VOLUME XLVI, NUMBER 51 Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Dire Pleasanton School Budget Forecast By Ron McNicoll school budget topic won’t begin 2011-12. would assign a supervisor to An attempt to pass a $233 an- Faced with the prospect of until 7 p.m. And that’s a “best-case sce- oversee its fiscal operations. This nual parcel tax lasting four years such major program changes The meeting is being called to nario,” assistant superintendent has happened to the school dis- failed by about 4 percentage as going to 30 students in K-3 show the public how much worse Luz Cazares told the school tricts in Oakland and Richmond points earlier this year. classes from today’s 25, the the state school funding picture board at its meeting Dec. 16. in the past. Superintendent John Casey Pleasanton school board will will be in the next two school Cazares gave her budget fore- In 2010-11, the 3 percent told the board that in preparing have a special workshop on fi- years, and take suggestions about cast in the context of a state law reserve will be eaten up entirely, the analysis for the meeting nance on Jan. 5. how to meet the challenge. that requires a district to maintain leaving the $24,000 deficit. Dur- Jan. 5, the staff will be seeing a The meeting will be at the Although the district laid off a minimum reserve of 3 percent ing the current fiscal year, ending program that is “reduced to the Amador Valley High School teachers, custodians and others of the budget. in June 30, the district is project- core.” Find Out What's library. It is scheduled to begin this year, some one-year revenue If the reserve dips lower, but ed to fall about $100,000 short of PARENTS WORRY at 6:30 p.m. A board action is came to the district, and softened stays above a fiscal bottom line the 3 percent reserve, unless more ABOUT DECLINE Happening planned to apply for new fed- the blow. That one-year money of zero, the district must make revenue is found, or programs are Several parents in the audi- eral stimulus grant funds that won’t be back, so the district extra reports to the county school cut, said Cazares. ence at the meeting Dec. 16 Check out the are available to districts that will be facing deficits of $24,000 department. If the district’s bal- The district already cut mil- told the board that they were second section have innovative programs. The in 2010-11, and $5.4 million in ance goes below zero, the state lions from the budget. (See BUDGET, page 4) Section II is filled with in- formation about arts, entertain- ment and special events. There are education stories, a variety of features, and the arts and Efforts entertainment and bulletin board listings. Underway To 'Fix' California With California facing an ongoing crisis when it comes to funding, various groups are studying ways to avoid raids on local funding. The League of California Cities is one such group. It is planning an initiative that would prevent the state from tapping Comedian Will Durst performs into city, council and special district funds. at the Bankhead. The Livermore City Council heard a presentation concerning the initiative at its most recent Will Durst meeting from Eric Figueroa, re- Presents His gional manager of the League. He noted that local govern- Own View of 2009 ment is the closest to the people. Surveys show that 84 percent of Kiss this year goodbye as voters trust local government, nationally known political satirist compared to a 21 percent approv- Will Durst gives his take on the al rating for state legislature. past year with “Goodbye 2009,” Over the past year, the state an evening of hilarity, combin- has taken $2 billion from local ing standup, improv and loosely governments and $1.7 billion in written sketches lampooning the Photo - Doug Jorgensen redevelopment funds. There are major news stories of 2009. Join- Several members of the advanced orchestra from Christensen Middle School in Livermore played Christmas music downtown plans to take another big chunk of ing Will is Johnny Steele, a Bay redevelopment funds next year, Area favorite; Jim Short who has Livermore last Tuesday in front of First Street Alehouse. The goal was to raise funds for the local food bank. All donations they received were given directly to Open Heart Kitchen. For more ways on how residents are helping others, see Section II. The cello despite a court ruling that the appeared on the Craig Ferguson previous taking was unconstitu- Show; Steven Kravitz who has player (front) is Joe Villarreao. tional, said Figueroa. The taking worked all over the world; Debi of redevelopment funds has been Durst and Michael Bossier who challenged in a lawsuit. have been doing improv for a Figueroa said, “The state tak- century; and the incredibly young Pleasanton Growth Cap Suit Goes to Judge ing local funds will continue to and talented Arthur Gaus. By Ron McNicoll get worse, if we don’t do some- Together they will mock and Roush. The only certain thing is and not published regionally as the amount of fair-share housing thing. The League initiative scoff and taunt with taste dur- Pleasanton defended its hous- that the judge has 90 days from a precedent from an appellate throughout the region by 2014. ing cap in court, but likely would protect all local govern- ing the “Big Fat Year End Kiss the hearing date to issue an order, court, he said. The city would need to build ment revenues starting in 2009.” Off Comedy Show XVII” at the won’t get a decision soon from he said. The plaintiff is Urban Habitat, at least 3277 more units of afford- Alameda County Superior Court He noted that it is the only action Bankhead Theater on Monday, As far as Roush knows, the which wants more affordable able housing to meet the goal. in the works that would provide December 27 at 7:00 p.m. Judge Frank Roesch. suit is the first challenge against housing built in Pleasanton. Since there are only 2950 units The complexities of the argu- immediate impact for local gov- As the sacred cows routinely a housing cap in California. It’s The basic argument was that the left under the cap, the city won’t ernments in protecting revenue. (See DURST, page 9) ments before the judge on Dec. difficult to track, though, because city’s voter imposed housing meet that goal, said Urban Habi- 18 in Oakland may take some The proposed measure would sometimes decisions don’t re- cap, which limits development tat. It wants the cap struck down prevent state officials from seiz- time for consideration, said ceive much publicity, if they are as a violation of state law. to 29,000 residential units, con- (See CALIFORNIA, page 10) Pleasanton city attorney Michael only at the superior court level, flicts with the state’s goals for (See SUIT, page 4) Las Positas College to Expand Sandia National Laboratories Veterans Program Las Positas College in Liver- Celebrates 60th Anniversary more recently expanded its “Vet- erans First” program to include Sixty years ago, the world was asked the corporation to assume readjustment counseling services a much different place. Harry management of a small nuclear provided by the Concord Vet Truman was president, the Cold research and development com- Center. The innovative program War was ramping up, and the plex in New Mexico. On Dec. 17, will provide individual and group North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- Sandia President Tom Hunter re- counseling, as well as marital tion (NATO) was established. flected on the wording of that let- and family counseling, medical That year, 1949, also marked ter in a 60th anniversary celebra- referrals, employment counsel- the opening of Sandia National tion at Sandia’s Livermore site. ing, transition counseling, and Laboratories. Commemorative events were many other support services. In a letter to Leroy Wilson held earlier this year at Sandia’s Nathan Johnson of the Concord of AT&T, President Truman (See SANDIA, page 9) Vet Center will assist student Vet- erans at the Las Positas College Health Center. Veterans and their families District Seeks Input on in the Tri-Valley no longer have to drive to Concord or San Jose Livermore Superintendent to meet with a readjustment The Livermore Valley Joint The first forum will be held counselor. Unified School District will host on Wed., Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. This latest expansion of the public forums to take public input for Spanish speaking; and 7:30 Veterans First program reflects regarding the search for a new p.m. in English at Granada High the College’s commitment to ex- superintendent. School in the sudent union, 400 pand the support services offered The current superintendent, Wall Street. The second forum to its 300 student Veterans. With Brenda Miller, is retiring. At the will be held Thurs., Jan. 7 at 6 the support of the community and forums, Cosca Group, the search p.m. for Spanish speaking and the Las Positas College Founda- firm, will meet with all interested 7 p.m. in English at Livermore tion, the program has provided Photo - Randy Wong/Sandia National Laboratories student Veterans a book loan community members at the two High School in the student union, forums. 600 Maple Street.(See FORUMS, page 3) Livermore Mayor Marshall Kamena (left) presents a proclamation to Rick Stulen (center) and (See EXPAND, page 9) Tom Hunter during Sandia's 60th anniversary celebration.

Correction to Inside PET OF THE WEEK Retiree Article Jet is a cute little guy who loves to hang out with his litter A December 17 article should mates- Steeler, Raiderette, and Bronco! They are the "NFL have stated that retirees who Art & Entertainment...... Section II Roundup...... 3 bunch" named after football teams, and they certainly love to were hired (not who retired) Bulletin Board...... Section II Short Notes...... 8 play. All four kittens are searching for their forever homes. To prior to 1990 appear to have a Classifieds...... 10 Sports...... 6 meet them, come to Valley Humane Society's Kitty City at 3670 viable claim to be reinstated to Nevada Street in Pleasanton, open Tues- Sat from 11AM to 5PM Editorial...... 4 Obituaries...... 9 University of California health (closed holidays). Call 925-426-8656 or visit the web site www. programs, according to attorneys Mailbox...... 10 for the Lawrence Livermore valleyhumane.org for more info. Laboratory Retiree Group. PAGE 2 - The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 McNerney Bucks Party on Vote to Hike Debt Limit Rep. Jerry McNerney (D- Passage of the bill would al- voted for a $154 billion jobs bill ing drew 2400 people. Some I want to stop tax breaks for busi- “Education plays into it, too. Pleasanton) voted against the low the federal government to “that will help teachers, firefight- questions concerned the health nesses moving overseas. I spent We need to make sure we have Democratic Party leadership on exceed the current debt limit of ers and police, and do so in a care bill in Congress. A senior my (business) career developing the best qualified workers, the a bill that would raise the U.S. $12.1 trillion. The bill is slated reasonable way.” from Pleasanton said that he technology for wind company best training, so we can compete debt limit. McNerney revealed next for the Senate. McNerney was referring to has Kaiser’s medi-gap cover- products. But because of poor for these opportunities,” said the vote during a telephone town McNerney said in a press the “second stimulus bill,” which age, and Medi-care “pays for a tax policies, they went overseas. McNerney. hall meeting on Dec. 16, the day release Dec. 17, “We should not passed 217-212. It will go on to lot of that coverage.” He asked They are producing turbines in The telephone town hall meet- of the vote. increase the federal government’s the Senate, but won’t be taken up whether seniors will pay more Germany and India, and selling ing was the eighth that McNerney The congressman said that he ability to borrow money without until after Jan. 1. for coverage. them back to us. We need to put has conducted since taking office voted “not to add money to the also taking steps to create a real The bill is touted as being McNerney said, “No. I op- the right laws in place.” in January 2007. deficit. The money being bor- plan to pay down the debt. The able to provide funding for job pose any reduction in benefits in rowed is not for small business. bill I opposed is a short-term training in high-growth or newly Medi-care. I want it to be more The leadership insisted I vote for band-aid that doesn’t address emerging industries. It could also efficient, and to eliminate the it,” but he disagreed. the underlying and pressing issue provide money for cities to hire waste.” The bill passed 218-214. The of how to reduce the debt,” said police and firefighters. The bill McNerney said that with the record shows that McNerney McNerney. could create other programs to technology available now, it’s was one of 37 Democrats to vote He continued, “I am going to put people back to work. possible to make good medical “no,” and was the only California keep working for fiscally respon- The amount is smaller than decisions. “It rewards organiza- Democrat to do so. sible solutions to reducing the the first stimulus package passed tions like Kaiser that have good All of the votes for passage debt, and ensure that the taxpay- by Congress, which totaled $780 outcomes. I will oppose any re- came from Democrats. Republi- ers’ money is used responsibly.” million. duction in Medi-care benefits.” cans supplied 175 votes against VOTED FOR JOBS BILL HEALTH INSURANCE, A senior in Stockton said she it, and two abstained. One Demo- McNerney also told the tele- JOBS ON MINDS has had her private insurance crat abstained. phone town hall meeting that he McNerney’s town hall meet- for 26 years. “I’m worried about them wanting to do something. I’m ill.” McNerney explained, “The goal of reform is to make sure everyone who contributes to our society has health care. We want to make sure you can keep it. It’s one of our fundamentals.” “If you have Medi-care, you will see benefits improve. It will ensure there are no co-payments for preventive medicine, and free testing, with no co-pay- ments involved. I can’t stress this enough. The whole purpose is to make health care accessible to all Americans. Health care costs too much now, and costs are rising rapidly. We want to stop that,” he said. Although the bill passed out of the House, McNerney said that he can’t predict what the Senate will do. “I won’t support something that doesn’t allow people to keep what they have and like,” he said. TRYING TO KEEP JOBS The end of the NUMMI plant in Fremont, and the increased for- eign competition for jobs under NAFTA were questioned by two different callers from Tracy. McNerney said that he will have several thousand unem- ployed people in his district after NUMMI closes. He has involved Labor Department officials to work with union workers and NUMMI officials, as well as local people affected. “I want to make sure they can start new businesses,” he said. McNerney said he also wants to work with the automaker to ensure that they stay at the loca- tion as long as possible, “and not leave workers holding the bag.” “It is a private business. How- ever, we can make sure that workers receive training and health care benefits. I’m working as hard as I can to bring other jobs into the area,” he said. As for NAFTA, McNerney said,”When I hear jobs are going overseas, it makes my blood boil.

Photos - Doug Jorgensen It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . The top photo was taken at Deacon Dave's home on Hillcrest Avenue in Livermore. The middle photo features the lights at Wente Vineyards on Arroyo Road. The whimsical display in the bottom photo is on Buena Vista in Livermore. The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 - PAGE 3 VALLEY ROUNDUP

DSRSD Officers PG& E Property Taxes The Dublin San Ramon Services District Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) (DSRSD) Board of Directors has elected Jef- has made property tax payments totaling more frey G. Hansen as President of the Board for than $126 million to the 49 counties in which it 2010 and D. L. (Pat) Howard as Vice President. operates. This amount represents full payment President Hansen has served on the Board since of property taxes due for the period from July 1, 1985, longer than any other Director in the 2009 to December 31, 2009. District’s history. He has been Board President The company’s tax payments to counties for four times before, most recently in 2006. Vice tax year 2009/10 increased by almost $20 mil- President Howard has served on the Board since lion over the previous property tax year’s pay- 2004 and was President in 2007. ments as a result of an increase in assessments In addition, the directors serve as liaisons due to PG&E’s infrastructure investments and an with the following public agencies: overall increase in tax rates. President Hansen and Director Scannell serve Alameda County received just over $12 mil- on the Board of Directors for DSRSD-EBMUD lion; Contra Costa just over $9 million Recycled Water Authority (DERWA), a joint powers authority formed to deliver recycled McNerney Donates Pay Raise water to large irrigation customers through the Keeping his commitment to donate his auto- San Ramon Valley Recycled Water Program. matic pay raise to five charitable organizations, Vice President Howard and Director Von- Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) visited heeder-Leopold serve on the Board of Livermore the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joa- Amador Valley Water Management Agency quin to hand deliver a check on Monday. (LAVWMA), a joint powers agency comprised The other organizations Rep. McNerney to of DSRSD and the cities of Livermore and which donated funds include Catholic Charities Pleasanton to convey treated wastewater from of Stockton, which offers children’s health, elder Photos - Doug Jorgensen the member agencies’ treatment plants to a deep- abuse prevention, personal care and transporta- Rich Cimino and Patti Cole, both members of Ohlone Audubon, were among those looking for water outfall in the San Francisco Bay. tion services, Dignity’s Alcove, a Stockton-based birds in Sycamore Grove Park last Friday. One of the birds they spotted was a Red Shouldered non-profit that provides transitional housing Hawk (shown below). New Address to Pay Utility Bills and substance abuse counseling for veterans, The Pleasanton Utility Billing division Livermore’s Tri-Valley Haven, which provides moves to the administrative offices of the Op- shelter and services for victims of domestic eration Services Center at 3333 Busch Road in violence, and the Village Community Resource First Ever January. Residents can pay utility bills at the Center in Brentwood, which provides after school new location effective January 11, 2010, from programs as well as family support and health Christmas 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each Monday through services. Friday. The new move is expected to improve the program’s day-to-day coordination and Correction Bird Count customer service response. In the article "Devon Dunne of Pleasanton The phone number for the Utility Billing staff to Appear in NBC’s Trauma This Spring" in Conducted will remain the same, (925) 931-5425. Custom- the 12/17/09 issue of The Independent, Devin ers can mail utility bill payments to P.O. Box Dunne's first name was misspelled; the correct In Tri-Valley spelling is Devin. Her high school was incor- 45805, San Francisco, CA 94145-0805. The first ever Christmas Bird Bicycle, dog licenses and business licenses rectly identified as Amador Valley High School. Count got underway last Friday will continue to be issued at 200 Old Bernal Devin attends Foothill High School and was the Avenue and the payment drop box at that loca- lead in their production of "The Crucible," which at Sycamore Grove Park in tion will remain intact. For more information, Foothill drama teacher Margie McLaughlin Livermore. Ohlone Audubon please contact the Operation Services Center at directed. Society and the Alameda Creek (925) 931-5500. Alliance are sponsoring the Christmas bird count in eastern Alameda County, within the Alameda Creek watershed. An estimated 50 to 75 volunteer birders of all levels of experience are surveying for wintering birds Pleasanton Ends Year With Positive Balance within a 15 mile radius count during a 24 hour period on De- teams would compete to see who The City of Pleasanton finds Pleasanton has a water enter- from unfilled jobs and impacting circle in the vicinity of Pleasan- cember 18, with some additional could shoot more wildlife and itself with $2.5 million left in its prise fund. It ended with a lower service levels. If the economy ton, Sunol and Livermore. surveys continuing during the come back with the biggest pile budget. fund balance than was projected. doesn’t turn around, we may The Christmas Bird Count is count week of December 15 to of dead birds. Conservationists The money is the result of Culver told the council there is a have to look at service cuts. In an annual nationwide volunteer- 21 to locate, identify, and record and scientists concerned about expenditures of $3.4 million need to discuss rate adjustments. addition, we do have the ability based bird survey effort coordi- rare bird species. declining bird populations pro- less than budgeted. Some of the The fund is being drawn down to dip into our reserves.” nated by the Audubon Society The history of the Christmas posed a new holiday tradition $3.4 million is earmarked to pay to cover increases in the cost of Councilmember Cindy Mc- to promote bird conservation Bird Count has its roots in op- beginning on Christmas Day off contracts not yet completed, obtaining water. Govern wondered if the open and assess long-term trends in position to an early American 1900, a “Christmas Bird Count” leaving $2.5 million to roll over Both councilmembers Jerry jobs would disappear. winter bird populations. In the holiday tradition known as that would tally birds rather than to the next budget. Thorne and Matt Sullivan sug- Fialho said that for the short largest citizen science effort in Christmas “side hunts,” where hunt them. In addition to the $2.5 mil- gested the city look at trends and term there are no plans to fill the world, tens of thousands of lion, the city has $19.8 million plan for the future. them. There has been some reor- volunteer birders and scientists in reserve that it has not had to Thorne proposed looking at ganization, with people taking on armed with binoculars, bird tap. City Manager Nelson Fialho a three year average of revenues more responsibility. guides and checklists will take commented, “We are one of the and expenses. That would show McGovern wondered about part in Christmas bird counts few cities that has not dipped into whether expenditures were grow- the drop in sales tax revenue. She throughout the Americas from reserves.” ing faster than revenues in vari- noted that in 2006-07, the city On the revenue side, there was ous departments. “I would like received $22 million. To date, mid-December through early a 4.5 percent increase in prop- to look at trends. We will reach a this year, the amount is $17.5 January. Audubon and other erty tax revenues, mainly due point where expenditures are not million. organizations use data collected to over $2 million in delinquent sustainable.” Culver predicted that the sales in this longest-running wildlife payments. According to David Sullivan wanted to see a long tax income would continue to census to assess the health of bird Culver, Director of Finance, that range fiscal forecast. “If the go down. populations and to help guide is the most ever. economy doesn’t come back to McGovern then urged people conservation actions. Other revenue sources showed what it was, the city needs to take to shop locally. “That keeps the Volunteers walked, mountain declines. Sales tax was down 17 a look at what might happen.” taxes at home and helps local biked, drove to count areas, or percent, transit occupancy tax Fialho noted that there are businesses.” monitored backyard feeders down 19 percent, and building currently 35 positions open in permits were 44.6 percent lower the city. “We are trying to strike than the last fiscal year. a balance between saving money

FORUMS (continued from page one)

The Board of Education 2010 and identify the name of would like to hear from the the District. All comments will public regarding the strengths of be compiled to form a matrix the District, its needs and critical defining those characteristics issues, and the type of leadership valued by the community. Input desired from a superintendent. from the forums will help guide All members of the community, Board of Education members including parents, interested citi- as they recruit and select the zens, students, elected officials, next superintendent. In addition, public employees, etc. are in- survey forms will be available vited to speak on the qualities in each of the schools and at the and characteristics of the next District Office. superintendent. Questions regarding the pro- For those unable to attend cess, timeline, or forums may be this meeting, emails may be directed to Margaret Gehlert in sent to the search consultant, the Superintendent’s Office at Steve Goldstone, at gostevego@ [email protected] earthlink.net. Please send com- or 925-606-3281. ments no later than January 7, PAGE 4 - The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Pleasanton Concerned about BART on Eastside The Pleasanton City Coun- to preserve the right-of-way Jerry Thorne asked if BART out everything.” He told BART, EDITORIALS cilmembers expressed concern needed to build it. BART works would require any part of Staples “Stay on the freeway. Once, the about the potential impacts on its with Caltrans on changes to Ranch for the extension. He was extension is past Pleasanton, I Night Life Ordinance Needed eastside from a BART extension I-580. If the alignment were to also concerned about the impact don’t care where the alignment The Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) has begun to Livermore. extend to Greenville down 580, on potential recreation, housing goes.” working towards a city ordinance to regulate an anticipated Following a presentation on right-of-way would be needed and industry in the chain of lakes BART Director John McPart- surge in downtown’s night life. the various route options, the to be retained to Greenville. area. Pleasanton is planning to land told the council, “A down- PDA says the ordinance is needed to deal with the sound council had many questions However, if the extension left undertake an eastside study to town station is a political deci- levels, parking, outdoor smoking areas, trash/litter removal with regard to the routes, par- the freeway at an earlier loca- establish a development plan for sion that Livermore will make. and other potential issues associated with entertainment ticulary those that would leave tion, only the right-of-way on the area, he noted. The city doesn’t want to impact districts. the freeway at El Charro and go the freeway to that point would Quint said that the design the ambiance in the downtown. through the Chain of Lakes to be need to be preserved. going down El Charro takes a An underground station is do- The association has thrown itself full-bore into the cause, Livermore. Councilmembers also had little corner of Staples Ranch. He able.” He said of the proposed and has been in touch with experts in the field such as the Mayor Jennifer Hosterman questions for Quint. added, “These are very prelimi- Isabel/580 station, that ridership Responsible Hospitality Institute. noted, “All of the alternatives, in Cheryl Cook-Kallio wondered nary designs. They are subject goals would not be achieved at “Our night life is just starting,” observes the PDA execu- some way or another, go through if there would be enough park- to change. We would look to a level to sustain the extension. tive director, Christina Salidivar. “This is a good opportunity Pleasanton.” She said she had ing in downtown Livermore to purchase an easement if the route “There is no ridership from ACE. to mold it so it’s a great experience.” requested the presentation to al- accommodate potential BART down El Charro were chosen.” We have to have ridership. To get The Pleasanton downtown is already an attractive low for the council to weigh in riders. McGovern also wondered that ridership there needs to be downtown. Night life will add to its appeal in a big way, on the issues. Quint explained that Liver- about the impacts on homes in intermodal connections. Isabel but regulation is needed to ensure that others can comfort- In addition to the presentation more had asked BART to cap Pleasanton. would have to be a shortstop.” ably live with it. to the council, BART will hold a parking at 2500 spaces at the Quint said that there could be McPartland said of making We applaud PDA. They’re performing a community public hearing in Pleasanton on downtown station. In addition, an impact on housing along 580. the Livermore extension a reality, the draft programmatic environ- a second station paired with the In the DEIR, it states that single “All I need is four more votes and service in pushing this greatly needed ordinance. mental impact report (DEIR). dowtnown, would provide 7500 family homes located south of someone to write me a really big The hearing is scheduled for Jan. parking spaces. I-580 between Santa Rita Road check.” Opening The Budget Process 6 in the city council chamber Cook-Kallio suggested that and El Charro Road would be Three of the proposed align- City of L ivermore’s next budget process will be more starting at 6:30 p.m. a downtown station may not be affected. ments end at Greenville Road; transparent and show a higher level of public involvement The DEIR studies nine alter- the best way to get cars off the Sullivan said he could see the two go to Vasco Road near the than usual. native routes. The extension to freeway. economic benefits of a downtown current ACE station; two ter- Livermore would go east from Cindy McGovern asked what Livermore station. He wondered minate in the downtown. Both The city is opening up the process through a citizens the Dublin-Pleasanton BART sta- the proposed aerial structure what the benefits would be for the Greenville and Vasco routes survey and a series of evening public workshops scheduled tion. The eventual outcome will through the chain of lakes are the larger regional area by going include one that goes through January 28 and February 1-2. That will be followed by the be the selection of a preferred would look like and what impact down 580. the downtown. Several going City Council’s preliminary budget deliberations, followed alignment to bring BART to the structure might have on plans Quint said the regional ben- through the downtown leave the by additional workshops April 19, 21 and 22. Livermore. The various options for development of the Staples efits would be addressed in fu- freeway at El Charro and travel Livermore (and most cities) faces deep cutbacks. They studied in the draft report can Ranch. “The chain of lakes is an ture studies. There is economic through the quarry area. One ex- will hurt. The community will have to make choices. be mixed and matched. Five of environmentally sensitive area. It benefit from the potential transit its the freeway near Las Positas The city is doing what it can to encourage the public the alternatives would run on El will also be used to recharge the oriented development around Blvd.; another goes underground participation needed to make those choices. We hope the Charro Road near the eastern groundwater.” stations. Asked about the timeline along Portola and Junction Av- citizenry will take full advantage of it. side of Staples Ranch and along Quint described the aerial for the extension, Quint said the enue into the downtown. the eastern edge of the Eastside structure as 40 feet high at El EIR process is about two years. There are also two one-station Specific Plan Area identified in Charro. The height is designed Construction would take 5 to 6 alignments. One goes down I-580 Pleasanton’s general plan. The so that BART would not interfere years. When it begins depends on and ends at Isabel and I-580; the El Charro service would be on an with quarry operations in the the availability of funding. other uses El Charro, extends elevated track structure. area. In addition, at the request Only one member of the pub- through the quarry area and stops Hosterman commented, “We of developers, BART is now lic spoke. Kurt Kummer stated, at Isabel and Stanley Blvd. BUDGET have always been supportive of looking at a below grade option “I am baffled as to why we are In addition to the public hear- (continued from page one) BART to Livermore. However, at El Charro. The option was not talking about anything other than ing, BART is also accepting writ- we have concerns about some of studied in the DEIR. a freeway extension. I am par- ten comments on the DEIR until worried about how the district would be one less person with the alignments.” She wondered, Matt Sullivan suggested that a ticularly concerned about what 5:00 pm on January 21, 2010. might decline in the face of the employment talent to work here given the economy and funding “pretty big chunk” of the Staples an extension could do to Staples Mail comments to: BART budget challenges. One said that and to spend time in Pleasanton.” needed to build the extension, Ranch would be needed. He Ranch. There are a lot of outdoor Planning Department, Attn. Mal- when her family was moving Quality schools are the key to at- why BART was in such a hurry suggested that rather than turn activities planned on the site that colm Quint, 300 Lakeshore from Massachusetts, they chose tracting good employment talent, to select an alignment. south on the Pleasanton side of do not lend themselves well to a Drive, Oakland, CA 94612 or Pleasanton “because it fit the bill” said Ott. Malcolm Quint, BART project El Charro, the turn be made on 40 foot high BART track 100 feet send an email to info@barttoli- when it came to schools. The Trustee Jamie Hintzke empha- district was up there with San sized that it’s important for staff manager, explained that selecting the Livermore side. away. The noise would drown vermore.org Ramon and Palo Alto. or community groups backing an alignment would allow BART “I’m not sure we’d make the more funding to come up with same decision today. We may materials that will clearly explain have chosen Dublin or San Ra- about how the money will be mon, or maybe the more crowded spent. She said that staff could Peninsula, to make sure that we outline a basic core program, and were in a community that did build in the costs from there, so School Board Retains Grant 3-2 what it took, and sacrificed,” that people can see clearly where By Ron McNicoll us, I wanted to nominate Val- opportunity. Kernan made a motion to she said. parcel tax or other local revenue Chris Grant was re-elected erie,” said Hintzke. (The record shows that Grant name Grant as president, and Ar- The parent talked about her would go. president of the Pleasanton Jim Ott said that he intended was on the board for one year and kin as clerk. Arkin said that there third-grader’s class being more Trustee Valerie Arkin sug- school board on a 3-2 vote, af- to ask Grant to stay on, and to 10 months, by the time he was was already a motion the floor, crowded this year, with 25 in- gested formation of an educa- ter a seconded motion to name nominate Arkin as clerk. The chosen president.) but a moment later Ott seconded stead of 20 students, and said tion boosters club, similar to the Valerie Arkin to the post failed clerk reviews the financial ac- Ott said, “It’s a question of Kernan’s motion. that “the teacher is more pressed athletic boosters. to get three votes. counts and signs off on them, who can do the best job right Casey volunteered that under for time.” The club could go aggres- Grant wound up a one-year and also runs the meeting when now.” He asked Grant about Robert’s “Rules of Order,” the Her student at Pleasanton sively at the schools’ most direct term as president at the board’s the president is absent. his perspective. Grant replied, Middle School sees the student constituents, the parents, just as board should vote on the first meeting Dec. 16. When nomina- Ott said that it was important “This is an important priority of motion first. That vote brought leadership picking up trash, the San Ramon Valley school mine. I have had as much com- because there are not enough district has done with its fund- tions were opened for a president to have Grant in office during the support only from Hintzke and janitors now. raising club, she said. at the meeting, Jamie Hintzke transition to a new superinten- mittee involvement as any on Arkin. “Things are OK now. The API Trustee Pat Kernan said that nominated Valerie Arkin. Both dent. He recalled that he served the board.” On the second motion, Ott, scores are good. We’re still there, the “best economic minds” pre- were elected to the board one a year and one-half as president Grant said that he has not Kernan and Grant voted “yes,” but in a few years, if we can’t get dict five more years of a poor year ago. (before Grant’s term) after being missed any board meetings since with Hintzke and Arkin voting creative and do something else” economy. “We will survive as a Hintzke said that with the on the board for a year, “I wasn’t he was appointed three years ago. “no.” it won’t be as good, she said. The great district. We need to address district seeking a new superin- ready to be president.” He was returned to office by vot- ARKIN NOT CONVINCED audience applauded her remarks the problems head-on. The time tendent to replace outgoing John Ott suggested that Grant might ers at the election that followed Asked after the meeting why loudly. is now,” he said to applause. Casey, it is important to have a serve six months, and resign in his appointment. (Ott has been she didn’t vote to join the major- Another parent suggested Board president Chris Grant trustee in the president’s office favor of Arkin after the super- on the board three and one-half ity on the second motion, Arkin closing a school site. She said said it would be good to talk to who has a great deal of time to intendent is hired. Grant did not years, and was elected after his told The Independent that she did that parents would be willing backers of Measure G, the ill- meet with the search firm, and commit to resigning, or comment appointment, too). not find any compelling argument to drive a little farther to keep fated parcel tax earlier this year the many community members about it. “We are working through a that Grant should stay on for classes at 25:1 student-teacher that would have raised $233 per who will want to give their input. KERNAN: TAKES 2 YEARS difficult year, with the budget another year. Neither Grant nor ratio. “With classes of 30, you parcel each year for four years Arkin is the only school board Pat Kernan, who has been situation, and the selection of a his supporters tied the word “ex- are no longer competing with to save programs. It fell approxi- member with no job outside the on the board for 13 years, said, new superintendent. I would wel- perience” to exactly why it is so Palo Alto, or even San Ramon,” mately four percentage points home. “It takes two years to get the lay come staying on another year,” important in the superintendent she said. Her remarks also drew short of the 66.7 percent needed Arkin is one of the board’s of the land as a board member. said Grant. search or other issues. loud applause. for passage. two liaisons with the superin- I definitely would support you “I think the world of Valerie. Also, there was “no solid argu- REPUTATION IS “We need to get everyone tendent search firm, which was (Arkin) as clerk, and Chris as If you are open to it, and wanted IMPORTANT working on part of the solution,” ment” about why trustees should selected at an earlier meeting, president.” to be clerk, it would be fantastic,” not vote for her. She said that she Trustee Jim Ott told the first said Grant. Several avenues Grant told Arkin. speaker that “you broke my of fund-raising will have to be and ratified unanimously by the Hintzke said that the board’s didn’t agree with the majority’s heart when you said that you explored to try to head off as board at the Dec. 16 meeting. by-laws indicate the president’s Arkin didn’t want to be clerk argument about “continuity.” The might not have moved here. It many cuts as possible, trustees Arkin, who has an MBA and term can’t be split. She said that for the next six months, and then board in the past has switched worked for an insurance firm as the fact that both Grant and Ott become president. She said that presidents at the end of the year a lawsuit negotiator, is “good on were chosen president after only the important time period for her when someone else wanted to SUIT school financing, gets back to one year service shows that Arkin availability as a board president take over, she said. (continued from page one) people on the phone, and meets should be considered on an equal would be the next six months, Hintzke told The Independent, with them for coffee. With so footing with them, with the same because of the outreach involved The city’s rejoinder is that housing. The council voted to “I think everyone on the board many people wanting access to in the superintendent search. building is proceeding so slowly remedy that by rezoning three has their heart in the right place. that it’s unlikely that the cap will parcels in Hacienda Park. The It’s a stressful time. We are un- be used up before 2014, accord- council also established a task der a lot of pressure right now. ing to the city’s legal team. force that will create a specific However, I think our board could Urban Habitat was repre- plan for the three properties. really benefit by putting serious sented by the law firm Public However, Urban Habitat’s time into board development, no Advocates and its chief counsel, lawyers said that the resulting Mayor Breaks with Tradition question.” Richard Marcantonio. The city’s zoning is PUD with mixed use. Breaking from tradition, ize that this is a political appoint- office. Hintzke said that she learned team were private attorneys, led That in and of itself doesn’t allow Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hos- ment and has nothing to do with Lowell replaces long time at a school boards association by Thomas Brown. a developer to pick up a permit, terman passed over Matt Sullivan sharing the workload.” city attorney Michael Roush as conference that when there are Special assistant attorney gen- and start building. They said that to serve as vice mayor. Hosterman said she selected of January 4. new board members, the whole eral Clifford Rechtschaffen also the city didn’t set standards for In the past, the role of vice Thorne, because she had been All of the councilmembers board becomes new. The board argued on the plaintiff’s side. The each lot to enable the building. mayor rotated among the coun- appointed to several committees thanked Roush for his service and did have an informal round-table state joined the lawsuit, because The city’s attorneys countered cilmembers. It was Sullivan’s that would require more of her the “legacy of excellence” he has talk shortly after Hintzke and Ar- it said that by not providing af- that the council did what was turn this coming year. time. She said the reality is that established. kin joined the board. Hintzke has fordable housing, employees required by state law. They also Hosterman instead appointed Thorne is more available to at- Lowell is also the incoming in mind a more formal workshop. must drive to jobs in Pleasanton. said that there is no state law Jerry Thorne. The vote was 4 to tend meetings during the day. She vice president of the League of “When you have a new board, we That adds to air pollution. that requires the city to build the 1, with Cindy McGovern dis- pointed out that everyone on the need to understand what legacy The suit also alleges that housing. The law only requires California Cities City Attorney senting. council had had a turn serving as Department, and will become they want to leave behind,” she Pleasanton does not have enough that the zoning exists for it. McGovern declared, “I hon- vice mayor. said. land zoned to meet the densities The cap was approved by vot- its president in 2011. Lowell has estly believe tradition should McGovern stated, “I don’t been city attorney in San Luis As to Grant’s view of the that would result in affordable ers in an initiative in 1996. continue. It’s Matt’s turn.” This agree with your reality.” McGov- Obispo, a city with a population board, he said, “We are a gover- change sets a precedent. The ern asked at one point, “What of 43,000, since 2003. nance team together. The priori- Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala appointment of vice mayor be- about McGovern?” indicating At one time he was also the ties for our school district are to Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell comes very political.” that she was just as available as ensure the greatest level of aca- (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) Editor: Janet Armantrout assistant city attorney in Liver- Sullivan said he would sup- Thorne to fill in for the mayor. more. demic support for our students, port the decision, because he The Independent is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., Lowell will be paid an an- during this historic time, in the Livermore, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Application to Mail at Periodical Postage Prices Pending at the said he believes Thorne would ATTORNEY LEAVING largest budgetary reduction in Livermore Post Office and additional mailing offices. The Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www. nual starting salary of $195,000. independentnews.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The do a good job. “I asked to be ap- At a special meeting on Mon- A yearly performance bonus not state history, for K-12 education, Independent, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. pointed, since it was my turn. I day, the council approved a con- to exceed 5 percent of his annual and ensuring we maintain the Advertising rates and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. received no reply from the mayor tract with new attorney Jonathan salary is available. highest academic resources for Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. until tonight. People should real- Lowell. He was then sworn into our students.” The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 - PAGE 5

Photos - Doug Jorgensen Starting last Friday and running through Jan. 3, drivers may see red lights (lower photo) as law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for those who get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Deputy sheriffs, police officers, and California Highway Patrol officers hit the streets and highways of Alameda County on the hunt for drunk drivers. The effort includes both saturation patrols and checkpoints. The Avoid the 21 campaign is part of a statewide effort to catch drunken drivers and educate motorists about the consequences of driving while impaired. Alamea County launches the largest DUI enforcement effort in the San Francisco Bay Area. The team brought in 212 DUI suspects last year, more than double the amount arrested on New Year’s Eve. The last 10 winter campaigns have resulted in more than 7,300 DUI arrests throughout the county, according to Livermore Police Department figures. Livermore is the host agency for three years and hosted a kickoff dinner last Friday (top photo).

PAGE 6 - The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009

Members of the Amador Judo and Jujitsu team pose for a Pleasanton Ballistic United Soccer Club (BUSC) U12 Premier team Pictured are the 2nd Place Livermore Cobras U10G Danville photo. captured the NorCal Gold Division Championship Saturday night with Sunset Invitational Tournament Champions: (back, left to a 2 to 1 victory against a well organized and determined Elk Grove right) Coaches Glen Cordisco, Scott Tidwell, and Tod Lawson; Everton side. BUSC's Cameron Owens (C.O.) controlled a Jackson Still (standing) Jamie Freitas, Sydney Duncan, Siena Gibbs, Jenna feed and beat two defenders for the first score of the match. Minutes Tidwell, Abby Fraser, Jordan Kennedy, Kelsi Green, Carly later, C.O. would again outmaneuver his marker sliding the ball to Cameron Ritchie who hammered the ball home for a 2 to 0 lead. Sam Estevez; (kneeling) Tara Collier, Audrey Cordisco, Katie Hinds, Molz, Chudi Atuegbu and Jeffrey Klei all had critical defensive plays Kristen Heise, and Kaylie Lawson. to help preserve the victory. The BUSC U12 Premier team are coached by Justin Rothling and include: Chudi Atuegbu, Nathan Esparza, Max Youth Soccer Seahawks Relay Livermore Cobras U10 Rec Plus Gershman, Jeffrey Klei, Sam Molz, Cameron Owens, Carsen Paynter, Girls captured 2nd in the Danville Sunset Ryan Racer, Cameron Ritchie, Tylor Silva, Jackson Still, Jack Traube, Team 5th at Nationals Invitational Tournament Bryce Veit, Geoffrey Wiederecht, Mitchell Wilson, and Omeed Ziari. The Pleasanton Seahawks (PLS) sent Game 1: Livermore Cobras (2) vs Pleas- eight of their champion swimmers to Winter anton Rage Jammers (1): Tara Collier scored Nationals in Federal Way, WA Dec. 3 - 5. the Cobras first goal, but Pleasanton quickly All PLS swimmers went the distance with tied it up 1-1. The two teams battled with the women’s team placing 16th overall. After solid defensive play by Cobras' Jordan Ken- Livermore; pulling out the university/USA sponsored nedy and Kelsi Green, which allowed Jenna Jujitsu Competition 7-8 yrs. Nov, 1st Isabella Andrus, teams, the PLS women’s team was actually Tidwell a final drive through two defensive The Amador Judo & Jujitsu Studio in Livermore; Ritwik Aluri, Livermore; 2nd 8th in the women’s scoring for Club teams. players bending in the winning goal with 30 Livermore recently hosted the 2nd Annual Julia LeDesma, Livermore; Jolene Keller, This foursome, (Sasha Alcon, Karen Wang, seconds left on the clock. Prof. Ray Law Jujitsu Kata Championship. Pleasanton; 3rd Haiden Rotermund, Liver- Allison Brown and Catherine Breed) placed Game 2: Livermore Cobras (4) vs Taking top honors in their respective divi- more; 7-8 yrs. Int. 1st Dan Ikegami, Dublin; fifth in the 800 free relay behind four Uni- Newark (2): Cobra’s Abby Fraser and Jenna sions were the following students at the James Stonecipher, Dublin; 2nd Aaron versity teams. Tidwell scored two goals on perfectly placed studio: Toothman, Pleasanton; Remington Wood, Additional results: Allison Brown was corner kicks by Siena Gibbs and Sydney 3-4 Yrs. Nov: 1st Kaden Quach, Pleas- Livermore; 708 yrs. Adv. 1st Rafael Valle, 16th in the 500, 23rd in the 400 IM and Duncan. Katie Hinds and Siena Gibbs Livermore Youth Soccer League U11 Gold D1 Cougars captured anton; 2nd Caden Okamoto, Livermore; Livermore; Xavier Pelican, Livermore; 9- 23rd in the 1650, Catherine Breed was 8th dominated the mid-field keeping the ball in Maleah Okamoto, Livermore; 3-4 yrs. Int. 10 yrs. Adv. 1st Nick Chua, Dublin; Rafael in the 1650, 24th in the 200 and 21st in the Newark territory, allowing Audrey Cordisco 2nd place in the State Cup Championship. Trainer si Dave Shaw, 1st Alexa Firestone, Livermore; Jackjames Gamboa, Dublin; 500 free, Karen Wang was 20th in the 100 and Sydney Duncan to deliver two more goals head coach Dan Dremalas and assistant coach Dan Campbell. Fagundes, Livermore; 5-6 yrs. Nov. 1st Sina 13-14 yrs, Nov. 1st Sho Ikegami, Dublin; fly, 18th in the 100 back and 15th in the 200 for a Cobra 4-2 victory. Zieminski, Livermore; Dominic Peri, Liver- Sajan Patel, Livermore; 13-13 yrs. Adv. 1st back, and Tory Houston was 20th in the 200 Livermore Cobras (0) vs San Ramon Team members are (front, left to right) Matthew Petrie, Brandon more; 2nd Makena Okamoto, Livermore; Paige Hawkey, Livermore; Charlemagne breast. Bryan Hughes swam a best time Kixie Chicks (0): A defensive battle led by Salgado, Ryan Marta, Youki Chiba; (standing, left to right) Jason Taylor Guest, Livermore; 3rd Jack Taggart, Pelican, Livermore; 15-16 yrs. Nov. 1st Ricky in the 1650 (15.54), and Nick Silverthorn Cobras' Carly Estevez, Kristen Heise (GK), Livermore; Will Taggart, Livermore; 5-6 Gonzales, Livermore; David Munoz, Liver- swam best times in the 100/200/500 free, and Siena Gibbs. Goalkeeper Kristen Heise Campbell, Jacob (Cob) Murdoch, Andrew Preece, Wesley Katz, yrs. Int. 1st Dominic Kinsella, Livermore; more; Brown Belt Div. 1st Jaime Atchison, while Celina Li swam best times in the 200 played outstanding with several fantastic Jacob Dremalas, Kevin Garcia, and Shane Cassels. Nathan Riveria, Livermore; Emma Guest, Livermore; Sarah Bachleda, Livermore; 2nd IM and 200 Breast. The women placed in saves to keep the game scoreless, allowing Livermore; Dakota Hood, Livermore; 2nd Jori Atchinson, Livermore; Emily Bachleda, the top sixteen in all five relays. the Cobra’s to advance to the champion- Nicky Butcher, Pleasanton; Triston Wood, Livermore. ships match. The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 - PAGE 7

The Heat Win National Championship. The Heat Cross Country Team, headquartered in Pleasan- ton, won the Youth Boys division at the Junior Olympic National Championships held in Reno last Saturday. The Heat had its first five runners finish in the top 40 and showed great depth by having ten runners in the top 70 finishers. Connor McCarthy, who earned All American honors by placing 10th overall, led the team. Also earning All American status were Caton Avilla (17th place) Pictured are Pleasanton Seahawks team members who competed and Aidan Goltra (21st place). at Nationals (from left back) Karen Wang, Bryan Hughes, Gabe Arias-Sheridan (27th place) and Nolan Petersen (38th place) Catherine Breed, Nick Silverthorn; (front) Tory Houston, Allison rounded out the scoring spots. Brown, Celina Li, and Sasha Alcon. The Equalizers, an all-star team from Southern California, fin- Game 4: Mustang Stealth (3) vs Liver- Springtown and Altamont Creek. At the time ished 2nd. Pleasanton Heat team members. more Cobras (2): In the final game of the of registration proof of residency and a birth “Our great team depth was the tournament against Mustang Stealth, two certificate are required. For more informa- difference,” said Heat Coach Eric excellent teams battled for the win. Sydney tion please visit our website @ eteamz. Duncan delivered the first Cobra goal with com/LNLL or call 443-5655. Petersen. “We had ten runners to handle individual performance at the National Championship the way with a 14th place finish. an awesome outside shot into the net. Jamie beat the fifth scoring runner of swings and extreme changes in Meet. Julia Bounds was 2nd This was his 8th All American Freitas at right wing led the Cobra attack the Equalizers.” course conditions,” added Peters- setting up multiple opportunities to score. Track and Field Sign Ups in the Bantam (under 10) Girls award making him one of the Athletics America is accepting ap- Jacob Schlachte, Brynn en. “We raced twice in Reno this division. In the Bantam Boys most decorated runners in team Kaylie Lawson delivered a late game goal plications for youth athletes between the by weaving through the Stealth defensive ages of 7-17. Sargent, Tim O’Shea, Adler season, the first time was sunny division The Heat had three All history. crowd. Athletes 18 and older are also invited Faulkner, and Sean Aylward all and dry with temperatures in the Americans: Tim Falls (7th), Alex “We had an amazing season,” to join the club and train during the adult figured in the scoring. “With so 40s. Last Saturday the course was Sokol (16th) and Sam Reynolds said Coach Kevin McCarthy. sessions. CYO Basketball Practices are held year round on a much talent on team we were able buried in snow with more falling (23rd). Sophie Hartley contin- “The entire team worked tre- The 7th grade girls St. Michael's/St. voluntary/drop-in basis and are scheduled all the time. The team was strong Charles (SM/SC) "NUTZ" brought home ued her string of All American mendously hard all season. There on Monday through Friday in locations in both times, but the finishing or- finishes by placing 12th in the their 3rd straight win against a 1st place both Pleasanton and Livermore. were lots of long hilly runs in 100 St. Isidore team in CYO basketball. The Club participants will have the option der of the boys was significantly Youth Girls division. In the Inter- degree heat in August, and hard NUTZ were down 7-2 in the first half as St. of competing in AAU and USATF cross Online at www.pleasantonsoftball.org; 2) different.” Isidore set up a tough defensive zone. But Mail-in: PGSL, P.O. Box 911 , Pleasanton mediate Girls Division (ages 15 intervals on cold, rainy days in country events, as well as several all-com- In addition to the National -16), Natalie Dimits earned All the NUTZ decided to pull out all the stops ers track meets. , CA 94566 (download a registration form November. It is very gratifying and came out with a vengeance in the 3rd For practice times and locations, please from the website). Please note, late registra- Championship win for the Youth American honors with her 19th to see all that hard work pay off. quarter with Natalie Palomo sinking 3 baskets visit www.athleticsamerica.com or call tion fee applies after December 15, 2009. Boys, The Heat also placed 3rd in a row. Couple that with Sarah Partridge's For more information or questions, contact place finish. In the Intermediate This team proved they are the Coach Rik Richardson at 925-518-9356 or in the under 12 boys division. Boys division, Parker Deuel led 12 steals and Jessica Elfin's 6 rebounds and e-mail [email protected] Christine Tanis at christine.t@pleasanton- best in the country.” 3 points, and you got a completely different softball.org. Peter Schlachte led the way with game in the second half. Maddy McCoy also his 16th place finish, earning All sank a 12 footer to put the NUTZ ahead in Water Polo American Honors. Helping put the 4th quarter. They held their lead with a Register now for winter water polo. Players Sought superb defensive effort by Alyssa "Peanut" The LARPD Lazers Water Polo Team is Tracy Futbol Clubs U-12 Fireballs Hi the team on the podium were Gonzalez and Guard, Jordan Volponi. The currently registering youth and teens for Comp Soccer team looking for players. Michael Dunne, Kahale Warring, NUTZ continue to fight hard to earn their winter water polo, November 30, 2009 to Birthdate must be between August 1, 1997 to Ben Zaeske and Daniel Tang. way up the playoff ladder. February 7, 2010. To register, call 925-373- August 1, 1998. For more information please • • • 5751, or visit www.larpd.dst.ca.us. For more contact George Edwards at (209) 613-2294 The Heat had another 7 indi- St. Isidore #513 had an impressive win information about the Lazers, visit lazerswp. or E-mail [email protected]. viduals earn All American status, over SM/SC #513 (Terminators) with a score clubspaces.com. of 31 to 14. For St. Isidore Joe Sullivan was a new team record and one of the the leading scorer and Danny Carano led in best overall team performances rebounds. Parker Landolf and Joe Spinkle both played well. All of the Terminators Bowling News played well with Matt Benavidez and Aaron Dale Mellberg shot 258 and Ron Sato Lee scoring and Zack Scribner coming back a 234 game in the Getaway Fours league after a knee injury to finish strong. at the Granada Bowl in Livermore. In the • • • Tuesday Match Point league, Bryan Leder SM/SC #514 (Terminators) defeated St. rolled 193 over series average with games of Isidore 22 to 15 in the Livermore Holiday 180-212-224 for a 727 series. Tanya England Classic Tournament. Terminators had bowled 161 over series average with games of good play from Matthew Budrewicz, Matt 267-172-223. Also high scores were turned Benavidez, Cruz Perez and Zack Patterson. in by Glen Thompson with a 246, David Parker Landolf and Eric Wilkman played McGuigan 242, Dan Loder 236 (73 over), well for St. Isidore. Eric Joergensen 219 (72 over), Jeff Steinle SM/SC (Raptors) 26; SM/SC #514 (69 over) and Betty Winn a 201 game. In (Terminators) 24: It was a very close and the 4 Season Modified Guys & Dolls league, exciting game. Raptors had great playing James Seltmann shot 269, Dennis Mitchell from Luke M., Reid Heffron, Jacob Rasmus- 254 and Mike Adema 237. Dick Braden, in the sen and Nicolas Ratinho. Joshua Blaha, Jared Donna's Mixers, bowled games of 234 & 235. Hubert, Jose Mariscal and JJ Marty played Skip Martin rolled 134 over series average great games for the Terminators. with games of 173-216-234 in the Practice SM/SC #514 (Terminators) 24; St. Joan league. Bret Sunday rolled 74 over average (Bombers) 20. Terminators got great efforts with a 222 game and Bruce Ragusa went 73 from Zack Scribner, Zack O., Aaron Lee and over his average with a 246 game. Matt Benavidez. Tom Crane rolled a 705 with games of Livermore Thunderstrikers U12 Livermore Youth Soccer 248-232-225 in the Sirs & Sirettes league, while Paul Guerrero bowled a 235 game. League team won the consolation prize at the Dublin Cross Little League Signup Betty Winn knocked down pins for a 213 Livermore National Little League will and Marilyn Jordan a 196 in the Monday Roads Tournament, defeating the Pleasanton Rays 3 to 2. The have a final walk in registration on Tuesday, Primetimers. Thunderstrikers were 3 and 1 in the preliminary rounds. The January 5, 2010 from 6:30-8:30pm at Moun- tain Mike's Pizza on Vasco Rd. Registration team finished first in the Livermore Higuse League and second is open to players who will turn 5yr - 18 PGSL Registration in the Livermore Tournament. Pictured are team members and yr by April 30, 2010. Players who reside 2010 Registration is now open for all within the following areas are eligible to divisions in the Pleasanton Phantom Girls coaches. play with LNLL: North Livermore, Portola, Softball League. All girls living in Pleas- anton, Dublin and Sunol are eligible to play PGSL softball. Two ways to register: 1)

Youth basketball teams battled in the Livermore Area Recreation and Park Dsitrict Holiday Classic. The annual tournament was held at the Robert Livermore Community Center. In the photo, 8th grade teams from St. Michael’s/St. Charles (SM/SC) and the Catholic Community of Pleasanton (CCOP) battled it out.

Foothill, Amador Alumni to Square Off in Annual Games Foothill and Amador Valley 4 years and was planning on at- High School Alumni will be play- tending Santa Barbara City Col- ing in the 7th Foothill-Amador lege where he planned to contin- Alumni Soccer Games on Sun- ue playing soccer. The original day, December 27th. There will Alumni Games were organized to be two games featuring men’s fund a scholarship that benefits a and women’s soccer players from graduating member of the Foot- the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. hill Women’s or Men’s soccer Each game will be divided into team who aspire to play soccer periods for the “older” players in college. Since the 1st year all and the “younger” players. proceeds go directly to the men’s The women’s match begins at and women’s soccer programs at 2 p.m. followed by the men’s at the two high schools. 4:30 p.m. They will be played at Ex-soccer players from Ama- Foothill High School. dor or Foothill who would like to The games have become an play, can find more information annual event that benefit the and/or register at All-Star Sports, soccer programs at Foothill and 3037-A Hopyard Rd., Pleasan- Amador. All gate receipts ($7 ton. Another way to register is to adults and $4 students) and Snack download an application from the Bar proceeds go directly to the Amador Website (www.pleasan- Photos - Doug Jorgensen programs. ton.k12.ca.us/amador/) and mail The 8th Annual Tri-Valley Classic sponsored by Las Lomas, The teams will be playing for it to Curt Gordon, 205 Heritage Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley High Schools was played trophies that will be awarded to Lane, Pleasanton, Ca. 94566 Dec. 21 to 23 in Danville. In opening round action on Monday, the schools of the winners. The There is a $20 fee to play. The winning school will gain pos- Amador Valley High School defeated Bullard 2 to 1. The photo, deadline to register is Thursday, session of the trophies each year. December 24th. top right, is of Charlee Garcia (18), from Amador, trying to take Games during the 1st six years Players and fans are invited to the ball from an opponent. In the photo at top left, Foothill's featured victorious teams from the “Hop Yard Alehouse,” 3015- Vivian Climent (15) battles for the ball. Foothill High School lost both Amador and Foothill. H Hopyard Rd., after the games. to Carondelet 2 to 0. Granada High School lost to Clayton 2 to Ryan Gordon was a 2003 15% of proceeds will be donated 0 and defeated Bullard 3 to 2. Some of the Granada action is graduate of Foothill High School. to the programs. shown in the photo at lower right. Livermore High School got He was killed in a boating ac- There will be “special en- past Berean Christian, 3 to 1. cident shortly after graduating. tertainment” during each of the He played soccer at Foothill for halftimes this year.

PAGE 8 - The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Walk to Wellness Set for Last Day of 2009 Speech Contest equal percentage credit on their The third annual World Walk “Walk With Me” group starting at dition, for each dollar donated mational booths sponsored by The American Legion Post spring gas bill. For example, a to Wellness will be held in Pleas- noon. Go to www.WorldWalk- toward PPIE, participants will ACCUSPLIT, PPIE, and others. 237 of Pleasanton is taking en- customer who reduces their us- anton on the last day of 2009. ToWellness.org for updated list- receive drawing tickets to be If you are interested in sponsor- tries in its high school oratorical age by 2 percent will receive a Come to the Pleasanton Sports ings of Walk With Me leaders and placed in a box by the door prize ing a booth, contact events@ scholarship program, the Consti- 2 percent credit. Customers who Park any time between 11 a.m. to download a registration form. of their choice. The drawings accusplit.com for details and to tutional Speech Contest reduce their gas usage by ten per- will take place at 11:45 a.m. reserve booth space by Decem- The first place winner ad- cent or more will automatically and 1 p.m. and take a scenic loop Bring the completed form to the vances to the district contest. receive a 20 percent credit. Last walk around the entire park (up registration booth on December “Most of us list physical fitness ber 23. Cost of $25 includes the The winner of the district event year, more than 2.3 million cus- to 10,000 steps) or a part of it 31 to pick up your free pedometer as one of our New Year’s Resolu- booth space, canopy, and set-up moves on to the California De- tomers reduced their gas usage (2,000 steps). and other information.. tions,” said Sutton. “Here’s your of same. partment contest. The California and earned bill credits totaling This event is open to the Another option for more vig- chance to confirm that goal on the Participants are encouraged winner goes to the national con- $59 million. public and free of charge. How- orous walkers is a ridge hike last day of the year. Research to wear comfortable shoes and to test with a possible grand prize of Customers can take steps to ever, voluntary donations in any lead by Debi Mintz, PUSD math shows that walking 10,000 steps dress warmly in layers until they an $18,000 scholarship. reduce their gas consumption: amount may be made to Pleas- teacher, who will be leading an each day is beneficial to one’s start moving. The walk will be The competition in Pleasanton • Lower the thermostat to anton Partnerships in Education inter-school competition in the health. World Walk to Wellness held rain or shine. If the weather will be held Jan. 23, 1 p.m. at 68 degrees during the daytime (PPIE), Incorporated, to fund new year. Starting point will be is a fun way to see how easily is warm, walkers may wish to 301 Main Street. The first place (health permitting) that goal can be achieved while bring their own water bottles. winner will receive $250, second • Set the water heater to 120 wellness programs in local public the parking area off of Foothill place $150 and third place $75. degrees or the “normal” setting schools. Local business sponsor Road. This hilly hike will begin you enjoy a beautiful, well land- In previous years, more than 200 District finals are Feb. 14 Pa- • Wash clothes in cold water ACCUSPLIT, certified accurate at 11:15 a.m., weather permit- scaped local park.” people have participated. cifica, with a top prize of $500. versus hot pedometer manufacturer, will ting. (In case of rain, the ridge Another advantage of the Pleasanton Sports Park is lo- The California Department finals • Open blinds and drapes on match donations, up to $20 per hike will be cancelled. Check the midday walk, Sutton noted, is cated on the east side of Hopyard are Feb. 28 in Modesto. The top sunny days participant. Over the past two web site for the date of the late the metabolism boost that builds Road, two miles south of High- prize is $1200. • Microwave small amounts years, Pleasanton’s World Walk January hike). from four to eight hours after ex- way 580. Look for signs in the The contest is open to high of food instead of heating them to Wellness has raised more than The school with the highest ercise. “If your New Year’s Eve parking area. Pathways are paved school students in grades 9 to 12. up in the oven $3,600 for PPIE. percentage of participants will be plans include partying, walking and suitable for baby strollers or The entry deadline is Jan. 15 at 5 Customers can find tips, tools Individuals, pairs, and groups awarded an extra $100 for their in the middle of the day will help wheelchairs. Playground and rest p.m. Contact Post 237 Chairman, and resources to help conserve you burn off those calories from room facilities will be available. Norman Houghton, 846-8725 or gas by visiting, www.pge.com/ can walk on their own, or join a Wellness Plan. Participants will party buffets in the evening,” Dogs are welcome, provided they [email protected], provid- wintergassavings. Customers can special “Walk With Me” group. be asked to sign in and list a local are kept on leash. ing name, school, age, phone also calculate their savings and W. Ron Sutton, president of AC- school, if appropriate. he said. and email. send an “Appliance-Gram” to CUSPLIT and known nationally The first 200 participants will Also featured at the World family and friends to help them as “Mr. Pedometer,” will lead a receive a free pedometer. In ad- Walk to Wellness will be infor- Holiday Hill Hike discover ways to save natural The Livermore Area Recre- gas. ation and Park District ranger staff will lead a Holiday Hill Installation Planned Hike on Sat., Dec. 26. Job’s Daughters Bethel No. PAR4 Kids to Donate Funds to Special Ed. Meet Ranger Glen Florey at 14 in Pleasanton invites the Thirty-one Special Education chose ENN as a recipient of funds to help teach these kids.” PAR 4 Kids’ Sake is a 501c3 10 a.m. at the Wetmore Road public to the 170th Semi-Annual teachers throughout the East Bay because of their dedication to Kim Ryor from Mohr El- whose charter is to help the entrance to Sycamore Grove Installation of Bethel Officers on will be receiving grant checks of helping families and teachers of ementary School is using her M.I.N.D. Institute find a cause Park. This will be a hike to the Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 2 up to $400 this week from PAR special needs kids. With the help top of the park for a view of the p.m. at the Pleasanton Masonic grant for a social skills learning and a cure for autism and to 4 Kids. of the money provided by PAR, curriculum. “Social interaction help ENN fund the camps and greening of the Valley. The hike Lodge. PAR 4 Kids’ Sake is an eight ENN is able to put on overnight will happen rain or shine, so Devan Bertolino, a ninth can be very difficult for the kids. teacher grants. Started by Eric grader at Livermore High School, year old charity that has raised camps at Camp Arroyo and also The grant money will improve & Cindy Everson, parents of 2 please dress appropriately for the and donated over $750,000 for to provide teacher grants. weather and wear comfortable will be installed Honored Queen. my ability to help these kids in- autistic boys, this charity has walking shoes. Jerrica Johnston, an 11th grader autism research at the U.C. Davis “Special Education Teachers teract with their peers. I’m very flourished with the help of a There is a $4 per vehicle at Valley High, is the retiring M.I.N.D. Institute in Sacramento, throughout the East Bay were excited to be able to implement dedicated executive committee. parking fee. A $2 donation is Honored Queen. There will a helping special needs kids at- able to apply for these grants,” this program!” PAR 4 Kids’ Sake puts on one requested to help support the reception immediately following tend camp at the Taylor Family said Don Bender, president of Cindy Everson, mother of 2 large charity golf tournament and programs. Participants may call the installation. Both events are Foundation’s Camp Arroyo in ENN. “ENN then reviewed the autistic children and co-founder dinner/auction every year a few 925-960-2400 for more informa- open to the public. Livermore, and teacher grants. grant applications and decided of PAR 4 Kids’ Sake, explained, smaller events sponsored by local Job’s Daughters is an organi- This is the third year that PAR has that 31 out of the 44 applicants tion. zation for girls between the ages “These grants would not be pos- businesses. given funds to ENN specifically were eligible to receive the sible without the tremendous sup- Exceptional Needs Network of 10 and 20 years old who have for the camps and the teacher grants.” Gas Savings Program a Masonic relationship. Job’s port we receive from individuals (ENN) was founded by parents Daughters is an organization that grants. “I can’t tell you how much this and businesses throughout our of special needs children. ENN’s Pacific Gas and Electric Com- Both PAR and ENN are 501c3 grant means to me and my class” pany (PG&E) launched its annual teaches girls love of country, love community.” We are so thankful goal is to find novel ways to help Winter Gas Savings Program, of family and friends, respect for foundations that were founded exclaimed Carol Dinelli, Special to everybody who helped make families of special needs children where all eligible customers those in their community, and by parents of special education Education teacher at Pleasanton this happen. Our goal is not only in the Tri-Valley region of the San who reduce their cumulative gas service to others. kids. PAR’s strength has been Middle School in Pleasanton. to help find a cure but to also Francisco Bay Area. usage during January and Feb- Please call Cory Solda at 683- to raise and then donate the “The stipend provided to teach- help the kids who have special More information about the 5401 or contact her at c.solda@ money to groups that focus on ers does not cover what we need ruary will receive an automatic sbcglobal.net or visit www.beth- needs and the teachers who work program can be found at www. bill credit. curing autism and helping kids throughout the year and this grant so hard to help them reach their par4kidssake.org el14.com/ for more info. Pleas- and families with autism. PAR will really help me in my efforts Customers who reduce usage anton Masonic Center is at 3370 potential.” up to ten percent will receive an Hopyard Road, Pleasanton.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 - PAGE 9 DURST SANDIA EBRPD Adds 166 Acres Near (continued from page one) (continued from page one) paint targets on their foreheads main site in Albuquerque, NM, that system. The only issue is practically begging for someone and in Washington, DC. that Congress says it can only be Vasco Caves Regional Preserve to puncture their pomposity, “That letter has in it a phrase used for defense waste, not for The East Bay Regional Park of another $250,000 from the no mineral rights, wind rights or America cries out for a man with that has captured our attention commercial waste. The isotopes, District Board of Directors unan- District and $2,174,000 from the turbine revenue from the deal. the aim, strength, and style to hit and our value system from that of course, don’t know the differ- imously agreed to purchase 1,644 Conservancy. However, Tres Vaqueros has them where it hurts the funniest. day: ‘This is an opportunity to Will Durst is that man. Sweep- ence,” he said. “So when you acres adjacent to Vasco Caves The property includes roll- agreed to work with the District render exceptional service in the go back, let people know we’ve Regional Preserve in the Byron ing grasslands with intermittent to site the new turbines in such a ing both sides of the aisle with a quiver full of arrows dipped in national interest,’” said Hunter. solved that problem and now area of unincorporated Contra streams and ponds. It is of partic- way as to minimize avian deaths “That is the ethos statement of it’s just a question of changing Costa County. ular interest to the Conservancy resulting from collisions, an issue common sense, Durst transcends party ties, having performed at this institution.” the law.” The approval took place at the because of the potential for the about which Park District board Sandia has gone from a labo- Sandia was honored for its Dec. 15 meeting. creation, enhancement and res- members have expressed major events honoring former Presi- dents Bill Clinton and George ratory that was founded with a years of service to the nation. The property, which is just toration of wetlands and special concerns. single focus on nuclear weap- A common thread among the north of Vasco Caves and east status species habitat including Because of the wind turbine HW Bush as well as acclaimed appearances at both a Mayors ons to one heavily involved in speakers included Sandia’s con- of Los Vaqueros Reservoir, is the California tiger salamander, operations and sensitive wildlife broad areas of national security habitat, the new property will be Convention and Governors Con- nection to Livermore and the being acquired through a partner- California red-legged frog and including energy and cyber se- ship with the East Contra Costa western burrowing owl. kept in land bank status, closed ference. connection between Sandia and County Habitat Conservancy The property has several con- to the public, until made safe for A Midwestern baby boomer curity. Today nuclear weapons LLNL. Kamena described his (Conservancy). This acquisition ditions which will affect its public access. with a media- induced identity represent just 40% of Sandia’s first job working in Sandia’s is the Park District’s fourth joint future uses and management, crisis, Durst, according to the overall work. Environmental Safety and Health project with the Conservancy, particularly wind turbines subject New York Times is “quite pos- Sandia helped Goodyear de- Department. which was created to identify, to wind leases. Presently, there sibly the best political satirist sign tires through computer mod- Cheri Clasen, from McNer- preserve and restore high priority are more than 190 wind turbines Polar Bear Slide working in the country today.” eling, invented decontamination ney’s office, stated, “Both my land areas with significant habitat on the property, owned by Tres This equal opportunity offender foam that has been licensed as parents work across the street for protected species. Vaqueros Wind Farms and North Set for Jan. 2 is exceptionally adept at swatting Liquid Gold Mold Control, with [LLNL] and I grew up here on The Park District is acquiring Wind Energy. Many of these are both partisan political piñatas Lawrence Livermore National East Avenue, so it’s really a plea- the property from owner Vaquero not working, but Tres Vaqueros The 5th Annual Polar Bear upside their heads. Laboratory pioneered supercom- sure for me to be here. As you Farms Conservation LLC for is in the process of obtaining Slide event is set to ring in the Although a prolific writer, he puters, and created nanoelectron- professes little need for material, all know the Congressman first $2,924,000, its appraised fair permits to remove all of its older, new year with some shivers. ics that Hunter described as “little started at Sandia New Mexico Brave souls are invited to join the having it regularly delivered at market value. An option-to-buy smaller turbines and replace them things you can’t see that do things working on those windmills in payment of $500,000 has al- with fewer, larger ones. The tur- Livermore Area Recreation and 7:00 a.m. every morning in the Park District’s aquatics division five papers he reads daily. Busier you can’t imagine.” the 80’s.” ready been made, of which the bine facilities are allowed under Joining in the celebration The wife of Chip Langman, Park District and Conservancy permits granted by the county in on Jan. 2 for some chilly fun. than a blind squirrel neck deep Adults and kids alike are invit- in an almond sorting warehouse, were elected officials and their who represented State Assem- each provided $250,000. The 1984 and 1985. representatives from the federal, blymember Cardoza at the event, balance of funding will consist The Park District will obtain ed to participate in this extreme Durst is a regular commentator winter event that involves taking for audible.com, Air America, state, and local level. “I think it’s also works at LLNL. Dawn a cold-but-exhilarating ride down CNN and NPR, writes a nation- great that everyone in the region Argula, representing Alameda a 22-foot spiral waterslide. Grab ally syndicated op- ed column, could join us,” remarked Hunter. County Supervisor Scott Hag- 'Saved by the Belt' your swimsuit and make a splash daily website jokes—yet still “I wonder who’s left to run the gerty, is a 24-year resident of – rain or shine. finds time to perform hundreds government. Everybody of note Livermore. Award After Crash This free event will also serve of comedy shows every year—at is here.” In closing, Stulen spoke about complimentary hot chocolate to clubs, corporate events, theaters Hunter and Rick Stulen, vice the Livermore Valley Open Cam- The Livermore Police Depart- they would have suffered major warm everyone up after sliding and benefits…not to mention the president of Sandia’s Liver- pus, which will create shared ment received a call Dec. 11 that a injuries or death. into the pool. All participants will occasional acting and voice-over more site, received recognitions space on the east end of both head on collision had taken place While conducting this colli- receive a certificate of comple- role. from representatives of Gov- Sandia and LLNL to promote in the area of Vallecitos Road and sion investigation, LPD officers tion. Children must be at least 48 Will Durst’s performances ernor Arnold Schwarzenegger, greater collaboration with part- Isabel Avenue. When officers believed that O’Connell was in- inches tall to use the slide. are made possible by the First Senator Dianne Feinstein, Con- ners in industry and academia. arrived on scene they found that toxicated and impaired. Officers The Polar Bear Slide event Amendment. John “Tony” Martin (45 year old gresswoman Nancy Pelosi, and “As I look to the future, I think placed O’Connell under arrest will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, “Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Congressmen John Garamendi, the one hallmark that will be from Tracy) had been driving his for suspicion of felony drunk Comedy Show XVII” runs about Jan. 2, at the Robert Livermore Jerry McNerney, Dennis Car- there in spades is partnerships,” 2006 Ford Ranger Northbound driving. O’Connell was trans- Community Center Pool, 4444 2 hours with one intermission and on Isabel Avenue and had turned ported to the hospital for medical is rated PG-13, tickets range from doza, and George Miller, along he said. “Quite frankly, some East Ave., Livermore. Parking with members of the California right onto Eastbound Vallecitos clearance and then booked into is on Loyola Way. For more in- $15 – $25. To purchase tickets, of the threats are such that we Road. At the same time, Michael custody at Santa Rita Jail. formation, call 925-373-5751 or call 925-373-6800, or visit www. Senate and Assembly. Recogni- can only attack them through O’Connell (45 year old from The Livermore Police Depart- visit www.larpd.dst.ca.us. bankheadtheater.org. tions also came from Vic Reis our public-private partnerships. Newark) was driving his 2003 ment awarded Tony and Mary of the National Nuclear Security Think of the computer industry Infiniti Westbound on Vallecitos Martin (brother and sister) with Administration (NNSA), Steve and cyber threats.” Road approaching Isabel Avenue. the “Saved By The Belt” award Hours to Be Reduced at Liedle of Lawrence National For more information on San- O’Connell crossed over the for properly wearing their seat- Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore dia National Laboratories, visit double yellow lines and struck belts and avoiding serious injury Livermore Branch Libraries Mayor Marshall Kamena, Cali- www.sandia.gov. Martin nearly head on. or death. Statistics show that by Effective, Monday, January 4, from 10 to 5. These hours of fornia State University East Bay As a result of this collision wearing seatbelts, properly re- 2010, hours of operation for the operation will be in effect until President Mohammad Qayoumi, Tony Martin, and his passenger, strained drivers, passengers and two Livermore Public Library further notice. Las Positas Community College Mary Martin (47 years old from children have a 50 percent better branch libraries will be reduced All of the regular programs offered by the branch libraries President DeRionne Pollard, and Hawaii) received injuries requir- chance of surviving a crash than from 53 hours per week to 23 Livermore Chamber of Com- EXPAND hours per week. including storytimes, the Home- (continued from page one) ing them to be transported to the unbelted occupants. merce President Dale Kaye. The Springtown Branch Li- work Center, Lawyers in the program, scholarships and an hospital. Tony and Mary were The Martins received their Reis called out Sandia’s in- treated for back, neck, and chest award during the Avoid the 21 brary, 998 Bluebell Drive, will Library, etc. will continue. Check orientation program. be open Tuesdays from 12 to the Library’s website, http/www. volvement in the Department of Las Positas College is located pain and eventually released “Strike Night” dinner being Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot from the hospital. Both Tony and 8, Thursdays from 10 to 6 and livermore.lib.ca.us, for new days at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in hosted by the Livermore Police Plant as a major accomplishment. Mary had been wearing their lap/ Department on Friday, Decem- Saturdays from 10 to 5. and times for these and other Livermore. For more informa- shoulder belts. The investigating The Rincon Branch Library, events or call 925-373-5500 for “We have actually solved our tion, please contact the Las ber 18, at the Robert Livermore nuclear waste problem. Sandia officers believe that had they Community Center. 725 Rincon Ave, will be open further information on library Positas College “Veterans First” not been wearing their seatbelts Mondays from 12 to 8, Wednes- activities. was instrumental in designing office at (925) 424-1571. days from 10 to 6 and Fridays

Margaret Amelia Hartkopf Arrangements by Graham- by her son Russell Burton ing years later. He had a joke for He was a resident of Patterson. Helen M Davies Mrs. Margaret Amelia Hart- Hitch Mortuary. Burial was held at San Joaquin everybody. His sense of humor Bennie was buried at San Joaquin Helen M Davies, a long time kopf (Plimmer), retired longtime Valley National Cemetery on kept everyone going. He was well Valley National Cemetery, 32058 resident of Livermore died Dec. manager of St. Vincent de Paul Helen Marie Burton Tuesday, December 22, 2009. loved and known by many and W. McCabe Rd. Gustine, CA 18, 2009. She was born in Dexter store in Livermore, passed away Livermore resident Helen In lieu of flowers the fam- will be missed by many. Arrangements by Callaghan NM in 1921 and married Lee peacefully at her home early Marie Burton passed away after ily respectfully requests memo- Bennie later met and mar- Mortuary. Davies in 1942. Saturday morning, December 12, complications due to pneumonia rial donations may be made to ried Eugenia Lee Scott (de- She was the mother of 4 sons 2009 with her beloved daughter, on December 13, 2009 at the age the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, ceased). They have one son Jessie Gerald Robert Davis who were raised in Livermore Julia Hartkopf, at her side. of 83. 1931- 1st Ave, Walnut Creek, Block and daughter-in-law Edith Gerald Robert Davis died and is survived by her sons, Born on August 22, 1927 in Helen was born in Newberg, CA 94597 Block. In 1947 they moved to September 21, 2009. He was eleven grandchildren and six Shrewsbury, England, Margaret OR on May 17, 1926. Arrangements by Callaghan Richmond, California then to born Dec. 21, 1926. He lived in great grandchildren.Her loving came to America as a WWII Helen loved bowling, reading Mortuary. Sobrante Park in Oakland, Cali- Bethel Island. husband Lee predeceased her bride. and visiting extended family in fornia in 1950 where they raised Gerald Davis a native Cali- in 2007. She will be greatly missed Oregon. Bennie Lee Block 6 granddaughters Lynnette Love, fornian, is survived by his wife Helen loved going to church, also by her other children Frank Helen is survived by her hus- Bennie Lee Block died De- Lynoma Block, Treslyn Block, Louise DeRevere Davis, his playing bridge, gardening, cook- Hartkopf Jr., Theresa Whitcomb band of 60 years Marsh, daugh- cember 10, 2009. He was born Victoria Block, Venice Block four children Lynn, Don, Bruce ing traveling, sewing and social- (James), Matthew Hartkopf ters Marsha (Curly) Hoaglan, on August 4, 1926 to Zulla Walls and Denin Block and grandsons and Jeanne, 5 grandchildren, 4 izing. She spent many years (Donna), and Evan Hartkopf. Teresa Griffith and daughter-in- and E.B Block in Palaluma, Ar- Darrin Block and Jessie Block great grandchildren and 1 great volunteering for the Children's She is survived by grandchildren; law Melissa Burton. kansas. He was sibling to sisters Jr., and 64 greats and great great great grandchild. Gerald is also Hospital in Oakland, was an elder Nathan Hartkopf, Heather Whit- Helen is also survived by Zettie Roland Ara Lee Knox grandchildren. Welcoming him survived by Louise’s children of the church, and president of comb, Eric Hartkopf, Sarah Am- her grandchildren Nicholas and (deceased). home are his wife Eugenia Block, David, Jared and Laurie; 8 grand- Salvation Army. erino (Stephen), Jordan Plimmer, Marshall Hoaglan, Sara, Mat- Bennie, at the age of 17, was grandson; Darrin Block, great children, 8 great grandchildren Memorial service is in Stock- Jacob Hartkopf, Devon Hartkopf, thew and Dyana Burton, Garrett drafted in the army, World War great granddaughter Anieyla and by Schatzae the dog. ton where she has lived for the and several step-grandchildren. Mercado and Trevor Griffith and II, where he served 5 years and Love and great great grandsons Arrangements by Callaghan last 28 years. Memorial gifts in Margaret was predeceased by by her great grandson Russell ranked Private First Class. After Tra’vell Clark and Mar’vell Mortuary. lieu of flowers may be made to her husband, Frank Hartkopf Thompson. being honorably discharged, he Clark. He leaves to mourn a host Salvation Army at 128 Garfield Sr., and by grandson, Jason D. Helen was preceded in death worked as a longshoreman, retir- of relatives and friends. in Manteca, 95336. Hartkopf. A memorial mass was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Livermore on December 23.

Iris Irene Bona Iris Irene Bona died Decem- ber 11, 2009 at Tiffany Gardens in Livermore. She was 93. She was born April 28, 1916 in College City, CA. She was married to Elwood Bona for 70 years. Iris was a member of Neigh- borhood Church in Castro Valley, formerly of Oakland, where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She was also a mem- ber of Las Damas of Livermore. Her hobbies including gardening. Many years ago, she received the Livermore Beautification Award for her Livermore garden. She is survived by her chil- dren Nancy Shepson of Danville, James Bona of Livermore and John Bona of Ringgold, Georgia, and grandchildren Janet Didone of Calaveras, CA and Christy James of Pleasanton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Archie Cain and sister Dorothy Kelly. Private viewing and family graveside services will be held at Mt. View Cemetery in Oakland. PAGE 10 - The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Zone 7 Will Comment to BART on Tracks Near Lakes By Ron McNicoll mined to discuss the proposal, Grove Park south of Livermore was an excessive supply of water, to help out the sycamores. Because development has Zone 7 Water Agency direc- and pass a recommendation told Zone 7 Water Agency direc- which the report said drowned Board president Dick Quigley slowed, so have connection fees. tors plan to tell BART their along to the board. tors their findings. the tree roots. That was believed told the consultants, “I was glad If nothing were done by borrow- concerns about any options that At the meeting Dec. 16, it was A first phase of the study was to have occurred after Zone 7 to hear you say the trees are do- ing, the fund for paying for the would run the future Livermore clear that directors don’t like five completed in 2004-05 by Syca- started putting water into the ar- ing better, and Zone 7 has helped pipeline would “go negative” at BART extension near the agen- of the nine BART route alterna- more Associates, which was not royo to recharge the underground manage the flow.” some time in 2010, depending on cy’s future chain of lakes. tives. All five go past the chain rehired to do the second study. from Lake Del Valle, which was LARPD assistant general how many connection fees are The lake chain consists of a of lakes, while the remaining The first study documented the opened as a water reservoir and manager John Lawrence told collected. The vote to draw on series of lakes that will be aban- four do not. history of the forest. the goal of flood control dam in 1969. the Independent that now that the ISA was unanimous. doned gravel quarries turned over Directors expressed concern the second was to focus science However, the consultants who the study is completed, the two Director Chris Moore said to Zone 7. The district already that the BART tracks would cre- on what sollutions might help the prepared the second phase had agencies will be able to get to- that with an interest rate of 0.5 owns two of the former quarries. ate problems for Zone 7’s work trees’ health. a different view. They said that gether and agree on a document percent, the decision was “a The lakes will be used for flood with the lake. Director Sandy The first phase cost about flooding didn’t kill the trees. The about “how to maintain the best no-brainer.” Further, the amount control storage. Figuers mentioned cuts into the $200,000, the second phase costs cause was the shock of a long environment, including the water that won’t be used can gain in- The chain of lakes encom- slopes to the lakes that could $105,000. Zone 7 and Livermore drought, from 1987 to 1993, one level, and who pays for that.” terest from Alameda County at passes an area east of Pleasanton, cause problems. He asked Quint Area Recreation and Park Dis- of the consultants told the Zone The agencies will also take 1 percent. from the Ironwood subdivision whether BART had considered trict (LARPD), which owns the 7 board. a close look at whether water CUSENZA THANKED FOR in Pleasanton, then eastward going right across one of the park, split the fees evenly. The Managing the level of the would be available during a SERVICE past El Charro Road and over lakes with a bridge. Quint said consultants presented the second- underground water in the Valley’s drought to the extent it would The board also said goodbye to Isabel Avenue at the western that clearly that would not be phase material to the LARPD basin is important to the solution, be needed for the trees, said to Steve Cusenza, Pleasanton edge of Livermore. The entire proposed. board in September 2008. said the consultants. To the best Lawrence. operations service manager, who area west of Isabel Avenue is in Zone 7 has a staff resource The two agencies are cooper- extent possible, if Zone 7 can ZONE 7 TO DRAW ON represented his city to Zone 7 Pleasanton’s planning sphere of to consult in its deliberations ating on the study, because the maintain underground water re- ‘CREDIT CARD’ for 20 years. Cusenza, a 29-year influence with Alameda County. concerning the BART extension. Arroyo Del Valle runs through charge levels in a certain range, it On another item, the board Pleasanton employee, said that he BART director John McPart- Carol Mahoney, an engineer who the park. Zone 7 uses it to replen- works out best for the trees. voted to tap the Installment is retiring Dec. 31. He will start land and project manager Mal- is Zone 7’s manager of the master ish the underground basin. The Short droughts of two years or Sale Agreement (ISA) that it his own consulting business in colm Quint presented the board plan for flood control, has been underground water levels have an so are not a problem for the trees. has with Wells Fargo Bank. The public utilities management. information at its meeting Dec. serving on a technical committee impact on the trees’ health. Long droughts of five years or line of credit is a maximum of Director John Greci said, 16. They covered the same in- about the BART extension. The stand of sycamores in the more are a big problem. $60 million. The interest to be “I’ve worked with you for 16 formation that BART has been Mahoney told the board she park is significant. It is one of Zone 7’s response at the meet- charged, by signed agreement, years. You’ve come up with dispersing in public workshops has visited the area with BART the largest in the state. One tree ing was that the agency generally is 0.5 percent. many good suggestions and guid- and a visit last week to the Pleas- engineers. She knows what prob- dates back to 1750, which makes is able and willing to do that. The agreement works like a ance for us.” anton City Council. lems they would have if the tracks it 260 years old. Many others The district has been managing credit card. Zone 7 can borrow Sarah Palmer said, “It has The board took no formal vote go near the chain of lakes. range from 110 to 170 years the flows cooperatively with only the amount it needs for a been a great pleasure working Dec. 16, but will consider doing BOARD HEARS SYCA- in age. Many sycamores died LARPD’s goals in mind. project. In this instance, the cost with you. I have learned a lot so at its next meeting Jan. 20. MORE GROVE REPORT during or after a drought from However, in times of pro- of the Altamont Water Treatment of things form talking to you, Deadline to submit comments to Three consultants working 1987 to 1993, which prompted longed drought, when Zone 7 is Plant pipeline will be paid. Up to and learned about Zone 7 issues, BART on the EIR is Jan. 21. The on the second phase of a project the study. not receiving its usual supplies $30 million will be borrowed for too.” board’s administrative committee designed to help the health of The first phase of the study of water from the state project, that. Staff says that the amount Moore, a Pleasanton resident will meet at a date to be deter- the sycamore trees at Sycamore found that one danger to the trees it may be difficult or impossible can be paid back to the bank by like Cusenza, thanked him for January 2014 from connection his “education of the board. fees. We’ve all benefitted from your california wisdom.” (continued from page one) ing local redevelopment money, eda County Supervisors Scott is necessary. A return to more “At the same time, Sacra- gasoline taxes, highway funds Haggerty and Nate Miley in local control of both taxation mento mandates that local gov- and other revenue. The goal is to partnership with the Bay Area and spending is essential.” ernments carry out a wide array have the initiative on the ballot in Council, Repair California, and They continue, “Along with of programs. This severely aggra- (Opinions voiced in letters tinued disappointment over the published in Mailbox are those failure of our elected leaders to Nov. 2010. It would be retroac- the Alameda County Citizens a good part of the world, Cali- vates local fiscal challenges. The of the author and do not neces- tive to October 2009. for Seniors and Persons with fornia is facing high unemploy- inherent strength of community keep their promises. Pleasanto- sarily reflect the opinion of The nians 4 Peace, a group of Tri-Val- A million signatures would Disabilities. ment, shrinking revenues, lack level government is then dis- Independent. Letter Policy: The be needed to qualify the initia- According to a press release, of investment in the future, and a sipated not just in education, but ley residents, holds a candlelight Independent will not publish vigil on the second Wednesday of tive for the ballot. It is currently the result of the meetings, as profound despair that things will also in health care, help for small anonymous letters, nor will it being reviewed by the state attor- well as web blogs and conversa- not change. Too often, proposed businesses, housing, and senior, each month at 7 p.m. in front of publish letters without names. the Museum on Main Street in ney general. “Once that process tions with people, have led to the solutions are simply short-term child, and family care. Local Frequent letter writers may is completed, proponents will conclusion, “California residents fixes, while long-term implica- and State budget sessions often Pleasanton, where we reflect on have publication of their letters the human and monetary costs of make a go-no-go decision,” said have expressed an overwhelming tions are often ignored. In Cali- degenerate into debates about delayed.) Figueroa. desire to affect changes in four fornia this is more than econom- taking funds from one of these war, honor our veterans who have sacrificed, and visualize a more City Councilmember John areas: ics; it is also a State government groups to sustain others.” Police Thanked Marchand said of the state bud- Governance: including the structure that can’t function in One group at the summit peaceful world. Tonya Clenney In the immortal words of Pete get, “Five people decided it structure of the legislative and difficult times.” called for a statewide constitu- Livermore behind closed doors. What hap- executive branches of govern- Last summer, a bipartisan tional convention to address the Townsend, we have met the new I was just reading the Dec. boss and he’s the same as the pened on the floor was just ment. summit of more than 500 local systemic weaknesses in the state 10th Independent and saw the theater.” Elections: including the initia- government officials from cit- constitution as it relates to finan- old boss. We’ve tried electoral article regarding the Livermore democracy to end these wars. It’s The League of California tive and referendum processes, ies, counties and school boards cial management and budgeting. Police Officer's Association Cities initiative came out of an campaign finance and term lim- throughout the state met to begin The three note, “It would take time to try direct democracy. We taking a 3.25% pay reduction hope you will join us. effort by cities, special districts its. taking action. They reviewed years to fully implement but in order to ensure that the City and counties working together, The Budget: including the survey results from nationally may provide badly needed long- of Livermore can maintain the Marchand added. budget process and related re- recognized pollsters revealing term fixes to the way in which current level of police services BART to Livermore Linda Jeffery Sailors City Manager Linda Barton quirements such as the two-thirds that people prefer more local the state manages its finances.” to the community. As a resident Livermore pointed out, “It is the broadest vote required to pass a budget, control and trust local govern- Others recommended individual of Livermore, I would like to coalition anywhere. It is prec- the term and balancing of a bud- ment to respond to their needs constitutional amendments or say, "Thank you!" to the police Don’t be fooled by the rheto- edent setting. I think it shows get, and mandated spending. more effectively. ballot initiatives to address the officers working in Livermore ric for putting a BART station how important protecting local Revenue distribution: includ- The three officials point out, need for a simple majority for for making such a compromise, in downtown Livermore. That funding is to the residents of ing revenue relationship between “No one political party has all approving the state budget and not easy in these economic times. would require the loss of some California.” local and state government. the answers, yet in California, raise local taxes, changes in term Thank you for everything that homes and businesses, not to City staff will bring back a For information on how Re- minority rule drives most state limits for legislators, and changes you do! mention extreme noise and visual resolution to the council in Janu- pair California actions go to budget decisions. This is because on how we create state budgets. disturbances. If tunneling is the ary expressing support for the www.repaircalifornia.org. California is one of three states Regardless of how, we believe answer, Livermore will have to Direct Democracy find the extra $2-3 billion to pay initiative. LOCAL OFFICIALS requiring a 2/3 vote to put a that what is necessary is to design Matt Sullivan OTHER ACTIONS RESPOND budget on the Governor’s desk a fiscal system now that provides for it. This is what happened Pleasanton to Berkeley. Another reason to One initiative already in cir- John Ledahl, Dublin School (which the Governor can ‘blue increased performance, transpar- Barack Obama was elected culation seeks to change the re- Board Trustee; Tim Sbranti, Dub- pencil’ - cutting almost whatever ency and accountability. shun the downtown station is the president by a populace hungry parking issue. We all know that quirement that takes a two-thirds lin Mayor; and Scott Haggerty, the Governor wants to cut). The three stated, “Let’s begin for change and still believing in vote of the Legislature to approve First District Alameda County “Since about 75% of lo- an honest non-rhetorical discus- without adequate parking, people the possibility of government of, will stay in their cars. a budget. If approved, a simple Supervisor, provided informa- cal money is provided by state sion among the people of Califor- by, and for the people. While it majority would be needed. The tion on how local government is government, when the state gets nia about a vision of what kind of BART on the I-580 freeway to is true in his campaign Obama Greenville will be 1/3 of the cost initiative leaves in place the two- working to change how Califor- into political and financial pa- state we want to live in, and how said that he would shift empha- thirds vote needed to approve nia government works. ralysis, it inevitably looks to local we can pool our finite resources of any of the downtown alterna- sis from Iraq to Afghanistan in tives, will have a lot more riders, new taxes. They point out that for those government for funds. Regard- for the benefit of all. We see that the “global war on terror”, his Other initiatives would call serving as elected officials and less of how well a city council or happening with local government and has the space for parking and continued focus on a military some transit oriented develop- for a Citizens’ Constitutional trying to make government more school board manages its budget, moving to the forefront. solution rather than a more Convention. The convention responsive to people’s needs, “the the state can and does take money “This is one of those defining ment. Most important of all, it humanitarian approach to the will be the route that is most seeks to deal with what is de- situation couldn’t be clearer: our away to balance state budgets. moments where grass root inter- roots of terrorism promises a scribed as a dysfunctional state system of government in Califor- As a result, local investment on est must grow into enthusiasm likely to get funded. Let’s not continuation of death, misery, ruin our chance to have BART in government. “Repair California,” nia is broken.” infrastructure, transportation, and commitment to change. and squandered resources. Most has filed two ballot measures to The three asks, “How do you economic development, and edu- Local town hall meetings on the our lifetime. The last four stud- disappointing to those hoping ies on BART to Livermore have call for the limited convention. want your children to live? What cation is severely hampered. return to local control are starting for change was his Nobel Peace “Repair California” was is your vision of our state going “A stark example of this is the to happen in Alameda and Contra recommended the freeway route Prize acceptance speech which because it is the alternative the formed in 2009. It is comprised forward? How can we pool our state Constitution’s requirement Costa counties, and throughout resembled a thinking-person’s of everyday citizens, and groups money to finance vital services, that K-12 public education has the state. We expect there to be a serves the most people and costs version of the Bush Doctrine of the least. with diverse political views, the like education and transporta- first priority on public funds. number of town halls in the Tri- preemptive war. Obama is an League of Women Voters, and tion? These are vital questions Despite this, the state has cut and Valley over the next few months. Make your voice heard to the intelligent man – he must get it BART Board. Let’s keep BART school districts. that need answers soon, or we deferred local education funds Look for them and join in.” that war to end terrorism only Locally, there have been two will sink into bankruptcy or repeatedly over the last 20 years, on I-580 They can be reached at creates more of both. Clearly, [email protected]. Constitutional Convention Town worse. We believe a realignment regardless of who is the governor there are other motivations for Hall meetings, hosted by Alam- of state and local government or in the Legislature. It will only take a minute to do war without end. something good for Livermore. There is an alternative to con-

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LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Pleasanton Ca 94588 is here- Christina Ct., Pleasanton, tious business name (s) listed This statement was filed with ber 24, 31, 2009, January 7, acgov.org Attendance at PetCo in San Ramon from 11 NAME STATEMENT by registered by the following Ca 94566 above on 1994 the County Clerk of Alameda 14, 2010 Networking Conference is to 3. Information, call TVAR FOR INFORMATION on December 7, 2009. Ex- Non-mandatory. Specifica- at (925) 803-7043 or visit our FILE NO.432186 owner(s): This business is conducted Signature of Registrant: NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS PLACING LEGAL The following person(s) doing Engela W. Wilson, 3430 An- by:Husband and wife /s/:Eric L. Stone pires December 7, 2014. tions and bid copies regarding website at www.tvar.org. Notice is hereby given that the above may be obtained NOTICES business as:Lineage Wine drews Drive #110, Pleasanton The registrant began to This statement was filed with The Independent Legal for sealed competitive bids will at the Alameda County GSA- ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, CONTACT BARBARA @ Company, 5443 Tesla Road, CA 94588 transact business under the the County Clerk of Alameda No.2646. Publish. Decem- adoption information contact be accepted in the office of Purchasing Department or 925 243-8000 Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby This business is conducted ber 17, 24, 31, 2009, January Valley Humane Society at fictitious business name (s) on December 10, 2009. Ex- the GSA-Purchasing Depart- the Current Contracting Op- registered by the following by:an Individual 7, 2010 925 426-8656. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS listed above on November pires December 10, 2014. ment, County of Alameda, portunities Internet website NAME STATEMENT owner(s): Registrant has not yet begun 25, 2009 The Independent Legal No. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite at www.acgov.org. 4)FOUND FILE NO.431282 Steven Kent, LLC., 5443 to transact business under Signature of Registrant: 2645 Publish December NAME STATEMENT 12/24/09 907, Oakland, CA 94612 FOUND AN ANIMAL? The following person(s) Tesla Rd., Livermore Ca the fictitious business name /s/:Jenifer Noelle Perazzo 17, 24, 31, 2009, January FILE NO.432339 CNS-1762593# NON-MANDATORY NET- Call doing business as:Green 94550 or names listed. This statement was filed with 7, 2010. The following person(s) doing The Independent Legal No. FREE SECTION. WORKING/BIDDERS CON- Barbara Earth Carpet Cleaning, 490 This business is conducted Signature of Registrant: the County Clerk of Alameda business as:Casino 580, 1620 2648. Publish December FICTITIOUS BUSINESS FERENCE, North County 925 243-8000 to let 49,118 No. “K” Street, Livermore Ca by:a Limited liability com- /s/:Engela W. Wilson on November 25, 2009. Ex- Railroad Ave., Livermore Ca 24, 2009 NAME STATEMENT RFQ #900677 for Traffic households know! 94550 is hereby registered pany This statement was filed with pires November 25, 2014. 94550 is hereby registered by Signal and Street Lighting Registrant has not yet begun the County Clerk of Alameda FILE NO.432240-432241 ANIMALS by the following owner(s): The Independent Legal No. The following person(s) doing the following owner(s): Materials, January 13, 2010, FOUND - White Fluffy Dog in to transact business under on November 18, 2009. Ex- 2) CATS/DOGS Armando Valdez Barrera, 2644 Publish December business as:1)Care2Care Dale Chesley Common, 969 10:00 A.M. – General Ser- Livermore Stanley - Murrieta the fictitious business name pires November 18, 2014. 490 No. “K” Street, Livermore 17, 24, 31, 2009, January Home Care, 2)Care2Care Cayuga Dr., Livermore CA vices Agency, 1401 Lakeside Adopt a new best friend: Area 925 784-5522 or names listed. The Independent Legal th Ca 94550 7, 2010. Referral Services, 36717 94551 Drive, Room 1107, 11 Floor, TVAR, the Tri-Valley Ani- Signature of Registrant: No.2643. Publish. December 6)LOST This business is conducted FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Spruce Street, Newark CA This business is conducted Oakland, CA NON-MAN- mal Rescue, offers animals /s/:Steven Mirassou 10, 17, 24, 31, 2009. LOST A FAMILY PET? FREE by:an Individual NAME STATEMENT 94560 is hereby registered by by:an Individual DATORY NETWORKING/ for adoption every Saturday This statement was filed with SECTION. Call Barbara The registrant began to trans- FICTITIOUS BUSINESS FILE NO.432420 the following owner(s): Registrant has not yet begun BIDDERS CONFERENCE, and Sunday, excluding most the County Clerk of Alameda RFQ #900677 925 243-8000 to let 38,000 act business under the ficti- NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) do- Care2Care LLC., 36717 to transact business under South County holidays. On Saturdays from on December 4, 2009. Ex- for Traffic Signal and Street 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, both dogs households know! tious business name (s) listed FILE NO.431965 ing business as:Affordable Spruce St., Newark CA the fictitious business name pires December 4, 2014. Lighting Materials, January and cats are available at the above on October 29, 2009 The following person(s) Rain Gutters, 751 Polaris 94560 or names listed. The Independent Legal 14, 2010, 2:00 P.M. – So- Pleasanton Farmers Market at AUTOS/BOATS/RV’S/TRUCKS Signature of Registrant: doing business as:Overland Way, Livermore CA 94550 This business is conducted Signature of Registrant: No.2640. Publish. December cial Services Agency, 24100 W. Angela and First Streets. 10)AUTOS WANTED /s/:Armando Valdez Barrera Safaris, 336 Christina Ct., is hereby registered by the by:a Limited liability com- /s/:Dale Common This statement was filed with 10, 17, 24, 31, 2009. Amador Street, California Two locations will showcase Pleasanton Ca 94566 is following owner(s): pany This statement was filed with Poppy Room 225, 2nd Floor, DONATE VEHICLE: the County Clerk of Alameda cats only: Petsmart in Dublin FICTITIOUS BUSINESS hereby registered by the Eric L. Stone, 751 Polaris Registrant has not yet begun the County Clerk of Alameda Hayward, CA from noon to 4 and the Pet RECEIVE $1000 Grocery on November 5, 2009. Ex- Responses NAME STATEMENT following owner(s): Way, Livermore CA 94550 to transact business under on December 8, 2009. Ex- Food Express in Livermore Coupon. Your Choice. pires November 5, 2014. Due by 2:00 pm on February FILE NO.431699 Walter C. Maina Kiama, 336 This business is conducted the fictitious business name pires December 8, 2014. 17, 2010 County Contact : from 1 to 4. On Sundays, Noahs Arc - Support No The Independent Legal No. The following person(s) doing Christina Ct., Pleasanton by:an Individual or names listed. The Independent Legal cats are available at Petsmart Kill Shelters, Advance 2635 Publish December 3, Kelley Smith (510) 891-5670 business as:Art 4 Spaces, Ca 94566 The registrant began to trans- Signature of Registrant: No.2647. Publish. Decem- or via email: kelley.smith@ in Dublin from 1 to 4, and Veterinary Treatments. Free 10, 17, 24, 2009. 3430 Andrews Drive #110, Jenifer Noelle Perazzo, 336 act business under the ficti- /s/:Mehrad Moshiri Towing, IRS Tax Deductible, The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 - PAGE 11 LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS www.independentnews.com

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ALS TO SHARE In January 2000, the typical 30-year-fixed conventional mortgage Shop around for rates. Swing Type NEWS RELEASE? Cost-ef- Model Elite CSU-200-UL RENT YOUR EMPTY LIVING cost 8.3 percent. While that may seem high to today’s borrowers, it 71) HELP WANTED ficient service. The California Good Working Order SPACE By Advertising with Press Release Service has is actually slightly below average for the modern era. Opportunity Knocking Call Lynn 925-872-1321 The Independent. Reach 500 current daily, weekly Calculating from 1971, when Freddie Mac first started keeping Auto Sales $400 or BO over 38,000 homes and busi- and college newspaper track of national trends in mortgage lending, the median interest rate Self-Motivated nesses. Call Barbara 925 contacts in California. FREE Get DISH with FREE Instal- 243-8000 on conventional loans has been 8.5 percent. Easy Schedule lation - $19.99/mo. HBO & No Experience Needed That includes one long, dreary period in the ‘80s when mortgage Showtime FREE - Over 50 interest rates skyrocketed to 15-18 percent. Will Train! HD Channels FREE! Lowest Benefits Prices - No Equipment to Buy! By early 2002, rates were about 7.3 percent. Six months later Apply Within Call for Details 1-877-887- they had dropped below 7 percent and have not risen above that Or Online @ 6145. (CAL*SCAN) threshhold since. LivermoreAutoGroup.com Call Parm or Ravi @ NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS What did this mean for consumers? (925) 294-7700 151)ANNOUNCEMENTS • More home for the money Ford / Lincoln / Mercury • Easier qualifications with lenders Axis Health Center • Lower mortgage payments 4361 Railroad Ave., Pleasan- INDEPENDENT ton. Serves Valley residents • More return on housing investments. CONTRACTORS WANTED with emphasis on those with For example, in January 2000, a $400,000 mortgage at 8.3 percent for Senior Home Health low income. 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Those for whom the loans were a good fit PETROLEUM SUPPLY: Keep Board. State law also requires benefited from flexibility and low initial pricing. the Army National Guard’s that contractors include their These loans may have seemed a drastic departure from tried and Watercraft, Aircraft, Trucks & license numbers on all adver- true lending practices. In many ways they were, but these types of Tanks rolling! Expand skills tising. Check your contractor’s mortgages were also a sort of return to yesteryear. through paid career train- status at www.cslb.ca.gov ing. Part-time work. Full-time or 800-321-CSL B (2752). One hundred years ago, few people took out mortgages to purchase benefits. www.NationalGuard. Unlicensed persons taking property. If you wanted to buy a home, you did it the same way you com/careers or 1-800-GO- jobs less than $500 must bought tomatoes or a bicycle: with cash. Naturally this limited the GUARD. (CAL*SCAN) state in their advertisements number of people who could own their own home. that they are not licensed by Only in dire circumstances would anyone take out a loan against TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED the Contractors State License AD call Barbara 925 243- Board.” property they owned. When they did, those loans were very short 8000 or go on-line at term (one or two years typically, never more than five), interest-only www.independentnews. with a balloon payment due at the end of the term. com Also available pay by Credit Card for Classified and Borrowers and lenders renegotiated terms annually – much like Display Ads. today’s adjustable rate mortgages, but with even less security for the borrower. Interest rates varied, but were generally between 6 and 72) HELP WANTED/DRIVERS 7 percent. CLASSIFIEDS Real estate boomed in the 1920s. With prices in the thousands of dollars for a typical U.S. home, purchase loans became more ************** popular. Reaches Banks added “Due on Demand” clauses to mortgages, meaning 38,000 Homes they could require payment in full at any time. As long as the economy Direct mail was strong and banks had plenty of money on hand from depositors, to this clause was seldom invoked. Livermore As the economy faltered, banks called in these notes, resulting in Pleasanton, Dublin widespread foreclosures. & Sunol So in 1934, the National Housing Act was passed, establishing Call Barbara the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). Within four years, FHA was 925 243-8000 offering to ensure 25-year fully amortized mortgages with 10 percent NEED A CAREER! We’ll train down. The loan rate was initially 6 percent. you to Drive our Trucks. North Thirty-year mortgages were introduced in 1948. American Trucking company looking to Hire inexperienced Fixed-rate mortgages as we know them are primarily an American drivers. Call Now to Apply. 1- convention. Today home loans in most of the Western world are some 866-881-1538.(CAL*SCAN) variant of adjustable rate mortgages. 79)HELP WANTED/SALES A Decade of Highs and Lows in Home Prices Interest rates stayed low throughout the ‘00s, but home prices rose, OVER 18? AVAILABLE to TRAVEL? Earn Above Aver- fell, rose even higher, declined some more, and finally plateaued age $$$ with Fun Successful At the beginning of 2000, when the Bay Area was riding the crest Business Group! No Experi- of a High Tech Boom, the entire Bay Area and beyond into the Central ence Necessary. 2wks Paid Valley saw strong price increases. Training. Lodging, Transpor- In Livermore, home prices jumped 12 percent between October tation Provided. 1-877-646- 1999 and October 2000, lead by tech workers flush with stock op- 5050. (CAL*SCAN) tion money. 82)HELP WANTED/ When the bottom fell out of technology stocks in late 2000 and TECHNOLOGY early 2001, home prices fell too – by a modest amount here and more ENTERPRISE acutely in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. ARCHITECT Bachelor’s degree or for- The rest of the nation was considerably less affected by events in eign degree equivalent Silicon Valley, but by late 2001 – after the events of Sept. 11 – home in Computer Science, prices had dipped everywhere. Engineering, Information It was to be a temporary lull. Systems, Business or re- From 2002 to mid-2007, real estate prices increased 53 percent lated plus ten (10) years of nationally and even more steeply in parts of California. For example, experience in technology and change management, a Livermore home valued at $530,000 in 2002 would sell for nearly information technology $780,000 four years later. consulting / management Bidding wars ensued. Buyers, desperate to get into the market be- or related. Lead IT Strate- fore being priced out, offered tens of thousands above asking price. gic Planning efforts for key Since 2007, prices have fallen by approximately 30-40 percent in business and IT initiatives. our area – more in the Central Valley. Opening in Pleasanton, CA. MUST REF JOB CODE (For perspective, that sample Livermore house would have sold 1202kjg. Contact: K. Gug- for about $390,000 in 1999, $430,000 in 2000, and in the low $600s giana, Safeway Inc., 5918 today.) Stoneridge Mall Road, For people who don’t want or need to move, these ups and downs Pleasanton, CA 94588. are paper numbers with little practical implication. Must have legal right to work in U.S. EOE For others, the reduced valuation has been traumatic. Some hom- eowners sold short. Many walked away. When that happened, prices on their property and others like it dropped even more. This, ironically, has led to another round of bidding wars, especially at the entry level, as investors vie with homebuyers for bargains. The median value of a Livermore home (single-family or condo) at the start of the decade was $309,100. At the peak, it was $667,000. Today, it’s $470,000. Overall, if you bought a house or condo in Livermore 10 years ago, it would be worth significantly more today. Unlike your stock portfolio, it would have provided 10 years of shelter. A home for you and your family. What will the next decade bring? That’s anybody’s guess – and fodder for a future article. Cher Wollard is a Realtor with Windermere Welcome Home, Livermore. PAGE 12 - The Independent, DECEMBER 24, 2009 ValleyCare Schedules H1N1 Vaccination Clinics ValleyCare Health System could reduce healthcare system years of age because many cases will be offering the H1N1 Vac- capacity; of 2009 H1N1 influenza have cination. H1N1 Vaccinations • All people from 6 months been seen in these healthy young will be given based upon the through 24 years of age adults and they often live, work, recommended target groups iden- • Children from 6 months and study in close proximity, tified by the Centers for Disease through 18 years of age because and they are a frequently mobile Control (CDC). cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza population; and, H1N1 Vaccination Clinic have been seen in children who • Persons aged 25 through 64 schedule: are in close contact with each years who have health condi- Occupational Health – Valley- other in school and day care set- tions associated with higher risk Care Health System (adults only), tings, which increases the likeli- of medical complications from 5565 W. Las Positas, Blvd., Ste hood of disease spread, and influenza, and persons age 65 150, Pleasanton. There will be a • Young adults 19 through 24 and over. $17 vaccine administration fee. Dates are Tuesday, December 29 and 30 – 5:00 pm- 7:30 pm, Wednesday, January 13 – 5:00 – 7:30 pm, Saturday, January 16 Cities' Holiday Celebrations – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 20 – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm, To Air on Local TV Channel Saturday, January 30 – 9:00 am Spend the holidays with Tri- guest Mayor Tim Sbranti and live – 2:00 pm Valley Community Television. entertainment. Mayor H. Abram Mobile Health Unit – Valley The 2009 Holiday Parades and Wilson along with Sunset Devel- Memorial Health Center Parking Celebrations from the Tri-Val- opment President Alex Mehran Lot (family clinic - children ages ley cities of Dublin, Livermore, and his son, pulled the lever 6 months and up), 1111 E. Stan- Pleasanton and San Ramon will to light the 65 foot tall holiday ley Blvd., Livermore. Dates are: air on Channel 30 from Friday, tree at Bishop Ranch’s eighth Tuesday, January 5 – 4:30 pm December 18 through Sunday, annual Holiday Celebration on – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January December 27th. December 3rd. The Livermore 6 – 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Saturday, The 30-minute programs for Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade January 9 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm each city will be shown for a and Tree Lighting took place on Scout's Kyle Berg (right) and Vincent Gearhart are shown picking up a tree during last year's A $17 vaccine administration total of 12 times each. For the December 5th honoring Retiring Christmas tree recycling program. fee may be applicable. Vaccine complete schedule, please visit Fire Chief Bill Cody who served for Children Program (VFC) or the Tri-Valley TV30 web site at as the Grand Marshal. Also held Medi-Cal accepted for children www.tri-valleytv.org. on December 5th was the annual under 18 years of age. If you “The holidays are a special Pleasanton Holiday Celebration meet VFC criteria or are income time of the year,” said Melissa including a parade with floats Boy Scouts Solve Christmas eligible the fee will be waived. Tench-Stevens, Executive Direc- and bands and Mayor Jennifer Following are CDC recom- tor of Tri-Valley TV. “I hope that Hosterman lighting the holiday mended guidelines for H1N1 our viewers will enjoy watching tree. Tree Disposal Problem vaccination: some of the local events that Copies of the events may be The groups recommended to have taken place to celebrate the purchased for $20 plus shipping By Patricia Koning “With the economy, it is even day, Jan. 2. On Friday night, receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza season.” and handling (each event is sold For as long as Christmas more important for us to help the representatives from the three vaccine include: The City of Dublin Tree separately) by going to the Tri- trees have been a part of holiday Scouts raise their own money to participating troops hold a “map- • Pregnant women because Lighting Ceremony was held Valley TV30 web site at www. traditions, what to do with them pay for camps as many parents ping party” where they plan how they are at higher risk of com- on December 3rd with special tri-valleytv.org. after the festivities are over has may not have the funds to afford they’ll collect all the trees in a plications and can potentially been a problem. Fortunately for it,” says Gearhart. “Camping, single day. This collaboration is provide protection to infants who Livermore residents, local Boy outdoor activities, and adven- a benefit of this particular project, cannot be vaccinated; Scouts are more than happy to tures are really the heart and core explains Gearhart, because dif- • Household contacts and help send January Christmas of Scouting and still one of the ferent Scout troops don’t work caregivers for children younger trees along their way. strongest reasons caring parents together often. than 6 months of age because The Boy Scout Christmas support their sons in Scouts.” On Saturday morning, the younger infants are at higher risk Tree Recycling program, now in Kyle Berg of Boy Scout Troop Scouts fan out across Livermore, of influenza-related complica- its 34th year, is a quick, easy, and 924 earned over $500 last year collecting the trees that are left tions and cannot be vaccinated. environmentally friendly way to from the Christmas Tree Recy- curbside and bringing them Vaccination of those in close dispose of Christmas trees. In cling Program, which enabled to Robertson Park. In previ- contact with infants younger than the weeks before Christmas, the him to attend two summer camps. ous years, 80-100 Scouts have 6 months old might help protect Scouts canvas neighborhoods to He went to Camp Cherry Valley participated, picking up around infants by “cocooning” them sign up households for the recy- on Catalina Island, the most pop- 800 trees. from the virus; cling program. ular Boy Scout Summer Camp in At the park, the Scouts sepa- • Healthcare and emergen- “Most people hear about us the western United States, where rate the flocked trees and cut the cy medical services person- when we go door-to-door or he earned badges in rowing, green trees to prepare them for nel because infections among through word of mouth,” says canoeing, and oceanography. “It Waste Management, who will healthcare workers have been Kraig Gearhart, chairman of the was pretty incredible,” he says. pick them up for recycling on reported and this can be a poten- recycling program and a rep- “You walk out of your tent and Monday. The recycled Christ- tial source of infection for vul- resentative of Troop 924. “We you are on the beach.” mas trees are used in a variety nerable patients. Also, increased have lots of repeat customers. In He also attended leadership of ways and places, such as on absenteeism in this population fact, past customers who have training at Camp Royaneh in hiking trails, fish habitats, and on switched from real to artificial Sonoma County. “This year, he beachfronts to prevent erosion, Christmas trees will often make would not have been able to go to and as garden compost. donations so they can continue one camp, much less two, unless Reservations must be made by helping the Scouts.” he earned the money himself,” Dec. 27. If a Scout hasn’t knocked The cost is $5 for a green tree says his mother Melissa. on your door, call 925-373-7815 under 8 feet and $10 for a flocked This year’s Christmas Tree or make an online reservation at or oversized tree. Last year, the Recycling Day is on Satur- www.scoutgreen.org. program raised almost $7,000, with $6,500 going into Scout ac- counts and general funds of the three participating troops (903, 924, and 939). The Boy Scouts can use money earned from this fund-raiser and popcorn sales to pay for summer camps, Scout outings, and uniforms. THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION II THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Art, Community, & Education The Season of Giving . . . Local Girl Scouts Sponsor Event for Children in Richmond

The Girl Scouts of Crossroads Service Unit (Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol) spent December 5th at a Girl Scouts acted as Holiday Party. However, they were Santa, handing out gifts. the volunteers, not the participants. For more stories on Working with the Girl Scouts of Northern California, they provided giving, see inside. crafts, gifts, and much more for some kids that they had never met before. It all started with a partner- ship with the Girl Scout Corps, a newly formed program with the Girl Scouts of Northern California. Local Girl Scouts have provided a party for foster children and needy children for the last 8 years. When they heard that Richmond children needed help, they contacted the Girl Scout Corp. Toni Aclaro, the Director, Girl Scout Corps, was happy to hear about the possibil- ity and agreed to the help. Toni obtained a “wish list” for the 43 families involved and made ar- rangements for the use of the com- munity center in Richmond. The Girl Scout troops of Cross- roads Service Unit took the pro- gram on with full gusto. Troops stepped forward and adopted all the children providing each child with two gifts off their wish lists. Troops also adopted a family and provided $20 grocery gift cards for a holiday meal. All the items were dropped off and accounted for by Fiona Parken, whose front room looked like Santa’s workshop as the piles grew during the end of November. The Service Unit also agreed to pay for expenses of the party so that all children attended for free. Socks filled with candy were provided with some of this funding. Individual volunteers took on different aspects of the party. Two girls from Troop 30986, Olivia Brown and Sophia Thomp- son, eighth graders at Hart Middle Pleasanton Middle School, agreed quired leadership of over 30 hours, school supplies for every child. ton) and Troop 32869 (Dublin) and School, organized all the crafts and to coordinate the collection of food and successfully earned their Sil- Sarah Williams, a Senior Girl many adults arrived in Richmond activities. These included fleece and preparation of food baskets for ver Award (the highest Award in Scout, donated fleece blankets and volunteered at the party. pillows, fleece scarves, photo with every family. She collected over Cadette Girl Scouting). made as part of her ongoing Gold Toni and two other staff mem- Santa, bookmark, candy cane craft, 740 items which were arranged in Cindy Williams, a parent from Award (the highest award in Senior bers from the Girl Scouts of North- a frame, and refreshments. McK- a colorful basket with the $20 gift Troop 30986 made arrangements Girl Scouting). Seventeen older ern California were very pleased enna Prynn, an eighth grader at card. These three girls each ac- for the donation of backpacks and girls from Troop 30986 (Pleasan- (continued on page 2) 2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Community

The Livermore office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has been collecting coats and other clothing for families in need as part of the company’s annual Operations: One Warm Coat campaign. The office has collected 50 coats to date.

Girl Scouts pose for a picture during the festivities. GIRL SCOUTS (continued from front page) at the results of the party. “The Scouting in Pleasanton, Dublin, or and corporations. All training, children had a wonderful time and Sunol, contact Karen Rodriguez support program, and supplies are the volunteers were great. It was 925-846-3723. The Girl Scout provided. For more information good to see the families having Corps is a group of volunteers about the Girl Scouts of Northern some holiday fun. We can’t wait including current volunteers, and California, or to volunteer with until next year.” future volunteers from local com- the Girl Scout Corps, please call For more information about Girl munities, educational institutions, 1-800-447-4475.

Barb and Mike Nowaczyk hosted an event for the Prima Neighborhood they called “Celebrate the Children.” The main purpose of the event was to gather gifts for donation to the Livermore Fire Department. An E-vite was sent and a flyer was delivered to every one of the 149 homes in the neighborhood. The Nowaczyks’ offered their home as a drop off site for toys for a week prior to the event for anyone who would like to donate even though they would not be able to attend. Well over 200 brand new toys were collected before and during the event, including a boy’s and girl’s pair of bicycles. Approximately 50 people, including children, attended the celebration, which started off with a cookie sharing exchange and flowing hot chocolate drinks. An hour into the evening the Livermore Fire Department arrived to gather the toys. The evening continued with the children going from door to door singing carols throughout the neighborhood. Barb and Mike plan to make this an annual event.

Annual Christmas Party Held The annual Children’s Christ- served cookies. There’s a pup- mas Party was held recently at pet show and they get to meet Livermore High’s student union Santa and go home with a gift for room. Every year Margaret Miller, Christmas. the Del Arroyo 4-H club leader, Everything is donated by mem- and other Livermore organizations bers of the various groups, the host this event. The children who community businesses donate Marjorie Wong-Gilmore, Clark Payan, Larry Lindsey and two fellow Rotarians prepare to serve the are less fortunate at Christmas time items as well. club’s holiday dinner to more than 300 seniors at the Pleasanton Senior Center on Dec. 13. It was the are invited to come and do crafts. This party for underprivileged 28th year the event has helped Pleasanton seniors celebrate the Christmas season. Frank Capilla of There are many craft tables and 4- families shows that we “get it,” Hers as well as other groups man we are all members of the same Pleasanton started the tradition at the Pleasanton Gardens senior housing complex and then turned the tables and help the children community. it over to Rotary after he became a Rotarian. make their craft. The children are

Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 3

First Annual Shop With A Cop Program A Success

The first annual Shop With A ment agencies. Financial support Cop was held Dec. 12. for the program comes from fund- The ‘Shop With A Cop’ pro- raising with community busi- gram was established to build nesses, retailers and citizens of the positive relationships between community. Livermore AM Ro- police officers and the children tary, Wal-Mart, Emil Villa’s Cali- of the community. On Saturday, fornia BBQ, Target, and individual December 12, Livermore Police Administrators in the Livermore officers arrived at the homes of School District, partnered together children that were selected for this year with the Livermore Police the program, and drove them with Department. lights flashing and sirens blaring “Our officers donate their time to Wal-Mart where members of to be involved with the Shop With the Granada High School Band A Cop program because it allows and Leadership Team greeted them to connect with children in them. Donning their new ‘Shop a fun and relaxed environment With A Cop’ t-shirts, designed by where they can be seen for who a GHS Graphic Design student, they really are,” shared Livermore each child received a gift card to Police Sergeant John Hurd. “For spend on Christmas gifts. The kids myself and the officers, it is an purchased presents for everyone in honor and a privilege to be able their family, and were coached by to help community children in the officers to purchase an item for need and to provide them with a themselves. After having the fun memorable event.” of using their own Wal-Mart gift Granada High School Vice cards, which were donated by our Principal, Pat Avilla, says, “I Livermore Wal-Mart, the kids and heard through a family friend their Cop Buddy left for a breakfast about ‘Shop with a Cop’ and how at Emil Villa’s, and finished up it worked in Southern California. their adventure at the police station There, a local Police department to wrap their treasures. and the local school district teamed It was a very positive experi- together to create this program. ence not only for the kids that were An administrator at their school involved, but also for the officers. site chooses the students and the One second grade boy continued police officers donate their time to ask, ‘Who is paying for all to assist with this event. The this?’ He was overwhelmed that students are able to see the police members of the community would in a positive setting and see that donate money and that their ‘Cop they are here to help them. The Buddies’ would donate their time Officers support the students while just so they could get gifts for their they shop with gift cards that have Pictured (top photo, left ) is one of the children selecting gifts at Wal-Mart; (lower photo, left) the family. One little girl jumped out been donated by the community students arrive for their shopping spree. In the photo at upper right, the Granada High School Band of the police car waving and ex- and local businesses. Livermore provides a welcome for the students. Photos by Granada High School student Carly Zollars; graphic cited—she felt like a movie star! has always been a supportive and designed by Kayla Mele The Shop With A Cop concept giving community. I was sure that has programs nationwide through this program would be a success the involvement of law enforce- here in Livermore.” 4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Community

Students Create Ornaments The technology classroom at Pleasanton Middle School was turned into a holiday workshop last week. For the 14th year, students were busy making holiday ornaments as part of an outreach program for Children’s Hospital in Oakland. Two hundred ornaments were produced in the workshop and then Surtec Delivers Food and Gifts delivered to children who are in the hospital this holiday season. Teacher Warren Jensen (lower right) Since 1991, the Surtec Adopt- kind of car I drove, but the world demonstrates how to assemble the toy ornaments. In the photo, upper left, Ruby Ru concentrates on A-Family has provided food and may be different because I was assembling an ornament, while in the photo, upper right, Alexandra McFarland and Cody Walker glue gifts to needy families with chil- important in the life of a child.” several pieces together. dren in the Alameda and San Joa- Source: Follow Your Dreams @ quin counties. This year, Surtec copyright 1996, Successories of is providing food and gifts for Illinois 330 needy families with over 900 Approximately 1,300 boxes children. are assembled and a family # is The purpose of the program is marked on each box (four boxes to provide a happier Christmas to per family). This project is com- children of needy families in the pleted in just a few hours. Next, Bay Area. The program continued the many volunteers fill the boxes to grow providing larger amounts with nonperishable items such as of food and gifts to more families canned goods, cereal, rice, sugar, year-after-year throughout Alam- flour, beans, pasta, etc. Gifts are eda and Contra Costa counties. purchased and personally selected To date, the program has delivered for each child, based on age and to 4,220 families with 12,175 gender. The gifts are then placed in children. a large plastic bag for each family Each family receives four extra and tagged with a family #. Once large food boxes, a personally this is completed, they are ready to wrapped gift for each child averag- be gift wrapped and tagged. ing $25 to $30 per child, and a gift The gifts are taken out of the certificate for a meat of choice at a plastic bags and wrapped. A per- local grocery store. sonalized name tag is affixed The average cost for the food to each gift. Once the gifts are and gifts for each family is ap- wrapped, they are returned to the proximately $200. The average plastic bag and sent to “quality cost to complete the program each control” to ensure that there is a year is approximately $60,000. A gift for each child for every fam- large portion of the program funds ily. All this is accomplished in come from our annual Golf Clas- one day. sic. The Golf Classic is usually Surtec Adopt-A-Family Pro- held in September or October. gram is located at 1880 N. MacAr- Bill’s Favorite Phrase, “A hun- thur Drive, Tracy CA 95376 dred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 5

New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk Begins At 8 p.m.

On New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31st, First Presbyterian Church of Livermore at 4th and L Streets will be hosting its 5th annual labyrinth walk in our courtyard between 8 pm and midnight. This walk is open to the public and is an opportunity to say good-bye to the old year and welcome the New Year with peace and intention. First Presbyterian’s court- yard labyrinth is an 11-cir- cuit, Chartres-style labyrinth and measures 42 feet in diameter. On New Year’s Eve it will be decorated with luminaries, music will be playing, and hot cider and coffee will be available. At the same time, an indoor Volunteers load up holiday food bags to distribute to patrons of the Open canvas labyrinth will be Heart Kitchen at the Vineyard Christian Church in Livermore. More than available in the sanctuary, 9,000 reusable bags were donated by the U.S. Census program through the also with light and music. Tri-Valley Complete Count Committee and Alameda County and distributed For more information to non-profit agencies serving the populations of Dublin, Livermore and contact Judy Hughes, MFT, Pleasanton. Pictured (left to right) are volunteer Michelle McDonald, Open labyrinth facilitator, 925- Centerpointe Church will present the musical, “The Best Christmas Heart Kitchen Executive Director Linda McKeever, and volunteer Annie 485-2524 or the church of- Present Ever” on Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, at 5 p.m. in fice, 925-447-2078. McDonald with Girl Scout Troop 32869. Photo Credit by Dino Vournas the worship center at 3410 Cornerstone Court in Pleasanton. The campus is located at the corner of Valley and Busch. Pictured is soloist Ross Brown with other cast members.

Alameda County Community F o o d B a n k E x e c u t i v e Director Suzan Bateson and Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (photo, at right) weigh bags of nonperishable food items collected. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) hosted two holiday events, Jingle Tails at the Oakland Zoo and Tinsel Town Hall featuring an advanced screening of Alvin and the Chipmunks – The Squeakquel in Hayward, that raised 520 pounds of food that was donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank. According to the Alameda County Community Food Bank, SM/SC 5th Grade Girls Gold Rush (#5011) adopted a family this the need for food donations has Christmas to give back to the community during the holiday increased 70% compared to two season. The girls adopted a family with three children and had a years ago. In California, one great time shopping for them. The family was extremely grateful in ten households is at risk for for the team’s generosity. The oldest child, an 8 year old girl, was hunger or experiences hunger. beaming at the site of the girls and the gifts. Pictured are (front, This represents nearly 2 million let to right) Jennifer Gibson, Samantha Dukes, Madison Jackson; children statewide. (middle) Mallory Jones, Alexandra Lonsinger, Taylor Peterson, Mila Steinberg, Jamie Zogaric; (back) Mat Steinberg and Erik Peterson. Not present for the photo was Maggie Sneed.

6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Community Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 7 Registration Underway for Workshop for Poets City of Pleasanton Poet Laure- ate Deborah Grossman will host a workshop for poets, Getting Your Poetry Published: Navigating the Path to Publication, on Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Towne Centre Books, 555 Main Street in Pleasanton, Calif. The workshop fee is $10.00 per person. The workshop will be led by Connie Post, the first poet laureate of Livermore, (2005-2009), who has been published in over 30 na- tional print journals in the past four years. She will discuss how to han- dle editors, submissions guidelines and rejection while navigating the path to publication. Post will also assist attendees in determining Connie Post which approach to publishing may be the most effective for them as poets. She will share the tactics (925) 846-8826. Additional in- that have been successful for her formation about the City of Pleas- and her colleagues. anton’s Poet Laureate program is Cantabella Children’s Chorus performed their winter concerts for the first time at the Bankhead Theater Reservations are recommended available at www.civicartsliterary. this year. Audience members, who hailed from as far away as San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Discovery and may be made via email, info@ org. Bay and Union City as well as the Tri-Valley, were on hand December 5 to hear the 180 members of townecenterbooks.com, or phone, the Chorus sing a variety of holiday works. From the young members of the training choirs singing “A Carol of Peace” and “Long Ago in Bethlehem,” to the advanced choristers’ rendition of “Carol Deadline Extended for 2010 to Beauty,” based on a French carol, and Le Roy Anderson’s rousing “Sleigh Ride,” and audience sing-a-longs as well, there was music to appeal to every taste. Cantabella is an award-winning chorus Talent Competition (first place in the historical category and second place in the folk song category of the 2009 Golden The application deadline for ages ranging from under 10 to over the “Livermore’s 2010 Talent 60. Performers are coming from Gate International Children’s Choral Festival) that offers instruction in fine vocal production and as far a Palm Springs, Glendale, music literacy through great choral works to children in grades K-12 since 1992. Cantabella staff are Competition” has been extended to Dec. 31. So far applicants include Vallejo, Pescadero, and San Fran- now preparing exciting repertoire for the Spring 2010 season and invite children who would like to modern vocalists, classical vocal- cisco as well as Tracy, Livermore, join the Chorus. New singers are invited to email Director Bee Chow, [email protected] or call ists, dancers, folk musicians, tap Pleasanton, Dublin, Walnut Creek (925) 292-2663 for information about placement in the training choirs or to arrange an audition for the dancers, guitarists, martial artists, and all towns in-between. There performing choirs. Classes resume on 1/5/10 and 1/6/10. Please visit www.cantabella.org for more pianists, violinists, comedians, are also have finalists from last information. In the photo, members of Cantabella Children’s Chorus are “snuggled up together like rock bands, Guzheng musicians, year entering again this year. two birds of a feather” as they perform Le Roy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” Photo by Denis Roland. trumpet musicians and more with The semi-finals will be at the Bankhead on January 9, 2010 where about 15 finalists will be selected by the five judge panel made up of Michael Rice from Shakespeare’s Associates, Tiffany Reflections Arts Winners Move on in Competition Henderson from Tiffany Dance Academy, Allen Larsen from John The Pleasanton PTA Council Pleasanton schools submitted represent Pleasanton PTA Coun- Visual Arts: Sruthi Kalavach- held its seventh annual Reflec- entries for this year’s program to cil on January 19, 2010 at the Robert Powers- Pleasanton Talent erla, Mohr Elementary, Primary Agency, long time voice instructor tions Arts Recognition Program on their local PTA or PTSA sponsored next level, Peralta District PTA, Division; Amir Farsi, Vintage Hills Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at program. The participating schools which encompasses all of Alameda Sally Dunlop and pianist Ronald Elementary, Intermediate Division; Graham from the Graham Piano Harvest Park Middle School. The were Fairlands Elementary PTA, County: Jenny Shin, Harvest Park Middle Reflections Program, sponsored Hearst Elementary PTA, Mohr Literature: Sonya Panwar, Studio in Pleasanton. These semi- School, Middle/Jr. Division; Haley finals are open to the public. by the National PTA and now cel- Elementary PTA, Walnut Grove Mohr Elementary, Primary Divi- Guilfoile, Amador Valley High ebrating its 40th anniversary, is an Elementary PTA, Vintage Hills sion; Calla Li, Mohr Elementary, Information and applica- School, Senior Division tions are available at our web- arts recognition and achievement Elementary PTA, Harvest Park Intermediate Division; Christine Musical Composition: Mathi program. It provides opportunities Middle School PTA and Amador Xu, Harvest Park Middle School site: www.LivermoresTalent Raja, Fairlands Elementary, Pri- Competition.com. Applications for students to express themselves Valley High School PTSA. Middle/Jr. Division; Arany Uthay- mary Division; Brendan Hwang, creatively and to receive positive Reflections Committees at akumar, Amador Valley High must be received by December Hearst Elementary, Intermediate 31, 2009. recognition for original works of each of these schools identified School, Senior Division Division; Karthik Suresh, Harvest art inspired by this year’s theme, students in each category and age Photography: Tiffany Rhee, The semi-finals are on Jan. 9 Park Middle School, Middle/Jr. and the finals on Feb. 28. Tickets “Beauty is...” level to represent their school at Hearst Elementary, Primary Divi- Division Local students, from kinder- the Council level. Over 50 entries sion; Annie Tor, Walnut Grove El- are on sale now at the Bankhead Film/Video Production: Varun box office and judging from the garten through 12th grade, entered were submitted to Pleasanton ementary, Intermediate Division; Rao, Hearst Elementary, Interme- their work in six categories: musi- PTA Council for recognition and Varsha Ramakrishnan, Harvest number of performances we are diate Division getting it is suggested that tickets cal composition, literature, photog- participants were presented with Park Middle School, Middle/Jr. Dance Choreography: Amy Til- raphy, visual arts, film/video pro- certificates at the December 2nd Division; Hayden Mitchell, Ama- are bought early. Tickets are also son-Lumetta, Amador Valley High available online at www.liver- duction and dance choreography. Recognition program. Of these, dor Valley High School, Senior School, Senior Division More than 350 young artists, seven seventeen students were chosen to Division moreperformingarts.org. The two Livermore Rotary Clubs sponsor this event. 8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Art & Entertainment

ART EXHIBITS Poet” by Eugene O’Neill presented Free. 828-1315. Livermore Talent Competition Semi- Livermore Art Association Gallery, WINERY EVENTS by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation. Finals, Sat., Jan. 9, 9 a.m. Bankhead AUDITIONS/VOLUNTEERS offers art classes, unusual gifts, paint- Occasio Winery owner John Kinney $20, $10 students with ID. www. Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Auditions for Opera Chorus, Liver- ing rentals, art exhibits and informa- announced that his Occasio Winery eugeneoneill.org. Rotary Clubs in Livermore sponsor more Valley Opera will hold auditions tion pertaining to the art field, 1255 tasting room, located at 2245B South Side by Side by Sondheim, A fund- competition. 925-373-6800, www. for their opera chorus for their upcom- Third St., Livermore. The gallery has Vasco Road in Livermore, will hold raiser performed by Tri-Valley bankheadtheater.org. been open since 1974 and maintains an official ribbon cutting with the Repertory Theatre. January 8, 9, 10, ing performance of Die Fledermaus. a video library of art tapes, art and Livermore Chamber of Commerce 15, 16, 17 Fridays and Saturdays at Details are as follows: Monday, MOVIES January 5, 2010 at the Bothwell Arts craft books and art magazines and on Wednesday, January 13th at 5:00 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. In The Man in the White Suit, Jan. 7, Center, 2466 8th Street, (corner of H newsletters; hosts art events and p.m. This official event includes a tour the theater at 1048 Serpentine Lane, 2010, classic film series hosted by and 8th), Livermore, 7:30pm. LVO is workshops. Hours are Wed.-Sun. of the onsite winery, tasting room, Suite 309, Pleasanton. Suggested Candace Klaschus, Las Positas Col- seeking 24 singers with sight-reading 11:30-4 p.m. For information call Library room and a complimentary donation: $50. 925-462-2121 or send lege. At 7:00 p.m. in the Pleasanton ability, and in particular, tenors and 449-9927. tasting of the gold medal winning email to [email protected] to Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Av- basses. Prior opera chorus experi- Artists Angela Johal and Katie Caulk 2008 Pinot Gris. There will be a make your reservations. Information: enue, Pleasanton. Free. Information: ence is not required. Prospective works on display at Windermere cheese pairing and an opportunity www.PleasantonPlayhouse.com. 925-931-3405. singers should come prepared to sing Welcome Home realty through Jan. to meet members of the Chamber, Kimberly Akimbo, Role Players En- Dangerous Beauty, San Ramon a song of their choosing in English 4. 1790 First Street, Livermore. The all from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Res- semble, Jan. 15-Feb. 6. What might Branch of the American Association and bring a copy of the music for the show is open for viewing during ervations are not required. For more it be like to be a sixteen year old of University Women launches its accompanist. Alex Katsman, Music regular business hours or by appoint- information on setting up a formal girl saddled with the body of a sixty “Celebration of Women in Film” on Director and Conductor, will audition ment. Contact Cher Wollard at 925 tasting and the cost, please call John four year old woman? That is only Saturday evening, January 23, 2010, the singers. Chorus rehearsals begin 824-4824 or cherw@windermere. Kinney at (925) 371-1987.2245, one paradox of several explored in with “Dangerous Beauty.” Proceeds Monday, January 25, 2010, 7:30 pm com for information. 2245-B So. Vasco Rd., Livermore. this play from David Lindsay-Abaire from the event, which will be held at – 10pm at the Bothwell Performing Flying Solo, a series of exhibits occasiowinery.com. in which he somehow manages to the Front Row Theater, Dougherty Center. The second rehearsal will presented by Poetry On Canvas invoke O’Neill, Miller, and Wil- Station Community Center, San be Saturday, January 30, and then Pleasanton showing in November MUSIC/CONCERTS liams into a unique, original, and Ramon, will go to AAUW funds that every Monday evening thereafter. & December at the Berry Patch in Doo Wop New Year Celebration, comedic examination of the greatest support women seeking fellowships Prospective singers who were un- Downtown Pleasanton on Main & Livermore Valley Performing Arts dramatic subject of all, the family. and grants to further their education able to audition on January, 5th may Angela. Schedule: Claudette McDer- Center Presents. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Tickets (925) 314-3400. For other and research. Tickets, call (925) 973- audition at the first rehearsal. Singers mott- Dec 20-26; Stan Vierk - Dec Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., show information please call (925) ARTS or go to the Front Row Theater interested in auditioning should con- 27 - Jan 3. Livermore. 925-373-6800, www. 314-3463. The Village Theatre, 233 web site at http://www.ci.san-ramon. tact Pat Goard, Chorus Coordinator, Eugenia W. Zobel Exhibit, Decem- bankheadtheater.org. Front Street, Danville. us/parks/theater/frontrow.htm. All via email at [email protected]. Liver- ber 2009 and January 2010, Wente Chanson du Soir features music of tickets are $25, with minimal process- more Valley Opera will perform Die Vineyards Estate Winery, 5565 Tesla David Isaacs and Chelsea Camille. COMEDY ing fees for tickets purchased online Fledermaus at the Bankhead Theater Road, Livermore. New works of Jan. 10, 2 p.m. Pleasanton Library. Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy or mailed. Seating is limited. porcelain paintings. For information Mixture of styles and musical color- Show XVII, Comedy with Will in downtown Livermore March 13, call 925-443-7266. ation which span the centuries from Durst and Friends. Dec. 27, 7 p.m. 14, 20, and 21. OPERA Auditions, Cantabella Children’s Karen Fleschler will be showing her Renaissance to the 20th century Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Live Theater-Casts from the Met: Chorus, an award winning Tri-Valley paintings at Swirl on the Square, 21 and traverses four languages. No Livermore. $15, $20, $24. 925-373- 10 a.m. Saturdays at Dublin's Royal organization, has offered instruction South Livermore Ave., Livermore; admission charge. 400 Old Bernal, 6800, www.bankheadtheater.org. Hacienda Cinema. Jan. 9, Rosenkava- fine vocal production and music Cuda Ridge Winery, 5385 East Pleasanton. 931-3400 lier; Jan. 16, Carmen; Feb. 6, Simon literacy through great choral works Ave., Livermore; and Tesla Vintners, Tom Rush, Livermore Valley Perform- DANCE Boccanegra; March 29, Hamlet; and to in grades K-12 since 1992. Chil- 5143 Tesla Rd., Livermore through ing Arts Center Presents. Jan. 10, 7 Jungle Book, City of Pleasanton Civic May 1, Armida. Replays of each dren in K-5 are placed in training December. p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Arts Presents will host the State Street opera will be shown on Wednes- choirs, singers in grades 4-8 perform Barbara Stanton's Figurative Work St., Livermore. 925-373-6800, www. Ballet production of the children’s days at 6:30 p.m. as follows: Jan. 6, in Cantabella Children’s Chorus, will be featured at the Wild Vine in bankheadtheater.org. classic on January 8, 2010, at 7:30 Hoffman; Jan. 27, Rosenkavalier; and advanced choristers in grades downtown Livermore, Dec. 10 to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Livermore p.m. with a special SaturyYAY! per- Feb. 3, Carmen; Feb. 24, Simon 7-10 sing in the Chamber Choir. 31. Her Figurative work will be on Valley Performing Arts Center Pres- formance on January 9, 2010, at 11:00 Boccanegra; April 14, Hamlet; and New singers are cordially invited to display at the Wild Vine the entire ents. Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. Bankhead a.m. Both performances will be at May 19, Armida. month of Dec. Most drawings and Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita email Director Bee Chow, director@ paintings are drawn from life at the 925-373-6800, www.bankheadthe- Road, Pleasanton. Based on Rudyard cantabella.org or call (925) 292-2663 MISCELLANEOUS Figure Drawing Workshop on Fri. ater.org. Kipling’s Jungle Book, State Street for placement in the training choirs Devcon Holiday Ice Rink in Pleas- or to arrange for an audition for the mornings at the Bothwell Arts Center Laurel Ensemble, Jan. 16, 8 p.m. Del Ballet melds the familiar storyline anton, open through Jan. 10, 2010. performing choirs. Classes resume in Livermore. Works in pastel, oils Valle Fine Arts concert. Bankhead with exciting dance movement and Varies depending on day of the week. on 1/5/10 and 1/6/10. New sing- and a few of her miniatures will be Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. special effects, giving the tale a mod- www.devconholidayicerink.com. ers will be accepted until 1/15/10. on display. Meet the artist at the re- 925-373-6800, www.bankheadthe- ern and unique twist. The audience is 400 Old Bernal Avenue, parking lot Visit www.cantabella.org for more ception on Thurs., Dec. 10 from 7:00 ater.org. encouraged to bring food donations of Pleasanton Public Library. (925) information. - 8:30. For more info call or write Bar- Wild Women of Song, Dublin Winter to the theater to benefit The Haven 484-4002. $10-$16 for 2-hour ses- Auditions, Valley Concert Chorale, bara 925-373-9638, microangelo@ Concert, Thurs., Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. Food Pantry. Collection barrels are sion, includes skate rental. Skating will hold auditions by appointment earthlink.net, www.barbarastanton. Dublin Heritage Center, Old St. located in the lobby. Tickets range lessons, school field trips, corporate on Monday, January 11 and 18, at com or the Wild Vine 925-243-0700, Raymond’s Church, 6600 Donlon from $18-$35 for adults and $10-$25 and private rink rentals are available the First Presbyterian Church of [email protected]. www. Way, Dublin. Traditional jazz and for children and seniors. All tickets in addition to regularly scheduled Livermore. The church is located wildvinelounge.com/index.php blues with Pamela Rose and her may be purchased online at www. public skating hours. at the corner of 4th and L Streets. Textile Artwork by Denise Oyama band. Hors d’oeuvres and non-alco- civicartstickets.org up to three hours The Power of Thinking Differently, The Chorale is seeking experienced Miller and Nancy Ryan, “Landscape holic beverages served. Sign up for prior to the performance, by phone at Workshop with Javy W. Galindo, singers with sight-reading skills who Impressions,” at Alexander’s Fine reservations at 556-4500. $12 adult, (925) 931-3444, or in person at the Sunday, Jan. 3, 2 p.m. Pleasanton Li- enjoy singing exciting and challeng- Art in downtown Pleasanton. Jan. $7 age 12 and under. Amador Theater Box Office. Box of- brary meeting room. Topics include: ing music. The Chorale performs a 15 and 16. Reception Jan. 15, 6 to An Intimate Musical Evening, fice hours are Monday through Friday ways to attain new ideas and creative wide variety of music ranging from 9 p.m. Artists available Sat. 1 to 4 January 23, Livermore Valley Opera from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for two insights, overcoming creative blocks classical to contemporary, and folk p.m. to discuss their work. 608 Main fund-raising. Featuring the music and hours prior to the performance. Group & thinking habits, and the creative to jazz. To schedule an appointment, Street. Pleasanton. 846-6015. Free song, and principal singers from the discounts are available. More infor- process. 400 Old Bernal, Pleasanton. call (925) 462-4205. Upcoming per- admission. spring production of Die Fledermaus. mation about Civic Arts is available 931-3400 formances include Mozart’s Requiem More details will be available at www. at www.pleasantoncivicarts.org. Orchids Under the Oaks, Jan 9 and in March at the Bankhead Theater in MEETINGS livermorevalleyopera.com. Argentine Tango, Saturday, Jan 30, 2 10 from 10-4pm. "Tradewinds of Livermore, and “Folk Songs From Pleasanton Art League and Livermore to 4 p.m. Dublin Library, 200 Civic the Tropics" theme. Greenhouse full Art Association, meeting Monday, Janu- Around the World” in May in Pleas- ON THE STAGE Plaza. The roots and history of Ar- of orchids on display from around ary 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts anton. More information about the Playwrights’ Theatre, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. gentine tango dance and music will the world, orchid marketplace, and Building, 4455 Black Avenue, Pleasanton. Valley Concert Chorale is available Presentation on Promoting and Selling Art and Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. Museum of the be presented with examples of tango seminars. Alden Lane Nursery, 981 at www.valleyconcertchorale.org or by Jenny Floravita. No admission charge. San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad music and dance by Jurek Mazur of Alden Lane, Livermore. "Living by calling the general information Public is invited. Ave., Danville. “A Touch of the the Academia de Tango Argentino. Art" gallery featuring orchid ar- line at (925) 866-4003. rangements. Information, contact Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 9

Sue Fordyce (925) 447-0280. Hobbies: How We Got Started and What We Learned, January 15, Ed State Street Ballet Dances 'Jungle Book' Kinney Lecture Series sponsored by the Museum on Main. 7:00 p.m. at at the Amador Theater, located for combining the rigors and time- the Lynnewood Methodist Church, at 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleas- less beauty of classical technique 4444 Black Avenue, Pleasanton. Museum members: $5, others: $10. anton. with updated looks, special effects Information: 925-462-2766 or www. The audience is encouraged to and digital technology to produce museumonmain.org. bring food donations to the theater original works for contemporary Livermore Reads, 2010 selection is to benefit The Haven Food Pantry. audiences. Founded in 1994 as a Travels with Charley by John Stein- Collection barrels are located in nonprofit organization, the group beck. His son, Thomas, will speak at the lobby. promotes original dance through the kick off event on Sun., Jan. 24, 2 Jungle Book is based on Rud- public performances and educa- p.m. at the Civic Center Library, 1188 So. Livermore Ave. www.livermore. yard Kipling’s classic collection of tional outreach programs, touring lib.ca.us. stories, inspired by his childhood both domestically and internation- 16th Annual Burns Supper, Jan. 30, in India and reflecting “nearly ally. 5:30 p.m. no host bar, dinner at 7 p.m., everything he knew or heard or About State Street Ballet, Pointe Pleasanton Marriot, 11950 Dublin dreamed about the Indian jungle.” Magazine wrote, “Blending classi- Canyon Rd., Pleasanton. Pleasan- The best-known of the stories cal ballet with highly original ton-Blairgowrie-Fergus Sister City Organization, celebrates the birth revolves around the adventures choreography and contemporary of poet Robert Burns, “The Bard of of an abandoned “man cub”, themes is the company’s artistic Scotland.” Honors Burns in memory, Mowgli, who is raised by wolves hallmark.” songs and poems. For information, in the Indian jungle. Other well- Tickets to Jungle Book range call Kathy Tollworthy, 462-6378. known characters include a heroic from $18-$35 for adults and $10- Advance reservations required by mongoose, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and $25 for children and seniors. All Jan. 20. Tickets $65 Dark Energy and the Runaway a young elephant handler, Toomai tickets may be purchased online Universe, talk by Alex Filippenko, of the Elephants. State Street at www.civicartstickets.org up to Livermore Valley Performing Arts Ballet’s Jungle Book melds these three hours prior to the perfor- Center Presents. Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. familiar storylines with exciting mance, by phone at (925) 931- Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., dance movement and special ef- 3444, or in person at the Amador Livermore. 925-373-6800, www. fects to give the tale a modern and Theater Box Office. bankheadtheater.org. unique twist. Box office hours are Monday Science on Saturdays, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory State Street Ballet is an innova- through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 presentation, lecture series for middle tive professional dance company p.m. and for two hours prior to the and high school students. Jan. 30, based in Santa Barbara. It is known performance. Group discounts are 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Bankhead available. Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Free admission. http://education. llnl.gov/sos Photos by Roge Eichenbaum Friday Night Open Mic for Teens, Jan. 23, performers sign up between 6 State Street Ballet will perform 9, 2010, at 11:00 a.m.

and 7 p.m. Rules and forms available Jungle Book, on January 8, 2010, The City of Pleasanton Civic on ptown411.com. Veterans Hall, 301 at 7:30 p.m. with a special Satu- Main St., Pleasanton. $8 in advance Arts Presents will host the per- and $10 at the door; student tickets ryYAY! performance on January formances, which will take place with valid ID $5 in advance and at the door.

Art Commission Taking Proposals The Alameda County Art Com- tro Valley Boulevard Streetscape with a range of project budgets. mission is releasing two Request Project; and the San Lorenzo There will be two information for Qualifications/Calls for Art- Library Renovation Project. Ad- meetings for artists interested in ists for two new Artist Registries. ditional projects may be added applying for the Registries: Thurs., Many of Alameda County’s capital to this list and may be related to Jan. 14, 6-7:30pm at the Lakeside improvement projects include a youth services, health care, social Plaza Building, 1401 Lakeside Percent-for-Art Program in which services, public protection, and Drive, Suite 1107, Oakland (a short professional artists are commis- general government programs. walk from the Lake Merritt BART sioned to make artwork for each There are opportunities for station) and Tues., Feb. 2, 2010, site. Due to the upcoming schedule Alameda County artists who are 6-7:30pm at the Location: Castro of construction projects, many of making small to mid-sized, wall- Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge the artists commissioned for these mounted, two-dimensional or Avenue, Castro Valley (a short public art projects will be selected low-relief artwork as well as artists walk from the Castro Valley BART from two Registries of pre-quali- throughout the state of California station). View the complete Call fied artists (Artist Registries). who have experience making for Artists at: www.acgov.org/arts Artists who are accepted into permanent, site-specific public and click on “Opportunities” or the Registries will be considered artwork. Opportunities will be call (510) 208-9646 to receive for public art projects related to available for exterior and interior a copy by mail or for additional the Highland Hospital Acute Care projects for artists working in a information. Tower Replacement Project; Cas- variety of materials and styles, and

10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Community

McGrail Se- lects Wine- maker McGrail Vineyards and Win- ery www.mcgrailvineyards.com announced the appointment of Goldstein Named a Fellow Mark Clarin as winemaker. Clarin brings 30 years of Livermore Val- William Goldstein of the Law- ley winemaking experience to the rence Livermore National Labo- role. He is charged with taking the ratory has been awarded the dis- McGrail Cabernet and Chardonnay tinction of American Association to a whole new level. for the Advancement of Science Clarin will now divide his (AAAS) Fellow. Election as a time between McGrail and his fellow is an honor bestowed upon current position as winemaker AAAS members by their peers. and partner of Picazo Vineyards. This year 531 members have Picazo Vineyards is an ultra-pre- been awarded this honor for their mium Livermore brand focused on scientifically or socially distin- crafting extraordinary Bordeaux guished efforts to advance science varieties that express the best of their terroir. or its applications. New fellows Previously a winemaker at Wen- will be presented with an official te Vineyards, Tamas Estates, and certificate and a gold and blue (rep- Bonny Doon, Clarin brings many resenting science and engineering, William Goldstein years of experience in California respectively) pin on Saturday, Feb. winemaking to his new position. 20, at the AAAS Fellows Forum At McGrail, Clarin will spearhead during the 2010 AAAS Annual energy research. the development of future releases Meeting in San Diego. Goldstein went on to help from the wineries estate vineyard. As part of the physics section, develop the first spectroscopic di- While the McGrail family will still Goldstein was elected for distin- agnostics for astrophysical photo- be a part of the winemaking team guished contributions to plasma ionized plasmas, designed some of and the winemaking style will not modeling and diagnostics and the earliest laboratory astrophysics drastically change, Clarin will lead for leadership in support of the experiments using high-power the team to continue to produce Department of Energy national lasers, and pioneered the use of de- high quality premium wine. Cla- security programs. tailed atomic models for predicting rin has served as an advisor to the “This is a great honor that I energy balance in Tokamaks. McGrail family since the winery owe largely to the Lab for the More recently, Goldstein has opened in 2008, but it wasn’t until opportunity to contribute scientifi- been a leader in the establish- Ben Gomes the 2009 Harvest that McGrail of- cally while addressing important ment and management of the ficially hired Clarin as head of the national problems,” Goldstein Department of Energy’s Stockpile Ben Gomes Earns Eagle Rank winemaking team. said. “I hope the fellowship will Stewardship Program. Based on “McGrail Vineyards and Win- ery is thrilled to have a wine- help me advocate for the critical his experience using lasers in Ben Gomes was honored by England, as an Assistant Patrol maker of Mark’s experience and role of science in international weapons physics research, he laid Livermore Boy Scout Troop 903 Leader in SFBAC Troop 409; it for attaining the rank of Eagle was the experience of a lifetime. accomplishments,” said Heather security.” out the first systematic program of McGrail, McGrail’s president. Early in his career, Goldstein high-energy density science for the Scout during a ceremony held To receive the rank of Eagle, a on Dec. 12. Five other scouts scout must complete all advance- “We look forward to many years co-authored and was among the National Ignition Facility. of working with him on the growth first to apply a set of atomic mod- In his current position as the honored with Ben were Ian Mc- ment requirements, complete an Conachie, Matt Mayeda, Jacob approved Eagle project and pass of McGrail’s premium reputation. eling codes that have been used associate director for Physical and Wanat, Darryl Kuhn and Armando a Board of Review, all before his Mark will develop special and to significantly advance under- Life Sciences at LLNL, Goldstein Lopez. 18th birthday. Ben chose to build small lots of single-vineyard wines standing of high-energy density leads an organization of approxi- Ben joined Troop 903 because three bulletin boards at Granada from our ranch and local premium plasma properties through spectral mately 600 scientists engaged in the troop was small and personal, High School as his Eagle project. ranches. This is the first year that modeling. The codes, developed at condensed matter and materials and the outings focused on outdoor The boards are installed at the we will be experimenting with a Hebrew University and Lawrence science, chemical science, atmo- activities such as rafting, climbing entrance of the football stadium. local Petite Sirah, as well.” Livermore, qualitatively improved spheric and earth systems sci- and camping. Led by Scoutmaster Many donors, including Home McGrail Vineyards and Winery, modeling of atomic processes in ence, high-energy density physics, Javier Lopez, Troop 903 provided Depot in Livermore and Richert located in the Livermore Valley, is plasmas, and have had impact in plasma physics, nuclear science, the hands on experience that Ben Lumber in Pleasanton, provided owned by the McGrail family. The high-energy density applications high-energy physics, radiation de- wanted. He held many leadership cash and building materials needed tasting room and winery opened including X-ray lasers, high- tection, optical science, biological positions, including Senior Patrol for the project. Nearly 20 people less than 2 years ago, and the brand energy astrophysics and fusion science and fusion research. Leader and Junior Assistant Scout helped with various stages of the is already building a sound reputa- Master in Troop 903. Ben was project, including assembly and tion for high quality, consistency fortunate to attend the 21st World installation. and great customer service. For Scout Jamboree in 2007 in Essex, Ben now attends UC Davis. more information, please visit www.mcgrailvineyards.com. Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 11

Physicist Is Law- rence Award Winner

Physicist Omar Hurricane has been named a winner of the De- partment of Energy’s prestigious Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award, Energy Secretary Steven Chu an- nounced. Omar Hurricane Hurricane is being honored for his work in national security and am very aware of the tremendous Hurricane, 41, came to LLNL nonproliferation at the National technical challenge and difficulty 11 years ago from the University Nuclear Security Administration’s associated with this anomaly." of California at Los Angeles. Lawrence Livermore National Further praise came from His previous honors include Laboratory. WCI Principal Associate Director an individual Defense Program The award honors mid-career Bruce Goodwin, who added, “Dr. Award of Excellence in 2004 scientists and engineers for ex- Hurricane’s efforts resulted in from the National Nuclear Secu- ceptional contributions in research the development of a consistent, rity Administration (NNSA). As Mary Anita Laughlin-Silveria celebrated her 90th birthday, on and development supporting the science-based understanding and a member of the larger team for Saturday, December 12, 2009. Her parents were Margaret and Harry Department of Energy/National implemented a physics-based pre- a specific program element, he Laughlin, members of a long time ranching family of Livermore. Nuclear Security Administration dictive model to simulate warhead shared an NNSA 2002 Defense She is the youngest of eight children. Mary has been an avid A’s and its mission to advance the performance across a wide-range Program Award of Excellence. fan since the 1970s. She still watches her favorite soap, “Days of national, economic and energy of stockpile regimes.” This latest award — named for Our Lives.” Mary worked as a hairdresser for 54 years. She lived security of the United States. Hurricane stated, “I’m honored the same physicist who co-founded in the Hayward, Castro Valley area from 1941 to 2007, when she Hurricane is a program element to be receiving this award from Lawrence Livermore National moved to Lodi to live with her daughter. Among those celebrating leader dealing in thermonuclear Steven Chu, not only because he Laboratory — comes with a cita- secondary design in the Weapons is the Secretary of Energy, but also tion signed by the Secretary of her birthday were her daughter, Connie Muellerleile, son-in law, and Complex Integration (WCI) because he is a Nobel laureate.” Energy, a gold medal bearing the Michael Muellerleile, grandson, Chris Muellerleile, granddaughter, directorate. Although much of Hurricane is quick to point out that likeness of Ernest Orlando Law- Renelle Gianunzio, great granddaughter, and husband, Tabbitha his work is classified, he has led many people contributed to the rence, and $50,000. and Joshua Walker. All are Lodi or Galt residents. Four generations a multi-disciplinary team that project over the past decade. The posed for the photo. Pictured are (left, back) daughter, Connie worked on a difficult technical is- team not only needed to identify Muellerleile; (right, back) grandson, Chris Muellerleile; (front, sue involving two vastly different and understand the key physical center) Mary Anita Laughlin-Silveria; (bottom, left) granddaughter, areas of physics. “We were able processes involved, but then had to Renelle Gianunzio; and (right, front) great granddaughter, Tabbitha to sort out the issues and form a build computational tools to make Walker. solution,” he said. predictions about the physics, and Lab director George Miller finally conduct experiments to DePaul University student nominated Hurricane for the validate their theories. Shayna Goldstein of Livermore award, having dealt with the same He compared the process to has been named to the Dean's List effort years earlier. understanding gravity. for the 2009-10 Fall quarter. To “I personally worked on aspects Realizing that gravity is what receive Dean's List commenda- of this problem as a weapons holds planets in their orbits is a step tion, full-time students must earn designer nearly 30 years ago and forward that directs your thinking, a cumulative grade point average Air Force Airman Isaac J. St. initiated technical efforts to resolve he explained. The second step is of 3.50 or above on a four-point this anomaly when I was the ther- to build the mathematical models scale. Tours graduated from basic monuclear design leader,” Miller that predict how planets orbit the Pleasanton resident Nikki military training at Lackland said. “For years, the search for a sun. Checking the mathematical Rebecca Liu graduated from Azusa Air Force Base, San Antonio, physics-based model has failed models against observation is Pacific University with a Bachelor Texas. He is the son of Damien due to the complexity of the phys- the final step. All three steps are of Arts in Psychology on Sat., Dec. McNamara of Pleasanton. St. ics. As a weapons designer and important and are required to say 19, and was joined by more than Tours is a 2007 graduate of the project leader for several U.S. that you’ve understood and solved 600 graduates at the winter com- stockpile systems in the 1980s, I the problem. Amador Valley High School, mencement ceremonies. Pleasanton.

12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Community

(Organizations wishing to run notices in 16+. Registration Required: 1-888-327-2757, Information, call 925-998-6513. St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 services at 8 and 10 a.m. and noon. Bulletin Board, send information to PO Box option 2, 3. Fee: $19 (non-res. $21), www. Reading Volunteers Needed, new group Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Christmas 846-4489. 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of Bulletin ebparks.org forming to start training in January to become a Board. Include name of organization, meeting Masses Thurs., Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. and St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 7th annual Madres Hispanas, open Barton Reading Tutor. No experience is neces- 11:30 p.m. and Fri., Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Christmas date, time, place and theme or subject. Phone house, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Peet's Coffee, downtown sary and training is free of charge. Volunteer number and contact person should also be 447-4549. Eve services at 4 p.m. (no incense), Livermore. Madres Hispanas invites Spanish matched to a student who needs help. All the included. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) materials and training provided needed to bring Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 6 p.m. and midnight. Christmas Day Ohlone Audubon meets 7:30 p.m. on speaking families interested in sharing their traditions and culture of Mexico with their a student’s reading and spelling up to grade 1385 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore. services at 9 and 11 a.m. 484-5020. Tuesday January 5 at Castro Valley Adult level or above. For more information about Children's Christmas program, Dec. Trinity Baptist Church, 557 School Multi-purpose Room, 4430 Alma Ave. children. Meetings are once a month for two hours. Information, contact Alicia Calonico, the Barton Reading Program, please contact 24 at 5 p.m.; Candlelight Christmas Olivina Ave., Livermore. Dec. 24 (94546). From Castro Valley Blvd. turn north Christina Clark at Valley View 925/596-0292, onto Redwood Rd., turn right on Alma Ave. [email protected] or 960-0654. Follow Eve services, 7 and 10 p.m.; Dec. 25, Christmas Eve services at 5 and 7 p.m. the group on Twitter twitter.com/madresh- or email [email protected]. 10 a.m. Festival Communion Service. 447-1848. School is on the left. Parking is in back. Jack Free English Conversation Classes at Barclay will present a slideshow all about ispanas. 447-1246. Faith Chapel Assembly of God, La Leche League International, free Pleasanton Public Library on Tuesdays from Burrowing Owls in California from history to 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm, Wednesdays from 12 noon First Presbyterian Church, 4th 6656 Alisal St., Pleasanton. Christmas breeding and distribution. Jack has been a rap- woman to woman breast-feeding support. Meets first Monday of each month 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 and L Streets, Livermore. Christmas Eve Candlelight service, Dec. 24, 5:30 tor biologist for 31 years and focused on these a.m. 400 Old Bernal Ave. The program is Eve, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. family worship p.m. Sunday services: Sunday school owls since 1989. Refreshments. Information to noon, Trinity Baptist Church, 557 Olivina, Building B #205, Livermore. Please RSVP to free and open to all. No registration required. service; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Christmas for all ages at 9:30 a.m., worship at @ 510-507-3383. For more information call Janice Bauman Rummage Sale put on by the Livermore Stacy Hattori, 373-0987. dshattori@sbcglobal. Eve concert in the sanctuary; 9 p.m. 10:30 a.m., children's church (age 3-12) net, www.LLL.org. 24-hour hotline, 1-877- (925)-931-3411 traditional candlelight service in the begins at 11:15 a.m. 846-8650. Area Recreation and Park District. Sign-ups Bingo, every Sunday, Games 4 p.m. to are open now to sellers seeking a new home 452-5324. Next meetings: Jan. 4, Feb. 1. sanctuary. 447-2078. Unitarian Universalist Church, Livermore Moms (formerly Livermore 8 p.m. 18 $250 pay-outs, 1 $350 payout, & for their possessions. A 10-by-10-foot space more! Bingo Ranch, 3070 Pacific Avenue, Livermore Alive, 1040 Florence 1893 North Vasco Road, Livermore, with an 8-foot table can be rented for $35. Moms Club), Monthly meetings are held the Ave., Livermore. Christmas Eve ser- Thursday, Christmas Eve, December second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and Livermore. 606-7777. Must be 18 years old to No food, candy, car parts, large furniture, cars, attend. Pacific Avenue, Livermore. 606-7777. vice, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. 337-5581. 24, 7:00 pm Why Not A Star? Rev. motorcycles or any commercial items are al- are a great way to meet other members as well as learn more about our community and our Benefits LVCS / CCEF. St. Augustine Church, 3999 Luas Hergert, preaching. The UUCiL lowed. Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to noon RELIGION Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. Christmas Choir, Dee Wood, director, Wendy Saturday, Jan. 30, at The Barn, 3131 Pacific Ave. roles as mothers. The purpose of the Livermore Moms (formerly Livermore Moms Club) is to Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 Eve services at 4 p.m. (no incense), Mason, accompanist. Those attending Sellers can sign up by visiting www.larpd.dst. Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, Pastor: ca.us and printing out and turning in the form share ideas and talents so that we may grow 6 p.m. and midnight. Christmas Day are invited to bring Christmas treats as parents, learn better ways to understand John L. Bechtel. Saturday: Bible Study: 9:30 to share with the congregation. (925) along with the space rental fee. Deadline is am / Worship Service: 10:50 am; Wednesday: Jan. 25 for any spaces still available. For more our children to help them become confident 447-8747 and capable individuals. We frequently invite Bible Study: 7:00 pm; Pot Luck 4th and 5th information, call 925-373-5700. Sabbaths. ww.livermoresda.org/ Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club, speakers to make presentations. Meetings are free for members, as well as for first time visi- Grief Support, Meetings are Jan. 14 and Sat., Dec. 26, 49 miles Livermore to Byron, 28, Feb. 11 and 25, March 11 and 25 at 7:30 meet 10 a.m. at shopping center on Pacific Ave., tors. Contact [email protected] for more information p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Marcus van Raalte, 875-1017. Sun., Dec. 27, Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Meetings are open 35 miles, meet 10 a.m. at Livermore Airport, Tri-Valley Seniors: rides available to medical appointments. Seniors who require to all, regardless of religious orientation. Please Gail Blanco, 872-1001. Wed., Dec. 30, 38 call Mary at 846-5377 with questions. miles, Lafayette loop to Pinole, meet 9:30 a.m. door-to-door service are now eligible for a ride to their medical appointments. Volunteers Divorce Care, Valley Bible Church, 7106 at staging area on Olympic, Gail Blanco, 872- Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. 13 week seminar and 1001. Fri.,. Jan. 1, 20-35 miles from Heather use their personal vehicles to drive seniors to and from medical appointments. Seniors must support group for people who are separated Farms, meet 7:40 a.m., Dan Granahan, 323- or divorced. Meetings Mondays from 7 to 9 9798. Fri., Jan. 1, 25 miles, annual New Year's be 60 and over, living in Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton or Sunol, and unable to find a ride p.m. $25 for workbook and other materials. Day summit ride Mt. Diablo, meet 9 a.m. at Preregistration is required. Contact Mark Danville Railroad Museum, Peter Rathmann, (relative, friend, bus, paratransit). For a ride or to volunteer to provide a ride, contact Jennifer Porter, 846-9693 or [email protected] 336-0973. Anyone planning to go on a ride is for details or to register. asked to call the leader for details on where to Cullen at (925) 931-5387 or ja.cullen@yahoo. com. Funding for the Senior Transportation Tri-Valley Unity Church, Connect with meet and what to bring. the Spirituality of the Season - Make it a Crab Feed, Livermore-Pleasanton Elks Program is provided by Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority and meaningful Christmas by participating in Tri- Lodge $2117. Sat., Jan. 30, 6 p.m. at the Lodge, Valley Unity's holiday programs: Christmas 940 Larkspur Dr., Livermore. Dancing to The Measure B Funds. Eighth Annual Youth Food Drive, Youth Carol Sing-along, Dec. 20 at 11:30 a.m.; and Singing DJ. $35 per person, advance sale only Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. All are (before Jan. 25). Tickets available at the Lodge, service groups in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Sunol, San Ramon, Alamo, Danville, welcome. 2260 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. or call 455-8829. (925) 829-2733. San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Walnut Creek and Concord may now volunteer and request collection sites for the Eighth An- St. Charles’/St. Michael’s begin a 6-week invites new and established residents to its Winter Bible Study Series on Monday, January monthly luncheon on Jan. 21, 2010 at Forbes nual Youth Food Drive to be held on March 6, 2010 by signing up at www.youthservice- 11th. It meets every Monday at 7:30- 9:00 Mill Restaurant, 200 Sycamore Valley Rd. pm in the Pope Room at St. Charles, 1315 West, Danville. The speaker will be Darlene council.com/Volunteer/Volunteer.html. Girl Scouts, youth ministries, and 4-H Clubs will Lomitas Ave. The topic for this session is 2 Kittredge, Crime Prevention Specialist from the Corinthians: Power in Weakness. Come and San Ramon Police. Meeting is 11:30 to 2:00. be participating. Youth Service groups will go door to door to collect nonperishable food learn what Paul means when he talks about Cost depends on menu choice. Call Myrna, God’s power in human weakness. For more 925-560-0656 for info & reservations. and return it to the closest collection site. All donations will go to local food pantries in the information or to reserve material ($10/ book), Annual Crab Feed, Livermore Knights of contact Julie at [email protected] or at Columbus 37th annual Crab Feed on Saturday, Tri-Valley or to the Contra Costa Food Bank. Details of the program and locations of col- 447-4549 ext. 114. January 9, 2010 at the Robert Livermore Com- CHRISTMAS SERVICES munity Center on East Avenue in Livermore. A lection sites are available on-line. For more social hour begins at 5 p.m. and the dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Dancing to the music of the OpenRoad band will begin at 8 p.m. and run until 11 p.m. There will be several raffles and a Silent Auction during the event. All money raised will go to assist the Livermore Knights and their many charitable endeavors. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased by contacting Mark and Claire Duguid at 925-443-5873 Superior Court Information Centers need people-oriented volunteers to support information centers in the Pleasanton Court- house. Training provided, (510) 891-6209 or [email protected]. Fishing - Trout Basics, class, 8-10 am, Saturday, January 9 #22925, Del Valle Regional Park, 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore; and 8-10 am, Saturday, February 13 #22926, Lake Chabot Regional Park, 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. Learn the basics of trout fishing including rigging, casting, ecology and conservation, fish behavior. This course is geared towards those who have experience fishing but want to gain additional knowledge specifically about trout fishing. Get an up-close look at trout and other fish through the Mobile Fish Exhibit! Gear provided. 5+yrs (PPR 5-15 yrs). Valid CA fishing license required for ages