Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The Last Remains


This is what remains of the last apricot orchard on Hillcrest Road. The owners have slowly been pulling out the trees over the last few years. I understand that eventually this land will be paved with homes and apartments.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Working on the Railroad



Repair work was being done on the railroad tracks in town earlier in this month. Does that mean there will be more trains coming into Hollister?

What if the proposed bullet train swerved at Highway 198 and came up parallel to Highway 25? Now don't get excited. Nothing like that is happening. It just seems to make more sense than going through Pacheco Pass, doesn't it?

Sunday, February 27, 2011

The Light


One of the stained glass windows at the Hollister First Presbyterian Church on San Benito Street, near Cienega Road.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

A Pause from the Rain


Late yesterday (Friday) afternoon, around 5 p.m., looking east on Hillcrest Road at the mountains.

Friday, February 25, 2011

You've Got Mail


A very scenic bicycle ride from Hollister to Tres Pinos is by way of Southside Road, which travels kind of parallel to Highway 25. One of the neat sights on the road is this mailbox that keeps on doing its job. Regardless.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Heading East on McCloskey Road



There's nothing like getting on the old bicycle and pedaling around the area. We really live in a beautiful place.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Figuring Out the Meaning of Figures


This sign is posted at Hospital Road, where it dead ends on the eastern bank of the San Benito River. See the man and woman figures on the sign. Can you figure out what it means? Is there no holding hands from this point forward? No frolicking allowed up ahead?

Take 25 is participating in ABC Wednesday, a weekly meme hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt and her friends. Today is the letter F. To check out other F posts, please click here.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Not So Afar from Here



See that peak in the distance? What do you think it is?

Yep. That's Fremont Peak! You're looking at it from the corner of Santa Ana and Fairview.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Looking Up: The Clock Tower


It's almost 5 o'clock. Wouldn't it be so cool if the clock could Bong! out the hour? It would almost be like having our own Big Ben.

Want to read more about the landmark building?  Click here.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

It's a Flowing River


San Benito River, that is. Quite rapidly, too, for one so dry during the rest of year. I took this photo yesterday afternoon from the east side of Hospital Road.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Diversity


All in one place. Amazing, huh? You can see for yourself at the corner of Fifth and Monterey Streets, in front of the county court house.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Under the Clouds


This is the view from the corner of Sunnyslope and Fairview Roads, almost an hour ago. There's snow on those mountains. I just know it. 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Signs of Spring


The trees were in bloom on the northwestern flank of Park Hill a couple weeks of ago. Did you see the glory as you were driving by on San Benito Street?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

E is for Everywhere

The wild chickens in San Juan Bautista are everywhere! Doesn't matter where you go in that cute mission city. So, drive slowly. Buk, buk, buk. . . .


Take 25 is participating in ABC Wednesday, a weekly meme hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt and her friends. Today is the letter E. To check out other E posts, please click here.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Beep! Beep!



Have you been to Victoria's Deli lately? The pesto is yummy! So are the meatball sandwich, the turkey and ham deli sandwich, the potato salad, the . . . .

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day


This is the locked gate at the eastern entrance to Henry Coe State Park on Pacheco Pass (Highway 152).  All locked gates should be so loving.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The Ubiquitous Windmill


This windmill can be found at Casa de Fruta. Yep.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Spires and Towers


The United Methodist Church stands at the corner of Fifth and San Benito Streets. The building was constructed around 1910 to replace a wooden structure, which was built in 1872. Back then, it was the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Two Vaults


You're looking into the bottom floor of the old Pendergrass Building on the corner of Fifth and San Benito Streets. It's being turned into a restaurant. See the bank vault? Once upon time, this location was home to a bank that was across the street from another bank, which is now a nightclub called the Vault.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

More Sideshow Bob?



So, what do you think? Do the hedges remind you of a bunch of Sideshow Bobs (from the Simpson's) after they've gotten haircuts?

And, there is that palm tree on San Benito Street.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Dandy, Delightful, and Delish!


Here's a dandy field of yellow mustard, near the corner of Union and Valley View Roads. A delight to the eye and nose. Also, delish to eat, sauteed in garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. 

Take 25 is participating in ABC Wednesday, a weekly meme hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt and her friends. Today is the letter D. To check out other posts, please click here.


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What Represents Us?


This plaque stands outside of the San Benito County government building at the corner of Fifth and Monterey Streets. I assume it represents the various aspects of our county. If you had the opportunity to create a plaque, what five scenes would you create?

Monday, February 7, 2011

House For Sale!



According to this web page, it's a contractor special. The one bedroom, 600 square feet, single family unit on Lucy Brown Road is selling for $699,000. Huh?

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Looking East on Sunnyslope


How many of you remember when Sunnyslope Road was a two lane road all the way to Fairview Road? Do you remember how it was mostly orchards that lined the way?

Friday, February 4, 2011

Outstanding in their Work


Workers are harvesting organic crops at the Pinnacle Farm, owned by Phil and Katherine Foster, in San Juan Bautista. The farm's produce stand is open every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  It's well worth a trip out to San Juan Valley for fresh, quality vegetables.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

February Events in and around Hollister

February is the American Heart Month. So, to help raise awareness of heart disease, the Hollister Downtown Association, the YMCA, and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital have put together various special events throughout Hollister for the month. Those events will be listed in red below.

WEEKLY EVENTS
Tuesday afternoons: Healthy Hearts, Storytime with Miss Carole, San Benito County Free Library, 4 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday afternoons: Walk for Your Health, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Starts at Veterans Memorial Plaza. Cancelled, if it's raining.

Thursdays: Blood Pressure Check-up, sponsored by Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, at Penny Wise Drug (549 San Benito Street), 11:30 to 1 p.m. Free.

Thursday evenings: Walk for Your Health,  5:15 to 6 p.m. Starts at Veterans Memorial Plaza. Cancelled, if it's raining.

Friday evenings: Bingo, Sacred Heart Church, Hollister. It starts 6:30 p.m. at the O'Reilly Hall (670 College Street).  You must be 18 years old to play.

Saturday mornings: 
Bike Ride with Off the Chain Bikes, 8 to 11 a.m. 
Book Sale, Friends of the Library,  Hollister. From  9 a.m. to 12 p.m., behind the San Benito County Free Library, 5th and West Streets.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons: Wapple House Museum, Fifth and West Streets, open from 1 to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Sundays: Flea Market, Betabel Station and Outdoor Market, 9644 Betabel Road, San Juan Bautista. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For info, check its Facebook page.

ONGOING EVENTS
February 11:  Pedro Card Party, San Juan Bautista. Sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, it will be held at 203 Fourth Street from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Beginners are welcome.

February 12: San Juan Bautista Gallery Walk, San Juan Bautista, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

February 14: Research Room Open, Wapple House Museum. Fifth and West Streets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS
February 3: Laughter is Good for the Heart, presented by Robin Pollard, Mars Hill Coffeehouse (610 San Benito Street), 12 to 12:30 p.m. Free.

February 4: Fashion Show, The Knife and Fork Cafe, 12 to 1 p.m.  Free (with paid lunch).

February 5
Living History Day, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children who are 16 or younger.
An Evening in Tuscany, Bolado Park Pavilion. A dinner/dance fundraiser for Sacred Heart Parish School. 5 p.m. to midnight. Must be 21 years old. For info, call 637-4157.
February 10: Chinese Love Character, a craft project by Miss Kayoka, San Benito County Free Library, 4 to 5 p.m. Free.

February 11
Haybaler Alumni Social, The Vault (425 Fifth Street), Hollister. 6 p.m. to midnight. Must be at least 21 years. 
Open Mic Night, Blak Sage Gallery (727 San Benito Street), Hollister. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. 
The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 7 p.m. Cost is $30, which includes dinner and show. Must purchase tickets in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill).
Febuary 12
CPR Classes for the General Public, American Red Cross, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $70. For more info, call 636-2100. 
The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 7 p.m. Cost is $30, includes dinner and show. Must purchase tickets in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill). 
The Vagina Monologues, Gavilan College Theatre, Gilroy, 8 p.m. Adults, $15; students and seniors, $10. Proceeds benefit the Emmaus House (Hollister) and Community Solutions.
February 13
Community Volunteer Fair, Sacred Heart School Gymnasium (670 College Street) Hollister. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. 
The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 2 p.m. Cost is $30, includes dinner and show. Must purchase tickets in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill).
February 15: Have a Healthy Heart at Any Age, featuring Dr. Clapper, Cardiologist, YMCA of San Benito County (351 Tres Pinos Road), 7 p.m. Free.

February 16: Making Sense of Retirement, YMCA. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Free (includes lunch), reservations required.  For more info, call 634-0694.

February 18: The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 7 p.m. Cost is $30, includes dinner and show. Must purchase tickets in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill).

February 19
Historic Walking Tour, San Benito Historical Society, 9 a.m. Cost is $5. Reservations required. For more info, call 524-2292. 
The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 7 p.m. Cost is $30, includes dinner and show. Must purchase tickets in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill).
February 20: The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 2 p.m. Cost is $30, includes dinner and show. Must purchase ticket in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill).

February 24: Red Healthy Hearts, a craft project by Miss Rose. San Benito County Free Library, 4 to 5 p.m. Free.

February 25: The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 7 p.m. Cost is $30, includes dinner and show. Must purchase tickets in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill).

February 26
CPR Classes for Professionals, American Red Cross, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $70. For more info, call 636-2100. 
Marian Filice Piano Competition and Music Festival, Gavilan College Theatre, Gilroy. Competition at 10 a.m. and Music Festival at 3 p.m.  Free. 
Mardi Gras Dinner Dance and Silent Auction, San Juan Oaks. A fundraiser for the Community Food Bank. 6 to 11 p.m. 
The Foreigner, Dinner Theater at the Vault (425 Fifth Street), presented by the San Benito Stage Company. 7 p.m. Cost is $30, includes dinner and show. Must purchase tickets in advance at Postal Graphics (by Nob Hill).

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Cutting Across the Field



There's nothing liking than taking a shortcut across a wet field. This is near the intersection of East Park Street and Highway 25. I saw mustard plants sprouting through the grass. Shouldn't be too long before yellow flowers will be blooming here.

Take 25 is participating in ABC Wednesday, a weekly meme hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt and her friends. Today is the letter C. To check out other posts, please click here.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Veterans Memorial Building


The Veterans Memorial Building stands on San Benito and Seventh Streets.  How has that building figured in your life so far? Here are at least three for me:
  • Long ago, I used to donate to the Red Cross blood drives that were held there.
  • I have attended the annual Christmas balls hosted by the Filipino American Community of San Benito County.
  • The husband and I have listened to the Christmas concerts given by the Watsonville Band.

Monday, January 31, 2011

It's the Wrong Way


Who or what went the wrong way? A bird? A flying squirrel?  A remote plane? A person's head?

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Two Novels Featuring Hollister

The Octopus and There's Something in a Sunday are two novels that are connected to Hollister in some way.  Does anyone know of another fictional work that has part or all of its story based in our area?

The Octopus: A California Story by Frank Norris was the first title in his planned trilogy, The Epic of Wheat. Unfortunately, Norris died in 1902, a year after The Octopus was published. The story is about the conflict between California wheat growers and a railroad company. Norris based The Octopus on the events of a tragic dispute that took place between Hanford, California settlers and the Southern Pacific railroad in 1880.

Norris conducted research for his story in Hollister. One of the places in his fictional place was the Quien Sabe Rancho. For more about Norris, check out this 2006 article by Martin Cheek in the Gilroy Dispatch. 

There's Something in a Sunday, published in 1989, is part of the Sharon McCone series written by Marcia Muller, a thrilling storyteller. Sharon McCone is a private detective who works out of San Francisco. In this adventure, Sharon's case takes her to Hollister to investigate clues.

Unlike Norris' novel, Muller actually mentions Hollister and describes locations that many of you may recognize.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

An Orchard Full of Yellow


One of the things I like about the winter rains is the beauty of the mustard that pops up all over the county. There's also nothing like the taste of wild mustard.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Maddux Jewelry


The Maddux Jewelry Store in downtown Hollister recently closed its doors forever. A long-time establishment in Hollister, it was started by Mel Maddux in 1947, who had bought the jewelry store, then known as John Sharp's Jewelers, from his father-in-law John Sharp. Mr. Maddux sold the store to his son, Rick, in the late 1980s.  The very best to you!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

La Villa de Jerez

What's your choice for the best deal for a delicious steak meal in town? Okay, you can include Tres Pinos and San Juan Bautista in your deliberation.

My choice: La Villa de Jerez at the corner of Sally and East Streets!

That's where the husband and I were a few evenings ago. After a hike on Fremont Peak, we happily chowed down on a combo plate consisting of an 8-ounce New York steak, a chili relleno, a cheese enchilada, rice, beans, lettuce and tomato salad, and guacamole, with salsa and corn tortillas on the side. Yeah, a lot of food. Still, the husband ate it all without feeling outrageously stuffed. I got two additional lunches from my meal.

Everything on the plate was appealing to the eye and very delicious. The steak was tender and perfectly cooked medium rare. To top it all, the price of the combo plate was $14.95.  Hello!

For more reviews of the restaurant, head over to Yelp.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Looking Up: Pendergrass Hotel



The Pendergrass building stands on the corner of Fifth and San Benito Streets in downtown Hollister. The four story edifice was originally a hotel and office building, which was constructed in 1927 by J.R. Pendergrass, a former mayor of the town. 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Reservoir Full of Fog


As the husband and I were driving by San Luis Reservoir last Sunday morning, tule fog was attempting to creep its way up and out of the artificial lake.  I wonder if the fog managed to break up and lift completely.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Welcome to Hollister

Have you seen the new welcome sign at the corner of Highway 25 (Bolsa Road) and San Felipe yet?

There are two sides to the sign. Drivers see this as
they drive south on  San Felipe Street.
Six other states have a place called Hollister. Which states can you name without looking them up?

Okay, now you can read the list at Wikipedia.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Haybaler Alumni Social

To read the flyer,
please click
here.
Hey Balers, One and All! 

That is: To all you Haybaler alumni who are 21 years and older!

On Friday, February 11, 2011, the Haybaler Alumni Social will take place at the Vault Restaurant, from 6 p.m. to midnight, in Hollister. A reunion event for all former Haybalers, it is advertised as "a fun filled night of dining, drinking, dancing, and lots of memories!"

The social event is being sponsored by the Baler class of 2012 as a fundraiser for its class prom. But, remember, Haybalers, to be admitted to this event, you must be 21 years or older.

So how much are the tickets?
If you buy your ticket beforehand, the price will be that of your graduation year. For instance, all you 1948 Balers would pay $19.48, 1971 Balers, $19.71, 1989 Balers, $19.89, and so on and forth. You can also buy tickets at the door, but they will cost you $30.  To get your tickets now, rather than later, you can:
  • purchase them at Drapoel and Teezers at 731 San Benito Street.
  • buy them at the Student Payment Center in the main building at San Benito High School (1220 Monterey Street). 
  • call the Student Payment Center, (831) 637-5831, and pay with a credit card. The tickets will be put on hold at the door.
Go Balers!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A Shaking Fremont Peak

Fremont Peak from Hollister (near the Hollister Airport)

Show of hands. Who was rocking and rolling with the earthquakes early this morning?

I thought it was pretty good ride. It made the books bounce on the shelves and a couple of things fall off it. How did it go with you?

There were at least six movements, the biggest (the first one) measured 4.5. According to the coordinates given by the U.S. Geological Study (USGS), the epicenter of the 4.5 quake was about half-mile north from the tippy-top of Fremont Peak in San Juan Bautista.  You can check it out yourself at Google Earth. The coordinates are: 36.770°N, 121.499°W

For more about the earthquake, visit this page produced by the USGS.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Birds on Fifth Street


Birds (pigeons, maybe) were hanging out on top of the old Pendergrass Hotel this afternoon. Flutter, flutter, flutter.

I watched them circle above the intersection of Fifth and San Benito Streets, then come back down to roost. So much for that plastic owl to scare them away. Boo!


Monday, January 10, 2011

Toot! Toot!

Waiting at Hilcrest and McCray.

I love that trains still stop traffic in Hollister. Almost every day. I have no idea what the freight trains are shipping in and out of town. Anybody?

Friday, January 7, 2011

January 2011 Happenings in and around Hollister


A glorious 2011, dear Take 25 Readers! I wish each and every one of you the best of bests as we move forward and upward. As Buzz Light Year said, "To infinity and beyond!"

Okay, then. As for own little corner on earth? Check out these January doings!

WEEKLY EVENTS

Monday mornings: Toddler Story Time for ages 0 to 3, San Benito County Free Library, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday evenings: Sleepy-Time Story Time for ages 3 to 5, San Benito County Free Library, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Friday mornings: Newborn Story Time for ages 0 to 3, San Benito County Free Library, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Friday evenings: Bingo, Sacred Heart Church, Hollister. It starts 6:30 p.m. at the O'Reilly Hall (670 College Street).  You must be 18 years old to play.

Saturday mornings: 
  • Bike Ride with Off the Chain Bikes, 8 to 11 a.m.
  • Book Sale, Friends of the Library,  San Benito County Free Library. From  9 a.m. to 12 p.m., behind the Wapple House Museum, 5th and West Streets. $3 per bag.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons: Wapple House Museum, Fifth and West Streets, open from 1 to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Sundays: Flea Market, Betabel Station and Outdoor Market, 9644 Betabel Road, San Juan Bautista. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details, check out the market's Facebook page.

ONGOING EVENTS
January 8: San Juan Bautista Gallery Walk, San Juan Bautista, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

January 10: Research Room Open, Wapple House Museum. Fifth and West Streets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

January 14:  Pedro Card Party, San Juan Bautista. Sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, it will be held at 203 Fourth Street from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Beginners are welcome.

ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS
January 4 to 29: Gero Heine Exhibit, Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito Street, Hollister. Artist reception will be held on January 22, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

January 29: 28th Annual Mission 10 Race, San Juan Bautista. The event includes the 10 mile and 5K races as well as the Elliott Swank Memorial 1-mile Kids Fun Run.

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