VOLUME XLVIII, NUMBER 36 Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Aggressive Timeline for BART to Livermore

Construction on a phase I Voters will be asked to reau- marketplace to design and build. The defined project extends to land use restrictions around Isa- BART extension to Livermore thorize Measure B in November Ninety to 120 days bids would Greenville. The first phase will bel as an unintended conspiracy. could start as early as 2013. 2012. The half-cent sales tax be reviewed. "Then we're ready be within the vicinity of Isabel/ It is near impossible to build Frank Wilson, who has been pays for transportation projects to go." Airway. The extension would anything. For example, the Bay hired by the city as a consultant, in Alameda County. The mayor, city council and eventually end up at Greenville. Area Quality Control Board has a stated, "My task is to build the He estimates that now through staff are extremely serious about A solid working partnership with policy that states housing should project in our lifetime, so that the end of October 2011, the first moving forward, stated Wilson. BART is important to make it not be built within a half mile of residents actually benefit from phase will be defined so that it He does believe that an EIS can happen. Extending first to Isabel a freeway. MTC wants 3434 units having BART. We are looking can be added to the Measure B be completed within a year. He does not close off future exten- of transit oriented development for a workable, affordable project project list. Over the next 12 said as general manager, the sion. "We do have to first get around a station. Those two poli- that can be built with the revenue months, leading up to the vote, an EIS for the Pleasanton-Dublin to Livermore before we can go cies conflict. In Livermore, the Find Out What's available now." environmental impact statement extension was completed within further." airport trumps both. The protec- Wilson, a former general man- (EIS) would be prepared and that time frame. "Livermore has Wilson said of the first phase, tion zone says no residential. Happening ager of BART, is working on an property acquired. Engineering been on the map since 1964. It is "We will look at where a station "Each of the policies has a Check out the aggressive timeline. The target work would be completed as now 2011. Miracles do happen. could be located, what it would reason and justification. I believe is to be ready to move as soon as part of the EIS. The proposed We intend to have one happen in look like, and how to deal with there are solutions that can be second section Measure B is approved. project would then be sent to the Livermore." land impacts." He described the (See BART, page 4) Section II is filled with infor- mation about arts, entertainment and special events. There are education stories, a variety of features, and the arts and enter- tainment and bulletin board list Wal-Mart Plans an Ceremony Planned in Issue with Observance of Pleasanton 9/11 Anniversary

The 10th anniversary of the Residents events of September 11, 2001 Pleasanton residents let the will be observed in a brief cer- city council know that they are emony hosted by the Livermore- concerned about rumors of a Wal- Pleasanton Fire Department Mart grocery store moving into an (LPFD) and the Pleasanton old Nob Hill site in a shopping Police Department on Sunday, center on Santa Rita Road. September 11, 2011. The event, At Tuesday's city council which is open to the public, will meeting, about eleven residents be held at the flagpole outside asked for a more open process of Fire Station Number One at with regard to the future of the 3560 Nevada Street in Pleasan- site. Among the issues raised ton, beginning at 9:45 a.m. were traffic, hours of operation, The purpose of the event is Wal-Mart business practices, to honor the victims of Sep- and the potential impact on other tember 11th, their families, first businesses if a Wal-Mart were responders, and all military Photo - Doug Jorgensen to open. engaged since that crisis. It was a relaxing two days of wine tasting during the 30th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration in Livermore Valley wine country. To date, there has been no Both departments will also Concannon Vineyard was one of the stops. For more pictures, see page 8. confirmation that Wal-Mart have a special presentation to is intending to move into the honor Army Specialist Jameson empty store. That was among Lindskog, a military medic and the concerns raised by residents, Pleasanton resident who was Variety of Union Workers Populate the Valley who wanted a transparent process. killed in Afghanistan earlier They wanted more information. this year. By Ron McNicoll on for more than a year. Dem- unions in the Valley, as well as union. Pleasanton, Livermore, City Manager Nelson Fialho In addition to the special pre- Although many people still onstrations at Castlewood have many union workers who live in Dublin, wherever there is a Safe- said that plans have been submitted sentation, the agenda includes think of unions as being located attracted television and print the Valley, buying homes because way, a Lucky's or a Nob Hill, the for tenant improvements at the some brief comments from both in big cities, and primarily rep- news media. their union jobs and appren- union is there." site that are routine in nature. the Fire Chief and the Chief resenting large factory units, White collar unions repre- tice programs have given them Although unions are declin- If they continue to be routine, of Police, and the ceremonial unions are well established in senting municipal employees in enough of a salary boost to afford ing across the United States with the permitting would also be ringing of the bell in memory the Valley. Livermore and Pleasanton and to do so, say union officials. 12 percent membership of the considered routine and not subject of those who died in the line of The most publicized union the unions for the fire and police One ubiquitous union that overall work force, a total that to council review. duty, and the traditional playing activity recently in the Valley departments are visible to the flies a little under the radar is the drops to 8 percent when private The site is zoned for a 36,000 of bagpipes. has been Unite Here! union's ac- public through press coverage United Food and Commercial industry is broken out, the UFWC square foot grocery store. For more information, please tions to restore locked-out food of issues such as wage increases Workers (UFCW). Mike Henne- has been relatively stable. The zoning contains specific contact the Livermore-Pleasan- workers at Castlewood Country and pension changes. berry, spokesman for the union, However, that is about to restrictions as to hours of operation Club. The lockout has been going However, there are other stated, "We are a neighborhood ton Fire Department at (925) (See UNIONS, page 4) (See WAL-MART, page 12) 454-2361.

TRIBUTE AT FAIRGROUNDS Dublin Woman Heading for Livermore "Never Forget," A Tribute to America, will be held at the City Manager Alameda County Fairgrounds in West Bank as Observer Pleasanton on Sept. 11. By Ron McNicoll Facing such tense conflicts is Plans to Retire The event is presented by Im- Gabriela Ivanova wanted to not something that appeals to ev- pact for America, a subdivision accomplish something mean- ery 27-year-old woman. Ivanova Livermore City Manager of Impact Ministries. ingful to help bring peace to the told The Independent that she is Linda Barton has announced The event, Sunday, Sept. 11, world. a little nervous about it, but it's plans to leave her position. noon to 6 p.m. is free. It will Thanks to a project based in important for her to do take on In an email sent to the city include a 9-11 Remembrance Michigan, the Dublin resident the challenge. council she wrote, "After a great and Tribute area. Among the will be going to the West Bank Ivanova is living with her deal of thought and reflection, I activities will be a parade and of the Palestinian territory next father and sister. They are very have made the decision to retire Huey helicopter display, five month with others to try to concerned she could come to in December. Livermore has been bands performing, a table where keep things calm, and prevent harm because of the potential of the highlight of my 35+ year visitors can write letters to the clashes between Palestinians violence. "However, they know career in government. By far, my troops, and a drop-off area for and Israelis. (See CLIPPER, page 12) best professional decision, was to donated items to be sent to the come to Livermore more than ten troops. years ago. " The event is sponsored by Clipper Cards Are Barton was appointed to the local businesses, charities and position of City Manager in churches, many of which will February 2001. She is currently be sponsoring their own booths Hard to Get in Valley president of the Board of Direc- and attractions. Food will be By Ron McNicoll disabilities, it is impossible to tors of the California Redevelop- available for purchase from BART paper tickets for sale in find, because a special card pro- ment Association and president Bonehead's Texas BBQ. the Valley, outside of BART sta- grammed to contain a discount of the League of California Cities A flash mob will take place tions, are being phased out, with must be issued. None of the loca- City Managers Department. during the day. an expected end date around the tions for accomplishing that are Of her future, Barton notes, The event in the evening is close of this year. located in the Valley. "There are trips to be taken, $10, with VIP packages $20 A Clipper Card, good on more For the general public, a family to visit and new profes- includes live entertainment star- than 20 Bay Area transit area Google map on the Clipper card sional opportunities to explore. ring American Idol Jason Castro. web site at www.clippercard. This is by no means an end, but systems, is replacing the paper Photo - Doug Jorgensen There will be testimonials, me- tickets. However, the plastic com/ shows that the only com- The 146th annual Scottish Games and Gathering were held over a new beginning." She said that morials and a surprise guest. mercial place to buy a Clipper she plans to continue to live in Clipper Card is very hard to find the weekend at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. This is a non-political event. in the Valley. Card is the Walgreens drug Livermore for the near term, but, Proceeds will benefit local non- The festivities included highland dance competitions. For more we will travel extensively to visit For seniors or a person with (See OBSERVER, page 12) photos, see page 10. profit organizations that support (See BARTON, page 12) the community. For tickets or information, go to www.imapct- PET OF THE WEEK foramerica.com Inside Pictured here is Peeta, the sibling of Katniss. Katniss and Peeta are two young Siamese kittens PEACE AND UNITY Art & Entertainment...... Section II Roundup...... 3 looking for a new home. Each loves to chat with A September 11, Service their fellow humans and would be a perfect of Prayer for Peace and Unity, Bulletin Board...... Section II Short Notes...... 9 led by leaders from a variety companion. To learn more about adoptable Classifieds...... 10 of world religions, will be held Sports...... 6 animals, call 925-426-8656 or visit the website at Asbury United Methodist Editorial...... 4 Obituaries...... 9 www.valleyhumane.org. Valley Humane Society is located at 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Church, 4743 East Ave., Liver- Mailbox...... 4 (See ANNIVERSARY, page 9) Hours are Tues.- Sat. from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Ken Jacoby)

PAGE 2 - The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 ValleyCare Diabetes Race to the Flagpole Raises Funds for Scholarship Program The Livermore-Granada than $199,000 in scholarships. On race day, all registration fees awards ceremony and a tribute Program Recognized Boosters will host the 2nd an- This year $26,000 needs to be will be $5 higher. to our veterans and flag. nual “Race to the Flagpole” on raised in order to continue this Every participant will re- For more information, visit ValleyCare Diabetes and comprehensive diabetes manage- Veteran’s Day weekend, Satur- tradition. ceive a commemorative T-shirt. www.livermoregranadaboosters. Nutrition Education Program ment information. “The process day, November 12, 2011. The Race-day registration will be- Awards will be given to the top org. Application forms can be recently received the American gives professionals a national one mile race will go through gin at 7 a.m. at Carnegie Park in finishers in each age division. downloaded or registration can Diabetes Association Educa- standard by which to measure the downtown Livermore, starting downtown Livermore. The race All schools in Livermore will be made online. Sponsorship tion Recognition Certificate for quality of services they provide,” on Third Street and finishing at will be divided into age groups. have a chance to compete for a opportunities are also available. a quality diabetes self-man- comments ValleyCare Clinical Livermore’s original flag pole The first age group will start at participation award. The school Please contact Mike Nagel, agement program. The ADA Nutrition Manager Heidi Kiehl, in Carnegie Park. This event is 8:30a.m. Advance registration with the most participants will Race Director, at 925-667-6535 believes ValleyCare’s program, MS, RS, CNSC. open to all ages and abilities and fees are $10 for kids ages 10 and receive a $250 cash donation for or email flagpolerace@yahoo. originally recognized in 2002, According to the American will encourage awareness and under and $15 for ages 11 and up. their school. There will be an com. offers high-quality education that Diabetes Association, more than appreciation for fitness and com- is an essential component in ef- 25.8 million Americans have munity pride. Last year the event diabetes. While an estimated 18.8 had over 225 runner/walkers and Impacts of Summer Youth Employment fective diabetes treatment. this year they event is anticipat- The ADA’s Education Rec- million have been diagnosed, 7 million people are not aware they ing nearly 500 to participate. ognition Certificate assures that All proceeds will support the Program Subject of Meeting educational programs meet the have the disease. Unfortunately, The Tri-Valley Community unemployment, within the past many will first learn they have Livermore-Granada scholar- exposed to innovative projects National Standards for Diabetes ship program. For the past 63 Foundation will host a program three years more than 250 Tri- and viable assignments. Self-Management Education diabetes when they are treated years, the Livermore-Granada to discuss the impacts of the 2011 Valley area youths found sum- “In these tough economic Programs. These Standards were for a life-threatening complica- Boosters have honored varsity Summer Youth Employment mer jobs and many were hired times, young people are really originally developed and tested tion such as heart disease, stroke, scholar athletes from both high Program. permanently thanks to Tri-Valley struggling to find employment, under the auspices of the Na- kidney disease, blindness and/or schools at our annual banquet The session will be held Community Foundation in part- which limits their ability to gain tional Diabetes Advisory Board nerve disease/amputation. It in May. Each year substantial Thurs., Sept. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. nership with Workforce Invest- necessary experience for the fu- in 1983 and revised by the dia- is the seventh leading cause of scholarships have been awarded in the Robert Livermore Com- ment Board, Alameda County ture,” said Aaron Ortiz program munity Center, 4444 East Ave., Probation, and Alameda County betes community in 1994, 2000 death in the U.S. and those with by the Boosters to young men officer for the foundation. “This diabetes have twice the risk of Livermore. Social Services. program will give them that and 2007. and young women who exem- Those attending will hear During the summer months, death than those of similar age plify athletic excellence and experience and life skills, while Programs apply for this rec- from participating youth and youth between the ages 16-21 providing local companies with ognition on a voluntary basis. without the disease. high academic achievement. The businesses and learn more about gained work and life skills, For more information on Boosters believe students who invaluable resources and sup- Those that achieve recognition the initiatives that expand school- earned a paycheck and assisted port.” status have a staff of knowledge- ValleyCare’s Diabetes and Nu- excel in academics, athletics, to-career opportunities for Tri- the local economy, developed and community service become Those in the community who able health professionals who trition Education Program, visit Valley young people. professional relationships with wish to attend, are encouraged to can provide participants with www.valleycare.com or call good civic leaders. Since 1958, In the midst of record-high Tri-Valley businesses, and were RSVP by calling 734-9965. (925) 416-6710. the Boosters have awarded more The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - PAGE 3 Rural Solar Facility Policy Goes to Supervisors The Alameda County Board The meeting will take place solar arrays in rural areas. There county researches all the facts in facilities. “These firms are trying Statewide, energy providers of Supervisors will hear staff on Tuesday, September 13, at were concerns raised about the drawing up the policy. to address our energy needs in a are to obtain 33 percent of their analysis and public testimony to 1:00 p.m. in the Board Chambers solar arrays’ impact on farming, Supervisor Scott Haggerty re- clean and efficient manner and power from renewable sources. consider proposed policies for of the Alameda County Board of ranching and endangered species sponded to the concerns in a letter want to know the rules in Alam- For more information, contact Solar Energy Facilities in rural Supervisors, 1221 Oak Street, habitat. to the editor in The Independent. eda County.” Liz McElligott of the Alameda Alameda County. fifth floor, Oakland, California. The county contains 3957 He pointed out that the county is Haggerty added that it is im- County Planning Department The Board of Supervisors Earlier this year, during a acres of prime land, which could being approached by more and portant to have rules and regula- by calling (510) 670-5400 or had directed staff to devise poli- meeting of the County Agricul- be impacted by the placement of more potential operators of solar tions in place prior to approving e-mail at elizabeth.mcelligott@ cies for determining appropriate tural Advisory Committee to solar arrays. new facilities. acgov.org. locations for large-scale solar discuss the topic, some attend- No one at the meeting came facilities in rural areas. ing argued the supervisors were out against locating the solar ar- Most of the rural areas are in moving too fast in trying to put a rays in the Altamont. Members’ Registration in LARPD Summer eastern Alameda County. policy in place for the location of focus was on making sure that the Programs Up Despite Economy Despite what is described as a new position of Marketing and dation. Since enrolling in the tough economy, Livermore Area Operations Supervisor, which program in 2010, the Foundation Recreation and Park District was created to fill a spot vacated has received $1,247 in support. (LARPD) saw an increase in par- by a retirement. The position will Cards are available at the Robert VALLEY ROUNDUP ticipation in summer programs. be at a lower pay level than had Livermore Community Center, The LARPD board of direc- been offered before and will be at the LARPD booth at Farm- Double Fines on Vasco This initiative will further improve security and tors heard a report at last week’s incorporated into a reorganized ers’ Market and at the upcoming Assembly Bill 348, re-authorizing a Safety reduce costs as part of NNSA’s overall effort to meeting. department structure for the Children’s Fair on Sept. 17 and Enhancement-Double Fine Zone along Vasco transform the Cold War era nuclear weapons General Manager Tim Barry District. 18. Road, passed off the Assembly Floor unani- complex into a 21st century nuclear security stated, “Staff is working to at Staff presented an informa- mously last week. The bill now goes to the enterprise. least sustain participation in tional report to the Board on the Governor’s desk for his signature. Last year, All shipments have been completed in full programs. We saw some growth S.H.A.R.E.S. cards program, Marco Ortiz, an Alameda County Deputy Sheriff compliance with safety and environmental laws in programs.” which helps support low-income from Brentwood, was killed in a car accident and procedures. All federal and receiver site Among the areas of growth individuals’ use of LARPD class- while driving home on Vasco Road. requirements were met for these shipments. The were summer camps, up 42 per- es and activities. The program is “Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are in de-inventory project was initiated in October cent over last year; enrollment a way for people to support these 2006. need of tools to make this road safer for drivers,” in PAL (Police Activity League) programs without registering NNSA had originally planned to remove high- said Assemblymember Joan Buchanan, who programs for middle school for anything or providing per- introduced the bill. “Both Counties are in the security material from LLNL by 2014. However, NNSA has developed an accelerated timeline students up by 25 percent; gym sonal information. S.H.A.R.E.S. process of making safety improvements, but lack cards are accepted at Lucky and funding to complete all phases. This bill will give to remove the material safely and securely by sports increased by 10 percent in FoodMaxx stores, which donate the Counties the authority to designate a Double 2012. enrollment and revenue. Swim- Fine Zone along Vasco Road, in an attempt to ming pool use went up by 28 3 percent of sales revenue from deter the unsafe driving practices that lead to the Talk with Dublin Chief percent. purchases to the LARPD Foun- high number of accidents and fatalities.” Dublin is offering a Coffee and Conversation Revenue from summer 2011 AB 348 will provide Alameda and Contra with Police Chief Tom McCarthy during the increased by $39,000 from last Costa Counties with the ability to double the Farmers’ Market on Thurs., Sept. 9. year, reducing the District’s base fine for traffic violations along Vasco Residents will be able to meet the chief in a subsidy of the programs by Road, a predominantly two-lane, undivided road friendly, casual atmosphere, discuss concerns, $11,000. between Interstate 580 in Alameda County and and learn about the operations of the Dublin Valley Rock Gym’s participa- Walnut Boulevard in Contra Costa County. As Police Department. tion and revenue went up by 21 a condition of the bill, the counties must also The Farmers Market is held from 4 to 8 p.m. percent, in part due to the volun- engage in a public awareness campaign to inform in Emerald Glen Park. teer and staff efforts supporting the public of the Double Fine Zone designation, this program. The board was on place and maintain warning signs and conduct Fire in Pleasanton the verge of dropping the pro- an evaluation on the effectiveness of the Double The Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department gram last year. Barry called the Fine Zone. responded to the report of a fire in the area of growth, “just tremendous.” Senate Bill 3, sponsored by Tom Torlakson Stoneridge Dr. and Trevor Parkway on Wednes- On the other side, participa- in 2006, originally established the Vasco Road day at around 4:30 p.m. Fire units arrived on tion in adult sports decreased Safety-Enhancement Double Fine Zone. The scene and found an exterior fire against a single slightly. Double Fine Zone expired January 1, 2010 and family residence at 2817 Curry Street. The fire Board president Steve Good- high collision rates continue. In 2010 alone, there was quickly extinguished and crews checked for were 24 accidents along Vasco Road, which is man noted, “Staff took a look at spread of fire into the house. programs that were under-reg- significantly above the state-wide average for The fire did cause damage to the exterior of the similar roads. istered and cut them out. They home, and cracked windows, but did not spread were creative in adding new further. However, the homeowner’s dog perished programs. The dsitrict provides Major Drop in DUI Arrests in the fire. No civilians were hurt. One firefighter DUI arrests took a major downturn in Al- suffered a minor injury and was treated and re- some of the best quality camps ameda County as the sheriff’s deputies, police leased from the hospital. A joint investigation was around. We listened to citizens. officers and California Highway Patrol officers conducted by the Pleasanton Police Department When they want something, we of the Avoid the 21 crackdown reported 293 ar- and the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department. provide it.” rests, compared with 503 for last year’s summer The probable cause was determined to be ciga- In other action, the board ap- mobilization. rette ashes dropped into tan bark ground cover proved a job description for the The 18-day summer mobilization ended at at the front of the home by occupants and their midnight last night (Monday, Sept. 5). The num- friends. Four adults were home at the time of the bers represent a 66 percent decrease. fire and had evacuated prior to fire department “This is a good sign,” said Lt. Ava Garavatti of arrival. The estimated damages are $25,000. The the Livermore police, who chairs the campaign. occupants were able to return to the home after “ I give credit to the community that recognizes the incident. the seriousness of the problem and doesn’t even think committing this dangerous crime. We’re Fallon Sports Park Amenities seeing many more designated drivers.” A community meeting will be held on Wed., No DUI deaths were reported. “This is the Sept. 14 to take input on the desired amenities best news we could have and the true success for the next phase of the Fallon Sports Park in of Avoid the 21,” Garavatti remarked. Dublin. Saturation patrols and checkpoints brought The meeting will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 in 154 of the arrests with officers on regular p.m. at the Dublin Public Library. Those unable beats and CHP maximum enforcement periods to attend the meeting but want to provide input, or accounting for 139. would like to be notified of future meetings about Avoid the 21 is funded by the California Of- the park plans, please e-mail glentheguide@ fice of Traffic Safety through the National High- dublin.ca.gov. way Traffic Safety Administration. It will hit the For additional information, please call Diane streets and freeways over Halloween and for a Lowart, Parks & Community Services Director, 20-day crackdown starting in mid-December. at (925) 556-4500.

Most of Nuclear Material Removed LARPD Board Meeting Canceled The National Nuclear Security Administra- The Board of Directors meeting for the tion (NNSA) announced last week that Law- Livermore Area Recreation and Park District rence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 14, has been has removed 90 percent inventory of nuclear canceled. The next Board meeting is scheduled material requiring the highest level of security for 7 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 27. protection. The LARPD Board meets in the Cresta Blanca The move is part of NNSA’s efforts to consoli- Ballroom at the Robert Livermore Community date Category I and II special nuclear material, Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. requiring the highest level of security, at five For more information, visit www.larpd.dst. sites, including Los Alamos, by the end of 2012. ca.us or call 925-373-5700.

PAGE 4 - The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Appeal Filed in Oak Grove Decision; EDITORIAL Second Legal Action Asks for Damages A Proud History While Napa Valley may receive praise for its wines, wine The Lin family has two Superior Court Judge Yvonne The complaint asks for damages by referendum. "Exposing the lovers can look to the Livermore Valley for the origin of more lawsuits moving forward Gonzalez Rogers. In her decision, exceeding the jurisdictional Lins to this risk denies the Lins the some of those varietals. in the courts. At the center of Judge Rogers wrote that the minimum of the superior Court very security that they bargained Concannon Vineyard pioneered the creation of the the lawsuits is the Oak Grove plain terms of both ordinances for "injuries sustained by the Lins for through the development Cabernet Sauvignon clones 7, 8 and 11, also known as development in Pleasanton. indicate that both ordinances and caused by the city's breach of agreement." the Concannon clones. They are now planted in many of One legal action by Jennifer would be set aside in the event the development agreement." The The attorney points out that the Napa’s vineyards. and Frederic Lin is the appeal of a successful referendum Lins are asking for revenues for city's breach of the development Wines made from a California grown Chardonnay are of a court decision issued of one. Once the referendum the costs of the suit, for reasonable agreement, if not cured, will cause most likely to have come from a vineyard planted with a earlier this year that dismissed occurred, the condition that would attorneys' fees and for "such other the Lins to lose vested rights Wente clone. Today, over 80% of California’s Chardonnays a lawsuit challenging whether invalidate the ordinance came to and further relief as the court may to develop a 51 unit residential originated from clones cultivated by the Wente family. a development agreement was pass and no contractual duty was deem just and proper." project on the property worth Jim Concannon has been dubbed the "Father of Petite voided along with the planned created. The papers claim that the city tens of millions of dollars. Now Sirah." The grape was previously used for blending. unit development (PUD) Pleasanton Assistant City knew or should have known that the Lins may only develop up to However, fifty years ago, Jim chose to bottle a varietal ordinance. The second legal Larissa Seto said that no arguments its refusal to acknowledge and 10 units and must avoid some Petite Sirah. It proved to be a popular idea. action, is a complaint asking for had yet been filed in the appeal. A protect the Lins' vested rights of the most desirable locations damages. hearing set for Sept. 9 has been in the terms of the development to site a home. "In an effort to We offer a toast to the proud history of the Livermore postponed. Valley wine country and look forward to a bright future. Following the successful agreement would give rise to a mitigate the damages, the Lins referendum of the Oak Grove Asked if the appeal would claim and that the development have submitted an application to development in June 2010, the impact plans submitted by the agreement would be nullified if the city requesting approval of a Lins sued the city for the right Lins for a new project, Seto said the PUD ordinance were set aside 10-unit subdivision." to build 51 houses on the 572 that was part of the discussion acres they own in the southeast with the city council in closed BART session. (continued from page one) hills. Oak Grove included two Thorne Announces Plans to The Lins have submitted a 10- found by creative people working ordinances approved by the city the environment, by taking cars home project on the property. The together," declared Wilson. off the road 4 to 5 miles earlier council. One was a development Run for Pleasanton Mayor agreement; the second was a city has begun the environmental He said it would be possible than now. He did not expect that with a solid background in finan- to make a case that housing planned unit development. Each review process. Pleasanton City Councilmem- massive amounts of parking ber Jerry Thorne has announced cial and business management as could be located along a corridor, would be built at Isabel, because contained a poison pill that states In arguments filed in the that if one of the ordinances were original lawsuit, the Lin's attorney plans to run for mayor in Novem- well as considerable experience not at each individual station. it is not an end of line station. in local government leadership. invalidated, the other ordinance states that if the development ber 2012. "There would need to be the ac- Bus access and kiss and ride Since my background, experi- cess, ridership and development would also be invalid. agreement were invalidated by The current mayor, Jennifer would be options. A local bus Hosterman, will be termed out ence and track record are clear appropriate for the investment could bring Livermore residents The Lins' attorney argued that the court, the Lins plan to file a damages claim. of office. indicators that I can bring our being made." to the station, taking those cars the development agreement was City the leadership needed to face Livermore Mayor Marshall The claim was filed on Thorne served as a Parks and off the road. still valid. Andrew Sabey wrote, Recreation Commissioner from our challenges, I have decided to Kamena said, "I was delighted September 2 in Superior Court. He said of the whole process, "The clause does not say that the 1995 to 2005. He was elected to run for Mayor in 2012." to make the initial contact with "Livermore has paid for a robust development agreement would The suit asks for damages. No Supporters will sponsor a Wilson to offer him the posi- the city council in a special elec- BART system for decades. It's be set aside, only the ordinance. set amount was requested. tion held June 2005. In 2006 and breakfast fund-raiser at the Palm tion to work for Livermore. I'm Livermore's turn to have direct Had the city intended to void the Seto said the city had not yet Pavilion at the Alameda County excited about the timeline Frank 2010 he was reelected with the access to the system. The city development agreement, it could been served with papers, so she largest number of votes awarded Fairgrounds in Pleasanton on has proposed. He brings in the generated real estate and sales have said so." didn't know what was being asked Thursday, October 6 at 7:30 a.m. expertise to distribute the hous- to any candidate for local office taxes for 40 years. Other com- Sabey, said in court at the time, in the claim. in each of those elections. Please RSVP by September 30 to ing along 580 without violating munities have benefited from She said that the Lins will try [email protected]. the urban growth boundary." that he thought the decision could Thorne wrote in announcing what Livermore has paid into the be overturned on appeal. to prove damages of more than his plans, "Given the challenges At the breakfast, he will share Wilson pointed out that BART system. It has the right to claim The original suit was $25,000; that's why they are in our City is facing over the next his vision for the City going for- to Livermore would be good for transit equity." dismissed by Alameda County Superior Court. several years, we need a Mayor ward and answer any questions.

UNIONS (continued from page one) change in this area, said Hen- work with, and band together," specialize in labor law from Unionwas founded in the 1880s. from) 16 hours a day, and low that. They are missing the point. neberry. Large non-union chains, Norr said. the viewpoint of management. Local 104 dates back to 1903. pay." From 1980 until now, we are see- such as Sprouts, Smart and Final, MANY IN TRADES "Union busting is a big business. Stoker said, "Less than 120 Asked about the view, held by ing the greatest wage inequality, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods, LIVE IN VALLEY The employer holds "captive years ago, workers clashed (with some, that "unions have too much where the wealthiest 1 percent are expanding. Walmart, which The Carpenters and other audience" meetings, and sits employers). That was what was power," Stoker said, "It bothers take home 80 percent of the unionists consider to be mili- building trades unions also work with workers one on one," said behind Labor Day, and (a change me when I hear comments like country's increasing income." tantly anti-union, continues to in the Valley. Many members Henneberry. expand its grocery operations in live here, said spokespersons Norr said that it's illegal to California. for those unions. In general, not hold those one-on-one meetings, Park District Names Assistant General Manager "Since the Reagan administra- many union workers are hired where the employee sometimes tion, there has been an effort to for residential construction. The "must watch anti-union videos." East Bay Regional Park Dis- East Bay Regional Park District emy and has previously held a hammer down on unions. Reagan number goes up for commercial "Intimidation is very common, trict General Manager Robert E. well," said Doyle. "Along with secondary teaching credential in intervened in the air control- buildings, said Andreas Couver, especially in the private sector. In Doyle announced the selection understanding complicated envi- life science and physical science. lers union dispute. He put labor secretary-treasurer of the Alam- many cases, workers were fired of Jim O'Connor as the new ronmental issues, he has worked He is married and lives in Gilroy. leaders in jail. He impacted the eda County Building and Con- for union activity," said Norr. She Assistant General Manager of in a very urbanized and diverse His wife Dawn is a middle school National Labor Relations Board struction Trades Council. cited one casino worker in the Operations. He will replace John area, much like the East Bay, science teacher with an MS in (NLRB) by appointing pro- With union work going for Eastbay who attended his father's Escobar, who will retire at the and even has experience in law Educational Leadership. He has management folks. It affected $20 per hour, versus $10 for funeral, and apparently was fired end of September 2011. enforcement." Along with laud- a daughter who attends Cal Poly everything, from organizing to non-union, it's hard for union a week later for his absence. The O'Connor has over 34 years of ing O'Connor's strong park op- at San Luis Obispo and a son in keeping existing agreements in workers to be hired on residen- union suspects intimidation, parks and recreation experience, erations skills, Doyle is also im- middle school. The O'Connor place," said Henneberry. tial projects, said Couver. On because the firing was one week most recently as Deputy Director pressed with his enthusiasm and family plans to relocate to the President Clinton did not go commercial buildings, the firms after his quotes appeared on a of Park Operations with Santa innovative ideas. "Jim will add a East Bay. out of his way to harm labor. want to rent them out for income, union flier in a contract dispute, Clara County. new perspective to the manage- The East Bay Regional Park He didn't do anything for unions so the work has to be of a higher she said. Beginning as a teenager, ment and operations of the East District, located in the San Fran- either, added Henneberry. quality. Builders will use more UNION SUPPORTS O'Connor has spent his entire ca- Bay Regional Park District well cisco East Bay area, is the larg- The best president the nation union labor, said Couver. URBAN GROWTH LINE reer in park-oriented fields, with into the future. I look forward to est regional park agency in the has had for labor was Democrat Couver said that the building Rob Stoker, business agent for experience in park operations, Jim joining our team." nation, with 65 parks, 109,000+ Harry Truman, said Henneberry. trades offer a wide variety of ap- Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, law enforcement, maintenance, O'Connor stated, "I have long acres, and over 1,150 miles of "He led. He set the tone, even prenticeship programs that turn said, a substantial number of the resource management, environ- considered the East Bay Regional trails in Alameda and Contra when there was a Republican out good workers. local's members live in the Valley. mental education, and outdoor Park District a world-class park Costa counties. The Park Op- Congress. The contrast between The union does have a rival, That's one reason that the union recreation. He has worked in organization. I feel honored to erations Division is comprised Truman and Obama is stark. in the form of the Associated supported an Urban Growth Sequoia National Park in Cali- be selected to fill the Assistant of over 400 employees includ- After the financial meltdown, Builders and Contractors (ABC), Boundary, he explained. fornia, Rocky Mountain National General Manager position and ing park rangers and staff from Obama sided with Wall Street, which operates an apprenticeship The union members want to Park in Colorado, and Olympic look forward to joining the Dis- the maintenance, skilled trades, not working people," declared training center in Livermore. live in a well-planned community National Park in Washington. At trict team." recreation, volunteer, and inter- Henneberry. Toby Cummings, president of as much as their neighbors do, Santa Clara County, O'Connor O'Connor has a bachelor's pretive departments. The East As far as public perceptions the ABC Golden Gate Chapter, said Stoker. began as a park ranger in 1991 degree in biology from Hum- Bay Regional Park District also of unions are concerned, it is said that all of the organization's Further, keeping development and was promoted several times boldt State University in Arcata, has a Public Safety Division with "skewed toward the Reagan im- labor is non-union. That helps within the growth boundary can to his current position as Deputy California. He completed the its own sworn police officers and age of the rugged individual." some unions. He explained that result in higher density housing, Director. National Park Service Seasonal fire department working closely Many say there is no need for on some jobs, where contractors which means more work for sheet "Jim has a unique and rare Ranger Law Enforcement Acad- with the Park Operations. unions. However, I don't think prefer to hire a mixture, ABC metal workers, he said. set of skills that will serve the they can make the case that there workers are available to provide Asked whether there is any is a level playing field between trained workers, too. intimidation of the sheet metal employers and employees," said Couver's response was that union workers, Stoker said, "We Henneberry. ABC lobbies governments not do run into such things, but it's "People are saying they are to approve rules that say only declining slightly." paying thousands for family unions can work on government Since the sheet metal workers (Opinions voiced in letters the ravine with the rainwater inadequate, flimsy Supplement health coverage and their 401K's projects. If successful in chang- are a construction union, they are published in Mailbox are those while others percolated into the Analysis. This means there will are in the tank," said Henneberry. ing those rules, ABC would be frequently signing new contracts of the author and do not neces- groundwater aquifer slew. This be no further review and no pub- Yet, they complain about union switching more union jobs to for work. The union takes the sarily reflect the opinion of The plume is spreading the vast pollu- lic hearings. tion in its wake as it moves. workers receiving pensions and non-union, said Couver. contractors to see the apprentice- Independent. Letter Policy: The The projects planned are very health coverage, instead of try- Cummings sees the lobbying Independent will not publish The Livermore Lab is pres- dangerous to people living near ship program that it runs, and its ently surveying the area to de- ing to work themselves toward as providing contractors more anonymous letters, nor will it the Lab and will add to the al- quality of training. "When they termine the extent of the con- obtaining those same wages and choice about whom they will publish letters without names. ready polluted environment. see the training, the whole stigma Abusive letters may be rejected tamination . I am concerned Projects planned: benefits, he added. hire for jobs. (about a union) goes away," said or edited. Frequent letter writers because one aspect that I have • Increase the maximum yield That sentiment was also ex- Allowing non-union workers Stoker. may have publication of their seen suggests that cleanup levels of blasts at the National Ignition pressed by Sarah Norr, who rep- into sites with union workers can Since the sheet metal Stoker letters delayed. Letters should be should be relaxed so that more Facility (NIF) from about 20 resents Unite Here!. "The point backfire on non-union contrac- said that apprenitces are paid $18 submitted by e-mail to editmail@ of the uranium would be left in pounds of TNT equivalent to of a union is for workers to have tors, said Couver. The non-union per hour, and with fringe benefits, compuserve.com.) place. I believe that the site must more than 50 pounds of TNT a voice. It's not about some out- workers have to be paid prevail- the amount comes to more than be returned to its original condi- equivalent. The blasts will send side union official, but workers ing union wages and benefits. $30. They collect that when they Site 300 Cleanup tion to protect human health and neutrons skyward and bounce ra- themselves, to protect what they They like that; then they become are working out in the field, or Beverly King the environment. No shortcuts diation back down to the ground, want," said Norr. interested in joining the union, in shops where typically they Livermore should be taken. called “skyshine,” potentially "A lot of times in the media said Couver. "The contractors fabricate duct work. Site 300 is located near the in- Final decision regarding causing portions of the Lab site the message you see is someone are afraid of that possibility," Evidence of harmony among tersection of I-580 Corral Hollow cleanup standards for the "fir- to be evacuated. saying, 'I don't have health care, he said. unions is the joint partnership Road. This is where explosive ing table" have not been made. • Increase the amount of ra- but this person does.' You should An area that unions have that the sheet metal workers testing was-and still is- being Public monitoring in the coming dioactive tritium and highly toxic determine how to achieve the to deal with is law firms that union maintains with the Sheet freely done. Its purpose is to aid year will be essential to obtain a beryllium allowed at the NIF. things you need, with others you Metal Air Conditioning Asso- in bomb design. good cleanup. • Increase the amount of ra- ciation. In the east central portion of dioactive and hazardous wastes Typically, the sheet metal Site 300 is a 200 acre area called Site Review stored at Livermore Lab. workers labor on the same proj- Building 812 "firing table." Here Jo Ann Frisch There are also new facilities Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala Livermore proposed that were not analyzed Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell ects as the other building trades, high explosive, radioactive ura- in the Supplement Analysis, (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) Editor: Janet Armantrout such as the plumbers and electri- nium and toxic chemicals were The Department of Energy late including the Thermonuclear cians. "Each union is a stand- detonated until 2009. After these in August released its decision not to do a complete Site-wide Target Fabrication Facility. The Independent is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., Liver- alone union, but they are all tests the leftover contaminants more, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and Environmental Impact Statement Are you concerned about additional entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998. The Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www. under an umbrella of the Building were often dumped into the independentnews.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The nearby ravine. about the new programs planned these hazards? Get more infor- Independent, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. Trades Council. Some employ- The ravine contains an earth- at Livermore Lab. mation on the Tri-Valley CAREs Advertising rates and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 ers sign contracts with multiple during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. quake faltline. Some of the Instead, the DOE is moving web site at www.trivalleycares. Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. crafts," said Stoker. contaminants washed down ahead on the basis of a wholly org. The Sheet Metal Workers The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - PAGE 5 Livermore’s API scores continue to rise Sunset, Smith, and Livermore Valley Charter School score over 900 By Patricia Koning a row. Because several LVJUSD School (LVCS), a K-8 school not 8 both failed to make AYP. velopment to replacing staff and Elementary School. Al- The 2011 Academic Per- schools accept Title 1 federal in LVJUSD, increased its API Marylin’s API score dropped by takeover by an outside entity. tamont Creek: 858 (+17 points); formance Index (API) reports funding, the District is now in score from 900 to 902. Principal 31 points, from 796 to 765. After There was more good news. Arroyo Seco: 872 (+18); Emma released by the California De- year 2 of Program Improvement Tara Aderman said that the el- exiting PI in 2009, Marylin is The highest scoring schools C. Smith: 911 (+16); Jackson partment of Education (CDE) (PI). ementary school students scored now in year 2. This is year 5 for were Sunset Elementary, which Avenue: no score; Leo R. Croce: last week indicate that most AYP is determined by API a 936 and middle school students Junction, although the school had increased from 910 to 923, and 876 (+17); Marylin Avenue: 765 schools in Livermore continue growth, graduation rate for high scored 866. the largest API score improve- Smith Elementary, which in- (-31); Rancho Las Positas: 855 to make steady increases in stu- schools, and percentage of stu- The Livermore Valley Char- ment in LVJUSD, with a 29-point creased from 895 to 911. Chris- (-15); Sunset: 923 (+13). Middle School. dent achievement. All but three dents scoring at or above profi- ter Preparatory High School gain from 758 to 787. tensen Middle School gained 25 Christensen: of the 14 traditional schools in cient in English-language arts (LVCP) scored an 820. “We are “Schools can improve and points, from 794 to 819. 819 (+25); East Avenue: 807 the Livermore Valley Joint Uni- (ELA) and math. All numerically thrilled,” said LVCP principal still not meet AYP. As the re- Other schools with large in- (+4); Mendenhall: 878 (+5). K-8. fied School District (LVJUSD) significant subgroups within a Lauren Kelly. “This is evidence quirements increase it can be creases are Altamont Creek Joe Michell: 811 (-15); improved their scores; seven school or district must meet the of the success of our students a challenge to keep up. We are Elementary (17 points; 841 to Junction: 787 (+29). High School. schools recorded double-digit percent proficient requirements and our school. I think it’s even still concerned about groups of 858), Arroyo Seco Elementary Granada: 843 increases. to make AYP. more impressive that we were a students, particularly those who (18 points; 854 to 872), Croce (+5); Livermore: 817 (+16). Chris Van Schaack, LVJUSD Van Schaack said that place- first-year school with 15 feeder traditionally struggle, who are not Elementary (17 points; 859 to Fewer than 99 students were assistant superintendent, said ment in PI won’t result in many schools.” progressing as well as we’d like 876), and Livermore High School tested at Del Valle Continuation that he and other administrators changes that would be noticed by She adds that LVCP accepts them to,” said Van Schaack. (16 points; 817 to 801). High School, Phoenix High are happy with the District’s parents and students, other than all students from everywhere. He adds that Marylin has had Jackson Avenue Elementary School, and Vineyard Alternative. increased API score, from 822 an even greater determination This first class at LVCP, now truly incredible gains over the School does not have a valid API According to CDE, APIs based to 832. “Overall, we’re pleased by school sites to ensure that all sophomores, has students from past several years and it is quite for 2011 because an adult irregu- on small numbers of students with the growth that we’re seeing students are successful. “Being Livermore, Tracy, Mountain common for schools with large, larity in the testing procedure are less reliable and, therefore, district-wide. Not only did the in PI reminds us that even though House, Dublin, San Ramon, extended gains to have a ‘bounce occurred, affecting more than should be carefully interpreted. overall API go up by 10 points, our schools and our District are Fremont, and Castro Valley. If year’ in which scores go down a 5% of the pupils tested. Despite For more information on API but the increase was the result of doing well, we still have groups enrollment exceeds space avail- little bit. the irregularity, principal Tammy scores, AYP, and PI, visit http:// nearly identical gains by most of students who are struggling, able, which Kelly said could hap- PI status brings with it fed- Rankin said she is happy with the www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ap. subgroups,” he said. and we need to continue to look pen in the 2012/13 school year, a eral guidelines for improving way Jackson students performed Despite this, LVJUSD failed for ways to help them be success- lottery will be held. academic achievement, ranging on the test. to make Adequate Yearly Prog- ful,” he adds. Marylin Avenue Elementary from supplemental education The complete API scores for ress (AYP) for the second year in The Livermore Valley Charter School and Junction Avenue K- services and additional staff de- LVJUSD are: Pleasanton Schools Score High Again in API and AYP Testing By Ron McNicoll the requirements. in the state would be very happy Districtwide, African Ameri- next year. The Pleasanton school district There is no uniform national with a 914 score. cans fell just short on math with SUNOL GLEN RISES averaged a 906 score on the Aca- test for AYP. California, with A closer look at the other 66.8 percent. However, they had BY 30 POINTS demic Performance Index (API) more rigorous standards geared Pleasanton elementary school made enough progress, with 10 In the Sunol Glen school in this year's testing results. to state curriculum, doesn't look performances shows that Alisal percent improvement over last district, its lone school, a K-8 The 906 average was identical good statistically compared to went up from 893 to 900, Fair- year, so that meant that their elementary school, scored 939, to last year's average. Although some other states, said Pleas- lands from 944 to 949, Mohr status was acceptable. It's a up 30 points from last year's 909 there was no growth in the over- anton superintendent Parvin down from 961 to 957, and Ly- designation called "safe harbor." points in API. all average, the performance Ahmadi. diksen down from 898 to 891. Also qualifying for safe harbor In AYP, 85 percent of the remains outstanding. The state, Ahmadi said that achieving Hearst was down from 951 to were the socio-economically dis- students were proficient or ad- which released the test scores a more level playing field in to 945, Vintage Hills down from advantaged with 54.6 percent on vanced in ELA, and 86.6 percent Aug. 31, wants to see districts testing has been a topic among 934 to 927, and Walnut Grove up ELA and 52 percent on math. in math. and individual schools perform educators. from 925 to 930. However, some subgroups above 800. The API results show numbers All three of Pleasanton's mid- did not meet goals. They were Steady improvement is al- for each school in a district. Some dle schools scored above 900. African Americans in math, at ways encouraged. The district parents look at the numbers as Hart made it into the 900 circle 56.5 percent, Hispanic or Latino works toward that goal. Any an indicator for how their local this year, with a score of 907, at 59.6 percent in ELA and 56.7 minor drops and gains in scores school is doing compared to up from 899 last year. Harvest percent in math, and students are within the range of error for others. Park dropped from 933 to 923. with disabilities, with 58.7 per- the scores' statistical analysis. Traditionally, Pleasanton edu- Pleasanton Middle School went cent in ELA, and 55.1 percent Pleasanton in the past few cators have pointed out that in down from 932 to 922. in math. years has been among the top 10 general the schools are evenly At the high school level, Ama- Ahmadi said that the district or 12 school districts among the matched in performance. They dor Valley scored a 894, up from will continue to bring resources more than 400 unified districts say that the real value of API is 833 last year. Foothill dropped to bear on the groups, on a in the state, thanks to such high to help administrators and teach- from 888 to 884. Village High, school-by-school basis, where average scores in its schools. ers mine data to make changes the district's continuation school, goals were not met. There will Also released at the same in programs for individual stu- scored 624, which was 97 points also be a strong focus on sub- time were the Annual Yearly dents. above its 527 last year. groups that may appear headed Progress (AYP) results. These MOST ELEMENTARY The API test did show a sub- for missing the rising target for are a compilation of seven tests SCHOOLS ABOVE 900 group not measuring up to the given to California students dur- In this year's results, seven growth goals set by the state. ing the year. The API is one of of Pleasanton's nine elementary Targets were missed for one those tests. schools scored above 900. As subgroup, students with dis- The AYP measures profi- for the other two schools, Valley abilities. That occurred at Ly- ciency in English Language Arts View recorded a score of 899, diksen, Harvest Park, Pleasanton (ELA) and math. The test results just three points lower than its Middle School, and Foothill High are connected to the No Child 902 last year. Lydiksen scored School. Left Behind Act (NCLB), which 891, down from 898 last year. A FEW SUBGROUPS was passed in 2001, and signed Six of the elementary schools LAG IN A.Y.P. by President George W. Bush. scores were lower this year than In the AYP testing for No The expected proficiency lev- last year, but the declines were in Child Left Behind, the stan- els rise every year. The theory is the single digits. Differences of dard required that 67 percent that eventually all students will a few points are not statistically of students had to be advanced be proficient in math and ELA significant. or proficient in ELA, and 67.3 at their own grade level. Critics The one larger change among percent in math. have said that it's unrealistic to elementary schools was at Don- Districtwide, Pleasanton expect that 100 percent of the lon, which dropped from 930 to scored an average of 84 per- school population will achieve 914 points. However, to keep that cent in ELA and 81.4 percent it. They want Congress to modify drop in perspective, most schools in math.

Slight Increase in Property Values Following two consecutive were modest. Excluding Colusa Of the twelve counties with years of declining assessed val- County, only three counties rolls exceeding $100 billion, ues, the total value of state-as- (Kern, Madera and Trinity) grew seven counties posted an increase sessed and county-assessed by more than two percent. in assessed value, while values property rose to $4.382 trillion Thirty-eight counties expe- in five counties fell. Values in- for 2011-12, an increase of $11.6 rienced year-to-year declines creased in the counties of San billion (0.3 percent) from the in value, with Plumas the only Mateo and Orange (1.0 percent), previous year, Betty T. Yee, First county declining by more than Santa Clara (0.9 percent), San District Member of the Board of five percent. For the third year in Francisco (0.5 percent), San Di- Equalization announced today. a row, declines in assessed values ego (0.4 percent), and Alameda The value of county-assessed were especially concentrated in (0.1 percent). Declines in value property increased by $5.3 bil- the State’s Central Valley. As- include the counties of Sacra- lion (0.1 percent) to $4.297 tril- sessed values dropped by 2.9 per- mento (-3.7 percent), Riverside lion. The value of state-assessed cent in the Greater Sacramento (-1.2 percent), San Bernardino property, mainly privately owned Area, and declined 2.7 percent (-0.5 percent), Contra Costa (-0.4 public utilities and railroads, to- in the North San Joaquin Valley. percent), and Ventura County, taled $85.3 billion, an increase of However, assessed values actu- which was only down slightly, $6.3 billion (8.0 percent). ally grew by 1.4 percent in the virtually unchanged by percent- Year-to-year percentage Southern San Joaquin Valley, age. Los Angeles County, with changes ranged from a high of driven by the 2.4 percent growth the largest assessment roll at a 19.5 percent gain in Colusa experienced by Kern County. $1.079 trillion, increased by 1.4 County to a low of a 5.3 percent The assessed valuation in percent, up $15.0 billion over decline in Plumas County. The California’s 15 coastal counties 2010-11. increase in Colusa County is (which account for over 60 per- largely related to utility assess- cent of total assessed valuation) ments (which comprise more gained 0.9 percent. By contrast, than one-third of the county’s valuations in the 43 inland coun- assessment roll), and was driven ties fell 0.6 percent. Southern by the construction of a new California assessed values in- power plant in the county. In all, creased 0.7 percent. The increase twenty counties posted year-to- in San Francisco Bay Area values year increases in assessed value, was a modest 0.3 percent, in line although most of the increases with the statewide figure. PAGE 6 - The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

The 2011 RecPlus soccer season got off to a great start for the U12 Livermore Phantoms, from the Livermore Fusion soccer program. The Phantoms made it to the championship round in the San Ramon Kick-Off Tournament against a tough San Ramon team. At the final whistle, the Livermore girls came out The Livermore Fusion U9G Black team played in the Danville with a hard fought 2-1 victory. Pictured are (front row, left to Livermore Fusion SC Girls U-12's Sheylynne Holsen takes aim Mustang Soccer Tournament Labor Day weekend. Coached by right) Carly Estevez, Kennedy Griffith, Jordan Kennedy; (second during Magic Cup play in Morgan Hill. For match results, see Matt Caution, Fusion continued their development as a team and row) Amanda Plant, Aleiya Whitehead, Lauren Zielinksi, Alyssa Sports Notes. played some outstanding soccer on Saturday and Sunday to Salvetti, Brianna Wheelock; (third row) Elizabeth Waibel, Ashley work their way in to the consolation match. Fusion won their final Lamb, Amanda Alvarez, Katie Carmichael, Emma Zika, Abby game on Sunday afternoon, taking 3rd place in the tournament. Fraser and Coaches Kevin Fraser, Katie Kennedy and Steve Fusion missed out on the play of Gracie Ackerman, who suffered Griffith an injury on the first day but appreciated her support as she and just a touch off as Elk Grove appeared to in a one touch pass that found the foot of be a bit fresher and sharper in this contest. Sheylynne Holsen who pounded it into the cheered the team on to victory. Highlights included some great Sunday’s first game was a must win back of the net to bring Fusion back even at stops by a host of Fusion Keepers, including Emma Kello, Kelsey for head coach Rob Hansen’s Fusion team 1-1. This sequence seemed to re-energize of Coaching Ben Graham orchestrated and to have an opportunity to make it to a final Fusion as both the offensive and defensive Hoopes, and Olivia Turner. Goalies were backed up with strong Livermore Fusion executed an amazing game plan tailored for round game, and they certainly didn’t disap- pressure turned up a notch. The teams battled The weekend of August 20 and 21, the each opponent they faced. point as Makenzie Farro got the hat-trick, her back and forth until with about 5 minutes defense from the team, including Jennifer Barron and Danielle Livermore Fusion SC U9 Girls Maroon Livermore Fusion FC Girls U-12 second of the weekend, and Jenni Kovisto left in the game, Holsen found herself all team competed against some of the top teams Castro. At mid-field, Alina Guzman used her fantastic speed Maroon team wrapped up their prepara- stopped all but one shot as Fusion bounced alone from about 35 yards out and hit a in Northern California at the 2011 Stanford tions for league and State Cup schedules by back from Saturday’s loss to post a well high, arcing shot that dropped in just below to help control the field of play. The offense was powered by Summer Classic, Division 1 tournament. participating in the Magic Cup in Morgan played and well deserved 3-1 victory over the crossbar and just out of the reach of the great assists from Kelsey Hoopes and Emma Kello and scoring The girls played a total of 5 games in the Hill, Aug. 27th and 28th. San Juan Spirits. The win advanced Fusion opposing goalie. The total team defense tournament including 3 games on Sunday. by Melanie Branda, Jennifer Barron, Lissa Mizutani and Emily Fusion opened up on Saturday morning to the consolation final vs. Orchard Valley made sure the goal would stand up as Fusion They tied their initial game and then went with a well played 4-1 victory over host SC from Morgan Hill. took Gold Division 3rd place with the hard Krakowski. Pictured are (top row) Coach Matt Caution; (middle on an unstoppable 4 game win streak which Central Valley Crossfire. Ball possession The final opened up with what appeared fought 2-1 win. included a penalty kick shoot out in the semi- row, left to right) Emma Kello; Olivia Turner; Jennifer Barron; and fast acting defense were the keys to the to be a copy of Saturday’s loss, as Fusion went Forwards Farro and Holsen were strongly finals and a complete shut out victory in the opening win for Fusion. down 1-0 in the first half. The combination supported by the two way play of midfield- Emily Krakowski; Melanie Branda; Lissa Mizutani; (bottom row, championship, earning them the title of 2011 A combination of heat and a long time of the heat, 3 previous hard played games ers Marley Walke, Lauren Martin, Andrea Stanford Summer Classic Champions. The left to right) Gracie Ackerman; Alina Guzman; Danielle Castro; between games seemed to play a part in and long periods of time between games Sommer, Kaitlyn Oki and Kylie Moore. girls displayed both a relentless offensive Fusion’s 2nd round loss to eventual Gold seemed to have gotten to Fusion until a near Fullbacks Lauryn Souza, Alexis Salazar, and, Kelsey Hoopes. attack and an impenetrable defense which Division champions, FC Elk Grove. While field length run from her fullback position Kylie Martinez, Claire Abele, and Borgna proved to be overwhelming for the com- the effort was there, execution was a bit slow and centering pass by Tori Borgna, resulted all helped keeper Jen Kovisto in limiting petition. Coach Matt Caution and Director the opposing teams scoring chances. Fusion The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - PAGE 7

Livermore Fusion SC U9 Girls Maroon team were champions of the 2011 Stanford Summer Classic. Pictured are (back row) Team Rawlings of California baseball team came in second Coach Matt Caution; (middle, left to right) Rebecca George, Kayla place in the Cooperstown All Star tournament during August 13 Galo, Faith Rogers, Athena Lewis, Alivia Ganz; (front, left to right) The West Coast Soccer Wild Fire U12 team traveled to Morgan Hill - 19. Team Rawlings is comprised of players from Pleasanton, Alina Guzman, Ainsley Gibbs, Kassidy Brackett, April Phillips, to battle Orchard Valley. The girls brought their best game, using Danville and Concord. Team Rawlings won 8 games and lost 1, Kaleigh Castillo, Emily Krakowski, and Lily Redell. an iron wall defense and flawless goal keeping by Brianne Radliff while outscoring their opponents 79 – 24. Five different Rawlings for the win. The offense was also on fire, taking multiple shots players hit 17 home runs: Robert Towne, James Cowick, Dante from all positions. With minutes left in the second half, forward Albanese, Bradley Norton and Joshua Ott. Towne, Norton and Meghan Giamona headed in her second goal of the game. The Ott also hit home runs over the legendary Green Monster. The Maroon was also helped out by guest players through the park and the park’s trails: 10K girls shut out their opponent 3 - 0. Pictured is Meghan Giamona team was coached by Ken Altomare, Paul “Bucket” Benzer and Sydney Mendoza and Jessica Bonfiglio. Run, 5K Run & Walk, and a Children’s making a move on a defender. Brett Benzer. Pictured are (front, left to right) Brandon Zerio, Mile. The10K Race and 5K Walk & Run Swim Progressive Program courses are made up of small rolling-hill Trevor Ibanez, TJ Myers, Brad Altomare and Cole Torquemada; trails that run throughout the scenic Shadow Tri Valley Aquatics Swim Team is offer- Rental for one week is $20, plus a $40 designated age groups for both male and (second row, left to right) Brett Benzer, Joshua Ott, Robert Cliffs Regional Park. The Children’s Mile ing a Fall Swim Progressive Program. refundable deposit by credit card or cash – a female participants. course is laid out through a portion of the Towne, James Cowick, Chase Godi, Dante Albanese, Bradley The Fall Swim Progressive Program total of $60. The $40 deposit is refundable if Entry fee is $75.00 in advance, and park’s lawn area. runs September 12 to December 13. Each equipment is returned in good condition. Kits $85.00 race day, individual, and $210.00 Norton, Bruce Torquemada and Ken Altomare. Each participant will receive a com- swimmer will receive a team t-shirt, silicon are rented on a first-come, first-served basis; in advance, and $240.00, race day, relay memorative T-shirt, refreshments, snacks, swim cap, and racing goggles. reservations are not available in advance. teams. Along with the awards ceremony, entry into a huge prize raffle, and the first The team is a USA Swimming team. Rental of a bocce ball kit does not guarantee participants will receive a commemorative 300 registered entrants will be guaranteed to It is headquartered at Las Positas College a bocce ball court will be available. T-shirt, after-race snacks, and entry into a of course, your bike. Web site at www.onyourmarkevents.com. receive the famous Back to School Scholar- pool in Livermore. Please visit the web The Robert Livermore Community Cen- huge after-race raffle. To register or to receive more information Interested participants can either download ship Run’s Monster Goodie Bag. site for fall registration at: www.trival- ter is located at 4444 East Ave., Livermore. Don’t forget to bring your mandatory about On Your Mark Events’ Tri-For-Real an application and then mail in, or register Entry fees for either the 10K Run or 5K leyaquatics.com. Bothwell Park is located at 2466 Eighth swim cap, ANSI approved bike helmet, and, Triathlon, call 209-795-7832or visit their online at Active.com. Walk/Run are $30.00 pre-registered, $35.00 St., Livermore. For more information, call race-day registration. The Children’s Mile 925-373-5700. Women’s Soccer Signup Run is $10.00 pre-registered, and $12.00 Women of all skill levels are invited to race-day registration. Check-in and race-day sign up for the Livermore Area Recreation registration will open at 7:00 a.m., with both Water Polo Registration and Park District’s fall league of Women’s 10K and 5K events will start at 8:30 a.m. Livermore Area Recreation and Park Soccer. Women ages 18 and older are encour- The Children’s Mile will begin around 9:30 District (LARPD) is offering two water polo 2011 Walk for Education Helps Livermore aged to participate. a.m. The post-race awards, raffle, and prize programs this fall. Six to ten year old athletes This recreational outdoor league is for give-away ceremony is scheduled to start can register for Splashball, a “T-ball” version players of all ability levels. The aim is for around 10:00 a.m. of water polo. Splashball meets on Fridays Schools Fight Back Against Budget Cuts everyone to have fun playing the game. For more Back to School Scholarship from 3:45-5:15pm at the Robert Livermore The American Swim Acad- entry fee is $5. Each registered Whether you have never played before and Run information and/or an application, Community Center pool from September 7 helps our youth get the educa- want to give it a try, played when you were contact On Your Mark Race Events at 209- through November 14 and costs $72. emy is hosting the 3rd Annual participant will receive a t-shirt tion they deserve,” said Victoria younger and want to get back into the game 795-7832, or visit their webite. Participants Older or experienced athletes can reg- Walk for Education to benefit and refreshments. There will also Schellenberger, President of the or are currently playing and just can’t get can register online at Active.com. ister for the 14 & Under LAZERS team. enough soccer – all are welcome. The LAZERS team practices on Mondays, the Livermore Valley Education be a Family Fun Festival during LVEF. “Completing the circle are The fall season begins Tuesday, Sept. Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4-5:30pm at Foundation (LVEF). The walk the walk with live entertainment, the kids who come back to Liver- 13, and runs through Dec. 13. Games are Golf Tournament St. Michael’s/St. Charles CYO Basket- the Robert Livermore Community Center takes place at the Livermore DJ music, family friendly booths played at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Robertson more after college, getting jobs, ball program invites all golfers to join in the pool from September 7 through November Park, 3200 Robertson Park Road, Livermore. High School football track in and more. “The event will be fun at the 1st Annual CYO Golf Tournament 18 and costs $275. All experience levels raising families, and supporting Registration is open now. Pick up a packet to be held Friday, September 16, 2011, at Las are welcome. Livermore on Saturday, October fun for the entire family and a local businesses. Working as a at the Robert Livermore Community Center, Positas Golf Course in Livermore. A shotgun To register, call 925-373-5751, or visit 4444 East Ave., or download one from the 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. The Liver- great way for the community to team increases our success in start will begin at 1:00 p.m. Fee of $120.00 www.larpd.dst.ca.us. For more information LARPD Adult Sports webpage at http://www. more community, as well as stu- show support for the schools, per player includes a banquet dinner; dinner about the LAZERS, visit lazerswp.club- these difficult financial times,” larpd.dst.ca.us/sports/adult.html. For more only guests - $35.00. Sponsors are needed spaces.com dents, friends and families from said Andrew Pretari, Director of information, call 925-960-6407. she added. as well - $100.00 per tee. Raffle prizes every Livermore Valley school, is the American Swim Academy in For more information about as well as per hole contests. Looking for foursomes or match up that day. For more Tri-For-Real Triathlon invited to participate in the walk Livermore. “We are hoping this the 2011 Walk for Education, The 24th season On Your Mark Event’s Scholarship Run information, please contact Norma Jean via to raise funds and awareness for walk is a step in the right direc- The 16th annual Back to School Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series will conclude please visit www.American- email at [email protected]. Scholarship Run will be held on Saturday, with the traditional Tri-For-Real Triathlon, the Livermore Valley Education tion toward a brighter future for This fundraising effort will help to re- SwimAcademy.com/LVEF or September 17, at Shadow Cliffs Regional Sunday, September 18, at Shadow Cliffs duce fees and provide scholarship funds for Foundation (LVEF). our children,” he added. contact Jennifer Lee at 925-833- Park, 2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton. This Regional Park, in Pleasanton. young athletes participating in Livermore’s end-of–the-summer run is sponsored by the The Tri-For-Real triathlon, as like past “Our students are so full of The LVEF is dedicated to re- 7946 x105. Catholic Youth Organization Basktball Northern California Association of Sales & seasons, follows this year’s three Tri-For-Fun promise and so deserving of storing and enhancing academic program this fall. Marketing Companies. triathlons (the past three “Fun” non-timed and the best we have to offer as we and extracurricular programs The Scholarship Run raises funds for col- shorter-distance triathlons were held June- lege scholarships that are offered to children August). Utilizing the lake and rolling hills do everything we can to ensure within the Livermore Valley Joint of parents who work in the California food Bocce Kits for Rent Following the debut of two new bocce of Shadow Cliff Park and the paved roads they received a top-notch, 21st Unified School District. LVEF industry. This special event is well known courts at the freshly renovated Bothwell running through Pleasanton and Livermore, for its famous Monster Goody Bag, given century education,” said Kelly works with teachers, students Park, the Livermore Area Recreation and the timed “Real” course distance is extended to each participant (First 300 entrants guar- Bowers, Livermore Valley Super- and parents to determine where Park District is now making bocce ball kits to a 700-yard swim (warm, clean lake), 18- anteed. First come, first served after that). available for rent to the public. mile bike (loop course, flat surface), and intendent of Schools. “Thanks funding is most needed and then The Monster Goody Bags are overfilled with Bocce ball kits can be checked out for a 4-mile run (rolling dirt trails). grocery items provided by more than 40 to the generous support of the oversees the distribution on a week at a time from the Robert Livermore Carved soapstone trophies will go to the sponsors. This special door prize is worth Community Center. The kits are available at top male and female finishers. Beautiful glass Livermore community and the district wide basis. The major- more than the event’s entry fee! the front counter from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. trophies will be given to the top male and hard work and commitment of ity of funding for LVEF comes The Back to School Scholarship Run Monday through Friday. female Masters (over 45-years old) winners. features three races, with courses running In addition, medals are given three deep in volunteers via the Livermore Val- through fundraisers and com- ley Education Foundation, even munity support. in the midst of a major economic “Community partnerships crisis and financial downturn, our with the Livermore Valley Edu- 13,000+ K-12 students are not cation Foundation demonstrate being short-changed.” strong local support, inspiring Registration is open to the more people to donate which public by downloading a regis- tration form at www.american- swimacademy.com/LVEF. The

The P-Town Push Rods is a car club based in Pleasanton where the members come from the Tri- Valley, East Bay, Castro Valley, Tracy, and as far away as Modesto. Tho only criteria for joining the Push Rods is that one has to like driving, working on, and talking about cars, any kind of car. Members own hot rods, classics, customs, and vintage cars. Meetings are for breakfast at Vic's All Star Cafe twice a month (2nd and 4th Saturdays) in Pleasanton. All one has to do to become a member is attend one of the breakfasts. Membership is open to all. Members of the P-Town Push Rods cruised over to the Livermore Valley Wine Country to celebrate the kick-off of this year's Goodguys show in Pleasanton. Two dozen classic beauties hugged the vineyards of Ruby Hill Winery while club members were treated to a flight of Livermore Valley's finest wines. (Photo - Kenneth Alexander Portraits and Weddings) PAGE 8 - The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Karl Wente, Suzanna Spring, and the Yoga Dork offer an evening of yoga and wine Winemaker Karl Wente, a reg- ular yoga practitioner, and yoga instructor Suzanna Spring have often collaborated on music, a passion they share. On Thursday, Sept. 15 they will bring together their other passions – wine and yoga - in an event called “Mind, Body, Spirit and Wine.” Suzanna and Karl describe the event as “an invigorating evening of utkatasanas and hand-crafted, beautifully-nuanced wines in the picturesque Wente Vineyards.” The “Yoga Dork,” a well- known NYC blogger who visited Photos - Doug Jorgensen Wente Vineyards and Cosmic It was a love affair with wine during the 30th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration in Livermore Dog Yoga, where Suzanna teach- Valley wine country over the weekend. In the top photo, Concannon Vineyard hosted some of the es, last spring is collaborating on smaller wineries. The poured samples of wine under the shade of the arbor. At right, heart-shaped the event. Read about her visit to Livermore at www.yogadork. sunglasses, were worn by one visitor. com (search for “Livermore” to find the “YD Road Trip Update 2: Twilight, San Fran, Wente Vine- yards and Reno, Baby” entry). The event will take place from 4:30 to 8 pm at the Wente Vine- yards Lawn (5050 Arroyo Road, Stoneridge California Pizza Kitchen’s Livermore) and will cost $12 per person. The fee includes a yoga class on the lawn led by Suzanna, Charity Day will benefit Tri-Valley YMCA special savasana/meditation led by Patricia Koning we operate. California Pizza ping Center, we reached out to support, Model United Nations, “We are really excited to now by the Yoga Dork, and wine tast- On Tuesday, Sept. 13 the new Kitchen partners with a local the Tri-Valley YMCA to help activity groups for fathers and be able to offer our guests the ing led by Karl. Guests are asked California Pizza Kitchen full-ser- children’s charity to celebrate support the fantastic things they their sons or daughters, and youth full CPK menu, all of our signa- to bring their own mat. Karl’s thoughts on yoga, wine, special interest classes. For more vice restaurant at the Stoneridge every new restaurant opening,” are doing for the families in and ture cocktails and provide them and food can be found on his blog Shopping Center in Pleasanton says Chris Hedges, Regional around Pleasanton. Their mission information, visit http://trivalley. with a great dining experience. www.wentevineyards.com/blog/. will donate 100% of dine-in pizza Director of Operations for Cali- is to help build strong kids, strong ymcaeastbay.org. We opened this new restaurant Learn more about Suzanna, in- sales to the Tri-Valley YMCA. fornia Pizza Kitchen (CPK). families and strong communities The Stoneridge CPK restau- just as CPK launched ten new cluding upcoming local events, at “It has always been important “When we learned we were through programs that foster hon- rant opened on August 29. The menu items including the Dyna- http://suzannaspring.com/. for us to become an active mem- opening this new full-service esty, respect and responsibility 6,000 square-foot restaurant is mite Shrimp, Roasted Vegetable RSVP to email kristin@ ber of the community in which restaurant at Stoneridge Shop- which is something we are very located on the lower level of Salad, and the Habanero Carnitas charlescomm.com. proud to support.” Stoneridge Shopping Center’s Pizza, which is my new favorite.” Since 1965, the Tri-Valley southwest side, near the former Visit http://www.cpk.com/menu/ YMCA has provided programs CPK ASAP fast-casual location. for the entire menu. Museum on Main Receives and services to children and fami- The restaurant seats 222 guests Hours of operation will be lies in Pleasanton, Dublin, Liver- and includes outdoor patio seat- Monday through Thursday from more and Sunol. Those programs ing. 11 am to 10 pm; Friday and Grant from Target for and services include child care “We had our smaller, quick- Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm; and preschool, after school care service CPK ASAP restaurant at and Sunday from 11 am to 9 M.o.M’s Reading Time at Pleasanton middle schools, the Stoneridge Shopping Center pm. Guests can dine in or place summer day camp, mentoring for years and then were presented a take-out order by ordering The Museum on Main to- Director Jim DeMersman and volunteer opportunities, the with the opportunity to open a online at www.cpk.com, from day announced a partnership added, “ I think this is recogni- with Target in recognition of the tion of one of our new quality California Model Legislature and new full-service restaurant right their iPhone app, or by calling museum’s efforts in enriching programs that we are doing to Court program, college planning downstairs,” says Hedges. 925-251-9771. community life through education take the Museum on Main into and preservation. a new era.” The primary goal of M.o.M.’s The grant is part of ongoing Reading Time at the Museum On efforts by Target to strength- Main is to foster and encourage en families and communities early childhood literacy through throughout the country. Since the lens of local community 1946, Target has given 5 percent culture and history. Additional of its income to communities. goals for the program include Today, that giving equals more introducing new audiences to than $3 million every week. the Museum on Main, including “At Target, our local grants families with preschoolers as well are making a difference in com- as the growing populations within munities across the country,” the Amador Livermore Valley, said Laysha Ward, President, such as Indian and Pan-Asian Community Relations, Target. communities. “We’re proud to partner with M.o.M.’s Reading Time is a [nonprofit organizations] as part free monthly literacy program of our ongoing commitment to launched in April 2010. The strengthen communities where program includes a hour-long our guests and team members experience for participants. The live and work.” program begins with introducing The Museum on Main is lo- the topic for the month, readings cated at 603 Main Street, Pleas- from various age and topic appro- anton, CA 94566. Tel: 925- priate books, followed by topic 462-2766, Fax: 925-462-2779. related hands-on activities. Regular hours of operation: Tues- “We are thrilled by this new day through Saturday 10:00am partnership with Target,” said to 4:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm Director of Education Jennifer to 4:00pm. Website: www.mu- Amiel. “We hope that it will help seumonmain.org . Admission is this already successful program always free –although donations continue to grow and serve com- are gratefully accepted. munity needs.” Annual Nostalgia Day Car Show on the Calendar The 22nd Annual “Nostalgia 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Day Car Show,” sponsored by Livermore in an area bounded by the Altamont Cruisers in Down- First and Fourth Streets between town Livermore, is set for Sun., L Street and Livermore Avenue. Sept. 25. For information, call 925-461- To date, the Altamont Cruisers 2020, or visit website at www. have gifted over $200,000 to lo- altamontcruisers.org cal charitable organizations with a special focus on the Tri-Valley youth programs. This has been made possible from the “Nos- talgia Day” registration fees, generous sponsor donations and proceeds from the event’s numer- ous prize drawings. The event is free to the pub- lic. Included is a car Show featur- ing over 700 cars, continuous deejay music, prize drawings, vendors of car products, and arts and crafts. A parade of all award winning vehicles will take place down First Street. The activities take place from The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - PAGE 9

Nature Programs parking fee at both entrances DUI Crackdown farm. Those who attend are not [email protected]. Premier Homes and Estates. The Livermore Area Recre- to Sycamore Grove Park. A $2 The Livermore Police Depart- required to volunteer after attend- Their primary focus is Alameda ation and Park District ranger donation is requested to help sup- ment conducted a DUI check- ing the meeting. Office Change and Contra Costa County. staff will present a program, port the programs. Participants point on Sept. 3. The checkpoint There are four different areas Team 292-SOLD has joined According to Team Leader “September Sunset Spectacular,” may call 925-960-2400 for more was run from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for volunteers to choose from: the Ruby Hill office of Better Tammy Pryor, “We joined Better on Sat., Sept. 10. Meet Ranger information. on westbound Concannon Blvd. Grandpa- leads tours and ac- Homes and Gardens Tri-Valley Homes and Gardens Tri-Valley Flen Florey at 7 p.m. at Sycamore near Epson St. A total of 1010 tivities, Grandma- leads tours Realty. Team 292-SOLD is a Realty because of their stellar Grove Park entrance, 1051 Wet- Blacksmith Demo vehicles were contacted at the and activities, Garden- explains team of five members who are marketing and technology tools.” more Rd., Livermore. Forest Home Farms Historic checkpoint. concepts of organic gardening celebrating a decade in real es- “We love the ambiance, staff and The moon will be high in the Park and the Glass House Mu- Officers administered 13 field and aids children in gardening tate: Tammy Pryor, Debi Hart, commitment that BHG offers eastern sky as this hike sets out seum are open to visitors from sobriety tests to drivers who chores, and Canning- presents a Misty Kirvan, Marie Schlitt and their agents in continuing to be into the park to enjoy the cooling 10am to 2pm each 2nd Satur- exhibited some sign of having canning demonstration and leads Robb Pryor. Team 292-SOLD above the standard with their temperatures and the wonderful day of the month. Tours of the consumed alcohol or who admit- activities. previously were affiliated with services, tools, technology and late summer sunset. As the rest restored Victorian Glass House ted to having consumed alcohol Docents lead hands-on ac- marketing.” of the park visitors head to the Museum are held at 10am, 11am, prior to driving. A total of 5 tivities that teach the agricultural exits, participants in this program 12pm and 1pm. Tours of Forest drivers were arrested for suspi- history of the San Ramon Valley will set out into the park to enjoy Home Farms Historic Park, in- cion of DUI. Ten drivers were and Forest Home Farms Historic the sunset and the crepuscular cluding the tractor museum, are found to be driving with either Park. Public speaking experi- ANNIVERSARY creatures who favor that time at 11am and 1pm. Each tour lasts a suspended license or being ence is helpful, but not required. (continued from page one) of day. The hike will be on both approximately 45 minutes and unlicensed. Their vehicles were Education docents need to attend 2400 First Street, Livermore. It paved and unpaved parts of the the fee is $5 per person or $8 for impounded. A total of 29 cita- a three-hour training session more, 5:00 p.m. begins at 3 p.m. Open seating will park, so please bring comfortable both tours taken on the same day. tions were issued to drivers. twice per year. Volunteer com- There will be a potluck dinner begin at 2:15 p.m., limited seat- walking shoes. Tour tickets can be purchased in The DUI checkpoint was mitment is 2 times per month after the service. All are invited ing is available so early arrival is Seeds of Life is the topic for the Gift Shoppe. Children ages 2 conducted with funding from a minimum, and each tour lasts 3 to attend. Call Pastor Kim Rise- recommended. Sun., Sept. 11. Meet Ranger Amy and under are free. grant from the California Office hours. Volunteers must be avail- dorph with any questions at 925- In recognition of Patriot’s Wolitzer at 2 p.m. at Sycamore Each month features a special of Traffic Safety. able on weekday mornings and 447 1950 ext. 2. Day, the event will also join in a be fingerprinted through the San Grove Park entrance, 1051 Wet- free activity. On Sept. 10, there tribute to military and hometown Ramon Police Dept. more Rd., Livermore. will be a blacksmithing demon- Volunteer Training BANKHEAD EVENT heroes. Some travel in the water, some Fieldtrips run Tuesday thru stration by Russ Bearrows. Visit Forest Home Farms Historic Operation: S.A.M. “Support- The special guest speaker travel in the air, some travel in Friday, 9am-12pm during the his workshop and learn about the Park will have a docent training ing All Military” will host this and Master of Ceremonies will animals’ bellies and some even tools and materials needed to do school year with a short break th session for new volunteers on years 10 Anniversary Remem- be Captain Paul Krumenacker, travel in your socks. Join this blacksmithing. in winter. Fall fieldtrips for 2011 Thursday, September 15, 2011, brance of 9/11/01 and Tribute to USMC, Commanding Officer, short walk in search of seeds of For more information about from 9:30am-12pm. The meeting begin September 20. Volunteers “Honor Our Heroes” on Sunday, Delta Company, 4th Tank Battal- all types. Take a close look to dis- Forest Home Farms Historic Park will be held in the Boone House for this program also participate Sept. 11. th cover how they get around, and call (925) 973-3284 or visit www. Apt. B at Forest Home Farms in a variety of fun and educa- ion, 4 Marine Division, a three All are invited to join in re- speculate on how these amaz- SanRamon.ca.gov. Forest Home Historic Park. The address is tional networking activities and tour Iraq veteran. ing adaptations evolved. Those Farms Historic Park is located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., fieldtrips to areas of local interest membering those who gave Many of local dedicated civil participating may even be eating 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, CA 94583. This throughout the year. For more their all and honoring those who services including FEMA, Ca- some seeds, so bring water and an just south of Pine Valley Road in training is open to the public and information or to RSVP for this continue to sacrifice their lives in nine Rescue Teams and first adventurous appetite. San Ramon. is for anyone who is interested meeting please contact Stephanie the line of duty. responders will be represented at There is a $5 per vehicle in becoming a volunteer at the Herscu at (925) 973-3282 or at This complimentary event will this special recognition event. be held at the Bankhead Theater,

Leo Jewell Buskirk Jr. in 1980. Roger was appointed Dottie and he hosted many fam- and special occasions at Trinity Diana, Dara, Asher, and John. friends as Char, she is survived by Livermore resident Leo Jewell Mayor of Brentwood in 1982. He ily gatherings and welcomed Baptist Church for more than 30 A Celebration of Life was her faithful and loving husband Buskirk Jr. passed into the sweet- was also a member of the Eastern family members to vacation with years. The greatest joy of her life held on September 3, 2011 at of 56 years, Don Zimmerman; er after life, on Aug 29, 2011 of Contra Costa County Authority them and to live with them if were her granddaughters. the Robert Livermore Com- her daughter, a dementia related illness. Leo (Tri Delta Transit) Board from they needed a place. Bill loved Dixie has touched the lives munity Center in Livermore. Karla Rae was born in Center, Oklahoma 1986 -1988. Roger was as a family. of so many through her church, Donations in memory of Marian Johnson; her on September 20, 1928. member of the Brentwood branch He was the proud father of work and family life. She is Mendelsohn can be made to the son, Eric Zim- He lived a very fulfilling life, of SIRS. Joan Bascom of Pleasanton; survived by her children and Tri-Valley Conservancy by mail merman; and marrying three times and owning Roger was a self made man. proud grandfather of Chris Cross- grandchildren: Michele, Eric or online at www.trivalleycon- her two pre- two planes. First was his love of A problem solver, he advised ley and Jennifer Bascom both of and Jamie Larsen and Mike, servancy.org cious grand- family, love of his job, and his many who came to him for his Pleasanton and Monique Straub Stephanie and Heather O’Brien Her kindness, sensitivity, loy- daughters, flying. Leo was a construction guidance. of Murrieta; he was the proud as well, as her brothers, Jack and alty, and sharp wit touched us all Elizabeth and painter, traveling extensively He was preceded in death by great-grandfather of Nick, Alina, Warren and her sister Helen. Her and she will not be forgotten. Emma Rae, in California. He painted the his father Paul, mother Florence Cameron, Jeremy, Iain, and memory and legacy will live on all residing Golden Gate Bridge, but fell off and step-mother Hilja. Ryan. His last wish in life was through them. James W. Thomas in Livermore. She is also sur- the San Rafael Bridge about 50 In addition to his wife and son, to be here when the two newest Arrangements by Callaghan Livermore resident Jimmy T. vived by her brother, Richard feet into the water. He also fell in he is survived by nephews Joshua great- grandchildren arrived and Mortuary. passed away Aug 17, 2011 fol- Hughes and his wife Dorothy a water tower in the Sacramento and Spencer Jerome, brother and he happily was. Cameron was lowing a courageous battle with from Tempe, Arizona; her sister, area, along with his brother sister- in- law Randy and Shellie born in May 2011 and Ryan was Marian Rubin Mendelsohn cancer. His loving family and Cynthia Jepsen, from Gilbert, Robert, when their scaffolding Jerome and many friends and born in June 2011. Resident of Livermore friends were by his side. Arizona; and nieces and nephews broke. colleagues. He is preceded in death by July 5, 1929- August 30, 2011 Jim was born Sept. 4, 1936 in throughout the country. Leo was preceded in death Friends and family are invited his wife of 63 years Dottie, two Marian Mendelsohn passed Klamath Falls, OR. He moved Don and Char married in 1955 by his parents, Hazel and Leo to a Celebration of Life to be held brothers and a sister. Of his four away peacefully on August 30, to Oakland in 1941 were he in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved Jewell Buskirk, Sr, and by his at 10:30 am on Saturday, Septem- siblings, one brother Jack De 2011 from a stroke that occurred was raised. He graduated from to California in 1958. A resident second wife of 27 years, Rhoda ber 10, 2011 at Shadow Lakes Jong of Grass Valley survives earlier. Her warm and caring Castlemont High School in 1954, of Dublin for 39 years, Char and Lafrann. He is survived by his Golf Club, 401 West Country him. nature touched many lives. then joined the US Coast Guard her husband moved to Livermore brother Robert, and his three Club Drive Brentwood, CA. He and his family were mem- Marian was born and raised to serve his country. Upon re- in 2004 to be closer to their chil- children, Sharon, Richard, and In lieu of flowers, Patricia bers of the “R” Ranch club for in Brookline, MA. She began turning to Oakland he started dren and grandchildren. Jeffrey. He is also survived by requests that donations be made twenty years, where he served as her college education at Wells, his career as plumber, working Char was very active in her his grandchildren: Shannon, to a favorite charity in Rogers’ treasurer for Bay Area members. and then married Mortimer Men- out of Local 444 Plumber and church. She was a church pia- Melissa, Sean, Steven, Shauna:; name. He also enjoyed spending his free delsohn in 1948 in Brookline. Steamfitters union. In 1964 he nist for over 40 years and loved and Codi and Casey Lair.,: and time in his extensive yard, which She continued her education at moved his family to Livermore working in the music and youth by great grandchildren, Walker, William C. “Bill” De Jong he made so beautiful. Wellesley and Barnard College were he then started Plumbing ministries. Tanner, and Billy. Rest in Peace, William C. “Bill” De Jong, 90, Bill’s family would like to moving in order to accompany by Thomas in 1972, servicing the A memorial service honoring PaPa Buck, You’ve gone to that passed away August 12, 2011, thank Hope Hospice and every- Mort. Early in her marriage she Local community for 25 years Char will be held at 1:00 p.m. on great hangar in the sky. at his Pleas- one at the Cancer Center in Pleas- had three children, Steve, Robert before retiring. Not being one to Saturday, September 17, at her Arrangements by Callaghan anton home. anton for all their support, love and Laura. The whole family sit around, he went back to work home church, Discovery Church Mortuary. He was sur- and help getting them through moved to Cambridge, England for a brief time with Walmart of the Nazarene, located at 5860 rounded by this difficult time. for three years. Later, during the before finishing his career with Las Positas Road, in Livermore. his loving A celebration of life is planned fifteen years near Philadelphia, Home Depot, sharing his plumb- Char, you were a beloved Robert William Johnston st Livermore resident Robert daughter, for what would have been his 91 PA, she earned a Masters Degree ing expertise. wife, mother, grandmother, sister, was born on January 27, 1931 in grandchil- birthday September 25, 2011 at in Social Work at Bryn Mawr He is survived by his brother aunt, and friend. We will see you Alberta, Canada and passed away dren and his home in Pleasanton. In lieu of and practiced in her field for the Wilbur Thomas, sons Glen, Kev- on the other side! on Saturday, August 27, 2011 in great- grand- flowers, his family is asking that remaining time she lived in Phila- in and Duane Thomas; stepsons In lieu of flowers, contribu- Pleasanton, Ca. at the age of 80. children. donations be sent to Hope Hos- delphia. Marian and Mort moved Ron and Steve Freitas and eight tions may be made to The Gide- He is survived by his loving Bill is now pice in Dublin, CA or the Cancer to Livermore, CA in 1972 where grandchildren. He was preceded ons International by going to wife of 55 years, Mary. at peace, as Center in Pleasanton, CA. she continued her career in social in death by parents Bill and Alice www.gideons.org and following Robert was a member of the he has joined his beautiful wife work until she retired. Thomas and wife Marge. the links to Memory Cards. Local #3 Union and was an Oper- Dottie. He devoted his life to Dixie Marie O’Brien Marian had diverse inter- A celebration of Jimmy’s Arrangements by Callaghan ating Engineer. He loved classi- his cherished family and will be March 31, 1940- August 31, ests and a deep commitment to life will be held Sept. 15 from Mortuary. cal music, playing the piano, and missed by all who loved him and 2011 Livermore and her neighbors in 6:00-8:00 at Eagles Hall, 609 N. the great outdoors. by those who had the privilege to Dixie was born in Jefferson Almond Circle. She was involved Livermore Avenue, Livermore Arrangements by Callaghan know him. City, Missouri on March 30, 1940 in tennis clubs, golf groups, con- CA, where Jim was a proud Mortuary. The 5th child of Dutch immi- to Jack and Thelma Brown. Af- servation organizations, the local member, and loved spending his grants, he was born in Oakland ter graduating from high school library, book clubs, woman’s spare time with friends. Roger Paul Moore on September 25, 1920. Bill and staying in the small town support groups, and Hospice. His zest for life, generosity Roger Moore, 74, passed graduated from Hayward High for awhile, she decided to join She enjoyed reading, traveling and caring for others, along with away at Bruns House in Alamo School and went on to appren- the army. While in the army she the world, and hiking. She loved his outrageous since of humor, on August 16, 2011. He is sur- tice as a machinist. He served met the love of her life James to compete in tennis, golf and will be missed by all. vived by his wife of 49 years, in the Army during WWII in the O’Brien. They married in Sep- skiing. In his own words “ Jimmy Patricia, and his son Jason. Philippines and Japan, first on tember of 1963 and were blessed Marian was preceded in death T Has left the building, Pipe Roger was born in Berkeley the front lines in a mortar squad, with two children. They relo- by; her sister Dorothy Brigham wrench in Tow…..” August 13, 1937 and subsequent- and then when the command cated to Livermore, California and her daughter-in-law Susan Arrangements by Callaghan ly moved to Orinda. He gradu- needed someone to fix tanks, as in 1980. Dixie spent many years Mendelsohn. Marian is survived Mortuary. ated from Acalanes High School a machinist. He then became a working for JC Penney first in by her husband, Mort, and also in 1955. He served proudly in machinist at the Lawrence U.C. downtown Livermore and even- her children and their spouses, Charlene M. Zimmerman the United States Naval Reserves Berkeley Radiation Laboratory tually at Stoneridge Mall. Steve and Melissa Mendelsohn, Charlene M. Zimmerman, for 8 years. and later the Lawrence Liver- Dixie loved spending time Robert Mendelsohn and Valerie born to Homer and Norma (Mill- Roger was a Senior Scientific more Lab. An astute business with her family, traveling, shop- Small, and Laura and Doug John- er) Hughes, passed through Associate at the Lawrence Liver- man, he, with his wife Dottie, ping and attending the theater ston. She is also survived by six heaven’s gates on August 7, more Laboratory from 1956 until also owned and operated hotels both locally and in San Fran- grandchildren, David, Emily, 2011, at the age of 76. his formal retirement in 1996. and motels in the cities and towns cisco. She has enjoyed Sundays Known to her family and However, he continued to work of Portola, Berkeley, Menlo Park, at the Lab until recently. Santa Cruz, Anderson, Monterey, A resident of Brentwood since and Coos Bay, Oregon. 1975, Roger served as a Commis- Bill was a family man who sioner on the Brentwood Plan- was in his element being with, ning Board from 1977 - 1980. He helping, and enjoying members was elected to the City Council of his large extended family. PAGE 10 - The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

Photo - Doug Jorgensen The 146th annual Scottish Games and Gathering were held over the weekend at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The festivities offered something for everyone, including historic reenactments, gathering of the clans, birds of prey, highland dance competitions, and athletic events. In the photo at upper right, one of the competitors winds up to throw the Scottish hammer. The Marine Band marches in front of the grandstand in the photo at lower right.

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS www.independentnews.com

LEGAL NOTICES The registrant began to trans- more, CA 94550, is hereby 25, September 1, 8, 2011. This statement was filed with This business is conducted by 167 South P Street, Suite act business under the ficti- registered by the following FICTITIOUS BUSINESS the County Clerk of Alameda an Individual C, Livermore, CA 94550, FOR INFORMATION tious business name(s) listed owner(s): NAME STATEMENT on August 9, 2011. Expires The registrant began to trans- is hereby registered by the PLACING LEGAL above on N/A. Laura Coronado, 1354 Balboa FILE NO. 454917-21 August 9, 2016. act business under the ficti- following owner(s): NOTICES Signature of Registrants: Way, Livermore, CA 94550 The following person(s) doing The Independent Legal No. tious business name(s) listed All Pro Mortgage, Inc., 167 Call 925-243-8000 /s/: Jennifer M. Davis This business is conducted by business as: Calendar Girlz, 3054. Published August 25, above on N/A. South P Street, Suite C, FICTITIOUS BUSINESS This statement was filed with an Individual 2048 Pinon Ct, Livermore, CA September 1, 8, 15, 2011. Signature of Registrants: Livermore, CA 94550 NAME STATEMENT the County Clerk of Alameda The registrant began to trans- 94551, is hereby registered by /s/: Kendyce S. Martinez This business is conducted on August 2, 2011. Expires FICTITIOUS BUSINESS This statement was filed with FILE NO. 454597 act business under the ficti- the following owner(s): NAME STATEMENT by a Corporation The following person(s) doing August 2, 2016. tious business name(s) listed Sonia L. Bradley, 2048 Pinon the County Clerk of Alameda The registrant began to The Independent Legal No. FILE NO. 455032 on August 11, 2011. Expires business as: Davis Landscap- above on April 1, 2011. Ct, Livermore, CA 94551 The following person(s) do- transact business under the 3045. Published August 18, August 11, 2016. ing, 5264 Lilac Ave., Liver- Signature of Registrants: This business is conducted by ing business as: Pure Bella, fictitious business name(s) 25, September 1, 8, 2011. The Independent Legal No. more, CA 94551, is hereby /s/: Laura Coronado an Individual 6010 Johnson Drive Suite D listed above on N/A. 3056. Published August 25, registered by the following FICTITIOUS BUSINESS This statement was filed with The registrant began to trans- - Studio 20, Pleasanton, CA Signature of Registrants: September 1, 8, 15, 2011. owner(s): NAME STATEMENT the County Clerk of Alameda act business under the ficti- 94588, is hereby registered by /s/: Lori Porter, President Jennifer Marie Davis, 5264 FILE NO. 454060 on July 18, 2011. Expires July tious business name(s) listed the following owner(s): FICTITIOUS BUSINESS This statement was filed Lilac Ave., Livermore, CA The following person(s) doing 18, 2016. above on N/A. Kendyce S. Martinez, 1119 NAME STATEMENT with the County Clerk of Al- 94551 business as: LCL La La Girls, The Independent Legal No. Signature of Registrants: Riviera Court, Livermore, FILE NO. 455394 ameda on August 22, 2011. This business is conducted by 1354 Balboa Way, Liver- 3047. Published August 18, /s/: Sonia L. Bradley CA 94551 The following person(s) doing Expires August 22, 2016. an Individual business as: DL Marketing, The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - PAGE 11 LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS www.independentnews.com

The Independent Legal No. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS MERCHANDISE 118) FREE SECTION contractor’s status at www. that contain any preference, 3057. Published August 25, NAME STATEMENT cslb.ca.gov or CLEAN FILL DIRT 2 1/2 limitation or discrimination September 1, 8, 15, 2011. FILE NO. 455171 115) ESTATE SALE 800-321-CSLB (2752). Un- cubic yards. You load based on protected classes, The following person(s) doing Liver- licensed persons taking jobs FICTITIOUS BUSINESS ESTATE SALE and you haul. Livermore including race, color, religion, business as: Queens of the more. Quality complete less than $500 must state NAME STATEMENT back yard. Accessible to sex, handicap, familial status Green, 585 Heligan Lane household. Low prices. in their advertisements that FILE NO. 455393 pick-up or small bobcat. or national origin. IVPC does #1, Livermore, CA 94551, W clothing. Kitchen. Sm they are not licensed by the not knowingly accept any The following person(s) doing appliances. Oak furniture. Call (925)447-4841. business as: All Pro Mortgage, is hereby registered by the Contractors State License advertisements that are in following owner(s): Oak desks. Decor arts. NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS Board.” violation of the law. 167 South P Street, Suite C, Prof photos. Many toys. Livermore, CA 94550, is (1)Ashley Ann Kettmann, 545 155) NOTICES REAL ESTATE Heligan Lane #1, Livermore, Tapes. Cassettes. Potted TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED hereby registered by the fol- call 925-243-8000 CA 94551 (2)Jeffery Richard plants. Jewelry. Fri 9/9/11 “NOTICE TO READERS: Inland Valley Publishing AD lowing owner(s): Sat 9/10/11 8:00AM- Kettmann, 545 Heligan Lane California law requires that Co. Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 4:00PM, Sun 9/11/11 60) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY #1, Livermore, CA 94551 contractors taking jobs that Client Code:04126-00001 Corporation, 1620 E. Ros- 10:00AM-3:00PM. Hel- total $500 or more (labor Re: Legal Notice for BE WARY of out of area This business is conducted by sinki Way. See signs from eville Pkwy, Suite 248, Ros- and/or materials) be licensed Classified Ads companies. Check with the eville, CA 95661 Husband and wife Arroyo Rd, turn West on The registrant began to trans- by the Contractors State Li- The Federal Fair Housing Act, local Better Business Bureau This business is conducted by Sydney Ave, then South before you send money or act business under the ficti- to Helsinki. Benefit LAS cense Board. State law also Title VII of the Civil Rights a Corporation requires that contractors in- Act of 1964, and state law fees. Read and understand The registrant began to trans- tious business name(s) listed Guild. CASH ONLY. above on N/A. clude their license numbers prohibit advertisements for any contracts before you sign. act business under the ficti- on all advertising. Check your housing and employment Shop around for rates. tious business name(s) listed Signature of Registrants: More Single Women above on N/A. /s/: Ashley Kettmann, 1st Signature of Registrants: Registrant /s/: Patrick R. Palmer, Vice This statement was filed with President the County Clerk of Alameda Buying Real Estate This statement was filed with on August 16, 2011. Expires By Cher Wollard the County Clerk of Alameda August 16, 2016. Deborah’s ex-husband kept the house. Now she is looking to on August 22, 2011. Expires The Independent Legal No. 3064. Published September purchase a three-bedroom home in Union City for herself and August 22, 2016. two daughters. The Independent Legal No. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2011. 3058. Published August 25, NOTICE of INVITING BIDS Alison used a modest inheritance to cover downpayment and September 1, 8, 15, 2011. Notice is hereby given that closing costs in buying her first home on her own, a two-story sealed competitive bids will FICTITIOUS BUSINESS be accepted in the office of house with a nice yard in Discovery Bay. NAME STATEMENT the GSA-Purchasing Depart- With the children off to college, Lynn sold her five-bedroom FILE NO. 455235-36 ment, County of Alameda, home in Fremont and used the proceeds to pay cash for a modest The following person(s) doing 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite business as: (1) Renue Sys- 907, Oakland, CA 94612 Livermore condo. tems (2) Bluegreen Systems, NETWORKING/NORTH Gone are the days when nearly all homes were purchased 4843 Kimberley Com, Liver- COUNTY BIDDERS CON- by couples. Single people – especially women – are the fastest more, CA 94550, is hereby FERENCE RFQ #900791 registered by the following for Inmate Transport Trucks, growing segment of homebuyers in the country. owner(s): Monday, September 19, Last year, 20 percent of homebuyers were single women and David G. Garrison, 4843 2011, 10:00 a.m. – Gen- 12 percent were single men, accounting for nearly a third of all Kimberley Com, Livermore, eral Services Agency, 1401 home purchases. CA 94550 Lakeside Drive, Room 228, This business is conducted by 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA NET- Part of the reason is lifestyle: People today tend to marry an Individual WORKING/SOUTH COUNTY later than previous generations. According to the U.S. Census The registrant began to trans- BIDDERS CONFERENCE Bureau, 43 percent of Americans over 18 are single. Of those, act business under the ficti- RFQ #900791 for Inmate tious business name(s) listed Transport Trucks, Tuesday, 61 percent have never married, 24 percent are divorced and 15 above on 8/17/2011. September 20, 2011, 2:00 percent are widowed. Signature of Registrants: p.m. – Castro Valley Library, Another reason is lower home prices and interest rates mean /s/: David G. Garrison 3600 Norbridge Avenue, it is easier to qualify for a mortgage with one income than it’s This statement was filed with Chabot Room, Castro Valley, the County Clerk of Alameda CA Responses Due by 2:00 been in several decades. on August 17, 2011. Expires p.m. on October 26, 2011 Why are so many more single women than single men purchas- August 17, 2016. County Contact: Evelyn ing homes? No one knows for sure, but some experts speculate The Independent Legal No. Benzon (510) 208-9622 or 3059. Published September via email: evelyn.benzon@ that putting down roots in a home of one’s own is simply more 1, 8, 15, 22, 2011. acgov.org Attendance at important to women. STATEMENT OF Networking Conference is Since 1999, the number of single women purchasing homes ABANDONMENT Non-mandatory. Information nationwide has doubled, while the number of single men buy- OF USE OF regarding the above may FICTITIOUS BUSINESS be obtained at the Alameda ing homes has fallen, according to the National Association of NAME County Current Contracting Realtors. FILE NO. 453137 Opportunities Internet website “In today’s society, women are choosing to get married later at www.acgov.org. The following person(s) has in life, pursuing higher degrees and continuing to close the salary (have) abandoned the use of 9/8/11 the Fictitious Business Name: CNS-2167048# gap,” according to Christina Aragon, director of Strategy and Richlind Search Group, 2811 THE INDEPENDENT Legal Consumer Insights at Rent.com. “…Because women are delaying Salvia Cmn, Livermore, CA No.3063 marriage and starting families later in life, they are also therefore 94551. ANIMALS The Fictitious business Name living alone for longer periods of time.” Statement for the Partnership 2) CATS/ DOGS The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, was filed on June 21, 2011 in ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, for in a recent study, found: the County of Alameda. adoption information contact The full name of Registrant: Valley Humane Society at • Women’s incomes have increased. Deborah Guillermo, 2811 925 426-8656. • Women have a growing desire for financial independence, Salvia Cmn, Livermore, CA, Adopt a new best friend: including owning real estate. 94551 TVAR, the Tri-Valley Animal • More women are graduating from college. Studies have This business was conducted Rescue, offers animals for consistently shown that the more education a person has, the by: Deborah R. Guillermo adoption every Saturday and Signature of Registrant: Sunday, excluding most holi- more likely her or she is to own property. /s/: Deborah R. Guillermo days. Saturdays from 9:30 • Women live longer than men. This statement was filed with am to 1:00 pm, dogs and cats • Women are marrying at a later age, if at all. the County Clerk of Alameda are available atthe Pleasan- on August 15, 2011. Expires ton Farmers Market at W. • Changes in lending practices have made mortgages more August 15, 2016. Angela and First Streets. available to single women. It’s hard to imagine today, but in the The Independent Legal No. Two locations will showcase past, single women had a hard time obtaining mortgages, even 3060. Published September cats only: Petsmart in Dub- with high incomes and excellent credit. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2011. lin noon to 4 and the Pet FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Food Express in Livermore The Center found that most single women purchased homes NAME STATEMENT 1 to 4. Sundays, cats are at for one of three reasons: They were relocating for a job or to be FILE NO. 455137 Petsmart in Dublin 1 to 4, and near family; they wanted more space or a smaller home; or they The following person(s) doing PetCo in San Ramon 11 to 3. business as: Richlind Search TVAR at (925) 803-7043 simply had a strong desire for a home of their own. Group LLC, 1650 Sorrento website at www.tvar.org There is no one model of single women who purchase homes, Pl, Livermore, CA 94550, EMPLOYMENT but a few trends have emerged. According to the Center’s study, is hereby registered by the single women buyers: following owner(s): 56) ADULT CARE Richlind Search Group LLC, Independent Contractors • Tend to be price conscious. Three out of four women purchase 1650 Sorrento Pl, Livermore, Wanted, Senior Home their home for less than $200,000. This is a nationwide figure, CA 94550 Health Care. Must have of course. Women in the Bay Area are likely to spend more than This business is conducted by experience. Senior Solu- the national average. a Limited liability company tions, Inc 925-443-3101 The registrant began to trans- • Are willing to accept small spaces, although they strongly 65) HELP WANTED act business under the ficti- prefer more than two bedrooms. tious business name(s) listed JANITOR/OFFICE • Are less likely to choose new construction. above on 8/15/2011. CLEANER. Evening Shift. Signature of Registrants: Must have own transpor- • Are more likely to buy a home in an urban environment than /s/: Deborah R. Guillermo, tation and clean driving a suburb. San Jose is among the top 10 U.S. cities for single Managing Member record. (925)245-0595. women homeowners. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda • Will compromise on price and the size of the home in order on August 15, 2011. Expires to get other amenities, but not on location or quality of neigh- August 15, 2016. borhood. The Independent Legal No. 3061. Published September • Prefer condominiums over single-family homes. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2011. • Desire security systems or gated access. STATEMENT OF • Seek proximity to shopping and fitness centers. ABANDONMENT “There is a ripple effect,” said Rachel Drew, a research analyst OF USE OF with the Center. “As more women are buying homes on their FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME own, their friends are seeing that happen and saying, ‘Maybe I FILE NO. 366781 could buy a home.’” The following person(s) has Home builders are taking note of the trend. More new con- (have) abandoned the use of struction is featuring gourmet kitchens, added security features the Fictitious Business Name: Cal State Smogs, 3985 First and low-maintenance yards, which builders believe will appeal Street, Suite F, Livermore, to single women. CA 94551. According to a 2009 study conducted for Coldwell Banker The Fictitious business Name Statement for the Partnership Real Estate by International Communications Research, women was filed on August 22, 2005 are purchasing real estate differently than men do. in the County of Alameda. For example, they make real estate decisions faster than their The full name of Registrant: Todd Ganz, 752 Bellflower St, male counterparts. Almost 70 percent of women said they knew Livermore, CA, 94551 the day they walked into a house if it was right for them, versus This business was conducted 62 percent of men who said the same thing. Significantly more by: Todd Ganz men needed two or more visits: (32 percent of men vs. 23 percent Signature of Registrant: /s/: Todd Ganz of women). This statement was filed with Whether you are a single woman, a single man or part of a the County Clerk of Alameda couple looking to purchase a home, contact your local Realtor on July 29, 2011. Expires July 29, 2016. for expert help and advice. The Independent Legal No. 3062. Published September INTEREST RATES HOLD STEADY 1, 8, 15, 22, 2011. Interest rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, both conforming and FHA, held steady at an average of 4.25 percent as of Tuesday morning. Rates on jumbo conforming were 4.375 percent while jumbo rates stood at 4.625 percent. Rates on 15-year mortgages were at 3.25 percent for con- forming loans. Rates on 5-year adjustable mortgages were at 2.5 percent for conforming loans, 2.75 percent for conforming jumbo mortgages and 3 percent for jumbo loans. If you are looking to purchase or refinance real estate, contact a professional mortgage specialist to determine what loan product is right for you. place your classified ads oN-liNe or By pHoNe Cher Wollard is a Realtor with Prudential California Realty, Livermore. for liNe ads or BusiNess direcTory ads, Call (925) 243-8000 FOR REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY ADS, Call (925) 243-8001 For all ads, go to www.independentnews.com Reach over 33,000 homes by direct mail in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin & Sunol. PAGE 12 - The Independent, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Moms Against Poverty Helping Mothers at Horizon High

By Ron McNicoll students. They need to learn how There will be 25 toolkits, with was looking for a project to ac- MAP is an orphanage in Cambo- cooking themselves. As the orga- Five Bay Area mothers who to raise their children. That made a total of 75 books. Each needs complish her Gold Award project dia, where there is the suffering nization has grown to include 60 got together in 2005 to see what it important to us." to be unique, said Arkin. She has in Girl Scouts. of extreme poverty in the social volunteers, they are able to hire small difference they could make Ahmadi told Fanaie how spent her time scouting books for Fanaie helped start MAP from and physical environment all caterers to do the cooking, and to in alleviating world poverty one difficult it is to obtain funding inclusion in the collection. Arkin modest roots. It began with a around the children. A free health expand the annual event. small project at a time have for teens. Fanaie said that was also shopped for convenient con- meeting of five Bay Area profes- clinic serving residents of a Cam- For their fourth annual fund- awarded a grant to Horizon High her own experience, too, with tainers for each kit. sional women in Fanaie's home bodian dump site community are raiser, they have hit the fund-rais- School in Pleasanton. charities that are helped by MAP. The materials will be distrib- in Burlingame. Fanaie recalled, also being assisted. ing big time, relatively speaking The five women incorporated "When children are younger, and uted from a lending library in a "We said that we can't tolerate the "The children in this commu- for a small, grassroots organiza- Moms Against Poverty (MAP) cuter, people are willing to give," classroom, so that the mothers suffering of children. Why are we nity (at Stung Meanchey dump tion. They are having dancing, as a non-profit in 2008. MAP said Fanaie. can go through as many lessons not doing something about it?" site) live in a highly toxic envi- food, a DJ, and two emcees. is providing $3700 to the high Angela Arkin, a senior at and games as they wish. "We knew we had the ability, ronment without access to clean They have managed to hire the school, which is attended by Amador Valley High School, is The children's skills will de- that as professionals, we could drinking water, food or shelter. Metreon in San Francisco for young mothers. coordinating the project. Arkin velop. The activities will help change a lot. We decided to take The children are plagued with a Sept. 17. The money given to Horizon, will be buying picture books, peg form a closer mother-child bond, this on, and apply non-profit sta- slew of diseases. They have no More can be learned about the where some students are in low- boards, and games that will help said Arkin. tus, which was granted in 2008," access to doctors or medicine," fund-raiser on the MAP website, income households, is for the the mothers to start educating "I've always been very inter- said Fanaie. says the MAP web page, at http:// where a flyer says, "Boogie down purchase of kits that will help their children. ested in children, and advocated Their intention is summed up www.momsagainstpoverty.org/. to raise funds for children around the mothers interact with their The simple, age-appropriate good education. It's important in the group's motto: "Changing MAP's grants also go to proj- the world." children. Parenting the children lessons ask the children to ac- for everyone to have the same the world, one child at a time." ects in Iran, Afghanistan, and the It's not far on the web site well at an early age is important, complish such tasks as finding a educational opportunities. Hori- The mother of three adopted United States. from another catchy phrase, according to MAP. red balloon in a picture, or match zon school has a need for that," children, Fanaie understood very The moms who started MAP which speaks to what the orga- Delfarib Fanaie, founder of cards. There also will be some said Arkin. well what a difference that work- approached fund-raising the nization does: "Wars against na- MAP, said, "Pleasanton schools outdoor activity movement, with Arkin was told about the need ing with children from difficult old-fashioned way, said Fanaie. tions change maps; wars against superintendent Ahmadi present- games to play outside, and some to coordinate the grant project by circumstances can make. They held dinners, and did the poverty map change." ed a good case for the Horizon that can be done in a car. Ahmadi, who had heard that she One place being helped by

WAL-MART CLIPPER (continued from page one) (continued from page one) and truck deliveries. "If the plans In addition, the city has recently practices. It reported an $11 store at 1756 Santa Rita Road. places of purchase will be added nity for seniors to sign up from submitted by the operator were approved three other grocery billion plus profit, while paying It's part of a plan to sell them at as time goes on. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16 at a not consistent with that zoning, stores. "I'm concerned about low wages. Walgreen's throughout virtually The only other places in the meeting at the Senior Center, it would trigger a discretionary whether the city could support Several employees of the the entire Bay Area. Valley to buy Clipper Cards are 5353 Sunol Blvd. The meeting review either by the planning another grocery store without Safeway on Santa Rita Road However, a call to the Pleas- the two BART stations that Pleas- is sponsored by the Metropolitan commission or the council. The impacting others already expressed concern that their hours anton Walgreen's on Tuesday anton shares with East Dublin Transportation Commission's city has not received a project operating." could be cut, if a Wal-Mart were revealed that the Clipper Cards and West Dublin. (MTC) Clipper Card project. plan," Fialho stated. Linda Martin said there are to open. "Another grocery store are no longer for sale there. A People who qualify for a Seniors can fill out forms to Resident Tom Engle suggested enough cookie cutter stores in is not a good idea." clerk said that the store quit sell- senior discount or a discount for obtain the cards with their dis- that there needs to be more the city. "It's time to grow more Another viewpoint was offered ing them last Saturday, and has persons with disabilities, can't counts programmed into them. discussion in public as to what is locally owned businesses that we by the manager of the shopping no plans to reinstate them. purchase one in the Valley. The MTC will mail the cards back to happening. There are questions can support. The money would center, Tom Foley. He wouldn't Although it was too late on cards are specially coded for the them within four or five days. such as whether the projected stay in Pleasanton. Money made confirm that a Wal-Mart was Tuesday to get a response to that individual's name and birth date Seniors can still find some sales tax would offset some of at Wal-Marts goes directly to thinking of moving in. He statement from MTC spokesman to show that person is qualified discount paper tickets, which the negatives. He stated, "I'm Arkansas." She said that Wal- said only that he had secured Randy Rentschler, he said in a to have the discount. offer a 62.5 percent discount off not a fan of Wal-Mart. I just want Mart business practices put other a full service supermarket that phone conversation earlier in the That means it's a must to apply BART fares. BART spokesman transparency with the process." stores out of business, resulting intends to adhere to the zoning day that the Clipper Cards are in person to show proof of age Jim Allison said that Safeway Jamie Decker said that a in job losses. requirements for the site. still in the rollout mode. More and identity. will be selling them until the end grocery store in the proposed Jean Cohen from the Alameda Foley pointed out that satellite The closest place to purchase of the year. location may not make sense. Labor Council noted that Wal- tenants in the center and one a senior card is the Lake Mer- The senior center still has Traffic patterns have changed Mart has become a symbol of nearby center had been devastated ritt BART station in Oakland, some paper tickets left, and since the Nob Hill was approved. what's wrong with business by the lack of an anchor tenant. BARTON where a person would present the will keep them until they run Some are just holding on. "When (continued from page one) necessary identification to staff out. Raley's stopped selling all it comes to talking about jobs, family and explore the world. personnel. BART paper tickets a couple of consideration should be given Prior to coming to Livermore, BART also sells senior cards weeks ago. OBSERVER to these hard-working business Linda served as Deputy City at the Embarcadero station in San (continued from page one) nations. owners." Manager of Bellevue, Wash- Francisco. they can't convince me to change Role-playing by acting out Councilmember Matt Sullivan ington for four years. Linda has People with disabilities must my mind," she said. roles of people in the conflicts asked if there were an appeal also served as city manager in obtain a card through the Re- Ivanova came across the was very useful to Ivanova. "It process if it were determined Bedford, Texas and Burnsville, gional Transit Connections Michigan Peace Team on the shows what actually happened Wal-Mart did not have to go to the Minnesota. In her public manage- (RTC) program, which verifies internet. The group has trained to volunteers," she said. planning commission or council ment career beginning 30 years the person's disability and can hundreds of people in nonviolent Members of the group have for approval. ago, she served as the Commis- be obtained only through that action, as seen in the teachings to make some difficult decisions. Assistant City Attorney sioner of Employee Relations program. It is located in San of Gandhi and Martin Luther Ivanova said that if Palestinians Larissa Seto said that such an in the State of Minnesota and Jose. The customer service phone King, Jr. were being stopped at a check- appeal had not happened before. Deputy City Manager of Corval- number is 408-321-2300. Ivanova said that groups from point, but Israeli soldiers were She wasn't sure what the process lis, Oregon. She began her career SENIOR CENTER WILL the organization have worked in willing to let observers through, would be. However, she would in Lakewood, Colorado where HAVE CLIPPER EVENT Iraq, Bosnia, Haiti, Mexico, and "Do you go through and be per- look into it. she was the Assistant to the City The Pleasanton Senior Center on the U.S.-Mexico border. ceived as privileged?" Fialho said staff is aware that Manager. is offering a four-hour opportu- The team will act as observ- Ivanova asked the volunteers this is an important issue for Livermore Mayor Marshall ers. They will undertake such who led the training whether the community. "There is talk Kamena commented, "Linda and tasks as document any violations their presence was useful in any of holding a meeting to provide I came to the city the same year. they might see at an Israeli mili- way. They replied that they were a permitting update. At that We have worked together all that tary checkpoint, or try to provide aware that they can't bring peace time, staff would go through time. The fact that we have seen a calming presence where there to the region, but people were the legalities and engage in a progress on so many projects is potential trouble. grateful for their presence. Q&A." that people enjoy is due in great "We will be arriving at the No one in the organization Sullivan stated, "We do need to part to her work. I am going to time of the olive harvest. We'll has died or been severely injured have a public discussion." miss her." work with Palestinian farmers. in the nonviolent work. One Israeli peace organizations will member was pushed down by a join us, to make sure that the har- soldier, and broke both wrists, but vest is picked," said Ivanova. that was the only injury that the The group would be available trainers reported, said Ivanova. on an on-call basis if farmers The Michigan Peace Team near Israeli settlements call for works with representatives from assistance because they perceive other organizations, including obstruction. Rabbis for Peace. "If a particular farmer were Ivanova, who grew up in Bul- involved in a conflict, we'd go garia, speaks Arabic, and studied there. It's third party noninter- the language in an exchange vention. If any violence occurs, program at Amman University we may stand between the two in Jordan. She hopes to complete sides, as a peaceful presence," graduate work in Arabic and also said Ivanov. psychology or social work. Ivanov flew to Michigan for The Michigan Peace Team the training, which was pro- has a web page at http://michi- vided by people who have done ganpeaceteam.org/ and a blog such work in Israel and other atmptinpalestine.blogspot.com/ THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION II THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Art, Community, & Education

Fiery Pianist to Entertain at the Firehouse The Firehouse Arts Center’s leans with influential local funk will host an appearance by fiery outfit, The Meters, in 1974. pianist Michael Kaeshammer on “Technically Brilliant and a Saturday, September 24, 2011 at spectacle…” reported Calgary 8:00 p.m. blogger, Tim Tamashiro. “Like The Firehouse Arts Center is taking a Ferrari for a drive through located at 4444 Railroad Avenue winding mountain highways and in downtown Pleasanton. then going for a gourmet meal. It Kaeshammer, who switched excites all of your senses.” from classical to boogie-woogie Kaeshammer says, “For me the and stride piano at age 13, is performance is as much about the known for performances that are energy coming off the stage as the energetic and joyful and draw energy coming from the audience. the audience into the experience. It’s about being myself, writing Along with playing “incendiary” from the heart and showing my piano, he is a gifted songwriter and love for life. That’s what I want singer whose seven albums feature to convey. After the show, people popular numbers such as “On a ask me, ‘do you really have that Saturday Night," “Comes Love” much fun?’ And I say ‘you don’t and “Cinnamon Sun." The most know the half of it. It’s even more recent, KAESHAMMER, released exhilarating than it looks’.” this year, will be the focus of his Tickets are Adult: $15, $20 and Firehouse appearance. $25; Child: $12; Senior $20. Group While Kaeshammer’s fiery discounts are available. Tickets style incorporates elements of his may be purchased online at www. early influences – the New Orleans firehousearts.org up to three hours sound of Fats Waller, Art Tatum prior to the performance, by phone and James Booker - he also makes at (925) 931-4848, or in person musical reference one of his own at the Firehouse Arts Center Box all-time favorite records, Robert Office. The entrance to free park- Palmer’s Sneakin’ “Sally Through ing is on Spring Street near First the Alley," recorded in New Or- Street. Michael Kaeshammer (Photo - Andrew MacNaughton)

House of Floyd Concert Benefit for Music Programs Sound effects, modern lights, lasers and video projection will all be part of the performance staged by House of Floyd on September 9 at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. The House of Floyd performs the music of Pink Floyd. ABC Music Store & Academy is presenting the show as a benefit for the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District music programs. House of Floyd provides the opportunity for those who never saw Pink Floyd to "get" what made those shows so special. Those who saw Pink Floyd in concert, will be able to have the ex- perience again. Those attending may even see a giant inflatable pig. The projections include many of the original, legendary backing films used by Pink Floyd. The set lists may be from an actual Pink Floyd concert, or a custom House of Floyd mix, but always includes rarely heard live arrangements used by Pink Floyd in concert. The show begins at 8 p.m. For tickets or information, go to www.bankheadtheater.org or call 925-373-6800. The Bankhead Theater is located at 2400 First Street in downtown Livermore. 2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Art & Entertainment Livermore Valley Opera Offers Musical Presentation of Shakespeare’s Tragic Love Story

The timeless love story by tions is as numerous as there are Wells, attracting singers to audi- which all others are measured will audience members.” tion was no struggle with more be brought to life using elaborate Murray feels that by trying to men than usual working for a shot scenery to set the mood for the live up to each audience member’s at a principal role. Wells explains romantic music of Gounod’s op- ideals, the production runs the risk why. era Roméo et Juliette. The opera, of falling short of everyone’s ex- “This is a French opera, of which launches the Livermore pectations. “Mark my words: the which there are not many in the Valley Opera's season, will open audience will do itself a disservice current repertoire. It is rarely at the Bankhead Theater on Sep- if they cannot free themselves performed in America. Most often, tember 24, 2011. Though the story of preconceived expectations. productions are those of Italian or is well-known, its presentation as Instead, I invite them to sit back, German composers, and so for an opera will offer audiences of all listen to this work, let the music opera singer to have a chance to ages - whether opera aficionados or wash over them and experience sing in French is a rare treat. We not – a unique musical experience the powerful emotions in Roméo et even had a group of men come of William Shakespeare’s tragic Juliette as Gounod intended.” all the way from Los Angeles love story. The music of Gounod’s Ro- for a chance to sing Roméo et Performances and events in- méo et Juliette will be under the Juliette.” clude the following: September baton of Conductor and Artistic The title roles will be sung 24, 8 p.m. curtain time, preceded Director Alexander Katsman who by soprano Christie Hageman by an opening night gala celebra- explains how the music portrays as Juliette and tenor Christian tion dinner at Uncle Yu's at the Shakespeare’s love story. Reinert as Roméo, each who have Vineyard, 5 p.m.; Sept. 25, 2 p.m. “Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette is performed these roles during their Ice Cream & Opera – Children’s the operatic retelling of the famous careers. This will be their debut Opera Learning Adventure; Oct. 1, story which stays faithfully close performance with LVO. 8 p.m.; Oct. 2, 2 p.m. Ice Cream & to the original,” says Katsman. Opening night gala ticket in- Opera – Children’s Opera Learn- “Famous for his lyrical melodic cludes dinner at Uncle Yu's at the ing Adventure line, Gounod gives the heroes Vineyard, followed by a dessert An art display will be part of several love duets of incredible reception in the Bankhead Theater. the festivities opening night, fea- beauty. The music has many dif- The welcome reception begins at 5 turing the winning entries from ferent shades, from joyous smiles pm and seating at 5:30 pm at Uncle the Roméo et Juliette Student Art to tremendous desperation, from Yu's. Guests will have a chance Contest. radiant love to dark hate. But above to meet the Stage Director Bill Shakespeare’s story of two all shines the love for life and be- Murray and Alexander Katsman, young innocents who fall pro- lief in goodness and love. That is LVO’s Artistic Director and Mu- foundly in love, despite the long, why this tragedy has such a long sic Director and Conductor. Gala bitter feud between their proud life in arts.” Tickets are $75, and are available families, resulting in a timeless To complete the full experi- through Bankhead Theater box tragedy is known by many. And ence, multiple scenes designed office. though an opera provides a musi- by Jean Francois Revon, which The winning entries of the Ro- cal representation of the story, include period costumes and props, méo et Juliette Student Art Contest audiences still have a predisposed are constructed and procured by will be on display in the lobby of expectation of what they will see the multitude of LVO volunteers the Bankhead Theater opening on stage. Bill Murray, director of who work behind the scenes. night. Five winning posters, cre- LVO’s Roméo et Juliette knows “This is a very ambitious un- ated by middle and high school however, that Gounod’s interpreta- dertaking for us,” explains LVO students, some from as far as San tion will provide a version of the Board Vice President Teri Tith. Joaquin Valley, will be available story like none other. “There are five acts with very for viewing. The first place win- “Never are there more expecta- different scenes requiring a lot ner, Lauren Covey, a student at tions than with a story like Roméo of work and careful coordination Livermore High School and who and Juliette,” explains Murray. amongst designers and our dedi- studies art with Peggy Frank, de- “Because Shakespeare’s tragic cated volunteers.” signed the poster (attached) which love story is known by virtually all, Bill Rabe, who leads a set is also featured in all of the opera’s it represents a daunting task for a construction crew of fellow volun- marketing materials. director and the cast: how do we teers, agrees. “The sets are quite Sunday matinees of Livermore convincingly tell a story in which elaborate with some very large Valley Opera productions offer a every audience member already components. Our set designer fun, interactive way to introduce Pictured are (top) the winning has preconceived notions? Even wants to create a “wow factor” young people to opera –and even poster; Christian Reinert as the little details represent an epic for the audience and that’s exactly include ice cream for all at inter- Romeo (left); Christie Hageman challenge. For instance, what do what they’ll get.” mission. After the show, children as Juliette (right); Alex Katsman, our lovers look like in your imagi- Adding to the “wow factor” will have an opportunity to go conductor and artistic director nation? How long is Juliette’s hair? is a cast of talented young opera behind the scenes and experience (lower left); and Bill Murray, What is she wearing? The number singers, and according to LVO’s a performer’s point of view. They director (lower right). of differing answers to these ques- Executive Director, Elizabeth (continued on page 3) Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 3

'The Last Five Years' Opens OPERA (continued from page 2) pre-opera talk will feature noted Studio Theatre Season meet the Conductor and cast mem- opera scholar John Prescott. bers. To learn more, visit LVO’s The Bankhead Theater is lo- The Tri-Valley Repertory The- is by Min Kahng. The producer is website at http://www.livermor- cated at 2400 First St., downtown atre will open its Studio Theatre Kathleen Breedveld. Livermore. Tickets may be pur- 2011-2012 season with "The Last Performances are 8 p.m. Fri- evalleyopera.org/seasons/2010/ chased at the box office, by calling Five Years." days/Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays ice_cream/index.php. Performances will be weekends (12 performances over 4 week- Included in the ticket price 373-6800, or online at www.liver- September 16 through October 9. ends) at the TVRT Studio Theatre, are pre-opera talks held one hour moreperformingarts.org. Tickets The story explores a five-year 1048 Serpentine Lane, Suite 309, prior to curtain. LVO’s traditional for adults range from $39 to $74; relationship between Jamie Weller- Pleasanton. artist’s reception is held in the students 18 years and younger $10 stein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 lobby immediately following each off on all days, all seating sections. Hyatt, a struggling actress. The for seniors, $20 for students, and performance. Roméo et Juliette Student ID required. show uses a form of storytelling a substantial discount for groups in which Cathy's story is told in purchasing 20 or more tickets. A reverse chronological order (be- processing fee will be added to the ginning the show at the end of the price of each ticket. Tickets may marriage), and Jamie's is told in be purchased online at www.tri- chronological order (starting just valleyrep.org (click on TICKETS), after the couple have first met). by phone at 925-462-2121, or in Written by Jason Robert Brown person by visiting our ticket office (Parade, Songs For A New World), at 1048 Serpentine Lane, Suite The Pink Floyd The Last Five Years is an intensely 307 in Pleasanton on Wednesdays personal look at the relationship or Fridays between 11 a.m. and Concert Experience between a writer and an actress 3 p.m. Starring “House of Floyd” told from both points of view. ABC Music Store & Academy host a fundraiser for The show features Katherine Livermore School Music Programs Cooper as Cathy Hiatt and Greg Pictured at right are Katherine Zema as Jamie Wellerstein. Cooper as Cathy Hiatt and Greg Fri September 9 8pm Direction and musical direction Zema as Jamie Wellerstein. “We Will Never Forget” September 11, 2001 Independent Music Festival Planned at Wente 10th Anniversary Tribute – Hosted by Operation: S.A.M. Fifth generation winemaker The Gun and Doll Show, The Front on the lawn with chairs or blankets. Sun September 11 3pm Karl Wente of Wente Vineyards Porch, The Bacchus Brothers, and The three different stages will be Complimentary, Seating Limited announced the BottleRockIt Mu- Garage Band Academy located at the Barrel Room, the sic Festival launching Saturday, “I’m really psyched to be work- Small Lot Winery and the Estate National Acrobats of the September 10, 2011. For the fifth ing with Karl Wente and Wente Lawn. year in a row, the independent Vineyards on the Homegrown Se- Held at the Estate Tasting Room People’s Republic of China music festival formerly known as ries and the BottleRockIt Festival. at 5565 Tesla Road in Livermore, Breathtaking Feats of Skill and Daring Discover the Wine Discover the I grew up in Livermore around the doors open at 10:30 a.m. Perfor- Thu September 15 7:30pm Music, will feature nation- mances begin at 11 a.m. ally renowned bands as well Tickets for the 25-band and LVPAC Guitar Fest LIVE! as the best emerging Bay DJ lineup are $20 and are Fri & Sat September 16 & 17 Area talent. The show will on sale now. They can be Get up-close and personal with world class guitarists as they share be headlined by Givers, The purchased by visiting www. their techniques and talents at free clinics & outdoor concerts, Holdup, Dirty Vegas, AB & wentevineyards.com/bot- check out the newest guitar gear and The Sea and The Hundred tlerockit or by calling the accessories. If you love guitars and Days and will be presented Wente Vineyards Box Office music, don't miss this "electrifying" event! by top rock station Live 105, at 925-456-2424 Compli- www.guitarplayerlive.com (KITS 105.1 FM). Wente mentary parking is available Vineyards invites festival- on location. Lee Ritenour goers to spend the day to Food, wine and beer will Consummate & Complete listen to a full day of music be available for purchase Jazz Fusion Guitarist and sample a selection of on site and will be provided Fri September 16 8pm estate grown, sustainable by Catering at Wente Vine- wines. yards. Festivalgoers can Sonny Landreth Guest DJ’ed and hosted spend the day sipping and Extraordinarily Inventive by Live 105 (KITS 105.1 discovering the portfolio of Master of the Slide Guitar FM) Music Director and on Estate grown wines crafted Sat September 17 8pm air personality Aaron Axelsen, by Karl Wente. http://live105.radio.com/ the 25- vineyards and have always wanted “The Bay Area has some of the band and DJ lineup will include: to do something like this in my most original and interesting inde- Friday Nights LIVE! Givers, The Holdup, Dirty Vegas, hometown with bands I play on pendent bands and BottleRockIt is Free concert every Friday night outdoors Birds and Batteries, AB & The Sea, my radio shows. It’s a great time a great way to showcase some of on the Shea Homes Stage at the Olin & The Moon, Young Science, for up and coming talent in the Bay this amazing talent. What better Bankhead Theater White Arrows, The Hundred Days, Area; this is a creative nexus of way to experience wine and mu- Jessica Caylyn Band Music For Animals, Picture Atlan- talent right here in our backyard,” sic together when all your senses Contemporary Country Rock tic, Beta State, Heyoka, DJ Laura, states Aaron Axelsen, DJ, Music are stimulated,“ says Wente, a Fri September 9 6:30-8pm Ean Golden, Left Of Right, In Director, Live 105 San Francisco. musician himself, who will also Rare Form, Ruckatan, Lisa Marie Wente will be hosting three dif- perform with his own band, The TICKETS 925.373.6800 or www.bankheadtheater.org Johnston and the Lust Triggers, ferent stages, allowing guests to sit Front Porch. 2400 First Street, Downtown Livermore 4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Art & Entertainment Musicians Blend Talents at Firehouse Concert Musical artists Peppino D’Agostino and Carlos Reyes blend their talents and personali- ties at a Friday evening show at the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasan- ton on Fri., September 16. Actor Tim Roth (left) is one of those interviewed in the film. At right are Liz Stanley and George Willeman, The Firehouse Arts Center is preservationists for the Library of Congress. located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton. Acclaimed as a scholar, techni- cian, master guitarist and poet, Peppino D’Agostino has collected 'These Amazing Shadows' Documents an abundance of Acoustic Guitar Magazine awards in recent years. In 2008 alone, His Players’ Choice History of National Film Registry Awards included Best Acoustic The film, “These Amazing current list of 550 films includes America. Director/Producer Paul Album of All Time for Every Step Shadows,” will be screened at 7 selections from every genre - Mariano will host the screening of The Way, Guitarist of the Year– p.m. Thurs., Sept. 15 at the Fire- documentaries, home movies, and introduce his film. Fingerstyle Guitar and Acoustic house Arts Center in Pleasanton. Hollywood classics, avant-garde, This prize-winning documen- Guitar of the Year. Carlos Reyes What do the films Casablanca, newsreels and silent films. These tary features interviews with Chris- Reyes, having mastered the Blazing Saddles and West Side Amazing Shadows reveals how topher Nolan, Tim Roth, John violin and complicated Paraguayan performance that highlights their Story have in common? Besides "American movies tell us so much Waters, Zooey Deschanel, Rob harp as a child, debuted with the individual and combined talents. being popular, they have also been about ourselves... not just what we Reiner, John Lasseter, Debbie Oakland Symphony at 14. He Tickets are adult: $15, $20 and deemed "culturally, historically or did, but what we thought, what we Reynolds, Jay Carr, the Librarian flourished, launching a profes- $25 child: $12; senior $22. Group aesthetically significant" by the felt, what we aspired to, and the of Congress (Dr. James Billing- sional performing and recording discounts are available. Tickets Library of Congress and listed on lies we told ourselves." ton), members of the National Film career and, soon was thrilling may be purchased online at www. The National Film Registry. The Pleasanton Public Li- Preservation Board, archivists and thousands of loyal followers with firehousearts.org up to three hours These Amazing Shadows, an brary will screen These Amazing preservationists and many others. the Jazz-Rock group, Merlin as prior to the performance, by phone 88-minute documentary, tells the Shadows free of charge at the The Firehouse Arts Center is they played throughout the San at (925) 931-4848, or in person history and importance of the Pleasanton Firehouse Arts Center located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in Francisco Bay Area. at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Registry, a roll call of American on Thursday, September 15, at downtown Pleasanton. Doors open At the Firehouse, the two art- Office. cinema treasures that reflects the 7pm. There are no tickets or res- at 6:30. Parking is free. ists will blend their charismatic The entrance to free parking is diversity of film, and indeed the ervations needed, just drop by and For more information, call personalities in a unique musical on Spring Street near First Street. American experience itself. The enjoy a look at the films that reflect Penny Johnson, 931-3400, ext. 7. 'Why Hope?' Exhibit at Studio Unfiltered Studio Unfiltered in Pleasanton of hope and justice, artistically ex- breath, and create amidst these ten- will present a “Why Hope?” art ploring not just the expectation for sions: justice vs. injustice, present exhibit September 24 through what is to come, but also exploring realities vs. future possibilities, the October 28. what is being done in our midst. here and the now vs. what could be. The opening reception will be Hope is present in both justice The “Why Hope?” series is born held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sept. and injustice. In both cases, hope from these tensions, giving artists 24. is the expectation for what a new the freedom to explore some of the The “Why Hope?” series asks future has in store, where what we deepest emotions, impulses, and the artist to explore one simple dream about today – and even what reactions that the human experi- question: why hope? The series we can’t yet imagine – might pos- ence offers. will grapple with the intersection sibly come true. Artists live, move, Each submission to the series will generate money that fights the sexual exploitation of children in Thailand through the SOLD Proj- ect. A portion of the sale of each accepted piece will be given to a non-profit of the artist’s choosing, allowing the artists to not only cre- ate amidst the tensions explained above, but to work out those ten- sions in very tangible ways. “Why Hope?” opens September 24th and runs through October 28th, 2011 by appointment only. The gallery reception event is open to the general public on September 24. Information can be found at www.studiounfiltered.com. Studio Unfiltered is located at 5765 Valley Ave., Suite 150 in Pleasanton. Peppino D’Agostino Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 5 Performer Presents Program of Broadway Classics The Firehouse Arts Center’s With a repertoire that ranges also sung on separate occasions Cabaret Series will host versatile from Stravinsky to Weill to Broad- for Queen Elizabeth II, former soprano Lisa Vroman at a 2:00 way, Vroman is a frequent guest President Bill Clinton, and former p.m. matinee performance on Sun., soloist with theatre/opera compa- Vice President Al Gore. Sept. 18. Theme of the presenta- nies and orchestras including San Vroman’s concert will include tion is "Lisa Vroman: Broadway Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, selections from her solo CD, Classic." Atlanta, National, Hong Kong, Broadway Classic, as well as The Firehouse Arts Center is as well as the Boston Pops and favorites from many of her memo- located at 4444 Railroad Avenue Philly Pops. She made her debut rable performances. in downtown Pleasanton. at The Hollywood Bowl singing Tickets are adult: $17, $22 and Audiences will remember Vro- with Dick Van Dyke in a medley $27; child: $12; senior $22. Group for Mary Poppins, for a Disney discounts are available. Tickets man from her Theatre Critics’ 75th celebration. She has sung in Award-winning role as Christine concert with conductor Michael may be purchased online at www. Daae in The Phantom of the Op- Tilson Thomas, composer Stephen firehousearts.org up to three hours era during its record-breaking run Schwartz, organist David Higgs, prior to the performance, by phone in San Francisco. She starred in and the Empire Brass Quintet. at (925) 931-4848, or in person the same role for several years on Vroman had the honor of singing at at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Broadway and in the Los Angeles, the Profiles in Courage Award din- Office. run at The Ahmanson Theatre. ner at the JFK Library, as a guest The entrance to free parking is Vroman debuted on Broadway of the Kennedy family. She has on Spring Street near First Street. in Aspects of Love and was the first to play both Fantine and Cosette in Les Miserables. Recently, Ms. Vroman starred as Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella, making her New York City Opera debut with Paul Sorvino in the title role. She was also featured in the PBS special Hey, Mr. Producer! at the Lyceum Theatre in London, a Royal Gala attended by Queen Elizabeth II. Vroman sang the role of Johanna in the San Francisco Symphony’s Emmy award-winnng Sweeney Todd in Concert and starred as Versatile soprano, Lisa Vroman, brings her talent to the Firehouse Laurey in Oklahoma, filmed live Arts Center in Pleasanton. in concert for the BBC’s PROMS festival at The Royal Albert Hall in London Photographer Bill Owens Plans Talk in Conjunction with Exhibit Photographer Bill Owens, are $10 ($6 for Museum mem- Sacramento. He took up photogra- whose work is featured in the bers) and are available online at phy after studying auto mechanics current exhibition Bill Owens: artsopolis.com. Advance purchase at California State University and Ordinary Folks, will speak at the is recommended. serving in the Peace Corps. A pho- San Jose Museum of Art on Thurs- “Creative Minds: Bill Owens tojournalist for the Independent day, September 15, 2011, from 6 and Robert Harshorn Shimshak” newspaper in Livermore, Owens to 8 p.m. is presented in honor of Elizabeth spent weekends documenting his Owens is a former photogra- Yount in gratitude for her years of surroundings and his friends and neighbors. These images were pher for The Independent. service as a trustee. published in his seminal series, The program, part of SJMA’s Suburbia will be available in the “Suburbia” (1972), and its sequel “Creative Minds” series, will fea- Museum Store for $29.95. Visitors “Our Kind of People.” ture Owens in conversation with may reserve their copy in advance The San Jose Museum of Art collector Robert Hirshorn Shim- by calling 408-271-6878. is located at 110 South Market shak and Susan Krane, Oshman Bill Owens: Ordinary Folks Street in downtown San Jose, Executive Director. The program is on view through February 5, California. The museum is open marks the 40th anniversary of the 2012. The exhibition comprises 40 Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. publication of Owens’s landmark photographs recently given to the to 5 p.m., and open evenings on book Suburbia. Owens will sign Museum by Shimshak and Marion the third Thursday of each month. copies of the book (available for Brenner. Included are photographs Admission is $8 for adults, $5 purchase at the Museum Store) from Owens’ “Suburbia” and for students and senior citizens, from 6 to 7 p.m. The speaking “Working” series, many of which and free to members and children program will begin at 7 p.m. The depict the Bay Area in the 1970s. under 6. For more information, galleries will be open from 11 a.m. Born in San Jose in 1938, Bill Ow- call 408-271-6840 or visit www. to 8 p.m. on September 15. Tickets ens was raised on the outskirts of SanJoseMuseumofArt.org. 6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Wine Country En Garde Winery: Hungarian Invasion

By Laura Ness For En Garde’s Dry Rosé ($18), joyable is the 2008 Reserve Pinot saba Szakal is no Csaba uses Pinot Noir, bleeding off Noir from the Starky Vineyard in fencer: he’s a lover, some juice to make a pretty pink- Sebastapol ($48), on the border of not a fighter. Howev- amber beverage that is bone dry Green Valley. Made of Pommard Cer, he grew up watch- and Eurostyle in its acidity. The and 667 clones, it is at once earthy ing swordplay in French movies in resulting grape must that goes on and darkly hinting of fruit, redolent his native Hungary. Many of his to fermentation is therefore much of cedar and sage. Its heft carries countrymen were very adept at the more concentrated, resulting in a the massive new French oak nicely, sport of fencing, a key element of hefty, full-bodied Pinot. but thanks to his choice of Francois the winery’s name. Csaba grew up in a village Frere, the wine delivers the oak in The logo, essentially four fleur outside of Budapest, where both the form of chewy caramel toffee de lis with the center point being his parents were teachers. His fam- flavors. sharp like a sword’s edge, depicts ily supplemented their income by Impressive, too are the Gold another angle of “en garde!” Or, leasing farmland where they grew medal winning 2007 Diamond beware. He says the idea also crops such as potatoes and cauli- Mountain Cabernets, both the stemmed from the Hungarian flower for resale. They naturally Hungarian oak version ($68), and practice of serving wine to guests. had their own garden, resplendent the 100% French oak Reserve “When you go to someone’s with tomatoes, onions and those ($88), which won a Double Gold house,” Csaba explains, “They awesome pale-yellow Hungarian at the San Francisco International greet you with a glass of wine: a peppers that taste like no other. wine competition. Both of these full glass. When it gets near empty, Taking care of the garden was wines sport small percentages of the host again refills it. Our glasses back-breaking work, but he re- Cabernet Franc and Malbec. are quite small: not like the glasses members that harvest was the best Csaba says simply, “You cannot you use here!” time of the year. “My whole fam- make a gold medal wine from any- Traditionally, Hungarian wine ily would get up before sunrise, thing less than gold medal grapes.” vessels are made of lightweight and head out to the vineyard. My The Double Gold medal winning crystal, are often stemless and grandfather would take vine cut- Reserve Cab is testament to that always simply and tastefully tings and make a fire. We would philosophy. decorated. They are incapable of skewer big slabs of bacon and cook At the delightfully intimate, holding more than 4 or 5 ounces at them in the fire, catching the drip- thoughtfully laid out (and thank- a time. For fancier occasions, the pings onto pieces of bread. We put fully air conditioned) tasting room, Hungarians pull out their heavy, fresh tomatoes, onions and those you can taste these wines and more, ornately etched stemmed crystal delicious yellow wax peppers onto from noon til 6pm on Saturdays goblets that remind one of a Me- the bread and it was just the best! and Sundays. You will doubtless dieval feast. Even those hold no Then everyone would grab their thrill to the 2007 Malbec ($48), more than 6 or 7 ounces at a time. buckets and start picking. which hails from Yountville and is Lightweights! "My godfather was ‘the bucket filled with gorgeous plum flavors, He gestures towards the ones man’ who would unload the smaller reminiscent of the huge cans of he uses for tasting in his nicely fin- buckets into his special flat-backed Csaba Szakal with one of his vintages. Hungarian plum jam my German ished tasting room, tucked neatly bucket that strapped to his back. He grandmother used to slather onto into a corner of the Tenuta cellar, would carry it up to me. I was the accident,’ and we watched, frozen, quickly lured Csaba further into her morning toast til the bread where he, along with a few other pressman, operating the old Italian just horrified. I didn’t know what the labyrinth of winemaking, from became as invisible as the beach small labels, makes his wine. They press, cranking it for hours and to do, but we had grapes to pick. which, by the way, there is no in a hurricane. are typical high-end California hours. It was hard work, but I loved So we got in the car, turned on the known escape. He has been crush- For harvest this year, Csaba is pinot tasting glasses, capable of being with the guys, my father, radio and heard there was a second ing at Tenuta since 2007, where now hoping to line up some Liver- holding 16 ounces each. Seems uncles and grandfather. We always plane. It was a sickening feeling, he’s met a lot of fellow enthusiasts, more Petite Sirah, Malbec and Petit like we’ve super-sized everything looked forward to lunch, when my listening to it unfold. It seemed including John Kinney of Occasio, Verdot. When we first spoke, he here in this country. grandmother served a huge stew of so unreal. We really didn’t know who utilized the Tenuta operation hadn’t experienced a Livermore “When my Dad comes here, he rooster, flavored with paprika. It what else to do, so we picked and while his current facility was under Petit Verdot, so I encouraged him does the traditional thing, filling was like a cross between coq au vin crushed, and we made our first construction. to become baptized. up the glass, but I have to warn and goulash. Every year, I keep the garage wine.” Csaba has rapidly developed a His very first sip of Steven Kent him, ‘En Garde!’ Not only are our tradition. I still make the same dish It won a gold medal at an ama- great reputation among these fel- wine happened to be the 2008 Petit glasses bigger, so are our wines!” on the first day of harvest, only I teur wine competition, and another low winemakers, including two of Verdot from Ghielmetti. He later Csaba notes that in his native can never find roosters as big as we career was launched. In 2002, he the three Steves behind the “Three related, “I was so blown away, I Hungary, wines tend to be fairly had in Hungary!” He always adds sourced Cabernet from the same Steves” label, Steve Burman and thought to myself, ‘if this is how acidic and quite low in alcohol. one cup of wine. vineyard and called it “Ground Steve Zigante, who made sure to this tasting starts, what happens He makes a Rosé in the same style No less indelibly etched in his Zero.” It scored a silver. tell me what an awesome wine- from here?!” He admitted to being his grandfather did, only from dif- brain, but for entirely different Csaba is a software engineer by maker Csaba was, talking up his captivated and inspired by every ferent grapes. He says they had 6 reasons, Csaba’s first harvest in trade. He was lured by the tech- wines to the level of legend. They single thing he tasted. “I think I can or 7 varieties of white grapes, all the US, a small lot of Merlot from ripe Bay Area in the early 1990s, needn’t have worried. really get excited about Livermore with very tiny berries, trellised Healdsburg, occurred exactly ten settling in Fremont, where he still I’ll say these wines are all solid, fruit, especially if it can make very high, with many growing up years ago, on that most fateful day, lives with his wife Sandy, and their made from some killer fruit, espe- wines like that!” the sides of barns. They would use September 11, 2001. “I saw the newborn son. cially the Cabernets from Diamond Oh, yes, it can, and so, Csaba, the one red variety to add color to first news. We all thought, ‘it is an Success at the amateur level Mountain in Napa. Particularly en- can you. the white grape juice. Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 7

The photo at left is of Robin and Anna Modlin; (photo at right) Tyler (third from left) is shown with congressman Adam Schiff, who represents California's 29th district. Schiff was one of the legislatures that Tyler and other youth advocates met with on their trip. New documentary chronicles miracle of lung Transplants for cystic fibrosis patients

By Patricia Koning “When you set out to make a is due, in part, to well-organized close friend of Tyler’s family died ments, the coughing – happens This Saturday, a new documen- documentary, you have a vision but and outspoken advocacy by CF of complications from CF shortly behind closed doors,” she says. tary “The Power of Two,” will have you don’t know how everything families. after being listed on the organ Robin and other CF advocates its Bay Area premiere at the Castro will unfold,” says director Marc One such advocate is Tyler donation list. in the Tri-Valley hope to screen Theater in San Francisco. The film Smolowitz. “Robin and Anna show Goodearly, a 2011 graduate of Robin hopes people who view “The Power of Two” at the Vine tells the story half-Japanese twin what it’s like to live with CF.” Livermore High School now at- “The Power of Two” will come Theater in the near future. For sisters Anabel “Ana” Stenzel and During the year that the docu- tending UC Davis. This summer away with a better understanding more information on the film, visit Isabel “Isa” Stenzel Byrnes, who mentary was filmed, Anna’s health he made his second advocacy trip of organ donation and transplants. www.thepoweroftwomovie.com. both have cystic fibrosis (CF) and began to decline. She was listed on to Washington, DC on behalf of “The idea of organ donation is very “The Power of Two” will be received life-saving double lung the organ transplant list. “Through his 12-year-old sister Tara, who difficult and something most peo- screened at 2 pm with a Q&A transplants. our friendship with Ana and Isa, has CF. ple don’t want to think about,” she session with Ana Stenzel, Isa The film, inspired by the sisters’ we knew a lung transplant might be “We asked Democrats in the says. “But the more we talk about Stenzel Byrnes, Anna Modlin, and 2007 memoir “The Power of Two: in Anna’s future,” says Robin. Senate and House to maintain it in the open, the less charged it Marc Smolowitz. A second gala a Twin Triumph over Cystic Fi- CF is an inherited chronic dis- funding for the Food and Drug Ad- becomes. The film shows what screening at 7:30 pm will include brosis,” follows them as they em- ease that affects the lungs and di- ministration,” he explains. “There a miracle organ donation can be, the Q&A and live performances bark on a tour of Japan to inspire gestive system. The disease causes are some very promising drugs in how it can save someone’s life as by soundtrack musicians Juliette change in the hearts and minds of the body to produce an unusually clinical trials and if FDA funding the result of a tragedy.” Commagere, Tim Easton, Sara a culture resistant to transplanta- thick, sticky mucus that clogs the were cut, it could take much longer She also hopes the film will help Melson, and Haroula Rose. The tion. The twins’ receiving new lungs, leading to life-threatening for those drugs to be ready.” raise awareness and understanding 7:30 pm showing will be preceded lungs would have been unlikely lung infections and obstructs the Specifically, Vertex Pharma- of CF. “Even in my own family, not by a 6 pm VIP reception. For tick- in their mother’s native country, pancreas, stopping natural en- ceuticals is developing a drug that everyone understood the severity ets, visit www.brownpapertickets. where organ donation rates are zymes from helping the body break could fix the underlying cause of CF. Much of CF – the treat- com/event/180093. strikingly low. down and absorb food. of CF by increasing function of Livermore resident Robin Mod- CF patients experience chronic CFTR proteins, which are missing lin and her adult daughter Anna, coughing, shortness of breath, and or defective in CF patients. “This who also has CF, are featured in infections. Living with CF means drug would only work for about the film. The Modlin family met taking multiple medications, fol- 4% of CF patients, but it would be the Stenzel sisters when they were lowing a careful diet, and doing a huge breakthrough for that 4%,” students at Stanford University some form of airway clearance says Tyler. “It would be the first and have remained close family several times a day. There is no of its kind.” friends. Robin traveled with Ana known cure for CF; according to Tyler says he is looking forward and Isa for part of their advocacy the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to seeing “The Power of Two,” tour in Japan. the predicted median age of sur- calling Ana and Isa a symbol of In the film’s trailer, Anna is vival for a person with CF is in hope for the CF community. “They shown receiving a breathing treat- the mid-30’s. are in their forties. They have not ment and coughing uncontrol- Great strides have been made let CF beat them. Their message lably. Robin and Anna’s role in in the treatment of CF in the past about organ donation is incredibly the film is larger than originally 30 years; life expectancy for those important,” he says. This summer a anticipated. with CF has nearly doubled. This 8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Art & Entertainment

ART/PHOTO EXHIBITS MUSIC/CONCERTS timeless music masterpieces by Bach, on Mourning Becomes Electra, The Vil- other notable repertoire. auditions@ Back to the Future Show, Bankhead The- Music every Saturday in the tasting room Beethoven, and Liszt, and whimsical jazz lage Theatre, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to noon, pacificmasterworkschorus.org ater, 2400 First St., Livermore. July 13 from 12 to 4; open every day if the gate piece by contemporary composer William series of short presentations. A Celebra- Valley Concert Chorale auditions by ap- to Sept. 19. Sponsored by the Livermore is open and for sure on Fridays, Satur- Bolcom. No charge for admission; refresh- tion Before Mourning, a fund-raiser to pointment, Monday, September 12 and Art Association. Theme for all pieces days and Sundays 11 to 5. Red Feather ments served. Further information: 925 support the Eugene O'Neill Foundation, 19, at the First Presbyterian Church of is "Through Time." Show honors LAA Winery, 5700 Greenville Rd., Livermore. 443-2514 [email protected] Sept. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. includes reception Livermore. The church is located at the founders and early LAA contributors in Information at 449-1871 or www.red- Eugene Brancoveanu, opera singer, Sept. with wine bar and gourmet appetizers, corner of 4th and L Streets. The Chorale the Founders Room at the theater. featherwinery.com 11, 3 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 premium reserved seats for performance, is seeking experienced singers with sight- ArtWalk is set for October 8 from 11-5 in Friday Nights LIVE! free outdoor concerts Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. $12-$24. desserts, champagne and coffee, $100 per reading skills who enjoy singing exciting downtown Livermore, with new exciting in downtown Livermore will be extended Peppino D'Agostino & Carlos Reyes, Fri., person. Self-guided tours of Tao House, and challenging music. The Chorale changes to streamline the event. Artists with three new local bands perform- Sept. 16, 8 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, O'Neill's home in the Danville hills, Sat- performs a wide variety of music ranging and interested businesses, please check ing from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Fridays 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. urdays 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. National from classical to contemporary, and folk out the info at www.bothwellartscenter. through September 16, 2011. Sponsored firehousearts.org. Park Service vans shuttle visitors to the to jazz. To schedule an appointment, call org. by the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Guitar Festival LIVE, Lee Ritenour with site leaving from the San Ramon Valley, (925) 462-4205. Both audition dates are Pleasanton Art League Fall Members' Center, the concerts are presented on the special guest James Robinson, Sept. 205 Railroad Avenue. 820-1818, www. also open rehearsal nights for anyone Exhibit, Sept. 15-Oct. 15. FirehouseArts Shea Homes Stage outside the Bankhead 16, 8 p.m. LVPAC Presents, Bankhead eugeneoneill.org/ who would like to sit in on a rehearsal Center, Harrington Gallery, 4444 Railroad Theater. The three additional concerts will Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www. Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene and experience a typical rehearsal, read Ave., Pleasanton. Reception and awards feature rock, country, and world music on bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. O’Neill, September 16 - October 1, Role through the music for the fall quarter and ceremony Sat., Sept. 17, 1 to 3 p.m. www. the stage, with the final concert on Septem- Guitar Festival LIVE, Sonny Landreth Players Ensemble, 8 p.m. Th., Fri., Sat., consider auditioning for the chorus. pal-art.com. Gallery open Thurs., Fri., ber 16 launching the third annual LVPAC with special guests Eric Gales and Michael 2 p.m. Sun. Village Theatre, 233 Front St. Sat. 9/15, 16 & 17; Wed., Thurs., Fri., Guitar Fest LIVE!, a weekend-long event Landau Group, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. LVPAC Danville, www.ci.danville.ca.us MOVIES Sat. 9/21, 22, 23, 24; Wed., Thurs., Fri., filled with live music, free clinics, and Presents, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Pleasanton Senior Players Present Hal- Riding the Rails, film will be shown at Sat. 9/28, 29, 30; 10/1; Wed., Thurs., Fri., other events for guitar enthusiasts and St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater. lelujah Girls, 7 p.m. Sept. 30, 2 and 7 p.m. Sat., Sept. 10 at the IBEW Hall; Sat. 10/5, 6, 7, 8; Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. music fans. The Bankhead Theater is org or 373-6800. 7 p.m. Oct. 1. Firehouse Arts Center, 6250 Village Parkway, Dublin. This 18 10/12, 13, 14, 15. located at 2400 First Street in Downtown Lisa Vroman, Sept. 18, 2 p.m. Firehouse 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. award winning and Peabody winner for Art in Carnegie Park, Saturday September Livermore. To purchase tickets or for Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleas- firehousearts.org. best documentary is about the 250,000 10. 25 local artists with arts and crafts for more information, call 925-373-6800 or anton. $12-$27. teenagers who left their homes and sale. There will be art demonstrations, visit www.bankheadtheater.org For more Erik "Howlin' Houndog" 4-A, performs COMEDY hopped freight trains during the Great music, local wines and barbecued food information, contact the Livermore Valley Sept. 23, 9 p.m. at the Pine Street Grill, Comedy fund raiser: Exceptional Needs Depression, looking for opportunities available. This year two dance groups, Performing Arts Center: 925-373-6100 or 875 Rincon Ave., Livermore. Also ap- Network "ENN" has an upcoming fund- and/or adventure. This event is open to Le Tableau Magnifique Ballet company www.livermoreperformingarts.org pearing will be Groovy Judy, Paper & raiser at Tommy T's in Pleasanton on the public, meet & greet potluck at 6:30 and the Livermore Jazz Company, will First Thursday Concert Series, Dublin Plastic, and special guests, the Original Thurs., Sept. 15. Doors open 6:30 p.m., PM, admission is free/$3.00 donations perform. Island Girl will be providing Farmers’ Market, the City of Dublin, Sin Burlesque Troupe. http://www.pin- show begins at 7:30 p.m. Headliner is appreciated, wheelchair accessible, A/C, snow cones and kids activities such as Emerald Glen Park. The concerts will estbarandgrill.com/ Robert Duchaine; show opener is "Tri- & plenty of parking. A short discussion face painting. Carnegie Park is at 3rd & be held in the plaza area on the Gleason Michael Kaeshammer, jazz pianist, Sept. Valley local" Regina Stoops. Tickets follows the film. For more info., call K street in downtown Livermore. The Drive side of Emerald Glen, from 6:00 to 24, 8 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 are $15 for one, $25 for two, and $100 925-462-3459. gallery is open from 10:00 am - 4:00 8:00 p.m. Sept. 1, Oct. 6. Also winetasting Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. $12-$25. for a table of ten. Raffle prizes avail- These Amazing Shadows, will be shown pm, and is always free to enter. For more and food sampling. Jimmy Webb, country and wester, Sept. able. To purchase tickets online, please at 7 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 15 at the Firehouse information call 925-449-9927. Tri-Valley Medieval & Renaissance 27, 7:30 p.m. LVPAC Presents, Bankhead visit http://ennetwork.org/TT/Support_ Arts Center in Pleasanton. This 88-minute Livermore Art Association (LAA) Gal- Collegium playing session for amateur Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www. ENN_at_Tommy_Ts/Support_ENN. documentary tells the history and impor- lery, exhibit of realistic watercolors musicians, Peter Maund, director. Mon- bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. html. Funds raised are used to help pay tance of the National Film Registry, a roll of Karen Fleschler for the month of days 7:30–9:30 p.m. 7600 Dublin Blvd., MOJO and the Bayou Gypsies, Sept. 29, for staff and activities/vendors for the call of American cinema treasures that September. The LAA Gallery, is open suite 370, Dublin. $25. Information colle- 7:30 p.m. LVPAC Presents, Bankhead November camp. reflects the diversity of film, and indeed the 11:30-4:00 Wed.-Sun. It is located in the [email protected] or 925-424-1209 Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www. Comedy Uncorked, Retzlaff Vineyards, American experience itself. Pleasanton historic Carnegie Building at 2155 3rd or 925-984-4395 bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. benefit for Open Heart Kitchen. Sept. Public Library will screen These Amazing St. Livermore. It is also open from 4-8 Chris Bradley's Jazz Band, plays at The Jazz at the Library, Kenny Washington 24. Doors open 6 p.m., performance Shadows free of charge at the Pleasanton Thursday nights, during Farmer's Market Sunol Jazz Cafe (In the Center of Sunol) Trio, Friday, September 30; 8 p.m. the 7:30 p.m. Retzlaff Vineyards is located Firehouse Arts Center. 4444 Railroad season. For more info call the Gallery the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery at 1356 So. Livermore Ave., Livermore. Ave., Pleasanton. There are no tickets or 925-449-9927. 7:30-9:30 p.m. The band features real Jazz Street, San Ramon. $20 each (Seniors 62+ Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the reservations needed, just drop by. Direc- Lynda Briggs at Wente Estate Winery from the 1920's, 30's, 40's. and Students $15) www.sanramonjazz. door. They can be purchased at www. tor/Producer Paul Mariano will host the tasting room, 5565 Tesla Rd., Livermore. Blacksmith Square live music, Saturdays org/wp/wp-admin/edit.php comedyuncorked.com/ screening and introduce his film. September 1-29, Reception Sept. 11, 1 3-6 May – September, sponsored by Pops Concert. The Livermore-Amador Classic films at the Pleasanton Library, to 3 p.m. Artistic Edge, Greenleaf BBQ Products, Symphony will perform its annual pops AUDITIONS/COMPETITIONS Las Positas College and the Pleasanton Maclyn Pons will show her watercolor John Christopher Cellars, Swirl, and concert with the theme Fanfare for Food on 39th annual Competition for Young Mu- Public Library present the series. Theme & colored pencil work of florals and Victorine Olive Oil. Corner of South Friday, October 21 at 8 p.m. at the Robert sicians, Livermore-Amador Symphony this year is ‘Three Great Directors." Ad- landscapes at the Garre Vineyard Cafe. Livermore Ave. and Railroad Ave. down- Livermore Community Center Ballroom. Association, open to instrumentalists and mission is free. The series is hosted by September and October. 7986 Tesla Rd., town Livermore. Wearing costumes and bringing your din- vocalists who reside or attend school in Candace Klaschus, Professor of Media Livermore, Dublin Heritage Center Music Jam, Every ner is encouraged. This event is sponsored Livermore, Sunol, Pleasanton, Dublin, or Studies at Las Positas College. Klaschus Tuesday night there is an open music jam by the Livermore-Amador Symphony San Ramon. Students are eligible through offers a brief entertaining talk about each MEETINGS/CLASSES for either Bluegrass or Irish Fiddle. All Guild. Call 925-447-6454 to make your grade 12. If not enrolled in high school, film prior to the screening. The three great Figure Drawing Workshop, every Friday are welcome to come and listen or join reservation starting Sept. 1. the maximum age is 17. All instruments film directors featured in this year’s series 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Artists bring their in and play. 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin. will be considered. The purpose is to select are Howard Hawkes, John Ford and Alfred own materials and easels. Open to all art- Information: 925-452-2100. ON THE STAGE two young musicians who will perform Hitchcock. Refreshments are served. A ists. Professional artist models (nude). No Concerts at Wente Vineyards, Sept. 8: The Last Five Years, Tri-Valley Reper- as soloists with the symphony on Feb. 11, complete list of the ‘Three Great Direc- instructor. Students under 18 need written Tears for Fears; Sept. 13: Kenny Log- tory Theatre Studio Theatre presenta- 2012. Each winner/soloist will be awarded tors” films is available at the Pleasanton parental permission to attend. Cost $20 gins; Sept. 14: Diana Ross. Ticket op- tion. Weekends Sept. 16 to Oct. 9. 1048 $300. The application deadline is Sun., Public Library. Movies will be shown per session. At the Bothwell Arts Center, tions include different dining and seating Serpentine Lane #309, Pleasanton, www. Oct. 2. Completed applications must be the first Thursday of each month through 2466 8th St., Livermore. Coffee, tea and choices. Wente Vineyards Restaurant and trivalleyrep.com. accompanied by an $8 application fee June 7, 2012. No registration required. refreshments are available. Call or email Event Center is located at 5050 Arroyo National Acrobats of China, Sept. 15, and a CD or cassette tape for preliminary The library is located at 400 Old Bernal Barbara Stanton for more info about the Road, Livermore. For more information 7:30 p.m. LVPAC Presents, Bankhead screening. Additional information may be Ave., Pleasanton. For more information, workshop, 925-373-9638 - microangelo@ or tickets, go to www.wentevineyards. Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www. obtained from www.livamsymph.org or call Penny Johnson, 931-3405. earthlink.net. com/concerts/ bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. by contacting the competition chairperson Art in Public Places, join a local group House of Floyd, Friday, September 9, 8 A Few Good Men, Diablo Actors' Ensemble at 447-1947. CHORAL of artists and paint on selected Friday p.m. Bankhead Theater, Livermore. ABC season opener. Fri., Sept. 16 through Oct. Auditions, Pacific Masterworks Chorus, Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble, di- mornings around town. ACC/Art Cri- Music Store & Academy Presents The 1; Thursdays through Saturdays 8 p.m. and second season under the leadership of rected by Cindy Beitmen, will perform a tique & Coffee invites artists to express Pink Floyd Concert Experience" starring Sundays 2 p.m. Tickets are available for Dr. Greg Lyne. Mixed choral ensemble, series of concerts in California missions themselves in watercolor, acrylic, oil "House of Floyd." Benefit for Livermore $10-$25 online or via phone and $15-$30 devoted to high quality performance, for the purpose of raising money for the For more details check out the website Valley Joint Unified School District Music at the door. To order tickets visit www. embracing a wide variety of works both continued restoration of these buildings. for Poetry On Canvas Pleasanton or Programs. www.bankheadtheater.org or diabloactors.com or call 866.811.4111. a cappella and accompanied, with an Concerts will include Renaissance and contact Claudette at PoetryOnCanvas@ 373.6800 for tickets. Theater located at Diablo Actors' Ensemble is located at 1345 emphasis on American choral music. The Baroque music from New Spain (Latin Mac.Com ~ ACC Meets each Friday at 2400 First St., Livermore. Locust Street in Walnut Creek. Parking auditions are open to singers with previous America), which provided a basis for the various locations. The Tubes, San Francisco Sound of the is available across the street in the city choral experience, particularly altos, ten- music composed and performed in the 70's and Beyond, Fri. and Sat., Sept. 9 garage for a nominal fee. ors and basses. September 14 (a prepared California missions. Guest instrumen- WINERY EVENTS and 10, 8 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 12th annual Eugene O'Neill Festival; audition piece is not essential). John talists include Joyce Johnson-Hamilton, Free Tasting Fridays, Rodrigue Molyneaux 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. Danville: performances of Mourning Be- Knox Presbyterian Church, 7421 Ama- cornetto, trumpet, recorder; Shirley Hunt, Winery, will now be open Fridays from firehousearts.org comes Electra by Role Players Ensemble, rillo Rd., Dublin. 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. viola da gamba; Howard Kadis, vihuela 12:30-5:00 for the month of August and Annual Piano Recital, Saturday, September Sept. 16-18, 22-25, Oct. 1, The Village The chorus has regular rehearsals every & archlute; Mary Prout, viola da gamba; possibly beyond. The entire flight of 10, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at Asbury United Theatre, tickets at www.danvilletheatre. Wednesday. Pacific Masterworks Chorus Aaron Westman, violin, viola. Perfor- yummy wines will be poured for any Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue, com. Eugene O'Neill 101, The Village Winter program will include Beethoven’s mance will be Saturday, September 17 guests to celebrate our opening on Fri- Livermore. Annual piano recital co- Theatre, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. Dan Cawthorn Choral Fantasy to be performed with the at 7:30 PM, Mission San Jose, 43300 days. 3053 Marina Avenue, Livermore, sponsored by the Alameda County East presents an overview of the life and works Livermore-Amador Symphony and also Mission Road, Fremont. Tickets $20 CA 925-443-1998, [email protected], Branch of the Music Teachers’ Association of O'Neill. Alamo-Danville Artists Soci- in our own Winter concert. Additional general, $10 seniors/students. No advance www.rmwinery.com of California and Asbury. Award-winning ety Exhibit of work inspired by O'Neill, repertoire includes Copland’s ‘Promise ticket sales. A full listing of the concert Fremont resident and MTAC Young Artist Sept. 23, 25, reception on Fri., Sept. 23, of Living’ and Conrad Susa’s lovely tour and program can be found at www. Guild member Gus Liu, 16, will perform 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday symposium collection of ‘Lullabies and Carols’ plus wavewomen.org Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 9

through acquisition & cooperative efforts; ID. Information, contact Jennifer Amiel, Jeans and Jewels, Tri-Valley Conservancy volunteers dedicated to helping control OPERA Defend Mount Diablo and its foothills Director of Education at (925) 462-2766 annual fund-raising event. Thurs., Oct. 6, and care for the stray & feral cat popula- Opera San José opens its 28th season from development through land use plan- or [email protected]. 6 to 10 p.m. at Casa Real at Ruby Hill tions in the community. October 8, 2011, with a San José premiere of Mozart’s, ning; Restore habitat, wildlife and creeks Quilting in the Garden, Sept. 24 and 25, Winery. Gourmet Dinner, silent and live from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Olivina, Idomeneo: ré di Creta, the mythical tale & build trails. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by Alden Lane auctions, hosted bar. $95 per person. located at 4555 Arroyo Road, Livermore. of the king of Crete set at the end of the Fall Book Sale, Friends of the Dublin Li- Nursery and In Between Stitches. Alden Register online www.trivalleyconser- In addition to the festivities, there will be Trojan War. Eight performances are brary will hold its Fall Used Book Sale Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Lane, Liver- vancy.org or call 925-449-8706. Casa an educational exhibit on TNR (trap-neu- scheduled from September 10 through 25 Sept. 16-18 at the Dublin, Library, 200 more. Featured artists Verna Mosquera Real at Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard ter-return), which is considered to be the at the California Theatre, 345 South First Civic Plaza. Friday, Sept. 16 is members and Rob Appell. Classes, displays, etc. Avenue, Pleasanton. most humane and effective way to control Street in downtown San José. Tickets are only night, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Memberships Information www.aldenlane.com. Outcast Cat Help, fund-raiser, “Purrs the population of stray and feral cats. on sale at the Opera San José Box Office, will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. Nostalgia Day Car Show, Sun., Sept. 25 and Spurs," a western themed event There will also be information on National by phone at (408) 437-4450 or online at Saturday, Sept. 17, the sale will take downtown Livermore. Presented by the which will feature wine & beer, music, Feral Cat Day, October 16, 2011. Tickets www.operasj.org. Idomeneo: ré di Creta place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The sale Altamont Cruisers. Over 700 cars, music, hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes, tastings of for Purrs & Spurs are $25.00 per person, is jointly produced with the Packard Hu- continues Sun., Sept. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. prize drawings, vendors, and arts and Olivina Olive Oil, and more. All proceeds and can be ordered online at outcastcat. manities Institute and made possible, in This is bag day. Fill a paper bag (provided) crafts. Parade of award winners. Activities will benefit Outcast Cat Help, a 501(c)(3) org, or by calling 925-231-0639. part, by a Cultural Affairs Grant from the for $4, or fill a special edition Friends of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. non-profit organization made up solely of City of San José. the Library canvas tote bag for $13. Totes Roméo et Juliette, Livermore Valley are also available alone for $10. Special Tickets Available for 'Brothels, Bar Rooms & Bandits' Opera 20th Anniversary Season open- features include specially priced books, ing opera, Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette. new or of extra value; a teacher materials Gounod’s opera about star-crossed lovers section; and tote bag sale with all totes for Step back in time to the wild and samples of the best-of-the- cludes a BBQ dinner, gambling will be presented in French with English $5 on Friday and Saturday only. More West at the Museum on Main’s west vittles. There will be gaming chips and the best entertainment in supertitles in Livermore on September information is available on the Library’s 24, 25 and October 1 and 2 at the Bank- website at www.aclibrary.org, the Friends’ third annual fundraiser: Brothels, tables (sponsored by the Pleasan- the West. Over 21 only….or we’ll head Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. website at www.dublinfriends.org, or call Bar Rooms & Bandits, on Satur- ton Lion’s Club), live and silent call the sheriff. For tickets, phone www.livermorevalleyopera.com. Tickets the Library at 925-828-1315. The Library day, September 24, 6-10 p.m. at the auctions are also on tap. the museum at 925.462.2766 or can also be purchased at the Bankhead is wheelchair accessible. Theater box office or online at www. 2011 Children’s Fair, presented by the Pleasanton Senior Center. Western attire is encouraged but mosey on down to 603 Main Street, bankheadtheater.org. Livermore Area Recreation and Park The event features a return to not the law. Pleasanton. Cash, credit cards and District, Saturday, Sept. 17, and Sunday, Pleasanton of the 1890s when it Tickets, $40 per person, in- gold nuggets are acceptable. MISCELLANEOUS Sept. 18, Children’s Fair is a free event was one of the most desperate Pleasanton History Walk, 4th Saturday of with kid-friendly activities, crafts, per- the month. Tours depart from the Museum formances and more. Robert Livermore towns in the West. The invitation Coin Club Plans Fall Show on Main at 2 p.m. and are approximately 1 Community Center, 4444 East Ave., to attend is from that era’s well- ½ hours long. The tour is appropriate for Livermore. known George Hearst, a prominent With interest in coin collecting at an all time high, the Livermore Beer Train, Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo all ages, covers a distance of approximate- senator and founder of gold mines Valley Coin Club has announced they will hold the first ever fall coin ly one mile and is handicapped accessible. Association, 3rd annual Beer Train, Sat., Sept. 17, on the Niles Canyon Railway in in South Dakota and Montana. show and sale on Sunday September 18, 2011, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Tours are limited to the first 25 people in show will be held at the Elks Lodge, 940 Larkspur Drive Springtown attendance. Saturday, September 24. For Sunol. BBQ at 3 p.m.; train departs 5 p.m. Those attending will encounter more information on tours or programs at sharp. Strolling minstrels, gunfighters, gamblers, wild women and ren- in Livermore. Museum on Main contact Jennifer Amiel, raffles. $40 includes a barbecue in the More than 25 dealers from all over Northern California will offer park; bottled water and will available. egades, all watched by Pinkerton’s Director of Education at (925) 462-2766 gold, silver, and base metal coins from the United States and foreign or [email protected]. No one under the age of 21; must show men. Entertainment will include M.o.M.’s Reading Time, ages 2 to 5 and ID when purchasing ticket and board- song and dance, beverage sipping countries. Ancient coins will be offered as well. Prices range from a few families, Museum on Main monthly read- ing train. Reservations, contact Tim at cents to hundreds of dollars. Dealers will make appraisals and purchase ing program, 10 to 11 a.m. with theme 447-7562. Information at www.Liver- coins from the public. related crafts immediately following. moreRodeo.org. Register Now Admission is free. Donations are always Coin Show and Sale, Livermore Valley Admission is free. Wooden “nickels” commemorating the event will appreciated. No Reservations required. Coin Club first ever fall show. Sun., Sept.. be given away while supplies last. An hourly drawing will also be held Large groups or playgroups please call in 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Elks Lodge, 940 for Art Through for a U.S. silver dollar. Members of the Livermore Valley Coin Club advance: 925.462.2766 or email: educa- Larkspur Dr., Springtown in Livermore. [email protected]. September Over 25 dealers; appraisals and purchases; will set up numismatic displays, information table and will be available 14: Officer Buckle and Gloria- Enjoy hourly drawing. Admission is free. Lunch Action Classes to discuss the club’s activities. Lunch service will be available. this Caldecott Award winning book service available. Information, Stephen For further information please call Stephen Kramer at (925) 980- plus a special visit from recently retired Kramer, 980-9307. Book Club – Cultural Differences in Fic- The Commission for the Arts 9307. Pleasanton Animal Services officer Roy invites middle to high school stu- Ficken and his canine partner Gandalf. tion, first meeting of the year will feature October 12: Spooky Stories- Are you Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, by Helen dents to participate in Art Through Space Available for Art Exhibits ready for Halloween? Come dressed in Simonsen. Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Action, experiential learning work- your costume and enjoy a spooky morn- at 7 p.m. in the Storytime/Craft Room at the Livermore Library, 1188 S. Livermore shops. These workshops meet ev- The Robert Livermore Community Center is offering up its walls to ing at the Museum on Main. November local groups wishing to display art publicly through the Livermore Area 9: Giving Thanks- What are you thankful Avenue. The book group will be led by ery 3rd Saturday of the month from for? Enjoy books and make a craft to share Carol Bloodworth, a local resident. For 10:00am-12:00pm at the Bothwell Recreation and Park District. at the Thanksgiving table. December 14: more information on this book club, please Arts Center located at 2466 8th Two 16-foot walls and two 7-foot wall insets in the Community Snow Day- You never know where you’ll contact Carol at 449-7860. Political Issues Book Club meets the 4th Street, Livermore. Building are equipped with a hanging system for artists to display their find snow! Join us for a cool morning work. The walls are located off the main lobby and in the Senior Services of books and fun all about snow. 603 Tuesday of each month, and reads books They include the following: Main Street, about issues and trends that are driving Music - Teach Music. Guitar Vintage Lounge. 2nd annual Diablo Ballet Dinner, Danc- current affairs in both the national and The space is provided for exhibits of an educational, cultural, civic, ing, & Dressage fund-raiser on Saturday, international arenas. Topics that have lessons. September 17th, 2011; been covered include politics, gover- charitable or recreational nature. Exhibits for advertising or commercial September 10 at Bright Future Farms in 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Stan Hus- enterprises or designed to serve specific candidates, campaigns or parties Walnut Creek. Full BBQ buffet dinner by nance, economics, military affairs, his- ton of ABC Music Back Forty BBQ, dancing to the Steve tory, sociology, science, the climate, and are not allowed. Artists must keep in mind the center’s clientele, which Gatz Band, plus an equine performance, religion. Contact Rich at 872-7923, for Art of Dance & Costume De- ranges from young children to seniors. grand prix dressage, and musical jump- further questions sign – Dance & Costume Design. Priority will be given to groups based in Livermore or those serving ing freestyle by the riding team of Bright We’re Talkin’ Books! Club is a mem- October 15th, 2011; 10:00 a.m. ber-centered book group led by a small primarily Livermore residents. Exhibits will be reserved for one month Future Farms. Cocktails at sunset at 6:30 – 12:00 p.m. Valley Dance The- PM, followed by a full BBQ dinner at group of book club veterans, with reading at a time. The exhibit space is provided free of charge. 7:30 PM. Tickets $95. Diablo Ballet’s selections based on member recommen- atre & Costume Designer Caryne To reserve the gallery space, interested organizations may find an Dinner, Dancing, & Dressage benefits dations and consensus. No homework Mount application online at www.larpd.dst.ca.us or call 925-373-5700. Diablo Ballet and its PEEK Youth Out- required– share your insights or just listen Visual Art - Gift Making. No- reach Program, which brings dance arts in! Contact Susan at 337-1282 regarding education to over 5,000 elementary school the We’re Talkin’ Books! Club. vember 19th, 2011; 10:00 a.m. students in under served Contra Costa and Museum on Main, 2011 Ed Kinney – 12:00 p.m. Café Art East Bay counties. Lecture Series. Wednesday, September These workshops are offered Moonlight on the Mountain, Sept. 10, 21, 7 p.m., California Woman Suffrage. Save Mount Diablo's 40th anniversary Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad free or at low cost to participants. celebration at Mount Diablo's China Wall. Ave., Pleasanton. No reservations are Space is limited so registration is Includes elegant dinner, live and silent required. Tickets are available at the door required. For questions or to reg- auctions, live music and presentation of on a first come first served basis. The the Mountain Star Awards. Please call Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 ister for these workshops, please (925) 947-3535 for reservations, Tickets Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Tickets contact Theresa De La Vega at are $250 per person. A Benefit for Save are $10 general admission, $5 members and seniors, $3 students/teachers with (925) 960-4049 or tbdelavega@ Mount Diablo to: Preserve natural lands ci.livermore.ca.us.

10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Community

Gateways to Livermore

have always been jeal- letters and for the pillars. The council, the Chamber of Com- ous of Pleasanton’s Herald said, “It is believed merce, and the county surveyor. arch—it looks so neat that the town will receive great Maitland Henry, publisher of in the downtown area benefit in advertising from these the Livermore Herald, wrote I an editorial urging, “Under the and so . . . Well, historic. Once electric signs and from the entire upon a time, Livermore had two lighting system.” Everything circumstances the only logi- arches. was finished and in operation by cal thing to do is for all parties John Valperga and his part- the end of August 1916, and so concerned to meet together, ners, who worked in brick and Livermore had two arches. exchange ideas and thrash the Program organizer Beth Wilson and Peter Cohen look over materials concrete, received the con- The eastern pillar at the L thing out.” Ultimately, the pillar for the Hebrew-In-A-Day program. tract in 1916 for building city Street intersection was next to was taken down. When this was gateways on street intersections the property of the Highway Ga- done, the arch with the letters Program Offers Opportunity to at the Lincoln Highway (now rage. Frank H. Duarte had built spelling LIVERMORE must Portola Avenue), one at L Street the garage in 1915. Earl Duarte, have been removed, as there Learn 'Hebrew-In-A Day' and one at First Street. The Frank’s son, remembered their was nothing to hold it up at one end. The galvanized iron letters highway made a curve along many customers from traffic On Sunday, Sept. 18, there will be a special “Hebrew-In-A-Day” were put in the city corporation what was then the north side on the Lincoln Highway, “The program in Pleasanton at Congregation Beth Emek. It’s open to all. of Livermore. The gateways garage was open seven days a yard, and eventually given to Geared to teens and adults, the class will be taught by master Hebrew were meant to attract traffic week. No one could come from the scrap metal collection for teacher Jehon Grist, the Executive Director of Lehrhaus Judaica, a non- into Livermore streets from the Oakland to here without car creating guns, tanks, and ships denominational Jewish studies adult school based in Berkeley. highway. trouble. Cars weren’t depend- for World War II. I have no idea Grist will introduce the participants to the Hebrew aleph-bet (gee, Valperga and his workers able. In the summertime with what happened to its companion where did the term alphabet originate?), vowels, and essential pronuncia- built a massive brick pillar on those small tires, they would pillar, but perhaps it was also tion and sight-reading skills. Using computer games, paired practice, and either side of First Street. Each have blowouts, and they’d torn down at the same time. If other activities, he promises that learning to read Hebrew can be fun. approximately ten-foot high have to get new tires.” By 1925 not, it must have been taken He earned a doctorate in Near Eastern Studies and a California Teach- by five-foot pillar had fancy Bernard Mourterot had bought down when two-lane First Street ing Credential from U.C. Berkeley, where he was a Regents’ Fellow. He work done with a darker color the property next to the eastern was widened. is a veteran of excavations and field research in Israel, the Gaza Strip, brick—a large diamond on pillar at the First Street intersec- When the new Highway and the Valley of the Queens in Egypt and has guided people on tours of Israel and Jordan. the flat side facing town, three tion. He ran the Trevarno Auto 50 was built in 1949 where Interstate 580 is now, one-half The class will be held at Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada smaller diamonds on the sides, Court and Service Station there. Court, Pleasanton. Tuition is $30 for CBE members and $45 for non- and on all the corner edges a The vacuum cleaner repair shop mile north of Livermore, the members. Registration and payment by September 12 will confirm detailing that looks like dove- is the remnant of the service problem of attracting the atten- your enrollment in the class. To learn more or register, go to www. tailing in wood work. The side station; the old cabins from the tion of drivers into Livermore bethemek.org. of the pillar facing the highway auto court are still behind it if was more difficult. The city paid had an indented hollow space you look carefully. Both the to have a large neon arrow built that held a concrete column Highway Garage and Trevarno’s on a metal framework atop the Writers Club Offers Workshop with a large lighted globe on sold gas under the Flying A western L Street pillar. As Anita Gandolfo, who lived near it at The Tri-Valley Branch of the California Writers has invited Award top. Two more pillars of the logo. Gas sold for about 15 winning journalist, feature writer, columnist, and author, Nora Profit, Joesville, said, “It was a very same design were built at the L to 20 cents per gallon. Self to speak about ways to move writing from the ordinary to memorable, Street intersection. Each pillar service did not exist in those ugly sign.” Anita showed me an publishable work. “With the right information, anyone can write well was mounted on a concrete base days—Bernard pumped the gas old photograph that has the new and get published,” says Profit. and had a concrete top. for every customer, cleaned the arrow visible with the old Liver- As the director of a creative writing school, The Writing Loft, located An Oakland electrician windshield, and checked the more arch spanning L Street still in the foothills of the Sierras, Profit has taught the craft of writing in added an electric sign for each water, oil, and tires. in place. As the city of Liver- person and online to writers since its inception in 1995 with great suc- gateway. Rising in turn from In 1931 and 1932 a contro- more grew, it extended its limits cess. the L Street pillars and the First versy arose over the First Street northward, and the ugly arrow Tri-Valley branch invites writers of all genres and experience levels Street pillars were tall poles pillars. Bernard Mourterot’s son, was no longer necessary. The to learn about their craft at its monthly meetings. The meeting will be which supported a wire arch Bernard, and young Bernard’s city had it torn down along with Saturday, September 17, 1:30 p.m. at Four Points by Sheraton, 5115 spanning the streets. Suspended wife, Clara, were running the the arch and both L Street pillars Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588 (south of I-580 between Owens from the wire was the word service station and auto court in February 1959. Does anyone Drive and Gibraltar Drive.) The cost is $10 for CWC members, $15 non-members and includes coffee and tea. LIVERMORE made of eigh- by that time. They also added a remember these gateways? I have only seen them in black Anyone interested in the program or the organization may attend teen-inch letters of galvanized small restaurant. They believed with no obligation to join. Reservations required. For a seat, contact iron outlined in incandescent that the pillar by their prop- and white photos. I would like Annette Langer at [email protected] or (925) 484-5924 by Monday, bulbs. The county paid for the erty was impeding traffic and to know what color the pillars September 12, 2011. electricity for the globes in the interfering with their business. were. For more information about California Writers Club Tri-Valley pillars. Livermore paid for the They set off arguments between (Readers can reach me at branch, contact Violet Moore at [email protected] or (925) 960- electricity needed for the lighted the county supervisors, the city [email protected].) 9834 or visit www.trivalleywriters.org

Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 11

Math Instructor Recipient of Award for Excellence in Teaching

Las Positas College Math In- all of us find better ways to connect structor Emerita Dale Boercker to students.” has been named the recipient of Faculty members acknowledge the 2011 Buffington Award for Boercker’s contributions as a lead- excellence in teaching, considered er and innovator. “Dale has been an the most prestigious faculty honor inspiration within the math depart- in the Chabot-Las Positas Com- ment and to the faculty as a whole munity College District. as someone who consistently seeks Las Positas College Math “Dale brings boundless enthusi- new ways to teach her classes and Instructor Emerita Dale Boercker asm and energy to all that she un- to best serve her students, her dertakes, and never does anything fellow faculty members, and her is the recipient of the 2011 halfway,” said Math Instructor college,” Henson said. Following Buffington Award for excellence Teresa Henson. “Being mathemati- are some highlights of Boercker’s in teaching, considered the most Vineyard High School Students cians, we know that you can’t give teaching career: prestigious faculty honor in the more than 100 percent; having said • Open Math Lab. Recognizing Chabot-Las Positas Community Touch Lives in Haiti that, we have to say that Dale gives the need for stronger support of College District. (Photo - Stephanie In the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD), more than 100 percent in all that students in math classes, Boercker Secrest) students learn more than academics. They learn how to apply their she does.” was an early champion of requiring knowledge and skills to make a real-world difference. The LVJUSD’s A resident of Livermore, lab hours with math courses, Hen- guiding focus areas are: to inform, include, inspire and innovate. A Boercker has served the district as son said. “Her in-class collabora- “Dale also pioneered the use of humanitarian project at LVJUSD’s independent study school Vineyard a math instructor, faculty leader, tions and Open Math Lab activities context-based learning activities High School, accomplishes all of those, and more. and program innovator for more have become legendary.” in mathematics and developed a Approximately 15 students from Vineyard High School sent “hope” to than 22 years, first teaching at • Integrated Learning Center number of hands-on experiments Haiti through a postcard project this spring. Initiated by Connie Clark, an Chabot College and then moving (ILC). Boercker is co-founder, co- which help students understand Adult Education student, Project Hope encouraged art students to create to Las Positas College in 1999. coordinator, and frequent instruc- concepts, while appealing to a pictures of hope on one side of the card and a brief message of hope on She has taught a full range of math tor for the ILC where students can wide-range of learning styles.” the other side. The cards were then hand delivered to the people of Haiti courses from the pre-algebra level get free help in math and English as She also developed a Math Study during a humanitarian mission sponsored by Clark’s church. to the multivariable calculus level. a Second Language classes. Skills course, which addresses the The project allowed Vineyard students an opportunity to reach out She retired as a full-time faculty • College Foundation Semester needs of students who have failed to people they had not met. Their art teacher, Clancy Crew (a longtime member in June, but continues to (CFS) Program. Boercker is a repeatedly in their math courses, Livermore High School art teacher), helped support the effort by making teach part-time and work with the founder of CFS, a learning com- who are ‘math anxious,’ and who time available in the classes he teaches at Vineyard so students could Academy for College Excellence. munity for at-risk students. are lacking basic tools needed for complete the project. Crew reported that students were enthusiastic about “I always knew I wanted to success in school. the project. “The drawings done by the students were outstanding," Clark • During her three-year tenure be a teacher,” Boercker said. “I as the Mathematics Department Boercker’s extensive commu- said. The drawings with their messages of peace and hope were taken to was even president of the Future Haiti in June and were given to children in Jacmel, Haiti. Coordinator, Boercker increased nity service includes participat- Create Peace Project is an arts-for-peace-education non-profit orga- Teachers of American club in staffing to serve students needs, ing in workshops that encourage nization. Through their work with people of all ages, their mission is to high school.” She began her ca- establishing the groundwork for young women to pursue careers foster self-awareness, strengthen communities, and spread peace through reer teaching junior high school, Mathematics to evolve into the in mathematics and the sciences creativity on a global scale. This goal is achieved by facilitating collab- but said her greatest joy has been college’s largest department. and organizing a Tri-Valley Edu- orative arts workshops and promoting positive peace practices through teaching in the community col- • Boercker has been instru- cational Collaborative symposium our arts-for-peace projects. leges. mental in curriculum review and for Las Positas College and local The Peace Exchange fosters connection, encourages creativity, and “When I finished my degree, development. “Dale revamped area high school math instructors. spreads hope and joy for students ages 10 -18 by exchanging art and I was hired at Chabot. I knew the Differential Equations and Boercker is a certified Master messages of peace on personally created peace cards. This year’s Peace immediately that I had found my Linear Algebra courses to include Mentor in the Academy for Col- Exchange will include 12,000 students from the U.S. and Canada, ex- ‘place.’ According to Frederick a required technology lab compo- lege Excellence program and of- changing peace cards with 12,000 total students from Ghana, Columbia, Buechner, ‘The place God calls nent in which students learn to use fers workshops for many colleges and Nepal. you to is the place where your MATLAB, an industry-standard, through the Faculty Experiential The Peace Exchange is a donation-based, international art-for-peace deep gladness and the world’s university-level software which Learning Institute. She earned the project. In keeping with the desire to offer this project to organizations deep hunger meet.’ My place was is required for math, science, and following degrees: B.S., Austin and schools abroad at NO COST, we are operating at a budget of $1 per working with students, helping engineering students transferring Peay State University; M.S., Cali- student for U.S. and Canadian schools this school year. To read about them to learn mathematics, and to the UCs and other four-year fornia State University, Hayward; other projects, please visit the website: www.createpeaceproject.org. working with colleagues, helping colleges,” Henson explained. and M.Ed., University of Florida.

12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Community

(Organizations wishing to run notices in meet and what to bring. anniversary of women’s suffrage in California. Writing Club will meet once a month on Thurs- Sunday morning and first Fridays. The com- Bulletin Board, send information to PO Box GNON (Girls Night Out Networking), The California legislature approved women’s days, October 6, November 3, and December munity is welcome. United CC is an Open 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of Bulletin Thurs., Sept. 15, 5 to 8 p.m. at Rockin' Jump, suffrage ten years before women were able to 1, 2011, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, for an evening and Affirming ministry. Call 449-6820 for Board or email information to editmail@com- 5875 Arnold Rd., Suite 100, Dublin. A tram- vote in a national election. A reception with of writing with author J.L. Powers. There is no more information. puserve.com. Include name of organization, poline park. Bring the kids to jump for $5/hour refreshments will be held in the charming charge to join. Take writing a step further by Granada Baptist Church, 945 Concan- meeting date, time, place and theme or subject. (reg. $12.). Food provided by Café Main. No Ruthie’s Room at Alden Lane Nursery, 981 learning about publishing and how to expand non Boulevard, Livermore. Services: Sunday Phone number and contact person should also host bar. Raffle prizes, Specials and more. Alden Lane, Livermore. The Livermore-Ama- writing horizons. For more information, please school – 9:45 a.m.; worship service – 11 a.m. be included. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) Bring a friend. $10/for members; $15/for non dor Valley League has been actively involved visit TEEN SPACE on the library’s website: All are welcome. 1-888-805-7151. Tri-Valley Republican Women Feder- members. Contact Frances Hewitt at (925) 487- in local, state and national issues for fifty-five www.livermorelibrary.net, or contact Sandy at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 ated dinner, Thursday, September 8, 6:30 p.m. 4748 or visit www.gnontrivalley.com for more years. Barbara Hempill will host a discussion 925-373-5500 extension 5583. Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, ser- Featured speaker, David Salaverry, founder of details. RSVP by September 12 at gnoners@ by Margaret Tracy and Bernice Oakley of some 1st Annual CYO Golf Tournament to vices on Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 a.m., California Conservative Action Group, a group gmail.com or call (925) 487-4748 of the most memorable events in the history of be held Friday, September 16, 2011, at Las worship 11 a.m. www.livermoresda.org/ All dedicated to a fair redistricting process, will Abbie 4-H Club is having an annual the local league. Several long-time members Positas Golf Course in Livermore. A shotgun are welcome. discuss the Redistricting Committee meetings information night on Wednesday, September and former members have been invited to start will begin at 1:00 p.m. $120.00 per player Faith Chapel Assembly of God, 6656 and present complete maps as they stand at 14, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Mohr Elementary participate. Members and guests will also be with a banquet dinner included. Dinner only Alisal St., Pleasanton, Sunday School for all this point. The upcoming referendum, which School. Mohr is located on 3300 Dennis Drive, invited to share their ideas and suggestions guests - $35.00. Sponsors are needed, as well ages 9:15 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Children’s addresses the validity of the Senate maps Pleasanton, CA. Abbie 4-H is part of a national about current and future issues for research, - $100.00 per tee. Raffle prizes as well as per Church 11:15 a.m. Women's Bible study developed by the Redistricting Commission, organization that encourages youth leadership, study and action by the League. For further hole contests. Reserve a spot today! Looking for Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Intercessory prayer will also be discussed. Cattlemen's Restaurant, public speaking and small interest groups such information, call the League at 447-8721. foursomes or we can match you up that day. For 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Please call office at 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore. $30 per as rocketry, crafts, foods, and animal care. This San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club more information, please contact Norma Jean 846-8650 for weekly programs. person (members $26 per person). Info/reserva- organization also encourages adult involve- invites new & long-time residents to its monthly via email at [email protected]. Trinity Church, 557 Olivina Ave., Liver- tions: 925-462-4931 or email: coupclan1962@ ment. http://www.abbie4h.org luncheon on September 15 at Crow Canyon Disaster Preparedness Fair, September more. Bible studies for all ages, including 21 pacbell.net. Riding the Rails, film will be shown at Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. 22, 2011, 4 to 8 p.m. at Carnegie Park, Liver- classes for adults every Sunday morning at Comedy fund-raiser: Exceptional Needs 7 p.m. Sat., Sept. 10 at the IBEW Hall; 6250 11:30 - 2pm. Cost is $21. Program will be a more. Held in conjunction with the Livermore 9:45. Worship at 8:30 and 11 a.m. as well as Network "ENN" has an upcoming fund-raiser Village Parkway, Dublin. This 18 award win- fashion show presented by Draper's & Damon's Farmers' Market. 6 p.m. There is also a Hot Topics Bible Study at Tommy T's in Pleasanton on Thurs., Sept. 15. ning and Peabody winner for best documentary Ladies Fashion Store. Call Myrna, 925-560- Operation: S.A.M. "Supporting All on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. while children are Doors open 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m. is about the 250,000 teenagers who left their 0656, for information & reservations. Military" is a 501(c)3 non profit military in Children's choir and youth are in worship Headliner is Robert Duchaine; show opener is homes and hopped freight trains during the Pleasantonians 4 Peace, candlelight vigil support organization based in Livermore. and other activities. 447-1848, www.trinity- "Tri-Valley local" Regina Stoops. Tickets are Great Depression, looking for opportunities 7 p.m. Wed., Sept. 14 in front of the Museum S.A.M. has been in operation since January livermore.org. $15 for one, $25 for two, and $100 for a table and/or adventure. This event is open to the on Main, 603 Main Street, downtown Pleasan- 2004 and is dedicated to the continued sup- St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas of ten. Raffle prizes available. To purchase public, meet & greet potluck at 6:30 PM, ton. Participants will reflect on the human and port of our deployed troops. Preparation of Ave., Livermore. Meditation groups following tickets online, please visit http://ennetwork. admission is free/$3.00 donations appreci- monetary costs of the war, honor veterans who comfort packages takes place every other week the John Main tradition, every Monday 5:30 org/TT/Support_ENN_at_Tommy_Ts/Sup- ated, wheelchair accessible, A/C, & plenty of have sacrificed, and visualize ways of moving - all year long. If you or anyone you might p.m. and 7 p.m. For details, contact Claire La port_ENN.html. Funds raised are used to parking. A short discussion follows the film. beyond this conflict to a more peaceful world. know has loved ones deployed we would be Scola at 447-9800. help pay for staff and activities/vendors for For more info., call 925-462-3459. Peaceful War Protest on the fourth Wednesday honored to assist by providing morale support. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, the November camp. San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society, of the month, September 28, between 5 - 6 at All information provided is confidential and 678 Enos Way, Livermore, (925) 447-3289. Abbie 4-H Club of Pleasanton, is having October 1, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.; Oct. 5 and 6, 6 to the corners of First and Neal Streets. Please is not shared for security purposes. To submit Homecoming Sunday, September 11, 2011 its annual information night on Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. “Do You Know Who You Are? An join us if you can. Questions?? Call Cathe a name and address, inquire about donations following the 10:30 am service. Sign up for a September 14, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Mohr Introduction to Genealogy” presented by the Norman at (925) 462-7495; Matt Sullivan at or helping, please visit www.operationsam. favorite ministry, learn about a new ministry Elementary School. Mohr is located on 3300 at the San Ramon Marketplace Library, 100 [email protected]; or kdowding@pacbell. org, email [email protected] or call and check out the new Parish Profile. Dennis Drive, Pleasanton. Abbie 4-H is part of Montgomery St., San Ramon. Open to the net. www.Pleasantonians4Peace.org 925 443-7620 for more information and the Special 9/11 Commemoration and a national organization that encourages youth public. No reservations required. See www. Livermore Heritage Guild, annual dinner calendar of events. Eucharist, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal leadership, public speaking and small interest srvgs.org for more details. and general meeting, Sept. 24, Duarte Garage. The Bingo Ranch, 3070 Pacific Ave. in Church in Livermore will hold a special Holy groups such as rocketry, crafts, foods, and Livermore-Amador Genealogical So- Doors open 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. Irv Stow- Livermore and is open Mondays, Wednesday, Eucharist/Mass in commemoration of the tenth animal care. This organization also encourages ciety will meet Tues., Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. at ers will speak about the restoration of the 1920 Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Buenas Vidas anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. All are adult involvement. http://www.abbie4h.org Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct., Seagrave fire engine. Tickets available at the Youth Ranch has been running Bingo for 16 welcome to attend and join together as a faith Mariachi music classes open house, Pleasanton. Speaker: Grant Din, Director of History Center, 2155 Third St., Livermore in years and is now working with Livermore Char- community, as we remember those who died, Mariachi Vaqueros de Livermore. Information Special Projects. Topic: US Immigration Sta- late August. No host bar. Dress is casual. ter, Christensen, Arroyo Seco, East Avenue, those who volunteered as first responders, and and sign-ups Mon., Sept. 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tion, Angel Island. Learn about the records Livermore High School Class of '61, 50th Livermore High and Granada High schools, those of us who survived and continue to move at the cafeteria at Junction Ave. K-8 School. available and how to share his research. Richard reunion, looking for class members and/or Pleasanton Seahawks and All American Sports forward in faith. During the worship service, Classes start Sept. 15. The club provides Finn [email protected] Map to site: http:// teachers. Main event on Oct. 8, Doubletree Academy Teams. Come play Bingo and support four of St. Bart’s parishioners will share their music training and education on the follow- www.L-AGS.org/maps/Pls-BethEmek.html Hotel, Livermore. Other festivities include the kids in the Valley. Call 925-606-7777 for special experiences of being at Ground Zero ing instruments: trumpet, guitar, guitarron, College Prep Classes in Livermore - cocktail party, Oct. 7 and breakfast, Oct. 9. more information. in Lower Manhattan. Hymns and prayers vihuela, violin and voice, for ages 8 and up LARPD is offering classes in "Navigating the Contact LHS Committee at 1961lhs@gmail. for healing, for peace, for better interfaith at all skill levels. Information, contact Alicia College Application Maze" (9/10/11 - 2 - 4:30 com or PO Box 888, Livermore, CA 94551, RELIGION understanding, and for more active support Calonico, 960-0654, [email protected], pm or 9/20/11 6:30 - 9 pm), "Last Minute SAT 925-371-0824. Tri-Valley Bible Church, 2346 Walnut to achieve United Nations Millennium Devel- or Belia Martinez at the school parent center, Prep" (9/10/11 - 9:30 am - 1 pm or 9/19/11 Evening in the Vineyard, SonRise Eques- St., Livermore, holds Sunday worship at 10 opment Goals around the world. For further 606-4720, ext. 6392, [email protected]. 5:30 - 9 pm), and "Writing Essays that Shine" trian Foundation partners with Wente Vineyards a.m. with Sunday school for all ages at 9 a.m. information, go to www.saintbartslivermore. ca.us. Website is at http://jams.schoolloop.com (9/24/11 1 - 3:30 pm or 10/10/11 6 - 8:30 pm. for: An Evening in the Vineyard Friday, Sep- Children's classes during adult worship service. com or call 925-447-3289. under students-club. Classes will be held at Robert Livermore Com- tember 16 starting at 6 p.m. The event will be AWANA children's program Wednesdays at Stepping Stones on Your Grief Journey, Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes, munity Center 4444 East Avenue, Livermore. held Wente Vineyards in Livermore. This will 6 p.m. 449-4403 or www.Tri-ValleyBible- St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge 7 week series will teach you how to manage Register at larpd.dst.ca.us or 373-5700, or go to be an evening featuring estate grown wines, ap- Church.com. Dr., Pleasanton. Eight week series of work- your diabetes with exercise, health eating susanprep.com for additional information. petizers on the terrace, gourmet food by Wente, Unitarian Universalist, 1893 N. Vasco shops. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 through (including the foods you love) and medica- D.A.R. Daughters of the American dancing entertainment from Jack Pollard, a live Rd., Livermore. 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Oct. 27. Preregistration is requested. Space is tions, and answer all your questions about Revolution, Jose Marie Amador Chapter, and silent auction and wine cellar raffle. All Information 447-8747. limited. A one-time $15 donation is requested. living with diabetes. Mondays, October 17 Pleasanton. Meetings first Saturday of the proceeds will provide support to rescue horses Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Sessions open to all, regardless of religious af- through November 28, 2-4 p.m. at the Dublin month. Group is comprised of descendants and help children to who are facing social, Court, Pleasanton. Information 931-1055. filiation. Please call Mary Hagerty, 846-5377, Senior Center. Sundays, November 6 through of Patriots of the American Revolution. It is emotional and physical challenges. Tickets Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, affiliated with for more information. December 18, 3-5 pm at Heritage Estates in a service organization that provides contests, cost $150. For more information or to purchase the Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations St. Michael/St. Charles’ Bible Study Livermore. Class is open to all adults with awards and scholarships. For members, tickets call 925-838-RIDE (7433) or visit www. (csjo.org). Information, Rabbi Judith Seid, begins Monday, September 12 at 7:30 to 9:00 pre diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Please call the prospective members, and information on sonriseequestrianfoundation.org. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, 485-1049 or East- pm in the Pope Room at St. Charles, 1315 Alameda County Diabetes Program at 510-383- meeting location, contact Ann 510-507-5509 German Classes, Las Positas College BaySecularJews.org. Lomitas Ave., Livermore. The topic for the 7 5185 to register. Space is limited! or [email protected]. Community Education (not for credit), First Church of Christ, Scientist, Liver- week series is Stories of the Kingdom, reflecting Toastmasters - Livermore Lunch Bunch Widowed Men and Women of Northern 424-1467 for information or to register; more, has services at 10 a.m. every Sunday. on the parables of Jesus from the Gospels of meets Mondays at noon, conference room, 2157 CA., Happy hour in Pleasanton, Sept. 15, 5 register on line at www.laspositascollege. Sunday School for students (ages 3-20) is held Matthew, Mark and Luke. This Bible Study is First St., Livermore. Learn to develop commu- p.m. RSVP by Sept. 13 to Kathy, 398-8005. edu/communityed. Classes include: Begin- at 10 a.m. every Sunday. The church and reading open to all denominations. Cost of materials nication and leadership skills in a supportive Friendly bridge in San Ramon, Sept. 17, 1 ning German Conversation I Thursdays 7-9 room are located at Third and N Streets. The is $10. For more information or to reserve environment that fosters self-confidence and p.m., RSVP by Sept. 13 to Marsha, 830-8483. pm 9/8/11 to 10/20/11, 7 sessions. Beginning Reading Room, which is open to the public, materials contact Julie at 447-4549 ext 114 or personal growth. www.livermoretoastmasters. Lunch in Pleasanton, Sept. 21, 1 p.m., RSVP German Conversation I–continued 10/27/11 features books, CDs and magazines for sale. at [email protected]. org. Sept. 15, 12:15 p.m. ribbon cutting cer- by Sept. 18 to Pat, 447-7680. Brunch/lunch to 12/15/11, 7 sessions. Prerequisite: Begin- For information, call (925) 447-2946. L.I.F.E. (Lessons in Faith Experience) emony and open house planned. in Pleasanton, Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m., RSVP ning German Conversation I or consent of the Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385 kicks off the 2011-2012 year with author and Tri-Valley Democratic Club meeting 7 by Sept. 22 to Marsha, 830-8483. . Lunch in instructor. Beginning German Conversation S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore. 8:30 a.m. speaker, Megan McKenna. She share stories p.m. Mon., Sept. 19 at the IBEW Hall, 6250 Livermore, Sept. 18, 1 p.m. RSVP by Sept. 25 II Mondays 7-9 pm 9/12/11 to 10/24/1,1 7 worship (semi-formal); 9:45 a.m. adult Bible from her world travels as they relate to the Village Parkway, Dublin. Presentation and dis- to Ruby, 462-9636. Annual picnic, Pleasanton, sessions. Prerequisite: Beginning German study/Sunday school; 11 a.m. worship (infor- book of Genesis and help those in attendance cussion of the new electoral districts, impact of Oct. 1, 2:30 p.m., RSVP by Sept. 28 to Ruby, Conversation I series or consent of instructor. mal). For information, call 925-447-1246. to understand how Christians are to live that the top two primary rule & club endorsements. 462-9636. Beginning German Conversation II-continued Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 out through faith in action. Opening session The Political Action Committee of the Alameda Country Store Silent Auction, Wed., Nov. 10/31/11 to 12/12/11, 7 sessions. Prerequisite: East Avenue, Livermore. 9 a.m. Sunday wor- is Tuesday, September 13 from 7:30-9:00 pm Democratic Party will make the presentation 2, Livermore Division, VA Palo Alto Health Beginning German Conversation II or consent ship. Information 447-1950. in the Church at St. Charles, 1315 Lomitas and lead the discussion. Refreshments Care System. Donations are being sought for the of instructor. Livermore Adult Community Calvary Chapel Livermore, Sunday Ave., Livermore. The topic of the evening is Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club, voluntary service executive committee annual Education: For more information or to register Services 10:30 am and 6:00 p.m. 545 N. L Harm Not the Earth, same as her book. This Sat., Sept. 10, 20 miles Ghiradelli Chocolate fund-raiser. Please send by Oct. 19 to VA Palo call (925) 606-4722. Online registration at: Street Livermore. (925) 447-4357 - www. topic is appropriate for all ages. For more Festival Ride, meet 10 a.m. in front of Ferry Alto care System, Livermore Division, Sue www.livermoreadulted.org. Conversational calvarylivermore.org. information, contact Julie at 447-4549 ext 114 building in San Francisco, Randy Huey, 518- Scott, Voluntary Service (135), 4951 Arroyo German for Intermediate Students 9/27/11 to St. Matthew's Baptist Church, 1239 or [email protected]. A $5/person speaker 8439. Sun., Sept. 11, 25 miles, Draeger's Rd., CA 94550. Auction will be held Wed., 12/6/11, 10 sessions, Tuesdays, 7:00 to 9:00 North Livermore Ave., Livermore. Services donation is appreciated. Market in Blackhawk through neighborhoods Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VA in Livermore. pm. New students welcome. Conversational on Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult Sunday September 11, Service of Prayer for of Blackhawk, Alamo, Walnut Creek and Information, call Sue Scott 449-6448. German for Advanced Students 9/28/11 to school 9:30 a.m., Children's Sunday school at Peace and Unity, led by leaders from a variety Danville, meet 9:30 a.m., Karin Ball, 408- Livermore-Amador Valley League of 12/7/11, 10 sessions, Wednesdays, 7:00 to 9:00 9:30 a.m. Prayer each Wednesday at 7 p.m. fol- of world religions. It will be held at Asbury 406-2286. Wed., Sept. 14, 25 miles through Women Voters will honor the efforts of dedi- pm. On-going class, with focus on a new theme lowed by Bible study at 7:30 p.m. 449-3824. United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Danville and Blackhawk, meet 10 a.m. at cated women who fought valiantly to achieve each session. New students welcome. United Christian Church, celebrating Livermore, 5:00 p.m. There will be a potluck San Ramon's Central Park, Peter Rathmann, the right to vote in California. The community The Writing Club, Young Adults, ages 50 years in the Tri-Valley. 1886 College Ave. dinner after the service. Join us! Call Pastor 336-0973. Anyone planning to go on a ride is is invited to attend this free event on Sun., Sept. 12- 21, are invited to join The Writing Club at at M St., Livermore; worships on Sunday Kim Risedorph with any questions at 925-447 asked to call the leader for details on where to 11, 3 to 5 p.m., celebrating the one hundredth the Livermore Public Library, Civic Center. The morning at 10:30 a.m. Children’s program on 1950 ext. 2.