Pajaro Valley Magazine | May 8, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

A supplement to The Pajaronian

MAY 8, 2020

DESIGNING WITH PURPOSE Shop owner and fashion designer gives back to community

COVER STORY P4 | THE MIXING BOWL P6 | PHOTO GALLERY P8

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MAGAZINE

21 Brennan St, Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831.761.7301

ABOUT

THE COVER

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We are here for all your Real Estate needs

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Cover Story

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Mixing bowl

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Photo Gallery

CEO & Executive Editor

Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson Managing Editor

Tony Nuñez Contributing Writers

Johanna Miller Sarah Ringler Advertising Account Executives

Tina Chavez Jazmine Ancira Lupita Ortiz

The housing inventory is at an all time low. This is having a great impact on property values. The supply and demand theory is in full swing, thus driving home values up. If you are considering selling or just want an idea of what your property value is in this current market, reach out to us.

Ed Gagné

Kathy Oliver

egagne@baileyproperties.com CalDRE# 01450406

koliver@baileyproperties.com CalDRE# 01116175

Realtor 831.254.1432

Realtor 831.206.2249

Ed Gagné Local Real Estate Specialist CA BRE #01450406

Honesty • Loyalty • Integrity Extensive local market knowledge!

Community Involvement for over 20 years

Design Director

Kara Brown Design Layout

Hon Truong Cover photograph by:

Johanna Miller

Published by WatsNews, LLC, Watsonville, CA. Entire contents © 2020. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

tchavez@pajaronian.com Phone:

831.761.7301

Circle of Champions - Watsonville Office

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

our years ago, a number of small local businesses in the Crossroads Shopping Center on Main Street were ousted, making room for a new Kaiser Permanente facility.

One of these businesses was Queen’s Shoes, a shoe and apparel shop owned by local fashion designer Sindy JOHANNA MILLER Hernandez.

While some others from the center were unable to find new locations, Hernandez was able to relocate to a storefront on East Lake Avenue, where she remains today.

Hernandez said that it was her loyal customer base that helped her survive the crisis—and that they are once again showing tremendous support during the current shelter-in-place order.

This week’s cover story is about how Hernandez and the other staff at Queen’s Shoes have been returning that support— selling and donating their own designs of face masks, which help slow the spread of Covid-19.

This is an example of why local business is so important— whether it be in a big city or a small town. It gives customers a personal connection to the stores and restaurants they frequent, and gives shop owners insight into the community they serve.

Hernandez said that she doesn’t know exactly what the future looks like for Queens. But she’s determined to keep moving forward.

“I see all my customers coming together and I think, ‘I still want to have this,’” she said. “I want to stay here in my community.”

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PHOTOS

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STORY BY JOHANNA MILLER

Fashion FOR A

cause Local designer, shop owner gives back during COVID-19 outbreak very year Sindy Hernandez, local fashion designer and owner of Queen’s Shoes, heads up two fundraisers to support local nonprofits.

Dubbed Fashion Cares, the fundraisers have amassed money for Jacob’s Heart, CASA, Monarch Services and more.

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“It’s my way of giving back to my community,” Hernandez says.

The first fundraiser typically is held in April—the anniversary month of Queen’s Shoes. But this year, the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent closing of Hernandez’s business nearly shut everything down.

But Hernandez noticed there was a growing need in her community: face masks. She began designing and producing immediately and was able to give out about 70 in the first week. Hernandez says she was expecting them to be donations, but that people wanted to return the favor. ➝7

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SLEEK SAFETY

A new line of breathable, antibacterial face masks designed by local shop owner Sindy Hernandez.

LINE UP Sindy Hernandez

shows off new mask designs at her shop on East Lake Avenue.

The business is taking online orders for the masks and other retail items.

ICON Designer Sindy Hernandez’s

Frida Kahlo-inspired shirts are a big seller at her store, Queen’s Shoes in Watsonville. The store is currently offering delivery during shelter-in-place.

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

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THE MIXING BOWL also a root vegetable and a good substitute, I prefer the texture and flavor of yuca. Yuca root can be found fresh or frozen.

Yuca, also called manioc or cassava, is native to Brazil. Over time, it became cultivated and eaten by other pre-Columbian people in northern South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The Spanish and Portuguese colonizers imported it around the world to Asia and Africa where it has become a staple food because of its tolerance to drought and poor soil. It now provides a basic diet for over half a billion people. Some varieties contain poisons so yuca must be processed by cooking or drying and should never be eaten raw.

I bought it frozen and already peeled and ready to cook.

CHINESE STYLE STEWED OXTAIL Tarmo Hannula

CULTURAL FLAVOR This Chinese oxtail dish was first introduced

to Sarah Ringler by her friend, Wandi Wang, from Beijing.

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

A Sweet and Savory Tail

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M

SARAH RINGLER

any cultures eat oxtail, the discreet name for the tail of the species Bos Taurus, usually called cattle in the live form, and beef, when they are eaten. A classic Italian dish is called coda alla vaccinara.

Koreans eat gomguk, Filipinos prepare Kare-Kare, Cubans make rabo encendido and South Africans prepare potjie, to give a few examples. It contains a lot of gelatin, a natural thickener, and is usually cooked into a stew or soup.

It also has a lot of flavor. This version is Asian with ginger, star anise, soy sauce and thinly sliced mandarin orange peels. Brown

sugar adds sweetness. It is an easy recipe and can be served by itself or with rice or noodles on the side.

Top with green onions, cilantro and minced chilis. I sautéed some onions and greens together to serve alongside it. The recipe is adapted from an online version from Asianfoodtrail.com and inspired by a dish made by a friend from Beijing, Wandi Wang, who served it for dinner a while ago.

Butcher shops like Freedom Meat Locker, D’La Colmena, and Corralitos Market and Sausage Company usually sell oxtail. If you go to one of the Mexican butcher shops, you can also pick up yuca, another ingredient in this dish. Although potatoes are

2 ½-3 pounds oxtail, chopped in sections about a 1½ inch thick 1 tablespoon salt & pepper, half to be used to rub over the oxtails 4-6 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup dry sherry cooking wine, rice wine or mirin 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce 2 tablespoons chili bean sauce (doubanjiang)- optional Enough water just to cover the surface 4 tablespoons brown sugar 3-6 pieces star anise 1 piece small cinnamon stick 1 piece ginger peeled thumbsize cut in ¼ inch pieces 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed 1 piece finely sliced fresh mandarin peel 4-inch chunk of peeled yuca or potato, cut into 3/4 inch squares – about 1 ½ cups 1 large carrot peeled and cut in chunks

For garnish: 2 green onions, thinly sliced ½ cup chopped cilantro leaves 2 tablespoons minced jalapeño or serrano chilis Rub the oxtail with salt and ➝7 pepper. In a medium-sized

MIXING BOWL

FASHION

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“Suddenly they were donating money back to me… and I realized I could continue this year’s Fashion Cares,” she says. “That’s how we came up with Masks for a Cause.”

By bringing back some of her staff to sew, Masks for a Cause was able to make 885 masks to support local organization Families in Transition. And as of this week, the small group has made a total of 2,000 masks.

Hernandez says she has been experimenting with different fabrics to find the most breathable and lightweight possible. A new type of reversible mask released this week is made from an antibacterial fabric similar to wetsuit material.

“Now, because of this project, we are able to give jobs to my ladies, help an important cause, and I’ll be able to pay my rent,” Hernandez says. “I am so grateful and happy because just a month ago everything was uncertain.”

Four years ago, Queen’s Shoes and several other businesses were evicted from the Crossroads Shopping Center on Main Street.

Dutch oven, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium.

When the oil shines, add the oxtail pieces. Stir until they are browned all over and the meat releases easily from the bottom.

Add cinnamon and star anise. As soon you can smell them, add the ginger and garlic stirring the pot the whole time.

When bits start sticking to the bottom, pour in the cooking wine and scrape the bits lose.

Next add the soy sauce, chili bean sauce, mandarin peel and sugar. Add water to cover meat.

Simmer with the lid on for about to 3-4 hours. Add carrots and cassava before the last hour. You want the meat to be so tender it falls off the bones and the vegetables should still retain their shape. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

Serve straight away on its own or with plain white rice or noodles on the side. Sprinkle with cilantro, sliced green onion and minced green chilis with some fresh herbs scattered on top.

Hernandez says she would have never been able to survive without the support of her customers.

“They came together and said, ‘We are here for you, we want you to stay in business.’ And now I hear that again,” she says. “For 13 years my customers have kept me alive.”

Queen’s Shoes is taking online orders and shipping to anywhere in the U.S. Items including masks, shoes and Hernandez’s own clothing line, named simply “Sindy,” are available.

Hernandez says the most important thing to her is quality— finding comfortable, sustainable material to make clothes that last longer—and that she hopes people will start putting value into that after the COVID-19 outbreak.

“If we go back to ‘normal,’ all our struggles will be pointless,” she says. “We shouldn’t go back to normal… the way we buy fast-fashion, things we use once and throw away.

We should start embracing sustainability and local talent.”

For information and to order from Queen’s Shoes visit queensshoes.net or follow the store on social media.

TOPS In Their Field

Are You TOPS in Your Field?

Contact Tina 831-761-7359

722-3382 1039 Freedom Blvd.

Three Commercial Lots.

Freedom Blvd. Location.

Zoned Commercial Neighborhood.

Zoning Allows Commercial And Multi Residential Development.

Commercial Office For Sale. Seller Is Motivated.

$304,200, $229,500, and $342,000

$495,000

128 Roache Rd, Freedom

718 Sanborn Road, Salinas

$349,000

312 Manfre Rd, Watsonville

615 Brewington St, Watsonville Bank owned prime Watsonville location 2Br-2Bth, office that can be used as a 3rd bedroom, work shop.

3 Br-1 Bth 2 car gar on a large country lot, just outside of the city limits

$549,000

$602,300

JOHN ESPINOZA 840-2506

EVERARDO QUINTERO 831-332-5545

BRE #00477281

BRE #00478150

SALVADOR “SAL” ROCHA 724-6030 BRE #00913260

RAY QUINTERO 707-4659 BRE #00789143

ERIK CABALLERO 207-3348 ErikCaballero.com BRE #01455756

1051 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville

Visítenos en Rebecas’s Bakery, muéstrenos que nos sigue en Instagram y reciba una concha gratis!

Visit us at Rebeca’s Bakery, show us you follow us on Instagram and receive a free concha!

15 1st Street #1, Watsonville • (831) 786-9664

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Affordable home 2 Br-1 bth with recent upgrades which are kitchen cabinets, granite counter top and updated bath, plenty of room for RV parking

Priced to sell 3 Br-2 Bth 2 acr gar very well cared for home, move in ready condition $559,900

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PHOTO GALLERY

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Tarmo Hannula

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to tnunez@pajaronian.com or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the name of the photographer.

GO PANTHERS Martina Goulart works on a new outdoor mural featuring the school mascot—a panther—Tuesday at Pajaro Middle School. Principal Christopher Harris

said the new mural is an upgrade and modernization of the original school mascot based on early day stickers. It is being painted by Goulart in tandem with a second giant mural inside the gymnasium/auditorium. That mural incorporates images of area history, values and goals largely generated by students.

Tarmo Hannula

Ed Show

IN BLOOM California’s State Flower, The Poppy,

flourishes in a county field.

MEXICAN PRIDE These folks took time to waive a Mexican flag at Twin Lakes Beach

Tuesday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

AFTERNOON RIDE A bicyclist rolls over a bike/pedestrian bridge

in the upper Santa Cruz Harbor.

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Freedom Boulevard recently in Watsonville

Tarmo Hannula

Tarmo Hannula

WATCHFUL EYE This husky keeps watch on passing cars along

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WINTER HOMEOWNER’S

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SERVICE GUIDE 1

HAULING

HAUL IT NOW! Yard Waste, Dump Run, Debris, Tear Offs, Large & Small Trucks Available

(831) 750-7044 24 Hour Service A Division of Ariana Roofing We won’t make you wait. www.arianaroofing.com

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FURNITURE

Baker Bros.

31 E 5th Street Watsonville

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

(831) 722-1776

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HOUSE CLEANING

• HOUSE • OFFICES • BUSINESS, ETC.

Fernandez House Cleaning BL – 104076

FIND US IN Mario (831) 707-7005 *Spanish For more info call Yesenia *English *Spanish (831) 707-9542

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AIR CONDITIONING

HARDY

QUALITY AIR INC. Heating & Air Conditioning 2576 Freedom Blvd.

Watsonville

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CARPET CLEANING

A-1 JANITORIAL SERVICES

Professional Carpet & Upholstery Steam Cleaning

(831) 724-4409

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

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ROOFING

ARIANA ROOFING Lic#73748 Make Us One of Your Three Estimates Commercial & Residential Free Estimates Watsonville call 761-1328 Santa Cruz call 462-3036 We won’t make you wait. www.arianaroofing.com

WINDOWS

Delta Glass 1811 Freedom Blvd.

(831) 724-6385 delta_glass@sbcglobal.net

(831) 722-3242

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EQUIPMENT RENTAL

A TOOL SHED 285 W. Beach Street Watsonville

(831) 722-0334

C-39 Roofing • C-33 Painting

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PLUMBING

A.L. LEASE Wholesale Plumbing Supplies 1220 W. Beach St. Watsonville

(831) 724-1044

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YARD MAINTENANCE

Greenridge Yard Maintenance Pressure washing, Fence deck repairing, Fertilizing Drip systems, Sod, and Clean Up Trimming, Pruning, Hauling, Sprinkler repair, Weed Whacking, Tractor Work

(831) 713-3222

JOHN SKILLICORN Realtor®

CALBRE #01875872

831-818-1540 | www.JohnSkillicorn.com | johnskillicorn@att.net

Becky Campos Cell: 818-7607

BRE #01900835

Serving You at 4 Locations: Carmel, Prunedale, Salinas & Watsonville

beckycampos.com rcampos 969@aol.com

STAY WELL BE SAFE

26 ROOSEVELT ST

GROUND LEASE

535 OHLONE PARKWAY

TRAVERS LANE PARCELS

2 bedroom special, great bones, roomy backyard and great location, close to most Fireplace, conveniences. some hardwood floors, nice and sunny, formal dining room plus eat in kitchen, laundry inside. 1 car garage and long driveway. #4014 $500,000

Downtown Watsonville lot available for GROUND LEASE. Many zoning options, list available. Across the street from the Historic City Plaza, seasonal Farmers market, Cabrillo College, bank, retail stores, restaurants, courthouse and parking garage half a block away. $9,500 p/month

4 Plus useable acres, inside the city limits of Watsonville.

Build a subdivision, city utilities available.

Close to highway 1 for easy quick access North or South. $4,000,000

2 separate country parcels with a water share each. Maybe Build your dream home. Perhaps modular or Tiny Home. Nice private location, quiet rolling hills. Santa Cruz county, Off Green Valley Rd. Easy commute to work then back home to enjoy the country.

250 BELLA VISTA HECKER PASS AREA

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

Location, Location, possible 3 bedroom home with 2 baths, formal living, dining and family rooms. Located on one of the State streets in Watsonville.

Extra large lot with room for gardens and or puppy run. detached two car garage. #4013 $699,500

Two nice homes on 5.6 usable acres. Santa Cruz county. Main home has over 2000 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan in kitchen and dining areas, wood burning stove in large living room. 2 car garage, Deck and Yard areas. Plenty of parking. Second home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, newer paint and carpet in both homes. Work shop, flat fenced areas, private setting. $1,250,000

REDUCED

Abundant natural light throughout. Gated entry, location is central to Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey & San Benito Counties. 1248 sq feet Shop/Garage with grease pit and one tall door for a motorhome.

INCREDIBLE PROPERTY! BRIGHT & OPEN FLOOR PLAN, BRINGS OUTDOORS IN! VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM! OCEAN, COAST, VALLEY & MOUNTAINS! SPECTACULAR SUNSETS AND CITY LIGHTS! L#4005 $1,575.000

428 EAST BEACH ST.

Craftmens style special 3 bedroom, 2 bath one level home. Remodeled kitchen and baths and immaculate in and out. Gas Stove and newer forced air heat. Formal Dining room, dual glass windows, French doors, deck front and back plus concrete patio with hot tub. Private back yard with shade tree and raised garden area plus lawn. This home has an approximate 700 SQ foot tandem garage and long driveway. White picket fenced front yard and porch is adorable. Close to most conveniences. L# 4010 $599,500

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L O S

MAY 8 -14, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Panoramic Monterey Bay View!!! Estate sized property situated on approx 6 Acres, overlooking the coastline of Santa Cruz, Salinas & the Monterey Bay. Perched on a hilltop this private estate has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and approx 6095 square feet, formal living and dining rooms, two family rooms, country size kitchen, 2 pellet stoves and one wood burning fireplace. You will love the large size of every room in this home. There is an Eagles nest/ Bar room perfect for getting away by yourself. So many amenities, two ovens, two dishwashers, trash compactor, two refrigerators, stainless steel railing around patio to relax and enjoy the view and privacy with family and friends.

Parcel 15 has 3.02 acres for $200,000.

Parcel 16 has 3.49 acres for $210,000.

SOLD - Parcel 18 has 2.95 acres for $210,000.

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