South Valley Magazine January 24-30, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

JANUARY 24, 2020

Historic Landmark Rail depot makes national register P4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P8 | GARDENING P12 | REAL ESTATE P15

Courtesy of Gilroy Historical Society

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HISTORIC STATION The Gilroy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, seen

here in 1920, was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Food for the

Holidays

MAGAZINE

64 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA

Made Easy!

Call

Mailing address: P.O. Box 516, Gilroy, CA 95021 Phone: 408-842-6400

408.767.2868 cafe152@charter.net

Food for the Holidays MADE EASY! Made Easy!

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CATERING Tell Us Enjoy

How many from 10 to 100 We’ll work with your budget

Tell Us

How many from 10 to 100

Mini SandwichesWe’ll work with your budget Variety of Market Salads Drop Off Free in Gilroy

Enjoy

JANUARY 24, 2020

Site at Cafe 152 Bread Co. Audrey’s FinestOn Chocolate Chip Cookies and many other Desserts

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Here are some ideas!

Here are some ideas!

Exceptional Breakfast • Assorted gourmetAssorted sandwiches Gourmet Goodies • Mini sandwiches Sandwiches Pastries and Coffeesalads • Variety of market Mini Sandwiches Fall Bites • Harvest ChocolateSmall chip cookies Variety of Market Salads Menu • Exceptional breakfast goodies Audrey’s Finest Chocolate • Pastries and coffee Sliders - Burger BarChip Cookies and many • Burger sliders other Desserts Buffet Dinner for drop off • Buffet dinner for drop off Exceptional Breakfast Appetizer Party at • Appetizer party atGoodies Cafe 152 - BYOW

Cafe 152 Bread Co. BYOW Pastries and Coffee

Office parties and events

408.767.2868

Catering

Fall Harvest Small Bites Menu Sliders - Burger Bar Buffet Dinner for drop off Appetizer Party at Cafe 152 Bread Co. BYOW

408.767.2868 • cafe152@charter.net

Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Erik Chalhoub Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

Jenny Arbizu, Wallace Baine, Kimberly Ewertz, Laura Ness, Susan Rife, Kate Russell

408.767.2868 Here are some ideas!

Sandwiches

Dan Pulcrano

Editor

Drop Off Free in Gilroy On Site at Cafe 152 Bread Co.

Call cafe152@charter.net Assorted Gourmet

Publisher

Advertising Account Executives

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Carrie Bonato, Scott Harvey, Eileen Katis, Cynthia Runyon Design Director

Kara Brown

Production Operations Manager

Sean George

3

Crush

Editorial Production Manager

Katherine Manlapaz Cover photograph by:

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Cover Story

8

Calendar

10 Community

Robert Eliason

Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

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12 Gardening

Email:

13 Wine

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14 Home of the Week 15 Real Estate

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VISITING PERFORMERS

A taste of Latin culture with evening performances and a daytime workshop is set for Jan. 24 and 25 in Gilroy.

O& A

OUT & ABOUT

GILROY

MONTEREY

LATIN DANCE

WHALEFEST MONTEREY

Gallery 1202’s two-night Latin Dance Performance features the music, flavor and colors of Cuba. Free food, refreshments and wine will be available and a mini salsa lesson offered. Performers will stay for photos in headdresses and feathered costumes following the show. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24-25, 7-9pm each night at 7363 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit gallery1202.com.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

MISSION 10 RACE

GILROY

WOMEN IN TECH Silicon Valley Reads and the Gilroy Library present a Women in Tech Panel, featuring four experienced professionals currently working in the tech industry.

Panelists will discuss what it’s like to be a woman in the industry, challenges facing women in tech and how the girls of today can become the tech leaders of tomorrow. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2-4pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yfdbbsal.

JANUARY 24, 2020

The 37th annual Mission 10 Race features four different races, including a one-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 themed 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. For information, visit tinyurl.com/tecetz2.

The 10th annual Whalefest Monterey celebrates the return of gray whales to the Monterey Bay. This free and educational event is family-friendly and features live entertainment, face painting, educational exhibits, historic walking tours, chalk art and more. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26, 10am-5pm both days at Monterey Old Fisherman’s Wharf, 1 Fishermans Wharf.

For information, visit montereywharf.com.

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TIED INTO

[

Gilroy railroad depot named to National Register of Historic Places Robert Eliason

Courtesy of Gilroy Historical Society

History

WAITING ROOM Mayor James Princevalle and Nettie Wentz Turner

sit in the Southern Pacific Rail Depot in 1925.

JANUARY 24, 2020

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

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E

MODERN DAY The Gilroy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot

was restored in 1998.

very day, hundreds of people funnel into 7250 Monterey St. in downtown Gilroy, with luggage on their backs, in their hands, or on wheels behind them. They then spread out to various destinations throughout the Bay Area by train, bus or taxi before many of them

return to the transportation hub by the end of the day.

With the exception of a 20-year period that began in the 1970s, such a scene has been common in the area for 150 years.

There is also a lot of waiting around to be had. But fortunately, passengers of the last âž?6

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

Old City Hall, 7400 Monterey St.

NEW STATION

The railroad depot, circa 1920.

The Carnegie Library (now Giroy Museum), 195 Fifth St. Christian Church, 160 Fifth St.

Courtesy of Gilroy Historical Society

It’s It’s functioning functioning quite quite well well as as a multi-modal multi-modal transportation transportation center center after after a lot lot of of work. work.

Gilroy now has eight buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in addition to the row of cedar trees along Hecker Pass Highway.

Wheeler Hospital, 650 Fifth St. Holloway House, 7539 Eigleberry St. Live Oak Creamery, 88 Martin St. Miller Red Barn at Christmas Hill Park Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, 250 Monterey St.

Robert Eliason

JANUARY 24, 2020

CELEBRATION CELEBRATION Connie ConnieRogers Rogers(holding (holdingscissors), scissors),president president ofof the the Gilroy Gilroy Historical Historical Society, Society, cuts cuts the the ribbon ribbon with the help of Gilroy Mayor Roland Velasco and andothers othersduring duringaaceremony ceremonyunveiling unveilingthe theplaque plaquedesignating designating the the depot depot as as aa historic historic landmark. landmark.

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TIED INTO HISTORY

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100 years have had a roomy place to take shelter in as they wait for their rides.

That waiting area has become even more significant recently.

The Gilroy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, built in 1918, was named to the National Register of Historic Places in July, and on Jan. 18, members of the Gilroy Historical Society and city leaders commemorated the achievement by dedicating a plaque on the building signifying the achievement.

Connie Rogers, president of the Gilroy Historical Society who worked with a grant writer on the application, said the building, while not architecturally significant, qualified for the National Register because of the role it played in Gilroy’s formative years.

JANUARY 24, 2020

Passengers lobby state

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The depot’s beginnings stretch to 1868, when the Santa Clara and Pajaro Valley Railroad began constructing a line that ran from San Jose to Gilroy. In 1870, Southern Pacific Railroad purchased the line and built the original Gilroy depot that same year.

The capacity of the original station, coupled with Gilroy’s fertile soil, made the recently-incorporated city an attractive spot for farmers. But at the same time, passenger service was

growing in popularity, thanks to the 1901 completion of the coastal rail line to Los Angeles.

The depot built in 1870 was too small for passengers, and people began taking notice.

“By the early 1900s, Gilroy residents started to complain,” Rogers said. “They said, ‘we deserve and need a better, bigger station.’”

After pleading to Southern Pacific for a new station, which fell on deaf ears, a group of Gilroy citizens lobbied the State Railroad Commission in Sacramento and successfully advocated for a new building. A new building was commissioned for $10,000, with the final cost coming in at $14,000. That translates to roughly $256,700 in today’s dollars.

With much fanfare, the Gilroy Railroad Depot was dedicated on April 30, 1918 in a rowdy celebration that drew 6,000 people, three brass bands, and reporters from regional newspapers. The Gilroy Advocate noted the new depot offered “spacious waiting rooms.”

For the next five decades, the depot continued to serve as a way station for rail travelers. But trouble loomed for rail service as America began falling in love with the automobile.

Service reductions in Gilroy began in 1929, and the engine house closed in 1934. The final service to the station was the Del

Located in Historic Downtown Gilroy • Steaks, Seafood & Pasta • Beautiful Ambiance • Patio Dining • Early Bird Dining • Sunday Champagne Brunch 8am • Full Service Bar / Happy Hour 3-6pm • Early Bird Dinner Specials 4-6pm • Ask About Our Banquet & Catering Services Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Line Dancing Baby Showers, Receptions Wed • 7pm FREE Lessons Robert Eliason

GENERATIONS OF MAYORS Roland Velasco stands with Gilroy’s

first female mayor, Roberta Hughan, who served from 1983 to 1991.

Revitalization By the mid-1980s, a citizens’ advisory committee for downtown Gilroy revitalization recommended the Gilroy Railroad Depot and the surrounding property become a multi-modal transportation hub.

In 1992, Caltrain began providing service from San Francisco to Gilroy. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority purchased the depot site in 1993, and leased it to the City of Gilroy for $1 a year.

After being abandoned for two decades, the depot was in a sorry state. The roof sustained extensive water damage, and the ceiling above the waiting room was in dire need of restoration. Renovation costs were estimated at $950,000.

Half the cost was secured with transportation grants solicited by the City of Gilroy. About 700 Gilroyans petitioned the city council

7400 Monterey Street, Gilroy • 408.842.3454 www.oldcityhall.biz

to support the remaining balance of the renovation cost, which it eventually did following a “contentious” vote, Rogers said.

In December 1998, the depot re-opened as a multi-modal transportation hub, served by Caltrain, long distance Greyhound buses, VTA buses, Monterey-Salinas Transit, county shuttle buses from San Benito County and taxis.

Today, it is currently the terminus for round-trip weekday commuter trains to San Jose and San Francisco, and the more than 200 local and regional bus trips of VTA. “It’s functioning quite well as a multi-modal transportation center after a lot of work,” Rogers said.

She added that the plaque unveiled on Jan. 18 recognizes the city for its efforts in bringing the depot back to life.

“We were able to restore something 100 years old that is not only functional, but an important piece of Gilroy’s ability to attract new businesses and customers,” Rogers said.

JANUARY 24, 2020

Monte to Monterey, which ran until April 30, 1971.

The depot closed in 1972, and was boarded up and cut off from the rest of the world after a fence was installed around the perimeter.

Open daily 8:00am for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sunday Brunch 8am-1pm

Historical information provided by the Gilroy Historical Society.

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O& A CALENDAR

JANUARY 24, 2020

VETERAN RESOURCES

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Veterans are invited to a Veterans Resource Fair hosted by the Gilroy Veterans Hall. The fair will feature medical professionals, counseling, benefits assistance and local businesses with services specially for veterans. Santa Clara County Veterans Service Officers will educate on benefits, help file claims, discuss education assistance and even start the process for obtaining a new driver’s license with a veteran’s designation. Veterans must bring either their VA card and/or a DD214 for proof of service. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10am-2pm at Gilroy Veterans Memorial Hall, 74 West Sixth St. For information, call 408.842.3838.

GILROY COMEDY THEATER Pintello Comedy Theater will present the campy comedy musical

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. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25, 8-9:30pm each night, or Sunday, Jan. 26, 2-4:30pm at Pintello Comedy Theater, 8191 Swanston Lane. For information and tickets, visit pintellocomedy.com.

ROCK & SOUL The Houserockers will fuse elements of rock, funk, soul and R&B with occasional forays into rap and country at The District Theater. Saturday, Jan. 25, 8:30-11:30pm at 7430 Monterey St. For information, visit svhouserockers.com.

QUILT AUCTION An evening of food and quilts will take place at a quilt auction benefiting St.

Joseph’s Family Center. More than 40 handcrafted quilts from local quilters and special guest artists will be available for bids. Also included is a buffet dinner and no host bar. Sunday, Jan. 26, 4-9pm at Capos Restaurant & Nightclub, 7588 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information and questions, visit stjosephsgilroy.org.

BOOK DISCUSSION The Gilroy Library Book Club will discuss The Best Cook in the World by Rick Bragg. Bragg presents a food memoir, cookbook and a tribute to his mother by sharing classic family recipes for traditional Southern fare. Adults and teens of all ages are welcome; books may be checked out at the Gilroy

CRAB FATHERDAUGHTER DANCE FEED Fathers and their daughters, ages 4-11, are invited to the annual Father-Daughter Dinner Dance in Morgan Hill. Guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner, music and dancing. A grandfather, uncle, family friend or other family member is welcome to take a father’s place if not available. Space is limited. Saturday, Jan. 25, 5:30-8:30pm at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. To register, visit mhreconline.com with activity code: WSY001. For information, call 408.782.0008.

Library information desk. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7-8pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit sccld.org.

CALLIGRAPHY INTRO A Beginning Calligraphy class will teach students the art of pointed pen calligraphy. Attendees will learn basic strokes, practice drills and lowercase letters with an introduction to uppercase letters. Supplies provided include a straight pen holder, beginner-suited nibs, ink, paper and practice sheets. Ink can get messy, so attendees are advised to dress appropriately or bring an apron or smock. Saturday, Jan. 25, 10am-noon at Art of Yoga, 16165 Monterey Road #200. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ yz3fkx8d.

WINERY YOGA Breathe, stretch and unwind during 75 minutes of yoga in the surroundings of Guglielmo Winery, the oldest continuously operating, familyowned winery in the Santa Clara Valley. After yoga head to the tasting room and try awardwinning, premium wines. Bring a yoga mat or blanket and water.

Sunday, Jan. 26, 10:45am–noon at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 East Main Ave. For information, visit tinyurl.com/uzfgmoh.

WATSONVILLE HISTORIC OUTING “Beginnings at the Rancho” is Castro Adobe State Historic Park’s first public

open house of the year. Explore the early period of the Adobe and the Castro family’s historic migration as part of the Anza Expedition of 1776 at this free event. Attendees can warm up with traditional hot chocolate from the cocina and keep out of the cold in the comfort of the adobe while listening to the stories of the park and the pioneering Castro family.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 11am-3pm at Castro Adobe State Historic Park, 184 Old Adobe Road. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ ybyoo29q.

BONSAI CLASS Learn about creating and maintaining Bonsai at Alladin Nursery’s Bonsai

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JANUARY 24, 2020

LGBTQ+ FAMILY WORKSHOP The LGBTQ Youth Space - South County invites families with LGBTQIA+ identifying parents or children looking for support among peers in its first-ever free LGBTQ+ family friendly workshop. Families wanting to understand the LGBTQIA+ community and how to support those apart from this community are also welcome. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5:30-8pm at 290 I.O.O.F. Ave. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/w7h7hwu.

MORGAN HILL

The public is invited to a night of all-you-can eat crab at the Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) Annual Crab Feed. The dinner includes crab, pasta, salad and garlic bread with all proceeds benefiting OFP. This non-profit organization matches disabled veterans, adults and children with rescued dogs and trains them together. Saturday, Feb. 1, 6-9pm at Old City Hall Restaurant, 7400 Monterey St., Gilroy. For tickets and information, visit operationfreedompaws.org.

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COMMUNITY

Honoring the performers

File photo

JANUARY 24,2020

MEMBERS CHOICE San Benito Stage Company will celebrate the performers from its 2019 season on Jan. 25.

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San Benito Stage Company hosting annual awards show STAFF REPORT

S

an Benito Stage Company is holding its annual Members Choice Awards on Jan. 25 at San Benito High School.

The event, which is open to the public, will honor performers and productions from the company’s 2019 season. Last year’s season lineup included Sylvia, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr., Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Leader of the Pack.

SBSC Members Choice Awards will be given out to actors in the youth, teen and adult categories.

Guests will also get a sneak peek at the 2020 show line-up.

So far, San Benito Stage Company has announced it will perform Neil Simon’s California Suite Feb. 14-29. A location is to be announced.

The company is also holding dance and musical theater workshops for actors ages 6-14.

“Broadway Dance” will be held Jan. 25 from 11am to 2pm at Flying Color Dance Studio, 320 Fourth St. in Hollister. The workshop, taught

by Amy Redmond Waran, will cover technique, auditioning and stage presence.

“Musical Theater” will take place Feb. 1 from 11am to 2pm at Mr. O’s Music Academy, 360 Sixth St. in

Hollister. The workshop, taught

by Kayla Chizek, will cover song choice and audition prop. Attendees are asked to bring a 30-second prepared song.

Admission is $30 per workshop or $50 for both. For information or to register, visit sanbenitostage.org.

San Benito Stage Company invites past performers, volunteers and audiences to its Members Choice Awards on Saturday, Jan. 25 at San Benito High School, 1220 Monterey St. in Hollister. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the show starts at 7pm. For information, call 831.636.0122.

O& A CALENDAR

9 service hour credits will be given to students enrolled within Gilroy Unified School District, but enrollment in Christopher High School is not a requirement to attend. All students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one legal guardian.

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6-8pm at Christopher High School, 850 W. Day Road, Gilroy. For information, visit tinyurl.com/t5audrs.

ASHEBA CONCERT Families are invited to head to the Morgan Hill Library to clap, dance and sing along with musical stories of hope and happiness from Asheba, a musical storyteller specializing in Calypso music. Thursday, Jan. 30, 10:30-11am at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave., Morgan Hill. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ux9kya8.

WETLAND WILDLIFE

Watsonville Wetlands Watch presents “Hearing Their Call: California Redlegged Frogs and Western Pond Turtles in the Watsonville Wetlands.” Biologist Gary Kittleson will discuss his work at this free event with the red-legged frog and western pond turtle, and provide an update on the health of the wetlands’ threatened wildlife populations. Thursday, Jan. 30, 6:30-8:30pm at Patrick J. Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center, 500 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville. For information and to register, visit watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

singing classical, folk, Broadway, light opera, pop and gospel vocal music. No auditions are required.

The first rehearsal will be held Monday, Jan. 28, 7:15-9:30pm at Christ Fellowship Hollister, 2066 San Benito St., Hollister. For information, visit orianachorale.org.

EVENTS

DRIVER SAFETY Teens and their parents are invited to a free Driver Safety Education Start Smart Class presented by Christopher High School and the HollisterGilroy CHP office. Safe driving practices, the rules of the road, new driver license requirements and more will be covered. Community

ORIANA CHORALE Everyone who loves to sing is invited to join San Benito Oriana Chorale as it begins its season. Sopranos, altos, tenors and basses are all welcome to join this community choir in

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

Saturday, Feb. 1, 9am-noon at the Watsonville Aviation Education Center, 60 Aviation Way, Watsonville. For information, visit eaa119.org/youngeagles. To register, visit youngeaglesday.com.

HISTORIC TOUR Learn about the historic districts of Gilroy the first Saturday of each month during Historic Walking Tours. Members of the Gilroy

ANTIQUE AIRCRAFT Frazier Lake Airpark will host antique aircraft at the Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In.The oldfashioned airpark hosts numerous classic antiques with a 2,500-footlong turf runway that makes the Cubs, Stinsons, Cessna 180s and Stearmans right at home. Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In is a free event, Saturday, Feb. 1, 10am-3pm at Frazier Lake Airpark, 7901 Frazier Lake Road, Hollister.

Guest vehicle parking is located north of the hangars via the dirt road. For information, visit frazierlake.com.

LIVING HISTORY Meet mountain men, Civil War soldiers, Victorian ladies, and more while stepping back to the early days of San Juan.

Attendees can take part in craft and cooking demonstrations and see historic horse-drawn vehicles and Victorian furnishings.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 11am-4pm at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 19 Franklin St, San Juan Bautista. For information, visit sanjuanbautistaca.com.

MOTHER-SON DANCE Mothers and their sons, ages 4-11, are invited to a glow-in-the-darkthemed Mother-Son Dance in Morgan Hill. Refreshments, a sit-down dinner and dessert will be served, and guests are encouraged to dress to impress.

A grandmother, aunt, family friend or other family member is welcome to take a mother’s place.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 5:30-8:30pm at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill.

Space is limited. To register, visit mhreconline.com with activity code: WSY002. For information, call 408.782.0008.

JANUARY 24, 2020

Class. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own trees for consultation. Any type, size or style tree is welcome at this free class. Saturday, Jan. 25, 1-3pm at Alladin Nursery & Gift Shop, 2905 Freedom Blvd. For information, visit alladinnursery.com.

AC/DC TRIBUTE Bonfire, a high energy tribute to AC/DC, is coming to The District Theater.

The band performs the music of early AC/DC from the Bon Scott years to the more current Brian Johnson eras. Also enjoy the high energy, electrifying melodic hard rock of local favorite, Gundacker.

Friday, Jan. 31, 9pm-midnight at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/tbmsjyw.

Historical Society on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10am-noon will hold a free Women’s History Tour.

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

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GARDENING

Tips for a tranquil garden

Kate Russell

MINIMIZING STRESS Maintenance-free succulents make gardening easy.

Colors, fountains and aroma add peace

JANUARY 24,2020

By KATE RUSSELL

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Y

our garden can be a bright, cheery, busy place, or it can provide the tranquility you need after a busy day.

Transform your garden into a tranquil refuge with these easy tips: Keep it simple. Get rid of clutter. Remove plants that are not thriving. Use simple decorations.

Leave fences and lawns clear and empty of distractions.

Color it calm. Reds and yellows are great colors, but they will not help you relax. Design your landscape around blues, greens and browns for a beautifully relaxing view.

Just add water. Fountains, waterfalls, even the sound of a bird splashing in a birdbath bring us back to nature much the way

a campfire does, but without the mess or risks. Water features also attract birds that bring their beauty and song to your garden.

Fragrant fancies. Aroma is another powerful tool in creating a restful garden refuge. Savoring fragrant jasmine, hyacinth or lavender, tension slips away, replaced with inner calm. Roses, dianthus, gardenia, nicotiana, clematis and lily-of-the-valley add fragrance and gentle color.

Natural tranquility. Stone, wood, grasses, living plants and nature-related art all help to ground you in the moment and set aside the stresses of the day. Forget brightly colored plastics and cheap spontaneous yard art purchases.

They are bad for the environment and your psyche. Treat your yard

like a valuable painting, to be handled with care and thoughtfulness. Keep it simple and serene.

Soft ferns can also help you find your calm.

Minimize maintenance. Use plants that have evolved to thrive in this region. Native plants and succulents are always good choices when trying to reduce the need for watering, weeding and pest prevention. And let those plants go to seed. They will provide for local wildlife, add structure and color during winter months, and create new plants in spring.

Gentle sounds. Traffic, machinery and neighbors can destroy the tranquility of your refuge. Reduce these intrusions with good fencing and trees and shrubs planted around your property line.

Create an herb garden. Edible herbs require minimal care and most of them come back every year.

Besides adding flavor to meals, fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano and rosemary, add color and fragrance to your garden, while helping deter many common pests.

Delightful lighting. The way you illuminate your yard also impacts the way you feel. Gentle, soft-colored solar lights along paths, around garden beds, and in seating areas can be soothing.

Make the time to enjoy it. One of the biggest problems faced today is our unwillingness to make time to relax. Busy schedules, television and social media whittle away at our spare moments until there aren’t any. Schedule some time for yourself in the garden, without chores and to-do lists.

Stop and smell those roses.

You’ve earned it.

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

WINE

R s EA pas Y LL- rail U F t ne i w

santa clara valley

wine trail pass $400+ VALUE File photo

TOP HONORS Janu Goelz of Alara Cellars and Jason Goelz of Jason-Stephens

wine taste all year long + ACCESS TO TRAIL DAYS, CELEBRATED BY TERRITORY FEB 1 / AUG 1 / NOV 7

Winery earned Best of Class awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Valley is golden Local wineries compete at annual SF Chronicle event By LAURA NESS

T

Bringing home Double Golds for wine made from Santa Clara Valley fruit were Church Creek’s 2014 cabernet franc, Kirigin Cellars’ 2017 barbera and 2017 pinot noir, La Vie Dansante’s 2016 grenache, Martin Ranch’s 2015 Thérèse Vineyards Dos Ninas malbec, Satori’s 2017 merlot and Solis Winery’s 2016 cabernet sauvignon.

Other awards from the competition included Best Sparkling, which went to the Breathless blanc de noirs, Best White to Trader Moon 2016 viognier made by Delicato ($5.99), Best Rosé was the 2019 Ferrari-Carano sangiovese, Best Red went to 2016 deLorimier Crazy Creek cabernet from Alexander Valley, and best dessert was a Ferrante Vidal Blanc ice wine from Ohio. I thought the 2017 Sequoia Grove merlot (Napa) was far superior to the cab.

The public tasting event will be held Feb. 15. For complete results, visit winejudging.com.

morgan hill

san martin

gilroy

hollister

get yours now @ 1. Any winery tasting room listed on santaclarawines.com 2. California Welcome Center Gilroy @ The Outlets 3. santaclarawines.com

for more details: santaclarawines.com

JANUARY 24, 2020

he San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest in North America, with more than 6,700 entries this year. It’s a herculean effort that takes months to organize and hundreds of volunteers, who get paid in wine, the best currency.

The competition was completed on Jan. 10. More than 65 judges representing various North American wine regions evaluated wines from over 1,000 wineries for the 2020 competition.

One of the 66 wines in the sweepstakes round was the playfully peppery 2017 Alara Cellars Cabernet Pfeffer from San Benito.

It’s the first time Janu Goelz landed a Best of Class (BOC) wine at “the Chron.” Her husband Jason Goelz of Jason-Stephens scored BOC for his 2014 syrah from Lion Oaks Ranch (and a Double Gold for his San Benito cab franc), and Satori snagged BOC for their 2017 SCV petite sirah.

saratoga

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Six-Years New!

Open Saturday Noon-3pm Host: Jose Vargas (831) 524-1559

In the heart of Hollister, this 1-story 3Br/2Ba boasts pride of ownership! Living room w/cozy fireplace opens to spacious dining area & makes a great indoor entertaining space. Light & bright kitchen w/island, lots of granite counters, S/S appliances—flows into the family room w/easy access to the backyard for family BBQs & outdoor entertaining.

The spacious master suite has a walk-in closet w/built-in shelves; master bath w/large soaking tub & stall shower. Easy to maintain backyard w/hardscape/artificial lawn.

1990 Morning Glory Drive, Hollister Offered for $600,000

Open Sat & Sun Noon-3pm SANTANA RANCH W/VIEWS ~ Spacious 1-story 3Br/2Ba, 1850 SqFt, Contemporary Anderson-built in 2017 w/many bells & whistles. Gorgeous yards w/easy maintenance.

1642 Sunflower Drive, Hollister $625,000 Charlene King (831) 801-5464

Open Sunday Noon-3pm A MUST-SEE ~ Lovely 5Br/3Ba in Sunnyslope Village. Kitchen & dinette area flow into family room. Downstairs BR w/full BA. Large master suite. 3-car garage & SOLAR too!

1920 Sycamore Court, Hollister $664,999 Host: Jose Vargas (831) 524-1559

We are an award winning company offering superior services across San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties!

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JACKSON OAKS This Mediterranean-style home is for sale in Morgan Hill.

Home has lake views Jackson Oaks home in Morgan Hill offers views from many rooms

T

his home in the Jackson Oaks community of Morgan Hill overlooks Anderson Lake.

Located at 16355 Jackson Oaks Drive, the 2,796-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and three baths. The kitchen is equipped with a custom hood, gas stove with hot water filler, custom tile backsplash, a 40-square-foot island

with cabinets, recessed lighting and stainless steel appliances.

A loft above the family room can be converted to a library or office.

The master bathroom has double sinks, a jet tub and separate toilet room.

The home was built in 1974. It is listed at $1,150,000 by Coldwell Banker Realty. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ubj6hk7.

REAL ESTATE Publish Your Business or

RENTALS

$2,650 Month/$3,150 Deposit 4 Bed 2 Bath, 2 car garage.

Great neighborhood, near shopping and schools AVAILABLE NOW

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$2,750 Month/$3,250 Deposit 3 Bed 2 Bath Country living on a cul-de-sac.

Easy access to Hwy 25 and 156 Water and garbage included in rent.

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GARDENING

Gregg’s Complete Gardening Service

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Wood fenches Clean ups •Tree work Sod •Sprinklers Free estimate Please call or text 831.537.5205

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airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802

HOLLISTER DUPLEX/TRIPLEX RENTALS

HOLLISTER INDUSTRIAL LAND

2/1 2/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/3

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$2,100 $2,450 $2,500 $2,600 $3,000 $3,000 $2,100

$1,200 $1,550 $1,550 $1,600 $1,900

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330 Tres Pinos Rd. Ste. B-1 HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES For more information, call

831.637.1691

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

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

northpointebusinesscenter.com

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www.pivetticompany.com Lic# 429006

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES CONCRETE

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J. Casalegno Concrete

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Humberto Montes Tree Services

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MAGNOLIA LANDSCAPE AND CONCRETE, INC. Specializing, Pavers, Concrete, Irrigation, Sod, Cleanups, All Landscape Construction Serving the Bay Area since 1992 Call for Free Estimates Licensed, Bonded and Insured 408-309-2973 License # 962540

BIG PICTURE PLUMBING LOCAL & AFFORDABLE Quality Work That Can Be Trusted Family Owned & Operated Call 408 551-8670 For All Your Plumbing Needs Insured/ Bonded Lic#1047875

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

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t u r d a y. a S a n help o e t u tos! n i i r m r t u s a b l t t Ge akfas

re b E E R F

REGISTRATION SATURDAY

SPRING SEMESTER STARTS JANUARY 27

Saturday, January 25 | 9:30 AM – 1 PM Student Services Center westvalley.edu/reg

westvalley.edu/apply

Meet with a counselor, register for classes, and apply for financial aid.

Apply online now! Online, evening, and Saturday classes available.