Xeriscape: Homeowners convert lawns for rebates
When Gilroy residents Harry and Laurie Sontag made the decision to replace two-thirds of their lawn with pavers last spring, they were not aware of the lawn-replacement rebate offered by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. They just hoped to conserve water and create a larger space for hosting outdoor parties and watching movies on an outdoor screen.The project updated approximately 400 square feet of lawn and was completed in two weeks.
Local Students Visit South Africa
Wednesday, September 18, The Sawubona Ngikhona Project – a public presentation by Mount Madonna School's 12th grade students about their recent experiences in South Africa, including interviews with former South African President F.W. de Klerk, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, author Peter Harris and others; visits to the Botshabelo childrens AIDS village, service work for the Philani Childrens Health and Nutrition project, and meetings and performances with students at several high schools. The students also traveled to Swaziland and enjoyed cultural exchange!
Calera Winery featured on magazine cover
Anyone doubting the quality of our local wines should read the recent Wine Spectator magazine that featured Josh Jensen of Calera Winery (Hollister) on the cover. Jensen's Burgundy-style Pinot Noirs are world famous for their vivid berry flavors and limestone minerality. Calera's wines are so good that the winemaker from Opus One in Napa Valley makes an annual visit to Calera to get pointers on growing wine grapes. In addition to Wine Spectator, Wine and Spirits magazine has again named Calera as one of the top 100 wineries of 2013. Calera may be a little off the beaten path, but the drive will reward you with a taste of its wines and equally spectacular views of the Diablo mountains.
