SVM1841

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

OCTOBER 12, 2018

Local pumpkin farms provide family-fun or spooky experiences

Autumn Craze MADE BY MATT P8 | AUTUMN OUTINGS P16

P4

OCTOBER 12, 2018

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191 San Felipe Road, Suite P • Hollister

Robert Eliason

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PUMPKIN PARK Uesugi Farms in Morgan Hill promised

fun family times during the autumn season.

MAGAZINE

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

Dan Pulcrano

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Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close 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, Laura Ness, Kate Russell, Neera Siva Advertising Account Executives

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Kelly Been, Carrie Bonato, Scott Harvey, Eileen Katis

TM

Design Director

Kara Brown Production Operations Manager

Sean George

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Cover Story

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Crush

Cover photograph by:

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Art

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

Editorial Production Manager

Katherine Manlapaz

16 Getting Out

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

advertising@newsvmedia.com Phone:

19 Real Estate

408.842.9404

OCTOBER 12, 2018

10 Calendar

Robert Eliason

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OCTOBER 12, 2018

Pumpkin parties 4

Morgan Hill’s Uesugi Farms and Hollister’s Swank Farms gives visitors an invigorating taste of the fall experience

BY WALLACE BAINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT ELIASON

Y

ou can see the grounds of the Pumpkin Park at Uesugi Farms from the road.

But to actually get there by car? That takes a journey.

Once you turn off Monterey Road between San Martin and Morgan Hill to enter the park, you’ll soon find yourself in a transition, a bit like the transition between black-and-white Kansas and full-color Oz in The Wizard of Oz. A long straightaway is decorated

by thousands of marigolds in every possible shade between yellow and orange. Then, you veer into a cornfield straight out of Field of Dreams, creating a feeling of magical where-are-we? disorientation, before you finally reach the vast parking area.

It’s a clever design, meant to give

FALL FUN With Halloween upon us, local pumpkin farms expect tens of thousands of visitors before the spooky holiday.

(For the fattest pumpkins that can reach weights of close to 2,000 pounds, that’s a nice payday).

The Pumpkin Park’s manager Crystal Melton has been on the job for 11 years. She never knows exactly what to expect during the weigh-off—back in 2013, the park hosted the official World’s Largest Pumpkin. But, she said, she’s been getting messages from various growers that 2018 has been a very good year from big-boy pumpkins.

“These pumpkins are like gold to people,” she says. “It’s craaaa-zy what they do.”

The mega-pumpkins—many of which are coming from as far away as Napa County—will be loaded onto trucks and transported bright and early Saturday morning for a 9am check-in at Uesugi Farms. The weigh-in itself takes place at 1pm.

As its name implies, pumpkins are the central currency at the park, though the ever-present marigolds are a strong second. Visitors can take a wheelbarrow to the pumpkin patch to pick out their favorite specimens. Then they can tour the various attractions, including the two-acre Kayla’s Corn Maze, that

actually features guides on staff to rescue those who get lost inside.

“We’ll give you a cheater map with the lay of the land,” said Melton, “how to get in and out, where to go left or right. We have trivia questions inside that will tell people which way to go and people still manage to get all twisted up and lost, so they’ll call us to have someone go find them.”

There are also several rides open to visitors from train rides for kids to the signature attraction Pumpkin Pete’s Signature Hayride, a 15-minute narrated tour of ➝ 6

OCTOBER 12, 2018

visitors a transportive feeling when they reach the Pumpkin Park, a festival ground that features everything you would hope to find— much like the similar Swank Farms pumpkin patch near Hollister—in a celebration of all things autumn.

On Saturday, Uesugi Farms hosts the highlight of its fall season at the Pumpkin Park with the 28th annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, when mind-bogglingly large pumpkins from all over northern California will compete for which is the heaviest. The winner of the contest wins a prize of $7 ... per pound.

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PUMPKIN FARMS

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Modern Medicine, Compassionate Care

Call now to schedule your appointment for a mammogram for only

then press

AUTUMN MAZE Besides pumpkins and spooks, Swank features a bee garden,

a cow train, pumpkin slingshots, corn cannons and more.

OCTOBER 12, 2018

You need a physicians order to schedule your screening mammogram. If you don’t have a physician, you can make an appointment at one of our community health centers for your clinical breast exam and mammogram referral for only if you pay at the time of your visit.

6

911 Sunset Drive, Hollister ▪ (831) 637-5711 ▪ hazelhawkins.com

‘It’s so neat to be such a big part of other people’s live’

the entire farm property through the sunflower and marigold fields that are otherwise inaccessible.

October is generally the season when most people begin to think of Halloween, but the Pumpkin Park is more about evoking a non-Halloween celebration of the fall season.

Other than the towering, supersized, inflatable jack-o’-lantern that can probably be seen from Fresno, there is no Halloween imagery or scary figures at the Park.

Instead, there is live music on the weekends, a variety of fallthemed yummies including barbecue, corn-on-the-cob and many treats flavored with pumpkin spice (lovers of pumpkin pie are encouraged to take a spin with the pumpkin ice cream).

The Pumpkin Park is only a onemonth operation, opening Oct. 1 and closing up for the year after Halloween, open every day. The park employs close to 200 people and can attract 10,000 or more visitors per day over the course of the month of October. ➝ 15

O& A

OUT & ABOUT

MOVIE SONGS Experience the

songs of the silver screen during South Valley Symphony’s ‘A Night at the Oscars and More’ on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Gavilan.

GILROY

GILROY

MORGAN HILL

SYMPHONY PERFORMANCE

AUTHOR VISIT

COMMUNITY BBQ

BRITISH CLASSIC

Experience soloist Sandra Marlowe singing hits from the silver screen at South Valley Symphony’s A Night at the Oscars and More! This program features Alexander Glazunov’s The Seasons-Autumn, the Symphonic Suite from The Magnificent Seven, selections from favorite Disney movies and more. Saturday, Oct. 13, 7:30pm at Gavilan College Theatre, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy. For tickets and information, visit southvalleysymphony.org.

Join former journalist, professor and media researcher John McManus, author of “Don’t Be Fooled, A Citizen’s Guide to News & Information in the Digital Age” at the Gilroy Library, co-sponsored by the Gilroy AAUW. McManus will share a candid perspective and practical method to evaluating the reliability and trustworthiness of information presented in the news. Autographed books will be available for purchase at the talk. Join the conversation Saturday, Oct. 13, 10:30am-noon at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. Visit sccl.org.

Show appreciation for first responders and discover some of the services that are available in the community at the third annual Community BBQ at the St. Louise Regional Hospital campus. An afternoon of food, music and fun family activities await as well as many local first responders and their horses, trucks and more. Saturday, Oct. 13, 11am-3pm at St. Louise Regional Hospital, 9400 No Name Uno. Suggested donation of $5. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y9ulh82k.

The seventh annual British Fall Classic automobile show will feature exquisite British classic sports and saloon cars representing revered marques including Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar, MG, Morgan, Triumph, Austin Healey, Lotus, Morris and more. Also enjoy viewing British motorcycles as well as race cars. All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit local nonprofit organizations. Saturday, Oct. 13, noon-6pm and Sunday, Oct. 14, 10am-3:30pm in Downtown Morgan Hill. Visit thebritishfallclassic.com.

OCTOBER 12, 2018

GILROY

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ART

Made by Matt different things and see what they like best.”

Matthew says he’s had another teacher who’s also been pretty instrumental in his life—his mom, Karen.

“You know he really is a gifted artist,” she says. “I have to think about what I paint and he really just sits down and paints.”

‘You can see the soul of whatever you’re painting’

Robert Eliason

BUDDING ARTIST Twelve-year-old Matthew Fitch’s abstract creations are on display at BookSmart in Morgan Hill through Oct. 16.

Young artist displays work in Morgan Hill OCTOBER 12, 2018

By DEBRA ESKINAZI

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E

merging rtist Matthew Fitch began by learning the basics, now has his art on display at BookSmart in Morgan Hill through Oct. 16.

Matthew, 12, says he started out with mostly pastels and pencil before moving to watercolors and acrylics.

“I really prefer acrylic, because it’s easy. it’s very forgiving,” Matthew says.

The young artist was working with local instructor Linda Bassett where he learned the basics.

“She got me started on the path

to being a young artist,” he says. “She really gave me the fundamentals.”

When Bassett moved away from the area, Matthew was connected with another local artist and instructor Sheri Chakamian.

Fitch says the experience with Chakamian was completely different than he’d experienced.

“Miss Sheri tells you what you’re doing wrong and what you’re doing right,” Matthew says. “She lets you create your own style. She lets us find a piece we want to do and then she helps you along. She likes her students going out of their boxes so they can make new pieces and try

Ironically Matt is actually colorblind, says Karen.

“He has troubles with greens,” Karen says. “But he just loves color.

He just makes such colorful interesting piece and I just love his perspective.”

Adding color to his art is nothing new, Matthew says of his abstract art, he likes to take concrete elements and create them with unexpected colors.

“I study other artists work, I’m very inspired by Van Gogh,” he says.

“I’m very inspired by vivid colors lots of reds oranges and blues. You can see the soul of whatever you’re painting.”

Matthew says he’s interested showing other people that it’s possible to be an artist at any age.

“It’s sharing my art and letting other people my age know this is doable and it’s fun,” he says. “You don’t have to be an adult to make great art.”

See Matthew Fitch’s exhibit, ‘Made

by Matt’ at BookSmart’s gallery in Morgan Hill through Oct. 16.

A special artists reception will be held on Oct. 14. For details, visit mybooksmart.indielite.org.

South Valley Civic Theatre Production of

Sept.21– Oct.20,2018

www.svct.org

Resident Company of the Morgan Hill Playhouse 5th and Monterey Streets

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

OCTOBER 12, 2018

Invisible Braces

9

O& A CALENDAR

BEER CRAWL

OCTOBER 12, 2018

Beer lovers are invited to join with friends at the seventh annual Downtown Morgan Hill Beer Crawl, presented by the Morgan Hill Downtown Association. Attendees will enjoy tasting 38 brews across 19 tasting locations, 3 bands and special menus created by downtown restaurants all within walking distance. All event proceeds will benefit the downtown Morgan Hill lighting project. Ticket quantities are limited; tickets include beer samples, custom glass and passport. The Downtown Morgan Hill Beer Crawl will be held rain or shine, Saturday, Oct. 13, 1-5pm in Downtown Morgan Hill. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/yd8mj6zl.

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GILROY SPOOKY FUN Bring the whole family to Gardens@Night Halloween at Gilroy Gardens and experience a spooky-but-

not-too-scary Halloween event as the park is lit up in a mysterious glow illuminating the gardens.

Rides will not be in operation, but little ones can trick or treat, explore the Spider’s Lair or take

a ride on at Ghost Train. Don’t miss the Marketplace filled with specialty food, craft beer and Halloween crafts and games for the kids. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 12-14, 5-10pm nightly at Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway. For more information, visit gilroygardens.org.

OPEN HOUSE Live Oak Adult Day Services invites the community to attend its 25th anniversary and help celebrate its special day.

Visitors may drop in anytime throughout the day to enjoy entertainment and cake. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 9am-3pm at Live Oak Adult Day Care, 651 W. Sixth St. For information, call 408.847.5491.

MORGAN HILL GET FIT OBSTACLE COURSE Don’t miss the 12th annual Morgan Hill Get Fit Obstacle Course Challenge. Designed for children ages 5-13 to tackle a 1.5 mile run and walk obstacle challenge this exciting event will start and end at the Community Park right outside the Centennial Recreation Center going through streets and the park in the surrounding area. Participants will all receive a race shirt and medal. Saturday, Oct. 13, check in at 8am, obstacle challenge at 9am at 171 W. Edmundson Ave. Register today at morgan-hill. ca.gov/780/GET-FIT and use code

GARDEN MARKET

UC Master Gardeners invite South Valley residents to Guglielmo Winery to buy fall garden plants and enjoy the wine at the Fall Plant Sale. Cool season vegetable seedlings started by Master Gardeners will be available for purchase, including broccoli, cauliflower, chard, kale, cabbage and more. Master Gardeners will be on site to answer any cool season growing questions.

Saturday, Oct. 13, 10am-noon at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 East Main Ave, Morgan Hill. For more information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.

#FSY002. For information, call 408.782.2128 or email Andrew Martinez at andrew.martinez@ mhcrc.com.

HAUNTED ORCHARD Find out what is hidden within the trees as Swank Farms presents Gorechard.

Attendees 12 and older are invited to face their fears as they explore Swank Farm's Cherry Orchard, where forgotten creatures come to life and anything could be hiding behind the trees. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 13, from dark to midnight at Fright Farm, 4751 Pacheco Pass Highway. Visit swankfarms.com/gorechard.

PUMPKIN JUNCTION Experience Pumpkin Junction with the whole family. Children will make lasting memories as they enjoy the

Join guest artist Edward Rooks for a family friendly lesson in painting in the great outdoors at Plein Air at El Toro - A 25th Anniversary Event. Attendees are invited to paint the beautiful views and take their paintings home with them. All supplies will be provided, all skill levels are welcome and no experience is required. Saturday, Oct. 13, 10am-noon at El Toro Preserve, Morgan Hill. Directions will be provided upon registration. For information and to register, visit openspaceauthority.org.

Harvest season and explore all that Casa de Fruta has to offer. Come and find the perfect pumpkin, mine for gemstones at Casa de Miner’s Sluice, ride Casa de Choo Choo and take a spin on Casa de Carousel.

The Junction will be held through Oct. 31, 8am-8pm at Casa de Fruta Orchard Resort, 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway. Visit casadefruta.com.

FALL FESTIVAL Don’t miss the 19th annual Swank Farms Fall Festival. Celebrate Autumn with family friendly activities including a pumpkin patch, corn mazes, jumping pillows and farm animals. also enjoy pig races, a cow train, pedal karts and much more.

Thursdays - Sundays through Oct.

31 at Swank Farms, 4751 Pacheco Pass Highway. For information and hours, visit swankfarms.com.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA GHOST WALK Purchase tickets early for the 10th annual San Juan Bautista Ghost Walk as this popular event is sure to sell out. This fun and spirited walking tour features local ghost sightings and paranormal activities. Reservation fees include gift bags and beverages and proceeds support Rotary San Juan Bautista community and internal projects.

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27 in Downtown San Juan ➝ 13

OCTOBER 12, 2018

NFL LEGENDS The NFL Alumni—Northern California Chapter welcomes the community to its 18th annual Klays for Kids Sporting Clays Team Challenge.

This exciting event will benefit youth and youth-related charities throughout the year. The competition will be in a casual clay-target tournament format consisting of teams of five, including a celebrity captain. Friday, Oct. 19, 9am-3pm at Coyote Valley Sporting Clays, 1000 San Bruno Ave. To register, visit nflalumninoca.org.

HOLLISTER

PLEIN AIR

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Open House October 28, 11:00 am

• • • • •

Preschool – 12th grade

CAIS & WASC accredited Nonsectarian Independent, nonprofit school 355-acre campus among a redwood forest and hilltop meadows • Bus transportation available • Now enrolling!

408-847-2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org

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OCTOBER 12, 2018

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Alexis Winder Financial Advisor

Diana Brenneise Financial Advisor

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

8060 Santa Teresa Blvd.

Suite 140 Gilroy 408-846-7748

O& A CALENDAR

11 MEET NEW FRIENDS Explore the possibilities with Women in Touch II. Renew friendships and make new ones at WIT II meetings held the third Thursday of each month. Attendees will enjoy lunch and lively entertainment. Make new friends on Thursday, Oct. 18, 11am-2pm at the Gilroy Elks Lodge, 2765 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. Please note, a $23 advanced reservation is required. Women of all ages welcome. For more information, email Mary Saccullo, msaccullo@aol.com.

I am King - The Michael Jackson Experience

KING OF POP TRIBUTE

Music fans are invited to enjoy I am King - The Michael Jackson Experience, a musical and visual journey into the world of the “King of Pop.” Experience an incredible cast of Michael Jackson tribute artists including talented musicians and Broadway and Las Vegas dancers as they bring Jackson to life through amazing renditions of some of the artist’s biggest hits. Saturday, Oct. 20, 8pm at The Heritage Theatre, One W. Campbell Ave, Campbell. For tickets and information, visit heritagetheater.org.

Bautista, meet at the corner of Third and Mariposa streets. Due to popular demand two tours will be offered at each of five nightly departure times beginning at 6:30pm. For more information and reservations, visit rotarysanjuanbautista.com.

SUCCULENT PUMPKIN CLASS Join landscape designer Rosemary Bridwell for a Succulent Pumpkin Class, hosted by San Benito County Chamber. Attendees will learn to make a succulent arrangement on a pumpkin. $30 per person includes supplies and lunch. Pumpkins and

RENAISSANCE FAIRE Step back in time to Renaissance Europe and enjoy hearty ales, fine foods and handmade crafts. Hundreds of costumed performers roam the streets and act on five different stages.

Don’t miss The Northern California Renaissance Faire at Casa de Fruta Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14, 10am-6pm at 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister. For information and tickets, visit norcalrenfaire.com.

DISCOVERY CLASSIC Cyclists are invited to the Discovery Classic Bicycle Ride to enjoy a scenic ride though the best of San Benito County. Participants can choose a 50-mile Gravel Grinder ride through challenging trails, many of which are usually closed to cyclists, or a 20-mile Family Fun ride in the country. Each registration includes a fully supported ride, T-shirt, meal after the ride and swag bag. A portion of race proceeds benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Saturday, Oct. 20, 7am-4pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St, Hollister. For more information and to register, visit discoveryclassic.org.

HALLOWEEN BEER CRAWL Halloween costumes are encouraged at the fifth annual Halloween Beer Crawl. This over-21 event is presented by the Gilroy Downtown Business Association and invites attendees to spend a fun fall Saturday enjoying an afternoon of costumes, great shopping and, of course, delicious

RACE REGISTRATION Register today for the 2018 Morgan Hill Run & Bike Festival and choose between the Full or Half Marathon, 10k, 5k Fun Run/Walk or Kids Run. A Corporate Challenge, Team & Club Challenge and Virtual races are also available. Festivities kick off on Saturday, Oct. 20 with the 10am Lifestyle Expo and 11am Kids Run. The full marathon begins Sunday, Oct. 21 at 6:30am, the half marathon at 7am, 10k at 7:15 and the 10k starts at 7:30am. All races begin and end at the Morgan Hill Community Park, 171 W. Edmundson Ave, Morgan Hill. For more information and to register, visit mhmarathon.com.

WALK & RUN Be sure to register for the 29th annual Red Ribbon 5k Run/Walk before registration ends Oct. 25. This annual familyfriendly run/walk raises awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol in the community while benefiting prevention efforts in local schools.

No dogs are allowed, but walkers and strollers are welcome. Prerace registration and activities will begin at the Veterans Memorial Courtyard, 649 San Benito St, Hollister. on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:30am and the 5k begins at 9am at the corner of Seventh and Swope Alley. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y74m8erp.

VOYAGE TO VIETNAM After traveling on a two year national tour the “Voyage to Vietnam: Celebrating the Tet Festival” exhibit returns home to Children’s Discovery Museum. Experience the beauty, sights and sounds of Vietnam through its most important celebration of the year, Tet. Enjoy fun activities including trying on a giant lion dance mask, dressing up in customary Ao Dai, creating a digital fireworks display and much more.

The exhibit runs through May 12 at Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Visit cdm.org.

OCTOBER 12, 2018

EVENTS

lunch will be donated by Casa de Fruta. Saturday, Oct. 13, 11am-1pm at Casa de Fruta, 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister. To register, visit tinyurl.com/y8ewrpp8.

SONG & WINE The 2018 KRTY Song and Wine Series at Clos LaChance presents a special bonus Friday Night Show with Ross Copperman, Jon Night and Josh Kear. Seating is first come, first served; lower-back lawn chairs are encouraged and folding chairs are available. Attendees must be 21 and older; no outside alcohol allowed.

Food will be available for purchase, and outside food and sealed water bottles are okay. Friday, Oct. 19, 6-10pm at Clos LaChance Winery, 1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin.

For more information, visit clos.com.

beers presented by featured craft breweries at Downtown Gilroy Pour Stations. The Halloween Beer Crawl will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, 2-6pm in Downtown Gilroy. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y7qls979.

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9TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION BY CALVARY CATHOLIC CEMETERY

October 27, 2018 | 11

am

–4

pm

2650 Madden Avenue San Jose, CA 95116 In association with Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley.

• • • • •

This event is FREE and open to the public!

Ritual, Music, and Dance Face Painting and FREE Children’s Crafts Food, art, and books available for sale A community altar for photos & memorabilia

SPONSORS

The Barragan Family Health Care and Diabetes Center will allow Hazel Hawkins Hospital to better serve community members suffering from the impacts of diabetes-related health issues.

It will provide comprehensive diabetes care for adults ages 18

OPENING SEPTEMBER 10, 2018

Services include:  Point of Care Lab Services for A1C

   

Podiatry/Foot Care Retinal Screening Wound Care Certified Diabetes Educators offering Diabetes Education Classes Registered Dietitians

  Healthy Food Preparation Classes

OCTOBER 12, 2018

930 Sunnyslope Road, Ste. A-2 Hollister

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www.hazelhawkins.com/diabetes-services A program of:

Art by Sonia Orban-Price

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.

Modern medicine, compassionate care

PUMPKIN FARMS

6

FAMILY TIME Visitors to Uesugi’s Pumpkin Park can pick out

their favorite specimens or tour the farm’s various attractions.

tickets; and $39.95 for the Gorechard haunted attraction (discounts are available for each pricing level online).

The fall season comes on much more dramatically in other parts of the country. Perhaps that’s why Californians are especially keen to experience the sights, tastes and colors of autumn, which accounts for the enduring popularity of places like Uesugi Farms and Swank Farms. Whatever the appeal, the crowds seem to keep coming.

“We get so busy on weekends,” said Pumpkin Park’s Melton, “to where our traffic trying to get in is backed up as far as the eye can see. I have families every year who come up to me and say ‘this has been a tradition in our family for years. I brought my kids here, and now I’m bringing my grandkids here.’ Our goal is that we just want to create those memories for families. It’s so neat to be such a big part of other people’s lives.”

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OCTOBER 12, 2018

Down in Hollister, Swank Farms is open—its annual Fall Festival runs Thursdays through Sundays (plus Halloween, which is a Wednesday this year). Swank’s festival features a wide variety of attractions and activities, all themed on the harvest season— pig races, a bee garden, mazes both for children and former children, a cow train, pumpkin slingshots and corn cannons.

Unlike the Pumpkin Park, Swank Farms does embrace Halloween with its “Gorechard” attraction, a haunted tour through the farm’s cherry orchard which is open from sunset to 10 pm (weekdays) or midnight (weekends) during the October festival.

Uesugi Farms’ Pumpkin Park features free admission to the park, though parking is $7 on the weekends and there are tickets to purchase for the rides. Hollister’s Swank Farms features a $21.95 admission fee for its daytime tickets; $29.95 for nighttime

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GETTING OUT

Autumn jaunts

Ron Erskine

FALL LEAVES Getting out in the cooler weather is a pleasure at California parks and preserves.

OCTOBER OCTOBER 12, 12, 2018 2018

Favorite fall outings in the Golden State

16 2

By RON ERSKINE

I

always look forward to the arrival of the fall season. Yes, the days are getting shorter, but they are also getting cooler. Soon, there will be a promise of rain.

When it comes, it will renew the sparkle to our dust-coated landscape and revive the music of running water in our hills.

In summer, a walk in our interior hills is more of a battle against heat exhaustion than a pleasant day out.

But now, temperatures are cooling, and what's more, fewer people are on the trails. With the exception of

springtime, fall is when Henry Coe State Park, Harvey Bear County Park, Ranch Cañada del Oro OSP— all our nearby parks and preserves— put on their finest show.

Farther afield, autumn offers unique and special sights. If you have the itch to get out of town, here are a few of my favorite fall attractions.

Birds are on the move. While you may think birds don't interest you, some bird phenomena have a Cirque de Soleil character that will stir any soul. Migrating raptors prefer to travel over land rather

than water. As they travel south through Marin County—the ocean on one side, the bay on the other— their path is pinched until, at the Golden Gate, they converge at Hawk Hill on the Marin Headlands. Volunteers from the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory are there daily throughout autumn. On a fog-free day, bring binoculars and listen to volunteers call out the raptors as they pass. Then turn to your right and let the view of San Francisco beyond the Golden Gate Bridge take your breath away.

Quaking aspen groves dot the landscape mostly on the eastern slope of the Sierra. Timing of peak color varies from year to year and by elevation, but if you catch it, you will be dazzled. The most accessible groves are near Hope Valley, just across Carson Pass on State Route 88 and an easy drive from Lake Tahoe.

North of Mono Lake, near Bridgeport, a special grove of aspens is hidden in one of the Sierra's most unique and beautiful places. Seven miles out Twin Lakes Road, turn right onto Buckeye Road at Doc and Al's. Another three miles takes you to the entrance to Buckeye Canyon.

Nearly every trail in the eastern Sierra is a cruel ascent up the steep escarpment. But Buckeye Canyon is a wide and level entrance into a stunning mountain landscape.

After a two-mile walk through a forest of Jeffery pines, you emerge into a heart-stopping setting: a broad mountain valley bound by "the Roughs," a string of jagged peaks that rise 4,000 feet above you. Wander through the aspen grove up ahead and look carefully at the larger trees there. Your heart will stir when you find one of the elegantly-seriffed carvings left by Basque shepherds nearly one hundred years ago.

Cooler days; quieter trails; critters on the move; riotous colors.

Fall is waiting for us.

A Play Faire Production

WEEKENDS, SEPT 15th - OCT 21st

Masquerade OCT 13th & 14th FREE Rock Concert Series Highway Poets, OCT 13th Children 12 & under FREE every weekend

NorCalRenFaire.com

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OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, OCT. 13TH 12-3PM 800 LANINI DR., HOLLISTER

SPECIAL

HOLIDAY EDITIONSPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION

Holiday Celebration Special Holiday Edition of South Valley Magazine PLACES TO GO THINGS TO DO WHERE TO SHOP Reach your customers where they live, right here in Gilroy and Morgan Hill Publishes: Friday, November 23

OCTOBER 12, 2018

Deadline for space reservation: Friday, November 16, noon

18

Creative Clear & Camera Ready Deadline: Tuesday, November 20, noon

GOLF COURSE LIVING! Beautiful home right on the fairway with exceptional views!

Located in the desirable Ridgemark G&CC community.

2550 s.q. ft, single level home with 3 bedrooms/3 baths on 10,000 sf lot. Fresh exterior paint & new exterior light fixtures. Formal living room, dining room and large family room with fireplace off kitchen area. Enjoy the fairway views from both kitchen/family areas and master suite.

New flooring in the kitchen and family room. Spacious and private master suite with large sitting area. Oversized garage with extra roll up door for golf cart parking.

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

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 $399,900 Call Augie or Calla Augie CalBRE #01821492 Calla CalBRE #00966075

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

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 Mid October 3BD/2BA $2,800 House in the country, 5 acres Available NOW 4BD/2BA $3,300 Corner lot house in Gilroy Available NOW

2/2 2/1 3/2

EXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITE 200 Tres Pinos Road All inclusive Tenant responsible for telephone and internet, good signage, front location, good parking. $750+ sec. dep.

$2,400

2 Bed/1 Bath Apartment

$1,600

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE 600 sq. ft.

$800

STORAGE UNITS

127 sq. ft. to 790 sq. ft.

Margaret L. Pidd, BROKER Professional Property Mgmt. & Sales

1/1

3.5 Acres for Sale Lease or Build to Suit IndustrIal shops For lease 831.637.4297

www.pivetticompany.com

For more information, call

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

Redwood Fencing Chain Link • Decks Arbors • Hole Drilling

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

Humberto Montes Tree Services

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

408.279.8036

Lic# 381833 Bonded & Insured

408.842.0260 831.726.2002 Lic. #606051

www.professionalpropertymgt.com

Rianda Construction

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

- 35 years experience -

Quality • Integrity New construction Additions & remodels

408.847.1490 Lic: #649968 Credit cards accepted

408.430.3560

Publish

Your Business or Service Ad Here For more information Contact 408.842.5066 or email

classifieds@

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

408.394.6824

Lic: #7921 Fully Insured

Adrian Urenda Gardening Service

Complete Maintenance • Landscaping • Sod & seeding • Hauling & yard cleanups • Plants • Sprinklers • Lawns Lic. #1397

Call 408.847.4337 Cell 408.314.5920

OCTOBER 12, 2018

HANDYMAN

ALWAYS CONSULT A REALTOR

northpointebusinesscenter.com

831.637.7337

HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES

CONSTRUCTION

WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME

HOLLISTER INDUSTRIAL LAND

$1,200

339 Seventh St., Ste. B, Hollister

CALL 831.637.9273

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

$2,200 $2,100 $2,300

Contact Marilyn Ferreire, BRE 00409787 831.635.6700

RENTALS

FINISHED LOTS

HOLLISTER HOME RENTALS

HOME RENTALS

19

A Play Faire Production

WEEKENDS, SEPT 15th - OCT 21st

Masquerade!

OCT 13th & 14th FREE Rock Concert Series Highway Poets, OCT 13th Children 12 & under FREE every weekend

at Casa De Fruta, Pacheco Pass, HWY 152, Hollister

NorCalRenFaire.com