Wednesday, April 6, 2016 • Vol. 10 Issue 3 FREE Admission MEET Independent, locally 26,000 copies owned and operated! delivered biweekly to Lamorinda homes & businesses
925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com LAFAYETTE FREE Local newspaper delivered to Lafayette,Sunday, Moraga April 17 and Orinda 10am - 4pm www.BayAreaKidsBookFair.comAcalanes High School
Judges Choice winners (from left) Lynn Wolfe, Lauren Stadt and Sophia Browne explain to the audience how their Rube Goldberg machine works. Photo Cathy Dausman Students Fight off El Niño at Goldberg Fest By Cathy Dausman l Niño struck with a vengeance in the gymnasium at Stan- This year’s challenge, held March 30, was to open an um- Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and Bay Area native was best ley Middle School in Lafayette, at one point even rain- brella in 12 steps. Part mental, part physical, with a dab of meta- known for his humorously complex multi-step “problems” that Eing cats and dogs — albeit small plastic cats and dogs. physics tossed in, the event is a science, technology, engineering he solved on paper to his readers’ unending delight. The audience of approximately 200 was ecstatic. El Niño marked and math-laden enrichment opportunity sponsored by Lafayette Remember the board game Mousetrap? This is Mousetrap on the return of the popular biannual Rube Goldberg competition Partners in Education. steroids. Each year presents a new challenge. Past competitions where, as the students’ T-shirts explained, they simply “don’t do By design, none of the steps were easy because Rube Gold- have required students to assemble hamburgers, dispense hand simple.” berg, the program’s namesake, was anything but a rube. The sanitizer, pop balloons and zip zippers. ... continued on page A12
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News A2 - A12 The Bernie & Ryerson Team Life in Lamorinda B1 - B10 Not to be Missed B8-B9 Wishing You a Wonderful Spring Season! HOW TO CONTACT US B9 Food B10 925.200.2222 Gary | 925.878.9685 Ken Sports C1 - C3 [email protected] | [email protected] Classified C2 Shop Orinda C4 Our Homes D1 -16 This Week Read About: Miramonte Cheer Squad is No. 1 Unsnarling traffic …A2 Costs to Repair Lafayette Gallery Ccoses …A2 Dogtown Downtown …A3 Sinkhole May Soar Hillside dispute continues …A4 By Sophie Braccini Town supports Carr Ranch …A4 Dinkle is Moraga COY …A5 he massive sinkhole at the crossing of Center Moraga Garden Farms sale …A5 TStreet and Rheem Blvd. is going to be a very New Village development …A6 costly burden for the Town of Moraga. Roads and drains plan …A6 Town Public Works Director Edric Kwan es- PG&E plan surprises neighbors …A7 timated last week that the sinkhole, which punc- Editor’s Column …A8 tured gas lines, will cost $3.5 million, and that’s New placards at restaurantsA11 just a conservative preliminary analysis. The Cheering: A tough sport …A11 damage is extensive and includes fixing Laguna Creek’s 96-foot-deep seeded culvert, an area that Photo provided by Gina Armstrong-Smith had been identified as “high risk” in the town’s Civic News A1-A12 amorinda keeps turning out champions. ney Smith, Jacqui Yuke, Jessie Musacchio and storm drain master plan. Reliez Station Road to get L In March the Miramonte Competitive Emily Forkas. The cause of the collapse is still under investiga- new signals.— page A3 Cheer Team took home the National Champion- Prior to the National Competition, cheer tion and options for repair will be brought forward at ship in the Varsity Small Show Cheer Division. teams had to qualify at Regional levels and re- the April 27 town council meeting. The intersection The squad competed against 23 teams in their ceive an invitation to compete. The USA Na- is likely to be disrupted for many more months. Summer Camps B3 quest for the title. tional Cheerleading competition was held in “We are still investigating the reason why the A guide to some of the best Pictured here are (Back row from left): Kay- Anaheim March 19-21. While at the competition sinkhole formed,” Kwan said. First workers had to local programs. — page B3 lie Parr, Megan Melohn, Hannah Gunn, Lauren each cheer team had to perform at preliminaries stabilize the hole for safe access, and dig deep into Kozicki, Hallie Pritchard and Mary Rockwood. in order to qualify and compete on the final day. the debris to uncover all the layers. (Front row, from left): Maddie Robinson, Syd- See accompanying story, page A11. ... continued on page A8
Life in Lamorinda B1-B10 Sports C1-C3 Our Homes D1-D16
Volunteers help Lady Mats are Catchments create cutting- proud of their prevent precious edge pieces in historic run. rainwater from woodworking. — page C1 going to waste. — page B1 — page D1 Page: A2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016
STILL #1 FOR A REASON 2008 THROUGH 2015 Lafayette’s Best Realtor
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Diablo Blvd. License #: 01866771 DanaGreenTeam.com | 925.339.1918 License # 01482454 Design Review Monday, April 11, 7 p.m. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Committee Looks to Unsnarl Lafayette’s Traffic Congestion Arts & Science Discovery Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. By Cathy Tyson School Board Meetings s Lafayette’s comprehensive sultants on the project, has used Arup will analyze the most favor of extending Moraga Road Acalanes Union High School District Astudy on downtown traffic state-of-the-art technology, in- highly recommended solution ideas to connect with the freeway, and Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. congestion continues, the all-vol- cluded GPS traffic information, to that are on the committee’s short hinted at legal repercussions. AUHSD Board Room unteer steering committee wrestled investigate costs and benefits of an list, from the original universe of Strategies that were left on the 1212 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette with how to turn the very long list array of strategies that could ease possible options, including “moon- short list for now include “road di- www.acalanes.k12.ca.us of suggestions into a short list, fo- congestion. By using big data that shots” like having a direct connec- ets” for Oak Hill and First Street Lafayette School District cusing on the key question: What clearly identifies traffic patterns, the tion to Highway 24 through what is to create “complete streets” that Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m. are some of the best ways to solve consultants can custom-tailor solu- now McCaulou’s. Going forward, reduce the number of travel lanes Regular Board Meeting District Office Board Room downtown traffic congestion? tions for specific problems. three options will be selected that and provide a two-way cycle track 3477 School St., Lafayette Does the city need more bike At this point in the year-long, meet the project goals of address- and wider sidewalks that make for www.lafsd.k12.ca.us friendly roadways, or a direct con- grant-funded study, the focus is to ing current and future traffic condi- a better connection with BART to Check online for agendas, meeting nection to the freeway? Those were weigh the broad inventory of ideas, tions. enhance the bike-pedestrian experi- notes and announcements two of 50 concepts study engineers and indicate which of those ideas Surprisingly, initial work done ence. City of Lafayette: came up with after analyzing mul- merit priority for further evalua- by the consultant found 63 percent “Changing the way kids get to www.ci.lafayette.ca.us tiple complex data sources, com- tion, according to city Transporta- of the traffic heading northbound on school would help a lot,” said City Phone: (925) 284-1968 munity outreach, surveys and past tion Planner James Hinkamp. As Moraga Road is going to Highway Engineer Tony Coe of the addition- Chamber of Commerce: studies. The Arup Group, the con- the Downtown Congestion Reduc- 24, which generates tremendous al school loading zones strategy at www.lafayettechamber.org tion Steering Committee, which pressure at the Y – cars turning right Stanley Middle School and Lafay- has been providing input and guid- and left at the intersection of Mt. ette Elementary School, so that con- Panhandling ance throughout the study process, Diablo and Moraga Road as they cept is also on the short list. Trader Joe’s painstakingly went through each make their way to the freeway. Concepts that didn’t make the Police/Fire/EMS response and every concept at a March 22 Bike East Bay Advocacy Di- cut include a BART garage. Don 1000 block Serrano Ct. 600 block Moraga Rd. meeting, it was apparent that some rector Dave Campbell attended the Tatzin commented that because the Bank of the West concepts were better than others. meeting to lobby for bicyclists; he transit agency owns the land, the Pleasant Hill/Reliez Valley Rds. The 50 potential projects were complimented the process so far, probability that BART would agree Lafayette Police 900 block Dewing Ave. divided into four color-coded cat- calling it “wonderful” and noted the for Lafayette merchants’ employ- Possession egories: green, yellow and red – many good projects. When asked ees to park there is “zero.” Also not Department Incident 3100 block Stanley Blvd. Summary Report that corresponded with the costs about actual bike ridership, he re- making the short list: a traffic man- Public Nuisance and benefits — along with blue for plied “a lot more people would ride agement center and a roundabout at March 6 to 19, 2016 3300 block Moraga Blvd. “require further consideration and a bike if it were safe to do so.” the intersection of Mt. Diablo and Alarms 57 Library (2) 911 Calls (incl. hang-ups) 24 Willoughby Ct/Condit Rd. input from steering committee.” Campbell would like to see Moraga Road. Noise complaints 5 3100 block S Peardale Dr. Items in the green range garnered more separated dedicated bike lanes The shorter list will go to Arup Traffic stops 78 N Peardale/S Peardale Drs. the most bang for the buck, while as a means to encourage ridership for further refinement, where they Suspicious Circumstances 22 3100 block Sandalwood Ct. concepts in the red category had and get people out of cars. “I think will look for the best value and to Suspicious Subjects 38 Trader Joe’s high costs or uncertain benefits. The what Lafayette is doing is a real ex- see how the narrowed-down proj- Suspicious Vehicles 41 Martino/Springhill Rds. blue category contained concepts ample to other cities trying to figure ects match up to over-arching con- Abandoned Vehicle 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. like a free downtown shuttle and out how to move more people with- gestion and parking problems that 900 block Village Center Promiscuous Shooting 1000 block Miller Dr. Reliez Valley/Pleasant Hill Rds. consolidating or relocating Lafay- out endlessly widening streets.” the study is geared to address. An- Barking Dog Prowler ette Elementary School and Stanley Shopping center owner Joan other round of outreach to residents 3300 block Johnson Rd. 1100 block Bacon Way Middle School. Both ideas were Bruzzone was also in attendance is expected this summer. Burglary, Auto 1000 block Vista Bella non-starters with the committee. and made it clear she was not in 900 block Happy Valley Ct. (2) Reckless Driving Wells Fargo Olympic Blvd/Pleasant Hill Rd. 20 block Lafayette Cir. Deer Hill Rd./Sierra Vista Way Lamorinda Artists Lose Marketing Safeway Green Valley Dr./Pleasant Hill Rd. 50 block Lafayette Cir. (2) Acalanes/Hidden Valley Rds. Starbucks Pleasant Hill/Deer Hill Rds. Outlet as Lafayette Gallery Closes 3600 Mosswood Dr. Pleasant Hill Rd./Hwy 24 By Nick Marnell Burglary, Commercial Mt Diablo Blvd./Moraga Rd. jewelry to pay the rent.” 3300 block Mt Diablo Blvd. St Mary’s Rd./Glenside Dr. “It might have taken years for Burglary Recovery stolen vehicle 3400 block Moraga Blvd. 1000 block 2nd St. this to become a destination spot,” 3300 Mt Diablo Blvd. Strong-arm Robbery added Susan Erickson, one of the Civil Problem Safeway (2) original member artists. 900 block Dewing Ave. Shoplifting Miller agreed that the gallery 3300 block Mildred Ln. Safeway location was an impediment, ac- 1200 block Vacation Dr. Theft, Petty knowledging that if she could have 90 block Carolyn Ct. Safeway (4) done it over, the gallery would have Lamorinda Tow 10 block Amanda Ln. 3000 block Camino Diablo 3500 block Walnut St. remained at its previous location, Counterfeit Reliez Valley Rd/Withers Ave. across from Chow Restaurant. 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. 3400 block Black Hawk Rd. “I wanted to stay,” she said. Dispute, Verbal 900 block Raintree Pl. “But we weren’t sure what was hap- 800 block Mt View Dr. 1300 block Reliez Valley Rd. pening. The landlord took down Bentley Upper School 3100 block Lucas Dr. our sculpture garden with only two 3600 block Bickerstaff (2) 3200 block Lucas Dr. weeks’ notice. What would happen Safeway BART (from vehicle) Disturbance 3100 Black Hawk Rd. Gallery owner Judy Miller displays her art. Photo Nick Marnell next? Did the plans include us? We voted to move. As it turns out, we Mt Diablo Blvd/Carol Ln. 10 block Greenvalley Dr. (2) he Lafayette Art Gallery qui- Geoffrey Meredith, a member artist. Fraud Theft, Grand could have still been there.” etly closed its doors March 31, “The shop was more for ceramics 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd. 3100 block Lucas Dr. T ... continued on page A9 700 block John Way 900 block Village Center a casualty of hasty decision making, and jewelry. You can’t sell enough 3600 block Mt Diablo Blvd. Safeway bad timing and the 21st-century dis- Shell Station Theft, ID ruption of legacy businesses. But front2_Layout 1 3/11/2016 7:58 AM Page 1 1000 block 2nd St 3200 block Sharon Ct. atop the list of reasons for its down- Harassment 3300 block Kim Rd (2) fall sat a Lamorinda inevitability: The 10 block Hartwood Ct. (phone) 3500 block Terrace Way the 17-year Lafayette fixture could Safeway 3400 block Stage Coach Dr. 2016/2017 no longer afford the rent. 800 block Avalon (phone) 3200 Beechwood Dr. Lafayette Hit & Run 900 block Moon Ct. The gallery, a cooperative of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Chamber 700 block Los Palos Mnr. 3600 block Brook St. up to 28 artists, was founded by 3700 block Mosswood Dr. Theft, Vehicle Judy Miller in April 1999. She sat Directory Starbucks 1000 block Walnut Dr. alone at her desk, not a customer in was delivered 1700 block Toyon Rd. 3400 Golden Gate Way sight, as she reflected on what went to Lafayette Mt Diablo Blvd./ Threats wrong. residents’ 3300 S Lucille Ln. Happy Valley Rd. homes last 1000 block Brown Ave Trespass “The selling of art has changed,” Pleasant Hill Rd/Hwy 24 10 block Green Place (vehicle) Miller said. She waxed philosophi- week. If 3500 block Mt Diablo Blvd Library cally about the damage done to art- you need an Golden Gate Way/1st St. Unwanted Guest ists by the Internet, especially to additional 800 block Mt View Dr. 3200 block Stanley Blvd. sculptors like her. “People miss the copy, please Intoxicated Subject Lamorinda Tow feeling, the touching, the handling of contact the Whole Foods 3600 block Bickerstaff a piece of art, by purchasing online.”
Missing Adult Vandalism Business & Community Directory Chamber at Miller identified the 2013 - gal 3600 block Robertson Rd. 1700 block Reliez Valley Rd. (2) 925-284-7404. 3300 Reliez Highland Rd. Hillside Ter./Reliez Valley Rd./ lery relocation to 3420 Mt. Diablo 3200 block Ameno Dr. 3200 block La Canada Rd. Blvd. as the beginning of the end. Ordinance violation 10 block Green Valley Dr./ “The new spot was not known LAFAYETTE 100 Lafayette Circle Ste. 103 • Lafayette, CA 94549 Olympic Blvd/Pleasant Hill Rd. 1100 Estates Dr. as a place to buy paintings,” said CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lafayettechamber.org • 925.284.7404 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A3 Lafayette Goes to the Dogs By Cathy Tyson both humans and their pooches can rock a signature ensemble in public, without get- ting any curious looks. Organizers from the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce have thought of everything from a Doggie Vogue fashion show, a kiss- ing booth for owners and their four-legged beloved, and for the first time ever, a Puppy Bowl. Furry friends can be entered into any 30 and all contests; free registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the library. Look for spe- Coming Soon! cial canine treats from Photo provided local Huckleberry ossibly the best way for Lam- Kitchen and even dog friendly ice orinda dogs and their humans P cream from Smitten. Casual con- to spend Saturday morning, April tests include: Looks Most Like 9, is to celebrate all things canine Owner, Human-Dog Team Tricks, at Dogtown Downtown. This third Best Costume, and of course, Best annual event kicks off at 10 a.m. in Show. with a dog parade from the Lafay- Even cat people are invited to ette Plaza Park down Golden Gate check out Lafayette’s Dogtown Way to the Lafayette Library and Downtown. The event runs from 1 North Lane, Orinda | Offered at $995,000 Learning Center, led by Lafay- 10 a.m. to noon, and it’s free and Beautifully updated home | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms ette’s police force. fun – but a leash is definitely -re This is the one day of the year AVAILABLE! PENDING! quired. New Signals on Reliez Station Road Get Green Light By Cathy Tyson 1236 Rimer Drive, Moraga 5 Fieldbrook Place, Moraga 3BR/2BA | $1,175,000 4BR/3BA | $1,249,000
Supporters of the traffic signals on Reliez Station Road gathered at a Lafay- ette City Council meeting. Photo Cathy Tyson ho knew there would be so now. The balance of the council Wmuch controversy in the agreed, so the stop lights were ap- name of safety over a pair of traffic proved, along with an okay to pur- signals on Reliez Station Road? chase some of the necessary equip- Conversation Coffee Treats After three public workshops, ment ahead of time. two public walking tours and re- Although there was public out- views by the Circulation Commit- reach on the Olympic Boulevard FREE Educational Seminar on Today’s Market Issues tee and the Design Review Com- and Reliez Station Road corridor Managing and mitigating stock market risk mittee, the matter was discussed that started with an initial opinion before the Lafayette City Council survey in May and June of 2014, Managing your investments on March 28 with both support- some residents still felt frustrated Knowing when to buy and sell ers and opponents in the audience. with the process, and criticized a Residents most immediately af- lack of transparency and adequate fected by the signals voiced their notice of meetings. Still other op- First Saturday of the month Come visit us at the concerns and were thrilled that stop ponents are troubled by the steep Starting , 2016 Moraga Barn lights for two intersections on Re- slope at the location of the light that liez Station Road were approved, will be at the corner of Las Tram- 925 Country Club Drive despite the roundabout fashion the pas and Reliez and the relatively Time: 9:30am—10:45am Moraga, CA 94556 solution came to pass. small number of car trips generated “The arguments for the light are by the 72 homes on those streets. Please RSVP to Telephone: 925.376.7335 so compelling – this seems to be “Does it make sense to endan- the only reasonable solution,” said ger upwards of 15,000 cars a day to Simran Parhar Council Member Brandt Anders- save time for a few hundred cars?” Email: [email protected] son, recognizing the threat of cars asked Silloo Tarapore in a letter to and trucks stopped on the steep hill the city council. rolling backwards already exists ... continued on page A9
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If you are considering selling your home, give us a call for assistance. Moraga Public Meetings 925.200.2222 Gary 925.878.9685 Ken City Council [email protected] [email protected] Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m. CalBRE#00686144 CalBRE#01418309 Wednesday, April 27, 7 p.m. pacificunion.com | A Member of Real Living Council Chambers and Community Gary Bernie Ken Ryerson Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. Planning Commission Gary Bernie & Ken Ryerson Monday, April 18, 7 p.m. Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. Hillside and Ridgeline Regulation Debate Continues Design Review Monday, April 11, 7 p.m. By Sophie Braccini Monday, April 25, 7 p.m. “The General Plan calls for Council Chambers and Community protecting the view shed along the Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. scenic corridors, but what does pro- School Board Meetings tect mean?” asked consultant Ben Moraga School District Noble, who showed different op- Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m. tions such as horizontal or vertical Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School setbacks from the ridge, or a “cone Auditorium of vision. “ 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga Council Member Teresa Onoda www.moraga.k12.ca.us said that when she thinks of a hill See also AUHSD meeting page A2 in Moraga, she does not think about Check online for agendas, meeting houses. “I want to see the hill,” she notes and announcements said. “Just seeing the ridgeline is Town of Moraga: not enough.” www.moraga.ca.us Vice Mayor Dave Trotter added Phone: (925) 888-7022 that the General Plan includes pro- The Bellavista development is under construction off Rheem Blvd. Photo Andy Scheck Chamber of Commerce: tection of view sheds that necessar- www.moragachamber.org he hills of Moraga were front and the Moraga Open Space Ordi- been conducted, a steering commit- ily include some of the hillsides. Moraga Citizens’ Network: Tand center last month at a spe- nance (MOSO), as well as in the tee was appointed, and 10 amend- But others, such as Mayor Mike www.moragacitizensnetwork.org cial Moraga Town Council meeting. grading ordinance, design guide- ment topics have been identified. Metcalf, were concerned that pro- The council has been work- lines and the zoning code as part of Whether to protect the face of hibiting too much development Moraga ing to clarify inconsistent terms the hillside and ridgeline regulation hills and ridgelines from develop- could open the door to lawsuits by Police and regulations about hillsides and revision process that began two ment stirred the most controversy property owners. Report ridgelines noted in the General Plan years ago. Public workshops have at the March 10 meeting. ... continued on page A12 March 15-22 Town Makes $10,000 Donation to Carr Ranch Four car burglaries 3/16/16: By Sophie Braccini Police responded to the Moraga Safeway on a report of four auto he Town of Moraga sent a from a mix of public agency fund- preservation on the Rancho Laguna Council Members Roger Wykle burglaries. Like a good neighbor, Tstrong signal of support to the ing, private foundations and indi- II property,” said Council Member and Teresa Onoda agreed with Trot- Orinda P.D. is there – an Orinda John Muir Land Trust when the town vidual supporters, most of them Dave Trotter. “It was always con- ter that there was a nexus of oppor- officer located the vehicle and pur- council voted to donate $10,000 to from Lamorinda.” templated that this money would tunity at this time and the donation sued it to Oakland. Even more help the campaign to purchase 600 acres The East Bay Municipal Utility be allocated to a project that would was approved. arrived in the form of air support of the Carr Ranch property. District, which owns the watershed have a pro-environmental impact.” Eukel added after the meeting and an Oakland P.D. cruiser. Two suspects were arrested for posses- The vote, held at the March next to the Carr Ranch property, has A letter from Summerhill was that “no deal is done until it is fin- sion of stolen property from auto 23 meeting, was not unanimous, really helped support the fundrais- produced that indicated that the ished” and that the JMLT continues burglaries at Safeway, and conspir- as Mayor Michael Metcalf said he ing efforts, Eukel said. fine should be used to protect open to need strong local support to raise acy to commit a crime. The driver would have rather waited for the The director added that the space. the rest of the money. was also arrested for evading of- coming budget cycle before agree- town’s donation had not been so- But Metcalf said he had never On April 30 a fundraising gala ficers. ing to the donation. licited by the Trust and that it was seen a written account of this trans- will be held at Campana Farm, next More grocery crime 3/17/16: A When the JMLT announced nine a strong signal of local support. action and that he wanted the dona- to the ranch. “The sale of the seats supermarket employee reported months ago that it was committing During the meeting he stressed the tion to be included in the many proj- is already going strong and we have the theft of food and other items, to raising $7 million to purchase importance of getting a unanimous ects up for review during the next capped the number of attendants at as well as the suspects fleeing in a Carr Ranch, it seemed a monumen- decision from the council. The four budgeting cycle, which will start in 350,” Eukel said. “We are so grate- U-Haul van – way to blend in. The tal task, and the largest the 26-year- council members present all sup- April. ful to Pat Rose who gave us the vehicle was stopped by a neighbor- old trust ever undertook. But Linus ported the idea of a $10,000 dona- “My problem is not what we are place for this occasion.” ing unspecified police department and found to be stolen; just a guess Eukel, JMLT Executive Director, tion, but differed on the way of ap- doing, but how we are doing it,” he The Trust’s goal is to close es- – either Orinda or Lafayette cops. said that over $5 million had already propriating the sum. said. “There are a bunch of things crow with the Carr family by July of Upon further investigation, cops been committed. “Ten thousand dollars was a that we know are going to come up, this year. learned the stolen items from the “We have over two-thirds worth payment by SummerHill (Homes) and we have a budget process that More information about the grocery store were recovered by of support toward the acquisition of for illegally cutting down a buck- gives us an opportunity to make an Carr Ranch campaign and the gala employees prior to the suspects the property,” Eukel said. “It comes eye tree that was on the tree map for assessment of all our needs.” can be found at www.jmlt.org. departing the premises. Although they didn’t get cited for the shop- lifting – the driver of the U-Haul was arrested for vehicle theft and drug charges.
No love for Trump stickers 3/18/16: Around midnight at St. Mary’s College, six Trump stick- ers valued at $10 each have been defaced or removed from the re- porting person’s car while parked. The fellow also states he has been PURE MUIR harassed via social media for his political beliefs and had reported a celebration of Contra Costa open space the incidents to St. Mary’s College Public Safety. The Trump sup- porter had no idea who would be Saturday, April 30th • 5-9 pm removing his stickers, but he want- ed documentation of the incident. What about the college’s Lasallian Campana Farm, Moraga commitment to social justice and Gala respect for all persons?
Toddler in traffic 3/19/16: Police responded to a report of a toddler who ran into traffic near the 7-11 on busy Moraga Road at 2:25 p.m. Officers took charge of the child and located his residence, but found no adults at home. The father was Join us for a celebration of Contra Costa open space! Enjoy music, eventually contacted via phone and returned to the residence, explain- gourmet dinner, wine and live auction. Learn about the campaign to ing that he had gone to pick up an- other child, and left the 3-year-old save beautiful Carr Ranch. in the care of a 7-year-old. There was no indication of other neglect or abuse and the child was left in the care of his father. The case was Purchase tickets at jmlt.org or 925.228.5040 referred to Child Protective Ser- vices. Sponsored by Independent, locally owned and operated! Other crimes occurring in Moraga from March 15 – 22: Traffic incident – Rheem Shopping Center Car vs. unoccupied car – Moraga Star gas station False alarm – Rimer Drive, Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 MORAGA TRIATHLON SATURDAY, APRIL 23 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
MORAGA PARKS & RECREATION 925-888-7045 • www.moragarec.com
‘Selfless’ Volunteer Judy Dinkle is Moraga Citizen of the Year Best Heirlooms By Sophie Braccini has also been working hours on the prepara- by this group. Bob Reynolds, Moraga Park on Sale at Moraga tion for these events. Foundation Board member, recalls the reno- “I was raised in a Connecticut fam- vation of the kitchen. “Judy was an absolute- Garden Farms ily where serving the community was the ly critical and instrumental part of the team By Sophie Braccini norm,” Dinkle says. “My father served on that initiated and executed the remodel of the the city council and my mother was involved Hacienda kitchen,” he says, adding that for ince the mid-1990s Moraga Garden with the Juniors, the garden club, and other him Dinkle represents talent coupled with SFarms has sold its produce to the best local groups.” dedication. local restaurants, from Chez Panisse in With a full time job on top of being a Everyone who worked on these projects Berkeley to Postino in Lafayette. The heir- mom, she was already very busy in the com- with her, either remodeling, repairing or put- loom tomatoes that the farm grows from munity. When her progeny prepared to leave ting on events to make the Hacienda a more seeds are among the favorites. for college, she decided to engage more time popular venue rave about her can-do attitude. Local foodies will rejoice that through in the town’s affairs and take on more re- “Her expertise in matters of construction April 24 farm volunteers are selling the sponsibilities. and design has made her a most valuable as- same plants to the public that local chefs “I joined the Board of the Moraga Park set to our parks-related projects,” says Claire seek. The proceeds help fund the group, Foundation in 2001,” says Dinkle. That Roth, a member of the Hacienda Foundation which also gives its surplus to those in the group is known for raising money and fund- Board of Directors. “She is selfless, talented, area that most need it. ing the ever-popular free summer concert hardworking, and exceptionally productive.” “We have used their tomatoes for many Judy Dinkle is Moraga’s Citizen of the Year. series. Dinkle has been in charge of select- And she is a delight to be around, adds years,” says Beth Wells, head chef at Chez Photo Sophie Braccini Panisse in Berkeley. “We try to buy as udy Dinkle is an unassuming woman ing and contracting with the bands for years. Reynolds. “Going to the park on summer night and see- After 10 years on the Hacienda Founda- much local and organic produce as pos- Jwho says she feels more comfortable sible. Their tomatoes are great!” in the background, but the licensed general ing all the families (at the concerts) is just a tion Dinkle has timed out. “I am very hope- wonderful experience,” she says. ful about what the town is doing now with Deva Rajan, founder and director of the contractor, entrepreneur and volunteer ex- farm, confirms that Heirloom tomatoes are traordinaire couldn’t hide her achievements Her biggest love affair in Moraga is Gould Evans to develop the property,” she with the Hacienda de las Flores. An art ma- said, “I’m sure that a restaurant would do the most popular items. indefinitely, as she was selected as the 2016 “Star Grocery loves our hybrid to- Moraga Citizen of the Year. jor and teacher when she started her career, very well there.” She also believes that a Dinkle has always had a flair for aesthetics public-private partnership could allow de- matoes also, especially the Early Girls,” Since 2001 she has volunteered in the Rajan said. “We are also delivering fresh town, serving on the board of the Park Foun- and was attracted to the charm and serenity velopment there. of the Moraga jewel. When the town asked A dinner to honor Dinkle will be held on summer squash and cucumbers.” dation, then helping in the creation of the Farm volunteer Claire Curtin says that Hacienda Foundation. She has spearheaded volunteers to serve on a Hacienda commit- April 29 at the Soda Center on the St. Mary’s tee in 2005 she was selected. The commit- College campus. The event will start at 6 there are four restaurants in Lamorinda that many projects for both groups. are buying the produce: It seems as if Dinkle is everywhere, serv- tee recommended the creation of a Founda- p.m. with a social hour, followed by a buffet tion that would raise $1.2 million to repair dinner at 7 p.m. and the recognition program Postino, Metro Lafayette, The Rustic Tav- ing food on the Fourth of July, Cinco de ern and the Moraga Ranch Cafe on School Mayo and at other local celebrations, lend- the Hacienda. Dinkle was instrumental with beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55 per per- other committee members and friends to start son. Reservation deadline is Monday, April Street. She adds that in Berkeley and Oak- ing an enthusiastic hand whenever she can. land there are several: What people don’t always see is that Dinkle the foundation’s fundraising efforts. 25, 2016. Purchase on line at www.moraga- Many projects have been undertaken chamber.org. ... continued on page A12
1990 - 2015 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
LAFAYETTE $3,750,000 LAFAYETTE $3,500,000 LAFAYETTE $1,895,000
1982 Reliez Valley Road | 4bd/4.5ba 931 Sunnyhill Road | 5bd/3.5ba 507 Winchester Court | 5bd/3.5ba Karen Richardson | 925.258.1111 Karen Richardson | 925.258.1111 L. Brydon/K. Ives/K. Brickman | 925.258.1111
ORINDA $1,800,000 MARTINEZ $1,495,000 LAFAYETTE PRICE UPON REQUEST
52 Camino Don Miguel | 4bd/3.5ba 1 Hardisty Lane | Lot 1903 Reliez Valley Road | 5bd/4.5ba Alan Marks | 925.258.1111 Karen Richardson | 925.258.1111 Alan Marks | 925.258.1111
APR.COM Over 30 Offices Serving The San Francisco Bay Area 866.468.0111 Page: A6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Jewel in Glorietta Neighborhood ~ Coming Soon! Remodeled and expanded single level home sits back behind gated entry on an approximate .86 acre nearly flat lot with 3700+ square feet and 5 bedrooms 4.5 baths plus Orinda office. Simply Stunning! Public Meetings Price upon request~ City Council Monday, April 19, 7 p.m. Direct: (925)253-6311 [email protected] Library Auditorium, Orinda Library www.MaureenWilbur.com CalBRE #01268536 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Maureen Wilbur Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Planning Commission independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m. Sarge Littlehale Comminuty Room, Orinda Libraray New Village Development will ‘Enliven’ Orinda Parks & Recreation By Vic Ryerson Committee. Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 7:00pm Orinda Community Center, Room 7 28 Orinda Way, Orinda School Board Meetings Acalanes Union High School District Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. AUHSD Board Room 1212 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette www.acalanes.k12.ca.us Orinda Unified School District Monday, April 11, 6 p.m. Regular Board Meeting 8 Altarinda Rd., Orinda www.orindaschools.org
Check online for agendas, meeting notes and announcements City of Lafayette: www.ci.lafayette.ca.us A rendering of the proposed development on Orinda Way. Image provided Phone: (925) 284-1968 rinda Village will be getting a the building back an average of the commission directed staff to Approval required waiving the Chamber of Commerce: Ofacelift as the Planning Com- three feet to widen the sidewalk work with the developer to modify 35-foot height limitation to ac- www.lafayettechamber.org mission approved a major project to 11 feet – a width the developer a particularly troublesome Spanish commodate certain features of the across the street from Orinda’s says is sufficient to accommodate colonial element added to the front building, including a tower that community center. three double strollers, side-by-side. in response to earlier comments. will house the elevator shaft. The After holding a study session Overhangs were also pulled back. Recognizing that no plan would 10-foot setback requirement from and two formal public hearings, the This change reduced the leasable please everyone, the commis- lot lines was also waived, so the Orinda Police commission approved a commer- area by 500 square feet. Commis- sion reached a consensus that this building basically fills the entire Department Incident cial development proposal located sioner Willy Mautner commended project met all of the city’s zoning lot. Summary Report directly across Orinda Way from the developer for making these requirements, and is a good first The result is a building with March 6 to 19, 2016 the Orinda Library and Commu- changes, expressing his feeling that step toward improvement of the an entirely new look for the Vil- nity Center. The new building will the usable sidewalk area “will re- downtown. They all agreed that it lage side of Orinda, and may well Alarms 66 Noise complaints 8 house ground-level retail and res- ally enliven the town.” is an improvement over what ex- be a precursor of future designs for 911 Calls (includes hang-ups) 7 taurant spaces, second floor offices, Changes were also made to the ists now. The empty lot, which has projects in the area. “It’s a good Traffic stops 65 and associated rooftop and second front and rear facades in response languished for many years behind design,” declared Commissioner Suspicious Circumstances 7 story public parking spaces. The to comments. Additional changes a chain link fence, was previously Claire Sammon Roberts. It “of- Suspicious Subjects 10 plan features a public area for out- to the front of the building will re- the site of a defunct service sta- fers what some Orindans say they Suspicious Vehicles 19 door seating and café tables at the duce the appearance of the archi- tion. Its dimensions, tapering from want,” conceded public speaker Abandoned Vehicle sidewalk level, and existing trees tectural themes from three to four. a width of 100 feet at the south to Bruce London less enthusiastically. 60 block Brookwood Rd. 4300 block El Nido Ranch Rd. will be incorporated into the side- Additional features were added to 50 feet at the north, presented a sig- There is a 10-day appeal period Animal cruelty walk design. the rear façade for the same reason, nificant challenge to development before the commission’s decision is Bank of America The developer, Paul Urgenti of improving the view from the Vin- because of the economics and vari- final. Assault w/deadly weapon Tandem Real Estate Co., adapted tage building behind the site. ous zoning requirements, a fact that A three-dimensional virtual Orchard Rd./Moraga Way the project plan several times in re- Not everyone was entirely the commission acknowledged. animation of a street level drive- Burglary, Auto sponse to comments offered by the pleased with the result. Sixty-five The strategic location across from by of the building design as it was 10 block Orinda Way commission and the public since -year Orinda resident Lawrence the heart of Orinda’s community presented to the commission on 500 block Tahos Rd. Orinda Way/Camino Sobrante it was unveiled in November. The Burde remarked that “ticky-tack fa- center also made the project design March 22 may be viewed at https:// El Ribero/Camino Sobrante (2) biggest change from the original çade architecture is horrible.” Other a particularly sensitive issue for the cityoforinda.box.com/s/qu2u7ebz- 10 block Owl Hill Ct. proposal was to move the front of reactions were more restrained, and public. flv11ytksw00kpyhd5mi9e11. 70 block Ardilla Rd. 20 block Fallen Leaf Ter. 300 block Dalewood Dr. City Paves the Way for Revised Roads, Drainage Plan 50 block Orchard Ct. By Vic Ryerson Civil problem 80 block Davis Rd. rinda’s City Council approved tax or other means in 2018. able funding in the city’s budget, changes since the 2014 update, 80 block Moraga Way Oan updated plan for repair- The fifth and final phase will this is an ambitious goal. The city including the passage of Measure 10 block Lavina Ct. ing the city roads and associated involve extending the current half- has elected to do the work in stages, L, which approved a one-half cent 60 block Brookwood Rd. Coroner’s case drainage, an effort that originated cent sales tax, which expires in funding each stage as the program sales tax increase that provides ap- address n/a in 2012 as the 10-year Plan, but is 2022, and seeking other revenue progresses and revising the plan proximately $1 million each year, Dependent child revisited every two years. The plan sources to maintain the improved as each stage nears completion, to and Measure J, which allows the Camino Pablo/Miner Rd. was last updated in April 2014. condition of the roads. gain voter acceptance. city to raise $40 million through a DUI The plan depends upon approv- The overall objective of the re- The ongoing project is one that general obligation bond issue for Moraga Way/El Camino al of future funding of $47 million pair program is to increase the con- Council Member Amy Worth lik- repair of the worst residential roads Fight by the council and voters, and adds dition of all of Orinda’s 92.5 miles ened to building a series of build- and associated drainage. Roads are Orinda Intermediate School Fraud a fifth phase to the previous four to of paved, publicly owned roads to a ings, rather than completing a still being repaired under Phases 1 70 block Hacienda Cr allow for that funding approval to minimum Pavement Condition In- single project. The city is currently and 2 of the plan. Forgery be accomplished in two steps. The dex (PCI) of 50 or greater over the performing repairs with revenues The city uses a detailed meth- 200 block Sundown Ter. council has already acted to put course of the work, and then have raised under the first two phases odology to prioritize the selection Harassment a $25 million general obligation sufficient resources to maintain the of the project, as well as state and of roads to improve to reach the 60 block Brookwood Rd. bond issue on the ballot this June. roads to that standard afterward. federal grants and other unplanned minimum average PCI of 50. The Hit & Run The remaining $22 million needed Given the history of gradual dete- sources. full report and more detailed infor- 80 block La Espiral (2) 600 block Crosswood Pl. to complete the work will be sought rioration since the city’s founding The updated plan adopted by mation are available at the City’s ID Theft by approval of another bond, parcel because of the shortage of avail- the council on March 15 reflects website, www.cityoforinda.org. 200 block Moraga Way 100 block Crest View Dr. Runaway juvenile Neighbor dispute 50 block Barbara Rd. 40 block Muth Dr. Miramonte High School 30 block Muth Dr. Uncontrollable juvenile Comfortable, Convenient Family Wild Rye Way/Rabble Rd. 50 block Barbara Rd. g and Cosmetic Dentistry Ordinance violation Shoplift “Nothin Estates Dr/Brookside Rd. Rite Aid me Certified in Full Mouth 10 block Theatre Square Safeway makes Panhandling n Reconstruction 20 block Orinda Way pier tha CVS Theft, Petty hap Police/Fire/ EMS Hwy 24/ Camino Pablo to see Preferred Provider for Invisalign 500 block Moraga Way 50 block Orchard Rd. ile!” 20 block Bryant Way Safeway you sm Always accepting new patients Public Nuisance 100 block Sleepy Hollow Ln. of any age 60 block Moraga Way Threats like us on 10 block Harran Cir. Wilder/Rabble Rd. Reckless Driving Trespass Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Providing Personalized Care through Quality Dentistry Camino Pablo/Miner Rd. 10 block Orinda Way Camino Pablo/Hwy 24 Unwanted Guest Lombardy Ln./Miner Rd. 60 block Moraga Way Scott D. Lothamer, DDS $40 off Moraga Way/Glorietta Blvd. (2) Theatre Square Moraga 40 block Muth Dr. Vandalism 925-376-4602 mention this ad to Honey Hill/Charles Hill Rds. 20 block Charles Hill Cir. receive $40 off any Restraining order violation 10 block Spring Court 1030 Country Club Drive dental treatment Filed with police 80 block Tarry Ln. moragadental.com Exp. 4-30-16 Member: Orinda Senior Village ADA • CDA • CCDS • AACD Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A7 Just Listed - Open Sunday Pending Sale / Multiple Offers Just Sold
Walnut Creek $749,000 Walnut Creek $1,695,000 Lafayette $1,853,200 Palos Verdes Opportunity!, 4BR/3BA Joaquin Ranch Stunner! 5BR/4.5BA Reliez Valley 4/3 rep'd buyers more at 1623CaminoVerdes.com Woodward Jones Team Woodward Jones Team Frank Woodward CalBRE#01335916 Integrity Knowledge Results Realtor®, Previews Property Specialist T. 925.788.4963 [email protected]
©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. PG&E Security Plans Rankle Lost Valley Residents in Orinda By Vic Ryerson of a new 12-foot-high masonry wall and a tory authority whose mission is to ensure the 10-foot-high chain link fence with vinyl slats reliability of the bulk power system in North around the perimeter to obscure the view into America Its physical security standards are the facility. The wall will be built along the mandatory under Federal Energy Regulatory front (east) side of the facility, and the fence Commission rules. PG&E gave priority to the will enclose the rest. Moraga Substation project because of the re- Construction is slated to begin “imme- cent Metcalf incident in San Jose in which a diately” (“about three weeks from now” in major substation was vandalized, threatening PG&E terms, according to Baker) to take the reliability of regional electric service. advantage of the dry season, and will require PG&E says it notified the City of Orinda about two months to complete if there are of the Moraga Substation project in the fall of no weather-related delays. Crews will work 2015, but did not send letters to area residents from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and no work is sched- until March 11, 2016. Lost Valley residents, uled to be done on weekends at the present who are no strangers to threats of encroach- time. ment and disruption by developers, quickly The project will require removal or trim- rallied in response. Although the meeting This image of a masonry security wall was preseted at the meeting. Image provided ming of about 30 trees, and this, along with produced a lot of smoke in addition to some acific Gas and Electric Company’s plans Association, was present to represent both potential environmental effects to the adja- light, it concluded with an agreement be- Pto beef up the physical security around those who were there as well as others who cent creek and noise, became the key issues tween the two sides to form a joint task force its Moraga Substation in Orinda’s Lost Val- could not attend, but individual speakers did in the discussion at the meeting. The trees to to work out their problems. ley neighborhood immediately fired up the not hold back. In the end, the raucous meet- be affected are of various types, including “We regret not having completed ad- neighbors, who are concerned that the work ing produced a detente of sorts, and the pros- pine, oak, willow, and redwood. ditional community outreach on this issue,” will adversely affect aesthetics, noise and the pects for resolution of the dispute look prom- Residents of the bucolic neighborhood says Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E spokesper- environment in the area. ising going forward. – which includes a barn and pasture on Lost son. “As a result of the March 29 commu- In an effort to address their concerns, The Moraga Substation is a key link in Valley Road – reacted strongly to the pos- nity meeting, we are committed to working PG&E hastily convened a meeting in the the utility’s regional electrical grid serving sible loss of screening vegetation, and are closely with the City of Orinda and our sub- Orinda Library at 3 p.m. March 29. Four the East Bay. It was built in the late 1940s, also concerned about construction noise and station neighbors to ensure clear communica- PG&E managers were present to explain and the Lost Valley neighborhood grew up disruption. tion about the substation improvements and the utility’s actions to residents. Attendance around it. At the meeting Vic Baker, PG&E’s PG&E explained that the new measures our security concerns. Going forward, we are by the neighbors was modest because of the senior manager for the Mt. Diablo Division, are required under the North American creating a working group with representa- workday timing, but those who showed up explained that the construction project is an Electric Reliability Corporation Critical In- tives from both PG&E and the neighborhood were very vocal. upgrade required to comply with mandatory frastructure Protection Plan (NERC CIP). to discuss this and other ongoing issues.” Jack Paulus, secretary of the Lost Valley security standards. It will principally consist NERC is a not-for-profit international regula-
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©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304 Page: A8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Opinions in Letters to the Editor are the express views of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly. All published letters will include the writer’s name and city/town of residence -- we will only accept letters from those who live in, or own a business in, the communities comprising Lamorinda (please give us your phone number for verification purposes only). Letters should be 350 words Fire Districts or less; letters of up to 500 words will be accepted on a space-available basis. Visit www.lamorindaweekly.com for submission guidelines. email: [email protected]; Regular mail: Lamorinda Weekly, P.O.Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570 Public Meetings Moraga-Orinda Fire Thanks to Moraga Leaders for Swift is on a newly renovated street, we were sur- ing. Twenty-nine of these 93 miles have been Response prised that many of the local roads are in such either repaired, are under construction, or District Board of Directors Dear Editor, poor condition. We did not expect to need a have been specifically identified and placed Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m. We are so fortunate to have both Bob four wheel drive vehicle to maneuver some of in the repair queue. New Meeting Room: Priebe as our Town Manager and Lt. Jon the awful streets. Now we need to approve Phase 3, the $25 Sarge Littlehale Community Room King as our Chief of Police. Their leadership Good Orinda roads are critical to every million bond proposal known as Measure L. 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 of the town staff and mutual aid from around Orinda resident, not just for access to our These funds are necessary to continue beyond For meeting times and the area [during the sinkhole and gas line homes, but also for safety and long term com- the 29 miles. Without Measure L, progress agendas, visit www.mofd.org breaks] helped prevent an event that could munity health. We understand a road repair will stop when these 29 miles are complete. have easily turned into what happened in San plan is in place and are glad to see that some But the nattering naysayers, who have no ConFire Board of Directors Bruno, California. All this occurred with the of the Orinda roads are being repaired. We plan of their own fix the roads, want Orinda Tuesday, April 12, 1:30 p.m. additional problem of the homes sliding off agree Measure L is needed to continue the voters to turn down Phase 3 financing and Board Chamber room 107, the hillside. work and reach our goal of good public roads simply walk away from a job only partially Administration Building, I am sure there will be a formal debriefing throughout Orinda. We urge you to vote YES complete. Why? None of their reasons are 651 Pine St., Martinez to see what could have gone more smoothly on Measure L to fix Orinda roads and keep sound. For meeting times and and proper steps will be taken to incorporate our community moving in the future. Don’t be fooled. Vote to continue the ex- agendas, visit the ideas in future events. cellent start to fixing our roads. Vote to sup- http://alturl.com/5p9pu. I feel they should be recognized for their Jeremy and Laura Tieman port the road repair project to completion. On professional response which prevented the Orinda June 7, vote YES on Measure L! Emergency response information loss of many lives. As a citizen of the Town of Vote Yes on L for Orinda Roads and training: Moraga, I want to thank them and their staff. Carol Penskar Lamorinda Community Yote Yes on L Orinda Emergency Response Team Barry Behr Dear Editor, (CERT) Moraga For decades, Orindans, in fits and starts, Thank You, PG&E www.lamorindacert.org. have been trying to find a solution to its roads Dear Editor Fix Orinda Roads problem. How does an affluent but small Thanks to PG&E for their prompt re- Dear Editor, community with 93 miles of public roads in sponse to our gas outage last week. The ser- We were excited to move to Orinda a few poor condition execute a fix? vice representatives were very courteous and years ago and get to know this great city with It took 10 years and three tries at the bal- explained what was happening. We had our HARDWOODS its beautiful scenery and active community. lot box before the community came together gas back on the next day. However, as we began driving around Orinda and agreed on a phased approach to bring all CARPETS we were not so excited to discover the terrible roads to at least “good” condition. Phases 1 Gordon Steele condition of some roads. While our new home and 2 have gone well, El Niño notwithstand- Moraga RUGS LINOLEUM Costs to Repair Sinkhole May Soar ... continued from page A1 Nearly 23 feet below the broken said. “They will investigate the in- sented the storm drain master plan a townwide community prefer- TILE 27-inch storm drain is the 96-inch cident. We will also provide them to the council, creek culverts were ence survey. “There are a lot of culvert that carries Laguna Creek, with our forensic study results.” clearly identified as the -weak competing needs,” Kwan said. LAMINATE the same creek that comes above Kwan explains that this in- est link in the system. The report “I have more concerns about in- ground at the Hacienda de las Flores quiry will study soil samples and evaluated the total cost of de- frastructure, but that’s just one and feeds into Moraga Creek. the damaged infrastructure, seek- layed maintenance at $26 million, perspective. The council wants “We observed deformation of ing to put together a picture of with $8.9 million of high priority the community to tell the town FAMILY -OWNED the culvert, offsets at the joints and how it all occurred. Causes of the work. The culvert in the sinkhole what needs to be addressed first.” scouring at the bottom,” Kwan said. failure and sinkhole cannot be de- was part of that list of hot spots. Even as Kwan refuses to be 30 YEARS ! Water is still running in the pipe and termined until this is completed. At the time the town council tied to a repair deadine, he wants street runoffs and water from the 27- “Our objective is to bring al- decided that there were no funds residents to be assured that the inch broken storm drain have been ternatives (for repair) to the town available to address the problem. town’s team and its consultants redirected to the culvert at this time. council on April 27,” said Kwan, The 2016 town goals include study- are very experienced in manag- Repair costs will far exceed knowing that this will be a chal- ing financing strategies to -main ing such problems. He himself town resources so it is critical that lenge. Many different aspects will tain the antiquated storm drain was Richmond’s City Engineer in the state recognize the State of Emer- have to be taken into account, such system. A study is underway to 2010 when a 120-foot-long and gency the town declared soon after as environmental impacts — this is determine responsibilities, since a 20- to 30-foot deep sinkhole the sinkhole appeared on March a freshwater creek that ultimately landowners are responsible for swallowed Via Verdi in that city, 13, and provide additional funding. ends into the San Leandro reser- what runs under their property un- costing Richmond $12 million “We have sent a letter to the gov- voir for drinking water — timeline, less the town owns an easement. and taking three years to repair. A ernor and are expecting state repre- cost and other technical factors. The council also decided to 30-year-old culvert carrying San sentatives to come soon,” Kwan Last August, when Kwan pre- include the storm drain repairs in Pablo Creek was the culprit there. New Editor Doesn’t Get Swallowed by Sinkhole By Peggy Spear you may remember that this is not my first swing through Lamorinda, rocking chair as I was editor of the Contra Costa (now Lamorinda) Sun from 2002- 2005. I loved those years, getting to know Lamorinda, its civic commu- nities, the schools, and the residents who weave the fabric of this unique place. Since leaving the Contra Costa Times in 2006 — when my oldest child started high school — I have been editor of two parenting maga- zines, Bay Area Parent and Par- ents’ Press. I wrote for local Patch can’t say my first week with the sites and launched Concord Patch ILamorinda Weekly was explo- in 2010. sive, but it certainly wasn’t dull. My family moved to New Or- I came on board as editor — leans for nearly a year, where I replacing the great Jennifer Wake wrote for local papers and parent- — the same week a Moraga sink- ing magazines, but we missed Cali- hole “ate” a traffic light, punctur- fornia and the Bay Area so much ing holes in a gas line and shutting we moved back. Since then I have out gas power to 2,600 residents. spent my time as a freelance writer I was extremely proud of the way and editor for many local publica- Change your perspective our staff responded to the crisis, tions, most notably the Weekly’s At Byron Park, life is different here. It’s not just a place to live. This is where especially Cathy Dausman, who “cousin” publications, the Con- residents discover the community experience and put passions into practice. spent the night working with the cord and Clayton Pioneer. I have Engage, challenge yourself, share knowledge, and build a legacy for future Emergency Services unit and was been covering Concord civic issues still awake enough to write about since 2013. generations. This is where your personal journey begins. it; Nick Marnell, who chronicled But now I’m back where I feel I some of our fire district’s leaders’ belong, and I look forward to meet- dissatisfaction with the PG&E ing — and reacquainting myself — Call 888.713.2228 or visit management’s response; and our with all of you who make this area LifeatByronPark.com to learn more. Moraga reporter Sophie Braccini, one of the best places in the country who was on the scene and even to live. Sinkholes and all. went within the fenced-off area for Please don’t hesitate to contact more information, along with our me at Peggy@lamorindaweekly. publisher Andy Scheck — both com with story ideas, civic gripes, decked out in protective gear. business topics, good news, bad It was a crazy first issue for me, news and bragging about your kids. License #075601546 but it reminded me how much I love That’s what local news is all about. covering this community. Some of
Rocking Chair BP ad 5.875 x 8 Lamorinda Weekly.indd 1 3/11/15 2:02 PM Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A9
New Signals ... continued from page A3 Would you like to CALM DOWN after a STRESSFUL DAY? When a resident complained she that, “we citizens are not traffic engi- would arrive in time to be part of the Would you like to RECHARGE for the EVENING? hadn’t heard of the project, or the neers.” She said the current situation summer construction window. Are you interested in SELF-HEALING? point where the decision was going doesn’t meet safety regulations and In addition, the decision to order to be made, Coe itemized the over- there is no legitimate reason to ques- the estimated $100,000 to $150,000 Simple powerful breath and movement practices adapted from Ancient Traditions. all number of meetings, which in his tion the experts who have evaluated signal equipment requires the city Lighthearted and joyfully presented by the Blue Pearl Group. quick estimation was over a dozen, the road. commit to the project, since it’s not Minimum Donation $10.00 • All Ages Welcome along with email blasts and updates Another neighbor shared a video possible to cancel the order. More Information: David Holland 415-233-2581 on the city website. taken just a couple of hours before The vast majority of the funding Wednesdays | April 13 & May 11 | 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM The majority of public speakers the meeting, that demonstrated actu- for the estimated $762,000 project Lafayette Library | Arts & Sciences Center | 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd at the meeting were neighbors who al cars blowing through the intersec- will come from the Contra Costa live on side streets that intersect at tion at Las Trampas as the flashing Transportation Authority’s Measure the crest of Reliez, where one of the lights were illuminated, complain- J Major Streets Program. signals will be located. They urged ing they are “constantly ignored.” approval, citing safety reasons, es- If the city does nothing, it could pecially noting the paved path that be liable, due to its knowledge of a serves children and cyclists crosses dangerous condition. “The city has from the west to the east side of the potential (legal) exposure either IT’S APRIL IN LAMORINDA street at that intersection. way,” said city attorney Mala Subra- One speaker summed it up: manian, whether a light is installed FOR REAL ESTATE “A traffic light is the only way to or not. She explained that vintage guarantee safe passage, the incon- Reliez Station Road is not necessar- Call me when you are ready to sell or buy venience to the community is mini- ily up to the standard that would be a home and want the best results. mal.” The other signal will be at the built today. intersection of Reliez and Olympic Mayor Mark Mitchell pointed 925-253-2147 Boulevard. out an important change the city re- [email protected] Giving Dreams an Address Both signals would stay on cently made in truck weight rules on CalBRE#01221153 93 Moraga Way, #103, Orinda green roughly 99.4 percent of the Reliez Station Road. Police can now April Matthews www.villageassociates.com • www.dreamhomelamorinda.com time, Andersson said, only changing issue $1,000 citations as an incen- to red when pedestrians or bicyclists tive to encourage getting trucks off hit the button at the crosswalk or for that road. cross-traffic from side streets. “Is There was also some debate as to that too much to ask?” the timing of the project. City engi- “Prepare to stop” signs will neer Tony Coe wanted the project to 16 Years Thriving be illuminated on the approach to be scheduled for this summer, when Independent Brokerage with the light and the poles will be long there would be less school traffic enough to be seen from an adequate to reduce construction impacts for Five Realtors Strong distance. the roughly 14,000 cars that use the Rae Eckholm asked the city road every day. Unfortunately some council to rely on the independent of the necessary equipment requires opinion of traffic engineering - ex a three-month lead time prior to Alex Gailas perts Stantec, who collected and delivery, so he asked the city coun- Broker/President analyzed data on the corridor and cil to approve the purchase of the recommended the installation of items in advance of the construction traffic signals. Eckholm pointed out project itself going out to bid; they 925-788-0229 Certified Residential Lafayette Gallery Closes Lamorinda Specialist ... continued from page A2 Selling in 2016? Call me today! Expert advice is more essential than ever before.
[email protected] Search MLS at www.AlexGailas.com Office # 925-254-7600 43 Moraga WAy, Ste 203, Orinda Photo Nick Marnell Instead, the gallery struggled of The Forge, the gallery landlord. from the outset at its new location, “I couldn’t support their business. contending with the boulevard con- But I offered to let them draw down NEW TO CONCORD! struction and the rebuild of Bone- on their deposit. They gave me a head’s Texas BBQ next door. 60-day notice in February. “We were having a tough time “I hated to see them go,” he making it,” Meredith said. “There said. Luxury Senior Living was no money for advertising. According to Miller, two mem- Press releases can only go so far.” bers will take over management of It became a dysfunctional way the Diablo Fine Arts Gallery in Wal- Assisted Living • Memory Care to run a business, Miller said. “One nut Creek, providing a new outlet artist leaves, a new one comes in be- for the co-op artists to feature their cause they can’t afford to stay. We work. Roberson said that potential were struggling to pay the bills.” tenants for the gallery space include “They asked to lower the rent a cafe and a menswear retailer. by half, but I couldn’t do that,” said “It’s a big loss for Dave Roberson, managing partner everybody,” Miller said.
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Our respectful, caring and experienced Caregivers are a 1401 Civic Court vital health care resource; they are trained to document Concord, CA 94520 ������������������������������������������������������� accurate and complete manner. 925-643-2037 oakmontofconcord.com 2121 N. California Blvd., Ste. 290 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 RCFE # License Pending YOUR 24/7 HOME CARE SPECIALIST (925) 317-3080 Studio, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Home Care Organization #414700023 www.CareIndeed.com Apartment Homes Now Available for Reservation Page: A10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Local Designer Has Business in the Bag By Moya Stone a new life for the vintage styling of a polished video that tells a story. her favored bag. Even though she knew the story Still, there were many daunting she wanted to tell, she needed help. tasks ahead. Szidon had to learn the Szidon hired a video team that had business of purse manufacturing Kickstarter experience. “It wasn’t and fashion marketing. just about the film — I needed guid- “I had to teach myself about ance in building the campaign.” leather,” she says. She started with Local friends helped too, vol- cobblers and then a friend who unteering for the video the use of makes her own handbags made the a mid-century home and a classic first prototypes for Szidon and- in convertible car from the late 60s, all troduced her to local companies that contributing to the retro-California deal in tanned hides. From there vibe Szidon wanted. she found SVEN, a leather handbag Szidon says that she doesn’t design company in Berkeley. They think she’d come this far with the created the main pattern and are project if she were not in California. ready to manufacture her line lo- “People here are really supportive cally, which is important to Szidon. with networking and collaboration. Now it’s time to market the bag It’s so present and welcoming ... Szidon is calling The Cass Clutch California definitely has that spirit.” The Cass Clutch purses will be available online soon after Debra Szidon’s Kickstarter campaign ends. Photo provided and raise funds to start produc- The Kickstarter campaign afayette resident Debra Szidon It started several years ago when “I’ve even used it for groceries,” tion. Enter Kickstarter, the popular launched in March and runs until Lsays that she didn’t know a Szidon, who has “always had a crowdsourcing platform that raises April 18. After that, Szidon will thing about the fashion business or thing for vintage items,” bought a says Szidon, who made it her daily go-to purse. “Every time I used this not only funds, but also awareness. go into production with The Cass marketing. But that wasn’t going to 1970s clutch handbag from a San Although there is already a waiting Clutch and sell initially online. stop the interior designer and moth- Francisco consignment shop. bag everyone — young and old — loved it.” All the compliments she list for The Cass Clutch, the Kick- For information on the Kick- er of three from launching her own What attracted her to this par- starter campaign will get the word starter program for The Cass Clutch, line of handbags. ticular bag was its shape, versatil- received inspired Szidon to recreate the handbag. out as well as confirm for Szidon the visit https://www.kickstarter.com/ Starting with a vintage purse for ity, and the patina of age. Brown extent of interest in her product. projects/1432071361/the-cass- inspiration, Szidon began learning suede with a leather trim, the rect- Having grown up in New Jersey with a father who restored 1950s Starting just last December, Szi- clutch-a-vintage-inspired-handbag. a new business over a year ago and angle handbag folds over and can be don quickly learned how Kickstarter now is unveiling a Kickstarter cam- sported as a clutch or carried by the and ‘60s cars, Szidon appreciates Lamorinda Weekly business articles are the idea of what she calls “restora- works. “It’s like a whole other busi- intended to inform the community about paign to help fund the first in a series inset handles. It’s big enough to be a local business activities, not to endorse a tion from old to new.” She imagined ness,” she says. As a marketing of vintage-style handbags. tote or used as a chic briefcase. tool, part of Kickstarter is to have particular company, product or service.
business briefs SPRING STYLE EVENT Bill Sullivan Named Moraga’s THE MOST EFFICIENT WAYSPRING TO BUY WINDOW STYLE COVERINGS. EVENT Employee of the Month NOWTHE WITH MOST MOREEFFICIENT ENERGY-EFFICIENT WAY TO BUY WINDOW SOLUTIONS. COVERINGS. Bill Sullivan, the Director of Sched- NOW WITH MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS. uling and Special Events at St.
ASK HOWASK YOUHOW CANYOU CAN LOWER LOWER YOUR YOUR Mary’s College, has been named the RECURRINGRECURRING ENERGY ENERGY EXPENSES EXPENSES BY UP TOBY UP30%! TO 30%! Moraga Employee of the Month for Products vary in their energy efficiency, inquire with your Budget Blinds Style Consultant. Products vary in their energy efficiency, inquire with your Budget Blinds Style Consultant. March. Sullivan oversees the scheduling and execution of hundreds of events and promotions at the college each year and makes sure all the needs are met with professionalism. “Bill is a wonderful ambassador of our college,” said Vice Provost of Enrollment and Communications for * SMC, Hernan Bucheli. “He handles GET
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facility name a color-coded placard informing the vironmental Health inspector must be quickly enough. Customers across the facility address public about violations discovered dur- corrected on the spot. country have recently contracted food- This facility was inspected in accordance with the California Health ing their most recent health inspection. Tampering with or removal of the borne illnesses from eating at Chipotle, & Safety Code and has passed the inspection conducted on: The program will be phased in starting placards, which can be posted only by and to ensure better food safety, the res-
by Date Environmental Health Specialist with regular inspections after April 15. Environmental Health inspectors, may taurant announced it will process more
A copy of the most recent “The placards are another great re- result in the business losing its opera- of its ingredients through centralized inspection report is available for review upon request at this source for our residents who want to tor’s permit. kitchens. Neither Chipotle area man- location. Searchable inspection information is available at make informed decisions about where “Our primary goal is to reduce food- ager Anthony Thomas nor director of cchealth.org/eh, or use the QR code to download our they eat,” Board Chair Candace Ander- borne illness,” Environmental Health public relations Chris Arnold chose to free Restaurant Marilyn C. Underwood, Ph.D., REHS Inspection app. Environmental Health Director sen said. “With the placards prominent- Director Dr. Marilyn Underwood said comment on the placard program. Contra Costa County ly posted, they will be able to instantly in a statement. “Making inspection re- Contra Costa Health Services main- previous inspection tell whether there have recently been sults highly visible appears to have an tains a searchable database of county Results of previous inspection conducted on: Date any health code violations.” impact on making businesses that sell health inspection results through its free PASS CONDITIONAL PASS CLOSURE A green placard means zero or one food operate more safely.” Food Inspector app, downloadable for For further information contact Contra Costa Environmental Health at 925-692-2500 major violation, yellow means two or “It’ll certainly keep everyone on Google Android and Apple iOS operat- this placard is the property of contra costa environmental health and shall not be removed, copied or altered in any way more and red will be posted if a busi- their toes,” said Pat Vahey of Peninni’s ing systems. There’s a Lot to Cheer About in Cheerleading Competitions By Cathy Dausman MHS Cheer placed first in three And that, as they say, is some- Sallina Boynton said theirs was “a regional competitions this year and thing to cheer about. very hard division.” second in two others before com- Acalanes High School entered “Miramonte did phenomenal,” peting against 23 teams in Ana- 28 competitors in the Super Large Boynton said. heim this March to earn the Varsity Varsity Show Cheer division in Campolindo High School does Small Show Cheer Division Na- Anaheim but did not advance to not have a Competitive Cheer tional Championship. the final round. Cheer coordinator Team.
SPORTS MEDICINE
The Miramonte Competitive Cheer team is serious about their sport, win- ning the national championship in the Varsity Small Show Cheer Division. Photo provided ucceeding at Miramonte High and like gymnastics, performances m o r e SSchool’s National Champion may involve risks. Competitive Cheer Team is a bit Junior Sydney Smith knows teamwork like climbing the human pyramids because she’s been dropped. “It’s its members build. pretty dangerous,” Smith says. It began last April when 32 Smith and best friend Jessie female students were selected as Musacchio, a senior with four years Whether you’re a weekend warrior members of the Spirit Team Cheer, on the Cheer team, each bring 10 said parent Gina Armstrong-Smith. years of gymnastics know-how to or a professional athlete, you deserve This group performed during MHS Cheer. The two explain that gym- excellent care. Our talented team of football and basketball games. nastics is a more mentally chal- sports medicine physicians, Several weeks later, a subset lenging sport for individuals, while orthopedic surgeons, and physical of 12 Spirit Team members were Cheer is more a physically de- therapists can help you stay on top selected to form the Competitive manding team sport. Practice starts of your game.* Cheer Team. For three hours a day, in October, and regional competi- three days a week, the team worked tions begin in December and run on physical conditioning and de- through February. Win enough re- veloped two-and-one-half-minute gional competitions, and the team To learn more, visit kp.org/diablo. timed performances consisting of a advances to nationals, where as dance routine, stunting (pyramids) many as 1,000 students compete and standing and running flips, in categories ranging from small known as tumbling. to super-sized groups in novice, in- Stature determines where each termediate and advanced classes. A team member is placed; younger, team of four to seven judges award smaller athletes top the pyramid points for the energy, showman- while taller athletes take back row ship, difficulty, recovery, cheer and spots on the ground. Cheer moves execution portions of each perfor- *By referral only. are similar to gymnastics moves, mance. Page: A12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016 “A little bit of myself goes into every job.” ~ HE’S ALL ABOUT LAMORINDA ~ Michael VerBrugge, President, Moraga Resident 925.631.1055 www.MVCRemodeling.com Specializing in kitchens & bathrooms. Office: 925-254-8585 All forms residential remodel/repair. Cell: 925-998-7898 www.clarkthompson.com Lic# 681593 CalBRE #: 00903367 [email protected] Giving Dreams an Address
General Contractor Clean | Courteous | Conscientious On-time | Trustworthy | Local References Full design team resources available Students Fight off El Niño at Stanley Competition ... continued from page A1 “I just love coming back [to judge],” said Teresa Gerringer, whose college student is a science major. “I’m delighted to be in a com- munity where I can volunteer in so many events where kids explore science and the arts,” said another judge, Dave Briccetti. “I’m very Call Tom impressed with the science program for a free Since 1993! and teachers at Stanley.” estimate Tom Gieryng, owner and operator Entrants were allowed five min- utes to set up their machine and five minutes to prep for a re-run. Some In spite of rain cloud headgear, Audrey Davis (left) and Kristi Conner have a performed better than others. Jack sunny outlook for their Rube Goldberg project Photo Cathy Dausman Matson’s “ran flawlessly” in his sci- This year students coaxed domi- one item in each project – the um- ence class earlier that day, but not noes to topple, ran toy cars and brella. so well at the competition. When ? marbles down ramps and through “We didn’t want full sized um- asked what went wrong with his ? chutes, and used pulleys, levers brellas,” he said, nor did he want team’s initial run, participant Jack @ and zip lines to complete the seem- anyone to opt for those tiny cocktail answered succinctly: “everything.” ingly endless task of opening an umbrellas, so each team used the In the end, it was “all about the umbrella. Rain gear was abundant, same 10-inch paper umbrella. opportunity,” Meneghetti said, add- ing this was “an impressive year.” and the presentations were imagina- Stanley students “put 40 to tive. One group prefaced their turn 50 hours into their ‘babies,’” And because most entrants were (!$&#" $ $ with a skit involving a three-way Meneghetti said. Still, the setups sixth graders, they’ll have another FREE conversation between a drought- are fragile and he said that 80 to 90 chance to out-Rube Rube Goldberg ESTIMATE (!$&#" $ $ (!$"!#" ($ challenged farmer, the weather for- percent of the machinery misfires in 2018. caster and Mother Nature. Another the first time. That is why each team Learn more about Rube Gold- literally turned the finale on its head runs its invention twice. The groups berg and the namesake nonprofit by filling their umbrella with mar- were judged by a panel of four — “dedicated to keeping laughter and bles and opening it upside down. a parent, a high school student, a invention alive” by visiting www. C abinet M odifications It was a young group this year, school board member and Lafayette rubegoldberg.com. comprised largely of sixth-grade resident, each looking smart and “The Art of Rube Goldberg” by With over 25 years fulfilling custom needs, we can alter or modify presenters, said science teacher and official decked out in lab coats and Jennifer George is also available. most cabinetry, while still utilizing your existing cabinetry for: organizer Michael Meneghetti. carrying clipboards. • Large TVs/ Refrigerators and appliances Meneghetti says Stanley is the • Recycle Bins and shelf pullouts 2016 Stanley Middle School Rube Goldberg awards: • Cabinet alterations/repairs only middle school in Northern Cal- We can help with home, office, entertainment, custom cabinetry, ifornia to offer the Rube Goldberg Outstanding Machine Awards: shelving, crown mouldings, baseboards, new doors or mantels! event, which is a scaled-back ver- Group 5 sion of the Purdue University chal- Paul Kephart Master Craftsman Paige Towery, Lucas Ross, Marco Stassi 925.827.1093 www.TheCabinetMd.com lenge originating in 1949. While the Licensed Cabinet & Millwork Contractor #598395 college-level challenge encourages Group 7 entrants to use as many steps as Kai De La Cruz, Ian McBride possible, for size and time reasons the Stanley version was limited to Group 10 Building a 12-step process. Overall layout Eilidh Kilpatrick, Malena Vermut-Young Foundations dimensions were a maximum 130 Judges Choice: by 75 by 100 centimeters (this is a Group 12 science project, after all). • Lifting Lauren Stadt, Lynn Wolfe, Sophia Browne • Leveling Meneghetti standardized just • Stabilizing Best Heirlooms on Sale ... continued from page A5 Chez Panisse, Cesar, Pizzaiolo, cumbers, eggplants and peppers, They work on the farm every www.bayareaunderpinning.org Penrose, The Grease Box and twice a week,” he says. “Deliv- week and share the produce that Kroner’s Burgers. “Our produce eries continue from late June isn’t sold, while some goes to are also sold in markets, like Star through mid-October. The sale charity. Quality Hearing Aids • In Ear Monitors • Ear Mold Impressions Grocery on Claremont Avenue of fresh produce represents about Every year the farmers grow Musicians Hearing Protection in Berkeley and Diablo Foods in two-thirds of our farm income. their plants from seeds in their FREE Consultations Lafayette,” she adds. One-third is from plant sales.” greenhouses and produce enough FREE Hearing Screenings Rajan says that the number of The farm is located at 1290 that about 3,000 small plants can and now taking Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Medicare. delivery points will not grow be- Moraga Way, next to the fire be sold to the public between 10 cause the organization is and will station in downtown Moraga, a.m. and 3 p.m. every Saturday Dr. Erik M. Breitling, remain small. “We deliver about on a property rented from the and Sunday through April 24. Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA 300 pounds of tomatoes, about Bruzzone family. The non-profit Each 4-inch pot costs $3. 200 lbs. of summer squash, cu- group is 60-members strong.
Hearing Aid Evaluations 3744 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 100, Lafayette (925) 262-4242 www.LamorindaAudiology.com Swim Plugs • Comprehensive Diagnostic Adult Hearing Evaluations Hillside and Ridgeline ... continued from page A4 The council and consultant had ate a loophole. They asked the con- There was also a discussion to difficulty finding quantifiable- stan sultant to check what would happen decide whether or not the term “dom- dards, such as a certain percentage for developments on a slope greater inating the landscape” should be of the hillside that could be fixed to than 20 percent, with more than 50 added to a definition of a non-MOSO WINNER protect the character of Moraga. The yards of soil removal. ridgeline. The consultant suggested consultant said he would work on Current text says that no devel- he return with different maps accord- Orinda Chamber of language to create a visual separa- opment on MOSO land is allowed ing to different definitions, so the Commerce tion between new development and on slopes greater than 20 percent. council could make a decision. ridgelines. It was decided that the area used to The last topic discussed had New Business The council members did agree calculate the average slope includes less to do with hillsides and ridge- with the recommendations by Noble the home and its landscaped area, lines, and more to do with the size of the Year! and the steering committee to create called the building envelope, and of homes built along the town’s a single consistent MOSO map in- that average slopes must be below scenic corridors. The majority de- • Full Bar with Specialty Cocktails corporating property lines and exist- 20 percent. cision was to cap these highly vis- • Thin-Crust Neapolitan Pizzas ing developments; include the total- Some argued that if a developer ible home sizes in Moraga to 5,500 • New Entrée Specials ity of Indian Ridge in the MOSO remediates the high-risk nature of square feet, with a sliding scale for • Homemade Pasta, Soup, Salad and Dessert! ridge line map; define the term “de- his land, then the density should be property between 20,000 square feet velopment” as displacement of ma- increased, noting that since remedi- and 1 acre. Delivery to Orinda terial, grading, change in density, or ation can be a benefit to the commu- Drafting and agreeing on the re- Nightly 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Catering available!) construction of a structure; and de- nity and is very costly, some com- vised texts should continue through sign a new high-risk map using the pensation should be included. The the end of the year. There will be www.piccolo-napoli.com latest information and technology. majority of the council disagreed, additional opportunities for public Lunch Wed-Sun 11:30 Council members Onoda and stating that when high-risk areas input during that time. For more Dinner Nightly ‘til 9:00 pm, Fri-Sat ‘til 10:00 pm Roger Wykle voiced concerns that are fully remediated, the density information about the hillside and removing the requirement for a hill- allowed at that location should not ridgeline project, visit www.mora- 2 Theatre Square, Orinda, (925) 253-1225 side development permit could cre- change. ga.ca.us/hillsides. Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B1 Volunteers Help With Woodworking Skills By Chris Lavin
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David Fleisig, a volunteer in the Campolindo wood shop class, demonstrates to students how unique small boxes can be turned with a lathe using creative techniques. Teacher Don Dupont is in the rear. Photo Chris Lavin lenty of homes in Lamorinda while keeping students safe. Enter “there are these darn things,” he Phave projects hanging on the volunteer David Fleisig – literally said, holding up a cell phone. walls that came straight out of – because Fleisig has just walked Of course there are some stu- Campolindo High School’s wood through the door. Dupont rips him dents who just want to get through shop, a class taught by one of the about the T-shirt he’s wearing that the class; then there are others who school’s favorite teachers, Don says “Get Lost,” but it’s really for truly shine: Dupont’s students have Dupont. These houses might have a search-and-rescue group that finds won state awards with their proj- more key racks than keys and more people who are lost. ects, and Dupont and Fleisig both California Bear-shaped clocks than “The kids will like this,” Fleisig brighten when they display ribbons kitchens to put them in. The point of defends himself, looking down at and photos of their students’ work. LOPC’s Science & Religion Presents: the class, however, is not to adorn his shirt. the walls but to teach life skills. Longtime wood-turner Jacques A highly creative high table, MAKING A SERMON: And those skills would largely Blumer of Moraga recruited a few the size of a lectern, stands at the PERSPECTIVES OF A PRESBYTERIAN PARSON not be learned but for a small and good volunteers to start the volun- front of the Lafayette Library, for ON THE PRACTICE OF PREACHING dedicated band of volunteers who teer program about 10 years ago. instance, created by a team in the help Dupont with large classes – Fleisig is a lawyer, retired now ex- class. The piece appears to be a Monday, April 18 at 7:15 p.m. in the Oak Room and for the feint-of-heart parents cept for “a bunch” of pro bono work stack of books with a tabletop set What understanding of preaching do pastors bring to who might want to skip this part he does when he can. He can spare on top. The team even etched the the task, and how do academic disciplines inform what – many very high-voltage power only one day a week for the class, names of classics on the spines of we do? LOPC Pastor, Peter Whitelock, will share his tools. We’re talking table saws, drill but he never misses one. the tomes. When Dupont said the thoughts and process with us, with perceptions ranging from the highly technical to the purely personal! presses, routers and blade saws. “I wouldn’t,” he said. “These way they built it might not be stable Yet in the 16 years Dupont has kids are great, and some have really enough, that it would need “feet,” Please join us. Newcomers and long-timers welcome! been at the school (with four years great projects.” the students put wooden cutouts of No RSVP required. elsewhere, and fine-furniture mak- In the 20 minutes before their feet on the bottom of the legs for ing before that), the worst thing that students began to arrive, Fleisig stability. has ever happened is the occasional and Dupont commiserated about “There has been some amazing minor cut. the best and worst of teaching kids work that’s come out of this class,” “I love this job. I have the great- the art of transforming wood. “It Fleisig said. He enjoys talking to est job in the school but also the runs the gamut,” Dupont said, and the students the most. hardest job,” Dupont said – because Fleisig nodded his head. Measur- “And some become so inter- LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 49 Knox Drive Lafayette CA 94549• (925) 283-8722 • LOPC.org he has 28 students in some classes. ing and dividing seems to be one of ested in the work,” he said. “They “I have to be diligent.” the students’ biggest problems, they become really good. They’ll use But he also points to his expe- said. “Metrics would be so much these skills for life. And that’s very rienced adult volunteers for help easier in wood-cutting,” Dupont gratifying.” in advancing the skills of students added. And for another problem,
Campolindo wood shop volunteer David Fleisig gives advice to junior Bobby Poole on how to orient a project.
Lafayette’s DOGTOWN DOWNTOWN SATURDAY APRIL 9 10AM- 12PM DOG PARADE 10AM ��������������������� LAFAYETTE’S FIRST “PUPPY BOWL”! Lafayette Library and Learning Center www.LLLCF.org/dogtown/
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CARPET CLEANING LAMORINDA'S FAVORITE FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS FOR OVER 36 YEARS From Left: Joan Rankin, Heather Brittany Rankin, Brian Rankin, Vanna White, Alice Abruzzini, Pat Sajak and Cynthia Brian. Photo Carol Kaelson, with permission ince the “Wheel of Fortune” four people as his audience cheer- (925) 283-8744 SPRING SPECIAL STV show debuted in 1983, leaders; two, they had cast four www.siggyscarpetcleaning.com % Alice Abruzzini has invited Pat people for three spots on the show. 3408 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette I5 OFF Sajak and Vanna White into her There was a 25 percent chance that family room for a half hour of fun he would not be this shoot date. and games every Monday through Besides his wife, Heather, and Friday between 7:30 and 8 p.m. his mother, Joan (who is also a Friends and family know not to call great fan), he knew that one of his the octogenarian weekdays during choices had to be his grandmother- that half hour or they’ll get this curt in-law, Nonie: Alice Abruzzini. answer: “Sorry I can’t talk right Nonie was ecstatic with the invita- now because I’m watching ‘Wheel tion until she looked at her calendar of Fortune.’ Please call back later!” and realized that she had already We did it again! The top item on her bucket R.S.V.P’d “yes” to another impor- list for three decades has been to tant family event. When you are visit the set as part of the audi- the mother of five, grandmother of ence. Since she is 87, living in 11, great grandmother to 10, and Northern California without any Nonie to everyone, juggling cel- ties to the show, she was cer- ebrations is cause for anxiety. With tain that was one bucket list item the rest of the family’s blessing that would never be crossed out. and enthusiastic encouragement, But in November, Campolindo Nonie set off for her Wheel of Home Care Assistance was named ‘Best of Home Care graduate Brian Rankin spent a day Fortune adventure in Los Angeles. 2016’ by Home Care Pulse for yet another year! auditioning to be a contestant on Fortunately Brian was cho- “Wheel of Fortune.” At the end sen as a contestant for that spe- Lamorinda’s Trusted Choice for Caregivers. Each has at least 2 years of of the day, the casting director in- cific date and Nonie was able to formed him that if he was chosen live her dream, clapping, yell- experience and receives extensive training through our Home Care Assistance it would probably take two years ing and cheering from the audi- University. All applicants are thoroughly screened, including DOJ and FBI before a shoot date was selected. ence bleachers. She waved to background checks and in-house finger-printing, and are matched to your Exactly two weeks later, Pat and Vanna and even had her family’s individual needs and preferences. Brian’s phone rang and he was photograph taken with them. informed that not only had he How did our local Mora- Ongoing Client Care Management and Quality Assurance. We don’t just been chosen to compete, but they ga contestant do? Tune in at match you to a caregiver! Our comprehensive care team is always there to check needed him in the studio the fol- 7:30 on Monday, April 11 for in and ensure the highest quality of care. We are on call 24/7 for total peace of lowing week. There were two ca- the rest of the story… mind and can even process long term care insurance for you! veats: One, he could only bring The Brain Health Experts. We are the only home care agency that offers the Cognitive Therapeutics Method™, a research-backed activities program that Town Hall Music Festival promotes brain health, engagement and vitality in our clients...at no additional cost. Call one of our Client Care Managers today for your free consultation. Hits the Right Notes Submitted by Tom Stack 925-233-6166 190-G Alamo Plaza HomeCareAssistance.com/Alamo Alamo, CA 94507
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From left, Ron Bruder and Pat Nevins perform at the 2015 Lafayette Com- munity Music Festival. Photo provided afayette’s Town Hall Theatre mat. Lwill present the sixth annual “This event is a labor of love,” Lafayette Community Music Fes- says Tom Stack, vice-president of tival, to be held on Saturday April Town Hall. “The musicians believe 16. that live music and the arts need to Featured this year are Dream be supported at all costs, and are Posse, Stevie Coyle of Lafayette’s willing to donate their time and Mighty Fine Guitars, Garageland considerable talents to that very Rodeo, Reminisce, Hard Rain and cause.” the Town Hall Kids. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the The musicians donate their music starts at 7:30 p.m. For more time and talents to the event, while information on the festival, visit performing 25-30 minute acoustic www.townhalltheatre.com. Complete Sewer Specialist sets in a Bridge School-style for- Locally Owned & Operated 38 Years of Experience When I say “good,” Trenchless Replacements & Repairs Video Inspections & Locating you say “neighbor.” No Landscape Damage Sewers Unclogged
Mike Rosa Now that'sNow that'steamwork. teamwork. Agent CALL FORCALL A QUOTE FOR A 24/7 QUOTE 24/7 925.932.4023 925-376-2244 Insurance Lic. #: 0F45583 346 Rheem Blvd., Suite 106 www.GoTrenchless.com Moraga P097314.1 State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL SUMMER CAMPS 2016 Half-Day Camps Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B3 SUMMER CAMPS 2016 10th Annual Summer Camp Guide 29 camps listed Part 2, Half-Day Camps (Part 1, full-day camps, March 9 2016)
It’s only April, which means there is plenty of time to sign your child up for CREATIVE ARTS/THEATRE/MUSIC Moraga Valleyan unforgettable Swim & Tennis summer Club experience. Check out our listing of local camps and Lamorinda programsWeekly Adsure 1/4to engage pg 5.875” your young x 8” camper, no matter their interests. There is a Academy of Language and Music Arts/ ALMA (Orinda) camp for everyone! --Lamorinda Weekly Private lessons in all instruments, including guitar, piano, drums, band instruments, strings and voice. Also private lessons in languages, includ- ing Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and ESL. Special summer group classes and performing ensembles, including rock combo, jazz combo, vocal ensemble, drum circle, theatre and acting skills. All ages and levels are welcome; located at 99 Brookwood Rd., Orinda. Dr. James Fiatarone, Director. In Orinda since 1994. Come Join Dates: various dates and times available (please contact office for infor- mation and/or to enroll) the Fun! Phone: (925) 254-5056; (925) 254-5053 Website: www.alma-leap.com
Fun music lessons! (Lafayette) The Lamorinda School of Musical Arts is offering a summer program of individual lessons (piano or voice) for students ages 3 and up. A Grammy Award winner, director Xiomara Di Maio is well known in the Lamorinda area for her creative approach and joyful way of teaching children. She Open House also teaches at Stanley Middle School, and is the Preparatory Chorus Director at the San Francisco Boys Chorus. Dates: schedule based on your Sat April 16th availability. 3pm–5pm Email: [email protected] Phone: (925) 878-5159
see Sewnow! Fashion Design Memberships Available (Lafayette) ad Enjoy a beautiful, park-like setting including a six lane lap pool with Learn fashion design and sewing at Sewnow fashion studio. It offers shallow play and deep diving areas, as well as a separate baby pool. a variety of one-week half-day and full-day camps for juniors (second Work on your serve on our Har-Tru clay tennis courts. Join in on and third grade), kids, and teens. Have a blast, learn to design, sew, and ����������������������������������������������������������� illustrate like a pro and walk away with unique personalized fashion items. Camps include fashionkit patterns and digital instructions, fabrics, program, and year-round Adult and Junior Tennis Programs taught by notions, custom embroidery, and participation in our end of summer USPTA certified coaches. fashion show. Dates: June-August NEW this summer! Camp Marlin, Website: www.sewnow.com Phone: (925) 283-7396 ������������������������������
see Journey to the Art of Summer Art Room Summer Day Camp ad (Lafayette) Students enjoy the creative process while learning art skills in a nurtur- ing environment. The Journey to the Art of Summer is a journey toward individual expression, improved craftsmanship, and an overall love of art. Campers get to experience a variety of artistic media, including sculpture, drawing, painting, and more! Dates: one-week half day or whole day sessions June 13 – Aug. 19, with an extra “Lil’ Minions Camp” session for ages 4-6 from Aug. 22-26 Swim Team Registration Opens March 12 Website: www.theart-room.com moragavalleypool.org Phone: (925) 299-1515 email: [email protected]
see The Crucible Youth Summer Camps ad (Oakland) Hands-on creative fun making art, while learning real-world skills! Kids participate in any of 15 exciting departments including ceramics, enam- eling, glass blowing, hot wheels, jewelry, neon, kinetics, textiles, welding, woodworking and others. Morning and afternoon sessions available. Dates: six 1-week sessions, June 20 – Aug. 5 YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS Website: www.theCrucible.org Phone: (510) 444-0919
Town Hall Education Summer Camps and Classes (Lafayette) • SIX 1-WEEK SESSIONS The award-winning Town Hall Theatre educational programs return this summer featuring skills-based and performance-based theatre classes • JUNE 20 – AUGUST 5 for preschool to high school-aged students. Great for young performers as well as students who wish to expand their public speaking, social, and • FOR KIDS 8-17 team-working skills. Dates: June-Aug. Website: www.TownHallTheatre.com Blacksmithing, ceramics, The Lamorinda Weekly Summer Camp listings are not paid advertising. welding, glass blowing, Our intent is to provide a useful reference guide. In the event we have inadvertently printed misinformation, please let us know. LW is not liable woodcarving, robots, neon for errors or omissions. and so much more.
Hands-on, creative fun Artemis Rowing making art while learning Learn to Row Camps real-world skills. beginner/adv beginner, grades 6-12 boysoys & ggirlsirls 9am-12pm9am-12pm Mornings: 9 am–12 noon idealeal fforor ggr.r. 88-10-10 JuneJune 13-1713-1 Afternoons: 1–4 pm July 11-15 Aftercare available July 18-22 Aug 1-5 Aug 8-12
1260 7th Street, Oakland (510) 444-0919 www.ArtemisRowingClub.org 510.542.9673 TheCrucible.org at the Jack London Aquatic Center CMY
SUMMER CAMPS CY 2016MY CM Half-Day Camps K Y M C Page: Amazing Summer MathCamps or call(925)888-7036 Rec. Departmentatwww.moraga.ca.us To enrollcontacttheMoragaParksand math instructor, Michael Adler Classes taughtbyteacher&experienced ANIGSCULPTING PAINTING contact [email protected] If youhavefurther questions feelfree to - GetaJumponGeometry: - Classesto Attack Algebra - Conquer CommonCore Math - The Wide World ofSportsStatistics ATL MIXED-MEDIA PASTELS HALF-DAY 3455 GoldenGate Way, Suite Lafayette A, (925) 385-0211 www.lafayettewritingstudio.com. 925-385-0211 orvisitusat For furtherinformation, please call held three days per week, 2-5pm. will take place June1andJuly5-August 13-July be 5;will sessions narratives, historical biographies andliterature analyses. Our camps strive to improve theirwritingProjects skills. consist first of person CAMP YOUNG WRITERS isopento students ingrades 3-12who words, correct grammar, usage, andsomuchmore. the elements ofwell-written essays, creative use ofdescriptive sessions,students one one-on- learnproper sentence structure, WRITING PROJECTS . Through grade appropriate classesand a world CREATIVE of NARRATIVE andABSORBING ESSAY-BASED CAMPYOUNGJoin WRITERS thissummerasyour children enter A Campfor Young Writers The Writing Studio July 25 July 18 July 11 June 27 June 20 June 13 A fun,handsonclassforhighschoolstudents algebra IIthroughgames,artandhumorouslectures Prepare foralllevelsofalgebrafrompre-algebrato Clarify/review currentyear'smathandprepareforthenext Play sportsandcalculateyourstatistics *Intermediate sessionsavailabletoathleteswhohavecompleteda the SanPabloReservoirorOaklandEstuary. an excitingexperienceforall!Classesnowavailableon gain enoughexperiencetocompeteintheirveryfirstrace, physical fitnessandendurance.Withinaweekrowerswill for beginningrowersinrowingtechnique,teamwork, all ofourrowingteams.Theyprovideexcellenttraining use theseintroductorycampsasarecruitingprogramfor but veryrealintroductiontothegreatsportofrowing.We Our summerprogramisdesignedtoprovideanenjoyable **** www.oaklandstrokes.org www.oaklandstrokes.org Learn More&SignUp! Learn More&SignUp! Ì ÊÀÊ£äÌ Ê}À>`it Ì ÊÀÊ£äÌ Ê}À>`it Ideal forstudentsentering Ideal forstudentsentering sessionorourmiddle schoolprogram prior one week `Û>Vi`IʣʫÊqÊÎÊ«®introductory havecompleteda I `Û>Vi`IʣʫÊqÊÎÊ«® UÊÕ}ÕÃÌÊ£ÊqÊxÊÊÊ ÕÞÊÓxÊqÊÓÊÊÊ UÊ ÕÞÊ££ÊqÊ£xUÊ `Û>Vi`IʣʫÊqÊÎÊ«® ÕiÊÓÇÊqÊÕÞÊ£ÊÊ UÊ ÕiÊÓäÊqÊÓ{UÊ One Week Sessions(9 Introductory am – 12 am) One Week Sessions Introductory one wayoranother! which isguaranteedtobeanexcitingexperience skill torowtheirfirstraceontheOaklandEstuary, endurance. Withinaweekrowerswillgainenough in rowingtechnique,teamwork,physicalfitnessand They provideexcellenttrainingforbeginningrowers as arecruitingprogramforallofourrowingteams. sport ofrowing.We usetheseintroductorycamps enjoyable butveryrealintroductiontothegreat Our summerprogramisdesignedtoprovidean Learn toRowCrew! Learn toRowCrew! Rowing CampsforBoysandGirlsAges12 – 17 Summer RowingCamps Oakland Strokes prior oneweekintroductorysessionorourmiddleschoolprogram
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1 5 Phone: (925)376-7900 Website: www.saklan.org Dates: Jun.13–Aug. 12 ages 3-5&Explorers, ages6-11. days, care withextended available. Campers, Mini music. Three-week sessions8:30–4:30.Full orhalf & summer fun,includingfieldtrips, swimming, art are Afternoons packedwith Spanish andItalian. Mandarin, filled withenrichmentin French, Japanese, summer funfor oncampusare ages3-11.Mornings provides culture, Summer@Saklan languageand Phone: (925)254-7553 Website: www.orindaacademy.org Dates: June20-August 5(9a.m.to 1p.m., -Fri.) Mon. and are UC-approved. Academy classesmeetstate requirements for credit with9:1student-to-teacher ratio.instruction Orinda Blending/OnlineCourses.Mandarin, Personalized Algebra 1,Geometry, Algebra 2,English,ESL, Website: www.lorietutors.squarespace.com Dates: variousdates andtimes Mr. Lorie, aJMmath teacher, willleadthesessions. students andwillmeetfour timesover thesummer. session. Groups willconsist ofnomore thannine ofeach and interactive problem solvingwillbeapart cepts, whileintroducing future ones. Manipulatives tional, isdesigned to reinforce previous math con- This program, intended to bebothfunandeduca- Website: www.lorietutors.squarespace.com Dates: June13-17 and opinionpieces. of12students. Maximum engaging strategies to write narrative, information, engaging camperswilllearn lessons andactivities, help foster alove ofwriting. Focusing onfunand teacher),will Loriewith Mrs. Kindergarten (aRheem This week-long campfor incoming first-third graders Phone: (510)488-4556 Website: www.firecrackermath.org/mathcamps/ Email: [email protected] Small groups. Full day optionisavailable. andconfidence inmath. their skills tricks, andparadoxes to kids’ spark interest andboost employand more. math games, magic Instructions ber Theory, Geometry, Combinatorics, Graphs, Logic, from 6to 16. ing kids Topics are from selected Num- math for andchallenge-lov curious Extra-curricular Phone: (925)962-9177 Website: www.vivaelespanol.org 9am-noon, Full Day 9am-3pm. orCentral Adventure. American (Sports) HalfDay themesuchas kid-friendly Deportes Los to aspecific week-long related campstudentsvocabulary learn each During &crafts,games, andcooking! music, arts Learn orimprove through Spanishlanguageskills or smallgroup tutoring alsoavailable. Adler Individual Parks orMoraga Department. andRec geometry, andalgebra II.Contact headteacher Michael andstatistics,and science, algebra I,highschool sports schoolmath includeelementary Sessions Department. teachers through Parks theMoraga andRecreation Weeklong sessionstaught by experienced, funny Phone: (925)888-7036 Website: www.moraga.ca.us Email: [email protected] www.roughingit.com see Spanish Immersion SummerCamps SpanishImmersion with ad see see ad ad ACADEMIC/LANGUAGE/SCIENCE FIRECRACKER MATH SummerCamp (Lafayette, Berkeley) Oakland, SUMMER CAMPS 2016 Viva (Lafayette) elEspañol Lorie TutorsCamp Writing Amazing Math Classes Summer BridgeMath 4 Orinda AcademyOrinda 4 Saklan School Saklan F L r t e (Moraga) (Moraga) (Moraga) (Moraga) (Orinda) h a e H m
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e s x n n 4 t e C t n - s Phone: (510)542-9673 Website:www.ArtemisRowingClub.org teams infall!Idealfor grades 8-10. two ormore andbeready for ourmiddle/highschool to Row campsfor students ingrades 6-12.Enroll in Throughout summer, isoffering fun Artemis Learn based at Oakland’s JackLondon Aquatic Center. Rowing isacompetitiveArtemis rowing program 1 Phone: (925)283-3795 Website: www.roughingit.com/le Email: [email protected] Dates: August 15-19 great outdoors. their young camperexperience summercampinthe to for have familieslooking camps andisperfect great world of summer introduction to the wonderful and traditionaloffers campgamesandsongs.a It ities, fishing, crafts, sports, outdoor hiking cooking, week ofAugust 15-19.Campers enjoy nature activ Little Explorers runsfrom 9-12.30p.m. the during halfdayOne week, program for 3-and4-year-olds. Phone: (925)247-8110 Website: www.mscgators.com Gator Learn-to-Swim program openfor registration. 2016 Swim Team, Stroke Spring Clinics, andJunior Enroll on-line:www.OrindaTennis.com E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.campofootball.net Dates: July11-22(Monday –Friday, 1:30to 5p.m.) campofootball.net. T-shirt isincluded. Registration forms canbefound at School. All equipmentpolindo High issupplied; forCoach grades KevinMacy 4-8isheldat Cam- The Cougar Youth Football Camp directed by Head Directed by Drew Diefenbach, Jr. Tennis Camps (Ages 9-15) Hot Shots Tennis Camps (Ages 4-8) Orinda Way, to theLibrary. next Dates: All Summer tennis Camps skills. located atPark, theOrinda 28 friends, hard having anddeveloping fun,working ipants ofallagesandabilities. new Enjoy making enjoying cooler temperatures For inOrinda! partic Elevate your level gameandtakeitto thenext while Phone: (925)385-0211 Website: www.lafayettewritingstudio.com Dates: June13-July1and5August 5 intheprocess.strong skills writing writing,and essay-based developing expository grades 3-12. Writers step into aworld ofstorytelling sessionsfor andone-on-one instruction writing Summer campsat The Writing Studio provide both Website: www.oaklandstrokes.org Email: [email protected] Dates: June13. Various sessionsstarting one-week conditioning. proficient, and teaching thebasicsandincludes from never kids rowing,focused ontaking to being grade. The program isa to row”“learn program, summer campopento anythrough 12th childsixth StrokesThe summerprogram Oakland isahalf-day
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Cougar Youth Football Camp Miramonte Swim Club (MSC) (Lafayette Reservoir) Oakland StrokesOakland Artemis Rowing Artemis Phone: (925)283-6311 Website: www.siennaranch.net available Dates: variousdates andtimes convenient location. professional staff andanamazing, campoptions.half-day All adult, offers or full-day weeklong, programming too, Sienna Ranch grades PreK-8 teen withselect campersentering more. Serving and Animals, Fun withHorsesand Pottery, Woodshop, Archery, Art camps aswell asafternoon Nature andHorsebackRiding Farminclude morning Hands, camp experience. Camp choices Emjoy Lamorinda’s own ranch (Lafayette) (Oakland) SPORTS (Moraga) (Orinda) (Orinda) Sienna Ranch (Lafayette) USPTA Elite Certified Coach - -
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B5 SUMMER CAMPS 2016
SPORTS ... continued Willow Spring Church (Moraga) EST. 1996 SMC Athletic Camps Vacation Bible School is an exciting place for kids to (Moraga) come make new friends, have fun, and learn about the bible. Willow Spring Church employees and vol- SMC offers 40-plus sports camps on one of the most unteers have planned out fun games, crafts, videos, picturesque campuses on the West Coast. Saint songs, and healthy snacks! 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. for grades Mary’s offers boys and girls overnight, day, team, and 1-6. specialty camps for ages 4-18. Summer 2016 offers all Dates: July 18 - 22 DATES: July 11 thru July 22 (M – F) TIMES: 1:30 – 5:00 P.M. sports, baseball, basketball, running, soccer, softball, Website: www.willowspringchurch.com FEES: $320 (T-shirt included) tennis and volleyball camps. Phone: (925) 376-3550 Dates: various dates and times available [email protected] www.smcathleticcamps.com VARIETY Phone: (925) 631-4FUN (4386) City of Lafayette - Recreation Summer Camps Summer Tennis Camp – St. Mary’s College see (Lafayette) ad (Moraga) Soccer, cheerleading, cooking, dance, Mad Science, Camps will address technical, tactical, and fitness Spanish, engineering, LEGOs, tennis, Critters-N-Clay, aspect of the game through personal instruction and music, robotics, basketball, carpentry, gymnastics, specifically designed age/level appropriate drills, as golf, chess and more! well as competitive aspect through match play and Dates: various dates and times available fun games. Full day or half day sessions are available. FOR REGISTRATION FORMS, CONTACT: Website: www.LafayetteRec.org Dates: 1 week sessions June 13 - August 12 Phone: (925) 284-2232 925/280-3950 x-5163, [email protected] Website: www.smctenniscamps.com or download registration form at campofootball.net City of Orinda Recreation Camps VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS (Orinda) Now offering three new afternoon camps; providing see Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church an all- day option when combined with the morning ad (Moraga) camps. Free extended care is offered in mornings Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church’s “Racing in Rio” and afternoons. Adventure Art Camp takes students Vacation Bible School, an Olympic adventure with around the globe learning about five famous cities. God! For children who are 4 years old (by June 20) to Adventure Games Camp is for children with bound- those entering fifth grade in the fall. less energy that love to play, each day features Dates: June 20-24; 9 a.m. to noon nonstop games. If the force runs strong in your child, Cost: $70 per child sign them up for Jedi in Training Camp. “Adventure” Website and Registration: www.mvpctoday.org camps cost $180 for half day and $330 for full day. Phone: (925) 376-4800 Website: www.cityoforinda.org Phone: (925) 254-2445
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church Moraga Parks and Recreation Summer Camps (Lafayette) (Moraga) Cave Quest: Following Jesus, the Light of the World Parks Make Life Better ... and so do summer camps! Gear up for an adventure! At Vacation Bible Camp A variety of camps are offered through the Moraga this year, we will ground kids in the rock-solid foun- Parks and Recreation Department: Little Medical dation of God’s love through songs, stories, games, School, Creator Camp, Sciensational, Techsplosion, experiments, and more. Camp is where kids experi- Coding Camp, Bricks 4 Kidz, Kindercool, Skyhawks ence the love of Jesus that will take them through Sports, Math, Cooking with Kids, and more! Registra- life’s dark times while sharing that love with others in tion is currently open. a safe and fun environment. For 4-year-olds through Dates: various dates and times available completed fourth graders. Dates: June 13-17, afternoon Phone: (925) 888-7045 Cost: $60/child (after May 1, $75) Website: www.moragarec.com E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.LOPC.org Phone: (925) 283-8722 x234 Thank you Advertisers! Lamorinda Weekly.
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Spanish Immersion Camps Week-long day camps Choose from a variety of kid-friendly themes Option for full or half day, with before and after care Experienced, dynamic teachers
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www.vivaelespanol.org ���925-962-9177 Lafayette ��Pleasanton ��And schools all over the Bay Area Page: B6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016 GETGET AHEADAHEAD IN IN MATH MATH THIS THIS YEAR FALLFALL GRADES K-12 All Airports # # GET AHEAD IN MATH THIS FALLFALL TAXI BLEU Served 24/7 Dispatch: 925-849-2222 Direct: HOMEWORK HELP FOR ALL LEVELS Flat Monthly Fee 925-286-0064 Drop-in any time, no scheduling needed! www.mytaxibleu.com [email protected] D WHEN MATH MAKES SENSE, YOU SUCCEED! Must present coupon. New students only. WHEN MATH MAKES SENSE, YOU SUCCEED! New Eagle Scouts for Troop 237 3435 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette (Golden Gate Way at Mt. Diablo Blvd.) Submitted by Greg Ansel (925) 283-4200 www.mathnasium.com
Community Service Troop 224 Eagle Scouts Honored Submitted by Shelley Smith tic sandbox and provides the chil- dren a better experience with shade and a storage box for sand toys. During his scouting career, New Eagle Scouts from Troop 237 are Griffin Ansel, John Novogradac, Ian Smith earned more than two dozen Livingston, Carter Fife and Jack Jorgensen. Photo Michael Novogradac merit badges, the National Youth oy Scout Troop 237 of Orin- Softball League (OGSL) and Leadership Training certificate of da honored five new Eagle cleaned, organized and built shelv- achievement, and attended several B Scouts, Ian Livingston, Griffin ing to store OGSL softball equip- scout camps, including the Philm- Ansel, John Novogradac, Cart- ment in a secure Oakland location. ont Scout Ranch High Adventure er Fife and Jack Jorgenson on As part of his project he led young Camp in New Mexico where he March 20 at the Orinda Commu- people, including scouts, to clean, backpacked more than 75 miles in nity Church. Troop 237 is chartered inventory and organize the OGSL 10 days. Beginning with Cub Scout by the Orinda Community Church equipment. Pack 200 in first grade, he has com- and has served the community for Carter is a senior at Bentley From left: Peter Candell, Riley Smith, Colin Smith and Joshua Douglas. pleted 12 years of scouting. over 60 years with 225 scouts earn- High School. Carter, an avid read- Photo provided Colin, 17, is a senior at ing the highest rank of Eagle Scout. er, wanted to find an Eagle project our scouts from Troop 224 in tatives to design, plan and build a Acalanes High School and is plan- Ian is a sophomore at Mira- that would allow him to share ac- FLafayette were honored at a labyrinth at the Episcopal Church ning to attend the University of monte High School and his Eagle cess of quality books with readers March 26 banquet for achieving of the Resurrection in Pleasant Colorado, Boulder, in the fall. Project reflected his keen interest from Oakland to Africa. Carter’s the rank of Eagle Scout. Scoutmas- Hill. A labyrinth is a circular walk- For his Eagle Scout communi- in the outdoors and the environ- Eagle Project collected unwanted ter is Kyle Blocker. ing path that leads to the center and ty service project, Joshua Singer ment. Ian built nursery houses for books door-to-door by personal so- For his Eagle Scout community back out. It is used for personal Douglas, the son of Jill and David bats and mounted them at the park licitation and then led a team to sort service project, Peter Joseph Can- meditation and reflection. Douglas, helped the shot put and rangers’ station at the Sibley Vol- the books according to type and dell, the son of Brian and Susan During his scouting career, Ri- discus program of the Acalanes canic Regional Preserve. The four- condition. The books most relevant Candell, worked with John Eaton, ley earned two dozen merit badges, Track and Field team by building chamber bat houses can hold up to to African readers were shipped to a board member of the Lafayette the National Youth Leadership a practice shot put ring athletes can 1,000 bats and will benefit the en- Books for Africa with the rest do- Community Garden, to build two Training certificate of achievement use to practice their form. It will vironment by spreading seeds, pol- nated to the Oakland Library. “Creek Viewing Areas.” and attended several scout camps, last years and be used by all who linating flowers and eating insects. Jack is a senior at Miramonte During his scouting career, Pe- including the Philmont Scout visit the Acalanes shot put area. Griffinis a junior at Miramonte High School and wanted to give ter earned more than a dozen merit Ranch High Adventure Camp in During his scouting career, Josh High School. Griffin, a varsity back to the community. Jack’s badges, and the National Youth New Mexico where he backpacked earned 22 merit badges, the Ner Ta- football player, wanted his Eagle Eagle Project was to create navi- Leadership Training certificate of more than 75 miles in 10 days. He mid Award (a Boy Scout of Amer- Project to benefit Miramonte and gational aids for First Respond- achievement. He hiked with scouts currently serves as the Senior Pa- ica award overseen and bestowed incorporate his love of sports. He ers to be able to navigate their to the top of Mt. Whitney last trol Leader for the troop – the se- by the National Jewish Committee worked closely with the head foot- way around Miramonte High summer, attended Philmont Scout nior scout in charge of directing on Scouting), and attended several ball coach to design, build and School efficiently in the event Ranch High Adventure Camp in troop activities. scout camps, including the Philm- organize storage cubbies at Mira- of an emergency. His project in- New Mexico, and attended many Riley, 16, is a junior at ont Scout Ranch High Adventure monte to hold the shoulder pads cluded positioning and painting scout camps and adventure trips. Acalanes High School in Lafay- Camp in New Mexico where he and helmets in the off-season. The Compass Rose directional mark- He currently serves as a New Scout ette. backpacked more than 75 miles enhanced storage facilities will ers throughout the campus as Patrol Leader, leading the young- For his Eagle Project, Colin in 10 days. Joshua’s father, David, store the equipment without dam- well as painting classroom num- est scouts just entering the troop as Wade Smith, the son of Brad and also received his Eagle Scout rank aging them and will extend both bers making the campus easier to fifth and sixth graders. Shelley Smith coordinated with from Troop 224 in 1980. their life expectancy and effective- navigate for emergency medical Peter, 17, is a junior at Acalanes the Peter Pan Preschool and their Joshua, 18, is a senior at ness. service, fire and police respond- High School in Lafayette. sponsoring organization, the Epis- Acalanes High School in Lafayette John is a sophomore at Head- ers in the case of an emergency. For his Eagle Scout community copal Church of the Resurrection and will decide by May 1 where he Royce School. John, a varsity base- For more information about service project, Riley Noel Smith, in Pleasant Hill, to design and build will attend college in the fall. the son of Brad and Shelley Smith, a new sandbox and pergola. This ball player, met and brainstormed Troop 237, please visit www.troo- coordinated with church represen- project replaced an old, open, plas- with leaders of the Oakland Girls p237orinda.com. Troop 204 Celebrates New Eagle Scouts Submitted by Courtney Anderson Isaac Evans is the son of Jeremy and El- Marie Mlynek and a junior at Acalanes High eanor Evans and a junior at Acalanes High School. Matthew built a message board for School. Isaac labeled, catalogued and orga- the Springhill Elementary School garden. nized Bay Area Girls Rock Camp’s entire The board will be used for posting messages instrument inventory consisting of over 100 and reminders, along with holding handouts instruments and hundreds of pieces of equip- with information about the garden. ment. He also created a digital database to Payson Newman is the son of Scott and help track their inventory. Mary Newman and is a junior at Acalanes Christopher Fulton is the son of John High School. Payson constructed a garden Morgan and Katie Fulton and a senior at with drip irrigation and raised beds at Bu- Acalanes High School. Chris refurbished chanan Field. This area is where families and improved the Birthright House in Con- with underprivileged kids wait as their chil- cord, which included sanding and painting dren fly with volunteer pilots as part of the the front door, replacing all the light fixtures national Young Eagles Program. and blinds in the building, purchasing and in- Charles Price is the son of Kent and stalling a mirror for the mothers and organiz- Andrea Price and is a junior at Bentley Back row from left: Kai Watanabe, Ethan Kuan, Christopher Anderson, W. Payson Newman, ing their closets. High School. Charlie, in honor of a loved Harley McKee, W. Coleman Cronk; front row from left: Christopher Fulton, Charles Price, Joshua Ethan Kuan is the son of Jose and Pa- one, built a bench in their Garden of Hope Christian, Isaac Evans, Spencer Spiering, Matthew Mlynek Photo provided tricia Kuan and is a senior at Acalanes High at the Cancer Support Community in Wal- afayette Boy Scout Troop 204 honored Campolindo High School. Joshua worked School. Ethan organized a collection of art nut Creek. The bench will provide a place L12 scouts who achieved the rank of with the City of Lafayette to preserve the and drama supplies for Camping Unlimited. to sit for the patients to in the garden as Eagle Scout at a March 19 event at Moraga natural landscape around the Lafayette Com- He collected 11 bags of supplies and created they are on their road to recovery. Valley Presbyterian Church. They are led by munity Center. He removed ivy from a num- an online crowd funding campaign to raise Spencer Spiering is the son of Mike Scoutmaster Tom Steuber, who was just hon- ber of trees to help reduce the spread of this money to purchase a much needed Automat- and Carol Spiering and is a junior at Cam- ored as Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year. invasive species. He also refurbished park ic External Defibrillator for the camp. Camp- polindo High School. Spencer assembled Christopher Anderson is the son of structures including a park bench that had ing Unlimited is a nonprofit organization 25 new bikes donated by Bike for Tots and Steve and Courtney Anderson and a junior been destroyed by vandals, a sign directing located in Santa Cruz that provides outdoor gave them to kids who have never owned at Acalanes High School. Christopher built visitors away from poison oak, and four bol- and recreation programs to people of all ages a bike. He worked through Cambridge El- an additional compost bin for Xenophon lards on the bridge that had been worn by with mental and physical disabilities. ementary School in Concord in order to Therapeutic Riding Center which included weather. Harley McKee is the son of Jim McKee find the kids in need. pouring a 7-foot by 7-foot concrete pad with W. Colman Cronk is the son of Jeff and and Amy Cummings and a junior at Acalanes Kai Watanabe is the son of Yoshi and a drive-up concrete ramp and constructed Jamie Cronk and a junior at Campolindo High School. Harley worked with St Eliza- Mika Watanabe and is a junior at Acalanes 3-foot cinder block walls with a wooden re- High School. Cole renovated the outdoor beth’s Catholic Elementary School in the High School. Kai created 15 knot tying movable front door. Xenophon is a nonprofit entry area of a Shelter Inc. homeless shelter Fruitvale area of Oakland to help clean, re- kits for patients at Children’s Hospital in organization located in Orinda that provides in Martinez. He built a bench and several store and repair its Garden of Learning back Oakland. The kits, which include a board equine-assisted therapies for children with planter boxes, planted some unique plants, to usable condition after years of neglect. with rope and an instruction book, will disabilities. installed special fence material to hide a clut- The garden has been restored to a place for provide hours of entertainment for bedrid- Joshua Christian is the son of Darrell tered storage area, and created a much more the children to learn about plants and nature. den children as they are being treated at Christian and Kathy Trost and a junior at appealing, relaxing entry for the residents. Matthew Mlynek is the son of John and the hospital. Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B7 St. Mary’s Actors Stage Powerful ‘Lysistrata’ Moraga Women’s Society By Sophie Braccini “We have added two big choreo- to Hold Fashion Show graphic scenes, the first darker to Submitted by Susan Sperry begin the show, to convey some of the expression of women suf- fering in a war zone, then we turn the knob toward comedy,” Larlham says. “The second is an interlude in the middle of the show that came from an improvisation students did during audition. It blew my mind, it was so creative and powerful.” Songs have also been added, some of them created by Larlham and arranged by the students. One scene was inserted to symbolize the Peloponnesian Wars, as a physical and rhetorical competition between The “Lysistrata” actors rehearse with director Daniel Larlham (front left) and Kentaley McCurdey (front) playing the title character. Photo Sophie Braccini Athenians and Spartans. ristophanes’ “Lysistrata” is a emotional creatures. But this is tran- “(The director) is very inclu- Asubversive comedy that has scended by the figure of Lysistrata, sive and opened to our ideas,” says inspired directors and actors across a common woman, who proves her- Kentaley McCurdey, who plays Ly- centuries and borders, from an- self unwavering and powerful. sistrata. From top left: Ellen Beans, Teresa Onoda, Fiona Marlow, Sally Whipple, Ginny cient Greece to the present day. St. “This is a challenging show, McCurdey, who will graduate Ruble. Bottom row from left: Lizette Legaspi from Draper’s and Damons, Elsie Mastick, Linda Borrelli and Judy Ayres. Photo provided Mary’s College’s version is nothing but the students understand it very this year with a major in theater, like you have seen before, infused well,” says Larlham. “We have says that she was amazed when she hen the Moraga Women’s aga Town Council member and with the energy of youth and with added a lot of things, and it is quite discovered a play so old talking WSociety was formed in California Plein-Air artist; Ginny the creativity of director Daniel exciting.” about civil rights and feminism. 1967, the group sponsored many Ruble, president of the Moraga Larlham. Larlham has been teaching at “This woman is so powerful and community based events, like Garden Club; Fiona Marlow, This refreshing and fun take on SMC for over a year and enjoys di- so strong, this is so easy for me,” the pre-incorporation mayoral a board member of Board of a classic is for adults and will open recting the students in plays. “I feel says the young actor, who exudes a race, the annual September Art- Friends of the Moraga Library; at the Lefebvre Theater on April 14 more and more that I don’t have powerful presence naturally. “And ist Faire at the Commons and the Judy Ayres, membership chair and play through April 24. to have a clear conception of how she is also so funny, I immediately biannual Christmas House Tour. of Moraga Women’s Society; Aristophanes wrote “Lysistrata” a scene should be set, until we are connected to her.” This month, MWS is presenting Linda Borrelli, past president of in 411 B.C. in Athens during the on rehearsal,” he says. “My job is Two-thirds of the 20 students in “Couture for Moraga,” a fashion Moraga Movers, board member Peloponnesian Wars, its three-de- to magnify potential I see in stu- the play are also majoring in theater. show and luncheon from 11:30 of Rescue One Foundation of the cade clash with Sparta. The idea is dents. They are not fully formed yet The students had the benefit of a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, April Moraga-Orinda Fire District; El- simple: women in both city-states and they can let strange things flow a talk with Professor Emily Klein, 18, at the Trinity Cultural Center, sie Mastick, Moraga Historical get tired of the war and decide to through; sometimes it is wonderful, who recently published “Sex and 1700 School St., Moraga. Fash- Society ex-officio board member stop the conflict using one deadly and I structure it into the show.” War on the American Stage: Ly- ions are provided by Draper’s and archivist; and Sally Whipple, weapon: withholding sex from their The SMC troupe is work- sistrata in Performance 1930-2012,” and Damon of Walnut Creek. co-president of the Moraga Edu- husbands. ing from an adaptation by Ellen that examines staging of this play in Going back to their roots, this cational Foundation. In a time where women were not McLaughlin, which makes the lan- the U.S. over the past 80 years. event will highlight nine promi- Sam Sperry, first vice presi- regarded as equal and had no right guage easy to understand and re- Klein teaches at SMC and will nent organizations in Moraga dent of the Kiwanis Club of to vote, this unique anti-war com- moves the contextual aspects that be part of a pre-show talk at 7 p.m. who will provide models: Ellen Moraga Valley, and SIRS branch edy supports conventional thinking were familiar to Athenians 2,400 on Friday April 15. More informa- Beans, Moraga Citizens Network No. 174 Little Sir Bill Lund will of the time about women. Women years ago but would be totally ob- tion and tickets can be found online and 2012 Moraga Citizen of the assist during the event. All pro- were, in essence, feeble and over- scure today. at www.stmarys-ca.edu/Lysistrata. Year; Edy Schwartz, New Rheem ceeds benefit Moraga schools, Theatre director of community library and parks and recreation. Family Focus marketing and 2010 Moraga Cit- Tickets are $45 and are still izen of the Year, and past-presi- available. Call 925-376-3187 for Surviving the Sandwich Generation dent of the Moraga Chamber of reservations. Commerce; Teresa Onoda, Mor- By Margie Ryerson ew York actor and writer John I have three children and a busy feelings you experience are natural NJiler’s one-man show, “RIPE,” schedule, while one of my brothers and human. You are not a terrible begins with a man on the phone is single. I have asked both of them person for having them. with a pharmacist, from whom he very nicely to do more, but they just • Set boundaries for how much Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is ordering three boxes of diapers. don’t come through for my mom or you can do for your family. Become One is for his infant son and two are me. It’s very frustrating.” more comfortable with saying “no” for his aging parents. Jiler created Worry, guilt, resentment and at times. Admit to others that you the perfect metaphor for finding accompanying physical symptoms can’t do as much as you would like. Now oneself in the middle of the genera- such as exhaustion or stress-induced Sometimes, family members say accepting tional sandwich. headaches are potential byproducts that they didn’t think to offer to help As life expectancy rates con- of caring for several generations. because it looked like others were new tinue to increase, more of us are You may also be very sad at times handling everything just fine. patients! finding ourselves sandwiched be- watching your parent decline. • Enlist help from other family tween generations who depend on Many adults who are “sandwiched” members, paid caretakers or baby- us. Along with our aging parents experience anxiety, depression, re- sitters. and their various physical, emo- sentment and emotional depletion • Find others that can listen to Kristi L. Doberenz, D.D.S., Inc. tional and financial needs, we may as well. When you love many peo- you vent when you need to and of- 8 Camino Encinas, STE #110, Orinda have children at home and/or adult ple who depend on you and you feel fer compassion and support — your (925) 254-3725 children who still look to us for sup- like you are constantly performing partner, friends or a therapist. port. Additionally, more and more triage, it can take its toll. • Commit to finding time to of us are grandparents who are as- It is natural to have a variety of take good care of yourself by ex- suming a larger caretaking role for feelings when your life feels more ercising, eating healthfully (well our grandchildren. So it is possible out of control than you would like. ... there will be moments for sure, for some of us to be sandwiched Your time, energy, preferences and but making good choices for the between our parents, our children, outside relationships are limited. most part), getting adequate sleep, Bay Area and our grandchildren — a tight Negative feelings that inevitably moderating alcohol intake, and BAD squeeze to be sure. accompany lack of control make planning some fun activities. I’m INC. Drainage, Inc. I asked a few friends and neigh- it even more difficult to feel happy a big believer in escapism for get- bors what they find hardest about and fulfilled. ting our minds off our problems. providing care for several gen- Often there is sorrow that your People report that it is difficult to HaveAre You You Checked Ready For Your erations. Here are some of their re- role is reversed with your parent, concentrate if they are too stressed. sponses: and that now you are the one who Give yourself permission to watch Crawlspace Lately? “I feel a lot of guilt because I needs to be a caretaker. You may mindless TV or movies at times. El Niño? don’t think I’m doing enough for feel sad for your parent who has lost One friend, a high-powered attor- my elderly father, who is lonely. I so many abilities, and also sad for ney, reads trashy romance novels as • French Drains try to see him once a week, but I yourself that you no longer have a relief from everyday stress. Try to have two small children, a husband parent to lean on. pay attention to your instincts about • Underfloor Drains and a part-time job.” How can you help yourself what you want and need. “Since my parents moved close through this difficult and challeng- • Know that you are a won- • Downspout Systems to us three years ago from the Mid- ing time? It helps to have a con- derful person for giving so much of • Subdrain Systems west, I have gained 30 pounds. siderate, helpful partner and other yourself to your family. Give your- • Subdrain Systems They didn’t know anyone out here, family members, but largely you self lots of praise for all that you are • Sump Pumps and I spent most of my extra time are the one who needs to look out doing, and try to let go of guilt for • R etaining Walls with them the first year or so. Even for yourself. A common analogy is the inevitable times you can’t be after they were more settled, I when flying with children and the there for them. •• PavestoneR etaining DrivewayWalls & Walkways stopped going to the gym. I have no oxygen masks come down and need time between working and caring to be used. You first need to put on • Pavestone Driveway & Walkways for my kids and my parents.” your mask so that you can help your A General Engineering Contractor “My mother lives in assisted children or others with theirs. A General Engineering Contractor living now, but we are helping her Here are a few suggestions Locally owned and Operated financially along with our -daugh for coping when you are pulled in Locally Contractor owned LIC and # 762208Operated ter in college. My wife and I both many directions: work, but we are concerned about • Be accepting and support- Contractor LIC # 762208 our financial future.” ive of your own feelings. One of “My relationship with my two the most common problems I see 925•377•9209 brothers has deteriorated since my is having expectations of oneself Margie Ryerson, MFT, is a marriage mother has needed more assistance. that are too high. After all, there has and family therapist and author 925•377•9209 in Orinda and Walnut Creek. visit our website They each live in the area but ex- only been one Mother Teresa. Be Contact her at 925-376-9323 or pect me to do the bulk of the work. aware that any negative, resentful [email protected]. www.bayareadrainage.com Page: B8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Th e Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church Not to be missed Not to be missed Congregational Care Ministries invite you to: ART Moraga Library. This is an NPS Cen- showcases the power of stories to tennial Celebration program. bridge generations, celebrate diverse The Moraga Art Gallery’s new cultures, and build and connect com- H show “Capturing Moments of Mo- Moraga Movers and Moraga Li- munities. For info, visit www.bayar- A JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF tion” features paintings by local artist brary present Book Talking at 2 eastorytelling.org. Josie Osolin and figurative ceramic p.m. Wednesday, April 13. Adina Saturday, April 16th, 2016 sculptures by Fred Yokel. The Mora- Sara will review her debut novel The Lamorinda Idol 2016 audi- 8:30am–2:00pm, MVPC Fireside Room ga Art Gallery is located in Moraga’s “Blind Shady Bend,” which has sur- tions will be held May 19-21. Reg- Rheem Shopping Center next to the prising twists and turns, like the road istration is open to all Lamorinda Please RSVP by Monday, April 11th at mvpctoday.org Dollar Store. For more info, visit to Blind Shady Bend itself. students or residents. Groups can in- or contact Brooke Allen at (925)376-4800 ext. 285 www.moragaartgallery.com or call clude members outside Lamorinda. High school students and adults are welcome. (925) 376-5407. The youngest member of Israeli Register at www.LamorindaArts. Parliament, MK Stav Shaffir, will org through April 30. The Lamorinda Valley Art Gallery’s New Spring discuss the current Israeli political Idol program includes workshops, Collection, “Art Pop,” features over landscape, prospects for peace, and multiple performance opportunities, 10 Moraga Valley Lane | www.mvpctoday.org 300 new works of art as fresh and her efforts to advance government parties and the Finals at the Orinda eye-popping as the spring season it- transparency, social justice, and Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 4. self, including works for sale or for economic equity in Israel at 7 p.m. rent from the best East Bay artists. Thursday, April 14 at Temple Isaiah OTHER Plus, there are beautifully crafted, Social Hall, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette. Lamorinda’s ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and Dogtown Downtown from 10 a.m. Religious Services original designer jewelry. The show KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS to noon on Saturday, April 9 at the runs through May 14. Lafayette Library and Learning Cen- Decorate a Mini Library Book- ter, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Parade, Live Pet Portrait painting with shelf from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, activities, contests, demonstration Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church Artist Robert Carter from 10 a.m. April 12 at the Moraga Library. Cel- and vendors. 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, 254-3422 to 1 p.m. Saturday April 9 and 10 ebrate National Library Week by www.holyshepherd.org at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, decorating your own mini bookshelf Survey an area of your choosing for 3620 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette. for your books at home. This free Sudden Oak Death (“SOD”) during 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:40 a.m. Education for all ages Dog treats on hand. Drop by with event is open to all ages, no registra- the 10th annual SOD Blitz at 10 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship your dog before or after the parade. tion necessary. Saturday, April 9. Come to the Gar- Coffee Fellowship at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. For info, visit http://jenniferperlmut- den Room at the Orinda Library, 26 Childcare available for ages 5 and younger tergallery.com/2016/03/pet-portrait- Painter’s Tape Art and Book Cov- Orinda Way, for a one-hour session live-demo/ or call (925) 284-1485. er Paintings from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on SOD and the Blitz leaf collection Wednesday, April 13 in the Arts and protocol with UC professor and SOD The City of Lafayette Public Art Science room of the Lafayette Li- Blitz founder Dr. Matteo Garbelotto, Committee welcomes its latest art brary and Learning Center. Register then collect leaves from areas and at exhibit “Oscar’s Excellent Year,” online at tinyurl.com/teenscapeART. times of your choosing through Sun- featuring local artist Joanne Taeuffer. day, April 10. For info, visit www. The exhibit is on display in the The Saklan School Parent Associa- sodblitz.org. For space and material Homework Center at the Lafayette tion presents “Helping Highly Sen- planning purposes, email William Library and Learning Center now sitive and Gifted Kids Manage Anxi- Hudson at [email protected] if you through June. For info, visit www. ety” with Dr. Grace Malonai from 7 plan to come. joannetaeuffer.com. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center This spring open your nest to a new MUSIC in Lafayette. For registration info, kitten or cat. Community Concern visit saklan.org. Free. for Cats invites you to meet beauti- 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre’s ful felines at the adoption event from “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!” Sixth Annual Lafayette Community The Friends of the Orinda Li- 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Join us Sundays at 10 a.m. | Sunday School 10 a.m Music Festival at 6:30 p.m. Saturday brary is excited to announce the April 9 and 10, at Pet Food Express April 16. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. commencement of the 2016 Poul in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Featured this year are Dream Posse, Anderson Creative Writing Contest, Petco in Walnut Creek. For more Stevie Coyle (Mighty Fine Guitars), open to all high school students who info, see www.communityconcern- Garageland Rodeo, Reminisce, Hard reside and/or attend high school in forcats.org. Rain and the Town Hall Kids. Tickets Orinda. Entry Categories are Science available at www.townhalltheatre. Fiction/Fantasy, Essay/Memoir/Bi- Guide To A Healthier Home: Bet- Lafayette United Methodist Church com or through the box office with ography, Poetry and Short Story. Stu- ter Living Through Nature from 955 Moraga Road 925.284.4765 thelumc.org limited hours, so email BoxOffice@ dents may submit one entry in any of 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 Sunday 10am Worship and Faith Formation for all ages TownHallTheatre.com or call (925) the four categories for a total of not at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center Opportunities to Love God, Love Others, 283-1557. more than three entries. Submission in Pleasant Hill. Denise Koroslev and Serve the World deadline is noon on Friday, April 22. will discuss how to reduce exposure WomenSing presents its “Treble Entries should be submitted to indi- cleaning products, furniture, bedding, Voices Now” festival along with five vidual school representatives or at carpet, paint and clothing can all in- St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church other choirs from 3 to 4 p.m. Satur- the Orinda Library. For additional clude chemicals that can be harmful A Loving Community day, April 16 at First Congregational info, go to www.friendsoftheorindal- to our families by maintaining a clean Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berke- ibrary.org or email contest@friend- home with natural products. Cost: Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM ley. Free. For info, go to http://wo- softheorindalibrary.com. $20. For more info and a complete In-church Youth Zone, 10 AM Nursery Childcare mensing.org/youth-inspiring-youth/ list of workshops, visit www.sustain- 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws treble-voices-now/ or call (925) 798- The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice ablecoco.org/workshops. 4875 or email [email protected]. Center presents it 19th annual Peace Through Art and Writing Challenge. The Blue Pearl Group will offer THEATER This year’s topic: Cherish these natu- a series of workshops to cultivate ral wonders. The contest is open to physical, mental, emotional and spir- Berkeley Repertory Theatre and middle and high school students in itual well-being from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Moraga Library present a docent Contra Costa County, who may sub- Wednesday, April 13 at the Lafayette lecture about “Macbeth” at 1 p.m. mit works in three categories: Essay, Library Arts and Sciences Center. Thursday, April 7 at the Hacienda de Creative Writing and Art. Submis- The workshop will be group taught las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive. The sions are due April 22 to Mt. Diablo by experienced practitioners. Ses- Berkeley Repertory Theatre docent Peace and Justice Center, 55 Eckley sions will include Vajra Wind – an will discuss the current “Macbeth” Ln., Walnut Creek, 94596. For de- engaging breath practice, meditation, production showing at the Roda The- tailed contest requirement info, visit chanting, and more in a lighthearted atre through April 10. www.creatingpeacefulschools.wee- joyful atmosphere. Presented by Da- bly.com or call (925) 933-7850. vid Holland. Minimum Donation: The Acalanes Drama Dons proud- $10. For info, call (415) 233-2581. ly present “Macbeth” at 7 p.m. on Seedlings Preschool’s 22nd Annual April 27, 28, 29 and 30 in the Per- Wheel Day from 10 a.m. to noon The sixth annual blood drive in forming Arts Center little theater. Saturday, April 23 at LOPC - La- memory of Rachael Wenger will Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is a swift fayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda and relentless tragedy which uncov- 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Bring the April 15 at Springhill Elementary 254-3770. www.ststephensorinda.org ers the terrifying consequences of whole family to climb inside a giant School, 3301 Springhill Road, La- Sunday 8am, 10am blind ambition. Tickets are available tractor, sit on a real motorcycle and fayette. For appointments, call The in April during lunch at Acalanes hear a real fire engine siren. Your American Red Cross at 1-800-RED- High School and online at ahsper- child can also enjoy face painting CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log in formingarts.org. Limited ticket sales and even take a train ride around at www.redcrossblood.org and enter ORINDA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH available day of the show. Doors the parking lot. Free. Snacks and either sponsor code RachaelWenger 24 Orinda Way (next to the Library) - 254-4212 open at 6:30 p.m. Adults $12; stu- refreshments will be available for or zip code 94549. Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 - 11 am dents and seniors $7. minimal cost. Informal Wednesday Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 pm The Saint Mary’s College Guild’s Reading Room/Bookstore M - F 11 - 4; Sat 11 – 2 Orinda Intermediate School’s Free Practice exams for the new annual lunch and spring fashion Bulldog Theater proudly presents SAT and ACT at the Moraga Li- show, Lavender and Lace, will be www.christianscienceorinda.org “James and the Giant Peach JR.” at brary. ACT on April 23 with the re- held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat- 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. April 28 and 29 view on May 5. Sign up online or at urday, April 16 at the St. Mary’s and 2 and 5 p.m. April 30, 80 Ivy the Moraga Library. Signups include College Soda Center. Draper’s and Dr., Orinda. Ticket prices range from the test return and review date. Damon’s will feature fabulous spring $3-10 and are available for advance fashions. Cost is $40 per person. purchase at www.showtix4u.com. The Bay Area Storytelling Festi- Please make check payable to: SMC Tickets will also be sold at the door. val, which promotes the timeless, Guild. Send to: Patricia Wiegmann, contemporary art of storytelling by 39 Carr Dr., Moraga, CA 94556. LECTURE & LITERATURE presenting today’s finest talents, For more information contact Pat at: starts on Friday, April 29 with one (925) 376-6088. All proceeds go to William Keith and the Battle for or more master-level workshops and students seeking financial aid at St. Hetch Hetchy. John Schneider, an evening performance by all tell- Mary’s College. curator of this exhibit at the Saint ers, and continues with several per- Mary’s College Museum of Art, will formances for adults and older kids, Save the Earth from 11:30 a.m. to discuss Hetch Hetchy, William Keith and a special family program for the 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17 at the and John Muir, Yosemite, and other younger kids on Saturday and Sun- Wildlife Earth Day Festival at Wag- gems of the permanent collection at day April 20 and May 1 at the Orinda ner Ranch in Orinda. 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 at the Community Center. The festival ... continued on next page Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B9 Sally Field Proves Again Why We Really Like Her in ‘Doris’ By Derek Zemrak her granddaughter Vivian (Isabella Acres). The advice, fights and banter between the three makes for several enjoyable scenes. Doris is at a crossroad of life as a 60-some- thing “plain Jane” accountant at a Brooklyn clothing company who would prefer to stay in her cubicle crunching numbers. Doris is dealing with the passing of her mother and questioning what life is all about. She gets a spark in her that has not been lit for years when she meets the young co-worker, John (“New Girl’s” Max Greenfield,). It is fun to see a flip of genders in the film, when an older woman is pursuing a much younger man. “Hello, My Name is Doris” is a cute, enjoy- able movie but predictable and missing a few surprises to be an award winner. But neverthe- less it’s an entertaining film. Once again Sally, we like you, we really like you! “My Name is Doris” is rated R for language Image provided with a TRT (Total Running Time) of one hour ally Field, once America’s Sweetheart, is and 35 minutes. Sproving herself to be “America’s Grandma” in “Hello, My Name is Doris.” Upcoming Rheem and Orinda Two-time Oscar-winner Field is back on top Theatre Events: of her game doing what she does best – mak- 7 p.m. April 14 – Free Movie Night in ing an audience “like” her. In “Hello, My Name Orinda: “Die Hard,” starring Bruce Willis is Doris,” Field plays an older woman, Doris, 1 p.m. April 16 – Sci-Fi Day Four – Irwin Al- who, after seeing a self-help guru, gets the cour- len Tribute with special guests, Marta Kristen age to romantically pursue a much younger (“Lost in Space”) and Gary Conway (“Land of co-worker. Sally makes the movie and you just the Giants”). want more of her, much like the olden days in 7 p.m. April 23 – Fatty Arbuckle Festival with her roles in “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Norma live piano score performed by Patti Liedecker. Rae” and “Places in the Heart.” 7 p.m. May 21– The Rheem USO Canteen Doris (Sally Field) gets help and ad- – A Memorial Day Tribute to the songs and vice from her best friend Roz, brilliant- memories of war ballads, patriotic songs and Service Clubs ly casted with five-time Golden Globe- just good ole American patriotism with Adam nominee, Tyne Daly (“Cagney & Lacey”) and Reeves and Patti Liedecker. Announcements Explore Lamorinda Rotary clubs The heart Not to be missed Not to be missed of Rotary is our clubs- dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Learn about Lamorinda’s Rotary clubs. OTHER ... continued 1 at Miramonte High School - 750 Lunch n’ Learn: Spring Clean- Moraga Way, Orinda. All race par- ing Workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1 Moraga Women’s Society will ticipants receive a T-shirt and deli- p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at Byron We meet Friday mornings at 7:00 am be going back to their roots when cious post-race brunch, music, kids’ Park, 1700 Tice Valley Blvd., Wal- at The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, they present “Couture for Moraga,” craft booth, face painting, prizes for nut Creek. It’s time to get organized, 3666 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. a fashion show and luncheon from the top finishers and more. clear out the clutter, simplify, and For more info, please email us at [email protected] 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April plan how to use your space more effi- 18 at the Trinity Cultural Center, Mark your calendars for A Taste ciently. Do your closets, the garage, a April 8 April 15 spare room, your desk or work space 1700 School St., Moraga. They will of Lafayette, the city’s 14th Annual Sandra Scherer, Executive Diann Grimm, Partners in present nine popular community Restaurant Walk on Tuesday, May need to be organized? This workshop Director of the Monument Sustainable Learning, Nepal members as models: Ellen Beans, 17, 2016. This is an opportunity to will give you the tools and resources Crisis Center Edy Schwartz, Teresa Onoda, Ginny tour Lafayette’s finest dining estab- you need to begin to de-clutter those Wine Barrel Raffle: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner drawings on May 1, 2016 Ruble, Feona Marlowe, Judy Ayres, lishments and sample the signature areas of your house. Free, lunch gen- Proceeds fund various community service projects. Buy $10 raffle tickets Linda Borrelli, Elsie Mastick, and cuisine of each restaurant. Cost is erously provided. Space is limited; from our Rotary Club members. See particulars at lamorindasunrise.org Sally Whipple. For reservations, call $45 per person if purchased by May RSVP to Lafayette Senior Services (925) 376-3187. 6, 2016; $50 per person after that by April 6 by calling (925) 284-5050. date. Visit www.lafayettechamber. Lafayette Rotary Club GARDEN The internationally acclaimed org/events/taste-of-lafayette/ for Step in on a Thursday and join us for our lunch meeting. documentary ”An American As- more information. Thursday at noon Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. cent” about the first African Ameri- Fill your garden with a plethora of can expedition to tackle North SENIORS plants, including California natives, April 7: April 14: shrubs, ground cover, perennials, America’s highest peak, Denali, will Greg Gillis, Beth Needel, be screened at the Orinda Library The Stroke Support Group of Con- grasses, ferns, annuals and drought- Auditorium at 7 p.m. on April 20. tra Costa County will meet from 7 tolerant plants at The Gardens at Heather Farm’s annual Spring Plant Expedition member, Scott Briscoe, to 9 p.m. on April 11 in the Concord I Executive Director Lafayette Library will introduce the film and speak Room at John Muir Medical Center, Sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Satur- PG&E and Learning Center Foundation about his on-going work. Free and 2540 East Street, Concord. The topic day, April 9. The sale takes place, www. rotarylafayette.org open to the public. First come, first will be: Vision Restoration Therapy rain or shine, in the parking lot at The seated. For more information, call with NovaVision, a therapeutic ap- Gardens at Heather Farm, located (925) 254-2184 or email bgirshma@ proach to improve visual abilities at 1540 Marchbanks Dr. in Walnut ccclib.org. following a stroke or traumatic brain Creek. Free. injury. For info, contact Ann Dzuna The City of Orinda will be beau- at (925) 376-6218. Free. Montelindo Garden Club will meet Please submit tified and cleaned during the eighth at 9 a.m. Friday, April 15 at St. Ste- events to: annual Orinda Action Day of Com- So You Think You Can Dance? The phen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Ste- [email protected] munity Service by community vol- Moraga Movers will be entertained phens Dr., Orinda. Visitors welcome. unteers from 9:30 to noon Saturday, by U.S. Open Swing Dance Cham- Katie, of Katie Creighton Design, a April 23. A new theme this year is pion Kurt Senser and his partner talented full-service designer of resi- “Keep Orinda Beautiful!” There is Cynthia Austen at their monthly din- dential and public gardens in the Bay Lamorinda Weekly a poster contest for K-12 students ner meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April Area, will discuss “Having Fun With is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA Garden Design Challenges.” 26,600 printed copies; delivered to homes & businesses in Lamorinda. in conjunction with Orinda Action 11 at Saint Mary’s Soda Center, with Contact us: Day, with cash prizes for the win- social hour starting at 5 p.m. For res- Letters to the editor (max 350 words): [email protected] ners. Completed posters are due by ervation and membership info, visit Walnut Creek Garden Club’s Delivery issues: [email protected] noon April 23. They may be turned moragamovers.org. business meeting and social time Event listings: [email protected] in at the Library Plaza on Orinda Ac- is 9:30-10:45 a.m. Monday, April Business press releases: [email protected] tion Day April 23, or dropped off be- Sons In Retirement - Las Tram- 11 at The Gardens at Heather Farm General interest stories/Community Service: [email protected] at 1540 Marchbanks Rd. At 10:45, School stories/events: [email protected] fore at Mechanics Bank, 77 Moraga pas Branch 116 welcomes guest Sport events/stories/pictures: [email protected] Way, Orinda. Back of poster must be to socialize at its monthly luncheon we will drive to Our Garden on Ygnacio Valley Road to meet Mas- Publishers/Owners: Andy and Wendy Scheck; marked with name, grade and con- beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, April [email protected], [email protected] tact information. 18 held at the Walnut Creek Elks ter Gardener Janet Miller. She will Editor: Peggy Spear; [email protected] Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. The be giving us a tour of Our Garden, spreading the word about what Mas- Copy Editor: Nick Marnell; [email protected] Join Friends of Orinda Creeks for speaker, Jim Cole, who always had Sports Editor: Spencer Silva; [email protected] ter Gardeners and Our Garden does Orinda Action Day 2016 and help a fascination with the sea, will dis- Advertising: 925-377-0977, Wendy Scheck; [email protected] clean up San Pablo Creek from 9:30 cuss his passion for sailing, a sport for the community, sharing “advice Staff Writers: Sophie Braccini; [email protected] to noon on Saturday, April 23. Meet in which he has actively participated to grow by,” and answering edible gardening questions. For info, email Cathy Tyson; [email protected] at the booth in front of the Library. for over 40 years. Call (925) 322- Victor Ryerson; [email protected] Wear long pants and a hat, bring 1160 to make lunch reservations. [email protected]. Cathy Dausman; [email protected] gloves if you have them. Other tools Cost: $15. For more info, visit www. Nick Marnell; [email protected] will be provided. Branch116.org. Lafayette Garden Club is excited Digging Deep: Cynthia Brian; [email protected] to present “What’s New?” with Food: Susie Iventosch; [email protected] The Lafayette Earth Day Celebra- Men “of a certain age” (semi- or speaker Katherine Greenberg, who is Contributing Writers: Conrad Bassett, Moya Stone, Jennifer Wake, tion will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 fully-retired) are invited to hear a the director of New Plant Introduc- Lou Fancher, Chris Lavin, Amanda Kuehn Carroll, Diane Claytor, Uma Unni, Spencer Silva, Karl Buscheck, Ryan McKinley, Zoe Portnoff, Clare Varellas, p.m. on Sunday, April 24 at the La- presentation from Adam Czekanski, tions at Monrovia Growers. She will be discussing interesting and beauti- Adam Blake, Daniel Smith, Fran Miller, Jade Shojaee, Emily Dugdale, fayette Library & Learning Center, Lt. Col. of the Army Corp of Engi- Dean Boerner, Barry Hunau (cartoonist), Derek Zemrak (Film Critic) 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. neers, during its regular lunch meet- ful new varieties developed for our gardens. The meeting will be held Calendar Editor: Jaya Griggs; [email protected] Help support children and families ing at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 13 Photos: Tod Fierner, Ohlen Alexander, Gint Federas from 9:45 a.m. to noon on April 14 affected by AIDS in Zimbabwe. at Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School Layout/Graphics: Andy Scheck. Printed in CA. Get your family and friends togeth- St., Moraga. SIRs welcomes new at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building, Mailing address: er for the 13th Annual JF Kapnek members. For details, visit www. 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Visitors wel- come. For info, email Carolyn Poet- Lamorinda Weekly, P.O. Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570-6133 Trust Family Fun Run and post-race branch174.sirinc2.org or call Tyler Phone: 925-377-0977; Fax: 1-800-690-8136 brunch from 9 a.m. to noon on May at (925) 284-5561. zsch at [email protected]. email: [email protected] website: www.lamorindaweekly.com Page: B10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 6, 2016
TORAN RIS TE Coconut (and Chocolate) Lovers Can Dip into This Sweet, Seasonal Cookie TA OD By Susie Iventosch PAS • SEAFO more complexity to the issue, there is also a type of cookie Vino is not your typical restaurant. called an almond macaroon, which is typically made with Our food is made only with the freshest and finest almond flour or almond paste, and usually granulated ingredients. We do not use any commercial sauces, sugar in place of the powdered sugar used in macarons. hydrogenated oils or trans-fats. What we serve you We are not going to focus on the almond macaroon this is delicious, healthy food made with passion. week, but perhaps another time … they are really deli- cious, too. A few selections: Macaroons, on the other hand, are made with coco- Beet Salad: fresh mint, tomato, golden raisins, goat cheese, herb vinaigrette....7 Sardines Insalata: calamata olives, green beans, potato, feta cheese, nut, sweetened-condensed milk, vanilla and a dash of balsamic olive oil ...... 9 salt … that’s it, unless of course, you dip the bottom in Niman Flat Iron Steak: potato gratin, green beans, chimichurri sauce...... 18 melted dark chocolate for an added touch of amazing Fresh Seafood Cioppino: in a rich tomato-basil sauce, parmesan, garlic toast..19 flavor. This concoction ends up tasting like an over-the- Roasted Scallops: spinach, salciccia sugo ...... 19 top Mounds Bar. In my opinion, coconut and chocolate Roasted Wild Salmon: white wine, capers, braised greens, and potato gratin..17 are a heavenly match, even though coconut with pine- Veal Scallopini: mushrooms, garlic, marsala wine ...... 17 apple or lime are also delightful and can be added to your macaroon, if you so desire. 3531 Plaza Way, Lafayette, (925) 284-1330 This recipe calls for using both sweetened and un- Open for dinner Wed. – Sat. 5 - 8:30 p.m. sweetened coconut, and Paula uses the flaked coconut Chocolate-dipped Macaroons Photo Susie Iventosch as opposed to the shredded coconut. Trader Joe’s pack- ast issue we had some technical difficulties and ages this type of flaked, unsweetened coconut and I also Lthe French chocolate “macarons” turned out to be found a private label brand at the grocery store where I “macaroons” in my column. Being a food columnist I shop. I have made macaroons that used the “Let’s Do was a bit alarmed, but because so many people really Organic” brand natural flaked coconut, and they were Mary H. Smith D.D.S. • Cecelia Thomas, D.D.S. don’t know the difference, and many of you may have tasty, but not quite the texture I prefer in a macaroon, be- A Professional Corporation always wondered, this gives us a great opportunity to cause the pieces of coconut are so tiny and a bit grainy. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry spell out how these two types of cookies are made. Also, With a newfound knowledge of macarons and maca- 96 Davis Road, Suite 5 Orinda, 925.254.0824 now I can share my neighbor Paula’s amazing coconut roons, you can venture forth and give each a try to see macaroon recipe with all of you. which type of cookie you prefer. Both of these recipes Keep in mind, you absolutely must be a coconut make excellent choices for Passover desserts, since they lover in order to bother with macaroons, because they use no flour or leavening agent. are mostly made of a big mound of coconut. If you can check that box, then please read on. Both macarons and macaroons are made with stiff- Susie can be reached at ly beaten egg whites, and unless you desire a coconut [email protected]. This recipe can be found filling in your macarons, that is pretty much where the on our website: www. similarities end. French macarons are very light and airy lamorindaweekly.com. If meringue cookie sandwiches, made with almond flour, you would like to share flavoring and powdered sugar. The filling can be made your favorite recipe with from just about anything you desire, from jam or filling to Susie please contact her buttercream or chocolate ganache. Just to add a little bit by email or call our office at (925) 377-0977. Paula’s Chocolate-dipped Coconut Macaroons Taking care of all dental needs for you and your family. Emphasizing (Makes 24 cookies) cosmetic dentistry with implants, and Invisalign. Nitrous oxide is INGREDIENTS available. Consultations are complementary. 14-ounces sweetened, flaked coconut (approximately 4 1/3 cups) Dentistry with Excellence. 12 ounces unsweetened, flaked coconut (approximately 4 cups) One 14-ounce can sweetened, condensed milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 egg whites ½ teaspoon salt 6-8 ounces bittersweet or dark chocolate, melted in the microwave Directions: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix the first four ingredients together in a large bowl until well integrated. It may seem too dry, but it will all work out. Mix together with a spoon until well mixed. In a separate large glass bowl, beat egg whites with salt on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold coconut mixture into egg whites in three batches until all mixed together. Using a one-fourth or cup rounded measuring cup, spoon batter onto parchment paper. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until bottom of cookie is golden brown and tops are toasted. Remove from oven and The Tick Tock Store cool completely. We Make The Right Place For The Right Time When cookies are at room temp, melt chocolate in the microwave until just melted. Dip the bottoms on the House Calls $1 On Grandfather Batteries • Bands •Repair Watch BatteryOFF cookies in the melted chocolate, or spread chocolate on bottoms with a butter knife. Cool, chocolate side up, Clocks! With This Coupon. until chocolate is hardened. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. FREE Estimates Rolex-Tag Heuer Repair Center Specialize in grandfather clock and watch repairs
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Phone: (925) 317-3187 Fax: (925) 334-7017 Email: [email protected] www.theaterviewvetclinic.com 1 Bates Blvd., Suite 200, Orinda Wednesday, April 6, 2016 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C1 LeapFrog Plumbing Protect your family and home from dangerous gas leaks . Lady Mats’ Historic Run Ends in Gas leaks cause ¼ of earth‐ quake‐related fires! Keep your family safe with an earthquake State Title Game shutoff valve. You can't control By Karl Buscheck the earthquake but you can and national titles, a massive ac- Head Frog Mo Williams complishment for any school, but control the damage! especially a Division III program April is Earthquake Preparedness Month drawing from less than 1,400 stu- dents. In fact, the storybook season When it comes to safety...... We Hop To It! managed to even exceed the expec- tations of their star player. $50 off $150 off “I didn’t think a team like us Earthquake emergency Tankless water could make it this far,” Ionescu ad- mitted on stage in the Sleep Train shut off valve* heater install* Arena’s pressroom, flanked by her teammates. “We had our doubts $50 off throughout the season but we stuck any plumbing job to it. You know, we listened to our over $500* coaches. We worked as hard as anybody’s worked in practice and *Exp. 5/15/16 took every game like it was our last.” We Hop To It! Editor’s Note: Last week, Lady Family-owned and serving Lamorinda since 1993 Mats star Sabrina Ionescu partici- pated in the McDonalds’ All-Amer- green solutions! ica Game (Chicago, Ill.) and not only earned the Jack Daly Sports- manship Award, but also earned (925) Senior Keana Delos Santos’s three pointer gave the Mats a 53-51 lead with 377-6600 game MVP, scoring 25 points – a CA Lic 1:32 left in the third quarter Photos Gint Federas 929641 www.LeapFrogPlumbing.com espite a furious third-quarter comeback attempt. new record – and leading the West Dcharge, the Lady Mats came While the long-run effort was to a second-half comeback victory. up short in their quest for the Ionescu’s only three ball of the school’s first state title and perfect night, the senior’s triple-double – season, losing 80-71 to Chaminade 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 as- in the CIF Open Division cham- sists – fueled the Mats second-half pionship at Sleep Train Arena on comeback. Miramonte outscored March 26. Chaminade 22-14 in the third quar- “It was a good run. It was ter and even briefly took the lead, a tough run,” head coach Kelly 53-51, with 1:32 to go in the third Sopak said after his team dug out when senior Keana Delos Santos of a 20-point hole to briefly claim rained in a three pointer from the a third-quarter lead over the West corner. Hills heavyweights – MaxPrep’s Ultimately, the Mats offered No. 3 team in the nation. “And I a towering Chaminade squad too thought we had them and it goes many second chances. that way, but it’s not going to “They outrebounded [us] on change who these kids are – what the offensive end – I think they we are defined by as a team. We’re were two to one on the offensive a tough hard-working group of rebounds,” Sopak said, after the players whether we win or lose and Eagles dominated the offensive unfortunately it didn’t work out.” glass 19-11. “And I think that was The Mats (32-1), famous for something we needed to shore up their supercharged starts, endured that we didn’t. We gave them too a nightmare beginning of the night many easy looks for offensive put- in the state capital, falling behind backs. If we could have a couple of 23-11 by the end of the first quar- those back, we’d be a little happier ter. MaxPrep’s fifth-ranked team right now.” in the country was staring at a 43- In the final quarter, those sec- 33 deficit heading into the half, ond chances caught up to the Mats. though they captured the momen- Chaminade scored 23 points in the tum thanks to an unreal shot from fourth, as the Eagles secured their Sabrina Ionescu to close the half. second state title in three seasons. How can we serve you? In the closing seconds of the “You have to exert a lot of en- How canHow we can serve we serveyou? you? second quarter, junior Elle Lou- ergy to come back from 20,” Sopak Let us count the ways. ie ripped a rebound away from explained. “We got on a run there Chaminade and passed to the All- in the third quarter, and we just Let usLet count us count the ways. the ways. American who banked in a 35-foot couldn’t weather that last storm.” buzzer-beating three pointer which The Mats’ first and only loss not only ignited the crowd at the brought a disappointing end to a Sacramento Kings arena but also spectacular season in which the ignited Miramonte’s second-half Mats flirted with both the state
At the UC Eye Center in Berkeley, how you see is what you get. Because we’re part of the top-rated UC School of Optometry, Senior Sabrina Ionescu made a half-court shot as time expired in the first At the UC Eye CenterAt the inUC Berkeley, Eye Center how in youBerkeley, see is howwhat you you see get. is what you get. we’re here for you and your family in a whole range of ways: half, shifting the momentum in the Mats’ favor Because we’re partBecause of the we’re top-rated part of UC the School top-rated of Optometry, UC School of Optometry, we’re here •for Pediatric youwe’re and hereVision your for Carefamily you • and Eyein a yourExaminations whole family range in ofa wholeways: range of ways: • LASik• PediatricSurgery • VisionGeriatric• Pediatric Care Vision • Eye Vision Care Examinations Care• Contact • Eye LensesExaminations • Eyewear Center • Specialized Vision Care • LASik Surgery• •L GeriatricASik Surgery Vision • Geriatric Care • Contact Vision CareLenses • Contact Lenses • EyewearMake Centeran appointment• Eyewear • Specialized Center and Vision go • SpecializedCal! Care Vision Care Make an appointmentMake an and appointment go Cal! and go Cal!
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Acalanes Baseball’s Video- St. Mary’s Baseball Finding Early- Analysis System a Home Run Season Rhythm By Spencer Silva By Dean Boerner full capabilities,” Santich-Hughes said. team high, while Neff posted a 2.23 ERA in In order to track more data – to develop five starts. scouting reports on opposing pitchers and hit- Another area of improvement is the bull- ters, position defensive shifts, and even learn pen, a major liability in previous seasons. coach and umpire tendencies – the team hired This spring, the Gaels’ relief corps is a mix of two Acalanes students, senior Matt Self and both experience and youth. Nathan Simmons sophomore Tyler Sverak to log play-by-play and David Dellaserra are the staff’s elder data into the system’s proprietary software. statesmen – it’s only seniors – while new- The RightView Pro also came with a Stalker comers Bryce Reichmann, a junior transfer, II radar gun – the preferred model of major Photo Gint Federas and freshmen Ty Madrigal and Jonathan league scouts – to track pitch velocity. Buckley round out the pen. fter several years of offensive output Self became interested in sports analyt- “Our greatest strength, as opposed to oth- seemingly incommensurate with their A ics after using the Hudl – video analysis soft- er years, is that this year we have a lot more talent, Acalanes Dons’ head coach Justin ware for football – during his tenure on the depth in the bullpen and offensively,” Burnes Santich-Hughes, and others, decided to look school’s football team. He has a background said. for answers. in technology and is considering pursuing the Valenzuela points to his pitching staff’s “We always thought our offense could be intersection between sports and technology command as a crucial factor in their success. better, so we wanted to invest in some tools,” as a career. “We have to throw strikes,” he explained. he explained. “The pitchers always want to see the ra- “We give up some hits, but it’s better than Two years ago, they found a tool in Right- dar-gun readings,” Self said. walking guys and giving up free bases.” ViewPro, a video-tracking system developed Santich-Hughes believes that his career, On offense, the Gaels return several key by former major leaguer Don Slaught. which ended after four years at San Jose State contributors. Sophomore Zach Kirtley, No- With the help of the Lafayette A’s – a lo- as a catcher, could have been different with lan, and seniors Anthony Villa and Anthony cal non-profit that helps fundraise for local the type of technology his kids have. Gonsolin, headline a balanced lineup. Kirtley baseball projects – and Acalanes parents, the “I had really good coaching and I was – who batted .346 as a freshman and earned program was able to raise enough money to Corbin Burnes Photo Tod Fierner never taught this stuff. I’m convinced I’d be Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American purchase cameras, a radar gun and the ac- playing in the major leagues if I could hit! espite graduating star slugger Collin honors – is locked in as the team’s leadoff companying computer software. Maybe that’s a stretch, but that’s the kind of Ferguson, St. Mary’s baseball returns hitter, Nolan and Villa anchor the middle At the professional and collegiate ranks, D impact this stuff has,” he declared. most of the talented nucleus that led the of the lineup with their right-handed power teams have long used advances in technol- Another benefit to the technology is it Gaels to their first winning season in six bats, while Gonsolin provides both extra- ogy and data gathering to effect change in allows the team to send colleges accurate years. Last season, the Gaels finished 28-27 base power and base-stealing acumen. box scores. Now, it seems, the “Moneyball” data on potential recruits, a luxury most high – a substantial improvement on the 16-39 re- Just over a month into the season, Saint ethos made famous by the Oakland Athletics schools don’t have. cord of the season before – and now, at 15- Mary’s holds a 6-3 record in conference. is trickling all the way down to high school. Last week the Dons (9-1 overall, 2-0 10, many in the program are excited about Nolan has already launched five homeruns The Acalanes baseball field now features DFAL) started DFAL play with comfortable the upward, winning trend. – including a walk-off blast against rival three cameras that record every single play victories over both Dougherty Valley and “Last year was a big year for us,” said Gonzaga on March 25. Kirtley is once again from both first and third base sides, as well as Campolindo. They’re averaging a robust 6.6 junior catcher Nate Nolan. “We had a lot hitting for a superbly high average, but he’s from behind home plate. Last year, during the runs-scored per game and appear to be the of guys from that team return this year, so also added a power element to his game, system’s inaugural season, video from games team to beat in the DFAL. having that taste of success was good and matching Nolan’s homerun total of five. Ed- was primarily used to aid hitting coach Clint Santich-Hughes admits he’s been fielding showed a lot of guys what we were capable die Haus, a redshirt freshman, has also hit Hoover, who played for both Cal and the more questions about the system recently. of.” well. He burst onto the scene this summer Houston Astros, in tweaking players’ swings. Head coach Eric Valenzuela is confident after winning the Hampton’s League MVP. The system also allows coaches to jux- that his team will build off of its improve- “It seems like we have new guys who tapose players’ swings with those of current ment from a year ago. “I like that attitude of step up every day,” Nolan expressed. major leaguers. If players use a leg kick, for our guys,” said Valenzuela. “As long as we Even with the early success, Valenzuela instance, they can compare themselves to have energy and enthusiasm, we’re going to stresses improvement. “Executing from an Blue Jays’ third baseman Josh Donaldson; be okay.” offensive standpoint is something we have to or, if a player has a minimal stride, they may Early on, the Gaels don’t appear to have keep improving on,” Valenzuela said. decide Angels’ first baseman Albert Pujols is any glaring weakness. The Gaels’ Friday On the mound, Corbin Burnes has met, a better model. starter, junior Corbin Burnes – a West Coast and maybe even surpassed, expectations. “Every single major leaguer has the same Conference Preseason Pitcher of the Year Burnes has four wins and ERA below 2.00. things in their swing. Why wouldn’t we try selection – leads the pitching staff. Burnes Johnny York has also pitched well, and the to get our guys there if we can?” Santich- followed a solid sophomore campaign with Gaels bullpen continues to be productive, es- Hughes asked. a dominant summer in the Cape Cod League. pecially southpaw Bryce Reichmann. The results thus far have been eye open- The tall right-handed hurler touches 94 mph The Gaels seem to have the pieces to ing. Despite graduating many of their key with his fastball, and is expected to go in the compete for a WCC championship for the players, the Dons raised their team batting first few rounds of the Major League Base- first time in years. “I think we have a very average some 45 points and won the DFAL ball Draft this June. special team this year,” Burnes said. “By crown in 2015. Santich-Hughes estimates the The team’s Saturday and Sunday starters sticking to the process, I think this team can team average is up another 40-or-so points are also juniors: Johnny York and Cameron do something that no other Saint Mary’s this season. Grant Young Photo Gint Federas Neff. York won seven games last season, a baseball team has done before.” “We just started using the system to its
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Back, from left: Molly Davis, Kierra Krawec, Jackie Nichols, Lauren Van Stralen, Annie Midt- hun, Sophia Giordano, Jasmine Safarians, Vanessa Jones, Jenna Van Pelt, Mitzy Ramirez Front: Rachel Brickman, Emily Smith, Molly Ikeya, Sophie Marengo, Anya Li Photo provided he California Magic 99G U16 girls, nate ball possession. Then, on Sunday, the Tteam traveled to Las Vegas March 18-20 girls faced off against Colorado’s top club, for the Players Showcase 2016 tournament. in 90-degree heat, for their fourth match of Photo provided The Magic girls, reunited after their respec- the weekend. The Magic girls showed their n March 12, the Santa Maria sixth- ocese final. The girls, little Mats in the mak- tive high school seasons, faced stiff compe- grit, tying the game 2-2 shortly after being Ograde girls’ basketball team came up ing, jumped out to an early lead, but eventu- tition head-on. They played the number-one down 0-2 at the half. In the end, the Magic just short of a diocese championship, losing ally lost the hard-fought game. club teams from both Oregon and Colorado. fell short, losing 3-2. “I am proud of our girls to St. John Vianney (Walnut Creek) in the di- In their second of two games on Friday eve- in being able to compete at such a high level ning, the Magic were outpaced by a tough after only being together two weeks coming Oregon team 3-1. True to Magic form, how- off their high school season,” head coach Ha- St. Monica’s 7th Grade CYO ever, the girls wowed the throngs of college ris Obic said after the game. “We are excited coaches watching from the sidelines with to work hard and build on what we learned Spartans Win it All their technical skill, their comfort on the ball this weekend to become a stronger team.” Submitted by Brenda Mossotti in close quarters and their ability to domi- Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School Takes 2nd Place in Boys Basketball Tournament Submitted by Judy McNeil
Back, from left: Ben Jules, Matthew Koob, Will Pelter, Nico Mossotti, Sean Lee. Front: coach Matt Koob, Jackson Rusconi, Max Duff, Sam McGonigle and coach Gary Mossotti Photo provided weeping through the CYO West Dia- Diocese Championship to complete an Sblo League, the Spartans basketball amazing season 2015-16 season. team won the league championship and From left: Jeffrey Gao, Nick Faoro, Owen Hunger, Kellen Clancy, Will Windatt, coach Daryl Utter, Rex then advanced to and won the East-West Curtiss, Peter O’Donnell, Chase Peterson and Hunter Clark. Not pictured, Anish Visht Photo provided oaquin Moraga’s eighth-grade boys bas- ing it all the way to the championship after Stanley Wildcats 7th Grade Boys Jketball team plowed through the Eighth eliminating WCI, Piedmont and Albany. Grade A Boys Basketball Tournament, mak- Win Championship St. Perpetua: CYO 3rd Grade Submitted by Linda Drucker Champions Submitted by Jack Appleton t. Perpetua’s Sthird-grade boys’ basketball team beat St. Moni- ca’s 17 -15 to claim the CYO West Dia- blo Championship for the National Di- vision. St. Perpetua finished the season with only one loss. Top, from left: coach Matt Pecci, Ethan Ward, Will Appleton, Photo provided Zac Herrerias, Lincoln tanley’s seventh-grade boys B basketball the Wildcats won their first 12 games in a Sovik, Ren Marchetti Steam took first place in the Piedmont row and ended up with a stellar 17-1 season and coach Stuart Middle School Basketball Tournament. The record. During the final game, they managed Colaco. Bottom: Brady Wildcats came from behind in their final to defeat the only team they had lost to dur- Quinn, Dane Lowden, game to defeat Berkeley’s Willard Middle ing the regular season. Two Acalanes High Ben Pecci, Austin School by a single point, 27-26, to win the School juniors guided the championship Wampler and Jake Colaco. championship. The final game capped a team: head coach Noah Prozan and assistant Photo provided highly successful regular season in which coach David Severet. 4th Grade Bruins Complete Perfect Season Submitted by Bill Trento he fourth-grade UCLA Bruins com- Tpleted a perfect 10-0 season and Submit stories to won the Next Level Fourth Grade Flag Football Championship. The champion- sportsdesk@ ship game was played in the rain at De La Salle High School on Sunday, March lamorinda weekly.com
(we prefer to receive your original photo file, Top, from left: Joey Floyd, Orlando Sanchez, Sava Pouridis, Noah Janinda, minimum size: 200 dpi Patrick Floyd, Ian Bellanca, Marshall An- and 1200 pixels wide) derson, coach Gabe Coray-Dozier, Calvin Kotarba, Paulo Trento, Walker Smith, Aidan Scheg, Jack Park, and Will Jones. Photo provided Page: C4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, Aprl 6, 2016
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Lamorinda Weekly Volume 10 Issue 3 Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Digging Deep with Cynthia Brian
...read on page D12 Catching Rainwater Using Water from the Sky Helps the Bottom Line By Chris Lavin literal kind, with water – gets down to trickling out about 50 gallons per day. That could be cause for worry if you have to have water, not just for people but for livestock and plants. According to the state Water Quality Control Board, the aver- age water use by us Californians is about 80 gallons per day per person, so if you have, say, two people in the house, you can do the math. Dish- washing and showering and flushing the toilet just add up to that much more water going down the drain. If two parents have two kids, they’re looking at an average 320 gallons, and it’s often more. Yet while the “if it’s yellow it’s mellow, if it’s brown flush it down” moniker is the catch-phrase of some households, more people are using rainwater to ameliorate their public utilities’ outflow of treated water in place of water that doesn’t really need to be treated. “You can use the rainwater for anything,” said Lee Lawrence, who lives on the outskirts of Moraga and Photo Chris Lavin has about a dozen barrels. “It’s per- uckily, Suzanne Jones of Bollinger dry. She went to Napa Valley and “Last year we held onto the rain- fectly okay to drink.” LCanyon got the idea several years bought a 10,000-gallon stainless steel water, to use domestically,” Jones said. (Some at the Water Quality ago, before the drought hit hard: Buy tank previously used for wine making That worked out especially because of Control Board disagree that rainwater a tank that could hold extra water, in for a lot less than the same tanks cost the drought. “By October, the spring can be consumed without treatment. case the spring on her property went now. And she is so glad. can be quite low.” The spring – the ... continued on page D4 Page: D2 OUR HOMES 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 VLATKA BATHGATE
IF I HAD A BUYER FOR YOUR Lamorinda Home Sales recorded HOME WOULD YOU SELL IT? City Last reported: LOWEST AMOUNT: HIGHEST AMOUNT: LAFAYETTE 9 $890,000 $3,250,000 Call me at 925 597 1573 MORAGA 5 $540,000 $1,100,000 [email protected] ORINDA 5 $1,258,000 $3,400,000 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oakland real estate information company. Sale prices are computed from the county transfer tax infor- CalBRE#01390784 mation shown on the deeds that record at close of escrow and are published five to eight weeks after such recording. This information is obtained from public county records and is provided to us by California REsource. Neither Cal REsource nor this publication are liable for errors or omissions. LAFAYETTE 370 Castello Road, $2,000,000, 5 Bdrms, 3364 SqFt, 1974 YrBlt, 3-8-16; FOR SALE FOR SALE Previous Sale: $775,000, 05-12-88 3683 Happy Valley Road, $3,250,000, 4 Bdrms, 4210 SqFt, 1974 YrBlt, 3-4-16; 5 Owl Hill Ct, Orinda 155 Camino Pablo, Orinda Previous Sale: $2,400,000, 11-22-13 3340 Helen Lane, $1,250,000, 3 Bdrms, 1683 SqFt, 1952 YrBlt, 3-1-16; Previous Sale: $645,500, 01-25-12 783 Los Palos Manor, $3,000,000, 5 Bdrms, 3957 SqFt, 1949 YrBlt, 3-8-16 303 Lowell Lane #W, $2,175,000, 5 Bdrms, 4144 SqFt, 1974 YrBlt, 3-1-16; Previous Sale: $185,000, 03-24-78 3226 Lucas Circle, $1,487,500, 4 Bdrms, 2297 SqFt, 1963 YrBlt, 3-10-16; Previous Sale: $489,000, 04-07-99 3403 Mountain Springs Road, $1,853,500, 4 Bdrms, 3293 SqFt, 1966 YrBlt, 3-9-16; Previous Sale: $1,110,000, 08-26-14 1726 Springbrook Road, $890,000, 3 Bdrms, 1153 SqFt, 1955 YrBlt, 3-10-16; Previous Sale: $475,500, 06-18-02 Breathtaking Mediterranean Distinguished Mansion on 765 Tanglewood Drive, $1,290,000, 4 Bdrms, 2972 SqFt, 1946 YrBlt, 3-1-16; Previous Sale: $473,000, 09-14-99 Style Estate! huge flat lot! MORAGA Offered at $3,195,000 Offered at $1,499,999 1183 Alta Mesa Drive, $1,100,000, 3 Bdrms, 1954 SqFt, 1974 YrBlt, 3-1-16; Previous Sale: $86,300, 01-22-76 COMING SOON COMING SOON 5 Berkshire Street, $927,500, 3 Bdrms, 2148 SqFt, 1978 YrBlt, 3-4-16; Previous Sale: $875,100, 07-22-13 155 Erselia Trl, Alamo 35 Oak Rd,Orinda 1864 Joseph Drive, $732,500, 4 Bdrms, 2410 SqFt, 1971 YrBlt, 3-1-16; Previous Sale: $235,000, 03-01-16 4 Kimberly Drive, $1,050,000, 3 Bdrms, 1561 SqFt, 1958 YrBlt, 3-4-16; Previous Sale: $330,000, 07-19-91 32 Miramonte Drive, $540,000, 2 Bdrms, 1248 SqFt, 1964 YrBlt, 3-3-16; Previous Sale: $37,000, 08-26-74 ORINDA 21 Francisco Court, $1,645,000, 4 Bdrms, 3101 SqFt, 1950 YrBlt, 3-9-16 5 Hall Drive, $1,405,500, 3 Bdrms, 1760 SqFt, 1956 YrBlt, 3-4-16; Previous Sale: $800,000, 03-20-15 11 Hilldale Court, $2,171,000, 3 Bdrms, 2501 SqFt, 2008 YrBlt, 3-2-16; Previous Sale: $2,128,000, 03-25-15 Artist's Delight with park Fairy Tale Setting close to 4 Ridge Lane, $3,400,000, 4 Bdrms, 4153 SqFt, 1950 YrBlt, 3-4-16 like yard downtown 10 Whitehall Drive, $1,258,000, 3 Bdrms, 1848 SqFt, 1959 YrBlt, 3-4-16; Price Upon Request Price Upon Request Previous Sale: $629,000, 10-31-01
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MATT McLEOD SHERRY HUTCHENS
BEN MILLER / SHERRY HUTCHENS 925.558.5744 / 925.212.7617 JON WOOD PROPERTIES 925.383.5384 / 925.451.3105
3710 ROSE COURT (HAPPY VALLEY) LAFAYETTE $1,695,000 1074 SPRINGSIDE ROAD, WALNUT CREEK $1,195,000 925.464.6500 925.212.7617 TERESA ZOCCHI TINA FRECHMAN PENDING PENDING REPRESENTED BUYER
925.360.8662 925.915.0851 TINA FRECHMAN / JULIE DEL SANTO 925.915.0851 / 925.818.5500 MATT MCLEOD 925.464.6500
WWW.DUDUM.COM LAFAYETTE WALNUT CREEK 999 OAK HILL RD., #100 1910 OLYMPIC BLVD., #100 Distinctive Properties LAFAYETTE, CA 94549 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 O: 925.284.1400 F: 925.284.1411 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001 CALBRE #01882902 Page: D4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Catching Rainwater ... continued from page D1 The Board say it depends on the quality of the water, for which the board does not currently test, and the safety of its catchment and storage facilities, as well as the length of time the water spends in the tank.) The use of any water – especially watching the skies pour down in March and April – has many Lamorindans starting to use rain- water catchment systems, so that when the rain comes down, it doesn’t just flow downhill or seep into the ground. Instead it gets caught up in barrels and tanks and troughs so that livestock, gar- dens and even toilets get water targeted for a purpose, and doesn’t come through East Bay Municipal Utility District’s metered sys- tem. “We use it for a lot of things,” Lawrence said. “We have rain barrels coming down right in front of the gutters.” In many parts of Colorado, catching rainwater is illegal. Ranch- ers and farmers need all the runoff from suburban and borderline properties to flow off the roofs of houses and into the watershed. Many families find it abhorrent that the rain that falls on their roofs is owned by somebody else. Such conflicts illustrate that water is becoming a more politicized issue. Less than 3 percent of all the water on earth is fresh water. That is correct: less than 3 percent. Predictably, in a drought the pre- cious amount of rainwater is being harvested by more households in order to water gardens, trees, or even for drinking. “We drink rainwater here, too” Jones said. Jones even put a metal roof on her house to ensure more “clean” delivery into the directed rain gutters on the part of the house that rain showers feed most directly into her big tank. She waters a gar- den and fruit trees, and waters her livestock and birds. “It’s pretty simple,” she said. For more information on rainwater catchment systems, visit the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association at www. arcsa.org. Bill Snider and the store dog, Wells. Some rain barrels sold at Moraga Hardware and Lumber come with a rainwater diverter kit. Photo Andy Scheck
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Lisa Brydon 925.285.8336 | Kristi Ives 925.788.8345 Kaaren Brickman 925.351.5049 Dana Green [email protected] [email protected] License #: 01866771 License #: 01482454 DanaGreenTeam.com | 925.339.1918 BrydonIvesTeam.com CalBRE#: 01408025/01367466/01932119 Page: D8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 6, 2016
The Glorious Stylish Solutions Rent-Back Making the Springtime Switch By Andi Peterson Brown By Ann McDonald ithout a doubt, the Lamorinda Wreal estate market is currently a seller's market. Scores of qualified buyers continue to flock to open houses and inventory remains tight. But many would-be sellers looking to make their next move feel stumped by the catch-22 of the current market: they want to move, but where will they go? They need the equity from their current home for their next down payment, but they are watching buyers write a few offers before finally securing a home. If they put their home on the market, how are they supposed to find and purchase their next home in the typical escrow period of a mere 30 days? Thus enters the saving grace for this dilemma: the glorious rent-back. A rent- back is a contractual term that allows a seller to remain as tenant after the closing. And just why is this rent-back so glorious? Because it buys the seller time. Essential, priceless time. Knowing there's an option available that provides breathing room means that more sellers are bringing their homes to market, boosting our much- needed inventory. Many sellers today are Use single-color accessories for a clean-lined spring home. You can always bring back the color in the fall and winter. Photo Couture Chateau LLC getting 30, 60, even 90 day rent-backs. While eager buyers have to wait longer to pring has sprung, and it’s so beautiful, I’m tempted to the truth from a long-time interior designer: slipcovers save move into their new home, a well Smove my desk outside. But since that’s not possible, it’s furniture. By giving your furniture a break seasonally, you structured rent-back is usually crucial in all about updating homes and bringing the spring feeling in- extend the life of well-made furniture and extend the life of writing a winning offer and thus a vital doors. expensive fabric upholstery. I personally recommend clients component to keeping our market I want to share updates you can use to refresh your home spend to acquire well-made pieces and use the slip cover (tai- moving. this spring. The main thing is what we in the studio call the lored or flowy) to deal with mood and design changes. “spring switch.” Give yourself several weeks to plan and exe- A testimony: One of the sofas my husband and I have was cute — this is not a weekend project, but more of a lifestyle purchased in 1989 and is still going strong. The base fabric, a switch. Have fun with it. pricey linen velvet, held its own until just last year. That’s 26 What is the spring switch? It’s the walk-through of your years. When you do the cost analysis, you see the value. It A CB Top Producer home, where dark tapestry pillows are put away in cedar-lined may have set me back a pretty penny years ago, as the fabric AndiBrownHomes.com 925.818.4588 boxes in favor of fresh linens and florals. Winter draperies wholesaled at $175 a yard in 1989. At the time I was working head to the cleaners for restoration, repair and proper storage for a wholesaler and that same fabric retailed at over $350 a
CalBRE# 01738605 until the fall, replaced by simple linen or sheers. Even the fur- yard. Here’s the thing, it was a nubby neutral, and lasted well real local • real knowledge • real value niture gets the quick slip with summer florals or white wash- over two decades. That fabric more than paid for itself. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered able slip covers or tailored throws. I watched as friends tossed their “budget” furniture, and trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Sub- sidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Spring Switch Tips: even now, those same friends laugh as the couch we bought is still independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Slipcovers: I know, some people roll their eyes, but here’s in style and going strong in Orinda. ... continued on next page Wednesday, April 6, 2016 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com OUR HOMES LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: D9
Even a simple drapery application can be gorgeous. This is a wire, with easy to use clips, available in many retail outlets or online. Photos Couture Chateau LLC Linens and nubby sheers are perfect for the “spring switch.” We recently had the sofa reupholstered, this time in another well-made uphol- for and professionally installed when the seasons switch. If you are doing it yourself, stery fabric, and the piece is still a favorite. I credit slipcovers for preserving the linen there are so many options, from the Pottery Barn catalog to other online sources. I velvet seasonally for all those years. love seeing the same summer options for outdoor drapery in all the catalogs arriving Consider options in florals and solid or tone on tone linens. If you go the route these days. Consider allocating some time to peruse and choose what would work in of linens, you can easily update your space by switching out colorful prints for some your home space. black and white photos for a clean look through summer. From a budget standpoint, my professional opinion is the same for drapery as Pillows: Remember my tips on color matching, and take something with you so you it is for furniture. Once you decide what you need in terms of window covering, go know how to coordinate. If you are very unsure, stick to one color and do tone-on-tone. with the best you can afford. Even seasonally, if you invest in a well-made pre-fabri- Drapery: For our luxury clients, summer draperies are designed and fabricated cated product (look for lining and warranty information), you won’t have to re-pur- at the same time the winter draperies are. These are then properly stored and cared chase next spring. ... continued on page D10
Looking to Buy or Sell?
I look forward to assisting Chad Morrison INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND SOCIETY you with your real estate BAY AREA TOP 100 Direct: 925.253.4650 needs in 2016 Mobile: 925.330.1416 [email protected] www.sellinglamorinda.com
©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are inde- CalBRE# 01905614 pendent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Page: D10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Stylish Solutions Making the Springtime Switch ... continued from page D9 In closing, no matter what your space servations my team has picked up while at looks like, take time this spring to enjoy market. your home. For now, happy home to you. I read a funny article the other day about Pinterest, as the author described house shame. As the resident designer this week, I formally banish that from your thinking and say that your home is beauti- ful, unique and a gorgeous representation of you in process. It really is about you finding your wheelhouse, so to speak, and embracing the season you are in. May your spring home be everything you want. If you’d like to join us for a trend Ann McDonald, IIDA, NAPO, is the Founder/ CEO of Couture Chateau, a luxury interior report coming out of High Point Market, design firm in Orinda. For a complete blog you may sign up at www.couturechateau. post including other design ideas, visit www. Nubby and tone-on-tone are easy combinations to live with. Photo Couture Chateau LLC com/trend. This is an online webinar for- couturechateau.com/blog. mat where I will be sharing tips and ob- Wednesday, April 6, 2016 OUR HOMES Page: D11 337 Camino Sobrante, Orinda Fight Sudden Oak Death— 10th Annual Sod Blitz April 9 urvey an area of your choosing for Sudden Oak Death (“SOD”) during the 10th annual SOD Blitz. The Blitz is a citizen science project sponsored by SUC Berkeley, with funding from the US Forest Service, the PG&E Foundation, and private forestry sources, that provides data for the academic studies used to understand and combat the spread of the disease. Lack of rain in the past four dry years has inhibited SOD spread, but the wet conditions of 2016 favor substantial new infections that will be important to identify. Located just steps from the Orinda Country Help fight Sudden Oak Death this year in the East Bay from 10 to 11 a.m. Club sits this spacious and updated 4 bedroom, on Saturday, April 9 at the Garden Room at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda 3 bath home. Breathtaking views of the golf Way, Orinda. Learn about SOD and the Blitz leaf collection protocol from UC course and beyond. The open floor plan with professor and SOD Blitz founder Dr. Matteo Garbelotto. Then, collect leaves 2 family rooms lends itself to today’s living style. from areas and at times of your choosing through Sunday, April 10. Dr. Garbe- Price $1,555,000 lotto’s lab will analyze the leaves for SOD and post the results this fall on the Blitz website map. Shellie Abbes Kirby [email protected] 925-872-4257
CalBRE#01251227. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304.
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We let the video speak for itself! Equal Housing Opportunity. Loan Officer Mark Zinman | [email protected] | CA Bureau of Real Estate License #01335252 | NMLS License #248181 | Pacific Mortgage Consultants Inc. | CA Bureau of Real Estate License #01378482 | NMLS License #2131 Page: D12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 6, 2016
April Gardening Guide Spring is a Time to Renew Your Gardens By Cynthia Brian
“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” — William Shakespeare • ADD edible flowers to your dining experience. Plant seeds of hyssop, nasturtium, violet, leaf fennel, daisy and calendula. • SCATTER seeds of zinnia, cosmos, and marigold seeds for summer blooms. • WEED, weed, weed. Don’t let seed heads devel- op or you’ll have more invasive plants next season. OW• S onions not only for eating but also as a natural pest control in your garden, especially for bras- sicas including cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale. X• MI flowers with edibles to attract pollinators to your spring garden. Make sure to plant in groups so that the birds, bees and butterflies see the dinner you are serving. ... continued on page D14
A well-organized spring garden of rhododendron, breath of heaven, bearded iris, alyssum, calla lily, and pelargonium. Photos Cynthia Brian he siren song of spring calls my soul to the out- and into our streets — unaware that turkey season is doors as swiftly as the mermaid lures the sailor to open for those who seek to bag a bird for a barbecue Tthe depths of the sea. The fragrance of the blossoms, — and as the deer begin to nibble our budding roses, the colors of blooms, the chirping of the birds, the it’s wise to consider protecting our delicate plants from croaking of the frogs, and the scent of green grasses our indigenous predators. Wire, netting and fences are speak to my deepest being. Our precious earth is in the our most effective armor. El Nino has been a blessing process of rebirth and no matter how many years I’ve in quenching our thirsty gardens, especially our lawns, witnessed this evolution, I am always in awe. yet the prodigious weeds, if left unattended, will com- My camera captures thousands of photos, most of pete with our flowers for moisture in summer. Now is which looked so much better with the naked eye, yet I the time to take action. want to record the beauty. I am obsessed with the lilacs, Every morning as I walk my property, I tell myself wisteria, iris, freesia, fruit trees, wildflowers and, especial- I’ll spend only an hour in the garden after work. How- ly, the soothing sounds of the cascading creeks. ever, the hour quietly melts into three or four and soon Spring-How I love thee! I’m weeding by flashlight. This is love. It’s springtime Roses ready to bud As wild turkeys gobble-gobble along the hillsides in our gardens and fun is pending. Go out and dig. Wed., April 6, 2016 OUR HOMES Page: D13
family owned since 1933 Flowers • Trees • Succulents • Pottery & Fountains Benches • Garden Decor • House Plants • Gifts • Jewelry Landscape Consultation
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A close up of violet hued wisteria as it encircles a drainpipe. Celebrating over 20 years of service in Lamorinda. Bonded – Licensed & Insured License# 702845 C27 & C53 Page: D14 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 6, 2016
April Gardening Guide ... continued from page D12 • BUILD hugels while the soil is moist. You will find them invaluable this summer when water is scarce. (See October 7, 2015 issue for instructions: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0916/ Digging-Deep-Gardening-with-Cynthia-Brian-Water-Wise-Dreams.html) • CHECK trees for damage. Many trees are suffering or have died during the drought. Ivy growing up the trunks, mushrooms at the base, and mistletoe are signs of trouble. Call a certified arborist. • PLANT purple. Compounds called anthocyanins in purple produce have anti-inflammatory effects would could help lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Think purple kale, purple potatoes, purple carrots, purple cauliflower … purple anything. • NATURALIZE aquilegia, commonly called columbine. These delicate star-shaped petals will self-sow if planted by others to cross-pollinate. They come a range of bold colors including blues, rose, yellow, white, pink, crimson, fuchsia, and many bicolors. • SHADE gardens lend themselves to the lush green to bronze foliage of astilbe. Spires of pink, red, scar- Santa Barbara daisies, Dutch iris, freesia, and asparagus fern let and white add summer grace. share a plot. • CUT bouquets of Oriental poppies mixed with lilacs for a stunning indoor offering with a heady scent. • PHOTOGRAPH your garden. If you have a stellar masterpiece, send me a jpeg with a description. Who knows, we may publish it. [email protected]. • WELCOME home the migrating birds with fresh water in the fountain and new seed in the feeder. • REPLACE woody lavender bushes. After six years or so, lavender is ready for the compost pile. • BE friendly to native bees by incorporating native wildflowers into your landscape. (See March 23, 2015 Digging Deep-Cultivate a Wildflower Meadow: http://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1002/ Digging-Deep-How-to-Cultivate-a-Wildflower-Meadow.html • CARE for your lawns. The continued rains provide an opportunity to re-seed. I am sowing Pearl’s Apple blossoms enhance the white picket fence. Lic.: #611120 Family owned in Premium on Moraga since 1987 rainy days then making sure the seed is watered daily until it sprouts. To protect the Your friendly neighborhood germinating seeds from hungry birds, our publisher, Andy Scheck suggests putting SPRING IS IN THE AIR arborists Darren and Lew Edwards old screen doors on the patches. I’ve used old window screens. By summer the roots will be 14-to-20 inches deep and drought resistant. I’ll keep you posted on my Spring is here – it’s time for spring cleaning success or failure. but for your landscape! The trees and plants in the yard need to be inspected • RAISE your mower to a higher setting and forget the bag this month allowing the for water damage, remove dead or dying branches which may have been grass clippings to add nitrogen back into the lawn. injured by disease/severe insect infestation or storm damage. • CLEAN the patio. Sweep and wash furniture. Enjoy the sunny days. We also want to prune for improved plant appearance, tree and plant size to • START tomatoes if your soil is warm. You may get a jumpstart on summer juiciness. ensure all around health for your landscape. • PICK tangerines, Meyer lemons and tangelos as they ripen. So don’t wait until it’s too late, have a complete inspection by a Certified • COMPOST, compost, compost. The more nutrients you put into your garden, the Arborist at Advance Tree Service to make more spectacular your scenery. your yard a summer STAYCATION. • MARK your calendars for wine and books event benefiting Be the Star You Are!® Advance Tree Service charity from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, at Dawn’s Dream Winery Tasting Your Authority on Trees. room, on the northwest corner of Seventh and San Carlos, Carmel-by-the-Sea. www.bethestaryouare.org/#!events/kgh2e. • PROGRAM your DVRs to record “Wheel of Fortune” at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, 925-376-6528 April 11 on ABC for a fun local experience. Make sure to watch to the final wave [email protected] www.advancetree.com goodbye. Wednesday, April 6, 2016 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com OUR HOMES LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: D15
A PostScript Have you followed my December 15, 2015 advice about making hard copies of your garden photos as well as other collectibles? My Digging Digitally article hit a chord with so many people, includ- ing those in other countries. This note arrived from Ireland: “As regards your article about Digging Digitally and making hard copies of precious visual memories, and I so agree with everything you write. Last night I spent an agreeable evening perusing 100-year -old photo albums from my husband Per's family, and it was so lovely to see the photos and read the handwritten comments. Those long-dead grandparents, aunts and uncles and their lives and interests came to life again. I am obsessive about making paper copies of everything that comes my way digitally — photos, even interesting emails. (And before emails, I have saved almost every letter I ever got!) Technology changes rapidly, and the visual records are so much more readily accessible--no waiting for your com- puter to boot itself up and install a million updates, while all you wanted was a quick look at a particular photo. So keep on preaching the message to the younger generation.” — N. Daly It’s never too late to start a garden journal or actually print out our photographs. (If you missed the article, find it here: https://www. lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0921/Digging-Deep-Garden- Spectacular smoke tree in its spring wardrobe. ing-With-Cynthia-Brian.html) Pictures of your most beautiful specimens make terrific art pieces when framed appropriately. Let’s pray for April showers to bring more May flowers. Put a bounce in your step, sing, dance and be young.
Happy gardening and happy growing!
©2016 Cynthia Brian The Goddess Gardener Starstyle® Productions, llc [email protected] www.GoddessGardener.com 925-377-STAR Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www.StarStyleRadio.com Garden and plant consultations by appointment.
Tiny frogs chirp around this gurgling fountain.
Cynthia Brian in the luscious lilacs. Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm
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New Listing New Listing New Listing 10 Pico Court Beautifully updated 32 Sunnyside Lane Southwest 650 Kite Hill Road Stunning 15 Estates Drive Redesigned & THE VILLAGE 5br,2.5bth home on serene cul-de-sac charm abounds. Dark hdwd flrs Orindawoods estate home, beautifully renovated. Living, dining & island ASSOCIATES: in one of Orinda's most sought after throughout, updated kitchen opens to renovated thruout w/gourmet kitchen, kitchen all in a “Great Room”. neighbrds! In beautiful condition, it has family rm, spacious master, lower level gorgeous master, soaring ceilings, rich 4bd/3ba + study/den. Hwd floors Ashley Battersby lots of level yard w/ hill views, with 4th bdrm, laundry/craft/ofc, & hardwood flooring. Fabulous private thruout. Patio & side yard. Close in Patricia Battersby conveniently located near schools, workout or play rm. Steps to .4 acre w/lovely view, expansive deck, loc. on .53ac lot. Top rated Orinda Shannon Conner shops, parks & trails. $1,275,000 Swim/Tennis. Hill Views. $1,575,000 yard, play space. $1,639,000 schools. $1,698,000 Meara Dunsmore Joan Eggers ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA MORAGA Linda Ehrich Joan Evans Linda S. Friedman Marianne Greene Dexter Honens II Anne Knight New Listing Susan Zeh Layng 15 Valley View Drive Fabulous 111 Bear Ridge Trail Gated 160 Camino Don Miguel Magnifi- 43 Miramonte Drive Updated Art Lehman picture postcard traditional ranch, 4bed 1.22ac lush knoll parcel. Custom cent Spanish Mediterranean estate on two end-unit in desirable Miramonte Charles Levine +office, granite & stainless kitchen 5bd/4.5ba, 3952sf home w/light & adjacent lots, located on fourth hole of Gardens HOA... move in-ready! Erin Martin adjoining spacious family rm, formal bright rooms, walls of windows & Orinda Country Club. Main house com- Remodeled kitchen, dual pane wndws, dining rm. Private yard with expansive high ceilings. Modern kitchen pletely rebuilt in 1996 is over 5800 sq. ft. indoor laundry. Priv. patio w/back gate April Matthews lawn & flowering gardens. Walk to 12 w/informal eating area & adjoining with 5bd/5.5ba & separate 627 sq. ft. access to Ivy Dr. 2 bdrms up, 1 down. Hillary Murphy years of school. $1,795,000 fam. rm. Views! $1,895,000 1bd/1ba guest house. $6,200,000 Must be owner occupied. $599,000 Karen Murphy Ben Olsen MORAGA MORAGA LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE Sue Olsen Tara Rochlin Jaime Roder Altie Schmitt Judy Schoenrock Ann Sharf New Listing New Listing New Listing New Listing Amy Rose Smith 135 Devin Drive Sweet Rheem 1875 School Street Located in 4080 Legion Court Charming CA 3400 Echo Springs Road Fabu- Molly Smith Valley Manor 3bd/2ba, 1,545sf rancher popular Moraga nghbrhd w/sidewalks, Ranch w/hardwood floors, open flr plan, lous home updated for today’s lifestyle! Jeff Snell on .24ac. Updates, hdwd flrs & wide streets. Walk to shops, trails, schl. "great room" kitchen, family &dining. Situated on .94ac park-like lot w/pool & Lynda Snell professionally landscaped yard. Eat-in Wonderful hm w/ 3 spacious bdrms, Seamless in/outdoor access, inviting mature landscape. New kitchen &baths, kitchen w/ bay window overlooking 2.5 baths, apx. 2476sf, formal dining rm. deck, level yard, pool & garden areas. new double paned windows &sliding Clark Thompson trees & patio. Near shops, park & Fenced bckyd w/patio, play area, lawn Great loc. for easy commute & short doors. Living & dining rm w/old world Angie Evans Traxinger trails. Top schools! $975,000 & garden. $1,250,000 walk to Laf. Reservoir. $1,045,000 charm, &sep. family rm. $1,295,000 Ignacio Vega Ann Ward LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE CONCORD PLEASANT HILL Dan Weil Jenny Lyons Wilhite Margaret Zucker
New Listing 1155 Camino Vallecito Happy 5 Burton Vista Court Truly 2039 Sierra Road, Unit 5 201 Roberta Avenue Valley 2 acre estate designed by CA spectacular 7bed/9+bath, 8986 sq. ft. 3 bed, 2 bath townhouse-like condo Heart of Poet's Corner. Remodeled notable architect Esherick, estate with incredible luxury amenities in in sought after Comstock Gardens. 4bd/3ba home on pancake flat lush sophisticated style, extra high ceils, all grand oversized spaces. Premium 2.25 1099 sq. ft. Patio, garage, parking, 1/3 acre lot. Great open floor plan, facebook.com/VillageAssociates french drs, glass walls, gorgeous acre parcel with sport court, sun-drenched extra storage. Great location for light and bright. Oversized 2-car kitchen adjacent to family rm. +office, pool, & pavilion with kitchen, dressing shopping and commute. Investors garage. Walk to town, restaurants, twitter.com/villageassoc guest quarters. Views! $3,825,000 rooms & showers. $5,599,000 welcome. $315,000 theater. $1,150,000
93 Moraga Way, Suite 103 • Orinda, CA 94563 • Phone: (925) 254-0505 Visit www.villageassociates.com Click on Sunday Open Homes