Coming Up: Hey Lady! Want to Drive a Model A?

How would you like to drive a Ford Model A, and have a donation made on your behalf to breast cancer research?

On Saturday, October 2, Tiffany Ford will host a Breast Cancer Awareness Day at its showroom at 300 Gateway Drive in Hollister, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The event will involve participants completing a lesson to learn how to drive a Model A. This includes hands-on instruction on restored Model As. The instructors will be Vicki Wildman and other members of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America.

Every participant who completes the class will receive a driving certificate, a patch, and a Ford's "Warriors in Pink" bandanna. In addition, Tiffany Ford will make a donation to the local Hope for a Cure Memorial Educational Scholarship Fund or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The cost of the event? Only $5.00, which is a registration fee.  According to Jade Sandifer, one of the event organizers, 25 Model As will be on hand. There will be a cut-off number, so if you're interested, it's best to register soon. You can call Jade at (831) 637-4461 or email her at jades @ tiffany-ford.com. For more details about the event, head over to this page at Tiffany Ford and scroll all the way to the bottom.


This event is one of several that Tiffany Ford has sponsored this year to celebrate its 100th Anniversary. The business is the oldest Ford dealership in California.

Amazing! How many of you, Take 25 readers, have purchased a car from Tiffany?

Want to know more about the organizations mentioned today?

• Tiffany Ford
• Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America
• Hope for a Cure Memorial Educational Scholarship Fund
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Hollister, CA History: The Porter House

How did you do with this week's Tuesday in Hollister? Did you figure correctly as two commenters did?

"Monterey and 6th. Grace Bible Church seen kitty-corner where Wells Fargo used to be," wrote Cindy at Facebook.

"Hint: sounds like the name of a large type of steak," stated Anonymous at the original post.

I was standing at the Porter House on the northwest corner of Monterey and Sixth Streets. This Queen Ann style house was built around 1880. It is no longer a residence. It has been divided into office suites and today rents out to several local business people and to the Redevelopment Agency. My favorite aspects about the house is its wrap-around front porch and the cute tower where I wouldn't mind having my office.

The "Porter" in Porter House refers to one of the first, if not original, residents of the house, Dr. George and Olive Pond Porter. Dr. Porter immigrated from England in 1873, eventually settling in Hollister in the 1880s.  A druggist, Dr. Porter and brother-in-law Hiram Pond were co-owners of a drugstore in town. Porter went back to school to earn his medical degree and obtained his medical license in 1890. He returned to Hollister and more than likely practiced medicine. Dr. Porter died in 1905. Here's a link to his obituary. Mrs. Porter continued to reside at Monterey & 6th until her death in 1938.

Here are some interesting notes about Mrs. Porter's life, which I found at the San Benito County Historical Museum.  She was born Olive Pond in April 1860 in Placer County.  She was well-educated, having attended the Napa Collegiate Institute, the College of Pharmacy in San Francisco, and the Women's College of Medicine in Philadelphia. The notes did not mention if she graduated from the last two schools. She and Dr. Porter married in 1881.

How the Porters came to settle in Hollister is unknown. Did they come first or Olive's brother Hiram? While her husband was at medical school, Mrs. Porter took care of the business. According to the family notes, Olive was the owner of a 500 acre ranch on Cienega Road. She was also a past Noble Grand Matron of the Rebeka Lodge in Hollister.

There you go. Now you know a bit of who the Porters were at Sixth and Monterey a long time ago.

Coming Up: A Free Pajama-Rama Party Story Time

Are you ready for a bedtime story for the whole family?

You're in luck. Professional Storyteller Julie Engelhardt will be presenting another Story Time this Saturday evening, starting at 7 p.m.

The theme:  Pajama-Rama Party Story Time! 

She invites all you kids—big and small—to come to the event dressed in your favorite PJ's. You can bring your blanky and/or pillow, too.

The event is free! You can't beat that.

Story Time will take place at Mars Hill Coffeehouse on the corner of San Benito Street and 6th Street. During the event, says Scott at Mars Hill, the coffeehouse will be offering customers a 10 percent discount.

For more details about the event, call (831) 245-8463.

For more about Julie and Mars Hill, check out these links:

• Story Time Adventures with Julie Engelhardt
• Free Story Time in Hollister
• Mars Hill Coffeehouse Facebook Page

Tuesday in Hollister: Do You Know Where You Are?

Yes, this is in Hollister. The location is a block west of San Benito Street. I'm not giving any cross streets. That's your job to figure out. I will give you these hints:

• You're standing in a front yard.
• A church is nearby.
• The newspaper office is down the street. (Ah, I made it too easy now.)
• The house from which the photo was taken was built in the late 19th century.

Forget about looking at the photo's file name. I misnamed it. I took this photo a couple of years ago, but the perspective is still the same.

So, do you know where you are yet? Leave a comment here or at the Facebook page. Be sure to come back on Thursday to find out if you're right.

By the way, here's what it looks like on the other side of all that darkness.

Shop Locally: McKinnon Lumber Company—Happy 100th!!!!

Today is the 100th anniversary of the official establishment of the McKinnon Lumber Company in downtown Hollister!  Whoo-hoo!!

Everyone now, up on your feet. This hardware store, which stands on the corner of 7th and East Streets, deserves a happy, vocal standing ovation from us for its dedicated service to our community. It is the last of its kind in town. Hope it stays on forever and a day!

For more about McKinnon Lumber Company and its grand owner, John Barrett, check out these stories from the local newspapers:

• McKinnon Lumber to celebrate 100th
• McKinnon Lumber is a reminder of Hollister's past and future 

Coming Up: E-Waste Drop Off Day in Hollister

Do you have computers, televisions, cell phones,  keyboards, and other unusable or unused electronics lying around the house because you don't know how to get rid of them? Do you know how to dispose of them properly but don't want to pay for it?

Then this Saturday is your chance to get rid of your electronics for FREE in Hollister.

The Accelerated Achievement Academy and Western Recycling is sponsoring a Free E-Waste Drop Off Day. You can bring your unwanted electronics to the Calaveras School parking lot at 1151 Buena Vista Road between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more info, call (831) 634-4963.

Answers to "Tuesday in Hollister"
Click here if you need to refresh your memory of this week's "Tuesday in Hollister" and click on back to this page.

Okay, how many of you said A & W, which is on the corner of South and East Streets and up a bit from the tomato cannery (San Benito Foods)?  Yep, I see a whole slew of hands in my magic mirror. No, sorry. I won't be distributing any yummy burgers at this time. But, how about a "Well done, dear readers!"

Now, how many of you guessed the name of the establishment across the street from A & W? Good for you all!

Here's a photo of the front entry for McKinnon Lumber on 7th Street.  Did you know that it has been around since 1872, possibly even earlier?

Tuesday in Hollister: Where Are You Standing?

Let's say you're taking this photo. Where are you? What would you want to order?

Hint: Down the street from where you're standing (as you take this photo) is another long-standing company. It spits forth a lot of steam and aroma 24/7 during the summer. 

Was this too easy for you? Okay, across the street is a pile of blue things. What establishment stores and sells those things?

Come back on Thursday for the answers.

Coming Up in September in San Benito County

September!

The Farmers Market ends this month. High school Haybaler football games begin. Three concerts to check out at the Pepper Tree Ranch and two plays by El Teatro Campesiño to watch. The annual Mexican Independence Parade in Hollister and the annual Chicken Festival in San Juan Bautista take place this month. As do several yearly charity events such as the Kinship Center's wine and food tasting fundraiser at the Paicines Ranch. And so much more.

September. Enjoy!

WEEKLY EVENTS
Wednesday afternoons: Farmers Market, Hollister. From 3 to 7 p.m., on 5th Street, between San Benito and Monterey Streets.

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, Hollister. From  9 a.m. to 12 p.m., behind the San Benito County Free Library, 5th and West Streets.

Sundays: Flea Market, Betabel Station and Outdoor Market, San Juan Bautista. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ONGOING EVENTS
September 1 to 29: Our Piece of Heaven Exhibit, featuring art works of Carole Belliveau, The Blak Sage Gallery of Fine Art (727 San Benito Street), Hollister.  Gallery hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Artist's reception on September 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.

September 4 and 11: Fremont Peak Observatory Evening Public Program, Fremont Peak State Park.

September 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.

September 10: Open Mic Night, San Benito County Free Library, Hollister.

ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS

September 3:  Justine McBride and Second Wind Band Concert, Guerra Cellars Summer Concerts,  Hollister. 6 to 10 p.m.

September 4: Hollister Professional Bull Riding, San Benito County Fairgrounds (Bolado Park).

September 4, 5, and 6: Popl Vuh The Story of the Seven Macaw presented by El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista. Different location location each day at 2 p.m. Free!

September 5: Living History in the Park, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park,
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

September 11

Fremont Peak Observatory Solar Program, Fremont Peak State Park, 12 noon to 3 p.m.

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

54th Annual Wine and Food Tasting, sponsored by the Gabilan Chapter of the Kinship Center, Paicines Ranch, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 

The Shanks Concert, Guerra Cellars Summer Concerts, Hollister. 7 to 10 p.m.

September 12: Mexican Independence Day Parade, Hollister. 

September 16 to October 17: Corridos!,  El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista.

September 16, 17, 23, 24: Hollister Haybalers Football Home Games, Andy Hardin Stadium.

September 17 to 19: Civil War Days, San Benito County Historic Park, Tres Pinos.

September 17

12th Annual YMCA Charity Golf Tournament, San Juan Oaks. 

A Beatles Musical Tribute, The Vault, Hollister.

September 18

Downtown Fall Clean-up, Hollister.

Little Texas and Kelly McDonald Concert, Guerra Cellars Summer Concerts, Hollister. 6 to 10 p.m. 

September 18 and 19: Fourth Annual Chicken Festival and Parade, San Juan Bautista

September 18 to October 17 (weekends): Northern California Renaissance Faire, Casa de Fruta.

September 24: "Vertigo," Movies in the Park series,  San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. The movie will be shown on the San Juan Bautista State Historical Park Plaza Lawn at sunset. Refreshments will be available for sale.

September 24 to 30: San Benito County Fair Horse Show Judging, San Benito County Fairgrounds (Bolado Park).

Tuesday in Hollister: Where is This?

This week, I present you a photo of a photo of past times in downtown Hollister. Be forewarned that the image is distorted. The buildings in the photo look like they are happily and crazily leaning as they might in a 1930s cartoon. The image is part of a longer one in a display case at the Wapple House Museum, run by the San Benito County Historical Society.

That said, take a look at the photo, circa 1900s. Where do you think this is?

Click on the photo for a larger view.

Do you know which street that is between the two buildings?

Here are a couple of hints for you: School bells. Order in the court.

Okay, one more: The photographer would be looking down from a grand vista in town.

Go ahead, leave a comment with your guess below or at the Facebook page. I double dare you.

Shop Locally: The Market Place

The husband and I have been wandering around San Juan Bautista a lot lately. There are always new things to discover. A couple weeks ago,  we wandered into a new shop called The Market Place. The first item that caught my eye was a cute tiny tot tutu. "They're like the ones at Dolce Baby (and Mommy Too) in Hollister," I pointed out to the husband.

"They are," called the woman at the counter. "She makes them custom-made for me."

It turns out that The Market Place features local crafts, jewelry, food products, and other handcrafted items. I felt pretty darn awestruck looking about the shop and realizing that they were made by various artists, crafts persons, farmers, candy makers, and businesses who live in the San Benito County area.

The Market Place itself is owned and run by two locals, Sharon Shelton and Claire Del Curto. In fact, the enthusiastic woman behind the counter was Claire, who told us that they are always looking for more local items for the shop.

So, there you go. Now you know where to go whenever you want to buy local items for gifts or for yourselves.

The Market Place is located at 209 Third Street, between the Daisy Saloon and Mom and Pop Saloon. You can also check them out on their Facebook page. 

Among the local food items being sold at the shop were
Mansmith's BBQ spices, candy from Marich Confectionery,
and honey produced by Brays Apiaries.

Coming Up: The San BenitoCounty Fair

Autumn is around the corner. And, that means it'll soon be time to take Highway 25 down to Bolado Park for the county fair. This year, our fair county will be celebrating its 87th county fair. Whoo-hoo!

October 1 to October 3 are the dates. Mark 'em now on your calendar, before you forget.

If you want to enter your baked goods, crafts, photographs, paintings, flowers, or other items in the fair, you still have time. The deadline for entries is September 3, 2010.  You can send your entry form and fees to the fairgrounds office or take them directly there.

For entry forms and details, head over to the San Benito County Fair Web site.

The baker definitely deserved top prize!

Tuesday in Hollister: Whereabouts is This?

This one ought to be an easy one. But then it may not be if the graffiti has been removed. I took the photo back in January. I've driven over the bridge many times since then. Saturday, for instance. But my mind draws a blank on how it looked. Funny, how that goes.

Where is this bridge? Can anyone tell me if the graffiti is still there?

Did you know that plans are in action to start building a new bridge in 2011?  For details, check out the story in the Hollister Free Lance.

Help Turn the Granada into an Arts Center

Dear Take 25 readers, how many of you would love to have an arts center in town? Can you visualize the Granada Theater on Fifth Street as the arts center?

The Hollister Downtown Association and the San Benito County Arts Council have a vision to one day own the historic Berberich Building, which houses the Granada, and turn the whole building into a multiple-purpose arts center. For many decades, the Granada showed movies—first-run, classics, and international. Today, it is used for live performances, including plays by the San Benito Stage Company.

Now, dear readers, this is where you come in. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is holding a nationwide This Place Matters Challenge that will award $25,000 to the community that receives the most votes for its registered historic landmark.

The Hollister Downtown Association registered the Granada Theater in the challenge and now needs our support. Head over to the Save the Granada Theatre page and vote. You will need to register for the site first, but that will take only a few minutes.


As of today, only 38 people have voted for the Granada. Please pass the word around to your friends and family, whether they live in Hollister or not.  You can easily do that by forwarding the link to this post. Thank you!

Would you like to know more about the Granada, the community challenge, and the organizations I've mentioned? Check out these links:

• Granada Theater at Cinema Treasures
• National Trust for Historic Preservation 
• Hollister Downtown Association 
• San Benito County Arts Council 
• San Benito Stage Company

Tuesday in Hollister #2: Where is this?

You can find several spectacular murals in downtown Hollister. Probably the most well-known mural is on the side of Johnny's Bar and Grill in Wentz Alley.

How about this inspiring mural? What building does it grace?

Click on the photo for a larger version.

Don't know where it is, yet? Here's a hint: Across the street is a Mexican bakery.

If you still don't know, scramble the letters: rteslohli puers

Any "oldtimers" out there? I've got some questions for you: What business first used that building? What took over after that business moved to the south side of town? I don't know the answers, but I really would like to know.

Does anyone know when this mural was painted, and who painted it? 

Coming Soon: Music! Music! Music!

Hollister will be rocking big time this coming weekend! Not one. Not two. But, three music events will be happening with a mix of new and well-known groups. Some of the performers will be local artists. It's musical heaven, I tell you. Rock and roll. Salsa. Funk. Jazz.  Blues. Soul. Reggae. Folk. Tejano. Country. Alternative. Mariachi. And more!  If you can't find music to please your body and soul, well, that'll just down right sad. 

Paine's Concert Series

On Friday, August 20, three legends will be performing at Paine's Restaurant on East Street (between 4th and 5th).  Pete Escovedo! Uh-huh. In his 70s, the man is still smoking hot!  Juan Escovedo! The eldest child of Pete, he has toured with Prince, En Vogue, Barry White, and Freddie Hubbard, to name a few. And, Suavé! The popular long-time band performs Latin Rock, classic rock, blues, and just about everything.  The concert starts at 9:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are $20. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

For more about the performers, check out their Web sites:

• Pete Escovedo
• Juan Escovedo
• Suavé

Dunne Park: Where the Action Shall Be!

Music in the Park
On Saturday, August 21, bring your lawn chairs, and a picnic, to Dunne Park on Seventh Street (between West and Powell)  for a free concert.  Sponsored by the San Benito County Arts Council, the Community Foundation of San Benito County, the California Arts Council, and Centro Ollin (Center for the Working Artist), the concert will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Several musicians will be performing, including local bands. Some of the featured artists will be:

• Daniel Valdez 
• Michael Annotti  
• Somos
• Sake Bombs
• Mariachi Alma de Mexico
• Tim and Frances Tompkins

Hollister Concerts

The Guerra Cellars' Hollister Concerts will also be taking place on Saturday, August 21at the Peppertree Ranch on John Smith Road. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Shane Dwight and Extra Large will be sharing the bill. Music reviewers describe Dwight as a killer blues artist whose style draws from R&B, alternative country, jazz, and rock and roll. Extra Large is a soulful funk rock band based in Santa Cruz. It's motto is "We dare you not to dance."  

For more about the artists, check out their Web sites:

• Shane Dwight
• Extra Large

Shop Locally: Vertigo Coffee

Vertigo: A feeling of out-of-whackness while looking down from high above.

Vertigo: The name of the movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock, parts of which were filmed in San Juan Bautista

Vertigo: Vertigo Coffee Roasting Company; a specialty
micro roastery in San Juan Bautista. A drink of Vertigo
may keep the vertigo away while watching Vertigo.

Vertigo: Vertigo Cafe; the coffeehouse, owned by the
Vertigo Coffee Roasting Company, that serves freshly
brewed Vertigo and yummy pastries seven days a week.
Need I say more.

Vertigo Cafe has been open for a few weeks now, but this weekend (August 14 and 15) is its grand opening. The Vertigo crew will be serving free coffee from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days.

The cafe is located at 81 Fourth Street in San Juan Bautista. It's the first left turn, if you're turning right from Highway 156 (from Hollister). If you're already in the mission city, then either walk or drive south on the main street and turn right just before the Windmill Shopping Plaza.

For more info about the roastery, the cafe, and the coffee, check out these links:

• Vertigo Coffee Web site
• Vertigo Coffee Facebook Page

Just so you know, several events are happening in San Juan Bautista and other parts of San Benito County. Check it out here.

Disclaimer: I purchase Vertigo coffee beans now and then and, obviously, have gone over to sip fresh brew at the cafe. I like the stuff, especially the organic beans. But, I have not been paid nor given free coffee for writing about Vertigo today. So there. 

P.S. I will gladly accept money or freebies for my writing. That is, depending on what it is.

Tuesday in Hollister: What Was There?

Dear Friendly Readers,

It's time to try something new here at Take 25 to Hollister. Yep, indeed. Every Tuesday, I'll post a photo of a place in Hollister. Try to guess what it is and/or where it is before I give you the answer. If you have sweet memories of the place, I welcome you to share it with us, either in the comments section or at the Facebook page.

So, here we go. . .

What business used to stand in this empty lot?

This is all that remains of that happy and fun place.

The building stood at the corner of San Benito and Seventh. It was damaged by the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989, but it was an arson fire that brought it down a few years later.  Do you know what business it was?

If you didn't guess it by now, this clue should do it: The building held 1,194 seats, according to the Cinema Treasures Web site.

Yep, you got it. Click here to see the State Theater in its full splendor.

What happy memories do you have about going to the movies there?

Hey Muenzer's! Happy 100th to You!!

Muenzer's Cyclery and Sports Center, most affectionately known as Muenzer's, is 100 years and 1 day old today! Whoo-hooo!!!!

Muenzer's was opened in 1910 by Joseph A. Muenzer, who had bought a second hand store on Fifth Street and chucked everything but the bicycles. The store has evolved to meet the needs of the community. At one time, the store sold Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles. Today, the store is owned by Muenzer's grandchildren, Jan and Jerry. They offer locksmith services as well as sell sports equipment and clothing, local school athletic gear and gym clothes, Scouts badges and supplies, and much more.

No doubt many of you, dear Hollister readers, have fond memories of purchasing bicycles, baseball mitts, tennis shoes, Baler sweatshirts, fishing poles, and other fun stuff that came from Muenzer's. My first bicycle was a blue Schwinn that my parents bought from Muenzer's. It was heaven. I pedaled it to places I was not supposed to go and got home before the parents knew about it. When the husband and I moved to Hollister seven summers ago, guess what was the first thing we did. Yep. We headed down to Muenzer's and bought ourselves a couple of bicycles. Very cool ones, indeed. We have pedaled those bicycles all about town and then some.

Any of you Hollister readers have memories you want to share?

Muenzer's is located at Fifth Street, between San Benito and East streets. Check out these links, for more info about the store:

• Muenzer's Cyclery and Sports Center
• Muenzer's Photo Album
• "100 Years and Still Counting," by Kollin Kosmicki, Hollister Free Lance

Summer Farmer's Market

Tomorrow is Wednesday.  You know what that means. The Farmer's Market!

Haven't been there yet? It's on Fifth Street, between San Benito and Monterey streets. Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, milk, chicken, and meat are there for the buying. Honey, oils, jams, flowers, dried fruits, and various prepared food and non-food items are also available.  Click here for a list of vendors. Please note that some vendors may no longer be there, and that new vendors, such as Claravale Farm (fresh milk!) and Douglas Ranch (beef, pork, and lamb) are not listed.

Have kids? Come earlier for Story Time with Julie Engelhardt at Mars Hill Coffeehouse. That's just around the corner. It starts at 1:30 p.m. Theme is Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains.  "Kids can bring their favorite vehicles--boats, airplanes, cars, etc., and they can dress up like an engineer, race car driver, fireman, policeman...anything they like!" says Julie.

Talking about kids, are you ready to hear a very talented group of young ladies? The Sledge Grits Band will be performing tomorrow at the Farmer's Market. Ages 7 through 14, these rocking gals have already been featured on the CBS Early Morning Show. Here's the link to their website. Check out the video of their CBS performance before heading over.

August Happenings in and around San Benito County

August is just around the corner. Before you know it, the San Benito County Fair will be here. The first weekend in October, by the way. So, if you're planning to enter sweets, jellies, home-grown veggies, crafts, photographs, or other items into the fair, you have all of August to send in your entry forms and fees. Click over to the San Benito County Fair Web site for more details, after checking out all the fun happenings around the county in August. 

WEEKLY EVENTS

Wednesday afternoons: Farmers Market, Hollister. From 3 to 7 p.m., on 5th Street, between San Benito and Monterey Streets.

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, from 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. $2 per bag.

Saturdays and Sundays: Flea Market, Betabel Station and Outdoor Market, 9644 Betabel Road, San Juan Bautista. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ONGOING EVENTS

August 7 and 14: Fremont Peak Observatory Evening Public Program, Fremont Peak State Park.

August 21-22, 27-29, and September 4-6: Popl Vuh: The Story of the Seven Macaw, El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista.

ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS

August 1: Corridos!,  El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista.

August 3: National Night Out, San Benito High School Football Field, Hollister, from 5 to 8 p.m. A nationwide crime and drug prevention event, which will be hosted locally by the San Benito County Sheriff's Department. 

August 4

Annual "Kids at the Park", Dunne Park, Hollister, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A safety and health fair for children and families.  

Story Time with Julie Engelhardt, Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 1:30 p.m. Theme is Let's GO! Cars, Planes, Trucks and Trains.  "Kids can bring their favorite vehicles--boats, airplanes, cars, etc., and they can dress up like an engineer, race car driver, fireman, policeman...anything they like!" says Julie.

August 5: The Lines Tour featuring Colton Saylor and Every Atlas, Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

August 7: Living History in the Park, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

August 8: Annual Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market, San Juan Bautista.

August 13 to 15: 17th Annual Good Old-Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, Bolado Park (San Benito County Fairgrounds).

August 13: 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.

August 14

Fremont Peak Observatory Solar Program, Fremont Peak State Park, 12 noon to 3 p.m.

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

August 15: Music at the Mission: In Aeternam, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Performances will be at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Mission San Juan Bautista.

August 20 to 21: Vaquero Heritage Days, Mission San Juan Bautista Grounds (Casa Maria).

August 21

Monthly Antique and Collectibles Fair, San Juan Bautista, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Shane Dwight and Extra Large Concert, Guerra Cellars Summer Concerts, Hollister. 6 to 10 p.m.

August 27: "Shane," Movies in the Park series, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. 

August 28

Live Jazz with Luis Lenzi, The Knife and Fork Cafe. 6 to 9 p.m.  

"Glamour Hollywood," 3rd Annual Baler Summer Nights Fundraiser, San Juan Oaks. Dinner, dance, and silent auction. 6 p.m. to midnight.

August 29: Aromas Day: A Day in the Country, Aromas.

A Hollister Biker Rally in 2011?

Do you know where this mural is in downtown Hollister?

Yep. It's in Wentz Alley on the wall of Johnny's Bar and Grill. Originally painted in 1996, it was repainted in 2007 by artist (and biker) Ronald Rocha from San Antonio.

The mural depicts Hollister's part in the American biker history.  Some say the American biker tradition began in our sweet agricultural haven on the July 4th weekend of 1947.  For years, an annual motorcycle event took place at Bolado Park on the Fourth of July. In 1947, some bikers went into town for drinks and got frisky and loud. Somehow, the media learned about the ruckus and spun the rowdiness into wild and destructive abandonment. You know how that goes with some media guys. They spin things out of context, especially if they can make money out of it.

Have you ever seen the movie "The Wild One" with Marlon Brando?  That's  loosely-goosely based on the 1947 incident. 

In 1997, the City of Hollister decided to hold a Fourth of July Independence Motorcycle Rally downtown to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that event. It turned into an annual happening that brought thousands of bikers into town. Although it was cancelled in 2009, many bikers continue to visit the area to check out July 4 events held by local motorcycle groups and Johnny's Bar and Grill.

There's talk of holding the rally in 2011. Some members of the community plan to address the issue at the open session part of the Hollister City Council meeting on Monday, August 2.  The meeting will be held at City Hall, with the open session beginning around 6:30 p.m.

Folks can express their opinions, whether for or against the rally, during the "Public Comment" segment. According to one of the council members, the "Public Comment" segment normally starts early in the meeting. Speakers are limited to three minutes to present their opinions. Council members do not discuss, debate, or take action on any presentations made during "Public Comment." However, they may choose to put the issue on the agenda at a future Council meeting.

If you're interested in making a statement about the rally, here is your chance.

In the meanwhile, here are some links that may interest you:

• Johnny's Bar and Grill
• Hollister and Bikers (You can also see a clip of The Wild One there)  
• "A New Look at the 'Wild One'" by Anthony Ha, Hollister Free Lance (about the repainting of the mural)

Help Win a Dog Park in Hollister!

Click to Head over
to the contest page
to vote for Tammy's Entry

Hey Hollister Dog Owners!  Want to help Hollister get half a million dollars to give a local dog park a makeover?

Tammy Ballew, a member of the Hollister Dog Owners Group, does. Evidently so much that she entered the Dream Dog Park Contest, which is jointly sponsored by Beneful, a dog food brand made by Purina, and WagWorld.com. The sponsors recently chose Tammy as one of the contest's top 10 finalists.  

Whoo-hoo! Way to go, Tammy!

If Tammy wins the contest, she will receive an in-kind donation of $500,000 to renovate the dog park next to the Hollister Airport. Now, here's where all you dog owners and dog lovers can make Tammy be the grand prize winner!

The finalist who gets the most public votes for her or his entry will receive 10% of the final score. The other 90 percent of the score will be based on what the judges say. From today until August 11, the public can vote once a day at the Dream Dog Park Contest Web site.

So, dear Hollister Readers, let's show Tammy our support. Head over to Tammy's page at the contest Web site to cast you vote. There, you can also see Tammy's winning essay and video for becoming a finalist. 

For local news reports about Tammy and the contest, check out these links:

•   "Dog Park Competes for $500K," by Melissa Flores, The Weekend Pinnacle Online
• "Possible New Dog Park in Hollister," KSBW.com

To learn more about the Hollister Dog Owners Group, click over to its Web site.

Thanks, Tammy!

Free Story Time in Hollister

Photo courtesy of Mars Hill Coffeehouse

What child doesn't love story time? Or, grown-ups, for that matter. I still like listening to stories being read to me or listening to a storyteller spin her tales, which transport me to magical places.

Well, guess what, Hollister friends? Story Time is going on in town!

This Wednesday, July 28, Julie Engelhardt will be presenting a Story Time at the Mars Hill Coffeehouse on the corner of San Benito and Sixth streets in downtown Hollister. The free event will start at 11 a.m, and it will last between 45 and 60 minutes. Everyone is invited.

Next Wednesday's event will be the second Story Time hosted by Mars Hill. Another is planned for August 4 at 1:30 p.m.

A mother and a professional writer, Story Time presenter Julie enjoys reading to children. Says Julie, "I have two children and I've always volunteered at their schools, primarily to read. My older son is now 17 and attends San Benito High School so that's out, and my younger son is heading towards 3rd grade, so he's kind of aging out of that, too. But, I wanted to continue reading to children, so I began to think of this. Also, there are so few things for families and children in this area, especially things that are free, so I wanted to offer a fun activity for families, daycare providers, or anyone who loves to hear stories!"

Julie acts out stories, sings songs, and does finger plays to bring the children's books that she reads alive for her audience. She centers each Story Time around a theme. As you can see in the photos, the theme for her first Story Time was Buccaneer Bay-Pirates. (Arrrgh, Mateys. Julie read books such as That's Not My Pirate by Fiona Watts and Bubble Bath Pirates by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. She also took favorite songs like "The Wheels on the Bus" and changed the lyrics to "The Pirates on the Ship."

The theme for the July 28 Story Time will be WILD for Animals! Julie invites children and grown-ups to come dressed up as their favorite animal.

Photo courtesy of Mars Hill Coffeehouse

Ooooooooooooklahoma! in Hollister

Show of hands. How many of you thought of Oklahoma!,  the musical, right away?

Good for you.  But, did you know there is a Hollister, Oklahoma? I didn't know it existed until I did a google search for Oklahoma + Hollister. Hollister, OK is located in the southeast part of the state. But, that's something to talk about another day.

Remember the film version of Oklahoma! with Gordon MacRae as Curly, Rod Steiger as Jud, and Shirley Jones as the girl those two guys wanted. Originally, it was a Rodgers and Hammerstein's production, which played on Broadway. This coming weekend, you can see that play in Hollister!

For the past two weekends, the San Benito Stage Company has been presenting Oklahoma! at the Granada Theater. This weekend will be the company's last performances.

Oklahoma! will be presented at 7 p.m. on  Friday (July 23) and Saturday (July 24). On Sunday (July 25), you can see a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The Granada Theater is located on Fifth Street across from the City Hall.  A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the San Benito County Historical Society Garcia House Visitors Center.

For more details, check out the San Benito Stage Company Web site.  And, to read about the production, check out "'Oklahoma' comes sweeping into Granada" by Melissa Flores at Weekend Pinnacle Online.

The cast of Oklahoma! at the
2010 San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade.

Hollister Street Festival's Schedule of Bands

Among the ads in Tuesday's Hollister Freelance was an insert about the 24th Annual Street Festival this Saturday, July 17. Yes, I know I wrote about it yesterday. Just thought you'd like a few more details.

San Benito Street will be closed between South and Fourth Streets.  Classic cars will be on display up and down the street. According to the map, food vendors are by the Veterans Building and Vendor Row is on Fifth Street.

Three stages have been set up for various types of performances. Too much to list here. Just show up, eh! But, I will tell you the schedule of bands on the Main Stage at San Benito and Sixth streets:

10 to 10:45 am: Sound On
11 to 11:30 am: Donald Elvis and the Hound Dogs
11:30 am to 12 pm: Sound On
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm: Fender Benderz
2 to 3 .m.: Bornia Boys
3:30 to 4:30 pm: Red House

For more details, check out these links:

Street Festival and Car Show, Hollister Downtown Association
Hollister Street Festival 2009 

Be sure to get your free slice of watermelon when you're there!

Downtown Hollister Street Festival

I like it when San Benito Street closes through downtown Hollister. For one, that means something fun is going on. For another, that means I can stroll down the street. After a parade, it's right down the middle. Same thing with the Farmers Market, even though it's only one block and it's a side street.  Yes, cheap thrills, indeed.

This Saturday, July 17, you can stroll  San Benito Street, from South to possibly Fourth, at the annual Downtown Hollister Street Festival. Number 24!

You can ogle at snazzy vintage automobiles and the latest new ones, listen to live bands, watch live performances, take part in a raffle, eat, buy stuff, and so on.  The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. For more details, check out this page at the Hollister Downtown Association Web site. 


P.S. Saturday is a very busy day and night around the area. Several events and activities are going on. If you're into it, you can combine a silent auction, an evening concert, a play, or other activities with the street fair. For a list of events, please click over to Goings On in July.

Dolce Baby and Mommy Too

One of the fun things about the Hollister Downtown Association Scavenger Hunt was learning about new businesses in town. Well, they were new to the husband and me.

Dolce Baby and Mommy Too is one such store.  That store is just cute, cute, cute!

Cute is what that store is all about. Have I said that already? All those cute kiddie clothes in bright happy colors. I just smile thinking about the joy bounding through that store.

Aren't those tutus sooo cute?
Veronica makes them special for customers.

Our scavenger hunt card was checked by the lovely owner Veronica Fontanez, who is a Baler graduate. Go Balers!

Veronica and her husband opened the shop in May. They were inspired by the birth of their own child. The Pinnacle News wrote a story about the opening. Click here ("New Store Dresses Young Kids in Style") to read it.

The next time your downtown, check out Dolce Baby and Mommy Too. It's on 748 San Benito Street, near the corner of South Street. The place was formerly the Thyme Deli and if I'm recalling rightly, way before that—during days gone by, it was a travel agency.