Wednesday, March 12, 2014 • Vol. 8 Issue 1
Independent, locally owned and operated!
www.lamorindaweekly.com • 925.377.0977 FREE
www.saklan.org
Breanna Alford had 21 points in the NCS title game. Sabrina Ionescu had 13 points in the game. Megan Reid had 10 points. Photos Gint Federas
he Miramonte girls’ basketball team won the NCS Mats earned their first NCS title since 2008. Open Division, a division composed of the top teams in the state. Ttitle in convincing fashion and have advanced to the At 28-1, the Mats have dominated their competition. They The Mats will travel to play St. Mary’s of Stockton on March CIF State Tournament in the Open Division. The Mata- defeated each opponent in the NCS competition by at least 50 14 at Delta College. Miramonte faced St. Mary’s in the first dors defeated Encinal 94-42 on March 8 at Saint Mary’s points, including a 97-21 victory over Analy in the semifinals. round of the tournament last year and lost a 62-63 heartbreaker. College for the NCS championship. With the win, the Given Miramonte’s prominence, the team qualified for the CIF Read the full story on page C1.
Advertising Quote of the Week: Susan Schlicher Two Lafayette Gems "Lots of countries drink Office (925)253-4600 tea, but very few Cell (510)220-2034 actually eat the tea leaves." Read Burmese Client Centered Service Cuisine Comes to Call Susan for info Orinda - page B9 Terrific Downtown Location, 3 Bd/2.5 Ba Burton Valley Traditional, 5 Bd/2.5 Ba, CalBRE# 01395579 Townhome, 1480 sq.ft., approx. over 3200 sq.ft, ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 After Two Tours in Afghanistan, Local Soldier Comes Home By Cathy Tyson Town News A2 - A14 esidents of usually quiet Business A10 Serrano Court had a pa- Life in Lamorinda B1 - B12 triotic afternoon when Classified B8 R U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Leigh Food B9 Wolf returned from his second Not to be Missed B10-B11 tour of duty in Afghanistan. He HOW TO CONTACT US B11 had been assigned to Combat Lo- Shop Orinda B12 gistics Battalion 6 as an executive Sports C1 - C4 officer. Native son Wolf was Service Directory C3 raised in Lafayette, attending Our Homes E1 -E16 Happy Valley Elementary School, This Week Read About: Stanley Middle School, and Crime at Council A2 Acalanes and Las Lomas high Studying Storm Drains A4 schools, graduating in 2004. Roads Bond Measure A6 Prior to his service he attended School Funding Forums A8 San Francisco State University. Good News for MOFD A9 He enlisted in the Marine Corp The Cooperage Opens A10 Reserve in the spring of 2008 and Words that Change our World B2 was later accepted at Officer Can- Lafayette's Oral History B3 didate School, where he gradu- Who Gets the Garbage? B5 ated in April of 2010. Campo Soccer Takes Title C2 ... continued on page A14 Photo courtesy Diablo Valley Flag Brigade
Life in Lamorinda B1-B12 Sports C1-C4 Camps D1-D6 Our Homes E1-E16 Man of History OBA Season Summer Dealing with Diane Claytor meets a Opens Camp Drought Lafayette Clare Varellas Part one of resident who reports on playing Guide Cynthia Brian's keeps California ball and making 26 full-day camps series on gardening history alive - memories - page to keep your kids off the sofa this during a drought - page B1. C2. summer! page E12. Page: A2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014
STILL #1 FOR A REASON 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Lafayette’s Best 3470 La Caminita Located on a rare 5±AC dream parcel (with the ability to house 10 horses), this beautifully updated country estate is comprised of a 4101± sq. ft., 3BR + library + bonus room/3BA main house & an 1120± Civic News sq. ft. 3BR/1BA guest house. Public Meetings !% $. 1 ' ( Dana Green City Council License #: 01482454 Monday, March 24, 7 p.m. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, DanaGreenTeam.com | 925.339.1918 Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Planning Commission Tuesday, March 17, 7 p.m. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Awards, Crimes and Cameras Discussed at Council Meeting Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. By Cathy Tyson Design Review Monday, April 28, 7 p.m. to other municipalities of the same Lafayette Library & Learning Center, size, although “one is too many.” Arts & Science Discovery Center, The six assaults with deadly 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. weapons crimes last year were all Check online for agendas, meeting solved; typically the perpetrator is notes and announcements not a stranger, but a neighbor, ac- City of Lafayette: quaintance or family member, ac- www.ci.lafayette.ca.us cording to police data. There was Phone: (925) 284-1968 only one rape and one sexual bat- Chamber of Commerce: tery for the year. www.lafayettechamber.org The number of stolen vehicles went up last year to 37, mostly older style cars which were pil- School Board Meetings fered in the downtown area; there Acalanes Union High School District has also been a slight increase in Wednesday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. auto burglaries. AUHSD Board Room at 1212 Out of more than 3,000 traffic Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette stops, 1,400 citations were issued. www.acalanes.k12.ca.us In addition, the most common traf- Lafayette School District fic collision in town is car versus Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m. tree. Regular Board Meeting The chief explained they fo- Stanley Library cused on reducing the number of 3477 School St., Lafayette residential burglaries last year, which decreased to a total of 61 www.lafsd.k12.ca.us Jacqui Dennison, Chief Eric Christensen and Brad Imhoff with their awards at the Feb. 24 City Council meeting. Photo Cathy Tyson with jewelry being hands down the t was a big night for Lafayette Contra Costa County's Officer of most popular item for thieves. Ipolice at a recent Lafayette City the Month, singling her out among While the number of residential Council meeting. Two officers Contra Costa County’s roughly burglaries has dropped, many res- Lafayette Police were recognized for their fine serv- 400 deputies for her work as a de- idents are making it easy for Department ice, the chief gave his annual re- tective sleuthing out auto burglars. thieves – half of the homes burgled Incident Summary port on crime and a presentation Lafayette contracts with the had no locked windows or doors. was made about surveillance cam- county sheriff’s office for police In related news, the possibil- Report, Feb. 16 to eras. services. ity of obtaining images of thieves March 1 Police Chief Eric Christensen Calling Lafayette “a safe place in get-away cars was studied by Alarms 33 3400 block Mt Diablo Bl called Brad Imhoff an “inspira- to be at three in the morning,” the Crime Prevention Commis- Animal Cruelty Lafayette Library tion” and a “role model” for other Christensen outlined all of the var- sion to improve the safety and se- Trader Joe’s Springhill Elementary (2) officers in the department – he also ious crimes against people and curity of the community. The city Auto Burglary 1400 block Sunset Lp made the most arrests, all of which property within the city limits. council asked the commission to Oakwood Athletic Club 3200 block Sweet Dr contributed to Imhoff earning the Crimes to people are obviously a examine costs and potential effec- Beechwood 3300 block Victoria Av (2) coveted “Lafayette Officer of the top priority, with a total of 18 inci- tiveness of various kinds of sur- Mosswood (2) 3400 block Monroe Av Year” award. Also recognized was dents for 2013, which the chief veillance mechanisms. Sundale (2) 3600 block Mosswood Dr Jacqui Dennison, who was named pointed out as fairly low compared ... continued on next page Battery 3700 block Mosswood Dr Mt. Diablo Bl 600 block Los Palos Dr Commercial Burglary Trader Joe’s (2) 3500 block Mt. Diablo Bl Promiscuous Shooting Safeway Pleasant Hill Rd/Taylor Bl Whole Foods Prowler Roundup 1800 block Reliez Valley Death (non-criminal) Reckless Driving 1400 block Reliez Valley Rd 900 block Reliez Station Ln Drunk in Public Moraga Rd/School St 7-11 Mt Diablo Bl/Carol Ln DUI Misdemeanor Mt Diablo Bl/Dewing Av EB Hwy 24/El Cortola St Mary’s Rd/Moraga Rd Lafayette Park Hotel Residential Burglary Old Tunnel Rd/Hwy 24 1500 block El Sombra Mt Diablo Ct/Mt Diablo Bl 900 block East St. Fireworks Lafayette Police Dept. 900 block Reliez Station Rd Shoplift Burton Valley Elementary (2) Safeway Silverado Dr Susp. Circumstances 33 Perales St /Acalanes Av Susp. Veh/stop 19 Grand Theft Susp. Subject 13 3300 block Woodview Dr Vandalism 3000 block Bradbury Dr 1000 block Oakhill 3700 block Mosswood Dr 3200 block Marlene Dr 600 block Lucas Dr Mt Diablo Bl (4) Hit & Run 1000 block Miller Dr Moraga Rd/Mt Diablo Bl Vehicle Theft Pleasant Hill/Springhill Rds Glenside Dr/Releiz Station Rd Shell Station Wanda Ln/Tahos Rd Petty Theft Warrant arrest 10 block White Oak Dr 4000 block Mt Diablo Bl 1100 block Hidalgo Ct 3300 block Springhill Rd Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A3 Free Women and Wealth Workshop Conversation-Coffee-Treats Managing Stock Market Risk Workshop • Financial planning with a safety net • Managing and mitigating stock market risk • Managing your Investments • Knowing when to buy and sell
Every second Saturday of the month Beginning March 8, 2014. 2p-3p. Location: Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building
Please RSVP: Dominique Millette email [email protected] or call 925-837-0955 www.wisewomenwealth.com
McShane Named Citizen of the Year By Cathy Tyson
SOLD! SOLD!
PENDING! COMING SOON! 5BR/3.5BA, 2900± sq. ft. on .27±AC
Toni McShane, pictured in her office at Stanley Middle School, is known for her positive guidance. Photo Cathy Tyson oni McShane was named Post-retirement, McShane says TLafayette’s Citizen of the Year she’ll miss the wonderful staff she’s for 2014. Having worked for the last worked with, but plans to visit with 24 years with the Lafayette School her kids and their 11 grandchildren, District, she’s well-known by scores most of whom live relatively close by. of kids and their parents. This warm, She grew up in a tiny town in mild-mannered enforcer of school Idaho, just across the border from policies, who is the assistant principal Jackson Hole, Wyo., where she loved of Stanley Middle School, will wrap to ski. She moved to the Bay Area for up her tenure and retire at the end of high school and graduated from Col- this school year. She’s worked a total lege of Notre Dame in Belmont, of 41 years, including 24 years with Calif. She was a teacher for many the Lafayette School District; she es- years and obtained a master’s degree timates in that time she’s had about in leadership from Saint Mary’s Col- “15 bad days.” “Find a job that you lege, becoming the assistant principal love,” is her advice. McShane says at Stanley in 1996. she’s no different from all of the in- McShane will be honored by the credibly committed teachers at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce school.The one thing she won’t miss with a special dinner at the Lafayette is chaperoning school dances; with Park Hotel on March 28. Contact the roughly 140 now under her belt, she chamber for ticket information, (925) figures she has two more left. 284-7404. Awards, Crimes and Coming Soon - Silver Dell Beauty Cameras Discussed at Council Meeting ... continued from page A2 Commission chair Cameron Burks bourhoods that use them, Burke sug- described the three types available: gested building on the current still Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera system seemed like the most which can be monitored or unmoni- efficient option. The commission tored, automated license plate reading supports the use of these cameras – cameras (ALPR), and motion-acti- which are, at $700 each, a bargain vated still cameras. After doing ex- compared to the alternatives. tensive research, the commission Councilmember Mike Andersen found two of the three options were agreed. “It’s clear that it’s economi- prohibitively expensive, at approxi- cal and there are quite a few cameras mately $600,000 for CCTV and out there already.” He suggested $700,000 for ALPR, and came with looking for a way to identify gaps in Tucked back on a cul-de-sac in the sought the significant downside of having existing camera coverage, and hinted after Silver Dell neighborhood sits this police sort through a substantial that there may be potential for the stunning 4 bedroom / 3 bath home. With amount of data. city to subsidize some or all of the 2,833+/- sq. ft., this beautiful home enjoys a Many neighbourhoods already cost of expanding camera coverage. remodeled eat-in kitchen that opens to a use motion-activated still cameras Looking for further clarification, the great room, a formal dining room and a that have been very effective, with the city council asked the commission to beautiful living room with vaulted ceiling and cost shared among residents. While come back in six months with more views of the hills and beyond. Situated on carefully not mentioning the neigh- detail. .91+/- acre lot, the private backyard is an entertainer’s dream with wonderful sitting areas and a sparkling pool. This home is ideally located just a short distance from Springhill Elementary School, Acalanes High “Your Unique School, Briones Open Space and Satisfaction is Springbrook Swim Club. our Goal!” Roof Call for more information Lic. 633641 Service • Leak Repairs Jim Clemons Lisa Brydon 925.285.8336 | Kristi Ives 925.788.8345 www.BrydonIvesTeam.com • Gutter Cleaning 925-303-0107 CalBRE#: 01408025 • Roof Maintenance [email protected] CalBRE#: 01367466 [email protected] Page: A4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Bernie & Ryerson Team
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This beautiful 2725± sq. ft. home is located in the desirable Lost Valley Civic News neighborhood. 3BR + bonus room/3BA and kitchen with adjoining deck. Public Meetings
Town Council 925.200.2222 Gary Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m. 925.878.9685 Ken Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m. [email protected] Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, [email protected] License #: 00686144 | 01418309 1010 Camino Pablo Planning Commission P Special Meeting: Monday, March 17, 6 p.m. Regular Meeting: Storm Drain Study Won't Get Local Sales Tax Funding Monday, March 17, 7 p.m. Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Rd. By Sophie Braccini hy fix a road only to have a phase will gather information about After the meeting Kwan said he cities never have enough funding for Design Review Wstorm pipe collapse under- the pipes, using existing documenta- anticipates the project to start in May, drains. “There are sources of funding Monday, March 24, 7 p.m. neath it? This common sense ap- tion and observation. Then the con- with televising of the pipes in July. for roads,” he explained, “such as the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Rd. proach led Edric Kwan, Moraga’s sultant will visually determine which “We will film about 45 percent of the gas tax or measure G. There is none public works director, to send a cam- pipes are most likely to be in bad pipes,” he said, because "more recent for drains.” Check online for agendas, meeting notes and announcements era in to explore the pipes under the shape; those are the ones that will be neighborhoods may not require it yet, Moraga was reminded in 2006 of Town of Moraga: streets that he plans to repair this year televised during the second phase of and most jurisdictions take on this as- the risks that could be hiding beneath www.moraga.ca.us and to ask the Town Council on Feb. this project.” sessment a piece at a time.” Last year its roads when a pipe broke at the in- Phone: (925) 888-7022 26 for additional funds to assess the All of the council members Kwan had the 23 road segments that tersection of Rheem Boulevard and Chamber of Commerce: state of a large chunk of the rest of agreed that the town needs a precise he plans to work on this year tele- Moraga Road creating a sink hole big www.moragachamber.org Moraga's storm drainage system. Ex- inventory of its drainage system and vised. “These are roads that are not enough to swallow a car. Moraga Citizens’ Network: isting data regarding what’s under the were ready to support Kwan's request; in good shape, the repair will be www.moragacitizensnetwork.org roads is quite foggy. The Town he gave them the choice of the fund- costly and we need to know what is Local Sales Tax Council agreed, but preferred to not ing source. Bob Kennedy, who sits under them before starting,” he said. Oversight School Board Meeting use revenue from the local 1 percent on the Audit and Finance Committee The town has established a five- Moraga School District sales tax to fund the study in order to and is that group's representative to year rule for utility agencies – if they Committee Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. avoid disgruntling residents. the Local Sales Tax Oversight Com- cut into a road that was repaved Gives Kudos to Joaquin Moraga Intermediate “The $160,000 will permit the mittee advised against using the 1 per- within the last five years they have to School Auditorium televising of about 45 percent of the cent local sales tax money to fund the completely rebuild it. “We apply this Town for 2013 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga town's pipes,” Kwan told the Town study. “I'm a little concerned with this same five-year rule to ourselves,” ex- The seven-member Local Sales www.moraga.k12.ca.us Council. The chosen consultant, method of funding,” he said. “Mea- plained Kwan. “If the report tells me Tax Oversight Committee pre- See also AUHSD meeting page A2 Schaaf and Wheeler (who was also sure K (local sales tax) was sold for that the pipe under a road segment sented its first annual report to Orinda's drainage consultant), will use for roads… it might be wise, par- may fail within five years, I won't the Moraga Town Council re- work with staff and an intern to doc- ticularly for this non-construction part touch (that road) now.” Kwan said cently. Chair Larry Rosenberg ument the Moraga Global Informa- of the storm drain project, to fund it that after receiving the report, two expressed the committee’s com- tion System (GIS), an online from something else.” road segments were removed from plete satisfaction with the use of multi-layer map that stores informa- Councilmember Michael Metcalf this year’s paving plan. the money that the town derives tion about the local land, including the opposed the statement and said he'd “The last phase of the drainage from the new 1 percent sales tax: roads, ownerships, PG&E lines and rather take the high road on this issue, system study will be to look at flow it’s been used only for roads and storm drains. “At this time, we do not because assessing the storm drainage capacity and assess future needs in all of the projects were completed have a complete vision of where the system under streets is an integral part conjunction with planned develop- on budget and on time. Rosen- pipes are and what their size and na- of the maintenance of these roads. ment in town,” added Kwan. This berg also praised staff’s accessibil- ture are,” explained Kwan. “The first But Councilmember Phil Arth said precise inventory will also permit the ity and excellent record-keeping. that residents were not necessarily establishment of impact fees related He added that the group re- versed in construction concepts and to the storm drain system if it is found viewed about 95 percent of the that it was a perception issue. The insufficient to support new residences invoices; all of the big ticket items. Town Council decided that the storm and businesses. When asked repeatedly if some- Moraga Police drain study was a soft cost that would “We will then define an action thing could be improved from the not be financed by the local sales tax plan with priorities and funding committee’s perspective, he firmly Department revenue. needs,” said Kwan, noting that most answered “no.”
Drug sales with reptile, 3/04/16 the scene without leaving notice. A 1993 black Mercedes-Benz The 16-year-old was later iden- What is Moraga Going to Look Like? was pulled over just after mid- tified, along with his parents, night for having a tail light out. and was contacted by the cops. Planning Commission weighs the impact of signs Turns out the 28-year-old male Both cars sustained minor dam- By Sophie Braccini driver and his Bearded Dragon age. dy Schwartz, Moraga ing of the Planning Commission look for Moraga. had a fair amount of pot in the EChamber of Commerce ac- when associate planner Ella Sa- “Our regulation sets rules based car (364 grams), along with a Smoking while parked, 2/26/14 tivist, and Steve Woehleke, the monsky presented her proposal on content; it is complicated and small amount of suspected It was around midnight at the newest appointee to the Moraga to amend the town’s signage needs to be streamlined; and it needs Hash, 14 green Clonazepam ta- quiet dead end of Paseo Grande, Planning Commission, agree that rules. No decisions were made that to be clarified so applicants under- bles and a digital scale. The where officers noticed a suspi- subject and his pet were taken to cious vehicle and could smell the way signage is regulated in a night; residents will have an opportu- stand what is applicable in the town the Moraga Police Department the odor of burnt marijuana town can have a huge impact on nity to weigh in and let the town know of Moraga,” explained Samonsky. where he was arrested for sales coming from the car. Three of its look and define its character. whether they want a lot of vibrant ... continued on page A11 of a controlled substance. The the four juvenile occupants were Both were at the March 3 meet- neon or a more subdued, Carmel-like Bearded Dragon was later assigned to participate in the picked up by Contra Costa Moraga Juvenile Diversion Pro- County Animal Services for gram. Note to teens: cops are safekeeping. well aware of all the hang out spots in town and visit them reg- Car vs. pole, 3/03/14 An honest ularly. citizen came to the police de- partment to report that a family Trouble with tree guys, 2/25/14 member had been driving an A Scofield Place resident hired older Subaru when it went off a tree service to remove two the roadway and struck a speed large trees from his property. limit sign pole, resulting in some The workers allegedly damaged damage to the pole but no in- the roof of his residence and ce- juries to the driver. The person ment walkway while removing reporting the incident made the trees. The fellow reporting arrangements to pay to replace the incident has spoken with the the damaged pole – which will company owner because the em- set him back about $450. ployees stopped working and have not returned. Over the Community Workshop: Building Blocks Party on! 3/01/14 There was a course of three weeks his dis- complaint about noise on usu- pute with the company has not ally quiet Donald Drive. Offi- been resolved – one of the trees for a Livable Moraga Road cers contacted the homeowners has not been removed and the who said they were hosting a damage has not been repaired. Wednesday March 19, 7:00 to 9:00pm, party for high school students Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive. involved in a sports program. Other crimes reported in Mor- We listened to your feedback on Moraga Road’s existing conditions and your priorities for the After the homeowner received a aga between Feb. 25 and March Town of Moraga Loud Party Or- 4 include: corridor’s future. Please join us at this workshop to help shape the vision into a plan! dinance notice, no further com- Would you like to see.... plaints were made. Traffic Incident St. Mary’s Rd (2) • A shared path or trail from the Commons to Campolindo? Minor hit and run, 2/28/14 In False alarms • Intersection improvements that can improve traffic flow? front of Subway in the Rheem Camino Pablo • More green elements like landscaping and trees? Shopping Center a witness re- El Paraiso Ct • Continuous sidewalks and bike paths? ported to police that he had seen Susp. Circumstances a male juvenile driver of a silver Lynwood Pl At the workshop we’ll get your feedback on these and other concepts to create a safer, better Honda Pilot back into a Bench Warrant connected and more livable street. Next steps: Development and review of a preferred concept woman’s car – which was also a Moraga Wy at workshops in late Spring. Honda Pilot. The bump-er Domestic Dispute driver got out of his car, looked Ascot Dr Learn more at http://www.moraga.ca.us/livablemoragaroad or contact Ellen Clark, at the damaged vehicle then left Senior Planner at 925-888-7041 [email protected] Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 MORAGA BEAUTIFUL Selling or Downsizing? SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 9-NOON Experience at Your Service! Realtor/Broker Skillfully Connecting Buyers and Sellers RANCHO LAGUNA PARK Certified Residential Specialist With Compelling Properties 925-254-7600 office 925-788-0229 cell MORAGA PARKS & RECREATION [email protected] 925-888-7045 • www.moraga.ca.us Search MLS at 43 Moraga Way www.AlexGailas.com Orinda
Hetfield General Development Plan Approved Does not include emergency access to Sanders Ranch By Sophie Braccini Restoring Movement – Improving Function Free Community Lectures We are pleased to announce our 4th annual lecture series with information on injury prevention, fitness, and other related topics for the community. Our highly educated and skilled Physical Therapists as well as highly respected doctors and community professionals are here to share their knowledge with you. More info on Facebook.com/LafayettePT
All Lectures are from 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Tue March 25: Everyone’s Feet Tell A Story – Are You Listening? with Kevin Wong, DC
Tue April 22: Off Balance: Gait & Balance Disorders Affecting Your Daily Life with Valerie Watase, PT, Owner, Director
Tue May 20: Non-Operative Treatments for Musculoskeletal Injuries Courtesy Staff Report With Dr. Chad Roghair
consensus was relatively easy lights, parking, and an emergency ve- ganized opposition from neighbors on Tue June 24: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for the Moraga Planning Com- hicle access road that could provide Sanders Drive who stressed that the A with Cynthia Allen, RN, Natural Chef mission to reach on March 3 for the emergency access to the back of area, with its faults and landslides, approval of the Hetfield Estates Gen- Sanders Ranch. was zoned high risk and not appropri- Seating for lectures is limited: eral Development Plan and Condi- Hetfield Estates is a development ate for development. However, the Please call 925-284-6150 to RSVP & reserve your seat tional Use Permit. The use permit proposed by John Wyro along a new developer included remediation lists 175 conditions of approval that private street extending from Hetfield measures that were sufficient to ob- 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite B110 have been extensively discussed. The Place, paralleling Larch Creek and tain approval in 2012 for seven new Lafayette, CA 925-284-6150 final elements that drew the most con- Sanders Drive, into a hilly 58-acre lot. homes of up to 4,000 square feet. www.LafayettePT.com cern from neighbors were street The project met with serious and or- ... continued on page A11
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Square footage, acreage, and other information herein, has been received from one or more of a variety of different sources. Such information has not been verified by Alain Pinel Realtors. If important to buyers, buyers should conduct their own investigation. ORINDA | 2 Theatre Square, Suite 215 925.258.1111 Page: A6 LAMORINDA WEEKLYwww.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Joining Forces ~ Making a Winning Team!
Paul Hart has joined Maureen Wilbur at Coldwell Banker Orinda. Paul brings a combined 30 years appraisal and real estate sales experience to Maureen Wilbur’s successful real estate sales business. Whether buying or selling let Maureen and Paul put their experience to work for you. Civic News Public Meetings Maureen Wilbur Top Individual Realtor Coldwell Banker Orinda Maureen 2013 & 2014 ~ Top 100 SF Bay Area for 2013 & 2014! Paul City Council Wilbur Hart Special Meeting: Direct: Direct: Saturday, March 15, 7 p.m. [email protected] [email protected] Sarge Littlehale Community Room, (925)253-6311 www.MaureenWilbur.com (925)588-4630 22 Orinda Way ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal CalBRE #01268536 Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 CalBRE #019649575 Regular Meeting: Tuesday, March 18, 7 p.m. Auditorium, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way Roads Bond Measure Headed for June 2014 Ballot Planning Commission By Laurie Snyder Tuesday, March 25, 7 p.m. Auditorium, Orinda Library, s far as the bond market goes, of $10 million, the first happening in In response Chuck Swanson, the city’s PCI to a system wide 70 26 Orinda Way “A the demand for a highly rated mid-summer of 2014 – assuming a Orinda’s public works director, ex- which the CIOC determined would be Art in Public Places general obligation bond from a Lam- successful election – and the second plained, “When formulating the origi- the appropriate condition for the city’s Committee orinda city – specifically, Orinda – following three years later. And that’s nal 10-year plan the Roads streets. Orinda’s roads will continue to would be met with a lot of interest really tied to a discussion with staff in Subcommittee discussed the level at deteriorate if additional revenues are Monday, March 17, 3:30 p.m. from investors. And our sense is public works,” he said. “There needs which the city roads system should be not invested in the city’s infrastructure.” May Room, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way whether they’re local investors, live to be a reasonable expectation you maintained. The optimum, as recom- Following their March delibera- in the community, or people who can spend the bond money in a 3-year mended by Street Saver, is a [Pavement tions, the City Council unanimously Check online for agendas, meeting manage money for others or institu- period.” Cervantes also estimated the Condition Index of] 85. At a PCI = 85 called for “a special municipal bond notes and announcements tions, there’ll be a wide audience ... tax rate for property owners would essentially all roads will have received election for approval of general obli- City of Orinda: And we expect, frankly, it’ll probably likely be 4.39 percent. some improvement and the deferred gation bonds to finance roads and www.cityoforinda.org be an AAA-rated bond issue, given Prior to the meeting, Orinda resi- maintenance will be annually approxi- storm drain improvements.” A gen- Phone (925) 253-4200 the practice that Standard & Poor’s dent Steve Cohn repeatedly criticized mately $2.5 million. Based on data pro- eral rather than special election – de- Chamber of Commerce: takes looking at these credits. So, if city leaders for “failing to inform res- vided by city staff and input from spite its name, its costs will be www.orindachamber.org indeed the voters approve the meas- idents that Orinda’s 10 Year Road and CIOC the committee determined that a minimized because it will be consol- The Orinda Association: ure, and this comes to market, you Drainage Repairs Plan is deficient.” PCI = 70 would be the best goal for idated with the June 2014 primary. www.orindaassociation.org would think that you’d command Asking why the City Council was Orinda. This means that the road net- The 20-year bond, if approved, School Board Meeting among the best interest rates.” placing the measure on June’s ballot work average will be a PCI = 70 and would be managed via debt service That upbeat news was given to rather than November’s, he urged of- the city will have an annual deferred escalation. “One of the reasons that Orinda Union School District the Orinda City Council by Jim Cer- ficials to take more time to evaluate maintenance balance of $22 million.” we are supporting what is called the Monday, April 14, 6 p.m. vantes of Stifel Nicolaus & Co. as Orinda’s plan, “to help the CIOC de- Asked by Cohn how the CIOC escalating debt service is the fact that OUSD Office, Vintage Building Orinda launched Phase 2 of its infra- termine if it is viable,” and the results came up with the $12.5 million in the it provides a much more stable rate 25 Orinda Way, Suite 200 structure overhaul – securing voter of a drainage study commissioned to plan devoted to drainage road repair for the homeowner,” observed Coun- www.orindaschools.org authorization of a $20 million bond to define the figure for drainage repairs. costs, Swanson explained that this fig- cilmember Amy Worth. “What it does See also AUHSD meeting page A2 cleaver a chunk from the roughly $52 Cohn believes that, at “the end of the ure “comes from an estimate of the is it takes advantage of the increase in million it will take to fix city roads plan’s term, the deferred maintenance condition of the drainage facilities property values [when a home is re- and drains. Cervantes appeared before balance will only have been reduced under the roads. It does not include all assessed after its longtime home the City Council March 4, and the Fi- from $40 million in 2013 to $25 mil- the city’s drainage needs, only what owner sells] so the tax rate really does nance Advisory Committee a week lion in 2024 despite the expenditure should be replaced/repaired under the reflect the fact that the pool is growing earlier, to analyze tax rate issues. of $40 million in bond funds plus $11 roads being repaired.” Added Swan- and, therefore, we’re able to essen- “There would be two sales, each million of sales tax receipts.” son, “The plan as proposed will raise tially collect less tax.” Orinda Police Department Incident Summary An Infant No More – Orinda Community Foundation Report, Feb. 16 to March 1 Turns Four Alarm 38 By Laurie Snyder Auto Burglary “You know you’re getting old when 10 block Wanda Ln the candles cost more than the cake.” 20 block Bates Bl – Bob Hope Burglary college student turning 21. A 10 block Camino Sobrante Abest friend hitting 50 before you Commercial Burglary do. The “Oy!” of a youngest sibling no details (2) reaching retirement age. Some birth- Death (unknown cause) 1 days have a way of punctuating life’s DUI Misdemeanor narrative more memorably than oth- Wilder Fields ers. Hwy 24/St Stephen’s Dr (2) In the case of the Orinda Commu- Grand Theft nity Foundation, the exclamation 80 block Loma Vista Dr point came as the group celebrated its Hit & Run fourth birthday Feb. 27 with the Camino Pablo/Miner Rd award of $42,052 in grant funds – Camino Pablo/Brookwood Rd each dollar a candle to light up the Petty Theft lives of everyone from young artists 300 block Tahos Rd Representatives of local non-profits joined Orinda city leaders Feb. 27 in thanking the Orinda Community Foundation for to grandparents hoping to age grace- 200 block Sundown Terr (3) its contributions to the community and helping the group celebrate its fourth birthday. Photo Ohlen Alexander fully. ... continued on page A13 Reckless Driving Moraga Wy/Orchard Rd Moraga Wy/Glorietta Bl Camino Pablo/Brookwood Rd Bay Area Women’s Wellness Residential Burglary Theater View 300 block Daleswood Dr Behavioral Medicine for Women Susp.Circ./Subj./Veh. 58 Under the Influence Depression • Anxiety Theatre Square Veterinary Clinic Maternal Stress • Infertility Vehicle Trespass St. Stephen’s Church Medical Illnesses • Weight Loss Warrant Arrest Life Transitions Theater View WB 24/Camino Pablo Hormonal Imbalances Veterinary Clinic Behavior Change is a brand new facility owned by New Orinda “Dr. Laurie” Langford who has Location! been caring for animals in Orinda for 15 years. • Stanford Medical Staff Thank you for • Specializing in Evidence‐Based recycling this Treatments • Cognitive Behavior Therapy paper. It is • Private and Confidential printed on at • Collaborative and Goal‐ Oriented least 50% Jennifer L. McCollum, Ph.D. “Dr. Laurie” Langford recycled material Clinical Psychologist and vegetable CA License PSY 23758 Phone: (925) 317-3187 based ink and (925) 386‐6037 Fax: (925) 334-7017 should be www.bayareawomenswellness.com Email: [email protected] www.theaterviewvetclinic.com recycled again. 37 Avenida de Orinda 885 Oak Grove Avenue Orinda Menlo Park 1 Bates Blvd., Suite 200, Orinda Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A7 Experience Knowledge Integrity Two Masters in Real Estate join to provide World-class service to Lamorinda sellers & buyers! The Woodward – Jones Team Over 1,000 homes sold with over 40 years’ combined real estate experience If you are thinking of selling or buying, call Frank & Tina today!
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Islands in the Stream Orindans now able to watch City Council meetings live from home By Laurie Snyder nless a dog has eaten your across the United States have Ucomputer or smart phone, also experienced, Orinda per- Orinda, there is now no longer sonnel have been working any reason for failing to do your closely with company represen- homework and stay informed tatives since webcasting began about the operation of your city in early January. As of the City government. Council’s last meeting in Febru- Thanks to a contract with ary, the hiccups to the live Granicus (www.granicus.com), stream now appear to have been a service provider that streams cured. meetings for numerous commu- In an added bonus, it is also nities nationwide and recently now easier to access specific dis- webcast the State of the State cussions from meeting archives Address by California Gov. via links embedded in the 2014 Jerry Brown, the city of Orinda meeting agendas, which take is now live streaming video of its users directly to the specific own City Council and Planning footage pertaining to agenda Commission sessions. The setup items and their respective staff is a fairly functional one, en- reports. abling residents to remotely In order to live stream, view and hear the meetings in you’ll need to have Microsoft real time, as they are taking Windows XP SP2 or Vista 7 and place, on a split screen which Internet Explorer 8 (or newer) also displays the documents for installed on your PC – or OS the corresponding agenda items X10.5 and Apple Safari 5 (or as they are being discussed. newer) if you’re on a Mac. Mi- It just became easier for Orinda parents and kids to do their homework together. By clicking on “To watch Although service delivery crosoft Silverlight plug-ins are LIVE City Council meetings” in the right menu on Orinda’s home web page, you’ll be directed to the Stream- was impacted early on by fre- also recommended. To learn ing Media Archive page shown above. From there, just click “View Event” to watch the meeting live – or on “Agenda.” Clicking an active link on the agenda for a specific item will enable you to read the related staff re- quent video buffering issues – a more, visit the city’s website: port while simultaneously viewing the related discussion live (see example from March 4 above). glitch that other communities www.cityoforinda.org.
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¥ #OLDWELL "ANKER 2EAL %STATE ,,# !LL 2IGHTS 2ESERVED Coldwell Banker® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK LICENSED TO #OLDWELL "ANKER 2EAL %STATE ,,# !N %QUAL /PPORTUNITY #OMPANY %QUAL (OUSING /PPORTUNITY %ACH #OLDWELL "ANKER 2ESIDENTIAL "ROKERAGE /FlCE IS /WNED BY A 3UBSIDIARY OF .24 ,,# 2EAL ESTATE AGENTS AFlLIATED WITH #OLDWELL "ANKER 2ESIDENTIAL "ROKERAGE ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SALES ASSOCIATES AND ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OF #OLDWELL "ANKER 2EAL %STATE ,,# #OLDWELL "ANKER 2ESIDENTIAL "ROKERAGE OR .24 ,,# #AL"2% ,ICENSE Page: A8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Moraga’s Citizen of the Year The Boomers’ Nominations Journey to 100 Nominations are being accepted for Moraga's Citizen of the Year. The designated outstanding citizen will be honored with a banquet event on Friday, May 2 at the Years Young Soda Center of Saint Mary's College. A workshop to empower and prepare Boomers so they can “chill” in their “far out” years. Nominations with detailed information concerning Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm the individual's community activity are to be Lafayette Library, Art and Science Center • 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette addressed to Sam Richards, editor, Lamorinda Sun, at 175 Lennon Lane, Suite 100, Walnut Creek 94598, or by email to [email protected]. Speakers: Everybody Plays the Fool: Common Estate Planning Pitfalls with Sponsors for Moraga's Citizen of the Year event are Lamorinda Richard Littorno, Estate Planning Attorney, Littorno Law Group Weekly, Lamorinda Sun, Saint Mary's College, Moraga Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis of Moraga Valley.
Summer Breeze: Create Life-Long Financial Strategies for Any Scenario with Mary Hanson, Certified Financial Planner™, Horizon Wealth Solutions
What’s Going On? Navigating the Care Continuum - Levels of Care Method of School Covering Hospital to Home and all those in-between with Molly Jones, Administrator, Grace Healthcare of Moraga Funding Overhauled
The Long and Winding Road: Aging Families - Dilemmas, Parent, public input requested; second Knowledge and Strategies with Sylvia Gandolfo, MSW, CMC, forum tonight at Campolindo Certified Professional Care Manager, Eldercare Services By Cathy Tyson Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Provided unding for kindergarten through grants. Fhigh school will soon see a dra- There are some strings attached to Be there or be square! Registration Required by Tuesday, March 18 to matic change. For the coming fiscal the Local Control Funding Formula Lori Luckenbach at [email protected] or 925.324.5985. year control of where money is spent to encourage transparency and ac- Lori Luckenbach at [email protected] or 925.324.5985. will be handled locally instead of countability. According to the Cali- spelled out by the state in over 80 re- fornia Department of Education, Sponsored by: Sponsored by: strictive categories that had been in school districts are required to de- Sponsored by: place for decades. Superintendent of velop and annually update a three the Acalanes Union High School Dis- year Local Control and Accountabil- trict, John Nickerson described how ity Plan beginning on July 1; part of the new and improved Local Control that plan requires obtaining parent Funding Formula “radically changed and public input to continuously im- the state K-12 funding allocation prove budget development. To guide method.” He explained that priorities the process, the State Board of Edu- regarding how much and where to cation has created a template that will spend funds will now be in the hands identify goals and measure students’ of stakeholders and will have limited progress. restrictions. “This is an ongoing process that verynicepools.com The old system of general pur- will continue year after year as we very 925-283-5180 pose funding from the state, called shape and prioritize,” said Nickerson. nice Revenue Limits, earmarked funds for The district is looking for input re- certain items like textbooks, counsel- garding priorities and at forums held pools ing, maintenance, GATE programs. at the district’s four high schools. No Starting with the 2014-15 budget RSVP is necessary and the public is year, the new method of funding will encouraged to attend. The first event allow broad discretion over base was March 11 at Acalanes. Forums Coming Soon March 12: Campolindo High School Library, 7-9 p.m. We do the work. You get to play. March 18: Las Lomas High School Library, 7-9 p.m. Established 1977 in Lafayette, California. March 26: Miramonte High School Library, 7-9 p.m. Maintenance • Repair • Build Serving the entire Contra Costa County area and beyond.
Share your thoughts with our community! 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 or less; letters of up to 500 words will be accepted on a space-available basis. email: [email protected]; Regular mail: Lamorinda Weekly, P.O.Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570 Saturday, April 5th, 10-12pm Editor:
Heather Farm Community Center, Walnut Creek I read your article on the development proposed by Lenox Homes. I think your reporter missed the point. After the first Come build your worm bin, learn about vermicomposting session, it should have been clear that the objections were that and start immediately! It’s easy – anyone can do it! the development was simply too large for the site. It put every- thing from border to border. As a result, it would impose a super All supplies covered, including worms! large structure on a quiet residential neighborhood. After the second session, nothing had changed. Yes, there were some su- Worms%POBUFECZThe8PSN Farmo perficial changes, but the fact that this development is signifi- www.thewormfarm.net and cantly too large for the site and for the neighborhood. www.facebook.com/TheWormFarm Eight almost 2000 sq.ft. units are too much. The three story building destroys the privacy and reduces the value of the houses Only $20 per household to attend. along Bickerstaff. It would certainly add significantly to the parking problems in the neighborhood. By have two bedrooms REGISTRATION REQUIRED. and a den, they minimize the parking they need when essentially Limit of 20 households so register today! this is a 3 bedroom unit. Kids are encouraged to attend with parents. The project is ill conceived and after hearing all the specific com- ments at the meeting, I would hope that the developer would One bin per household. make some real changes. I am not anti-development, but I am Last day to register: March 28th for responsible development. I do not believe that any developer should make a profit at the cost to someone else. Sponsored by the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority. Leonard Dorin Call 925-906-1801 for questions Lafayette or to register. Join our Public Forum If you have significant knowledge about an issue facing Lamorinda or one of its cities that requires CCCSWA RESIDENTS ONLY more than the 350 words to which we must limit Letters to the Editor, don’t despair! You can submit your letter to our Public Forum section. Just send your letter to [email protected] WALNUT CREEK, ORINDA, LAFAYETTE, MORAGA, DANVILLE, ALAMO, BLACKHAWK, DIABLO. and let us know you’d like to be considered for the Public Forum. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A9
Good News on Two Counts By Nick Marnell he Moraga-Orinda Fire District The announcements were made Tannounced March 7 that its the same day that the district said it property tax revenue projection for will enter into mediation with its fire- fiscal year 2014-15 increased 5.9 per- fighters’ union. "Everything we do is cent over fiscal year 2013-14. As a connected," said board president John result the district's revenue is pro- Wyro. “Whether we had heard this jected to increase more than $500,000 news or not, though, we were going over what was budgeted. The revised to proceed with mediation.” Fire chief figure was provided to the district by Stephen Healy noted, “It certainly the Contra Costa County tax asses- takes some pressure off both sides.” We still do sor's office. The mediation process is expected to 24/7 live-in The district also announced that the commence in late April. care! rate of increase of its contribution to the Contra Costa County Employees' Re- Moraga-Orinda tirement Association has dropped dra- Fire District matically beyond fiscal year 2014-15. Board of High Quality, Affordable Live-In CCare Since 2012, the district has absorbed Directors Having trouble finding compassionate around-the-clock home care that fits yourfamily’s needs double-digit annual increases in its re- Meetings and budget? Call Home Care Assistance!Weare the East Bay’s live-in specialists! That’s because tirement contribution rate; starting in Next meetings: we offer: 2015-16, the rate increases 0.42 per- Wednesday, March 19 Consistent Dependable Care. We typically assign a primary caregiver 4 days a week and a cent, with a decrease of at least 2.64 secondary caregiver who covers the remaining days. (Some agencies alternate up to 4different Wednesday, April 18 caregivers in one day!) percent in each of the succeeding four check website for updates years. The retirement contribution pay- Total Peace of Mind. Rest easy knowing your loved one’s needs are attended to at all times. (Go to www.mofd.org as the meeting Live-in care ensures optimal safety and is personalized toeach client’s individual needs. ment is the district's largest expense date approaches for location and item after wages and salaries. more information) Professional Oversight. Live-in caregivers are managed by a team of client care managers to make sure our clients’ experiences are always positive. You don’tjusthireacaregiver, you hire our full teamof seasoned care professionals. Reasonable Rates. ome Care Assistance hires and trains only the most qualified caregivers, Supervisor Criticizes but our live-in rates are the most competitive in the industry. Call to learn more!
MOFD Board Meet Jill. Jill Cabeceiras is the client care manager for the East Bay. She has been working with older adults for more than ten years and is an expert on By Nick Marnell managing care within the home. Let Jill help you and your family! prosaic Feb. 25 Board of Su- what questions to ask and conse- Apervisors meeting was jolted quently made a poor decision,” said Call Jill today to schedule yourfree assessment! when chair Karen Mitchoff lashed out Mitchoff. She blamed the MOFD at the Moraga-Orinda Fire District board's action as one of the main rea- 925-820-8390 • HomeCareAssistance.com board of directors. sons for the failure of Measure Q, the 190-G Alamo Plaza, Alamo,CA 94507 One of the frequently mentioned 2012 ConFire parcel tax initiative. “It We've moved to Alamo! public complaints uncovered by fire was because of the poor public per- consultant Fitch and Associates was ception of public employee pen- that the Contra Costa County Fire Pro- sions,” she said. tection District needed a change in its “Any reference to Nowicki is ac- governance model; the Board of Su- curate,” said MOFD board president pervisors acts as the ConFire board of John Wyro who, along with Fred directors. “When I hear comments like Weil, sat on the board both then and that, I take them to mean that we're not now. “We learned something from it. doing a good job,” said Mitchoff. But that was five years ago, and right "And I resent that.” She then brought now we have other things that we are up the MOFD board. “That is a perfect trying to work out.” The district is in Is this too young example of a special district with a labor negotiations with its firefighters; poor governance structure,” she said. the board declared an impasse in Jan- Mitchoff later explained her re- uary and on March 7 announced that to go to Cal? marks. it accepted the union's offer to enter “I was specifically referring to the into mediation. MOFD board members who gave Rather than spend time speculat- Nowicki the money that he got,” she ing over changes in the district's gov- said. “You shouldn't make more ernance structure, Supervisor money in retirement than you did the Candace Andersen also chose to keep day before you retired.” In 2008 the the focus on current events. “We need MOFD board approved an amend- to take care of the business in front of ment to fire chief Peter Nowicki's em- us before we go into that sideways ployment contract that allowed the discussion,” she said. chief to sell back various accrued ben- MOFD fire chief Stephen Healy efits and count the dollar amount to- attempted to put things in perspective. ward his pension. “I don't consider the Board of Super- “Those were well-intentioned visors to be any better or worse than board members who did not know our board,” he said, “or vice versa.” Lamorinda Fire News Briefs Actually, it’s just the right age to get an eye exam at the University of By Nick Marnell Breathing Room for ConFire California Eye Center. And again at three years. And regularly after The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District received a $9.6 million that. (We developed ways to test kids’ eyes while they play!) We’re dollar grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association in Febru- ary, and the district plans to use the money to hire 27 new firefighters over the part of the UC School of Optometry, and offer you LASIK surgery, next two years. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response contact lenses, and an Eyewear Center with a vast collection of grant provides funding directly to fire departments to help them increase or maintain their number of trained, front line firefighters - as long as the money designer frames, too. We take most insurance plans, and major is used to hire only entry level employees. ConFire chief Jeff Carman cau- credit cards. It’s time for your whole family to go Cal! tioned that there are also restrictions on how the district can deploy the new firefighters. If ConFire hires three firefighters and opens an engine company with those three, one will be promoted to captain and one more to engineer/operator. The incremental costs over the entry level salaries and benefits are not covered by the SAFER grant. “Those costs must be absorbed by the district and right now, we don't have the capacity to cover those costs,” said Carman. In addition, the district cannot lay off firefighters during the two-year SAFER period, and vacancies that arise through attrition must be filled within a reasonable amount of time. At its March 11 meeting, the Board of Supervisors planned to accept the Open to the Public 7 Days a Week • www.caleyecare.com grant. The district's strategic planning committee will recommend over the 510.642.2020 • Free Parking with Appointments coming months how the new firefighters will best be deployed. ... continued on page A11 Page: A10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 The Cooperage Makes a Big business briefs Lanvie Moves to Lafayette 3569-C Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette Statement in Lafayette (925) 283-1888 www.lanvieusa.com By Sophie Braccini The changes planned for Broadway Plaza could turn out to be a boon for the city of Lafayette as some stores must re- locate during the long remodeling process. Lawn Wu, the Alameda stylist, who had one of her three Lanvie stores that offers a line of very feminine women's fashion in Walnut Creek, choose Mt. Diablo Boulevard for her re- tail space. Wu calls her inspiration “or- Lanvie Assistant-Manager Jenny Helms (right) shows ganic chic,” using mohair wool, cotton a dress to a customer Photo Sophie Braccini linen or cotton silk blends for women of all sizes who want to find a look that's beautiful for them. She has a special liking for black and white, as well as subtle colors such as beige or olive, and her dresses, of varied length and in a great variety of sizes, can be easily accessorized from the simple to the very sophisticated. Pants are mostly leggings, but with some interesting flattering plus size options that coordinate well with the lace tops and tunics that drape nicely. Lanvie also offers a line of shoes and accessories.
The Perfect Packers Moraga Road, Lafayette (925) 238-5100 [email protected] Moving in, moving out and not willing to do all the packing yourself? The Perfect Packers will come and take care of it for you. If you move locally, the team can also unpack for you. “We have found that good organizing and properly packed goods is the first key to a successful tran- sition,” explains the company’s website. Perfect Packers come to your home or business, organize, pack, and label your belongings as well as provide a list of what has been packed.
Moraga Employee of the Month for February Andrew and Merilee McCormick Photo Ohlen Alexander Moraga’s February employee of t's big and it's beautiful. The latest addition Lafayette photos also grace the walls. the month is Louise Hansen, a Ito the already rich Lafayette culinary scene, "I met with the Lafayette Historical Society, tutor with the Moraga School The Cooperage American Grille, opened for and they gave me so many photographs," says District who has had an impact on dinner on Oscar night – a fitting moment for a McCormick. All the pictures are framed and the education of Moraga children place that claims its Americana character and referenced, like the image of the 1920 Lafayette for over three decades. Hansen makes big visual statements. In addition to its baseball team and a 1914 picture of the building began her work as a writing aide impressive size and overall beauty, the quality that is now Town Hall Theatre. in 1980; she tutored middle ingredients and craftsmanship of the food will From the bar, patrons can move to the school children in the community likely turn The Cooperage into a favorite for the boardroom or the dining room. "We created by improving their writing and whole family, for all occasions. what we call the boardroom in the spirit of a composition skills, while working The Cooperage team consists of 14-year cozy English pub," explains McCormick. The at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Lafayette residents Andrew and Merilee Mc- room is intimate; it also has a bar along one of School. “Louise has an uncanny From left: Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School’s Brad Carn, vice Cormick, general manager Mike Iglesias and its walls, and booths. It will be open for lunch ability to connect with children principal, Joan Danilson, principal, Louise Hansen, Bruce Burns, su- chef partner Erik Hopfinger. They came to their and dinner by April 1. It can also accommodate and works equally well with the perintendent of the Moraga School District, and Kevin Reneau, dream location in Lafayette armed with years of up to 50 people for a special event. lowest performing students and president of Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Photo provided restaurant experience at City Tavern in San The dining room is located to the right of the highest achievers,” said Mor- Francisco. the main entrance, in the former Storyteller lo- aga School District Superintendent Bruce Burns. “She is a gift to both our students and our teach- "We wanted to create a unique environ- cation. It is TV screen-free, with a view of the ers as her humble and thoughtful style has paid real dividends to our community during her time ment,” says Merilee McCormick, "with a family kitchen and the rotisserie. A long communal with the district.” Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Moraga and the Chamber of Commerce, friendly menu. You can have dinner in the bar, table is perfect for very large parties; many other Hansen will be presented with a gift card to Safeway as well as a gift certificate to Ristorante in the dining room, or choose from a couple tables of differing sizes are also available. To Amoroma in Moraga at the Moraga Rotary luncheon on Tuesday, March 25. areas that are quieter. And I also wanted kids to the side, an alcove can be separated from the feel comfortable in this restaurant." She under- rest of the dining room with a curtain for pri- New Team at Coldwell Banker, Orinda stands what it's like for parents whose kids have vacy. 5 Moraga Way practices until 6:30 p.m. and the last thing they The entire menu is available anywhere in (925) 253-4600 WoodwardJonesTeam.com. want to do is cook dinner, "so I wanted the price the restaurant. Iglesias guarantees that every in- Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage announced that point to make this place a regular place to go, gredient on the menu has been selected for its two of the top realtors in its Orinda office have come whether you want steak and mashed potatoes or quality, like the Rocky Jr. chickens from together to form an outstanding team. Frank Woodward something healthy," she adds. Petaluma that are cooked in one of the two state- and Tina Jones have over 40 years of experience and Certainly the largest restaurant in Lafayette, of-the-art rotisserie stations. "All our seafood over 1,000 homes sold between the two of them. They seating up to 292 people, The Cooperage took is wild and chosen for sustainable fishing prac- will bring together their talents and provide the buyers over the spaces formerly occupied by Petar's tices," says Iglesias. The beef is grass fed and sellers of Lamorinda world-class service. Frank Frank Woodward and Tina Jones and Storyteller at 22 Lafayette Circle across (Golden Gate from Montana) and the vegeta- Woodward has an extensive sales and marketing back- Photo provided from La Fiesta Square. bles come from local farms. ground in the tech industry and has a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer sci- The restaurant is not overwhelming, how- Iglesias says he's been in love with Erik's ence from UC Berkeley. He became a realtor in 2002 and has consistently been a top producer. ever; it has three separate spaces designed to sat- macaroni and cheese for decades, and he and Tina Jones has owned her own brokerage for 20 years and sold it to Coldwell Banker in early isfy different needs: the boardroom, the dining the McCormicks particularly love the prime rib 2013. room, and the bar, which boasts a large beer and French dip sandwich. wine selection as well as vintage cocktails. Mer- "There is nothing like what we're doing here Business Anniversaries ilee McCormick's favorite cocktail is the Lons- in terms of celebrating Americana, with quality Lafayette-based Futures Explored Inc. is celebrating 50 years in Lafayette dale: a base of gin or mescal with fresh apple, and thoughtfulness, in the entire East Bay," he 3547 Wilkinson Ln., Lafayette basil and lemon. adds. "At this scale, we probably compare to the (925) 284-3240 www.futures-explored.org A wood chandelier illuminates the bar Buckeye (Roadhouse) in Mill Valley. We offer Futures Explored supports individuals with developmental disabilities. “As active contributors space. "It was designed by our architect, Jim a varied menu of things that all of us like to eat, to society, they keep our parks clean, they bag our groceries, they recycle our waste, they cater Maxwell, and executed by our builder, R3 and offer a lot of options for eating healthy." food for our events, and the list goes on," says Jennie Dobies of the non-profit. Futures Explored Builders," she says. "It is made of reclaimed There are gluten-free choices and when making was incorporated on Jan. 6, 1964 in Lafayette with a small group of young adults with develop- wine barrels." Similar ceiling light fixtures are reservations, staff will ask if diners have specific mental disabilities, their parents, and the founding director, Helen Young. There were six clients found in different parts of the restaurant, as well dietary needs. making handcrafted items for sale (which is still done today), and volunteer parents mostly staffed as other reclaimed materials. An old metal safe The Cooperage is currently open for dinner, the program. At the time there were few, if any, programs for adults with disabilities and this was is used as an additional bar table; the refurbished and plans to serve brunch by mid-March, and a very new and innovative idea being developed by parents throughout California. "It's amazing Petar's wood bar was salvaged and is used in the lunch by March 24. For information, call (925) how far we've come!" adds Dobies. Futures Explored provides work and life skills training to boardroom, and additional reclaimed wood 298-5915 or visit thecooperagelafayette.com. adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Participants may need help with personal from Petar’s is found throughout the restaurant or social skills, or to seek and hold a job, or both. The Supported Employment program places – to create the 'communal-table' in the dining Lamorinda Weekly business articles are intended to inform the individuals in jobs in the community based on their skills and job readiness. The program derives room, the suspended ceilings in the private party community about local business activities, not to endorse a revenue from the state, but also from donations, sales at the Nifty-Thrift stores (Lafayette and An- room, and the window soffits. Historic particular company, product or service. tioch), Nifty E-Waste Recycling Centers (in Lafayette at 3467 Golden Gate Way) and the Huck- leberry Café To-Go, a catering service for breakfast, lunch, and party platters. News from the three Chambers of Commerce Lafayette Mixer tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Lafayette Physical Therapy, 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite #B110.
Ribbon cutting at The Dailey Method, celebrating its one-year anniversary at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at 3344C Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Entrepreneur's Club meeting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20 in the chamber conference room.
Green Committee open meeting at noon Tuesday, March 25 in the chamber conference room.
Moraga Chamber mixer at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at the Serbian Cultural Center, sponsored by the Moraga Rotary and the Moraga Valley Kiwanis.
Orinda Save the date for the Orinda Trivia Bee sponsored by the Orinda Chamber and Orinda Rotary Celebrating an Anniversary? Club at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 in the Orinda Masonic Lodge, 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda. For more information, visit orindachamber.org. If your business is celebrating a significant anniversary (5, 10, 20 years or more …) send us a photo of your business, the owner(s) or the staff with specific information about your business and what you’re celebrating, and we’ll include it in an upcoming If you have a business brief to share, please contact issue. Sophie Braccini at [email protected] Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A11
Civic News Moraga What is Moraga Going to Look Like? ... continued from page A4
The process to update the Moraga who was concerned with what the Woehleke added that he Sign Ordinance began seven years scenic corridors could look like if thought that making it hard to get WATER SMART LANDSCAPING ago and was stopped by 1st all businesses in the shopping cen- a sign is good, because it is a wayGet your yard ready for spring time Amendment considerations: a sign ter started lining A-frames along to avoid excessive signage. Free Estimates ordinance should not address the the road. "The challenge is, how do we content of a sign – what it says – The discussion of how the vi- meet the different needs?” re- • Synthetic/Artificial Grass ٻۉےڼڧٻھۄۏۀۃۏۉ۔ڮ -as a basis for regulation, which sual character of the town could be sponded Schwartz. "The busi could be considered discrimina- impacted by new sign policies nesses are complaining that they • Design & Consult tory. Samonsky constructed a draft started at that point. Commis- do not have enough visibility and Landscape Installation ٻۏۇېێۉۊڞٻځٻۉۂۄێۀڟof an ordinance that is content sioner Tom Marnane, who re- we want to support business; but • New neutral and takes several compo- called his own experience setting we have to protect the esthetics of • Re-Landscape & Remodel nents into consideration: time – is appropriate signs, thought a pro- our town." Walkways & Driveways ٻۉۊۄۏڼۇۇڼۏێۉڤٻۀۋڼھێڿۉڼڧٻےۀکit a permanent or non-permanent fessional eye was needed and Schwartz said that the solution • Paver sign; manner – is the sign on a wondered if the town had such a to the problem requires more cre- • Hardscape ٻۇۀڿۊۈۀڭٻځٻۀۋڼھێڿۉڼڧڈۀڭ wall, in a window, or free stand- specialist. ativity and effort. When staff said ing; and place – will the sign be in Commissioner Woehleke, who that the process was expected to a residential area, open space, or has served on both the Design Re- be finalized within two weeks, FREE DEMOLITION WITH INSTALL ٻێ۔ڼےۀۑۄۍڟٻځٻێ۔ڼےۆۇڼےٻۍۀۑڼګ ,commercial district? It proposes view Board and Planning Com- Schwartz rose to speak again that some signs be approved ad- mission in the past, expressed the “We've been waiting for seven A General landscaping Contractor ministratively (by staff), while most concern about the look signs years for this, don't rush it,” she Owned & Operated ٻۀۋڼھێڿۍڼڣothers will need a hearing before could give a town. “Ï hope we all said. “We need more input from Locally the Design Review Board. look at this as helping to define the the public.” Lic. #938445 ٻۀۂڼۉۄڼۍڟ Signs that are illuminated town character,” he said. “What Planning director Shawna“ from the inside should continue to you see in Portola Valley and what Brekke-Read agreed with be reviewed by the Design Re- you see in other cities is very dif- Schwartz and indicated that more 925-819-2100 ٻێۉۊۄۏۋڪٻۀۋڼھێڿۉڼڧٻۉۀۀۍڢ view Board,” stated Samonsky. ferent. In some, (signage) is very public input opportunities would She also introduced novelties, sparse, in others it's ‘everything be made available; at press time, VISIT OUR WEBSITE such as non-permanent signs (A- goes.’ Shop owners say that they the dates had not been set. The A General Engineering Contractor frames) that would be allowed on need signage… but the Design Planning Commission is sched- WWW.BAYAREAGREENSCAPES.COMLocally Owned and Operated the premises, one per business. Review Board answers, ‘We're in uled to resume its discussion of “What do you define as the prem- Moraga, everybody knows where the sign ordinance at its March 17 Contractor LIC #938445 ises in a shopping center?” asked everything is, why do you need meeting; visit moraga.ca.us for commissioner Christine Kuckuk signage?’” details. 925-819-2100 Hetfield General Development Plan Approved www.bayareagreenscapes.com ... continued from page A5 Neighbors spoke out against parts of access road would not be con- added that on the side of the road the plan. "I was disappointed, when structed, that there would simply the homes will be on, there would I read the staff report, to see the ac- be a trail connecting Hetfield Es- be enough driveways that small cess road, the parking lot and a tates to the Old Moraga Ranch animals could find ways to cross. bunch of lights," said Daran Santi. Trail. The commissioners also The emergency vehicle access An emergency vehicle access asked that an easement be main- road was removed from the plan, road had been proposed by Wyro tained along the trail so that in the parking spaces were approved as as a benefit to the town, connect- event the fire district required the proposed and limited to seven, ing the Hetfield property to construction of an emergency ac- and lights remained despite oppo- Sanders Ranch for emergency cess route to Sanders Ranch, it sition from neighbors since light- purposes only (fire or medical). could be done. ing is an engineering department Planning commissioner The road along the new devel- requirement for safety. Rounded Teresa Onoda, who lives in opment was designed to be very curbs were added along the open Sanders Ranch, said that she narrow to limit grading. Street space side of the road to allow the walked the proposed site and no- parking will not be permitted ex- safe wandering of small wildlife. ticed that the path starts very flat, cept in three pocket spaces and a The Moraga Town Council goes through wet land, and then four-space lot at the end. will discuss the formation of a takes a very steep climb to reach Naturalist Malcolm Sproul Geologic Hazard and Abatement the end of Sanders Ranch, mak- asked that the curb of the road on District that would be responsible ing it hard to build and requiring its creek side be rounded. "Small for management of landslides and a lot of grading. "I talked to the vertebrates in particular, rodents, other geologic hazards on the president of Sanders Ranch snakes, salamanders and even property’s open space parcel. (Homeowners Association)," she baby quails, can't hop vertical New homeowners will be advised added, "and he said that the board curbs," said Sproul. "If they can't that the area was formerly zoned has no interest what-so-ever in go up, they follow along; when high risk and will contribute to (creating an emergency route)." they get to a storm drain they fall the district and a homeowners’ as- The commission decided that the in and can't get out." Sproul sociation.
Civic News Fire Districts Lamorinda Fire News Briefs ... continued from page A8 port efforts for a Lamorinda community prepared- ness earthquake exercise. “We'll probably print fly- ers and brochures for the schools promoting the Great California Shakeout in October and have the ...... kids pass them out to their parents,” said MOFD $ emergency preparedness coordinator Dennis Rein. Up to 2,425 in Savings! This year, the Shakeout is scheduled for Oct. 16 ENDSENDS JUNE May 31,30, 2014 2013 - -CALL CALL FOR FOR DETAILS DETAILS at 10:16 a.m...... MOFD and Union Agree to Mediation Turncei veto casACSh re &b ates"Carrier" & The Moraga-Orinda Fire District announced March toquali findfy feverythingor an energy from tax 7 that it has accepted the request of the United Pro- standardcredit when to yultraou install fessional Firefighters of Contra Costa County to quiet,an ultra high quiet, efficiency high enter into mediation. “I'm encouraged that the union reached out to heatingefficiency & coolingheating & MOFD fire chief Stephen Healy receives a check from us,” said John Wyro, board president. “If the union csystems.ooling system. CAER’s Tony Semenza. Photo provided thinks that mediation will solve the problem, then CAER Package for MOFD we are happy to do it.” Also in February, the Moraga-Orinda Fire Dis- “It's a huge move on their part,” said Vince Furnace trict received a $700 grant from the Community Wells, Local 1230 president. “They didn't have to Awareness and Emergency Response Group of do it. It's a great opportunity for more discussion Maintenance Contra Costa County, a non-profit whose mission to see if there's a chance for a solution.” *Ends March 31, 2014 - Call for Details includes providing emergency preparedness and The district declared an impasse with the fire- training to the public. “We collect dues mostly from fighters' union in January. Should mediation not be Apr. 6th & 7th, 10 am to 6 pm Booth 15. industry, and we use the money to provide funding successful, the parties will continue with the fact- back into the community,” said executive director finding process. The board still retains the ultimate Air Conditioning Systems Tony Semenza. CAER oversees a grant budget of authority to impose its last, best and final offer fol- Air Conditioning Systems $11,000 and it screens 30 to 40 annual applications lowing fact finding if it chooses to, explained Eddie 5151-C Port Chicago Highway ~ Concord, CA 94520 5151-C Port Chicago Highway ~ Concord, CA 94520 to determine how best the grantees will help the Kreisberg, the district's labor negotiator. www.ACSystemsInc.com • [email protected] www.ACSystemsInc.com • [email protected] largest number of people. “The applicants have to “The district really would like to reach an agree- Serving the Bay Area Since 1969 explain to us how they will use the dollars,” said ment with Local 1230 and is hopeful that retaining License # 632329 Serving the Bay Area Since 1969 License # 632329 Semenza. a mediator will help the parties do so,” said Kreis- The district plans to earmark the money to sup- berg. 925925.676.2103 676 2103 Page: A12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Community Service Moraga Valley Kiwanis Gives to MEF Submitted by Steve Woehleke We are pleased to make space available whenever possible for some of Lamorinda’s dedicated community service organizations to submit news and information about their activities. Submissions can be sent to [email protected] with the subject header In Service to the Community. Campo Basketball Team Takes on Invasive Competitor Submitted by Scott Hill
From left, Bruce Burns of the Moraga Valley Kiwanis Club presents a check to Eric Andresen of the Moraga Education Foundation. Photo provided he Moraga Valley Kiwanis Club re- hance educational opportunities for all Tcently made its annual contribution Moraga public school students to build a to the Moraga Education Foundation. better future. The Moraga Valley Kiwanis MEF makes a significant local impact Club contributes to each of the three Lam- From left: Quinn Cuddihy, Hayden Hunt, Jack Eisner VB, Tom Caprio, Patrick Duryea JV, Dylan through raising funds to preserve and en- orinda education foundations. Richardson, Michael Navruzyan, Coach Graden Travis, Jordan Li, Madison Young JV, Scott Hill, EBMUD, and Aaron Hill. Photo Odessa Cuddihy t the end of 2014 basketball season last shrub can produce over 8,000 seeds a year. The Two Former Girl Scout Leaders Aweek, the DFAL Champion Campolindo seed pods explode open dispersing seeds up to Boys Frosh Team had one more goal they wanted 12 feet which furthers the colonization of an Given Volunteer of Excellence Award to accomplish, a community service project. area. French broom displaces native plant and Submitted by Tanya Parmelee On Saturday, Feb. 22, the team along with forage species degrading the habitat value for their coach and a representative from the East wildlife. Like the Campo frosh basketball team, Bay Municipal Utility District’s Natural Re- French broom is a strong competitor. Left sources Department joined forces to remove in- unchecked it will dominate a plant community vasive weeds growing on the watershed near the forming dense monospecific stands. Upper San Leandro Reservoir. Using weed Pulling broom with weed wrenches is effec- wrenches the boys pulled French broom tive for removal of small populations. The (Genistamonspessulana) a highly invasive weed wrench removes the entire plant, eliminating re- that commonly grows to 10 feet tall. Native to sprouting. Weed wrench removal is environ- countries around the Mediterranean French mentally safe and minimizes potential impacts broom is thought to have been introduced to the to desirable native plant species. However, San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1800s as an pulling broom with weed wrenches is labor in- ornamental. It spread throughout the region via tensive, the perfect way for a boys’ basketball prodigious seed production. A medium-sized team to spend a Saturday afternoon. The 13 New Eagle Scouts of
Troop 204 Gretchen Caulfield and Susan Barnes Photo provided Submitted by Brooks Pedder ach year, Lafayette Girl Scouts Service with the maximum amount of fun for the girls.” EUnit 326 recognizes those extraordinary With Barnes’ leadership and mentoring, the leaders that go beyond their expected roles. For- girls not only gained invaluable experiences and mer leaders Gretchen Caulfield (Troop 32787) memories over the years, they topped off fifth and Susan Barnes (Troop 32788) were each pre- grade by organizing and hosting a successful sented with the Volunteer of Excellence Award 2013 father/daughter dance. Barnes made sure this past fall. the 18 girls of both fifth grade troops were able Caulfield co-led the troop for six years, to see how individual jobs fit into the big pic- going beyond basics to make sure the girls were ture. Each girl had to share her part, solicit input a part of meaningful lessons and learning from and report back with results. activities – not just going through the motions Thanks to these inspiring and deter- to check off a badge. Through their fourth grade mined women, Burton Valley School’s journey adventure, materials were presented in 2012-13 fifth grade troops bridged to the best way to help better understand each sec- Cadette status at the end of the school year. tion. Girl Scouts of Northern California will be From the troop: “Gretchen…goes the extra formally recognizing award recipients mile to ensure that things are done the right way March 8 in the Alameda offices.
From left, back row: Kevin Hull, Ben Westphal, Grant Smith, Chris Hansen (sitting), Grant Ped- der, Marc Davis and Will McCandless; middle row: Michael Samaniego, Jack Hood, Sam Fraser Container of Love Destination: and Nick Anderson; front row: Peter Goldie and Preston Tso. Photo provided afayette Boy Scout Troop 204 will honor the JF Kapnek Trust, a Lafayette-based organi- Zimbabwe L13 young men who have achieved the zation that works to prevent the transmission of Submitted by Robin Freeberg Eagle Scout Award, the highest rank in the Boy pediatric HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe and aims to Scouts of America from 1:30 to 4 p.m. March open over 100 preschools for needy children; 15 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. Will Goldie designed and assembled computer The Eagle Scout Class of 2014 is the second systems for impoverished schools in largest group in the history of the Troop and the Afghanistan; Chris Hansen used donated wood Mt. Diablo Silverado Council to achieve Eagle. from Ashby Lumber and built 50 drawers out of To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, a scout must plywood; Jack Hood managed, fundraised, and earn his way up the scouting ranks - from Ten- ran a week-long science-based summer camp for derfoot to Life Scout. As a Life Scout, he must underprivileged children along with his trusted be active in the troop for at least six months, volunteers; Kevin Hull rebuilt and refurbished a earn at least 21 merit badges, serve in a Leader- dilapidated deck at the Lafayette Community ship position, show Scout Spirit, and plan, de- Center; Will McCandless wanted to do some- velop and give leadership to others in an thing to benefit the Lafayette Reservoir and approved Eagle service project helpful to any worked with the ranger, Rod Tripp, to determine religious institution, school, non-profit organi- a suitable project and chose a fire danger sign to zation or the community. In addition to require- indicate the fire danger level and the associated ments listed above, each of these Troop 204 restrictions; Grant Pedder constructed a 20-foot- Eagle Scouts has attended annual 50 mile back- long planter box out of cement blocks outside of packing trips, hiked over 500 miles, actively the Lafayette School District offices at Stanley participated in annual Camporees, constructed Middle School; Michael Samaniego collected and slept in snow caves and camped in the 170 used soccer uniforms, cleats and equipment wilderness for over 100 nights. from teams throughout Lamorinda, Walnut Much needed wheel chairs destined for Zimbabwe fill half of a 40-foot container at Lafayette- The following is a list of their community Creek and Concord; Grant Smith restored the Orinda Presbyterian Church. Photo provided service projects: Nick Anderson built wooden marquee in the Acalanes High School parking afayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church has range from school supplies and sporting duck boxes and donated them to the California lot; Preston Tso worked on the Stanley Middle Lcreated space on their campus for a 40- equipment (basketball, soccer, baseball, etc.) Waterfowl Association; Marc Davis developed School tennis courts and rehabilitated them; and foot shipping container bound for Zimbabwe. to everyday necessities including batteries an iPhone app for the Lafayette Historical Soci- Ben Westphal restored the baseball backstops This “Container of Love” will be on campus and toiletries. Donations may only be dropped ety; Sam Fraser collected preschool supplies for and benches at some of our local schools. for the month of March and will be filled with off on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. items to help children who have been victims to noon, and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to noon of the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe. Half of at 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Go to LOPC.org In the Feb. 26 Lamorinda Weekly story, “MOFD Updates GIS Correction: the container will be filled with much needed to see what specific donations items are Evacuation Maps,” the date the Moraga-Orinda Fire District began its map- wheel chairs and the other half will be divided needed. Contact [email protected] or call ping was 2005-06 and the program was initially tied to Cal Fire, not Califor- between donations for Mother of Peace Or- (925)283-8722, ext. 250 for more informa- nia Fire Safe, as reported. phanage and the JF Kapnek Trust. Needs tion. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A13 Civic News Orinda An Infant No More – Orinda Community Foundation Turns Four ... continued from page A6 Several of the checks issued will Adobe, which hopes to preserve provide make-or-break funds. “We Orinda’s historic structure, and the wouldn’t be able to do Youth Ink Orinda Association – the engine that without it – literally,” said Christine powers Orinda’s Fourth of July Pa- Gkatzimas who joined Molly Wilson rade. Each group was awarded $5,000 in representing the Orinda Junior by OCF. Both are also currently Women’s Club. The $1,000 grant reaching out to individuals, busi- Just Listed . . . awarded to the Juniors will fund nesses, and larger private foundations prizes for students living in or attend- for help in raising the thousands of 73 Sullivan Drive, Moraga ing grades six through eight in Orinda dollars more it will take to fulfill their who participate in the 2014 writing respective missions. Clean, contemporary 4BR/2BA ranch-style home with stunning views! competition. Author Tamara Ireland “We provide them with funds to $1,075,000 Stone will be this year’s guest speaker make it a joyous event,” said OCF’s for the April 24 awards ceremony. executive director, Dick Westin, of the Lamorinda Village vice president impact the OA grant has on Orinda’s Skip Bradish described OCF’s $3,000 annual Independence Day bash. award as “the nurturing” for his non- Other OCF grants will make flowers profit’s launch of an initiative to help sprout from street corners, fill the hills locals age in place more easily. (Learn with music, and support the installa- more by reading “The New Old Age tion of a scoreboard at the Wilder in Lamorinda” in our archive, sports fields and of the city’s public www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/i display of art across Orinda. ssue0617/The-New-Old-Age-in- “Since our inception,” added Lamorinda-Aging-In-Place-Safely- Westin, “we have donated $120,000 and-Independently.html.) to the community. We hope to do Many of the grants will be used to more in the coming years with your demonstrate to other prospective fun- support and the support of the com- 925|708-1396 Tony Conte ders that recipients are worthy of ad- munity.” 925|324-6246 Mary Beth MacLennan ditional funding – as is happening For more information about OCF, [email protected] [email protected] with the Friends of the Moraga visit www.orindafoundation.org/. CalBRE License #: 00959101|01480008 Orinda Action Day – April 19 Whether you’re wicked with a hammer, adept at making base- boards pass the white glove test, have a jolly green thumb, or just love living in Orinda, it’s time to show your civic pride. Orinda Action Day 2014 is just around the corner, and organizers of the annual community cleanup need your help. Each year, singles mingle, seniors flex their muscles, scouts and students earn crucial community service hours, and parents Specializing in teach their children about the importance of community in- volvement. Even little ones join in the fun, helping to pick up lit- Remodeling and ter while holding onto mom-hands. LICENSE NO. 525400 Registration and check-in will begin at 9 a.m. at the Orinda New Construction Library Plaza on April 19. Drop-in registrants will be welcome the Kitchens Baths Additions day of the event, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged in For a FREE order to help event organizers ensure that each project has the call us today! necessary number of volunteers to truly make a difference. To estimate learn more about how you can help, contact the Orinda Commu- nity Foundation: [email protected]. Working in the Lamorinda Tel: (925) 588-4559 area since 1990 [email protected]
Compost Bins Saying Goodbye to an Home Composting For Busy People! Artist and Musician Using the right equipment will make Soilsaver composting easier and faster. The • Latching handles and self watering holes on lid Home Composting for Busy People! • 2 sliding bottom access doors • 86 gallons / 11.5 cubic feet program is pleased to offer reduced • Dimensions: 28”L x 28”W x 30”H price compost bins designed to help • Normally retails for $110.00 Only improve your efforts to compost. Available for . . . $62.00 Shipped! Call the CCCSWA Home Composting Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin Information Line at 925-906-1801 x306 to • Holds up to 17,000 worms request additional information or visit Extra large capacity working trays www.wastediversion.org. • Dimensions: 22” L x 15” W x 25” H (fully assembled) Ordering Information • Snap fit construction, no tools required • Recycled content plastic Soilsaver: Available for Online Purchase at • Patented 2-tier stacking design allows for easy harvesting www.wastediversion.org or call 925-906-1801 Spigot to easily dispense liquid fertilizer x306 to request a mail-order form. Delivery Only time is 2-4 weeks. Available for . . . $89.00 NatureMill: Available by Online Purchase at Shipped! www.naturemill.com or call 800-613-6629 to NatureMill Composter speak to a customer service representative. • Automatic Mixing Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin: Available for • Perfect for apartments/condos and homes purchase by calling 925-906-1801 x306 to • Food waste only - no yard waste. Usually produces request a mail-in form, or print from compost in two weeks • Dimensions: 20” high by 20” deep by 12” wide www.wastediversion.org • Normally retails for $299.00 and up IMPORTANT: To purchase a compost bin, purchaser must reside in CCCSWA service area (Danville, Lafayette, Online Coupon for . . . $30 OFF Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga and unincorporated areas Plus tax & shipping! including Alamo, Blackhawk & Diablo). Douglas Craig Duncan passed away Jan. 7, 2014. He was 61 years young. The eldest son of Marechal and Doris Duncan of Call (925) 906-1801 x306 Lafayette, Doug had a lot of natural talent in art and music and was employed in both the art and music business. Recently he was Visit www.wastediversion.org playing in three local bands – mostly guitar and keyboards – and www.facebook.com/CCCSWA composing music for the bands. Doug was also employed with various mechanical engineering firms as a computer graphics artist, utilizing his mechanical and structural design computer knowledge. While going through Doug's belongings, his family Share Your Celebrations and Remembrances found many pieces of his art and musical works, including the If you would like to share an announcement about a special event or achievement, such as a poem illustrated by Doug, pictured above. “Doris and I really wedding, engagement, scholarship or graduation of a local resident, or about a special person from thought it was a heart stopper for a parent and one we didn't think Lamorinda who has passed, send a photo along with your text (up to 250 words) to should be just discarded,” Marechal Duncan said. [email protected], and include “Celebrations and Remembrances” in the subject line. Page: A14 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 ~ HE’S ALL ABOUT LAMORINDA ~ _____CLARK THOMPSON_____
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However, as Chandler ex- plained, “no one knows for sure if it’s a drinking society interested in history or a historical society interested in drinking. And no one has ever been in any condition to resolve this debate.” Chandler spent 32 years as senior historian for Wells Fargo Bank, retiring in 2010. In that role, he said, he was “essentially the answer man” within the bank, dealing with both employees and consumers. He also wrote numerous articles on Wells Fargo’s history. Chandler is a prolific speaker, offering presentations on California history, stagecoaching, mining, banking, military and postal history. He is the secretary of the West- ern Cover Society which specializes in early Western intellectual discovery for older adults postal history and is a regular contributor to The California Territorial Quarterly, a magazine dedicated to California’s Three OLLI courses at past. He sits on the Board of the San Ramon Valley Mu- seum and has loaned the organization items from his gold the Lafayette Library and Robert Chandler, Ph.D., stands in front of one of his rush collection. Learning Center, starting many collections. Photos Diane Claytor The family moved from Concord to Lafayette 16 April 1. alking into the back rooms of Bob and Sue years ago. “We had to find a house that could accommo- WChandler’s lovely Lafayette home, you’re not date Bob’s mistress – California history in all its forms,” • sure if you’ve entered a museum or a library. There are Susan Chandler said. books, papers and artifacts everywhere. It’s hard to know Describing her husband, she said, “When we first where to look first. started dating, mutual friends told me Bob was eccentric; Lafayette Info Session Thursday, March 13, 3–4:30 p.m. Chandler describes himself as a historian and a “pack fortunately, I didn’t know what that meant. Bob is con- rat.” He’s also an author, having just published “San Fran- stantly making history new. It’s fascinating to watch him Lafayette Library and Learning cisco Lithographer: African American Artist Grafton Tyler find something old and get excited about it. It is such a Center, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. Brown,” in addition to numerous magazine articles. His gift.” business card states “Dr. Robert J. Chandler, Western Meet Lafayette faculty and American History, Stagecoaching, Mining, Banking.” OLLI members and learn None of that begins to describe this extraordinary man, about spring term programs. who, according to Californiahistory.com, “is acclaimed by many California historians to be the premier authority Refreshments. on California in the Civil War and, in particular, San Fran- cisco.” /,,)Ř!$2+$,$9Ř$#5ŁĖĒđŘėĕēŘĚĚĔĕ An “army brat,” his family moved every few years when Chandler was young. “Sometimes it was hard to make new friends,” he said, “so I got interested in where we were and learning everything I could about the area.” He started reading history books and over the years, amassed quite a collection. He earned his Ph.D. from UC Riverside; his dissertation was "The Press and Civil Lib- An envelope from the 1870s shipped by Contra Costa erties in California during the Civil War.” Express A trip to an antique shop in Port Costa in the ‘70s in- troduced Chandler to the world of historical items. “I found a letter having to do with the California State Tele- graph Company from 1864 and it was $10. My first arti- cle was on the Overland Telegraph, so of course I had to buy the letter,” he noted. “I suddenly realized that history wasn’t found only in books.” And the rest, as they say, is history. Chandler admits that while he still buys books, “I spend more money on photographs, pieces of paper, letters, something that will tell me a story. I’m on a first name basis with booksellers, antique and paper dealers everywhere.” To say Chandler is proud of his collections doesn’t ac- curately express it. Spending an hour with him was like an historical show and tell. He showed off his collection of coral, decoys, mining equipment, crucibles for assays, Chinese ginger jars, candlesticks, tea pots, license plates, election posters, miniature German soldiers, lithographs, billheads, historical postcards and posted envelopes. He has a slide viewer from 1900 and San Francisco city di- rectories dating back to the 1870s. And then there are his books – 9,000 of them, according to his wife. Chandler is a longtime member of The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, a fraternal organi- San Francisco street directories
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Words That Change Our World Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Book shifts how Orinda football player looks at accounta- bility, and what it means to be a man By Lou Fancher Now bling out of the pocket. Being reliable, as an older brother accepting Pulitzer Prize winning journalist to 16-year-old Ryan; making his par- Marx tells the story of former NFL ents proud in all things, not just sports; new football star Joe Ehrmann. Long after not comparing himself to others, even patients! his glory days as a Baltimore Colts amid people trying to do that for him defensive lineman – where Marx, a – were his takeaway lessons. Ander- ball boy, first encountered the 260- son says these weren’t explosive pound player – Ehrmann is an or- ideas, but slow-burners reminding Kristi L. Doberenz, D.D.S., Inc. dained minister and the coach of the him not to get caught up in the hoopla 8 Camino Encinas, STE #110, Orinda Gilman Greyhounds, a Baltimore, of Lamorinda’s academic and sports (925) 254-3725 Md. high school football team. achievement. “It’s competitive here, Ehrmann’s “Building Men for Oth- but I never felt (pressure) from my ers” mission, aimed at using football parents. I feel like I’m not any differ- to build not just quadriceps, but love, ent than when I started playing foot- grace and healing – is underscored by ball in kindergarten.” the former player’s tragic, abusive re- To give back, Anderson and his lationship with his father. Marx brother coach a Lafayette passing chronicles the team’s surreal “hug and league, volunteer at football camps iramonte High School quar- proclaim your love” interactions – and once delivered second-hand bats, Mterback Drew Anderson has discovering for himself a spiritual gloves, balls and athletic apparel to been called “a driving force” and an journey. A series of conversations be- underserved baseball club programs East Bay high school football “player tween Marx and Ehrmann, held after in Oakland. “They were thrilled to to watch.” His stats are public record: the conclusion of a stunning season have anything,” he recalls. 6’3”, roughly 185 pounds, 26.8 inch for the Gilman team, fascinate and In his “circle of affirmation,” an- vertical jump, 47 passing TD’s, 256 haunt Marx. Eventually, he realizes other Erhmann initiative described in completions out of 435 pass attempts. P040036 02/04 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), Bloomington, IL the biggest play is yet to come: tack- “Season of Life,” Anderson places The 18-year-old senior has “one of ling his distant, uncomfortable rela- two men. “My dad, definitely goes in the strongest arms in the East Bay,” tionship with his father. Chapter 21 is first,” he says. “He taught me football according to local sports reporters. a too-short glimpse into their first at- – and everything.” Joining him, Dave He’s an Oakland A’s fan, likes math tempts to change the playbook. Fit- Winford, Miramonte’s head coach. and science, and as a staff writer for tingly, although a bit too abruptly and “He helped me all the way through,” • Trust Agreement Miramonte’s school paper, The Mi- • Pour Over Will conveniently, the book ends with their Anderson says. “He believed in me. • Guardianship of Minor Children rador, he contributes mostly sports-re- hugs and “I love yous.” How do I know? He told me.” • Power of Attorney for Finance lated articles. He’s on the basketball • CommunityLI VProperty IAgreementN G TRUST Anderson said the book got him And Marx’s contribution? “Sea- • Transfer of Real Property into Trust team as spring approaches – and will Plan Includes: thinking: about success, mostly. “The son of Life” didn’t change Anderson Advanced Medical Directives, Including: play baseball this year for the first book isn’t about football, it’s about as much as it caught him on the cusp • Trust Agreement • time since eighth grade. Still deciding Power of Attorney for Health Care • Pour Over Will helping other people and treating of adolescence and launched him into • $Living Will • Guardianship of Minor Children between four colleges, his applica- • HIPAA everyone the same,” he says. “It was manhood with a profound respect for • Power of Attorney for Finance tions have been flagged for admission 695 • Community Property Agreement hard to think, ‘What’s my cause? empathy, generosity and yes, love of • Transfer of Real Property into Trust and a walk-on spot with several of the How am I accountable?’” the game. COMPLETE Advanced Medical Directives, Including: schools’ football teams is assured. Valid until April 30, 2014 • Power of Attorney for Health Care Got the picture? Jock, possibly • Living Will tough, cocky and confident; he names • HIPAA INITIAL as his favorite book Jeffrey Marx’s FREE CONSULTATION Notary Services Included! “Season of Life,” in which football (925) 257-4277 players hug and say to each other, “I Law Offices of www.smykowskilaw.com love you.” Lauren Smykowski [email protected] What? Oh, and in an interview in Office Located in Walnut Creek his Orinda home, he’s almost painfully shy. “I used to be shy – still am,” An- derson admits, not embarrassed as much as honest. “But being in jour- nalism and having to ask people ques- LeapFrog Plumbing tions is helping.” Save some WATER ‘n save some Anderson needs little help on the GREEN this St. Paddy’s Day field, especially during his senior with a re‐circulating hot‐ year, when he pushed himself to be water pump. There’s one more assertive. “I used to be a behind to fit your needs (push‐ the scenes guy,” he says. “This year, I was different.” button, timer‐activated, full‐time & Anderson didn’t start hugging more). No more water down the people, but he did become more ver- Head Frog Mo Williams drain while you wait for hot water! bal. “Especially the younger quarter- backs; I helped them with how to run $25 OFF! certain plays. As a quarterback, you’re right in the middle of each any plumbing job* play. But it takes everyone to make a team win.” Sewer Accountability and a growing $75 OFF! sense of what it means to be a man • Water Heater arrived, in some measure, from the Specialist pages of Marx’s book. Anderson’s re-circ systems* father, Greg, a stockbroker by pro- • 24/7 Service fession and volunteer sports *Expires 3/31/14 Provided & coach/parent club leader by habit, installed by LeapFrog Plumbing. gave him the slim 177-page vol- ume. Anderson said his dad told We Hop To It! him it was about a football program Family-owned and serving on the East Coast. He soon learned Lamorinda since 1993 it was about much more than throwing Hail Mary’s or scram- Drew Anderson Photo Gint Federas green solutions! Lou Fancher is a journalist who, over the course of her career interviewing a wide variety of people, has been struck by how often written or spoken words influenced the local life and purpose of her (925) articles’ subjects. If you have a book, a play, a famous quote or a film that has been important in 377-6600 your life and are willing to share your story with Lou – it requires only a 15-minute phone interview CA Lic 929641 www.LeapFrogPlumbing.com – please email storydesk@lamorindaweekly and include “Words” in the subject line. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B3 Working Together to Collect the Oral jtÜx Wxá|zÇá Histories of Lafayette Y|Çx ]xãxÄÜç á|Çvx DLJJ By Amanda Kuehn Expanding our Services with Three Goldsmiths & a Graduate Gemologist • Custom Designs • Appraisals • Expert Repairs All your jewelry is insured with Jeweler’s 50% off Watch Battery Now $5, Reg $10 Block Insurance. 1 watch battery per person. Exp. 3/31/14. Usually installed while you wait. W/coupon. Restrictions apply.
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Girls from Brownie Troup 215 and Girl Scout Troup 948 celebrate the 68th anniversary of the Girl Scouts in 1951. “If we had an oral history from one of these (now grown up) girls, we would have an interesting story to ac- company it,” says Judie Peterson of the Lafayette Historical Society. aya Angelou once wrote, ‘What do you think of collaborat- M“There is no greater agony ing and doing an oral history proj- than bearing an untold story inside ect?’” of you.” Each of us has a story to Newmann was on board. share, a history inside of us that is “We try to partner with other waiting to be told. Lafayette community organiza- The members of the Lafayette tions, including Saint Mary’s and Historical Society believe in the their creative writing program,” power of history “to ignite the said Molly Cohen, administrative imagination, stimulate thought and assistant of Lafayette Senior Serv- provide enjoyment.” Through their ices. “We do a class called Docu- collections and programs, the soci- ment Your Life’s Story. It’s been ety strives to link the history of really well received.” Lafayette to the lives of its people. The class is run by an intern One way they wish to do this is by from the Master of Fine Arts documenting oral history, but (MFA) in Creative Writing pro- An Elder Law Workshop recording people’s stories can be gram at Saint Mary’s College. Pe- harder than you might think. terson thought Senior Services Presented by “The historical society has might expand the program and use been doing oral history for cen- the SMC intern to help with the turies,” said History Room coordi- oral history project. nator Judie Peterson. “We have Representatives from LHS and some really old ones on old reel Senior Services met with Candace tapes. We’ve been trying to resur- Eros Diaz, MFA coordinator of ad- rect that program but it’s been re- missions and student services and ally difficult.” Although LHS has a Ryan McKinley, a candidate in the long list of Lafayette residents MFA program. The group decided ready to share their stories, the that LHS would create a list of process of documenting has been a Lafayette residents and McKinley, challenge, she explained. funded through one of SMC’s So- Last fall Peterson contacted cial Justice Internships, would con- Maureen Newmann, program co- duct interviews and help to Thursday OctoberMarch 13 3 and and Thursday Thursday March October 27, 10, 2014 2013 ordinator of Lafayette Senior Serv- transcribe old tapes. The hope is 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm ices. “She was doing a project on that this will be an ongoing seniors coming in and writing in arrangement. ! " # $ % & the community center and I said, ... continued on page B5 % ' (
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Katrina Alcorn Photo provided t’s funny, we spend our child- brief, chapter-concluding essays, Looking Good in Lamorinda Ihoods practicing control – and a presents a deeply human portrait. lifetime learning to let go of it. Blemishes, blushing embarrassment, From “Don’t stick your finger blissful exclamations about her hus- It might as well be spring into that socket; you’ll die!” to “No band, Brian, and their children, all matter how adorable you look in mingle with the flickering drama of By Moya Stone those pajamas, you can’t wear them female aggression in the 21st cen- to school,” to “Don’t text what tury. And it’s this energy – the desire the boot cut is back on the scene edging in on the you’re thinking: you’ll get fired,” to be a major breadwinner, to stand skinny jean for most popular pant. growing up teaches us to stop. But out, to be first and foremost in their Lesley Evers in Lafayette is known for her maturity, it seems, is about release: children’s lives, to be a svelte, sexy, bright colors and bold prints, which are favorites for not blaming others (let go resent- suave swinger dressed in a three- spring and summer. Evers tells me that for this sea- ment), not having it all (goodbye piece suit and toting a breast milk son she’s adding lots of separates, a logo jacket, a BMW), and not thinking the world pump – that crashes Alcorn’s cart. hoodie and “… a maxi that can be worn without the revolves around you (hello parent- In a series of episodes that read slip as a dramatic swim cover up.” Colors include ing). like a giant bowling ball headed for pinks/oranges and blues/greens, and various shades Oakland author Katrina Alcorn’s a perfect pin-smashing strike, Alcorn of lilac. memoir, “Maxed Out: American experiences nauseating, numbing Cinderella Shoes Moms on the Brink” (Seal Press), panic attacks. “My heart fluttered Calling all ladies who wear a size 5 or 5 ½ tells her story: a 37-year-old mother madly. My hands shook....It was too shoe, you will want to strut right on down to Collec- and working professional woman on hard to be there,” she writes. Even- tor’s Choice Antiques in Lafayette. They have just re- the road to maturity. Alcorn will read tually, her mind plays tricks allowing ceived a collection of beautiful hardly worn shoes, and discuss her book at a Sweet her to escape her own body and re- mostly pumps and all designer brands such as Allure, Thursdays event at 7:30 p.m. March sort to puppeteering: plodding Charles Jourdan, and one pair of never worn dress 20 at the Lafayette Library and through meetings and conferences shoes by YSL. You can’t beat the price of $60 a pair. Learning Center. while “directing” herself as if from Orinda’s ReChic Alcorn is a mother, stepmom, above. Have you heard about ReChic in Orinda? wife, former journalist, blogger, and Despite her pluses – a hi-tech Around since 2012, ReChic is a delightful boutique a freelance experience design con- job, an understanding boss, a sup- specializing in consignment clothing for women and sultant, a title meaning she analyzes portive spouse, a housecleaner, at- men, girls and boys ages 10 and up. Proprietor and customers and clients and designs tentive daycare – all the equipment websites and services to meet their the world tells women they need to Orinda native Jennifer Vigo was inspired to open her business needs. She also speaks at lean in and have it all are not enough shop after realizing that there was nothing in the conferences and appears as an expert to save her from tanking. She quits Lamorinda area for consignment kids clothing. Addi- consultant on local and national her job and collapses, literally. It You can find colorful separates at Lesley Evers in Lafayette. tionally, ReChic offers a small selection of new clothes radio and television programs. She takes over a year for Alcorn to feel Photo courtesy Lesley Evers and gift items, many of which are made by Bay Area artisans. And there’s more – located in the front of strives to maintain friendships, in- whole and human again. But along round here spring accidently sprung back in the store is the Social Lounge, a small space for kids vest real, skin-to-skin time with her the way, she investigates the systems January. But in fashion the season officially to meet, hang out and even take a class. ReChic of- children, and at times in her life, has undergirding (but failing to defuse) launches in March, when we start thinking suffered clinically certifiable depres- contemporary life’s pressures. A fers ongoing and one time classes in creative writing, about bright colors, lighter fabrics, and new fashions basic auto mechanics, and teen yoga. A professional sion and panic attacks requiring Competition from other women: for Easter, Mother’s Day, and graduations. dietitian, Jennifer hopes to add nutrition classes soon. medication and therapeutic interven- Alcorn cites Cornell researchers’ Spring Picks for Lamorinda tion. In her free time – ha! – she’s 2007 study showing mothers with With ball and prom season coming up, ReChic is cur- Pleated skirts are big news for spring, and for written her first book. To handle resumés equal to those of non-moth- rently stocking an array of gowns and soon to arrive the Lamorinda woman the look offers a perfect com- anxiety, she meditates, sending ers were 79 percent less likely to be will be a line of (new) swimsuits. bination of chic and ease. Sport the pleats with a soft stress-filled bubbles into the atmos- hired and paid $11,000 less. No sick cropped sweater or form-fitted blouse and you are phere. leave: 145 countries worldwide Alcorn is a busy woman, but guarantee sick leave; in the United good to go anywhere in style. The button-down shirt she’s not the only one – which is States, barely 50 percent receive it. is also on list of trends. A tailored classic, the button- both the point and the purpose (and Lack of part-time options: 75 per- down elevates jeans, skirts, and even shorts to casual really, the societal problem) at the cent of Dutch women work part- elegance. Blue is the color of the season and I suggest center of her memoir. time, with benefits. Across pairing the shirt with another spring trend – crop Her expressive narrative, bol- industries, not just in women-domi- pants. An excellent choice for the busy Lamorinda stered by the inclusion of well-re- nated fields, real-world examples woman, crop pants cover a spectrum of local activi- searched studies she references in cause Alcorn to question the cultural ties. Wear with flats and a sunhat on Saturday morn- stigmas and corporate bias opposing ing to the soccer field and in the evening for a quiet a more progressive workplace in dinner out, switch to heels and a statement necklace. America. Childcare and family- This season Special Tees in Lafayette is friendly work environments should- stocking pastels and pale pink in particular. Also on n’t require advocacy; they should be trend for them are black and white stripes in jackets, a basic human right, she concludes. dresses, and pants. Word has it from Special Tees that She ends the book with 10 sugges- tions “you can do right now.” Unfor- tunately they’re not as thoroughly described as her personal stories, but Proud to announce the first some readers may appreciate the green and Eco Friendly springboard they represent. Butterfly whimsy Photo Richard Aiello Dry Cleaning in Moraga It’s easy – even tempting – to St Patricks special criticize Alcorn’s pain as the indul- Catch the Butterfly Trend gent rant of a white, upper-middle Designers are using the butterfly motif on everything from scarves to dresses to handbags. How 20 % off any class woman who doesn’t realize how good she’s got it (or had it). But appropriate for spring as the delicate insect symbol- house hold item* *off dry cleaning items during March 2014 that would be ignoring the more im- izes change and transformation. What about a at- portant aspects of her pain. It’s not tracting a little change and transformation into your comparison that matters or will life with a vintage butterfly brooch? Pinned to a Rheem Valley move the arguments forward. What lapel, a hat or a handbag, brooches add a bit of Cleaners matters is compassion – and that we whimsy to any outfit. I like to shop for brooches (and not divide progressive energy and other treasures) at The Vintage Fashion Expo, which 568 Center St., Moraga lose ourselves by infighting. After is coming up in San Francisco March 22 and 23. Rheem Valley all, we owe it to the 1920s Suffra- Shopping Center Over 100 dealers from around the country showcase gettes and women’s-libbers of the their vintage wares including clothing, jewelry, and Rheemvalleycleaners.com 1970s who grandparent the sons and accessories for men, women, and children. More in- 925-247-5499 daughters of 2014 to preserve and formation can be found at: www.vintageexpo.com/. improve upon their work. Women It might as well be spring, so go forth in style. and men must be allowed the privi- Moya Stone is a fashion writer and blogger at lege of earning a living while raising Cinderella shoes at Collector Choice Antiques. . www.overdressedforlife.com. a family in dignity. Photo Moya Stone Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B5 Republic Services to Get Most of the 10-Year Garbage Franchise 25 Years of Caring, Recognized for Excellence Exploring Care Options? Considering In-Home Care? 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Improve your Health with Call today to schedule a Pacific Rim currently recycles for Lamorinda Picture provided Marijuana consultation with Dr. Patel t the Feb. 27 Central Contra included the last minute offer in the Suffering with ... ACosta Solid Waste Authority board documents, although no analy- • Back pain? • Shingles? board meeting, Republic Services sis had been possible. • Arthritis? • Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)? was chosen over Mt. Diablo-Recol- The next morning, Contra Costa • Headaches? • Anxiety? ogy as the next franchisee to haul all County supervisor Karen Mitchoff, a Dr. Patel • Multiple Sclerosis? • Insomnia? of the garbage within the CCCSWA CCCSWA board member, made a • Specializing in Medical Marijuana • Fibromyalgia? • Poor Appetite from Chemotherapy? service area (including Lamorinda) motion to award the contract to Mt. • Graduate of Northwestern for the next 10 years. Republic was Diablo-Recology. Board member University (Evanston, IL) 710 S. 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Three board Your Lamorinda Senior Checklist … of the Law Offices of Dana Dean, members were opposed to renegotia- Find cook for better nutrition which represents Evan Edgar and tion; Moraga’s David Trotter said that Get driver to appointments, groceries Total Compliance Management, the process should not encourage bid- Get help with laundry & changing sheets stated that the company may not have ding at the podium, and that Mt. Dia- Find somebody for companionship, exercise, puzzles enough capacity to treat the volume blo's offer was too little, too late. CALL SENIOR HELPERS of recyclables and does not have the The rate per ton of recycled ma- We can assist with these activities and more. proper permits to fulfill the contract. terial that Mt. Diablo-Recology pro- Call for a free assessment 925-376-8000 Mt. Diablo also sent CCCSWA a last poses in this new offer matches that Bonded and insured. minute proposal for the recycling of Pacific Rim, at $47 a ton. Pacific Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated. ©2011 SH Franchising, LLC contract and the board decided to Rim is the recycling service provider postpone its decision for that piece of at this time. Under the present con- the garbage pie for another month. tract they pay a fixed fee per ton and "It was three minutes before 5 as the commodity market fluctuates, p.m. the day before the board meeting the company shares the extra revenue when we received a new proposal with CCCSWA. "The price has been from Mt. Diablo to handle the recy- quite good in the past," said Morsen, clable waste," said CCCSWA director "but we wanted the different propos- Paul Morsen, who explained that the als to indicate a fixed rate so we could RFP process had called for proposals, compare them. During final negotia- that service companies had been in- tion the board has the latitude to terviewed and asked to give their best change that." offer by a certain date, and that staff The CCSWA board voted 8 to 3 and its consultant had then analyzed to re-open the RFP process for that the proposals before making a recom- part of the franchise agreement. Staff mendation to the board. Pacific Rim will make a recommendation at the was the recommended offer. Morsen next board meeting on March 27. Working Together to Collect the Oral Histories Our mission is to provide personalized care, of Lafayette help maintain independence and ... continued from page B3 AT HOME enhance our client’s quality of life on a daily basis. “It will be a great opportunity to of his interviews early this month. learn about Lafayette because his- “There’s a little bit of nervousness • Fully bonded and insured • Geriatric care management tory in general is interesting to because I’ve never met these peo- • Hourly care me,” said McKinley, who previ- ple before,” he said. “You have to • Live-in care ously studied at the University of gauge how to get someone to re- 3645 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite D Lafayette • Transportation to and from Hawaii and worked with the Cen- turn to their memories. Sometimes (beside Trader Joe’s) medical appointments ter for Biographical Research doc- it begins slowly and then later on www.excellentcareathome.com • Medication reminders umenting local oral histories. “I’m we can get these huge histories.” Call to schedule a free assessment and plan care review. 925-284-1213 hoping that we can get these in the “We have such a big senior archives and they will be pre- population in Lafayette,” said served so that 10 to 20 years from Cohen. “It’s a wonderful opportu- now people can go into the center nity to capture history and the and learn about people who lived memories of people who have here earlier. It’s kind of a connec- lived here for 50 plus years.” tion between generations.” To listen to archived record- Senior Services will serve as ings or learn more about the his- a liaison, connecting seniors in tory and stories of Lafayette, the area with the historical soci- contact the Lafayette Historical ety. “It’s a new relationship and a Society at (925) 283-1848. The Reliable. non-medical care you can trust— in the comfort or your loved ones' own home. new program for us at the Senior History Room is open from 10 Service Center,” said Cohen.“It’s a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, CARING MATTERS. one-on-one and doesn’t require and Saturday. • Honest and dependable care Caring Matters provides kind, compassionate, personal any work or editing for the sen- For more information or to be • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ior.” This should allow for more a part of this project contact care to adults, disabled/special needs individuals, and senior. As an in-home care provider, Caring Matters • Experienced and well trained caregivers seniors to share their stories. Lafayette Senior Services at (925) offers affordable, non-medical, one to one assistance • Fully insured and bonded The process is now underway, 284-5050 or Seniors@love- from experienced and well trained caregivers who • All employees background screened and checked with McKinley completing the first lafayette.org. dedicate their lives to helping others. For additional information and inquiries please call Caring Matters Homecare (925) 385-0645 Submit stories and story ideas to or email: [email protected] [email protected] Page: B6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Ten Lamorinda Odyssey of Helping Struggling Readers of Any Age the Mind Teams Advance The ‘Reading Revolution’ method comes to Lamorinda By Sophie Braccini to State Competition Submitted by Michelle Regan and Beverley Sopak
Orinda Rotary Odyssey of the Mind team, from left: Bradley Wu, Nicholas Cyndy Lemyre shows first sound movements to Growing Tree Preschool students Clara Shei Bowman (left) and Kim, Sarah Inouye, Stephanie Wu, Sullivan Jordan, Caroline Kim, Leah Sloane McDowell. Photo Sophie Braccini Sopak, and coach Michael Kim. Photos provided ack is learning to blend the sound tutor moves him from one activity to demonstrates is effective in ‘phonics’ J"ai" with consonants today. The the next, never at a desk, but sitting on and ‘whole language’ systems. It in- happy Moraga second grader began a mat reviewing the movements he corporates the experience we gained his eighth session recently with his learned for each vowel sound, or with over 200,000 students in hun- Active Reading Clinic tutor, Sharon standing throwing bean bags in buck- dreds of schools across the U.S. The Winning, and seems to be having fun. ets labeled with “ai” or “ay” as his ‘reading revolution’ comes through a He starts at one end of the large tutor calls out words. "Jack is not series of proprietary steps that, in ag- room where the private lesson is held, ADD or ADHD but he can become gregate, bring together the latest brain and at Winning's signal – “Go!” – he fidgety after a while; that is why I in- research and theories of how the runs to the other side where she stands clude a lot of different physical set- human brain triggers its learning holding large cards with a beginning tings in our session," says Winning. mechanisms." consonant, the group of vowels, and She has other tools for dyslexic stu- Richards was so impressed with a final consonant. Jack blends the dents, based on movements that help ARC that she decided to work with sounds of the three cards that make up children memorize their own way. Kranzler and her managing director real words or “monster” words. This "It is estimated that about 20 per- Cyndy Lemyre to open an Active kinesthetic and game-oriented ap- cent of the children in school are strug- Reading Clinic in Lamorinda. proach is the heart of the multi-sen- gling, but do not fit into a defined Richards introduced the method to Burton Valley Elementary Odyssey of the Mind Division 1 (fourth and fifth sory method, developed by Judy category of learning disability," says Linda Richardi and Terri Giovanetti, grade) team, from left: Kaitlin Srinivasan, Charlie Schofield, Nathanial McManus, Kranzler in the ‘80s, and taught ever Moraga resident Maura Richards. the co-directors of Growing Tree Pre- Peter Husch, Matthew Brock-Utne, William McGlothlen, and Cole Regan. since in Active Reading Clinics "When my son Tommy was in second school, who agreed to open a new (ARC) across the country. A new grade, he was not doing very well." ARC at Growing Tree. center is opening in Moraga, and a Tommy was tested by the school but Lamorinda students of all ages second one should follow in Orinda. did not qualify for anything, so his will be tutored in the afternoon one- The method can help children of all mother started researching other ways on-one at the preschool starting ages who are struggling in school to teach her son. She found the ARC March 17. Additionally, the pre-K with the traditional reading approach. in Walnut Creek and decided to invest Growing Tree students, whose par- Kranzler struggled to learn to read in bi-weekly trips in order to help him. ents are interested, will get pre-K when she was a child. A visibly bright Tommy, now in fourth grade, readers' readiness training in small little girl, she still had a lot of difficul- loves to read. "Last night when my groups. "We are not pushing them to ties and started to hate school, feeling mom came to tuck me in I asked her read early," notes Lemyre. "We are inadequate. As she grew up, she re- if I could keep reading," he says. "I giving them kinesthetic tools to mem- searched ways to learn that would kept reading my book, 'Spirit Ani- orize sounds that will help them to make it easier for kids who do not mals,' for another 30 minutes." He re- learn to read, whatever their style." thrive with the visual or auditory members the method as something The Pre-K program is different from methods that are taught in school. fun. "It was like play," he says. His the regular ARC sessions and is for She studied and researched all over mother says his progress has been Growing Tree students only. Springhill Elementary Odyssey of the Mind Primary Division team. Top row, the world and gradually developed across the board, emphasizing Lessons start March 17 in the from left: Ella del Rosario, Chase Caicedo, Joey Martin, Chase Regan and Danny the “Reading Revolution” method, a Tommy’s improved self-esteem from Moraga ARC at the Growing Tree, Martin; bottom row: Ellie Hutson and Kyla Goertzen. Not shown: coaches Joy kinesthetic approach that uses move- becoming a more competent student. 695 Canyon Rd., in Moraga. For Martin and Shawn Goertzen. ment, sound, and visual tools to teach "I developed this curriculum over more information, visit www.ac- reading. The method is taught one on the past 30 years and it continues to tivereadingclinic.org or call Cyndy he winner’s circle was filled the Mind team advanced to the state one, twice a week, allowing it to be be a work in progress," says Kranzler Lemyre at (925) 944-5559 or Moraga Twith Lamorinda Odyssey of tournament by taking second place at tailored to each specific child. of her multi-media curriculum. "It in- Managing Director Maura Richards the Mind teams, each comprised of the regionals for “The Stackable Back in the ARC room, Jack's corporates the best of what research at (415) 637-7757. up to seven student members who Structure” problem. This will be the competed for top honors at the San team’s third year competing at State. Francisco Bay Region competition Last year this team won State and ad- A Wide Array of Wonderful Films March 1. Teams competed in age- vanced to the World tournament. defined divisions ranging from Springhill Elementary School’s East Bay International Jewish Film Festival comes to kindergarten through college with Odyssey of the Mind team also com- the top two teams from each division peted in “The World’s First Arts Fes- Orinda March 21-23 going on to the April 5 state compe- tival” primary competition (Grades By Sophie Braccini tition. The program promotes cre- K-2) and came home with medals. ative thinking where student groups As part of the long-term problem documentary about this wonderful such as autism, aging with conviction, develop and implement all problem competition the team created an eight Canadian comedian; and “The Won- betrayal, murder and revenge. “The A solutions without outside assistance minute performance with costumes ders,” a film set in Jerusalem with a Word” tells the journey of a family as from adults. Each year there are five and a story line that fit the “World’s dangerous and glamorous leading they discover their son has autism; different long-term project competi- First Arts Festival” problem theme. lady and a goofy leading guy, inspired “Life in Stills” is about a 96-year-old tions to choose from ranging from Characters included cavemen and by a true story. Avi Nesher's film noir, grandmother who tries to fight evic- technical to artistic or performance cavewomen as well as a security which has touches of romance and tion from her Tel Aviv photography based. guard— after all, everyone knows comedy, is a well executed mix of shop, which houses thousands of pho- Burton Valley Elementary school that all art museums have a security genres. tos portraying the history of the coun- placed first in their division for the guard! The group also created their On March 22, the film offerings try. “Driver’s Test” competition. The stu- own ‘Cave Man’ song and prehis- take a more serious turn: In “Bethle- “Fill the Void,” which won seven dent team designed and built a vehi- toric caveman painting backdrops. hem,” one of Israel’s highest 2013 Ophir Awards, is directed by Rama cle that achieved specific project Other top winners included: award winners that received top hon- Burshtein – the first Orthodox Jewish requirements. The team also devel- Moraga Rotary Club A (Div II) “It's ors at the prestigious Venice Film Fes- woman to direct a film meant for oped an eight minute performance How We Rule” – first place tival and won “Best Film” at the viewing outside of her own commu- “The Wonders” Photo provided incorporating their vehicle and team Orinda Intermediate School Red Ophir Awards (Israel’s Oscar), an Is- nity. In the film, 18 year-old Shira members to demonstrate the vehi- (Div II) “Seeing is Believing” – first he 19th annual East Bay Inter- raeli secret service officer and his 16- Medelman, the youngest daughter of cle’s capabilities and the team’s cre- place Tnational Jewish Film Festival is year-old Palestinian informant Sanfur an Orthodox Hassidic family in Tel ativity. The competition included a Lafayette Rotary Club (Div III) coming to Orinda’s Theatre Square form the central duo of the film. Set Aviv, postpones her forthcoming mar- ‘spontaneous’ challenge where team “Seeing is Believing” – first place March 21-23 with 10 feature films in the time of the Second Intifada riage after her 28-year-old sister dies members completed timed out-of-the Moraga Rotary Club B (Div III) and documentaries that present a rich around 2001, the movie's screenplay in childbirth. When the widower box thinking challenges. “The Not-So-Haunted House” – first tapestry of the best of Israeli films was co-authored by Israeli and Pales- thinks about leaving the country with The BVE team’s long-term proj- place today – some funny, some serious, tinian writers. Directed by Yuval his newborn son, Shira’s mother pres- ect theme is ‘A Carrot’s Driver’s Happy Valley Elementary School, others poignant or violent. Festival di- Adler, the plot is worthy of Greek sures her to wed her brother-in-law. Test’ where a not-so-prepared carrot Lafayette (Div I) “Seeing is Believ- rector Riva Gambert is certainly right tragedy, with a young man forced to Shira must decide whether to follow embarks on his driver’s test and is ing” – second place to say, "There is a film for everyone's choose between loyalty and family. her mother’s wish or fulfill her own unexpectedly thrown into a situation Orinda Intermediate School Green taste and sensibility." Caution is advised; this is a war dreams. Hadas Yaron received the where he must rescue stranded baby (Div II) “Seeing is Believing” – sec- The first set of films that will be movie with violence and brutality. It Venice Film Festival "Best Actress" carrots and later rescue the bunny- ond place shown March 21 are on the lighter captures the complex reality of Pales- award for her portrayal of Shira. abducted absent minded professor Moraga Rotary Club A (Div III) side, with “Bert Stern: Original Mad- tinian-Israeli relations. “Out in the Dark” is a compelling who thoughtlessly introduced bun- “Seeing is Believing” – second place man,” an American documentary that Also showing that day is “S#x thriller that portrays the intense ro- nies into the world run by carrots. The state competition will take takes a look at this legendary photog- Acts,” an award-winning coming-of- mance between Nimr, a Palestinian No worries here! Our student driver place on April 5 at Heritage High rapher who turned on America to age drama about a 16-year-old girl in graduate student, and Roy, an Israeli carrot successfully passed his School in Brentwood. To learn more vodka via his inventive ads for an upscale Israeli city. lawyer; and “Big Bad Wolves” is a driver’s test and managed to save the about Odyssey of the Mind student Smirnoff, and helped modernize The final day of the festival, mesmerizing, psychological drama baby carrots as well as the professor! programs and events, go to celebrity photography; “David Stein- March 23, includes a heavy-hitting that received 11 Ophir nominations. The Orinda Rotary Odyssey of www.odysseyofthemind.com. berg Has Quality Balls,” an engaging lineup of films that tackle tough issues ... continued on next page
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B7 Campo Science Teacher Named AUHSD Educator of the Year Submitted by Ruth Thornburg
Sing, dance and celebrate Shabbat with children ages 0-5 2nd Saturday at 9:30am and 4th Friday at 5:30pm year-round Kelson (center) with students at the top of Yosemite Falls in January. www.temple-isaiah.org/totshabbat letter to AUHSD staff. “Her passion for her subject matter is contagious, and her content knowledge incredibly deep. She takes ownership and sup- ports each learner and successfully extends learning beyond the class- room walls. She is constantly seeking Need A Tutor? opportunities for professional growth, Club Z! 1-On-1 Tutoring In Your Home ‘actively seeks collaborative mo- ments with her peers,’ and takes risks • All Subjects • PreK-Adult with new ideas and approaches in her • Reading • Writing • Math constant effort to reach more stu- • LD/ADD/ADHD • SAT/ACT Prep dents.” The AUHSD Educator of the • Study Skills Program • Affordable Rates Year will represent the district in the • Degreed Professionals • Flexible Schedules Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year competition. The AUHSD Edu- One FREE Session! cator of the Year finalists included Jane Kelson Photos provided Kelson, Acalanes High School social 510-244-3637 calanes Union High School AUHSD Educator of the Year. “De- studies teacher Joe Schottland, and 925-478-4469 District Superintendent John scribed by one of her colleagues as a Las Lomas High School English A www.clubztutoring.com Nickerson recently announced the se- ‘pretty spectacular teacher,’ Jane ex- teacher Will Cautero. “Congratula- lection of Campolindo High School emplifies what we all strive to do for tions to Jane, Joe and Will,” Nicker- science teacher Jane Kelson as the our students,” Nickerson wrote in a son wrote. “You are all ‘spectacular.’”
Stanley Jazz Group Heads to Monterey LAMORINDA By Cathy Dausman pring break won’t just be a rest TUTORING Speriod for 30 Stanley Middle is an educational School music students. The musi- support service that cians, members of the Stanley Jazz specifically meets Messengers, an advanced jazz group, Mathematics the needs of the have been invited to perform – again General Math area’s aspiring K-12 – in Monterey, Calif., during the an- Pre-Algebra student. One-on-one nual Next Generation Jazz Festival Algebra I tutoring in your March 28-30. They are one of just six Geometry home by a California middle school groups to perform. Algebra II/Trigonometry Jazz Messengers have “gotten in Other subjects available upon request credentialed teacher. just about every year” in the last Owner: Matthew C. Leutza, M.B.A., M.Ed. seven, said Bob Athayde, Stanley’s CA Credential: #060096281 director of music education. He said that the festival becomes more com- petitive each year. The three-day event includes per- formances by middle school, high school and college level ensembles as Amazing Summer Math Camps well as workshops and competitions. More than 60 groups from across the - The Wide World of Sports Statistics United States attended the 2012 Next Play sports and calculate your statistics Generation Jazz Festival. - Math-Science Camp Let your mad scientist meet your mathematician Although the middle school par- - Classes to Attack Algebra ticipation is “more for exhibition than Prepare for all levels of algebra from pre-algebra to competition,” Athayde said that lis- algebra II through games, art and humorous lectures tening to the other bands gives his stu- - Get a Jump on Geometry: dents a reality check – a chance to see A fun, hands on class for high school students just how good other bands are. Warning – These classes might trick students “It’s the real deal,” he said. **** into believing that math is fun Jazz Messengers perform at **** 12:30 p.m. March 29 at Fisherman’s If you have further questions feel free to contact Michael at [email protected] A portion of the Stanley Middle School Jazz Messengers trumpet section Wharf and 10:30 a.m. March 30 in (there are seven in all) warms up during zero period rehearsal. Thirty musi- Portola Plaza. All events are open to Classes taught by teacher & experienced Want a great tutor cians in all – seven saxophones, four trombones, five drummers, two bass the public and are free. For event de- math instructor, Michael Adler who is fun? Individual/small group guitars, two piano players, two flutists and a French horn player will per- tails visit: http://stanleymusic.org/ and To enroll contact the Moraga Parks and summer or year round form at the 2014 Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey later this https://www.montereyjazzfestival.org Rec. Department at www.moraga.ca.us tutoring available month. Photo Cathy Dausman [email protected] /NGJF. or call (925) 888-7036 Michael Adler
A Wide Array of GETGET AHEADAHEAD IN IN MATH MATH THIS THIS YEAR FALL GRADES K-12 # # Wonderful Films ... continued from page B6 ! " Starring one of Israel’s favorite actors, Lior Ashkenazi, “Big Bad Wolves” follows the off-line interrogation of a serial killer. Dror, a young religion HOMEWORK HELP FOR ALL LEVELS teacher, is beaten by the police to get a confession to the serial murders of young women. He is finally released and the policeman who persecuted him, Flat Monthly Fee Miki, is fired. But Miki still believes Dror is the assassin and stays on his trail, Drop-in any time, no scheduling needed! only to discover that the father of the last victim, Gidi, is also after Dror. The Israeli thriller, directed by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado, contains graphic violence and is not for tenderhearted viewers. WHEN MATH MAKES SENSE, YOU SUCCEED! The East Bay International Jewish Film Festival, which began March 7, Must present coupon. New students only. continues today at Century 16 Theaters in Pleasant Hill before moving to the 3435 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette Orinda Theatre beginning March 21. For ticket information, or to view trailers, (Golden Gate Way at Mt. Diablo Blvd.) visit http://eastbayjewishfilm.org. (925) 283-4200 www.mathnasium.com Page: B8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Brian Clark, Psy.D. licensed clinical psychologist PSY 25198 ADOLESCENTS ADULTS · FAMILIES Girl Scouts is about more than just selling cookies! By Jane Fessenden specializing in: hough many girls begin scout- provided with an opportunity to de- crafts in the earlier years, but insists Achievement Pressure Ting in elementary school, few velop mentally and physically, hop- that the organization stands for more AD/HD continue into middle school, and ing to bring girls out of their isolated robust ideals. “Girl Scouts grows Parenting Support fewer participate in high school. The home environments into the fresh air with age, it does not simply remain Anxiety 954 Risa Road · Lafayette large drop out of girls in the organi- while encouraging them to become stagnant. My troop participates in School Stress (925) 385-8050 zation is largely impacted by the involved in community service. Girl food drives and helps out at home- Depression www.brianclarkpsyd.com misconception that Girl Scouts is a Scouts hiked, camped, marched, less shelters. For teens, Girl Scouts child-oriented program. played basketball, and participated is no longer about arts, crafts, and Like many others across the na- in numerous other activities consid- singing but expands its mission to tion, Lily, a student at Campolindo ered “groundbreaking for girls” in help where needed in the greater High School, claims that she stopped the early 1900s. community.” THE APP RAP participating in Girl Scouts because Today, Low’s dream has mani- Although little girls still sell By Alex Pawlakos she was too old. fested into a reality with Girl Scouts cookies, Girl Scouts benefits female “When I tell people I’m still in numbering over 3.2 million girls and teens, giving us a head start to being App: MyCar Locator Free Girl Scouts, they give me this weird adults across America; it is a dedi- successful adult women. look and say, ‘really?’” says Linden cated community of young girls by Nomadrobot B., a Girl Scout at Campolindo. striving to make a difference in the Often Girl Scouts is mislabeled world for the betterment of society. My Car Locator as an organization purely for young This goal is met by troops of young by Jean Charles Anger elementary school girls, consumed ladies across the nation completing only by arts, crafts, and selling cook- their Bronze, Silver, and Gold For: Android phones and ies. The most public activity is the Awards. The rigorous process of iPhones springtime cookie sales, when Girl completing these awards is challeng- Scouts seemingly line every grocery ing and those who do complete the Price: Free store entrance and street to sell their requirements represent the best ob- cookies. “People just seem to know jectives of the Girl Scout commu- ost everyone who has ever out the shortest distance back to your us for our cookies. I’m always asked nity. Mparked a car in a large lot, a car with detailed walking directions when cookie sales will begin, if there Having witnessed his female city street, or any unfamiliar location, complete with a map with directional are any new flavors, and why they friends go through the award has probably had the unnerving expe- arrows. The GPS feature is so accu- are so expensive,” Girl Scout Emma process, Jonathan M., a student at rience of forgetting where they left rate it gets you within 10 to 12 feet of P. laments. In reality, Girl Scouts Miramonte High School, says that Jane Fessenden, a senior at Mira- their vehicle. Luckily, there is an the auto. As you might imagine, this strives to prepare girls for success by his perspectives of Girl Scouts has monte High School is a reporter on amazing app, called ‘MyCar Locator app can also be used to get you back exposing them to different experi- changed. “It’s an outstanding organ- Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio. She Free,’ that makes sure that one can al- to any location you choose, not just ences and adventures. ization that instills great life skills in is a soccer player for the Lamorinda ways locate their car. It is remarkably your car’s location. It is great for hik- Since the beginning of the or- young women.” Soccer Club and a Gold Award win- simple to use. As soon as you have ing, biking, or finding your way back ganization, Juliette “Daisy” Low be- Margot Odell, a Girl Scout at ning Girl Scout in a local Orinda parked your car, call up the app on to a hotel when traveling. Perhaps it lieved that all young ladies should be Miramonte, admits that there were troop. your smartphone and your current lo- would be most useful to find lost keys! cation will appear on the screen. Teen Scene is YOUR voice. If you have something to say or have writing skills and want to be part of our Teen Then, double-tap the screen, select the Scene team, email our Teen Coach, Cynthia Brian, [email protected]. box that is labeled “PARK,” and your current location is instantly committed The opinions expressed in Teen Scene are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly. to memory using Google’s GPS satel- lites. That is all you have to do to en- sure you can find your car when you need to. A neat side feature is that you Classified • Classified • Classified • Classified can record the exact time that you parked, which is useful to avoid get- ting a ticket for expired meters or parking too long in a lot designated for Alex Pawlakos enjoys biking, a specified hour limit. When you are weightlifting, and tutoring in his ready to head back to your car, simply spare time. He is a reporter on Ex- tap the app and press the “Find Me” press Yourself™ Teen Radio and an key. MyCar Locator will then map economics major at UC Berkeley. Share Your Celebrations and Remembrances If you would like to share an announcement about a special event or achievement, such as a wedding, engagement, scholarship or graduation of a local resident, or about a special person from Lamorinda who has passed, send a photo along with your text (up to 250 words) to [email protected], and include “Celebrations and Remembrances” in the subject line.
Classified • Classified • Classified
Music Lessons Computer Help Rototilling Handyman Tree Service
Piano/guitar w/Robbie Dunbar • Troubleshoot Ken’s Rototilling Rusty Nails Handy Man Service East Bay Tree Service. any PC problem. All levels welcome! • 4 W/D Tractors Repair • Restore • Revamp 377-8733. Fine pruning, large I travel to your home. • Help in plain English, • Hillside Weed Cutting Call Rusty- (925) 825-6997 tree removal, stump grinding M. A. Music Composition not tech talk. • Mowing • Discing • Rototilling % Piano tuning as well! <> • Virus and spyware removal, Free estimates! 925-938-9836 License #805794 925-323-9706 system clean-up. licensed, bonded & insured. CA#667491 [email protected] • Master e-mail, web searches, www.kensrototilling.com Fencing filing, attachments. Tree & brush removal. • Program iPod, cell phone, Ken’s Quality Fencing Tax Service Blackberry, camera, GPS. Painting Contractor Custom redwood fences & retaining Poison Oak removal. 376-1995, • Personal training in your home. walls installed. Free estimates Licensed, insured & bonded Diablo Tax Service Call Alison 925-377-7711 licensed, bonded & insured. CA#667491 Interior, Exterior & Repairs 925-938-9836 www.kensrototilling.com IRS Licensed Enrolled Agents Professional & Reliable Construction Serving Lamorinda since 1989 Computer Service Call Terry 925-788-1663 Lic. # 851058 bonded & insured 925-283-9382 FREE Kittens Concept Builders COMPUTERS’ BEST FRIEND Remodeling, Home Repair & Home & Office Computer Service Tile Setting Will you love me? New Construction Insurance • ONSITE REPAIRS • VIRUS REMOVAL • WINDOWS TUTORING I am looking Bonded & Insured. License no. 842563 Baths, Showers, Floors, Walls, Totalintegrityinsurance.com • HARDWARE UPGRADES for a home (925) 283-8122, Cell: (925) 768-4983 • NETWORK SETUP AND SUPPORT Counters with loving 20+yr Lamorinda resident. • REMOTE DESKTOP/TELEPHONE SUPPORT Cliff 510-697-1125 parents in a My independent insurance www.computersbestfriend.com safe brokerage is here to serve you. 925-682-3408 • 510-938-1881 environment. General Contractor Plumbing Could that be you? There are Jacob Spilsbury - Over 100 top carriers = great pricing many adorable cats & kittens to American owned and operated and coverage for Biz Gen Liability, choose. Give us a call: Judy @ Renovation • Remodeling • Home Repair Big & Small Jobs • Bonded & Insured W Comp, Homes, Auto, Life. Call 925-788-8675 or Michelle @ Windows & Gutters 925-324-7519. Lic # 898775 925-825-5201 Henry at (925) 247-4356 0E90108
House Cleaning Reliable Window Cleaning Friendliness & remarkable results. We hop to it! www.totalclean.biz Windows, Gutters, Pressure $8 per 1/2” classified ad heightEmail to: (925) 377-6600 Serving Lamorinda since 1985. Washing. (925) 254-7622 [email protected] Insured and bonded 376-1004. ReliableWindowService.com LeapFrogPlumbing.com Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B9 Burmese Cuisine Comes to Orinda Chef William Lue and Orinda’s Theodore Wang open The Refined Palate By Susie Iventosch Burma. The tea leaves, carefully se- Lue's description of how he makes it, Lue and his good friend, Theodore lected for their tenderness, are boiled but because he has been making the Wang of Orinda. Lue said they both for five minutes and then fermented for dish for so many years he doesn't re- enjoy good food and thought why not several weeks in a clay jar. During this ally measure quantities. So, I had to introduce Burmese cuisine to Orinda? process, they develop a certain tangi- wing it a little bit. We were quite This way people won't have to travel ness. The salad is then tossed at the pleased with the results, but I am cer- to San Francisco, where there are a lot table in lemon juice and garnished with tainly anxious to try his version at The of Burmese restaurants. Lue and dried shrimp, fresh garlic and chilies. Refined Palate! Wang have employed an interesting Lue said that he or his servers offer an Lue hails from a family of chefs. concept of using a set of rotating explanation of the ingredients and the Both of his parents were in the restau- chefs, two at a time, to see who is the tradition while tossing the salad. rant business, as were all of his sib- best fit for the restaurant and who is "When you take a bite of this lings, at some point in their lives. Lue better suited for the busy lunch rush salad, it feels like the ingredients are has been starting and operating and who is a better fit for the more re- dancing on your tongue," Lue said. "It restaurants since 1971, but he has a laxed dinner crowd. Sort of like their is a multi-dimensional dish with dif- unique business model. Because he version of the Next Great Chef Con- ferent textures, flavors and spiciness." immigrated to the United States when test! The regular tea leaf salad is more he was just 14 years old, speaking not This is a great time for locals to substantial and bulky, including cab- a word of English, he has a special in- sample a variety of Burmese chef cre- bage, lettuce and tomatoes in addition terest in helping others in the same sit- ations, all in one location! to the ceremonial salad ingredients. uation. So, he helps young chefs, The Refined Palate Burmese Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup Photo Susie Iventosch This salad is tossed with fish sauce. who've recently arrived to the states, 19 Orinda Way, Suite F, Orinda few weeks ago I was treated to a Burmese dishes is the tea leaf salad. The special tea leaves used in by starting restaurants, pulling per- Phone: (925) 566-4877 crash course in Burmese cuisine "Lots of countries drink tea, but these salads are difficult to find, but mits and licenses, and setting these A Website: by chef William Lue, co-owner of very few actually eat the tea leaves," Lue imports them and will sell them chefs up in fully operating restaurants. www.refinedpalateorinda.com The Refined Palate in Orinda. Appar- Lue said. to customers. Still, I thought it would He mentors them and when they are Email: ently, Burmese cooking is heavily in- He pointed out the differences be- be fun to have a recipe with more ready, they can buy the restaurant [email protected] fluenced by neighboring countries tween the ceremonial and regular ver- commonly available ingredients, so from Lue and take off on their own. China and India, and some of the key sions of Burmese Tea Leaf Salad. The he offered to share his recipe for an- He then moves on to the next project. Open Monday through ingredients are kafir lime leaves, ceremonial version of the dish is com- other traditional Burmese dish: Ono He has started more than 20 restau- Saturday lemon grass, fish or shrimp paste and prised of a variety of nuts and seeds KauSwe, a coconut-chicken noodle rants over the years. Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. chilies. One of the most celebrated and special tea leaves imported from soup. The recipe below is based upon The Refined Palate is owned by Dinner, 5-9 p.m.
Susie Iventosch is the author of Tax Bites and Ono KauSwe Tasty Morsels, which can be found at Across the Way in Moraga, www.amazon.com, and (Burmese coconut-chicken noodle soup) www.taxbites.net. Susie can be reached at INGREDIENTS (quantities are give or take, depending upon your personal taste) [email protected]. This recipe can be found on our website: 4-5 cups chicken, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces ww.lamorindaweekly.com. If you would like to share 3-4 large yellow onions your favorite recipe with Susie please contact her by 2 cloves garlic, minced email or call our office at (925) 377-0977. Peanut or canola oil 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root • • • • www.lamorindaweekly.com • • • • 1 teaspoon curry paste (Lue says any color ... I used red) 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric You can find most of the recipes published in 1 teaspoon paprika the Lamorinda Weekly on our website 2-4 cups chicken stock (depends how thick you like it) Click Food tab 2 cups cooked lentils or garbanzo beans (to thicken soup) 1 can coconut milk (I used low fat) 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 package wheat noodles (Lue prefers fettuccine), cooked al dente Garnish options Toasted sliced garlic or shallot
Sliced raw red onion www.lamorindaweekly.com Boiled egg, chopped (optional) Cilantro leaves (optional) Yellow lentil fritters (recipe below) DIRECTIONS Heat oil in large soup pot and cook onion and garlic until tender and translucent. Add ginger root, curry paste, turmeric and paprika. Mix well. Add chicken stock, cooked lentils and coconut milk. Season with fish sauce. (Be careful it is very salty, so taste soup as you add it.) Add cooked chicken. Heat for a few minutes and serve over cooked noodles. Sprinkle with garnishes. (I let the
soup simmer on low heat for about an hour before serving, and when we had it for lunch the next www.lamorindaweekly.com day, the flavors were even better!) Yellow Lentil Fritters* 1 cup dry yellow lentils (I used red lentils), cooked according to directions 2-3 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt Peanut or canola oil Mix cooked lentils with flour and salt. Heat oil in pan and pour batter into 4-inch rounds. Cook fritters until crispy on both sides. Crumble and serve as garnish in soup. *Chef Lue said that he has perfected the yellow lentil fritters and thought it best for people to come in to try his. I gave it a whirl, and I really loved them ... even as a snack! www.lamorindaweekly.com/html2/food1.html
• • • • www.lamorindaweekly.com • • • • “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” By Derek Zemrak
any of you will remember this lenge in life – being a parent. Mtelevision cartoon from the Director Rob Minkoff also di- late 1950s and early ‘60s, about a ge- rected several family films including nius Nobel Peace Prize-winning dog “The Lion King,” “Stuart Little,” and his adopted son, Sherman. Mr. “Stuart Little 2” and “The Haunted Peabody is voiced by Emmy recipi- Mansion.” The movie is rated PG ent, Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) with a TRT (total running time) of 1 and the young, talented actor, Max hour and 30 minutes. Charles, voices Sherman. You may It is great to see high-quality chil- remember Charles from the 2012 dren’s films being released so early movies “The Three Stooges” and in the year – first “The Lego Movie” “The Amazing Spider-Man” or the and now “Mr. Peabody & Sherman.” television series “The Neighbors.” In past years, children’s movies were He is one to watch as his career con- not released until late May, usually tinues to rise. around Memorial Day weekend, so In this film version of “Mr. take advantage of this opportunity Peabody,” he has built the ultimate and enjoy “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” time travel machine – the WABAC with the family. and all is going well until the day Derek Zemrak is a film critic, film Sherman takes the controls to im- producer and founder of the Califor- press his crush, Penny. Things go nia Independent Film Festival. You haywire and Sherman rips a hole in can follow Derek on Twitter @zem- the universe. Now it’s up to Mr. rak for the latest Hollywood news. Peabody to save the day! Mr. Derek can be heard every Friday on Peabody must face his biggest chal- KAHI 950AM on the Poppoff Show. Photo courtesy DreamWorks Page: B10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Not to be missed Not to be missed Lamorinda’s public school teachers for their 2014 ART LECTURE & LITERATURE grant program. To nominate a favorite Religious Services teacher for 2014, visit The Orinda Arts Council is pleased Saint Mary’s College Creative Writ- www.bhghome.com/educationfounda- to announce its 11th Annual Visual ing Reading Series: Joshua Mohr, au- tion. The deadline is March 31. Arts Competition! Open to all students thor of four novels, including attending school in the Acalanes Union “Damascus,” which The New York The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice High School District, which includes Times called “Beat-poet cool,” will Center’s 17th Annual Dennis Thomas Acalanes, Campolindo, Miramonte, speak at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March Art and Writing Challenge. Consistent and Las Lomas high schools, and/or 12 at the Soda Center, Claeys Lounge. with the theme of "The Multicultural who reside in Orinda, Lafayette, or Mohr also wrote “Some Things that Classroom" from its recent Creating a Moraga. Artists and Awards Reception Meant the World to Me,” one of O Peaceful School Conference, the Center from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 Magazine’s Top 10 reads of 2009 and a is utilizing quotes from Nelson Mandela and Exhibit March 1-27, Orinda Li- San Francisco Chronicle best-seller, as and Martin Luther King, Jr., as prompts brary Art Gallery. For more info, visit: well as “Termite Parade,” an Editors’ for this year's contest. Students of mid- St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church orindaarts.org or Choice on The New York Times Best dle and high school age from all of Con- A Loving Community http://orindaarts.org/schools/high- Seller List. He lives in San Francisco tra Costa County are encouraged and school-visual-arts-competition. Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM and teaches in the MFA program at eligible to participate. Four categories USF. His latest novel “Fight Song” was will be judged: Essay, Creative Writing, Lafayette Art Gallery’s new exhibi- In-church Youth Zone, 10 AM Nursery Childcare published in February 2013. Art and Video. Submissions must be re- tion, “Location – Location – Loca- 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws ceived by April 11. More specific infor- tion!” through May 3. “Location” may Lafayette Physical Therapy is mation on the topic, contest rules and be the rule of real estate but what does pleased to announce their fourth an- flyers may be found at www.creating- it mean to the artists at the Lafayette Art nual lecture series with information on peacefulschools.weebly.com or call the Gallery? It means the gallery has a new injury prevention, fitness, and other re- Center office: (925) 933-7850. Lafayette United Methodist Church location with almost twice the space, lated topics for the community. Highly 955 Moraga Rd., Lafayette, three times the windows and light, and educated and skilled physical therapists The Friends of the Orinda Library is 284-4765, offi[email protected] an artistic heritage at The Forge, built as well as highly respected doctors and excited to announce the commence- Worship Sunday 10 am on Mt. Diablo Boulevard by the noted community professionals will share ment of 2014's Poul Anderson Creative Children/Youth Sunday School Sunday 10 am metal artist Carl Jennings in 1946. A re- their knowledge with you. More info on Writing Contest, open to all students Youth Fellowship Sunday 6 pm ception will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Facebook.com/Lafayette PT. All Lec- who reside and/or attend high school in Friday, March 14. tures are from 7 to 8 p.m. at 3468 Mt. Orinda. Entry Categories are Science Moraga Art Gallery’s show, “Good Diablo Blvd. Suite B110, Lafayette. On Fiction, Essay/Memoir, Poetry and Tuesday, March 25 Kevin Wong, DC. Short Story. Students may submit one Looking: California Revealed,” fea- SundaySund Worship, 9:00 & 11:00 AM, Will discuss “Everyone’s Feet Tell a entry in any of the four categories for a with programs for 3-mos.-12th grade. turing watercolor paintings by George Ehrenhaft and oil paintings by Loreta Story – Are You Listening?” Seating for total of not more than three entries. Sub- Seedlings Preschool, M-F. Landucci continues through March 15. lectures is limited: call (925) 284-6150 mission deadline is noon on Friday, to RSVP and reserve your seat. April 18. Entries should be submitted to A new show featuring paintings by Ker- Something for Everyone, ima Swain and Karen Kramer opens individual school representatives. For speakers, small groups, classes, March 19. Meet the artists at the open- Lamorinda Reads presents author info, visit: www.friendsoftheorindali- youth groups, mission trips, more! ing night reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Sat- Mary Roach, “America’s funniest sci- brary.org or email contest@friendsoft- urday, March 22. The Gallery is open ence writer,” according to the Washing- heorindalibrary.com. LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays - Sun- ton Post. Roach returns with a rollicking foray into the mysterious and OTHER See more at LOPC.org days, and is located at 522 Center St., Rheem Valley Shopping Center, Mor- underappreciated mechanics of the aga. For info, visit moragagallery.com. human body. This free event will be Another year of classic films is sched- held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at the uled for Moraga’s New Rheem The- Klein Gallery invites the Lafayette Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building, atre. A time-honored movie is slated for ORINDA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH community to a reception from 6 to 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. First the third Wednesday of each month. 24 Orinda Way (next to the Library) - 254-4212 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 14 to celebrate come, first seated. New for 2014: 1 p.m. starting time. Each film program is introduced by Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 - 11 am the opening of its show, “Waves of The Current.” In addition to new works of The Moraga Historical Society pres- Larry Swindell. March 19: “I Remem- Informal Wednesday Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 pm ents Mary-Ellen Jones, who will ber Mama” (1948). Reading Room/Bookstore M - F 11 - 4; Sat 11 – 2 art, there will be live music by jazz trio Flanovo, wine poured by Brandt Rossi speak about the history of UC Berke- www.christianscienceorinda.org Family Vineyards and food catered by ley’s Bancroft Library at 7:30 p.m. Widowed Persons Support "Lunch Lafayette Whole Foods. “Waves of The Thursday, March 27 in the Moraga Li- Bunch." Our monthly lunch will be Current” includes work from eight Bay brary Community Room. Jones will held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Area Artists who use a diverse array of discuss some of the collections and rare The Great Wall, 500 Golden Gateway, mediums including painting, sculpture, books in the collection and how Ban- Lafayette. The WPS group welcomes graffiti art and prints. The exhibition croft can be of benefit to the public. members and friends. Call Ann at (925) Worship the Lord! runs through April 20. Free. Refreshments will be served. 482-0318 for reservations. Sundays, 9 & 10:30am Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art Direct from the Republic of Congo, Celiac/Gluten-Free Discussion – four exhibitions now on view. From Miles Woodruff of the Jane Goodall Group from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thurs- Swords to Plowshares: Metal Trench Institute will present his work as prin- day, March 20 in Meeting Room 3 at Art from World War One; Songs of the cipal investigator of the Mandrill Rein- the Rossmoor Creekside Clubhouse, Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church Patriot: How Music Helped Win World troduction Project at 6 p.m. Friday, Walnut Creek. Guest Speaker: Linda War One; Malcolm Lubliner: The Au- April 4 at the Lafayette Library and Frandsen, "The Calm Caterer." She spe- 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga CA Learning Center in the Arts and Science cializes in creating delicious gluten and XXXNWQDUPEBZPSHt tomotive Landscape; and William Keith: Nature’s Tranquil Splendor. Room. Learn about mandrills, the dairy free meals. $3 per meeting or $10 Open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday largest and most colorful of all the mon- for the year. For info, call Walter at through Sunday. For info, call (925)- keys in this discussion, which is a bal- (925) 930-8875. 631-4379 or visit stmarys-ca.edu/mu- ance of adventure, science, seum. Admission: free to K-12 graders; conservation and hope, and learn about Volunteer opportunity: English tu- Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church $5 adults. Free parking. the Jane Goodall Institute’s efforts to tors needed. The next workshop will 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, 254-3422 protect this important species and criti- be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, THEATER cal chimpanzee habitat. Free. For ages March 22 and Saturday, March 29 at the www.holyshepherd.org 14 and up. Register online at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship East Bay Children’s Theatre, the San tinyurl.com/mandrillmiles. Clayton Rd., Concord. English need not 9:40 a.m. Education for all ages be your first language – no teaching ex- 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship Francisco Bay Area’s oldest continu- Coffee Fellowship at 9:15 and 11:45 a.m. ously operating theatre company, KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS perience is required. You must attend Childcare available for ages 5 and younger proudly presents “Jack and the both sessions. There is a nominal fee to Beanstalk and the Giant, and the Goose, Biblio Spectacular. Magician Brian cover the training and material costs. and the Really, Truly-Ugly Rotten Scott’s highly interactive reading pro- Adult volunteers typically give one or Day.” This all-new musical version of gram that combines magic, comedy and two hours per week. For more info, visit the classic tale will delight children and pure fun will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday, dvlc.tripod.com. To register leave a fàA Z|Äxá XÑ|ávÉÑtÄ V{âÜv{ adults alike with its upbeat attitude, March 18 at the Moraga Library. The message at (925) 685-3881 or e-mail clever comedy, and Broadway-style show not only encourages good reading [email protected]. An Inclusive & Affirming Community songs. In addition to a six-week tour of habits, but also encourages good use of Sunday School & Eucharist at 9am area elementary schools, East Bay Chil- the library. An American Red Cross blood drive St. Mary's College Chapel will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat- 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga dren’s Theatre will be presenting public The Friends of the Lafayette Library urday, March 22 at Moraga Valley Pres- 925-376-5770 - www.stgiles-moraga.org performances at 2 p.m. Sunday, March Bookmark Contest is happening byterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Ln. Traditional Church Service & Music Yet Forward Looking & Open Minded 23 at The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay in Berkeley, and Sunday, again! The contest is open to all first Sign up online at March 30 at Town Hall Theatre in through eighth graders at all Lafayette www.redcrossblood.org (enter the Lafayette. Tickets: $12. To purchase, Elementary Schools, St. Perpetua, and Sponsor Code: Moraga925). Walk-ins visit www.EBCTonline.org. Stanley Middle School. Entry forms are welcome! For info, call Les Deane The Orinda may be picked up at all of the school li- at (925) 283-5648. Community Church DVC Drama Presents – “Noises Off,” braries, at the Lafayette Library and directed By Ed Trujillo March 28- Learning Center and at the Friends Cor- The Widowed Persons Support will An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ April 13. Check website for exact times ner Book Shop. The entry deadline is hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org and dates. For tickets, call (925) 969- Wednesday, March 26. Winners will re- on Monday, March 24 at the Lafayette- “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s 2358 or go to our website at www.dvc- ceive a gift certificate to a local book- Orinda Presbyterian Church. There will journey, you are welcome here!” drama.net. DVC Drama is located at store at our awards ceremony on April be a DVD presentation on "How To Be Join us Sundays at 10:00 a.m. 321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, with 30 at the Lafayette Library and Learn- A Renegade Patient" by Dr. Tedde Sunday School 10:00 a.m free parking for all performances. ing Center. For more info, contact Mary Rinker, DO. The group will discuss Ransdell: [email protected]. how to make health decisions and the The Performing Arts Department at importance of being well informed. For Saint Mary’s College has slated Story Hour at Orinda Books from 10 directions or info, call Ruth at (925) “ANTIGONE(S)” as their spring pro- to 11 a.m. every Thursday. All 2-4 376-0321. duction at 8 p.m. April 2-5 and at 2 p.m. year olds with their grown-ups are in- April 6 at LeFevre Theatre, Saint vited. Cathy G. hosts a delightful and Free Film Screening – “Behind the Mary’s College. General admission- lively hour. Orange Curtain” from 6 to 8 p.m. please... $10; seniors (65+) - $8; non-SMC stu- Better Homes and Gardens Mason- Tuesday, March 25 at Miramonte dents - $8; Saint Mary’s College faculty, McDuffie’s Education Foundation, High School Theater. Panel Discus- ...thanks staff and students - $5. For info and which awards cash grants to outstand- sion and Q & A will immediately reservations, call the Saint Mary’s Col- ing public school teachers in an effort follow the film screening. lege Theatre Box Office at (925) 631- to acknowledge their priceless contri- http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0 4670. Tickets are also available online butions to our children’s future, is now E45A8A928A02-signup1. at www.brownpapertickets.com. accepting nominations for outstanding ... continued on next page Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B11 Not to be missed Not to be missed Not to be missed Medical Ethics” taught by M. Michael members $2; non-members $4 . Water Conservation in your Garden lawn-removal rebate from your water OTHER ... continued Thaler, MD. from 10 a.m. to noon on Workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday, March district. Cost: $30. Preregistration is re- Tuesdays, “Proust and His World” The Boomers’ Journey to 100 Years 22. Scott Sommerfeld from EBMUD quired, at http://www.bringingbackthen- “Our creeks, environment, and taught by Larry Bensky from 10 a.m. to Young - A workshop to empower and will be at McDonnell Nursery, Orinda atives.net/select-tours. sewage treatment – How does it all noon on Thursdays, and “Art and Archi- prepare Boomers from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to talk about water conservation efforts. work?” Speaker Michael Scahill, from tecture of Turkey” taught by Kerrin Thursday, March 20 at the Lafayette Li- With these water management tips, you Lafayette Community Garden and the Central Contra Costa Sanitary Dis- Meis from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. on Thurs- brary, Art and Science Center. Work- can you save the plants you have, be Outdoor Learning Center – Lori Cald- trict, will give a free public lecture spon- days. For more information, visit shop Topics: Aging Families, Levels of able to continue to plant new ones and well, certified Master Gardner Com- sored by Friends of Orinda Creeks at 7 olli.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-9934. Care Covering Hospital to Home, and still enjoy your garden this year. Please poster and a favorite teacher at the p.m. Wednesday, March 26 in the Gar- Common Estate Planning Pitfalls. Wine call (925) 254-3713 or email info@mc- Community Garden will discuss “Big den Room at the Orinda Library. Learn Vermicomposting (Worms!) and Bin and hors d’oeuvres provided. Registra- donnellnursery.com to reserve a seat. Gardens In Small Spaces: Container Gar- about: how the Central Contra Costa Building Workshop from 10 a.m. to tion required by Tuesday, March 18. dening” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sanitary District works, the Sanitary noon Saturday, April 5 at Heather Farm Email Lori Luckenbach at LoriL@El- "In Translation", a flower show pre- March 30 at the Lafayette Community District as a steward to the environment, Community Center, Walnut Creek. dercareAnswers.com or call (925) 324- sented by the Orinda Garden Club, Garden on Mt. Diablo Boulevard across and how we can prevent sewer over- $20.00 registration fee; 20 household 5985. will be held at the Orinda Country Club from the Lafayette Reservoir. A $5 dona- flows. For info, contact Jim Luini, (925) max capacity. Registration form must be on March 28. The show, featuring floral tion per person to support our education 254-6208. submitted by March 28: Lafayette Oral History Project. Do designs, horticulture, photography, programs is appreciated but not required. http://www.wastediversion.org/app_pag you have stories about Lafayette in botanical art and a conservation exhibit Register for our classes at our website: Contra Costa Tale Spinners: Keeping es/view/1723. the days of yore? Allow SMC MFA can- on water is open to the public at no www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org. the Oral Tradition Alive Informal didate Ryan McKinley to document charge from 1 to 3 p.m. Please come and gathering with featured performer Jim POLITICAL GATHERINGS that history which will then be included enjoy seeing how garden club members Do you have questions about garden- Barnard, host of Poetry Express in in the Lafayette Historical Society's interpret the theme. ing? The Moraga Library wants to Berkeley, followed by “open mic” sto- The Lamorinda Democratic Club's archives, preserved for generations to help you get ready for spring with the ries. From 7 to 9 p.m. on the 4th Thurs- next meeting at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, come. All you have to do is tell those “Mow no Mo’!” or “How to remove Contra Costa Master Gardeners, Uni- day of every month, Gallery Room of March 13 at the Lafayette Library and stories to McKinley; he’ll do the writ- your lawn, save water, and get paid for versity of California Cooperative Exten- the Orinda Public Library, 24 Orinda Community Learning Center will fea- ing. You’ll receive a copy of the final it, too” will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. sion, which will discuss “Container Way. Contact: Sally Holzman, (925) ture a panel discussion regarding the document at the time of completion. Saturday, March 29. In this hands-on Gardening and Gardening in Small 478-8488, or Liz Nichols at liz@lizni- California court system. Like every Call Lafayette Senior Services for de- workshop you'll learn how to remove Spaces” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, chols.net. Free. other segment of state government, the tails and to be a part of this project: (925) your lawn and select drought-tolerant April 3. For more information, visit cc- California court system has been signif- 284-5050. Free. plants, and find out how to receive a clib.org or call (925) 376-6852. State-of-the-art “cross-cut” shred- icantly impacted by the economic crisis (See related article page B3) ding will be done from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that began in 2008. Justices Mark Si- Saturday, March 29 at 5A Rent-A-Space mons and Barry Goode will discuss the GARDEN in the Shred Defense Truck starting at implications. Cost: $5; students free. just $5 per file box. Save your boxes of For info, call (925) 567-3367 or visit Lafayette Garden Club March Plant papers to be shredded for March. Finan- www.lamorindademoclub.org. and Craft Sale at 10 a.m. Thursday, Service Clubs cial advisors, attorneys, medical offices, April 10. Lafayette Christian Church and other businesses can meet their legal Join Assembly member Joan 584 Glenside Dr., Lafayette. For info, Announcements obligation to dispose of clients’ informa- Buchanan at a complimentary pan- contact [email protected]. tion responsibly, while helping send cake breakfast with neighbors to discuss Explore Lamorinda Rotary clubs The heart of Lafayette Garden Club March meet- Rotary is our clubs- dedicated people who share Lamorinda middle school girls to legislative and community issues from a passion for both community service and friend- AAUW’s Tech Trek Science and Math 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22 ing at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 13 at ship. Learn about Lamorinda’s Rotary clubs. Camp. Shredding details: Government at the Orinda Community Center. Check the Lafayette Christian Church 584 Specified Approved Shred, HIPAA the website to RSVP and for other times Glenside Dr., features speaker Stephan Compliant Shredding, TWIC Certified and locations: Andrews, professor at UC Berkeley, Drivers. Certificates of Destruction and http://www.asmdc.org/members/a16/dis “Good Soil, Bad Soil, and Soil” and in- Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club Donation receipts will be provided. trict-events. cludes a soil testing demonstration. For We meet Friday mornings at 7 am at Celia’s Mexican Restaurant, 3666 Mt. info, email [email protected]. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. For more info, please email us at [email protected] Workshops on “How to Raise Your The June election is coming. Help March 14: March 21: Own Chickens” in Lafayette. Topics people exercise their right to vote! The Moraga Garden Club general Please Al Peterson and Larry Susan Captain, Founding will include raising young chicks, laying Come to a nonpartisan Voter Engage- meeting will be held March 20 at The join us! hen maintenance, and sustainable coop ment orientation from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 Rose from Represent Member of the construction. Workshops are free and Saturday, March 29 at the Lafayette School St., Moraga. Social hour at 9:30 Us. Their topic is Big Lamorinda Wine Growers will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Sun- Community Center, LWV office. Learn a.m. and the meeting starts at 10 a.m. Money and Congress: Association. Susan’s days during March. Reservations are re- about registering voters, getting local Speaker Kathy Brenzel, garden editor at Problem and Practical topic is LAMORINDA— THE NEXT NAPA? quired. Contact: [email protected]. candidate information onto the free Sunset Magazine, will discuss "Garden Solution website (smartvoter.org), candidate fo- Tomorrow's." Non-members are wel- The Moraga Women's Society is rums, ballot measure pros and cons, and come. holding its annual "Brunch, Bridge more. Sponsored by League of Women and Bunco" event from 10:30 a.m. to 3 Voters of Diablo Valley. For info, call Montelindo Garden Club Meeting Lafayette Rotary Club p.m. Monday, March 31 at the Holy Ashley at (925) 283-3638, or (925) 247- (third Friday, September through Trinity Cultural Center, School Street, 4034. May) will be at 9 a.m. Friday, March 21 Step in on a Thursday. If you are interested in joining Rotary we welcome you to join Moraga. Brunch, catered by Terzetto's at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 one of our lunch meetings. Thursday at noon Oakwood Athletic Club Lafayette. of Moraga, begins at 11 a.m. followed SENIORS St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Visitors March 13 Speaker: by games from noon to 2:45 p.m. welcome. Speaker Patrick Lannen, gar- John Coleman, EBMUD “Are we prepared for a drought?” Gather your friends for a round of Positive Living Forum (“Happiness den designer and consultant, Flora Save the bridge or bunco. Gentlemen are wel- Club”) - Moderated by Dr. Bob Nozik, Grubb Gardens, will discuss “Succulent Concert at the Res May 5th, 2014 come! Tickets are $30 and can be pur- MD, Prof. Emeritus UCSF, Author of Jewel Boxes.” For info, visit www.mon- date! New Stage, Lafayette Reservoir chased from any member of the Society. “Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It.” telindogarden.com. For information call (925) 376-3187. Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features The Lafayette Community Founda- speakers on a wide range of topics that tion (LCF) is accepting grant applica- guide participants toward a more ideal tions from local non-profits for its spring and positive life experience. Drop-ins grant cycle. LCF invests in programs welcome! From 10:30 a.m. to noon on and projects that promote and enhance the second Thursday monthly in the Se- the civic, cultural, educational and envi- quoia Room, Lafayette Community ronmental health of Lafayette and be- Center. Cost: $1 members; $3 non- yond. The grant deadline is March 31 - members. please submit by emailing application to [email protected]. You can find the Lamorinda Dance Social - Enjoy af- grant application online at ternoon dancing the first Wednesday http://www.lafayettecf.org. monthly from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the Live Oak Room, Lafayette Community Three new six-week courses from UC Center and learn some great new dance Berkeley’s Osher Lifelong Learning moves with professional dancers Karen Institute begin April 1 at Lafayette Li- and Michael, who will provide a dance brary and Learning Center: “Health lesson and live DJ services, playing your Care Reform: Medical Practice and favorites and taking requests. Cost: Lamorinda Weekly is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA 26,600 printed copies; delivered to homes & businesses in Lamorinda. 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Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C1
Goal Keeper Striker Miramonte Wins NCS Clinic Mats, Cougars advance to State Tournament OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS By Conrad Bassett Ages:10-18 Dates: April May TIME 6th 4th ages 10-13 9-10:30 am 13th* 11th ages 14-18 10:30-12 am 20th 18th * ages 10-13 11-12:30 27th *ages 14-18 12:30-2
Location: Wilder Sports Park field #3
(all participants are to bring cleats, shinguards and water. GK’s are to bring GKgloves and may also consider bringing pants and long sleeve shirts or jerseys). Cost: $250 per participant For Registration Please Visit: keeperout.com or doublescissors.com (925) 698-3279 (925) 262-3617 REGISTER NOW! Space is limited Registration Deadline: April 4th
Mariah Seals had 11 points in the win. Photos Gint Federas wo weeks ago, Miramonte game. Campo reached the semifinals Sabrina Ionescu dropped in 11 in the Tgirls’ basketball coach Kelly by holding off Petaluma 54-49 behind first. Sopak was expecting to play for the freshman Brooke Panfili’s 20 points. The Mats pushed the lead to 56- North Coast Section Division III In the NCS championship on 16 with 2:14 to go in the second quar- championship at St. Mary’s College March 8, the Mats cruised to a 94-42 ter and went on to lead after three against Bishop O’Dowd. It was a fair victory. quarters 87 to 35, which set in place assumption given the teams have The Mats steamrolled both Pinole the running clock the rest of the way. faced off the past two years. Valley and Analy (Sebastopol) on Senior Breanna Alford led all scorers However, O’Dowd was excluded their way to the championship game, with 21 points. “We all worked to- from playing in the tournament for vi- which was close for only the first gether as a team,” she said of their olation of an NCS rules and instead, minute. Senior Megan Reid scored victory. Eleven different players ! "$% $"&'$% "()"*!+! *-$ !$ /677;<< Miramonte played Encinal the first two baskets on layups and the scored for Miramonte. (Alameda) for the title. Mats never looked back. Reid scored Both Miramonte and Cam- *+,./,168/// ///999;<=>@HQ Teammates celebrate winning the NCS title. Page: C2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 30 Years of Making Memories: OBA Kicks Off Another Season Orinda celebrates program with proclamation By Clare Varellas Nearly 600 young players, parents, and community members gathered to celebrate the Orinda Baseball Association's 30th season on March 1. Photo Andy Scheck tanding at a podium before 600 as a result. A private, volunteer-run raffle tickets in the morning, then lis- as I can,” said Bamberger, who friendship remains a tenet of OBA Sexcited parents and young base- baseball association, OBA was tened to Bamberger present informa- joined the board in 2006 and is in values. Hegarty says that OBA has ball players on the morning of March founded by previous Orinda Youth tion regarding the program’s goals for his second year as president. only changed for the better since he 1 at the annual Opening Ceremonies Association president Bob Hegarty the year, new improvements and ad- Players, of course, love the ex- initially founded it, but that fostering event, Orinda Baseball Association in 1984, who had a 7-year-old son ditions to fields and equipment, and citement of the game, and many look lifelong relationships between players board president Brent Bamberger an- playing baseball at the time. the recipients of last season’s associ- forward to returning every year. But has always been a constant. nounced the slogan for the league’s Hegarty saw the need for a more ation awards in the auditorium. Play- for parents, the value of the OBA ex- “I’ve found over the years that for 2014 season: “Go make a memory.” “committed” alternative, with more ers participated in a mini-parade perience exists on a deeper level. the kids that played OBA and stuck According to players, parents, practices and more games. Choos- marching through the building to They say OBA teaches players the with it through to 13 or 14 years old, and coaches involved in the OBA, it ing to make the association a part music in their teams. importance of respect and passion. when they get out of high school, they will not be difficult to do so in the of the Protect Our Nation’s Youth The ceremony concluded with “The respect that they teach the go all over the United States to col- coming months of batting practice, (PONY) nationwide baseball pro- Orinda mayor Sue Severson present- kids to have for the game and for their lege, and when they come back to the base runs, and games. As Orinda gram, he also wanted to establish a ing a proclamation honoring OBA for teammates, even if baseball isn’t what Bay Area, the guys they hang out with Baseball Association begins its 30th league in which the distance be- 30 years of service in the Orinda com- [my son] does, is always a good thing are the guys they played OBA base- season in the Orinda community, 360 tween bases varied between age munity, then throwing the first pitch to learn,” said parent Scott Barmmer, ball with,” said Hegarty. “That’s true players ranging in age from 7 to 14 groups and the coaches, not the par- of the season. whose son, Grant, is 8 years old. connection.” gathered with their families at Wagner ents, guided the players. Despite the weather, the event And after hours and hours of Levy hopes to be a professional Ranch, eager to start the season. “I wanted a program that was was considered a success by OBA practices and games, their baseball player when he is older, though he ac- “It’s my favorite sport. They’re committed, not necessarily more board members, who are accommo- skills improve too. Barmmer said that knowledges that it will be difficult. my favorite league,” said 11-year-old competitive, but committed, where dating more players than ever before last year at Major League Baseball But as he looked toward his team- OBA player Ben Levy. “Anything you would have the teams chosen on this season. According to Bamberger, spring training he met Brett Jackson, mates across the playground, he said can happen. A batter can strike out, hit a fair and equal basis, and then you the registration count has gone up one of the many previous OBA play- with a smile that his favorite part of a pop fly to outfield, infield, or hit would have some 15-20 practices be- every year over the course of the as- ers to achieve major successes in playing OBA was forming new over the wall, and you always have to fore the first game,” said Hegarty. sociation’s existence. baseball in high school, college, or friendships. pay attention if you’re on the field.” Thirty years later, the 2014 “I think baseball brings out a lot professional leagues. Jackson plays “You get to meet new people,” Levy is one of thousands of Opening Ceremonies event, albeit of life lessons: not getting too high for the Chicago Cubs. said Levy. “There are different teams, Orinda boys and girls who have impacted by rainy weather, promised on successes and not getting too Whether players stop playing in and they always have new combina- participated in OBA, and who have another successful season. Players low on failures, and I enjoy provid- grade school or they go on to the tions of different players on different grown to love the game of baseball and their families purchased food and ing that platform for kids as much MLB, to encourage camaraderie and teams. It’s amazing.” Lamorinda Boys’ Basketball Teams Advance to State Tournament By Michael Sakoda Buster Souza Andrew Zolintakis Drew Anderson Photos Gint Federas The NCS playoffs wrapped up “I’m proud of my guys,” said On March 5, Campolindo bat- Campolindo was paced by Chris guards?—because we can go a couple TSaturday, and the brackets for Dons’ head coach Bill Powers. tled the Marauders of El Cerrito Hansen with 19 points, 10 rebounds different directions...we have four or the CIF State Tournament were an- “Buster [Souza] plays his heart throughout the game, jumping out to and Zolintakis with 10 points. five guys who can step into that start- nounced with all three Lamorinda out...Matt Thomas is playing the way a 6-2 lead early, behind the brilliant But the Cougars lost more than ing role.” schools qualifying. he should have been playing all year.” play of point guard Andrew Zolin- the semifinal game. With 5:51 to play Miramonte (16-12, 6-6 DFAL) Both Campolindo (22-7, 11-1 Thomas was spectacular in the takis who scored all 10 of his points in the third, junior standout Matt grabbed the 12th seed in the CIF tour- DFAL) and Acalanes (17-12, 5-7 Dons opening round game against in the opening quarter. O’Reilly broke his arm after being nament after being knocked out of the DFAL) advanced to the semifinals of San Marin, scoring 24 of his game- With 4:57 to play in the first quar- fouled driving to the basket. NCS in the second round 72-65 by the NCS tournament on March 5, and high 29 in the first half. ter, though, El Cerrito went on a 16-6 “To lose (a guy) like that...an All- Campolindo on Feb. 28. They will were eliminated—Acalanes by even- “I’d been struggling leading up to run, taking an 18-12 lead, and never Star caliber player, made (El Cer- visit No. 5 Fairfield tonight. tual champions Bishop O’Dowd, 68- (that) game, but this is the playoffs,” looked back. The Cougars trailed 25- rito’s) lead really difficult to Fairfield will have their hands full 36, Campolindo by El Cerrito, 70-59. Thomas said. “It’s a whole new season.” 38 at halftime, and 42-50 after three overcome,” said Cougars’ head coach with senior forward Drew Anderson, Miramonte lost to Campo for the sec- With Souza dominating the paint, quarters. Matt Watson after the game. the Mats’ star quarterback in the fall ond time this season in the quarterfi- Joey Hewitt and Matt Thomas shoot- Late in the fourth, Campo went As for filling his shoes in the CIF and now the focal point of the basket- nals. ing the lights out, and the improved on a 9-2 run, cutting El Cerrito’s lead Tournament Saturday when the No. 2 ball team’s offense, who is averaging Acalanes played O’Dowd close passing of point guard Zack Kisner, to eight, but moments later Zolintakis Cougars host the winner of Aragon just over 20 points per game to go in much of the first half, but struggled Acalanes won’t be an easy out as the fouled out, and consecutive turnovers and Vanden, Watson says it will de- with 12 rebounds. to find any sort offense in the second, No. 6 seed in the CIF Tournament. on the following possessions led to pend on matchups. “It’s going to “We just (planned) on staying scoring a mere 11 points in the final The Dons host No. 11 Christian Marauder buckets crushing the come down to who our opponent it ready to play,” said Mats head coach 16 minutes of play. Brothers tonight, March 12. Cougars’ hopes of a comeback. is—Do they have size? Quick Drew McDonald. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C3 Cougars Win NCS on PK’s Champion of Champions Submitted by Luisa Miles From left, front row: Coach Brian Miles, Jimmy Harrington, Jack Miles, Jonathan Enriquez, Andrew Owens, Billy Beltran, coach James Harrington; back row: Ryan Owens, Charlie Bettencourt, Nick Bamont, Will Van Holten. Photo provided ed by a relentless pressure defense, the The team advanced to the final game of the Samantha Vankoll Photo Gint Federas LSt. Perpetua sixth grade National boys’ CYO Tournament of Champions at Heritage he Campolindo girls’ soccer team entered kicks. Campolindo finishes the season 14-3-6. team won the West Diablo Playoffs and cap- in Brentwood on March 9. The team defeated Tthe North Coast Section tournament as It is the Cougars’ first win since 2007. tured first place during the regular season. St. Bonaventure’s 38-21 for the title. the No. 3 seed, but they walked away as No. 1. The No. 1 seed, Miramonte, was upset in the The Cougars won the NCS title over No. 4 seed semifinals by Las Lomas, 2-1. The Mats fin- Keeping the Streak Alive Las Lomas on March 1. Regulation ended in a ished the season 15-2-1. 1-1 tie, and Campo took the title on penalty C. Mitchell Submitted by Lyn Schmidt Saint Mary’s Basketball Update Pictured: Top row, from left: Coach Marcus Schroeder, assistant coach Jeff Salyer; middle row: Joey Schmidt, Sam Rack, Cole Curtis, Ben Jules; bottom row: Chase Bennett, Sam McGonigle, Cade Bennett, Maxwell Weaver Photo provided t. Monica's fifth grade American boys’ team Diocese of Oakland boys’ basketball playoffs. Sdefeated St. Perpetua on Feb. 16 to win the The team went undefeated in three games to West Diablo League Championship, making it clench the Championship title two years in a four years in a row they've held this title. The row, defeating All-Saints of Hayward 32-23 on team went on to represent West Diablo in the March 1. Kerry Carter Photo Tod Fierner he Saint Mary’s men’s and women’s bas- The Gaels faced Gonzaga on March 10 in the Tketball teams entered the West Coast semifinals, after press deadline. The winner ad- Conference as the No. 4 seeds. The Gaels took vanced to the championship on March 11. Submit stories to to the floor on March 8. The women faced No. On Saturday night, the men solidly defeated 5 USD and the men took on No. 5 Pepperdine. Pepperdine 80-69 to improve to 22-10 on the The women defeated USD in thrilling fash- year. Junior forward Brad Waldow led the Gaels [email protected] ion. The Gaels were down 17 points in the sec- with 21 points. The Gaels advanced to the semi- ond half but found a way to fight for the 60-58. finals to take on Gonzaga on March 10. The (we prefer to receive your original photo file, minimum size: Senior guard Jackie Nared finished with 20 winner advanced to the finals, March 11. 200 dpi and 1200 pixels wide) points. Nared earned Saint Mary’s single-season Follow @LamorindaSports for score re- scoring record with 602 points for the season. ports. C. Mitchell Business Directory Heating Underpinning Gardening Plumbing J. Limon Gardening ATL A S Maintenance/Clean‐up HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY Monthly Service CA LIC. #489501 Sprinkler Present this coupon for System Repair * *May not be off any combined with any other offer. Call Jose service. Expires 4/13/2014. (925) 787‐5743 License #: 018287 Since 1908 25 yrs. experience www.atlasheating.com www.bayareaunderpinning.org in Lamorinda Page: C4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 CLAM Claims Win in Dive Meet Lamorinda Wins Bridge Trophy Submitted by Marie Estorge Submitted by Steve Peterson Varsity Captains Matt Woolsey and Rory Howells holding the “Bridge Trophy.” Photo provided amorinda Rugby recaptured the “Bridge thrilling come-from-behind win, 40-27, fol- Sara Koenigsberg Simone Raeth Photo provided LTrophy” against rival club San Francisco lowed by Varsity Gold’s 61-17 win, and Varsity Golden Gate, sweeping all three matches on Silver’s 36-22 win. Lamorinda now leads the ampolindo, Las Lomas, Acalanes and Mi- took first place for the girls. In the girls’ event, March 1. The JV led the morning with a all-time Bridge Trophy series 4-2. Cramonte (CLAM) hosted a dual dive meet CLAM placed in the top six of the eight spots. against Berkeley High School on March 1 at In the varsity divers meet, Morgan Ma- Campolindo’s Soda Center. tranga (Campolindo) took first place. Sara St. P’s Brings Home Another Title In the JV event, Simone Raeth (Acalanes) Koenigsberg (Campolindo) came in second. Submitted by Bob Trapp Young but Talented Submitted by Thomas Westernoff Photo provided Back row, from left: Gabriella Amini, Katherine Buckley, Zoe Smith, Danielle Trapp, Kennedy harlie Richtenburg competed in the first belt but beat green belts for the gold. Jared Cornish, Jessica Larrick, Katie Bishopp, Ivy Souza; front row: coach Bob Trapp, Jordan Parodi, CBay Area Invitational Karate Tourna- Avenell (gold in Kata, Kumite, and silver in Nicole Prozan, Rachel Easton, coach Bob Buckley Photo provided ment on Feb. 23. The 5-year-old brought Kobudo), Chase Yang (gold in Kata), and he St. Perpetua sixth grade girls’ bas- Orinda. It was a very competitive season home two gold medals in Kata (forms) and Leo Ding (bronze in Kumite) also partici- ketball team won the season champi- against other CYO girls’ teams throughout Kumite (sparring). Richtenburg is an orange pated in the competition T onship on Feb. 23 at Wagner Ranch in the Diablo Valley. St. P's Wins Championship St. Perpetua’s Team Advances to Submitted by Laurain Sexton Tournament of Champions Submitted by Robert Buckley Top row, from left: Coach Koehl, coach Flitter, coach Kotarba, Adam Kim, William Johnston, Matthew Sexton; middle row: Jack Flitter, Ben Koehl, Daniel Kim, Kai Feinberg, Logan Hope; back row: Derek Kotarba Photo provided Photo provided The St. Perpetua’s fifth grade boys’ basketball Feb. 23. They defeated St. Monica’s in a narrow ard work, aggressive play, and tenacity and advanced to the championship game where team won the West Diablo CYO playoffs on 28-27 win. Hcarried St. Perpetua’s fifth grade girls’ they beat St. Catherine’s 22-10. National team from a fourth place seed in the After winning the championship, the team A Perfect Season play-off tournament to a victory in the champi- was invited to participate in the American onship. Proving that team-play wins games, the League Tournament of Champions. The girls’ Submitted by Anita Elliot girls beat undefeated St. John Vianney 14-10 lost in the opening round to Good Shepherd. Undefeated Champs Submitted by Marty Ruane From left, front row: Coach Chris Gee, Mason Horrocks-Mustard, Tom Barendson, Nolan O’Brien, Matt Radell, Davis McGanney, coach David McGanney; bottom row: Matt Elliot, Roan Kazmierowski, Christian Gee; not pictured: Zach DeLange Photo provided n what was their toughest defensive battle Maria team, ending the league season with a Iof the season, the Santa Maria (Orinda) perfect 12-0 record. The team advanced to the Back row, from left: Assistant coach Jeff Cronk, Remy Wixsom, Bella Bauer, Lara Dissman, Lexi fourth grade National boys’ team clinched the Tournament of Champions in Brentwood the Lovelace, head coach Marty Ruane; front row: Aimee Ruane, Alex Love, Molly Cronk, Cailin Mirabella, Sofia Swatt, Sarah Westergren Photo provided West Diablo CYO championship beating St. weekend of March 1, where they lost a tough Perpetua (Lafayette) 17 to 13 on Feb. 23. This game in the semi-finals to St. Clement of Hay- The St. Perpetua’s seventh grade girls’ Na- over Christ the King. The team went unde- marked the 12th straight win for the Santa ward. tional team won the CYO championship feated 10-0. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: D1 SUMMER CAMPS 8th Annual 26 full day & 2014 /#1 Summer Camp overnight camps listed presented by Lamorinda Weekly Guide Part 1, Full Day and Overnight Camps (Part 2, half-day camps, April 9 2014) Immerse Yourself in the Fun! Full day summer camps offer kids a chance to try something new, or to hone their skills Ever try windsurfing or rock climbing, perform skills on the Lacrosse field or develop mods in the 26 full day summer camps has something for Shakespeare or create short animation films? Or world of Minecraft? From sports to sewing, every child or teen willing to dream a little and go maybe you have always wanted to hone your horseback riding to hip hop, the following list of for it. see Adventure Day Camp ad (Walnut Creek) Adventure Day Camp is a traditional summer day camp for children ages 3-15. In a relaxed atmosphere, chil- dren gain confidence and skills in a wide range of camp activities including: swimming, horseback riding, sail- ing, skateboarding, woodworking, science, arts, sports, archery, drama, music, rock climbing, hiking, overnight camping, and camp games. Home transportation is available from most areas. Dates: June 19-Aug. 15 Phone: (925) 937-6500 Website: www.adventuredaycamp.com see The Art Room Summer Day Camp ad (Lafayette) Students enjoy the creative process while learning art skills in a nurturing environment. Our goal is to achieve a balance between building self-esteem and a love of art! Kids (5-Teen) rotate through our Outdoor Art Ad- venture, Aloha Art, and Sunshine stations. Full day or half day options. Come have fun with us! Dates: 1 week sessions June 16-Aug. 8 Phone: (925) 299-1515 Website: www.theart-room.com see Bay Area Adventure Camps ad (Orinda, Concord and Martinez) About Lafayette Resident Lorne Smith The ultimate summer adventure day camp experience Greater Baltimore US Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Class of ‘13 in the East Bay. Windsurfing, paddle boarding, horse- x back riding, archery, indoor skydiving, Six Flags, Water- x Princeton University ‘99 (3x All-American, 3x NCAA Champion) world, sea kayaking and much more. Three East Bay x Gilman HS, Baltimore MD (2x All-American, 2x MIAA Champion, Baltimore locations to choose from in Orinda, Concord and Mar- Player of the Year ‘95) tinez. Home transportation included. x Team USA U19 World Champion, ‘96 Dates: 1 week sessions June 16-Aug. 8, x MLL Pro Player LA Riptide ‘06-’07 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday x Stanford Men’s Lacrosse Coach ‘02-’07 x Camp Director since 2002 Website: http://bayareaadventurecamp.com Thank you Advertisers! Lamorinda Weekly. Page: D2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: D5 see SMC Summer Camps see Berkeley Rep School of Theatre Cal Shakes ad ad Oakland Strokes Summer Theatre Intensive (Berkeley) (Moraga) Summer Rowing Camps (Orinda) Explore all facets of theatre through a fun- Summer Shakespeare Conservatories: 5- and SMC offers 40-plus sports camps on one of the most Rowing Camps for Boys and Girls Ages 12 – 17 filled, four week experience designed to ignite 2-week Conservatories offer classes (for picturesque campuses on the West Coast. Saint Mary's the imagination. Students study with master grades 3-12) including acting, improvisation, offers boys and girls overnight, day, team, and specialty teaching artists and playwrights, creating an camps for ages 4-18. Early bird and extended care avail- Learn to Row Crew! stage combat, voice, and movement. After- Our summer program is designed to provide an enjoyable Our summer program is designed to provide an original play to be performed onstage at noons are spent in rehearsals for an abridged able depending on camp. Summer 2014 offers all but very real introduction to the great sport of rowing. We Berkeley Rep! Financial aid available. Shakespeare play performed on the final sports, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, running, soccer, useenjoyable these introductory but very real camps introduction as a recruiting to theprogram great for Dates: June 16-July 11 (entering grades 6-8); day. Financial aid is available. softball, tennis and volleyball camps. Email: smc- allsport of our of rowingrowing. teams. We use They these provide introductory excellent training camps July 14-Aug. 8 (entering grades 9-12). [email protected]. foras abeginning recruiting rowers program in rowing for all technique, of our rowing teamwork, teams. Dates: June 23-July 26; July 28-Aug. 8 physicalThey provide fitness excellent and endurance. training Within for beginning a week rowers rowers will Phone: (510) 647-2972 Phone: (510) 809-3293 Dates: various dates and times available gainin rowing enough technique, experience teamwork, to compete physicalin their very fitness first race,and Website: Website: www.summershakespeare- Phone: (925) 631-4FUN (4386) anendurance. exciting experience Within a forweek all! rowersClasses nowwill gainavailable enough on www.berkeleyrep.org/summerintensive camp.org Website: www.smcgaels.com, click "camps" theskill San to rowPablo their Reservoir first raceor Oakland on the Estuary. Oakland Estuary, which is guaranteed to be an exciting experience oneOne wayWeek or another!Introductory Sessions (8:30 - 11:30am) see Steve and Kate’s Camp see Cal Athletic Camps Camp Awesome ad Tidewater Boating Center ad (Walnut Creek) JuneOne 16thWeek - 20th Introductory (Intermediate* Sessions 10:30am (9 am - 1:30pm) – 12 am) (Berkeley) (Lafayette) JulyUÊ ÕiÊÓäÊqÊÓ{ 7th - 11th (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) Campers choose activities (grades pre-K through 7th) August 4th - 8th (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) Cal Camps are proud to uphold the Cal tradition Camp Awesome is a fun, flexible and af- UÊ ÕiÊÓÇÊqÊÕÞÊ£ÊÊ `Û>Vi`IʣʫÊqÊÎÊ«® of excellence. We offer a wide variety of recre- fordable, 11 weeks of summer, day camp (9 such as stop motion animation, soccer in an inflatable San Pablo Reservoir UÊ ÕÞÊ££ÊqÊ£x ational and sport activities for kids of all ages a.m. to 2 p.m.). Early care (7:30 a.m.), after- stadium, rock climbing, bread making, knitting with JuneUÊ ÕÞÊÓxÊqÊÓÊÊÊ 23rd - 27th (Intermediate* `Û>Vi`IʣʫÊqÊÎÊ«® 11am - 2pm) and have been doing so for 50 years. We believe care (2 to 5 p.m.), by the week, drop-in, bamboo needles, music recording, and pie throwing, all JulyUÊÕ}ÕÃÌÊ£ÊqÊxÊÊÊ 14th - 18th (Intermediate* `Û>Vi`IʣʫÊqÊÎÊ«® 11am - 2pm) August 18th - 22nd (Intermediate* 11am - 2pm) our staff is second to none. We design our pro- sports, games, crafts, Games2U (laser tag, good for your child’s resumé. Day Passes: buy any num- I `Û>Vi`ÊÃiÃÃÃÊ>Û>>LiÊÌÊ>Ì iÌiÃÊÜ Ê ber of days and use them anytime; or Membership: one *Intermediate have completed sessions a prior available one weekto athletes introductory who grams to provide kids with a spring and summer hamster ball, video games twice a week), have session completed or our amiddle prior one school week program introductory session full of adventure, friendship, confidence magicians, jugglers, friends – a summer full fee covers the entire summer. At Contra Costa Christian 2014 session or our middle school program building and fun. Go Bears!! of memories! Schools in Walnut Creek. Founded in 1980. Ideal for students entering Dates: various dates and times available Dates: June-August Phone: (415) 389-KIDS Ideal for students entering Ì ÊÀÊ£äÌ Ê}À>`it Email: [email protected]. Phone: (925) 284-2232 Website: www.steveandkate.com Summer Ì ÊÀÊ£äÌ Ê}À>`it Website: www.calbears.com/camps/cal-camps.html Website: www.LafayetteRec.org Learn More & Sign Up! Shakespeare www.oaklandstrokes.orgLearn More & Sign Up! www.oaklandstrokes.org Summer OuTEENS Camp Brainy Bunch (Orinda) (Orinda) Conservatory It’s a summer of awesome, with amazing instructors, hands-on creativity, small group sizes, Each week-long camp is filled with three amazing trips for AGES 8–18 single-subject learning, and organized outdoor fun. Convenience includes catered lunches, children ages 11-14. Week one: Sky High, Six Flags, ATT Park extended-care options. Weeks include: public speaking, creative writing, DIY engineering, tour. Week two: Safari West, China Town Scavenger Hunt, leadership. $50 weekly discount with coupon code: "LMOWEEKLY50" (Expires April 1, online Exploratorium. Week three: Scandia Fun Center, Water- registration, not valid with other offers.) Dates: Weekly June 16-July 11 world, A’s game. Week four: City Beach Rock Climbing, Fish- Phone: (510) 548-4800 Website: www.CampBrainyBunch.com erman’s Warf, Chabot Space and Science Center. Register online at cityoforinda.org or at Orinda Community Center. Dates: Week One – July 7-11; Week Two – July 14-18; Week Three – July 21-25; Week Four – July 28-Aug. 1 Phone: (925) 254-2445 Website: cityoforinda.org Develop now! your fashion studio character. Register Now! summershakespearecamp.org EST. 1996 Sessions in Orinda, [email protected] Piedmont, and 510.809.3293 Oakland School for the Arts Photo of 2013 Conservatory students in performance by Jay Yamada. DATES: July 7 thru July 18 (M – F) TIMES: 1:30 – 5:00 P.M. FEES: $320 (T-shirt included) Did we miss your favorite camp? FOR REGISTRATION FORMS, CONTACT: On May 21 we will list all full-day, half-day camps and classes. 925/280-3950 x-5163, [email protected] Reach 60,000+ in Lamorinda and advertise with us. or download registration form at campofootball.com Call (925) 377-0977 or email [email protected]. Page: D4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 iD Tech Camps & iD Teen Academies Summer Camps! (Saint Mary’s College, UC Berkeley, Stanford) SUMMER (June 16th-Aug. 8th) Full Day and Half Day Art Camps Take interests further and gain a competitive edge ages 5 to Teen welcome! for school, college, and future careers in STEM (Sci- CAMPS 2014/#1 ence, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Ages 7- Clay Mosaics 17 create apps, video games, C++/Java programs, Part 1, Full Day and Photography mods with Minecraft, movies, robots, and more at Overnight Camps Outdoor Art & More!!! weeklong, day and overnight summer programs. Also two-week, pre-college programs for ages 13-18 www.theart-room.com (925) 299-1515 50 Lafayette Circle held at select universities. Dates: various dates and times available Roughing It Day Camp see Phone: 1-888-709-TECH (8324) (Lafayette) ad Website: www.iDTech.com Lamorinda's Home Town Camp! An all-outdoor lake- front day camp located in Lafayette for campers ages 4- see ORION ACADEMY Camp Orinda 16. Activities include horseback riding, swimming, (Orinda) ad fishing, canoeing, kayaking, sports, crafts, outdoor ad- ASPERGER’S / NLD HIGH SCHOOL venture, and more. Free transportation to and from Enjoy one adventure after another! This camp home and seven central Lamorinda areas. Free ex- for ages 6-10.5 includes games, arts, crafts, tended care available. Helping children grow in won- hiking, skits, sports, special fun days, and derful ways for over 42 years. Enjoy team building Teens learn about the Pacific twice-weekly field trips – Exploratorium, Dates: various dates and times available ac vi es. Go Geocaching, ocean and coast while visi ng Lawrence Hall of Science, Adventure Play- Phone: (925) 283-3795 Email: [email protected] ground, Lake Anza, Tilden Little Farm and learn to use a GPS to an aquarium, the Marine Website: www.roughingit.com many more! One- and two-week, full- and ex- Mammal Reserve, and de search for hidden caches tended-day camps are offered. while hiking in California's pools. Dates: June 17-Aug. 9 see Saklan School ad most beau ful parks. Phone: (925) 254-2445 (Moraga) Experience rock climbing Website: www.cityoforinda.org and learn to belay, edge Summer@Saklan is your passport to the world! Morn- and jam with a ings on the Saklan campus are filled with culture and language enrichment programs in Mandarin, French, professional climber. Lafayette Summer Music Jazz Workshop (Lafayette) Japanese, Spanish and Italian. Afternoons are packed www.orionacademy.org with summer fun, including field trips, swimming, 925-377-0789 This week-long music workshop provides an games, art, stories and music. Three-week sessions. intimate and inspiring environment for learn- Full or half days, with extended care and van trans- ing and playing jazz. Students ages 11-80 portation available. Ages 3–11. Early enrollment dis- years old receive master classes, improvisa- count through April 1. Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 tion workshops and jazz combos led by some Phone: (925) 376-7900 Website: Summer @ Saklan of the preeminent, professional musicians in www.saklan.org/community/summersaklan Your passport to the world! the field. Directed by Stanley Middle School creatively music director Bob Athayde. Dates: One week only; Aug. 3-8 Sewnow! Fashion Design see ad think Website: www.lafsmw.org (Lafayette) (www.lafayettejazz.wordpress.com) compassionately Learn fashion design and sewing at Sewnow fashion studio. We offer a variety of one-week MANDARIN SPANISH see ad act Lorne Smith Lacrosse 1/2 day and full day camps for juniors (2nd and (Saint Mary’s College, Univ. of Oregon, Lake Tahoe) 3rd grade), kids, and teens. Have fun, learn new JAPANESE ITALIAN skills and walk away with unique personalized FRENCH One of the most highly regarded teachers of the fashion items. Camps include workbook, fabrics, Est. game, Lafayette resident Lorne Smith (Baltimore US notions, computerized sewing patterns, and cus- 1954 Lacrosse Hall of Fame; Princeton ’99, 3x All-American, 3x Culture, language and summer tom embroidery. NCAA National Champion; Gilman HS, Baltimore MD, 2x All- fun for students ages 3-11 Dates: June-August livecourageously American, 2x MIAA Champion, Baltimore Player of the Year; ™ Phone: (925) 283-7396 Email: [email protected] www.saklan.org Stanford Coach ’02-’07; MLL Pro Player LA Riptide ’06-’07; Website: www.sewnow.com Team USA U-19 World Champion ’96) offers overnight camps (with day option) for boys ages 12-18. 2014 Schedule: Dates: LSL Saint Mary’s College: June 15-19; LSL UO : June 22-26, and July 7- Skateboard and Scooter Plus Adventure Camp 11; LSL Lake Tahoe: July 20-24, and July 22-26 (Orinda and greater Bay Area locations) Amazing Summer Math Camps Website: www.lornesmithlacrosse.com Combines the best in summer skateboard - The Wide World of Sports Statistics and adventure camps. Morning hours are Play sports and calculate your statistics - Math-Science Camp Orion Academy Summer Adventures spent enjoying the best Bay Area skateparks. Afternoons include archery, horseback riding, Let your mad scientist meet your mathematician for Teens with Asperger’s (Moraga) see ad - Classes to Attack Algebra Sky High Sports, mini golf, movies and more. Prepare for all levels of algebra from pre-algebra to Orion’s popular summer sessions were developed And there’s an all day trip on Fridays to Water- algebra II through games, art and humorous lectures and are run by Orion faculty to improve world. - Get a Jump on Geometry: the social skills of teens, ages 13-18, with As- Dates: 1 week sessions June 16-Aug. 8, 9 a.m. A fun, hands on class for high school students perger’s in a fun and supportive environment. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday see ad **** Warning – These classes might trick students Ropes Course (July 7 -10): Use a GPS to locate hid- into believing that math is fun **** den caches while hiking and experience indoor Website: www.bayareaadventurcamp.com If you have further questions feel free to rock wall climbing. Marine Environments/Photog- contact Michael at [email protected] raphy (July 14-17): Visits to an aquarium, the Ma- see rine Mammal reserve, and tide pools. Dates: July Sienna Ranch Classes taught by teacher & experienced Want a great tutor ad math instructor, Michael Adler who is fun? Phone: (925) 377-0789 Website: (Lafayette) Individual/small group www.orionacademy.org/curriculum To enroll contact the Moraga Parks and summer or year round Lamorinda’s own ranch camp experience. Camp tutoring available Rec. Department at www.moraga.ca.us choices include activities in nature immersion, prim- or call (925) 888-7036 [email protected] Michael Adler itive arts, survival skills, horse riding and care, farm animal interaction, archery, carpentry, and more! Serving campers ages 4-14, Sienna Ranch offers week-long, full-day or half-day camp options. All adult, professional staff and an amazing, convenient location. Dates: various dates and times available 42nd Year Phone: (925) 283-6311 Website: www.siennaranch.net Lamorinda's Hometown Camp Located at the Lafayette Reservoir ● Ages 4-16 Free Home Transportation • Free Extended Care Campers choose activities such as stop Win a Week of Camp! Sign Up @ motion animation, www.roughingit.com/lamorinda/ soccer in an inflatable stadium, rock climbing, breadmaking, knitting with bamboo needles, music recording, and pie throwing, all good for your child’s resumé. Founded in 1980 Day Passes – Buy any At Contra Costa Christian Schools number of days and use in Walnut Creek this summer! them anytime OR Grades Pre-K through 7th Membership – One fee 415-389-KIDS wwwwww..rroouugghhiinnggiitt..ccoomm covers the entire www.steveandkate.com www.roughingit.com summer. Register at Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: D3 SUMMER CAMPS 2014 /#1 BAY AREA ADVENTURE CAMPS 2014 Part 1, Full Day and Overnight Camps The ultimate summer adventure day camp experience in the east bay. New in Orinda Camp Edmo/Camp EdTech (Moraga) At Camp Edmo entering K-4th graders participate in Arts & Science and Animation activities. Camp EdTech teaches en- tering 5th - 8th graders how to create apps, control analog Adventurers or Explorers Adventure Day Camps • Windsurfing components, make their own short films and animations, Campers enjoy a new and exciting summer adventure everyday. The road to summer adventure video games or digital photography. Camp hosted in Mor- • Paddle Boarding fun includes instruction by professional bay area Instructors, all admissions to attractions and • Horseback Riding aga at Rheem Elementary. Extended care options available. activities, transportation and memories to last a lifetime. 8:30am – 4:30pm. • Archery Dates: June 23 – July 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sports Plus or Skateboard Plus Adventure Day Camp Phone: (415) 282-6673 • Indoor Skydiving Combines the best in summer sports or skateboard and adventure camps. Morning hours are spent Website: www.campedtech.org • Six Flags enjoying a wide variety of the most popular sports (flag football, basketball, soccer, baseball, • Waterworld Lacrosse etc.) or the best local skateparks. Afternoons include Archery, Horseback Riding, Sky High • Sea Kayaking Camp Edmo - Park Program Sports, Mini Golf, Movies and more. And there’s an all day trip on Fridays to Waterworld. 9am – 4pm M-Fri. Also available as a Half Day (M-Th) Sports only camp. ...and much more. (Lafayette) http://bayareaadventurecamp.com (925) 9524450 Looking for a camp later in the summer? A fresh twist on for more details and sign up soon to reserve your spot in the summer fun. Camp Edmo, this camp features completely different weekly themes. Each theme revolves around local art, sci- ence, history or geography and includes nature hikes, and special presentations. Wacky weeks include Sprout About, Bay Champs, Smart Art, and Sea Creatures. Camp hosted in Lafayette at Lafayette Recreation Area. Before and after care options. Dates: July 28-Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone: (415) 282-6673 Website: www.campedmo.org Camp Kefli (Lafayette) The Camp Kefli staff leads a wide range of programs that are appropriate to each age group (K-8), filling our two one-week sessions with fun. Some programs utilize the wonderful Temple Isaiah facility while others take place off site. We offer creative theme days and adven- tures that enrich and delight our campers! Dates: Aug. 11-22 Phone: (925) 284-9191 Website: www.temple-isaiah.org/kefli City of Lafayette – Recreation Summer Camps (Lafayette) Soccer, cheerleading, cooking, dance, fencing, jewelry making, theater, lacrosse, Mad Science, Spanish, engi- neering, LEGOS, tennis, Critters-N-Clay, music, robotics, hip hop, game design, basketball, chess and more! Half day and full day camps available, link morning and af- ternoon camps together with Awesome Camp Connec- tion to build your own full day! Dates: Various dates and times available Phone: (925) 284-2232 Website: www.LafayetteRec.org Camp Hacienda Tech Camps held at (Moraga) St. Mary’s, UC Berkeley, Stanford, Moraga Parks and Recreation presents Camp Hacienda, a day camp for children ages 5-10 that will incorporate and 80+ Universities sports, games, crafts and lots of other fun activities in Ages 7-18 the safe, secluded environment of the Hacienda de las Flores! Full day and half day options. Extended care and daily rates also available! iDTech.com Dates: June 23-Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: (925) 888-7045 1-888-709-TECH (8324) Website: www.moraga.ca.us The Lamorinda Weekly Summer Camp listings are not paid advertising. 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 for errors or omissions. You may download our Summer Camp Guide: www.lamorindaweekly.com CAL camps.berkeley.edu 510 643 2267 amorinda LOUR HOMES Lamorinda Weekly Volume 08 Issue 1 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 The Home Designer ...read on page E8 Where Good Fences Make Good Neighbors A peek inside Lamorinda’s gated communities By Cathy Dausman Although Baywood lies in unincorporated Contra Costa County land, its houses bear a Lafayette address and its children attend Lafayette schools. Photo Cathy Dausman amorinda residents often and easily cross civic boundaries for er- Road, abutting Briones Regional Park land. Resident Ron Rothenberg de- rands, schools, meals and shopping but there are still a few residen- scribes the homes as “traditional East Coast style.” Rothenberg and his wife, Ltial areas where access is limited. These are Lamorinda’s gated Susan, both realtors, moved to Baywood 20 years ago to raise their two sons. communities. For those on the outside looking in, here’s a neighborhood The couple was drawn there because theysensed “a real closeness” among its primer: residents. Both generations have since developed best friends inside Baywood Baywood lies just north and outside Lafayette city limits off Reliez Valley gates. ...continued on page E4 Page: E2 OUR HOMES Wed., March 12, 2014 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: Call me at 925 597 1573 LAFAYETTE 8 $500,000 $1,845,000 MORAGA 5 $375,000 $679,000 [email protected] ORINDA 5 $720,000 $2,110,000 CalBRE#01390784 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oakland real estate information company. Sale prices are computed from the county transfer tax in- formation 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 959 4th Street, $910,000, 3 Bdrms, 1079 SqFt, 1938 YrBlt, 2-11-14; THREE OUTSTANDING HOMES FOR SALE Previous Sale: $776,000, 05-28-10 112 Haslemere Court, $690,000, 3 Bdrms, 1638 SqFt, 1988 YrBlt, 1-28-14; 588 Dalewood Dr, Orinda, $1,798,000 Previous Sale: $248,500, 05-03-88 Orinda Downs Shangri La 917 Hough Avenue #2, $500,000, 2 Bdrms, 1038 SqFt, 1969 YrBlt, 1-30-14; Must see this Previous Sale: $515,000, 05-11-05 enchanting residence 3279 Mt. Diablo Court #5, $605,000, 3 Bdrms, 1684 SqFt, 1987 YrBlt, 2-7-14; with tranquil setting Previous Sale: $219,500, 06-14-94 on over-sized lot with 3279 Mt. Diablo Court #7, $510,000, 2 Bdrms, 1697 SqFt, 1987 YrBlt, 2-7-14; expansive playful flat Previous Sale: $355,000, 06-14-11 areas. 3550 Springhill Road, $1,845,000, 5 Bdrms, 3028 SqFt, 1945 YrBlt, 1-30-14; 588DalewoodDr.com Previous Sale: $1,250,000, 04-10-06 4060 Fiora Place, Lafayette, $998,000 3290 Sweet Drive, $1,450,000, 4 Bdrms, 2873 SqFt, 1951 YrBlt, 2-13-14; Romantic Retreat in Hidden Valley Previous Sale: $500,000, 06-25-07 You are 3642 Walnut Street, $681,000, 2 Bdrms, 986 SqFt, 1941 YrBlt, 2-7-14; invited to Previous Sale: $260,000, 12-03-92 view this MORAGA charming 119 Ascot Court #2, $375,000, 2 Bdrms, 1140 SqFt, 1970 YrBlt, 2-10-14; ranch style home with park Previous Sale: $170,000, 11-20-98 like yard including fish pond 1040 Bollinger Canyon, $450,000, 1515 SqFt, 1953 YrBlt, 1-28-14 and seductive redwood 1515 Camino Peral #C, $460,000, 2 Bdrms, 1428 SqFt, 1970 YrBlt, 1-27-14; grove. 4060FioraPl.com Previous Sale: $140,000, 08-04-88 732 Moraga Road, $679,000, 3 Bdrms, 1589 SqFt, 1960 YrBlt, 2-6-14; 1354 Meadow Glen Way, Concord, $499,000 Previous Sale: $134,000, 08-27-98 Rare Find in Turtle Creek 137 Via Joaquin #34, $645,000, 2 Bdrms, 1921 SqFt, 1980 YrBlt, 2-12-14; Experience resort Previous Sale: $570,000, 09-29-10 style living in this ORINDA opulent 3 bed/2 75 Barbara Road, $720,000, 2 Bdrms, 1796 SqFt, 1976 YrBlt, 2-7-14; baths plus office home with Previous Sale: $275,000, 10-07-99 enclosed spa and 68 La Cuesta Road, $1,171,000, 4 Bdrms, 3610 SqFt, 1984 YrBlt, 2-11-14; barbeque area. Previous Sale: $435,000, 09-19-85 38 Los Altos Road, $2,110,000, 3 Bdrms, 3799 SqFt, 1970 YrBlt, 1-24-14; EXCELLENT TIME to take advantage of strong Previous Sale: $1,330,000, 09-14-12 111 Van Ripper Lane, $843,000, 4 Bdrms, 1996 SqFt, 1950 YrBlt, 2-3-14; demand to get the highest possible price on your Previous Sale: $750,000, 05-05-04 home and buy something else while interest rates 51 Van Ripper Lane, $1,150,000, 3 Bdrms, 1671 SqFt, 1953 YrBlt, 1-29-14; are still low. They started to go up. Previous Sale: $1,139,500, 11-30-07 If I had a Buyer for your home would you sell it? VLATKA CAN HELP YOU WITH BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME. Reach 60,000+ in Lamorinda Advertise in Lamorinda Weekly WWW.BESTLAMORINDAHOMES.COM Call 925-377-0977 today We print and deliver 26,000 copies every other week. ©2014 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 STILL #1 FOR A REASON 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Contra Costa’s Best Just Listed! Easy to Show! Open Sun. 1-4 3470 La Caminita, Lafayette 1152 Brown Avenue, Lafayette 59 Cedar Terrace, Orinda Offered at $3,475,000 Offered at $2,775,000 Offered at $2,385,000 LaCaminitaEstateProperty.com 1152BrownAve.com 59Cedar.com Easy to Show! Easy to Show! Coming Soon! 1985 Marion Court, Lafayette 1812 Newcastle Court, Walnut Creek 70 Ridgecrest Court, Lafayette Offered at $2,345,000 Offered at $1,965,000 Call for Price 1985MarionCt.com 1812NewcastleCourt.com 70RidgecrestCourt.com &334*@8)&I@8D/*F@.*?*F86)*=+C36*F3/?@/6-?! Dana Green 925.339.1918 License #: 01482454 DanaGreenTeam.com Page: E4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Where Good Fences Make Good Neighbors ... continued from page E1 Olympic Oaks in Lafayette Unincorporated though it is, Rothenberg said Baywood remains “Lafayette cen- tric” through its shared police and fire service providers (Contra Costa County Sheriff and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, or ConFire) and Lafayette school district affiliation. Baywood residents are justminutes by car from Walnut Creek, Pleas- ant Hill and Martinez, and the community maintains a “very active” yet “fair and benign” Sky Hy Ranch, as seen from Moraga Road. homeowners’ association, said Rothenberg. That HOA administers common areas, provides upkeep on Baywood’s private streets and mailboxes, and maintains liability insurance. While Baywood “has always been gated,” Rothenberg said the gate simply “wasn’t a factor” in making the decision to move there. “The real ppeala was aesthetic,” he said. Olympic Oaks homes line the south side of Lafayette’s Olympic Boulevard at the foot of Pleasant Hill Road. Although these well-built homes back to a busy inter- section, they offer easy access to Highway 24 and Walnut Creek, great curb appeal and floor plans with three or four bedrooms andmultiple bathrooms. Home sizes range from 2,300 to 2,700 square feet. The predominantly shake-sided homes give Olympic Oaks community a “Northeast feel,” realtor Diane Reilly said. Many homes also feature a detached “cottage” room for in-laws or an au pair, she added. Lafayette’s Sky Hy Ranch is a gated community of 28 custom-built homes sitting just below the crest of Moraga Road. “Many drivers pass by every day not knowing of its Sky Hy residents straddle the hillside between Lafayette and Moraga. Its high existence,” said Reilly. Lafayette Historical Society’s website explains that Sky Hy’s original school students attend Campolindo. ranch was a Spanish-style home custom built in 1941 and owned by Judge O.D. Hamlin. Hamlin originally had a cabin on what was then a 200-acre parcel of land his family owned since 1871. A developer purchased 45 acres of land from Hamlin and sold lots to others to build custom spec homes between 1974 and 1980. Sky Hy children attend GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY Lafayette Elementary School, StanleyMiddle School and Campolindo High School. Greg Wolff, Lafayette’s senior planner, saidthe city does not have a policy on gated Katie Larsen Auto • Home • Life communities in its municipal code and that the city “is largely built-out,” explaining most Business Agent subdivisions at this stage would be smaller infill. “The Planning Commission would eval- Workers Compensation uate homes on those new lots for compatibility with the existing neighborhood,” he said. Larsen Insurance Agency Lafayette Northridge, with just 13 homes, is the smallest of the gated communities Lam- orinda Weekly explored. Its north hillside location overlooks Highway 24 and the 3746 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 110 Lafayette Reservoir can be seen in the distance from the entry gates. Northridge was Lafayette rezoned and approved for subdivision in 1980, said Wolff. Calls to the Northridge Phone: (415)665-2955 or (925)962-9065 homeowners’ association representative were unanswered. [email protected] ... continued on page E6 This is just part of the picture when you buy or sell in Lafayette. In the Heart of it All… Entertainer’s Delight! Rare, Elegant Townhome! Tuscan Fusion with the “California Lifestyle”! New Listing Down-size from Lamorinda Coming Soon 1090 Leland Drive, Lafayette 363 Beacon Ridge Lane, Walnut Creek 1720 Toyon Road, Lafayette Centrally located with convenient access to This opportunity doesn’t come along often! Savor Tuscan elegance meets California living in a tranquil downtown Lafayette and Walnut Creek, this this rare, remodeled end-unit with a ground level creek-side setting within the Reliez Valley. Echoing 5BR/3.5BA, 3025± sq. ft. home features an open, entry and the master bedroom on the main level – all the meandering creek below, the trickling water inviting floor plan. An elegant palette of warm color with sweeping views of rolling Lafayette hills and the feature leads you towards the stately front door ushers you inside. Hardwood floors lead the way evening’s sunsets. With 3BR/2.5BA in 1747± sq. ft., you’ll of this 4BR/3.5BA home nestled on .94± acres. throughout the spacious interior to the kitchen and find abundant space for living and entertaining, plus Abundant windows cascade light throughout and fill great room. A fabulous backyard with patio, lawn, you’ll enjoy the wonderful amenities of the Beacon Ridge it with views of heritage oaks, while fine attention to barbeque and sport court. gated community. architectural detail offers timeless appeal. Offered at $1,395,000 Offered at $798,000 Call for Pricing Information Consistently among the top in our business, our measure of success is always Quality. Ron Rothenberg, MBA Marketing & Finance Susan Rothenberg 925.286.5530 License #: 01309986 | 00857547 TeamRothenberg.com | [email protected] Page: E6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 The Glorious Rent-Back Where Good Fences Make Good By Andi Peterson Brown Neighbors ithout a doubt, the Lamorinda real Westate market is currently a seller's ... continued from page E4 paradise (given of course that said seller prices and markets their home appropriately). Scores of qualified buyers continue to flock to open houses, inventory remains tight, and multiple offers are still the norm for most price points in our community. 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 two, three, sometimes upwards of six 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 Hot Moraga's Sanders Ranch is the only gated community to employ a gate guard Market Catch-22: the glorious rent-back. A rent-back is a contractual term that allows a Sanders Ranch was originally a working ranch, and a few private drives serving more than one house. In fact, seller to remain in the home as tenant after is the only gated community within the Town of Moraga. during development talks for the Gateway area (now the closing. And just why is this rent-back so glorious? Because it buys the seller time. It is also the only community to have a security guard at its known as Wilder) Ursu said “the city specifically requested Essential, priceless time. Knowing there's an entrance. Many of its first residents were Moraga families that it not be gated.” And last year, the Orinda City Council option available that provides some who sold their older home to "move up" to a newer home, even decided to remove an existing Emergency Vehicle Ac- breathing room means that more sellers are said Reilly. She estimates the development occupies about cess gate between Knickerbocker Lane and Stein Way. "We bringing their homes to market, boosting three square miles. are not a city of gates,” said Councilmember Dean Orr. our much-needed inventory. Many sellers A total of 275 units were approved for Sanders Ranch Although each community shares a gated access, each today are getting 30, 60, even 90 day rent- in three phases, with the initial approval for the subdivision is different. And the Lamorinda population residing within backs. While eager buyers have to wait in 1981, said Kelly Clancy of the Moraga Planning Depart- represents just a tiny fraction – slightly over half of 1 per- longer to move into their new home, the well structured rent-back is usually crucial ment. About 231 acres of the development are protected cent. in writing a winning offer and thus a vital as open space. Lot sizes range from 10,000 to 40,000 While gated communities don’t loom large within component to keeping our current market square feet, and homes have three to five bedrooms. The Lamorinda, they do beckon with amenities. moving. units are a combination of single family and “patio homes” on smaller lots, Clancy added. “Harold Smith was the original developer and built most of the semi-custom homes beginning in 1983,” Reilly said. Sanders Ranch attracts many relocation transferees Real Estate Broker AndiBrownHomes.com because of the style and size of the homes and generous 925.818.4588 lots, she added. While potential buyers may feel the drive from Sanders Ranch to BART is too far, others love backing CalBRE# 01738605 up to undeveloped rolling hillsides. real local • real knowledge • real value When it comes to having built gated communities, ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Orinda is a holdout. Planning Director Emmanuel Ursu 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 said his city has no gated communities, although there are LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 ASSOCIATES ! "" REAL ESTATE www.patriciabattersby.com *+ ( ,- ( .(%+$ () !" !#$%&'## '$() $ $ % % $ %&' ( ) % ' * + , ) - . / 3 6 76 ) % % ) 9 . ' 6& 76 6 ) ) %& % % ) 6 ;6 %) + %& / 6 76 %) ) & ) % ' + )' %) % % + / 7 6 6%) %& < &% ) / / 7 / %) / %) & => % ) % ' ' ' %) % % % %& 6 ) ' 77 ? 7 % + %& @ % ) /% /% * 7 ' % ' %) 6 ( %) A ) * + %& %) %& > < % %& B ;6 ) C % / % % ' % ' D%7 %& E > / ) %&' 6 % F + G $6 H & % 6 A ) ) 6 76 )/ ) 7 ' / 7 ' & 6 ) 6& 6 I F6 ) Page: E8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 The Home Designer Dining Room S.O.S. By Brandon Neff nce the center stage for family, friends and lovers alike, these Odays the dining room has taken a back seat to more entertain- ment centric real estate in the home. As a child, I remember our dining room with its oversized oval table and compliment of wacky neoclassical caned chairs as the epi- center of life for my family. Setting the table, arranging the silverware and the stemware just so, and clearing the china and placemats was a daily ritual that seems like a lost opportunity in households today. The dining room was, for us, not just a place to replenish, but also a chamber for political debates, current events and even a competitive post dessert game of poker. Do people still use placemats? I hope so. Maybe it's just my nostalgic memories of gathering all who mat- ter for a hot meal and lively conversation that has me wondering and wistful. In this era of "great rooms" – giant all-encompassing spaces where one cooks, serves, texts and stares at the television – I am re- minded of how much is lost at the dinner hour if everyone involved is forever distracted. Retiring to a gracious spot for the purpose of connection is what I'm talking about. For me, the dining room is sanctuary – it allows you to escape, however briefly, the visual noise and static of the day and really en- gage with your tribe. It's a place to be heard over the din of cell phones, tweets, apps and tablets and really connect to those around you while sharing in a sensual and galvanizing experience. ... continued on page E10 Photos courtesy Brandon Neff Design Jim Colhoun Relocation & Home Marketing Specialist Happy St. Patrick’s Day Lets Go Find Your Pot of Gold Jim Colhoun Relocation & Home Marketing Specialist CalBRE# 01029160 www.jimcolhoun.com (925)200-2795 89 Davis Rd, Suite 100, Orinda New Listing in Moraga! 401 Birchwood Drive, Moraga 1242 Saint Charles Street, Alameda Wonderful 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with fantastic views of Las Trampas hills, Mt. Stately Gold Coast Colonial Revival built in 1904. This legendary home is embellished Diablo and Saint Mary’s College. 2948± sq. ft. of living space, featuring beautiful with elaborate architectural and period detail, stunning wood work and quarter-sawn open beam vaulted ceilings. The spacious floorplan allows for easy flow and hardwood flooring. It’s 4 levels feature a grand foyer, sweeping staircase, gorgeously enjoyment of this special home. appointed living room, ornate library, formal dining room, delicate sunroom, unique butler’s pantry, eat-in kitchen and service porch. Full basement with game room, wine Please visit www.401Birchwood.com for a virtual tour. cellar & storage rooms, plus expansive attic storage. Lovely grounds include paver patio, fountain, lush lawns and well water for irrigation. 2-car detached garage. Offered at $1,125,000 An exquisite and beloved legacy of years gone by. Offered at $2,495,000 • 1242SaintCharles.com Rob & Kathy Olson Paul & Virginia Ratto 925.788.6193 925.998.9501 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.RattoandRatto.com License # 00385275 | 01372297 License #: 00900621 | 01361537 WWW.HOLCENBERG.COM Client satisfaction: a family tradition Updated Single-Story Rancher with Level Yard ComingOpen Soon Sunday in Moraga 1-4 Wendy Holcenberg [email protected] 925.253.4630 CalBRE#00637795 Michelle Holcenberg [email protected] 925.253.4663 CalBRE#01373412 3872 Paseo Grande, Moraga Located in the Campolindo area, this updated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath single-story home has it all. The remodeled kitchen with stainless appliances opens to the family room and looks onto the level yard with lawn, patio and deck. Hardwood floors extend through the formal dining and living rooms and down the hallway to the bedrooms. The spacious master bedroom ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell features a walk-in closet and luxurious master bath. There is a newer furnace, dual-paned windows, and a large workshop off the Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing garage. Great commute location close to top-rated schools and the Campolindo Cabana Club. Offered at $1,195,000 Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 Page: E10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 The Home Designer Dining Room S.O.S. ... continued from page E8 you build it, they will come." Whether casual or formal, make it your own. Dining is an art, not a race to finish before hurrying on to something else, so make it count. If you're like most of my clients, the dining room has typically been annexed as the home office/recycling center/children's art supply repository. No. It's time to take it back. Think of this as a chance to feed your soul and provide your crew with lasting memories. Historically, the dining room was always a bit more embellished and ornate than the rest of the home. This was where theatre met food – a place to impress your guests and display your finery. Today, it's all about gracious living. Time to pull out that set of dishes you've been waiting to use for only "special" occasions. What are you waiting for? Live a little. What could be more special than family dinner? Here are a few of my favorite tips to get you started and on your way toward rediscovering the art of dining: Typically, soft lighting, comfortable seating, inspiring decor and a generous communal table are the order of the day. Regardless of your own style – classic or industrial, vintage or mod – when designing a dining room look for elements that are slightly more magical and theatrical. Remember, it's not a room you'll be spending all day in, so have some fun with it. Going a little over the top can yield great results. Color, pattern, scale and drama are key elements to creating a successful dining room. This is the place for that statement chandelier, or those lengths of silk draperies. Exotic wallpaper, or a grand mirror can make your dining room an oasis. With minimal furnishings – table, chairs and a server – the opportunity for express- ing your unique personality can be limited, so make every element interesting. Look for ways to add interest from ceiling to floors. Chunky crown moulding, a tinted ceiling color, wainscoting or an interesting pair of sconces are all ways you can add style even in a small space. Consider a round table - more congenial for conversation with larger groups. I like tables with center, pedestal bases - keeps the area around the table clear for legs to stretch. If you're limited on square footage, go for a banquette. Built into a cozy corner space, a banquette offers all the charm and intimacy of a chic urban bistro, and en- courages community. Break up that set – try mixing a pair of "host" chairs (typically armchairs in a grander scale), with side chairs of a differentstyle. And, for interest, mix the uphol- stery or finish. I love the look of a casual farm table flanked by painted French Louis chairs, or a set of Thonet bentwood chairs – two classic silhouettes that mix well in a variety Trust me, the world with all its likes and comments will still be there long after you've of settings. finished clearing the table. Install a dimmer – this is essential. Light control is mandatory in a dining room. I often ask, "How did we ever survive as a society without all this technology No one wants to feel like they're eating in a hospital cafeteria, so harness the over- and distraction?" Just fine, thank you. head light. For extra credit add a few votive candles – you can thank me later. Here's my challenge: reconnect. Begin by creating a dining room that both Rituals build closeness. What could be better than enjoying great food with soothes your senses and offers a sacred place to catch your breath. I like to say, "If the ones you love in a space made for building memories? Wednesday, March 12, 2014 OUR HOMES Page: E11 Look WHAT JUST GOT ADDED TO my list 81 MOSSBRIDGE - new listing 171 CAMINO PABLO - open Sunday 18 CHARLES HILL - pending 17 TAPPAN LANE - tour it For more great ideas and inspiration sign up for my design newsletter. Simply drop me an email at Good things are happening [email protected]. in the 94563! AMYROSESMITH Brandon Neff is a Bay Area based Amy Rose Smith Phone: 925.212.3897 Village Associates Email: [email protected] Interior Designer. 93 Moraga Way Web: www.amyrosesmith.com Suite 103 Web: www.iloveorinda.com He can be reached at Orinda, CA 94563 BRE: #01855959 BrandonNeffDesign.com or at [email protected]. Page: E12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Digging Deep-Gardening with Cynthia Brian Singing in the Rain! “Spring is nature's way of saying, ‘Let's party!’” – Robin Williams ith the imminent drought high on the radar, garden writers from around the WBay Area were invited for a private tour of the Ruth Bancroft Garden (http://www.ruthban- croftgarden.org/) in Walnut Creek to be reac- quainted with the beauty of drought tolerant plantings. As Mother Nature would have it, on the day of this special excursion, the skies exploded and the rain came tumbling down. Only six writers, in- cluding myself, braved the wind, cold, and drenching downpour. Clad in my hot pink fluorescent rain coat and boots, I slipped, sloshed, and slid amidst the mud and the puddles admiring the vision and design of the vibrant 106-year-young Ruth. Echeverias, yuccas, agaves, aloes, cacti, gasterias, sedums, pines, palms, and eucalyptus glistened in their watery beds adding vibrant strokes of color, texture, and pattern to an otherwise dreary day. As I danced in the much welcomed rain, the thought of returning to the days of water rationing when the mantra was “if it’s yellow let it mellow and if it’s brown flush it down” haunted me. With the winter hibernation over, our gardens awake from their winter slumber. For a gardener, this time of year normally proclaims the perpetual party of planning, preparing, and planting. But with irrigation availabil- ity as a major concern, we need to look at ways that we can save our landscape while conserving water. Seventy percent of our planet Earth is covered in water, although less than 4 percent is fresh and only 1 percent is potable. Water is a precious com- modity and a drought is a gardener’s worst night- mare. But exactly what defines a drought? According to the United States Geological Survey, a drought is defined as “a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems, ... the flow of streams and rivers declines, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall, and the depth to water in wells in- creases. If dry weather persists and water-supply problems develop, the dry period can become a drought.” ... continued on next page This cycad at the Ruth Bancroft Garden thrives in dry conditions. (Encephalartos horridus) Photos Cynthia Brian Wednesday, March 12, 2014 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com OUR HOMES LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: E13 Succulents are attractive. A ruffled echeveria gibbiflora resembles a fleshy red lettuce. Snake plants add height, visual interest, and texture with little water requirements. We could decide to turn off the spigot but allowing our gardens to go dry will have negative ramifications including loss of property values, increased heat around our homes, physical and psychological health benefit reductions, loss of recreational activities, decreased air quality, and a larger carbon footprint as we stop growing edibles in our backyards. Since we can’t change the weather, we need to change how we respond to it. In my two-part series, I offer my suggestions to help your garden survive the impending dry season without a water bill that breaks the bank. A low maintenance beauty that requires little water is sedum shown here in bloom. Page: E14 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Part 1-Drought Gardening Series Preparing for the Drought: CHECK FOR LEAKS Make sure that your outside pipes are insulated against freezing. When water freezes it expands and pipes often burst. Even a tiny 1/8 crack could spew 250 gallons of water per day. If you witness wet spots, water running along driveways, or puddles, investigate for a leak. Check hose bibs for drips, replace washers, and routinely inspect automatic sprinklers and connections. AMEND THE SOIL The foundation of every garden is the soil. The ideal soil drains quickly while storing water. For drought toleration, add several inches of rich, organic compost to encourage deep root formation while trapping moisture. Make your own compost by adding kitchen scraps, egg shells, coffee grinds, tea leaves, shredded newspaper, leaves, lawn clippings, fish bones, aged manure, non-diseased weeds, and other organic matterto a bin or pile. Do not use human, dog, or cat feces. Don’t disturb the lower levels of the ground to allow worms and micro-bacteria to do their jobs of aerating and feeding the earth. In a drought, double and triple digging techniques are not recommended. WATER WELL To stay healthy, most plants need at least one inch of moisture per week. The best way to save your plants as well as conserve aterw is to water deeply and infrequently. The penetration of the water encourages deeper roots that are moreresistant to drought conditions. A good rule of thumb is to water until the dirt has a hint of shine. Lawns and bedding plants require a drink to a depth of 6 inches while perennials, trees, and shrubs need closer to 12. Plan to irrigate either early in the morning or evening when absorption will be maximized and evaporation minimized. Just as humans rejuvenate from a good night’s rest, plants do most of their growing at night. Traditional overhead sprinklers can lose half of their effectiveness to evaporation, run-off, and overspray. Drip and soaker hoses are the best bets for deep soaking to the root zone. Soaker hoses may be covered with mulch making them invisible. When water is restricted prioritize rationing by watering: 1. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials. 2. Newly seeded or repaired lawns. 3. Plants exposed on windy sites or in sandy soils. 4. Vegetables that are flowering. MULCH Three inches of mulch will insulate your plants from the heat, cold, and elements. Lic.: #611120 Mulch keeps the ground cooler, maximizes water retention, reduces evaporation, and & Landscaping improves the appearance of your landscape. Mulch includes pine needles, straw, leaves, Family owned in Moraga since 1987 wood chips, bark, and even gravel. As it decomposes it becomes compost and enriches Your friendly neighborhood the soil. When that happens, it is time for a new top layer of the mulch of your choice. arborists Darren and Lew Edwards IT’S TIME TO PRUNE YOUR PINE TREES WEED Weeds steal moisture and nutrition from neighboring plants. Pull or cut down un- With current winter drought conditions home owners need to make sure to water their trees too. Lack of water brings bugs and diseases. Proper pruning is also essential this time of wanted weeds. year for your Pine trees. Bark Beetles can infest your tree when it is weak from lack of STOP FERTILIZING water or due to sap that comes from pruning in the spring and summer; these beetles are dormant during the fall and winter months. Beetles also can carry diseases from tree to tree, If you plan to fertilize this season do it now while the weather is still cooler and dew and the only way to stop them is to prevent them by having a healthy tree in the first place. is apparent. Feeding while it is raining is the best prescription for plant wellness. If So don’t wait until it’s too late have a complete inspection you fertilize without sufficient water, the roots will burn and the plants will die. Fer- by a Certified Arborist at Advance Tree Service tilizing encourages new growth and new growth will stress your already stressed spec- imens. As the weather warms, refrain from fertilizing again until rain is forthcoming. Advance Tree Service Your Authority on Trees and Landscape. These tips will get you started. Next month, I’ll provide additional information on 925-376-6528 surviving and thriving during a drought. And if Mother Nature decides to extend the [email protected] www.advancetree.com party, perhaps we’ll still be singing in the rain. Follow us on Twitter (advancetree) and like us on Face Book To receive a complimentary list of drought resistant plants by email, contact (ADVANCETREESERVICEANDLANDSCAPINGINC.) [email protected]. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com OUR HOMES LAMORINDA WEEKLY Pag e: E15 Cynthia Brian’s Mid-Month Reminders • DEFINE property boundaries and create curb appeal with flowering shrubs. Numerous new varieties of hydrangea are a good choice, including compact sizes like Strawberry Sundae. • POUR chamomile tea around the base of newly planted seedlings to eliminate fungus growth. • DISPLAY fallen camellias on a hedge, ledge, or pathway for outside interest that are not pretty enough to float in a vase, but not rotten enough to toss in the compost bin. As the camellias wilt, dispose of them. • EXPLORE the San Francisco Home and Garden Show March 19-23 and experience the exhibits, edibles, flowers, market, and kids’ gardens (www.sfgardenshow.com). • FERTILIZE hungry lawns to strengthen roots, resist cold, heat, and high traffic when weather is wet. This feeding will help combat stress of drought. • PRUNE fig trees and grapevines. Dry the branches and cuttings to use in your smoker or barbecue this summer to add interesting flavors to your grilled specialties. • VISIT The Secret Garden at Macy’s Union Square Sunday, March 23-April 6 for a floral wonderland with flowering fashion shows and children’s activities. family owned since 1933 Think green. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Happy Gardening, Happy Growing. Water Conservation in the Garden Workshop Presented by EBMUD Saturday March 22, 10:00 am Please RSVP DESIGN e Rid INSTALLATION lu g ©2014 IRRIGATION B e Cynthia Brian DRAINAGE STONEWORK The Goddess Gardener CONCRETE WORK [email protected] DECKS 925-258-9233 http://www.GoddessGardener.com FENCES cell: 510-847-6160 925-377-7827 PATIOS Landscape Company Inc. Cynthia is available as a speaker and consultant. LAWNS PONDS Blue Jay Feldman LICENSED CLEANUP & OWNER/OPERATOR INSURED HAULING www.blueridgelc.com Lic# 818633 Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE New Price Pending New Listing 119 Moraga Way Fabulous 8 La Campana Super clean & ready 9 Las Piedras Picturesque private 60 Davis Road Elegant, traditional, THE VILLAGE location by downtown Orinda. one level living w/ 3bd/2ba, floor to 6bd/3ba home in park like setting yet very comfortable 4+bd/3.5ba, 3346sf Classic ranch w/sparkling high-end ceiling windows and lots of light. Easy w/panoramic views, level lawn & pool. home set in a .75 ac private setting. ASSOCIATES: remodel incl. Great Rm, gourmet access outside. New Kitchen. Special 3745sf classic custom w/vaulted ceils, Formal living & dining rms, large kitchen kitchen & baths, bamboo floors, dual setting, great high-end street, set for walls of wndws, hardwood flrs, den, w/breakfast area & fantastic courtyard for Ashley Battersby pane windows. 3bd/2ba. Large private occupancy. workout rm, FR & well-appointed indr/outdr livability. Patricia Battersby lot w/ level area. $810,000 $865,000 kitchen. $1,349,000 $1,350,000 Joan Cleveland Shannon Conner ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA Joan Eggers Linda Ehrich Joan Evans Linda S. Friedman Marianne Greene Dexter Honens II New Listing New Listing Anne Knight 89 Tarry Lane Wonderful Sleepy 18 Mira Loma ‘Classic Orinda’ 30 Dias Dorados Stunning 1 Camino del Cielo Susan Zeh Layng Hollow location on .78 acre with Spanish home circa 1930 offering formal 5bd/3.5ba, 3333sf contemporary on Sophisticated and stylish 4900+ Art Lehman 3bd/2ba, 1711 sq. ft., hardwood living, dining & family rooms, w/ .57ac; updated eat-in kitchen w/stainless square foot newer construction Charles Levine floors, large living room, family off approx. 2546 sf on two levels. Located & granite; LR & DR; fam rm; hot tub with four bedrooms plus office, Erin Martin kitchen, knoll setting. Views of the across the street from the Club’s 18th sauna, dual panes; stone patio & three and one half baths, decks and April Matthews surrounding ‘Hollow’ hills. fairway, pools and lower tennis courts. wonderful indr/outdr living spaces. views. $1,395,000 $1,450,000 $1,495,000 $1,588,000 Karen Murphy Ben Olsen ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA MORAGA Sue Olsen Tara Rochlin Jaime Roder Altie Schmitt Judy Schoenrock Ann Sharf New Listing Pending New Listing New Listing Amy Rose Smith 17 Tappan Lane Vistas across 18 Charles Hill Road Extensively 11 Scenic Drive Gorgeous 24 Carr Drive Updated Inside & Molly Smith Orinda come alive from all rooms of remodeled Spanish home w/apx. 4000 4bd/3.5ba, 4695sf single-story Orinda Out 4bd/3ba home. Designer kitchen Jeff Snell this spacious 4,155 sf with 6 bd/4 ba sf, 4bd/3.5ba, on .67 ac. Chef’s kit, estate on .64ac lot w/exceptional style & baths, new siding, roof, gutters. Lynda Snell & 2 half ba. High ceilings & light & deluxe master, media rm, wine cellar. & quality; LR & DR; office; showplace Dual pane windows & hardwood on Clark Thompson bright. Perfect for fun in the sun w/ Indr/outdr living areas w/ patios, kitchen/dining/fam rm; 1bd/1ba guest the main floor. New carpet in Angie Evans Traxinger yards, decks, pool, & vineyard on balconies & grassy lawns. Top-rated home; solar heated pool & large patio. master. 1.15 ac. $2,389,000 schools. $2,425,000 $2,998,000 $1,195,000 Ignacio Vega Terri Bates Walker MORAGA LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE Ann Ward Dan Weil Margaret Zucker New Listing New Listing New Listing 1320 Bollinger Canyon Rarely 3290 Springhill Road 971 Pleasant Hill Road Light & airy 1322 Martino Road Sophisticated available Bollinger Canyon two acre Cute Marchant 1576 sf rancher on contemporary home on private .50 ac Mt. rancher totally remodeled from top to property; 5 bedroom/ 5 bathrooms; level .6 acre. Dual panes, hardwood Diablo view lot. 4 spacious bd & 3.5 ba bottom a few yrs ago. Tucked away on 4489 square feet with 5 car garage; 2 floors, updated kitchen, close to incl. 2 mstr stes. Updated kit. w/brkfst bar. desirable priv. street in Springhill Valley. facebook.com/VillageAssociates master suites + aupair/ inlaw; everything. Large LR&DR. Huge mstr ste w/priv. Set on .48ac w/lawns, fruit trees, patios. beautifully landscaped light & bright deck, ofc area, 2 car attached gar. Exq. remodeled kit. Walk to schls. twitter.com/villageassoc lot! $1,345,000 $899,950 $995,000 $1,195,000 93 Moraga Way, Suite 103 • Orinda, CA 94563 • Phone: (925) 254-0505 Visit www.villageassociates.com Click on Sunday Open Homes