Community Garden

 

Did you know that there's a community garden up on Vista Park Hill in downtown Hollister?

The gardening plots are free and open to all. Bidding for plots usually takes place in January. Contact the Hollister City Hall for information. For more about the community garden, check out these two news articles that were written a few years ago.

• Vista Park Hill Offers Residents the Chance to Pick a Garden Plot, Hollister Free Lance
• Earthly Delight: A Community Garden, Gilroy Dispatch

"Prosperity Grows Here"

I came across this video a few months ago at the Web site called San Benito Now. I think it is part of the local government's efforts to bring companies into the county. What do you think? Will it do the job?

Eat Locally: Best of Times Cafe

The Best of Times Cafe is on the east side of San Benito Street, between 6th and 7th Streets. It opened in 1996 as the Hard Times Cafe. The owner changed it in 1999 because a chili restaurant franchise on the east coast has a trademark on the name. Want to know more? Read "It's the Best of Times for the former Hard Times Cafe", by Kollin Kosmicki in The Weekend Pinnacle Online.

The cafe recently received second place in the Best Diner category of The 2010 Pinnacle Awards. For customer reviews, check out Yelp.  I'm not a minestrone fan, but at Best of Times Cafe, I'll order it!.

Vegetable Fields

San Juan Valley, a few miles northeast of the mission city.

My dad was an irrigator for various farmers in San Benito County for almost 30 years. When I was a child, my dad and the fields were my babysitters. I loved going with him every day to the best play grounds around. I still have a thing for fields.  

Shop Locally: Holiday Marketplace

Are you looking for homemade crafts and food products to give as gifts this year? Especially items made by local craftspersons and foodies?

Check out the Holiday Market Place on the corner of San Benito and South Streets. Local artisans will be selling their wares to the public at the site every Friday, until Christmas.

This lovely quilt is by Juli Ann/Snuggly Babies.
Her work is also available at The Market Place
and the Last Stitch in San Juan Bautista.

The joint was open after the Lights On Celebration parade last weekend. It was jumping! Quilts, jams, chocolates, purses, jewelry, and knit scarves were among the various items that were on sale.

What items will be on sale each Friday will depend on the vendors. If their is a positive response to the venue, it may also be open on Saturdays. So, spread the word, folks!

For those of you who can't make it down to the Holiday Market Place, here are a few local businesses to check out for local goods:

• Bertuccio's (food items)
• DeBrito Chocolate Factory
• Marich Confectionery
• The Market Place in San Juan Bautista
• Vista Notes

You might also visit these web sites for more information about local businesses:

• Hollister Downtown Association
• Friends of Vista Notes
• San Benito County Chamber of Commerce 

Signs around Town

Nothing more to add. 

P.S.(several hours later) Uhm, would you say it's ironic that half way down the block on Seventh Street is a mortuary?

December 2010 Events

Two more days until December. Many activities and holiday events for which to look forward. Check out December 4, for instance! Take it slow and easy as you enjoy the holiday season.

WEEKLY EVENTS
Monday mornings: Toddler Story Time for ages 0 to 3, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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

Friday mornings: Newborn Story Time for ages 0 to 3, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 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 a.m.
• Book Sale, Friends of the Library, behind the San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from  9 a.m. to 12 p.m. $3 per bag.

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

ONGOING EVENTS
December 3: Open Mic Night, Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito Street.

December 10:  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.

December 11: Gallery Walk, San Juan Bautista, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.


ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS
December 1:

• Ceramic Sale, Gavilan College Student Center, Gilroy, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Annual Winter Magic Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon, hosted by the Hazel Hawkins Hospital's Auxiliary, at the Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito and Seventh Streets, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Library Summit, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Reception for the Sock Monkeys in the Wild Exhibit, by Shannon Grissom, Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito Street, at 5:30 p.m.
• Oriana Chorale Concert, Mission San Juan Bautista, 7:30 p.m.

December 2 to December 19 (Thursdays to Sundays): La Virgen del Tepeyac, El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista. 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

December 3: Grand Opening, San Benito County Visitor's Bureau, 115 Third Street, San Juan Bautista, from 4 to 6 p.m.  

December 3 to December 5: Holiday Open House, Pietra Santa Winery.

December 4 and 5: Holiday Open Studios, hosted by the Aromas Hills Artisans,  Aromas, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

December 4:

• Breakfast with Santa, Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito and Seventh Streets, from 8 to 11 a.m.  Details available at Hollister: Macaroni Kid.
• Open House, Bertuccio's, 2410 Airline Highway, Hollister, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Living History Days, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Winter Expo Fair, Dual Language Academy, 873 Santa Ana Road, Hollister, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Holiday Open Studio, by artist Dale Yarmuth, 501 Chardonnay Way, from 12 to 4 p.m.
• Peter and the Wolf and More Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm, Gavilan College Theater, Gilroy, at 2  p.m. and 7 p.m. 
• A Christmas Musical, Hollister United Methodist Church, 521 Monterey Street, from 4 to 6 p.m.
• Fifth Annual Holiday in Lights Parade, San Juan Bautista, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• San Benito County Community Christmas Concert, San Benito High School Auditorium, from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
• Veterans Holiday Dinner, Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito and Seventh Streets, from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is free to all veterans, with proof of status. There is a small charge for guests. Only 200 tickets are available. RSVP to VFW Post 9242.

December 5:

• Oriana Chorale Concert, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hollister, 3 p.m. 
• A-Caroling We Will Go, South Valley Symphony, Gavilan College, Gilroy, 4 p.m.  

December 7: Oriana Chorale Concert, Mission San Juan Bautista, 7:30 p.m.

December 8: Holiday Concert, Watsonville Community Band, Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito and Seventh Streets, 7:30 p.m.

December 10 to December 12: Mulan, Gavilan College Theater, Gilroy, Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 p.m. 

December 11:

• 1st Annual Winter Wonderland, hosted by the Gabilan Hills Parents Club, Gabilan Hills School, 921 Santa Ana Road, Hollister, from 1 to 5 p.m.  
• A Victorian Christmas, hosted by the San Benito Historical Society, at the Wapple House Museum, Fifth and West Streets, from 2 to 5 p.m. Free. An historic walking tour starts at 1 p.m. The tour cost is $5 per person and $8 per family. RSVP for tour by calling 524-2292. The Victorian costume contest is at 3:30 p.m.

December 13: Research Room Open, Wapple House Museum, Fifth and West Streets, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

December 16: Santa Visits the Library, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 5 to 7 p.m. 

December 18: Live Benefit Concert featuring Donald Elvis and the Hound Dogs, Granada Theater, Hollister, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

December 21, 22, and 23: A Christmas Carol, Limelight Productions, Gavilan College Theater, Gilroy, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

December 23: Blood Drive, American Red Cross, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

December 25: Merry Christmas!!!

December 31: New Year's events at Casa de Fruta,  Johnny's Bar and Grill, and Leal Vineyards. Know about any other events in the area? 

The 2010 Lights On Celebration Parade

It rained almost all day yesterday. Would it stop before the parade started?

It sure did stop! 

It was a clear, but cold, night full of spirit and joy. Lots of people came out to watch the annual holiday parade. We ooh'd and ah'd, and waved and cheered as young dancers, baton twirlers, Cub Scouts, martial artists, derby gals, school kids, business folks, bands, and others marched or road floats through downtown Hollister.

It was such fun!

For more photos, head over to Take 25's Facebook page by clicking here.

A Movie Filmed in the County

Can you name one movie, besides Vertigo, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, that was filmed in San Benito County?

How about La Bamba?

La Bamba is the movie about Ritchie Valens (aka Richard Valenzuela), an up-and-coming teenage rock and roller in the mid 1950s. One of his hits was a rocking version of the Mexican folk song called "La Bamba".  The movie of the short-lived singer was written and directed by Luis Valdez, the founder and artistic director of El Teatro Campesiño in San Juan Bautista. Released in 1987, some of the scenes were filmed in San Benito County.  Below is the trailer, after which you might want to check out these links:

• La Bamba, Wikipedia
• "La Bamba" tells the story of family, by Martin Cheek, Hollister Free Lance

Santa is Coming to Town

It's the 20th annual Lights On Celebration tomorrow, November 27, in downtown Hollister. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Hopefully, the rain that is expected tomorrow will not be falling during the festivities.

Happy Thanksgiving, One and All!

Yesterday in downtown Hollister!

Eat Locally: Ella's Italian Restaurant

Within the last few months, Ella's Cafe on Airline Highway changed it's name to Ella's Italian Restaurant. The taste and the quality of the food, thankfully, has stayed the same—yummy, yum, yum!

Don't believe me. Check out the reviews at Yelp. Ella's was given 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The restaurant may be difficult to find. It's in the plaza on the southeast corner of Airline Highway and Sunnyslope Road. It's near Staples and across from McDonald's.

Which Way Should You Go?

It looks confusing, but it really isn't. The One Way sign applies to Fremont Way. The Exit Only sign refers to the traffic coming out of the Bank of America parking lot. Toot. Toot.

How Tall Are those Buildings?

So, did you think you were looking at buildings in the distance?

No. I didn't fool you at all. Look at the photo again. This time squint and imagine looking at a dirty parking lot in the distance.

There, I knew you'd see it.

I took the photo on Saturday at the Pinnacle Farm's produce stand in San Juan Valley. Here's what the scene actually looked like.

Heading South on 25

It's a beautiful Saturday morning on Highway 25, just past Sunset Drive. You wouldn't have thought that it rained heavily the night before or that it would be in several hours. 

A joyous, peaceful Sunday to you all!

Featured in East of Eden

In 1981, John Steinbeck's East of Eden was turned into a TV mini-series. It starred Jane Seymour, Timothy Bottoms, Sam Bottoms, and Karen Allen. Some of the scenes were filmed in and around Hollister, including Dr. Currie's house on the corner of Monterey and South Streets. Does anyone know if the movie guys filmed inside the house, too?

The mini-series followed the full story line of the novel, while the 1955 movie with James Dean focused on only part of the story. Both films are worth seeing. Here's a trailer for the mini-series.

Sunset Over Muenzer's

This photo was taken back in June, after the  Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade. You're looking at the back door of Muenzer's.

Anybody know what alley this is? And, what business's back door is across from Muenzer's?

Okay, for you young oldsters out there: Who remembers what used to be where Muenzer's is today?

Autumn in Hollister

Monterey Street is one of my favorite streets during the fall. I love the sound of crackling leaves as I walk over them. What do you like about autumn in Hollister?

Rock Crushing Machinery

This monster towers over McCray Street, between Hillcrest Road and Gibbs Drive. It's kinda beautiful in its own way. I've never seen or heard it action. Has anyone?

The Pacific Brass Band

Want to talk about heavy metal bands? Okay, how about that Pacific Brass Band which performed yesterday afternoon in Hollister?

There was quite a lot of heavy metal in the form of cornets, trombones, flugelhorns, tenor horns, euphoniums, tubas, and percussion. And, their sound was so sweet! The band's rendition of Amazing Grace was just mind blowing. The man sitting behind me thought he was listening to bagpipes.

The Pacific Brass Band is composed of about 33 musicians from San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties. They perform around the area throughout the year. They usually play in Hollister around this time every year.  It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

For more information about the Pacific Brass Band, click  here to visit its Web site.

Buona Domenica

The spire peeking above the fence is that of Sacred Heart Church on Fifth Street. I took this back in May as the husband and I cut through a back alley to Sixth Street to watch the Portuguese Festival Parade.

A Bird's Eye View of Hollister, California

Here's a cool video of Hollister that I discovered by chance. It's a view of Hollister that you might see if you were riding in a plane or falling through the sky, with a parachute, of course.

If anyone can tell me who produced it, I'd really like to know.

2010 Veterans Parade

It was a beautiful day for a parade through downtown Hollister to honor our military veterans!

Truck 4 Sale

 

This truck caught my eye as I was heading up Hillcrest.  What a beauty it will be when the right someone buys and fixes it.

Shop Locally: Bertuccio's

Looking for fresh produce, eggs, and milk locally produced? How about honey, jams, nuts, and preserves, also all from local producers?

Well, then check out Bertuccio's near the southwest corner of Highway 25 (Airline Highway to us local folks) and Union Road. Bertuccios is down from the highway. It's open from Monday to Saturday.

For more info, check out Bertuccio's Web site.  Also, check out The Best from His Fields for Your Table, which was published in The Weekend Pinnacle Online in 2009.

Bull Dog Boxing Gym

This building stands near the corner of the McCray Street and Gibbs Drive. The sign says it is the Bulldog Boxing Gym.  According to an article in the Hollister Free Lance, the Bulldog Boxing Club has been around since the early 1990s.

Dear Take 25 to Hollister Readers,

Thanks so much for hanging out with me for as long as you've been coming by. It's been fun for me. Hope it has been for you, too.

No, no, this is not a good-bye. Just a note to let you know that because my work schedule is changing (for the better), I will eventually have less time for blogging.

So that means no more Tuesday in Hollister. Yes, I know how much some of you look forward to the feature. But, maybe later, I'll bring it back.

For a long time, I've been thinking about doing a daily photo post, or one every other day. . .or two. 

Hmmm, looks like I have a plan a brewing. Now, I make no promises as to how often or when I post.  I suggest you subscribe to my feed, if you haven't already. Otherwise, come by when you feel like it.  Okey-dokey.

Yours truly,

Su-sieee! Mac

Researching History

Let's say you have a question about local history, such as: What was life in Hollister like in 1937 when your grandparents were kids?  What businesses operated on San Benito Street 50 years ago? or Who founded the town of Hollister?

How and where do you begin researching your question?

Probably the best source in town for Hollister and San Benito County history is the research room at the San Benito County Historical Museum (also known as the Wapple House Museum) on Fifth Street, next to the county library.  How many guessed that was where the brown door lead to in this week's Tuesday in Hollister?

Take it from me, the research room holds a gold mine of facts and figures about local people, places, events, and other matters.  The last time I was there, I learned that:

• Jacob Watson was the first American to settle in Hollister in 1854
• in 1880, the population in Hollister was 1,181 and in 1960, it was 15,396
• in 1916-17, the principal county roads from Hollister were the Balsa (that's how it was spelled), Bird Creek Road, Fairview Road, San Juan Road, Santa Ana Road, and Tres Pinos Road.

Both the research room and museum are under the direction of the San Benito County Historical Society.  The research room holds a a collection of business directories, family histories, assessment rolls, property records, incarceration information, educational registrations, school year books, and local history books, among other resources. It also carries copies of the Hollister Free Lance and Hollister Advance from years past.

The research room is open to the public once a month—every second Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For a small fee, you can make an appointment to use the facility on another day. For more details, visit the historical society Web site and click on the "Research" tab. 

Sheila, Research Room Curator

Tuesday in Hollister: Where to Go for History?

If you want to learn about the history of Hollister or San Benito County, one of the doors you may want to enter is that brown one in the photo. Do you know where that building is? Do you know who holds the key to that door?

The photo to your right is your hint. This house belonged to Dr. George Wapple, one of the local pharmacists in the olden days. It was built in 1909. Until the 1990s, it was the residence of the Wapple family. The home now houses local history.

Be sure to come back on Thursday for the answers and a look at what's behind that brown door.

Coming Up in November 2010 in SBC

Yes, new "Take 25" visitors, you're at the right blog. SBC stands for San Benito County. Hollister, through which highway 25 leads to and from, is the county seat. Some may think that Hollister is the only city it the county, but that's not true. San Juan Bautista is the other city. And then there are the unincorporated communities of Aromas, Tres Pinos, Paicines, Ridgemark, Panoche, and Bitterwater.

Okey-doke. Now, here are some the events and activities taking place in November around SBC.

WEEKLY EVENTS
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 a.m.
• Book Sale, sponsored by Friends of the Library, from  9 a.m. to 12 p.m., behind the San Benito County Free Library, 5th and West Streets. $2 per bag.

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

MONTHLY EVENTS
November 5: Open Mic Night, San Benito County Free Library, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., according to the Hollister Macaroni Kid Web page. For up-to-date info, check out the Open Mic Nights Web page.

November 6: Living History Day, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November 12:  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.

November 13: San Juan Bautista Gallery Walk, San Juan Bautista, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS
November 2:  Election Day!!!!!!  7 a.m to 8 p.m.  For elections info, go to the County of San Benito Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder: Registrar of Voters Web site.  For election results, click here.

November 5: 4th Annual Dinner-Dance Fundraiser, Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation, San Juan Oaks Golf and Country Club, 6:30 p.m.

November 5 and 6: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, San Benito Stage Company, at the Granada Theater, Hollister. 7 p.m.  Check out  "Teens in Stage Company Production Learn 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' This Fall,"  by Melissa Flores, at The Weekend Pinnacle Online.

November 5, 6, and 7: Dia de Los Muertos, El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista.

• November 5: The Danza Azteca troupe Calpulli Itzpapalotl will perform a traditional blessing and dance in honor of the departed. 
• November 6, 7 p.m.): A community processional through the streets of San Juan Bautista featuring performances by La Banda Calavera and ETC’s own Teatro Eskeleto. 

November 6

• Barn Sale, hosted by the San Benito County Historical Society, at the San Benito County Historical and Recreation Park, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Women's Annual Harvest Bazaar, United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall at Monterey and Fifth Streets, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sneak Preview, Hazel Hawkins Hospital Emergency Room, 911 Sunset Drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Craft Boutique, a fundraiser for the Rancho/Maze Band, at Rancho San Justo Gym, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Historias de Mi Madre IV (Histories of My Mother), Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard, Gilroy. 6 p.m. $10 donation suggested. This play is hosted by the Community Solutions, a nonprofit group that provides prevention, intervention, treatment, and residential services to San Benito County, South Santa Clara County, and South San Jose.

November 11: Veterans Day

• LULAC breakfast at San Benito High School cafeteria, 7 a.m.
• Veterans Benefits Fair, Veterans Memorial Building, 10 a.m.
• Veterans Day Ceremony, Veterans Memorial Building, 11:11 .m.
• BBQ, sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242, noon
• Parade, Downtown Hollister. 1:30 p.m.

November 13

• Christmas Boutique, Sunnyslope Christian Center, 1520 Sunnyslope Road, Hollister, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• November 13, Toy Drive for Jacob's Heart, Betabel Station Outdoor Market, 9644 Betabel Road, San Juan Bautista , 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For info about the market, go to its Web site or its Facebook page.
• Benefit Dinner, sponsored by the Sacred Heart Foundation. For details about the event, go to the Hollister Macaroni Kid Web page.

November 14: 10th Annual YMCA Benefit Concert featuring the Pacific Brass Band, The First Presbyterian Church, 2066 San Benito Street, 2  p.m.  Tickets are $10, adults; $5, students and seniors.  Details about the concert can be found at the Hollister Macaroni Kid Web page.

November 20: Holiday Boutique, Cerra Vista School, 2151 Cerra Vista Street, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details about the concert can be found at the Hollister Macaroni Kid Web page.

November 26 to December 19: La Virgen del Tepeyac, El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista.

November 26: Black Friday! Click here to go to the Hollister Downtown Association Web site for a list of local shops and restaurants.

November 27: 20th Annual Lights on Celebration and Parade, Downtown Hollister, 5 to 8:30 p.m. 

Hollister City Hall

This week's Tuesday in Hollister question was: Do You Know Where City Hall Is?

No doubt you all know that it is located at 375 Fifth Street between Monterey and San Benito Streets, across from the Granada Theater. You can pay your city water bill in the basement. The door is on the east side of the building.

The City Hall building was originally the San Benito County Free Library. In 1910, the county received a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Library Foundation to construct a library for the community. Two years later, the library opened and was located there until 1959 or 1960 when it moved to its current place.  Before the city of Hollister moved its government offices into the building, it was used by the San Benito County Superior Court and the county probation department.


A few buildings to the east of City Hall is a tan brick building that proudly wears a sign that identifies it as CITY HALL. That building, designed by William H. Weeks, was erected after the 1906 earthquake. Along with once housing City Hall, the building used to be home to the city's fire department.

For info about the Hollister city government and its building, check out these links:

• Hollister City Government
• Hollister City Council
• Carnegie Libraries of California—Hollister, California