VOLUME XLVIII, NUMBER 2 Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

Brown’s Budget Would Wipe Out Redevelopment If Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal Eliminating redevelopment assistant city manager Troy $26 billion budget shortfall. Since its start in 1983, the to eliminate the state’s redevelop- districts, and turning the revenue Brown. In Livermore, the redevelop- redevelopment district has been ment districts were successful, it over to local schools and other In addition, Gov. Brown is ment agency has helped the city involved in the building of 732 would have a significant impact agencies would save the state proposing a five-year extension develop new buildings and infra- housing units, which includes on Livermore. $1.7 billion, as part of total cuts of a 1 percent sales tax, a .5 structure, giving a huge shot in 403 affordable income units. Under Brown’s budget, re- of $12.5 billion. percent vehicle license fee, and the arm for downtown businesses The city is currently working development agencies would The savings would come an income tax surcharge. Voters and related employment, accord- on another 385 units, with 189 in be phased out, though existing from using that local revenue would decide on those in June. ing to Troy Brown. the affordable category. These are bonds and obligations would be for schools and the other agen- If the voters don’t go for an The revenue from redevelop- available to seniors, disabled, and honored. However, no new con- cies, instead of having to backfill extension, he and the Legisla- ment’s increased assessed valua- low-income families. Find Out What's tracts would be entered into. funding from the state. ture would simply have to do tions has resulted in construction Without redevelopment pro- Brown is proposing to elimi- The school district and other more work on the budget, said of affordable housing. That’s ceeds as a tool, it will be very Happening nate redevelopment agencies agencies do have pass-through Brown. important, because the state as- tough to build enough affordable Check out the statewide as part of cost savings agreements to receive funds from Between cuts and revenue signs cities a certain numbers of housing, said Troy Brown. (See BUDGET, page 5) second section to balance the state budget. redevelopment, said Livermore extensions, Brown would close a affordable housing units. Troy Brown called the idea Section II is filled with infor- mation about arts, entertainment and special events. There are education stories, a variety of features, and the arts and enter- tainment and bulletin board list Livermore To Look at City Manager To Pay His Dimming Employee Lights Contribution The Livermore City Council The Pleasanton City Council authorized a pilot program that approved a new contract for City will look at the impacts of re- Manager Nelson Fialho. duced street lighting in the city. As part of the new contract, The goal is savings in both Fialho has agreed to pay the energy use and cost. employee contribution towards The council vote was unani- retirement. This amounts to 8 mous. Jeff Williams added a percent of his annual salary, or requirement that the police re- approximately $16,000 annually. port back on whether there is The city had been paying the a significant increase in crime employee contribution. or complaints resulting from His decision drew praise from both the city council and mem- reduced lighting. bers of the public. The pilot program includes Mayor Jennifer Hosterman the following: deactivate mid- commented that the decision block city street lights in indus- demonstrates the leadership trial areas, as an energy-saving provided by Fialho. measure; review private light- Resident Bart Hughes thanked ing standards for commercial Fialho for agreeing to pay for re- development and modify the tirement. Hughes and others also on-site private property lighting continued to raise concerns about requirements for commercial the amount the city pays towards Photo - Doug Jorgensen areas, initiate a pilot project to employee retirement. The annual Polar Bear Slide was a chilling experience for those who were brave enough to take part in the event last Saturday at reduce street lighting levels in It was suggested by speakers the Robert Livermore Community Center. The water reportedly 40 degrees. For more photos, see page 12. two residential neighborhoods that the city organize a public and report back to the council in workshop to help the public un- a year on the impacts. derstand the issues prior to when The residential street lighting the council approves new union would be reduced mid-block and contracts. Valley Congressmen Comment on Shooting in cul-de-sac areas. Public Works RESOLUTION OF SUP- Rep. Jerry McNerney of the people she serves.” about the tragic shooting in Tuc- Director Dan McIntyre told the PORT By Ron McNicoll The Valley’s two congres- Pleasanton issued a statement in “ My thoughts and prayers are son. My thoughts and prayers are council that no specific neighbor- Both the Livermore and Pleas- hoods had been identified. Streets anton city councils approved sional members expressed deep which he said, “I am deeply sad- with Gabby, her family, staff and with all the victims and of this resolutions supporting 2012 sadness about the news that Ari- dened by today’s (Jan. 7) tragic all the victims affected by this senseless shooting and their fam- lights would remain at their cur- rent levels on collector streets in federal legislative(See COUNCIL, priorities page for 3) zona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was events in Arizona. Congress- senseless act of violence,” said ily members and friends.” seriously wounded along with 13 woman Gabrielle Giffords is a McNerney. Garamendi has been serving the downtown and at intersec- others. There were six who died true public servant and a dear, Rep. John Garamendi, whose on the House committees on tions throughout the city. in a shooting by a gunman wield- unassuming friend. She is open district includes Livermore, said, Armed Services, and Science It was pointed out that there Garamendi ing a machine pistol in Tucson. and accessible and dedicated to “ I was deeply saddened to learn (See SHOOTING, page 4) are currently (Seevarying LIGHTS, degrees page of 4) Denounces Health Insurance Rate Increase Pleasanton Holds Off on Congressman John Gara- mendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA), Changing Green Building who served for eight years as The Pleasanton City Council building standards (Calgreen). California’s Insurance Commis- held off on approving staff rec- The law automatically went into sioner, denounced Blue Shield ommended changes to the city’s effect statewide on January 1. health insurance for hiking up green building ordinances. All cities are required to adopt rates by as much as 59 percent for The council wanted to wait the basic standards. There are individuals on private plans. until the state has issued specific options to adopt more stringent “Today’s egregious rate hike by Blue Shield of California is verification guidelines and defini- standards. The state rules include further proof that we can’t trust tions for its new green building a minimum basic level and two the insurance industry to stand rules. other tiers. Tier 1 and 2 include with consumers,” Congressman The council vote was 5 to 0. the mandatory requirements Garamendi said. “As we climb The state has approved green (See GREEN, page 4) out of a deep recession, the in- surance companies are kicking us back down. Fortunately, for rate increases over 10%, the 2010 County Has Mixed Feelings health care reform allows the Federal government to review, question, and disclose facts to the About State Budget public about the increase.” Alameda County officials Administrator. “However, we responded with mixed feelings have been through realignment “When Congress passed the Musicians perform at last year's Cuban Week. Patient’s Bill of Rights last year, about Monday’s budget proposal before – and we are concerned we instituted important reforms by Governor Brown, saying plans that local government will be that are helping to rein in the to shift more responsibility for saddled with additional respon- worst abuses of the insurance programs to local government sibilities without being provided industry. House Republicans have great potential but must adequate sources of funding to Spirited Cuban Week to will attempt to repeal these be accompanied by adequate carry them out.” vital consumer protections,” resources to operate these pro- Governor Brown’s plan calls Garamendi continued. grams. for $12.5 billion in spending cuts Continue Despite Money Worries Cuban Week goes into its no admission fee again this year, “Even with the strong con- “We support the concept that and a 5-year extension of taxes Cuban, said the fair’s organizer, sumer protections found in the programs serving local residents due to expire this year to close fourth year at Las Positas College Catherine Suarez. despite a major shortfall in this Patient’s Bill of Rights, insurers can be more effectively managed a State budget gap estimated at (LPC) in February, with many The annual festival, which year’s budget due to past grant like Blue Shield are still exploit- at the local level,” said Susan more than $28 billion. He also glimpses into art, dance and mu- runs from Feb. 22 to 25, is open sources drying up because of the ing patients for financial gain. S. Muranishi, Alameda County (See COUNTY, page 9) sic that show what it means to be to all in the community. There is (See CUBAN, page 12) This is an argument for more consumer protections, not less. PET OF THE WEEK House Republicans want to re- Inside Prada is a five month old brown tabby with a cute paint dipped place the Patient’s Bill of Rights tail. She kneads her paws all day long and enjoys a nice back with the Insurance Industry’s scratch. As she is still a kitten though, she is very playful Right to Discriminate. Let’s not Art & Entertainment..... Section II Roundup...... 3 and would love to go home with a feline companion. She was rescued from a local county shelter with her six siblings who start the New Year by exposing Bulletin Board...... Section II Short Notes...... 10 consumers to new risks.” have since been adopted; Prada has waited patiently for her Congressman Garamendi Classifieds...... 10 Sports...... 6 own home since the summertime! To learn more about her and fundraisers coming up at Pet Food Express and the American thinks that repealing health care Editorial...... 4 Obituaries...... 9 Safety Academy, call 925-426-8656 or visit www.valleyhumane. reform would hurt children, Mailbox...... 4 org. Valley Humane Society is located at 3670 Nevada Street in younger and older adults, and (See HEALTH, page 3) Pleasanton and is open Tues.- Sat. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photo courtesy of Hannah Walsh PAGE 2 - The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 New York City Art Show Opens for Tri-Valley Artist By Jeff Garberson both women. Porter, who can there at least once a year. How- A solo art show by a young pick and choose among aspiring ever, she plans to stay in New Tri-Valley artist opens today (Jan. artists, says that after visiting York so long as her art career 13) in New York City. Murray’s studio “I knew right seems successful. The artist is Jennifer Murray, away she was someone I could “Successful” does not mean 28, a 2001 graduate of Granada work with.” supporting herself by art alone. High School in Livermore. A Murray seemed feminine and Very few artists do that, any- New York resident since 2005, feminist “without being too in- where. To pay the bills, Murray she has exhibited before with your-face.” Her technical skills has worked several jobs in New other artists, but this is her first and ability to work with various York and currently bartends at the solo show. media were impressive, as was upscale W Hotel at Times Square. Her work, including drawings, her intensity. “She puts a lot of It isn’t always glamorous. The mixed media and installation art, herself into her pieces,” Porter hours can be long and the work will be exhibited through March says. rushed. Customers are sometimes 5 at the Raandesk Gallery on Porter represents some 15 rude or stingy. West 23rd Street, in the Flatiron artists in the U.S. and abroad, Still, because of the unusual district of New York. The exhibit all of them emerging and con- hours, bartending can be “per- is called Displaced Fables, Dam- temporary. As she has seen fect for someone pursuing art or aged Dreams, thematically con- Murray’s work mature over the acting,” she says. There can be sistent with Murray’s personal past two years, she has made side benefits. In 2009, she met view that life harbors negative arrangements for some of it to and for a few months dated Tre surprises and disappointments. show in Australia as well as in Cool, drummer for the rock band Murray’s work often depicts New York. Green Day. It was a friendship powerful or threatening animals Murray looks at her nearly rather than a romance, she says, like wolves and cougars to evoke six years in New York as “great, and a lot of fun. human experience, placing them absolutely fun.” She has fond The Raandesk exhibit can be in unusual settings whose effect memories of Livermore, and vis- seen online at raandeskgallery. she calls “familiar unreality.” its her parents, Jim and Lindsey, com. Her animals are often teth- ered, as if representing a spirit struggling to be free. Sometimes Dublin Seeking Nominations there is an implicit statement The City of Dublin is accept- youth in 1st – 12th grade. about gender roles, as when a ing nominations for the 2010 All nominees will be recog- small rooster appears dominant Citizen of the Year, Young Citi- nized at the City Council meeting over a much larger female wolf. zen of the Year and Organization on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 Other depictions are open to of the Year. and then invited to attend a rec- ognition event to be held at the various interpretations, such as The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstanding in- Shannon Community Center on an exhibit placard that shows a dividuals and groups who have Friday, February 18, 2011, where strong, predatory wolf, mostly contributed to the quality of life the winners will be announced. hidden under a sheepskin, near a in Dublin this past year. Nomina- The Organization of the Year will sheep struggling to stand upright tion criteria for both the Citizen receive a $500 cash prize, and under a small wolf’s body. Jennifer Murray stands in front of one of her pieces of art. and Young Citizen of the Year a $300 donation will be given Murray finds the creative Awards are based on the Dub- to each the Citizen and Youth process “a sort of exorcism.” lin Pride – Integrity in Action Citizen of the Year’s favorite She hopes that viewers will ex- the ordinary stuff of life, the disil- “next step,” from “drawing a She set herself six-month Program’s 10 Characteristics: nonprofit organization. perience “a personal journey of lusionments that anyone her age photo of a wolf to portraying it goals, figuring that if no one took Responsibility, Respectfulness, Nomination can be completed reflection” that can emerge from might experience. metaphorically.” an interest in half a year, “that Caring, Giving, Positive Attitude, on-line at the City’s website, the tension created when they “’Damaged Dreams’ may She moved to New York after would be a message.” However, Trustworthiness, Cooperation, www.dublin.ca.gov, or by calling find familiar objects in unfamiliar sound more dramatic than it re- graduation and took the steps some did take an interest, and Doing One’s Best, Honesty, the City Clerk’s Office at (925) surroundings. ally is,” she acknowledged. that a new artist has to take to be a lawyer who was looking for and Self-Discipline. The Young 833-6650. The nomination dead- Like most artists, she leaves noticed there. She pounded the art for his office introduced her Citizen of the Year recognizes line is end of day on Thursday, Still, she insists on the per- the volunteer service of Dublin’s specific interpretations to the sonal nature of her work. “It’s pavement, visiting galleries and to Jessica Porter, owner of the January 27, 2011. viewer. She embraces ambiguity hard to make good art that’s not sending out photographic slides Raandesk Gallery where Mur- as “critical to my values as an art- about yourself. Every one of my to those who might be interested. ray’s work is now on exhibit. ist.” However, in an email earlier pieces has me in it.” She dodged hucksters who would The lawyer chose not to dis- this week, she was willing to say be happy to display her work if play her work in his office – “It that wolves “represent humanity After graduating from Granada was not PC (politically correct) High, Murray went to Carnegie- only she would pay them $1,500 and what I feel we have lost as a up front. enough,” Murray says – but species as we have become more Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the introduction was useful to domesticated. Pa., where in 2005 she earned a “I think there is a very inter- fine arts degree in painting, draw- esting parallel between human ing and printmaking. beings as we exist today and She had always been good our domesticated dogs, with all at depicting wildlife, as friends their various diseases, inbreed- and family remember from her ing problems, domestic frailties, Livermore days. She thinks etc.” of the drawings and paintings What to make of the pessimism she created in high school as of the exhibit’s title, “Displaced representing animals the way a Fables, Damaged Dreams”? In photograph does, as accurately an interview, Murray said the as possible. The years at Carn- negativity does not come from egie-Mellon helped her take the anything catastrophic but rather The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 - PAGE 3 VALLEY ROUNDUP

House Reduces Its Budget person removed the screen to the bedroom win- Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) last dow and attempted to gain entry. The suspect week voted for a bipartisan measure to cut office was unaware the home was occupied and was budgets for members of the House of Representa- startled when confronted at the window by the tives by five percent. The legislation is estimated resident. The suspect jumped to the ground and to save $35 million during 2011. fled on foot from Cheryl Circle onto Arthur Drive “Tackling the debt is a critical issue facing our toward Hopyard Road. Officers immediately country, and we have to take this challenge more established a perimeter and enlisted the support seriously than ever before,” said Rep. McNer- of a helicopter and K9 in their search. The suspect ney. “We’ll face tough decisions in the coming could not be be located. weeks, months, and years, and it’s appropriate This attempted burglary is similar to several that Congress demonstrate its commitment to others the Department has been investigating fiscal responsibility by reducing its operating over the past several months in the vicinity of budget. I was proud to join a bipartisan group the Sports Park and neighboring areas. The of my colleagues and vote for a five percent cut suspect is described as a white male adult in in Congressional office budgets.” his early 20s, with short cropped blond hair and During his first two terms in office, Rep. -Mc medium build. He was last seen wearing a black Nerney consistently opposed pay raises for mem- sweatshirt and blue jeans, using white socks on bers of Congress and voted against increases to his hands for gloves. Congressional office budgets. Residents are encouraged to contact the Police The resolution to cut Congressional office Department with any information they may have, budgets passed the House of Representatives by referencing Case 11-01477, and to keep their a vote of 410-13. eyes out for suspicious persons or activity in the area. They are also reminded to lock doors, se- Burglar Interrupted cure windows and set alarms when leaving their On Monday, January 10, 2011, at 10:33AM homes unattended. With further developments a resident on Cheryl Circle was in his bedroom additional information may become available by when he heard his doorbell ring but chose not contacting the Operations Watch Commander at to respond. Minutes later he was in his second (925) 931-5100. story bedroom, which faces the street, when a

Lab Physicist Recognized for Studies in Atomic Theory Kennedy Reed, a physicist at tries. Lawrence Livermore National He received the American Laboratory, has been awarded Physical Society’s John Wheat- the distinction of American As- ley Award for his contributions sociation for the Advancement to physics research and education of Science (AAAS) fellow. He in Africa – the only time this A fire destroyed a storage building on a ranch in an unincorporated area near Livermore on is being recognized for important award has been given for work Sunday night. No people or animals were injured in the blaze which began around 5:30 p.m. The studies in atomic theory, and in Africa. fire caused an estimated $30,000 in damages to the building and its contents. The cause of the for many successful efforts to Reed currently chairs the fire is under investigation. Merlin Newton Sr. sent in the photo of the fire. increase minority participation International Union of Pure and in the physical sciences in the Applied Physics (IUPAP) Com- United States and Africa. mission on Physics for Develop- ment. With 60 member countries HEALTH Election as a fellow is an (continued from page one) honor bestowed upon AAAS and 20 commissions, IUPAP is members by their peers to rec- a worldwide organization that seniors. The following changes district residents and Americans wards, we should move forward would occur: ognize distinguished efforts to fosters international cooperation across the country would suffer with implementing health reform, • Repeals the ban on discrimi- which will empower and protect advance science or its applica- in physics. The IUPAP commis- immensely if this were to happen. sion headed by Reed includes nation by health insurers based This would take us back to the the American people.” tions. This year, 503 members on pre-existing conditions; days when insurance companies have been awarded this honor Kennedy Reed physicists from 15 countries on five continents, and is mandated • Repeals the ban that prohib- completely controlled health by AAAS because of their scien- its health insurance companies care. Instead of moving back- tifically or socially distinguished applications. to help improve the conditions of physics and physicists in from rescinding coverage when efforts to advance science or its Reed has produced more you get sick; than 100 publications on his developing regions of the world. • Repeals tax credits for small research on atomic collisions He also serves on the National businesses and American fami- COUNCIL in high-temperature plasmas, Academy of Sciences Board on (continued from page one) lies; and his work has contributed International Scientific Organi- • Repeals policies that lower the Tri-Valley. to the understanding of indirect zations. costs and expand services for Reed has received high-level Each year, representatives processes in electron-impact ex- seniors; from Danville, Dublin, Liver- citation and ionization of highly recognition for his work. He is a • Repeals policies that let more, San Ramon, and Pleas- charged ions. fellow of the American Physical young adults stay on their par- Society. The California-Ne- anton work together to develop He is a prominent leader in ents’ health care plans; and a federal legislative agenda for national efforts to increase op- vada Section of the American • Repeals the ban on annual area representatives to consider. portunities for minority students Physical Society established the and lifetime limits on covered Kennedy Reed Award, which is This year, Representative and professionals in the sciences, benefits. John Garamendi asked that each and has helped develop and direct presented annually to recognize “After a century of struggle, city council adopt a resolution to programs that have expanded best theoretical research per- Americans now have a Patient’s demonstrate formal support of research and training capabilities formed by graduate students. In Bill of Rights,” Congressman the legislative agenda. at minority serving institutions 2010, President Obama awarded Garamendi said. “Now that they The cities have identified the and enabled students to pursue Reed the prestigious Presidential control the House, Congressional following four priorities that are advanced degrees in physical Award for Excellence in Science Republicans are trying to shred “shovel ready”: science disciplines. and Engineering Mentoring. the Patient’s Bill of Rights. My • I-580 projects to reduce Through the auspices of the Reed holds a bachelor’s of congestion through high occu- International Center for Theo- science degree from Monmouth pancy vehicle lanes, interchange retical Physics in Trieste, Italy, College in Illinois, and a doctor- improvements, and right of way Reed has been a visiting scientist ate in physics from the University acquisition. in the West African countries of of Nebraska. • I-680 projects to mitigate Senegal and Ghana, and through Reed will be officially hon- operational problems caused by other international scientific ored at the 2011 AAAS Annual merging and diverging vehicles organizations has been involved Meeting in Washington, DC. on between two interchanges. with physical science programs Feb.19. • State Route 84 project to in numerous other African coun- widen it to four lanes between Pigeon Pass and the I-680 inter- change. • East Bay Regional Commu- nication System that provides the highest level of interoperability to service residents of both Alam- eda and Contra counties. The Tri-Valley mayors will officially request federal funding for these projects during meet- ings with federal officials during the annual Conference of Mayors in January 2011. PAGE 4 - The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011

EDITORIAL (Opinions voiced in letters foster a shopping center that is will be impossible to correct. ond guess what they’ve worked published in Mailbox are those totally automobile dependent? so diligently to produce. Living History Resource of the author and do not neces- Response to Stein’s Letter The Livermore Heritage Guild wants to move the sarily reflect the opinion of The 2000 Seat Theater Kathy Streeter Walk to Wellness Independent. Letter Policy: The Ken Bradley Livermore W. Ron Sutton (AKA "Mr. historic Midway School and create a living history site Independent will not publish Livermore I was sadly disappointed to Pedometer") President of AC- devoted to Livermore’s rural heritage. anonymous letters, nor will it Visitors entering Livermore's read John Stein’s latest letter CUSPLIT and World Walk to Located in the Altamont, Midway School was typi- publish letters without names. downtown on North Livermore against LVPAC’s proposed Re- Wellness Founder cal of the one-room schoolhouses where the ranchers’ Abusive letters may be rejected Ave are greeted to the glorious gional Theater, for he again has Thank you for your outstand- or edited. Frequent letter writers rear view of the backside of the taken facts and comments out ing photo and advance publicity children learned the 3Rs. Several such schools existed may have publication of their Bankhead Theater. of context to make his doubt- for the World Walk to Wellness in the Livermore area. letters delayed.) The same group that was ful points. For example, John Fair held January 8 at the Pleas- A local history site is already arising on Olivina behind the Bankhead is pushing understates projected annual anton Public Library. Nearly two Avenue at the Hageman Ranch. The Heritage Guild Why an Outlet Mall? an even bigger masterpiece, a sales tax revenues to the City, dozen organizations had booths envisions that once Midway School is moved and Daryl Carlson building 4 times larger, a struc- ignoring the acknowledged fact promoting various methods of Livermore ture 9 stories tall, a building with that the theater will set in mo- staying well in 2011, all well restored, the site can be used to help meet the school I am not one of those opposed all the architectural charm of the tion several major downtown organized by Senior Librarian district’s local history requirement. to change in Livermore. I sup- sarcophagus for the Chernobyl developments including new Penny Johnson.. Tracy has similarly moved and restored an old port the Downtown develop- reactor. At least this new struc- shops, restaurants and a hotel Dozens of people chose to schoolhouse and has found that it brings local history ment, the Bankhead Theater, the ture will be partially hidden by that will each contribute to the take a loop walk on Main Street proposed Regional Theater, and the high rise, high density apart- City’s annual sales tax receipts. with one of the following "Walk to life. bringing the BART station to that ments that will surround it. By LVPAC’s modest estimates, with Me" leaders: Ward Belding; Based on Tracy’s experience, the moving cost would increasingly vibrant area. This The proponents of the new over the life of the financing, Pamela & Jim Ott; Joan Laursen; be relatively small. It’s the restoration that would be type of development is “smart theater want their creditors to sales and property tax revenues Gary Winter; Ron Sutton; Joanie expensive. No public money is available. Private grants growth” that encourages hous- have unrestricted access to the from these enhancements will Fields; Jerry & Sandi Thorne; ing density--the only realistic citizens pockets so if they default, total at least three times the Re- and Cheryl Cook-Kallio. We would be necessary. way that California can sanely the public will pay. After all most development Agency’s planned were pleased to present to Pleas- Despite the difficulties, the idea is a good one. prosper without sacrificing pre- of the money for the theater is tax-increment support for the anton Partnerships in Education “We can really make the experience (of learning lo- cious, dwindling open space. It’s already from the public. It is Regional Theater. (PPIE) Foundation's board of cal history) live for them,” said Jeff Kaskey, Guild all right there: housing, enter- part of the "redevelopment" of Further, John has LVPAC re- directors $1,300 worth of dona- president. tainment, restaurants, shopping downtown. porting that the City’s guarantee tions, including matching funds and mass transit, all in walking The proponents say the behe- is required because the risk of from ACCUSPLIT, bringing a We wish the Livermore Heritage Guild success in distance. moth theater will be successful repayment is too great, when, total of over $6,000 raised by its quest for grants. However, the proposed “Up- with no risk of default. Sure it in fact, the guarantee is needed World Walk to Wellness for scale Outlet” mall development is, that is why the banks want a as “an abundance of caution” grants to local schools. at El Charro and 580 puzzles cosigner. They say just look at because commercial banks to- Our planning team had ex- sensible beings. We’re supposed the successful Bankhead Theater. day won’t lend without it, even pected to increase the group SHOOTING to take open space where hawks Yes the Bankhead has been suc- though they admit the repayment walks from one per year to one (continued from page one) can yet find prey and put up a cessful. It has successfully spent plan is a reasonable one. per month in 2011. However, and Technology with Giffords, audience. Threats of one sort or Neiman-Marcus store where tens of millions of dollars from Finally, John raises the specter several people have said that they and on the NASA subcommittee, another are not uncommon,” said you can buy trendy irregulars, mitigation revenues from the of closing the Bankhead Theater would like more opportunities to which Giffords chairs. Garamendi. seconds, returns and stale-dated landfills, it has successfully spent and the Bothwell Arts Center, keep moving. In the Valley, cities lowered Garamendi mentioned an merchandise below traditional the $800 extra fee collected from knowing full well that LVPAC We have a 3.5-mile arroyo their flags to half-staff, by order incident that occurred not long retail price. each of the new houses in south- was conceived to operate and walk with Dolores Bengtson of President Obama. The flags ago in Florida, which was caught “Upscale Outlet” is an oxy- ern Livermore, it has successfully support all three venues and planned for February 26. Be- will remain at half-staff until on tape and broadcast nationally. moron. If status-seeking con- avoided paying for its share of that the proposed financing in tween now and then, to keep sunset, Jan. 14. Obama’s order A man pulled a gun at a school sumers want to purchase name cleaning the downtown, it has partnership with the City is in- people on track with New Year's covers all public buildings and board meeting, and threatened brand merchandise to impress successfully not paid anything tended to protect and facilitate Resolutions, we will host walks grounds, all military bases and to kill the school superintendent. their friends and neighbors, significant to the public for the those operations. In fact, the exploring some of the 47 city all naval vessels, as well as all He fired shots at point blank the least they can do is pay real purchase and use of the land. financial operations of LVPAC parks. U.S. embassies and consular of- range, but remarkably, no one retail. The only justification This is redevelopment Liver- will be significantly strengthened Meet Mr. Pedometer at 9 fices abroad. was injured. that I can find for this project is more style. Our 2 elected and 3 by the addition of the Regional a.m. this Saturday, January 15, Noting that Giffords was just IMPORTANT TO COOL that it plants an ugly strip mall self-appointed council people Theater’s greater ticket sale and at Mission Hills Park, located doing her job when the attack OFF in full view of Dublin, one of already have staff working on fund-raising capacity and amor- at 600 Junipero (south of Bernal happened, Garamendi told The DISPLAYS OF RHETORIC California’s true development the details. No, you will not get tization of overhead costs across Avenue and east of Sunol Bou- Independent that informal events Garamendi said that it’s im- nightmares with cancerous retail to vote on this. Unless you are three venues. levard). We will do loop walks, such as Giffords’ Congress on portant to take additional steps and housing “tumors” scarring part of the small group behind It is unfortunate that our pub- beginning near the children's play the Corner are a risk that offi- to protect federal employees, open space and the hills, threat- this project your opinion does not lic discussion around the future equipment. cials take in order to hear from especially the congressional ening the ages-old mutually matter. The council will make it of the downtown seems to be The following Saturday we constituents. aides who work in offices in the agreed buffer area. all happen anyway; the massive driven by irrational fear rather will cross town to Moller Park, GARAMENDI district. Outlet malls are more highly theater, the public funds for the than a thoughtful and balanced located at 5500 Pleasant Hill THREATENED SEVERAL It’s also important to tone valued in places where the citi- theater, the cosigned note for the assessment of risks and rewards. Road (off of Stoneridge Drive, TIMES IN PUBLIC down public rhetoric. “The task zenry are not concerned with balance of theater funding and The City and LVPAC have, for bordered by Foothill Road). Garamendi himself faced for all of us in public office and quality of life and there are operation, the high rise apart- the past five years, carefully and These events are free of charge, down threats at public meetings for the media is to cool it, and certainly plenty of those in this ments that can be taxed to pro- thoughtfully developed this criti- but donations to PPIE would be years ago. He was meeting in bring it down. All of us, Repub- area. People, we can’t breath in vide additional theater funding. It cal project that will enhance and gladly accepted. San Joaquin County in 1975 with lican or Democrat, liberal or the Tri-Valley in the summertime is too bad that massive mistakes strengthen our downtown. Now We hope your readers will farmers who were angry about conservative, need to be aware anyway; why on earth would we in the downtown development is not the time to inaccurately sec- Stay Active, Be Well throughout his deciding vote in the Assembly that words have weight,” said 2011. that established the state’s Agri- Garamendi. cultural Labor Relations Act. McNerney told The Inde- “A fellow 15 feet away from pendent via e-mail that “Public me pulled out a gun, pointed it at safety is a top priority at events. me, and said, ‘I’m going to kill Moving forward, we will look you,” said Garamendi. The man for guidance on this subject from GREEN (continued from page one) was restrained by friends next to Capitol Police and local law en- him. “The sheriff was nearby, but forcement. I remain committed he didn’t think it was an assault,” to being open and accessible to along with a series of electives, does it provide for verification will continue to add green build- suggested using only the state’s said Garamendi. the people I represent.” with each tier level more strin- that builders are following the ing requirements on a project by basic requirements for develop- Another time, Garamendi McNerney said, “Partisan gent. new code. The Pleasanton coun- project basis. ment in the downtown and other attended a hearing concerning rhetoric has become overheated The city’s current code is cil opted to wait until verification Sullivan noted that the city projects not covered by the city’s a regional planning act for Lake these days. There is a need to based on a point system. The procedures were in place before had been using the same stan- ordinance. Currently commercial Tahoe. Some contractors were improve civility in our democ- state created a list of standards, proceeding with adopting the dards for ten years. “We should buildings smaller than 20,000 not happy about the plan. One racy.” some are mandatory. Points more stringent state standards be looking at a higher level of square feet and housing smaller rushed toward him with an ax McNerney said that the ac- aren’t awarded for the various and creating one building code requirements. I have concerns than 2000 square feet in size are handle. cused gunman, Jared Loughner, items on the state list. in the city. about moving away from our not covered under the city’s green Garamendi, a former college apparently was “deranged.” The council voted to adopt Currently Pleasanton has tested process to something that building code. wrestler who stands well over six “However, we don’t yet have a the basic requirements imposed two codes, one is for public and is not fully developed. I’d like One option that Dolan rec- feet, said that he told the man that full picture of his motivations. by the state, as required by law. commercial buildings based on not to completely drop BIG and ommended was to allow for “he would not have continued in There are still many questions The council vote would retain LEED (Leadership in Energy LEED until we have more infor- third party verification based good health if he took one more about the cause of the attack that the city’s current ordinances for and Environmental Design) stan- mation on verification and figure on LEED. He explained that step.” The man backed down. remain to be answered as the six months. dards. The second is a residential out how we would use Calgreen. some developers have financing “Many elected officials have investigation continues,” said There was concern on the part code based on BIG (Build it We may be able to come up with that requires such certification. found hostility from some in an McNerney. of the council that the state code Green) standards. a better system.” Others find that their product is does not include definitions, nor LEED is a third-party certi- Jerry Thorne pointed out that more marketable if it has a LEED fication program with nation- the city has to adopt the basic rating. ally accepted benchmarks for Calgreen requirements. “I’ll go It was estimated that the basic the design, construction and along with six months using the requirements of Calgreen for LIGHTS operation of high-performance state basic and the city’s current residential development would (continued from page one) green buildings. code. I’m not interested in having add $13,000 per unit to the cost lighting within neighborhoods. concern in residential neighbor- Councilmember Marj Leider In addition, councilmembers multi-systems long term. It’s not of construction. Some are fairly dark; others are hoods has to do with pedestrian asked if there were plans to wanted to retain the ability to fair or cost effective.” Sullivan suggested that the so bright that cars don’t need safety.” protect the lightpoles where the condition development based Representatives from Stop- city should also look at savings lights, commented McIntyre. He Sweeney said that before any lights are not activated. on what they believe is best for waste.org agreed with the city resulting from the use of green said one of the goals is to create neighborhood would be picked to One of the current problems Pleasanton. Two councilmem- council that adoption of tier 1 or building. an equitable lighting system for be part of a pilot program, there facing the city is the theft of bers, Matt Sullivan and Cindy tier 2 requirements should await Dolan said the payback for a all neighborhoods. would be discussions with resi- copper wire from lightpoles. McGovern, suggested that the further guidelines from the state. single family home is 10 to 13 Williams asked if there were dents. “We don’t want to jump in McIntyre replied, “The city is city should be looking at more Wendy Summers stated, “There years. studies that looked at the level and turn out all the lights.” always at risk in having the cop- stringent requirements, not con- is no assurance under the current Pam Hardy, Ponderosa of street lighting and crime. Williams asked if the city per wire stolen.” tinuing to try to meet current rules that structures built meet the Homes, asked that the city adopt He asked if there would be in- were considering the use of LED Councilmember John March- codes. McGovern said that as part level of tier 1.” tier 1. “Our goal is to have pre- creased enforcement to deal with lights. LED lights could change and commented that cutting back of the city’s new climate action Wes Sullens, also from Stop- dictability and consistency.” such potential problems as more the dynamics as to how much in lighting is not just about saving plan (CAP), there would likely waste.org, said that the require- She added in response to a homeless sleeping in industrial electricity could be saved. costs, it is about lowering the be changes needed in building ments aren’t clear. For example, remark that the standards appear areas. McIntyre explained that while energy footprint of the city. requirements. when it comes to flooring sys- to be a step backward, “We are Police Chief Steve Sweeney LED lights would reduce con- Mayor Marshall Kamena McGovern stated, “I thought tems, the list referenced is no building the most efficient houses said that studies are all over the sumption, the cost and payback stated that he believes the future the next time we looked at the longer the standard. He pointed in the country in the Bay Area. board. Some found that lighting don’t make their use feasible at of lighting will be LED. “Bridge- code it would consider the CAP out that most cities are staying We are moving forward. The is not a deterrent to crime. “We this time. Prices are coming down lux is located in Livermore. and tailor it to Pleasanton’s with their current ordinances. cost staff mentioned is more like are not eliminating street light- and the longevity of the lights is The company is making huge, needs. I am having difficulty Brian Dolan, Community $38,000 to $40,0000 to provide ing. We are asking to conduct being extended. In 3 or 4 years programmable lights specifically adopting Calgreen if we can’t Development Director, told the green building standards for each a study to determine what level we will consider a pilot program for streetlights. They can be pro- make changes we think Pleas- council that staff had reviewed home on top of fees and regula- of lighting is most feasible. The using LED lighting. grammed for levels and color of anton should include.” She was the various levels of state re- tory requirements.” She said light. The cost will be measured also concerned that staff had not quirements in order to match as that the costs will be passed to in pennies, not dollars.” provided the list of basic require- closely as possible Pleasanton’s homebuyers. Generally, people Some concern was raised ments. current code. don’t stay in the homes long Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala that no neighborhood would be City Manager Nelson Fialho In comparing the two systems, enough to realize the 10 to 13 Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell willing to take part in a pilot said that CAP would identify Dolan said that the tier one option year payback. Editor: Janet Armantrout (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) program. objectives to reduce greenhouse most closely reflects Pleasanton’s Hardy said she would love to Kamena stated, “The neigh- gases. Some will relate to green current code for both commercial see incentives added to encour- The Independent is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., Liver- more, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and borhood pilot program is an building. “We may have to make and residential development. He age developers to build to higher additional entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998. The Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www. independentnews.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The integral part of the proposal to changes in the ordinance.” proposed that the council adopt standards. She urged the council Independent, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. gain information regarding what Mayor Jennifer Hosterman the tier 1 level for projects cur- not allow amendments on a proj- Advertising rates and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. happens when there are changes said she believes that the council rently covered by city points. He ect by project basis. Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. in lighting.” The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 - PAGE 5 BUDGET (continued from page one) of eliminating redevelopment by committing them to projects going to be able to close RDAs. facing a 10 percent salary reduc- a 20 to 1 ratio, which would be thoughts about going out to districts “a very short-sighted that spur development. Once our There is too much political will tion, would save $308 million. more expensive. Schools, which Pleasanton voters for a parcel solution.” income source is tied up in bonds on the part of all of the cities, not On education, Brown said he maintain a ratio of one teacher tax. That reaction was backed up or other obligations, the state is to mention legal limits.” is holding K-12 funding levels at per group of 20 students or fewer, Tim Barry, general manager by John Shirey, executive direc- prevented from taking it.” Williams added, “One of the current level. This was good receive a special allocation of of LARPD, said that his look tor of the California Redevelop- The redevelopment agency the ways to protect RDA funds news in the Livermore school funds from the state. In 2009, in at the state budget so far does ment Association. He said in a obtains its revenue from the is by committing RDA dollars. district, according to its chief response to the economy, state not show any red flags for his press release that redevelopment increase in assessed valuation According to city legal advice, business official Susan Kinder. leaders loosened the penalties on district. agencies are the best local tools brought about by the improve- that would apparently protect us “When we looked at our districts for exceeding the K-3 to rid communities of blight and ments that it helped to develop. from the state grab, even if the multi-year projection, we as- CSR program’s target student/ to provide jobs. By law, it passes through that state could find a way to dissolve sumed no cost of living adjust- teacher ratio of 20 to 1. Without Statewide, redevelopment increase to a total of 11 agencies RDAs.” ment for 2011/12. That is what the additional funding, Liver- has contributed “tens of billions with which it has contracts. They OTHER GOVERNMENTS his budget shows. We are still more would have to increase its of dollars to our economy and include Livermore Area Recre- DISTRICTS FARE O.K. in the same predicament,” said classes sizes. is responsible for more than $2 ation and Park District (LARPD), Pleasanton has no problem Kinder. She was referring to the In the Pleasanton school dis- billion in state and local taxes Zone 7 Water Agency, the Liver- with Brown’s proposed budget general low level of funding that trict, assistant superintendent Luz each year. It makes no sense to more Valley Joint Unified School “because we don’t have a rede- has occurred in the past couple Cázares emphasized that next kill this economic engine,” said District, and Las Positas College, velopment agency,” said finance of years because the state has cut year’s Pleasanton school budget Shirey. said Livermore financial services director Emily Wagner. back on education funding. will be similar to this year’s, pro- Livermore Mayor Marshall manager Doug Alessio. Besides saving $1.7 billion One bright spot was that vided that voters do approve the Kamena stated, “Livermore Livermore Councilmember by eliminating redevelopment Brown’s budget extends flexibil- tax extensions being requested needs to monitor any discussion Jeff Williams commented, “If agencies, other major cuts pro- ity in K-3 class size reduction. It by Brown. of modifications to the RDA the state succeeded in eliminat- posed by the state would come means Livermore can continue to The district has set its agen- agencies. I’m optimistic that we ing RDA it would be devastating from $1.6 billion in Medi-Cal staff at 24.5 students per teacher, da on Jan. 25 for a discussion can head these off at the pass if to a large number of California and $1.5 billion in workfare, and instead of having to go back to of school financing, including we present a rational case for re- cities (400 plus). However, there $1 billion at the state universities development as an economic en- many things working against it, and colleges. Community col- gine. In addition our strategy can including Proposition 22 and the leges would face a $10 per unit be to lock up our Redevelopment political power of large cities. It increase in tuition. A lower take- Agency tax increment dollars seems to me that the state is not home pay for state employees,

Money Saved Moving Surplus Machines The National Nuclear Secu- nificant savings to Sandia, NNSA Working with NNSA and a rity Administration (NNSA) and and the American taxpayers,” Nuclear Regulatory Commission Sandia National Laboratories said Ken Powers, NNSA’s As- Agreement State licensed vendor announced that they have teamed sociate Administrator for Infra- authorized to possess and process up to successfully dispose of structure and Environment. items contaminated with radioac- several surplus machine tools, The machine tools were used tive materials, Sandia was able to saving the taxpayers more than to support various national de- transfer title of the equipment at $100,000 in the process. fense related projects at Sandia. no cost to NNSA. The licensed By avoiding the expense as- The tools were used for the de- vendor provided all transporta- sociated with characterizing, militarization of sensitive and tion, logistics and dispositioning packaging, transporting and dis- classified hardware for which services as compensation to there was no longer an intended posing of these tools, Sandia and use. Alternate strategies for man- NNSA for the equipment. NNSA demonstrated their shared aging unneeded sensitive and The vendor will reuse this commitment to being effective classified hardware are now be- equipment for its intended pur- stewards of tax dollars. ing employed, which resulted in pose as machine tools in ac- “The removal of the surplus these machine tools becoming cordance with its radioactive machine tools has generated sig- surplus. materials license. Work Underway on Changes to I-680 Last week Caltrans began 680, between Sycamore Valley shifted toward the barrier, so this work on the Interstate 680 Road- Road and Alcosta Blvd. On flare must be removed. These way Rehabilitation and HOV January 5, the contractor began demolition activities must take Lane Extension project in Contra demolition of the median barrier place at night due to the lane clo- Costa County. The project will and removal of material at two sures required. Traffic will con- rehabilitate the freeway from Al- locations. This work is expected tinue to be separated by a median costa Blvd. in Dublin to Rudgear to continue during the week of with K-rail barrier on northbound Road in Walnut Creek, and ex- January 10. and southbound I-680. tend the southbound HOV lane Due to the freeway configura- In the weeks and months from Livorna Road to .2 miles tion and project constraints, the ahead, the contractor will have north of Rudgear Road. demolition is necessary to remove crews working during the day Improvements include reha- a portion of the barrier used for and night in many locations on bilitation of the freeway lanes, enforcement by California High- Interstate 680, between Rudgear ramps, shoulders, and some way Patrol between Bollinger Road and Alcosta Blvd. Many bridge approach slabs. Bay Canyon Road and Alcosta Blvd. construction activities are weath- Cities Paving & Grading was A second portion of barrier used er dependent. Due to crew safety, awarded the contract with a bid by the CHP between Sycamore backup alarms are required to be of $49.9 million. Valley Road and Crow Canyon operational on all vehicles. How- The contractor will have night Road is also being removed. ever, Caltrans will do everything time lane closures and also work At these locations the median possible to reduce impacts to behind barrier rail during the is “flared” to allow California residents. day. Highway Patrol vehicles access Information about the project The contractor has placed a to northbound and southbound may be found at the Caltrans K-rail on the median of north- I-680. However, construction District 4 website: www.dot. bound and southbound Interstate activities require that lanes be ca.gov/dist4. PAGE 6 - The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011

Women's teams are pictured at left; men's teams on the right. Annual Ryan Gordon Alumni Games Raises Funds for Soccer Programs Foothill High School and 80’s, 90’s 2000’s and 2010’s. In the 1st game the Foothill assists. Christina (Nina) Cefalo (2008) however the game was Volunteers manned the snack Amador Valley High School This year 70 players, 48 men and women extended their win streak was outstanding in goal. Scor- soon tied on a spectacular chip bar, collected tickets, announced soccer alumni met for the 8th 22 women participated, many of to 4 games by winning 5-4. ing for Amador were Valerie shot by Dion Hock. Hock was the action and refereed the games. year this past Saturday at Amador them returnees from prior years. Foothill was leading comfortably Mayer (2002), Beverly Mayer assisted by Quinn Tomlin (2002) Additionally, members of the Valley High School for the Ryan A few of the players originally 5-1 with 10 minutes remaining (2004), Jessica Daut (2011) and and Corey Caprista (2002). May- current high school teams chased Gordon Alumni Games. fought against each other back in when Amador made a furious Tina Peterson (1998). Assisting er untied the game with a spec- after errant balls and warmed up Ryan was a 2003 graduate of the 70’s, Dion Hock (FHS, 1978), comeback eventually falling just the goals were Daut, Sheri Kapp tacular blast from the right side the players. Foothill killed in a Jet Ski acci- Kevin Crow (AVHS, 1979), and short. Foothill has now won 6 of (1981), Tessie Wagner-Pease with 2 minutes left in regulation The Hop Yard Alehouse and dent shortly after graduation. He Joe Carlucci (AVHS, 1976). the 8 games. (1981) and Ann Peterson (1981). avoiding what was beginning to All Star Sports both contributed had planned on attending Santa All monies raised are donated Jillian Sweetnam (2006) Laura Burton (2008) was solid as look like overtime. to the cause. The halftime intermissions Barbara City College and to play to the men’s and women’s soccer scored first for the winners, the goalie. featured youth players from the Each winning team was pro- soccer there. programs at the two high schools. followed by 3 goals from Kim- The men’s side saw Amador Ballistic United and Rage Soc- vided with a trophy that travels Despite a cool, foggy day the This year’s games raised $7000 mie Patrick (1999) and a goal getting by Foothill 2-1 and con- cer Clubs. back and forth to each year’s win- games were played before an bringing the total since 2003 to by Ashlyn Mazur (2009). Allie tinuing their series dominance by Many friends of Ryan were ning High School. Next year’s excited, supportive crowd. nearly $50,000. This was the Cefalo (2004), Amanda Luxford winning 7 of the 8 games played in attendance. Additionally there games will be at Foothill as the The games featured men and most money raised since the (2009), Alicia Lemoine (1988) so far. Amador scored first on a were 12 ex-teammates of Ryan’s venue changes from Amador to women players from the 70’s, inaugural games in 2003. and Amber Goelz (2001) had penalty kick by George Mayer playing in the games. Foothill and back each year. The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 - PAGE 7

(#423), aka Club Penguin, in what turned out to be a thrilling game, was outscored by St. Joan's (#420), 29-20. The final period was especially exciting as Club Penguin rallied to score one hoop after another. For St. Joan's, the win was the result of a team effort, with eight out of the nine players scoring. Rico Guevara and Evan Gasol each scored six points for St. Joan's, and Ho Sung and Eric Cho deserve defensive recognition. For SM/SC, offensive credits go to Logan Finch and Drew Braudrick who scored nine and eight points respectively, while Forest Bishop deserves acclaim for being assist leader. Brandon Harvey and Dylan Jess were outstanding defensively, pulling six and four rebounds off the boards respectively. • • • In an intense and competitive game the SM/SC Lazers 4th grade girls edged St. Joans 12 - 11. Taylor London, Caitlin Willard, Lindsay Linford and Megan Zink lead St. Joans with excellent speed and shooting. For the Lazors, Justynne Thomas halted St. Joans' runs with steals and stellar defense. Jeannie Bae came through with clutch shots and Jacqueline Arnold played tough at center. • • • SM/SC 408 Gladiators vs (CCOP) 401 (2-30): RJ Mata scored the Gladiators only Pleasanton Cavaliers Rugby Club Under-8/10 teams battle it out. basket. Nathan Findley, Cameron McGee and Jonathan Mulrooney played tough de- fense. CCOP's Tommy Goon, Paul Holley and Nathan Williams played tough offense for the win. 30-2 and Jeros Domogas contributed to the tough laci, Kyle Kenny and Angus Hicks-Frazer. • • • Dons Defeat Mustangs; man to man pressure on the Mustangs guards. Match 3 tied 0-0. The small but united team The 1st/2nd grade CYO SM/SC Mon- Nate Johansen would finish the third quarter kept their lines extremely well and defense Now 2 and 0 in EBAL archs vs. Warriors played an energized game The Amador Valley High School Dons with two points. was definitely their strength. It was a superb today. Everyone put forth solid efforts. improved to 2-0 in EBAL action with a 50 In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs made show of effort and determination from the Monarchs Top Players: Erin Schrader, Ol- to 47 win over the Monte Vista Mustangs. their move, working the postmen. However, club's youngest players which, in addition ivia Turner, Emma Kello and Anna Leary; Strong performances by Robert Lewis, Tyler Robert Lewis, Shaun Hogan, Tyler Lawrence, to the above mentioned included Nathan Warriors Top Players: Charlie Latkowski, Lawrence and Matt Lady in the front court along with Matt Lady would “D” up. Comiskey, Colin Miller, Tony Schollaci and Duncan Hicks-Frazer. Brandon Pillon, Joey Villarreal and Ben and seniors Brandon King, Nate Johansen Jacob Contreras: 18 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assists, U12s: The team showed off their fantas- Wiesner. and Jacob Contreras led the way to the 2 stls; Nate Johansen 11 pts, 4 stls, 1 assists; tic newly acquired tackling skills with good • • • victory. Contreras’ consistent performance Brandon King 8 pts, 1 reb, 3 assist; Matt Photo - Doug Jorgensen results in both lineouts and scrums. They SMSC 1st/2nd grade girls -- The was icing on the cake, as he was recognized Lady 6 pts, 2 rebs, 1 assist, 1 stl moved the ball very well with Tries scored by Foothill High School's Chris O'Neill (2) goes up for a shot in a as one of the Players of Week for the entire Shooting Sharks played a fantastic game Jeremy Mast, Liam Bretz and Marc Gauthier. game against Livermore High School last week in men's varsity against The Shooting Stars on Sunday 1/9. East Bay. The whole team put up a tough defense. Final Dons would strike first in the first quarter Top players for Shooting Sharks: Hannah Pleasanton Rage result was 15-30 to Lamorinda. basketball action. Foothill held on for a 63 to 61 victory over the Whitelock (Defense), Britany Pettit (Of- with Lady draining the 3 pointer front in U14s: The older team played hard fast Pleasanton Rage U13 Premier Orange Cowboys. fense) and Gianna DeMayo (All Around). front of the key. It was a very scrappy and ended the regular season with a commanding round-robin style multiple matches and soon no holds barred defensive style of play for 9-1 win over Alliance FC Devils 98 out of found their feet in their first game of the sea- Shooting Stars top players: Stephanie Dixon the entire 32 minutes of play. Brandon, Nate, Union City. Julia Densmore scored a hat trick son. Superb ball handling was demonstrated (Defense), Kelena Brongiel (Offense) and Jacob, and Robert made steals, were tough on (3 goals). Additional goals were scored by as was their organization of defense. Some Julia Passannante (All Around). defense, deflected passes, and disturbed the Hannah McGillivray, Eilis Hegarty, Hanna good power and strength was flashed as the In earlier competition, Tyler Rardon won with 6 rebounds and 2 steals plus chipping Mustang offensive flow. Dons would trail 8 Mallie, Carley Robertson, Sophie Santos and older Cavalier team worked together with 8th place at the Sierra Classic in Reno with in 4 points. Brandon Agcong and Joshua Juliana Leedeman. The NorCal U13 Gold Tries scored by Patrick and Ryan. 95 schools from 4 states attending. Blaha added to a tough defense while Kavan Youth Basketball League to 5 at the end of the first quarter. Registration is now open for Lay-Ups - a King would be pivotal in dishing assists Division champions, for the second consecu- Bagatelos played an aggressive defense with tive year, Rage U13 Orange continues on the 4 steals and 3 rebounds. youth basketball program offering leagues for to Nate Johansen and Jacob Contreras for 3 Wrestling children in kindergarten through 2nd grade. pointers to open the second quarter. The Dons path toward the State Cup. • • • Livermore High School wrestling team CYO Basketball SM/SC 5th grade boys (#504) lost 56 to The 8-week season begins Jan. 22, 2011. would take the lead 13-8. Tyler would passed St. Michael's/St. Charles (SM/SC) 6th defeated California High School 57-18 in a 8 to (#503) St. Joan. St. Joan took an early There are several locations available. Lay- to Nick for a 2 pointer, then followed with match held at California High School. grade Spartans CYO team #604 defeated lead and held their opponents. Top scoring Ups is an introductory and non-competitive a pull up jump shot for 2 points to push the Youth Rugby Results: 103 - Cortez (L) p. Toth :58; 112 St. Joan of Arc 29-21 in a close, well played basketball program. All the components of Pleasanton Cavaliers Rugby Club results players for SM/SC was Grant Blockley and lead at the intermission to 19-14. - Barker (C) d. Conley 3-1; 119 - Lang (L) game Sunday in CYO basketball. St. Joan the program are geared toward making each from last week: Jr. Rubio. Nick Soto and Brandon Victoriano At the end of the third quarter, the Dons f.; 125 - Disbrow (L) f.; 130 - Eastman (L) of Arc came out fast with an excellent press participant feel successful. The players use U8/U10s: The Cavaliers' 7 a-side team were top scorers for St. Joan. Top defensive expanded the lead to 35 to 25. Contreras p. Peterson 1:15; 135 - Fulton (L) d. Anaya that continued throughout the entire game. smaller, age-appropriate sized basketballs. charged out on the pitch looking like they player for SM/SC were Vincent Dixon and nailed down a 3 pointer. Lady, with another 5-4; 140 - Bohland (L) p. Pricco 1:14; 145 The Spartans combated the press with im- The hoops are lowered to 8'. The games meant business for their very first game Zach Yeremian. Top defensive players for solid performance in the paint, got in on the - Rardon (L) p. Rogers 2:14; 152 - Baxter pressive play by P.J. Kalcic scoring 9 points are played 4-on-4 so each player has more against Lamorinda. Match 1 saw a result of St. Joan included Andrew Chen and Dennis act with his own 3 pointer. Robert Lewis and 10-0 to the Cavaliers with Vincent Schollaci (L) p. Whitaker 1:20; 160 - O'Callaghan (L) and playing a great defensive game. Helping opportunity to touch the ball. The registra- f.; 171 - Lin (C) d. Morgan 9-4; 189 - Pricco Florentines. Shaun Hogan combined to play significant scoring both Tries. Match 2 resulted in 15-0 to to break the press, Jacob Murdoch scored 8 tion fee is $95, which includes the 8-week (C) p. Mitchler 1:34; 215 - Galasso (C) p. • • • (continued on page 8) minutes in the paint and make post moves to the Cavaliers with Tries from Vincent Schol- points, had 8 rebounds and 6 steals while McNaney :47; 285 - Neale (L) f. SM/SC CYO 4th grade boys' team contribute to the scoring drive. Nick Ruotolo Patrick Schwartz added strong defensive play New Paintball Park Opens in Livermore By Patricia Koning On any given weekend, there is plenty to do in Livermore—go wine tasting, play a round of golf, take in a show at the Bankhead Theater, visit the Centennial Lightbulb, and now, spend the day playing paintball. In December, Clifton Mathews fulfilled a personal dream when he opened the American Paintball Park on Greenville Road. For the past several years he’s been look- ing for the right property, but it’s really a project he’s been pursu- ing since his college days. “Paintball is so much fun. However, it’s about more than just fun,” he says. “Paintball develops team work, leadership, decision-making, and individual pride. At American Paintball Park we feel you can have a great time getting exercise and becoming closer with friends and family.” About two years ago, Mathews quit his job in the financial indus- try to pursue his paintball pas- Photos - Doug Jorgensen sion full-time. “The economy Paintball is described as a great way to exercise. Pictured are scenes from the new American made this property affordable to Paintball Park in Livermore. For more photos, go to the online edition of The Independent at www. me. It’s perfect, located close to the freeway but not in anyone’s independentnews.com. way.” he says. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world, because I get to do something I love every day.” sure air tank, hopper, and a new Paintball is a fast-paced team two matches on one field, with the teams switching sides of the VForce mask that the player can game that combines elements of keep. If players return with their tag, hide and seek, and capture field. Mathews says he separates masks, they can save $5 off future the flag. Using a paintball marker rentals. For fully equipped play- that shoots paintballs, players beginning players from advanced when possible or creates balanced ers, the rate is $20. attempt to take their opponents field is filled with large ob- eree in southern California. “I Paintballs are not included in out of the game by tagging them teams. “Experienced players will stacles—spools, hay bales, dirt play paintball the way some help the new players because it either rate. Players can bring their while trying to capture a fort or mounds, or barrels—that sur- people play golf. I’ve traveled own or purchase paintballs from other strategic objective. makes it more fun for everyone,” round a central fort. the country playing recreational he says. “The level of teamwork American Paintball Park, which “Paintball is a great equal- He used 240 loads of dirt to paintball on different fields,” he guarantees that no paintballs will izer,” says Mathews. “Being between people who have never build the dirt mound field, also says. “This field was perfectly met is pretty amazing.” be broken inside the box. the biggest or the fastest doesn’t known as the “Dirt Mounds of flat when I bought it, so I got to For more information, visit necessarily make you the best.” American Paintball Park is Doom.” The hay bale fields are design my ultimate field from open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm www.americanpaintballpark.com The sport has been described as constructed from 1,300 bales of the ground up, using everything or call 925-565-3118. American similar to chess, where the ability on weekends and holidays and hay, obtained from local pumpkin I liked about other fields I’d available for rental on weekdays. Paintball Park is located at 1230 to think quickly and decisively is patches after they closed for the played.” Greenville Road in Livermore. rewarded. Private events require at least 10 season. The fields are designed at participants. The minimum age He envisions American Paint- One of the new fields will different levels of challenge, ball Park as a community resource is 12 and players under 18 years be an attack and defend style but typically teams will play on of age need a waiver signed by that could support fundraising ef- bunker fort on top of huge dirt all five fields. A day of paintball forts. Maybe next year the Girl a parent. pile. Mathews is looking for a usually lasts six hours or more, A day of paintball with a full Scouts will be selling cookies at sponsor for an old west town starting before 9 am and ending the fields or a school might host a rental is $60, which includes field that will have a main street after 3 pm. A game consists of the paintball marker, high pres- fundraising day of play. “It’s the with buildings along both sides. perfect place to do unorthodox He’s taking suggestions from things,” says Mathews. players for the theme of the third American Paintball Park is new field. situated on 6.6 acres and has five He first played paintball in playing fields, which Mathews college and then become a ref- plans to expand to eight. Each PAGE 8 - The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 Nils Carlson of Livermore Valley Charter Las Positas to Offer Wins City MATHCOUNTS Title By Patricia Koning Internet consultant and designer, regular club meetings, students tional Competition will be held in Over 100 Livermore middle also has been involved in Liver- practice math problems that in- Washington, DC, on May 5-8. Intercollegiate school students spent the morn- more MATHCOUNTS from the volve several concepts, making T h e w i n n e r s o f t h e ing of Dec. 8 mulling over per- start. She represents the National them more complex and difficult 2011 Livermore City-wide centages, primary numbers, Society of Professional Engi- than what is taught in regular MATHCOUNTS Tournament Swimming and Diving and perimeters at the 15 th neers (NPSE) Livermore Aux- math classes. Teachers, parents, are: Beginning this spring se- He transferred to the University annual Livermore City-wide iliary, which each year provides and community members volun- Individual, grades 7/8: 1) mester, Las Positas College will of California at Santa Barbara MATHCOUNTS Tournament. awards for the winners. teer as coaches at the individual Nils Carlson (LVCS); 2) Me- offer men’s and women’s swim- where he contributed to 24 con- The students represented Chris- “It’s wonderful that MATH- school sites. gan Kristovich (East); 3) Peter ming and diving intercollegiate secutive conference titles. He has tensen Middle School, East COUNTS is open to every stu- The tournament consists of Lalor (Christensen); 4) Jane Wu teams. previous coaching and teaching Avenue Middle School, Junction dent in middle school,” she said. two individual written compo- (Mendenhall); 5) Ethan Epperly “There is a lot of excitement experience at Sacramento City Avenue K-8 School, Livermore “Not every school competition nents: the sprint round which (Christensen); 6) Katie John- about the season,” said Head College, Sierra College, Ameri- Homeschoolers, Livermore Val- is like this, where every child tests speed and accuracy, and the ston (East); 7) Kristina Brown Coach Jason Craighead. “We can River College, Santa Barbara ley Charter School (LVCS), and who wants to participate is wel- target round of multi‑step prob- (East); 8) Summer Rose (East); have an outstanding college, City College, and Santa Rosa Mendenhall Middle School. come.” lems that engage mathematical 9) Hayden King (LVCS); 10) and we are one of the few com- Junior College. He earned a “It’s my honor and pleasure Also in attendance were reasoning and problem-solving Max Zhuang (LVCS). munity colleges with new facili- Master of Sports Science degree to celebrate your achievements Livermore School Board mem- processes. In the team round, Individual, grade 6: 1) Jordan ties. Everybody who’s been up from the United States Sports today,” said Livermore School bers Bill Dunlop, who coaches groups of four students work Combitsis (LVCS); 2) Anchal here has been wowed.” The new Academy. Superintendent Kelly Bowers. Christensen’s MATHCOUNTS together to solve ten problems Sinha (East); 3) David Wang Aquatic Center, which also is Las Positas College offers “You are remarkable and will team, Chuck Rogge, and Anne in twenty minutes. Scores from (Mendenhall); 4) Ryan Mac- used by community organiza- students eight intercollegiate have a bright and shining future. White. both the individual and team Donell (East); 5) Pranav Raja tions, features a pool house, team sports: men’s and women’s Last year’s valedictorian of Nils Carlson, an eighth grader components determine the win- (LVCS). 13-lane competition pool, and soccer, cross country, basketball, Granada High School, who is at LVCS, took home top honors ning teams. Team, grades 7/8: 1) LVCS six-lane instructional pool. and, now, swimming and div- now attending Harvard, was a for the second year in a row, win- The final piece is the count- (Nils Carlson, Hayden King, Craighead described benefits ing. “We have some of the best member of Mendenhall’s MATH- ning the 7th/8th grade individual down round, in which the top Kristen Young, Max Zhuang); of joining the new teams, “At Las athletic facilities in the state of COUNTS team. It is very cool to competition and, with Hayden ten individuals, based on scores 2) East (Katie Johnston, Me- Positas, students have the oppor- California,” said Dean/Athletic tunity to learn about the college Director Dyan Miller of Physi- be smart.” King, Kristen Young, and Max from the sprint and target rounds, gan Kristovich, Summer Rose, experience both athletically and cal Education, Athletics, Health, In 1985, teacher Mary Anne Zhuang, the team competition as compete against each other and Dannielle Sun); 3) Christensen academically before they trans- Beilke started Livermore’s well. Last year he was a member the clock to determine final (Ethan Ha, Anish Prabhu, Peter and Wellness. In addition to the th th fer. This is a natural progression Aquatic Center, the new state- MATHCOUNTS program at of the winning 7 /8 grade team placement. Only seventh and Lalor, Jonas Elam). and it is much easier for a student of-the art facilities include a Mendenhall Middle School. Ted and placed tenth in the individual eighth graders participated in the Team, grade 6: 1) East (Archal to come here and transfer and be gymnasium, an all-weather turf Perry, a Lawrence Livermore competition. countdown round. Sinha, Joseph Sandholtz, Ryan successful. Students get a great soccer field, and an all-weather National Laboratory physicist Jordan Combitsis of LVCS Each school can send one MacDonell, Janna Picket); 2) education at a great price.” track and multi-use field. The and father of six school-aged won the 6th grade individual team and four additional students LVCS (Zach Hrdlicka, Jordan He also predicts success in new facilities and other campus children, was the coach. All competition and the East Avenue (seventh and eighth grade only) Combitsis, Pranav Raja, Kaavya the teams’ future. “Three to five capital improvements have been of his children have outgrown team of Archai Sinha, Joseph to the Diablo Chapter Competi- Nimmakayla); 3) Mendenhall years from now, we will have an made possible by the Measure B MATHCOUNTS, which is for Sandholtz, Ryan MacDonell, and tion next month. The California (David Wang, Kyle Wohlgemuth, extremely competitive swim and facilities bond. middle school only, but he has Janna Picket won the 6th grade State Competition will take Vincent DiNicola, Cameron dive program that will be in the Las Positas College offers an remained involved, helping run team competition. place in March in two locations, Priest). top five or 10 in the state. This extensive selection of classes in the annual city-wide tournament MATHCOUNTS is an extra- one in northern California and For more information MATH- area has a tremendous amount Physical Education, Athletics, each year. curricular middle school program one in southern California. The COUNTS, visit http://www. of aquatic experience and talent, Health, and Wellness. For more Kathy Coyle, an independent to promote math achievement. At Raytheon MATHCOUNTS Na- mathcounts.org/. and it is one of the most sought information about the athletic after areas for high school athlet- program and team sports oppor- ics in the country.” tunities at Las Positas College, Craighead, who joined the please call (925) 424-1274 or Las Positas College faculty in visit the website at www.lasposi- August 2009, followed a transfer tascollege.edu/athletics/index. path from community college php. For information about Asante Africa Foundation: A Home to a four-year college. Born spring semester classes, please and raised in Santa Rosa, CA, see the class schedule link on the Craighead was a seven-time homepage at www.laspositascol- Grown Solution to Global Issues All-American swimmer and All- lege.edu. Conference water polo player Las Positas College is located When Erna Grasz and her at Santa Rosa Junior College. at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in husband Mark Newton set out to Livermore. climb the icy peak of Mt. Kili- manjaro, the highest mountain Pit Bulls at Home; in Africa, they had no idea they would return home from their Record Improves to 7-3 travels inspired to accomplish yet East Bay Pit Bulls hosted the point line and 12 rebounds. another feat. Chico Rage on Sunday night, The Pit Bulls contine to im- Grasz, a former engineering coming back from a 12 point prove their record to 7-3 overall employee who worked in the deficeit in the beginning of the and 7-1 at home. Lawrence Livermore National 4th quarter to win 119-115. The The next home game is this Laboratory’s National Ignition win was led by Teohn Conner's Friday, January 14, 8pm at Las Facility (NIF) Directorate, and double double, with 24 points, Positas College, 3000 Campus her husband Mark Newton, a shooting an amazing 5 of 7, 2 Hill Drive, Livermore. pointers and 75% from the 3 Lab Engineering Division Leader currently working in the NIF and Photon Sciences Directorate, season, a Lay-Ups t-shirt, and a Lay-Ups were warmed by the people they basketball. Register on-line at www.Lay- met in local villages and commu- Ups.com, or call (503) 799-9293 for further information. nities who lived without access to basic resources like food and Bocce Kits for Rent water, not to mention education. Following the debut of two new bocce Back home in Livermore, courts at the freshly renovated Bothwell Park, the Livermore Area Recreation and when they met with local people Park District is now making bocce ball kits who were interested in helping available for rent to the public. Bocce ball kits can be checked out for a in Tanzania and Kenya, they week at a time from the Robert Livermore couldn’t find just what they Erna Grasz and Mark Newton with children in Africa. Community Center. The kits are available at the front counter from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. were looking for. So they simply Monday through Friday. started their own mechanism funded the completion of three Believers In Action friends. They Rental for one week is $20, plus a $40 to help and that’s when Asante is transforming lives of children refundable deposit by credit card or cash – a primary schools, piloted two put together more than 200 bags in East Africa. Supporting educa- total of $60. The $40 deposit is refundable if Africa Foundation was born. The new enhanced learning pro- of school supplies to deliver to equipment is returned in good condition. Kits purpose of Asante is to provide tion there, particularly for girls, are rented on a first-come, first-served basis; grams for improving grades and children at the Asante-Africa- quality education for children is one of the best investments we reservations are not available in advance. performance, graduated 13 high supported Kwamakuu Primary can make to increase economic Rental of a bocce ball kit does not guarantee in East Africa so that they can school students from Kenya and a bocce ball court will be available. School in Tanzania. growth, improve public health, The Robert Livermore Community Cen- improve life for themselves and Tanzania, and graduated two “Of all the organizations in the ter is located at 4444 East Ave., Livermore. reduce violence, and break the their families. teachers in advanced training HOME Campaign, Asante Af- Bothwell Park is located at 2466 Eighth When Grasz is asked, “Why cycle of poverty in our world. St., Livermore. For more information, call programs. Since the organization rica is a unique because it helps And with ever-increasing global 925-373-5700. not address HIV, or poverty, began, they have touched the people in our local community or economics?” She replies, interdependency, the more we lives of 19,000 students across build bridges with our global do to improve the education of Lacrosse Coach “Education provides the essen- 18 schools. communities,” Nancy Suski Granada High School is looking for a Kevin Choate tial tools for tackling all other our global neighbors, the better head varsity boys lacrosse coach. Please Nancy ( Global Security) and says. “Asante Africa broadens off we all will be in terms of contact Clark Conover AD cconover@ Training fees range from $100 for the big tough challenges. When you Greg (Science & Technology) the knowledge of how the rest of lvjusd.k12.ca.us or call 925-606-4800. full seminar to $40 for a single session. All have enriched minds and empow- freedom, economy and peaceful martial artis affiliations are welcome. A Suski became involved in the the world lives and allows us to existence.” sliding scale is available for those who need ered leadership and creativity, organization when their son, actually make a difference across financial assistance. Go to www.asanteafrica.org NorCal Grizzlies Baseball solutions will be found to other Matthew came home from school the world, from our HOME to NorCal Grizzlies Baseball is currently The dojo is located at 3985 First St. - Suite problems.” for more information about the evaluating players ages 9U thru 14U for 2011 C. Livermore. For information, call 925-447- last year and said he was going theirs. The power of education Asante Africa Foundation. spring tournament baseball season. Season 4220 or go to www.aikilivermore.com. Asante Africa Foundation is to start a club to raise money to runs through July and includes 13 local tour- grounded on the belief that every naments, 1 tournament in SoCal, 2x weekly help children in Africa. There practices at indoor training facility and out- PGSL Registration child deserves access to quality was a guest speaker that day at door fields, and complete uniform package. 2011 Registration is still open for education, regardless of the lon- his junior high school who talked Please contact Tom Graham, Head Coach, at all divisions in the Pleasanton Phantom 925-922-5050 or [email protected]. Girls Softball League. All girls living in gitude or latitude in which they about how hard life is for many Schedule an evaluation at www.norcalgriz- Pleasanton , Dublin and Sunol are eligible are born. Education empowers impoverished African children. zlies.org/2011springballreg.html. to play. Two ways to register: 1) Online children to make informed deci- at www.pleasantonsoftball.org; 2) Mail- With the help of some his in: PGSL, P.O. Box 911 , Pleasanton, CA sions, to turn dreams into reality, friends, he started “Believers Track & Field 94566 (download a registration form from St. Michael's CYO Track & Field team is to reduce their families’ struggle, In Action.” In just under three the website). Late fee of $25 applied after and to facilitate the process of holding sign ups for the Spring 2011 season 11/30/10. For more information or ques- months he raised more than on Thursday, 1/18 from 7 to 8 PM at the St. tions, email Christine Tanis at christine.t@ their communities becoming $2,000. As Matthew Suski and Michael Parish Hall on the corner of 3rd pleasantonsoftball.org. self-sustaining. his parents started thinking about and Maple Streets. The program is open to boys and girls 3rd to 8th grades. Practice January 13 - PGSL "Fun" Raiser Asante is one of the organiza- next steps, they called Grasz to begins 2/1 at 4 PM on the Granada High Evening at Sweet Tomatoes: PGSL's annual tions receiving donations from School track. For more information www. learn more about what it meant to fundraiser event will be held at Sweet Toma- the Lab’s HOME fund. smisctrack.org. toes in Pleasanton on Thursday, January 13th start a charitable foundation. Af- (5:00pm-8:00pm). Visit the league's website Last year alone, Asante Af- ter talking with Grasz and New- Aikido Seminar at www.pleasantonsoftball.org to download rica Foundation has provided ton, the next step was easy — go Kevin Choate Sensei 6th Dan Chief and print the flyer before attending. For each 125 student scholarships in el- flyer handed in, Sweet Tomatoes will return to Africa and see how it works. Instructor Chicago Aikikai will present a ementary through high school, seminar on Feb. 4 to 6 in Livermore at Aikido 15% of the proceeds to PGSL. Matthew Suski gathered up his of Livermore-Shinrei Dojo. Events are offered Friday, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Starting Aikido in 1976 with Shiguru Suzuki Sensei, a senior student of Saotome Shihan, Choate Sensei has earned a reputa- tion for authentic and profound instruction. Choate Sensei was awarded his 6th dan by Saotome Shihan in 1998 and has continued to study with Saotome and Ikeda Shihan as well as expanding his martial arts repertoire as a certified instructor in the Russian martial art Systema. Choate Sensei’s seminars, while firmly rooted in Aikido tradition, reflect the depth and breadth of his study of the mar- tial arts. As a senior instructor for Aikido Schools of Ueshiba he travels frequently to conduct Aikido seminars across the country and overseas. The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 - PAGE 9 Livermore Mothers Starting Charter Home Schooling Two Livermore women are Parents are the important However, she has been able to However, both mothers have call Mount Parnassus Charter transforms our very nature, culti- leading a drive to form a charter teachers of children in home- transfer money from parents been dissatisfied with that firm Academy. vating insight and wisdom,” says school devoted to homeschool- schooling, especially in the early to credentialed teachers who over what they consider to be a They selected the Parnassus their statement. ing under the name Mount Par- grades, with some regular super- teach the science labs and other lack of communication with par- name because it is a symbolic Since most of the potential nassus. vision and advice from creden- courses and tutors that the stu- ents about their rights concerning inspiration in the arts and learn- clients for the school are already The Alameda County Board tialed teachers to ensure that state dents need. the hiring of vendors. In home ing. home schoolers, Roddy doesn’t of Education is scheduled to standards are met. If Mount Parnassus’ charter is schooling, a vendor is a tutor The charter schools web page see the school taking students hear their presentation at 10 a.m. Enrichment classes are also granted, she will merge the two in Latin or a music teacher, or explains that it is the climb up away from public schools in March 8 at its headquarters at needed, as are lab and lecture non-profits to benefit from the anyone else who might be able to Parnassus that is important, Livermore or anywhere else in 313 West Winton Ave., Hayward. classes for middle school and structure already in place with provide educational services. because of the transformation Alameda County. A decision is expected at a sub- high school students. Group OAOpp. The merger will occur Instead of just being dissatis- of the person during the climb. sequent meeting. interactions are another aspect. so that she does not have any fied with the learning corpora- “Knowledge in itself does not Karen Roddy and Kim Cam- Some of lab, lecture, etc. already conflict of interest, said Cameron tion’s lack of communication, justify the sweat; the climb itself eron Smith have been home- is being fulfilled by a non-profit Smith, who is an attorney. She is Roddy and Cameron Smith de- schooling their children for organization started by Roddy. It putting the legal underpinnings cided to do something about it. years. The children have never is called Outstanding Academic together. The “Aha!” moment came one Seniors to Host Seniors at been enrolled in the community’s Opportunities (OAOpp). Roddy and Cameron Smith day in a Livermore park, where Evening Dinner-Dance public schools. Roddy and Smith the two mothers took their chil- Roddy makes no money from have used the services of a char- Two types of seniors – adult for the event, plus hold a draw- have been very satisfied with the the organization. In fact, she said ter school for homeschooling. It dren on a play date. seniors and high school seniors – ing for those in attendance. This results of homeschooling. that she has lost some money. is operated by a commercial firm, Roddy was complaining about will join together for a fun-filled year’s theme is a 1950s style sock which has branches elsewhere. the situation. Cameron Smith evening dinner dance. Senior hop. Seniors are encouraged to said something along the lines of Services of the Livermore Area come dressed for the theme. COUNTY “Well, why don’t you start your Recreation and Park District This year’s event is set for 5 (continued from page one) own homeschooling non-profit?” and the Livermore High School to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in programs to the local level along sophical underpinnings of the She meant it in jest. Roddy took senior class of 2011 partner to the Cresta Blanca Room of the outlines a strategy to shift many with funding sources that are Governor’s budget plan to be it seriously, thinking that it was make Seniors Helping Seniors a Robert Livermore Community services away from the State and adequate when the economy is refreshing given that they recog- really the only way to accomplish special event for all involved. Center, 4444 East Ave. Tickets to local government so that these healthy and insufficient during nize that local government can be something. It would be a home Students organize Seniors are $15 and are on sale now services are closer to the people periods of economic slowdown,” more effective with more control schooling non-profit run by the Helping Seniors as a way to through February 3. On the din- they serve. The plan calls for Carson said. “Eventually, this and flexibility in administering parents themselves. fundraise for events and proj- ner menu is lasagna, garlic bread, wholesale changes in the way means that funding dries up when programs that serve local com- It won’t be a parents’ co-op, ects during their senior year of caeser salad, steamed vegetables programs such as foster care, services are needed the most. It munities. Furthermore, they but rather the parents in charge school. The event also serves as and dessert. welfare, food stamps and some has a crippling effect in the com- said they are heartened to see a a fundraiser for LARPD Senior Tickets are available at the law enforcement functions are munity – one we cannot allow in budget plan that acknowledges will be Roddy and Cameron Smith, who will run the non- Services activities. Senior Services office at the delivered to the public. terms of other vital programs the that cuts alone will not resolve Seniors can come enjoy an Community Center. Sponsor- Supervisor Keith Carson, who State proposes to shift to local the State’s fiscal mess, but must profit with their peer parents’ interests in mind. They will fol- evening of dining, dancing and ships from businesses and orga- chairs Alameda County’s Budget government.” be accompanied by government socializing with students in the nizations are also available for Workgroup, said, “Too often However, Alameda County reform and new, stable revenue low the state public education rules for the school, which they LHS class of 2011. Students also the event. For more information, in the past the State has shifted officials say they find the philo- sources. provide musical entertainment call 925-373-5760.

Albert V. Larimore Arrangements by Callaghan ly, visiting 24 countries during hygienist. Great Depression. A longtime which he would open his home Albert V. Larimore died peace- Mortuary. their life together. They lived for Her loss will leave an empty bachelor, Mr. Epps was twice- to all who could come. He had fully in his daughter’s home on A graveside service for Albert five years in Saudi Arabia when place in all of our hearts. It is married, first to Mrs. Zula Henry, a big heart and was always ready December 29, 2010, after briefly was held on Friday, January, 7, Hal was a Hospital Administrator our hope that the memories of of Eufala, OK and then to Mrs. to help others. joining his family on Christmas 2011 at St. Michael’s Catholic for the Saudi military. Nancy's fa- her smile and laugh, as well as Geraldine Baker of CA. Mr. Mr. Epps was preceded in to lovingly express, “We have a Cemetery, 3855 East Ave, Liver- vorite trip was a two-week photo reflection on all of the joyful Epps was a WWII veteran who death by his son Donald A. wonderful family." more. safari to Kenya that fulfilled a times she created and generously was assigned to the 893rd Medi- Epps and his daughter Rebecca Albert was born in Stock- life-long dream. shared in this life will help bring cal Clearing Company where (Becke) A. Viada. He leaves be- ade, Montana, on November Nancy Strunk Nancy had been a member of some solace to all who knew and he served in the Philippines at hind daughter Michelle Dempster 1, 1917, to Jeanette and John A Celebration of the Life of the Centerpointe Presbyterian loved her and have been deeply Leyte Gulf. After the war, Mr. of Shoshoni, Wyoming; son-in- Larimore who was postmaster Nancy Lou Patton Strunk will Church since 1973 and particu- aggrieved by her loss. Epps worked in the automotive law Charles F. Viada of Mazat- of the small town. Following be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. larly liked volunteering to serve Private services for family industry as a car painter, eventu- lan, Mexico; grandsons Michael a divorce, he and his mother 22 at Centerpointe Presbyterian the children at the annual Vaca- and close friends will occur at a ally becoming the owner of his Barros, of Rosamond, CA and moved several times throughout Church in Pleasanton. tion Bible School. She served later date. own successful auto body and Donald M. Epps of Dublin, CA; the western states, eventually set- Mrs. Strunk many years on the Mission Com- In lieu of flowers, the family paint shop in San Leandro which granddaughter-in-law Valerie A. tling in Oakland where he lived d i e d D e c . mittee. She also was a member asks that donations be made in was a fixture on East 14th Street Barros of Rosamond, CA; great- for two years in Fred Finch Or- 12, 2010 sur- of the Livermore-Amador Valley Karen's name to one of two chari- for many years. grandsons Charles G. Barros of phanage before graduating from rounded by Assistance League. table organizations: the American Somewhere along the way, Kennewick, WA and Donald J. Oakland High. her family, a She is survived by her hus- Cancer Society at 800-227-235 Mr. Epps became involved in the Epps, of Reno, NV; great-grand- Working as a mechanic, he little over a band of 56 years, retired Navy or by going to her personal me- Shriner’s organization, eventually daughter Justina M. Canales of enlisted in the Army Air Corps month after Captain Harold K. “Hal” Strunk morial mosaic page http://main. attaining the level of 32nd degree Rosamond, CA; grandniece and in 1941, where he was trained she was di- of Pleasanton; her three children, acsevents.org/karen.shannon; Mason. For nearly 25 years, Mr. great-grandniece Monica and as an airplane mechanic spe- agnosed with Karen Pearson and her husband, and/or Children's Hospital & Epps was an avid “Jeeper” who Amber Granato of Pleasanton, cialist working on the Allison an aggressive Roy of Discovery Bay, Melanie Research Foundation at 510- participated in the annual “Jeep- CA as well as several extended and Rolls Royce fighter plane brain tumor. Adams and her husband, Doug- 428-3814 or go to the website ers Jamboree” event (also known family members. Mr. Epps is engines. During the war years he She was 74. las, of Rancho Murietta, and www.chofoundation.org, enter- as the Rubicon) in Georgetown, greatly missed by those who was stationed primarily at Drew She was born June 17, 1936 Wayne Strunk of Sacramento; as ing your information, checking CA. Mr. Epps had a wonderful knew and loved him. Field, Florida, but he traveled in Atlanta, GA where she lived well as grand-children Benjamin the "in memory" box and fol- smile and a great sense of humor A Memorial Service will be extensively to bases throughout until she graduated from high Adams, Daniel Adams, Cassan- lowing instructions. All donation was which was always evident held on Jan. 18, 2011, 2:30 p.m. the United States. Our favorite school. She met her husband- dra Jane Kelly, Ryan Pearson amounts remain anonymous and at annual family gatherings in at Callaghan Mortuary. family story was when he was on to-be, Harold K. “Hal” Strunk and Erick Pearson and his wife are greatly appreciated by the furlough from the Army in 1943 as a 15-year-old sophomore in Geena; and great grandchildren family as a tribute to a beautiful hitchhiking home to California. high school when she went to Tyler Pearson, Maddox Pearson woman and are a wonderful way He was picked up outside of a fraternity social with a long- and Joshua Kelly. to celebrate Karen's life. El Paso by a Texan heading for time friend and Hal’s fraternity In lieu of flowers, the family Judge Roy Bean’s Ranch. After brother. prefers gifts in her memory to Granville A. Epps spending the day with him at Hal was an 18-year-old sopho- the Centerpointe Church Build- On November 27, 2010, Mr. the ranch, he introduced himself more at Georgia Tech when ing Fund, 3410 Cornerstone Ct., Granville A. Epps of Pleasanton, as Lyndon B. Johnson, State they met and already had served Pleasanton, CA 94566. CA went to be with the Lord. Mr. Senator. three years in the Army National Epps passed away peacefully at In November of 1947, he met Guard. They married at Peachtree Karen Kay Shannon the Livermore VA Hospital after the love of his life, Rene Sachau. Methodist Church a week after Longtime Livermore resident, a long illness. They married three months later Nancy graduated from high Karen Kay Shannon (nee King), Mr. Epps was born in Boonev- and shared in the raising of two school. They celebrated their passed away unexpectedly on ille, AK on August 15, 1920 and children from a previous mar- 56th wedding anniversary in January 2, 2011. She was 70 grew up in Oklahoma during the riage, Gary and Lori Miles. 2010. years old. Enjoying camping, boating, and Shortly after they were mar- She was preceded in death by skiing as a family, they eventu- ried, Hal was drafted into the her beloved husband, Michael Jo- ally built their dream cabin in Army where he served two years seph Shannon, and leaves behind the mountains of Lake Almanor on active duty. After he was dis- a loving daughter and her family in 1963. charged, they moved to Southern and a loving son and his family. After the war, Albert settled California where they lived and She also leaves behind a brother in Livermore, California, where worked for a number of years and three sisters, who loved her he worked as a station manager while Hal completed his under- and will miss her dearly. for Standard Oil. Returning to graduate studies and earned three Karen was vivacious and Laney Trade School in l956, graduate degrees at UCLA. smart, able to do anything she he earned his AA degree in In 1972, they settled in Pleas- wanted to do once she put her Mechanical Technology. Short- anton. Hal recalls how they knew mind to it. She garnered many, ly thereafter, he was hired at it was the right place when on many dear friends over the course Lawrence Livermore Lab as a their first morning in town, they of her lifetime through her many machinist where he worked for went to Dean’s Café, a downtown activities and hobbies. She loved ten years before transferring to Pleasanton institution for decades to dance, work in stained glass, Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale and had a hearty breakfast. They travel the world, knit, paint until his retirement in 1977. walked out to read the headlines watercolors, play with her cats, Albert and Rene enjoyed in the local paper that touted the grow and show roses competi- fifty-six years of life together arrest of cattle rustlers. tively, take long walks with until her death in 2004. He is Nancy invested most of her her dog P.D., and play with her survived by his son, Gary Miles life in serving her family. She grandchildren. There was no in- of Mountain View, California, worked for a number of years terest or task she could not tackle and his daughter and son-in-law, after the kids were in school as a and succeed at. Lori and Hal Sinclair of Lake library assistant at Dublin High While she was a savvy busi- Almanor, California. He is also School. Earlier, while Hal was nesswoman in her own right, she survived by six grandchildren, attending UCLA, she worked was also extremely successful Scott Miles, Jackie Piela, Greg part-time for the university. in real estate as well as in per- Sinclair, Keith Sinclair, Brian Hal and Nancy traveled wide- forming her duties as a dental Sinclair, and Chris Sinclair. He also has twelve great-grandchil- dren living in California and Idaho. Albert, Rene and their dog; Tippy, enjoyed many years of cappuccinos and cookies, at Star- bucks on East First in Livermore. Our family wants to express our thanks to all those caring employ- ees who have been so thoughtful and considerate of our dad es- pecially after our mom’s death. They were like a second family to him. A special thanks, also, to his wonderful neighbors, Al and Debbie and Will and Maya, who watched over him these last few years. We so appreciate their loving concern. As our dad always said, "It's a wonderful life." PAGE 10 - The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 DUI Arrests Down During Holidays FormFactor to Keep It Largest No one died in Alameda officers, sheriff’s deputies and Broncos and a DUI warrant team County at the hands of a drunk CHP officers out in force all over along with in-city DUI patrols in Manufacturing Operation in Livermore driver in the 17-day Avoid the the county looking for danger- many communities. FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: burn-in and device performance corporate initiatives included 21 winter holiday crackdown that ous DUI suspects, but we found Officers and deputies made FORM) announced it is ceasing testing products move IC testing consolidating certain manufac- ended Sunday. Three people died fewer of them. We congratulate 65 DUI warrant arrests, half of its transition of manufacturing upstream from post-packag- turing operations by moving the last year. the public on making the wise them during and after a warrant operations to Singapore. The ing to the wafer level, enabling assembly and testing operation DUI arrests were down by 17 decision to drive stone-cold sober sweep held Dec. 30, said Liver- manufacturing activities that semiconductor manufacturers from Korea to Livermore. The percent in the county. every single time.” more Officer Traci Rebiejo, who were scheduled to be transitioned to lower their overall produc- company’s decision to cease the Police officers, sheriff’s depu- Deputies made 45 percent coordinated the effort. to Singapore will remain in tion costs, improve yields, and Singapore manufacturing transi- ties and California Highway Pa- of the arrests with a total of Avoid the 21 will hit the Livermore. bring next-generation devices tion is consistent with its plan trol officers brought in 763 DUI 333, followed by the Oakland streets again for Super Bowl Livermore will continue as the to market. to simplify business processes suspects, compared with 897 last squad of the CHP with 125 and Sunday, Feb. 6 largest manufacturing operation In the second quarter of fiscal and get back to basics in order year and 1270 two years ago, Livermore police with 56. Other The campaign is Alameda for the company. 2010 the company announced a to return the company to profit- said Avoid the 21 coordinator Lt. departments made 28 or fewer County’s law enforcement anti- Founded in 1993, FormFac- series of corporate initiatives that ability. Ava. Garavatti of the Livermore arrests. DUI crackdown and is named tor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) represented a renewed focus on FormFactor is headquartered police. The crackdown included so- after the number of police agen- manufactures wafer probe cards, streamlining and simplifying its in Livermore, with operations in “This is very good news,” briety checkpoints, maximum cies in the county. The California which are used by semiconductor operations as well as reducing its Europe, Asia and North Amer- she remarked, citing the still- freeway enforcement by the CHP, Office of Traffic Safety funds it manufacturers to electrically test quarterly operating costs. Those ica. down economy and heavy rains an opening-night DUI strike through the National Highway ICs. The company’s wafer sort, for keeping people home. “We team, another for the Oakland Traffic Safety Administration. had city and university police Raiders game against the Denver

Parenting Teens tion. Very Seuss-y Storytime: cel- Drivers who use hand held from top name brand supplement national Charity Model Search Parents of teenagers are in- ebrate the fun world of Theodor devices are four times as likely companies will be available to to select North America’s Cutest vited to join Cynthia Ross, M.S. Library Storytimes “Dr. Seuss” Geisel by reading to get into crashes serious enough provide information about the Kid and to raise funds for the for a free seminar on how to help Livermore Public Library some of his wonderful works. to injure themselves. Using a cell latest nutritional supplements non-profit Now I Lay Me Down children with their emotional storytimes are underway and will Crazy hats encouraged. phone while driving, whether its and offer free samples. Health To Sleep Foundation (NILM- / psychological development; continue through the week of These programs will be held hand held or hands free, delays and wellness providers will be on DTS.org). The last two years How you can parent effectively. May 9. A variety of storytimes in the Children’s Craft Room of a driver’s reactions as much as hand to offer free services includ- featured over 2,600 model’s im- How you can improve parent- will be held at the Civic Center the Civic Center Library. All having a blood alcohol concen- ing chair massage, nutritional ages and raised $184,775 for the teen relationship and learn art and Rincon branches: ages are welcome to these free tration at the legal limit of .08 advice by a licensed nutritionist NILMDTS organization. of listening to your kids and be Civic Center Library – library programs. Contact Youth percent. (Source: University of and more. Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep compassionate. This is an op- • Baby/Toddler: Mondays and Services at (925) 373-5504 for Utah.) (NILMDTS), is a 501(C)(3) non- portunity to discuss concerns and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. more information or pick up a There are three main types of John Muir Renovations profit organization committed to ask questions. • Preschool: Wednesdays at storytime schedule at any one of distracted driving: The renovation of the visitor assisting parents and families The program will be presented 11:00 a.m. the Livermore Public Libraries. • Visual: Taking your eyes off center at John Muir National His- who experience the tragedy of Sat., Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 • “Pajama-time” Family story- The Library will be closed the road toric Site in Martinez is sched- an early infant loss. NILMDTS p.m. at the Pleasanton Library. times: Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 17, for Martin • Manual: Taking your hands uled to begin in January 2011. connects families with volunteer Cynthia Ross is a develop- • Special series of “Babies Luther King Jr. Day, and Mon- off the wheel The project will create a larger photographers and provides them mental psychologist, and is cur- Only” storytimes: Tuesdays at day, February 21, for Presidents’ • Cognitive: Taking your mind lobby, as well as provide space with a professional portrait ses- rently a tenured professor at Las 10:30 a.m., February 1 through Day. off what you are doing. for new exhibits to educate the sion and reproducible CD of the Positas College in Livermore. March 29. Texting, cell phone use, eat- public about the life and achieve- images of their baby at no cost to She has been teaching at the col- Rincon Branch (Hora del White Elephant Sale ing/drinking, grooming, talking ments of conservationist John the family. For further informa- lege level for 16 years. Cuento Familiar Bilingüe) – Shop till you drop at the 2011 to passengers, using navigation Muir. The house and grounds tion on NILMDTS, visit their Cynthia has recently offered • Baby/Toddler: Fridays at White Elephant Sale (WES), the devices, changing the radio sta- will remain open during the three website at www.nowilayme- seminars on “The Millenial Gen- 10:30 a.m. biggest and best treasure hunt in tion or a CD are all examples of month renovation. The visitor downtosleep.org. eration (1982-2000)” which focus • Preschool: Fridays at 11:00 Northern California, Saturday, distracted driving that can cause center and bookstore will be Participating photographers on the special attributes, attitudes a.m. March 5, and Sunday, March 6. a collision. temporarily moved into a trailer submit portraits of local kids to and behaviors of teens and young All ages are welcome to these Sale hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. During the month of January in the parking lot. an international online voting adults. In addition, she served as free library programs. Contact both days and admission is free. the Livermore Police Department The renovation is the result gallery. Parents let friends and a consultant for the Livermore Youth Services at (925) 373-5504 The Preview Sale, a destina- will be focusing on distracted of a partnership between the Na- family know about the event Valley Joint Unified School Dis- for more information or pick up a tion point for serious shoppers, driving and will be conducting tional Park Service and the John and encourage them to vote trict in Livermore between Janu- storytime schedule at any one of is Sunday, January 30, 10 a.m.-4 several targeted enforcement Muir Association, a nonprofit or- for their child. Each vote is $1. ary 1996-January 2001, teaching the Livermore Public Libraries. p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance days, where officers will have an ganization that provides support All proceeds from votes benefit parenting classes. (see WES website) and $20 at the emphasis on distracted driving. at the historic site. The comple- Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep The program is free and Pajama-time Storytime door. Children under 12 are free If there are any questions tion date is April 16, 2011, the (NILMDTS.org). Finalists are open to the public. For more “Pajama-time” Family Story- when accompanied by an adult. regarding illegal equipment date of the site's annual "Birthday determined by online votes, and information, call Teresa Parham, times will be held at the Liver- The sale is held in a 96,000- contact the Livermore Police - Earth Day" celebration. all finalists move to an indepen- 931-3404 or e-mail tparham@ more Civic Center Library every square-foot warehouse near Department Traffic Division at Other changes planned for the dent judging round. ci.pleasanton.ca.us Monday night beginning in Janu- the Oakland Estuary, at 333 925 371-4850. site will be based on several long The grand prize international ary 2011 through May 9, at 7 p.m. Lancaster St. (at Glascock), term studies of the land, house winner will be determined from Mushroom Madness Following are the themes for near the Fruitvale BART. There Fitness and Health Fair and furniture at the site. The the 50 regional finalists. The Mushroom Madness is the Family Storytimes through the is a free shuttle service from Iron Horse Nutrition will studies resulted in recommenda- winners are selected from the topic of a nature program to be end of February: the Fruitvale BART to the Sale host a free fitness and health fair tions on the best way to represent finalists by photography industry presented on Sat., Jan. 15 by the • Monday, January 24: Story- warehouse. For complete details on Saturday, January 22, 2011 Muir's ideas, life and work dur- experts. Livermore Area Recreation and time Longs for Summer: Enough call 510-536-6800 or visit www. from 12pm to 3 pm offering the ing his time of residence. For The winning child receives Park District ranger staff. with this cold, cold winter! Let’s whiteelephantsale.org. community an opportunity to example, in 2010, several trees a $2500 savings bond, a $2500 Meet Ranger Amy Wolitzer at share some stories about fun in Organized and presented by participate in a day of activities were removed and replaced with travel package, and a $100 Target 1 p.m. at Veterans Park. Ranger the sun. the Oakland Museum Women's focused on fitness and health. peach trees to match the locations gift card. The second and third Amy and Debbie Veiss from the • Monday, January 31: The Board to benefit the Oakland The store is located in the Rose of peach trees in his original place runners up each receive Bay Area Mycological Society Itsy-Bitsy Storytime: an evening Museum of California (OMCA), Pavilion in Pleasanton at 4270 orchard. $500 savings bonds, and a $100 will lead LARPD’s annual mush- of stories and songs about little the legendary White Elephant Rosewood Drive. The John Muir National His- Target gift card. Winning pho- room hunt. Be prepared to crawl things, enjoyable by people big Sale features quality used items “We have a great day planned toric Site is located at 4202 tographers also receive valuable around the upper portion of Vet- & small! for sale , including an extensive with many activities, product Alhambra Avenue, Martinez. prize packages. erans Park to see how many dif- • Monday, February 7: Dino- offering of Vintage clothing, giveaways and special product The house is open Wednesday People who want to enter their ferent types of fungi can be found Night: a trip back in time—way fine jewelry, Asian collectibles, discounts,” says Tim Massie, through Sunday from 10 a.m. to kids ages birth to 18 years into – last year there were more than back! No special equipment tools, furniture, sporting goods, owner of Iron Horse Nutrition. 5 p.m. For more information go the contest may do so by calling 30. Some possibilities include necessary, but feel free to wear and more. “We’ll have vendors from top to www.nps.gov/jomu/index/htm Chris Tobeck Photography at Puffballs, Turkey Tail, Witches your pajamas! supplement companies, free or call 228-8860. 925-456-4048 or email: chris@ Butter and more. • Monday, February 14: Best Distracted Driving product samples and nutritional christobeckphotography.com. There is a $5 per vehicle Friends: Bring your friends, bring During the month of January, advice to name a few.” Cutest Kid The contest is open to residents parking fee. A $2 donation is your neighbors, and certainly the Livermore Police Depart- Event activities include the Local photographer, Chris of of the US and Canada. For more requested to help support the bring your family to a storytime ment will be focusing its efforts following: Supplement vendors Chris Tobeck Photography, is information, visit http://www. programs. Participants may call all about best buddies. on vehicle safety as it pertains to and sample giveaways. Vendors participating in the 2011 Inter- charitymodelsearch.org. 925-960-2400 for more informa- • Monday, February 28: A distracted driving.

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS www.independentnews.com

LEGAL NOTICES This business was conducted Registrant has not yet begun NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS acgov.org. 6)LOST 60) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 71) HELP WANTED EMT FREE TRAINING plus by:Christine L’Heureux to transact business under Notice is hereby given that 1/13/11 pay, benefits, vacation, regu - LOST A FAMILY PET? FREE BE WARY of out of area INDEPENDENT FOR INFORMATION Signature of Registrant: the fictitious business name sealed competitive bids will CNS-2019669# companies. Check with the lar raises. HS grads ages 17- SECTION. Call Barbara PLACING LEGAL /s/:Christine L’Heureux or names listed. be accepted at the Alameda The Independent Legal No. local Better Business Bureau CONTRACTORS WANTED 34. Help others. Gain financial NOTICES This statement was filed with Signature of Registrant: County Social Services Agen- 2916. Publish January 13, 925 243-8000 to let 33,000 before you send any money for Senior Home Health security. Call Mon-Fri 1-800- CONTACT BARBARA @ the County Clerk of Alameda /s/:Kim Johnson - Oyesiku cy Contracts Office, 2000 2011. households know! or fees. Read and understand Care Must Have 345-6289. (CAL*SCAN) 925 243-8000 on December 22, 2010. Ex- This statement was filed with San Pablo Avenue, 4th Floor, Experience AUTOMOTIVE any contracts before you sign. TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED pires December 22, 2015. the County Clerk of Alameda Oakland, CA 94612 NET- ANIMALS Senior Solutions, Inc. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Shop around for rates. AD call Barbara 925 243- The Independent Legal No. on December 22, 2010. Ex- WORKING/NORTH COUNTY 2) CATS/DOGS 10)AUTOS WANTED 925 443-3101 NAME STATEMENT 8000 or go on-line at www. 2910. Publish December pires December 22, 2015. BIDDERS CONFERENCE ALL CASH VENDING FILE NO. 445781 ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, for DONATE YOUR CAR: Chil- ROUTE! Be Your Own Boss! ATTN: COMPUTER WORK. independentnews.com 30, 2010, January 6, 13, The Independent Legal RFP# SSA-PEP-FY10/11 dren’s Cancer Fund! Help The following person(s) do- adoption information contact 25 Machines + Candy All for Work from anywhere 24/7. Up ing business as:Dogtopia of 20, 2011. No.2714. Publish January – Parent Engagement Pro- Save A Child’s Life Through 72) HELP WANTED/DRIVERS Valley Humane Society at $9995. Vend3, 800 Grand to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/ Pleasanton, 7132 Johnson 6, 13, 20, 27, 2011. gram, Wednesday, January Research & Support! Free Va- mo. Full Time. Training pro- FICTITIOUS BUSINESS 26, 2011, 9:30 a.m. – Alam- 925 426-8656. Blvd., Deer Park, NY. 1- Company Drivers (Solos Drive, Pleasanton Ca 94588 cation Package. Fast, Easy & vided. www.KTPGlobal. *GREAT NAME STATEMENT NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS eda County Social Services 877-915-8222. Major CC & Hazmat Teams) is hereby registered by the Notice is hereby given that Adopt a new best friend: Tax Deductible. Call 1-800- com or call 1-888-304-2847. PAY * GREAT MILES * CDL- FILE NO. 446223 Agency, 675 Hegenberger accepted! (CAL*SCAN) following owner(s): The following person(s) doing sealed competitive bids will TVAR, the Tri-Valley Animal 252-0615. (CAL*SCAN) (CAL*SCAN) A Required. We also have Road, Joaquin Miller Room Barnett Enterprise, 7132 business as:Sycamore Family be accepted in the office of the Rescue, offers animals for dedicated & regional positions 113, 1st Floor, Oakland, CA DONATE VEHICLE: RE- Johnson Drive, Pleasanton Dentistry Dental Practice of GSA-Purchasing Department, adoption every Saturday and available. Call 866-789-8947. NETWORKING/SOUTH CEIVE $1000 Grocery Cou- Ca 94588 Lori Ross Tijerino, DDS, Inc., County of Alameda, 1401 Sunday, excluding most holi- pon. Your Choice. Noahs Arc Swift (CAL*SCAN) This business is conducted 1262 Concannon Blvd. Bldg I, Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, COUNTY BIDDERS CON- days. Saturdays from 9:30 RFP# SSA-PEP- - No Kill Animal Shelters. by:a Limited liability com- Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby Oakland, CA 94612 FERENCE am to 1:00 pm, dogs and cats NET- FY10/11 – Parent Engage- Advance Veterinary Treat- pany registered by the following are available at the Pleas- WORKING/SOUTH COUNTY ment Program, Wednesday, ments. Free Towing, IRS Tax The registrant began to owner(s): anton Farmers Market at W. BIDDERS CONFERENCE January 26, 2011, 1:30 p.m. Deductible, Non-Runners. 1- transact business under the Lori Ross Tijerino, DDS, Inc., RFP #900774 for Medical Angela and First Streets. – Alameda County Social 866-912-GIVE. (CAL*SCAN) fictitious business name (s) 1262 Concannon Blvd. Bldg I, Consulting and Quality As- Two locations will showcase Services Agency Eden Area listed above on December Livermore Ca 94550 surance Review, Thursday, cats only: Petsmart in Dublin SELL YOUR USED CAR Center, 24100 Amador Street, 10, 2010 This business is conducted January 20, 2011, 2:00 p.m. noon to 4 and the Pet Food HERE. Call Barbara at 925- California Poppy Room 225, Signature of Registrant: by:a Corporation – Castro Valley Library, 3600 Express in Livermore 1 to 4. 243-8000 0R www.indepen- Hayward, CA /s/:Debrah A Barnett The registrant began to trans- Norbridge Avenue, The Can- Responses Sundays, cats are at Petsmart dentnews.com This statement was filed with act business under the ficti- yon Room, Castro Valley, Due by 3:00 pm on February in Dublin 1 to 4, and PetCo in 15, 2011 County Contact: EMPLOYMENT the County Clerk of Alameda tious business name (s) listed CA NETWORKING/NORTH San Ramon 11 to 3. TVAR at Brenden Anderson at (510) on December 10, 2010. Ex- above on November 2010 COUNTY BIDDERS CON- (925) 803-7043 56) ADULT CARE pires December 10, 2015. Signature of Registrant: RFP #900774 for 208-0990 or via email: band- FERENCE Attendance CAREGIVERS The Independent Legal No. /s/:Lori A Tijerino Medical Consulting and Qual- [email protected] 4)FOUND at Networking Conference is NEEDED for elder care. 2907. Publish December This statement was filed with ity Assurance Review, Friday, Non-mandatory. Specifica- FOUND AN ANIMAL? Light housekeeping 23, 30, 2010, January 6, the County Clerk of Alameda January 21, 2011, 10:00 a.m. tions regarding the above may FREE SECTION. Call errands transportation 13, 2011. on December 28, 2010. Ex- – General Services Agency, be obtained at the Current Barbara meal prep personal care. pires December 28, 2015. 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room STATEMENT OF Contracting Opportunities 925 243-8000 to let 33,000 Please fax resume The Independent Legal No. 1107, 11th Floor, Oakland, ABANDONMENT Internet website at www. households know! 925 371-8118 OF USE OF 2913. Publish January 6, 13, CA Responses Due by 2:00 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS 20, 27, 2011. pm on February 23, 2011 County Contact : Ann Marie NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Romero (510) 208-9742 or FILE NO. 438838 NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) has via email: AnnMarie.Rome- FILE NO. 446120 Attendance (have) abandoned the use The following person(s) doing [email protected] at Networking Conference is of the Fictitious Business business as: Opparel, 6911 Non-mandatory. Specifica- Name: My Fur and Feather Corte Madrid, Pleasanton Ca tions regarding the above may Friends Pet and Home Sitting 94566 is hereby registered by be obtained at the Alameda Services, 474 McLeod St Apt the following owner(s): County Current Contracting A, Livermore Ca 94550 Yomi Oyesiku, 6911 Cor- Opportunities Internet website The Fictitious business Name te Madrid, Pleasanton Ca at www.acgov.org. Statement for the Partnership 94566 1/13/11 was filed on May 21, 2010 in Kim Johnson - Oyesiku, 6911 CNS-2019626# the County of Alameda. Corte Madrid, Pleasanton The Independent Legal No. The full name of Registrant: Ca 94566 2915. Publish January 13, Christine L’Heureux, 474 This business is conducted 2011 McLeod St Apt A, Livermore by:a General Partnership Ca 94550 The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 - PAGE 11

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS www.independentnews.com

pensation. Attorney Charles ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE 178)FINANCIAL SERVICES Johnson 1-800-535-5727. from Home. *Medical, *Busi- CASH NOW! Cash for your (CAL*SCAN) ness, *Paralegal, *Criminal structured settlement or annu- 185)SCHOOLS/EDUCATION Justice. Job placement as- ity payments. Call J.G. Wen- sistance. Computer avail- tworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! able. Financial Aid if quali- (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ Graduate in 4 weeks! FREE fied. SCHEV certified. Call by the Better Business Bu- Brochure. Call Now! 1- 888-210-5162 www.Centura. reau. (CAL*SCAN) 866-562-3650 ext. 60 www. us.com (CAL*SCAN) S o u t h E a s t e r n H S . c o m 180)HEALTH/MISC. (CAL*SCAN) 190)TIMESHARES/RE- SORTS LOSE WEIGHT NOW!!! AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Go Proven Results to aviation maintenance col- SELL/RENT Your TIME- 1-888-261-5672 lege for FREE! Tuition paid for SHARE for CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ IF YOU USED TYPE 2 DIA- the BEST. H.S. Grad w/good grades and proven work his- Rent Your Unused Timeshare BETES DRUG AVANDIA for CASH! Over $78 Million between 1999 - present and tory. CALL Aviation Institute of Dollars offered in 2010! www. New Laws Impact suffered a stroke, heart attack Maintenance (866) 859-6378. (CAL*SCAN) SellaTimeshare.com (877) or congestive heart failure 554-2098 (CAL*SCAN) you may be entitled to com- Buyers, Sellers, Homeowners By Cher Wollard Several new state real estate laws passed last year will take effect in 2011. These changes affect buyers, sellers, homeowners, ASAP! New Pay Increase! 160)BOAT/RV and RETAIL landlords, tenants and real estate professionals. 34-46 cpm. Excellent Ben- Many of these changes are aimed at protecting consumers against efits. Need CDL-A & 3 months LOOKING FOR RETAIL recent OTR. 1-877-258-8782. OR fraudulent practices. For example: www.MeltonTruck.com STORAGE SPACE? Great Location Off Hwy 580 • The California legislature expanded the law regulating fore- (CAL*SCAN) On Kitty Hawk Road closure consultants. The California Foreclosure Consultant Law CLASSIFIEDS For Details Email: of 2009 already forbids consultants, including licensed real estate [email protected] agents, from charging upfront fees for assisting homeowners whose ************** 162)HOMES FOR SALE homes are in default to avoid foreclosure. (The exception is attor- Reaches By advertising with The In- neys licensed in California, who may charge advance fees.) 33,000 Homes dependent, you reach over Direct mail 33,000 homes and busi- Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, financial consultants and nesses with your message. others can collect fees upon successful completion of a loan modi- to To place an ad, call Barbara Livermore, Dublin, at 925 243-8000 fication or other work-out. Pleasanton & Sunol 165) HOUSE/ROOMS/RENT- Some consultants have been offering “forensic audits” of resi- Call Barbara ALS TO SHARE dential properties to their list of services, and charging in advance 925 243-8000 RENT YOUR EMPTY LIV- for those. This law extends the prohibition against upfront fees to ING SPACE Advertise with include fees for these audits. MERCHANDISE The Independent and reach 115)ESTATE/GARAGE/ over 33,000 homes and busi- If there is not yet a Notice of Default on your home, foreclosure YARD SALES nesses with your message. consultants may ask for advance payment if they provide you with To place an ad, call Barbara Call Bar- a written contract that satisfies certain specific statutory require- RAIN OR SHINE! at 925 243-8000 bara 925-243-8000 or go to ments. www.independentnews. 172)LOTS & ACREAGE/OUT com before 8am Tuesdays OF STATE • AB 1373 requires that any mailed offer to provide a copy of a to get your ad in for the next homeowner’s grant deed or other title records for a fee must include By advertising with The In- edition. dependent, you reach over a disclosure that this service is not associated with any governmental 118) FREE/GIVEAWAY 33,000 homes and busi- agency and that the homeowner can obtain such records from the nesses with your message. GOT OLD JUNK To place an ad, call Barbara county recorder. These solicitations often look quite “official.” You FREE/GIVEAWAY at 925 243-8000 can order a copy of your grant deed at http://www.acgov.org/audi- SECTION Call 925 243-8000 Barbara 175)OFFICE SPACE tor/clerk/index.htm. If you need help, contact the title company that 125)HOUSEHOLD GOODS Psycho-Therapist Looking handled your purchase or your Realtor. Most will happily assist for Office Space to Share Place your household items you free of charge. Rent in Livermore here for sale. Call • Another new law – AB 1800 – seeks to counter a type of fraud 925 457-0741 925 243-8000 or go on-line that has unfortunately become increasingly prevalent in recent years: at www.independentnews. SERVICES com Also you can pay by falsely renting out a home without the owner’s consent. Criminals 177)BUSINESS SERVICES Credit Card for Classified look for homes that have been vacated due to foreclosure or other and Display Ads. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. problems, and list it for lease, sometimes collecting thousands of 240 California community 127) LOST/FOUND newspapers reaching over 6 dollars from unsuspecting tenants. Sometimes the tenants actually LOST or FOUND AN ITEM million Californians. 25-words move into the property and pay rent, other times the miscreant FREE SECTION $550 works out to 18 cents Call Barbara 925 243-8000 cost per thousand! FREE collects a heft deposit and then disappears. This new law increases email brochure. Call (916) the maximum criminal punishment to one year imprisonment plus LOST WEDDING RING 288-6019. www.Cal-SCAN. Sat January 8th Evening at a $2,500 fine. com (CAL*SCAN) Chili’s in Livermore Other new laws are designed to improve public health and safety. REWARD 415 516 4199 ADVERTISING-BEST KEPT SECRET. A business card The most visible of these is likely to be the Carbon Monoxide Poi- 130)PRINTERS/MISC sized display ad. 140 Califor- soning Prevention Act of 2010, which requires the installation of 1 Used Epson FX-1170 nia community newspapers. carbon monoxide detective devices in new and existing homes. Wide-Carriage Printer in Reach 3 million+ Californians. Working Condition Cost $1,550. $1.33 cost per A companion law revises seller disclosure forms to include a $50 OBO thousand. Free brochure statement regarding carbon monoxide detection devices before 6 Ribbons $12 (916)288-6019; www.Cal- homes can be sold or rented out. Two Mobile 4-Level Printer SDAN.com (CAL*SCAN) Stands. $25 ea. OBO A carbon monoxide device must be installed near bedrooms in 3/4 Box 3 Across Labels The California Press distrib- any single-family home that is sold or leased. Violations are pun- $20 OBO Release Service utes news releases elec- PAPER ishable by a maximum fine of $200 for each offense. Tenants are tronically to 500 California 1 Small 8 1/2 x 3 1/2 responsible to notify the owner of an inoperable or deficient carbon newspaper editors. www. 7000ct sz 1 $15 CaliforniaPressRelease monoxide device. Similar laws are in effect in 17 other states, as 1 1/2 Box 9 1/2 x 11 Service.com Ques - 2300ct $20 well as New York City and the Canadian province of Ontario. tions call (916)288-6010. 1 Box 14 7/8 x 11 $30 (CAL*SCAN) Detectors must be installed on or before July 1, 2011 for existing Call Barbara single-family dwelling units and on or before Jan. 1, 2013 for all 925 447-8700 other existing dwelling units. 140)WANTED TO BUY Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas which WANTED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Cash Paid. Un- is highly toxic when inhaled. Detectors retail for $20–$60 and are opened, Unexpired Boxes widely available. They may be battery-operated or hard wired, and Only. All Brands Consid- some are combination smoke and CO detectors. ered. Help others, don’t throw The California Association of Realtors also identified several boxes away. For more infor- mation, Call 888,491-1168. other new regulations likely to have big impacts on consumers, (CAL*SCAN) such as: NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS • As of Jan. 1, homebuyers may request an energy efficiency audit 155)NOTICES as part of a home inspection. Realtors are strongly encouraged to “NOTICE TO READERS: inform clients of this right through the delivery of a Home Energy California law requires that Rating Systems booklet. contractors taking jobs that to- • Residential tenants, who are living in a home after a foreclosure tal $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the sale, must be provided with statutory notice of tenant rights when Contractors State License given a notice to terminate. This requirement, which runs through Board. State law also requires the end of 2012, remains in effect for one year after a foreclosure that contractors include their sale. The tenant’s rights must be on a separate cover sheet or, for a license numbers on all adver- tising. Check your contractor’s 90-day termination, incorporated into the notice to terminate. Other status at www.cslb.ca.gov provisions of the law protect tenants’ credit reports. or 800-321-CSLB (2752). • The legislature, with backing of C.A.R., passed legislation to Unlicensed persons taking jobs less than $500 must exempt all first mortgages on dwellings of one to four units from state in their advertisements deficiency judgments after short sales. It prohibits deficiency judg- that they are not licensed by ments on dwellings of 1 to 4 units. The law applies only to first trust the Contractors State License deeds on primary residences. Board.” What this means is, when homeowners sell their primary resi- REAL ESTATE dences through short sales, the lender holding the first must accept The Federal Fair Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights the sales proceeds as full payment on the loan and cannot go after Act of 1964, and state law the sellers for the balance. prohibit advertisements for • Mortgage specialists, including those with real estate licenses, housing and employment must hold a state-issued Mortgage Loan Originator license, effec- that contain any preference, limitation or discrimination tive Jan. 1. This law also gives the Department of Real Estate the based on protected classes, authority to deny or revoke a MLO license endorsement or take other including race, color, religion, action, and licensing requirements for finance lenders and residential sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. IVPC does mortgage lenders under the Department of Corporation. not knowingly accept any Other new California laws include revisions to the mechanics’ advertisements that are in lien law; clarification of the rules prohibiting discrimination of violation of the law. tenants based on source of income; extension of the CalVet Home 157)APT/DUPLEX/HOUSE/ Loan program for veterans to include multi-family dwellings of RENTALS two-to-four units; and lien enforcement by a municipal utility district GOT A HOUSE FOR RENT? Let the 33,000 households/ for a tenant’s delinquent charges. businesses that read the Inde- For more information, contact your local Realtor. pendent find out about it. . To place an ad go to www.in- dependentnews.com or call Barbara at 925 243-8000 Chief of Police to Address Livermore Realtors Steve Sweeney, the chief of the Livermore Police Department, will address the Real Estate Alliance of Livermore this week. The group, which is open to all Realtors and real estate affili- ates who do business in Livermore, meets Thursday morning at the First Street Alehouse, 2106 First Street, in downtown Livermore. The doors open for networking at 8 a.m., followed by the meeting from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. For information about upcoming programs, see the group’s website at www.realestateallianceoflivermore.com. Cher Wollard is a Realtor with Prudential California Realty, Livermore. PAGE 12 - The Independent, JANUARY 13, 2011 CUBAN (continued from page one)

the new Barbara Fracisco Mertes be showing his paintings in the Streaming Live from Mexico Performing Arts Center, are ac- gallery of the Mertes Center. He City via Webcam. complished. Most have attended also will create a work while he is Thurs., Feb. 24: Cuba Café/ arts universities in Cuba. present there during the week. Café Cuba: Abel Magritte: Cu- The lucrative part of their Schedule of events: ban Singer and Song Writer market in Cuba was selling to La Semana Cubana/Cuban Lara Greene: Presentation: The tourists. Some left Cuba because Week 2011 Yemaya: Embrac- Sound of Son; Rick Moniz and they could do better here with ing the Earth: Feb. 22-25, Las Catherine Suárez: Presentation: their sales, and also felt the at- Positas College, 3000 Campus Cuba Through My Eyes. mosphere was more conducive Hill Dr., Livermore. Events are Fri., Feb. 25: Discussion to creativity. in the evening. Panel: Feminine Voices/ Voces Raphael Arzuaga is the festi- Feb. 22: Meet the Artists; Ex- Femeninas followed by Cuban val’s artistic director. A painter hibit: Filling the Space/Llenando Guateque/ Guateque Cubano, while he was in Cuba, he now el Espacio; Artist in Residence: Trío Pasión Habanera, Dance earns a living as a graphic de- Alnolkys Turro and Photography Performance by Yussef Breffe signer in the Bay Area. He esti- by Eira Arrate; Batá Music: So- Cuban Dance Instructor and mated that there are about 5000 mos 3 Jesús Díaz, Sandy Pérez Choreographer Cubans living in the Bay Area. and Eric Barbería. For more information please Those numbers are dwarfed by Wed., Feb. 23: Cuban Words/ visit the website lasemanacu- the New York and Miami Cuban Palabras Cubanas, The Poetry bana.org, the Las Positas College communities. of Nicolás Guillén preformed by home page laspositascollege. Because Arzuaga has kept up Joel and Ana María Oliver; Cu- edu or call Catherine Suárez at ban Author Odette Alonso Yodu (925)424-1212 ties with artists, he is able to bring

in some good talent to the show. Pictured are scenes from last year's events: (above) the opening of the art show; (below, right) Suarez has been able to make an altar to Oggun. contacts, too. recession. Suarez visited Cuba in each There is no fee because Suarez of the past two years. The last wants to make sure the public has time, she brought five duffle bags maximum access to the event. packed with school supplies, be- The lack of reliable grant cause she learned on the previous funding is making it tough to trip that kids there needed them. cover the event financially, de- The donations are the other spite cutting costs to a fraction aspect of Cuban Week. It’s Tri- of past festivals. Valley residents way of thanking Suarez has been told by sev- the Cubans for their display of eral foundations that she could artistic skill. be placed on the funding-eligible Among performing artists list by “moving Cuban Week to invited to the festival is Jesus the other side of the (Caldecott) Diaz, a jazz musician who has tunnel.” The perception is that performed at the San Francisco it would have a bigger audience Jazz Festival. He will play the there, and be closer to the fund- bata, a traditional Cuban drum. ing sources. Ivan Camblor will play a tra- However, Suarez , who is ditional Cuban guitar, which has chair of the foreign languages support Cuban Week by pro- slant. It’s strictly a cultural shar- an odd number of strings on it. department at LPC and lives in viding the facility and related ing of Cuba’s lively artistic tradi- There will be a Skype phone Livermore, is firm about keeping maintenance. tions in music, dance and visual interview with Odette Alonso the festival on the LPC campus. ART TRANSCENDS art, including photography. Yodu, a Cuban poet, who lives She founded the festival express- POLITICAL VIEWS The performers and artists, in Mexico City. ly to introduce the Tri-Valley to The fair contains no political who will be sharing their craft in Arnolkis Turro, a Cuban na- Cuban culture. tive who lives in Miami, will Suarez hopes she will be able to attract corporate sponsors and donations from the public to cover the festival costs. The college does not make cash donations, although it does

Former Lab Director Announces Retirement

The National Nuclear Se- curity Administration (NNSA) recognized Los Alamos Na- tional Laboratory (LANL) Di- rector Michael Anastasio for his dedicated service as part of Photos - Doug Jorgensen the nuclear security enterprise. Participants in the annual Polar Bear Slide head into the 40 LANL announced that Anas- degree water. tasio would retire from the lab after serving as Director for the last five years. Prior to taking the job at Los Alamos, Anastasio served as director of the Lawrence Liver- more National Laboratory from 2002 to 2006. “I want to personally express my deepest appreciation to Mike Anastasio for his exceptional service to Los Alamos National Laboratory, to the National Nuclear Security Administra- tion, and to the country,” said NNSA Administrator Thomas D’Agostino. “As director of Los Alamos National Laboratory, and of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before that, Mike has led two of the nation’s pre- mier national security research facilities at the frontiers of science and innovation. Under his leadership, Los Alamos has made major contributions to our national security, and helped keep the American peo- ple safe. "I am incredibly grateful for his counsel over the years and consider him a true servant to the nation.” THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION II THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 Art, Community, & Education

Author James Dalessandro to Kick Off Livermore Reads Together 2011: 1906: A Novel

The kick off event for Liver- more Reads Together 2011 will be held Sunday, January 23 at the Livermore Public Library starting at 2 p.m. Livermore Reads Together is a community-wide reading program featuring James Dalessandro’s book 1906: A Novel, about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. The community of Liver- more is encouraged to read 1906, and participate in book discussions and free events for children and adults during the month of Febru- ary 2011. Copies of books and event schedules will be available at all Livermore Public Library serves as a love letter to San Fran- locations. cisco, his adopted city. Hailed by James Dalessandro’s novel Publisher’s Weekly as “an imagina- 1906 vividly depicts San Francisco tive and dense interplay between before and after the earthquake, fact and fiction,” 1906 uncovers as viewed through the eyes of An- the political scandal that prevailed nalisa Passarelli, a spirited music in the City by the Bay at the time critic for the Evening Bulletin. of the great earthquake and fire. Determined to free the city from Dalessandro’s documentary film the grip of a powerful political The Damned Finest Ruins also syndicate, Annalisa joins forces chronicles the events surrounding with a group of like-minded cops, the 1906 natural disaster, par- fellow journalists, and citizens. En- ticularly a drastic fire containment rico Caruso, Shanghai Kelly, and policy that destroyed thousands of some Barbary Coast thugs round buildings. In 2005, Dalessandro out the colorful cast of characters and Gladys Hansen, Curator of in Post-Victorian San Francisco, a the Museum of the City of San Author James Dalessandro will be on hand to talk about his book. place Annalisa describes as “part Francisco, successfully petitioned Paris and part Dodge City.” Da- lessandro deftly weaves historical the San Francisco Board of Super- figures and fictional characters in visors to increase the official death University in San Francisco. He Quake. Local historians and Science. 1906, and includes surprising facts toll from 478 to over 3,000. is the author of Canary in a Coal Livermore Heritage Guild mem- February 10, 7pm. Are You that present a fresh look at one of James Dalessandro was born in Mine (a volume of poetry), Bohe- bers Anne Homan and Richard Ready? How to Survive the Big the worst natural disasters in the Cleveland, Ohio in 1948. While mian Heart (a detective novel), Finn will talk about the effects One. Find out all you need to know history of the United States. When attending Ohio University, he and Citizen Jane: A True Story of of the huge 1906 earthquake on to survive the next Big Quake, and asked why he writes, Dalessandro watched a documentary about Money, Murder, and One Woman’s Livermore, what the citizens of other disasters. Genevieve Pas- says, “I can think of no other the Beat Poets, read Howl, and Mission to Put a Killer Behind Livermore did to help each other, tor-Cohen, certified emergency endeavor that demands more and decided to hitchhike to California Bars (a true crime book). and the big effort to help those in manager, will give an overview of returns less in terms of material to make his name as the next Gary Book discussion clubs are need throughout the Bay Area. the hazards faced by the Livermore things, or security, or pension and Snyder. Dalessandro was too late invited to select 1906 as their February 5, 10:30am. Quakes area, emphasizing the four pillars health benefits...if you don’t truly, to become a Beat, but he did join book choice for February. Book and Shakes for Kids. Become a of preparedness: making a kit and truly love writing, if you don’t Lawrence Ferlinghetti in co-found- club kits, available for check out, junior seismologist and explore the a plan, plus being informed and think it’s the most invigorating, ing the Santa Cruz Poetry Festival, include copies of the book, discus- inside and outside of our planet, involved. inspiring of all human activities, a renowned annual literary event sion questions and tips for leading find out what instruments are February 12, 10:30am. Read- you can’t do it.” Dalessandro’s that attracted the likes of Charles book discussions. used to measure earthquakes, and ers’ Theater for Children of Lizzie enthralling, well-researched novel Bukowski, William Burroughs, Future events include the fol- piece together a proper safety kit Newton and the San Francisco 1906 reflects both his passion for and Ken Kesey. Dalessandro also lowing (unless noted, events are to make sure you’re prepared—not Earthquake. Under the general writing and his enduring love for worked as a writer at Columbia held at the Civic Center Library): scared—the next time the ground San Francisco. direction of Dr. Philip Manwell, Pictures, and he currently teaches February 1, 7pm. Livermore starts to quake and shake! Pre- Dean, students from the Arts and Dalessandro’s historical novel screenwriting at Academy of Art 1906 showcases his versatility and 1906: During and After the Big sented by the Lawrence Hall of (continued on page 3) 2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 Art & Entertainment

Pictured are (at right) Angela Johal with collage, photo by Bill Hackett; “Portrait Drawing” by Thomasin Dewhurst, charcoal on paper, (above) Christine McCall’s 22” x 24”, 2010 “Bankhead Theater.” Solo exhibition in Cincinnati for Livermore Artist Artists to Show Work at the Livermore artist Thomasin Dewhurst has been awarded a solo exhibi- tion entitled The Emergent Body: Paintings and Drawings by Thomasin Dewhurst at the well-respected Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati Ohio. Bankhead Theater The exhibition will run from January 21 to February 18, 2011. The Livermore artists Angela Johal judge, and is vice-president and way of looking at the landmark Manifest Gallery is known for its exhibitions of insightful, thought- and Christine McCall will be show- liaison of shows for the Livermore buildings in town. A slice of a provoking art and design. It also functions as a hub for creative research and innovation at all levels of artistic endeavor. It includes a Drawing ing their colorful collections of art Art Association. photograph is mirrored many times at The Bankhead Theater from Center which promotes, features, and explores drawing as a rich and until the result looks like it’s being culturally significant art form through the pursuit of scholarly activi- January 12 - February 14. Angela Her latest abstract works draw viewed through a kaleidoscope. ties. The Manifest Gallery attracts artists from all over the USA and Johal is displaying her abstract from pop culture, consumerism and Some of the buildings featured around the world. collages made with tissue paper the sea of images and choices that are the Donut Wheel, Panama Red Dewhurst’s exhibit ties in with the Manifest Gallery’s exploration and paint color-samples. Christine tend to leave one void. “Embrace Coffee, Vine Cinemas, and the of the human figure, including the nude in contemporary art. It also McCall is showing her Livermore them, infuse them with the natural Bankhead Theater. provides a snapshot view into the near-side of the lineage of painting Kaleidoscope collection, featuring world, rearrange and decode them, The exposition will continue by women. Dewhurst’s works are inevitably current, but also share a the historic buildings and iconic give them a soul.” through February 14. Most art- bond in time to those of Gentileschi, Cassatt, Morisot, Kollwitz, Nourse, sights of Livermore. Christine McCall is a local works are for sale. The event will Saville, and others. Angela Johal is a local award- software engineer and artist, who be open during the Bankhead The- Of her work Dewhurst states, “The human form, through its con- winning artist who displays her is publicity chair for Livermore ater’s regularly scheduled events. tours, texture and the stretch of skin over muscle and bone, conveys an work in national and local shows, Art Association. Her kaleidoscope The Bankhead Theater is located at emotional and philosophical aesthetic that is the driving force behind wineries, galleries and businesses. project is a fun and interesting 2400 1st Street, Livermore. my painting and drawing practice. This aesthetic finds expression in She is a local art teacher, art show the depiction of tactility: the painted or drawn body presented closely within the viewer’s personal space and giving the viewer a sense of being able to touch the rendered flesh. “The body thus becomes emotive. At this point in the development Student Art Show at Cal State of a work there is a feeling, on my part, of commitment to the work and a fidelity to the story that is presenting itself... The figure is the central Thirteen advanced Bachelor of our students,” said Jill Ringler, television installation; Kenneth means of realizing the narrative.” Fine Arts students will be show- art gallery manager. “Among our Hung, painting, untitled; Elizabeth Thomasin Dewhurst was born in Lancashire in the United Kingdom ing their work in an exhibition interesting pieces this year is an Zunino, painting, “Unknown Terri- and moved to South Africa as a young child. She received her B.A.F.A. opening Jan. 10, and continuing installation by Donghoon Han tory,” and needlepoint, “Monarch with distinction in Painting from Rhodes University and her M.A.F.A. Jan. 11-Feb. 12 in the University composed of several old televi- Butterflies;” Pat McCabe, paint- with distinction in Painting and Theory of Art from the University of Art Gallery, Art and Education sions running VHS video, and an ings, “Mataka Henkmaalmaan the Witwatersrand. She moved to the USA 10 years ago. Her work has Building, on the Cal State East Bay interactive piece from Michael (Spirit Journey), #2, #4, #5;” Paolo been exhibited in various locations including the Everard Read Gal- campus, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Wallace that will enable the viewer Mejia, installation; A.W. Parker, lery and the iArt Gallery (Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa), Hayward. to have his photograph taken while photo, “Missing Clothes;” Melanie Hodnett Fine Art (Vancouver, Canada), the Blackheath Gallery (London, The opening will be from 5-7 sitting beneath images of people in Grayrain Sharr, paintings, “Nurse United Kingdom) and at various galleries in the USA. Her work is part p.m., regular hours are Monday- chairs,” she said. Series;” Andy Wallace, four paint- of a number of permanent collections including the Gauteng legisla- Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Fridays Participants are: Victor Hugo ings, “Simple Representation, ture in South Africa and Ericsson South Africa (with around 20 of her from 6-9 p.m., and Saturdays Arce showing mixed media, “Hor- Complex Idea, No. 1;” Michael watercolors). Currently Thomasin works as an artist and art instructor, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is miga Atomica;” Eyael Fisseha, Wallace, installation, photographs teaching both children and adults in Livermore. always free. nine small abstract images; Ma- and chair, “Leaf-Spring Chair;” For more information about Thomasin’s work and art instruction, “Each year we look forward ria Fulmer, photograph, “Veins and Justin Reece, photography. please visit her website: www.thomasindewhurst.com to new and exciting works from II;” Donghoon Han, video and

Wine & Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 3 Restaurant Week Includes a Multi-Winery Dinner

More than a dozen Tri-Val- culinary styles and signature dishes Vineyard & Winery, Laurus South- As a part of CA Restaurant ley businesses will celebrate the for diners. The event will feature ern European Bistro, Little Home Month, Livermore Valley Wine inaugural Taste of Tri-Valley an array of restaurants, casual Thai Cuisine, Mama Rosa Pizza Country is offering its first multi- Restaurant Week, January 23-30, dining establishments and local & Pasta, Nonni’s Bistro, Porters winery Winemaker Dinner featur- 2011, announced Amy Blaschka, purveyors that will provide one of Restaurant at Poppy Ridge, Royal ing winemakers and wines from president and CEO of the Tri- a kind dining experiences offered Tofu House, Stomp!, Swirl on the Concannon Vineyard, Murrieta’s Valley , California Convention & during this week only. Visitors Square, Terra Mia, The Farmer Well, Page Mill Winery, Picazo, Visitors Bureau (CVB). can also experience the bounty of Restaurant at the Pleasanton Hotel, Ruby Hill Winery, and Wente “Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Tri-Valley by visiting Livermore The Peasant and the Pear, The Res- Vineyards. Week is an incredible opportunity Valley wineries, farmers markets reservations are encouraged. For taurant at Wente Vineyards, Toma- This 6 course dinner will fea- to experience the best wine and and local farms. more information on participat- tina, and Underdog Wine Bar. ture pairings from Executive Chef food from the destination at a value Participating restaurants in Tri- ing restaurants and specials, visit Taste of Tri-Valley Restau- Eric Berg of Wente Restaurant. All not available any other time of the Valley offer a variety of specials, www.trivalleycvb.com/tasteoftri- rant Week is part of California winemakers will be in attendance, year,” Blaschka said. “January is including prix fixe dinners starting valley. Restaurant Month, designated by sharing their intimate winemak- also a great time to get hotel deals at $19, complimentary appetizers More than a dozen restaurants the California Travel & Tourism ing tales. and experience the diversity of or desserts, and waived corkage have committed to participate Commission (CTTC). More than The dinner is Thurs., Jan. 27 be- what our destination offers, from on Livermore Valley wines. Each including Amber Bistro, Ballybun- 20 destinations across California, ginning with a reception at 6 p.m. wine tasting to shopping and much individual restaurant has the op- ion Bar & Grill, Basil Leaf Café, from the desert and coast to wine It will be held at The Restaurant more.” portunity to create a special offer Blackhawk Grille, Blue Agave country and High Sierra, are host- at Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Chefs and restaurants in the unique to their establishment. No Grill, Campo Di Bocce, Eddie ing restaurant weeks this January. Rd., Pleasanton. Cost is $120 per Tri-Valley will showcase their tickets are necessary, but restaurant Papa’s American Hangout, Garre For more information go to person plus tax/gratuity. www.trivalleycvb.com/visitors/ For reservations, contact the restaurants/restaurantweekoffers/ Wente Restaurant at 925-456- MULTI-WINERY DINNER 2450. LIVERMORE READS (continued from front page)

Communication Division at Las 1906 San Francisco— part Paris, photographs by the Miles Broth- Positas College will offer a special part Dodge City— corruption, ers, pioneers in American cinema, p r e s e n t a - bravery, a journalist, a runaway, including their 1906 film A Trip tion of the a Chinese slave girl ... and Enrico Down Market Street, an historic children’s Caruso! 13-minute journey shot just days book Lizzie February 19, 12 noon, Vine before the earthquake. N e w t o n Cinema. Classic Movie Screening February 26, 1:30am. After- and the San – San Francisco. View a special shock!: Teens Prepare for Disaster Francisco showing of the classic 1936 movie Assistance. At Aftershock!, teens Earthquake, San Francisco starring Clark will learn first aid for earthquake the story of Gable, Jeanette MacDonald, and and fire disasters through a spe- t e n - y e a r- Spencer Tracy, nominated for cial American Red Cross training old Lizzie best actor. course designed for teens. Other N e w t o n , February 20, 2pm. The 1906 topics include first response topics who having Earthquake: Lessons Learned, and techniques, and a look at teen helped take her grandmother to Lessons Forgotten, and Manag- volunteer opportunities with the the hospital after the 1906 San ing Earthquake Risk. The 1906 American Red Cross. Francisco earthquake, sets off on earthquake marked the birth of February 26, 2pm. Jack Lon- her own to find her parents. Come modern earthquake science. For don: Eyewitness to the Great experience the earthquake from a the first time, the effects of a major Quake. Jack London: Eyewitness child’s perspective. seismic event were systematically to the Great Quake is a dynamic February 13, 2pm. Frisky Frol- investigated and documented. As portrait of California through ics: Tin Pan Alley Troubadours. earthquake sciences evolves, re- the eyes of the renowned author, With a ukulele-driven program of analysis of the 1906 quake yields adventurer and social crusader, such Tin Pan Alley-era classics as new insights. Mary Lou Zoback, Jack London, as performed by “Cake Eatin’ Man” and “My Ca- former Chief Scientist of the US Michael Oakes, artistic direc- nary Has Circles Under His Eyes,” Geological Survey, will bring us tor of Live Oakes Educational the Frisky Frolics quintet revels up to date on what we’ve learned. Theater. Follow London as he in the outdated, dusty gems from February 22, 7pm. San Fran- journeyed throughout the region our grandparents’ 78 rpm record cisco’s Lost Landmarks with Au- documenting the devastation of collections. thor James Smith. San Francisco’s the 1906 earthquake –one of the February 17, 7pm. A Dramatic earthquakes, 1906 and prior, will most articulate of the eyewitness Reading from 1906: A Novel. A be presented in an illustrated dis- accounts. cast of volunteer readers from cussion of how the city earned its Livermore Reads Together Shakespeare’s Associates will seal and what really happened. – 1906: A Novel is sponsored by bring James Dalessandro’s book February 24, 7pm. The Miles The Friends of the Livermore Li- 1906 to life with a dramatic read- Brothers: Before and After the brary. For additional events check ing. With an introduction by Dr. Earthquake. David Kiehn, Histori- the library’s website at www. Philip Manwell, the featured se- an of the Niles Essanay Silent Film livermore.lib.ca.us . lections will provide a glimpse of Museum will show short films and 4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 Art & Entertainment Foreverland Performing a Benefit Concert For San Ramon High School

Community Concerts & San Michael Jackson Revue.” Ramon Valley High School present The band has been packing the San Ramon Valley High School people in at some of the bay areas Winter Benefit Concert featuring hottest spots including Bimbos 365 Foreverland with special appear- Club, Slims, Red Devil Lounge, ances by SRVHS Instrumental Mezzanine, Last Day Saloon Santa Music Students Rosa, 19 Broadway and many The performance will be Sat., more. In addition, the band was Jan. 29 at the SRVHS Performing lucky enough to open for Kool and Arts Center, 501 Danville Blvd. in The Gang in December 2009. Danville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Rather than be limited by a MJ The show begins at 7 p.m. with impersonator and pre-recorded Foreverland performing starting backing tracks, the band’s ap- at 8 p.m. proach is to celebrate the larger Foreverland is a 14-piece trib- than life performances, imagina- ute to Michael Jackson. tion and infectious spirit of this Based in San Francisco, the legendary artist. group was formed in March of Proceeds will benefit the San 2009 to honor Michael’s musical Ramon Valley High School Instru- genius and legendary showman- mental Music programs. ship. Tickets are $25 adv/$30 door, With four lead vocalists, four Gold Circle: $40, SRVHS students horns and a six-piece rhythm sec- and staff: $10. For tickets or infor- tion, the ensemble is best described mation call 707-869-9403 or go to as a “Remarkable and Rocking www.communityconcerts.com

Pictured at right is the Michael Jackson Tribute Band, Foreverland.

Grant Provides for Student Presentation The Livermore Valley Per- of relationships, the absurdities of Ward, president, community re- forming Arts Center (LVPAC) life and the struggle to maintain lations, Target. “We’re proud to announced a partnership with our humanity in an increasingly partner with LVPAC as part of Target in recognition of its efforts technological world. our ongoing commitment to give to provide students and schools “We are delighted that Target back to the communities where access to performances and artists has awarded this grant to help our guests and team members live that will impact young people’s LVPAC provide exciting and en- and work.” lives. The grant, along with contri- lightening performances for young Additionally, Target also gives butions from LVPAC’s Education people. Attractions like Diavolo through signature programs that Fund, will be used to underwrite a offer an opportunity to explore are designed to inspire learning in special student presentation of the new performance techniques and children and families. highly acclaimed Diavolo Dance experience a wide range of artistic Full Diavolo performances for Theatre at 10am on Friday, Janu- creativity and expression” com- the public will be presented on ary 14 at the Bankhead Theater. mented Len Alexander, LVPAC’s Friday, January 14th and Saturday, Field trip tickets are $7 per person. Executive Director. January 15th at 8pm with ticket They are available to elementary This grant is part of ongoing prices ranging from $39-$62 for through college age students who efforts by Target to strengthen adults and $12 for students. attend private, public or home families and communities through- The Bankhead Theater is lo- school programs as well as parent out the country. Since opening its cated at 2400 First Street in Down- chaperones and teachers. audience, Diavolo has developed a oratively under the guidance of doors, Target has given 5 percent town Livermore. The ticket office Diavolo was founded in 1992 in movement vocabulary that creates Heim. The sets created are outra- of its income to organizations that is open Tuesday through Saturday Los Angeles by Jacques Heim to an almost cinematic experience geous and surrealistic and form an support education, the arts, social from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. On create large-scale interdisciplinary of powerful images that develop intrinsic part of each piece of work. services and volunteerism. Today performance days the ticket office performances which examine the abstract narratives of the human Everyday items such as doors, that equals more than $3 million remains open through intermis- funny and sometimes frightening condition. chairs and stairways provide the every week. sion. To order Diavolo tickets or ways individuals act with their The company is comprised back-drop for dramatic movement “At Target, our local grants are for more information, call 925- environment. Constantly chang- of dancers, gymnasts and actors – leaping, flying, twirling – that making a difference in the com- 373-6800 or visit www.bankhead- ing the image presented to the who create performances collab- creates metaphors for the challenge munities we serve,” said Laysha theater.org. Art & Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 5

Saturday New World Music Academy Participating in Collaborative Music Day Concert pianist Mark Anderson piano students performed with of the tenets of New World Music music; we anticipate hundreds of Salon Meets and his New World Music Acad- violin students in the chamber Academy from its inception.” performances happening that day emy in Pleasanton will take part music format. To celebrate the International from coast to coast and around January 15 in the first International Day of Anderson states, “Chamber, or Day of Collaborative Music this the globe.” Collaborative Music (IDCM), on collaborative, music has always coming January 22, Anderson In addition to Anderson him- 4th Street Studio invites January 22, 2011. been a passion for me as a student will hold an open house at his self, performers will include acad- writers to read and listeners to The Music Teacher’s National and a professional musician. I academy’s new location at 4430 emy instructors soprano Cass listen at its monthly Saturday Association (MTNA) and partner feel as though my musicianship Willow Rd. in Pleasanton, directly Panuska, guitarist Didier Bouvet Salon on Saturday January 15 organizations, such as Anderson’s came into true maturity only after across the street from Hart Middle and violinist Rodin Akerman as at 7:30 p.m. 4th Street Studio is academy, are currently in the much experience as a chamber School. Anderson and a number well as visiting teachers and artists located at 2235 Fourth Street in midst of celebrating the Year of musician and collaborating with of instructors from the academy from various locations throughout Livermore. Everyone has up to Collaborative Music (YCM). other artists. There are few op- and guest performing artists will the Bay Area. ten minutes to read. The public Programming, publications, and portunities for music students to provide free concerts between More information about New is welcome. special events mark the joy of take part in musical collaborations 1pm and 4pm. According to An- World Music Academy classes and This month’s Salon, the first playing music together. One such simply because private lessons do derson, “This local-level initiative instructors can be found at www. in a planned year-long focus on event was the academy’s Holiday not condone it. This is why I have is meant to involve many different NewWorldMusicAcademy.com American authors, is “A River Recital on December 11th in which made musical collaboration one instruments or vocalists in making of Incoming Tide on a Differ- Program ent Road Kind of Night” to celebrate the American fiction Offers Look writer Elizabeth Strout (born Fashion Designer and MTV Star on January 6th, 1956). Strout at Becoming a was awarded the Pulitzer Prize to Host Defining Girl Academy Teacher in 2009 for Olive Kitteridge, a Teens in grades 6-12 are invited novel in stories. Award winning fashion de- Angeles, her designs can be seen quiet but very important inner to attend the fourth in a series of Strout once wrote, “The act signer and star of MTV’s House all over the red carpets at events voice. This event is geared to help- career workshops, So You Want to of writing requires some ele- of Jazmin, Jazmin Whitely, will such as the MTV Movie Awards, ing them tune into what is unique Be a Teacher. This free event will ment of revealing oneself.” At be in Pleasanton to host a special the Teen Choice Awards, and the and innately different about them. take place on Saturday, January 22, 4th Street Studio’s Saturday event for local teen girls. Teaming Emmy Awards. “I look for situa- This very thing is what will allow 2011, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm in Salons, writers of all kinds are with Debbie Mitchell, Twisted tions where I can inspire younger a person to have unlimited success the Storytime/Craft Room of the invited to reveal themselves Silver founder and designer, the girls to start now in accomplishing in this world.” Says designer Deb- Civic Center Library. before a sympathetic audience: Defining Girl Academy is an event their dreams, this is just that kind bie Mitchell. Defining Girl acts Experts from a variety of teach- fellow writers and other lovers to help enable girls to start living of opportunity ” says Whitley. as a community of women and ing fields will be on hand to talk of the literary arts as spoken out their own dreams. The day will Following the event the com- girls who support one another and about their professions and answer word. The Salons provide an consist of activities, workshops, munity is invited to meet the de- strives to inspire and encourage questions. Cal State University opportunity for writers to read and speakers aimed at encouraging signer from 2-4 pm for a sample individuality. The community is East Bay and Las Positas College their work — so they can hear the girls in attendance to embrace sale at Orghipchick located on fueled by each Defining Girl and representatives will be available to how it sounds when read aloud, their individuality. 2074 1st St. Livermore. her own, one-of-a-kind journey. answer questions about the college and so others can listen to what The Defining Girl Academy Mitchell started Defining Girl Mitchell attributes her success to journey to becoming a teacher. they have written. All literary will be held at the Ruby Hill Golf for young women just starting to the fact that she had an incredible For more information, please forms are welcome: fiction, Club in Pleasanton, California explore their passions and dreams. support system and she wants to visit TEEN SPACE on the library’s literary non-fiction, memoir, on January 22, 2011. Interested “Pop culture has a loud voice. It give the same opportunity to the website: www.livermore.lib.ca.us teen girls are encouraged to visit has a way of drowning out our girls today. or contact Sandy at 925-373-5500 poetry, monologues, and short facebook.com/defininggirl for ap- extension 5583. dramatic works. The evening plication information and to join also marks the 7th birthday of Defining Girl. Applications are due the Salons, which began in Janu- January 14, 2011. ary of 2004. Fashion designer Jazmin Whit- Bring a nosh and something ley at age 19 was the youngest per- to drink to share. son to show at New York Fashion Saturday Salon at 4th Street Week at Bryant Park. After putting Studio is sponsored by Fourth on a fashion show in high school, Street Studio. The Salons, now she received enough support from beginning their eighth year, are the community around her to pur- held on the third Saturday of sue her dreams all the way to suc- each month at 4th Street Studio, cess. With two show rooms in Los 2235 Fourth Street.

6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 Art & Entertainment

Music Review Audience Applauds American Premiere by the Ying Quartet By Nancy O’Connell for a string orchestra. Artists have Quartet commissioned this work was totally deaf and living in subject. As the theme was devel- The Ying Quartet gave a su- encouraged artists for centuries. It and first played it in China. The poverty. Yet he could still create oped contrapuntally, the intensity perb performance at Livermore’s is a rich tradition. cellist told the audience, “The Chi- magnificent music. In the program increased. After the storm of notes, Bankhead Theater in an evening Barber’s first movement began nese like American ragtime.” notes, Glenn Gould is quoted. “… a calm descended, and slow sus- concert on Sat., Jan. 8. It looked with a strident unison passage Novacek wrote, “Ragtime is for me, the Grosse Fuge is not tained melodies were heard. Two as though every seat was taken. No stating the main theme. Rapid a complex hybrid of African- only the greatest work Beethoven grand pauses were followed by a one was disappointed. This excit- 16th notes with striking rhythmic American dance tunes filtered ever wrote, but just about the return to the earlier frenzy of the ing and vibrant quartet captured patterns followed, but then gave through the procedures of the most astonishing piece in musical first subject. everyone’s admiration. The four way to a lyrical choir like sound. A polka, march, and minstrel song.” literature.” The audience stood as one body, musicians exuded youth and vital- low cello passage was answered by He took the themes and ideas from Instead of the usual four move- clapping and cheering, a moving ity. For 13 years they’ve been the the viola. Then another whirlwind his earlier piano pieces for this ments this quartet has six. His tribute to this virtuoso quartet, and Quartet in Residence at Eastman of 16th notes alternated with the work, but greatly expanded them opening Adagio was followed by brought the performers back for School of Music. The group has beautiful sonorities of the second for the quartet. The first Rag was an Allegro which had a difficult two curtain calls. won many awards. Originally all subject. delightful and lively, with all four unison spiccato section. Run- These four players were superb. four were siblings from the Ying The famous Adagio was beauti- performers keeping time with ning 16th notes contrasted with The cellist, who played on a 1695 family, but their brother recently ful in this pure form for four voices their feet. It was “toe tapping” a slow melody. Then a cello and Rogeri instrument, produced a retired, and a new first violinist, instead of many. Its eloquent music. The audience could hear viola theme was picked up by the deep rich sound and flawless into- Anano Ninomiya, joined them in theme was played by the cellist, the cellist’s foot slapping the floor. first violin - so many contrasts in nation. The violist had a wonderful September. David Ying, while the others By this time, several heads among Beethoven’s mastery of the string sonorous tone. The two violinists Philip Ying, the violist, an- played accompanying figures. the listeners were nodding. The quartet! were equally remarkable. The nounced that their first work would Towards the end of the move- second Rag was very melodic; the In the fifth movement, the quartet almost played as one with be the most famous string quartet ment, the intensity grew as all third lightning fast and complex. Cavatina, glorious melodies filled their crescendos and diminuen- composed by an American, Samuel four players climbed up in the Driving rhythms, glissandos and the hall, and although the “house dos, their changes in dynamics. Barber (1910-1981). The Adagio stratosphere with the cellist in foot stamping brought the third was full,” not a sound came from Perfectly attuned to one another, for Strings, which is often played high thumb position very near his Rag to an exciting and dynamic the audience. Everyone was each player was sensitive to the by a string orchestra, and per- bridge. A quiet Coda concluded conclusion. Many in the audience spellbound. other three. We are so fortunate to formed at many national ceremo- the Adagio. The Molto Allegro stood and wildly clapped, bring- Then the Quartet played the have the Bankhead Theater with its nies, was originally composed as presented a very brief reprise of ing the group back for two curtain great Grosse Fuge, a musical chal- excellent acoustics which attracts a the 2nd movement for his String the first movement. calls. lenge for every string player. The quartet of this quality. The concert Quartet, Opus 11. Just as the Ying Livermore was honored by After intermission Beethoven’s first violinist spread out all four was brought to Livermore by Del quartet has commissioned some 40 hearing the American premiere Quartet in B-flat Major, Opus 130 pages across her stand to avoid Valle Fine Arts and its discerning contemporary works to be written performance of John Novacek’s was heard, closing with the com- awkward page turns. Each player board. Reserve tickets for the next for it, Toscanini requested that Bar- Three Rags for String Quartet, plex Grosse Fuge, Opus 133. By in turn performed a fiendish pas- concert in the series, “Sotto Voce” ber arrange the adagio movement composed in 2010. The Ying the time he wrote this, Beethoven sage as he or she introduced the Brass Quartet on April 16, 2011.

Learn to Play Medieval and Renaissance Music

The Tri-Valley Medieval & musicians who can read music, in- Francisco Early Music Society. East and North Africa. He has Renaissance Collegium will be- cluding voice, strings, woodwinds, Greg Ingles is new to the Bay performed and recorded with gin weekly sessions on Monday, brass, and percussion. If you have Area and has already emerged various early music, contemporary January 24, at 7:30 PM. Shira sung or played early music in the as one of the leading perform- music, and world music ensembles Kammen, widely recognized for past and have wanted to reconnect ers and teachers of sacbut and throughout North American, the her interpretation of Medieval and with your musical self, this is your recorder. Greg is a member U.K., and Europe, including Jordi Renaissance repertoire as well as opportunity. of PIFFARO, The Renaissance Savall’s Hesperion XX in a pro- for her teaching, will coordinate Anyone wishing to experi- Band and of Ciaramella, a wind gram of medieval Spanish music. the collegium’s weekly session. ence the joy of performing with a band, which specializes in 15th He also enjoys teaching and pre- Shira will alternate leading variety of instruments and a fresh century renaissance music. senting lectures, workshops and weekly sessions with her col- approach to music-making, join Shira Kammen has spent well classes. leagues Greg Ingles, Peter Maund, the Collegium on Monday nights over half her life exploring the David Morris performs and and David Morris. beginning January 24. Bring your worlds of early and traditional teaches baroque cello, viola da instruments and a music stand. The music as a multi-instrumental- gamba, and bass violin. He is a Each week, one of these leading pitch will be A=440 hz. ist, vocalist, and teacher. She member of Musica Pacifica, the early music performer-teachers The class fee is $25.00 per week has performed and taught violin, Sex Chordae Consort of Viols, and will provide an opportunity for or $200.00 for the entire nine-week vielle, and voice in nationally, NYS Baroque. He has performed nonprofessional musicians to study session internationally, and on the Colo- and recorded with numerous early and perform period music. Contact Marilyn Marquis rado and Rogue rivers. She is a music ensembles, and has been a Participants will explore the for further information at col- member of medieval ensembles guest instructor in early music per- rich musical history of Medieval [email protected] or Fortune’s Wheel and Tapestry, formance-practice at UC Berkeley, and Renaissance music with each 925.424.1209 and the California Revels, among UC Santa Cruz, the San Francisco conductor emphasizing a unique The Tri-Valley Medieval & Re- many others. Conservatory of Music, Mills Col- aspect of early music practice. Shira Kammen naissance Collegium is a not-for- Peter Maund specializes in lege, among others. The Collegium welcomes all profit affiliate member of the San hand percussion from the Middle Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 7 Musical Comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Opens at Bankhead Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre is off to the Riviera with Broadway’s smash-hit musical comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The play opens at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on Friday, January 21. The show is based on the film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine. It is the story of two very funny con men who try to out-con each other. When it becomes apparent that the Riviera isn’t big enough for the both of them, they make a winner-take-all wager over the fortunes of a naive American soap heiress: the first one to “clean her out” can make the other clear out and keep the Riviera and its unsuspecting tourists to himself. Book is by Jeffrey Lane; music and lyrics by David Yazbek. The musical comedy is directed by John Maio, vocal direction by Sierra Dee, choreography by Kevin Hammond, musical direction by JoAnn Fosselman, and producer Kathleen Breedveld. Costumes were created by Patricia Krohn-Pope. Lighting is by David Lam and sound design by Scott Johnson The cast includes - Lawrence (Dan Kapler), Freddy (Robert Lopez), Christine (Anne Milbourne), Andre (Joseph Brunicardi), Muriel (Amy Lucido), and Jolene (Christi Wallace). Featured dancers are Lindsay Rousseau Burnett, Julie Collins, Jay Crispell, David Irving, Aaron Lindstromm, Steph Peek, Sarah Schori, Sally Shoebridge, Amy Sloan, Wesley Sonido, Danielle Santisteven, and Christi Wallace. Additional ensemble is comprised of Joan Evans, Maren Haws, Marsha Howard, Rikki Juster, Sharon Kantor, Victoria King-Bowman, Martie Muldoon, Ross Murray and Tim Nolan. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays January 21 through Feb. 6 at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Tickets may be purchased at www.livermoreperformingarts.org, by phone at 925-373-6800, or by visiting the Bankhead Theater ticket window at 2400 1st Street, Livermore. Dan Kapler, Robert Lopez and Anne Milbourne rehearse for Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre's next Visit the Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre website for more information: production. www.trivalleyrep.org.

Teens Invited to Submit Work in Teen Art Exposition and Contest The Livermore Public Library aged to submit a piece of original generously donated by Way Up Art The community is invited to For more information and to invites teens to participate in the art. Works eligible for this exhibit and Frame in Livermore. attend the Artist’s Reception that access entry forms, please visit 2010 Teen Art Exposition and are limited to visual media includ- Teen artwork will be on display takes place on Tuesday, April 26, TEEN SPACE on the Livermore Contest. The Friends of the Liver- ing painting, sculpture, photogra- from April 1 through April 30 in 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in Public Library’s website at www. more Public Library is sponsor- phy, textiles and collage. Entries the Civic Center Library Art Gal- Community Room A of the Civic livermore.lib.ca.us or contact ing unique opportunity for teens will be accepted Tuesday, March 1, lery during the library’s regular Center Library. Sandy at 373-5500 ext. 5583. to share their artistic talent with 2011 through Thursday, March 31, hours. Artwork will be shown as local artists and the citizens of 2011 at the Civic Center Library. space allows. On Tuesday, April 2, Livermore. The first five entrants will each 2011, artwork will be judged and Livermore residents in the sixth receive a $10.00 gift certificate ribbons awarded. through twelfth grades are encour- Panel to Discuss Financial Planning for Women The Livermore-Pleasanton- held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon For further information call Dublin Branch American Asso- on Saturday, January 22, at Valley 443-7901. ciation University Women (L-P-D Medical Center, room 2W in the According to Jeffrey Immelt, AAUW) has brought together a hospital building, 5555 West Las CEO of GE, the global collapse panel of four experts in the area Positas Blvd., Pleasanton. of financial markets in 2008 repre- of financial planning: Norma The seminar is open to the pub- sented “an emotional, raw, social, Foss, Enrolled Agent; Felice Price, lic. There is no charge; however, economic reset. People who un- Certified Financial Planner; Nancy space is limited. An RSVP to derstand that will prosper. Those Ubaldi, VP-Investments, UBS 484-3321 is requested. Coffee and who don’t will be left behind.” The Financial Services; and Shirley refreshments will be served. goal of AAUW is to help its mem- The L-P-D AAUW also holds bers, and other interested women, M. White, Attorney. understand. The primary focus of the semi- a monthly Stock and Investment Group meeting at the Livermore AAUW has a long history of nar will be the preservation of advancing educational and profes- income and estate planning. The Library, room 131 at 10:00 a.m. on the third Friday of the month. sional opportunities for women in panel will use a question and an- the US and around the globe. For swer format. The seminar will be The next meeting will be Friday, further information about L-P-D January 21. AAUW, call 484-0839. 8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 Art & Entertainment

ART/PHOTO EXHIBITS Vine, 2187 First Street, Livermore, also the tasting room for the past three years. 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. is scheduled for Thursday, February 17, Livermore Art Association Gallery, participates in Second Saturday Open Lori Albiani (our former Tasting Room firehousearts.org 2011 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. located in Carnegie Park, offers art Studios/Art Crawls. Manager) has been promoted to Tasting The Lion in Winter, Jan. 21-Feb. 12, Village Solo Piano Competition for young artists, classes, unusual gifts, painting rentals, art Room Manager at Murrieta's Well. Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Presented sponsored by Las Positas College Music exhibits and information pertaining to the MEETINGS/CLASSES Fenestra Winery, Soup & Wine "Souper" by Role Players Ensemble Theatre. www. Department, open to ages 14 through art field, 2155 Third St., Livermore. The Bowl, Jan. 29, 30, noon to 5 p.m. Guest danvilletheatre.com. 24. The winner will perform George gallery has been open since 1974 and is chefs prepare tasty soups to sample with Reach for the Stars! An Evening of the Gershwin’s, “Rhapsody in Blue” at the run as a co-op by local artists. Hours are award winning wines. $12.50 glass, buffet Arts for the Arts, Livermore Valley May 4, 2011 Orchestra Concert as part of Wed.-Sun. 11:30-4 p.m. For information plate, soup samples and unlimited access Education Foundation presents a spe- the inaugural season for the new Barbara call 449-9927. to recipes. 83 Vallecitos Rd., Livermore. cial evening fund-raiser featuring arts Fracisco Mertes Center for the Arts. The Believe/Achieve Art Exhibit, Diablo/Al- www.fenestrawinery.com. showcase performances by elementary, application deadline is February 10, 2011. ameda Branch of the National League of middle and high school students enrolled The selection will take place in February. American Pen Women (NLAPW) at the MUSIC/CONCERTS in Livermore Valley Joint Unified School To request application forms and informa- John O'Lague Galleria and the Hayward Music every Saturday in the tasting room District’s music, drama, dance and visual tion, please contact Music instructor Mary City Hall Dec. 3, 2010 to Feb. 9, 2011. from 12 to 4; open every day if the gate arts programs. Thurs., March 31 at 7 p.m. Campbell, mcampbell@laspositascol- There is no admission charge. Hayward is open and for sure on Fridays, Satur- at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. lege.edu, (925) 424-1118. City Hall is located at 777 B Street. days and Sundays 11 to 5. Red Feather Tickets are $25 for reserved seats; students Concerto competition, Prometheus Pen Women writers will be performing Winery, 5700 Greenville Rd., Livermore. tickets are $12.50 with the purchase of Symphony Orchestra of Oakland is original works at the reception. Music and Information at 449-1871 or www.red- a reserved seat in any section. www. sponsoring a concerto competition for refreshments will be provided. featherwinery.com livermoreperformingarts.com, or at the Bay Area string, wind and percussion 5th Annual "East Meets West" exhibit Chris Bradley's Jazz Band, plays at The Bankhead box office, 2400 First St., Liver- players age eighteen years or younger. through January at the Livermore Library Sunol Jazz Cafe (In the Center of Sunol) more. For additional information, contact: The competition will be held on Tuesday Gallery, 1188 S. Livermore Ave, features the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month Victoria Schellenberger, LVEF President, evening February 1, 2011. The winner paintings, photographs and sculptures 7:30-9:30 p.m. The band features real Jazz [email protected] will perform with the orchestra on Sunday, Livermore Art Association, Pleasanton by seven different artists, plus works from the 1920's, 30's, 40's. Arsenic and Old Lace, Asbury Players, May 22, 2011, and will receive a $200.00 Art League, meeting Mon., Jan. 24, 7:30 by a half-dozen local poets. The art Blacksmith Square Saturday Concerts, March 18, 19, 20, 2011. Asbury United award. Contestants are to perform from p.m. Almond Ave. School, 1401 Almond represents both Eastern and Western Thomas Coyne Winery, John Christopher Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Liver- memory a complete concerto or work Ave., Livermore. Potter and instructor traditions, as well as contemporary work. Cellars, Swirl Tapas Bar and Victorian more. Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Friday for solo instrument and orchestra. The Erin K. Donohue-Davis will present the Artists are: Lily Xu, Eugenia W. Zobel, Olive Oil present live music in the Square, and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. application deadline is January 25, 2011. program. No admission charge. Public Linda Sargent Beach, Walter E. Davies, 3 to 6 p.m. Wine tasting (fee waived Doors open 20 minutes prior to show Applications are available by calling (925) is welcome. Zhiping Zhang, Jason Robert Griego; with purchase), food at menu prices. No time. Tickets are $10 general admission, 447-3659 or online at www.promethe- Figure Drawing Workshop, every Friday poets: Charan Sue Wollard; Connie Post, outside food or adult beverages. Corner $8 for seniors and children under 12. For ussymphony.org. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Artists bring their Deborah Grossman, Ronnie Holland, Jim of South Livermore Ave. and Railroad additional ticket information, please call Singers invited, Cantabella Children’s own materials and easels. Open to all art- Curcuro, and David Wright. There is no Ave. downtown Livermore. 455-1048. Chorus has been teaching fine vocal pro- ists. Professional artist models (nude). No admission charge. Tingstad & Rumbel - American home-style Shakespeare’s Associates’ production of duction and music literacy through great instructor. Students under 18 need written Watercolors by Larry Gibson. Exhibit music, Fri., Jan. 14, 8 p.m. Firehouse Arts A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet. choral works to 206 children in grades K- parental permission to attend. Cost $20 on display through Jan. 25, 2011. Wente Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. March 31-April 23, 2011, Thursdays, 12 since 1992. Children in K-5 are placed per session. At the Bothwell Arts Center, Vineyards Estate Winery Tasting Room, Tickets at www.firehousearts.org Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the in training choirs, singers in grades 4-8 2466 8th St., Livermore. Coffee, tea and 5565 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925.456.2305, Rodgers & Hammerstein with Hart, Sat., Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 Eighth Street, perform in Cantabella Children’s Chorus, refreshments are available. Call or email wentevineyards.com Jan. 15, 8 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 16, 2 p.m. Livermore, CA. Tickets from $25-$35 by advanced choristers in grades 7-10 sing Barbara Stanton for more info about the Pushpa Dalal, abstract photo show, "Color, Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad calling 1-800-838-3006 or www.Liver- in the Chamber Choir and may audition workshop, 925-373-9638 - microangelo@ Light and Movement" gallery in the Ave., Pleasanton. www.firehousearts. moreShakes.org. For more information for the Honors Choir. Rehearsals take earthlink.net. Barbara Mertes Center for the Arts at Las org visit www.LivermoreShakes.org or call place in Dublin, Livermore and Pleas- Art Critique and Coffee, every Friday, Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Al Jarreau, 8 p.m. Jan. 28, Dougherty 925-443-BARD (2273). anton. New singers are cordially invited 10 a.m. at Border's Cafe, Rose Pavilion, Livermore. Reception Jan. 19, 5 to 7 p.m. Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 to email Director Bee Chow, director@ Pleasanton. Information available at Paring fee $2. Information 424-1000. Albion Rd., San Ramon, 973-3343 or DANCE cantabella.org or call (925) 292-2663 [email protected]. Harrington Art Gallery exhibit, Look of SanRamonPerformingArts.com. Friday Night Dance Parties, themed for placement in the training choirs or to Journal Writing Club for Young Adults, Jazz, Saturday, January 29, 2011 – Tues- Concert by Folk Singer John McCutch- parties each Friday night from Salsa to arrange an audition for the performing young adults ages 12-21, are invited to day, February 22, 2011. Gallery Reception eon, Monday January 17, 2011 at 7:30 Swing, includes a group dance lesson choirs. Classes resume the second week join the Journal Writing Club for Young Saturday, January 20, 2011, 3 to 5pm. p.m. St. James’ Episcopal Church Fremont at 8:15. $15 cover charge, 8:15 dance of January, 2011. Visit www.cantabella. Adults at the Livermore Public Library, Bay Area artists such as Chester Elmore, (37051 Cabrillo Drive - off Thornton Ave. lesson, 9:00-10:30 for dance parties. It's org for more information. Civic Center, on Thursday evenings, Joan Finton and James Gayles will be in Fremont). $25 for Adults, $15 for kids All About Dancing, 171 So. J Street, Valley Concert Chorale will hold auditions January 20, February 10 and March 3, featured in an exhibit that celebrates 5-12, kids under 5 free. Call 510-797- Livermore. 925-449-9292, or studio@ by appointment for its March performanc- 2011 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, for a fun- jazz and how it can inspire visual artists. 1492, ext. 4 for tickets or email events@ itsallaboutdancing.com. es “In Remembrance of 9/11” and future filled evening of writing with author This exhibit will be held in conjunction saintj.com (cash / check / credit card OK). concerts on Monday, January 17, at the J.L. Powers. Those attending will learn with our annual Campana Jazz Festival, Benefits the operations and community AUDITIONS/VOLUNTEERS First Presbyterian Church of Livermore. about publishing their works and how to February 17-20, 2011. Firehouse Arts outreach efforts of St. James Episcopal City of Pleasanton Youth Music Festival The church is located at the corner of 4th expand their writing horizons. For more Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Church, Fremont. Auditions, Jan. 13, 6 to 9 p.m. Firehouse and L Streets. The Chorale is seeking information, please visit TEEN SPACE on www.firehousearts.org. Diablo Symphony Orchestra presents Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleas- experienced singers with sight-reading the library’s website: www.livermore.lib. Art Crawls merge with Second Saturdays Flamenco! with Carolina Lugo’s & Carolé anton. Youth and teen performers ages skills who enjoy singing exciting and ca.us or contact Sandy at 925-373-5500 Open Studios, starting in February, Acuña’s Brisas de España and Conduc- 6-18 are invited to show of their talent challenging music. The Chorale performs extension 5583. downtown Livermore. Planned monthly tor Joyce Johnson-Hamilton. Sunday with musical acts that are meaningful to a wide variety of music ranging from clas- Figure Drawing and Painting Workshop from 1pm-4pm with several participating February 13, 2011 at 7:30 PM. Lesher them. Vocal and instrumental soloists and sical to contemporary, and folk to jazz. To taught by Livermore artist Carolyn Lord, venues on every second Saturday (2/12, Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, ensembles are encouraged to audition. If schedule an appointment, call (925) 462- Saturday, March 19 and Sunday March 3/12, etc.). Info and applications at www. Walnut Creek. Tickets at 925-943-7469 chosen, youth may be asked to perform 4205. The remaining 2010-2011 concert 20, 2011, 9 am to 4 pm. $99 plus $50 lindaryanfineart.com. Artists interested in or http://purchase.tickets.com. in preexisting musical acts directed by season titled “Musical Reflections” will Model’s fee. Students bring own art sup- exhibiting should ensure that they sign up festival producers. Performance date is include the “In Remembrance” concert plies Register through Las Positas Com- well in advance. ON THE STAGE Saturday, February 19, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. in March marking the upcoming 10th munity Education. "Figure Drawing and Bankhead Theater will be exhibiting the Diavolo, cinematic experience of dance and at the Firehouse Art Center. Placement in anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Painting Workshop" , when registering Intersecting Color works of Angela Johal gymnastics, Fri.-Sat., Jan. 14 and 15, 8 the show is not guaranteed. Rock bands are tragedy, and May’s concert “If Music Be the Class' Code Number is AL478 How and kaleidoscopic local images created by p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., not included in the festival. Performers are the Food of Love.” More information to register-http://www.laspositascollege. Christine McCall through February 14th. Livermore. www.livermoreperformin- encouraged to audition via Youtube.com about the Valley Concert Chorale is avail- edu/communityed/index.php? Generally open to ticketed theater patrons garts.org or 925-373-6800. this year. Youtube.com submissions/links able at www.valleyconcertchorale.org or

only, the Bankhead is located at 2400 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Tri-Valley can be sent via email to Mark Duncanson by calling the general information line at WINERY EVENTS First Street, Livermore. The Bankhead’s Repertory Theatre musical comedy at [email protected] (925) 866-4003. Tamás Estates news & events: Tamás Tues- performance calendar can be found at production. Performances weekends before Friday January 14, 2011. Any Auditions, The Sound of Music, Tri-Valley day - January 18, 4-7 pm; Winter Barrel www.bankheadtheater.org. Jan. 21-Feb. 6, 2011, 8 p.m. Fridays and submissions sent after January 14 will Repertory Theatre. Saturday February Weekend - January 22 & 23, 11-4:30 pm; Wild Vine art exhibition program in Febru- Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Bankhead not be considered. Those interested in 19 at 11:00am or Monday, February 21 Library Tasting Weekend - January 29 ary features husband-and-wife team Ken Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Call auditioning in person must contact Mark at 7:30pm. Call-backs by invitation only & 30, 11-4:30 pm. Tamás Estates, 5565 Ball and Victoria Whyte Ball. The exhibit 462-2121 or go to www.trivalleyrep.com Duncanson at (925) 931-3433 or mdun- Feb. 22 and 24 at 7:30pm. 1048 Serpentine Tesla Road, Livermore; information at includes Ken’s special take on nude pho- for information. [email protected] to schedule Lane #303, Pleasanton. Please prepare a 925-456-2380. Niki DiPietro has been tography and Victoria’s evocative work Cabaret, Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre, an appointment. A mandatory festival brief song (16-32 bars). Bring sheet mu- promoted to Tasting Room Manager at with the camera. Reception Thursday, Jan. 21-22, 27-29 8 p.m. and Jan. 23 meeting will take place Wednesday, Janu- sic; accompanist provided. Please bring Tamás Estates. Niki has been working in February 10th from 6-7:30 pm. Wild and 30, 2 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, ary 26, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. and a rehearsal a picture and resume, stapled together. Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 9

No tapes; no a capella. Be prepared to MISCELLANEOUS Annual Burns Supper, Hosted by Rescue. 6-10pmall the crab that you are $75 per person. 1-866-862-7270. dance. www.trivalleyrep.com for more History Lecture, Livermore Heritage Pleasanton-Blairgowrie-Fergus Sister can eat plus Caesar Salad, pasta, French La Semana Cubana/Cuban Week 2011 information. Director: Daren A.C. Guild, Jan. 19, at the Civic Center Library, City Organization, Jan. 29, Pleasanton bread, dessert and coffee/tea. A no host Yemaya: Embracing the Earth, Feb. Carollo, Vocal Direction: Sean Aloise, 1188 So. Livermore Ave. Featured will Marriot, 11950 Dublin Canyon Rd., bar will be available. Shannon Center, 22-25, Las Positas College, 3000 Cam- Choreographer: Todd Aragon, Producer: be Dr. John Shirley, veterinarian and Pleasanton. Supper includes songs and 11600 Shannon Avenue, Dublin. Dinner pus Hill Dr., Livermore. Events are in Kathleen Breedveld, Musical Director: 1960s Livermore Mayor. Doors open 7 poems; Caliban featured. 5:30 p.m. no host tickets are $45 prior to 1/15/11 and $50 the evening. Feb. 22: Meet the Artists; Jo Ann Fosselman. Performance dates: p.m., talk starts at 7:30 p.m. Suggested bar/registration, 7 p.m. dinner. Advance thereafter until tickets sell out. Dinner Exhibit: Filling the Space/Llenando el July 22, 2011 through August 7, 2011, donation $2. reservations at $65 per person required tickets may be ordered online at www. Espacio; Artist in Residence: Alnolkys Bankhead Theater, Livermore. 2011 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival by Jan. 21, 2011. www.PBFSCO.org or tvar.org, through PayPal or by mailing a Turro and Photography by Eira Arrate; Poster Art Contest, open to San Ramon contact Kathy Tollworthy at 462-6378 or check to TVAR, P. O. 11143, Pleasanton, Batá Music: Somos 3 Jesús Díaz, Sandy MOVIES middle and high school students. The win- [email protected]. CA 94588. For more information about Pérez and Eric Barbería. Wed., Feb. 23: Classic Film Series, Vine Cinema and ning piece of artwork will be featured on Truffles, Tidbits and Wine Tasting, Thurs- TVAR, e-mail [email protected], or call Cuban Words/Palabras Cubanas, The Alehouse, 1722 First St., Livermore. festival posters, postcards and t-shirts. It day, February 3, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the message line at 925-803-7043. Visit Poetry of Nicolás Guillén preformed by Schedule: Jan. 13: Star Wars. All mov- will also be framed and hung in one of participating downtown Pleasanton busi- TVAR on the web at TVAR.org. Joel and Ana María Oliver; Cuban Author ies begin at 7 p.m. Information at www. the Community Centers in San Ramon. nesses. Event begins at Chase Bank, 561 Ragin' Cajun, dinner, dance and auc- Odette Alonso Yodu Streaming Live VineCinema.com or 447-2545. The student who created the winning art Main Street. Tickets must be redeemed by tion on Fri., Feb. 11 from 6:30 to 11 from Mexico City via Webcam. Thurs., The Good Soldier, the movie will be play- work will also receive a $200 savings 7:30pm. If there are any tickets available p.m. benefit for Sandra J. Wing Healing Feb. 24: Cuba Café/ Café Cuba: Abel ing 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the IBEW Hall, 6250 bond, second place a $100 savings bond the day of the event, they will be sold at Therapies Foundation. Palm Event Center Magritte: Cuban Singer and Song Writer Village Parkway, Dublin. This film asks and third place winner a $50 savings bond. Chase Bank beginning at 5:45pm. Wine in Pleasanton. Proceeds will go towards Lara Greene: Presentation: The Sound of five different veterans from five different Prizes are provided by the San Ramon Arts strollers will receive a commemorative providing funds to cancer patients so Son; Rick Moniz and Catherine Suárez: conflicts what their experiences were Foundation. All entries will be displayed wine glass and map. Only eight hundred that they can experience the immediate Presentation: Cuba Through My Eyes. like or are like after coming home from in the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Art Gallery (800) tickets will be offered for this event benefit of complementary therapies to Fri., Feb. 25: Discussion Panel: Feminine war. Did they receive the support and located at the San Ramon Community and will be available for advance purchase help alleviate the side effects caused by Voices/ Voces Femeninas followed by help they needed? How do you go from Center during the month of May 2011. for $25.00 at the following locations: radiation and chemotherapy. Sponsors and Cuban Guateque/ Guateque Cubano, Trío being a trained killer to fitting back into The contest entry form and info can be Clover Creek (670 Main Street); Studio volunteers are sought. For more informa- Pasión Habanera, Dance Performance by society? This moving documentary is 79 found online at www.artandwind.com. 7 Fine Arts (400 Main Street); Towne tion about becoming a sponsor, please Yussef Breffe Cuban Dance Instructor minutes. This event is unaffiliated, open Entries are due by January 7, 2011. For Center Books (555 Main Street); and the ask for Ken Perine at 925-292-5936. For and Choreographer For more information to the public, free or $3.00 donations are more info, call (925) 973-3366. Rose Hotel (807 Main Street). more information about the organization please visit our web site lasemanacubana. welcomed, and wheelchair accessible. Charity Fashion Show, Thursday, January 6th Annual Claws for Paws crab feed or to attend the event, call the Foundation org, the Las Positas College home page Meet & greet potluck begins at 6:30 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Sapphire Restaurant and fundraiser dinner and Auction is set for at 866-862-7270 or go online to www. laspositascollege.edu or call Catherine PM, while a short discussion follows the Lounge, 2300 First Street, Livermore. Feb. 5, 2011 benefits Tri-Valley Animal HealingTherapiesFoundation.org. Tickets Suárez at (925)424-1212 film. For more information, you can call Presented by Esteem Productions as a 925-462-3459. fundraiser for the Taylor Family Founda- Going Places: A Classic Film Series, shown tion. Tickets $10 in advance and $12 at the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. the door. The price of admission includes in the Pleasanton Library's meeting room a raffle ticket and a complimentary glass through June 2, 2011. The program is a of champagne. Besides a “Catwalk County Taking Applications for Art Grants partnership of Las Positas College and the Fashion Show” that will showcase local Pleasanton Public Library proudly pres- boutiques, the event will include a silent The Alameda County Arts funding cycle, between 45-55 arts ing in Oakland. Contact the Arts ent. Candy Klaschus, film historian and auction. Music will be provided by Amos Commission has released the 2011 organizations may be awarded Commission at artscommission@ Coordinator of the Humanities Program Productions. For more information on Alameda County Supervisors’ grants. The Alameda County Arts acgov.org or phone (510) 208-9646 at Las Positas College, is the host. There the event and how to get tickets, email ARTSFUND Grants Program Commission, a division of the to RSVP to attend a workshop at is no admission charge. 400 Old Bernal us at [email protected] or County of Alameda, is dedicated least seven days prior to the work- visit our website at www.EsteemProduc- Guidelines and Application for Ave., Pleasanton. 931-3400. No registra- Alameda County-based nonprofit to improving the quality of life shop date. tion required. tions.net. Funding for the ARTSFUND Zoe Ferraris, author of Finding Nouf reads organizations. Information can in Alameda County by nurturing from her new mystery, City of Veils at the be found at the Arts Commission a thriving environment for the Grants Program is provided by CHORAL the Alameda County Board of Su- Foothill Winter Choral Concert - Concert Pleasanton Library on Sun., Jan. 23, 2 website www.acgov.org/arts (click arts, promoting economic op- Choir, Jazz Singers, Women's Choir, p.m. Zoë Ferraris moved to Jeddah, Saudi portunities for Alameda County’s pervisors, individual contributions on “Programs”). Standard grants submitted with County property Men's Ensemble, Chamber Singers Arabia in the aftermath of the first Gulf awards are $1,000 each. The appli- artists and arts organizations, and War. She lived in a conservative Muslim tax payments, and donations to the on Thurs., Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. Trinity encouraging public participation Lutheran Church, 1225 Hopyard Road, community with her then-husband and cation deadline is March 1, 2011. Foundation for the Arts in Alameda Pleasanton. Tickets are $7 general/$5 his family, a group of Saudi-Palestin- The ARTSFUND Grants Pro- in the arts. County. students & seniors. ians. No registration is required. There gram supports all types of arts The Arts Commission staff will Further details are available is no charge. programming such as dance, litera- host two free workshops to assist within the ARTSFUND Grants OPERA Livermore Reads Together, the 2011 ture, media arts, music, theater, vi- organizations in preparing their Program Guidelines and Applica- Met Opera Theater-casts, 10 a.m. si- book is “1906” by James Dalessandro. sual arts, and multidisciplinary arts grant applications. Reservations multaneous viewings and 12 encore Novel centers on the 1906 San Francisco tion available at the Arts Commis- rebroadcasts of Metropolitan Opera earthquake and fire. Month long celebra- programs presented in Alameda are required. Workshops will be sion website www.acgov.org/arts productions at Dublin's Regal Cinema, tion will be kicked off on Sunday, January County by Alameda County non- held on Wednesday, January 19 (click on “Programs”) or contact 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays - Schedule: Feb. 23, 2011 at 2 p.m. with a presentation profit organizations. Last year’s from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the the Alameda County Arts Commis- 12, Mar. 2: Glass's "Nixon in China;" by the author, James Dalessandro. A ARTSFUND program awarded Fremont Main Library in Fremont sion by sending an email artscom- Feb. 26, Mar. 16: Gluck's "Iphigenia reception will follow featuring famous grants of $1,000 to $1,500 to 42 and Wednesday, January 26 from [email protected] or phone at in Tauride;" April 9, 27: Rossini's "Le San Francisco food treats and turn of nonprofit organizations throughout 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Alam- (510) 208-9646. Comte Ory;" April 23, May 11: Richard the century music by Greg Pane. Variety eda County Lakeside Plaza Build- Strauss's "Capriccio;" April 30, May 18: of events planned during the month of Alameda County. During the 2011 Verdi's "Il Trovatore;" May 14, June 11: February at the Civic Center Library, Wagner's "Die Walkure." 1188 So. Livermore. Information www. The Barber of Seville, Opera San José livermore.lib.ca.us. continues its 27th Season presents 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Ballet Dancers to Read 'Agelina Ballerina' Rossini’s comic opera, The Barber of Jr. Fellowship Breakfast, Mon., Jan. Seville. Eight performances are sched- 24. Marriot Pleasanton Hotel from 7:30 The Diablo Ballet will be visit- Broadway (Storybook Room). program, the Prima Ballerina Club, uled from February 12 through 27 at the to 9:30 p.m. The Tri-Valley YMCA will ing several Contra Costa locations These events are free and open which is open to children ages California Theatre, 345 South First Street co-host with Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti for some fun, children’s Saturday to the public. One of Diablo Bal- 3 - 13 and free to join. The club in downtown San José. Tickets are on and Guy Houston. Keynote speaker will story times. Join them as they read let’s apprentice dancers will be provides free, member-only events sale at the Opera San José Box Office, be Monte Poole, longtime sportswriter and by phone at (408) 437-4450 or online columnist for the Bay Area Newspaper the popular book Angelina Balle- in costume to read the story to where children can get up close to at www.operasj.org. This production of Group. Proceeds from the event benefit rina on: Saturday, January 15 at 11 children. After the reading, a the action of Diablo Ballet. The Barber of Seville is made possible, the Tri-Valley YMCA programs such as AM at Borders San Ramon - 120 complimentary picture can be For information on the Ange- in part, by a Cultural Affairs Grant from summer day camp, youth and government, Sunset Drive; Saturday, January taken with the dancer by the Diablo lina Ballerina story times and Dia- the City of San José. and Model UN. For more information 22 at 10 AM at Borders Pleasanton Ballet staff. blo Ballet’s Prima Ballerina Club, or to purchase tickets, contact the Tri- Valley YMCA at 475-6107 or tstier@ - 4575 Rosewood Drive; and Sat- These readings are part of Dia- please visit www.DiabloBallet.org ymcaeastbay.org. urday, February 12 at 10:30 AM at blo Ballet’s new youth out reach or call 925.943.1775 extension 0. the Walnut Creek Library - 1644 N. 10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 Community

Brandon Lin First Baby Born in 2011 Brandon Lin was the first baby born in 2011 at Valley- Care Medical Center, Pleas- anton on Saturday morning January 1, arriving at 12:07 a.m. He shared the honor of being the first baby born in Alameda County with a baby girl born at Alta Bates Summit Janet Lockhart Roy Dronkers Medical Center. Brandon weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth and mea- sured 19.4 inches. He is the son of Su-Lyn and Peter Lin and Awards to Be Given joins a three year old brother Keshin. The Lins reside in San During Annual Ramon. Fellowship Breakfast Tri-Valley YMCA will host Carnegie Building in downtown Livermore (file photo). the 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship Breakfast on Jan. 24 at the Marriott Pleasanton Hotel. Tea to Launch Carnegie The event will be from 7:30 to Building Centennial Year 9:30 a.m. Co-host for the event will be The Livermore Heritage Guild will launch the Carnegie Building’s Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti and centennial year with an afternoon tea. Tea will be served Sat., Jan. 29 Guy Houston. at 1 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Bob Shapiro There will be freshly baked scones, delicate tea sandwiches, and Monte Poole, long- time sports- as Summer Day Camp, Youth & delectable desserts supplied by Filigree Bakery and accompanied by writer and columnist for the Bay Government and Model UN. freshly brewed loose-leaf tea. Learn about the origins of western tea Area Newspaper Group. The The Y seeks to strengthen com- traditions from a local tea enthusiast. Breakfast will also include fellow- munities through programs and The tea will be held at a private home on Old Oak Road. ship, entertainment, awards, and services for youth development, Tickets are $40 per person or $70 per pair (no children under 12, prayer in celebration of the life and healthy living, and social respon- please). legacy of Dr. King. This celebra- Tickets may be purchased at the Carnegie Building, 2155 Third St., sibility. For more information on tion will take place one week after Livermore Wednesday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 449-9927. this Fellowship Breakfast, please Finishing Line Press has Proceeds will benefit the Livermore Heritage Guild and is projects to Dr. King’s birthday holiday. Pro- contact the Tri-Valley YMCA at nominated the book by Connie preserve history. ceeds from this event will benefit 925-475-610 7, or tstier@ym- Post for a Northern California Future events celebrating the centennial include a benefit on Thurs., Tri-Valley YMCA programs such caeastbay.org. Book Award. Post served as the May 12 at Veterans’ Hall, 7 to 9:30 p.m. and a Carnegie Centennial Art first poet laureate for the City of and History Fair on Sat., May 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Carnegie Livermore. Park.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing Listed in Top 200 Franchises

Franchise Times magazine ing services is our top priority, and units owned or operated by inde- recognized Mr. Rooter Plumbing, it’s rewarding to be recognized,” pendent franchisees. Companies which has a franchise in Pleasan- said Dave Ferguson of Mr. Rooter must also be based in the United ton, in its Top 200 list for 2010. Plumbing of Tri-Valley franchise. States or have at least 15 percent of This annual list ranks the top “We are honored to be included in its total units in the United States. 200 franchises based on worldwide this select group of companies.” Featured in the October issue, sales. Mr. Rooter Plumbing ranks To qualify for this ranking, a the Top 200 list is online at www. No.186. company must be a U.S. franchise franchisetimes.com. “Providing this community with with at least 15 percent of its total professional and courteous plumb- Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 11

Four Lab Scientists Named Fellows of the American Physical Society in military discipline and studies, Air Four Lawrence Livermore Na- as a new graduate student in awe serve in this position. “I like being Force core values, physical fitness, and tional Laboratory scientists have of my professors and senior col- involved with APS. It’s important basic warfare principles and skills. She for us to remember that we are part is the daughter of Stephanie Zenker been selected as 2010 fellows of leagues. Except that now I realize of Livermore. Grajeda graduated the American Physical Society that I am becoming one of those of a larger community and we have in 2010 from Granada High School, (APS). senior colleagues, as are all of my a chance to influence what goes on Livermore. Less than half of a percent of friends and contemporaries.” in physics.” Olgica Bakajin, a former LLNL Army Pfc. Kevin J. Calhoun has the APS members are fellows. Hye-Sook Park, a physicist in graduated from Basic Combat Training It is a distinct honor because the the inertial confinement fusion and chief scientist, was cited in the at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. During evaluation process, conducted high energy density physics divi- Biological Physics category for the nine weeks of training, the soldier by the fellowship committees of sion of the National Ignition Facil- her contributions to the develop- studied the Army mission and received individual divisions, topical groups ity, was cited for development of ment of new instrumentation for instruction and training exercises in studies of protein folding and for drill and ceremonies, Army history, and forums, relies on nomination seminal experimental techniques core values and traditions, military and recommendation by one’s to create and probe plasmas with fundamental understanding of courtesy, military justice, physical professional peers. extreme density and temperature in transport and selectivity at nano- Air Force Airman Ayla R. Gra- fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, Among the LLNL winners the Plasma Physics category. scale. Bakajin’s work also could jeda (above) graduated from basic weapons use, map reading and land lead to a better understanding of military training at Lackland Air navigation, foot marches, armed and are: Ramona Vogt, a staff scientist in Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The unarmed combat, and field maneuvers • Jon Eggert, a physicist in the Physical and Life Sciences Di- membrane channels. She now airman completed an intensive, eight- and tactics. He is the son of Paul Cal- the Physical and Life Sciences rectorate, was cited in the Nuclear serves as chief technology officer week program that included training houn of Pleasanton. Calhoun graduated Directorate, was cited for sig- Physics category for her contribu- of Porifera, which licensed an in 2005 from Amador Valley High nificant achievements in linking tion to the science community’s LLNL carbon nanotube technology dynamic and static compression understanding of the dynamics that she helped develop. of condensed matter in the Shock of heavy quark and charmonium APS fellowships are a distinct Compression of Condensed Matter production in collisions with nu- honor given after extensive review. category. clei and providing guidance for Election to APS fellowship is lim- “I feel very honored to be se- using these probes in experimental ited to no more than one half of one lected, and I am happy,” Eggert investigations of hard dynamics in percent of APS’ membership for a Macintosh Selected as SPIE Fellow said. “However, I also feel a bit collisions with nuclei. given year. Receiving a fellowship odd as I get older and find my “It’s nice to be recognized,” reflects the honor and approbation Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory astrophysicist Bruce position in, and contribution to, said Vogt, who is vice-chair of of one’s professional peers. This Macintosh has been named a 2011 fellow of SPIE — the international the field changing. I often feel no APS’s Topical Group on Hadronic year, more than 200 members were society for optics and photonics. elected APS fellows. SPIE fellows are members of distinction who have made significant different than I did 25 years ago Physics and the first woman to scientific and technical contributions in the multidisciplinary fields of optics, photonics and imaging. Macintosh recently was part of a team of astronomers who discov- ered a fourth giant planet, joining three others that, in 2008, were the subject of the first-ever pictures of a planetary system orbiting a star Local Builder to Chair Golden Gate other than our sun. The solar system, discovered by a team from LLNL and the National Chapter of ABC Research Council of Canada (NRC) Herzberg Institute of Astrophys- Debora (Debbie) Allen, CFO of thrilled to have Debbie lead our Construction, Inc. ics with collaborators at the University of California, Los Angeles and W.E. Lyons Construction Co., has organization in 2011 and have no Associated Builders and Con- Lowell Observatory, orbits around a dusty young star named HR8799, been named the 2011 Chair for the doubt she will accomplish great tractors represents merit shop which is 129 light years away. All four planets are roughly five to seven Associated Builders and Contrac- things for ABC, our members and contractors, affiliates, and service times the mass of Jupiter. tors (ABC) Golden Gate Chapter. California’s construction com- providers that perform major Using high-contrast, near infrared adaptive optics on the Keck II In her role, Allen will lead the munity.” commercial, industrial, and public telescope in Hawaii, the astronomers imaged the fourth planet (dubbed organization and its approximately Allen joins eight additional works construction. It also operates HR8799e) in 2009 and confirmed its existence and orbit in 2010. Directors including: Ken Kreischer five state-approved apprenticeship Macintosh is an expert in using adaptive optics to image astronomical 600 member companies represent- ing thousands of construction (Treasurer), Western Water Con- programs in the plumbing, carpen- phenomena. try, painting, construction craft Macintosh also heads a team that is constructing the Gemini Planet industry professionals. The local structors, Inc.; Craig Brueckner ABC chapter serves contractors, (Secretary), Brueckner Insur- laborer, and electrical trades. Imager, a new system that will be up to 100 times more sensitive than The 2011 Board of Directors current instruments and able to image planets similar to our own Jupiter subcontractors, suppliers and as- ance & Financial Services; James will take Oath at the Annual Board around nearby stars. sociates in Northern California. Fitzgerald, Market One Build- Each year, SPIE promotes members as new fellows of the society. “Debbie is an exceptionally ers, Inc.; John LeNeve, LeNeve Installation and Apprentice Gradu- Fellows are honored for their technical achievement, for their service intelligent business leader with a Painting Company, Inc.; Steve ation on Friday, January 21, 2011 to the general optics community and to SPIE in particular. More than true passion for the construction McCutcheon, Cook Brown, LLP; in Livermore. Please contact Elena 800 SPIE members have become fellows since the society’s inception industry in Northern California Steve Jeffress, Jeffco Painting Moxon at [email protected] or in 1955. and her role in it,” said Toby & Coating, Inc.; George Luther, (925) 960-8515 for interview and Macintosh will be recognized and receive a certificate at the Photon- Cummings, President of the ABC Santa Maria & Company Risk photo opportunities available dur- ics West conference, which will be Held Jan. 23-27 in San Francisco. Golden Gate Chapter. “We are Insurance; Sid Slatter, Slatter ing the event. 12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 Community

(Organizations wishing to run notices in showcase local boutiques, the event will include at http://trivalleycares.org are willing, we’ll take a peek at the wonders munity is welcome. United CC is an Open Bulletin Board, send information to PO Box a silent auction. Music will be provided by Scholarship applications, The applica- above through a telescope. For all ages. Fee: and Affirming ministry. Call 449-6820 for 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of Bulletin Amos Productions. For more information on tions for Livermore students for college schol- $9 for residents/$12 for non-residents. 2nd more information. Board. Include name of organization, meeting the event and how to get tickets, email us at arships from the Pedrozzi Foundation are now Annual California Newt Festival, Augustin Bible Study, offered Wednesdays, 7:30 date, time, place and theme or subject. Phone [email protected] or visit our available online at www.pedrozzifoundation. Bernal Park, Sat., Feb. 12, 2011, 9 to 10 a.m. to 8:30 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of org. The deadline for finalizing all applications number and contact person should also be website at www.EsteemProductions.net. Learn about the natural history of amphibians, Latter-day Saints, 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz, included. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) will be March 1, 2010 by 5:00 pm. This is also particularly the spectacular California Newt Pleasanton. Refreshments served at no cost. Free e-waste recycling, Sat., Jan. 22, 9 a.m. the deadline for receipt of all sealed, official Livermore Amador Valley Garden to 5 p.m. Granada High School - 400 Wall Street and its interesting cycle of life. In the heat of 925-305-9468. Club will meet Thursday, January 13, at 7 transcripts. The Pedrozzi Scholarship Founda- the summer they burrow deep into the earth Trinity, 557 Olivina Ave., Livermore. - Livermore - at the front of the school. Items tion will be awarding many annual and multiple to stay cool, and come out after the first rain Services on Sunday at 8:30, 11 a.m. and 6 pm at the Alisal Elementary School, 1454 accepted: all electronic equipment (computer, Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. Kathy Echols, year scholarships to graduates of the Livermore of the season to make the long trek to their p.m. with Sunday school or Bible study for monitor, hard drive, keyboard, printer, fax ma- Valley Joint Unified School District. ancestral breeding ponds. Participants will all ages at 9:45 a.m. Bible study for adults horticulture instructor at Diablo Valley Col- chine, cell phone, TV, DVD/VCR, microwave lege teaching classes on plant propagation, Volunteers sought, for over thirty years, help take a count of newts as part of an annual and activities for all ages on Wednesdays at will speak on "Plant Genetics Made Simple." oven, satellite equip, stereo, speakers, camera, Tri-Valley Haven, a non-profit agency, has survey on this unique adventure for all ages. 6:45 p.m. 447-1848. Visitors welcome. For more information visit: electronic wires/cables, etc.). This event sup- provided shelter and counseling for survivors Fee: $9 for residents/$12 for non-residents. Granada Baptist Church, 945 Concan- www.lavgc.org. ports the 2011 Granada High School Safe and of sexual assault and battered women and their Call (925) 931-5340 for information or to reg- non Blvd., Livermore. Services: Sunday 38th Crab Feed, Livermore Knights of Sober Grad Night. children in the Tri-Valley area. The Haven is ister, or register online at www.ci.pleasanton. school 9:45 a.m., worship 11 a.m., Tuesday Columbus, January 8 at the Robert Livermore Tri-Valley Animal Rescue’s 6th Annual looking for dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers ca.us/services/recreation.html. Bible study, 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome. Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. Claws for Paws crabfeed fund-raiser dinner who are interested in training to be sexual Pleasantonians 4 Peace, Peaceful War 1-888-805-7151. All you can eat crab dinner, raffles and prizes. and auction is set for Feb. 5, 2011, 6 to 10 assault, crisis line, or legal clinic advocates. Protest will be held on the fourth Wednesday Tri-Valley Unity Church, 2260 Camino Live music performed by Open Road. Doors p.m. Shannon Center, 11600 Shannon Avenue, The Haven’s 65-hour domestic violence and of the month, January 26 between 5 - 6 at Ramon, San Ramon. Class for children, ages sexual assault volunteer training course will open at 5 p.m. with dinner being served at 6 Dublin. All the crab that you can eat plus the corners of First and Neal Streets. Please 1-10, during church service, 10 to 11:15 a.m. p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $41 on-line begin on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. Classes join us if you can. Questions?? Call Cathe Ongoing adult classes and small groups. All Caesar Salad, pasta, French bread, dessert and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday by going to www.kofc4588events.org. Ques- coffee/tea. A no host bar will be available. In Norman at (925) 462-7495; Matt Sullivan at are welcome. (925) 829-2733. www.trival- evening until March 31, 2011. Volunteers [email protected]; or kdowding@pacbell. leyunity.com tions can be directed to Mark or Clare Duguid addition to dinner, there will be raffle baskets, at 925-443-5873. who successfully complete the training will net. Please see our New P4P web site www. Community Bible Study Class, book of silent auction items, along with a Kindle raffle. be certified and required to volunteer one shift Pleasantonians4Peace.org Luke will be the topic of study in Pleasanton at Truffles, Tidbits and Wine Tasting, Dinner tickets are $45 prior to 1/15/11 and $50 Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m. at per month for one year. Volunteers must be 21 San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Valley Bible Church. CBS is a non-denomina- thereafter until tickets sell out. Dinner tickets years of age or older. Volunteer applications invites new and long-time residents to its tional Bible study ministry open to all women, participating downtown Pleasanton businesses. may be ordered online at www.tvar.org, through Event begins at Chase Bank, 561 Main Street. and advocacy descriptions can be found at monthly luncheon on January 20, 2011. Roberta with a special children's program for ages 0-5 PayPal or by mailing a check to TVAR, P. www.trivalleyhaven.org - click on Volunteer. Gonzales, award winning weather anchor for years old. The class meets on Thursdays from Tickets must be redeemed by 7:30pm. If there O. 11143, Pleasanton, CA 94588. For more are any tickets available the day of the event, Contact Geneal at (925) 449-5845 X2711 or CBS5 News, will be the speaker. 11:30 to 2 9:30-11:30AM beginning 9/9/10 and goes information about TVAR, e-mail contact@tvar. [email protected] for more infor- p.m. at Bridges Golf Club Restaurant, 9000 until 5/12/11. More information about the they will be sold at Chase Bank beginning at org, or call the message line at 925-803-7043. 5:45pm. Wine strollers will receive a com- mation and to schedule an interview prior to So. Gale Rd., San Ramon. Luncheon is $25. CBS program and registration available by Visit TVAR on the web at TVAR.org. January 18th, 2011. Call Susan, 925-718-5214, for reservations contacting Sharon at 925-399-5072, or email memorative wine glass and map. Only eight Tri-Valley Democratic Club, meets 7 hundred (800) tickets will be offered for this Retired Educators’ Scholarship: Up to and information. [email protected]. p.m. Mon., Jan. 17 at the IBEW Jall, 6250 six scholarships, each worth $1,500.00, are Disability Action Network (DAN) meet- Granada Baptist Church, 945 Concan- event and will be available for advance pur- Village Parkway, Dublin. There will be elec- chase for $25.00 at the following locations: offered by the Tri-Valley Retired Educators ing, second Thursday of each month at 2:00 non Boulevard, Livermore. Services: Sunday tion of officers. Speaker: Budd McKenzie Scholarship Foundation. The awards are of- pm, Livermore CRIL office, 3311 Pacific Ave., school – 9:45 a.m.; worship service – 11 a.m. Clover Creek (670 Main Street); Studio 7 - Founder & Director of Trust in Education a Fine Arts (400 Main Street); Towne Center fered to high-school graduating seniors and Livermore. The Disability Action Network is All are welcome. 1-888-805-7151. non-profit that provides assistance in educa- college/university students. All applicants must a group of people with all kinds of disabilities Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 Books (555 Main Street); and the Rose Hotel tion, healthcare, reconstruction & development (807 Main Street). be planning a career in education. Require- who are working together to make changes in Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, ser- programs - reports on project status and give ments are: a) applicants must be residents of the the community. The group works on health care, vices on Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 a.m., GNON (Girls Night Out Networking) first hand assessment called Afghanistan The group - 2011 Post Holiday Kick Off Mixer, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin or Sunol area, b) housing, access, attendant programs, transpor- worship 11 a.m. www.livermoresda.org/ All War for Hearts & Minds. - Q&A discussion. high school applicants must be seniors planning tation, and other issues affecting people with are welcome. Thurs., Jan. 20, 5 to 8 p.m. at TGIF's Pleasanton Refreshments served - public invited. (Rosewood Pavilion). $15/pp (includes heavy to attend a four-year college in fall, 2011, c) disabilities. For more information, please call Stepping Stones on Grief Journey, Grief Crab Feed, Livermore-Pleasanton Elks community college applicants must be qualified Jessica Lehman at (510) 881-5743 x5937. Ministry bi-monthly sessions, Catholic Com- appetizers/no host bar). Women in the Tri Val- Lodge #2117. Sat., Jan. 22, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 ley that want to have some fun and network in to transfer as juniors to a four-year institution Community Resources for Indepen- munity of Pleasanton. Jan 13, 27, Feb., 10, 11 p.m. dinner, 8 to 11 p.m. dancing to music by in fall, 2011, d) 4-year college applicants must an informal way. Information, contact Frances dent Living (CRIL) offers services to help and Mar. 10, 24, 7:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth Seton, The Singing DJ. Tickets $35 per person advance be sophomores who will continue as juniors people with disabilities and supports them 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. No prereg- Hewitt, founder, at (925) 487-4748 or gnon- sale only, deadline is January 17. 455-8820. in fall, 2011. Questions about the scholarship [email protected] to live independently and participate in their istration required. Open to all regardless of Elks Lodge, 940 Larkspur Dr., Livermore. should be sent to [email protected] or call community for as long as they are willing religious affiliation. Please call Mary Hagerty, Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Retired Teachers Association, Tri-Valley 925-443-6097. Application packets for the and able to do so. CRIL maintains offices in 846-5377, for more information. Club, Sat., Jan. 15, 17 miles Blackhawk on Division #85, luncheon meeting 11:15 a.m. scholarships can be downloaded at the retired Hayward, Fremont and Livermore to provide A Call to Justice: Amos/Micah/Hosea, a lop through Danville and San Ramon, meet Tues., Jan. 18 at The International Brotherhood educators’ website www.div85.calrta.org/. information, support and referrals. CRIL also is the theme of the St. Charles/St. Michael's 9:30 a.m. at Draegers Market in Blackhawk of Electrical Workers Union Hall (IBEW), Application deadline is March 7, 2011. provides community education at senior centers Bible Study for January 24-March 7. God Plaza, Kathy Burke, 408-209-8471. Sun., Jan. 6250 Village Parkway, Dublin. A presenta- Fishing with EBRPD - introduction, and affordable housing complexes to residents stood by his people and did the right thing 16, 31 miles Palomares loop, meet 9:30 a.m. tion will be given by Anne Homan and Dick class offered at Del Valle, 8-10am, Saturday, of Southern Alameda County. The Tri-Valley for them - the Bible calls this "justice." All at Shannon Center in Dublin, Mark Dedon, Finn on the history of the Holdener Dairy in January 22. 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore. CRIL office is located at 3311 Pacific Avenue, are invited to join the bible study group on 828-9183. Wed., Jan. 19, 32 miles Lafayette, Livermore. Cost $13. Guests welcome. Infor- This class is designed anyone interested in Livermore and can be reached by phone at Monday evenings from 7:30-9:00 pm at St. Moraga, Grizzly, Orinda loop, meet 10 a.m. mation, 443-9913. getting started with the sport of fishing at East (925) 371-1531, by FAX at (925) 373-5034 Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas Ave., in From Idea to Entrepreneur, free seminar at Olympic Blvd. trailhead, Edith Norby, 707- Bay Regional Parks. Participants will learn the or by e-mail at [email protected]. Livermore. To reserve materials (cost $10) Marketability and Pricing, 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at basics including knot tying and rigging, gear Hours are M-F 9-12:30 and 1:30PM to 5 PM, or have questions call Julie at 925-447-4549 771-0483. Anyone planning to go on a ride is the Pleasanton Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave., asked to call the leader for details on where to and bait selection, and casting techniques. A Drop in days are Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 ext. 114 or at [email protected]. Pleasanton. Pleasanton business and patent California State Fishing License is required meet and what to bring. to 11:30AM and 2-4 PM or by appointment. Engaging Spirituality, series sessions attorney Gerald Prettyman will discuss creat- for participants 16yrs+. Gear provided. Parent All services are free. Monday evenings, offers daily practices for The Good Soldier, the movie will be ing an inexpensive prototype, confidentiality participation is required for ages 5-15 years. playing 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the IBEW Hall, 6250 Daughters of the American Revolution, living deeply. Informational session Mon., and nondisclosure agreements, market studies, 5+yrs. Registration is required. Tel. 1 (888) Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, meets Jan. 17, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Twenty-one week Village Parkway, Dublin. This film asks five small group testing, the Rule of Thirds, and EBPARKS. Fee: $19 (non-res. $21), www. 9:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month program starts Mon., Jan. 24, 7 to 9 p.m. St. different veterans from five different conflicts market differentiation. Registration is appreci- ebparks.org between Sept. and May at the Asbury United Michael's Church, 458 Maple St., Livermore. what their experiences were like or are like after ated to allow sufficient seating. Call 600-7342 Beginning German Conversation I, Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore. Sponsored by St. Michael Parish Social coming home from war. Did they receive the or visit www.GotABrightIdea.com. Las Positas College Community Education, DAR is a women's service organization. The Concerns Ministry. For more information and support and help they needed? How do you Diapers needed, Livermore residents can 1/25-3/11, Mondays 7 to 9 p.m.; 4/4-5/23, women are descended from a patriot of the directions to the meeting location, call Carolyn go from being a trained killer to fitting back help the local Pregnancy Center by dropping Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. BBC German Steps se- American Revolution and are dedicated to pa- Owens, 447-8987. into society? This moving documentary is 79 off diapers on (most needed are Newborns, 4 & ries. Information or to register, call 424-1467; triotism, preservation of American history and The deaf community is invited to worship minutes. This event is unaffiliated, open to the 5’s) on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 3pm or register online at www.laspositascollege. securing America's future through education. at First Presbyterian Church in Livermore, public, free or $3.00 donations are welcomed, – 6pm at the Livermore Pregnancy Resource edu/communityed. Information, contact Maris at 443-3087. where ASL translation will be provided every Center, 4200 East Ave., Suite 104. Annual and wheelchair accessible. Meet & greet pot- Conversational German for Intermedi- Daughters of the American Revolution, Sunday at 10:30 A.M The church is located Diaper Dash on Thursday, January 20, 2011. ate Students, Livermore Adult Community Jose Maria Amador Chapter, Pleasanton, on the corner of 4th and L streets. luck begins at 6:30 PM, while a short discussion For information: (925) 447-1111 or hiscenter@ follows the film. For more information, you Education classes, 1/18-3/22, Tuesdays 7 to 9 volunteer women's service organization de- Love Never Ends: An afternoon for yahoo.com ~ myspace.com/livermoreprc p.m. ; Conversational German for Advanced can call 925-462-3459. scended from a patriot of the American Revo- married couples, Sun., Feb. 13, 2 to 6 p.m. International Association of Adminis- Students, 1/19-3/23, Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. lution. Dedicated to patriotism, preservation St. Michael Catholic Church, 458 Maple St., Armchair Travelers, a monthly program, trative Professionals, Las Positas Chapter, Information or to register, call 606-4722; online will take place at the Livermore Civic Center of American history and securing America's Livermore, in the parish hall. Couples from meeting Jan. 19. Registration 5:30 p.m., dinner registration at www.livermoreadulted.org. future through better education. For more World Wide Marriage Encounter will share Library on Thurs., Jan. 13, from 1:30 to 2:30 at 6 p.m., presentation 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Hilton Widowed Men and Women of Northern information, contact [email protected] testimonials on refreshing marriages, faith in pm. Barbara Mallon will show digital photo- Pleasanton, 7050 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton, in CA., Happy hour in Pleasanton, Jan. 20, 5 p.m., or phone 510-507-5509. the home and celebrating life together. Infor- graphs of her trip to China. Adults are invited the Wimbledon Room. Guest speaker is Sheryl RSVP by Jan. 18 to Marge, 828-5124. Birthday RELIGION mation, Debbie Post, Faith Enrichment Team to this free program on the second Thursday of Guistolise from Avery Dennison. She will champagne brunch in San Ramon, Jan. 23, Calvary Chapel Livermore, Sunday Coordinator, DebbieJaneStineman@yahoo. each month in the Community Meeting Rooms discuss the newest in office organization and 11:45 a.m. RSVP by Jan. 20 to Marsha, 830- Services 10:30 am and 6:00 p.m. 545 N. L com, 443-5314. of the Civic Center Library, 1188 S. Livermore how to best use the latest techniques for the 8483. Lunch in Fremont, Jan. 26, 1 p.m., RSVP Street Livermore. (925) 447-4357 - www. Divorce Care, Valley Bible Church, 7106 Avenue, Livermore. For additional information new year. Information Colleen at http://iaap- by Jan. 24 to Vickie, 510-656-1166. Crab feed calvarylivermore.org. Johnson Dr., Pleasanton, 13-week seminar please call 925 373-5500. laspositas.org dinner in Livermore, Jan. 29, 5 p.m. RSVP by St. Matthew's Baptist Church, 1239 and support group for people going through Charity Fashion Show, Thursday, Tri-Valley Communities Against a Ra- Jan. 23 to Hilda, 398-8808. North Livermore Ave., Livermore. Services divorce or separation. Video shown each night dioactive Environment (Tri-Valley CAREs) January 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Sapphire Restaurant City of Pleasanton nature programs: on Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult Sunday featuring experts on various topics such as was founded in 1983 in Livermore, California Wondrous Universe Series, Winter Skies, Sat., school 9:30 a.m., Children's Sunday school at controlling anger, forgiveness, caring for kids, and Lounge, 2300 First Street, Livermore. by concerned neighbors living around the Presented by Esteem Productions as a fund- Feb. 5, 2011, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Alviso Adobe Com- 9:30 a.m. Prayer each Wednesday at 7 p.m. fol- and managing finances. The group meets on Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, munity Park, 3465 Old Foothill Road. How raiser for the Taylor Family Foundation. lowed by Bible study at 7:30 p.m. 449-3824. Tuesdays 7 to 9 p.m. starting Feb. 8. There is one of two locations where all US nuclear big is our galaxy? How far is the nearest star? United Christian Church, celebrating a one-time charge for the workbook and other Tickets $10 in advance and $12 at the door. weapons are designed. All are welcome at the How was our solar system made? Explore the The price of admission includes a raffle ticket 50 years in the Tri-Valley. 1886 College Ave. materials of $25. Preregistration is required. monthly meeting at the Livermore Civic Center universe as we try to answer these questions and at M St., Livermore; worships on Sunday Contact Mark Porter at 846-9693 or mcporter@ and a complimentary glass of champagne. Library on Thursday, January 20 from 7:30pm more. Games and hands-on activities will aid us morning at 10:30 a.m. Children’s program on hotmail.com. Besides a “Catwalk Fashion Show” that will to 9pm. For more information call Tri-Valley as we search for the answers. Then, if the skies Sunday morning and first Fridays. The com- CAREs at (925) 443-7148 or visit our website