Sbm1811

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

MARCH 16, 2018

OU T

& AB

OU T N DA EV E N R O F TS

A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance

CA L E

AR and Fred Pointer pull for the public good

Serving With Dignity WILDFLOWER RUN P8 | GRAY LODGE RESERVE P12 | PASSPORT MONTH P16

Art has lived in Morgan Hill area for over 30 years. He has over 30 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and understands all of your residential and construction needs. He is also a veteran that knows the VA loan programs. If you’re interested in refinancing or purchasing a new home, contact Art today.

Give me a call today to see how I can help you while rates are still low

Featured Mortgage Loan Officer for South County

MARCH 16, 2018

ART JARVIS Loan Consultant NMLS #846130 408.201.4008 Art.Jarvis@Nafinc.com

2

www.newamericanagent.com/ArtJarvis 18525 Sutter Blvd, #240, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. NMLS ID#6606. Corporate Office is located at 14511 Myford Road, Suite 100, Tustin CA 92780. Phone (800) 450-2010. 03/2018

Robert Eliason

4

CENTRAL VALUE From monthly groceries, free luncheons, food, toy

Crystal Patino, Sabrina Hernandez, Dr. Kinberly Antrim, Lesslie Bozzo and Sylvia Medina

Kinberly Antrim, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

and clothing giveaways during the holidays, Fred and AR Pointer place community service at their heart of their work.

7880 Wren Ave Suite A-113, Gilroy Call

MAGAZINE

64 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA Mailing address: P.O. Box 516, Gilroy, CA 95021 Phone: 408-842-6400

8

Publisher

Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close

408 337-8950 for an appointment

Mondays: 1pm-7pm Tuesdays: 1pm-7pm Wednesdays: 8am-5pm Thursdays: 7am-1pm Fridays: 7am-1pm Saturdays: 7am-1pm

Putting the most fearful patients at ease Call

(408) 337-8950

for an appointment

Editor

Debra Eskinazi Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

Jenny Arbizu, Wallace Baine, Janet Enright, Ron Erskine, Kimberly Ewertz, Susan Rife, Colleen Grzan, Cheryl Huguenor, Emanuel Lee, Kate Russell, Neera Siva

16 4

Cover Story

Advertising Account Executives

Kelly Been, Carrie Bonato, Vanessa Deleon, Scott Harvey Design Director

Kara Brown Production Operations Manager

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

7

Crush

8

Community

12 Getting Out

Cover photograph by:

Robert Eliason Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents Š 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

advertising@newsvmedia.com Phone:

16 Wine

408.842.9404

MARCH 16, 2018

10 Calendar

Katherine Manlapaz

3

Neighbors helping Aromas Fueled by the energy and compassion of Fred and AR Pointer, a small community takes care of its own

BY WALLACE BAINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT ELIASON

I

MARCH 16, 2018

t was a gloomy winter’s day in Aromas, and it was cold outside. AR Pointer and her husband Fred were sitting in the warm interior of their truck near the post office. They were watching a young woman cross the road with her children behind her.

The kids were dressed in flip-flops and flimsy sweatshirts.

4

“What’s that mother thinking?” AR muttered.

“Well,” said Fred. “Maybe she’s got a choice, to either feed her family or clothe her family.

And isn’t it better to feed them?”

At this point, about four years ago now, the Pointers had already spent years volunteering to help low-income and struggling families through the Second Harvest Food Bank, the Salvation Army and their own church. But all that was in Watsonville, where the Pointers had raised a family and lived for decades before moving to Aromas in the 1990s. Watsonville, a bustling ag town of 50,000, is only seven miles away from Aromas, across the Pajaro Valley, but psychologically anyway, it feels much farther.

Today, AR Pointer says the experience outside the Aromas Post Office four years ago led to a realization that her hometown wasn’t necessarily benefiting from all the good works that she and

her husband were doing. “It took me a while to connect the dots,” she said. But she eventually came to a conclusion. “Let’s see what we can do for the people of Aromas.”

From that germ grew Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a nonprofit charity group that has mushroomed in popularity and visibility in this quiet, hilly community that straddles three counties and is home to about 2,600 souls. Under the leadership of the Pointers, the registered non-profit has filled an enormous void in Aromas with a number of regular volunteer services including a twice-monthly distribution of free groceries, a monthly free luncheon for seniors and an annual adopt-a-family program that gives food, clothing, toys and books to struggling local families during the holidays.

COMMUNITY-MINDED AR and Fred Pointer had spent years volunteering

to help low-income families before creating their own charity group.

MARCH 16, 2018

5

AR AND FRED POINTER

5

March 24th & 25th

Saturday & Sunday ~ 10a.m. to 5p.m.

Family Fun! Live Music! Fantastic Food!

Come join us for two fun-filled days! Downtown will have bountiful food and drink and live music all weekend long!

Shop, browse, feast and discover thousands of quality treasures!

Kids will love the pony rides, face painting and more! u

MARCH 16, 2018

For more informaton call: (775) 324-6435 www.sanjuanbautistaartandcraftfestival.com

6

DAILY MEAL Through their food programs, the Pointers estimate 200-300 people are being fed each month.

On March 24, at the Aromas Community Grange, the Pointers and the volunteers behind NHN will take a break from their philanthropic work to put on a show. It’s the third straight year in which the group has produced a stage comedy at the Grange to both raise money for the program and to thank the community for its participation. The show sold out the last two years.

This year, the show is a piratethemed whodunit, featuring local actors playing various rogues and scalliwags in a light-hearted original murder mystery surrounding a coveted treasure map. Call it “Neighbors Entertaining Neighbors.”

So where did the play come from?

Like so many things in Aromas these days, the answer to that whodunit is the same: It’s AR Pointer.

“I just take someone else’s idea and expand on it,” she said of her pirate comedy. “I just write the play and get all the actors together, hand them the script and say, ‘Figure this out for

yourself.’” The first year, she had hired a theater professional to run the show, but quickly learned that was not a good idea, that fun and community involvement was the goal, not award-winning theater. “I told her, ‘You’re looking for roses and I planted wildflowers.’ We’re not going to Broadway with this.”

It would surprise no one who knows her that AR has written the benefit play on top of everything else she does. She operates from a fearless do-it-yourself impulse, which combined with her energy and her instinct to help people, makes her a particularly effective community activist.

“She is an excellent model for volunteerism,” said Aromas resident Stephen Johnson, who will be one of the pirates in the play. “She taps a lot of people for a little bit of their time, and makes it work.”

“She has the biggest heart for people of anyone I’ve ever met,” said Gail Mutoza who teaches tai chi at the Aromas Grange and now sits on the board of directors ➝ 15

OA & OUT & ABOUT

HOLLISTER

ANNUAL BASH Head to Hollister’s Saint Patrick’s Day headquarters for over 50 years at Johnny’s Annual St. Paddy’s Day Party. Enjoy the famous corned beef and cabbage, drink and beer specials and karaoke with JJ Diaz at the only place to be on Saint Patrick’s Day. Arrive early to save a spot, the celebration will go on all day Saturday, March 17, 11am-midnight at Johnny’s Bar & Grill, 526 San Benito St. For more information, visit tinyurl. com/y7zptr2b.

HOLLISTER

COMEDY DINNER Head to Léal Vineyards for a Saint Patrick’s Day full of laughter with comedian Kat Simmons Guests will also enjoy a three-course dinner and dance to the music of Got 2 Groove. Dress to impress with collared shirts and no ball caps, must be 21 or older to attend and tickets are non-refundable. Enjoy comedy, dinner and dancing Saturday, March 17, 6-10pm at Léal Vineyards, 300 Maranatha Dr. For information and tickets, visit lealvineyards.com.

HOLLISTER

LOCAL TUNES Get Irish with Black Cat Path and Not This Day at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse on Saint Patrick’s Day. Wear something green, hear great local music and enjoy a large tap list full of craft beer that will not disappoint.

Experience this free show without cover, Saturday, March 17, 6-10pm at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse, 401 McCray St, Unit B24. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y9nlyp62.

MORGAN HILL

Get your Irish on at the Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at GVA Cafe.

Wear green outfits, hats and whatever else is in the closet and enjoy green beer and wine all night The Rockafellas Band will be celebrating the Irish and playing favorite rock and dance music from the ’60s to present. Have a blast Saturday, March 17, 8-11pm at GVA Cafe, 17400 Monterey Road. For more information, visit gvacafe.tumblr.com.

MARCH 16, 2018

IRISH CELEBRATION

7

COMMUNITY

Winning wildflowers

Elizabeth Mandel

MARCH 16, 2018

RUN-FUNDED Since 1984, the AAUW has held its annual March Wildflower Run to raise money for local scholarships and grants.

8

AAUW holds 35th annual fundraiser for education

By SUSAN L. RIFE.

T

he 2018 Wildflower Run, sponsored and staged by the Morgan Hill branch of the American Association of University Women, bears little resemblance to the first Wildflower Run 35 years ago.

That first race, in 1984, was open only to women and girls, 217 of whom participated, and started and finished at Watsonville and Santa Teresa roads. Finish times were recorded on Popsicle sticks. Enough money was

raised for a $500 scholarship to Gavilan College.

In 1985, “There was a guy who didn’t like women running on the side of the road and threatened them with a gun,” said Elizabeth Mandel, who was race director from 2013-2017.

This year’s run, on Sunday, March 25, starts and ends at Live Oak High School, as it has since 1986, and offers run-walk distances of 5 and 10 kilometers, and 2-kilometer race on the Live Oak track for kids and. Runners are chip timed.

Entries are capped at 1,200 participants of any gender. And race entry fees and individual and corporate sponsorships will generate $50,000 or more, much of which returns to the community in the form of scholarships for women and girls and community action grants.

Race organizers see the run as a community event. Every aspect of the run, but for the official timing and on-course security, is handled by AAUW volunteers; participation in the run in some form is a requirement of AAUW Morgan Hill membership.

“I’ve tried to make it more of a community event,” said Mandel, who has handed race director duties off to Pat Toombs this year.

“If you’re competing with Carmel, they’ve got gorgeous scenery. So we tried to make it more of a community event, with a stroller event, free T-shirts for babies.”

This year’s course also will have live music by the AAUW Ukuladies and a taiko drum band, with organizers working on a mariachi band as well. And in honor of the 35th anniversary, members of the Morgan Hill Photography Club will photograph runners on the course and at the finish line, with free downloads available.

“You tweak a few things every year,” said Toombs, who started as goodie bag coordinator, but the race has been so successful for so many years that not much adjustment needs to happen.

The big goal is for community participation and a return to the community for its investment.

Community action grants this year were given to Community Close, Learning and Loving Education Center, Gift of Reading, Discovery Counseling Center, South Valley Science Fair, Future Women’s Leadership Conference, the Yearbook Club at El Toro Health Science Academy. Proceeds also support Speech Trek and Tech Trek.

To enter the race, visit www.wildflowerrun.org.

FRAMES

100

$

OFF

PLUS, 2ND PAIR FREE*

Harness the Power of Data

with a Master’s in Data Analytics

EYE EXAM

69

$

†

BOOK APPOINTMENT ONLINE

FASHION FOR EVERYONE

Morgan Hill | 1049 Cochrane Rd. | Near Target 408.778.4633 | SiteforSoreEyes.com Most Insurance Plans Accepted | Financing Available Use your Flex Dollars before they expire! *Must purchase frames and lenses. Free second pair from large selection of single-vision clear plastic lenses. See store for details. Some restrictions may apply. Not combinable with insurance or other offers. Offer expires 3/31/18. †Eye exams available by an Independent Doctor of Optometry, conveniently located inside Site for Sore Eyes.

csu.sjsu.edu/msda INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE

SSEYE-024178 • Store 583 Morgan Hill Times 4.34” x 6.56” • 4C • 516-935-4944

• Certified Invisalign Orthodontist • Individually tailored financial plans • Designer, invisible & small standard braces in a rainbow of colors

DR. TOMMY TONG

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST MORGAN HILL • 779-4169 GILROY • 842-0314 370 W. DUNNE AVE. #6 7880 WREN AVE. #C132

MARCH 16, 2018

Invisible Braces

9

& CALENDAR OA

ENERGY EXPO

MARCH 16, 2018

Talk with local experts about energy efficiency for the home at the free Home Energy Expo, hosted by the APAL Climate Action Team and the Aromas Community Grange. Learn how to make the home more comfortable, lower energy bills and decrease the carbon footprint. Attendees will be presented with information on practical topics including energy efficient appliances, windows, insulation, lighting, heating and home energy assessments at 14 information booths.

Join the greening of the community and receive useful tips and motivation to make immediate improvements Sunday, March 18, 2-5pm at the Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave, Aromas. Visit aromasgrange.org.

10

HOLLISTER SCOUT BENEFIT Enjoy an incredible evening at the first annual “A Night Under the

Stars,” benefiting local Scouts in the San Benito area. Enjoy dinner, drinks, live music and both live and silent auctions.

Event proceeds will make it possible for every local Scout to

attend Emerald Bay Scout Camp at Catalina Island this summer.

Enjoy a night under the stars Saturday, March 17, 5:30-11pm at Villa & Sons Builder Services, 961 Foothill Road. For tickets and more information, visit tinyurl. com/ydbboanr.

ART PREVIEW Join San Benito County Arts Council at its Open Studios Kick Off Party for a sneak peak of artwork from 29 artists on this year’s Open Studios Art Tour. Guests will have an opportunity to view the artwork, enjoy food and drinks and celebrate this year’s group of talented, dynamic artists. The Preview Exhibition will be on

display through April 6th and the Open Studios Art Tour will be held April 14-15. Head to the Open Studios Kick Off Party Friday, March 23, 6-8pm at the Annex, 217 Fifth St, Hollister.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit sanbenitoarts.org.

TRES PINOS CRAB CRACK Spend St. Patrick’s Day at an Old Fashioned Crab Crack and Dance. The Hollister Exchange Club presents its Annual Crab Crack and Dinner Dance featuring the music of Isaiah Pickett. Enjoy dinner, live music, a full bar, raffle and silent auction. Please note there is a $15 per

Kent Goetz

VINYL REPLAY

LADIES DAY

bottle corkage fee for wine brought in to the event and wine must be marked at the door. The Crab Crack and Dance will be held Saturday, March 17, 5:30-10pm at The Pavilion at San Benito Fairgrounds, 9000 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos. For tickets and more information, visit tinyurl.com/y7dj8hk3.

granddaughter. Meet the author, Xelena González, and illustrator, Adriana M. Garcia and enjoy refreshments and light snacks at this free, kid friendly event Sunday, March 18, 3-5pm at Credo Studio, 1 Polk St, San Juan Bautista. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/yaaztywj.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

SANTA CLARA VALLEY

meet the talented winemakers and enjoy complimentary wine tasting, other surprises and special perks at the tasting rooms of more than 30 wineries along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail. Enjoy Spring Passport 2018 through March 31. Purchase passports at Gilroy Welcome Center, 8155-6 Arroyo Circle, Building A, Gilroy or online at springpassport. eventbrite.com. For individual winery hours, days of operation and a list of partnering restaurants, visit santaclarawines.com.

MEET & GREET Meet and greet the creators of the award winning children’s book, “All Around Us.” This book explores the cyclical wonders of life as seen through the eyes of a grandfather and

SPRING PASSPORT Join the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley for an exciting month of wine tasting along the Santa Clara Valley WIne Trail during Spring Passport 2018.

Throughout the month of March

Join Vinyl Replay for a huge St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort. Vinyl Replay is a portal to all the ‘80s rock hit favorites. They will be doing what they do best—bringing the crowd back in time to experience the decade of decadence. Rock the ’80s with Vinyl Replay on the second busiest day of the year, Saturday, March 17, 9pm at Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort, 3800 Airline Highway, Hollister. For more information, visit vinyl-replay.com.

Ladies, gather up some friends and head to the Second Annual Ladies Day at The 19th Hole Booze & Food. Guests will enjoy shopping, food and cider tasting. Across the Prairie, Ace Premium Craft Cider and Simply Southwest Style will all be on hand to provide a little rest and relaxation for guests. Second Annual Ladies Day will be held Sunday, March 18, 11am-5pm at The 19th Hole Booze & Food, 7071 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y9zcww4c.

BACH TO BLUES Enjoy regional talent at Bach to Blues 2018, the annual Gavilan College faculty

MORGAN HILL W.E.R.C. BOWL-A-THON Support Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center at the fifth annual WERC Bowl- ➝ 13

MARCH 16, 2018

GILROY

concert with special guests. This fundraising concert showcases regional talent with performing artists including the winner of the Marian Filice Youth Piano Competition, Gavilan Performance Ensemble and guest artists. All proceeds benefit the Gavilan College Music Program. Bach to Blues 2018 will be held Saturday, March 17, 7pm at The Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. For more information, visit gavilan.edu/bachtoblues.

11

GETTING OUT

Pacific Flyway

Ron Erskine

ABUNDANT LIFE Snow geese commune in their wintering ground at Sacramento Wildlife Refuge.

MARCH 16, 2018

Wings of wonder at Gray Lodge Reserve

12

By RON ERSKINE

P

rior to the intense settlement that began with the gold rush, California’s Central Valley was an immense wetland. A representative of California’s Department of Water Resources once told me that in wet winters one could nearly row all the way across it to the Sierra foothills. This habitat was the wintering ground for many millions of waterfowl. As we have corralled Sierra runoff into canals and waterways in pursuit of agriculture, most of that wetland habitat has been lost.

Most, but not all. While the numbers are only one-tenth of what they were long ago, millions of waterfowl still spend the winter in an array of Central Valley wildlife refuges. A real life National Geographic spectacle is only a day trip away.

My route home from Lake Almanor would pass a number of Sacramento Valley wildlife refuges.

The challenge was deciding which ones to visit. I remembered years ago the thrill and excitement when thousands of snow geese, calmly floating at the Merced Wildlife

Refuge, suddenly burst skyward in a cacophony of wing beating and honking. I hoped to find a gathering of snow geese and see just such a spectacle again.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge is a handful of miles west of Gridley on Highway 99 north of Yuba City. I stuffed my $4 day-use fee into the envelope and set out for the main viewing platform, a short walk away. A man I spoke to there said that on his last visit, the surface of the water we overlooked was covered with snow geese, but not today. Along the two-mile footpath through the refuge, I saw a variety of waterfowl, but not the concentrations I was seeking.

Time to press on.

Beside Interstate Highway 5, the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge is the lead refuge in a complex of five wildlife areas near Willows, California. After asking for guidance at the visitor center, I crept slowly along the 6-mile auto tour loop getting out at the three parkand-stretch areas, the only locations where visitors are allowed to leave their vehicles. Right where they said it would be, a bald eagle sat atop a bare cottonwood regally surveying the landscape. In a blaze, a peregrine falcon streaked past.

As at Gray Lodge Reserve, I had seen many birds including snow geese, but not in concentrations I had hoped. As it turned out, my snow geese encounter happened on a stretch of road between the two refuges. Racing along at 65 miles an hour, I saw a sea of white floating on one of the many ordinary bodies of water by the side of the road. I stopped, grabbed my camera, and waited. I only had to wait a few moments before peaceful silence exploded into an indescribably raucous surge of life.

A glimpse of the wild and abundant bird life that existed in the Central Valley for millennia is just over the hill; well worth the drive and a little bit of patience.

OA & CALENDAR

11 ANIME COMIC-CON Fans of comic books, science fiction, anime and pop culture are encouraged to head to Salinas Anime-Comic Con for family friendly fun. All ages are welcome to dress to impress at the Cosplay (costume) contest that will be held promptly at 2:30pm.

Enjoy vendors of comic books, memorabilia, handmade items and more. Children age 12 and under are free and cameras are allowed.

Salinas Anime-Comic Con will be held Saturday, March 17, 11am-4pm at A.F.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall Salinas, 490 San Benito Cir, Salinas.

For more information, visit tinyurl. com/ybro99hm.

Jerry Knaak

BOOK SIGNING

Fans of horror fiction are invited to meet Jerry Knaak, author of “The Dark Truth,” the first book in the “The Dark Passage Series.” Guests will have the opportunity to meet the author, pick up a copy of the first book in the series and get it signed before the next book is published in April.

Meet the Author Saturday, March 17, 2-4pm at Barnes & Noble, 6825 Camino Arroyo, Gilroy. For more information, visit jerryknaakauthor. wordpress.com.

EVENTS LIVE MUSIC Check out Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained (NVNG) and Levi Jack at GVA Cafe.

NVNG will be performing original music at their first show with new keyboardist Dave Rensin and Levi Jack will be bringing their original rock music to the stage Friday, March 16, 8:45-10pm at GVA Cafe Grinds Vines Automobilia, 17400 Monterey Road, Suite B. For more information, visit gvacafe.tumblr. com/.

CHICAGO BLUES Experience Chris James and Patrick Rynn at The Longhouse Bar with special guests June Core and Rome Yamilov.. This duo proudly dedicates their musical collaboration to the high-energy sound of real, unadulterated Chicago Blues and have toured the world playing behind some of the greatest Blues legends in the field. Spend Saint Patrick’s Day wearing green and enjoying the blues Saturday, March 17, 8pm-midnight at The Longhouse Bar, 8195 Monterey St, Gilroy.

For more information, visit chrisjamesandpatrickrynn.com.

FUR BALL Enjoy an evening of fun, learning and great food and drinks at Pet Friends’ FIfth Annual Fur Ball Dinner & Auction. Help Pet Friends NonProfit Pet Rescue & Adoption of

LIBRARY STORYTIME Children from infants to 8-years-old and their caregivers are invited to Storytime at the Library. Guests will enjoy listening to stories, singing songs, learning rhymes and doing other fun activities. Storytime at the Library is presented in English at two sessions every Wednesday, 10-11am or 11am-noon, and Bilingual Storytime is presented every Monday, 3-4pm at San Benito Free Library, 470 Fifth St, Hollister. Admission is free.

For more information, call 831.636.4107.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Registration is open for the Children’s Discovery Museum’s Summer of Service. This awardwinning program connects teens in grades 7-10 with volunteer opportunities with an emphasis on service and responsibility. Teens have the option to select from five focus areas including community outreach, early childhood education, the environment, leadership development and more during six separate oneweek sessions. Teens can sign up for one, two or all six weeks.

This program runs from June 25-August 3, Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. For more information or to register, visit tinyurl.com/yc69hmxl.

MARCH 16, 2018

a-thon 2018. This Spring Baby Season fundraiser is open to bowlers of all ages and skill levels, participants don’t have to be great bowlers to win.

Registration is required, teams must be a minimum of two members, prizes awarded for top three fund raisers. Join the FUNdraising bowling fun Sunday, March 18, 12:30-3pm at Morgan Hill Bowl, 650 Tennant Station, Morgan Hill.

For information and registration, visit tinyurl.com/ydyyfzta.

CRAB FEED Eat up! Come to a fun night of all-you-can eat crab and a raffle drawing at the Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) Annual Crab Feed. Enjoy crab, pasta, salad and garlic bread with all proceeds benefiting OFP. This non-profit organization matches disabled veterans, adults and children with rescued dogs and trains them together. Head to the Crab Feed Saturday, March 17, 6-9pm at Old City Hall, 7400 Monterey St, Gilroy. For tickets and more information, visit operationfreedompaws.org.

Hollister continue the important cause of pet rescue awareness and its daily efforts of rescuing homeless companion pets and providing them with a place to live until their “fur-ever” home becomes available. Mix and mingle with other passionate animal lovers and support animal rescue while enjoying a jazzy cocktail hour, no-host full bar, entertainment, full dinner buffet and more Saturday, March 24, 6-10pm at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, 3825 Union Rd, Hollister.

For tickets and more information, visit tinyurl.com/y7fdvx2j.

13

191 San Felipe Road, Suite P • Hollister

FREE FRENCH FRIES

WITH PURCHASE OF BURGER AND DRINK HURRY, OFFER ENDS MARCH 31

MARCH 16, 2018

Help Local Businesses

14

Succeed You’ll be working out of our Gilroy office.

Send cover letter and resume to: metronews.bamboohr.com/jobs

We’re hiring highly motivated and bright account executives to develop relationships with local merchants, understand their business goals and present cost-effective print, digital, social media and agency solutions.

8401 Church Street cafe152burgerco.com 408.767.2868

Saving a Life from a potential catastrophe

EVERY 10 MINUTES

I live

alone but I’m never alone.

I have Life Alert . ®

One press of a button sends help fast, 24/7, for: medical • fall • fire • invasion • CO gas emergencies even when you can’t reach a phone.

No landline? No problem!

For a FREE brochure call:

1-866-291-6130

AR AND FRED POINTER

6 Then came the free senior luncheon, which happens the first Wednesday of every month at the Grange, in which Fred and AR preside over the kitchen, preparing meals and providing an opportunity for social interaction for people who otherwise don’t get out much. On top of that, the Pointers still work through their church and the Salvation Army in serving the homeless free meals, and they assist another food provider in bringing hot meals to Aromas residents who can’t leave their homes.

“Her drive, her energy, her contacts,” said NHN’s Janet Martinez of AR. “She’s the backbone making all this happen.”

“My husband and I joke all the time,” said Gail Mutoza, “it just wouldn’t be Aromas without AR. It would just be ‘-Omas.’”

Through it all, AR knows something about the ugly impulse to judge those looking for help. She remembers a moment years ago at another free food giveaway in which a woman drove up in an expensive car with two welldressed young children.

“I thought, ‘What are they doing here, picking up free food?’” But then she learned the woman’s story.

Her husband had left her, she has lost her home and was asking neighbors to allow her children to sleep on their couch.

“And I thought, ‘Shame on me,’” said AR. “Yes, it’s a nice car, but she’s living in it. It was a horrible situation and you can just never judge a book by its cover.” Looking over to her stalwart husband, she added, “When you have enough, and obviously we have enough, we have just taken the attitude that it’s time to build a longer table.”

‘Murder, Mystery & Treasure @ the Pirates Pillagin’ Tavern’ A benefit for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Saturday, March 24, doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Aromas Community Grange, 400 Rose Ave., Aromas $35, dinner and a play; $25, play only.

For more information, go to bpt.me/3322827

USATF Certified 10K Run v 5K Run|Stroller|Walk v Kids’ 2K v Senior 2K

Sunday, March 25, 2018 Live Oak High School, Morgan Hill, CA v v v v v v

Country setting - flat and fast on paved roads 2K events on high school track Chip timing with prizes for top finishers Medals for age group winners and Kids’ 2K Bonus baby-tees for stroller riders T-shirts and Jamba Juice smoothies REGISTER by March 15 for best discount v Discounted registration through March 24 v Family and group rates

www.WildflowerRun.org Proceeds provide scholarships for women and girls

Give a little

TENDERNESS

®

Save 75%* on Omaha Steaks

The Family Gourmet Buffet 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)

4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets OS Seasoning Packet (.33 oz.)

51689MTX $ $199.90* separately Combo Price

Plus, get 4 more Burgers and 4 more Kielbasa

FREE!

4999

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2 51689 pkgs. Your 4 free burgers and 4 free kielbasa will be sent to each shipping address that includes 51689. Standard S&H will be added per address. Flat rate shipping and reward cards and codes cannot be used with this offer. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/28/18. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Visit omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. ©2017 OCG | Omaha Steaks, Inc. | 17M1957

1-844-477-2789 ask for 51689MTX www.OmahaSteaks.com/cook81

MARCH 16, 2018

for Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

“She’s just unstoppable.”

Aromas is a community situated in the fold where the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Gabilan Range meet. That means it’s hilly terrain and many locals live in areas that, though not remote, can seem isolated and hidden. In such communities, people in need can be hidden as well.

When the Pointers first moved to Aromas from Watsonville more than 20 years ago, they considered it “the sticks.” “It seemed like it took forever to get out here,” laughed Fred, a retired railroad connector/ brakeman. AR knew something of the nooks and crannies of Aromas because she worked as a real estate agent in the area. But their considerable charitable work was oriented toward Watsonville—until that moment outside the post office.

Through Second Harvest, the Pointers quickly set up the free food distribution at the Aromas Grange.

Such food distributions had taken place in Aromas before, they were told, but they attracted very few people. The newly christened Neighbors Helping Neighbors organization spread the word through the Grange and AR— her unusual name is not initials, but a shorthand for her given name Ardel— quickly moved to get the group its 501(c)3 non-profit status (According to tax records, NHN took in just shy of $84,000 in revenues in 2016).

The group worked to get the word out to people in need—elderly, disabled, living alone. Mindful of people’s reluctance to show up in public to receive charity, AR set up the distribution to make it as easy as possible. Other than some demographic information for record-keeping, no questions are asked. Volunteer workers are kept to a minimum to prevent a community gauntlet that recipients would have to negotiate.

There’s an in-one-door-out-another set-up to the event, which takes place the first and third Tuesday of every month. These days, the distribution attracts about 70 people on average, which, the Pointers calculate, means between 200 and 300 people are getting fed in the community.

“That’s why she’s able to get so many people to respond,” said board member Julia Alonzo of AR Pointer, “because she is always so understanding about where each and every person is coming from.”

15

WINE

The taste of Passport

TOP TASTE No more wondering which are the best wines to try during Santa Clara Valley 2018 Passport, through through March 31, 2018.

Where to go during local wine month

MARCH 16, 2018

By LAURA NESS

16

A

t Aver Family Vineyards, experience a seated Wine and Chocolate Tasting with winemaker, John Aver. Learn about The Aver Family story while tasting delicious Rhone wines paired perfectly with chocolates. Contact carolyn@averfamilyvineyards. com to sign up for the WSCV Passport Holders’ tastings, held at 12:30pm on each weekend in March.

Church Creek Cellars is open the third weekend during March and will pour a selection of its estate wines.

Clos la Chance Passport holders will enjoy tasting five wines during March, with live music on Sundays.

Visit Creekview Vineyards on March 17, 18, 24 and 25 for Passport tasting. Roxanne’s Biscotti will

be providing samples on March 17-18, paired with several wines.

EmmaLily is open the third weekend and focuses on Bordeaux varieties that are barrel-aged for up to 34 months to soften tannins.

Most of its wines are bottled in large format bottles, making them ideal for further aging and big parties!

Fernwood Cellars, open the third weekend in March, offers 20 percent off a mixed 6-pack, exclusive of their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon “O.” We bid a hearty welcome to Heller Winery, set to open in San Martin on March 17 and 18. They plan to be open the third weekend of each month—pouring its 2014 Estate Merlot and 2014 Estate Cabernet and a white rhone.

Kirigin Cellars will feature a Taco Truck every Sunday. And, it’ll be whipping up Vino de Mocca Sundaes, too.

Lion Ranch, open every weekend, will feature their 2016 Cuvée Blanc, a Double Gold medal winner at the 2018 SF Chronicle, 2016 Grenache Blanc (Bronze medal winner), and 2015 Two Lions, a Grenache based blend and Silver medalist.

Martin Ranch will be open March 15, 16 and 17 for Passport, pouring following by JD Hurley and Thérèse Vineyards.

Morgan Hill Cellars is open Tuesday through Sundays, and will have food and music by the 4 of Hearts Band on March 17.

Sarah’s Vineyard will feature the following wines for Passport: 2014 Chardonnay, 2015 Pinot Noir, and a 2013 Estate Grenache.

Satori Cellars offers Passport holders a “taste of enlightenment” at their open-air cabana, and will feature music on select dates during March.

Seeker Vineyards welcomes you to enjoy their wines and live music on Saturdays, March 17: with music by Just Picked Bluegrass and other live music on March 24 and 31.

Solis will offer Passport holders special pricing on their 2013 Estate Merlot, $120/case.

Stefania, open the third weekend in March, will be pouring the 2015 Viognier, 2014 Syrah (Gold medal winner) and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Crimson Clover Vineyard.

Sunlit Oaks presents live music every weekend with free picnic baskets for Passport holders.

At The Stomping Ground in Gilroy, four wineries are now pouring, including Alara Cellars, Jason-Stephens, Calerrain and J Winston.

• Experience a food truck and live music pairing, Saturdays, March 17: Gold Rush Eatery Food Truck & Acoustic Madness, March 24: Tacos El Gordito Truck & Band, March 31: Sushi Akita Food Truck & Matt Masih Trio.

For information, visit santaclarawines.com/passport.html.

Don’t Wait! ... Call “PAGE” Today!

OPEN SUNDAY 1-4

9655 NEW AVE, GILROY 79 ACRE ESTATE just waiting for you to come enjoy country quiet. 2,850 square foot home, 70 acres of prime farm land with a 900+ gallon per minute well, facilities for 19+ horses, 2 large steel buildings, office, scales and a fourplex.

THE HOLLISTER PROJECT is a total of 66 acres immediately adjacent to the city limits. You could do 1 acre ranchettes today or wait to be annexed to the city to do a mixed zoning. Adjacent to the Hwy 25 Eastside Bypass.

Sellers are open to an option or seller carry.

$4,999,999

$4,999,994

33 ACRES OF PRIME FARM LAND with good water and easy access. Great location between Morgan Hill and Gilroy with easy access to Hwy 101. Just 40 minutes to Salinas.

Currently planted to corn.

Seller will consider carrying the financing. $1,388,883

D SOL

D SOL

CHECK YOUR LOCAL PAPER & INTERNET FOR SPECIFIC ADDRESSES

$1,249,000

PERFECT FIRST HOME or investment. This unit is in the very back, private, corner of the complex and it has just been refurbished with new paint, mini blinds, light fixtures, dishwasher, carpet and vinyl. Move in condition. $299,992

40 ACRES for your private estate or personal retreat.

Solitude and star gazing are just the beginning of what you can enjoy from this ridge above the valley floor. The views are something to behold and perfect for you to plan your home around Mother Nature’s art. $298,892

D SOL

WHETHER YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING OR LISTING....

DON’T WAIT! CALL PAGE TODAY!

1932 SPANISH BUNGALOW ON 1/3 ACRE in the country just waiting for your imagination and enthusiasm.

Absolutely original (no renovations or refurbishments).

Character and charm in need of tender loving care. Wait until you see the main bath$274,947 room.

D SOL

408.857.6075 www.pagewelton.com pagewelton@coldwellbanker.com

219 ACRES on the edge of Panoche Valley. If you are looking for a weekend get away you may have found it.

Hunting, deer or birds? Only an hour from Hollister or Los Banos. Some level along the valley floor; some elevated with great views. $149,941

D SOL

18 ACRES OF FARM LAND with two very nice homes, three large barns and several out buildings. 12 acres are being farmed with two wells.

The two homes are two of the nicest around. The barns have character and charm and might be used for several different things. Just minutes to Costco and Walmart. $1,498,894

11 ACRE EQUESTRIAN ESTATE: Two homes, an 18 stall barn, a hay barn, an arena, a round pen and several turn out fields with shelters.

Formal or family comforts.

Entertain around the pool and enjoy the views. Just 3 minutes to town and about 40 minutes to Monterey or San Jose. $1,499,994

D SOL

17+ ACRES JUST SOUTH OF GILROY. Currently in conventionally farmed row crops. Good soil. Good, newer well and water. Electricity and telephone. County paved road, as well as, freeway frontage. Near Gavilan College, new developments and new schools. $999,990

80 ACRES with beautiful views out over the valley and Chesboro Lake. On a clear day you can see for miles.

Commute to San Jose on the back roads and stay out of traffic. 1 or 2 wells on the back side of El Toro Mountain.

8 ACRES of almost all level land with a seasonal creek running along the southern property line.The flag lot allows privacy. Great location just a short distance from the Outlets, the coffee shop and the freeway. Equal distance to San Jose or Monterey. $599,995

25 ACRES WITH POTENTIAL Newly surveyed parcel with a well and 5 acre zoning.

Beautiful rock out-croppings and majestic oak trees. Just a short distance from the historic downtown.

Perfect for a private estate or a small subdivision. Equal distance between San Jose and Monterey. $474,947

D SOL

$874,947

D SOL

CUTE AND COMFY. Just right for one or two.The two bedroom with a nice living room and a great kitchen.

Neat and clean. Located in one of the best parks in the county and is convenient to $39,930 $129,921 most everything.

40 ACRES FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD. Whether you are a star gazer looking for the dark of night or a hunter you will find these 40 acres perfect to escape from the noise of every day life.

D SOL

To buy, sell or invest in Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister, San Juan Bautista or San Benito County, call...

950 Tennant Station Morgan Hill

MARCH 16, 2018

Page Welton

DRE #: 00700221

D SOL

SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018 SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2018 1 - 4PM

D SOL

50+ BEAUTIFUL ACRES for your dream estate. Located on the west side of Hollister for great views out over the San Juan Valley and Fremont’s Peak. Excellent well shared with the neighboring parcel.

Seller may be willing to carry the financing for five years. $649,946

97 ACRES OF PRIME ROW CROP. Good soil, good water and a great Mediterranean climate. Great location for shiping in any direction. Currently farmed conventional. Large barn-workshop and equipment yard. Williamson Act Taxes in place. $2,500,000

OPEN HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA

20 ACRES just north of Gilroy by the hospital. Just what you have been looking for with a small ranch house that has a basement, a pool and character. Good soil and good water make for good farming. Excellent investment property.

40 ACRES at the Old Summit Ranch is half way between Los Banos and Gilroy. Almost immediately adjacent to exceptional state and county parks. One half shared well, with a pump and electricity.

Within a gated community.

Beautiful views $699,996

D SOL

FOUR PARCELS - 78.9 acres.

Several dwellings, big old barn, farm lease and Bill Board Income equal $6,000 per month. Rural Residential 5 Acre Zoning. Huge potential for the right buyers. Stop and think about the uses in the area and then check with the County. $3,650,000

17

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT FOR RENT Bellagio Villas 2 Bedroom apartments starting at $1,995. Pool. Park like setting. Contemporary landscaping.

1129 Monte Bello Drive, Gilroy, CA 95020. Apply online: bellagiovillas.eprodesse.com 408.847.2328.

HOME RENTALS IN HOLLISTER 3/2 2/2.5 4/6

APARTMENT RENTALS:

HOLLISTER

INDUSTRIAL LAND 3.5 Acres for Sale Lease or Build to Suit IndustrIal shops For lease

northpointebusinesscenter.com

831.637.4297

$1,950 $2,000 $3,500

2/1

$1,250

330 Tres Pinos Rd. Ste. B-1

831.637.7337

HOME & GARDEN HANDYMAN

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

HAULING

Hauling, yard work tree & brush trimming, fence repair, vacant home & garage cleaning FREE ESTIMATES Ruben 408.310.0078

Humberto Montes Tree Services

South County Cleanup, Demo & Hauling

Pacheco Handyman & Gardening Services Valve repair, tree cutting, concrete, plumbing, drywall, demolition, roofing, cleanups, sod, window repair & stucco.

Juan 408.665.2944

Adrian Urenda Gardening Service Complete Maintenance

• Hauling • Landscaping • Lawns • Yard clean-up • Aeration • Garden maint.

408.394.6824 Lic: #7921 Fully Insured

• Landscaping • Plants • Sod & seeding • Sprinklers • Hauling & yard • Lawns cleanups

Lic. #1397 Call 408.847.4337 Cell 408.314.5920

LOW RATES FREE ESTIMATES CLEAN UP-Yards, homes, properties, rentals & garages DEMO-Bathrooms, kitchens, decks, patios, small buildings HAULING-Garbage, yard waste, rock, sand & mulch POWER WASHING

408.430.3560

MARCH 16, 2018

FENCES

Lic. #606051

HOME SERVICES

CONCRETE

Janet’s House Cleaning

J. Casalegno Concrete

20 Years Experience of Cleaning Homes •Deep Cleaning • Dependable • Excellent Referrals Covering Hollister & Gilroy

831.245-6204

$2,500

2 Bed/1 Bath Apartment

$1,600

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE 600 sq. ft.

$800

STORAGE UNITS Margaret L. Pidd, BROKER

Lic# 429006

18

Country Home 4 Bed/2 Bath

127 sq. ft. to 790 sq. ft.

www.pivetticompany.com

Soares Lumber P.S.G. Fencing Redwood Fencing Chain Link • Decks Arbors • Hole Drilling 408.842.0260 831.726.2002

RENTAL

A+ rated BBB company 35+ years experience • Driveways • Patios • Walkways • Stamped Concrete 408.279.8036 Lic# 381833 Bonded & Insured

Professional Property Mgmt. & Sales

339 Seventh St., Ste. B, Hollister

CALL 831.637.9273

www.professionalpropertymgt.com

FINISHED LOTS Land Sales Built-to-Suit For Sale or Lease Select Lots Have Airport Access Financing available airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802

HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES For more information, call

831.637.1691

GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing.

Donate it to the Humane Society.

You’ll be supporting the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization, seeking a humane world for people and animals alike.

Call 1-877-421-9605 ACREAGE LOTS

Sunset Hills Development. 8 parcel subdivision located in the scenic Santa Ana Valley area of Hollister. Parcels range from 4.3 to 4.9 acres each. Prices ranging from $375,000-$410,000.

Outstanding views of the neighboring mountains and twinkle lights of the valley. Conveniently located in San Benito’s north county, making it a commuterfriendly destination and ideal spot to build your dream home!

UNPARALLELED LOCATION!

Exceptional 6 acre lot with the highest elevation within the city limits of San Juan Bautista. 360 degree views of the nearby hills, farm land and city lights can be enjoyed from this exceptional location.

Property has city sewer and water available near by.

Offered at $449,000.

Call Augie or Calla

CalBRE #01821492

831.524.5400 office: 831.637.8400 www.bertao.com augie@bertao.com

MARCH 16, 2018

Additional adjacent 4 acre parcel with beautiful views. Offered at $299,000.

19