May 16, 2008 INSIDE Real Estate ...... 29 Open Home Guide ..... 33
Section 2 www.PleasantonWeekly.com PLEASANTON WEEKLY LivingLiving Summer fun
City offers new classesis forall kids in wellness,around the arts and more
by Emily Atwood 20 to Aug. 1 (no class on July 4) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the ids are getting antsy at Veterans Memorial Building. The their school desks, the cost is $120 for residents or $132 Kweather is warmer and a for non-residents. jam-packed city activity guide Another couple of new classes has been released—summer must teach athletes how to nutrition- be around the corner. The guide ally prepare for competition. has more than 220 activities for When should you load the carbs, kids, teens, adults and seniors, or should you at all? Are energy with several new offerings. bars and sports drinks really There are many exercise and helpful? Learn the facts July 29 wellness classes, and a new one at the Tennis and Community this year is yoga for parents and Park clubroom. Athletes ages 8 children (code 43420). Instructor to 13 are invited to the 10:30 to Beth Fox will guide parents and 11:30 class (code 43445), while children (ages 5 and up) in poses ages 13 to 18 will meet from like walking the dog, balanc- noon to 1 p.m. (code 43446). ing like birds and slithering like Both classes are $20 for resi- snakes. Kids and parents must dents or $23 for non-residents, bring a yoga mat, and children plus a $5 supply fee due at the From fitness to the arts, must be with a parent or adult who beginning of class. the city of Pleasanton is at least 18 years old. The class Children wanting to have fun offers a host of summer meets on six Fridays from June activities for all ages. (continued on page 23)
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The independence you want, the assistance you need. Now Showing
Speed Racer es and rib-tickling ★ ★ ★ humor care of Rating: PG for sequences of action, Spritle and Chim some violence and language. Chim nearly make 2 hours, 15 minutes. “Speed” worth the admission price and The Wachowski brothers haven’t helmed bloated 135-minute a film since 2003’s disappointing “The Matrix runtime. Hirsch Revolutions.” The siblings seem to be a bit rusty. is tremendously Their big-screen, big-budget adaptation of the charismatic and popular “Speed Racer” anime series is like the embraces the roll, independence is all about choice. Willy Wonka of racing movies. bringing depth to Colorful, vibrant and cartoonish to a fault, an otherwise one- ■ Apartments with kitchenettes “Speed” is a visual feast that nearly warrants dimensional charac- ■ A wide array of amenities a warning for epileptics in the opening credits. ter. Fox shines as ■ On-site memory care But the picture is also incredibly faithful to the Racer X in both his source material and should thoroughly impress performance and Call Today! the show’s diverse fanbase. physicality. The best Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch of “Into the Wild”) non-racing action 925/ 461-3042 has become the wunderkind of the auto-racing scenes in the film revolve around Fox, whether www.eskaton.org world. Studying from his older brother Rex and he’s duking it out with a ninja or battling a handful managed by Eskaton miles of practice have pushed Speed to the of mobsters. Litt is a revelation as the free-spirited forefront of the sport. But the devastating loss Spritle and his dynamic with Chim Chim repre- of Rex in a tragic crash still permeates the Racer sents the film’s much-needed humor. THE PARKVIEW family. Although Speed’s parents, Mom (Susan The Wachowskis clearly did their homework— ASSISTED LIVING IN PLEASANTON License #015601283 Sarandon) and Pops (John Goodman), continue techniques used in the show are re-created ad to support his full-throttle fervor, Speed himself nauseam. Close-up, transition and visual-effect always seems to be chasing the ghost of his tricks grow tiresome, especially when foreground buried brother. and background images cross paths repeatedly. When revelations surface that most races The racing scenes—which take place on wild, are fixed and a greedy megalomaniac named winding tracks—range from thrilling to completely Royalton (Roger Allam) essentially controls the disorienting. But kids will be enamored by the sport, Speed teams with the mysterious Racer flashy set design and entertaining characters. X (Matthew Fox) to bring a sense of honor back Strong messages about integrity and family ties to racing. With the help of his devoted girlfriend rise above the roar of engines, and the compelling ELDAR IN CONCERT Trixie (Christina Ricci), his younger brother Spritle climax caps the film perfectly. (Paulie Litt) and Chim Chim, the family’s pet chim- Fans of the show and families in need of a A most formidable young jazz pianist panzee, Speed strives to win a dangerous cross- fun excursion should race to the theater without Young piano sensation Eldar, originally from Kyrgyztan, country rally called The Crucible and prove not all is one of the most formidable jazz musicians of his haste—all others can drop into first gear and wait generation. A sophisticated and astonishing performer drivers can be bought. for “Speed” to pull into Netflix. of well-chosen jazz standards, Eldar is also beginning to A top-notch cast, exciting action sequenc- —Tyler Hanley reveal his own emerging musical vision as a creative art- ist, with original compositions of complex structure and free-flowing expression. Friday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets $28, $31, $36, $11 Students Ready to Rent
SPENCERS THEATRE OF ILLUSION The Diving Bell and the Butterfly of daily living and Astonishing magic for the entire family Miramax DVD occasional elations One of the most elaborate and popular illusion shows 1 hour, 52 minutes of self-reflection touring today, this high-tech stage extravaganza combines Director: Julian Schnabel they cause. He is drama, comedy, romance and suspense with dazzling first taught how special effects and magnificent set design. Described as Director Julian Schnabel and his hero Jean- to communicate “Modern Day Houdini’s,” the Spencers take audiences on a Dominique Bauby employ Kafka’s sense of the through his only roller coaster ride as they propel the age-old art of magic absurd towards the beginning of the equally mas- mobile append- into the 21st century. terful and cold “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. age—by blinking Tickets $24, $28, $31, $11 Students From Bauby’s perspective, with the camera as his his left eyelid—and and our iris, we wake to the sight of an out-of-focus sets off speaking room with cold mid-day sunlight pouring through with the aid of the CHANTICLEER the windows, while the audio track is laced with listener reciting the An orchestra of voices Bauby’s deservedly confused inner-monologue. alphabet. First his “The world’s reigning male chorus” – The New Yorker. As his senses return, he finds he cannot move, his friends visit, then Chanticleer celebrates its 30th Season of vocal inter- memory is absent, and as his eyes adjust, he real- his estranged wife pretations that range from Renaissance to jazz, gos- izes that he is in the hospital, with several doctors Celine (a very good pel to new music. With its seamless blend of twelve hovering over his likeness. One particular physician Emmanuelle Seinger) and children, all of who are male voices, from countertenor to bass, the Grammy with huge eyebrows sits beside his bed and tells Award-winning ensemble has earned international in a state of shock. What Schnabel does not do renown as “an orchestra of voices.” him that he has had a stroke, which has paralyzed with these scenes, very wisely I feel, is to give into Friday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m. his entire body sans his eyes—a “locked-in syn- a state of Capra-like sentimentalism and especially Tickets $28, $31, $36, $41, $11 Students drome.” We hear Bauby groan that this is all he with the potential the material has to offer in the “It’s needed, whose voice echoes Joseph K’s sense of a Wonderful Life” territory. PREMIERE SAXOPHONE QUARTET peculiar disorder. Not to say that there are not affecting moments, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is based upon there are many indeed. The most moving and one Del Valle Fine Arts Bauby’s own tale of his inner life after his physical of the best pieces of acting from last year are in a Four Bay Area musicians with wide-ranging experi- one. Bauby was a journalist and editor of ELLE, ence as soloists, orchestral players and teachers flashback between Bauby and his father (played formed The Premiere Saxophone Quartet in 2005. a man we’re told was at the height of his pow- with perfect regality by Max Von Sydow). It is a Together Dale Wolford (soprano), Kevin Stewart ers when his stroke set on. No wonder director scene that, especially between two men, rings (alto), David Henderson (tenor), and Aaron Lington Schnabel, whose “Basquiat” chronicled the rise so true as the two dance around each other (baritone), perform a diverse repertoire of music and fall of the New York pop artist and “Before in a discussion that involves childhood, family reflecting their varied experiences in classical music Night Falls” captured the life of writer Reinaldo and work. There is an overall chilly quality to the and jazz. Arenas, found his story compelling. While artist movie, however, that lends a feeling of distance. May 24 at 8:00 p.m. biopics usually focus on the chronological details, The impression I had is that “The Diving Bell and Tickets $19, $24, $29, Students Free, College $10 Schnabel knows that the real story is between the the Butterfly” is a well constructed movie, and Season sponsor ears, within the mind’s eye. The artist may have especially technically, with Janusz Kaminski’s cin- lived a life of connections and events, but the real ematography the silent star of the movie, but no drama plays out in the crescendos of impression sense of passion to it, which may be a symptom and imagination, to which Bauby was only left. of all those other fiery artist biopics I’ve seen. The movie unfolds with Bauby’s frustrations —Joe Ramirez
Page 22ÊUÊ >ÞÊ£È]ÊÓäänÊUÊ*i>Ã>ÌÊ7iiÞ Living Specializing in Established in 1985 Check out Europe and the Destinations The life of Lennon South Pacifi c Unlimited Tim Piper and band pay tribute in musical, visual journey every day 1989-C Santa Rita Road s (925) 462-0402 Described as a two-hour musical www.travel-desk.com s CST#101368810 collage, Tim Piper and his band will take Amador Theater audi- ences through a fitting homage to the late John Lennon. The show “A Day in His Life” is at 8 p.m. May 31 at Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road as a part of the city’s Civic Arts Program. It includes the sights and Put your trust in the nation’s largest provider of home mortgages. sounds that changed a generation. Bank of America is committed to helping you get the right mortgage Piper is known for his uncanny to fit your needs by providing competitive products and personalized portrayal of the famous Beatle, service. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about us as your lender. and has done so in the E! Channel Here’s why: production “John Lennon Story” < We have tremendous financial strength as one of the largest companies in the world, and the CBS movie of the week, backed by over $1.5 trillion in total assets. “The Linda McCartney Story.” He was also the voice of Lennon in the < Our dedication to responsible lending has never been greater and is focused on a balance NBC movie of the week, “In His of a diverse set of loans, showing our commitment to the first time home buyer as well as repeat Life—The John Lennon Story.” Tim Piper as John Lennon buyers. This dedication is demonstrated with the recent launch of two new innovative and He will channel this talent into affordable mortgage programs, No Fee Mortgage PLUS and Neighborhood Champions® Protected mimicking Lennon’s personal- ets.org up to three hours prior to the Mortgage™. ity, appearance, mannerisms and performance, by phone at 931-3444 humor—complete with visuals, anec- or in person at the box office from < We service our own loans to ensure you have a positive experience for the life of your mortgage. dotes and “note-perfect” renditions of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through < We have the highest servicing rankings and the lowest foreclosure rates in the industry, some of Lennon’s greatest hits. Friday and for two hours prior to earning us Freddie Mac’s Tier One Hall of Fame status. Tickets to “A Day in His Life” the performance. Group discounts are $25, $30 and $35. Purchase are available. To learn more about how Bank of America can provide the best them online at www.civicartstick- —Emily Atwood solutions for your mortgage needs, contact: Jill Mosser and fish. No experience is required Mortgage Loan Officer for these classes taught by Sarah Óx°Ènn°În{£ÊvvVi®ÊUÊÓx°xÈ°ääÈÇÊVi® Hudson, who teaches through dem- ÓäÓäÊ7ÜÊ*>ÃÃÊ,`°]ÊÎÀ`ÊÀÊUÊ VÀ`]Ê Ê{xÓä onstration and hands-on help. The [email protected] safari class (code 43416) is for ages www.mortgage.bankofamerica.com/jillmosser 4 to 6 and meets from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from July 7 to 16. The cost is $58 for residents or $64 for non- residents, plus a $25 supply fee. Kids ages 7 to 10 are welcome to the “fish class” (code 43415), where students create sea creature ceramics, which meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 8 to July 17. The summertime class is for kids ages 11 to 14 and meets from noon to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from July 7 to July 16 (code 43417) or from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 8 to 17 (code 43418). These classes are $93 for residents or $102 for non- residents, plus a $25 supply fee. For those wanting to stick to a favorite, there is the ever-popular Ridge Runners Nature Day Camp. There, children ages 6 to 11 investi- gate area habitats: Augustine Bernal Park, Bernal Creek Restoration Site, Summer Shadow Cliffs Regional Park and (continued from page 21) Sunol Regional Wilderness Park. Not only will they learn more about plants with the arts are in luck because there and animals, but the skills to stay safe are new classes involving sculpture in nature. This class is lead by Eric and ceramics. Instructor Soonjung Nicholas, the city’s program natural- Shin, who has a master’s degree ist. There are six sessions ranging in sculpture and printmaking, will from June 23 to Aug. 1 (code 43212 teach basic techniques and help to 43219). Session fees range from students create their own works of $148 to $245 for residents and $163 art. Children ages 4 to 7 have two to $270 for non-residents. class offerings: from 1 to 2:30 p.m. To register for these or many other Tuesdays from June 17 to July 8 classes, go to http://online.activecom- (code 43410) or from 1 to 2:30 p.m. munities.com/Pleasanton, or send Thursdays from June 19 to July 10 completed forms by fax at 484-5078 (code 43411). Ages 8 to 12 meet or by mail to City of Pleasanton, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays from Parks and Community Services, P.O. June 17 to July 8 (code 43412). The Box 520, Pleasanton, CA, 94566. To cost is $85 for residents or $94 for learn more about the other classes, non-residents, plus a $12 supply fee visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/ser- due at the first meeting. vices/recreation or call 931-5340 or The three ceramics classes each send in a registration form by fax to have a theme: safari, summertime 484-5078. N *i>Ã>ÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ >ÞÊ£È]ÊÓäänÊU Page 23 DiningOut
p.m. with breakfast and lunch spe- American cials. Dine in or take out. Catering California also available. Vic’s All Star Kitchen Cuisine 201 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 484-0789. Vic’s delivers a starry mix Stacey’s Cafe of American food, fast service and Asian-Pacific 310 Main St., Pleasanton, 461-3113. a cheery atmosphere. Owner Vic Mahalo Grille Located on Main Street in down- Malatesta teamed his love of sports 425 Main St., Pleasanton, 462-2800. town Pleasanton, Stacey’s is open with his passion for good food to Treat yourself to a taste sensation for lunch and dinner seven days a create a solid dining experience. at Mahalo Grille featuring a variety week, serving fresh California cuisine. Vic’s is open daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. of Pacific seafood, Hawaiian fresh Come as you are and enjoy our din- Evening banquets and daytime cater- fish and shell fish, and “Mahalo” ing room, banquet room, outdoor ing are available. signature selections. Also try our patios and full bar. Visit www.stacey- Bridges various vegetarian-friendly offerings, scafe.com. 44 Church St., Danville, 820-7200. California wines and island cocktails. Executive Chef Kevin Gin interprets Visit www.mahalogrille.com. California-American cuisine with Catering European and Asian influences with expansive lunch and dinner menus. Fontina’s Catering Add dessert, wine and cocktails and Barbecue 349 Main St., Downtown Pleasanton, you have Bridges’ casual fine dining Red Smoke Grill 462-9299. Fontina Ristorante’s experience. Visit www.bridgesdan- 4501 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, award-winning menu can now be ville.com for event and private party 734-0307. Home of the Tri Tip and delivered to your home or office. Our details. Blue, Red Smoke Grill was voted lunch and dinner specialties feature Pleasanton Hotel Restaurant best take out food by Pleasanton homemade soups and pastas, pre- 855 Main St., Pleasanton, 846-8106. Weekly readers in 2006. Dine in or mium seafood and meats, and a Executive Chef Neil Marquis offers take out rotisserie chicken, ribs, vegetarian menu. For parties of 10 exciting contemporary American prawns, salads and tri tip, or pulled or more, we’ll include free dessert or cooking at lunch and dinner, featur- pork sandwiches. Relax with a 10 percent off your total bill (exclud- ing a wide selection of fresh fish beer or a bottle of wine. Visit www. ing tax). entrees. Also offering our famous redsmokegrill.com. Girasole Grill/Pampered Palate Sunday Champagne Buffet Brunch Catering full bar and patio service. Visit us 831-4888. Offering affordable and at www.pleasantonhotel.com for elegant catering, Girasole Grill/ menus and private party and catering Brewpub/ Pampered Palate provides quality To have your restaurant listed in this dining details. Alehouse food and generous portions at a fair Zorn’s Restaurant price. Services include: decorated directory, please call the Pleasanton Weekly 3015 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, Main Street Brewery buffets with hors d’oeuvres and carv- 462-0994. Located in the Hopyard 830 Main St., Pleasanton, 462-8218. ing stations; sit down meal service; Advertising Department Village Shopping Center, Zorn’s Pleasanton’s only BrewPub, some †strictly hors d’oeuvres, both buffet serves breakfast all day. Open seven ales (Attaboy IPA) are brewed with and server passed; and a variety of at (925) 600-0840 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 3 locally grown hops. We also have a beverage packages with no corkage rotating selection of guest brews and fees. Visit www.ppceastbay.com. seasonal ales. To-go orders welcome Pleasanton Hotel Catering and we’re available for parties up Catering to 100. Live music every Friday and 351-9445. The Pleasanton Hotel Saturday, visit www.mainstreetbrew- Restaurant has proudly provided our ery.com for activities and specials. fine-dining restaurant, banquet and The Hop Yard American Alehouse catering services in the Tri-Valley and Grill for over 25 years. We have multiple 3015H Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, catering packages to choose from to 426-9600. Voted Best Watering Hole fit any event & budget; we also tailor in Pleasanton, The Hop Yard offers menus to fit client’s needs. Executive 30 craft beers on tap as well as great Chef Chris Smith also offers an array food. The full-service menu includes of creative events from In-Home appetizers, salads and grilled fare Personal Chef to Cooking Classes. that will bring you back time and Our commitment to provide the high- again. Banquet facilities available. On est quality of food plus prompt and the web at www.hopyard.com. attentive service has given us a repu- UÊ >ÌiÀ}Ê-iÀÛVi tation we are very proud of. Contact Dawn Miller for more information UÊ/>iÊ"ÕÌÊ iÕ 470 Market Place, San Ramon, 351-9445. 277-9600. Featuring a giant 8-foot projection screen for major sporting Open for Lunch and Dinner events, they also feature 30 beers With combination of an elegant Banquet room and charming wine bar ideal for rehearsal Chinese dinners, bridal showers, company parties or any special occasion you are celebrating. on tap and a great grill. Go in for the Come for the Beer! beer, go back for the food. More at 3037-G Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton (At Valley Ave in Hopyard Village) www.hopyard.com. Chinese Szechuan Come Back for the Food! 3059 Hopyard Road #G, Pleasanton, 925-485-4500 846-5251. Chinese Szechuan is www.LaViteRestaurant.com Pleasanton’s best-loved Chinese res- 30 BEERS ON TAP taurant. Family owned and run since Our Patio is Open!
SUISHA HOUSE Italian Style Spaghetti & Ravioli Japanese Bistro s ,UNCHES $INNERS s "EERS ON 4AP “Best American Food s /RDERS TO GO s 0ATIO $INING !VAILABLE Grand Opening Special Restaurant” -AIN 3TREET s s www.gayninetiespizza.com Mention this ad & receive “Best Place for After 20% OFF all entrees & sushi. Work Drink” HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Sat 5-7 pm “Best French Fries” Savory Delights of Northern China wine, beer & sake: $3 (large), $2 (small) LUNCH SPECIALS:Ê `>ÞÀ`>ÞÊ££\ÎäÓ\ää DINNER:ÊÊ `>Þ/ ÕÀÃ`>ÞÊx\ää\ÎäÊ Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30 Pleasanton À`>ÞÊEÊ->ÌÕÀ`>ÞÊx\ää£ä\ääÊ Ãi`Ê-Õ`>Þ Koll Center Pkwy Dinner: Mon-Thurs 5-9:30 pm, Fri & Sat 5-10 pm (925) 426-9600 PRIVATE BANQUET ROOM TAKE-OUT (JGUDFSUJöDBUFTt$BUFSJOHGPSFWFOUTt5PHPPSEFST 3015-H Hopyard Road
Valley Ave Valley 2004/2005 & 680 ,PMM$FOUFS1LXZ t1MFBTBOUPO Bernal Ave www.hopyard.com 2006 WINNER 30 West Angela St., Downtown Pleasanton tXXXTVJTIBIPVTFDPN ÓxÊ{n{Ê{nnäÊUÊÜÜÜ°«>`>«i>Ã>Ì°V Page 24ÊUÊ >ÞÊ£È]ÊÓäänÊUÊ*i>Ã>ÌÊ7iiÞ Dining Out
1987, it has friendly service, delicious japanese cuisine for over 25 years in food and great prices, including Pleasanton. Enjoy the variety of our lunch specials and carry-out. A ban- sushi bar and Japanese tempura and quet room is available. teriyaki sushi. We are open for lunch Panda Mandarin Cuisine and dinner. We also do catering. 30 W. Angela St., Pleasanton, 484- Open Tuesday through Sunday and 4880. Panda offers several delicious closed Monday. specials using fresh ingredients and spices that make traditional northern Chinese cuisine such a delight. Open Mexican for lunch Monday through Friday, din- ner Monday through Saturday, closed