Wednesday, May 4, 2016 • Vol. 10 Issue 5
Independent, locally 26,000 copies owned and operated! MORAGA delivered biweekly to Lamorinda homes & businesses Local925-377-0977 newspaper deliveredwww.lamorindaweekly.com to Lafayette, Moraga and OrindaFREE
Higgins Malette Orphanage Original Rheem Hacienda with gate and driveway Photos provided
Moraga’s historic Hacienda de las Flores has seen many owners and many changes in its 100 years. A Centennial Celebration is planned for May 15. Top Photo Andy Scheck Hacienda de las Flores Turns 100 By Sophie Braccini ne hundred years ago the first building was erect- 15 at a community celebration, quite befitting for a place that Alice Rheem, who loved the scenic hills and wanted acreage ed on the site known today as the Hacienda de las was once known as the Little Hearst Castle. for her horses. In fact, the 20-acre property included stables OFlores. That piece of land and that building have seen Elsie Mastick of the Moraga Historical Society remem- and racetracks close to what is now El Paraiso Court. Rheem the rise and fall of many local families and enterprises. It is bers the day in the early 1960s when she modeled for a fund- was friends with William Randolph Hearst, and while his Ha- a piece of Moraga history, maybe to be transformed to yet raising fashion show around the pool, by special permission cienda may not have been on par with Hearst Castle, it was something different for the future. of property owner Donald Rheem. The Hacienda de las Flores nonetheless known as the San Simeon of the East Bay. The community will celebrate its big anniversary on May had been purchased in 1934 by the industrialist for his wife ... continued on page A11
Advertising BESTLAMORINDAHOMES.COM VLATKA BATHGATE (925) 597-1573 News A2 - A14 Life in Lamorinda B1 - B8 FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE Not to be Missed B6-B7 HOW TO CONTACT US B7 Food B8 Sports C1 - C3 Classified C2 ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a Shop Moraga C4 5 Owl Hill Ct. Orinda 35 Oak Rd, Orinda 155 Erselia Trl, Alamo 24 Jennifer Highlands registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Our Homes D1 - D20 $2,995,000 $1,879,000 $1,750,000 Ct, Lafayette $1,369,000 Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 This Week Read About: Lenox Project OK’d …A2 Council Supports Bond …A2 Lafayette’s Music Man Takes on New Gig Taste of Lafayette …A3 By Diane Claytor New Principal at AHS …A3 considering he has spent the last 40 years teaching music to thousands Wight Expansion Denied …A3 of young people. And now his nights – at least his weekend nights – Hacienda Plan Falls Short …A4 are spent entertaining diners at Lafayette’s La Finestra Restaurant. Merchants Faire Turns 10 …A5 Ask him a question about music and Athayde doesn’t just give a Dog Days in Orinda …A6 verbal explanation; he moves over to the piano where his fingers fly New Sign for Orinda Creek …A6 across the keyboard, demonstrating his point. Whether he’s playing Orinda Day of Action …A7 the piano or proudly talking about the students he’s worked with as MOFD Open House …A8 Lafayette’s Stanley Middle School’s Music Director for the past 30 Letters to the Editor …A9 years, his passion and enthusiasm are evident. New Charging Stations …A13 The Oakland native grew up around music. His parents and three siblings all played for fun. “But I’m the only one it really stuck with,” Athayde said. At 9-years-old, he picked up the trumpet, play- Civic News A1-A14 ing through high school. “I listened to records and played along with Corroded Culvert is Culprit them.” He favored Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass and jazz musi- in Sinkhole. — page A4 cians like Louis Armstrong — but played both rock and soul, per- forming with different groups at school dances, churches, “just about Bob Athayde, Music Director at Stanley Middle School, spends his weekend anywhere we could,” he remembers fondly. The trumpet was great, MOFD News A8 nights performing at La Finestra Restaurant. Photo Diane Claytor Athayde said, but he discovered he really liked sounds consisting of MOFD to sell Lorinda Lane ob Athayde lives and breathes music; it fills both his days and nights. more than one note at a time, something that couldn’t be done on the property.— page A8 BHe loves band music and orchestra music, jazz and pop. (When asked trumpet. So “I started messing around with chords on the piano” and which he likes best, he responded, without hesitation, “Whatever I’m that soon became his instrument of choice. playing.”) And Athayde doesn’t ever seem to tire of it, which is good ... continued on page A11 Life in Lamorinda B1-B8 Sports C1-C3 Our Homes D1-D20
SMC Professor Volleyball Annual Kitchen Named New Teams Are Tour Highlights Poetry Editor of Reaching for the What’s Cooking The New York Stars at NCS. in Hot Designs. Times. — Page C1 — Page D1 — Page B3 Page: A2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016
STILL #1 FOR A REASON 2008 THROUGH 2015 Lafayette’s Best Realtor
Public Meetings City Council Monday, May 9, 7 p.m. ÛÞÝÜ&99I&33*I8&)q&+&I*@A* Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Coveted 4BR/3.5BA, 3139± sq. ft. Happy Valley Estate on an incredible level 2.4± acre Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. lot with pool & cabana (2 separate parcels). This property provides a rare and incredible Planning Commission opportunity for you to create your dream home or move-in and enjoy changes over time. Monday, May 16, 7 p.m. Offered at $4,450,000 • 3654HappyValleyRoad.com Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. License #: 01866771 DanaGreenTeam.com | 925.339.1918 License # 01482454 Design Review Monday, May 9, 7 p.m. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Lenox Loft Project to Finally Get Off the Ground Arts & Science Discovery Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. By Cathy Tyson School Board Meetings construction starting at the end of Acalanes Union High School District the year or perhaps in early 2017. Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 p.m. The project has significantly AUHSD Board Room changed over the past three years, 1212 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette with the current fresh, innovative www.acalanes.k12.ca.us design coming from Lafayette-based Lafayette School District Steven Kubitschek and local archi- Wednesday, May 11, 7 p.m. tect Newell Arnerich of AD Archi- Regular Board Meeting tects Inc. Plans for the in-ill com- District Office Board Room munity call for three duplexes with 3477 School St., Lafayette Mountain View Lofts, South Elelcation Interior Courtyard Images provided www.lafsd.k12.ca.us “thoughtful layouts” to maximize privacy and a smaller scale so as to Check online for agendas, meeting not overwhelm the neighborhood. notes and announcements The project has shrunk sig- City of Lafayette: nificantly from the original www.ci.lafayette.ca.us three-story, 11-condominium Phone: (925) 284-1968 project that was not popular with Chamber of Commerce: neighbors, to the more residential www.lafayettechamber.org cottage units, with perhaps the first Mountain View Cottages, South Elelcation Interior Courtyard Images provided “woonerf” in town — a Dutch term he City of Lafayette recently Mountain View Drive. issues for the project. He antici- for a central shared living street, Tgreenlighted plans for six Local developer Dan Freeman pates moving through the review designed for pedestrians and cy- single-family loft style homes of Lenox Homes had been nego- process that will hopefully be com- clists and a social space where resi- directly behind Traders Joes on tiating with the city on circulation plete by the end of the summer, with dents can meet and kids can play.
Lafayette Police City Council Throws Support Behind School Bond Department Incident By Cathy Tyson Summary Report he Lafayette City Council population trends for the four el- April 3 to 16, 2016 Tshowed its backing for local ementary schools and one middle Alarms 74 schools by voting to support the school, Zinn told the council. 911 Calls (including hang-ups) 6 Noise complaints 5 Lafayette Unified School District Given the age of the buildings Traffic stops 99 Bond Measure C, which will be on and the projected student growth – Suspicious Circumstances 9 the June 7 ballot. in five to six years projections show Suspicious Subjects 16 With all but one of the schools an additional 105 students in grades Suspicious Vehicles 22 in the Lafayette School District be- kindergarten through fifth grade; at Abandoned Vehicle tween 50 and 70 years old, Super- Stanley Middle school during the Moraga Blvd/Second St. intendent Rachel Zinn briefed city same period, studies show an addi- 1000 block Miller Dr. 900 block Diablo Dr. (2) leaders on the “tremendous need” tional 140 students — it was clear Foye Dr/Moraga Blvd. in the district as the reason the the district needed renovations and Hope Ln/Brookdale Ct. school board is pursuing a $70 mil- more classrooms. Animal Cruelty lion dollar bond to accommodate If passed, the bond translates to 800 block Moraga Rd. future growth as well as repair and $29.50 per year for every $100,000 Arson Knox Dr./Hidden Valley upgrade structures that are “frozen of assessed value of a Lafayette Rd. in time.” home. It’s estimated that a typical Battery 3400 block Golden Gate Way Two years ago the district be- homeowner will pay about $185 S Thompson Rd/Mt Diablo Blvd. gan a comprehensive process to per year. Barking Dog Lafayette Unified School District board members Teresa Gerringer and examine campus buildings and ... continued on page A13 3300 block Johnson Rd. Suzy Pak flank Superintendent Rachel Zinn at the April 25 city council infrastructure, along with student Burglary, Auto meeting. Photo Cathy Tyson 3500 block Moraga Blvd. 1200 block Quandt Ct. Civil Problem Mt Diablo Blvd/Happy Valley Rd. 700 block Old Jonas Hill Rd. St Mary’s Rd/Rohrer Dr. 400 block Peacock Blvd Upper Happy Valley/Happy Valley Dispute, Verbal Mt Diablo Blvd/Moraga Rd. Pleasant Hill/Deer Hill Rds. 4000 block Marianne Dr. 3300 block Mt Diablo Blv Taylor Blvd/Pleasant Hill Rd. Fraud 1200 block Pleasant Hill Rd. 3500 block Plaza Way Hwy 24/Happy Valley Rd. 70 block Bacon Ct. Moraga Rd./Via Granada 1900 block Marion Ct. 3400 block School St. 1200 block El Curtola Shoplifting Harassment 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. 1000 block Cavallero Ln. 3200 block Stanley Blvd. Hit & Run 3600 block Mt Diablo Blvd. 3400 block Mt Diablo Blvd. Throw from moving vehicle 3600 block Mt Diablo Blvd. Moraga Rd./St. Mary’s Rd.. 3300 block Mt Diablo Blvd. Theft, Grand 20 block Lafayette Cir. 3500 block Moraga Blvd. Insufficient fund checks Theft, Petty 3300 block Mt Diablo Blvd. 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. (2) In custody, theft 3700 block Crestmont Pl. 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. 1200 block Monticello Rd. Ordinance violation 1100 block Glen Rd. MoragaBlvd/Third St. Theft, ID Panhandling 1200 block Quandt Rd (2) 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd 3300 block Woodland Way Police/Fire/EMS response 1000 block Serrano Ct 3300 block Victoria Ave. 3500 block O’Connor Dr. 900 block Moraga Rd. 300 block Shire Oaks Ct. 1000 block Second St. 3800 block Quail Ridge Rd. 10 block Crest Rd. Threats Public Nuisance 900 block Dewing Ave. (2) 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. (2) Trespass • !'' !3%#)! 5340(5%'40)4!(10229$0(! 3400 block Mt Diablo Blvd. 1000 block Pine Lane. • %#$4) 2%#$4 302%)#!%'%)#3 3&9'%#$43 7''30"#'337%) 073 0023 Foye Dr./Moraga Blvd. 3500 block Eagle Pt Rd. 30 block Circle Creek Ct. Unwanted Guest • )6%4%)#'%"02)%%) 002054 002'%6%)#!)6%20)(!)4 3300 block Springhill Rd. 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. • 1%053%)4!2%02 !842'%6%)#31!3 "'!8%'!"'0021') 3500 block Brook St. Promiscuous Shooting • 5'05392 7%4$!54%"5') (452!054 0023!44%)# #02#!053#2 !)3 3300 block Springhill Rd. Mt Diablo Blvd/Moraga Rd. Reckless Driving 3400 block Echo Springs Rd. • 81)3%6! !& '!6!''7)3 '2#!312&'%)#100'7%4$30'2$!4 Florence Dr./Helen Ln. Vandalism • !4$! 0)535%' %)#%)4$!&92 Acalanes Rd./Glorietta Blvd. 10 block Middle Rd. (2) • Read Dr./Rohrer Dr. 3200 block Sweet Dr. !3%2'!)!%#$02$00 '03!406%2)4 07)407) 24 "2!!79 Pleasant Hill Rd./Deer Hill Rd. 10 block Tolan Way 3300 block Mt Diablo Blvd. Violation restraining order 1!25'%!02 3 Windsor Dr./Condit Rd. 1000 block Carol Ln. (4) Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A3
Would you like to CALM DOWN after a STRESSFUL DAY? Would you like to RECHARGE for the EVENING? Are you interested in SELF-HEALING? Simple powerful breath and movement practices adapted from Ancient Traditions. Lighthearted and joyfully presented by the Blue Pearl Group. Minimum Donation $10.00 • All Ages Welcome More Information: David Holland 415-233-2581 Wednesdays | May 11 & June 16 | 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Lafayette Library | Arts & Sciences Center | 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd
Lafayette Celebrates its Good ‘Taste’ on May 20
30
ACTIVE!
1 North Lane, Orinda | Offered at $995,000 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms & 1460± sq.ft. PENDING! SOLD!
Uncle Yu’s will be a hot spot during Taste of Lafayette. Photo Andy Scheck t’s a moveable feast on Tuesday, p.m. at Lafayette Plaza. Come hun- IMay 20 as the Taste of Lafay- gry – the party starts and ends at ette restaurant walk is back with the Plaza Park. Save $5 with early- a staggering 22 restaurants, one bird tickets available until May 6; flower shop and two bakeries, all after that date, tickets cost $50. For for residents’ enjoyment. There more information go to the Lafay- will also be nine other restaurants ette Chamber of Commerce web- 1236 Rimer Drive, Moraga 5 Fieldbrook Place, Moraga and caterers serving appetizers, site at www.lafayettechamber.org Offered at $1,175,000 Offered at $1,175,000 | Sold for $1,315,000 dessert and coffee from 5:30 to 9 —C. Tyson A New Bell Rings For Students at Acalanes High By Cathy Tyson “As we proceeded through a very rigorous interview process, it became more and more clear that Travis Bell would be an ideal fit for the desired profile,” said Nick- erson. The hunt for a replacement included a stakeholder survey that When Experience Counts and Results Matter asked for student and teacher input. Originally from the small foot- hill town of Murphys, Calif., Bell 925.766.3030 | [email protected] has been in the trenches as an Eng- lish teacher and also served as the www.OrindaHome.com | License #: 00925213 Leadership Teacher at Dougherty Valley High School, prior to mov- ing into Acalanes administration Travis Bell Photo Cathy Tyson in 2012. He has a Bachelor of Arts urrent Acalanes High School in Communication from UC Davis CAssociate Principal Travis and a Masters in Educational Ad- Bell is being promoted to princi- ministration and Leadership from pal as of July 1 in order to fill the Brandman University. shoes of outgoing principal Alli- When not busy at school, Bell son Silvestri, who announced her is plenty busy as a married father resignation in early March. She’ll of two girls, age 3 years and seven remain on staff for the remain- months. The family lives in Dan- der of the school year to ensure a ville. He played tennis and soccer smooth transition, but is moving on in high school and enjoys fam- to become principal at San Lorenzo ily hikes along with running and High School. swimming in his spare time. 132 Oak Road, Orinda 27 Ivy Drive, Orinda Acalanes Union High School The staffing change comes after Offered at $1,975,000 Offered at $899,000 District Superintendent Dr. John outgoing principal Silvestri was at Nickerson announced the leader- the helm for a relatively brief two- ship change after the district did a year stint. statewide search for applicants. Judge Rules Against Wight House Expansion By Cathy Tyson Contra Costa County Supe- The Wights said they were un- Arior Court Judge denied a suit happy with the city’s decision after brought by landowners Linda and spending a considerable amount Steven Wight that would have over- of time, effort and money — even turned the City of Lafayette’s denial hiring a new architectural team to 1944 Meadow Road, Walnut Creek 1227 Upper Happy Valley, Lafayette of a Phase II permit on their 9,600 draw up a completely fresh set of Offered at $2,500,000 | PENDING Offered at $2,575,000 | SOLD in 4 Days square foot home on 13.66 acres at plans — and agreeing on a number the end of Monticello Road. of concessions to mitigate con- As the long and controversial struction concerns. proposed home project wrapped They filed suit on July 23, 2015, up last year, the Wights promised complaining through their attorney they would sue the city if the Phase David Bowie that the denial of the II building permit was denied. In Phase II application was “an abuse May 2015, after years of meet- of discretion because the decision ings, the project’s Phase II permit was not supported by appropriate was indeed denied by the Lafayette findings, and the findings were not City Council on the grounds that supported by substantial evidence.” the property required excessive In a tentative filing April 16, grading and that the home failed to Judge Judith Craddick of Contra comply with design guidelines, and Costa County Superior Court saw that its construction would create it differently, stating that the “Pe- 15 Valley View Drive, Orinda 47 San Pablo Court, Moraga health hazards and be a nuisance to titioners’ argument does not find SOLD | Represented Buyer SOLD | Represented Buyer neighbors. support in California law.” Page: A4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Local Knowledge of Lamorinda & Extraordinary Results
If you are considering selling your home, give us a call for assistance. Moraga Public Meetings 925.200.2222 Gary 925.878.9685 Ken City Council [email protected] [email protected] Wednesday, May 11, 7 p.m. CalBRE#00686144 CalBRE#01418309 Wednesday, May 25, 7 p.m. pacificunion.com | A Member of Real Living Council Chambers and Community Gary Bernie Ken Ryerson Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. Planning Commission Gary Bernie & Ken Ryerson Monday, May 16, 7 p.m. Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. Design Review New Hacienda Plan Falls Short With City Council Monday, May 9, 7 p.m. By Sophie Braccini Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. hat was supposed to be the building is underutilized and cost night. the Casita to make it a real commu- Wfinal presentation of the the town about $200,000 a year for The barrage of critics started nity center. School Board Meetings conceptual plan to the Moraga upkeep. It is in need or repair and with Wendy Scheck, president Some indicated they liked the Moraga School District Town Council for the renovation Americans with Disabilities Act of the Moraga Chamber of Com- visuals proposed by Gould Evans, Tuesday, May 10, 7 p.m. Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School of the Hacienda de Las Flores was upgrades. The April 27 presenta- merce, who explained that the re- but that the lack of financial fea- Auditorium met with unanimous skepticism tion was the second one made by turn of the $6.1 million estimated sibility made spending any more 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga last week. While the council did not the architects, incorporating revi- investment would not be sufficient money on the proposed option un- www.moraga.k12.ca.us decide to scrap the plan, members sions that had been asked by the to attract investors. Most critics wise. See also AUHSD meeting page A2 were put off by the financial feasi- council in February. focused on the banquet or garden The council decided to create a bility of the proposed renovations. The new draft included a room that residents found either two-person committee, Vice mayor Check online for agendas, meeting The council will again take the 200-person banquet room; a res- visually intrusive or too expensive Dave Trotter and Councilmember notes and announcements project under its wing and work on taurant opened year-round; a five- for the site. Teresa Onoda, to take over the proj- Town of Moraga: a scaled-down version. room boutique hotel; and wider Different ideas were shared ect and work with partners such as www.moraga.ca.us The architectural firm Gould access from Moraga Road. But as in the public comment, including the Chamber of Commerce to as- Phone: (925) 888-7022 Evans started meeting a year ago soon as the presentation was over, stopping holding weddings at the sess the cost of different alterna- Chamber of Commerce: with residents and staff to define a comments from the public started Hacienda, tenting large events in- tives. No timeline was defined for www.moragachamber.org vision for the renovation of the Ha- eroding any confidence that the stead of building an out-of-scale this next phase. Moraga Citizens’ Network: cienda de las Flores. The historic project would be approved that addition, or increasing the size of www.moragacitizensnetwork.org
Moraga Corroded Culvert is to Blame for Sinkhole Police By Sophie Braccini Report
Tax identity theft, 4/19/16: A Roberts Court resident attempted to file her taxes and discovered her social security number had already been used to fraudulently file tax returns. Presumably her refund is long gone, but surely the government will be happy to send another check. The reporting person was in contact with the IRS, but wanted to file a police report to cover all her bases.
Stolen golf cart, 4/17/16: A golf cart was stolen by a male subject Sunday, March 13: The initial emergence of sinkhole. Monday, March 14: A traffic signal pole, a PG&E electrical switch vault and around 9 p.m. near the ninth hole he Town of Moraga estab- portions of the sidewalk collapsed into the sinkhole. Photos provided of Moraga Country Club golf lished with certainty that the course. Cops looked but did not T find it. The cart couldn’t be entered cause of the recent sinkhole is the into the police Stolen Vehicle failing of the 96-inch corrugated System since it didn’t have a VIN metal culvert that runs under the Rick & Nancy Booth or serial number. Rheem Boulevard-Moraga Road Realtors/UC Berkeley MBAs intersection. D.U.I., 4/16/16: Was it driving The town will replace the failed over landscaping or perhaps allegedly striking a building on portion of the metal pipe with a Great Market • Great Opportunity Camino Peral that alerted officers concrete conduit. It will not fix the to a person driving under the entirety of the corrugated section, Call Today 925.212.8869 influence? The driver submitted because state funding might not be to a chemical test, was found to be available for improvements beyond less than sober and was released to the immediately affected area. New Listing a relative after signing a notice to Glorietta View Estate! Glen Anderson from consul- appear. No word on the car, which Beautiful vaulted ceilings & walls of tants Schaaf & Wheeler made a probably slept it off. windows. Expansive views. Spacious presentation to the town council rooms: 5BR/4.5BA, great room, Double whammy, 4/14/16: It on April 27 of the forensic work was not a happy hour, although gourmet kitchen, formal living & dining, that has been done in the sinkhole sunroom,and media room. 4164+/-SF on it was around 7 p.m. in front of over the past weeks. Images of the Safeway when a woman was 1.39 +/-acres. Large yards, level lawns. found to be under the influence film taken inside the culvert were Private yet close to downtown. and on probation. This included enough to bring their point home. Offered at $2,499,000 67 Tara Road, Orinda prohibiting her from consuming It showed a pipe where corro- alcohol. She was arrested for sion was everywhere, to the point public intoxication along with the that the bottom was gone in some Updated Brown Shingle added bonus of probation violation places, not supporting the top of and taken to jail. the pipe, and resulting in its defor- New Listing Gorgeous remodel, fantastic views. Craigslist Honda fraud, 4/13/16: mation. The presentation showed Sunny decks for entertaining. Formal An unnamed individual paid a 17.5-inch joint offset running living & dining. Remodeled kitchen/family $6,500 cash for a car that wasn’t all along the side of the culvert, actually for sale, and didn’t room combo. 3BR/2BA. 1970+/-SF on belong to the seller. The victim caused by the shape alteration. .569 +/-acres. Private yet close to town. made contact with the fraudster When the rains started pouring last Offered at $1,199,000 at Starbucks for an arranged sale month, pressure increased on top of a 2011 Honda Civic. When of the pipe and large quantities of 32 Southwood Drive, Orinda the reporting person attempted dirt were dragged from under the to change title at the DMV the sidewalk into the pipe through the next day, he was advised that the Sold vehicle was owned by a third party offset joint. After a while the road and that a bank possessed a lien collapsed. Pending on the car. The cash and the seller Repair alternatives were pre- have vanished. sented to the council. All agreed that removing the failed corrugated Mailbox trauma, 4/12/16: metal and replacing it with rein- Sometime during the night, an unknown suspect pried open all forced concrete was the way to pro- of the mailboxes at a Moraga Way ceed. ... continued on page A12 complex. One of the sections of 29 Tara Road, Orinda 22 Martha Road, Orinda mailboxes had been completely Unsuccessful shoplifting – removed from the group. Damage Pending in 12 days Sold with 13 offers HomeGoods is estimated at $200. Hard to say if Loud party – Moraga Road, Ascot Offered at $1,150,000 18% over asking any mail was stolen. Drive Stolen car – Rheem Boulevard www.BoothHomes.com Other crimes in Moraga from Found purse – Sanders Ranch April 12-19: Road Rick & Nancy Booth Domestic disturbance – Juliana Identity theft – Roberts Court Court [email protected] Inherited shotgun returned to cops, CalBRE: 01388020/ 01341390 False alarm – Rheem Boulevard, ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage family requests it be destroyed Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Dolores Court Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 Quality Hearing Aids • In Ear Monitors • Ear Mold Impressions Musicians Hearing Protection FREE Consultations FREE Hearing Screenings and now taking Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Medicare.
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Moraga Faire Celebrates 10 Years of Family Fun By Sophie Braccini took shape. It was March 5, 2007. Jazz Band, the West Coast Swing Beans’ organizational team The first Faire took place exactly Dancers, and Rosemarie and The has grown so she can envision two months later. Rhythm Riders. To close the day, passing the baton in a year or two. Ten years later, the Faire is Chinese folk dancers from the The team is planning to have now the Moraga Community Contra Costa Chinese Cultural this year’s theme to be about wa- Faire and Car Show. Yet many Enrichment Organization will ter. No more bottled water will things are still the same. Mike showcase authentic regional Chi- be sold on site, while a giant blue Metcalf is the mayor now as he nese folk dances with colorful au- “water monster” will refill any- was in 2007, and the Chamber thentic costumes. one’s container at will. of Commerce still supports the The popular car show was ... continued on page A11 Faire. added in 2010 and now features Beans recalls how the first 70 trophy cars. event was split between the two shopping centers to spread pos- sible economic spinoffs. The Moraga Center housed the Ener- gy Faire; the Art, Wine, and Mer- chant Faire located in the Rheem Center showcased 11 artists and 38 local merchants, and a wine Photo provided booth with about four vintners en years ago a small group at the Rheem Center. pouring both Lamorinda and area Tof Moraga residents became Beans remembers the begin- wines. Beans and her team esti- engaged in the town’s business in ning of 2007, when then-coun- mated that 800 people attended a way that was going to have a cilmember Lynda Deschambault the first Faire. Last year’s count was 2,500 visitors, and about 80 Featurin Featurin FeaturinFeaturin long lasting impact. Ellen Beans, wanted to involve the busi- Featurin Featurin FeaturinFeaturin a retired resident, took the lead nesses in the Moraga Beautiful merchants, including the Lamor- on launching the first Art, Wine Day event that had been created inda Wine Growers Association. Saturday, May 16 and Merchants’ Faire. It took by former mayor Margaret De- For the second year many of Saturday, May 21 only two months to set up that Priester. Beans had just joined the staple items were added: the Featuring multiple residential sales musical entertainment — most of first event that has now become the Moraga Chamber of Com- throughout Moraga a Moraga tradition. As Beans merce and thought that it would it local; games and activities for says, the merchants, as well as the be a good idea to involve the local children; food — first from local Maps of garage sale locations and public, are clamoring for it. merchants. A small group of nine restaurants now food trucks. This This year’s Faire will be held interested business leaders met year, the Saint Mary’s Jazz Band more information available at from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 14 with her and the idea of the Faire will be on stage, as well as the www.moragarec.com Joaquin Moraga Middle School
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507 Winchester Court | 5bd/3.5ba 52 Camino Don Miguel | 4bd/3.5ba 243 El Toyonal | 1bd/2ba L. Brydon/K. Ives/K. Brickman | 925.258.1111 Alan Marks | 925.258.1111 Cheryl Hata | 925.258.1111
APR.COM Over 30 Offices Serving The San Francisco Bay Area 866.468.0111 Page: A6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Beacon Ridge Belvedere Townhome Walnut Creek address but Really Lafayette ~ Coming Soon! Rarely available, this 3 bedroom 3 bath townhome is an end unit, level in, with views! Beacon Ridge is the premier gated townhome community in Lamorinda. It’s minutes to downtowns Lafayette & Walnut Creek, BART, Highway 24 & 680 and the award winning Orinda Lafayette Schools. Public Meetings Direct: (925) 389-6161 [email protected] City Council www.MaureenWilbur.com CalBRE #01268536 Special Meeting: ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Maureen Wilbur Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Thursday, May 12, 7 p.m. independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Library Auditorium, Orinda Library 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 Planning Commission Wag More, Bark Less on Orinda’s Dog Day Afternoon Tuesday, May 10, 7 p.m. By Vic Ryerson Sarge Littlehale Comminuty Room, og owners and dog lovers will find Orinda Libraray Dplenty of treats and fun – and maybe Citizens’ Infrastructure even a dog to take home — at Orinda’s Dog- Oversight Commission gone Fun Fest from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 6:30 p.m. May 15 at Orinda Community Center Park. Sarge Littlehale Community Room, Hosted by the Orinda Park and Recreation City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda Foundation, the event will feature a dog pa- School Board Meetings rade, dog agility and search and rescue dem- Orinda Unified School District onstrations, dog product vendors, and rescue Monday, May 9, 6 p.m. organizations with dogs for adoption. Regular Board Meeting The event is free. Members of the pub- 8 Altarinda Rd., Orinda lic are invited to bring their dogs on leash. www.orindaschools.org See also AUHSD meeting page A2 Prizes will be given for the best dressed dog, the dog that looks most like its owner, and Check online for agendas, meeting the best in show. notes and announcements Further information is available from City of Lafayette: Carolyn Mills at 254-5292 or bandcmills@ www.ci.lafayette.ca.us From left, Carolyn Mills and her dog Sophie, and Alison Zamanian with her friend Oreo, get ready for Orinda’s Dog- comcast.net. gone Fest. Both women are OPR Foundation board members and are co-chairing this event. Photo submitted Phone: (925) 284-1968 Chamber of Commerce: www.lafayettechamber.org New Sign Reveals Hidden Secrets of San Pablo Creek By Chris Lavin hile walking or driving Wthrough Orinda, pedes- trians and drivers often are un- aware they are driving over a Orinda Police rich and diverse collection of Department Incident plants, animals – even wetland Summary Report wildlife – beneath them. April 3 to 16 “Most people have no idea Alarms 72 the creek is there,” said Adriane Noise complaints 1 Bosworth, a director of Friends 911 Calls (includes hang-ups) 9 of Orinda Creeks. Traffic stops 41 That may change now that the Suspicious Circumstances 8 FOC has completed a much bela- Suspicious Subjects 10 bored project dear to their hearts: Suspicious Vehicles 21 an interpretive sign at Orinda Abandoned Vehicle Avenida de Orinda/Orinda Way Community Park that educates Battery about the life in and around the 60 block Singingwood Ln. creek. They installed the at the 10 block S Point Rd. end of April, and it details some Burglary, Auto of the life that is dependent on 10 block Camino Sobrante the often-invisible San Pablo Rite Aid Creek. 100 block Goodfellow Dr Burglary, Residential The sign was installed near Friends of Orinda Creeks volunteers pose with their new project -- a new interpretive sign in Orinda Community 100 block Cannon Dr. the play structures. Park. From left are Jim Luini, illustrator Doyle Wegner, Bob Stoops, Reg Barrett, Brian Waters and Adriane Civil From frogs to raccoons to Bosworth. Photos Adriane Bosworth 40 block Charles Hill Rd. skunks and salamanders, the 10 block Altarinda Rd. creek supports abundant wild- Shell Station life, and because water quality is 10 block Woodcrest Dr. gradually improving since mas- Death, non-criminal 100 block Ranch Rd. sive construction over the past 10 block Carisbrook Dr. 50-or-so years, the lives of the Dispute critters in and around the creek 100 block Camino Pablo are improving, too. rocking chair 10 block Overhill Rd. “We still have a ways to go,” 10 block S Point Rd. cautions Brian Waters of the DUI FOC. Shell Station Miner Rd./Camino Lenada Since last February, the group Drunk in Public has been working on the lan- 10 block Theatre Square guage and the art for the sign, a 200 block Village Square laborious task that involved not Embezzlement only finding out how to do it in 60 block Moraga Way the first place, including city or- Exhibition of Speed dinances, access issues and artis- 30 block Muth Dr. Felony tic creativity. Fortunately for the Hwy 24 tunnel FOC, Bosworth said, they have Hit & Run Waters on the board, “and he 400 block Moraga Way pays a lot of attention to detail.” ID Theft At a recent meeting Reg reported to Police (3) Barrett, a biologist who sits on 10 block Irwin Way the FOC board, visibly lit up in 100 block Lombardy Ln. Missing Adult discussing plans for last week’s 80 block Estates Dr. installation. “Has anyone seen Panhandling an auger at work?” he piped up. Nations He was bringing his for the post Police/Fire/ EMS holes. His enthusiasm wasn’t ex- Bigleaf Rd./Quarry Hill Rd. actly contagious. Starbucks Change your perspective But it worked, and the sign is 40 block Oak Rd. At Byron Park, life is different here. It’s not just a place to live. This is where Public Nuisance in. residents discover the community experience and put passions into practice. Spring Rd/Brookwood Rd. More information on Friends 10 block Theatre Square of the Orinda Creeks can be Engage, challenge yourself, share knowledge, and build a legacy for future Camino Pablo/Hwy 24 found at www.orindacreeks.org. generations. This is where your personal journey begins. Reckless Driving 100 block Overhill Rd. Camino Sobrante/Orinda Way Moraga Way/Glorietta Blvd. (2) 10 block S Point Rd. Call 888.713.2228 or visit Revoke Probation Unauthorized Possession 500 block Moraga Way 10 block Orinda Way. LifeatByronPark.com to learn more. Theft, Grand Unwanted Guest Miramonte High School 30 block Claremont Ave. Theft, Petty Warrant Service/Arrest 50 block Berkeley Ave. Safeway 30 block Orinda View Rd. Camino Pablo/Monte Vista Rd. 400 block Singingwood Ln. Moraga Way/Camino Pablo Brookwood Rd./Moraga Way. Bates Blvd/Davis Rd. License #075601546 40 block Camino Lenada Camino Pablo/Brookwood Rd.
Rocking Chair BP ad 5.875 x 8 Lamorinda Weekly.indd 1 3/11/15 2:02 PM Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A7 Now is the best time to sell a home in years! Family & Cosmetic Dentistry The spring market remains very strong. There's still time for savvy sellers to take advantage of the extremely favorable market conditions. Now accepting Call me for a personalized plan to get new top $$$ for your home! patients! Integrity Knowledge Results Frank Woodward CalBRE#01335916 Kristi L. Doberenz, D.D.S., Inc. Realtor®, Previews Property Specialist 8 Camino Encinas, STE #110, Orinda T. 925.788.4963 (925) 254-3725 [email protected] ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Theater View Veterinary Clinic Theater View Veterinary Clinic, owned by Dr. Laurie Langfold, is excited to announce a new addition. Dr. Amelia Ausman has joined our team. Volunteers from through- Come check us out. out the city donned t-shirts and work gloves and helped clean up and beautify areas around town on Saturday, April 23, during the eighth an- nual Orinda Action Day “Dr. Laurie” Langford of Community Service. Lamorinda Weekly This event was co- Ad size: half page Phone: (925) 317-3187 Ad design approval sponsored by the Orinda Community Foundation Fax: (925) 334-7017 and the City of Orinda. Email: [email protected] www.theaterviewvetclinic.com #25, 2-10-16 Photos provided by Sue Severson 1 Bates Blvd., Suite 200, Orinda 5 Owl Hill Ct, Orinda 56 Bates, Orinda 314 La Espiral, Orinda
The Lamorinda Real Estate Firm People Trust Coldwell Banker Orinda
1265 Upper Happy 25 Longbridge, Valley, Laf Orinda
LAFAYETTE $3,695,000 ORINDA $3,195,000 ORINDA $1,389,000 ORINDA $1,350,000 ORINDA $789,999 ORINDA $4,250,000 ORINDA $3,795,000 LAFAYETTE $2,950,000 MORAGA/CANYON $2,895,000 ORINDA $2,798,000 6/5.54/3. Prime 8+ acres Happy w/potential Valley location! for subdivision. 1 acre 6/5.55/4.5. Desirable Breathtaking Orinda Mediterranean Highlands location, Estate 4/44/2.5. Stunning Coming home, Soon. 4311 Entertainer's sqft on mostly dream 5/44/3.5. BEAUTIFUL 2907 approx. horse property square feet.on 1.31 One of5/43/2. BEAUTIFULLY Downtown remodeled location withmid-century a view. Recentlyflat, charming updated singl withe lvl many traditional features. style amazingwith glorious views, Views, lrg rooms,1+ opulent acre, paradise appx. in levelhome 1 acre with lot views with breathtakingand a pool. Approx. gardens acrea kindwith Countrystable and Club approx. beauty 4000 with sq. ftold modernApprox. style 1700 home square on 1.28 feet. mostly Close flat to Onegated of estate.a kind!! 7,000sf.the prestigious Glorietta vicinage. & 2113pool. square feet. customworld home. charm. acres.shops, dining and more! Laura Abrams CalBRE #01272382 The Beaubelle Group CalBRE #00678426 Elena Hood CalBRE #01221247 The Beaubelle Group CalBRE #00678426 Beaubelle|Fellner CalBRE #00678426|01428834 The Beaubelle Group CalBRE#00678426 Vlatka Bathgate CalBRE#01390784 Vlatka Bathgate CalBRE#01390784 Melanie Snow CalBRE#00878893 Vlatka Bathgate CalBRE#01390784
3340 Helen, 155 Camino Pablo, Lafayette THISGRAND IS HOME Orinda OPENING This is where Mom’s hugs are endless,CELEBRATION her chocolate LAFAYETTE $1,049,000 ORINDA $1,557,000 ORINDA $2,500,000 MORAGA $1,665,000 3/2. Fabulous remodel with great level chip cookies come to life 4/4.5. Majestic setting in No. Orinda on 5/4.5 Gorgeous Gated Stunning Single and You’reher love Invited is constant.to Coldwell Banker 4/3 Spacious single level in Sanders Levelyard. GloriettaConvenient Estate location. Totally RemodeledTop Schools. Orinda’s Grand Opening CelebrationRanch,mostly 3259 flat sqft, 0.58 Creekside acre lot. settingOpen withfloor and Expanded largeplan. backyard. Don't miss! Maureen Wilbur CalBRE #01268536 Elena Hood CalBRE #01221247 Rick & Nancy Booth CalBRE#01388020 HappyThursday, Mother’s February Day 18, from 2016 Vlatka Bathgate CalBRE#01390784 Coldwell5:00 to Banker. 7:30 pm PENDING PENDING 26 Berkeley, Orinda Coldwell Banker 1907 Newell, Wal- Coldwell2 Theatre Banker. Square, Suite 117 nut Creek Where home begins. Join us for live music and a catered affair.
ColdwellBankerHomes.comContact Coldwell Banker ORINDA $895,000 WALNUT CREEK $795,000 LAFAYETTE $1,398,000 today to RSVP. LAFAYETTE $1,369,000 4/2.54/3. Great Charming value. spacious 2262 SF home on .21 in the acre #ThisIsHome 4/33/2. Enjoy Pottery warmer Barn days charm and longer is this nights adorable heartlot with of Burton views Valley.and mature Light/bright oaks. w/lg Tons of #CBOrinda w/this1289 entertainer’s SF home dreamin Parkmead. Home with Close a to beautifulpotential! yrd pool.K-5 top schools. Susan Schlicher CalBRE #01395579 Vlatka Bathgate CalBRE #01390784 Elena Hood CalBRE# 01221247 Elena Hood CalBRE# 01221247 Pending Pending PENDING SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD
1201 Bollinger 21 Sandy, Orinda Canyon, Moraga
MORAGA $599,000 WALNUT CREEK $1,256,000 MORAGA $1,550,000 MORAGA $1,430,000 ORINDA $1,765,000 ORINDA $1,199,000 LAFAYETTE $1,195,000 ORINDA $1,150,000 ORINDA $1,098,000 MORAGA $1,095,000 3/21/1. UpdatedLittle cottage brown in shingle the Canyon close to on 3/1.54/4.5. Lovely Prime setting, Rossmoor 2222 singlesqft private level w/near6/43/2.5. Cool Beautiful Contemporary finishes, in 2643 Glorietta. sqft, lovelyIn-law 4/24/2.5. Light-filled Beautifully home Updated! with flexible 2484 floorsqft, 4/24/3.5. Great Branagh floorplan, Built peaceful 2005! 3311flat yard, .34 downtown.approx 2.5 Lrgacres. windows Remodeled & stunning gardens,club house. large Large flat patio,views, living areas, lrg tons high of unit.landscaping, Close to town/BART.new appliances, Top remodeledSchools. plan,great views, floorplan, updated large baths, family flat room, yard andformal acresqft,beautiful lot, completely detailing,spacious updated kitchen rms, & wood views,privatekitchen/bath/Anderson bkyd w/lawn. Windows. endstorage. kitchen master bath. privacy.living/dining, .25 acre flat lot. bathrooms.paneled office,high ceilings, .66 acres Rick & Nancy Booth CalBRE #01388020 Elena Hood CalBRE #01221247 Rick & Nancy Booth CalBRE #01388020 Suzi O’Brien CalBRE #01482496 Elena Hood CalBRE #01221247 Suzanne Geoffrion CalBRE# 01878803 McAtee/Wilson CalBRE#01349169/01809247 Elena Hood CalBRE#01221247 Elena Hood CalBRE#01221247 Elena Hood CalBRE#01221247 5 Moraga Way | Orinda | 925.253.46005 Moraga | Way2 Theatre | Orinda | 925.253.4600 Square, Suite 117 | Orinda | 925.253.6300 2 Theatre Square, Suite 117 | Orinda | 925.253.6300 californiahome.me | /cbcalifornia | /cb_california | /cbcalifornia | /coldwellbanker ColdwellBankerHomes.com | californiahome.me | /cbcalifornia | /cb_california | /cbcalifornia | /coldwellbanker ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304 ©2016 Coldwell©2016 Banker Coldwell Real Estate Banker LLC. Real All Estate Rights LLC. Reserved. All Rights Coldwell Reserved. Banker® Coldwell is Banker®a registered is a trademarkregistered trademarklicensed to licensed Coldwell to Banker Coldwell Real Banker Estate Real LLC. Estate An EqualLLC. An Opportunity Equal Opportunity Company. Company. Equal Housing Equal Housing Opportunity. Opportunity. Each Coldwell Each Coldwell Banker Banker Residential Residential Brokerage Brokerage Office Office is Owned is Owned by a by a Subsidiary Subsidiary of NRTof NRT LLC. LLC. Real Real estate estate agents agents affiliated affiliated with with Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Residential Residential Brokerage Brokerage are are independentindependent contractorcontractor sales associates andand areare not not employees employees of of Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Real Real Estate Estate LLC, LLC, Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Residential Residential Brokerage Brokerage or NRT or NRTLLC. LLC.CalBRE CalBRE License License #01908304. #01908304.
1718 Comstock, 13 White Oak, 257 Sandringham, WC - Pending Lafayette Moraga
Please reply to: email: [email protected] Phone: 925 - 377 - 0977 • Fax: 800 - 690 - 8136 date signature Page: A8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 New Medic Units for Moraga-Orinda Fire District
Fire Districts Public Meetings Moraga-Orinda Fire District Board of Directors Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m. Sarge Littlehale Community Room 22 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 For meeting times and agendas, visit www.mofd.org
ConFire Board of Directors From left, Daryle Balao captain-paramedic; Matt Lopez firefighter-paramedic; Chris Davies engineer; Vince Matulich captain-paramedic; Tim Williams Tuesday, May 10, 1:30 p.m. engineer; Lucas Lambert firefighter-paramedic; Anthony Grgurevic firefighter; Lucas Trumpf firefighter-paramedic. Photo Andy Scheck Board Chamber room 107, Administration Building, wo new International TerraStar medic responded to complaints about an uncomfort- district apparatus committee. “We chose and 651 Pine St., Martinez Tunits, designed by Leader Ambulance able ride, and the fact that the old ambulanc- designed ambulances to give us the longest For meeting times and in Los Angeles, were placed in service May es were not properly designed for our roads,” service life and requiring the least amount of agendas, visit 1 by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District. “We said firefigehre-paramedic Matt Lopez of the maintenance.” —N. Marnell http://alturl.com/5p9pu. MOFD Avoids Drama, Sells Lafayette Property Emergency response information and training: By Nick Marnell Lamorinda Community he Moraga-Orinda Fire Dis- hiking trail on the outskirts of the value of all easements granted in property. Emergency Response Team Ttrict will make a handsome MOFD holdings. The right of way that neighborhood, urged the board “That would be a hostile act,” (CERT) profit on its recent real estate hold- requested by Lafayette runs atop to vote no. director Fred Weil said. “I would www.lamorindacert.org. ings, based on offers from private ones already granted for roadway Lorinda Lane resident Mark hope they understand our situation citizens it accepted for property it and utility use along the Lorinda Debusschere pleaded with the dis- and react like decent human be- owns at 1035 Lorinda Lane in La- Lane parcels, but the district did trict to not make the deal. “I assume ings.” fayette. The move avoids a possible not want to risk compromising the the city is extorting the district to Weil also noted that Lafayette dispute over an easement request sale of the property with the addi- get these easements,” he said. “I could condemn the property for by the City of Lafayette. tion of another easement. wouldn’t sign this at all. If you public use any time it chooses, but HARDWOODS The district had purchased the Lafayette offered the district made this same request of the new to this point, why hadn’t it done so? property in 2013 for $1.2 million as $10,000 for the easements. Healy property owner, what do you think The city said it would be challeng- CARPETS a fire station site but decided not to and city manager Steve Falk nego- they are going to say?” ing and time consuming to secure build there; it then split the property tiated a contract specifying terms of The issue has become a matter the easements from private owners, RUGS into two parcels and put them on the the transfer, and the chief presented of public controversy, director Brad which is why it pushed for acquisi- market. Fire Chief Stephen Healy on the contract to his board at its April Barber said. “To the extent that this tion from the district. LINOLEUM April 27 announced pending sales 6 meeting. matter is drawn out by the city of The board declined to grant the prices of $1.25 million for the house The reaction was not positive. Lafayette in its desire to obtain the easements but will revisit the mo- TILE and $449,000 for the vacant lot. One-time board member Dick easement, we face the likelihood tion at its May 4 meeting. Apparently potential buyers did Olsen, out of concern for both the that the value of the property will Any concerns the district had LAMINATE not blink at a special easement re- privacy and security of the Lorinda be impaired.” about diminishment of value of its quest by the city. Lane residents, and also for how MOFD counsel John Bakker property because of the easement The city had pressured the the price of the trail easements said that the city could get an in- request likely have been obviated district to obtain easements for a might negatively impact the future junction to preclude the sale of the by the strength of the initial offers. FAMILY -OWNED 30 YEARS ! MOFD Holds Open House to Mark Wildfire Prevention By Nick Marnell o recognize National Wild- Smokey the Bear, too — will be on Tfire Community Preparedness hand to explain what they can do to Day, the Moraga-Orinda Fire Dis- help you prevent wildfires. trict will hold its biannual Open “With all of the rain we’ve had House May 14 at Station 45 in this season, it’s never too early to Orinda Village. work on your weed abatement,” MOFD firefighters, staff and said MOFD fire marshal Kathy management, plus representatives Leonard, and she will tell you ev- of outside agencies like Pacific Gas erything you need to know to pro- and Electric and the East Bay Mu- tect your property from wildfires nicipal Utility District — and yes, — and to avoid receiving a nasty letter from the district in late June because of out-of-control weeds. Firefighters, decked out in their wildland gear, will pull out the C abinet M odifications Type 3 engine, a shorter, squattier Future firefighters try out the driver’s seat. Photo courtesy MOFD vehicle used to fight wildfires and ing seemingly every small child’s reduced adoption fee for all attend- With over 25 years fulfilling custom needs, we can alter or modify seldom seen traversing the streets dream: to sit in a fire engine. ees. most cabinetry, while still utilizing your existing cabinetry for: of Moraga and Orinda. They will Firefighter David Mazaika will “Let’s break the Orinda open • Large TVs/ Refrigerators and appliances explain the differences between the bring his super-customized grill to house record of 500 this year!” said • Recycle Bins and shelf pullouts district clerk Grace Santos, who • Cabinet alterations/repairs Type 3 and the regular engine, and station 45 and cook links and dogs We can help with home, office, entertainment, custom cabinetry, demonstrate the special equipment and burgers, with all proceeds for organizes this event as well as the shelving, crown mouldings, baseboards, new doors or mantels! the Type 3 carries. the barbeque going to the Muscular Moraga Open House and Pancake Paul Kephart Master Craftsman But the event will not be all Dystrophy Association. Breakfast during National Fire Pre- 925.827.1093 www.TheCabinetMd.com work. Even the Contra Costa County vention week in the fall. Licensed Cabinet & Millwork Contractor #598395 “It’s a great time for everyone,” Animal Services Department will The event runs from 10 a.m. Leonard said. “The firefighters love set up, showcasing cats and dogs until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at meeting the kids.” And there will available for adoption. Agency rep- MOFD Station 45, located at 33 be plenty for the kids to do, includ- resentative Steve Burdo promises a Orinda Way in Orinda Village.
Mary H. Smith D.D.S. • Cecelia Thomas, D.D.S. ConFire May Start From Scratch on Station 16 A Professional Corporation By Nick Marnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry he Contra Costa County million structural deficit and was the areas covered by the Moraga- 96 Davis Road, Suite 5 Orinda, 925.254.0824 TFire Protection District will perilously close to exhausting its Orinda Fire District and the San Ra- consider a tear down and re- fund balances. The county admin- mon Valley Fire Protection District. build of fire station 16 in Lafay- istrator warned that the district “That was the highlight of the ette, according to upcoming fis- was headed toward bankruptcy. year,” said Carman. Though the cal year budget documents the The budget presented for the new program was expected to run district submitted to its board. 2016-17 fiscal year recommends cash-negative for several months, ConFire planned to rehab the funding for 25 fire stations, 26 the first quarter appeared to finish structure but after receiving numer- companies, one squad and 353 full- strong. “It’s better than we expected ous construction proposals decided time employees, including a new in terms of revenue,” said the chief. that it may be best to bulldoze the assistant chief of emergency medi- The upcoming fiscal year will- in station and start from scratch. “If cal services. By the end of the fiscal clude the first complete 12-month I had my way, that’s the way we’d year the district will have placed 13 cycle of ambulance operations. go,” Fire Chief Jeff Carman told his new fire engines, four trucks and The district will also ramp up advisory fire commission in April. three other vehicles into service. its involvement with two county The reversal of the Lafayette ConFire can restore these resourc- departments next year. ConFire Taking care of all dental needs for you and your family. Emphasizing fire station rebuilding plan is analo- es thanks to projected revenue of plans to provide additional staff- cosmetic dentistry with implants, and Invisalign. Nitrous oxide is gous to the turnaround of ConFire, more than $123 million, nearly $30 ing for the county sheriff’s heli- available. Consultations are complementary. which barely resembles the strug- million more than three years ago, copter program, and to work more Dentistry with Excellence. gling district that Carman took due in large part to increased prop- closely with the county Hazardous over two-and-a-half years ago. erty taxes and first responder fees. Materials Division. Carman ran the ConFire was on the brink of A major step in the district Hazmat Division when he worked a financial inferno in 2013. It had turnaround took place Jan. 1, when for the Roseville Fire Department. closed seven engine companies, ConFire became the county’s ex- The chief said he hopes to pres- stopped filling firefighter -vacan clusive operator of emergency am- ent a proposal for fire station 16 cies, was running up to a $10 bulance service — not including construction to his board May 10. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A9
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Opinions in Letters to the Editor are the express views of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly. All published letters will include the writer’s name and city/town of residence -- we will only accept letters from those who live in, or own a business in, the communities comprising Lamorinda (please give us your phone number for verification purposes only). Letters should be 350 words or less; letters of up to 500 words will be accepted on a space-available basis. Visit www.lamorindaweekly.com for submission guidelines. email: letters@lamorindaweekly .com; Regular mail: Lamorinda Weekly, P.O.Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570 Can Orinda taxpayers afford to funds, a number of our worst roads passes, they will pay that tax too. and made the situation clear about and the proceeds spent in Fiscal Year be fair? have been repaired, and more are Yet, they see almost no benefit from the past of this piece of land. Now, 2017 (beginning July 1, 2016) and scheduled to be repaired soon. these road taxes. my support for a passive park is FY2018. The Plan, including At- Dear Editor, However, these funding sources The claim is made that they use stronger than before. tachment 2, is available on the city’s The City has determined that it provide only the first part of the nec- the public residential streets like ev- I sent the article to my daughter website (cityoforinda.org: “Roads will cost $80 million to fix our roads. essary financing. They were never ery other Orinda resident, but this is brought up in Lafayette and liv- and Infrastructure”). This is the price of deferred mainte- expected to be sufficient to repair not true. The website www.Orinda- ing temporarily in Australia. This Like the Measure J bonds, if ap- nance. all of our roads. As projected in the RoadFacts.info/-private-streets is what she says: “I do feel that our proved by voters in June Measure L The question is: Will Orinda’s plan, a large fraction of the existing shows that: community should, as far as pos- bonds will be sold in tranches (por- residents and taxpayers take this ob- funds have already been used or are * Almost 60 percent of private sible, preserve open, green spaces tions). These proceeds will DOU- ligation on themselves or will they committed to planned repairs. To streets feed directly into Orinda’s that are accessible to the entire BLE total road repair expenditures pass the obligation onto the next keep this crucial project moving, we Collector and Arterial roads which community. I do believe that Open in FY2017 through FY2020 (per At- generation (in some cases, their own need to assure that the next fund- none of the new tax money will go Spaces and greenery should be pre- tachment 2 of the Plan). To handle children)? ing increment is in place before the toward repairing. served for our original townspeople the additional construction activity, The City is proposing an addi- present funding is exhausted. Road * Only 20 percent of private who settled in this community long Measure L will also pay for a pro- tional $25 million bond, repaid with repair is an expensive, complex pro- street residents traverse publicly before either of us were born. They fessional project manager to supple- an ad valorem tax, to help solve the cess, and the city cannot commit to maintained Residential Streets for trusted that the community they in- ment city staff and the city’s con- problem. This tax, like the tax repay- new repair contracts unless it is cer- over a quarter mile before they hit a vested in would look after them. struction management firm which ing 2014’s $20 million bond, will be tain that the necessary funds are in Collector or Arterial. Knowing that times are changing oversees the construction contracts. repaid mostly by Orinda’s young- hand. * And while one of the major and change is inevitable, it would be Road repair funds come from est homeowners. They will end up The ballot this June includes benefits of bringing our Residential gracious if you could many sources including (1) the Mea- paying 90 percent of the cost with a new bond measure, Measure L, Streets up to acceptable conditions take a step back — a breath — to sure L sales tax, (2) the Measure J the longstanding residents, who in- which would add $25 million to the is the increase in home values on consider why Lafayette came to be. bond proceeds, and (3) city funds re- curred the obligation, only paying city’s road repair fund. Passage of those streets; this benefit will not ap- And the people who made it.” ceived from gas taxes, garbage fran- 10 percent. Measure L will assure a timely con- ply to Private Street homeowners. This is an appeal to keep Leigh chise fees, county “return to source” The youngest one-third of Orin- tinuation of the funding stream our We are not saying that Orinda’s Creekside Park in the pristine state sales taxes, and infrastructure grants da’s homeowners are already paying city needs, so that this badly-needed private street holders should not the original owners desired it. secured by city staff. All monies re- property tax based on an assessment repair work can continue. support the common good, but ceived and spent from each of these of 85 percent of their home’s mar- Vote YES on Measure L this June! there should be a quid pro quo. The Elisabeth Branczyk (and future) sources are accounted ket value. They pay 60 percent of greater community should also show Lafayette for in separate funds created in the Orinda’s total $60 million in annual Jud Hammon some support to the private street City’s general ledger. The status of property tax. Conversely, the oldest Orinda dwellers. Share some common tax Orinda Road Repair Funds Are In each fund is regularly reported to one-third of Orinda’s homeowners, and fee revenue with the private Good Hands the Finance Advisory Committee who have seen remarkable gains in Is Software to Blame for Bad streets. Allow private streets to be- and the city council and are included the value of their homes but are pay- Moraga Roads? come “public” if so desired. Offer Dear Editor, in the City’s financial statements, ing taxes based on assessed values some recognition of commonality. As members of Orinda’s Finance which are audited by the City’s certi- of 20 percent of the market value of Dear Editor, Until then, we encourage others to Advisory Committee, we have seen fied public accountants as part of the the homes, are only paying 10 per- Why was one section of Moraga reject more taxes dedicated only to first-hand how the city’s finances are annual audit. cent of the total. Road repaved but the section from the public streets which we do not handled and reported. Orinda’s road Orinda’s taxpayers can rest assured. Is this fair? The argument that Dreager Drive to Camino Pablo benefit from. repair funds are rigorously tracked Road repair funds are well stew- it is says that the new homeowners filled with pot holes and cracks left and controlled. arded. will be using the reconstructed roads unpaved? Why was a section of Mark Bresnik and Madelyn Mallory As of February 2016, 90 per- for a long time; but they will also be Wandel Drive filled with cracks left Orinda cent of the funds made available for Bob Thompson, CFA, Chair, Orinda paying taxes to maintain them. One unpaved while the rest of Wandel road repair (including $10 million Finance Advisory Committee of the benefits of the new roads, in got repaved, and all the streets sur- Keep Leigh Creekside Park Pris- of bond proceeds from the sale of Carol Penskar, MBA, Member and addition to less wear and tear on rounding it got repaved? tine Measure J bonds) has been spent or former Chair, Orinda Finance Advi- cars, is enhanced home values. So I asked these questions of the committed to construction contracts sory Committee the existing residents will see en- head of the Moraga Public Works Dear Editor, awarded. Bob Burt, CPA (retired), former hanced home values, sell to new Dept. His answer was that informa- The very explicit Public Forum In accordance with Attachment 2 of Member, Orinda Finance Advisory residents who will pay the enhanced tion is fed into a computer software letter (April 20, 2016) about the his- the City’s Road and Drainage Re- Committee price to live in Orinda AND “get to” program and the program informs tory of Leigh Creekside Park written pairs Plan, the remaining $10 mil- Each acting as private citizens. pay off the road bonds which en- the town which areas are to get re- by Mr. and Mrs. Cass impressed me lion of Measure J bonds will be sold hanced the price. paved and which won’t. Just eye- Can we afford to be fair? Should this balling the condition of these streets, be a concern to the City and to the it seems to me common sense dic- individuals in the city who are be- tates these sections should have ing asked to vote for this new ad been repaved when the rest of the valorem tax? There are alternatives street was being repaved. as outlined in the www.OrindaRoad- Either the software the town is us- Facts.info website. We can choose to ing is faulty or the information being be fair. It doesn’t cost that much. fed into it is not accurate. Whichever it is, the Public Works Dept. needs to Steve Cohn get on the ball and repave these sec- We did it again! Orinda tions of street before the holes and cracks become an even greater an- Funds Needed for Road Repair noyance to Moraga drivers.
Dear Editor: John O’Hare For more than 20 years, my fam- Moraga ily has been fortunate to live in Orinda, with its excellent schools, Private Streets Need to Be Fund- great location, terrific weather and ed, Too Home Care Assistance was named ‘Best of Home Care so much more. Over that time, how- 2016’ by Home Care Pulse for yet another year! ever, one aspect of our idyllic city Dear Editor, has degraded badly: Years of tight Orinda voters are being asked limitations on budgets for road re- to vote for a $25 million road bond Lamorinda’s Trusted Choice for Caregivers. Each has at least 2 years of pairs have led to severe deterioration measure to repair Orinda’s public experience and receives extensive training through our Home Care Assistance of our roads. Many of our roads are, residential streets. We support this University. All applicants are thoroughly screened, including DOJ and FBI quite literally, falling apart. concept. However, we would like to background checks and in-house finger-printing, and are matched to your Through the combined efforts of point out that there are over 1,000 family’s individual needs and preferences. the Orinda’s Engineering Services families which are disenfranchised department, the city council, and from these improvements. These are Ongoing Client Care Management and Quality Assurance. We don’t just the Citizens Infrastructure Over- the households living on Orinda’s match you to a caregiver! Our comprehensive care team is always there to check sight Commission — along with a 26 miles of privately maintained in and ensure the highest quality of care. We are on call 24/7 for total peace of lot of input from Orinda citizens — streets. mind and can even process long term care insurance for you! the city has developed a five-phase Very few know what these streets plan to repair our roads along with are. They are not gated enclaves. The Brain Health Experts. We are the only home care agency that offers the the drains beside and beneath those However, they represent 30 percent Cognitive Therapeutics Method™, a research-backed activities program that roads. of Orinda’s residential streets and 20 promotes brain health, engagement and vitality in our clients...at no additional cost. This plan has been supported by percent of Orinda’s population. The Orinda voters, who strongly ap- people on these streets pay the same Call one of our Client Care Managers today for your free consultation. proved the funds needed to start property taxes as the people on pub- implementation of the plan, vot- lic streets; they pay the same Mea- ing in favor of a 0.5 percent sales sure L sales and Measure J bond tax- 925-233-6166 190-G Alamo Plaza tax in 2012 and a $20 million bond es for public residential street road HomeCareAssistance.com/Alamo Alamo, CA 94507 measure in 2014. With these initial repair; and if the new bond measure Page: A10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 New Jet Service Soars into Buchanan Field By Peggy Spear “But rest assured, there will be — which leave Friday and return surrounding areas offer.” visible and invisible security all Sunday — are sure to be popular, Lafayette Chamber of Com- around,” Edmondson-Jones said. Edmondson-Jones said, as it will merce President Jay Lifson says it Both Freitas and Edmondson- attract those who want to get away may take a while to see the eco- Jones downplayed the noise level for a little fun, as well. nomic impact in Lamorinda com- that the jets would create. “We al- Another demographic that Jet- munities, but that the convenience ready have charter jets taking off SuiteX did not take into account are of having a user-friendly airline from Buchanan, so it will only be college-age kids who want to make this side of the tunnel is great. “It’s about four more flights per day,” the jaunt home from Southern Cali- a fantastic option for travelers,” he Freitas said. And Edmondson- fornia schools. said. Jones said that the JetSuiteX planes It makes sense, says Kish Rajan Lori McAdams of Lafayette is were “some of the quietest” out of Walnut Creek, the former Direc- a recent JetSuiteX user who flew there. tor for Governor Office of Business to Burbank. She said her trip to With the new service, and Economic Development (GO Concord converted a two-and-one Photo provided by JetSuiteX JetSuiteX has plans to refurbish Biz) who currently works with the half hour trip to the Oakland airport the old PSA terminal at the airport, Southern California Leadership into a one-hour trip. McAdams said ontra Costa County is taking Francisco or even San Jose air- which was, in essence, a double- Council. Not only did he see the passengers do not go through the off. ports, fighting rush-hour travel. C wide modular building, Freitas economic advantages of for both usual TSA lines, “although they do Quite literally, as a new charter The planes themselves are re- said. Contra Costa and Burbank, but he swab your hands.” jet service is roaring to life at the furbished American Eagle jets, ac- The decision to begin service himself will be a frequent traveler Her flight had 20 passengers on East Bay’s Buchanan Field. cording to Keith Freitas, director of from Buchanan was a “no-brainer,” on the flights several times a week. a 30-passenger plane with a pilot JetSuiteX, a new venture from airports at Buchanan Field and the Edmondson-Jones said. “There’s a “Flying into Burbank is so and a flight attendant, who was also private jet company JetSuite, Byron Airport. They will serve up sizeable amount of people who fly much easier,” he said. “LAX is a training to be a pilot (“a back-up pi- launched their first flights from to 30 passengers at a time. for business between southern Cal- monster. Plus, Buchanan is right lot,” McAdams said). “It was like Concord to Burbank earlier this The inaugural price will be ifornia and the Bay Area each day, near my home, so I don’t have to being on your rich friend’s plane!” month, offering round-trips up to $109 one-way, and go upwards and many come from Contra Costa fight traffic coming from Oakland It is also a boon for Buchanan three times daily, as well as a week- to $300 as demand increases, and County.” or San Francisco.” Field itself, Freitas said. “We do a end jaunt to Las Vegas. depending on the day of the week He says that the idea came He said that these types of lot to educate the community about “The JetSuite X service pro- people need to fly, said Gareth Ed- from an old Jet Blue model, which scheduled charters are the wave what we offer here,” he said. “This vides an exciting alternative to driv- mondson-Jones, a spokesperson for looked at underused airports in of the future. “It’s almost like the will allow us more visibility, and ing to Oakland for county residents JetSuiteX. urban areas — specifically Long ‘Uber-ization’ of air travel,” he show what gem we have.” and brings additional commerce to The other advantage of the Beach and JFK in New York — said. “We’re repositioning our as- It remains to be seen how con- Buchanan Airport area businesses,” flights is that passengers won’t and saw how there were “millions sets in a new way.” sumers greet the new service, but says County Supervisor Candace have to endure long TSA screen- of people who lived near these But perhaps the biggest impact Edmondson-Jones is positive about Andersen. “I am delighted to wel- ing lines. “But that doesn’t mean airports and didn’t take advantage will be on the economy the East the response. “We’re in it for the come the service to Contra Costa the travel is unsafe,” Edmondson- of them because there weren’t ser- Bay, Mitchoff said. long haul,” he said. County”. Jones said. Passengers will still be vices they needed.” Jet Blue went “We are much closer to the For more information, con- The value of the service is easy screened to make sure they are not in and started offering flights and wine country and other attractions tact Contra Costa Airports, call to see, says her colleague, Supervi- on the “No-fly” list, and be checked in the case of Long Beach, saw a here at Buchanan,” she said. “It 844-Fly-ToUs or visit online at sor Karen Mitchoff. The “sched- for any explosive devices. There huge revitalization. “Jet Blue made makes sense for the tourists who www.ContraCostaAirports.org. uled charters” are a great option will be other security measures in a go of Long Beach, and JetSuiteX want to come and not pay top- Lamorinda Weekly business articles are for business travelers in the county place, he said, but was not at lib- wants to do the same thing here.” dollar San Francisco prices and can intended to inform the community about who usually would have relied erty to go into detail as to what they local business activities, not to endorse a The weekend trips to Las Vegas enjoy what Contra Costa and the on quick trips from Oakland, San were. particular company, product or service.
Hair Design by Alisa business briefs Specializing in highlights, color, Brazillan blowouts, special events styles and custom she often gives up many of her haircuts! weekends to take the students on community service projects or Alisa Peters fundraising events. She is a won- 20% Off derful educator and role model.” Sison Salon your first service 134 Village Square, Orinda In winning the award, the with Alisa only. 925-470-7440 Moraga Rotary and Chamber of [email protected] Commerce will award Parks a gift card to Safeway as well as a restaurant gift card. Parks will be presented with her award and SPRING STYLE EVENT gifts at the April 26 Moraga Ro- THE MOST EFFICIENT WAYSPRING TO BUY WINDOW STYLE COVERINGS. EVENT tary lunch at Saint Mary’s Col- NOWTHE WITH MOST MOREEFFICIENT ENERGY-EFFICIENT WAY TO BUY WINDOW SOLUTIONS. COVERINGS. lege. NOW WITH MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS. New Orinda Motors entranceway Graphic provided Social Media Workshop: Keep ASK HOWASK YOUHOW CANYOU CAN LOWER LOWER YOUR YOUR Changes Rolling at Orinda on the side closest to Orinda Way RECURRINGRECURRING ENERGY ENERGY EXPENSES EXPENSES Social Media Simple BY UP TOBY UP30%! TO 30%! Motors and Camino Sobrante. Products vary in their energy efficiency, inquire with your Budget Blinds Style Consultant. Products vary in their energy efficiency, inquire with your Budget Blinds Style Consultant. Change is in the air at Orinda Join the Lafayette Chamber Motors. During the last week in Parks Honored as Moraga Em- of Commerce for its May Social April, the business consolidated ployee of the Month Media Workshop: Keep Social the offices of Orinda Motors Kim Parks, the Middle School Media Simple – but Engaging: and Express Oil Change & Tire Dean at the Saklan School, has Top 3 Things You Need to Know Center into one entity. The old been named the Moraga Em- Today, at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Express Oil Change & Tire Cen- ployee of the Month for April. May 18 at the Lafayette Library ter will be converted into a new Parks oversees the Saklan and Learning Center. Presented Middle School, with 48 students by Robin S. Fox, Digital Strate- * customer waiting area. Plus, the GET
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First Saturday of the month Come visit us at the Starting ay 7t , 2016 Moraga Barn
925 Country Club Drive Time: 9:30am—10:45am Moraga, CA 94556 Telephone: 925.376.7335 Please RSVP to From left: Roger Gregory, Kim Parks, Wendy Scheck and Peter Metzger Photo Kevin Reneau Simran Parhar Email: [email protected] If you have a business brief to share, please contact [email protected] Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A11 Concert at the Reservoir SATURDAY, MAY 14, 11AM – 3PM WWW.LAFAYETTECHAMBER.ORG
Lafayette’s Music Man Takes on New Gig Local Schools Perform at Concert at the Res ... continued from page A1 As a freshman at Califor- Fine Arts Camp. And then there’s tie, was sitting at the piano, softly nia State University, Hayward, the Lafayette Summer Music Jazz playing tunes that would be famil- he joined the jazz band, first as a Workshop, a week-long program iar to most diners. Suddenly, at a trumpet player and then playing the that Athayde founded and has di- nearby table, one of the five Saint piano, mainly because “they had a rected for 18 years, attracting peo- Mary’s College Christian Broth- bunch of trumpet players and were ple of all ages interested in learning ers who were enjoying a night out short on pianists.” He began play- and playing jazz. started singing along as Athayde ing professionally, providing music If that’s not enough to keep him played “If Ever I Should Leave at weddings, parties, funerals. “If busy, Athayde also teaches a jazz You.” Soon his tablemates joined they needed a piano player, I was improv class at Saint Mary’s Col- in and it wasn’t long before other there,” he says. lege, teaches master classes and in- diners added their voices. Athayde The 22nd annual Concert at the Res will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. With his bachelor’s degree in terviews artists at the annual Lionel kept on playing. Patrons sug- on Saturday, May 14. music and a teaching credential in Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho, gested songs and Athayde played Since 1996, The Lafayette Rotary has hosted an afternoon of live hand, Athayde moved forward with and jams with friends frequently. them. Minutes later, a customer sat music at the Lafayette Reservoir featuring local school bands from his true passion – teaching music And then there’s his latest gig down at the chair next to Athayde Acalanes High School, Stanley Middle School, Bentley School and to young people. Positions in San – solo pianist on weekend nights and sang; once she returned to her Westlake Middle School. In the last few years the program has expand- Lorenzo and Pinole preceded his at La Finestra. “This job is the table, a gentleman, waiting for his ed to include young dancers and singers from the Town Hall Troupe coming to Stanley Middle School greatest,” he states. “I play classic table to be ready, took her place to and the Lamorinda Theatre Academy. in 1986. songs, the kind most people recog- sing along. This annual concert raises money to support the local school The much- awarded and much- nize.” Calling himself a commer- Athayde admits there are some music programs as well as other Rotary-sponsored programs such as loved Athayde brings energy and cial musician rather than a jazz mu- Fridays when, leaving school and Meals on Wheels, Trust in Education and Rotary scholarships. The creativity to his students, now sician, Athayde has a repertoire of feeling exhausted, he’s wondering concerts are presented on the outdoor stage in the Lafayette Reservoir numbering more than 300 in Stan- approximately 1,000 songs. “And I how he’s going to get through the that was entirely built and funded by the Lafayette Rotary Club and in- ley’s five concert bands, two jazz just keep trying to learn more.” He evening. “And then I start play- dividual community donors, and has recently been deeded to EBMUD bands and one chorus. And in his plays both pop and jazz at La Fin- ing and the music absolutely re- to be operated by them for use and enjoyment by the public. classes, everyone plays. “My phi- estra and even, occasionally, sings. juvenates me,” he says. He’s also The event was conceived by Lafayette Rotarian Dick Holt over losophy is that everyone is invited “I’m there to provide background energized seeing former students 20 years ago to provide a venue to showcase and help fund local and everyone gets to play,” he ex- music,” he explains. “A waiter and parents walk through the res- school music programs through donations, corporate sponsorships, and plained. serves the food, I serve the music. taurant’s doors. the proceeds from a day-of-the-event raffle. Summers for Athayde are not I’m there to enhance the dining ex- Many years ago, when Athayde Along with the live entertainment, there will be food and drinks for lounging around. For the last 15 perience.” was pursuing an advanced degree, for purchase. It is also the perfect spot for a picnic on the lawn, and years, the Orinda resident has spent On a recent Saturday night, La one of his instructors suggested chairs and shade tents will be provided for those attending the concert. a week in Sitka, Alaska, teaching Finestra was bustling and Athayde, that he “become the village music Though the stage is a short walk from the parking area, the Rotary and mentoring students at the Sitka looking dapper in his dark suit and teacher of Lafayette.” It looks like Club will be providing golf cart transportation to and from the stage that’s exactly what he did…and so for those who may desire it. much more. Public restrooms and a children’s play area are nearby, and park- ing is available for $7 all day or at metered parking. Hacienda de las Flores Turns 100 ... continued from page A1 The Rheems originally bought rights. The Authority included Wil- over 1,000 people signed up for the property from two friends, Al- liam Penn Mott, who had been di- 86 classes. It included DVC class- berta Higgins and Gertrude Mal- rector of the California Department es, a Youth Summer Theater, the lette, who built the first building on of Parks and Recreation under Gov. Moraga Music Makers and holiday the property in the Spanish style in Ronald Reagan. Claire Roth, who workshops. 1917. The first floor of the - Haci served on the Authority board, re- Current Parks and Recreation enda is still testimony of what was members how Mott’s imagination Director Jay Ingram adds that at conceived to be a boys’ orphanage. was unbounded. The work of the the time Moraga was the only Photo provided The orphanage did not last and was Authority led to the purchase of Lamorinda city with a recreation Stanley Middle School musicians were thrilled with the news that closed down when authorities dis- the Hacienda. It was transferred to center. He says that in the nine the Lafayette City Council last week proclaimed April 27 as Stanley covered that only female nurses the town after the incorporation in years he has been in charge not Middle School Jazz Messengers’ Day in Lafayette. This honors the were working on the premises. 1977. In 1986 the town paid off the much has changed, and the facility many achievements the middle school jazz band has made this year, That land had been a part of the $130,000 mortgage that had been is not competitive with what La- including participating in the “Next Generations in Jazz Festival” in Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colo- taken to purchase the building. fayette and Orinda have developed Monterey and receiving a shared first place award from Downbeat rados, the 13,316-acre Mexican The 1970s and 80s were the for community centers. He is very Magazine as a top Middle School Large Jazz Ensemble in the nation. land grant given in 1841 to Joaquin height of the Hacienda as a rec- hopeful, though, that the new plan This will be published in the June edition of Downbeat Magazine. Moraga and his cousin, Juan Ber- reation center. Roth remembers the town is working on will result Although Stanley Music Director Bob Athayde knew about the nal. When the wheels of fortune dinners, meetings, gatherings and in improved community facilities, award for the past two months, he had to keep it secret from his stu- turned and Moraga lost the rancho, classes for all ages on every level as well as all around attraction for dents until the proclamation at the April 25 meeting. “It was hard,” he a quarter section was bought by Jes- of the building. She even remem- residents. says, “but it was worth the wait.” se Williams in 1857, who had been bers the photo lab installed on the The next step in the life of the a squatter on that land. In 1906, 160 second floor for photography in- unique facility will begin with its acres of the land was purchased by struction. In the winter of 1975, second century. Moraga Faire Celebrates Manuel Lucas, who in turn sold 20 acres to Albert Higgins. His daugh- The Centennial Celebration 10 Years of Family Fun ter Alberta inherited the property. It was the Parks and Recreation Department idea to have a Cen- ... continued from page A5 When Donald Rheem’s wife tennial Celebration for the Hacienda. The Hacienda Foundation was died, he decided to sell the property The anniversary will also houses, and make it possible for the the perfect partner to organize the May 15 event. he had developed for her. Over the showcase those businesses that Faire to be a free family event. “This is a free event,” says foundation member Claire Roth. “It is years the property had been consid- have been there since the first year: The most recent poll shows not a fundraiser, it is a way to invite the community to come and enjoy erably remodeled, with the addition Rheem Valley Pet Shoppe, Me- that 85 percent of the visitors are their park.” of a second floor and 18 rooms. In chanics Bank, 5A-Rent-A-Space, Moraga residents, and to Beans The event is a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but with a lot of ad- 1938 the pool and cabana were Montessori School, Loard’s Ice that means that the Faire has suc- ditions and surprises. Residents will enjoy traditional Mexican food, added (now the Pavilion). The es- Cream, the Lamorinda Wine Grow- ceeded in becoming the communi- drinks, music and games, such as piñata contests, tortilla making, tate included quarters for the chauf- ers Association and the Lamorinda ty-building event she dreamed of. Mexican tile painting, cupcake walks and loteria on the beautiful feur, the maid and butler, a theater Weekly. The only element Beans does grounds. The friends of the Moraga Adobe will bring a unique game, and a dark room. In 1961 the Chris- Beans also wants to acknowl- not control is the weather. She’s Capture the Donkey with a Lasso. tian Brothers of Saint Mary’s Col- edge the many volunteers who seen it all, from the days of scorch- But since it is also a historical celebration, the mosaic room in the lege purchased the present building have given their time and energy ing heat, to a very wet and cold Hacienda will be transformed in a small museum with on one side the surrounded by 10 acres for their this past decade, from Boy Scout Faire, to that day in May when the history of the Hacienda and on the other the conceptual ideas presented residential and administrative use. Troop 246 to Saint Mary’s College wind was so strong that the tents by Gould Evans for the future of the building. In 1973, Moraga was not yet a students, as well as many residents. started flying away. The celebration runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, town, but it had a Park and Recre- She adds that the sponsors, all lo- “You just can’t predict it,” she and is for all ages. There will be parking at Rheem Elementary School, ation Authority independent from cal businesses, donated money for says with a smile. 90 Laird Dr., and free shuttle to the Hacienda. the county that had its own taxation the climbing wall and the bounce Page: A12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Corroded Culvert is to Blame for Sinkhole ... continued from page A4 “Daylighting” — bringing the cul- However, when that same consul- members had serious doubts that vert above ground — is too expen- tant did a storm drain study for the the portions under private property sive; not doing anything is unsafe; town two years ago, the portion that had not failed could be coveredProject SiteProject Site and fitting a smaller pipe into the that failed last month had been list- as well. Project Site existing conduit would reduce the ed as in need of repair, but no sign Interim Town Manager Bob culvert capacity too much. of complete failing was present at Priebe asked the council to fo- The culvert that carries Laguna the time. cus on repairing the present dam- Creek underground paralleling Metcalf, followed by Council age and restoring the intersection, Moraga Road is made of differ- member Phil Arth, said that not which cost will be in the area of ent portions. There are about 600 replacing the corrugated portion $3.3 million. feet of corrugated pipe that run in of the pipe in its entirety, including Metcalf insisted that options between concrete sections to the what is under the Rheem shopping to mitigate potential failure and north and to the south. The metal center, does not make any sense extend the life of the pipe in other section runs under town property since it is going to fail someday. sections of the corrugated conduit and private property. The town But funding is a major issue. be looked at. At the same time, plans to replace 125 feet of metal The State has declared an emer- Public Works Director Edric Kwan pipe. gency in Contra Costa for storm- will meet with state agencies to Mayor Mike Metcalf asked the related damage to roads and high- define procedures and what can be consultant if they found the condi- ways after the March heavy rains. included in the repairs; the town at- tion of the corrugated pipe after the It means that Moraga will be able torney will look into rights of way sinkhole to be in as bad a shape as to apply for reimbursement of the and maintenance responsibility for the failed portion. They indicated expense to fix the problem created the portions of the pipe located un- that it was not in as bad a shape. by the storm. But other council der private property. LEGENDLEGEND Kwan plans to expedite the re- LEGEND quests for proposal and the bidding ConcreteConcrete process to be able to start work as Concrete soon as possible. All repair work Metal Metal LeapFrog Plumbing is scheduled to be completed by Metal Got gas? Many people the start of the rainy season, mid Project site and culvert location October. think plumbers deal only with water and sewage. 4/27/164/27/16 Not true! We install and ExistingExisting Pipe Pipe Condition Condition 4/27/16 repair all types of gas lines and fixtures too. Joint offsets Joint of offsets up to of 17.5 up to inches 17.5 inches Head Frog Mo Williams Joint openings were visibly obstructed by 17.5”�Joint� Joint openings were visibly obstructed by 17.5”�Joint� Mo’s sizzling LeapFrog Loot debris from the sinkhole including Offset debris fromconcrete, the sinkhole irrigation includingpiping and electrical Offset summer $25 off concrete, irrigation piping and electrical specials… Any plumbing job* conduit. conduit. Water flowing into the CMP through joint • Outdoor kitchens LeapFrog Loot • New gas lines for cooktops $100 off Water flowingoffsets into at a therate CMPof 1 to through2 gallons jointper and dryers Gas line installation offsets atminute a rate following of 1 to 2a drygallons period per of over $600* • Fire pits & patio heaters minute followingapproximately a dry 10 period days. of • Pool heaters & hot tubs LeapFrog Loot • Natural gas barbecues approximately 10 days. $150 off Joint�Offset� We’re poly‐pipe certified w/�Debris (approved vendors of PG&E ‐ better than iron) Tankless water heater installation* Joint�Offset� *1 coupon per service, exp. 7/31/16 w/�Debris Figure 9: Joint Offset of CMP at Sinkhole Location
We Hop To It! Figure 9: Joint Offset of CMP Family-owned and serving Figure 8: Joint Offset with Debris Intrusion at Sinkhole Location Lamorinda since 1993 4/27/16 green solutions! Figure 8: Joint Offset with Debris Intrusion (925) 377-6600 Apparent4/27/16 Mode of Failure CA Lic 929641 www.LeapFrogPlumbing.com
Deformed 96-inch CMP Shape Opening Allows Soil to Enter Pipe
Soil Erosion Below CMP Invert Corrosion
Figure 5: Animation of CMP Failure
4/27/16
Pipe Crown Deformation Images provided by Town of Moraga and Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers
Building Foundations • Lifting • Leveling • Stabilizing
www.bayareaunderpinning.org Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A13 Lafayette City Gears Up for Free IT’S APRIL IN LAMORINDA Car Charging Stations FOR REAL ESTATE Call me when you are ready to sell or buy By Cathy Tyson a home and want the best results. 925-253-2147 [email protected] Giving Dreams an Address CalBRE#01221153 93 Moraga Way, #103, Orinda April Matthews www.villageassociates.com • www.dreamhomelamorinda.com
Gen. Eng. Lic #971074
The charging stations will be like these at Whole Foods. Photo Cathy Tyson lectric vehicle drivers in La- stations between Walnut Creek Efayette will soon be able to and Oakland are the two char- plug in and charge their cars on gers located at Whole Foods; the Golden Gate Way, between the addition of these three charging Lafayette Library and Learning stations more than doubles avail- Complete Sewer Specialist Center and the Park Theater, at ability. no cost to the city. NRG will be paying to up- Although motorists will have grade the power capacity as well Locally Owned & Operated 38 Years of Experience to pay for the cost of a “tank” as the actual energy used directly full of electric fuel, which is con- to PG&E. Trenchless Replacements & Repairs Video Inspections & Locating siderably cheaper and some say Four dedicated parking spac- No Landscape Damage Sewers Unclogged cleaner than gasoline, they will es will be striped for electric also have to feed the meter: $2 vehicles only and will be wide for the maximum two-hour park- enough to accommodate disabled ing. parkers. Energy company NRG is The mayor and city council 925.932.4023 paying to provide, install and members were unanimously in www.GoTrenchless.com maintain what they call an EVGo favor of the proposal. City At- “Freedom Station” made up of torney Mala Subramanian will the two DC fast charging stations, review the eight-year renewable along with one Level II charger. contract to make sure everything The funding is made possible is in order and that the city is in- as part of a fine stemming from demnified for potential tripping claims reaching back to Dynegy hazards. and the California energy crisis City Manager Steven Falk did in 2000 and 2001. NRG is install- point out that the charging hose ing a minimum of 200 DC fast isn’t released from the pump un- charging stations statewide at no til a barcode is scanned, at which cost to municipalities to encour- point it is plugged into car, mak- age and support zero emission ing for a relatively short amount vehicles as part of the $120 mil- of time the hose is accessible. lion dollar penalty for gouging The wheels of city govern- California energy users. ment spun quickly on this proj- Golden Gate Way was cho- ect, which accelerated with the sen for its downtown location, official submission of a cleverly availability of parking spaces named Charge! grant application and nearby electrical infrastruc- in late December 2015. NRG en- ture that could support fueling ergy is one of the nation’s larg- needs. Originally spaces in front est competitive power produc- of the Mercantile building were ers with over two million retail suggested, but that concept was customers in 16 states; it’s also scrapped in response to feedback the nation’s first comprehensive and overall demand for those electric vehicle charging station sought-after parking spots. provider. The only other NRG charging City Council Supports School Bond Measure ... continued from page A2 Both commercial and residen- ria” including project scope, la- tial property owners would be bor agreements, and whether the subject to the assessment and all agency seems to do a good job in the funds would stay local, with fulfilling its mission, specifically independent citizen oversight educational outcomes. and mandatory audits to ensure “This district does an excel- that funds are spent properly on lent job,” he said, adding that the school facilities and infrastruc- bond is completely reasonable. ture, Zinn said. “There’re no frills, no funny “It’s a pleasure to have an op- stuff.” portunity to compliment a pub- Grace Dixon, a parent of local lic agency that is well led, well school children, added her voice managed and we would urge the to urge the council’s support, as council to support this school she said she feels that home val- bond,” said Jack Weir, president ues in Lafayette rise and fall on of the non-profit, non-partisan the quality of the school system Contra Costa Taxpayers Associa- here. tion at the April 25 city council After clarifying with the city meeting. He explained how the attorney that it was appropriate group carefully reviewed all of to take a position on the matter, the tax measures on the June bal- which is possible as long as no lot using a list of critical criteria, public funds are spent, the coun- and this school district “met ev- cil unanimously voted to support ery single one of our key crite- the bond measure. Page: A14 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 “A little bit of myself goes into every job.” ~ HE’S ALL ABOUT LAMORINDA ~ Michael VerBrugge, President, Moraga Resident 925.631.1055 www.MVCRemodeling.com Specializing in kitchens & bathrooms. Office: 925-254-8585 Cell: 925-998-7898 All forms residential remodel/repair. www.clarkthompson.com Lic# 681593 CalBRE #: 00903367 [email protected] Giving Dreams an Address
General Contractor Clean | Courteous | Conscientious On-time | Trustworthy | Local References EBMUD Ceases ‘Outing’ of Water Wasters Full design team resources available By Nick Marnell he East Bay Municipal Util- that most riled up customers was but the savings achieved were Tity District board voted the release of the names and ad- considerable.” EBMUD said that unanimously April 26 to suspend dresses of the water wasters to its customers reduced water use its Excessive Water Use Penalty media outlets. Even the district by 24 percent compared with Ordinance, the controversial pro- board was torn on the use of such consumption in 2013. gram that fined customers who negative reinforcement. The district suspended the used more than 1,000 gallons of “If the purpose was to shame excessive use penalty effective water a day. the customers, and for some May 3, though the ordinance Though the district mistak- board members it was, then it will remain on the books in case enly reported inflated water - us served its purpose,” said direc- EBMUD needs an emergency age by some of its customers at tor John Coleman, whose Ward conservation tool to respond to Call Tom for a free Since 1993! times, and residents of areas with 2 includes Lafayette. “The fact is future droughts. Coleman says estimate Tom Gieryng, owner and operator larger lawns complained that the that in every past drought when he will again refuse to vote for ordinance was unfair, one highly we ask our customers to cut back, the release of the names and ad- publicized aspect of the program they all do on an equal basis re- dresses of violators. gardless of where they live. We “No, I will not support such would have achieved the same a proposal,” he said. “First, I results without the ‘outing’ of believe it violates the personal names and addresses.” rights of an individual, and fur- EBMUD spokeswoman An- thermore, it potentially creates a drea Pook defended the use of situation in which the individual the program, claiming that over or their family could be put in 70 percent of users who appeared jeopardy of harm from an indi- once on the excessive use list did vidual that may be mentally un- not return. “They took positive balanced.” action that resulted in water con- The Lamorinda Weekly re- servation” she said. ceived the names and addresses Director Marguerite Young of of excessive water users from the Ward 3, which includes Moraga district but declined to publish and Orinda, agreed. them. The most recent EBMUD “I do support the use of this excessive user report included approach in future droughts as 25 addresses in Lafayette, two in one tool of many,” she said. Moraga and 17 in Orinda. “Only 1.2 percent of our custom- ers were subjected to the penalty
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Indigo & Poppy 1009 Oak Hill Road, Lafayette 925-962-9201 www.indigoandpoppy.com Hours: 10:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Saturday, Closed Sunday Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B1 Long Distance Love is Tricky for Grandparents and Grandchildren By Cathy Dausman “It’s just like being next door,” she says. Witalis and her husband travel to Seattle two or three times a year; they’ll make their fourth trip to London in July. Erla Boren’s grandchildren are also split near and far. The good LOPC’s First Friday Forum Presents: news is the younger ones have recently relocated “much to our SYRIA: THE LONG CIVIL WAR delight” two time zones closer, with Dr. Glenn Robinson Professor of Defense Analysis, Naval Post Graduate School from Atlanta to Denver. Boren is
“Amma” to her four grandchildren in deference to her Icelandic roots. “We try to visit [her out of state daughter’s family] three or four times a year,” Boren said, add- ing “they also come here.” Boren uses FaceTime to connect with her daughter’s family, asking what kind of dress her young granddaughter might like to wear. “They are re- ally such a joy,” she says, “wanting to talk and show [me] everything. They are just a pure delight!” Boren says she and her hus- FRIDAY, MAY 6 band and their children work to 1:00 p.m. Refreshments • 1:30 p.m. Speaker “keep the family together,” in spite Dr. Robinson’s talk will focus on the causes, characteristics, evolution of any distance between them. Her The Boren grandchildren enjoy being together on a recent trip to San and consequences of Syria’s long civil war, including its impacts on the grandchildren have seen each other Francisco with their grandparents. Photo submitted broader Middle East, the prospects for the fragile cease-fire being enough in their young lives that maintained and whether Syria will remain as a country in the future. f absence makes the heart grow overseas grandchildren are fluent they are “crazy about each other,” Ifonder, some Lamorinda grand- in both English and Swedish so which, she adds is “such a joy for FFreeree anandd open to the public mothers must be developing the language is not a barrier. Her fa- me”. It’s important to visit and fondest hearts of all. These women vorite activity is accompanying her keep in touch, Boren says, even by are grandmothers with offspring grandchildren to a nearby farm with doing something as simple as mail- who live miles, time zones and a playground, or watching them ing them a coloring book. LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 49 Knox Drive Lafayette CA 94549 sometimes countries away from the swim in a “wonderful indoor pool” “I’m just making sure they (925) 283-8722 • LOPC.org East Bay. They are experts at long or outdoor lake. In Sweden Moth- don’t forget me,” she says. distance love. er’s Day, or Mors Dag, falls on the Diana Graham is known as last Sunday in May, so the timing is Grandma to her four grandchildren, different, too. Fortunately, Graham but three of them might easily call says “I’m not big on holidays.” her “Farmor.” Along with a grand- Patti Witalis’ seven grand- daughter who lives in El Cerrito, children, who range in age from Graham has twin grandsons, age 4, toddlers to young teens, call her Care Indeed is poised to meet and a granddaughter, 16-months- “Damma.” The youngest two, both your home care needs effectively old, living in Linköping, Sweden. boys, live in Albany. Three more because we choose our caregivers carefully She catches up with her overseas boys, ages seven to 10, are in Se- and train them well. family during weekly sessions of attle. The oldest ones, a girl, 11, Skype, the video conferencing pro- and boy, 13, live on the outskirts of The owners of Care Indeed are experts in gram, usually during their dinner- London. senior care; they are licensed health care time, when it is breakfast time here. Witalis says Skype is a “won- professionals who have been caregivers too. Visiting in person requires making derful” way to stay in touch de- a nine-hour time change, an 11- spite the miles, especially when One of the things they learned from being hour flight and a three-hour train compared with how she remem- caregivers is the importance of teaching, ride to the Swedish city. bers handling long-distance com- supporting and encouraging their caregivers “It (Sweden) is a long way off, munications years ago, using a to enjoy their role, and do it well. and it is hard for them (to travel three minute egg timer to make here)” Graham says. So Graham telephone calls after 6 p.m. “I can makes the trip three times a year show them our new house [and] our Serving the Greater Bay Area for 10-day visits, usually in late new dog,” she said, all the while (925) 317-3080 (925) 402-4411 fall, early spring, and again in June keeping tabs on what each child is [email protected] when her husband joins her. “happy or hesitant about.” She can YOUR 24/7 HOME CARE SPECIALIST www. careindeed.com “If I could travel once a month watch grandchildren rehearse for Home Care Organization #414700023 to see my mother in Portland, I can a speech or show off a Halloween do this,” she said. Graham says her costume, too. Page: B2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 A Mother’s Silver Lining: Community Rallies to Support Grieving Family Fine Jewelry since 1977 By Sophie Braccini Expanding our Services with Playhouse preschool her daughter Two Goldsmiths attends. For the first three months • Custom Designs • Appraisals the teachers at Rheem paid for the afterschool care of her son; some- • Expert Repairs • Pearl Restringing one anonymously paid for his hot All your jewelry is insured with Jeweler’s Block Insurance. lunch until the end of the school year; another anonymous parent $5 off Watch Battery paid for field trips and added a Reg $15, Now $10 cashier’s check in the boy’s back- 1 watch battery per person. Exp. 6/15/16. Usually installed while you wait. W/coupon. Restrictions apply. pack. 3645 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette between Trader Joes & the Post Office “I wish that I knew who it was 283-2988 www.waredesigns.com Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 so I could thank them,” says Rick- man. Also, the school set up a meal train four times a week from the • Experienced Caregivers day of the tragedy to the end of • Holistic Practices February. • In-home Care The Creative Playhouse, where Loto’s daughter goes full-time five days a week, gave her free tuition until she graduates. “This is huge,” says the grateful mother 925-451-5208 who adds she feels blessed and that words cannot express her gratitude. www.holisticcaregivers.net Wakileh says that she almost did not think anything of it, that it was automatic. “I wanted to offer a safe place for her daughter and peace of mind,” she adds. Loto Rickman at Moraga Royale, where she works. Photo Sophie Braccini A Moraga family, the Plantin- gas, whose child is friend of Rick- t was life as usual for the Rick- culture shock was more profound man’s daughter, entirely decorated EARS TO YOU Iman family on Dec. 2. Loto than she had anticipated. She had their house for Christmas. They April 22nd thru May 8th, 2016 Rickman went to Moraga Royale lived all her life in a society where also helped with a summer camp retirement community where she violence and crime does not exist, for Loto’s son. Another family FREE works as assistant to Director Di- and where no one bolts their door. gave a Christmas tree, and set up a anne Wilson; her two children went She says it took her three months college fund for the children. She Brighton to elementary and pre-school; and to feel confident enough to leave adds that over 50 gifts were lined Earrings! their father, Scott Rickman, a law- the confines of her home and start up under that Christmas tree, along yer, continued his search for a new looking for a job. with Safeway and CVS gift cards. Purchase any job. Dianne Wilson gave her that Her son’s fourth grade teacher, Brighton necklace Later that day, Loto Rickman opportunity at Moraga Royale, hir- Lori Bailey, takes care of him dur- & bracelet, received a phone call from the po- ing her as a receptionist. Struck by ing days off school. Other gifts choose any pair of lice department. Her husband had the young woman’s abilities, her have been received from anony- Brighton Earrings* taken his own life. willingness to grow — she took mous donors, and continue to come FREE! In the days that followed the classes at Mills College — Wilson in. tragedy, Rickman says that she felt gave her successive promotions. *FREE earrings must be of EQUAL or LESSER VALUE “I had never seen a community to the highest priced item purchased. great confusion, and simply tried to “I feel so blessed I have this that could step up like that,” says Limited to stock on hand. Necklace and Bracelet do what her heart was telling her to job,” Rickman says. Moraga the young mother, who wonders must be purchased in the same transaction. do for her two children. She said Royale, its staff and residents have what she has done to deserve all Prior purchases excluded. that she found tremendous support become her comfort zone since her this, since she had never been able from the people at Moraga Royale, husband’s death, the place she goes to volunteer in schools since she and from both parents’ communi- to when she seeks moral support. works full time. ties of the schools her children at- Wilson understands why Rickman adds her children are tend. Moraga Royale is a comfort zone doing very well, that the first days Lafayette Moraga Danville Montclair Orinda Rickman is of Samoan origin. for Loto and her children. “From were hard, but that they are now Countrywood Clayton Rd. Sonoma Auburn She says that in her culture, de- personal experience I know that feeling comfortable talking about Stockton (Now at Lincoln Center) pression is not a familiar concept when times are almost unbearable their father. At the Creative Play- and that she had never heard of the roles reverse and our residents house, Wakileh says that the little anyone taking their own life. She are the ones offering the support girl is doing wonderfully, that staff adds that there were no warning and assurance needed to carry on,” gave her room, attention and let her signs. Her husband hid the depres- she says. She adds that life experi- talk about her daddy who had gone sion that runs in his family. He was ence and maturity creates wisdom to Heaven. someone to always tell a joke and and understanding, which is a gift Loto feels that she does not CARPET CLEANING seemed happy, or as Creative Play- that only the elderly can offer those need a therapist at this time because LAMORINDA'S FAVORITE house preschool’s owner Julieanna who have yet to experience life’s she has everyone at work to help FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS Wakileh says it, a vibrant and hap- FOR OVER 36 YEARS unexpected tragedies. her. py person, a very involved father. But what Rickman was not Scott Rickman has two older Rickman met her husband in expecting was the outpouring of children from a previous marriage, (925) 283-8744 SPRING SPECIAL American Samoa when he visited support from the Moraga commu- one in middle school, and another www.siggyscarpetcleaning.com % on business; they both worked for nity, especially from the parents at who attends Diablo Valley College. 3408 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette I5 OFF the same company, Starkist Tuna. Rheem Elementary School where When she came to Moraga, the her son goes, and the Creative Fashion Show Benefits Children’s Hospital Submitted by Melinda Krigel VACATION BIBLE CAMP June 13 - 17, 2016 Register today at LOPC.org!
VOLUNTEER! Help make summer meaningful for a child. We’re seeking volunteers for the following roles:
• Crew Leader - Help shepherd kids from station to station • Hospitality - Check kids in as they arrive to camp • Recreation - Run around and play Bible themed games • Craft - Help kids create art to remember what they learned • Snack - Prepare and serve delicious and nutritious snacks • Mission - Help kids complete a project for summer mission • Worship - Lead motions to songs for large groups • Camp Nurse - Help care for sick, injured, or tired children • Camp Set-Up - Help set-up in preparation for the week Orinda’s Finley Brown, a UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Orinda resident Margie Peterson, one of the fashion • Camp Breakdown - Help clean up after the week is over Oakland oncology patient, walks the runway along with show organizers, poses with “models” from the her brother, Cooper. Lombardy Fashion Show. Photos SHE Photography very fashionable time was had fundraiser benefiting the hospital. Models included Lafayette Contact [email protected] for info or to volunteer Aat the Orinda Country Club in The event, organized by the resident and Children’s hospital March, when Lamorinda residents hospital’s Lombardy Branch or- oncologist Dr. Jennifer Michlitsch, LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hos- ganization, featured Trina Turk’s Lamorinda Pediatrics Dr. Juliana 49 Knox Dr Lafayette CA • (925) 283-8722 pital Oakland doctors and their California-inspired designs as well Herbert, and Children’s patient and patients strutted their stuff on the as kids clothes from Lafayette’s Orinda resident Finley Brown, and runway during a fashion show and Whimsy. her brother Cooper. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B3 SMC Prof Tapped as Poetry Editor for The New York Times All Airports By A.K. Carroll TAXI BLEU Served 24/7 lights of the position is getting to Dispatch: tell writers that their poems have been selected. “It’s just such a treat 925-849-2222 Direct: to get to tell people the news.” You can find Zapruder’s most 925-286-0064 recent selections in the latest issue www.mytaxibleu.com of The New York Times Magazine [email protected] or at http://www.nytimes.com/col- umn/magazine-poem.
Saint Mary’s English professor Matthew Zapruder is the new Poetry Editor for The New York Times Magazine. Photo Chris Hardy atthew Zapruder, professor prised at what can be good.” Mof English at Saint Mary’s Zapruder introduced his first College and editor at large at Wave selection, “You Throw a Stone” Books, did not always set out to be by Juan Felipe Herrera, as a poem a poet. “I didn’t start writing poetry that depicts the elemental facts of until I was in my 20s,” said Za- an unnamed conflict. “I think of the pruder, who earned a doctorate in Middle East, but really, it could be Russian Literature at UC Berkeley anywhere,” writes Zapruder. “The before going on to purse a Masters unexpected and disorienting spaces of Fine Arts at the University of in the poem force us to pause, think Massachusetts, Amherst. and empathize in places where we “I always wanted to be a writer usually don’t, but probably should.” of some sort and when I started The poem is accompanied by R. writing that’s what I wrote and I O. Blechman’s illustration of two wasn’t really interested in writing opposing hands throwing stones anything else.” Now, the author of at one another, their trajectories four collections of poetry and the marked by thick red arrows. The forthcoming book of prose ‘‘Why illustration, much like Zapruder’s Poetry,’’ has another feather to add introduction, makes the poem more to his literary cap — being named approachable, the kind of poem that editor of the poetry column for The anyone can read. New York Times Magazine. “I don’t imagine poets or ex- The position, which debuted in perts in poetry,” Zapruder said of February 2015 along with the re- his hypothetical readers. “I imagine launch of the publication, was previ- someone who doesn’t necessarily ously held by former U.S. Poet Lau- read a lot of poetry. Someone curi- reate Natasha Trethewey. “I assumed ous and interested in culture and the Natasha would do it for a while,” news, generally educated but not an said Zapruder, who went to graduate expert in literature or anything.” Za- school with Trethewey. “When I got pruder likes to think this about his an email from the Times magazine own poems as well — that they’re asking if I would do it I was doubly there for people who want them. surprised: [firstly,] that it was avail- When he makes his selections able and [secondly, that] they were and crafts his introductions, it takes interested in having me do it.” much the same trajectory as pre- In keeping with the previously senting a friend to an audience. “I set guidelines, Zapruder is limit- imagine what it would be like to ing his selections to poems that read this if you didn’t know any- have been recently published or thing about poetry and just turned are forthcoming. “I’m looking for the page,” said Zapruder. “I picture a wide variety,” he said. “I want to someone who has a life and does show off the strength and diversity things and cares about things like of American poetry, both aestheti- family and politics and the world.” cally and in terms of the people who Zapruder will hold the curato- are producing it.” rial position for only a year before While Zapruder is also re- it passes on to another nominee. stricted by the size of the column, “People seem to really like it,” he Samira which is a quarter page at most, he said of the poetry column. “It used Says How do I choose where finds there are still plenty of poems to be that a lot of major magazines to choose from. “I’m thinking of ran poetry. They’re bringing back what’s different and what’s new. something that used to be a tradi- I go for recovery? What’s going to blow peoples’ tion in American journalism and minds,” he said. “As people keep publishing.” The center you choose will significantly reading they’ll continually be sur- For Zapruder, one of the high- Samira Davi is a Nurse Liaison for ManorCare Health Services in Walnut Creek. Samira has over 10 years of impact your rehabilitation outcome—here’s experience working in health care in KAPOW! ComicFest Comes Contra Costa County, which has gained her a wide view of what is important to some information to help you choose: to the Lafayette Library the health care consumer. She will be posting common questions and (1) Visit and Tour different facilities. Submitted by Patrick Brogan comments in each issue of the Lamorinda View the rehab department, view the rooms, meet the staff in different Weekly. You are welcome to contact Samira directly at 925.270.8766 departments, and ask questions about care delivery. Tour the center for cleanliness, friendliness and the amenities that are important to you. (2) Make sure the facilities can demonstrate a proven track record of successful outcomes. Ask for evidence of how successful they are at improving patients walking, bathing, dressing, and ability to manage their own care at home. ManorCare measures these things on admission and discharge, so we can see the impact our services have on our patients. More than 90 percent of ManorCare rehabilitation patients are discharged to home. (3) Social workers are a crucial part of the equation. Ask how they plan discharge and who manages the process. At ManorCare, we plan patients’ discharge from the start so that the patient has a smooth transition back home. This eliminates worry and anxiety for both the patient and the family. (4) Who is managing your insurance? At ManorCare, we have RN Case Managers who manage your insurance benefits from admission to discharge. You have an advocate during your stay to ensure that you are able to maximize your benefits. (5) Specialized care and services. Certified wound care nursing, specialized pain management techniques, speech language pathology and respiratory care are standards at ManorCare—they are Graphic submitted critical pieces of recovery. Ask the facility how they manage these clinical issues. he Lafayette Library and San Francisco resident Oliver Chin (6) 24/7 RN coverage. ManorCare prides itself on its clinical management and skills. We have TLearning Center presents who will host a workshop and table highly-trained RNs who can manage the highest levels of acuity here around-the-clock. Ask the facility ComicFest 2016. This mini Comic and Concord resident Sam Filstrup, what level of clinical care is available throughout the day and night. Book ConventionJoin style us for anevent afternoon will of fun whocelebrating will Pop host Culture a table. Guest authors (7) Customer service. How does the facility measure its customer service outcomes? As with feature artists and their work, alongAges 5 & Upinclude Lamorinda residents and Free comic books (while supplies last – kids first) clinical outcomes, ManorCare measures how it does with its customers—you. A third party surveys all with workshops, crafts, cosplay, cartoonist Betsy Streeter and Raea discharged patients and asks questions about the quality of care and service they received while a patient photobooth, scavenger hunt,+ Lots of raffle prizes & Graggsurprises +(cartoonist for the Acalanes at ManorCare. We’re proud to say that the scores come back over-whelming positive. prizes and more. + Guest of Honor:Blueprint + student newspaper). Joe Field, owner Flying Colors Comics We invite you to tour both of our ManorCare post-acute rehab centers— Joe Field, owner of &Flying founder Colof Free- Comic BookParticipants Day are encouraged to + Comedian & Cartoonist: Mike Capozzola we’ll answer all these questions for you and more. ors Comics in Concord+ Guest and Artists: founder Oliver Chin,come Sam Filstrupin their + best superhero or vil- of Free Comic Book+ Guest Day, Authors: will Betsy be Streeter,lain Raeacostume. Gragg + There will be a give- + Come in Superhero / Villain Costume + the event’s guest +of Photo honor. booth, scavengerField hunt,away crafts, of cosplay free+ comic books while will kick off the event and give a supplies last (children first). talk on his life and how comics has This event is part of Free Comic A leader in rehabilitation and skilled nursing and continues to affect it.Lafayette Library & LearningBook DaysCenter @ Your Library (www. 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. – Lafayette, CA 94549 – 925-385-2280 Mon-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-5pm ManorCare Walnut Creek ManorCare Tice Valley San Francisco-based comedian tinyurl.com/comicbookdays2016) Generously Sponsored by Friends of the Lafayette Library & Learning Center 1226 Rossmoor Parkway 1975 Tice Valley Blvd and cartoonist Mike Capozzola and is sponsored by Friends of the will perform a comedy routine and Lafayette Library & Learning Cen- Walnut Creek, CA 94595, 925.975.5000 Walnut Creek, CA 94595, 925.906.0200 host a table. Guest artists include ter. For ages 5 and up. [email protected] [email protected] Page: B4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016
We are pleased to make space available whenever possible for some of Lamorinda’s dedicated community service organizations to submit news and information about their Community Service activities. Submissions may be sent to [email protected] with the subject header In Service to the Community. Glorietta Can’t Wait to be ‘King’ Moraga Troop 234 Finds Unique Submitted By Hillary Weiner Way to Raise Funds and Fight the Drought Submitted by Bob Fritzky
The casts of “The Lion King Jr.” get ready for their upcoming performances. .
Boy Scout Troop 234 received a special honor from Mayor Mike Metcalf. Photo Bruce McGurk he Town of Moraga awarded Moraga When contacted in spring of 2015, TBoy Scout Troop 234 a Certificate of Bohlig could not give the troop permis- Merit on April 26, recognizing the troop’s sion for the car wash but came up with work in drought education for the town. the idea that the Boy Scouts could help Due to the severe drought, the troop EBMUD get water saving materials out to cancelled last year’s Spring Car Wash the public. Though he couldn’t match pre- Fundraiser and instead went door to door vious car wash proceeds, his department handing out water conservation materials could pay the troop do this job. When this for East Bay Municipal Utility District. information was brought to the PLC of The troop has a long-standing tradition this Boy Lead Troop, the boys immediate- of holding spring and fall car washes to ly knew that cancelling the car wash was raise funds for troop activities and expens- the right thing to do and helping EBMUD lorietta Elementary School presents its parent producers Lani MacKenzie, Susan es. Having first consulted with EBMUD educate the people of Moraga would be a Gspring musical, Disney’s “The Lion Jordan, and Kathryn Ishizu. There are two Water Conservation Manager Charles great way to face the drought head-on. King Jr.” on May 13 and 14. student casts, made up of approximately 90 Bohlig in the fall, the troop was given the On May 2, 2015, the boys and their Based on the Broadway production di- students along with a student tech crew. The go-ahead to hold its fall 2014 car wash. At parents met at Moraga Commons Park rected by Julie Taymor and the 1994 Disney production is funded through parent contri- that time, the request to Bohlig included to pick up the plastic door hangers that film, “The Lion King Jr.” tells the story of butions, the school’s Parents Club, Orinda an explanation that the troop would follow contained a placard explaining the five the epic adventures of a curious cub named Arts Council and EFO. state mandated guidelines for water con- steps all EBMUD customers must take to Simba as he struggles to accept the responsi- “The Lion King Jr.” takes place at Glo- servation and reduce the hours of opera- reduce their water consumption, dye tabs bilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. rietta Elementary School, 15 Martha Rd., at tion by 20 percent. for toilet leak detection and a leaflet on The play features classic songs from the 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, May 13 and at In addition, troop representatives ex- how to “Look for Leaks.” 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14. Tickets plained that run-off water would be caught The five steps are: Academy Award-winning “Can You Feel the for the Friday and Saturday performances and directed into the city sewer system, 1) Indoors, use no more than 35 gallons/ Love Tonight,” as well as additional songs (all reserved seating) will be available in ad- which was commended by EBMUD; the day/person of water written for the Broadway production. vance online at www.showtix4u.com. Tick- troop would put senior scouts in charge 2) Fix all leaks The production is directed by music ets may also be available at the door prior to of hoses to reduce the amount of “horse 3) Outside: water no more than two non- teacher Ron Pickett, with the assistance of the show. play”; and nozzles would be placed on the consecutive days perweek hoses. Bohlig was happy to give the troop 4) No overspray or run off. Water be- the go-ahead, suggesting that they’d talk tween 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Triathlon Volunteers Keep it Going prior to the anticipated spring 2015 Car 5) No outdoor washing of driveways, Submitted by Gabriella Zacco Wash. sidewalks, etc. Rotary Club of Lafayette Turns 70 in Style Submitted by Robert Shusta
Pictured are Joan and Kent Jacobson, David and Sylvia Omoto, Shari Erickson, Robert Giomi, Gabri- ella Zacco. At the post are Sabina Majzouband and John Kochan. Photo submitted t’s not only the athletes who get a work- neighbors who have continually support- Iout during the Moraga Triathlon, held ed and volunteered for the race each year. April 24. Here are some Carroll Ranch Lamorinda Teens Honored for Charity Work Submitted by Martina Scanlan
Michael Heller with the Club’s birthday cake Photo Dave Baker he Rotary Club of Lafayette celebrated Chaffey, acknowledged the members in the Tits 70th anniversary on April 21 at a lun- club who had over 25 years membership, cheon at the Oakwood Athletic Club, where including special tribute for length of mem- they meet each week on Thursdays. bership to Bill Eames, 52 years, Tom Cour- There were 71 attendees who heard that tright, 44 years, and Ed Stokes, 40 years. Lafayette Rotary was chartered in 1946 by Chaffey mentioned the Club’s impact on the the Rotary Clubs of Berkeley (chartered community, in that over the years, its mem- in 1916) and Walnut Creek (chartered in bership has included two city managers, two 1937). That Lafayette Rotary was involved city council members, four chiefs of police, Pictured, bottom row, from left: Lauren Torres, Claire Dodd, Olivia Guidotti, Molly Colwell, Som- in the chartering of four other Rotary Clubs, one sheriff, one county supervisor, three mar Veverka, Mary Noal, Sophia Settle, Bridget Immel, Olivia Chandler. Top row, from left: Bailey Yuen, Kelcey Higgins, Isabel Napper, Kristine Stanners, Sarah Cella, Katie Woolsey, Emma Scanlan, Orinda (1949), Lamorinda Sunrise (1987), Acalanes Union High School District super- Sophia Hubbell, Emma Sonnenschein, Abby Garrett and Beth Evenhuis. Photo Juleen Lapporte Diablo View in Walnut Creek (2009) and the intendents, two principals, and one elemen- wenty senior girls from Acalanes, Cam- cluding Monument Crisis Center, Lafayette Ekaterinburg, Russia Club in 1998. Ekater- tary school district superintendent. Tpolindo, Miramonte, Head-Royce and Town Hall Theater, Xenophon, Lamorinda inburg, also known as Yekaterinburg, is the Those interested in membership with the The College Preparatory School were hon- libraries and Loaves and Fishes. The Na- fourth largest city in Russia located in the Rotary Club of Lafayette are encouraged to ored at the 25th Annual Senior Recognition tional Charity League was founded in 1925 Ural Mountains situated between Europe attend a complimentary lunch meeting at event for the Lamorinda Chapter of National to foster the Mother and Daughter relation- and Asia. The city has a population of 1.5 the Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Dia- Charity League in March. The young women ship, while being committed to community million and was the second Rotary Club es- blo Blvd. Meetings are held every Thursday collectively volunteered over 5,800 hours service, leadership development and cultural tablished in Western Russia. from noon to 1:30 p.m. for a wide variety of local philanthropies, in- experiences. The master of ceremonies, George Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B5 Lafayette’s Way Side Inn Hosts Operation School Bell Celebration By Cathy Tyson ties and even given a gift card for shoes. “The mom left with a smile on her face,” Bowman said. Assemblywoman Susan Bo- nilla also addressed the gathering, praising the kindness of volunteers who care for children in a practi- cal, meaningful way, creating a ripple effect of giving. Perched near the apple juice and brownies were two of the
hardest working puppets in town: The Writing Studio Lamorinda Weekly 3.875 x 4 April 2016.pdf 1 3/28/16 12:48 PM Melody James and Renaldo Ro- driguez, along with their wrangler and voice, vice president of public relations Linda Patton. The trio visit kindergarten The Writing Studio through third grade classrooms June A Camp for Young Writers 13-J eight times per month to talk about July 5-A uly 1 ugus things that may be bothering the t 5 Veronica Grant, President of Assistance League of Diablo Valley and a vol- students. The current topic of dis- Join CAMP YOUNG WRITERS this summer as your children enter unteer outside of the Wayside Inn Thrift Shop. Photos Cathy Tyson C cussion is bullying. Puppets are a world of CREATIVE NARRATIVE and ABSORBING ESSAY-BASED WRITING PROJECTS. Through grade appropriate classes and hat started in 1994 by pro- Diablo Valley is just one of 120 provided through the “Kids on theM one-on- one sessions, students learn proper sentence structure, viding 67 students with chapters of the Assistance League, Y W Block” program to the Assistance the elements of well-written essays, creative use of descriptive clothing in the Walnut Creek a national nonprofit organization League. CM words, correct grammar, usage, and so much more. School District has blossomed, and that puts caring and commitment In addition to OSB, other ef- MY has served an astonishing 50,000 into action. The local Diablo Val- forts funded by the Way Side Inn CAMP YOUNG WRITERS is open to students in grades 3-12 who students over the past 49 years, all ley chapter serves 49 schools in shop include college scholarshipsCY strive to improve their writing skills. Projects consist of first person narratives, historical biographies and literature analyses. Our camps through the hard work and dedica- five school districts through OSB. for young adults, food donations,CMY will take place June 13-July 1 and July 5-August 5; sessions will be tion of the many volunteers of the Christina Bowman, principal K baby bags for infants at risk, emer- held three days per week, 2-5 pm. Assistance League of Diablo Val- of El Monte Elementary School in gency clothing to survivors of as- For further information, please call ley through their signature Opera- Concord, spoke about what OSB sault, and more. To learn more 925-385-0211 or visit us at tion School Bell program. means from a recipient’s perspec- about the Assistance League of www.lafayettewritingstudio.com. OSB is epic recycling at its fin- tive. With just under 500 kids, her Diablo Valley and the popular Way THE WRITING STUDIO est: Donated items don’t end up school has 65 percent of its stu- Side Inn Thrift Shop, visit their Where Words Come to Life in landfills, but are resold for cash dents eligible for free and reduced website at diablovalley.assistance- which goes toward clothing needy price lunches and 40 percent of the league.org. 3455 Golden Gate Way, Suite A, Lafayette (925) 385-0211 children in Contra Costa County. kids speak Spanish at home. Celebrating this milestone In the surrounding neighbor- at a recent event in front of the hoods, “parents are struggling just Lafayette’s Way Side Inn Thrift to pay rent, buy gasoline to get to GETGET AHEADAHEAD IN IN MATH MATH THIS THIS YEAR FALLFALL GRADES K-12 Shop, President Veronica Grant work and to put food on the table. # # GET AHEAD IN MATH THIS FALLFALL explained that money raised to That doesn’t leave a lot for cloth- support OSB and their other phil- ing” said Bowman. anthropic efforts is due to the “un- School uniforms have made a deniable shopping skills, generous huge difference, said the principal, donors and countess volunteers” explaining that since the uniform HOMEWORK HELP FOR ALL LEVELS that give their time and resources policy has started, the entire stu- to the cause. dent body’s scores have improved Flat Monthly Fee Ground zero for donations and along with conduct. Drop-in any time, no scheduling needed! sales, the historical Way Side Inn, She recently met with a new D adjacent to the Park Theater, was family with three kids that was reg- originally a grist mill constructed istering for school and could see WHEN MATH MAKES SENSE, YOU SUCCEED! Must present coupon. New students only. in 1853. It later morphed into a ho- the look of panic when the mom WHEN MATH MAKES SENSE, YOU SUCCEED! tel and tavern, and was ultimate- heard about the uniform require- 3435 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette ly purchased by the Assistance ment. OSB came to the rescue, (Golden Gate Way at Mt. Diablo Blvd.) League in 1978 for $120,000. the students were fit with uniforms (925) 283-4200 www.mathnasium.com The Assistance League of on the spot, some other necessi- Do Students Need a Business Education in College for a Is this too young Career in Business? Is thisIs too this y oungtoo young By Elizabeth LaScala PhD to go to Cal? ach year thousands of college- graduates that also offers an excel- to goto to go Cal? to Cal? Ebound high school seniors lent business program. Bucknell apply to college with an interest grants traditional as well unique in pursuing careers in business. bachelor’s degrees in business, However, there is no “standard including a major in markets, preparation” for a business career. innovation and design and a five- Whether the student is interested year program in management and in consulting, finance, human - re engineering. Nearly 90 percent of source management, marketing Bucknell students who enter as or one of the many other areas of freshmen graduate on time. The the business enterprise, a liberal university also has very loyal alum- arts education will often do nicely, ni. More than 30 percent contribute provided that students choose their to the school each year. classes wisely to develop compe- Babson College in Massachu- tency in accounting, economics, setts is a smaller school (around statistics, communications and 2,000 undergraduates) with a fo- leadership. cus on entrepreneurial thinking Skidmore College in New York within all of the business disci- is an excellent liberal arts college plines, and also offers half of the Actually, it’s just the right age to get an eye exam at the University of which allows students to combine education curriculum in the lib- Actually,California it’s Eyejust Center.theActually, right And ageit’s againjustto get the at an threeright eye ageexamyears. to atgetAnd the an regularly University eye exam after atof the University of a business major with a second lib- eral arts, making it an especially California Eye Center. And again at three years. And regularly after eral arts major, including econom- well-balance college for students that. (We developedCalifornia ways Eyeto test Center. kids’ Andeyes againwhile at they three play!) years. We’re And regularly after ics, government or one of three who wish to major in business that.part (We of the developed UC Schoolthat. ways (We of toOptometry, developed test kids’ ways eyesand offertowhile test you they kids’ LASIK play!) eyes surgery, We’rewhile they play!) We’re foreign languages (French, Ger- but not let go of a liberal arts part of the UC School of Optometry, and offer you LASIK surgery, man or Spanish). Skidmore also component. Babson’s curriculum contact lenses,part and ofan the Eyewear UC School Center of withOptometry, a vast collection and offer of you LASIK surgery, offers a business minor. With 2,600 is a blend of traditional classes contactdesigner lenses, frames, andcontact too. an EyewearWe lenses, take Center mostand an insurance withEyewear a vast plans, Center collection and with major ofa vast collection of undergraduates, Skidmore is nei- combined with problem-solving ther too small nor too large to of- exercises in how to launch a small designercredit frames, cards. too.designer It’s Wetime takeframes, for mostyour too. wholeinsurance We familytake plans, most to goand insurance Cal! major plans, and major fer personalized attention, and has business (profits going to charity) credit cards. It’s timecredit for cards. your It’swhole time family for your to go whole Cal! family to go Cal! an 83 percent four-year graduation and consult on projects with cli- rate, about the same as more selec- ents. Internships begin as early as tive institutions. Skidmore is also a the freshman year. Money Maga- member of the Liberal Arts Career zine rated Babson the second-best Network (http://liberalartscareers. college in the country in its most org/about-us/consortium-mem- recent college rankings. Over 80 ber-schools/) a consortium of 37 percent of the students who enter selective liberal arts colleges that Babson as freshmen graduate with- share job and internship postings, in four years, and nearly 10 per- Open to the Public 7 Days a Week w w w . c a l e y e c a r e . c o m including many positions in busi- cent of the graduates in the Class • 510.642.2020 Free Parking with Appointments ness. of 2015 had started their own firms Open to the PublicOpen 7• Days to thea Week Public • 7 wDays w w . ca a lWeek e y e c a r• e . c ow m w w . c a l e y e c a r e . c o m Bucknell University in Penn- before or shortly after they had 510.642.2020 • Free 510.642.2020 Parking with • FreeAppointments Parking with Appointments sylvania is a larger liberal arts completed their degrees. college with around 3,600 under- ... continued on page B8 Page: B6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Not to be missed Not to be missed ART LECTURE & LITERATURE Lamorinda’s Breast Cancer Support Group The Moraga Art Gallery’s new for Younger Women. This support Religious Services Creative Writing Reading Series show “Capturing Moments of Mo- group for is for younger women who Alumni Reading. Brenda Hillman tion” runs through June 4 and fea- were recently diagnosed and receiv- and Andrew Kenower read their tures paintings by local artist Josie ing treatment for breast cancer. Learn works at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Osolin and figurative ceramic sculp- about breast cancer treatment and ORINDA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH May 4, De La Salle Hall’s Hagerty tures by Fred Yokel. The Moraga how other women cope with surgery, 24 Orinda Way (next to the Library) - 254-4212 Lounge at Saint Mary’s College. Art Gallery is located in Moraga’s chemotherapy, radiation and breast Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 - 11 am Rheem Shopping Center next to the reconstruction. Meetings are held Author Diana Lorence of In- Informal Wednesday Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 pm Dollar Store. For more information, from 10 to 11 a.m. the 2nd & 4th nermost House will speak of her Reading Room/Bookstore M - F 11 - 4; Sat 11 – 2 visit www.moragaartgallery.com, Tuesday of every month at the Alta “Walden Years” at Lafayette Public call (925) 376-5407. Bates Summit Medical Center. Pre- www.christianscienceorinda.org Library at 2 p.m. on May 7. In cele- Registration for this free program is bration of the upcoming bicentennial Valley Art Gallery’s New Spring required. Please call (510) 655-4000, of the birth of Henry David Thoreau, Collection, “Art Pop,” features over Ext. 4980 for more information. Diana Lorence shares her experience 300 new works of art as fresh and of seven years in a tiny, unelectri- eye-popping as the spring season it- The Blue Pearl Group comes to fied cabin in the woods of -Califor self, including works for sale or for the East Bay to offer a series of nia, in the manner of Thoreau’s life rent from the best East Bay artists. work / playshops to cultivate Physi- at Walden Pond. This is a free event. Plus, there are beautifully crafted, cal, Mental, Emotional and Spiri- Registration is recommended as seat- ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and tual Well-Being from 6:30 to 8 p.m. ing is limited. Register online at: ti- original designer jewelry. The show on Wednesday May 11 in the Arts nyurl.com/DianaLorenceMay7. runs through May 14. & Sciences Center of the Lafayette Public Library. The workshop will be Moraga Movers and Moraga Li- The City of Lafayette Public Art group taught by experienced practi- brary present Book Talking at 2 Committee welcomes its latest art tioners. $10. For more information: p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. Local Sundays, 9 & 10:30am exhibit “Oscar’s Excellent Year,” 415-233-2581. author Michael Ross will share his featuring local artist Joanne Taeuffer. 10 Moraga Valley Lane | www.mvpctoday.org | 925.376.4800 book, “Ross’s Novel Discoveries: The exhibit is on display in the Drug Awareness and Recovery. Quotes from Great works on Men, Homework Center at the Lafayette Hear the latest news and informa- Women, Romantic Relationships, Library and Learning Center now tion from front-line experts regard- Love, Sex, and Marriage.” Amusing, through June. For info, visit www. ing drug abuse and awareness 7 to entertaining and provocative. joannetaeuffer.com. 8:30 pm. on Thursday, May 12 at the Acalanes High School Library. KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church MUSIC Featured will be Jeff Kent, Youth 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, 254-3422 Clinical Director from New Leaf May the Fourth Be With You, from www.holyshepherd.org Boundless, the fifth and final con- Treatment Center in Lafayette, and 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 at cert of Gold Coast Chamber Play- Barbara Hewitt, Diablo Valley Col- 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship the Moraga Library. Make origami 9:40 a.m. Education for all ages er’s 2015-2016 series, showcases lege, Health Sciences Department “Star Wars” figures, watch a movie, 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship music by J.S. Bach, Claude Debussy Chair, Addiction Studies Program and more. Feel free to come cos- Coffee Fellowship at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. and Dmitri Shostakovich for piano Coordinator. In addition, hear from Childcare available for ages 5 and younger tumed as your favorite “Star Wars” and strings. The concert will be held local young people who will be shar- character. This program is free and at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at ing their personal stories regarding open to all children and families, no the Lafayette Library Community drug use and recovery. reservations necessary. Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in La- fayette. A pre-concert talk will start Dr. Raphael Rettner will be giv- Lafayette Nursery School’s 40th the evening at 7 p.m. Ticket price ing a talk entitled “10 Secrets for Annual Science Day of Discovery includes complimentary champagne, Permanent Weight Loss” at 7:30 is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May the pre-concert talk and a recep- p.m. on Thursday, May 12. The talk 7. Make a volcano explode, shoot a tion with the musicians following will be held at Advanced Weight rocket, make flubber, dig for dinosaur the performance. Tickets are $37.50 Loss and Wellness, 959 Mt. View bones and pet an animal in the pet- general, $32.50 seniors and $15 for Dr., Lafayette, across the street from ting corral. These are just a few of the students and are available at www. Trader Joe’s. Space is limited. Please many hands-on science and nature gcplayers.org and by phone at (925) call (925) 962-9160 to reserve your activities at the event, for children 283-3728. space. Everyone attending will re- preschool age through third grade. ceive a body wrap and weight loss Cost: $4 per child. More informa- The Lafayette Rotary Club’s An- consultation and examination. tion: Call Lafayette Nursery School nual Concert at the Res will be held at (925) 284-2448 or visit the website from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Breast Cancer Symposium. Join a at www.lafayettenurseryschool.org. May 14 at the Lafayette Reservoir panel of breast cancer specialists as 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org stage. Pack a picnic and enjoy per- they present a breast cancer update Moraga Library Celebrates Free “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s formances by the Stanley Symphonic from recent San Antonio Breast Can- journey, you are welcome here!” Comic Book Day from 4 to 5 p.m. Band, the Acalanes Wind Ensemble, cer Symposium and American Soci- Tuesday, May 10. Did Free Comic Join us Sundays at 10 a.m. | Sunday School 10 a.m the Big Band of Rossmoor, the Bent- ety of Breast Surgeons Annual Meet- Book Day at the comic books stores ley School Jazz combo and a special ing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 17 on May 7 whet your appetite for guest band. in the Lafayette Library Community more? Join us at the Moraga Library Room. The physicians will cover ex- for free comic books, crafts and fun. Murasaki Jazz Ensemble performs citing new data from the latest clini- at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at the cal trials, FDA approved treatments, Superhero Storytimes! Wear your Moraga Library. Their music blends surgical and radiation outcomes favorite superhero costume and join improvisational jazz with Asian and advances in systemic therapies. in for special superhero storytimes. Lafayette United Methodist Church themes, the meeting of old and new, Admission is free. Space is limited. Superhero Baby Storytime 10:15- east and west. This is a free program. Advanced Registration required. To 955 Moraga Road 925.284.4765 thelumc.org 10:45 a.m. and Superhero Toddler Sunday 10am Worship and Faith Formation for all ages RSVP call (925) 677-5041 x272. Storytime 11:15-11:45 a.m. on May Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble, di- Opportunities to Love God, Love Others, 11 at the Moraga Library. and Serve the World rected by Dr. Anne Hege, presents Dementia - The Road Map from “Songs of the Bygone: Traces of a Diagnosis to Family Care from 5:30 Create a Graphic Novel with Oli- Vanishing World,” a wry, sometimes to 7 p.m. on May 18 at Eldercare Ser- ver Chin from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. bemused exploration in song of for- vices 1808 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut on Thursday, May 12 at the Moraga gotten ways of life and forms of com- Creek. The program covers: What Library. Author/illustrator Chin will munication. The concert is at 2 p.m. is dementia? Where is it diagnosed? St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church show you how to make a Graphic on Saturday, May 21 at St. Perpetua Understanding the progression; What A Loving Community Novel. This will be fun and creative Catholic Parish, 3454 Hamlin Road, does a family need to do to prepare for teens and all ages. These events Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM Lafayette. Tickets are $25 suggested for the journey? And protecting dig- are free and open to the public, no donation at the door, $20 advance, nity and reducing stress in all family In-church Youth Zone, 10 AM Nursery Childcare registration necessary. 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws $15 students, FREE for children be- members. tween 6 and 12. Available at the door The Lafayette Library and Learn- or online at www.vocisings.org/tick- FAIRES & FESTS ing Center is proud to present Com- ets.php. Ticket information: (510) icFest 2016 on May 14. This mini 531-8714. The Moraga Community Faire & Comic Book Convention style event Car Show will be held from 11 a.m. will feature artists and their work, “A Tribute to the Beatles.” On the to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 in along with workshops, crafts, co- 50th anniversary of the Beatles in- the town’s Rheem Valley Shopping splay, photobooth, scavenger hunt, vasion and their appearance on the Center, offering a wonderful oppor- raffle prizes and more. Joe Field, Ed Sullivan show, the Blackhawk tunity for a “family fun day” with a owner of Flying Colors Comics in Chorus will present a two-hour show climbing wall, bounce house, games, Concord and founder of Free Comic of the most famous music of this music, arts and crafts, local food Book Day, will be the event’s guest fabulous foursome. The shows will trucks, local wine and over 70 amaz- of honor. Participants are encour- be at 8 p.m. on May 21, at Lesher ing classic cars. Free to attend, the aged to come in their best superhero Center for Arts in Walnut Creek, and Faire is organized and sponsored by or villain costume. There will be a at 4:30 p.m. on May 22 at St. Joan the Moraga Chamber of Commerce; giveaway of free comic books while of Arc Church in San Ramon, 2601 visit www.moragachamber.org/faire. supplies last (children first). San Ramon Valley Blvd. Tickets: $25 for Adults, $17 for Children (under The Orinda Park and Recreation HEALTH 12) and tickets can be purchased by Foundation is hosting the Doggone calling the Lesher Box Office at 925 Fun Fest at the Orinda Community The Stroke Support Group of Con- 943-SHOW (7469). Center Park from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sun- 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda tra Costa County will hold its May day, May 15. Join the fun with your 254-3770. www.ststephensorinda.org meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 9 THEATER dogs on leash to parade around the Sunday 8am, 10am in the Sterns Conference Room at park. Prizes for best dressed, looks John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Stanley Middle School Wildcats on most like their owner, and best in Creek Campus (1601 Ygnacio Val- Stage and Lamorinda Theatre Acad- show. Rescue organizations will have ley Road.) Karen Rockwell, with emy present “Once on this Island.” dogs for adoption and there will be the Health Insurance Counseling and Performances will be at 7 p.m. on dog product vendors in attendance. Advocacy Program (HICAP), will Please... May 6 and 5 p.m. on May 7 at the Contact Carolyn Mills at 254-5292 discuss HICAP services and health- Stanley Multi-purpose Room. Tick- or [email protected] if you care changes. For further information ...thanks ets: $8 for children & seniors, $12 need more details. about the Stroke Support Group, con- for adults. tact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. ... continued on next page Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B7
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Garry Marshall’s May 13 – May 20: International Showcase presents “Sweet Bean” for a latest movie, “Mother’s Day,” opened last week-long engagement at the Orinda Theatre. week. He has directed several memorable 2 p.m. May 18: Moraga Movers’ Classic Movie at the Rheem Theatre – films such as “Pretty Woman” and “The “Road to Zanzibar” Princess Dairies.” Noon to 10 p.m. May 14: CreaturesCon at the Rheem Theatre – 10 solid As in his previous films, Marshall hours of Creature Features, including two complete Creature Features has put together a star-studded cast that in- Shows; the 50th Anniversary of “Star Trek”; rare clips, discussion panels; cludes Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Ja- question-and answer sessions; and dealer and artist tables. $25 all-day pass. son Sudeikis and Oscar-winner Julia Rob- Hosted by Lord Blood-Rah, John Stanley and Tom Wyrsch. erts. The movie follows five individuals 7 p.m. May 21: Live Music at the Rheem - USO Canteen - A Memorial Day and their dealings with motherhood or their Tribute to the songs and memories of war ballads, patriotic songs and good own mothers. Sandy (Aniston) is a single old American patriotism with Adam Reeves and Patti Liedecker. mom of two boys dealing with ex hus- band’s recent marriage to a much younger woman. Jesse (Hudson) has not spoken to her mother for years because mom disap- Image provided proved of Jesse’s dating an Indian man, but Service Clubs now Jesse’s mom decides to visit. Jesse’s sister also is keeping a big secret from their parents. Bradley, a recent widower, is dealing with raising two young daughters and is trying to figure out how to have a Mother’s Day. Miranda (Roberts) is a highly successful businesswoman Announcements who has no time to be a mother. As the story unfolds they all must face their dilemmas on Explore Lamorinda Rotary clubs The heart of Rotary is our clubs- dedicated people who Mother’s Day. share a passion for both community service and “Mother’s Day” has some funny and heartwarming moments that will be enjoyed by friendship. Learn about Lamorinda’s Rotary clubs. any parent. “Mother’s Day” is rated PG-13 with a TRT (Total Running Time) of 1 hour and 56 minutes. We meet Friday mornings at 7:00 am at The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, Not to be missed Not to be missed 3666 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. For more info, please email us at Lafayette Juniors 17th Annual Text RUGBY to 925-788-0039 or [email protected] FAIRES & FESTS ...continued Kitchen Tour is from 10 a.m. to 3 email [email protected]. p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Tour six Amanda MayHerbert: 6 Female May 13 Don’t Miss the Hacienda de las Lafayette kitchens for a good cause Shred your papers at 5A Rent-A- Amanda Herbert: Female Jim Marggraff:Co-founder, Flores Centennial de Mayo celebra- benefiting Youth Homes, Diablo Bal- Space, 455 Moraga Rd. 9 a.m. to 1 Alliances: Investigating the Eyefluence: Eye interaction tion from noon to 5 p.m. on May let’s PEEK Outreach Program, the p.m. on Saturday, May 21. $7 per file history of women’s friendship. technology 15, 2100 Donald Drive. Step back Food Bank of Contra Costa and So- box. Successful Wine Barrel Raffle concluded: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner in time, enjoy the beautiful grounds lano and Lamorinda Spirit Van. Tick- drawings reveals third place won by a Rotarian from Florida. and learn about the Hacienda’s rich ets are $40 and available at www. GARDEN Thanks to all who participated! history. Fun for all ages. Free admis- lafayettejuniors.org and Lafayette’s sion, authentic Mexican food and Premier Kitchens. (See story on page The Gardens at Heather Farm is drinks, live Mariachi Band, hourly D1) celebrating “National Public Gar- piñata contests, tortilla making, Mex- dens Day” between 10 a.m. and 3 Lafayette Rotary Club ican tile painting, cupcake walks and Hidden Legacy: Japanese Tradi- p.m. on Friday, May 6. There will be Step in on a Thursday and join us for our lunch meeting. more. Limited onsite parking; shuttle tional Performing Arts in the World free activities throughout the day in Thursday at noon Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. available from Rheem Elementary, War II Internment Camps will be its six-acre public garden and wild- 90 Laird Drive. held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 14 at life habitat nestled on a picturesque May 5: May 12: the Moraga Library. Join Shirley hillside in Walnut Creek. Bring a Thomas Stack, Brenda from Papillion OTHER Kazuyo Muramoto-Wong, Creative picnic lunch and enjoy the day. For Director, for a free screening of this more information, visit www.garden- Your Best Be the Force — the Force for documentary. The production of shf.org. ThinkingSave the Got date: you Here Concertand at the the writer Res May of her 14 storyth - Good. Come help support the JBFC this film was sponsored, in part, by Jill Plummer Schools in Tanzania at the third an- the National Park Service, Japanese Growing Tomatoes. Learn about www. rotarylafayette.org nual Peace, Love & Pancakes dinner American Confinement Sites grant. growing this favorite garden delight and a movie featuring “Star Wars: The screening will be followed by a from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May The Force Awakens” with pancakes koto demonstration and discussion. 7 at the Lafayette Community Gar- at 5:30 p.m. and the movie at 6:30 Sponsored by BDK America. An den and Outdoor Learning Center, Lamorinda Weekly p.m. on May 13 at JMIS. For more NPS Centennial Celebration event. 3932 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Classes are is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA 26,600 printed copies; delivered to homes & businesses in Lamorinda. information about the JBFC Schools free but a $5 donation is requested. Contact us: that are supported, or to order tick- Mark your calendars for A Taste To register for classes or for more Letters to the editor (max 350 words): [email protected] ets to the event on-line, please visit of Lafayette, the city’s 14th Annual information visit www.lafayettecom- Delivery issues: [email protected] peaceloveandpancakes.squarespace. Restaurant Walk on Tuesday, May munitygarden.com. Event listings: [email protected] com. 17, 2016. This is an opportunity to Business press releases: [email protected] tour Lafayette’s finest dining estab- Annual Compost Giveaway, from General interest stories/Community Service: [email protected] School stories/events: [email protected] Friends Corner Book Shop Half- lishments and sample the signature 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May Sport events/stories/pictures: [email protected] Price Sale is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. cuisine of each restaurant. Cost is 7. RecycleSmart has partnered with Saturday, May 7, Corner of First and $45 per person if purchased by May the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Publishers/Owners: Andy and Wendy Scheck; [email protected], [email protected] Golden Gate Way, Lafayette. 6, 2016; $50 per person after that Costa to provide residents free com- date. Visit www.lafayettechamber. post. Bring your own rigid container Editor: Peggy Spear; [email protected] Copy Editor: Nick Marnell; [email protected] Join National Park Service rang- org/events/taste-of-lafayette/ for and take up to 96 gallons of compost Sports Editor: [email protected] ers for a stargazing adventure, more information. while supplies last. There will also “Road Map to the Night Sky,” at be presentations, booths, raffles and Advertising: 925-377-0977, Wendy Scheck; [email protected] 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the Beginning Tuesday, May 17, Rab- more. Register online and see sched- Staff Writers: Sophie Braccini; [email protected] John Muir National Historic Site in bi Dovber Berkowitz of Chabad of ule too at http://getsmartsaturday- Cathy Tyson; [email protected] Victor Ryerson; [email protected] Martinez. The program is designed Contra Costa will conduct the six compostsmart.eventbrite.com. Cathy Dausman; [email protected] to increase knowledge of the night sessions of the Rohr Jewish Learning Nick Marnell; [email protected] sky by progressing through a series Institute (JLI) course, Strength and The Walnut Creek Garden Club Digging Deep: Cynthia Brian; [email protected] of constellations. Reservations are Struggle: Lessons in Character from presents “Jam it Up!” Barbara Ko- Food: Susie Iventosch; [email protected] not required. Visitors should meet at the Stories of Our Prophets, at the bsar, author of two cookbooks and Contributing Writers: Conrad Bassett, Moya Stone, Jennifer Wake, John Muir NHS. Please call the John Contra Costa Jewish Day School 955 a food and garden writer for several Lou Fancher, Chris Lavin, Amanda Kuehn Carroll, Diane Claytor, Uma Unni, Muir NHS Visitor Center at (925) Risa Rd. in Lafayette. The course local papers will be speaking about Spencer Silva, Karl Buscheck, Ryan McKinley, Zoe Portnoff, Clare Varellas, 228-8860 if you have questions. will also be offered 10 am at Chabad food and making jams. She will Adam Blake, Daniel Smith, Fran Miller, Jade Shojaee, Emily Dugdale, of Contra Costa 1671 Newell Ave. in bring some of her jams and jellies to Dean Boerner, Barry Hunau (cartoonist), Derek Zemrak (Film Critic) Bike to Work Day is May 12. There Walnut Creek. taste and purchase. Business Meet- Calendar Editor: Jaya Griggs; [email protected] will be there will be five energizer ing: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Social Time: Photos: Tod Fierner, Ohlen Alexander, Gint Federas stations in Lamorinda where cyclists Lamorinda Rugby Football Club 10:30 to 11 a.m.; Program: 11 a.m. Layout/Graphics: Andy Scheck. Printed in CA. can stop by for refreshments and pro- is recruiting for their new Women’s to noon on May 9 at Heather Farm, Mailing address: motional items: three in Lafayette, High School Team. There will be a 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Lamorinda Weekly, P.O. Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570-6133 and one each in Orinda and Moraga. player orientation at 7 p.m. on Tues- Creek. Questions: mslittle44@gmail. Phone: 925-377-0977; Fax: 1-800-690-8136 day, May 17 at Wilder Ranch House. com. email: [email protected] website: www.lamorindaweekly.com Page: B8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 When I say “good,” Thoughtful Food you say “neighbor.” Mastering Rêve Bistro’s Nougat Glacé By Susie Iventosch creamier, while the one with whites from the carton was a bit icier. I Mike Rosa Now that'sNow that'steamwork. teamwork. really enjoyed both, but have to Agent CALL FORCALL A QUOTE FOR A 24/7 QUOTE 24/7 925-376-2244 say, the creaminess of the one with Insurance Lic. #: 0F45583 346 Rheem Blvd., Suite 106 fresh egg whites was divine. If any Moraga of you try this with powdered egg P097314.1 State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL whites, please let me know how it works out. Rêve serves this dessert in a pool of strawberry or raspberry sauce and crème Anglaise, which is a very thin vanilla custard. You can find many recipes for crème Ames Tutoring and Test Prep Anglaise on the internet, and it’s basically made of milk or half and half, egg yolks, sugar and vanilla. ACT/SAT Summer Classes The Magus have really enjoyed REGISTER ONLINE! their experience of owning a bistro Reve’s Nougat Glace Photo Susie Iventosch in Lafayette and serving typical French cuisine to their loyal cus- TUTORING: All Academic Subjects, ACT/SAT am so pleased that Laura and that we normally see. This is very tomers. Laura pointed out, “It’s Paul Magu, owners of Rêve Bis- creamy, light and fluffy. FREE: College Info Evenings & Practice Tests! I so rewarding when our custom- tro in Lafayette, have offered to “It’s a classic French dish ers try a dish of ours and say ‘it’s share this refreshing Nougat Glacé, which comes from Provence,” said Register: www.amestutoring.com just like I remember it in Paris’ or a dessert which they recently added Laura Magu. “It is really tasty, light ‘it’s the best I’ve had since I was in 3249 Mt. Diablo Ct. #206 . Lafayette . 925.962.5599 to their spring menu. It is delicious. and refreshing.” France!’” While nougat candy finds its Laura says this dish is not real- I am certain, you will be de- origins around the 12th century in ly typical of any American dessert lighted with this beautiful dessert the Middle East, French nougat and she and Paul are really excited from Rêve. was a relative latecomer in the 17th to introduce it to the Lamorinda century and hails from the city of community. I asked her about the The Tick Tock Store Montélimar in the Rhône-Alpes re- use of raw egg whites, since some Susie can be reached at We Make The Right Place For The Right Time gion. There are strict requirements people are skittish about that, and [email protected]. House Calls Batteries • Bands •Repair $1 OFF for the nougat be considered Mon- she said that powdered egg whites This recipe can be found on our On Grandfather Watch Battery website: www.lamorindaweekly. Clocks! With This Coupon. télimar nougat: it must be made of or meringue powder could be used FREE Estimates 28 percent peeled almonds, 16 per- to replace the fresh egg whites. I com. If you would like to share Rolex-Tag Heuer Repair Center cent lavender honey, two percent also read that using the pasteurized your favorite recipe with Susie Specialize in grandfather clock and watch repairs please contact her by email or call pistachio nuts, and the rest is sugar egg whites is a good way to go. our office at (925) 377-0977. and whipped egg whites. The can- To see how they would work, I www.TheTickTockStore.com 925-952-4488 dies may be crunchy and hard, or made the recipe twice — once us- 1547-A Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek soft and chewy. ing fresh egg whites from the shells (In Lunardi's Center, behind UPS Store) This frozen nougat concoction and the second time I used the pas- from Rêve is not like anything I’ve teurized egg whites from the car- ever made or even tasted before. ton. They were both excellent, and It is a lighter, whipped and frozen the primary difference was that the version of the typical nougat candy fresh egg white nougat glacé was Nougat Glacé INGREDIENTS 1/3 pound sliced almonds (approximately 1¾ cups loosely packed) 1 pound superfine sugar, divided (2 and 1/3 cups) 6 egg whites (or equivalent if using packaged or powdered) 2 cups heavy whipping cream Dried fruit or candied citrus peel (optional) Raspberries or strawberries for purée sauce. DIRECTIONS • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a terrine dish (about 12 x 3 inches) with wax paper. • Warm the almonds in the oven for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. • Heat one third of the sugar (2/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp.) in a heavy pan, until it starts to caramelize.* Stir in the warm almonds and pour onto an oiled cookie sheet. • Leave to cool and set. When cool, crush into small pieces using a rolling pin. (This is delicious and I reserved a little bit of this nut crunch for garnish.) • Meanwhile, whip the egg whites and the rest of the sugar together to make a stiff meringue. • In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks and then fold together with the meringue and crushed almonds mixture. (Add fruit at this time, if you choose to add it … I did not.) • Fill the terrine dish to the top and place in the freezer until hard — at least 24 hours. "%$#! • To serve, remove from the freezer and from the dish. Slice and serve on top of a pool of straw- berry or raspberry sauce. Active time: about 45 minutes to one hour. Total time 24 hours. " ! *Susie’s note on caramelizing the sugar: This takes about four minutes. Stir the sugar constantly. Just as soon as the sugar is melted and the lumps are gone, it’s time to remove it from the heat. It will be a beautiful caramel color. I burned my first batch by letting it stay on the burner too long. 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These include find work or attend graduate or pro- • French Drains school as freshmen, as opposed to an applied accounting and finance fessional schools full-time within • French Drains being designated as “pre-business” track as well as a consumer insights nine months after graduation. • Underfloor Drains students before declaring a major. track within marketing major. The University of Maryland- Fordham offers the added advan- • Downspout Systems College Park has one of the best tage of being located in New York undergraduate business programs City, with campuses in Manhattan • Subdrain Systems available at a large university, and the Bronx. Over three quarters • Sump Pumps especially for budding entrepre- of Fordham students who enter as • Sump Pumps neurs. 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Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C1 LAMORINDA IT’S PRIME TIME RUGBY CLUB FOR WOMEN’S RUGBY!!! IS RECRUITING PLAYERS Rugby is the fastest-growing sport in America. Soccer, lacrosse, basketball, FOR THEIR WOMEN’S softball and even water polo players are getting in on the action. HIGH SCHOOL TEAM. Rugby is fast-paced, fun, and a great team sport - there is a position for everybody! Rugby returns to the 2016 Olympics and the 2018 Rugby 7’s World Cup is in San Francisco. Want your college application to stand out? Rugby is an NCAA women’s varsity sport offering athletic scholarships. Most collegiate female rugby athletes never played before and recruiting for high school women’s rugby players is FIERCE. Harvard, Brown, and Dartmouth are just a few of the universities that have added women’s rugby at the varsity level. FOR MORE INFO: Lamorinda Rugby Football Club is recruiting for their new Women’s High School Team TEXT “RUGBY” to Come to our player orientation May 17th, 7pm, Wilder Ranch House 925 / 788-0039 Text RUGBY to 925-788-0039 or email [email protected] or email [email protected] Open Year-Round • Sign up now! Now open 10-7 • Protective Warm Environment Volleyball Teams Gearing up for NCS Action • Private Swim Lessons Skills • Classes in 92°-94° Water By Karl Buscheck for • Diving Lessons Since 1961 • Parties that make a splash! six league matches. Even with the Life team stuck in a rut, head coach Lisa Bachtold has found positives in the defeats. “(The team is developing) bet- ter chemistry and has gained a bit more experience,” Bachtold said. “There are always things to im- prove on, but we’re heading in the right direction.” Miramonte (1-6 in DFAL and 5-7 overall) has received major contributions from players all across the roster, but no one has 925-283-2100 • www.ShermanSwim.com been more valuable than a pair of senior veterans. “A lot of players have stepped up and contributed,” Bachtold ex- plained. “Mitch Brooks and Mitch- ell Tang have stepped up as cap- tains and have shown a tremendous amount of leadership.” Before making any postseason plans, the Mats will face a chal- Tommy Graham Photos Gint Federas lenging end to the league cam- ith the DFAL season draw- team’s three-game losing skid and paign, including a trip to Acalanes Wing to a close and the NCS pushed their record to 3-5 in league to play their neighbors on May 4 tournament set to begin on May 10, play and 12-10 overall. and a jaunt to Dougherty Valley to the future looks promising for all “This year my goal was to be face the co-DFAL leaders a day af- three Lamorinda boys’ volleyball .500 and try to get into the play- ter that. squads. offs,” said head coach Mason Mul- “The league is extremely com- “The team is always looking vaney. “So far, we’re ahead of my petitive this year with many match to return to the title match,” said pace which I’m very happy with.” ups going to 5 sets,” Bachtold said. DATES: July 11 thru July 22 (M – F) TIMES: 1:30 – 5:00 P.M. Campo head coach David Chen, Acalanes, currently fourth place in “It’s tough, but we hope to make whose Cougars own a 14-6 record the standings, one spot behind the it to NCS and finish the end of the FEES: $320 (T-shirt included) overall and a 4-4 mark in DFAL Cougars, has just two seniors on year strong.” FOR REGISTRATION FORMS, CONTACT: play. “This group has a lot to prove the roster in Tommy Graham and 925/280-3950 x-5163, [email protected] to others but mainly to themselves. Joey Moran. or download registration form at campofootball.net We have gone through a lot of bat- “He’s a phenomenal setter,” tles this season in order to become Mulvaney said of Graham. “He’s a tough team for the postseason.” made second-team all-league the Campo had won five of six last three years. I’m hoping he matches before falling to rival makes first-team this year. He’s a Acalanes 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-23) great server. (He’s a) good setter in Lafayette on April 27. (and he’s been a) really positive.” “The team is working hard Meanwhile, Moran has to fight and compete for every emerged as the Dons’ Swiss Army point,” Chen said. “(They) value knife. the experience of competition and “He’s consistent in all six po- their time with their teammates, all sitions and has been a really good while maintaining a rich past and leader on the team.” Mulvaney continuing to leave behind a lasting said. “And (he’s) someone I feel legacy for our young players. (It’s) confident in encouraging the other no small task.” kids and making a real difference As the playoffs approach, the on the court.” Cougars, who sit in third place in Acalanes has also relied heav- the DFAL standings, won’t be lean- ily on junior Bijani Shahabi, whom ing on any stars. Mulvaney singled out as the most- “All of our athletes have improved Don. stepped up to bring us to where we “He went from a player who re- are this season,” Chen said. “They ally didn’t get much playing time have all embraced the challenge to last year to being my most con- step out of the shadows of the past sistent outside hitter,” Mulvaney teams and engage in the barrage said. “And he’s leading our team in that will be coming at them.” kills.” The young Dons’ win over After wining the DFAL opener, Campo on April 27 snapped the the Mats have lost each of their last Joey Moran (10) and Chad Abbott (7) Page: C2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, May 4, 2016 SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER FOR YOUNG ATHLETES CI C C EE - - - - As NCS Draws Near, Acalanes’ Tennis Hold High Hopes By Karl Buscheck Isaiah Bird Photos Gint Federas Ryan Cardiff s the postseason rolls along, April 29 and 30 at Saint Mary’s in league) stands out as the young up- court for the NCS tournament, Mc- Ano Lamorinda tennis team has Moraga, Bird claimed the singles start. Collum knows just how serious the more talent – or higher expecta- title, while the Dougherty Valley “I’m playing eight freshmen challenge is that his team faces. tions – than Acalanes. duo of Winston Yu and Mayson and sophomores,” said Mats head “It will be a tough road ahead,” “My top three singles play- Xue ended up as the kings of the coach Michael McCollum. “That’s McCollum admitted. “Dougherty Kyle Everly ers are kind of a unique thing this doubles tournament. kind of how it works year-to-year. Valley has four amazing, outstand- year,” head coach Stephanee Law- On May 6 and 7 at Roundhill That experience that those two ing players. Acalanes had three The future looks bright for renece said of Isaiah Bird, Kyle Country Club in Alamo, Acalanes schools are carrying and the new- really outstanding seniors in their the Cougars, as Weissbaum views Everly and Ryan Cardiff. “We’ve and Dougherty Valley – the sec- ness of my lineup kind of creates singles ladder. Plus, they have the freshman Cal Hunter as a future all pretty much realized we might tion’s rival heavyweights – will this interesting little dynamic. So. best regular season doubles team.” No. 1 for the program. not see this kind of (group) again.” once again square off. We’re hoping for the best.” Like the Mats, Campo, who Throughout the season, Weiss- While the historic trio led the “They’re one of best teams in At Round Hill, the Mats will be posted a 9-8-1 mark overall and a baum looked to senior captain Ja- Dons (18-2 overall, 10-2 in league) country,” Lawrence explained of counting on senior Alex Hwang – 6-6-1 record in league play, has a cob Heatlamp – the current No. 1 to the semifinals of the CIF State the DFAL regulars season winners. the defending NCS doubles champ youthful roster. – to set an example for the younger tournament a season ago, they’re “So I was really impressed with the and a Whitman recruit – to set the “Our season went well in players both on and off the court. far from the only upperclassmen fact that we kind of closed the gap tone for the youngsters like his the respect that our guys played “He kept really good control that make Acalanes such a danger- with them and we can give them a brother William and Nico Haet, their hearts out,” head coach Alan (of the team),” Weissbaum said. ous squad. little more competition hopefully if who are both sophomores. Weissbaum said. “But we lost a lot “And he helped me with the lineup “Now we’re trying to top (our we were to meet them in the (NCS) “He’s the most important and of really close games because of as well as the other captain Jake 2015 state run) this year,” Law- finals.” significant player in the lineup as the third-set tie-breaker and I just (Oxendine) – both of them helped rence said. “Especially (since) I’ve While Acalanes and Dough- far as our team goes,” McCollum attributed that to inexperience. So, me with lineups and they really got a great group of about seven se- erty Valley are the powerhouse said of the captain and four-year what turned out to be an okay sea- contributed a lot. That was pretty niors. It’s their last hurrah.” programs with lofty expectations, starter. son could have been a really good cool.” At the DFAL Championship on Miramonte (13-6 overall, 9-4 in As his team prepares to take the season.” 2nd Annual Bill Brown Invitational Hosted by Lamorinda Water Polo Submitted by Harry Crouch Lamorinda and Tiburon Waterpolo Club U10 Boys Lamorinda and Brentwood Seawolves U12 Girls Lamorinda and Brentwood Seawolves U14 Boys Photos provided he 2nd Annual Bill Brown Invitational is dedicated tournament honors Bill Brown, a USAWP Hall of Fame providing fitness, social interaction, and swimming- in Tto the development of a premier tournament to pro- member and a longtime northern California water polo struction to special needs athletes in the San Francisco vide B & C U10,12,14 team players competitive tourna- icon while benefitting the East Bay Sea Serpeants. The East Bay. ment opportunities in the northern California area. The East Bay Sea Serpents is a group which is focused on Classified • Classified • Classified • Classified • Classified • Classified • Classified Music Lessons House Cleaning Pet Care Windows & Gutters Animal lover will care for your Piano/guitar w/Robbie Dunbar www.totalclean.biz pet in your home while you're Reliable Window Cleaning All levels welcome! Serving Lamorinda since 1985. away. References upon request. Friendliness & remarkable results. I travel to your home. Wendy 925-325-9476 Windows, Gutters, Pressure M. A. Music Composition Insured and bonded 376-1004. Piano tuning as well! Washing. (925) 254-7622 % 925-323-9706 <> Construction ReliableWindowService.com [email protected] Plumbing Jacob Spilsbury - General Contractor Tree Service Guitar Lessons American owned and operated Renovation • Remodeling • Home Repair Big & Small Jobs • Bonded & Insured East Bay Tree Service. Lamorinda Guitar Lessons Lic # 898775 925-825-5201 377-8733. Fine pruning, large Folk, Rock, Blues & Jazz tree removal, stump grinding Serving Lamorinda since 1980 License #805794 925-933-3111 We hop to it! www.lamorindaguitarlessons.com Concept Builders (925) 377-6600 [email protected] Remodeling, Home Repair & Tree & brush removal. LeapFrogPlumbing.com New Construction Poison Oak removal. 376-1995, Insurance Bonded & Insured. License no. 842563 Licensed, insured & bonded Totalintegrityinsurance.com Rototilling (925) 283-8122, Cell: (925) 768-4983 20+yr Lamorinda resident. My independent insurance Ken’s Rototilling Handyman brokerage is here to serve you. • 4 W/D Tractors $10 per 1/2” classified ad height Over 100 top carriers = great pricing • Hillside Weed Cutting Email to: classified@ • Mowing • Discing • Rototilling Rusty Nails Handyman Service lamorindaweekly.com and coverage for Biz Gen Liability, Free estimates! 925-938-9836 Repair • Restore • Revamp W Comp, Homes, Auto, Life. Call licensed, bonded & insured. CA#667491 Call Rusty- (925) 890-1581 Henry at (925) 247-4356 0E90108 reach 60,000+ with your ad www.kensrototilling.com Page: C4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 • Breakfast • Lunch • Breakfast • Lunch • Breakfast • --AA ESS • Lunch • Breakfast • Piano Studio KKIINNGG "AY REA ((OOMME " AY !!R EA C EE Keys to success "EA L L3 3ININC "EAUUTIT FIUF U Piano Lessons in Lafayette with professional instructor MTAC member. Competition, CM exam Preparation. ,ARRY "LODGETT,ARRY "LODGETT 5 AM - 2:30 PM "ÜiÀ"ÜiÀ Seven Days a Week &,//2 #/6%2).' Rita Yegiazaryan º+Õ>ÌÞÊ>`Ê-iÀÛViÊ-ViÊ£{È» ÊÁ ÊÊÊÊ ÊLLiÞÊ >À«iÌLL Ê www.blodgetts.comWWWBLODGETTSCOMODGETTS COM 1018 Oak Hill Road 925-283-7601 Lic. # 177588 Lafayette • Breakfast • Lunch • Cell: 925-323-8969 (510) 283-2397 .U%JBCMP$U -BGBZFUUF 1060 Sierra Vista Way, Lafayette • Breakfast • Lunch • Breakfast • Lunch • Breakfast • www.lafayetteautobody.com Save Gas Save Money A Stroll Down Save Time 3291 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette (925) 283-3421 Restaurant Row Shop your local McCaulou’s Tuesday, May 17, 2016 5:30pm - 9:00pm Wine & Appetizers 44th Year 5:30pm - 6:30pm The Yarn Boutique Ages 4-16 ● Lafayette Reservoir Site Lafayette Plaza Reception Home Pick Up Available in Lafayette Live Music • Lots and lots of fabulous yarn Come Visit Camp! • Friendly, personal service www.roughingit.com/visit Stroll & Taste • Sensible prices 6:30pm - 8:30pm Sample 20+ Restaurants Walk or Take the Free Shuttle LaFiesta Square, Dessert & Coffee www.yarnboutique.us - 963-C Moraga Rd. - 925-283-7377 8:00pm - 9:00pm Lafayette Plaza Reception SPECTACULAR RAFFLE TRANS JEWELER Tickets are Limited! Japanese style & comfort $50/person, $45 until May 6 Expert in all your Fine Jewelry needs http://bit.ly/taste16 Diamond Setting Jewelry Repair Gifts, Hand Craft Futon, Solid Hardwood Custom Design and Manufacturing Frame, Tatami Platforms & Mats, Custom Comforter Covers, Shoji Screen & Laterns (925) 283-2137 Mon-Sat 10-6pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm 925-299-0882 3608 Happy Valley Road • Lafayette D. Tran 961-A Moraga Rd. Lafayette • sugi-store.com - Behind Wells Fargo Bank - Residential A Stroll Down Presented by the dŚĞtƌŝƟŶŐ^ƚƵĚŝŽ Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. - Custom Homes - Participating Restaurants: June Restaurant Row ĂŵƉĨŽƌzŽƵŶŐtƌŝƚĞƌƐ ϭ3ͲJ Proceeds also benet the ly uly ϭ Ju 5ͲAu - Remodels - YankeeTuesday, LafayettePier | Community Uncle May Foundation.Yu’s 17, Szechuan 2016 ŐuƐt 5 - Additions - The Cooperage5:30pm - American 9:00pm Grille JoinJoin CAMP YOUNG YOUNG WRITERS WRITERS this summerthis assummer your children as your enter childrena world of enter CREATIVE a world NARRATIVE of CREATIVE and ABSORBING NARRATIVE ESSAY-BASEDand Owners: Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen & Coffee Bar* WRITING PROJECTS. Through grade appropriate classes and Lafayette ABSORBING ESSAY-BASED WRITING PROJECTS. Matt Kunz RusticWine Tavern & | AppetizersRound Table Pizza one-on- one sessions, students learn proper sentence structure, ThroughƚŚĞĞůĞŵĞŶƚƐŽĨǁĞůůͲǁƌŝƩĞŶĞƐƐĂLJƐ͕ĐƌĞĂƟǀĞƵƐĞŽĨĚĞƐĐƌŝƉƟǀĞ grade appropriate classes and one-on- one (925) 283-3128 Jeff Wendt La Finestra5:30pm Ristorante - 6:30pm | Bistro Burgers* RanchoLafayette Cantina Plaza| Postino Reception | Pizza Antica sessions,words, correct students grammar, learn usage, proper and sentenceso much more. structure, the www.KandWbuilders.com Patxi’s Pizza | MangiaLive Ristorante Music | REVE Bistro* elementsCAMP YOUNG of well-written WRITERS is open essays, to students creative in grades use 3-12 of descriptivewho CL# 930839 words,ƐƚƌŝǀĞƚŽŝŵƉƌŽǀĞƚŚĞŝƌǁƌŝƟŶŐƐŬŝůůƐ͘WƌŽũĞĐƚƐĐŽŶƐŝƐƚŽĨĮƌƐƚƉĞƌƐŽŶ correct grammar, usage, and so much more. Panache Caffe | Amarin Thai | Coffee Shop* ŶĂƌƌĂƟǀĞƐ͕ŚŝƐƚŽƌŝĐĂůďŝŽŐƌĂƉŚŝĞƐĂŶĚůŝƚĞƌĂƚƵƌĞĂŶĂůLJƐĞƐ͘KƵƌĐĂŵƉƐ Stroll & Taste CAMPǁŝůůƚĂŬĞƉůĂĐĞ YOUNGJune WRITERS 13-July 1 andis openJuly 5-August to students 5͖ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐǁŝůůďĞ in grades Additional Great Stops ŚĞůĚƚŚƌĞĞĚĂLJƐƉĞƌǁĞĞŬ͕ϮͲϱƉŵ͘ 6:30pm - 8:30pm 3-12&ŽƌĨƵƌƚŚĞƌŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ƉůĞĂƐĞĐĂůů who strive to improve their writing skills. Powell’s SweetSample Shoppe 20+ Restaurants | SusieCakes Bakery ProjectsϵϮϱͲϯϴϱͲϬϮϭϭ consistŽƌǀŝƐŝƚƵƐĂƚ of first person narratives, historical Draperies ǁǁǁ͘ůĂĨĂLJĞƩĞǁƌŝƟŶŐƐƚƵĚŝŽ͘ĐŽŵ. SmittenWalk Ice or Cream Take |the Amphora Free Shuttle | Floral Arts biographies and literature analyses.THE WRITING Our camps STUDIO will Carpet The Writing Studio Business Card.pdf 1 10/19/2012 8:45:44 AM take place June 13-July 1 and JulyWhere 5-August Words Come 5 to; Life Blinds & Shades AppetizersDessert & Dessert & Coffee in the Plaza sessions will be held three days per week, 2-5 pm. Bedspreads 8:00pm - 9:00pm ϯϰϱϱ'ŽůĚĞŶ'ĂƚĞtĂLJ͕^ƵŝƚĞ͕>ĂĨĂLJĞƩĞ;ϵϮϱͿϯϴϱͲϬϮϭϭC T’s Indian Restaurant & Bar Upholstery Lafayette Plaza Reception For further information,M Shutters Susan Cowell The Park Bistro and Bar please call 925-385-0211Y Wallpapers Anna M. Webb Lantern SPECTACULARCatering Company RAFFLE | Millie’s Kitchen or visit us at CM 925-283-2252 Whole Foods | Vitality Bowls | Boneheads BBQ www.lafayettewritingstudio.com.MY Hours: Lindsay OlivesTickets | The are Hideout Limited! | Wine Thieves CY Mon-Fri 10:00-5:00 3506H Mt. Diablo Blvd CMY (Next to McCaulou's in the $50/person,Huckleberry $45 until Cafe May 6 3455 Golden Gate Way, Ste A, Lafayette (925) 385-0211 Sat. by Appoinyment courtyard behind Peet’s Coffee.) K http://bit.ly/taste16*New to Taste of Lafayette! Tickets are Limited! First Months Rent FREE $50/person, $45 until May 6 Any Size Unit! http://bit.ly/taste16 3330 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette (925) 962-1940 • Access Hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. • State of the Art Video Surveillance Presented by the A Stroll LafayetteDown Chamber Restaurant of Commerce. Row • Complete Moving & Packing Supplies • All Doors Alarmed ParticipatingProceeds also Restaurants benet the • Major Credit Cards Accepted • Individualized Elevator Access Lafayette YankeeCommunity Pier Foundation. • Please call for details • Deliveries Accepted Uncle Yu’s Szechuan The Cooperage American Grille Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen & Coffee Bar* Rustic Tavern Round Table Pizza La Finestra Ristorante Bistro Burgers* Rancho Cantina Watch for ShopPostino Orinda Pizza Antica Patxi’s Pizza th MayMangia Ristorante 18 Orthopedics # Sports Rehab # Geriatrics REVE Bistro* Mention the Lamorinda Weekly for a Panache Caffe Call for AdvertisingAmarin Thai Complimentary Consultation Coffee Shop* Additional Great Stops 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Ste B110, Lafayette, CA 925.377.0977Powell’s Sweet Shoppe SusieCakes Bakery 925-284-6150 www.LafayettePT.com Smitten Ice Cream Amphora Floral Arts Appetizers & Dessert in the Plaza T’s Indian Restaurant & Bar The Park Bistro and Bar Lantern Catering Company Millie’s Kitchen Whole Foods Vitality Bowls Boneheads BBQ Lindsay Olives The Hideout Wine Thieves Huckleberry Cafe *New to Taste of Lafayette! Tickets are Limited! $50/person, $45 until May 6 http://bit.ly/taste16 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C3 Sports Editor Wanted Lamorinda Weekly is looking for a Sports Editor for our bi-weekly newspaper. Time requirement is approximately 5-6 hours per week. Required Qualifications: Excellent writing and communication skills. Ethical and professional. Must be familiar with Lamorinda-area sports. Prior editing and newsroom experience helpful, but not required. Contact: Lamorinda Weekly, PO Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570 | (925) 377-0977, [email protected] | Attn: Wendy Scheck St. Mary’s Golf: WCC Champs Prepare for NCAA Championship Bid By Dean Boerner n the Saint Mary’s College er looked back. The senior shot tournament, three of them were Now, after a program-high four “Obviously there’s some really Ocampus, amid high-profile 19-under par, 11 strokes better than Gaels. Junior Hunter Rappleye and tournament wins this season, the good teams there, and it’s going to programs like basketball and base- the second-place finisher. sophomore Pavan Sagoo failed to next step for Hardy’s group will be a really good experience,” said ball, exists a bunch that lack in “Johnny is the first player I’ve crack the top ten, but they both had be the NCAA Regional Champion- Sagoo. fanfare but brim with success. That had who really doesn’t have any impressive showings throughout ships beginning on May 16. Last season, the Gaels ended group would be head coach Scott weaknesses,” said Hardy, who’s in the season. While the Gaels are assured an day one in fourth place, positioned Hardy’s golf team, now winners his sixteenth year at Saint Mary’s. Rappleye finished tied for fifth automatic bid thanks to their con- nicely for a chance to be one of five of three out of the last five WCC “He can play well on any type of in the tournament preceding the ference victory, they don’t learn teams that advanced to Nationals. Championships. course, and I think that’s what conference championships, while until May 5 where they’ll play. All They ended up finishing eighth, but That accomplishment came makes him such a good player.” Sagoo set the lowest 54-hole score they know for sure is that they’ll the Gaels are eager to improve on in Danville last month, when the But even the talent of De Los in program history during the fall, playing for spot in NCAA Champi- that number. Gaels obliterated the field at Black- Reyes doesn’t come close to solely shooting a 197 in the Nick Watney onships, something they don’t take “The ultimate goal of Nationals hawk Country Club. They finished explaining the Gaels’ success on Invitational. lightly. is so close,” said Blick. “It’s just a the contest 25-under par, leaving the course this season. From top to “Our key is that we don’t have “I’m looking forward for a few good rounds away.” their closest competitor, Pepper- bottom, the Gaels can flat-out play. a guy in our starting lineup ranked chance to play in Nationals,” said Hardy believes that as long as dine, 23 strokes behind in the dust. “We’re all just as capable as one outside the top 400,” explained De Los Reyes. “All I can look for- the Gaels play to their potential, “When you play golf as a team another to shoot a good number,” Hardy. “There are 3000 Division I ward to is the chance to play in Na- they’ll end up where they’re sup- sport, so much of it is about mo- said sophomore Connor Blick. golfers, so to have all of ours in the tionals again, because that’s really posed to be. mentum,” Hardy said. “We got off Blick, a native of Danville, finished top 400 is really solid. They’re all why we’re playing.” “We just need to get out of our to a good start and started to build in eight place overall at 2-under for capable.” De Los Reyes stands as the last own way,” he stressed. “They’re that confidence.” the tournament. The numbers support Hardy’s player remaining from the 2013 going to be nervous, but if they can Like many great teams, the Fellow sophomore Perry Co- claim. Although they’re ranked a team that reached that pinnacle. just play golf and rely on the fact Gaels have a great player leading hen also shined in the champion- modest 51st in the nation, the Gaels Younger players like Sagoo, who that we have five good players, I the way. Jonathan De Los Reyes, ships, going 4-under and ending sport the fifth-best scoring average last year as a freshman performed think we’ll do fine.” the WCC co-Player of the Year, up tied for fifth. Out of the eight in the nation at 72.00, and they’ve well in Regionals, will also join in shot a 64 the first day and - nev golfers who shot below par in the tallied a nation-best 584 birdies. this year’s quest. Moraga Triathlon Results Steve Fung, Orinda at the finishing line Stephanie Williams, Moraga came in 25th Elizabeth Kravtchenko, San Mateo first female Former Lamorinda Weekly writer Andrea Firth Photos Gint Federas 8 - 11 Year Olds 5 - 7 Year Olds Open Top Finishes Place Name Time Place Name Total Time Place Name City Gender Age Group Time 1 Zoe Petty 14:04 1 Santiago Vignoles 6:51 1 Steve Fung Orinda CA M 1/14 40-44 1:06:00 2 Robbie Horst 14:25 2 Garrett Joyce 7:06 2 Tayler Hockett Rohnert Park CA M 1/6 30-34 1:10:05 3 Amanda Kayari 14:59 3 Madeline Phan 7:17 3 Dean Woerner Martinez CA M 1/18 50-54 1:11:33 4 Matteo Petty 15:14 4 Joseph Goett 8:00 4 Brad Crow Danville CA M 2/14 40-44 1:12:16 5 Carley Hudson 15:45 5 Andreas Rudolfsen 8:48 5 Steve Trutane Albany CA M 2/18 50-54 1:13:55 6 Alexandra Goett 16:00 6 Ryan Williams 9:01 6 William Workman M 1/17 45-49 1:14:00 7 Isaac Jamgotchian 16:02 7 Sivani Merlo 9:18 7 Jon Waide M 2/17 45-49 1:17:12 8 Charlie Bonneville 16:13 8 Ryan Erickson 9:22 8 Nat Weber M 1/7 55-59 1:17:13 9 Liesel Hilkemeyer 16:17 9 Eloise Gafni 9:27 9 Xavier Frippiat M 3/17 45-49 1:17:41 10 Ava Martinez 16:23 10 Elliot Chesney-Adam 9:33 10 Mikael Rudolfsen M 3/14 40-44 1:18:26 11 Jim Shepherd Lafayette CA M 4/17 45-49 1:19:43 See all resuts at: 14 Elizabeth Kravtchenko San Mateo CA F 1/6 12-19 1:20:13 Relay Teams www.moragatri.com/ Place Name Time 1 Dicks/Underwood/Hamilton 1:16:02 Submit stories to 2 Berg/Keaton 1:16:40 [email protected] 3 Newby/Smith/Newby 1:22:59 4 Christensen/Christensen/Levine 1:48:44 (we prefer to receive your original photo file, minimum size: 200 dpi and 1200 pixels wide) 5 Wolff/Keeter/Olsen 1:50:54 OBA 11U Boys Win St. Patty’s Day Tournament Del Rey Taekwando Winner Submitted by Nikki Bird Submitted by Barry Mosteller The OBA 11U 680 baseball team won the All World Baseball’s St. Patrick’s Day Tourna- ment in Fremont March 19-20. Back, from left: Coach Todd Meyer, Manager Paul Dolan, Coach Sean O’Brien Middle row: Luke Duncan, Shepard Rom- ary, John Williams, Louis Giles, Bennett Leary, Brian Dolan Front Row: Nathan Meyer, Max Fried- man, Keoni Wong, Michael Bohm, Riley Bird Not pictured: Nolan O’Brien Photo provided Photo Barry Mosteller arron Mosteller from Del Rey qualified for the national Champi- Correction issue 4, April 20, 2016 BElementary in Orinda won a onship in Richmond, Va. He will be 2015-2016 DFAL All League, Winter Sports Silver Medal at the California State fighting this summer in the AAU The list for Boy’s Basketball missed under Honorable Mention: Taekwondo Championship in Fres- Junior Olympics after winning gold Jesse Marlow, junior (Acalanes) no recently. He fought flyweight at the AAU national qualifier. under 30 kilograms in blue belt. He amorinda LOUR HOMES Lamorinda Weekly Volume 10 Issue 5 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Digging Deep with Cynthia Brian ...read on page D16 Lafayette Juniors Kitchen Tour Cooks Up Delicious Designs By Catherine Kauder modern and classic elements to create a tranquil yet stylish environment that is perfect for cooking and entertaining. The kitchen has two honed Calacatta marble islands that provide a contrast to the industrial light fixtures and the stainless steel counter and backsplash behind the six-burner stove. Custom millwork built around the cooking area forms a mantle that holds a collection of green glass vases. “I wanted something very clean and simple,” says Peterson, who teaches at the Active Reading Center in Walnut Creek. At one the end of the kitchen is an eating area with a banquette under a large picture win- dow that looks out into a beautiful garden. The home’s reclaimed white oak floors and soft palettes of grays, blues and yellows in the furniture add to the soothing environment. Modern touches, like Eames by Herman Miller wire chairs around a tile-top table, are contrasted with one-of-a-kind finds like a charming antique trolley bench in the hallway. A stainless steel backsplash and industrial light fixtures mix modern and classic touches. Photo Todd Taylor Photography “I like mixing the modern with the traditional,” ans of beautiful kitchens, art, design and women-owned businesses this year by serving says Peterson. Fdelicious food are in for a treat this year as the appetizers prepared by Lafayette chef Aimee Ames In the Reliez Valley section of Lafayette, home- Lafayette Juniors host their 17th annual Kitchen and freshly-made cookies by local favorite, baked. owner Kelli Blocker designed her kitchen with the Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Some homes on the tour will also feature works help of Lafayette’s Premier Kitchens as part of a The ourt will feature six beautifully con- of art from Lafayette’s Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery complete home renovation. Blocker transformed a structed kitchens in homes around Lafayette and unique tablescapes set by Effortless Hostess. tiny, 1950s kitchen into a large, inviting space that with style influences as varied as farmhouse chic, Among the kitchens on this year’s tour is overlooks her family room and yard and is ideal for mid-century ranch, timeless classic and traditional one often featured as the backdrop for television entertaining friends and family. Cape Cod. commercials and Pottery Barn catalogs. Home- ... continued on page D4 The uniorsJ are also highlighting local owner Amy Peterson’s light and airy kitchen mixes Page: D2 OUR HOMES 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 VLATKA BATHGATE IF I HAD A BUYER FOR YOUR Lamorinda Home Sales recorded HOME WOULD YOU SELL IT? City Last reported: LOWEST AMOUNT: HIGHEST AMOUNT: LAFAYETTE 6 $735,000 $1,840,500 Call me at 925 597 1573 MORAGA 8 $375,000 $1,515,000 [email protected] ORINDA 6 $290,000 $2,700,000 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oakland real estate information company. Sale prices are computed from the county transfer tax infor- CalBRE#01390784 mation shown on the deeds that record at close of escrow and are published five to eight weeks after such recording. This information is obtained from public county records and is provided to us by California REsource. Neither Cal REsource nor this publication are liable for errors or omissions. LAFAYETTE 18 Amanda Lane, $1,425,000, 3 Bdrms, 1743 SqFt, 2006 YrBlt, 3-31-16; FOR SALE Previous Sale: $880,000, 04-06-10 3287 Gloria Terrace, $1,840,500, 4 Bdrms, 2100 SqFt, 1954 YrBlt, 3-30-16; 5 Owl Hill Ct, Orinda Previous Sale: $922,000, 09-01-15 Breathtaking Mediterranean 1126 Hidalgo Court, $1,335,000, 3 Bdrms, 2030 SqFt, 1955 YrBlt, 4-1-16 808 Las Trampas Road, $735,000, 3 Bdrms, 1752 SqFt, 1971 YrBlt, 3-31-16; Style Estate! Previous Sale: $46,000, 03-20-75 Offered at $2,995,000 1015 Timothy Lane, $1,525,000, 4 Bdrms, 2254 SqFt, 1951 YrBlt, 3-30-16; Previous Sale: $90,000, 08-15-74 FOR SALE 748 Upper Pond Court, $988,000, 5 Bdrms, 2935 SqFt, 1996 YrBlt, 3-30-16 155 Erselia Trl, Alamo MORAGA 1909 Ascot Drive, $725,000, 2 Bdrms, 1455 SqFt, 1973 YrBlt, 3-30-16; Artist's Delight with park Previous Sale: $549,000, 10-08-09 like yard 14 Buckingham Drive, $1,025,000, 3 Bdrms, 1560 SqFt, 1961 YrBlt, 3-25-16; Offered at $1,750,000 Previous Sale: $675,000, 04-29-09 416 Deerfield Drive, $1,450,000, 4 Bdrms, 2399 SqFt, 1966 YrBlt, 3-31-16; FOR SALE Previous Sale: $417,000, 04-26-96 2121 Donald Drive #5, $375,000, 2 Bdrms, 1224 SqFt, 1963 YrBlt, 3-31-16; 24 Jennifer Highlands Ct, Lafayette Previous Sale: $122,000, 07-10-89 Entertainer's Dream home 294 Fernwood Drive, $1,450,000, 5 Bdrms, 2502 SqFt, 1969 YrBlt, 3-29-16; with yard Previous Sale: $549,000, 02-06-98 Offered at $1,369,000 484 Kingsford Drive, $1,515,000, 4 Bdrms, 2483 SqFt, 1971 YrBlt, 3-31-16; Previous Sale: $475,000, 04-13-93 COMING SOON 651 Moraga Road #34, $417,000, 2 Bdrms, 1144 SqFt, 1962 YrBlt, 3-25-16; Previous Sale: $150,000, 02-05-99 35 Oak Rd, Orinda 1601 St. Andrews Drive, $875,000, 3 Bdrms, 1644 SqFt, 1973 YrBlt, 3-25-16; Previous Sale: $155,000, 12-01-78 Fairy Tale Setting ORINDA 19 Briones View, $1,475,000, 3 Bdrms, 2850 SqFt, 1972 YrBlt, 4-1-16 Offered at $1,879,000 8 El Sereno, $2,700,000, 3 Bdrms, 3501 SqFt, 1935 YrBlt, 3-25-16; Previous Sale: $735,000, 05-14-98 COMING SOON 314 La Espiral, $1,175,000, 4 Bdrms, 2907 SqFt, 1935 YrBlt, 3-29-16 106 Las Vegas Road, $1,225,000, 3 Bdrms, 1789 SqFt, 1951 YrBlt, 3-31-16; 3878 Paseo Grande. Moraga Previous Sale: $1,025,000, 07-09-09 Highly desirable 11 Mariposa Lane, $290,000, 4 Bdrms, 1740 SqFt, 1938 YrBlt, 3-30-16 neighborhood 46 Moraga Via, $1,850,000, 3 Bdrms, 2740 SqFt, 1955 YrBlt, 3-29-16; Previous Sale: $379,000, 04-03-92 Offered at $998,000 VLATKA CAN HELP YOU WITH BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME. WWW.BESTLAMORINDAHOMES.COM ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP PROFESSIONALISM. INTEGRITY. RESULTS. JULIE DEL SANTO WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME BROKER/OWNER BEN MILLER HOLLY KERSIS HOLLY KERSIS ® Holly Kersis has been in real estate since she was REALTOR 21 years old. She joins us with a proven track record 925.381.9503 of excellence in service and a loyal following. We [email protected] CALBRE #01185730 925.818.5500 925.558.5744 are excited to partner with her in all that lies ahead THE CHURCHILL TEAM JANET POWELL and know that together...the best is yet to come! 148 RUDGEAR DRIVE, WALNUT CREEK $1,999,000 3360 SWEET DRIVE, LAFAYETTE $1,270,000 JUST JUST LISTED LISTED SERETA: 925.998.4441 RANDY 925.787.4622 925.876.2399 JON WOOD PROPERTIES MATT McLEOD HOLLY KERSIS 925.381.9503 SERETA & RANDY CHURCHILL 925.998.4441 / 925.787.4622 1106 ROCK CREEK WAY, CONCORD $775,000 1968 FAIR RIDGE COURT, WALNUT CREEK $950,000 JUST JON WOOD: 925.383.5384 HOLLY SIBLEY: 925.451.3105 925.464.6500 LISTED PENDING SHERRY HUTCHENS TERESA ZOCCHI TERESA ZOCCHI 925.360.8662 BEN MILLER / SHERRY HUTCHENS 925.558.5744 / 925.212.7617 11 ROBBINS PLACE, ALAMO CALL AGENT 1074 SPRINGSIDE ROAD, WALNUT CREEK $1,225,000 925.212.7617 925.360.8662 TERRYLYNN FISHER TINA FRECHMAN COMING SOON SOLD REPRESENTED BUYER 925.876.0966 925.915.0851 JON WOOD PROPERTIES 925.383.5384 / 925.451.3105 MATT MCLEOD 925.464.6500 WWW.DUDUM.COM LAFAYETTE WALNUT CREEK 999 OAK HILL RD., #100 1910 OLYMPIC BLVD., #100 Distinctive Properties LAFAYETTE, CA 94549 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 O: 925.284.1400 F: 925.284.1411 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001 CALBRE #01882902 Page: D4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Lafayette Juniors Kitchen Tour Cooks Up Delicious Designs ... continued from page D1 The aplem cabinets are painted a creamy Cottage Lace and are accented with bronze hardware. Dark gray Neolith coun- tertops line the edge of the kitchen while the large center island has a Burmese teak top with a hazelnut finish. The backsplash and wall space above the counters feature cream-colored 2x4 subway tiles, which are smaller than traditional subway tiles and add a bit of texture to the space. Contemporary touches like a stain- less steel farmhouse sink and industri- al-style metal barstools give the kitchen a modern edge while still maintaining its warm, rustic feel. “We wanted something light and bright but cozy,” says Blocker, who said that the size and functionality were what she liked most about her kitchen. These two kitchens will be featured on this year’s tour along with four other homes located in Happy Valley, Reliez Val- ley, Hidden Oaks and the Trail neighbor- hood of Lafayette. Tickets for the tour are available for sale to the general public for $40 ($35 tax deductible). Tickets can be purchased on- line at www.lafayettejuniors.org or at Pre- mier Kitchens, 3373 Mt. Diablo Blvd., in Lafayette. Proceeds from this year’s Kitch- en Tour will go to support Lafayette Ju- niors’ four non-profit beneficiaries: Youth Homes, Diablo Ballet’s PEEK Outreach Program, the Food Bank of Contra Cos- ta and Solano, and Lamorinda Spirit Van. These organizations were selected for the exceptional support they provide to chil- dren, families and seniors in need through- out the East Bay. Founded in 1953, Lafayette Juniors is a non-profit organization made up of lo- cal women dedicated to raising funds and supporting other non-profits that serve children, families, and seniors in need throughout Contra Costa and neighboring counties in the San Francisco area. Above, the"Framhouse Chic" look of the Blocker Kitchen. Below, the Peterson's kitchen is Pottery Barn-ready. Photos Todd Taylor Photography New Listing: 30 Tiana Terrace, Lafayette 3 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHROOMS | 4534 SQ. FT. | 1.92 ACRE | PLEASE CALL FOR PRICE 20 Whitfield Court, Pleasant Hill 111 Bear Ridge Trail, Orinda 68 Southwood Drive, Orinda 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3952 Sq. Ft. | 1.22 Acre 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 4170 Sq. Ft. | .72 Acre Offered at $1,799,000 Offered at $2,675,000 Office: 925-254-8585 [email protected] www.clarkthompson.com CALBRE# 00903367 Page: D6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Lafayette Juniors Kitchen Tour Cooks Up Delicious Designs ... continued from page D4 The Blocker kitchen, with the large stained -teak island at the center, is ideal for entertaining. At right, the Petersons' kitchen has two marble islands. Photos Ohlen Alexander Looking to Buy or Sell? Chad Morrison I look forward to assisting INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND SOCIETY you with your real estate BAY AREA TOP 100 Direct: 925.253.4650 needs in 2016 Mobile: 925.330.1416 [email protected] www.sellinglamorinda.com ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are inde- CalBRE# 01905614 pendent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. WWW.HOLCENBERG.COM Client satisfaction: a family tradition Michelle and Wendy Holcenberg Present Westside Alamo Dream Location 100 Via Copla, Alamo Offered at $1,650,000 In the heart of Alamo close to the Iron Horse Trail and Rancho Romero School lies the perfect home with space to spread out and enjoy the best the area has to offer. With five bedrooms (including one with it’s own entrance and full bath) and three and half bath on a large, level lot there’s space for all. Features include hardwood flooring, granite countertops, vaulted ceilings, dual-pane windows, professional-grade stainless appliances and more. New Listing 2588 Oak Rd. #239, Walnut Creek $489,000 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath upper- unit condo in sought-after Ashford Court. Top Walnut Creek schools, close to Bart. Backs to Iron Horse Trail. A great opportunity! Just Sold – Represented Seller Just Sold – Represented Buyer Michelle Holcenberg [email protected] 925.253.4663 CalBRE#01373412 Wendy Holcenberg [email protected] 925.253.4630 CalBRE#00637795 142 Selborne Way, Moraga $1,127,000 18 Amanda Lane, Lafayette $1,425,000 Single-story on cul-de-sac with beautiful level yard.Hard- Charming downtown living. 10-year-old home. Walk to wood, dual-pane windows, newer roof. shops, restaurants and more. Spring inventory is blooming. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Call us today so we can help you find the perfect place to call home. independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Page: D8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Stylish Solutions New Trends Highlight Classic Luxury and Functionality By Ann McDonald completely modern space in all white. At left is a photo of the white and brass chest. With subtle accents like doors cut as jewels, and practical inside drawers, this piece works from bedroom to office to entry hall. Top with traditional lamps, a blue and white pot of orchids or antique books to complete the look. Links are below, adjacent to photos. My team saw the gold and brass trend in other places as well. I have always liked this look. Below is a press shot from Arteriors Home, trending their new col- lection of white and gold. I liked the picture because it gives some options from small ottomans to side tables and lamps. When my husband and I remodeled our home in 2008 and everything was polished nickel, I put in brass. The looks from my suppliers was “eye roll, don’t you know anything?” It was funny explaining to them, that brass would come around again, and that those of us in the know were actually buying and holding statement brass from the 1970s for savvy collecting clients. Needless to say, trust the designer who has been around a bit. I will keep to myself what we are buying and holding now but for a hint: take a look at this month’s Veranda Magazine. See if you can spot a trend in the making. The truth is, for many of us in the luxury market, brass and gold never went out; neither did hand-painted wallpaper. All you have to do is observe closely the Jean-Louis Deniot collection at Baker Furniture has some classic pieces. This chest is a favorite design elements in major cities that hold their own, from Hong Kong to London to this spring. www.bakerfurniture.com New York City. Good design never goes out of style. ... continued on page D12 elcome to May. I absolutely love this time of year, when the spring flowers are popping and the air is clear but still cool. It’s the perfect time to start dreamingW about fresh design options. This month I want to share highlights and relevant observations from my team’s recent trip to High Point, N.C., so you, Stylish Suburbanite, are squarely in-the-know on the back-room world of interior design. Every year, twice a year, designers and decorators descend upon High Point for one of the world’s largest wholesale furniture markets. You must be an indus- try trade member to attend, and many showrooms require additional credentials for access — even after general registration. That’s why recapping the trends we’ve seen is one of our most popular free webinar series. (The Spring Trend webinar has already passed and filled quickly. So you don’t miss out next time, visit www.coutu- rechateau.com and sign up for our email list.) This season’s top trends include fresh, clean lines and splashes of metal or col- or. They also include the classic quilting or channeling on upholstery, ala Chanel. These are both easy to live with. Clutter is put away, and frankly, they encourage “tidy,” something my heart yearns for these days. Spring, 2016: From traditional luxury showrooms like Baker Furniture to more accessible price points at Arteriors, the white-and-gold or white-and-brass looks were everywhere. The new Jean-Louis Deniot collection at Baker showcased one of my favorite Bunny Williams Home classic lamp. This is not a new introduction, but it is one of my favorite new pieces, the Heliodor Decorative Chest. From my designer’s eye, it’s a perfect lamps as it works in many styles. piece because it works into a traditional home looking for a quick pop, and into a www.bunnywilliamshome.com Just listed, MARVELOUS RHEEM VALLEY MANOR Just Listed Coming Soon 54 E. Altarinda Dr., Orinda 395 Fernwood, Moraga 3074 +/- Sq Ft, 4 beds 3 baths, .37 acres Broker Tour 5/17 10-2, Open House 5/22 1-4 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 2824+/- Sq Ft, .399 Acres, 2 Car Garage, Pool, Spa 97 Meadow View Road, Orinda 2135 Sq Ft, 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, .26 acres $1,475,000 Broker Tour 5/31 10-2, Open House 6/5 1-4 FINDING THE RIGHT FIT Amy Rose Smith Village Associates 93 Moraga Way Suite 103 Orinda, CA 94563 Phone: 925.212.3897 AMYROSESMITH Email: [email protected] Web: www.amyrosesmith.com Web: www.iloveorinda.com CalBRE: #01855959 Lafayette’s Best Realtor STILL #1 FOR A REASON 2008 THROUGH 2015 believe in the art of living well. 305 Corte Gabriel, Moraga ÝßÞ /3D*=&)8 =/D*q &+&I*@A* Ù?@ 9*6 B6t ÙvÜx Offered at $1,465,000 • 576Silverado.com Coming Soon ÞØØ 2I I /=(3*q &+&I*@A* Ù?@ 9*6 B6t ÙvÜx Offered at $1,535,000 • 600SkyHyCircle.com Delight in this SUPER SHARP Moraga Town Home that lives , like a single family home! With a premium location near shopping, schools, the Moraga Commons Park and Trail, it features 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and approximately 2117 square feet per assessor. ÚÝ 3) /33?@86* &6*q &+&I*@A* B?@ /?@*) ¶ &33 @8 /*Fx Coming to market 5/13/16. Offered at $799,000 Offered at $2,595,000 • 25OldMillstoneLane.com PATTI CAMRAS REALTOR® CalBRE# 01156248 925-899-9282 [email protected] ÙÚÜÚ &68=&4& =/D*q &+&I*@A* 9*6 B6)&I ÙvÜx 5 Moraga Way, Orinda Call for Price • 1242PanoramaDrive.com www.patticamras.com Dana Green License #: 01866771 License #: 01482454 ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal DanaGreenTeam.com | 925.339.1918 Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Suzi O’Brien real estate Suzi O’Brien real estate Suzi O’Brien real estate Suzi O’Brien Suzi 163 O’Brien Crestviewreal estate Dr. Orinda real estate Carmel Charm 10 Karol Lane, Pleasant Hill n e OPEN SUN 1-4PM w - l i s t i n g • Light filled home w/ updated baths & peaceful views • 3BD+office • 2BA • 2247sq ft • views - Let me help youOpen findSunday your1-4PM way• $1,098,000 home. Suzi O’Brien 925.286.852071 Ardilla Rd. Orinda suziobrien.com Situated on a lovely cul-de-sac that backs to Poet’s Corner sits this absolutely enchanting turn-key "Carmel cottage" inspired home! ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® From the white picket fence and quaint path to the front door, to is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An pEqual Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker the arched doorways and white wood slat ceilings, with the special ������������������������������������������������������������������������� - #01482496.eLet me help you find your way home. custom reclaimed sliding wood barn door and delightful backyard, nSuzi O’Brien the warmth and character of this charming 1,771 +/- sq. ft. d 3 bedroom + office / 2 bath home will warm your heart. 925.286.8520 - i 10KarolLane.com Offered at: $775,000 nsuziobrien.com - g ~ Coming Soon ~ ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker �������������������������������������������������������������������������Let me• 1923help Orinda you farmhouse find your w/ vintage way meets home. modern look #01482496. • 3BD • 2.5BA • babbling brook • walk to town • $1,098,000 Spectacular Views in Moraga Suzi O’Brien 925.286.8520 124 Santa Catalina Court, Moraga suziobrien.comLet me help you find your way home. 4 bedrooms I 2.5 bath I 2653+/- sf. I 1.6+/- ac. SuziLet meO’Brien help you find your way home. Call for more information ©2015Suzi925.286.8520 Coldwell O’Brien Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Lisa Brydon 925.285.8336 | Kristi Ives 925.788.8345 Equal925.286.8520suziobrien.com Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker ������������������������������������������������������������������������� www.BrydonIvesTeam.com ©2016#01482496. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal CalBRE#: 01408025 Housingsuziobrien.com Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. CalBRE#: 01367466 [email protected] ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® ������������������������������������������������������������������������� is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An #01482496. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker ������������������������������������������������������������������������� #01482496. Page: D12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Zestimate Schmestimate Stylish Solutions By Andi Peterson Brown recently met with some prospective Spring Trends Highlight Classic Luxury Isellers to discuss putting their home on ... continued from page D8 the market this summer. Like many sellers, they had printed out their home’s Zillow The eyk to using traditional standards in design? Be Zestimate before our appointment. When careful to avoid inexpensive, poorly executed versions. There I sat down, I saw it—on the table but off to is nothing as bad as a poor copy of something that can only the side, looming and waiting to pounce. I’ve done battle with the dreaded be executed properly by a true artist. From metalwork to Zestimate before, and in fact, I have a hand-painted finishes, inlay to fabric, true skill shows. I always handout for just such an occasion entitled counsel clients to purchase the best they can afford. Why Zestimates are Inaccurate. I had The quilt and channel. Arteriors has a channel-quilted initially used stronger language in the line. The Christophe Sofa, at $5,600, is a good price point for headline, but I was advised over the a mid-priced piece. Other brands showcased quilting as well. shoulder by the husband that it was “off- The Nathan Anthony vanity stool I find irresistible. Why? Be- putting.” cause it can live at home with the most traditional Lamorinda In reality, I had already looked up the designs as well as thrive in the contemporary hilltop estates Zestimated value of their home and knew nestled among us. This piece works in several types of fabric from this classic velvet to a that they would be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy these tips, Stylish Suburbanites. Until next month, blue and white chintz or even quilted crewel. www.nafurniture.com My price opinion of their home was live beautifully. significantly higher, but oftentimes my opinion is lower than the Zestimate. A Zestimate is a home valuation and price created by zillow.com’s algorithm. It is based purely on the numbers and recent sales in the area. While not always inaccurate, it is oftentimes inaccurate. When I give my opinion on a home’s value, not only do I think about recent comparable sales, I also take into consideration overall condition, appeal of layout and finish quality, lot usability, perceived negatives, deferred maintenance, a budget to get it ready for market, supply, demand, interest rates, the overall lending environment, and the overall economic Orchids in a blue and white pot ready to display from Ethan Allen. New Introduction Lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller would work environment. Zestimates don’t take any www.ethanallen.com in almost any décor style. www.christopherspitzmiller.com of that into consideration, and that is why they su—, I mean are inaccurate. Are you managing your own design project? Learn what you don’t know that you don’t know from someone who has been 25-plus years in the trenches of A CB Top Producer luxury design. Spend the day with Ann and learn how to manage your own AndiBrownHomes.com luxury design project as lead designer, project manager or both. For more 925.818.4588 information on these power-packed days, email Ann at [email protected]. CalBRE# 01738605 Ann McDonald, IIDA, NAPO, is the Founder/CEO of Couture Chateau, a real local • real knowledge • real value luxury interior design firm in Orinda. For a complete blog post including other ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal design ideas, visit www.couturechateau.com/blog. Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Sub- sidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Obtaining a Mortgage is Not Easy These Days!! Let Mark Provide The Service and Expertise You Would Expect When Getting A Loan!! Mark Zinman Mortgage Broker/Owner MZ Financial Group Orinda - 1.28-Acre Park-Like Setting 415-203-6369 [email protected] 35 Williams Drive, Moraga MZ FINANCIAL GROUP Mark has been a Lamorinda Resident and Mortgage Broker for 15 years and would love to put that experience to work in handling your mortgage needs! MZ Financial Group handles financing up to $3,000,000. With Interest Rates at Historic Lows give Mark a call today to talk about your specific situation! Equal Housing Opportunity. Loan Officer Mark Zinman | [email protected] | CA Bureau of Real Estate License #01335252 | NMLS License #248181 | Pacific Mortgage Consultants Inc. | CA Bureau of Real Estate License #01378482 | NMLS License #2131 Designed with contempo- rary clean Village Associates is pleased to welcome lines, an open floor Meara Culligan Dunsmore as their newest Associate. plan and Meara began her real estate career at Coldwell stylish Banker in Walnut Creek followed by Alain Pinel in finishes, this Orinda. Prior to earning her Realtor license, Meara home con- worked for over a decade as an investor/manager nects effort- of her own residential real estate portfolio. She lessly with brings an infectious passion and unparalleled inviting out- expertise to her profession, working tirelessly to door spac- ensure that her clients realize both their personal es. The home features 5-bedrooms and 4-bathrooms. A large and financial goals. deck wraps around the home connecting an outdoor kitchen A Chicagoan by birth, Meara has lived in many featuring a built-in gas grill and rotisserie, expansive parts of the US and UK but finally found her home patio, park-like yard, 3,500-sq.-ft lawn, bocce ball after relocating to Lafayette with her husband and four children. A consummate court and so much more. Offered at $2,798,000 professional with an extensive knowledge of the many facets of real estate, Meara offers her clients an outstanding level of service. Meara enjoys being an active member of our community through her Glenn Beaubelle involvement with the Lafayette Junior Women’s Club, PEO, and the various sport and school organizations that her children are involved with. She graduated 925.254.1212 magna cum laude from Boston University and holds a MSc in Geographic CABRE# 00678426 Finola Fellner Information Systems from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. 925.253.6335 Meara Dunsmore CaBRE#01428834 Cell: 925-282-0900 Office: 925-253-6469 TheBeaubelleGroup.com [email protected] ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity CalBRE License # 01969953 Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 Giving Dreams an Address VAL BRINGS VALUE IN REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE CONSULTANTS AND INVESTMENT ADVISORS SINCE 1989 AND THE COMMUNITY Together Leslie & Michele have over 55 years of experience, and 4th generation Realtors. • Campolindo Football Hall of Fame Founding Chair Person 2008 to present. • 9th Annual HOF Dinner is May 7 With a team of experienced property agents, we are able to provide • Campolindo Football Team Parent 3 years the highest quality of service every customer deserves. We want to • Stanley Middle School Jazz Liaison 2 years know more about you and your real estate needs. Contact us today for a Free home evaluation or any additional information and assistance • Lafayette Little League Vice President 2 years you need. We are more than willing to serve you and guide you through • Burton Valley Teacher’s Aide 1 year the process of buying or selling a property in Lamorinda. CONTACT US TODAY. Manzone Team Just Sold. Eight Offers, Another Happy Client Leslie & Michele Manzone 925.388.6056 | 925.222.5512 [email protected] manzoneteam.com License #: 01120753 | 01028002 Valerie Durantini 925.253.4657 www.valeriedurantini.com CalBRE# 01376796 ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed License #: 01866771 to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 23 Carr Drive, Moraga Sold 14 Reliez Valley Court $1,650,000 Lafayette “Leslie’s guidance, local knowledge, attention to detail and commitment to supporting us were key to our success. Her personal contribution is truly appreciated. We have moved nine times. Leslie has set a new standard in excellence for what we will expect from 14ReliezValleyCourt.com all future realtors.” Considering a Move in 2016? I specialize in providing my clients a full Totally updated 3 bedroom/2 bath (approx. 1519 sf) single story house with views. scale approach to selling including color, design and staging expertise. Open floor plan, hardwood floor, Quartz countertop, stainless steel appliances, Farmhouse kitchen sink, wine rack, LG Washer/Dryer, Premier Walk-in Tub w/ shower, Contact me today for a comprehensive plan to dual pane windows, large workshop, near top schools, swimming club and shops. market and sell your home. Offered at $995,000 Lafayette | Moraga | Orinda Peter Liu Leslie Lomond 925-708-0947 Realtor, MBA and CfYH Certified Color Consultant www.PeterZLiu.com CalBRE# 01968517 650.799.2110 CalBRE01460749 [email protected] ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed www.apr.com/llomond to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Local Expertise | Commitment to Customer Service | Cutting Edge Marketing & Design One Of A Kind Burton Valley Estate! Tucked away on over 2 acres yet close enough to walk to Burton Valley Elementary. Main home: Custom built in 2003, 4,220 sq.ft., 4bedrooms + office, 3.5 baths Additional Carriage House: custom built in 2005, 1,200 sq.ft of amazing space...perfect Coming Soon in Moraga! Offered for $2,495,000 for executive home 91 Orchard Road, Orinda Shown by appointment only... office, fitness studio or This extraordinary 4BR/3BA home has been thoughtfully remodeled contact Tara today kid play space with the finest quality materials and has been colorfully landscaped, striking a harmonious balance between home and garden. This tranquil refuge offers a variety of flowering plants, trees, vines, lawns, ponds, waterfalls, walkways, patios, terraces and verandas. Enjoy the outdoor fireplace and watch the sunset over the Berkeley hills or get inspired in the professional green house. Minutes to Meadow Swim & Tennis Club. Lamorinda Real Estate Specialist Offered at $2,595,000 | 91OrchardRd.com www.TaraRochlin.com Paul & Virginia Ratto 925.998.9501 925.586.3442 [email protected] [email protected] rattoandratto.com ASSOCIATES CalBRE#01330630 License #: 00900621 | 01361537 REAL ESTATE Re�nancing? Purchase? 2nd Home? Home Lending in Lamorinda over 25 years. Call Becca today! Becca Romonek Loan O�cer�Team Rider NMLS#1436604 Cell: 925.899.5758 [email protected] 8 Camino Encinas, Suite 115 Orinda Equal Housing Lender. Prospect Mortgage, LLC, NMLS ID #3296, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) is a Delaware limited liability company, licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residen�al Mortgage Lending Act . This is not an o�er for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Terms and condi�ons apply. Addi�onal loan programs may be available. This is not an o�er to enter into a rate lock agreement under MN law, or any other applicable law. Call for details. 3/2015 NMLS ID # 1438399 Orinda Branch Gen. Eng. Lic #971074 925.932.5432 www.sewerinspections.com DAVID PIERCE Helping Lamorinda Homeowners Since 1987 Direct: 925 254 5984 Sewer Inspections & Cleaning [email protected] Locally Owned & Operated 38 Years of Experience www.DavidPierce.net Video Inspections & Locating Sewers Unclogged CalBRE #00964185 Overfl ow Protection Devise Installation Trenchless Replacements & Repairs We let the video speak for itself! Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated Page: D16 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Digging Deep Spring Forward with Fresh Gardening Ideas This May By Cynthia Brian “Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire.” ~Virgil A beautiful shade oasis of camellias and azaleas. Photos Cynthia Brian A stunning palette of purple and orange highlights this Mediterranean-style garden of scattered poppy seeds, purple bearded iris, Santa Barbara daisy, California natives, and lavender in Cinda McKinnon’s ith all the rain we’ve enjoyed this season, spring has birthed the most spec- drought resistant garden in Orinda. tacular garden displays experienced in years. The air is fragrant with the My March 23 article about cultivating a wildflower meadow (go to http:// scentW of jasmine, emerald green hills are decorated with golden poppies, and pretty www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1002/Digging-Deep-How-to-Cultivate- peonies populate our plots. Songbirds chirp as they feather their nests, butterflies a-Wildflower-Meadow.html) sparked immense interest from across the country. flit from blossom to bloom, lady beetles and bees are busy with their business. A One of my favorite descriptive notes arrived from Ron in Texas who wrote: lovely turkey feather poked out from under my fig bush by my living room window. “What a wonderful article on growing wildflowers. I've always loved wild- When I went to grab it, I realized it was attached to a wild hen sitting on eggs. She flowers, remembering the trillium that carpeted the Wisconsin forests in the spring wasn’t even startled and I’ve continued to enjoy watching her daily. and the daisies, black-eyed Susans, and other wildflowers that covered any open Our natural world has found its equilibrium. field all summer long. Later, finding wild azalea in the Georgian woods and now, My Pearl’s Premium lawn is finally looking lush and full. The secret was con- in Texas, going to see the bluebonnets and Indi- stant reseeding, daily moisture and netting to keep the birds at bay. This summer an paintbrush, as well as finding every vacant lot will tell how drought resistant the grass is. One thing is for certain, it has definitely here in Houston filled with 7-foot tall sunflowers. forced out weeds and dandelions. Whereas I used to pick at least a hundred dande- Thanks to Lady Bird Johnson, planes seed most lions a day to feed the quail, I am now down to half a dozen or even less. Thus far I Texas highways with beautiful wildflowers largely am impressed with this grass seed and will keep you posted as the dry weather sets in the spring before the heat and drought of sum- in. (www.pearlspremium.com) mer and their beauty. I always let my yard grow I’ve been busy planting seeds one by one, a very tedious task, as I’m not one to wild in spring so that many wildflowers there can start my seedlings indoors. Instead I use an egg carton and pour the various seeds I bloom and reseed.” want to plant into the egg holders, then, I meticulously plunge each tiny seed into its And that is the secret to spring wildflowers — own hole. Some seeds, like Echinacea, are smaller than a pinpoint. One has to have se- allow them to bloom and reseed. rious dedication to growing a variety of specimens when sowing. My preferred method The simple pleasures of spring are for all of us is to scatter a big bucket of seeds mixed with sand and see what thrives. Cinda McKin- to savor. Get moving and get into your garden. non of Orinda has used this method successfully on her wild Mediterranean hillside. ... continued on page D18 Till your vetch into your garden soil to add nutrients. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com OUR HOMES LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: D17 COMING SOON in Rossmoor! Wonderful LEVEL-IN condo … no stairs to entry! Villa Robles floorplan 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bath 1521± square feet Privacy and beautiful views from spacious open veranda Attached garage Call for details! MARY BETH MACLENNAN 925.324.6246 TONY CONTE 925.708.1396 [email protected] [email protected] License # 01480008 | 00959101 Pacific Union # 01866771 LAMORINDA ROSSMOOR GREATER EAST BAY Reach 60,000+ in Lamorinda Advertise in Lamorinda Weekly Call 925-377-0977 today A bowl of Beauty peony. We print and deliver 26,000 copies every other week. Local newspaper delivered to Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Page: D18 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Digging Deep ... continued from page D16 CYNTHIA BRIAN’S FRESH IDEAS: REFRESH your dirt with a few yards of new, enriched top soil and compost. Good soil is the foundation for a healthy, happy landscape. TILL your cover crops of vetch, mustard, clover, or fava beans into your soil. If they have grown to large to till, pull them out, run them over with a lawnmower, then return them to the soil for all of the nutrients they will provide your produce. SEPARATE seeds in an egg carton for ease in sowing. POKE holes in the soil with a pencil or stick to plant a variety of small seeds including sunflowers, hollyhock, cathedral bells, purple hyacinth beans and perennial sweet peas. SOAK morning glory seeds for eight hours before planting or nick with a fingernail clipper to assist in rooting. DISCOVER spring by scattering wildflower seeds. Allow them to bloom and reseed themselves for another display next season. GATHER a bouquet of peonies or even a single stem to create a stunning and long lasting floral arrangement. BUILD simple raised beds to grow your bounty of vegetables. Even a small 3 x 3 foot redwood box will provide space for plenty. SHOP for vegetables and herbs at your favorite nursery or garden center. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant, watermelon, pumpkin, zucchini, beans and cucumbers are available in four-inch pots and six packs at reasonable prices. Peonies make fabulous cut flowers. PULL weeds on a continuous basis. Weeds zap the moisture from the plants we want. Don’t let them form seed heads. EMPTY standing water from pots, tires, neglected ponds, pools or any place where mosquito larvae will breed. With all the rain we’ve had this year, mosquitoes could spread West Nile virus. If you have a pond, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Con- trol will provide free mosquito fish by calling (925) 771-6196. California authorities are monitoring the activity of West Nile virus and request that any dead birds or squirrels be reported to them at (877) 968-2473. SEED and reseed your lawns specifically when it’s raining. Make sure to keep the seed moist until it sprouts. Pearl’s Premium may be the answer for a lush, green, drought-re- Lic.: #611120 Family owned in Moraga since 1987 sistant lawn. www.PearlsPremium. com Your friendly neighborhood DANCE the snail stomp, a dance arborists Darren and Lew Edwards my children and I invented one very IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR wet winter years ago. Go out at night Time to Prune - Proper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a with gloves on, flashlight in hand, strong structure and desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate and a bucket to pick up slugs and pruning measures while they are young will require little corrective snails. Find an area to dump and pruning when they mature. dance. (If you don’t like to dance, fill Proper technique is essential. Each cut has the potential to change the the bucket with soapy water and the growth of the tree. Poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life dirty deed is done.) of the tree. TOUR gardens when you are not So don't wait until it's too late, have a complete inspection by a Certified enjoying your personal backyard. Arborist at Advance Tree Service. Check the newspaper for garden Advance Tree Service tours around the Bay Area. You’ll Your Authority on Trees. find inspiration in what others have designed and accomplished. Enjoy the splendors of spring 925-376-6528 while you dream of a personal jour- [email protected] www.advancetree.com ney through nature. A turkey hen sits on her eggs under a fig bush at Cynthia Brian’s home. Wed., May 4, 2016 OUR HOMES Page: D15 DESIGN R INSTALLATION ue idg IRRIGATION l e DRAINAGE B STONEWORK CONCRETE WORK DECKS 925-258-9233 FENCES cell: 510-847-6160 PATIOS LAWNS Landscape Company Inc. PONDS Blue Jay Feldman LICENSED CLEANUP & OWNER/OPERATOR INSURED HAULING www.blueridgelc.com Lic# 818633 >\kFlk JkXpFlk Calla lilies and a Pearl’s Premium lawn thriving in @ePfliE\nFlk[ffiIffd Lamorinda. C\k>Xi[\eC`^_kjCXe[jZXg\;\m\cfgd\ek^`m\pfl^ff[i\XjfekfÈ>\kFlkXe[JkXpFlkÉk_`jjldd\i% Cynthia Brian welcomes spring to every garden. Happy gardening. Happy growing! ©2016 family owned since 1933 Cynthia Brian The Goddess Gardener Starstyle® Productions, llc Mother's Day Gifts! [email protected] www.GoddessGardener.com Benches • Garden Decor • House Plants • Gifts • Jewelry 925-377-STAR Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www.StarStyleRa- dio.com Garden and plant consultations by appointment. Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA MORAGA ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE New Price New Price New Listing 15 Estates Drive Redesigned & 111 Bear Ridge Trail Gated 68 Southwood Drive Beautiful 2121 Donald Drive #6 Desirable THE VILLAGE renovated. Living, dining & island 1.22ac lush knoll parcel. Custom fully renovated w/high-end features Moraga Manor 2 story, 2bd/1.5ba ASSOCIATES: kitchen all in a “Great Room.” 5bd/4.5ba, 3952sf home w/ light & in/outside. Perfect for family & ideal remodeled 1,224sf condo w/granite 4bd/3ba + study/den. Hardwood bright rooms, walls of windows & high entertaining all on one level. Views, kitchen, frplc & patio. Steps from Ashley Battersby floors. Patio & side yard. Close in ceilings. 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Hardwood Reliez Valley. Remodeled single single-story 5bd/3.5ba, 3700+ sf & apx. 1200sf 2005 out building on Lynda Snell floors, new carpet, fresh paint, story 4bd/2.5ba on usable acre. home w/pool on level lot! Chef’s 2.47ac in Burton Valley. High ceilings, sparkling pool. Close to schools & Privacy with endless room for a gourmet kitchen/family room opens gourmet kit./fam rm, 1st flr mstr Clark Thompson Rancho Laguna Park. pool, vineyard, horses, sports court, to pool/ gardens/ decks. Laf. schools retreat. Wlk to elem. schl & swim Angie Evans Traxinger $1,685,000 guest house. $1,995,000 w/buses K-8. $2,100,000 club. $2,495,000 Ignacio Vega Ann Ward LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE PLEASANT HILL Dan Weil Jenny Lyons Wilhite Margaret Zucker New Listing 3184 Lucas Drive 1155 Camino Vallecito 5 Burton Vista Court 23 Carpenter Court New construction 4+bd/3.5ba home by Esheric Architectural Mid Century. Spectacular 7bd/9+ba, 8986sf estate w/ Lovely 1768sf updated traditional SpringHill Homes in Burton Valley Spectacular 2ac Happy Vly Estate. luxury amenities in all grand oversized home on cul-de-sac in sought after w/open living spaces, gourmet kitchen, Beaut. updated, walls of glass, Fr. spaces. Premium 2.25ac parcel w/sport Hillsdale neighborhood. Spacious facebook.com/VillageAssociates outstanding master, level lawn backs to doors, high ceilings, pano views. court, pool & pavilion w/kitchen, master w/views. Dual pane open space, 3 car garage. Kit/fam rm, stunning liv/din rms, dressing rooms & showers. windows, plantation shutters. twitter.com/villageassoc $2,495,000 cabana/ba. Top schools. $3,825,000 $5,599,000 Private level yard. $789,000 93 Moraga Way, Suite 103 • Orinda, CA 94563 • Phone: (925) 254-0505 Visit www.villageassociates.com Click on Sunday Open Homes