San Benito Magazine January 17-23, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY

JANUARY 17, 2020

A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance

Leaders of the Future Panelists hope to inspire young women to pursue tech careers P4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P8 | HOME OF THE WEEK P13 | REAL ESTATE P15

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WOMEN IN TECH A group of industry leaders will host a discussion

on how to inspire more women to pursue technology careers.

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

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Erik Chalhoub Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

Jenny Arbizu, Wallace Baine, Kimberly Ewertz, Laura Ness, Susan Rife, Kate Russell

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OUT & ABOUT

NIGHT PHENOMENA

Nighttime activities meant to spark inquisitiveness will take place Jan. 18 at Calero County Park.

SAN JOSE

GILROY

HOLLISTER

MORGAN HILL

COSMIC MYSTERIES

WOMEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCE

FAMILY FILM

ANIMECOMIC CON

The mysteries of the cosmos will be highlighted at a Santa Clara County Park at night.

Discover night phenomena in group activities designed to ignite curiosity. Ages 9-14 and up; reservations are required.

Rain will cancel. Saturday, Jan. 18, 6-7:30pm at Calero County Park, 23205 Mckean Road. For information and reservations, call 408.918.7779.

The family-friendly Morgan Hill Toy-Anime-Comic Con hosted by Ohana Comic Con celebrates fandom, comics, collectibles, pop culture and more.

All ages are invited to dress to impress and enter the cosplay contest beginning at 2:30pm.

Cameras are OK, children 12 and under enjoy free admission and parking is free. Sunday, Jan. 19, 11am-4pm at 229 W. Main Ave. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yxx2dhmn.

JANUARY 17, 2020

The Neon Exchange presents the #LivingBrightly: Women’s Health Conference 2020. This half-day symposium kicks off with yoga and breakfast, and features a discussion of current topics and panel speakers including subject matter experts in general medicine, wellness, mental health, acupuncture, nutrition and more.

Register in advance to attend.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 8:30am-noon at the Neon Exchange, 7371 Monterey St. For information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/uhygfzd.

The entire family is invited to enjoy a showing of Aladdin (2019) on the big screen at the San Benito County Free Library’s Movie for All Ages.

Watch as Aladdin and a powerful, wisecracking genie become friends and embark on a dangerous mission to save Princess Jasmine’s kingdom from the evil sorcerer Jafar. Popcorn will be served. The film is rated PG. Saturday, Jan. 18, 1-3:30pm at 470 Fifth St. For information, visit sbcfl.org.

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Veronica De Leon

Sue Swindlehurst

Leticia Ambriz

m dels R

JANUARY 17, 2020

in

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le

Alla Shashkina

BY KIMBERLY EWERTZ

tech

Female industry leaders gather for panel discussion

ot only does this year usher in a new decade, but 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States. There’s no better time than the present to pay homage to women everywhere.

Silicon Valley Reads, a program instituted in 2003, encourages reading and book discussions on provocative themes relevant to the Santa Clara County community. This year SVR selected “Women Making It Happen” as an homage to women and their vast array of accomplishments.

“The type of event offered through our SVR program promotes reading, literacy and the appreciation of good literature among all members of the community,

MAKING IT HAPPEN The Santa Clara County Library District is hosting the Women in Tech panel at the Gilroy Library.

We know that women in this field are really underrepresented, so we’re trying to help.

will attend the session and be able to see a path towards a career in tech for themselves. By hearing the stories of women working in the local tech industry we hope to inform the Gilroy community about the opportunities in this field, and how to enter and succeed in the tech industry.”

To make the event a reality, Duff needed help.

She reached out to Gilroy resident, wife and mother of two, Veronica De Leon, who has had a prosperous and successful career in the tech industry since graduating in 2000 with an engineering degree.

De Leon also has a successful history with the local library. In 2018 she proposed establishing a chapter of the Girls Who Code club for teenage girls, a class she has facilitated for the past two years.

“It’s been very impactful for the girls and teens who have taken part in the program,” Duff said, adding that she saw proof of that impact at last year’s final project day. “You could just see that they felt like they really ➝6

JANUARY 17, 2020

including non-traditional readers and those with limited literacy skills,” said county Library Services Manager Gail Mason. “It allows community members to explore issues and themes relevant to our region, and to build community among residents as they engage in dialogue about the ideas presented.”

This year’s theme certainly resonated with Lisa Duff, adult services librarian at the Gilroy Library, who came up with the idea of organizing a Women in Tech Panel to present at the library. The panel, which features four women with established careers in prominent South Bay tech companies, takes place on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2pm.

Mason feels the event truly embodies SVR’s theme.

“The panel has experience in an industry that is thriving and provides employment to many residents of the Bay Area yet is underrepresented in terms of women,” Mason said. “We hope that teens

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ROLE MODELS IN TECH

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OPPORTUNITIES The panelists hope to inspire women to pursue a career in the technology industry.

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accomplished something and were proud. I think they could see themselves doing something in this as a career, or as a hobby, where maybe before they hadn’t.”

De Leon was eager to help Duff get the program off the ground as she believes it’s beneficial to young people to have this type of event in their own community.

“This is a very broad field and there are a lot of opportunities, and it would be a shame if they didn’t have this information,” De Leon said. “When they see ladies that look like them they identify and they say, ‘Hey, if she can do it, so can I.’” Duff also enlisted Teen Services librarian and Hollister resident, Kelly McKean, in the role of moderator for the event.

McKean said she’s eager to take part in an event with a focus on such an important topic.

“I think we’ve seen here that STEM education and STEAM education and computing and coding is really an important growth area for this community,” she said. “It’s where the future of jobs are.

“We also know that women in this field are really underrepresented, so we’re trying to help. Our community needs to move towards thinking this is an employment opportunity and a place where youth can be in the future. I think girls in particular need to see themselves in this industry. Just showing that women do have a place in the tech industry and having that representation and that voice is great and I think for us to promote that to our community is really important.”

McKean sees the event as a way to

inspire girls but she also encourages boys and men to attend as well.

“They also will learn and see that equity in the workplace and industry is important,” McKean said. “I’m happy to see a focus on women being able to do anything, so it’s a timely topic I think, it’s been a timely topic for decades.

We’re in a brand-new decade here and hopefully this decade will be the last time that we’re saying there needs to be equality and equity.

That would be fantastic.”

The panel, which includes Veronica De Leon (Quality Assurance Engineer), Alla Shashkina (Sr. Engineering Manager NLP Platform and Internationalization–Siri International), Leticia Ambriz (Manager, Materials Program Management Product Operations, New Technology Organization), Sue Swindlehurst (Principal, MTS Engineer Advanced Materials Engineering/New Products Introduction), will address a number of questions posed by McKean and then will be open for questions from the audience. Attendance is encouraged and there is no need to register for the event as it’s open to the public.

“We’re really just celebrating women and women’s achievements in the community,” Duff said. “I think it’s important for young people to see role models in the community and know that you have this access if they have questions. If they’re looking for mentors, all those are crucial.”

For information about the event, visit tinyurl.com/wzjz45e.

For information on Silicon Valley Reads, visit siliconvalleyreads.org/ home/Pages/default.aspx.

ART

Grants offered to artists

ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES Deadlines are approaching for San Benito County Arts Council programs.

Application deadline is Feb. 7 STAFF REPORT

L

ocal artists, art groups and art and cultural organizations are encouraged to apply for mini-grants of up

JANUARY 17, 2020

to $2,500.

The San Benito County Arts Council’s Arts Express! Grant Program aims to support cultural and artistic growth, foster arts accessibility and equity and promote cultural diversity in the county.

Grant requirements include that applicants must be based in San Benito County. Proposed projects must be for the benefit of San Benito County residents, and project activities must reflect artistic practices and traditions in the visual and performing arts (i.e.

music, dance, theater, fine art, traditional arts, etc.), as well as demonstrate quality, originality and creativity through artistic production.

All projects must promote cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion.

Applicants may request funding for the creation of new work; exhibitions and presenting; arts in education programs; community outreach or to support organizational capacity.

There are three grant categories for 2020’s Arts Express! Grant Program: • Capacity-building grants (applicants may request up to $2,500) are designed to support general operations and organizational capacity for

arts-based 501c3 non-profits based in San Benito County; • Project-based grants (applicants may request up to $2,500) are designed to support new and ongoing arts and cultural projects and programs by arts- and community-based organizations (501c3 non-profits), cultural groups and individual artists; and • Teacher grants (applicants may request up to $250), which are new this year, are designed to support local classroom teachers with arts funding for schoolbased art projects and programs (i.e. art supplies, arts curriculum, musical instruments, arts-based field trips).

An Arts Express! workshop will be held at 5:30pm on Jan. 24 at the ARTspace ANNEX, 217 Fifth St. in downtown Hollister.

The application deadline is Feb. 7 at 5pm. The application can be found at www.sanbenitoarts.org/ arts-express-grant-program-application.

For information or to request a hard copy application, email info@sanbenitoarts.org.

The Arts Council is also accepting applications for the Open Studios Art Tour.

This year’s tour is April 18-19.

Open Studios is an annual selfguided tour of artists’ studios throughout San Benito County.

The weekend art tour is preceded by a preview exhibition at the ARTspace ANNEX at 217 Fifth St. in downtown Hollister and celebrated with an opening reception 6:30-8:30pm on March 20.

The tour features local artists and artisans with works in painting, photography, pottery and ceramics, stained glass, jewelry and more.

The application deadline is Jan. 24 at 5pm. Applications can be found at www.sanbenitoarts.org/ open-studios-art-tour-online-application.

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O& A CALENDAR

Nick Lovejoy

MISSION 10 RACE

JANUARY 17, 2020

The 37th annual Mission 10 Race, sponsored by Hollister Rotary Club, features four different races, including a 1-mile kids fun run, TAC Distance Certified Half Marathon and 10 miles and a 5k. Each race will run through the scenic Anzar Hills through rural farmland and start and finish in front of the historic San Juan Mission. Family-friendly themed teams are encouraged and trophies will be awarded to top themes. All proceeds benefit local scholarships and charities. Saturday, Jan. 25 at Mission Plaza, 406 Second St., San Juan Bautista. To register, visit tinyurl.com/tecetz2.

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HOLLISTER BABY STORY TIME Babies and their caregivers are invited to head to the San Benito County Free Library for stories, songs, rhymes, movement

and music designed to promote early literacy skills, motor coordination, social interaction and more.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 10-11am at San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St. For information, visit sbcfl.org.

PUBLIC MEETING The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments is hosting a public scoping meeting to solicit input on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Report for the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The public is invited to participate in making it possible for sustainable development to be implemented in the region, Thursday, Jan. 23, 6-7:30pm at the San Benito County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 481 Fourth St. For information, visit ambag.org.

BOOK CLUB The GardenShoppe will host the Boozy Bees Book

Bonding book club to read and discuss books. Each attendee will get to choose a book at some point.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 6-10pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ qsqgk4m.

GILROY COMEDY THEATER Pintello Comedy Theater will present the campy comedy musical blockbuster Little Shop of Horrors.

Watch as hapless florist’s assistant Seymour tends to a new breed of plant he has named “Audrey II” after his coworker crush, and Audrey II promises Seymour fame, fortune and all his desires—as long

POETRY CONTEST

The San Benito County Arts Council will host a high school contest for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. The fifth annual San Benito County competition is part of a national program encouraging high school students to learn about classic and contemporary poetry. Attend the competition to watch students from San Benito and Anzar high schools compete in Live Poetry Contest County Finals. Thursday, Jan. 30, 6-8pm at Anzar High School, 2000 San Juan Highway, San Juan Bautista. For information, visit sanbenitoarts.org.

as Seymour keeps him fed. Friday, Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18, 8-9:30pm each night, or Sunday, Jan. 19, 2-4:30pm at Pintello Comedy Theater, 8191 Swanston Lane. For information and tickets, visit pintellocomedy.com.

DANCE PARTY Clos LaChance’s After Dark Dance Party features a performance by DJ Sound in Motion. Pizza prepared by Chef Lou will be available for purchase.

Outside alcohol is not permitted, and attendees must be 21 or over.

No tickets are required. Saturday, Jan. 18, 7-10pm at Clos LaChance Wines, 1 Hummingbird Lane. For information, visit clos.com.

MORGAN HILL GLOW YOGA Art of Yoga will brighten up this darker time of year with Glow Yoga. Participants

Artists age 16 and over are invited to draw at San Benito County Arts Council’s special drop-in Adult Drawing Workshops where students will explore fundamental drawing techniques and methods. The $10 drop-in fee includes registration to a single, two-hour class and students will be provided with a materials list at their first class. Drop-in special sessions will be held select Mondays and Fridays through February, 6:45-8:45pm at ARTspace Annex, 217 Fifth St., Hollister. For information, call 831.636.2787.

will enjoy an all level flow yoga class with low lights and glow sticks. Wear white or light colors, if possible; glow sticks will be provided. This class will be free to members or require a regular class pass for drop-ins. Friday, Jan. 17, 6-7pm at Art of Yoga, 16165 Monterey Road. Pre-registration is suggested. For information, visit artofyogamorganhill.com.

opportunity to serve his country due to anti-Japanese fervor and his experience with a segregated unit comprised of second generation Japanese Americans—known as Nisei—in 1943. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 10am-noon at Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ yen2ssug.

HISTORICAL VIEWPOINT Lawson Sakai will share his personal story and historical viewpoint on World War II at Lessons of the Past. Sakai will tell the story of his attempt to enlist in the U.S. Navy in the wake of Pearl Harbor, being denied the

PACIFIC GROVE ECOFARM CONFERENCE The 40th annual EcoFarm Conference, the nation's premier organic and regenerative farming conference, will be themed “20/20 Vision–40 Years & Growing.” EcoFarm ➝ 11

JANUARY 17, 2020

LADIES NIGHT Fortino Winery is kicking off 2020 with an ‘80s-themed, ladies-only event.

Enjoy appetizers, music, games and Fortino wines available for purchase. Friday, Jan. 17, 7-10pm at Fortino Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Highway. For information, visit fortinowinery.com.

SAN MARTIN

ADULT DRAWING

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MUSIC

Passion for home Pianist performing in Morgan Hill to preview upcoming festival

By SUSAN L. RIFE

Submitted photo

MUSICAL JOURNEY Astrid Morales Torres will perform piano works from around the world on Jan. 19 at Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill.

JANUARY 17, 2020

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nternational prize-winning pianist Astrid Morales Torres will present a program she calls a “musical journey” through Europe, America, Russia and Mexico as the second in a series of preview concerts for the forthcoming Coyote Creek Music Festival.

Morales, who is presently studying for her doctorate in piano performance with Richard Hamilton at Arizona State University, will perform at 5:30pm Jan. 19 at Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill, the site of CCMF June 12-21.

“I have always loved combining different composers and themes

on each recital,” said Morales, who also studied with Joaquín Achúcarro at Southern Methodist University after graduating from the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico. “As a Mexican artist, I have an enormous passion for the music of my home country and I believe that, as performers, we have to be aware of the importance of sharing our music with different audiences.”

The first half of her Morgan Hill performance will be mainly dance-influenced piano works by European, Mexican, American and Russian composers. In the second half, she will perform music by renowned Mexican composer

Manuel Maria Ponce, and finish with Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

The Coyote Creek Music Festival will bring professional classical musicians together for three weekends of chamber music concerts at the church, which had hosted the Norcal Music Festival in 2018 and 2019. Morales was a Fellow at that festival.

“I believe in new projects that promote classical music and especially chamber music,” Morales said. “I have had the pleasure to work with several musicians that are involved in this organization and as an artist I have experienced the powerful and loving community that Northern California has.

I have no doubt that CCMF will bring excellent concerts to the community.”

Morales made her performance debut at the age of 8 at a Mexico City radio station. At age 11, she made her solo debut with Queretaro Philharmonic, conducted by Jose Guadalupe Flores. In 2014 she won first prize at the General Concerto Competition at Meadows School of the Arts in Dallas, and performed with the Meadows Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Paul Phillips.

A passionate proponent of Mexican music, she has performed with such Mexican orchestras and conductors as Mexico State Symphony Orchestra, Nuevo Leon University Symphony, Mexico City Philharmonic, National Polytechnic Institute Symphony Orchestra and Aguascalientes Symphony. Her prizes and scholarships include the 2011 Youth Mexican Prize and Grand Prix to Exceptional Talents and Best Interpretation of Mexican Music at the second National Piano Competition.

Additional preview concerts include Gabriel Maffuz-Anker, violin, and Elene Kartvelishvili, piano, on Feb. 16; Quintet Latino on March 14; soprano Heather Faulhaber and pianist Kyle Jones on April 26 and string quartet Maffuz-Anker, violinist Kymber Gillen, violist Kate Brown and cellist Evan Kahn on May 31.

The festival itself plans to focus its chamber music concerts on building new audiences in the South Valley.

Astrid Morales will perform classical and Mexican music on the piano at 5:30pm Sunday, Jan. 19, at Advent Lutheran Church, 16875 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill. Free; donations welcome. For information, visit www.coyotecreekmusic.org.

O& A CALENDAR

9 Center at 408.782.2128 or Linda King at 831.801.9257.

GRAPEVINE ART The public is invited to spend an afternoon sipping wine and creating a freshfrom-the-vineyard grapevine wreath or decorative ball at Miramar Vineyards’ Grapevine Art Class. All supplies, instruction and a glass of wine are included in the class fee. Space is limited and classes fill quickly. Saturday, Jan. 18, 1:30-4pm at Miramar Vineyards, 12255 New Ave., San Martin. To reserve a space, call 408.686.0280, or email sales@ miramarvineyards.com.

Tevi Hardy

MINIMALIST STRATEGIES

Local author Erica Layne will visit the Gilroy Library to talk about her book, The Minimalist Way: Minimalist Strategies to Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy. The book includes the principles of minimalism, how readers may apply minimalism to every aspect of their lifestyle and solutions to spending time and energy wisely. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signatures. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7-8:30pm at 350 W. Sixth St., Gilroy. For information, visit sccld.org.

schedule and registration, visit eco-farm.org.

EVENTS BRIDGE LESSONS Learn to play Bridge in a day with a fast introduction to the basics of Bridge. Saturday, Jan. 18, 10am-3:30pm at Morgan Hill Centennial Recreation Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave., Morgan Hill.

For information and to sign up, call the Community Recreation

READING BUDDIES Children in grades 1-4 are invited to buddy up with a furry friend and practice reading aloud to a therapy animal at the Gilroy Library. Participants must sign up by phone or in person to guarantee a reading time slot. Drop-ins are allowed, but a furry friend may not be available without prior registration. Readers are asked to be on time as spots will only be held for five minutes before being given to another waiting reader. Thursday, Jan. 23, 3:30-5pm at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St., Gilroy. For information, visit sccld.org.

LATIN DANCE The dancers of Los Angeles-based Liz Watts and Company will perform high energy routines and engage crowds with follow along dances and a conga line at Gallery 1202’s two-night Latin Dance Performance event.

This Havana themed show will feature the music, flavor and colors of Cuba. Free food, refreshments and wine will be available and a mini Salsa lesson offered.

WHALEFEST MONTEREY The 10th Annual Whalefest Monterey celebrates the return of gray whales to the Monterey Bay. This free and educational event is family-friendly and features live entertainment, face painting, educational exhibits, historic walking tours, chalk art and more. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26, 10am-5pm both days at Monterey Old Fisherman’s Wharf, 1 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey. For information, visit montereywharf.com.

FEROCIOUS FEW The Ferocious Few will present a rollicking, soulful garage-rock performance at Credo Studio. Enjoy good quality music with an influential message as the Ferocious Few serves up raw rock and roll with a twist of punk and a bit of rockabilly. Saturday, Jan. 25, 7-9pm at Credo Studio, 1 Polk St., San Juan Bautista.

For information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/yfwzd2dg.

ROCK NIGHT Jeff Rye’s Some Unfinished Business will perform at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse with rocking songs from the ‘70s through the ‘90s. Reckless Few will round out the evening with muscle car rock from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Saturday, Jan. 25, 7-10pm at 401 McCray St., Hollister. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ yj86tghe.

MOJO WORKIN’ Mojo Workin’ will perform at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse, with blues classics including Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Albert King, mixed with contemporary tunes and other genres that are heavily influenced by the blues. Sunday, Jan. 26, 4-7pm at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse, 401 McCray St., Hollister. For information, visit tinyurl.com/tcz4k7k.

JANUARY 17, 2020

is a networking and educational hub for ecologically minded farmers, ranchers, and all who work to support their success in growing a healthy food system and world. The 2020 conference features more than 70 workshops, keynotes, farm tours, an exhibitor marketplace, tastings and more. A seed swap, live entertainment and an organic culinary fair round out the conference. Wednesday, Jan. 22-Saturday, Jan. 25 in Pacific Grove. For information, conference

UKULELE SOCIETY The ‘Lukes of Morgan Hill Library Ukulele Society welcomes all ages to get together to practice and play music together on the third Tuesday of every month. Participants should bring their ukulele and a music stand. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5-7pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave., Morgan Hill. For information, visit sccld.org.

Performers will stay for photos in headdresses and feathered costumes following the show.

Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24 and 25, 7-9pm each night at Gallery 1202, 7363 Monterey St., Gilroy.

For information and tickets, visit gallery1202.com.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Staying warm in winter and better maintain a constant temperature in every room. In the middle of winter, all of that adds up to a more comfortable and cozy home without the enormous utility bill.

For the latest and greatest in comfort technology for your winter upgrade, consider a duct-free split system equipped with LG's newest heating technology, the compact and powerful LGRED° (Reliable to Extreme Degrees), designed for even the coldest of climates. With continuous heating capabilities down to -13° Fahrenheit, LGRED° technology provides superior heating performance that will keep you warm all winter long.

This increased performance not only delivers heat when traditional HVAC systems are unable, but operates with top notch efficiency, cutting energy costs and increasing savings.

HEAT FLOW Check air vents to make sure they are clear of debris.

Maintaining heating system crucial in cold months

W

ith the arrival of winter, the grip of cold temperatures that landed along with it, now is a good time to start thinking about keeping your home warm and cozy all season long.

This winter, consider the strategies below to keep your house warm, even during the most frigid days of the year.

JANUARY 17, 2020

Help your HVAC system work more efficiently

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No matter what kind of heating system you have, you can take steps to keep it working at its best.

• Schedule annual heating tune-ups • Change the furnace filter frequently • Make sure ductwork dampers are open • Check air vents—are they open?

Block the leaks Are any blocked by furniture?

• If you have a home with radiators, make sure they aren't blocked • Avoid wild temperature swings—set your thermostat for reasonable highs and lows at night and during the day, since extremely low temps could result in freezing pipes, and your system has to work extra hard to aim for higher temps than it can handle

Consider upgrading your HVAC system If you have an older system that just can't keep up or you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, consider upgrading to a new high-efficiency heating system. It may save you money and energy in the long run, while increasing your comfort level.

Thanks to advances in technology, today's HVAC equipment can provide more consistent air flow

If you have drafts or leaks in your home, you're losing valuable heated air and letting in the cold. Start by checking doors and windows for any drafts.

• Improve your doors' weather stripping and use a draft blocker to further keep cold air out • For windows, an insulation kit and heavy drapes can help you prevent leaks • If you have an unused fireplace, install a fireplace plug to keep warm air from heading up the chimney • Cover up mail slots or pet door flaps that may be leaking air, especially at night • Close vents and shut doors to rooms that are seldom used, so more warm air can be redirected to rooms in use • Schedule an energy audit from your energy company to identify areas for improvement • Attic insulation is also recommended, since heat rises — Brandpoint Content

HOME OF THE WEEK

UNION ROAD This Hollister home sits on one acre.

Homestead property Country home in Hollister provides amenities for entertaining includes a large quartz island with a breakfast nook. An outdoor fireplace is located in the backyard.

A long driveway leads to a threecar garage, which features its own half-bath and workshop.

The home is listed at $820,000

by Intero Real Estate Services. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ yhj32h2h.

JANUARY 17, 2020

T

his country home in Hollister sits on an acre of usable land.

Located at 391 Union Road, the 2,080-square-foot home features three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The home, built in 1999, is designed with entertaining in mind, with an open-concept living and dining room. The kitchen

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1% 2.5% 3.5%

LISTING AGENT

SELLING AGENT

TOTAL COMMISION FEE*

Full Service Broker Do Not Over Pay for Brokerage!

25 Years of Sales Experience

Daniel J. Furtado Broker

Cal BRE: 01131718 • NMLS: 330315

C21

Visit my website for valuable information www.danfurtadorealestate.com REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS ARE NEGOTIABLE

You can save several thousands of dollars when you sell your home.

Contact Dan for a free, no obligation market analysis of your property.

Do not overpay for real estate services, this market is your opportunity to sell and save money on closing costs!

Call me for a no obligation consultation at 831-313-1656 If your home is on market please disregard this advertisement

GUARANTEED

Life Insurance

up to $15,000.00

Cash to help pay your funeral, medical bills or other final expenses.

Modified Whole Life Insurance from Physicians Life Insurance Company

• Guaranteed acceptance ages 45 to 85* • No medical exam, no health questions • Lock in your rate for life

JANUARY 10, 2020

Call for your FREE Information Kit

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1-844-989-1630 or go to life55plus.info/sanjose

 Plus — you’ll also get a FREE Final Wishes Planner!

*Ages may vary by state. Guaranteed for one of these life insurance policies.

6236 Benefits reduced first two years. Insurance Policy L770 (ID: L770ID; OK: L770OK; TN: L770TN).

JANUARY 10, 2020

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