March
Friday 3/18
SAN JUAN
El Teatro presents one-acts
El Teatro Campesino will present two one-act comedies,
”
Simply Maria, or the American Dream
”
and
”
Food for the Dead,
”
by Josefina Lopez (author of
”
Real Women Have Curves.
”
) The show runs through April 3, with performances at 8 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday, at 2 p.m. on Sundays, at 705 Fourth St.,
in San Juan Bautista. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 on the day
of the show for general admission. Students are $10. Opening
weekend and bargain Thursday evening shows are $8. For more
information, visit www.elteatrocampesino.com or call 623-2444.
March
Friday 3/18
SAN JUAN
El Teatro presents one-acts
El Teatro Campesino will present two one-act comedies, “Simply Maria, or the American Dream” and “Food for the Dead,” by Josefina Lopez (author of “Real Women Have Curves.”) The show runs through April 3, with performances at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, at 2 p.m. on Sundays, at 705 Fourth St., in San Juan Bautista. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 on the day of the show for general admission. Students are $10. Opening weekend and bargain Thursday evening shows are $8. For more information, visit www.elteatrocampesino.com or call 623-2444.
MONTEREY
Multiple shows open at Monterey Museum
The Monterey Museum of Art has several shows open. The museum has locations at 559 Pacific St. and 720 Via Mirada. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for students and military and children under 12 are free. For more information, call 372-5477.
Saturday 3/19
HOLLISTER
Emerging Artists exhibition
The San Benito Arts Council and Open Studios Art Tour presents Emerging Artists Exhibition through March 30, at the Blak Sage Gallery of Fine Art, 727 San Benito St., in downtown Hollister. An artists reception will be March 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibition will showcase the work of new artists in a professional gallery as part of the Arts Council’s mission to encourage and assist cultural artistic growth. The exhibit features the work of students artists in grades 9th through college as well as adult amateur artists, as a unique opportunity for debuting artists to gain public exposure without having a studio on the tour. The Open Studios Tour will be April 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 636-2787 or e-mail in**@sa***********.org.
Scouts e-waste collection
Boy Scouts from San Benito who are planning to attend the Philmont program this summer are raising money for the trip with an e-waste collection March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunnyslope Medical Offices. For more information, call 801-9072.
Cioppino feed
The American Legion Post 69 is holding a cioppino feed fundraiser March 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can take home or eat-in 14 ounces of pasta with one quart of cioppino with French bread. Beer or wine will be available for sale with dinner or lunch. Tickets will be sold every Monday and Friday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building. Tickets will be available until March 12. Tickets are $20 for adults and children under 10 are $10 (for one pint of cioppino with 8 ounces of pasta. The dinner will be at the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building. For more information, call 673-7113.
Orchestra and Jazz Band concert
The Vanguard University Orchestra and Jazz Band, from Costa Mesa, will stop in Hollister on their Spring Tour 2011. They will perform a concert at the First Presbyterian Church, 2066 San Benito St., March 19, at 7 p.m. The ensemble presents a wide range of music, including congregational singing, worship songs and scripture. The members come from 50 states and the musicians are hand selected from the student body of Vanguard University, a private Christian College. Admission is free though a freewill offering will be collected to defray the cost of the trip.
Bornia Boys perform
The Bornia Boys, a blues band, will perform at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, 3800 Airline Hwy., from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
SALINAS
Monterey Symphony performs
The Monterey Symphony will perform with guest conductor Benjamin Wallfish and renowned pianist John O’Connor. Concerts will take place March 19, at the Salinas Performing Arts Center of the Steinbeck Institute of Art and Culture, 940 N. Main St., at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39 or $20. The will also be a final rehearsal at 2 p.m., with tickets for $15. Other concerts will be at the Carmel Sunset Theater, at 9th and San Carlos avenues, March 20, at 3 p.m., and March 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $78, $68, $48 or $38. For more information, call 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org.
LOS BANOS
Path of the Padres hikes
Reservations are open for the Path of the Padres Hikes at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area. The hikes take place most Saturdays and Sundays, from Feb. 16 to April 23, as well as some Fridays. The path through the Diablo Range is so named because it was taken by the padres as they came from Mission San Juan Bautista 35 miles along the Los Banos Creek, and into the Central Valley in the early 1800s. Participants will see plants that grow along the creek as well as animals will they learn about California history. The hikes are open to the public, ages 6 years and older, by advance reservation only, with a group of 10 needed to conduct the tour. The hike begins at the Los Banos Creek Reservoir boat launch ramp at 8 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. A pontoon boat carries passengers for about 30 to 40 minute to the west end of the reservoir. Along the way, short stops are made so hikers can observe wildlife along the shoreline. The hike is five miles round trip and is moderately strenuous. It takes about five hours. Sturdy footgear is recommended and hikers should carry minimum of two quarts of water. A reservation fee of $12 is paid for those over $12 or $7 per child, age 6 to 12. A family of five may reserve space for two adults and three children for $30. Parking is $10 per car. For more information, call 209-826-1197.
MORGAN HILL
Wildflower walk
Ranger Christopher Crockett will lead a wildflower walk at Coyote-Bear Park, March 12, at 10:30 a.m. Hikers can meet at the RV Campground Overflow Lot at Coyote Lake. From there, Crockett will led people on a leisurely loop hike up the campground trail, and along the Coyote Ridge and Valley Oak trails. It is a chance to see what plants are blooming while taking in views of the lake and valley. To register, call Ranger Crockett at 408-842-7800. The hike is free, but there is a $6 vehicle entrance fee charged. Another walk will be held March 26, at 10:30 a.m., from the Coyote Dam Parking Area, along the Calaveras Trail.
Sunday 3/20
HOLLISTER
Army Strong paintball tourney
T.A.G. Paintball will host a tournament to benefit the local Army Family Readiness Group, from Monterey. The tournament is March 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, 2120 San Benito St. It is $60 per person and includes all equipment to play, plus unlimited paintballs. Lunch is included. Teams of five or needed, but not required. The event is limited to 80 people. RSVP needed by March 15 to Stephanie Beckwith at 209-518-5443 or sr*****@gm***.com. Personal equipment cannot be used during the tournament. After the tournament, a second session will be opened at cost of paintballs.
WATSONVILLE
Community Band Concert
The Watsonville Community band will hold a series of concerts, including performances at the Henry Mello Center for Performing Arts, in Watsonville, at 2 p.m. March 20; The Hollister Veterans Memorial Building, at 7:30 p.m., March 23; and the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, at 2 p.m, March 27. Admission is free.
Thursday 3/24
HOLLISTER
One Stop Career Center celebrates 10 years
The San Benito County One Stop Career Center will host a 10-year anniversary celebration March 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 107. Welcoming remarks will be given by Enrique Arreola, the CSWD deputy director, Rick Deraiche, the EDD deputy division chief, and Nancy Martin, the EDC president/CEO. Guest speakers include Vice Mayor Ray Friend, San Benito County Supervisor Vice Chair Jaime De La Cruz and Rashad Said, the Advanced Vocational Institute’s executive director. For more information, call Laura Schipper at 637-5627 or e-mail ls*******@co**.us.
Friday 3/25
HOLLISTER
White Elephant Champagne and Tea
The Women’s Club of Hollister and the San Benito County Friends of the Library will be holding the second White Elephant Champagne and Tea at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, March 25, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and guests are asked to bring a treasure from home to donate to the auction/raffle in exchange for one raffle ticket. The afternoon includes light snacks, tea, coffee and champagne, entertainment and shopping. For more information or for tickets, call Gayle Jackson at 638-1068 or e-mail ga********@gm***.com.
MONTEREY
‘A Clockwork Orange’
The Paper Wing Theatre Presents “A Clockwork Orange,” directed by Lj Brewer, March 25 to April 16, Fridays and Saturdays, at 8 p.m., at 320 Hoffman Avenue. Tickets are $20 for general admission. For more information, visit www.PaperWingTheatreCo.com, at the door or by calling 905-5684. The show follows protagonist Alez in a futuristic society.
Saturday 3/26
HOLLISTER
Baler FameFest
The 7th annual Baler FameFest is March 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. The inductees into the Hall of Fame include Irma Bertuccio, George “Andy” Anderson, George “Bud” Presley, Bob Mazzuca, Bruce Anderson, Joe Postigo, Manny Chavez and Chuck Gansen. For event tickets, go to She’s, Righetti Liquors, San Benito High School or call Elaine Kovanda at 801-0656 or Michal Query at 801-0455.
Mardi Paws benefit
All Creatures Great and Small Rescue, Inc., of Hollister, will host a Mardi Paws benefit March 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, 3800 Airline Hwy. Tickets are $26 each, and table reservations are available for parties of six or more. Tickets will be sold in advance only and must be purchased by March 18. Costume dress is optional. The menu will include gumbo (with a vegetarian option available, butter leaf salad, warm rolls and butter, cream puffs, coffee, tea and iced tea, and one bottle of wine per table. All proceeds benefit homeless and abandoned animals. For more information or for tickets, call 636-7559 or 628-9594, or e-mail Vi**********@ao*.com, or visit www.allcreaturesgs.org.
NEWMAN
Bump City performs
Bump City will perform a Tower of Power tribute March 26, at 8 p.m., at West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., in Newman. Tickets are $15 general admission and $18 for reserved seating. The band will play R&B, soul and funk. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, call 209-862-4490, visit www.westsidetheatre.org or e-mail in**@we*************.org.
SAN JOSE
Invitational Choral Festival
The San Jose Choral Productions presents the Invitational Choral Festival, March 26 and 27, at Mission Santa Clara de Asis, in Santa Clara, with concerts at 8 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $18 for student and seniors. Children 10 and under are free. For more information, visit www.sjcp.org.
Sunday 3/27
SAN JOSE
‘Applause for Paws’
The San Jose Wind Symphony presents “Applause for Paws,” March 27, at 3 p.m., at the McAfee Center, 20300 Herriman Ave., in Saratoga. Tickets are $5 for students, $15 for seniors and $20 regular. Music will include excerpts from “Turkey in the Straw,” “Cats Tales,” “Peter and the Wolf,” and more. For more information or the full program, call 408-927-7597 or visit www.sjws.org.
April
Friday 4/1
HOLLISTER
Art Exposed in downtown Hollister
The Charming Chairs and Quilt Exhibit will be combined with the San Benito Open Studios Tour Preview show as Art Exposed at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St.. An artist’ reception is scheduled for April 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with music, wine and appetizers served. The exhibit will remain at the gallery through April 16. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chairs will be moved from the gallery to downtown businesses April 5 through the 15. Residents can bid on their favorite chair, with final bidding taking place at the Blak Sage Gallery April 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds go to the Downtown Endowment Fund. For more information, visit www.downtownhollister.org.
‘Charlotte’s Web’ opens
San Benito Stage Company presents “Charlotte’s Web,” a children’s musical April 1-16, Friday and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on April 3 and 10. Tickets are $12 for child/student/senior or $15 for adults. Group value packs are available for $40 for four tickets, by advance purchase only. Tickets are available at Postal Graphics and Pinnacle Floor Coverings. For more information, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
Sacred Heart three-in-one fundraiser
Sacred Heart Parish School will host a rummage sale, bake sale and car wash to support its eighth grade class April 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Sunnyslope Medical Building parking lot.
8th annual wildflower day
Pacheco State Park will celebrate the 8th Annual Wildflower Day April 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will include a birding walk at 9 a.m. and two short wildflower hikes at 10 a.m. and noon, as well as arts and crafts for children. Visitors can also take self-guided tours. Lunch will be available for purchase by Los Banos’ Hot Dog Heaven, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There is an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle. For more information, call 209-826-1197, e-mail bw***@pa***.gov with “Wildflower Day” as the subject line, or visit www.parks.ca.gov/events.
Community Hero dinner
The Hollister Youth Alliance will host the 2011 Community Hero dinner April 1, at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. The reception will begin at 6 p.m., with a musical performance by SOMOS. All money raised supports the Youth Alliance’s free after school programs, youth counseling and outreach, visual and performing arts programs, and more. For more information or for tickets, call 636-2853 or visit www.hollisteryouthalliance.org.
Saturday 4/2
HOLLISTER
Merit Badge University
Hollister Troop 436 will coordinate a Merit Badge University for Boy Scouts from troops around the county April 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Sacred Heart Parish School. Some of the merit badges that will be available include cinematography, electricity, scholarship, fingerprinting, computers, fire safety, graphic design, coin collecting, American heritage, inventing, truck transportation, pulp and paper, art, sculpting and railroading. Registration is $10 per badge and the badges can be completed in one day. Pre-registration is required. For more information or for an entry from, call Kristy Burchard at 636-6810.
Saturday 4/9
HOLLISTER
Saving the music with Zumba
Mr. O’s Save the Music Drive is hosting a Zumba party with the Z-Squad at Marguerite Maze Middle School Gym, 900 Meridian St., in Hollister, April 9, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 presale, $25 at door. Ages 15 and up. Tickets can be purchased online at www.savehollistermusic.org. For more information, e-mail in**@sa****************.org or call 297-2991. Proceeds will be donated to Mr. O’s Save the Music Drive.
Cerra Vista rummage sale
Cerra Vista School’s Parent-Teacher Organization is hosting a rummage sale April 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2151 Cerra Vista Drive. For more information, call Joe Martinez at 673-0075 or e-mail Jo*@ce********.com. Vendors can rent a space for $10.
Sunday 4/10
WATSONVILLE
St. Francis Spring Festival
The Spring Festival will be held April 10, at Our Lady of Help of Christians Catholic Church, 2401 East Lake Ave., in Watsonville. Proceeds support the St. Francis Association, a parents’ organization supporting St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School. The event includes music, food, drawings and games. A lunch will be served for $15 each, from noon to 5 p.m., with barbecued chicken, pasta, salad, rolls, beverages and dessert. For more information, call 475-0800 or 724-2933.
Saturday 4/16
HOLLISTER
Open Studios
The San Benito Arts Council will hold its annual Open Studios Tour, April 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s tour highlights the work of 24 artists in Hollister, San Juan and Aromas, including photographers, painters, sculptors, printmakers, jewelry makers, quilters and stained glass makers. It will also feature a rural winery that designs unique, hand-painted labels for their boutique wines. A copy can be downloaded at www.sanbenitoarts.org. For more information, call Jennifer at 636-2787 or e-mail in**@sa***********.org.
Earthquake Tour
You’ve heard that Hollister is the Earthquake Capitol of the world, but have you ever seen the active fault that brought us this fame? Come join geologists from Chamber Member Pacific Geotechnical Engineering for a walk through downtown Hollister to get up close a personal with our own world famous Calavares Fault. See exactly where the fault runs and the damage that active fault movement is causing; learn what this means for future earthquake probabilities and how it affects your property value. Learn about pertinent laws and building codes and what you can do to protect yourself and your property investment. Learn about 1906 and why Hollister might not be so devastated in the next “Big One.” It will be at the chamber office, at 650 San Benito St., #130, at 9 a.m. April 16. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the hour stroll. For more information, call 637-5315.
MORGAN HILL
Fleurs Plant Sale
The South Valley Fleurs Garden Club will host a plant sale April 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Booksmart parking lot, at East Second and Depot streets, in Morgan Hill. The sale will include sought after heirloom tomato plants and perennials. The garden club includes members from Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy, with about 65 members. The nonprofit group supports gardens for schools and maintains the Fire Safe Garden at the Union Road fire station.
Sunday 4/17
HOLLISTER
18th Annual Bike Blessing
The Top Hatters will hold its 18th Annual Bike Blessing April 17, at Whiskey Creek Saloon, 201 Fifth St., in Hollister, with a check in from 11 a.m. to noon. The bike blessing is free, but admission to the party afterwards is $20. The event includes vendors, music, food, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle. For more information, call 630-0284 or e-mail ho**********@ya***.com.
Saturday 4/23
HOLLISTER
Easter egg hunt
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxilary will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 23, at 1 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Park. There will be three hunting areas for children ages 2 to 10, broken up by ages 2-4, 5-7 and 8-10. There will also be some special eggs in the hunting areas. Parents are not allowed in the hunt area. The hunt will start right at 1 p.m., so residents are encouraged to arrive early. For children who do not find any eggs, there will be some eggs available at the command post. There will a designated parking area.
Friday 4/29
HOLLISTER
Celebration for the Arts! Salsa Party
Come join the San Benito County Arts Council for its third annual “Celebration for the Arts!” fundraiser April 29, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. Presented by the Arts Council, in partnership with San Juan Oaks, the event will feature salsa legend Julio Bravo Y Su Orquesta Salsabor, an exciting preshow with El Teatro Campesino and ZunZun, a slient auction, hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting. Proceeds benefit the Artists in the Schools program, which brings art to more than 6,000 students in 15 elementary schools in the county. Bravo’s band of 11 dynamic musicians will perform Latino jazz, salsa, meringue and more. Tickets are $50 a person and available online at www.EventBrite.com or through the Art’s Council website at www.sanbenitoarts.org. For more information, call Jennifer Laine at 636-2787.
Saturday 4/30
MORGAN HILL
Spring Tea
The Morgan Hill Historical Society will present its Spring Tea April 30, at the Morgan Hill House, Villa Mira Monte. Tickets are $30 and seating is limited. There will be two seatings, at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information and reservations, call Kathy Sullivan at 408-230-7876. Proceeds go to the Morgan Hill Historical Society.
