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As you walk up to Castillo Hillside Shire Winery, the scenery seems almost unreal. Upon arrival you’re guided to park in front of an ornate stone mansion and then walk up a paved hill surrounded by greenery on either side. You’ll notice a large pond to your right, named Vivienne’s Lagoon, after the owners’ daughter. You’ll pass an old barn that’s been converted into a guest home and finally you’ll arrive at a quaint little house fit for a Hollywood hobbit—this is the tasting room.

Hollister’s Nob Hill is pulling all tobacco products from its shelves in the coming weeks. To recognize the local grocer, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez and the county health department next week will hold an event recognizing the store for its effort.

Pantone Color Institute, the world’s leading color authority, recently named Marsala – which it described as “A naturally robust and earthy wine red, Marsala enriches our minds, bodies and souls.” -- as the color for 2015.

The Hollister Downtown Association has selected ConvExx to organize the Hollister Motorcycle Rally in 2015, according to an announcement from the HDA.

The San Benito County Police Activities League (PAL) is holding its inaugural benefit fundraiser basketball game at San Benito High on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. Members of local law enforcement and public safety will play a game against former NFL players and former Team USA women’s basketball player Ruthie Bolton.

Every now and then I like to head over to Live Oak Adult Day Services in Gilroy for an hour or so to hang out and talk with the seniors. Not only does it give me a little break from the office, but sometimes I get to hear some story gems.

Even though I have lived most of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have never spent much time in the East Bay. I often travel through on the interstate highway corridors that take me in and out of the Bay Area, but I very rarely probe the back roads.

Lately, I have spent an inordinate amount of time on Facebook, taking quizzes to discover what Disney princess I am. For what it’s worth, I am Pocahontas, which honestly is a bit disappointing because I don’t like the wilderness. Or trees. Or little critters that may or may not talk to me.

Tucked away in the Morgan Hill Plaza shopping center on Monterey Street is a small shop that impacts the lives of many local residents. From this modest location, Global Literacy Outreach operates many ministries benefitting low-income families.

About a third of the country will tune into the biggest football game of the year next weekend. Chicken wings, pizza and a variety of dips—including queso dip—are foods commonly consumed while watching the game. This week, I share a recipe for a uniquely different queso, which is sure to impress your fellow game-watchers and make you the MVP of the party.