October
Saturday 10/3
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Flag raising celebration
A special flag raising celebrating the Culture Capital of
America Year, Alta California 2009, will occur at San Juan Bautista
State Historic Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, free cake
will be served. In addition, the volunteers of the Plaza History
Association will conduct First Saturday Living History until 4 p.m.
The historic Plaza Hotel Saloon will be open for old-fashioned
sodas. Adults $3, children free, sodas $2 each, free parking along
city streets. For more information visit:
culturecapitalofamerica.com.
October
Saturday 10/3
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Flag raising celebration
A special flag raising celebrating the Culture Capital of America Year, Alta California 2009, will occur at San Juan Bautista State Historic Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, free cake will be served. In addition, the volunteers of the Plaza History Association will conduct First Saturday Living History until 4 p.m. The historic Plaza Hotel Saloon will be open for old-fashioned sodas. Adults $3, children free, sodas $2 each, free parking along city streets. For more information visit: culturecapitalofamerica.com.
MOSS LANDING
Birding workshop and hot chocolate sunset cruise
Those interested in seeing the fall migration of birds can participate in birding workshops Oct. 3, at 4 p.m., and Nov. 7, at 3 p.m., at Moss Landing Harbor. Participants will explore wetlands of Elkhorn Slough on a pontoon boat, learn techniques to identify shorebirds and observe otters and seals. A hot chocolate sunrise tour will also be available Oct. 9 and Oct. 23, at 4:15 p.m., for $35 a person. The tour is two hours and leaves from the Moss Landing Harbor. For more information or reservations, call 633-5555.
SALINAS
Salinas Bonsai exhibit
The Salinas Bonsai Club is presenting an exhibit of bonsai Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church, 536 Lincoln Ave., in Salinas. Admission is free and the event includes a chance to discover the living art of bonsai, as well as meet members of the local club. There will be a free bonsai clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to bring their tired or overgrown bonsai to be restored. A 1:30 p.m. demonstration will be given by Katsumi Kinoshita. Tea and cookies will be served, and a raffle will be held for the demonstration tree. For more information, call 724-9283.
Sunday 10/4
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Mikio Watanabe artist reception
Mikio Watanabe will demonstrate printing mezzotint engravings at an artist reception in his honor Oct. 4, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Mission Gallery, 106 Third St., in San Juan. Watanabe is traveling from France to help celebrate the Mission Gallery’s 10-year anniversary. For more information, call 623-2960 or visit www.missiongalleryart.com.
Wednesday 10/7
HOLLISTER
‘Showcasing Our Local Artists’ show opens
The Hollister Art League will be hosting the “Showcasing Our Local Artists” art show Oct. 7 through Nov. 14, at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., in Hollister. An artist’s reception will be held Oct. 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., where refreshments will be served. Local artists will display paintings in oil and watercolor, as well as linocuts, mixed media and photography. All art is for sale. For more information, call 636-9100 or 637-6062.
GILROY
Gavilan College annual Health and Resource Fair The Gavilan College annual Health and Resource Fair is on Oct. 7, at the Gavilan College Student Center, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., in Gilroy. It is open to the public and usually draws 1,500 visitors of all ages, and lasts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free testing of blood pressure, blood glucose, HIV/AIDS will be given and counseling will be referred. Tests can be performed on children as long as their parent or guardian is present. All test results will be entirely confidential, and involve no needles. More than 42 representatives will be present including: Planned Parenthood, REACH Mentoring Program, and Community Solutions. Visitors will be able to speak with representatives. For more information, call 408-848-4791.
Thursday 10/8
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
‘La Factoria’
“La Factoria” will be presented at El Teatro Campesino, 705 Fourth St., in San Juan Bautista, Oct. 8 – 11. The stage show has been dubbed ’10 percent Spanish, 100 percent comedy. For more information, call Roxanne at 297-0691 or e-mail Dr*************@gm***.com.
Friday 10/9
HOLLISTER
Habitat throws Masquerade Ball
The Habitat for Humanity of San Benito County, Inc. will host a Masquerade Ball Oct. 9, at San Juan Oaks. Tickets are $50. No-host cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., and dancing to follow. Music will be by The Ramblers. Costumes are welcome, but not required. Masks will be sold at the door. For more information on tickets, call 635-9904.
Saturday 10/10
HOLLISTER
Pink & Rock Benefit Concert
A benefit concert will be held for 30-year-old Hollister native Kelly Alvernaz-Freitas on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4-10 p.m. at Bolado Park. Alvernaz-Freitas was diagnosed with breast cancer one month after getting married. Proceeds from the event, tickets to which cost $10 for adults and are free for children, will help offset the cost of medical and fertility treatments. The concert will feature music by 420 Hudson Street, Mighty Mites, Beach the Seed, and The Jillian Project. Guests are encouraged to wear pink and bring lawn chairs and a picnic meal. For tickets, call 831-801-2746. For more information, go to mannyandkelly.blogspot.com.
Renaissance Faire Celtic concert
The Northern California Renaissance Faire runs weekends through Oct. 18, at Casa de Fruta, off Hwy. 152. The faire will feature Celtic Rock concerts free with admission each weekend, starting at 6 p.m. Bands scheduled include Brother, Wicked Tinkers, The Young Dubliners and Tempest. Advanced tickets are available online at www.NorCalRenFaire.com. General admission is $25 and $10 for children, though kids under 12 can get in free the first weekend. A weekend pass is available for $35 and fairever passes are available for $150 a person. Other entertainment includes jousting, musicians and stage performers.
Pet Friends yard sale
The Pet Friends Center will be hosting a new and gently used yard sale Oct. 10 starting at 8 a.m., at their site, 2975 Buena Vista Road, in Hollister. They are currently collecting donations of new and gently used items to sell. Items can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday at Pet Friends. For more information, call 634-1191.
R.O. Hardin School Flea Market
R.O. Hardin School PTO will be hosting a flea market at the school Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon, at 881 Line St., in Hollister. Vendor spaces are still available for a $10 rental fee. The $10 benefits the school, and vendors keep all the profits from their sales. For more information or to reserve a space, call Maria Spandri at 636-4440.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Condor Classic Bicycle Ride
The second annual Condor Classic Bicycle Ride is Oct. 10. The bicycle ride is located in Windhaven Ranch, in San Juan Bautista. The entrance fee is $65 for adults or $15 for kids under 17 with an accompanying adult. Four routes are available, including a family-friendly 10 mile course, the San Juan Flatlander 20-mile route, the Aromas Trek 40-mile route, the Southside Flight 100K route and the Centennial Challenge 100-mile route. For more information and to sign up, go to www.condorclassic.com. second annual Condor Classic Bicycle Ride is Oct. 10. The bicycle ride is located in Windhaven Ranch, in San Juan Bautista. The entrance fee is $65 for adults or $15 for kids under 17 with an accompanying adult. Four routes are available, including a family-friendly 10 mile course, the San Juan Flatlander 20-mile route, the Aromas Trek 40-mile route, the Southside Flight 100K route and the Centennial Challenge 100 mile route. For more information and to sign up, go to www.condorclassic.com.
PRUNEDALE
Harvest dance
The Central Coast Young Farmers and Ranchers will host the sixth annual Harvest dance Oct. 10, at Chapin Pines, 440 Crazy Horse Road, in Prunedale. The event is a frundraiser for Ag Against Hunger. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door, including one drink ticket. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. Monterey County Farm Bureau annual meeting, followed by a no-host cocktail hour 6:30 p.m. and barbecue dinner at 7 p.m. Dancing will begin at 8 p.m. with music by the Shan Johnson Band. For more information, 751-3100.
Sunday 10/11
SAN JUAN OAKS
Cattlewomen’s Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon
The San Benito County Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon is $25, and will be held at San Juan Oaks on Oct. 11 at noon. For more information, call 637-7766.
Thursday 10/15
HOLLISTER
Oaxacan documentary
The Binational Center for the Development of Indigenous Oaxacan Communities and Oaxacan Cultural project present Oaxacan, a showing of a documentary film by acclaimed Chatina filmmaker Yolanda Cruz and a lecture by Edilberto Hernandez on indigenous Triqui identity. The event will be held at R.O. Hardin School, 881 Line St., Oct. 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Childcare will be provided, and the presentation will be in Spanish and Triqui. The film portrays a Chatino sculptor’s response to the effects of migration on his indigenous town. For more information, call Adan at 801-8387, Juanita at 537-4824 or Berny 537-4834.
Saturday 10/17
HOLLISTER
Hollister Hills MTB race
South Valley Bike & Run Club is hosting the first Hollister Hills MTB race on Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. This event is a USA Cycling sanctioned for beginner, sport, and expert classes. Admission fees are $30 for members, $35 for non-members, and an additional $5 for parking. For more information, visit www.svbikeandrunclub.com or call 408-461-1059
Texas hold’em tournament
The Hollister City Employee Relay for Life Team is hosting its third Texas Hold’em Tournament on Oct. 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at the Portuguese Hall, 695 Seventh St. This event contributes charities to the American Cancer Society. Cost start at $40 with complimentary beverages and snacks included. To register, send checks payable to ACS and mail to: ACS, P.O. Box 835, Hollister, CA 95024. For more information, call Nancy Durham at 801-5421 or Geri Johnson at 637-1475.
Compassion Walk for Life
Compassion Pregnancy Services and STD clinic will be hosting its Walk for Life 5K run, Oct. 17, at 9 a.m., at Dunne Park. The race will be followed by a barbecue and awards ceremony at 11 a.m. Residents can donate or print out pledge forms online at MyHollisterCompassion.com or stop by the office at 483 Fifth St., Hollister. For more information, call 637-4020.
Thursday 10/22
HOLLISTER
Binational Health Week health fair
The San Benito Health Foundation will be hosting a Binational Health Week health fair Oct. 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at its Community Health Center, 351 Felice Drive, in Hollister. The event will include free medical screenings, a multicultural barbecue and arts and crafts for kids. It will start off with a brief address by Rosa Vivian Fernandez, the CEO of the Health Foundation and public health leaders. For more information, call Araceli Marquez at 637-6871.
Friday 10/23
HOLLISTER
‘Little Shop of Horrors’
The San Benito Stage Company presents the teen musical, ‘The Little Shop of Horrors,’ at the Granada Theatre, on 336 Fifth St., Oct. 23 through Nov. 8. Performances of the PG show are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at Postal Graphics, Mars Hill and the Running Rooster. Admission is $15 a person, $12 for seniors and students, or $40 for a four-pack. For more information, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
Saturday 10/24
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
San Juan Bautista Ghost Walk
The San Juan Bautista Rotary Club will host a guided walking tour of several local sites where ghost sightings have been rumored. The tour is Oct. 24, at 6 p.m, 6:15 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required by Oct. 16. The cost is $15 per adult, and $10 for children. The tour includes hor d’oeurves, Halloween candy and beverages. Proceeds benefit the San Juan Bautista Rotary Club. To RSVP or for more information, call Lisa at 623-4548, Cara at 588-9407 or Andrew at 801-3509.
TRES PINOSb
Take-Down Fundraising Dinner Night
The San Benito High School Wrestling Program will be hosting a buffet-style dinner and dessert Oct. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 7290 Airline Hwy., in Tres Pinos. Tickets are $15 a person, or $25 a couple, with proceeds benefiting the wrestling program. The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle. Coaches will be on hand for a meet-and-greet and alumni wrestlers are encouraged to attend, though the event is open to all. RSVP to Coach DeCarli by Oct. 14. Checks can be made payable to Baler Backers/Wrestling. For more information, call 637-5831, ext. 283.
POINT SUR
Lighthouse Ghost Tour
The Fourth Annual Ghost Tour at Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park, 19 miles south of Rio Road, on Hwy. 1, is Oct. 24 and 25 at 5:15 p.m. Tours last about three hours. The cost of the event is a tax-deductible donation of $55 to benefit the restoration of the park. The evening begins with a walking tour of the lighthouse at sunset, with refreshments served at the barn. Kevin Hanstick, a professional actor/story teller, will recount real stories of Pt. Sur’s ghostly sightings and poltergeist activities. Dessert and hot drinks will be served in the visitor’s center. Tour size is limited to the first 40 people who reserve spaces. Call 6497139 or e-mail cc**@po******.org for reservations.
November
Sunday 11/1
HOLLISTER
Brass band concert
The Pacific Brass will present a benefit concert for the San Benito County YMCA at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2066 San Benito St. The Pacific Brass is made up of musicians from San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties. Their repertoire consists of traditional brass band and symphonic music as well as American folk songs, rags, marches and selections from musical theater. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, and are available at the door or at the YMCA on Fifth Street or Ace Hardware on Airline Highway. For more information, call 637-8600 or 637-7200.
