Can’t wait for Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers to put a whuppin’ on Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Really sick of Ray Lewis fawning all over himself and drawing attention to himself with antics like prostrating himself on the ground in front of the TV cameras. His whole act smacks of demagoguery to the point that if the conversation turns to Ray-ray on the ray-radio or ray TV, I turn the station. The 49ers’ linebacker Patrick Willis, on the other hand, understands that he plays a game for a living and does so with just as much intensity and skill, but a heavy amount of appreciation and humility.
The only person who gets as much NFL air time as Ray Lewis is Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carrol – and that’s all you need to know about that.
That the owner of Cordevalle Golf Resort, SAP’s Hasso Plattner who co-founded the world’s largest business software company in 1972, recently purchased the ownership shares of investors Kevin Compton and Stratton Sclavos in the San Jose Sharks Sports & Entertainment group is good news indeed. Word has it, Mr. Hasso might be interested in purchasing a local winery, too. Now that could be one heckuva local fund-raising event – a round of golf with a San Jose Sharks player paired with your foursome, followed by a winery dinner, a silent and a live auction. Might the auction include a chance to take a swig of zinfandel from the Stanley Cup? – 6-0 and I do think so.
So, I don’t understand the decision by Union Bank of California, the buyer of Santa Barbara Bank and Trust which formerly was South Valley National Bank, to abandon ship on the current beautiful bank building at the corner of First Street and Santa Teresa Boulevard in favor of the extremely modest location near CVS Pharmacy on First. What will become of the former SVNB building? It’s very specific architectural design is going to be difficult to market. A double decker sports bar? At least the bank’s popcorn machine could stay …
Speaking of pop-culture corny, the San Jose Giants are going to host Lennay Kekua Night as “an ode to the biggest, and strangest, sports story of the year,” at Municipal Stadium on April 12. Catfish will be on the menu at Turkey Mike’s BBQ, the press release says which goes on the say, “A meet and greet will also take place prior to the game for all couples to introduce their significant others to their parents, to avoid any confusion about the existence of a boyfriend or girlfriend.” Notre Dame linebacker Manti T’eo knows full well now and forever that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Non-fiction: In two weeks the entire Oregon State University women’s rugby team and a coach or two will be camping out all over our house, saving money on hotel accommodations for matches with Stanford and UC Berkeley. It’s crazy, but Miss Jenny and I really look forward to weekend zaniness, getting a chance to watch the games and, most importantly, there’s the hugs and the conversations with daughter Mariah, who’s playing a new position on the team this year. It’s a bonus to meet all her friends and enjoy the camaraderie and spirit that is a hallmark of OSU. Go Beavs! … Hmmm, wonder if duck is good on the BBQ?
No BBQ, but there’s an opening night scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 30 for the wine bar at Kellen McBain’s Bella Viva Ristorante e Caffè in downtown Gilroy. It’s been a very long and laborious process, but hopefully the whole kit and kaboodle will be open and stay open. The design and decor look very inviting walking by. Now all that’s needed is people inside having a good time. The only way to turn downtown Gilroy into a vibrant place is the same way you eat an elephant – one bite at a time.
Speaking of bites, my “Garlic Festival Top 10” attraction list is way different from the one featured on the Garlic Festival website. Garlic Festival Ice Cream as No. 2 ahead of Flame-Ups? Everyone knows that No. 2 behind whatever your favorite food is at the Gourmet Alley is People Watching. If Gourmet Alley is a fun feast for the taste buds, people watching at the Garlic Festival is a hilarious comedy show for the eyes.
“Eyes” saved this for last … I predict the San Francisco 49ers will secure their sixth Super Bowl victory and Lombardi Trophy. Score: SF 37, Baltimore 24. David Akers will bounce back and boot a couple of field goals, Colin Kaepernick will throw for a pair of touchdowns and Frank Gore will have a good day. Moreover, I predict we will have a few friends over and enjoy some delicious cioppino and local red wine.
Reach Editor Mark Derry at ed****@ga****.com
