Thursday, December 15, 2016

VOLUME LIII, NUMBER 50 Your Local News Source Since 1963 Serving Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol Trump Inquiry Brings Chill To Climate Science Efforts By Jeff Garberson major national media such as the Reflecting the sense of concern annual meeting of the American Terms like “Enemies List” New York Times, Washington that was felt in the Tri-Valley sci- Geophysical Union, the world’s and “McCarthyism” were being Post, the wire services and broad- entific community, participants at largest professional association of spoken locally this week as news cast networks, cited 74 questions an international conference being Earth scientists, including many See Inside Section A spread that the Donald Trump tran- from a questionnaire sent to fed- held this week in San Francisco from LLNL, Sandia and Northern Section A is filled with sition team appeared to be trying eral agencies like the U.S. De- took to the streets to protest both California’s UC campuses. information about arts, people, to learn the names of researchers partment of Energy, which funds the hostility shown to climate sci- Protesting scientists reiterated entertainment and special events. who attended international climate defense and non-defense research ence by the President-elect and the overwhelming view of their There are education stories, a science meetings and otherwise at Lawrence Livermore National the implicit threat to the scientists community that climate change variety of features, and the arts contributed to the advance of cli- Laboratory, as well as at Sandia whose names are being sought by is a real and intensifying threat to and entertainment and mate science. National Laboratories, which has the transition team. the world, that vigorous research is bulletin board. The news articles, carried by a Livermore site. The conference acts as the (See CLIMATE, page 2) Residents Hearing Set Slam Zone 7 on Oil Field Rate Increase Aquifer Pleasanton Suspends Its CIP Increase in Rates Exemption Opponents of a Zone 7 Water State regulators will take public Agency rate increase filled the input on a proposal involving the Pleasanton City Council chambers one oil field in Livermore at a Janu- last week. ary meeting. Speakers encouraged other residents to attend the Zone 7 A proposed “aquifer exemp- meeting on Dec. 21 to voice their tion” expansion in the field is under displeasure regarding the increase. consideration. If approved, the Some suggested that the Pleasanton expansion would allow the State, in Council disband Zone 7 and take compliance with the Federal Safe charge of obtaining water for the Drinking Water Act, to expand the city. underground geologic formation The council responded to citizen into which waste fluids associated concerns by unanimously suspend- with oil and gas production can be ing for one year the city's portion injected. The expanded exemp- of the automatic Consumer Price tion would apply to the Greenville Index (CPI) increase on water Sands portion of the Cierbo For- and sewer rates for 2017. It will mation in the field approximately reduce the amount residents would 3,400 feet east of Greenville Road, otherwise have to pay. The suspen- Photo - Doug Jorgensen the eastern boundary of Livermore. sion will result in an approximate Russell Fox, a WWII veterans receives his quilt from Audrey Hutchinson. Sitting next to Russell is his The public hearing is scheduled $600,000 loss of revenue to the wife Juanita Fox, who is also a WWII veteran. In the background is Barbara Stewart. For the story, go for 5 p.m. January 11 at the City city. to page 12. Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne (See OIL FIELD, page 8) commented, "We don't have any authority to disband Zone 7. You elect the people who serve on the Swalwell Legislation Would Establish Bipartisan Zone 7 board. The city is suspend- ing our planned rate increase be- cause of what Zone 7 is doing. We Commission to Look into Foreign Interference are actually going to lose money to keep residents from having to pay A story published in the Wash- manent Select Committee on electoral system, is deeply trou- “This only underscores the inflated rates for water. To impact ington Post last Friday stated that Intelligence, commented, “The bling and warrants further inquiry. need for an independent, bipartisan decisions made concerning the the CIA had found that there was Washington Post’s revelation that If true, it’s a direct attack aimed at commission to fully investigate rates will take the public standing foreign interference in the 2016 the CIA has concluded Russia helping one preferred candidate foreign interference in this year’s up and telling Zone 7 that what it election. intervened in the 2016 election over another – and we must know election." is doing is wrong." Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), to help Donald Trump win the exactly what happened so that we Prior to the publication of the In October 2015, the city coun- Ranking Member of the CIA presidency, rather than just to can decide how to prevent it from story, Swalwell, a Democrat along cil approved a new master fee Subcommittee of the House Per- undermine confidence in the U.S. ever happening again. schedule for water and sewer rates (See SWALWELL, page 10) and authorized automatic CPI based adjustments to the Pleasan- ton portion of customers’ utility McNerney, RTD Ask Obama to Veto Bill Impacting Delta bills as a way to ensure the City’s water and sewer enterprise funds By Ron McNicoll they say will harm recovery of Stockton part of a more Delta- address leaded water problems remain solvent. The water and Congressman Jerry McNerney species in the Delta. based district than it previously in Flint MI., and $558 million for sewer rates collected by the City and the Stockton-based statewide McNerney, a Democrat who had been. drought relief in California. are used for maintenance and op- organization Restore the Delta formerly lived in Pleasanton when McNerney and RTD want The final Senate vote on Dec. eration of the distribution system, (RTD) are appealing to President the Congressional boundaries Obama to veto S. 612, worth $10 10 was 78-21, with Republicans which enables the delivery of water Obama to veto a water bill that included the city, now represents billion including $170 million to (See DELTA, page 4) (See ZONE 7, page 10) Goel, Hernandez-Strah Take Office in Dublin Livermore School Superintendent Arun Goel and Melissa Her- Councilmembers Kevin Hart and ally enjoyed the opportunity to sit Named 2016 Distinguished Alumna nandez-Strah have taken their new Doreen Wehrenberg. here for the past two years. The seats on the Dublin City Council. Hart was termed out after serv- staff has been amazing. Thank you The Distinguished Alumni Also at the Dec. 6 meeting, ing eight years. Wehrenberg was very much.” Previously Wehren- award recognized Bowers "for Councilmember Don Biddle was appointed two years ago to fill the berg had serviced on the planning her outstanding commitment as elected vice mayor, replacing Abe council seat vacancy created by commission for eight years. an educator and for her success in Haubert’s election as mayor. In the Gupta, who returns to council- Hart, who served two school providing exemplary educational member status. November election, Wehrenberg board terms before his election finished third in a field of four run- opportunities for all students in the Biddle, Gupta and Mayor Da- to the council, read some items Livermore District." vid Haubert welcomed the new- ning for two seats on the council. from past agendas that became Bowers, PhD, has over 30 years comers, and expressed their appre- Wehrenberg stated, “Serving additions to the city during his ciation for the service of outgoing has been a great experience. I re- of experience as an educator, in- (See DUBLIN, page 5) cluding 7 years as the Livermore superintendent. According to a press release, under her leadership, New Councilmembers Seated in Livermore the LVJUSD has earned distinction for educational excellence, while Two new Livermore City Coun- finished his professional career Turner's efforts regarding the KELLY BOWERS also being selected as a Bay Area cilmembers and the mayor took the with Sandia as a Director of the homeless were recognized. Gary's oath of office Monday. Sandia Livermore site. understanding of municipal finance Top Workplace in 2012, 2013, New Councilmembers Bob Also on Monday, Steven Spe- was mentioned in the city's proc- Livermore Valley Joint Uni- and 2016. She has been honored Coomber and Bob Carling finished dowfski was appointed by March- lamation. Marchand added that as fied School District (LVJUSD) by the Association of California first and second in the November and to serve as vice mayor. vice mayor, he trusted Gary im- Superintendent Kelly Bowers was School Administrators (ACSA) as election, defeating four other Proclamations thanking Turner plicitly and appreciated his advice. named the 2016 Distinguished the 2012 ACSA Region VI Super- candidates including incumbents and Gary for their service were Turner thanked staff for mak- Alumna by California State Uni- intendent of the Year, representing Laureen Turner and Stewart Gary. presented by representatives from ing her service on the council an versity East Bay’s College of all of Alameda and Contra Costa Mayor John Marchand was unop- the Livermore Valley Chamber unbelievable five year experience. Education and Allied Studies. Counties. posed. of Commerce, Assemblymember She also expressed appreciation for The Distinguished Alumni Award LVJUSD Board President Craig Coomber previously served on Catharine Baker and State Senator her council peers, stating that it had is the highest honor bestowed by Bueno applauded Bowers’ leader- the Livermore Area Recreation Steve Glazer. The city also issued been a pleasure getting to know the university. ship. “Our Board is passionate and Park District Board. Carling proclamations. (See LIVERMORE, page 2) (See BOWERS, page 10)

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Jacoby Short Notes...... 9 Milestones...... 12 2 The Independent • December 15, 2016 VALLOU EY R NDUP Recycled Water Use Expanded DSRSD and East Bay Municipal Utility District built been damaged by Meskienyar driving his pickup recklessly The City of Pleasanton plans an expansion of its recycled the water recycling plant as a joint venture more than a on the wet grass. The exact cost of the damage has not yet water infrastructure project along Valley Avenue to Arroyo decade ago. Now, it also provides recycled water for irriga- been determined. Del Valle, allowing for the roadway landscaping there to be tion in the City of Pleasanton, as a result of agreements to Meskienyar was arrested on a felony vandalism charge irrigated with recycled water. share and expand the facility. The upcoming improvements and was booked at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. The City of In addition, other capital improvement projects will take will increase the plant’s production capacity to meet peak Pleasanton will be seeking restitution for the cost to repair place along Valley Avenue that could result in traffic impacts demand for irrigation water on hot summer days, which is the turf. between Hopyard Road and Bernal Avenue. expected to reach 16.1 MGD by 2020. All City of Pleasanton Parks are closed to the public after Beginning on Monday, December 12, 2016, crews began To minimize impacts on customers, construction that dusk unless the park is lit for a sanctioned event. potholing work along Valley Avenue prior to the construc- reduces the plant’s production capacity will be done when tion and installation of a recycled water main that will likely demand for irrigation water is low. Large irrigation custom- Providing Bus Tickets start sometime in January, 2017. In addition to expanding ers will be notified of unavoidable interruptions in the re- A drive is underway to provide bus tickets to make it the recycled water infrastructure, the City will be replac- cycled water supply so they can adjust irrigation schedules. easier for those in need of transportation to reach their ing ADA ramps and making curb and gutter improvements Including design work already completed, the project’s destinations. People should donate money, not bus tickets. simultaneously as part of its Capital Improvement Program. total cost is $18.2 million. The agencies distributing the The money will be matched by Wheels, so the funds will go recycled water will share in the cost. 50% further than if people buy the bus tickets themselves. DSRSD Improving Plant Send checks marked "Bus Tickets" in the memo line or drop The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) Sports Park Damaged donations off at Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Board of Directors awarded contracts totaling $15.1 mil- Pleasanton police received a report of a pickup truck Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550. lion to improve the San Ramon Valley Recycled Water driving through the Pleasanton Sports Park located at 5800 Program’s treatment plant to treat more water to meet rising Parkside Drive on Tuesday morning. When officers arrived Glenn Honored demand for irrigation water. The improvements will increase on scene, they spotted a dark pickup truck driving in circles By Presidential proclamation, all flags will fly at half- the plant’s maximum production capacity by 67 percent, on the sports fields. Officers quickly caught up to the pickup staff in honor and remembrance of former astronaut, U.S. from 9.7 million gallons a day (MGD) to 16.2 MGD. truck, at which point the driver decided to yield. Marine Corps Colonel, and Senator John Glenn, who passed Work is scheduled to begin in January and be completed The driver of the pickup truck was identified as 21 year- away on December 8. Flags will remain at half-staff until by the fall of 2018. old Imran Meskienyar of Castro Valley. Large portions of sunset on the day of Col. Glenn's interment (to be deter- the turf in the Pleasanton Sports Park were found to have mined). CLIMATE (continued from page one) vital and that climate scien- was Dr. Benjamin Santer, found in increasing concen- are inevitable. Particularly went on to help start DOE’s number of environmental tists must be supported and a senior climate scientist at trations. with a Secretary of Energy climate program. organizations. encouraged, not intimidated. LLNL who has pioneered “We have been paid by who would like to disband While he recognizes the Several observers said They said the effort to try methods of identifying signs the federal government to DOE, it might not be diffi- anxiety being experienced that apart from public com- to get the names of federally of human influence on the advance the scientific un- cult for the Department sim- because of the news reports mentary, the first sign that funded climate scientists, is climate. derstanding of the climate,” ply to request less and less about attacks on climate aggressive action is being a “witch hunt.” They called Two decades ago, Santer he said. “We’ve done that. money from Congress each scientists, he is hopeful that taken against climate re- for the U.S. to join the rest was attacked personally in And now, someone is mak- year for climate research. reality will not prove to be search might be a sudden of the world in upholding the Wall St. Journal for his ing a list?” However it happened, it so grim, he said. “I haven’t new policy of cutting back the provisions of the Paris role in helping to produce a It is unclear whether would be deeply unfortunate seen any follow-up indicat- on travel to scientific con- Climate Agreement, which cautious international report Laboratory scientists can if such an effort cut back ing that the transition team is ferences. Scientists find was reached late last year that suggested a “discern- be punished by a new Ad- sharply on research in a field actually harming scientists," conferences invaluable for after international negotia- ible” human influence on ministration for doing re- of science that is vital to the MacCracken stated. exchanging ideas and infor- tions, and which President- climate. Threats, including search that was authorized world in which the U.S. has MacCracken is now re- mation, and being restricted elect Trump has vowed to physical intimidation, then and funded by Congress, been an international leader, tired but remains active, from attending could seri- get out of. followed. year after year. Sen. Ed- Santer and others say. working pro bono for a ously hinder their work. A new cause of worry Speaking from home this ward Markey (D-Mass.) Locally, LLNL’s climate then arose as multiple news week, stressing that his re- last week warned the Trump effort is known for encour- organizations reported that sponse is a personal one, transition team against a aging a framework for in- Trump plans to nominate he said he is troubled to see “politically motivated in- ternational sharing of data BEST GIFT EVER! Rick Perry as Secretary of people named to the transi- quisition” against “federal and scientific results, and for Energy. Five years ago, in tion team who have been civil servants,” according comparing the effectiveness the debates leading up to the aggressively hostile to some to a Reuters news agency of major computer models. 2012 Presidential election, climate researchers. article. If not outright ille- Trying to bring together the former Texas governor He declined to name gal, he suggested, “such an what is known of past and called for the Department them, and in any case said act would call into question present climate in order to of Energy to be eliminated. his greatest concern is for the Trump Administration’s forecast changes decades in How he will actually re- the future of climate science commitment to the rule of the future is “arguably the Linda Futral spond if he is nominated and rather than for himself. He law.” hardest scientific challenge Broker/Realtor then confirmed as Energy prefers to remain at LLNL Laboratory scientists are in the world,” according 925.980.3561 5673 Moreland Way, Livermore [email protected] Secretary remains to be seen. but is well enough estab- contract employees, not fed- to Michael MacCracken, www.lindafutral.com License #01257605 A huge, multi-billion-dollar lished in research circles to eral civil service, but some former leader of the LLNL 6BD (two downstairs) / 4BA cabinet-level department be able to find a home else- believe the same argument Atmospheric and Geophysi- 3414 sq ft /~quarter acre lot like DOE is funded through where if the local Laboratory cal Sciences division who would seem to apply. There $1,185,000 Congressional legislation, becomes inhospitable. are questions about whether not by the fiat of one leader, On the other hand, he Lab scientists can expect however powerful. said, he knows younger legal protection if they were Some of the concerns be- scientists who represent the attacked. ing expressed in Livermore future who are now wonder- According to those in- this week were similarly ing whether they are in a volved, in the past, when tempered by uncertainty. A dead-end field. the Laboratory was oper- Lawrence Livermore Na- The basics are clear, ated by the University of tional Laboratory spokes- Santer said: “We really do California, its staff could person was aware of the know that greenhouse gases count on support from the 74-question questionnaire trap heat in the atmosphere.” institution provided they but said the Laboratory had The research needs to be were doing authorized work not received it and would bolstered, not attacked, and in a responsible way. Today, not speculate on a response, the uncertainties need to be the Laboratory is operated if any. explored, he said. For two by a for-profit partnership, The uncertainty was of examples, society needs Lawrence Livermore Na- small satisfaction to those much greater understanding tional Security. who felt threatened, how- of the mechanisms causing Legalities aside, every ever. Several would not re- thick ice sheets apparently new federal Administration spond on the record for fear to become unstable and why has its own priorities and of retaliation. One willing to the dangerous greenhouse emphases; changes in sup- speak out and be identified gas methane seems to be port for specific programs

LIVERMORE (continued from page one) them and a joy to serve with spirited discussions when Livermore professionally them. we disagreed. I appreciate managed and a wonderful Gary also mentioned that your dedication to keeping place to live." the professionalism of staff made his experience on the council memorable. Gary said that when he was BECAUSE THIS CARD elected five years ago, the city's resources were ex- hausted. There was an effort CAN PROVIDE FREE underway to determine how to provide services with 100 IN-HOME CARE less employees. Today the reserves are replenished. If you have this valuable card issued by the U.S. Department "Livermore is an economi- of Labor you may qualify for free in-home care now or in cally thriving city." He urged the incoming the future. councilmembers to spend the funds wisely and build Professional Case Management Offers: on the accomplishments of the councilmembers who • Customized care – From occasional visits to 24/7 care are leaving. • Ease and convenience – Vitals monitoring and Councilmembers Steven medication management in the comfort of your home Spedowfski and Bob Wo- erner thanked both Gary and • Increased quality of life – Spend time with your family Turner for their service. instead of depending on them for care Spedowfski noted that • Peace of mind – Expert, skilled care helps decrease they had stepped up at a medication errors, infections and hospital visits time when the city had to deal with the fallout of the Contact Us Today for a FREE Eligibility Review. economic downturn. During their five years on the coun- cil, elections were moved from odd to even years, sav- Specializing in FREE in-home care ing the city money. Council benefits were eliminated, for former workers of LAWRENCE saving additional funds. "You took on the challenge LIVERMORE OR SANDIA LABS Helping Nuclear Workers Live at Home of funding other post retire- ment benefits." Woerner said, "We had 925.272.0637 our agreements. We had PCM-045-1606 procasemanagement.com

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105 FRESCO COURT, BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 925.240.4369 | DISCOVERYHOMES.COM 4 The Independent • December 15, 2016 EDITORIAL MAILBOX (Opinions voiced in let- stories.. I go to middle the Trump campaign. The Sycamore Grove Park. It Two Women Who ters published in Mailbox and high schools to share depth of that support is just created a thriving viticulture are those of the author and my family’s experiences now coming to light, but region with over 50 winer- Made a Difference do not necessarily reflect the in Germany and what life foreign interference in our ies thousands of acres of opinion of The Independent. was like for us here when election, at the very least, vineyards and established The Valley this week lost two women The Independent will not we didn’t know anything makes the election results the Tri-Valley Conservancy. who had a great impact on the quality of life publish anonymous letters. about the culture or how to more than suspect. And, To allow time for the South enjoyed today with the deaths of Miriam All letters are required to speak the language. I then the fact that our elected Livermore Plan to gain trac- have the names of the per- Miller and Margaret Tracy. They each were talk about how the Ger- officials knew that Rus- tion I proposed the Southern sons submitting them. Abu- man people didn’t speak sia was actively working Urban Growth Boundary champions in different areas. sive letters may be rejected up against Hitler’s scape- to get Trump elected and and worked to get it passed Miriam Miller focused on the need for or edited. Frequent letter the Republicans decided by a majority of Livermore’s writers may have publica- goating of minorities. The quality child care and education. ending of my presentation the public didn’t need to voters. I was and still remain tion of their letters delayed. a strong supporter of perma- Her career, which started as a nursery Letters should be sent by is always the same. I say “ know is totally unaccept- school teacher, included co-founding the DEMOCRACY IS NOT A able. Then, surprise, Mr. nent open space protection. email to editmail@com- Where we disagreed Headstart programs in Livermore. She staffed puserve.com) SPECTATOR SPORT. If Comey, a Republican, lets we want to keep our free- out news about irrelevant was on the Northern Urban the California Statewide Commission of Growth Boundary. The ma- Add a Park doms, we must pay atten- Clinton emails days before Early Childhood Education set up to develop tion to what is happening the election. The popular jor reason was that it gave up Dorothy Finney-Slade control of North Livermore a statewide child care plan. She helped to Livermore around us and be active in vote went decisively to that the City had worked for found Valley Child Care, which became Child I attended the Planning speaking out.” Hillary Clinton. But, this over twenty years to regain Commission meeting held I started a volunteer election was ‘managed’ by Care Links aimed at advancing early child- after the defeat of a proposed on December 6, 2016 re- speaker bureau for people hiding important informa- hood education in the Tri-Valley and greater County New Town. Today garding the proposal to re- who have lived through tion and by making use East Bay. development is again un- zone the Sonoma School historic times and would of the Electoral College der the control of Alameda Margaret Tracy's work involved environ- site from Educational to like to share their stories. system to favor a less than County’s Board of Supervi- mental issues. Residential. The website is ruthgasten. favorite candidate. sors and the County voters. Her achievements included helping to I do not have an issue WIX.com/speakers. If you Since the election there There was also the fanciful with the rezoning for resi- would like to have one of us has been widespread inter- found the Preserve Area Ridgelands Commit- idea that an urban growth dential development. I do visit your school or if you est in the Electoral College tee (PARC). As a result of PARC’s efforts, the boundary alone could per- have an issue with there have a story to share with and the charter it was given Ohlone Regional Wilderness and Pleasanton manently protect open space being no park or open space young people, please con- at its inception, to make not merely delay develop- Ridge Regional Park were created. Tracy, for the new or current neigh- tact me through the website. sure the process is not cor- ment. The hope was that as a member of the Sierra Club, worked to borhood residents being rupted and an unqualified, once the boundary was in included in the plan devel- Reply to Letter and/or dangerous person be establish an urban growth boundary in Liver- place all of the stake holders: opment. from Julie Quintal elected to the highest office more. In 1972, she helped to pass the Save environmentalists, landown- Public land available Michael Asahina of the land. A web petition All Valley Environment initiative (SAVE) ers, farmers and government for open space develop- Livermore to Electoral College vot- agencies would establish that disallowed further development unless ment in older established I agree, we need to take ers to vote independently a plan for the area. This adequate services were in place. neighborhoods is almost care of children with spe- to elect the popular vote plan would then provide Tracy served as a director on the Zone 7 non-existent. This is a rare cial needs. I have no ob- winner was hacked and jection to the Sunflower the water, vineyards and opportunity to allow for the altered to represent Trump Water Agency Board, working to maintain Hill project in Livermore. orchards, parks and funds development of a public and then mysteriously dis- water quality. Tracy was also active in the However, the Sunflower for significant permanent park, greenbelt, and/or tot appeared all together. The League of Women Voters. Hill project Livermore is open space preservation. In yard for neighborhood use purpose of the Electoral proposing will use public the past 15 years since the Both will be missed as individuals. Their to be incorporated into the College has not changed money (taxpayer money) passage of the urban growth work will live on. planned development. and yet the Electoral Col- to develop private property. boundary none of that has In prior decades, this lege system has been man- I sincerely believe the yet happened. neighborhood had the back aged to elect a president people of Livermore should I am concerned that the fields at Granada High avail- that is both unqualified and be apprised of this project, Friends of Livermore still able for family use - to toss dangerous. and they should be able seem complacent that their a frisbee or ball with their False news and foreign to vote on whether to use urban growth boundary is children - those are now taxpayer dollars. interference from an un- the solution to the long term DELTA developed sports fields for friendly and aggressive (continued from page one) protection of open space in school use. The neigh- country has made our elec- Off Leash Dogs North Livermore. Future and Democrats on both sides dated Dec. 12 that in addi- borhood also had access G. Pavlakovich tion invalid! The voting generations will have other of the voting. The bill’s tion to problems for fisher- to other amenities such as Livermore Resident public has been conned. concerns like affordable author, Sen. Barbara Boxer ies, the water quality of the the basketball and handball Response to Sally Esser The news media, including housing, transit oriented voted against her own bill Delta would continue to courts - the high school in Independent: NPR, seem to be ignor- development, economic because of a rider attached degrade if more incoming is now completely fenced Thank you Sally. ing this situation which growth and increasing im- to it by her fellow California Sacramento River water and the neighborhood no We are residents in becomes more critical by pact of infill on Livermore’s Democratic senator, Dianne were taken away. longer has access to those Livermore often walking the minute. The future is character and quality of life. Feinstein, who voted yes. Barrigan-Parrilla points either. The Sonoma school our dog on the Maderios becoming painfully clear Many of the defenders of Boxer said that Fein- to increased algae blooms in playground also used to be Parkway trail between as Mr. Trump announces the urban growth boundary stein’s rider will harm the the Delta because of drought available for neighborhood Holmes and L Street, and each selection for his cabi- will no longer be there. It Delta environment by al- conditions. One result would use. These two school sites towards Robertson Park. net. Why aren't you talk- would be sad indeed if the lowing more water from the be more cost for processing took the place of neighbor- The very reasons Sally ing about the direction our ultimate legacy of the North Delta to head south to big water to overcome the toxic- hood parks. mentions in her article, we country is being steered Livermore Urban Growth agribusiness and developers ity from the algae blooms. There are three parks have encountered repeat- toward by an invalid presi- Boundary was more inten- in the Southern Central Val- The impact on agriculture within 1/2 mile (as the edly. Our 7 year old mixed dent elect? Why aren’t sive development and less ley. In her view, provisions within the Delta would be crow flies) from the So- breed rescue has been at- you pointing out that the open space than under a in the rider would violate serious, with its deprivation noma School site. They are tacked by off leash dogs election is invalid and we collaborative and realistic the Endangered Species Act of Sacramento River wa- El Mocho, El Prado, and repeatedly. This irrespon- shouldn’t have a president by depriving the Delta of ter, said Barrigan-Parrilla. sible act by irresponsible elected using foreign inter- North Livermore Plan. Pleasure Island Parks. In enough fresh water to sus- Farms in the Delta gener- reality, due to street layout dog owners has made her ference. tain Delta smelt population ally are smaller than those and lack of egress, the parks skittish and defensive to You all were complicit Speeding Near Miss and salmon spawning. in Kern County. They have the point she has become in the success of Donald Nancy McKenzie are from one to almost two Livermore McNerney and RTD local owners, instead of miles away. Too far for aggressive towards any Trump by reporting on his also objected to the rider’s corporate owners. dog she sees. Walks are daily outrageous behavior, We had a near miss this walking with young chil- morning. A young man impact in their statements Feinstein defended her dren, seniors or others with no longer enjoyable and which has encouraged vio- opposing S. 612. A news rider in a news release Dec. become a daily tense and lence across our country, driving too fast around the mobility issues. corner hit the Jacobs garage release sent out by Mc- 5. She said the bill is not Adding a park where stressful event. and his narcissistic and Nerney’s office said that perfect. "I believe it will help The lack of signs posting nasty daily tweets, while at high speed. The garage neighborhood children can was heavily damaged. the congressman criticized California. It has bipartisan play and neighbors gather the city ordinance requiring giving limited and very dry Republican congressional support, including Republi- dogs to be on a leash in coverage of Hillary Clin- It was about the time of would enhance the livability the morning Elicia or Jason members from California, cans and Democrats in the of this area of Sunset West. I the city limits is obvious. ton's rational campaign. such as Bakersfield Repub- House.” We ALL want to enjoy Entertainment "trumps" load up the twins and Noah encourage the City Council, for school. The accident lican Kevin McCarthy, who Feinstein said that she William Lyons Homes, and the areas provided by the real news. worked with Feinstein to worked with experts from City but just providing the It is time for the media happened MINUTES after LARPD to consider how a they left. By the grace of craft the rider. Bakersfield is federal and state agencies. park, greenbelt, and/or tot spaces is not where the re- to act responsibly by re- located in Kern County, one Clauses in the rider will sponsibility of the city ends. porting the real truth and God, No one was hit. yard would rectify and miti- However, Scott Street is of the state’s most important make certain the bill still gate the loss of use of the Apparently citizens need to by taking a stand for our counties for agribusiness. stays entirely within the be reminded of the laws to country. We need a DO used as a short cut (First neighborhood's open space Street to Portola) by new McNerney says, "I have boundaries of the Endan- and amenities. keep these areas safe. We OVER ELECTION. witnessed a troubling pattern gered Special Act. If the rid- need the city to provide the A quote from a Holo- apps giving driver's options of attacks against the health er and bill were not passed, reminders with signs, post- caust survivor: “You know, for short cuts. In addition we Stories Important have increased traffic due to of the Delta, and the com- there is a danger of worse Ruth Gasten ings in city information, maybe if we had organized munities it supports.” He legislation next year with circulations including the and fought back against the Mayor and City Council Livermore approving more and more categorizes the Feinstein- a Republican-dominated I resonated with Werner “Independent”! Hitler’s rise right from the subdivisions/townhomes McCarthy rider as one of Congress and a Trump presi- Ganz’s story about his life Might I also suggest that beginning, we could have currently being built on them. dency, she said. 1930’s Germany which ap- included with responsible prevented what happened. First Street and possibly The news release said Some of the money in the peared in the Independent on dog ownership is cleaning We could have made it downtown Livermore. For that McNerney led House bill will go to construction November 24. I am another up after your dog. The rea- more difficult for him to example, while the police members from California, of facilities that can help of those people still alive son dog owners allow their do what he did if we hadn’t were taking information and Oregon and Arizona in send- develop more water sup- who can bear witness to the dogs off leash is so they waited and just assumed taking with driver, not one ing a letter to Obama re- ply sources, said Feinstein. Holocaust and the events don't have to clean up after that ‘this too shall pass.’” car coming up Scott slowed questing a veto. She named desalination, that preceded it. My parents their dog. down, taking the exact turn Congressman Eric Swal- recycled water and reuse of and I lived in a tiny village Please, City of Liver- North Livermore UGB the driver did at high speed. well was not available for water. There also would be in Germany in the ‘30’s. more and dog walkers, do John Stein I have contacted the city comment. However, his staff millions of dollars to help My father was taken to your part to keep our city Livermore several times over the last said that Swalwell voted protect salmon, and for a Buchenwald Concentration safe and clean. And, if there In the recent election 20 years requesting speed against the bill. study of the distribution Camp after “Kristallnacht”. needs to be a reminder, for Livermore City Coun- bumps. I get push back.I RTD Executive Director of the Delta smelt, added Fortunately, my mother’s City, it is our responsibility cil Friend of Livermore contacted them again this Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla Feinstein. aunt in Chicago offered to to provide the reminder. repeatedly stated “John morning.We have children said in a letter to Obama sponsor us for entry into Stein (has) A long record and seniors and walkers in the United States. With her Election Polluted of opposing open space.” this neighborhood. aunt’s letter in hand, my Kathy Streeter I was saddened since they Please call the City of mother was able to get my Livermore know that that is not true. Livermore at 960.4500. Ask father released from Buch- It has become painfully Over the past thirty years, I for Carlo in the engineer- enwald... We escaped from clear that false news has was a founding member of ing department. Maybe if Germany “by the skin of played a major part in our Friends of the Vineyards, recent presidential elec- and a member of Save enough of us call, it will get (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) our teeth” in 1939 and came Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala tion. Our election has been all Valley Environments, done! Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell (In Memoriam) to this country as refugees. Editor: polluted by not only false It was a close call this Janet Armantrout Most of my father’s family Save Our Hills and the The Independent (USPS 300) is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., news, but also outright lies, morning. HOPEFULLY, the was not so lucky. Six of his Sierra Club. I worked on Livermore, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and additional often perpetuated by the city won't wait until some- entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998.T he Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www.independentnews. close relatives perished in the comprehensive South com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Independent, Trump camp, but also by Livermore Plan that has one gets KILLED before 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. the Holocaust. Trump himself. It is also put thousands of acres into doing something regarding Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 Especially in today’s becoming clear that Russia speeding on our street. during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. political climate, young agricultural easements, Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. not only hacked the DNC created a trail network, Peace on Earth! people need to hear our but also actively supported www.independentnews.com and doubled the size of December 15, 2016 • The Independent 5 DUBLIN (continued from page one) tenure. Among them were did county sheriff’s deputies if nothing were done. the new Shannon Center. and firefighters, she said. The Task Force includes Others included moving his- City Clerk Caroline Soto seven regular members. toric buildings to the city’s said that voter turnout in They are former Council- Heritage Park, winning an Dublin was 79.76%, much member George Zika, Chih All-American City award, higher than the 46% turnout Chi Chu, Jean Josey, Dan implementing a two-year two years ago in a guber- Mendoza, Jason Canapp, budget, and the stocking natorial election year. By Mike Grant and Kristian Put a sparkle in her eyes of defibrillators in Dublin comparison, voter turnout Reyes. Alternates are Mat- patrol cars. this year in Pleasanton was thew Lopez, Ravi Banda, Supervisor Scott Hag- 82.38%, and 79.26% in Joe Washington, and Re- gerty, a Dublin resident, Livermore. becca Mammen. presented plaques to Hart The council resolved oth- The council also honored and Wehrenberg. An aide to er items of business before Bethany Zummo, Dublin’s Sen. Steve Glazer bestowed the swearing-in ceremony. first Olympics gold medal awards from both Glazer and It appointed nine members winner. Zummo played the Assemblymember Catharine to a newly created Fiscal specialized back-row li- Baker to the departing coun- Sustainability Task Force. bero position in indoor sit- cilmembers. The group will meet every ting volleyball on the U.S. Haggerty swore in the two months beginning in women’s team at the 2016 new councilmembers. January. The goal would Rio Paralympic Games. Goel, who finished first be to present a final report Zummo thanked the in the balloting, said he re- at the end of the year to council for the recognition, ceived a lot of commitment include measures that could and her family for their sup- from the Dublin community. help Dublin avoid a future port. She said that Dublin “I’m here to serve you. This general fund deficit. has been her home since win is for you,” he declared. Dublin has a budget sur- 6th grade. “I am proud to Hernandez-Strah, who plus now, helped by de- tell everyone else this is my will leave her post as a city velopment fees. However, home.” Human Services Commis- when the city nears build- Zummo said her future sioner, thanked her family out, those revenues will plans include finishing col- and supporters. She men- drop. By Fiscal Year 2020- lege in three more semesters, tioned Haggerty as “a leader 21, a $900,000 deficit is and qualifying for the Para- in my life.” Haggerty lent his projected. It would grow to lympics Games in Tokyo support for her election, as $7.4 million by FY 2024-25, in 2020. Pleasanton OKs Plan for Tennis Courts The Pleasanton City to approve option 3 was Thorne said that because Council approved construc- defeated 3 to 2. Option 3 of the cost, he could not sup- tion of two tennis courts at had been recommended by port option 3. a new location within the the Parks and Recreation During the public hear- Tennis and Community Park. Commission. ing, Tim Murphy, who has A previous location at the The cost of the two tennis advocated for more tennis Merry Christmas Park was met with resistance courts chosen by the council courts also expressed serious from neighbors who used the majority was estimated at concerns about the cost. He grassy area as a park. After $800,000; the plan sup- suggested that close to $1 Storewide Sale-Up to 50% Off million seems excessively hearing objections from resi- ported by Narum, $990,000. Some exclusions apply. Sale end 12/24/16. dents, the council directed Mayor Jerry Thorne com- high for two courts. He also staff to come up with a new mented that he was strug- objected to the removal of plan. Three options were gling with the value of park- trees to allow for construc- presented to the council for ing spaces that would be lost tion of the courts. consideration at its Dec. 6 with option 1. "When I go Councilmember Jerry meeting. by, I never see the parking Pentin said that taking out The council voted 4 to lot full. I wonder if we're 17 trees to save 16 park- 1 for option 1, the choice trying to preserve something ing places and spend more that would result in the loss that we don't need to save." money didn't make sense. 2056 First St, Downtown Livermore of 16 parking places and 6 City Manager Nelson "It's the neighborhood that (925) 447-2381 trees. Kathy Narum voted Fialho said that parking has wants open space. I support www.CarattiJewelers.com "no." She preferred option to do with peak time use. At alternative 1." 3, which would retain the times there are volleyball Arne Olson agreed, stat- parking places but necessi- games, tennis games, and ing if option 3 could be tate the removal of 17 trees. meetings all taking place built for $800,000 he might A motion by Karla Brown at once. support it.

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Granada Wrestling 9-0 victory. The shutout win gave Kaos Granada High School’s wrestling enough points to advance to the finals. team participated in two tournaments In the championship match, Kaos this Saturday, December 10. faced the MVLA Barca team again. Varsity took 11th place overall in The game was scoreless through the their first tournament of the season 56th minute. MVLA’s forward found with 74 team points at the Bay Area the ball and delivered a shot into the 54 at Castro Valley High School: West Coast net. With 3 minutes left Jonathan Nguyen 126lbs. DNP (1- in the match, Kaos went on the attack 2); Joey Lestochi 132lbs. 7th (4-1); but didn’t have enough time to answer. Anthony Martinez 152lbs. 2nd (2-1); The match ended 0-1 with Kaos taking Jackson Volkir 152lbs. 5th (3-2); Jack second place in the tournament. Kilner 170lbs. 2nd (2-1); Zack Stewart 182lbs. 4th (2-2) Junior Varsity participated in the LGSA Registration Foothill High School JV Tournament. Livermore Girls Softball Associa- The results are as follows: Fresh- tion welcomes all Livermore girls aged men Bracket: Eddy Garcia DNP 1-1 5-18 for the 2017 Spring Recreational (INJURY); Matthew Hartford 3rd 3-1; season. No prior experience necessary. Zack Armstrong 3rd 3-1; Sebastian Online registration is open at www. Wright DNP 0-4; Jordan Bets 1st 4-0; lgsa.org. Visit the website or email Sophomore Bracket: Ethan DeLaTorre [email protected] for more information. DNP 2-2; Cody Brown DNP 0-4; Ma- Photo of Granada High School Varsity Wrestlers at Bay Granada Little League held the first of two tryouts on jed Moussalli 3rd 3-1; Tre Savino 4th CYO Track and Field Area 54 includes (from left) Joey Lestochi, Anthony 2-2; Richard Gonzalez 1st 4-0; Robert St. Michael CYO Track and Field a rainy Saturday morning. All tryouts took place on Martinez, Jonathan Nguyen, Zack Stewart, Ahmet Gueye, Gonzalez 1st 4-0; Dylan Krauss 3rd team will begin practices for the fall the T-Ball field, a turf field, as the other fields were 3-1; Ethan Vincent DNP 2-2; Josh Col- season on February 8th. Sign ups are Jack Kilner, and Jackson Volkir. lom 3rd 3-1; Moheb Salemi 4th 2-2; January 9, 12, 17 & 19 at St. Charles unplayable due to muddy conditions. Shown are the Junior/Senior Bracket: Benny Valdez Borromeo Catholic Church in Liver- 1st 4-0; Francisco Midkiff 3rd 3-1. more. The team is open to all children 7 year olds awaiting their turn along with a group of DNP= Did not place from kindergarten through eighth parents. The parents are the ones with the umbrellas. grade who live in Livermore or attend The 7 year olds are the ones enjoying the rain. The St. Michael. Go to www.smisctrack. West Coast Soccer org for more information or contact second tryout will be on Saturday December 17, rain or The West Coast Kaos U14 girls Mandy Costello at mandy.costello@ shine. The season will begin in early March. closed out the 2016 soccer season at hotmail.com or 925-337-7344. the MVLA Winter Cup tournament. Kaos playing up an age group went to Training Camp the finals. Over the four games played, FTC Track Club is holding a winter they scored 10 and gave up 2 goals. break camp focused on improving The rain-soaked tournament speed, acceleration, jumping, and kicked off with a solid first match agility for youth athletes aged 7 to 18. against San Carlos United. West Coast Athletes focused on track and field and scored at the 12-minute mark with a also athletes from other sports who clean shot by Aliva Ganz. At the 24th want additional speed training and minutes, West Coast’s attacking-mid, conditioning are all welcome. There Maleia Colker, scored from a long are two separate sessions: 1) Dec 28 to 30th or 2) Jan 3 to 5, 2017. Visit shot. Kaos earned 9 points for a 2-0 www.ftctrackclub.com and look under shutout victory. tab Training Camps, or contact Coach Later in the afternoon, Kaos faced Jorge Quero, jquero@ftctrackclub. their toughest competition of the tour- com or (925) 209 7520. On Saturday, December 10th, the Amador Valley High nament, the home team MVLA Barca. School men's JV socer team defeated Cal High to secure West Coast’s goalgeeper Maddie Man- nina, had several amazing saves. She 3rd place in the Tri- Valley Tournament. The final score helped keep the game at a stalemate was 3 to 1 in what was a very wet, rainy game. through the first 45 minutes. At the 46th minute, MVLA was awarded a penalty kick in the box. They scored to move ahead1-0. West Coast went on an offensive assault. West Coast’s Reed right wing Jenna delivered a shot into The First/Second Grade SMSC (St. Michaels/St. Charles) the goal only to have it called off by 1E Warriors played a tough CYO basketball action. They the AR for an off-sides infraction. Plumbing battled this past Sunday against another First/Second With no time left, the match ended with a 0-1 loss. Livermore, CA grade SMSC team. Both teams passed well, played In game 3 against Mustang, West swarming defense, and competed every possession. Coast Kaos knew they had to score at (925) 371-5671 least three goals and have a shutout Members of the Warriors are Ethan Rago, Nate Emrich, to earn enough points to advance to [email protected] finals. Within the first 3 minutes of Jake Tompkins, Braden Witherspoon, Colten Poynter, License #601931 the match, West Coast scored their first Caden Poynter, Manaia Faiaipau, Leo Vadurro, Malu goal. At the half they were up 5-0. By Faiaipau and Quinn Johnson(not pictured). Photo Brook the end of the match, they recorded a Witherspoon

Pictured are Golden State Warriors Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and other team members celebrating 60 points scored by Klay Thompson. John Valentine took the photo, which includes Josh Valentine, pictured in the lower left-hand corner.

Give the gift of gift certificates! Available in any amount. East Bay Volleyball Academy boys 17-1 team won the Northern CA Power League Region Championship 18/17 Flight Four division on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Over the 2 day tournament at San Mateo Event Center, they Department of Toxic Substances Control December 2016 won 8 of 9 matches to capture their division. Pictured (left to right) are Sean Carey, Coach, Zach Kiser #11, Keegan Carey #13, Eric Heinke #7, William Brendel #4, Public Notice The mission of DTSC is to protect California’s people and environment from Kyle Wibbing #6, Aleksi Hieta #15, Nithesh Perum #5, harmful effects of toxic substances by restoring contaminated resources, enforcing hazardous waste laws, reducing hazardous waste generation, Ray Montes #3, Pedro Mendezes #14, Josh Harris #1, and encouraging the manufacture of chemically safer products. Shanwen Lo #8, Alyvia Melin, Assistant Coach. Lauren Sicneros of West Coast Wild puts one past the Santa Rosa goal keeper helping her team secure the title LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY, MAIN SITE, PERMIT APPEAL for Northern California's first ever Final Four College NOTICE OF BRIEFING SCHEDULE: December 15, 2016, through April 3, 2017 Showcase. West Coast U19G Wild competed in the top The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) announces a briefing schedule for individuals to file written comments concerning the appeal three showcases in November, NorCal NPL College of a hazardous waste facility permit for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), located at 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, California, 94551. DTSC issued Showcase held in Davis Ca, Surf College Showcase- a final permit decision (Permit) for the LLNL facility on March 11, 2016. San Diego Ca & The Final Four College Showcase held DTSC received one appeal (Petition for Review) regarding the Permit from Tri-Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment (CAREs) in Livermore. Wild remain undefeated in the November on April 21, 2016. DTSC issued the “Order Partially Granting Petition for College Showcase. Wild started the NPL showcase off Review and Denial of Review,” Docket PAT-FY16/17-001 (Order) granting right with a 5-3 offensive battle vs PSV Union and then review for three (3) of the appeal comments on December 1, 2016. These appeal comments are identified in the Order as Comments 2, played Palo Alto to a 0-0 tie in a rain storm. Next up Wild 7, and 9. Comment 2 claims the permit application is inadequate because it does not provide information required by regulation, lacks detail, and does not traveled to San Diego where they beat the formidable provide implementing procedures or descriptions. Comment 7 claims DTSC has not followed its policy concerning authorizing delayed closure for hazardous Central California 1-0. There was a 2-1 victory over waste management units and has not demonstrated certain units were closed Missouri Regional champion's Kansas City Forte Elite. in accordance with approved plans. Comment 9 claims that changes to the permit in response to comments from LLNL were not appropriately evaluated or Wild GK Jennifer Kovisto made a huge fingertip save provided public review. The Petition for Review and the Order are available at on a free kick just outside the box to seal the win. Wild http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Appeal_Facilities.cfm. DTSC has established a briefing schedule for individuals to file written The U14 Kaos of West Coast Soccer Club made it to the returned home and set their goal to be the first U19G arguments concerning only the three appeal comments granted review. A finals in the MVLA Winter Cup Tournament. The girls champion of the Final Four College Showcase held in sequential briefing schedule will be used as follows: • Tri-Valley CAREs and interested persons supporting the appeal may playing up an age group, scored 10 goals and gave up Livermore Ca. Wild defeated AC Samoa 8-0, Santa Rosa submit briefs concerning the appeal comments granted review to be 2. Pictured are the West Coast Kaos players (from left) United ECNL 5-0 & Athletico Santa Rosa 6-1 to take received by DTSC no later than February 13, 2017; and, • DTSC’s Permitting Division and interested persons supporting the permit Danielle Leong, Gaby Casillas, Nicki Codington, Hailey home the championship. may submit briefs responding to Tri- Valley CAREs’ brief and any interested Miller, Alivia Ganz, Alina Garcia, Kate Zeck, Maddie person briefs to be received by DTSC no later than April 3, 2017. DTSC will post the briefs on the appeals webpage listed above as they are Mannina, Kelsey Brumm, Kassidy Brackett, Kelsey Sako, received and notify the parties via email about the availability of the briefs. Maleia Colker, Mercedez Valverde, Katie Reid, Alyssa Interested persons should monitor DTSC appeals webpage for the briefs. Written arguments must be restricted to the issues granted review and must Williams, Jenna Lawrence, and Melanie Nguyen; missing SAV E . LEARN. TRANSFER. WORK. include a supporting statement of reasons. Kiara Rodrieguez. Written arguments may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] or mailed, to be received by DTSC no later than their due date, to: LLNL Permit Appeal, Attn: Paul Ruffin Department of Toxic Substances Control 8800 Cal Center Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826-3200 DTSC cannot consider arguments that do not meet these content and filing requirements. After considering the submitted written arguments, DTSC will issue an Order with the final permit appeals decision. The Permit is stayed until a final decision on these appeal comments is issued. Holiday As part of a written argument submission, interested persons may request DTSC to hold an Informal Appeals Conference (IAC) so that they may Service Schedule present their arguments orally to DTSC. Only individuals who submit written arguments may present them at the IAC. If requested, the IAC will be scheduled after the close of the briefing period at the discretion of Christmas Day & New Year’s Day the Permit Appeals Officer. If you are interested in being informed ofthe date, time and location of the IAC, if one is held, please contact DTSC at NO CHANGES to the collection schedule during [email protected] or call (916) 255-6677 to provide your contact information. the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Day. LAS POSITAS COLLEGE Information about an IAC will be posted on DTSC’s appeals webpage: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Appeal_Facilities.cfm. Classes begin January 17, 2017. If you would like to speak with a DTSC representative about this Livermore Sanitation will collect trees www.laspositascollege.edu appeal, call Mr. Paul Ruffin at (916) 255-6677 or send e-mail to [email protected]. For information about appeals process, please from January 2 - 13, 2017. see the permit appeals frequently asked questions webpage at: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/AppealingPermit.cfm. If you would • Put your tree at the curb by 6am on your regular like to speak with a DTSC representative regarding the LLNL permit or service day during the dates listed above. project documents, please contact: • Make sure the stand, lights and decorations have Mr. Alfred Wong Permitting Division, Department of Toxic Substances Control been removed. Apply now. 700 Heinz Avenue, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 540-3946 or • Cut tall trees into pieces no longer than five feet. [email protected] The Petition for Review, DTSC’s Order, and other administrative record • PLEASE NOTE: Flocked trees cannot be composted. documents related to the permit decision are available for your review at Please contact us for disposal options. http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/ or at these repositories: Livermore Public Library DTSC Regional Records Office 1188 S Livermore Avenue 700 Heinz Avenue, Suite 200 Livermore Sanitation wishes you Livermore, CA 94550 Berkeley, CA 94710 the happiest of holidays and a (925) 373-5500 (510) 540-3800 prosperous 2017! Cal/EPA DTSC State of California

925-449-7300

www.LivermoreSanitation.com CNS-2953447# December 15, 2016 • The Independent 7 Council Delays Medical Cannabis Ordinance Until it Hears from the Public The Livermore City the use of recreational mari- A public outreach cam- The amount of cannabis They also supported al- to work with the profession- Council delayed moving juana by state voters could paign was proposed that on site was also an issue. lowing cultivation in small als on regulations after hear- forward with regulations have an impact. Council- would include a public Turner suggested that the amounts. Growing locally ing from the public. for operations of a medical member Bob Woerner asked workshop for the general potential 20 pound limit would help to guarantee the cannabis dispensary until staff to come back with public, a workshop for a would make it difficult to quality and content of the it hears from the public on an ordinance prohibiting target audience directly im- provide edibles. They tend to product, they said. the issue. the ssale of recreational pacted by a medical canna- weigh more than the flowers. Councilmember Steven Staff had presented the marijuana in Livermore. bis dispensary such as those She suggested looking at the Spedowfski said the lan- council with a variety of Passing such an ordinance who might operate one or THC content over weight. guage proposed by staff regulatory options, as well would buy time for the city who would use it to buy the During the public hear- was a good starting point. as a plan for community to come up with regulations medical cannabis,and an ing, speakers raised similar Suggestions made during outreach. for medical dispensaries. online survey. issues regarding delivery the hearing by members of Mayor John Marchand If such an ordinance Turner suggested that de- and amounts. Several asked the public and comments said he wanted to wait until were not passed prior to livery should be allowed by that the buffer be lowered from councilmembers give the public weighed in on January 1, 2018, recreational the dispensary. She said that from 1000 feet using a 100 the city enough to consider the subject of a medical dispensaries would auto- it makes no sense to have foot variance, which they as part of an ordinance. cannabis dispensary before matically be allowed. an outside entity deliver said is making it difficult Turner was more out- Free Santa Pictures to find property in the area enacting an ordinance. Scott Lee, senior planner, locally, if there were a local spoken about changes she Bring Your Camera! Councilmember Laureen said prospective regulations dispensary. zoned for a dispensary. would like to see, includ- Turner, who championed for a medical dispensary ing allowing cultivation, a Fri. Dec. 16 the establishment of a dis- could include a conditional delivery option, additional 5-7 pm pensary, said that she would use permit, along with a state Court Hearing Scheduled weight of allowed product prefer moving forward with license and local license. on site, and the ban on the an ordinance. Police background checks Today in Retiree Lawsuit sale of paraphernalia. She FREE Pictures No formal vote was tak- would be conducted on oper- noted that there are some with “Kate” Our Elf en. However, other council- ators and employees. A plan A case management con- by the Laboratory’s current specialized equipment for on the Shelf! members were content with to verify that customers are ference was scheduled for manager, Lawrence Liver- administration of medical the idea of hearing from the qualified patients and care- today, Dec. 15, to determine more National Security, was cannabis. Turner also urged Sat. Dec. 17, 4-6 pm public first. givers would be required. next steps in the class action found to be short by nearly the city not to wait until In October, the council Cultivation would not lawsuit aimed at returning 2,000 names, according to January 2018 before enact- Cooleykatz Toys had directed staff to develop be part of the allowed use Lawrence Livermore Na- court documents. ing an ordinance. 1959 Second Street regulations, which if ad- under staff's suggestions for tional Laboratory retirees The suit was first filed in Mayor Marchand said he (925) 245-1035 opted would permit a medi- an ordinance. Recreational to University of California 2010 by a grass roots organi- would like to leave it to staff cal cannabis dispensary to use would be covered sepa- health care programs. zation called UC Livermore locate in the heavy industrial rately. The dispensary would The suit is being heard in Retirees Group. zoning district on the east be only a storefront with no Superior Court in Oakland. Laboratory retirees lost New Year’s Eve at Terra Mia side of the city. Currently, delivery option. Any dis- Today’s conference was access to UC health pro- dispensaries are banned. pensary would be located at postponed from last month grams after the U.S. De- Ring in the New Year However, delivery is al- least 1000 feet from sensi- to allow updating of the partment of Energy turned lowed from outside the city. tive land uses, such as parks potential retiree class mem- Laboratory management Dec. 31st, with us! The recent approval of and schools. bership after a list provided over to a for-profit partner- ship, Lawrence Livermore Special 4-course dinner menu 4:00-9:00pm National Security LLC. An email late last month Make Your Reservations Now! from the UC Livermore Those who dine with us at our last seating between Retirees Group reminded 7pm-9pm are invited to ring in the New Year with us! retirees that the lawsuit faces Complimentary party favors, music, dancing and a prosecco continuing costs such as at- toast along with traditional cotechino and lentils at midnight! torney, expert and consultant fees and that only about one-fourth of retirees have Music and dancing contributed financially to the featuring DJ Dave Brown legal effort to date. from 10:30 until... It warned that manage- ment changes now being faced at Los Alamos Nation- al Laboratory, LLNL’s sister facility in New Mexico, could also come to LLNL. In that case, it said, a future manager might not offer even “the inferior medi- cal benefits” now available through Lawrence Liver- more National Security. “If we win (the lawsuit), Info & RSVP, Call 925-456-3333 everyone in the class will Terra Mia Ristorante Italiano benefit,” the email said. “We 4040 East Avenue, Livermore urge you to consider making terramialivermore.com a contribution of whatever Photo - Doug Jorgensen you can afford.” The annual Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide festivities were held at the historic site in Livermore. There was holiday music, a dance performance, and an opportunity to tell Christmas wishes to Santa. Hosting the event were the Ravenswood Progress League and Livermore Area Recreation and Park District. Pictured tlaking to Santa are (left) Abbie and Ashley Darling.

Photo - Doug Jorgensen Breakfast with Santa in Dublin included entertainment, breakfast, and a chance to pose for photos with Santa. The annual event was a benefit for the Dublin High School Irish Guard and Band.

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free gift wrap 4280 Greenville Road | Livermore | 925-447-6779 | PoppyRidgeGolf.com 8 The Independent • December 15, 2016 Granada High Students Showcase Apps They Designed

By Carol Graham Chamber of Commerce, Fourteen-year-old Rus- Innovation Tri-Valley, and sell Hart has developed a Knodemy visited the show- way to create a Magic 8 Ball case to speak with students that eliminates all manufac- about their work and to try turing costs. He created an out the apps. app for it. "The students had many Much like the original different app ideas from Magic 8 Ball, a fortune- planners and calendars that telling toy developed in the help students keep track of 1950s, Russell's app answers their work, to games that life's important questions contained the ability to keep with just a swift jiggle of an data, such as high scores, on iPad or smartphone, reveal- the device itself," said Baez. ing responses like Outlook "A couple apps were truly Good, Don't Count on It, and services to the community, Reply Hazy Try Again. such as a medical-remedies "For students, creating app that took in symptoms apps is important because it for common illnesses, like a makes difficult content rel- cold, and gave non-medical evant and achievable thanks but natural household solu- to software like MIT App In- tions to improve coping with said Baez. "My favorite ventor," said Granada High the symptoms. Another great Photo - Doug Jorgensen moments were seeing my School Computer Science idea was a work-out app that Showing the preschool planner app they designed to keep track of kids at a day students interact with both and Computer Arts Teacher gave the user different work- care are Caleb Hardesty and Nicolas LaRosa. Hardesty's mother is the director of adults and younger students, Miguel Baez. "It shows stu- out options and had a built-in a preschool. and take pride in the work dents what they can achieve gamification engine, which that they made while en- after just a single trimester is successful in keeping the couraging others to try it. I of programming. Skills in- user motivated." solve the problem and create and learn the principles of day, which allowed middle hope my students continue volved in understanding how The apps were created by a solution. All of the projects programming like variables, school students to attend. to have confidence in them- to break problems into pieces students in Baez's Introduc- are solved in pairs, so there control flow, user-interface "The showcase gave selves and continue building provide long-lasting lessons tion to Computer Science is a collaboration component design, and digital citizen- students an opportunity to a community that teaches that can be applied in other class, composed of students where both students are ship," said Baez. "Students practice their inter-social others." classes and areas of life." across all grade levels with learning from each other." also gain an understanding skills with members of the Or, as one might ask On November 10, stu- about half being freshmen. Partnerships, which ro- of the internet, data and community and to transfer Russell's Magic-8 app, "Are dents in Baez's computer "Students create mobile tate with each project, are how it is stored so that it is knowledge to a younger these young students the science classes held a show- applications while problem sometimes chosen by the accessible anywhere, and the audience. It was aimed at masterminds of future tech- case to present computer solving issues relating to the students and other times repercussions for unethical middle-school students who nology?" apps they designed. Invitees community and their lives," formed randomly. hacking according to U.S. were able to visit Granada Shake shake shake. from the Livermore Valley said Baez. "Students are "The class teaches stu- federal law." to gain knowledge of what "It is decidedly so." Joint Unified School District, taught to deconstruct an ab- dents to challenge them- The showcase took place computer science is all about To learn more, visit www. Lawrence Livermore Na- stract idea or challenge, and selves, think computation- on the Granada campus at the high-school level," granadahigh.com. tional Laboratory, Livermore create a plan to strategically ally, troubleshoot problems, during the last period of the

OIL FIELD (continued from page one) Council Chambers, 3575 es, the oil company seeking water over to a spill-prone criteria for an exemption. • Oil-waste injections in County residents just can't Pacific Avenue, Livermore. the exemption, was cited last oil company is absurd and “People associate the this location would contami- count on our error-prone oil The Center for Biologi- year by Alameda County of- dangerous,” said Hollin word ‘aquifer’ with drink- nate an aquifer with water regulators to protect their cal Diversity, which op- ficials for improper disposal Kretzmann of the Center ing water, but that’s a mis- many times less salty than water supplies.” poses the exemption, stated of hazardous waste and fail- for Biological Diversity. nomer,” State Oil & Gas seawater. Written comments will in a press release, "An oil ing to immediately notify “Regulators in our drought- Supervisor Ken Harris said. • The application fails to be accepted until 5 p.m. on company with a long his- authorities about the release stricken state shouldn't let “In this case, the groundwa- prove that injected oil waste January 25. Comments may tory of hazardous spills in of hazardous material. E&B this company pollute un- ter is naturally commingled will not migrate beyond the be submitted by email to California wants state and has reported at least 31 spills derground water around with oil and would not proposed exemption bound- comments@conservation. federal permission to dis- of oil or other hazardous Livermore.” be valuable as a drinking aries. Seven domestic and ca.gov, by FAX to (916) pose of contaminated waste materials in four different The Livermore oil field water source. The operator, two irrigation water-supply 445-3319, or by mail to: fluid into an underground California counties in the includes six active and two E&B Natural Resources, wells lie within a quarter- Department of Conserva- water supply in Livermore." past 10 years, according to idle oil wells and one water pumps out the oil-water mile of the proposed exemp- tion, 801 K Street, MS 18- The release points out state records. disposal well. In 2015, the mixture, skims off the oil, tion boundary. 05, Sacramento, CA 95814. that E&B Natural Resourc- “Turning our ground- field produced 9,687 barrels and puts the water back • The exemption applica- ATTN: Aquifer Exemption of oil, 801,000 cubic feet where it came from.” tion argues that the Green- If regulators continue of natural gas, and 30,156 According to the state, ville Fault on the aquifer’s to concur that this forma- barrels of “produced water,” a comprehensive scientific border will help contain tion qualifies for an aquifer which are pumped back into analysis of the proposal for waste fluid injected into exemption following the the geologic formation from the Livermore field indi- this zone. However, Green- public comment period and which they came. cates the following: ville is an active fault that public hearing, the proposal The field straddles Pat- • The geologic forma- suffered a magnitude 5.8 will be subject to approval terson Pass Road. However, tion to be exempted does earthquake near Livermore by the EPA. the active water disposal not currently serve as a in 1980. Documents related to the well is south of the road. source of drinking water • Oil-industry wastewater aquifer exemption proposal The closest groundwater and is not reasonably ex- injection has been implicat- can be found at http://www. well used by the local water pected to supply a public ed in earthquakes in Okla- conservation.ca.gov/dog/ agency is almost four miles water system; homa, Texas and California. Pages/Aquifer_Exemptions. west of the oil field on the • The injection of fluids Even minor tremors could aspx. west side of Lawrence will not affect the quality of endanger other nearby wa- Livermore National Labo- water that is used, or may ter supplies by opening up ratory. It is not geologi- be used for any beneficial pathways to contamination. cally connected to the oil use; Livermore is one of doz- reservoir. • The injected fluid will ens of aquifer-exemption In a preliminary finding, remain in the aquifer or applications being processed the California Department portion of the aquifer that by state oil regulators. “Of- of Conservation’s Division would be exempted due to ficials with the Brown ad- of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal geologic conditions. ministration are so eager Resources and the State Arguments against the to put their embarrassing Water Resources Control findings issued by the Cen- errors regarding oil extrac- Rehearsing for annual presentation. Board concur that this for- ter for Biological Diversity tion behind them that they're mation meets United States of the Livermore exemp- recklessly sacrificing usable Preparations Underway Environmental Protection tion proposal include the water to the oil industry,” Agency (EPA) and State following: for Drive-Through Nativity Kretzmann said. “Alameda Rehearsals are under way are return visitors, some who in Livermore preparing for attended when they were the 26th annual Christmas children and now return story presentation of Jesus’ with their children. Approxi- birth. mately 300 church members Special People leave a lasting impression on us. The story will be told participate in the event, not through six scenes assem- only as actors but providing bled on the grounds of Trin- the many support functions; ity Church with live actors scene direction, food prepa- and animals. Visitors drive ration, traffic control, child through the six scenes dot- care, lighting and sound ting the entire church cam- control for radio reception. pus listening to the story The Live Drive-Through You can make a lasting impact in their name. dialog on their car radios Nativity story will be pre- while viewing the actors, sented on three nights, 7pm and animals portraying the to 9pm on December 16 To make a gift in remembrance of someone dear characters in each scene. through 18. The presenta- that will protect the Tri-Valley’s beauty for future The annual presentation tion is free and everyone is generations, please visit has become a tradition in invited, TriValleyConservancy.org the Tri-Valley drawing over Trinity Church is located or call (925) 449-8706. 2000 visitors each year. Half at 557 Olivina Ave. December 15, 2016 • The Independent 9 SHORT NOTES

Yule Log Hunt for directions to the Reservable 3 p.m. at the facility in Emerald 40 garden plots that come in two features former Saturday Night Tickets are on sale now at A Yule Log Hunt will be led Picnic Area. Glen Park, Dublin. sizes: 33 plots are 225 sq. ft. and Live cast member Kevin Ne- (925) 943-SHOW or www. by Livermore Area Recreation There is a $7 per vehicle There is no cost for the event. 7 plots are 100 sq. ft. Fees for alon; musician Huey Lewis lesherartscenter.org, priced and Park District ranger staff on parking fee at either entrance Children and their families can the larger plot are $100 per year & Friends; BOSTYX featur- from $50 - $125. For details Sun., Dec. 18. Meet Ranger Pat to Sycamore Grove Park. A $3 come and visit with Santa, make and $55 per year for the smaller ing David Victor formerly of on $250 VIP tickets, contact Sotelo and his Ranger Elves at donation is requested to help fun crafts, and enjoy a sweet plot. There is also a required Boston; a drum-off featuring Kathleen Huls at (925) 296- 2 p.m. at the reservable picnic support the programs unless holiday treat. patch deposit of $75. world-renowned percussion- 3118. Visit www.arflife.org for area in Sycamore Grove Park. other fees are specified. There is For more information, con- ists Horacio Hernandez, Mike ongoing updates. Grab a silly holiday hat, an annual parking pass available Rent a Garden Plot tact the Community Services Mangini, and Karl Perazzo; ARF’s core mission is the and join the 22nd annual hunt that provides significant savings Department at 925.931.5340 or singer/songwriter and classical rescue of dogs and cats who for the fabled Yule Log. Pre- over the daily fee for regular In Pleasanton guitarist Taylor Brown; and have run out of time at public The Community Services [email protected] pare for the hunt with games, park visitors. Participants may more acts to be announced. shelters, giving them a chance Department is once again merriment and tales of ancient call 925-960-2400 for more Stars to the Rescue XXVI is at life until a new home can offering the opportunity for ARF Benefit Yule celebrations. Then head information. sponsored in part by Chevron, be found. ARF couples this Pleasanton residents to cultivate Tony La Russa and ARF out on an old-fashioned hunt Fremont Buick GMC, Maddie’s focus with innovative programs a garden through its garden will present Stars to the Rescue for that elusive log. After the Fund, and Central Garden & Pet. strengthening the human-animal Santa Visit patch program. XXVI on January 7 at 7 pm at hunt, gather around the fire and Proceeds from Stars to the Res- bond for children, seniors, veter- Valley Children's Museum Residents can rent a plot the Lesher Center for the Arts make your own Yule logs to take cue provide essential support for ans, and people in disadvantaged will host a visit from Santa Claus for a year and grow fruits and in Walnut Creek. home. Canceled if raining. Call ARF’s life-saving programs for circumstances. on Sat., Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to vegetables. There are a total of This year’s variety show pets and people. OBITUARIES Margaret Jory Tracy in Mrs. Tracy’s memory may Kymberly Ann McFate Anthony a story or memory of our Resident of Livermore be made to the First Church Clara Shunwen Chang Kymberly Ann McFate "Dutch" Lamfers brother. Margaret Jory Tracy of Christ Scientist, Liver- Clara Shunwen Chang a 36 year Pleasanton-Liver- Anthony "Dutch" Lam- peacefully passed away in more; the Sierra Club; or (82 years old) passed away more resident, went home fers passed away on Thurs- Jason Joseph Friedrich her home on Monday, De- a charity of your choosing. peacefully on December 8, to the big Reservation in the day, December 8th, 2016, Jason Joseph Friedrich cember 5th, 2016. She was 2016 at her home in Liver- sky on December, 06, 2016. at the age of 56 after a long went home to be with Je- 93. Miriam C. Miller more. She was 57. battle with COPD (Lung sus November 24, 2016, at Margaret was born in Miriam Miller, a long- The native of China lived Born February 28th, 1959 Disease). the age Berke- time and highly respected she was He was preceded in death of 52. ley, in Livermore for 41 years. resident of Livermore, CA, She worked as a licensed a home- by his loving mother, Helena He was Ca., maker died at age 87 at her home in Cosmotologist in Pleasanton "Mom" Lamfers, in 2011. He born in and for 37 was a long time resident of Liver- Washington DC on Decem- for over 10 years. In her free was years. Liver- more, ber 11, 2016. She was one of time, she enjoyed gardening the the pioneers in the expansion Born more. CA on first and playing Mahjong at the of early childhood education in Liver- Dutch October child local community centers. more to at- 5, 1964. o f in the Tri-Valley region, and She is survived by her was, with her husband, the Ron- tended Jason Staf- daughter Nora Lin of Liver- nie and Liver- was pre- ford L. late Donald G. Miller, one more and her two grand- of the founding members of Annette more ceded in Jory, a children. Caudill, Congregation Beth Emek, High death by his brother, George Profes- No services are planned. the first of three siblings Joseph Friedrich. which serves the Tri-Valley School sor of Architecture at U.C. Burial will take place at Karry Fernandez of Kim- and Jason is survived by his area. Berkeley, and Grace Weeks Roselawn Cemetery in berling City Mo., Randy gradu- parents, George Friedrich Jory, also an architect. Mar- The daughter of Rabbi Livermore. Caudill (deceased) and her ated and Jackie Moore, sisters Herman Cohen and Han- garet grew up in Berkeley, Donations in her memory two half sisters Gina Baca from Jocelyne (Curtis) Koenig, nah Cohen, Miriam Miller attending Hillside Elemen- may be made to the LARPD of Oxnard, Ca. and Laura Del Janine (Ron) Van Gronin- was born and raised in St. tary, Willard Jr. High, and Foundation, P.O. Box 3403, Caudill of Riverside, Ca. Valle gen, nephews Justin (Tina) Paul, MN. She received University High School. Livermore, CA 94551 She was described as more High School in 1978. Koenig, Ryan Koenig, Vin- She later transferred to Anna a B.A. in Sociology from of a mother than a sister. Dutch was a very loving cent (Carolina) Peralta, and Head School for Girls in the University of Illinois, Described by friends more a and caring man and was niece Alexsandra Peralta. Berkeley (now Head-Royce Urbana-Champaign, and a Ralph E. Meléndez sister than a friend. Always Ralph Espinoza Melé- always the first to offer Jason was the youngest School), graduating with M.A. from California State fighting for the underdog, ndez passed away on Oc- help to someone in need. of four children. He grew honors in 1940 as senior University, San Francisco in she never hesitated to stand tober 14, 2016, following He never had any children up in Livermore most of class president. Margaret Early Childhood Education. her ground for what was complications from heart of his own, but he loved his his life. After high school received her undergraduate Ms. Miller was a very right. surgery. He was 68 years nieces and nephews with a he joined the Marines and degree from U.C. Berkeley Two days before Christ- active member of her com- old. Ralph was born Decem- passion. Some of his fondest was sent to Okinawa, Japan. in 1944 with a major in mas 1978, she met her soul munity. Her work over the ber 11, 1947, in Douglas, memories were taking his Upon returning he started a Decorative Arts and minors mate and husband of 37 years contributed signifi- AZ, a town on the border niece, Nina, to school and career as an Electrician. He in History and Education. years William (Bill) Mc- cantly to increased access with Mexico. He graduated picking her up everyday and retired from the IBEW Local She was a member of many Fate and was married the to quality child care services from Salpointe High School he loved to hear her call him 595 (Alameda County) just honor societies, including following Valentine's day. for working families in the in Tucson, AZ, and served 4 "Uncle Fuzzy," because of this year. the Prytanean Honor Society She moved to Pleasanton Bay Area. Her career in years in the U.S. Navy dur- his beard. He also enjoyed Jason loved life - Scu- and Phi Beta Kappa. Mar- in 1979 to be close to her early childhood education ing the Vietnam War. Fol- taking his nephew, Zach- ba diving/abalone diving, garet was also a member of grandparents Thurman and started as a nursery school lowing the Navy, he attended ary, out in the backyard and mountain biking, parachut- the Sigma chapter of Alpha Moease Caudill who played teacher, and continued as the University of Arizona, teaching him how to shoot a ing or just “hangin” and Omicron Pi, following the an instrumental role in her Director of the cooperative graduating with a B.A. in bow and arrow. Dutch loved playing music. He lived life tradition of her mother and life until their passing: Thur- Livermore Playschool, as a Mathematics in 1973. his guns, his truck, his beer to the extreme. He always her aunt, Florence Weeks. man, 1994; Moease, 2002, had time for family. Every co-founder of the Headstart Ralph and his family and his family and friends. Margaret received a Mas- and, to start and raise their He enjoyed getting together Christmas Eve he would be programs in Livermore, and relocated to southern Cali- ter’s degree and a Secondary own family with RaShawna with them, and talking their there to wrap presents. He as co-director of the Palo fornia for his job at the Teaching Credential from Balestreri, 36 of Pleasnton, ears off...Yes, he was quite will greatly be missed this Jet Propulsion Laboratory Cal in 1947. Alto Child Care Center. In Joshua McFate, 34 of Pleas- the talker, and could have Christmas. Margaret taught school 1978, she staffed the Califor- in Pasadena. Eventually anton and Gavin McFate of an educated discussion on PL Fry & Son Funeral in Richmond, Pacific Grove, nia Statewide Commission they moved to Livermore Livermore. any subject. Home is honored to be serv- Concord, and in Munich of Early Childhood Educa- where he was employed at Her various health prob- He is survived by his ing the Friedrich family. Germany where she worked tion set up under Governor the Lawrence Livermore lems kept her confined to the brothers, Rick (sister-in-law, Please come and celebrate for the U.S. State Depart- Jerry Brown (in his first National Laboratory as a house where she focused on Roxanne), Don and Doug; Jason’s life on Sunday, De- ment teaching at the Mu- term) to develop a statewide computer programmer. He her family. A devoted grand- his sisters, Karen (brother- cember 18, at 2:00pm at nich-American High School. child care plan. She and her completed his Master’s de- mother she doted on Ashley in-law, Terry) and Margie the VFW located at 12455 In 1957, Margaret mar- friend and business partner, gree in Computer Science Ann 18, Julia Grace 15, (brother-in-law, Bill), as W. Ripon Road, Ripon, CA ried James F. Tracy, a nucle- Ruth Freis, created Valley at USC. Ralph was also a Nina Rose 13 and, Thomas well as his "adopted" sis- 95366. An online guestbook ar physicist, and moved to Child Care (later Resources mathematics instructor at Andrew Balestreri 11. When ter, Yvonne Silveira; his is available for condolences Livermore. She was active for Family Development Las Positas College and a she wasn’t testing the limits nieces, Nina, Leslie, Robyn, at www.plfryandson.com. in a number of organizations and then Child Care Links), private math tutor for more of ‘the babies’ imaginations Dawn, Kelly and Amber and including Livermore’s First through which they man- than thirty years, retiring two with elaborate stories, she Nephews, Zachary, Donald, Church of Christ Scien- aged an extensive network years ago. was immersed in her native Brandon, Tony and DJ, and A Non-Attorney tist, American Association of state and federal grants Over the years he spent American Cherokee heritage Joe, as well as many aunts, of University Women, Cal to support and expand early many hours volunteering at and gave herself to various uncles, cousins, great-nieces Alternative Alumni Association, League childhood education in the Hacienda Care Center and charities such as American and nephews. Dutch also of Women Voters, East Bay Tri-Valley and greater East Indian Relief Council where had several life-long friends Paralegal Services Alpha Omicron Pi Alumnae other local organizations. Bay. He is survived by his she pledged to remember her that he truly treasured...You • Divorce • Deeds Chapter, and the Sierra Club. fellow native Americans and The continuation of Jew- wife Marjorie of Liver- know who you are. Dutch In 1972, Margaret helped their struggle out of poverty. will be remembered for his • Probate • Living Trust ish community life was very more and daughters Maria found the Preserve Area An avid reader she loved to quick wit and sense of hu- important to Ms. Miller, and Kelson (husband John Gal- CALL NOW! Ridgelands Committee she committed her energy talk books with anyone who mor, but mostly for his kind lagher) of Pueblo, CO, and (PARC), which lobbied lo- to this. In addition to being shared her passion. Anyone and loving heart. (925) 577-4736 cal governments to set aside among the earliest members Laura Chinnavaso (hus- who met her was drawn in Visitation will be held on www.atlasdp.com open space along the Mt. of Congregation Beth Emek, band Michael) of Alameda, by her intense energy, vi- Friday at 6 PM, and a short Diablo range. As a result of Ms. Miller served as its CA; grandchildren Quetzal, brant spirit and, infectious service at 7 PM, December Atlas Document PARC’s efforts, the Ohlone president several times over Caliope, Kiara, Elisa, and laugh. 16, 2016 at Callaghan Mor- Regional Wilderness and Preparation the years. She was very ac- Marina; siblings Raul Melé- Her legacy lives on tuary 3833 East Ave., in Services Pleasanton Ridge Regional tive on the board, and served ndez of Las Cruces, NM, and through son in-law Joseph Livermore, CA. Park were created. In 1978, 120 Spring St, PLS as chair of the fundraising Lydia Esqueda of Douglas, Balestreri, Christine Bal- We welcome all who I am not an attorney. I can only Margaret was elected to the provide self-help service efforts for the current syna- AZ. He was predeceased estreri and children Natalia, would like to come and at your specific direction. Zone 7 water agency and Reg Alameda County #96. gogue in Pleasanton, CA. by brothers Tony Meléndez, Liliana, Arianna. Sandy pay their respects and share Charlotte R Hargrave LDA served as a director until she She was honored as a life Roberto Meléndez, Oscar Balestreri. Nephews Ryan, retired in 1994. member of the congregation Meléndez, and sister Elena Phillip and Joel Fernandez. Margaret and Jim spent in 2013. Slate. Nieces Mariah and Katlyn much of their time traveling Ms. Miller also served on A memorial service was Fernandez. Step mother Es- Obituary/ around the world and were the boards of the Tri-Valley held on October 26, 2016 peranza Caudill, half broth- active with the Friendship Conservancy and of Inter- and interment of ashes fol- ers Brandon and Bryan Cau- Memoriam Policies Force of the San Francisco faith Housing. dill. Aunts Mary Worth and Bay Area and the Livermore lowed at St. Michael’s Cem- Ms. Miller lived in Liver- etery. If you would like to Nancy Patterson. Grand-dad Obituaries are published in Yotsukaido Sister City Or- Alfred Patterson; extended more from 1956-2012, when make a donation in Ralph’s ganization. Through their family Tracy and Donald The Independent at no charge. she moved to Washington memory, the family sug- lifetime of travel, they met Johnson; and, dear friends DC to be close to her chil- gests the American Heart There is a small charge for and maintained friendships Pam Johnson, Sue Espinoza, dren and grandchildren. Association. photographs in the obituaries. with many people around Ms. Miller is survived Art and Stefy. the world. by daughters Nancy (Ralph Margaret is survived by Lindeman) and Lynne (Ciro Memoriam ads can also be placed her sons Stephen Tracy and Franco) and two grand- Douglas (Lisa) Tracy, her children, Elena and Lucio in The Independent when families want three grandchildren, James, Franco. Her husband of to honor the memories of their loved Heather, and Kayla Tracy 62 years, Donald G. Miller, and her brother Howard died in 2012. Try Our ones. There is a charge for memoriam (Carol) Jory. She is also Funeral services will be ads, based on the size of the ad. survived by many nieces, held at Congregation Beth Mobile nephews and their families Emek (3400 Nevada Court, in California and across the Pleasanton CA), Friday, Please send an email to U.S. She was preceded in Dec. 16 at 1pm. In lieu Edition! death by her husband and of flowers, donations in [email protected] her brother, Farnham Jory. her honor may be made to for more information The family will hold pri- Congregation Beth Emek or www.independentnews.com vate services. Contributions EarthJustice. 10 The Independent • December 15, 2016 ZONE 7 (continued from page one) LEGAL NOTICES The Independent Legal No. 4038. Published December 94550, is hereby registered 4036. Published December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016. by the following owner(s): to households and sewage to 2017. The new rates will Tina Olson told the council FOR INFORMATION 1, 8, 15, 22, 2016. Elizabeth A. Benstead, 837 PLACING LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Mayview Way, Livermore, the DSRSD treatment plant. increase the water portion that General Fund revenues FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Call 925-243-8000 NAME STATEMENT CA 94550 NAME STATEMENT City Manager Nelson of consumers’ utility bills received were greater than FILE NO. 524661 This business is conducted FICTITIOUS BUSINESS FILE NO. 524973 The following person(s) doing by an Individual Fialho commented in a press by 18.7 percent (from $3.15 the Amended Budget by NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) do- business as: Tails R Wag- FILE NO. 524449 The registrant has not yet release, "Using less water to $3.74 for every Ccf of close to $2 million, while ex- ing business as: Huaxing gin Mobile Pet Grooming, begun to transact business The following person(s) doing and paying more for it has water consumed). The Zone penditures were $2.3 million Arts Group San Francisco, 1051 Redondo Way, Liver- using the fictitious business business as: A+ Quality Con- 6620 Owens Drive, Suite more, CA 94550, is hereby name listed above. been hard on all of us. It’s 7 board approved this rate less than anticipated during struction, 7254 Elba Court, B, Pleasanton, CA 94588, registered by the following Signature of Registrant(s) Dublin, CA 94568, is hereby an understatement to say increase in order to recover the fiscal year. Together, is hereby registered by the owner(s): :s/: Elizabeth A. Benstead registered by the following that water pricing is compli- revenues that were lost dur- they produced a $4.4 million following owner(s): 1)Darlene Riley Cloud 2) This statement was filed with owner(s): US Chinese Dance Associa- Ralph Unger Cloud, 1051 the County Clerk of Alameda cated. There are fixed costs ing the drought, maintain surplus. A+ Quality Inc., 7254 Elba tion, 6620 Owens Drive, Suite Redondo Way, Livermore, on November 28, 2016. Ex- Court, Dublin, CA 94568 to water and its delivery the infrastructure needed for Of the $4.4 million sur- B, Pleasanton, CA 94588 CA 94550 pires November 28, 2021. This business is conducted This business is conducted This business is conducted The Independent Legal No. that will never go away, but water delivery and manage plus, staff recommended the by a Corporation by a Corporation by Married Couple 4040. Published December we wanted to do something the groundwater basin. following allocations: Re- The registrant has not yet The registrant has not yet The registrant began to trans- 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016. to give consumers a break. The Zone 7 Board of Di- pair and Replacement Fund begun to transact business begun to transact business act business using the ficti- I’m just glad that the City rectors will meet on Decem- Reserves $500,000; CIP Re- using the fictitious business using the fictitious business tious business name(s) listed FICTITIOUS BUSINESS name listed above. name listed above. above on March 17, 2000. NAME STATEMENT is in the position to provide ber 21, 2016 at 7 p.m. at 100 serves $1,5 million; General Signature of Registrant(s) Signature of Registrant(s) Signature of Registrant(s) FILE NO. 525115 this relief, even if it is tem- North Canyons Parkway, Fund Reserves $868,475; :s/: Ioan Pascut, President :s/: Xiaopei Gelb, President :s/: Darlene R. Cloud The following person(s) do- porary." Livermore. All meetings are Reduce PERS Liability $1.5 This statement was filed with This statement was filed with This statement was filed with ing business as: Snakebite the County Clerk of Alameda the County Clerk of Alameda the County Clerk of Alameda Embroidery, 890 South G Tri-Valley Water Re- open the public. For more, million. on November 10, 2016. Ex- on November 28, 2016. Ex- on November 16, 2016. Ex- St, Livermore, CA 94550, tailers including the City visit www.zone7water.com One area of concern was pires November 10, 2021. pires November 28, 2021. pires November 16, 2021. is hereby registered by the of Pleasanton receive wa- In another action, the in the area of sales tax rev- The Independent Legal No. The Independent Legal No. The Independent Legal No. following owner(s): 4035. Published November 4037. Published December 4039. Published December Casey Cunningham, 890 ter from the Zone 7 Water council adopted a resolution enue, which came in about 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2016. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2016. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016. South G St, Livermore, CA 94550 Agency, the Tri-Valley’s wa- to accept its FY 2015/16 Op- a half a million lower than FICTITIOUS BUSINESS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS This business is conducted NAME STATEMENT NAME STATEMENT ter wholesale provider. The erating Budget and amend- predicted. Olson noted that NAME STATEMENT by an Individual FILE NO. 524643 FILE NO. 525032 FILE NO. 524948 The registrant has not yet Zone 7 board is a separately ments to the Budget. This the city is seeing sales tax The following person(s) do- The following person(s) do- The following person(s) doing begun to transact business elected governing body that annual financial report pro- below estimates for retail ing business as: 9ROUND ing business as: Sport Clips business as: Wine Coun- using the fictitious business Livermore, 1490 N. Vasco sets rates on behalf of the vides a summary of the in the first quarter of this Haircuts, 7012 Amador Plaza try Business Services, 837 name listed above. Road, Livermore, CA 94551, Rd., Dublin, CA 94568, is Mayview Way, Livermore, CA Signature of Registrant(s) region it serves. The Zone 7 City’s financial activities fiscal year, as well. She said is hereby registered by the hereby registered by the Board of Directors approved for the previous fiscal year, that the Outlets, as well as following owner(s): following owner(s): new water rates in 2015 that from July 1, 2015 to June 30, the new Nordstrom Rack in Pomaika’i Management, RSB Services, LLC, 2745 will take effect in January 2016. City Finance Director Dublin, are drawing people LLC, 3787 Crow Canyon Kellogg Loop, Livermore, Road, San Ramon, CA 94582 CA 94550 SILENT ACTOR away from the Mall. This business is conducted This business is conducted by a Limited liability company by a Limited liability company The registrant has not yet The registrant began to NOW 83 begun to transact business transact business using the SWALWELL using the fictitious business fictitious business name(s) (continued from page one) name listed above. listed above on May 3, 2010. KINDA HUNGRY Signature of Registrant(s) Signature of Registrant(s) with fellow Democrat Rep. similar efforts by any other Senate Minority Leader :s/: Jason Wong, Chief Ex- :s/: Robyn Barraza, President WORKS FOR FREE Elijah Cummings (MD-07), foreign governments or (3), and the commission ecutive Officer This statement was filed with This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda the Ranking Member of entities, would issue a final would choose a chair and the County Clerk of Alameda on November 29, 2016. Ex- the House Committee on report with recommenda- vice chair of different par- on November 16, 2016. Ex- pires November 29, 2021. (925) 344-5658 Oversight and Government tions for future security ties. No federal officers pires November 16, 2021. The Independent Legal No. Reform, had introduced protections to Congress or employees would be H.R. 6447, the Protecting and the President within eligible to serve on the Our Democracy Act. 18 months of the bill’s commission. Swalwell said, "Our re- enactment. White House Press Sec- Professionals Choice action and response must The scope of the com- retary Eric Schultz noted not become bogged down mission’s investigation in a briefing last Friday Real Estate Directory in partisan politics and per- would include comput- that the President, earlier Local guide to the Valley’s Leading sonalities, and that requires er hacking activity that in the week, had instructed that the investigation be con- targeted the Democratic the intelligence communi- Real Estate Professionals & Services ducted outside of Congress.” National Committee, the ty to conduct a full review Ivy Livermore’s Top Producing The bill would create Democratic Congressional of the pattern of malicious Real TopEstate Producing Agent Livermore2012 a 12-member, bipartisan, Campaign Committee, cyber activity related to Realtor since 1999 independent commission Hillary Clinton’s presi- the presidential election www.IvyLoGerfo.comwww.IvyLoGerfo.com empowered to interview wit- dential campaign chairman cycle. The President has (925)925 998-5312 998-5312 nesses, obtain documents, John Podesta, and former requested this report be CalBRE#01267853 issue subpoenas, and receive Secretary of State Colin completed and submitted BRE #01267853 Ivy public testimony to examine Powell; the scanning of to him before the end of his attempts by the Russian electoral systems in Ari- term. "In the high confi- government and others to zona, Illinois and Florida; dence assessment that was Sandee Utterback use electronic means to and efforts by any foreign released this past October, (925) 487-0524 influence, interfere with, or entity to produce, dissemi- the intelligence commu- cindy williams Gene williams CalBRE#00855150 REALTOR®, CRS & GRI REALTOR® www.SandeeU.com sow distrust in this year’s nate, or promote fake news nity made very clear that (925) 918-2045 (510) 390-0325 Specializing in U.S. elections. The commis- involving the U.S. election. this was activity directed www.WilliamsReGroup.com Livermore’s sion, which would examine The 12 members of the by the highest levels of the Over Two Decades of Experience! Finest Homes commission would be ap- Russian government." Gail Henderson pointed within 90 days of The review will include Broker Associate, MPA Sabrina baScom enactment by the Speaker previous cycles. Schultz Commercial • Residential (925) 337-0194 of the House (3), Senate noted that in 2008, there (925) 980-5648 [email protected] www.gailhenderson.com BOWERS Majority Leader (3), House were intrusions into both Cal BRE#01848451 (continued from page one) Minority Leader (3), and the Obama and McCain Cal BRE 101 E. Vineyard Ave about the education of our campaigns. #01709171 #103, Livermore, CA Livermore students and the Donna susan sheer potential that a great Garrison schall 925.980.0273 925.519.8226 education will offer each of Ca BRe lic. # 01395362, 01735040, 01964566 them. In her achievement, Search Tri-Valley Homes for Sale at Dr. Bowers personifies our FabulousProperties.net primary mission: ‘Each stu- dent will graduate with the skills needed to contribute and thrive in a changing Pam Cole Vickie Harris Team Evans world,’” said Bueno. Bowers Realtor® Realtor® CRS Excellence in Real Estate CalBRE#01291147 CalBRE#01072497 is a hands-on superintendent Craig & Rebecca Evans who is actively involved 925-337-2461 925-200-6764 CalBRE #01971528 | #01498025 [email protected] [email protected] TeamEvansRealEstate.com with students, teachers, and her staff of over 1200 em- YourHomeTeamValuation.com 925.784.2870 ployees. Board Trustee, Anne Cindy Greci Dominic Greci denniS Serrao Broker Associate /REALTOR White added, “She’s enthu- (925) 784-1243 (925) 525-0864 GRI GRI Serving Livermore & Tri-Valley since 1999 siastic. She’s one of the big- We invite you to our Saturday [email protected] gest cheerleaders we have." BRE#01323804 BRE#01707140 TriValleyHomeSellers.com Upon receiving her Christmas Eve Services (925) 876-3756 award, Bowers told Cal www.GreciGroup.com Cal BRE#01251442 State faculty and members 5:00 pm Family friendly worship service featuring Kristy Peixoto Linda newton of the Pioneer family, “To- ® gether you all have taught Christmas carols in a less formal environment and ComPany RealtoR , GRI, SReS estates, ranches & Land realtors (925) 216-2015 and inspired me to believe in (925) 251-2536 [email protected] myself and believe in others. 9:00 pm & 11:00 pm bHGHome.com/Lindanewton [email protected] CalBRE# 01312631 Especially, I believe in the A traditional candlelight service telling the estatesandranches.com possibilities of education to Christmas story with scripture, uplifting CalBre #01256255 change lives and, ultimately, seasonal music and carols led by our Marina Guevorkian Michelle elliott change our world. I embrace Sanctuary and Bell Choirs REALTOR, e-pRO this mission as my life’s Mortgage Banker We are located on the corner of 4th and L St. FivE STAR Real Estate Agent Reward National Achiever work. I promise to be the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 925-212-6907 First Presbyterian pioneer who continues to (925) 640-8824 [email protected] Church Livermore 2020 Fifth Street, Livermore make a difference for our 925-447-2078 | www.fpcl.us SellingLivermore.com homeloans.chase.com/michelle.d.elliott children.” CalBRE #01390611 NMLS ID: 694685

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To Place Your Ad, Call Your Account Representative At (925) 243-8001 December 15, 2016 • The Independent 11

:s/: Casey Cunningham California law requires that including race, color, religion, not knowingly accept any This statement was filed with SERVICES contractors taking jobs that sex, handicap, familial status advertisements that are in the County Clerk of Alam- PIANO LESSONS total $500 or more (labor or national origin. IVPC does violation of the law. eda on December 1, 2016. Given by teacher with over and/or materials) be licensed Expires December 1, 2021. 30 years experience & by the Contractors State The Independent Legal No. BA in music. License Board. State law 4041. Published December If interested, also requires that contractors 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016. please call include their license numbers (925)449-6622 on all advertising. Check your NOTICE OF contractor’s status at www. PUBLIC HEARING TO EMPLOYMENT cslb.ca.gov or (800)321- CONSIDER BECOMING CSLB (2752). Unlicensed A GROUNDWATER SUS- BE WARY of out of area persons taking jobs less TAINABILITY AGENCY companies. Check with the than $500 must state in their Cable Installers Wanted! local Better Business Bureau advertisements that they are Immediate openings for Cable Installers Notice is hereby given that before you send money or not licensed by the Contrac- the Board of Directors of fees. Read and understand tors State License Board.” No experience necessary, we will train. Zone 7 Water Agency (Zone any contracts before you REAL ESTATE 7) will hold a public hearing sign. Shop around for rates. $500 Bonus for no experience on Wednesday, December MERCHANDISE Inland Valley 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., at 100 Publishing Co. $2500 Bonus with sufficient experience 118) FREE SECTION Client Code:04126-00001 Is a New Home on Your North Canyons Pkwy, Liver- Benefits - Health, Dental, Vision, 401K more, California, to receive Free Pine & Oak Wood Re: Legal Notice for Classified Ads comments from the public You cut & haul it Company vehicle with gas card provided before deciding to become Lots of Pine cones, too The Federal Fair Housing Holiday Wish List? the Groundwater Sustain- Please call Act, Title VII of the Civil Bring current DMW report to interview. Rights Act of 1964, and state ability Agency (GSA) for the (408)897-3156 Call (916) 215-9309 to apply. By Cher Wollard Livermore Valley Groundwa- law prohibit advertisements ter Basin, which lies beneath ANNOUNCEMENTS for housing and employment Open Interviews Mon-Fri 9am-3pm We think of Spring as homebuying season, and for most buy- that contain any preference, the cities of Livermore, Pleas- 155) NOTICES ers and sellers it is. But while the rest of the world is focused limitation or discrimination 1920 Mark Ct. #190, Concord, CA anton, Dublin, and a portion on parties and packages, some will be looking for the perfect of San Ramon. “NOTICE TO READERS: based on protected classes, place to call home. Zone 7 is a public agency e The holiday season presents both challenges and opportunities that supplies treated and untreated water for approxi- for motivated buyers. mately 245,215 residents in The Challenges: the Tri-Valley area of eastern • Not much to choose from Alameda County. A new state law known as the Sustainable Bay Area housing inventory is tight and has been for several Groundwater Management years. But during the holidays, inventory declines even more. Act (SGMA) requires that In July, there were 162 condominiums, townhouses and GSAs be created to sustain- Daniel Alpher Sally Blaze ably manage certain ground- REALTOR® REALTOR® single-family homes on the Multiple Listing Service for Liver- water basins, including the 925.548.6500 more. This week, there are 71. Livermore Valley Groundwa- 925.998.1284 ter Basin. SGMA also desig- [email protected] [email protected] For Pleasanton, those figures are 105 in July vs. 45 this week. nated Zone 7 as the exclusive daniel.apr.com sblaze.apr.com That’s because fewer sellers put their homes on the market GSA for groundwater basins over the holidays. Even those whose properties are listed but within its service area. For more information on SGMA, have not yet sold may elect to take them off the market until please see http://www.water. after the first of the year. ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/. Lynn Borley Tracey Esling REALTOR® REALTOR® • The weather outside is frightful Public comments will be 925.487.3371 925.366.8275 Most of us would rather be curled up in front of a cozy fire received during the public than slogging through puddles to look at houses when it’s rainy, hearing on December 21, [email protected] [email protected] 2016. Zone 7’s Board of Di- lynnb.apr.com tesling.apr.com windy and cold. rectors may decide whether Getting bundled up to go outside, then driving in the rain, and to become a Groundwater getting in and out of the car to view homes is already a hassle. Sustainability Agency im- mediately after the public Then you get to the front door and see a sign saying “Please Leslie Faught Alain Pinel Realtors is Pleased Linda Futral hearing closes. For more to Announce Our Association remove shoes before entering.” That means you either have to REALTOR® with Tracey Esling Broker Associate information about Zone 7 in Our Pleasanton Office Experience The Difference take off your shoes and leave them at the front door or carry or to learn about its water 925.784.7979 Tracey Esling 925.366.8275 925.980.3561 tesling.apr.com management efforts, visit [email protected] [email protected] them with you as you walk from room to room, or else wear the www.zone7water.com or call LeslieFaught.com LindaFutral.com little cloth “booties” the listing agent has thoughtfully provided. (925) 454-5000. Either way, it’s a hassle. The Independent Legal No. And, while the interior may be merry and bright, it’s hard 4042. Published December to get a sense of the outdoor spaces during inclement weather. 8, 15, 2016. Dan Gamache Kat Gaskins • Crazy schedules ® ® FICTITIOUS BUSINESS REALTOR REALTOR Everyone is busy this time of year. It may be harder to NAME STATEMENT 925.918.0332 925.963.7940 FILE NO. 525045 schedule showing appointments when buyers and sellers have [email protected] [email protected] The following person(s) doing so much to do. business as: India Express, TriValleyHomeSearch.com KatGaskins.com 1536 N. Vasco Rd, Liver- Even if you do get into contract on the home of your dreams, more, CA 94551, is hereby it can be tough to book inspectors and appraisers, and to get registered by the following documents from the HOA. owner(s): Gail Henneberry Leigh Anne Hoffman Your loan officer may be working through the holidays, but Manpreet Kaur, 2645 High- ® wood Dr, San Jose, CA REALTOR REALTOR® what about the underwriters? 95116 925.980.1900 925.918.2912 Banks, title companies, HOAs and the county recorder’s of- This business is conducted [email protected] [email protected] fice are all closed on federal and state holidays, which this year by an Individual ghenneberry.apr.com The registrant has not yet lhoffman.apr.com means Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. begun to transact business The deal can still get done, but everyone needs to take a deep using the fictitious business name listed above. breath and be prepared for delays. Signature of Registrant(s) Gina Huggins Colton King The Opportunities: :s/: Manpreet Kaur Broker Associate REALTOR® • All those challenges make for less competition. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda 925.640.3762 925.980.6209 If you’re one of the determined few out looking at homes in on November 29, 2016. Ex- [email protected] [email protected] December, your offer may have a better chance of success than pires November 29, 2021. ghuggins.apr.com cking.apr.com at other times of the year. The Independent Legal No. 4043. Published December Wouldn’t you rather your offer be one of two or three than 15, 22, 29, 2016, January one of five or six? 5, 2017. Kelly King Blaise Lofland Real • Motivated sellers FICTITIOUS BUSINESS REALTOR® If a resale home is on the market this time of the year, either NAME STATEMENT Estate Group FILE NO. 525302 510.714.7231 925.846.6500 the seller wants or needs to get it sold as soon as possible, or The following person(s) doing [email protected] [email protected] it’s been on the market for a while and hasn’t yet found a buyer. business as: Salem Com- lkking.apr.com blaiselofland.com In either case, sellers may be more willing to negotiate on mercial Investments, 6488 Bayview Drive, Oakland, CA price and terms or to complete more repairs, especially if yours 94605, is hereby registered is the only offer. by the following owner(s): Even builders may agree to “sweeten the deal” if they are Salem Commercial Invest- Sara Lovett Jo Ann Luisi ments, LLC, 6488 Bayview REALTOR® REALTOR® trying to get units in contract before the end of the year. Drive, Oakland, CA 94605 925.518.8177 925.321.6104 This doesn’t mean sellers will agree to extreme discounts - we This business is conducted by a Limited liability company [email protected] [email protected] are still very much in a seller’s market. Your Realtor can advise The registrant began to trans- slovett.apr.com JoAnnLuisi.com you as to what a particular seller might reasonably accept. act business using the ficti- • Good deals, cheap mortgages tious business name(s) listed above on November 9, 2016. Interest rates took a big jump in November and are expected Signature of Registrant(s) Miranda Mattos Lily McClanahan to rise again this month. :s/: Ramin Salem, Manager REALTOR® REALTOR® Yet, this is probably the lowest they will be in the foresee- This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alam- 925.336.7653 925.209.9328 able future. eda on December 7, 2016. [email protected] [email protected] The same goes for home prices, which are fairly level at this Expires December 7, 2021. miranda.apr.com lilymc.apr.com time of year, but expected to start climbing again in 2017. The Independent Legal No. 4044. Published December If you are looking to keep your monthly payments as low as 15, 22, 29, 2016, January possible, buy now. 5, 2017. Tim McGuire Kris Moxley Advice for holiday homebuyers: ANIMALS REALTOR® REALTOR® • Prepare for the weather 2) CATS/ DOGS 925.463.SOLD 925.519.9080 Preview properties online. If the listing includes lots of photos ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, for [email protected] kmoxley.apr.com or a virtual tour, you can get a pretty good sense of whether or adoption information contact TimMcGuire.net Moxleyteam.com not this is a home worth visiting. Valley Humane Society at (925)426-8656 Check the forecast. Bring an umbrella. Wear slip-on shoes, so you can easily take them on and off when viewing homes. Tyler Moxley Maureen Nokes • Prepare for the right opportunity Broker Associate Broker Associate Make sure you are pre-approved for a mortgage, and that your

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By Carol Graham a beautiful quilt in apprecia- occasionally incorporate Around 110 people at- nearly 1,000 quilts to other "Thank you," she said, December 3, 2016, was a tion of their sacrifices. eagles, stars or other patri- tended the DAR Christ- charitable organizations and "for your sacrifice in pro- special day for Galen Marsh. "This was the first time otic symbols. mas Luncheon, which also hospitals. tecting our country and our More than five decades ever that I was recognized "Quilts are warm. Each served as a fundraiser via While Marsh said he freedoms." had gone by since the U.S. for my service in Vietnam," one is a loving hug," said ticket sales and raffles. Mon- appreciates the thought and For more information, Army veteran returned home said Marsh. To DAR mem- Quilts of Valor Chair Bonnie ies raised provide donations work that went into making visit www.californiadar.org/ after serving a year in Viet- bers and quilters, he'd like to Schwegerl. "They are made to organizations like Troops- the quilts, Crusco also had a chapters/jhlivermore/index. nam. On a March day in say, "Thank you for every- for the veterans with love, Direct - a nonprofit that ships message of appreciation for html; and www.amadorval- 1966, Marsh was scheduled thing - for being invited, ac- and when they wrap the to service members exactly him and the other veterans. leyquilters.org. to fly home on a Boeing 707. knowledged, and rewarded quilt around them they feel what they request to help "Before getting off the for my service." it. How do I know this? The them be the safest and most ground, our plane struck a This is the first time that veterans tell me so." effective soldiers, and Honor drilling rig next to the run- DAR has partnered with The other veterans (from Flight - a nonprofit that pro- way and tore off six feet of Quilts of Valor to present various military branches vides veterans with free trips the wing. We had to evacu- quilts to veterans. and periods) honored at the to tour national memorials ate using the emergency- "Every year we look for luncheon were Paul Biery, dedicated to their service exit chutes," recalled Marsh. interesting programs for our Juanita Fox, Russell Fox, and the wars in which they "Here I had escaped death meetings and luncheon, and and Tony Lopes. fought. Monies raised also SANTA multiple times during my one of our members thought "We try our best to have help fund DAR-bestowed months of duty, but I still Quilts of Valor would be a the quilt maker present her scholarships awarded to great program for our chap- wasn’t sure I was going to quilt," added Schwegerl. Good Citizens and history- BRUNCH make it home." ter," said Crusco. "The quilts "There is nothing like the essay winners. were absolutely stunning." Marsh did make it home, smile on a veteran's face "We presented Amador yet returned to a country The heirloom-quality knowing they are appreci- Valley Quilters' Quilts of rapidly changing. When quilts were made and do- ated, loved and valued for Valor with a small hono- Sunday, December 18th he left, teens were singing nated by the Amador Valley their sacrifice for our coun- rarium to purchase materials along to the Four Tops' Sugar Quilters' Quilts of Valor 8am - 2pm try. Many of the Vietnam to keep up their amazing Pie Honey Bunch; when he group. Each quilt takes three veterans were treated so work," said Crusco. returned, they were listen- to six months to make, at a Along with gifting quilts ing to Barry Sadler's Ballad cost of around $350. Typi- badly when they returned. I had one veteran tell me this to veterans, the Amador of the Green Berets. By the cally, quilts feature red, Valley Quilters have given following summer, they'd white and blue fabric, and is healing to his heart." be singing, "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair." HOMESanta FOR THE Visits HOLIDAYS from 11-1pm

Increasingly, those who had fought, either by draft or Home For The Holidays $5 Fruit Topped Short Stack! by choice, were greeted with vitriolic aggression unlike TVAR is sponsoring ALL anything returning American veterans had seen in the past. my costs and adoption fee Reservations: 925-456-8215 They quickly learned to re- so for the right home, TVAR is main tight lipped about their sponsoring all my service or risk facing con- costs I go home for FREE! And adoption fee tinued hostilities at home. So for the right home, Only in recent decades have So come down to the Shelter I go home for Free! Americans come to realize So come down to the Shelter at 4595 Gleason Drive, At 4595 Gleason Drive that it's OK to be against And take meSIP home for Christmasn So I can start to thrive the war, but not against the Dublin and take me home warrior. On Saturday, December 3 for Christmas SHOP of this year, Marsh was one Big Break Challenge of five area veterans hon- so I can start to THRIVE -2 Spin the Wheel ored for their service at the Sm Bucket from 10 FREE Daughters of the American This promotion is e ective for the month of December IN THE GOLF SHOP Revolution (DAR), Josefa for animals at the East County Animal Shelter. Higuera Livermore Chapter's Tri-Valley Animal Rescue annual Christmas Luncheon. is a 501(c)(3) non-prot organization. 4280 Greenville Road | Livermore At the event, each was given 925-447-6779 | Popp yRidgeGolf.com

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Four Freshmen Highlight New Year's Eve Gala at the Bankhead Theater

Pictured are (front, from left) Debi Durst, Arthur Gaus, Will Durst; (back) Mari Magaloni, Michael Bossier, and Johnny Steele. End-of-the Year Comedy Back Features Will Durst and His merry Band For the 24th consecutive year, Will Durst and his merry band of pranksters once again take their end-of-the-year comedy extravaganza to the Bay Area’s far-flung nooks and crannies (well, and also to the Firehouse Arts Center Theater on Wednesday, December 28, at 8:00 p.m.). They vow to lampoon, satirize, mock, scoff, scorn, taunt, tease, rib, ridicule, josh, jibe and kid the personalities and events of the past year, and do it with a modicum of taste (please note: PG-13). Continuing a holiday tradition as hallowed as the THE FOUR FRESHMEN coal in Donald Trump’s stocking and as welcome as The Four Freshmen will be featured in the Liver- for their trademark smooth vocals built on the barbershop an air freshener in the Bohemian Club’s outhouse more Valley Performing Arts Center’s ninth annual New tradition. Today’s ensemble has been called the greatest following Chili Dog Night, The Big Fat Year-End Year’s Eve Celebration at the Bankhead Theater. The jazz vocal group of all time, delivering a fresh take on old Kiss-Off Comedy Show consists of 6 comics and evening begins at 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2016 and favorites with “a twist of elegance and a splash of swing.” 2,347 laughs according to sources well placed within ends with a festive champagne reception in the lobby The Four Freshmen were the very first group to perform the Bay Area comedy community. immediately following the show. Tickets for the full on stage at the venue in October 2007 and were also The Six Comics are Will Durst, Johnny Steele, evening range from $50 to $80. (continued on page 3) Since 1948, the Four Freshmen have been known (continued on page 3) 2 The Independent • December 15, 2016

Team from Lab Conquers Ragnar Napa Valley Relay Race

A team of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory employees recently participated in the Reebok Ragnar Napa Valley relay race. From left to right are Kristin Atwood, Nadine Horner, Kelly Youngblood, Lea Fresques, Jenessa Dozhier, Athena Wilder, Cindy Heer, Kirsten Sprott, Janna Lamendola, Michelle D'Hooge, Amanda Clark and Jessica Copeman. Photo - Michelle D'Hooge

It's 3 a.m. when Kirsten Sprott runs down an un- Reebok Ragnar Napa Valley relay race. The 200-mile dola, Sprott, Wilder and Kelly Youngblood. They met each marked road in the middle of nowhere. Her team course begins on a beach in San Francisco, winds up past other in LLESA fitness classes and share a passion for be- already has been running for 20 hours straight from San Santa Rosa to Windsor and back down through the Napa ing active. Despite having different types of personalities Francisco through Marin County, but all of the pictur- vineyards, all on little to no sleep. The race name means and different levels of running experience, they meshed esque views are lost in total darkness. The only sign of "warrior from the gods" in Old Norse, the language of well together from the beginning. Over the five months of life is her pacer, Athena Wilder. the Vikings. Completing the race involved six months of training, many of them on the team met up before work "You get so delirious after a certain point, that you training and mental toughness, but most of all, the group and on the weekends to run and workout. will do the silliest things to entertain yourselves," said members say taht they had funt. "The team motivated me. We're all friends, and we see Sprott, administrative specialist for Public Affairs at The team of LLNL employees, named Buns on the each other almost daily at workout classes. It's constant Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). "We Run after the breakfast sandwich served in the LLNL support from friends and teammates to keep going. It's did nothing but laugh for 31 hours," added Wilder, the Central Cafe, includes Kristin Atwood, Amanda Clark, fun; we enjoy it," said LLNL senior financial analyst scheduler and coordinator in the LLNL Alarms division. Jessica Copeman, Michelle D'Hooge, Jenessa Dozhier, Kristin Atwood. They are among 12 women who conquered the Lea Fresques, Cindy Heer, Nadine Horner, Janna Lamen- Together the group raised $1,800 in donations through (continued on page 4) December 15, 2016 • The Independent 3

'The Happy Elf' On Stage at FOUR FRESHMEN Front Row Theater (contijnued from front page) featured at the first LVPAC continues. Each member of be the original Freshmen.” located at 2400 First Street "The Happy Elf" musical is currently playing at the New Year’s Eve celebration today’s Four Freshmen is They bring a new and in downtown Livermore. Front Row Theater in San Ramo. in 2008. an accomplished vocalist vital dynamic to the classic Tickets may be purchased Opening night included a surprise boutique with The Four Freshmen and musician in their own sound and “have a lot of at the box office, online at the message: “To The Happy Elf cast, congratulations! perform classics the group right, and brings new influ- energy and a lot of fun,” www.bankheadtheater.org Have a great run!” The card was signed “Harry Con- was originally known for ences and perspectives to Ferreira added. Over the or by calling 373-6800. The nick, Jr.” including "Day by Day" enrich the group’s musical last six decades, the Four ticket office is open Tues- Performances are set for Dec. 17 at 3 p.m., Dec. 16 and "Blue World," as well heritage. Freshmen have released day through Saturday from and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. as new arrangements of Current members of the more than 45 albums with 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and The musical, which is directed by Regina Stoneham such songs as "Something’s Four Freshmen include Bob 70 top hits and six Grammy on performance days from of The Stone House Theater Company, is cast with per- Gotta Give," "September Ferreira on drums, Curtis nominations, among their two hours before to 30 formers from all over Tri-Valley. The cast features J.D. Song," and "My One and Calderon on trumpet, Stein many accolades. minutes after the scheduled Cerruti in the title role as Eubie, an overly happy elf try- Only Love." Unlike some Malvey on guitar, and lead The Bankhead Theater is start of each show. ing to save the very naughty children of Bluesville. J.D. other vocal groups, mem- vocalist, Tommy Boynton performs alongside his real-life dad and sister, Mike and bers of the Four Freshmen on bass. Ferreira told the Daelyn Cerruti, of Livermore. The naughtiest of them have always been both Detroit News that they take all is little Molly from Bluesville, played by Alexandra vocalists and instrumental- great pride in the group’s Nicola who also shares the stage with little sister, Al- ists, at times switching off legacy and stick to the great legra, both from Dublin. so others can take different American songbook and Ella Eisenstadt plays Molly's naughty sidekick, Cur- roles. Although the mem- jazz standards. At the same tis, while her mom, Lori Beth Eisenstadt, is featured as bers have changed over time, he said, “We are who Gurt, the wife of Bluesville's mayor, who is played by the years, this tradition we are, we’re not trying to Mike Cerruti. The entire Fererra family, Cindy, Robert and Kinsey, of Pleasanton, appear together nightly, and elves Gilda, played by Shannon Greenhouse and Hamm, performed by Alex Radzanowski, have parents on the production staff. Finally, little Sophia Warren of Dublin YEAR-END COMEDY (continued from front page) sings like an angel while her mom, Sarah Warren, stirs DAVID BENOIT up trouble in Bluesville. Debi Durst, Michael Bossi- bad hombres grabbing nasty WITH SPECIAL GUEST Tickets for "The Happy Elf" are available online or er, Mari Magaloni, and last women. SARA GAZAREK by calling 925-973-3343. General admission tickets are but not least, the beguiling The New York Times Mon DEC 19 7:30pm $18. Arthur Gaus, Esq. calls Will Durst "quite The Front Row Theater is located at 17011 Bollinger “It’s Saturday Night possibly the best political Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Live meets The Daily Show comedian working in the on steroids,” notes one country today." Dubbed VALLEY reviewer. “the Thinking Man’s Museum on Main to Host DANCE Reserved seating tickets Comic” by the Oregonian, Family Game Night are $20.00, $25, $30.00. Durst is acknowledged by THEATRE Advance purchase at www. peers and press alike as The Museum on Main’s Family Game Night is set firehousearts.org, by calling one of the premier political for December 15th from 6pm-8pm at the Museum on 925-931-4848, or in person satirists in the country. He The Nutcracker An Irish Christmas Main. at the Box Office, 4444 has patched together an in- ACCOMPANIED BY THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Participants will be able to play their favorite games Railroad Avenue, Pleasan- comparable comedy quilt of VALLEY DANCE THEATRE FROM THE while surrounded by the current exhibit, “It’s Your ton. Box Office hours are a career, weaving together PIT ORCHESTRA EMERALD ISLE Move: The Games We Play,” which is running through Wednesday - Friday 12:00 columns, books, radio and DEC 16—DEC 18 Thu DEC 22 7:30pm January 8th, 2017. noon-6:00 p.m. and Satur- television commentaries, Attendees can play the many board games, decks of days 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., acting, voice-overs and cards, dominos and Atari cartridges. People can also and two hours prior to the stand-up into a patchwork THE FOUR bring their own games to play. Family Game Night is performance. of outraged and outrageous recommended for ages 5 and up with children under 10 The 24th annual common sense. FRESHMEN needing to be accompanied by someone high school age BFYEKO Comedy Show Durst has told jokes in NEW YEAR’S EVE or older. This program is free to attend. No pre-registra- features a collection of 14 countries, racked up tion is required. skits, songs, sketches, and 800+ television appear- Sat DEC 31 8pm The Museum on Main is located at 603 Main Street stand-up, all based on the ances, released 5 CDs, au- Includes Sparkling in historic downtown Pleasanton. It is open to the wacky events that made up thored 3 books, and despite Wine & Dessert public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2016. Some calendars are blistering reproach, contin- after the show 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. For more less conducive as subjects ues to squeeze ketchup on information about current exhibits and programs, visit of humourosity, but this his hot dog. More informa- the Museum’s web site at www.museumonmain.org or one gave us Megyn Kelly, tion at: www.willdurst.com. 925.373.6800 LVPAC.org phone (925) 462-2766. Brexit, the Zika virus and 2400 First Street, Downtown Livermore

4 The Independent • December 15, 2016

RELAY RACE (continued from page 2)

GoFundMe to pay for two team vans, food, gas and As Sprott ran the final leg of the event, the team caught fuzzy mustaches. Ragnar participants decorate their vans up to her with music blasting, hugged and finished the with grass skirts, dress up in costumes, ring cowbells race together. "When I came up the hill, I've never been so and have music pumping to match the adrenaline. Even happy to see 11 people in my life," said Sprott. "Everyone with a van to lay down in before running again, they was smiling and so excited. It was just what you need rarely got more than two hours of sleep over those 31 after going 31 hours." hours. The team tracked where runners were with the At the finish line, Sprott told Atwood she was the Find My Friends app and only had one runner get lost. team's MVP for going above and beyond to physically That happened prepare for the event. often to other Ragnar "I felt valued and teams because the "During those long night runs you think, 'I'm appreciated. They course is largely recognized that while unmarked. tired; it's late; it's dark and a little scary.' " the race was hard for "During those everyone, I had to put long night runs you in a lot of work to be think, 'I'm tired; it's late; it's dark and a little scary.' I had able to do it. It felt pretty awesome," Atwood said. to draw on some of my past experiences and remember Buns on the Run finished first in the Women Corpo- that I've totally got this. It was also great knowing that rate/Public Service Division. The team is ready to do it at the end, all of my friends are going to be cheering for again next year. "In some ways I wish it weren't over yet," me," Atwood said. Atwood said. "I'm already looking forward to the next The different legs of the relay were rated in difficulty big adventure. It was great having something to train for, based on incline, distance and time of day. Youngblood something to look forward to and having such a great tackled the hardest leg of 13 miles with shin splints and group of people all in it together. Every time I see those only eating a single Rice Krispy Treat. Wilder ran the folks around, we can smile and have those memories." final mile of her leg beside Youngblood as a boost of That spirit of togetherness manifested in their race energy. medals that fit together like a puzzle to reveal the quote, "Kelly was amazing. There were so many great mo- "Together we can accomplish anything. We are Ragnar- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory employee ments like that with this group," Wilder said. ians." Kristin Atwood, after finishing her first leg of the Reebok Ragnar race. Photo - Michelle D'Hooge Pleasanton Police Offer Tips on Staying Safe During the Holidays

The Pleasanton Police Department responds to thefts • Keep displays full and well organized in order to see from vehicles and porch thefts more often than it would story windows, small bathroom windows and sliding glass at a glance if something is missing. doors). like. During the holiday season, responding to these calls • Keep the cash register near the front of the shop so can be particularly difficult because the loss is often an • Have a neighbor or friend watch the house when employees can monitor customers entering and exiting. gone. item meant to be given as a gift. The Pleasanton Police Make sure the cash register is inaccessible to customers. Department is asking that residents and business partners • If gone for the holidays either stop the newspaper Personal Safety: and mail or have someone pick it up daily. become active participants in enhancing crime prevention • Stay alert to surroundings and the people around you. and reducing criminal activity. • Don’t put gifts in plain view of windows or doors. • Do not leave items in a car. If left, put them in the • Make sure there is proper lighting around a house. “We value every extra set of eyes and ears on the trunk where they cannot be seen. Never leave a purse or street,” Crime Prevention Officer Monique Limon offered. Inside have lights on timers and outside motion sensors wallet behind. work well. “If an incident or activity within Pleasanton leads you to • Avoid carrying more than two credit cards and do not consider calling the police, call us” she said. During this • Maintain the yard to allow for good line of sight both carry more cash than needed. from the street and from windows and doors. holiday season the police department asks that members • When walking to the car after shopping, do not to of the public take the following crime prevention tips into • Ensure the address is clearly visible from the street or carry too many items at one time. Have at least one hand painted clearly on the curb. consideration: free, and have keys out in order to quickly get into the car. Business Security: Finally, report suspicious activity to the Pleasanton Po- • When at work try to park closely to work location, in lice Department at (925) 931-5100. Many calls for service • Keep track of customers in a store. a well-lit area and if leaving work late try to leave with • Have a notification system in place so it is known begin with a call from a resident or business owner. another person. If there are questions about this information or would when a customer enters a business. • Secure purses and wallets. Carry a purse at your side • Make contact with customers as they enter. Not only like to talk about crime prevention, feel free to contact and wallets should be put in a front pocket. Do not leave a Pleasanton Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at is it good customer service but also it lets potential shop- wallet unattended while shopping. lifters know that you are aware. (925) 931-5295 or (925) 931-5242. Home Security: • Keep windows clear of displays or signs. • Lock ALL doors and windows (this includes second December 15, 2016 • The Independent 5 'Nutcracker' Continues to Enchant Audiences

By Carol Graham performances of The Nut- good luck. These fierce hile taking cracker take place at 7 p.m. protectors bare their teeth photos in front on December 16, 17 and to evil spirits and serve as Wof the twin- 18; with 2 p.m. matinees traditional messengers of kling Christmas tree at the on December 17 and 18. goodwill. Bankhead Theater, two little Tickets cost $21 to $39. After guests depart and girls - both with dark hair "Each year the show is her family goes to bed, and shimmering dresses - slightly different, and gives Clara tiptoes back down- were unable to contain their its own twist to the story of stairs to see her treasured excitement; The Nutcracker The Nutcracker," said Nora gift. As the clock strikes would soon be starting. Emerson, 17, who wonder- midnight, Clara is startled Asked whether the girls fully dances the ethereal to see mice appearing were dancers, their father role of the Snow Queen. from all corners of the laughed. "Well," he said, as "My favorite scene to living room. She watches the youngest twirled around perform and to watch is the in amazement as soldiers him, "Lily never stops!" Land of Snow. The music is and the nutcracker come to For Lily, 4, and Cathy, beautiful, and the constant- life to battle the mice. The 11, Valley Dance Theatre's ly moving white costumes fighting reaches a climax 35th annual production of give a feeling of actually when Clara strikes the The Nutcracker would be being in the snow." Mouse King to the floor, their first time seeing the It offers a mesmeriz- and the little mice disperse. holiday classic. ing moment in a produc- The victory Clara has "It was an incredibly tion that moves between brought about transforms special experience," mom ethereal, entrancing beauty the nutcracker into a gal- Francine Sneddon said and colorful, lively energy. lant prince. Turning to her after the show. "During the Both Emerson and Jes- gratefully, the prince invites performance, I frequently sica Seu, who portrays the Clara to accompany him to peaked at my girls to see Sugar Plum Fairy, dance the Kingdom of the Sweets, their reactions. Cathy could the beloved roles with an where the Sugar Plum Fairy not tear her eyes away, abundance of skill and reigns as queen, to enjoy an while Lily imitated the bal- grace, performing the same assortment of visual treats. let gestures with her arms. choreography as profes- With its cast of talented I was surprised to see that sional dancers. performers aged 4 to 85, Lily's short attention span "This is my 14th season it may be hard to choose a could endure the long per- dancing with VDT. I started favorite character or dance. formance, but it captivated as a mouse and rosebud," Then again, it may be quite her." said Seu, 17. "Children and easy. The enchanting beauty adults of all ages are awed "My favorites were the of Tchaikovsky's The Nut- by the beauty, grace and ballerinas," said Lily who, Photo - Doug Jorgensen cracker has been weaving magic of VDT's Nutcracker in her seat, quietly danced One of the magical moments from the Valley Dance Theatre's ' Nutcracker.' its magic spell on audiences production." along with them. "They since it premiered 124 The story of The Nut- were great because they ing music, performed by to school children who year. I hope everyone who years ago at St. Petersburg's cracker, for all its fantasti- danced amazing and beauti- the gifted members of the otherwise may not have the comes to the show feels Mariinsky Theatre in 1892. cal splendor, is actually ful." Valley Dance Theatre Pit opportunity to experience like they were part of the Today, under Valley Dance quite simple: a young girl Cathy identified with Orchestra. live theater. magic and the story, just as Theatre (VDT) Artistic named Clara (portrayed young Clara, saying, "I Valley Dance Theatre's "I love being a part we get to feel when we’re Director and Choreographer with tremendous poise and liked the girl who got the mission is to bring high- of the magic and tradi- dancing." Betsy Hausburg, the legend charm by Ariana McFar- nutcracker, the Sugar Plum quality ballet performances tion each season," said To learn more or of The Nutcracker is con- lane) receives a nutcracker Fairy and Snow Queen to the Tri-Valley area, and Seu. "The Nutcracker will purchase tickets, visit tinuing to charm audiences from her mysterious uncle and their partners, and the to be a leader in keeping capture your heart just as it www.lvpac.org, or www. with an invitation to relive during a Christmas Eve nutcracker himself." the arts alive and accessible has mine." valleydancetheatre.net. the wonder of Christmas. party. According to German As much a part of the by exposing youngsters to Added Emerson, "The The Bankhead Theater is Following opening night legend, nutcrackers were on-stage spectacle is The this art form through spe- Nutcracker is a vital part of located at 2400 First Street on December 10, upcoming given as keepsakes to bring Nutcracker's spellbind- cial performances offered my Christmas season every in Livermore.

6 The Independent • December 15, 2016 Dublin Taking Nominations The City of Dublin is accepting nominations for the Wine Finds for the Holidays 2016 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Organization of the Year. by Laura Ness vibe in the barn was mellow but spirited, as assistant The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstand- ne of the best parts of Holidays in the Vine- winemaker, Chris, led us through the impressive lineup ing individuals and groups who have contributed to the yard is seeing all the attendees dressed up in of whites and reds, while Phil filled us in on the various quality of life in Dublin in 2016. The Young Citizen of their holiday gear, including blinking neck- challenges of harvest 2016. One of the best wines of the the Year recognizes the volunteer service of a Dublin O youth in the 1st – 12th grade. laces, reindeer antlers and fancy socks, bearing gifts for day was the barrel sample of the first ever “non-pink” Nominations for the awards are based on five es- Toys for Tots. By the look of the bins in many tasting 2016 Pinot Gris, which is one of the more truly Alsatian tablished criteria: the Dublin Integrity in Action’s ten rooms, the effort bore prodigious fruit, as some were expressions of this grape ever to come from Buttner characteristics (i.e. Responsibility, Respectfulness, Caring, actually overflowing. Vineyard in Sunol. Phil explained he made this at the Giving, Positive Attitude, Trustworthiness, Coopera- The annual event is hosted by the Livermore Valley request of a distributor, who found many of his accounts tion, Doing One’s Best, Honesty, and Self-Discipline); Winegrowers Association. unaccustomed to the concept of a pink wine that is not originality and uniqueness of the activity/project; overall According to many of the wineries, Saturday was a rosé. This pure PG effort will certainly pay off, as it is relevance and importance to the Dublin community; time a huge turnout day, with lots of donations and a brisk not only a beauty, but a classic execution. and effort spent; and challenge(s) in accomplishing the retail business, while Sunday was very mellow, with a The 2015 Pinot Blanc, recently released to the wine activity/project. less boisterous crowd, but strong sales nonetheless. The Club, is also a first class winner: tantalizingly aromatic, All nominees will be recognized at the Volunteer atmosphere was festive, without being overwhelming, perfectly textural and poised, with just the right amount Recognition Event to be held at the Shannon Commu- nity Center on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, where the especially at Concannon Vineyards, where we began our of polish. Connie and I were also impressed with the winners will be announced. The Organization of the Year foray in the Holidays in the Vineyard. 2014 Chardonnay, 100% barrel-fermented in French will receive a $500 cash prize, and a $300 donation will Underdog Wine Bar’s menu continues to explore oak, for a fruit-forward expression of Livermore, with be given to each of the Citizen and Young Citizen of the new territory, and the quality and presentation are better aromas that bundle heady orchard fruit like yellow Year’s favorite non-profit organization. than ever. Highly recommended are the imported olive peaches, with white fig and pineapple, leading to a Nominations can be completed online at the City’s appetizer, housemade potato chips with truffle dip, the creamy, lush palate of French toast stuffed with apricot website, www.dublin.ca.gov/vre, or by calling the City shrimp salad with a kick of spice, and the heirloom car- and peach jam. This is a winner for those who like the Clerk’s Office at (925) 833-6650. The nomination dead- rot salad with frisee, toasted pepitas, shaved fennel and richness of oak, without the annoying taste of burnt line is Friday, January 13, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. a yogurt dressing with just a hint of cumin, perfect for a beignets or worse, pencil shavings. winter day. When our server asked if we were celebrat- Another winner of a wine is the 2015 Lake County ing a birthday and we nodded in the affirmative, he Muscat Canelli, a good substitute for those who want Lab Annouces Record $3.8 brought a split of Cupcake prosecco, which was a sweet the spice and fruit notes of Riesling and Gewurztra- gesture. miner, which are in short supply around Livermore. Million Going to Charity Concannon had an excellent selection of vendors This wine delivers bountiful apricot, orange blossom, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory employ- staged in the library room, including handmade bags, tangerine zest and jasmine aromas, with the perfect zing ees, along with Lawrence Livermore National Security quilted totes and lovingly detailed purses by Carolina of acid to balance the perception of sweet orchard ripe (LLNS), LLC, will donate a record $3.8 million to chari- Duran-Johnson of Oh! Sunnyslope. She has a shop on flavors that sing with citrus peel on the finish. table organizations. etsy and can be reached at [email protected]. In the red wine department, Longevity has plenty of Laboratory employees pledged $2.8 million through The atmosphere was bright and festive, setting the stage entries, with the bright and uplifting 2013 Sangiovese payroll deduction via the annual employee giving pro- for a day of exploration. begging for lasagna or spaghetti with meatballs – is gram, the Helping Others More Effectively (HOME) The event bore fruit on many other levels as well, there anything more basically satisfying than that? For Campaign, the most money raised in the 42 years of the HOME Campaign. One hundred percent of the funds do- with discoveries of new wines to add to the growing list those planning to serve a prime rib roast for the holi- nated go directly to agencies that are selected by employ- of reasons to encourage your friends to go wine tasting days, the 2010 Philosophy is really showing beautifully ees. in the Livermore Valley. My friend Connie hadn’t been right now, although it still has plenty of miles to go. A LLNS, which manages the Laboratory for the U.S. out to Les Chenes in a while, so we ventured out, where blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc and Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Admin- we were treated to Candice’s carefully curated wine and Malbec, it shows how these varieties come together in istration, will add $1 million in prorated matching funds to cheese experience: the Champagne cheddar cheese is perfect harmony to perform a rousing Hallelujah chorus, augment employee donations, increasing the contribution outstanding with the Viognier, which is not your typi- when they are all on key. value to a record $3.8 million. cal execution of the same. As always, her mustards are The folks at Cuda Ridge were in a festive mood, with More than 1,600 employees (25 percent) participated fantastic gifts, with the Horseradish being particularly toy bins overflowing with generosity and music making this year, to benefit more than 1,200 community/nonprofit spunky and great with brisket, bratwurst or on a ham merry. Margie in her red cap was pouring the latest 2014 agencies in the Tri-Valley, Greater Bay Area, San Joaquin and swiss sandwich on swirl rye. Cabernet Franc, which is incense-laden and taut, along County and beyond. It was on to Bodegas Aguirre, where they were pour- with the 2014 Petit Verdot, which has the measure of the Bill Goldstein, LLNS president and director of the ing two vintages of the Castello Bianco, which is the varietal in its graphite and dark licorice underpinnings Laboratory, commented, "I am thrilled that we hit a record Doctor’s white wine blend of Sauv Blanc, Semillon and and corduroy velvet tannins that make it such a standout $3.8 million in charitable donations - donations that will Chardonnay. The 2013 is leaner, with brighter acid and at holidy parties. The true Christmas surprise though, undoubtedly make a positive impact in our local and more Sauv Blanc character, while the 2014 is a bit more was the outstanding 2013 Black Label Cabernet Sauvi- surrounding communities. My sincere thanks to all those creamy and oaky from the Chardonnay. The whites are gnon, probably Larry’s most well-built and structurally who contribute their time, energy and money to those who worth the trip, but the reds are equally well executed, ambitious 100% Cabernet yet. He usually expects this to need it most." as in the past. A standout here is the 2013 Merlot, a big be the more California style of his Cab efforts, but this Since 2009, the Lab's HOME Campaign, which runs wine with just the right amount of fruit, and plenty of one surprised him, in a good way. It’s like when you ask from the last Thursday in October through the first Friday plush depth. All the wines, including the 2012 Estate Santa for what seems like an outlandish request, and lo in December, has raised more than $3 million annually (including the annual LLNS $1 million match) with a total Trio and 2013 Malbec, were first rate. and behold, it actually comes to pass. amount raised of more than $33 million overall in the last Our journey next took us to Longevity, where the May all your Christmas wishes come true. decade. December 15, 2016 • The Independent 7 Whiskey to Be Made from Wheat Grown On Site

he Reinstein bringing back America’s to only two families since His son Henry Reinstein, family in Liver- first whiskey made from 1853, the Martins and the bought Thomas Carneal's Tmore is taking a wheat grown in our gold Reinsteins. In 1884, Fred- ranch and home, expanding page out of the history of medal winning fields." erick Reinstein, came from the ranch to include its cur- the Reinstein Ranch that A Kickstarter campaign Denmark and purchased a rent location. includes wheat and whiskey will be launched to help large portion of the property In 1900, the Ranch took by launching a distillery. finance plans to produce on Finley Road, adjacent top honors in Paris, France According to Christianna whiskey made from wheat to the legendary "Jackass at the World’s Fair with Reinstein, the Ranch goes grown at the ranch. Watch Canyon," where during the Grand Prix gold medal back to the bootlegging for the announcement at prohibition, local ranchers for wheat. The Reinstein days. "We are working now https://www.facebook.com/ made bootleg whiskey in family points out that wheat to carry on the tradition of Reinstein-Ranch-Distill- Northern California using was the original grain from distilling here with wheat ing-1672690733044697/ the clear natural spring and which all early American that is grown on-site. We’re The ranch has belonged the world's finest wheat. whiskey was made, way be- fore corn gave Bourbon its sweet taste and long before Whiskey is aging in barrels. Rye ever found its way into a mash bill. "The beauty of wheat is that it stands right which was a bootlegging easy to imagine armed sen- in the middle between the hotbed. It was necessary tries above the canyon on sweet notes of Bourbon to pass directly in front the lookout for Prohibition and the spicy notes of Rye of great-great grandfather agents and robbers.” whiskey." Frederick Reinstein’s ranch The Mediterranean cli- Discovery Channel, and his Queen Anne Victo- mate affords only dry land CNN, National Geographic rian home to get there, there farming. Which is why the and Myth Busters have all were no shortcuts. resident agriculturist (Zack) filmed on site. The Morning Side of uses carefully selected The whiskey business Mount Diablo by author drought tolerant wheat seed will be 100% family owned Anne Marshall Homan to help ensure a great crop. and operated. The team includes such information One of the last of the consists of 4th generation as, “During Prohibition, old-timers said of Zack’s dad Thom, 5th generation many hardscrabble ranch- wheat crop, “Your grandfa- son Zack, daughter Chris- ers always strapped for ther was a talented farmer. tianna and her husband, ready cash - set up stills If he were still here he Albrecht. Right now, the and secretly made liquor would agree that your 2016 whiskey making takes besides their traditional wheat crop was one of the place under the watchful wine. One such spot, named best this soil ever pro- eye of master distiller Ryan by the local residents, duced.” Sutherland at award-win- 'Jackass Canyon' makes The Reinsteins work ning Sutherland Distilling for interesting exploration. with Sutherland Distilling, just 5 minutes away in Jackass is slang for whiskey where six different barrels Livermore. (because it allegedly had a using different grain blends "Many popular whis- bite like a mule and a kick have been distilled to de- key brands are from the like a horse). On the Park termine which tasted best. exact same source, which map, but challenging to get Resident chemical physi- means they are all made at to, the history of Jackass cist, Albe, asked myriad, the same generic, mega- Canyon has slowly been detailed questions and took distillery. Their stories have uncovered through periodic scrupulous notes on each no actual connection to finds of distilling equip- barrel in order to be able to the whiskey in the bottle. ment.” duplicate the process. However, our story is Mountain Lore by The Kickstarter cam- based on verifiable histori- authors Rich McDrew and paign launch will be an- cal records," according to Rachel Haislet states, "Dur- nounced soon. information on a website. ing the Prohibition years, Information can The Reinsteins say the bootleggers (made) jackass be found at https:// story starts with “Jackass whiskey that sold for ap- www.facebook.com/ Canyon,” a destination on proximately $5 a gallon in Reinstein-Ranch-Distill- the maps of the East Bay the 1920s. If you’re familiar ing-1672690733044697/ or Albrecht, Christianna, and Zach are hands-on in operation. Regional Parks District, with Jackass Canyon, it’s @reinsteinranch 8 The Independent • December 15, 2016 ART & ENTERTAINMENT

ART/PHOTO EXHIBITS Avenue. Donations appreciated. 216-7231 or thomasin_d@hotmail. MUSIC/CONCERTS shakes.org/ 16, 17 and 18. Bankhead Theater, Livermore Art Association Gallery, Tri-Valley Traveling Artists showing com or visit http://childrensart- Blacksmith Square, music every Sat- Playwrights' Theater, Eugene 2400 First Street, Livermore. www. located in the Carnegie Building, of paintings and photographs from classesprojects.blogspot.com/ urday 3 to 6 p.m. in the courtyard, O'Neill's play, Dynamo, staged bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. offers art classes, unusual gifts, recent travels at the Livermore Civic Art Classes, For children, teens and 21 South Livermore Ave., Livermore. reading Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 8 painting rentals, art exhibits and Center Library Gallery, December adults. Beginner to advanced. Draw- Chris Bradley's Jazz Band appears at 2 p.m. Museum of San Ramon OPERA information pertaining to the art 1-30. Artists reception will be held ing, painting, printmaking, sculpture regularly at: The Castle Rock Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. 25th Anniversary Celebration, field, 2155 Third St., Livermore. The from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 10 and ceramics taught by highly Restaurant in Livermore/on Portola Tickets at www.eugeneoneill.org or Livermore Valley Opera, 5 p.m. gallery has been open since 1974 at the Library. 1188 So. Livermore experienced artist and art instructor, Avenue-- the 2nd Tuesday each 820-1818. January 28 at The Club at Ruby Hill. and is run as a co-op by local art- Avenue. For information, call 373- Thomasin Dewhurst. Weekday and month from 7:30-9:30--Dance floor, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tri-Valley Concert of music including your ists. Hours are Wed.-Sun. 11:30-4 5500. weekend classes, Home school full bar, small cover. . Repertory Theater production, week- favorite arias. Following the concert, p.m. For information call 449-9927. California Watercolor Association classes, Special classes dur- David Benoit, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. ends Jan. 14-29, 2017. Bankhead three course dinner. Live auction and Members of the Pleasanton Art 47th National Exhibition, January ing school breaks offered. (925) Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. a two surprising raffle items. www. League Public Art Circuit are 14 to February 25, 2017, Harrington 216-7231 or email thomasin_d@ Livermore. www.bankheadtheater. 373-6800 or www.bankheadtheater. livermorevalleyopera.com currently exhibiting art at six busi- Gallery, Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 hotmail.com for further info. org or 373-6800. org. nesses in the Pleasanton - Dublin Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Opening Piano and keyboard lessons, For An Irish Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. Anything Goes, Pacific Coast MISCELLANEOUS Area. Viewing locations are: Bank reception, 1-3 p.m. Sat., Jan. 14. . children to adult. Beginner to early 22. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Repertory Theatre, Jan. 28-Feb. 12. Hagemann Ranch Open House. Tours of America at 337 Main Street, Eighty works by accomplished na- intermediate level. Half-hour private St., Livermore. www.bankheadthe- Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad of the 140+ year old ranch and Pleasanton; Pleasanton Chamber tional artists will be on view. www. classes or small group classes ater.org or 373-6800. Ave., Pleasanton. 931-4848, www. free, family friendly seasonal activi- of Commerce at 777 Peters Street, firehousearts.org offered. Twice-yearly recitals. (925) New Year’s Eve with the Four Fresh- firehousearts.org. ties. The last Sunday of each month, Pleasanton; Sallman, Yang, & 216-7231 or email thomasin_d@ men, 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Bankhead 1-4 PM. Go to www.livermorehistory. Alameda CPA's at 4900 Hopyard MEETINGS/CLASSES hotmail.com for further info. Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. COMEDY com for the monthly program. 455 Road, Pleasanton; US Bank at 749 Show and Tell, Artists are invited to PPL/Pleasanton Poetry League, www.bankheadtheater.org or 373- Free Comedy Show every Thursday Olivina Ave., Livermore. Main Street, Pleasanton; Edward a monthly function at the Bothwell now meeting the 1st Thursday and 6800. at Sanctuary from 7:30-9pm in the Political Issues Book Club meets Jones at 6601 Dublin Boulevard, Arts Center, called “Show & Tell. 4th 3rd Wednesday of each month Rhapsody and Rhythm: The Skylight Room at Sanctuary, 2369 the 4th Tuesday of each month, and Dublin; and The Bagel Street Café Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. 7:00 at The Corner Bakery Cafe in Gershwin Experience, 8 p.m. Jan. First St. in Livermore. reads books about issues and trends at 6762 Bernal Avenue Pleasanton. at the Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 Pleasanton. Join us as we challenge 7. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., The Big Fat Year-End Kiss-Off that are driving current affairs If interested in becoming a member Eighth St., Livermore. Artists bring ourselves to poetically relay our Livermore. www.bankheadtheater. Comedy Show XXIV: Firehouse Arts in both the national and interna- of the Pleasanton Art League or for finished or unfinished work to show thoughts, emotions and experiences org or 373-6800. Center in Pleasanton, Wednesday, tional arenas. Topics that have been information regarding the Public and if desired, receive a critique through poetry. Become a member & Happy Birthday Elvis starring Jim December 28, 8:00 p.m. Celebration covered include politics, governance, Art Circuit, call John Trimingham at from the group. Refreshments are share your work - Contact PoetryOn- Anderson, 2 p.m. Jan. 8. Firehouse of the good, the bad, and the ugly of economics, military affairs, history, (510) 877-8154. brought by some of the artists, [email protected] for more info on Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., 2016. Stand-up, improvisation and sociology, science, the climate, and Bryce Beecher’s “Natural Influ- and a donation of $5.00 is desired Theme Challenges, Membership & Pleasanton. 931-4848, www. loosely written sketches mock, scoff religion. Contact Rich at 872-7923, ences” art exhibit hangs at Cuda although not mandatory. Contact Opportunities. firehousearts.org. and taunt with taste. Starring politi- for further questions Ridge Winery through December for this event is D’Anne Miller at Ukulele Circle, Meetings held the The Sweet Remains, soulful folk cal satirist Will Durst, Debi Durst, We’re Talkin’ Books! Club is a 31st, 2016. 2400 Arroyo Road in [email protected], or Linda last Saturday from 12 noon-1 p.m. sounds, 8 p.m. January 14. Michael Bossier, Johnny Steele, Mari member-centered book group led by Livermore. Regular winery hours are Ryan at LRyan@Livermoreperform- at Galina’s Music Studio located at Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Magaloni and Arthur Gaus. (PG-13) a small group of book club veterans, 12-4:30 Fri.-Sun.; open by appt. at ingarts.org 1756 First St., Livermore. Confirm Ave., Pleasanton. www.firehouse- Reserved seating tickets are $20.00, with reading selections based on 510-304-0914. ACC/Art Critique & Coffee, Discuss participation by calling (925) 960- arts.org or 931-4848. $25.00, $30.00; available at www. member recommendations and Color, Line, Content, a show by the and share work with Profes- 1194 or via the website at www. Timothy B. Schmit – Live in Con- firehousearts.org, 925-931-4848 consensus. No homework required– artists of Show & Tell, Berkshire sional Artists in sketching, painting, GalinasMusicStudio.com. Beginners cert, Legendary Eagle and Member [Call: 925-931-4848] , or at the share your insights or just listen in! Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale exhibiting and marketing your work. are welcome. Bring some music to of Poco. 8 p.m. Jan. 20. Bankhead center Box Office, 4444 Railroad Contact Nancy Tingstrom Turner at Properties, 1983 Second Street, ACC members currently working on share with the group. Ukuleles are Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Avenue, Pleasanton. [email protected]. Livermore. The group includes exhibiting theme works, under the available for purchase. Small $10 www.bankheadtheater.org or 373- Tom Papa, 8 p.m. Jan. 27. Bankhead Storied Nights: An Evening of Spoken painters; photographers; sculptors; Inspiration of "The Artist's Edge /The fee to cover meeting costs. 6800. Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Word. 2nd Thursday of each month. printmakers; artists who draw, Edge of Art & Chosen Pathways." www.bankheadtheater.org or 373- Features local authors reading their etch or create collages; artists who Meets and Critiques Friday mornings WINE & SPIRITS ON THE STAGE 6800. work 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Peet's Coffee tool leather or make jewelry and in Pleasanton. PoetryOnCanvas@ Winter Soltice Celebration at Getting to Know: The Sound of and Tea, 152 So. Livermore Ave., wearable art; and others. The public Mac.Com Charles R Vineyards, Late dawn. Music: Family musical theater MOVIES Livermore. Sponsored by LVPAC may view the show weekdays, 9 Figure Drawing Workshop, every Early sunset. Long night. In the performed by local youth. December The Classic Film Series, Pleasanton and Peet's. Information go to http:// a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 30. Friday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Northern Hemisphere, the December 9 through 18. Fridays and Saturdays Library will feature a range of facebook.com/StoriedNights For information about the show, Artists bring their own materials soltice marks the longest night and at 7:30 p.m.; matinees Saturdays genres. “On the Islands,” themed An Evening with Booker T. Washing- or to schedule a showing during and easels. Open to all artists. shortest day of the year. Meanwhile, and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. All films will be shown the first Thurs- ton: Tuesday, January 17th, 7pm. Ed non-business hours, contact Cher Professional artist models (nude). the Southern Hemisphere has its performances at the Amador Theater day of each month through June Kinney Speakers Series. All events Wollard at [email protected] or No instructor. Students under 18 longest day and shortest night. Join in Pleasanton, 1155 Santa Rita 2017. 6:30 p.m. at the Pleasanton are general seating at the Firehouse 925-784-4679. For information need written parental permission us in the tasting room Saturday, De- Road. Presented by Civic Arts Stage Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, about Show & Tell, contact Miller at to attend. Cost $20 per session. cember 17th 11:30am - 4:30pm and Company in partnership with Bay Avenue. Free admission. Everyone is Pleasanton, CA 94566. Tickets are [email protected]. Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 8th St., raise a glass. Also very good time Area Children’s Theater. Reserved welcome to attend. Some films are $15 General Admission, $10 Seniors Special Art Exhibit at Firehouse Livermore. Coffee, tea and refresh- to stock up on wine for your holiday seating tickets: $12, $15, $18; Child mature in content and may not be (65+) / Students (with valid ID), $7 Arts Center: Through December ments are available. Call or e-mail gatherings and hostess gifts. 8195 or Senior: $7, $10, $13. Tickets suitable for children. For more infor- Members. Tickets may be purchased 17: Abstract Bay Area cityscapes is Barbara Stanton for more info about Crane Ridge Road, Livermore. available at www.firehousearts.org, mation or assistance, please contact online at www.museumonmain.org, the theme of collage artist Belinda the workshop, 925-373-9638 - Las Positas Vineyards, Livermore, 925-931-4848, or at the Firehouse the Pleasanton Public Library at at Museum on Main during regular Lima’s vibrant works, depicting [email protected]. Saturday and Sunday December Arts Center Box Office, 4444 Rail- (925) 931-3400, extension 4. Visit operating hours or by phoning the the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Preschool Art classes: Thursday 17th & 18th special featured Holiday road Avenue, Pleasanton. www.pleasantonlibrary.org for a list museum at (925) 462-2766. and other iconic locations. Regular mornings 9:45 – 10:45. Children Cheesecake Cupcake & Wine Pairing Holiday Celebration, Wednesday, of films and more information. Ross Stein, Rae Dorough Speaker gallery hours: Wednesday, Thursday, aged 3-5 are welcome to join this Flight. Tasting Room hours are December 21st, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Series, Scientist: “Earthquakes; Friday from 12:00-5:00 p.m.; class. Classes cover drawing, paint- 11:30am-4:30pm, for more informa- Livermore Shakespeare Festival art- DANCE Prediction & Consequences.” 7:30 Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Har- ing, print-making, sculpture and tion or questions, email curt@ ists will offer a staged reading of a The Nutcracker 2016, Valley Dance p.m. Jan. 24. Bankhead Theater, rington Gallery at the Firehouse Arts ceramics. For further information, laspositasvineyards.com holiday classic. Whirl on the Square, Theatre accompanied by the Valley 2400 First Street, Livermore. www. Center in Pleasanton, 4444 Railroad contact Thomasin Dewhurst at (925) downtown Livermore. livermore- Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra. Dec. bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. December 15, 2016 • The Independent 9

Livermore Author's Book Among Readers' Faviorite "She Dies at the End" she continues to write by A.M. Manay is a Bronze intelligent fantasy with a Medal Winner in the Fic- Bay Area sensibility. She tion - Supernatural category says that she is commit- in the Readers' Favorite ted to representing the rich 2016 International Book diversity of the region, and Award Contest." she delights in portraying The 2016 Readers' strong heroines who save Favorite International Book themselves while protect- Award Contest featured ing the communities and thousands of contestants friends they defend. from over a dozen coun- According to Reader's tries. Favorite reviewer Romuald In addition to reviewing Dzemo, "She Dies at the some of the biggest names End features a character in the literary industry, as that readers will easily well as first-time indepen- sympathize with, but they dent authors, they host a use her gift to help protect will love the multilayered respected award contest the innocent from the sins conflict and the neat and featuring entries from new of the guilty. She further beautiful prose even more. authors, best-sellers, and contends with new friend- If you’re a fan of fantasy, Troop 33629 - Hana Spelts has earned her Cadette Girl Scout Silver Award. Hana loves celebrities alike. ships, first loves, agonizing then this book is a great Sycamore Grove park and she teamed up with her project advisor, Ranger Amy Wolitzer, She Dies at the End (No- betrayal, and mortal peril as adventure." to come up with a Silver Award Project. Sycamore Grove staff installed a Native Plant vember Snow Book 1), set she comes to terms with her She Dies at the End has Garden in the park. Hana researched all the different flowers and plants in the garden. largely in San Francisco's gift and her destiny. also been selected as a Fi- She created two binders with all the plant information and a map showing the location East Bay, is the story of a Author A.M. Manay nalist in the 2016 Indepen- young psychic drawn into is a longtime resident of dent Author Network Book of each plant. One binder for ranger staff and the other binder for the public to use. a world of vampires and Livermore, and the pub- of the Year Awards. Hana used several resources to construct her books. The pages include plant/flower fairies existing alongside lished author of three books For additional informa- name, Latin name, plant family, bloom time and complete description and care for our own society. Know- in the November Snow tion, see https://readersfa- each plant and flower. Also in most cases how the Ohlone Indians used the plants in ing she is doomed to die Series. Currently finish- vorite.com/book-review/ their everyday lives. Hana took pictures where she could but most of the plants and an early and violent death, ing up the final installment she-dies-at-the-end flowers won't be established until the following spring. Hana and Ranger Amy will the protagonist strives to of November's adventure, host a Junior Girl Scout Flower Badge workshop next spring at Sycamore Grove Park. County Artsfund Taking Applications The Alameda County from 5:30 – 7:00pm at the in Alameda County. Arts Commission will be Robert Livermore Com- Further details are avail- accepting applications munity Center in Liver- able within the ARTS- for the 2017 ARTSFUND more; Wednesday, January FUND Grants Program Grants Program for Alam- 18 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 Guidelines and Online eda County-based nonprofit p.m. at the Fremont Main Application available at the organizations. Standard Library in Fremont; and Arts Commission website grants awards are $1,000 Thursday, January 19 from www.acgov.org/arts or con- - $2,000 each. The applica- 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the tact the Alameda County tion deadline is March 1, Alameda County Lakeside Arts Commission by email Plaza Building in Oakland. [email protected] 2017. Workshops are free, The ARTSFUND Grants open to the public. No or phone at (510) 208-9646. Program supports all types reservation is required. The of arts programming such workshop information is as dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual also featured in a new In- arts, and multidisciplinary formational Video available TRAVEL arts programs presented online at www.youtube. in Alameda County by com/user/AlamedaCounty- Alameda County nonprofit Arts. BUG SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in organizations. Funding for the ARTS- North America, officially announced on 12/6/16 that Livermore Valley Senior Living was The Arts Commis- FUND Grants Program is Luxury Travel selected as a SeniorAdvisor.com Best of 2017 Award Winner. This award recognizes sion staff will host three provided by the County free workshops to assist of Alameda, individual senior living and home care providers who receive consistently high ratings and (925) 447-4300 organizations in preparing contributions submitted In Downtown Livermore positive reviews from residents, families, and visitors. This designation is awarded their grant applications. with County property tax 2269 Third Street to the top 2 percent of providers nationwide. Workshops will be held payments, and donations to travelbuglivermore.com on Wednesday, January 4 the Foundation for the Arts 10 The Independent • December 15, 2016 BULLETIN BOARD

(Organizations wishing to run notices with helping hands. (Those planning to loves all things Italian is invited to meet to in Bulletin Board, send information to PO stay all day should bring a bag lunch.) celebrate the Italian heritage with monthly Box 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care Always accepting cheerful cotton fabric dinner meetings and holding charitable of Bulletin Board or email information to donations. Those who can’t make the events. The group supports Children's Hos- [email protected]. Include name Sew-Fest but would like to sew, arrange pital research, college scholarships and of organization, meeting date, time, place for kits that can be sews at home. Ques- other charities. For information, contact and theme or subject. Phone number and tions? Suzanne Beck, 925-352-8447 or Judy Wellbeloved, president, 462-2487. contact person should also be included. [email protected] Livermore TOPS 1285 (Take Off Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) Meals on Wheels Volunteers are Pounds Sensibly), meets in Livermore at Widowed Men and Women of needed to deliver fresh meals to home- the Vineyard Village Clubhouse, 37 Pacific Northern CA, Dec. 18, 1 p.m. lunch in bound seniors in Livermore or Pleasanton Ave, on Thursdays 9:15-11 a.m. Informa- Livermore, RSVP by Dec. 15 to Marilyn, one day per week, Monday-Friday between tion, contact Barbara at 447-7133 or Katie 583-5829. Dec. 31, 1 p.m. celebrate early 10am-12pm. For more information, please at 373-9976. in San Ramon, RSVP by Dec. 28 to Gloria, call (925)483-1989. Ravenswood Historical Site, 2647 846-8320. Grief Workshop - Stepping Stones on Arroyo Road, Livermore, Docents in 1890s BSA Troop 900 Christmas Tree Your Grief Journey. Join us bi-monthly. St. costumes give free guided tours beginning Lot - The troop's annual fund raiser is a Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge at noon, on the second and fourth Sundays Christmas Tree Lot located at the corner of Dr. Pleasanton; Second and Fourth Thurs- of the month. Each tour includes the 1885 Hillcrest and East Ave. is open 9AM-9PM day evenings at 7:30pm, Dec. 22, Jan. Cottage and the 1891 Main House, and on weekends, 5PM-9PM Monday-Friday. 12, 26 and Feb. 9, 23. No pre-registration the beautifully landscaped grounds. For Three types of 6’-7’ trees are available is necessary. These sessions are open to information on the Ravenswood Progress ranging in price from $42-$64. Tree stands all, regardless of religious affiliation. Call League (RPL) or the volunteer Docent and mistletoe are available, too. Help Eleanor Flatley at 925-846-8708 for more Program, please call the Docent Coordina- support Troop 900 by purchasing a tree at information. tor at (925) 443-0238. their Christmas Tree Lot this year. Learn Scottish country dancing in Sons in Retirement (SIR) is a social Livermore Community Blood Livermore: lively reels and jigs and grace- group of retired men who join together to Drive: Friday, December 16, 1-7 p.m., ful strathspeys that are the traditional better enjoy their leisure time. Activities Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 social dance of Scotland. Classes are include golf, bridge, photography, travel, The National Charity League, Inc. Livermore Chapter is looking for members. National East Avenue. Every single day, Bay Area Mondays 8:00 to 9:30 pm at the Livermore fishing, biking, wine tasting, and technol- Charity League, Inc., the oldest and largest mother-daughter volunteer organization in hospitals need over 300 units of blood Veteran’s Hall, 522 South L Street, Liver- ogy. The Tri-Valley Branch serves men the nation, gives mothers and daughters unique opportunities to strengthen their bond to keep sick and injured patients alive. more. No prior dance experience required. living in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Come donate, bring a friend or family Call Margaret Ward at (925) 449-5932 or and San Ramon. The group meets for while growing together, sharing of themselves and improving their communities. It is member to the drive and give the gift of Sheena MacQueen at (925) 447-1833 for lunch on the first Thursday of each month the only nonprofit national organization committed to fostering the mother-daughter life. Register at www.redcrossblood.org more information. Youth class (ages 8 and at the San Ramon Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest and use ASBURY925 as the Sponsor Code, up): contact Sheena MacQueen (925)447- Lane, San Ramon. Please read more about relationship through philanthropic, leadership and cultural activities together and or call Thomas Petty at 925-980-8164 for 1833 for info. the Tri-Valley SIR at www.trivalleysir.org with their peers. To be eligible for membership in the NCL Chapter, daughters must more information. Rotary Club of Livermore Valley and the Statewide SIR at www.sirinc.org/. reside or go to school in Livermore and be entering 7th - 10th grade for 2017-2018 Girls Night Out Networking Kicks invites interested individuals to attend its For information or to attend a meeting, call Off 2017 in Dublin, Jan. 9, 5 to 7 p.m. morning meeting. Meetings are held every Carl Churilo, 925-967-8177. school year. For more information, contact Kirsten Sprott, [email protected] Coco Cabana Restaurant, 4500 Tassajara Tuesday at 7am in Beeb’s Sports Bar & Sons in Retirement (SIR) is a group Road, Suite C, Dublin. Must RSVP/pre- Grill at the Las Positas Golf Course, 915 for retired men who seek activities to en- pay. www.gnon.org/monthly-mixer.html. Club House Drive, Livermore. For more hance their retirement. Monthly meetings Questions: 925-487-4748; Cost: $10/ information, go to www.livermoreval- feature lunch and an interesting speaker. Girl Scout Brownies members; $15/non members GNON is leyrotary.org/ or contact Fred Quarter- Men have the opportunity to learn about are learning the true an all-women’s networking group that man at 925-337-5342 or Deb Tacker at and join activities such as hiking, bridge, gathers once a month (first Monday’s of 925-447-1135. investment, bowling, bocce ball and wood meaning of taking care the month) for the purpose of informal and Del Valle Folk Dancers: beginning carving. There is also a neat group of guys of the community. Girl fun networking. and experienced dancers are welcome. to get to know. SIR Branch #121 meets Crab Feed, The Livermore High Balkan, Israeli and other world dances, on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Scout Troop 33632, led by School Alumni Assoc. is having its 5th easy line and circle dances, no partners DoubleTree Hotel, Las Flores Road (near BaBette Munoz and Kim Annual Fundraising Crab Feed on Sat. required, casual dress. $3 per session Bluebell Drive), Livermore, at 11:30. Any Feltham along with Cresta March 18, 2017 in celebration of the 125th (first time free). Tuesdays 7:30-9:30 p.m. retired man is welcome to drop by to Anniversary of Livermore High School. 6 - at the Bothwell Arts Center (West end), learn about your opportunities. For more Blanca and Girl Scouts 10 pm at the Robert Livermore Community 2466 8th Street, Livermore. Information: information check our website: branch121. Norcal, completed a Center. Ticket prices: $55.00/person. See George Pavel (925) 447-8020 or george. sirinc2.org or email Neal Cavanaugh at blanket drive and were able www.livermorehighalumni.com for current [email protected] [email protected] (put “SIR” in the information or call Ray: 925-548-8817 Square dancing for all ages 8 years subject line). to collect approximately World Healing Day, December 31 and up Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm American Legion Post 47 in 60 blankets to give to the known as World Healing Day, and also at Del Valle High, 2253 5th Street, Livermore is looking for veterans in the World Peace Day. Unity of Tri-Valley church Livermore. Families and friends welcome. Livermore area who are interested in Livermore Valley Homeless will participate in meditating for world September classes free to new dancers. performing community service for young Coalition. "Our girls were healing and peace at 4:00 a.m. in the Questions? Margaret 925-447-6980 or people and promoting veterans affairs. very touched by the stories sanctuary at 7567 Amador Valley Blvd., [email protected] Interested veterans will meet with other Suite 108, Dublin. The theme this year is Writing Club for Young Adults. age like-minded veterans for camaraderie and they heard of people in Many Hands Make Light Work. Following 13 through 21 will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 support of veteran’s causes. The American need and wanted to help the meditation at Unity of Tri-Valley, a pm on December 15, 2016. Livermore Legion is the largest federally chartered breakfast potluck will be served. Those Civic Center Library, 1188 South Livermore veteran’s organization that is the veterans in some small way" stated able to attend the potluck, are asked to Avenue, Livermore. The club is free and no lobby and voice to congress. The Liver- leader BaBette Munoz. contact Pam Boyer at 510-386-1113. All registration is required. Led by published more American Legion Post 47 meets the These girls are learning are welcome. Young Adult author, J.L. Powers. For more second and fourth Monday of each month Dress a Girl Around the World, an information, visit Teen Space page on the at 6:30 PM at the Veterans Memorial at an early age how invitation to make simple dresses for girls library’s website: www.livermorelibrary. Building, 522 South L Street, Livermore. important it is to help their in third world countries. Next Sew-Fest net, or contact Teen Services Librarian Enter the building from the ramp on the is Sat., January 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 Jennifer Mosel at 925-373-5576. 5th Street side. For more information go community. Approximately p.m. at St. Augustine Hall, 3999 Bernal Italian Catholic Federation, meets to http://www.calegion.org/ or contact Bill 30 girls from Livermore Ave., Pleasanton. Help is needed sewing, 3rd Friday of the month, 6 p.m. St. Bergmann at calegion.post47@gmail. participated in the drive. service projects planned Kiley, Payton, Addie and ironing, cutting. Bring sewing machine or Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 4001 com or (925) 443-2330 or Roy Warner at serger, iron, ironing board, scissors, along Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Anyone who 925-449-6048. This is the first of many by the Brownies: Taliyah, Sydney. December 15, 2016 • The Independent 11 BULLETIN BOARD

Pleasanton Lions Club welcomes to residents of Southern Alameda County. Jewish Learning, Prayer and Community St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 3350 offers a friendly congregation where all ister. All are welcome. Children's program visitors to come experience a great time The Tri-Valley office is located at 3311 in the Tri-Valley. 3400 Nevada Court, Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, Services are welcome, no matter where they are on available. Ongoing groups and activities. while making a difference in our commu- Pacific Avenue, Livermore 94550 and can Pleasanton. Information 931-1055. Rabbi on Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. their faith journey. Sunday worship is at www.trivalleyunity.org (925.829.2733). nity & beyond. Dinner meetings every 2nd be reached by phone at (925) 371-1531, Dr. Laurence Milder, www.bethemek.org. Children’s Sunday School & Chapel at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. with childcare and GraceWay Church will worship at 10 & 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm. by FAX at (925) 373-5034 or by e-mail at Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, affiliated 10:15 a.m. All are most welcome to come Sunday school at 10:30am. First Sundays a.m. Sundays at Alisal Elementary School, Check the website for meeting location: [email protected]. All services with the Congress of Secular Jewish and worship with us and to enjoy our of the month are informal with guitar. 1454 Santa Rita Rd. until new home is Pleasanton. www.pleasantonlionsclub.org are free. Organizations (csjo.org). Information, hospitality. For more information call the Children's choir is at 11:40-12:10. "Come refurbished and updated. Services include Assistance League® of Amador Livermore Peripheral Neuropathy Rabbi Judith Seid, Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, church office 925-462-4802. As You Are" is an informal service every band-led worship music, as well as choir Valley invites all visitors to join this dedi- Support Group meets every fourth 485-1049 or EastBaySecularJews.org. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Rev. Heather Leslie anthems. Sunday School for infants, cated group of volunteers, reaching out to Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Church , 678 Enos Way, Livermore, (925) Hammer minister. www.lynnewood.org, preschoolers and elementary through high those in need in the Tri-Valley and having third floor movie room at Heritage Estates Livermore, services 10 a.m. every 447-3289. www.saintbartslivermore.com. 925 846-0221. school students. www.gracewayfaith or fun doing it. Regular meetings are held on Retirement Community. The address is Sunday. Sunday School for students (ages Service Schedule: 8:00 a.m. Contempla- The Church of Jesus Christ of 846-4436 for information. the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. 900 E. Stanley Blvd., Livermore All are 3-20) is held at 10 a.m. every Sunday. The tive Eucharist; 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study Latter-day Saints--Livermore Stake, WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit) for at the Parkview, 100 Valley Ave., Pleasan- welcome. Contacts are: Sandra Grafrath church and reading room are located at (check web-site): 10:20 Sunday School Sunday services--1501 Hillcrest Ave: women of all ages and life stages. Meets ton. For more information, see our website, 443-6655 or Lee Parlett 292-9280. Third and N Streets. The Reading Room, (Godly Play); 10:30: Sung Eucharist with Springtown Ward 9:00 am; 1st Ward 11:00 Thursday mornings, 9:30 – 11:30 am; www.amadorvalley.assistanceleague.org, DBE Daughters of the British which is open to the public, features choir, child care provided. am; 4th Ward 1:00 pm. 950 Mocho St.: through May 11, 2017. St. Charles Parish, e-mail assistanceleagueamadorvalley@ Empire, John McLaren’s Roses of Britain books, CDs and magazines for sale. For Little Brown Church, United Church 3rd Ward 9:00 am; 2nd Ward 11:00 am; Borromeo Hall, 1315 Lomitas Avenue, yahoo.com, or call (925) 461-6401. Chapter in the Tri-Valley meets at 11:00 information, call (925) 447-2946. of Christ 141 Kilkare Road, Sunol. 10:30 Mocho Branch (Spanish) 12:20 pm. 8203 Livermore. For WINGS speaker presenta- Operation: SAM “Supporting All a.m. on the 3rd Thursday of every month Sunset Community Church, 2200 a.m. worship. All are welcome here. www. Village Parkway, Dublin: Tri-Valley Young tions and events: stcharleslivermore.org, Military” is a 501(c)3 non profit military at Castlewood Country Club. DBE was Arroyo Rd., Livermore. Sunday worship littlebrownchurchofsunol.org 925-862- Single Adult Ward 1:30 pm. click on “Upcoming Events” and “WINGS”. support organization based in Livermore. founded in 1909 and is a nonprofit 501(c) service at 9:30 a.m. Hispanic service 2580 The Church of Jesus Christ of Questions: Donna Leach 925-443-6815 or S.A.M. has been in operation since January (3) organization made up of women of starts at 2 p.m. Nursery and children's Pathway Community Church, 6533 Latter-Day Saints: Pleasanton 1st Ward: Phyllis Clearwater 925-337-4299 2004. It is dedicated to the continued British or British Commonwealth heritage church provided. A "Night of Worship" Sierra Lane, Dublin. Contemporary Worship Sunday at 1 p.m., 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz. morale support of deployed troops. For and ancestry with a focus on charity and first Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. Service, Sunday 10:30 am. Children, Pleasanton 2nd Ward: Sunday 1 p.m. at HOLIDAY PRESENTATIONS information or donations, visit www. fellowship. Those interested in helping Wednesday night program for all ages at 7 youth, adult programs. Biblically based 3574 Vineyard Ave. Pleasanton 3rd Ward: Festival of Lessons and Carols, operationsam.org, email operationsam@ with “the cause," enjoying social activities, p.m. Information, call 447-6282. practical messages, nondenominational. Sunday 9:30 a.m., 3574 Vineyard Ave. Friday, December 16th at 7:30 pm, the comcast.net or call 925-443-7620. and forming long-lasting friendships, Holy Cross Lutheran Church Sunday All are welcomed. www.pathwaycom- Pleasanton 4th Ward: Sunday 9:30 a.m., Music Ministry of St. Raymond Catholic Depression and Bipolar Support contact Edith Caponigro at 925-998-3500 Service 9:30 a.m. 1020 Mocho St., muntiychurch.org (925) 829-4793. 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz. Dublin 1st Ward: Church is offering a Festival of Lessons Alliance (DBSA) Pleasanton, meets or Jenny Whitehouse at 925-621-8946 for Livermore. Information, 447-8840. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sunday 9:30 a.m., 8203 Village Parkway. and Carols, similar in style to the nearly Wednesdays 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. St. Clare's additional information. Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 486 S. J Street, Livermore. Sunday worship John Knox Presbyterian Church, 100 year old tradition offered at King's Episcopal Church, 3350 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton Military Families is 1385 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore. 9 at 9:00 am, followed by Bible Study/ 7421 Amarillo Rd., Dublin. Sunday worship College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve. The Pleasanton (not affiliated with the church. a Pleasanton based support group for a.m. worship (semiformal); 10:30 a.m. Sunday School at 10:20 am. For more service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for audience is encouraged to participate in Information at www.dbsalliance.org/ those who have a loved one serving in the adult Bible study/Sunday school. For information, visit www.goodshepherd- ages 3-18 during worship. Adult education the singing of a variety of carols in prepa- pleasanton or contact chapter leader, Al Military. The group gathers at 7:00 p.m. on information, call 925-447-1246. livermore.org or call (950) 371-6200. Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Jr. High youth group ration for the Christmas season. Following Pereira, 462-6415. the 2nd Tuesday of each month to share Asbury United Methodist Church, Bethel Family Christian Center, 501 Sundays 4:00-6:10 p.m. High school youth this presentation of Scripture readings Bereaved Mother’s Network of concerns, fears, and to celebrate the joys 4743 East Avenue, Livermore. 9 a.m. North P Street, Livermore, Pastors are group Sundays 5:50-8:00 p.m. www. and carols, the various choirs of the Music the Tri-Valley meets the first Tuesday of that are experienced. There is no better Sunday worship. Information 447-1950. Don & Debra Qualls. Weekly ministries: jkpcdublin.org (925)828-1846. Ministry will perform a concert of sacred each month, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Livermore support than being surrounded by others Calvary Tri-Valley, Sunday Services Sunday 10 a.m. - Teaching Sessions; Livermore Quakers: Unprogrammed Christmas music. Suggested donation: Civic Center Library, Small Conference who know what you are going through. at 243 Scott Street, Livermore, 10:00am. Sunday 10:25 a.m. - Holy Grounds Fel- worship, Sundays at 6 pm, 1886 College $10 for adults. Students 18 and under are Room. The aim of the network is to allow Three times per year, the group collect www.calvarylivermore.org or 925-447- lowship; Sunday Worship Service 10:45 Ave. (United Christian Church). www. free. Proceeds to benefit the St. Raymond bereaved mothers to make connections supplies and sends care packages to the 4357. a.m. - Elementary aged children go to LivermoreQuakers.com Music Ministry. In addition to donations with, share resources, and support other troops. Contact [email protected] for Granada Baptist Church, 945 Kid’s Church following worship, nursery St. Francis of Assisi, 193 Contractors for admission, the St. Raymond parish is mothers who have been through the worst the location of the next meeting. Concannon Boulevard, Livermore. available; Wednesday 7 p.m. - Back to the St., Livermore. .Sunday School (all ages) also accepting donations of canned and experience of their lives, losing a child. For Livermore Military Families, a Services: Sunday school – 9:45 a.m.; wor- Point Bible Study; all ages; Friday 7 p.m. – 8:30 AM. Communion – 9:30 AM. 925- dry goods to help the needy and homeless more information, contact katiestrube@ support group for families in Livermore ship service – 11 a.m. All are welcome. - Celebrate Recovery; in the dining hall; 906-9561 stfrancisanglican.church. through their outreach programs. St. comcast.net. who have a loved one serving in the 447-3428. 925-449-4848. Center for Spiritual Living Raymond Catholic Church is located at Pleasanton Newcomers Club, open Military, is intended to be a safe place for Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 Valley Bible Church, Pleasanton, Livermore Valley - People from all faith 11555 Shannon Avenue in Dublin. to new and established residents of the family members to come and share their Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, 7106 Johnson Drive, Services at 9:00 and traditions, cultures, races and sexual GraceWay Church will celebrate the Tri-Valley. Activities include a coffee the experiences and concerns with others who services on Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 11:00. Interpretation for the deaf at 9:00. orientations welcome. Sunday service Advent season with a special telling of the first Wednesday of the month, a luncheon understand what they are going through. a.m., worship 11 a.m. www.livermoresda. 925-227-1301. www.thecrossing.org at 10:00 a.m. Youth and teen programs Christmas story on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10 on the second Wednesday of the month, All family members are welcome to attend org/ All are welcome. Valley Bible Church, Livermore, offered as well. All are welcome. Meeting a.m. The “God with Us” Nativity play fea- Bunco, Mah Jongg, walking/hiking groups, meetings. Meetings on the 3rd Thursday Faith Chapel Assembly of God, meets at 10:00 am Sunday at 6751 South- place 1617 2nd St., 2nd Floor, Livermore. tures the GraceWay kids and youth acting family activities, and monthly adult of each month at the Livermore Veterans 6656 Alisal St., Pleasanton, Adult Sunday front Road, Suite 6749, Livermore. Phone [email protected] or visit us at out the story of the birth of Jesus with the socials. Information, call 925-215-8405 or Memorial Building, 522 South L Street school 9:15 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., 925-227-1301. www.thecrossing.org. http://csllvlighthouse.org. adult choir music interspersed. The church visit www.PleasantonNewcomers.com from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more Children's Church (Pre-K-5th grade) 11:15 Cedar Grove Community Church, St. Matthews Baptist Church, 851 meets at Alisal Elementary School, 1454 Overeaters Anonymous. All are wel- information, call Tami Jenkins, 925-784- a.m., Nursery to age 3, Women's Bible 2021 College Ave., Livermore. Worship Rincon Ave., Livermore. www, smbclive. Santa Rita Road. The Christmas Eve ser- come. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. No weigh-ins, free 5014 or email livermoremilitaryfamilies@ study Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Senior Adult Services 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. www. com or 443.3686. Dr. Allen S. Turner. vice designed for the entire family starts at will donations for rent. St. Bartholomew's yahoo. Ministries meet every other month. For cedargrove.org or call 447-2351. Worship services 8 and 11 a.m., Sunday 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 at Alisal School. www. Episcopal Church, 678 Enos Way, Liver- ministry information call (925) 846-8650 Chabad of the Tri-Valley, 784 Palo- family Bible school, 9:30 p.m., Bible study gracewaylife.org or call (925) 846-4436. more. Call Nora for further information at RELIGION Trinity Church, 557 Olivina Ave. mino Dr., Pleasanton. 846-0700. www. and youth ministry, Wednesday 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, (925)337-9118. First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Livermore. Sunday worship at 8:30 and jewishtrivalley.com. Rabbi Raleigh Resnick. Feed the homeless, Saturday 11 a.m. - at Unity of Tri-Valley, 4:00 p.m., 7567 TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Fifth Street, Livermore. 8:30 a.m. Contem- 11:00 a.m., and Sunday School and Bible Well Community Outreach Center Prayer, 6 p.m. weekdays. Amador Valley Blvd., Suite 108, Dublin. self-help weight loss support group meets plative Service in the Chapel and 10:00 study for all ages at 9:45 a.m. Awana is ministry provides meats, canned and dry Tri-Valley Church of Christ, gives Unity Carolers will also be singing, and in Livermore in the Clubhouse at Hillcrest a.m. Traditional Service in the Sanctuary Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday night goods, toiletries, and school supplies (only away clothing and other items every refreshments will be available afterward. Gardens, 550 Hillcrest Ave., on Mondays, and children’s program For more informa- there is adult Bible study, and youth available prior to the start of the school Monday 10-12. Donations are also ac- All are welcome. Rev. Micah Murdock, 6:-6:30 p.m., Weigh-in (private); meeting tion www.fpcl.us or 925-447-2078. activities at 6:30 p.m. Child care during all year). Those with an immediate need or cepted on Mondays between 10-12. 4418 minister. begins 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Infor- Tri-Valley Bible Church, 2346 Walnut events. 447-1848, www.trinitylivermore. who would like to donate nonperishable E. Avenue, Livermore. Unitarian Universalist mation, contact Phyllis at 443-5943. St., Livermore, holds Sunday worship at 10 org food items, call the office at (925) 479- Christ Church (a nondenominational Church,During upcoming Sunday Community Resources for Inde- a.m. with Sunday school for all ages at 9 St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas 1414 to begin the process. Wednesday and evangelical church formerly meeting in Services we will celebrate winter holidays. pendent Living (CRIL) offers services to a.m. Children's classes during adult wor- Ave., Livermore. Meditation groups follow- Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Thursday 4 Christmas Pageant, Sun., Dec. 18, 10:30 Pleasanton), Now meeting at Arroyo Mocho p.m. annual intergenerational Christmas help people with disabilities and supports ship service. AWANA children's program ing the John Main tradition, every Monday p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Pick up by appointment Elementary School, 1040 Florence Rd., only. The Outreach Center will be open pageant. Christmas Eve by Candlelight, them to live independently and participate Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 449-4403 or www. 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. For details, contact Livermore. Worship service at 9:00 a.m.; Dec. 24, 7 p.m. traditional service in their community for as long as they are Tri-ValleyBibleChurch.com. Claire La Scola at 447-9800. every 4th Saturday to distribute bags from Educational Classes for all ages at 11:00 celebrating the joy and mystery of the willing and able to do so. CRIL maintains Unitarian Universalist, 1893 N. St. Innocent Orthodox Church, Fresh and Easy Market and Sprouts. First a.m. visit: www.christchurch-trivalley.org Christmas holiday. Rev. Lucas Hergert offices in Hayward, Fremont and Livermore Vasco Rd., Livermore. 10:30 a.m. Sunday 5860 Las Positas Rd., Livermore. Sunday come first serve basis between 11 a.m. to or call 925.846.0665. will lead the service. Those attending are to provide information and referrals and service. Information 447-8747 or www. Liturgy at 10 a.m. For details, go to www. 12:30 p.m. 2333 Nissen Drive, Livermore. Unity of Tri-Valley - 7567 Amador invited to bring cookies for fellowship provide community education at senior uucil.org stinnocent.net or call Fr. John Karcher at Lynnewood United Methodist Valley Blvd., Suite 108, Dublin. 10:00 am afterwards. 1893 N. Vasco Rd., Livermore; centers and affordable housing complexes Congregation Beth Emek, Center for (831) 278-1916. Church, 4444 Black Ave., Pleasanton Sunday service. Rev. Micah Murdock, min- (925) 447-8747. 12 The Independent • December 15, 2016 Milestones Robin Fahr Joins Visit Tri-Valley

Visit Tri-Valley recently announced that Robin Fahr has joined the company as Director of Marketing & Com- munications. Fahr will Foothill High School Cheer teams competed at a USA be responsible for creat- Regional Competition at James Logan High School ing and implementing an in Union City over the weekend. Both Varsity and JV overall marketing strategy teams won first place, Group Stunt Team 1 took second and budget through a mix place, and Group Stunt Team 2 secured third place. All of online, social media and teams have already qualified for Nationals in March of digital platforms, along 2017. The full team is pictured (front row) Caeli Hurst, with traditional media Julia Castaneda, Missy Garcia, Kylie Maeda, Kennedy and public relations. Visit Banks, Sarah Wong, Sofia Ricker; (row 2) Lizzie Beer, Tri-Valley’s focus is to Amanda Hero, Brianna Raphael, Gali Hoffman, Sophia On Sunday, Dec. 4th, both competition cheer teams at raise awareness of the Ondi, Kimberly Wang, Karyna Russo, Chloe Tolari; (row Amador Valley High School claimed first place at the Tri-Valley as a tourism Robin Fahr 3) Benna Kennedy, Robin Salter, Sophia Barletta, Emily United Spirit Association Regional competition at James destination on all levels, LaDue, Chloe Chai, Sara Ling, Claire Larsen, Rachel Logan High School. Group stunt had 8 teams in their locally, nationally and regional and national PR Sanchez, Tori Maes, Ellie Redding; and (back row) Annie varsity intermediate division and took home the first internationally. and marketing campaigns Fenton, Jessica Cole, Michelle Cyr, Amanda Zagar, and place plaque. In the intermediate division for the Varsity “We’re excited to have for clients in a variety of Hannah Thoe. Show Cheer there were 5 teams and Amador Valley won Robin joining the Visit fields. first place. Next up, they are travelling south to compete Tri-Valley team,” said Bar- As a local personality, in Yorba Linda and Wildomar in January against southern bara Steinfeld, President Fahr has hosted and mod- California teams. Standing from left are Kaitlyn McGarrity, of Visit Tri-Valley. “She erated red-carpet events, Coach Danielle Butler, Cassie Jacobs, Ashley Boxberger, has been a visible pres- celebrity visits, live and Lilly Braas; (middle) Meila Storey, Hannah Jacobs, ence in the community for community events and Mary Hinek, Elise Zurcher, Carsyn Gilbert; (kneeling) years and her knowledge awards shows around the Emily Mercer, Katherine Jackson, Kayla Fulmer and of the Tri-Valley and all it Tri-Valley and throughout McKenna Shaffer. offers the tourism indus- the Bay Area. try makes her an obvious “I really love the choice for the position.” Tri-Valley and have been Fahr comes to Visit Tri- an ambassador of this Valley with experience in gorgeous region for de- television, public relations cades,” said Fahr. “I feel and marketing. She spent extremely fortunate to be the last 25 years as a news joining Visit Tri-Valley to anchor and host/producer continue showcasing and of “Conversations With promoting our beautiful Robin Fahr” at Tri-Valley valley cities well beyond Television, interviewing our borders.” the region’s most influen- Visit Tri-Valley is the tial people. She has been marketing organization a columnist for ALIVE for the Tri-Valley cities Varsity team members are (front row) Lizzie Beer, Gali Magazine and principal of of Pleasanton, Livermore, Robin Fahr Communica- Dublin and Danville, Hoffman, Sophia Ondi, Kimberly Wang, Tori Maes; tions, developing local, www.visittrivalley.com (middle) Coach Kim DeJoy, Sophia Barletta, Emily LaDue, Chloe Chai, Sara Ling, Claire Larsen, Rachel Sanchez, Coach Sarina DeJoy; (back row) Annie Fenton, Jessica Stunt group includes Mary Hinek, Kaitlyn McGarrity, Melia Cole, Michelle Cyr, Amanda Zagar, and Hannah Thoe. Storey, Emily Mercer and Ashley Boxberger