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The harvest of summer vegetables is over, but that doesn’t mean the garden has to be put to bed. The days are still warm enough to get some hearty, cool season vegetables in the ground. This is the time of year for root vegetables—beets, radishes, turnips, parsnips, rutabagas, carrots—all which can be started from seed. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, swiss chard can also thrive throughout the winter months. In this area, garlic is grown year-round but the best time for home gardeners to plant it is right now for bigger, better bulbs. Water regularly and mulch around all vegetables to protect roots and to keep the soil moist.

Credit scores are by now a well-used and determining factor in a family getting credit of any kind. Never before have they been so important when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage loan.

My brother is one of those enviable souls who lives in Napa and pours wine on the weekend for one of the wineries there. So when I visit, he likes to take me around to any one of the 400 or so wineries in the area. I enjoy the great wines and beautiful scenery of Napa, but I believe that our wine region has so much more to offer. Here are my top 10 reasons why our wineries are superior:

City staff and a top national residential developer will spend the next 60 days negotiating a project that could accomplish a number of the council’s long-term planning goals for Morgan Hill’s downtown, including improving traffic flow, bringing more residential units to the neighborhood and moving an industrial property to a less quiet part of town.At the Nov. 16 Morgan Hill City Council meeting, the council voted 4-0 to allow the city manager to negotiate exclusively with Brookfield Residential Properties to redevelop a portion of the Community and Cultural Center parking lot. If the negotiations go the way the city hopes, the project will realign Depot Street at Church Street where the two roadways intersect with East Dunne Avenue, build about 56 new townhomes where Depot Street is now and add more parking for CCC patrons and visitors, according to city staff reports.The project is at the heart of the site of the annual Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras, which brings tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Morgan Hill for Memorial Day Weekend every year. Bob Benevento, member of the board of directors for the nonprofit MMG, noted that maintaining adequate parking for the two-day festival—as well as other events on the CCC grounds such as the Chamber’s Friday Night Music Series—is a key consideration.“The change of the geography of the area (due to this project) will impact the festival, and we need to work with the city or we could be out of business in a couple years,” Benevento said.Conceptual plans, produced by Brookfield, show Depot Street would be realigned with the existing traffic light at Church and East Dunne, where a main entrance to the CCC parking lot is located. This entrance would be transformed into a continuation of Church Street into Depot Street.The existing stretch of Depot Street—approximately from the southern end of the Caltrain lot to East Dunne—as well a southeastern portion of the existing CCC parking lot, would be redeveloped with new housing, according to the city staff report. Conceptual plans also include a two-story parking structure with about 145 spaces at the northern end of the CCC parking lot.The Hammond family, which owns Hale Lumber, entered into contract negotiations with Brookfield in the summer of 2016, according to city staff.“One of the most exciting things is (the project) would allow us to move an industrial use out of the downtown, that in previous times would only have been done with Redevelopment Agency assistance,” Morgan Hill Economic Development Manager Edith Ramirez told the council Nov. 16. The state of California closed the RDA in 2012.Ramirez also hinted that some financial challenges for the city could remain even after negotiations are scheduled to end in January 2017. These include the costs associated with the Depot Street alignment itself, which the city might have to bear on its own, Ramirez said. Another cost challenge will be financing replacement parking spots for those lost to the residential construction and street upgrades.Councilman Gordon Siebert said during the negotiations, city staff should consider asking Brookfield to share some of the profits they plan to make on the residential units with the city by paying for a portion of the Depot Street realignment costs.Brookfield is the fifth largest residential developer in North America and specializes in “infill” development on properties located near transit centers, which Ramirez noted is an apt description of the CCC/Depot Street site.The realignment of Depot to Church Street has been “envisioned” by city planning documents—including the Downtown Specific Plan, the Infrastructure Master Plan and the General Plan 2035 update—for several years, according to a city staff report which comments on the currently awkward street alignment.If the city and Bookfield come to agreeable terms all around, they could have a development agreement by January 2017, according to city staff.

Most objects can perform a function or purpose, but only a rare few can serve as a portal into the past. What if a piece of fabric could take you back in time?

Police recovered an unregistered firearm and numerous illegal “high-capacity” magazines, as well as narcotics, during a traffic stop earlier this week, according to authorities.A Morgan Hill police officer was patrolling the area of Butterfield Boulevard and Jarvis Drive when he came across a suspicious vehicle, reads a post on the MHPD Facebook page. The social media post did not provide the date and time of the incident.When the officer made contact with the driver—identified as Richard Vallarta, 26—he became aware of Vallarta’s “evasive demeanor” and called for backup, police said.Vallarta was driving alone at the time of the stop.As more officers arrived the investigating officer found an unregistered, loaded semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity magazine, as well as narcotics and paraphernalia indicative of methamphetamine and heroin use, plus additional high-capacity magazines.Vallarta was booked at Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of multiple felony charges.

Emilio Martinez was the one man Live Oak couldn’t stop Friday night, forcing the Acorns to end their storied 2016 run with a 40-14 loss to Palma.

A proposed mixed-use development that could add up to 550,000 square feet of industrial space on Butterfield Boulevard was given the informal green light from the City Council Nov. 16.The project, which also incorporates more than 380 residential apartment units, has been the subject of ongoing contention leading up to the latest council meeting.The council heard developer Mwest’s “preliminary plans” at the Nov. 16 meeting. The body insisted that the imminent formal development agreement include long-term assurances that the property owner won’t allow anymore residential rezoning or allotment requests to “creep up” on the industrially zoned parcel.Mwest owns about 52 acres on the west side of Butterfield Boulevard between Jarvis and Digital drives. Their ambitious plans for the property call for up to 10 new industrial buildings of varying sizes on the land that fronts Butterfield and Digital Drive, plus 386 “high quality rental” units on the corner of Monterey Road and Jarvis Drive to accommodate future employees.Representatives from Mwest promised the council that the developer remains committed to building the industrial part of their mixed-use project before the residential, as the council has insisted in previous discussions. The council was worried about recent updates on the project, which was first conceptualized in 2014, indicate the developer views the industrial project as being “dependent on the residential.”“The industrial is not contingent on the residential,” Mwest Project Director Kerry Williams told the council Nov. 16. “We’re moving full throttle on the industrial. These are the steps we need to make (in order) to make it business ready.”Councilmembers were also unanimously worried about Mwest or a future developer trying to push more residential on the industrial side of the project by applying for another rezoning or General Plan amendment in the future. Councilman Larry Carr summarized the council’s worries by directing city staff to include provisions in the upcoming development agreement that ensure “this (project) cannot allow for more residential at the loss of industrial.”Mwest’s residential project will be built on 19.5 acres of the site, which the council rezoned from industrial to residential in September 2015. The industrial buildings and central park would occupy 32.9 acres.The rezoning of the industrial portion (from residential) was met with stiff opposition from the Morgan Hill business community—including the Chamber of Commerce and existing nearby industrial owners—when it was under discussion in 2015. Mwest’s parcel sits within the 387.5-acre Morgan Hill Ranch Business Park.Integrated plansIf the city approves all the permits, the project known as Butterfield Technology Center would include a 4-acre “central park,” a 7.9-acre “levee park” on a city-owned detention basin and a “greenway” between the residential and industrial sites.The industrial buildings are proposed at varying sizes to accommodate anything from a small startup to a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing/industrial building.The developer’s goal is to integrate the residential, industrial and recreational/open space aspects without creating a disruptive environment for the new residents, who would ideally be employed at the industrial park, according to Anthony Cataldo, the project’s architect.Landscape architect Alma Du Solier said the central park will be open to the public and on weekends, with sports courts, playgrounds, pathways and a “multi-use green area”—all of which will “work for both residents and the industrial.”“The benefits of the industrial next to the park is during the weekends it can transform uses. The residents next door can activate that space,” Du Solier added.City staff noted the park will require a conditional use permit or a General Plan amendment from the city—depending on the proposed public access.The plan proposes extending Sutter Boulevard south into the property. This roadway extension, along with the adjacent planned 50-to-80-foot wide “greenway,” would connect “seamlessly” with the central park, Du Solier added.Council: Enough residentialThe council’s OK of the industrial aspect was a courtesy to the developer, who wanted officials to see their plans before submitting them for a formal development agreement. This is the first step toward gaining site approvals and building permits.The central park idea proved to be a sticky subject among councilmembers, chiefly because Mwest plans to take the four acres out of the industrial zoning rather than the residential.“While I think a buffer that’s smaller than that, maybe an acre (would be OK), I wouldn’t mind it coming out of the residential side, not the industrial side,” Councilman Gordon Siebert said via teleconference from Tennessee at the Nov. 16 meeting. “We are too easily led to reduce the amount of industrial land that’s going to provide jobs in the future.”Mwest has submitted an application for 386 residential allotments from the city’s Residential Development Control System current competition for units that won’t begin construction until 2019.Councilman Rich Constantine said Mwest’s plans are “progressing nicely.” He said city staff and the developer should focus their energy on making sure Mwest has permission to start supplying needed infrastructure for both the residential and industrial aspects.“This is going to give us something we really need in Morgan Hill, which is apartments,” Constantine said. “The business leaders in this community have said that’s something we really need.”

Nutcracker Ballet Story Time - South Valley Dance Arts  and BookSmart present a reading of The Nutcracker, a story about a young German girl who dreams of a nutcracker prince and a fierce battle against a mouse king. This beautiful story will be told along with excerpts from the upcoming SVDA’s ballet production starting Saturday, Dec. 2 at Ann Sobrato Performing Arts Center, 401 Burnett Ave, Morgan Hill. For tickets, go to brownpapertickets.com. Come enjoy a wonderful introduction and preview with dance performances of favorite scenes on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BookSmart’s new location on 1295 East Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill. Free for the whole family. For more information go to mybooksmart.com.Arts and Crafts Holiday Gift SaleThe “Movers and Makers” bring the Third Annual Arts and Crafts Holiday Gift Sale to Moss Landing. Their mission is to bring talented artists together so they can showcase amazing art and make it available to the public for purchase. You will find original, handmade works in ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. If you’re lucky, you might even discover art made by Sea Lions. This wonderful craft fair comes together in a beautiful and intimate setting on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Nancy Russell Art Studio and Gardens on 10942 Pieri Court, Moss Landing. Find out more about the historic art studio at mlartscrafts.com. AROMAS Holiday Art FestivalFind beautiful treasures at the Aromas Hills Artisans Holiday Festival and Raffle. Find gift ideas in many different mediums including woodcarvings, fused glass, gourd vessels, paintings, dried floral wreaths, quilted items and more. Talk to artists, learn a craft and take home something special. Make it a day and enjoy some cider or a cup of coffee and a cookie alongside a cozy fire. Take part in the annual raffle for a chance to win some wonderful art on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave. For more information call (831) 566-7442.GILROYMost Valuable Student ContestEvery year the Gilroy Elks Lodge, No.1567 and Elks National Foundation award Most Valuable Student (MVS) scholarships to graduating seniors. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The top 20 finalists will attend a leadership weekend in April, where they will receive scholarships from $20,000-$50,000. An additional 480 finalists will receive $4,000 scholarships to support their college education. The 2017 MVS application deadline is Nov. 30. Visit enf.elks.org/mvs or call Sam Bozzo at (408) 847-4559.GILROY/ MORGAN HILLHome for the HolidaysThere are several events in South Valley for people staying close to home. The Gilroy Library will be hosting a Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids event and an International Games Day for families on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Noon and 2 p.m., respectively. They will also be hosting Family Movies Days on Monday through Wednesday, Nov 21-23 beginning at 2 p.m. Morgan Hill’s American Association of University Women will also be hosting a speaker series on Women and Culinary Arts on Tuesday, Nov 22, at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Library. Contact janetmichie1@gmail for more information. You can also find fun at the Lego Club for kids ages 2 and up on Mondays at 4 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 26 you can go to a Family Movie Matinee at 3 p.m. Find more at sccl.org. Joe Sharino BandCome join the Joe Sharino Band and their special guest, Alison Sharino at Guglielmo Winery this Friday night. Don’t miss this intimate performance and your chance to dance to classic rock, motown and funk songs of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Tickets are in limited supply with just 45 remaining. Advanced tickets $30, with a discount of $27 each for groups of 10+. $35 at the door. Don’t miss the fun on Friday, Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. under the heated tents at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 East Main Avenue, Morgan Hill. Buy tickets at http://Nov18.BPT.me or (800) 838-3006.HOLLISTER Lights On CelebrationJoin Hollister for their annual Lights On Celebration. Celebrate this year’s theme, The Night Before Christmas, with a full day of events in the heart of the downtown on Saturday, Nov. 26. Check out the Holiday Car Display featuring the 2016 Street Festival Winners from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Seventh Street. Get your holiday shopping started at the Holiday Boutique from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. Local nonprofits will participate in Dec-a-Tree benefiting local families in need. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. along San Benito St. Buy a keepsake a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus ($10). Spread some love, peace and hope for the holiday season. Visit downtownhollister.org.NEW ALMADENQuicksilver Holiday BoutiqueFor a great historical experience while you get in some holiday shopping, go to the Quicksilver Holiday Boutique housed in Casa Grande, home of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. The historic building, situated in what was once the gateway to the mines, will be decorated for the holidays with costumed docents and staff. Enjoy crafts and holiday goodies and pick up great gifts for family and friends on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the little town of New Almaden at 21350 Almaden Rd. for more information go to parkhere.org.THE VALLEYDowntown on IceFamily and friends are invited to skate under the beautifully lit Circle of Palms in San Jose’s ice skating wonderland. An Olympic gold medalist ice skater, Kristi Yamaguchi will help with the opening celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. Visit nearby Christmas in the Park, opening Friday, Nov. 25. The rink is at 120 S Market St, San Jose and is open daily from Friday, Nov. 18 through Monday, Jan. 16. There are no in-and-out privileges. General admission is $17, $15 for children under 10. Admission includes ice time and rental skates. Bring your own skates and pay $10. For hours and information, including discounts at downtownicesj.com. For parking information go to parksj.org.   

South County residents at the Nov. 16 city council meeting displayed protest signs and delivered impassioned comments about their opposition to the California High Speed Rail Authority’s plans to bring a 200-mph-plus train through Morgan Hill.The council and city staff wanted to gain additional input from the public to help in drafting a “scoping letter” to the HSRA in hopes of influencing the high-speed train’s ultimate alignment.“Tonight we talk about the questions we want to put together in a letter to the High Speed Rail Authority, (so that) regardless of what alignment (HSRA) chooses, it addresses all the issues and concerns we have in this community,” Morgan Hill Economic Development Manager Edith Ramirez said.These issues include potential impacts related to noise, safety, aesthetics and the effect on parks and recreation facilities, Ramirez added.Those in attendance added their property values and equitable compensation for their properties, if they are in the path of the final HSR alignment, count among the concerns as well.“Some of us are being asked to be devastated financially,” said Hesham Eassa, whose voice grew louder and hand gestures became more animated as he used his three-minute speaking allotment during the public hearing. “It is grossly unfair and it needs to be stopped.”The imposing proximity of the HSR—with its potential noise, visual and construction impacts—to residents’ homes or neighborhoods could result in a long-term deflation of those property values, Eassa and others worry.Some whose homes are in the right-of-way of an alignment, and are likely to be taken by the HSRA, were skeptical that they will receive fair compensation.The council already had a long list of questions about the local impact before the meeting, which they plan to deliver to the HSRA and pursue answers before the authority decides on a preferred alignment through Morgan Hill in the spring of 2017. They gained more questions to add to the list from those who spoke at the Nov. 16 meeting, and others who submitted questions and comments on the city’s website.Four alignment optionsThe HSR will carry passengers between San Francisco and San Diego in less than three hours. Stations nearest to Morgan Hill are proposed in Gilroy and San Jose. HSR officials are currently considering four possible train alignments through Morgan Hill. These are:• At grade, on a berm, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks;• Elevated, in a viaduct, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the UPRR;• Elevated in a viaduct along the west side of U.S. 101;• Elevated in a viaduct along the east side of U.S. 101.The viaducts in the elevated options would rise 30 to 60 feet above the ground.The nearest planned HSR stations are proposed in Gilroy and San Jose.The city has no authority to tell the HSRA where to align the train, but Ramirez noted, “It is our intent to influence the project by asking these questions.”The HSRA is building the rail system in sections, with Morgan Hill included in the “San Jose to Merced” section, which planners say will be operational by 2025. Crews have already begun construction on the HSR segment between Fresno and Bakersfield.In response to comments from the audience Nov. 16, councilmembers hoped the HSRA would determine its plans for the rail stretch from Gilroy to Merced, which will require passage over or through Pacheco Pass on Highway 152.“If you don’t even know how to get (over) Pacheco Pass, how do you know what you’re going to do here?” Mayor Steve Tate wondered. “We want to make sure we’re not doing things that are going to be a rail to nowhere.”Councilman Larry Carr, who lives in downtown Morgan Hill directly in the path of at least one of the HSRA’s alignment alternatives, said the city should demand the authority study all four options when they start their environmental review next year.“We do not want any of the options narrowed down,” Carr said. “We want all of them to be thoroughly reviewed and investigated.”He added he wanted to “hear more about the possibility of a tunnel or trench option” through Morgan Hill, echoing another idea expressed by members of the public.Impassioned oppositionSome members of the Nov. 16 audience displayed signs that read “NO HSR,” and many applauded after hearing a comment they agreed with. Tate asked the crowd multiple times to hold their applause.San Martin resident Connie Ludewig pleaded with the council to “include San Martin as being an advocate against HSR.” She said the train would physically divide the rural unincorporated community.Another pervading concern among residents is the cost. The HSRA has estimated the total price for the entire train system is about $65 billion, to be financed from 2008 Proposition 1A bond funds as well as federal, state, local and private funds. The HSRA has not secured all these funds, and many critics think the authority’s estimate is unrealistically low.A concern north of town is the HSR’s impact on the Charter School of Morgan Hill, located near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue. Brian Sullivan, chair of the board of CSMH, told the council Nov. 16 that three of the four alignment alternatives would displace the school.Carr responded, “We are going to have to be advocates for our schools, and that absolutely includes the Charter School.”Staff and the council urged residents to visit the city’s website to continue to provide input on the HSR project. Visit morganhill.ca.gov and search for “High Speed Rail” to reach the section devoted to the project. The council’s draft list of questions to send to the HSRA is also found on this website.