South Valley Magazine January 3-9, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

JANUARY 3, 2020

Smart Tech Automated living spaces becoming more accessible P2

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P8 | GARDENING P10 | REAL ESTATE P15

Tech specialist helps residents automate their living space

MODERN HOME

JANUARY 3, 2020

From thermostats to TV remotes and other gadgets, Robert Spivack of Gilroy knows how to sync smart home technology.

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Smart at

HOME

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

S ‘

JANUARY 3, 2020

Spivack is the founder of Gilroy-based DoItForMe.Solutions, who specializes in installing, troubleshooting and ongoing support for the smart technology that is pervading homes.

The accessibility, and quantity, of technology today was difficult to fathom even 20 years ago.

The voice-activated Amazon Alexa can turn on lights, TVs and other things, while Nest thermostats allow users to set the temperature of their home from their phone before they leave work. Ring doorbells include security cameras, allowing users to see from their phones what is ➝4

All Photos by Erik Chalhoub

mart” gadgets dominate every aspect of modern life, from watches, phones, TVs, cars to even homes.

With the prices of such gear dropping over the past decade, smart tech can make popular gifts during the holiday season.

But the festivities are in the rear-view mirror, and reality is setting in: The gadgets are there, but do you know how to operate them? That’s another story.

Enter Robert Spivack.

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SMART AT HOME

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SMART TECH Robert Spivack shows a tablet that was set up as a video conferencing device in a Santa Cruz home kitchen.

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going on at their front door while they may be on the other side of the country.

Smart tech is a great way to provide peace of mind and simplicity for those who just want to relax after a long day’s work. But sometimes, this technology can do anything but that.

Some devices may not sync with each other due to being different brands. A home’s wireless internet might not be strong enough to power all devices at the same time.

And sometimes, things just don’t work for no reason at all.

Spivack said the affordability of smart home technology in recent years has made it easier and less of a risk for homeowners to dabble in the equipment.

“Everything’s been around for 40 years,” he said. “The difference is it used to be $100,000 minimum. Now you can start with a $50, $100 product.”

That’s also a double-edged sword, he warned.

“You can get started very easily,” Spivack said. “But some of the products are excellent; some of the products are terrible.

“If you just buy one thing, that’s fine. But if you start buying a hodgepodge of things, then you end up with a house full of stuff that only you know how to operate.”

With smart technology operated through phone apps, the number of apps can quickly become confusing, he said, likening it to “coffee table remotes.”

“Solving that problem is where the home automation professional comes into play,” Spivack said. “If you want to take those 10, 20, 30 different apps and consolidate them to less than four or five, that can be done now for the first time very cost-effectively.”

Giving the gift of smart home tech without any support to install the equipment can turn the kind gesture into an unintentional headache for the recipient, Spivack added.

Spivack, who lives in Gilroy, was trained as an engineer at Cornell University. He worked at companies such as Hewlett Packard and Cisco Systems, where he was involved with networking.

With his networking experience, Spivack said he originally got into

Art & Play in the Pre & K! January 10, 9:30 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) in the preschool /kindergarten.

For information contact: benna.dimig@mountmadonnaschool.org or 408-846-4042

408-847-2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org ALEXA, LIGHTS ON Smart devices can turn on lights with voice commands.

Home visit Spivack serves clients from the Monterey Peninsula to the Bay Area with DoItForMe.Solutions. On a recent afternoon, he checked in on equipment he helped install in a Santa Cruz home, demonstrating how varied a smart home setup can be.

As he walks to the front door, he turns his attention to a digital keypad manufactured by Kwikset Premis, which he can either enter the code or hit the “unlock” icon on his phone. For security, the phone app only works while the user is near the door. For the more traditional user, a regular physical key works as well on the smart lock.

Once Spivack is inside, he

notices the living room is a bit dark.

“Alexa, lights on.”

The Amazon device, recognizing his voice, turns on the lights. Spivack noted that individual lights can be turned on with more specific commands such as, “Turn on kitchen lights,” if the device is properly set up.

Spivack grabs a remote on a coffee table and flips on the TV. The remote itself has a screen built in to it, showing the various icons of stations. Such a screen makes it easier to find a station without having to remember its number, he said.

He said his goal is to bridge the gap between the traditional high-end, expensive systems with the more affordable, consumer-friendly tech that is on the rise.

“I have a lot of experience navigating the choppy seas of integration and can guide in the selection of the best equipment and the right choices for you, and the help to hook everything together,” Spivack writes on his website.

JANUARY 3, 2020

into home automation as a hobby, doing consulting work for homes and small offices, when he had a light bulb moment.

“I’ve always liked gadgets and equipment,” he said. “I realized that there was such an opportunity here. There are so many great products coming up, but nobody was putting them together.”

For information, visit doitformesolutions.com.

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SMART HOMES: AI

How AI is transforming life Home tech should help, not hinder, everyday tasks

INTERCONNECTIVITY Smart technology products should all be in sync with each other for a seamless experience.

JANUARY 3, 2020

W

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e all love the idea of having a washer, refrigerator or smart appliance that gives us important messages and guides our next steps.

But not all smart technology is alike. The last thing you want from your investment is a gimmicky gadget that does nothing more than turn your mobile device into a glorified remote control. So how do you identify the brands with game-changing technology that will be relevant and useful for years to come?

The most advanced smart home technology is equipped with artificial intelligence and allows for a great deal of helpful tools to make your everyday life easier.

AI and the vision of a more connected living experience were highlighted at the recent AI & Big Data Expo North America event in Silicon Valley, at which key speaker Samuel Chang, corporate vice president of LG’s Silicon Valley Lab, discussed the company’s innovations and its focus

on improving quality of life. LG’s vision is manifested in LG ThinQ(R), the AI technology embedded into each of the brand’s smart products and solidified through three pillars guiding the company’s artificial intelligence aspirations: Evolve, Connect, Open. These tenets outline LG’s products and services that offer a connected experience through personalized and efficient AI for users with diverse needs and tech preferences in their homes.

The goal is always focused on elevating the quality of life at home and beyond, Chang said, "so users can live free and stay focused on what matters."

Here’s a look at how this highly evolved smart technology equipped with AI is transforming how people are living.

• Easy, intuitive, effortless: Smart devices shouldn’t be complicated, period. Along with operability that’s practically self-evident and mistake-proof, well-designed AI should be smart enough to fit seamlessly with your existing smart home

technology. So, if you have a favorite voice-assisted technology, your new AI-enabled appliance should be easily integrated into your system of choice.

• Personalized to your needs: One of the cornerstones of AI is learning, which means the more you use these smart devices, the better they operate for you.

Because they use the data to learn your preferences and routine, they create a customized user experience that best meets the needs of you and your family.

• Responds proactively: The most intelligent smart devices on the market also alert you of issues before they turn into full-fledged, costly problems. For example, ThinQ(R) on all LG devices is connected to the brand’s customer support program, Proactive Customer Care, which provides tips to keep the appliance in good condition and sends timely alerts about potential problems.

For example, users can receive tips on when to clean the drum of

a washing machine and recommendations on which detergent is best for their clothing.

• Uses energy efficiently: Many users of intelligent devices appreciate saving energy. Not only do AI-enabled products track energy usage, but some can also be programmed to maximize your energy conservation. For example, LG ThinQ(R) devices come with settings, such as Save Mode and Vacation Mode, that synthesize the analytics, sensors and usage data to maximize both your energy savings and pocket savings.

These individual benefits of AI intelligence—from learning your behaviors to proactive alerts and energy savings—come together to transform your daily life. This technology streamlines your routine, takes the guesswork out of everyday tasks, and frees up time for things you'd rather be doing.

For information, visit lg.com/us/lg-thinq.

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OUT & ABOUT WATSONVILLE

YOUNG EAGLES Kids ages 8-17 fly free at the January Young Eagles Rally. Young aviation enthusiasts will get the chance to ride the skies on a safe and enjoyable flight. Participants will receive a free 20-minute flight along with a commemorative certificate.

Saturday, Jan. 4, 9am-noon at the Watsonville Aviation Education Center, 60 Aviation Way. For information, visit eaa119. org/youngeagles. To register, visit youngeaglesday.com.

MORGAN HILL

GROWING ORCHIDS The public is invited to UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County’s Basics of Growing Orchids event. Participants will learn about the basic requirements to grow orchids, including soil, water, fertilizer, light and possible pests. Different varieties of orchids will be discussed, with an emphasis on those easiest to grow. Monday, Jan. 6, 7-8:30pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.

GILROY

ZUMBA CLASS A free Zumba Party at the Gilroy Library features rhythms such as salsa, merengue, cumbia and samba that work all major muscle groups with high-energy cardio. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 5:30-6:30pm at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit sccl.org or call 408.842.8207.

GILROY

PHOTOSHOP WORKSHOP

Eagles Rally offers children the opportunity to ride the skies on Jan. 4 in Watsonville.

JANUARY 3, 2020

At the Introduction to Adobe Photoshop class at the Gilroy Library, participants will learn the basics of selecting and cutting out images, as well as arranging images in new places using principles of depth and design. This workshop for adults is suitable for Photoshop beginners; basic computer skills are required. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6:30-8pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. Space is limited. For information, or to reserve a spot, visit tinyurl.com/tl8yly5.

FREE FLYING The Young

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O& A CALENDAR

JANUARY 3, 2020

PRUNING FRUIT TREES

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UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County will present its Fruit Trees Pruning Workshop, where Master Gardeners will demonstrate pruning techniques.

Participants that would like to try pruning themselves are invited to bring along pruning shears and gloves for an opportunity to be guided through the process. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required. Saturday, Jan. 11, 10-11:30am at St. Louise Hospital Teaching & Demonstration Garden, 9400 No Name Uno, Gilroy. In the event of rain, the workshop will be rescheduled.

For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.

GILROY HISTORIC TOUR Learn about Gilroy’s historic districts the first

Saturday of each month during Historic Walking Tours. Members of the Gilroy Historical Society will host a free walking tour of

Monterey Street on Saturday, Jan. 4, 10am-noon. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Meet at the Gilroy Historical Museum, 195 Fifth St. For information, call the Gilroy Museum at 408.846.0446.

JOURNEY’S EDGE Relive the sound, look, feel of the ’80s with Journey’s Edge, the ultimate Journey experience. Journey’s Edge will perform Journey’s hit songs and pay tribute to one of rock’s most legendary bands.

Saturday, Jan. 4, 8-11:30pm at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey St. For information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/vwqt34p.

WINTER FRUIT TREES The UC

Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County will describe how to keep deciduous fruit trees healthy at their “Winter Fruit Tree Care and Selection” event. Learn about common diseases and insect pests, as well as control measures for them. Tips for selecting new trees and basic principles of pruning will also be discussed. There is no cost to attend. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7-8:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.

SAN MARTIN HEALTHY SNACKS The Scooter Chefs will share their passion for food and their vintage scooters at a

ZENTANGLE CLUB YOGA 101 The public is invited to tangle with Zentangle artists at the free Morgan Hill Tangle Club. Attendees are advised to bring their own supplies (pen, pencil, tortillon, paper tiles, sketchbook) and share ideas and trade tips with other artists. All skill levels are welcome and the club is open to visitors; note there will be no formal instruction given during club time. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6-8pm at Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. RSVP is required to participate. For information, visit linedotcalm.com/tangleclub.

MORGAN HILL 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, 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. For information, visit sccl.org.

READING BUDDIES Children in grades 1-4 are invited to buddy up with a furry friend and practice reading aloud to a therapy animal at the Morgan Hill Library.

Participants must sign up by phone 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 waiting reader.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 3:20-4:20pm at the Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. For information, call 408.779.3196 or visit sccl.org.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA LIVING HISTORY Meet mountain men, Civil War soldiers, Victorian ladies and more while stepping back to the early days of San Juan. Enjoy craft and cooking demonstrations and see historic horse-drawn vehicles and Victorian furnishings. Saturday,

Jan. 4, 11am-4pm at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 19 Franklin St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/to96w8a.

SAN JOSE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Photographers of all skill levels are invited to participate in Open Space Authority’s Sunrise Nature Photography. Bring along a camera, phone or iPad and capture images of landscape and wildlife at dawn. Beginners will benefit from hands-on tips, ranging from camera operation basics to setting up more complex techniques for capturing unique images. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, layers for warmth and bring water. ➝ 11

JANUARY 3, 2020

post-holiday cooking class featuring healthy snacking. Attendees can learn how to sneak herbs, spices, grains, good fats and no refined sugar or flour into tasty morsels and tidbits. Participants will also learn healthy recipes and tips, with an opportunity to sample the results with wine pairings. Saturday, Jan. 11, 4-6pm, at Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery, 645 W. San Martin Ave., San Martin. For menu information and to reserve a spot, visit lionranch. com.

Yoga 101 is a beginner workshop designed specifically for the new practitioner to yoga. In two hours, participants will learn the fundamentals of hatha, the physical practice of yoga. This comprehensive workshop will cover accessing postures through the use of props, a brief history of yoga, the importance of breath and studio etiquette with an emphasis on alignment and form of basic poses. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2-4pm at Art of Yoga, 16165 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. For information, visit artofyogamorganhill.com.

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GARDENING

Garden themes

ROWS OF HERBS Themed gardens can simplify plant selection.

Be prepared for any occasion

JANUARY 3, 2020

By KATE RUSSELL

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void compacting your wet clay soil by staying indoors and planning a themed garden.

Traditional garden themes include floral cottage gardens, manicured Renaissance gardens and classic kitchen gardens, with their successive plantings of vegetables, fruits and herbs. Garden themes can be based on flower color, leaf shape or a particular shade of green. There are also rain gardens, rock gardens and native plant gardens.

Butterfly or pollinator gardens attract butterflies, honeybees and other beneficial insects with borage, salvia and butterfly bush. Allowing garden plants to go to seed also provides nectar and pollen for these beneficial insects and hummingbirds. The changing shape, colors and sizes of

these plants keeps your landscape interesting.

Children’s gardens encourage kids to be active and eat healthier foods. Feathery yarrow, creeping chocolate mint, sweet cherry tomatoes and towering fronds of fennel are all edible and easy to grow.

A children’s garden nearly always features fast-growing radishes and beans, a sunflower fort or a pole bean teepee.

Gift gardens are spaces dedicated to growing gift plants. Flowers, herbs and succulents all make lovely presents. Maintaining a gift garden ensures you will always be prepared for those occasions.

Herb gardens are attractive, tenacious and rewarding. Except for basil, most herbs will continue to grow for many years, providing fragrance, flavor and beauty.

Oregano, chives, cilantro, lemon balm, summer savory, marjoram,

sage and tarragon can also be grown in containers.

Holiday dinner gardens allow you to create traditional holiday meals from your backyard. Nothing says gardener like fresh Brussels sprouts at Christmas, baby beets at Easter, and a juicy watermelon on July 4. Whatever your traditions, this garden patch can save you a trip to the store, with full bragging rights.

Pizza gardens are fun. A round garden space, cut into wedgeshaped sections, planted with tomatoes, oregano, thyme, bell peppers and summer squash, surrounded with garlic and onions are all you need (except for the cheese and pepperoni, of course).

Salad gardens can be made continuous with successive plantings of salad greens and other ingredients. Swiss chard, kale, and mustard greens are especially productive in our area.

Storybook gardens are a delightful way to add art to a landscape.

Designing, installing and caring for a storybook garden is an excellent children’s activity. Peter Rabbit and The Secret Garden are favorites, but you can use any book with edible plant references.

Tea gardens do not have to be manicured Japanese varieties. You can grow tea plants (Camellia sinensis) outdoors in zones 8-12, or indoors year-round. If you love tea, you might want to consider chamomile, elderberries, ginger and mint for your tea garden.

Themes pull a garden together and make plant selection easy. Pick a patch of ground today and cover it with arborist chips or aged compost so the soil will be ready for you at planting time.

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.

O& A CALENDAR

9 information, visit sccl.org or call 408.842.8207.

OPENING RECEPTION Gallery 1202 presents the opening reception of native San Jose painter Helen Bellaver’s solo show, “An Affair with Black: Abstract Expressionism,” which showcases Bellaver’s newer works addressing the power of the color black. The show runs Jan. 10-Mar. 6. The reception will feature live music, food, refreshments and wine.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 4-6pm at 7363 Monterey St., Gilroy. To RSVP, visit gallery1202.com.

COMEDY THEATER Pintello Comedy Theater presents the campy musical comedy blockbuster Little Shop of Horrors.

Watch as hapless florist’s assistant Seymour tends to a new breed of plant he has named “Audrey II” after his coworker crush, and Audrey II promises Seymour fame, fortune and all his desires—as long as Seymour keeps him fed.

Friday, Jan. 10 and Saturday, Jan. 11, 8-9:30pm at Pintello Comedy Theater, 8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit pintellocomedy.com.

CRAFT CLUB

The Gilroy Library presents its monthly adult and teen craft club for ages 13 and over. This month guests are invited to get their annual planning off to a good start with the scrapbook journal class. Take a plain journal and decorate the cover using an embosser and die cut machine as well as ribbons, washi tape and more. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2-3:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St., Gilroy. To sign up to reserve a spot, visit tinyurl.com/qordnen.

Art of Yoga, 16165 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. For information, visit tinyurl.com/wycz7c4.

EVENTS

BOOK SALE The Gilroy Library invites the community to the Friends of the Gilroy Library book sale. All ages are welcome to browse the variety of reads to find a deal. Proceeds from purchases go toward supporting the collection and programs at the Gilroy Library. Saturday, Jan. 11, 10am-1pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St., Gilroy. For

ART OPENING Art of Yoga will welcome artist Jann Griffiths for a free art opening. Griffiths, a science and nature illustrator, uses art to portray nature and to simplify the complexity of scientific principles through a visual medium. Friday, Jan. 10, 7-9pm at

YAPPY HOUR Yappy Hour is being held the second Tuesday of every month at the Hollister House, with a portion of the evening’s cocktail and food proceeds benefiting Pet Friends and Rescue Non-profit Organization of San Benito County. Pet Friends Rescue works to help eliminate cruelty and neglect of abandoned companion animals and encourage a community atmosphere of

LADIES NIGHT Fortino Winery is kicking off 2020 with an ’80s-themed, ladies-only event.

Enjoy appetizers, music, games and Fortino wines available for purchase. Friday, Jan. 17, 7-10pm at Fortino Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. For information, visit fortinowinery.com.

BRIDGE LESSONS Learn to play bridge in a day with a fast introduction to the basics of the game. Saturday, Jan. 18, 10am-3:30pm at Morgan Hill Centennial Recreation Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave., Morgan Hill.

For information and to sign up, call the Community Recreation Center at 408.782.2128 or Linda King at 831.801.9257.

DANCE PARTY Clos LaChance’s After Dark Dance Party features a performance by DJ Sound in Motion. Pizza prepared by Chef Lou will be available for purchase.

Outside alcohol is not permitted, and attendees must be 21 or over. No tickets are required. Saturday, Jan. 18, 7-10pm at Clos LaChance Wines, 1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin.

For information, visit clos.com.

MISSION 10 RACE The 37th annual Mission 10 Race, sponsored by Hollister Rotary Club, features four different races, including a 1-mile kids fun run, TAC Distance Certified Half Marathon and 10 miles and a 5k. Each race will run through the scenic Anzar Hills through rural farmland and start and finish in front of the historic San Juan Mission. Family-friendly theme teams are encouraged and trophies will be awarded to top themes. All proceeds benefit local scholarships and charities.

Saturday, Jan. 25 at Mission Plaza, 406 Second St., San Juan Bautista. To register, visit tinyurl.com/tecetz2.

JANUARY 3, 2020

Saturday, Jan. 11 7-10am at North Coyote Valley Conservation Area. To register, visit openspaceauthority.org.

FUNKY BAND What The Funk Band will perform funk, R&B, pop, soul, dance and rock music from the ’70s to the present, with special features to Earth, Wind & Fire, the Gap Band and the Jacksons.

This 11-piece, multi-tribute cover band will take the stage Saturday, Jan. 11, 8pm-midnight at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information, visit whatthefunk11.com.

education, care and concern that will strengthen the human/ animal bond. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 5-9pm at the Hollister House, 500 San Benito St., Hollister. For information, visit petfriends.org.

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SMART HOMES: FIRE SPRINKLERS

Sprinkler smarts

SMART EQUIPMENT Fire sprinklers are crucial to the safety of any home.

JANUARY 3, 2020

Protect everyone from today’s faster fires

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oday there are many automated options that make homes more comfortable, energy efficient, cost-effective and safe. Typically referred to as smart home technology, these features may include automating control of items such as lighting, temperature, window shades, surveillance cameras, locks, smoke alarms and even pet feeders. Often, these features have smartphone apps that allow the homeowner to control them from anywhere.

There is one technology that is so smart it can save the lives of everyone in the home, including pets. Home fire sprinklers work independently, and an app is not needed. Smoke alarms warn you if there is smoke in your home, but your escape depends on your hearing the alarm and your ability to

act on it. Fire sprinklers are smart because they automatically control or put out the fire quickly so everyone can get out of the home safely.

Each sprinkler has a temperature-sensitive component, often a glass bulb that works like a plug. If a fire starts, its high heat, usually between 135-165 degrees Fahrenheit, breaks the bulb, allowing the water to flow onto the fire. Typically, only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates, not the entire system.

Smoke from burnt food or smoking materials can’t activate the system, just high heat.

The sprinklers are typically connected to the household water main.

Where there is no city water supply or well water available, a tank and pump can be used for the water supply. Piping is hidden behind walls and ceilings. One or two sprinklers can usually protect an average-size

room. Home fire sprinklers are small and inconspicuous. There are several kinds of sprinklers made for residential use, some of which can be hidden behind cover plates.

Some sprinkler companies will offer custom-painted options to match your home’s decor.

Fires today are faster and deadlier. A house fire can become deadly in less than two minutes. Why? Because most items in our homes are made of synthetic materials that burn quickly and produce deadly, poisonous smoke. There’s a danger associated with new homes built with unprotected, lightweight materials that burn faster and fail more quickly in a fire, collapsing in less than half the time of older construction material. Large open layouts (as opposed to smaller rooms with closing doors) also enable faster flashover during a fire.

A home fire occurs every 87 seconds, with 74 percent of all fire deaths in the home (NFPA 2018).

Everyone is susceptible to these fires, but older adults and people with disabilities are at greatest risk.

Recent trends in US housing show that more homes are becoming multi-generational, with about 64 million people living together with two or more generations under one roof (Pew 2018). And today, 67 percent of households own a pet (APPA 2019). Two minutes is not much time for everyone to escape a deadly fire.

Home fire sprinklers are dependable. They not only save lives; they can also protect your property and possessions, and limit fire and water damage. Because of this added benefit, most insurers offer sprinkler discounts that lower homeowners’ premiums.

Learn the facts about home fire sprinklers from the non-profit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, which offers free information and resources about fire safety.

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EAGLE RIDGE This Gilroy home is equipped with some smart technology.

Home with smart features Eagle Ridge two-story within walking distance of community clubhouse Built in 2011, the home features hickory floors and tile throughout, crown molding, designer window treatments, a theater, billiards room and more. A waterfall highlights the backyard.

The home is listed at $1,199,888 by RE/MAX Real Estate Services. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ tnw8vrw.

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his Eagle Ridge home is equipped with some of the latest smart home features, such as Nest thermostats and Ring video doorbells.

Located at 7602 Braid Court in Gilroy at the end of a cul-de-sac, the 3,528-square-foot home includes five bedrooms and five baths. The home is situated walking distance away from the community pool/ clubhouse and golf course.

Located in Historic DowntownCatering Gilroy

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Showcase, REALTORS® NEW PRICE

NEW LISTING

7

AUGUST 23, 2019 | GAVILAN COLLEGE

Six-Years New!

10

March 10, 1964

1975

2004

November 2018

Voters pass $3.7 million bond for college operations and future land purchase

Rudy Melone becomes president of Gavilan. He later became co-founder of the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 1978

Voters pass the Measure E facilities bond for Gavilan

Voters pass the $248 million Measure X, the largest bond in college’s history

1983

Gavilan purchases land in Coyote Valley and San Benito County for future campuses

1964 Board selects 125 acres of land off of Highway 101 in Gilroy for new campus. Shumaker family offers land for a “reasonable price.”

Summer 1967 Gavilan moves to new campus in Gilroy

Gavilan enacts tuition in face of budget woes

1997 Satellite sites added in Hollister and Morgan Hill

2008

2017 First phase of Coyote Valley Center completed

September 2019 Gavilan holds centennial gala

May 2020 Gavilan’s 100th graduating class Source: “To Dream on Your Behalf: A History of Gavilan College” by Leah Halper

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