Local Scene: Anza Trail Moonlight Walk is Nov. 16

Anza Trail Moonlight Walk on Nov. 16

The fifth annual Moonlight Walk on Anza Trail will take place Nov. 16. The event includes a celebration of the Old Stage Road, San Benito County’s 150th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of the Anza Trail naming and the 10th anniversary of the R.E.A.C.H. San Benito Parks Foundation. 

Events also include the unveiling of new interpretive signage at the trailhead that honors the long history of the Old Stage Road, says a press release from R.E.A.C.H. The road bridges the two counties that were severed 150 years ago to form San Benito as separate from Monterey County.  

Also at the event will be brief speaking acknowledgements of the Old Stage Road as a “Bridge Between Counties, Communities and Cultures” during a time of healing from the wounds of redistricting, divergent ideologies and cultural differences, says the press release. 

The dedication ceremony for the Old Stage Road is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm Nov. 16, although the schedule is subject to change. 

The Moonlight Walk will begin as the sun sets and the moon rises (approximately 5:26pm). It is about a two-mile walk to the top of the hill, where participants will enjoy scenic evening views, says the release. 

Local astronomers will set up telescopes along the walking route for evening sky observation. 

Hikers must return to the trailhead by 8pm, says the press release. 

San Juan Bautista has been home to the Anza Trail since the Stage Road was hacked into the hillside to bring supplies to the Mission from Natividad, R.E.A.C.H added. 

Jazz at Gavilan is Nov. 7

Gavilan College’s annual Jazz @ Gavilan concert will take place 7pm Nov. 7 in the Gavilan Theater. This year’s performance will bring an unforgettable evening of live jazz music featuring faculty member Dahveed Behroozi on piano and synthesizer, accompanied by drummer Jason Lewis, says a press release from Gavilan College. 

The duo will showcase original compositions that debuted at the San Jose Jazz New Works Festival earlier this year. 

Opening the concert will be the Sobrato High School Jazz Band of Morgan Hill, under the direction of Greg Chambers. 

Admission is free for students; $20 for general admission; and $10 for senior citizens. Tickets can  be purchased online at 

Tickets can be purchased online at https://gofan.co/event/1726772?schoolId=CA87775, or at the Gavilan Theater door. The theater is located at Gavilan College’s main campus in Gilroy, at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.  

Holiday arts in Aromas

Excitement is building in Aromas as crafters and artists prepare to offer their work to the public on Nov. 16-17 from 10am-4pm at the Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave. The annual holiday arts event has become a tradition in Aromas, located about 10 miles south of Watsonville. 

Aromas artisans will display their handmade wares—including paintings, stained glass, photography, etchings, carved and turned wood items, jewelry, succulents, and much more. Attendees can enjoy live music by Jesse Martinez as they stroll the aisles and relax. Sip a cup of cider and relax at one of the tables by the fireplace, or take a free class from one of the crafters.

More than two dozen handmade items will be raffled off. The drawing will take place on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 17. 

PG&E: Defeat phantom power

Silent energy suckers are scattered throughout your home and business, often hiding in plain sight. These invisible drains on electricity can quietly add up to increased power use, even when appliances and devices are in standby mode or turned off, putting additional strain on energy budgets, says a press release from Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

PG&E offers advice to identify these costly energy vampires, and practical ways to lower their energy consumption and save money on monthly bills.

Many of the appliances and devices customers use are always plugged in. But these always-on appliances and electronics can account for nearly a quarter of customers’ annual electricity bill and can cost the average U.S. household up to $200 a year, PG&E says. 

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the wasted energy across the country is equivalent to brewing 234 cups of coffee every day for a year.

The biggest electricity-guzzling ghouls include:

• Television
• Smart speakers/smart home devices
• Cell phone/tablet chargers
• Modem/internet router
• Gaming consoles
• Desktop computers and laptops
• Countertop kitchen appliances: coffee makers, kettles, microwaves

These small no-cost and low-cost changes can help lower energy usage and provide relief when every bit of savings matters, PG&E says:

• Unplug devices when not in use
• Use advanced power strips
• Turn lights off when you leave the room
• Upgrade to Energy Star® certified appliances
• Use PG&E’s free energy and money-saving online tools: Home Energy Checkup and Energy Action Guide.
• Sign up for HomeIntel: a free program for PG&E customers with a Smart Meter, includes a free Smart Audit account & personal energy coach.
• Use a Plug Load Logger: a device that measures and records power and energy consumption and provides time-stamped information for a detailed analysis.