From Open Fields to Blocks of Houses

This could be the last year that we see Spring in the fields east of Fairview Road, between Hillcrest and Sunnyslope Road.

The Santana Ranch development is in the works. Construction began on the southeast end in 2015. A few of the Anderson Homes are already up and ready for sale. According to the developer's website, it offers five floor plans. Interestingly four of the names reflect a seaside setting—The Carmel, The Monterey, The Cypress, and The Big Sur.

The fifth name is The Bixby. At first, I thought it was chosen to honor Lewellyn Bixby, one of the men who purchased the San Justo Ranch way back when. But, wouldn't there then be houseplans named for the other co-purchasers? You know, like  The Flint (for Thomas and Benjamin Flint) and The Colonel (for William Welles Hollister).  There are none. So, maybe The Bixby is named for the Bixby Bridge.

How did I get onto that subject?

Anyway.

When the construction is all over, 1,100 houses will be standing upon once was open fields. Let us enjoy the unobstructed view while we can.

From the archives: November 13, 2011

From the archives: February 18, 2011

Fisher's Delicatessen

Want to eat a delicious, heartwarming meal that features locally-grown and made products in Hollister? Then check out Fisher's Delicatessen, at 650 San Benito Street in downtown Hollister, that recently opened. 

The new restaurant is owned by Chef Mike Fisher, a popular caterer, who is well-known in the region for his amazing dishes. A Hollister native, Chef Mike graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Academy of Culinary Arts in Paris and broadened his culinary skills and experience at the Hotel del Coronado, Bernardus Lodge, and other distinguished restaurants. Chef Mike has also been part of the team putting together the annual San Benito Olive Festival.

Fisher's Delicatessen offers both sit-down service and take-out. Its creative menu includes small plates (such as babaganoush, hummus, and marinated olives), salads (grilled asparagus, hello), soups (seafood chowder!), sandwiches, and entrees. If you're into craft beer on tap or the wines from San Benito County, the restaurant has several choices for you. 

When the Husband and I were there yesterday, the entrees included lasagne bolognese, turkey stew, tri-tip steak, and harissa shrimp skewers. I had the stew, which was made with free-range turkey. There is definitely a difference in what ingredients are used. Yummmmmm.  

Fisher's Delicatessen is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Chef Mike Fisher

Driving at Twilight

The Husband turned right from Highway 156 onto Union Road. I leaned out the window and the camera went Click!

The Diablo Range

I pedaled up Hillcrest Road on the bicycle this morning. Puff, puff. Seeing the Three Sisters and Santa Ana Mountain near the top of the road was worth the struggle. Every time.

Walking in Downtown Hollister

Downtown Hollister is a great town to walk. So many possibilities. Walk up and down the main street, side streets, and alleys. Venture into the residential area beyond South Street or to the west of San Benito Street. Climb up Park Hill and enjoy the view.

If you'd like something a bit more organized, check out these round-trip walks designed by the Downtown Hollister Association. You can download a copy of its brochure describing the walks here. I've summarized the walks below, providing links to past posts on Take 25 to Hollister that give you some background on the subject matter of many of the walks.

• Sacred Heart Walk, a one-mile stroll, begins at Dunne Park where Sacred Heart Church originally was located.
•  Downtown Shop Walk, 1.2 miles, allows you to see and visit all the shops and businesses in downtown Hollister.
• Historic District Walk is 1.3 miles long, covering the Downtown Hollister Historic District. 
• Fault to Fault Walk is a 1.3 mile walk along the Calaveras Fault.
• Vista Park Hill Walk, 1.5 miles, takes you up to Park Hill, the highest point in Downtown Hollister. 
• East of Eden Walk is 2.2 miles of some John Steinbeck history and movie settings for the East of Eden movie.
• Hazel Hawkins Walk, 2.3 miles, starts at the original Hazel Hawkins Hospital and goes to the IOOF Cemetery on Buena Vista Road.

Have fun walking through downtown Hollister!