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Volume 04 Issue 19 read it online: www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Quote of the Week: Happy Thanksgiving, Lamorinda! In celebration of the 2010 holiday season, we've added a special holiday sec- “I DO love my Town and it is worth tion that will run through December. This time, read Lou Fancher's Twisted Turkey Traditions on page H1 more than a dollar.” Read Letters to the Editor, page A8. and find all sorts of fun and festive events in our holiday calendar on page H2.
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Town News A2 - A7 THINKING OF SELLING IN 2011? Letters to the Editor A8 Let us put your home in the spotlight! Classified A9 Business A10 Not to be Missed H2 The Olsen Team It is never too early to begin planning. Shop Moraga H4 Sue, Ben & Lara (925) 253-2530 Call us today to set your course for success. CA DRE# 00616156 Life in Lamorinda L1-L5 www.TheOlsenTeam.com REAL ESTATE Service Directory L2 Dining L4 Sports L6-L8 Leaf Blower Ban Not Likely to Campolindo Ladies Win NCS Schools L8-L9 HOW TO CONTACT US L9 Blow Over Volleyball Championship Our Homes OH1-8 By Andrea A. Firth Campolindo reclaims the prize for the first time since This Week Read About: Lafayette Budget Battle A2 his issue is not going away. The City Council has not heard the last of this,” said 2005; both Acalanes and Miramonte fall short Giving Thanks A3 “TQuiet Orinda organizer Jeff Segall a few days after the Council voted unanimously By Abby Klinkenberg Here Comes $Tree A4 against banning leaf blower use in the City. “I was extremely disappointed by the outcome Election Final A6 and process used by the Council,” added Segall. Quiet Orinda founder Peter Kendall had a Letter from the Editor H1 similar reaction. “A consummate disappointment, really a travesty. I sincerely hope the City Doing Good in Cambodia L2 isn't laboring under the misapprehension that we're ‘going away,’” said Kendall. New Directions for Grodin L3 At the November 16th City Council meeting, Quiet Orinda was given 15 minutes to Squire Publisher Found! L5 present its rationale for a ban on leaf bower use in the city. Over 150 residents were on hand Girls' Hoops Preview L6 to listen as Segall and Kendall hurriedly flipped through dozens of slides outlining the Year-end Tax Planning OH4 noise nuisance and health risks they believe are posed by the widely used garden mainte- nance equipment. Segall, whose wife and three-year old twins were also in the audience, explained that twice a week his family is forced to retreat indoors due to the noise and air pollu-
PRSRT STD PRSRT tion caused by the onslaught of mow and blow landscaping crews that move through his PAID U.S.POSTAGE AD-VANTAGE neighborhood. “We’re here to restore calm and quiet in our neighborhoods,” said Segall, citing Piedmont, Mill Valley, Carmel, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hill as cities that have Photo Doug Kohen already enacted leaf blower bans. he Campolindo girls’ volleyball team won the NCS championship on Kendall focused his comments on the health hazards associated with particulates— TSaturday, November 20 against Sir Francis Drake, 25-12, 25-13, 25-28; the microscopic particles of fecal matter, herbicides, and pesticides—made airborne by the first time since 2005. Miramonte and Acalanes reached the quarterfinals leaf blowers. “It used to be the noise that drove us to pursue leaf blower bans,” said Kendall, but fell to Moreau Catholic and Sir Francis Drake, respectively. “But it’s the particulates that will kill us.” ... continued on page A7 ... continued on page L7 WomenSing in Lamorinda Miramonte Advances to Round Two By Lou Fancher If there’s magic in numbers, then 45 is the lucky draw for WomenSing, the 45 member Lafayette-based chorus cele- brating its 45th anniversary season this year. In June, the choral ensemble re- ceived the 2010 national Chorus America/ASCAP Alice Parker Award for adventurous programming. The award is given to choruses that invig-
return to: Lamorinda Weekly • P.O. Box 6133 • Moraga, CA 94570 Box 6133 • Moraga, CA • P.O. Weekly return to: Lamorinda read on page L7 Mailed and delivered to 24,200 homes and businesses in Lamorinda. Mailed and delivered orate and...... read on page L1 Page: A2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010
2 Great Properties Coming in Early 2011! Civic COMING SOON #1 Lafayette Woodlands – Charming 2-story farmhouse never before on market! News 4BD/3.5BA, 3125 sq. ft. on .92-acre lot Dana Green Sarah E. Kellar Lic. #01482454 Lic. #01805955 #2 Lafayette Woodlands – Private (925) 339-1918 split-level, oak-studded contemporary with pool! ]A eÉv~vÄ|yy [email protected] 4BD/3BA, 2937 sq. ft. on 1.03-acre lot DanaGreenTeam.com Lafayette Budget Adjustments Weighed by City Council By Cathy Tyson Public Meetings lthough for each of the last ings that would total $550,000 were $11,000. These suggested changes Lafayette Library and Learning City Council Monday, December 13, 7:00 pm twenty years Lafayette suggested to the City Council on equal $547,500, very close to the Center’s Community Hall. Public A November 8. target amount of $550,000. input is always welcome. These Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd proudly had a balanced budget, the second half of the current fiscal year Two motorcycles are cheaper The final city budget will be staff suggestions could be accepted, Planning Commission Monday, November 29, 7:00 pm and the trend for the next five years than one police dog and canine of- presented at the December 13 City rejected or adjusted at that time. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd is not so rosy. Clearly not to the de- ficer. It may sound harsh but, “the Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Design Review Monday, December 13, 7:00 pm gree of the Federal and State budget dog is at the end of its service life,” according to a staff report. Because Chamber of Commerce Reacts to Proposed Lafayette Library & Learning Center in the Arts & Science Discovery Center woes – but Lafayette is projected to at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. have a deficit of $550,000. To 73% of canine calls are outside the Budget Cuts Check online for agendas, meeting notes and announcements maintain a balanced budget, cuts of area, staff suggested two motorcy- No sooner did city staff inform the Lafayette Chamber of Com- cles could be purchased for existing City of Lafayette: www.ci.lafayette.ca.us this amount will need to be made merce of the proposed $80,000 in reductions to city-funded pro- police officers to better patrol the Chamber of Commerce: www.lafayettechamber.org from the General Fund. motional expenses, was the business community stung again by “Tracy Robinson (Adminis- narrow, winding streets of the announcement of a further decline in sales tax revenue. • Police Report • trative Services Director) and I Lafayette. This would produce on- “Some of the city’s support of the downtown climate and events chuck” stuffed into her clothing. looked carefully at revenue and ex- going annual savings of $225,000. is arguably not essential,” says Chamber Executive Director Jay penditures. Revenue is expected to No major new projects in Lifson, “but if sales are down, is it a good time to cut the funding? Stanley Teacher’s Keys Found by Police grow at 2% and expenses to grow town equal, potentially, no Com- The city should respond to the sales tax downturn with more 11/11/10 A group of kids gained access at 3% - this is just not sustainable,” munity Development Director. measures to stimulate the local economy, not fewer.” to Stanley during a school holiday using said City Manager Steven Falk. This position could be replaced by Events such as the Art and Wine Festival and the Reservoir Run, a missing set of teacher keys. The group Not Your Average Dog Sitter, 11/10/10 a part time Special Projects Man- was discovered and a 15-year-old “We believe the City needs a course which have received city support in the past, are good examples Lafayette Police responded to a burglar Acalanes student ran from the scene and correction - with changes phased in ager. This would save $86,500. of the situation’s complexity. According to Lifson, the amount of alarm on Sundale Road and discovered a was later found at his home. The miss- between now and June of 2011.” Chamber proponents and money contributed by the city is roughly equivalent to dona- 22-year-old El Sobrante woman inside ing keys were discovered in the boy’s business owners were not thrilled tions the Chamber makes each year to local schools and com- the home. Although a 12” x 12” glass With a reserve account bal- backpack and he claimed responsibility panel from a window was resting against ance of $9.3 million dollars – the with the proposed elimination of munity groups from the event proceeds; funding cuts could for possessing them. The 15-year-old the side wall of the home, the woman equivalent of 91% of the General city funded promotional expenses, mean an end to those donations. was taken to the Lafayette Police De- stated she was there to check on her for example banners and twinkle Lifson reported that the Chamber has received numerous letters partment and released to his mother and Fund budget – the city is still in aunt’s sick dog. Police were not able to the other kids were released to their par- very good shape in case of earth- lights along with police and public opposing the reductions – the Lafayette Partners in Education verify her intriguing story and discovered ents at the school. The case was for- quake, wildfire or flood. It seems works support of the Art & Wine voiced its concern, as did the Lafayette Library and Learning $3,500 of stolen items nearby. The items warded to Youth Diversion Services like only yesterday, but in fiscal Festival and the Reservoir Run. Center Foundation; many small and large business owners, as were returned to the homeowner and the Officer Berch Parker for follow-up. This could save the city $80,000. well as residents, expressed worries not only about the loss of burglar was given a lift to the Martinez year 2009/2010 the budget had a Sounds like a little more parental super- Detention Facility. Nice try. surplus of $219,000 that was added “Nobody likes to see these gone, Chamber donations but also about compromising the city’s dy- vision on days off could be in order… to the reserve fund. but it’s hard to argue that twinkle namic image. How Badly Can One Need a Drink? Nevertheless, a solution must be found. Lifson said one of the Bar Fight at the Roundup 11/14/10 A The biggest piece of the an- lights are a core service of the city,” 11/10/10 Lafayette Police arrested a city’s suggestions is the creation of a Business Improvement Dis- Walnut Creek resident was arrested for nual budget pie, 44%, is spent on said Falk. For the record, twinkle Martinez woman for stealing $102.65 battery when he caused serious bodily police services contracted from the lights will be on this holiday season. trict (BID), funded by a business tax, which would take charge of worth of alcohol from Trader Joe’s. The injury to an Oakley man during a fight at Changes to Planning staff certain tasks currently managed by the Chamber. He does not would-be thief quickly admitted to County. It’s no secret that there is a the Roundup. The victim lost con- support this idea, noting, “If we had a BID, for which businesses stealing the booze and a background very large looming unfunded pen- could save $60,000, stretching time sciousness after being punched and had to pay, it is likely that they would significantly reduce their check revealed she was already on pro- sion obligation for these officers; between landscape trimming and kicked by the Walnut Creek resident and bation. The police report didn’t indicate clean up would save $50,000. support of the Chamber.” another unidentified suspect. The vic- staff believes its “prudent” to as- what type of alcoholic beverage the The discussions between the city and the Chamber are ongoing. tim was transported to John Muir Hos- sume that those costs will be passed Higher use fees for ballfield users woman was intent on enjoying but it’s “There will be some trade-offs,” said Lifson, “and we want to be pital for treatment and the thug was through to Lafayette. and recreation classes could save fun to envision the possibility that she part of the solution.” given a ride to the Martinez Detention Although nothing has been $35,000 and miscellaneous admin- had over two cases of “three buck S.Braccini Facility. decided, six opportunities for sav- istrative changes could save Christmas CA$H for your Holiday $pending
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One person commented that Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. there was not a lot of character on A bountiful crowd of digni- Golden Gate Way right now; a taries, Chamber members and tablemate said, “I totally disagree.” friends enjoyed breakfast by Green There was agreement however, re- Lantern Catering Co., words of garding diversity of retail types and wisdom by Chamber Executive Di- staying away from chain stores. rector Jay Lifson and an impressive, Greg Woehrle, one of a group heartfelt presentation accompanied of owners of the Park Theater, ad- by a clever slide show from City dressed the group, “Here we are Manager Steven Falk, who should again – parking, parking, parking. be Lafayette’s honorary poet laure- If the Theater reopened we would ate. need 88 spaces – we have 10.” He Reflecting on how Lafayette has asked neighboring business if becomes a home, Falk asked at their parking lots were for sale – all A group of residents point out their suggestions for future development on large what moment was it clear that this said no. Inquiring at the 76-station, maps of the Golden Gate Way and Plaza Park area. Photo Cathy Tyson is where you belong, “Was it per- he learned that they just signed a haps when the hills go gold under Golden Gate Way area and the 25-year lease. “We can’t do it standing-room-only crowd of azure skies in the summer?...Or en- Shield block as real assets to the alone,” he said. Aresidents came together to joying the finest glazed donut in the community. Both the Shield Block, According to Woehrle, “Until chime in with their visions for the land?” Adding personal experi- named for its shape, bordered by we solve the parking problem – look and feel of the Golden Gate ences from prom paparazzi, watch- Mt. Diablo Boulevard and there can be no development.” He Way neighborhood twenty years in Steve Falk received a standing ovation for his presentation on Lafayette ing his kids’ blossom at school and Lafayette Circle and Golden Gate urged the City to address the issue the future. Photo Andy Scheck in the community, and making con- “Golden Gate Way could be Way share a unique character and now. Looking for a way to make lthough it was gray and driz- mosphere couldn’t have been more nections with neighbors, Falk like Rockridge or the Peal District of have potential for redevelopment the Park Theater a vibrant hub of zly outside, inside the cav- warm and inviting for the 31st An- clearly resonated with the audience. Portland, Oregon – it’s an amazing that retains and enhances the spirit activity, Woehrle is open to sugges- A ernous meeting space at Our nual Community Thanksgiving He encouraged all to, “Be con- opportunity” opined one resident at of Lafayette. tions; contact him at Savior’s Lutheran Church, the at- Breakfast, sponsored by the scious of the many treasures here.” the last workshop for the Revised Four very large tables were [email protected]. Draft Downtown Specific Plan. set up in the Community Hall for Of the many suggestions “This is your chance to business owners, property owners bandied about only one table came dream about the future,” instructed and concerned residents to add their up with something concrete. Table two cents to often rambling conver- Voted “Best Of” Niroop Srivatsa, Planning and spokesperson Larry Blodgett reiter- Lavande Gift Cards by Lamorinda Moms, San Jose Mercury Building Manager. She encouraged sations about the future plans for the ated that it’s all about parking, “Be- News, Metro, San Francisco Magazine attendees to define the character of area. Expanding the existing small cause this is a special district – it for the Holidays the area and make suggestions for Plaza Park at the corner of Mt. Di- could have its own parking regula- improvement, giving attention to ablo and Moraga Road to include tions. He described it as a carrot Lafayette Plaza and Plaza Way, The what is now the 76 gas station, a versus a stick approach that would $ $ Park Theater, parking and natural recreation center and live-work include a multi-level parking struc- Gift Gift lofts toward the gazebo were just 26 49 features like the creek corridor. The ture between Mt. Diablo and area doesn’t seem like the thriving, some of the ideas discussed. Golden Gate Way. Signature Pedicure Massage Special pedestrian friendly, cultural and Lack of parking was a recur- For those interested in partic- Nail Care, Exfoliation, for 50min Swedish or Deep civic area on most residents wish ring theme of the evening that ipating in the civic process, On De- Massage, and Polish Tissue. Purchase of 2 required lists at the moment. Containing a loomed large over most everyone’s cember 1 there will be a workshop Offers expires 2/28/2011 mish mash of apartments, the Li- “vision.” Complaints about park- for the City’s Feasibility and Op- brary, auto body shop and conven- ing in the area are real and justified. tions Study of a Bicycle and Pedes- 3589 Mt. Diablio Blvd. ience store and the usually empty Srivatsa spelled it out: 1009 spaces trian Pathway along the EBMUD Lafayette Gazebo – a strategy to guide future should be available for parking, yet Aqueduct right-of way, 7:00 p.m. – 925-299-8877 only 681 actual spaces exist. growth could be a good thing. 9:00 p.m. at the Community Hall at Open Daily 10am-7pm, Planning Commissioner While there was lots of the Lafayette Library and Learning except Thanksgiving, X’mas, and New Year Day Chair Tom Chastain defined the neighborly brainstorming, not Center. Manicure - Pedicure - Massage - Facial - Waxing Christmas in November for Grant Recipients By Cathy Tyson
From left, Nate Welcomer, Bob Athayde, Lucy Portnoff, Tom Carter (President of Generations in Jazz Foundation), and Lafayette Community Foundation Board Members Ann Denny, Teresa Gerringer, Anita Rama and Cheryl Noll. Photo Doug Kohen he Lafayette Community Lafayette Art and Science Founda- velopment Director. “AccessArt is Foundation recently awarded tion, the Lamorinda Spirit Van and an art program providing a sup- INTRODUCING T Las Trampas. portive learning and work envi- HUNTER DOUGLAS DESIGN STUDIO.™ a generous grant to the Generations CUSTOM. REDEFINED.™ in Jazz Foundation that will be Supporting projects that pro- ronment for people with passed along to the Lafayette Sum- mote and enhance the civic, cul- developmental, physical and emo- ROMAN SHADES. CUSTOM STYLES, FABRICS mer Music Workshop (LSMW) for tural, educational and tional disabilities.” Artwork AND COLORS. a shiny new keyboard, a drum set environmental health of Lafayette ranges from the backdrop for a EASY TO SELECT, ORDER and amplification equipment. is what the Lafayette Community fashion show to watercolors to key AND INSTALL. “This gift makes us able to Foundation is all about. These re- chains and beyond. help other people. If you have it cipients were chosen because they Looking to encourage and - share it – don’t hoard it. Stu- all, in different ways, do just that. sustain creative development and dents are motivated if they have Grant requests are reviewed work skills so that clients are more good instruments to practice on,” by the LCF’s Grants Committee, in fully able to function as active said Bob Athayde, Stanley Mid- the spring and fall. “We try to make members of the community, this © 2010 Hunter Douglas. ™ Trademark of Hunter Douglas. dle School Music Director and the money work for the most peo- grant provides Las Trampas with LSMW Director. The items will ple possible,” said Cheryl Noll, materials and supplies for drawing, be used for the week long Music Grant Chair of the Lafayette Com- painting, sculpture, ceramics, jew- Workshop in the summer, and munity Foundation. elry photography and more. “This then shared with schools in need “On behalf of everyone at came in the nick of time,” said Ron 8B?D:CE8?B; during the off season. Las Trampas, we would like to Kilgore, Associate Director, adding CALL US TODAY! This grant is just one of six take this opportunity to thank the that they are running low on almost Wmirj abpfdkp Z_l_i_ed Free Home Consultations awarded during the Lafayette Com- Lafayette Community Foundation everything. OEKHM?D:EM9EL;H?D=IIF;9?7B?IJ munity Foundation’s (LCF) fall for their generous grant in support For more information on the Abpfdkbo Nr^ifqv >q >ccloa^_ib Mof`bp+ 925-935-2161 funding cycle. Other lucky recipi- of the AccessArt program for Foundation check their website at plumdesigns.hdspd.com ents are: the Muir Heritage Land adults with developmental disabil- www.lafayettecommunityfounda- Trust, Town Hall Theater, the ities,” said Bonnie Peacock, De- tion.org. *Rebate offer valid for purchases made 9/25/10 – 12/15/10. Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask for details. ©2010 Hunter Douglas. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas. Page: A4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010
uring this time of Thanksgiving I would Dlike to wish you and your families a Civic News wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and a Holiday Season of Peace and Happiness. I am grateful to live and work in our beautiful community, and truly thankful Moraga for the opportunity to serve you. www.JulieBarlier.com Public Meetings ]A eÉv~vÄ|yy Julie Barlier Town Council Wednesday, December 8, 7:30 pm (925) 588-4300 Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, 1010 Camino Pablo Bilingue anglais-français Realtors [email protected] Planning Commission Monday, December 6, 7:30 pm Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Marys Rd The State of the Town Design Review Monday, December 13, 7:00 pm By Sophie Braccini Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Marys Rd well, if not for unfunded infrastruc- The Mayor pointed out that Liaison Friday, December 10, 8:00 am ture maintenance. the Town continues to be able to Chew started with a series of provide essential services to its res- Fire Station, 1280 Moraga Way slides listing the objectives, now ac- idents in spite of the cuts that have Check online for agendas, meeting notes and announcements complished, that he set when his been required in order to stay fi- Town of Moraga online: www.moraga.ca.us term as mayor began a year ago. nancially balanced. “The per capita The most significant of these spending for government in Mor- Chamber of Commerce: www.moragachamber.org achievements are: a balanced aga is $376.09; it is $444.55 in Moraga Citizens’ Network: www.moragacitizensnetwork.org budget; the completion of the Spe- Lafayette and $616.16 in Orinda.” cific Plan; the transfer of the corpo- He attributed this result to the ex- • Police Report • ration yard out of the Hacienda de ceptional dedication of Town staff. tion card. Estimated loss $80. las Flores to the newly acquired Chew indicated that next building at 321 Rheem; the comple- year’s priorities would be the im- Yet another theft, 11/04/10 Same tion of the retrofit of the Town Hall plementation of the Specific Plan, night, different street, same part at 329 Rheem; the agreement with community outreach to build a con- of town. Someone broke into the the School District for the improve- sensus regarding town finances, the unlocked trunk of a Miramonte ment of the sports field at Camino budget, the conclusion of the Het- Very petty theft, 11/04/10 Some- Drive 1994 Mercedes Benz and Pablo Elementary; the upgrading of field development project, and the time during the night, an un- removed several items – a sub- the lighting assessment district support of local businesses. known suspect entered an woofer, a car stereo amplifier, a through a popular vote; the comple- He concluded by naming all unlocked black BMW parked in raincoat and sunglasses. Esti- tion of the Revenue Enhancement of the fun events that take place in a Camino Ricardo driveway and mated loss $390. Ken Chew (on right) after his presentation Photo Andy Scheck study and the subsequent appoint- Moraga every year, from Cinco de removed $5.00 in change from ment of a volunteer Economic De- Mayo, to the 4th of July, the Pear the center console. No witnesses Fourth theft, is there a theme oraga Mayor Ken Chew listed the highlights of 2010 – from velopment Team, as well as the Festival and the Oktoberfest (which or leads at this time. here? 11/04/10 Once again an Mpresented the customary the local government’s perspective. initiation of community outreach to is, the Mayor confided, his fa- unlocked car a few blocks away State of the Town Address on No- In his usual relaxed, and sometimes determine whether or not residents vorite). “Moraga continues to be a Bigger petty theft, 11/04/10 Also was broken into. A Courter Lane vember 17. Addressing a group of even humorous, style he portrayed would support additional taxes to great place to play, learn, live and on Camino Ricardo, about a homeowner had her unlocked about 50 interested residents, he a town where all's well that ends fund infrastructure maintenance. one day, grow old,” said Chew. block down the street that very 2011 Mercedes Benz, parked in same night, an unknown suspect the driveway burgled – a garage entered an unlocked Cadillac door opener, leather binder and Dollar Tree Approved – Shaping the Future of Rheem Center? parked in the driveway and re- the car owner’s manual (huh?) By Sophie Braccini moved a set of keys, two garage were taken. Estimated loss $60. Rheem’s image as a regional dis- cation of the Dollar Tree is general shopping center. In addition to lift- door openers and the car registra- he members of the Moraga TTown Council, regardless of count center will remain for a long retail variety store, their sales of ing that condition, staff recom- their personal feelings about the period of time. food items is incidental, represent- mended the elimination of the coming of the Dollar Tree to the A group of Moraga residents ing 10% of the floor area” said conditions of approval pertaining Rheem Center, all indicated that who appealed the decision of the Planning Director Lori Salamack, to signs as the applicant had al- there is nothing in the Municipal Planning Commission to grant a “They are not a food retailer or a ready secured the necessary ap- permitted use application to the restaurant. They do not require a provals from the Design Review MORAGA Code that could be grounds to re- fuse the approval of the store’s ap- store put on a well-argued show conditional use permit.” Board (DRB). The DRB hearing PARKS & RECREATION plication. The decision made at the for the Council on November 10. During the meeting, Council was held on October 12, before the 925-888-7045 • www.moraga.ca.us November 10 Council meeting One of their arguments was that a Member Dave Trotter asked that appeal process was complete. will dedicate 9000 square feet of store selling food items should be the 10% limit on food merchandise Trotter was the only one to Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/4, 6:30pm, Commons Park retail space to what is heralded as a subject to the same permitting be further enforced by making that declare that a Dollar Tree store has discount variety store at the lowest process (‘conditional use’ instead percentage a condition of ap- no place in Moraga, but added that Breakfast with Santa, 12/11, 8:30am and 10:00am, Hacienda end of the retail market. of ‘permitted use’) that must be proval. A majority of his col- “it is a permitted use; we regret- Santa Visits, 12/15-17, 6:30-8:30pm, in your home Dollar Tree will join other followed by grocery stores and leagues agreed. tably have to make the findings to Holiday Home Decorating Contest, sign up by 12/1 discounters in the Rheem Center restaurants. The Council granted, in part, approve it.” He was unable to con- such as Tuesday Morning, TJ Food items are a minimal an appeal filed by Dollar Tree. vince the Council that the store Maxx and Home Goods. Details percentage of the Dollar Tree’s Dollar Tree objected to a require- should be required to indemnify the on the leasing contract were not re- merchandise, no more than exists ment limiting shelf height, which Town with respect to any legal ac- vealed by the Center’s owner, in a store such as CVS or the now- meant that it would be treated dif- tion associated with the approval. Kimco Realty, but it is likely that closed Blockbuster. “The classifi- ferently from other business in the ... continued on next page
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Gallery is 21 minutes from Lamorinda Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 Moraga Expands Recreation Programs By Sophie Braccini the first time we are proposing win- came from many different angles,” ter and spring camps, and this sum- explains Stenersen, “for example, mer we will have a new option – we created the Comparative Reli- Summer Play for 8-12 years old, a gions course after a resident called new formula that’s very affordable us and asked for it Stenersen said it and flexible for parents.” A full was very easy to find professors menu of birthday parties is also of- and instructors who were willing to fered, and a children’s Triathlon is teach such classes as Cosmology, A in the planning phase. Cosmic Voyage: A Sophisticate’s Adults are not forgotten; Primer for the History of the World; classes include Supervised Bridge, Four Seasons Natural Gardening; which puts intermediate players in The Philosophy of Wine; and Opera advanced strategy situations; dog Appreciation. obedience classes by Bonnie Ingram included the SMC Brown-Cali, who was recom- courses in the Parks and Rec publi- mended by the Lamorinda Dogs cation at no cost to the college; the group; Bringing Nutrition to the partnership makes it worthwhile. Table, an 8-week series on optimiz- For example, “We needed a wood ing eating habits for the whole fam- floor to teach our new spring From left: Kim Burrowes, Jay Ingram and Kimberly Nelson at the Hacienda ily; and more. Zumba class and the college has Photo Sophie Braccini A new feature in the Activi- provided it for us, free of charge,” hen he presented his re- prove research and plan activities for ties Guide is the inclusion of Saint said Ingram. The Town is working Wquest to the Moraga Town our constituency,” explains Ingram. Mary’s College’s (SMC) Lifelong on a computer class that will take How long would it take you to provide Council for a second full-time em- The request for a full-time recreation Learning classes. “Chris Sindt, As- place at Saint Mary’s; the college financial statements to your banker or ployee, Parks and Recreation Di- assistant came first from the Moraga sociate Dean for Graduate and Pro- will also provide the instructor. potential landlord? rector Jay Ingram argued that by Movers, who had donated a Senior fessional Programs, and I worked For now, Lifelong Learning is increasing the currently half-time Van to the town, but needed to have on expanding our program,” said not turning a profit for SMC. “It is Are your books still on Excel spreadd position to full-time, his department someone available to plan the trips Grete Stenersen, Lifelong Learning a window for the College,” said sheets? would be able to offer more inter- and drive the bus. This winter and Director, “we met with Rob Lu- Stenersen, “we want to open our spring there are a couple of trips cacher, who was on the School of doors wide to the surrounding com- Do you only use QuickBooks for one esting recreation opportunities to side of your business: income or Moraga residents. As promised, the planned each month; the Movers Liberal Arts Advisory Board and munities. We believe that continu- spring 2011 Activities Guide will will go all over the Bay Area, from Moraga Parks and Recreation ing education is part of the mission expenses? offer many new opportunities for all Filoli to San Francisco, Safari West, Commission and he recommended of the College, its Liberal Arts Are you still using a paper check we partner with Jay Ingram.” teaching and Lasallian Tradition.” ages, and supports a Town and and Thunder Valley Casino. “If we register? Gown collaboration to further cap- had a volunteer driver, we could do The program developed by tivate and educate. even more,” hints Ingram. the Saint Mary’s team more than The Activity Guide will be Do you spend an entire weekend “Having Kim (Burrowes) Children will also benefit doubles the classes previously of- mailed 1st week of December. cleaning up last year’s books to file work full-time has allowed us to im- from the expanded staffing. “For fered. “The ideas for the classes your taxes? Coming Soon: Film Festival – Help Needed! Do you always file an extension? By Sophie Braccini Do you want to start 2011 knowing nd the winner is: Moraga. long event features 75 independent they believe the town will derive Transportation Chairperson and your bookkeeping with be in order? AAfter months of speculation films from all over the world. from some two thousands visitors drivers, as well as a Hospitality and discussion, the California Inde- The Festival includes galas, and increased visibility. Organizers Chairperson and volunteers to make pendent Film Festival has decided showings, awards ceremonies and say they hope to locate the Festival gift baskets. “And there is always to take its show down the road and dinners; it always features celebri- in Moraga for many years and turn room for fundraisers, too,” she adds. will move the event from Orinda to ties who need to be attended to, and it into the next Sundance. Those interested in helping Moraga early next year. it is run by volunteers. On Novem- CAIFF Vice President Joanne out may contact Foy at The 13th Annual California ber 17, the CAIFF management Foy is organizing the volunteers. “I [email protected] or (925) 200- Independent Film Festival (CAIFF) team appealed to Moraga residents have held almost all the positions on 0262. For learn more about the will take place at the New Rheem for help during its first local organi- these committees,” she said, “we CAIFF go to www.caiff.org.; the Theatre, which is managed by the zational meeting. They invited know exactly what has to be done, organization is just beginning to CAIFF Association, from January community groups to join in, con- all we need is more hands.” Foy post early information on the 2011 28 - February 3, 2011. The week- tribute and share in the benefits that said that at this time CAIFF needs a event, so check back for updates. Dollar Tree Approved – Shaping the Future of Rheem Center? ... continued from page A4 Council Member Mike Met- treated fairly and equitably. the date of the approval to exercise retail space is a big thorn in the side calf said he ‘groaned’ when he Council Member Howard the permit, otherwise it automati- of a town where 75% of each dollar heard about the store, because he Harpham said that the arguments cally expires. At press time Dollar spent by residents is spent out of did not anticipate a big spike in presented by the appellant were ex- Tree had not responded to questions town. Trotter concluded that the sales tax revenue with such a busi- cellent, but that Dollar Tree could regarding its appeal and plans for question of the future of the Rheem ness. “The Dollar Tree store is not be treated differently than the the Moraga store. Center should be one of the Coun- pretty disgusting in Pleasant Hill, other stores in the Rheem Center. The large amount of vacant cil’s study areas next year. but really nice in other locations,” “We are tearing ourselves apart ((925)925) 6627-426027-4260 he said, adding that whatever his with these discussions,” regretted 21C Orinda Way, Suite 103, Orinda opinion, he had to apply the Town’s Harpham, who pledged to work for 21C Orinda Way, Suite 103, Orinda www.OptimumAccounting.org code. what is the best for the town during DISCOUNT RATES www.OptimumAccounting.org Vice-Mayor Karen Men- the time he has left [on the Coun- without discount service. donca said that she visited a Dollar cil]. It’s no accident more people trust State Farm. Tree store in Healdsburg with her Mayor Chew concluded that Mike Rosa, Agent Insurance Lic. #: 0F45583 mother and found it to be “the it was not the role of government to 1042 Country Club Drive Nordstrom of Dollar Tree stores.” determine which business can come www.mikeisthere.com Bus: 925-376-2244 g She reported her conversation with to a town or not. “We hope they that store’s manager and she pre- will do well and be good for the sented it as “a story of hope,” town,” said the Mayor. adding that every business must be Dollar Tree has one year from P040036 02/04 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), Bloomington, IL
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Peter & Darlene Hattersley Public Meetings
City Council Tuesday, December 7, 7:00 pm Auditorium, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way
Special Meeting Monday, November 30, 7:00 pm DRE# r00445794, DRE# 01181995 925.360.9588 925.708.9515 WWW.THEHATTERSLEYS.COM
Planning Commission Tuesday, November 30, 7:00 pm Auditorium, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way Orinda City Council and OUSD Board Elections
Check online for agendas, meeting notes and announcements Results Hold True City of Orinda: www.cityoforinda.org By Andrea A. Firth Chamber of Commerce: www.orindachamber.org over fourth and fifth place finishers who is now in second place, main- • Police Report • Scott Zeller and current Mayor tains a narrow 10-vote margin over Tom McCormick. incumbent Severson. Worth, Orr, heard, however one neighbor had Although the Contra Costa and Severson will be sworn in at an encounter with a “suspicious County Elections Department has the Council’s December 7th meet- subject” that day. until November 30th to tally any ing, and the Council will deter- remaining uncounted ballots, it mine the Mayor for 2011 at that Thwarted car theft, 11/03/10 A seems unlikely the overall results time. Victoria Smith currently D.U.I., 11/17/10 A woman made Las Vega Road resident called po- will change. However, any change serves as Vice Mayor. an illegal u-turn at Camino Pablo lice to report that a pick up truck to the order the candidates fall The outcome of the race for near Santa Maria Way. She had been stolen from in front of within the top three spots could three seats on the OUSD Board of should have known she was just his house. Alert officers respond- impact who serves as Mayor dur- Trustees has also remained un- a few blocks from the police sta- ing to the call ended up driving ing the four-year term. While the changed. With over 18,000 now tion. Flunking her field sobriety behind the vehicle and caught the Council votes each year to appoint counted Julie Rossiter, Chris Sev- test sealed the deal; she had a two would-be thieves. whopping .29 blood alcohol con- the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the erson, and Tyson Krumholz re- Pictured on election night 2010 (from L to R) are the Seversons: Pam, Chris, posts are traditionally given to the main in the top three spots. tent. That is very intoxicated – al- D.U.I. 11/09/10 Around mid- Ralph, and Sue. Chris Severson was elected to his first term on the Orinda Union Council members who garnered The election results reported though it probably didn’t take night a driver near Camino Pablo School District Board of Trustees. Chris' mom, Sue Severson, was reelected to her the most votes in the election. Thus in this article are current as of No- much for the 5’ 2”, 94- pound and Highway 24 was pulled over second term on the City Council the same night. Photo Robyn Bowen the candidates placing first and vember 19th, 2010. Any change in woman to become el blotto. for not staying in her lane. She lection night results have counted—more than double the second in the 2010 election would the election outcome will be re- was already on probation for, you held true in both the Orinda number reported on election typically serve as Mayor in 2013 ported online, go to www.lamor- Expensive burglary, 11/3/10 An guessed it, D.U.I. Her blood al- E City Council and Orinda Union night—Amy Worth, Dean Orr, and and 2014, respectively. indaweekly.com for updates. unknown suspect entered through cohol content was .11, slightly School District (OUSD) Govern- Sue Severson have finished one, Currently, Worth leads the an unlocked window of a Via Flo- over the legal limit. But close ing Board races. two, and three for the three open group with more than 1,000 votes rado home and took undisclosed only counts in horse shoes, and With over 20,000 votes now Council seats with a widened gap over the other two candidates. Orr, valuables estimated to be worth she was taken to jail. $22,000. Nothing was seen or No Left on Ivy—Unintended Consequences TSAC proposes no-left at Southwaite and Leslee too CANETTI’S BOOKSHOP By Andrea A. Firth USED & NEW BOOKS ALWAYS DISCOUNTED! t’s a 30-minute headache for the tion, many drivers heading to Mi- Janice Carey, the no left turn on Ivy signage. As proposed, the no-left multitude of drivers who make ramonte now turn right on Ivy Drive was established in 2000 and turn restriction will be confined to OPEN EVERY DAY 10:00am - 7:00pm I the trek south on Moraga Way each Drive by making a U-turn, often il- renewed in 2002, which preceded the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on 925.258.9076 weekday morning throughout the legally, across from Southwaite both her tenure and the formation weekdays. TSAC member Gary 39 MORAGA WAY school year. Between 7:30 a.m. and Court or Leslee Lane, or by turning of the TSAC. Moore added that the committee ORINDA 94563 (DOWNTOWN AT THE CROSSROADS) 8:00 a.m., dozens of mothers in onto these streets, making a T-turn “We have as many as 150 needed to evaluate the bigger pic- vans on the way to Del Rey Ele- in a nearby driveway, to then head cars turn around at our corner on ture and explore alternatives, such “ORINDA’S HIDDEN GEM” mentary School are co-mingled north a short distance on Moraga school mornings,” said Holton. Al- as taking down the no left turn sign --DIABLO MAGAZINE with hundreds of parents and teens Way in order to turn right onto Ivy though he conceded that further re- at Ivy Drive, adding a traffic signal driving to Miramonte High School. Drive. stricting left turns off Moraga Way at that spot, or staggering school With so many cars traversing the “The law of unintended con- is not the ideal solution, he im- start times. Certified Green Builder same two-lane road at the same sequences, that’s what we have plored the TSAC members to add According to Carey, the City time, traffic is congested; not sur- here,” said Southwaite Court resi- no-left turn signs at Southwaite will now poll the residents of prisingly, some drivers look for an dent Chris Holton as he addressed Court and Leslee Lane to provide Southwaite Court and Leslee Lane alternate route—and that route is the members of Orinda’s Traffic his neighborhood some immediate by mail to see if they support the Ivy Drive. Safety Advisory Committee relief. “The real problem is too signage. At least 60% of the neigh- Drivers heading south on (TSAC) about his concerns over much traffic on Moraga Way at that borhood residents must be in sup- McCartt weekdays can not legally turn left the unsafe conditions posed by the time of day,” said Holton, “It’s un- port for request to move forward. Construction Inc. at Ivy Drive between 7:00 a.m. and traffic situation. “The problem has safe.” Subsequently, TSAC will review Custom Homes & Renovations 8:00 a.m. which cuts off their ac- been around for about five years,” While they acknowledged it the poll results and potentially cess to taking the Ivy Drive loop to said Holton of the ripple effect is a band-aid fix versus a solution make a recommendation to City Building in Lamorinda Since 1999 cross Moraga Way further south at caused by the no-left turn sign at to a much bigger traffic issue, the Council early in 2010. It is unlikely the entrance of the high school. To Ivy Drive. members of the TSAC voted unan- that signs would be up before April, (925) 376-5717 circumvent the no-left turn restric- According to City Engineer imously to support the additional noted Carey. [email protected] Orinda, CA Orinda Downtown Visioning Workshop #2 Set for December 9th Lic. # 770687 A public workshop to discuss ideas for development in Orinda’s downtown commercial districts will be held on Thursday, December 9th
“As seen on” starting at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way. Residents’ input from the initial workshop held in late Oc-
“AsAs heard on HG Radio”Radio tober has been synthesized and analyzed and will be incorporated into this next phase of the process. Urban planning consultants from Build It GREEN Smart Solutions from the Ground Up Berkeley-based MIG will facilitate the workshop. The focus of the town hall style meeting is to create an open and collaborative vision for down- town Orinda that can be embraced by residents, and business and property owners. All are encouraged to attend. A. Firth
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©2010 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 And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License # 00313415 Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A7 Leaf Blower Ban Not Likely to Blow Over Wishing all of my clients, friends and neighbors a ... continued from page A1 bountiful Thanksgiving and joyful holidays! The Council then listened trucks,” said Alan Prager. “I don’t porters to pursue this through the for two hours as over 40 residents propose that we ban these things.” Bay Area Air Quality Manage- Frank Woodward shared disparate views on the idea Others challenged the validity of ment District. of banning leaf blowers. Eighteen the anti-leaf blower data and what “My sense is that there is residents and supporters echoed they consider to be inappropriate not a clear community consensus Quiet Orinda’s call to restore tran- comparisons to other cities that here,” said Council Member quility and cleaner air to Orinda have enacted bans. Steve Glazer. He did not see a through a ban on leaf blowers, “I think we have heard the need to revise the current noise or- while 23 residents argued against gamut tonight from the public, “ dinance, but Glazer indicated that the ban citing the impracticality of said Vice Mayor Victoria Smith, he would be interested in looking managing the maintenance of noting that she believes the City’s at some alternatives to a complete large lots populated with dozens current noise ordinance ade- ban on leaf blower use. of deciduous trees with rakes and quately addresses that element of Ultimately the Council did Specializing in brooms. leaf blower use. Regarding the air not find sufficient consensus for Lamorinda Fine Some residents identified quality issue raised, Smith sug- an outright leaf bower ban, and Homes & Property the ban on leaf blowers as a slip- gested that one way to engage the Mayor Tom McCormick de- 925.253.4603 [email protected] pery slope. “What about barking public was through education and clared, “This matter is now = = dogs, wood chippers, cars, and encouraged Quiet Orinda sup- closed.” Orinda Lafayette Moraga OWC Festival of Trees a Success By Andrea A. Firth
Welcomes Home
The Orinda Woman's Club 24th annual Festival Of Trees included lunch for 500 and a fashion show. Photo Doug Kohen Lauren Masi, PT, OCS, ATC lmost 500 women attended After an hour of meeting, throughout Contra Costa County, award a number of individual ed- Athe Orinda Woman’s Club greeting, and perusing the trees, and Court Appointed Special Ad- ucational scholarships to improve Lauren was a graduate of Acalanes High School who (OWC) 24th annual Festival of wreaths, gift baskets, and getaway vocates, which advocates for the lives of women and families. went on to receive a Physiological Science degree from Trees event held at the San Ramon packages that comprise the event abused and neglected youth. The UCLA and her degree in Physical Therapy from Marriot on November 18th. raffle, guests enjoyed a lunch of Orinda Woman’s Club will also CSUN. She also received additional certification in “We don’t miss this event, chicken and tabouleh salad fol- Athletic Training and the esteemed certification of it’s so beautifully done,” said Pat lowed by a fashion show featuring Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy. Stull of Lafayette. Stull has at- the ladies clothing designs of Lafayette Physical Therapy, Inc. is proud to tended the charity event since it Helen Lyall of Napa and men’s welcome her back to our professional team and the fashions by Bartlett Baron of Wal- was started and invited three ta- Lamorinda community. bles full of friends and associates nut Creek. Strutting to the songs to join her this year. “I have a real of Lady GaGa and Beyonce, affection for the Orinda Woman’s Lyall’s professional models were LAFAYETTE PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. Club. I admire their work and am joined by six members of the Vil- 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Suite B110, inspired by what they do.” lage Associates Real Estate team, Arlene Hegarty of Orinda a major benefactor of the event. Lafayette, CA 94549 has attended the OWC lunch for The charity event typically 925-284-6150 the past ten years and finds it a raises about $30,000. The 2010 www.LafayettePT.com great event at which to reconnect major beneficiaries are the Monu- This vintage Orinda sign has found a new resting place in the with friends. Her longtime friend, ment Crisis Center, which pro- community garden at the junction of Camino Sobrante and Ronnie Devenish, comes down vides food and public services to Orinda Way across from Orinda Motors--check it out. Photo A. Firth from Tahoe annually to join her. families and individuals in need
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If you have significant knowledge about an issue facing Lamorinda or one of Share your thoughts with our community! Opinions in Letters to the Editor are the express views of the its cities that requires more than the 350 words to which we must limit Letters writers and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly. All published letters will include the writer's name and town (please give us your phone to the Editor, don’t despair! You can submit your letter to our Public Forum number for verification purposes only), and should be 350 words or less. email: [email protected]; section. Just send your letter to [email protected] and let us Regular mail: Lamorinda Weekly, P.O.Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570 know you’d like to be considered for the Public Forum. Editor, the community by allowing unnecessary risks to occur. I love my Town. I live in a Town where Eagle Scouts build fences, Girl Heidi Perryman, Ph.D. Scouts develop safety programs and churches build houses in Mexico. I live Erika Goldstein, Ph.D. in a Town where moms make dinners for other mom’s after babies or sur- Lafayette geries or during difficult times. I live in a Town where the opposing soccer Lamorinda’s coach carries my injured daughter to the car and another stops by our house Dear Editor, to check on her. I live in a community where my child’s beloved “blankie” With Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season upon us, it is a wonderful time Religious Services was found at a large sporting event and carefully set aside amid the thou- to reflect upon all that is good within our community. The recent Women’s sands of people coming and going during the events of the day. I live in a Empowerment Forum held at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center was Town that wants to protect its natural beauty and ridgelines. a perfect example of giving and sharing. Sadly, I also live in a Town that will allow a retailer like Dollar Tree to exist: Leading business women in the area shared their experiences of transitions a store that only contributes to the overflow of landfills with junk and di- within their businesses, organizations and their personal lives. The panelists minishes the integrity of our community. The Dollar Tree is a contradiction included: D.D. Felton, Susan Goldie, Susan Foord, Leila Douglah, Theresa to the culture of our Town. We show such care and respect for our neighbors Wellen, Kathy Bowles, Debbie Swiggert, Connie Collier, Sheila Taylor, Anne and community, yet will support a business that willfully adds to the deteri- Grodin and Melody Howe Weintraub. oration of our planet and contributes to chemically related health risks. Kathy Merchant of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation Aside from the potential environmental risks of Dollar Tree products, there welcomed everyone and invited all to upcoming programs provided by the is a danger to our children’s sense of value. Our children should understand Library and Learning Center. She then introduced the moderator, Heather what a “value” is. It is not getting something for $1.00 that they don’t need. Quarterman, news Director and Co-host of the Hometown Morning Show on A value is getting the best possible quality at the best possible price. A retailer 92.1 KKDV and 101.7 KKIQ. Heather did a superb job of creating a lively should have integrity when presenting a “value.” The Dollar Tree sells mer- and upbeat atmosphere for the audience and panelists. The main themes that chandise of poor and often dangerous quality. Are we teaching our kids that resonated within the panelists and audience were; to do what you love, work if something is “only a $1.00” you should buy it? Children should know that hard, and the importance of volunteering within your own community. 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda $1.00 is not disposable. It has value, should be earned, saved and spent on The over 160 guests were invited to visit the following resource tables: 254-3770. www.ststephensorinda.org something planned. The Dollar Tree is counting on our community to spend Brandman University, Pink Purse Ventures, LLC, East Bay Works One Stop Sunday 8am & 10am. thousands of dollars on impulse buys because “hey, it’s only a buck.” Don’t Career Center and Successful Solutions Consulting. Music at both services. Choir at 10am. we have more pride? Let’s get back to the core of what makes this Town A special thank you to the following who contributed to the success of the Sunday School & childcare at 10am. great: honesty, integrity and authenticity. event: Tea Cakes, Willowstone Catering, La Boulange de Lafayette, Book- I DO love my Town and it is worth more than a dollar. mark Café, Amarin Thai, Mangia, Lamorinda Weekly, Skin Care by Tim- St. Stephen’s Preschool Lucy Dendinger berly, The Bistro at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa, Jamba Juice, iVideo 254-3770 x19 Moraga Media Productions, Deborah Kwan, Susan Sohrakoff, Timberly Scott, The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation, Serendipity Jewels and Editor: Caryl Morrison of Successful Solutions Consulting. St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who immediately came We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who came and partici- A Loving Community forward to offer help last month after I tumbled from my bike on School pated at our first Empowerment of Women’s Forum. Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM Street while taking my granddaughter to Lafayette Elementary School. Sincerely, Active Youth Program, Sunday School, Nursery Childcare, 10 AM "Thank you!" to wonderful neighbors who made sure that Lydia got to school Barbara Gilmore on time and who took her home after school that day. A special thanks to the Lafayette 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws good samaritan who secured my bike and who insisted on staying with me until the ambulance arrived. As I sit at home recovering from surgery to re- Editor: pair a fractured knee it is a good feeling to know that when a crisis occurs Huge welcome, not, to the Dollar Tree. I was going to get creative and sug- Get connected. Lafayette residents can be counted on for meaningful assistance. gest a possible retail establishment for the remaining majority of empty With appreciation, spaces, but laziness got in the way. However, I can now see the Town Coun- Grow in your faith. Louise Morgan cil's wisdom and how we and that wonderful realty company can fill the va- Serve others. Lafayette cancies. We certainly need at least 2 more dry cleaners and additional Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church fume-spewing manicure/pedicure establishments, but we are sorely lacking Editor: a massage parlor, pawn shop, and many more fast food establishments. By Sunday Worship 9 & 11:00 a.m. As the spokesperson for the Dollar Tree appeal group, I want to publicly the way, has anyone visited our local BK lately? It had been a while for me, Programs for children & youth thank our appellant team Lynn Davis, Kathy Macchi, Stephanie Kusinski, but it is filthier than ever. That play room has always been gross, but it has and Cavan McCarthy for their herculean efforts and sincere friendship. I reached a new high. 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette l www.LOPC.org l 925-283-8722 also want to thank the hundreds of Moragans who spoke at Planning Com- Anyway, I still love Moraga, but who, exactly, is getting the word out about mission and Town Council meetings, signed our petition, participated in our our lovely family community that might be better served by an IHOP (seri- blog, wrote letters and emails to the Town and local newspapers, and called ously), a clean, sit-down pizza restaurant (like Pennini's), etc? Anyway, noth- and emailed us personally to voice their concern and support for our appeal. ing is allowed to survive here that comes close to a "nice place" because the I was so impressed and proud of my fellow Morgans who spoke so thought- goal is to vacate the premises for shootholes like Dollar Tree. fully and eloquently about how much this town and our families mean to all Jari Hazard of us, and our concerns for its future direction. Moraga What started out as a troubling addition to the Rheem Center four months ago, turned into a full time job for a group of already busy supermoms. We Editor: frantically researched the business practices of a multi national, five billion We Won! and It’s Not Over. dollar corporation, combed through countless product standards and con- Over the past few weeks, I have received hundreds of calls, letters and email sumer protection regulations, navigated local politics, actually studied the from supporters who are both shocked and distraught over the outcome of the Moraga General Plan and the Municipal Code, and wrote and presented state- November 2 Orinda Union School District Board of Trustees election. ments and briefs for Planning Commissioners and Town Council Members. However, to my mind – we have won! The entire purpose of my candidacy The more we investigated Dollar Tree, the more egregious violations sur- was to shed light on the existing practices of the Board and the District – faced and that our Municipal Code left our Planning Commission powerless from the tradition of giving bonuses to the Superintendent while laying off to stop them. Consistently ranked by Forbes Magazine in the top 10 of the teachers and taking money from classrooms, to the top-down style of man- “World’s Most Least Desirable Retailers”, we now understood why. Dollar agement, unresponsive to parent, teacher and community opinion. St. Giles Episcopal Church of Moraga Tree’s current business model of warehouse merchandising, short cuts in The wagon trains circled, and prominent “insiders” demonstrated their will- Worshipping at St. Mary’s College Chapel. All are welcome at our services. quality, flagrant safety noncompliance and violating Federal and State regu- ingness to commit libel/slander, ad hominem attacks and more in order to 9 a.m. Sunday Service: Holy Communion - with St. Giles' Choir. lations, separate them from all other retailers - and by the way, it’s NOT a bar- maintain the status quo and continue the institution of a ‘self-perpetuating’, Child care is available all year. gain, but a rip off and we have the numbers to prove it! hand picked School Board. But the genie is out of the bottle – and it is now 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. 925-376-5770 We gave the Town Council a hefty dose of evidence on product safety vio- our responsibility to keep the momentum going and encourage the new Board lations, and proof that the Dollar Tree is non-compliant with our General to increase transparency, be responsive to parent, teacher and community CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH Plan and Municipal Codes – unfortunately it fell on deaf ears. And as disap- opinion, promote fiscal integrity and advance 21st Century student skills and pointed as we now feel, we are encouraged that our new Town Manager, Jill project-based learning. To read about last month’s meeting (or to watch it in 24 Orinda Way, Orinda (next to the Library) - 254-4212 Keimach has invited us to share what we have learned while fostering more case you were not able to attend) visit my new blog “The Orinda Schools Re- Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 - 11 am community involvement in the process. Hopefully we can be a part of pos- port Card” - www.bekkigilbert.com. (One particularly hot agenda item was Informal Wednesday Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 pm itive change that will ensure the quality of Moraga retailers to come; after all the “Revised OUSD Management Salary Schedule” - Central Management Reading Room/Bookstore M-F: 11 am- 5 pm we are so very fortunate to live in this wonderful community. salaries increased by almost 50% from 2005-2010 from a 6 figure base). (across from the Orinda Theater) Hollie Lucas-Alcalay The next OUSD Board meeting is on Monday, December 6, 2010, 4pm, 8 Al- www.christianscienceorinda.org Moraga tarinda Road. See you there! Editor, Thank you, Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way Orinda At the risk of repeating myself, I must write once again to explain why it is Bekki Van Voorhis-Gilbert Regular Worship Schedule NOT TRUE that Orinda is subsidizing Moraga’s fire services. It pains me to Orinda 8:15 a.m. Traditions Worship Service even discuss whether or not one city is subsidizing the other since we are all 9:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship ONE district. But, if you want to analyze the tax revenue contributions of one Editor: 9:40 a.m. Education for all ages 10:45 a.m. Celebrations Worship Service area compared to another, it is necessary to begin with correct assumptions I was honored to receive the support of the community, and the confidence 925-254-3422 Childcare available for ages 5 and younger in order to reach an accurate conclusion. of the voters in being re-elected to the Orinda City Council. It is with sincere Historically, the old Moraga Fire District included 700 Orinda homes. Our gratitude that I thank my many endorsers and supporters. I look forward to city boundaries are not the same as the old fire district boundaries and, in continuing to serve the community, and plan to work closely with you as cit- Our Savior’s Lutheran (ELCA) ADVENT fact, both the Moraga and the Orinda Fire Districts pre-dated the incorpora- izens and with the new council to make Orinda an even better place to live. 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette tion of either city. MOFD operations today utilize the same “service areas” Sue Severson 283-3722 • www.oslc.net FESTIVAL Crafts & Fun SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE as the old fire districts – in other words, the service areas are the same as the Orinda 8:30 Classic worship service for All Ages! old fire district boundaries. MOFD operates according to these service area 9:45 God’s World Education Hour Sun Nov 28 boundaries because our five fire stations were located decades ago using re- Editor: 10:45 Contemporary Service 11:45-2:00 sponse time guidelines which are still relevant today. Logically then, any Wasting money has become the hallmark of the Orinda Union School Dis- analysis of tax revenues must use the service area boundaries, not the city lim- trict (OUSD). its to reach an accurate conclusion. OUSD's superintendent, Joe Jaconette, in commenting on Gov. Arnold The Orinda While I admire Steve Cohn’s detailed analysis of the number of responses Schwarzenegger's 2010-2011 education budget, said on the district's Web from Orinda into Moraga and vice versa, and how much money the City of site: "A preliminary analysis of our [OUSD's] budget for next year [2010- Community Church Orinda pays versus the Town of Moraga, the fact is that all of these numbers 2011] projects a deficit of $678,000." Jaconette's comments, while undated, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org are meaningless and irrelevant because they are based on city boundaries. If can be found at
We are pleased to make space Sandra Cooke available whenever possible for some Enrolling Now!Director Quality of Life of Lamorinda’s dedicated community for your Loved One service organizations to submit news
and information about their activities. Building Bridges Preschool Q Personal Hygiene Assistance Submissions can be sent to Q Light Housekeeping Q Errands & Transportation [email protected] Q Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care A School Readiness Program ® with the subject header In Service to Q Medication Reminders [email protected] l www.buildingbrigespreschool.com Q Up to 24-hour Care the Community. 1035 Carol Lane l Lafayette, CA 94549 l Tel: 925.283.6792 Q FREE In-Home Assessment Call 800-000-0000 Today! • Community Service • Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated.
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Walnut Creek & Pleasanton - (925) 287-8777 San Francisco (Financial District & Laurel Heights) & Marin - (415) 438-4999 Millbrae & Redwood City - (650) 701-1460 925-287-8777 • www.jumpstartmedicine.com Moraga Kiwanis Donates Holiday Sharing Books to Lamorinda School St. Perpetua students support Monument ADULT DAY PROGRAM Crisis Center for those with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias Submitted by Monica Chappell Libraries STIMULATING GAMES Submitted by Bob Reynolds ACTIVITIES CRAFTS he Kiwanis Club of Mor- Los Perales student Briggette J LIVE MUSICAL EXERCISE Taga Valley recently com- added, “Thanks for The Jelly- ENTERTAINMENT FRIENDSHIP pleted a donation of more than beans and the Big Book Bo- 330 books to the eleven elemen- nanza. Thanks for all of these tary school libraries in the Lam- wonderful books. We are full of orinda community. Funded by them up to the neck.” Kiwanis, the titles were selected Kiwanis of Moraga Valley by school librarians through the is an active group of about 60 extensive selection of the Story- men and women who work to bet- teller Bookstore in Lafayette that ter the Lamorinda and surround- also provided administrative ing communities. Its Foundation support for the donation. raises funds throughout the year “This is the third year we to provide community support 925-254-3465 have done this donation” said both in Lamorinda and in other 433 Moraga Way Orinda www.holyshepherd.org Kiwanis President John Haffner. communities. Kiwanis mission is “It is one of our favorite ways to to “serve the children of the Photo provided give back to the Lamorinda world.” Communities that support our Kiwanis of Moraga Valley Áegis of Moraga invites you to fundraising efforts.” meets weekly, every Thursday at Carol Helton, Librarian at 7:15 AM at the Moraga Valley join us for our open house Moraga’s Los Perales School, Presbyterian Church. The club said, “These books will be won- welcomes people interested in We are pleased to present the derful additions to the Fiction, serving their community to come Dakim Brain Gym at our lovely community. Non-Fiction, and Holiday sec- to a meeting and to learn more tions of our Library. To date, Ki- about Kiwanis and its program. wanis has placed 107 books in Sunday, November 28th our Library. WOW!” A thank you note signed by 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 'DNLPLVWKHOHDGHULQEUDLQßWQHVVIRUVHQLRUV Come and experience this innovative computer system and see for yourself! Instruction will be provided.
Please submit: Refreshments will be served. Tours welcome anytime. Letters and Please RSVP to 925-235-0919. Opinions: letters@lamorinda Áegis of Moraga 950 Country Club Dr. weekly.com (925) 235-0919 AegisofMoraga.com RCFE # 075601424
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Support Lamorinda Weekly by shopping with our advertisers and telling them you saw their ad! Your local free Newspaper for ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE Lamorinda 93 Moraga Way, Orinda Students’ Discretionary Money Supports the Local Economy By Sophie Braccini att Carroll is a generous Campus Solution (OCS). “We pay a 10% fee to the was not able to confirm if the in- Mman. The General Manager “This is our first year for program,” explains Patrick Vahey, creased business was due solely to of Sodexo Dining Services on the OCS at Saint Mary’s,” says Carroll, owner of Pennini’s, “I usually give the card and/or to their new loca- St. Mary’s College campus, he is “so we started with five or six a 10% discount to SMC students, so tion. sharing the money students spend places to see how the program for those who use the card we just SMC student Lindsay Verber on food with local restaurants. He goes.” OCS manages such plans in transfer the 10%.” Vahey reports thinks her fellow students are inter- may lose some of his revenue, but many college towns all over the about $1000 in extra income from ested in the program. “Sometimes he says that the program, called country, and, according to Carroll, the program since it began two students like to off campus and get ‘Off Campus Solution’ is a way to some 1500 establishments are par- months ago. a different type of food,” she says, give students more variety in their ticipating. Roos Pal, of Terzetto, says “it’s fun to go to Pennini’s and order food choices. “It also strengthens To choose the first restau- she has seen more students coming a calzone or treat yourself to ice ties with the community,” adds Car- rants, Carroll met with student in and she hopes it will become cream at Loard’s.” roll, “it gives everybody a share of focus groups and made sure that the more consistent. “It’s not hard for “This is a win-win operation, the pie.” partners in the program were al- my employees to manage,” she we’re glad Saint Mary’s could How does it work? When ready supporters of the SMC ath- adds, “Off Campus Solution gave make it happen,” says Moraga they enroll at Saint Mary’s College letic program. us a credit card machine that’s ded- Chamber President Edy Schwartz. (SMC), students choose a meal As of today, five businesses icated to that program, that costs us Carroll will wait a year to see the plan. These plans include a certain are part of the program – Pennini's $30 a month.” outcome of the program and then DRIVEWAY NEED REPAIRING? amount of ‘Flex-Dollars’ that are Ristorante Italiano, Terzetto Cui- “It has been working for us,” consider its extension. He was the recorded on their meal card. Stu- sine, Loard's Ice Cream and Moun- states Denise Manz, manager of the one going door to door to recruit the Call the dents can now use their cards off- tain Mike's Pizza in Moraga; and Loard's store that recently moved first business participants; he ex- Resurfacing Experts! campus in the establishments that Chipotle Mexican Grill in Walnut from Rheem to the Moraga Center, pects to be contacted by others as have signed an agreement with Creek. Subway in Moraga had “we’ve had more students coming the program grows. SMC. The program is managed by been contacted but declined to par- in and using their card since the be- a branch of Sodexo called Off ticipate. ginning of the school year.” Manz business briefs
MEF Thanks Businesses Partners says Peggy Hall, EA in Moraga. Hall, along with colleague Mark Bole, The Moraga Education Foundation (MEF) recently sent an email blast to proposes a free class to teach business owners how to keep more cash out parents encouraging them to support the local businesses that have made a of the government’s hands. The seminar is scheduled on Tuesday Novem- continuing effort to support the educational foundation. “We are a close ber 30, 6:45-8pm, at Aegis of Moraga, 950 Country Club Drive. Please knot community,” says MEF President Diana Obrand, “we depend on each RSVP to [email protected] or call 388-1040. Driveways other and we have to work together. Businesses support our schools be- Private Roads cause they know that the quality of education attracts families that will make A Sales Associate of a Different Stripe Tennis & Sports Courts them successful. In turn parents need to shop locally to support the local Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage announced that Tran Turner has Parking Lots business community.” The effort did not stop with an email. “All our busi- joined the company as a sales associate in its Orinda office. Prior to join- Seal Coating ness partners are listed on our website,” Obrand continues, “We are not an ing Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Turner worked as a curator of ADA Ramps & Stalls advertising firm, but if we can communicate with our parents, it helps, and architecture and design in the art museum field, and as a writer and editor when I walk into a store that has an MEF sticker in their windows, it makes for magazine and book publishers. Turner completed an intensive training
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL me feel good to support that business.” program through the Chamberlain Real Estate School, which emphasized the principles and techniques of real estate. Turner’s expertise in the history LUCAS PAVING, INC. Farmyard Darling’s Holiday Champagne Reception of architecture and design can help clients who are interested in architec- 925-283-8027 December 9th, 5-8p.m., Farmyard Darlings, a vintage collectibles com- turally-designed properties and historic homes. He may be reached at the Lic # 195560 pany, will be unveiling many one-of-a-kind treasures including whimsical Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Orinda, located at 5 Mor- QUALITY • INTEGRITY • EXPERT WORKMANSHIP gifts of sterling silver once used on luxury cruise liners, steamer trunks from aga Way, (925)253-4600 or (925)395-7588, or via e-mail at the late 1890's, Western ephemera, vintage signs, cherry picking ladders, [email protected] stunning pieces of leather luggage, and unique kitchen china, and many, many other goodies. The inaugural reception will be held at Mt. Diablo News from the three Chambers of Commerce Nursery's Harry's House (owners: Marcia & Garth Jacober), 3295 Mount Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Diablo Boulevard (adjacent to Lafayette Park Hotel). The sale will con- Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday from noon on November 24; will tinue throughout the weekend, 12/10-12/12. Farmyard Darlings was reopen on November 26. C abinet M odifications founded in 2010 by Lafayette residents Kim Berry & Carole Sinclair. Holiday Mixer on Wednesday December 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join fellow Chamber members and friends for the traditional Holiday Mixer at Douglah With over 25 years fulfilling custom needs, we can alter or modify Same Service, New Location for Smith’s Shoe Repair most cabinetry, while still utilizing your existing cabinetry for: After 28 years in the Clock- Designs’ new location at 3586 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
• Large Screen, HD/Plasma TV’s Licensed Cabinet & tower Building, Madison Moraga Chamber of Commerce • Oversized, built-in Refrigerators Millwork Contractor “Matt” Smith, proprietor of Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 7, from 7:00 to 10 pm. This year the #598395 • Redesigns/Alterations Smith’s Shoe Repair, has annual Chamber Holiday Party will be held at Moraga Royale, 1600 Thinking about home, office, entertainment, custom cabinetry, shelving, moved to a new location be- Canyon Road. Chamber members and their guests, RSVP by Thursday crown mouldings, baseboards, new doors or mantels? We can help there, too! tween McCaulou’s and the Dec. 3rd to [email protected]. The evening will see the conclusion Paul Kephart Master Craftsman future Whole Foods Market of the “Festival of Trees”, a silent auction of decorated Christmas trees, to 925.827.1093 www.TheCabinetMd.com on the rear walkway – di- support Rescue One Foundation, the organization that aids MOFD para- rectly behind Blue Ginko medics. Viewing and bidding hours are from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily starting and the Yogurt Shack. Un- Matt Smith at the new location of Smith’s on December 1st at Moraga Royale. The bidding will conclude at 9 p.m. fortunately, looking to keep Shoe Repair Photo Cathy Tyson on the 7th. Trees will be delivered the next day to winners residing in Lam- up a “clean professional orinda. image,” Craig Semmelmeyer, Principal of Main Street Property Services, Orinda Chamber of Commerce is unable to put a sign up at the old location directing customers to the new Holiday Mixer on Thursday, December 9, from 5:30 to 7:00pm. The location. “We love the shoe repair business,” said Semmelmeyer, “we Chamber invites its members and their guests to come for the traditional Where is would like to see them do well.” Holiday Mixer held this year at Citibank, 37 Orinda Way.
your home Free Seminar – Lowering Small Business Taxes If you have a business brief to share, please contact Sponsored by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce “The Small Business Jobs Act has many new provisions, some of which Sophie Braccini at [email protected] value or call the office 925-377-0977 going? UP may reduce tax bills, but only if you act on them in the next few weeks,” or DOWN? Alex Gailas The X5 is in! Find out: Call Michael at 925-998-2150 www.lafayettehouseprices.com Design • Installation • Remodeling Experience and knowledge • DRAINAGE • DECKING • RETAINING • PLANTING call Alex Gailas Happy Thanksgiving! • WALLS • IRRIGATION Broker, Owner, CRS, GRI, CFS • MASONRY • LIGHTING 925-254-7600 • PATIOS Office: 925-254-7600 Free Estimate • Fully Insured Cell: 925-788-0229 "When promised, As promised" Michael Heller [email protected] BMW Concord Search for properties in the (925) 938-1777 [email protected] MLS at www.AGrealty1.com Since 1986 Con Lic # 624298 www.pacificscapes.com BMW Concord | 1967 Market ST. | Concord Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: L1 WomenSing in Lamorinda By Lou Fancher Grammy-award winning day each week in Orinda. In addi- Larsen, a bundle of enthusiasm tion, Hiestand uses an on-line data- and a gifted contemporary music base, Musetta, spending an hour composer, whose work is in the on her own to review and prepare repertoire of groups across the for ensemble rehearsals. Sax says country, leads the young com- she puts in an average of 2 extra posers in a process Kristan Torres, hours per week, and Torres, with a five year member of the chorus, young children and a packed calls “magical.” Torres discovered schedule writes, “I do a lot of re- WomenSing the week she moved hearsing in my car (if my kids can to Orinda. “I was looking in a stand it) and listen to the music al- community center brochure and most every day. I sit down to work there was an advertisement. I on the music a few times a week. I called for information and audi- often have a piece that I work on tioned that evening,” she writes. or hum throughout the day.” Like Sax, she’s busy, but makes It’s clear that all three I specialize in the REMOVAL & the REPAIR of the room for WomenSing because “it women value the role music plays harmful effects of Acrylic, Silk, Linen & Gel nail treatments. not only fulfills the need for hav- in their lives. Sax mentions hav- Call today to “Go-Green” ing music in my life, but it has in- ing been born “with a song in my at (925) 577-9080 Kindly, Pamela troduced me to a diverse, talented heart,” and Torres is “honored to 3483 Golden Gate Way, Ste 204-B, Lafayette naturalnailcarejustforyou.com group of women, who all have the be a part of [the Youth Inspiring same interest. We are all in differ- Youth] process.” Singing with the ent stages in our lives, and dealing chorus keeps Hiestand “moti- with a variety of challenges...and vated” and “artistic,” even amidst we check all of this at the door and her life’s personal and professional come together to make music.” demands. Amy Hiestand, of Orinda, With concerts in December From left, Kristan Torres (Moraga), Patti Sax (Lafayette),Amy Hiestand was drawn to the group’s cama- and June, and a tour to Washing- (Orinda); other Lamorinda singers not pictured are Barbara Beck, Teresa raderie as well. With a living room ton D.C. in 2011—including per- Caldwell, Jules Campbell, Kathy Eastman, Jane France, Diane Griffin, Mi- full of instruments, amplifiers, formances at the Library of Lic #855456 dori Kang, Gloria Kubitschek, Jean Murray, Patty Murray, Nancy music stands and a piano, she ad- Congress and the National Cathe- The Haddon Family, Orinda Residents, Owners/Operators Schroth,and Mary Wallace. Photo provided by Robin Harper mits, “music is a really, really im- dral—they are proud of Wom- Do business f there’s magic in numbers, then sive list of degrees, accomplish- portant part of life in our family.” enSing’s position in the national with a I45 is the lucky draw for Wom- ments as both a singer and a con- Hiestand likes the mix of music community. Beyond that, neighbor. enSing, the 45 member Lafayette- ductor, and work with prominent contemporary and traditional they are grateful for the friend- based chorus celebrating its 45th Bay area choirs and composers, music the chorus performs. “It is ships with other women and eager anniversary season this year. Benvenuto could be a solo star. more interesting for me as a singer for the musical opportunities In June, the choral ensemble But his dedication to collaboration, to perform a variety of genres,” she ahead. Sax articulates the legacy received the 2010 national Chorus and to the art of ensemble as a col- says. “I think it’s more interesting of WomenSing’s last 45 years in America/ASCAP Alice Parker lective voice, makes him, instead, for audiences too.” elegant fashion: “The traditional Award for adventurous program- the perfect embodiment of Wom- Challenging music is not just [music] provides an opportunity ming. The award is given to cho- enSing’s community activism. for audiences, all three women are to learn about different classical ruses that invigorate and educate And “community” is much quick to point out. “Last Decem- styles and how they relate to the audiences by presenting challeng- more than just Lamorinda and the ber we performed Britten’s Cere- times in which they were written. ing, new music. Bay Area; a fact made plain by the mony of Carols,” Hiestand says, It’s a bit of a mini-history lesson. Your comfort is our #1 priority Patti Sax, a Lafayette resi- group’s Youth Inspiring Youth “It’s a lovely work for the holi- And the new [music] is so excit- Haddon Heating & Cooling specializes in dent, joined WomenSing in the fall project. The program, started three days, but it was tricky to learn ini- ing because it explores new ways • residential furnaces • heaters • air conditioners • ductwork System Inspection years ago, pairs the young winners of putting sounds together to ex- of 1995. “My fourth child had just tially. The language is a bit • repairs • upgrades • maintenance and service. graduated from high school, and of Berkeley’s River of Words po- different from our English today press emotions.” FREE ESTIMATES • FAST SERVICE after spending many years as a etry competition with young com- and there were difficult pieces $79 spectator, I decided to become an posers. “[The poetry] is written by within it – unusual chord progres- Furnace/ A/C Upcoming performances: Check up* active participant in something I children from all over the globe, sions, and keeping tone and pitch Sunday, December 12, 925-521-1380 *service includes a free standard love,” she says. She recalls being who have learned about the im- up was sometimes hard.” Torres sized 1” disposable filter. 4 pm Monday-Friday 7am - 5pm (closed for lunch) We do offer a variety of nervous at the audition, which in- portance of their local watersheds remembers Wendigo, a song ac- First Congregational Church www.haddonheatingcooling.com pleated and washable filters. cluded vocalizing, sight reading and about how to express respect companied by a prerecorded Exp. December 31, 2010 Berkeley and singing a prepared song. and appreciation for it through this soundtrack of music and sounds, 2345 Channing Way “Sight reading is always a bit scary art form,” Sax says. “Then Wom- as particularly difficult. Sax shares Berkeley for me because it’s the one thing enSing creates an opportunity for her fellow member’s memory, say- Reception to follow that is unpredictable,” she says, young composers to create new ing, “Singing it was a bit like music for treble voices using this jumping on a moving train and adding that “our artistic director is Wednesday, December 15, material. The composers have the hanging on for our lives!” very good at putting the singer at 8 pm honor or being mentored by Libby WomenSing rehearses in ease.” St. Mary’s Chapel Larsen, and we get the excitement Martin Benvenuto has been central Lafayette for two-and-a- 1928 Saint Mary’s Road of learning and sharing these the Artistic Director of Wom- half hours weekly, with an addi- Moraga enSing since 2002. With an exten- pieces with our audience.” tional, optional rehearsal held one Table 24 is now open at Theatre www.cloud9organictherapy.com
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Since then, both the local and US organizations have By Cathy Dausman incorporated as non-profits, about 300 wells have been dug, and Friends of CCDO also supports an orphanage and four schools. Last January, Olmer and her family decided to go to Cambodia. A characteristic of the Olmers’ va- cations is that they go to places where they can make a difference. “We had heard about (Lipa’s) or- ganization in the Siem Reap region and were very impressed with the Tum Mao’s family Photo provided loving care, efficiency and trans- enni Lipa and Ksenija Olmer can visit the city of Chiang Mai in parency of the management,” said Jwere destined to meet. The New the north of Thailand, or continue Olmer. York travel agent (Lipa) specializing their journey in Myanmar (formerly She started to correspond with in international luxury spa vacations Burma). Lipa and decided to lend a hand. and the Orinda mom (Olmer) on a Lipa says she priced the trip at “When (Lipa) came for a visit to mission to save the world may seem cost, “I’m a travel agent, specializ- California I organized a presentation an unlikely pair, but they clicked last ing in high-end spa all over the through the local American Associ- Tony Knox and Supervisor Gayle Uilkema at the new veterans memorial. January in Cambodia, around a well. world; this is my way to give back,” ation of University Women Photo Cathy Dausman (AAUW) chapter's International From this connection emerged she explains. n recognition and memory eran Tim Haslam read from his Travel Club. Their response, enthu- Travel with a Purpose, which will The story started three years of all men and women memoir Stars & Stripes and take twenty interested adventurers to ago when Lipa met Pandra Ou dur- siasm and generosity always sur- “I who have given their lives for Shadows. Dignitaries included Cambodia in 2011. ing a trip to Cambodia. He had been prises me, but this time they outdid the sake of our freedom, may we Moraga Mayor Ken Chew Mor- The two planned excursions her guide during her vacation and as themselves." never forget.” aga Police Chief Robert Priebe of ten travelers each, one departing he drove her and a friend back to the AAUW members and their A new veteran’s memorial and Contra Costa District 2 Su- in March and the second in October, airport she asked him about his next friends donated funds for four new was dedicated in the Moraga pervisor Gayle Uilkema. will support the Friends of Cambo- job. The young man, in his mid wells, a new kitchen for the orphan- Commons on November 11. The The memorial rests along- dian Child's Dream Organization twenties, explained that he had been age, and a scholarship fund for vil- Support memorial was developed by Tony side the Lamorinda Trail Loop (Friends of CCDO). The first group raising money to build wells for fam- lage children. They were also adjacent St. Mary’s Road. Its in- Lamorinda Weekly will meet in Bangkok on March 27 ily farms. “The women and the chil- interested in traveling to Cambodia Knox, a Campolindo High School scription includes an eagle, and will depart for Siem Reap the dren can spend hours every day and asked Olmer and Lipa if they junior, in cooperation with local by shopping with seven service insignias (Army, next morning. For four days the transporting water to their homes and would organize a trip. “I've always Kiwanis and the Moraga Parks Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, our advertisers group will visit the famed Angkor fields,” explains Lipa, “the farms are been passionate about combining and Recreation Commission. Marines, the US Merchant Ma- and telling Wat Temples in the mornings; in the scattered across the countryside and travel with grass roots philanthropy," Knox is a Life Scout in rine and Army National Guard) afternoons travelers will interact no centrally located water supply can said Olmer, "this time I am excited BSA Troop 246 this was his them you saw and an excerpt from a World with schools and orphanages and suffice.” Lipa inquired as to the price to create an opportunity for others." Eagle project. their ad! visit a Silk Farm and Artisans of a well – $220 – she and her friend The tour will be guided by Ou. More than sixty people at- War I era poem. Your local free D'Angkor, an organization dedicated dug into their purses and gathered the For more information, contact tended the hour-long ceremony, Knox sees the memorial as to the survival of Khmer culture money. “This is for another well,” Olmer at [email protected] or Lipa at which opened with bagpipe an ongoing “work in progress” Newspaper through its arts and crafts. The group she told Ou. [email protected]. For more in- music, the posting of the colors and expects to see the eagle for Lamorinda will then visit Laos from April 1-4. “I was not expecting to hear formation about CCDO go to and singing of the national an- painted, and landscaping and Those wanting further adventures from him again,” remembers Lipa, www.friendsofccd.org. them. Author and Vietnam vet- lighting in the future. Business Service Directory www.lamorindaservicedirectory.com
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Consumer Regulations It doesn’t cost a penny more to work with your app y T Medicare specialists in Lamorinda. hanksgiving! [email protected] 925-254-6262 Call today for private consultation ©DC Comics 925-708-1915 Visit www.VickiNakamura.com Randy Bennett Talks to Moraga Movers By Lou Fancher lives across the street from me,” tion from the audience. “We Arth said. “I left a message in his want our guys to be pros, but not mailbox—didn’t even put a stamp over the good of the team. We on it—asking if he’d speak to the teach them: appreciate what you group. He’s an engaging speaker have and give back. At the Spe- and everybody in Moraga’s inter- cial Olympics camp recently, ested in the Gael’s and what their when we walked away, we were prospects are for the next season.” thinking, those kids gave some- Indeed, Bennett had a rapt thing to us.” audience as he reflected on his 10 Bennett said the team years at the college and what he trained hard over the summer and hopes to achieve going forward. that 6 of the 8 players from last If numbers tell a story, then year have returned. “More than certainly, Bennett’s numbers de- all that, we’ve had an experience scribe success as a college coach. you can’t simulate: we’ve been to You’ll Like Season ticket holders were at 180 The Tournament.” From left: Randy Bennett, Phil and Gretchen Arth Photo Lou Fancher when he arrived. Today, he said, Recruiting is a job skill aint Mary’s College basket- George says, when asked what they number a couple of thou- Bennett handles with finesse. He What You Hear sand. The team is 46-4 in the has found players in Australia, ball players aren’t the only has caused the booming atten- Orinda resident Al Koorji of Summit Hearing has been S home court. ESPN will broadcast where the Australian Institute of people with some hustle in the dance. Formerly known as the quietly helping Lamorinda hear better for the last 10 years. town of Moraga. The Moraga Moraga Hacienda Seniors, the 10-13 of the Gael’s games this Sport exposes the best young ath- Movers, a 35-year-old club for Fishers and other members real- season: ten years ago, none of the letes to rigorous training. “They Al is inviting you for a complementary: residents age 55 and older, has ized the group needed a “market- games were televised. don’t know the difference be- • Consultation picked up the ball and plans to run ing mindset.” And, there’s the Sweet 16. tween Saint Mary’s and UCLA, • Hearing evaluation with it. During a meeting with a The tournament has set the and we don’t tell them,” Bennett • 30 day trial on a hearing aid - no obligation “At one point, there were Moraga Parks and Recreation of- bar for Bennett and his players. said, getting the biggest laugh of • Hearing aid check & cleanings-all models 500 members,” said Julie Fisher, a ficial, Julie came up with the “All our focus is to prepare our- the day. member and wife of former Mor- name. “It was just alliteration: selves to get in that tournament,” There’s no joking when it Prepare to hear better for the holidays. he said. “Last time, we were the comes to his answers about grad- aga Mover’s President George Moraga Mmmm...Movers!” she Call Today! Fisher. said, recalling the moment. With slowest team in the country, but uation rates and Gonzaga. He “In 2006, our members a new moniker, and George’s this year we’re quick—and grit- said he tells players not to come dropped below 200,” George said, knack for making every person he tier on defense. Every game mat- to Saint Mary’s if they’re not in- describing in dark tones the low- meets feel like family, Moraga ters.” terested in getting a degree. The est point in the group’s history. Movers was on its way. In 2009, Bennett said he had program boasts 30 graduates out On November 8th, 2010, at Phil Arth, the outgoing pres- a great group of guys, both play- of 35 during his tenure. And Gon- a sold-out luncheon held on the ident of the group, explained why ers and assistants. He described zaga? “They’ll be up for us this Saint Mary’s College campus and he will step aside for incoming them as “selfless,” calling special year. I don’t think they like the featuring guest speaker Randy president Bob Foxall. “I’m going attention to Omar Samhan and way that one ended last year.” Bennett, the head men's basket- to be the Grand Poo-bah of SIR Ben Allen. “Allen was willing to A year from now, if the ball coach, it was hard to believe. (Sons in Retirement),” Arth jokes, sacrifice personal moments to do Gael’s get a sweet repeat of last The group stands at 423 members “so next year I’ll only have to find the right thing for the team,” he season, and if the Moraga and has a full roster of events; speakers for one group, instead of said. “Omar, he never gave up. Movers’ ambitious, energized from bocce to book clubs, and two.” Any time a NBA person came to membership continues its rapid “We encourage term lim- watch another player, he’d ask, expansion, they may need to hold from Panama Canal cruises to 355 Village Square, Orinda day-excursions to Napa wineries. its,” George said. “We want an ‘What can I do to be an NBA the November luncheon in a player?’” larger venue. Perhaps the McK- Summit (925) 254-6960 In their spare time, Moraga influx of new people with new HEARING CENTER Movers support the New Rheem ideas.” The Gael team is not about eon Pavilion Gym? Theatre, volunteer at local events, The speaker on Novem- building stars, according to the and hold monthly luncheons. ber 8th was the perfect finale to coach. “I’m not into the star “It was the name change,” Arth’s term. “Randy (Bennett) deal,” he said, answering a ques- DIABLO FLOORING, INC $250 Off* Anne Grodin Takes a New Direction *Minimum 1,000 sq. ft. Exp. 12-31-10 By Andrea A. Firth What she brought to the process, says Grodin, were connections to people that knew how to fundraise, which in turn helped the Founda- CARPET • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • TILE • VINYL tion to raise over $12 million for the construction of the Lafayette Li- Diablo Flooring Inc. is here to bring the best possible pricing with the most beautiful and complete installation to the Bay Area. We are a small store which lets us give you the attention needed for a more professional experience. We cater brary and Learning Center. The to residential & commercial customers, designer, contractors, and developers. Foundation has grown to serve as a FREE ESTIMATES vehicle for philanthropy for the City (925)(925 426-RUGS (7847) (925) 988-WOOD (9663) of Lafayette. 5600-D5600-D SSunol Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566 1813 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Grodin was a quick study WWW.DIABLOFLOORING.COM when it came to fundraising, and License #898787ÊUÊ `i`ÊUÊÃÕÀi`ÊÕ«ÊÌÊfÓÊ she soon found herself working on two other highly successful cam- paigns for Cal Shakes, which raised Anne Grodin Photo Andy Scheck over $8 million for upgrades to the bout every ten years, is Nancy’s commitment to the en- Bruns Amphitheater, and the John Celebrating 35 Years in Business! ALafayette resident Anne vironment,” she says, adding, “I un- Muir Health Foundation, which has Grodin makes a shift. “I believe in derstand how residents in raised $50 million so far for new Achieve your financial goals with our help moving on and trying new things,” Lamorinda feel about open space, medical facilities and renovations at A Relationship of Trust Since 1975 says Grodin—a familiar name and hills, and creeks. It’s really impor- the Walnut Creek and Concord Portfolio Management face in Lafayette where she has tant and they want to preserve this health care campuses. Individual Stocks and Bonds lived for 27 years with her husband lifestyle.” Reflecting on these success- Old Fashioned Customer Service Marshall. Grodin joined Skinner’s team ful fundraising efforts that are now Michael Frazier Grodin spent the 1990’s as an in June and was immediately thrust winding down, Grodin remains www.bedellinvest.com 800-783-0344 Vice-President, Portfolio Manager and Moraga Resident elected volunteer serving two terms into the nebulous world of the State committed to these causes, “Every on the Lafayette City Council and budget process. “I quickly learned campaign that you do is so interest- acting as Mayor in 1994 and 1998. a lot about school finance which ing.” But she is also energized and Over the course of the next ten comprises a significant portion of enthusiastic about her new venture. years, Grodin was a tireless the State budget,” says Grodin. As “Working with Assembly member fundraiser simultaneously working part of Skinner’s outreach efforts, Skinner is a good way to try some- on three capital funds campaigns Grodin attends many local meet- thing very different,” says Grodin. for the Lafayette Community Fund, ings and events both with and with- “The job is different everyday.” Cal Shakes, and the John Muir out the Assembly member. Grodin encourages Lamor- Health Foundation. It’s been an interesting transi- inda residents to take advantage of And with the dawn of a new tion for Grodin, who seems to have Assembly member Skinner’s mo- decade, Grodin has signed on as the Midas touch when it comes to bile office hours Pleasant Hill where Assembly member Nancy Skin- raising funds for the community Grodin and other staff are available ner’s Field Representative for Lam- and the arts. “Raising funds is its to meet with residents to answer orinda and Pleasant Hill helping the own art. You have to ask people questions about State issues, gather 14th District representative stay face to face,” says Grodin, adding, feedback, and assist with issues in- connected with her constituents on “We are very fortunate here. We volving a State agency. Appoint- the east side of the tunnel. Skinner’s live in a community that really un- ments can be scheduled by calling District also extends west into derstands philanthropy.” (510) 286-1400 or by walk-in. Mo- Alameda County and includes Al- Often attributed as the bile office hours are held at Pleasant bany, Richmond, Berkeley, and founder of the Lafayette Commu- Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane in Emeryville. nity Foundation, Grodin is quick to the small conference room, every “The District is so diverse,” point out, “You never accomplish fourth Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 notes Grodin, “The unifying thread anything like this by yourself.” a.m. starting in January. Page: L4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010 '17-30 '0!-,"'2'-,#0',%--"1& .#$-02
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Tiramisu Photo Susie Iventosch Assembly Line bottom and sides of a 9x5 inch loaf pan was never really a huge tiramisu pole” list! ventional tiramisu, give it a whirl, with plastic wrap, leaving wrap hanging fan, until one day I saw the most Every time I’d had it, the and see what you think. Remem- I over all edges. Spray with cooking darling tiramisu ever, sitting in the cake or lady fingers seemed so ber, you can always use your imag- spray. With a pastry brush, case of a bakery section. It was all heavily soaked with coffee that the ination, and since there are about lightly coat espresso-caramel wrapped up like a package with a texture became very grainy, which 10,000 different recipes for mixture over tops of lady fin- was not so pleasing to my palate. tiramisu, you cannot go wrong! ribbon … just waiting to join gers, and lay, round side Now, for some of you, that may be someone’s special festivity. It was up, on bottom of pan. exactly how you like your tiramisu, so cute in fact, that I marched over, Spread the custard mix- like my own mom. But for me, I picked up four packages of lady ture over the lady fingers. needed to make it with a little less fingers and vowed to myself that Repeat with another coffee soaking the lady fingers, so one day I would try making this layer of lady fingers, the cake stayed intact. If you prefer quintessential Italian dessert. (brushed with espresso) Tiramisu literally means “pick me this dessert more soaked, then sim- and spread chocolate- up” or “pull me up” in Italian, and ply soak the lady fingers in the whipped cream mixture one can certainly see why, with the espresso mixture and voila, you over this layer. Cover and h sc espresso, cocoa and eggs, it gives will have your favorite texture. Susie Iventosch is the au- to chill for several hours, or en (Though you may need to make a e Iv the body a spark! thor of Tax Bites and Tasty overnight. usi Tira o S My reason for not loving the little more espresso!) mis hot Morsels, which can be When ready to serve, lift tiramisu u rea P I also thought it would be fun dy for the party dessert before has entirely to do found at Across the Way from pan by holding onto plastic wrap, with texture, and isn’t that the to use the cheese in both the cus- in Moraga, and lay on a platter. Gently remove the wrap funny thing about food? Texture tard and the whipped cream be- from the bottom by lifting each end with a long spatula. If you desire the additional cocoa pow- plays such a huge role in whether cause Mascarpone is so delicious! www.amazon.com, and der, which is customary, dust the top of the dessert evenly with the cocoa powder. Sprinkle or not we enjoy eating certain And, what fun it might be to actu- www.taxbites.net. Susie chopped Almond Roca (or toffee) over top and arrange remaining lady fingers around the things. One person’s “absolutely ally mix the cocoa powder in, can be reached at tiramisu, kind of like a little castle and wrap with a colorful ribbon. Cut into slices or squares to divine, darling” is on another’s rather than just the dusting on top. [email protected]. serve. “won’t touch it with a ten-foot So, while this may be an uncon-
LAMORINDA’s Restaurants ••• updated October, 2010 ••• Japanese Restaurant American Continental La Cocina Mexicana, 23 Orinda Way, Ori, 258-9987 Bistro, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-7108 Duck Club Restaurant, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-7108 Mucho wraps, 1375-B Moraga Way, Mor, 377-1203 Chow Restaurant, 53 Lafayette Cir, Laf, 962-2469 Petar’s Restaurant, 32 Lafayette Cir, Laf, 284-7117 Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, 3596 Mt. Diable Blvd, Laf, 283-8740 Quiznos, 3651 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 962-0200 Roya's Garlic Garden, 3576 Mt Diablo Blvd, Laf 283-3007 Celia’s Restaurant, 3666 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-8288 Ranch House, 1012 School St, Mor, 376-5127 Vino Restaurant, 3531 Plaza Way, Laf, 284-1330 El Balazo, 3518D Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 284-8700 Terzetto Cuisine, 1419 Moraga Way, Mor, 376-3832 French Maya Mexican Grill, 74 Moraga Way, Ori, 258-9049 The Cheese Steak Shop, 3455 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-1234 Chevalier Restaurant, 960 Moraga Road, Laf, 385-0793 Numero Uno Taqueria, 3616 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-1333 BBQ Fuz, 3707 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-9930 Pizza Bo’s Barbecue, 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-7133 Hawaiian Grill Lamorinda Pizza , 382 Park St, Mor, 376-4040 Burger Joint Lava Pit Hawaiian Grill, 2 Theatre Square, St. 142, Ori, 253-1338 Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 3614 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-6363 Flippers, 960 Moraga Rd, Laf, 284-1567 Lava Pit Fire Grill, 3647 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 385-0658 Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 504 Center St, Mor, 377-6453 Nation’s Giant Hamburgers, 400 Park, Mor, 376-8888 Indian Pennini’s, 1375 Moraga Rd, Mor, 376-1515 Nation’s Giant Hamburgers , 76 Moraga Way, Ori, 254-8888 Swad Indian Cuisine, 3602 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 962-9575 Round Table Pizza , 361 Rheem Blvd, Mor, 376-1411 Café Italian Round Table Pizza , 3637 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-0404 356 Park Street, Moraga Ferrari- Lucca Delicatessens, 23 Lafayette Cir, Laf, 299-8040 Giardino, 3406 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-3869 Village Pizza, 19 Orinda Way # Ab, Ori, 254-1200 (next to Rheem Theatre) Geppetto’s caffe, 87 Orinda Way, Ori, 253-9894 La Finestra Ristorante, 100 Lafayette Cir, #101, Laf, 284-5282 Zamboni’s Pizza, 1 Camino Sobrante # 4, Ori, 254-2800 La Boulange, 3597 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf 284-1001 La Piazza, 15 Moraga Way, Ori, 253-9191 Sandwiches/Deli 376-2872 Mamounia Express Cafe, 3732 Mt. Diablo Blvd # 179, Laf, 299-1372 Mangia Ristorante Pizzeria, 975 Moraga Rd, Laf, 284-3081 Bianca’s Deli , 1480 Moraga Rd # A, Mor, 376-4400 Tuesday-Sunday Lunch & Dinner Rising Loafer, 3643 Mt. Diablo Blvd Ste B, Laf, 284-8816 Michael’s, 1375 Moraga Way, Mor, 376-4300 Europa Hofbrau Deli & Pub, 64 Moraga Way , Ori, 254-7202 www.kirinsushi.us Susan Foord Catering & Cafe, 965 Mt. View Dr., Laf, 299-2469 Pizza Antica, 3600 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-0500 Kasper’s Hot Dogs, 103 Moraga Way, Ori, 253-0766 Thank you for your support! California Cuisine Trattoria Lupetti, 65 Moraga Way, Ori 253-7662 Noah’s Bagels, 3518 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-0716 Artisan Bistro, 1005 Brown St., Laf 962-0882 Postino, 3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-8700 Orinda Deli, 19 F Orinda Way, Ori, 254-1990 Metro Lafayette, 3524 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 284-4422 Ristorante Amoroma, 360 Park St, Mor, 377-7662 Subway, 396 Park St., Mor, 376-2959 Shelby’s, 2 Theatre Sq, Ori, 254-9687 Japanese Subway, 3322 Mt. Diablo Blvd #B, Laf, 284-2627 STORANT Table 24, Theatre Sq, Ori, 254-0124 Asia Palace Sushi Bar, 1460 B Moraga Rd, Mor, 376-0809 Subway, Theatre Square, Ori, 258-0470 RI E Chinese Blue Ginko, 3518-A Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 962-9020 Seafood Asia Palace Restaurant, 1460 B Moraga Rd, Mor, 376-0809 Fuz, 3707 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-9930 Yankee Pier , 3593 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-4100 Chef Chao Restaurant, 343 Rheem Blvd, Mor, 376-1740 Kane Sushi, 3474 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 284-9709 Steak China Moon Restaurant, 380 Park St, Mor, 376-1828 Kirin Sushi, 356 Park Street, Mor 376-2872 Casa Orinda, 20 Bryant Way, Ori, 254-2981 The Great Wall Rest. , 3500 Golden Gate Way, 284-3500 Niwa Restaurant, 1 Camino Sobrante # 6, Ori, 254-1606 Tea T D Hsiangs Mandarin Cuisine, 1 Orinda Way # 1, Ori, 253-9852 Serika Restaurant, 2 Theatre Sq # 118, Ori, 254-7088 Patesserie Lafayette, 71 Lafayette Cir, Laf, 283-2226 APA OO Lily’s House, 3555 Mt. Diablo Blvd #A, Laf, 284-7569 Yu Sushi, 19 Moraga Way, Ori, 253-8399 Tea Party by Appointment, 107 Orinda Way, Ori, 254-2206 S • SEAF Mandarin Flower, 581 Moraga Rd, Mor, 376-7839 Mediterranean Thai Panda Express, 3608 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 962-0288 Petra Café, 2 Theatre Sq # 105, Ori, 254-5290 Amarin Thai Cuisine, 3555 Mt. Diablo Blvd #B, Laf, 283-8883 Offering: Szechwan Chinese Restaurant, 79 Orinda Way, Ori, 254-2020 Oasis Café, 3594 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-8822 Baan Thai , 99 Orinda Way, Ori, 253-0989 Uncle Yu’s Szechuan, 999 Oak Hill Rd, Laf, 283-1688 Turquoise Mediterranean Grill, 70 Moraga Way, Ori, 253-2004 Royal Siam, 512 Center Street, Mor, 377-0420 • Super Healthy Food Yan’s Restaurant, 3444 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 284-2228 Mexican Siam Orchid, 23 Orinda Way # F, Ori, 253-1975 • No Trans Fats, No Heavy Sauces Coffee Shop 360 Gourmet Burrito, 3655 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 299-1270 Vietnamese Millie’s Kitchen, 1018 Oak Hill Rd #A, Laf, 283-2397 Casa Gourmet Burrito, 3322 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 284-4415 Little Hearty Noodle, Pho & Pasta, 578 Center St., Mor, 376-7600 • Only Naturally Delicious Food at Squirrel’s Coffee Shop, 998 Moraga Rd, Laf, 284-7830 El Charro Mexican Dining, 3339 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-2345 Affordable Prices Village Inn Café, 204 Village Square, Ori, 254-6080 El Jaro Mexican Cafe, 3563 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Laf, 283-6639 • Piano Music, and Love 3531 Plaza Way, Lafayette download our Restaurant Guide from our web site at www.lamorindaweekly.com (near the Lafayette theatre) Reservations recommended The Lamorinda Weekly (LW) Restaurant Guide is not paid advertising; our intent is to provide a useful reference guide. We hope that we have included all Lamorinda restaurants on this page, except those that told us they did (925) 284-1330 Since 1963 not wish to be listed. LW is not liable for errors or omissions. In the event that we have inadvertently printed misinformation or excluded a restaurant please let us know ([email protected]) so that we may correct Lic. Castro Ascarrunz, owner, chef, waiter, entertainer our list for the next issue. Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: L5
Correction, issue date 10/27/10, page L3, Keith Katzman ‘Round the Clock We Go: Moraga Resident since 1966. We incorrectly identified one Successfully selling real estate for over 25 years. of the owners of Clocks Etc. as George Hampton – actually he Call Keith for your real estate needs! is Scott Hampton (we knew 925.376.7776 [email protected] www.pacunion.com better – sorry, Scott). A Member Of Real Living SMC Dancers in Fragments
By Lou Fancher License #777236 forming at the Kennedy center was a highlight for both dancers. “The Kennedy Center has such an in- • Remodels • Additions FREE Professional Design Consulation credible history of hosting talented Client-focused quality, value • Custom Homes engineering and responsive delivery. performers and to be a part of that • Kitchens legacy was unreal. It will forever • Baths Just ask our clients! be one of my fondest memories,” Yaffee says. Lin describes the op- Call 925-323-6582 portunity as “breath-taking,” and “a email: [email protected] www.lga-db.com true honorary experience.”
Saint Mary’s College Dance Company’s “Fragments” The Best of Blasphemy! LeFevre Theatre "The Best of Blasphemy is December 2-4, 2010 at 8pm irreverent soul food for skeptics A feedback discussion with and wise-asses." Joe Raiola, the choreographers will fol- Senior Editor of Mad Magazine low the Friday performance on December 3rd. Free Admission 14 great songs of pure unadulterated fun! Box Office: Available on CD or digital download (925) 631-4670 www.bestofblasphemy.com Dancers rehearse Tali Stevens' All There is, is in Your Mind. Photo Francesca Crebassa aint Mary’s College Dance the Bay Area, Davalos is commit- emotions I wanted my dancers to SCompany will present works ted to plugging her dancers into as feel while dancing and he created a of substance in Fragments, the an- many opportunities as possible. theme that fit that motif.” nual fall concert running December She is particularly proud of the Lauren Rose O'Leary’s Ballet Classes 2nd though the 4th. work premiering at the LeFevre green, blue, brown, hazel, is a Traveling high on the pres- Theatre in December: “We at- dance focused on unleashing the Fall Classes tige of last spring’s performance as tract—and keep—a higher caliber deepest personal traits of each Master Instructor, Jami Fender-Cronin - 32 Years Exp. invited guests to the National Col- of dancer to our program now.” dancer. lege Dance Festival at the Kennedy Zhe Jerry Lin’s A Time When Melissa Weik, a Communi- Center for the Performing Arts, five the World was Silent promises a cation major with a minor in dance, SIGNUP NOW senior students will premiere new personal statement about human is combining the two disciplines in work. devaluation. Drawing from the infectious ripple (are you Happy 1460 Moraga Road Suite F, Moraga Program Director Catherine Nanjing Massacre of 1937, a bru- now?). Reflecting Weik’s global Moraga Shopping Center, behind McCaulous Davalos came to the department 14 tal conflict between the Japanese outlook, four dancers, searching for www.starpilates.com 376-7500 years ago. There was one dance and Chinese people and a story Lin bliss, find it through a fifth, central major,” she says, “now, there are 40 was told countless times by his par- character. dancers in the company, and the ents and grandparents, Lin says the Tali Stevens is a Lafayette number of classes has gone from 2 solo has allowed him to explore native who studied at the Califor- to 40. Our next challenge is how human values and emotions. nia Academy of Performing Arts in UV^ Super Saturday to house all this growth!” Hailey Yaffee, will dive into Moraga. Stevens dares to address Sat 11/27 Participation in local and na- matters of faith with Pardon the fear in All There is, is in Your Mind, Sewing Sale! 10am-5pm tional showcases has “raised the Spiritual Minds, a group piece with allowing the emotion to fill the MHZOPVUZ[\KPV bar of the technique of the original music by E.J. Youngblood. stage, before the dancer at the cen- dancers,” according to Davalos. “We had many phone conversa- ter of the storm breaks free and The Best Day of the Year to Buy “Last year, we won our conference tions to listen to the sections of conquers the dark shadows. Sewing & Embroidery Equipment title,” she says, borrowing from music he created and from there we Lin and Yaffee, who had the sports lingo, “that’s how you get to would figure out what worked and opportunity to speak about SMC’s Each year at Thanksgiving we kick off the Holidays and offer the Kennedy Center.” what didn't,” Yaffee explains. “He dance program, praise the depart- our best deals on new and used equipment and accessories.
With plans to attend the 2011 also attended some of my dance re- ment’s intellectual training, as Brother “Black Friday” promotions on some machines include conference and a number of gigs in hearsals. In the end, I described the much as the physical rigor. Per- FREE Dell Mini Netbooks and up to $400 in savings.
Special one-day offers on demo and used equipment, notions and accessories, sewnow! Project Kits, fabrics, and “The Squire” Publisher Found other great Holiday gift ideas in all price ranges. Project Runway Innovís-40 By Cathy Tyson Open Studio Time - Fashion & Sewing Classes - Workshops - Custom Embroidery - Birthday Parties - Girl Scouts with $500 and a vision, tra Costa Times, was buying up but unfortunately no quite a few of the smaller local sewnow! 960 Moraga Rd, Lafayette (925) 283-7396 www.sewnow.com business plan. The in- papers and allegedly putting dependent newspaper pressure on advertisers. originally began in After the paper shut down, Moraga, according to Mustard worked for a while for Mustard; his two main the Montclarion selling adver- advertisers, grocery tising, “that didn’t work out too stores in Moraga, en- well,” he said. couraged him to branch Then he purchased, with out to Lafayette. the help of a partner, the Clare- The first edition of the mont Press where he did all the newly expanded paper production work. He moved on was born the week of to the Tri-Valley News where he the election – when was Editor and General Man- Lafayette first incorpo- ager of the Danville office. rated. “The entire five Following that, he heard of years – we careened a new paper through an acquain- from one financial crisis tance that was opening in south- to another,” said Mus- ern Oregon. Because he wanted tard. He describes it as to get out of the rat race and find John Mustard Photo provided a “constant struggle,” good schools for his kids, it some of the employees seemed like a good opportunity. eports of my death have had to wait for paychecks. In the When the recession came along “Rbeen greatly exagger- end he declared bankruptcy, the never stellar economy of ated,” jokes John Mustard via “Which has been weighing on southern Oregon dried up as did phone from his current home in me all these years.” that paper. The local fire chief Advertising Hampshire, Illinois. “It was a fun job,” said was a good friend; he suggested As reported in August of Dian Overly, former graphic doing a newsletter for the fire this year, “The Squire” newspa- artist for The Squire. “Even district. “That was a huge hit, per that Mustard published from when we had to move several everyone loved it,” Mustard 1968 - 1973 was very similar to times, as I recall, from office to commented. the Lamorinda Weekly, reporting office (probably part of the fi- In 1984 he moved to the on local events in Lafayette, nancial problems); and from the Midwest and is retired now, al- Orinda and Moraga. Squire experience, I moved on though he enjoys his hobby - A request was made in the to the Lesher organization. model trains. Prior to retire- story, “Blast from the Past: The Mustard explained that the ment, Mustard had a job as an o You Have A Living Trust, Or About Living Trusts. Call Toll-Free Squire” for input about the final straw was the butcher Information Technology Re- paper. Although a few residents strike against supermarkets. cruiter. DAre You Thinking About 1-800-251-4298, 24 Hrs., For A Free commented, and despite a thor- Overnight he lost one-third of As he looks back to the Setting One Up? Either Way, You Recorded Message To Get The ough search, Publisher John his revenue when the grocery days of the newsroom on Must Read The FREE Report Copy Of The Report That Could Mustard could not be located. stores stopped advertising. He Golden Gate Way he’s disap- Just last week, out of the blue recalled that at the time local pointed, “I was never able to Called, “How To Avoid Making Save You Thousands in needless this reporter got a phone call stores had their own butchers, deliver a quality product.” In The 6 Biggest Mistakes When expenses! Call NOW, while this is from Illinois, from none other but chain grocery stores wanted retrospect he calls it a “Won- Setting Up A Living Trust!” fresh on your mind, and discover than John Mustard. to consolidate butchering to a derful experience. I still love This Report Reveals The Truth what you’re missing! Now retired, he recalled central location. In addition Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda.” starting the paper back in 1968 Dean Lesher, owner of the Con- Page: L6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010
2010-2011 Lamorinda Girls’ Basketball Preview DFAL Fall Sports All- By Conrad Bassett League Awards year ago, the Diablo-Foothill ior, Devon McDonald, and sopho- Shapiro, and Meggie Nelson. Soph- played well last season. Harewood is AAthletic League girls’ basketball more Carly Gill as the Mats take on omore Laura Hickey also returns. a tremendous shot blocker and Harri- (as available online as of 11/22) league lived up to its reputation as one another ambitious pre-season. After Newcomers include sopho- son very strong on the boards. Sport School Award Name of the toughest in California, with four last year’s grueling season that fea- more Annie Shurtz, junior Melissa Samantha Cheng also returns for her Girls’ Golf Miramonte First Team Jessica Goldstein of the seven teams going on to the tured 23 games away from Orinda, McCue, and freshman Ashley senior year at point guard. Kelsey Williams Second Team Liza Katz Northern California Championships: the schedule includes more games in Ewing. Two juniors are back—So- Tori Hoff Miramonte, Campolindo, Dublin, and the friendly confines of their home Kallam will be challenging phie Taylor and Meredith Collett, as Campolindo Most Valuable Player Sammy Chan Dougherty Valley. This year the gym. Following a ride up Interstate his squad early and often as they will well as three sophomores—Jamie Second Team Nicky Bartak Kara Young teams look poised for a repeat. 80 to the Truckee Invitational, they join host Miramonte in the Emerald Jacobs, Molly Martin, and Marie Acalanes First Team Elizabeth Schultz Kelly Sopak returns for his host the Mat Tip-Off Classic as well Division of the West Coast Classic Paladino. Second Team Adrienne Lee second year as the Miramonte as the Emerald Division of the West and taking what has recently been an The team travels will stay Girls’ Tennis Miramonte First Team (Singles) Anastasia Kaiser First Team (Doubles) Evelyn Alper/Brittany Anderson coach, fresh after leading the Mats Coast Classic which will feature annual trek to the Valley of the Sun local for all of their tournaments— Second Team (Singles) Hanne Anderson into the second road of the state tour- several top teams and players. as they travel to the Nike TOC in including hosting their own Meg Anderson nament before falling to eventual Campolindo finished 20-10 a Phoenix, AZ. Acalanes Classic and traveling to Second Team (Doubles) Kirby Schulz/Katie Straughn Honorable Mention (Singles) Tamar McCollom champion and nationally ranked year ago and lost Meghan Ringer to In Lafayette, Mike Wilson one at Northgate in Walnut Creek Sarah Reed number one--St. Mary’s (Stockton.) graduation and Southern Utah Uni- will be taking over an Acalanes team and also playing in the West Coast Alyssa Wendt The Matadors finished 22-8 and al- versity but coach Clay Kallam also that went 15-12 a year ago. Wilson Classic’s Sapphire Division. They Honorable Mention (Doubles) Logan Ehringer/Maria Gonzales Campolindo First Team (Singles) Nicole Wedlake though they lost Stephanie Golden does not have an empty cupboard comes to Acalanes after spending do travel to Sonoma Valley and San First Team (Doubles) Natalie Korich/Miranda Hill to graduation and to Gonzaga, they from which to build this year’s time most recently at Alhambra. He Marin as part of their non-league Second Team (Doubles) Sydney Stone/Donna Nedft return a strong nucleus from last Cougar team. coached the Acalanes Junior Varsity schedule. Honorable Mention (Singles) Claire Faulkner Ruthie Shapiro year’s team. Amanda Forshay returns for from 2005 to 2007. The league again appears to Acalanes First Team (Doubles) Emily Lindsay/Nikki Lee Senior Liza Katz returns fol- her senior season before heading out Last year’s team had only three be one for survival of the fittest. Second Team (Singles) Valery Jorgensen lowing a junior season where she to Puget Sound for her college ca- seniors, so Wilson will have a strong Most of the Dougherty Valley (26-4 Tessa Karagocev Honorable Mention (Singles) Liz Landry was selected to the DFAL all-league reer. Also coming back are seniors nucleus of returning players. Seniors last season) team returns and Dublin Honorable Mention (Doubles) Wendy Yang/Erin Grant first team. Also back are junior Annie Ward and Chloe Hull, who Kiara Harewood, a second team All- (21-8 a year ago) also will have sev- Girls’ Volleyball Miramonte First Team Kristen Rutledge Alyssa Johanson who was named established herself as a starter a year DFAL last year selection, and Emani eral top scorers back. Alhambra has Sarah Vaccaro Second Team Audrey Breitwieser second team All-DFAL and fellow ago. Mallory Brown is healthy and Harrison, a first team All-DFAL se- seen improvement and Las Lomas Jane Siri juniors Taylor Kizziee and Janine is looking forward to a good junior lection, return and both started and hopes to do the same as well. Honorable Mention Mollie Swan Campolindo Loutzenhiser who were named as season as is classmate Annelise Ito Most Valuable Player Mary Vaccaro First Team Chandler Moore honorable mention. who moves into a starting role. Abbie Nolan Sopak will also be counting Other seniors who are back SMC Men’s Basketball Second Team Sophie Seiberth on contributions from another jun- include Erin Nakahara, Ruthie Sophia Smith Honorable Mention Kim Condie Undefeated in Opening Week Acalanes First Team Kendall Baker Tyanna Roy NCS Results Second Team Brooke Aeillo Natalie Chan Sport School Results Honorable Mention Gaby Gaubert Girls’ Water Polo Miramonte First Team Erin Byrne Second Round Michelle Caron Volleyball Miramonte First Round: bye Second Team Margot Attard Second Round: Lost to Moreau Catholic (2-3) Sierra Robbins NCS Champions Honorable Mention Sara Furtado
First Round: bye Molly Schoenfeld Campolindo First Team Gracie Fowler Campolindo Second Round: beat Terra Linda (3-0) Kimi Klein Semifinals: beat Analy (3-2) Emily McPhee Finals: beat Sir Francis Drake (3-0) Second Team Sam Flower Second Round Dana Holt
Acalanes First Round: beat Petaluma (3-2) Andie Nishimi Honorable Mention Annika Jensen Second Round: lost to Sir Francis Drake (0-3) Lindsey Raftis Still Playing Natalie Seidemann Football Miramonte First Round: beat Analy 17-3 Acalanes First Team Barbara Lanier
First Round Casey Reid Campolindo Second Team Adrienne Burgin First Round: Lost to Cardinal Newman 35-7 Megan Dietrich First Round Acalanes Molly Quinn First Round: Lost to San Rafael 27-12 Honorable MentionLizzie Newman Finals Boys’ Water Polo Miramonte First Team Nick Deaver Miramonte First Round: Beat Mission San Jose Joey Fabian Girls’ ANASTASIA Tennyson May Second Round: Beat Campolindo Tennis KAISER/HANNE Charlie Wiser Semi-Finals: Beat Redwood ANDERSEN Second Team Jack Fellner Finals: Lost to California Aleck Ryner Campolindo Second Round Honorable Mention Robbie Flueggee Kyle Weikert NATALIE First Round: Beat Northgate Kevin Yee KORICH/MIRANDA HILL Second Round: Lost to Miramonte Campolindo First Team Jeffrey Strausser Second Round Tor Jensen Girls’ Miramonte First Round: Beat Bishop O’Dowd 13-2 JD Ratchford Waterpolo Second Round: Lost to Acalanes 6-8 (OT) Second Team Grant Sivesind Honorable Mention Devin Kennedy NCS Champions Peter Price First Round: Beat Marin Academy 20-6 #22 Rob Jones Photo Tod Fierner Acalanes Most Valuable Player Joe Deitrich Campolindo Second Round: Beat Sir Francis Drake 12-3 aint Mary’s men’s basketball State. Saint Mary’s handily knocked First Team Robert Clemens Semi-Finals: Beat Marin Catholic 8-6 Tanner Cullen opened the season with a four off the Delta Devils 87-52. Redshirt Finals: Beat Acalanes 8-5 S Jake Kisner game home-stand and a four game junior forward Rob Jones (above) Andrew Schnugg Finals win streak. The Gaels 76-71 win over had his best scoring game on Sunday Second Team Connor Reid First Round: Beat Piedmont 16-3 Michael Worthing Acalanes Second Round: Beat Miramonte 8-6 (OT) St. John’s on ESPN’s 24 College when he notched 13 points and four Honorable Mention Tommy Bush Semi-Finals: Beat Las Lomas 6-2 Basketball Kick-off Marathon proves assists, going 5-for-5 from the line. Connor Mattox
Finals: Lost to Campolindo 5-8 the team means business this season. The Gaels took on Chicago Nathaniel Whitmore Cross Country (Boys’) Miramonte First Team Tyler Hanson Semi-Finals The Gaels have received a few votes State last night, Tuesday, Novem- Jamie Fehrnstrom Boys’ First Round: Beat Justin Siena 20-5 Campolindo in the ESPN/USA Top 25 poll. ber 23, after press time. The Gaels Matt Stewart Waterpolo Second Round: Beat Terra Linda 10-4 On Sunday, the Gaels hosted a take on Texas Tech on Friday, No- Campolindo First Team Thomas Joyce Semi-Finals: Lost to Alahambra 8-13 Vinson Compestine game against Mississippi Valley vember 26. Dylan Laucher Cross Miramonte—Boys Seventh Second Team Greg Garcia Country Lelond Wong Miramonte—Girls Eleventh SMC Women’s Basketball Keith Geiger Campolindo--Boys Second Acalanes First Team Tyler Troxel Cross Country (Girls’) Campolindo First Team Carrie Verdon Campolindo—Girls NCS Champions Off to a Great Start Gracie Orders Acalanes—Boys Fifth Rachel Meadows Acalanes—Girls Second Second Team Haley Shipway Sarah Orders Juliet Farman Sara Mostatabi Campo Girls Water Polo Acalanes First Team Amy Hollshwandner Annie Marggraff Second Team Kelly Collins NCS Division Champs Kelli Berge Nicolette Sorenson Submitted by Linda Lim Football Miramonte First Team Ross Anderson Blake Swimmer Ross Dolbec Anthony Piganelli Christ Tatcher Second Team John Coupin Jack Pietrykowski Luke Carrillo Tyler Davis Honorable Mention Tyler Young Miles Honens Brian Friel Kevin Booze Campolindo First Team Marco Tavecchio Vito Latu Joey Bertrand Second Team Brett Stephens Arian Motamenzadeh Charlie Zaharoff Karl Thornton Erik Baker #2 Louella Tomlinson and #24 Morgan Hatten Photo Tod Fierner Jamie Vega Dan Fadelli Front row: Andie Nishimi, Lindsay Raftis, Gracie Fowler, Assistant Coach aint Mary’s women’s basketball ior forward Louella Tomlinson Honorable Mention Amir Hakimjavdi Heather Stuart (holding plaque), Raena Sumiyoshi, Maddie Larson. opened the season with a 3-2 (above) notched 13 points, six re- Nick Zolintakis S Acalanes Second row: Emily McPhee, Clarice Cho, Assistant Coach Jessie Cima First Team Trent Baker record. The Gaels dropped their two bounds and seven blocks. The seven (with sunglasses), Christy Faoro. Drew Gaylord Back row: Dana Holt, Sam Flower, Annika Jensen, Kimi Klein, Head games to top competition, Cal and blocks was a single-game record for Trent Baker #21 Nebraska. The Gaels traveled to the Knapp Center. Second Team Aaron Edwards Coach Kim Everist (holding banner), Allison Stevens, Chelsea Crawford, Mike Leamy Natalie Seidemann, Sara Torchio, Cessie Nishimi. play #21 Nebraska on Saturday, and Saint Mary’s hosts the Michael Brady lost 63-64. Saint Mary’s Hilton Tournament Spencer Henderson he Campolindo varsity girls’ water polo team won the NCS Division SMC took on Drake on this weekend, taking on North- Honorable Mention Matt Rogstad II championship last Saturday, 8-5 over Lamorinda rival Acalanes at Harrison Bagdan T Thursday, November 18, defeating western on Friday, November 26 Lucas Levine the Soda Aquatic Center. the Bulldogs 70-46. In the win, sen- at 7:00 p.m. Carson Gardner Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: L7 Lamorinda Football Finishes 1-2 in NCS Playoffs Miramonte wins; Campolindo, Acalanes lose in first round on Nov. 19 the lead to 17-3. by the end of the first quarter were called up from the Dons’ JV team, Miramonte’s defense held down 0-21. San Rafael scored in led the Acalanes offense, recording Analy to 66 rushing yards and 112 their first two possessions. 72 rushing yards. receiving. The Dons mustered some of- Head coach Mike Ivankovich Miramonte will take on San Marin fense in the second half, notching said: “Weather prevented us from on Saturday, November 27. two touchdowns but it was too little, being able to pass to get back into the Campolindo too late. game and both teams have limited #15 Campolindo traveled to the Freshman Peter Mitchell, playoff experience, they just beat us.” North Bay to take on perennial pow- erhouse #2 Cardinal Newman. The Cougars came into the game with a three game losing streak and a losing record, 5-6. Cardinal Newman took full advantage of Campolindo, de- feating them, 35-7. The Cougars were down 0-21 at half time off of three touchdowns from the Cardinal’s quarterback Stephen Tomasin. PLAY RUGBY! Grades 1-12 Campolindo’s sophomore Registration for Lamorinda Rugby Club is now open for the 2011 quarterback Brett Stephens was 14 season! No prior rugby experience necessary, just a love of fast-paced for 30, notching 183 yards but he contact sports. Practices start after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. Youth season runs through March; High School finishes regular season end also had four interceptions. of April. Come on out! Acalanes Register online at www.LamoRugby.com. For more info contact Nancy Ross Anderson (9) runs up field for a Miramonte first down. Anderson notched 152 rushing yards in The #9 Dons took on #8 San Rafael in Taylor 925-253-1435, or check the website for FAQ and schedule info. the 17-3 win. Photo Jordan Fong the first round of NCS Division III Miramonte: win, despite the bad weather. was also instrumental for the Mira- playoffs. Acalanes (5-6) looked like Lamorinda Soccer Club 2011 Winter Weekend Clinics Miramonte was the only Lamorinda The rain was a huge factor monte offense, running for 51 yards Lamorinda’s best bet for an upset but begin in January for kids ages 6-13 years old. If you have a player team with a top seed. Their 10-1 and Miramonte chose to take ad- on ten carries. San Rafael (10-1) proved an in- who loved fall soccer, wants to try a new sport, or wants to see if traveling soccer is a good fit, come out to Bentley school to overall record gave them a #3 seed vantage of junior quarterback Ross The offense did not truly domitable force. The Dons lost 12-27. learn new skills, meet the coaches and have fun! For more in the NCS Division III bracket. The Anderson’s running ability. Ander- come alive until the fourth quarter The weather proved to be a signifi- information and to sign up, go to the LMSC website at Mats hosted the Analy Tigers and son ran for 152 yards on 22 carries. when both Coupin and Anderson fi- cant factor. Acalanes did not com- lamorindasc.com [email protected] managed to come out with a 17-3 Senior running back John Coupin nally reached the end zone to extend plete a single pass in the game and If you would like to list the registration information for a youth sports Campolindo Ladies Win NCS Volleyball Championship club please email [email protected] or call (925) 377-0977. B&W listing $24 per inch, Color listing $34 per inch. ... continued from page A1 Rebates Fading Winter Approaching Fall Is the Time To Call
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With a high efficiency furnace, you could be eligible for the Federal Tax Credit and three separate rebates. You might even catch the Cash For Appliances rebate Mary Vaccaro, the DFAL Most Valuable Player, was instru- Photo Doug Kohen Photo Doug Kohen if you act quickly. Even the Federal Tax Credit is mental in the Cougars NCS run. Photo Doug Kohen down to its last few weeks of life. This opportunity is On their way to the champi- Vaccaro anticipated. They won a Moreau Catholic took the lead from Senior captain Natalie Chan unparalleled. Call us now for a free estimate, days, onship, Campolindo won their quar- tightly contested match in five sets, the start, but Miramonte wouldn’t commented on the loss and noted evenings or weekends. It’s time to get comfortable.TM terfinal match at home over Terra 20-25, 25-16, 25-16, 24-26, 15-13. go down easily, they fought back her team’s improvement over the Linda handily, 25-15, 25-18, 25-15. With that win they advanced to the and eventually took the lead 13-11. course of the season. “We played Campolindo came out strong from final, in which they met Sir Francis However, Moreau Catholic went on [Sir Francis Drake] before and lost the first point of the first set, a kill Drake (34-5). a 5-1 run to win the fifth set and the really badly, but this time we played by senior outside hitter Mary Vac- In the final, Campolindo match. better as a team,” she said. “For the / - caro, they won 25-15. In the second dominated the first two sets, 25-12 Junior outside hitter Audrey most part, we were all happy with Heatingi>Ì}ÊEÊÀÊ `Ì}Ê «>ÞÊ and Air Conditioning Company Since-ViÊ£änÊUÊ Ê V°Ê{nxä£ 1908 • CA Lic #489501 set the teams traded points. A force- and 25-13. In the third set, however, Breitwieser and senior outside hitter how we played; we knew this was- ful kill by Vaccaro gave Cam- the Lady Cougars fell behind, a rare Kirsten Rutledge had 22 and 19 n't going to be an easy team, as they x£änΣÎ{ÎÊ polindo a 15-14 from which they occurrence for them, prompting kills, respectively. Junior setter are seeded second overall.” ÜÜÜ°>Ì>à i>Ì}°V never looked back. The Lady head coach Scott Bishop to call a Sarah Vaccaro had 48 assists and Cougars won the set 25-18. Cam- time out. Out of the time out, Cam- three aces. polindo made quick work of the polindo went on a 10-1 run to end Coach Shannon Ross com- third and final set, ending it 25-15. the match and claim the trophy for mented on the game as a great ex- Vaccaro, the DFAL Most the first time since 2005. Vaccaro ample of her team’s perseverance, Valuable Player and All-American, had 13 kills and senior middle hitter despite the loss. “I thought we did a commented on the game’s impor- Chandler Moore had six in Cam- great job of fighting back during the tance in their quest to win NCS: “I polindo’s rout of Sir Francis Drake. match against Moreau,” she said. definitely feel a lot of momentum, Bishop had made a bold pre- “We lost the first and third games we’re all very pumped up, we’ve diction about the team’s chances: by quite large margins and came become really close as a team com- “if we perform at the level that back in the second and fourth ing into playoffs, so hopefully that we’re capable of, I see us going all games with wins; the fifth game will allow us to hopefully get a the way,” he said, and that they did. was a toss up and the girls fought good ride to the [finals],” she said. Despite being ranked third in until the very last point.” “We need to perform and work our NCS and one of the favorites to Acalanes’ season ended after hardest every single game and move on in the tournament, Mira- Sir Francis Drake defeated them on hopefully we’ll come out on top.” monte lost a tightly contested game their way to the finals; they lost in The Cougars advanced to at home against Moreau Catholic in three sets, 25-15, 25-12, 25-20, end- JUMBO Fixed Period Arms INTEREST ONLY play Analy the following Wednes- the quarterfinals, 25-17, 24-26, 25- ing their NCS hopes at the quarter- day, November 17 and played as 14, 23-25, 16-14. In the fifth set, finals on November 13. 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From left: Top row: Coach Rob Combi, Cole Cronk, Derrick Carey, Paul Griessel, Nick Miller, Coach Mike Miller This is not a loan commitment, nor is it a guarantee of any kind. This compari- 319 Diablo Rd., Ste 103 son is based solely on estimated figures and information available at the time Middle row: Eli Olson, Enzo Sereno, Ethan Fischler, Nick Morgan, Daniel Seiler of production. Interest rate is subject to borrower and property qualifying. DRE Danville, CA 94526 Bottom row: Henry Marken, Cole Combi, Ben Ross License #01327738. CA DRE Lic. # 01327738 Page: L8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010 SPORTS Lamorinda Schools LAMORINDA’S LOCAL SPORTS NEWS LMYA Soccer Wraps Up Season Acalanes Students Sweep Contest Submitted by Susan Lane (Acalanes Digital Design) 5th/6th Grade Girls his year the Contra Costa County Schools Insur- students swept the contest, taking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Submitted by Chris Blair Tance Group conducted its second annual Slip, in this county-wide competition. The winners are India Team Germany, and with the Trip, and Fall poster contest. Last year an Acalanes Williams (1st place), Marisa Hummel (2nd) and Casey shutout finished the year without High School student won first place; this year Acalanes Lee (3rd) giving up a goal the entire season. Led by defenders Sarah Fass, Katie Ruiter, Danielle Rhoda, Jennifer Gregory and Kendall Schmidt, and outstanding goalie play by Audrey Moore and Morgan Langstaff, the opponents were kept off the board for eight straight games. Leading the offense was Grace Burnite, Kiera Crandall, Natalie Hayes, Julia Blair, Kim Baxter, Jessica Thomas and Elizabeth Garcia. Coaches Photo provided Chris Blair and Denise Lambert eam USA finished the fall pions of the Moraga Girls Grade noted this team had great intensity Tseason with an undefeated 5/6 division. Team USA completed and teamwork throughout the sea- record and was crowned the cham- the season with a 1-0 victory over son.
5th/6th Grade Boys 2nd place Submitted by Gint Federas eam Italy won LMYA Soc- Tcer’s 5/6 Grade Boys divi- sion with a 9-1 record, scoring 33 goals, while allowing only 11.
Front row: Nixson Murgia, Cam Stu- art, Andrew Federas, Stefan Ramsey, John Mitchell, Aidan McNamara, and Carson Blocker. Back row: Assistant Coach Trevor Stu- art, Head Coach Bill Stuart, Hayden Wells, Kage Groszewski, Clark Fromer, Kaelen Nunes, Noah Kim, Tyler Schenone, Ben Bequette, Zak Singh, Assistant Coach Gint Federas.
1st Grade Girls 1st place Submitted by David Cervenka 3rd place eam Brazil’s forward An- Tnalise Harhay (#6) charges The Orinda Landmarks Quilt down field in an attempt to score rinda quilters (from L to R) during the final game of the sea- OLeasa Raya, Liz Piatt, Mar- son against Team Argentina on garet Zucker, Ginny Ross, Joce- Saturday, November 13, 2010 at lyn Marzan, Sandy Chan, Cheryl Happy Valley Elementary School Hata, Terry Lowenthal, and Helen in Lafayette. Team Brazil fell to Calvert-Snook created this multi- Team Argentina with a final score paneled quilt depicting some of of 0 - 4. Orinda's most recognizable scenes. Terry Lowenthal, who is a photographer, created the design. The ladies have donated the quilt to the Educational Foundation of Photo by Les Hala Orinda. A.Firth acific Rim Volleyball Academy Boys’ Volleyball in Lamorinda PBoys 14s (Pac Rim) are ranked Submitted by Rich Jones number one in the Northern Califor- Campo Presents Romeo and Juliet nia Volleyball Association Power eniors Piere Naton and Laura League #1 after successful tourna- Zenoni star in Campolindo High ment play. The team, based in S Pleasant Hill, includes five Lamor- School's upcoming performance of inda students, four from Joaquin Romeo and Juliet. "We've added Moraga Middle School (JM), Peter some grit, graffiti, and a few twists to Jones, Michael Standring, Joe and Shakespeare's famous romantic Gage Worsley; and Mitchell Brooks tragedy," says drama teacher and di- of Orinda Intermediate School. The rector Jamie Donahoe. The play will four JM boys also formed the nu- be performed on Friday, December cleus of a prior club team that 3rd at 7 p.m., and Saturday Decem- ranked tenth in California in 2009- ber 4th at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets 2010 and went on to place 19th will be available at the door; $10 for (Open Division) at the Junior Na- adults and $5 for students. [The Di- tional Volleyball tournament in rector recommends that children under 13 years of age attend the mati- Austin, Texas, this past July. The Photo Andrea A. Firth team is coached by Roger Worsley, nee performance.] A.Firth Back row: Peter Chao – coach, Robert Steiner, Jonathan Santos, Julian a member of the coaching staff of Egoian, Derek Lodge, Mitchell Brooks, Sean Vasima, Roger Worsley, coach the Stanford men’s volleyball team, Front Row: Michael Standring, Peter Jones, Gage Worsley, Joe Worsley School Calendar the 2010 NCAA Champions. Acalanes Union Orinda Union School District Submit stories High School District OUSD Office Lamorinda United Take League Crown Board Room AUHSD Office 8 Altarinda Road, Orinda to Submitted by John Fuller and Larry Margerum 1212 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lafayette Monday, December 6, at 4pm Wednesday, December 8, at 7:30pm schooldesk@ The match was a defensive Moraga School District struggle with few scoring attempts. Lafayette School District Joaquin Moraga Intermediate lamorinda Lamorinda goalkeeper Sophie Lek- LAFSD Office School Auditorium san made a key save in the first half, 3477 School Street, Lafayette 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga weekly.com blocking a penalty kick attempt. Wednesday, December 8, at 7pm Tuesday, December 14, at 7:30pm Leksan finished with 11 saves on the day. The score remained tied, 0-0, at the half. The second half proved to be www.Lamorindaweekly.com a more physical 40 minutes of play, Most Frequently Viewed Stories From Our Last Issue: with increased infractions for the visitors. Danville was whistled for • Lafayette Elects a New School Board a costly penalty in the final mo- ments of the match. This allowed • Challenging Conditions for Lamorinda From left, front row: Claire Winter, Jessica Tuan, Kaitlin McGee, Lamorinda midfielder Katie Tao a Grapes Sophie Leksan, Nina Gerson, Erin Bishop, Katie Tao free kick from 22 yards on the top • Wyro Reelected to MOFD Board of Directors Back row: Val Margerum, Megan Turner, Natalia Pedder, Coco Pearce, Jessica left of the box and she nailed it hard Jara, Sophie Fuller, Shannon Stabler, Samantha Zarling, Alison Turner • Orinda Academy Teacher Wins Award and high off the bottom of the cross • LamorindaDogs.org he LaMorinda Soccer Club’s division. The league title was de- bar for a 1-0 lead with only five Tgirls’ United 94 team contin- cided on a rainy Sunday afternoon, minutes to play. Lamorinda held on • Local Women Taking Charge of Their Lives ued their winning ways. They as Lamorinda hosted their east bay for the 1-0 win. Lamorinda is in • Blazing a New Trail on the Burton Ridge grabbed first place in the Golden rival, Danville Mustang Blast at first place with an 8-1 record. Trail Connector State Soccer League (G.S.S.L) gold Bentley High School. • And the Winners Are? • Angels in America at SMC Send sports stories and ideas to: • Lafayette Library’s Successful First Year If you wish to view any of the stories above go to [email protected] www.lamorindaweekly.com and click the link below the story. Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: L9 Lamorinda Schools “A High-tech Brain LASF Unveils New Identity: Lafayette Partners in with the Patience of a Mother” ½ hour FREE Education ($47.50 value)* *new clients only, exp. 1-15-2011 By Jean Follmer Fast Expert Computer Help dren, parents and community education foundation has had to members, handed out reusable reach out to a greater number of from techmommy! shopping bags with the new name, community partners to help us • Troubleshoot any PC computer problem. and answered questions about the reach our fundraising goals. We • Help in plain English, not tech talk. name change. Children had the op- work very closely with parent or- • Personal training in your home, at your pace. portunity to do scratch art, try their ganizations, teachers and adminis- hand at a Warhol-inspired mural, trators, our own instructors and the “Over the years 925-377-7711 techmommy has been our computer use their math and judgment skills local business community. We savior and guru, untangling our hardware and www.techmommy.com software problems with remarkable ease. to make “estimates” and fly down chose the name in recognition of Thank goodness for techmommy. the inflatable bouncy slide in the these critical partnerships,” ex- Serving the Bay Area’s Technology We would be lost without her!” Plaza Center parking lot. plained Bagley. Needs Since 1985 – Dan & Colleen, Moraga Thirty years ago, LASF was Partners plans to continue to started to fill the state funding gaps strengthen its working relationship in the arts and sciences. Over the with school site parent organiza- years, LASF grew to meet the tions. This month, Partners is needs of the Lafayette School Dis- forming an advisory committee SAT WRITING TUTORING The LASF/LPIE booth at the Reservoir Run. Photo Jean Follmer trict, Acalanes High School and the that will review the way the educa- fter days of rain, an unexpect- could not have been more pleased. Lafayette community. While stay- tion foundation is organized and to Aedly beautiful Halloween “I would like to thank the Lafayette ing true to the Arts and Sciences, ensure all partner organizations OCTOBER SAT SCORES ARE OUT AND morning greeted thousands of smil- Chamber of Commerce for letting LASF also provides extensive sup- have a strong voice in its opera- PSAT SCORES ARE ALMOST HERE! ing Lafayette Reservoir Run partic- us reveal our new name in front of port in the areas of: Music and tions. ipants. Adding to the delicious a huge crowd on a beautiful day at Drama, Health, Math, Humanities “Although we have changed ARE YOU AIMING FOR A HIGHER WRITING SCORE ON YOUR NEXT TEST? annual Rotary Club pancake break- the Reservoir Run. We had a ter- and Technology. “The name our name, we are still the same THE WRITING SECTION IS VERY COACHABLE. I HAVE WRITING WORKSHOPS, SMALL GROUPS, CRAM SESSIONS AND fast was a community carnival to rific response to the unveiling of the Lafayette Partners in Education great organization with the mission INDIVIDUAL TUTORING TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS AND I CAN FIT celebrate the Lafayette Arts and new name, Lafayette Partners in more accurately reflects the current of supporting and enriching the ed- SESSIONS AROUND YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE. SIGN UP WITH A FRIEND AND Science Foundation’s name change. Education,” said Bagley. role of the education foundation. ucation of all public school stu- SAVE. Now Lafayette Partners in Educa- Partners in Education (Part- The financial needs of our schools dents in Lafayette,” finished MAUREEN tion, President Maureen Bagley ners) representatives greeted chil- have grown significantly and the Bagley. GREEN MEMBER, NATIONAL TUTORING ASSOCIATION Application Inflation in College Admissions 925-299-8735 By Elizabeth LaScala, Ph.D. www.mypreptutor.com ecently I overheard a conver- ful consideration to their institution classes, many higher education ex- the dean of undergraduate admis- Rsation between two high before applying. Demonstrated in- perts are lamenting that colleges sions at Georgetown University, school students at a local coffee terest is important because when are simply rejecting more highly says his university has no plans to shop. One student told his friend colleges accept an applicant they capable students because they join the Common Application. “My grades aren’t great and my want that student to enroll. You ac- have so many to choose from. The “…this is a personal relationship SAT scores are mediocre, so my tually reduce your chances of ac- number of “all-stars” in the coun- between a student and college. We plan is to take full advantage of the ceptance at a college if they have try has not changed—they are just know people are applying who (re- Common Application and apply to not heard from you until your ap- jumping into more applicant pools. ally) want to apply. No college about 20 or 30 schools just to see plication arrives or if your re- Undergraduate admission offices should appeal to everyone.” what happens. My mom and dad sponses to their supplement show across the country are staggering can afford it, so it won’t be a prob- you have not researched their under the increase in the numbers lem.” Then he asked his friend, school with care. If a decision of applications, and their evalua- “What do you think of my strat- comes down to a number of appli- tion processes and staffing are not egy?” cants with similar academic and structured to handle the volume. He didn’t ask for my opinion extracurricular profiles, the college Despite this struggle, col- so I thought I would address his will choose the applicant who has leges continue to employ a variety question in this article. Picking demonstrated interest. The Com- of recruitment strategies to attract which schools to apply to is an im- mon Application requires one per- even more applicants. In the early portant part of the college admis- sonal essay and one short 1990’s colleges purchased 35 mil- sion process. So while it may look response, but most colleges that lion student names and addresses appealing to “play the odds” and use this application also add sup- from CollegeBoard. In 2009 that just try to get in somewhere, you plemental essays to distinguish ap- number rose to over 80 million. plicants who have a sincere And Fast Track Applications are may be robbing yourself of both a Elizabeth LaScala, Ph.D. is an educational consultant rewarding education and future op- interest in their school from those increasingly common (with fee and certified college admissions advisor. Her goal is OPEN HOUSE portunities. Even if your grades who are applying “just to see what waived and pre-filled to boot!). to help students and their families understand the have suffered and your test scores happens.” Why are colleges actively partici- admissions process, research college and career FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS AND STUDENTS are not the greatest, you can still as- Today, both applicants to pating in application inflation? options, create a customized college list and submit 1-4 OCT. 30 & DEC. 11 semble a list of colleges that would college and colleges themselves Some of the reasons include: in- a strong and cohesive application. Dr. LaScala is a best meet your needs. In fact, find- are engaged in a vicious cycle. As crease in applications is linked to member of NACAC, WACAC, and HECA and earned a certification in College Admissions and Career ing a list of appropriate schools is the number of applications soars, perceptions of popularity, selectiv- colleges struggle to accurately pre- ity and quality. Greater application Planning from University of California at Berkeley. even more important for students Contact her at (925) 891-4491 or whose grades and boards are less dict yield (that is the number of ac- volume also slightly improves U.S. [email protected]. than stellar. These students gener- cepted students who actually News and World Report’s ranking Limited Fall Openings ally benefit greatly from a support- enroll). Yield is critical to the col- (but every little bit counts!), ive educational environment that lege’s bottom-line. As colleges pleases alumni, aids in fund-rais- matches well with their interests struggle with yield, they resort to ing and helps to attract top profes- and needs. If you haven’t been longer wait lists and other enroll- sors and researchers. Even bond • Comfortable, Convenient able to do your best work in high ment management tactics. On the rating agencies use the number of hing Family and school, your college years present other side, students hedge against applications a college receives as “Not increasing competition and declin- one measure of demand, and thus me Cosmetic Dentistry an opportunity to start fresh and makes ing admit rates by flooding the sys- as an indicator of the institution’s take advantage of new opportuni- r than • Certified in Full Mouth tem with more applications than financial health. happie ties. You are cheating yourself out Reconstruction of this chance by making your No. ever before. This phenomenon is There are many voices that to see occurring nationwide as more stu- question the ethics of intense re- ” 1 criterion the ease with which you smile! can hit the send button. dents cast a broader geographic cruitment strategies by colleges you Another factor that this stu- net. that wind up rejecting the over- dent may not have considered is Since larger applicant pools whelming majority of applicants. how important it is for colleges to do not necessarily improve the And some colleges simply refuse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Providing Personalized Care through Quality Dentistry know the applicant has given care- quality of incoming freshman to take the bait. Charles Deacon,
$40 off Lamorinda Weekly Scott D. Lothamer, DDS is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA Moraga mention this ad to 925-376-4602 receive $40 off any dental tretment Member: We’re a community newspaper, and we welcome your input: 1030 Country Club Drive ADA • CDA • CCDS • AACD Letters to the editor (max 350 words): [email protected] Sport events/stories/pictures: [email protected] Art, theater, community events: [email protected] Business news or business press releases: [email protected] School stories/events: [email protected] General interest stories: [email protected] Publishers/Owners: Andy Scheck; [email protected], phone 925-330-7916 Wendy Wuerth-Scheck; [email protected] Editor: Lee Borrowman; [email protected] Advertising: Wendy Wuerth-Scheck; 925-377-0977, [email protected] Staff Writers: Sophie Braccini; [email protected] Cathy Tyson; [email protected] Andrea A. Firth; [email protected] Sports Editor: Caitlin Graveson Contributing Writers: Dean Okamura, Cynthia Brian, Linda U. Foley, Conrad Bassett, Susie Iventosch, Moya Stone, Rosylyn Aragones Stenzel, Lucy Amaral, Alex Crook, Justine Sgalio, Chuck Nan, Alex Kozela, Bryant West Photos: Tod Fierner, Doug Kohen, Jordan Fong, Ohlen Alexander Circulation: 24,200 printed copies; 23,200 mailed to homes & businesses in Lamorinda. 1,000 delivered to pick up locations. Layout/Graphics: Andy Scheck, Jonas Scheck, Amanda Griggs. Printed in CA. Lamorinda Weekly, P.O. Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570-6133 Phone: 925-377-0977; Fax: 1-800-690-8136; email: [email protected] Page: L10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010
ALL ROADS LEAD TO BROWN AVE.
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Blackwood Ln n
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2nd Street .
1st Street
Almanor Ln
You might think you know Brown Avenue, but have you been here lately? Come Mt. Diablo Blvd
Moraga Road ateWay check out the vibrant businesses and eclectic shopping on Lafayette's east side -- Golden G it's just a short way down the Boulevard!
Holistic Veterinary Center Your furniture helps make Everything Sewing your house a home – don’t send it away!
Dr. Karen Rettig with a happy patient Alternatives for Animals is one of the few veterinary clinics in the Bay Area that is exclusively dedicated to Holistic Medicine. Our focus is on energetic healing and while we have some western medications available, Owner, sewing enthusiast, and quilting expert Carolie Hensely. we rarely need to use them. We refer out for diagnostic procedures to • Family-owned and operated, Robert and Venera Avanesyan The Cotton Patch is a scene of sewing wonderment! Bright, brilliant, enable our wellness center to remain peaceful, calm and tranquil thus • Repair and upholstery of sofas, ottomans, chairs, headboards, clear colors appear throughout the store. We carry a vast selection of allowing our patients to relax and receive the full benefit of their slipcovers, pillows; antiques and custom upholstery fabrics including Cotton Prints and Solids, Batiks, Flannel, Minky, treatments. Holistic medicine encompasses many modalities that bring • Pick-up and delivery of your furniture available Corduroy, Rayon, Satin/Silk, and Vinyl. Hundreds of books, patterns, the body into balance. Through balance comes wellness and healing. • Expert advice on the selection of fabric and trim; thousands of and gift items line the shelves. If you’re in the market, Bernina and The modalities offered at Alternatives for Animals are: Acupuncture, samples to choose from Janome sewing machines fill the store’s center; or we can repair your Chiropractic, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Reiki, Cranio- Whether it’s your grandmother’s dining room set or a much-loved family sacral, Bioresonance Therapy, Nutrition, Flower Essences and Pulsed machine on location. Classes and events are offered frequently sofa, when it’s time to entrust your furniture to the hands of an throughout the year for those wanting to learn something new or Signal Therapy. We are passionate about what we do and every day we upholsterer the artisans at M.R.S. Furniture Upholstery offer the finest are excited to make a difference in animals' lives, whether it be offering improve an existing skill. If you’ve hit a snag in a project why not bring in Old World craftsmanship and quality. And because your furniture it in? Problem solving and helping customers realize their ideas are non-invasive options for a terminal illness to advising owners on natural stays right here at the Forge, you could even come visit it! methods for rearing their new puppy. specialties of our staff – one of them usually has the answer. The Cotton Owners Robert and Venera Avanesyan are proud to continue the business Patch has been a one-stop shopping destination for sewers and quilters that has been in their family for over 50 years. Robert, trained in his craft in Lafayette, and beyond, since 1978. Come by and see us! Dr. Karen Rettig by his father and brothers, will accept nothing less than perfection in his 1042 Brown Ave., Lafayette finished work – and you will love his skilled attention to every detail. Phone: (925) 283-6160 1025 Brown Ave., Lafayette alternatives4animals.com M.R.S. Furniture Upholstery Phone: (925) 284-1177 Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Forge 3418 Mt. Diablo Blvd. (corner of Brown Ave.), Lafayette www.quiltusa.com Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Phone: (925) 962-0579 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5:30; Please call for an appointment Open 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Mon. thru Fri., and 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sat. Thurs 10-9; Sat. 10-5; Sun 12-4.
Classy Consignment Store The History of Creative Alterations
Joseph Jamkochian , owner, operator Anthony Ruiz I first picked up a needle and thread in 1972. It was in my father’s Fastframe has been a mainstay in Lafayette since it opened in 1991, and sewing shop – he was the inspiration behind my success. Years later, has an excellent reputation of producing a finely-crafted product with in 1991, my family and I left Armenia seeking opportunity; our first-class customer service. Anthony Ruiz, a custom picture framer since search led us to the United States. By 1992 I had the good fortune 1987, purchased the business in 1999. For nearly 20 years Anthony to take over a tailor shop that was barely making ends meet. We and his staff have created one-of-a-kind masterpieces for Lamorinda began offering many services to clients, such as dress-making, families and businesses that have become heirlooms and wonderful tailoring formal dresses, wedding dresses and business suits. After 38 additions to their décor. Rosie’s Upscale Consignments has been offering high quality successful years as a tailor in my shop at The Forge in Lafayette, I Anthony, a hands-on owner, puts a great deal of effort into the clothing for resale in our storybook cottage location on Brown realized that having a larger location would lead to even greater community. One of his pet projects is “The Luck Of The Draw”, where Avenue since 1973. Savvy shoppers can find quality women’s apparel opportunity, so I decided to relocate to a 1600 sq. ft location at 1048 local school children enter their artwork in a drawing and the lucky and accessories at bargain prices. Looking for something exceptional? Brown Avenue. Over the years, we have integrated additional services winners receive complimentary custom framing from Fastframe. This Discover one of our vintage treasures! Unique items for home décor for our clients. We now offer everything from tailoring to dress- are also available. All items are stocked for the current season. Ample popular show, now in its eighth year, travels to various locations in making, dry cleaning, wedding dress preservation and our newest Lafayette throughout the school year. parking makes your excursion easy and nearby restaurants make for service – monogramming and embroidery. Creative Alterations is a a great girls’ day out and a lot of fun! Anthony is an active member of the “Try Lafayette First” program and feels family-owned business full of passion and dedication to hard work, strongly about giving back to the community that inspires him. Anthony providing expert tailoring services. says, “We are very fortunate to have such a supportive customer base who Rosie’s Upscale Consignments appreciates our craft. One of our finer moments was being commissioned to 1020 Brown Ave., Lafayette do the majority of the framing for the new Lafayette Library.” Creative Alterations Phone: (925) 283-6540 1048 Brown Ave., Lafayette 1020 Brown Ave., Lafayette Store hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tues. thru Sat. Phone: (925) 284-5636 Open Monday-Saturday 10-6 (925) 283-7620 Consignments welcome 10:00-2:00 Follow “Fastframe of Lafayette” on Facebook ... come visit us ... Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: H1
Twisted Turkey Traditions By Lou Fancher hanksgiving amplifies the oddest quirks of the and butter, and ruin the entire thing with just a few whenever and wherever the occasion suited him, was TAmerican family. Glorifying our love affair stalks of celery. I even liked celery—raw and filled less amusing. with bountiful buffets—consumed in preparation for with peanut butter. But cooked? The mushy, fibrous As Thanksgiving approached, I began to worry watching televised sports to excess—the holiday is wedges, despite my filtering, would somehow find that my memories and family traditions placed me in prime territory for peculiar, even perverse traditions. their way into my mouth. Spitting wasn't an option, so an odd, freakish category. As usual, I turned to the in- My own fondest memories were formed early I resorted to a gagging sound, followed by a rapid in- ternet for comfort. Here is what I found: on. After gorging for hours, my three sisters and I fusion of milk, which usually earned me a stern would lie, like four Midwestern sardines, close to- "Louise!" from my otherwise easy-going father. Most Frightening Turkey Recipe gether on the living room floor. Mom, or less often, But one year, as dad delivered a portion of turkey Deep fried turkey*, which requires gallons of peanut dad, would shoot pictures to show our bellies, rising onto my plate, the meat slipped and submerged itself oil, and a very, very large stockpot, is frightening on like miniature Mount Diablo's from underneath our in my glass of milk. Mysteriously mortified in front of many levels. If you don't burn yourself on all that boil- shirts. Our stomachs' altitude was proof of the good visiting relatives, he shushed me. To my great delight, ing oil, the saturated fat content may send your cho- meal they’d provided. I was allowed to refuse the celery-laced stuffing a few lesterol levels to the moon (although there seems to be Although there are no photos to help me recall minutes later: thus leaving my milk intact, the turkey some disagreement on the actual fat content of a deep the process, making stuffing is stamped just as irrevo- hidden, and my father's slip, undiscovered. fried turkey.) ... continued on page H3 cably on my Thanksgiving Day mind. Again, the four Stuffing also prompted an embarrassing of us would join forces: wadding soft, fluffy Wonder moment when I became a parent. My son, about White Bread into balls, stuffing our cheeks to burst- 5 years old, entered the kitchen, just as my hus- ing and laughing hysterically as we began to resem- band was exploring the inner cavities of our bird. ble chipmunks, more than girls. "Mom! Mom!" he cried in dismay, "Dad has his I might have loved stuffing, for all the fun it gen- hand stuck in the turkey's butt! Come help!" erated, if it wasn't for the Family Recipe. My mother While that was a funny moment, his insistence on would take a perfectly delicious blend of bread, spices repeated retellings of the story, at full volume, Christmas trees here Thanksgiving week. Dear Friends and Neighbors, I’ve been thinking this week not only about the things in my personal life for which I am thankful, but also about why I’m thankful for Lamorinda. I started to write about the many people who make our com- munity work; how nice it is to chat easily with the people next in line at the grocery store, whether you know them or not; how wonderful it is that all of the parents at the park look out for all of the kids, not just their own; and the heart-warming culture of philanthropy. It sure wasn’t like this where I grew up. Soon my ramblings began to resemble a holiday carol – people smiling in passing, wishing happy hol- idays to total strangers, offering help to those in need… So there you have it. We live in a place where the holiday spirit thrives year ‘round. Are we priv- ileged? You bet. Though some of us are more privileged than others, the great thing about Lamorindans is that we all do what we can, and we do it all the time. Every issue of the Lamorinda Weekly, includ- ing this one, illustrates my point. Since I can barely carry a tune, carol-writing is probably not my forte. So instead, begging your indulgence, I’d like to tell you a bit about some of the women for whom I am thankful. They write for you. With dedication to their craft and our community, and in their own unique voices, they raise this newspaper to a higher level. Three have been with us since our first, somewhat challenging, year. French by birth, Sophie Braccini writes in her second language. She has the uncanny ability to be in three places at the same time, and her articles report details and nuances that many would miss. Her French sensibilities mystify me at times and I may never completely understand her, but she is a warm and loving friend, a charming hostess, a substitute teacher, an active volunteer, and the doting mother of three children. Lighting up your holiday spirit Andrea Firth is also a local mom, with teenage twins, who grew up in the newspaper business. A medical writer by trade, it took a little while for her to find her voice. She can observe the most con- tentious situation and distill it down to a fair and factual report. When faced with an issue that seems Locally owned unfathomably complex, Andrea is the woman for the job. She is also an avid runner and would do any- and operated thing and everything for her kids or to help a friend. Cathy Tyson and her husband not only raised their two boys (now in college) in Lamorinda, they grew up here themselves. Equally at home chatting across the garden fence or tennis court, Cathy’s cut-to-the-chase style informs our pages and her signature wit shines through in almost everything she writes (she’s also the genius behind our most memorable headlines and police blotters). She is a woman • Sales • Storage of grace, a friend in any weather, and is more comfortable in her skin than anyoneelse I know. • Service • Quality Products There are many others who make this newspaper what it is; Lucy Amaral, Lou Fancher, Jean • Design • Prompt Service Follmer, Caitlin Graveson, and our terrific photographers, columnists and sports writers. You’ll get to • Installation • Trained Professionals know more about them in the future. • Take Down I usually refer to working for the Lamorinda Weekly as ‘community service.’ None of us makes We also clean rain gutters a living doing this. Whether it’s a hobby, a vocation or a calling, we love what we do and we do it be- Ask about our energy efficient cause we believe in our mission – to inform and to celebrate life in Lamorinda, for which we are all LED lights! very thankful. From basic to spectacular, we can make any size home look fantastic. Whether it's roofline, From all of us at the Lamorinda Weekly – we wish you peace and joy this holiday season! landscape, or tree lighting, we will work with you to come up with the perfect design. -Lee Borrowman, Editor Free Estimates 925-324-9059 or [email protected]
Signing Event! Famous “Ulbricht” Nutcrackers SALE! In Person Gunther Ulbricht All Spode “Christmas Tree” Saturday, November 27th 1:00 to 4:00 Gunther Ulbricht from Germany will be at David M. Brian to sign any of his world famous Gunther Ulbricht Nutcrackers that you purchase during this event.
Join us Sat., Nov. 27th or make your selection now and we will be sure to have your purchase signed
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: H3
How to Help in the Giving Season Clothing Drive he economy’s downward spiral ways they can reach out and help their On Saturday, December Thas come with a significant human neighbors in need through local organi- 11, 2010, Orinda Girl cost due to job losses, home foreclo- zations. Representatives from Shelter, Scout troop 31143 will sures, and reductions in State and Inc., the Food Bank of Contra Costa be collecting gently used winter clothing from 4- County public support services leaving County and Solano, and Monument Cri- 6pm near the fountain at many individuals and families in need sis Center will be on-hand to let people Theater Square in throughout Contra Costa County. As a how they can volunteer and donate. De- Orinda. The girls will start to the “giving season” the Mt. Di- tails for the event are outlined below sort and distribute the ablo Peace and Justice Center is co- along with contact information for each clothing to Shelter, Inc, sponsoring a get-together on Saturday, of the provider groups. an organization that pro- December 4th to let people know about vides transitional hous- Community Sharing Event ing and other services to homeless families in Saturday, December 4th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contra Costa County. Bortin Hall, Mt Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek *The event is free. Donations of nonperishable food items and/or large size children’s disposable diapers an all sizes of warm socks are requested. Troop 31143 conducted a successful towel and blanket drive for the Oakland Animal Shelter in 2009. Pictured Shelter, Inc. from left to right are Claudia Evans, Lizzy Maroney, Olivia Sanchez, Iris Wu, Madison Alvarado, Jemma Baus, Charlotte Wu, Megan Lewis, Katie Whalen, Loryn Nieto and (rear) Martha Castro, (front) Jenna Englund. The mission of SHELTER, Inc. is to prevent homelessness and Photo provided promote self-sufficiency among Contra Costa residents. SHELTER, Inc's main office is located at1815 Arnold Drive in Martinez. (925) 335-0698, www.shelterincofccc.org Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano The Food Bank works to end hunger and increase access to af- fordable, nutritious food for low-income individuals and families through a comprehensive group of programs that combat hunger and its causes. (800) 870-FOOD www.foodbankccs.org Monument Crisis Center The Monument Crisis Center is open for food distribution five times a week and relies on monetary and food donations from the community. The Center is located at 2350 Monument Blvd. in Concord. (925) 825-7751 www.monumentcrisiscenter.org Holiday Message Since 2003 the Center has also sponsored the Holiday Adopt-a- Family Program for families who utilize the services of the Cen- ter throughout the year. To get more information on the program and how you can get involved, call (925) 825-7751 x 102 or email [email protected]. To our neighbors in Lamorinda, A.Firth We know you have thousands of choices when you shop in the Bay Area. During this holiday shopping season, we hope you will remember to support your favorite local merchants and recommend Twisted Turkey them to your friends. The economy may be showing signs of Traditions improvement, but it will take all of us working together to help our local businesses survive. ... continued from page H1 Most Frightening Turkey The Highs and Lows of Left- Substitute overs We offer some of the most unique stores and specialty shops in the East This is a full category, with Turkey pot pies, Cranberry- Bay. Shopping in your home town can make a significant impact on Tofurky Roast and Quorn, a Turkey Enchiladas, Turkey- the vitality of your city. Lamorinda counts on sales tax to provide you substance made from myco- Noodle Casserole with Potato protein and entirely free of Chip Crust, Turkey Cobb with this great quality of life through the essential services you have meat or soy, both earning blue Salad, and the all-time classic, come to expect. ribbons on the "that's just Turkey Sandwich. gross" scale. Sign Indicating You Have Here are some reasons why shopping local matters: Most Ridiculous Idea on No Life and Can Hardly Which to Build Your Claim to be an American Thanksgiving Traditions You visit Martha Stewart's • Sustaining the cultural value of a vibrant downtown filled Plan the menu according to Turkey Trivia page, take the 9 with a wide variety of unique businesses, boutiques and your guests' astrological sign. question quiz, and fail. special events Apparently, Gemini's must So, after all, I do fit in. I have Orange-Pomegranate know that turkeys can fly, I • Saving on gas and parking by shopping in town Relish, Virgos must have Corn know that if Benjamin • Creating a strong tax-base by circulating money in town Bread Stuffing, and forget Franklin had had his way, versus sending it elsewhere even inviting a Taurus if we'd all be eating bald eagles you're not serving candied come November, and most • Supporting the businesses that generously donate to local yams. importantly, I know where cel- schools and non-profits throughout the year New Trends in Stuffing ery does, and does not, belong. Quinoa, brandy, pineapple, *Frying a turkey this holiday Quality of life is considered to be the most important element of pitted Kalamata olives, cage- season? The Bay Area Pollution free eggs, and chopped Prevention Group would like to decision making when considering where one wishes to live. Let’s chicken livers. (Not all in the remind residents not to pour work together to keep our community pleasant, vibrant, and successful. same recipe, please.) leftover grease and cooking oil Silliest Turkey Trivia to down sinks and drains. Doing Happy Holidays! Share at Dinner so causes sewer system back- Turkeys have excellent hear- ups. Check out BayWise.org for ing, but no ears, and, older a list of free fat, oil and grease Caesar Perales Edy Schwartz Sue Breedlove male turkeys are the best: drop-off locations around the Bay Area. Now there's a Turkey President, Lafayette President, Moraga President, Orinda young turkeys are "stringy," Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce and females are "tough." (We tradition we've yet to explore: women always knew that was working the oil drop-off desk the case.) on Black Friday. Orinda ce Chamber of Commer
DAY TREE LIGHTINGS Please support SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY on Saturday, November 27th
On Saturday, Dec. 4, join the Youth Involvement Committee for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the Moraga Commons. Cookies and cocoa will be served at 6:30 pm and the tree will be lighted at 7pm.
Hospice of the East Bay Tree Lighting: Hospice Foundation of the East Bay’s annual Tree of Lights is a series of community events held to honor or remember beloved friends or family members. Each light on every tree is symbolic of the life, hopes and dreams of a loved one. Tree of Lights are at- tended by anyone touched by hospice, local digni- taries, and members of the hospice team. Moraga: The lighting took place on Nov 21. Lafayette: Sunday, Dec. 5, 5:30pm, corner of Mt. Di- ablo Blvd and Lafayette Circle. For Lamorinda merchants and holiday specials please visit: Orinda: Saturday, Dec. 4 at 4:30pm, Orinda Village www.lafayettechamber.org | www.trylafayettefirst.com | Facebook.com/trylafayettefirst by Bank of America. www.moragachamber.org | www.shopmoragafirst.com | www.orindachamber.org Page: S4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010 `ÉÜtzt exàÜxtà VtÜx CANYON CONSTRUCTION Luxurious Residential Care for the Elderly professional remodeling & custom homes Our residents receive Assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, home made meals, housekeeping and laundry, 925 country club drive moraga ca entertainment and wellness programs. t 925.376.3486 f 925.376.3503 Tel 925.376.CARE (2273) Fax 925.376.7137 www.canyonconstruction.com [email protected] Lic#: 075601205
MORAGA MOTORS Providing the market edge for you since 1981 in Moraga • Home Staging Located on Moraga Road, Rheem Valley Shopping Center • Color Consultation Professional Automotive • Redesign,giving a fresh look Service and Repair with your own items Foreign and Domestic Nikolene Isely, MA, CSP,LGLS,IDS Staging By Design 530 Moraga Rd. • 925-376-0692 cell (925) 360-0947 www.moragamotors.com www.stagerbydesign.com
Open Tue. - Sun. Look what I bought FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY 12-5 pm Karate Classes Presents a group show for the holidays- Fa La La La ! Stop by in Moraga!! KARATE BENEFITS for fine art, photography, ceramics, jewelry, cards, and more... Focus Self Defense Wrapping paper - CVS Fitness Discipline Candles - across the way Art Better Grades Tree stand - OSH Sport LIFE SKILLS Pajamas - McCaulous The Karate & Until January 8, 2011 Bottle of local wine - Parkmon Vineyards www.KFPUSA.com Fitness Place USA Rheem Shopping Center next to CVS 376-5407 LED Christmas Lights - Moraga Hardware 1375 Moraga Way, Moraga 925-376-3667 Basketball Tickets - Saint Mary’s College Dog toy - Rheem Valley Pet Shoppe Festive tablecloth - Home Goods Turkey & Ham - Safeway New hours: Floral Center piece - King Florist Our location: SKIN CARE & HAIR SALON 40% off Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30 1480 Moraga Rd, Ste 1 Wreath - Moraga Garden Center * Sat 9-4, Sun closed mineral makeup Moraga, CA 94556-2005 Tanning gift card - Lori’s Swim & Sun Shipping Notary Services Necklace – Moraga Art gallery 925.376.7222 Coying, Finnishing Postal Services Note cards – Ken Young Fine Art 508 Center Street, Moraga Printing Services Business Services A family portrait – Fox Photography (in Rheem Valley Shopping Center) (* discontinued colors) www.theupsstore.com Dining Gift Certificate Moraga’s Premier Salon Yummy treats – Loard’s Ice Cream What will you buy? Ken C. Young - Fine Art Images CA License: #616357 and Insured Sponsored by: Senic Note Cards FREE ESTIMATES IMPECCABLE REFERENCES Moraga and St. Mary’s See many of my 376-3380 MORAGA Note Cards [email protected] at www.Kynotecards.com
The Tick Tock Store Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Lafayette/Rheem Valley Pet Shoppe The Right Place For The Right Time www.lafayettepet.com We Make Scott D. Lothamer, DDS Now House Calls Batteries • Bands •Repair $1 open Carrying everything you need for your pets! On Grandfather OFF FREE Estimates Watch Battery Moraga - 925-376-4602 SUNDAYS Small Animal Grooming Clocks! With This Coupon. 11-3 FREE 2011 Rolex-Tag Heuer Repair Center 1030 Country Club Drive Small Animal Boarding Specialize in grandfather clock and watch repairs pet calendar Holistic Pet Food w/purchase of 925-376-1888 www.TheTickTockStore.com Providing Personalized Care Huge Selection of Toys & $20 or more 354 Park Street 1547-A Palos Verdes Mall through Quality Dentistry Pet Accessories Moraga Walnut Creek Rheem Valley Center • Moraga • (925) 376-8399 (Next to Rheem Theater) (In Lunardi’s Center) Member: ADA • CDA • CCDS • AACD Terry Wolff Stratton
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RHEEM VALLEY AUTOMOTIVE (Rheem center-across from Complete Auto Repair Watch for Love Lafayette the Post Office) State of California Brake, th Save Gas Lamp & Smog Station December 8 Call for Advertising Save Money Save Time 377-6020 925.377.0977 WWW.RHEEMAUTO.COM Shop your local McCaulou’s amorinda L OUR HOMES
Lamorinda Weekly Volume 04 Issue 19 Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Lynn’s Top Five page OH4
Decorative Recycling A Second Life for Pumpkins and Gourds By Andrea A. Firth ot everything has to be new or cus “ tom,” says Nikolene Isely of Moraga, Nwho has managed her own real es- tate staging business for the past twelve years. “My job is to enhance the look of a home by working with the existing furniture and art and adding a few new pieces and interior accents along with some fresh colors,” explains the designer. “I’m all about recycling, reusing, and repurpos- ing,” says Isely, who often employs paint to bring a new look to a wall, piece of furniture, or even a brass candlestick. “We call it upcycling,” says Erin Mason, who works as an assistant to Isely in the staging business Isely laughs at her colleague’s new terminology but agrees it accurately describes the ap- proach. Isely explains that as Thanksgiving arrives, she often takes the pumpkins and gourds that have been sitting on the front steps and kitchen table through the Halloween season and with a little spray paint, greenery, and decorative accents the autumn vine veggies are reborn as a fes- tive entranceway vignette or table display.
Nikolene Isely sits alongside the festive holiday display she created for the entranceway ... continued of her Moraga home by reusing some of her pumpkins. Photo Doug Kohen. on page OH6 OUR HOMES Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Page: OH 2 THE BEAUBELLE GROUP Lamorinda Home Sales recorded LAFAYETTE Last reported: 8 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oak- Glenn and Kellie Beaubelle LOWEST AMOUNT: $400,000 land real estate information company. Sale prices HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,325,000 are computed from the county transfer tax informa- present... tion shown on the deeds that record at close of es- MORAGA Last reported: 5 crow and are published five to eight weeks after LOWEST AMOUNT: $525,000 such recording. This information is obtained from HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,130,000 public county records and is provided to us by Cali- Lafayette ~ Burton Valley Court Location ORINDA Last reported: 1 fornia REsource. LOWEST AMOUNT: $1,265,000 Neither Cal REsource nor this publication are liable Offering a single level floor HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,265,000 for errors or omissions. plan, this approx. 2,549 sq. PENDING ft. rancher features 5 LAFAYETTE bdrms., 3 baths, eat-in 81075 Elizabeth Street, $400,000, 1 Bdrms, 1056 SqFt, 1924 YrBlt, 10-22-10; country kitchen, vaulted Previous Sale: $825,000, 06-23-05 family room, large picture Amanda Lane, $940,000, 3 Bdrms, 1953 SqFt, 2006 YrBlt, 10-26-10 windows, and a flat yard 985 Hawthorne Drive, $799,000, 3 Bdrms, 1341 SqFt, 1941 YrBlt, 10-27-10; with breathtaking views of Previous Sale: $775,000, 04-15-04 the surrounding hills. 1090 Oak Hill Road, $770,500, 4 Bdrms, 2066 SqFt, 1939 YrBlt, 10-28-10; Previous Sale: $30,000, 03-14-72 Offered at $998,000 20 Olympic Oaks Drive, $965,000, 3 Bdrms, 2330 SqFt, 1996 YrBlt, 10-27-10; Previous Sale: $488,000, 11-05-96 Orinda ~ Desirable Orinda Downs Traditional 1369 Reliez Valley Road, $875,000, 2 Bdrms, 1483 SqFt, 1942 YrBlt, 10-26-10; This traditional style home Previous Sale: $108,455, 10-26-10 with single level floor plan 657 Sky Ranch Court, $1,030,000, 3 Bdrms, 3262 SqFt, 1978 YrBlt, 10-20-10; PENDING features 4 bdrms, 3½ baths, Previous Sale: $559,000, 08-16-89 approx. 3,509 sq. ft. of living 19 Springhill Lane, $1,325,000, 4 Bdrms, 2797 SqFt, 1947 YrBlt, 10-26-10; space and is located on a Previous Sale: $1,345,000, 11-30-07 park-like .61 acre lot with MORAGA Hawkins pool/spa and 611 Augusta Drive, $695,000, 2 Bdrms, 1985 SqFt, 1976 YrBlt, 10-21-10; expansive grounds. Previous Sale: $390,000, 03-03-99 809 Camino Ricardo, $565,000, 4 Bdrms, 1899 SqFt, 1964 YrBlt, 10-21-10; Offered at $1,498,000 Previous Sale: $52,500, 09-20-71 262 Rheem Boulevard, $525,000, 3 Bdrms, 1644 SqFt, 1955 YrBlt, 10-18-10 92 Sanders Ranch Road, $1,130,000, 3 Bdrms, 2982 SqFt, 1988 YrBlt, 10-22-10 Orinda ~ Walk to Town 10 Sea Pines Street, $1,090,000, 3 Bdrms, 3424 SqFt, 1980 YrBlt, 10-20-10; Beautifully Remodeled Throughout Previous Sale: $550,000, 12-01-95 Ideally located within minutes ORINDA to Orinda’s charming down- 85 Sleepy Hollow Lane, $1,265,000, 3 Bdrms, 2916 SqFt, 1957 YrBlt, 10-19-10; PENDING town, Bart, and highway 24, Previous Sale: $568,000, 09-18-92 this beautifully updated Craftsman style home offers Lamorinda Foreclosures recorded 4 bdrms, office, 3 baths, appx. none 3,340 sq. ft. of living space, and a gorgeous half acre lot with Peralta Construction mature gardens and CUSTOM HOMES | ADDITIONS | REMODELING expansive lawns. owned and operated by Moraga resident Offered at $1,498,000 Pat Geoghegan
925.254.1212 Lic #624045 [email protected] BUILDING THE BAY AREA FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS www.TheBeaubelleGroup.com Coldwell Banker’s #1 Agent and Group in the East Bay 925.273.7692 www.peraltaconstruction.com
Page: OH4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Lynn’s Top Five 2010 Year-End Tax Planning ñ A Time for New Strategies By Lynn Ballou, EA, CFPÆ ou know the old adage: what you don’t know can to know what to expect of their tax liability for the year most likely not go that clean route, since they use in- Yhurt you? This year, as never before, words to heed at the beginning of the year, not at the end, and be able come tax legislation to create social and economic as we enter into our final descent for year-end tax plan- to plan accordingly.” Hear, hear, Linda!!! And my fear? change. Instead, they’d have a sales tax, too! And what ning! Why? Here’s the cautionary tale: we might be in Although they said they are working on a patch, do we about 2013, when, according to Linda, “there will be a the best tax rate environment of our lives in 2010. trust them to do it? This is a government scrambling for new 3.8% tax on investment income for certain taxpay- There’s nothing solid and comfy to hold out for coming every penny they can find. ers ($200,000 individual & $250,000 married filing up. Tax rates everywhere we turn are poised to go up. joint),” which is basically the new health care surtax. Whether it’s in the guise of a “fee” or a special assess- 3) Go ahead --- lock in as much capital gains as you Again, more fuel for enjoying our current tax rates and ment, loss of a deduction, credit phase outs, or just out can! Yup, you heard me right. This is a great tip for the making some hay now. and out rate increases, it’s not a pretty picture. many of you who have large, sometimes very large, cap- So this year --- hang on to your hats --- you might ital losses that you are carrying forward to future tax Because of the incredible amount of uncertainty want to accelerate income and defer expenses! First years. Unless you have something important to save and nuances associated with year-end tax planning this time you ever heard me say that! Here are five tips and them for (perhaps the sale of a home with gain over year, you really need to do the math and not make any thoughts that may be a bit off the beaten track, for you $500K or a rental property you are not going to ex- assumptions. Either work with your trusted tax advisor to muse on. change into another), why not use them now? Person- (or find a great new one, such as Linda LaHonta) or on ally, I’m worried about these huge losses being carried your own, run the different scenarios and execute the 1) Roth IRA conversions: okay, MUST start here, on so many taxpayers’ books. I worry that Congress is actions that make the most sense for you. You’ve got because some of you are actually experiencing negative going to limit the amount that can be carried forward time to think it through, and I encourage you to do so. taxable income this year. Why? If you have retired, been either with respect to the amount or the number of Here’s some great news: Linda has agreed to join laid off, your taxable investment income is most likely years. If you can tidy up your portfolio or even sell and me Wednesday, January 26th at noon, for a free webinar very low and you may still have a hefty mortgage, prop- repurchase to reset basis higher (BE CAREFUL OF that will focus on Tax Planning for 2011. The current erty taxes, medical expenses and the like. To the extent THE 30 DAY WASH SALE RULES!), why not? Be session of Congress --- the lame duck session --- may be you have negative taxable income, you can convert some sure to figure in the costs of the transactions to make very busy creating new tax policy. We hope you will (maybe all) of your pre-tax IRA and not pay a penny in sure it’s a financially beneficial approach. As Linda tune in and join us live so you can hear what she has to tax. Run the projections and check it out. Even those points out “given the potential increase to the long term say about what they end up creating, and pose questions in a very low bracket might say to themselves, heck, I’ve capital gains tax rates I would suggest possibly taking of your own. You can check my website: www.ballou- got so little to lose, I’m going for it. The amount con- gains in 2010 on investments held longer than one year plum.com and then tab CLIENT EVENTS to keep up verted may be subject to tax, so discuss your situation rather than waiting.” with instructions to join this free webinar. You don’t with your financial and tax advisor before you convert. need to be a client to join us! We’ll post instructions 4) Don’t prepay your state income tax and other after the holidays. Or feel free to send me an email at: 2) Nightmare on AMT street: Alternative Mini- normally deductible expenses this year: The reason? [email protected] and we’ll email instructions di- mum Tax --- aka AMT --- strikes horror and fear far and It’s back to the nasty AMT and also the thought that rectly to you for this event. wide, and well it should. It defies guessing, and sneaks next year you’ll probably be in a higher bracket. What up in years that are seemingly innocent and worry free. you would normally prepay in December, such as your Happy Tax Planning (oh, and Holidays, too!) Imagine my shock, when chatting with long-time friend second property tax for the county’s fiscal year, could and colleague, Linda LaHonta, CPA, (with her practice actually net you 5% or more in tax savings by waiting Lynn Ballou is a Certi- in Lafayette) as she clued me into the following “tidbit” until January. And, what’s the flip side? Take in all the fied Financial Planner that I’ll share here with you: “A big concern of mine that income you can this year! If you are self-employed, per- (CFP®) and co-owner of isn’t getting nearly as much press as the extension of the haps you bill early and book income in 2010. If they ex- Ballou Plum Wealth Ad- visors, LLC, and a Regis- Bush tax cuts, is the alternative minimum tax “patch” tend the FICA, aka social security tax (known as tered Investment that has not yet been approved for 2010. I read a statistic self-employment taxes for those who are self-employed) Advisory (RIA) firm in that said without this patch the AMT will affect 26 mil- to be collectible on ALL earned income next year, as is Lafayette. Lynn is also a lion people in 2010 vs. 4 million people in 2009. We live currently being discussed, this MIGHT be a better tax- Registered Principal in an area where the AMT impacts many families. With- able income year for you. Again, you need to do the and Branch Manager out this patch they will see their federal taxes go up con- math. with LPL Financial siderably in 2010. Congress has recently said that they (LPL). As such, she is required by securities regulations to are working on a bill immediately to put into place “tem- 5) Tax laws that go “bump” in the night: Lions and add the following information to this column: The opin- porary” relief this year. Great news! But this is still a tigers and VAT (Value Added Tax), oh my! We hear ions voiced in this material are for general information only concern. They need to come up with a permanent so- Congress increasingly revisiting the idea of a national and not intended to provide specific advice or recommen- dation for any individual. Securities offered through LPL lution to the AMT because we can’t be “patching” this flat sales tax. If they got rid of the income tax, many Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. thing at the 11th hour every year! People have a right would applaud that move. 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HOLLY HENKEL October 2010 Lafayette Moraga Orinda PATTY & GENE CRONIN SRES Days on Market 59 90 78 BROKER. CRS 925 360-2390 Average Sold Price $1,020,000 $1,089,000 $1,085,000 925.872.3842 [email protected] Number of detached homes sold 22 7 13 www.pattycroninproperties.com Page: OH6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Decorative Recycling ... continued from page OH1 To see how bright orange pumpkins and funky-shaped gourds can be transformed into a second holiday decor, Isely and Mason created the displays de- picted on these pages. Isely used bonzes, browns and golds on the pumpkins to create a warm autumn-colored table centerpiece for her Thanks- giving meal. She said that she would update the display by adding some bright red and silver elements for the December and New Year holiday meals. “My style is eclectic and playful,” says Mason with the charming southern draw she brought with her when she moved to Moraga from North Carolina this past summer. Mason’s whimsical nature is evi- dent in the bright purple and Kelly green paint she applied to the pumpkins in her entranceway to tie in with the peacock feathers Throughout the harvest season, Isely used yellow and green gourds and orange pumpkins as her table centerpiece. Photo N. Isely in the door wreath. “It’s all about using some- thing you already have and giving it a new look,” says Isely.
Nikolene Isely, Staging by Design, contact information: [email protected], www.stagerbydesign.com, (925) 360-0947.
Isely transformed her collection of pumpkins and gourds with some spray paint and fun accents to create a new look for her Thanksgiving meal. Photo Doug Kohen Wednesday, November 24, 2010 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com OUR HOMES LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: OH 7
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Holiday wreath with a fun twist, design by Erin Mason. Photo Doug Kohen 925•377•9209 visit our website www.bayareadrainage.com
Lamorinda Weekly Please call for advertising 925-377-0977 Mailed to Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda. 24,200 printed copies and it’s all online: www.lamorindaweekly.com Entranceway display repurposing pumpkins in purple and white with greenery, design by Erin Mason. Photo Doug Kohen Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm.
ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA THE VILLAGE ASSOCIATES: L Ashley Battersby
New Price New Price New Price Patricia Battersby 25 Risa Court 182 Ravenhill Road 5 Kenmore Court 41 Vista Del Mar Panoramic views from .93 acre - attractive Beautiful & elegant 3bd Orindawoods home. Great price for this 2500 sq. ft. 4bd/3ba home 3500 sf custom 4 bd/3ba w/attached in-law on Joan Cleveland remodel w/hdwd flrs, new kitchen & open Remodeled to the studs by designer. Sgl lvl with in-law suite on 1.19 acres. Updated mostly level .58 acre in top area w/privacy, floorplan. Close to top Orinda schools. living w/master & living spaces on entry lvl. kitchen and dual pane windows throughout! grassy lawns & total convenience. Warmly Joan Eggers Fabulous location. styled, architect designed. Linda Ehrich Offered at $829,000 Offered at $949,000 Offered at $1,039,000 Offered at $1,130,000 Joan Evans ORINDA ORINDA MORAGA MORAGA Linda S Friedman Pamela Halloran Dexter Honens II Debbie Johnston Hal Kaufman New Price New Listing 136 Manzanita Drive 121 Lombardy Lane 1365B Camino Peral 1412 Camino Peral Margot Kaufman Quality newly blt custom 4bd/3.5ba on lovely Highest quality remodel of unmatched style & Comfortable 2bd/2ba, 1281 sf w/fireplace, Desirable sgl lvl townhouse. Sunny 2bd + den 1.27 ac w/lvl grassy yd. Exquisitely crafted appeal. Traditional fine resort-style living at its washer/dryer, deck & 2 dedicated parking w/indoor lndry. Nice mstr w/ens uite bath. Dining Susan Zeh Layng with Santa Barbara style, 4000 sf of comfort- finest. Truly flawless in setting & design spaces. Near shopping, park, library and trails. area open to pvt patio, great indoor/outdoor living, able living & incredible design. w/high-end amenities. Best schools! oversized 2-car gar. Art Lehman Offered at $2,150,000 Offered at $2,395,000 Offered at $299,000 Offered at $399,000 Charles Levine MORAGA MORAGA MORAGA MORAGA April Matthews I. Bruce Maxon Karen Murphy Ben Olsen Sue Olsen
1087 Sanders Drive 20 Greenfield Drive 64 Sullivan Drive 98 Brookfield Drive Kurt Piper Home Sweet Home. Updated throughout. Kit/fam Large wonderful 5bd/3.5ba home, flexible Enjoy panoramic views of MCC golf course Lovely 5bd/3ba on level desirable Moraga cul rm combo. Granite counters, sparkling new baths. spaces, 2 bonus rooms, lvl lawn, near school, and the hills from this 4bd/3ba 2618 sf ranch de sac. Updated kitchen & baths, hdwd floors, Tara Rochlin New windows & doors & recent roof. Kid friendly trails, park. Updated kitchen. style hm on .44 ac. New carpet, lap pool w/spa. lawn, patio & pool. Very close to award area nr top-rated schools. Top schools. winning K-8 schools. Judy Schoenrock Offered at $729,000 Offered at $899,000 Offered at $899,000 Offered at $999,000 Ann Sharf LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE Steve Smith Jeff Snell Lynda Snell Clark Thompson Ignacio Vega Terri Bates Walker 1021 Walnut Avenue 1176 Glen Road 3919 So. Peardale Drive 3819 Palo Alto Drive Delightful downtown charmer. Complete Happy Valley Glen. Charming 4bd home w/two Great neighborhood, easy fwy access, walk to Price reduced on this wonderful Happy Valley Ann Ward 2007 remodel. Fabulous, lovely 3bd/2ba office spaces, many new updates. Beaut hdwd Laf Reservoir, yet pvt, quiet yard. Three set of home. Beaut maintained & appointed. Newer home w/hdwd floors, crown moldings, flrs, French doors to yard & pool. Close to town, Andersen sliders, hdwd flrs, natural light, kitchen w/lg eating area & fam rm. Ideal in-law Dan Weil gourmet kitchen & much more. Bart, grt Laf schools. spacious LR, grt rm. set up. Walk to school. Offered at $849,000 Offered at $1,195,000 Offered at $1,335,000 Offered at $1,679,000 Margaret Zucker Visit www.villageassociates.com to see our weekly online previews updated every Wednesday and Friday by noon. Click on Sunday Open House Friday after 5 PM for Open House listings 93 Moraga Way, Suite 103 Orinda, CA 94563 ASSOCIATES (925) 254-0505 or 1-866-856-VARE REAL ESTATE