THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN
APRIL 3, 2020
A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times
Keep Calm Stress from the COVID-19 outbreak can be overwhelming, but there are ways to overcome it P2
WALKING TRAILS P7 | GARDENING P9 | REAL ESTATE P11
B Y WA L L A C E B A I N E
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Body and mind need down time to maintain a sane and balanced life, experts say
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GREEN THUMB Gardening is a beneficial diversion.
here’s a stranger at the door. At every home around the world from Milan to Modesto—as well as from Hollister to Morgan Hill— the stranger has come not for a visit, but a long-term stay. It is a cousin to a more familiar presence in our lives, the persistent low-grade angst endemic to contemporary life. But this stranger is exponentially more unsettling and ominous. No one knows the toll it will demand. That stranger is not so much the COVID-19 pathogen now threatening the world’s health and economy, as it is the dread and anxiety that attends it. The virus itself has still infected relatively few, but fear of the virus has reached every neighborhood, if not every household, in the world. How do we take the measure of this frightening new mutation of social anxiety? Most people are already negotiating with the stranger to come up with some kind of accommodation
HUMOR IS A MUST Laughter is an excellent way to relieve stress, according to experts
suffering. Before engaging with the world, at least in an effective and helpful manner, all of us will have to come to an understanding with the stranger at the door. First off, advised Santa Cruz physician Dawn Motyka, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between the viral infection itself and the anxiety of avoiding it. Motyka said that she has seen patients who are convinced that they have contracted the illness and may be developing pneumonia because they are experiencing what she calls “air hunger,” the inability to draw a deep breath. “This ‘I feel like I can’t get a full breath of air’ thing is a very common symptom of anxiety,” Motyka said. “I tell people, walk up and down the stairs a couple of times. If you can manage it, you don’t have pneumonia. If you have some kind of pulmonary thing, any amount of exertion will just wipe you out.” Motyka defines anxiety as “a state ➝4
PLAY TIME Board games
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APRIL 3, 2020
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with it. Denying it, like a Florida spring breaker, is not the responsible option. Facing it, adapting to it, even listening to it is likely to lead to a better outcome, for health and peace of mind. Priority one is to stay safe, but priority one-A is to stay sane. Still, there is an emerging consensus on how to deal with pandemic anxiety that reflects a familiar ritual to anyone who has traveled on a commercial flight. In case of turbulence, when the oxygen masks drop, we’ve been told hundreds of times, secure your mask first. Then help others with theirs. To survive the crisis will likely require a renewed sense of community and helping others. But it makes sense that to be an effective helper, everyone will need to come to some kind of self-assessment on their mental and emotional health. Spreading panic or denialism will help no one, and will probably lead to more
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DOWN TIME A diversion such as gardening can offer the mind a healthy balance. of persistent heightened physiological arousal.” Anxiety releases adrenaline, the body’s go-to hormone in fight-or-flight situations of immediate threat. The human psyche is equipped to deal with environmental threats, but not so much a constant state of uncertainty and dread. The metaphor Motyka likes is that of a car revving its engine but not necessarily going anywhere. “Our society is so overstimulating that so many people get trapped with the accelerator slightly pressed at all times,” she said. Anxiety, she insisted, is not solely a psychological state. It has physiological dimensions in the body. “It’s a physiological state that can be generated by a thought, and often is,” she said. “But it can also be generated by a pattern of physical stimulation in the environment, like a cellphone alert going off all the time.” Especially in an environment where “shelter in place” and “social-distancing” have become the new normal, managing anxiety is always a question of balance. Your body, as well as your mind, needs down time, diversions such
as reading, listening to music, or gardening. “I always think of Gone With the Wind,” Motyka said. “Scarlett O’Hara says, ‘I just can’t think about this right now. I’ll think about it tomorrow.’ That’s good advice sometimes. Budget the amount of time you spend catastrophizing.” Leigh Anne Jasheway is a wellness and stress-management expert. And she’s a stand-up comedian. Those two things aren’t incidental. Jasheway has published more than two dozen books and has keynoted events across the country with the message that a healthy sense of humor is one of the keys to a sane and balanced life. While emphasizing that there is nothing inherently funny about COVID-19, Jasheway said cultivating humor is a valuable coping mechanism. At the University of Oregon, Jasheway has taught several classes on humor including Advanced Humor Theory and a class for freshmen that challenges a demographic group prone to depression to see their lives as comedies instead of tragedies. Both laughter and anxiety is contagious, she said. And, right now, facing a brave new world of potential widespread
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been exposed,” she said, “this ambiguity you’re living through seems like a bowling ball, but it’s really just a tennis ball.” Spirituality is another realm that has lessons of facing dread and intense fears and their effects on mental health. Much of what Buddhist meditation has taught, for example, has now been embraced in the medical world, most prominently, the benefits of focusing on breathing as a means of managing stress and anxiety. Catherine Toldi is a Zen priest and teacher who has been leading a group of like-minded practitioners in Hollister for the past six years. Zen practice, said Toldi, is a way to take a step to the side to watch how the brain works. “If you’re a person who, over the years, has painstakingly been looking at your mind, you can take that step back and say, ‘hmmm, how do I want to think about this right now?’ Rather than just being like a fish on a hook that immediately goes wherever your mind is telling you to go.” Of the pandemic, she said, “We’re not under the illusion that we’re in control of this thing going on. But ultimately, we are the ones who choose what radio station we’re going to listen to in our brain.”
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illness and its devastating economic impact, anxiety is winning. “It’s in the air,” she said. “Studies conclude that we catch the mood of the people we spend time with. Right now, we’re catching the mood of the people we spend time with online. Even before the coronavirus, especially since Trump took office, anxiety, worry and depression levels have skyrocketed. The oven had already been pre-heating at 350. Now you throw in this pandemic, and we’re at 475.” Jasheway’s prescription? Would you believe a little bit of Cranium? “Do things together that are meant to evoke laughter,” she said. “I’m a big believer in board games that make you laugh. When you play a board game, you’re social bonding. And, right now, when we have to socially isolate, things like board games relieve stress without focusing on stress. Pets and children are great too, in getting you to laugh a lot.” The benefit of humor is to give perspective on life’s stresses. Jasheway likes the metaphor of three different kinds of balls—ping-pong, tennis and bowling balls. The big stress factors—the bowling balls— are things like death, divorce, bankruptcy, disease. “If you’re a healthy person during this pandemic who has not
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We look forward to seeing you for Wine Tasting when conditions permit. 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy Gilroy • 408.847.1947 sarahsvineyard.com Submitted photo
SIP WHILE SHELTERING Aver Family Vineyards is one of many local wineries offering free local delivery.
Wineries offer deals during COVID-19 Free local delivery, curbside pickup available By LAURA NESS
APRIL 3, 2020
W
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hile tasting rooms are currently closed, most local wineries are ready to supply the wine people need to sip while sheltering. Local restaurants Maurizio’s, Odeum, Rosy’s, Siam Thai and West Side Grill are all offering local bottles to go with food orders. Visit santaclarawines.com for a complete list of who’s offering what. Those offering free local delivery are Aver, Cinnabar, Guglielmo, Kirigin, La Vie Dansante, Lion Ranch, MO|HI, P & V, Satori, Tank House and Vallée Vineyards. Curbside pickup is available at all the above, plus Alara, Calerrain, Casa de Fruta, Church Creek Cellars, Clos La Chance, Church Creek, Dorcich, Fernwood, Fortino, Jason Stephens, Heller, Lightpost,
Martin Ranch, Miramar, Morgan Hill, Sarah’s Vineyard and Verde Vineyards. Aver Family Vineyards is offering a 15 percent discount on “Hope,” a popular Rhône Blend. “If we ever needed hope, it is now,” Carolyn Aver said. Dorcich is offering 20 percent off all wines, Fernwood has 20 percent off four or more bottles, Tank House is offering $17/bottle and 20 percent off by the case, while Satori is offering specials on 2014 cases. Sarah’s suggests pairing their 2016 Estate Pinot Noir with homemade marinara and spaghetti. Verde Vineyards is offering 35 percent off on cases, mix and match. The Aver Family says, “We will get through this together, and as we Rhônies like to say: Keep Calm and Carignane!”
O& A
OUT & ABOUT
GILROY
INTERPRETIVE WALK Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park offers a unique view into local Native American culture within its culturally significant 4.5 acres. Petroglyphs and bedrock mortars may be seen on the .4-mile self-guided interpretive walk, as well as tule structures that recreate village life of the Ohlone natives who once made their homes there. The park also features an interpretive shelter and Uvas Creek. 10001 Watsonville Road. For information, visit sccgov.org/sites/parks.
MORGAN HILL
WILD OPEN SPACES Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in northern California. The 87,000 acres of wild open spaces feature rugged terrain, lofty ridges and steep canyons. The park is home to a variety of plants and animals, the headwaters of Coyote Creek, a wilderness area and long stretches of Pacheco and Orestimba creeks. 9100 E. Dunne Ave. For information, visit parks.ca.gov.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
EXPANSIVE VIEWS Fremont Peak State Park features expansive, panoramic views of Monterey Bay, San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. Many birds and mammals make homes in the pine and oak woodlands of this historical and cultural site, providing nature and wildlife viewing. The weather can be unpredictable; layered clothing is advised. 10700 San Juan Canyon Road. For information, visit parks.ca.gov.
WATSONVILLE
REDWOOD FOREST
time outside is beneficial and open spaces are available for walking, hiking and connecting with nature as long as social distancing is practiced.
APRIL 3, 2020
Mount Madonna County Park’s 4,605 acres are dominated by a pristine redwood forest and feature views of the Santa Clara Valley to the east and Monterey Bay to the west. Explorers will experience Mt. Madonna’s slopes descend toward the valley and witness a changing landscape from redwood forest to oak woodland, dense chaparral and grassy meadows. A one-mile self-guided nature trail is also featured. 7850 Pole Line Road. For information, visit sccgov.org/sites/parks.
NATURE CONNECTIONS Spending
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SPOKING MY MIND
Vicious virus vexes velocipeders Sad news continues for riders
By CURT HENTSCHKE
Curt Hentschke
MAINSTAY EVENT The cancellation of the Tierra Bella in Gilroy is hard to swallow.
APRIL 3, 2020
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ast month, I opened with the bad news concerning the Amgen Tour of California cancellation; unfortunately, the sad news continues. Citing the “coronavirus threat,” organizers have postponed this month’s Sea Otter Classic. Fortunately, fall dates have been reset for Oct. 1-4. And, yes, the sadness continues. For more than 40 years, April has meant one thing for cyclists in our area: the Tierra Bella. Alas, this mainstay event has also been cancelled. Unless you contact the Almaden Cycle Touring Club (actc. org), your registration fees will be
applied to next year’s ride, to be held April 24, 2021. In Save the Dates, I’ve tried to give you the latest info; remember, however, that, given the unprecedented nature of this issue, information continues to change daily. The takeaway? If you’ve pre-registered for any spring cycle event, please check the ride websites before you attend. Though it’s April, this column was submitted on March 22, about a week into the shelter-in-place orders. I’ve tried to dig out the definitive rules on cycling. The gist is that bicycling is still OK for getting much-needed exercise or for taking care of essential needs. Just remember all the usual rules: do
not ride in a group; if you ride with anyone (not living in the same household), maintain the six-foot rule; and always wash your hands and gloves upon your return. Ride safely. Ride wisely.
SAVE THE DATES APRIL 19: Primavera Century, Fremont—TBA APRIL 16-19: Sea Otter Classic— POSTPONED APRIL 25: Tierra Bella, Gilroy— CANCELLED MAY 3: Delta Century, Lodi—TBA
MAY 9: I Care Classic, Morgan Hill—CANCELLED MAY 17: Strawberry Fields Forever, Aptos—POSTPONED MAY 22-25: Great Western Bike Rally, Paso Robles—CANCELLED MAY 30: Devil’s Slide Ride, Pacifica—devilsslideride.org Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke has pedaled more than 60,000 miles of South Valley and San Benito County trails. Send your cycle celebrations to heycycleguy@gmail.com. Check for last-minute changes before attending.
GARDENING
Kate Russell
VERSATILE PLANTS Herbs such as tarragon can be an attractive addition to any landscape.
Herb garden Productive plants grow well in local climate By KATE RUSSELL
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Plants can reach 18-24 inches and should be spaced 10 inches apart. Transplant cilantro seedlings gently to prevent them from going to seed right away. Unless you want those seeds, known as coriander. • Dill creates lovely 2-4 feet ferny fronds. Place plants 12 inches apart. As a biennial, dill takes two years to go to seed. Those seeds can be used in cooking or allowed to generate new plants. • Mint loves shady, moist spots, and can grow in full sun. Mint spreads fast, so containers are a good idea. Start mint from seeds, tender new growth, or rooted stems. • Oregano grows best in poor soil with good drainage. They need
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. Be sure to stop by the Spring Garden Market on April 18, 9am–2pm at Martial Cottle Park for all of your spring planting needs.
APRIL 3, 2020
f you grow nothing else, grow herbs. Most herbs require a lot of sunlight and good drainage. They grow well in containers, are resilient, productive and attractive. Any of these herbs can be grown in your landscape: • Basil loves our hot summers and grows easily from seed. Pinch stems off where two leaves emerge to stimulate multiple stem growth. Avoid overhead watering. • Chives can be grown on a window sill or outdoors. The onionscented flowers are edible. Chives should be planted 12-18 inches apart and will spread. • Cilantro grows easily from seed.
very little water and grow easily from seed. Don’t expect much flavor at first. It takes time and hardship for oregano to reach its full potential. Leaves should be harvested after flowers appear. • Parsley is a nutritious, biennial kitchen mainstay. It has a taproot, so containers should be deep. Parsley can be grown in full sun or partial shade. • Rosemary grows best from cuttings placed in rich soil and watered lightly and frequently until established. Rosemary plants can become quite large, so plant accordingly. • Sage prefers rich clay loam and can reach 3 feet wide and tall. Sage needs plenty of nitrogen, so feed regularly. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor. • Tarragon has shallow, spreading roots, making it a good container plant. Only after leaves are dried does the scent emerge. Tarragon can reach 2-3 feet. It prefers a little shade during the hottest part of the day. Propagation is easiest through root division. • Thyme comes in upright and trailing varieties, and in several different scents. It can be difficult to grow from seed, so start with a seedling or cutting. Thyme performs best if left alone. It grows well in containers. Thyme can reach 12-18 inches and should be placed 18-24 inches apart. Since thyme grows slowly, weed control is important while young. Whether you create a formal knot herb garden, collect a bunch of containers in a sunny spot, or start with one herb and grow from there, herbs have a place in your landscape.
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