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Don't look now, but in the wink of an eye, the holidays will be here. On New Year’s Eve, you will resolve to do a bit more of this and a lot less of that. By mid-January you will likely cast your resolution aside.Instead, consider doing something bold; something that scares you a little and excites you a little; something you are not even sure you can do. Join me on July 15, 2017 to hike to Snow Valley Peak above Lake Tahoe.But I’m not an adventurer, you say. I can’t walk a 13-mile loop or climb 2,500 feet to a 9,213-foot Sierra peak. Balderdash.This is the fifth year I have laid down a summer challenge. Through the winter and spring, we do six local hikes to prepare for a tough ascent of a Sierra peak. Each year, from atop a windswept pinnacle overlooking an airplane window view, a very tired and very proud person tells me that they were sure they couldn’t do it. Don't sell yourself short. You can do it.On the last two challenges, Mount Hoffman and Round Top, the final portions of the climb involved scrambling and rough going that turned some challengers back. This year, the path to Snow Valley Peak is well-marked all the way. But make no mistake; Snow Valley Peak is no pushover. We will meet at 7,146-foot Spooner Summit, the pass on Hwy. 50 that separates the Tahoe Basin from Carson Valley. From there we will walk 6.5 miles and climb 2,500 feet to a jaw-dropping view of Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley.This fall, I visited Snow Valley Peak. The first four miles of the trail climb gently through a landscape typical of the Lake Tahoe Basin. In a bright forest of widely spaced Jeffrey pines and red firs, here and there massive granite boulders that poke through a soft forest floor are strung together by a lacy groundcover thread of chinquapin and manzanita. Two miles from the top, I popped into an open sagebrush landscape with sweeping views across Lake Tahoe on one side and the Carson Valley on the other. Amazing vistas and a steady gale in advance of a coming storm gave me the full summit experience. You won’t be disappointed.Whether it is best to encourage, shame, badger, or beg you, I will do it to get you to take on the challenge. Here is a schedule of the Snow Valley Peak hikes. I will post a detailed schedule at www.facebook.com/RonGettingOut. To receive updates and full directions and details about each hike as it draws near, email me at [email protected]. See you on the trail.

Morgan Hill residents will have numerous chances in the coming weeks to gain more details, offer input and ask questions about the city’s plan to establish a trail to the top of El Toro Mountain.The series of meetings—which starts Nov. 15 with the Parks and Recreation Commission—will be conducted by the City of Morgan Hill in coordination with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Key points to be discussed during the meeting are:• Update on the development of a southern trailhead/access point at the base of the odd-shaped hill that overlooks the valley from west Morgan Hill;• Opportunities presented by the OSA to acquire land at the west end of West Main Avenue;• Potential updates to the city’s approved access strategy and the trail planning process.The PRC meeting will take place 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Morgan Hill City Council chambers, 17555 Peak Ave.On Nov. 30, starting at 6 p.m., the OSA and city staff will co-host an El Toro Trail planning open house, also at council chambers. This will be a more informal meeting where attendees will have a chance to have individual discussions with city and OSA staff.Then the City Council will discuss the latest input and updates at its 7 p.m. Dec. 7 meeting at council chambers.City officials, residents and open space advocates have discussed the possibility of creating a permanent trail, open year-round to the public, to the top of El Toro Mountain, which is known to long-time locals as Murphy’s Peak.Although a path to the top can be seen from the valley floor, that access is located on private property, prohibiting public access. Trespassing on the property has been reported and enforced numerous times over the years.The last time the council discussed a possible El Toro trail was in February 2015, when the five-member body voted to move ahead on plans to use a property near the intersection of DeWitt and Spring avenues as the primary trailhead for any future public trail.Planners have not yet determined how hikers would get from the proposed trailhead to the start of an existing trail on the side of the mountain, which is owned by the OSA.Residents in neighborhoods west of Morgan Hill, at the base of El Toro Mountain, have long complained about the trespassing hikers who park their vehicles on the streets and leave behind trash and destroy property. These residents have pleaded with the council to ensure any trail plan they implement will address their concerns.

Live Oak exercised a couple of demons Friday night with a 52-20 win over Monte Vista Christian.

Veterans Day Memorial Services & Events--Join those who wish to honor the men and women who have fought, given their lives, and those that remain missing in defense of the United States of America and the ideals for which it stands.Morgan Hill Veterans Day service at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 in Downtown Morgan Hill at the intersection of Monterey and First street.Gilroy Veterans Day ceremony. At 11 a.m. at the Veterans Building, 74 W. Sixth St., Gilroy.Gather the family to participate in the Veterans Day Run at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 at The Running Shop and Hops in Morgan Hill at 17500 Depot Street, Morgan Hill. For more information visit, http://bit.ly/2fDrKrNMORGAN HILLWinter Craft FairDon’t miss out on the Annual Historical Machado School Winter Craft Fair where you will find unusual and wonderful handcrafted holiday décor and gift ideas. The original Machado building was in use from 1895 to 1967. It was closed when new mandated earthquake standards went into effect. But with the help of the community the old school now serves as a local community center and is maintained and supported by memberships, donations and special events. Come out on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 15130 Sycamore Dr. in Morgan Hill.GILROYAmerica WestGavilan College Children's Theatre Presents ‘America West.’ Each semester, seasoned performers and novices join together to produce a theatrical performance just for youth when they enroll in the Children's Theatre Repertory class. This fall, the explore Folktales and Folksongs from the American West, six short plays based on folk songs and Native American tales highlighting strong female characters. Reminisce with folksongs including; Oh Susannah, Sweet Betsy from Pike, Sister Fox and Brother Coyote, Hiiaka and Pohaha. Be entertained throughout this one hour performance followed by one hour reception with cast. Family pack of tickets are available the day of the event at the Theatre Box Office for $30 for two adults and two children. Individual tickets available at event or online at brownpapertickets.com. Don’t miss this performance of the Gavilan College Theatre Arts on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.Fortino Winery Fall BoutiqueDo your holiday shopping in the beautiful countryside at Fortino Winery Fall Boutique. Shop 20 different local vendors showcasing a variety of arts, crafts and handmade goods. There will be a special tasting menu for this event and a barrel tasting also. Come out and enjoy wine tasting or mulled wine along with local live music on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy. Admission is free. For more information go to fortinowinery.com. HOLLISTERHoliday Giving CampaignFor 12 days before Thanksgiving there will be amazing people coming together to campaign for local charities for the Holidays Giving Campaign. There are five organizations that collaborate, raise funds and help to increase awareness of how to assist those in need. Participating organizations are CASA of San Benito County, Community Food Bank, Chamberlain’s Children Center, Emmaus House and the Salvation Army. Learn how to get involved at givesanbenito.org. To kick off San Benito’s 12 Days of Giving, United Way will host its annual Gala Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The evening will include a festive dinner, no host cocktails, entertainment and a live auction for $60 at The Barn on 6971 Airline Hwy in Tres Pinos. Call (831) 332-7550 or register at unitedwaysbc.org.SAN JUAN BAUTISTAWalk to Stop DiabetesThe community of San Juan Bautista is passionate about the fight against diabetes and will STEP OUT and Walk to Stop Diabetes. The walk raises funds to help find a cause and cure for this silent disease. If you have diabetes and participate in a Step Out then you are a Red Strider and the reason behind this event. When you register for a local event, be sure to select the Red Strider participation option and receive the latest information. You can contact a local Walk Manager at 1-800-DIABETES for details about your local Red Strider program. Create a team and register to participate on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 8 a.m. Historic Town Square, San Juan Bautista State Park. For more details go to evensi.us.La Virgen del TepeyacCelebrate a beautiful Christmas story, La Virgen del Tepeyac, a biennial spectacle of vibrant music, sacral theater and Aztec Dance. This Christmas adaptation by Luis Valdez dramatizes the four apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Presented in Spanish with live music Nov. 25 through Dec. 18 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy El Teatro Campesino's performance at the beautiful Old Mission San Juan Bautista, at 406 Second St. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on brownpapertickets.com.THE VALLEYFestival of the TreesNothing brings out the holiday spirit more than an elaborately decorated Christmas tree like the ones you’ll see at Rebekah Children’s Services Annual Festival of the Trees fundraiser. Rebekah’s is a non-profit group in Gilroy offering family-centered mental health, educational and training services and is dedicated to promoting the social, emotional and physical well-being of children and families in the South Valley. Guests will enter a room filled with magic and wonder, enjoy a splendid dinner and take part in an auction like no other. The auction includes holiday gift baskets and ornamental door wreaths. Help kick off the season on Friday, Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Corinthian Event Center, 196 N Third St, San Jose. Tickets are $100. Register at rcskids.org.Calendar GirlsCalendar Girls is based on a true story about two British friends who rally a group of women to produce a tasteful, yet clever, family-friendly nude calendar. The calendar is intended to raise funds but getting the acceptance creates all kinds of antics. Come and laugh on Nov. 17 through Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays or 2 p.m. Sundays at the City Lights Theater Company, 529 S Second St, San Jose. Tickets range from $19 to $42. For more information go to cltc.org.

Live Oak’s regular season finished off with a strong showing against Willow Glen and now the Acorns are gearing up for  the start of the Central Coast Section Open Division III playoffs.

Sobrato football announced it will be moving down to the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s West Valley Division next year and that decision could mark the end of the city’s biggest rivalry game.

It would be hard to find a sillier, funnier way to spend a couple of hours at the theater than by seeing Exit Laughing, presented by Limelight Actors Theater in Gilroy.The comedy, written by Paul Elliott, is best appreciated without much knowledge of the plot beyond the basic setup: Four women in Birmingham, Alabama, have spent the last 30 years deepening their friendship around the bridge table. When one of them dies, the other three mourn her death in an unusual way, involving the “theft” of the urn containing her ashes.Actually, there’s not much plot beyond that, but the story offers some sweet reflections of the importance of friendship (and love) within the gentle comedy.The three surviving friends—Connie (JoAnna Evans), Leona (Rosalind Farotte) and Millie (Christy Wait)—gather at Connie’s home after the funeral. The liquor flows (with Leona happily pouring drinks) but things take an absurd turn when Millie, who is a bit of a ditsy blonde, turns up with the purloined urn for one last bridge game.Over the course of the evening, the three women celebrate their friend’s life and their friendship. There’s some clever, sharp dialogue involving why they are all single, with some of it focused on Connie’s uptight daughter Rachel (Tina Elder-Flores), a college student bemoaning her lack of dating success after being stood up by a classmate (“That girl’s on her own private rollercoaster,” says one of the women).Things get even sillier when a “policeman” (a charming Brennan Perry) starts knocking on the door.The whole business has the feel of a sitcom, perhaps a mashup of Golden Girls andDesigning Women, but in the hands of director Kevin Heath and the entire cast, who all give performances that create the feel of real bonds between the women, the show fulfills the promise of its title.Exit Laughing, by Paul Elliott. Directed by Kevin Heath. Presented by Limelight Actors Theater at the Gilroy Center for the Arts. Playing Nov. 11-13, 18-20 and 25-26. limelightactorstheater.com