Thursday, February 18, 2016

VOLUME LIII, NUMBER 7 Your Local News Source Since 1963 Serving Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol Valley Fever: A Silent, Unpredictable Menace

By Jeff Garberson cause of his illness, so doctors gave disease endemic to California and worsened. He continues to take it When a Livermore retiree’s him a more massive dose of anti- the entire southwest. today and puts up with side effects cough turned to pneumonia in biotics. These didn’t help either. Quickly treated with one of the like hair loss. See Inside Section A late 2013, a standard course of The doctors put him in intensive standard anti-fungal medications, His experience illustrates the Section A is filled with antibiotics didn’t help. care on a respirator, but he contin- fluconazole, he began to improve. challenge of dealing with what information about arts, people, The retiree was fit for his age, ued to decline. They told his wife Today, the retiree, who asked has been called a “silent epidemic” but he soon became so weak he to prepare for the worst. not to be named in order to pro- -- Valley Fever, an illness that is entertainment and special events. couldn’t get out of a chair. At the last minute, the results of tect his family’s privacy, is on difficult to diagnose for which There are education stories, a His wife took him to an emer- a sophisticated test from UC-Davis his feet, easily tired but no longer there is no cure and which cannot variety of features, and the arts gency room, where X- rays arrived, showing what simpler tests in imminent danger. He stopped be prevented except by not breath- and entertainment and showed worsening pneumonia. had failed to do: the Livermore taking fluconazole for a time, but ing dust, a nearly impossible chal- bulletin board. Medical tests failed to reveal the man had Valley Fever, a fungal returned to it when his condition (See VALLEY FEVER, page 4) Pleasanton To A Move in Start School Direction of RO Year Earlier Water Study By Ron McNicoll By Ron McNicoll Pleasanton Unified School Valley officials have agreed to District Trustees approved an in- take the next step toward utiliz- structional calendar for 2016-17 ing reverse osmosis (RO) treated that accomplishes their stated goal wastewater to enhance the Valley's of completing high school final drinking water supply. exams before the winter break. No vote took place at the Water The board voted 4-0, with trust- Policy Roundtable meeting held ee Chris Grant absent on business Feb. 11 at the Zone 7 Water Agen- travel, for a calendar with its first cy offices, but there was consensus instructional day on Aug. 15, 2016, about moving ahead. and final day on June 2, 2017. The Roundtable representa- Although the calendar is pub- tives said that they would like to lished one year at a time, the board jointly finance a study, if their also asked staff to come back with respective boards and councils the same instructional day calendar agree, of the feasibility of using for the next three years for discus- the RO process to treat wastewa- sion at a future meeting. Several ter to contribute to the Valley's trustees said that projecting ahead water supply. Dublin San Ramon would provide a guarantee of Services District (DSRSD) and stability for family vacation plan- Livermore wastewater plants use ning and student community sports tertiary treatment. DSRSD oper- participation. ates the larger facility, collecting The board looked at shifting the Photo - Doug Jorgensen waste from Pleasanton and Dublin, timing of finals to relieve stress on Holding up portraits they created are art students at Granada High School who participated in the as well as Dougherty Valley in students. The new calendar would Memory Project. Contra Costa County. relieve tension over the holiday Indirect injection of RO-treated break, because finals will be out water into the underground water of the way. The stress of finals basin or a reservoir was a clear will simply be transferred to the Creating Memories by Providing Portraits choice over direct injection, a process that involves adding it to period before the holiday break, dents at Granada participating in By Carol Graham “This is our 3rd year partici- he Valley's drinking water. said trustee Valerie Arkin. the Memory Project, a nonprofit When Ella DeCosta looked pating in the Memory Project,” So far, no state standards are in An alternative staff proposal founded in 2004 that invites art into the face of the boy she would said teacher and club leader Laura place for direct injection, although that would have adopted the starts, teachers and their students to cre- likely never meet, she knew she Thournir. “This year’s subjects, the state is working on them, said stops and breaks of a traditional ate portraits for youth who have would choose him. aged ten to 15, are from a single city and agency staffers. school-year calendar was rejected. faced substantial challenges, such “I really liked his expression. village in Ethiopia.” Conceivably, local govern- The traditional calendar would as neglect, abuse, loss of parents, He looked both happy and sad at Once completed, portraits are ments and agencies would have have started the school year on and extreme poverty. Using photo- the same time,” said the Granada delivered to the children as gifts. to work on the state to get the Aug. 22 and ended on June 9. graphs provided by the foundation, High School freshman. “I was Photos of them holding their por- standards into place just to proceed Finals would have been held Jan. artists choose a medium, such as immediately drawn to his picture, traits are shared with the artists. with direct injection. Zone 7 direc- and felt like I needed to draw him.” painting or drawing, to create a “I’ve done this project from (See SCHOOL YEAR, page 3) Ella is one of 15 art club stu- keepsake portrait for the child. (See MEMORY, page 2) (See RO STUDY, page 5) Talk In Livermore Will Consider Charter Prep Turns to Private Academy for Help to Build Parking Lot Nuclear Power By Ron McNicoll the city did not issue a building passe. The sooner that the building Both schools are non-profits. The Tri-Valley Learning Corpo- occupancy permit to TVLC. That can be occupied, the sooner tuition However, CPA is a private acad- After Fukushima ration (TVLC) began negotiating has delayed the Livermore Val- revenue will be rolling in to the emy; LVCP receives state educa- A nuclear expert next week with California Preparatory Acad- ley Charter Preparatory (LVCP) academy. tion money. The rent paid by LVCP will discuss the future of nuclear emies (CPA) for help with meeting moving into the site. The school That also helps LVCP, because at the former Portola School is power in the wake of the Japanese the $1 million cost of building a currently leases the former Portola the two schools are co-tenants of $15,000 per month for a total of Fukushima disaster. parking lot and making certain School campus from the Liver- the building. Both are jointly liable $180,000 per year. The expert, Dr. Allison Macfar- left-turn lane improvements near more Valley Joint Unified School for the $2 million in annual lease Batchelor said in an interview lane, was former head of the U.S. its new building at 3090 Indepen- District (LVJUSD). payments. However, that does not this week that CPA would look to Nuclear Regulatory Commission. dence Drive in Livermore. CPA is also depending on oc- mean that they will split the rent financing the traffic and parking She will speak Thursday, Febru- John Zukoski, interim CEO cupying a portion of the building, 50-50. improvements from its construc- ary 25, at 7:30 p.m at Livermore’s for TVLC, and Bill Batchelor, which is modern, but not brand Zukoski said, "TVLC could tion budget. Bankhead Theater. Her talk con- manager of CPA, confirmed the new. The two-story concrete and need to pay $0, $2 million, or As for the CPA revenue stream, tinues the Rae Dorough Speaker negotiations last week. glass edifice formerly housed of- something in between. Our infor- Batchelor said that details con- Series. Because TVLC failed to meet fices. mal agreement is that TVLC will cerning the cost of tuition, room The Fukushima disaster began the city-imposed conditions for the CPA has much at stake in get- only pay what we would have paid and board are in flux. Information for our current Portola site." (See TALK, page 6) parking and traffic improvements, ting an early resolution to the im- (See PARKING LOT, page 5 Downtown Development Should Feature a Walkable Plan That Includes Art and Culture Members of the public provided finalists regarding development the center of the downtown was input on what they would like proposals last Monday. The fol- not an appropriate location for high to see developed on two sites in lowing night, the public and coun- density housing. downtown Livermore. cil weighed in with comments. Sblend Sblendorio, affiliated The two sites, when developed Public opinion differed on such with Innovation Tri-Valley and would complete the Downtown issues as housing and the size of a i-GATE incubator, stated, "Includ- Specific Plan. They encompass the conference center. Many supported ing housing for twenty and thirty- former "Lucky Shopping Center," incorporating art and culture, along year-olds who are looking for as well as property adjacent to the with walkable open space, into smaller homes, close to services Bankhead Theater. The city issued any development. A hotel and suf- is important." requests for proposals (RFP) last ficient parking for a variety of uses Walt Davies said there should September seeking ideas for a were considered important for the be no housing. Areas to the west Photo - Doug Jorgensen variety of uses including housing, future vitality of the downtown. and north were better suited for Boot Hill, also known as Daffodil Hill, is ablaze with color. Located retail, a hotel-conference center, Housing produced the most housing. Davies added there is on Stanley Blvd. next to Granada High School in Livermore, the hill and a parking structure. divergent views, with some asking a the need for a multi-use center The Livermore City Council that as much housing as possible that could be used for conferences, has been planted with thousands of the colorful spring bloom by heard presentations from the seven be included; others suggested that members of the Amador Valley Garden Club. (See DOWNTOWN, page 6)

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Subramonian Sports...... 7 2 The Independent • February 18, 2016 MEMORY (continued from page one) the first year we started,” Memory Project strives to toward helping the children. “The Memory Project taught said senior Emilie Johal, provide them with special However, it’s not just the me to feel grateful for what the art club president. “I see mementos that capture a subjects who benefit from I have,” said Ella. “There a similarity in each child I time in childhoods, and to the project. are a lot of kids who can’t have drawn. I can tell each is help the kids see themselves “There are many things even afford to go to school, filled with gratitude, which as works of art. I like about art,” said Ella. and this project opened my I lose sight of in myself. I Senior Veronica is a first- “It gets your emotions onto eyes. It was really different selected a photo of a boy time participant who chose a paper to help you with what to see the kids that are the who is around 12 because he 13-year-old boy because of you’re feeling. If you feel same age as me are living looks confident. From study- his smile. happy, art makes you more so differently.” ing and drawing his face, his “I hope the portrait helps happy; and if you’re sad, art The students created the confidence rubbed off on him learn that he is beauti- helps you know why and portraits during lunchtime or me! I believe that art is uni- ful,” she said, “and that he makes you feel better. Art at home, not as part of an art versal and has an impact on has a wonderful smile.” can make you and others class, said Thournir. everyone, whether they live A processing fee of $15 feel well. Like with this “I love the idea of stu- in a town like Livermore or per photo was funded by project - it makes the kid dents connecting to both in a village in a third world Granada’s Interact Club. you are drawing happy, and local and global communi- country.” Along with covering the it makes you happy that they ties by sharing a gift of such Given that the under- costs of photos, postage and are happy. Art makes every- quality,” she added. “I am privileged children have delivery, a portion of the one feel something when very proud of all of them.” few personal keepsakes, the fee goes to the orphanage or they see it, and it’s really As for the teen whose fun to do.” expression held both happi- “Art relaxes my mind ness and sadness, Ella said, as I start to create, allowing “I hope that when he sees me to put ideas that are in the picture he feels super my brain onto paper in pic- important, and happy that Granada High School Robotics Club was one of many schools tures,” added freshman An- someone spent so much time throughout Northern California competing in a VEX Robotics gela. “The Memory Project on something just for him. Competition on February 6 held at Clayton Valley Charter High taught me I should cherish I hope it makes him feel School in Concord. Schools were presented an engineering my things rather than taking special whenever he sees it.” challenge. Using the VEX Robotic Design System students them for granted.” To learn more, visit www. had to build a robot designed to score the most points It was a realization stated memoryproject.org. possible in a game setting. Granada High School’s Robotic by each of the young artists. team built a robotic, participated and through teamwork, they made it into the semi-final round of the competition. Pictured are Granada High School students participating in the Vex Alameda County Fair to Offer Robotic competition held at Clayton Valley Charter High Reserved Seating for Concerts School in Concord on February 6. The Alameda County Concerts have always Fair is now offering advance been free with admission at PetCuraVet.com Premium Reserved seating the Fair, but fans would of- 1817 Holmes Street, for its Big O Tires Concert ten wait in line all day to get Livermore Series duing the 2016 fair. a good seat. With a Premium Premium Reserved seats Reserved seat ticket, fans (925) 292-0117 are located in the front sec- will be able to enjoy more tions of the Fair’s amphithe- of the Fair and still have ater. They can be purchased a great seat at the show of in advance for $19.95, in- their choice. cluding Fair admission, Five hundred of the am- through the Fair’s website. phitheater’s 2800 seats will “This is great news for be available for purchase concert fans,” said Fair- for select shows. All non- grounds CEO, Jerome Ho- reserved seats will remain ban. “Many have been re- free with regular admission. questing the option to buy Tickets for four of the FREE MICROCHIPPING 50% OFF reserved seats for some time first concerts – Cinderella’s EXAM Wellness Plan and we are happy to now be Tom Kiefer (6/15) Tony! ($49 Value) Membership able to offer it to them. The Toni! Tone! (6/16), Con new clients $45 Ask for Details Coupons may not be combined Coupons may not be combined Coupons may not be combined Big O Tires ConcertAlain Series Pinel Funk Realtors Shun (6/18) and Joe with any offer. Expires 6/30/16. with any offer. Expires 6/30/16. with any offer. Expires 6/30/16. is working on a great lineup Nichols (6/22)— are avail- Photo - Doug Jorgensen VACCINATION this year and fans will be able for purchase now. Ad- CLINIC $100 OFF 15% OFF i-GATE in downtown Livermore opened its doors to the SAT & SUN 1-4PM DENTAL able to get the seats they ditional shows will be an- SPAY public last Sunday as part of Science and Engineering want to see their favorite per- nounced each week for the $15 CLEANING VACCINATIONS Does not include blood & NEUTER (Excludes Lyme Disease, work or medication. Month in Livermore. Among the displays inside this formers. Even better news is next several weeks. 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See it all at /alainpinelrealtors See it all at /alainpinelrealtors Pleasanton/Livermore Valley 925.251.1111 APR.COM @alainpinelrealtors APR.COM @alainpinel Pleasanton/Livermore Valley Office 925.251.1111 February 18, 2016 • The Independent 3 SCHOOL YEAR (continued from page one) gust, the climate is hotter 18-20, three weeks after the than in June, so he hopes Students Told Not to Play Assassin Game holiday break. that Pleasanton voters will The Pleasanton Police Department and Pleasanton pants include: painting or disguising weapons to make The board voted in June approve a bond measure to Unified School District caution students and parents about them look more realistic; reaching for concealed weapons upgrade cooling systems, if 2014 to adopt a new in- the Assassin Game in public places; lying in wait behind bushes, trash cans, structional calendar, which a bond were on the ballot. was called "Modified Lite," On a separate item, the This year students from Foothill High School and vehicles or fences; accessing or hiding on the property and tried again in the fall to board voted unanimously Amador Valley High School are once again playing the of another, often late at night; waiting for a target while rescind it, on a motion by Ja- to hire EMC Research to game “Assassin.” This game is not sanctioned, supported, dressed in all black or camouflaged clothing; reckless mie Hintzke, with a second conduct a community survey or approved by the Pleasanton Unified School District. driving to avoid being targeted; car loads of teens driving by Arkin. However, trustees to gauge the level of support The Pleasanton Police Department and the school district around “stalking” or “hunting” their targets; jumping out Christ Grant, Jeff Bowser for a bond election, possibly are collectively concerned about the safety of our youth. of moving vehicles to attack or flee from other partici- and Joan Laursen voted in November 2016. For those who are unaware of the game, teams of pants; and conducting a “drive by” shooting of a target against rescinding it. That The survey will sample seniors are assigned “targets” whom they have to “as- in a parking lot or public street. calendar would have started 400 voters via telephone, sassinate” using toy Nerf type guns that fire foam darts. These actions often prompt multiple calls to the police including cell phones. The the school year on Aug. 11. Each participant pays an entry fee. After several rounds who respond to what they believe is a violent incident After Mark Miller took his callers will be giving some seat on the board in Decem- background concerning dif- and several months of play, the winner is the last person in progress. Police note, not only does this consume ber 2014, the board voted ferent items on a facilities standing. The winner collects a large pot of cash, the col- significant time and resources of emergency personnel, to reconsider again. Miller needs list. The list would lection and custody of which can create liability for the it also jeopardizes the safety of the community when had campaigned in favor of likely include such things as game organizer as participants often make accusations of actual threats cannot be responded to in a timely manner. a more considered look at new classrooms, refurbish- mishandling or gouging of funds. In the eyes of a startled homeowner protecting his or her the calendar, including more ing old buildings, installing There are specific rules concerning the type of weapon family or property, a violent response to a player is quite stakeholder involvement. tech improvements and up- used. The weapon cannot be altered or painted in any possible." This time, a broad range grading heating and cooling fashion. There are also rules regarding times and locations The Pleasanton Police Department and the Pleasanton of students were included systems. the subjects may be “assassinated,” and so on. Unified School District urge students to consider the The poll results are ex- with teachers, parents, ad- A major concern for parents, school staff, and Pleas- potential ramifications of their behavior and to avoid ministrators and support pected to be helpful to board staff taking part in a survey. members in deciding what anton police is that the thrill of the game overrides com- playing this game. Students were members of can be done with capital mon sense in many instances. Participants do not think Students will face suspension if any weapons, even a calendar review commit- improvements, if a bond about how their behavior is being viewed or interpreted imitation guns, are brought to school. If evidence is dis- tee. The panel worked with were to pass. by community members who see people with potentially covered of the game being played on campus, students Human Resources Assis- The board is aiming for dangerous weapons, often chasing others on foot or in ve- will face disciplinary action. tant Superintendent Dianne the November 2016 ballot. hicles, and surprising their “targets” in convenience stores. Parents are asked to have a serious and candid con- Howell to shape the final Trustee Joan Laursen asked According to the police, non-participants are frightened versation with their children about the very real dangers recommendation. EMC representative Ruth or feel threatened because only participants are aware at of this behavior. To juniors and underclassmen, consider Miller said that the pro- Bernstein if issues on the the time that the behavior is not real but rather a game the dangers and problems with this game and do not par- state ballot would affect cess was better this year, being played. ticipate when you become a senior. proving a good result. How- the local vote on a bond. ever, he would have felt She said that people tend to According to the police, "Due to the time in which more comfortable with wait- vote on the issues. However, we live, our students and your children are engaging in ing a year before imple- sometimes, if the economy behavior that has possible dire consequences. To date, we mentation, because people cracks, you get a negative have been fortunate to have avoided a serious injury or already have vacation plans on everything. situation, but there is significant concern that day is com- geared to the traditional "If you value and support ing. We want you as parents, students, and participants Law Offices of calendar. public education, you will to be aware of the pitfalls, dangers, and consequences of Miller also noted that vote for a bond measure," taking part in the game." with the earlier start in Au- stated Bernstein. Some examples of dangerous behavior among partici- James J. Phillips

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4 The Independent • February 18, 2016

VALLEY FEVER (continued from page one) EDITORIAL lenge. Valley Fever is caused The standard literature month at a hearing in Tracy Arizona. by inhaling tiny spores of a about Valley Fever, includ- to consider whether the The disease can be caught fungus called coccidioides ing advice from the Califor- California Parks Department at any time of year, although Charter Management that lodge in the lung. nia Department of Public could expand motorized off- incidence increases from Both the Livermore Valley Charter School and Valley Fever has been Health, suggests that 60 road recreation into a new June through November in Livermore Valley Charter Prep are providing solid known since the late 1800s, percent of those who are site on the Alameda-San California. The assumption education for the students who attend them. How- but remains a medical puz- exposed have no symptoms Joaquin County border. is that the rainy season en- ever, the future of the schools could be jeopardized zle. Research scientists at at all. Most of the rest, the The site is located in a courages strands of the fun- if the Tri-Valley Learning Corporation (TVLC), the University of California literature says, get cold or hotspot for Valley Fever, gus to grow underground, which manages them, cannot get its act together. at Merced, the University flu symptoms that go away Taylor noted. More cases after which they dry up The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School of Arizona and elsewhere in a few weeks. of the disease can be antici- and break apart into spore are working to understand The implication seems pated when visitors breathe clusters that can become District oversees both charter schools. the body’s response to the to be that there is little to in more dirt thrown up by airborne during the warmer Recently, the district sent TVLC notice of viola- spores, so far without con- worry about, but reality more spinning tires. He weather that will follow. tions on a variety of issues. They include charging sistent success. is far more ominous, ac- cited a $12 million legal In her remarks to the Val- tuition for foreign exchange students; failure to Sometimes the inhaled cording to a Washington judgment rendered against ley Study Group, Merced submit an audit by deadline; failure to repay a spores remain localized and State couple that founded a CalTrans in Kern County immunologist Katrina Hoyer debt to Las Positas College; and failure to achieve seem not to trouble the body. website, called Valley Fever after contract workers came repeatedly stressed how racial and ethnic balance at the K-8 school. Sometimes they generate a Survivor. The website aims down with Valley Fever, and little is understood about respiratory illness that lasts at promoting much greater warned that the state Parks Valley Fever or the fungus Another issue relates to the city's requirement a few weeks. Other times, understanding of the dangers Department will face the that causes it. that TVLC finish its elementary school parking the body develops a chronic of Valley Fever. same liability if it opens the The fungal variety found lot before the city will issue an occupancy permit response like painful joints, Sharon and David Filip new park. in California, called coc- for the charter prep school to move into its new skin lesions and fluid in the point out that people get Valley Fever is a disease cidioides immitis, is differ- building. Although there was a signed agreement lungs. In the most severe over colds and flu, but Valley of the Americas, with rare ent from the variety found with the city to meet the condition, Charter Prep cases, they spread to other Fever never truly goes away. diagnoses in Europe and everywhere else, she said. parents were urged to send e-mails to the city that organs like the brain and It may go dormant, but it is Asia after travelers arrive “Nobody really understands skeleton, and a life or death a “ticking time bomb” that from the western hemi- the differences” although it asked for the building occupation to go ahead, and struggle begins. can come back years later, sphere. The Filips say they is clear that the disease that leave the parking lot to its own time. The TVLC “Some people breathe in perhaps when people are know a woman who got Val- the two varieties cause is CEO has since apologized for failing to provide mouthfuls of the fungus and older and have weakened ley Fever in Germany after the same. accurate information on the situation. it doesn’t affect them at all,” immune systems. importing shipped cactus Wherever the fungus is Even though TVLC has a contractor ready said Erin Gaab, a psycholo- Sharon Filip herself con- from Arizona, apparently found, wind storms can to go, it does not have the $1 million needed to gist from UC-Merced who tracted a near-fatal case of from inhaling spores on the spread its spores much far- proceed with the construction. works with Valley Fever Valley Fever after taking her plant or in its potting soil. ther. Medical literature re- patients and their families. son to the University of Ari- There are an estimated fers to 1977 hurricane force There have been issues over the years regarding “Others inhale one breath zona in 2001. “I had heard 150,000 new cases of Valley winds in the Bakersfield area transparency in TVLC's operations when it comes and can develop the serious about the rattlesnakes, about Fever per year in the U.S., that caused a fourfold in- to meetings and providing timely information form of the disease that turns scorpions, about monsoon 25,000 of which show medi- crease in Valley Fever cases, on decisions The school district points out in its into meningitis.” weather, but nowhere was cal symptoms. California’s with a surge in incidence as oversight report that the lack of transparency has Gaab and UC-Merced there a word about Valley Central Valley is a hotspot, far north as Sacramento. created discord, both with the district and with the immunologist Katrina Hoyer Fever,” she said in an inter- but most U.S. cases occur in A sharp increase in Cali- local charter school community. spoke last week at a meeting view last week. Arizona. fornia cases also occurred of the Valley Study Group in David Filip believes that Medical authorities stress from 1991 through 1994 The Livermore School District staff has been Pleasanton. downplaying the seriousness that the disease cannot be after a rainy winter ended directed to begin to look at what would be the Hoyer is examining the of the disease is intention- transmitted from person to a 5-year period of drought. district's role if the corporation were to fail. details of immune system al. Organizations ranging person the way, say, a cold The warm, dry summers that TVLC has made some progress, such as reach- response in disease victims. from local governments to can be. On the other hand, followed are thought to have ing an agreement on paying the debt owed the Numbers of patients are university administrations people can carry the coccidi- dried fungal spores to be car- college. The audit is expected to be completed by small, in part because medi- don’t want to frighten people oides spores in their hair and ried aloft by strong winds. the end of February. cal diagnoses are imperfect. away. on their clothing, possible Valley Fever seems to be Her basic question relates to The Filips are not alone routes to infection in others. spreading with a changing There needs to be a greater effort. The TVLC whether the presence or ab- in their complaint about Animals get Valley Fever climate. “There have been board has a long way to go in order to gain the trust sence of particular immune minimizing the danger. That as well: dogs, cats, cattle, a lot of cases identified in of both the district and the charter school com- cells might correlate with was also the theme put forth sheep – even snakes and Washington State recently” munity that it can effectively manage the schools success or failure. So far, no by UC-Berkeley profes- bats, according to informa- through animal research, without jeopardizing the education of students. clear pattern has emerged. sor John Taylor earlier this tion from the University of Hoyer said.

MAILBOX (Opinions voiced in let- prove water usage during Veteran with PTSD or other quired to disclose that I have Livermore still doesn't have for more homes, a logical ters published in Mailbox this 4-year drought; we don't disability can bring their a Service Dog with me when a hospital. I find it difficult plan should be to make are those of the author and need further impact on local service dog with them. I book the flight. When to believe that a city our sure that the needs of those do not necessarily reflect schools; and that Measure In the last 30 years we passengers book their flights size does not consider that a already here are met. the opinion of The Inde- PP must be supported to the have discovered that dogs they can inquire if there are priority, while smaller cities I love Livermore. My pendent. Letter Policy: The fullest extent. We would ask can be trained to support Service Dogs on board if certainly do. A lot of good family has resided here since Independent will not publish that the city rejects the Lund many types of disabilities. they have allergies. As a the facility located near the 1917. I'm sure it was pristine anonymous letters, nor will Ranch II ordinance, saving The wonderful Labradors passenger with a Service intersection of 580/680 will then. Luckily they are not it publish letters without the cost of a referendum and Retrievers that we see Dog we are boarded first. do for the residents east of living to see it now. It is sad names. Abusive letters may election, and allowing time as Guide Dogs for the Blind My experience has been the airport. Can you believe to see all those little boxes be rejected or edited. Fre- for the builder to work with have been joined by many that the flight crew is very Livermore doesn't even have along the corridor cluttering willing to move passengers up what was once beautiful quent letter writers may the community to craft a other breeds that support a full-fledged emergency have publication of their let- people with a multitude of if they do not want to sit with room? I don't want to hear countryside. Personally, I'd PP-compliant solution that ters delayed. Letters should disabilities. Not all disabili- us. And we have always that money is an issue. Many rather see cows and horses. be submitted by e-mail to protects our hillsides against ties are visible. Nor should found many wonderful vol- years ago Valley Memorial I have tried to cover sev- editmail@compuserve. this project and others like it the disabled be forced to unteers willing to exchange was built here with contribu- eral issues because I truly com.) in the future. prove their disability to ev- their seat so a person afraid tions from some of the resi- worry about the valley in the This referendum is a ery person whom inquiries. of dogs or allergic to them dents The town was small future. I believe my concerns Referendum Volunteers strong message to our Coun- The disabled have a right to can sit somewhere else. then, but residents saw a are valid ones and concerns Kelly Cousins cil that our citizens do not their privacy. And should All breeds can be trained pressing need for a hospital. of others, as well. Allen Roberts want a continuation of un- not have to forego the ben- to be a service dog. Service I still see that need. If you are also concerned Greg O'Connor balanced growth, especially efits of a Service Animal to Dogs have extensive train- How will the police and about anything I have men- Michele Plunge when our precious ridges maintain their privacy. ing in basic manners and in fire departments fare with tioned, please let the city Bill Lincoln and hillsides are affected. I have been blessed with performing the specific task added growth? They already know your feelings. Pleasanton It is time for Pleasanton the care and support of two they are trained to do. do an outstanding job for us Discussing the problems We would like to congrat- to realize that our values different Service Animals The disabled person ben- now. Are more residents go- of too much growth at Star- ulate the over 70 Pleasanton are transforming as a com- over the last 13 years. Both efits greatly from the care ing to make their jobs easier? bucks and McDonald's just citizens who volunteered munity. The will of the are Cocker Spaniels. My and support of their Service With Livermore spreading doesn't do it. Your voice and to collect signatures for people--not just the builder first Service Dog is retired Animal. Not all disabilities out as far as it is, emergency speaking out for the well are visible. Most of us being of future generations the referendum campaign du jour--must take top prior- now and continues to live response time might be a work hard to look and act does. Someone has to think regarding our city council's ity in the council's decision with me. My current Ser- bit slower and getting to the vice Dog has been support- ‘normal’. hospital difficult indeed. of them. recent approval of the Lund making process. ing me the last 5 years. I The next time you see a Before permits are issued Ranch II project. Keeping have documentation from misbehaving Service Animal our remaining hills and Service Animals my doctor that enables my or child, speak to the Man- ridges natural and free of Patricia Falcey girl to fly with me in the ager of the establishment. If all grading and construction I did not read Mr. Noel’s cabin which has been a TSA the Service Dog or Child is resonated with Pleasanton letter to the Mailbox on Jan- requirement in the last 15 behaving themselves appro- Board Wants Second residents and non-residents uary 28, but am concerned years. priately, then learn to share alike. The time, effort, and about Joanne Duncan’s fol- I can be asked to leave the space with them. Look at Pricing Policy commitment of these vol- low up letter. any public space if I or my The issue was referred unteers from many different My hope is that Ms. animal is out of control; if The Livermore Area Rec- Too Much Growth? to the Program Committee parts of the city enabled us to Duncan would not consider I or my animal is threaten- reation and Park District Renee L. Adams Board continued a proposed and Facilities Committee requiring a blind person ing the health or safety of gather over 6,000 signatures Livermore pricing policy for further for review and will come to prove that they need or others. I make it a point in a short period of time to Didn't the Tri-Valley just review. back to the Board at a future benefit from the use of their to ask people around me if support the referendum. experience years of drought? The goal would be to meeting. guide dog to every restaurant my Service Dog will bother Common themes we We all had to cut back and provide more transparency In other action, the board manager or shop owner. them and have immediately heard over the past 30 days several people put in new to the public as to why the honored the retirement of The American Disabili- moved if they respond that are that we have far too yards to help conserve, re- district charges fees and the Jerry Griffith with a Resolu- ties Act of 1990 provides she will. much traffic that cannot be member? Yet, new homes philosophy used to determine tion of Commendation. He that all Americans with dis- My experience is that supported by Pleasanton are springing up all over the the fees. served the District for 35 abilities be afforded the most people welcome us neighborhoods; there is too Tri-Valley. Yes, I've heard The district charges most years in Park Maintenance. same rights. As such a both. That my Service individuals and groups a fee much construction going about the permits and low- The LARPD Parks, Rec- person with a peanut allergy Dog goes unnoticed by most to use an owned or managed on all over town; the city flow shower heads, but we reation and Trails Master or seizures can bring their people until we get ready to facility; participate in dis- will still need extra water Plan and environmental would be unwise to ap- service dog with them. A leave because she has been trict programs and activities; to supply new residents and impact declaration are cur- sitting quietly under the and purchase equipment, where will that come from, rently available for public table or my chair. supplies and other items if we face another drought? review online www.larpd. Having a Service Dog al- related to the activities of Will we have to cut back org/board/larpd_mp.html lows me to safely navigate in the district. Over the years, even further? and in person at the Robert the world. I have freedom the district has operated un- There are so many prob- Livermore Community Cen- to go out on my own with her der various guidelines and (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) lems with more homes being practices. ter, 4444 East Ave. or the Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala at my side. It gives my fam- Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell (In Memoriam) built. Traffic is one, a night- Board Chairman Steve Livermore Public Library, Editor: Janet Armantrout ily and friends peace of mind mare all of us face already. Goodman said that the board 1188 S. Livermore Ave. The Independent (USPS 300) is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., knowing that I will be safe. More growth means more Livermore, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and additional sets the priorities. He want- The public review period Businesses are allowed entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998.T he Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www.independentnews. traffic, which increases our ed to make sure that the ends March 9. The plan, com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Independent, to ask: "spare the air" days in sum- 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. board and staff were on the along with comments and Is this a Service Dog? mer and diminishes overall Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 same page when it comes to responses, will be brought to What task(s) does the during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. air quality. determining service levels the Board for final approval Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. Service Dog perform? No one seems to do any- and fees charge for various before the end of April. www.independentnews.com When we fly I am re- thing about the fact that levels. February 18, 2016 • The Independent 5 RO STUDY (continued from page one) tor Dick Quigley summed out 400 registered voters Putting the RO water wastewater issues along the erything, but Adelman cited spoke. Alfred Exner, who that up when he said, "Direct on attitudes concerning cost directly into water treat- Russian River for 37 years. a research paper that said ran for the Zone 7 board two scares me. It would put too and acceptance of using ment facilities found 62 The recycled water industry even low dosages of some years ago, said that it would much burden on us (for get- recycled water as part of percent uncomfortable with has pointed to much more substances can cause harm. be better to put money into ting state approval)." the Valley's water supply the idea; 37 percent were efficient modern RO filters At the Water Policy things that are easier to The roundtable mem- portfolio. comfortable. as filtering out virtually ev- Roundtable, only one citizen accomplish, and less con- bers also were enthusiastic Consultant Curt Below Poll respondents clearly troversial. about another jointly fi- of FM3 said the poll found were okay with using RO nanced project -- a pub- that there are concerns about water for irrigation, with 92 lic information campaign injecting treated wastewater percent indicating they were PARKING explaining RO water. It is directly into the drinking comfortable with that use; 7 (continued from page one) something that would have water, but that indirect injec- percent were uncomfortable. to be brought back to their tion of the water, perhaps After a long question on a web page about San the archived meeting was running for a site council councils and agencies for into the underground basin, describing RO water, some Francisco Bay Charter Pre- above 300 on Jan. 31, just seat. The site council has 10 full discussion, since it in- would be acceptable. 63 percent gave their sup- paratory, the first iteration of three days after the meeting. slots. LVCP has a spot on the volves funding. Some 63 percent were port, and 29 percent were the school's name, is out of Normally, the site gets 25 or TVLC board that could be The group's decisions comfortable with indirect against it. date, including the tuition, 30 views per meeting. filled only by a site council followed presentations about injection in replenishing The drought has been the room and board of $29,500, At a later site council candidate. Members of the future options for a Valley ground water; 32 per were biggest motivator leading said Batchelor. The amount meeting, parents urged prin- TVLC board are the sole water portfolio. The officials not. Injecting RO into res- people to say more needs to is yet to be determined. cipal Eric Dillie to issue a voters in the selection of also heard the results of a ervoirs showed 57 percent be done to diversify water Parents of LVCP students call to all parents to consider directors. one-week survey conducted accepting it and 40 percent supply sources. Some 82 asked Livermore Mayor in November that sounded rejecting it. percent were willing to pay John Marchand at the City $5 per month more to bring Council's Dec. 14 meeting OPEN SAT AND SUN 1-4PM about RO-treated water with to let the school out of what 56 percent willing to pay they called an unreasonable $20 per month. Support requirement imposed at the increased for each $5 incre- last minute. ment going down to $5. Marchand responded by The "support and op- reading a September agree- pose" numbers were distrib- ment that clearly stated the uted fairly equally across the TVLC agreed to install the Linda Futral Valley's three cities. Broker/Realtor grade school parking lot be- 925.980.3561 The support was a con- fore the city could grant an 406 Humboldt Way, Livermore [email protected] trast to an attempt about 15 occupancy permit for LVCP. www.lindafutral.com $648,000 License #01257605 years ago by DSRSD to run That set off parents to 3 bedrooms and two full bathrooms their wastewater through RO Move in ready and large private lot demand accountability about Come see this bright, filters and inject the treated why Zukoski did not tell open updated floor plan water into the ground basin. LVCP principal Eric Dil- Only 50 percent supported lie or the board about the the process in a poll. Fur- agreement. Dillie had urged ther, many opposed the parents to protest the park- move on health grounds, ing lot/move-in linkage at Restaurant after an expert spoke about the city council meeting. endocrine receptors and Marchand had over 200 e- For Sale their impacts on changing mails on the topic. 10 EAST Kitchen & Tap House sex in fish downstream from This drive for account- Turlock, CA. - $1,895,000 wastewater treatment plants. ability led LVCP parents at Scientists have talked the Jan. 28 TVLC meeting to 10EASTKitchenandtaphouse.com about a link between treated call for more transparency, wastewater and birth de- and more parent involve- Kevin H. Donlon (209) 606-7308 fects, as well as reproductive ment at board meetings and cancer developing later in at the site council. DONLON REALTY women. However, the Valley The number of views of BRE01378612 survey did not include any information about endocrine A 400-year-old Valley Oak, the largest in the area, fell on receptors, which enter the the morning of Feb. 9, the day after construction took waste stream by birth control place at the Sunset Cabana Club Pool building. The pills and pesticides. ancient tree had been healthy; it fully leafed in each A page on the Internet year, and cross-sections taken while removing the fallen quoted Brenda Adelman, a trunk showed that it was sound. lay person who has followed

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By Carol Graham of strategic bombing that greater African-American but, after all, Chautauqua It is the question he’s won the war for the United participation in the military, attempts to suspend reality.” asked most often, and this States. It was necessary to which resulted in the War Each year, Museum on night was no different. destroy the infrastructure of Department creating a black Main’s speaker series offers “How did he endure the the enemy.” flying unit at Tuskegee Army ten talks, featuring historical unfairness of society, and In many ways, Davis was Air Field in Alabama. Davis figures such as Babe Ruth, the personal slights of the the right man at the right was assigned to the first Golda Meir, Nikita Khrush- American military system?” time. After attending the training class, earning his chev and Edgar Allen Poe. Dr. James Armstead is asked University of Chicago, Da- wings in 1942. Attendees are advised to regularly after portraying vis entered the United States The following year, he purchase tickets at least two Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Military Academy at West was named commander of months in advance, as the Jr., commander of the Tuske- Point, New York, in 1932, the Tuskegee Airmen, a 227-seat Firehouse theater gee Airmen, an African- sponsored by Representative group that would grow to regularly sells out. American fighter squadron Oscar De Priest, the only include 14,600 pilots, navi- Tickets cost $10 for that escorted bombers on African-American member gators, bombardiers, mainte- general admission, $7 for air-combat missions over of Congress at the time. nance and support staff, and seniors (65+), and $5 for Europe during World War II. “The first month at West instructors. museum members. On February 9, Armstead Point you spend in Beast Speaking as himself, “Chevron, the presenting addressed a sold-out audi- Barracks, which is not only Armstead said, “Davis’ fa- sponsor, made a signifi- ence at Pleasanton’s Fire- a building but a way of ther had instilled in him that cant contribution which has house Arts Center as part of life,” said Armstead. “The there were opportunities allowed us to keep ticket Museum on Main’s Ed Kin- beast part, you will always that soldiers had - over the prices reasonable this year. ney Speaker Series Presents remember.” repressed, civilian black They’ve made a great com- “An Evening With . . . “ Notoriously tough, the populations - to demonstrate mitment to education and Like many of the series’ first year at West Point was how preposterous the racist cultural activities in the Bay speakers, Armstead is a worse for Davis. It set the notions of black inferiority Area,” said museum Execu- Chautauquan, a scholar and tone for his entire time there. were. Davis, Jr., saw the war tive Director Jim DeMers- performer who steps on “I had no roommate, nor as an opportunity to dem- man. “Marriott Pleasanton stage as the historical char- bunkmate when we travelled onstrate that Negro soldiers provides free or reduced-rate acter to tell his story from a on trains,” said Armstead. were the equal of any other rooms for our presenters, personal perspective, then “I ate alone, I slept alone, Americans when allowed to who are coming from far- answer questions in charac- I travelled alone – all four demonstrate skills.” ther away. It’s wonderful ter, and lastly, to step out of years at the academy. My The Tuskegee Airmen for them stay in a quality character to answer ques- fellow cadets decided that I were not as good as other hotel and leave with a good tions the character could not should not be there, and the fighter squadrons; they were experience of Pleasanton.” address. Historic photo of Benjamin O. Davis Jr. way to make me go away better. They had to be. They Armstead, who lives in “Colonel Davis is accept- was through ‘silencing.’ No were battling enemies in Pioneer, CA, gives a dozen ed as an American hero for that Davis never had an easy eled his determination, and one talked to me, except for the air while fighting racial performances each year with his successes and contribu- time of it, but ease would inspired him to become the on duty.” stereotypes on the ground. 13 different figures includ- tion to the war effort,” said not have suited the young first officer to get his wings Yet Davis persevered Armstead, a retired law- ing Booker T. Washington, Armstead. “Many wonder man’s fierce intellect and from the Tuskeegee (Tus- and graduated 35th in his yer and Naval War College founder of the Tuskegee from where he derived such steely tenacity. He was born key’-ghee) Army Air Field class of 278 – a triumph Professor, possesses an au- Institute, and Benjamin O. intestinal fortitude to over- in 1912, the middle child some 16 years later. that should have ensured thority and charisma that Davis, Sr. come discrimination and and only son of Benjamin O. “I bring you greetings he could go into any branch befit Davis and electrified As for portraying the unfair treatment. He had an Davis, Sr., the first African- from Washington,” said of the Armed Services he the Firehouse audience. His younger Davis, who would unshakable faith that Amer- American general officer Armstead, taking the stage chose. Yet instead of being wealth of knowledge comes become the first African- ica would change if he could in the United States Army. as Davis on the date of Sep- accepted into the Army Air from portraying Davis for American general in the demonstrate competence, The child would become tember 18, 1947. “Secretary Corps, he was assigned to an more than 25 years. United States Air Force, bravery and patriotism.” motherless in 1916, when his Symington this morning all-black infantry regiment “I was 42 when I start- Armstead said, “I hope the Over many decades, Da- mother died from complica- signed the official bill cre- in Georgia. ed. He was a 35-year-old audience takes away how far vis saw his vision play out, tions during childbirth. ating the United States Air While across the Atlantic fighter pilot in 1947 who we have come as a society in but not without overcoming In the summer of 1926, Force, so you have a new Ocean a madman acted on had recently returned from accepting people for who we tremendous barriers and dis- the 13-year-old went for a arm of service. The Army concepts of racial superior- WWII,” said Armstead. “I’m are and what we may be able appointments along the way. flight with a barnstorming Air Corps did well in the last ity and inferiority, uneasy now 70 and he’s still 35. to contribute, and how much It would be fair to say pilot – an experience that fu- war, but it was the concept U.S. citizens pressured the That gets harder and harder further we have to go.” Roosevelt administration for to sell on stage every year To learn more, visit www. museumonmain.org. DOWNTOWN (continued from page one) education, community and the development should be have advocated proposals development. He saw park- cilmembers stated, such as sented a hotel only proj- cultural events with space an expression of the commu- for the development of a ing as a critical element. a need for a hotel, walkable ect that would be located for a museum, exhibit space nity, not the developer. The hotel and conference center He stated, "All of the con- open space and the inclusion adjacent to the Bankhead and an art gallery. There arts and science and wineries in Livermore and reiter- cepts need more work. I am of the arts and culture in any Theater. The plan calls for should be a fine hotel nearby. should be included along ate that support here. The excited about the potential." design. He wanted to see a an 80 room boutique hotel Specialty artisan boutique with a high end, full ser- addition of such a center Turner wanted to see mix of housing types. with 2,000 sq. ft. of meeting/ and retail could be tied to- vice destination hotel. There would enhance our ability housing that police, nurses, FINALISTS conference space, a rooftop gether with a winding path should be a flexible multiuse to host visitors and events, teachers and others could Lennar Multifamily/The pool, and a full service bar interspersed with mini parks facility that can handle con- and subject to consideration afford. A paseo where people Compass Project proposed with a limited food menu. that could include benches, ferences and community of cost and scale, open we could walk from the Bank- 300 residential units con- Trumark Homes propos- and water features. art, education, science and would be open to discuss- head Theater to the other sisting of 45 townhomes, es 238 residential units con- David Marchand told the winery related events. Open ing the establishment of a side of the project would 250 apartments and five sisting of 60 townhomes and council that young people space for walking, sitting Laboratory presence there be good. There should be flats over retail, and 11,000 178 apartments all on the are economic engines. "Most and congregating, murals, that could enhance our abil- pocket parks with features to 16,500 sq. ft. of retail. A Lucky site. A 12,000 square of my friends are working sculptures and other art is ity to educate the community for children, focus on the boutique hotel consisting of foot public market, similar class. If housing were built important. Parking is an is- about our exciting work and arts. Places are needed for 125 to 150 rooms would be to the Ferry Building in San elsewhere, that is where sue. She said, "Don't build contributions to the nation." public art, to display art. located on the land adjacent Francisco, would house they would live and spend for the 20th century," refer- Lynn Seppala, Liver- She wanted to see green to the Bankhead Theater. specialty retail, food vendors their money. We need af- ring to a parking garage. more Cultural Arts Council building, urging innovations It could include retail plus and an iconic restaurant. It fordable housing to be able Consider how people in president, asked for con- such as rooftop gardens. meeting space of 2500 to could act as an incubator for to live, work and play here the future will travel. King sideration by the council to Like Spedowfski, Turner 5000 square feet, both lo- home grown creative busi- and one day grow families suggested that community create an iconic and creative wanted to see a project that cated at street level. Re- nesses that could graduate in Livermore." workshops should be held downtown development that includes flats. tail would be located along to full spaces on First Street. Paul Brown suggested to determine uses. supports the needs of the Turner asked that the South Livermore Ave and Art and cultural amenities building offices where high Tom Concannon noted Livermore arts and cultural hotel be as large as pos- within the interior of the site. would be woven throughout tech spin-offs could locate that trends change. "It is community. He felt that the sible with meeting space Two garages are proposed the development. A park- Housing, he said, would be important to take the long process was proceeding at to accommodate the labs, for parking, one for the pub- ing garage with 550 public more appropriate on the oth- view." Twenty years down a very rapid pace. He urged winegrowers and wedding lic, the other for residents. spaces and 425 for residen- er side of Railroad Avenue. the road, we shouldn't look the council not to emphasize business. She said of Tru- All of the housing would be tial would offer separate Dale Kaye, Livermore back and consider what we speed over quality. mark, "They understood our built on the Lucky site. entrances for the public and Valley Chamber of Com- have left on the table. Look Milo Nordyke supported vision." She urged the final- RSVP Investments pre- residents. merce CEO and CEO of In- for such things as a confer- a hotel conference center ists to work with the Labs, novation Tri-Valley, pointed ence center, and open space within the downtown for winegrowers, the commu- out that housing is the num- in making a decision. use by the science commu- nity, and the Ad Hoc Com- ber one need identified by Bill Dunlop described nity and wine industry. He munity Group in creating businesses. "It is essential to proposals to build the hotel wanted to limit the number final proposals. build housing for our young next to the Bankhead The- of apartments on the site. Bob Woerner wanted a TALK workers. There are prob- ater as constraining, limiting Barbara Steinfeld asked place where people could (continued from page one) lems recruiting and retaining the number of amenities that that the council incorporate walk. The walkable space (NRC) from 2012 through workers because they cannot could be included. He sug- the largest hotel possible, should include features that in March 2011 when a huge, 2014. NRC is the federal find housing." She said of a gested the larger site would even if that means moving attract people such as foun- earthquake-generated tsu- agency responsible for the hotel, it needs to speak to a be more appropriate for a the hotel across the street to tains and little places where nami overwhelmed a section safety of U.S. nuclear reac- destination with amenities hotel allowing flexibility in the Lucky Center site. people can gather. He did of the eastern coast of Japan tors as well as the regulation that tourists and executives the overall amenities. CITY COUNCIL not like the idea of one mas- ’s Fukushima Prefecture of nuclear waste and medical would like to go to. Jean Shuler, a Lab sci- The council voted 4 to 1 sive parking garage, prefer- where two nuclear power radiation. Crystal Burke said that entist, liked the idea of a to select two finalists for the ring that parking be more complexes are located. Today, she heads the Cen- downtown is the perfect farmers market, an educa- hotel and for the residential dispersed. He supported Equipment failures led ter for International Science place for infill density and tion and cultural center, components. Chosen were housing. However, he noted, to nuclear meltdowns, the and Technology Policy at housing. "The more roof- hotel and conference center. Lennar Multifamily and its "Lack of housing is not just release of radiation and mas- George Washington Uni- tops, the more customers for She provided an example hotel partner, The Compass a Livermore problem. It is sive population evacuations versity in Washington, D.C. the downtown." of the need for hotel space. Project, and Trumark Homes not solvable by Livermore." in the world’s most serious Among the Center’s cur- Sherry Souza, a member Recently, defense ministers for residential and RSVP Gary said he wasn't re- nuclear accident since the rent efforts is a program to of the Chamber of Com- and senior delegates from 37 Investments as the hotel ally disagreeing with his 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe. train the next generation of merce board, said the need countries, including Iran and developer. fellow councilmember on PhDs on nuclear security for workforce housing is Pakistan, the international Stewart Gary voted "no." what the vision should be. Macfarlane’s talk will be “neither pro- nor anti- nucle- policy – in particular, how immediate, not just for mil- atomic energy commission, He wanted to include Sum- "Everyone wants workforce to deal with fissile materials lennials, but for gen-Xers Interpol and the European merhill Homes as a third mixed housing, additional ar,” she said in a telephone who can't afford to live in Union gathered at the Lab option for both a hotel and retail, and a hotel. There interview early this week. in a world facing the prolif- Livermore. for a 2-day conference. They residential. is no reason why we can't It will discuss the sequence eration of nuclear weapon Drew Felker stated there discussed national and in- However Laureen Turner blend arts and sciences, of events that led to equip- technology. is no place for people in their ternational response to the said that she did not see why some open exhibit space and ment failures and the release The program is based at twenties to live that was nuclear threat involving a proposal, Summerhill, a farmers market to create of radioactivity and “what UC-Berkeley and supported affordable." I support the terrorists. "They did not that drew support from only a destination." He wanted the U.S. and other coun- by the National Nuclear Se- maximum number of apart- stay anywhere in Livermore. one councilmember should to make sure that whoever tries have done (with their curity Administration. ments. We will move in." These conferences are still move forward. was selected would be able nuclear power programs) in Macfarlane has personal Sally Dunlop said there going to happen. It would In offering input, Steven to bring the project to frui- response.” ties to Livermore. She was were other places for hous- have been great to have Spedowfski said, "I don't be- tion. He did not want to see She believes nuclear be- married in Livermore in ing. She would like to see an them be able to stay in the lieve I've seen any proposal a tunnel effect of buildings longs in the mix of U.S. 2001. Her husband is Hugh upscale hotel and conference downtown." that strikes me as that's it." along So. Livermore, which energy sources, but with Gusterson, an anthropologist center that could accom- Bob Carling read a letter When it comes to the hotel, could happen if massing a caveat. “We depend on who has written extensively modate weddings and other from Lawrence Livermore the number of rooms, meet- weren't treated correctly. He nuclear power, but going about Lawrence Livermore special occasions, business National Laboratory Direc- ing space and branding are said Trumark had lost big forward we have a lot of National Laboratory and conferences and entertain- tor Bill Goldstein. He wrote all aspects that should be points with him in propos- challenges” related to safety, the U.S. nuclear weapons ment. Open space areas for that the Lab relies on being taken into consideration. He ing a 1000 space parking she said. program. people to congregate would able to attract and retain a wanted to see more walkable structure. Gary was also con- Her talk will start at 7:30 provide a sense of place. world class workforce and areas and maximized open cerned that RSVP would not An accident like Fuku- shima gives you pause, she p.m. Thursday, February 25, Chris Chandler, execu- the ability to reach out to and space. Spedowfski advised have the ability to provide at the Bankhead Theater in tive director of the Liver- to convene scientists from developers to make sure the hotel the city desires in added, noting that 160,000 more Valley Winegrowers around the world. Having that residential develop- a timely, because the com- people lost their livelihoods Livermore. Tickets may be commented that residential the Tri-Valley region as our ment was not an entity unto pany had other projects in and their homes in the after- purchased at the box office, and retail development and home and being able to of- itself, but incorporated into the pipeline that needed to math of the accident. 2400 First Street, online at a hotel are key elements that fer its exceptional amenities the community. In addition be finished. A geologist by training, www.bankheadtheater.org or should be in any plan. are key ingredients to our to apartments, he asked that Marchand agreed with Macfarlane led the Nuclear by contacting the box office Jean King declared that success. "In the past, we stacked flats be part of any much of what other coun- Regulatory Commission at (925) 373-6800.

February 18, 2016 • The Independent 7 SPORTS NOTES

Cyclone Wrestling Livermore’s Cyclone wrestling season ended its winter season at Livingston High School last Satur- day. Team members continued their success with 9 out of 11 wrestlers medaling. Cruising to first place and at no point being contested, team captain Jordan Bets (8th grade) won all four of his matches and had 2 pins. He also recorded 1 tech fall. His fellow team captain Nick Tran, (8th) made the finals for the 4th tournament in a row after winning his first 2 matches. He finished with a record of 2-1 and came in 2nd place. 8th grader Kyle Ericksen recorded 2 pins on the day and finished with a record of 3-1 and came in 3rd place. Heavyweight Owen Hopkins, (8th) who is also a team captain, competed in his first tournament of the season and finished in 3rd place. The girls team had another domi- nating performance. 8th grade team captain Jessica Bepple was undefeated for the second week in a row and came in first place. She had 1 pin. 6th grader Spring Training continues at Granada Little League. Jalen Bets finished in first place for the Shown is a AAA team practicing. The throw from 3rd tournament in a row. She had 2 pins on the day. Ximena Pulido (7th) center field sails several feet over the 2nd baseman’s finished in 2nd place. She was 2-1 head. One of the coaches (not shown) was playing and had 1 pin. In the novice division, Mike center field, showing that spring training practices are Bepple earned his first championship necessary for the coaches also. Photo - Bill Nale by finishing with a perfect record of 3-0. All of his wins were by pin. 6th grader Ian Ericksen competed in his first tournament ever. In the novice division, he finished in 3rd place. Other wrestlers competing on Saturday were Chris Bepple and Ty Goseingfiao. The team’s next competition will be on April 2nd, at the Middle School Girls State Championships in Albany.

Youth Track Club FTC Track Club, a USATF (USA Track and Field) certified club that spe- cializes in youth athletes from ages 7 to 18, is building a team to compete this Photo - Doug Jorgensen winter/spring in USATF track meets including a meet at the national level Amador Valley High School's alumni game, held last Saturday, incuded a ceremony in July. The organizers are looking during which Stephen Piscotty's jersey, number 11, was retired. After graduating for athletes of all ages and different events, especially relays. Visit www. from Amador, he earned a degree at Stanford, entered the MLB draft, and was chosen ftctrackclub.com or contact Coach in the first round by the Saint Louis Cardinals. In his rookie season, playing left field, Jorge Quero, jquero@ftctrackclub. Livermore’s Cyclone wrestling team competed at last com or (925) 209 7520. he led the team with a .305 batting average, .359 on base percentage and was third Saturday’s TOC qualifying tournament in Livingston. with a .494 slugging percentage. In addition to Piscotty, Chris Keck of the Colorado Pictured are (from top left) Chris Bepple, Nick Tran, Run for Education Rockies, also an Amador graduate, was on hand. Stephen is shown with his parents, Registration for the 2016 Pleas- Owen Hopkins, Jordan Bets, Kyle Ericksen, and Jessica Michael and Gretchen Piscotty. anton Run for Education is now open. Bepple; (bottom left) Ximena Pulido, Ty Goseingfiao, This classic road race is an annual tradition that runs through the heart Mike Bepple, Ian Ericksen, and Jalen Bets. of Pleasanton. The 2016 race will be held on Sunday, April 17. Participants have a choice of a 5K, 10K or 15K distances starting and finishing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. For the younger runners, there are two Kids' Challenge courses: 1/2K and 1K. Runners who register for the race before March 14 will receive 20% discount off their entry. Runners can register online at www.ppierun.org The run welcomes participants of all ages and ability levels, from runners participating in their first road race to those experienced marathoners look- ing for a great training run. The race celebrates running and fitness while raising money and awareness for the Pleasanton Partnership in Education (PPIE). The event concludes with an Awards Ceremony and Family Fitness Expo that features activities for kids and vendors from the surrounding community. Pleasanton U11 Rage Orange 2 defeated Mustang To find out more about the founda- Soccer Chics 3 to 1 in the San Ramon Futsal League tion, go to www.ppie.org. to take the championship. The team’s effort, focus and dedication paid off with the 3-1 victory in the finals. The High School Basketball The sixth and final high school Photo - Doug Jorgensen girls showed great resolve throughout the entire season basketball game to be broadcast this The Granada High School girls varsity soccer team tied rival Livermore High 1 to 1 with a 7-0-1 overall record. Team’s top goal scorers were season on TV30 takes place on Friday, Sharanika, Paige, Zareena, Kaitlyn and Brooke. Team February 19th as the Amador Dons in EBAL action. play host to the Foothill Falcons. members are Kaitlyn Lemus, Zareena Mann, Alexis The game will be tape delayed and start airing the following day on Morando, Paige Morgan, Nishita Pinninty, Sharanika Saturday, February 20th at 7 p.m. on Rajsekar, Alyssa Villarde, and Brooke Walker. Comcast Cable channel 30, AT&T U-verse via channel 99. Play by play and color announcing will include TV30 sports personalities Ian Bartholomew, George “Dr. B” Baljevich, and Tim Sbranti. For complete air dates and times, visit the TV30 website at www. tv30.org. DVDs of the games may also be purchased by going to the website.

The Livermore High Varsity Girls basketball team had a special guest in the crowd during their game against Amador Valley High. Livermore pulled away for a 52-29 win, but the win was not as important as the moment shared with the special guest.

Photo - Doug Jorgensen The photo to the left pictures some of the action in a match between Foothill High School men's varsity soccer team and crosstown rival Amador Valley. Foothill won the conference match-up 5 to 1. ATTENTION PLAYERS 2002-03 Birth Year! We are very excited to annouce that Earthquakes Hall of Famer and WCS DOC, Troy Dayak, will be taking on the girls head coaching roll for all NPL level teams. This is a VERY important age in a young players career, are you ready to take your game to the next level? Do you want to play in the NPL, Surf Cup & the top college showcases? WCS leads Northern California for the second year in a row, having the most players signing college Scholarship’s & was announced the #1 NPL Club on the girls side in NorCal. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? Upcoming Tryouts for 2002 & 2003 Boys and Girls Cayetano Park Livemore Thursday Feb 18th, 6-7:30pm Sunday Feb 21st, 10:30-12pm Callbacks Tuesday Feb 23rd, 5-6:30 1998-2001 Tryouts will be in April, check website for details. westcoastsoccerclub.com 8 The Independent • February 18, 2016 Donor Network Partnering with Medical Center Donor Network West, the organ procurement organiza- tion that heals lives through organ and tissue donation in northern California and Nevada, announced a partnership with San Ramon Regional Medical Center. Under the col- laboration, the first of its kind, specific organ donors will be transferred to the hospital’s facilities as a way to accom- modate a more certain timeframe for donor families for the recovery of organs. Organ recovery has traditionally been performed at community hospitals, utilizing the hospital’s resources. Many times, the requested timeframe from donor families is difficult to accommodate. This agreement allows for Kevin Roche (right) will the transplant team to complete recoveries at San Ramon talk about his robots, Regional’s on-campus Ambulatory Surgery Center, located including ThinBot (above). across the street from Donor Network West’s headquarters. “Honoring and respecting the donors and families that we serve is at the core of our mission. This change in practice will help relieve some of the organ recovery timing stress Meet ThinBot at the Livermore Library for these families and allow them for better planning dur- ing a very difficult time,” says Cindy Siljestrom, CEO of IBM research scientist open to all. No alcoholic the IBM lab. Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot. Donor Network West. and roboticist Kevin Roche drinks will be used and Roche says, “If all goes Copies of books and event Donor Network West partners with 175 hospitals in 40 will present a program fea- well, I hope to leave plenty schedules are available at counties. Along with a more certain timeframe for donor served during this family- families, transferring specific organ donors to San Ramon turing his award-winning friendly program. of time for the audience all Livermore Public Library to play with ThinBot and locations. Livermore Reads Regional Medical Center will improve the logistical chal- bartending robot, ThinBot, In addition to ThinBot, lenges of transporting staff and surgeons across the region. along with other cool ma- Roche will present his Arthur-9 a bit themselves at Together is sponsored by the “We are excited to partner with the Donor Network to chines on Saturday, Febru- iPhone-controlled rover, Ar- the event!” Friends of the Livermore perform this important work, and look forward to continu- ary 27, 2016, 2 pm, at the thur-9, and his many wear- This program is part of Library. ing to serve the citizens of the tri-valley and beyond,” said Civic Center Library, 1188 able illumination projects. Livermore Reads Together For additional events Gary Sloan, CEO of San Ramon Regional Medical Center. South Livermore Avenue. He will also show a video 2016, a community-wide check the library’s website at In celebration of this new partnership, and as a symbol This event is free and of some of his robot tools at reading program featuring www.livermorelibrary.net. of San Ramon Regional Medical Center’s commitment to saving lives, the Donate Life flag will be raised at the hos- pital. The flag pays tribute to donors and recipients whose lives have been touched by organ, eye and tissue donation. There are 10,600 people waiting for an organ transplant in northern California and Nevada, of which 900 reside in Contra Costa County. One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and a tissue donor can heal more than 50 others. Anyone can register as a donor at DonorNetwork- West.org or at the DMV. Pleasanton Chamber To Present Awards The Pleasanton Chamber dividuals who have contrib- of Commerce will recog- uted to Pleasanton through nize individuals, groups exceptional service to the and businesses who have community or philanthropic demonstrated excellence efforts over the whole of a and community leadership career. in business, volunteer activi- Green Business: Pleas- ties and achievement within anton Corporate Commons the Pleasanton community / Hines. This award is for on Wednesday, March 23, businesses that promote 2016 at the Firehouse Arts sustainable environmental Center. The Community business practices through- Service Awards began in out their organization for 1963 to recognize good the benefit of employees, people doing great things customers or the community. A ribbon cutting was held recently for the new algae raceway testing facility at Sandia National Laboratories. The in the community and since This event, sponsored new raceway testing facility paves a direct path between laboratory research and solving the demand for clean then hundreds of recipients by Chevron and Marriott energy. Pictured from left are Daniel Fishman, DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Bioenergy have been honored. Pleasanton, will celebrate Technologies Office, advanced algal systems; Allison Goss Eng, DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable The honorees for the 53rd amazing people who go the Energy, Bioenergy Technologies Office, program manager for feedstock supply & logistics and advanced algal Annual Community Service extra mile to make Pleasan- Awards are: ton a fabulous place to live systems; Livermore Mayor John Marchand; Marianne Walck, Vice President of Sandia’s California Laboratory Business Philanthropy: and do business. The public and Energy & Climate business unit; Catharine Baker, Assemblywoman, State of California; and Blake Simmons, Fratellone Family Chiro- is invited to attend this fun- Chief Scientific and Technology Officer and Vice President of the Deconstruction Division at the Joint BioEnergy practic. This award goes to filled evening beginning at Institute. Photo - Dino Vournas, Sandia National Laboratories businesses that have pro- 6:00 p.m. with a hosted bar vided philanthropic service and heavy hors' doeuvres as beyond the scope of normal well as a silent auction fol- business activity. lowed by the awards presen- Excellence in Business: tation. Cost to attend is $35 Pleasanton Program Looks at 'Real Friends' Wealth Management As- per person and tickets are on sociates. This award is for sale now on the Chamber’s businesses that have made a website www.pleasanton.org The City of Pleasanton’s 4:00pm to 5:00pm. “Con- Real Friends vs. The Oth- able ideas for what to do positive impact in the Pleas- A limited number of free Community Education necting for Family Time in er Kind 4:00pm to 5:00pm: when you have your chil- anton community through sponsorship opportunities Series continues on Wednes- the Digital Age” is a parent Students are invited to spend dren’s undivided attention. their achievement within are available; contact the day, February 24, 2016 with workshop held from 7:00pm an hour with Annie Fox, Fox will help you gain ap- the scope of normal business Chamber at 925.846.5858. two special events. “Real to 8:30pm. Both events will M.Ed. the author of the preciation for the pressure activity. Friends vs. The Other Kind” take place in the large meet- Middle School Confidential your kids face to use social Excellence in Service: Book series. Fox will guide is a student workshop geared ing room of the Pleasanton media and explore the ben- Sandra J. Wing Healing Cherish Tax & towards middle school- Public Library at 400 Old students through the ups efits of being online. This Therapies Foundation; for Bookkeeping Service ers and will be held from Bernal Avenue. and downs of friendships. event is also free and reg- organizations that have con- Students will learn everyday istration is recommended at tributed to Pleasanton. Tax Preparation ways to de-stress and gather Distinguished Individual We do: Individual, Corporate, pleasantonfun.com, course Partnership, & Small Business Tax tools to figure out if someone Service: Eleanor Flatley. number 61604. High Quality. Low Prices. is a real friend. This event is The Community Educa- This goes to individuals who Camp Parks to Host have contributed to Pleas- Switch with Us and Pay free and registration is rec- tion Series was developed + ommended at pleasantonfun. by the Community Services anton through exceptional $50 less than last year! Job Fair for Veterans com, course number 61603 service to the community or (We Speak Chinese) staff in conjunction with the philanthropic efforts. (students only please). Pleasanton Youth Commis- (415) 971-8212 Camp Parks Reserve Parks Garrison CSM. Lifetime Achievement: [email protected] Connecting for Fam- sion to meet the goals of the Forces Training Area will The event will be held Frank Capilla. Goes to in- cherishtax.wix.com/home ily Time in the Digital Age Youth Master Plan. For more host a job fair for veterans in building 677 on Camp 7:00pm to 8:30pm: Parents information, please email and their families on Sat- Parks. Because space is lim- will discover practical tools [email protected], or call urday, February 27, from ited, registration is required. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Vet- for establishing “unplugged” (925) 931-5359. For additional information, family time and gather valu- erans from all branches of call (925) 875-4411. the military, in addition to Camp Parks is located civil service employees, are at 620 6th Street in Dublin. Livermore Cinemas invited to attend. the witch (r) 12:00 2:25 4:50 7:15 9:50 Local employers look- ing to hire veterans include race (pg13) 12:55 4:00 7:00 10:00 Oracle, Chevron, PG&E, risen (pg13) 12:40 3:40 6:40 9:40 East Bay Municipal Utility deadpool (r) 1:10 4:10 7:10 10:00 District, Comcast, Safeway, deadpool (r)-dbox 12:10 3:10 6:10 9:10 FBI, Lawrence Livermore kung fu panda 3 (pg) 1:10 3:50 6:45 9:10 National Laboratories, and the County of Alameda. zoolander 2 (pg13) 1:10 3:55 6:40 9:25 "We have created a ca- how to be single (r) 12:50 3:50 6:50 9:50 reer opportunity through our Hail caesar (pg13) 1:10 4:10 7:10 9:50 community partners that rec- star wars: the force awakens (pg13) 12:15 3:45 7:00 10:00 ognize the value our veterans the revenant (r) 11:55 3:40 7:20 bring to the marketplace, " said Command Sgt. Major preview feb 18th: g ods of egypt (pg13) 7:10 9:40 Richard Kreiberg, Camp t riple 9 (r) 7:00 9:50 February 18, 2016 • The Independent 9 SHORT NOTES

Dublin Police Academy plications may be submitted by Family Hike pice.com or call (925) 829-8770. Sa 4/2 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. launched a new language trans- Adults who reside or work e-mail, fax, mail, or in person. Pine Canyon Family Hike on This program is available at no and Sa/Su 4/30-5/8 8:00 lation feature on its consumer in Dublin may now apply for The application deadline is Sat., Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. cost to all community members, a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; 5 classes; website, ColdwellBanker- the Dublin Police Services 2016 March 18, 2016. This nature walk will include however donations to Hope $180.00R/$198.00N Homes.com, in response to the Citizens’ Police Academy. The information about the plant and Hospice are greatly appreciated. For course prerequisites and growing interest in U.S. real ten-week program will be held Nature Programs animal life in beautiful Castle more information on blended estate by international buyers. on Wednesdays, from 5:00 PM Livermore’s Alkali Sink: Rock Park. Water Instruction learning courses, contact the Do- In addition to English, visi- to 8:00 PM, beginning on April An Introduction to a Complex See where owls and blue- The City of Pleasanton’s lores Bengtson Aquatic Center tors to ColdwellBankerHomes. 6. The Academy will culminate Ecosystem will be the topic of birds nest, and where there is Dolores Bengtson Aquatic at 931-3420. Register at www. com are now able to view with a graduation on June 8. a Sat., Feb. 20 presented by the a sulphur spring that was once Center is offering a variety of pleasantonfun.com. information on homes for sale The goal of the Citizens’ Livermore Area Recreation and used to cure ailments. American Red Cross courses Current City of Pleasan- in 12 other languages including Academy is to teach the pub- Park District ranger staff. Meet It will be an easy paced for those interested in gaining ton job postings, including Bengali, Chinese (simplified hike with a lot of stop, see, and lic about law enforcement Ranger Patti Cole at 9 a.m. at the certification as a Lifeguard and/ Lifeguard and Water Safety and traditional), French, Ger- learn along the way. Good for operations, foster kinship be- Robert Livermore Community or Water Safety Instructor. Instructor positions can be found man, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, families with children and those tween the community and law Center, 4444 East Avenue. Upon successful completion by visiting: http://www.cityof- Portuguese, Russian, Spanish There is a special, highly interested in learning about the of the Lifeguarding or Water pleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/hr/ enforcement, and to promote area. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and Vietnamese. The language misunderstood ecosystem that Safety Instructor course, can- jobs/default.asp. community policing by sup- plenty of water, and a snack. feature is easily accessible can be found on the northside didates may apply for employ- porting and encouraging citizen Register on Eventbrite - through a drop down box at the involvement. of I-580. Words like “Birds https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ ment with the Dolores Bengtson Bright Kids Program top of each page. The Academy will offer Beak,” “alkali sink” and even save-mount-diablos-pine-can- Aquatic Center. Solar power contractor Ray- Launched in December instruction by experienced law “wasteland” are sometimes used yon-family-hike. Lifeguarding - open to ages co Energy has launched "Bright 2015, ColdwellBankerHomes. enforcement staff. Participants when talking about this area. 15 and up: You do not need to Kids," a fundraising campaign com is a new consumer web- will have an opportunity to tour The presentation will provide an be on a swim team nor be a to benefit the Livermore Valley site that unifies 27 brokerage the Alameda County Crime Lab, introduction to the saline-alkali Hospice Education competitive swimmer to take Education Foundation (LVEF). websites that serve 50 of the Coroner’s Office, Juvenile Hall, ecosystem, with a focus on what To help family caregivers this class; you just need to For each solar system purchased largest 100 metropolitan areas Santa Rita Jail (the fifth largest makes this area a unique gem know what to expect in the final have basic swimming skills. by Livermore homeowners and in the U.S. The site features all jail in the nation), as well as get for Livermore. Please e-mail days, including transitioning This course combines online businesses between March 1, of NRT’s Coldwell Banker® a taste of officer training at the [email protected] in advance if to palliative (comfort) care, learning sessions with hands- 2016 and July 1, 2016, Rayco branded and MLS property Emergency Vehicle Operations you plan on coming so there is hospice services, and making on practice of first aid, CPR/ will donate up to $1,000 to listings in the regions the com- Course (EVOC). enough seating for everyone. funeral arrangements, Hope AED and lifeguarding skills. LVEF. pany serves. NRT is the parent Sessions are limited to 25 First Flowers will be the sub- Hospice is offering a community Class times do not reflect online "We do a lot of business company of Coldwell Banker participants on a first-come, ject of a Sun., Feb. 21 program. education program, The Last learning sessions. An additional in Livermore, and it's ex- Residential Brokerage. first-served basis. Potential Meet Ranger Amy Wolitzer at 10 Chapter: Facing End-of-Life $35 non-refundable fee, payable tremely important to me that we According to the National participants must be at least a.m. at Sycamore Grove Park, Issues and Handling Grief and to the American Red Cross will give back to the communities Association of REALTORS®, 18 years old and must success- 1051 Wetmore Road. Loss, on February 20, from 9:30 be due following the first class that support us," notes Rayco 2015 was another very strong fully complete a background Spring begins early in Cali- a.m. to noon. session. founder Ricky Chu. "Many of year for foreign investment investigations check, sign fornia. Join Ranger Amy for a During this program, the Sa 3/12, 8:00 – 10:00 our employees have kids, and in U.S. real estate. The dollar waiver forms, and be approved 5-mile round-trip hike to see complexities of grief and loss p.m. and M – F 4/4-4/8, 8:00 we feel very strongly about the volume of all foreign investment by the Chief of Police. Felony what’s blooming. Participants will be examined, and partici- a.m.-1:00 p.m.; 6 classes; value of a good education." in the U.S. reached $104 billion convictions or serious criminal are likely to find blue dicks, pants will be provided with cop- $195.00R/$215.00N LVEF President David Jonas for the 12 months ended March arrests are cause for dismissing buttercups, Johnny jump-ups ing strategies for themselves and Water safety instructor states, "Rayco has been a good 2015, up 13 percent from the an applicant. and more. Learn how to identify their families, with the ultimate (swim lesson teacher) - open friend to LVEF, and we're ex- same period a year ago, Applicants may complete these as well as the new growth goal of looking towards a future to ages 16 and up: Upon tremely grateful for this latest A recent NAR® study found an online application at www. of other plants that have yet to renewed with hopes and dreams. successful completion of this show of support. 'Bright Kids' Chinese buyers were the num- dublin.ca.gov/citizensacad- bloom. Any community member course, students will be qualified is truly a win-win: Generate ber-one international investors emy2016 or obtain a hard copy The daily parking fee has engaged in the role of family to teach American Red Cross clean energy for your home or in U.S. real estate over the past application by e-mail, fax, or increased to $7 per vehicle at caregiver or expecting to soon Learn-to-Swim courses. This business, and generate funding year with $28.6 billion in sales in person at Dublin Police Ser- either entrance to Sycamore become a caregiver is invited to course is a blended learning for Livermore schools." volume, nearly three times the vices, 100 Civic Plaza. Grove Park. There is an an- participate. Class size limited opportunity, which will allow For more information con- number-two country, Canada. To request that an applica- nual parking pass available that to 30. Light refreshments will students in-person water train- tact Ricky Chu at ricky@ As recently as six years ago, tion be sent to you by e-mail provides significant savings be served. ing paired with online learning raycoenergy.com. Canadian investment in the U.S. or fax, please contact Officer over the daily fee for regular This class will be held at sessions. Class times do not market was more than double Channing Rhodes at (925) 833- park visitors. A $3 donation Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark reflect required online learning New Translation China's, which also ranked 6622/channing.rhodes@dublin. is requested to help support Avenue, Suite 100, Dublin (2nd sessions. An additional $35 non- behind India and the U.K. and ca.gov or Officer Christina the programs unless other fees floor conference room). refundable fee, payable to the Program was at the same level as Mexico. Blaylock at (925) 833-6690/ are specified. Participants may Register online at HopeHos- American Red Cross will be due Coldwell Banker Residential christina.blaylock@dublin. call 925-960-2400 for more following the first class session. Brokerage announced that it has ca.gov. Once completed, ap- information.

OBITUARIES

Herbert William Street Af- the park to friends visiting Ave Elementary then on to and Danny Fearon; grand- Oct 29, 1918 ~ Jan 24, 2016 ter Ruth from out of town. Larry Raymond Farnam Livermore High, graduating children, Kayla and Hannah In Loving Memory and She was a huge fan of Loving husband, father, son, in 1957. French; Dougie, Donny Long time Livermore John di- NASCAR racing and loved brother, grandfather and In 1960 he married Rose and Michael Fearon; Amy resident, Herb Street, was vorced to follow her favorite driv- friend. Marie Weiss and had 2 sons, & Lloyd Rochon, Kim- taken to be with our Heav- in 1958, ers. Much to the consterna- Larry passed away on Kenny and Kirk Farnam. berly and Marc Menezes; enly Father on January 24, Ruth tion of her children, she January 12, 2016 at San During those early years and Luana Silva; and 18 2016. He was born in Oak- began sometimes drove like one, Ramon Regional Hospital he worked at Coast Manu- great grandchildren, Aaron, land, California on October work- too. She loved to sew and with his family at his side. facturing. In 1968 he went Alex, Zachary and Issabella 29, 1918, the fourth of four He was born on August 4, Fearon; Anthony, Anissa, ing at knit and her love of needle- to work for Steiny & Co Alani, Alonzo, Anissa, and children. Sandia work has been passed down 1939 to parents, Kenneth R. Electric, becoming a mem- Herb is predeceased by and Gayle (Sneed) Farnam Alessio (Rochon); Breanna, Nation- to her daughters. She was ber of IBEW, San Francisco Brittney and Tyler (Mene- his wife of 63 years, Vir- al Labo- an avid reader; she read in Tur- local #6. ginia. lock, zes); Alejandro, Izavel, ratories as a secretary to the every single Louis L’amour He operated their big Elizabeth, Gabriela, and Herb is survived by his Director of the Weapons western and was a huge fan Ca. crane, setting traffic signals Paula (Menezes); brother in son, John Street, of Liver- Program, a position she held of biographies and mysteries Lar- and street lights all over law Peter Lomax; cousins, more; daughter Susan (Mike) for nine years. During that as well. ry be- Northern California. In 1990 nieces and nephews, and so Hamilton of Bakersfield, time Ruth met and married Ruth worked hard as a gan life he went to work for Colum- many dear friends. California; grandchildren her second husband, Hal secretary her entire life. She in Tur- bia Electric until his retire- He was so loved and Kimberly (Mark) Guerard, Easton. After their mar- was never wealthy in the lock, ment on January 1, 1999. cherished by so many and Gregory, and Timothy Ham- riage, she moved with him material sense, but she was Ca., the Larry remarried in 1970 will be greatly missed. ilton, and great grandchild to Germany, then England, enormously rich in the num- young- to the love of his life of 46 Per Larry's wishes there Luke Guerard, all of south- and finally back to Califor- ber of friends she had and est of 3 years, Maxine (Self) Fearon. will be no service. ern California. He also nia where they settled in the the adventures she experi- by 10 Between them, they had six He will be laid to rest in leaves many dear nieces and gold country and lived there enced. She passed on to “her min to twin sister Lenore sons, always hunting and Memory Gardens in Liver- nephews. for 10 years. After their di- girls” a sense of goodness, Whalen. fishing together at N3, en- more. Burial will be private. Herb was a long time vorce in 1978, Ruth moved the importance of always From an early age he joying the Farnam cabin and member of the Lutheran back to the Tri-Valley and telling the truth and treating loved the outdoors, becom- Golden Ram Hunting club Church, Missouri Synod worked at Public Storage in others fairly, and a belief that ing an expert hunter, fly going after ducks, pheasants, and a 50 year member of Dublin for 11 years, a posi- life should be lived to the fisherman extraordinaire. doves and quail, always put- Our Savior Lutheran Church tion that she loved and one fullest. Ruth was preceded As a young boy, Larry ting delicious wild caught in Livermore. He was the in which she made many in death by her daughter, was very adventurous and fish and game on the table. Chief Building Official for lifelong friends. Patricia Sue Powers, and she loved animals, especially They also enjoyed many the City of Livermore in the Ruth always had an ap- is survived by her daughters wild ones he could tame. excursions to the casinos, 60’s and 70’s. In retirement, preciation for adventure, and Linda Marie Powers Souza, He was always bringing movies, and family events, he and Virginia traveled all after the end of her second Becky Powers Miles, and them home, I.e., snakes, always having fun. around America and spent marriage, Ruth decided it Laurie Lee Powers, her sons- squirrels, birds, whatever he Larry was preceded in much time helping and vis- was time to live it up. She in-law Robert Souza and could catch. death by parents, Gayle and Kenneth Farnam, sister, iting friends and church traveled the globe, taking Billy Miles, 6 grandchildren, Growing up he was an all members. around athlete in basketball, Nancy Lomax, granddaugh- trips to France, Germany, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 ters Alicia Marie Farnam Family and friends are China, Canada, Australia, great-great grandchild, and football. invited to attend the me- He was also a terrific and Angela Fearon, and New Zealand, and many lo- many friends. She will be brother in law, Jack Whalen. morial service, Saturday, cations in the United States. missed by all. At her request, diver on the Aqua Cowboys February 20, 2016, at 3:00 swim team. He leaves to grieve his In 1990, Ruth moved to no services will be held, and loss, beloved wife, Maxine p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Jackson, California and her ashes will be scattered at The family moved to Farnam; twin sis, Lenore Church, 1385 S. Livermore worked at Amador County the place that she loved so Livermore in 1947 where Whalen; sons, Kenny (Jan- Ave, Livermore. Inurnment Hospital, a position she much: Yosemite National he attended Fifth Street ice); Kirk (Maria) Farnam; will be at San Joaquin Val- held until her retirement. Park. Elementary and Junction Ken French; Leroy, Tucker ley National Cemetery at a After a few years of retire- later date. ment there, Ruth once again Flowers or memorial do- returned to Livermore to nations in Herb's name may be close to her daughters be sent to Our Savior Lu- and grandchildren, and she Obituary/ theran Church. spent her last years here in the Tri-Valley. Memoriam Policies Ruth Caroline Easton Ruth was a lover of ad- March 6, 1928 – Feb. 8, 2016 venture and believed that Obituaries are published in Complete Burial & Cremation Ruth Caroline Selton was the best life was one that The Independent at no charge. born in Oakland on March ended with a passport full of Services with Dignity, Quality & Value 6, 1928. An only child to stamps. One of her goals was There is a small charge for Martin and Flora Selton, her to be able to say she set foot photographs in the obituaries. childhood was spent with in every single state of the Advance her parents in Oregon, Ohio, United States. She eventu- and Washington before they ally made it to 48. Over her Memoriam ads can also be placed in Planning settled down in Santa Ana life she visited at least 33 The Independent when families want for her high school years. national parks and historic Made There Ruth met her first sites. Up until just a few to honor the memories of their loved ones. husband, John Harold Pow- years ago she was still going There is a charge for memoriam Easy ers II. After they married on auto trips with friends to in 1947, Ruth worked as a New Orleans and the South. ads, based on the size of the ad. Deanna Moser Teri Benoit secretary and raised their But of all the places she had four daughters while John visited, her favorite place on Call for a free Consultation attended college and medical earth was Yosemite National Please send an email to in-home visits available school in the Bay Area. In Park. She visited the park [email protected] 1958, the family moved to countless times, sometimes 4167 First Street, Pleasanton | (925) 846-5624 Livermore while John was taking her grandchildren for to receive more information www.grahamhitch.com based at Camp Parks. a treat, other times showing FD 429 10 The Independent • February 18, 2016

:s/: Richard Duffy, President Locations, 2487 Bay Mead- This statement was filed with LEGAL NOTICES This statement was filed with ows Circle, Pleasanton, CA the County Clerk of Alameda FOR INFORMATION the County Clerk of Alameda 94566, is hereby registered on February 3, 2016. Expires ON PLACING LEGAL on January 25, 2016. Expires by the following owner(s): February 3, 2021. NOTICES IN THE January 25, 2021. Susan Ann Valley, 2487 Bay The Independent Legal No. INDEPENDENT The Independent Legal No. Meadows Circle, Pleasanton, 3906. Published February Call 925-243-8000 3903. Published February CA 94566 11, 18, 25, March 3, 2016. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2016. This business is conducted FICTITIOUS BUSINESS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS by an Individual NAME STATEMENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The registrant has not yet FILE NO. 513626 NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 513358 begun to transact business The following person(s) do- FILE NO. 513289 The following person(s) doing using the fictitious business ing business as: L & R Truck- The following person(s) doing business as: Barb Wired De- name listed above. ing LLC, 1158 Catalina Drive business as: The Red Hen signs, 1421 Hopyard Road, Signature of Registrants Apt. 8, Livermore, CA 94550, House - Farm & Kitchen, Pleasanton, CA 94566, is :s/: Susan Ann Valley is hereby registered by the 12461 Mines Road, Liver- hereby registered by the This statement was filed with following owner(s): more, CA 94550, is hereby following owner(s): the County Clerk of Alameda L & R Trucking LLC, 1158 registered by the following Barbara Santos, 1421 Hop- on February 2, 2016. Expires Catalina Drive Apt. 8, Liver- owner(s): yard Road, Pleasanton, CA February 2, 2021. more, CA 94550 (1)Nancy Jane Mueller (2) 94566 The Independent Legal No. This business is conducted Robert James Mueller, 12461 This business is conducted 3905. Published February by a Limited liability company Mines Road, Livermore, CA by an Individual 11, 18, 25, March 3, 2016. The registrant has not yet 94550 The registrant began to trans- begun to transact business This business is conducted FICTITIOUS BUSINESS act business using the ficti- using the fictitious business by a Married couple NAME STATEMENT tious business name listed name listed above. The registrant has not yet FILE NO. 514224 above on October 1, 2008. Signature of Registrants begun to transact business The following person(s) do- Signature of Registrants :s/: Luis A. Nieves Fuentes, using the fictitious business ing business as: DMK & :s/: Barbara Santos, Owner Pictured are (from left) Rose Pham, Regent Sharon Garrison, Henry Gleason, Erin Manager name listed above. Company, 469 Kensington This statement was filed with This statement was filed with Signature of Registrants Common, Livermore, CA the County Clerk of Alameda Pickett, Barbara Wills DAR American History Essay Chairman. the County Clerk of Alameda :s/: Nancy Jane Mueller 94551, is hereby registered on January 11, 2016. Expires on January 19, 2016. Expires This statement was filed with by the following owner(s): January 11, 2021. January 19, 2021. the County Clerk of Alameda Dena M. Falkenstein, 469 The Independent Legal No. The Independent Legal No. on January 8, 2016. Expires Kensington Common, Liver- 3907. Published February Students Share Their 3902. Published January January 8, 2021. more, CA 94551 11, 18, 25, March 3, 2016. 28, February 4, 11, 18, 2016. The Independent Legal No. This business is conducted FICTITIOUS BUSINESS 3904. Published February by an Individual FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 4, 11, 18, 25, 2016. The registrant has not yet NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 513852 Knowledge in DAR Events begun to transact business FILE NO. 513814 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS The following person(s) doing using the fictitious business The following person(s) NAME STATEMENT business as: Pampered Tail name listed above. doing business as: D&B FILE NO. 514156 Waggerz Pet Care, 3136 By Carol Graham Signature of Registrants Handyman and Home Repair The following person(s) doing Bridle Ct., Livermore, CA An award ceremony host- :s/: Dena M. Falkenstein Service, LLC, 3931 Fern- business as: Valley Premier 94551, is hereby registered ed by the Josefa Higuera wood Way, Pleasanton, CA Livermore Chapter of the 94588, is hereby registered Daughters of the Ameri- by the following owner(s): D&B Handyman and Home can Revolution (DAR) took Repair Service, LLC, 3931 TO PLACE A place on February 6th, hon- Fernwood Way, Pleasanton, oring two winners of the CA 94588 LEGAL NOTICE OR Good Citizens Award and This business is conducted by a Limited liability company Scholarship Contest, and The registrant began to CLASSIFIED AD IN three winners of the Ameri- transact business using the can History Essay Contest. fictitious business name(s) THE INDEPENDENT, CALL The Good Citizens listed above on January 1, 2016. 925-243-8000 Award, open only to high Signature of Registrants school seniors, involves stu- dent statements, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a two-hour timed essay. The prompt for this year’s essay was: “Our American Professionals Choice Heritage and Our Respon- Pictured are Ryan McCool, and Malvika Singhal. sibility to Preserve It: Of our American rights and Real Estate Directory wrote McCool in his essay. DAR American History Es- freedoms, which one would Local guide to the Valley’s Leading you choose to celebrate and “While our right to speak say Contest, titled this year: why?” freely is no longer unique, it "A Colonial Family's Reac- Real EstateLivermore’s Professionals Top & Services Producing “The freedom of the press is indisputably the source of tion to the Stamp Act.” Es- Ivy is a freedom to be celebrated our growth from a grouping says are judged for historical RealTop Estate Producing Agent Livermore 2012 of minor colonies to a great accuracy, adherence to topic, Mike Fracisco due to its contribution to (925) 998-8131 www.IvyLoGerfo.comRealtor since 1999 literacy rates and its ability nation whose beacon shines organization of materials, www.IvyLoGerfo.com on the faces of the lost and interest, originality, spelling, Residential • Commercial • Property Mgmt to inform the public of rele- Fracisco Realty & Investments (925)925 998-5312 998-5312 vant, defining issues,” wrote weary, a great nation where grammar, punctuation and www.MikeFracisco.com CalBRE#01267853 Lady Liberty whispers of neatness. ® first-place winner, Malvika CalBRE #01378428 REALTOR BRE #01267853 Ivy Singhal. “The freedom of opportunity and safety, a The three winners are: the press is one of the most great nation where every- Henry Gleason, 5th grade, Sandee Utterback effective ways to address one's cry for protection and Arroyo Seco Elementary (925) 487-0524 injustice and incite action for rights was, is, and will be School; and Rose Pham, Cindy Williams Gene Williams CalBRE#00855150 REALTOR®, CRS & GRI REALTOR® WWW.SANDEEU.COM for causes that may affect heard forevermore.” 6th grade, and Erin Pickett, Both students read their 8th grade, of East Avenue (925) 918-2045 (510) 390-0325 Specializing in people across the nation. www.WilliamsReGroup.com Livermore’s essays before an audience Middle School. Each student Finest Homes Through the press, the truth Over Two Decades of Experience! is endorsed.” of 60 at the award ceremony, earned $100, while their Singhal, of Granada High which took place at Liver- sponsoring teachers received Gail Henderson Broker Associate, MPA SABRINA BASCOM School, earned a scholarship more's Asbury United Meth- $50. Commercial • Residential of $1,000. odist Church. “These students are being (925) 980-5648 (925) 337-0194 “I was excited,” said Mc- well prepared by their teach- www.gailhenderson.com [email protected] “The fact that the essay Cal BRE#01848451 was timed made it possible Cool. “I didn't expect to win ers for future education,” so it definitely was a confi- said American History Essay Cal BRE 101 E. Vineyard Ave for me to produce a very #01709171 #103, Livermore, CA genuine response to the dence boost for my writing Contest Chairman Barbara prompt,” said Singhal. “I skills. My favorite moment Wills. DONNA SUSAN was meeting the members of Daughters of the Ameri- GARRISON SCHALL felt honored not only to have 925.980.0273 925.519.8226 DAR at the award ceremony. can Revolution, founded in CA BRE Lic. # 01395362, 01735040, 01964566 won, but to have been given Search Tri-Valley Homes for Sale at the opportunity to partici- They are all really friendly 1890 and headquartered in FabulousProperties.net pate. This is the first schol- and love talking about the Washington, D.C., is a lin- things I'm involved in.” eage-based, non-profit, non- Pam Cole arship I have ever received, CalBRE#01291147 and I am so thankful for all McCool hopes to study political volunteer women's biochemistry or molecular service organization dedi- (925) 337-2461 the support I was given to [email protected] biology, and eventually to cated to promoting patrio- www.PamCole4Homes.com Rebecca L. Evans pursue this opportunity. I Team Evans Excellence in Real Estate feel a greater sense of confi- pursue patent law, while tism, preserving American dence in my writing ability Singhal plans to study Bio- history, and ensuring the 1686 Second Street 925.784.2870 Livermore, CA 94550 www.rebeccalevans.com and my ability to share a re- chemical Engineering. nation's strong future by latable opinion with others.” “I am particularly inter- supporting education. Josefa 2014 Achievement Award – Top 100 Agents Livermore Valley Expert CalBRE # 01498025 Second-place win- ested in research and a career Higuera Livermore Chapter ner Ryan McCool, also of in medicine,” she said. “My DAR was organized in 2000 Cindy Greci Dominic Greci Granada, earned a $500 goal in life is to help as many and takes its name from people as I can, and by be- Josefa Higuera Livermore, (925) 784-1243 (925) 525-0864 scholarship. GRI GRI “If it were not for the ing a researcher and physi- wife of Robert Livermore, freedom of speech, the Bill cian, I can do that on both a for whom the town and val- BRE#01323804 BRE#01707140 of Rights could easily have community and individual ley were named. been suppressed, which in scale.” To learn more, visit www. www.GreciGroup.com Students in 5th through californiadar.org/chapters/ turn would have revoked all KRISTY PEIXOTO Yvette Larson basic American freedoms,” 8th grades participated in the jhlivermore. AND COMPANY REALTOR Estates, Ranches & Land Realtors (925) 667-0055 (925) 251-2536 doors2dreams.com [email protected] Spectrum Community Services Estatesandranches.com To Take Part in "March for Meals" CalBRE #01256255 CalBRE#01771056 Marina Guevorkian Golden Pacific Home Loans Meals on Wheels of Alameda County has announced that all five (5) providers in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame county will be participating in the 14th annual March for Meals – a month-long nationwide Certified Negotiation Expert Lisette Bridges (925) 640-8824 MORTGAGE CONSULTANT celebration of the Meals on Wheels organization, as well as an event to call attention to, www.SellingLivermore.com and request support for, the homebound seniors they serve. [email protected] (925) 998-2964 While Alameda County Meals on Wheels providers have more than 2,100 senior clients, [email protected] CalBRE 01390611 Accord who without their services would likely go hungry, recent data shows that the county has LoansbyBridges.com approximately 40,400 seniors that have uncertain access to food. In order to bridge the MICHELLE ELLIOTT NMLS #285652 and BRE #00907443 gap, Alameda County Meals on Wheels is asking for your support for the current and ever Mortgage Banker Se Habla Espanol growing needs of seniors in our county. National Achiever Alameda County March for Meals celebrations will take place on Thursday, March 10th. 925-212-6907 Self employed? Rate too high, paying PMI? Hosting one event will be Spectrum Community Services, serving Pleasanton, Liver- [email protected] Home purchase? Low FICO score? more, Dublin and Sunol: Congressmember Eric Swalwell and Alameda County Supervisor homeloans.chase.com/michelle.d.elliott No down payment? CALL US! Nate Miley at 9:30 am at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. Register to ride NMLS ID: 694685 along and deliver meals at 510-881-0300 x 238 or [email protected]. "The service that we provide seniors is critical,” says Art Hoffman, President of the PREFERRED BROKERS Meals on Wheels of Alameda County Board of Directors. “Together, we enable home- Wanda Thompson bound seniors to live independently, have healthier lives at home with nutritious meals and DRE#01254257 wellness checks, and feel more connected to their community with the human interaction 925.858.9128 drivers provide.” 411 So L St, Suite E, Livermore March for Meals is a Meals on Wheels America event was created in 2002 to increase BRE#00983781 / NMLS#244633 awareness of the gap between the seniors served and those in need that seek assistance due to their declining income, declining public and private resources, and rising food, transportation and operational costs. To Place Your Ad, Call Your Account To donate or volunteer, go to www.feedingseniors.org. For more general information Representative At (925) 243-8001 on March for Meals visit www.marchformeals.com. February 18, 2016 • The Independent 11

by the following owner(s): EMPLOYMENT The Federal Fair Housing Tracy L. Schmidt, 3136 Bridle JANITOR 127) LOST/ FOUND Act, Title VII of the Civil Ct., Livermore, CA 94551 65) HELP WANTED Cleans once a week FOUND Rights Act of 1964, and state This business is conducted 3 1/2 hours on Humboldt Way law prohibit advertisements in Livermore REAL by an Individual Livermore for housing and employment The registrant has not yet $200/month Portfolio of Greek music that contain any preference, begun to transact business Please call CD’s limitation or discrimination (510)460-9640 ESTATE based on protected classes, using the fictitious business Please call name listed above. (925)447-3857 including race, color, religion, Signature of Registrants BE WARY of out of area sex, handicap, familial status :s/: Tracy L. Schmidt companies. Check with the ANNOUNCEMENTS or national origin. IVPC does This statement was filed with local Better Business Bureau not knowingly accept any NEWS & NOTICES the County Clerk of Alameda before you send money or 155) NOTICES advertisements that are in on January 26, 2016. Expires WANTED- fees. Read and understand “NOTICE TO READERS: violation of the law. January 26, 2021. Recreation Leaders! any contracts before you California law requires that The Independent Legal No. sign. Shop around for rates. contractors taking jobs that Deduct This, Not That: Tax Are you looking for a FUN 3908. Published February TO PLACE total $500 or more (labor 11, 18, 25, March 3, 2016. and REWARDING job? and/or materials) be licensed Livermore Area Recre- A CLASSIFIED AD Tips for Homeowners FICTITIOUS BUSINESS by the Contractors State Career ation and Park District OR LEGAL NOTICE IN NAME STATEMENT License Board. State law By Cher Wollard is currently seeking indi- THE INDEPENDENT, Opportunities FILE NO. 514314-16 Call (925)243-8000 also requires that contractors Homeownership brings with it significant tax benefits, and a viduals to join our team. • Class C Driver (Fremont) The following person(s) do- MERCHANDISE include their license numbers few potential pitfalls. ing business as: Home Loan on all advertising. Check your • Material Handler Our mission is to provide Every homeowner's financial situation is different, of course, Funding, The Home Mart, 115) ESTATE/ GARAGE/ contractor’s status at www. (Fremont) the people of the Liver- Trupro Real Estate Services, YARD SALES cslb.ca.gov or (800)321- so you’ll want to consult with a tax professional regarding which more area with outstand- • Glass Handler (Fremont) 5820 Stoneridge Mall Road, CSLB (2752). Unlicensed tax breaks you are – or are not – entitled to. ing recreation programs ANNUAL GARAGE SALE #110-28, Pleasanton, CA persons taking jobs less • Warehouse Lead – and a system of parks, Rotary Club of Pleasanton 94588, is hereby registered than $500 must state in their Graveyard (Livermore) trails, recreation areas and Saturday, 2/27 1. Deduct this: Interest paid on up to $1 million of the first by the following owner(s): advertisements that they are facilities that stimulate, 8:00AM - 1:00PM • Warehouse Supervisors Gary Stange, 4103 Stanley not licensed by the Contrac- (Livermore) mortgage on your primary residence or second home, such as educate and enrich lives. 4455 Del Valle Parkway Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566 tors State License Board.” vacation property. If you are married but filing separate returns, Come be a part of where Pleasanton • Operations Manager This business is conducted the “FUN” is created! Funds benefit (Livermore & Fremont) you may each deduct interest on up to $500,000 in mortgage debt. by an Individual Wheelchair Project REAL ESTATE The registrant began to trans- Logistics or similar Not this: Interest on mortgage debt beyond $1 million. Interest Currently seeking qualified act business using the ficti- Inland Valley experience preferred on debt that is not secured by the home. Interest on mortgage debt candidates for the follow- tious business name listed 118) FREE SECTION Publishing Co. Email resume and ing positions: Client Code:04126-00001 for real estate other than your legal primary residence or second above on August 8, 1993. FREE WOOD cover letter with salary home. Interest on mortgage debt paid by someone else, even if Signature of Registrants Pine & Oak Re: Legal Notice for requirements to -Recreation Leader ll- :s/: Gary Stange You cut it & haul it Classified Ads [email protected] it’s on your home. Sports This statement was filed with Mines Road -Recreation Leader ll- the County Clerk of Alameda (408)897-3156 Party 2. Deduct this: Interest paid on up to $100,000 of a refinance on February 5, 2016. Expires Attendant loan, home equity loan or home equity line of credit on your February 5, 2021. -Senior Recreation Lead- FREE MAGAZINES The Independent Legal No. primary or second home. Again, for married persons who file er-Party Attendant Smithsonian 3909. Published February -Senior Recreation Lead- National Geographic separate returns, you can only deduct interest on $50,000. 11, 18, 25, March 3, 2016. er-Preschool Time Not this: There are restrictions if your mortgage debt exceeds NOTICE OF PUBLIC -Recreation Leader I – All like new the property's fair market value. HEARING AND PUBLIC Youth Services/PAL (408)897-3156 REVIEW PERIOD -Sr. Recreation Leader 3. Deduct this: Mortgage insurance, sometimes called MI or Urban Water I – Youth Services FREE Commercial Cable Technician Management Plan -Recreation Maintenance 55-gallon FISH TANK I mmediate Openings for Installers! Will train. PMI, which protect the lender, and is usually required on loans for Worker I - Facilities With everything $5,000 hiring bonus. Full benefits offered, more than 80 percent of the value of the home. If you purchased Zone 7 Water Agency is No fish your home with less than a 20 percent downpayment, chances a water wholesaler serv- For more information and Please call if interested must have a clean DL, min 21 yrs old. ing over 220,000 people in to apply, please visit our (925)447-3126 Bring current DMV rpt when applying. are you were required to carry mortgage insurance. This insur- Pleasanton, Livermore and web site at www.larpd.org Call (916) 215-9309. ance can be pricey – hundreds of dollars each month. Being able Dublin in Alameda County, to write it off against your income at least saves a bit on federal and the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon in Contra and state taxes. Costa County. It sells treated The deduction is phased out by 10 percent for each $1,000 water to four retailers: the by which your adjusted gross income tops $100,000 for married City of Pleasanton, City of couples or $50,000 for single people or married people filing Livermore, Dublin San Ra- mon Services District and separately. So you can’t use the deduction if your adjusted gross California Water Service income exceeds $110,000 for married people or $55,000 for Company. singles and married people filing separately. Not this: Mortgage insurance is not the same as homeowner’s As an urban water provider, Zone 7 prepares an Urban insurance, which is a policy you take out to cover your home in Water Management Plan case of fire, flood or other disaster. aimed at analyzing and plan- ning for a reliable water sup- 4. Deduct this: Property taxes, which you pay to the county ply over a 20-year planning horizon considering normal, either directly or through an impound account with your mortgage dry and multiple dry years. payment. Not this: Property taxes that you owe but either haven’t paid As required under Section yet or paid in a previous year. The IRS operates on a Jan. 1 10642 et seq. of the Cali- fornia Water Code, this is through Dec. 31 calendar. The county assessor’s office uses July to notify the public that at 1 through June 30 as its fiscal year. To add to the confusion, im- its meeting to begin at 7 pound accounts are usually padded by a few extra months’ worth p.m. on March 16, 2016, of property taxes so it never runs short. the Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors plans to You may deduct property taxes you actually paid in the calendar conduct a public hearing year, if you paid them directly; or that the impound account paid on, and consider adoption on your behalf for that year. of, the Agency’s Draft 2015 So, for example, for fiscal year 2015-16, you probably paid one Urban Water Management Plan. The hearing will be installment in November or December with the second one due held at Zone 7 Administrative before April 1. So you can deduct the first installment – because Offices, 100 North Canyons you made that payment in 2015, but not the second one. Parkway, Livermore. If you owned your home during the 2014-15 fiscal year, you A copy of the Draft 2015 Ur- can also deduct the payment you made last Spring. ban Water Management Plan is available for public review 5. Deduct this: Discount points. If you took out a mortgage at the Zone 7 Water Agency in 2015 to purchase property or refinance your mortgage, you office at 100 North Canyons Parkway in Livermore, on the probably paid discount points, sometimes just called “points,” website, www.zone7water. to lower your rate. com, and at the following When you purchase property, discount points may be deducted local libraries: in full in the year in which they were paid. Alameda County Public Not this: When you refinance, the discount points usually must Library in Dublin be amortized over the life of the loan. So, for example, if you paid 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin $1,500 in discount points on a 15-year home equity loan, you could Livermore Public Library likely deduct $100 per year for the life of the loan. 1188 South Livermore Ave., The deduction for points is subject to certain criteria, so con- Livermore sult with your tax advisor as to whether or not you can claim this advantage. Pleasanton Public Library 400 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton 6. Deduct this: Certain home improvements. If you renovate your home to accommodate the needs of a chronically ill or dis- Public comment will be wel- abled person, and the renovations do not add to the overall value come at the hearing and you are encouraged to comment of the home, the cost of that project may be tax deductible. before then, if possible, by Installing qualifying alternative energy improvements may al- contacting Amparo Flores at low you to claim a deduction or even a modest energy tax credit. [email protected]. Not this: Paint, flooring, roofing, room additions, kitchen re- If you have any questions regarding this notice, contact models and most other costs of maintaining and improving your Boni Brewer, Communication home are not tax deductible. Specialist, at (925) 454-5015. If you met the lifetime cap on energy-efficiency credits in a ANIMALS previous year, you may not claim another one. 2) CATS/ DOGS ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, for 7. Deduct this: Home offices. Some people who work from adoption information contact home may be able to deduct the expenses of creating and maintain- Valley Humane Society at ing a home office. Regulations regarding home office deductions (925)426-8656. are very specific, so be sure to consult your tax advisor. Adopt a new best friend: TVAR, the Tri-Valley Animal Not this: If you turn a profit when you sell your home, you Rescue, offers animals for may have recapture the deduction on a future return. adoption every Saturday and Sunday, excluding most 8. Deduct this: First-time homebuyers who earned a mortgage holidays. On Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, dogs are credit certificate or MCC before purchasing their home are entitled available at the Pleasanton to an MCC credit. Farmers Market at W. An- Not this: If you used the original homebuyer tax credit of 2008, gela and First Streets. Two you must repay 1/15th of that credit each year through 2023. locations will showcase cats only: Petsmart in Dublin from Those who sold a home last year have other tax issues to 12:00 to 4:00 and the Pet consider. Extreme in Livermore from Profits made on the sale of real estate are generally considered 12:00 to 4:00. On Sundays, cats are available at Petsmart to be capital gains, rather than income. But if the property was in Dublin from 1:00 to 4:00, your primary residence, you are likely entitled to a hefty exemp- and Pet Extreme in Liver- tion in your capital gains tax. more from 12:00 to 4:00. For If you bought or sold a home in 2015, you’ll need a copy of more information, call Terry at (925)487-7279 or visit the end-of-year statement from your mortgage company as well our website at www.tvar.org as the escrow statement. Your real estate agent or escrow officer should be able to pro- FERAL CAT FOUNDATION vide you with a copy of the statement if you do not have yours Cat & kitten adoptions now handy. at the new Livermore Petco on Saturdays from 10:00AM For information and advice on which deductions and credits to 2:30PM. We have many you may be eligible to claim, consult a tax professional. Or see adorable, tame kittens that details at www.irs.gov and www.ftb.ca.gov have been tested for FIV & FELV, altered & vaccinated. Cher Wollard is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway We also have adult cats & HomeServices, Drysdale Properties, in Livermore. ranch cats for adoption. 12 The Independent • February 18, 2016 Family Feud - A Fun Experience for Local Family

By Carol Graham of a nationally-televised TV the producers who tell par- For the five women mak- show - from the auditions to ticipants to be enthusiastic ing up the Family Feud team, observing the producers. It and have fun. competition comes naturally. was also surreal and exciting “It was a once-in-a- “We’re fans of games and to see our name RAMIL on lifetime experience,” said competition,” said Gloria the Family Feud stage after Gloria. “We had the time of Ramil Omania. “Our fam- watching the game all these our lives and enjoyed being ily reunion is actually an years.” tourists in Atlanta. For me, Olympics-style competition, Premiering in 1976, Fam- as the mom and auntie in the complete with opening and ily Feud is a television game group, I will always cherish closing ceremonies, compet- show in which two families the bonding time with my ing teams, and games - in- compete to name the most wonderful daughter and cluding obstacle courses and popular responses to sur- nieces.” vey questions. Examples speed tournaments.” of questions are: Name a The Family Feud episode reason someone might make featuring Livermore’s Ramil fun of your car; or, name family aired on January 18th. something people cut. For “Family Feud has been the Ramils, the most memo- a favorite of our family for rable question was: Name 20 years. We became even something that your dream Spring Cleaning Time! greater fans when Steve man has that, sadly, your Carpet & Mattress Harvey started hosting,” said husband does not. Jenni- Deep & Green Cleaning Gloria, whose niece Leslee fer’s answer made YouTube Ramil posted on Facebook The Ramil family poses with Family Feud host Steve Harvey. under the heading, “Dream Safe for your last spring that auditions man is the total package.” health & environment were taking place in San The cousins invited me to from 1960-69 and gradu- and Roxanne Kopka and It was the kind of re- sponse relished by Steve (925) 421-0204 Francisco. come as an alternate. I called ated from Granada High Melanie Ramil, Gloria’s oxieco.com “The post was met with myself their ‘alternut’ but School. Leslee, a Livermore nieces. Harvey, and encouraged by great enthusiasm,” said Glo- was ultimately chosen to be High School graduate, is a “About a week after we ria. “Leslee submitted a among the five because, we core teacher at Mendenhall auditioned, Leslee, as the video of the fun-loving cous- believe, Family Feud wanted Middle School. The other initiator of our participa- ins playing games. The fam- an oldie on the team.” team members are: Jennifer tion, received a call from the ily was invited to audition. Gloria lived in Livermore Clapp, Gloria’s daughter; producers to inform us our family had been chosen,” said Gloria. “Family Feud arranged for us to travel to Atlanta. The taping for the episode took two days, July 9-10. But after winning our first game, our stay was ex- tended through the weekend, allowing us extra time to enjoy Atlanta.” Airfare and hotel costs were paid by Family Feud; dining expenses were paid by the Ramils. “Our favorite memory was winning our first game! We won all four rounds and cheered our heads off each time,” said Gloria. “It was interesting to experience the behind-the-scenes ac- tivities for the production American Swim Academy (ASA) has partnered with the Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF) in presenting the Walk for Education since the inception of W4E 8 years ago. Last year's Walk marks the end of ASA's involvement in this wonderful community event and LVEF fund- raiser. To show LVEF's appreciation for ASA, LVEF Board Member David Darlington recruited student artists from Granada High School to hand paint a clay pot, which David presented to ASA Marketing Director Jennifer Oliveira at the February 2 Livermore School Board meeting. The students created the "Wave of Thanks" theme which now adorns the pot. Pictured are (from left) LVEF Board Member Ellen Goold, LVEF Co-Founder Bill Dunlop, student artist Mary Carmona, student artist Kemi Awosanya, LVEF Board Member David Darlington, and ASA Marketing Director Jennifer Oliveira. Photo - Sam Tobis

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APR.COM @alainpinelrealtors Pleasanton/Livermore Valley 925.251.1111 SECTION A Thursday, February 18, 2016

Opera Provides Preview of Upcoming Production of 'The Italian Girl in Algiers' Livermore Valley Opera will showcase talented op- era singers who will appear in the upcoming production of Rossini’s “The Italian Girl in Algiers” in two free OperaLIVE! events in the Tri-Valley. The presentations will take place on Sunday, February 28, 2:00 p.m. at Marco Stefani Kristen Choi the Pleasanton Library, 400 Old Bernal Avenue and on present opera to the com- The library performanc- Sunday, March 6, 2 p.m. at munity so that people who es occur prior to each opera the Livermore Civic Center might not otherwise have production, and over the Library, 1188 S. Livermore the opportunity can experi- years attendance expands. Ave. The Pleasanton is ence this beautiful music It’s one of many outreach sponsored by Friends of and drama,” says LVO programs LVO offers that Pleasanton Library; the President Jim Schmidt. include visits by singers Story of two murderesses - Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly Livermore event by Friends “We hope that the experi- to schools in Livermore, of the Livermore Library ence will encourage people Pleasanton, and Dublin. “OperaLIVE! events to seek out opera and other The one-hour per- Chicago - The Musical on LPC Stage are free, public events that live performing arts.” (continued on page 4) "Chicago-The Musical" features show-stopping will be staged at Las Positas songs in the toe-tapping College in Livermore on tale of Roxie Hart, who Fridays, Saturdays, and murders a faithless lover Sundays from March 4 and convinces her hapless through 13. husband Amos to take the All performances will be rap---until he finds out he's held at the Mertes Center been duped and turns on for the Arts Black Box Roxie. Convicted and sent Theater on the LPC campus to death row, Roxie and at 3000 Campus Hill Drive another "Merry Murderess," in Livermore. Friday and Velma Kelly, vie for the Saturday performances are spotlight and the headlines, at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday ultimately joining forces performances are at 2:00 in search of the American p.m. Dream: fame, fortune and With a cast and crew all that jazz. primarily comprised of "Chicago-The Musical" LPC theater students and is based on a book by Fred directed by faculty member Ebb and Bob Fosse, with a Titian Lish, "Chicago- script adaptation by David A Program of 'Delightful Strings The Musical" perform Thompson. The play's this vibrant musical set in music was by John Kander, and Joyful Songs' Planned the roaring twenties with with lyrics by Fred Ebb. choreography by Morgan "Las Positas College Lawrence Kohl and the ers from the Baroque area February 28 in Livermore at Mulholand, vocal direction is pleased to bring the Pacific Chamber Symphony to the 20th century. The 2 p.m., Scarlatti, Respighi by Diana Cefalo, and music spectacular energy of are bringing music lov- programs of the Chamber and Dvorák will come to direction by Jo Anne Fos- Chicago-The Musical to ers this February another Symphony are designed by life with the professional Pictured above left selman. the Tri-Valley this season," creative program combin- Kohl to both enlighten and musicians and Bay Area is the Pacific Chamber ing the music of compos- delight its audience. On "Chicago-The Musical" (continued on page 6) (continued on page 5) Symphony. 2 The Independent • February 18, 2016

Known as the “Cirque du Soleil of Song,” m-Pact to perform in Pleasanton. m-Pact Brings Only the Human Voice to Pop-Jazz Vocals Hailed as "one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the created by the human voice alone!” world" by the San Francisco Chronicle, m-pact hits the Known as the “Cirque du Soleil of Song,” m-pact has Firehouse Arts Center main stage on Saturday, February racked up plenty of awards, including Vocal Group of 27, at 8:00 p.m. Known as an acapella powerhouse, m- the Year (Los Angeles Music Awards), Best Jazz Album, Nicolas Bearde pact is respected worldwide as a cutting edge trailblazer in Best Pop/R&B Song, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Vocal the realm of vocal music. Arrangement (the CARA Awards), Best Seasonal Album This six-man ensemble has cultivated a new generation ("Indie" awards), and Best Unsigned Band (Billboard The Music of Lou Rawls of fans of the fresh, raw power of nature's "first instru- Magazine). ment" - the human voice. Now based in Los Angeles, the six vocalists of m–pact Recording artist Nicolas Bearde brings his trio to Reserved seating tickets are $32 - $42. Tickets can lend their voices to 20 or 30 films per year, from Spider- the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton with a special be purchased online at www.firehousearts.org, by calling man 3 to High School Musical. Over the last dozen years, tribute to the legendary, Grammy-winning vocalist 925-931-4848, and in person at the Box Office, 4444 Rail- their signature sound has been used in both TV themes Lou Rawls. Nicolas conjures up Lou’s spirit in song, road Avenue, Pleasanton. Box Office hours are Wednes- and animated Disney feature films, and is enjoyed on jazz from the early blues and jazz years to the hugely day - Friday 12:00 noon-6:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am- and pop radio worldwide. popular R&B hits that helped make Lou Rawls world- 4:00pm, and two hours prior to the performance. Free lot Performing regularly in concert halls and jazz venues famous. Included on the set list are Tobacco Road, Natural parking is available at all times. across four continents, m-pact has performed with such Man, Lady Love, You’ll Never Find (Another Love One reviewer writes, “Imagine the smooth soul of pop superstars as Sheryl Crowe, Natasha Bedingfield, and Like Mine), and I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water, and Stevie Wonder, the percussive power of Stomp, the funk Boys II Men. And their jazz credits include performances many more of Lou’s timeless hits. and drive of Earth, Wind, & Fire, the hip licks of Take 6, with Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Bobbie McFerrin, the Nicolas Bearde: A Salute to Lou Rawls. Sunday, and the brass bite of the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band…All Maynard Ferguson Big Band, and many others. February 28, at 2:00 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $15.00 - $25.00, and can be purchased online at www.firehousearts.org, by calling 925-931-4848, and in person at the Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Attack the Block Next in 'Thrill Rides' Film Series Pleasanton. Box Office hours are Wednesday - Friday 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 The February installment the lobby concessions bay, ets are $10.00 at the door. in person at the Box Office, p.m., and two hours prior to performances. in the Firehouse Arts Cen- and can be taken inside the Tickets can also be pur- 4444 Railroad Avenue, Bearde is familiar to audiences for his recordings ter’s “Thrill Rides” Movie theater. (No outside food or chased in advance online at Pleasanton. and live performances around the world, and as a Night Series is a goodie.At- beverages are permitted.) www.firehousearts.org, by This Republic of Ireland singer of depth, range and technique with his famous tack the Block (rated R, 88 General admission tick- calling 925-931-4848, and (continued on page 5) 'buttery baritone.' Bearde is also frequently lauded as minutes) screens Wednes- a versatile and highly respected showman. With Nash- ville roots, and San Francisco heart, Nicolas’ unique day, February 24, at 7:30 approach and electrifying delivery is soulful, swing- p.m. This indie sci-fi thriller ing, improvisational and always memorable. with a funny-bone follows For the past 20 years, Nicolas has entertained audi- a crazy mix of tough street ences with his vocal stylings as a member of Bobby kids in South London as McFerrin's wildly innovative a cappella ensemble, they defend their block "Voicestra," while carving out his own distinctive solo from an alien invasion, career. turning a housing project "He's sung with McFerrin and acted with Eastwood into a sci-fi battleground… - Bearde taps into music's deeper currents, where Inner City vs. Outer Space. love, desire and heartache freely intermingle," notes reviewer Andrew Gilbert, San Jose Mercury News. Arrive a few minutes Brent Black in Critical Jazz writes, “Nicolas Bearde early to learn some fun is the embodiment of taking that old school sound and trivia about the film. Free making it new cool.” popcorn. Soda and snacks are available to purchase at February 18, 2016 • The Independent 3

GuGu Drum Group, Broadway's Next H!t Musical (Photo - James Shubinski) and The Triplets of Belleville (from left) offer unique entertainment experiences at the Bankhead Theater. Trio of Unique Shows on Calendar Over the first weekend in March, the Bankhead Theater are taken in by a trio of eccentric jazz-era divas, who will showcase a trio of unique and very different shows lead them on a hilarious chase through an underground featuring entertainment from France, China and the speakeasy. The score, composed and directed by Ben- United States. oît Charest and performed live on stage by Le Terrible Starting on Thursday, March 3, the comic French film Orchestre de Belleville, evokes Le Hot Jazz musical style masterpiece “Triplets of Belleville” will be presented of 1920’s Paris. A native of Montreal, Canada, Charest is with live orchestral music on stage, conducted by the also an accomplished jazz guitarist and has written over composer Benoît Charest. On Friday, “Broadway’s Next 20 film scores, of which the award-winning “Triplets of H!T Musical” offers audiences a chance to participate in Belleville” is the best known. the creation of a completely new and totally improvised Bringing ideas straight from the audience onto the musical comedy show, watching it as it unfolds on stage. stage means every song is fresh and every scene is new The McCartney Color and Romance Years Then on Saturday, March 5, China’s GuGu Drum Group in “Broadway’s Next H!T Musical.” Improv is one of liverMore-aMador will tell timeless and traditional Chinese proverbs, fables the most challenging styles of comedy and this team from relive a Mccartney syMphony and fairy tales in an engaging show filled with authentic New York relies on their fine-tuned skills to make it look concert experience Sat Feb 20 8pm rhythm and movement. easy. They not only work together seamlessly, they ensure Fri Feb 19 8pm The animated French film, “Triplets of Belleville,” the audience becomes a part of the proceedings. Before debuted in 2003 and has been described by The New York the show, suggestions are solicited from the audience Times as “Bizarre and wonderful .... curious and capti- and used to create hit songs for an unscripted awards vating.” Kidnapped by mysterious, square-shouldered show. The audience votes for their favorite song and then henchmen, a Tour de France cyclist is spirited across watches as the cast builds it into a full-blown improvised the ocean to the teeming metropolis of Belleville. In hot musical, complete with characters, witty dialogue, and pursuit, his near-sighted grandmother and faithful dog (continued on page 7) LIVE in Central Tribute to Park [Revisited] Glenn Miller and Three International Films tribute to siMon and the Vocalists garfunkel Come to the Vine Sun Feb 21 3pm Wed Feb 24 2 & 7:30pm The International Film Series at Livermore’s Vine Cin- ema & Alehouse returns March 3 and 6 after a successful screening last November by Steven Spielberg sib Nancy. The British comedy “Dough” will run Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 PM. It stars Jonathan Pryce of Games of Thrones and Pirates of the Caribbean fame as the owner of a struggling bakery whose sales pick up after he hires a young man with an interesting side business. On Sunday, March 6, the series will feature a family- Allison friendly Israeli film at 4:30 PM that is suitable for chil- Macfarlane The Second City dren grades 4 and up. At 7:30 PM, the powerful French rae dorough speakers legendary coMic style drama “Once in a Lifetime” will screen. Based on a true series Fri Feb 26 8pm incident, it is a moving story about an inner-city Parisian Thu 7:30pm high school whose students’ lives change after they enter Feb 25 a national writing contest. Tickets can be purchased online at eastbayjewishfilm. 925.373.6800 LVPAC.org 2400 First Street, Downtown Livermore Scene from "dough" org or at the door. For more information, call 240-3053. 4 The Independent • February 18, 2016 The Second City, Scientist Turned Comic on Bankhead Stage This season’s comedy series at the Bankhead Theater continues with two very different events on consecutive nights. On Friday, February 26, 2016, LVPAC Presents Chicago’s famed improv comedy powerhouse arrives for its third visit to Liver- more in “Hooking Up with the Second City,” a fresh and funny mix of romance, rancor and everything in between. The following night, February 27th, comedian Tim Lee applies his blend of cerebral stand-up and scientific expertise to such everyday phenomenon as the popularity of cat videos and the effect of alcohol on the rules of attraction. Pictured are (above) members of The Second City group and (right) former scientist Tim Lee. The Second City’s legendary comic style he spent years modeling ond City and Tim Lee, the has struck gold across the The Second City opened its establishing a foundation the road with The Second population dynamics before LVPAC Presents 2015-2016 country with hilarious doors in December 1959, it for the comic performances City Touring Company fol- discovering that his real season includes a number sketches, songs and improv was impossible to foresee of today. lowing in the footsteps of talent is making people of other comedy events. for more than 50 years. the impact it would have as The members of The Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, laugh. Lee was program- “Broadway’s Next H!T In “Hooking Up with the one of the most influential Second City have served as Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, ming computers during Musical,” which arrives the Second City” they prove and prolific comedy venues some of comedy’s great- and Bill Murray. the day and writing jokes following weekend, puts they know a few things in the world. The group’s est ambassadors. Alumnus Tim Lee never set out at night, when he walked on stage a fully-improvised about love, from missed spontaneous, interactive populated NBC’s “Saturday to be a comedian. After into an open mike night at musical inspired by audi- connections to girl’s nights style appealed to a younger Night Live” for decades, graduating magna cum a San Francisco laundro- ence input and filled with out and other crazy ad- generation of both perform- launching superstars such laude from UC San Diego mat. Eventually he scored memorable characters, ventures. Now considered ers and audiences, and took as John Belushi, Dan Ayk- in biology and receiving a paying gig in a comedy witty dialogue and wild a Chicago landmark and traditional stand-up comedy royd and Gilda Radner, and his Ph.D. in Ecology and club in Santa Cruz and has plot twists. “Defending the a national treasure, when in an entirely new direction, their brightest stars now hit Evolution from UC Davis, since found himself on the Caveman," Broadway’s road as a full time comic, longest running solo play, playing venues from New opens at the Bankhead York to Sidney, Australia April 28th for four perfor- and entertaining millions mances of this hilarious and OPERA on YouTube. While science insightful exploration of the (continued from front page) may not be an obvious ways men and women fight, formances will feature School alum. Bruce Olstad providing listeners a taste years,” says Gary Sears, source of comic material, laugh and love. In May, The professional opera singers will accompany on piano. of the wonderful talent LVO’s Community Out- Lee is gifted at deriving the Capitol Steps returns with who will appear in “The The Stage Director, that they will hear at the reach Manager who man- humor in molecular bond- their political satire for Italian Girl in Algiers” Bruce Donnell, who has Bankhead Theater when ages OperaLIVE. “Audi- ing, linear regression, ocean their eighth annual visit to featuring various selections directed operas all over ‘The Italian Girl in Algiers’ ences have been thrilled acidification, and nuclear Livermore. from this comedic opera. the world, including the opens on March 12,” adds to hear professional opera fission. His cerebral blend Tickets are available Both programs will feature Metropolitan Opera in New Schmidt. singers perform up close in of stand-up comedy and now through the Bankhead the heroine, Isabella, sung York and Santa Fe Opera, A question and answer these intimate venues.” science has been described Theater ticket office, 2400 by mezzo-soprano Kristen will speak about his vision period follows immedi- For more details on the by The Boston Phoenix as, First Street in downtown Choi and her lover, Lin- for the upcoming opera. ately after the performance. full production of “The Ital- “what would happen if you Livermore, at (925) 373- doro, sung by tenor Marco “The singers will “We have presented these ian Girl in Algiers” and the crossed your high-school 6800, online at www.bank- Stefani, a Pleasanton native perform selections from popular preview programs library preview programs, chem teacher with George headtheater.org, or via the and Amador Valley High Rossini’s famous opera in local libraries for many please visit www.livermor- Carlin.” new LVPAC mobile app. evalleyopera.com. In addition to The Sec- February 18, 2016 • The Independent 5 Large and Small: Ryan Reynolds Installations Open February 18

In a special double in 1997. Ryan has shown scale landscapes to be exhibit, the Harrington in New York, London, hung in the atrium, Har- Gallery and Firehouse and across California, rington Gallery Director Arts Center in Pleasanton including quite a number Julie Finegan suggests, present two new instal- of solo and two-person "They might lead the lations by the same artist shows. viewer through passages in the public exhibition Most recently, he com- of time as well as space.” spaces. On display from pleted what he notes was The public is invited February 18 through an “enriching residency at to explore and enjoy the North Atlantic (above) and March 26 are two sepa- the Ballinglen Center for exhibits during Firehouse 4-Mile Beach are among rate groups of paintings the Arts in County May, open hours: Wednesday the works. by Santa Clara artist Ireland.” The series of through Saturday, 12:00- Ryan Reynolds. beautiful smaller paint- 5:00 p.m., Saturday A series of small wa- ings on display at the 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The tercolors, including sea- Firehouse Arts Center are Firehouse Arts Center scapes, will be installed from this time spent in the is located in beautiful in the hallway galleries. blustery North Atlantic. downtown Pleasanton at The Grand Atrium Lobby Victoria Dalkey, Arts 4444 Railroad Avenue. will house a number of reviewer for the Sacra- Admission is free, and very large-format land- mento Bee, describes donations always appreci- scapes. these works as “a series ated. Reynolds is a 2003 of vigorous watercolors For more information, University of California, that capture the changing contact Gallery Director: Berkeley M.F.A. (Master weather and light of a JFinegan@cityofpleas- of Fine Arts) recipient, strip of Atlantic coast in antonca.gov, or call the having earned his B.A. in Western Ireland.” gallery at 925-931-4849. Art from UC Santa Cruz Regarding the large

FILM SERIES (continued from page 2) CHICAGO production premiered in Awards “Best Actor” (John (continued from front page) May 2011, and features a Boyega) and “Outstanding super U.K. cast starring Foreign Film.” says LPC President Russell John Boyega, Jodie Whit- The Black Film Critics Barry. "This year's expand- taker, Alex Esmail, among Circle notably awarded the ed theater season addresses others. film a “Special Mention,” a growing interest in high First-time writer/director stating that it is a genre quality performing arts at Joe Cornish was inspired to film that defies a number local venues such as the make this film after being of conventions, not only by Mertes Center." actually mugged in real- having a primarily black Also on the LPC theater life one night (much in the cast, but portraying each marquee this season is "A same way the character character with a dignity Raisin in the Sun" by Lor- Sam is, as portrayed in the seldom seen on screen and raine Hansbury in May. film). Cornish noticed his even more rarely in a Tickets to all perfor- five young assailants were Science-Fiction film.” mances are $15 general as scared as he was, and IMDB (Internet Movie admission and $10 for stu- started researching their Database, www.imdb.com) dents/staff/seniors/military. lives. tags this film as “action, Tickets to all shows can be The film even fetched comedy, sci-fi”… take your purchased in advance by some nice award season pick. It’s definitely got visiting www.laspositascol- “wins:" New York Film something for everybody. lege.edu/performingarts. Critics “Best Debut Direc- Note: For R-Rated For more information, tor” (Joe Cornish), Toronto Films, under 17 requires ac- please visit www.lasposi- Film Critics Association companying parent or adult tascollege.edu. Las Positas “Best First Feature” (Joe guardian (age 21 or older) College is located at 3033 Cornish), Black Reel and 25 years and under Collier Canyon Road in must show ID. Livermore. 6 The Independent • February 18, 2016

Music Inspired by Science Fiction Films and Video Games

Bay Area’s Cantina Band will play music inspired by classic science fiction films and video games at the Livermore Library. The performance takes place on Sunday, February 28, 2016, 2 pm, at the Civic Center Library, 1188 South Livermore Avenue. This event is free and open to all. Costumes are heartily encouraged. Cantina Band is a musical act founded by Travis W. Hendrix with the intention of bringing classic music Coretta and Winks from movies, video games, and television into a live setting. Like many people of his generation, Travis Special Rates at valley Humane grew up being inspired by the iconic music from Star Wars, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros, and other Society's Cat Adoption Affaire games and films. This young group is made up of clarinetist Travis Hendrix, violinist and occasional vo- Cat lovers looking for the purrfect playmate now have calist Annie Cilley, accordionist Kalei Yamanoha, and extra time to find that special someone. Valley Humane bass player Juliana Frick. Society’s cat adoption affaire, Adults Only, has been ex- This program is part of Livermore Reads Together tended through Saturday, February 27. During the event, 2016, a community-wide reading program featuring the adoption fee for cats 9 months and older is just $14 to Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot. Copies of books and event qualified adopters. schedules are available at all Livermore Public Library Just as playful, snuggly, or coy as kittens, adult cats locations. Livermore Reads Together is sponsored by make loyal and affectionate pets. Swing by and take a The Friends of the Livermore Library. peek at Winks, or cuddle up to Coretta for a little catnip For additional events check the library’s website at pillow talk. Cantina Band www.livermorelibrary.net. All adoptable cats have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, and given current vaccinations; take-home goodie bags include a fleece bed, catnip pillow, play- things, pet coupons, and—for humans—a certificate for one complimentary truffle at Gourmet Works in Pleasan- ton. SYMPHONY Valley Humane Society is located at 3670 Nevada (continued from front page) Street in Pleasanton. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Call (925) 426-8656 for soprano Shawnette Sulker. Italy in the 1600," says Area Opera singer who has was composed in 1875 for more information or visit valleyhumane.org to view avail- The performance will Kohl. "The Respighi pieces been a featured artist in a small orchestra. The five able animals. take place at the Bankhead chosen here are very cheer- three San Francisco Opera movements starts with a Valley Humane Society (VHS) creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the Theater in Livermore. ful and will be a wonderful productions: Porgy and cantabile style followed by bond between people and pets. VHS rescues and rehabili- "We have created a won- opening for our concert." Bess, The Mother of Us All, a slow waltz, the humor- tates companion animals, champions responsible caretak- derful and joyful program The 3 suites, written be- and Louise. She was also ous high spirits of the third ing, shares pets’ soothing affections with people in need of that features a brilliant tween 1917 and 1932, are a part of the joint produc- movement, lyrical beauty comfort, and supports and preserves existing pet-guardian soprano, our talented prin- arrangements of music from tion of Dido and Aeneas in the fourth, finishing with relationships. cipal trumpet and our string the Renaissance. The origi- between San Francisco exuberance in the fifth players," says Kohl, "Each nal composers are Molina- Opera and the Crucible. movement. Light a Candle for an Animal Friend of the composers, Scarlatti, ro, Galilei, Caroso, Besard, She has been described by The Pacific Chamber Respighi and Dvorák ex- Gianoncelli and Roncalli, the San Francisco Chronicle Symphony is composed Pets illuminate our lives with their special brand of press the soul of their own who composed their music as a singer “…displaying a only of professional musi- unconditional love and companionship. Light a candle for country. The three artists between 1575 and 1625. bright, superbly controlled cians who come together the animal friends who live in your heart or home at Val- are evocative, they take us Alessandro Scarlatti was soprano with perfectly under the direction of ley Humane Society’s Tails at Twilight gala on March 4. on three different voyages the founder of the Naples placed coloratura.” Maestro Lawrence Kohl. Celebration candles are just $25 each, and each jar will that offer a nice contrast as bear the name of a beloved pet, past or present. Candles school of opera, at the be- The concert will end They play in Livermore and will be used to create a sparkling atmosphere at the well as continuity." ginning of the 18th century. with Antonin Dvorák Lafayette. More informa- sold-out event, and will be available for pickup at Valley The concert will open He wrote himself the story Serenade for Strings. Kohl tion and tickets at www. Humane Society starting March 8. with Ottorino Respighi's and the text of the piece states, "This music is so ef- pacificchambersymphony. Proceeds benefit the organization’s lifesaving animal Ancient Airs and Dances, presented at the concert, Su fervescent and cheery. It is org/ welfare programs and life-enriching community ser- Suite No. 3. "Respighi is an le Sponde del Tebro. "It is filled with pure goodness." The Bankhead Theater is vices, such as Canine Comfort pet therapy, which offers early 20th century musi- about grieving, but it is not The Czech composer of located at 2400 First Street therapeutic pet visitation to grieving children, veterans, cian who composed music a sad piece," adds Kohl. the second part of the 19th in downtown Livermore. Alzheimer’s patients, and more. inspired by the renaissance "It is a universal piece that century was inspired by Tickets may be purchased This is the second year for Tails at Twilight, which sold and early baroque music. fits very well Shawnette Czech, Moravian, and other at the box office, online at out within a month of opening ticket sales. Using today's instruments, Sulker's voice color and Slavic traditional music. www.bankheadtheater.org Visit valleyhumane.org to order a Celebration Candles. his music gives the sense temperament." Ms. Sulker The Serenade for Strings or by calling 373-6800. Limit 10 per person. of the material world of is a very well known Bay

February 18, 2016 • The Independent 7

UNIQUE SHOWS (continued from page 3) wild plot twists. Under approach to engage modern the direction of improv audiences. The historical By Sarah Bobson veterans Rob Schiffman drum compositions offer and Deb Rabbai, BNHM insights into cultural unity, has been seen at The Triad, human evolution, wisdom, The Ballpoint Pen Tribeca Film Festival, and social commitment, and the Technology creates There was a hole for had placed their fountain mess, worked with his at the New York Musical power of communication. Theater Festival, among Popular with audiences of paradigm shifts. Such was the ink bottle in the upper pens upside down in chemist brother to create a many others. all ages, the GuGu Drum the case with the ballpoint right corner of our wood- their shirt pockets were pen that used quick-drying The award-winning Group has been featured pen, which around the late en desks. At the beginning rudely awakened to the printer’s ink. In 1941, GuGu Drum Group from at many outdoor festivals 1950s/early 1960s when of the school day, I would fact when they saw other they fled World War II Shanghai, China, arrives and art centers throughout it popped into popular use pull the ink bottle from the students snickering at and moved to Argentina, in Livermore as part of its China. made the lives of school small storage shelf under- the ink stain rippling out where they began selling first United States tour. Performances are “Trip- kids, not to mention neath my desktop, where in concentric circles at their creation. Following Their work offers a mes- lets of Belleville” – Thurs- adults I suppose, a lot I also kept my books and the bottom of their shirt the war, many companies merizing experience for the day, March 3, 2016 at 7:30 easier. papers, and deposit it in pockets. Girls would began manufacturing the eyes and ears that combines p.m.; “Broadway’s Next In school, we had to the ink hole. At the end sometimes find their new product. In 1945, athletic talent, traditional H!T Musical” – Friday, use either the standard of the school day, I would hands sloshing around in Gimbels Department Store music, and dramatic drum March 4, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.; black ink or the slightly tuck the bottle back into unwelcomed wetness at sold something called the work. Timeless and tradi- and, GuGu Drum Group – more risqué blue-black. the storage compartment. the bottom of their purses Reynolds Rocket, the first tional Chinese proverbs, Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Then one day one of my There was always some where their pens had been commercially successful fables and fairy tales are 8:00 p.m. trendsetter classmates kid, it seemed, who either leaking. Such was the joy ballpoint pen, for $9.75. In told in theatrical vignettes The Bankhead Theater is handed in an assignment would spill his ink bottle of using fountain pens. the early 1950s, the Paper using instruments from located at 2400 First Street written in what we soon on top of his desk or place The cartridge pen, Mate Company joined the small finger cymbals to in downtown Livermore. learned was peacock blue. it too close to the edge of which had a pre-filled fray, along with Eversharp, large standing drums. With Tickets are available now The color caused a stir. his storage shelf where it reservoir that could be Parker, and Bich, which ancient rhythms and styl- through the Bankhead The- Like meerkats standing could easily tip over. inserted into the hollow shortened its name to Bic ized movements, the GuGu ater ticket office, by calling at attention scanning the When we reached of the fountain pen, made and went on to become the Drum Group represents an (925) 373-6800, online art form that dates back to at www.bankheadtheater. horizon for trouble, we the upper elementary refillings so much easier. most widely sold ballpoint early Chinese Dynasties, org, or via the new LVPAC waited the see the teach- grades, we didn’t have this All we had to do was in the world. An assortment but takes a contemporary mobile app. er’s reaction. She made problem because we sat at unscrew the top from the of writing implements fol- an amused comment large bowl-shaped desks bottom, slip out the used lowed, including Rollerball about the color not being with lids. We kept our ink cartridge, insert the pens, using water-based ink standard issue, but that school supplies inside the refill, re-screw the pen rather than the oil-based ink Whistlestop Writers Session Set was all. This unexpected roomy bowls. However, back together, and toss of ballpoints, space pens Whistlestop Writers will host an open mic for writers turn of events opened there was a drawback. the old cartridge into the reportedly capable of writ- of all genres on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, from 7:00 Pandora’s Box. After that, To get the supplies out, wastepaper basket. No ing under water and in outer to 9:00 p.m. at Swirl on the Square, 21 South Livermore peacock blue became the we had to lift the lid. If fuss, no muss. space, and ballpoints with Avenue, in downtown Livermore. new black. It appeared on we had papers and books We didn’t think it erasable inks. All are invited to take part in an evening of food, wine, everything from assign- lying on the desktop, we could get much better There are now so many and writing. Cynthia Patton, the event’s host, says, “Even ments to surreptitiously had to hold them in place than that until the dispos- variations of ballpoints it if you don’t have something to read, show up and support passed notes. with one arm while we able ballpoint pen came boggles the imagination. talented local writers.” If using peacock blue opened the lid so they along. When our pen ran It’s difficult to walk into an The Whistlestop Writers Open Mic will continue on ink made writing fun, fill- wouldn’t slide onto the out of ink, we simply office supply store and buy the fourth Wednesday of each month. For more informa- ing the pen was another floor. If there happened to tossed it. It was Ameri- just one pen. In this day and tion go to http://facebook.com/WhistlestopWriters or call matter. To do this, we had be an ink bottle on top that can ingenuity at the best. age where so many of us 925-890-6045. to dip the pen into an ink we had forgotten about … The ballpoint, originally write so much on the com- bottle, open a clip on the well … you guessed it, we created way back in 1888, puter, packages of 12 and pen to a 45-degree angle, either had to have faster evolved over time from 20 seem to hold at least a and, through some sort reflexes than Oliver Sacks’ pens where the ink from a year’s supply. The last time of hydraulic system, the seemingly catatonic pa- ball at the tip overflowed I reached for a pen, still in ink would be sucked up. tients in the film “Awak- or didn’t flow evenly its wrapper (who knows The trick was to know enings,” or we ended up to ink that clogged into when I had bought them), I just how long to allow with broken glass and a clumps on paper, creating found the ink had dried up. the pen to suck up ink. I big mess on the floor. mini-Rorschach designs. I ended up disposing of the had a tendency to overfill There were plenty of Then a Hungarian disposable pens. It was all mine, which resulted in other opportunities as newspaper man named because of another para- it dripping back onto my well to make inky messes. László Bíró, frustrated digm shift in technology: papers, desk, books, and Boys who absentmindedly with dealing with the the computer. clothes. 8 The Independent • February 18, 2016 ART & ENTERTAINMENT

Alameda CPA's at 4900 Hopyard Road, features 5 prominent Bay Area figura- out of the barrel, meet winemakers at the center Box Office, 4444 Railroad positasvineyards.com/happenings.html Exhibit Opens Pleasanton; US Bank at 749 Main tive painters. Colorful, dynamic, and and more. Each winery will host a Avenue, Pleasanton. or directly in person in the tasting room Street, Pleasanton; Edward Jones at diverse, the installation explores “the unique experience during barrel tasting GuGu Drum Group, dramatic retelling Tickets include appetizers and cocktail The Alamo Danville 6601 Dublin Boulevard, Dublin; and figure” as the subject, with a variety of weekend including at least 1 barrel of traditional Chinese proverbs, fables hour 6:30pm-7:45pm with the show Artists' Society presents The Bagel Street Café at 6762 Bernal media and approaches. Exhibition will sample for each ticket holder. Tickets and fairy tales through athletic and starting at 8pm. For more information, Avenue Pleasanton. If interested in be- be open to the public Thursday, March $40 Advance/ $45 Day of Event. Tickets theatrical drum vignettes. March 5, 8 email [email protected] Art Extraordinaire, a new coming a member of the Pleasanton Art 3 through Saturday, April 9. The artists: and more information: https://www. p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., The Second City, Feb. 26, 8 p.m. Bank- exhibit, on display Feb. League or for information regarding the William Rushton (San Jose), Brook lvwine.org/event/2053/Barrel_Tast- Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or head Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. 19 through May 1 at the Public Art Circuit, call John Trimingham Temple (San Rafael), John Goodman ing_Weekend.html 373-6800. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. at (510) 877-8154. (San Francisco), Kim Frohsin (San Fran- Voices In Harmony Presents: “Lies in the Tim Lee: Scientist Turned Comedian, Blackhawk Gallery, 3416 Pleasanton Art League members show, cisco), Linda Christensen (Aptos). Free MUSIC/CONCERTS Attic: A Beatles A Cappella Musical,” Feb. 27, 8 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Imagination Expressed 2016, Jan. 13 to opening reception with artists, will be The McCartney Years, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. March 6, 2016, 2 to 4 p.m. Dublin High First St., Livermore. www.bankheadthe- Danville. Feb. 28 at the Pleasanton Museum on held on Thursday, March 3, 7:00 – 9:00 Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., School Center for the Performing Arts, ater.org or 373-6800. A reception will be held Main, 603 Main St., Pleasanton. p.m. Regular gallery hours: Wednesday, Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 8151 Village Parkway, Dublin. Tickets An Evening of Magic & Comedy featuring “Raw/Cooked” Art Exhibit Features Art Thursday, Friday from 12:00-5:00 373-6800. brownpapertickets.com Ryan Kane, 8 p.m. March 5, Firehouse from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 20. Students and Their Instructors, Bank- p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Livermore-Amador Symphony, Feb. 20, Green Floyd, Bothwell Arts Center, March Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, The exhibit features head Theater Visitors Center and Gallery Harrington Gallery at the Firehouse Arts pre-concert talk, 7 p.m., concert, 8 17, 7:30 p.m. music of Floyd with a Pleasanton. www.firehousearts.org, sculptures by guest artist now through February 29, 2016. The Center in Pleasanton, 4444 Railroad p.m., Color and Romance, featuring so- Celtic/Appalachian twist! Tickets www. 931-4850. exhibit is free of charge and open to the Avenue. Donations always appreciated. los by winners of Competition for Young bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. Dan Woodard and works by public. 2400 First Street in downtown Musicians. Bankhead Theater, 2400 Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan, and MOVIES forty-five member artists. Livermore. The lobby is open to the MEETINGS/CLASSES First St., Livermore. www.bankheadthe- Ayaan Ali Khan, March 22, 7:30 p.m. Attack the Block, “Thrill Rides” Movie Member artists' work public seven days a week from noon to Show and Tell, Artists are invited to ater.org or 373-6800. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Night Series at the Firehouse. Wednes- 6:00 p.m. For more information about a monthly function at the Bothwell Vince Guaraldi Tribute Quintet, featuring Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or day, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the include oil, acrylic, water- Raw/Cooked, call 925-447-ARTS or visit Arts Center, called “Show & Tell. 4th Larry Vuckovich. Critically-acclaimed 373-6800. Firehouse Arts Center Theater, 4444 color, pastel, photography, http://www.lvpac.org Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at San Francisco-based jazz pianist, Youth Music Festival Y2K, 2 and 7:30 Railroad Avenue in Pleasanton. General sculpture, ceramic, glass, Allied Artists West: California Dreaming, the Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 Eighth composer, bandleader and recording p.m., March 26, Firehouse Arts Center, admission tickets are $10.00 at the fiber art and jewelry. New installation featuring 21 profes- St., Livermore. Artists bring finished or artist Larry Vuckovich brings his hugely 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. door. Free popcorn. Soda and snacks sional South Bay artists. Exhibition unfinished work to show and if desired, popular Vince Guaraldi Tribute to the www.firehousearts.org, 931-4850. available to purchase. No outside food Gallery hours are at the Harrington Gallery on display receive a critique from the group. Firehouse stage. Vince Guaraldi is The Smithereens Play Songs From or beverages are permitted. Advance Monday-Saturday 10 am through February 20. Each painter Refreshments are brought by some of probably best known for his music for The Who, March 25, 8 p.m. Bankhead purchase tickets available at www. to 8 pm and. Sunday 11 am interprets the theme in as many dif- the artists, and a donation of $5.00 the Peanuts cartoons, which continues Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www. firehousearts.org, 925-931-4848, or ferent ways as there are artists. Urban is desired although not mandatory. to be recorded by many of the great bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. at the center Box Office. (Rated R, to 6 pm and rural landscapes, figures and still Contact for this event is D’Anne Miller at jazz pianists. Joining Vuckovich: Josh 88 minutes) A sci-fi thriller with a Exhibiting member artists life are just a few of the subjects. Styles [email protected], or Linda Ryan Workman, guitar; John Santos, Latin ON THE STAGE funny-bone. Inner City vs. Outer Space. are: Akio Aochi, Beki Ben- range broadly from abstract to realism, at [email protected] percussion; Jeff Chambers, bass; Leon Face-Off 2016: Creatures of Impulse at A crazy mix of tough street kids in South nun, Loralee Chapleau, Don conceptual to fantasy, and various ap- ACC/Art Critique & Coffee, Discuss and Joyce, drums. Sunday, February 21, Firehouse Arts Center. The Bay Area’s London defend their block from an alien Cresswell, Barbara Davies, proaches in between. Exhibiting artists share work with Professional Artists 2:00 p.m. at the Firehouse Arts Center award-winning teen improv troupe in invasion, turning a housing project into Peter DeFao, Don DeRoeck, will conduct painting demonstrations in sketching, painting, exhibiting and in Pleasanton. Reserved seating tickets three different performances, all at a sci-fi battleground. All films in the Patricia Devitt, Elena Do- for the public on most Saturdays during marketing your work. ACC members $15- $25. Tickets available at www. 7:30pm: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday “Thrill Rides” series are rated R, so I.D. ronkina, Herbert Estes, Kathy the run of the exhibition: February 20 currently working on exhibiting theme firehousearts.org, 925-931-4848, or February 18, 19, and 20. Creatures of will be checked. – Michael Rogan and Gary Coleman – works, under the Inspiration of "The at the center Box Office, 4444 Railroad Impulse will take the stage for three Flint, Bobbi Garrop, David Acrylic. Regular gallery hours: Wednes- Artist's Edge /The Edge of Art & Chosen Avenue, Pleasanton. nights of scenes, games, and improv UDITIONS/COMPETITIONS Gates, Linda Geniesse, Lynn day, Thursday, Friday from 12:00-5:00 Pathways." Meets and Critiques Friday Live in Central Park [Revisited]: Simon high-jinks. Firehouse Arts Center, Auditions, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre Glenn, Gene Gracey, Greg p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. mornings in Pleasanton. PoetryOnCan- and Garfunkel, Feb. 21, 3 p.m. Bank- 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. production, “Mary Poppins The Gutbezahl, Kathie Hackler, Harrington Gallery at the Firehouse Arts [email protected] head Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. General Admission tickets: $5 students, Musical." Original Music and Lyrics Debby Koonce, Roseann Center in Pleasanton, 4444 Railroad Figure Drawing Workshop, every Friday www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. $10 general. Tickets available at the by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Krane, Walter Krane, Tom Avenue. Donations always appreciated. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Artists bring Tribute to Glenn Miller and the Vocal- door, online at www.firehousearts.org, Sherman. Book by Julian Fellowes. New Lemmer, Andrea Markus, Special Exhibit: On view from February their own materials and easels. Open ists, Feb. 24, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 925-931-4848, or at the Box Office at Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics Claudette McDermott, Linda 18 through March 26. The Harrington to all artists. Professional artist models Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., the center, 4444 Railroad Avenue in by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. McSweeney, Gayle Muehring, Gallery and Firehouse Arts Center pres- (nude). No instructor. Students under Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or Pleasanton. Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh. ent works by Santa Clara artist Ryan 18 need written parental permission to 373-6800. The Triplets of Belleville, March 3, 7:30 Auditions will be held at the Tri-Valley Julia O’Reilly, Lin Padden, Reynolds. Two distinct installations: attend. Cost $20 per session. Bothwell m-pact: Vocal Group of the Year – Los p.m. Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville Repertory Theatre rehearsal space, Harika Piccone, George Ram- a series of small watercolors in the Arts Center, 2466 8th St., Livermore. Angeles Music Awards. The 6-man with composer Benoît Charest Per- 1020 Serpentine Lane, Suite 101, mell, Dan Riley, Joanne Rob- hallway galleries, and large-format Coffee, tea and refreshments are avail- acapella powerhouse in concert at the formed live, a Parisian Hot Jazz-inspired Pleasanton. No appointments neces- inson, Stanley Satchell, Goldie landscapes in the Grand Atrium Lobby. able. Call or e-mail Barbara Stanton Firehouse Arts Center on Saturday, score. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., sary. Adults and children, Mon., Feb. Schnitzer, Pat Smith, Greg Reynolds is a 2003 UC Berkeley MFA for more info about the workshop, February 27, 8:00 p.m. Touring Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 22, 6:30 p.m.; Wed., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Starnes, Mary Claire Stotler, recipient, and has shown in New York, 925-373-9638 - microangelo@ regularly across four continents, record- 373-6800. Sat., Feb. 27, 11 a.m. Callbacks: dance Kerima Swain, Beverly Turner, London, and across California. Most re- earthlink.net. ing soundtracks for 20-30 films per Spring Musical - Chicago, March 3-13, 8 - Feb. 27, 3-6 p.m., 7-10 p.m.; final: Ranjini Venkatachari, Jim cently, he completed a residency at the PPL/Pleasanton Poetry League, now year, and often performing with greats p.m. Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. For Ballinglen Center for the Arts in County meeting the 1st Thursday and 3rd Sheryl Crowe, Natasha Bedingfield, Hill Dr., Livermore. http://laspositascol- all roles except Mary and Bert, please Vlantis, Norma Webb, Charles May, Ireland. Firehouse Arts Center Wednesday of each month 7:00 at Bobby McFerrin among many others. lege.edu/performingarts/index.php prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theater White, Richard Woods, Mahdi open hours. Wednesday, Thursday, The Corner Bakery Cafe in Pleasanton. Tickets $32-$42; available at www. Broadway’s Next HIT Musical, March 4, song. If auditioning only for the roles of Yahyavi. Friday from 12:00-5:00 p.m.; Saturday Join us as we challenge ourselves to firehousearts.org, 925-931-4848, or 8 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Mary or Bert, please prepare 32 bars of 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 4444 Railroad poetically relay our thoughts, emotions at the center Box Office, 4444 Railroad St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater. music from the Mary Poppins musical. ART/PHOTO EXHIBITS Avenue, Pleasanton. Donations always and experiences through poetry. Become Avenue, Pleasanton. org or 373-6800. Please bring a current headshot and Livermore Art Association Gallery, lo- appreciated. For more information, a member & share your work - Contact Pacific Chamber Symphony, Feb. 28, 2 Civic Arts Stage Co. Presents A Midsum- current resume. Come dressed comfort- cated in the Carnegie Building, offers art contact Gallery Director: JFinegan@ [email protected] for more p.m. Delightful Strings and Joyful Songs. mer Night’s Dream, 2 and 8 p.m. ably to move for a dance audition and classes, unusual gifts, painting rentals, cityofpleasantonca.gov, or call the gal- info on Theme Challenges, Membership Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., March 11-20, Firehouse Arts Center, please list all rehearsal conflicts on the art exhibits and information pertaining lery: 925-931-4849. & Opportunities. Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. back of the audition form starting on to the art field, 2155 Third St., Liver- Exhibit, fine art photography by Jonathan 373-6800. www.firehousearts.org, 931-4850. May 23rd. more. The gallery has been open since Miller and oil paintings of local subjects WINE & SPIRITS Nicolas Bearde: A Salute to Lou Rawls Student One Acts, March 23, 1 p.m. and Auditions. Las Positas College announces 1974 and is run as a co-op by local by Norma Webb are on display at Las Positas Vineyards, Sat., Feb. 20 S traces the life and music of legendary, March 25, 8 p.m. Las Positas College, auditions for its summer 2016 outdoor artists. Hours are Wed.-Sun. 11:30-4 Espresso Rosetta, 206 S. J Street, new Chocolate Truffle & Chocolate Port Grammy-winning vocalist Lou Rawls. 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http:// musical, “How To Succeed In Business p.m. For information call 449-9927. Livermore through the month of March. Cup paired with wines. Tasting Room Bearde will be joined by his trio for this laspositascollege.edu/performingarts/ Without Really Trying.” Auditions will Members of the Pleasanton Art League Both are members of the Livermore Art is open 1130am-430pm. Sun., Feb. 21, performance. Hits will include Tobacco index.php be held March 21 and 22 from 7-10 Public Art Circuit are currently Association. "Sunday Funday," newest featured food Road, Natural Man, Lady Love, You’ll in the Black Box Theater of the Mertes exhibiting art at six businesses in the Pleasanton Art League Alviso Adobe pairing flight, Cheesecake Cupcake and Never Find (Another Love Like Mine) COMEDY Center for the Arts on campus. Bring a Pleasanton - Dublin Area. Viewing Show, March 3-6, reception March 6, wines. Tasting Room is open 11:30am- and I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water, plus Las Positas Vineyards, Livermore, Com- prepared 32 measures or one verse of a locations are: Bank of America at 337 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 3465 Old Foothill Rd., 4:30pm. For more information, email many more. Sunday, February 28, at edy Nights continue Feb. 20, featuring musical theater or pop song. Accompa- Main Street, Pleasanton; Pleasanton Pleasanton. www-pal-art.com [email protected] 2:00 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are comedian Bryan Kellen. Tickets are $40 nist provided. If interested in a speaking Chamber of Commerce at 777 Peters The Figure in Place, Harrington Gallery’s Barrel Tasting Weekend, March 19 and $15.00 - $25.00; available at www. and can be purchased online www.las- role, bring a prepared 1 to 2 minutes Street, Pleasanton; Sallman, Yang, & next exhibition opens March 3, and 20, noon to 4:30 p.m. Taste wines right firehousearts.org, 925-931-4848, or February 18, 2016 • The Independent 9

comic monologue, memorized or read. movie about an adorable little waste Be prepared to move. Best to come collecting robot. For information about at 7 and plan to stay for the evening. the movie, contact the library or visit Call backs on March 24. 11 principal www.livermorelibrary.net. Sponsored roles plus large singing/dancing/acting by The Friends of the Livermore Library. chorus. All roles open. Performances For more information about this library dates: July 28-31. For more information, event, call 925-373-5500 or visit www. contact director Ken Ross at kross@ livermorelibrary.net. laspositascollege.edu. California Association of Porcelain Art- ists, 38th annual Convention and Show, CHORAL March 10, 11, 12, Marriott Fremont- Valley Concert Chorale, Hope, Faith, Silicon Valley, 16100 Landing Parkway, Life, Love: John Rutter’s Requiem and Fremont. Open to the public. March Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms 10: 1 to 3 p.m.; March 11: 9 a.m. to 5 with instrumental ensemble. 7:30 p.m.; March 12: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fine p.m. March 12 performance will be art, porcelain painting demonstrations, announced. On March 13, the Chorale drawing, banquets, painted porcelain performs at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran prizes and more. www.capacina. $10 Church, 1225 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton. fee at the door. www.valleyconcertchorale.org, or Tails at Twilight, a gala benefit for the 866-4003. Valley Humane Society, at the Ruby Hill Golf Club in Pleasanton from 6-11 pm. MISCELLANEOUS Friday, March 4, 2016. Celebrate the Political Issues Book Club meets the lives of those beloved pets who have 4th Tuesday of each month, and reads touched your heart the most as we books about issues and trends that are raise funds to support Valley Humane driving current affairs in both the na- Society’s lifesaving and life-enriching Works by Brook Temple (left) and Linda Christensen are part of the exhibition. tional and international arenas. Topics programs. $100 per person includes that have been covered include politics, reception, hors d’oeuvres, sit-down din- governance, economics, military affairs, ner, full no-host bar, dancing, live and history, sociology, science, the climate, silent auctions. www.valleyhumane.org and religion. Contact Rich at 872-7923, 53rd annual Coin Show, Livermore for further questions Valley Coin Club, March 6, 10 a.m. to 'The Figure in Place' Opens at the Harrington Gallery Storied Nights: An Evening of Spoken 5 p.m. Displays, bourse, prizes, free Word. 2nd Thursday of each month. wooden nickels, hourly drawings. Elks Features local authors reading their Lodge, 940 Larkspur Dr., Livermore The Harrington Gallery at the Firehouse Arts Center shown in more than 50 exhibitions and are now in over work 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Peet's Coffee and (Springtown). in Pleasanton will host its next major exhibition of 2016. 100 public and private collections, including notably the Tea, 152 So. Livermore Ave., Livermore. 33rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebra- “The Figure in Place” explores figurative painting through prestigious Achenbach Collection of the California Palace Sponsored by LVPAC and Peet's. tion, City of Dublin, March 12 and 13: the eyes of five prominent Bay Area artists. The installa- of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, and the Oakland Information go to http://facebook.com/ Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, 10 StoriedNights a.m. to 5 p.m. Green and White Gala, tion will be open to the public Thursday, March 3 through Museum of California. Allison Mcfarlane, Fukushima nuclear 6 p.m. March 11, Shannon Community Saturday, April 9, and feature a variety of media and ap- John Goodman (www.esgallery.com) is represented by crisis: lessons learned. Rae Dorough Center; Pancake Breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m. proaches. Elins Eagles-Smith Gallery, San Francisco, and Perimeter Speaker Series, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 25. March 12, Fire Station #16; Parade, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., 9:30 a.m. Amador Plaza to Dublin Co-curator and Harrington Gallery Director Julie Fin- Gallery in Chicago. A native Californian, John earned a Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or Boulevard to Village Parkway to Amador egan describes the event. “Each artist depicts the figure degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of California 373-6800. Village Boulevard; Shamrock 5K, 8:30 within a special context as dynamic as the subject matter.” and began painting while working as a professional play- Livermore Reads Together (LRT) com- a.m. March 13. dublinca.gov www. munity-wide reading program: Isaac dublinstpats.com She elaborates, along with co-curator, Bill Rushton, that wright…and he notes that his theater experiences con- Asimov’s “I, Robot.” Copies of books St. Patrick’s Day Brew Crawl, March the work hearkens back to the Bay Area Figurative Move- tinue to inform his painting. Goodman’s work is widely and LRT event schedules available at 19, 2016, 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown ment started by artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Elmer collected, and his paintings reside in private collections in all Livermore Public Library locations. Pleasanton. Sample craft beers from Bischoff, and Wayne Thiebaud. “These exhibiting artists North America, Europe, and Asia. Livermore Reads Together 2016 events San Francisco Bay Area breweries at will include the following. Unless noted, more than 25 downtown locations. Tasty could be considered the 3rd generation of that fascinating The award-winning artwork of Kim Frohsin (www. events are held at the Civic Center bites will also be served. Pleasanton movement,” Finegan notes. kimfrohsin.com) is eclectic and highly autobiographical. Library and are free to the public. • Downtown Association, www.pleasan- A free opening reception with the artists in attendance She is known as a “versatile, multi-disciplinary visual Saturday, February 20, 1pm: Maker tondowntown.net Program for Kids: Make a Recycled An Evening With… Ulysses S. Grant will be held on Thursday, March 3, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. artist, continuously pushing boundaries,” who exhibits Robot • Sunday, February 21, 1:30pm: Tuesday, March 22, 7pm. Museum in the Harrington Gallery. Guests are welcome to come extensively in the Bay Area and beyond. Frohsin received Free movie screening at the library, fol- on Main Ed Kinney Speakers Series, explore the exhibit, and ask questions and chat with the her art degree at the Academy of Art College, San Fran- lowed by a presentation and discussion Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad on artificial intelligence by Chris Riley Avenue, Pleasanton. Tickets are $10 artists. Light refreshments will be served. cisco, in 1988. from i-GATE. For information about the general admission, $7 seniors (65+) / The artists are William Rushton (San Jose), Brook Linda Christensen (www.lindachristensen.net) has movie and Chris Riley’s presenta- students (with valid ID), $5 members. Temple (San Rafael), John Goodman (San Francisco), exhibited across North America, with paintings in a num- tion, contact the library or visit www. Tickets may be purchased online at Kim Frohsin (San Francisco), Linda Christensen (Aptos). ber of museum collections. “There’s something magical livermorelibrary.net • Friday, February www.museumonmain.org, at Museum 26, 3:30pm: Family movie day at the on Main during regular operating hours Co-curator William Rushton (www.williamrushton. in seeing the humanness in others as they turn inwards, library featuring a Disney-Pixar movie or by phoning the museum at (925) com) taught art at Cupertino High School for 37 years, reflectively but uncritically. The figures in my work are about an adorable little waste collecting 462-2766. For more information on the and his work has been shown all over the Bay Area. involved in familiar daily tasks… fluidly navigating one’s robot. For information about the movie, Ed Kinney Speakers Series visit www. contact the library or visit www.livermo- museumonmain.org or phone Museum Art critic Mark Van Proyen: “Clearly, (Bill’s) world is inner realm, one’s true self.” relibrary.net • Saturday, February 27, on Main at (925) 462-2766. one where color reigns supreme… Whether or not we The Harrington Gallery is located inside the Firehouse 2pm: Roboticist Kevin Roche presents Livermore Half Marathon, March 26, can make out their faces, it is always clear that they are Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton, Calif. ThinBot, the bartending robot, and other glass of wine from one of the 13 winer- cool machines • Sunday, February ies at the finish line. New in 2016, 24 frequently cloaked in brilliant, polychromatic fabrics… in Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00- 28, 2pm: Cantina Band plays acoustic Hour Fitness 5K event. Start and finish Rushton’s lavish surfaces of thick oil pigment.” 5:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and also one music inspired by Star Wars and classic First and S. Livermore Ave., downtown Brook Temple (www.brooktemple.com) received his hour before most performances and during intermissions. video games like Legend of Zelda and Livermore, half marathon 8 a.m., 5K BFA at Yale 1960, studied with Joseph Albers, Vincent Admission for this exhibit is free, and donations are grate- Super Mario Brothers • Monday, Febru- start 8:15 a.m., wine and music festival ary 29, 6:30pm: Family movie night at 9 a.m. Information and registration at Sculley, and is represented by Dolby Chadwick Gallery, fully accepted. Rincon Library featuring a Disney-Pixar http://runliv.com/ San Francisco. Brook’s drawings and paintings have been 10 The Independent • February 18, 2016 American Legion Selects Winners in Oratorical Contest BULLETIN BOARD The Tenth District of The American Legion, which (Organizations wishing to run notices cityofpleasantonca.gov. The Tri-Valley Health covers Alameda County and in Bulletin Board, send information to PO Initiative is a collaboration with Alameda the East Bay as far north as Box 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care County Supervisors Nate Miley and Scott of Bulletin Board or email information to Haggerty, Alameda County Health Care Albany, held its Oratorical [email protected]. Include name Services Agency Center for Healthy Schools Contest on Saturday, Febru- of organization, meeting date, time, place and Communities, Alameda County Social ary 6th, 2016 at the Veterans and theme or subject. Phone number and Services Agency, Stanford Health Care - Val- contact person should also be included. leyCare, John Muir Health, Palo Alto Medical Memorial Building in San Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, City of Leandro. Four students com- Livermore Community Blood Drive: Dublin, Dublin Unified School District, City peted in the district contest, Friday, February 19, 1-7 p.m., Asbury United of Livermore, and the Livermore Valley Joint Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue. Unified School District. which was the second step Every single day, Bay Area hospitals need Widowed Men and Women of in the competition, with over 300 units of blood to keep sick and Northern CA, Friendly bridge, 1 p.m. Feb. a top prize of an $18,000 injured patients alive. Please come donate, 20, RSVP by Feb. 13 to Barbara, 426-8876. and bring a friend or family member to the Brunch in Castro Valley, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 28, scholarship. drive and help save a life. Register at www. RSVP by Feb. 25 to Ruby, 462-9636. The prepared oration had redcrossblood.org and use ASBURY925 as Tri-Valley Communities Against a to be on some aspect of the the Sponsor Code, or call Thomas Petty at Radioactive Environment (Tri-Valley 925-980-8164 for more information. CAREs) monitors nuclear weapons and United States Constitution, to Guidelines and Application for environmental clean-up activities through- include Amendments, giving Scholarships for graduating seniors from out the US nuclear weapons complex, with emphasis to the duties and Foothill, Village and Amador High Schools a special focus on Livermore Lab and the can be downloaded at www.amadorval- surrounding communities. All are welcome obligations of a citizen. The leyscholarshipsinc.org Fill out one applica- at monthly meeting at the Livermore Civic assigned topic was Article 1 Pictured are (from left) Justin Nilsen, Angela Richards, Meha Ahluwalia and Isaac tion to be be considered for 9 scholarships- Center Library Thursday, February 18th from Section 9 Paragraph 2 of the deadline to apply is March 18, 2016 7:30pm to 9pm. For more information call Tong. Photo - Bill Bergmann Livermore’s Complex Ecosystem; Tri-Valley CAREs at (925) 443-7148 or visit Constitution. Saturday, February 20, Robert Livermore our website at http://trivalleycares.org The winners of the contest Community Center, 4444 East Avenue. GNON (Girls Night Out Network- were: 1st Place, Meha Ahlu- ards, Livermore, CC Acad- School, who received $75. The winner will next go Northern Livermore is home to an ecological ing), Mon., March 7 meeting 5 to 7 p.m. emy, who received $100, to the Area 2 completion in gem, the Springtown Wetlands Preserve. at Museum on Main, Pleasanton. RSP by walia, Dublin, Quarry Lane For competing Isaac Tong, This ecosystem is home to rare plants, Feb. 26: www.gnon.org/rsvp.html. $10 School, who received $200, 3rd Place, Justin Nilsen, Union City, James Logan Pacifica on February 20th, animals, birds, and unique soils. Find out members, $15 nonmembers. Open to all 2nd Place, Angela Rich- Livermore, Granada High High School, received $25. 2016. more in this presentation by Ranger Patti women. Evening of history, food, networking Cole. Free and open to public. Please RSVP and fun. by email to [email protected]. Celebrate Downton Abbey, after six Team KC Blood Drive, Wed., Feb. 24, seasons the show is in its final year, the noon to 6 p.m. Mendenhall Middle School Daughters of the British Empire will hold a library, 1710 El Padro Dr., Livermore. special event to celebrate the show. Dress EDUCATION Donate blood in honor of Korrine Croghan. the Part for a Demise of Downton Abbey To schedule an appointment or for more fund-raising will take place Feb. 20 11:30 information, contact 1-800-733-2767 or a.m. to 3 p.m. at Castlewood Country Club, named to the Dean's List for the College of Journalism and Mass log on to redcrossblood.org and enter the Pleasanton. Tickets are $35 (includes Grace Masingale, a student at a local high school has been Communications. sponsor code TeamKC. For information lunch). Vintage/period dress suggested. selected to represent Livermore, California as a National Youth regarding eligibility to donate blood, call Contact Edith Caponigro at 925-998-3500 Correspondent to the 2016 Washington Journalism and Media Justin Edward Gibson of Pleasanton, Calif., a junior majoring 1-866-236-3276. or [email protected] Proceeds Conference at George Mason University. Masingale was chosen in civil engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall Recycling and Composting: What will benefit Axis Community Health in based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest 2015 semester at Clarkson University. Presidential Scholars must Goes Where and Why it Matters; program 11 Pleasanton, Contra Costa Hope Hospice, and excellence in journalism and media studies. National Youth a.m. to non Feb. 20 at FertileGround Works and The British Home for Senior Citizens achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least Garden of Grace, Asbury Unitged Methodist (Lic.#191501668 / COA#064), Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning 14 credit hours. Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore. Free to Up to five scholarships, each worth through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve the public. StopWaste's Tommy Fenster will $2,500.00, are offered by the Tri-Valley Re- problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions Tatianna Mercurio of Pleasanton, a graduate of Foothill High explain and answer questions about curb- tired Educators Scholarship Foundation. The inherent in journalism and media. School majoring in film studies, has been named to the Dean's List side food scrap recycling and its benefits. awards are offered to high-school graduat- for the Fall Semester 2015 at Baldwin Wallace University, accord- Bingo Bash, Italian Catholic Federation ing seniors and college/university students. The University of Jamestown Athletic Department has announced ing to Stephen D. Stahl, Provost. Students who receive at least a Branch #285 fund-raiser. Sat., Feb. 27, All applicants must be planning a career in that Robert McLeod of Livermore, along with 156 other Jimmie 6 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. bingo. St. education. Questions about the scholarship 3.6 GPA for seven or more graded hours in a single semester are Michael's Parish Hall, 372 Maple St., Liver- should be sent to [email protected] student-athletes, have been named to the UJ Athletic Director's named to the Dean's List. more. $10 per bingo packet (10 games). or call 925-443-6097. Application packets Honor Roll. To achieve this status, student-athletes must maintain Pizza, snacks and beverages available. for the scholarships can be downloaded at: a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or have achieved a 3.4 The following local students were named to the Dean's List at Dancing to DJ Joe Buonsante. Reservations div85.calrta.org. Go to Scholarships and grade point average during the 2015 fall semester. Simpson University for the fall 2015 semester. To be eligible for due Feb. 22: Helen 462-3798. Limited Grants, and select 2016 Application Forms. the Dean's List, a student must have a semester grade-point average seating. Proceeds go to Children's Hospital Application deadline is March 26, 2016. Shona B. McCarthy of Pleasanton, was named to the Dean's of 3.50 or higher. They are Ryan Holmes of Livermore and Aleia treatment of Cooley's Anemia plus other Lindsay Wildlife Experience, tickets List at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, for her outstanding ICF charities. If unable to attend, donations are now available for the Sixth Annual Faces Villanueva of Dublin. appreciated: Mail to E. Meier, 6597 Lansing of Wildlife Gala, scheduled for Saturday, academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2015-16 Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94566 March 19, 2016 at Diablo Country Club year. McCarthy, a member of the Class of 2018, attended Foothill Livermore resident Ariana M. Mancieri was named to the Rhodes Tri-Valley Health Fair, Sat., April 16, (1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo). This wild High School and is the daughter of Donald and Beth McCarthy College Honor Roll for the 2015 fall semester. To qualify for the 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, evening event will raise money for Lindsay of Pleasanton, Calif. The Dean's List at Colby is highly selective, honor roll, a student must be enrolled in at least 16 credit hours of 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. The Wildlife, which treats more than 5,500 this fall reserved for students with a semester grade point average academic work and must achieve a semester grade point average Health Fair will include vendors, dental and injured and orphaned animals each year. of 3.70 or higher. of 3.85 or better. Mancieri is a graduate of Livermore High School. vision screenings, physical examinations, 2015 was a record year for Lindsay, with entertainment and other health related re- the drought causing a flood of more, and sources. Those interested in participating in worse-off, animals than in recent history. Rachel Elizabeth Becker of Pleasanton has been named to the Paige Lommerin of Pleasanton was named to the dean's list the event as a vendor, please contact Maria Livermore Lions Crab Feed Friday, Deans' List/Explore Center List of Distinguished Students at the at Bucknell University during the fall semester of the 2015-16 Dykzeul at (925) 426-4290 or by email at February 26, 2016; The Rock House University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester of the 2015- academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or [email protected]. Deadline to Restaurant 443-3240, 1840 Portola Ave, 16 academic year. higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean's list recognition. Lommerin participate as a vendor is Tuesday, March Livermore, 5:30 p.m. doors open, crab fee Becker, a freshman advertising and public relations major, was is in the Class of 2016. 1, 2016. Those interested in volunteering 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Lion Ben Barrientos for the event, contact Valerie Pavlakis at at 449-9974 or tickets to the Crab Feed (925) 931-5353 or by email at vpavlakis@ tickets will also will be available at The February 18, 2016 • The Independent 11 BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Rock House Restaurant 1840 Portola Ave, or to attend a meeting, call Rich Osborne in Livermore in the Clubhouse at Hillcrest Asbury United Methodist Church, 10:20. Bible Basics Class, which explores Sundays 4:00-6:10 p.m. High school youth Livermore. 925-785-3549. Gardens, 550 Hillcrest Ave., on Mondays, 4743 East Avenue, Livermore. 9 a.m. the main teachings of the Bible, meets at group Sundays 5:50-8:00 p.m. www. Livermore Valley Coin Club 53rd NAMI Tri-Valley Parent Resource & 6:-6:30 p.m., Weigh-in (private); meeting Sunday worship. Information 447-1950. 7:00 Sunday night. Call 371-6200 or email jkpcdublin.org (925)828-1846. annual coin show and sale on Sunday Support Group meets monthly for parents/ begins 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Informa- Calvary Chapel Livermore, meetings [email protected] for more info. Livermore Quakers: Unprogrammed March 6, 2016, from 10 am to 5 pm. at the caretakers of children ages 5-17 years tion, contact Phyllis at 443-5943. Sundays at 10 a.m. Robert Livermore Com- Tri-Valley Church of Christ, 4481 East worship, Mondays at 7pm, 1886 College Elks Lodge, 940 Larkspur Drive Springtown with (or suspected of having) emotional/ Community Resources for Indepen- munity Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. Avenue, Livermore; worship service 10:15 Ave. (United Christian Church). More in Livermore. More than 20 dealers from psychiatric disorders. It meets the third dent Living (CRIL) offers services to help (925) 447-4357 - www.calvarylivermore. a.m. Sundays. www.trivalleychurch.org. information: [email protected] all over Northern California will offer gold, Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm at people with disabilities and supports them org. Bethel Family Christian Center, 501 or (925) 315-7170. silver, and base metal coins from the United Pathways to Wellness, 5674 Stoneridge Dr., to live independently and participate in their United Christian Church, www.uccliv. North P Street, Livermore, Pastors are Don St. Francis of Assisi, 193 Contractors States and foreign countries. Dealers will Suite 114, Pleasanton. The group is drop-in community for as long as they are willing org, a gay-welcoming congregation offering & Debra Qualls. Weekly ministries: Sunday St., Livermore. .Sunday School (all ages) – make appraisals and purchase coins from and free. Contact person is Marsha McInnis and able to do so. CRIL maintains offices in community and spiritual encouragement 10 a.m. - Teaching Sessions; Sunday 10:25 8:30 AM. Communion – 9:30 AM. 925-906- the public. Admission is free. wooden “nick- at 925-980-5331. Hayward, Fremont and Livermore to provide for questioners, seekers and risk-takers. a.m. - Holy Grounds Fellowship; Sunday 9561 stfrancisanglican.church. els” commemorating the event will be given Sons in Retirement (SIR) is a group information and referrals and provide Worships on Sunday morning at 10:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. - Elementary Center for Spiritual Living Livermore away while supplies last. An hourly drawing for retired men who seek activities to community education at senior centers and a.m. All are welcome. 1886 College Ave. at aged children go to Kid’s Church following Valley - People from all faith traditions, will be held for a U.S. silver eagle dollars. enhance their retirement. Monthly meetings affordable housing complexes to residents M St., Livermore; call 449-6820 for more worship, nursery available; Wednesday 7 cultures, races and sexual orientations Members of the Livermore Valley Coin Club feature lunch and an interesting speaker. of Southern Alameda County. The Tri-Valley information. p.m. - Back to the Point Bible Study; all welcome. Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. will set up numismatic displays, information Men have the opportunity to learn about and office is located at 3311 Pacific Avenue, Granada Baptist Church, 945 ages; Friday 7 p.m. - Celebrate Recovery; in Youth and teen programs offered as well. All table and will be available to discuss the join activities such as hiking, bridge, invest- Livermore 94550 and can be reached by Concannon Boulevard, Livermore. Services: the dining hall; 925-449-4848. are welcome. Meeting place 1617 2nd St., club’s activities. Limited lunch service will ment, bowling, bocce ball and wood carving. phone at (925) 371-1531, by FAX at (925) Sunday school – 9:45 a.m.; worship service Valley Bible Church, Pleasanton, 2nd Floor, Livermore. For more information be available. For further information please There is also a neat group of guys to get to 373-5034 or by e-mail at abril.tamayo@ – 11 a.m. All are welcome. 1-888-805- 7106 Johnson Drive, Services at 9:00 and contact [email protected] or visit us call Stephen Kramer at (925) 980-9307. know. SIR Branch #121 meets on the 4th cril-online.org. All services are free. 7151. 11:00. Interpretation for the deaf at 9:00. at http://csllvlighthouse.org. Crab Feed, Feb. 27, 2016. The Tuesday of each month at the DoubleTree Livermore Peripheral Neuropathy Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 925-227-1301. www.thecrossing.org St. Matthews Baptist Church, 851 Livermore High School Alumni Assoc. is pro- Hotel, Las Flores Road (near Bluebell Drive), Support Group meets every fourth Tuesday Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, Valley Bible Church, Livermore, Meet- Rincon Ave., Livermore. www, smbclive.com ducing its 4th Annual Crab Feed to benefit Livermore, at 11:30. Any retired man is of the month at 10 a.m. in the third floor services on Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 ing at Altamont Creek Elementary School, or 443.3686. Dr. Allen S. Turner. Worship the students, faculty & administrators of welcome to drop by to learn about your movie room at Heritage Estates Retirement a.m., worship 11 a.m. www.livermoresda. 6500 Garaventa Ranch Road, Livermore. services 8 and 11 a.m., Sunday family LHS. Each year the LHSAA funds numerous opportunities. For more information check Community. The address is 900 E. Stanley org/ All are welcome. Services at 10:00 a.m. Bible school, 9:30 p.m., Bible study and request from LHS to provide items/programs our website: branch121.sirinc2.org or email Blvd., Livermore All are welcome. Contacts Faith Chapel Assembly of God, 6656 Cedar Grove Community Church, youth ministry, Wednesday 7 p.m. Feed the that are no longer in their budget. LHSAA Neal Cavanaugh at nealfcavanaugh@att. are: Sandra Grafrath 443-6655 or Lee Alisal St., Pleasanton, Sunday School 9:15 2021 College Ave., Livermore. Worship homeless, Saturday 11 a.m. Prayer, 6 p.m. invites all to take part in the Crab Feed and net (put “SIR” in the subject line). Parlett 292-9280. a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Women's Bible Services 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. www. weekdays. both Live and Silent Auctions Fundraiser. Go Eric's Corner is a free support group study Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Intercessory cedargrove.org or call 447-2351. “1 & 2 Corinthians” will be the to www.livermorehighalumni.com for addi- for people who are dealing with a diagnosis RELIGION prayer 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Senior Chabad of the Tri-Valley, 784 featured study of Community Bible Study tional information, email lhsalumniassoc@ of Epilepsy. Everyone is invited to attend First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth adult ministries meet every other month. Palomino Dr., Pleasanton. 846-0700. www. Women’s class of Pleasanton this fall. A gmail.com or call Ray 925-606-5518. these meetings. Meetings are held at Street, Livermore. 8:30 a.m. Contempla- Call the office at 846-8650 for more jewishtrivalley.com. Rabbi Raleigh Resnick. Children’s Program is available for infants ClutterLess Self Help Support Group, 5725 W. Las Positas Blvd., second floor, tive Service in the Chapel and 10:00 a.m. information. Well Community Outreach Center to 5 years old. Class starts on continues nonprofit, peer-based, self-help, support Pleasanton. We meet from 6:30 -8:00 on Traditional Service in the Sanctuary and Trinity Church, 557 Olivina Ave. Liver- ministry provides meats, canned and dry each week on Thursdays at 9:30-11:30am group for people with difficulty discarding the third Thursday of each month. For more children’s program For more information more. Sunday worship at 8:30 and 11:00 goods, toiletries, and school supplies (only until May 12, 2015. Valley Bible Church, unwanted possessions. Cluttering is a information please visit us at ericscorner.org www.fpcl.us or 925-447-2078. a.m., and Sunday School and Bible study available prior to the start of the school 7106 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. Contact psychological issue, not an organizing Pleasanton Lions Club welcomes Tri-Valley Bible Church, 2346 Walnut for all ages at 9:45 a.m. Awana is Sunday year). Those with an immediate need or who Sherri at 925-399-5074 or email sherri. issue. New meeting location: Parkview,100 visitors to come experience a great time St., Livermore, holds Sunday worship at at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday night there is adult would like to donate nonperishable food [email protected] for more information or Valley Avenue (main entrance), 2nd Floor while making a difference in our community 10 a.m. with Sunday school for all ages Bible study, youth activities and children's items, call the office at (925) 479-1414 to register.” Activity Room, Pleasanton. Mondays except & beyond. Dinner meetings every 2nd & 4th at 9 a.m. Children's classes during adult choir at 6:30 p.m. Child care during all to begin the process. Wednesday and WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit) for some holidays 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Come Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm. The Re- worship service. AWANA children's program events. 447-1848, www.trinitylivermore.org Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Thursday 4 women of all ages and life stages, Meets or call a volunteer at 925)289-5356 or galia House, 4133 Regalia Ct., Pleasanton. Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 449-4403 or www. St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Pick up by appointment Thursday mornings 9:30-11:30am through 925-922-1467. More information at: www. www.pleasantonlionsclub.org Tri-ValleyBibleChurch.com. Ave., Livermore. Meditation groups following only. The Outreach Center will be open every May 15, St. Charles Parish - Borromeo Hall, clutterlesseastbay.org Assistance League® of Amador Val- Unitarian Universalist, 1893 N. Vasco the John Main tradition, every Monday 5:30 4th Saturday to distribute bags from Fresh 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Questions: Writing club for young adults, Wheth- ley invites all visitors to join this dedicated Rd., Livermore. 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. p.m. and 7 p.m. For details, contact Claire and Easy Market and Sprouts. This will be Donna Leach (925-443-6815)[dleach45@ er a seasoned writer or just starting out, join group of volunteers, reaching out to those Information 447-8747 or www.uucil.org La Scola at 447-9800. on a first come first serve basis between gmail.com] or Kristen Barton (925-449- published Young Adult author J.L. Powers in need in the Tri-Valley and having fun Congregation Beth Emek, Center for St. Innocent Orthodox Church, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 2333 Nissen Drive, 8002)[[email protected]] at Livermore Public Library for the Writing doing it. Regular meetings are held on the Reform, Jewish Learning, Prayer and Com- 5860 Las Positas Rd., Livermore. Sunday Livermore. Tri-Valley Church of Christ, gives Club for Young Adults, ages 13 through 21 third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the munity in the Tri-Valley. 3400 Nevada Court, Liturgy at 10 a.m. For details, go to www. Lynnewood United Methodist Church away clothing and other items every Mon- will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on the third Parkview, 100 Valley Ave., Pleasanton. For Pleasanton. Information 931-1055. Rabbi stinnocent.net or call Fr. John Karcher at at 4444 Black Ave. a friendly congregation day 10-12. Donations are also accepted on Thursday of the month: February 18, March more information, see our website, www. Dr. Lawrence Milder, www.bethemek.org. (831) 278-1916. welcomes all. Worship at 9 a.m., 10:30 Mondays between 10-12. 4418 E. Avenue, 17, April 21, and May 19 The meetings will amadorvalley.assistanceleague.org, e-mail Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, affiliated with St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 3350 a.m. with Sunday school for youth and Livermore. be held at the Civic Center Library, 1188 assistanceleagueamadorvalley@yahoo. the Congress of Secular Jewish Organiza- Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, Services adults at 10:30 a.m. and childcare at both Christ Church (a nondenominational South Livermore Avenue, Livermore. The com, or call (925) 461-6401. tions (csjo.org). Information, Rabbi Judith on Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services. Also, on Sunday evenings at evangelical church formerly meeting in club is free and no registration is required. Operation: SAM “Supporting All Mili- Seid, Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, 485-1049 or Children’s Sunday School & Chapel at 10:15 5:30 p.m., newest offering "Come As You Pleasanton), Now meeting at Arroyo Mocho For more information, please visit TEEN tary” is a 501(c)3 non profit military sup- EastBaySecularJews.org. a.m. All are most welcome to come and Are," is an informal, contemporary worship Elementary School, 1040 Florence Rd., SPACE on the library’s website: www. port organization based in Livermore. S.A.M. First Church of Christ, Scientist, worship with us and to enjoy our hospitality. experience. Contact Rev. Heather Hammer Livermore. Worship service at 9:00 a.m.; livermorelibrary.net, or contact Jennifer at has been in operation since January 2004. Livermore, services 10 a.m. every Sunday. For more information call the church office at 846-0221, send an email to office@lyn- Educational Classes for all ages at 11:00 925-373-5576. It is dedicated to the continued morale Sunday School for students (ages 3-20) is 925-462-4802. newood.org or visit www.lynnewood.org. a.m. Fall adult education course: “Human Tri-Valley Stargazers Astronomy support of deployed troops. For information held at 10 a.m. every Sunday. The church St. Bartholomew's Episcopal The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Sexuality: Biblical and Theological Perspec- Club. Feed your wonder about the Night Sky or donations, visit www.operationsam.org, and reading room are located at Third and Church , 678 Enos Way, Livermore, (925) day Saints: 9050 Mocho St., Livermore. 3rd tives,” taught by Robert W. Evans (Ph.D. in and the Cosmos by joining us on the 3rd email [email protected] or call N Streets. The Reading Room, which is 447-3289. www.saintbartslivermore.com. ward 2:20 p.m., 2nd ward 9 a.m., Mocho clinical psychology and Ph.D. in systematic Friday of the Month for our club meeting. 925-443-7620. open to the public, features books, CDs and Service Schedule: 8:00 a.m. Contempla- branch (Spanish) 12 noon. 1501 Hillcrest theology). visit: www.christchurch-trivalley. Unitarian Universalist Church, 1893 N. Depression and Bipolar Support Alli- magazines for sale. For information, call tive Eucharist; 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study Ave., Livermore: 1st ward, 1 p.m..; 4th ward org or call 925.846.0665. Vasco Rd., Livermore. Doors open at 7:00 ance (DBSA) Pleasanton, meets Wednes- (925) 447-2946. (check web-site): 10:20 Sunday School 9 a.m., Springtown ward, 11 a.m. Young Grief Workshop, bi-monthly to p.m. talk starts at 7:30 pm. For more info days 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. St. Clare's Episcopal Sunset Community Church, 2200 (Godly Play); 10:30: Sung Eucharist with single adult ware, 1:30 p.m., 8203 Village help people with the healing journey. St. visit us @ http://www.trivalleystargazers. Church, 3350 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton (not Arroyo Rd., Livermore. Sunday worship choir, child care provided. Parkway, Dublin. Elizabeth Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr. org/ affiliated with the church. Information at service at 9:30 a.m. Hispanic service starts Little Brown Church, United Church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Pleasanton. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25th. Sons in Retirement (SIR) is a social www.dbsalliance.org/pleasanton or contact at 2 p.m. Nursery and children's church of Christ 141 Kilkare Road, Sunol. 10:30 Day Saints: Pleasanton 1st Ward: Sunday March 10th. 2016. No per-registration group of retired men who join together to chapter leader, Al Pereira, 462-6415. provided. A "Night of Worship" first Sunday a.m. worship. All are welcome here. www. at 1 p.m., 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz. Pleas- is necessary, but if it is your first night better enjoy their leisure time. Activities Pleasanton Newcomers Club, open of each month at 6 p.m. Wednesday night littlebrownchurchofsunol.org 925-862-2580 anton 2nd Ward: Sunday 1 p.m. at 3574 attending, arrive a little early to check in. include golf, bridge, photography, travel, to new and established residents of the program for all ages at 7 p.m. Information, Pathway Community Church, 6533 Vineyard Ave. Pleasanton 3rd Ward: Sunday These sessions are open to all, regardless fishing, biking, wine tasting, and technology. Tri-Valley. Activities include a coffee the call 447-6282. Sierra Lane, Dublin. Contemporary Worship 9:30 a.m., 3574 Vineyard Ave. Pleasanton of religious affiliation. Please call Nancy at The Tri-Valley Branch serves men living in first Wednesday of the month, a luncheon Holy Cross Lutheran Church Sunday Service, Sunday 10:30 am. Children, youth, 4th Ward: Sunday 9:30 a.m., 6100 Paseo 925-846-9543 for more information. Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, and San Ra- on the second Wednesday of the month, Service 9:30 a.m. 1020 Mocho St., Liver- adult programs. Biblically based practical Santa Cruz. Dublin 1st Ward: Sunday 9:30 Unity of Tri-Valley - 7567 Amador mon. The group meets for lunch on the first Bunco, Mah Jongg, walking/hiking groups, more. Information, 447-8840. messages, nondenominational. All are a.m., 8203 Village Parkway. Valley Blvd., Suite 108, Dublin. 10:00 am Thursday of each month at the San Ramon family activities, and monthly adult socials. Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385 welcomed. www.pathwaycommuntiychurch. John Knox Presbyterian Church, Sunday service. Rev. Micah Murdock, Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. Information, call 925-215-8405 or visit S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore. 9 a.m. org (925) 829-4793. 7421 Amarillo Rd., Dublin. Sunday worship interim minister. All are welcome. Ongoing Please read more about the Tri-Valley SIR www.PleasantonNewcomers.com worship (semiformal); 10:30 a.m. adult Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for groups and activities. www.unityoftrivalley. at http://sirs34.org/ and the Statewide TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Bible study/Sunday school. For information, 486 S. J Street, Livermore. 9:00 a.m. ages 3-18 during worship. Adult education org/ 829-2733. SIR at www.sirinc.org/. For information self-help weight loss support group meets call 925-447-1246. worship service. Bible Study/Sunday School Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Jr. High youth group 12 The Independent • February 18, 2016 Milestones

On Superbowl Sunday, the competition cheer team from Amador Valley High School competed at a USA Open at UC Davis. They took 2nd place in the small Intermediate cheer division.They are headed to USA National's March 17th down in Anaheim. Pictured are (back to front) Ashely Boxberger, Katherine Jackson, Kaitlyn McGarrity, Krista Lewis, Emily Mercer, McKenna Shaffer, Mary Hinik, Lindzee Alacade, Maci Manos, Kaitlyn Letourneau, Melia Storey, Kayla Fulmer, Lauren Shohfi, Coach Danielle Butler Foothill High School Competition Cheer Team girls participated in the USA Cheer and Jessica Halligrimson. Regional Competition in American Canyon on Sunday, November 15. All three teams (Varsity, Group Stunt, and JV) took first place in their divisions and qualified for Nationals in March of 2016. Varsity faced 5 other teams to win, Group Stunt and JV faced 1 each. Group Stunt did win against hometown rivals from Amador Valley High School. The Varsity team members are (top photo) Emma Loll, Kenzie Curran, Kelly Jefferies, Lizzie Beer, Valeria Blanco, Jessica Cole, Annie Fenton, Emily LaDue, Claire Larsen, Tori Maes, Sophia Ondi, Rachel Sanchez, Julia Tolari, Kimberly Wang, Sophia BUSINESS Barletta, and Sara Ling. Coaches are Kim DeJoy and Cheryl Holy. Group Stunt team members are Kenzie Curran, Kelly Jefferies, Sophia Ondi, Sara Ling, and Sophia Barletta. JV team members are Swathi Saseedhar, Anna Sullivan, Lydia Chamberland, Handcraft Tile Showroom Julia Castenada, Chloe Chai, Kailey Conrad, Gali Hoffman, Jolie Rodriguez, Hannah Thoe, and Amanda Zagar. Opens in Livermore Handcraft Tile, the oldest tile manufacturer in California, has opened a beautiful new showroom in Livermore, located at 61-A Rickenbacker Circle. For ninety years, the company has been known for its timeless, rustic, Craftsman products. The showroom features display boards and sample tiles to demonstrate design ideas and colors. Tiles are made to order with a lead time of about 8 weeks. Two Livermore Valley Charter Shirley Dinkins is the Showroom Manager and will meet with customers on an appointment basis. Preparatory (LVCP) students Handcraft Tile began operations in 1926 in San Jose, took the top prizes in the 2016 California. Early on, the business was moved to Milpitas. competition at the Rotary Handcraft Tile manufactured handmade tile there for the Club of the Livermore Valley. next seventy-five years. In 2007, the company was moved Lamisa Ahmed won the top to Southern California and the showroom in Milpitas was prize of $100, and will move closed. Handcraft’s tiles continue to be manufactured in Long on to the Regional Rotary Beach from the finest California clays. contest. Shannon Meyer The showroom phone number is (925) 606-1014 and the won $50 in her second place email address is [email protected]. finish. Three LVCP students and three from Granada High School competed. Pictured are (top) Lamisa Ahmed and Shannon Meyer.