06 gmhtoday jan/feb 2016

aprMorganHill.com

408.779.4400 17200 Monterey Road At Monterey Road and 4th Street Morgan Hill Lic#01342632

here would you like to live?

408.781.1199 [email protected]

Lic#00682682

Easy Street

Offered at $1,249,000

JEANNIE CHASE

408.718.4128

[email protected] Lic#01132576 .CALLTAMMIEJANN.COM

TAMMIE JANN

JEANNIECHASE.COM

Close your eyes and

envision your dream home.

What does it look like?I will scour the market to make

that vision your reality..Call now 408.781.1199.

Visit me and "like" my facebook pagefacebook.com/jeanniechaserealtor

Spring Grove Longshore

Cochrane

Near Santa Clara County BorderSpring Grove Area. Every bedroom is a

mini-suite. Gated Entry with access to acreage on both sides.Visit our 3D virtual tour at

tourfactory.com/1453717 4 bedroom | 4 bathrooms | 2,764 SF | 5.11 acres

Casa Grande Custom. This home has it all. Huge media room, family room, sun room, living room, dining room and dining nook. Laundry room/ar-

eas on both floors. Visit our virtual tour at tourfactory.com/1341022

5 bedroom | 3 bathrooms | 4,638 SF | 22,000 lot

End unit with private entrance. Looks into grassy hills. Upgraded cabinets with granite

slab counters. Nearby Google and Apple buses. Walk to shopping, dining, coffee. Visit our

virtual tour at tourfactory.com/1465043 3 bedroom | 3.5 bathrooms | 1,773 SF | 1,742 lot

Open and Spacious Townhome. Great Investment. Large Master Suite.

Full size W/D. Campbell Schools. Visit our virtual tour at tourfactory.com/1410482

3 bedroom | 3 bathrooms | 1,606SF | 4,103 lot

Offered at $925,000 Offered at $750,000

Offered at $614,900

3GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 gmhtoday.com

20 East Luchessa Avenue • 408.842.0663 • Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm

Family Owned And Operated Since 1992

DIESEL SPECIALISTAAA RATEDSMOG STATIONBRAKE & LAMP INSPECTIONSALL FOREIGN & DOMESTICMAINTENANCE SERVICEWELDING

ALL MAKES/MODELS

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 gmhtoday.com4

34 50

12 Prestigious Golf Event CORDEVALLE TO HOST CHAMPIONSHIP

16 What About Our Water? A LOOK AT THE DROUGHT & EL NINO

20 The Goldsmith Legacy ALL IN THE FAMILY

26 A County Update SUPERVISOR WASSERMAN WEIGHS IN

27 City Beat BRIEFS FROM GILROY AND MORGAN HILL

29 The Ranching Life A FIFTH GENERATION RANCHER’S STORY

34 The Great Outdoors THE EXCITING LIFE OF RON ERSKINE

37 A Centennnial Relationship CITY OF MORGAN HILL & THE YMCA

44 The Business of Sharing DAVE PEOPLES BUSINESS PLAN

50 SSCV Lifestyles A TOUR OF THE JONES HOME

54 Helping People Find Answers MEET VICKI MINERVA

58 Positive Energy At Work MEET CHUCK BERGHOFF

81 Young Man On A Mission MEET JAKE OETINGER

82 Love At First Site LOCAL BUSINESS RESTORES HOME

86 Reflections of Home RETURNING HOME, A PHOTO ESSAY

90 A Safari In South Africa JEAN MYERS SHARES HER ADVENTURE

DEPARTMENTS22 Community Digest AROUND SANTA CLARA VALLEY

ABOUT THE COVER Celebrating generations of community involvement, Joel and father Glen Goldsmith. See article on pages 22-23.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS 46 THE EXCHANGE CLUB CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

65 DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

70 HOMETOWN HEROES HONORED

74 BLACK WHITE & BLING 2015

97 KIRIGIN CELLARS 100TH YEAR CELERATION

48 Theater Scene ONE MAN SHOW, BILL TINDALL

56 Make It Your Own SUPER BOWL CUISINE

62 Artfully Yours IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ART

67 Book Club Beat WITH SHERRY HEMINGWAY

72 Historically Speaking One LAS ANIMAS PARTICIAN SUIT

80 Historically Speaking Two A GIFT TO OURSELVES

96 The Vine SHARING GOOD TIMES AT BELLA VIVA

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

86

90

FEATURES


Published By IPC PUBLISHING A Division of InfoPOWER Communications

PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITORJ. Chris Mickartz

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHYLarry J. Mickartz

ASSISTANT EDITOR/SENIOR WRITERRobin Shepherd

WRITERSCrystal Han Larry J. MickartzElizabeth Barratt Matthew HendricksonDonna Pray Sherry HemingwayMike Monroe Kyle FanthorpeSam Bozzo

CONTRIBUTORS

Aging Dorie Sugay

Finance Jeffrey M. Orth / Daniel Newquist

Real Estate Marta Dinsmore / Teri Nelson

Dentistry Jernell Escobar DDS

Home Financing Jayson Stebbins

Interior Decorating Carol Spence Carr

Insurance Michele Campbell

Mortgage Jayson Stebbins

Remodeling David Domenichini

Tourism Jane Howard

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Edgar Zaldana

ADVERTISING SALES [email protected]

COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATIONSubmit for free inclusion, space permitting.

© Copyright 2006-16. All rights reserved. No part, either editorial or display advertising, may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher and author.

email: [email protected] • phone 408.848.6540

FOR AND ABOUT

YOU

YOUR COMMUNITY

YOUR LIFESTYLE

IT’S FUNTO SHARE

FOR AND ABOUT YOUYOUR COMMUNITYYOUR LIFESTYLE

Available everywhere you do business.

Electronic copies available online at: gmhtoday.com

We invite you to join in the conversation.Share the things you love about Morgan Hill, features and people you would like to see in future editions of gmh TODAY, and anycomments you might have on articles in the current issues at gmhtoday.net.

Available everywhere you do business (partial list):GilroyPinnacle Bank • CrossFit • GB Landscape Services • IFIT FinancialLazy Suzan Designs • Redman’s Automotive Repair • Shag Beauty BarBrite n’ Clean • Studio Three • Gilroy Chamber of CommerceFirst Street Coffee • The Energy House • Garlic City Mercantile & ShirtworksGarden Accents • Rosso’s Furniture • Dr. Escobar, DDS • Kaiser PermanenteOld City Hall • The Milias Restaurant • Westside Grill • and more.

Morgan HillCommon Wealth Credit Union • Pinnacle Bank • GVA • Rosy’s At The BeachLana’s Dance Studio • Live Oak Veterinary • Morgan Hill Car WashAlain Pinel Realtors • Honda of Morgan Hill • Rosso’s Furniture • DePaul CenterYMCA/Centennial Recreation Center • Morgan Hill Community CenterDePaul Center • Guglielmo Winery • Intero Real Estate • Guild MortgageCochrane Road Self Storage • RNP Advisory Services • and more

San MartinNaturals Boutique Spa & Salon • San Martin Cafe • Rocca’s Market

Electronic copies available online at: gmhtoday.com

Or take advantage of our free subscription offer. Simply visit our website and sign-up for home delivery.

408.848.6540 Published by IPC Publishing • A Division of InfoPower Communications


On a personal note:

Another year has seemingly flown by … hard to believe it’s 2016. As we celebrate the one year anniversary of gmh TODAY, we are also celebrating over ten years of magazine publishing, starting in 2006 with

our first issue of Gilroy Today. We want to thank those of you who have emailed us or called with ideas for articles and to share information that you feel our communities should be aware of. It is our pleasure to include your submissions within these pages so keep sharing with us.

We’re very excited to announce the addition of a Theater Scene column by Matthew Hendrickson. Larry and I love live entertainment and are so pleased to have such a wonderful array of productions in the area. In each issue, we will be featuring an actor and telling their story as well as a current production they will be starring in. We will also have “Now Playing,” a condensed description of upcoming performances you might want to enjoy.

This issue is full of people who are so interesting and do so much to make our communities special. From philanthropy with the Goldsmiths (page 22) the great outdoors with Ron Erskine (page 34), business sharing with Dave Peoples (page 44), and finding answers with Vicki Minerva (page 46) to getting things done with Chuck Berghoff (page 58), the stories are inspiring. I’m sure you will enjoy reading about each of them.

It’s always a pleasure to provide our readers with amazing photos, and in this issue they are just over the top. We have a great photo essay provided by Brent Bear, a local professional photographer that just happens to have access to some of the most beautiful countryside in the county — Bear Ranch (page 86). And if you’ve ever dreamed of a safari in South Africa, don’t miss the photos taken by our dear friend, Jean Myers (page 90).

What a delight it was to meet the Jones’ and we thank Gina and Tariq for allowing us to come into their home and share it with our readers (page 50). They have build such a comfortable, welcoming home that I’m sure they will enjoy for years to come. We hope to keep in touch and have the opportunity to watch as they fill their seven acres with all the things on their wish list.

Oh, I almost forgot. Just in case you missed an issue this year, you’ll find a little content sheet for each issue on page 12. If you see an article you would like to read, visit our website and click on the appropriate past issue. For a quick reminiscence of 2015, check out the (photo essay) on pages 40-42.

Enjoy!

I don’t get to see Larry’s father, Joe, as he lives in Downey, California and Larry’s trips to visit him every four to six weeks do not include me. I hold down the fort here at home; keeping the home fires burning and my father company. Although the long drive down to the LA area is not really my cup of tea, I do feel bad that I have missed spending time with Joe and with Larry’s sister, Ann. Joe will be celebrating his 100th birthday on February 1st so that’s one party I am not going to miss. Larry and I are really looking forward to it. Larry’s dad is quite the celebrity you know. He recently traveled to Washington DC as part of the Honor Flight Southland’s Mission #02 and visited the war memorials for World War II, Vietnam and the Korean War. On Veteran’s Day, he was recognized by the City of Downey and presented with certificates from Downey, the California Assembly, Senate and US House of Representatives in appreciation for his service during World War II. Photo on the right is Joe, with Larry and his sister, Ann Cahill.


Garlic City Mercantile

408.767.2434 • 7550 Monterey Street • Gilroy

Come Downtown… and be tempted by our many wonderful garlicky condiments, sauces, seasonings, gifts, gadgets and décor items.

1351 Pacheco Pass HwyGilroy, CA 95020(408) 842-3358

Proud to be your recycling and garbage service provider

Remember toReduce, Reuseand Recycle!

www.RecologySouthValley.com

Proudly Employee Owned

RSV_Ad_3-2015.indd 1 3/27/2015 2:52:02 PM

St. Mary School invites you to

“It’s Your Move”

For more information, contact Shelly [email protected] or 408.592.2492

Saturday, March 26, 2016


We want to wish all our advertisers, contributors, writers, and readers a happy and prosperous New Year. 2015 brought many changes for us here at •IPC Publishing. We made the transition from publishing two quarterly com-munity magazines, Gilroy Today (published since 2006) and Morgan Hill Today (started in 2013) to a bi-monthly regional publication, gmh TODAY, the lifestyle magazine serving the entire South Santa Clara Valley.

Our goal has always been to produce an upscale, content rich community magazine that highlights community involve-ment, activities and stories of achievement and challenges that make our region such an amazing place to live and work. We trust that gmh TODAY is the magazine that our community will continue to embrace and enjoy for years to come.

In case you missed any of our 2015 issues, we’re providing a recap for you to review. If you see a story of interest, visit our website to see what youmissed:

gmhtoday.com

FeaturesDreamPower HorsemanshipA Heritage of HorsesSouth Valley Living The Becarra HomeGECO, The Little School That CouldDemographics Gilroy Morgan Hill San MartinEconomic Snapshots Morgan Hill GilroyDowntown Gilroy The Main Street ApproachThe Storied Career of Dennis KennedyJudy Little, Accomplishing Big ThingsBob & Astrid Senior

DepartmentsBook Club Beat …Terroir ReviewHistorically Speaking William Weeks, Architect Blazing El Camino RealThe World of Art The Next Chapter with Jeff & Wendy Sprague

Community HappeningsGilroy Spice of Life AwardsMorgan Hill Chocolate, Wine & Valentine Rotary Dictionary Give-A-Way Lead Excellence Awards Cycle With Specialized

FeaturesBicycle DreamsBiking In South Santa Clara ValleyOur Downtowns … A Progress ReportGuglielmo Winery Celebrates 90 YearsWings of History …San MartinRosy’s At The Beach … Rosy BerginLady Of The Skies … Julie BelangerEverything Old Is Young …Richard YoungJust Up The Road …Pacific Grove

DepartmentsThose Who Do … The BuchanansEveryone Has A Story … Anna LelescuArtfully Yours … Finding InspirationSSCV’s Got Pros … Brian Conrey, AIMIt’s Your Money … Mom’s MatterHistorically Speaking Soap Lake, An Early Enterprise Havey Bear Ranch County ParkTalking Fitness … Cycling For HealthBook Club Beat The Boys In The Boat ReviewThey Serve, Protect & Defend Bobby Griffith, Gilroy PD Streets of Gilroy … Life on Hacienda Drive

Community HappeningsCelebrate Morgan Hill Blue & White AuctionRhone Region Wine TastingSt. Patrick’s Day DinnerSenior Dinner Morgan HillAAUW’s Wildflower RunGilroy Gardens Opening DayPassport WeekendCommunity Solutions Helping Hands Luncheon

March/April 2015 May/June 2015 July/August 2015 September/October 2015 November/December 2015


FeaturesGiving For The HolidaysSSCV Senior ServicesStepping Up … Our Leadership ProgramsGilroy Rotary Turns 90Susan Valenta, Rotary District GovernorKathy Sullivan, Morgan Hill’s HistorianA Tour of Sharon & Don Vanni’s HomeThe Grass Farm/Garden Accents FamilyMorgan Hill Photography ClubGrowing Up Gilroy … Heather Hendrickson Bass Michael MalinaoGrowing Up Morgan Hill… Lisa Leonetti

DepartmentsCommunity DigestThe Things I Love, A Photo EssayMake It Your Own …Stuffed ShellsBook Club Beat …Big Little Lies ReviewHistorically Speaking Gilroy’s Benevolent Societies The Road To YosemiteThe Vine Sarah’s Vineyard Legacy Wne Trail’s Year Anniversary

Community HappeningsGuglielmo Winery Celebrates 90thGilroy Foundation’s Hello Hollywood46th Annual Founder’s Day DinnerGilroy Demonstration Garden DinnerMorgan Hill BeerCrawl4th Annual British Fall ClassicFarm Bureau’s Farm To Table DinnerGilroy’s PorchFest21st Annual MH Rotary Golf Classic2nd Annual Gilroy Tamale Feed

FeaturesInto The Wild …WERCOur SSCV SchoolsGilroy’s Downtown PaseoThe Amazing Pop-Up Park in Morgan HIllThe Bountiful SSCVNew Catholic High School on HorizonCecelia Ponzini, the Little Gal That CouldYouth Philanthropy … Interact ClubsSobrato High School Students Photo EssayFran & Bobby Beaudet, Old City HallStanding the Test of Time, Rocca’s MarketIsabella Chow, Home SchoolingWhen Old is New, Valle Del Sur Auto Club

DepartmentsThose Who Do … Deanna FranklinEveryone Has A Story … Bobby FiliceArtfully Yours … Turning Glass Into ArtThe Vine Celebrating Award Winning WinesAging With An Attitude When Your Parents Need HelpHistorically Speaking One-Room Schoolhouses VisitedBook Club Beat …The Whip ReviewThey Serve, Protect & Defend Sergeant Troy HoeflingStreets of Gilroy … Life on Calabrese Street

Community HappeningsGilroy Leadership Spring FlingGals Home & Garden TourMorgan Hill Rotary DazzleMushroom Mardi GrasAuthors Among UsHearts of GilroyPop-A-Cork Reception

FeaturesOur Performing Arts … The TheaterOur Performing Arts …Dance VenuesGilroy’s Downtown Welcomes The DistrictMorgan Hill Community Foundation37th Annual Gilroy Garlic FestivalMorgan Hill Rotary Turns 60SakaBozzo Meets AlexisGarlic Festival’s Iron Chef CompetitionEl Toro Boys & Girls ClubLeadership Award … Dana DitsmoreMH’s Downtown…Open For BusinessTate’s Travels …Down The DanubeGilroy Art’s Alliance At WorkFor The Love of Dance … Traci Dalke

DepartmentsThose Who Do … Marie SkoczlasEveryone Has A Story … Randy KirkArtfully Yours … Window PaintingThe Vine Wine Region History & New ArrivalsHistorically Speaking A Look At The Jazz Age Our Theater’s PastsMake It Your Own …Best Beet SaladBook Club Beat …Valley of the Dolls ReviewSSCV’s Got Pros …Articulate SolutionsStreets of Gilroy … Life on Calabrese Street

Community HappeningsNational Night Out CelebrationHistorical Society Prohibition PartyMorgan Hill Community PicnicAmoretto’s Summer Fashion ShowFor The Love of WendyGarlic City Fun Run

March/April 2015 May/June 2015 July/August 2015 September/October 2015 November/December 2015


CordeValle to Host Prestigious Championship


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F C

ORD

EVA

LLE

CordeValle is set to host the 71st U.S. Women’s Open Championship. The property will host tens of thousands of golf devotees during the championship, which will be conducted July 4-10, 2016.

This will be the third time the U.S. Women’s Open has been conducted in California and it will be the first one in more than three decades. CordeValle has hosted top-tier championships in years prior, including the PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open from 2010-2013, as well as the 2011 and 2015 PGA Cups, and the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in 2013.

“It is an honor to host such a prestigious golf championship,” said CordeValle President Luca Rutigliano. “Our membership and the surrounding communities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy are all thrilled to be involved. The eyes of the sporting world will be upon us, making the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open nothing short of a coming-out party for this beautiful region.”

Considered the world’s premier women’s golf championship, the U.S. Women’s Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The championship is open to female professional female golfers and amateurs with a Handicap Index® not exceeding 2.4.

“The USGA is looking forward to our return to CordeValle for the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open,” said Diana Murphy, USGA vice president and chairman of the Championship Committee. “This course, which beautifully incorporates the iconic Northern California landscape, will surely provide a true test of the competitors skill and mental fortitude, as well as a truly extraordinary experience for spectators.”

Golf fans from across the region are expected to visit the area during the week of the championship. In addition to golf enthusiasts, the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open should attract crowds of non-golfers for a unique community opportunity to host an internationally renowned championship in their own backyard.

CordeValle is located at One CordeValle Club Drive in San Martin. In addition to its championship golf course, the property features a 45-room Rosewood Resort, tennis center, full-service spa, gourmet restaurants, on-site winery and vineyard. Single and multiple day ticket options are available at 2016uswomen-sopen.com. For more information on CordeValle, visit cordeval-legolf.com.

ABOUT THE U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN:The U.S. Women’s Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association. The 71st U.S. Women’s Open will bring a field of the world’s best professional and amateur female golfers to CordeValle. FOX Sports will provide live television coverage, which includes all four rounds of the championship.

CordeValle to Host Prestigious Championship


Generation RENT

Marta Dinsmore, RealtorIntero Real Estate ServicesDinsmoreThePowerOfTwo.com408.840.7420DRE #01352339

Sean Dinsmore, RealtorIntero Real Estate ServicesDinsmoreThePowerOfTwo.com408.840.7327DRE #01966405

including would-be buyers in the Gen Y bracket, being unable to afford housing.

Furthermore, the impact of the last recession (2007- 2009) was tremendous on Gen Y. A Pew Research survey from 2014 found that the recession, along with the longer-term effects of globalization and rapid technological change of the American workforce, are responsible in part for Gen Y’s slow start to forming their own house-holds. Consider, that household income in the U.S. today remains below its 1999 peak. That makes it the longest period of wage stagnation in modern times. For Millennials who were just entering the workforce in 2007, these macro-economic trends were devastating. A January report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Millennials today are earning $2,000 less than their parents did when they were the same age. Perhaps the most startling item in the Census report is the fact that adults are more likely to have a college degree, but also more likely to live in poverty, due in part to the high cost of living.

Buying a home may not be the wish of every middle class Californian, however, with the difficulty of buying a home, more people are renting than ever before. This boom has created an industry behemoth–a grossly expensive renter market. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates that California’s average 2015 fair market rent is between 24 percent and 34 percent more than the national average, depending on the unit type. One recent study from the California Housing Partnership suggests that the state’s lowest-income households are spending two-thirds of their income on renting properties, leaving them with little money for other basic necessities, including food, healthcare and transportation. While buying is not always the best solution, California residents could save 32 percent per month by buying a property in many urban and suburban areas, according to C.A.R. data.

The state’s housing situation is solvable. The non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office called on California to build “as many as 100,000 additional units annually… to seriously mitigate its problems with housing affordability.” This would mean doubling the housing supply annually. California has long been seen as the land of opportunity — and with that comes the ability to own one’s home. C.A.R. analysts, as well as the state’s LAO, have pointed to long-term solu-tions that could help mitigate the state’s low housing supply — thereby putting California back on the map for reluctant renters looking to grab a piece of the homeownership dream.

The lack of inventory has made it more difficult to buy a home. That’s due in part to people being less likely to sell as

a result of low equity. However, the bigger issue is production, which is falling short of housing needs. The California Association of Realtors CEO, Joel Singer, said that the construction industry’s recovery has been slow and has missed building 165,000 new units per year in the state.

Make no mistake about it — Californians do want to own single-family homes. Real estate continues to be considered a top investment, with a 2015 Gallup poll finding that most Americans consider real estate to be a better investment than stocks, gold or savings accounts. Millennials (ages 16 and 39) with jobs began saving earlier than Gen X (ages 40

and 51) and Boomers (ages 52 and 70); they

too seek to purchase homes in the suburbs, according to New Geography, a publication focused on demographic research and analysis in California.

However, there is a concern that Gen Y, who are between the ages of 25 and 35 and

presently make-up the largest share of first-time buyers, aren’t flocking to buy homes despite near record-low interest rates. A mere 37.9 percent of Generation Rent have purchased homes, according to 2012 data from consumer research company CoreLogic. Compared to the same age bracket in 1980, where nearly 52 per-cent were buying homes, Gen Y is off to a dif-ficult start despite wanting to be home owners.

“By 2025, California will have a middle class of renters,” said Dr. John Husing, an economist and vice president of Economics & Politics, Inc., while Singer stressed the organization’s concern over the increase in renting throughout California due to low housing inventory and unaffordable housing. Countless articles have been written about how Millennials are delaying milestone life events, including getting married, having chil-dren and buying a home. A 2014 report from Demand Institute, a non-partisan and non-profit think tank, fell in line with other Gen Y surveys, finding that Generation Rent doesn’t want to rent or live with their parents at all. In fact, they’ve nearly been priced out of the market, survey results showed. Furthermore, nowhere else besides Hawaii and California are median housing costs so high, according to the National Association Of Realtors®. The concern is a trend of middle-class Americans,


wee

kend

bru

nche

s

busin

ess

lunc

hes

din

ner s

peci

als

signa

ture

coc

ktails

The Milias Restaurant is not only rich with history but with a menu full of local favoritesplus an ever-changing list of daily specials, a full bar and a friendly staff. It’s warm relaxingatmosphere is just right, whether you're looking for a delicious dinner, cocktails and music, a business lunch or a delicious brunch on the weekend.

&

A Dining Experience to Remember

“”Adam Sanchez, Owner

7397 Monterey Road • Gilroy, CA 95020 • 408.337.5100 • themiliasrestaurant.com

THE MILIAS RESTAURANT

• Hair Color & Cuts (Men & Women)• Formal Hair Styling & Blowouts• Extensions (Eyelash, Hair, Brow)• Event Make-Up • Facial Waxing• Manicures • Keratin Treatments • Aveda Color Services

OfferingA FullLine OfBeautyServices

Look Your Best Everyday


Happy New Year, South County! I hope it’s raining when you read this. While 2015 marked our

fourth consecutive year of drought, we came through it okay. Our community not only demonstrated its ability to save water, but we’re beginning to adopt water conservation practices as a permanent way of life – not just a temporary fix.

At gmh TODAY, we join civic leaders and members of the media in keeping water issues front and center in our community. When we can turn on the tap and clean water flows out, it’s hard to believe our supply is not limitless. When we have to grab an umbrella before heading out the door, it’s easy to forget about water scarcity. On the flip side, when the ground is parched and our lawns are brown, it’s hard to think about flood control

Can’t Fight Mother NatureHalf of Santa Clara County’s water supply originates with the Sierra snowpack, which is at a 500-year low. Scientists made this determination by examining the cores of California blue oaks that date back to the

What About Our Water?

early 1500s. The oak tree’s rings provide a faithful record of the water content of our annual snowpack. The rule of thumb: wide rings follow wet winters. Their results showed 2015 as the driest year on record, with a snowpack of only 5 percent of the 500-year average.

Mother Nature is both friend and foe. She calls all the shots. At her best, she spins a perfect cycle of precipitation and evaporation that quenches the Earth. At her worst, she offers drought and flooding. Meanwhile, we challenge Mother Nature with population growth (county population estimate is 2.0 million by 2020), pollution, oil and gas exploration, deforestation, and other activities that threaten our water security.

Written By Robin Shepherd

Water legislation, regulation and management happen at all levels of government. Many agencies are involved, including the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Water Resources, the Association of California Water Agencies, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the Cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy – to name a few. Among the agencies, the Water District bears a huge responsibility as the steward of our water.

Word from the Water District Last November, the Water District’s CEO Beau Goldie told gmh TODAY, “We’ve already picked the low-hanging fruit when it comes to water conservation. Now it’s going to get tougher.” He applauded the

PRO

VID

ED B

Y TH

E SA

NTA

CLA

RA V

ALL

EY W

ATER

DIS

TRIC

T


community’s water-saving efforts, and said the Water District wants to continue its 30% water use reduction goal from 2015 into the new year, but a lot more needs to be done. “Even with El Niño, it will take several more wet winters to return to normal or desirable groundwater levels.”

The water we depend on comes to us through a complex system, but here’s a simplified look at how the Water District breaks it down.

Water Sources:55% imported

40% through the San Joaquin Delta15% from the Hetch Hetchy system

40% local (groundwater, reservoirs)5% recycled water

Water Use:50% environmental (recharging the groundwater)50% multi-use

40% agricultural (farms, vineyards, golf courses, ranches)10% urban (residential/industrial)

According to the Water District, farmers have been effectively conserving water for quite some time. Farmers, ranchers and vineyard owners are also exploring technology-based solutions to customize their planting, growing and grazing operations for faster response to changing climate and drought conditions and increased water efficiency. Meanwhile, golf courses are making use of recycled water.

“We’ll continue to need water conservation measures,” Goldie said, “but the future is really in recycled water.” Last October the Water District hosted an open house at its Advanced Water Purification Center where 650 attendees sampled the facility’s purified treated wastewater. While government regulations don’t yet allow distribution of this water to households, Goldie explained that “it is pure, clean and safe to drink.”

The advanced purification center uses the processes of microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light disinfection with advanced oxidation in order to purify recycled wastewater. The facility’s daily out-put of up to 8 million gallons of purified water is then blended with recycled water before it is distributed to more than 800

South Bay water recycling customers for irrigation and industrial uses.

The water district also plans to use the purified water to replenish the county’s groundwater basins by 2022, or sooner if possible, to help augment overall drinking water supplies with more than 14 billion gallons a year of new local water. The purified recycled water will be injected into the groundwater basin and recharge areas in the western part of the county instead of pumping and discharging it into the San Francisco Bay.

Our reservoirs, rivers and streams need a lot of TLC too.

Plans for the seismic retrofit of Anderson Dam have been pushed out, with construction slated to occur between 2017 and 2020. Currently, structural weakness in the dam makes it vulnerable to failure in the event of a significant earthquake, and prohibits filling it to capacity. Anderson Dam is the county’s largest reservoir with a capacity greater than all of the other county reservoirs combined.

Retrofit project plans call for construction of a coffer dam, installation of buttresses and upgrades to the spillway. The water level will have to be lowered before work can begin. It’s a delicate balancing act between water storage needs and dam safety requirements.

“We need a two-year period when we can go without the use of Anderson Dam in order to move forward on the construction.” Goldie said, adding that the Water District follows guidelines from the Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams to maintain a conservatively safe water level at Anderson.

In an El Niño year, flood control is also a priority. Many local residents and merchants still remember the hassle and cost of flood damage and cleanup in past years. The Water District has worked closely with Morgan Hill and Gilroy city departments and the Army Corps of Engineers to keep Uvas and Llagas Creeks clear of debris. Local percolation ponds have been cleaned up. In November, various agencies teamed up with community volunteers to fill sand bags.

Rewards for Water Savers Many county residents are hoping to take advantage of water conservation rebate programs in 2016. Last year, rebate programs were offered for approved landscape conversions (turf replacement),

“California saved 253.4 billion gallons of water in 4 months.From June through September 2015, Californians saved 777,739 acre-feet of water, which is 65% of the state goal to save 1.2 million acre-feet by February 2016.”

State Water Board October 30th 2015

Our Water Profile for 2016

To make a dent in the drought, this winter’s Sierra snowpack needs to pro-vide 39 inches of snow water content by April 1 2016.

To support the snowpack, average winter minimum temperatures in the Sierra need to drop by 6 degrees from last year’s average – from 32 to 26 degrees.

To break the drought, Northern California rainfall needs to be about 120% of average – 60 inches – in key watersheds.

Surface water delivery to farms was down by 8.7 million acre-feet in 2015.

Four years of drought have reduced key reservoirs to about 1/3 of capacity or less.

According to NOAA, without snow in the Sierras, local storms won’t be enough to end the drought.

Even with El Niño, drought condi-tions may return next year. California may face a “new normal” in terms of extreme droughts and floods due to climate change.

Association of California Water Agencies, 2015


http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/press_room/press_releases/2015/pr103015_sept_waterconservation.pdf

http://www.acwa.com

http://www.acwa.com

connection of clothes washers to outdoor graywater systems, use of water-conserv-ing irrigation hardware and controllers, and installation of high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets.

These rebate programs are limited by time and funding, but residents can easily check online or call for the latest updates from California Department of Water Resources, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, PG&E and other rebate program sponsors.

The Water District continues to offer free Water-Wise House Calls to county residents to help identify opportunities to conserve water both in and outside of the home.

Water and UsIn November of 2015, the City of Morgan Hill announced plans to raise water rates. City officials notified residents that a new rate scale was under consideration that would require residents whose homes were located at higher elevations to pay more than those whose homes were at lower elevations. Results of a study to support their proposed rate changes were challenged by residents.

As I write this article, concerned residents are petitioning the City, requesting time to review the study, pose questions and voice their concerns to the City Council.

This is likely to be just one of many difficult water issues that will face the South County in the coming years. Clearly, the Water District and local government have a lot to do with our water security. But “we the people” need to be aware of where our water comes from, the state of its health, and the cost to ensure safe, clean water in the future. We have a shared responsibility for water, whether it involves consumption, drought response, flood protection, groundwater storage, recycling or some other issue.

As a well-informed community, we can cast our vote for leaders who will legislate and manage our water wisely, and challenge them when they fall short. By knowing what’s at stake and staying engaged, we can make sound decisions about water as people in a community of special interests. Our willingness to adapt our attitudes and lifestyles to a changing world of water will put us in the best position to protect our water for our children.

Learn More about WaterCalifornia Department of Water Resources (water.ca.gov/)

Santa Clara Valley Water District (valleywater.org or watersavings.org)

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (usbr.gov/mp/)

Save Our Water ProgramAssociation of California Water Agencies, Dept of Water Resources(saveourwater.com)

City of Morgan Hill Website (mhdrought.com)

City of Gilroy Websitecityofgilroy.org/cityofgilroy/city_hall/community_services/environmen-tal_programs/water_conservation/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3.epa.gov/watersense/)

U.S. (California) Drought Monitor (droughtmonitor.unl.edu/)

PRO

VID

ED B

Y TH

E SA

NTA

CLA

RA V

ALL

EY W

ATER

DIS

TRIC

T


http://www.water.ca.gov/

http://www.valleywater.org

http://www.watersavings.org

http://www.usbr.gov/mp/

http://www.saveourwater.com/

http://www.mhdrought.com

http://www.cityofgilroy.org/cityofgilroy/city_hall/community_services/environmental_programs/water_conservation/

http://www.cityofgilroy.org/cityofgilroy/city_hall/community_services/environmental_programs/water_conservation/

http://www3.epa.gov/watersense/

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/


Dr. Escobar has been practicing dentistry in the Bay Area since 2006. She took over Dr. Palmerlee’s practice when he retired in 2012. She is passionate about providing exceptional oral health care in a patient centered environment. Dr. Escobar participates in continuing education seminars with other leading clinicians in exploring new and innovative methods and materials for restoring smiles.

By Dr. Jernell Escobar

It’s Your Smile

The replacement of missing or broken

teeth with a dental prosthesis (your

new teeth) in one visit is the essence

of the definition of “teeth in a day.” This

process typically involves the utilization of

dental implants to secure the dental prosthesis.

However, the process leading up to this day

can require multiple trips to both the restoring

dentist as well as the surgeon. In order to

properly prepare for “teeth in a day,” the dentist

and the dental surgeon must determine if

you are even a candidate for the surgery. This

involves dental records and x-rays. In many

cases, 3D or tomographic x-rays are requested

to evaluate the quantity and the quality of bone

available for restoration as well as determining

the proximity of vital structures, such as nerves,

to the proposed surgical site. In circumstances

where there is insufficient quantity or quality

of bone necessary for the procedure, additional

treatments, such as bone grafting may be

suggested before you can proceed with your

“teeth in a day” surgery. As you can see, “teeth

in a day” has now become “teeth in many

days.” It cannot be overemphasized, however,

that it is imperative that you do not cut corners

in this pre-surgical phase.

After reading this, if you decide that you

are ready for “teeth in a day,” let’s break down

what a typical series of appointments might

look like leading up to the day of surgery.

Your first appointment will usually be with the

general or restoring dentist. At this appoint-

ment, the dentist will do a full exam and x-rays

to determine your current oral condition. At

this point, you and the restoring dentist need

to have a question and answer session about

the treatment and a discussion about your

expectations at the conclusion of treatment.

This will give the dentist the opportunity

to explain, based on his/her findings, if they

believe that they can meet or exceed your

expectations. Your second appointment will be

with the surgeon. The surgeon will do a full

exam and will order any additional x-rays he/

she feels are required to complete the surgery.

The third appointment will be with the

restoring dentist. At this appointment, all

necessary records will be taken, in order to fab-

ricate your prosthesis. The fourth appointment

will be the day of surgery and the delivery of

your “teeth in a day.” After the delivery of

your new teeth, it is important to mention that

you are typically not receiving the final but an

interim or temporary prosthesis. The interim

prosthesis typically looks very good and will be

a dramatic change for the patient. The reason

for this is that when teeth are removed, the jaw

structure changes. In the absence of teeth, the

jaw has the tendency to shrink and it is impos-

sible to predict how much. In addition, when

implants are utilized to secure the prosthesis,

there is a period of time known as integration

when the implants become even more firmly

anchored in bone. Once this occurs and the

jawbone stabilizes, new records are taken and

the final prosthesis is fabricated and delivered.

Therefore, from the first appointment

with the restoring dentist to your “teeth in a

day” surgery, the time lapse could be two to

four weeks. However, from your first visit to

the delivery of your final restoration the time

lapse could be five to eight months. It is also

important to mention that regular visits to

your dental professional are still necessary to

maintain your new smile.

In conclusion, “teeth in a day” is an

excellent service and truly changes lives.

The evolution of dentistry now affords us

the opportunity to offer some truly amazing

treatments. It is a privilege to be practicing

dentistry during these exciting times.

Teeth in a Day?

“TEETH IN A DAY” has become a popular phrase with the main-stream media. There are organiza-

tions and individuals promoting this treatment modality but many people do not fully understand

what this means. The most common question: “Is it really teeth in a day?” The short answer is no.

omething unusual happened recently. Within the span of a month, Glen Goldsmith, retired and living in Hawaii, was inducted into the Gilroy Hall of Fame and his son, Joel Goldsmith was named the 2016 Man of the Year by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. To understand this uncommon happening, we took a look at the history of the Goldsmith family in Gilroy.

In 1962 the Goldsmith arrived in Gilroy. Jane and Glen were on a mission to make a better life and start a business in the sunny climate of Gilroy. Glen had experience growing hybrid plants and a shift in the horticultural community made his experience valuable. Early in his career, hybrid seeds were $35 a pound. Growing demand pushed their value to $150 an ounce. This opened the door to research opportunities and the Goldsmiths marched in. Before long, Goldsmith Seeds, now Syngenta, was a thriving international seed business with locations in Gilroy, Holland, Guatemala and Africa.

Along the way the family developed a legacy of giving back to the community professionally and personally. Goldsmith Seeds became an “enjoyable” place to work. Cash bonuses were distributed, a profit- sharing plan was set-up for employees and the company funded scholarships. Glen, an active Rotary member, began the tradition of giving surplus exhibition plants to the Gilroy Rotary for an annual flower sale. A 25-year tradition of giving to the community raised approximately $30,000 annually for local charities and the beauty of Goldsmith flowers were planted through-out the community.

Jane and Glen were fully involved community volunteers and donors. In 1991 the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce recognized them as the Man and Woman of the Year for their professional and personal contributions. On the professional side Glen and Jane were also recognized by the government of Guatemala for their contributions to their employees, the economy and the well-being of that country.

As the company grew Goldsmith was able to direct some profits back into a variety of projects. Some were more successful than others. One project to develop a soybean seed specific to California failed when the processing plant in the Central Valley did not open as planned. Many other projects succeeded, helping to establish Goldsmith Seeds as a premier seed wholesaler. In its prime years Glen was the scientist, son, Joel, the businessman, and son, Richard, the horticulturist.

One interesting company story has connections to 9-11. Fears of agro-terrorism led to the ban of a bacteria, Ralstonia

Solanacearum, which could have decimated the potato crop. However, this bacteria in a less virulent form was also found on some Geraniums and led to a government quarantine of over 1,000 greenhouses, including the Goldsmith’s. After lengthy negotiations with National Security personnel the issue was finally resolved, but not before the Geranium crop was lost.

Joel Goldsmith eventually took over the leadership of the family business. He continued the tradition of treating employees as family and established an on-site employee daycare facility.

After the sale of the business to

Syngenta, Joel stepped up his community involvement. While still working, Joel served in a leadership capacity in several international flower related organizations. Locally Joel has directed his leadership skills to the Gilroy Foundation, Gilroy Gardens, Community Solutions, Rotary, Leadership Gilroy and St. Joseph’s Family Center. For these efforts he is being recognized as the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year for 2016. In an interview with the Chamber he said:

“It all goes back to how I was raised. …Trying to make things better was a big part of what my parents did. I’ve been very fortunate in my career and my life, which has given me the time and resources to make Gilroy a better place.”

This honor for Joel comes a year after his wife, Paula Goldsmith, was recognized as the Chamber 2015 Woman of the Year. Paula was recognized for her work with GALs (Gilroy Assistance League), Community Solutions and the Gilroy Foundation.

How does it happen that one family can garner so many awards for community service? Goldsmith Seeds was involved with plant genetics…could it be that the Goldsmith family has a genetic disposition to community service? Whatever the reason, we are grateful for the contribution of the Goldsmith family…

Jane, Glen, Joel, and Paula.

The Legacy that is The Goldsmith Family

SWritten By Larry J. Mickartz


The Morgan HillDennis Kennedy Aquatics Center… named in recognition of Dennis Kennedy’s vision, passion, and determination to enhanceaquatics opportunities for the Morgan Hill community this past December.

ON THE PLAQUE PRESENTED AT THE RENAMING CEREMONY, shown to the right: “As Mayor, Dennis Kennedy had a vision to improve Morgan Hill’s quality of life for its residents. That vision became a reality as he led the City in the development and construction of public facilities that transformed the community. The Morgan Hill Aquatics Center was undoubtedly the facility for which Dennis had the greatest impact. The Morgan Hill Dennis Kennedy Aquatics Center shall serve as a reminder of the community’s gratitude for Dennis Kennedy’s relentless efforts.”

Local Vet Honored at Gilroy Elks LodgeON NOVEMBER 11, 2015, the Gilroy Elks Club hosted its annual Veteran’s Day dinner. A wall of photos and service details honored the Elks who had served in the military. Special recognition was also given to 97 year-old Fred Angelino (pictured on the left) who served in the Pacific in World War II and is the oldest known veteran living in Gilroy. The program that evening also featured Mary Cortani and the work done by her Freedom Paws, matching vets with service dogs. Several vets and their dogs attended the dinner. Some of the funds raised by the Elks Club will be donated to Freedom Paws.

com

mun

ity d

iges

t


Don Christopher awarded prestigiousGlenn George Heartof Philanthropy Award

LAS ANIMAS ELEMENTARY THANKS the Gilroy Assistance League (GALs), as well as Gilroy Rotary & Gilroy Foundation for the grants received in 2015 that help keep “The Arts” at Las Animas. “The grants have made our actors shine a little brighter, helped their voices be a little louder, made tech crew more techie and kept art in the classrooms, notes school representatives. We are grateful for the support you give to the community and especially to programs that give opportunities to children and support the arts.” The grants touch over 700 children, Kinder-5th grade, each year.

The Gilroy Assistance League is a non-profit corporation of 35 active women that provides grants to local health and recreation programs, visual and performing arts, and numerous other youth-oriented projects in the Gilroy community.

Grand Recipient Thanks

THE ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS of Silicon Valley Chapter (AFP SVC) presented the prestigious Glenn George “Heart of Philanthropy” Award to Don Christopher on November 20, 2015 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The Glenn George award is only awarded when a nominee for another award has been singled out for his years of philanthropy, service to the community, leadership and mentoring. The Gilroy Foundation nominated Don to acknowledge his great gifts to the Gilroy community and years of giving to schools, the arts, and to Gilroy’s economically deprived residents.

Gone But Not ForgottenHENRY “HANK” MILLER, affectionately known of as “The Hanker,” was a “car guy” who enjoyed his 1956 Corvette, woodwork-ing, good music, movies and sports. He was a longtime resident of Morgan Hill and is described by his family and friends as a modern-day American Renaissance Man. Many knew him for a column that he wrote in the Morgan Hill Times. Hank passed away on October 15, 2015. Friends and family shared a celebration of his life at their home in Morgan Hill in November.

St. Mary’s 29th Annual Blue & White AuctionST. MARY’S 29TH ANNUAL Blue & White Auction will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016. The theme of this year’s event is “It’s Your Move.” Cocktails, dinner and dancing as well as silent and live auctions will complete the evening. An online auction will also be available beginning March 6th. This is the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds directly benefit the students. For more information about donating auction items or sponsorship opportuni-ties please contact Shelly Paiva at [email protected] or 408-592-2492.

You may also donate directly on the school website: stmarygilroy.org. Click the “Donate” button on the top right of their home page.

Don & Karen Christopher

Nancy & Hank Miller

PHO

TOS

BY D

IAN

A B

ARB

ATTI

AN

D L

ORA

SC

HRA

FT, A

FP


Pay it forward…its personalSOME PEOPLE MAKE GENEROUS, but often impersonal donations during the holidays. Others make very intimated and personal gestures. Jenn Guajardo, daughter of Milias owner, Ann Zyburra, takes a more personal approach.

Jennifer has a relative who, without the continuing help of family and friends, would certainly be homeless. Because of this, she has taken her concern for the homeless to a uniquely personal level; engaging family and friends in donating. Then, a few weeks before Christmas, she gath-ers some friends to pack large festive bags full of toiletries, food and a warm blanket. With overflowing bags, she and friends set off to find thirty homeless people to receive their warm personal greeting and a bag full of goodies

Anyone interested in helping Jennifer next year can contact her at 408.310.2645 or [email protected].

com

mun

ity d

iges

t Authors Among UsON NOVEMBER 28, 2015 BOOKSMART in Morgan Hill hosted a book signing and celebration of Small Business Saturday. Amont the local authors present were: Patti Ansuini — Spirit of the Warhorse, Kitty Silverwings, An Appoloosa Story; Jordan Rosenfeld …fiction works — Woman in Red, Night Oracle, Forged in Grace, and Zebulon Nights: An Anthology of LiveWire Readers; Ian L. Sanders — A Hundred Years of Gilroy Hot Springs: 1860s-1960s - A Visual History of Gilroy Hot Springs and “Magic” Springs with Michael F. Brookman, The Mineral Springs of Santa Clara County, Views of Morgan Hill: Postcards and Images of Morgan Hill, California, More Views of Morgan Hill with Michael F. Brookman; David Thomas — Keepers; and Loretta Wilson —You Take the High Road, A Love Story.

Patti Ansuini’s book, Kitty Silverwings, was recognized as an Amazon best seller in 2015, awarded the 2014 Christian Writer’s Award and featured in the Guideposts Magazine. It is a story about the spiritual bond that can form between humans and horses and the power of love in the face of insurmountable challenges. Dareel Dodds, Publisher of Western Horseman recommends this book stating: “If you love horses, or just an inspiring read, you will enjoy this well-written, compelling story of love, courage and dogged determination.”

Wreaths Across AmericaON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, several hundred volunteers gathered at Gavilan Hills and St. Mary Cemeteries in Gilroy along with Mt. Hope Cemetery in Morgan Hill to place wreaths on Veterans’ graves. The effort, which began at Arlington National Cemetery in 1995, has grown to over 1,000 cemeteries across the country where more than 700,000 wreaths are laid. In South County, volunteers placed nearly 1,200 wreaths. For more information on how you can be part of this effort next year, contact Mark Turner at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.

PHO

TO B

Y LO

RA S

CH

RAFT


Will You Win The SocialSecurity‘Game’?

1337088RM-Oct17

FINANCIALLYSpeaking When you played tic-tac-toe for the first

time, who won? My guess is it was the person who showed you the game,

and you probably continued to lose, until you learned the rules of the game. It’s the same with Social Security benefits: If you don’t know the rules, you will lose, and you could lose big!

Most people try to figure out how and when to take Social Security benefits on their own, not fully realizing or understanding that there are numerous strategies available to them individually and even more options if they are a couple. Add to that the almost 2.700 Social Security rules regarding benefits, and it’s no wonder most people don’t explore all the possibilities. Because of this, they are potentially leaving large amounts of lifetime benefits on the table, sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Clearly, there are several right and wrong ways to maximize Social Security benefits. Here are some of the mistakes that people often make:

Failure to consider family longevity: Every year you wait, until age 70, your annual benefit increases by 8%, plus an annual adjustment for inflation. If you had an investment that was growing by 8% per year, you probably wouldn’t spend it any earlier than necessary! An additional 8% added for each year of waiting, can add up to a lot of money over a long retirement.

Not considering Social Security taxation issues: It is important to understand how and when your Social Security benefits will be taxed, if you continue to work. For example, if you are married, filing jointly, and already receiving benefits, and then earn between $32,000 and $44,000, you will be taxed on half of your benefits. Above $44,000, up to 85% of your benefit can be taxed. This may make a difference in when you decide to file for benefits, or how much longer you decide to work.

Overlooking spousal options, including ex-spouses: As a couple, or even an ‘ex-couple’, you have options for how and when to take benefits. Does a ‘file and suspend’ strategy make sense? With this strategy, the higher wage earning spouse can file for benefits and immediately suspend them, allowing the benefit to continue to grow, while the other

person receives the spousal benefit. Most divorced people don’t realize that they may be able to claim against an ex-spouses benefit, boosting their income considerably

Failure to integrate couples benefits for maximum lifetime income: Overlooking this area of planning can result in a costly mistake. A couple I recently worked with is projected to receive nearly a half million dollars in additional lifetime benefits as a result of understanding Social Security rules and timing issues.

Not planning for ‘opportunity cost’: When you wait to take larger benefits later, you may need to use money from your other investments now. ‘Opportunity cost’ is the loss of investment growth from money that is no longer a part of your portfolio. So clearly, Social Security planning is going to involve some trade-offs.

Not taking advantage of Social Security planning software: There are a lot of rules and strategies to consider when mapping out your Social Security retirement plan. A difficult task indeed, if you are relying on trial and error to develop a plan. Fortunately, there is some outstanding software available, that, when used by someone who is knowledge-able, can take the guesswork out of putting together an effective plan for you.

Dismissing Social Security planning all together: This is, in fact, what most people do, and it is a mistake you can spend a life-time paying for!

Some people don’t feel they can count on Social Security throughout their retirement. They believe the old mantra: “Get all you can, while you can!” The truth is, the Social Security Trust Fund has enough money in reserves to pay full benefits until 2033. If Congress does nothing to address the funding shortfall, the government will pay three-quarters of benefits until 2088. Social Security is one of the most successful and popular government programs in history, so I wouldn’t bet against its long term survival.

Like the game of Tic-Tac-Toe, if you expect to win, you need to work with an expert who knows the rules of the game.

Jeffrey M. Orth is a Chartered Financial Consultant, a Certified Advisor in Senior Living, and an Investment Advisor Representative, with over 15 years of experience as a business and personal planning, insurance, and wealth management specialist. Jeff is available for group lectures and private consultations. Visit ifitfinancial.com or call 408.842.2716.

The author’s opinions, comments information, etc. are those solely his own and are independent of, and do not represent, HTK, and should not be considered as specific investment or planning advice. Please consider your options based on your individual circumstances. gmhToday and other listed entities are independent of and un-affiliated with, HTK and Integrated Financial Benefits Network (IFit). Registered Representative of, and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, Inc. (HTK). Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC, 16845 Von Karman Ave, Ste. 225 Irvine, CA 92606 (949)754-1700. I Fit is independent of HTK. CA Lic #0C49291 (Not an offer or solicitation in any state where representative is not properly licensed or registered.) Loans and other policy withdrawals will reduce the death benefit amount and may be subject to surrender charges and income taxes. All guarantees are based upon the claim-paying ability of the insurer.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7


Residents of Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Martin not only live in California’s Historic Santa Clara Valley Wine Country, but also are in the southernmost part of Santa

Clara County – America’s 16th largest county with 1.9 million residents. As your elected County Supervisor, I collaborate with regional partners to provide you with essential services, regional planning, and recreational opportunities.

You may have read recently that regional open space and parklands are expanding locally. My colleagues and I on the County Board of Supervisors authorized the purchase of 2,748 acres that link Coyote Lake, Harvey Bear Ranch and Anderson Lake County Parks to each other, and also to Henry Coe State Park, the largest recreational land holding in the California Park System resulting in a potential future trail network linking these three parks.

Several important South County land use proposals will ramp up in 2016. One is Morgan Hill’s 215-acre Southeast Quadrant (SEQ) project which is the area bounded by Condit Road and Highway 101 to the west, San Pedro Avenue to the north, Carey Avenue to the east, and Maple Avenue to the south. Another large project is Gilroy’s 721-acre North Neighborhood District which is located west of Monterey Road, north of the existing City limits, east of Santa Teresa Boulevard, and south of Fitzgerald Avenue. While both projects are under the jurisdiction of their respective cities and will require City Council approval, each will be vetted through the state-man-dated Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) which oversees the boundaries of cities to discourage urban sprawl and preserve agricultural and open space lands. I am one of seven elected officials and members of the public who serve on this Commission. Meeting schedules and agendas for 2016 are available at: santaclaralafco.org

The five elected members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors hold public meetings twice monthly, on Tuesdays, beginning at 9:00 am at the County Government Center – 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose. The Board’s five standing Committees meet monthly: Children, Seniors and Families Committee (CSFC), Finance and Government Operations Committee (FGOC), Health and Hospital Committee (HHC),

County UpdateWith Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman

Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee (HLUET), of which I’m Vice-Chair, and the Public Safety and Justice Committee (PSJC), which I chair. The County’s 2016 meeting schedules can be found at sccgov.org.

If you are curious about county services, public meetings, or special events happening in the community, then join the 25,000 others who receive my monthly newsletter by subscribing at: supervisorwasserman.org. My staff and I are available to answer questions and connect residents with services. You can reach the District 1 Supervisorial office at 408-299-5010.

Supervisor Mike Wasserman was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in November 2010, and re-elected in 2014. He represents District 1, which includes Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and portions of San Jose.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE


http://www.santaclaralafco.org/

http://www.sccgov.org

http://www.supervisorwasserman.org

City BeatMorgan Hill 2035 General Plan UpdateThe Draft General Plan was released at the end of November. This draft is the culmination of two years of meetings and workshops and will guide development, land use, growth and conservation in Morgan Hill for the next 20 years. The publication of the Draft General Plan marks a new phase of the 2035 project with even more community input to refine and improve the plan. On January 20, 2016 at 5:30 pm the City Council and Planning Commission will host a Joint Study Session open to the public.

Downtown Public Art, including the “Dear” Family and the Gateway Art was scheduled for completion in December.

Downtown ParksTwo downtown parks and one trail are planned for Morgan Hill’s downtown. After significant community outreach, design concepts were presented to the City Council on Oct. 21, 2015. It is anticipated that the construction on the parks and trail will begin early in the summer of 2016.

Water and Wastewater Rate Increase Process The City of Morgan Hill is in the midst of a water and wastewater rate increase process. Morgan Hill’s top priority is to ensure safe, healthy, and reliable water and wastewater systems. Based on revised information in the 2015 Comprehensive Water and Wastewater Rate Study, second draft report (2015 Rate Study) and careful consideration of costs for lift and booster station services, Council approved a proposed rate structure intended to fairly and equitably allocate costs of service among customers. As required by law Prop 218 Notices were mailed to all Morgan Hill Water and Wastewater Customers on December 5, 2015. A Public Hearing on the setting of new water and wastewater rates is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at City Hall on January 20, 2016.

Bikeways, Trails, Parks and Recreation MasterMorgan Hill Community Services department is in the process of creating a new Master Plan. The Bikeways, Trails, Parks and Recreation Master Plan will guide the improvement and future development of robust bikeways, trail parks and recreation system in Morgan Hill. The next community meeting will be held on January 28, 2016

For more information: Morgan Hill 2035 General Plan Update morganhill2035.org/ Gateway Art morgan-hill.ca.gov/1403/Gateway-Public-Art • Downtown Parks morgan-hill.ca.gov/1248/Downtown-Parks-and-Trails

Bikeways, Trails, Parks and Recreation Master morganhill.ca.gov/1429/Master-Plan-for-Parks-Trails-and-Bikeway Water and Wastewater Rate Increase Process morgan-hill.ca.gov/1450/Rate-Adjustments


http://www.morganhill.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17254



http://morganhill2035.org/

http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/1403/Gateway-Public-Art

http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/1248/Downtown-Parks-and-Trails

http://www.morganhill.ca.gov/1429/Master-Plan-for-Parks-Trails-and-Bikeway

http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/1450/Rate-Adjustments

City BeatCouncil Approves Application for Inclusion of 721 Acres to Urban Service AreaThe City Council has certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approved an application to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for inclusion of 721 acres into the City’s Urban Service Area. (USA) The area is designated as the “North Gilroy Neighborhood District” in the General Plan and already lies within the Urban Growth Boundary, although outside the City limits. If approved by LAFCO, the area could be annexed to the City.

The application for inclusion in the USA is sponsored by property owners in the area who have asked the City of Gilroy to be responsible for the Specific Plan that might lead to eventual development of the area in accordance with the neighborhood district standards of the General Plan. If approved by LAFCO, the Specific Planning process might get underway within a few years and take at least two years to complete because it will provide specific guidance on the type and location of development and how the City will deliver and pay for services to the developed area.

The City’s Specific Planning process requires extensive community outreach and engagement as well as separate environmental analysis. Any future residential development will also be subject to the process and scheduling of the City’s growth management system known as the Residential Development Ordinance. (RDO)

It is anticipated that LAFCO will hear the application for the North Gilroy Neighborhood District USA in April 2016.

Council Changes Following Mayor Gage’s resignationGilroy Mayor Don Gage announced his resignation as Mayor effective December 31, 2015 during the City Council meeting on December 7, 2015. Mayor Gage, who was born and raised in Gilroy, has provided decades of service to Gilroy and the citizens of South County. He served on the Gilroy City Council from 1981-1991, as Gilroy Mayor 1991-1997, Santa Clara County Supervisor 1997-2010, Santa Clara Valley Water District 2010-2012, and Gilroy Mayor from 2011 to present.

In accordance with the City Charter, on January 4, the City Council will appoint a member of the Council to serve as Mayor for the balance of the term which ends in December 2016. Because the Charter

Downtown UpdateImprovements continue in downtown Gilroy. Retrofits were completed on all down-town ornamental streetlights, converting them to LED fixtures with more energy efficiency and color rendition. A new sports center expected to accommodate a South County boxing club was recently opened at 7400 Railroad Street, with an adjacent parking lot accommodating 61 public parking spaces serving downtown. Significant progress has been made with making Gilroy’s unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings safer, with over 1/3 of them having been retrofit in the last two years and with many others under construction, and a number of businesses have recently started or expanded in downtown, including restaurants, retail, and arts uses. In terms of long-range planning efforts, Gilroy is now updating its Downtown Specific Plan, largely in response to the future downtown high speed rail station. Find more information on that effort at gilroyhighspeedtrain.org/.

requires the next Mayor to be appointed from within the Council, a vacancy on the Council will be created.

It is anticipated that the Council will appoint the new councilmember at the meeting on January 25.

In February 2016, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is scheduled open their new, approximately 450,000 square-foot distribution center on the south side of Venture Way in the McCarthy Business Park. They will employ approximately 250 people in their early stages of operation.

UNFI is one of the United States’ largest distributors of natural, organic, and specialty foods, and they also have facilities in Canada. The new UNFI construction here in Gilroy is targeting LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership

in Energy and Environmental Design program. A second phase of development, planned for construction in the coming years, will increase the square footage at the site to over 800,000 square feet, which will accommodate approximately 450 employees.

United Natural Foods Inc. Update


http://www.gilroyhighspeedtrain.org/

THE RANCHING LIFE

A Fifth Generation Rancher’s StoryWritten By Robin Shepherd

PHO

TOS

CO

URT

ESY

OF

FIEL

D’S

FA

MILY


J ustin Fields has probably spent as much time in the saddle as most of us

spend in a chair. He is a modern-day cattle rancher, carrying on the tradition established by his forefathers when they began ranching in South Santa Clara County back in the 1870s.

Justin’s grass-fed beef cattle graze on a patchwork of family-owned and leased lands that stretch from Silver Creek Valley in the north along the border of Henry Coe State Park in the East, Rancho Canada del Oro to the West, and just south of Morgan Hill. This includes private ranches, open space and county park lands.

Driving, hiking or cycling through South County’s rolling hills, you’re likely to spot Justin’s herds. His cows and calves are a composite of Hereford and Angus breeds known for their good temperament and adaptability to their grazing environment. Justin has sold stock to Harris Ranch, via online auctions, and locally at the Aromas livestock auctions.

Butterflies and BeefExemplary rangeland stewardship and cattle grazing practices have earned Justin the recognition and respect of public agencies, private landowners and professional organi-zations. They have come to know Justin as a man who is not only passionate about cattle ranching but who is in it for the long haul.

The fifth-generation rancher and President of the Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association has made it his priority to develop trust relationships with

other stakeholders, including the Open Space Authority, the California Rangeland Trust and the University of California Extension. He has also represented the Cattleman’s Association and other stake-holders in a working group of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency for several years.

“People appreciate the fact that I have local roots and work to protect the land,” he said. That includes protecting sensitive habitats that are home to endangered spe-cies of salamanders, butterflies, frogs, kit foxes and burrowing owls. “Without local cattle grazing, the Bay Checkerspot but-terfly’s only known natural plant habitat would quickly be overtaken by non-native grasses and the butterflies wouldn’t survive.”

Good grazing practices also keep natu-ral grasslands trimmed back – a huge plus when it comes to preventing brush fires during Santa Clara’s long dry season. In 2012, the Society for Range Management honored Justin with its annual Excellence in Range Management Award.

Born to RanchJustin began helping out on his father’s ranch at the tender age of 5. What others might consider chores, he considered fun. “As I got more involved, my dad gave me a few of my own cows to take care of. By the time I graduated from Live Oak High School in 1989, I had raised my own herd as a Future Farmers of America (FFA) project.”

Justin was accepted by Cal Poly but he chose instead to spend the next year working on the ranch with his father. It was a deci-sion that accelerated the course of his career. “When the time came for me to pack my bag and head for San Luis Obispo, I realized that I didn’t need to spend four years at col-lege. I was already prepared for a ranching career.”

In 1991 Justin met Arleah Nissen, the woman who would become his wife three years later. They were introduced by friends while attending The Firefighter’s Rodeo, an event sponsored by the San Jose Fire Department’s Burn Unit. When asked if their first encounter was love at first sight,

Justin smiled and said, “Yeah, I pretty much knew she was the one.”

Like Justin, Arleah had grown up around horses, but her forte had been English style riding and 3-day eventing on sport horses; not the cattle herding and roping on Western cow horses that was Justin’s milieu.

“We used to joke that I went over to the dark side when I switched from English to Western,” Arleah said. “I knew my way around horses, but riding Western and working cattle was a whole different thing.”

To say Justin knows the lay of the land in South County is an understatement. Over the years, he and Arleah have lived and worked at the Mendoza Ranch, the Dunne Ranch and the Blair ranch; some-times leasing the land, working the cattle, training horses and managing day-to-day ranch operations. They did a lot of moving until 2009, when they began building their current ranch home in the Eastern foot-hills north of Anderson Dam.While mod-est about their competitive riding, Justin and Arleah have won championship titles at local, state, national and international events. They have also shared their knowl-edge by leading clinics in “ranch versatility” for the California Horseman’s Association. The clinics provide expert demonstrations and coaching for riders aiming to compete in Ranch Horse Versatility events includ-ing Ranch Riding, Trail, Reining Patterns, Roping and Confirmation

Preserving California Vaquero HistoryAs a youth, Justin learned horseman-ship from his father, Joe, his grandfather, and long-time ranchers including Tom Sondgroth, Ike Chisum and Charlie Maggini. They passed down the time- honored traditions that America’s first working cowboys learned from Spanish cavalry and Mexican horsemen sometimes called vaqueros.

When horse trainers lack skill or patience and resort to harsh bits and brute-force tactics, they end up with nervous horses and unpredictable or dangerous


results that hinder successful ranch opera-tions. Vaquero tradition is the polar oppo-site of this kind of poor horsemanship.

“The vaquero way is to start a green horse with a jaquima, a braided rawhide or leather noseband. There is no bit in the horse’s mouth. Once the horse has learned the tasks he will be required to do on the ranch, he is introduced to a bridle with a smaller noseband, or bosal, a set of two reins, and a bit. Over time, the rider gradu-ally shifts from using the bosal to use of the bridle reins until the bosal is no longer needed. This entire process takes several years, but the results are worth it. You end up with a well-trained horse that, given the slightest of cues, will perform its tasks with calm and confidence.”

There are many other aspects to vaquero tradition, including the craftsmanship that goes into custom-made leather saddles, rawhide reata ropes and more. The vaquero heritage has been captured by historians as well as artists and filmmakers, and is cel-ebrated at gatherings and shows throughout California each year. The Fields do their part to help preserve this heritage.

• In 2003, Justin and Arleah were invited to record an oral history of vaquero tradition by the Autry National Center Institute of the American West.

• Justin demonstrated vaquero style roping technique in a documen-tary entitled Tapadero in 2005.

• In 2011, he played the role of a vaquero horseman in another film documentary entitled The Gathering.

• And in 2014, Justin participated in the “Iconic Horsemen” demo at Vaquero Heritage Days, a bi-annual event held in San Juan Bautista.

Loving the Ranch LifeAccording to the Fields’ daughter Jenna, who attends Sobrato High School, “I’ve been riding horses since before I can

remember. From the time I was two, my mom put me on the front of her saddle and I rode around the ranch with her. When I was older and had developed my horseback riding skills, my dad let me ride his retired competition horse. That horse is so talent-ed, smart and fun to ride.”

The Fields have always encouraged both of their daughters, Jenna, 15, and Jodi, 10, to explore a variety of interests, which they have done. But as Jenna put it, “I love living on the ranch. It has a quality that’s different than urban living. I developed a good work ethic, got to work with animals and learned the ranching tradition. I feel privileged to have this experience growing up, and am definitely going into something ag-related in college.”

During his more than 20 years of involvement with the Cattleman’s Association, Justin said the organization has raised money and sponsored classes at the Santa Clara County Fair and funded schol-arships for high school and college students interested in pursuing careers in ranching, veterinary medicine, agriculture and related fields.

Justin and Arleah are of one mind when it comes to the rewards of having chosen the ranching life. “I can’t imagine life any other way,” Justin said. “No two days are the same and every day is spent outside on the land. We have to respond to whatever’s happening in nature, the climate, and the animals, which is all part of a complex cycle that is different in every season.”

While Justin acknowledged there aren’t many ranches left in Santa Clara where own-ers graze their own lands, he noted that the benefits of properly managed grazing are being realized and documented, prompting many public land agencies to reopen their lands to grazing. “The biggest challenge to ranching is urban encroachment, but more people are see-ing the value of sustainable ranching for future generations in Santa Clara Valley.”

Hats off to Justin and Arleah as they con-tinue their family tradition, skillfully manag-ing their herd to graze by day and return home safely to rest another night. Perhaps there’s a little of the rancher spirit in all of us. At one time or another we all daydream of a simpler time and a life more connected to the land we call home.


Construction by D.R. DomenichiniTile, granite counters and wood floor from Superior Stone in Gilroy


Steps for a Successful & Stress-free Remodeling Project

D. R. Domenichini Construction was named Morgan Hill Business of the Year in 2012 and also voted (2014 & 2015) Best Contractor in Morgan Hill by the Morgan Hill Times. The owner, David Domenichini, resides in the Morgan Hill area and brings nearly 20 years of experience to his family-owned and operated business. Follow them on Facebook for weekly projectupdates, hints, tips, giveaways and more.You can visit their website at drdcon.comor call 408.691.3283.

If planned and executed

properly, the remodeling process

can be a relatively smooth one.

Unfortunately many people do

more research when buying a

television than they do when

preparing to undertake a

home remodeling project.

Many people are choosing to stay in their existing homes instead of purchasing another home

for reasons such as better school districts, property tax advantages and family proximity. Real Estate has traditionally been not only a shelter for your family, it can be a great investment as well. Remodeling or room additions can make your home more efficient and comfortable, and it is possible to recoup most or even all of the remodeling costs.

The following are steps to help create a positive remodeling experience:

Put your ideas on paper, preferably actual architectural drawings. These specifications will define the scope of work and be given to each qualified general contractor that you have invited to bid. Drawings and detailed specifications will help eliminate the un-knowns and decrease the potential for change orders. Change Orders are additional invoices that are issued to the homeowner when the unexpected occurs. For example, if there is plumbing in a wall that wasn’t referenced in the drawings and/or specifications.

Ask friends, family and neighbors if they have any personal, positive experi-ences with a general contractor. Use Yelp and internet searches to read customer testimonials and company reviews. It is a good idea to get bids from three different contractors. Ask for references and be diligent in following up with a visual inspection on at least one prior job. While checking references, ask if the contractor was reliable, had good communication skills, and whether or not the customer was charged excessive change orders.

Check that the Contractor’s license is current and active. Call the CSLB (800.321.CSLB) or visit their website, cslb.ca.gov. On the website you can also check the status of the company’s workers’ compensa-tion insurance. Additionally, go to epa.gov/lead/pubs/toolkits.htm to confirm that the company is EPA lead-safe certified. The EPA’s new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule became a Federal law as of April 22, 2010,

and reportedly few general contractors in California have received certification.

Get a written contract. Avoid bids that are vague. Materials should be specified by brand and model number, if at all possible. Be sure that you completely understand the terms of the contract. When will the project commence and what is the projected completion date? How will change orders be handled? Never pay more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) up front. If the contract calls for progressive payments, never pay more than the value of the work completed.

Have a meeting before construction begins to discuss mutual expectations and concerns. Schedule on-going meetings, preferably once a week or so. The meetings do not need to be lengthy (a half-hour is often sufficient) but are necessary to provide adequate communication throughout the duration of the project.

Schedule a final job walk at the completion of the project. During this walk, the home-owner has the opportunity to identify, discuss and document any defects or incomplete work. This detailed list is often called a “punch list”. It is a good idea to supplement this punch list by marking the actual areas of concern on the walls, ceilings, etc., with blue painters tape. Number the blue tape and reference them on the punch list. Never pay the final retention fee until the project is complete. Never pay with cash.

Using this check list will help assure that the overall experience will be as pleasant as possible. You will then be able to enjoy the surroundings of your newly remodeled project!



Ron Erskine and the Great Outdoors

Ron was born and raised in beautiful Mill Valley, California, and it was there that he fell in love with the

Great Outdoors. It’s a love that has guided some of his most important choices in life, with wonderful outcomes.

Ron recalls his days as an Eagle Scout and the great influence of his Scoutmaster, the late John (Jack) Barnard. Mill Valley’s Scout Hall was at its peak enrollment during the 1960s when Ron was involved. Barnard inspired Ron and other scouts to develop their skills at backpacking so they could enjoy nature at its best. His early memories are of hiking the Marin Headlands and Mt. Tamalpais, exploring coastal bluffs and forested mountain trails he still enjoys today.

First Stint in FinanceRon’s career could easily have gone in a different direction. After graduating from the University of Colorado in the early 1970s, he took a corporate job in San Francisco’s financial district.

“I got involved in the credit industry, underwriting contract surety bonds for the construction industry. It was interesting and I learned a great deal, but my heart wasn’t in it.”

In Ron’s case, one thing led to another. When he and his wife Renee went down to Gilroy to visit with her parents, Ernest and Ann, talk turned to home building.

The Filice family has a long, rich history in South County that includes farming, philanthropy and land ownership. Ernest invited Ron to build some homes on the family’s land. Ron agreed, and, joined a few years later by Renee’s brother Gary, he built about 100 dwelling units including the 52-home Fox Hollow development in Morgan Hill.

From Building to BrewingIn 1995, Ron decided to try his hand at a startup. He launched the Coast Range Brewing Company in an old cannery building at 10th and Monterey in Gilroy.

“After college I had done some bartending at a few great restaurant/pubs and enjoyed the camaraderie. A friend suggested the idea of starting a microbrewery in Gilroy, and I liked the idea. I got help configuring the brewery infra-structure from another friend with related experience, and I connected with a talented brewer just about to graduate from the UC Davis Brewing program. The business came together very serendipitously.”

After eight years of managing the brewery’s production, marketing and sales, Ron decided it was time for a change, so he stepped away from that business and tried his hand, briefly, at real estate.

“I liked the business aspect of being a realtor, but not the marketing.” Undaunted, Ron explored other possibilities.

The JournalistRon credits former Morgan Hill Times Editor-in-Chief Mark Derry for giving him an entrée into the Bay Area media scene. “I had done a little freelance writing in 2003. Then I got the itch to write again in 2009 so I talked to Mark. He said, ‘Ron, why don’t you write a column for us? You can be the Outdoors Guy.’ I owe him a lot for inviting me to write about something I care deeply about.”

Six years later, Ron’s newspaper column, “Getting Out,” runs in the Morgan Hill Times, the Gilroy Dispatch and the Hollister Freelance, and enjoys a strong following among hiking enthusiasts in South County and beyond.

Climb Every MountainIn 2012, Ron took things to a whole new level by posing a challenge to fans of his New Year’s Day hike. Those who wanted to could join Ron in some or all of a series of six local hikes from January to June, in preparation for a “Challenge Hike” – the one to test participants’ physical and mental stamina – in July.

To his surprise, over 100 people showed up on January 1st and most of them committed to do the Challenge Hike. Between 2012 and 2015, Ron has led challenge hikes to the summits of Clouds Rest, Mt. Tallac and Mt. Hoffmann – all high-altitude peaks in the Sierras, with trails covering distances up to 14 miles, and aptly rated as ‘difficult.’

It sounds daunting, but every year, hikers of varying skill levels, from teens to gray-hairs, rise to the challenge. And every year they return home exhausted yet exhilarated by the experience, wanting to know what’s on tap for the next year’s challenge.

Ron Erskine and the Great Outdoors

“So many people come up to me after-ward and say ‘I never would have thought I could do a hike like this!’”

In 2014, Ron published his first book, “Measureless Mountain Days.” The book chronicles Ron’s journey with his son, Drew, along the 221-mile John Muir Trail. They spent three weeks trekking through Sierra mountain wilderness to reach the 14,495-foot summit of Mt. Whitney. A trip that could make or break a father-son relationship. Here’s what Ron said:

“Drew was 18 at the time. He wanted to buy a used car but couldn’t find a summer job. I wanted to hike the John Muir Trail and capture the experience on video, but needed someone to carry the video camera gear. Reluctantly, Drew agreed. People who have never done this kind of trek wonder what it would be like. You have to sleep on the ground, lug 45 pounds on your back, and eat freeze-dried food for three weeks. But then you’re awestruck by the amazing landscape and the solitude. It makes you feel alive like nothing else can. Problems that arise in the backcountry require a special self-reliance and resourcefulness. Drew and I had to deal with bad weather and some tough moments, but we made it to Mt. Whitney. It was a wonderful, wonderful experience for both of us.”

“Measureless Mountain Days” won accolades as Best Outdoor Book from the

Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) in 2014. That same year, Ron was also recognized by OWAC as Writer of the Year.

Asked how many miles he has logged and if he’d ever hike the John Muir Trail again, Ron laughed and said, “I honestly don’t know how many miles I’ve walked, but if an able-bodied backpacker showed up on my doorstep tomorrow, I would love to hike the John Muir Trail again. Even when I’m not hiking in alpine country, I am thinking about it.”

Inspirational Guide Ron also leads hikes and backpack trips

in conjunction with Gavilan College, as a volunteer at Henry Coe State Park, and for the Committee for Green Foothills, of which he is currently a board member. As he guides groups on interpretive hikes, Ron shares his knowledge of local flora, fauna and history. He brings an easy-going sense of humor that never fails to get laughs from the group.

When asked what inspired him to join the Palo Alto-based Committee for Green Foothills, Ron explained that for more than 50 years, the organization has worked effectively with policy makers to advocate for responsible development and protection of sensitive natural habitats in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

Follow Ron OnlineRon’s “Weekly Tramp” blog at ronerskine.com.

Order Ron’s book (ebook format), visit amazon.com.

Learn more about Committee for Green Foothills at greenfoothills.org.

“Throughout my life, I have enjoyed tramping through the still wild places in the Bay Area. It was time for me to do some of the work that preserves these natural places for all of us.”

In 2014, Ron wrote a feature story for Bay Nature magazine that describes the Orestimba Wilderness, a 22,000-acre spread in the northeastern region of Henry Coe State Park. Through his many years of volunteer service to the Pine Ridge Association and Henry Coe Park, Ron has backpacked into this area and seen eagles, foxes, bobcats and Tule elk as well as hill-sides blanketed with wildflowers and blue oaks. He reveals the significance of this wilderness, a mere 25 miles from down-town San Jose, with its offer of solitude and silence under star-studded night skies.

May Ron’s love of nature continue to inspire us to explore the Great Outdoors.

ABOVE: Renee and Ron Erskine at their Morgan Hill home. RIGHT: Ron with son, Drew. backpaking in the high Sierras.

PHO

TOS

PRO

VID

ED B

Y RO

N E

RSKI

NE


http://www.ronerskine.com

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.greenfoothills.org

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress

and working together is success.” Henry Ford

The quote above was the first line in a 2010 report to the Morgan Hill City Council on the working relationship between the City of Morgan Hill and YMCA of Santa Clara Valley. It is an apt description

of the partnership, one of several successful partnerships the City of Morgan Hill has undertaken. While part of the YMCA of Silicon Valley, the local “Y” is known as the Mt. Madonna YMCA.

In 2006 the City built the 54,000 square foot Centennial Recreation Center and entered into an agreement with the YMCA to operate the Center. The agreement highlights two major ideas. The City built the Center and the YMCA has experience in operating health and fitness centers. To quote the Operating Agreement:

“The parties believe they can maximize the programs offered and better control the expenses of operating the CRC if the City using City employees provides aquatics and teen programming while the YMCA using YMCA employees provides health and fitness and senior services at the CRC.”

The Partnership that runs the Centennial CenterWritten By Larry J. Mickartz


The partnership is a success and has become a model for a number of other cities. Chris Ghione, Director of Community Services for the City of Morgan Hill, notes that several municipalities locally and across the nation have contacted Morgan Hill for information on the partnership.

The agreement and subsequent Center Operating Plan lays out a somewhat complicated plan for running this marvel-ous facility. The CRC has designated City employees, as does the YMCA. The “Y” has a budget and the City has a budget but the CRC has a combined budget. Areas of the CRC are primarily a City responsibility, specifically aquatics and teen services. Other areas such as the fitness center and senior activities are the responsibility of the YMCA. Some areas of the CRC offer free services while other areas are fee based. There are numerous areas of overlap governed by a strong directive to cooperate.

“City and YMCA agree to cooperatively manage and operate the CRC as a first class recreation center for the benefit of the public.” (2006 Agreement)

In 2010 a report to the City council noted:

Teamwork SuccessAs the partnership was created it was clear that it would work best if City staff and YMCA staff all felt equally responsible for the outcomes and if the staff working at the CRC saw themselves as one team This has been achieved because both organizations seamlessly support each other in delivering programs at the CRC The team works together to make sure that the word we is always used and that no teammate ever says to a member “that’s not my job.”

City and YMCA upper management work together in the spirit of partnership striving to understand the two different cultures and how best to find solutions that work in both environments.

The public perception of the CRC is that it is a well-run facility that does an excellent job of providing health and well-ness services to the community of Morgan Hill. Enrollment in the Center is currently around 15,000, which represents 20% of the population of Morgan Hill. This is an extraordinary penetration rate for health and recreation services.

Since the original agreement, the Aquatics Center, on Condit Road, has also been put under the direction of the CRC. The City and the YMCA also share in an accountability clause that gives 60% to the City and 40% to the YMCA of any revenue or loss. Not surprisingly the CRC has realized a profit on a regular basis. The current agreement is scheduled to expire in 2016.

Membership at the CRC includes access to the Aquatics Center, the CRC gym, pool, group exercise classes, the Kid’s Club, the fitness center, Wellness Coaching and use of other YMCA facilities in the County.

“The relationship between the Y and the City of Morgan Hill offers true synergy in leveraging our different strengths and experiences to benefit the community. Together, we’ve expanded health, wellness and recreational opportunities, providing comprehensive programs for people of all ages. Our strong team approach has created a true sense of belonging for our CRC members.“

Mary Hoshiko Haughey, M.Ed., M.A.Interim Executive Director – Mt. Madonna YMCA


Pre / K - 12th grade | CAIS & WASC accredited | Nonsectarian | Bus transportation available | Founded in 19 79

Mount MadonnaSchool

Art & Play in Pre & K!January 7, 9:30 am

Campus TourJanuary 13, 9:30 am

Open HouseFebruary 20, 11:00 am

RSVP 408-847-2717MountMadonnaSchool.org

We are a learning community

Periodically the YMCA conducts a SEER Analytics Member Satisfaction Study. The 2015 report to the City Council notes:

The Centennial Recreation Center (CRC) continues to be ranked among the highest in Overall Satisfaction among all 10 facility-based branches in the YMCA of Silicon Valley Association. This ranking demonstrates that the unique characteristics of the Partnership continue to be successful and that the CRC team is working as one high-performing team.

Results of the study are used to improve service delivery and are the basis for future capital improvements. City and YMCA staff are currently reviewing the 2015 directives and seeking ways to address them.

The City of Morgan Hill is in the middle of a Bikeways, Trails, Parks And Recreation Master Plan Update. The remarkable success of the CRC contributes to the dedication and vision of the leadership of the City and the YMCA to provide a first class recreation center for the benefit of the public.

MORE INFORMATION:City of Morgan Hill CRC — morgan-hill.ca.gov/202/Centennial-Recreation-Center

Mt Madonna YMCA — ymcasv.org/mtmadonna/CRC Member Satisfaction Study 2015 — morgan-hill.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16206

JOIN US FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Year Round Wine Tasting

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-5pm

February 6th Super Barrel

February 13th Sweetheart Saturday

March 19 & 20th Passport Weekend

4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020 Ph. (408)842-3305


http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/202/Centennial-Recreation-Center

http://www.ymcasv.org/mtmadonna/

http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16206

SOUTH SANTA CLARA VALLEY… 2015, A YEAR IN REVIEW


1

2

3 4

5 6

7 8 9

SOUTH SANTA CLARA VALLEY… 2015, A YEAR IN REVIEW


10

12 13 14

15 16

17 18

11


And so we bid farewell to 2015!

1 Leadership Morgan Hill announcing the 2015 Leadership Excellence Award honoree, Dana Ditmore 2 The 28th Annual New Years Day Burrito Run in Downtown Gilroy 3 The Morgan Hill Teachers Aid Coalition’s Chocolate, Wine & Valentines 4 Supporters of the New Catholic High School gather to formally kick-off the Project 5 Gilroy Sister Cities Dinner Raffle Winners feast at the home of Sam and Judy Bozzo 6 Community Solutions Morgan Hill Helping Hands Healing Hearts 7 Gilroy Rotary Regional Speech Contest 8 GilPAC Annual Legislative Luncheon 9 AAUW’s Annual Wildflower Run 10 CordeValle reception introducing the 2016 LPGA 11 Morgan Hill Rotary Annual Dazzle Fundraiser 12 Morgan Hill Downtown Pop-Up Park 13 Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras 14 GALs (Gilroy Assistance League) Home Tour 15-16 Friday Night Music Series in Gilroy and Morgan Hill 17 Gilroy Garlic Festival 18 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 19 Local Wineries celebrating the first Anniversary of the Wine Trail 20 Gilroy’s Celebration of Annual Night Out 21 Downtown Morgan Hill Construction 22 Annual GilPAC’s Pork and Politics event 23 Guglielmo Winery Celebrating 90 Years 24 Downtown Morgan Hill The Taste Of Morgan Hill 25 Gilroy Foundation Board at Hello Hollywood Fundraiser 26 Community Solutions’ Black, White & Bling Fundraiser 27 Christmas Parade in Gilroy. More event photos and descriptions of these at gmhtoday.com.

19 20 21

22 23

24 25 26

27

Everything for your gardenand more!

11155 Lena Avenue • Gilroy, CA 95020 • Highway 101 & Masten Avenue408.846.4555 • www.garden-accents.net

YOU BELONG AT THE YMt. Madonna YMCA

At the Y, we strengthen communities by supporting people.

JOIN US • 408 762 6000 • mtmadonnaymcasv.org

• BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

• YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS

• HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

• SENIORS AND ACTIVE OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS

• DAY CAMPS AND SUMMER LEARNING

... AND SO MUCH MORE!


Since Dave Peoples first opened up

shop in 1977, he has never been

afraid to pursue his interests and

give them time to shine in his store.

Little did he know that by doing this he

would go on to inspire and help others to

become business owners.

It all started with an idea in late 1976.

Dave’s wife, Marianne, loved fabric work,

to the point where she designed and

sewed all of her own clothes. She and

Dave had talked about maybe opening

a fabric store, but between Marianne’s

job as a teacher and Dave working

at the Standard Oil, they didn’t have

any definite plans. Then Standard Oil

suddenly decided to relocate their offices.

They told Dave that he needed to move

and that they weren’t going to pay to

have him move. For Dave, the answer

to this sudden problem was obvious.

Rather than uproot his family and leave

the town he called home, he quit his

job. That same week, they flew to L.A.,

where all of the big fabric suppliers were.

the same time they started Garlic City

Mercantile, Dave and Marianne decided

to add quilting to the Nimble Thimble.

They also started doing alterations,

followed by embroidery work under the

name Garlic City ShirtWorks. In order

to avoid confusion, Dave separated the

business into three entities: Garlic City

Mercantile, the Nimble Thimble, and

Garlic City ShirtWorks.

With so many different business

entities going on at once, Dave sought

help to keep things running smoothly.

After he downsized to a smaller location,

things became so busy that he couldn’t

manage the alterations business along

with everything else. One of his

alterations employees, Fidelina Gutierrez,

stepped up and essentially ran the

business from the back of Dave’s shop.

Due to the smaller building, it got too

crowded for the two businesses to work

properly, so Dave moved Fidelina and set

her up in business. He gave her all of the

sewing machines they were using, sewing

They went through tons of fabric shops,

buying loads of fabric, and three weeks

later they opened up the Nimble Thimble

in downtown Gilroy. “There’s no reason

to just hang out and plan this stuff.

Let’s just do it!” Dave said of the store’s

quick opening.

This mentality would go on to shape

much of the store’s transformations in

the coming years. At first the business

was dedicated primarily to sewing. Then

Dave’s friend opened the Garlic Café over

in the Outlets, where he featured racks

of garlic merchandise for sale. “I said,

‘Gosh! There’s nothing downtown that

has garlicky stuff, so how about I sell

your stuff downtown?’” Dave explained.

In no time Dave had two racks of garlic

merchandise in his store and Garlic

City Mercantile was born. The Nimble

Thimble remained the primary business

entity, but it resided within the Garlic

City Mercantile building.

From that point the business started

to take on a life of its own. At about

Written By Crystal Han

Finding a need, filling it, and playing it forward…

Turning One Downtown Business Into Many


equipment and materials. Her business,

now called Fidelina’s, has been doing

great ever since.

Just like Fidelina’s, Dave eventually

passed the Nimble Thimble down to his

friend and customer, Linda Williams.

“One day Linda came walking through

the door and she said, ‘Dave! I had

a dream last night that I bought the

Nimble Thimble!’ and I said, ‘Well son-

of-a-gun! I had the same dream! But you

know what? I sold the Nimble Thimble

to you!’” Dave laughed. Dave wanted to

make sure that the Nimble Thimble was

truly the right fit for Linda, so before he

decided to sell her the business he had

her apprentice there every day for six

months. When her six months were up,

Linda bought the Nimble Thimble and

she and Dave coexisted within Garlic

City Mercantile until Linda moved the

Nimble Thimble down the street.

While Linda was apprenticing, she

encouraged one of her customers,

Carol Gutierrez, to take over Garlic

City ShirtWorks. Carol was a skilled

quilter and embroiderer, so when Dave

heard about Linda’s idea he thought

it was a great fit. Like Linda, Carol

apprenticed for six months before she

and her husband bought the business

this past July. Carol plans to expand the

embroidery business so that it offers not

only service but retail items as well.

Now that the Nimble Thimble has

moved, Garlic City Mercantile has

entered a new chapter of its life. Dave has

used all of the extra space to make the

store the go-to place for garlic, gadgets,

and gifts. He has even started helping

local artists by featuring their work in

his shop.

If there’s anything we can learn from

Dave, it’s that we should never be afraid

to pursue what inspires us. So far, Dave

is enjoying the store’s newest incarnation,

though there’s no telling what it

might be in the future. “Right now it’s

garlic, gadgets, and gifts. Until we add

antiques!” he said playfully.

The Nimble Thimble, Garlic City ShirtWorks and Fidelina’s all started as part of Garlic City Mercantile.


Gilroy Exchange Club Celebrates 25 Years of Service

The Gilroy Exchange Club is a service club made up of volunteers who provide services for Gilroy residents. They have one fundraising event a year — a dinner, auction, and dance in November. The catered dinner was provided by Mama Mia’s Italian Restaurant. The Club supports:

• School clothes shopping for children in need• Classroom supplies• Teddy bears for children in crises• Blue & Gold luncheon honoring Public Safety Officers• Christmas shopping for families in need• Senior citizens social events• Patriotic/Amercianism activities• And many other programs for Gilroy residents in need


Joyce Kludt Lily Kawafuchi, Shirley Willard, Eleanor Villarreal and Al Pinheiro Mike and Janet Thompson

Elvia Rosso

Dave and Marianne Peoples with Greg Edgar Tom Valenta, Mike Ternasky and Al Howard

Mama Mia Staff Mike Green, his wife and a friend

Mark Twain

PRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE

408.848.5050 1300 First Street Gilroy

Accommodates groups up to 40 peopleFOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS MEETING, FUNCTION, PARTY OR EVENT.

JOIN US FOR

14 Tap Beers • 3 Seasonal Handles

The Playoffs

St. Patrick’s Day

The SuperbowlBe sure to try ouraward winning Clam Chowder and Irish Specialties


If you have ever been to one of the three main community theaters in Gilroy and Morgan Hill, chances are good you have seen Bill Tindall per-

forming on stage or at the very least seen his influence from behind the scenes that enhanced the production of the show.

Bill arrived on the scene when he and his partner opened their interior design business, Brotin Design, in 1987. Bill’s interest in theater was sparked by working through a healing process after losing his partner of 27 years in 2005. His debut stage appearance was in “Boeing, Boeing” for Pintello Comedy Theater (PCT) in 2007. His first appearance on stage for South Valley Civic Theater (SVCT) was in “Arsenic and Old Lace,” also in 2007. His first appearance on stage for Limelight Actors Theater (LAT) was in “Norman, Is That You?” during their inaugural season in 2011. The wheels of theater were turning, and they have not stopped.

Since 2007, Bill has remained actively involved with community theater. His first role as a producer was for SVCT’s “Annie Get Your Gun” in 2009, and again for “The King and I” in 2010. He also spent two years on SVCT’s board of directors and has been influential in using his interior design experience to assist with countless shows as a set dresser, set designer and production advisor.

His appearances on stage for PCT, SVCT and LAT have garnered rave reviews; not just from audience members, but from

local theatrical critics as well. He counts among his favorite roles played on stage as those he portrayed in LAT’s “A Tuna Christmas” and “Red, White and Tuna.” He relished the challenge of playing multiple roles on stage in both shows.

Currently Bill is working on the SVCT production of “TRU” opening in January. “TRU” is a one-man play about the life of Truman Capote. Adapted from the words and works of Capote, “TRU” takes place in the writer’s New York City apartment during the week before Christmas, 1975. An excerpt from Capote’s infamous novel “Answered Prayers” has recently been published in Esquire Magazine. “The author’s friends, who recognized the characters as thinly veiled versions of them-selves, have turned their backs on the man they once considered a close confidant.”

Bill first saw “TRU” on Broadway as a concept play in the 90’s. He saw a 2013 production of the play in Palm Springs and became fascinated with the idea of portraying Truman Capote. After two years of his courting the board of SVCT, the show was put on their 2015/2016 calendar. The play is produced by Scott Lynch. Direction is by Carol Harris, with assistant direction by this author.

You can catch Bill’s performance as Truman Capote starting January 15th. “TRU” runs for six performances on Friday and Saturday nights. For details on dates, times and purchasing tickets in advance, go to the SVCT website, svct.org.

Matthew Russell Hendrickson has been involved with community theater for over 35 years. He is currently a designer’s assistant for Brotin Design, a founding member of a local film production company, Oscar Dante Motion, and is still heavily involved with local theater.

Theater Scene

One Man Show “TRU” to Feature Seasoned Local Actor

The MOMologuesJanuary 22 - February13

This original comedy about motherhood rips away the gauzy mask of parent-hood to reveal what all mothers know but don’t always talk about: it’s over-whelming and exhausting, but also very, very funny. From the joys of infertility, through reading the same books over and over and over, to finally seeing your baby get on that school bus, this play mines the laughs and tears of the early years of motherhood.

Limelight Actors Theaterlimelightactorstheater.com

“TRU”January 15 -30

Leader of the PackFebruary 19 - March 12

Join these talented teens in their performance of this hit Broadway musical retrospective, celebrating the life and times of Ellie Greenwich, whose doo-wop sounds skyrocketed to the top of the 60’s charts. The story of Ellie’s rise to fame and fortune is punctuated with the virtual Hit Parade of her music.

South Valley Civic Theater (SVCT)svct.org

Skin Flick January 15 - February 5

The story of a middle-aged couple who find themselves unexpectedly unemployed, and decide they could make a bundle of money by making an adult film! Trouble is, neither of them has ever seen an adult film. They stumble along, hiring actors and talking about the movie, but... well, it tumbles out of control!

Pintello Comedy Theaterpintellocomedy.com

Story of My Life January 23 - February 7

Musical about two friends recount their adventures, explore their past dissonance, and ultimately discover what is at the base of every strong friendship — love.

Odyssey Theaterodysseytheater.org

Now Playing

Written By Matthew Russell Henrickson


http://svct.org/

Gina & Tariq JonesNew House with an Old Time Country Feel

Written By Larry J. Mickartz


On a well-traveled road in the west side foothills sits a new home nestled in the trees. The land covers seven acres, three

of which are fenced. The white country house with the big inviting porch sits comfortably in its surroundings.

Gina and Tariq Jones purchased the property in 2012. In May 2015 they moved the family in…twin 8-year-old boys, a daughter and three dogs! Gina and Tariq grew up as city kids in San Jose. The move to a new community and the country setting was a major shift in perspective, but one they both have come to relish. Gina commutes all the way to Palo Alto but the

peace and tranquility of a country home outweighs the commute.

Tariq, an electrician by trade, worked as the general contractor. Gina offered ideas and direction through-out the process. It took two years of weekend and free-time work to clear the land and build the house. The result is a beautiful, clean lined, comfortable home. The house is 3,800 square feet with four bedrooms, three and a half bath-rooms and a bonus room. The home’s unique design started with some online plans that were reworked

Gina & Tariq JonesNew House with an Old Time Country Feel

to fit their needs and the surroundings. The property sits near a flood zone so it has a raised foundation and in front is a landscaped creek bed that is actually a water diverter.

Inside the house the setting is clean and uncluttered. The great room, with its living room, casual dining, and kitchen, has a two-story vertical lift that opens up the space dramatically. The bath and bedroom is simple, elegant, and uncluttered windows bring the outside in. The front door is an elegant entrance area to the formal dining room, the great room and the stairs up to the twins’ room. The floors throughout are inch and a half wood planks…both simple and elegant again.

Throughout the house there is evidence of thoughtful planning, beautiful and unique lighting, and just a very comfort-able home. Gina and Tariq admit that the process of building their own home was not easy but it has been worth it. For the most part they used local subcontractors for the work they could not do or did not have time to do. Among the subs that worked on the house were David Domenichini, of D.R. Domenichini Construction and Ann Marie Griffin of Lazy Suzan Designs.

The house is a marvelous mix of country charm, simple uncluttered lines, a live-in warmth and solid construction. While the house is basically done, the yard and grounds have a long way to go. Tariq is confident that the large mound of dirt in the back will become a series of vegetable


Tariq & Gina Jones

gardens, and the garage will get the finish it deserves and possibly become something of a “man cave.”

Work is not yet done for Tariq who notes “I don’t think we will ever be completely finished.” Future plans include a barn and “much more landscaping.” When asked about the “man cave” idea, he flashes a big, sheepish grin!

Their one regret about the property is the lack of reliable high-speed Internet. As a Facebook employee, Gina could occasionally work from home if better service were available.

Someday soon, Tariq plans to relocate his electrical business to the Gilroy area and tap into the local business opportunities.

The Jones family is new to the community. We welcome them and their beautiful home to South Santa Clara Valley.


Vicki Minerva

Life Lessons… a Two WayStreet



Vicki’s Marriage and Family Therapy

practice has been going strong for 33 years

and one of the things she enjoys most is

the opportunity for shared learning. There

are times when her patients will come in

with revelations that teach her something

she needs to think about too. To see them

take a conversation they’ve had and come

back with insights she wasn’t even aware of

never ceases to give her joy.

When asked how she’s grown through-

out her practice, Vicki takes a moment

to reflect on all of her experiences. She

thoughtfully responds, “I think in the early

years I felt the pressure to have answers,

and while I still want to be useful and I

still want to be a part of something that’s

productive in a person’s life, I don’t assume

that I’ve got the answers.” Rather than

telling people what they need to do, Vicki

is more comfortable with helping people

learn healthy principles that can serve as a

guide. Just as her years have been a journey

of self-discovery, the journey her patients

take to find healing and happiness is one

worth the effort.

When Vicki and her husband first

moved to Gilroy, they had no idea that it

would become their home. Being part of

a small town, Vicki has enjoyed seeing her

patients grow and change and live lives

that they’re happy with. Through all of

her success, Vicki is continually grateful.

“I’m fortunate to like what I do and I’m

fortunate to live and work in the same

community,” she smiles.

As Mark Twain once said, “The

two most important days in

your life are the day you are

born and the day you find out

why.” For Vicki Minerva, that day came

during her junior high English class. She

witnessed her teacher knuckle punch a

disadvantaged student and immediately

felt a strong reaction. “I was just so upset

that someone would treat another human

being that way,” she says of the incident,

“I kind of knew at that point that I wanted

to do something in the helping profession.

I didn’t know what it was going to be, but

that was a point of clarity where I just said,

‘That’s not right.’” Now the owner of a

successful Marriage and Family Therapy

practice, Vicki reflects on her journey and

the valuable lessons she has learned over

the years.

Early on, Vicki received validation from

others that she was meant to be help-

ing people. While she was working at a

summer camp, the counselors gave her

feedback that she was good with teenagers.

Perhaps it was her calm and gentle disposi-

tion, but many people told her she had

something that made people feel comfort-

able enough to open up to about things.

With all of the affirmation coming from

different people and places, Vicki contin-

ued to pursue a career in helping others.

In 1998, Vicki and her husband,

George, moved to Gilroy. George had

just been hired as a Youth Pastor for the

Gilroy Presbyterian Church, and although

Vicki also has a Masters in Theology, she

didn’t feel like she was being pulled into a

professional ministry. Instead, she began

working the crisis line for The Owl, a

non-profit human resources agency that

is now known as Community Solutions.

Due to the high stress nature of the crisis

line, Vicki describes her time at The Owl

as a trial-by-fire. “Here I am, 27 years old,

making these decisions, and it was kind

of intimidating at points. Trying to decide

if a person is suicidal, are they safe to go

home or do I need to write a hold. That

was some of what I did,” she describes.

Compounding an already stressful

environment, Vicki only had six hours

to talk a person out of a situation, a time

limit that felt like nothing when faced with

such delicate cases. She quickly learned

how to be in the moment for every person

and how to handle the pressure of being on

call at all hours.

After 4 years working the crisis line,

Vicki realized she wanted to help people in

a more relaxed environment where she had

the time to really get to know them. She

went back to school and got her Masters

in counseling. Soon after, she opened her

own private practice and immediately

noticed a big difference. “In those kind of

situations [The Owl], they didn’t neces-

sarily call for help. They didn’t necessarily

want it. Somebody else called and I was

being foisted upon them. So being in a

private practice, it’s a different playing field

altogether because the person isn’t happy

with something in their life and they’re

saying, ‘I need to change this.’”

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

Vicki Minerva

Life Lessons… a Two WayStreet


PHO

TOS

PRO

VID

ED B

Y D

ON

NA

PRA

Y


By Donna Pray

It’s January in California. Time for cold weather, hopefully a lot of rain, fireplaces roaring and the winding down of the foot-

ball season – except not in the San Francisco Bay Area this year! On February 7, we will be hosting the 50th Anniversary of the Super Bowl.

I have fond memories of watching the 49ers every Sunday when the kids were grow-ing up and the most important part of the game for me was the food I was going to serve. Of course the kids wanted the typical “sit-on-the-floor” in front of the fire and TV and snack on “game food” – mostly consist-ing of garlic and basil popcorn, nachos, mini corn dogs and pizza. Not all that healthy, but it was only once a week at the most! As we’ve all evolved over the years, so has our taste in “game food” – we like getting a little more healthy and a little more gourmet these days.

In anticipation of Super Bowl 50, I’ve pulled out Gilroy Assistance League’s

cookbook Reflections II and have picked out three appetizers I’m planning to serve this year. The first one is from fellow GAL member Vicki Campanella entitled “Marinated Carrots.” It’s on page 16 of the Cookbook, but I made a few changes to “Make It My Own.” The second is actually from me. I submitted it as a sophisticated version of “nacho” sauce – so serve it with whole grain crackers. Last, I love GAL Jennifer Speno and Honorary GAL Lucille Speno’s “Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms.” It’s on page eight of the cookbook and I do love these mushrooms, but the only change I made here was to substitute walnuts for the pine nuts. Why? Our son is in the walnut business in Northern California so they are always in my pantry!

Hope you enjoy watching this year’s game and I know the Bay Area will be great hosts to whichever teams will be going for the 50th Vince Lombardo trophy!

Donna Pray was born and raised on the San Francisco Peninsula. She and her husband, Ron, moved to Gilroy in 1977 and raised their four children here. Donna spent most of her time raising their children and learning about volunteering in their new community. Donna is currently the Executive Director of the Gilroy Foundation and is one of 35 active members of Gilroy Assistance League. She loves to cook, garden, and spend time with family – especially her kids and grandkids, and her Yellow Lab, Rocco.

Making it Your Own

Marinated Carrots½ lb. carrots peeled and cut into ¼ inch thick diagonal slices½ c. sherry vinegar¼ c. each fresh squeezed lemon juice and Frantoio Grove Extra Virgin Olive Oil2 T. fresh oregano, chopped2 t. sugar1 t. sea salt¼ t. crushed red pepper flakes4 Christopher Ranch whole garlic cloves

Boil carrots in water for 1-1/2 minutes. Pour into colander and rinse with cold water; drain well. Mix together remaining ingredients in a quart-sized resealable plastic bag; add drained carrots and seal well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight), turning bag occasionally. Serve with toothpicks.

Cheddar Onion Dip1 large Vidalia onion, trimmed and grated (about 1 cup)8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated8 oz. light cream cheese1 t. garlic powder¼ t. ground cayenne pepper1 green onion, chopped, for garnish

In a medium sized cast-iron, or heavy, skillet, combine onion, cheeses, garlic powder and pepper. Cook on stovetop at medium heat, stirring constantly until cheese is melted, about 5-8 minutes. Serve in pan, or ramekin dish, garnish with onions and serve with whole grain crackers.

Blue Cheese StuffedMushrooms16-18 medium crimini and/or button mushrooms2 T. butter4 green onions, sliced1 clove of garlic, minced2 oz. blue cheese, crumbled1/3 c. walnuts, chopped finely

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove stems from mushrooms. Set caps aside. Chop the stems. Melt butter in frying pan, add chopped stems, green onions and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and walnuts. Place mushroom caps side by side in a foil-lined, rimmed baking dish. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture into each. Bake for 12-15 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

Enjoy any or all of these recipes or their variations from the GAL’s cookbook!Available at gilroyassistanceleague.com. And, feel free to “Make It Your Own!”

PHO

TO B

Y RO

BIN

SH

EPH

ERD

I P

AG

E 59

PH

OTO

PRO

VID

ED B

Y TH

E BE

RGH

OFF

FA

MILY

Chuck & Sue Berghoff


Chuck Berghoff is a most unusual guy. At 64, he seems to have an endless capacity to get involved in good work, perhaps

because his mind and heart are always in the right place.

Chuck was born in Michigan and educated in Minnesota. After high school he headed to the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. There he pursued a double major, pre-med and electrical engineering, and he did it in four years.

“I wanted to build medical devices so I applied to med school but didn’t get in. I considered going for a PhD in bio- engineering, but decided it was time to go out and work instead.”

The Making of a CareerIn 1973, Chuck landed a plumb job as a quality assurance engineer with Intel, which brought him to California. He described Intel’s former CEO, Andy Groves, as a gifted leader who inspired innovation by investing in his employees’ training and challenging them to contribute new ideas. It wasn’t long before Chuck was promoted to a management position.

Chuck Berghoff

Positive Energy at Work for Morgan Hill

“Intel was an exciting place to work in those days. I was exposed to many areas of the business from product design to sales and marketing. As a Quality Manager I had decision-making power, but it came with a lot of responsibility. One year, my boss handed me a one-way ticket to Hong Kong, smiled and said, ‘We’ll send you a return ticket once you’ve solved the issues over there.’”

It was also at Intel that Chuck met his wife, Sue, who worked in marketing, HR and IT management during her 10 years there. He moved into the marketing division where he managed relationships with AT&T, IBM, Univac and other key accounts. As the 1970s drew to a close, Chuck thought it might be time for a career change.

“I called my dad and said I was thinking of leaving Intel even though it would mean taking a pay cut. He said ‘Chuck, when you look back you’ll remember what you accomplished, not what you got paid.’”

In the early 1980s, Chuck joined an LCD technology startup and brought in $2 million in sales within the first two years. Then a friend offered him a job at a



semiconductor company where he worked for several years, culminating in a success-ful IPO. One of his customers, Siemens, offered Chuck a marketing management job in its Optoelectronics LED division. Over the course of 13 years there, Chuck became general manager of the division and developed it into a $300 million business.

“Our division was going to be spun off, so after arranging financial support from Summit Partners, a private equity firm, I told Siemens I wanted to buy it.”

While Summit Partners was in the process of offering to back a potential buy-out, its principals invited Chuck to join the firm as its entrepreneur-in-residence. He worked hard to pick up on the basic skills and lingo of venture capitalism.

“In the end we determined market con-ditions weren’t right to complete the buy-out. But during the process I learned a lot about the financial world. When you realize that you don’t know what you don’t know, that’s when true learning begins.”

In 2001, another venture firm offered Chuck a CEO position with Summit Microelectronics. He led that company for four years through a punishing tech downturn and it was later acquired by Qualcomm.

A former business colleague from Siemens asked Chuck to start up a new LED company in 2005. They boot-strapped efforts and officially launched as Optoelectronix a year later. Their first big customer was none other than Siemens. Despite Wall Street’s meltdown in 2008, they obtained $6 million in VC money. They consolidated operations in Pa Nang, and opted to forego taking their own sala-ries for several years. By 2012 the company was thriving.

Today, LED is a hot market. Optoelectronix is making a variety of commercial LED lighting used in land-scaping, parking lots, walk-in refrigerators and automotive paint booths. Chuck continues to enjoy his role as CEO.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s while Chuck was busy in his career, Sue left Intel for Cisco, and then ran a temp services franchise in Sunnyvale, which she eventu-ally sold. Just shy of her 60th birthday, Sue went back to school and earned her Master’s degree, then spent the next eight years teaching Business Communications at San Jose State University.

“During my high tech career I had

managed many people who struggled at work largely because English was their second language and their communications skills were weak,” Sue said. “As a teacher I was able to help people become better communicators so they would have a better chance of advancing in their careers.”

Music and MotorcyclesWhen Chuck was a boy, his father gave him a harmonica. He taught himself how to play and has kept it up ever since. Today he enjoys playing Blues with local musicians. He also plays bluegrass music with the Foggy Memory Band, which started out as a group of guys who met occasionally at one of their homes to do a little jamming.

Chuck thought they had a pretty good sound, so one day he said to his band mates, “Let’s play for other people!” Their very first gig at GVA Café filled the house.

Since then, the Foggy Memory Band has played at all kinds of venues, including the Rotary Club’s annual Seniors Luncheon, First Fridays events in Los Altos, Bear Valley Lodge, and even the Pine Mountain Lake Aviation Association’s Annual Community Airport Day.

Every so often, Chuck likes to unwind by riding his BMW motorcycle. As an engineer, he appreciates the bike’s masterful design. As a regular guy, he enjoys the free-dom of riding the Bay Area backroads.

“This bike is built for long rides on the open road. Riding along, you look around and are reminded what a beautiful place we live in,” he said.

Making a Home in Morgan HillThe Berghoffs married in 1981 and raised their sons in Los Altos. Once they became empty nesters they moved south to Silver

Creek for a time, but preferred Morgan Hill’s small town charm and decided to settle down here in 2012.

As Chuck likes to say, “It’s fifteen minutes and a thousand miles away from Silicon Valley.”

Chuck and Sue quickly got involved in Morgan Hill community life; Chuck with the Rotary Club where he became the club’s youth director, and Sue with American Association of University Women (AAUW).

At the same time, Chuck’s friends Mike Cox and Carl Reinhart introduced him to George Chiala, who invited Chuck to get involved with early development efforts for Saint John XXIII, a new college preparatory high school planned for Morgan Hill.

“When I heard that close to 500 students were commuting several hours a day, to attend Catholic schools like Bellarmine and St. Francis, I thought, there has to be a better way.”

Chuck continues to be involved with the project, which aims to open the high school to its first freshman class in a few years’ time if all goes according to plan and funding milestones.

Chuck and Sue have three sons and 14 grandchildren. Although their kids live back East, they all make a point of getting together for special occasions. Chuck said this can sometimes be a challenge. Like the time in 2008 when their son Jon got married atop Half Dome in Yosemite.

“Hence the HALF DOMR license plate on my car,” he joked. Clearly a proud dad, he added “As parents we all want our children to go beyond what we’ve achieved and enjoy life along the way. Sue and I have been blessed in this respect.”

While half of Chuck’s time is taken up by work, the other half he devotes to family and community. Recently he and fellow-Rotarians lent their support to a secondary school in Tanzania, where the Berghoffs also sponsor a teenage girl.

According to Sue, “Chuck is conscientious, always honoring his commit-ments and helping others. Being involved in the Morgan Hill community is some-thing he just does, not out of obligation, but because he enjoys it.

“Chuck has lots of things going on all the time. I try to tell him it’s okay to slow down. Every once in a while he gets caught up in a project and I have to say ‘Don’t forget dear, we have dinner plans!’”

By Michele Campbell, Independent Agent

Michele has been in the insurance business for over 25 years and special-izes in the Medicare, individual health and life insurance. She is passionate about helping her clients to find the right plan to fit their needs. She is an active member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, Gilroy Rotary and Gilroy Leadership Class of 2015. Visit mcinsuranceservices.com or call 408.848.2271.

INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCEOpen enrollment is in full swing

for the individual market now. You have until January 31st to make your final change, even if you’ve already made a plan change. Very few counties have added new carriers. For most people, their options haven’t changed much. It’s really all about what plans your doctor accepts first, then choosing the best plan for your needs. If you choose the reverse way, you could choose a plan your doctor doesn’t accept, which will leave you very disappointed when you show up at your doctor’s office, to be told they don’t accept your plan. Beware that your doctor can also choose to stop accepting a plan mid-year. There is nothing you can do about that, nor make a plan change mid-year to follow your doctor.

ON EXCHANGE:Covered California (California’s Exchange) came about under the section of the Affordable Care Act called ObamaCare, and is the Marketplace where an individual can shop around and compare different insurance plans. Covered CA is the only place to get financial assistance with health insurance in California. The lower your income, the higher the financial assistance you get. You can pick and choose to see what best fits you and your fam-ily. (If you have no income or your income is below a certain threshold, you will qualify for MediCal.) Not only can the financial assistance lower your premium, but can also lower your deductible and co-pays. For certain levels of income, not only are your monthly premiums low, but your out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare and medicine are quite low also.

PEDIATRIC DENTAL PLANS are embedded on all plans through Covered CA and will offer supplemental dental coverage for adults in the 2016 plan year, through optional family dental plans.

THE METAL TIERS

Bronze: On average, your health plan pays 60 percent of your medical expenses, and you pay 40 percent.

Silver: On average, your health plan pays 70 percent of your medical expenses, and you pay 30 percent.

MEDICARE INSURANCE

Medicare annual open enrollment period closed December 7th, how-

ever, if you’re not happy with the Medicare Advantage plan you chose, Medicare offers a “Dis-enrollment Period” where you can dis-enroll from an Advantage plan. You have to do this between Jan 1st and Feb 14th and then your insur-ance converts back to original Medicare, Parts A & B, and this allows you to add a drug plan and if you qualify, pick up a Medicare Supplement plan. (to supplement your Medicare A&B) During this Dis-enrollment period, you cannot switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, you can only do what is just mentioned above.

In some cases, individuals may qualify for an Enhanced Silver plan. This means that when they choose a Silver plan, they have – based on their income – enhanced out-of-pocket savings through lower co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles. Individuals in these savings categories get the benefits of a Gold or Platinum plan for the price of a Silver plan. In the three categories of Enhanced Silver, the plan pays either 94 percent, 87 percent or 73 percent of expenses, with the enrollee responsible for the rest.

Gold: On average, your health plan pays 80 percent of your medical expenses, and you pay 20 percent.

Platinum: On average, your health plan pays 90 percent of your medical expenses, and you pay 10 percent.

In addition to the metal tiers, Covered California offers a minimum coverage plan for those who qualify.

Minimum coverage plan: If you’re under 30, you may be able to buy an additional health insurance plan option called mini-mum coverage plan. These plans usually have lower premiums and mostly protect you from worst-case scenarios. Minimum coverage plans through Covered California cover three doctor visits or urgent care visits, including outpatient mental health/substance use visits, with no out-of-pocket costs, and free preventive benefits. All other services will be full price but at the negotiated in-network price, until you spend $6,850, after which all in-network services are covered at 100 percent.

OFF EXCHANGE:If you do not qualify for any financial assistance, there is no need to purchase your plan through Covered CA. You can go directly to the insurance company or through an insurance agent to purchase a plan and the application is much shorter as you won’t have to supply a list of personal information on your household and income. There are also more plans available off exchange; some insurance companies don’t want to participate on the exchange and they are not required to.


PEDIATRIC DENTAL PLANS are embedded on all plans through Covered CA and will offer supplemental dental coverage for adults in the 2016 plan year, through optional family dental plans.


RESTAURANT OPENSunday - 8 am - 9 pm

Sunday Brunch 8 am - 1 pm

Mon-Thurs 8 am - 9 pm

Friday & Saturday8 am - 10 pm

Voted 2016 Small Business Of The Year by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

Dan Craig has a bit of a cat’s life in him…all nine of them! The Bureau of Labor Statistics say that people in the workforce today can expect to have ten different jobs. Those new to the workforce today can expect

to have twelve to fifteen in their lifetime! We are not sure of the count in Dan’s life but he certainly has had several.

Back in high school in San Jose, Dan and his teachers realized he had an artistic talent. According to Dan “I had a knack for it and liked it.” He went on to spend two years studying art but then life got in the way. He took a job as an antique wholesaler. A job that lasted for about 10 years! From there he went into facilitating downtown development and proceeded to spend twenty-five years doing that in places like Hollister, Berkeley, and Morgan Hill.

Late in the 2000’s his latent desire to open a brewery took the form of opening and running a bar and restaurant. For two years Dan and his life partner, Kim Bush, ran the Firehouse in the old Station 55 in Gilroy. The pressures and fatigue of running a restaurant are significant and after a while, Dan and Kim decided to slow life down and get out of the restaurant business.

Dan’s choice was “retirement” but like many others, recliner-chair retirement was not for Dan. He rekindled his early passion and dove into the world of an artist. It was an early passion in his life and rekindling it was good for the mind and soul. He had never completely abandoned his art. It was now time “to get back on track.”

Dan’s early work had a sense of realism; his more recent work, which he feels better about, has a more impressionistic style. Dan says, “It invites the viewer in as a participant, gives them some-thing to figure out.” Dan sells his artwork and has had showings here and there including the new Blue Line Gallery in Gilroy. Currently he is in the artist’s enviable position of having nothing for sale. Other than a few paintings on the walls of his loft in Morgan Hill, his work has all been sold. He is currently working on four pieces, a couple of which were commissioned and others that have already been spoken for!

While Dan might not be a young man, he has vitality and is a constant learner. He advises that “you have to paint to learn to paint,” noting that “you first learn control and discipline, formal

training works to gain control, then you learn to lose control in order to release creativity. With that freedom, you find a better response to your work.”

Dan and Kim live in a second-story light-filled loft in downtown Morgan Hill. The location and the atmosphere suit his artistic endeavors….

Dan CraigThe Many Lives of an Artist



and it is a regular gathering place for friends and family.

Like most artists, Dan generates some regular income elsewhere as a traveling notary public but his focus is his art. From their apartment, Kim walks to work and has an ever-present camera to capture her artistic vision of the world through photography.

MORE INFORMATION:

Artist Dan Craig dcraigart.com

Photographer Kim Bush [email protected]

“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” Andy Warhol


http://dcraigart.com

mailto:[email protected]

…if the rate serves

your needs, if you can

get into the home you

want to save enough

money to justify a refi-

nance; lock the rate.

Jayson Stebbins is a 22 year veteran of the Mortgage Banking industry and an Accredited Mortgage Professional through the Mortgage Bankers Association. He grew up in Morgan Hill and currently lives in Gilroy. He is the local Branch Manager of Guild Mortgage, a 55 year old Mortgage Banking firm. His office is in Morgan Hill and serves all of Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey counties. You can reach Jayson and his Team at 408-782-8800 or at [email protected]

Interest Rates In 2016

By Jayson StebbinsMortgage Professional

Of course that isn’t my

actual answer, but

sometimes that is how I feel. The fate

of many transactions rests on deciding

what to do and when, and trying to

predict a very volatile benchmark like

interest rates.

People who were holding out to

refinance have

been awakened to

the fact that rates

can move quickly

and when they

do, the window of

opportunity can

shut. Many people

who are now try-

ing to buy a home

see the rates going

up and worry that

it will impact their

qualifying.

As of the writing of this article we

are seeing a month-long trend of rates

moving up. Depending on what hap-

pened in December, we my be facing

an increases you read this or in the

Spring. What is the long-term view of

rates and what may happen to them?

Many of the factors that we previously

used to predict or forecast rates are no

longer relevant. There are some tools

out there to show what a rise in rates

may do to your buying power, or what

the rates have done historically. This

may help with predictions and plan-

ning. A consultation with a Mortgage

Professional can help shed light on

what may happen, and how it could

impact you.

What is going to happen to rates

this year? I don’t try to predict or

forecast. What I tell my clients in

this market is if the rate serves your

needs, if you can

get into the home

you want or save

enough money to

justify a refinance;

lock the rate. I lean

conservative on this

point…take care to

protect the rate you

want before it gets

higher. Recent history

shows it gets worse

faster than it gets

better, and we may

have seen the last of the “golden age”

of rates.

Could rates improve the day after

I write this article? Could they go up?

Could the government change course

on strategy and rates? Could there

be a natural or man-made event or

disaster that impacts the market?

Yes to all of these questions.

What is going to happen to rates

this year? I have no idea. But in the

moment you really need to answer the

question, usually the market will help

to point you in the right direction.

Most common question asked of Mortgage Professionals: What is going to happen with interest rates this year?

My answer: I have no idea.




Indian Association of Santa Clara (IASC)

Diwali Festival of LightsOn November 21, the IASC held its 21st Annual Diwali Celebration. 400+ people enjoyed over a dozen cultural performances and traditional food. Performers ranged in age from 2 to 52, as onlookers were enthralled, seeing their culture live on. President Yogesh Patel said “Sharing ourselves and growing closer will bring a renewed sense of community, especially in these changing times.”

In India, Diwali “Festival of lights” is an annual celebration of good versus evil.The Indian Association of South County is focused on bringing this spirit, other Indian cultural events to the youngest generations, and also share with our neighbors in South County.

PHO

TOS

BY L

ORA

SC

HRA

FT


Winning over Hearths and Homes Since 1979

www.energy-house.comEmail: [email protected]

8284 Murray Ave. Suite A Gilroy, Ca. 95020(650) 593-1496

Is Your Current Fireplace Leaving You Cold? Then It’s Time To Remodel!

Whether you are considering a Fireplace, Insert or Stove, WE have the perfect

solution to your heating dilema! Come check out our vast selection at

408.425.5200BRE#00858151

Teri Nelson, RealtorIntero Real Estate Services

Preparing for a busySpring Real Estate Market2015 has brought prices back

near the level they were before the big drop. Sales have been strong and steady all year with the percentage of list price to sale price hovering around 98% to over 100%. Many cash buyers with a quick close of escrow also were prominent in the market all year. Inventory remains low with more buyers than inventory in most cases. Predictions are for a very strong and robust market January through the spring. A rise in the interest rates usually gets buyers that are on the fence to move quicker on their purchase.

If you are considering a move this year, getting your home ready is very important in attaining the maximum value for your home. Kids bedrooms and play areas can be a simple fix with-out breaking the budget. Improving the landscape, kitchen, and bath-rooms is extremely important, it helps immensely when the children’s rooms are appealing to the children and adults. Here are some simple ideas that kids will love and help them want to keep their room neat and tidy.

It is possible to equip and decorate a child’s room using more imagination than money.

Here are a few suggestions:

Paint is an inexpensive way to turn a child’s room into a trendy space and in a few years it can be changed to a new trend as the child grows. Add pops of color from your color scheme with throw pillows, rugs and decorative touches. Use trendy but not too bright of colors.

Think twice before deciding on a specific theme for a movie or character. Kids lose interest quickly and then it has no appeal anymore. You can use inexpensive items from those interest such as pictures and collages without going overboard. Garage sales are a good source for well priced items and a coat of paint can make it look new and is not costly.

For larger items such as the furniture search the internet for used items that can be painted to a trend they like. The older child may be able to help in the creating. This is the ultimate form of recycling and a great way to get the look you want for little cash.

Adding shelves and bookcases add a way for a child to create ever changing displays and reflect his new interests. Adding window boxes with prize possessions or sports team memorabilia keeps the child’s interest and the room neat. A chair or reading area creates warmth and a place of their own.

With some creativity and resourcefulness you and your children can create personal spaces that they will love and can be changed or updated without spending a fortune. Buyers will also be drawn to the area when it is not to specific on a theme or gender for the use by their own child. Have fun and get the kids to engage in the transformation so they will want to keep it neat while you live there or when you put your home on the market.

Caution: “Still Life” is a good, scene-setting kind of book that lays the groundwork for the next ten books

in Louise Penny’s Three Pines/Inspector Gamache novels. This innocuous intro belies the danger that you are likely to lose more than a little sleep as you become addicted to each book. This series is that good.

My love of mystery books dates back to two inconspicuous take-a-book, leave-a-book “Mystery Shelves” at my university. The collection had evolved through 20 years of students and professors before I came upon this decades-old trove of literate, original, charming and often quirky mystery novels. Some of the best series were out-of-print, never to be seen again. When I discovered Canadian mystery writer Louise Penny, I felt like I had re-found those shelves.

The setting is the village of Three Pines, a mythical place inspired by the Eastern township of Quebec, Canada. The book’s central character is Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, the respected and ethical chief of The Sûreté du Québec, the national police force. Novelist Penny has said the theme of her books is, goodness exists. Her protagonist, Inspector Gamache finds the world around him, even within the police force, is often at odds with that premise.

It is illustrative of Chief Inspector Gamache’s character that he tells new agents the four sayings that can lead to wisdom, the four sentences his own mentor taught him:

I was wrong I’m sorry I don’t know I need help

This “dinosaur” thinking is seldom compatible with arrogance and corruption.

The counterpoint to more serious themes are the characters (literally) of Three Pines, an eccentric poet laureate with a pet duck, artists of varying abilities, a retired psychologist with a used bookstore, bistro owners serving sumptuous French dishes with French attitude – and all in all – a slew of endearing characters with the gift of banter. The dialogue is often a whimsical fencing tournament. And, the charming village of Three Pines is a kind of nirvana (until someone gets murdered).

I recently attended BookSmart’s Book Lovers Reading Club in Morgan Hill as they tackled Still Life as their first Gamache book. Having read all the books in the series, it was fascinating to hear their intrigue with the charms of Quebec, the cultural confusions caused by a Canadian book (Canadian Thanksgiving is in October?), and their guesses (right and wrong) about the beginnings of the mystery of people and the unraveling of plots. With unfair knowledge of the development of the books, I could only think, “Just wait.”

The 11 novels in the series arguably

must be read in order. The plot of one builds on the next, and the next. Since the publishers (fibbing) tell you that they don’t necessarily have to be read sequentially, the books are not numbered. I once begged friend Lisa DeSilva, who had accidentally picked up the most recent book, to stop reading. I would have handed over the entire series to her, if only she would/could have halted. She didn’t, and now she knows too much. So for the rest of you, this is the order of the Gamache series, from the first to the most recent:

STILL LIFE A FATAL GRACE THE CRUELEST MONTH A RULE AGAINST MURDER THE BRUTAL TELLING BURY YOUR DEAD A TRICK OF THE LIGHT THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN THE LONG WAY HOME

Spouse and I seldom agree on books,

but we both read this series faithfully. So much so that we will probably pre-order number 12.

BOOK CLUB BEATwith Sherry Hemingway

SHERRY HEMINGWAY spent her childhood after lights out with a book and flashlight under the covers. With degrees from Kent State University and Harvard University, her lifelong career was in journalism and public relations. Her hobbies are travel in (very) remote countries, volunteering, and two book clubs.

THE BOOK

Still LifeFirst book in the Three Pines/Inspector Gamache mystery series, set in rural Quebec by the author, Louise Penny

THE RATING:


Notes From ThePresident

By Mark Turner, President /CEO, Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Vanni Humphrey Certified Public Accountants is a local accounting and bookkeeping firm that prides itself on providing personalized,

professional and knowledgeable service. They believe in the value of relationships. They view every client relationship like a partnership and truly believe their success is based on the success of their clients.

Paul Vanni and Mary Humphrey are committed to providing close, personal attention to their clients. They have years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. Their continual investment of time and resources in professional continuing education, stat-of-the-art computer technology and extensive business relationships is indicative of their commitment to excellence.

The firm of Vanni Humphrey offers a wide range of services to their individual and business clients, including: accounting and bookkeeping services, estate planning and tax preparation, individual tax planning and preparation, business consulting services, business tax planning and preparation along with personal financial planning services.

The professional staff is available to assist you with any accounting need you may have. They are located at 7937 Hanna Street in Gilroy. Contact them at 408-847-4342 or [email protected].

Palace Business Solutions

Vanni Humprey Certified Public Accountants


The Board of Directors of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce selected the annual award recipients who will be recognized at the Spice of Life Awards Dinner scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2016 at San Juan Oaks Golf Club.

The stories of these individuals will inspire you. In a season where giving is the norm, you will find these individuals give year round. They give their time, energy and resources. They give the gift of help, encouragement, and support.

Each year a common theme that seems to emerge with all of the Business and Civic Award winners is that of giving back to the community. Involvement and participation are critical to the ongoing efforts of a healthy and vibrant community and these award winners are doing their part. The 2016 field of award recipients exercise their leadership through a servant leadership model. Each of these individuals and organizations can be found serving others and their community on a regular basis.

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2016 Business and Civic Award Winners:

Joel Goldmsith – Man of the YearJoan Buchanan – Woman of the YearNob Hill Foods – Large Business of the YearOld City Hall Restaurant – Small Business of the YearDr. Marco Sanchez, Principal at Gilroy High School – Educator of the YearBill Faus – Firman B. Voorhies Volunteer of the YearGilroy Rotary Club – Non-Profit of the YearJess Calderon and Brandon Ellemberg – Susan Valenta Youth Leadership Award

Congratulations to each of these individuals and organizations for the fine work they do in giving back to the community, representing all that Gilroy has to offer.


BUSINESS NEWS

Gilroy Golf Course has been dubbed the “Best 11-hole golf course in the U.S.” But don’t let the “11 hole thing” scare you away. This course can be played as a nine hole course for a

quick round during the day or challenge yourself with 18 holes. On the back nine, you play seven of the same holes that you played on the front nine but from different lengths and angles, plus two different holes that you didn’t play the first time around. Hole #7 is an uphill par 5 with a double-tier green and hole #8 is a beautiful downhill par 3. On the back nine you will go “around the hill” with two par 4’s and #16 and #17. The course is a par 70 (35 on each side) and can be played from 5,200 yards to just over 6,000 yards. The course is a serene setting in the still unspoiled Uvas valley. Being out on the course makes you feel like you are miles away from all the hustle and bustle.

The course was built in 1923 by local farmers and businessmen and has gone through very few changes from its original classic design. Small undulating greens and wide generous, tree lined fairways will await you at every tee. The 245-yard par 3 eighth hole is perched high above the course and provides a breathtaking 180-degree view the southern tip of Santa Clara County as well as the pristine Gabilan Mountain range. The course is located at 2695 Hecker Pass Road. Call for a tee time at 408-848-0490.

Gilroy Golf Course

P alace Business Solutions has a proud history of personal care and small-town sensibilities. From the familial leader-ship of Colonel Frank Trowbridge in the beginning, to the

opening of a second Palace store in Soquel in the 1970s, to the expansion of their Commercial Sales Division, to their stake in the development of strong national office supply buying groups … to the acquisitions of other local office supply companies through the 90’s and 2000’s on the Central Coast and the development over the past 15 years of their Office Interiors Division, Palace has remained family owned and operated for over 65 years.

Today, three third generation brothers still oversee the

Palace Business Solutions

Leedo Art & FramingWith more than 25 years of industry experience and a steadfast commitment to

personalized customer care and attention to quality, our locally owned and operated, custom frame shop has helped countless satisfied customers make the most of their

memories and decor. They offer services such as custom framing; canvas wrapping; custom glass, including

UV rated, convex glass and glass domes; custom mirrors; framing repairs; shadow boxes for such things as sport memorabilia, memorial flags, event commemoratives and heirlooms.

Leedo Art and Framing is conveniently located between 5th and 6th Streets in downtown Gilroy. They are the only name you need to know for all your mat, moulding, and custom framing needs.

company with several fourth generation children working along-side them. The Palace family supplies businesses with everything they need, from office supplies, to furniture and more. With big buying power through their national buying group called IS and even bigger local power being one of the largest independent office supply companies in the state, they offer competitive pricing across an entire portfolio of over 40,000 products, flexible, customizable programs, and focused, personal service. Their knowledgeable customer care team and professional account managers serve their customers like no one else can and their diligent drivers deliver way beyond the front door.


http://stores.gopalace.com/

http://www.gopalace.com/furniture/

Morgan Hill Community Foundation

10th Annual Philanthropy Celebration Honored “Hometown Heroes”

This year’s honorees were selected by 26 local non-profits who wished to honor a person, company or group that had made a significant contribution to the non-profits in the current calendar year. Honorees were recognized as part of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation’sefforts to recognize the community’s indisputably strong spirit of generosity. The dinner was held at the Morgan Hill Community Center in November as part of National Philanthropy Month.

In addition to hosting the annual philan-thropy celebration, the MHCF also offers an annual grant program. Applications are available now; qualifying local non-profits are encouraged to apply by the March 2016 dead-line. The Foundation has awarded approximately $550,000 since its inception in 2002.


PHO

TO B

Y SU

SAN

BRA

ZELT

ON

, PRO

VID

ED B

Y M

ORG

AN

HILL

CO

MM

UN

ITY

FOU

ND

AIT

ON

Las Animas Partition Suit a Prolonged process

A fter California attained statehood, Congress appointed a Board of Land Commissioners to reconfirm old grant titles. To obtain a patent

on their property, owners had to prove the land belonged to them. The ensuing process dragged on, often holding up claimants and their heirs for years. When inheritors of those who purchased the original grants tried to sell off portions of their lands, further boundary and title questions sometimes arose.

During the Spanish and Mexican eras in Alta California, land grants had been awarded to colonists who followed an application process to receive acreage parcels. After the individual submitted a petition, an official investigation would determine the claim. If findings were satis-factory, to include proof of the applicant’s good moral character, he received the grant, confirmed by the Viceroy through the local magistrate. A symbolic final gesture of own-ership followed, such as throwing stones, breaking twigs or pulling up grass over the property. This act included declaring loyalty, at first to the King of Spain, then following independence, to the President of Mexico.

In the Gilroy area, the 21,377-acre Rancho las Animas was granted to early arrival Jose Mariano Castro in 1802. The property extended from the Pajaro River in the south, across the site of the present City of Gilroy and up to Mt. Madonna.

After Castro died in 1822, his widow, Josefa Romero Castro, was regranted the land in 1835. She inherited half the rancho, with the remainder divided between their eight children, who each received 1/16th of the property. In 1850, Josefa, along with four of her children, sold her interest to

Jose Maria Sanchez. This made Sanchez the owner of about 3/4 of the former rancho. When Sanchez drowned in the Pajaro River three years later, his widow, Encarnación Ortega Sanchez and their five children inherited the property, but not before legal squabbles tied up the case for 21 years.

In 1852, Josefa Castro’s son, Vicente, sold his share to Alexander Godey. A year later Godey resold it to Thomas Rea. In 1858 her daughter, also named Josefa Castro, sold her portion to Martin Murphy, who in 1860 sold the interest to his daughter, Johanna Murphy Fitzgerald. Josefa Castro’s other children sold off their portions to cattle baron Henry Miller, as did the heirs of Jose Maria Sanchez, after their title was established. Miller’s enormous 12,335-acre portion covered land which by that time was laid out as the city of Gilroy.

In the new town, it was discovered that boundaries on certain lots were not well determined, and in some cases this meant that property lines overrode one another. Additionally, several portions were uninten-tionally sold to more than one buyer.

To resolve the dilemma, over a thousand litigants entered the Las Animas Partition Suit, which lasted from 1879 until 1887. Later called the largest land title suit in the state’s history, the claim was filed in San Jose on January 3, 1879 at the 20th District Court of Santa Clara County.

In the case, Henry Miller, Thomas Rea and Johanna Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, filed against defendants Massey Thomas and 268 landowners living in Gilroy. The case was meant to authenticate the claims of the plaintiffs, who wanted clear titles to their land, as well as to establish title for the legal

Written By Elizabeth Barratt

JUDGE BELDEN


owners of record in town. One result of the settlement was to separate out those not holding legal title to property, and establish-ing clear legal ownership of those who did.

Numerous attorneys, some from out of state, joined in the suit. Three men who owned lots along Monterey Street also joined in: William Hoover, Dr. F.S. Rogers, and James Zuck. Mr. P.F. Hoey, a teacher who had studied law, offered to defend cash-strapped town claimants at a group rate. To add to the confusion, a rash of pretenders flocked into town, eager for a piece of the action.

As the partition suit dragged on, Judge Belden of the 20th District Court appointed three commissioners to research titles. After evidence was introduced to determine who was to be granted title, and in what proportion, an interlocutory

decree was issued. Three referees surveyed and appraised the lots and subdivisions. Finally, the tenant paid the value of the lot into the court and thus gained title. Those not paying relinquished the lot, which was then sold at public auction. Although lengthy, the measures guaranteed that no one else other than the owner could claim the property.

The partition suit was finally concluded in 1887. By then, citizens were assured that clear title to their land was confirmed. As a follow-up measure, three Trustees were appointed to continue over-sight of the rulings.

In the end, the action itself had long-lasting effects in the state. Today, experts claim the Las Animas Partition Suit set the land title laws that are still used in the State of California.

ENCARNACIÓN ORTEGA SANCHEZ

GILROY


Community Solutions Black White & Bling 2015

Community Solutions’ fall gala, “Black, White & Bling,” was held on November 7, 2015 at Willow Heights Mansion in Morgan Hill. The elegant evening event allowed donors, volunteers and community supporters to don their best bling to shine a light on the issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in South County. Proceeds from the event provide support, care and healing to the survivors of these crimes in our local communities. Frank Leal, new owner of Morgan Hill’s Granada Theater, donated to the night’s live auction two exclusive Theater Event packages that generated $49,000 alone.


Phylis Mantelli, Brittany Casarez and Paula Goldsmith

Janet Rappa and Susan Black Steve Betando and Michelle Moyer

Chris and Megan Jalufka Lisa DeSilva, Mary Demby, John Kennedy, Deborah Morton-Padilla and Erin O’Brien

Konni Thomas, J. Chris Mickartz and Kassi Swalboski

Sue Bisbee, Laney Bisbee, Frank Leal and Janene Towner-Chernoff

By Daniel T. Newquist, CFP®, AIF®

New Social Security Rules

Dan Newquist, CFP®, AIF®, Principal & Senior Wealth Advisor with RNP Advisory Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor, Morgan Hill. He can be reached at 408-779-0699 or [email protected]. Securities offered through Foothill Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, an unaffiliated company.

This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as investment advice. Always consult your financial or tax-planning professional for guidance with

respect to your specific situation.

When Congress unexpectedly eliminated two Social Security claiming strategies as part of the

Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, retirement planning got a little more complicated for people who expected to use those strategies to boost their retirement income. Below are highlights if you are wondering how the new rules might affect you.

What’s changing? These strategies, known as “file and suspend” and “restricted application for a spousal benefit,” have often been used to increase cumulative Social Security income for married couples. The provision of the budget bill called “Closure of Unintended Loopholes” has eliminated these strategies for most future retirees, but you may still have time to take advantage of them, depending on your age.

File and suspend: Under the old rules, an individual who had reached full retirement age could file for retired worker benefits in order to allow a spouse or dependent child to file for a spousal or dependent benefit. The individual could then suspend receiving their own retired worker benefit in order to accrue delayed retirement credits and claim an increased worker benefit at a later date, up to age 70. For some couples and families, this strategy increased their total lifetime combined benefit.

Under the new rules, effective for suspension requests submitted on or after April 30, 2016 (or later if the Social Security Administration provides additional guidance), the worker can file and suspend and accrue delayed retirement credits, but no one can collect benefits on the worker’s earnings record during the suspension period, effectively ending the file-and-suspend strategy for couples and families.

Restricted application: Under the old rules, a married individual who had reached full retirement age could file a “restricted application” for spousal benefits after the other spouse had filed for retired worker benefits. This allowed the individual to collect spousal

benefits while delaying filing for his or her own benefit, in order to accrue delayed retirement credits.

Under the new rules, an individual born in 1954 or later who files a benefit application will be deemed to have filed for both worker and spousal benefits, and will receive whichever benefit is higher. He or she will no longer be able to file only for spousal benefits.

The bottom line. A limited window still exists to take advantage of these two claiming strategies. If you’re currently at least age 66 or will be by April 30, 2016, you may be able to use the file-and-suspend strategy to allow your eligible spouse or dependent child to file for benefits, while also increasing your future benefit. To file a restricted application and claim only spousal benefits at age 66, you must be at least age 62 by the end of December 2015. At the time you file, your spouse must have already claimed Social Security retirement benefits or filed and suspended benefits before the effective date of the new rules.

If you’re already using one of these, you will not be affected by the new rules. You have already met the age requirements.

Basic options for claiming Social Security remain unchanged. Currently, the earliest age at which you can receive Social Security retire-ment benefits is 62, but if you choose to take benefits before your full retirement age (66 to 67, depending on the year you were born), your benefit will be permanently reduced by as much as 30%. On the other hand, if you delay receiving Social Security benefits past your full retirement age, you’ll receive delayed retirement credits, which will increase your benefit by 8% for each year you delay, up to age 70.

Determining when to file for Social Security benefits is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll need to make as you approach retirement. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer--it’s an individual decision that must be based on many factors, including other sources of retirement income, whether you plan to continue working, how many years you expect to spend in retire-ment, and your income tax situation.


T he Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s activities span a broad range of community building arenas, none of which is more important than supporting the education

of our youth. For the current school year our major projects include high school interview skills training (“Rock the Mock”), the All Morgan Hill Science Fair for middle and high school students, career days at Martin Murphy and Britton Middle Schools, and co-sponsorship of the Pre-K through 3rd grade Read-In program.

Building relationships between people in the business, education, retiree, student and social services communities has been a significant positive outcome of our project-focused efforts. As we continue building connections of mutual respect and regard, more and more becomes possible. Feel free to contact me by email ([email protected]) if you would like to know more about our youth education efforts.

President’sMessage

By John Horner, President /CEOMorgan Hill

Career Days

Career Days are hosted annually at both of our local middle schools, Britton and Martin Murphy. A variety of professionals from approximately 25 dif-ferent fields commit their time to setting up a booth

and telling students about their chosen field and how they got to where they are. Participants have included major companies like Google, smaller local businesses, bankers, fire fighters, dentists and more. The goal is to have as wide a variety of businesses as possible so that these young students can begin to think about all the options available to them. The students travel in small groups from booth to booth to listen to each to listen and ask questions. It’s very important that these students start to get an understanding of all the types of careers they could potentially have.

The National Education Association’s Read Across America encourages community volunteers to go into a local grade school classroom to read a new book to the students on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Students and teachers enjoy having

a new voice and face as a small part of their school day while celebrating the joy of reading together. The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce has formally partnered with the Morgan Hill Unified School District to ensure that we will have carefully selected new hardbound books and a volunteer reader for each of the 116 Pre-K through 3rd grade classrooms throughout the district. Many of our members have volunteered with this project in previous years, and we are thrilled to make that support official while increasing our level of partnership. Spending some time with these children is a real thrill, and we are glad to have the opportunity to do so. Several of our volunteers have become frequent tutors in local schools after their experience with Read Across America. Seeing a child’s light bulb of understanding glow is a real thrill.

Read Across America



BUSINESS NEWS

The Annual Citywide Science Fair is an opportunity for students from all Morgan Hill schools (public, charter, and private) to show off their scientific prowess. Middle

School and High School students are judged separately by a panel of scientifically-minded judges. Student projects vary widely and explore interesting subjects, from botany to chemistry and more. Students can compete alone or in teams of two, to come up with amazing projects! The Morgan Hill Science Fair was founded by Marilyn Librers. She continues to co-chair the project, along with Marty Cheek, Publisher of Morgan Hill Life. Encouraging Scientific Literacy is tremendously important in the modern world, and we are glad to be part of that effort.

Rock the Mock is an annual Morgan Hill event which prepares high school students for the task of interviewing for jobs, college admissions and scholarships. In earlier years we did this event onsite at Specialized Bicycle Components, but in recent years we

have been bringing the program into the schools so that we can reach 500 or more students instead of being limited to the 200 students we could accommodate previously. Specialized continues to be a great supporter of this event.

The half day begins with an inspirational speech from a local professional telling the story of how they went from being a high school student to where they are today. After that, students break into four groups which then rotate between four quick skill-building sessions. One session is about preparing for the interview by becoming knowledgeable about the company or organization, another session covers using your wardrobe effectively, the third session is a practice interview with a seasoned hiring professional and the fourth uses a fun way for students to learn the ins and outs of a traditional handshake. After all these sessions the students gather for a final short thought provoking talk by another local professional.

Rock the Mock Morgan Hill is going strong thanks to the positive feed-back of students, volunteers, teachers and administrators. We are also very excited that our neighbors in Gilroy are going into their second year implement-ing their own version of Rock the Mock through the efforts of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and the Gilroy Unified School District.

Science Fair

Rock the Mock


Why Can’t My Caregiver DoOther Things?

Dorie Sugay is the Executive Director of Visiting Angels, a company that provides living-assistance services to seniors and adults-in-need who wish to stay in their own home or receive one-on-one care within a facility.

By Dorie U. Sugay

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It was written independently of Visiting Angels.

T he job description of a caregiver

is often misunderstood and people tend to “get creative” with it. Thinking a caregiver should do anything a domestic helper would is understandable but inappropriate. The problem starts with the government which categorizes caregivers as unskilled workers. Caregivers have been known to make split-second decisions that have saved lives. They are expected to think out-of-the box — finding ways to encourage your parent to accept help, eat even when he/she isn’t interested, and, in some cases, convince a loved one to continue to live with some level of gusto. They may also gather data that could possibly help the doctor figure out why a parent is not responding to a new medication. Caregivers use basic psychology to lift one’s spirits, they use their knowledge of the human body to ensure people’s safety and they carry out medical instructions as provided by the doctor. It is atrocious to say they are unskilled and ignore their experience and training.

So, what can they do if not blow leaves off your porch when your mom is napping? They give non-medical care. The State is ultra-protective of patient health — dispensing of medication, shots, enemas, catheterization, monitoring your blood pressure, etc. can only be performed by a nurse. And the nasty rumor is true — only a nurse or certified nail specialist may cut a clients toenails to prevent possible infection.

What are ADLs? The day-to-day sup-port (Activities of Daily Living or ADLs), a caregiver can provide. This includes: hygiene (bathing, grooming, shaving and oral care); eating (assistance in cutting up food, etc.); toileting (assistance dealing with incontinence); dressing (assistance taking clothing on and off ); and transfers (helping move from bed to chair, wheelchair to toilet or to a car, etc.). In practice, the list has evolved to now include meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping (of only the client’s occupied space), errands, and even assistance with exercises.

Sounds simple, but clients still seem unsure of what they can ask caregivers to do. Here are just a few of the creative questions we are asked at Visiting Angels.

“My husband is too heavy, I don’t want to hurt myself. They can lift him, right?”

“Can she take orders for my internet business while Mom is watching TV?”

“My wife’s blood pressure goes up when I am messy, can they clean up after me, for her sake?”

AGING with an Attitude{ } “Can the caregiver go up the attic to bring

down the boxes and sort through them?” “Our caregiver is a great cook, why can’t

she make enough for the whole family?” I’m always reminded of the question from

a 50 year-old local realtor that still makes me hyperventilate: “Can you send me a caregiver who is beautiful and will wear stilettos so she can accompany me to a party I have to go to…you know, make sure I don’t fall, since I am still weak from the stroke?”

I must always remind folks that our CAREgivers are not housekeepers although they will straighten up rooms where the client hangs out. (Especially in a home where infection control is needed). Please hire house-keepers for major clean-ups! And no, they can-not get on a ladder to clean the cobwebs from your beautiful high ceiling or reorganize your hoarder aunt’s home.

On another note, experienced and/or trained caregivers know the proper techniques to transfer a client but they are not “Amazon” men and women. If transferring your hus-band can hurt your back, it can hurt theirs as well. You may need a lifting mechanism — a OSHA-compliant agency will not allow a care-giver to lift more than 25 lbs. dead weight!

Safety and care are the caregiver’s priori-ties — they need to be within earshot to be able to respond to a call for help. Why can’t the caregiver make your bed like 5-star hotel maids do? They are trained to provide care – if you want your Mom’s bed made that way, you need to train the caregiver but not expect them to do as well—their gift is in giving care.

The bottom line: care includes not just physical assistance (grooming, for example), but engagement or emotional support (for mental health) and monitoring (which could include sitting with the client) to be sure they have help should they need it. Oftentimes, the mere presence of the caregiver actually provides the client peace of mind and comfort.

Many a time, a client is prevented from falling because the caregiver was right there when the client attempted to stand up and got dizzy, or the client was saved from choking on food. You don’t ask the plumber to help change your grandchild’s diaper while he waits for a clogged drain to clear. Allow your care-giver to focus on providing care to your loved one. If you are uncomfortable paying them to be there during down times, work with the Agency or the caregiver directly, to have them there during the busier times. Let them do what they are best at —giving care.


Written By Mike Monroe


This is a very special article for me to write for a number of reasons. It is a week before Thanksgiving — a

holiday for all to express their gratitude to friends and family and to our Creator for all the wonderful blessings that we enjoy. The weather has turned cooler with a definite chilliness as we start our days, the change of seasons suggesting a slow down in the pace of our hectic lives, and the first rains have come greening up the hillsides and our long parched landscape. I decided that the best thing to do before sitting down at my key-board was to take a creekside walk to clear my thoughts of all the day-to-day busyness and to absorb the warmth of the sun and the sweet air.

I am not usually so enthusiastic about writing, but something so important to me personally, and I believe to all who call the Valley of Hearts Delight their home, was announced in the headlines of our local newspapers. The Santa Clara County Parks Department, the Open Space Authority, and a number of other land-use organizations, working for years, have created a vast, continuous expanse of permanent open space along the eastern border of Santa Clara County. To close the last gap, a historic pur-chase recently was completed in the foothills above Morgan Hill and Coyote Valley.

Paul Rogers wrote in the San Jose Mercury that “an area seven times the size of San Francisco, 194,218 acres, has now been preserved from development. It is a roughly

since the 100-year anniversary of his arrival here, has been to shine a light on his story and his message of responsible and ethical stewardship of the land.

Coyote Highlands and Coyote Canyon Ranch, as future parklands, will link Henry W. Coe State Park with Anderson Lake and Coyote-Harvey Bear County Parks. And that’s not all. During the 1960’s, William Penn Mott, Jr., then the general manager for the East Bay Regional Park District, floated an idea of a trail system that would allow walkers, equestrians and bicyclists to traverse the entire Bay Area along our ridgelines. Later, in 1987 as director of the National Park Service, he promoted this project and, in the words of Galen Rowell, “Bill Mott envisioned a 400 mile trail linking all of the communities of the Bay Area following the ridgetops connecting all the communities not only physically but also spiritually. It would demonstrate how entities can move beyond their own selfish views of the world and work toward a common goal.” With that spark, the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council was formed, and ever since it has been striving to fulfill Bill Mott’s dream.

The dream is now a huge step closer to becoming reality, especially in Santa Clara County, and a big thank you is in order to our community for putting our money where our hearts are – where we live. Please take some time to experience the treasures we have right outside our doorways, you will feel so much better.

A Gift To Ourselves

50-mile stretch from Henry W. Coe State Park in Gilroy to Calaveras Reservoir, north of Milpitas at the Alameda-Santa Clara county line.” Within the past few weeks the Open Space Authority purchased a significant parcel from United Technologies along Coyote Ridge and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved the acquisition of Coyote Highlands and Coyote Canyon Ranch to be managed by County Parks. It is an amazing gift to ourselves. The people of Santa Clara County truly desire to preserve the best of our landscapes, not only for ourselves, but for future generations who will say well done and thank you.

The Coyote Highlands parcel has been in my thoughts for several years as it was once the home of Charles and Sarah Kellogg. In 1913, the couple moved from Philadelphia to the relatively remote hill-side in the Diablo Range of southern Santa Clara County. They named their place the Ever Ever Ranch and Kellogg Springs. Charles Kellogg was an internationally famous vaudeville star and Victor recording artist who had a unique ability to sing bird calls. His friendships included John Muir, John Burroughs, Auguste Rodin, Andrew P. Hill and the founders of the Save of the Redwoods League. Most people locally do not know too much about Charles Kellogg, but in his day he was significant personality in our country’s early efforts to preserve and respect our natural resources. My goal, ever PH

OTO

S PR

OVI

DED

BY

THE

SAN

TA C

LARA

CO

UN

TY S

UPE

RVIS

ORS

OFF

ICE



T ake the energy, fan support, farm systems and professionalism of football, basketball and baseball and roll then all into one sport…

and you have European soccer. Add an athletic twelve-year-old and expose him to this on a two-week summer vacation. You then have a young man for whom soccer is “a part of his personality,” according to his father.

That young man is Jake Oetinger, a Gilroy resident and sixth grader at Valley Christian. The father is winemaker Matt Oetinger, who along with his wife, Tiffany, own and operated Fernwood Cellars in Gilroy.

Jake has been played with the Barcelona Bay Area Soccer Club. Most of the players on this trip were from the local Barcelona Club.

Jake can rattle off the names, rank-ings and trivia about most European soccer clubs. On this trip he visited West Ham United, Chelsea and Real Madrid Clubs. He also visited the National Football (soccer) Museum in England. He attended several professional matches. He played in “Friendly Fixtures” (translation: exhibition matches) in England and Spain. And as a versatile midfielder, he scored several goals.

The first week and a half of the trip was all about soccer with multiple games and daily training sessions. There was some time devoted to sight seeing but it was mostly soccer. The last part of the trip slowed down and included a visit to some former Gilroy residents who now live in Switzerland.

One highlight of the trip was a three-day training session at the Real Madrid Football Club. The training com-plex consists of 36 fields. Parents and coaches were allowed to accompany the players to the practice fields but then were promptly bused away after the kids were dropped off. Photos were not allowed on the journey in or out! The final day of training ended with a “friendly fixture” against JuventudSanse, affiliated with Federación de Fútbol de Madrid.

Jake now understands how in Europe soccer can “becomes a religion for you.” If all goes well, Jake will travel again this summer with the Barcelona Bay Area Club for training and games in England and Scotland.

Meet Jake OetingerA Young Man On A Mission …A Soccer Mission

PHO

TO R

POVI

DED

BY

THE

OET

ING

ER F

AM

ILY


Jeff & Barbara Orth

For the Love ofan Old House


On November 19th, 2015, Jeff and Barbara Orth celebrated the grand reopening of their business, Integrated Financial

Benefits Network (I FIT) and the remodeling of the Holloway House. There was a festive atmosphere filled with music, laughter and champagne as dozens of friends and family gathered to watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony. For Jeff and Barbara, the celebration was more than just a new chapter for their business, it was a way of giving back to the community that they love.

The spirit of giving has always been an important part of Jeff ’s and Barbara’s lives. Jeff first got involved in financial services because of an encounter with an elderly woman who had no choice but to work at a Burger King to support herself. From that moment, Jeff decided he wanted to help people have successful retirements so that they never had to end up in compromising situations. “I want people to be able to make a choice that isn’t driven by a lack of money, but by a desire to do something different or fulfilling with their lives,” he explains. His heartfelt dedication, combined with a knack for picking out winning investments for his clients, has led to a very successful business.

When Barbara started working as his Director of Client Services 10 years ago, their business continued to grow. So much so that they needed to expand.

From the moment Jeff and Barbara first moved to Gilroy 31 years ago, they fell in love with its community and its historical richness. They had always admired the Holloway House in particular and so they were thrilled when it went on the market. Built in 1903, the Holloway House has seen many people come and go over the century and it had reached a dip in its life road. Despite this, the couple instantly knew that it was the right house for them. “Even though the house was deteriorating, Barbara and I always saw the house more as how it could be again and not how it was,” Jeff says. For a year, they worked tirelessly to bring the house back up to its former glory and many people took notice. “I’ve had so many people who have walked up the steps and said they’re so excited to see

somebody fixing it up because they love this house. So it really does feel like it belongs to the community in a lot of ways,” Barbara says.

Now that they are on the home stretch of renovations, Jeff and Barbara couldn’t be happier to share their vision and hard work with everyone. “This house was like the social scene in Gilroy at the time. This is where people came for big Christmas parties, this is where they had the big fundraisers. If you walk around the house you’ll see that it’s a party house,” Jeff describes. And what better way to kick off its remodeling than with a party! In keeping with this original spirit, the couple intends to have the house open for guests and events. They absolutely love that they are closer to downtown where they can participate in all of the fun activities and offer more to the people.

Jeff and Barbara cannot say enough good things about all of the people who have helped them along the way. Being historic home owners themselves, Larry Mickartz and Mike Dorn had a lot of valuable insights to share with the couple. Their knowledge has been a tremendous help during the renovation process. Jeff and Barbara also really appreciate all of the cooperation, support, and love they have received from the Gilroy Historical Society, who recently sent them the plaque marking their house as one of the original historic buildings. “We’ve learned so much about the property talking to them,” Jeff says. Gilbert Garcia, who painted the house both this time around and 20 years ago, has been a great help as well. Like Jeff and Barbara, he has always loved the house and was thrilled to be a part of its renovation. He has told the couple secrets about the house that even the previous owners didn’t know.

In so many ways, the Holloway House owes its new appearance to the hearts of the people who love it. The way everyone has come together to help the house’s renovation and express their excitement for it is a testament to why Jeff and Barbara love this community so much. The town may have doubled in size since the couple first moved to Gilroy, but it still has that small-town feel and a servant’s heart. Jeff and Barbara couldn’t be happier to reopen I FIT in their new location and they look forward to making great memories with their community.


Fri, 16th- arriveSat, Mom, Steph and K hang out for bdaySun 18th- Oli, Maddox and K go to SFMon 19th- Oli and Maddox return to GilroyTues, 20th- Oli meets K in SF later in day or eveningWed, 21 through Fri 23rd- Oli and K in NapaFri, 23rd- we return to gilroy from napaSat, 24th - family lunch or early dinnerSun 25th - no plansMon- K works in SF or from homeTues- we leave in the morning

Article Brought To You By:

Every child has bashful moments from time to time. Some kids, however, are naturally shy. Parents often wonder what

to do about their child’s shyness. Should they let their children be shy or should they try to “bring them out”? The good news is there is absolutely nothing wrong with being shy. In fact, there are a lot of great things that come from shyness. Depending partly on how it’s handled, shyness can either be a help or a handicap to children. The Virtues of ShynessMany people who don’t understand shyness interpret it as a problem. They think that a shy child must suffer from a poor self-image or that they lack social skills. In truth, many shy children have a very solid sense of self. They operate from a place of quiet confidence and inner peace. While a shy child may not be the most talkative among a group of his peers, he is an attentive listener who exudes a welcome presence that makes his more extroverted friends feel comfortable.

Children who are shy tend to be self-reliant, thoughtful, and empathetic. They have such a strong sense of inner peace that they may be reluctant to immediately share that with strangers. Although they might be slow to warm up to people, once they do they are charming and nice to be around. They have a deep sense of caring and many valuable insights to share.

How Shy is Too Shy?Sometimes shyness may be a result of negative experiences and inner turmoil. In an effort to ward off attacks on a shaky self-image, these children will completely withdraw from social settings. They tend to avoid eye contact and have a lot of behavioral problems. Often, these children are operating from a place of anger and fear instead of peace and trust. If you look beyond the behavior, you’ll usually find that they

have a lot to be angry about.In order to hide a self that they don’t

like, some children will use the “shy” label as a shield. They retreat into a pro-tective shell and use their “shy” label as a

reason why they are not developing social skills and exercising them. For these children,

shyness is a handicap that reinforces their weak self-esteem. These children especially need parents they can trust, who discipline in a way that does not lead to internalized anger and

self-dislike. It is important to get behind the eyes and into the mind of your child. Things might look very different from that perspective. The more you empathize with your child and help her feel good about herself, the more her self-esteem will grow.

Sudden Bouts of ShynessSometimes a child may become shy practically overnight and his parents are left wondering what they’ve done wrong. Typically, if this happens between the years of two and four there’s probably nothing to worry about. Children at this age tend to go through a second phase of stranger social anxiety and they become afraid of people they don’t know. Social retreating is a normal stage of development. As long as you are patient and give your child plenty of encouragement and space, he’ll blossom once again.

If an older child suddenly becomes withdrawn and quiet it might be a sign that something’s going on, either at school or at home. Gently broach the subject with your child. If there is something troubling him, having your unconditional support is the first step to fixing it.

How to Help Your ChildWhile it is tempting to want to help the shy child, it’s important to let her approach situations at her own pace. A child can’t be pulled out of shyness, and often efforts to bring them out will cause them to recoil even further. Instead, create a comfortable environment that lets your child’s social personality develop naturally. One of the best things you can do is to avoid labeling your child as “shy”, especially in front of her. Your child may think the term means that there’s something wrong with her and this will make her feel even more shy. Instead, use nicer, more accurate terms to describe your child, like “private” or “reserved”.

Of course, the best thing you can do for your child is to give her lots of hugs and support. Although shy children may be slow to warm up to strangers and more cautious about social relationships, they are sensitive, deeply caring individuals with a lot of good things to give. The world will be a gentler place because of him or her.

Shyness … for goodness sake

• Health Insurance On and Off Exchange• Dental• Vision• Supplements (Put Cash benefits directly to you)• Medicare• Long Term Care• Life Insurance Term or Permanant• Annuities and Wealth Transfer• Final Expense

I am certified with Covered California

"Obama Care"

VISIT OUR STORE FRONT Call For An Appointment

COVEREDCALIFORNIA

Open Enrollment Ends January 31, 2016

Open 7 days a week, now through 1/31/16(excluding holidays)

Insurance

Contact:

Ronnie J AlmarazLicensed Agent

408-687-0731Lic#0D43363

[email protected]

16985 S. Monterey Rd #306, Morgan Hill

Free No Obligation Consultation

(next to Dollar Tree)

Disclaimer: HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is the d/b/a, or assumed name, of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. which is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availablity varies by state. HMIA000521


A Photographer’s Reflective Return HomeBrent Bear grew up on the family ranch, Bear Ranch in Morgan Hill. He’s part of the Harvey Bear family! Brent has 46-year experience as a photographer. Over the years, he has had a studio in Los Angeles and traveled the world on photo assignments for the LA Times and others… taking him to England, Switzerland, Israel, Singapore, Quebec to name a few. He was commissioned by the US Olympic Committee to work the 1984 Olympics in LA, which also led him to Korea to do work for the ‘88 Olympics there.

Brent is a quiet man and a talented photographer who is on a quest to document the family homestead and to capture the beauty and elegance of the family’s land. His journeys around Bear Ranch are of a nostalgic nature and convey a reflective tone. Some of his Bear Ranch images have been shown in galleries around the US including Carmel and, he hopes to show them soon in New Orleans.

Harvey Bear Ranch is now part of the Santa Clara County Parks system but it is also a working cattle ranch, with all the traditions and work associated with cattle ranching. Part-time cowboys come from all around to help with the cattle drives..

The Ranch is home to spectacular vistas and beautiful imagery big and small.One of Brent’s recent projects centers on a stand of willows at a location on the ranch he

chooses to keep secret. Some of these detailed and haunting images have sold at auction in Carmel. A gallery in New Orleans is considering them for an upcoming show. In a world of bold colors and contrast his subtle, detailed images are calming.

Amazing Vistas


Working Cattle Ranch

Amazing Vistas

The Willows


Gavilan JCCD Coyote Valley Educational Center07/29/2015

Gavilan JCCD Coyote Valley Educational Center07/29/2015GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 gmhtoday.com88

Coming Soon: the Gavilan College Coyote Valley Educational Center!

The project is located in the area of San Jose known as North Coyote Valley. Located at 560 Bailey Avenue (across from IBM) between the Santa Teresa Hills on the west and Fisher Creek on the east, it is approximately 1.8 miles southwest of the Bailey Avenue and U.S. Highway 101 interchange, and close to a bus line that runs from San Jose to Gilroy.

The Coyote Valley site will be especially convenient to the northern section of the Gavilan Joint Community College District (the district extends from Bernal Road in San Jose through most of San Benito County). See you at the Grand Opening in Fall 2016!

In 2004 the voters of the Gavilan Joint Community College District passed Bond Measure E, providing funds to upgrade the Gilroy campus and to establish future campuses at the north-

ern and southern ends of the district. The college went through a four-year, rigorous site selection and in 2006 purchased 55 acres on Bailey Road. (Land has also been purchased in San Benito County.)

When completely built out – a ten-to-thirty year process, depending upon the availability of state funding – the site could be home to a full-service community college accommodating up to 10,000 students. Phase I of development is now underway.

Phase I will comprise 28,800 square feet, in five single-story modular buildings, and will include classrooms, and specialized facilities for a police academy program.

The college plans to begin to offer evening credit classes in a variety of college subjects at the new location, beginning in Fall 2016. Additionally, The Coyote Valley Educational Center will home to the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium, of which Gavilan is one of nine member districts. Gavilan College Coyote Valley Educational Center will be the new hub for regional public safety training.

PHO

TOS

PRO

VID

ED B

Y G

AVILA

N C

OLL

EGE

Gavilan JCCD Coyote Valley Educational Center07/29/2015


| | | | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | | |

A B DW E B S I T E D E S I G Nand Website Support Services

We can help you maintain, update and fix your existing website. Our staff can make simple or complex changes to your existing sites as the need arises.

WEBSITE SUPPORT

Designing websites and Ecommerce sites since 1998, we pride ourselves in providing complete online solutions for our customers.

WEBSITE DESIGN

Plan DesignExecutive

Robert A. Price & Brian J. Harrigan, Planning Consultants

New Location In Gilroy

PlanToday … EnjoyTomorrow

Providing Solutions■ Estate Planning

■ Retirement Planning

■ Charitable Giving

■ Business Successions

■ Expert Trust Reviews

8355 Church StreetGilroy, CA [email protected]@epdins.com408.767.2572 Office408.334.3951 Cellwww.epdins.com

Yoga Bella

www.gilroyacupuncture.com • www.yogabellagilroy.com

Ahnna Goossen, L.Ac

Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic of Gilroy

Serving the Mind, Body & Spiritof South Valley for the past 14 years

408.842.9688

Written & Photographed By Jean Myers

A South Africa Dream Safari

Written & Photographed By Jean Myers

My lifelong dream was to go

on an African safari and

see the “big five” (African

lion, African elephant,

rhinoceros, African leopard and Cape

buffalo) in the wild. I got my chance when

a good friend and I booked a trip to South

Africa with ORYX Wildlife Safaris.

Our trip began in Johannesburg, South

Africa, known from its early mining history

as the City of Gold. We planned to spend

the first half of our trip in Kruger National

Park and the second half along the coast in

Cape Town. We spent our first night at the

Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo

Airport hotel where we enjoyed good food

and South African pinotage wine.

The next morning, we met our seasoned

wildlife tour guide, Nelis Wolmarans, who

thrilled us with stories from his previous

career in big game preservation and anti-

poaching enforcement. He explained that

while endangered animals such as the

rhinoceros don’t like being shot with tran-

quilizers, transported in trucks across miles

of dirt roads and released into new territory,

they need protection from poachers.

On day two we flew to tiny Hoedspruit

Airport and drove to a private game reserve

inside Kruger National Park, which stretches

over more than 7,500 square miles. The

park boasts 148 species of mammals,

from the dwarf mongoose to the African

elephant. Kruger’s parklands reflect the

true African bush, with thickets that

hide antelope, lions, zebras and African

elephants. Raptors nest in tall trees above

sleeping leopards.

We stayed at Kings Camp in the

Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Just

inside the front gate were impalas, wart-

hogs and civet monkeys. The staff gave us

a cool drink and took us to our safari-style

rooms, which were right out of a magazine

with their beautiful net-covered beds, reed

gabled ceilings, claw-foot tubs and

Victorian furniture!

Later we hopped into a Land Rover and


went on our first safari. As tourists we were

instructed to remain in the tour vehicle.

However, bathroom breaks out in bush

country meant going off alone, which made

me nervous, especially at sunset! Our Land

Rover had no roof or side walls, making

me wonder which one of us would look

most delicious to a predator. The Rover

had plenty of room, making it easy to move

around and take pictures without leaving

the vehicle.

Without warning, our driver went off-

road through bushes and rocks to stop a

short distance from a herd of elephants.

We also saw antelopes, giraffes, black

rhinoceros and water buffalo. Except for

the very young animals, the herds hardly

seemed to notice us. I was startled at the

first sight of predators near our vehicle,

including leopards and lions. Especially

since our tracker, who was referred to as

the “snack”, was seated on the hood of the

vehicle. He must have had nerves of steel!

Over the next four days we went on

seven game drives and saw all of the “big

five” mammals. One of my most memorable

experiences was seeing four leopards

stalking their prey, resting near a kill, and

climbing trees. The big cats are quiet,

stately and graceful animals.

We watched from our vehicle as several

African elephants among a large herd began

trumpeting and charging around, disturbed

by the vibrations of large road crew trucks

rumbling toward us. Leading the herd were

enormous matrons, known for their ability

to find water and feeding spots, followed

by smaller bulls and juveniles from one to

four years old. One juvenile lifted his trunk

and charged at us but then ran for cover

behind his mother!

On another drive we came across five

“bachelor” Cape buffalo. These muddy,

ornery beasts are reputed to be one of

Africa’s most dangerous animals. As we

watched, they clashed horns to determine

who would be king of the mud hole.

Apparently it’s their frequent clashes that


give their horny “helmets” a smooth and

shiny appearance.

On an evening safari we spotted hyena

pups in a nest built into an abandoned

termite mound. The pups “laughed” (called)

until their parents returned. It was nearly

dark and the hyenas danced about, smelling

one another to confirm their family ties.

On another evening ride, we saw a

leopard sleeping in a tree. He had cached a

dead antelope in the branches above. Our

guide told us leopards can track antelopes

by the scent secreted from glands in

their hooves.

One morning, we learned that a group

of female lions had killed a wildebeest the

night before. The nighttime guards (who

guard against poachers) said two bach-

elor lions had tried unsuccessfully to take

the meat from the females. We saw the

bachelors, as well as the female lions. One

female was licking the torn ear of another

and the rest lay side by side, their bellies

full, soaking up the sun.

Our next stop was Cape Town. South

Africa’s Mother City is widely regarded as

one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

We stayed at Whale View Manor, a nearby

boutique guesthouse perched above the

historic suburb of Simon’s Town with

sweeping ocean views framed by the distant

Hottentots Holland Mountains. It was a

beautiful place reminiscent of the coastal

pines, golf links and winding drive through

Monterey/Pacific Grove.

We boarded a boat to Seal Island with

Captain Ned at the helm in order to view

Great White Sharks. It is here that Southern

Fur Seals come to breed. We watched them

bob and play in the waves, with no sharks

in sight. Our boat and two others dragged

rubber decoys, giant fish heads and smaller

fish in the hopes of attracting the sharks.

It seemed like an eternity while my friend

suited up in her scuba gear so she could

take her turn in an underwater shark cage.

I remained onboard watching for sharks

and seabirds.


Suddenly, our boat sped toward another

boat that had a shark at hand. We pulled

up close to see a 9-foot shark cruising

the waters around the boats. Divers were

instructed to make a hasty entrance to the

cage before it was closed and lowered into

the water. I decided to take a turn in the

shark cage, but no sharks approached. Back

on deck, I saw a Great White about 200

yards away as it leaped into the air, twisted,

and hit the water with a huge splash. The

shark quickly re-emerged with a seal in its

mouth, shaking it and returning once again

to the water. The good news was that there

were many seals, playfully “porpoising” in

the waves and looking at us during the calm

between shark sightings.

The last group of divers got quite a show,

as the shark ripped the fish bait and rope

from the boat. The shark thrashed against

the cage, giving it quite a jolt. The South

Africans shouted as they lured the sharks

with bait, patrons called out their sightings,

and our staff helped divers move quickly

in and out of their wetsuits and the shark

cage. It was quite a lot of commotion

and excitement!

We visited the famous African Penguin

Colony in Table Mountain National Park

and saw hundreds of adorable penguins

gracing the beach. After that, we went whale

watching along the coast at Hermanus.

There we saw Southern Right Whales

breaching, rolling and fin slapping. On

a smaller scale, we also saw Rock Hyrax

rodents scurrying across the coastal cliffs,

leaping into nearby bushes for red berries,

seeming to pose for our photographs.

Later that day we saw baboons along the

road, scampering up and down a cliff. The

South Africans consider them pests and use

tracking collars to track the dominate male

of each group. Road signs warn: ‘Use this

road at your own risk - baboons!’

In the semi-desert habitat of West Coast

National Park, wildflowers blanketed the plain

in a palette of colors that took my breath

away. The park is home to 5,000 plant species


and a variety of wild birds and mammals,

including eland, bontebok and springbok

antelopes, mountain zebras and ostriches.

For me the day’s highlight was a group of

male weaver birds, hanging upside down

from their beautifully woven nests, flapping

their wings and calling to attract females.

Later, we stopped to enjoy the brilliant

turquoise waters of Langebaan Lagoon.

Large numbers of waders are known to

winter here. We dined outdoors at the

Geelbek Restaurant and Visitors Centre and

watched hundreds of Greater and Lesser

Flamingos feeding in the wetlands nearby.

Swirls of light and dark pink with black

and white accents made for a spectacular

display as they circled overhead.

On our last day as a tour group, we vis-

ited the Kirstenbosch National Botanical

Gardens at Table Mountain to see century-old

trees, beautiful flowers and a variety of birds

including the Cape Sugarbird with its incred-

ibly long tail and double-collared sunbirds

which are similar to but can’t hover like

our hummingbirds. Our lunch at the Moyo

Kirstenbosch restaurant provided menu choic-

es like fried mopane worms, ostrich nachos

and crocodile tail pies!

Travelling home, it was fun to recall the

wonders that we had seen in this remarkable

country. One more item on the bucket list,

checked off.


Clifton Fadiman was a well-known intellectual who achieved success

in letters, radio, and television. Fadiman describes wine as something that begs to be shared. Wine is an accessory to many everyday rituals including relaxation after a hard day, as a meal pairing, and just about any other pretense. It also marks celebratory occasions such as Champagne at a wedding. He also suggests that wine and enthusiasm for its consumption creates the effect of community among its devotees. Wine, though happily enjoyed alone, takes on a new life when shared. It becomes a sort of social custom with the same agency of the intended effect, a means as well as an ends.

There are a number of exciting new stores and eateries pumping life back into downtown Gilroy but one business among them stands out. Bella Viva Wine Bar, right across the street from Old City Hall, appeared seemingly out of thin air and has rapidly become the “Cheers” of downtown.

Kellen McBain opened Bella Viva Wine Bar in 2013, creating a new customer experience for locals to explore and expand their wine palates in a welcoming, comfort-able environment. An avid host himself, Kellen has called Bella Viva an extension of his own home, where patrons can relax with a glass of wine or craft beer. The bar itself is styled after a Mediterranean get-away featuring a beautiful emerald granite bar and Kawai baby grand piano played by a musician on Wednesdays through Saturdays, giving the bar an old world charm. Before Kellen decided to try his hand in the wine business he worked at Stanford University as an Epidemiologist for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Kellen and his wife took an

interest in Santa Clara Valley wine on a wine tasting tour. Kellen was impressed by the increase in quality year by year of SCV wine culture. This experience seems to have sparked a passion.

Fast-forwarding to the present, and Bella Viva has become a breakout success story for downtown Gilroy. Starting in phases, Bella Viva began serving wine and beer exclusively. This allowed Kellen to refine his wine and beer list, discovering new and obscure producers who were crafting first-class vintages and brews. As a result of this process Bella Viva offers high-quality wine and beer at value prices. Kellen believes strongly in finding value for his customers so they can enjoy the best wines and beers on the market without handing over their first-borns.

As a next step, the bar formed a partner-ship with Garlic City Café, which offers multi-regional Italian cuisine. Bella Viva patrons can order from Garlic City’s menu and have their food delivered to the bar. In addition, Bella Viva has hosted “pop-up” food services internally at various events. The future plan is open up a full Italian deli with hot paninis, pastas, salads, pastries, a diverse selection of cheeses and charcuterie.

Kellen has also implemented a wine club program that includes special wine club pricing for over 3,000 wineries as well as a 10% percent discount on all Bella Viva purchases. The wine shipments are individualized for each member’s palate. Bella Viva provides a complimentary bottle of prosecco on members’ birthdays as well as invitations to member-exclusive events. Bella Viva also hosts a number of other events such as Paint Nites, Champagne

Brunches, and wine-tasting classes. Their Facebook page is the best place to keep updated on event dates. Kellen hopes to continue expanding the services offered at Bella Viva, including international Tasting Tours. His vision is to create wine travel itineraries for European wine destinations such as Bordeaux and Burgundy in France as well as Piemonte and Tuscany in Italy. As someone who has done a bit of wine tour-ism, I’ve found that there isn’t a better way to get to know a wine region than seeing it firsthand. There’s something almost magical about seeing the vineyards, smelling the air, and touching the soil of your favorite producers. It’s an oenophile experience like no other.

Bella Viva Wine Bar is a special place and, as someone who came of age in Gilroy, I cannot convey enough the importance of quality businesses like this one to the community. It’s a place where no one is a stranger. I’ve described the sense one gets as they step inside as walking into a piece of fiction and in an odd way it’s as though Bella Viva has always been part of Gilroy. I believe it has the potential to be a part of the community for a long time to come. Santa Clara Valley has the potential to become a wine destination to rival any other in California, but it’s the community that needs to support local businesses so Gilroy can continue to thrive.

So I encourage you to go out, tonight even, have dinner somewhere and drinks somewhere else. Tip well and have fun. Life is too short not to enjoy yourselves. To echo the sentiment of the Fadiman quote, order the bottle and don’t be shy about sharing because elevating Gilroy is some-thing we can only do together.

Sharing Good Times and Good WineBy Kyle Fanthorpe

THE VINE

A bottle of wine begs to be shared; I have never met a miserly wine lover. - Clifton Fadiman


Kirigin Cellars Launches Centennial Celebration YearThe winery’s new Tuscan-style Club House build-ing was the site of a gala event hosted by Dhruv Khanna, owner of Kirigin Cellars, and his lovely daughters Vrinda and Mira. Among the guests were George and Joanne (Bonesio) Hall of the Bonesio family, who established the winery in 1916. Also in attendance were the Chargin brothers, whose father, Nikola Kirigin, purchased the winery in 1976. The Khanna family purchased the property in 2000.

Also among the guests who enjoyed a lovely champagne reception, dinner and dancing were

members of the Solis Winery, Chiala Farms and Guglielmo Winery families.

The event launched a year of celebration with many activities planned at the winery. An All-Day Sports Fest is scheduled for April 24 and will include cricket, soccer and archery on ten acres of lawns. The 2016 Concours at Kirigin Valley will take place on June 26 with a full day of classic cars, local vendors and wine tasting. In September, a Harvest Festival is planned with barrel tasting, live music and BBQ.

Visit their website for more information.


Joanne Bonesio Hall, George Hall, Vrinda Khanna, Dhruv Khanna and Ina Fisher

Brothers Mladen, Anthony and Nick Chargin

Vrinda Khanna, Marketing Manager

Perri Johnsonand Lizz Hunter

Mira Khanna Allen Kreutzer, Winemaker Don Vanni, George Chiala, George Guglielmo

06 gmhtoday jan/feb 2016

Documents