Home & Garden 2024 South Valley

California Power and Light is a full-service electrical contracting serves residential, commercial and industrial clients throughout Santa Clara County. Family Owned and operated since 1996.

Owner Henry Acosta says his favorite part of his electrical contracting business is seeing the positive reactions of clients after their lighting issues are successfully resolved. “A lot of people take electricity for granted, so when the lights go out, it can be a really inconvenient experience. Our customers always tell us how grateful they are for our hands-on expertise.”

Handling electrical projects of every size small or large, from light fixture replacements, faulty wiring fix, power panel upgrades, and EV Charger Installations; To larger jobs like lighting retrofits, both exterior and interior landscape lighting installations, and complete tenant improvements.

Craig M.

"Henry and his technicians have been a great help solving some wiring issues with our home as well as installing new Ring security cameras and some outdoor lighting.”

Jason B.

"He did an awesome job! Just recently in our new home, he installed a NEMA 14-50 outlet in our garage to charge our Tesla."

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"Had a problem with a breaker that burnt out due to loose wiring, Henry came out within half an hour and identified the problem right away. He got a replacement very quickly and the work was finished in no time at all. Henry worked quickly and was very friendly."

Tour custom homes, gardens for a good cause

Gilroy Home + Garden Tour scheduled for May 10-11

Gilroy Assistance League is thrilled to announce their annual Home + Garden Tour & Artisan Market for 2024. Taking place at the Eagle Ridge Community in Gilroy, on May 10-11 from 10am-5pm, this event is the perfect outing for Mother’s Day weekend.

Powered by the dedication of female community leaders, Gilroy Assistance League is a nonprofit organization that has been “granting hope” to youth in South Santa Clara County since 1959. The organization’s major fundraiser is the Home + Garden Tour.

Beginning in 1993, with the generosity of homeowners, guests,

individual donors and event sponsors, the organization has been able to grant over $400,000 to numerous deserving programs.

“Spring’s bounty is here and is especially evident in Eagle Ridge,” exclaims Karen Isaacson Ginkel, Home + Garden Tour Co-chair. “We invite you to enjoy this year’s walking tour set among rolling green hills, abundant oaks and welcoming neighborhoods. A short stroll leads you to four inspirational homes, unique to each homeowner, featuring mediterranean architecture, creative décor and inviting outdoor spaces.”

What’s more, Gilroy Assistance League is very proud to

PERSING HOME The majestic presence of this enchanting European style estate, surrounded by glorious vineyards, has been a focal point of intrigue and fascination by the community. The gardens were originally created by Michael Bonfante.

Hollister plans for thousands more homes by 2031

South Valley growth extends to San Benito County JOSUÉ

The City of Hollister’s draft housing element calls for the zoning and planning for 4,163 new homes in the city by 2031, a 216% increase from the previous housing element’s recommendation of 1,316 units. Based on the state’s average of four people per household, this could mean homes for more than 16,000 new residents of Hollister.

In Hollister, single-family homes make up for about 80% of the city’s total housing stock, according to the draft housing element. This is higher than the Monterey Bay regional average, where single-family units make up 71% of

total housing stock. In California, the average is 65%.

Multi-family units make up only 17% of Hollister’s housing stock.

A housing element identifies housing needs in the city and plans for future growth to provide housing for all income levels. It is one of various elements of a city’s general plan, which serves as a blueprint for a community’s vision for the future.

The Hollister City Council and the city planning commission held a “study session” meeting on Feb. 12, alongside consulting firm Kimley-Horn, which has helped city staff with its draft proposal.

Michael Moore

HOUSING POTENTIAL An agricultural property next to Hollister Powersports on San Felipe Road, behind JV Auto Sales, is in the city council’s sights for potential rezoning for residential for the next Housing Element cycle that ends in 2031.

COMMITMENT TO

EXCELLENCE Rosso’s Furniture owners Sarah Elena Rosso (right) and Melissa O’ Malley recently opened a new Design Center at their Morgan Hill and Gilroy locations.

A heartfelt salute to Rosso’s Furniture team

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE Owners open Design Center

In the heart of Gilroy and Morgan Hill, there exists a beacon of warmth, quality and community spirit—Rosso Furniture. For over four decades, this family-owned establishment has been more than just a furniture store; it has been a cornerstone of our towns, shaping homes and fostering connections with every carefully crafted piece.

As a longstanding patron of Rosso Furniture, it is with great pleasure and pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sarah Elena Rosso and Melissa O' Malley on the Grand Opening of the Design Center in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. This momentous occasion not only marks a new chapter in the storied history of Rosso Furniture but also serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of two remarkable individuals.

Gilroy and Morgan Hill gathering to celebrate this milestone. Surrounded by friends and neighbors, including my good friend, Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner, I was reminded once again of the special bond that exists between Rosso Furniture and our community.

Melissa, your decision to invest in Rosso Furniture speaks volumes about your dedication to preserving its legacy of excellence. Your passion for serving customers with integrity and authenticity is truly commendable and sets a standard for excellence in our community.

And Sarah, your unwavering commitment to ensuring that every customer feels valued and appreciated embodies the spirit of hospitality that has defined Rosso Furniture for generations. Your dedication to going above and beyond is a testament to the values instilled by your family, and it is this ethos that continues to resonate with customers old and new.

Personally, Rosso Furniture holds a special place in my heart, with almost every piece of furniture in my home bearing its mark. The exceptional experience you provide, coupled with your commitment to customer satisfaction, is unparalleled and serves as a testament to your enduring legacy.

As a Gilroy Councilmember, one of my primary priorities is to fully support our local small businesses and acknowledge those who have sacrificed to support their families and enrich our community. Sarah and Melissa, your dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to our community exemplify the values that make Gilroy and Morgan Hill such vibrant and thriving towns.

Having known the Rosso family for over 16 years, I have witnessed firsthand their commitment to excellence and community engagement. Sarah and Melissa, your tireless efforts in ensuring that every customer receives not just furniture, but an experience filled with warmth and care, have left an indelible mark on our community.

The recent Design Room Grand Opening was a testament to the enduring legacy of Rosso Furniture, with residents from across

Congratulations, Sarah and Melissa, on this remarkable achievement! Your contributions to our community are immeasurable, and I have no doubt that your store will continue to be a beacon of warmth, quality and community spirit for years to come.

Here's to another 45 years of success, growth, and making homes beautiful—one piece of furniture at a time. You have my unwavering support and gratitude, and I look forward to continuing to celebrate your successes as pillars of our community.

Fred M. Tovar, M.Ed., Gilroy City Council member

Expert ideas to take the grrr out of gardening

Use these plants to improve your skills

Gardening season is upon us, beckoning with the anticipation of flourishing plants, the vibrant hues of blooming flowers and bountiful harvests. It's an exhilarating journey for plant enthusiasts of all ages and gardening levels.

But what happens when your vision of a blossoming garden or landscape doesn't quite turn out the way you thought? While encountering challenges in your garden is all part of the adventure, the experts at Ball Horticultural Company can provide guidance to address some of your most frustrating gardening problems and set you up for season-long success:

• Problem: Subpar plant performance

• Solution: Elevate your garden with next-gen floral upgrades Innovation has transformed some

plant varieties to grow and perform better than ever before. For example, the Petchoa Caliburst Yellow takes the best colors from calibrachoa and delivers them in the flower size and durability of petunias.

The sunny yellow color looks great in spring and lasts all summer. If you're looking for a better perennial, consider the Echinacea Double Scoop Deluxe with better flower coverage that makes a bold statement in your cottage garden designs.

Finally, Salvia Blue By You is an award-winning, pollinator-friendly plant that blooms earlier than other salvia with multiple flushes of new flowers until autumn frost.

• Problem: Short-lived blooms

• Solution: Flower varieties that thrive

Extend the season with the tropical colors of PassionFruit Lantana, ensuring continuous blooming.

This trailing plant has abundant multicolored flowers and dark green foliage, ideal for hanging baskets. It's also highly attractive to butterflies!

Another option for blooms that can last from frost to frost is the Dianthus Capitán. With eye-catching bicolor double blooms, this plant is a stunner, plus it's prized for its fragrance.

• Problem: Dull flower hues

• Solution: Infuse vibrancy with mixes that matter

Explore new color combinations that brighten your outdoor oasis all season long, like Sweet Taffy Mix Easy Wave Petunia, perfect for sunny spots in your garden with its bright yellow and pink colors.

Another option is to seek out mixes that offer unique flower patterns and textures, like the SweetSunshine Magenta Sky

Petunia, which showcases white and purple blooms that beautifully complement lush green foliage. And for when you just can't choose one or two colors, consider tri-colored options like the new Beacon Pearl Island Mix impatiens.

• Problem: Vegetable harvests that disappoint

• Solution: Select highproducing, versatile plants

Look for vegetable plants that are fun and flavorful.

Some of the latest vegetables are a feast for the eyes and exciting to grow, like the Kitchen Minis Quick Snack Cucumber. This cute potted plant can grow in a windowsill, making it ideal for small homes or apartments.

For those with more space, check out the Tomato Love Sunrise from Burpee Home Gardens. This juicy beefsteak tomato produces fruit in beautiful flaming colors when ripe, and kitchen gardeners will love its unique heart shape.

Gardening isn't just a hobby— it's a rewarding, healthy pursuit for everyone. Embrace these expert tips from Ball to cut the frustration and unlock the full potential of your garden, from blossoms to bounties.

- Brandpoint Content

MAKING GARDENING EASIER Use certain plant varieties like SweetSunshine Magenta Sky Petunia, Passionfruit Lantana Tomato Love Sunrise to improve your chances of success in the garden.

Brandpoint

FASHION AND FUNCTION Expert designers look for upgrades that enhance the kitchen’s usability and appearance. This blend of fashion and function will help you create a kitchen that will truly stand out.

How to add functionality to the kitchen without sacrificing style

Upgrades can enhance appearance, usability

As the heart of the home, you want your kitchen to reflect your style but also help you get the job done—whether that's cooking, cleaning, entertaining or numerous other tasks. If your current kitchen is slowing you down, you may want to consider functionality upgrades. Keep in mind, functionality does not equate to lackluster style. Expert designers look for upgrades that enhance the kitchen's usability and appearance. This blend of fashion

and function will help you create a kitchen that will truly stand out.

Even if you can't completely renovate the space, you can make strategic changes that make a big impact to your lifestyle. How do you decide where to invest time and money improving the function and style of the kitchen?

“Invest in products that are going to be the focus of the space or things you are using every day,” said Alex Yacavone, Kohler Design Studio manager.

large pots and pans, while the sloped bottom helps with draining and cleanup. Crafted from enameled cast iron, this sink resists chipping, cracking or burning for years of beauty and reliability.

Whether it's a sink, faucet, lighting or appliance, once you decide which features to focus on, it's time to research. With so many options available, this can feel overwhelming. Remember, you do not have to sacrifice style for functionality.

Yacavone's advice: "The kitchen is a place where people gather, so it needs to be functional. The best way to not sacrifice style for function is to pick timeless styles and finishes to ground the space. Then you can add personal touches that showcase your unique style.”

Finishes like chrome and polished nickel can feel elevated, but also complement a lot of different styles and colors. This allows you to play with tile and paint colors, while knowing your metal finishes won't clash.

For example, the Crue Touchless faucet in chrome blends function with classic styling. The silhouette—a simple arched spout and single lever handle—offers a straightforward style that adapts to nearly any kitchen design.

Another noteworthy finish with staying power is French gold. The Purist faucet in Vibrant French Gold is a stunning faucet with a strong architectural form and simple-to-use features. The higharch swing spout maneuvers easily around large cookware, while the side lever handle controls temperature and flow.

Yacavone said warm colors like this have a connection with nature and are currently gaining popularity. These can make the kitchen feel calm and soft, evoking positive emotion in the space.

For example, the sink is large and can be a focal point within the kitchen. By upgrading to a sink with a beautiful finish and thoughtful material, you'll enhance style and function while elevating the overall aesthetic.

Yacavone recommends farmhouse kitchen sinks, like the Whitehaven sink in the color Truffle. This apron-front kitchen sink features a versatile farmhouse style that complements any decor. A large single basin accommodates

For personal touches that inject your own unique style, consider investing in a backsplash in graphic tiles or a favorite color. This showcases your personality and can make the room one of a kind.

When it comes to style and functionality in the kitchen, you don't have to choose. With this expert insight and some strategic planning, you can update your kitchen and enjoy it for many years to come.

Brandpoint

“We pride ourselves in moving your possessions as if they are our own.”

Rick

SWING HOME Set on a magnificent ridgeline overlooking the breathtaking beauty of the South County foothills, is a recently completed (2019) nearly 20 acres, 7,000 square foot Modern Industrial Farmhouse.

6

debut their new logo—just in time for the Home + Garden Tour. The goal for refreshing the “look” came from a desire to raise awareness of the organization and its mission to support youth in our local communities.

The new logo includes a bright blooming flower which represents growth (and is a nod to their original logo). A young girl reaching upwards symbolizes progress and hope, as well as highlighting the organization's focus on supporting youth.

Lee Blaettler, League President, shares, “Gilroy Assistance League has been very busy indeed! We

have a new logo that captures our passion for ‘Granting Hope since 1959’! Our membership is energized and has been working diligently on this year’s Home + Garden Tour & Artisan Market.

“We can’t wait to welcome our guests, sponsors and Eagle Ridge neighbors to what will be a very special weekend! A heartfelt thank you goes to this year’s homeowners who make this fundraiser possible!”

The final home on the tour offers an Artisan Market featuring the work of talented local artists and craftspeople. Proceeds from the Market help support the

grant program, as vendors donate a percentage of their sales to Gilroy Assistance League. The Market also offers a no-host wine bar, complimentary lemonade, water, appetizers and desserts made from recipes in the Gilroy Assistance League Cookbook (available for purchase). There is no on-site parking for this event inside Eagle Ridge. Instead, guests will enjoy convenient parking and shuttle service departing from Gilroy Presbyterian Church. Both Friday and Saturday, check in at the church parking lot is from 10am-2pm. After check-in, guests will be shuttled to the first home in

Eagle Ridge where they will receive their tour program. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door.

Please wear comfortable shoes (no high heels!). No big backpacks or strollers will be permitted in the homes. Some homes require shoe coverings, which will be provided on-site.

Only infants under one year and children over 12 years are allowed on the tour. Strollers will not be allowed in homes.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit GilroyAssistanceLeague.org.

Gilroy Assistance League

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Experts share bathroom trends to look for in 2024

‘No

Tinvestment in your home’

he bathroom is arguably the most frequented space in most homes. As the place where we begin and end our daily routines, this space is a vital hub for our lives.

Recognizing this, an increasing number of homeowners are now focusing on unlocking the full potential of their bathroom spaces, aiming to create an enjoyable and functional environment that will stand the test of time.

In light of high interest rates and rising home costs, more homeowners are staying in their current homes and opting to refresh or remodel their bathroom spaces to better fit their lifestyle and personality and add value to their homes.

As we head into spring, the busy season for remodeling, the bathroom pros at TOTO have compiled the top bathroom trends for 2024 based on third-party expertise and consumer demand.

bathroom upgrades are fantastic ways to enhance their personal well-being. For instance, bidet-equipped toilets optimize hygiene, cleanliness and comfort for people of all ages.

Bidet seats are an easy DIY project that can truly transform the health and wellness of the whole family.

Other self-care features being added to bathrooms include invigorating showers and baths with unique features that promote recovery and relaxation, allowing users to unwind from the stress of their daily lives.

Stylish living in place

Whether it's for a multigenerational home or to refresh to accommodate living in place, homeowners are looking to future-proof their homes with stylish yet functional upgrades.

This means adding elements to the bathroom that support aging and accessibility, like adjustable height wall-hung toilets with bidets, widened doorways, accessibility lighting, beautiful non-slip floors, and grab bars with designer finishes.

These add age-friendly functions that provide increased independence while looking chic rather than institutional, like a hospital or nursing home.

Spa-like experiences

A big trend for 2024 is bringing spalike experiences into the bathroom. These include renovations like walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, body sprays and rain showers like TOTO's GB Shower Series.

“There is no better investment in your home than updating your bathroom with the latest technology to create not only a spa-like experience but also ensure your independence and dignity as you age in style,” said Lisa Cini, President and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio.

Focus on wellness

In a post-pandemic era where selfcare has become an increasingly important aspect of people's lives,

Other luxurious upgrades include steam showers, sound systems, heated benches, and towel warmers. Many designers are creating wet rooms that feature soaking tubs as ways to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, offering personal getaways for homeowners in their own bathrooms.

Bathroom technology integration

High-tech Japanese-style toilets and electronic bidet seats are leading the charge in bathroom tech for 2024.

Americans are asking for toilets that offer cleanliness and comfort. In addition to luxury features ➝ 18

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8 The number of 4,163 units was determined by the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), the HCD’s process of determining housing needs for cities and municipalities. The RHNA forecasts housing allocations on an eight-year cycle—the current one is the 2023-2031 cycle.

The city was required to submit its draft housing element to HCD by Feb. 29. After that follows a 90-day review period. The public will still be able to comment on the housing element until the city council adopts a final draft some time after the review period, according to city staff.

Housing Needs

Housing needs in the city are assessed by looking into the population's demographics and “special needs groups.” These include large households, female-led households, farmworkers and households living at an extreme low income or on the poverty line.

According to a community survey taken last year, Hollister residents consider housing for seniors and large families as a top priority to address in the housing element.

The 4,163 projected units needed over the next eight years would vary in affordability rates based on income categories that are determined by the RHNA process. The draft housing element splits the total housing units into income categories. The five categories are based on the area median income (AMI) of a four-person household living in San Benito County, which is $140, 200 per year:

• Extremely Low Income:

$0-$33,400

• Very Low Income:

$33,401-$55,650

• Low Income: $55,651-$89,050

• Moderate Income:

$89,051-$168,250

• Above Moderate Income: $168,251 and above

According to city data, 40% of Hollister residents fall under the Extremely Low to Low income categories.

The total of the projected units in the draft housing element will be distributed into the five income categories based on need:

• Extremely Low /Very Low Income: 846 units

• Low Income: 678 units

• Moderate Income: 826 units

• Above Moderate Income: 1,813 units

This isn’t the developers’ general plan; this isn’t the real estate industrial complex’s general plan. This is Hollister’s general plan, we get to facilitate our future.

To be able to accommodate the over 4,000 housing units required by RHNA, the city will have to rezone potential build sites. Existing projects and projects the city forecasts to be built by 2031 under current zoning laws are only expected to accommodate up to 2,099 housing units— about half of what is required.

City planning staff, alongside Kimley-Horn, have identified potential sites to be rezoned for residential use. These include the 363-acre North Gateway vacant lot on San Felipe Road adjacent to Hollister Powersports. That site could accommodate 636 units, 159 of which would be designated Very Low to Low Income. Other rezone sites the draft plan proposes are along the downtown corridor and high density residential rezones.

The potential high density residential sites would accommodate up to 1,410 Above Moderate income units.

By comparison, plans for the downtown corridor would rezone 10 acres that currently allot for 300 housing units to a higher density with the capacity for 572 units.

City’s Concerns

Council member Rolan Resendiz said at the February meeting that specific actions need to be taken to ensure the plan moves forward in the event of staff and elected official turnover.

“To me it looks like…we’re really going to significantly change the look and feel of the city; we’re really going to move forward and meet the needs of housing for residents,” Resendiz said. “But if we’re not following through on these actions, then we’re not going to get any of this done.”

City manager David Mirrione assured Resendiz that the housing element will reflect the city’s general

plan and work in parallel with it.

Another concern brought up by city officials was the need to build infrastructure like sidewalks and provide access to services for commercial areas being rezoned into residential or mixed use areas. Kelly and De la Torre assured that these concerns were being taken into consideration.

For any of the future housing to be built, real estate developers have to want to build in the area. At the Feb. 12 meeting, Dennis Martin, speaking on behalf of Building Industry Association Bay Area, recommended the city pause its efforts to draft a housing element until the general plan was amended. Martin said that building higher density housing in Hollister was “not feasible” for developers and that a new rezone strategy was needed.

“Right now this rezone strategy is completely unworkable,” Martin said.

Additionally, Martin alleged Hollister’s building fees were the highest in the region.

During public comment, former Hollister City Council candidate Julio Rodriguez said that he was heartened by the draft housing element and that rezones would offer much-needed higher density to lower-income families.

He said city residents should have the last word on their housing element and general plan.

“[T]his isn't the developers' general plan; this isn’t the real estate industrial complex’s general plan. This is Hollister’s general plan, we get to facilitate our future,” Rodriguez said.

To review the draft housing element, visit the City of Hollister’s website at https://hollister.ca.gov/ housing-element/

like warm water cleansing and warm-air drying, heated seats and automatic open/close lids, topof-the-line models like the TOTO NEOREST WX1 smart bidet toilet and WASHLET S7A bidet seat have self-cleaning features that use electrolyzed water to clean the bowl, bidet wand and under the seat, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Other popular tech upgrades for the bathroom include the introduction of smart technology into everyday items like mirrors, faucets and showers.

Sustainability features

Saving water, conserving energy and reducing waste have become a high priority for homeowners. They are achieving this by adding shower timers, LED lighting and refillable shower dispensers to their bathrooms.

Others are swapping water-guzzling toilets for dual flush models that use up to 25% less water. Bidets also help to reach eco goals by reducing the need for toilet paper by 75%. Models with cleaning and advanced flushing features cut down the need for using harsh chemicals to clean the bathroom, which aids the planet's health.

Personalization by design

Whether it’s to refresh, relax, cleanse or energize, the bathroom should be a place where you feel perfectly comfortable being yourself. More people are opting to incorporate design elements that reflect their individual style, moving away from cyclical design trends.

Adding a personal touch by choosing bold metallic fixture finishes, adding natural textures like stone and wood, and incorporating color into walls and accessories allows homeowners to create bathroom spaces that truly reflect their personalities.

Whether you are planning a quick bathroom revamp or a full remodel, let these expert trends inspire you to transform your bathroom into a highly personalized space that fits your lifestyle, adding comfort and value to your home. To learn more visit TOTOUSA.com.