gmhTODAY Winter 2023

Don Christopher

Don Christopher, Founder of Christopher Ranch and the Gilroy Garlic Festival, died on December 12, 2022, surrounded by family. Don’s legacy began on a nondescript patch of land – just ten acres of a larger plot he and brother Art dedicated to growing garlic in 1956. From their humble beginnings, an empire was born. By the 1970’s Christopher Ranch had become the global leader in garlic production – a title held to this day. Along the way, Don became a champion for Gilroy, creating a life-long legacy of philanthropy and community service. We dedicate this

to Don Christopher and invite you to learn more about him beginning on page 24.

Blink. 2022 is over. We don’t know about you, but we kind of liked 2022. In fact, we find ourselves missing it a bit. For us, 2022 was a year of lessons learned, opportunities won and lost, and changes – lots of changes. However, looking back, it now more resembles that first recess of the day back in elementary school; the entire class has been cooped up for longer than they can bear. The bell rings and it's pandemonium – kids running to the door, trampling anyone underfoot, just to get outside and do stuff.

Once outside, it’s every little wrecking ball for themselves. In my way? You’re going down. Survival of the fittest – and the quickest. That’s my swing. Mine. Freedom. Ah, this is freedom. It doesn’t get better than… suddenly, the bell rings again. Time to fall in line to get back into the box. Squirming little bodies – fidgeting, sweating, adrenaline rushing germ factories all getting squeezed back into a tiny room – with a ceiling. The humanity.

Just like that – it’s over. We were just getting going. A year gone by in the space of a month – who cleared the concept of Jancember with Father Time? It’s anarchy, we say.

During the year, we did our best via this publication to help the little wrecking balls – a group to which we belong – slow down and leave less carnage. We wrote about mental health and wellness – something we will continue to do. We wrote about basic things like stopping at stop signs and red lights. Things we are all supposed to know. We wrote about quiet giants who simply served others for the joy of service to others. We wrote about our heroes, our neighbors, our friends. We endeavored to keep humanity at the forefront of our stories, our hearts, and our minds.

While many quite literally lost their minds – in part due to too much time locked up in the “classroom of life” and in part due to drinking too much red or blue kool aid, others served so nobly it brings tears of joy to our eyes. These keepers of humanity lead lives not of quiet desperation – but of purpose. These are the “helpers” made mention of by Mr. Rogers. Those who in every disaster, hardship, or time of need, tend to humanity’s basic needs, offering goodness, kindness, and hope.

Helpers are easy to find – though you won’t find them on social media or “out in front.” Helpers don’t make things about themselves. That’s counter to the point of helping. Helpers are the ones serving meals when others are taking selfies. Helpers are the ones easing pain and suffering while others are posting themselves up before dawn – getting ready to go help ease pain and suffering – as if that in itself is worthy of some accolade.

Blink. It’s 2023. We don’t know about you, but we want to be counted among the helpers. We want to remind everyone – including ourselves – regularly, that humanity only thrives when the wrecking balls stop swinging through the crowds, wreaking havoc without prejudice. We endeavor to be life givers, not life takers. Let's truly ease some pain and suffering in 2023. Let’s truly work to improve the things we can, for there is nothing that can’t be improved at least a little, starting with ourselves.

Go. Make History.

- Debbi and Mike

Debbi & Mike Sanchez, Publishers

Your Medicare ques�ons answered… Medicare 101: Important things to consider

Re�ring or New to Medicare?

Are you turning 65 or just now re�ring? Many folks have con�nued working past the age of 65 are now considering re�rement. You might be feeling a li�le overwhelmed with all the informa�on out there. Marke�ng is ge�ng more clever all the �me and it makes you feel like you’re not doing something right or you’re missing out on something. Remember it’s marke�ng. Their job is to reel you in and get you to make that phone call. Here is a quick overview on Medicare.

Original Medicare = Part A & B

These are the only parts that are provided by the Government. If you’ve worked your 40 quarters, which equals 10 years, then Part A should be free. Part B has a standard rate of $164.90, but can be higher based on your income. You can check what your Part B premium will be on Medicare.gov. Once you know this number, you will get a be�er idea of what your costs are for re�rement planning. Many people are surprised about this cost and haven’t planned well enough. Once you’ve enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, then you can purchase either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan along with a Part D prescrip�on drug plan.

Part C is a Medicare Advantage plan. Typically these are HMO plans, but some PPO plans have become available over the past few years. The more rural you are, the less available these are. HMO plans are considered Managed Care, where you pick a Primary Care Physician from a network of providers. Once you’ve picked your doctor and start using the plan, you have to get referrals to see specialists. If you choose to go out of network, then you won’t have any coverage with the HMO’s.

With PPO plans, you don’t have to pick a primary care physician upon enrolling and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. If you use in network doctors, you pay the in-network pricing. If you use out-of-network doctors, you pay quite a bit more, but at least you have freedom to go out of network.

With Medicare Advantage plans, most have deduc�bles and copays as you use the plan. Some�mes there are no copays, such as for Preventa�ve Services, where you don’t pay anything. For bigger �cket items, like Inpa�ent Hospital, Outpa�ent Surgery, MRI’s, etc., you typically have larger copays. For smaller cost items, like x-rays and lab work, $0 to small copays are normal. Most Advantage plans include a Part D drug plan, so you’ll sa�sfy that por�on that Medicare requires that you have.

Medicare Supplements

are not HMO or PPO plans. Supplements are secondary to Medicare. The Supplement can pay your deduc�bles and coinsurance that Medicare doesn’t pay. There are various plans but the most popular plans are Plan G and N. These plans do not cover medica�on you pick up at the pharmacy, so you’ll need to add a Part D drug plan also. There is a lot more detail that goes into these plans, but this is a good start to compare the differences.

Medicare Webinars!

To learn more details about Medicare, join one of our free webinars. We host them reguarly. Contact us and we’ll send you an invite with a link to view. Or, if you would like to schedule a one on one mee�ng, feel free to contact us at: michele@mcInsuranceservices or 408-848-2271.

We can help put your mind at ease and our services are always free. If you’d like our help, you can email us at: michele@mcinsuranceservices.com, call our office (408-848-2271) to schedule a free consulta�on, or use the QR Code to visit our website.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any informa�on we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get informa�on on all of your op�ons.

Contractor: Silva Custom Construction. Photo credit: Jeff Bentz

The most frequently asked question I get as a real estate agent is, “How’s the market?”

The answer depends on who is asking the question. The “market” is always beneficial to someone. It is either good for the seller, the buyer, or the investor to buy and rent, or the investor who updates and “flips” by reselling for a profit. The seller wants a fast sale for a high price. The buyer wants a low price with no competition. The investor wants an even lower price with no competition.

My answer is always, “it’s a good time when it’s the right time for you.” The market generally tracks at the same pace nationwide. So if you sell a little lower, you probably buy a little lower; it’s all relative.

A major concern for a homeowner who is considering selling may be that they do not wish to pay higher property taxes based on a new purchase.

For example:

$ 300,000.00 - Original purchase price.

$ 3,000.00 - Current property annual tax assessment

$ 1,000,000.00 - New home purchase price

$ 10,000.00 - New property annual tax assessment

Good news! In the State of California, Proposition 19 allows a person 55 years and older to transfer their property tax base to their new home. Even if the new home purchase price is greater than the sale price of their current home, the property is eligible for partial significant tax relief.

Every property is unique, and every household has unique goals. Call me for more information, for “current” market statistics, or to discuss your situation and goals. Sometimes, you just need someone to talk things through to assist you in your real estate decision even if it means just “staying put.” And always know that you can “EXIT” safely with EXIT Realty Keystone and TeamVierra.

Community Digest

Christopher High School Marching Band, led by Drum Major Tyler Arakaki, marched with precision in Gilroy's Veteran's Day Parade on November 11, 2022. Tyler was one of a select few chosen to represent the United States as 2023 All-Americans for the London New Year's Day Parade in London, England.

The Veteran's Day Parade was Gilroy's first and was a very well-organized, entertaining event, organized to celebrate our local veterans. Hundreds of onlookers lined the parade route, showing their support and gratitude to our veterans.

Michelle and Jace Hider, with children Colton (14), Kylie (12), Bristol (9), and Sonoma (9), put over 40 hours into creating a float to honor the WWII American flag raising on Mount Suribachi on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima. The commitment to build the float was intended to show best friend and Veteran Kenneth Pacheco the Hider family's deep appreciation for his and other veterans' service.

Morgan Hill resident and Veteran Tim Edes, driving his 1944 WWII Ford Military Jeep, which boasts a .50 Caliber machine gun and the original working radio. escorts the 2022 Veteran's Day Parade Grand Marshal, Robert Peterson, a WWII veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. The Gilroy Color Guard, made up of local veterans from VFW Post 6309 and American Legion Post 217, led the parade north on Monterey Rd through Downtown Gilroy. Parade-goers lined the streets to show support for our local veterans. Master Seargent and Post 6309 Chaplain, Jesse Sanchez rode with the "Vets on Bikes" to close out the parade.

Community Digest

Gilroy WWII Veteran Al Gagliardi and wife of 75 years, Betty enjoy the festivities at the "Salute to our Veterans" event at the Gilroy Veteran's Memorial Building on October 1, 2022. The event was hosted, organized, and facilitated by Leadership Gilroy's class of 2022 in partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Memorial District's Executive Director, Christine West and VFW Post 6309 Chaplain Jesse Sanchez, a 20-year Veteran, US Army. The event and fundraising efforts by the Leadership class raised just under $74,000 for the veterans much needed kitchen renovations. Gagliardi served in the Pacific and was the founding Commander of Post 6309 in 1946.

The "Salute to our Veterans" event was very well attended and as you can see, it was enjoyed by all. We saw lots of friendly Gilroy faces who came out and supported this great fundraiser.

Have you checked out awesome Austin Orlando's slime creations? Find him at the Gilroy Farmers Market at the Outlets, along with his dad, the amazing Robert Orlando of Alta Woodcraft. Visit: facebook.com/altawoodcraft.

When Leadership Gilroy's Mike Luevano heard that the Little Free Library on Eigleberry Street between 4th & 5th got raided, he took it upon himself to replenish the entire library from his own family library. #welldone.

We met up with George Arrivalo and Tony Lozano who work day-in and day-out picking up trash in and around Gilroy for City Team and St. Joseph's Family Center all over Gilroy. Their hard work never ends! #thankyou

Community Digest

Morgan Hill's Sidewalk Saturdays are a fun way to get some walking in while shopping local vendors right in Downtown Morgan Hill. We ran into Julie and Alyssa Firato from Love of Gold Vintage who cheerfully greet patrons and share their amazing jewelry. Over 30 vendors line the sidewalk along 3rd Street, Saturdays, from 9 - 1, September thru November. While your there, stroll on down to the MH Farmers Market, happening every Saturday from 9 - 1. Check out: facebook.com/MHfarmersmkt and: loveofgoldvintage.com / info@loveofgoldvintage.com

Shiny Happy People: there's nothing better than catching people out these days. Whether we are working, shopping, doing chores, hanging with kids in little skeleton jumpers, or spreading joy and happiness, its great to see everyone out and about! Of course we ran into some of our favorite people doing their thang, like MH Chamber President

getto, and MH Historical Society's Kathy Sullivan, one-half of the first couple (with hubby Brian) to receive the Morgan Hill Leadership Excellence Award in 2022. At other holiday mixers we ran into power couples Elvira and Jaime Rosso, Realtor Tina Tovar and hubby Carlos, Community Solutions CEO Erin O'Brian and St. Joseph's David Cox, and solo power people like Cal SOAP's Erin Gemar and Rachelle Cariglio, and Realtor Lisa E. Fleming. Always a joy to run into Quilting Queen Marianne Peoples, local legend Sam Bozzo, Gilroy Police Foundation's Mary Donohue, Gilroy Chamber's Jude Miranda, and Rebekah Children's Services Christophe Rebboah

Nick Gaich, Freedom Fest Music Man Dennis Dal Pog-

later this year. Uncle

started their family-run business in their backyard, smoking that sweet oak smoke goodness for family and friends. The requests and demand spread and they quickly outgrew our home. Now they continue to share their love and passion for that oak smoked goodness everywhere. For research, we had tri-tip, ribs, chicken, brisket, beans, and mac & cheese. Everything was done to perfection. Add to that, the entire crew was cheerful, helpful, and having a great time serving up huge crowds. Check out: instagram@uncle_papas_bbq & www.pourmetaproom.com

We popped into Kneaded

to

Production Chef Kishon

knocking out some fresh baked cookies for an order. Kneaded Bakery offers baked goods and catering services for private parties, special events, and more. To date they have graduated thousands of kids through their culinary academy. Check them out at: www.kneaded.com/ 408-846-2152 / ksouthy@kneaded.com.

Sticking with food, we hit two great spots on Fifth Street: Station 55 and Los Pericos Restaurant. Both places have great menus and awesome food. Los Pericos is the go-to for breakfast burritos on the run. At Los Pericos, Yissel and Christian always offer great with a welcoming smile. Checkout: Los Pericos - 20 5th St, Gilroy, and: Station 55 Seafood and Mexican Cocina - www.station55cocina.com / facebook.com/station55mex

Bakery

catch

Southy

We ran into the Grim Reaper and his entourage, the Pour Me Tap Room Crew, and Uncle Papa’s BBQ at the Gilroy Downtown Halloween Beer Crawl. The Pour Me Tap Room crew has been working hard for their planned opening

Papa's BBQ Owners Monica & Daniel Hill

I'd fly above the din. I'd soar through the clouds, then turn homeward again. As far as I can fly, and the places I'd roam, There is never, not ever, another place like home.

If I were a Bird...

Photo by David Hofstad: davidhofstad100@gmail.com / www.apeximages.biz

37.0485° N, 121.6547° W

Celebrating the south bay from the air Local photographer and drone operator David Hofstad (@davidhofstad) captured this beautiful image of Gilroy's west side. In the foreground rests Dorcisch Family Vineyards vines of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, and Malbec, their warehouse, and tasting room. At right, the northeastern tip of Kirigin Cellars vines sit at the base of the foothills. To the left, Uvas Creek flows under the cover of Canyon Live Oak, California Juniper, White Alder and California Buckeye trees, among others. The stunning view looks northeast, capturing the colorful vineyards, lush hills, and a meandering Watsonville Road leading travelers southwest to HWY152 and northeast into Morgan Hill. This area is home to black-tailed deer, coyotes, mountain lions and wild turkeys, as well as quails, newts, lady bugs, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Red-tailed hawks and local fishers scan the water for steelhead trout that occasionally navigate the creek. One of Gilroy's most picturesque areas to visit or pass through via car or motorcycle on your way to somewhere else. The area is a very popular route for local bicycle enthusiasts.

The South County People on the move in 2023

When it comes to south county leadership, there have been lots of changes in late 2022 and early 2023. Some have moved on, and others are on their way. Some have termed out, and others are just beginning their terms. It’s reassuring to know that as people move on to new challenges and new phases in life, others are stepping up and stepping into those roles. Still more are ready to step in as things continue to change and leadership roles become available as we roll into 2023. We are encouraged to see so many people who care about improving the quality of life in our communities —those who have served, and those who will be serving in new leadership roles.

Our communities can only thrive to the level that our leaders are capable, committed, and courageous. As we consider our latest class of south county leaders, we think our communities are in great hands! People on the move in 2022 and 2023 are:

Mark Turner: Gilroy Chamber CEO becomes Mayor of Morgan Hill

Former Gilroy Chamber of Commerce President / CEO Mark Turner took the oath of office as Mayor of Morgan Hill on December 14th, 2022 in the Morgan Hill City Council chambers.

The chambers were filled to capacity - with over 200 people in attendance. Also sworn in that evening were District D Councilmember Marilyn Librers, who won the seat over incumbent John McKay. District B Councilmember Yvonne Martinez Beltran took the oath after being re-elected to a second term.

Turner is a 30-year resident of Morgan Hill, where he and wife Sue raised three daughters. The Turners have added two sons-in-law and three grandchildren. Mark's committment to the community began decades ago, when he and Sue decided to move from San Jose to a community where they could get involved and make a difference.

All of South County has benefitted from the Turners involvment over the years. Mark has supported local schools, non-profit organizations including Operation Freedom Paws, DreamPower Horsemanship, St. Louise Regional Hospital Foundation, Pratham USA

and the Cystic Fibrosis- Northern CA Chapter, among others. Mark has been the Director of Wreaths Across America, South County Chapter, since 2014, raising over $18,000 each year to provide and place wreaths on the gravesites of veterans buried in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. He is a Board member of the Morgan Hill Foundation.

Mark brings 10 years of CEO experience to his new role as mayor. He has served on numerous executive boards and was named Chamber Executive of the Year in 2020 by the Western Association of Chamber Executives. (W.A.C.E.). Most importantly, Mark brings a stong work ethic, a 'can-do" attitude," an impeccable reputation as a leader-by-example, and a love for community service. We think Mark is the right person at the right time for Morgan Hill. We wish him and the City of Morgan Hill the very best.

Marilyn Librers: 46-year Morgan Hill Resident Elected to City Council

Marilyn

was elected as the District D Councilmember, winning out over Incumbent John McKay, who served one term. Marilyn previously served eight years as a councilmember from 2008 thru 2016, when elections where at-large and members represented the entire city. During her two terms she also served as vice-mayor. Marilyn vows to represent her District well, and represent the entire community, citing "I do not want to see Morgan Hill lose the charm that brought us all here to raise our families."

Marilyn hopes her dedication to openness and fairness serve the community well. She makes herself available to meet with anyone, and feels it is important to hear all sides of an issue before making a decison. Her goals include supporting slow growth, police and fire to ensure a safe community, increase tourism, and address the unhoused and mental illness issues facing the community.

“The only constant is change” Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher uttered these words over 500 years before the birth of Christ. How brilliant was he to quip this ditty that has stood the test of time for over 2500 years?

The South County People on the move in 2023

Her two biggest goals are to help keep the small-town feeling and restore the professionalism on the City Council.

Marilyn is currently the President of China Silicon Valley Association. promoting trade and collaboration between the two nations. She frequently travels to Mainland China for conferences as a key note speaker, panelist and government negotiator. Her experience includes non-profit management, entrepreneur startups, project management, political and business fund development.

She is a 45 year resident of Morgan Hill, a past board member and current member of the Morgan Hill Rotary, a board member of the Community Law Enforcement Foundation and the Morgan Hill Downtown Association.

Librers was sworn in by City Clerk Michelle Bigelow. Her remarks included a heartfelt thank you to her supporters, and a vow to represent the entire community. Outgoing councilmember John McKay commented that he felt very good knowing he was vacating his seat to make way for Librers.

Librers recalls the City developing a population cap and general plan that included controlled growth. Since then the state of California has deems that plan to be "not in the best interests of the State. Marylin asks the question, "Is it in the best interests of Morgan Hill?" and vows to continue to speak out on the community's behalf regarding unrealistic state mandates concerning growth.

We are excited to see the impact Marilyn has on these and other issues facing Morgan Hill. Confident in her experience and qualifications, we wish her the very best in her new term on the dias.

Tom Cline:

Gilroy Elects Cline to City Council

Business owner and long time Gilroyan Tom Cline was the top vote-getter in the November 8th election to Gilroy City Council. In addition to operating Cline Glass Contractors since 2011, Tom has served as a board member and past president of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. He volunteers at his church, New Hope Community Church in Gilroy, where he and his family have attended for over 30 years.

Tom plans to address the divisiveness - real and perceived - that exists on the dias. He wants to tackle the tough problems the city faces like homelessness, job growth, creating more local well paying jobs, and improving the quality of life for all residents. Tom has the experience and knowledge to help the city address rising costs and iook for ways to increase revenue. He cites public safety as a top concern, and had the endorsements of the Gilroy Police and Fire Associations, and Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen.

During the campaign, Tom had allies on both side of the isle, garnering the support of fomer and current public officials, numerous local businesses and individuals. It is Tom's character, experience, and ability to have tough converations with respect and an open mind that will continue to serve him well in his new position as councilmember.

Tom served as president of the Garlic Festival during a very challenging two-year period for the organization. It was his willingness to step into the difficult role and lead through uncertain times after the 2019 festival incident that changed the course of the future for the organization and the community at-large.

Tom's volunteer efforts includes board seats with the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, Visit Gilroy California Welcome Center, Gilpac, Gilroy Economic Development Partnership, and New Hope Community Church. He was recognized as as the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce 2021 Man of the Year.

Tom has served the community of Gilroy for over three decades. The community has benefitted from the impact he has made. In his new role, he hopes to make an even bigger impact and represent the entire community by making decisions for the long term growth, prosperity, fiscal strength, and safety of all residents.

Victoria Valencia: Gilroy Chamber Hires New CEO

Victoria

Valencia has been named the new CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. A South County native, Victoria joined the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce staff in January 2019 as the community relations coordinator, managing marketing and events, and building relations with community partners.

Prior to working with the chamber, Victoria was the events coordinator at the Gilroy Lodge on the Hill. She also worked at the Mt. Madonna YMCA as a member services coordinator, and interned with Pebble Beach on their Special Events Management Team.

Victoria graduated from San Jose State University in 2016 with her degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and

The South County People on the move in 2023

Event Management. She is currently a member of the Western Association of Chamber Executive’s Emerging Leaders Council. She is also a board member for Leadership Gilroy and One Giving Tree, and was a founding board member for Gilroy After Hours Rotary.

Victoria and husband Eddie are new parents to baby Roslyn—the youngest One Giving Tree volunteer and future Chamber ambassador, born October 10, 2022. We look forward to supporting Victoria in her new role as Presdient / CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce!

Frank Johnson:

Visit Gilroy Selects New Executive Director

There is no doubt that when Jane Howard announced her retirement as Executive Director of the Visit Gilroy California Welcome Center in June of 2021, many who have had personal or professional interactions with her over the years, panicked. Her announcement came at a time when other key leaders in Gilroy decided to move on. Talk of “a leadership void” in the community began to surface. The thought of losing Jane—who’s dedication and positive impact to Gilroy through tireless advocacy, graceful ambassadorship, and keen vision were simply at the highest level—was like a family break up where it wasn’t “them,” it was us. Who could fill the void? Who could bring the same dedication, positivity, and spirit of collaboration that Jane led with for 17 years? Did that person even exist?

Enter Frank Johnson.

In the short time that we have known Frank. we have been impressed. From the start, his openness, passion, and perspectives on what Gilroy has to offer puts you at ease. Speaking with Frank, you can’t help but feel confident that after a long and drawn-out search process, Visit Gilroy has found the perfect person to lead the organization into the future.

Frank hails from Long Beach, CA. He brings over 15 years of tourism experience to his new role and more than 20 years of project management, marketing, sales, creative direction, educational programming, digital media, and customer service. That experience includes roles as the Executive Director at the Museum of the Sierra in Shaver Lake, CA, which he helped revitalize after a major wildfire and pandemic shutdowns. There, he helped secure a 1MM dollar endowment for the museum, and introduced several new exhibits and events while building relationships with key donors and com-

munity partners. Frank was the program and outreach manager at Friends of the Hunley, a world-renowned museum and laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina, featuring the Civil War-era combat submarine H.L. Hunley. He worked at the Charleston Visitors and Convention Bureau, Cruz Bay Watersports in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in various roles for digital media and marketing companies in California and Florida. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communication and Journalism from California State University, Fresno, and is a veteran of the United States Air Force.

“I’m passionate about all that Gilroy has to offer—our wonderful foods and wines, our close proximity to hiking, coastal destinations, and other attractions. I look forward to elevating Gilroy as a destination for visitors while forging meaningful and long-lasting business relationships within the community.” Frank stated. His outside perspective is breath of fresh air, and gives him a platform to take Visit Gilroy to the next level.

“Gilroy’s diverse cultures offer a great opportunity to help elevate Gilroy as a true destination location. We can build a stronger community for all by working together and supporting the diversity, small businesses, organizations, and the community at large.”

Frank's commitment to supporting local businesses includes his “Eat Downtown twice per week” initiative that he takes very seriously. “It can have an immediate impact, save local businesses and jobs.”

Visit Gilroy Board of Directors Chair Kurt Michielssen stated, “Frank brings a wealth of tourism experience and innovative ideas that we know will be a benefit to our organization. We are very glad to have him on board.”

We can’t agree more. Frank is always open to connecting to anyone interested in learning more about Visit Gilroy and his vision for the future. You can find him at the California Welcome Center located at the Outlets, or find him eating lunch in Downtown Gilroy twice per week, every week. That’s commitment, and that’s Frank Johnson. We are excited to see where he takes us!

The South County People on the move in 2023

Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Selects New Board members

On January 1, 2023, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce welcomed three new Board members. Andrea Nicolette, Executive Director for the Mt. Madonna YMCA; Gloria Dela Merced, Chief Operating Officer for St. Louise Regional Hospital; and Sandy Le, Director, Revenue and Group Sales for Gilroy Gardens, begin their tenure as Chamber Board members. Each bring unique skills, experience, and talents to the organization. They join an already talented and proactive Board made up of local profesionals and business owners all committed to supporting local businesses. For more information, visit: www.gilroy.org

Dr. Pedro Avila Named President / Superintendent, Gavilan Joint Community District

In July of 2022 Dr. Pedro Avila became Gavilan's 8th President. Dr. Avila was previously the VP of Student Services at Santa Rosa Junior College, and has worked in the community college system for 20 years.

Avila was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. His family emigrated to the US in 1984. From humble beginings, he went on to earn degrees in Latino Studies and Business from Fresno State University, a Masters in Business Administration from Rockhurst University, and a Certificate in Institutional Performance Assessment from Harvard's Higher Education Institute. He earned his Doctorate in Community College Policy from the University of Maryland.

During his 20 year tenure, Avila has served in numerous administrative roles. His early childhood experiences with poverty and housing insecurity help shape his perspectives on affordable student housing, which he championed at Santa Rosa Junior College. He and his wife Jeanette Loaiza have two daughters.

vices is the 2023 Vice-Chair. New Board members are, Paulo Paredes, Danny Mitchell, Deanna Franklin, and Mike Sanchez.

Paulo Paredes is in law enforcement and security. He and his wife Denise opned Celestial Trading in Downtown Gilroy in June of 2021. Paulo brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Board in the areas of security, web design, and business.

Danny Mitchell is a retired CFO at Heinzen Manufacturing. He is a 63-year Gilroy resident and has been a community volunteer for decades. His past board experience includes the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, Gilroy Elks Lodge, and the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation. He served on the Gilroy General Plan Advisory Committee for 2040, and has served in various functions at South Valley Community Church. Danny's financial knowledge and experience will serve the organization well.

Deanna Franklin is Senior VP and Relationship Manager at Pinnacle Bank in Gilroy. A Gilroy resident for over 20 years, Deanna has served in various volunteer capacities including Gilroy Relay for Life, Gilroy Garlic Festival Board member and past president, past president of Gilroy Rotary, Gilroy Exchange Club, to name a few. She brings proactive energy, new perspectives, and organizational skills, as well as many other abilities, to the Board.

Mike Sanchez, Publisher of gmhTODAY magazine, is a life-long Gilroy resident. He and wife Debbi are the owners Effect Media Group, and he is a licensed insurance agent at Insurology Insurance Agency. He hopes to offer support in marketing and branding, long-term strategic planning, and event managment to the organization.

Gilroy Downtown

Business Association

Names New Board members and officers

The Gilroy Downtown Business Association (GDBA) names new board member and officers. Certified Financial Planner Jeff Orth of Integrated Financial was named 2023 Board Chair. Medicare Specialist Michele Campbell of Michele Campbell Insurance Ser-

GDBA Officers and Board members: Jeff Orth, Chair, Michele Campbell, Vice Chair, Paulo Paredes, Board member. BELOW: Board members Danny Mitchell, Deanna Franklin, Mike Sanchez

The South County People on the move in 2023

Morgan Hill Recognizes Mayor Rich Constantine and Councilmember John McKay for Service

Outgoing Mayor Rich Constantine and outgoing councilmember John McKay were recognized for their service to the community at the December 14, 2022 Mayor & City Council Inauguration. Sitting and newly elected councilmembers thanked both men for their collaboration and leadership. City Administrator Christina Turner praised both for their friendship, trust, and partnership. She thanked them for being teammates during the difficult times of wildfires, the economic shutdown during COVID-19, among other challenges. She praised them for their hearts for service to City

Bracco has served a total of four full terms on the council: 2005, 2010, 2014, 2018. He now begins his fifth term. He is a life-long Gilroy resident and owner of Bracco's Towing.

Morgan Hill District B voters re-elected Yvonne Martinez-Beltran to another four-year term. Beltran has lived in Morgan Hill since childhood and attended local schools. She and husband Roberto has three daughters.

Staff and the community. Common themes for all who spoke were the dedication the two had for the City of Morgan Hill, and their efforts to help make Morgan Hill the best it can be for all residents. New Mayor Mark Turner thanked Constantine for his help and availablity during the transition process. McKay stated he felt very good knowing that Marilyn Librers was going to be filling his vacated seat on the dias.

Constantine and McKay will no doubt continue to be involved in local intiatives. We certainly look forward to their continued impact and wish them well!

Marquez, Bracco, Martinez-Beltran retain seats

Gilroy voters re-elected Dione Bracco and elected Carol Marquez, who was an appointed incumbent councilmember, to new terms. Marquez was the second highest vote-getter, with 7,528 registered votes, trailing Tom Cline 's 7,776 registered votes. Bracco was the third highest vote-getter with 6,664 registered votes.

Marquez is a retired educator. She was elected to a two-year term in 2018 to fill a vacancy, then was appointed to fill Marie Blankley's seat when she became Mayor.

The focus of her campaign was advocating for a Monterey Cooridor Specific Plan, economic development, water and infrastructure improvements. She also cites public safety as a top priority. She was sworn in at the inauguration by newly elected Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas with her family by her side.

Peter Leroe-Munoz: Gilroy Councilmember Moves On After 12 Years

Three-term City councilmember Peter Leroe-Muniz gave his parting comments to the dias and to a packed chamber at the December 12, swearing in ceremony. He was presented with a plaque for his 12 years of service by Mayor Marie Blankley, who thanked him for his service and committment to the City.

Leroe-Muniz stated that he always considered his time on City Council as "temporary" and one that he would one day return to someone else. He thanked city staff, the community, and his family for their support during his tenure. At the conclusion of his comments and plaque presentation, attendees gave him a standing ovation. We thank Peter for his service and wish him well in the future!

GILROY – January 2023: The Gilroy Assistance League is accepting grant requests beginning January 5 through February 24, 2023. Each year, Gilroy Assistance League accepts grant requests that will benefit youth organizations, programs, and schools. Any South Santa Clara County youth-related organization or school is eligible to apply for a grant. Funds will be distributed in late April 2023.

The Gilroy Assistance League is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the welfare and development of youth in South Santa Clara County through their annual grant cycle. Proceeds from their Annual Home + Garden Tour & Boutique fund these grants. Since 1993, GALs has distributed over $360,000 in grants to local programs.

According to Gilroy Assistance League President, Lori Kent, “In 2022, the Gilroy Assistance League was thrilled to award over $21,000 in grants to eight very-deserving organizations. But the news gets better… in 2023 we are increasing our giving by 50%. We’re projecting to grant over $31,000! That’s quite an increase and all due to the incredible generosity of our Annual Home & Garden Tour supporters, sponsors, and participants.”

“We’re calling on youth organizations throughout South Santa Clara County,” explains GALS Grants Committee Chair Paula Goldsmith. “Think of the wish list you have for your organization. Is limited funding keeping your goals from becoming reality? Gilroy Assistance League grants can provide youth-oriented organizations with an opportunity to fund an existing need or expand outreach or services. If your mission meets our criteria, please consider applying.”

A formal grant request proposal must be completed and returned no later than Friday, February 24, 2023. Forms may be downloaded from the web site at www. gilroyassistanceleague.org.

For more information, contact Gilroy Assistance League Grants Chair, Paula Goldsmith at paulagold@charter.net.

Don Christopher: A Life Well Lived

by

—Albert Einstein

Garlic industry icon, philanthropist, and community advocate, Don Christopher, died on December 12, 2022, surrounded by family. He was 88. His passing marks the end of an era, yet his legacy is forever entrenched in this community.

Humble Beginnings

Don comes from a family of Danish immigrants who settled in the Santa Clara Valley growing plums to produce prunes. Don cut his teeth working on the family farm with his father and uncles, and eventually saw farming as a viable career, hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, by the time Don headed to San Jose State to study business, land in the area was getting harder to come by.

In 1956, in search of affordable land, Don and his brother Art heard about farmers growing garlic in Gilroy. Soon after, they found a 130 acre plot of land along Hwy 25 in south Gilroy.

The brothers found prunes too mundane and decided to grow several different crops, including garlic, on a ten-acre section of the land. Don partnered with local garlic icons like Joseph Gubser and others to get their produce to market. In 1962, he built his own packing shed and began selling fresh garlic directly.

That market was nothing like today. Garlic was considered a peculiar ingredient found largely in Italian restaurants but it did not have even moderate appeal across the social strata. “People thought only poor people ate garlic,” Don recalled during a 1994 Associated Press interview.

Don expanded the garlic crops with each new planting season, eventually encompassing most of his property. That expansion continued until Christopher Ranch garlic was growing on thousands of acres around the south county and throughout the Central Valley.

As Don expanded operations and perfected crop management and practices, the market began to change. Increasing migration to the US in the 1970’s brought more people from Latin American and Asian countries. Americans were also becoming more health conscious, choosing garlic as a flavorful addition to healthier meals. Those social shifts presented opportunities to expand the company’s share of the US garlic market.

Garlic soon gained such notoriety it spawned a little event in 1979 down at the south end of town, known as the Gilroy Garlic Festival that would put garlic and the little town of Gilroy, on the map.

A Community Built by Garlic

The idea for the first festival came a year earlier, in 1978, when then president of Gavilan College, Dr. Rudy Melone, a member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and Gilroy Rotary Club, had read about a French festival that drew 70,000 attendees. The event organizers deemed their community “Garlic Capital of the World.” In true visionary style, Melone exuberantly approached all his friends, fellow Rotarians, and others to “sell the dream” of a local garlic festival to anyone who’d listen. He was met with hard “no’s” and not taken seriously by anyone, including Christopher.

Not to be swayed, Melone convinced enough fellow Rotarians to host a small festival-style luncheon for Rotary members and guests at Christopher Ranch, including the newly formed “Fresh Garlic Association,” whose goals were to promote and advance the garlic industry. The Association’s promotions director, Caryl Saunders, brought in media people, growers, and local dignitaries.The event host commit-

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile

gmhTODAY

Main Image: Don Christopher started from humble beginnings and built the world renown Christopher Ranch. Lower Left: Don, circa 1978 at Christopher Ranch. Above: Gilroy Garlic Festival Founders Don Christopher, Val Filice, and Rudy Melone. The men who put Gilroy and garlic on the map in 1979.

tee tapped fellow Rotarian and local legend Val Filice to do the cooking. The event was a success. When the Los Angeles Times food editor insisted to Don that Gilroy should host its own garlic festival, he was convinced.

They presented the idea of a full scale festival to Mayor Norman Goodrich, who was also the Rotary President, according to Don, “He threw us out of his office!”

Despite other “nos,” glimmers of progress gave Melone, Christopher, and Filice the courage to host the event themselves with the help of local volunteers. Thus beginning the concept of rewarding anyone who volunteered at the festival by donating to their favorite local charity, based on hours worked.

The first official Gilroy Garlic Festival, held at Bloomfield Ranch, was planned to host 5,000 attendees. Although detractors considered that number impossible, 15,000 people came. Organizers recycled and resold tickets, raced to nearby stores and communities in search of additional ingredients to feed the crowds, and pulled together to pull off a successful event. When the dust settled, Gilroy had a legitimate claim to the title "Garlic Capital of the World."

The following year, the festival was moved to Christmas Hill Park, where it was held until its final year in 2019. As the festival grew in popularity over the years, the proceeds donated to local organizations amounted to over $12 million dollars. That includes $40,000 in donations in 2022 that were raised through a series of smaller events in a new, more intimate format.

Don was always the first to acknowledge that the garlic industry has been a primary beneficiary of the Garlic Festival’s far-reaching popularity and promotions.

"An important thing that we learned through our involvement with the Garlic Festival is that promoting garlic and its

uses pays off," Don was quoted as saying in a 1997 festival opening ceremony speech dedicating that year’s festival to him. "The Garlic Festival and all of the promotions surrounding it... have greatly improved the sales of garlic."

Timing, Innovation, Growth

Don continued to innovate his company as market opportunities presented themselves. During the 1980’s, Christopher Ranch perfected the ability to peel garlic using compressed air, allowing the company to offer additional packaging options in plastic containers and glass jars, like chopped and minced garlic, roasted garlic, garlic pesto, and pickled garlic. The move to in-house packing and selling was a turning point for the company.

By this time, Christopher Ranch was already the largest producer of garlic in the US, producing 10 million pounds per year. By the 1990’s production was at 100 million pounds, where it has remained ever since. Now recognized as the global leader in garlic production, their 2022 production was 105 million pounds, according to Executive VP and grandson Ken Christopher.

The company’s signature product, Monviso—a centuries’ old Italian variety—originated over 60 years ago from seeds grown by Don and Art on the Gilroy property, later in Nevada, and eventually in Oregon. Monviso is the company’s exclusive varietal and the only heirloom garlic commercially grown in the US.

Christopher Ranch continues to thrive as a family-run business under the leadership of Don’s sons and grandsons, who hold key roles in the company.

A Heart for Children and Education

A philanthropist at heart, Don and his wife, Karen, along with his family have contributed generously to Gilroy schools, the arts and to residents throughout the community.

In 1994 Don partnered with the federal government to build California’s first public/private Head Start preschool. Christopher Ranch maintains the facility to this day and the government provides instructors. The facility delivers essential pre-K education to over 30 children, many of whom are the kids of employees. The Head Start facility emphasizes critical English language development skills, which will give the kids the ability to perform at the level of their peers, come kindergarten. Don understood the challenges children of migrant families faced and wanted to give them every opportunity to succeed. “He knew that when kids fall behind in their formative years, there’s a very real risk that they won’t catch up. “This preschool lets our community’s kids be ready for kindergarten on day one,” Ken Christopher told the Packer in 2019.

Don donated ten acres of land needed to build Gilroy’s second high school, which the school district named Christopher High in his honor. He also provided $4 million for the building of the “Don Christopher Sports Complex” at Christopher High School.

Above: Don Christopher stands in a field of garlic. Next: Three generations of Garlic: (L to R) Ken, Don, Bill, Jason. Below right: Don and Karen enjoy a copy of J Chris and Larry Mickartz new book celebrating all things Gilroy Garlic Festival, 2022.

The Christophers donated an additional $75,000 donation in October 2008, earmarked as seed money to launch many of the student activities and programs at the new four-year high school including yearbook, transportation for athletics,and the student store.

Don and Karen Christopher and Christopher Ranch provide annual grants and scholarships each year through the Gilroy Foundation. To date, Christopher Ranch has distributed over $700,000 in community grants, while Don and Karen Christopher have personally distributed over $200,000 in community grants.Together they have awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors to date.

Awards and Philanthropy

Don’s impressive concern for his community resulted in numerous awards. In 2015, he received the prestigious Glenn George “Heart of Philanthropy” award. The honor was bestowed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) of Silicon Valley Board. The same year, he was inducted into the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame for his life-long contributions to the betterment of the community and its residents.

In 2019, Don was named “Produce Marketer for All Seasons” by The Packer—a produce industry publication. Editor Tom Karst presented Bill Christopher with the award on behalf of his dad. In his remarks, Karst praised Christopher’s great contributions to the industry and his community. “Our winner’s involvement with the community is truly bigger than life,” Karst said.

Don’s heart for philanthropy and service to others goes far beyond the items mentioned. However, the items mentioned are a good indication of the life he led, and the kind of life we should all aspire to lead.

The Legacy Continues

In 2019 the Christopher Family Foundation (CFF) was established as the non-profit arm of Christopher Ranch, formed to continue the philanthropic efforts of the company and the Christopher Family. The CFF works with local organizations to provide support and results for programs serving youth, the under-privileged, and education. The Christopher family believes that education is the panacea for so many of our community’s challenges, so the CFF works with schools and institutions to reach youth of all ages, to help set them up for success.

“My family firmly believes that a well-rounded education including not only academics, but also sports, can and will give our hometown’s youth the ability to excel. These past 18 months [during COVID and the economic shutdown] have undeniably been hard on our community’s students, and if the Christopher Family Foundation can do something to make a positive impact, we’re proud to do so.”Grandson Ken shared with gmhTODAY in 2021.

“The impact of Don Christopher’s kindness on the Gilroy Unified School District community will stand the test of time,” wrote Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D. on the GUSD website.

Highlighting his contributions to Gilroy High School, Christopher High School, and middle schools, she stated, “Don’s reach has positively impacted the lives of our students, staff and families in great and small ways. His philanthropic spirit, innovative ideas, and collaborative approach to bettering the Gilroy community will be greatly missed. His influence made Gilroy better, and for that, we are forever grateful.”

Family Man

What people remember most about Don, Ken shared, was his grandfather’s deep love for family. He recalled earlier days, when Don would pick up Ken and Kevin from elementary school to go have “fun and adventure.” He found

time and took an interest in spending time with each of his grandkids, doing things with them that were specific to their interests and personalities. He celebrated them for the unique and special kids they were.

His horse ranch in SJB was a huge source of pride. He loved riding his horse, Price, and being a cowboy, with time at the ranch an escape from the daily pressures and responsibilities of operating a global company. He spent hours there, making memories with his grandkids.

Ken remembers the holidays growing up as being especially fun, "We all would sit around the table playing fun but intense games of "Red Dog" for quarters."

As the grandkids grew, Don taught them the importance of community. His interest in, and commitment to the youth of Gilroy, and in providing resources for their future success, inspired the grandkids to adopt the same spirit of giving.

“It’s the genesis of the Christopher Ranch Foundation,” Ken said. "My grandfather led a life filled with outpourings of kindness for others, being good to our neighbors, and inspiring others.” He envisions the Foundation as the driving force to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy.

In a family statement, Don’s son Rob shared, “Dad had a bigger-than-life personality, yet was a role model who lived what he preached more than any man I ever met. He valued hard work, was devoted to family, could admit his mistakes and dealt honestly with everyone.”

Grandson Jason told the Monterey Herald, “The greatest compliment I ever had was that I remind them of my grandpa.”

Son Bill shared with the Gilroy Dispatch, “My dad taught us how to treat everyone, no matter who they are, with respect and kindness. These lessons learned from him will carry on through myself and my family.”

“He taught me to do the right thing, no matter how hard, each and every time,” Ken shared.

Don’s life was remarkable in many ways. His impact will continue to be felt for generations in our community and in the generations who succeed him in his own family. Don led with integrity, character and compassion for others. He not only left clues, but also intentionally imparted wisdom and lessons to his sons and grandsons. It appears they all paid attention. Great men raise great men.

Icon. Philanthropist. Family man. Friend. Many things to many people. Above all, Don was a great example of a life well lived.

gmhTODAY thanks the Christopher family, Christopher Ranch, J. Chris and Larry Mickartz, the Gilroy Dispatch, the Monterey Herald, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, and Gilroy Unified School District for providing information that contributed to this article. For more information, please contact us or visit our website at: gmhTODAY.com

New Year, ApproachesNew to Health

by Crystal Han

The New Year is a great time to get back to our healthy routines, or perhaps develop new ones. Typically we turn to diet and exercise to achieve our health goals, which can seem daunting after a holiday season full of drinks, desserts, and travel. While healthy eating and exercise are great, exploring practices like acupuncture and yoga can also boost your health in ways you might not realize.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a 4000-year-old system of Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into strategic points on the body. Today it’s used to treat a variety of problems, including chronic pain, anxiety, allergies, and even infertility.

Many in Western society tend to regard acupuncture with some skepticism. How can needles help with something like chronic pain? Winson Chen, who runs the Winson Chen Acupuncture clinic in Morgan Hill, explains that acupuncture has positive effects that can be observed. “Chronically contracted muscles get really tight, which can cause neck pain and lower back pain. When you place the needles in, your body doesn’t know what to do with them, so it sends all of the blood flow to those points and the muscle is forced to relax, which resolves some of the pain symptoms,” he explained. Chen said the needles also cause the body to release endorphins, which puts the body into a parasympathetic “calm” state, so that the patient is more relaxed and less stressed.

When you have less pain and muscle tightness, you’re more motivated to go for a morning run or do things that you enjoy. Additionally, acupuncture has the potential to reduce the amount of medications some people need. Some of Chen’s patients have been able to reduce their anxiety and pain medications after regular acupuncture treatments. In a case study for one of Chen’s allergy patients, the patient was able to achieve a 70% reduction in allergy medications after two months of acupuncture treatment. All of this allows for a better quality of life. “If you reduce your medication, the side effects like drowsiness go away, and you’re able to drive again and go outside again,” he explained.

The concept of having needles stuck in you might sound stressful or scary, but Ahnna Goosen, an acupuncturist from the Heart Space Studio in Gilroy, reassures that what you’re coming in for usually hurts far worse. She likens the feeling

to having a hair plucked. “It’s very common to be scared—it’s something new, it’s something different, it seems weird— but the deep relaxation you receive far outweighs that small discomfort,” she said.

Goosen has taken acupuncture’s relaxing properties to the next level by offering sound healing sessions a few Fridays a month. She applies the acupuncture needles to her patients and then plays crystal singing bowls while they’re resting. The singing bowls can offer a meditative effect, which neuroscientific research has shown improves mood and cognitive function, as well as reduces stress hormones.

Since stress can cause or compound all types of health problems, Goosen feels that the combination of acupuncture and sound healing are a gentle non-invasive way to relax and reset your body so that you can achieve your health goals.

Yoga

Yoga focuses on creating harmony between the mind and the body by practicing slow, controlled movements, and deep breathing, which increase blood flow and warm up the muscles.

Among the uninitiated, Yoga is often believed to be “just stretching” and is dismissed as not a real workout, which always makes Jen Carrubba, a yoga instructor and co-founder of the Morgan Hill Yoga Collective studio, smile. “All they need to do is come to a class to realize it’s not just ‘om-ing’ and breathing,” she said, “Sometimes you don’t feel like you’re getting a workout, but you are. A lot of it is what you’re willing to put into the postures and transitions. It takes focus, discipline, and control.”

Yoga not only helps build strength, balance, and flexibility, but it also improves bone density, a fact that the Yoga Collective’s other co-founder, Paula Rasmussen, believes is changing views on yoga. “When medical practitioners started realizing that using your physical body weight against itself on the mat does build bone, I think that’s when they started paying attention that yoga was an option to tell people to build bone strength. You don’t just have to go lift weights,” she said. Considering greater bone density helps prevent breaks later in life, practicing yoga can be a great approach for long-term health.

But the mental health aspects of yoga are often more surprising than the physical ones. “There’s a sense of peace that comes over me when I’m in the yoga space,” Carrubba said. Carrubba’s students have described how yoga is a time for them to tap into how they’re feeling and let go. She has enjoyed seeing her students become more confident in themselves and their bodies, and feel proud of their accomplishments. “When you lift a weight you didn’t think you could lift, you feel so empowered. It’s the same thing in yoga,” Rasmussen explained.

Trying yoga for the first time can feel intimidating. The most common concern Carrubba hears from beginners is that they’re not flexible enough. “It’s not about being flexible.

STAY HEALTHY IN 2023!

Better Health... it’s yours for the taking! Five things you can do

1. Walk: Whether its down the street, around the block, or anywhere in our local area. new to walking? Start with a short distance and build from there!

2. Hydrate: Most of us don’t drink enough water. as a result you may feel sluggish at times. Grab a glass or bottle of water to perk up and get the hydration your body needs!

3. Stretch: Ever pull a muscle while tying your shoe or cramp up while reaching for the top shelf? get into the habit of light strtching daily. Five to ten minutes of stretching makes a world of difference and can save you a pain in the ... back or other part of your body!

4. Join a Friend: The world is opening up! While we still need to be dilligent about personal space and hygine, join a friend over coffee or other beverage - just to have fun and catch up in person!

5. Get Creative: Write a poem or encouraging letter to a friend or loved one, learn to draw or paint, take up a new a craft, play a musical instrument, etc. Its a no-judgment zone! You are free to let your creativity soar!

- To your health!

It’s about breathing, getting into the positions to the best of your ability, and using props and modifications to get there,” she explained. Rasmussen adds that it’s important to try out different yoga styles. “If you really want to explore yoga, you have to give yourself enough room and time to do it. You can’t just say, ‘well, I took two classes and it didn’t do it for me, so I’m done,’” she said. Rasmussen also emphasizes the importance of finding an instructor who resonates with you.

With each new year comes a new opportunity to put our health—both mental and physical—first. Whether it’s acupuncture, yoga, or both, these practices may offer a different, relaxing way to get back on track for the new year, and can provide health benefits for many years to come.

Hey Valentine: Couples Q&A A Look at Life and Love

By Madeline Martin

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to let that special someone in your life know just how much you love them. And, while there are many ways to show love, and different types of love—love for a child, love for a sibling, love for a parent or grandparent, etc.—we are focusing on the love couples share and the tips, tricks, and lessons learned to help you make the most out of your relationship with your significant other.

This Valentine's Day we wanted to offer some perspectives on life and love from four local couples—each unique and at different stages of life.

Barbara and Erwin Boggs have more than a few years under their belts—67 to be exact. Their perspectives are refined, simple, and based in common sense, yet full of practical wisdom. After nearly seven decades, they may be on to something.

Rene Spring and Mark Hoffman have boiled down their 25-year relationship to a few key things, including having similar likes

and interests, spending time together despite hectic schedules, and mutual respect.

Victoria and Eddie Valencia credit their three-year marriage and 11-year relationship to being intentional and open communication. Instead of celebrating just on Valentine's Day, these two—now with baby girl Roslyn in tow—choose to celebrate their love all year long.

Newlyweds Breann and Jimmy Garcia have figured out some key factors that make relationships work—like hard work. They both rely on the examples of family members who have modeled healthy and thriving relationships.

We all deserve and should strive for healthy and thriving relationships. These couples prove that commitment, intention, mutual respect and working to keep things fun and exciting are all important elements when playing the long game in life and love. Here are their stories:

Barbara and Erwin Boggs

Barbara and Erwin Boggs have been married for 67 years. They have made a great team raising their children, participating in their church, and volunteering in the community.

Erwin and Barbara met briefly for the first time when his family drove to Washington, D.C. for a job interview where his dad interviewed with her grandfather. Barbara just happened to be with her grandparents that day. Erwin’s dad got the job, and his family moved from their farm in Pennsylvania to the city, where he and Barbara got to know each other better at the church they both attended. After a three-year courtship, they got married in 1956.

The Boggs moved to California when Erwin was drafted by the military and sent to Fort Ord, where he served for two years. They set up their home in Gilroy in 1979 and started a family, with one daughter and two sons, one of whom they lost as an adult to cancer only a couple years ago. They have one grandchild who is 21.

Before retiring, Erwin worked in insurance, as an electrician, as the owner of a men’s clothing store, and as an Operations Supervisor for the

Smucker’s company. Barbara worked for the U.S. Treasury Dept. and then over 30 years in banking, while staying home for several years to raise her children.

The Boggs love to travel together and have spent many years taking trips in their RV as a family, including cross-country and to Mexico and Canada. Since selling their RV several years ago, they now take cruises all over the world.

Erwin and Barbara enjoy walking together daily, spending time in nature, and reading. They also spend time with their friends, rotating houses for dinners together.

The Boggs have been volunteering together over the years. They started a kids’ Bible study at their church right after they married. In Gilroy, they volunteered 41 years with the Garlic Festival, for various church activities, and are still volunteering for Visit Gilroy.

Erwin and Barbara celebrate Valentine’s Day simply, such as by going out to dinner. They celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in a bigger way, by celebrating with friends over dinner and other activities together.

Erwin and Barbara truly enjoy each other’s company. Erwin’s advice to couples is to “speak your mind openly and then come to a conclusion together.” Barbara added, “Don’t insist on doing things your way.” Erwin and Barbara have been through good and bad times together, and Erwin said, “Our faith in God has carried us through all of that.”

Morgan Hill City Council Member Rene Spring, and his husband Mark Hoffman, a mail carrier and artist, have been together for nearly 25 years, and married for 15. They initially met online and hit it off right away when they met in person. Rene found Mark funny and interesting, while Mark was drawn to Rene’s kindness and big heart.

Rene and Mark have their own careers, interests, and schedules, however, they still make it a priority to do things together. They enjoy hikes, walks along the beach collecting sand dollars, watching movies, and attending local shows and musicals.

Watching the sunrise at Coyote Valley early on Sunday mornings is a favorite pastime for Rene and Mark, as well as spending time with their kids, grandkids, and a close circle of friends. Rene and Mark are also very involved in the community and enjoy giving back.

Rene and Mark are both fans of world travel. They typically visit Rene’s family in his home country of Switzerland once a year. Exploring new places is a passion for them both, and they have visited many European countries, as well as Australia, Alaska, and Canada.

Like any couple, Rene and Mark have some things in common and some differences. Mark is a bubbly talker who loves Disney. Rene loves history and period pieces in movies and shows.

Rene Spring and Mark Hoffman

Hey Valentine: Couples Q&A A Look at Life and Love (continued)

While they both love art, Mark is an artist, while Rene admittedly is not. Rene has also introduced Mark to his love of cats, and they now have four of their own.

Despite their busy schedules, Rene and Mark make each other a priority. They have one dinner together per week, which they refer to as their “date night.” Rene and Mark also still celebrate Valentine’s Day by surprising each other with either a small gift, a fun date night, or even a weekend trip. After all these years together, Rene said, ”We are still going strong and are very happy together.”

After 25 years together, Rene and Mark have some advice for other couples. “Never go to bed angry, and never leave the home being angry.” They also remind couples that successful relationships take work. “Talk to each other, learn from each other, respect each other, and keep loving your spouse—no matter what!”

While Valentine’s Day may bring to mind grand romantic gestures, Eddie and Victoria Valencia have found happiness in doing the simple things in life together. Eddie, a fiber splicer for a fiber optics company, and Victoria, the community relations coordinator for the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, are both Morgan Hill natives. Together they enjoy exploring farmers’ markets, fishing on Half Moon Bay, strolling around Carmel, and taking in a comedy show or a drive-in movie.

High school sweethearts, the Valencias have been together for 11 years and were married in 2020. They had to simplify their wedding, as well, when COVID-19 canceled their original plans. The Valencias booked a last-minute appointment at the courthouse in Reno, Nevada, and a short ceremony at a little wedding chapel. With the support of a few close friends, they enjoyed the event and celebrated with food from In-N-Out Burger, Guglielmo champagne, and cupcakes from Sprouts. Victoria said, “It was the best day ever!”

Victoria and Eddie maintain a healthy relationship by celebrating each other’s strengths and accomplishments, while also respecting each other’s differences and preferences. Victoria and Eddie both love cats, wine, cooking, good music, exercising, and harmless pranks. However, they are accepting of each other’s personality differences—Eddie is more introverted and enjoys quiet alone time; Victoria is extroverted and enjoys events and meeting new people.

Victoria said, “We value each other’s independence and understand each other’s social needs. We’re still two people with our own interests, and we both respect that.”

Eddie and Victoria had their first child in October of 2022—a daughter named Roslyn. They are the most excited about watching each other grow as parents.

Victoria and Eddie Valencia

Victoria said, “It’s going to be really cool to see our two personalities combine and to see what kind of person we raise.”

The Valencias do not normally celebrate Valentine’s Day; they see themselves as celebrating their love all year long, by spending time together when they can and going out on spontaneous dates about once a week.

They both believe that communication is key and couples should be intentional about connecting. They both said, “Always make room for fun.”

Breann and Jimmy Garcia

Breann (“Bre”) and Jimmy Garcia may be newlyweds, but they already have some important things figured out. While many newly-married couples might be in the “honeymoon” phase at first, Bre and Jimmy already understand what it takes to make a relationship work. This is largely due to the strong examples they have had in their lives.

Bre, the event director and tasting room manager at Fortino Winery, and Jimmy, a sports content curator, have some firm relationship foundations to stand on. Bre’s parents have been married for 30 years, and both her grandparents have been married for over 50 years. Jimmy’s mom re-connected with her long-lost love after 30 years apart. Bre and Jimmy have learned from them that it takes hard work and give and take from each partner to make a relationship work.

Like many young couples today, they met through a dating app. Bre said she was attracted to Jimmy “because he has such a sweet and caring nature towards everybody and because family is really important to him.” Jimmy said he was drawn to Bre “because she was very funny and super honest.” They were together for about three and half years before getting married.

The Garcias know it’s okay to have some differences alongside their shared interests. They both enjoy the same types of food, greatly value family, and care deeply about the people in their lives. However, Jimmy is into sports, while Bre is satisfied just watching an occasional game.

Bre and Jimmy make time together a priority, and they enjoy trying new restaurants, wineries, and breweries, watching movies, or even having a date night at home. They also like going to the beach (where they were engaged) and taking road trips. Bre and Jimmy have found that going on new adventures together helps learn more about each other and to grow together.

The Garcias try to plan something different each year for Valentine’s Day to keep things exciting. One year they rented a house in Monterey; another year they enjoyed a nice dinner and an impromptu San Jose Sharks hockey game.

The Garcias may be newlyweds, but they do have some wisdom to offer. Bre and Jimmy want other couples to always be honest with their partners and, as Brean said, “love them even when you don’t like them.”

Local Boy Doing Good Mark JacobsenService With a Smile

by Madeline Martin, Photos by gmhTODAY

At just 32 years old, Gilroy native Mark Jacobsen has already made a “mark” on the community. He is well-known for his hard working, can-do attitude, his big goals, and his even bigger heart for the people of Gilroy.

Tom Cline, Past President for the Garlic Festival Association, who has known Mark for years, said, "Mark has always impressed me by his work ethic, whether it was at his job, or as a volunteer for the Gilroy Garlic Festival. He always works hard and gives everything he has and does everything with a smile. He has a passion for this community and is an emerging leader.”

Mark had big dreams since childhood, and hoped to open a restaurant of his own one day. Through much hard work, his dreams became a reality in July 2022, when he opened his own Poki Bowl Restaurant. This quick service restaurant combines Hawaiian poke, or raw fish, with an Asian flair, and serves a customizable bowl with fresh seafood combined with several choices of bases and toppings. Poki Bowl’s goal is to serve a meal quickly and conveniently while still using fresh, healthy ingredients.

Mark is very excited to welcome people to his new place. He combines his love for restaurant work with investing in the people he works with. "I enjoy being able to provide jobs for people and also being able to teach young people about the restaurant industry.”

Local teenager Cody Martin, who has worked under Mark at two restaurants, said, “I like working for Mark because he is not only knowledgeable and capable, but also fun to work with.”

Mark’s work ethic really sets him apart. At 15, he started washing trucks with his buddy at Tri-County Trucks. Then he began building his restaurant experience, starting at Mama Mia’s Restaurant in Gilroy. Mark truly “climbed the ladder” there, promoting from a host, to busboy, server, cook, and finally an assistant manager.

His restaurant experience also includes opening and running a Wing Stop in Santa Clara for two years for the owner of Mama Mia’s Restaurant and managing Brew City Burgers. Mark took all of this experience and applied it to opening his first franchise, Poki Bowl.

“I have always tried to stay busy with work, if I wasn't working at the restaurants I was working side jobs by mowing and disking fields with my tractor. I think I got that trait from my grandfather, who continued to work until he was about 90 years old.”

Mark has also been serving his local community for most of his life.“ I love to give back to the Gilroy community,” he said. He has volunteered for a variety of events and activities over the years. He started helping at the Garlic Festival when he was just nine years old and graduated to Beer Committee Chair in 2019. Mark has also volunteered over the years for the Memorial Day Parade, the Garlic City Car Show, and other Gilroy Chamber of Commerce endeavors. He has also served as a Chamber board member for four years.

Mark Turner, CEO/President of the Gilroy Chamber, said, “Mark is one of the hardest working people I know. His

commitment and dedication to the Chamber's Beer Gardens at the Garlic Festival for so many years is beyond impressive. I've been honored to work alongside Mark for the past four years during his time as a Chamber Board member. He takes his commitments seriously and sees things through.”

Mark said, “I plan to get more involved with other groups, as now being a business owner I have more time available to give back to the community where I live.”

Mark’s goals for the future don’t stop with where he is at right now. He hopes to open more restaurants, whether quick-serve or full-service. With Poki Bowl, he said he “hopes to learn more about what it takes to operate and own a restaurant, to be able to grow into multiple stores or other concepts in the future.”

But don’t worry—no matter how big his dreams, Mark doesn’t plan to pursue them anywhere but here in Gilroy. “I plan to stay in Gilroy for the rest of my life,” he said. “Gilroy has such a big heart and is a great community.“

Instagram@pokibowlgilroy - 1425 1st Street, Suite 103 www.pokibowl.com/gilroy - open daily 11am-8pm

HOWTOGETSTARTEDPLANNINGYOUR KITCHENORBATHREMODEL

ByGinaVarela-Domenichini,Owner,Studio38

Designs, Inc.

Mosthomeownerswilltackleseveralrenovation projectsthroughouttheirhomeownership.Kitchen andbathremodelingalwaystopthelist.

Butunderstandinghowbesttobepreparedto communicateyourgoals,budget,anddesign preferencescanbeachallenge.Usethischecklistto gathertheinputandinspirationtohelpyouget started.Takingthesefirststepswillhelpyouachieve thebestoutcomewiththeleastamountof uncertainty.

Step1.Establishyourgoals.

Itdoesn'tmatterifyouplantoremodelabathor kitchen;knowingyourobjectivescanhelpdetermine yourbudgetandneeds.Itcanalsohelpyou measureyoursuccess.Doyouwantmorestorage, gatheringspace,lighting,orincreasedsquare footage?Makealistandprioritizeyourgoals.

Step2.Gatheryourinspirationand curateyourpreferences.

WerecommendusingatoolliketheHouzz Ideabook,afreetoolavailableon Houzz.com.With theHouzzIdeabook,youcansavephotos, professionals,discussionsandstoriestoan Ideabook.YoucanalsocontrolyourIdeabook’s privacy,sharing,andcollaborationsettings.

Step3.Determineyourbudget.

Budgetplanningforakitchenorbathroomremodel isoftenconsideredthemostchallengingstep.Refer toyourlistofpriorities(step1.),reviewyourcurated preferences(step2),andassignadollarvaluefor eachcriticalprojectparameter.Ifthereturnonyour investmentisapriority,werecommendresearching costvs.valueforyourremodelproject.Thisis determinedbythecostofyourremodelprojectvs. howmuchtheinvestmentwillimproveyourhome's resalevalue.

Step4.Hireaninteriordesigner. developingabudget,fleshingoutaworkable design,anddeliveryofmaterialsandinstallation.

Interiordesignersbringawealthof knowledgeandskillstoahomeremodel project.Theirskillsandexpertiseensure allphasesofyourremodelgoes smoothly—fromtheearlystagesof identifyingyourneedsanddesiresto Agooddesignerwillbeabletoidentifythepotential ofaspaceorhelpyousolvepainpointsinyour spaceandthenprovidecreativesolutions.

Step6.Buildaprojecttimeline.

Workwithyourdesignerandcontractortocreatea projecttimelinetohelpyoumeetyourdesired completiondateforyourremodelproject.While someroomscangetafaceliftinafewweeks,other spacesmaytakeseveralmonths.Remodeling professionalsmayalsoprovideup-to-date informationaboutanysupplychainissuesorother industryissuesimpactingtheavailabilityofmaterials. Whenindoubt,hireaprofessional.

Thesearesomeofthehighlyrecommendedsteps involvedinthepre-planningofaremodeling project.Whenyouhireaprofessional,theycanassist withalloftheprojectdetails,materialselections,and ensureyourprojectrunssmoothlyduringthe remodelingprocess.Hiringaprofessionalforyour projectcansavetimeandmoney.

Step5.Selectyourcontractor.

Yourdesignermayhaverecommendationsofwho theygenerallyworkwithforthe“build-out.”At Studio38Designs,wehighlyrecommendoursister company D.R.DomenichiniConstruction. Regardlessofwhichcontractor(s)youmeetwith,you willwanttoensuretheyarelicensedandbonded. Youshouldalsochecktheirreferencesandpublic reviews.LookforreviewsonYelpandGuildQuality, awell-respectedindustrywebsite.

Needhelpgettingstarted?

Scanthecodeorvisit, www.studio38designsinc.com

Register now: March 26, 2023

Beloved Wildflower Run Celebrates 40 Years

Much has changed since the first Wildflower Run 40 years ago—national averages like a gallon of gas cost 96 cents at the time, a new house was about $82,600, yearly inflation hovered at about three percent—but healthy fun and local philanthropy remain the cornerstone of Morgan Hill’s popular, annual community event.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 26, for the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Annual Wildflower Run. The Wildflower Run is AAUW’s premier social and sports fundraiser that goes directly toward its annual grants and scholarships programs.

For Runners:

Whether meeting a personal health goal, training for a longer run, socializing, or just getting out-and-about to blow off steam, the Wildflower Run offers it all:

• 10K

• 5K Walk, Run, Stroller

• Child 10 and Under – kids can participate in any level event

• Kids 2K

• Seniors 2K

Registration prices increase closer to the event; register soon!

For Sponsors:

All funds raised stay local and sponsors can feel good knowing that their time and attention makes a real impact in the community they share, too. It is a perfect event for new companies looking for immediate visibility and long-time businesses who live, work and thrive in the area we all call home. The Wildflower Run sponsorship program offers multiple levels for companies to choose the best way to accomplish its philanthropic goals. Turnout for the 40th year is expected to be high; don’t miss out on the fun chance to showcase your company’s philanthropic and community spirit.

For more information on joining the event as a sponsor or to host a booth at the Finish Fest, contact: sponsors@wildflowerrun.org

Visit Wildflower Run for all event details on entry pricing, deadlines to register, and more about AAUW and the Wildflower Run.

Field Hockey Takes Center Stage: Gilroy Teams Compete for Section Title

After losing seven starting seniors at the end of the 2021 season, Christopher High girls field hockey head coach Dani Hemeon was unsure what the 2022 season would bring. With plenty of talented, hard-working girls on the team, she knew they would at least be competitive. However, with only four returning starters, it took considerable time and experimentation with new players in new positions to develop their strongest line up. As the season progressed, so did the team. “Things really began clicking for us the last few weeks of the season” Hemeon shared. “We were able to ride the momentum all the way to our first ever CCS Finals appearance.” Christopher lost a tough battle to Archbishop Mitty High school in the championship game 1-0.

At Gilroy High, head coach Adam Gemar “loved every second of our season.” The team went undefeated, registering a 19-0-1 record. Gemar cites team chemistry

and work ethic as the key factors to the team’s success. “In the end it was bittersweet losing in the semi-finals to Archbishop Mitty. We almost had an all-Gilroy CCS Final.”

While the two powerhouse teams can be considered cross-town rivals, the relationship between players and coaches goes much deeper. Hemeon was a standout athlete at Gilroy High school, playing basketball, softball, and hockey while carrying a 4.15 GPA. Upon graduating in 2011, she went on to play hockey at the University of Iowa, earning numerous awards and recognition including All American honors. She is quick to credit Gemar for her success. “He taught me everything about hockey.”

Gemar has coached hockey for 25 years at GHS. He has had great players and teams over those years and puts this year’s team right up there with the best of them.

2022 CCS Runner Up Christopher High School Varsity Field Hockey: Angelina Begines 9, Alexa Booth 19, Alliya Camacho 6, Emma Davis 13, Dominique Flores 30, Katie Garrison 10, Sophie Gonzalez 15, Kaitlyn Hardie 11, Caitlynn Holt 12, Danica Lopez 8, Laurel Lopez 4, Ella Miura 5, Kaitlyn Nguyen 18, Carlie Silva 1, Payton Sosa 3, Cloey Turiello 2, Coach: Dani Perez.

"We play hockey year-round. Now that our high school seasons are over, we are ramping up to start our Infinity program.” he shared.

The Infinity Sports Club field hockey season starts mid-January. The teams will compete in three college hosted tournaments at Stanford, UC Davis, and Cal Berkeley as well as local club tournaments. They will end their season at the international tournament Memorial weekend at Cal Cup.

Infinity also offers the opportunity for both squads to practice and play together. “Adam and I get to coach both sets of athletes side by side.” She shared. “We’ve been coaching Infinity together since 2016 and I absolutely love it. We both have the same goals but have slightly different coaching styles. I love that my CHS players get to tap into Adam’s expertise, while I get to share mine with the GHS players.” She added.

“We’re one family from Feb-May which just strengthens the high school teams come August. I’m so proud that Gilroy is a field hockey town. It’s all thanks to Adam and Erin Gemar. Being a part of the “Gilroy” hockey family both as a player and a coach has been one of my greatest joys and I’m glad I get to continue growing the game in such a great community alongside my biggest mentor.”

“Dani and I have been working together with Infinity ever since she graduated from University of Iowa. It’s been a great partnership.” Gemar shared.

“Infinity field hockey is an absolutely great place to learn, improve, hone, play, interact, and enjoy the game of hockey at every level (12-19 years of age). We participate with all the local D1 college tournaments as well as travel teams.” he added.

Some highlights of this past club season were winning 1st place at several of the college tourneys, the U14 team winning Gold at Cal Cup (international tournament), and the U19 team placing 3rd (bronze) at Cal Cup.

“We have a great group of coaches that have experience at the Division 1 level and veteran coaches, and we have fun every practice…” Gemar shared.

Infinity Sports Club Spring soccer season will start February 6th- May 21st. Spring evaluations are on Jan. 30th and Feb. 1st at Gavilan College. 4:00-5:30 PM. To learn more, visit; Infinitysportsclub.org

Congrats to the Christopher High and Gilroy High school ladies field hockey players and coaches on a great season!

2022 CCS Third Place Finishers Gilroy High School Varsity Field Hockey: Brooke Baza 3, Kiley Bataglia 4, Maya Torres 5, Ella Gallegos 7, Annelise Lerma 18, Madison Krejdovsky 12, Marina Laroche 14, Angelene Castro 15, Liliana Lerma 18, Cecilia Method 20, Addison Tait 21, Kami Krejdovsky 32, Breanna Condi 35, Ashley Borhm 36, Erin Castro.

San

Juan Bautista's 18th Barrel:

18 Barrels of Fun

Who hasn't been out for the night with your significant other, disagreeing on where to go for a great drink? Let’s say one of you wants to sample some of South Valley’s finest wine at a tasting room, while the other wants to grab a few pints at a microbrewery. What to do? Beer or wine? Wine or beer?

pride in. The one to the right is the spot for 18 beers on tap as well as a fridge full of canned options. Then there is a center bar top where you can sit and chill while enjoying your preferred beverage of choice. In addition to the tasting room, the 18th Barrel has a massive outdoor seating area, with a stage where musical performances happen on a weekly basis.

Ramirez said that it has long been a desire of hers to run a tasting room. She and her husband, Anthony Ramirez, have operated two companies in Salinas for over 20 years—DBA Electric and DBA Alarm & Security—but finally took the plunge on their passion project in 2017. The business is a family affair, with Ramirez taking on a full-time role; her daughter is the manager; her sister and niece have roles; her husband chips in when he can; and they have a couple of employees who are de facto family members because they have been there since the beginning, Ramirez said. Even Ramirez’s parents worked at the tasting room early on for a little bit.

When they found their building before opening, it was in need of serious work, being a historic building, but she relished the opportunity to make it her own. Ramirez said it looked like a bunker an open space with pillars down the center of the now tasting room. But that didn’t deter her.

“We got to start from scratch. It was nice because I was able to put all my ideas, my vision, into play,” she said.

Enter 18th Barrel Tasting Room

If you want the best of both worlds, head to the beautiful, historic downtown San Juan Bautista to this establishment. Immediately upon entering, you’ll encounter three bar tops. The one to the left is where you can choose from a litany of local wineries’ selections—something owner Monica Lopez Ramirez, a former employee at Fortino Winery, takes great

That vision had been simmering in Ramirez’s mind for “at least 15 years” before taking the leap.

“It was pretty bad in here. But I loved it. I thought it was cool to put the pillars down the middle. And it gave me my vision because I've always wanted to do two bars,” she said. “I wanted it to be separate areas. I want [customers] to have an experience like they're both places.”

by Giovanni Albanese photos by 18th Barrel

They built all the restrooms, the office, patched up an existing cold box that saved them countless cash, re-did the floors, and created a VIP room experience in what was essentially a storage section. Plans for the VIP area aren’t solidified, but Ramirez sees it as an area where a winemaker could teach a class, or a reservation-only private tasting room. Even the outside seating was spruced up. It used to be a parking lot and now serves as the most popular attraction, especially when the live music is playing and a food truck is parked out there. Small bites are also offered at the 18th Barrel, according to Ramirez.

“I always had stuck in my head a wine bar. I never really knew the whole concept of craft beer. I just figured there was one hop and you just flavored it how you wanted to,” Ramirez mused. “I love the way wine is. There are so many different grapes and that's what turned me onto beer. Like, oh my goodness, it's practically the same thing. It's really cool.”

While Ramirez took some time to warm to beer—her favorite beer is any amber, by the way—her husband was the opposite.

“I would drag my husband everywhere. He hated wine. And it took him probably almost four years to start liking wine,” she said. “I started pairing it with food. I started doing things to try to get him into it. Now, he absolutely loves wine.

Whether you lean toward wine or beer, the 18th Barrel Tasting Room has you covered. Its cozy digs are exactly what you need for a great date night. And for those couples who are at different sides of the room when choosing drinks, Ramirez has some advice for your next visit.

“Meet in the middle and be happy.”

18th Barrel Tasting Room is located at 322 3rd St. in San Juan Bautista. 21+ only. They are open Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m, Friday from 3 to 9 p.m, Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m, and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information go to: www.18thbarrel.com or call (831) 623-4049.

Monica and Anthony Ramirez are the perfect hosts for your wine tasting and / or beer tasting adventures. There is always something special going on at 18th Barrel. If you haven't been, go. If you've been, go again. You will come as friends, and leave as family. 18th Barrel is one more reason San Juan Bautista is great.

The past few years have challenged us with illness, isolation and despair in ways that we had not collectively experienced before. This has left us with mental health struggles at an all-time high, racial injustice asking us to look inward in new ways, and reconsidering what work/life balance means for us. We are seeing trends like the “big quit” where folks are moving jobs, even where they live, in search of work and life experiences that have deeper meaning and where wellness is supported.

The time felt right to open the conversation about our shared experiences of trauma, stress and emotional wellbeing beyond the walls of the therapy office into the community. We sought to break the stigma and isolation that can come in our times of struggle. That is how the podcast, Pathways to Resilience, began. We reached out to folks from a variety of experiences and perspectives, and talked with them about how they tap into their own resilience. What are the tools, practices and lessons that helped them harness resilience in the face of adversity? This column will share with you excerpts from these conversations in hopes that you are inspired to look within as well, and perhaps begin to build and practice your own resiliency playbook.

Accessing our Fears & Allowing Vulnerability from conversations with Guryan Tighe, Fear Technician at Fourage and Megan Bull, CEO of Reclaim Foundation

Guryan’s work challenges us to look at our fears as our greatest teacher. We often don’t talk out loud about our fears, and many times don’t even admit them to ourselves. When we pause and look at what we are afraid of, it can help us to discover our “why” and how to live it. The first step is to Fourage (Courage with an “F”) your purpose: This is having the courage to look at our fears in a way that gets to the root of what we really want. For example, if our fear is rejection, our want may be acceptance. Our purpose could be seeking meaningful connections with people who support and accept us and becoming that person for others.

A great example of tapping into fear in order to find purpose is Megan Bull. Megan survived both the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting and a hit-and-run car accident within one year.

As she lived through the initial months of surviving these traumas, she struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression and isolation. These feelings brought about a sense of shame and embarrassment because she felt like she should be able to bounce back and take care of herself. As she began her path to healing, she realized that the shame and embarrassment were actually masking her fear of being vulnerable—afraid that allowing people to support and care for her made her weak. She shared the power of vulnerability to change the story she was telling herself. We each can look to do this. How are we telling ourselves that we are not enough or that our struggles aren’t “big enough” to really matter?

How can we shift our story by being willing to share these thoughts with a friend, a therapist—or even our journal? Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable—to be honest about how we are doing and what we are feeling—is being courageous and a positive step in taking care of ourselves.

Melissa Santos is a Sr. Director at Community Solutions, a behavioral health organization serving Santa Clara County. Her Pathways to Resilience podcast institute bringing learnings and conversations about trauma, wellness and resilience to the community. Listen in on Apple, Google, and Spotify, and learn more on our website: www.CommunitySolutions.org

Rebekah Children's Services hosted their 19th Annual Festival of Trees Gala on November 19th, 2022. The sold-out event was held at Willow Heights Manor in Morgan Hill. The Roaring 20's themed event treated guests to a full cocktail hour complete with Gatsby era flapper dancers, live, music and games of chance. Live themed Christmas trees and a multitude of lavish raffle items adorned the venue giving attendees plenty of opportunity to consider their bids and place their raffle tickets. According to the organizers, the event brought in a record number of donations, far beyond expectations. Congratulations to Rebekah Children's Services for hosting a wonderful and very successful event!

Local Art and Culture: South County Art Access is Expanding

by Kelly Barbazette Photos by Gallery 1202 and Colibri Gallery

“We bring in a lot of art that wouldn’t normally be seen. And we bring up a lot of issues that aren’t usually brought up here,” said McEwan-Upright.

Exhibits showcasing art in multiple mediums, including screen art, 3-D art using upcycled materials, acrylic paint, and paper and fiber, are rotated every six weeks. Around the corner, 6th Street Studios broke ground in January 2021. The non-profit group is entirely staffed with volunteers and aims to keep costs low and programs accessible. It hosts summer art camps for local youths, provides studio and exhibit space for local artists, and has organized free public art events, including the monthly Art Walk.

The Third Friday Art Walk, which is free to attend, has been a popular draw. It’s held in downtown Gilroy every third Friday of the month except January and February.

ABOVE: Art enthusiasts enjoy the opening of "Curvas Audaces: Explorations of Strength by Elisa Ortega Montilla and Sandra de la Torre" The gallery's mission is to be an inclusive, welcoming space for the community while focusing on promoting marginalized artists from across the globe.

New art studios are changing the way we experience art in South County – making it more accessible while spotlighting artists

Three new studios have opened in South County in the past year: 6th Street Studios & Art Center and Gallery 1202 in downtown Gilroy and Colibri Gallery in downtown Morgan Hill. They highlight artists’ work with rotating exhibits and offer art workshops for residents—all with the goal of transforming South County into an “art destination.”

“It has so much potential,” said Emily McEwan-Upright, founder of Gallery 1202 and 6th Street Studios. “We have so many artists in so many forms in this area. I think as long as art opportunities remain accessible and relatable that will create an art hub.”

Highlighting art in an accessible and relatable way is the goal of both 6th Street Studios and Gallery 1202. Gallery 1202 opened in November 2019 in downtown Gilroy with the objective to support marginalized artists from around the world.

McEwan-Upright encourages anyone who has thought about sharing their art to participate and for more downtown businesses to join in.

Most recently, the art center created a youth mentorship program, pairing local artists with at-risk youths to create works of art, including a mural on the back of the bowling alley and comic book illustrations.

Colibri Gallery in downtown Morgan Hill, formerly a custom frame shop, has been operating exclusively as a contemporary art gallery since August 2022, exhibiting “fresh, joyful, and authentic artwork from the Bay Area as well as beyond,” said Ellie Honl, director of Colibri Gallery.

“That’s the common theme of all the artwork that we carry,” Honl said. Exhibits of artwork by local and Bay Area artists representing 2D and 3D artwork, textiles, and jewelry, are rotated every two months. The gallery also hosts art workshops, artist receptions, and private events. In addition, it organizes an annual plein air art event where residents can observe featured artists painting local landscapes. Colibri Art and Framing moved to Caputo Drive in Morgan Hill.

Gallery space will soon quadruple with the addition of a multi-use building on Monterey Road in downtown Morgan Hill at the site of the former pop-up park. Long-time

South County residents Dan and Kathy McCranie, owners of Colibri Gallery, broke ground on the building last fall. Expected to open late 2023, it will house art displays, events, symposiums, art workshops, and a wine café. The building itself will be a work of art, Honl said, combining sustainable materials and sculptural elements.

“We’re excited to continue our rotating exhibitions and offer more workshops to the community and offer people outside of the community to come and visit as well as continuing some really fun art events,” Honl said.

For more information about upcoming exhibits and events:

6th Street Studios & Art Center: 64 W. 6th St., Gilroy - 6thstreetartstudios.org

Gallery 1202: 7363 Monterey St., Gilroy - gallery1202.com

Colibri Gallery: 17505 Monterey Rd., Morgan Hill - colibrigallery.com

COUNTER CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: 6th Street Studios & Art Center and Gallery 1202 host Third Friday Art Walk in Downtown Gilroy every month to present new and emerging artists, and promote Downtown businesses, who host art exibitions during the monthly events.

NEXT: Ellie Honl, MFA, University of Iowa, is an artist, photographer, and gallery director of Colibri Art Gallery in Morgan Hill. NEXT: Emily McEwin-Upright, MA Art History, San Jose State University, with husband US Navy Lieutenant Commander Rory Patrick Upright and children, at Patrick's homecoming from deployment in Feb 2021. NEXT Local Artist Katherine Filice's 2022 Solo Show "The Secret Language of the Forest" at Gallery 1202 in the Neon Exchange Building, Downtown Gilroy. NEXT: Conceptual design of the Edes Building in Downtown Morgan Hill will expand Colibri Gallery and serve as a multipurpose space for the community.

City Beat Morgan Hill: Shifting Economic Forces Create Housing Opportunity: Accessory Dwelling Unit May Be a Good Option

By Amy Whelan, City of Morgan Hill

Interest rates and supply dominate any housing market, and both forces are shifting fiercely for the foreseeable future. As mortgage interest rates creep upward, not everyone in the housing market can find a reasonable option, and some homeowners need to squeeze more value from their homes to make ends meet. The pressure that this scenario creates is intense, yet ADUs may offer some relief.

What is an ADU?

ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit. You may have heard them called a secondary dwelling unit, a generation unit, a granny unit, or an in-law unit. No matter the name, they are quickly becoming viable—and valuable —options for residents looking to expand their home size to accommodate multiple generations or earn additional income as a rental space.

Building an accessory dwelling unit may sound farfetched, but the long-term economic benefits are too numerous to dismiss ADUs as a possibility.

For a structure to be considered an ADU, it must provide independent living facilities for one or more people and must include an area for living, sleeping, cooking and eating. The ADU must be located on the same parcel as the primary dwelling unit. A resident may build two ADUs per parcel, which may be one detached or attached and one junior ADU.

Types of ADUs

• Junior ADU is entirely contained within the main residential unit, with a separate entrance, no more than 500 sq. ft., and is required to include an efficient kitchen but can share a bathroom with the main home.

• Attached ADU is attached to the primary residence.

• Detached ADU is separated from the primary residence.

• Converted Existing Space can be something like an attached garage or accessory structure.

Considerations to keep in mind when planning for an ADU include what are the setbacks from property lines required for a chosen type of ADU, maximum size available for the final location, parking requirements for attached and detached ADUs, and impact fees–fees that offset the financial impact of new development on public infrastructure–that may be applicable.

Path to Completion

The City's Development Services team has outlined a path to understand the process and the latest Muni Code requirements on its ADU Resources webpage to help turn your idea into a reality. Plus, there are generous grants available, such as $40,000 from the CA Housing Finance Agency. These ADU grants provide funding towards pre-development and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU, such as site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports. These grants may be available to most Santa Clara County residents whose income does not exceed $300,000 annually.

Keep up on the latest happenings at: www.morganhill.ca.gov and consider subscribing to our direct updates through the City’s ‘Notify Me’ feature on its website.

Lovell KC Adams had a rough start carved out on the streets of Oakland, CA. From age 12, he was raised at Rebekah’s Children’s Home in Gilroy. “I was a messed-up kid when I got there. I was really damaged,” KC recalled.

Finding some stability and a much safer environment at the Rebekah Children’s Home in Gilroy, KC started attending local schools and making friends. KC’s house parent exposed him and the other kids to the power of the ocean and nature, and how you can use that environment to recenter. He used the analogy of the waves to wash away the bad: nightmares, worries, stress; and bring in the new: hope, goals, dreams. KC also learned the strength and power of the rocks to withstand the crashing waves and shifting sands. He made many trips to the beach to observe the phenomenon and absorbed the lessons he was being taught, which he still applies to this day. “I find myself needing to drive over the hill to touch the sand and take in the ocean from time to time. It just helps me refocus and get centered. I love it there,” KC shared.

While new to Gilroy and local schools, KC’s affable personality, humor and street smarts served him well. He made friends easily and earned the respect of his peers through sports. He excelled in football, basketball, and track at Gilroy high school and football and track at Gavilan College. At Gavilan he enrolled in the cosmetology program. He sailed through the program, earning his certificate, and began his 40-plus year career as a hairstylist. While working full time he soon opened and operated his own salon, and started coaching football and basketball. For KC, coaching is really a second full-time career, and his passion.

Quiet Giants: KC Adams A Coach For All Seasons

By Mike Sanchez Photos by Mike Sanchez & KC Adams

“I have been a coach, mentor and have had my own business for 40 years,” KC said. “My passion is to work with at-risk children and to be a mentor and positive adult figure to give them every opportunity to succeed in life.” His purpose is simple. “I want to save lives and to provide a positive and safe environment for our community’s youth who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise.”

His early years of coaching were met with challenges—or consequences—of his days on the streets of Oakland. Though well liked and well respected by players, coaches, and parents, KC faced roadblocks during the hiring process. This happened time and time again with the City Parks and Recreation depratments and school districts. Letters of recommendation were written on his behalf, supporters attended meetings, and phone calls were made, all to no avail. KC finally landed an assistant coaching job at Gavilan College, and in 2002 was handpicked to be the athletic director, head football coach and head basketball coach at the newly formed Anchor Point Christian School.

He remembers walking the soon-to-be athletic fields with school founder Steve Malone. There was no grass and the fields needed leveling. Malone cast his vision and told KC, “Imagine one day playing football out here.” To which KC replied, “Imagine us winning a championship.”

With a very small student body, limited resources, yet armed with a vision of fielding athletic teams, KC, Malone, and school principal Steve White, went to work to make the vision a reality. By 2006, the school fielded varsity football, basketball, and softball teams. In 2007, The 8-man Anchor Point football team went undefeated in their first season of league play. That started a three-year run of undefeated league play. In 2009 they racked up a 9-0-1 record. They were ranked first in the Central Coast Section, and 14th in the State.

That kind of record from a startup program caused suspicion at the Central Coast Section level of the California Interscholastic League (CIF). At the end of the 2009 season, Anchor Point was brought before a committee to “explain their success.” Principal Steve White went to discuss—and defend—their program to section officials. After all suspicion of cheating was absolved, the league officials determined that Anchor Point fit the criteria of the leagues designation of “Model Program.”

KC recalled, “We were just too good.”

In 2010, KC was one of 13 coaches throughout California to be awarded the “Model Coach Award” by the California Interscho -

KC Adams, owner of Kutz and Colors Salon in Downtown Gilroy is a natural coach and mentor. He has dedicated over 40 years developing local athletes of all ages.

lastic Federation. The presentation took place in Los Angeles at the CIF State Championship game. According to the CIF website, the distinction is given to coaches who “have served as positive role models in their schools and communities, and who have exhibited the traits apparent in the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor.”

“The importance of connecting to kids when they are young is critical to helping them see a different set of possibilities than their ‘normal,’” he said. To that end, KC has seen the development of youth—both those who’ve had good mentorship and examples of personal leadership and those who haven’t.

“Anchor Point Christian was a blessing in my life. The founder, Mr. Steve Malone, was a man who had a similar vision to mine, he wanted to provide a place where kids could fit in and be accepted.”

In addition to the 2007-2009 undefeated seasons, KC oversaw the building of a baseball field, a football field, and growing relationships with donors and sponsors. In all, the football team had six undefeated seasons, were ranked top ten in the State five years in a row, ranked top five in the State four years in a row, and ranked top five in the nation three years in a row. The basketball team had six undefeated seasons. Both teams were perennial Coastal Athletic League champions for those six years.

KC is quick to give credit to all the coaches he’s worked with. At Anchor Point he started great coaches like Tim Pierlioni, who went on to lead Christopher High School football to a CCS Championship and is currently the athletic director and head football coach at Gilroy High School. Tim was instrumental in helping to build the championship program at Anchor Point. “I have been blessed to be around other great coaches who are also great human beings,” KC said. “We’ve learned from and helped each other over the years.”

Another fellow coach and dear friend is Marlowe Brinson. The two had similar childhoods: while KC was in Oakland, Marlowe was on the streets of Chicago Heights. For both, football was a ticket to a good education, and a way off the streets. When they met as adults in Gilroy, they immediately hit it off.

By 2002, the two were planning a youth football camp to be held on the Anchor Point campus. Marlowe’s son, Myles, was eight years old at the time and battling leukemia. As Myles fought the disease, the two men worked through the details of putting together a camp. At a few points along the way, they wondered if the timing was wrong. They struggled to come up with a name for the camp. KC remembers that it was Myles' attitude that inspired them to keep going. “There was no quit in him.” Marlowe would often encourage Myles with “You a bad dude.” To which Myles would reply, “You ain’t lyin’!”

In March of 2002, just two months before the first football camp, the inspiring eight-year-old child, Myles could fight no more. With Marlowe and his family reeling from his loss, KC felt that the camp should be named in his honor, and made it official by presenting Marlowe with a plaque bearing the name “Myles Brinson Fundamentals Football Camp.”

Then, in 2005, tragedy struck again; KC’s 17-year-old son, JR, was killed by a hit-and-run drunk driver while on a family vacation in Mexico. JR was a standout athlete at Valley Christian High School and had earned a full scholarship to play football at the university level. That year Marlowe presented to KC the new name of the football camp: the “Myles Brinson/JR Adams Fundamentals Football Camp.” Now in its 21st year, the camp draws 100 to 150 players for a weeklong football camp where character and honor take first place, and football fundamentals follow.

While most can’t imagine the heartache of losing a child, KC and Marlowe have found a way to keep going to honor their sons. KC reasoned, “I had a son whose beautiful life was taken from this world by a drunk driver. This was just after we found out that he received a full scholarship. I want to teach our young community to strive for their dreams, to be responsible and not drive drunk, and be positive influences within the community.” He added, “Both Marlowe and I draw inspiration from our sons, and from each other’s sons. They were charismatic and natural leaders, gentle warriors, and kind.” He added, “The term ‘bad dude, you ain’t lyin’’ has stuck with me and motivates me to never give up.”

“I used to yell to my son ‘I see you, boy.’ He would look at me coming off the field with a smile as if he could hear me. I now

say this at every football and basketball game to uplift my young students as they pursue their goals and dreams.

KC is especially inspired by his other children as well, and strives to make them proud every day, and to be both an example and a mentor for them. “I have amazing children. My son Quillan, daughters Sabrina, Olivia and Kaia are amazing human beings that I love and cherish.”

KC also draws inspiration from the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “His ‘I have a dream’ speech was spoken for all people. Each of us deserves to get a fair chance at life.”

To honor his son, JR, and Marlowe’s son, Myles, KC has formed a 501c3 and opened a basketball gym named “JR Adams Myles Brinson Sports” where he has a dream of building a full sports complex on the site. It will be a place for the whole community to come together through sports, leadership, mentorship, music, theater, and academic achievements. “So far we have built the basketball gym but we’re striving to get the entire facility completed with a study hall and an onsite BBQ area,” he said.

The gym is located in San Martin and currently provides basketball and sports training and mentorship for South County youth. KC rationalized, “Most kids don’t want to just hang out at home. They would rather come and play sports all day.”

KC is currently the president of the Gilroy and Morgan Hill chapters of the 28-team National Junior Basketball Association (NJBA), a basketball league for 300 children grades K-8 focusing on fundamentals, camaraderie, teamwork, and respect.

Community is a key component of everything KC does. To him, it means a place where everyone supports each other and understands that people make mistakes. Yet, everyone deserves a second chance to make a better life for themselves and the community. “I think if we all learned to say hello more, hug more, we will find that just those two gestures will turn a community into a thriving community,” he said. “There are many working in the community to mentor and build character in our kids. There will always be challenges but you can’t let that stop you. Find your niche, whatever it is, and start making an impact. I lost a son—who was an athlete—and sports has a way of keeping me going. I see him in what I do every day.”

He added, “I’m inspired by my son JR for his relationship with God and people. He was truly the glue that held our family together.”

JR inspired others as well. Recently, a man stopped into KC’s hair salon for a haircut and shared that his daughter, a former Valley Christian graduate, was recently married. In high school, the man’s daughter went through a goth phase that got her singled out for her appearance and bullied. The pressure and loneliness were too much to bear and, to her, suicide seemed like the best option. A young man who transferred into one of her classes changed

everything when he instantly befriended her, stopped the other kids from bullying her, and helped her see her worth. She turned things around from there and the two remained close friends all through high school.

At her wedding celebration she handed out identical necklaces to in attendance and shared the story of how this young man saved her life.

The bride’s father then thanked KC, from one father to another, as he handed him one of the necklaces his daughter had made. On the necklace was a picture of KC’s son, JR.

Stories like these keep KC going. “We have to be there for the underdog, for the ones getting picked on. As a community, we can always do better.” Like his son was there for his friend and others, KC is there to help anyone find the best of themselves, inside and out, as he has done for 40 years with thousands of South County youth.

KC is currently developing a website and social media presence for the JR Adams Myles Brinson Sports Complex. Until those are operational, check back here at gmhTODAY or on our website and social media for updates and more information. A GoFundMe page for the sports complex been established. To contribute to this worthy cause, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jr-adams-myles-brinsonsports-complex

Lovell KC Adams has coached, trained, and mentored local athletes of all ages for over 40 years. In 2022 he founded a 501c3 and is working to make his dream of a building a comprehensive sports complex to benefit South County youth come true.

Exploring African American History with Jan Batiste Adkins

by Robin Shepherd, Morgan Hill Historical Society

Jan Batiste Adkins has transformed her passion for history into a successful career as an author, educator and lecturer. But there is more to her story. This wise and soft-spoken woman is creating a legacy by preserving California’s rich African heritage and sharing it with others.

Adkins is the author of three historical nonfiction books in the “Images of America” series by Acadia Publishing: African Americans of San Francisco (2012), African Americans of Monterey County (2015), and African Americans of San Jose and Santa Clara County (2019). The result of Adkins’ more than 12 years of historical research, they’re a fascinating read.

After graduating from San Jose State University in the 1980s, Adkins taught high school in the 1990s, then earned Master’s degrees in Education and English. A pivotal moment came in 2005 when she enrolled in a graduate course on California Literature.

“I flipped through the course textbook. One thousand pages covering the 1840s to 1940s. An incredible era in our history, but what stood out was that the authors and stories did not reflect the diversity of California during that era.

“I asked my professor, ‘Where are the Black people? I don’t think I can take this course.’ She said, ‘Go and research. You’ll find the answers you need.’ That sparked the theme of my master’s thesis, which focused on the African American community in San Francisco during the late 1800s. One week into the research, I was hooked.”

Adkins spent hours exploring San Francisco, Oakland and California state libraries, historical societies, and church records. Two African American newspapers published in early San Francisco caught her attention.

“In those days, newspapers were the outlet for Black expression. Early publishers included abolitionists like Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, Mifflin Gibbs and Philip Bell in New York. Gibbs and Bell headed west to publish their own papers. Mirror of the Times and Pacific Appeal became a living record of the imaginative writings, poetry and short stories of African Americans of the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 2007, Adkins joined the faculty at San Jose City College, landed a book deal with Acadia Publishing, and continued her research.

“One person’s story led to another. My writing naturally expanded beyond San Francisco to Monterey, San Jose, and Santa Clara County—and from one book to three.”

Adkins is quick to credit the librarians who connected her to historical archives at the Martin Luther King Jr Library at SJSU, UC Berkeley’s Bancroft Library, History San Jose and other organizations.

Even though California achieved Statehood in 1850 and entered the Union as a free state, historical records show an underground slave trade persisted to support the Gold Rush and farming. The Santa Clara County Census of 1852 still listed “slave” as an occupation.* Original emancipation papers and manumission papers from the 1800s reveal many stories of slavery.”

While Adkins’ books recount some harrowing aspects of the African American experience, she devotes greater attention to stories of their accomplishments and says, “There are more stories out there, and they’re a source of pride and hope.”

For example, Adkins’ third book features statues by Mary Edmonia Lewis, the first African American sculptor to achieve international distinction. In the 1870s, her bust of Abraham Lincoln was purchased and gifted to the MLK Library where it’s on public display today.

Another example is the cover photo of Adkins’ third book. She visited the family that lived in the historic San Jose home (pictured) and received permission to photograph and use the original photo for her book. Built in 1910, the house is still standing today. Adkins learned that the family pictured on the front porch were the McCalls, who founded the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1942.

Historic records of people of African heritage in the Santa Clara Valley date back to the 1770s. By the 1800s, they were a close knit community. During the Great Migration of the early 1900s, neighborhoods in San Jose, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara became home to African Americans who’d come West seeking a better life. In the face of discrimination and exclusion, they formed their own businesses, schools and churches and social clubs. They have overcome unimaginable obstacles and contributed to every aspect of America’s history.

Thanks to people like Jan Batiste Adkins, their stories continue to be uncovered and shared for the enlightenment and benefit of all Americans.

Find Jan Batiste Adkins’ books at BookSmart of Morgan Hill. Hear Jan Batiste Adkins’ 2021 lecture on the Santa Clara County Library District website.

Jan Batiste Adkins speaking at Stanford History Conference 2022. Courtesy of Robin Shepherd

“It energizes me to share history with people of all ages and backgrounds. I absolutely love it.”

Pfeiffer Beach / Keyhole Arch

If you are looking for a nice weekend outing, a nice drive down Highway 1 along the Big Sur coastline is always a nice choice. Depending on the season you will encounter different conditions. Spring brings you colorful wildflowers, fall has amazing sunsets and summer gives you warm sand beaches. In the winter, one of the stops I recommend along Highway 1 is Pfeiffer Beach. Also known as the “purple sand beach”. It is a beautiful beach that has highlights of purple sand that originate from the Manganese Garnet deposits that are in the hillside above the beach.

Photograph and story by Jeff Bentz / instagram@jeff_bentz_photgraphy

Pfeiffer Beach / Keyhole Arch - continued

by Jeff Bentz / instagram@jeff_bentz_photgraphy

The purple hue can be very subtle but as you walk up to the beach the purple sand becomes a bit more noticeable especially if it is damp. Also, if you go to the north end of the beach, you can view tide pools during a low tide.

This is a beautiful beach any time of year, but the sun shining through the keyhole only happens in the winter. For a few weeks a year, from about mid-December to mid-January the sun lines up with the keyhole at sunset and provides a unique experience and some very good photo opportunities (if you are quick). The light shining through the keyhole only happens for a few minutes as the sun gets close to the horizon. If there are clouds blocking the sun it will not happen and you will have to head back another day.

There are several vantage points to view the keyhole experience. You can go to the top of the hill behind the beach to get an overview of the scene or you can be down on the beach where it is more up close and personal and feel the vibe of nature at its finest. It is exciting to be down on the beach where you can see and hear the waves crashing against the back of the sea stack and then the waves ricocheting against the wall of the keyhole with the spray lit up by the setting sun. There is also an excitement that

• USDA Forest Service website – fs.usda.gov.

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=10918

• Roadtrippingcalifornia.com article by Dhara (8/28/22)

is generated by the people that are there all sharing the same experience. On one of my trips there, a guy who was in the middle of a bunch of photographers stepped out into the ray of light, got down on one knee, and proposed to his girlfriend. It was very cool, and he got a brief round of applause from the photographers that were there until he was asked to move.

Heading down Highway 1, the turn off to Pfeiffer Beach is Sycamore Canyon Road. It is about 27 miles south of Carmel between the Big Sur Ranger Station and the Post Office. After you turn off Highway 1 there is about a ten-minute drive down a narrow two-lane road to get to the beach.

The entry fee of $12 to access the area but so worth it. This is U.S. Forest service property that is managed by The Parks Management Company. The hours are from 9:00am to sunset. There is a small parking lot that is close to the beach. If the parking lot is full, they will turn people away so plan accordingly. There are some picnic tables and restrooms near the parking lot. From the parking lot it is a short walk to the beach and the sea stacks. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. If you go in the winter bring some warm clothes and some water. You will have a good time.

Sources:

• https://roadtrippingcalifornia.com/pfeiffer-beach-big-sur

• Travelcaffeine.com article by Tom Bricker (updated 1/5/22)

• https://www.travelcaffeine.com/keyhole-arch-pfeiffer-beach-big-sur

todd and ivy win Purina Visible Impact Award

The Purina award provides significant gifts to Todd Lunn and Operation Freedom Paws. Todd will personally receive a $10,000 cash prize and Operation Freedom Paws will receive $25,000 toward their mission. It costs approximately $20,000 to match and put a service dog team through their 48-week program, at no cost to that individual. Cortani further shared her gratitude by saying, “We can’t say enough about the amazing treatment and attention that the Purina folks put into making sure we had a fabulous experience and felt valued. It’s a wonderful team of caring humans.”

Above: Veteran Todd Lunn and his service dog Ivy receive the Purina "Visible Impact Award" on live TV at Purina's Nationa Dog Show. Top right: Todd and wife Michelle with Ivy. Bottom right: Operation Freedom Paws Executive Director, Mary Cortani with Todd, Ivy, and Purina Rep.

In the Fall issue of gmhTODAY we shared the powerful story of Army veteran/retired firefighter Todd Lunn and his service dog, Ivy, trained and mentored by local nonprofit, Operation Freedom Paws in San Martin. Ivy, a Great Pyrenees rescue, was one of only five national finalists in Purina’s first-ever “Visible Impact Award” recognizing the vital role service dogs play in the lives of veterans with PTSD. We asked our readers to please support the vote and thanks to this community and beyond, Ivy won!

Todd and Ivy, his wife Michelle Lunn, and Mary Cortani, the founder and Executive Director of Operation Freedom Paws, were all flown out by Purina to attend “The National Dog Show” in Philadelphia. On Saturday November 19th, in front of a live audience, Ivy was honored as the recipient of the “Visible Impact Award” with her proud handler by her side and Michelle and Mary cheering them on. Cortani remarked, “We’re grateful for the recognition of Todd and Ivy as this year’s winners of the Purina Visible Impact Award because it brings attention to the importance of service dogs helping veterans with disabilities. While attending ‘The National Dog Show’ and watching Todd receive the award, I was reminded of why we do what we do every day.”

Lunn reflected on his journey to this moment with his service dog Ivy his side, “This award is the culmination of all the work and dedication of incredible people that care and support Vets and first responders. The award should honestly have the names of hundreds of people who had enough love to reach out to a man that had lost his way.” Lunn continued, “Every time I look in Ivy’s eyes when having a bad day I see all the people that God put in my life to help me come back from my hell. This award that Ivy received should be a beacon of hope for the thousands of other men and women who think they are alone, discarded and not loved. Don’t give up, there is a way to get out of your darkness, it may not be my way or someone else’s way, but you are worth it.”

If you would like to consider a tax-deductible donation this giving season to help save two lives, one team at a time, go to: operationfreedompaws.org.

DINING OUT...WITH FRIENDS AT GIORGIO'S ITALIAN GRILL & PIZZERIA

For this installment of Dining Out we decided to check out the newest Downtown Morgan Hill eatery—Giorgio’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria. We showed up early to guarantee a place to sit. Even still, the place was popping. Walking in, a full bar welcomes you like you’re walking into a scene from ‘Cheers.’ Tables left right and center, filling up around the dinner hour this day with hungry, happy patrons. Chatter and laughter filled the air in this very welcoming place.

Our Dining Out friends on this late-November afternoon were Morgan Hill’s new first couple—Mark and Sue Turner. Mark had just been elected as Morgan Hill’s mayor two weeks prior

on Nov 8th Prior to that, he was the CEO/president of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. Sue recently retired from the Santa Clara County Water District after 41 years, where she served as a Real Estate Unit Manager and Senior Real Estate Agent. She is now a Realtor with Remax Realty in Morgan Hill. We have been friends with the Turners for over 30 years, first meeting at South Valley Community Church in Gilroy “way back in the old days.” These two are truly a South County power couple. The next four years will be exciting ones for Mark and Sue, and we’re excited to see what’s in store for them as they serve the community of Morgan Hill. The Turner’s have three grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

It was great to catch up with these two. We broke bread, chatted about everything under the sun, and as always, had a few good laughs.

The restaurant’s much-anticipated Morgan Hill location opened in late October of 2022. It is the latest of three restaurants under the Giorgio’s banner, owned and operated by the D’Ambrosio family of San Jose—who also own New York Style Sausage Company in Sunnyvale, and distribute those great products to most local grocery stores. The original “Giorgio’s Pizza House” was founded in the Foxworthy shopping center in San Jose in 1959. A second location was opened in Milpitas in 1997. Their original location was a favorite of Mark and Sue – then San Jose residents. Mark fondly remembers “being there all the time.”

Giorgio’s is a great addition to an already bustling Downtown food scene. Their open interior and beautiful outdoor patio are on par with their well-appointed, well-planned neighboring establishments.

by Mike Sanchez

Photos by Mike Sanchez and Mia Shlapfer

Fried Calamari

Giorgio's Italiano Antipasti

Steamed Clams

17390 Monterey Hwy. Morgan Hill CA 95037 giorgiositalianfood.com l 669-270-4940

Monday: Closed, Tuesday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday : 1:30 am - 10:00 pm, Sunday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

Starting out our waitress Jen cheerfully greeted us and offered up the daily specials. Waters all around and a bottle of Sarah’s Vineyard 2018 pinot noir for myself, Deb, and Sue got things off to a great start. On the table was a basket of bread rolls with balsamic vinegar and oil for dipping.

After some discussion and Jen answering a few of our questions, we ordered the appetizers. In no time we had before us:

Giorgio’s Italiano Antipasti (A plentiful and tasty selection of dry salami, capicola, Genoa salami, fresh mozzarella, mild provolone, jalapeño jack cheese, fresh basil, and crostini toast). Antipasti is a perfect choice for sharing with friends, wine, and great conversation. Note: Although I prefer to pair red wine with Antipasti, there is really no rule. Feel free to enjoy a white, red, or even sparkling wine based on your preference.

Steamed Clams (Delicious steamed clams with garlic, white wine, lemon & parsley. They can also be served with a light tomato and herb sauce). Of course, we opted for the garlic, wine, lemon and parsley version. The clams were great and were gone in no time. I determined the bread rolls had been strategically placed in advance to allow us to soak up as much of the garlic wine sauce as possible, which we did. This was a very enjoyable dish. Note: I would prefer a citrus white wine with the dish. However, we stuck with the pinot noir and didn’t miss a beat. Again, no hard and fast rule. Pair to your taste and enjoy. Not a wine drinker? Pair your favorite beer!

Fried Calamari (Semolina herb crusted squid lightly fried and served with horseradish cocktail and tartar sauce). The calamari were tender, and the semolina breading (A type of coarse flour made from durum wheat) was light and airy. Overall, the dish was better than most I’ve had. And I love the option of

having both a spicy cocktail and a horseradish-based sauce for dipping. I’m certain everyone loved the calamari, but I was too busy eating it to take notice. Note: my personal choice for calamari would be a nice white, citrusy wine or cold beer. However on this night we were committed to the pinot all the way. In the end, we enjoyed great food, a little wine, and were having a great time.

Somewhere between the conversation, appetizers, and wine, we ordered our main course. We vowed to order a variety of flavors and share family style. The plan worked well.

To the table came Sue’s Italian sausage calzone (Italian sausage, spinach, mushroom, ricotta, onion, mozzarella, and fresh tomato). It was much bigger than anyone expected, and covered the entire plate. Sue enjoyed it as did the rest of us who tried a bit. I have committed to trying this myself on our next visit. Note: the pinot worked well, as in a light red wine is a great pair. A Stella or your favorite beer will also work well.

Mark ordered his go-to pie, the Giorgio's Special Pizza (Sausage, mushroom, pepperoni, salami, cheese). Quite a nice pie, meaty and just a classic version of a hefty pizza. We all had a

Italian Sausage Calzone

Giorgio's Special Pizza

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

DINING OUT...WITH FRIENDS AT GIORGIO'S ITALIAN GRILL & PIZZERIA

slice and Mark still had some to take home. Mark’s beverage of choice is usually water. He stayed true and handled that pizza like a pro. However, a red wine or beer of your choice will also be excellent choices to pair with this classic pie.

Deb went big. She ordered the Penne Calabrese Pasta (a D’Ambrosio family recipe made with sweet Italian sausage and fresh mushrooms in a light tomato cream sauce tossed with penne pasta) it was hearty and flavorful. The pasta was perfectly done, and the flavors were amazing. The mushrooms worked to darken the flavor of the light tomato cream sauce, giving the dish an extra layer of complexity.

For research purposes, I did something I never do: I ordered the Bacon Wrapped Scallops (Served with a trio of sauces over risotto & fresh vegetable). The risotto was nicely prepared, the scallops were seared to provide a crispy yet tender exterior, and bacon. Hello. It was also a very hearty dish. I had to box half my plate. I am a meat guy, so ordering scallops is a huge departure. To be honest, the bacon was a lure, and for some reason it seemed like a good idea. In the end, it was a great idea and I recommend them. A lighter red wine (pinot to a lighter Sangiovese) or a beer of choice pairs best due to the seared finish

and bacon. That’s stated, I wouldn’t hesitate to pair a buttery white wine for research’s sake.

By the end of the main courses, were where all pretty content. In the spirit of sharing, we ordered tiramisu (Ladyfingers, rum & espresso, with sweet mascarpone cream) and cannoli (Crispy fried pastry shell stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese and chocolate chips). These classic desserts, accompanied by a nice cup of coffee, were a fitting end to a great meal and great time. These are easy recommendations! Next time I’m at Giorgio’s, you can count on me to take on the fudge brownie a la mode.

At the end of the evening, it was fun to head out the door and watch Mark and Sue as residents approached to say hello, shake hands, and wish them well. What a great community.

Giorgio’s service, food, family-friendly environment, great staff, and of course, a Sanchez-Turner night out in Morgan Hill… wow. Get to Giorgio’s for family-friendly, casual Italian fare. You will have a great experience.

Manga!

by Mike Sanchez

Photos by Mike Sanchez and Mia Shlapfer

Penne Calabrese Pasta

Tiramisu

Cannoli

Learning from a Pro with Robert Shields

It is my good fortune to have been friends with Renaissance man Robert Shields for over 20 years. Some of you may remember his Emmy Award winning mime television show “Shields and Yarnell.” He worked with stars like Bob Hope and Red Skelton and filmed with director Francis Ford Coppola. He is also credited with inventing the robot dance move, inspiring such performers as Michael Jackson and other dancers, headlining with Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas and garnering the Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year Award. That’s not all! He’s performed on Broadway, film and with symphonies all over the world.

Robert has done it all. Now he is painting and storytelling through the visual arts. Living in the Southwest, he captures his passion for movement, humor, and ancient culture in his art.

Through the years Robert has taught me so much and given me ideas that advanced my skills. I was thrilled when Robert agreed to share two painting techniques that can be used at any age.

In November we got together in Robert’s home studio in Arizona where he demonstrated some easy painting ideas for all ages that your child or you can incorporate into many projects.

LEFT: Emmy Award winning Artist and Performer Robert Shields in his Verde Valley, Arizona art studio, where he continues to sculpt, paint, design jewelry, and write comedy. ABOVE: "Remembering Shields & Yarnell" poster highlighting the world-renown artist's amazing career through the years, which includes over 400 national television shows.

Stippling though a stencil and Sponge Painting - Supplies for both:

• Cover for work area

• Acrylic paint

• A stippling brush

• A sponge cut for small hands

• A colored drawing cut out, a photo, a flat toy, a jewel anything to glue onto finished background

• Paper plate for pallet

• Black permanent marker to outline or add detail to your drawing to be glued on background

K IDS corner

Carol Peters

With over 30 years experience in art education, Carol is an award winning artist, actress, executive producer and star of “Carol on Creativity” Named 2021 Poppy Jasper International Film Festival’s Art Icon. Her passion is to bring art alive for young and young at heart. Contact Carol at: caroljp@garlic.com

Robert cut off the sides and used the bottom of the plastic basket that strawberries come in to stipple through. Anything that has holes will work and create texture, such as illustration board, canvas or any stiff surface

STIPPLING TO CREATE BACKGROUND TEXTURE

1. Put three values (light, medium and dark of one color, onto a paper plate palette.

2. Put the strawberry basket grid on top of the illustration board.

3. Dab stippling brush into each of the values of color on the palette and wipe off excess; the brush needs to be semi dry.

4. Tap on the strawberry stencil lightly—do not overdo it; you want to see the various shades of color.

5. Lift off the stencil and let it dry. You can outline with a marker if you want. You now have a great background to glue on a favorite image. This may be something you have drawn on another paper with a marker and colored in and cut out. Robert drew a cat, painted it, cut it out, and glued it on the background. The possibilities are endless.

STIPPLING TO CREATE A BACKGROUND TEXTURE - #3 (ABOVE): Lift off the stencil to reveal the brick pattern. #4 (BELOW LEFT): Select something you have drawn and cut out. BELOW RIGHT: Robert Shields in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco 1972. #5 (BOTTOM): Glue on your cut out drawing. You have a masterpiece!

STIPPLING TO CREATE A BACKGROUND TEXTURE - #1 (ABOVE):

Put stencil on top of the illustration board. Use a stiff stippling brush. #2 (BELOW): Apply paint to stippling brush and gently tap acrylic onto stencil.

Learning from a Pro with Robert Shields

SPONGE PAINTING A BACKGROUND

1. Put three values of acrylic paint on a paper plate: light, medium and dark of one color.

2. Dip sponge into paint and tap on newspaper to get rid of excess paint. You want to see the sponge texture.

3. On a piece of hard illustration board, canvas, or other stiff surface, tap the dark color at top, then tap the medium color with the sponge and then the light color on bottom.

4. Do not clean the sponge–dab the second MEDIUM color next to the dark color and then rotate the sponge and tap in the light color. Dab off the excess paint then dab on the board. Robert went from dark to light but you can do light to dark.

5. Do not wet the sponge as this will cause the paint to run. You want to keep it dry so you can see the sponge holes. Too much paint on the sponge will not work.

Now you have a beautiful surface on which to glue your favorite cut out drawing or use as a background for a silhouette painting, a photo, a little jewel, or a glued on toy. Use your imagination to create wonderful art that is truly your own!

SPONGE PAINTING BACKGROUND - #1 (ABOVE): Dip sponge in paint and dab on board. See the cutout horse on the table, which will be glued onto the background later. #2 (TOP RIGHT): Robert holds up finished background with colors moving from dark to light. #3 (MIDDLE RIGHT): Robert glued a sponge-painted horse to a sponge painted background. Congratulations on your finished work! BOTTOM RIGHT: Robert Shields is a world-renown, Emmy-winning artist and performer, inventor the "Robot," and a prolific sculpter, jeweler, and painter. Learn more at: robertshields.com

In case you need any extra motivation to get out there on your bicycle, there are three major bike rides and festivals planned every April and May, right here in South County–two in Morgan Hill, and another event just down the road on the Monterey Peninsula.

Sea Otter Classic (Thursday to Sunday, April 20-23, 2023)

First up is the Sea Otter Classic. Every year in April, cyclists of all ages and cycling interests converge on Laguna Seca Raceway for four fun-filled days of racing, fun rides, shopping, camping, eating and all things bikes! There is something for everyone in your family, including an entire section dedicated to kids, with “Otter Egg” hunts, bike races, kids’ activities, giveaways and small riding loops for riding practice all day long. For older kids, there are bike demos and trick shows, contests and giveaways, autograph sessions with the pros and the chance to see them race up close, and new technologies to ogle.On top of that, the largest outdoor expo in the world offers opportunities to buy souvenirs, gear and clothing. There are a lot of options for food and drink, with entertainment all day and into the evening. All this happens around a packed schedule of rides and races for all abilities, whatever your preference: Downhill, cross-country, endurance mountain biking, road, gravel, e-bikes, and more!

Tierra Bella Bicycle Tour (Saturday, April 22, 2023)

This event showcasing our region’s beautiful roads and wonderful cycling routes has called South County its home for 44 years. With four different routes, from flat to very hilly, this event includes options for all levels of road rider. The Almaden Cycle Touring Club volunteers have done a great job organizing this event and helping support the rides with rest stops. Bonus: You can make this a wholly car-free event by biking to and from the event.

iCare Classic Bike Tour (Saturday, May 13, 2023)

Another favorite ride held right here in South County is the iCare Classic, organized by the Almaden Super Lions Club. This very family-friendly ride offers a shorter route–20 miles– for novice riders, but also distances of 50, 62 and

by Jodi Hall jodi@arriveesales.com

100 miles. The first time this author participated, we even brought along our one-year-old in his trailer. The iCare Tour offers great rest stops with great food, a support and gear (SAG) wagon and a barbecue at the end.

Time to Train – Dress Appropriately!

Now that you have an event on your calendar to help motivate you to get out there riding, don’t forget the appropriate winter riding wear. One word stands out above all else when planning your cycling attire for this time of year: Layering. It can be near freezing if you start your ride before the sun rises, and if you start later, you may need to add a layer as soon as the sun sets.

A few key rules will help you stay comfortable throughout your day: Base layers are always a good idea, wicking sweat away from you to regulate temperature in all conditions. Arm warmers and knee warmers are essential, especially in spring, fall, and winter. A wind shell outer layer will probably be your most useful piece of cycling apparel. When you’re heading out the door for an early morning ride, you may feel like you really need to bundle up. Avoid this common mistake. A wind-resistant shell will keep the wind off of you, retain body heat when it’s chilly, can be unzipped to vent in cool air as the day warms up, or stuffed into a jersey pocket in the full heat of the day. For very cold days it’s great to cover your face and head. Try a neck gaiter for keeping your face, neck and ears warm. A cycling cap also works great and can fit under your helmet nicely. But the real secret to staying warm? Wool socks and shoe covers.

See you out there!

Snacks Time: Wrapping Up 2022

Snacks is a seven-pound silkie Yorkshire terrier with the attitude of a 100-pound pit bull. Formerly known as Mia, she is a recovering rescue dog who found her new and loving home in 2013 when she was unexpectedly dropped off at her new mom’s place of work. Her new dad—a seasoned empty nester, was not a fan initially. A six-year battle of wills ensued, which Snacks eventually won. In the process both Snacks and Dad gained a clear understanding of who the real Alfa in the pack was—Mom.

Whoof! 2023 is here! I am still trying to figure out how that happened. If I recap 2022, it was a challenging year for me. My mom is still trying to figure out my skin issues. She tried everything she could think of including suggestions from friends and family. I have been shaved bald in more areas, more often, than I ever wanted to be. I have had coconut oil slathered all over. Mom has even snuck coconut into my food. She’s trying to make me eat it! Whenever I am greased up with coconut oil, I drag myself all over the carpet, the bed, and anywhere else I can rub it off. Coconut makes me smell bad. It makes me a greaseball. I also know that when the coconut comes out, a bath is shortly coming— another thing I hate. I wish she could figure this out and leave me alone.

In June, we went on a road trip to Colorado. I saw the snow, and it rained like crazy. Mom put me in my jammies and down jacket, and it still was not enough to keep me from being cold. Mom and dad went to a wedding for my awesome cousin Tammy and her new hubby—and my new cousin —Daniel. They are huge dog lovers and have filled their home with rescue dogs that have special needs. Daniel even made a special room for one of the dogs where he spends oneon-one time with him. Of course, when they first saw me, they fell in love. I mean, it was a given. Tammy spoiled me all week, and Daniel let me drive his Jeep one day to run errands.

grandma’s house. She and I hang out together. Grandma Silly likes it when I sit with her on her recliner, and she even lets me sit on her favorite side. Mom made Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for us. I got to run out in the backyard and bark at the new dogs next door. At Thanksgiving they were trying to dig under the fence until mom came out and yelled at them and blocked their efforts. I was ready. I could have taken them both. Mom panics and thinks I cannot take care of myself. But I did hear her talking to dad and Grandma Silly and saying that she named me Snacks for a reason. I don't get it.

Hanging out for the holidays at my favorite Grandma Silly's house. BELOW: Just another day working like at dog at the office.

Well, here's to 2023. My hope for the new year is that mom gets this skin thing under control. I don’t know how much longer I can take smelling like a coconut greaseball. I also hope mom and dad start hiking again. In 2021 we walked everyday and hiked every weekend. Some days I was dog tired but overall, we were much more fit and much healthier. Dad even started eating better back then. I hear mom and dad rumbling about getting in shape, walking, and hiking in the new year. But mom’s been after dad all year, and dad has found creative ways to get out of it. To be honest, I do prefer sleeping most of the day, except for the occasional walk outside to check my p-mail. And dad does love his five-cheese pizza with creamy pesto sauce. I guess both dad and I are going to need a paradigm shift this year.

We took a road trip to Sacramento to have Thanksgiving with my Grandma Silly (dad's mom). We went back for Christmas and spent a whole week there. I love being at my

Happy 2023! Stay furry my friends, -Snacks

Snacks Sanchez

Images provided by Team Sanchez for gmhTODAY magazine: snacks@gmhtoday.com

ABOVE: Inspecting my favorite couch at Grandma Silly's after Thanksgiving dinner. #foodcoma

ABOVE:

South Valley Civic Theater: A Family Affair

Michael and Gloria Horta have discovered, like countless South Valley actors before them, that you don't just dabble in community theater; you get hooked and are drawn inexorably in.

For the Hortas, it started with their three children, Marcus (17), Gabriella (14), and Matthew (10). Gabriella led the way, performing at age six with Gilroy's Little Theatre Productions' Honk Jr, directed by Hilary Little. Since then, all three Horta children have performed under Little's direction. (Other productions included Beauty and the Beast, Grease, and Peter Pan.)

Little said, “Michael and Gloria were always extremely involved in the production process. It has been so fun to watch their kids mature and grow as performers and as individuals."

It was Little Theatre Productions and Michael Horta's 25 year friendship with Hilary Little (they sang together in the Gilroy High School choir) that drew Michael back to performing. In 2018 Hilary was auditioning with South Valley Civic Theatre (SVCT) for Guys and Dolls and persuaded Michael to join her on stage.

Since she knew the show well, Little explained, "Quickly, I went over each of the 'guys' and gave him a crash course with mannerisms and voices appropriate for each role. Not surprisingly, Michael nailed each character as I spied on his performances through a crack in the wall. His version of 'Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat' blew the roof off the place."

From portraying the gangster Big Jule in Guys and Dolls, Michael has expanded to larger singing and acting roles that feature both his singing talent and his comedic timing, including Mr. Goldstone in Gypsy (2019) and LeFou in Beauty and the Beast (2022). The kids have joined Michael on stage (in Gypsy and Beauty and the Beast). Most recently, Mat-

By Elizabeth Mandel

thew and Gabriella also were in the children's production of Honk Jr., Matthew played the lead, Ralphie, in A Christmas Story, and Marcus is now in rehearsals for a teen production of The Drowsy Chaperone, which will open in February, 2023.

Michael has also joined SVCT's Board of Directors and started producing shows, reflecting that, "It is hard to balance life with three kids on stage. If the kids are in a show, it's easiest if I am involved too." He added, "I like producing ... getting to know the directors and cast, being proud of the show, and seeing the end product and appreciative audiences."

Meanwhile, Gloria Horta has taken on community theater as a different kind of creative outlet. She partners with the director in envisioning the Morgan Hill Playhouse lobby as an extension of the play itself, and immerses herself in lobby design. Her Beauty and the Beast lobby was an enchanting French provincial town; the lobby for A Christmas Story evoked scenes from the play, including a 1940's Christmas tree farm, Higbee's Department Store, and Pulaski's Candy Store. Gloria's next lobby design project will be for Matilda the Musical, opening in June, 2023.

Ingrid Rottman, who produced both Beauty and the Beast and A Christmas Story describes Gloria's interactive lobby displays as making "guests feel like they are participating and sharing some of the same experiences as the characters on the stage."

The Horta family has found a creative outlet that lets them spend time together as a family, doing something they all love. Gabriella enjoys, "seeing my friends, pursuing a passion, and getting to be on stage and singing."Matthew says, "I love acting and spending time with family; with theater, I get to do both”.

To learn more about SVCT, find upcoming performances, and to get involved, visit: https://www.svct.org

Matthew as Ralphie in a Christmas Story

Michael and LeFou in Beauty and the Beast

Gabriella (top left) in Beauty and the Beast

Gabriella in "Honk"

Michael as Big Jule in Guys and Dolls