South Valley Magazine November 1-7

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Arts center director moves on after decade of service

CURTAIN CALL

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P10 | HOME OF THE WEEK P17 | REAL ESTATE P19

EDITOR’S NOTE

Arts director’s farewell

Alexis Winder Financial Advisor 615 San Benito St. Suite C Hollister 831-634-0694

It’s always difficult to see creative minds move on from a community they have invested in for so long, and Kevin Heath’s decision is no exception.

I sat down with Heath in this week’s cover story (page 4), where the Gilroy Arts Alliance executive director spoke about his plans to depart from the city he has called home for so long.

Heath’s move also means the curtain call for Limelight Actors Theater. But it may not spell the end of theater in downtown Gilroy.

You have all of November to say farewell to Heath, as Limelight’s final production, The Hallelujah Girls, runs Nov. 1-Dec. 1.

ERIK CHALHOUB

Editor, South Valley

Diana Brenneise Financial Advisor 8060 Santa Teresa Blvd.

Suite 140 Gilroy 408-846-7748

MAGAZINE

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

12

Publisher

Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Editor

Erik Chalhoub Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

14 4

Cover Story

7

Crush

10 Calendar

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

12 Wine

2

14 Community 15 Spoking My Mind 16 Theater 17 Home of the Week 19 Real Estate

Jenny Arbizu, Wallace Baine, Ron Erskine, Kimberly Ewertz, Cheryl Huguenor, Laura Ness, Susan Rife, Kate Russell Advertising Account Executives

Carrie Bonato, Scott Harvey, Eileen Katis, Cynthia Runyon Design Director

Kara Brown Production Operations Manager

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

Katherine Manlapaz Cover photograph by:

Erik Chalhoub Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

advertising@newsvmedia.com Phone:

408.842.9404

WHAT EVERY PG&E CUSTOMER NEEDS TO KNOW Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, is a safety program that proactively shuts off electric power lines when there is an elevated fire risk.

Do you have an emergency kit with nonperishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, medications, flashlights and batteries?

All PG&E customers should be prepared for possible power outages that could last for multiple days.

Do you know how to open your garage door manually?

If power is temporarily turned off, customers should consider these questions: If anyone in your family depends on electricity for their medical needs, have you made preparations?

If you own a generator, is it safe to operate?

Do you have a personal safety plan for all members of your family, including your pets?

Are your mobile phones fully charged? Do you have a portable back-up charger or a solar charger?

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

To learn more ways to prepare, visit safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2019 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Paid for by PG&E shareholders.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF?

3

Top: File photo; Bottom: Erik Chalhoub

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Th

4

SAYING GOODBYE Kevin Heath, the executive director of the Gilroy Arts Alliance and co-owner of Limelight Actors Theater, is moving out of the area. Limelight Actors Theater is currently performing its final production.

Erik Chalhoub

he

FINAL ACT

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

âž?6

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Kevin Heath retiring from Gilroy arts center after decade of growth

5

THE FINAL ACT

5 Erik Chalhoub

Monday, th November 11 1:30 pm Downtown Hollister This year we are pleased to honor

San Benito County WWII Veterans as our Grand Marshals

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Additional Veterans Day activities at the Veterans Memorial Building:

6

10:00 am Veterans Benefit Fair 10:30 am Banner Presentations 11:00 am Memorial Ceremony 12:00 noon BBQ Lunch

SHOW PREP Alan Obata (left) and Kevin Heath set up the stage for

Limelight Actors Theater’s “The Hallelujah Girls.”

E

arly this decade, wellknown local actor Kevin Heath decided to join the burgeoning Gilroy Arts Alliance on the recommendation of a friend.

The year 2010 was an exciting time for the organization. Gilroy Arts Alliance had just merged with the longtime local arts advocate group Theater Angels Art League, and had entered into an agreement with the city to lease the former Salvation Army building at 7341 Monterey St. and transform it into an interim arts center.

The first order of business was to clean up the dilapidated second-hand retail shop. Heath received his first assignment as an arts alliance board member: Throw an old toilet into a dumpster.

“That was the moment I knew I’m all in for this,” he said.

Nearly 10 years later, the Gilroy Center for the Arts is a cultural hub downtown, with rotating exhibits, an artisan’s corner and a thriving resident theater company, with Heath at the helm as executive director.

But now it’s time to say goodbye.

Heath recently announced that he is retiring from the center on Nov. 27 and closing Limelight Actors Theater, as he and his husband and fellow theater company co-owner Alan Obata are moving from Gilroy to the Sierra Foothills.

“We’ve had some positive turns of events in our families,” he said. “It’s time for us to make our next step.”

“It was a very difficult decision,” Heath added. “It was so soul-wrenching to figure out: ‘Am I really going to do this? Am I going to end what I’ve built?’”

Once he announced his decision, the reaction was overwhelming. Heath said people have shown up to his home “just to hug us,” called him while crying, and invited him to dinner.

“All of that drove home the fact that we really created something special here,” he said. “If people are having that much of a visceral reaction, it meant something to them.”

For now, the arts alliance will not hire a replacement director, Heath said. However, it is in discussions with some parties interested in continuing theater at the center.

“There are some promising leads to keeping theater here,” he said. “That to me is the most important thing. It’s something I built from scratch—it’s my baby— so it’s nice to see others interested in taking it and continuing it.

“The community will be very happy with the next steps of theater in this building.”

Theater comes to downtown Heath’s first taste of theater came in the first grade, when he performed as the partridge in a pear tree for a Christmas production.

“I got up on stage and said, ‘I love this. This is awesome,’” he recalled.

It was the beginning of ➝ 8

O& A

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Honor the lives of departed loved ones at local Day of the Dead celebrations Nov. 1-3.

OUT & ABOUT

HOLLISTER

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

GILROY

BAILE DE LOS MUERTOS

SUCCULENT SKULLS

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

FAMILY CELEBRATION

Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy and Services (CARAS) is hosting its Aztec Calendar Mural Restoration Project Fundraiser, Baile de Los Muertos. Participants will enjoy a community altar, food, music, raffles and more. A short presentation on the restoration project will be given.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 4-11:30pm at Gilroy Veterans Memorial Hall, 74 W. Sixth St. For information, call the CARAS office at 408.847.4978.

The GardenShoppe is hosting a special Dia de los Muertos hourlong drop-in class. Students will plant succulents in Day of the Dead ceramic pots that they will paint themselves. Tickets are $15 each and extra succulents will be available for purchase. Guests may bring their own snacks; beverages, including beer and wine, may be purchased onsite. Saturday, Nov. 2, drop in between 11am-2pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y4auldtq.

El Teatro Campesino presents its 2019 Dia de los Muertos Weekend, celebrating arts and culture. Attendees will enjoy a community altar exhibit and live music and dance performances by Esperanza del Valle (tickets required). Guests are also invited to participate in free activities that will be held in the Playhouse parking lot, including a Teatro performance, live music, dancing calaveras, raffles, children’s activities and more.

Nov. 1-3 at El Teatro Campesino Playhouse, 705 Fourth St. For information, visit elteatrocampesino.com.

Gilroy Gardens will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with live entertainment, beer and margaritas as well as traditional Mexican food such as tamales, elotes (street corn), churros, hot chocolate and Pan de Muerto (Mexican pastry). Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Saturday, Nov. 2, 3-9pm at Gilroy Gardens’ South County Picnic Grove, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway. For information, visit gilroygardens.org.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

GILROY

7

THE FINAL ACT

6

Permanent center on hold, for now

BETTER TV FOR LESS!

Promo

Terms

and co

nditions

Code: DI

apply.

Call for

SH100

details.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Add High Speed Internet

8

for 12 months

190 Channels America’s Top 120 CALL TODAY For $100 Gift Card Offer ends 11/13/19.

/mo.

Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. Internet not provided

by DISH and will be billed separately.

1-855-993-2335 Se Habla Español Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST

Savings with 2 year price guarantee with AT120 starting at $59.99 compared to everyday price. All offers require credit qualification, 2 year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/ Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more.

Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification. Fees apply for additionalTV’s: Hopper $15/mo., Joey $5/mo., Super Joey $10/mo.

The word “interim” was used to preface the Gilroy Center for the Arts when it first opened in late 2010. But the word’s usage has become few and far between in recent memory as the organization grapples with minimal financial support and a murky path forward for its permanent, 28,000-squarefoot state-of-the-art facility planned all those years ago.

The City of Gilroy invested about $4.7 million to purchase the site that is sandwiched between Monterey, Seventh and Eigleberry streets, with the goal of opening an arts center.

City and community leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2007 unveiling a sign marking the future location of the facility.

The sign still remains today, albeit faded and starting to become overtaken by the growing landscape.

Back in 2004, the arts center project was estimated at $12.3 million. Funds earmarked for the construction of the center were instead

Erik Chalhoub

a theater career that extended throughout his education and continues today, and along the way he made the transition from actor to director.

A transplant from Connecticut, Heath moved to San Francisco in his mid-30s, and soon after relocated to Gilroy, where he auditioned for the South Valley Civic Theatre. He quickly made friendships in the local theater world.

Once a member of the Gilroy Arts Alliance, Heath and the board began brainstorming ways to attract people to the center. Knowing his expertise in theater, Heath was tasked with bringing plays into the center, and Limelight Actors Theater was born.

“January 21, 2011 was opening night,” he said. “We packed this place. That’s when we realized, this is going to bring people in.

Let’s introduce people to the center through theater.”

Limelight Actors Theater has put on 43 shows since. Its final performance, The Hallelujah Girls, runs Nov. 1-Dec. 1.

At the end of the center’s first year, 350 people walked through its doors.

In 2018, that number was 6,000.

THE VERY BEST Limelight Actors Theater, which Kevin Heath founded, has been recognized many times as Best Local Theater in Gilroy in the Gilroy Dispatch’s Best of Gilroy awards. reallocated toward the purchase of Gilroy Gardens in 2008.

As the city began demolishing the buildings on the property, the Theater Angels Art League stepped in and convinced the city to keep the Salvation Army building and let them turn it into an interim center.

“When we got this building, it was a pit,” Heath said, giving credit to volunteers such as Beth Dewey who spent countless hours cleaning the place.

Heath said he has no “ill will” toward the city for helping Gilroy Gardens and putting the arts center on hold.

“From a business perspective, I completely understand why the decision was made,” he said. “The city has a tough job. I don’t always agree with them, but they have more than the arts center to worry about.”

Still, as artists, the alliance’s outsidethe-box thinking has turned a lessthan-ideal situation into an important part of Gilroy’s cultural identity.

“The future of the center is bright,” Heath said. “They have nowhere to go but up. We have just been going up, and up, and up. There is so much momentum right now. My exit will just be a small blip in a matter of time.

“Fresh blood is sometimes where you need to go. I’m proud of the work I did here. I’m super proud of the theater.”

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

9

O& A CALENDAR

RANCHO ROVING

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Get to know the “canyon of gold� on a hike through Rancho Canada Del Oro. The moderate moderate 5.5-mile hike features views of the Santa Clara Valley and Diablo Range as well as oak woodland, creekside habitats and more.

Attendees are advised to bring water and snacks and dress in layers with good hiking shoes. Rain will cancel. Sunday, Nov. 10, 9:30am-12:30pm at Rancho Canada Del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Road, Morgan Hill. This event is free with donation opportunities, but an RSVP is required. For information and to RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/y4yhoa94.

10

GILROY HOLIDAY COMEDY The Gilroy Center for the Arts will host a performance of The Hallelujah Girls, written by Jessie Jones,

Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. In this comedy, five women realize time is precious after the passing of a dear friend.

In an effort to change their lives and achieve their dreams

they decide to turn a rundown church into a spa, but each has their own issues preventing them from being motivated. This production runs Nov. 1-Dec. 1 at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St. For information and performance schedule, visit limelightactorstheater.com.

HISTORIC TOUR Learn about the historic districts of Gilroy the first Saturday of each month during Historic Walking Tours.

Join members of the Gilroy Historical Society Saturday, Nov. 2, 10am-noon for a free walking tour of Old St. Mary Cemetery.

Reservations are recommended but not required. Meet in front of

St. Joseph Family Center, 7950 Church St. For information, call 408.846.0446.

BLUES BROTHERS Blues Brothers Revue will perform a night of music and high-energy entertainment. Two of the top Blues Brothers impersonators in the world, Michael St. John as Jake and Marten Benatar as Elwood, will perform in this interactive revue. Saturday, Nov. 2, 8-11:30pm at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey Road. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y3vono2q.

HUMAN LIBRARY The Gilroy Human Library aims to explore and move beyond stereotypes and learn more about each other

CONTAINER GARDENING

UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County present the Growing Winter Vegetables in Containers event. Containers allow gardeners to utilize many different spaces to grow food. Participants will learn about containers, soil, nutrients and cultural practices to help grow container vegetables successfully. Root vegetables, salad greens, onions, shallots and more will be covered. There is no cost to attend. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7-8:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu..

through stories. Patrons will have the opportunity to “check out” human “books” for one-on-one conversations. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit sccl.org.

MORGAN HILL

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUNDRAISER The entire family is invited to join Town Cats for a fundraiser hosted by Bubbles and Brews Morgan Hill. Guests are invited to enjoy a drink or two, play games and join the raffle for a chance to win a prize.

All proceeds benefit Town Cats of Morgan Hill, a non-profit shelter working to restore health and find homes for homeless cats. Saturday, Nov. 2, 1-4pm at Bubbles & Brew, 17105 Monterey

Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center’s 24th Annual Wildlife Fest is its largest fundraiser of the year. This family-friendly event offers a barbecue with all the trimmings, unique auction items available on both live and silent auctions, and craft projects for the youngsters. Saturday, Nov. 9, noon-3pm at the Morgan Hill Buddhist Building, 16450 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill. Photo opportunities with animal Education Ambassadors will be from noon-1pm. For information and tickets, visit werc-ca.org.

Road. For information, visit towncats.org.

DOCUMENTARY FILM The Morgan Hill Library presents a free viewing of Inventing Tomorrow, a documentary film about science fairs changing lives. This prize-winning documentary features six teenagers who scientifically fight local environmental threats and present their original research at the International Science and Engineering Fair while coping with universal adolescent issues.

The film will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Bay Area students discussing their research and ISEF experiences.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 3-5pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. For information, visit sccl.org.

SAN JOSE SPEECHLESS TOUR Blue Man Group is bringing its new tour, Speechless, to San Jose for a limited engagement as a part of the Broadway San Jose 2019-20 season. Speechless will feature new and original compositions, invented instruments and unexpected situations alongside iconic Blue Man Group moments based in joy, art, music, comedy, social commentary and profound absurdity. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1-3 at San ➝ 13

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

WINE BOTTLING The public can learn how to bottle wine at Guglielmo Winery’s Bottle Your Own event. Attendees may bring their own clean bottles or purchase new from the winery and will receive a commemorative label.

Participants will bottle a red blend to take home to enjoy or give as a gift. This event is open to

everyone; no reservations required.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 10am-3pm at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave. For information, call 408.779.2145.

WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

11

WINE

Courtesy of J. Lohr

WINE PROWESS J. Lohr’s 2018 sauvignon blanc is made from

F&G Vineyard in Arroyo Seco.

J. Lohr keeps raising the bar Family-owned wine business all about consistency By LAURA NESS

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

J

12

erry Lohr recently celebrated 45 years as the head of a 100 percent family-owned wine business that eschews outside investors. His children are all involved, also a rarity. Daughter Cynthia Lohr was just named chief brand officer. Consistency, quality, varietal typicity and affordability make J. Lohr wines an unbeatable value.

Under the guidance of winemaker Kristen Barnhisel, the whites get more impressive with each vintage. Her 2018 Riverstone Arroyo Seco chardonnay ($14), sings of its chilly provenance with sage, honey and coriander. Director of Winemaking Steve Peck’s 2018 Falcon’s Perch Monterey pinot noir ($17), is an earthy, silky wine, brimming with strawberries and satisfaction.

Two wines from the F&G Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, a cool and

windy site known for its cobblestones, really spotlight Barnhisel’s white wine prowess. The 2018 sauvignon blanc ($25) is the perfect marriage of passionfruit, grapefruit, Meyer lemon and kiwi, with a subtle touch of fennel from acacia barrels, a secret ingredient in their sauvignon blancs. The 2018 F&G pinot blanc ($35) is just lovely, carrying ripe apple, pear and melon on a dreamy creamy palate.

Fans of megabig cabernet sauvignon will gravitate to the new “Pure Paso” blend ($27). Made by head red winemaker Brenden Wood, it’s endowed with blackfruited ripeness from Paso cabernet, then supersized by the addition of petite sirah, the velvet underground that gives so many blends plushness, depth and a finish of chocolate fudge.

O& A CALENDAR

11

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

Morgan Hill Historical Society presents its 25th Annual Holiday Boutique.

Proceeds will benefit Morgan Hill Historical Society, a nonprofit volunteer organization. All are welcome to this free community event Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1-3, 10am-5pm each day inside the historic Hiram Morgan Hill House at Villa Mira Monte, 17860 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. For information, visit morganhillhistoricalsociety.org.

Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd. For information, full schedule and tickets, visit broadwaysanjose.com.

EVENTS

VINEYARD DINNER Calerrain Wines will host Dinner in the

not be appropriate for children. A $10 donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Saturday, Nov. 9, 6:30pm at Gavilan College Theatre, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy. For information, call 408.644.9774.

COMEDY THEATER Pintello Comedy Theater will present The Foreigner by Larry Shue. Hilarious hospitality ensues in this classic stranger comedy when the guests of the Meek’s fishing lodge assume the new guest doesn’t understand them and he overhears everything from the hilarious to the nefarious.

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9, 8pm and Sunday, Nov. 10, 2pm at Pintello Comedy Theater, 8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit pintellocomedy.com.

PICTURES WITH SANTA Families are invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Morgan Hill Library to take their own photos with the famous couple. One pose per family; bring a camera to take the picture. Sign up for one time slot per family online, or drop in to see if space is available. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7-7:30pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. To sign up, visit sccl.org.

BIKING COYOTE VALLEY Explore the Coyote Valley region by bicycle on a flat 21-mile loop beginning at the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Participants will bike across the valley floor, travel along the Coyote Creek Trail, make a stop at Spina Farm Stand and more while learning about the history, wildlife, water and agricultural story of the area.

Speakers will include former County Supervisor Ken Yeager, Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful Executive Director Deb Kramer and Committee for Green Foothills Executive Director Megan Fluke.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 9am-12:30pm at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, 550 Palm Ave., Morgan Hill. For information and to register for this free event, visit tinyurl.com/yxdanq3q.

BILINGUAL PLAY Community Solutions is presenting the bilingual play Historias de Mi Madre XII: Inicios (Beginnings.)

The play explores the genesis of critical services for survivors of abuse in South County including La Isla Pacifica’s inception in 1978, sexual assault program launches in 1981 and service expansions including support to survivors of human trafficking in 2003. Due to mature content, the play may

ART FESTIVAL Aromas Hills Artisans present their annual Art Festival, featuring a mixture of Christmas spirit, homemade wares, food and music. The event includes a variety of free classes as well as works for sale by an array of artists showcasing creative artwork, carvings, jewelry, paintings, pottery, succulents, fiber arts and more. The festival also includes homemade soup, chili and baked goods, as well as a raffle offering the chance to win a piece of artwork. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17, 10am-4pm each day at Aromas Community Grange, 400 Rose Ave., Aromas.

Raffle drawing Sunday, Nov. 17, 2pm. For information, visit aromashillsartisans.com.

HELLO FROM JAPAN Attendees can learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with contemporary culture at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose’s new exhibit, “Hello from Japan!”

The exhibit features the Shinto shrine park and Kawaii Central, a streetscape inspired by Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku district.

Together, the exhibit gives visitors a family-friendly window into Japanese culture and highlights how old and new traditions coexist.

View the exhibit through Feb. 2 at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way. For information, visit cdm.org.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

OFRENDA EXHIBITS Gilroy Center for the Arts will remember family members and friends who have passed on and helping to support their spiritual journey at the eighth annual Dia de los Muertos Community Ofrendas & Art Exhibit. The exhibit at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St., runs through Nov. 2. For information, visit gilroycenterforthearts.com.

WINTER FRUIT TREES The UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County will describe how to keep deciduous fruit trees healthy at their “Winter Fruit Tree Care and Selection” event. Learn about common diseases and insect pests, including control measures for them. Tips for selecting new trees and basic principles of pruning will also be discussed. There is no cost to attend. Monday, Nov. 4, 7-8:30pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. For information, visit mgsantaclara. ucanr.edu.

Vineyard, a private, seasonal four-course dinner paired with Calerrain wine favorites. Friday, Nov. 8, 5:30-8:30pm at Calerrain Wines, 10220 Jean Ellen Court, Gilroy. For tickets, visit calerrainwine.com.

13

COMMUNITY

Services for survivors

File photo

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

HISTORIAS DE MI MADRE Community Solutions presents its 12th annual production on Nov. 9.

14

Community Solutions’ play highlights program beginnings STAFF REPORT

C

ommunity Solutions, the largest non-profit human services agency in southern Santa Clara County, will celebrate the program’s beginnings with its annual production.

The 12th annual production of Historias de Mi Madre (My Mother’s Stories) will highlight the grassroots beginnings of services for intimate partner abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking in South County.

Historias de Mi Madre XII: Inicios (beginnings), explores the

genesis of services for survivors of abuse in South County—including the inception of La Isla Pacifica (the Peaceful Island) in 1978, the launching of sexual assault programs in 1981, and the expansion of services to include support to human trafficking survivors in 2003. La Isla Pacifica is a confidential shelter for survivors of intimate partner abuse and/or human trafficking and their children.

As one of the founders of the Rape Crisis Center, Lisa De Silva worked to ensure these issues gained visibility.

“When our programs began,

domestic violence was kept behind closed doors, sexual assault was buried within silence and shame, and human trafficking was not even in our consciousness,” she said. “Thankfully, these many years later, all three of these crimes have emerged from society’s shadows.

Yet, we unfortunately are still facing some of the same myths and stereotypes today that existed years ago.

In revisiting history we can ensure that it’s not repeated for our future.”

This will be the second year that Erica Leon participates in Historias de Mi Madre.

“I volunteer for many reasons,” she said. “I am a survivor. From childhood to womanhood, I found myself dealing with the brunt of toxic masculinity, but ultimately found the strength to break free. I participate to bring awareness so that individuals like me can see there is hope, and maybe they too can find their strength to begin again.”

During the last year, Community Solutions provided services to 792 domestic violence victims, 231 sexual assault survivors and 78 victims of human trafficking. Services include emergency confidential shelter, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, peer counseling, case management, safety planning, and resources and referrals.

The bilingual (English/Spanish) play will be performed on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gavilan College Theatre, located at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy. There is a suggested $10 donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Due to mature content, the play may not be appropriate for children.

For information regarding Historias de Mi Madre XII, call (408) 644-9774.

For domestic violence services, call Community Solutions’ toll-free 24-hour bilingual crisis line at 1-877-END-SADV (1-877-363-7238).

SPOKING MY MIND

Cranking and thanking Thank you all for keeping the wheels rolling. longtime readers know how I always recommend that we all count our blessings this time of year. Bicycle-ly speaking, I want to publicly express my gratitude to everyone involved in passing their love of cycling onto future generations, from grandparents who take their grandchildren on levee rides to folks who give up their precious weekends to ferry kids to BMX events throughout the state. From adults who model and support cycling to work and school to the advocates who are working tirelessly on cycle-centered projects like the proposed 536acre mountain bike park adjacent to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Thank you all for keeping the wheels rolling!

Rebecca Spencer White

CONTINUING TRADITION The passion for cycling must continue to be passed on to the younger generation.

By CURT HENTSCHKE

O

ut of left field: “Coyote Creek Cycling Classic is cancelled.” Like many of you, I received that email two days before the actual event. Nothing left to do but wait until next October.

Meantime, we still have plenty of late season cycling opportunities.

Palo Alto’s Cycle of Hope and Acampo’s Giro D’Vino both offer beautiful fall rides on the first Saturday

of the month. WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca continues to offer their monthly Twilight Cycling series on Nov. 20. Who doesn’t want to ride bicycles around the iconic Monterey raceway, a venue usually reserved for speeding automobiles?

Oh, and don’t forget to take the family out for a Thanksgiving spin … and don’t forget your lights and jackets. The days continue to get shorter and crisper.

Speaking of Thanksgiving,

• Nov. 3: Cycle of Hope, Palo Alto, habitatebsv.org • Nov. 3: Giro D’Vino, Acampo, deltavelo.com • Nov. 20: Twilight Cycling, Weathertech Raceway, Laguna Seca • Dec. 7-8: Coyote Valley Cross, coyotevalleycross.com • Dec. 22: Critical Christmas Bicycle Ride, Monterey, info on Facebook • Feb. 22: Pedaling Paths to Independence, Linden, communitycenterfortheblind.org Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke has pedaled more than 60,000 miles of South Valley and San Benito County trails. Send your cycle celebrations to heycycleguy@gmail.com. Check for last minute changes before attending.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Expressing gratitude for those who share love of cycling

Save the Dates

15

THEATER

Steeped in tradition Folklorico dance group observes Dia de Los Muertos in San Juan Bautista BY WALLACE BAINE

Robert Eliason

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

ALL SAINTS’ DAY Esperanza Del Valle is preparing for its Dia de Los Muertos performances at El Teatro Campesino’s Playhouse in San Juan Bautista.

16

O

n an otherwise quiet and serene Sunday afternoon, an assertive and rapid-fire polyrhythm spills out onto Watsonville’s City Plaza. Too explosive to be drumming, the sound is coming from the plaza’s northeast side. There, inside the open doors of a dance studio on Cabrillo College’s small Watsonville campus, about two dozen people are stomping in staccato precision on the hardwood floor with their

chunky-heeled folklorico dance shoes.

This is the unmistakable and distinctive sound of Esperanza del Valle.

For close to 40 years, Esperanza has been giving audiences in the Monterey Bay area the kind of tradition-grounded ethnic dance performances mostly found only in major cities like Los Angeles or Mexico City.

On this particular Sunday, the troupe—evenly numbered between

men and women—are taking instruction from Daniel del Valle Hernandez, who traveled to Watsonville from his home in Veracruz, Mexico where he is the artistic director of the Ballet Folklorico of Puerto Veracruz. The dancers stomp in unison, the women holding their arms out parallel to the floor but bent at the elbow, in preparation for holding up their voluminous skirts during performance.

On Friday, Nov. 1—All Saints’ Day—Esperanza Del Valle will

host a free performance outdoors at the Watsonville Plaza, followed by a five-performance, three-day engagement at El Teatro Campesino’s Playhouse in San Juan Bautista.

The weekend slate of performances is to celebrate the Mexican observance of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). But Esperanza del Valle is also using the occasion to take a deep dive into the remarkably rich dance/music subculture of the state of Veracruz and the region of Huasteca on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

The traditional dance of the region is known as son jarocho, and if that sounds unfamiliar and distant, consider the case of “La Bamba.” Long before Los Lobos recorded it, long before even Ritchie Valens sang it, “La Bamba” was a prime example of the son jarocho style, and is still considered one of the classics of the tradition.

The El Teatro shows will feature Esperanza’s take on the traditional “La Bamba” as well as the Day of the Dead performance Danza de los Viejos.

“That one is about disguising ourselves as people who have passed on,” said Esperanza’s co-founder and artistic director Janet Johns. “We’re wearing these masks made in the Huasteca region, all hand carved and made of cedar. The idea is to dress like people who have died and dance as they would have danced.”

Esperanza del Valle will perform at El Teatro Campesino Playhouse, 705 Fourth St. in San Juan Bautista, Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 3 at noon and 5 p.m.

Admission is $22 adults; $17 military, students, and seniors (over 55); and $12 children under 12.

For information, visit esperanzadelvalle.org.

HOME OF THE WEEK

SECLUDED ESTATE This Gilroy home’s four-car garage

includes a game room above.

Space to stretch out

Two-story, five-bedroom Gilroy home sits on seven acres downstairs bedroom, kitchen and views throughout.

The four-car garage has room for an RV, and a game room above it could be converted into a guest home.

The home, built in 1991, is listed at $1,799,999 by Intero Real Estate Services.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/ y2f7x4re.

NEW LISTING RIDGEMARK BLUFFS

2 Bedroom 2 Full Bathrooms Single story, all one level end condo unit. Complex has been recently painted on the exterior. Flexible floor plan, kitchen eating area opens to a possible formal Dining Room, or Library/Family Room, which includes bookshelves. Enter into a Asking: gated front brick patio with a formal entry, laminated floors. Unit is light and airy. Living Room has a fireplace with custom mantle with decorative bookcase and overlooks a large back brick patio which is ideal for entertaining. Fresh interior paint. Inside utility room. 2 car garage. Washer/Dryer and Refrigerator included “AS IS”. You will love it!

$499,800 NOVEMBER 1, 2019

T

here is plenty of room for horses or farming at this home with a seven-acre lot in Gilroy.

Located at 4831 Redwood Retreat Road, the 5,180-squarefoot home includes five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Not only is the property sizable, but so is the home, with a living room, dining room, family room, media room, master bedroom with a fireplace,

870 HELEN DRIVE OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12-3 PM

17

1750 BRIGHTON OPEN SATURDAY 1-4PM SELLERS MOTIVATED

AUGUST 23, 2019 | GAVILAN COLLEGE

7

10

March 10, 1964

1975

2004

November 2018

Voters pass $3.7 million bond for college operations and future land purchase

Rudy Melone becomes president of Gavilan. He later became co-founder of the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 1978

Voters pass the Measure E facilities bond for Gavilan

Voters pass the $248 million Measure X, the largest bond in college’s history

1983

Gavilan purchases land in Coyote Valley and San Benito County for future campuses

1964 Board selects 125 acres of land off of Highway 101 in Gilroy for new campus. Shumaker family offers land for a “reasonable price.”

Summer 1967 Gavilan moves to new campus in Gilroy

Gavilan enacts tuition in face of budget woes

1997 Satellite sites added in Hollister and Morgan Hill

2008

2017 First phase of Coyote Valley Center completed

September 2019 Gavilan holds centennial gala

May 2020 Gavilan’s 100th graduating class Source: “To Dream on Your Behalf: A History of Gavilan College” by Leah Halper

Within walking distance of neighborhood park; near Cerra Vista School. Lots of extra space in this KB resale home. 4 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms with bonus room upstairs, stucco exterior, 2464 Sq.Ft., L.R./D.R. combo, laminated flooring, kitchen has eating area, tile floors, freestanding gas range, ceramic tile counters, pantry cabinet, microwave. Larger Master Bedroom Suite has good sized bath w/ separate tub, stall shower, double sinks. Home is wired for security system - not active... Inside utility room with storage, newly painted interior. RV PARKING. 1 hour, notice before showing. Appointment Only…

Asking: $603,800

Looking to sell your home?

Want to buy a home?

10

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION GAVILAN CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

25 Belmont Ct. Hollister Your Opportunity to be a Gentleman Farmer!

Comfortable 3 bed 2.5 bath NEW PRICE!

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

$875,000

18

26 Years of Helping Buyers and Sellers Aggressive Commission Structures!

Ask About Our Savings Programs...

Daniel J. Furtado, Broker www.danfurtadorealestate.com 408.313.0833 | 831.313.1656 furtadodan@gmail.com CalBRE: 01131718

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT/ CONDO RENTALS

$1,750 Month/$2,250 Deposit 2 Bed 1 Bath, Duplex close to shopping.

Older unit that has been completely re-furbished on the inside. Indoor laundry with lots of storage inside and out. No garage. Gardner included.

BELLAGIO VILLAS

$1,850 Month/$1,850 Deposit 2 Bed 1 Bath, Upstairs Apartment 2 Parking Spaces

2 Bedroom Apartments starting at $2245.

Pool. Park like setting.

Contemporary Landscaping.

1129 Monte Bello Drive Gilroy, CA 95020

$2,550 Month/$3,050 Deposit 3 Bed 2 Bath, 2 car garage.

AVAILABLE MID NOVEMBER

(408) 847-2328 • Apply online: http://bellagiovillas.eprodesse.com

FINISHED LOTS

HOLLISTER HOME RENTALS

RENTALS

$2,750 Month/$3,250 Deposit 3 Bed 2 Bath Country living on a cul-de-sac.

Easy access to Hwy 25 and 156 Water and garbage included in rent.

HOLLISTER-RENTAL-PROPERTIES.COM

1/1 3/2 3/2.5 4/2 4/3

$1,400 $2,600 $2,675 $2,400 $3,000

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

HOLLISTER APARTMENT RENTALS 2/1

$1,900

3/2

$2,000

2/1 2/2

$1,400 $2,600

airparkbusinesscenter.com 831.684.0802

HOLLISTER DUPLEX/TRIPLEX RENTALS SAN JUAN BAUTISTA APARTMENT/DUPLEX RENTALS

HOLLISTER INDUSTRIAL LAND

OFFICE SPACES AVAILABLE Adam Square Business Complex 330 Tres Pinos Rd. Executive Suite available and

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

northpointebusinesscenter.com

831.637.4297

HOLLISTER RENTAL PROPERTIES

330 Tres Pinos Rd. Ste. B-1

For more information, call

831.637.1691

831.637.7337

www.pivetticompany.com Lic# 429006

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES CONCRETE

DOORS

HAULING

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

J. Casalegno Concrete

All Residential

South County Cleanup, Demo & Hauling LOW RATES • FREE ESTIMATES CLEAN UP-Yards, homes, properties, rentals & garages DEMO-Bathrooms, kitchens, decks, patios, small buildings HAULING-Garbage, yard waste, rock, sand & mulch POWER WASHING 408.430.3560

Humberto Montes Tree Services

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

408.279.8036

Installed • Finished Repaired • Entry • Patio Closet Pocket And More Call Adam at 408.710.4556

cccraftsman@gmail.com craftmansdooservices.com

CONSTRUCTION

HANDYMAN

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

408.394.6824

Lic: #7921 Fully Insured

MAGNOLIA LANDSCAPE AND CONCRETE, INC. Specializing, Pavers, Concrete, Irrigation, Sod, Cleanups, All Landscape Construction Serving the Bay Area since 1992 Call for Free Estimates Licensed, Bonded and Insured 408-309-2973 License # 962540

Soares Lumber P.S.G. Fencing Redwood Fencing Chain Link • Decks

Arbors • Hole Drilling

408.842.0260 831.726.2002 Lic. #606051

GARDENING

Gregg’s Complete Gardening Service Wood fences • Clean ups Tree work •Sod • Sprinklers Free estimate

Please call or text 831.537.5205

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Lic# 381833 Bonded & Insured

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

FENCES

19

u o y h s i W ived here l EVERYTHING’S INCLUDED® NEW HOMES IN GILROY

Come discover your new dream home where Everything’s Included® at Glen Loma Ranch. Tour the models from three new communities, including gated Burgundy, Provence and Margaux to see all the features and upgrades that come at no additional cost. Enjoy, home automation, stainless steel appliances, solar* and more – without paying extra.

10 NEW MODELS NOW OPEN Approx. 2,409 to 3,639 sq. ft.

Up to 5 Bedrooms | Up to 4.5 Bathrooms

Text GARLIC to 31996

for more info

Welcome Home Center 7131 Spumante Ct., Gilroy, CA 95020

Lennar.com/BayArea 888-216-2330

New homes from the mid $700,000s

*Requires either participation in the SunStreet solar program or the separate purchase of the system. Details at SunStreet.com. Lennar’s automated homes are built according to the Wi-Fi Alliance® program guidelines for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs. See the Wi-Fi Alliance® website at www.wi-fi.org for additional information regarding the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design program. Homeowners are responsible for configuring all security features. Lennar does not warrant or represent that any network or network device is secure or can prevent all privacy intrusions, malware, or cyber-attacks, even when correctly configured. Certain products or services are provided by third parties, and not Lennar. Lennar does not guarantee any equipment or services provided by third parties. Features, amenities, floorplans, elevations, square footage and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Plans, elevations, hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Please see your New Home Consultant and home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature, additional information, disclosures, and disclaimers relating to your home and its features. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details and important legal disclaimers. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2019 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included, and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CalAtlantic Group, Inc., CA BRE Broker #02058246 (Responsible Broker: Joanna Duke). Lennar Sales Corp., CA BRE Broker #01252753 (Responsible Broker: Joanna Duke). BMR Construction, Inc., CA CSLB #830955. CalAtlantic Group, Inc., CA CSLB #1037780. Lennar Homes of California, Inc., CA CSLB #728102. 10/19 Amazon, Alexa, Echo Dot, and Echo Show are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.