty of water, snacks or lunch, a hat that ties down and sturdy hiking shoes that provide ankle support. Due to a steep 2-mile hill climb, children under 12 will not be allowed on this hike. Saturdays, Mar. 2 and 9 and Sundays, Mar. 3 and 10, 9am-2pm daily at Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. Spaces are limited, registration

is required and directions will be provided upon registration. Visit openspaceauthority.org. GROWING TOMATOES Join UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County and learn to increase success in growing tomatoes. Learn about new tomato varieties on the market, which tomatoes work well in the local climate and how correct planting methods, pest control and irrigation can produce healthy, productive plants. Growing in containers will also be covered. Admission is free. Monday, Mar. 4, 7-8:30pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. Visit, sccl.org. ➝ 11

MARCH 1, 2019

TOUCHING COMEDY Enjoy Limelight Actors Theater’s winter comedy, The Velocity of Autumn. Watch as 80-year-old artist Alexandra barricades herself in her home with Molotov cocktails while in a showdown over where she’ll spend her remaining years, and is surprised by her estranged son who returns after 20 years. Guests are invited to bring their own dinner and wine to performances. The Velocity of Autumn runs through Saturday, Mar. 23 at Limelight Actors Theater, 7341

Monterey St. For information, showtimes and tickets, visit limelightactorstheater.com.

NOVEL WRITING

9


WINE

Passport temptations

MARCH 1, 2019

LOCAL TRAVEL Wineries of Santa Calra Valley Spring Passport 2019 includes 25 wineries and 14 restaurants in one great month.

10

Santa Clara Valley celebrates spring with wines By LAURA NESS

T

he weather may feel a season away from Spring, but come Mar. 1, the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley begin their month-long Spring Passport event with a kick off celebration at the Coyote Creek Golf Club, beginning at 6:30pm. For the first time, guests can opt for a VIP ticket that gets them early entry, at 6pm, to enjoy food from 14 local restaurants and reserve tastings from 20 of the 25 wineries who will be pouring, along with live music on the patio. VIP tickets to the kick off, plus

passport, are $100 each, while general admission plus passport, costs $75. Passports alone cost $50, and are good for the entire month of March. Purchase before Mar. 1 and you might win a night stay for two at the gorgeous Rosewood CordeValle resort. According to Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, 2019 is starting off on a high note, with local wineries taking home 3 Double Gold Medals, 10 Gold Medals and 47 Silver Medals at the SF Chronicle Competition, many of which will be shared at the kickoff party.

Thirty-two wineries will participate in Spring Passport, from Saturday, Mar. 2-Mar. 31. Guests can expect three one-ounce pours, meet talented winemakers and get a personalized peak into the world of winemaking. Many wineries will have food and entertainment, and pour special or library wines. Geoff Mace, Owner of Calerrain Wines and President of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, observes, “We’re very excited to welcome back the crowds that purchase Passports year after year, as well as those that are discovering the 32 wineries right here in their back yard. We are seeing a huge influx of new guests who would like to stay the weekend, which is why we’ve partnered with so many lodging establishments. It’s great to see visitors enjoying the beauty of the area and the diversity of the wines, and building personal relationships with the wineries and winemakers. The Santa Clara Valley AVA is home to so many award winning wineries, and we love to show them off as much as possible.” In addition to maps and winery listings, the Passport booklet contains a wealth of information on over 30 Passport Partners, including local restaurants, bakeries, wine bars, massage salons, hotels and transportation businesses, all offering special discounts exclusively to Passport holders throughout the month—a $350 value. Passports are good for one visit per winery or Passport Partner during the month of March. New this year to the Passport program are Verde Vineyards, across from Satori Cellars, and Tank House Winery, off of Harding Ave., which opens Mar. 2. Also new, the House on Fifth Street and Cottage Creek Vineyards will both be offering a 10 percent discount on a two-day stay. Tickets can be purchased online at springpassport2019.eventbrite.com, at any of the wineries or the Visit Gilroy Welcome Center.


O& A CALENDAR

9

Monday through Friday, Mar. 4-8, 11:30am-5pm departing from various locations in Morgan Hill. Four person minimum required per tour, and attendees must be 21 or older with photo ID. Spring Passport holders will enjoy 50 percent off per person. For tickets, departure/return locations and more information, visit californiapassporttours.com. SAFE SPACE LGBTQ+ youth and young adults are invited to join Morgan Hill’s drop-in Safe Space group at the Morgan Hill Library. Safe Space is open to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning and ally youth and young adults ages 13-25, and is a place where attendees can be themselves, participate in discussions, find community, play games and have fun. Every first and third Tuesday of the month, 4-6pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave, Morgan Hill. For information, visit youthspace.org.

SYMPHONY CONCERT

South Valley Symphony and Maestro Anthony Quartuccio invite music lovers to join the Symphony’s Glittering 45th Concert Year by celebrating young musicians at the youth concert, “NextGen 2019.” The winner of the 2018 Navaroli Young Artists Solo Competition will guest solo on violin at this performance and selections will be performed from Alexander Glazunov and Gustav Holst. Experience this stunning program Saturday, March 9, 7:30pm at Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa, Gilroy. For tickets and information, visit southvalleysymphony.org.

EVENTS

WINE TOUR Journey to four wineries for Italian-inspired wines at Taste of Italy on Santa Clara Wine Trail. Enjoy Italianstyle wines, an authentic Sicilian picnic lunch and transportation on this five-hour wine tasting tour. Tours are available daily

SENIOR FRAUD PREVENTION Join County Supervisor Mike Wasserman for a Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar led by experts from the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations. Learn about the various insurance fraud schemes impacting Santa Clara County, how to avoid being a victim and how to detect and report fraud. This free, informative seminar is open to all and will cover elder fraud, auto insurance and workers’ compensation

TRASH BASH Help clean up illegally dumped trash and litter in San Martin and local waterways at the San Martin Trash Bash. Cleanup supplies and safety gear will be provided, along with a complimentary lunch for volunteers at noon. Registration is open to volunteers age 16 and older; liability waivers must be signed by all volunteers or legal guardians. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Event will occur rain or shine. Join the Trash Bash Saturday, March 16, 8:30am-12:30pm at the Sig Sanchez Government Center, 80 W. Highland Ave, San Martin. Visit tinyurl.com/y9vnm59u. BACH TO BLUES Enjoy regional talent at Bach to Blues 2018, the annual Gavilan College faculty concert with special guests. This fundraising concert showcases regional talent with performing artists including the winner of the Marian Filice Youth Piano Competition, Gavilan Performance Ensemble and guest artists. Don’t miss this year’s guest performers, Super Soul Brothers. All proceeds benefit the Gavilan College Music Program. Bach to Blues 2018 will be held Saturday, March 16, 7pm at the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy. For more information, visit gavilan.edu/bachtoblues. BRIDGE LESSONS Sharpen bridge playing skills at Intermediate Bridge Lessons in Gilroy. Six instructional sessions featuring lecture, pre-dealt practice hands and handouts will be featured. Thursdays through Apr. 4, 2:30-4pm at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7871 Hanna St, Gilroy. To register, call accredited bridge instructor Patty Stone, 408.981.1043 or 408.846.2952, or email patty.stone@charter.net.

MARCH 1, 2019

BLACK HISTORY Join the Gilroy Center for the Arts for the final days of the fifth annual Black History Month Exhibit. See the featured art of black folk artists, collage artists, photographers, sculptors and more through Mar. 3 at Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St, Gilroy.

Admission to the gallery and receptions are always free. Visit gilroycenterforthearts.com.

MEAL PLANNING Learn tips for planning healthy meals that also taste great at the free Nutrition Workshop Series presented by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department at the Gilroy Library. The first class in this series, “Planning Healthy Meals,” covers the benefits of meal planning including ways to overcome common challenges and how meal planning can help save time and money. Wednesday, Mar. 6, 6-7:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St, Gilroy. Visit sccl.org.

insurance fraud. Thursday, Mar. 14, 10:05am-11:05am at Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St, Gilroy. For more information, call 408.299.5010.

11


Showcasing 132 premieres from 56 countries & 75 celebrations of art and technology.

MARCH 1, 2019

"It’s the perfect festival in a glorious place." –Neil Gaiman (Good Omen)

12

March 5 - 17, 2019 · San Jose - Redwood City · www.cinequest.org


GETTING OUT

Elegant Waters

Ron Erskine

CASCADE The creeks at Uvas Canyon County Park descend with a

n artistry that adds another dimension to nature’s concerto.

Life pulses in Uvas Canyon County Park

of our hills, and as the creeks tumble toward the valleys, they bring the most beautiful music, especially to ears parched by a tedious Saharan summer. So far this winter, a fairly wet winter has brought us the welcome sound of splashing water beside nearly any water course. But the creeks at Uvas Canyon County Park descend with an artistry that adds another dimension to the concert. Uvas Canyon County Park is not the best park for a long hike, but for a short stroll past waterfalls and streams splashing over moss-covered

MARCH 1, 2019

By RON ERSKINE

W

e live in one of the few regions on our planet with a Mediterranean climate— dry summers and wet winters. We can count on the dry summers, but more and more, fickle winters haven’t always delivered their half of the bargain. When the rains do come, the pulse of life returns to our landscape. After a long dry summer, the sound of falling rain and the greening of our hills lift our hearts and spirits. The rains gather in the creases

stones, it is unequalled. The Waterfall Loop Trail is only a mile long, but whether you bring a camera or not, continuous Kodak moments will slow your walk. Steps from the trailhead, just above the first bridge across Swanson Creek, a lovely little cascade gives you a taste of what lies ahead. Up the trail, past white alder, thimbleberry, and a variety of ferns, the trail crosses the creek once again. Where the trail divides, take the footpath that descends to the creekside. That’s where the action is. While larger falls lie ahead, this stretch of the creek traces a path through the rocky creekbed with an intimate artistry. Above yet another bridge, the headline acts step forward. Upper Falls makes a fine plunge into a pool on the main path of Swanson Creek, but the two rock stars, Basin Falls and Black Rock Falls, are hidden just steps up separate creek forks across the road. Basin Falls makes a picturesque two-step drop past moss-covered rocks and fern fronds, then veers right for a final tumble into a pool for a brief rest. If waterfalls are measured by vertical drop alone, Black Rock Falls is the champ. A sign marks the side trail up a creek fork to a narrow viewpoint. While it can’t compete with the jaw-dropping attractions in Yosemite, Black Rock Falls, just moments from home, doesn’t disappoint. Storms in February 2017 damaged Croy Road and closed Uvas Canyon County Park for more than a year. Since the park reopened, Santa Clara County Parks has instituted a reservation-only policy for day-use activities on weekends and holidays. If you show up without a reservation, you will be turned away. You can make reservations by phone at 1 (408) 355-2201 or online at gooutsideandplay.org. Spring won’t last forever. When July and August return and the creeks grow silent, we will long for the music playing now on Swanson Creek.

13


Showcase, REALTORS® Featured Agent

NEW LISTING

Open Sun Noon-3pm MUCH TO OFFER ~ Great, well cared for 3Br/2Ba in Vintage Estates. Living/dining room w/high ceilings & newer flooring. Kitchen w/ breakfast bar & nook open to family room w/FP. 521 Arbour Lane, Hollister $549,999 Monica Weltz (831) 801-0592 NEW LISTING

Imagine the Lifestyle STUNNING ~ 4Br/3.5Ba + den w/all you could want! 1/2 acre fully landscaped w/solar heated pool & spa. Glam updated kitchen, FR w/FP & wet bar, master suite w/FP, living & dining rooms. Call Today for an Exclusive Showing! $979,000 Hollister (831) 245-0321

A na Milenewicz

Mobile: (831) 595Ͳ2036 REALTOR® DRE #01366850

Seeing Dreams Come True... I started a career in Real Estate so I could help people make their dreams of owning a home come true. Owning your own home is one of everyone’s biggest dreams! And I get enjoyment out of seeing dreams come true. I have been working in Real Estate since 2003, making deals throughout California. I like working with sellers because they are moving on to another adventure in their future of home buying – either upgrading or downͲ sizing. I like working with buyers because I like to see their reactions to the houses we look at. I also like the fulfillment of making their dream of owning a home come true.

1930 BUENA VISTA ROAD COUNTRY LIVING, CITY CONVENIENCE Charming 1930 built home with 3/2 on 2.3 level acres with covered front porch.

Over 3900 sqft barn with 4-13x7 stalls, storage area, tack room, permitted 1/2 bath and attached shop will make you say buy me! Extensive updating includes electrical, plumbing, kitchen, and baths. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Lots of built in cabinetry. Living room has a fireplace insert and the interior ceiling heights are 9 ft. Note the crown molding. Hall bath has custom vanity and stall shower. Master suite has jetted tub & stall shower & french doors open to back deck. Kitchen- 5 burner cook top, free standing marble island,granite square counter tops, self cleaning oven, microwave, stainless steel refrigerator. Off kitchen is office or a breakfast nook which opens to deck. 2028 sqft basement with wine room & laundry located in basement. Water heater is electric, dryer propane. Detached garage features lots of storage. Zoning is Rural Res.(agricultural) great potential.

Asking: $899,800

Visit the Virtul Tour https://www.tourfactory.com/idxr2113845

The most important thing I do for my clients is making myself available at all times – 7 days a week – morning, afternoon and evening. Open Sat 1-4pm FAIRVIEW MANOR ~ Nice, clean 3Br/2Ba— only 11 years old! Spacious living room open to eat-in kitchen w/granite & S/S appliances. Master w/walk-in & bath w/oversized tub & sep shower. 2900 Fairview Road #29, Hollister $185,000 Theresa Myers (408) 607-6011

Featured Property NEW LISTING

NEW PRICE

Hollister Jewel Open Sun 1-4pm FABULOUS ~ 4Br/2.5Ba w/many custom features inside & out! Living room w/high ceilings, open kitchen/family room w/fireplace. Room for RV or possibility of addl living unit. 500 Chardonnay Way, Hollister $618,800 Charlene King (831) 801-5464

MARCH 1, 2019

NEW LISTING

14

Open Sat Noon-3pm SO MUCH TO OFFER ~ Beautiful 3Br/2.5Ba featuring upgraded tile floors, kit w/island, maple cabinets, granite & S/S. Spacious bedrooms. Master suite w/walk-in. Low maintenance yard. 152 Heartland Drive, Hollister $524,700 Ana Milenewicz (831) 595-2036

Open Sat & Sun 1-4 Jose Vargas (831) 524-1559 Ideal home for large families. Home has four bedrooms , 2 baths with large 5th bedroom or den potential. Drought tolerant, low maintenance yards with drip system. Solar system for low cost electricity. Home has tile and wood floors throughout. Open concept family room, dining area and kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Master suite retreat. Beautifully paved backyard with firepit ideal for barbeques. Close to movies, school and shopping. ¡Habló Español!

1260 Meridian Street, Hollister Offered for $544,900

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 534 Abrego Street, Monterey (831) 648Ͳ7271 237 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley (831) 438Ͳ8400 13117 Highway 9, Boulder Creek (831) 338Ͳ2125 or 338Ͳ2184

Full Service Broker Do Not Over Pay for Brokerage! 25 Years of Sales Experience

Daniel J. Furtado Broker

Cal BRE: 01131718 • NMLS: 330315


REAL ESTATE APARTMENT/ CONDO RENTALS

BELLAGIO VILLAS 2 Bedroom apartments starting at $2095. Pool. Park like setting Contemporary landscaping. 1129 Monte Bello Drive, Gilroy, CA 95020. Apply online: bellagiovillas.eprodesse.com 408.847.2328

HOME RENTALS

FINISHED LOTS

HOLLISTER HOME RENTALS

$1,850 Month/$2,350 Deposit Duplex in San Juan Bautista 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Available March 26,2019

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

$2,950 Month/$3,450 Deposit Beautiful house on corner lot in Gilroy. 4 Bedroom 2 Bath. Hardwood/Granite

HOLLISTER-RENTAL-PROPERTIES.COM

EXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITES 200 Tres Pinos Road Excellent Location/Good Parking 2 units available starting at $525 to $725

2/1

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

$1,700 $2,500 $1,550 $2,100 $2,250 $2,500 $2,600 $2,800 $2,600 $2,600

airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802

PAICINES DUPLEX

$1,250

HOLLISTER INDUSTRIAL LAND

OFFICE SPACES AVAILABLE

Call Marilyn Ferreira 831-901-0161 Hollister Rental Properties BRE# 00409787

2 Executive Suites

in Adam Square Business Complex 330 Tres Pinos Road $350-$450/Month

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

northpointebusinesscenter.com

831.637.4297

330 Tres Pinos Rd. Ste. B-1

831.637.7337

HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES For more information, call

831.637.1691

Put Your Real Estate Marketing in the

Right Hands Online • Print • Email Call us for the marketing expertise you deserve!

CONCRETE

FENCES

HAULING

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

J. Casalegno Concrete

Soares Lumber P.S.G. Fencing

South County Cleanup, Demo & Hauling

Humberto Montes Tree Services

A+ rated BBB company 35+ years experience • Driveways • Patios • Walkways • Stamped Concrete

ALWAYS CONSULT A REALTOR

Redwood Fencing Chain Link • Decks Arbors • Hole Drilling

408.279.8036

408.842.0260 831.726.2002

CONSTRUCTION

HANDYMAN

Rianda Construction

Hauling, yard work tree & brush trimming, fence repair, vacant home & garage cleaning FREE ESTIMATES Ruben 408.310.0078

- 35 years experience -

Quality • Integrity New construction Additions & remodels

408.847.1490 Lic: #649968 Credit cards accepted

Lic. #606051

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

Publish

Your Business or Service Ad Here For more information Contact 408.842.5066 or email

classifieds@

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

408.394.6824

Lic: #7921 Fully Insured

Adrian Urenda Gardening Service

Complete Maintenance • Landscaping • Sod & seeding • Hauling & yard cleanups • Plants • Sprinklers • Lawns Lic. #1397

Call 408.847.4337 Cell 408.314.5920

MARCH 1, 2019

WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME

Lic# 429006

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

Lic# 381833 Bonded & Insured

408.842.6400

www.pivetticompany.com

15


Modern Medicine, Compassionate Care

GET BACK INTO THE SWING OF LIFE!

Managing Hip & Knee Pain from Arthritis FEATURED SPEAKER:

ALLEN GUSTAFSON, M.D.

Thursday, March 21st 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

San Juan Oaks Golf Club 3825 Union Road - Hollister

Join us for a comprehensive seminar with interactive displays and information from HHH Orthopedic Surgeons, HHH Surgery Staff, San Benito Home Health Care, Hollister Orthopedic Specialty Center Staff, Physical Therapists, and Patient Education Specialists.

Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.

Reservations are required, please call (831) 636-2644.

SPACE IS LIMITED Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital ▪ 911 Sunset Drive, Hollister ▪ (831) 637-5711 ▪ hazelhawkins.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.