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There are many types of inspections that require our attention when we are selling our home.

Stolen vehicleSomeone stole a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche from a parking spot on Ringel Drive in Morgan Hill. The theft was reported 2:43 a.m. Nov. 21. The vehicle was later found in Oakland.A thief or thieves stole a red 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup from the Cochrane Plaza shopping center on Cochrane Road. The theft was reported 5:28 p.m. Nov. 18.Someone stole a silver 1997 Acura Integra from a parking spot on Madrone Parkway. The theft was reported 12:58 p.m. Nov. 20.Petty theftTwo men and a woman ran away from a Wal-mart security officer who confronted them about shoplifting at the store located at 170 Cochrane Plaza. The thieves attempted to steal perfume and beer. Police caught up to the three suspects, who were staying in an RV parked in the area, and verbally warned them not to go to the store again. The theft was reported 6:03 p.m. Nov. 21.A man stole several DVDs from Safeway grocery store, 840 E. Dunne Ave. the man ran away from the store on foot when an employee confronted him about the theft. The stolen items were later recovered. The theft was reported 2:10 p.m. Nov. 20.Someone stole a woman’s wallet from her purse while she was shopping at Trader Joe’s, 17035 Laurel Road. The woman, a Gilroy resident, said she subsequently saw unauthorized charges on her credit cards. The crime was reported 6:58 p.m. Nov. 15.A woman tried to steal oil and other items from O’Reilly Auto Parts, 16060 Monterey Road. An employee confronted the woman as she waited for a bus at the nearby bus stop, and the thief returned the oil but not the other items, which were concealed in her pockets. The theft was reported 7:02 p.m. Nov. 16.Defraud innkeeperSuspects who dined at La Hacienda restaurant, 16825 Condit Road, left without paying a $211 dinner tab. They also stole another customer’s credit card. The suspects left in a small blue Dodge pickup. The theft was reported 8:06 p.m. Nov. 21.Reckless vehicleA gray four-door Mazda 6 was speeding and doing donuts in the area of Calle Mazatan and Calle Cabezal. The recklessness was reported 4:53 p.m. Nov. 18.VandalismSomeone broke the window of a silver Honda Accord parked outside Ross Dress For Less, 16955 Monterey Road. The crime was reported 12:32 a.m. Nov. 19.Auto burglaryA thief or thieves were able to open the trunk of a 2013 Nissan Sentra parked on Carriage Drive and enter the vehicle. The crime was reported 7:49 a.m. Nov. 19.DisturbanceAn intoxicated customer at Super Taqueria, 15840 Monterey Road, was ejected from the restaurant after initiating a “civil matter over a burrito” with employees. The man was verbally warned not to return to the restaurant. The incident was reported 9:52 p.m. Nov. 19.A male customer at KFC, 17050 Laurel Road, was screaming and trying to fight with employees. The man was told by police not to return to the restaurant. The disturbance was reported 7:38 p.m. Nov. 14.BurglaryA thief or thieves broke into a home in Morgan Hill by breaking a bedroom window. The homeowner had left home for about an hour and returned to find the window broken. The crime was reported 4:09 p.m. Nov. 14.Suspicious vehicleA truck that was missing its right front tire was seen running stop signs and committing other traffic violations in the area of Hale and Wright avenues. Morgan Hill police caught up to the driver, who had a warrant from the City of San Jose. The incident was reported 2:26 p.m. Nov. 15.All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. Information is compiled from public records.

One of the largest commercial buildings in Morgan Hill, occupied by Paramit Corporation, recently changed ownership in a nearly $30 million transaction.San Mateo-based Nazareth Enterprises, Inc. announced that it purchased the 152,553-square-foot building at 18735 Madrone Parkway for $29.8 million. The purchase includes 10.44 acres of property on which the building, parking lots and associate facilities sit.The seller of the property, an unidentified private equity firm, was represented by Stan Johnson Company, according to the press release.Located in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara MSA in Santa Clara County, the property was developed in 2002 as a build-to-suit for Paramit Corporation, reads a press release from Nazareth Enterprises. Significant renovations were completed in 2014. The property features concrete construction, solar power, four dock doors and ample parking.Paramit Corporation researches, designs, engineers and manufactures medical devices and life-saving science instruments. Their Morgan Hill facility is the international company’s headquarters for research and development operations.Nazareth Enterprises is a privately held investment firm with real estate holdings and health care assets throughout northern California.

The word “boutique” sends a message of stylish, individualized clothing. Entering a fashion boutique is akin to being transported into one of the fashion capitals of the world, where the quality, patterns and cloths used all depict the quintessence of haute couture.

Prior to the election on Nov. 8, we had seen a slow but steady rise in mortgage interest rates. Many attributed this to the fact that the markets were being conservative prior to the election, and that the Federal Reserve had indicated a rise in short term rates in December was a given.

The flu season is fast approaching—the other day while at a stoplight I was sandwiched in between two people who were coughing incessantly—but fortunately science has given us ways to get through the winter months with fewer sick days. In terms of preventing the flu, getting a flu shot—surprise—is a must-do.

I was anxious to see Janu and Jason Goelz’s brand new tasting room, inside The Stomping Ground, an ambitious and exciting venture between the Goelz’ and Tim Slater, owner of Sarah’s Vineyard. A three-year plan for the venue includes several other boutique wineries, a brewery and a distillery—along with upscale eateries. I passed through a courtyard with tables and a water feature as I made my way into the eclectic tasting room.Instead of the usual adjectives to describe each wine, the extensive menu only lists the percentages of the various grapes contained in each wine. Bill Corneth, pouring wines that day, explained, “We don’t try to tell you what you’re going to taste because we don’t want you to feel like you’ve done something wrong if you don’t taste what you think you should.” Bill poured the first wine, a Pixalated Rose, a blend of grenache, mourvedre and pinot noir grapes. It is a dry rose, with a creamy mouthfeel—a pretty aperitif for the holidays.  The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a juicy bing cherry of a wine with a long, smooth finish. It’s 80 percent cabernet—blended along with four other varietals. Thoughts of pairing this wine with a rib eye steak drizzled with melted blue cheese crossed my mind.I tend to like wines with a little age on them so really enjoyed the 2011 Estate Merlot. This is a rich, full-bodied wine with complex flavors of dark fruits and well-structured tannins, making it an age-worthy wine. Purchasing two bottles before I left, I’ll have one bottle at this year’s holiday and save the other for next year.

Holiday CheerGet into the spirit of the holidays with decorated floats, roaring fire trucks and dancing horses in the downtowns of Gilroy and Morgan Hill during their holiday parade and tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 3. Gilroy starts with a Doggie Dress Up contest, vendors and entertainment beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Monterey Street at Fifth Street. Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs from Fourth to Seventh Streets. For Morgan Hill, get your chairs set up along Monterey Rd. between First and Fifth Streets and experience the spirit of the holidays with their traditional Lights Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss Santa’s Magic Ship as it leads the crowd to the ceremonial tree lighting. For more information visit gilroywelcomecenter.org or morganhillkiwanis.org.Honoring VetsVolunteers across the country come together in all 50 states to remember our fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom. You can participate by volunteering to help place wreaths on our Veterans final resting sites or sponsor a wreath at a cemetery near you. Ceremonies will be held in Hollister and Gilroy on Saturday, Dec. 17 beginning at 9 a.m. To learn how to donate a wreath and find listings of participating cemeteries visit sanbenitocountychamber.com or gilroy.org. For more information regarding the organization founding this national event go to wreathsacrossamerica.org.GILROYOmelet and Pancake SupperIt’s time to break all the rules and pamper your palate with an Omelet and Pancake Supper prepared especially for you by self-trained, madcap Gilroy Lion cooks. Enjoy custom-made omelets using ingredients such as ham, sausage, cheese, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms. Get your stack-on with golden, fluffy all-you-can-eat pancakes. You can treat yourself knowing that you are supporting the Lions’ sight conservation project. Come together on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Gilroy Presbyterian Fellowship Hall on 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. For tickets contact Bill at (408) 310-2915.LuminationDon’t miss the final month of ‘Lumination: Chinese Culture Celebrated in a Whole New Light,’ Gilroy Garden’s extraordinary light display representing over 2,000 years of Chinese history and culture, shown with brightly lit sculptures of iconic structures such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and Terracotta Warriors, each artistically woven into the park’s 26 acres of natural beauty. ‘Lumination’ extended through Jan. 8, 2017. Visit Gilroy Gardens Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $30, or $20 when buying four or more. Parking is $14. Save $5 by buying online. Daytime park admission is $34 online. For additional information go to luminationgilroy.org/index.LOS GATOSFantasy of LightsThe South Valley has been waiting for Vasona Park’s transformation into a winter wonderland with its annual Fantasy of Lights. You can enjoy this unique light display in the comfort of a vehicle or on foot as you, the kids or someone special stroll through the park at night. Enjoy the magical sights, sounds and flavors of the holidays including, carolers, holiday music and hot cocoa. Bring the kids and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The fantasy begins on Friday, Nov. 25 through Saturday, Dec. 31 for the drive through version, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. The walk-through is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 or Sunday, Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Vasona Lake County Park, on 333 Blossom Hill Rd. Advanced tickets only. $10 for 13 years and up, $5 ages 4 to 12. Call (408) 355-2201 or visit losgatos.com. MORGAN HILL Guglielmo Holiday FaireGuglielmo Winery’s Annual Holiday Faire is definitely worth gathering friends together and making a day for upgrading your holiday décor or finding a unique gift for that special someone. As you peruse the wonderful display of decorations, ornaments, stocking stuffers and home decor items and gifts you can sample a great selection of wines and enjoy tastings of gourmet morsels. If that is not enough you can always visit the Gift Shop during the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 23. Come out and shop ‘til you drop on Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10 or Sunday, Dec 4 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1480 East Main Ave, Morgan Hill. Visit guglielmowinery.com.Art walkValle del Sur Art Guild of Morgan Hill presents First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy a self-guided tour through downtown restaurants and shops to see the latest art exhibits. New artists every other month. This event makes the perfect date night. Stop by just one or two spots or visit them all. Stroll through downtown shops, get a bite to eat, stop for drinks, and enjoy art from local artists along the way. Venues are free and open to the public. If you see something you like, the artwork is for sale too. Begin your walk anywhere, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meet the artists at a reception at GVA Cafe from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information morganhillartgallery.comTHE VALLEYCalifornia ChoraleSymphony Silicon Valley Chorale presents the 12th Annual ‘Carols in the California,’ a delightful holiday concert directed by Elena Sharkova. Experience the tradition of unusual holiday pieces from many cultures and new arrangements of familiar pieces. Join in on the traditional sing-along of favorite carols including the return of “12 Days of Silicon Valley Christmas.” Delight in both the familiar and the new at this exciting, festive event on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the warm glow of the California Theatre on 345 South First St, San Jose. Tickets are $36 for adults and $26 for juniors (under 26) and can be purchased online at symphonysiliconvalley.org.

While some are interested in building walls, one group in the South Valley community is building bridges and working to create a more peaceful, tolerant world. Made up of 16 different faith organizations, the Interfaith Community of South County (ICSC) gathered for a special service on Thanksgiving Eve.Although the ICSC is still in its first year, the group’s facilitator, Susan Meyers, says the group began as a response to increased hostilities, “not just in our area, but all over the country—around people who are Muslim.”Meyers, a board member at Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill, says things in the South Valley became particularly heated in the last decade after the South Valley Islamic Community approached the planning commission with their proposal to build the Cordoba Center, a 15-acre parcel in San Martin that would serve as a site of worship, a community center, as well as a cemetery and open space. Not all of the community responded as positively as local faith-based organizations did.“It brought out people’s concerns and prejudices and also the support of the community,” says Meyers.She says that Rabbi Debbie Israel of Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill was one of the principals who started the interfaith clergy group. “They did an interfaith Thanksgiving service last year and then they were going to do an interfaith event for the Martin Luther King Day.”Pastor Lee Tyler of Advent Lutheran in Morgan Hill recalls their congregation would regularly hold Thanksgiving Day services.“Well last year we decided—more than Christians are celebrating Thanksgiving,” Tyler says. “Americans do. So we invited the rabbi and the imam and their congregations to join us and that’s where it began.”After the Thanksgiving service at Advent Lutheran, Meyers invited others interested in forming an interfaith lay group to get involved. The ICSC chose three areas of focus: education, service and social activity. Meyers says they decided to celebrate four major American holidays together.“First of all—we are all Americans. First thing we did was to march in the Fourth of July parade.”As part of their educational emphasis, the ICSC has held a series of lectures called “Faith of Our Neighbors.” Inviting people to come and learn about different faiths. So far the group has held two (of four) sessions; they were on Islam and Mormonism.“When we had our Muslim group speak there were 250 people who came to the event and the Mormons had about that same number. The idea is to bring the community together,” Meyers says.The last two educational lectures in the series will be on Judaism and Lutheranism.“We move around to one another’s ‘churches,’” says Meyers. “Part of the idea is to feel comfortable in one another’s religious homes.”Following the election of Donald Trump, tensions are increasing across the country and hate crimes are on the rise. The need for an interfaith community is even more important now, says Pastor Lee.“We need to care for our brothers and sisters in faith and that's not just Christian faith,” she says. “And it’s a little frightening right now, what our Jewish and Muslim friends are suffering is scary.”“We should have learned something by now.” says Lee. “I find it deeply depressing. That’s why I’m wearing a safety pin.”“The safety pin [a symbol that came out of the response to Britain's recent Brexit vote] is a sign that you are a safe person and anyone that’s being harassed or bullied can turn to you for assistance and you will stand with them,” she says.“I think it’s a great idea we’ve got to stand up and say this is not ok—you can’t hurt people like this.”Nadi Akhter, part of the South Valley Islamic Community and an active member in the ICSC says the relationship goes back to the start of the Cordoba Center. “We faced some opposition from some community members and at that point some of the congregations, especially the Jewish community, Father Rubio from St. Mary’s—these are the people who came for our support and told us ‘You guys are not alone.’”“It has made a big difference in my individual thinking and with the community as a whole,” Akhter says. “I do get emails of support from other members of this interfaith community and even passersby sometimes.”A woman recently approached Akhter at Walmart to apologize, saying “‘I want you to know that whatever Trump says is not the feeling of every American,’” says Akhter.“Those other people—we acknowledge they are bad guys,” she continues. “We condemn them. That's not right. Our faith doesn’t allow it. They are hijacking our faith.”Akhter points out South Valley Muslims’ commitment to the community, noting that the Muslims who make a home here are professionals and law-abiding citizens.“We bring a lot to this economy,” says Akhter, who is also an engineer by trade and adds half-jokingly, “The iPhone that everyone else is using—I don’t know how many Muslims wrote code on it.”But more work must be done to build bridges. “On social media every other day I am looking at one of the hate crimes,” says Akhter.Recent examples include a 19 year-old Muslim student at San Jose State who was attacked in a university parking garage when someone pulled on her hijab.“That’s not OK. In this civilized society this kind of makes me sad,” she says.Because the Muslim community is small, they rely on other faith-based groups to take opportunities to be of service. Akhter says it’s not enough to sit down at the table; she believes in action and was regularly involved in the community before the Cordoba Center.“If I’m out there with my headscarf on and helping the community, that’s going to make a statement and that’s what I believe in.”If there’s one thing each of the participants agrees, which Akhter sums up: “We have to look at people one on one. Treat them like humans—treat them like friends and do it this way.”The Interfaith Community of South County (ICSC) will celebrate their one year anniversary with a special Martin Luther King Day service, Monday Jan. 16, 2017 at St. Mary’s Parish, 11 First St, Gilroy. For more information about the ICSC, contact [email protected].