South Valley Magazine October 23-29

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

OCTOBER 23, 2020

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

WITHOUT WARNING Preparing for the next “Big One,” more than three decades after the Loma Prieta Earthquake P2

ART GRANTS P4 | HOME OF THE WEEK P6 | REAL ESTATE P7

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | SANBENITO.COM | SOUTHVALLEY.COM

TIMEto PLAN is NOW

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Loma Prieta Earthquake’s 31st anniversary an opportune time to prepare for the next big one

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ll it took was 15 seconds on Oct. 17, 1989 at 5:04 p.m. to forever alter the course of California’s future.

The 6.9-magnitude Loma Prieta Earthquake killed 63 people and injured nearly 4,000 others, and was estimated to cause nearly $6 billion in damages state-wide.

Even now, 31 years later, the scars remain. Loved ones lost in the temblor have devastated the affected families, and cities across the state are still attempting to fully rebuild.

But those living in California know that such an incident is not a freak occurrence, and especially here in the South Valley and San Benito County, most residents live less than 10 miles from a major fault that has catastrophic potential. According to the United States Geological Survey, the probability that a 6.7-magnitude or greater earthquake will strike the San Francisco Bay region is 72 percent from now to 2043.

We cannot predict when the next major earthquake will hit before it is too late. We can, however, prepare for whatever comes.

Numerous resources are available for those looking to prepare for the worst. The Department of Homeland Security’s disaster preparedness website (ready.gov) provides substantial information for residents on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Make a plan San Benito County residents are advised to sign up for the free CodeRed app, while Santa Clara County residents can sign up for the free Alert SCC app. The apps provide emergency alerts to cell phones, mobile devices, landlines and email. Both provide instructions on where to go or what resources are available during a disaster.

Make a family emergency plan: What should you do if you need to evacuate your home?

Emergency supply kits should also be placed in an easily accessible location and be filled with items such as first aid supplies, flashlights, copies of important documents including birth certificates, a water bottle and more.

Secure your space

in the event of a major earthquake.

During an earthquake Earthquakes begin abruptly and have no specific timeframe.

If you are inside a building: • Immediately drop to the ground—cover your head and shoulders with your hands and crawl under a sturdy desk or table and hold on until the shaking stops. Remember: Drop - Cover - Hold on.

• If no sturdy shelter is nearby, crawl away from windows, next to an interior wall.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures or furniture.

• Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

Do not run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this does not provide protection from falling or flying objects, and you may not be able to remain standing.

• If you are in bed: Stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow. At night, hazards and debris are difficult to see and avoid; attempts to move in the dark result in more injuries than remaining in bed.

If you are in a wheelchair: • Lock your wheels, bend over and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your

head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

If you are outdoors: • Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires. Once in the open, "Drop, Cover and Hold On." Stay there until the shaking stops.

If you are in a moving vehicle: • Stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges or ramps that the earthquake may have damaged.

After an earthquake • When the shaking stops, look around. If the building is damaged and there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from damaged areas.

• If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust.

• If you have a cell phone with you, use it to call or text for help.

Be prepared to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in the likely event of aftershocks.

For more tips and information on how to be prepared for the next major earthquake, visit ready.gov.

SANBENITO.COM | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | OCTOBER 23, 2020

Homes also need to be prepped.

• Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items. Don't be afraid to ask others for help.

• Move heavy or large items, such as potted plants or large speakers to the floor or low shelves.

• Move things that can fall on you away from anywhere you spend a lot of time (bed, couch, desk).

• Move heavy unstable objects away from doors and escape routes.

• Secure water heater to the wall studs with two metal straps. (Average cost $20) • Secure (or brace) electronic items such as computers and TVs with straps. (Average cost $15) • Hang mirrors and pictures on closed hooks.

(Average cost $2 per hook) • Secure top-heavy furniture and appliances to wall studs. (Average cost $12) • Secure small items on shelves with museum wax. (Average cost for tub of wax $10) • Install latches on kitchen cabinets. (Average cost $8)

GRAB AND GO Emergency supply kits should be readily available

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ART

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Courtesy of San Benito County Arts Council

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | SANBENITO.COM | SOUTHVALLEY.COM

Art grants provide relief

GRANTEE JMM Dance Co. was one recipient of the San Benito County

Arts Council’s Arts Express! Grant Program in 2020.

Arts Council now accepting applications to organizations impacted by Covid-19

STAFF REPORT

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he San Benito County Arts Council is now accepting applications to two new grant programs designed to aid and support local arts organizations and cultural groups that have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.

Applications are being accepted online at sanbenitoarts.org through Sunday, Oct. 25.

The purpose of the first grant

program, COVID Arts Relief Grant Program for Communities of Color, is to provide financial support to arts organizations and cultural groups based in San Benito County that serve and represent communities of color and have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.

Applicants may apply up to $4,000 for general operations, such as rent, salaries or artist fees, or project-based support. This program is designed to meet the needs of local communities with a focus on equity.

To be eligible for this grant program, arts organizations or groups must demonstrate how they are deeply rooted in and reflective of the identified group or community through their mission, staff/board and programs and services.

Funding for this grant program comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act through the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council.

The second grant program, COVID Arts Relief Grant Program—San Benito County, is to provide financial support to broadbased arts organizations and cultural groups based in San Benito County that have been impacted by Covid-19.

Applicants may apply up to $2,500 for general operations, such as rent, salaries or artist fees, or project-based support. To be eligible for this program, the applicant organization’s main programs and services should 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 a commitment to artistic quality, cultural equity and inclusion.

While applicants do not need to be 501c3 nonprofits to apply, they must demonstrate how their organization or group is formally organized and how their programs and services benefit the broader community.

Funding for this grant program comes from a grant from the Community Foundation for San Benito County.

Applications are only accepted online. Grant awards will be announced in November.

For information, contact the Arts Council at info@sanbenitoarts.org or call 831.636.2787 or visit sanbenitoarts.org.

PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE

Window warnings Heat from flames can break windows

By DWIGHT GOOD

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ypically, the weakest parts of the exterior walls of your home during a wildfire are windows.

Radiant heat and direct contact by flames can break window glass. This happens because the window glass that you can see heats to a different temperature than the glass protected by the window frame. This

difference in temperature causes the glass to crack. If the broken glass falls out during a wildfire, embers can enter your home and ignite it from the inside. An open, screenless window is the most vulnerable to ember attack.

The Ember Aware campaign provides the following tips: • Install windows that are least dual paned with tempered

Fire Marshal Dwight Good, MS, EFO, serves the Morgan Hill Fire Department, South Santa Clara County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit. He has 25 years of fire service experience. For questions or comments, email Dwight.good@fire.ca.gov or call 408.310.4654.

SANBENITO.COM | SOUTHVALLEY.COM | OCTOBER 23, 2020

TEMPERED GLASS Dual-paned windows have greater resistance to fire.

glass. It will resist greater fire intensities than single-pane windows. The type of frame material used is not as important as the type of glass.

• Remove wooden flower boxes from under windows or construct them of fire-resistant materials and use fire-resistant plants. Do not use wood or bark mulches in the planter boxes.

• Do not plant large, dense shrubs such as ornamental junipers under windows.

• Do not place stack firewood under windows.

• Prepare half-inch plywood covers that are sized and labeled for your windows. If there is time, you can attach these covers before you evacuate. Shutters (instead of the plywood covers) can also be used.

• Decayed wood window sills should be replaced. Decayed wood is easier to ignite.

Before evacuating, make sure all your windows are closed. These include basement, garage, and vehicle windows.

Will your home survive when the embers arrive? Wind-driven embers ignite many of the homes destroyed by wildfire. Your home could be at risk! Be ember aware and make changes to reduce the threat to your home. Remove leaves and pine needles from your rain gutters, chuck that firewood, and clean out debris from under your deck. You can learn more at www.emberaware.com Most people believe that wildfires ignite homes through direct contact with flames, but it is rare to have a home ignite this way. Flaming brands and embers can travel a mile or more ahead of the active front of a wildfire and up to 60 percent of wildland/urban interface home ignitions result from embers.

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HOME OF THE WEEK

Submitted photo

OCTOBER OCTOBER 23, 23, 2020 2020 || SANBENITO.COM SANBENITO.COM || SOUTHVALLEY.COM SOUTHVALLEY.COM

EDMUNDSON AVENUE This Morgan Hill home was recently upgraded.

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Updated home in Morgan Hill Ten-acre fenced property includes pool, barn, dog run and more

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A digital solution for real estate professionals to attract prospects, sell homes and build listings For more information contact 831.458.1100

he current owner of this Morgan Hill home has put in more than $700,000 in upgrades since they purchased it.

Located at 1605 W. Edmundson Ave., the 4,158-square-foot, single-level home includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

The kitchen is equipped with a quartz island, as well as new hood, cabinets and gas range. It opens to a family room with exposed beam ceilings with iron doors leading to the loggia.

The primary suite features a gas fireplace, master bath, his and her vanities, claw tub, and a large shower with two walk-in closets plus organizers.

Outside is a new saltwater pool and spa. The house is powered by an owned solar system. The nearly 10-acre property is fully fenced with a four-stall barn, corral, fourcar garage and more.

The home, built in 2009, is listed at $3.1 million by Sereno Group. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yyrdf2th.

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