SVM1932

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

AUGUST 9, 2019

HARD HITTERS A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

Local women describe derby experience P6

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P8 | GARDENING P13 | REAL ESTATE P19

Locals enjoy savings on admission this summer Evenings by the Bay Make Saturday nights special this summer with live music and amazing food. Locals pay only $25 per adult and $15 per child after 6 p.m.

Summer Sundays Spend your Sunday afternoons with us. Locals are invited to arrive after 2 p.m. to save $10 on each general admission.

Remember to park in the Downtown East Garage (340 Tyler Street, Monterey) and hop aboard the MST trolley for a fast, fun and free ride to the Aquarium!

For more information, visit

AUGUST 9, 2019

MontereyBayAquarium.org/Locals

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2019 SOUTH VALLEY

FOOTBALL PREVIEW SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

A full breakdown & preview of local high schools and Gavilan College football teams.

Showcasing schedules, great stories and fun photos. Find out what to expect this season!

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AUGUST 9, 2019

PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 23, 2019

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Lucy Stars and Smashin Meesha are two Gilroy women who lace up their roller skates and hit the rink on a frequent basis, bobbing and weaving their way through other skaters intent on bringing them down.

The pair is probably better known as Kimberly Merrill (pictured on the cover) and Lisa Wharton, two players on the Monterey Bay Derby

Dames, which competes statewide in a roller derby league.

Kimberly Ewertz tracked down the two women in this week’s cover story (page 6), diving into their derby beginnings and their thoughts on the importance of the more than eight-decade-old sport.

ERIK CHALHOUB

Editor, South Valley

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AUGUST 9, 2019

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Cover Story

Sean George

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Calendar

12 Wine 13 Gardening 14 Wildfire

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Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

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O& A

OUT & ABOUT

COMMUNITY RODEO

Traditional Rodeo and Ranch events for the whole family return to Gilroy Aug. 9-11.

SAN MARTIN

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

MORGAN HILL

TRADITIONAL RODEO

OFP WINE GALA

ANTIQUE FAIR

BIG BAND BENEFIT

The 2019 Gilroy Rodeo celebrates the Western heritage and lifestyle that runs deep in Santa Clara County while giving back to the community. Attendees can enjoy a mix of traditional rodeo and ranch events that are sure to get a little Western, along with junior and peewee events.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and guests over age 21 can purchase alcoholic beverages.

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 9-11 at Gilroy Rodeo Arena, 2365 Dunlap Ave. For information, visit gilroyrodeo.com.

Operation Freedom Paws will host an evening of wine, dinner and live music at the Paws with Patriots Wine Gala. The event will include dinner, wine, auctions, live music and a special guest, KBAY’s Jona Denz-Hamilton. Seating is limited, and proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Operation Freedom Paws.

Saturday, Aug. 10, 5-10pm at the OFP Canine Education Center, 13920 Llagas Ave. For information or tickets, visit operationfreedompaws.org.

The 55th annual San Juan Bautista Antique and Collectibles Fair will feature vendors, non-profit booths, an antiques appraiser, food booths and music. Attendees can shop for bonafide antiques, collectibles, memorabilia and nostalgia (items produced prior to 1975), with all proceeds going toward the Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista’s community grants, projects and more. Sunday, Aug. 11, 8am-4pm in downtown San Juan Bautista.

For information, visit rotarysanjuanbautista.com.

Steve Chambers and the South Bay Swing Band perform upbeat rhythms from Great Gatsby to Neo Swing at “A Century of Swing!” dinner dance benefiting South Valley Symphony. The event will feature a catered steak and salmon dinner, as well as a cocktail hour, live and silent auctions, dancing under the stars and more. Sunday, Aug. 11, 4-9pm at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave. For information and tickets, visit southvalleysymphony.org.

AUGUST 9, 2019

GILROY

3 5

AUGUST 9, 2019

6

FAST PACE The Monterey Bay Derby Dames is a nonprofit roller derby league featuring skaters from Monterey County and surrounding areas.

Gilroy women compete in roller derby league PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBIN G. DODD

en players, two teams of five, roll onto the track geared up and ready for battle. Each takes their position, blockers in front, the jammer directly behind them. The starting whistle sounds and the blockers attack, pushing and shoving the opposing team, protecting their jammer at all costs as she bobs and weaves her way around the track racking up points with every blocker she passes.

This is the fast-paced competitive world of roller derby.

Since its inception in the 1930s, roller derby’s popularity has had its highs and lows, yet almost 90 years later, it remains a top choice for many athletes, especially women athletes.

According to the latest Women’s Flat Track Derby Association statistics (WFTDA), 450 flat track derby leagues exist worldwide. Its popularity is so widespread that the sport is ➝ 10 AUGUST 9, 2019

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O& A CALENDAR

Robert Eliason

COOL CARS

AUGUST 9, 2019

The 2019 Garlic City Car Show has arrived. The event begins during the Friday Night Show & Shine, Aug. 16, 5:30-7:30pm at Gilroy Gardens, followed by Saturday’s free car show featuring muscle cars, dwarf class racing cars, antique tractors and more. The show also features raffles, food, three stages of live music featuring local bands and more. Saturday, Aug. 17, 10am-6pm in Downtown Gilroy. My Classic Car with Dennis Gage will be filming at both events.

For information and Show & Shine tickets, visit gilroy.org/garliccitycarshow.

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GILROY COLOR RUN Cruisin for the Cure’s colorful community event will raise awareness of

cancer research. Attendees will run or walk while being doused in different colored powder representing color cancer awareness ribbons. Monies raised

through registration fees and donations will benefit Cancer Research Institute. Saturday, Aug. 10, 9am-noon at Gilroy Sports Complex, 5925 Monterey Frontage Road. For information, visit cruisinforthecure.com.

succulents and more at this free event and support local small businesses. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2-8pm at The Stomping Ground, 6500 Brem Lane. For information and to RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/ yxvdctpb.

CRAFT FAIR The Stomping Ground will host the Makers Market, a new take on an open air marketplace. This monthly craft fair series features wine tasting, food, live music, dancing and a curated marketplace of local handcrafted goods. Attendees can shop for jewelry, handbags, ceramics, glassware, soaps,

MOONLIGHT PADDLE The public is invited to discover the natural and cultural history of Coyote Lake on a paddle tour of the reservoir. This event is limited to experienced paddlers only and will not include instruction; equipment will not be provided.

Attendees are asked to bring their kayak or canoe, lifejacket and two

HARVEST FEST

Guglielmo Winery invites all families to come and celebrate the harvest with the Guglielmo Family. The 28th annual Harvest Festival will feature games, wine, dinner and dancing to live rock and soul music by The Houserockers. Guests will also enjoy a grape stomp, raffle and more. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2:30-9:30pm at 1480 E. Main Ave., Morgan Hill. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the winery. For information, visit guglielmowinery.com.

glow sticks per person. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 7:30-10pm at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 10840 Coyote Reservoir Road.

Meet at the launch ramp. For information, call 408.355.2240.

WINERY YOGA Clos LaChance, a certified, sustainable wine grower, will host outdoor yoga at its vineyards. Participants will breathe and open, gently stretch and unwind, move through flow and twists and become grounded

MORGAN HILL OUTDOOR STORIES Story Time with a Park Ranger will explore nature through short stories, adventures and activities.

Attendees are advised to dress for

Open Space Explorers is a free multi-day event inviting children ages 5-12 to learn about nature. Each day features a different theme and attendees may join all three days or any combination thereof. Attendees are advised to bring water, sun protection, hiking shoes and snacks. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wednesday, Aug. 14-Friday, Aug. 16, 10am-1pm each day, at Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Road, Morgan Hill. For information, visit openspaceauthority.org.

an easy hike and craft project. All ages are welcome. Saturday, Aug. 10, 10-11:30am at Anderson Lake County Park, 19245 Malaguerra Ave; meet at the visitor center at the end of Malaguerra Avenue. For information, call 408.918.7980.

WATSONVILLE SURVIVAL WALK The “Survive in a Knapsack” walk at Mount Madonna will teach hikers what to do should they ever be lost in the wild. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable hiking gear

and bring along water and snacks Saturday, Aug. 10, 1-4pm at Mount Madonna County Park’s Hilltop Group Area, 7850 Pole Line Road. For information, call 408.842.2341.

HOLLISTER COOKING DEMONSTRATION Becky Herbert of Farmhouse Cafe will help participants prepare a meal for four at an Interactive Cooking Lab cooking demonstration. Participants will make and take home a pasta ➝ 11

AUGUST 9, 2019

SAN MARTIN

in balance and rest. After yoga, head to the tasting room and try reserve wines. Dress for the outdoors and bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Sunday, Aug. 11, 9:30-10:30am at Clos LaChance, 1 Hummingbird Lane. For information, visit clos.com.

NATURE EXPLORERS

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WHEELED WARRIORS

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AUGUST 9, 2019

COMPETITIVE SPORT Roller derby remains a top choice for women athletes.

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under consideration for the 2020 Olympics.

Gilroy’s own WFTDA members, Lisa Wharton, 37, and Kimberly Merrill, 42, better known on the track as Smashin Meesha and Lucy Stars, entered that world more than nine years ago, and currently skate for the Monterey Bay Derby Dames, whose mission is “to strive to inspire, empower and motivate girls and women to be strong and confident in following their dreams.

MBDD is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, hard work, perseverance and respect for diversity and personal development.”

In 2010, Wharton, now a mother of four and substitute teacher, had played competitive sports growing up, and was feeling something was missing in her life.

“I didn’t have anything for me,” Wharton said, adding, “I tried cake decorating but then I would just eat all the cake, so that didn’t work.”

After checking out a local roller derby team, Wharton was hooked.

“I went home and I told my husband, ‘I’m going to do this,’” she said. “I just knew from that practice that it was going to be for me because I grew up playing sports. I did basketball and softball and volleyball; I even did golf. I wanted that again, the competitiveness and just being on a team again.”

Merrill, also a mother of four, and pursuing a career in cosmetology, was never active in sports growing up due to her weight. Nine years ago she successfully lost 100 pounds and began searching for a sport to help maintain her new look.

“I did fencing for a little while, I did running for a while, and I was looking for something else to do,” Merrill said. “I wanted something athletic and something fun.”

Roller derby provided her exactly what she was looking for.

“It is the most intense workout I have ever done in my entire life, and our bodies get conditioned to it,” Merrill said, adding that a former teammate boasted

having burned 1,200 calories in one session.

Derby also allowed Merrill to utilize an attribute she always knew she had: her strength.

“I liked being fearless, but it has definitely increased 150 percent since joining derby,” she said. “I think once you face so many fears with derby, whether it be socially or physically, you just feel like you can almost do anything.”

As for Wharton, she considers derby the most empowering sport she’s ever played. The supportive environment on the track, and in the stands, is an added bonus.

“To be on roller derby and be around so many women that support each other and seeing the husbands’ and the partners’ support, it’s great, I love that environment,” Wharton said. “I love when my husband is there with my kids, and he has my daughter on his shoulders and she’s like, ‘Go mommy!’

That’s fun.”

Whether on the track or off,

roller derby continually inspires these women to be their best.

“I love it and I enjoy it and it makes me better, and my family sees that and my friends see that, and it just really pushes me to go out of my comfort zone physically and even socially,” Wharton said, adding she also feels it’s setting a good example for her children.

“It’s OK to take time for yourself and it’s important.”

The positivity Merrill’s experienced through her participation in roller derby has influenced her general outlook on life.

“Don’t take life so seriously that you wake up one day wishing you’d have done this, that or the other thing,” Merrill said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, as cliché as it sounds, so take the opportunity and just try, just take that first baby step.”

To see Lucy Stars and Smashin Meesha in action, or to find out more about the Monterey Derby Dames, visit montereybayderbydames.org.

O& A CALENDAR

9 heard Earth, Wind and Fire’s hits for the first time. Friday, Aug. 9, 8-11:55pm at the District Theater, 7430 Monterey St, Gilroy. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/y473pp4l.

VINES & VIBES Guglielmo Winery presents its summer concert series, Vines & Vibes.

Attendees are invited to bring a picnic dinner or purchase a meal onsite and relax while enjoying a bottle or glass of Guglielmo’s award-winning wine. Area bands will perform throughout the series.

Attendees must be 21 or over, and no outside alcohol is permitted.

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6-9pm at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave, Morgan Hill. For information, visit guglielmowinery.com.

CIGARS ON DECK

Solis Winery invites all cigar aficionados and wine enthusiasts to Cigars Under the Stars. This popular event features a combination of wine and port selections with two quality cigars, appetizers and desserts. Tickets are $39 and seating is limited. Saturday, Aug. 17 from 7pm at 3920 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. For information and reservations, call 408.847.6306 or visit soliswinery.com.

EVENTS

event features music, booths offering local goods and services, local wines, and free admission and parking. No outside alcohol permitted; beer, wine, food and more are available for purchase on site. All food proceeds from this event will benefit community youth scholarships. Friday, Aug. 9, 6-9:30pm at Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheatre, 17000 Monterey Road. For information, visit morganhill.org.

MUSIC SERIES Morgan Hill’s 2019 Friday Night Music Series– Rockin’ the UpBeat Vibes, runs Fridays through Aug. 30. The

TRANSCENDENT TUNES Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire Tribute invites audiences to be transported to the place they

POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL Pu Pu O'Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club and the Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department invite the community to join them for the 27th annual Aloha Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival. The free event includes island-style music and Polynesian dancing, shave ice and festive drinks and Polynesian-themed items for purchase. Sunday, Aug. 18, 11am-5pm, with races kicking off at 9am at Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf. Visit pupuohawaii.org.

VINEYARD MUSIC Fortino Winery’s Music in the Vineyard returns with Zebop!, a tribute to the music of Santana. During the event Fortino wines will be

MOVIE NIGHT The entire family is invited to head outside for In The Park After Dark Movie Night, presented by Santa Clara County Parks. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a free movie under the stars beginning at sunset.

Food will be available onsite for purchase. Reservations are not required, but note that there is a $6 parking fee. Saturday, Aug. 24, 8:30-10:30pm at Mt. Madonna County Park, 7850 Pole Line Road, Watsonville. For information, call 408.535.4065.

TACOS AND TEQUILA The annual Tequila & Taco Music Festival is back, showcasing topshelf tequila samples and gourmet tacos. The festival features live music, margaritas, craft beer and art vendors in a picturesque park setting. Saturday will focus on tequila sampling, and Sunday is margarita themed. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 and 25, 11:30am-6pm each day at San Lorenzo Park in Downtown Santa Cruz. For tickets, visit tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com/ santacruz.

SUMMER DELIGHTS Summer Delights: Stone Fruit and Wine Tasting tour features a gourmet luncheon, wine tasting and Old World family wine making traditions at two wineries. Tours will also stop at Andy’s Orchard, where participants will learn about the orchard’s history and taste dozens of stone fruit varieties. Tours are available Mondays-Saturdays through Sept. 30, departing at 11am from 50 E. Third St, Morgan Hill. For tickets and information, visit californiapassporttours.com.

AUGUST 9, 2019

dish using fresh ingredients for a no-cook sauce that is great for a fast weeknight meal. Cost is $75 per person, and two sessions will be offered. Saturday, Aug. 10, 11:30am-1:30pm or 2-4pm at Farmhouse Cafe, 615-D San Benito St. Space is limited. For tickets and information, visit eatwiththeseasons.com.

DOWNTOWN LIVE Gilroy’s family-friendly Downtown Live free concerts return Thursday nights, with live music, vendors and a kid zone. Food trucks will also be onsite for hungry attendees. Attendees are advised to bring along folding chairs and dancing shoes. Enjoy Rockabilly Blues with a Texas twist as Sweet Daddy & The Bad Cats hit the stage Thursday, Aug. 15, 5-9pm in Downtown Gilroy. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ y6t42hr4.

available for purchase by the bottle, as well as food by Ricky’s BBQ Food Truck. No outside beverages are allowed, but outside food is permitted. Must be age 21 or older with valid identification to attend. Friday, Aug. 23 at Fortino Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. For information, visit fortinowinery.com.

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WINE

Melia Morales

LOCAL CRAFTS More than a dozen vendors showed their wares at the first

Makers Market at The Stomping Ground in July.

Market set to return Aug. 10 First event a success in July

AUGUST 9, 2019

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he first Makers Market held at The Stomping Ground in July featured more than a dozen local craftspeople whose wares are featured in Makers Market shops at Santana Row, Napa and San Francisco, along with food and live music. It was such a big hit that Janu and Jason Goelz are hosting two more outdoor markets on Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.

“Overall, it was the best total sales on the property, along with the most visitors,” Jason Goelz said. “This could be the beginning of a monthly or even weekly event in summer.”

Vendors in July included Joan of Artware (Italian-inspired bracelets), Beads n Shine (classic beaded jewelry), Sophie Pottery, Sacred Beauty Self Care (CBD products), Ostri Custom wallets, Fiorella Designs cigar box purses,

By LAURA NESS

Sparrowsongs cards, prints and beeswax fabric, Seaflower Jewelry and Turquoise Blue Design ( jewelry and bags).

In the vineyards, John Aver of Aver Family said veraison generally occurs in his vines during the first two weeks of August. He says it looks like a big crop, potentially larger than last year.

“Despite the couple of short heatwaves we have had, it has been a somewhat cool year,” he said.

Stefania Romero of Stefania Wines reports no signs of veraison yet, although Nik Zorn from Guglielmo says the petite sirah is coloring up. Tim Slater of Sarah’s Vineyard says the shot berries in the pinot are turning.

“It’s been a nice cool year. Perfect for pinot noir,” he said, predicting a long, late harvest.

GARDENING

The yellow jacket menace

YELLOW PESTS There are several different species of yellow jackets.

Wasps become more aggressive over the summer

wasps build small, umbrella-shaped nests with exposed cells.

Yellow jackets are generally medium-size black wasps with jagged bands of yellow or white on the abdomen. While yellow jackets have the classic wasp-waist, it is often not clearly visible. There are several different species of yellow jackets. You may be able to identify a yellow jacket from a distance by its tendency to fly side to side as it prepares to land. Often, it is easier to identify a yellow jacket by its nest.

Yellow jackets are divided into ground-nesting and aerial-nesting varieties. Aerial-nesting yellow jackets build the familiar rounded, hanging

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

AUGUST 9, 2019

By KATE RUSSELL

S

watting at a yellow jacket is never a good idea.

Rather than chasing them off, that swat is more likely to trigger an attack by the entire colony.

Yellow jackets are omnivorous social wasps, and they can ruin outdoor summer events by stinging and biting. Yellow jackets are frequently confused with other wasps, but not all wasps are bad. Mud daubers and paper wasps, both beneficial insects, generally do not eat human food and are rarely aggressive unless provoked. Mud daubers have a very narrow waist and build their nests out of mud, while paper

nests with an entry hole at the base.

While aerial-nesting wasps are generally less aggressive, they will attack if they feel threatened. Ground-nesting yellow jackets are extremely aggressive and are often not seen until it is too late. Ground-nesting yellow jackets frequently build their nests in rodent burrows, rotted tree cavities and houses. Yellow jackets rarely go more than a quarter-mile away from the nest.

They become more aggressive over the summer as they search for protein and sugar to feed the colony. By late summer and autumn, yellow jackets are best described as angry scavengers. This is when they end up at picnics and cookouts, as well as near pet food and trash cans and around overripe fruit.

Prevent stings by keeping food and sugary drinks in sealed containers. Once yellow jackets have found a food source, they will pester the area long after the food is gone. Working in the yard, one of the best ways to prevent stings is to be alert. Before digging, always look for ground-nesting wasps. It is far better to be on the lookout before a confrontation occurs.

While bait traps containing esfenvalerate have not been shown to be effective, lure traps can be used to control yellow jackets. Improve the effectiveness of lure traps by adding a small piece of raw meat to the trap. Just be sure to replace the meat frequently, as wasps are not attracted to rotting meat.

Ground-nesting colonies can be killed using wasp sprays. Just be sure to wear protective clothing and keep your distance. Yellow jackets will attack when the poison is sprayed, and it may take 24 hours for all the wasps to die.

Consider yourself warned.

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PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE

Reduce deck danger

HIGH RISK Decks can contribute to the wildfire threat to your home.

Decks of all materials are vulnerable to embers AUGUST 9, 2019

By DWIGHT GOOD

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

W

ill your home survive when the embers arrive?

Wind-driven embers ignite many of the homes destroyed by wildfire. Your home could be at risk! Be ember aware and make changes to reduce the threat to your home. Remove leaves and pine needles from your rain gutters, chuck that firewood, and clean out debris from under your deck. You can learn more at www.emberaware.com Most people believe that wildfires ignite homes through direct

contact with flames, but it is rare to have a home ignite this way. Flaming brands and embers can travel a mile or more ahead of the active front of a wildfire and up to 60 percent of wildland/urban interface home ignitions result from embers.

Tip #4: Deck danger Decks are one of the parts of your home that are vulnerable to embers during wildfire. This applies to decks comprised of wood boards as well as those made from plastic and wood-plastic composite deck boards. If your deck ignites, the flames can ignite your combustible siding, break the glass on an adjacent window or sliding glass door, or climb to the eave and burn into

your attic. If you have a deck and live in a high fire hazard area, you should consider the following: • Keep the gaps between deck boards free of pine needles, leaves and other debris. This tip also applies to intersection between your deck and your house. Embers can become lodged in the gaps and ignite the deck. Also, don’t allow fallen pine needles and other dead plant material to accumulate on the deck surface during fire season.

• The area underneath the deck is particularly susceptible to ember attack. Don’t store firewood, gas cans, lawn mowers, cardboard or other combustible materials under the deck and keep it free of weeds, pine needles and leaves. Consider enclosing the deck with solid skirting, such as siding that is properly vented, or with 1/8-inch wire mesh to limit ember penetration and reduce maintenance.

Don’t enclose it with wooden lattice.

• Rotted or otherwise poor condition wood is more easily ignited by embers than wood in good condition.

Replace deteriorated wooden deck boards and posts with new ones.

• Install metal flashing between the deck and the side of the house.

Be sure the flashing is installed to allow proper drainage of water.

• If wildfire is threatening, remove combustible materials from the deck, including newspapers and magazines, baskets, door mats, dried flower arrangements, and place them inside the house or garage. Propane tanks should be placed at a distance of 30 feet or more from the house.

Decks can contribute to the wildfire threat to your home. Take steps now to reduce the deck danger.

Fire Marshal Dwight Good, MS, EFO, serves the Morgan Hill Fire Department, South Santa Clara County Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit. He has 24 years of fire service experience. For questions or comments, email Dwight.good@fire.ca.gov or call 408.310.4654.

COMMUNITY

Ranch helps abused horses

Robert Eliason

HELPING HANDS Janece and Dennis Barwick manage Backstretch, a horse-rescue farm in Aromas.

More than 60 horses on site at Aromas facility

The horse was lying on his side motionless.

“I thought he had died overnight,” said Barwick, on the grounds of Backstretch, the 35-acre farm he manages with his wife Janece. “I called out to him several times.

Finally, he lifted his head.”

As he speaks, he gestures to a statuesque chocolate-colored horse in a spacious, shady, fenced-in pen. At Backstretch, the Barwicks have three jobs: to rescue abused, neglected or unwanted horses; to rehab them or restore them to health as much as possible; and to find them loving homes.

AUGUST 9, 2019

By WALLACE BAINE

W

hen they found him, Smokey was tied to a tree. All he could do was walk around in a circle. Which he did, for months. The circle eventually became a rut, a deep one.

“You could hardly see his head,” Dennis Barwick said. There was no room for a horse his size to even lie down.

Barwick freed Smokey from the tree, pulled him out of the rut, and took him to his horse-rescue farm in Aromas. Early the next morning, he went out to check on Smokey.

Smokey may never check that third box.

“I don’t think I’ll ever let him go anywhere,” Barwick said, “because he continually reminds me of the kind of strength and resilience these animals have, that if you give them the attention they need, they’ll come back, all the way back.”

As harrowing and upsetting as it is, Smokey’s story is not unusual. Since he started caring for unwanted horses less than a decade ago, Barwick has seen too many examples of man’s inhumanity to horses.

“Sometimes, people will just lock them in a stall and leave them out there to die. Or they’ll turn them loose out on the roads, hoping they’ll go somewhere so they don’t have to deal with them anymore.”

The people who do these things, they’re not evil, Barwick said. Most of the time, they’re just desperate.

For whatever reason, they can no longer take care of their animals, and they don’t know who to turn to or what to do.

“We do tell the public, ‘Call us.

Let us find a solution. We may not always have the best solution, but we’ll find a solution. We’ll work with you. No questions asked,’” Barwick said.

As of mid-July, Backstretch had 63 horses on its site, spread out in a serene, gently sloping landscape of oak and eucalyptus.

Barwick finds himself having to do three things at once at Backstretch, where he runs a rescue operation, a rehab facility and an adoption agency. He and Janece have just hired their staffer. Otherwise, they’ve gotten by with volunteers and they’re own commitment.

“I tell people I served more than 40,000 meals last year,” he laughed.

Backstretch is at 18500 Rea Ave. in Aromas. For information about the ranch, its horses and its services, visit backstretchrescue.org.

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16 AUGUST 9, 2019

HOME OF THE WEEK

Alexis Winder Financial Advisor 615 San Benito St. Suite C Hollister 831-634-0694 Diana Brenneise Financial Advisor 8060 Santa Teresa Blvd.

Suite 140 Gilroy 408-846-7748

PEACEFUL SURROUNDINGS This gated Gilroy home abuts Uvas Creek.

Private Uvas Creek access

Custom five-bedroom home includes outdoor seating area to enjoy scenery

Golden Gate Villa was designed by Thomas Welsh in the Queen Anne Victorian style, completed in 1891. With its original character preserved, it remains a monument to the era of elegance and craftsmanship in which it flourished. With more than 10,500 square feet of living space, this magnificent residence features 10 suites with kitchens and 11.5 bathrooms, including a penthouse with views of the ocean and city, a turreted carriage house, landscaped grounds & ample off-street parking. The Gold Parlor is modeled after a room in the Palace of Versailles with a pure onyx fireplace and gold-plated chandelier, the entry features a sweeping stairway, mantels are intricately carved exotic woods, plus: high ceilings with plaster rosettes, museum grade Tiffany quality stained glass windows, and gilded ornamental detailing. Walk to the beach or downtown; ideal for an extended family, co-housing community of friends, or your own dream lifestyle. It is zoned for a B&B. Viewing limited to serious inquiries. $5.9 million 924 3rd Street @ Main Santa Cruz

The custom, single-story home features coffered ceilings, custom alder kitchen cabinets, wainscoting, hardwood floors, skylights and more. Outside, a seating area and outdoor firepit is suitable for guests.

The home is listed at $1,999,800

by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yxcjnhsm.

Info & photos

zillow.com (enter address in search bar: 924 3rd Street, Santa Cruz) Drone video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/275315250#t=0 Danny Alvarez 831.818.4181 — David Lyng & Assoc. DRE #01237892 Anjelika Vassilieva 831.566.3961 — Lighthouse Realty, DRE #01977702

AUGUST 9, 2019

T

he lucky new owner of this Gilroy home will be treated to the 24/7 peaceful sounds of Uvas Creek.

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17

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AUGUST 9, 2019

18

Magical Views Like No Other in Hollister MUCH TO OFFER ~ Spacious 4Br/3.5ba w/large living/dining room & cozy family room. Master suite w/desk area, bath w/two walk-in closets. Jr Suite w/private bath. Oversize, landscaped yard.

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Open Sun 12:30-3:30pm Hosted by Ana Milenewicz Wonderful 3/Br/2Ba home w/nice open floor plan, separate living, family room & formal dining room. Eat-in kitchen w/white tiled counters & view to the backyard. Cozy brick fireplace in the living room w/raised hearth.

Updated main bath w/granite counters. Nice large master bedroom w/walk in closet.

Master bath also recently remodeled w/large walk in shower w/dual shower heads, new cabinets/counter, new flooring. All hard surface flooring throughout. A great backyard for the kids with play structure and trampoline. Backyard access from 2 sliding doors in the kitchen and master—and this home has central A/C. Located in a wonderful, established neighborhood walking distance to Cerra Vista School.

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4 beds, 4 baths

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List Price:$1,288,888 Marilyn Ferreira 831-901-0161

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