SBM1845

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

MOM’S GIFT P8 CANYON DE CHELLY P16

A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance

FINTAGE 408 P17

Breaking Away Hollister’s Zach Freitas dreams big

191 San Felipe Road, Suite P • Hollister

Art & Play in the Pre & K! November 14, 9:30 am Parents of toddler, preschool, and kindergarten age children are invited to come for a morning of activities and fun experiences with your child(ren) at the preschool/kindergarten.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

For information contact: benna.dimig@mountmadonnaschool.org or 408-846-4042

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Located in Historic Downtown Gilroy • Steaks, Seafood & Pasta • Beautiful Ambiance • Patio Dining • Early Bird Dining • Sunday Champagne Brunch 8am • Full Service Bar / Happy Hour 3-6pm • Early Bird Dinner Specials 4-6pm • Ask About Our Banquet & Catering Services Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Line Dancing Baby Showers, Receptions Wed • 7pm FREE Lessons Open daily 8:00am for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sunday Brunch 8am-1pm

408-847-2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org

7400 Monterey Street, Gilroy • 408.842.3454 www.oldcityhall.biz

Modern Medicine, Compassionate Care

Robert Eliason

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TENDER ESCAPE Hollister native is working on a new album for 2019.

MAGAZINE

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

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Publisher

Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Editor

Debra Eskinazi Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

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Cover Story

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

Kelly Been, Carrie Bonato, Scott Harvey, Eileen Katis Design Director

Kara Brown Production Operations Manager

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Crush

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Ribbon Cutting at 12:00 noon Healthy Cooking Demonstration Meet our Endocrinologists and Staff

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

Katherine Manlapaz

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Theater

16 Getting Out 17 Wine

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

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19 Real Estate

408.842.9404

930 Sunnyslope Road, Ste. A-2 Hollister

www.hazelhawkins.com/diabetes-services

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

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Cover photograph by:

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NOVEMBER 9, 2018

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EVOLVING STYLE After earlier this summer recording a five-song EP at EastWest Studios—Hollister-born Zach Freitas is keeping his eyes open for his next big jump.

The opti-

nihilist Singer/songwriter Zack Freitas weaves through the dark and the light in his journey to musical success

BY WALLACE BAINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT ELIASON

Z

ack Freitas has coined a term. You might in fact see it one day as one of his album titles, perhaps of a greatest-hits collection somewhere around 2030.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

Call him an “opti-nihilist.”

Sure, it’s an incongruous clash of attitudes about life: high-energy optimism crashing into dark-side nihilism. But that’s the ground you stand on when you’re a 26-year-old aspiring artist, trying to achieve escape velocity from a potential life of addiction while giving personal ambition its due.

“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “You just have to understand the shadows to get there.”

Freitas, the Hollister-born-andraised singer/songwriter, is ready to see what the world has in store for him. After earlier this summer recording a five-song EP at EastWest Studios—the legendary

Sunset Boulevard studio that has hosted many of the industry’s most iconic acts—Freitas is keeping his eyes open for his next big jump.

At the same time, he’s attempting to shake a dependence on the bottle that he knows could sideline his ambitions.

He got a good indication of what he’s up against in late October. On the Friday night before Halloween, he debuted his new release Sweet Oblivion Tastes Like Peaches in a CD release party before a packedhouse crowd at The 18th Barrel in San Juan Bautista. The next night, however, at The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz, where he is not as wellknown, he was disappointed at his tiny audience. The next morning, he said, he woke up crying.

“Yeah, the room kinda cleared out toward the end,” he remembered. “But there were a few people who were really captivated. One guy came up and said his name was Tad. He said, ‘You didn’t get the crowd you deserve.’ Thank you, Tad. I appreciate that.” ➝ 6

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ZACH FREITAS

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PACKED HOUSE Freitas debuted ‘Sweet Oblivion Tastes Like Peaches’ in an Oct. 26 CD release party at The 18th Barrel.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

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gilroydispatch.com

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sanbenito.com

Freitas is at the point in his career where he’s soaking up his influences, and they’re all in evidence in Oblivion—the free-associating fun and raw energy of The Pixies, the introspection of Wilco and REM, and the songwriting fearlessness of Elliott Smith. In fact, Freitas has a particularly strong bond with Smith, the Portland-based singer/songwriter who first rose to mainstream attention when his music was featured on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack in the late 1990s. Smith died in 2003 of what was ruled a suicide, though

that ruling remains controversial.

“He has resonated with me like no one else,” said Freitas of Smith.

“I’ve never been touched so much by someone’s lyricism, his embrace of darkness. I mean, Elliott Smith taught me how to feel music.”

His own sound is an amalgam of the balladeer’s broad strokes, mixed with a rocker’s intensity and a kind alt-country pace that reflects his San Benito upbringing. The new recording reflect Freitas’s best foot forward in his evolving style as a songwriter. Featuring a backing band that includes Pearl Jam’s original drummer Dave ➝ 15

OA &

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE

Sunnyslope Christian Center presents its Christmas Boutique featuring one of a kind shopping, great food and photos with Santa Nov. 10.

OUT & ABOUT

WATSONVILLE

HOLLISTER

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE

AGRICULTURAL SOULFOOT HISTORY JAMS

MT. MADONNA 10K

Enjoy festive fun for the whole family at Sunnyslope Christian Center’s Christmas Boutique. Shop til you drop amidst festive Christmas items, handcrafted goodies, retail merchandise, grab-and-go items and more.

The Christmas Boutique will also feature photographs with Santa Claus and amazing Mexican food.

Saturday, Nov. 10, 9am-3pm at Sunnyslope Christian Center, 1520 Sunnyslope Road. For more information, visit sunnyslopechristiancenter.com or call Stephanie at 831.637.2635.

Celebrate “Thanksgiving on the Farm” with the Agricultural History Project at Second Saturday on the Farm. This free family event features games and activities including wagon rides, tractor driving, wooden cow milking apple tasting and more. Guests are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to help fill the Share Your Holiday Wagon.

Saturday, Nov. 10, 11am-3pm at Agricultural History Project, 2601 East Lake Ave, Watsonville. Visit aghistoryproject.org.

Experience the trail run of a lifetime at the TrailCross Mt. Madonna 10k.

Enjoy the redwoods, Miller estate ruins and a variety of trails. The 10k map adventure course will not be marked and runners will choose from a variety of routes—with a map to locate checkpoints. Runners will also enjoy treats at the finish line. Monday, Nov. 12, 9am-1pm at Mt. Madonna County Park, 7850 Pole Line Road. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/ycxw63x6.

Spend Saturday night with Soulfoot and their excellent brand of classic rock covers and original music. Soulfoot is a four-piece band launched in 2015 that performs rock, funk, blues, pop, jazz and a little country. Enjoy a special night of dancing and rock & roll with Soulfoot Saturday, Nov. 10, 9pm– midnight at Ridgemark Golf Club and Resort, 3800 Airline Highway.

Visit soulfootband.com.

WATSONVILLE

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

HOLLISTER

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THEATER PREVIEW

Kevin Heath

FAMILY DYNAMICS ‘Mom’s Gift’ runs Nov. 16-Dec. 8 at Limelight Actors Theater at Gilroy Center for the Arts.

Remembering mom A complicated affair opens at Limelight By SUSAN L. RIFE

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

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hat Kevin Heath, co-producer of Limelight Actors Theater in Gilroy, calls a “three-dimensional comedy” will close out the 2018 season.

“Mom’s Gift” by Phil Olson offers realistic family dynamics played for comic effect in a convoluted story about what happens when the family matriarch shows up as a ghost at her husband’s birthday party less than a year after her death. The twist: Only her eldest daughter, Kat, can see or hear her.

“The characters are not fluff, not comic book characters,” said Heath, who is directing the show opening Nov. 16. “So the actors have

something to sink their teeth into.

And the director, too, for that matter.”

“The thing I really like about the show is the family is real,” said Heath.

“The father doesn’t get along with his eldest daughter, who has been court-ordered to come spend his birthday with him. The younger daughter works at Hooters, and she’s sort of the apple of Daddy’s eye, clearly the one he’s always doted on. And the older daughter doesn’t like that.”

The dynamics are complicated by Kat’s conviction that her mother’s caregiver, whom Dad has just announced he wants to marry, was also the drunk driver who killed Mom, and a neighbor who has a crush on Kat. And, said Heath, the second act contains a plot twist that no one will see coming.

“In fact, when I read the script for the first time, I actually gasped out loud,” he said.

The show’s cast includes Christy Wait as Mom, Billy Tindall as Dad, Denee Lewis as Kat, Angie Higgins as Brittney, Myra Kaelin as Trish and Tom Shamrell as Kevin. Half the cast members are newcomers to Limelight.

As often happens when Heath is looking for for new shows to produce, he stumbled across the script for “Mom’s Gift” while searching for something else. “That’s an interesting name, that’s an interesting premise,” he thought. “But has this been overdone, the whole ghost thing?”

As it happens, the Tabard Theatre in San Jose was mounting a production of the show, which

Heath saw. Playwright Olson was at the performance the night Heath attended; the men struck up a conversation, and the show made it onto this season’s roster.

“People can identify with everyone up there,” said Heath. “I just felt that these were real people, real characters.

I have a dynamite, strong cast that is bringing these people to life and honoring the script that Phil wrote. This show will wrap up the season with a lot of laughs, maybe get a tear in your eye.”

“Mom’s Gift” by Phil Olson. Nov. 16-Dec. 8 at Limelight Actors Theater, Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St, Gilroy.

Tickets $25, $22 seniors. Call 408.472.3292 or visit limelightactorstheater.com.

Curbside Food Drive November 12-16 Help turn hunger into hope!

Please place nonperishable food items into bags clearly marked “Food Drive” (If raining, use plastic bags.) • Place food next to the curb on your regularly scheduled garbage collection day, during the week of November 12 through November 16th • A Recology truck will pick up your donation and deliver it for distribution to Second Harvest Food Bank.

These items are always in short supply: canned meat & fish • powdered milk • 100% fruit juice • hot & cold cereal • meals in a can • pasta & meat sauce • canned soup & stew All non-perishable food items are truly appreciated.

OF SANTA CLARA AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

DNA ARALC ATNAS FO SEITNUOC OETAM NAS

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O& A CALENDAR

Nick Lovejoy

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

VETERANS DAY

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Enjoy patriotic floats, classic cars, equestrian units, school groups, emergency agencies, marching bands and much more at the 17th annual San Benito County Veterans Day Parade. This year’s parade, sponsored by VFW Post 9242, features San Benito County WWII veterans being honored as grand marshalls. The parade will be held Sunday, Nov. 11, 1:30pm in Downtown Hollister as the finale for Veterans Day activities including a 10am Veterans Benefit Fair, 10:30am banner presentations, an 11am memorial ceremony, and a barbecue lunch at noon. For information, contact Frankie Gallagher at 831.638.6434.

HOLLISTER WEEKLY ART All artists are invited to draw, paint and create

with the Hollister Art League at the ARTspace Annex each Wednesday afternoon. Participants are encouraged to bring along art supplies and a snack and settle in

to enjoy the banter and fun time together. The session is open to all for a $5 drop-in rate payable at the door, no pre-registration is necessary. Join Draw, Paint and Create with the Hollister Art League Wednesday, Nov. 14, 12:30-3pm at ARTspace Annex, 217 Fifth St. For information, contact Margie Minogue at 831.636.0619.

This event is free, open to all and presented by San Benito County Arts Council. Beginners are welcome to the circle to experience danza Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7:308:30pm at ARTspace Annex, 217 Fifth St. Visit sanbenitoarts.org.

AZTEC DANCING All ages are invited to join Calpulli Itzpapalotl Danza Azteca at the Artspace Annex. The Calpulli Aztec dancers are a local arts group promoting, educating and inspiring individuals through pre-Hispanic dances and indigenous culture.

KNITTING GROUP Knitting may lower blood pressure, counter depression and slow the onset of dementia, among other health benefits. Everyone is invited to the San Juan Bautista City Library Knitting Group to knit along with new and old friends.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

Lynn Nixon

ART FESTIVAL

Save the date for the Aromas Hills Artisans Holiday Art Festival. Enjoy hot apple cider and treats by the fire and find that special gift. Be creative at a workshop, watch demonstrations and shop with artists showcasing stained glass, quilting, jewelry, paintings, pottery and sculptures, drawings, fiber art and more. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18, 10am-4pm daily at Aromas Community Grange, 400 Rose Ave, Aromas. Raffle drawing to be held Sunday, Nov. 18, 2pm. Visit aromashillsartisans.com.

Participants can bring a project to work on or take advantage of the drop-in pattern that will be available. Saturday, Nov. 10, 11am-1pm at San Juan Bautista City Library, 801 Second St. For more information, call Rochelle 831.623.4687.

WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office presents its 2018 Women’s Symposium, a free event designed to help women prepare for and gain knowledge about a career in law enforcement. All members of the public interested in a career in law enforcement are invited to attend and speak to the women of the Sheriff’s Office to learn how they have been successful in this career.

Saturday, Nov. 10, 9am-12:30pm at Justice Training Center, 19050 Malaguerra Ave. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/ y9glha2g.

Experience a live blend of folk, country, Latino and pop music as Seeker Vineyard presents singer/songwriter Tish Hinojosa from Austin, Texas.

Hinojosa has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, was featured on “Austin City Limits” and has teamed up with artists including Joan Baez, Booker T. Jones, Dwight Yoakam and more. Sunday, Nov. 11, noon-4pm at Seeker Vineyard, 11755 Turlock Ave, San Martin. $20 donation requested for the artist. To reserve a table, call 949.370.1040.

SECRETS TO MEDITATION Join the Art of Living Foundation for the free meditation and breathing workshop “Secrets to Meditation.” This powerful 60to 90-minute session will give attendees the tools to quickly reduce stress and anxiety, find peace within and stay calm and focused. Learn breathing techniques, experience guided meditations, get an introduction to the Art of Living Happiness Program and more. Sunday, Nov. 11, 3:30-4:30pm at 171 W. Edmundson Ave. To register, visit tinyurl.com/yc6z9xgu. For more information, call 408.359.7996.

SAN MARTIN GOAT YOGA Disconnect from day-to-day stress, illness or depression and focus on happy vibes at the original Goat Yoga that started it all. This experience is part yoga, part animal-assisted therapy and completely fun for everyone. Enjoy 30 minutes of Goat Yoga followed by Goat Happy Hour Saturday, Nov. 10, 3-4:30pm at 12660 New Ave. $40 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sfbay. goatyoga.net.

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NOVEMBER 9, 2018

HOLIDAY STROLL Shop, sip and mingle at San Juan Bautista’s annual Holiday Stroll. The historic town will be decorated, downtown shops will remain open late for holiday shopping, and shoppers will enjoy refreshments, music and raffles. Get a start on holiday shopping Saturday, Nov. 10, 4-8pm in downtown San Juan Bautista.

Visit sanjuanbautistaca.com.

MORGAN HILL

VISITING ARTIST

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SPONSORED BY HOLLISTER DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

DOWNTOWN HOLLISTER

Sunday, th November 11 1:30 pm Downtown Hollister

Veterans’ Plaza

10 am to 2 pm, Seventh Street Featuring 2018 Street Festival Winners Best Car Club

This year we are pleased to honor

Trees decorated by local nonprofit groups.

Donated to San Benito County families in need by Bourdet's Christmas Trees

Begins at 5:30 pm San Benito Street

Through the Eyes of a Child presented by PG&E

7:00 pm Veterans’ Memorial Building

$10 per photo (no pet photos please)

Visit downtownhollister.org for a complete list of events

San Benito County WWII Veterans

Christmas Services & Events

as our Grand Marshals

Publishes 2 Dates For One Cost!

December 14 & 21

South Valley Magazine & San Benito Magazine!

Best Deli/ Sandwich Shop

REACH OVER 33,000 HOMES EACH WEEK! Your beautiful full color ad will be inviting to all.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

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Additional Veterans Day activities at the Veterans Memorial Building: 10:00 am Veterans Benefit Fair 10:30 am Banner Presentations 11:00 am Memorial Ceremony 12:00 noon BBQ Lunch

60 4th Street cafe152breadco.com 408.767.2868

Best Burger 5 years in a row

Best Fries 8401 Church Street cafe152burgerco.com 408.767.2055

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! Space reservation deadline is Monday, December 10, 5pm Creative clear deadline is December 11, noon

O& A CALENDAR

11 jam, and then hanging out—to jam. Crēdo Studio is a center for the arts that offers musicians a place to play and has a piano, drum kit and some percussion instruments available for Toast & Jam sessions. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own instruments. All musicians and music lovers are welcome Saturday, Nov. 10, 10am-2pm at Crēdo Studio, 1 Polk St, San Juan Bautista. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/yd8ul5ph.

DIWALI SHOW

Purchase tickets now for the Indian Association of South County’s 24th annual Diwali Show. Celebrate the Panch Tattva–the five elements of earth, wind, fire, water and sky–at the IASC’s biggest party of the year. Guests will be amazed by the talent of children and adults in the community and great food, fun and entertainment. Also enjoy a social hour and dancing. Saturday, Nov. 17, 4:30-11pm at Oakwood School, 105 John Wilson Way, Morgan Hill.

For information and tickets, visit iascinfo.com.

EVENTS

TOAST & JAM All musicians are welcome to head to Crēdo Studio for Toast & Jam. Attendees will enjoy meeting to eat toast and

TAKE A HIKE Join the Open Space Authority for National Take a Hike Day and enjoy a gently paced family-friendly hike through the oak woodlands to witness the beautiful views of the valley.

Choose from a 2-mile round trip hike to the trail’s first overlook or continue along the full Arrowhead Trail Loop and hike about 6 miles round trip. Bring along water to drink and enjoy the outdoors.

Saturday, Nov. 17, 9am-noon at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, 550 Palm Ave, Morgan Hill. To register for this free hike, visit tinyurl.com/ybbeydbu.

HANDMADE BAGS Calling all sewing enthusiasts: Join Family Threads Quilt Shop at its Clam Up (zippered pouches) event. These nesting bags are perfect for storing

BOMBSHELL BULLYS Experience the raw energy of rock & roll and blues hits performed by Bombshell Bullys. Attendees will be entertained and inspired to get up and dance at this high-energy show Saturday, Nov. 17, 9pm-1am at Daisy’s Saloon, 213 Third St, San Juan Bautista. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ ycffdr72.

BIKE PARTY Bicycle riders of all kinds are invited to come together to enjoy the sites and streets of Hollister during Hollister Bike Party’s fifth ride. The ride will be medium paced and is generally three to five miles. All are welcome Saturday, Nov. 24, 3:30pm-4pm at 400 San Benito St, Hollister. Meet at 3:30pm and depart at 4pm.

Visit tinyurl.com/yd2u5r4a.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Join the Hollister Downtown Association at the 28th annual Lights On Celebration. This family-friendly, all day community event features a holiday car display, Dec-A-Tree Contest, food vendors and live entertainment.

The free “Through the Eyes of a Child”-themed parade begins at 5:30pm. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures at 7pm in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Building. Celebrate Saturday, Nov. 24, 9am-7:30pm on San Benito Street, Hollister. For entire lineup of events and more information, visit downtownhollister.org.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

WEEKLY TOURNAMENT Enjoy the weekly Alehouse Cornhole Tournament. Whether it is called Cornhole, Corn Toss, Soft Horseshoes or Bean Bag Toss, this game is fun for everyone.

Tournaments will be held every Tuesday, 7-9pm at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse, 401 McCray St, Unit

B24, Hollister. Sign up with the bartender early on Sundays and Mondays to ensure a place in the tournament and compete for weekly prizes. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y727y7bo.

HOLIDAY COMEDY Head to the theater and enjoy the heartwarming holiday comedy Mom’s Gift, written by Phil Olson, the annual fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research presented

by Limelight Actors Theater. In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Like Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life, she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings. Enjoy door prizes and special surprises along with this wonderful show for the holidays Nov. 16-Dec. 8 at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St, Gilroy. Visit limelightactorstheater.com.

and carrying makeup, sewing supplies, tech gear and more.

Created with double-slide zippers and handy grab tabs, it is easy to open the bags wide, and attached side panels prevent contents from falling out. Learn to create these fun, customizable bags in five sizes Saturday, Nov. 17, 10:30am-3pm at Family Threads Quilt Shop, 107 The Alameda, San Juan Bautista.

Visit familythreadsquiltshop.com.

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Christmas Services & Events Publishes 2 Dates for One Cost!

December 14 & 21

Alexis Winder Financial Advisor

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

615 San Benito St. Suite C Hollister 831-634-0694

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Diana Brenneise Financial Advisor 8060 Santa Teresa Blvd.

Suite 140 Gilroy 408-846-7748

South Valley Magazine & San Benito Magazine!

REACH OVER 33,000 HOMES EACH WEEK! Your beautiful full color ad will be inviting to all.

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! Space reservation deadline is Monday, December 10, 5pm Creative clear deadline is December 11, noon

ZACH FREITAS

6 dreamy and sexy ballad Tastes Like Peaches, which he calls with a mix of brashness and irony, “the feelgood hit of next summer.”

The song was inspired by a line he caught in the 1993 Quentin Tarantino film True Romance.

“It really surprised me, what I came out with,” he said of writing the song. The song opens with a fuzzy, barely audible voice-over (a “voice-under”?) riding along a shimmery guitar line before opening into a relaxing and reflective front-porch meditation on poison apples and the taste of peaches.

‘It means something to me and it gives me purpose’ “There’s something traditionalist about it,” he said of the song. “It’s as if Elliott Smith wrote a happy song for his girlfriend.”

To make Tastes Like Peaches the song of the summer of 2019, Freitas is going to need a break or two. His priority now is to turn the five-song Oblivion EP into a full album, to essentially create another half dozen songs or so to complete a full album. If he has to move to Los Angeles to fulfill his goals, he may do that. But right now, he’s focused on his songs, and in pushing his success to this point to another level. All the while, he holding fast to a plan to stay away from habits that will short-circuit his chances.

“I’m doing this because I love it,” he said. “It means something to me and it gives me purpose. And I’m confident it’ll mean something to someone else too.”

As for his struggles with the darkness that eventually consumed his musical hero Smith, he said, “There’s a radical transformation going on with me. I think I’m someone worth saving now.”

INDEPENDENT CARRIER CONTRACTORS WANTED NewSV Media is accepting applications for independent contractors to deliver the paper in and around the Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister areas. If you are looking for extra money and have a reliable and insured vehicle with a valid drivers license, send resume to cmckee@newsvmedia.com Experience helpful but not required.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

Krusen and bassist Adam Kury of Candlebox, Oblivion was recorded in the same room where albums by REM and Wilco were made.

“I remember being in the isolation booth,” remembered Freitas, “and I’m thinking, Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco) stood here, and Michael Stipe (of REM) too! He’s my spirit animal.”

His “opti-nihilist” approach is reflected in the juxtaposition of two songs on the new album, Sunny Day and Sweet Oblivion. The former is a loping mid-tempo rocker, powered by Freitas’s earnest, on-theborder-of-screaming vocal style that reflects a sense of possibility. Sweet Oblivion, by contrast, is tender and tuneful, but is more a meditation on failure, struggle, and escaping the stresses of contemporary life.

Struggle is something that Freitas uses to fuel his songwriting.

He freely admits to having survived a rocky childhood in Hollister that involved a sense of anxiety and depression that drove him to alcohol abuse. He was uncertain on whether he should call himself an alcoholic, but “I do feel enslaved to it,” he said. On the day we talked, Freitas had been nine days without a drink, and was working to separating his creativity from his drinking. “I was so used to drinking while writing music,” he said.

Enjoying the tail wind of confidence that comes from a nicely made new recording, Freitas is taking steps to shake off bad habits when it comes to alcohol. He’s moved away from Hollister, where he’s lived most of his life, and is now living in Pacific Grove, busking on the streets of Cannery Row to get his material honed. He’s also exploring other means to support the foundation of a productive life and career, from reading deeply about myth and meaning, to investigating the promising research on “micro-dosing,” taking small doses of psychedelic drugs to combat addiction.

“Hollister is a place I respect and it’s done a lot for me,” he said.

“But it’s hard being an artist there.

It obviously helped me to develop, but now’s the time to break away.”

Breaking away may involve moving out of the area exactly. Freitas still dreams big, and many of his dreams are centered on the last song on the Oblivion EP, the

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GETTING OUT

Nature in perfect order

Ron Erskine

CAPTIVATING VIEWS Barely 1,000 feet deep and a half-mile across,

the canyon radiates a quiet and mysterious intimacy.

Canyon de Chelly

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

By RON ERSKINE

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W

here can one make a wiser decision than in a conversation with a decades-old friend—a conversation, naturally, fueled by a cocktail or two? It was in just such a setting that my friend Charlie and I decided we should take a fall road trip through the Rocky Mountain west.

We are not college kids or 20-something gadabouts. Hair, if we have it, is gray, and our conversations are often filled with talk of which body part hurts the most. Never mind. We folded down the backseat of my car, loaded it with gear and

hit the road. Somewhere in Arizona, Charlie turned to me and remarked that our fathers, when they were on the verge of 70, would never have undertaken such a journey.

We had a vague route in mind: east to Santa Fe, then north through Colorado to Wyoming, finally turning west to explore Idaho before heading home— essentially a counterclockwise loop around Utah. As for particulars, each day’s itinerary was a whim decided over morning coffee.

Back home after three weeks on the road, here is our scorecard: 4,200 miles; eight of the 11 western states; 10 crossings of

the continental divide. And Charlie and I are still speaking.

Once we reached Santa Fe, we would travel slowly north through the Rockies and enjoy the changing color. But we decided to blaze through Southern California and Arizona until we were tempted by Canyon de Chelly National Monument, barely an hour out of our way.

The Grand Canyon is a mile deep and many miles wide. Its rough and tumble immensity staggers the imagination. Canyon de Chelly is different. Barely 1,000 feet deep and a half-mile across, the canyon is comprehensible and radiates a quiet and mysterious intimacy. The red sandstone walls look artfully polished in places.

All is in perfect order, as if Mother Nature and the Navajo who live there are expecting company.

Canyon de Chelly lies within the Navajo Nation but is managed in partnership with the National Park Service. There are many overlooks along the rim, but in order to enter the canyon, visitors must be accompanied by Navajo people through various guide services.

With one exception.

Early one morning, Charlie and I stepped onto the White House Ruins Trail, the sole access point to the valley floor that one can visit unaccompanied. The lovely trail (3 miles round trip) descends the south rim over smoothly sculpted sandstone before crossing the sandy valley floor. Beyond the cottonwoods, we looked up at the famous White House Ruins, one of the canyon’s many cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans (fka Anasazi) prior to the arrival of the Navajo.

Standing beneath these abandoned dwellings ignites the imagination. What sort of bustle would one have seen here a thousand years ago?

It’s a little out of the way, but from the rim or the valley floor, Canyon de Chelly captivates.

WINE

Submitted

WINE DUO FINtage 408 is a joint winemaking collaboration between the San Jose Sharks and Clos LaChance.

FINtage, anyone?

Sharks and Clos LaChance join up

By LAURA NESS

T

were beer drinkers, others, wine connoisseurs. It was pretty cool.”

After three rounds of blending, they arrived at a “Goldilocks” chardonnay with just the right amount of oak, and a cabernet drinkable at the Tank without a honking steak.

LB Steak on Santana Row is holding a FINtage 408 three-course winepaired dinner for $65 on Friday, Nov. 16, 4-11pm. First course is sautéed white gulf prawns with garlic, cayenne and frisée paired with FINtage 408 chardonnay, followed by prime rib au jus with crispy fingerling potatoes and broccolini with FINtage 408 cabernet sauvignon. Pumpkin toffee cheesecake with crème chantilly round out the meal. Reservations are recommended. All prices exclude tax and gratuity.

Have some teal with your next meal.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

hink about the Sharks.

Think about what you call a wine’s birth year.

FINtage: get it? Ok, bad pun, but clever, no?

FINtage 408 is a joint winemaking collaboration between the San Jose Sharks hockey team and Clos LaChance.

Winemaker Jason Robideaux says it all came about when Clos founder Bill Murphy met some Sharks players on the golf course and they got to chatting about a joint venture.

They decided to create two wines, a chardonnay and a cabernet, both $20—now available at the tasting room, Safeway, the Shark Tank and many other outlets.

“The Sharks team was very involved.” says Robideaux. “Some

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Showcase, REALTORS ®

Featured Agent

NEW LISTING

Huge Private Backyard with Room for Pool!

DEL CURTO BUILT ~ 4Br/2.5Ba w/custom touches: wood blind window coverings, walk-in closets, water softener, reverse osmosis & more.

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Must See to Appreciate!

AN ATTENTION TO DETAIL ~ Beautiful 3Br/2Ba in Ponderosa Park. Chef’s dream kitchen, new flooring throughout, new interior & exterior paint. Prime loc close to many tech companies.

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Spectacular Solar Powered Home GORGEOUS ~ 4Br/2.5Ba on large lot in cul-desac. Spacious LR for entertaining w/FP. Kitchen (open to dinette area & family room) w/granite, S/S & dining bar. Large master w/2 walk-ins.

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Deanna Lopez

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Results that Move You Deanna’s interest in Real Estate was sparked during her first experience buying her own home. Since then she’s combined hard work, organization and persistence to develop an admirable program that results in a smooth and efficient transaction.

Negotiating the highest possible price for a listing is her favorite part of working with sellers. And buyers will appreciate her “handsͲon” approach. Deanna is committed to being with her clients every step of the way!

In her spare time, you’ll find Deanna working out and spending time with her husband and two children.

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

18

WOW POWER! 3302 S.F. 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath.

EZ care laminated floors downstairs, LR/DR combo, soaring ceilings in family room kitchen that has been remodeled, w/ custom cabinets, granite counter tops, all new stainless steel Kenmore Elite appliances, freestanding gas range w/self cleaning oven, warming drawer, an island that seats the entire family! The fireplace has a gas insert that can heat the entire home with exception of Master bedroom which is downstairs with fireplace, lots of closet space. Downstairs includes 1/2 bath, and laundry room. ALL BEDROOMS ARE BIG! The loft upstairs, that overlooks the kitchen & family room gives you a place to read, play games or quiet retreat. The yard is manicured plus family orchard. Big 3 car garage, near City Park.

Must see to appreciate!

List Price: $658,800

SPACIOUS LIVING

Open Sun 1-4pm Charlene King (831) 801-5464

Step Inside and Be Pleasantly Surprised YOU CAN KEEP LOOKING ~ But this 3Br/2Ba is what you’ve been looking for— freshly updated & nothing left to do. Beautiful front & back yards. This home won’t last long!

Don’t Let This One Go By! $499,999 Hollister (831) 648-7271

THIS FAMILY HOME HAS

Featured Property

Welcome to Paradise Affordable in San Jose SPANISH COVE ~ Barely 2 years new 3Br/2Ba. Nice open floor plan, granite kitchen counters, beautiful laminate flooring. Upgraded/ oversized awning. Big outside storage shed.

Move-In Ready! Call Today! $315,000 San Jose (831) 245-0321

1691 MIMOSA OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1-4 PM

Fabulous 4Br/2.5Ba on a corner lot w/many custom features like no other! Backyard is all yours to create—a great space for a pool & outdoor kitchen w/easy access for storage.

PLENTY OF ROOM FOR AN RV & POSSIBILITY OF AN ADDITIONAL LIVING UNIT. Owner has taken complete pride of ownership w/the workmanship starting on the outside w/added stone & awnings/metal accents at exterior windows & custom door w/separate glass panel to open on warm evenings. Inviting & light living room w/high ceilings & easy-to-care-for tile flooring. Kitchen has granite counters, S/S appliances & plenty of counter space for the chef in the family. The Master Suite is an owner’s dream! Kitchen & baths have upgraded sinks, fixtures & lighting..

500 Chardonnay Way, Hollister Offered for $625,000

Great 5 bedroom home with 4100+ square feet. Fresh interior paint.

Newly refinished hardwood floors. Bedroom and full bath on main level. Master suite with separate retreat. Elegant formal living room/ dining room area. Large family room with fireplace and built-in cabinetry. Spacious kitchen with center island will delight any gourmet cook. 3 car garage. Large backyard area. Within walking distance to high school, middle and elementary schools.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11 • 2PM-4PM

Country Club living with acceptional views! Located right on the fairway. 2550 sq ft, single level home with 3 bedrooms/3 baths on 10,000 sf lot. Fresh exterior paint & new exterior light fixtures. New flooring. Formal LR and, DR. Large FR with fireplace. Spacious and private master suite with large sitting area overlooking the fairway.

Oversized garage with seperate roll up door for golf cart.

Offered at $679,500

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. Private wells and views of the city lights & neighboring mountains.

Parcels Range from $410,000 to $425,000

HOLIDAY SALE • $50,000 PRICE REDUCTION

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.

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330 Tres Pinos Road, Suite D1, Hollister (831) 245Ͳ0321 1544 Constitution Blvd, Salinas (831) 800Ͳ7341 534 Abrego Street, Monterey (831) 648Ͳ7271 237 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley (831) 438Ͳ8400 13117 Highway 9, Boulder Creek (831) 338Ͳ2125 or 338Ͳ2184

Offered at $769,700 TH

Call Augie or Calla

Augie CalBRE #01821492 Calla CalBRE #00966075

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Offered at $349,900

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT/ CONDO RENTALS

BELLAGIO VILLAS 2 Bedroom apartments starting at $2095.

Pool. Park like setting Contemporary landscaping.

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

2BD/1BA $1,800 Older Victorian Available NOW 4BD/2BA $3,300 Corner lot house in Gilroy Available NOW HOLLISTER-RENTAL-PROPERTIES.COM EXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITE 200 Tres Pinos Road All inclusive Tenant responsible for phone and internet, good signage, front location & parking. $750+ sec. dep.

2/1 2/2 2/2 3/2

$2,400

2 Bed/1 Bath Apartment

$1,600

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE 600 sq. ft.

$800

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127 sq. ft. to 790 sq. ft.

1/1

$1,200

831.637.1691

Lic# 429006

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES CONCRETE

FENCES

HAULING

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

J. Casalegno Concrete

Soares Lumber P.S.G. Fencing

South County Cleanup, Demo & Hauling

Humberto Montes Tree Services

A+ rated BBB company 35+ years experience • Driveways • Patios • Walkways • Stamped Concrete

Redwood Fencing Chain Link • Decks Arbors • Hole Drilling

HANDYMAN

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ALWAYS CONSULT A REALTOR

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Publish

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classifieds@

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

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Call 408.847.4337 Cell 408.314.5920

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

CONSTRUCTION

WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME

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For more information, call

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CALL 831.637.9273

northpointebusinesscenter.com

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HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES

408.842.0260 831.726.2002

Professional Property Mgmt. & Sales

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

408.279.8036

Margaret L. Pidd, BROKER

airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802

HOLLISTER APARTMENT RENTALS

330 Tres Pinos Rd. Ste. B-1

Country Home Small Ranch, 2 Units 20+ Acres One Year Lease

Land Sales Built-to-Suit For Sale or Lease Select Lots Have Airport Access Financing Available

$900 $2,100 $2,850 $1,550

Contact Marilyn Ferreire, BRE 00409787 831.635.6700

RENTALS

FINISHED LOTS

HOLLISTER HOME RENTALS

HOME RENTALS

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