The Orinda News Gratis Published by The Orinda Association 12 Issues Annually Volume 28, Number 6 Delivered to 9,000 Households and Businesses in Orinda June 2013

City Listens to Residents and Asks City Council Recognizes Miramonte Student for Heroism for Extension from ABAG By SALLY HOGARTY to outline how Bay Area communities can Editor accommodate increased population over the next 25 years. While ABAG has been he Orinda Library Auditorium over- working on regional housing need alloca- Tflowed with residents of Orinda and tion since the 1980s, Plan Bay Area resulted nearby communities as approximately from California Senate Bill 375, “The 200 people attended the City Council’s California Sustainable Communities and special meeting on May 13. The meeting Climate Protection act of 2008.” The bill was called to receive public comment on seeks to reduce green house gas emissions from cars and light trucks by locating new housing near transit hubs. A major component of the plan involves each community providing housing for its various economic segments. Orinda’s hous- ing allocation for 2014-2022 is 70 units (very low income); 48 units (low income); 55 (moderate income) and 45 (above mod- SALLY HOGARTY erate). The Eden Senior Housing project on On May 7, the Orinda City Council recognized Will Gittings for receiving the Boy Scouts of America Orinda Way, currently in construction, will Act of Heroism Award. Gittings received the award for his quick thinking and first aid when a young girl accidentally put her hand through a glass door resulting in a very deep six-inch gash in her arm. provide 66 of the low-income units with the Thanks to Gittings quick thinking, pressure was applied to the wound, the girl was kept calm and Orinda Grove project on Altarinda Rd. pro- did not go into shock, and the paramedics were summoned. viding eight units in the moderate-income range and 65 in the above moderate range. Additional housing projects for Orinda Lights Go Out in Park But the are in various stages of approval. The City Council also approved mother-in-law units Show Goes On under 750 sq. ft. or up to 1250 sq. ft. for SALLY HOGARTY multi-parcels that could be included in Herb Brown spoke at both the May 7 and May 13 meeting. He's concerned that Plan Bay Area will Orinda’s housing units. change Orinda adversely. Plan Bay Area also designates Primary Development Areas (PDAs). These higher the controversial Plan Bay Area. The meet- density-housing designations encourage ing resulted from the regular City Council growth near existing or planned transit, meeting on May 7, in which many residents such as BART or comparable bus service. spoke during the public forum requesting The detailed Plan Bay Area was released that the item be put on the agenda before on March 22 with a lengthy Draft Environ- the plan’s comment deadline on May 16. mental Impact Review (DEIR) released on April 2. ABAG and MTC held a number Background of public meetings during April and early Released by the Association of Bay Area May to obtain public comment, which was Governments (ABAG) and the Metro- [See plan page 18] politan Transportation Commission (MTC) after a three-year process, the plan attempts Orinda's New Top Cop SALLY HOGARTY Director Geotty Chapple (far left) leads a rehearsal of Starlight Village Players before the sun goes down. (L-R) Mark Holobetz, Claire Stevenson, Laura Martin-Chapin and Marian Simpson. IN THIS ISSUE covered that the original electrical service, News By SALLY HOGARTY which provided power to light the tennis EBMUD Rates 9 Editor courts, pathways and amphitheater, was Pilot Parking Plan 9 artners coming to the Orinda Com- connected from Irwin Way through the Police Blotter 5 munity Center park for their weekly property at 2 Irwin Way (old library). When Around Town P tennis game, young families hoping to catch construction started, the electricity to the Fundraisers 5, 19 their offspring in cute poses on the play park was disconnected. Local Businesses 22 structures, and the Orinda Starlight Village “We received PG&E’s approval of the Performing/Visual Arts 2, 10, 11, Players assembling at the amphitheater to plans for the new connection at the end 13, 21 begin rehearsals – these slightly disparate of February,” says Parks and Recreation Schools/Students 12, 15, 19 groups all have something very much in director Michelle Lacy. “We put the project Seniors 17, 20 common – no lights! out to bid, and the City Council approved Between the Lines 6 As construction got underway at the Columbia Electric of San Leandro at its Business Buzz 24 location of the new senior housing at the May 7 meeting. I hope to have a construc- Calendar 21 old library site, the city and contractor dis- [See lights page 18] Car Time 7 Classified 20 CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Lt. Scott Haggard took over duties as Orinda's Editorial 4 Chief of Police on May 16. Haggard began with Everyday Changes 8 the Contra Costa Sheriff's Department in 1996 Orinda Association 3 and has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.

Something to Howl About 14 He replaces former Chief Jeff Jennings who

recently retired after 21 years of service.

ECRWSS

Permit No. 4 No. Permit

Postal Customer Customer Postal Orinda, CA Orinda,

PAID

U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT 2 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Visual Arts Art Ambassadors Award Ceremony

he seventh annual Art Ambassador TAwards Ceremony and Reception was held at the Orinda Library Gallery on April 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. Light refreshments and entertainment were provided including a scene performed by Bulldog Theater stu- dents, jazz performed by Mr. Maz’s music students and instrumental music courtesy of David Uyeno’s fourth and fifth grad- ers. Student artwork comprised of at least one piece from every OUSD art studio in grades 1-8 was showcased. The Orinda Arts Council supports the program by providing funding to display the artwork, as well as participant certificates and ribbons for each of the 200 student artists. HILLeRY PATERSoN – Elana O’Loskey Charlie and Matthew had their art work in the Art RITA SKLAR Ambassadors show at the Orinda Library. Rita Sklar's Winged Migration in Black and White won the Award of Distinction from National Museum of Women in the Arts. Rita Sklar Wins National Award

By ELANA O’LOSKEY Rita Sklar as their Award of Distinction Staff Writer winner. The selection was made from the six winners of the national American As- ational Museum of Women in the Arts sociation of University Women’s (AAUW) N(NMWA) founder Wilhelmina Hol- Annual Art Contest chosen from over 140 laday and NMWA director Susan Fisher entries around the country. All six winning Sterling selected the 15” x 22” watercolor artworks will be made into note cards which Winged Migration in Black and White by [See Sklar page 8] East Bay Women Artists Are Mixing It Up

By ELANA O’LOSKEY Staff Writer

he June Gallery beckons us to immerse Tourselves in the colors and vistas of summertime courtesy of East Bay Women Artists (EBWA) from June 2-31. Eight members of the group will be showing over 50 artworks including acrylic and oil paintings, watercolors, mixed media, photography, basketry, etchings and pastels. Their theme, Mixing It Up, refers to the NANCY POLLOCK Nancy Pollock's oil painting Dialogue is part of the diversity of their styles, media and subjects. East Bay Women Artists' show in June. EBWA began as an offshoot of San Fran- cisco Women Artists, which dates from the lifetime supporter of women artists; one 1880s (www.sfwomenartists.org). East Bay of her paintings will be on display to com- women who attended the San Francisco memorate her life’s work. group wanted a venue closer to home to Norma Anderson Fox of Oakland is show their artwork, although many show showing basketry and etchings (www. nationally and internationally. Founders nordic5arts.com); Lorraine M. Bruce of of the group include Gwen Halpin, Lynda Alameda is showing acrylic and oil paint- Robinson and the late Virginia Dorn of ings (http://lmbruce.com) ; Gwen Halpin Orinda. Dorn was a respected artist and [See gallery page 8] The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 3 Orinda association

A Message From the OA President The 4th of July Volunteer Team Volunteers Make it Happen! Co-Chairs Chris Laszcz-Davis and Bill Waterman thank their dedicated group of volunteers without whose help the July 4 parade and celebration would not be possible! Bill Waterman Andrew Radlow Marie Waterman Bill Cosden Mark Roberts Bobbie Landers Matthew Rana he Orinda Association’s board, gener- The parade (starting at 10 a.m.) has a Bruce Burrows Michelle Lacey ously supported by numerous volun- cross-section of our many volunteer com- T Cindy Powell Paul Dew teers, is now organizing our “30th Lam- munity groups, including the five area Isela Barels Richard Westin orinda July 4th Parade and Celebration,” Rotary Clubs, the Orinda and Lafayette Jan Cushman Ron Melvin an example of the power of collaborative Chambers of Commerce, local Boy Scout Jay Lifson Sally Hogarty effort. If the word “volunteer” signifies troops, the very active swim clubs and Jim Arth Steve Harwood people who offer to perform voluntary sports teams, students from our pre-schools Jim Lautz Steve Meagher services for others, then this celebration is through Miramonte, music supplied by the Jim Luini Steve Stahle a prime example of the powerful impact the Pick-up Marching Band as well as Lamor- Joe Haughin Suzanne Tom efforts of many volunteers can have. inda Idol and EFO Band, and participation John Fazel Timi Rana This year’s event is only possible be- from the Orinda Classic Car Show. Lisa Burlini cause of the efforts of many committed Our park celebration (starting at 11:30 volunteers. It begins with the OA’s Board, a.m.) consists of some 20-plus community The July 4th committee would also like to thank Title Sponsors Orinda Motors which takes responsibility for organizing non-profit groups’ tables, kids’ activities and Mechanics Bank, plus the Orinda Community Foundation for their repeated all aspects of the event. Financial support sponsored by Orinda Juniors and parents’ financial support as well as the City of Orinda, especially Orinda Parks & Recreation is generously provided by the Orinda Com- clubs, food booths sponsored by local res- Foundation, Public Works and the Orinda Police Department. munity Foundation and Parks & Recreation taurants and non-profits, plus music! Foundation, aided by the support of the title This year, the OA is asking for more sponsors, Orinda Motors and Mechanics volunteer assistance: Bank. But our events are run by many Larger group entrants in the parade are volunteers: being asked to have one person assist for a Our fun run (starting at 8 a.m.) is orga- few hours during the parade – helping with nized by The Roadrunners. Suzanne Tom crowd control and safety. organizes Haley’s Run for a Reason. Families can sponsor a U.S. flag (for Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club will only $50), or sponsor a kids’ activity (for put on the Pancake Breakfast (7:30 a.m. only $250); details are on the OA’s website to 10 a.m.). under “sponsorship.” Our flag raising (at 7:55 a.m.) is su- So on behalf of the OA, I’d like to thank pervised by our veterans and assisted by all of our community groups and volunteers Scouts. for helping out – your passionate support makes all the difference! Orinda Association Announces The Orinda Association The Orinda Association is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to: Youth Contests for July 4 • Maintaining and improving the quality of life in Orinda; pher • Promoting awareness and discussion of By BILL WATERMAN issues that are important to the community; OA President Contest winners from each of two age • Encouraging and recognizing volunteer ef- groups will be selected based on content forts to enhance the beauty, character, and his year, the Orinda Association (OA) of submission following the event. security of Orinda. Twill host three different contests for This contest is for any youth in two age P.O. Box 97 youth surrounding the July 4 events: groups (8 to 12 and 13 to 18). 26 Orinda Way (Lower Level Library) Submit up to 10 photos or 30 second Orinda, California 94563 Youth July 4 Parade Announcer video to OA office (oa@orindaassociation. Phone: 254-0800 Fax: 254-8312 www.orindaassociation.org Two contest winners will be selected at org) by July 7. random and will assist parade announcer Winner’s submission will be included in OFFICERS with pre-parade announcements, from ap- August issue of The Orinda News. President Bill Waterman Treasurer Stephen Stahle proximately 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. just before Secretary Alison Dew the start of the July 4th parade in Orinda. Youth July 4 Reporter: Membership Jim Luini This contest is for any youth ages 8 to Contest winners from each of two age BOARD MEMBERS 18. groups will be selected based on content of Joe Haughin Submit your name via email to the OA written submission following event. Chris Laszcz-Davis office by June 25th (to oa@orindaassocia- This contest is for any youth in two age Cindy Powell tion.org). Include your full name, address groups (8 to 12 and 13 to 18). Isela Barels and phone number and meet with parade Submit a written report on the July 4 announcer one to four days before event. parade and park celebration, up to 250 Coverage will be in August issue of The words, by July 7 to the OA office (oa@ Orinda News. orindaassociation.org). Winner’s submission will be included in Show Your Spirit by Youth July 4 Photographer/Videogra- August issue of The Orinda News. Sponsoring a Flag! orty-five, 6 foot tall Ameri- Fcan flags are available for sponsorship. For a $50 donation, you can help beautify Orinda and help support a variety of community events. The flags will be displayed throughout downtown Orinda from Memorial Day through July 4th.

To sponsor a flag, go to www.orindaassociation.org and click on the July 4th link or mail a check to the Orinda Association, P.O. Box 97, Orinda, CA 94563. 4 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Editorial Letters to the Editor Withdraw from ABAG and Plan merits of the plan, it seems inconceivable Bay Area to me that the elected officials of Orinda As a native of the Bay Area and resident would allow a regional authority to mandate of Orinda for the last 12 years, I cherish the land-use within our local community. individual characteristics of each city and While I understand the plan has many town that make up the San Francisco Bay shortcomings (population growth’s impact Area. My husband and I decided to live in on schools, parking, traffic) to name a Orinda for the semi-rural community and few, I have no problem with a discussion, the excellent schools. We were both born amongst the citizens of Orinda, of both its in San Francisco and know what it is like merits and shortcomings. The job of our to live in congested stack and pack housing. elected officials is to represent the best We did not want to raise a family under interests of Orinda, not to embrace the those conditions. We have worked and whims of a regional board or state agency. saved long and hard in order to buy a home As a 20+-year citizen of Orinda, I have in Orinda. Plan Bay Area would destroy faithfully supported a litany of parcel taxes the character and nature of our town and all whose proceeds help make Orinda such a other towns in the Bay Area. It would de- special place. Today, I am calling upon our stroy the very reasons we moved to Orinda. elected officials to mount the appropriate It is outrageous that a non-elected board legal challenge to this bunch of out-of-town can dictate to our community what types bureaucrats who want to impose their so- of housing should exist and where. I am cial engineering scheme upon our town. I List of The Orinda News Advertisers outraged that the democratic process of realize this might prove to be an expensive Page Page transparency and voting has not even been endeavor, but is surely worthwhile and, hey, Arts and Entertainment Orinda Classic Car Show 24 discussed as an option by our elected City what’s another parcel tax amongst friends. Orinda Starlight Village Players 8 NorCalKids 10 Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art 2 Pet Service Council. By agreeing to participate in – John Dem Automotive Animal House Pet Sitting 14 ABAG, the council has not represented the Orinda Auto Detail 20 Theatre View Veterinary Clinic 14 interests of the constituents. In fact, major Orinda Motors 7 Professional Services Population Growth a Challenging Orinda Shell 12 Cruise Adventures Unlimited 10 conflicts of interest are present when Amy Problem Beauty and Fitness Kattenburg Architects 23 Worth is also serving on the MTC. Your article entitled “Draft Plan for Bay Changes Salon & Day Spa 24 Orr Design Office 22 As a physician, I am accustomed to mak- Area Housing Causes Concerns” prompted In Forma 6 Real Estate Living Lean Exercise & Eating Program 14 Better Homes & Gardens ing decisions based on risks and benefits. me to reply. First, I wish to thank all citizens Cleaning Services Lisa Shaffer 21 While many ideas sound beneficial such working to protect our quality of life. How- Kirby Carpet Cleaning 5, 8 Coldwell Banker as sustainable green living, affordable ever, their efforts will bear little fruits unless Total Clean 5, 16 Laura Abrams 13 Construction and Trades Shellie Kirby 5 housing, reducing carbon emissions, clean they are willing to work actively to address Cabrillo Plumbing, Heat and A/C 1 David Pierce 10 energy, there are the risks of unintended the following dire facts facing us. David Collins Painting 22 Maureen Wilbur 15 consequences -- such as increased crowding Based on how fast China’s population Ironwood Engineering 19 Frank Woodward 12 Mario & Son Roofing 3 Empire Realty in our schools, increased crime, pollution, and ours have grown, and considering half Tom Romaneck Painting 22 Vicki Nakamura 17 crowded living spaces, increased pressures of our residents are 35 or under, our popula- Dental Pacific Union on fire, police and social services. The tion of 315 million will continue to swell Bailey Orthodontics 11 Virginia and Paul Ratto 19 Dr. Mary Smith DDS 13 Leila Schlein 6 costs of these risks will be paid for by ho- even if our fertility rate were to drop drasti- Educational/Camp Village Associates meowners not by the developers or the low- cally to China’s and immigration reduced Moraga Valley Pool 15 Ann Sharf 18 income residents of subsidized housing. to near zero. The U.S. population has more Orinda Ballet Academy & Company Amy Rose Smith 11 Orinda Academy 2 Clark Thompson 16 It appears the City Council is making than doubled since 1950. Another doubling Financial and Insurance Services Restaurants/Catering unilateral decisions that will be paid for by of 315 million equals half of India’s current Breedlove Insurance Services 3 Baan Thai 18 Orinda taxpayers without the input and vote population: Is this what we want to leave RPM Mortgage 18 Casa Orinda 17 StoneCastle Land and Home Financial 13 La Mediterranee 9 of Orinda citizens. This is taxation without to today’s children? Garden/Landscaping Lava Pit 5 representation and is not democratic. I am Despite China’s draconian one-child Blue Ridge Landscaping 3 Loard’s Ice Cream and Candy 19 also stunned that the council would give policy adopted in 1979 and the negative Garden Nest Residential Landscape Design 12 Siam Orchid 19 McDonnell Nursery 17 Szechwan Restaurant 16 up local control to a non-elected regional international migration it has experienced, Medical Village Inn Cafe 15 quasi-government board. While Plan Bay some 350 million people have since been Advanced Therapy Center 2 Zamboni’s Pizza 3 Area and ABAG claim that cities will still added to its population. Conversely, accord- Dr. Brian Clark 15 Retail Stores Dr. Kelly Hood 16 Farmer’s Market 14 hold control and participation is voluntary, ing to CIA gov, estimated total fertility rate Dr. Kristin Walker 12 Morrison’s Jewelers 9 their proposals for action and the penalties for the U.S. in 2013 is 2.06. Additionally, Elizabeth Rae Walker, MA, MBA, MFT 11 Orinda Books 6 for noncompliance run counter-intuitive to since Congress adopted “Immigration Medicine Shoppe 17 Orinda Florist 10 Nonprofit Organizations Senior Services this claim. Orinda incorporated specifically Reform and Control Act” (IRCA) in 1986, Orinda Association 3 Care Indeed 23 so that the citizens of Orinda can make and our illegal immigrant population has qua- Excellent Care at Home 10 implement decisions at the local level. I drupled. Furthermore, one million legal population continues to swell. I can be not care about the environment? Is it to insist that Orinda withdraw from participa- immigrants on average add to our popula- reached at (925) 377-0376 or visit www. much work or do people just never think tion in ABAG and Plan Bay Area. tion yearly, without counting hundreds of aSustainableUSA.org. about it? I ask these questions every day of – Donna Ting, MD thousands of “guest-workers” or illegal –Yeh Ling-Ling my life. I believe that more people should migrants, or U.S.-born children of these use solar panels in the city of Orinda, Tell The Bureaucrats To Keep newcomers. Our teen births total some More Houses Should Use Solar California, because they prevent global Their Hands Off Orinda 400,000 a year! Panels warming on earth and are pollution free. It was with great trepidation that I read California’s population has grown from Why do not many people in the city of The first reason why I believe we should the front-page article in the May edition nearly 20 million in 1970 to over 38 million Orinda use solar panels on the roof of their use solar panels is because they can prevent of The Orinda News regarding Plan Bay in 2012. Our roads and other infrastructure house? What are the issues with purchasing global warming. Imagine never seeing Area. Regardless of one’s opinion about the will continue to be overburdened as our solar panels? Is it to expensive? Do people [See letters page 20]

The Orinda News prints 9,000 copies and is published 12 times a Opinions of The Orinda News are expressed on the year by The Orinda Association. The office is located at 26 Orinda The Orinda News editorial page. Views of writers and letters to the editor are Way (lower level of the Library). All rights reserved. The publication is A Publication of their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The sent out by direct mail (Permit #4, Orinda Post Office) and distributed The Orinda Association Orinda Association or of The Orinda News. Advertisements to key locations throughout the city. Mailing Address appearing in The Orinda News are not to be construed as Editor...... Sally Hogarty P.O. Box 97 Orinda, California 94563 endorsements by The Orinda Association or The Orinda News. Assistant Editor...... David Dierks Telephone: 925 254-0800 Letters to the Editor are printed on a space-available Advertising Representatives...... Jill Gelster, Elana O’Loskey Fax: 925 254-8312 basis and should be no longer than 400 words. They must in- Editorial Committee...... Mark Roberts, Jill Gelster, Sally Hogarty, clude the writer’s first and last name, signature and telephone Jim Luini, Elana O’Loskey, Kate Wiley www.orindanews.org number. Staff Writers...... Jennifer Conroy, Bobbie Dodson, Send letters to: Editor, The Orinda News, P.O. Box Valerie Hotz, Jeanette Irving, Charlie Jarrett, 97, Orinda, CA 94563, fax them to 254-8312, or email Kathryn G. McCarty, Marian Nielsen, Bill O’Brian, to [email protected]. Letters to the Editor for Elana O’Loskey, Maggie Sharpe, John Vanek, the July issue are due June 5, 2013. Bill Waterman, Bonnie Waters, Tom Westlake Contributing Writer...... Ginny Cain, Kathy Frenklach, Linda Infelise Graphics...... Aspen Consulting: Jill Gelster & David Dierks For display advertising rates, call Jill Gelster at 925-528-9225 Printing...... Folger Graphics or email to [email protected]. The deadline for the August issue is July 1, 2013. The OA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 5 Police / Firemen Everyday Heroes Golf Tournament POLICE BLOTTER Honors MOFD Firefighters April 2013

False Residential Alarms: Officers menor: 1 arrest on Orinda Way. responded to 150 false alarm calls Burglary - Commercial: 1 arrest on throughout the city. Camino Sobrante. Burglary – Auto: 3 incidents on Domestic Violence, Injury of Camino Sobrante (x2) and Brookwood Spouse: 1 arrest, location confidential. Rd. Burglary – Commercial: 1 incident Driving Under the Influence – on Camino Sobrante. MISD < .08: 3 arrests at El Nido Ranch Burglary – Residential: 6 incidents Rd./St. Stephens Dr., Lloyd Ln./Moraga on Tahos Rd., Orinda View Rd., Miner Way, and Orinda Way. Rd., Valley Dr., Vianne Ct., Muth Dr. Drunk in Public: 4 arrests on Ivy Domestic Violence, Injury of Dr. (x2), Bryant Way, and Moraga Way. Spouse: 1 incident, location confiden- Receiving Stolen Property: 1 arrest Contributed Photo Contributed Photo Contributed Photo Michael Rattary Stephen Rogness Kelly Morris tial. on Country Club Plaza/Orinda Way. Petty Theft – From Vehicle: 2 inci- Warrant Arrest: 5 arrests at Camino dents on Country Club Plaza and Oreind Encinas/Moraga Way, Moraga Way/ By DAVID DIERKS shamble) begins the tournament. Contests, Fields Ln. Northwood Dr., Ardor Dr., and Camino Assistant Editor food and treats await participants along the Stolen Vehicle: 1 incident on Camino Sobrante (x2). course. Following the tournament, there Don Miguel. he Orinda Everyday Heroes Golf will be awards, appetizers and entertain- Vandalism – Felony: 2 incidents on Orinda BART Station TTournament will be held on July 22 at ment. The heroes this year are Moraga Via Floreado and Charles Hill Rd. Property Theft: 1 incident reported. the Orinda Country Club. Festivities start Orinda Fire District firefighters Kelly Mor- – Compiled by Jeanette Irving, at 10:30 a.m. with registration for the event ris, Michael Rattary and Stephen Rogness. Arrests Orinda Police Department and a complimentary buffet lunch. At noon, Sponsorships are still available and start Battery on an Officer – Misde- a shotgun start (two best balls of foursome [See heroes page 20]

Additional Police Activity During April/May Carl Weber Honored for Over 50 Years of Service • Detective Dennison attended a 2 day search warrant class. The class teaches the attendees the skills needed to write an effective search and arrest warrant. • On April 23, 2013 at approximately 2103 hours, an Orinda citizen reported that an unknown person was attempting to gain entry to his home by kicking the front door. The homeowner yelled at the person, and they fled the scene. The suspect assumed that no one was home due to the fact that the lights were not on. Thieves are targeting homes that appear to be empty. • The Investigations Unit is currently investigating an ID theft/burglary ring. The investigation has led them to Oakland, Antioch, and Walnut Creek. They are also doing follow up on property recovered during an arrest. • Patrol officers continue to patrol neighborhoods and look for suspicious vehicles. There was a residential burglary of an unoccupied home that is currently on the market. • Officers Mooney and Cook were dispatched to a disturbance call at the Chevron gas station. They arrived on scene and observed a male and a female arguing. The officers attempted to separate the parties and the male became combative. The SALLY HOGARTY Referred to by City Councilmember Sue Severson as "Mr. Wikipedia for Orinda," Carl Weber (L, shown officers were able to subdue the subject by using the taser. The officers sustained with Mayor Amy Worth) was honored at the May 7 City Council meeting for his extensive volunteer minor injuries. The subject was taken to jail for assault and resisting arrest. work on the Historical Landmarks Committee, Public Works Aesthetic Review Committee, Planning • Officer Mooney and the Central County Forensic Multi-Disciplinary Team Commission, the Orinda Association's Trees Committee, Friends of the Orinda Theatre and many (FMDT) made a presentation at Saint Mary’s College. The FMDT is a partnership more. "He is truly one of the fathers of Orinda," added former Mayor Laura Abrams. between law enforcement and Mental Health professionals to assist those with chronic mental issues, and those who are at risk of being chronically arrested for activities related to their disabilities. • Orinda PD hosted the CALEMA Hostile Intruder seminar. Approximately 20 school officials and local police agencies attended the seminar. Police chiefs from Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda were on the panel to provide their expertise on this important subject. • The Investigations Unit is working with the Walnut Creek Police Department regarding a child molestation case. They are also working with Nordstrom department store regarding a burglary ring using stolen identities to procure merchandise. • Orinda P.D. responded to a residential burglary where an unknown suspect en- tered the home and stole property. The suspect gained entry to the home through an unlocked rear door. The homeowner failed to set the alarm prior to leaving. • Moraga Way between Brookside and Orchard was closed for approximately 40 minutes on May 1st due to a downed PG&E power line. A large truck struck a low hanging wire. There were no injuries, PG&E responded quickly and the repair was underway and completed relatively quickly. a Coupon Clippers a Shop Locally and Save! 6 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Books Between the Lines Girl Scout Troop 32761 Donates Profits A Father’s Day Checklist

Marian Nielsen, Orinda Books

re there “girl” books and “boy” books? Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the AAt the Orinda Bookstore, we have Battle of the Little Big Horn. Now Phil- asked ourselves this question with no very brick remains on dry land in his new and conclusive answers. We do know for a fact impressive narrative, Bunker Hill: A City, that few men purchased Fifty Shades of A Siege, A Revolution. An authoritative Grey BUT our very first sale of that book historian of the New England colonies, was to a man who had read the Wall Street Philbrick sets the stage for what was the CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Journal article suggesting it as a book bloodiest battle in the Revolutionary War. A percentage of cookie sales from Walnut Creek Troop 32761 went to Orinda’s Xenophon Thera- men should give to their wives. Many of He adds new dimension to some of the peutic Riding Center. The funds will be used to assist in the care of their horses. The center’s our female customers, however, do ask for familiar faces in the story and offers a wel- Annual Horse Show takes place June 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at 60 Don Gabriel Way. The day includes book suggestions on appropriate gifts for come appreciation of Dr. Joseph Warren, riding demonstrations by the children, a bar-b-que and a raffle. For more information, go to www. xenophontrc.org. male friends, husbands, sons or fathers-in- the 33-year-old physician who became a law. Here are some of our best ideas for leader of the Patriot cause and died in the Father’s Day on June 16, always a banner battle. This fat new book is a must for any techniques: baking, braising, grilling and But, happily, intimations of mortality are book-gifting time in our community. lover of American history. fermenting. Pollan injects into his narrative not all that can be found in current fiction. In Nathaniel Philbrick’s very readable And while not a “boy” or “girl” book some science and a great deal of anecdotal Dave Barry returned to our shelves with and extremely popular histories, Mayflower — definitely unisex — Michael Pollan’s humor along with underpinnings of his own his first adult novel in years. Insane City and In the Heart of the Sea, he has taught Cooked: A Natural History of Transforma- food philosophy. To his mantra “Eat Food guarantees a laugh a page as Barry’s hero, us a great deal about the Plymouth Colony tion will be a happy addition to anyone’s — Not Too Much — Mostly Plants,” he has a Twitter marketer, travels to his destination and the Whaleship Essex. Philbrick came culinary library. This is a very personal added his concern that today we spend more wedding in Florida. Readers will know ashore recently to bring readers a brilliant book for Pollan as he chronicles his own time reading and talking about food than they are in Dave Barry’s zany state, when reappraisal of the Little Big Horn in The adventures studying four basic cooking we do cooking it. He urges a return to the they find that their travelling companions kitchen, and the connection it can nourish include a stripper, a Haitian refugee, an within our family and friends. orangutan, and an albino python. Hilarious! Finely crafted thrillers are always wel- And borrowing a phrase from the New come Father’s Day gifts and John Le Carré York Times, here is “Paperback Row” for has obliged with A Delicate Truth. In this, Pops, Papa, Daddy, or Gramps. Each of his 23rd novel, Le Carré has not lost his these titles is new in paperback and each touch. Reviewers have pointed out, when one was on many of the 2012 “Best of the commenting on Le Carré’s view of the Year” lists! world today, that the moral ambiguity of The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyn- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and its ilk has don Johnson: Robert Caro turns the study been replaced with an even bleaker land- of one man’s life into a searching look at scape where evil wears no mitigating shade political power in the 20th century. of grey. Le Carré brilliantly captures a dark Double Cross: The True Story of the D- contemporary world where tycoons and Day Spies by Ben Macintyre: The author politicians co-habit and breed corruption. takes us behind the scenes at MI5 and into As a writer, Le Carré, like fine wines, ages the web of deceit that fooled the Nazis well and this new bottling will please his about the when and where of the Normandy readers. landings. Jim Harrison is often categorized as a Mission to Paris by Alan Furst: Another man’s novelist and for lovers of fine fic- superb Furst period piece is set in 1939 tion he offers a new collection, The River Paris when an American film star becomes Swimmer. Like Le Carré, Harrison is an involved in a web of intrigue as both Ger- acute observer and the protagonists in each man and American intelligence seek to use of these two novellas book-end the ages of him as an agent. man. The title story is about a 17-year-old Hologram for a King by Dave Eggers: In farm boy in Michigan confronting sexual a 20th century fable, Eggers brings us the initiation, while in the second story, The story of a failing American entrepreneur Land of Unlikeness, Harrison introduces who is sent to Saudi Arabia to promote an the reader to a 60-year-old artist-turned- infra-structure for a Saudi city that exists academic who returns to Michigan to care only as a sandy spot on a map. for his ailing mother and finds himself Happy Father’s Day and Happy Read- reconnecting with life as well. ing! The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 7 Cars / Fundraisers Car Time OBA and Orinda Auto Detail Charity Car Wash a Huge Success How To Get the Best Gas Mileage out of Your Car by John Vanek

f you haven’t noticed, the price of gaso- you are idling, you get zero miles per gal- Iline is not really going down much and lon. The faster you go, the more gas you probably won’t any time soon. There is a use. Driving the speed limit at steady speed new wave of fuel efficient vehicles out there will help. Watching your acceleration and if you feel like spending the money on new decreasing your launch time will increase wheels. However, if your current vehicle is mileage. Use the cruise control on the open still working out, it does not make sense to road as much as possible. Picking a route spend large sums just to save money on gas. with less stops will help. Having your sun- It may be a better idea to make your current roof or windows open causes an increase vehicle as efficient as possible and use driv- in wind resistance that decreases efficiency. ing techniques that will save precious fuel. Remove any other wind resistance items Basic maintenance is the first place such as bike racks and ski rack when not to start. Replacing a dirty air filter can being used. Remove any excess weight CONTRIBUTED PHOTO increase gas mileage up to 10 percent. from the car like snow chains being stored From hybrids to SUVs, Mini’s to monster trucks, Orinda Baseball Association players scrubbed and “squeegeed” while raising money at their annual charity car wash. Along with its event sponsor, Modern vehicles have longer intervals on in the trunk if not needed. Orinda Auto Detail, OBA raised over $1,800 on behalf of Aaron Hern, the 12-year old Martinez boy things like spark plugs and fuel filters but Last but not least, use the proper grade (and Little League player) hurt in the Boston Marathon bombing. Soaps and suds have subsided, will make a difference if neglected. The of fuel in your vehicle. Using regular gas in but the gift of giving to others is a lesson not soon forgotten. driver/operator’s role is to know when a vehicle that requires super unleaded will these maintenance items are required and eventually lead to carbon build up (gunk) take care of it as needed. Tire pressure is which is a silent threat and will decrease Rotary Takes Over Dancing with the Cars crucial to rolling resistance that translates performance as well as mileage. The com- to fuel mileage. The federal government bination of proper maintenance and driving By DAVID DIERKS by Chip last year to determine if Rotary has mandated that the automotive manufac- style will definitely help save gas. Assistant Editor had an interest in becoming a partner,” said tures have on board warning systems that Barbara. “We did and so we participated in will alert you when tire pressures are low. Fourteen Outstanding his year, Orinda Rotary will run the getting auction items and providing some Of course, these systems can be a bit of a TDancing with the Cars Friday night volunteers to help with the car show and pain, but we need to keep on top of it for Small Businesses Honored preview event taking place on September with the dinner. This year, Chip and Caro- the sake of fuel mileage. We never want to ontra Costa Council honored 14 20 with the Orinda Classic Car Show on lyn were really interested in getting Rotary ignore a tire pressure light just because we Cbusinesses from Contra Costa September 21. more involved with the dinner.” don’t think the tire pressure should be low. County at its May 10 luncheon at the Chip and Carolyn Herman have managed Dancing with the Cars: A Bootlegger’s Overall, there should be a regular mainte- Hilton Concord. the Orinda Classic Car Show for the past Bash will be held at Club 21 Orinda on nance program that will take care of all of Orinda Motors' Flying A Gasoline eight years. Last year, Orinda Rotary helped Friday, September 20, starting at 7 p.m. these concerns. was among those honored. Owner with the live auction during the Dancing Club 21 Orinda is Orinda’s new speakeasy Driving habits play a big role in regards Allen Pennebaker received the award with the Cars event and provided volunteers (the exact whereabouts and password for to gas mileage. It is important to let your car for turning an abandoned station into a for both the dinner and the car show. entrance will be disclosed at a later date so run a bit first thing in the morning before first-class service station as well as for Jack Bontemps, president of Orinda Ro- the coppers won’t find out). “We’re going to putting it into service but there is no reason the company's support of community tary, and Barbara Bontemps were asked to bring in some of the beautiful classic cars to let the car run for several minutes. When events. help again this year. “Jack was approached [See car show page 8] 8 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Beauty t gallery from page 2 Association, Pro Arts of Oakland and San Francisco Women Artists. They enter art Everyday Changes competitions and win awards. The National Museum of Women in the Arts granted their Spring 2013 Trends A Study Award of Distinction to Rita Sklar this year; see article on page 2. Sklar has attended of Contrast and Opposites workshops led by nationally known authors and trained with a watercolor master in Bonnie Waters Madrid. Bruce belongs to a drawing group, Holy Names University Friends of Art, which meets weekly in Oakland. Halpin his year began with a “Bang” and natural glow. Need to turn up your wattage? is involved with a camera group in Walnut Tlaunched the trend heard round the See below for skin care tips. Creek, and Fox belongs to Bay Area Basket world as the Duchess of Cambridge and For the eyes, contrast might also mean a Makers. First Lady Michelle cut bangs. The contrast soft natural base with a pop of color in the The artists want their artwork to inspire, of short and long brings freshness to any corner of the eye. Pair strong matte lips to uplift, to enrich and soothe viewer’s style. Contrast continues to explode on the in a poppy red with a shimmery neutral LORRAINE BRUCE souls. They hope to bring out a sense of streets with “dual-textured” hair. Witness eye and soft highlighter on the cheekbones. Mountains and Fog, a 40"x30" oil painting by Lor- raine Bruce, will be shown at the Orinda Library wonder about the world we live in; maybe the opposites of sophisticated and casual, Gallery during June. even pleasantly surprise people. Their di- structured and unstructured, up and down Spring Cleaning for Your Skin verse talents will surely provide something and smooth and curly in the same style. If winter has left you feeling a little dull of Walnut Creek is showing photographs; for everyone. “Art gives communities a These looks employ twists, knots and and dusty you are no doubt in need of a head Sally Kiehn of Oakland is showing pastels stronger sense of place and identity,” says looped ponytails and provide a chic alterna- to toe Spring Cleaning. What better way and mixed media (www.mesart.com); Lyn- Bruce. Other members believe art can unify tive for those searching for a new spring do. than to schedule an appointment with your da Robinson of Orinda is showing acrylic a community and bring people together favorite skin and body care professional. paintings; Nancy Pollock of Berkeley is from all walks of life and different back- How to Nail It for Spring Visit us at Changes Salon and Day Spa for showing acrylic and oil paintings (www. grounds. Art can be motivational; it can en- Nail trends this season range from light our new Honey Walnut body treatment that nancypollockart.com); Paula Powers of gage and inspire its citizens. “Art connects and innocent to dark and dangerously dar- will leave you feeling brand new. Oakland is showing acrylic and oil paint- the artist to the world and by definition their ing. Enjoy the neo-pastel polishes from the Before your spa visit, spring clean ings (www.creativespiritarts.com) and Rita community,” says Fox. likes of OPI in shades of luscious lavender your beauty pantry of outdated cosmet- Sklar of Oakland is showing watercolors Visit the gallery during normal library and stellar sky blue. Juxtapose the color- ics, cleansers, moisturizers and body care and mixed media (www.ritasklar.com). hours – Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. ful with the glitteringly metallic varnishes remnants. It may even be time to replace The artists keep their work fresh by to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to and matte greys. Mix it up with colorful mascara. After your “buff and polish,” ask traveling, taking classes and belonging 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call two-tone manicures that added the perfect for a simple skin and/or body care regime to other groups such as the Oakland Art 254-2814 for more information. pop and sizzle. to maintain the “glow.” And while you are at it, check out the seasonal makeup colors Natural Makeup Needn’t be an Oxy- and application tips! t sklar from page 2 a feeling of movement and immediacy. moron P.S. Although it will be a while before Many of her landscape paintings capture Contrast shows up in this season’s the summer sun will be at it’s zenith, will be mailed to all AAUW members. See the subtle moods and mysteries of nature. makeup with a mix of strong versus subtle. remember to stock up on sunscreen to www.aauw.org/contests for more informa- She is a member of the California Water- Try playing up the feature you want to prepare for the inevitable temptation to tion. NMWA is the only major museum in color Association, East Bay Women Artists draw attention to and leaving the rest to it’s bask in the sun. the world solely dedicated to recognizing and San Francisco Women Artists. Visit her women’s creative contributions; visit their website at www.ritasklar.com or view her website at www.nmwa.org. work in the Orinda Library Gallery as part t car show from page 7 The Classic Car Show takes place the fol- Sklar, who lives in Oakland, mixes ab- of the East Bay Women Artists show during lowing day on September 21 from 10 a.m. straction with realism giving her paintings the month of June. through Chip and his car show partners and to 3 p.m. at Orinda Motors with over 200 put those on display so people can literally American and European cars, ranging from Dance with the Cars. Our theme is going the 1920s to the classics of the 50s and 60s to be sort of a roaring ‘20s, Great Gatsby, and to modern exotics. Avenida de Orinda speakeasy, flapper vibe. We’re hoping to will be closed to accommodate all the cars get upwards of 250 people. We’re hoping and exhibits will also be located adjacent to repeat the success of last year’s dinner to the 16th fairway of the Orinda Country and maybe do a little better in terms of the Club. fundraising,” said Bontemps. Back by popular demand is “Speed on Rotary will take care of all the logistics the Screen.” Finish off a great weekend of putting on the preview dinner and auc- with both versions of the greatest car chase/ tion event. theft movie classic at the Orinda Theatre. “We’re very excited about it. Rotary has At 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, the original 1974 been around in the community for a long “Gone in 60 Seconds” will show followed time. This really gives us an opportunity by the 2000 version starring Nicolas Cage to be front and center in one of the main at 7:45 p.m. community events of the year. It’s kind of a For more information and to register your win-win for everybody,” added Bontemps. car, visit www.orindacarshow.com. The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 9 Parking Plan / EBMUD

Team Orinda Takes the Gold EBMUD Set to Raise Water Rates By CHARLIE JARRETT during which such investments were greatly Staff Writer restricted by the impacts of drought and financial instability that necessitated major ast Bay Municipal Utility District cuts in staff and programs. Adjustments Egeneral manager, Alexander R. Coate, are being made to protect the public’s $14 announced that he will propose significant billion investment in EBMUD’s massive rate increases in overall water rates (water system of dams, pipes, pumps and water service charge, water flow charge, water el- treatment facilities that provide customers evation surcharge and the seismic improve- the high quality water they expect at water ment program surcharge) to the EDMUD rates that rank among the lowest in the board of directors at their June 11 meeting. Bay Area.” If the board approves the recommended EBMUD’s proposed budget for water increases, overall water charges will in- and wastewater for FY 2014 is $713.5 mil- crease by 9.75 percent for the 2014 Fiscal lion ($585.1 million for the water system Year (FY) and an additional 9.5 percent and $128.4 million for wastewater), and for increase will occur in the 2015 FY. For the FY 2015, the district has a proposed budget typical EBMUD customer who averages of $739.6 million ($595.1 million for water 246 gallons daily, the increase would be and $144.4 million for wastewater). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO $3.96 more each month in FY 2014 and The EBMUD board is seeking public Battling the fierce competition from the City of Lafayette, Team Orinda scored the gold in the annual city triathlon. (L-R) Orinda City Councilmember Dean Orr (bike), City Clerk Michele Olsen (swim) $4.19 more monthly the following year. input during the public hearing portion, and City Engineer Emmanuel Ursu (run). According to Olsen, "half of winning is just showing up. In a prepared statement, Coate declared which begins at 1:15 p.m. on June 11.. The The other half is filling your team with stronger athletes than yourself." that “through the budget and rate increases, meeting takes place in the boardroom on EBMUD seeks to significantly increase the 2nd floor of the EBMUD Administra- spending on infrastructure replacement tion Building located at 375 Eleventh Pilot Parking Plan Drives Chamber and maintenance following seven years [See rates page 16] of Commerce Chamber Awards Rick Kattenburg for Years of Service By SALLY HOGARTY At the May 7 meeting, the Council heard Editor from Chamber members and from residents living in the potentially affected areas. Dis- rinda City Councilmembers di- cussions included the possibility of obtain- Orected city staff at the May 7 City ing additional employee parking at Theatre Council meeting to put together a draft Square, the safety of restaurant employees parking program that incorporates em- traveling by BART to remote stations late at ployee permit parking on Bates Blvd., a night, and the safety of pedestrians parking steep incline east of Casa Orinda in down- along busy Bates Blvd. town Orinda. “This pilot plan isn’t perfect. But we’ve The draft plan is a result of the Orinda got to start somewhere,” says Chamber Chamber of Commerce’s study of parking president Sylvia Jorgensen. Kattenburg in the Crossroad District (Theatre Square). noted that approximately 40-45 parking “Our members who have businesses in the permits allowing employees to park beyond area as well as their employees have a ter- the currently posted time limits would be rible time finding parking,” says Chamber needed. Donna Sullivan, who lives in the member Rick Kattenburg. “Often, any area, was concerned not only with pedes- available street parking is used by people trian safety but with having strangers walk- using BART.” ing to cars parked in her neighborhood after DAVID DIERKS In November 2012, the Chamber did dark. “How do I know if the person walking Rick Kattenburg (2nd from right) was recently honored by the Orinda Chamber of Commerce for a survey of available street parking and past my house is a worker returning to his his 14 years of service to the local community. (L-R) Patti Camras, Keith Miller, Sue Breedlove, presented it at the February 19 City or her car or someone else?” Kattenburg, and president Sylvia Jorgensen. Council meeting. The City Council found The City Council agreed to try the pilot it consistent with the survey conducted program on Bates Blvd. beginning east of by the Orinda Planning Department in the medical/dental office and continuing 2011 and instructed staff to do additional past Muth Dr. City staff is currently work- research and to hold public meetings for ing on the details such as how the permits neighborhood input. While some neigh- will be distributed, the number and cost of bors suggested employee shuttles, parking permits, and what staff would be needed to structures and incentives for employees to enforce the program, making sure that cars use BART or to rideshare, others were open in the designated areas had permits. to an employee parking permit program as Staff reports and correspondence regard- long as resident parking permits were also ing the pilot parking plan can be found at available. www.cityoforinda.org. 10 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Performing Arts

WomenSing Celebrates Nature, Family and Community in June Concert

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Members of WomenSing present "Southern Exposure" on June 5 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church.

By LINDA INFELISE world premiere of a composition by Julia Contributing Writer Seeholzer, the winner of WomenSing’s 2012 Youth Inspiring Youth competition omenSing’s final concert of the (run in collaboration with River of Words, W2012-13 season surveys the globe a project of the Center for Environmental and finds fresh sounds to delight local audi- Literacy at St. Mary’s College in Moraga). ences – sounds that also celebrate nature, The young Southern California composer family and community. “In some ways,” recently graduated summa cum laude from points out artistic director Martín Benve- the Berklee College of Music in Boston. nuto, “this concert, which we call ‘Southern Her composition uses a poem in Spanish Exposure,’ is our belated Mother’s Day gift by two 9-year-old poets from Watsonville. to the East Bay.” Hay un Rio Oscuro (There is a dark river) “Southern Exposure” will be performed describes the children’s fascination with a June 2 at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational water puddle that is filthy with gasoline and Church of Berkeley and June 5 at 8 p.m. a red candy wrapper. “But although it’s sad at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian and filthy/It carries the shadow of my face/ Church. The tattered clouds/And in white and black/ For many, the highpoint will be the [See WomEnSing page 18] The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 11 Performing Arts

Cal Shakes Offers Special Ticketing Local Singer Continues Hitting the Right Notes and Open Captioning This Season

By KATHRYN G. MCCARTY cessibility by providing services that allow Staff Writer patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to fully participate in the live theater experi- alifornia Shakespeare Theater raises ence.” Cthe curtain on two new programs to The National Open Captioning Initiative benefit patrons during the 2013 season. is a program of the Theatre Development The company announced a ticket program Fund (TDF). Cal Shakes performances with “designed to make it easier for more people Open Captioning will be at 7:30 p.m. for to enjoy theater,” and the introduction of performances held June 5, July 10, August open captioning for the deaf and hard- 21, and October 2. of-hearing at select Main Stage perfor- Cal Shakes opened its 2013 season with mances. American Night: The Ballad of Juan Jose Contributed Photo The “20 for $20 ticket program” will by Richard Montoya, developed by Cul- Orinda resident Isabelle Johannessen (center) sings a solo with Vocal Rush, a performing en- allow patrons an opportunity to purchase ture Clash and Jo Bonney, and directed by semble at The Oakland School for the Arts under the direction of Lisa Forkish. The group recently won first place for the second consecutive year in the International Championship of High School tickets at a reduced price. Twenty tickets Jonathan Moscone, currently performing a Cappella Singing held in mid-April in New York City. will be available, by phone only, beginning through June 23. Other Cal Shakes of- A contestant in Lamorinda Idol (formerly Orinda Idol) since its inception, Johannessen attended Glorietta Elementary School and Orinda Intermediate School. She was a member of Urban Flare, which won the Lamorinda Idol high school group category in 2012. Another member of Urban Flare, Sabrina Chaco, went on to The Oakland School for the Arts but left this year when hired by Disney. “Orinda Idol really gave Isabelle the preparation and confidence to be able to do what she’s doing today,” says her mother Lisa. “It made her a brave singer.”

KEVIN BERNE L-R: Sharon Lockwood, Richard Ruiz, Sean San Jose, Dan Hiatt, and Margo Hall are five of the nine actors playing 80 characters in American Night. at noon the day of the show, at a cost of $20 ferings include Shakespeare’s Romeo and each (with a limit of 4 per person). Juliet directed by Amanda Dehnert, from The company also announced that it July 3–28; followed by Oscar Wilde’s Lady was selected to participate in the first year Windermere’s Fan directed by Christopher of a two-year regional theater partnership Liam Moore playing August 14 through to provide open captioning for the deaf September 8. Closing out the season is and hard-of-hearing, and will do so during Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale directed by one performance of each of the season’s Patricia MacGregor, with choreography by productions. Paloma MacGregor, from September 25 “Cal Shakes has always been committed through October 20. to making Shakespeare and the classics rel- All performances take place at the Bruns evant to everyone,” said managing director Amphitheater in Orinda. For information Susie Falk. “Our newly re-designed campus or to charge tickets by phone with VISA, is fully accessible to patrons with mobility MasterCard, or American Express, call the restrictions; now, thanks to this partnership Cal Shakes Box Office at 510-548-9666 with Theatre Development Fund and its or email at [email protected]. Ad- National Open Captioning Initiative, we ditional information and online ticketing is are able to increase our commitment to ac- available at calshakes.org.

12 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Graduations Orinda Students Prepare to Graduate from Middle and High Schools

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Graduating seniors at Holden High School (L-R) Joelle Hayward, Rachel Dennis, Jobim Morris-Gavrieli, Josh Connor, and Jacob Halsebo.

roud parents, relatives and friends will Pgather in support of the many gradu- ates at Orinda commencement exercises this month. Graduation ceremonies for Orinda’s four schools are: Orinda Intermediate School Promo- tions Ceremony, Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. OIS Multi-Purpose Room. Miramonte High School, Friday, June 7 at 5:30 p.m. on the Miramonte High School football field. Orinda Academy, Friday, June 7. Senior High School graduation at 3 p.m., and 8th Grade Graduation at 11:30 a.m. both events at the Parish Hall located at the Church of Santa Maria, 20 Santa Maria Way. Holden High School, Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. at the Fellowship hall located at the NIKKI KURTZ Orinda Academy graduating seniors (L-R) Greg Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way. Churlik and Adam Hartley performed in the – Kathy McCarty, Staff Writer Spring Arts Show at the Orinda Library Theatre. The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 13 Climate Expert / Film Festival

Leading Expert Discusses Climate Change and Energy Forecast at First Friday Forum

By BOBBIE DODSON Department of Nuclear Engineering, he is Staff Writer well equipped to discuss climate change and its various aspects. He is also the New Currency for the 21st Century” founding Director of the Renewable and “Ais the title chosen by Daniel Kam- Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL). men for his presentation at First Friday Kammen’s research interests include: the Forum (FFF), June 7, in the Sanctuary of science, engineering management and dis- Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 semination of renewable energy systems; Knox Drive, Lafayette, at 1:30 p.m. climate change; and energy forecasting. He CONTRIBUTED PHOTO He says, “In the 21st century, we will is the author of over 90 journal publications Daniel Kammen, shown here in Samburu, Kenya, will speak on climate change at the June 7 First Friday Forum. need to evolve and introduce a new cur- and a book on environmental, technologi- rency to reflect the changes in the human cal and health risks — Should We Risk It? in physics from Cornell University and ferent attitudes and positions concerning relationship to the planet from a historical He advises the World Bank, The Ameri- his master and doctorate in physics from climate change. Dr. Kammen’s lecture situation where climate is impacting us, to can Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard. He taught first at Caltech and then will provide up-to-date information on the one where we are changing the climate.” President’s Committee on Science and as a lecturer in physics and in the Kennedy topic. There will also be an opportunity As a professor at UC Berkeley in sev- Technology, and he is a member of the School of Government at Harvard Uni- to submit written questions,” says Judy eral departments including the Energy Intergovernmental Panel on Climate versity. Kammen has developed a number Nielsen, chair of the FFF committee. “We and Resources group; Public Policy in the Change. of projects focused on renewable energy are pleased to present this free event to Goldman School of Public Policy; and the He received his undergraduate degree technologies and environment resource the Lamorinda community. Please come management. He joined the interdisciplin- for refreshments at 1 p.m. followed by the Classic Film Festival and Hall of Fame ary Energy and Resources Group at UC lecture at 1:30 p.m.” Berkeley in 1998. For further information, call 925-283- By DAVID DIERKS “The public seems to have many dif- 8722 or go to www.lopc.org. and TOM WESTLAKE ver the weekend of May 10-12, the OOrinda and Rheem Theatres were host to the inaugural Classic Film Festival and Hall of Fame. The Classic Film Festival showed The Sound of Music, the double fea- ture Frankenstein and The Raven, Citizen Kane, National Velvet, The Jerk, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein, and Young Frankenstein. Inductees into the Hall of Fame included actors Mickey Rooney, Cloris Leachman, Boris Karloff, Abbott and Costello, director Carl Reiner, films The Sound of Music and Citizen Kane, the song “Somewhere” from West Side Story and local biographer and Moraga Movers host Jill Gelster Larry Swindell. Proceeds from the Classic Cloris Leachman was among the celebrities at the first ever Classic Film Festival held at the Film Festival go towards the preservation Orinda and Rheem Theatres in early May. [See film page 16] 14 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Health / Animals

Move of the Month Something to Howl About... Tricep Dips on the Bosu Animal Tales Keeping Cool

Jennifer Conroy

t’s here. Hot weather and no one feels it Of course, you know to keep plenty of Imore than those creatures you live with water available for all of your pets. That who wear fur coats all year long. Extra care includes your “pocket pets” as well. Do not needs to be exercised during warm weather let the water tubes run dry in your hamster 1. Sit on the bosu. 4. Bend the elbows (no lower than 90 to protect the pets you love. or bird cage. Birds may appreciate a small 2. Begin with the hands next to or degrees) and lower the hips down. Keep It continues to amaze me that every dish of water in which they can actually slightly under the hips. the shoulders down. summer we hear of animals – and children take a mini bird bath. Another alternative 3. Lift up onto the hands and bring 5. Push back up without locking the – who have been left in closed parked is to very gently spray pet birds with room the hips forward. elbows and repeat for 10-16 reps. cars. Even if you have a dog who loves, temperature water when the temperature loves, loves riding in the car, do your dog gets high. For more information, contact Sheena with Living Lean personal training and eating the lifesaving favor of leaving it at home As for summer exercise, go out with your for elite fitness, at 925-360-7051 or www.thelivingleanprogram.com. during summer months. When the outdoor dog in the early morning or in the evening temperature is 85 degrees, it can reach over when it has cooled down. Do not run your 100 in just a few moments inside a closed dog on hot pavement or asphalt as that can car. By the way, law enforcement officers, cause burns to the paw pads. As for hav- including animal control officers, have the ing your dog run along next to you while legal right to break into your car if they see you are riding your bicycle, well, your dog an animal (or child) locked inside during may do it because of that incredible canine warm weather. And pedestrians who see fidelity to its person, but it is truly a rot- an animal or child inside a hot car have a ten idea. You have no line of vision over moral obligation to report it immediately. the surface on which your dog is running. Cats and dogs have limited ways to cool You may not be aware of a car coming up down. They have sweat glands in their fast behind you. And your dog, because it paws, which is why you may see quickly wants to please you so badly, won’t plead evaporating paw prints when your pet for you to stop. walks across the sidewalk in the summer. With just a few precautions, you can Dogs also show heat symptoms by panting; ensure a safe summer for your pets that whereas a hot cat may go into a cleaning will keep them cool and healthy. Enjoy! frenzy. To help your animals beat the heat, you may want to invest in a pet cooling Feral Cat Foundation collar. There are many brands available in sizes to fit large and small dogs – cats, too. Too many cats are left on their own. Check with your local pet store or go online The all-volunteer, non-profit Feral Cat to find them. Be sure to inquire as to what Foundation offers an affective alterna- they are made of as you do not want to save tive with its TNR (trap-neuter-return) your pet from heat hazards only to have it program. When possible, tame cats and ingest something toxic. kittens are adopted to loving homes Keeping your pets groomed is especially while those that cannot be socialized are important during the warm weather. A returned to the location where found and summer “trim” can help some breeds but fed daily by caring volunteers. all pets will benefit from daily brushing and For more information, go to www. combing to remove dead skin and check for feralcatfoundation.org. fleas, burrs, and foxtails. The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 15 Schools / students

OIS Students Raise Money for Breast Health

SALLY HOGARTY Reagan Tierney (L) and Zoe Zabetian organized a Mother's Day walk for breast cancer. They are shown above announcing the event at the May 7 Orinda City Council meeting. The two-mile trek on the St. Stephen's Trail took place between 7:30 and 9 a.m. on May 12. The 7th-grade students at Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) organized the fundraiser as part of their "Take Action" project at OIS. Proceeds benefited the Carol Ann Reed Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

OIS Joins Other OUSD Schools in Receiving California Distinguished School Status

By KATHY FRENKLACH Schools were identified for eligibility on Contributing Writer the basis of their Academic Performance Index and Adequate Yearly Progress tate Superintendent of Public Instruc- results, which are the state and federal Stion Tom Torlakson announced on accountability models, respectively. The April 11 that Orinda Intermediate School applicants were also identified by their (OIS) has been named as a 2013 Califor- success in narrowing the achievement gap nia Distinguished School. The school was that exists between higher-performing and then honored in May at a ceremony at the lower-performing students. All applicants DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Sacramento. underwent a stringent selection process Del Rey and Sleepy Hollow Elementary conducted by the California Department of Schools received the recognition in 2010; Education with the help of many educators Glorietta and Wagner Ranch Elementary from across the state. Each applicant was Schools received the recognition in 2008. required to describe two signature prac- Now in its 27th year, the California tices that have led to an increase in student School Recognition Program honors the achievement. Selected applicants then state’s most exemplary and inspiring underwent a thorough site visit to validate public schools with the California their signature practices. Distinguished School Award. Schools earn- Orinda Union School District superin- ing the Distinguished School title agree to tendent Dr. Joe Jaconette said, “We are share their signature practices with other pleased that the state has recognized all five schools and to serve as a mentor to other of our schools as California Distinguished educators. Schools.” 16 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Continuations t film from page 13 his own image around on itself and spoof Everyone wanted this man. When he filled his own boogeyman image, as on the Carol in for my dad’s straight man, it was magic. and digital projector upgrades of the New Burnett Show and in some of the later films Both men knew the chemistry was there, Rheem Theatre. he did, like the remake of The Raven and A and they wanted to continue working with Opening night on May 10 started with Comedy of Terrors,” said Karloff. each other.” a Q&A with Charmian Carr, the actress The evening festivities started with a When Costello was asked about the ori- that played Liesl von Trapp, followed by Q&A with Mickey Rooney hosted by gins of Who’s on First, she said, “Who’s on a showing of The Sound of Music at the Wayne Coy of KKIQ and KKDV radio First was a concept that my dad had because Rheem Theatre. The next morning kicked before the screening of National Velvet. he and my mother were very good friends off in Orinda with a double bill of Boris Rooney at 92 has been in 368 movies and with Joe DiMaggio and his wife Dorothy Karloff films, Frankenstein and The Ra- started his career at the age of 18 months. Arnold. That is the signature skit. It was ven. Boris Karloff’s daughter Sara, a San Rooney, commenting on National Velvet voted the best routine of the 20th century. Francisco native, was on hand to introduce said, “We had a great director, Clarence They never performed it the same way the films, “He worked his way up to bit Jill Gelster Brown, who would say ‘don’t worry about twice. Dad always believed in tweaking parts and spent 10 years in Hollywood as Sara Karloff, the daughter of Boris Karloff, the lines in the script, just say what you it enough to keep it interesting. My father brought home movies of her father to the festival. a starving actor. He was offered a part in mean and feel.’ He’d sit down and say ‘are also had a habit of ad-libbing. So even in Frankenstein after Bela Lugosi had turned you ready?’ I’d say ‘anytime Mr. Brown,’ films, you had to be pretty good to keep up it down. He was on the right corner at the first 80. He was an overnight star after 20 he’d say ‘Go.’ So that’s the way it worked.” with him because you never knew when right time. When he made Frankenstein, it years in the business.” Also shown on Saturday were Citizen he was going to take off in another direc- was his 81st film and no one had seen his Sara Karloff brought along some home Kane, introduced by film historian Larry tion.” movies of her father. Karloff said, “One of Swindell, and The Jerk, with a special video Cloris Leachman was the last celebrity the points of showing these home movies introduction from director Carl Reiner. to be showcased at the Classic Film Fes- is to prove the point that home movies of Sunday began with Lou Costello’s tival. Primarily there to accept the award movie stars are just as boring as everyone daughter, Chris Costello, talking about and reminisce about her extensive career else’s. They are blessedly brief. The value her father, followed by a screening of Bud – answering questions along the way – she of showing them to film buffs is that they Abbott & Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein. was further distinguished by being the only contain the only known color footage of my Costello said, “Dad never had designs on celebrity who is still active, being on the father in the Frankenstein makeup from Son becoming a comic. He wanted to be a dra- highly successful FOX show Raising Hope. of Frankenstein, clowning around on the set matic actor. His idol was Charlie Chaplin. Interviewed by Jan Wahl of KRON TV with Jack Pierce, the makeup genius that He went to New Jersey and worked as a about her experiences with Young Franken- did all the Frankenstein makeups with my dancing juvenile, which is the warm up stein, Leachman delighted the audience. father. They also contain very boring shots for the top bananas in burlesque. It was The showing of Young Frankenstein, a film of me as a baby, my christening, things then that he met Bud Abbott, the most that many know her solely for, followed like that, feel perfectly free to ooh & ah sought after straight man in the industry. her interview. when the baby is on screen.” Karloff also Leachman revealed that there was even a explained why the Frankenstein makeup connection to be made between herself and was green. “Jack Pierce tinted the makeup Rooney – claiming that the diminutive star green so that when it was shot in black and proposed collaboration between himself white, it would show up a deathly gray,” and Leachman, which, unfortunately, never added Karloff. came to pass. Of the over 170 films that Boris Karloff In the ceremony, hosted by KGO person- appeared in, only three were Frankenstein ality Brian Copeland, each recipient was movies, Frankenstein, Bride of Franken- honored not just with an award but with stein, and Son of Frankenstein. “He got to a short retrospective of their work. Even the point in his career where he could turn those who could not be there in person sent along a videoed thank you. Apart from some minor technical glitches, this was an auspicious beginning to what is hoped to be an ever-growing annual event that will Jill Gelster further establish the Moraga/Orinda area Chris Costello, the daughter of Lou Costello, talked about her father at the festival. as a vital arts center.

t rates from page 9 portance and necessity of these unusually high increases. Street (between Harrison and Webster) in He further elaborated with the fact that downtown Oakland. EMBUD is responsible for 4200 miles EBMUD’s Media spokesman, Charles of pipe in the ground, a system that is 90 Hardy, said the board has continuously years old, with infrastructure that is even sought public input but the public participa- older than that. Preventative maintenance to tion at these meetings has been far less than extend the life of that system has not been they anticipated. Their general conclusion possible due to the economic environment was that the previous rate increases have not for the past five to seven years. “We do not stirred much interest or controversy. The want to find ourselves caught in a cata- previous increases implemented in 2012 strophic failure that could adversely affect and 2103 were 6 percent across the board. our delivery system and the community we Hardy acknowledged that these proposed serve,” he added. rates are the highest rates sought in the For more information on the rate past 19 years and that they want the public increases or the meeting, go to www. to fully understand and appreciate the im- ebmud.com. The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 17 Seniors

Honoring Those 75 Years of Age and Older at Festive Luncheon

By BOBBIE DODSON appreciated,” says John Fazel, chair of the who have attended in the past will receive Staff Writer event. an invitation. Fazel advises, “If you haven’t Sponsored by the Lamorinda Sunrise received one by June 1, please contact me at n June 19, the Three-Quarter Century Rotary, Orinda Mason-McDuffie/BHG 925-254-2017 or email runmtns@prodigy. OLuncheon will honor Orindans who Real Estate and the Orinda Community net. We hope to have many first timers on are 75 years of age and older. “These are church, the free event begins in the church June 19.” the people who have done so much for our fellowship hall at 11:30 a.m. with wine The featured speaker will be Candy community in the past – and many are still and cheese preceding a gourmet meal of Pierce, past district governor of Rotary involved. We want them to know they are chicken with all the trimmings. Orindans 5160, which includes Rotary Clubs from the East Bay to the Oregon border. Her Local Nonagenarian Still Takes to the Slopes topic is “Changing Lives One Project at a Time.” She will be talking about the mul- titude of local, national and international By BOBBIE DODSON Rotary projects such as Polio Plus and the Staff Writer LN-4 Prosthetic Hand program. In 1984, Rotary International partnered with the CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Rotarian Candy Pierce will speak at the Three- legend in his own time, Orinda’s World Health Organization to eradicate Quarter Century luncheon AGeorge Jedenoff was chosen as a polio worldwide. Their efforts have resulted poster personality for Ski Utah. Yes, al- in polio now existing in only three countries though he’ll turn 96 on July 5, he still takes – Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. to those mountains, skiing with a grace that Fazel explains, “I think the enormous makes others on the hill take notice. amount of good which Rotary accom- This spring, Jedenoff was treated to an plishes is one of the world’s best kept se- all expense paid trip to Utah where he was crets. After Candy’s talk, I think our guests filmed and interviewed by Ski Utah in a will be amazed and impressed with the wide promo encouraging seniors to continue variety of activities in which Rotary has skiing. “One fellow followed me down engaged to make the world a better place.” the runs with three cameras,” he says. “I’m Along with musical entertainment, the told the YouTube video early on had 11,000 yearly crowning of king and queen as the hits.” Featured by the Alta Ski Resort, oldest man and woman attendees, plus Jedenoff also appeared on local television. recognition of the longest married couple This nonagenarian keeps in shape by CONTRIBUTED PHOTO will take place. At 95-years-young, George Jedenoff still enjoys exercising each morning before breakfast. skiing and lots of other activities. “Come. Send me the names of your “I’m very disciplined in doing this on the friends to invite. We want a full house of five machines I have in my basement. I easier for him to catch a plane to ski in Utah our 75+ citizens at the Orinda Community have to keep fit if I want to continue ski- than to drive to the Lake Tahoe region – and Church, 10 Irwin Way, on Wednesday, June ing. My equipment was mostly given to the powder is better. His family owns a 19,” Fazel says. me by others who didn’t use it. Nothing condo at Snowbird, Utah. is fancy; the important thing is to use it,” During the off season, Jedenoff plays golf Jedenoff explains. and walks almost daily with his wife of 70 He started skiing in 1960 while living in years, Barbara, in their Glorietta neighbor- Utah and learned from the best, Alf Engen, hood. The couple moved to Orinda in ­­­­1974, Junior Bonous and Earl Miller, who is the but he traces his roots to Petrozavodsk, Rus- granddaddy of release bindings. “Miller sia where he was born in 1917. His parents demonstrated how his bindings released by were of Russian nobility. The revolution showing photos of himself making some forced them to leave their homeland, first sensational falls,” Jedenoff says. “One day to Harbin, China, and then to the United he paid me quite a compliment by remark- States in 1923 where they began life anew ing, ‘George, you have made some falls after losing most all their material posses- that I have never seen before.’ Now, I can sions. The five members of his family were ski for three weeks without having a fall. granted U.S. citizenship in 1928. Jedenoff It’s too hard to get up,” he adds. became an Eagle Scout, worked his way “With or without falls, I grew to love through Stanford University and served in Alta’s powder skiing, and if there is some the Navy in Hawaii and Guam before be- between two trees, I’ll go there,” says ginning his professional career in the steel Jedenoff. “Again, I don’t need high tech industry. He rose to the office of president equipment. I’ve had my boots for 20 years.” of U.S. Steel. It was after his retirement When Jedenoff was transferred to Indiana from there that Kaiser Steel tapped him to in 1967, he was honored for his community serve as president in their Oakland office service in Utah, and to lure him back, he in ’74. was presented with a Lifetime Season Pass When asked to advise others aspiring to to Alta. It worked. These days he says it’s [See JEDENOFF page 18] 18 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Kids Triathlon t lights from page 1 connection than the park lights. “Michelle has been very nice and said tion schedule soon so I can let people know she’d do whatever it took to make this work NorCal Kid’s Triathlon Needs when the lights will be back on.” Lacey for us,” Chapple explains. “She offered to hopes the project will be completed in early rent generators, but no one wants to attend Volunteers on August 31 to mid-July. a play where the actors are shouting above he annual Nor Cal Kid’s Triath- make the day run smoothly by volun- The City Council allocated $100,000 in a generator’s noise. If she can get me five Tlon, scheduled on August 31 at teering in a wide variety of activities. its 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Pro- to seven plugs on different circuits, I should Miramonte High School, offers a fun Volunteers are needed at the registration/ gram for anticipated costs associated with be able to adequately light the set and way for children from under 6 years information table, checking in athletes, relocating the electrical service, resurfacing amphitheater.” of age through high school to compete monitoring the various races, and op- the tennis courts, and upgrading the tennis In order to figure out the electricity avail- in a relatively relaxed atmosphere. The erating the food and concession booths court lighting. Park Dedication Fees will able from the Community Center, Chapple purpose of the 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. event is and much more. fund the project. has postponed the opening of Starlight’s to promote a healthy lifestyle through To find out how you can help or to “This has certainly been a problem for first show by a week. Frank Vosper’s Love physical activity. register children for the event, go to our summer season,” says Starlight artistic from a Stranger, an adaptation of Agatha The citywide event also offers an www.norcalkidstri.org. director Geotty Chapple. “We had planned Christie’s Philomel Cottage will run June opportunity for local residents to help – Sally Hogarty, Editor a four-play season that begins in late May, 7 – June 30. For more information, call but with no electricity, we had no idea when 925-528-9225 or email [email protected]. we’d be starting, and so we haven’t been t plan from page 1 hadn’t responded to ABAG in the past, able to put together our season brochure or Planning Director Emmanuel Ursu said t Jedenoff from page 17 do any of the marketing necessary.” due by May 16. that the City of Orinda sent comment Subsequent meetings with Lacey have stay fit in their 90s, George says “Eat sensi- letters on previous versions of the draft- resulted in a plan that involves pulling bly, don’t smoke, exercise - watch yourself. May 13 City Council Meeting housing plan in June 2011, in January power from the park bathrooms, ticket I believe in moderation in all things. And In attendance were Mayor Amy Worth 2012 and in September 2012. “The city’s booth and possibly the KinderGym, all of try to find ways to truly enjoy life, such as and Councilmembers Dean Orr and Steve letters noted, among other issues, that the which connect from PG&E at a different skiing the slopes at Alta.” Glazer. Councilmember Victoria Smith Transit Town Center PDA designation was was not in attendance due to prior business not appropriate for Orinda, which includes t womensing from page 10 commitments and Councilmember Sue regional open space permanently dedicated WomenSing celebrates the centenary of Severson attended via teleconference from and unavailable for construction. We also The whole sky.” For the performance, the noted composer Benjamin Britten’s birth Redmond, WA. stated that the city’s land use policies allow Contra Costa Children’s Chorus Honors with Missa Brevis in D. This exquisite Orinda resident Rusty Snow was among a maximum of 580 units in downtown, not Ensemble will join WomenSing. “small mass,” is characterized by the a majority of audience members who felt the 1,498 envisioned in the initial housing Seeholzer’s composition is just one ex- composer’s brilliant technical invention the May 16 deadline was not enough time scenario put forth by ABAG and MTC,” ample of the vibrant and diverse musical and imaginative insight both in his writ- to thoroughly review the plan and DEIR. he explained. colors that Benvenuto has programmed. ing for voice and the equally magnificent “I encourage the City Council to vote no After receiving the city’s comment let- The concert also includes fresh takes on organ part. on the project if they can’t get an exten- ters, ABAG and MTC changed Orinda’s folk music with lullabies from Spain and Seeholzer will give a pre-concert talk sion,” he said. “The assumptions made in status to “Potential PDA” and reduced beloved English and Appalachian folk- one-hour before each concert. Tickets are the report are profoundly dishonest. Orinda housing requirements to conform to songs. For example, Aires de QuisQueya $30 for premium seats, $25 for general must carefully review the plan.” Orinda’s General Plan. revels in the rhythmic music of the Carib- admission, $20 for seniors, and $10 for Many of the often-passionate responses Walter Roth, a former Oakland Police bean and the island of Santo Domingo students/youth 18 and under. Advance asked the City of Orinda to withdraw from Department homicide inspector, wasn’t while Msilale Wanawake (Women Wake tickets are available up to 24 hours prior to ABAG. “I am opposed to changing our convinced that conforming to Orinda’s Up) is inspired by a Swahili proverb that each concert at www.womensing.org, or by semi-rural Orinda,” Patty Moore said. “The General Plan was the best scenario. “I know calls on women to rid themselves of societal phone at 925-974-9169. Tickets will also public meetings that ABAG held were a that happens when you bring in high den- barriers and gender bias. be available at the door. sham. This plan tells people where they sity housing. The housing in Moraga will can live, the type of housing they will live also affect our traffic in Orinda. Parking is in, and how they will travel. We should difficult now, and this plan doesn’t make quit ABAG.” it any better. If the ABAG plan conforms Former Mayor Bill Judge said “pulling to our city plan, then we need to re-look at out of ABAG would be tragic for the com- our General Plan.” munity. ABAG is just asking us to show Following the final speaker, the City that we are planning for growth. We’re not Council asked staff to draft a letter to required to conform.” ABAG requesting a 60-day extension for Kay Jenkins added her concern about the comments on the plan and the EIR. Mayor impact of the additional multi-level housing Worth asked that in addition to previous on property values. “I’m convinced that if council objections to the plan that the letter we follow the growth outlined in the plan includes reference to EBMUD’s filtration that we will have increased noise, traf- plant, which takes up a large portion of fic and a lack of safety. And, how do we the downtown area. She also asked that pay for all the additional services?” she the letter request ABAG take into account asked. the topography and geography of Orinda. Orinda Senior Village resident Eartha Councilmembers Orr and Glazer concurred Newsong responded to several members of with Glazer requesting that the response to the audience who expressed concern about ABAG include correspondence and com- low-income people moving to Orinda and ments from citizens. a possible increase in crime. “I’m a retired For more information on Plan Bay Area, nurse and have lived in Orinda Senior Vil- go to www.onebayarea.org/plan_bay_area. lage for many years. I also volunteer in the For more information on Plan Bay Area’s community. I’m the face of the low-income EIR, go to www.onebayarea.org./EIR, and people you can expect.” for opposing views on the proposed plan, When asked why the City of Orinda go to www.orindawatch.org. The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 19 Fundraiser / Schools / Students Play for the Cure at Orindawoods’ “Ace It!” Tennis Tournament By BOBBIE DODSON ing levels. Registration forms are available Staff Writer online at orindawoodstennis.com/events/ Ace It! aturday, June 22, is the day to “Play for Committee members note that most Sthe Cure.” Orindawoods Tennis Club people know someone with breast will host the 11th annual Ace It! tennis cancer. The ripple effect impacts not only the tournament. Proceeds from the event go to women dealing with the disease but spouses, the Carol Ann Reed Breast Health Center children, other family members and friends at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in as well. In fact, the Carol Ann Reed Breast Oakland. Health Center is named for an Orinda Pros from area clubs will be putting on resident who lost her battle with the dis- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO (L-R) Anita Siegel presented last year's check to Dr. Lisa Bailey and Linda Peltz of the Carol Ann Reed clinics in the morning and the round robin ease. While waiting for the eventual cure Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. “Tennis Tournament of Champions” will for breast cancer, Ace It! at Orindawoods be played in the afternoon. “A gourmet has joined forces with local tennis pros Orinda Aquatics’ Coaches Don and Ron lunch will be served at noon. We then have and neighboring clubs to “Play for the a drawing for a long list of raffle prizes,” Cure.” Heidary Receive Award says committee member Lynda Lawrence. “Our focus is to expand and enhance “Participants may sign up for either the services for breast cancer patients and their By M. WOODWARD morning or afternoon sessions, $75, or families receiving services at the Carol Ann Contributing Writer $125 for the entire day, with lunch and a Read Breast Health Center. All entrance raffle ticket included with either type entry.” fees are donated directly to the Alta Bates or their positive impact on youth Categories for play are mixed doubles, and Summit Foundation and are fully tax de- Fathletes, Don and Ron Heidary were men’s and women’s doubles in several rat- ductible,” says Lynda Lawrence. awarded the coveted “Double-Goal” Coach Award at PCA’s (Positive Coach- ing Alliance) 12th Annual National Youth Will Additional Tax Revenues Help Sports Awards sponsored by Deloitte. It Local Schools? is presented to coaches who strive to win while pursuing the more important goal of CONTRIBUTED PHOTO By BILL O’BRIAN decline of about $8 million in state support teaching life lessons through sports. (L-R) Ron and Don Heidary received national Staff Writer over the past five years. This year the state The Heidarys are the co-founders/head recognition from Positive Coaching Alliance. deferred about 22 percent of the Acalanes coaches of Orinda Aquatics as well as ax revenues for the State of California funding until next July’s new fiscal year coaches at Campolindo and Miramonte Ron Heidary for effectively using sports to Twere reported in May to be $4.6 bil- start. High Schools, respectively. “Character teach valuable life lessons to our youth,” lion more than Governor Brown predicted The Orinda Union School District First” forms the central tenet of their pro- said Julie Brassard, Liberty Mutual Insur- in January. The big question, of course, (OUSD) has seen similar cuts resulting in gram. “We applaud coaches like Don and [See coaches page 20] is how the state will deal with the extra a loss of about 23 percent due to state fund- money. According to the Legal Analyst’s ing cuts and loss of COLA. The state pays Office, the money will probably be a one about 77 percent of what it is obligated to -time surge and is possibly the result of pay schools for ADA for pupils each year, individuals cashing out capital gains and and the schools simply have to do without dividends before Congress raised tax rates the additional 23 percent. This funding for those in the upper brackets. formula is a statewide issue affecting all A question for Orindans with students in school districts. OUSD is presently short local public schools is how this additional around $3.5 million due to the state actions. tax revenue will affect educational funding. The first loss of state money came at the Since the state cut school funding five start of the recent economic crises when years ago and started deferring part of its the state cut school funding. These cuts constitutionally mandated annual funding, began with the 2008-09 school year. Next, it is likely a portion of the increased rev- the state issued what it called “deferrals,” enue will be given to schools to help make which allowed the state to pay only part of up for what was deferred by the state. Ac- what it owed to school districts. Due to the cording to Chris Learned, Acalanes Union passage of Prop 98, the state is required to High School District’s (AHSD) Associate pay a certain percentage of the state bud- Superintendent for Business, “Any increase get to schools, roughly around 42 percent. would help.” Since the state was short of money, it paid AHSD has seen losses in three different a certain percentage of what it owed the ways in the last several years since the schools and deferred the remaining percent- school year 2007-08: cuts to annual state age of funds to be repaid on July 1, the start funding; deferrals of annual state funding; of the next fiscal year. and suspended Cost of Living Adjustments The AHSD and OUSD also lost funds (COLA). Presently, the district has seen a [See Funding page 20] 20 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Classified t funding from page 19 the additional education money will prob- ably be used to pay back deferrals, and he Community Center Senior Activities through COLA. Funded by the state to “does not anticipate new revenues.” help with rising inflation, the COLA is While this new influx of funds will be in June often around two percent per year. Neither helpful to both the AHSD and OUSD in Tilden Regional Botanical Gardens AHSD nor OUSD have had a cost of living the coming academic year, if the Gover- The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a naturally beautiful and tranquil living adjustment in five years. nor’s new funding formula is passed, both museum about California native plants. Learn the history of the gardens from trained The Governor’s proposed plan to change districts will remain roughly where they are docents and enjoy a sensory exploration as you meander through the enchanting the funding formula for state school dis- today – millions of dollars below funding 10-acre garden. Enjoy the opportunity to browse and purchase native plants after the tricts further complicates the issue. The received in 2007. guided tour. Walking on uneven ground as well as stairs is required. Sturdy, closed new plan generally gives more money to toed shoes are recommended. Trip includes carpooling opportunities from the Orinda t letters from page 4 school districts with higher numbers of Community Center. English language learners, foster children snow again in your life because of global Thursday, June 6, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and students qualifying for free lunches, warming. I love skiing and snowboarding $13 (Orinda resident) $14 (Non-resident) and less money to districts that have fewer and many other people do too, but if we of those types of students. This plan must keep letting global warming slip between Let’s Go Oakland A’s! be approved by the legislature. The gov- our fingertips, we may never do these won- Will the Oakland A's be hot again this season? Could this be the year that they make ernor, however, has said he will fight hard derful, breath-taking experiences again. the World Series? Join us as we root, root, root, for the home team. Moderate walk- for the funding change formulas noting his Global warming is awful for our planet ing and stairs. Trip includes BART ride to and from the Oakland Coliseum and game belief that this is the best way to address because it melts the ice cap, which poten- ticket. Wheelchair accessible. Meet at the Orinda Community Center (rain or shine). low performing schools. If the funding for- tially creates a rise in the water level, and Wednesday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. mula passes, some school districts will see drowns the animal life in the arctic. Solar $20 (Orinda resident) $23 (Non-resident) many million more dollars per year, and, of panels can help prevent it. For additional information, call 254-2445. course, other districts such as Acalanes and The second reason why I believe we OUSD will see many millions less per year. should use solar panels is because they are According to Learned, “If the gover- pollution free. Solar panels only take in t coaches from page 19 and better people.” Mark Madsen, NBA nor’s plan is fully implemented in 2020, energy, and do not give out emissions to the ance, which backs the award. Champion and assistant coach at Stanford, the Acalanes District will lose about $8 environment. This helps regain what was PCA is in partnership with nearly 2,000 was the commentator for the event. Phil million per year in ADA (Average Daily damaged during global warming. schools and youth sports organizations Jackson, 11-time NBA Champion coach Attendance funding per pupil). Learned Many people think that it is not worth nationwide impacting nearly five million was awarded the Ronald L. Jensen Award says, “We are looking at being very much spending the large amount of money on so- youth. “Don and Ron help youth athletes for Lifetime Achievement. shortchanged.” lar panels, but it is worth saving our planet. win in and out of school,” said Jim Thomp- Don Heidary also serves on the boards The governor in January proposed spend- Our planet is worth more than spending son, founder and CEO of Positive Coaching of the American Swim Coaches Association ing $56.2 billion of a $97.7 billion spending your money on a new outfit or a new car. Alliance. “By creating a positive, character- and Pacific Swimming and both Don and plan on K-12 education and community Now is the time to act for saving our planet building youth sports experience and serv- Ron speak nationally and internationally colleges. Two years ago, school spending from global warming. ing as Double-Goal Coaches, Don and Ron on how to develop high-character teams was $47 billion. Part of the gain is due to – David Whisnant help youth develop into better athletes and athletes. Prop 30, the governor’s November ballot Student, OIS measure that raised sales taxes and income taxes on the wealthy. In mid-May, the t heroes from page 5 governor proposed spending one billion of at $250. Business sponsorships provide the new funding for all school districts to financial support that helps some very implement the Common Core. The Bill and worthwhile local and area programs and Melinda Gates Foundation also financially gives businesses exposure within Orinda supports the new set of national academic and surrounding communities. standards. Forty-five states have voluntarily The charities include Town Hall Theatre adopted the new standards. Learned calls Co., California Shakespeare Theater, Food this spending “fantastic news.” He adds that Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, and the Orinda Community Foundation (OCF). Lamorinda 4th of July Parade, Lamorinda ...classified ads Idol, Spirit Van for Orinda Seniors, Orinda Art in Public Places and Orinda Action Day Computer Services are just a few of the community programs Macintosh technical services for busy profession- that the OCF helps. als. Apple certified with OSX. Specialist in desktop For more information and to register for publishing, database & Internet solutions. Get the the tournament, visit www.everydayheroes. help you need today. Call 254-5467. golfreg.com. Household Service

European housecleaning services. Reason- able prices, excellent ref, 10+ years experience. 2013 Elizabeth 925-602-5372. Publication Schedule Orinda News classified ads ... Kitchen & Bath Remodel, Decks, Dry Rot, Termite, Issue Deadline Electric, Door, Tile, Drainage, Walls, Windows. July 2013 June 5, 2013 Your ad in The Orinda News reaches 9,000 households and businesses in Orinda! Lic#458473. Don 510-812-0310. August 2013 July 5, 2013 Total Clean. Serving Lamorinda homes since 1985. Insured and bonded employees. 376-1004. Ad rates are $5 per Music Lessons line - $10 minimum There are 32 spaces per line. Count each letter, punctuation mark, and space between words. FLUTE, VOICE, GUITAR, and PIANO LESSONS with Orinda Jazz Festival Founder and Carnegie Categories Name______Category______Hall Performer, Carol Alban. (Cell) 510-542-7517. • For Sale Address______Number of Lines______Pets Cars City______Zip______Phone______Email______All Ears Pet Sitting Services - Expert pet care in Musical Instruments your home. A.M. & P.M. visits, and midday dog walks. Sports Equipment Write your ad in the boxes below with one letter, space or punctuation mark in each box. Cost is Orinda resident. No overnight services available. Miscellaneous $5 per line: $10 minimum. Call 925-253-8383 or visit allearspetcare.com. • Help Wanted • Household Services Services Caregivers Handyman, expert tile, Orinda resident. Satisfied Domestics customers. Call Carson 925-708-7059. House-Sitting Fire safety weed cutting. • Instruction Local Resident, fair price. Music Lessons Charles 254-5533. Tutors Reliable Window & Gutter Cleaning. Friendly ser- Miscellaneous vice and outstanding results! Servicing Lamorinda • Pets since 1983. Please call 925-254-7622 or visit us at www.reliablewindowservice.com. • Pet Care • Rentals Wanted • Services Enclose your check payable to The Orinda Association and mail to Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Orinda, • Vacation Rentals/ CA 94563. We reserve the right to reject any ad. Classified ads must be prepaid. Your cancelled check is I buy 1950’s Furniture. Danish modern, Herman Home Exchanges Miller, Knoll wanted. 1 item or entire estate! Call your receipt. Rick at 510-219-9644. Courteous house calls. • Wanted The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 21 Calendar On The Calendar Concerts in the Park Returns to JUNE Community Center In June 1 Orinda Books presents the Sisters-in-Crime Spring Showcase, a special event when all the store’s favorite local mystery writers introduce their latest novels, 276 Village Square, noon By SALLY HOGARTY to 2 p.m. Call 254-7606. Editor California Shakespeare Theatre presents American Night: The Ballad of Juan José through June 23, various times, Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theatre Way, utdoor concerts will once again have Orinda. Call 510-548-9666 or visit www.calshakes.org. Oresidents flocking to the Community Theatre Arts for Kids, a function of Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, is accepting registra- Center Park for picnics and music. The tion for summer sessions for aspiring performers ages 7 through 15. Students will perform Orinda Community Center Auxiliary and Wizard of Oz and Orphans on Broadway in July. For details visit www.childrenschorus.org the Parks and Recreation Department have or email [email protected]. put together a season of old favorites and 4 Orinda Books Story Hour for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers, every Tuesday, 276 some new surprises. Village Square, 10 to 11 a.m. Call 254-7606. All concerts are 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 5 WomenSing’s final concert of the season featuring a world premiere by a new young com- more information, go to www.cityoforinda. Brian Moran and his jazz trio will perform on June poser plus folk music and Benjamin Britten’s Missa Brevis in D. Tickets are$10 – 25. Call org. 11 in the Community Center Park. 925-974-9169 or go to www.womensing.org. See story page 10. June 11 - Brian Moran Jazz Trio 6 Orinda Recreation Department Senior Outing (50+) to Tilden Regional Botanical Garden June 18 - Cal Alumni Big Band July 16 - Lamorinda Idol Singers features docent-led tour of the 10-acre gardens. Sturdy, closed toed shoes are recommended. June 25 - David Correa and Casada (Latin July 23 - Pladdohg (Celtic rock) Carpooling will be available from the Orinda Community Center, 8:45 to 11:30 a.m., $13 guitar/world music) July 28 - Opera in the Park (Sunday from residents/$15 non-residents. Call 254-2445. July 2 - Bay Bridge Beat (funk, rhythm 4-6 p.m.) 7 First Friday Forum featuring Daniel Kammen discussing “New Currency for the 21st and blues) August 6 - The Crisis (blues/rock) Century,” Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 1:30 p.m. Call 925-283-8722 or go to July 9 - Stone Soup (classic rock) August 13 - Littledog2 (pop/rock) www.lopc.org. See story page 21. Orinda Starlight Village Players presents Frank Vosper’s Love from a Stranger, an adap- Mason-McDuffie Realty, 51 Moraga Way, Orinda. www.moragaadobe.org. tation of Agatha Christie’s Philomel Cottage through June 30 at Orinda Community Park Friends of the Orinda Creeks. Fourth Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., May Room, Orinda Library, Amphitheater, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 8 p.m., Sunday, June 253-1997. 30, 4 p.m. For more information, call 528-9225 or email [email protected]. Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition. Third Wednesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Orinda City Hall 10 WomenSing, a premier East Bay women’s singing ensemble, will hold auditions for all voice Sarge Littlehale Room. Call 687-8844, ext. 227. parts. Scholarships available for qualified singers. Auditions also available by appointment. Lamorinda Sirs for retired men. Second Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Cultural Email [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 974-9169. Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Luncheon speakers plus golf, tennis, bocce, bridge and 12 The Second Wednesday Book Group discusses Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, astronomy. Call Pete Giers, 254-4667. Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, 3 p.m. Call 254-7606. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary. Every Friday, 7 a.m., Celias Mexican, Lafayette, 254-0440, ext. 463. 16 Lamorinda Idol 2013 auditions will be held May 16 through 18. Registration closes April Lamorinda Toastmasters. Every Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 30 and is open to all students in Lamorinda schools in K through 12th grades. Visit www. Lafayette, www.lamorinda.freetoasthost.net. orindaartscouncil.org. Montelindo Garden Club. Third Friday, September through May, Orinda Community Church, Orinda Books hosts author Donna Caulkin discussing her new novel, Brenda Corrigan 10 Irwin Way, 9 a.m., this month features Spring Luncheon hosted by Lynne Lloyd, www. Went Downtown, 276 Village Square, 1 p.m. Call 254-7606. montelindogarden.com. 19 Three-Quarter Century Luncheon featuring Candy Pierce speaking on Rotary Clubs Orinda Association. Second Monday, 7:15 p.m., Orinda Library, May Room, 254-0800. “Changing Lives One Project at a Time,” Orinda Community Church, 11:30 a.m. Must be Orinda Hiking Club. Every weekend and first Wednesday. Visit www.orindahiking.org or call 75 years of age or older to attend. Call 254-2017 or email [email protected]. Ian at 254-1465. 21 The World Affairs Book Group discusses A Single Roll of the Dice: Obama’s Diplomacy Orinda Historical Society. Third Wednesday, 3 p.m., Historical Society Museum, 26 Orinda with Iran by Trita Parsi, Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, 3 p.m. The group meets bimonthly Way, 254-1353. and welcomes new members. Call 254-7606. Orinda Job’s Daughters. First and third Monday, 7 p.m., 9 Altarinda Road, 283-7176. 22 Ace It! Tennis Tournament, Orindawoods Tennis Club, 65 Orinda Woods Dr. Proceeds Orinda Juniors Women’s Club community service group. First Tuesday, September through go to the Carol Ann Reed Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Go June, 7 p.m. Contact Julie Mercer or Charlene Robinson at [email protected] or www. to www.orindawoodstennis.com/events/AceIt! orindajuniors.org. 26 Orinda Recreation Department Senior Outing (50+) to see Oakland A’s play Cincinnati Orinda Rotary. Every Wednesday, noon, Orinda Country Club, 254-2222. at 12:35 p.m. at the Coliseum. Trip includes BART ride and game ticket. $30 resident/$35 Orinda/Tábor (Czech Republic) Sister City Foundation. Fourth Thursday, 7 p.m. social, 7:30 non-residents, Meet at the Orinda Community Center at 10:45 a.m. (returning 4:30 p.m. p.m. meeting, call 254-8260 for location. approximately). Call 254-2445 for a list of events and resources for seniors. Orinda Teen Advisory Council. Second Wednesday, 4 p.m., Community Center, 28 Orinda Way. Email [email protected]. AT THE LIBRARY Orinda Woman’s Club. Second Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to noon, call Jean Barnhart, 254-3881. All events are free unless otherwise specified. For more information, call 254-2184 or visit www. ccclib.org/locations/Orinda.html. CITY/FIRE/SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING SCHEDULE 1 Saturday Morning Live, family story time for 3- to 5-year-olds, Picture Book area, 11 to Acalanes Union High School District. First and third Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., district office, 1212 11:30 a.m. Also June 8,15, and 22. Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. 4 Peek-A-Book Time, songs, stories, rhythms and rhymes for infants to 16 months old and City Council. First and third Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Library Auditorium, www.cityoforinda.org. their caregivers, Gallery Room, 11:30 a.m. Also June 11 and 18. Historic Landmarks Committee. Fourth Tuesday, 3 to 5 p.m., Library Garden Room. Call Berkeley Repertory Theatre docent talks about the theatre’s production of Dear Elizabeth. 925-788-7323. Moraga-Orinda Fire District. First and third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.. Visit The play follows the bittersweet friendship between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell as www.mofd.org/board/meetings meeting location will be posted on the agenda. they trade hundreds of witty and passionate letters. Adult program, Fireside Room, 7 p.m. Orinda Union School District Board of Trustees. Second Monday, 6 p.m., OUSD 6 Friends of the Orinda Library Book Sale, Book Shop and Sorting Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Conference Room, 25 Orinda Way—Suite 200, Orinda, CA 94563. For the latest listing of ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Circle, practice your English conver- dates, please check the website at www.orindaschools.org. sation skills in an informal group setting, Tutoring Room, 1 p.m. No registration required. Planning Commission. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Library Auditorium, www.cityo- Also June 13, 20 and 27. forinda.org. 8 Summer Reading begins with the theme of “Reading is So Delicious,” categories for all ages and lots of prizes. Sign up at the library. Send calendar items to Maggie Sharpe at [email protected] 12 Music with Melita, interactive music and dance for children 0-5 years, Garden Room, 10:30 to 11:10 a.m. 15 Weekend Paws to Read, earn Summer Reading minutes with a friendly dog. Call or visit the library to sign up for a 20-minute reading session, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Also June 29. 16 World Affairs Book Group will discuss National Insecurity: The Cost of American Mili- tarism, by Melvin A. Goodman Orinda Books, 3 p.m. 254-7606. New members welcome. 18 Toddler Lapsit, stories, songs and fingerplays for infants to 3-year-olds and their caregivers, Gallery Room, 10 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 to 10:55 a.m. Drop-ins welcome, but attendance limited to once per week. Also June 19, 25 and 26. 19 Summer Music Series kicks off with hometown favorites The Real Placebos featuring acoustic roots, blues and swing, 6:30 p.m. 21 Mystery Book Club members discuss Up Jumps the Devil by Margaret Maron, Tutoring Room, 3 to 4:30 p.m. New members welcome. 27 Talespinners of Contra Costa, tell a story or just come to listen, featuring a special story- teller, 7 to 9 p.m. Adult program.

CLUB MEETINGS Diablo Star Chapter #214, Order of the Eastern Star. Second Monday, 7:30 p.m., Orinda Masonic Center. Call Karen Seaborn, 689-0995. Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe. Third Monday, 7:30 p.m., Better Homes & Gardens 22 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Business

Prudential Names New Manager for Orinda Office

By GINNY CAIN office located at 8 Camino Encinas, Suite look forward to utilizing his combination Contributing Writer 100, which serves the Lamorinda area. In of skills in his roles with the company,” his business development role, he will be said Gretchen Pearson, President and CEO ete Sabine, a longtime real estate involved in teaching, training and coaching of Prudential California Realty, Pearson Pprofessional, has been named branch the company’s agents to success. Properties. manager of the Orinda Prudential Califor- “Pete is the kind of industry professional Sabine began his real estate career in nia Realty office, and to a newly created that we like to associate with. He has a 1985 in Orinda. He previously worked position of director of business develop- stellar reputation of serving his clients and with Better Homes & Gardens Mason- ment company-wide. As branch manager, has consistently throughout his career given McDuffie Real Estate in Walnut Creek as Sabine will oversee the sales professionals back to the industry at large through his both a practicing real estate broker and a and manage day-to-day operations for the agent training and coaching programs. We business development coach and trainer. He brings to Prudential California Realty an extensive background in sales, marketing, negotiation, relocation and investing along with buying and selling strategies focused on delivering professional real estate ser- vices, expertise and innovative solutions CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Pete Sabine is new manager of Prudential’s for his sales team. Sabine is an expert with Orinda office. real estate contract negotiations, risk man- agement best practices, disclosure laws, estate agents with real estate education agency relationships, creative financing training courses on these topics. His family and sophisticated real estate investment heritage goes back three generations in the resources and strategies, providing real [See Sabine page 23] Local Restaurateur Shifts Focus By DAVID DIERKS Lava Pit to providing financial advice Assistant Editor through Morgan Stanley Wealth Man- agement. Lim said, “I graduated with a ava Pit Hawaiian Grill owner Sam Lim degree in Economics so I’ve always been Lhas shifted his focus from managing immersed in finance and business. Late last year, it felt like I needed a career change. I recently got married and purchased a new home with my wife. Career wise, I wanted to get back into the financial world and in December 2012, I started at Morgan Stan- ley.” The day-to-day management of Lava Pit has been handed over to his long trusted manager Maria Rojas. Lim started Lava Pit in 2006 after he graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a BA in Economics and a minor in Business. Lim said, “I grew up in Southern California, and I’ve always been in the restaurant and hos- pitality industry. As a young kid, I worked

DAVID DIERKS Sam Lim, owner of Lava Pit Hawaiian Grill in Theatre Square, has joined Morgan Stanley. as a cashier at our family restaurants and gift shops and learned a lot about hard work and what it takes to succeed. After I gradu- ated from Cal, I thought now is the time to [See Lim page 23] The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 n 23 Business Buzz t buzz from page 24 items for their college dormitory rather than shopping at Target. The jewelry of local artisans is featured at ReChic Boutique. Necklaces, rings, key fobs, belts and cos- metic bags are just a few of the offerings. In addition to the retail business, inter- esting classes are offered for people of all ages. “Auto 101 is super popular with adults and kids as well. Everything related to car anatomy is included in the weekend course held at the shop. Changing a tire, check- ing and changing the oil and using jumper cables are important skills for everyone to have,” says Vigo, who is currently searching for a facilitator to run a Teen Book Club CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 101 at ReChic Boutique. “We will meet ReChic offers more than great items to purchase: one evening a month through the summer it also offers classes in car basics. to discuss fun and adventurous readings. Anyone interested in helping should contact 7th grade at Orinda Intermediate School. me,” says Vigo. “Everyone helps with the bees, and Mike Vigo is married to Mike Vigo, owner of is the foreman of Bee Ranchers,” says Vigo. “Bee Rancher Honey,” which is available Currently, ReChic Boutique 101 is open at her shop throughout the summer and fall. Tuesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. “Bee hives - which make excellent Father’s Summer hours begin June 11 and run Tues- Day gifts – may be purchased as well,” says day through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Vigo. The couple has three daughters. Nata- The shop is closed on Monday. For more lie is a junior at Miramonte High School. information, visit ReChic Boutique 101 on Olivia is a freshman and Morgan attends the FaceBook or call 925-519-8050.

from page 22 t Sabine growth and a competitive edge. Prudential Lamorinda area. Sabine currently resides California Realty is on a growth plan that in Pleasant Hill. is exciting to me and will allow me to con- “I’m passionate about my real estate tinue my evolution in real estate business career and equally passionate about helping development and training” said Sabine. others succeed in real estate sales. I believe Sabine can be reached at 925-297-5335. when agents are mentored and coached for For more information on the Prudential success you create a culture where success California Realty in Orinda, visit www. naturally breeds, which results in business pruca.com. t Lim from page 22 the time getting to know my clients and for them to know me and my family. I under- open a restaurant. I asked my parents to stand there’s a lot of uncertainties involved come out of retirement to help me create in a retirement plan or running a business, the recipes.” so I want to take what I’ve learned while Using the skills he learned from seven leveraging the vast financial resources at years of managing Lava Pit, Lim hopes to Morgan Stanley to help people in the long- help the families he’s met in Orinda. “What term,” added Lim. I’ve learned from all the years I’ve been Lim chose Morgan Stanley “because of here is mostly about people. I’ve always their reputation for excellence in financial helped people with important events like services and execution on a global scale. I weddings, birthdays, corporate events, even still love Lava Pit, but I want to get back to a retirement parties. I wanted to use my ex- career close to my educational background perience dealing with clients and customers and experience. Being a financial advisor with more of a long term focus,” said Lim. is the perfect career for me because of my He sees his philosophy of wealth man- past achievement at U.C. Berkeley and agement as focused on people. Lim wants as a successful entrepreneur. I find great to identify the uncertainties in their life in pride and satisfaction talking to people terms of cash flow, liquidity needs, capital and ultimately making their goals become expenditures and retirement solutions. “It’s reality,” said Lim. not about buying or selling one stock; it’s For more information on how he can help about working with individuals, families, you, contact Sam Lim at 925-930-3832 or and small businesses. I have always spent [email protected]. 24 n The Orinda News n JUNE 2013 Business Buzz

that catches the attention of passersby,” she adds. Currently the Golden Gate Bridge Business Buzz is featured, complete with the Rainbow Tunnel on the Marin side and Golden Gate Putting a Personal Face Fields racetrack. Check out the rubber duck revolt taking place in another window. Even on Local Business President Obama showed up to support the Valerie Hotz rights of rubber ducks here. “We place an emphasis on creativity, reflected in our large stock of arts and To send items for consideration, email flurry of activity as children descend on the crafts supplies, and manipulative toys such VALERIE HOTZ Hotz at [email protected]. shop with parents in tow, searching for the as Legos, Playmobil and train sets. We Leslie Hampton (L) and Connie King at Sweet perfect gift for an afternoon birthday party. feature a wide selection of puzzles for all Dreams, where you can find a bounty of fun toys. Sweet Dreams Toy Store in Theatre Connie King manages Sweet Dreams ages to enjoy together. A current hot item Square is an Orinda Institution with care, knowing the name of every child - Stomp Rocket - shoots 200 feet into the and she wants it to be known that ReChic Established in Orinda nearly 20 years ago who walks through the door. “Kids come air,” smiles Lillich. “Our infant section in- Boutique 101 is a local gathering place for by Gary Gendel, this delightful toy store to the store just to visit with Connie. She creased substantially because a lot of babies people of all ages. Located at 101 Orinda is an adventure for young and old alike. is an Orinda Original,” says senior buyer are being born in Orinda,” she exclaims. Way, adjacent to Baan Thai Restaurant, Located on the Moraga Way side of Theatre Barbara Lillich. “We take a lot of pride Stop in and choose that baby shower gift shoppers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and Square, adjacent to Petra, if you stop by on in our window displays, involving every and enjoy a variety of possibilities such wide variety of gift items available here. a Saturday morning, you will be treated to a employee in order to create something fun as rattles, squeaky toys and mobiles. The Those of a particular generation will appre- Stimobile – a very popular black and white ciate the painting behind the cash register mobile conducive to developing an infant’s that is reminiscent of Dennis Hopper in the vision – can be purchased here. “A newborn film, Easy Rider. A comfortable sofa and baby’s vision is in black and white initially, chairs in the front of the shop invite you to and this particular mobile helps develop eye relax and stay awhile. tracking,” she adds. Clothes and home décor items are ac- “Bruder toy trucks from Germany are cepted for consignment every day. Shoes, selling like crazy. Children watching the shirts, pants, dresses – you name it and ongoing construction of the new bore in the you will find stylish trends here at great Caldecott Tunnel are enjoying playing with prices. The smallest size accepted for con- earth movers and dump trucks,” says Lil- signment is 10-12 Junior up to adult size lich. Fine quality dress up clothes made by for both boys and girls. No appointment Great Pretenders encourages imaginative is necessary to speak with Jennifer about play. Everything from capes to dresses may consigning items. Individuals travel from be had here, as well as the birthday card. San Francisco, Danville, Lafayette and Everyone at Sweet Dreams is committed other East Bay cities to do business. “This to providing customers with total satisfac- is a convenient place to get a lot of things tion. They are open Monday through Sat- done. We have an excellent selection for urday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11:30 birthday gifts, humorous gift cards and, a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about often, out of the ordinary gifts. One of the Sweet Dreams, call 254-6672. most enjoyable things for me is to hear laughter coming from a shopper browsing ReChic Boutique 101 in the back of the shop,” says Vigo. Orindan Jennifer Vigo opened this Miramonte graduates heading off to col- charming boutique featuring consignment lege may want to come by and select some items as well as new merchandise last year, [See buzz page 23]