Mayor Mark Turner finishes with a close second
Published online August 7, 2024
Mark Turner in grape stomping competition.
Photo courtesy Italian Family Festa.
In a grape escape from political gridlock, former San Jose City Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio crushed the competition at the 2nd Annual Celebrity Grape Stomp Finale.
Oliverio bested Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein, Sunday, Aug. 4.
Proving he’s got more than just political juice, Oliverio stomped his way to victory. This vine event saw mayors from across the region pressing their luck, but in the end, it was Oliverio who proved to be the region’s top stomper, keeping the title firmly planted in San Jose soil. It seems in the competitive world of grape stomping, Oliverio has found his true calling — from city hall to purple feet!
This is also a victory for San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Mayor Mahan won the Celebrity Stomp last year and was scheduled to defend his title Sunday. But, he was called away for a family emergency and Oliverio stomped in his place. So, the championship title stays in San Jose.
Saturday, in the stomp pre-heats, Turner and Klein out stomped Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano and NBC Bay Area Weather Anchor, Cinthia Pimentel.
Turner said the grape stomp event was a fun competition between some of the region’s mayors
“I took a close second and missed the first-place prize by about half an ounce,” he said. “I was disappointed by the loss but plan to be back next year representing Morgan Hill and the region’s best wineries.”
The Celebrity Grape Stomp was a highlight of the 42nd annual Italian Family Festa San Jose. It’s a weekend (Aug. 3-4) filled with Italian culture, food, wine, kids’ activities, live music, cooking demonstrations and bocce ball! The Festa is put on by the Italian American Heritage Foundation.
To view a video and photos visit
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17Ihg4tn1ASsqvW-70RBMzeJHhnAsE2?usp=sharing
