San Benito Magazine December 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY | DECEMBER 2020

SEASON’S GREETINGS SHOP LOCAL | GIFT GUIDE | HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Gilroy Piano Outlet DECEMBER 2020

BUSINESS

ENTERTAINMENT

Shopping local 4 GIFT GUIDE

‘Nutcracker’ goes virtual 20

Local gift ideas 8

COMMUNITY

Local journalist releases book 22

Neighbors gather for holidays 14

GARDENING OUT & ABOUT

Getting help in the garden 24

December 2020 calendar 17

HOME OF THE MONTH

PEOPLE

Remodeled home on the market 26

Vicki Goicovich recognized 18 Publisher

Design Director

General Manager

Associate Publisher

Production Operations Manager

Advertising Account Executives

Dan Pulcrano Jeannette Close Editor

Erik Chalhoub Contributing Writers

Jenny Arbizu Kimberly Ewertz Curt Hentschke Emanuel Lee Laura Ness Kate Russell

Kara Brown

Your one stop for Classic & Tech Savvy Pianos & Apps Also offering Private Lessons Trade in for upgrades welcome!

8401 Church St #F • gilroypiano.com • 408.767.2990

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COMMUNITY

Harry Allison

Sean George

Carrie Bonato Eileen Katis Cynthia Runyon

Editorial Production Manager

Katherine Manlapaz

Cover by Marisa Duran Photography

Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2020. All rights reserved.

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Local Identity

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

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T

he Covid-19 pandemic has put much of the country in a “back to the basics� mode of living.

People have been staying home much more than they used to, cooking their own meals, setting up their workstations and starting new crafty hobbies.

It has also opened their eyes to the challenges of small businesses, and the damage online mega-retailers

DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

such as Amazon have done to local economies and the independent neighborhood establishments.

According to Gary Walton, president of the Gilroy Downtown Business Association, studies have shown that roughly 48 percent of each purchase at a local business recirculates back into the community, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases from chain stores and even less from online retailers.

Marisa Duran Photography

Shopping at small businesses has big impacts for communities

DOWNTOWN DESIGNS San Benito Bene is stocked up with Christmas decor.

Marisa Duran Photography

Marisa Duran Photography

PAST TREASURES Ashford’s Heirlooms has numerous vintage holiday items for sale.

“When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your city,” Walton said. “Businesses pay sales taxes to our city, which are in turn used to support public schools, parks, roads and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters.”

The restrictions brought on by local governments to contain the spread of Covid-19, coupled with customers’ hesitance to shop in person during the pandemic, have furthered the challenges for small businesses.

About 60 percent of all businesses across the nation that have closed during the pandemic have not reopened, according to Yelp’s Economic Impact Report. In addition, 1 in 5 small employers that received Paycheck Protection Program loans still anticipate having to lay off workers in the next six months, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.

But residents can take matters into their own hands.

Or rather, their wallets.

According to pre-pandemic numbers by the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation, Gilroy has roughly 2,200 businesses that employ fewer than 100 people each, accounting for more than 13,000 jobs in the city, or 70 percent of all jobs.

In Morgan Hill, 1,267 firms have fewer than 100 employees each, according to the California Employment Development

Department. A total of 981 of those have fewer than nine employees each.

San Benito County has 1,429 businesses with 20 or fewer employees. A little more than a thousand of those have fewer than four employees each.

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, local small businesses are vying for those crucial dollars.

At Ashford’s Heirlooms, 7547 Monterey St. in downtown Gilroy, gift givers are sure to find something on their shopping lists among the numerous vintage and new items.

Kitchenware, furniture, potted plants, Christmas-themed decor and thousands of other items fill the store.

“We’ve been here 25 years,” said owner Linda Ashford. “It’s still one of the best spots in the town.”

The store consists of 15 different dealers who are constantly rotating their wares, making

each visit a new experience.

“We’ve got people that love what they do,” she said. “They’re always out shopping and looking for the next best thing.”

Ashford noted that there is “such a difference” shopping locally instead of online.

“You are speaking with a real person instead of Amazon,” she said. “It supports our town, and all that tax revenue stays in our town. You drive 10 minutes and you’re in a cool little spot to shop.”

With all businesses taking the necessary Covid-19 safety precautions, such as mandatory masks and limiting the number of people in the store at one time, some cities are allowing businesses to set up shop outside.

The City of Morgan Hill is encouraging downtown retailers to participate in the weekly ➝6

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5

STAY LOCAL Kathina Szeto, owner of San Benito Bene, encourages the community to shop local.

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encourages residents to support locally owned businesses. Vendors located downtown—not just on Third Street—are encouraged to participate in Sidewalk Saturdays by using their storefront sidewalks to attract visitors with displays and decorations.

Downtown Hollister and San Juan Bautista have established “parklets.”

The Hollister City Council unanimously approved a parklet program on Oct. 19 that assisted businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic and transformed most of the main strip of San Benito Street into a one-way traffic flow.

The parklet program provided funding to support local businesses in weatherizing their outdoor dining or retail space, offering safe outdoor options as they navigate through the pandemic, according to San Benito County officials.

San Benito Bene, 615 San Benito

DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

Marisa Duran Photography

5 “Sidewalk Saturdays” downtown shopping event.

Sidewalk Saturdays is an “outdoor popup retail marketplace along the south sidewalk of East Third Street between Monterey Road and Depot Street,” reads a Sept. 16 letter to downtown Morgan Hill businesses from the city’s Economic Development Director, Edith Ramirez.

The event will occur every Saturday from 10am to 2pm through Dec. 19, weather permitting.

Sidewalk Saturdays allows nonfood retailers an opportunity to showcase and sell their products, while at the same time creating a “street activation” that will hopefully attract visitors and encourage them to stay in the city’s downtown for longer than they otherwise would, according to Ramirez.

The program is part of the city’s “Buy Local” campaign, which

St. in downtown Hollister, is a onestop-shop for everything local, offering products such as olive oils, pottery, soaps and spices from area businesses and artisans.

The shop is also debuting its new online shopping experience at benegiftshollister.com, where customers can order on the website and either pick up in store or have their purchases shipped to them.

Owner Kathina Szeto said the store also offers curbside pickup.

“We want to be able to serve in the most convenient way for our customers,” she said.

Szeto said she is excited about the parklets along the downtown corridor.

She mentioned that she’s always had support from some of Hollister’s longtime residents, especially those who remember what it was like to have a bustling downtown. But she believes the new transformation on the main strip can bring back that hometown feeling once again, allowing the younger generation to experience it for themselves.

“The diverse local businesses create a wonderful neighborhood feel,” Szeto said.

The benefits to shopping locally are numerous, as she points out.

“It produces a community identity,” she said. “It gives people a place to socialize and walk around.

It’s healthy to get in a little bit of aerobics and window shop. It creates local jobs, it increases the tax base, it gives young people the idea of entrepreneurship.” ²

GIFT GUIDE 2020

Gifting Accomplished

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S

houldn’t the journey for that perfect gift be its own gift?

Shoppers looking for quick, often meaningless, gifts will click and tap their way through the bottomless pit of the internet. But that experience is as cold as the color emitting from those screens.

Those wanting to give joy not only to others but to themselves need only look in their backyards. The South Valley and San Benito regions are rich with unique boutique shops, specialty food hotspots, and aweinspiring destinations. It’s

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an adventure worth taking, and much more satisfying than staring at a screen while sitting in a rigid office chair.

In this guide, we make it simple to find a local gift for everyone on those shopping lists, from the bookworms to the thrill-seekers, and especially those who seemingly have everything.

BOOKWORMS BILL’S BULLPEN BASEBALL CARDS & COMICS 207 Fourth St., Hollister, 831.636.1180 tinyurl.com/billsbullpen Bill’s Bullpen is family-friendly

hobby store, serving San Benito County and Central California since 1987. The store is a perfect place to find that nostalgic gift for the kids or the young at heart. It takes you back to the days of buying a pack of cards and finding a limited edition Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. The place is also filled with old school and current comic books, sports memorabilia and plenty of Funko POP! Vinyl action figures to start the collection.

BOOKBUYERS 7541 Monterey Road, Gilroy, 408.767.2929; bookbuyers.com Where does one even begin?

Located in downtown Gilroy, Bookbuyers & Grassroots Learning Center offers one of the largest selections of used books

Photo, from left: Robert Eliason, Juan Reyes and File photo

Shopping local for the holidays is a meaningful journey

and everything else needed to let the imagination run wild.

CRAFTY CREATIVES

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QUILTS, COMICS AND TOYS Nimble Thimble ( from left), Bill’s Bullpen Baseball Cards & Comics, and Thinker Toys are just a few of the local shops offering numerous gift possibilities.

Photo, from left: Robert Eliason, Juan Reyes and File photo

and media in the Santa Clara County region. The discount book racks outside entice customers to take a step inside, where they will quickly realize the store is much larger inside than it appears from the sidewalk.

There’s not only books, but also video games, puzzles, graphic novels, calendars, music albums and everything else that make it a one-stop-shop for gift hunters.

BOOKSMART MORGAN HILL 421 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, 408.778.6467 mybooksmart.indielite.org BookSmart fills many retail needs including books and educational toys, greeting cards, magazines, coffee, ice cream, candy and café food items. The 1,500-square-foot

store features thousands of titles.

Owners Brad Jones and Cinda Meister can direct you to that perfect book for whatever genre your giftee is into at the moment.

And, they’ll even deliver orders free in person, provided you live within three miles of their location.

THINKER TOYS 311 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, 408.779.5260 thinkertoys.com Thinker Toys features special toys, games, children’s books, arts and crafts projects, stuffed animals and more. Just as the name suggests, the store offers toys that get children to use their brains. You’ll find fun educational books, science and engineering kits, building blocks

Williams knows exactly what every quilter needs, from beginner to lifelong enthusiast. Visiting the historic building, with its brick walls complementing fabrics of every shade of color, is a gift within itself.

FAMILY THREADS QUILT SHOPPE 107 D The Alameda, San Juan Bautista, 831.623.0200 familythreadsquiltshop.com

FOODIES

Family Threads Quilt Shoppe offers hundreds of bolts of 100 percent cotton fabrics, a wall of notions including rulers, needles, thread, marking tools and a large rotating rack of buttons. A treat display greets customers as they walk through the front door, encouraging them to purchase some on the way out after they browse the festive patterns, colorful threads and other materials that fill the store from floor to roof.

Andy’s Orchard is a fruit grower specializing in tree-ripened stone fruit. Visit a tasting or orchard tour event or the retail Fruit Stand and Country Store that offers food, gifts and mail order items.

Andy’s Orchard’s top crop is cherries, but owner Andy Mariani is also known for his expertise and longtime experimentation with stone fruits. He and his siblings own about 60 acres of farmland in northeast Morgan Hill—mostly devoted to cherries.

GRASS FARM/ GARDEN ACCENTS 11155 Lena Ave., Gilroy, 408.846.4555; grassfarm.com Grass Farm/Garden Accents provides sod lawn to homeowners and landscape contractors, as well as plants, fountains, statuary, garden art, gifts and more. Gifters looking to check off those items for the gardeners on their lists will find plenty at this large-scale nursery adjacent to Highway 101.

NIMBLE THIMBLE 7455 Monterey St., Gilroy, 408.842.6501 nimblethimble.com The Nimble Thimble offers a unique resource for all things quilting, from inspiration to binding, and supports crafters and sewists of all types. It also features many unique gift items, sewing machines and sewing furniture. Owner Linda

ANDY’S ORCHARD 1615 Half Road, Morgan Hill, 408.782.7600; andysorchard.com

B & R FARMS 5280 Fairview Road, Hollister, 831.637.9168; brfarms.com B&R Farms has grown and processed Blenheim apricots on their ranch in rural Hollister since 1929. The farm offers dried Blenheim apricots, chocolate covered apricots, sun-dried apricot seeds, preserves and toppings, gifts and more. Its top sellers include dark chocolate covered apricot nibbles, apricot spread and apricot red pepper topping. The fourth-generation family operation is one of the few that still grows the tangy-sweet fruit.

CASA DE FRUTA 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister, 408.543.1702 casadefruta.com Casa De Fruta sells fresh-off-thefarm fruits and vegetables, ➝ 10

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The Garlic Shoppe offers high-quality California-grown foods, sauces and gadgets.

It’s conveniently located just a few miles away from one of the largest garlic companies in the country: Christopher Ranch. As such, it offers garlic braids, garlic dip, pickled garlic and more.

Essentially, whatever can be infused with garlic can be found here. Mama Raps, Garlic Dude, Psycho, Sandrinos and Rapazzini are the shop’s own brands made under the direction of Chef Owner Alex Larson and Charlie Larson.

TOP CROP Andy’s Orchard in Morgan Hill specializes in tree-ripened stone fruit.

9 premium dried fruits and nuts and unique condiments. It also offers gourmet groceries and a full-service deli section at Casa de Wine and a candy lover’s paradise at Casa de Sweets. Gift baskets are its speciality, featuring such combinations as mango varieties, a chocolate lovers’ crate and assorted pistachios.

DEBRITO CHOCOLATE FACTORY 160 Briggs Road, Hollister, 800.588.3886 debritochocolate.com

THE FARM BERTUCCIOS 2410 Airline Highway, Hollister, 831.636.0821 thefarmbertuccios.com

DeBrito Chocolate Factory’s original factory store features gourmet chocolates and crisp and fresh caramel apples made daily.

Try their gourmet caramel apples, featuring a variety of flavors such as cranberries and cream as well as peppermint crunch. Quality chocolate meets California dried fruit and fresh nuts.

The Farm Bertuccios is a smalltown market with fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to dried Blenheim apricots, and chocolatecovered apricots and walnuts. Its local offerings provide anything a foodie will need, such as Mansmith’s barbecue sauces from San Juan Bautista, Gilroy garlic braids, and olives stuffed with jalapeños, anchovies and more.

FAIRHAVEN ORCHARDS 1448 Bolsa Road, Hollister, 831.637.4221 fairhavenorchards.com

THE GARLIC SHOPPE 4310 Monterey Highway, Gilroy, 888.328.4275 garlicdude.com

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Garlic World offers a selection of garlic products including garlic braids, fresh garlic, pickled garlic, garlic seasonings, dehydrated garlic, garlic olive oils and more.

It is also perfectly situated near Christopher Ranch, the First Family of Garlic in Gilroy.

PINNACLE ORGANIC FARMERS 400 Duncan Ave., San Juan Bautista, 831.623.9422 pinnacleorganic.com Pinnacle Organic Farmers grow cool season crops such as lettuce and cabbage on 50 acres in San Juan Bautista and hot season crops like sweet corn, bell peppers, garlic and onions on 200 acres near Hollister. Its diverse range of crops results in up to 60 produce items at the peak of the season. It sells at the farm on Saturdays, at farmers markets, through local retail stores, local wholesalers, and several national wholesalers.

WINERIES Throughout South Valley and San Benito, santaclarawines.

The southern Santa Clara County and San Benito regions are home to dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. It’s hard to pick just one.

These local wineries produce numerous varieties of awardwinning wines for every taste.

THE HARD-TOBUY-FOR ASHFORD’S HEIRLOOMS 7547 Monterey St., Gilroy, 408.842.8236 facebook.com/AshfordsHeirlooms Ashford’s Heirlooms stocks a collection of antiques, household goods, sewing, vintage vinyl, Native American jewelry and vintage furniture. The everchanging inventory from various local dealers includes an assortment of handmade ornaments, cake plates, champagne flutes, wine glasses and table linens. New this year, the store also has locally made needle felted creations that are going fast. Owner Linda Ashford says the store’s dealers are always looking to add vintage products to their wares.

THE BARN AT HOEY RANCH 2480 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, 408.309.1179 facebook.com/ TheBarnAtHoeyRanch Visitors will find everything from iceboxes to jukeboxes, from vintage furniture to farm equipment inside this 130-yearold barn. Vintage bread tins and miniature carousel horses are just a miniscule sampling of the knickknacks it has to offer. Open select weekends and by appointment only, be sure to call ahead. ➝ 12

File photo

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Fairhaven Orchards has been family-owned and -operated since 1958 and offers Bing, Royal Hazel and Rainier cherries, and fresh and dried Blenheim apricots. It also grows walnuts available in packages of up to 25 pounds. Purchase a Fairhaven trucker cap to show your support for this longstanding family business.

GARLIC WORLD 4800 Monterey Highway, Gilroy, 800.537.6122 garlicworld.com

com, discoversanbenitocounty. com/food-and-wine/ wineries-and-craft-beers/

estate jewelry, onsite jewelry and watch repairs and more.

MORGAN HILL WINE SHOP & CIGAR CO. 16375 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, 408.776.7667 morganhillcigar.com

PEDAL POWERED Bike Therapy is a full-service bike store.

10 BELLA CHARM 835 Prospect Ave., Hollister, 831.636.7757 bellacharmshop.com Bella Charm is a boutique in a rustic old feed mill that features a selection of everything from Western swag to customized jewelry. It carries “everything bling,” with brands such as Miss Me, Rock Revival, Montana Silversmith, Gypsy Soule, Corral Boots, Anderson Bean and many others that offer products such as flip flops, home decor, purses, clothing and more.

Find collectibles and rarities at this downtown antique mall with eight shops and an ever-changing

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GILROY ANTIQUES 7445 Monterey St, 408.842.1776 Gilroy’s antique shops provide a fantastic trip down memory lane that will make any collector swoon. Gilroy Antiques owner Gracie Garcia’s eclectic collection ranges from the traditional jewelry and vintage books to the bizarre (zebra head, anyone?).

JEWEL BOX MORGAN HILL, LP 17190 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, 408.776.9444 jewelboxofmorganhill.com The Jewel Box offers fine jewelry, diamonds, custom jewelry designs,

DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

MURPHY’S MERCANTILE 17337 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, 408.779.5400 murphysmercantile.com

Fine cigars and fine wine are available in this wine and cigar bar featuring wines from more than 25 local wineries.

Murphy’s Mercantile features items handpicked from estate sales and antique shows across the Bay Area.

SAN BENITO BENE 615 San Benito St., Hollister, 831.638.1188; sanbenitobene.com

WILLY’S GOODS 15365 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, 408.495.9367 willysgoods.com

San Benito Bene is a onestop gift shop and an artistic environment with locally inspired, customizable gifts. Owner Kathina Szeto is passionate about supporting local businesses, and the shelves of her store are evidence of that. Chat with her to find out about the latest local products coming from the region.

THRIFTMINDED GOODWILL THRIFT STORE HOLLISTER 1703 Airline Highway goodwillsv.org More than 2,000 one-of-a-kind items are introduced onto the sales floor each day. Revenue generated at Goodwill funds employment training and job placement services for people in the community.

HAZEL’S THRIFT STORE 898 San Benito St., Hollister, 831.638.0526 hazelsthriftshop.org Hazel’s Thrift Shop is run by volunteers of Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary, with proceeds

Morgan Hill’s newest antiques and collectibles store is also a place that serves veterans, featuring a host of indoor and outdoor amenities on site including a pool table, baby grand piano, weight bench, basketball hoop and space for barbecues.

THRILLSEEKERS BIKE THERAPY 17540 Depot St., Morgan Hill, 408.708.9818 ridemorganhill.com Bike Therapy is a full-service family bike store that aims to help everyone ages 2-99 to discover the joys of pedaling, on the trails or on the road.

CORBIN WORKSHOP 2360 Technology Parkway, Hollister, 831.634.1100 corbin.com The Corbin factory offers ride-in service where patrons can have a custom motorcycle seat made while they wait or have a preordered Corbin fairing and/or saddlebags installed.

Photo by Michael Moore

GARBO’S ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 7565 Monterey St., Gilroy, 408.842.7373 tinyurl.com/garbosantiques

storefront window. Garbo’s Antiques has been in business for nearly 30 years, featuring a variety of vintage records, books, postcards, pottery, toys, jewelry and more. New merchandise arrives daily.

going toward the purchase of equipment and materials related to patient care.

GILROY GARDENS 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, 408.840.7100; gilroygardens.org

in Hollister and Garlic City Embroidery in Gilroy, among other local establishments.

Billed as California’s only horticultural theme park, Gilroy Gardens features roller coasters, circus trees, paddle boats and more.

Memberships are always on sale.

PEPPER PLANT lovepepperplant.com

OFF THE CHAIN BIKES, INC. 101 McCray St, Hollister, 831.636.0802 offthechainbikes.com Off the Chain Bike Shop offers road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX, beach cruisers, cross cycle and children’s bicycles, as well as components, accessories, clothing and shoes.

SKYDIVE HOLLISTER 234B Skylane Drive, Hollister, 800.386.5867 skydivehollister.com Skydive Hollister is a full-service skydive drop zone. Skydivers can choose their height, from 8,000 feet to 18,000 feet, or 15 seconds to one minute of free falling.

STOCKING STUFFERS Overwhelmed by all the options?

Here are some suggestions of locally made products that would make perfect stocking stuffers.

SAN BENITO SOAP WORKS sanbenitosoapworks.com

Photo by Michael Moore

Becky Thompson of San Benito Soap Works makes a variety of homemade, natural soaps, including pumpkin honey, almond oil, coffee and more. In addition to the online store, the business sells at various farmers markets as well as Bertucchio’s Market and Country Groomers

The self-proclaimed “one heck of a tasty sauce” lives up to the title. The Pepper Plant line of hot sauces, chunky garlic sauces, chipotle and more is made by the Wagner family in Gilroy.

Seasonings are also available.

A&N Plumbing INC wishes one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We are here to serve your plumbing needs with 24 hour service

FRANTOIO GROVE frantoiogrove.com The San Martin orchard consists of thousands of olive trees, which manufactures bottles of extra virgin olive oil. In addition to its online store, Frantoio Grove also sells at local markets including Andy’s Orchard in Morgan Hill and Rocca’s Market and LJB Farms in San Martin.

831.637.3873

BELL HILL FARM bellhillfarm.com This Hollister farm’s dairy goats provide milk which are used in many different ways, including hard and soft cheeses, ice cream, kefir, as well as soap, lotion and laundry soap. Its varieties of goat milk body lotion include the scents of lavender and vanilla.

GARLIC DUDE GARLIC CONDIMENTS garlicdude.com The Garlic Shoppe’s in-house brand Garlic Dude offers a gift basket that will make any garlic lover swoon. It includes garlic mustard, garlic barbecue sauce, garlic steak sauce, garlic horseradish, garlic butter, jalapeño garlic mustard, habanero roasted garlic mustard and garlic mayonnaise.

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Spreading the Joy Close-knit Hollister neighborhood decks out for holidays

BY JENNY ARBIZU

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I

f one finds themself on Severinsen Street in Hollister, they’ll find a kind of wholesomeness that is uncommon for this century.

A tree-lined street with unique foliage; two story homes; cozy front porches—one can feel immediately teleported into a 1950s television sitcom.

And while the majority of the homes have only existed since the late-1980s, residents have since been decorating their homes for Halloween and Christmas in such a way that brings the entire community to marvel at it during the holidays.

But a neighborhood known for its holiday decor as much as its curb

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appeal—can it truly be as closeknit as it appears? Get to know some of its neighbors, and one won’t need to ask twice.

Mike Soto, a 30-year resident of Severinsen Street, can recall when the street’s holiday flare became the talk of town.

“I don’t remember anybody neighbors saying, ‘Come on everybody, let’s decorate,’” he recalled. “Nobody spearheaded the decorating; we just started decorating a little more at a time and it started getting noticed, like, ‘Hey, there are twostory homes that people are decorating from top to bottom!’”

Cruising the street soon ➝ 16

NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE Mike Soto’s home is one of the many decked out for the holidays along Severinsen Street in Hollister.

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Although the city wouldn’t provide one this year due to the pandemic, residents pitch in each year on Halloween to obtain a city permit to close the street—for the safety of trick-or-treaters.

“The community is appreciative,” Hurtado noted. “That's why they come.”

But the lights and the trimmings aren’t the only reasons people are drawn to the street. The closeness of the neighborhood can also be felt as well as seen there.

“We have a very close-knit neighborhood, and everyone has their neighbors’ contact information,” explained Bill Parcell, who has been a resident since 2003. “We all look out for each other and enjoy spending time together.”

And he isn’t exaggerating.

Prior to Covid-19, the families on the street would gather for an annual Christmas party, with each home taking turns hosting. Neighbors come together for hors d’oeuvres, desserts, a visit from Santa Claus, and vote for the winners of the decorating contest.

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Photo by Mike Soto

14 became a holiday tradition for local families. At the start of December every year, passersby can get glimpses of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, snowmen, nativity scenes, and many, many, lights. Houses also compete to be deemed the “best decorated” for the winter holidays. Prizes such as gift cards to the movie theater or local restaurants are up for grabs, all bought with money that participating neighbors pitch in from recyclables.

“My home won 14 years in a row,” Soto said. “Then all the sudden they said, ‘OK, you know what, the winner is going to be the judge for next year.’”

Halloween has also become a festive time for the street; possibly even more so than the Christmas holiday.

Resident Megan Hurtado recalled when she began realizing the significance of the street’s Halloween charm.

“It didn’t seem like we were doing anything spectacular because it’s just what we do,” she said. “But then I drove over to [nearby streets] and I thought, ‘Wow, people really don’t decorate for Halloween!’”

“Around 7:30, a group will walk the street and there will be a vote on best decorations,” Parcell recalled.

Passersby can also find the street closed on the Fourth of July (preCovid), when the street celebrates its annual block party.

“There’s wine tasting, the kids have a lemonade stand, and there’s a little parade at the end,” Hurtado explained.

Parcell also noted the scheduled events throughout that day, beginning with an Eastside versus Westside softball (or kickball) game at Ladd Lane School.

“The Fourth of July block party is incredible,” he said. “There’s a kids parade at noon. There are kids’ games all day— water wars, a volleyball tournament, a basketball tournament, and a jump house. Everyone brings out their barbecues around three o’clock and we have dinner. A live band starts playing around four until six in the evening, and then we have clean-up and fireworks.”

No, this neighborhood is not common for this day and age—not even for the quaint town of Hollister.

But the residents of Severinsen Street have made it hospitable and joyful, not only for themselves, but for the entire town. And they are happy to spread that joy to the revelers who drive by it, admiring the street’s holiday spirit.

“I have only heard nice things from the community about our neighborhood,” Parcell said. “Most people from Hollister know what you're talking about when you mention Severinsen Street.” ²

O& A SAN BENITO COUNTY

‘FILL THE VASE’ FUNDRAISER Zeta Epsilon

Chapter of women educators in San Benito County and Watsonville host a Holiday Luncheon & Auctions to benefit programs and individuals focusing on education.

In lieu of this event due to Covid-19, the organization will have a drive-thru “Fill the Vase” fundraiser on Dec. 5 from 10:30am to noon on Winn Alley in Hollister (off Fifth Street, next to the San Benito County Office of Education). Members will be present to collect money or checks and will have centerpieces for sale for $35.

For information, contact Sue Genesy at suegenesy@yahoo. com or 831.801.7336.

HOLIDAYS ON THE FARM

Photo by Tarmo Hannula

B&R Farms’ annual Holidays on the Farm returns Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 10am to 4pm. The apricot cutting facility at 5280 Fairview Road in Hollister will be transformed into a holiday market featuring local vendors. For information, visit brfarms.com.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’

San Benito Dance Academy’s filmed production of “The Nutcracker” will be playing Dec. 18-23 (double features on Saturday and Sunday) at 790 Bolsa Road in Hollister. Visit

O OUT & ABOUT

www.sanbenitodanceacademy. com for updates and information on ticket sales/ showtimes.

BOLADO PARK FARMERS MARKET Power Broadcasting

and Medina Farms host a farmers market at Bolado Park, 9000 Airline Highway in Tres Pinos. The market runs Sundays from 9am-1pm, weather permitting. It features farms from throughout the state, as well as food trucks and a flea market. For information, call 831.722.1122.

GILROY PAINT’N WITH FRIENDS

Tami Brown, owner of Paint'n With Friends Art Studio & Gallery at 7560 Monterey St., Suite 202 in Gilroy, hosts frequent paint parties.

Each party is limited to eight painters, and participants will be seated six feet apart.

No painting experience is necessary. The next paint parties will be held Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. For information, visit paintnwithfriends.com.

PAINT PARTY Nacho Moya,

the owner of Moya Art Gallery and Studio in downtown Gilroy, has been hosting frequent live paint parties on his social media channels, showing viewers the step-by-step process on how to paint everything from water lilies, to unicorns and

LOCAL FARMS Farmers markets run weekends in San Benito County and the South Valley.

Star Wars characters. For information, visit facebook. com/moyaartgalleryandstudio.

GILROY FARMERS MARKET

The Gilroy Farmers Market is held every Saturday 9am-1pm at 6000 Miller Ave. Come and enjoy local vegetables and fruit, homemade soap, bakery items, hummus, garlic, flowers and more. For information, visit tcfm.farm.

MORGAN HILL SIDEWALK SATURDAYS

Sidewalk Saturdays takes place every Saturday from 9am-1pm on East Third Street in downtown Morgan Hill. The outdoor retail marketplace features local shops. Face masks are required to attend. For information, visit facebook.com/ SidewalkSaturdaysMorganHill.

MORGAN HILL FARMERS MARKET At the Train Depot

Station parking lot, the Morgan

Hill Certified Farmers’ Market brings together farmers, food producers and consumers from Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister every Saturday, 9am-1pm on Third and Depot streets. For information, visit cafarmersmkts.com/morganhill-farmers-market.

STEINWAY SOCIETY HOME CONCERT HALL SERIES

International classical piano artists will be performing for Steinway Society this fall through the Home Concert Hall virtual series. The series features Russian performer Vyacheslav Gryaznov in December, as well as American pianist Andrew Li in January 2021. The series is sponsored by the Music Teachers’ of America Santa Clara County Branch in memory of long-time member Frieda Ann Murphy. The series will consist of recordings produced specifically for Steinway Society – The Bay Area that will not be available elsewhere on the internet. For tickets, visit steinwaysociety. com/tickets.

SANBENITO.COM | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | DECEMBER 2020

17

Vicki Goicovich,

Volunteer Extraordinaire

ER nurse extends compassion from the hospital to the community

BY KIMBERLY EWERTZ

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DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

“Just understanding what people are going through during this difficult time and respecting where they’re coming from, that’s very important to me,” Goicovich said. “Including the family members and making sure that their questions are answered, and that they have a plan, and reassuring them that at this moment this is the best thing for their loved one. There’s a lot of chaos going on at that time, but that’s always helpful, I feel.”

Each year Kaiser Permanente acknowledges those individuals who go above and beyond—in their work and in their lives. This year’s “Celebrating Extraordinary Nurses” event included Goicovich, as she was one of 14 Northern California nurses who were honored. Goicovich received the Extraordinary NurseEmergency Department award which was presented to her on Nov. 6 at a rooftop ceremony at San Jose Kaiser Permanente.

“Out of 26,000 Northern California nurses I was awarded the emergency room nurse award,” Goicovich said, with a smile.

Henry Fahrner, her manager, was one of several members of her Kaiser Permanente team to nominate Goicovich. In his nomination he wrote, “She embodies the words ‘extraordinary’ and ‘kindness.’

Each year she coordinates ➝ 26

Submitted photo

EXTRAORDINARY NURSE Vicki Goicovich was recently honored by Kaiser Permanente.

V

icki Goicovich was 21 and a communications major living in Los Angeles with her sights set on broadcast radio when she received the call that changed everything. Her mother, Tamiyo Mano, was diagnosed with cancer.

Goicovich immediately left L.A. and returned home to Watsonville to be with her. The round-the-clock care she provided her mother exposed Goicovich to many facets of the medical field.

“The compassion and the kindness that the nurses showed towards myself and my mother kind of drew me,” Goicovich said.

“After she (my mother) passed, I decided to go into nursing.”

For 25 years Goicovich has continued her commitment to the medical field in her role as Emergency Room nurse for Kaiser Permanente in San Jose. She believes it was her calling all along.

“I absolutely love my job. I love my patients, I love the ER,” Goicovich said. “The family that you develop within the organization, your co-workers, and even the new hires and the transitional nurses… you build bonds with all those.”

Her compassion for the job extends not only to her patients and co-workers, but to the patients’ families as well.

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NOVEMBER 28, 2020—JANUARY 2, 2021

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HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

The Show Goes On Dance academy filming annual production of ‘The Nutcracker’

BY JENNY ARBIZU

DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

tradition of her annual recitals and performances, though.

“We are artists; we are resilient; we are creative—we can rise out of the ashes, so to speak, and figure out a new way to do it,” she said. “I believe that not everything needs to be cancelled; we just need to pivot and figure out a more creative solution to enabling a virtual event.”

When the onset of Covid-19 called for the cancellation of the dance academy’s annual June recital,

Photo courtesy of San Benito Dance Academy

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W

hat’s in a tradition?

More than a song from a beloved Broadway musical in the 1960s, for one thing.

It’s the passing down of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, and without them, some have said that the holidays are...well, just another day.

San Benito Dance Academy (SBDA) owner and instructor Lara Lichten refuses to resign the

KEEPING A TRADITION San Benito Dance Academy’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” is going virtual this year.

she sought a different approach to showcase her students’ skills.

Adhering to state mandates, she decided to film dance routines in her studio with small groups at a time, and live-stream it as a virtual watch party for families and friends.

She later downloaded it digitally and on DVDs for her students.

“People in their homes, with their small family viewings, were able to still enjoy a digital version of the recital,” she said.

She was met with the same obstacle as SBDA’s annual performance of the Nutcracker approached. But Lichten said she never doubted the 12-year tradition would happen.

“It was just a matter of how we could pivot again to accommodate the current circumstances,” she said.

The ballet production had been performed at Salinas’s Sherwood Hall for the past several years—always the weekend before Christmas— so Lichten originally imagined a “Nutcracker in the Park” for this year, on an outdoor stage.

“But then there was the question of weather and freezing temperatures. And then people were saying, ‘Well, how many people are allowed to gather?’”

With too many risky details, and with venues unwilling to commit (with the unpredictable nature of the pandemic), Lichten decided to film a digital version of the production, as with June’s recital.

But this time, the viewing party would be for the community to watch on a big screen—drive-in style.

With that decision, Lichten came to the greater realization of how this local production could

benefit the entire community.

“Being able to do a drive-in production really opens the door for Hollister and San Benito County residents to actually patronize, and come to an event and celebrate,” she said. “Whereas, maybe they don't want to make the drive to go do that in another county. So with this, it keeps the revenue in our county.”

After casting roles in late September, and with the assistance from a student’s parent, Steve Doerr, filming began in mid-October (and is still doing so, at press time). A variety of venues, businesses, and historic landmarks in San Benito County have been used as settings for each of the dances. Lichten said she hopes that by incorporating the community, she can help promote businesses “that have had it tough this year.”

“We're doing something exciting and different to accommodate our times,” she said. “[Everyone involved] got behind it and got excited about it.

Not just for the performance reason, but for the community aspect.”

Lichten said that Doerr, for instance, “has a great eye and is very improvisational—go with the flow—but also very dependable.”

Doerr, a television news photographer and camera person, has also produced, filmed and edited various videos for many businesses.

For this production, he filmed many of the segments (along with Lichten), but he handed Lichten the reins to create the final product.

“Miss Lara is producing, directing and editing all segments,” he said. “I want to be surprised as any other parent at the premiere with her work.”

Sharing the coveted role of Clara

are Ali Gillio and Megan Vass, who will split the role for different performances. Both noted that even though this year’s unique production has been a positive one, they originally had skepticism.

“In the beginning, the thought of not being in the theater was disappointing,” Vass said. “But as more and more ideas were brought to life, I became excited to be able to play a part in this new and exciting community experience.”

Gillio originally shared in Vass’s disappointment, and also found the experience of filming every weekend stressful at times.

“But then I realized that this is something different; [something] everyone is going to remember,” she said. “I’m excited for the community to see the whole show and to see all the hard work pay off.”

Lichten has already seen the hard work pay off with her dancers during this unique time and nontraditional performance.

“We are a dance academy; we pride ourselves on the technical academic training of our dancers and on giving them a fun way to exercise and stay healthy,” Lichten said. “But to be academically enriched with the production side of dance and filming, it brings a whole new level of education to these kids.”

San Benito Dance Academy’s filmed production of “The Nutcracker” will be playing Dec. 18-23 (double features on Saturday and Sunday) at 790 Bolsa Road in Hollister.

Visit www.sanbenitodanceacademy. com for updates and information on ticket sales/showtimes.

SANBENITO.COM | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | DECEMBER 2020

21

When a Family is ‘Redefined’ Local journalist releases book on coping with divorce

BY ERIK CHALHOUB ‘FAMILY REDEFINED’ Gilroy journalist Kimberly Ewertz has released her first book.

I

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for three decades, decided to write her own book.

“Family Redefined: Childhood Reflections on the Impact of Divorce” is now available at BookSmart in Morgan Hill, on publisher Little Creek Press’ website and on Amazon.

Ewertz spent the last five years interviewing children of divorced parents, learning how they coped with the sudden upheaval of their normal lives. She hopes that by sharing these stories, it will help provide a roadmap to children and parents going through this experience.

It also provides guidance Ewertz wishes she had all those years ago.

“I want it to go in the hands of the people who need it,” she said. “That was the guiding force motivating me to do this. I feel it’s something missing in that market. I’ve been there and I could’ve used it.”

In addition to the personal accounts, Ewertz also interviewed

DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

marriage and family counseling professionals who provide advice for divorced parents.

Ewertz moved to Gilroy from St. Louis, Mo. in 1998. She began her journalism career as an editor at St. Louis Community College Meramec.

After college, she wrote for numerous publications throughout the years, and is a frequent contributor to the Gilroy Dispatch, South Valley and other publications.

“I’ve always had an interest in telling other people’s stories,” she said. “That is my strong suit.”

With “Family Redefined,” Ewertz hopes she can help at least one family by sharing the stories of others.

“Every story has a positive ending, no matter how difficult the travel was,” she said. “You get that positivity from them.”

For information, visit familyredefinedbook.com.

Submitted photo

n 1990, Kimberly Ewertz filed for divorce, taking herself and her then-10-year-old son away from an emotionally abusive marriage that lasted for a dozen years.

She couldn’t have imagined the long, difficult road that laid ahead for her and her son. But looking back on it now, 30 years later, Ewertz said it was all worth it. She now lives in Gilroy with her husband Steve, and her son is leading a successful life.

Five years ago, Ewertz began looking for ways she could use her experience to help others going through a similar traumatic time.

But as she was looking through the various literature that discussed the topic, she noticed something missing.

Most books on divorce touched on the children, yet they never told their whole story, from when they first learned of their parents’ separation to the present day.

So Ewertz, a journalist

HELPING HAND Gardening can be hard work. Reach out to the various resources if you need help.

GARDENING

Getting help in the garden Tracking down local resources

BY KATE RUSSELL

G

one are the days of barn raisings and community grain harvests, but that doesn’t mean you have to do all your garden work by yourself.

Let’s face it—gardening is work.

It’s work that we enjoy, certainly, but sometimes we need a helping hand. Knowing where to look and how to ask for help doesn’t come naturally to everyone.

For big jobs, like irrigation systems and tree work, call in the professionals. Tree work can be very dangerous. It requires special

24

training and equipment. As a bonus, after the arborist finishes with your trees, be sure to ask them about a free load of wood chips. Arborist chips make an excellent mulch that retains moisture, reduces weeds, stabilizes soil temperatures, and ultimately feeds the soil and improves soil structure. Installing irrigation systems, ponds, and similar big projects require skills that many of us do not have. Ask friends and neighbors for local referrals.

If all you need is information, the Internet and your local library can be very helpful. Librarians are trained professionals who are very good at finding information and they can help you track down the books you need to become a better gardener.

When conducting an online

DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

search for gardening assistance, be as specific as possible. “What’s wrong with my tomatoes?” is too generic.

Instead, try “tomato leaf black spots Gilroy” and you are sure to get helpful information about the fungal disease, Septoria leaf spot, and its prevention: remove infected leaves, provide good air flow, and avoid overhead watering. Just be sure to avoid the sensationalists and track down science-based information.

When you need more than information and less than a project manager, don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends and neighbors for help. All too often, we convince ourselves that no one wants to help us when, in fact, no one knows we need help. Simply by asking for a hand moving a heavy stone, digging a hole for a bare root tree, or figuring out a better way to trellis a grape vine, you just might discover that that casual [masked] neighbor has shared interests and provides good conversation, along with help in the garden. Scouts, 4H and other organizations may be able to help, as well. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Finally, there are billions of helpers just waiting for your invitation. They are ready, willing, and able to eat aphids, parasitize hornworms, and pollinate your crops. They are the insects. Just plant flowers and avoid chemicals.

Of course, Master Gardeners are another excellent resource. We know what’s going on in local gardens. You can call or email today for help. ²

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VICKI GOICOVICH

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relieved our staff from the arduous task of securing toys and volunteers,” Cox said. “She coordinated the community effort from many different facets, engaging new supporters and increasing our visibility.

Volunteers have been the lifeblood of our agency since our inception—and Vicki Goicovich is an exemplary model of volunteerism.”

This year due to Covid19, SJFC has had to cancel the annual toy giveaway.

“We will not be able to distribute toys this year.

We are heartbroken at this realization, but for the safety of all, we have had to make this hard decision,” Vicky Martin, Director of Community Engagement at SJFC, said, adding, donations of gift cards are welcome in lieu of toy donations.

SJFC will distribute food boxes on Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22, and they hope to add holidayspecific items to the boxes including stuffing, canned yams, gravy and turkeys.

Of course Goicovich will take part in whatever way she can to help SJFC, as she always has. “It’s such a gratifying experience on many parts, the families that you’re helping as well as the volunteers you’re working alongside with,” she said. “And establishing those kinds of relationships within the community.” ²

DECEMBER 2020 | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | SANBENITO.COM

Submitted photo

donations of 200 turkeys from Kaiser Permanente employees to St. Joseph’s Family Center. At Christmas, Vicki organizes a toy drive for over 1000 families.”

For Goicovich, volunteering has always been a part of her life and began with the American Cancer Society.

“That kind of just started my volunteering aspect and getting more involved and helping in communities,” she said.

That commitment to her community has never faltered.

Since 2011 Goicovich has been a major supporter of St. Joseph’s Family Center (SJFC). That year, when David Cox, executive director of SJFC, was notified that the Toys for Tots organization (the major provider of the donated toys for SJFC) was discontinuing its service to the South County area, Goicovich was his first call.

“What started out as getting a few toys for us has blossomed into something so much better,” Cox said.

Goicovich jumped right in recruiting students from St. Mary’s elementary school to help her. The toy drive was a success.

“It was giving them, (the children), that opportunity and then seeing how important it is to work within our community and help each other out,” Goicovich said.

“Vicki took a large portion of the holiday sharing program under her wing and

HOME OF THE MONTH

WRIGHT AVENUE The main home on this Morgan Hill property has a three-car garage.

Remodeled home in tranquil setting Morgan Hill home, on the market for the first time, features rented cottage

T

his Morgan Hill home sits on more than two acres in a natural setting. Located at 411 Wright Ave., the 5,683-square-foot home includes five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

It also has a 1,400-square-foot cottage with a two-car garage that is currently rented to a long-term tenant.

The main home, which is powered by owned solar panels, features a freshly painted interior with refinished hardwood floors and new carpeting throughout. The large kitchen with an island opens to the great room that is equipped with surround sound speakers.

The backyard includes a koi pond, boat/RV parking, as well as an orchard of orange, lemon and fig trees.

The home, built in 1998 and is on the market for the first time since it was built, is listed at $2,799,000

by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate VBP. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yxu49lg8.

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