Wednesday, March 26, 2014 • Vol. 8 Issue 2

26,000 copies Independent, locally owned and operated! delivered bi-weekly to Lamorinda homes & businesses

www.lamorindaweekly.com • 925.377.0977 FREE

Wendy Scheck and furry companion Amberite recently enjoyed a midday hike on the Briones-to-Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. Photo Andy Scheck

Lafayette trail maps get thoughtful upgrade just in time for spring By Cathy Tyson he hills are popping with poppies! Precious late- thanks to Lafayette’s trail maps project. and Recreation office at the Lafayette Community Center and winter rains turned Lamorinda green, at least for a Looking to avoid steep hills? Then these new and improved other locations noted below. Updated trail maps range from the Tlittle while, as spring arrives in full bloom. If maps are your friends – that crucial information, along with trail challenging, yet scenic, Walter Costa Trail (a steep, more than two- you’re in the mood to take it all in you’ll be glad to know length, surface, terrain and parking information is now a click mile trek) to the much more moderate Silver Springs Trail to the that taking a hike just got easier, or rather, more informative, away via the city’s website; printed maps are available at the Parks flat, one-mile Hidden Oaks Trail. ... continued on page A12

Advertising Quote of the Week: “As much as we love our sports, the arts are so important in defining and building a community.” Read The Broad Shoulders of a Volunteer, page A6. Risky Business By Nick Marnell Town News A2 - A12 he politics and the dangers of the firefight- from ConFire. the room. “One of our chiefs has been in an ac- Business A10 Ting industry collided at the March 20 “The chief has a point here,” said Steven cident,” said Carman. Life in Lamorinda B1 - B12 meeting of the Lafayette Emergency Services Falk, city manager. “If there's a risk that The station 46 discussion ceased. And in one Classified B8 Task Force. Lafayette will detach, why invest $1 million?” of the many ironies of the evening, Pat Frost of Not to be Missed B10-B11 The initial focus of the meeting was the sta- He proposed that detachment efforts could be Contra Costa Emergency Medical Services HOW TO CONTACT US B11 tus of fire station 46, the proposed joint venture put on hold until Carman received an answer began her presentation on the state of the Food B12 between the Contra Costa County Fire Protec- from his board. Co-chair Traci Reilly agreed, county's EMS system. Service Directory B12 tion District and the Moraga-Orinda Fire Dis- saying that she'd be in favor of “hitting the pause ConFire captain Chris Leimpeter returned to Sports C1 - C3 trict. ConFire chief Jeff Carman, who spent button. We're in charge of how we pace this the meeting and relayed that the injured firefighter Shop Moraga C4 most of his day involved with a three-alarm process,” she said. had been rushed from Pittsburg to John Muir Hos- Our Homes D1 -D12 brush fire in Pittsburg, reported that he and chief Task force member Peter Clark did not pital, where his condition was improving. This Week Read About: Stephen Healy of MOFD were closer than they agree. He said that station 46 will not be a cure- “It's the worst thing that can happen in your have ever been to an agreement on the station. all, and that the committee should continue to career,” said Carman, who discussed his initial Eden Opens A2 But he needed to know the position of the task explore all options for providing fire service to reaction to the emergency call. “It pains you ... Town Center Homes A4 force. the city. “The ConFire model is not sustainable, it's an out of control feeling, for someone who Roads 2015 A6 “Do you get behind 46 and support it? Or, with an intractable financial problem,” added is used to always being in control.” Unplugging B2 are you still going to seek detachment? I need committee member Rich Cunningham. The politics of the firefighting business – as OAC Arts Competition B3 to decide where to put our emphasis,” he said. As Cunningham spoke, an obviously preoc- discussed by those at the task force meeting – OLLI in Lafayette B5 Carman did not want to present a station 46 cupied Carman ran across the room and ushered continue to be wrought with delay and frustra- Lamorinda Reads B6 plan to the Board of Supervisors and have it Falk out of the meeting. An ashen Falk returned tion. The dangers of the firefighting business – Lafayette Youth Arts B7 be simultaneously reported that the Lafayette to his seat while Carman grabbed his assistant impressed upon those at the task force meeting Basketball Wrap C1/C2 task force was still looking at detachment chief and two ConFire captains and shot out of – resulted that day in a near tragedy.

Life in Lamorinda B1-B12 Sports C1-C3 Our Homes D1-D12 Jellyfish First Award-Winning Wine Art Pitch Cave Unique works Baseball season's under "Let us celebrate by a Lafayette way and Lamorinda's the occasion with artist to light high school teams have wine and sweet up your life - their eyes on the prize - words." (Plautus) page B1. page C1. - page D1. Page: A2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

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1291 Quandt Court Lafayette’s Best

Located on a large .23±AC corner parcel, this updated 3BR/2BA, 1656± sq. ft. home was remodeled to perfection in ‘03 with hardwood floors, recessed lighting, French doors, open living spaces, & updated kitchen & baths. Civic News Great location close to Springhill Elementary, Springbrook Pool, town, Hwy 24, & BART! Public Meetings 1291QuandtCourt.com Just Listed! Dana Green City Council License #: 01482454 Monday, April 14, 7 p.m. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, DanaGreenTeam.com | 925.339.1918 Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Tri Cities Council Meeting Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. Affordable Housing Project Opens Doors in Lafayette Saint Mary’s College, 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd., Moraga By Cathy Tyson through Eden Housing. There was a Planning Commission very simple pre-application form with Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. basic information provided to all 600 Lafayette Library & Learning Center, interested parties–that group was ran- Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. domly assigned lottery numbers. Design Review Lucky seniors who received numbers Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. 1-300, and are at least 62 years old, Lafayette Library & Learning Center, were invited to fill out more detailed Arts & Science Discovery Center, applications that documented their fi- 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. nances, including tax returns and ev- Check online for agendas, meeting idence of income and assets, and then notes and announcements a criminal background check was City of Lafayette: completed along with contacting their prior landlord. Those who met all of www.ci.lafayette.ca.us the requirements and had a qualifying Phone: (925) 284-1968 lottery number were approved. Chamber of Commerce: Fair housing law prevents apart- www.lafayettechamber.org ments to be selectively allocated to tenants whose population is not rep- School Board Meetings resentative of greater Contra Costa Some of the residents of Belle Terre gather in the lobby area, from left: Property manager Leslie Bown, Evora Acalanes Union High School District County. While it’s true that the vast James, Larisa Lantsova, Yuet Yuen, Nirmalui Bains and Mac Parker. Photo Andy Scheck Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. majority of Lamorinda residents are AUHSD Board Room at 1212 emand clearly outstripped sup- downtown listed for $2,100 per could only qualify for one of these Caucasian, that representation is not Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette Dply for the brand new low-in- month. For most house hunters, es- apartments if they made a maximum true of the entire county. www.acalanes.k12.ca.us come senior housing project on Mt. pecially seniors on a fixed income, of $32,750 per year. It was challenging to win one of Lafayette School District Diablo Boulevard, Belle Terre, devel- that is clearly unaffordable. All sources of income are these apartments and it was equally challenging to get the structure built. Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m. oped by Eden Housing. Finishing There was phenomenal interest in counted, including Social Security The project took nine years from the Regular Board Meeting touches were completed in late Janu- the property, said Eden’s senior proj- benefits, 401K, disability and interest initial efforts of the Senior Housing Stanley Library ary and a parade of residents moved ect developer Woody Karp of the from bank accounts. Tenants pay rent Task Force which was created to help 3477 School St., Lafayette in, filling all of the 45 one-bedroom roughly 600 requests for housing. that is calculated at one-third of their the City Council meet its goal of pro- www.lafsd.k12.ca.us units in just under a month. “It’s a very, very desirable property, income, with the balance paid through Long time homeowners in Lam- because it’s so deeply affordable.” operating subsidies which are ulti- viding senior housing in Lafayette. orinda may be shocked at the going This project is specifically designed mately paid by HUD vouchers, via In 2008, the project was approved Share your thoughts, insights rates for an apartment in Lafayette. A to serve extremely low income and the Contra Costa County Housing for very low income seniors, but se- and opinions with your quick look at Craigslist, a popular on- low income senior residents. To be Authority. curing financing wasn’t easy. “After ommunity. line classifieds service, has the least categorized as a person with ex- “With budget cuts and sequestra- a few unsuccessful attempts to obtain Send a letter to the editor: expensive two-bedroom apartment tremely low income, a documented tion–there are a limited number of state and federal funding, the project [email protected] income of less than 30 percent of the vouchers available,” said Karp. Fed- broke ground in September, 2012 and Contra Costa median income is re- erally funded HUD’s mission is to was completed in late 2013. Funding quired; for the low-income category create strong, sustainable, inclusive for the project comes from a number Lafayette Police the figure is 50 percent of the median communities and quality affordable of sources, including the county and Department income – which is calculated by the homes for all. the state. The city’s redevelopment Incident Summary U.S. Department of Housing and Eleven of the 45 units were allo- agency contributed $3.8M towards Urban Development. Last year the cated by the Housing Authority from the project,” said Niroop Srivatsa, Report, March 2-16 county’s median income was their existing waitlist; the balance of Lafayette’s planning and building di- $65,500, so a low income resident units, 34, had a separate process rector. ... continued on next page Alarms 6 Misdemeanor (other) 911 calls 8 Mt Diablo Bl/Oak Hill Rd Suspicious Circum. 19 Missing Adult Suspicious Vehicle 14 1000 block 2nd St Suspicious Subject 15 Narcotics/Controlled sub Commercial Burglary Acalanes High School Safeway, Lafayette Del Rey/Del Mar Disturbing the Peace Panhandling Acalanes High School Post Office 3300 block Rowland Dr 3500 block Mt Diablo Bl Drunk in Public Reckless Driving Lafayette P.D. Moraga Rd/Sky Hy Dr 900 block Dewing Av Mt Diablo Bl/Lafayette Cir DUI misdemeanor Pleasant Hill/Deer Hill Rds 700 block Tanglewood Dr Springhill/Pleasant Hill Rds Carol Ln/Mt Diablo Bl 800 block Moraga Rd Fireworks Mt Diablo Bl/Hwy 24 Huntleigh/Somerset Dr Restraining Order Violation 3100 block Acalanes Av 1100 block Upper Happy Felony (other) Valley Rd Safeway Threats Grand Theft Round Up 3600 block Mt Diablo Bl Trespass Lafayette Library Springhill Rd/Prado Wy Harassment Vandalism Peet’s Lafayette 3200 block Sweet Dr Hit & Run Location not available (2) Ace Hardware (2) Mt Diablo Bl/Dolores Dr 3700 block Mt Diablo Bl Vehicle Theft 900 block Dewing Av Lamorinda Tow 900 block Moraga Rd Warrant Actions Pleasant Hill Rd/Mt Diablo Bl Oak Hill/Deer Hill Rd (2) 3300 block Mt Diablo Bl 1000 block Summit Rd Lafayette/Mt Diablo Bl (2)

P040036 02/04 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), Bloomington, IL Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A3 Free Women and Wealth Workshop Conversation-Coffee-Treats Managing Stock Market Risk Workshop A SEASON FOR SELLERS • Financial planning with a safety net • Managing and mitigating stock market risk • Managing your Investments • Knowing when to buy and sell Every second Saturday of the month Next workshop April 12, 2014. 2p-3p. Location: Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building

Please RSVP: Dominique Millette email [email protected] or call 925-837-0955 www.wisewomenwealth.com 37 Parkway Court, Orinda 3 Julianna Court, Moraga &YUSBPSEJOBSZ
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)P Traffic Calming Approved $6,300,000 www.37ParkwayCt.com $2,750,000 www.3JuliannaCt.com in Burton Valley By Cathy Tyson SOLD t all started with neighbors con- Some urged council members to PROFESSIONAL Icerned about the dangerous com- stop the plan altogether and address STAGING gets bination of speeders, lack of clarifying the rules first. Others, like buyers springing into sidewalks and bike lanes and the Jorge Torres, encouraged the adoption many children who walk and bike to of the Level II traffic calming solu- action with offers. school every day, along with adult tion, calling it “very basic – a con- recreational use. Over the past year, structive approach.” There had been Our complementary a group of residents formed a volun- some disagreement on the interpreta- professional staging teer Neighborhood Action Team to tion of rules that could have derailed identify and evaluate concerns and the effort and sent organizers back to service impresses consider options to tackle these issues square one. every time. for the Merriewood Drive and Silver- Gina Ney, who has been working 40 Merrill Circle, Moraga in ado Drive areas. on the effort for over a year, suggested Wonderful home in Sanders Ranch on over 1 ac. oak studded lot. 2946 sqft, nice views and privacy. Like most neighborhoods, not that would be disheartening, after all everyone agrees on the problem or so- of the community meetings and effort $1,375,000 www.40MerrillCir.com lution, but eventually volunteers with that has gone into the project thus far. a range of viewpoints came together In her opinion the process has been to address traffic speeds. “The City’s fair, “evenly split - which is why we program is designed to bring differing have this compromise plan.” points of view together to develop a Ultimately, the City Council plan with the intention that the out- agreed. Councilmember Brandt An- come of the process will be a compro- dersson has had the unique experi- mise and not result in any extreme ence of being hit by a car going proposals that benefit one group at the roughly 30 miles per hour. “I expense of another,” wrote Leah wouldn’t recommend it,”he said. He Lafayette t Moraga t Orinda Greenblat, transportation planner. was confident there was a problem in A plan that had been approved by the neighborhood and supported the 



XXw.Orinda.com the Neighborhood Action Team was recommendation to approve Level II presented to the Circulation Commis- improvements and was optimistic that sion in February; while there was Level III, a much more involved some disagreement among residents process, wouldn’t be necessary. in attendance, the Commission voted Councilmember Mike Anderson TIME TO MAKE A MOVE? unanimously to recommend the plan agreed with many of the public speak- to the City Council for approval. The ers that perception of speeding is an Have you been putting off a move, Level II plan that focuses on easily issue. He, like many of his fellow implementable and relatively low cost council members, described his con- waiting for the market to pick up? features such as striping and signage cern about the process and suggested This could be the year and Pamela is HERE to help! – there are no physical changes to that city staff re-evaluate traffic calm- Pamela Halloran... She’s been Listing and Selling in streets – included reinforcing school ing guidelines. LaMorinda for over 25 years. crosswalks and existing speed limits With city leaders agreeing that the with new signs and stencils, and changes seem reasonable and modest, added striping to enhance pedestrian the measure was approved, with safety at intersections. added stipulations that city staff re- Pamela Halloran Call Pamela @ 925.323.4100 Moving forward, the plan was view the traffic calming process and Real Estate Broker Explore the possibilities presented to the City Council for final mayor Don Tatzin volunteers to go approval at its March 10 meeting; out with the Burton Valley Elemen- [email protected] | PamelaHalloran.com | License #: 00936191 many Burton Valley residents filled tary School bus driver to take a road the auditorium to express their con- test to examine the practicality of a cerns, some taking issue with the traf- proposed paddle sign in the middle of fic calming process that is rather the street near the school entrance on convoluted. Merriewood Drive. $10 $10 $10 $10 Affordable Housing Project $10.00 Coupon good towards your $10.00 Coupon good towards your purchase of $50.00 or more  purchase of $50.00 or more in the McCaulou’s in the McCaulou’s Opens Doors in Lafayette Mens Department Womens Department ... continued from page A2 Coupon must be presented at time of Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. 1 coupon per customer. Not valid purchase. 1 coupon per customer. Not valid “It’s like heaven – really nice,” apartment and its convenience to in conjunction with other promotions. in conjunction with other promotions. said Connie Yoo who moved in to downtown. Although she doesn’t Valid thru March 31, 2014 Valid thru March 31, 2014 her third floor unit with husband own a car, she is able to walk to the    Hanseop Yoo on Feb. 1. The couple grocery store and even BART. When attended an information meeting last the project was in the planning stages, $10 $10 $10 $10 fall and were struck by the many in- there was some concern about ade- $10.00 Coupon good towards your $10.00 Coupon good towards your terested people vying for apart- quate parking, but many of the resi- purchase of $50.00 or more purchase of $50.00 or more ments–“I’m lucky,” she said. They dents don’t own cars, so the in the McCaulou’s  in the McCaulou’s filled out all of the required paper- underground parking area is roughly Kids Dept. Infant to Size 20 Shoe Dept. Excludes Ugg work and were approved and with half full, with plenty of available spots and TOMS Coupon must be presented at time of Coupon must be presented at time of help from family they moved the few for visitors. purchase. 1 coupon per customer. Not valid purchase. 1 coupon per customer. Not valid blocks from their previous Lafayette There will be an official grand in conjunction with other promotions. in conjunction with other promotions. apartment to their brand new, light opening party with a ribbon cutting on Valid thru March 31, 2014 Valid thru March 31, 2014 filled space. “It’s like a family al- May 16 to wrap up affordable hous-   ready,” she says of her neighbors. ing week; Belle Terre is the showcase “We appreciate the government, they project. The mayor is expected to $10 $10 $10 $10 helped us.” speak along with political luminaries. $10.00 Coupon good towards your $10.00 Coupon good towards your New tenant Evora James couldn’t Another Eden project is under con- purchase of $50.00 or more purchase of $50.00 or more be happier. She enjoys the brand new struction in Orinda. in the McCaulou’s in the McCaulou’s Jr’s Department Lingerie Department Coupon must be presented at time of Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. 1 coupon per customer. Not valid purchase. 1 coupon per customer. Not valid in conjunction with other promotions. “Your Unique in conjunction with other promotions. Satisfaction is Valid thru March 31, 2014 Valid thru March 31, 2014 our Goal!” Roof    Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Brighton, Pandora, Boy Scouts excluded Lic. 633641 Service $10 $10 • Leak Repairs Jim Clemons OFF OFF • Gutter Cleaning 925-303-0107 LAFAYETTE DANVILLE MORAGA COUNTRYWOOD CLAYTON ROAD ORINDA MONTCLAIR • Roof Maintenance [email protected] Plaza Center Town & Country Moraga Center Treat & Bancroft Vineyard Center Village Square 6211 Medau Place, Oakland Page: A4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

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If you are considering selling your home, give us a call for assistance. Civic News If you need referrals for home services providers, we can share our “black Public Meetings book” of local reliable contractors, handymen, plumbers, electricians, etc. Town Council Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m. 925.200.2222 Gary • 925.878.9685 Ken Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m. [email protected] • [email protected] Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, License #: 00686144 | 01418309 1010 Camino Pablo Tri Cities Council Meeting Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. Saint Mary’s College, 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd., Moraga Town Center Homes: New Plan Gets Traction By Sophie Braccini Planning Commission Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. ecent modifications made to a street. Questions about adequate park- clustered, two-story condominiums, many people have three cars and the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Rd. Rproposal by City Ventures to ing remain the last serious concerns some of them with a loft (a partial, new proposed units include two-car develop the vacant 2.6-acre lot that raised by the project’s neighbors. 500-square-foot third story). Each of garages for each home, with no drive- Design Review sits next to the fire station on Moraga The Design Review Board got its the 21 units will have a two-car way parking, and only 18 additional Monday, April 14, 7 p.m. Way may turn out to be a preview of first look at the new plan for City Ven- garage, no driveway and a small pri- spots. "No matter what, you'll have Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Rd. Moraga's 21st century look, when the tures’ Town Center Homes project on vate yard. Fifteen duplexes would cars parked on Country Club Drive, center of town will be completely de- March 10 during a study session. The face Country Club Drive, with which is a hazard," said MCC resi- Check online for agendas, meeting veloped under the Moraga Center purpose was to make sure that the garages accessible through the back dent Jerry Tanner. notes and announcements Town of Moraga: Specific Plan. project conforms to the 2010 Moraga road. Other modifications include a During the meeting, members of www.moraga.ca.us The first proposal featured at- Center Specific Plan and that no direct access road to Moraga Way (in the Design Review Board discussed Phone: (925) 888-7022 tached condominiums of up to three major questions remain to be an- the previous plan the only access to options to increase parking availabil- Chamber of Commerce: stories; a new, and unpopular, look for swered. The relatively short hearing the development was from Country ity on Country Club Drive and the www.moragachamber.org Moraga. Zoning allows for up to 20 went so well for the applicant that the Club Drive), and more landscaping possibility of including more variety Moraga Citizens’ Network: units per acre in that area but after next step will be the formal start of the along Moraga Way and Country Club in the facades of the homes, to create www.moragacitizensnetwork.org holding several meetings to gather application process that will lead to Drive. a more custom design look. public input, City Ventures came back the project’s construction. "City Ventures has been doing a City Ventures confirmed that its School Board Meeting with a revised plan that reduces the The major modification to the great job," said Moraga Country Club next step is to incorporate the last rec- Moraga School District number of units, keeps most to two new plan is the reduction of the num- resident Wess Beway who went to ommendations and submit a formal Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. stories and includes duplexes along ber of units from 54 to 36. Running many of the developer’s public out- application to the town for the proj- Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Country Club Drive that are more perpendicular to Moraga Way would reach meetings. He noted that the re- ect’s construction. (Read a related ar- School Auditorium aligned with the homes across the be four rows of between four and six maining concern is parking since ticle on page A9.) 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga www.moraga.k12.ca.us See also AUHSD meeting page A2 Town Council Shuts Down Café Hacienda By Sophie Braccini espite a passionate plea from from her temporary location at the DGayle Somers to keep her café Hacienda to her permanent spot on open for another month at the Ha- Rheem Boulevard, collided with reg- cienda de las Flores, the Moraga ulatory requirements and the Parks Town Council decided to close the and Recreation Department's plans to popular breakfast and lunch venue at get the Hacienda ready for the busy the end of March. events season. What should have been a seam- Café Hacienda was opened last less transition for the Moraga chef, May by Somers while she awaited the completion of her new location on Rheem Boulevard. For the town, it was a pilot project to attract more mid- week visitors to the Hacienda. The Moraga Police Town Council created a subcommittee Photo Cathy Dausman Department last fall, which included the Hacienda College. “We took a two-prong ap- operations in the kitchen and trans- Foundation, the Moraga Park Founda- proach, asking ‘what’s the big pic- ports her food in the cold units located tion, the café operator and Parks and ture?’ and ‘how does the café fit into in the nearby Casita. Driving too fast with little returned. The coupon holder Recreation director Jay Ingram, to that?’” Wolf explained. “The Hacienda is used for wed- brother, 3/15/14 A 17-year-old said he’d sue, then left the prop- guide the future of the onsite café. Somers hoped to become the sole dings, classes and different local driver was pulled over for going erty without incident. The subcommittee met four times user of the kitchen. Under the current groups; we could not give Gayle the 52 mph in a 35 mph zone on with mediator Maura Wolf from the agreement with the town, every Fri- exclusive use of the kitchen,” said In- Moraga Road near Corliss with Dog issue, 3/14/14 There was an Leadership Center at Saint Mary's day afternoon Somers dismantles her gram. ... continued on next page her little brother in the car. It be- off-leash dog at a Donald Drive came a family affair when mom residence. A fellow was walk- came to rescue the 10-year-old ing by with his dog on a leash and dad and the teenaged driver and was approached by the off- A VALLEY SWIM & TENNIS agreed for her to enter the Juve- leash dog. The walker advised MORAG CLUB nile Diversion Program, which the homeowner of leash laws allows young first offenders to and requested he keep his dog learn from their mistakes. on a leash; the homeowner al- legedly became agitated and Purse Stolen 3/15/14 A woman verbally abusive towards him Come Join left her purse in her unlocked and followed him on foot as he car on Donald Drive near the left. The dog walker was con- Hacienda and was gone for ap- cerned for his safety and the proximately 15 minutes. Much safety of his dog due to the con- the Fun! to her surprise, upon return to frontation. Both parties were the vehicle, the handbag along advised of the report and the in- with wallet and credit cards had cident was forwarded to Contra magically disappeared. Loss es- Costa Animal Services. timated to be $500. Tree vandalism, 3/11/14 An Where are my keys? 3/14/14 azalea tree had been pulled from There was a party on Friday the front yard of a Del Monte night at a Moraga Road home home sometime during the day and on Saturday morning a key by an unknown suspect. The ring had vanished. The key’s victim noticed the damage to his Open House owner checked with roommates landscaping at around 3 p.m. and party attendees, but she was Total amount of loss is esti- April 12th unable to locate it. Be on the mated at $150. 1:00-3:00 pm lookout for a key ring with one car key, a pink flip flop dangle In addition, the following inci- along with a “2011” dangle. dents were reported between sNEW!#LAY4ENNIS#OURTS March 10 and March 17: Coupon conundrum, 3/14/14 An s,ANESFORLAPSWIMMING DIVETANK individual attempted to purchase Lost/stolen property BABYPOOLANDEXPANSIVEGREENSPACE a high volume of items with the Archer Court s,EARN TO 3WIMLESSONSAND use of coupons. The buyer be- Traffic Incident lieved restricting his access to Moraga Road -ASTERSPROGRAM items was against company pol- Making annoying phone calls s-60-ARLINS3WIM4EAM icy because he was buying the Camino Pablo items in support of a charitable False Alarms s9EAR ROUNDADULTANDJUNIORTENNIS organization. The manager in- Teodora Court, Moraga Way, PROGRAMSWITH5304!CERTIlEDCOACHES formed the buyer that he didn’t Arroyo Drive, Del Rio Way, want him to clear out the inven- Camino Pablo, Park Street, Memberships Available tory of the item. The manager La Quinta 6ISITMORAGAVALLEYPOOLORGOREMAIL felt that the would-be buyer may Suspicious Circumstances for the 2014 Season MEMBERSHIP MORAGAVALLEYPOOLORG have obtained the coupons Dolores Court fraudulently, especially when he Outside Warrant became irate and threatening. Country Club Drive Officers advised the fellow he Deceased Person th would be subject to arrest if he Carr Drive Swim Team Registration Begins March 15 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 Selling or Downsizing? SUMMER CAMP JOBS Experience at Your Service! AVAILABLE WITH TOWN Realtor/Broker Skillfully Connecting Buyers and Sellers APPLY TODAY! Certified Residential Specialist With Compelling Properties 925-254-7600 office 925-788-0229 cell MORAGA PARKS & RECREATION [email protected] 925-888-7045 • www.moraga.ca.us Search MLS at 43 Moraga Way www.AlexGailas.com Orinda

Sign Ordinance: Community Input Still Needed By Sophie Braccini he Moraga Planning Commis- as well as diverse business owners ing district, type and temporality. would be a joint meeting with the De- nance back to the Planning Commis- Tsion conducted a study session who want to be able to increase their More public input is needed. sign Review Board and the Planning sion for hearing in May," said Ella Sa- with the community March 17 regard- visibility within the boundary of the Additional study sessions are ten- Commission. The April 23 study ses- monsky, associate planner. Check the ing the town's sign ordinance. The rules. By law, the town cannot regu- tatively scheduled for April 14 and sion would be with the Town Council. town’s website for additional infor- Chamber of Commerce was present, late signs by content but only by zon- April 23. The April 14 study session "Our intent is to bring the sign ordi- mation, moraga.ca.us. New Cross Graces the Hill A new redwood cross was installed March 19 on the hill above Saint Michelle Branchaud Simi, MD Mary’s College to replace the previ- ous one that fell right before Medicare Provider Christmas. The new cross is the same size as its predecessor and is the third since 1940. Brother Accepting New Patients Christopher Donnelly says that the new cross was made from the Office located in Moraga! heart of a Eureka redwood tree and should last longer than the 925-794-6014 previous fir cross. S. Braccini Photo from Saint Mary’s College video footage Town Council Shuts Down Café Hacienda Get ready for Spring! Refresh your skin with a chemical ... continued from page A4 peel, Revision Skin Care Facial or “That was the basis for the commit- for a fire district permit that had ex- The Town Council ruled to Skin Tightening System tee’s recommendation to close the pired after six months. close Café Hacienda on March a non-invasive facelift with pelleve café at the end of the month,” said During the Town Council meet- 31. “Maybe some local churches Claire Roth, former president of the ing March 19 Ingram explained that could house you while your con- Michelle Branchaud Simi, M.D. Hacienda Foundation. the hardwood floors have to be refin- struction is completed,” sug- Family Medicine Somers agreed to leave, but then ished so the Hacienda will be ready gested Councilmember David Specializing in Autoimmune & Chronic Disease Management, she bumped into one regulatory hur- for the events season that is a big rev- Trotter. Somers confirmed that Dermatology, Cosmetic & Injury, Nutrition and Home Visits dle after another, including new ADA enue source for his department. “I do she is seeking another temporary 925-794-6014 compliance regulations that went into not see how Gayle could be operating space so she can keep her team 1100 Moraga Way, Suite 112, Moraga effect Jan. 1 and needing to re-apply a restaurant as the work is done.” employed. Board Certified Member American Academy of Family Physicians More Moraga Civic News on Page A8

Real Estate…Simplified!

1061 Orchard Rd, Orinda 653 Augusta Drive, Moraga 50 Ascot Place, Moraga 2740 Ptamigan, Rossmoor

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

This is a 1937 charmer with a guest house! It Perfect Location! MCC "Gem" with all the Club Living on top of the world. This level-in condo This sought-after Kentfield condo with two features 2 BR and 1 1/2 BA in the main home on Amenities and then some! 3+bd/Bonus Room behaves like a single-family home with 2 BR, 2 BA bedrooms, two bathrooms and a den has tons of a 1/4 acre with lots of fruit trees and a view of 2.5 bath, formal dining, hardwood floors, 2 and a den. It also has vaulted ceilings and extra living space. Most of the balcony has been Mt. Diablo. Easy walk to downtown and BART, enclosed patios, breakfast nook and vaulted remodeled kitchen and views from most every seamlessly enclosed while a small open balcony great commute location as well. Cute little ceilings. All just steps away from fun in the room. Fantastic indoor/outdoor entertaining in a remains. The spacious living room has serene kitchen and original hardwood floors. Quaint sun--golf, tennis, & swim. The largest end unit prime Cul-da-sac location. Steps from the views from almost every window. Offered at little guest studio is nicely updated. Offered at lot in Club! A Must See! Offered at $775,000 Mulholland Ridge trail. Offered at $550,000 by $448,000 by Elizabeth Haslam 925.899.5097 $850,000 by Tina Van Arsdale 925-640-2355. by Monica Clarke 925.297.7289. Larry Jacobs 925.788.1362 and Kress Hauri and Ann Cantrell 925.639.7970. CalBRE#01259271 CalBRE#01221955 CalBRE#01495118/01465617 925.899.5739. CalBRE#01494942/01058289

1523 Ashwood Drive, Martinez 114 Lance Court, Martinez

NEW LISTING PENDING Real estate cycles run 7 – 12 years. The last peak for Contra Costa County was in July 2007 and the valley followed in 2009. We saw a recovery last year and prices here have increased dramatically. They could peak again this year, or sometime within the next 5 years, but we don’t know if they will. They could also drop to another low as soon as 2016. A lovely townhouse in Martinez with 2 master This Wisteria home is on a small court of newer If you’re timing the market, this could be the best time to sell! suites and 2.5 BA in 1317 sf. This home is nicely homes built in 2000. It is a spacious 3 BR 2 BA Springtime is usually the best selling season. Our inventory is still less updated throughout with dual pane windows, home with over 2100sq ft. Its large kitchen HVAC, laminate floors, beautiful kitchen and opens to the breakfast and family rooms. The than demand, interest rates are still attractive, and we are still getting baths. It has a large living/dining area, private dining room and living room are perfect for adult multiple offers on most listings, so why wait? back patio and greenbelt view. Also includes 2 gatherings. The sunny backyard is just right for covered carports and lots of storage. Offered at both kids and a garden Call Adam Hamalian Call us with any questions you have about the local market. We are $330,000 by Tina Van Arsdale 925-640-2355. for price 925.708.5630. happy to help you determine what course of action is best for you! CalBRE#01259271 CalBRE#01917597 Meet our Featured Agents ...

Monica Clarke Adam Hamalian Tania DeGroot Jim Colhoun Maureen 925.297.7289 925.708.5630 510.367.1422 925.200.2795 Caldwell-Meurer 89 Davis Road Suite 100, Orinda [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 510.915.0092 925.254.0440 CalBRE#01221955 CalBRE#01917597 CalBRE # 01094898 CalBRE#01029160 maureen.caldwell-meurer @bhghome.com www.bhghome.com/Orinda find all Agents at www.bhghome.com/Orinda CalBRE#01908929 Our Orinda office is uniquely positioned as a gateway for sellers and buyers around the Bay Area; a central hub for our 30 Better Homes and Gardens offices. Page: A6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Coming Soon! Open House— Sat & Sun March 29th & 30th, 1-4. Civic News Beautiful sunlight and serene views of Orinda’s rolling hills are seen from this lovely 2 bedroom, 2 and a half bath townhome. Renovations include updated bathrooms, kitchen appliances and Public Meetings Peter & Darlene window treatments. Enjoy soaring living room ceilings, stunning views, a charming courtyard for City Council Hattersley indoor/outdoor living, a formal dining room, ample closets and storage, a 2-car garage plus all Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m. Orindawoods amenities including a BART shuttle. Auditorium, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way 925.360.9588 925.708.9515 www.TheHattersleys.com CalBRE# r00445794, CalBRE# 01181995 ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Tri Cities Council Meeting Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. Saint Mary’s College, 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd., Moraga Planning Commission Orinda City Leaders Pave Way for 2015 Road Improvements Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m. By Laurie Snyder Founder’s Auditorium, Cummunity Center 28 Orinda Way n consultation with city staff, fol- courts, from Westwood to Moraga typically do as much preventive ments was reduced from 43 in April Ilowing a review of Orinda’s most Way and Highland to Broadview Ter- maintenance as possible with the 2009 to just 19 as of Dec. 31, 2012. Citizens' Infrastructure recent StreetSaver assessments, the race. “St. Stephen’s needs a lot of funds allowed to be used for this pur- CIOC members now project that Oversight Commission Orinda Citizens’ Infrastructure Over- help; that’s a big project,” said Chuck pose. Orinda will finish those repairs by Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. sight Commission recently recom- Swanson, public works director. The The annual CIOC report was pre- 2018 without using Measure L funds. Sarge Littlehale Community Room, mended its list of roads to be repaired thoroughfare missed past lists because pared by Richard Nelson and Darlene Those dollars can, therefore, be used 22 Orinda Way under the Fiscal Year 2015 Pavement the city was faced with the choice of Gee, and presented by Dennis Fay. residentially. This is vital since more Check online for agendas, meeting Reconstruction Project. That list was fixing the largest number of streets “The key focus of the CIOC efforts in than 130 residential segments are now notes and announcements given to the Orinda City Council at its possible or expending limited funds 2013 was related to developing poli- classified as very poor. City of Orinda: March 18 meeting, along with the on just one big road. The current pro- cies and selection criteria for using the Following deliberation, the City www.cityoforinda.org CIOC’s annual report regarding com- jected cost of more than $1 million for Measure L Sales Tax dollars … The Council unanimously approved the Phone (925) 253-4200 mission activities and “the state of the four-segment repair is likely to CIOC also selected initial road seg- 2015 pavement reconstruction project Chamber of Commerce: Orinda’s roads; the on-going pave- change as engineering estimates are ments to be repaired in 2014 with the list and authorized staff to begin ment management program; the refined. Measure L funds” and reviewed a preparing contract plans, specifica- www.orindachamber.org Measure L Sales Tax” and “remaining Funded through Gas Tax and “drainage facility maintenance ordi- tions and engineering estimates. In The Orinda Association: infrastructure issues still facing the Contra Costa County Sales Tax Re- nance and planned drainage studies” addition to bringing its annual report www.orindaassociation.org City of Orinda.” turn to Source funds (formerly labeled in order to “further incorporate back to the City Council at a future School Board Meeting Four parts of two roads will re- “Measure J funds”), the pavement re- drainage considerations into future re- meeting, the CIOC will present the Orinda Union School District ceive help in 2015: St. Stephen’s from construction project fixes base fail- pairs once more data is available in list of roads to be repaired under Monday, April 14, 6 p.m. the north side of the Highway 24 ures and rebuilds arterials, collectors 2014.” Measure L sometime in April. OUSD Office, Vintage Building overpass to La Espiral and Overhill and school routes – streets in Orinda Fay noted that the number of very 25 Orinda Way, Suite 200 Road from Westwood to Highland with the highest traffic volume. Staff poor or poor arterial and collector seg- www.orindaschools.org See also AUHSD meeting page A2 The Broad Shoulders of a Volunteer Susan Garell Named Orinda’s 2014 Citizen of the Year State of the City By Laurie Snyder For those who cannot attend today’s State of the City ad- Harvard-trained MBA who is – as did Orinda Mayor Sue Sever- dress, Mayor Sue Severson Aintelligent, graceful and son, City Council Member Victo- will deliver a second address deeply supportive of the arts – but ria Smith, and representatives from at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27 occasionally goofy. A skilled com- state and federal government of- in the Orinda Library Audito- municator, “power texter,” and en- fices. rium. This program is free to ergetic, highly organized, strategic But the evening will be most the public and no RSVP is planner – who also knows how to remembered by those present for necessary. have fun and is genuinely kind. the touching tributes by the chil- There were kudos and adjectives dren and adults of Orinda who aplenty in the air in Orinda on Fri- have benefitted from arts programs day, March 14, and the love was that have flourished under Garell’s all flowing in one direction – to- guidance. Lamorinda Idols, Arri- ward Susan Garell, co-president of ana and Kiera Glenn, sang Josh the Orinda Arts Council and Groban’s, “You Raise Me Up” be- Orinda Police Orinda’s 2014 Citizen of the Year. fore longtime arts advocate, Myrna Co-sponsored by the Orinda Witt, spoke of Garell’s sincerity Department Rotary and Contra Costa Times, and gift for listening as well as see- Incident Summary the 67th annual celebration of ing. Witt added that Garell is Report, March 2-16 community volunteerism and civic known for driving out the devil engagement began with a social from “the devil in the details,” and Alarms 47 gathering during which impres- said, “Susan always ends her 911 calls 11 sions of Garell were exchanged emails with ‘Best to You,’” – and Suspicious Person 12 freely among attendees before means it. Suspicious Circum. 10 opening remarks were offered by “As much as we love our Suspicious Vehicle 32 Rotary president, Sue Breedlove; sports,” observed Anderson, “the Death (unknown cause) 100 block Ravenhill Rd Times editor, Sam Richards; and arts are so important in defining Domestic Disturbance Susan Garell Photo Ohlen Alexander master of ceremonies, Richard and building a community.” Fish Ranch Road/Hwy 24 Westin, executive director of the Garell, she noted, helped shepherd Greenwood Ct Orinda Community Foundation. OAC through its lean years to re- Disturbing the Peace Contra Costa County Supervisor cruit a full board of directors and 10 block, La Madronal Candace Anderson personally pre- become an even more vibrant, ef- Drug Possession Theater View sented an impressive proclamation fective organization. Camino Pablo/Santa Maria Wy DUI Misdemeanor Pleasant Hill Rd/Amino Dr Hwy 24/St Stephen’s Dr Veterinary Clinic Camino Pablo/Hwy 24 ...... End of Bryant Up to $2,425 in Savings! Drunk in Public Theater View ENDSENDS JUNE May 31,30, 2014 2013 - -CALL CALL FOR FOR DETAILS DETAILS Theatre Square Veterinary Clinic ...... Brookwood Rd/Moraga Wy is a brand new Turncei veto casACSh re &b ates"Carrier" & Moraga Wy/Southwaite to find everything from 60 block Donna Maria facility owned by qualify for an energy tax Grand Theft “Dr. Laurie” standardcredit when to yultraou install 100 block Amber Valley Dr Langford who has quiet,an ultra high quiet, efficiency high Reckless Driving been caring for heatingefficiency & coolingheating & Moraga Wy/Glorietta Bl animals in Orinda systems. Wells Fargo, Orinda cooling system. Camino Pablo/Brookwood Rd for 15 years. Restraining Order Violation 10 block Dos Posos Furnace Vandalism 400 block Camino Sobrante Maintenance Warrant Actions *Ends March 31, 2014 - Call for Details 70 block Rheem Bl Apr. 6th & 7th, 10 am to 6 pm Booth 15. 10 block Dolores Wy 40 block Cedar Tr “Dr. Laurie” Langford 100 block Moraga Wy Air Conditioning Systems Hwy 24/St Stephens Dr Air Conditioning Systems 5151-C Port Chicago Highway ~ Concord, CA 94520 Phone: (925) 317-3187 5151-C Port Chicago Highway ~ Concord, CA 94520 www.ACSystemsInc.com • [email protected] Fax: (925) 334-7017 www.ACSystemsInc.com • [email protected] Email: [email protected] Serving the Bay Area Since 1969 License # 632329 Serving the Bay Area Since 1969 www.theaterviewvetclinic.com License # 632329 1 Bates Blvd., Suite 200, Orinda 925.676.2103925 676 2103 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A7 Experience Knowledge Integrity Two Masters in Real Estate join to provide World-class service to Lamorinda sellers & buyers! The Woodward – Jones Team Over 1,000 homes sold with over 40 years’ combined real estate experience If you are thinking of selling or buying, call Frank & Tina today!

Frank Woodward Tina Jones WoodwardJonesTeam.com 925.788.4963 925.464.3755 5 Moraga Way, Orinda CalBRE#01335916 CalBRE#0885925 Luxury Property Specialists

©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 Story Poles Site of Future Bank on Orinda Way the six commission members present at the March 11 meeting indicated support for the pro- posed bank use on the site, no for- mal action was taken,” said Emmanuel Ursu, Orinda’s plan- ning director. Commissioners “expressed concern with several aspects of the proposed site lay- out including the inefficient park- ing design and the relationship of the proposal to surrounding pub- lic and private spaces,” he added. Additionally, the commission is currently in transition as two members begin new terms while two others depart. The commis- Story poles at 25 Orinda Way. Ohlen Alexander sion will take up the matter again he City of Orinda’s Plan- posed construction by property at a future meeting, according to Tning Commission recently owner Hooshang Hadjian of a Ursu, when Callison Architects held a public hearing to consider new 4,100 square foot building will present, in a workshop for- commercial use permit applica- for a Chase Bank with retail space mat, site plan and building design tions, architectural design, and on the 20,473 square foot lot at options to address the concerns other matters related to the pro- 25A Orinda Way. “While four of that were raised. L. Snyder

More Orinda Civic News on Page A8

ORINDA $6,300,000 ALAMO $4,900,000 4/4.2. Rare opportunity to buy newer The Real Estate Firm people trust 5/4.3. Gated custom home on Private estate plus two adjacent lots. Gated, wine Knoll with unparalleled outstanding cellar, gorgeous grounds w/pool & more! views and features! Elena Hood CalBRE#01221247 McCann/O’Donnell CalBRE#00946092/01916567

PENDING

LAFAYETTE $1,199,000 MORAGA $2,750,000 MORAGA $1,288,000 ORINDA $1,495,000 ORINDA $1,798,000 4/3.1. Resort-Style Living! Sprawling lot 4+/4. Executive home, 4837 sqft, 1.54 3/2. Lovely one story contemporary 4/3.5. Sunny oasis. Remodeled 4/3.5. Orinda Downs Luxury through w/privacy, pool, fire pit, outdoor Kit., acre private lot, gourmet kitchen, with great views. Lrg rear patio, great throughout. Pool,spa w/large deck & and through. Private deck w/hot tub off water features and much more! guest house, wine cellar. for entertaining. lawn for play.Bonus inlaw suite. Mstr. Dave Rivera & Sheila Small CalBRE01705345/01415221 Elena Hood CalBRE#01221247 Jerry Wendt CalBRE#00178259 Laura Abrams CalBRE#01272382 Vlatka Bathgate CalBRE#01390784

PENDING PENDING

PLEASANT HILL $984,900 MORAGA $1,189,000 LAFAYETTE $1,250,000 ORINDA $2,100,000 ALAMO $1,695,000 4/3. Rare,2962 SqFt on big lot w/ 4/3. Striking Contemporary. Views 5/2.5. Lovely larger home. End of cul de 4/3. New construction. Gorgeous views, 5/4. Bright, spacious estate home in bedroom & full bath on main lvl.Big abound in this 2 level on a cul-de-sac. sac. Private setting. Close to school, close to town. More pics/info at gated community.Stunning backyard bonus room upstairs. Club. Must see! OrindaOaks.com. with pool and spa. Jeannette Bettencourt CalBRE#01154506 The Holcenberg’s CalBRE#01373412/00637795 Susan Schlicher CalBRE#01395579 The Beaubelle Group CalBRE#00678426 Holt/Geoffrion CalBRE#00827803/01878803

PENDING

LAFAYETTE $849,000 ORINDA $2,095,000 PLEASANT HILL $979,000 LAFAYETTE $998,000 OAKLAND $1,100,000 3/2. This is one you’ve been waiting for. 4/4. New construction! Gorgeous view, 5/2.5. Gorgeous Executive home in golf 4/2. Gracious home offering a tranquil 3/3. Stunning contemporary townhome Move in ready. Lafayette schools, nice lg yard, quality materials.Cul-de- course community. Views of Reliez Valley setting w/lush gardens. Many upgrades w/sweeping views of SF and the Bay. minutes to BART and freeways. sac loc. www.orindaoaks.com & Mt.Diablo throughout. Exquisite interior features. Lana Fitzpatrick CalBRE# 01805218 The Beaubelle Group CalBRE#00678426 Jeannette Bettencourt CalBRE#01154506 Kathy McCann CalBRE#00946092 Linda Van Drent CalBRE#01051129

PENDING

LAFAYETTE $739,000 ORINDA $2,175,900 ORINDA $1,300,000 LAFAYETTE $1,255,000 MORAGA $1,195,000 4/4. Two houses on one lot. Charming 4+/3. New construction. Gorgeous 4/3. The best of the past is present in 3/3. Spectacular Mid-Century Modern 4/2.5. Updated 1-Story Rancher. Open, 2BR/2BA single story plus two story views, close to town. More pics/info at this updated Cape Cod gem w/ in Zen-like Setting. Designed for remodeled, kitchen, hwd floors, lvl yard, 2BR/2BA 2 story. OrindaOaks.com. 4BD/3BA, 2489 sf & views. Enjoyment & Relaxation! workshop, Campolindo area. Rick & Nancy Booth CalBRE#01341390/01388020 The Beaubelle Group CalBRE#00678426 Patti Camras CalBRE#01156248 Soraya Golesorkhi CalBRE# 01771736 The Holcenberg’s CalBRE#01373412/00637795

5 Moraga Way | Orinda | 925.253.4600 californiamoves.com 2 Theatre Square, Suite 211 | Orinda | 925.253.6300

©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Cal BRE License # 01908304 Page: A8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Contemporary Art in Downtown Lafayette Civic News Moraga By Sophie Braccini feathered out and now I'm craving a lot of brush strokes.” As an artist she Traffic Committee No More wants to push herself and when some- By Sophie Braccini thing becomes too familiar and com- fortable, she has to start exploring he Moraga Town Council did a bers that traffic issues brought up by something else. Tbit of spring cleaning at its residents could be handled by him Perlmutter also invites other March 12 meeting. After closing the and the police chief, and they did not artists to her gallery to display their café that has been operating tem- need TSAC anymore. work for a few weeks. “There is no porarily at the Hacienda de las Flores, Robert Priebe, chief of police, reason that people should have to go council members said goodbye to the said that TSAC was nice to have but to San Francisco to find quality art,” Traffic and Safety Advisory Commit- that there might be some burnout she says. tee. among volunteers in town. He added She is planning to invite artists Former TSAC chair John Valen- that there were fewer requests from around a specific theme. Poetry read- tine could not convince the Town residents now than in years past and ing with Amy Glynn and an exhibit of Council of the need for this public that there was more and better staff Shelly Hamalian’s photography will forum for two main reasons–town capable of handling the issues that are be combined in the gallery on April staff wanted to see the committee sun- raised. 19. From June 7 to July 19, the set, and Valentine is virtually the only The Town Council acknowledged gallery will feature painter Carol Aust volunteer, with a possible second, for the good work of TSAC and particu- and sculptor Laura van Duren. “The the five seats on the committee. The larly the development of the calming exhibit will explore home, belonging Town Council also did not support the guide that will remain the guideline and our place within it all,” says Perl- idea of a pedestrian and bicycle com- for traffic issues. Councilmember mutter. “We’ll display figurative oils mittee proposed by staff. Mike Metcalf believed there was a Jennifer Perlmutter in her studio. Photo Sophie Braccini and interactive installations of sculp- In his presentation of the topic need for the committee, but he was Edric Kwan, town engineer and pub- outvoted 4 to 1 and TSAC was dis- ennifer Perlmutter paints. Stand- abstract, mixed media pieces imme- ture.” lic works director, told council mem- solved. Jing in front of a large 48 inch by diately attract attention. “I owe grat- Perlmutter also teaches in her 60 inch frame, armed with a big itude to my community because when Lafayette studio, mostly individual brush, she applies strokes of color on I told my friends last October that I lessons for now but she may offer the canvas; it is a very physical had rented this place, they all started group classes in the future. “Most of Moraga’s Citizen of the Year process, a dance between her, the to come out and help,” she remem- what I know, I learned through my thick paint and the image that forms. bers. There was not a day that she work,” she says. Nominations The process is long, weeks, months; came to the studio and did not have Perlmutter studied communica- and layer upon layer, the vision that help scrubbing the floors, painting the tion in college, with a specialty in tel- transcends the painter materializes as walls, and choosing the lighting sys- evision and film production, and went Nominations are being accepted for Moraga's Citizen fine art. Perlmutter invites people to tem – the biggest investment, but a to work in the film industry in Los of the Year. The designated outstanding citizen will be come and see her work. The young must in an art gallery. She describes Angeles. There she discovered that honored with a banquet event on Friday, May 2 at the Lafayette resident opened an art it as “a barn-raising project!” On Feb. she had a talent working with her Soda Center of Saint Mary's College. gallery in February, located at 3620 1 she opened the gallery doors and hands and started making props, then furniture. “Maybe it comes from my Mt. Diablo Blvd. – in the back of the celebrated with a party for everyone. Nominations with detailed information concerning gallery is the studio where she paints In the gallery, Perlmutter shows German ancestry, but I first saw art as and teaches. her own work and that of guest artists. something that had to be useful,” she the individual's community activity may be addressed “When we moved back to north- Different periods of her maturation as says with a smile. As her confidence to Wendy Scheck, associate publisher, Lamorinda ern California, and Lafayette, five a painter are recognizable. “I'm developed so did her ability as a Weekly, at P.O. Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94556, or by years ago, I started working in a stu- working in series,” she explains. “A painter. “I am very fortunate that email to [email protected]. dio in Berkeley,” says the artist, “then series can be 10 to 12 paintings, and there are forces outside of myself that I realized that my son was growing up it's only complete when it evolves into are coming through me to create,” she Sponsors for Moraga's Citizen of the Year event are Lamorinda in the community, but not me; that something else.” says, “so I get out of the way so my Sun, Saint Mary's College, Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga Chamber was weird.” She left the Berkeley stu- On the wall hang very large and muse can express itself.” She does not of Commerce and Kiwanis of Moraga Valley. dio and looked for a large enough much smaller pieces of non-figurative think that she is in control; she might space to work in Lafayette. When mixed media. Her vision is bold and have a vision of where she is going, she found the place on Mt. Diablo warm, with a palette of colors that is but has to pay attention to what it is Boulevard (where the Soccer Post bright but not shrill. There is also a telling to her as she creates. used to be), she knew she'd found her series of landscapes; smaller, more For more information about Civic News Orinda new home. “At first I was just look- figurative, but as seen through a events and classes go to www.jen- ing for a place to paint, but here I have dream. A large green and blue paint- niferperlmuttergallery.com. both, an artist-run gallery and a stu- ing with brush strokes does not incor- Out Smarting Criminals dio,” says Perlmutter. porate any collage. “This is a new Lamorinda Weekly business articles are intended The gallery is luminous with series I am starting,” she says, “be- to inform the community about local business activities, not to endorse a particular company, with Technology white walls and Perlmutter’s large, fore, everything was softened and product or service. rindans now have another safety of Orindans, Nagel added, Oweapon in their anti-crime ar- “This is another way for our depart- business briefs senal – Nixle. Orinda’s new police ment to stay in contact and inform the chief, Mark Nagel, recently an- community of incidents that may re- Passionate About Our Roots: MY Genealogy Services Lieutenant Jeff Price was named the Moraga Employee of nounced that the Orinda Police De- quire their attention.” 3752 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 193, Lafayette the Month for March, as announced by the Moraga Cham- partment is joining Lafayette and Once a resident opts in, Nixle’s (510) 381-2975, www.mygenealogyservices.com ber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Moraga. Price Moraga in partnering with the break- technology uses that resident’s loca- MY Genealogy Services is a new full-service genealogy began work with the department in October of 1981 and is ing news messaging system to en- tion to send relevant alerts. With cus- company offering family research, document retrieval, and scheduled to retire this month after a distinguished career. hance public safety across tomized subscriptions, each user family trees suitable for framing. MY Genealogy Services In addition to patrol duties, Price has trained almost 45 new Lamorinda, and strongly encouraged dictates how much information to re- is collaboration between Karla Henderlong and Madeline officers. “Jeff has been instrumental in our effort to keep residents to sign up for the “opt-in ceive – and by what method: email, Yanov, who have more than 30 years of combined experi- Moraga safe over the years and he deserves a lot of credit ence in researching family histories. Their geographical for his fine service,” said Moraga Police Chief Bob Priebe. communication service.” online via login to the Nixle website, area of expertise is Europe, Russia and the United States. “His work history has been exemplary in all facets and his Explaining that Nixle enables or by SMS/text message (which will retirement will be a huge void for our department.” Price OPD “to instantly notify citizens via incur standard text messaging Lamorinda Massage Envy to Open in Moraga received a gift card to Safeway and a gift certificate to the text and email of road closures, police charges). Go to 558 Center Street, Moraga Golden Palace restaurant at the Moraga Rotary luncheon activity, wanted subjects, missing per- http://local.nixle.com/city/ca/orinda. (925) 376-3689 held March 18. sons,” accidents, construction de- L. Snyder A new franchise of the 12-year-old Massage Envy Spa is tours, and other events impacting the getting ready to open its doors in Moraga. The Massage News from the three Chambers of Envy group employs 21,000 licensed massage therapists Glazer’s Assembly Campaign nationwide–it is the largest network of massage and spa Commerce franchises with more than 950 locations. The business Lafayette Officially Opens model is making massage services more affordable with a Young Professionals Meet-Up from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednes- membership-based structure. There are about 50 locations day, March 26 at the Round-Up Saloon in Lafayette, for in the Bay Area, with the closest in Walnut Creek and 21- to 39-year-old professionals. The Young Professionals Pleasant Hill. The opening of the new franchise is set for group from the Lafayette Chamber promotes professional April in the Rheem Shopping Center. development, intellectual discussion and fun. , Go to www.meetup.com/Young-Professionals-Group-Lafayette- Lafayette Resident to Head Kaiser Service Area CA for more information and to join the group. Dr. Ken Grullon of Lafayette has been chosen as the new Ribbon cutting ceremony for new chamber member, Car- co-physician-in-chief of Kaiser Permanente’s Diablo Serv- oline's Salon, at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 33 Lafayette ice Area. Grullon replaces obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Circle in La Fiesta Square. David Niver who retired last month from Kaiser Perma- Chamber mixer at Byron Park from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednes- nente after nearly 35 years of service. Grullon will serve day, April 9, 1700 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. alongside surgeon Judy Lively, overseeing a team of more than 800 Kaiser Permanente physicians in central and east Moraga Contra Costa County and the tri-valley area of Alameda Shred event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, next County. to 5A Rent A Space. $5 per banker box benefits local AAUW Tech Trek grant sending middle school girls to tech Moraga Employee of the Month Steve Glazer at the opening event Photo Ohlen Alexander summer camp. It’s official. Steve Glazer is actively running for election to the Orinda California Assembly. The current vice mayor and two-time former Orinda Trivia Bee sponsored by the Chamber and the mayor officially opened his campaign headquarters at 23 Orinda Orinda Rotary Club at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, at the Way during a reception March 16. Attendees included elected Orinda Masonic Lodge, 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda. Entry officials, business leaders and residents from Orinda, Lafayette, fee is $360 per team, dinner included (up to six people per Moraga, and beyond. Re-elected to his third Orinda City Council team). For more information call Candy Kattenburg at term in 2012, Glazer hopes to replace California Assembly Member (925) 254-3909. To reserve and pay your team entry fee Joan Buchanan, who is terming out as the representative for the online go to the chamber’s website, Orindachamber.org. 16th District covering Lamorinda, Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, and portions of the 680-corridor and Walnut Creek. Other From left: Nora Avelar, Rotary president; Chief Bob Priebe; candidates in the 2014 race include: Newell Arnerich, Tim Sbranti Lieutenant Jeff Price, Moraga Employee of the Month; If you have a business brief to share, please contact and Catharine Baker. For more information, visit the California Kevin Reneau, Chamber of Commerce president. Secretary of State’s website: www.sos.ca.gov. L. Snyder Photo provided Sophie Braccini at [email protected] Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A9 Orinda County Club Classic ~ SOLD!

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But They'll Certainly Be Well Protected By Nick Marnell tation 41 captain Anthony Perry, chief Stephen Healy presented the lat- “We could no longer flow water Join us Son behalf of the nearly two dozen est update on the project: that the de- during our training,” added Perry. firefighters standing behind him, sent veloper agreed to construct a sound “Since water can shoot several hun- for a free the board a message regarding the wall along the property line shared dred feet, we would no longer be able presentation labor negotiations at the March 19 with the district in an attempt to min- to use our hoses by the playground.” meeting of the Moraga-Orinda Fire imize noise for the residents. All of these objections can be provided by District. The first to object was director stated in the covenants, conditions “We're not here to impede your Fred Weil. He lambasted the idea that and restrictions of the homeowners' meeting,” said Perry, one of the dis- the sound wall will provide noise pro- association, said director Steve An- trict's Local 1230 representatives. tection. He predicted that the devel- derson: “There's a fire station next to “We've had some positive things opment's proposed hiking trail will you, and there's going to be a lot of Memory Loss, Dementia and occur and it's clear evidence that both impede the ability of the district to re- smoke and a lot of noise.” Board sides are working hard on a solution. construct station 41. And he de- president John Wyro agreed that the Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics We hope that an agreement can be manded that residents be warned of compatibility issues need to be ad- • Differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s reached soon.” The district declared the fact that fire service training will dressed, and the board authorized disease and Latest Research an impasse in the negotiations in Jan- be going on at all hours on MOFD Healy to present the district's concerns • Warning Signs, Diagnosis and Risk Reduction uary, but one month later accepted the property. “The fire district was there to the Moraga Planning Commission • Principles of “person-centered” care union's request to enter into media- first," he said. "I will not agree to fur- in late April. • Steps to successful care giving tion. Vince Wells, the union president, ther degrade that site. It's the wrong had publicly expressed his gratitude place to put (the development), and I Thursday, April 10, 2014 and the presence of the rank and file would like the board to tell the council Moraga-Orinda Fire District Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM seemed to endorse his position. The that it's the wrong place to put it.” Board of firefighters stayed until the end of the Director Kathleen Famulener of- Directors Free Parking and Complimentary Refreshments meeting and contributed during pub- fered that constructing a children's Meetings Please RSVP to: Nancy L. Robinson lic discussion of the main agenda playground adjacent to the district's Next meetings: item. training facility was a terrible idea. [email protected] 925-297-6760 Real estate developer City Ven- “We need to fight now to have it built Wednesday, April 16 tures, Inc., has proposed a 36-unit on the other end of the development,” check website for updates townhome project to the Town of she said. “The first 3-year-old who (Go to www.mofd.org as the meeting Moraga, to be constructed on a site cries because he's afraid of the chain date approaches for location and Assisted Living & Memory Care adjacent to MOFD station 41. Fire saw noise, we're going to lose.” more information) 950 Country Club Drive, Moraga, CA 94556 RCFE #075601424 ConFire's Quest for Additional Revenue By Nick Marnell

hen the final draft of the ority for the district while I am here,” like we do, and many of our neigh- WFitch Report was presented he said. bors do not,” he said. “We could host BuildingCertified in LamorindaGreen Builder Since 1999 to the Board of Supervisors in Febru- Carman's proposal will enable training classes at our facility and in- ary, the document offered no ideas for ConFire to collect a first responder fee vite our neighbors. They can attend revenue generation for the Contra for the assessment and treatment of classes close to home, we collect tu- Costa County Fire Protection District. medical patients at the scene. At $416 ition costs and it is a win/win for all.” The report focused mainly on how the per incident, to be billed to insurance The chief envisioned a similar sit- struggling district could improve its companies, Carman expects the dis- uation involving his maintenance fa- McCartt service model. “As a fire chief, I've trict will generate over $1 million per cility, providing repair work for Construction Inc. looked for revenue sources for 40 year. The insurance companies bene- neighboring agencies that do not have Customm Homesome & Renovations years and found none that were sus- fit, he said, because it will cost them their own shop. “If we determine we tainable or reliable,” said Jim Bro- less in the long run to have quality have extra capacity in our shop, we man, the Fitch consultant who made care provided early in a medical could contract with those neighboring the presentation. emergency. Under a similar, but not agencies to bring their equipment to ConFire chief Jeff Carman did identical, program, the Moraga- us,” said Carman. “It would save not accept that message. He recently Orinda Fire District budgeted more them travel time and money, and it outlined his ideas for securing addi- than $1 million in ambulance fee rev- could support our fleet maintenance “As seen on” tional revenue for the district, his first enue this fiscal year. program.” He also threw out the pos- “AsAs heard on HG RadioRadio” Build It GREEN notion being the implementation of a The Board of Supervisors agreed sibility of performing mobile repairs Smart Solutions from the Ground Up first responder fee, a fee-for-service in principle with Carman's proposal, on other agencies' apparatus, potential program that he proposed to the but supervisors Federal Glover and for yet more revenue. Board of Supervisors at its March 11 John Gioia asked Carman to perform “With our areas of expertise and meeting. more due diligence on its implemen- specialty, including our communica- A portion of your property tax bill tation. “We want to be sure we are not tion center and radio service pro- has traditionally been allocated to fire violating our responsibilities to the grams, we can provide a better and departments to protect just that - prop- California Welfare and Institutions more economical service to our co- erty. But fire districts have expanded Code,” said Gioia, referring to the operators,” said Carman. “We all their service models over the years to county's duty to provide health care win!” Other than for the first respon- THE BMW 4 SERIES. include medical calls, technical rescue services to indigent and dependent der fee program, he did not estimate UN4GETTABLE: operations, hazardous materials re- poor persons and those otherwise in- revenue figures. DESIGNED TO CATCH YOUR EYE. sponses and the like. As long as times capacitated. First comes internal house clean- Michael Heller, BMW Concord, [email protected] BMW Concord were good, there were no issues pro- Other ideas Carman discussed in- ing, though. ConFire's lead mechanic viding these and other services. cluded using the ConFire training di- retired in February, and the district is Times are no longer so good, ac- vision to generate revenue. He considering an organizational change knowledged Carman, and revenue explained that the cost of running the in the fleet maintenance division. needs to increase; at least, to offset the division could be offset by allowing Lewis Broschard was recently pro- expenses of responding to these non- colleges and other organizations to moted to assistant chief of support property protection incidents. “We use the training facility to provide services, and one of his first goals is have to find a way to stabilize our rev- high level fire service education. “We to improve the performance of the enue streams, so that is my main pri- are fortunate enough to have a facility district's communications center. Call Reach 60,000+ in Lamorinda Michael Heller Advertise in Lamorinda Weekly Call 925-377-0977 today 925-998-2150 BMW Concord | 1967 Market ST. | Concord Page: A10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Community Service National Charity League Class of 2014 Submitted by Peggy Dillon

he Lamorinda Chapter of the National donation to the American Cancer Society in Photo Juleen Lapporte TCharity League celebrated the graduating honor of Joyce Burke and family members and class of 2014 March 9 at the 23rd annual Senior friends in their brave battle against breast cancer. Poll Trust Grant Helps Expand Presents at the Claremont Hotel and Spa. The The co-chairs for the gala were Erika Odell and young women were honored for their dedication Amy Ruegg. Top row standing, from left: Claire Adult Day Program Facilities to the values of leadership development, cultural Marvin, Julia Nishioki, Lauren Petite, Olivia Submitted by Beth Montgomery enrichment and service to the community. Dur- Bisel, Hannah Friel, Kyra Ruegg, Margaret ing the past six years these seniors volunteered Odell, Mica Zimmerman, Abigail Brzezinski, over 3,500 hours at 32 different non-profit or- Grace Moran, Allison Nichols, Gabrielle Cirelli, ganizations, including Mt. Diablo Center for and Makenzie Huguet; middle row, seated: Adult Day Health Care, Monument Crisis Cen- Hannah Durant, Katie Adams, Allison Miller, ter, Loaves and Fishes, Food Bank of Contra Sierra Ryder, Jenna Schmitz, Samantha Garcia, Costa and Solano and Special Olympics. The and Caroline Colwell; front row, seated: Jen- students represent Miramonte, Acalanes, Cam- nifer Leserman, Colleen Burke, Mallory Faldt, polindo, Carondelet and Bentley high schools. Helena Valvur, Clare Varellas, and Bailey Their final act of philanthropy as a group was a Moran. St. P Student Outreach Helps

Others Lamorinda Adult Respite Care’s expanded program room Photo provided Submitted by Theresa Maloney amorinda Adult Respite Care (LARC) Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. The Lhosted a reception March 16 to dedicate its program began in 1997 as a grassroots effort to expanded space to Earnest and Lola Poll – long- help a fellow Holy Shepherd church member time Orinda residents who established a trust to caring for her Alzheimer’s stricken husband in benefit programs serving Orinda seniors with her home. Through private donations, fundrais- chronic illnesses. Originally from Hungary, the ers and countless volunteer hours, the support Polls moved to Orinda in 1949, opening Village of the church and ‘word of mouth’ advertising, Cleaners and becoming deeply involved in the LARC has grown to be a valuable community community. Earnest passed away in 1982; Lola resource for the hundreds of families in the in 1987. Lamorinda area who care for ailing loved ones; Trustee Erik Anderson of the Earnest and the program offers respite for caregivers by pro- Lola Poll Trust presented LARC with an viding exemplary care and stimulating activities $84,500 grant to expand and remodel its facili- for their loved ones. It is among the very few ties located at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church licensed adult-day programs in California that in Orinda. The grant enabled LARC to double receives no public funding. the size of its program space in order to serve For information about LARC programs and more local families. LARC is a non-profit, state- services, visit www.holyshepherd.org or call licensed, social adult day program for those with (925) 254-3465.

Photo provided Moraga Rotary Guests Enjoy a tudents Wil Schueler, Dylan Duque, Ben- reach Program, in which they planned, prepared Snett Winter, and Alexis Lovelace recently and served a dinner for approximately 90 people ‘Nite at the Races’ participated in the St. Perpetua Jr. High Out- at the North Concord Shelter. Submitted by Gary Irwin Local Real Estate Agents Give Back During ‘Day of Service’ Submitted by Janine Hunt

Four Monte Vista Interact Club members help at the Moraga Rotary “A Nite at the Races.” ore than 185 celebrants enjoyed the Moraga is a local service club within Rotary In- MRotary Club of Moraga’s 12th Annual ternational that meets most Tuesdays at noon at “A Nite at the Races,” March 15 at the Holy Saint Mary’s College. For information, call Trinity Hall in Moraga. The Interact Club of Frank May of Moraga Rotary at (925) 376-8195. Monte Vista High School and the Rotaract Club of Saint Mary’s College (both Rotary service Top row, from left: Ruth Eddy, Paul Hunt, Larry Jacobs, Kress Hauri, Regina Englehart, Janine Hunt, club affiliates) served the dinner to earn money Teresa Ramirez, Maureen Caldwell-Meurer, Monica Clarke, Tanya Degroot, and John Fazel; bottom: Brook Forkas, Lisa Shaffer, Tina Van Arsdale, and Mariah Bradford-Usher. Photo provided as their own fundraiser. Moragans Joe and Linda Fitzgerald held the lucky six of hearts to his year the local Orinda office of Better clists and playing families using the trail,” said win a weekend stay at the Stanford Court Hotel THomes and Gardens/Mason-McDuffie Janine Hunt. "‘Thank you for keeping out trail in San Francisco. Moraga Rotary will use the Real Estate worked in conjunction with Moraga beautiful’ and ‘Thank you for being volunteers’ proceeds from this event to fund their many Parks and Recreation to provide a wonderful were a couple of the many accolades we re- community and international service projects morning's worth of work as part of its annual ceived and it kept us going all morning.” The such as scholarship donations to both Saint ‘day of service.’ With the goal of providing group appreciates giving back so much that this Mary’s College and Campolindo High School, manual labor to make an impact and a real dif- year they are seeking additional volunteer op- weekly newsmagazines to elementary students ference, the group spent a lovely morning stain- portunities, working with Las Trampas, Orinda in Moraga, 11 Odyssey of the Mind teams from ing and preserving all of the exercise stations, Senior Village, the Rotary and their "Home Moraga, the Employee of the Month program benches and posts along the trail, beginning at Team" and the Orinda Chamber of Commerce. (with the Chamber of Commerce), Christmas Moragans Joe and Linda Fitzgerald are happy Moraga Commons. “The thing that made the Look for their green and white T-shirts through- stocking donations to inmates at Juvenile Hall, biggest impression on all of us agents were the out the Lamorinda area as they make a differ- they won a two-night stay at the Stanford and helping fund the final push to eradicate the Court Hotel in San Francisco at “A Nite at the number of appreciative runners, walkers, cy- ence in the community. disease of polio from the world. Rotary Club of Races.” Photo provided Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A11 Community Service

We are pleased to make space available whenever possible for some of Lamorinda’s dedicated community service organizations to submit news and information about their activities. Submissions can be sent to [email protected] with the subject header In Service to the Community. MEF Soiree Supports Moraga Schools Submitted by Diana Obrand

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The March 6 MEF Soiree benefited local school programs. Photo provided ommunity members, teachers, playing the piano or just listening to Cstaff and parents came together my favorite songs. Having choir first March 6 to delight in the sights and period gets my day started on the right sounds of Moraga’s K-12 students. note,” stated one ninth-grade Cam- The MEF Soiree, organized by MEF polindo student. “Named national winner of the ‘Best of Home community relations chair Shanette Highlights from the evening in- Care Award’ by Home Care Pulse.” Westphal, highlighted the key people cluded a performance from the fourth and programs that make the five Mor- grade choir, a French presentation It starts with our caregivers. We carefully screen nearly 25 applicants for each caregiver we aga public schools special places to from Ed Willy’s class adapted from hire. Only the best are good enough for Home Care Assistance! learn and grow. From woodshop to “Romeo and Juliet,” and a drama We follow this with extensive training. Finally we invite geriatric experts to meet with our choir, video production to science, presentation. Student representatives caregivers so that they are up-to-date with the newest ideas about senior care. MEF donations support many of the from woodshop and photography Hourly and Live-In Care. Our caregiving services focus on two basic types of care: hourly programs that students attribute as the were proud to show their work from and live-in. The service you choose is determined by your particular needs. reason they look forward to school their respective classes. Other dis- Hourly caregiving works well for many families. In this situation we provide trained each day. plays included: K-8 art, video produc- caregivers on an hourly basis. Here the caregiver focuses all her attention exclusively on “Music is very important to me – tion, science, library, and K-5 the senior. I can't imagine a day without singing, computers. Live-in care differs from hourly care in that we provide personal aides on a daily basis. Live-in caregivers are often the best choice for those seniors who need the companionship of another person, but who do not have intense “all the time” personal needs. At Home Care Assistance we mean it when we talk about providing the best in senior care– whether it is on an hourly basis or a live-in basis.

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Grace M. Call Jill today to schedule your free assessment! Hyde 925-820-8390 • HomeCareAssistance.com Dec. 19, 1919 – March 2, 2014 190-G Alamo Plaza, Alamo, CA 94507 We've moved to Alamo! Born at home in Rensselaer, NY, Grace was the second youngest of four children of Ethel and Ray Hyde. Always a bright academic, Grace attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a B.S. degree in 1941, a M.S. degree in 1942, and ultimately a M.D. in 1948. Remarkably, Grace was one of only 17 women in her medical school graduating class of 125. Before entering medical school, she also worked for two years as a bacteriologist at the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Mich. In 1948, Grace moved west for an internship at Highland Hospital in Oakland. While at Highland, Grace met fellow intern Gerhard Hencky and they married in 1949. In the same year, she secured a residency in pathology at Highland and that would mark the beginning of her 40 year career as a pathologist, all at Highland. In the mid-1950s, Grace gave birth to her two children and continued to work at Highland while raising her children. When her children were older, Grace even took on an additional job as a cytologist and often could be found late at night in her den, hunched over her microscope. Grace and Gerhard divorced in 1976 and she never looked back, buying a small home for herself in the Orinda hills and working happily until she was 70 years old. Retirement did not slow her down either; Grace stayed active by taking aerobics classes at the Orinda Community Center, sewing costumes and line-dancing with the Moraga Movers, taking upholstery classes in Pleasant Hill, becoming a member of the Golden Gate Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers, and working in her garden. In the latter, she was almost always accompanied by her dogs. Grace was a true dog-lover and particularly fond of golden retrievers and black labs. Over the years, she enjoyed the company of at least 10 dogs and supported a number of rescue organizations. Grace was a good listener and generous mother, a kind and loyal friend, a proudly independent woman, and an individual of the utmost integrity. She was also a fighter, battling numerous health problems over the last several years while still retaining her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Grace is survived by her children Sharran Rodd and Alan Hencky, and grandchildren Chris, Rachel, Nathan, and Afton. A celebration of her life was held in Orinda on Saturday, March 22. If you have any additional remembrances you would like to share with the family, please email to [email protected] or call (510) 338-3975. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Furry Friends Rescue, P.O. Box 7270, Fremont 94527.

Share Your Celebrations and Remembrances If you would like to share an announcement about a special event * * or achievement, such as a wedding, engagement, scholarship or $5.00 OFF $10.00 OFF graduation of a local resident, or about a special person from any services $25.00 or more Shellac Manicure Lamorinda who has passed, send a photo along with your text (up to 250 words) to [email protected], and expires 3/31/14 expires 3/31/14 include “Celebrations and Remembrances” in the subject line. *not valid with any other offer, valid with coupon. Lafayette location only Page: A12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ~ HE’S ALL ABOUT LAMORINDA ~ _____CLARK THOMPSON_____

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Both the rigorous Rim and lower trail ping project.” Petar’s, of course. maps of the Lafayette Reservoir, Upgrading Lafayette’s many Most of the trails are on private along with the East Bay Regional trails maps took over a year and re- property that the city has an easement Park District’s map of the Lafayette- quired a dedicated team effort from over, which is good for property own- Moraga Trail, can also be found on the many volunteers on the Parks ers, explained Hill. Especially when CARPET CLEANING the website. Trails and Recreation committee, staff damage occurs, such as the recent LAMORINDA'S FAVORITE Active residents have Lafayette’s and of course the clever intern. Each slide due to heavy rains at the Mor- FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS FOR OVER 36 YEARS trails subcommittee to thank along tri-fold map includes a clear topo- aga-Lafayette border, in which case with whiz kid intern Emily “Chippie” graphical map with elevations the cities split the cost of repairs. Kislik. Looking for someone with a marked, rules and restrictions, emer- With nature’s local bounty beck- (925) 283-8744 SPRING SPECIAL technical and mapping background, gency contact phone numbers and oning, and helpful maps to guide the www.siggyscarpetcleaning.com % I5 OFF the subcommittee figured UC Berke- lovely photographs from the trail. way, it’s time to grab some comfort- 3408 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette ley might be a great resource – there Namesake trails include a photo of the able shoes and help celebrate spring. they found Kislik, who recently grad- local luminary – in the case of the For hikers looking for company the uated with a Bachelor of Science de- Walter Costa and Petar Jakovina Lafayette Hiking Group welcomes gree from Cal’s College of Natural trails, photos were provided by the all; for information about their Resources and is now a contractor at Lafayette Historical Society. roughly bi-monthly hikes in the area NASA’s Applied Science DEVELOP With this free resource available go to [email protected]. Program at the Ames Research Cen- to all, longtime Park Trails and Recre- New maps and the hiking group’s ter. ation member and avid hiker Allison scheduled walks may be found on the “Her impressive knowledge of Hill hopes more residents will enjoy city website at “Let Us Light Up Your Life” GIS (Geographic Information Sys- the great outdoors. She points out that www.lovelafayette.com, go to Parks Residential  Commercial  Industrial tems) was used to update several city there have been no incidents on hik- and Recreation, then Trails; maps can Serving Contra Costa since 1991 maps including the City of Lafayette ing trails and that even when crossing also be found at the Community Cen- More than 35 years experience Trails Master Plan Map, a compre- paths with fellow hikers, a rare occur- ter, 500 St. Mary’s Road, the All Work Done by Owner Bonded & Insured hensive recreational trails map and rence, folks sharing the trails are gen- Lafayette Library and Learning Cen- Lic.#C10-631523 several individual trail maps,” said erally very friendly. ter, the city offices at 3675 Mt. Diablo Professional Installation of: Jennifer Russell, Parks Trails and When the Petar Jakovina trail was Boulevard, #210 or at the Chamber of  Ceiling Fans, Recessed & Track Lighting  Kitchen or Bath Remodel Recreation director. “Chippie is all dedicated, Hill was in attendance and Commerce, 100 Lafayette Circle,  Exterior/Security/Landscape Lighting  Electrical Service Upgrade about earth science and she brought described him as “such a gentleman – suite 103.  Complete Home Wiring - Old & New  Spa Installation passion and dedication to her map- he took us all to lunch afterward,” at Interested in Participating in Government? James Burkin www.BurkinElectric.net Sole Proprietor Supervisor Candace Andersen is Seeking Volunteers for County Advisory Boards

Applications are currently being accepted from residents of District 2, which includes Lamorinda, for seats on the following boards: Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board, Aviation Advisory Submit stories and story ideas to Committee, In Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee, Mental Health Commission. For more information about each board go to http://contra.napanet.net/maddybook. [email protected] For an application, go to http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/6433. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B1 Jellyfish Artist Is All About Preserving Their Magic By Chris Lavin family on Maui, Klippel creates mag- ical looking lights, reminiscent of the lava lamps of yesteryear. Smaller ver- sions are used as paperweights. “Everything is done by hand,” Klippel said during a visit to her Pleasant Hill Pilates studio. (She also teaches.) After the jellyfish dies, glass windows on a space shuttle.” rents. They don’t have brains. They someone on Maui scoops it up from When the resin dries, Klippel don’t even really have sex. “The fe- the bottom of the tank and ships it to chips off the mold to see what she’s male lays her eggs and the male fer- her. They don’t all reach Klippel in- got. Often, it’s “voila!” and a beautiful tilizes them in the water,” Klippel tact. “They’re very delicate,” she said. jellyfish appears to swim in perpetu- said. Kind of like trout. Or salmon. “The tentacles can break … they’re ity, amid what looks like air bubbles. She has no idea how many genera- mostly all water.” “But the bubbles aren’t air,” Klippel tions of jellyfish they have raised, but Mostly Klippel uses moon jellies, says. “They’re actually nitrogen bub- it’s probably hundreds. a variety that lives near the ocean sur- bles given off by the jellyfish itself.” Something about Klippel’s cre- face. But she also uses black, deep- The specimens look beautiful on their ations is mesmerizing. From her water jellies, tiger jellies, and more. own, but Klippel prefers to set them small paperweights of just a few Once a jellyfish dies, it is frozen, on one of three stands she uses, in- inches to her larger ones that reach “to preserve its shape.” On some, cluding a seven-light LED stand that about a foot tall, they seem to float, a Klippel might use a colored dye. Then changes colors. “They allow the light passenger riding a tide. They seem to she makes a clay mold by hand, puts to pass through the jellyfish.” And glide and puff while they … think. in the jellyfish, then pours a resin into when the light is turned off, it’s an- Klippel sometimes receives notes the mold. The jellyfishes’ ultimate other “voila,” because the jellyfish from people who have her jellyfish. preservation could be attributed to will glow in the dark. “They’ll say ‘I’m meditating to my NASA, the space agency that brought While Klippel’s specimens live jellyfish,’ or ‘I’m having wine with us Velcro, “memory foam,” and hand- natural lives, it would be a stretch to my jellyfish!’” she said. “I love get- held vacuum cleaners. “The resin was call them “happy.” For 600 million ting those notes.” designed for the space shuttle pro- years, jellyfish have lived as plankton Klippel’s creations can be seen at gram,” Klippel said. “You can’t have live, floating with the tides and cur- www.raphaeloriginals.com.

Alison Klippel creates lights made with jellyfish that have died naturally. Photos Chris Lavin afayette artist Alison Klippel they would only live for about six Ldoesn’t believe in killing a sin- months. There’s something wrong. gle jellyfish, even in the name of art. They have much longer life spans “All our jellyfish live natural than that.” lives,” she said. “Some people tell me Using jellyfish raised in enor- they tried to keep jellyfish as pets but mous saltwater tanks by her extended Even after the lights go out, Klippel’s jellyfish glow in the dark.

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We Hop To It! $50 off $150 off Earthquake emergency Tankless water shut off valve* heater install* $50 off Unplugging any plumbing job over $500* New novel delves into the potential slippery slope of the *Exp. 5/15/14 digital dark side We Hop To It! By Lou Fancher Family-owned and serving Failing to recognize how the Circle prevent a battle over technology is to Lamorinda since 1993 has become more like a noose, Mae never let it start. “I don’t check email green solutions! decides “not knowing” is the fear rip- for days,” Murphy said. “My friends ping her apart. “It was exasperating, have to come find me.” really, Mae thought, not knowing. It Wendy Dunn juggles a variety (925) 377-6600 was an affront, a deprivation, to her- of volunteer activities and said her CA Lic self and to the world,” Eggers writes. phone frees her from a home com- 929641 www.LeapFrogPlumbing.com Although heavy-handed in a way puter and keeps her on track. When Photo provided his previous “A Hologram for the her kids were young, she missed echnology is too much with us. King” was not, “The Circle” is mostly out on family time when getting TI’d die without my phone. fun/scary, like a ride on a colossal work done meant being at a desk. The competing love/hate playground swing. The mix of “I still meet with people face-to- thoughts are universal. Voiced by mil- polemic, stomach-churning plunges face and this helps me,” she said, lions, echoed by Lamorinda residents into the digital dark side and weight- holding up her smartphone. during a recent, unscientific survey less suspension while summarizing Moraga’s Ramey Stevens said and captured quasi-fictionally by Bay humanity’s inhumanity, occasionally she’s so tied to her phone it’s be- Area author Dave Eggers in his 2013 teeters into scolding, but leaves a come like a part of her anatomy. release, “The Circle” (Knopf), the In- thrilling aftertaste. In the end, the “One day, I left my phone at home. ternet’s push and pull are well-trod novel’s pleasures come from Eggers’ During an appointment, I actually terrain. fascinating, quirky demi-characters looked at my hand to see what time Unsurprisingly, the subject (Mae is too dim-bulbed to be ad- it was. Like this,” she said, upturn- WATER SMART LANDSCAPING springs to refreshed life in the snarky, mired) and the way he nails contem- ing her palm as if holding an invis- Get your yard ready for springdextrous time hands of Eggers, whose porary society to the wall while ible phone. Ironically, being Free Estimates award-winning novels frequently un- positioning the reader to enjoy deli- connected – even on vacation – and ravel the ragged overlap of utopian cious, “I told you so” superiority. handling the avalanche of daily and dystopian states. Set in the al- Eggers’ book also makes the emails she receives as a person in • Synthetic/Artificial Grass ways-online world of the Circle, an broader point that the Internet won’t sales makes Stevens feel “unteth- ”.Consult initially benevolent big baby Internet save us – it might even kill us. And if ered & ٻۉےڼڧٻھۄۏۀۃۏۉ۔ڮDesign • company birthed in the wake of Face- it doesn’t literally lead us to suicide as A group of teens from Campo Landscape Installation book, Google, Instagram and others, it did Mercer, Mae’s ex and a digital offered an eclectic mix of responses ٻۏۇېێۉۊڞٻځٻۉۂۄێۀڟNew • • Re-Landscape & Remodel Mae Holland is a young, customer deviant who propels himself off a cliff to the question, “Do you unplug?” service hire. Initially star-struck by the rather than be tracked, it surely dilutes “I put my phone on ‘do not dis- Walkways & Driveways company’s gymnasium, food empo- our uniqueness. So why are we so ad- turb’ while doing homework, but ٻۉۊۄۏڼۇۇڼۏێۉڤٻۀۋڼھێڿۉڼڧٻےۀکPaver • rium and famous rock stars on the dicted to something positioned to be- that’s it,” 16-year-old Michael • Hardscape lawn, Mae becomes enamored with come a totalitarian nightmare? Why Wright said. ,numbers. do we risk losing individuality by “I can’t unplug,” Garrett Felix ٻۇۀڿۊۈۀڭٻځٻۀۋڼھێڿۉڼڧڈۀڭ FREE DEMOLITION WITH INSTALL Soon enough, she’s counting the feeding our lives through a Playdoh- 17, confessed. “I only did it once Circlers “zinging” and “smiling” in like extruder that reduces us to per- and yeah, I got stuff done. If I had ٻێ۔ڼےۀۑۄۍڟٻځٻێ۔ڼےۆۇڼےٻۍۀۑڼګ A General landscaping Contractor her direction and promoting surveil- fectly-matched “1’s” and “0’s”? to unplug? I’d sleep or eat to fill the lance with “SeeChange” cameras and Perhaps it is because the Internet is time – or go to swim practice, I ”.Owned & Operated “ChildTrack” chips. She even swal- not the first landscape for mankind’s guess ٻۀۋڼھێڿۍڼڣLocally Lic. #938445 lows a smoothie-smothered chip and tendency to pair radical rapture with Michael Peterson, 17, said tech- ,gains access through a spangly wrist- capitalistic ambition. Maybe we’re nology is advancing, not reducing ٻۀۂڼۉۄڼۍڟ band to the minutiae of her body’s merely revolving in an eternal pattern, his social skills. “I’m actually com- 925-819-2100 BMI, blood counts, and an EKG, albeit one with attractive, new toys. municating more, even if I’m tex- ”.shooting right like blue lightning and On March 7, this year’s National ting and not talking“ ٻێۉۊۄۏۋڪٻۀۋڼھێڿۉڼڧٻۉۀۀۍڢ VISIT OUR WEBSITE then starting over.” There’s an in- Day of Unplugging, opinions about Ryan Shaw, 16, provided a retro A General Engineering Contractorevitability to the narrative, even when technology and its pervasiveness profile, in contrast to his millennial WWW.BAYAREAGREENSCAPES.COMLocally Owned and Operated her path is repeatedly speed-bumped from folks in Lamorinda ran the generation friends. “On Sunday, my by Kalden, a mysterious co-worker gamut. family unplugs. I’m not on the Contractor LIC #938445 who urges Mae to “rein in” the Cir- “I have a basket and all the cell phone. We talk about the week, play cle’s “very hungry, very evil empire.” phones go in it before a family din- sports, read, get food and share it. Gradually, her parents, her ex-hus- ner,” said Bryan Murphy of Lafayette. I’m away from the world. I like it.” 925-819-2100 band and even Annie, the BFF who With three boys to raise, he instituted And so, Eggers had it right: use brought her into the Circle’s fold, col- a “no game consoles during the technology – just don’t fall in love lapse from the digital connectedness. week” rule and said the best way to with it. www.bayareagreenscapes.com Clever Musical Comedy Comes to THT March 30 Submitted by Arron Schuler ita the Cow (Diane RKehrig, left), Jack (Liam Gaard, center), and Lucy the Goose (Caroline Schneider, right) embark on a musical adventure in the East Bay Children’s Theatre production of “Jack and the Beanstalk and the Giant, and the Goose, and the Really, Truly-Uly Rotten Day” – an upbeat, clever comedy with Broadway-style songs written by the Bay Area’s most prolific creator of new musicals, Ron Lytle, and directed by Sue Ellen Nelsen that will be shown at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette. Tickets: $12; purchase online at www.EBCTonline.org. Photo Sue Ellen Nelsen Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B3 Student Artists Wow at 2014 Visual Arts Competition By Laurie Snyder

Las Lomas High School junior, Lauren Fitterer, was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2D category for her work, “thoughts.”

Recognized for their excellence in creativity and originality, content, and degree of expertise displayed during the 2014 Orinda Visual Arts Competition were, from left (back): Jane Fessenden, Miramonte High School, 2nd place, 2D category for “Cinco de Mayo”; Anna Fenske, Campolindo High School, 2nd place, photography for “Surface Markings”; Will Gittings, Miramonte, Honorable Mention, 3D category for “Nature’s Music”; and front: Saarah Slechta, Campolindo, 1st place, pho- jtÜx Wxá|zÇá Y|Çx ]xãxÄÜç á|Çvx DLJJ tography for self-portrait; Emily LaRoche, Bentley Upper School, Best in Show for untitled. Photos Ohlen Alexander early $2,400 was awarded to 22 opportunity to have their work shown Lawrence Kohl, at the March 12 VAC Expanding our Services with artists during the 2014 Orinda in a professional space – the Orinda reception. Judges reviewed more than N Three Goldsmiths & a Graduate Visual Arts Competition, sponsored Library Art Gallery. “The profession- 210 submissions for this competition, Gemologist by the Orinda Arts Council (OAC). als have a three-year waiting period. which was chaired again by OAC • Custom Designs But as any of the winning student That’s how far booked in advance this member, Natalie Wheeler. Those • Appraisals artists will tell you, the true prize is the gallery is,” said OAC co-president, works will continue sparking wonder • Expert Repairs through March 27. All your jewelry is insured with Jeweler’s This year’s Best in Block Insurance. Show/Viewer’s Choice Award was claimed by Emily LaRoche, who 50% off Watch Battery Now $5, Reg $10 combined paint and wax paper to cre- 1 watch battery per person. Exp. 4/30/14. Usually installed while you wait. W/coupon. ate a mixed media collage which Restrictions apply. evokes the ways in which the status 3645 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette between Trader Joes & the Post Office quo masks human individuality. “I 283-2988 www.waredesigns.com Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 was thinking of calling it Lost in For- mation," said LaRoche of the initially untitled work. Women, she explained, are often “so edited to fit societal ex- pectations that their true selves are lost.” The 11th grader from Bentley Upper School first attracted attention last year when another of her works, Welcome Home to Paradise, was cho- RESTAURANT sen as the winner from the 11th Con- MANDARIN & SZECHUAN CUISINE gressional District in the U.S. Congressional Art Competition. That * Now in Orinda digital inkjet print from silver-gelatin $5 OFF image scan went on to hang in the Sun-Thur: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm U.S. Capitol building, and has in- *Dine-in only. Minimum order $25, Fri-Sat: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm 1 per table, not to be combined Closed on Tuesday More reason to smile for Emily LaRoche. A 2013 U.S. Congressional Art spired other students to submit their with any other offer. Exp. 4/30/14 Competition Winner (11th District), LaRoche’s latest dazzler was judged works for consideration this year. For 925-253-9852 Best in Show by the public at the 2014 Orinda Visual Arts Competition more information about the federal competition, contact Adrienne Ursino 1 Orinda Way Ste. #1 www.yanrestaurant.com in Congressman George Miller’s of- 10% off discount on take-out orders. fice: (925) 602-1880.

“One of the great High School Visual Arts Comp works at Orinda Library,” Tweeted the Orinda Arts Council March 7 about this untitled piece by Campolindo High 12th grader, Ashley Bernardo. 2014 Visual Arts Competition Winners Best in Show – Viewers’ Choice Award Untitled, Emily LaRoche – Bentley Upper School, 11th Grade 2D 1st Place Meat Shop, Courtney Daum – Campolindo High Mike Rose proudly announces School, 12th Grade 2nd Place Cinco De Mayo, Jane Fessenden – Miramonte High School, 12th Grade the opening of our 3rd Place Untitled, Arianna Ninh – Acalanes High School, 11th Grade Lafayette Location…!!! Honorable Mentions: Untitled, Haley Marx (Miramonte, 12th Grade); False African Violet, Margot Mai (Miramonte, 12th Grade); thoughts, Lauren Fitterer (Las Lomas, 11th Grade) Mike’s Auto Body 3D 3430 Mt. Diablo Blvd. 1st Place Brown Boots, Katrina Salinas – Acalanes, 12th Grade 2nd Place Untitled, Gavin Rock – Campolindo, 11th Grade (former Butler-Conti Dodge location) 3rd Place Memento moire, Daniell McCann – Acalanes, 12th Grade Honorable Mentions: Slinky Dog, Mariah Brown (Campolindo, Lafayette CA 94549 9th Grade); Nature’s Music, Will Gittings (Miramonte, (925) 283-5600 11th Grade); The Key to the Future, Misaki Kobayashi (Miramonte, 10th Grade) [email protected] Photography and Digital Design 1st Place Self Portrait, Saarah Slechta – Campolindo, 12th Grade 2nd Place Surface Markings, Anna Fenske – Campolindo, 12th Grade Approved by most major insurance companies… 3rd Place Melancholic Dreams, Shahong Lee – Bentley Upper, 11th Grade 2012 Marks 40 Years in Business Honorable Mentions: Cogita, Jonathan Rowland (Campolindo, 12th Grade); Yellow Jacket, Santi Cabrera (Campolindo, 10th Grade); Freedom In Her Eyes, Visit our website for our other 7 locations Hanna Schoenberger (Campolindo, 12th Grade); Pensive, Hannah Buck (Campolindo, 11th Grade); www.mikesautobody.com The Water Cycle, Sophia Spitulnik (Miramonte, 11th Grade) Page: B4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Campo Finishes on Top at California Edy Schwartz Honored By Contra Costa Commission State Academic Decathlon for Women Moraga high school named East County Region 2014 By Sophie Braccini Academic Decathlon Champion fourth year in a row By Jennifer Wake

From left: Derek Zemrak, Edy Schwartz, Leonard Pirkle, Supervisor Candace Andersen Photo Richard Harris very other year the Contra she shared her belief that the ECosta Commission for Rheem could be profitable due to Women (CCCW) recognizes community support. CAIFFA took Campolindo High School Red Team with Coach Paul Verbanszky Photo provided women who have made a differ- over the Rheem and later, the he Campolindo High School ceived a bronze in interview.” and bring various skill sets to the ence in their community in the Orinda Theatre; Schwartz’s in- TRed Team, after winning the Acalanes High School was in- team,” said Verbanszky. areas of the arts, leadership, com- volvement intensified once she 2014 East County Region Aca- vited to join the state competition “Almost all the members on munity, environmental steward- passed the baton as the head of the demic Decathlon for the fourth this year as an at-large team in Di- the [Campolindo Red] team have ship, healthcare, justice and Chamber of Commerce. year in a row, represented Contra vision 2, “so two Lamorinda been part of the ‘glory years’ of science, adding their name to the She played an integral role in Costa County at the California schools were representing Contra Aca Deca since freshmen year and Women's Hall of Fame. This year the campaign to raise funds for the State Academic Decathlon last Costa County,” Verbanszky said. are, unfortunately, graduating,” he Lamorinda is represented by Mor- three digital projectors at Rheem, weekend and placed in the top 10 Acalanes placed 22nd at the state added. Zach Scherer (class of aga resident Edy Schwartz for her the ADA compliance fund, and of overall, winning the title of competition with Daylon Srini- 2014) has been at state four times contribution to the arts. course the promotion of the annual medium-sized school state cham- vasan, Iris Wang, and Karen Ma now. Tristan Caro (class of 14) and “I nominated Edy because she festival shown both at the Rheem pions to represent California at the each taking home individual Uma Gaffney (class of 2016) have exemplifies what makes our com- and Orinda theaters. Schwartz is national competition. awards. done an exceptional job as cap- munities the amazing places they now working with a group that in- Directed by the Contra Costa Acalanes High School placed (a tains. Other members include are today,” says Contra Costa Su- cludes Orinda Chamber of Com- County Office of Education and very close) second at the regional Vikram Bhaduri, Christoph pervisor Candace Andersen. merce president Sylvia Jorgensen with the assistance of community competition, and the Campolindo Steefel, Sarada Symmonds, Ma- “When Edy sees a need she to make the 2014 Independent volunteers, the county’s Academic Blue team, third. rina Han, Graham Wade, and doesn’t just talk about it, she does Film Festival the most successful Decathlon provides an opportunity "Four years ago was the first Samuel MacAdam. something, and generally in a very ever. Last year's festival registered for high school students to com- time Campo made it to state in al- “I am honored to coach these big way! She selflessly gives of the highest local attendance, likely pete as individuals and teams in a most a decade and we ranked to- fine young scholars, who have her time and has done so much for because Schwartz conducted 25 series of 10 academic tests and ward the bottom of 65 teams. The worked with me countless hours Moraga, particularly with her ef- "sneak-peak" presentations for dif- demonstrations. The curriculum following year we gained more suc- outside of the regular school sched- forts to preserve the Rheem The- ferent community groups in Sep- includes art, economics, language cess and moved up a bit. Then last ule and have dedicated so much en- atre and make it a gathering place tember. and literature, mathematics, music, year we started bottom third (40 ergy to represent Campolindo, for art, culture, and fun in Mor- "I do this because I believe science, essay, interview, speech something) and not only received Contra Costa, and Nor Cal well at aga.” Moraga needs the Rheem Theatre, (prepared and impromptu), and the most improved team (ending at 26 this competition,” Verbanszky said. A former president of the Mor- as a major anchor in the Rheem Super Quiz. Approximately 170 in the state) but also won the “The Campolindo community is in- aga Chamber of Commerce, Shopping Center, a community participating high school students medium-sized school champi- credibly supportive ... In a time Schwartz was named Citizen of gathering place, and a unique artis- have been studying and preparing onship,” said Verbanszky. “This al- when funding to education is cut, it the Year in 2010. For the last sev- tic venue; and because I have for this event with their coaches lowed us to go to nationals where is great to see how a community eral years she has channeled her learned the great value of inde- since September. we won nationals. There is a huge comes together to support programs enthusiasm and passion toward the pendent films, the joy and discov- “Uma Gaffney received a per- banner in our gym and the Moraga such as this one. I know that I Rheem Theatre and the annual eries they have brought to my life, fect score in the art competition and Town Council honored us with a would not be able to have such a California Independent Film Fes- and I'd like to share that with received a gold medal!” said Paul proclamation last May.” successful after school club and tival in Moraga and Orinda. Mov- everyone." She continues to be a Verbanszky, proud Aca Deca coach High school teams are made up compete with Los Angeles schools ing into the movie industry has tireless advocate, because she and Campolindo teacher. “Marina of nine students, grades 9-12, with that have it as a class without the opened a whole new world for knows that to keep the doors open, Han received a silver in language a maximum of three students in generous support.” Schwartz, while she continues to tickets have to be sold. and literature and a silver in essay. each of the following divisions: The Academic Decathlon na- support her lifelong mission of The eight women selected this Tristan Caro and Christoph Steefel Honors (3.75-4.00 GPA), Scholas- tional championships will be held building community. year were honored at a dinner each received a bronze in science, tic (3.00-3.74 GPA) and Varsity April 24-26 in Hawaii. The Cam- Schwartz’s involvement March 20 at the Crowne Plaza while Sarada Symonds received a (2.99 GPA and below). “It makes polindo Red Team will compete on- started in December 2009 when Hotel in Concord. "The selection silver in art and gold in language for an amazing mix of students be- line. For information, visit the operators of the Rheem The- process is quite rigorous," says and literature. Vikram Bhaduri re- cause they are not all 4.0 students www.academicdecathlon.org. atre announced that they were CCCW Nancie Zimmerman who going to close the independent co-chairs the event. "Each recom- venue due to declining revenue. mendation is reviewed independ- As chamber president, she called ently by three judges who live upon a group of local ‘movers and outside the area and are involved shakers’ to brainstorm solutions. with the State Commission for Attendance grew, new events were Women." The judges also want to offered that attracted more people, recognize women who might not but the operators still closed the be very well known beyond their Rheem in 2010, preferring to con- community. "We received about centrate their marketing efforts on 40 candidacies and I was blown the Orinda Theatre that they had away by the quality and leadership also purchased. of all these women," adds Zim- Schwartz did not give up. She merman. knew that if the Rheem stayed Schwartz had the pleasure to closed too long it would be impos- meet with the other seven nomi- sible to revive. nees at the event, as well as three For Schwartz the theater is a women who were part of the Rosie unique community asset that gets the Riveter movement during people of all ages together. She World War II and are now in- continued to look for solutions volved with the namesake museum with other community members in Richmond. Having them as and in June of 2010, when she got special honorees was a way for the a call from Derek Zemrak, co- commission to show the continuity founder of the California Inde- of women’s leadership throughout Acalanes High School team Photo Diane Morrell pendent Film Festival Association, American history. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B5 Noted Physician Tackles Medical Ethics 25 Years of Caring, Recognized for Excellence OLLI course at LLLC explores new Exploring Care Options? Considering In-Home Care? and difficult questions Eldercare Services will work with you to reduce family burdens Submitted by Franette Armstrong and stress by helping you make important decisions and transitions throughout the aging process. Flexible and Stable, Full-Service Agency Reliable & Professionally Trained Caregivers Expertise You Can Trust

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MoragaLothamer, DDS mention this ad to in biological sciences at the recent winner and finalist in the behavioral Moraga receivemention $40 this off ad any to Diocesan Science Fair, held at St. sciences category. 925-376-4602 925-376-4602 receivedental $40 tretment off any Member: Joseph High School in Alameda. Not 1030 Country Club Drive dental tretment ADA • CDAMember: • CCDS • AACD 1030 Country Club Drive ADA CDA CCDS AACD Page: B6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Orinda Tree Service to the Rescue Submitted by Laura Shields Bronte tons in trees,’ but online research in- dicated that cats which go without water for more than three days risk se- vere renal failure, and are not likely to fully recover,” said owner Laura Shields Bronte. Bombay was clearly in distress and wanted to come down. Her cries were loud and very upset- ting to her owners and concerned neighbors who tried everything to coax her down including putting up a platform that she would hopefully jump to. “When I was facing the clear prospect of a fourth day with her up          in the tree, my neighbors suggested !"" calling Blue Pines Tree Service who they had located through a local cat "#$%&'("&#%)* Lance Cowles rescues 9-month-old kitten, Bombay. Photo provided rescue organization,” said Shields ary Jo and Lance Cowles of climbed over 25 feet into a very tall Bronte. “My daughters (ages 8 and MBlue Pines Tree Service in evergreen, using a harness, to coax 10) and I adopted female litter-mates Orinda came to the rescue March 9 and carry the cat to safety. ‘Bombay’ and ‘Frisky’ from Tony after “Bombay,” a 9-month-old Mor- “Everyone said that ‘cats will LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Founda- aga kitten/cat had been stranded in a come down when they’re good and tion last summer. We are so happy Lafayette Motors tree for three days. Lance Cowles hungry’ and ‘you never see cat skele- and grateful to our heroes!” Independent service and repair for Mercedes Benz Food for Thought: ‘Gulp’ By Cathy Dausman JERRY FIGUEROA saliva/spit cleans old paintings quite ?.Q]^  _ R  well. VCC^ _ R  In spite of the book title and chap- C:`:7VVIQ Q`J$I:1C8HQI ter headings which include “Hard to Stomach,” “Spit Gets a Polish” and  (QCRVJ(: V:759:`:7VV5   “Stuffed,” Roach cautioned “I don’t like to write with puns.” Not to worry – some of her expert witnesses have it covered – a chemist named Spitz, Lafayette Motors for example, or the detergent industry Independent service and repair for Jaguar consultant named Grime. Roach’s previous titles offer sim- ilar offbeat science takes on the after- CARLOS “KIKO” CAICEDO life, life in space, human cadavers and Vickie Sciacca of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (left, in red), and sexual physiology. Her audiences are ?.Q]^  _ R  Beth Girshman of the Orinda Library discuss the latest Lamorinda Reads se- happy to suggest she explore subjects VCC^  _ R  lection: Mary Roach's "Gulp." Roach is scheduled to speak at the Lafayette Vet- C:`:7VVIQ Q`J$I:1C8HQI such as UFOs, drugs, alcohol and the eran's Memorial Building March 27 at 7 p.m. Photo Cathy Dausman brain connection, or the lives of high-  (QCRVJ(: V:759:`:7VV5   arning: Do not attempt to gans in full and lurid view.” Later, rise apartment dwellers. Weat while reading “Gulp” – she wrote an article which became the While she hasn’t taken up any of you might end up choking back subject of Chapter 13 (“Dead Man’s those suggestions, she is already at laughter. Mary Roach’s latest book, Bloat,” if you must ask) and found work on her next book project. “I the current Lamorinda Reads selec- she had “no space to do it justice,” don’t want you to say ‘[‘Gulp’] is tion, is an in-one-end and out-the- hence her latest monosyllabic title. gross,’” Roach writes in her introduc- other digestive system ‘tour de farce’ “It’s important to shake things tion. “I want you to say ‘I thought this MARY H. SMITH, D.D.S.ï CECELIA THOMAS, D.D.S. for the layman. up,” Roach said without a hint of would be gross, but it’s really interest- A Professional Corporation While the book cover is all irony in a phone conversation a week ing. Okay, and maybe a little gross.” 96 Davis Road, #5 - Orinda, CA 94563 smiles, it’s soon strictly downhill, as before her Lafayette appearance. She Roach starts her book tour for 925.254.0824 Amazon’s Best Science Book of 2013 admitted she comes to her book ideas “Gulp” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March begins its discourse on each piece of “in an inside out [sort of] way,” and 27 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Me- the alimentary canal (or “food chute,” feels lucky to be able to pick and morial Building. The program is a as Roach calls it), minus the small in- choose her topics. joint presentation of the Lafayette, testine. Reading “Gulp” you’ll learn that Moraga, and Orinda Friends of the “I just can’t make the small intes- each person’s chewing habits are Library groups. Print and audio tine interesting,” she admitted. unique, that hydrochloric acid doesn’t copies of the book are available at Roach’s introduction to the sub- faze mealworms (even those rescued Contra Costa County libraries, as ject of her latest book came in fifth alive from frog stomachs), that laun- well as at Orinda Books and Story- grade science class by way of a dry detergents contain digestive tract teller in Lafayette. It is available on “headless, limbless molded plastic enzymes, that humans generate three order through Canetti’s Bookshop, Taking care of all your dental needs for you and your torso” with “a set of removable or- pints of saliva daily, and that said Orinda. family. Emphasizing cosmetic dentistry with implants, and Invisalign. Nitrous oxide is available. Consultations are complementary. Rheem Odyssey of the Mind Team Dentistry with Excellence. Receives Coveted Award Submitted by Pamela Strazdas he third grade Rheem team OMER Award during the competition March 1. Named Treceived the coveted Odyssey of the Mind regional after the Odyssey of the Mind Redwood raccoon mascot, OMER, the award is given to teams and team Ranch members who exhibit exceptional Spring/Summer talent, outstanding sportsmanship Riding Camp and astounding teamwork. Ac- 2014 cording to judges who nominated 5745 Redwood Rd., Oakland, CA 94619 the team, "This wonderful team Phone:s www.redwoodranchstables.com was given the wrong [Sponta- neous] problem by mistake in the Redwood Ranch Horse Camp gives kids the opportunity to learn how to morning and had left the tourna- ride, discover the world of horses, and ment. They were called and their have lots of fun with other lovers in a wonderful coach brought them friendly environment. Ages: 6 to 16 back to do the correct Spont prob- lem. Their response: 'Great! Spring Camp: More Spont, more fun, more March 31–April 4, April 14 –18 mints.' What a great team and The Summer Camp: great coach." The Rheem team is June 16 – 20, June 23 – 27, June 30 –July 3, Photo provided sponsored by the Moraga Rotary. July 7–11, July 14 –18, July 21– 25, July 28 –Aug 1, Aug 4 – 8, Aug 11–15, Aug 18 –22 Aug 25 –29 As Seen in Lamorinda … New Blooms Celebrate Spring Share Your Celebrations and March 20 marked the first day of spring. Chalk it up to last month’s rain, Remembrances organic fertilizer and a sunny Moraga If you would like to share an announcement about a special event or slope, these Chihuly roses are early achievement, such as a wedding, engagement, scholarship or bloomers in Moraga. The variety is graduation of a local resident, or about a special person from named after famous, colorful and pro- Lamorinda who has passed, send a photo along with your text (up to lific glass artist Dale Chihuly. Their sub- 250 words) to [email protected], and include tle rainbow of yellow, apricot and red “Celebrations and Remembrances” in the subject line. petals celebrate the season. C. Tyson Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B7 Lafayette Youth Arts Society Contest Showcases Artistic Talents Submitted by Uma Unni

New Reformer Class Series with Anna-Christina!

Lafayette Youth Arts Society writing and photography contest winners, from left: Clare Fonstein, Cameron Fisher, Noam Franbuch, Kate Gilberd, Elie Singer, Sophia Benveniste, Isabel Rurka, and Clare Needs. Photo provided Starting ore than 100 eager middle The following are excerpts from the first, second and third place writing April 11th Mschool students stormed the Lafayette Youth Arts Society contest winners. To read more, go to www.lyas.org. website March 15, hoping to see From “Untitled” by first place writing winner Kate Gilberd: Fridays, 12 pm their names listed as winners of It was dark, and all around Anna, there was green, and black, and the Limited Space the 1st Annual Writing and Pho- moonlight soaking through the branches of the trees that enveloped her. tography Contest. The contest, Reserve today at Star Pilates: The path was carpeted with dead leaves, which cracked against Anna’s Call 925-376-7500 run entirely by two Lafayette boots as she ran. That was all that she heard for a while, the sound of her teens, Linnae Johansson and Uma feet hitting the leaves, her heart pounding in her chest. And then, all of a 1460 Moraga Road Suite F, Moraga, Moraga Shopping Center, behind McCaulous Unni, received nearly 150 entries. sudden, there it was again. “Students seemed excited A twig snapping behind her. Anna let out a short breath and halted. “Who’s about the contest, and many ex- there?” she shouted. She didn’t expect a reply, and there was none.” … pressed their interests in entering in the contest's second year, start- From “Unburdened” by second place writing contest winner Cameron ing in November of this year,” Fisher: said contest co-founder Linnae. “One contestant said that she en- I had never experienced such terror as I did at this moment. Not for the Amazing Summer Math Camps tered the contest because her reason that I was hopelessly marooned in a malevolent wood, or that an teacher suggested it, but was inky blackness had descended, or even that I’d heard an indistinct snap di- - The Wide World of Sports Statistics pleased to find that one of the rectly behind me. No. What struck such fear into me was the complete ab- Play sports and calculate your statistics sence of distraction. During the idle activities of the day, one may escape - Math-Science Camp judges said that her work had po- Let your mad scientist meet your mathematician the primitive worries lurking in the shadowy recesses of our minds. Simply tential to be sellable as a stock - Classes to Attack Algebra photo.” by participating in modern civilization, the malice within oneself may be Prepare for all levels of algebra from pre-algebra to The entries submitted to the quashed, controlled, unnoticed. We believe we are secure, that nature no algebra II through games, art and humorous lectures contest were all incredibly cre- longer influences us. It is only when we venture into the frontier which is - Get a Jump on Geometry: ative, added Linnae, taking innu- devoid of technology and ruled by chaos, that we realize our weakness and A fun, hands on class for high school students merable interpretations of the utter inferiority to the many forces we cannot control. … **** Warning – These classes might trick students same topics. “The judges were into believing that math is fun stunned not only by this creativ- From “‘We Forgot to Write a Title!’ says Author #1” by third place **** ity, but also by the overall quality writing contest winner Claire Fonstein: If you have further questions feel free to contact Michael at [email protected] of the work, especially taking into Margot is walking alone through the woods. All forms of communication consideration the ages of the pho- are down. She hears a stick snap behind her. It is a bear. Margot runs as Classes taught by teacher & experienced Want a great tutor tographers and writers.” math instructor, Michael Adler who is fun? fast as she can until she reaches a ledge, where she is faced with possibly Individual/small group The contest was started to the last decision she would ever make ...... Margot decides to jump. To enroll contact the Moraga Parks and summer or year round give an outlet for the more artistic She slows her breath, thinks thoughts of peace and happiness, slowly leans Rec. Department at www.moraga.ca.us tutoring available or call (925) 888-7036 [email protected] kids in Lafayette who might have forward, and falls. Michael Adler felt overshadowed by local sports “Ahhhhhhh!” Margot screams as she falls to her death. stars. Not only did the contest achieve its goal, but it also suc- “Wait! What? She can’t die. It was just the beginning of the story!” author ceeded in showing kids who #1 shouts. never considered themselves to “The story is over, so deal with it,” author #2 replies. be artistic that they have poten- “But that’s a horrible ending!” says author #1. tial. To see the winning contest- “Well fine then. The story won’t end there, but I get to choose what happens ants’ complete work, and to learn next.” Author #2 begins to write. … LAMORINDA more about the Lafayette Youth (Elie Singer received the creativity award for writing; Clare Needs received Arts Society, visit www.lyas.org. the creativity award for photography.) TUTORING is an educational support service that specifically meets Mathematics the needs of the General Math area’s aspiring K-12 Pre-Algebra student. One-on-one Algebra I tutoring in your Geometry home by a California Algebra II/Trigonometry Other subjects available upon request credentialed teacher. Owner: Matthew C. Leutza, M.B.A., M.Ed. CA Credential: #060096281

First place photo by Isabel Rurka Second place photo by Noam Franbuch

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3435 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette (Golden Gate Way at Mt. Diablo Blvd.) Third place photo by Sophia Benveniste (925) 283-4200 www.mathnasium.com Page: B8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 ‘Orinda Idol’ Soloist Leaps into National Spotlight Submitted by Margaret Huang Healthy Choices to Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle By Henna Hundal s teenagers, there's no doubt we that exercise is “nonexistent” in her physical activity. Exercise isn’t ex- Awant to keep our bodies look- life while Jasmine M. remains only clusively for athletes, it’s critical for ing great. And no matter how cliché mildly active by walking half a mile the longevity and happiness of every it might sound, the best way to keep a day. individual. fit is to eat nutritiously and exercise Teens have become too seden- First Lady Michele Obama is on appropriately. New survey results re- tary. The report was based on the re- the right track with her Let’s Move leased in January by the Centers for sponses of 800 young people in the campaign. Walk, run, swim, bike, Disease Control and Prevention in- 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey, surf, skate, stretch, dance, tumble, dicate that we aren't making exercise making it clear that we need to re- play ball, or do yoga – everything Isabelle Johannessen (front center) Photo provided a priority. Junior Jessica N. reported, vive a national dialogue on the im- counts towards a more healthy and “I exercise maybe twice a month portance of vigorous physical beautiful you. rinda resident Isabelle Johan- “The thing about being an artist is doing some push ups or sit-ups” activity in young people's lives. The nessen began singing when she that you are learning to better yourself O while senior Kevin M. boldly stated, average American spends 9.6 hours was just a baby. “I would sit in my car and your craft. That mentality of “exercise is just not my thing.” sitting down – more hours than they seat and hold ‘Ahhhh…’ for as long learning, because you want to im- The survey results show that spend sleeping. Watching our diets as I could,” the Oakland School for prove and not just to get good grades, only 25 percent of American kids and exercising 30 minutes a day will the Arts senior remembers. And she is how to succeed,” says the 17-year- aged 12 to 15 are meeting the rec- not be enough to offset the hours of hasn’t stopped singing since. old. “In vocal music, if you don’t ommended daily exercise guide- sitting. She made her first solo appear- want to pay attention, you don’t really lines. This means that, on average, At a time when over 12.5 mil- ance on Orinda Idol, sponsored by the have to. But, when auditions come up only one out of every four teens is lion American youth are dealing Orinda Arts Council, as a fourth and you are not picked for the group doing at least one hour of vigorous with obesity, and budget cuts are grader and finally won first place in or for a solo, you know why. Going physical activity each day. High eliminating schools' physical educa- the Orinda Idol competition in 2012 to a performing arts school helps you school junior Hunter M. is one of the tion programs, we need to pause a with group, Urban Flare. She is now be motivated in all aspects of life.” four who is getting enough exercise. moment to remember how crucial a member of Vocal Rush – OSA’s Johannessen says she gets up at Henna Hundal “I do 25 sit-ups and 50 jumping exercise really is. Getting the right prestigious national award-winning 5:45 every morning. “My mom and I jacks every morning, then I walk to amount of daily physical activity acapella group. She also works with leave the house at 7:30 to drive me to and from school.” Arezu K. chimed helps us in so many ways, including Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio Re- Disney pop singer Zendaya, also a school. Some nights I get a ride home in, “I go to the gym three times a improving our mood, boosting en- porter and Be the Star You Are!® former OSA student, as a back-up from my family, but most evenings I week for an hour because working ergy, and increasing our overall volunteer, Henna Hundal, is an 11th singer on her “Shake It Up” tour. Jo- take BART home after school.” out makes me look and feel health- wellness. We can celebrate our bod- grader on a mission to empower the hannessen was on tour with Zendaya Johannessen recently toured LA ier.” On the opposite side of the ies by making healthy nutrition younger generation to lead active, and missed appearing with Vocal with her family to visit colleges and spectrum, student Stephanie S. says choices combined with strenuous healthy lives. Rush when the group was a finalist on has already received an acceptance NBC TV’s “The Sing Off” in Decem- from Loyola Marymount College. Teen Scene is YOUR voice. If you have something to say or have writing skills and want to be part of our Teen ber. For the second consecutive year, Scene team, email our Teen Coach, Cynthia Brian, [email protected]. As a dancer and a performer in Johannessen will be a featured soloist musicals at Orinda Youth Theater and in the OSA Vocal Department concert The opinions expressed in Teen Scene are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly. Glorietta Elementary School, Johan- “Soundtrack,” a night of Hollywood nessen found her commitment to the hits at the Fox Theater in Oakland on arts to be defining. Her broad range Friday, May 2. Tickets are available of talent coupled with an incredible on http://www.ticketmaster.com, work ethnic landed her acceptance at search for “Soundtrack.” OSA), where maintains a 4.04 GPA. Classified • Classified • Classified • Classified Share Your Celebrations and Remembrances If you would like to share an announcement about a special event or achievement, such as a wedding, engagement, scholarship or graduation of a local resident, or about a special person from Lamorinda who has passed, send a photo along with your text (up to 250 words) to [email protected], and include “Celebrations and Remembrances” in the subject line.

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• Trust Agreement • sequences for everyone, and their Power of Attorney for Health Care • Pour Over Will • $Living Will • Guardianship of Minor Children • values are tested to an extent they HIPAA • Power of Attorney for Finance could not have imagined. 695 • Community Property Agreement • Bjarup Riis shows how good Transfer of Real Property into Trust people can be crushed by the pitiless COMPLETE Advanced Medical Directives, Including:

juggernaut of history. Valid until April 30, 2014 • Power of Attorney for Health Care • Living Will At the center of the movie is the INITIAL • HIPAA couple: Marius (Jens Jørn Spottag) FREE CONSULTATION Notary Services Included! and Gudrun (Bodil Jørgensen). As (925) 257-4277 the head of the household, when Law Offices of www.smykowskilaw.com help is sought, people talk to Marius; Lauren Smykowski [email protected]

but when asked for his decision, he Office Located in Walnut Creek says he has to talk to his wife, first. Gudrun is the relentless worker, the hinge on which the family revolves. Soft spoken, gentle and strong, she Photo provided is a moral compass. The Fiils have SMC Spring Production t is not by chance that Anne large extended family and own a sons and daughters, including the IGrethe Bjarup Riis' movie, “This beautiful inn. The movie begins fiery Gerda who cannot be kept at Opens April 2 Life,” was a big success in Denmark, with the women cooking in the home when others go out and fight. its country of origin. The director kitchen for the 25th wedding an- The characters shine with hu- Submitted by Sharon Cahill shows a piece of that country’s his- niversary of owner Marius Fiil and manity and an honest love for upcoming Performing Arts Depart- tory at a time when the younger gen- his wife Gudrun. The war has not re- each other. The title alerts view- ment spring production eration is asking questions and wants ally reached this northern region of ers that not all of the characters “ANTIGONE(S)” which will show to understand what happened during Denmark yet, and while it is clear the survive the ordeal, and that cer- at 8 p.m. April 2-5, and at 2 p.m. World War II. But it also has univer- government has decided to collabo- tainty creates an unnerving ten- April 6 at LeFevre Theatre. This sal appeal, telling how a handful of rate with the invader, Danish laws sion as the movie approaches its winner of the New York Drama people can make a difference, and are still in place. denouement. But there are also Critics Circle Award, the Outer the consequences, good and bad, of During the dinner and party that many light and fun moments in Critics Circle Award and the Drama personal engagement. It also ensues, a fracture begins between the the movie, just like life itself. Desk Award, is about two families touches the heart because it talks of guests: some think that the govern- The dominant visual tones in the – parents and children, brothers and family, of loyalty, and of the often ment's decision was cowardly, while film are very warm and a bit sub- sisters, husbands and wives – who understated and misconstrued role others defend the Germans, believ- dued. “This Life” is solid, much like struggle to understand the mystery, women played in this major conflict. ing they will protect the Danes the people featured in the film who misery and magic of love. Tickets: The movie that will play at the against communism. Shortly after, became reluctant heroes. $10 general; $8 seniors (65+) and Orinda Theatre in early April tells the the Fiils have to make a choice when “This Life” is will be shown at non-SMC students; $5 SMC fac- story of a Danish family that revolts they are asked to help organize the the Orinda Theatre as part of the In- Photo by Michael Cook ulty, staff and students. For infor- against the German invasion of their parachuting in of both people and ternational Film Showcase April 4- aint Mary’s College student ac- mation or reservations, call (925) country in 1939. As part of a close- equipment coming from England. 11. For more information, visit Stors, Samantha Ricci and 631-4670 or go online to knit community, the Fiils have a The decision has life and death con- internationalshowcase.org. Michael Kuzmack, rehearse for the www.brownpapertickets.com. ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ By Derek Zemrak

hus far 2014 looks like the year for probably refers to the 1999 Muppet flop, terpol agent; Ricky Gervais (“The Of- Tkids’ films: “Lego,” which broke “Muppets From Space.” From that mu- fice” (UK), “Extras”) as Dominic box office numbers, then “Mr. Sherman sical number on, I knew I was in for an Badguy, Constantine’s criminal side- & Peabody” and now Hollywood has enjoyable 1 hour and 52 minutes. kick; and Tina Fey (“30 Rock”) as a released “Muppets Most Wanted.” The Muppets are on a world tour Russian prison guard. Also, as with the The previous Muppets movie, “The and get caught up in an international classic Muppets shows, the movies Muppets” released in 2011, grossed jewelry heist as they deal with a Kermit have several cameo appearances – Ce- over $86 million at the U.S. box office the Frog look-a-like, the impostor, Con- line Dion, Lady Gaga, Salma Hayek, and was made on a $45 million budget. stantine. The 40-plus year olds in the and Usher, to name a few. What does that mean? Sequel! “Mup- audience will appreciate the return of a Some may say they miss the hu- pets Most Wanted” revolves around the more classic Jim Henson style dialogue mans as the leads, but I say it’s the Mup- Muppets themselves instead of the hu- and screenplay. Some of the children pets’ movie and I’m glad the focus has mans as was the case in “The Muppets” will not get the humor but neither did we returned to be on them. “Muppets Most – Jason Segel and Amy Adams do not as kids, which is okay. They will love Wanted” is rated PG. return in this sequel. the vibrant colors and the loveable pup- Derek Zemrak is a film critic, film In “Muppets Most Wanted” the tone pet characters they see on the big screen producer and founder of the California is set quickly in the opening musical that were created over 40 years ago on Independent Film Festival. You can fol- number, as they poke fun at themselves PBS. low Derek on Twitter @zemrak for the with the music line “Everyone knows The human supporting roles in the latest Hollywood news. Derek can be that the sequel’s never quite as good” – film include Ty Burrell (“Modern Fam- heard every Friday on KAHI 950AM on Photo provided classic Jim Henson humor. The line ily”), as a very funny Clouseau-like In- the Poppoff Show. LYNN’S TOP FIVE: Taxes 2014 - Plan now for confidence later! By Lynn Ballou, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ rainy weekend – perfect time to you as we haven’t seen the likes of in 3) The 0.09 percent solution: Ac- see what their investment income is want to check in later in the year to be Aget those taxes done, right? almost seven years. If these invest- cording to the IRS website, and how this tax might apply. This sure you nailed it. Or see what new Wait – not so fast! As I’m writing this ments are in after tax accounts, be www.irs.gov, this new additional could be a bit of a stealth tax for you, fun Congress has cooked up for you! the IRS is just now finishing the in- prepared to come up with the money Medicare Tax, which went into effect as your investment income is proba- Otherwise you could be looking at an- structions for a couple of new forms. to pay the taxes on this gain for 2013 on Jan. 1, 2013 applies to an individ- bly rarely the same year to year. A other “Oh no” tax season next year in- So the tax software companies are just and then include this in your planning ual’s wages and self-employment in- large capital gain one year could put stead of “Wow – got that covered!” now updating and testing their soft- for 2014 so you aren’t unprepared at come that exceeds a threshold amount you in line for this tax that you would ware. They tell me hopefully this tax time next year. I think a lot of based on the individual’s filing status. normally otherwise avoid. coming weekend (March 8) I’ll be Americans will be pulling money out The threshold amounts are $250,000 5) Can I get a safe harbor? Well – able to file my return. Yup, they are of their investments to pay this year’s for married taxpayers who file jointly, maybe! With underpayment penalty still due April 15! Makes you want to taxes, which of course could lead to $125,000 for married taxpayers who tax rates higher than what you can hug your tax pro, right? more gains taken – sigh. file separately and $200,000 for all earn in your savings account, it pays So by now, even though all the 2) The Pease Limitations: One of the other taxpayers. Although an em- to pay attention to these rules. For forms are ready and hopefully your least enjoyable and least discussed ex- ployer is responsible for withholding some taxpayers, you can get by with last corrected 1099 is in your hands, periences you may encounter is the on this if you earn more than paying in 90 percent of your 2013 this will still be the year that will test return to phase outs of certain item- $200,000, what about if you are mar- taxes through withholding in 2014. your patience – until you get a peak ized deductions. Called the Pease ried and together you must pay but For others, it’s more complex. Check at your return and then it will be the limits after the Congressman who separately your employer wasn’t re- in with your tax pro or the IRS web- year that you realize tax planning for wrote the bill (Ohio, if you want to quired to withhold? Be aware of this site to learn more. And really check 2014 needs to start right now! Here send him any love notes), these were iceberg: you might not have been on into the rules for California – they are Lynn Ballou is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL are some of the bigger tax surprises suspended during the fallout from the top of this for tax season 2013, but more complex, onerous and sticky PLANNER™ professional and co-owner of that I think will be in store for you and global economic crisis. I guess Con- now you know and can be better pre- than the IRS rules now. Go to Ballou Plum Wealth Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm what you need to do now so that next gress has bought in to the notion that pared. www.ftb.ca.gov to learn more. in Lafayette. Lynn is also a Registered year will be “Ho hum,” and not “Oh the economy is better, because these 4) Yup, another add on Medicare So in closing, it’s a call to arms, Principal and Branch Manager with LPL no!” limits are back! This will affect those Tax!: In our offices we call this the basically, and by that I mean arm Financial (LPL). The opinions voiced in this 1) Cap Gains Pass Throughs: They of you with combined married filing good news bad news tax because it yourself and your tax pro now with material are for general information only say that “making money on your jointly income of $305,050 or singles only applies if you have substantial information! And please note: this in- and not intended to provide specific advice money” is what it’s all about, right? with $254,200. This complex law investment income of a certain type, formation is not intended to be a sub- or recommendation for any individual. Well congrats, because many of your basically results in you losing as but once you do – and many retirees stitute for specific individualized tax Financial Planning offered through Ballou investments were busy this past year much as 3 percent of certain itemized and avid savers in our community fall advice. We suggest you discuss your Plum Wealth Advisors, A Registered doing just that. And with very few if deductions once you hit these income into this group – there are taxes to pay. specific tax issues with a qualified tax Investment Advisor and a separate entity. Securities offered through LPL Financial, any losses left on the books to offset thresholds. Learn the specifics and Taxpayers with income over advisor. This is also a reminder that member FINRA/SIPC. gains, some of your holdings are pass- how it might affect you when you are $200,000 and married filers with in- all the best tax planning now is cer- ing your share of the gains through to working on tax planning for this year. come over $250,000 should check to tainly in your best interests, but you’ll Page: B10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Not to be missed Not to be missed Lamorinda’s Thursday, March 27 in the Moraga Li- area may audition for a chance to be a ART brary Community Room. Jones will Lamorinda Idol finalist. Auditions run Religious Services discuss some of the collections and May 15-17. Visit the Orinda Arts Lafayette Art Gallery’s new exhibi- rare books in the collection and how Council’s website at tion, “Location – Location – Loca- Bancroft can be of benefit to the pub- http://orindaarts.org/lamorinda- tion!” through May 3. “Location” may lic. Free. Refreshments will be served. idol/audition-information to sign up be the rule of real estate but what does for auditions between April 1-30. it mean to the artists at the Lafayette Direct from the Republic of Congo, Art Gallery? It means the gallery has Miles Woodruff of the Jane Goodall "Something Fun on Thingiverse" – a new location with almost twice the Institute will present his work as prin- teen 3D printing workshop at 3:45 space, three times the windows and cipal investigator of the Mandrill p.m. Thursday, April 3 in the Commu- light, and an artistic heritage at The Reintroduction Project at 6 p.m. Fri- nity Hall presented by Brian Palacios, Forge, built on Mt. Diablo Boulevard day, April 4 at the Lafayette Library who will bring a 3D printer and look by the noted metal artist Carl Jennings and Learning Center in the Arts and at Thingiverse (a website that allows The Orinda in 1946. Science Room. Learn about mandrills, for the discovering, making and shar- Community Church the largest and most colorful of all the ing of 3D printable things) with the au- Klein Gallery invites the Lafayette monkeys in this discussion, which is a dience. He will then take audience An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ community to its show, “Waves of balance of adventure, science, conser- suggestions for something to print and 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org The Current,” which includes work vation and hope, and learn about the talk about 3D printing principles while “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s from eight Bay Area Artists who use a Jane Goodall Institute’s efforts to pro- it is printing. If time permits, he will journey, you are welcome here!” diverse array of mediums including tect this important species and critical give away the 3D printed object to a Join us Sundays at 10:00 a.m. painting, sculpture, graffiti art and chimpanzee habitat. Free. For ages 14 lucky audience member. Sunday School 10:00 a.m prints. The exhibition runs through and up. Register online at April 20. tinyurl.com/mandrillmiles. Junk Food Fest - Teens Only! Come to the Moraga Library from noon to St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church Saint Mary’s College Museum of Expose on "Endangered Threads" 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5 to eat tons of A Loving Community Art – four exhibitions now on view. of the Mayan people April 7. Valley delicious junk food, play games and From Swords to Plowshares: Metal Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM Stitchers and Fiber Arts guild's mem- hang out with friends! Trench Art from World War One; bers and guests will be listening to In-church Youth Zone, 10 AM Nursery Childcare Songs of the Patriot: How Music Kathleen Vitale speak on her partici- The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws Helped Win World War One; Malcolm pation in the documentary on the na- Center’s 17th Annual Dennis Lubliner: The Automotive Landscape; tive weavers of Guatemala. She and Thomas Art and Writing Challenge. and William Keith: Nature’s Tranquil her husband, Paul, worked with an- Consistent with the theme of "The Splendor. Open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. thropologist Margot Blum to capture Multicultural Classroom" from its re- Lafayette United Methodist Church Wednesday through Sunday. For info, this skill before it disappears. The cent Creating a Peaceful School Con- 955 Moraga Rd., Lafayette, call (925)-631-4379 or visit stmarys- guild meets at 10 a.m. on the first ference, the Center is utilizing quotes 284-4765, [email protected] ca.edu/museum. Admission: free to K- Monday of the month at the Faith from Nelson Mandela and Martin Worship Sunday 10 am 12 graders; $5 adults. Free parking. Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Luther King, Jr. as prompts for this Children/Youth Sunday School Sunday 10 am Lane, Pleasant Hill. For more info, year's contest. Students of middle and Youth Fellowship Sunday 6 pm MUSIC contact Sheila at (925) 945-1338. high school age throughout Contra Costa County are encouraged and eli- Miramonte High School will host Moraga Movers and the Moraga gible to participate. Four categories the All Orinda Band Festival with Library present Book Talking at 2 will be judged: essay, creative writing, performances by elementary, OIS and  SundaySund Worship, 9:00 & 11:00 AM, p.m. Wednesday, April 9. Join C.W. art and video. Submissions must be re- Miramonte bands at 7 p.m. Wednes- with programs for 3-mos.-12th grade. Gortner as he discusses his wonderful ceived by April 11. For more specific day, March 26. This extraordinary an- historical novel, “The Queen’s Vow,” info on the topic, contest rules and fly-  Seedlings Preschool, M-F. nual event brings together Orinda about Isabella of Castile. It tells of her ers, visit www.creatingpeace- music students of all ages and their  Something for Everyone, dramatic ascent to power and how she fulschools.weebly.com or call the families for a great evening of enter- changed the future of Spain and the Center office: (925) 933-7850. speakers, small groups, classes, tainment showcasing the Educational youth groups, mission trips, more! world (remember Columbus?). As al- Foundation of Orinda funded band ways, you need not have read the book The Friends of the Orinda Library programs. Free. LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH to enjoy this fascinating discussion. is excited to announce the com- mencement of 2014's Poul Anderson See more at LOPC.org The Gold Coast Chamber Players KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS Creative Writing Contest, open to all explore the famous love triangle of students who reside and/or attend high Robert Schumann, Brahms’ friend and The Friends of the Lafayette Li- school in Orinda. Entry categories are mentor, Clara Schumann, Robert’s brary Bookmark Contest is happen- science fiction, essay/memoir, poetry ORINDA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH wife and a gifted pianist and composer, ing again! The contest is open to all and short story. Students may submit and Brahms who longed for a woman 24 Orinda Way (next to the Library) - 254-4212 grades 1st through 8th at all Lafayette one entry in any of the four categories he could never have. The program elementary schools, St. Perpetua, and for a total of not more than three en- Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 - 11 am highlights these three musical giants Stanley Middle School. Entry forms tries. Submission deadline is noon on Informal Wednesday Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 pm and their intimate relationships. Musi- may be picked up at school libraries, Friday, April 18. Entries should be Reading Room/Bookstore M - F 11 - 4; Sat 11 – 2 cologist Kai Christiansen will start the at the Lafayette Library and Learning submitted to individual school repre- evening with a provocative pre-con- www.christianscienceorinda.org Center, and at the Friends Corner sentatives. For info, visit: www.friend- cert talk at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12 in Book Shop. Deadline: Wednesday, softheorindalibrary.org or email the Community Hall of the Lafayettte March 26. Winners will receive a gift [email protected]. Library. Tickets: $10-$35 - price in- certificate to a local bookstore at our cludes complimentary champagne, awards ceremony April 30 at the OTHER pre-concert talk and a reception with Lafayette Library and Learning Cen- the musicians following the perform- ter. For more info, contact Mary Rans- Another year of classic films is Worship the Lord! ance. Tickets are available at www.gc- dell: [email protected]. scheduled for Moraga’s New Rheem Sundays, 9 & 10:30am players.org and by phone at (925) Theatre. A time-honored movie is 283-3728. Limited seating, please re- The Bancroft Library will become slated for the third Wednesday of each serve early. an interactive museum for a day month. New for 2014: 1 p.m. starting filled with exhibits, talks and demon- time. Each film program is introduced Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church THEATER strations highlighting the numerous by Larry Swindell. 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga CA treasures held within from 10 a.m. to The Performing Arts Department at XXXNWQDUPEBZPSH
t
 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 at UC Truck 'On Over to Support Saint Mary’s College spring produc- Berkeley. Staff members are using Acalanes Class of 2015! Food Truck tion “ANTIGONE(S)” will show at 8 their knowledge of the collections to Mafia will be in the front quad of p.m. April 2-5, and at 2 p.m. April 6 at create displays and presentations in Acalanes High School from 4:30 to 8 LeFevre Theatre. (See related story multiple areas of the library ranging p.m. Thursday, March 27. Featured WILLOW SPRING CHURCH page B6). from ancient Egypt to Mark Twain’s trucks include: The Melt Bus, Street Your Hometown Community Church correspondence. Free. Dogs, Tacos de los Altos, Savourie Try Something New With Your Whole Family This Week East Bay Children’s Theatre pro- Streets, Yummi BBQ & Lexie's Sundays: 9:00am Adult Sunday School Classes duction of “Jack and the Beanstalk Steve and Kate’s Camp Info Night: Frozen Custard. Enjoy music, friends 10:00am Pre-Service Fellowship (Free Coffee & Bagels) and the Giant, and the Goose, and the Parents and children are invited to and maybe catch an AHS game, too! 10:45am Contemporary Worship Service Really, Truly-Uly Rotten Day,” written meet the director, take a self-guided Ten percent of all proceeds will be do- 11:15am Childrens' Church by Ron Lytle and directed by Sue Wednesdays: 10:00am Community Bible Study virtual tour of camp and be treated to nated to the Class of 2015. Ellen Nelson March 30 (See related dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 1689 School Street, Moraga (925)376-3550 story page B2). www.willowspringchurch.net March 27 at Contra Costa Christian State-of-the-art “cross-cut” shred- Schools, 2721 Larkey Ln, Walnut ding will be done from 9 a.m. to 1 DVC Drama Presents – “Noises Creek. RSVP at www.steveand- p.m. Saturday, March 29 at 5A Rent- Off,” directed By Ed Trujillo March katescamp.com/location/walnut- A-Space in the Shred Defense Truck 28-April 13. Check website for exact creek/. Call Sarah with any questions: starting at just $5 per file box. Save Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church times and dates. For tickets, call (925) (415)389-5437. your boxes of papers to be shredded 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, 254-3422 969-2358 or go to our website at for March. Financial advisors, attor- www.dvcdrama.net. DVC Drama is www.holyshepherd.org Better Homes and Gardens Mason- neys, medical offices, and other busi- located at 321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant McDuffie’s Education Foundation is nesses can meet their legal obligation 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Hill, with free parking for all perform- now accepting nominations for out- to dispose of clients’ information re- 9:40 a.m. Education for all ages ances. 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship standing public school teachers for sponsibly, while helping send Lamor- Coffee Fellowship at 9:15 and 11:45 a.m. their 2014 grant program. Every year, inda middle school girls to AAUW’s Childcare available for ages 5 and younger LECTURE & LITERATURE Better Homes and Gardens Mason- Tech Trek Science and Math Camp. McDuffie Real Estate awards cash Shredding details: Government Spec- Lamorinda Reads presents author grants to outstanding public school ified Approved Shred, HIPAA Com- Mary Roach, “America’s funniest teachers in an effort to acknowledge pliant Shredding, TWIC Certified science writer,” according to the their priceless contributions to our Drivers. Certificates of Destruction fàA Z|Äxá XÑ|ávÉÑtÄ V{âÜv{ Washington Post, who will speak at 7 children’s future. To nominate a fa- and Donation receipts will be pro- p.m. Thursday, March 27 at the An Inclusive & Affirming Community vorite teacher for 2014, visit vided. Lafayette Veterans Memorial Build- Sunday School & Eucharist at 9am www.bhghome.com/educationfoun- ... continued on next page St. Mary's College Chapel ing, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. dation. Deadline: March 31. 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga (See related story page B8) 925-376-5770 - www.stgiles-moraga.org Start warming up your voices now Traditional Church Service & Music Yet Forward Looking & Open Minded The Moraga Historical Society pres- – Lamorinda Idol auditions are just Please submit events to: ents Mary-Ellen Jones, who will around the corner. K-12 students living calendar@ speak about the history of UC Berke- or attending school in the Lamorinda lamorindaweekly.com ley’s Bancroft Library at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B11 Not to be missed Not to be missed Not to be missed cover best practices in grape growing Oakland Museum of California Financial Abuse; 11 a.m. to noon - and fabulous plants for your garden at in suburban California considering presents “SuperAwesome Sneak Making our Communities Aging 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 8 at The Gar- current climatic conditions. Join us at Peek and Record Swap” from 5 to 9 Friendly. Free. dens at Heather Farm, 1540 March- 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2 at the p.m. Friday, April 18. Catch a sneak banks Road, Walnut Creek. It will Moraga Library. For more information, peek of new exhibitions Vinyl and Su- GARDEN include the business meeting, social visit ccclib.org or call (925) 376-6852. perAwesome and enjoy an authentic time and "What's New in Gerani- Record Swap, all during Friday Nights “Mow no Mo’!” or “How to remove aceae." Guests and prospective mem- Vermicomposting (Worms!) and Bin at OMCA's food truck party! Cost: your lawn, save water, and get paid bers are welcome. For info, email Building Workshop from 10 a.m. to $7.50 adults; $5 students and seniors for it, too” will be from 10 a.m. to 3 [email protected]. noon Saturday, April 5 at Heather Farm with valid ID; free for ages 18 and p.m. Saturday, March 29. In this hands- Community Center, Walnut Creek. under and OMCA members. For more on workshop you'll learn how to re- Lafayette Garden Club Annual Cost: $20; 20 household max capacity. info, visit move your lawn and select Plant Sale at 10 a.m. Thursday, April Registration form deadline: March 28. http://museumca.org/event/friday- drought-tolerant plants, and find out 10 at the Lafayette Christian Church For info, visit http://www.wastediver- nights-superawesome or call (510) how to receive a lawn-removal rebate 584 Glenside Dr. You can purchase sion.org/app_pages/view/1723. 318-8400. from your water district. Cost: $30. seedlings, flowers, and potted plants of Preregistration is required, at all sizes and varieties. Very reasonable DVC Emeritus College provides af- Volunteers are needed for the Mor- http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net prices. Contact: fordable classes for people 50 and aga Community Faire which takes /select-tours. [email protected]. over. Courses are held at JFK Univer- place in May. Be part of this fun and sity, Rossmoor, and Diablo Valley Col- hardworking team for about six weeks The Moraga Gardens Farm is hold- Lafayette Garden Club March lege. There are some interesting, starting mid- April. The following po- ing their annual plant sale starting the Plant and Craft Sale at 10 a.m. thought provoking classes starting in sitions are needed: entertainment coor- weekend of March 29, and will run Thursday, April 10. Lafayette Christian April and May as well as tours of the dinator, equipment coordinator, Dunk each Saturday and Sunday from 10 Church 584 Glenside Dr., Lafayette. California Railroad Museum and the Tank coordinator, publicity coordina- a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 19. Over For info, contact Ruth Bancroft Gardens, plus a hike of tor, and permits and permissions coor- 4,000 plant starts, grown without pes- [email protected]. the Marin Headlands. To sign up by dinator. To volunteer for one of these ticides or chemicals, will be available. credit card call the Emeritus Office at and for further information, contact Plants include many hard to find, heir- Montelindo Garden Club meeting (925) 969-4316 or mail in your regis- Ellen Beans at (925) 376-7306 or loom varieties of tomatoes, eggplants, will be at 9 a.m. Friday, April 11 at tration with a check. Registration [email protected]. peppers, and herbs. Moraga Gardens St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 St. forms available through the Emeritus Farm is located between School Street Stephens Drive, Orinda. Visitors wel- Office. You can view the entire 2014 Area residents who own classic cars and the Moraga Way fire station. come. Topic: Art in the Garden. The Spring Brochure online at are invited to participate in the 6th speaker will be Freeland Tanner, land- www.dvc.edu/emeritus. annual Moraga Classic Car Show, The Walnut Creek Garden Club will scaper, carpenter, metal fabricator. which takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 feature Robin Parer, owner of Gera- (Freeland Tanner.com). www.mon- Moraga Beautiful will be held rain p.m. Saturday, May 10 as part of the niaceae Nursery, who will talk about telindogarden.com. or shine from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, 2014 Moraga Community Faire. The sizzling colors in leaves and flowers OTHER ... continued April 12 at Rancho Laguna Park. Vol- $30 registration fee includes an entry unteers should wear old clothes for ribbon, lunch for two, a commemora- The Lafayette Community Founda- weeding and the beautification of the tive photo, and a chance for owners to Please submit events to: tion (LCF) is accepting grant applica- park picnic benches. The Town will display their restoration work to the [email protected] tions from local non-profits for its supply gloves, brushes and stain. Indi- public. Prizes will be awarded. The spring grant cycle. LCF invests in pro- viduals and groups welcome! registration deadline is May 1. To reg- grams and projects that promote and ister, go to enhance the civic, cultural, educational Audiobook and eBook Workshop www.moragachamber.org/faire or call and environmental health of Lafayette for Nook, iPad and other (non-Kin- (925) 247-4629. and beyond. The grant deadline is dle) devices at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at the Moraga Library. Contra Costa SENIORS Service Clubs March 31 - please submit by emailing application to [email protected]. County Library has a large and grow- You can find the grant application on- ing collection of eBooks and audio- Lamorinda Dance Social - Enjoy af- Announcements line at http://www.lafayettecf.org. books in a variety of formats, waiting ternoon dancing every Wednesday for you to check out and use on your and learn some great new dance moves Interested in winemaking and grape own eReader. Workshop requires a from 12:30 to 3 p.m. the first Wednes- growing? Join Sal Captain as he dis- working knowledge of your device. days monthly in the Live Oak Room, cusses wine making and grape grow- Space is limited and registration is re- Lafayette Community Center. Profes- ing from ancient times to today, and quired. Please call (925) 376-6852 or sional dancers Karen and Michael will sign up online. provide a dance lesson and live DJ Explore Lamorinda Rotary clubs The heart of A global volunteer organization working to services, playing your favorites and Rotary is our clubs- dedicated people who share improve the lives of women and girls a passion for both community service and friend- through programs leading to social and eco- taking requests. Members $2; non- ship. Learn about Lamorinda’s Rotary clubs. nomic empowerment. Lamorinda Weekly members $4. is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA 26,600 printed copies; delivered to homes & businesses in Lamorinda. Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meets the first Wednes- Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club Contact us: We meet Friday mornings at 7 am at Celia’s Mexican Restaurant, 3666 Mt. day monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Letters to the editor (max 350 words): [email protected] Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. For more info, please email us at [email protected] Sport events/stories/pictures: [email protected] Center 1700 School St. Moraga. Social Art, theater, community events: [email protected] hour 11 a.m., lunch at noon. The after March 28: April 4: Business news or business press releases: [email protected] lunch speaker on April 2 will be Mr. Andy Amstutz, will speak to us Dr. Bruce McGurk, will speak School stories/events: [email protected] Robert Doyle, general manager of the about the Lamorinda Village – about CLIMATE CHANGE, General interest stories/Community Service: [email protected] East Bay Regional Park District, who neighborhood support for IMPACT ON WATER Publishers/Owners: will talk about the 80-year history of aging in our community. SUPPLIES & OUR FUTURE Andy and Wendy Scheck; [email protected], [email protected] EBRPD’s park and conservation lead- Editor in Chief: Lee Borrowman; [email protected] Life, Our Homes and Community Editor: Jennifer Wake; [email protected] ership and the challenges involved in Save the date: Motorama, Lafayette’s premier auto show, is June 15th! Sports Editor: Caitlin Mitchell; [email protected] running the largest Regional Park Advertising: 925-377-0977, Wendy Scheck; [email protected] agency in the nation. For membership Staff Writers: information in SIRs, call Larry at (925) Sophie Braccini; [email protected] 631-9528 or Tom at (925) 376-7724. Cathy Tyson; [email protected] SOROPTIMIST OF 24/680 Please join us for our next meeting: Laurie Snyder; [email protected] “Health Matters for Boomers and WHEN: Wednesday Wednesday 1/8/14 4/2/14 Cathy Dausman, [email protected] Beyond: Embracing the Benefits of Social Social 5:30-6:00 5:30-6:00 p.m. p.m. Meeting Meeting 6:00 6:00 – –8:00 8:00 p.m. p.m. Nick Marnell; [email protected] Living a Balanced Lifestyle” from Teen Coach: Cynthia Brian; [email protected] 9:30 to noon Friday, April 11 at the WHERE: The Buttercup Grill Food: Susie Iventosch; [email protected] 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Garden room of the Orinda Library. Contributing Writers: Conrad Bassett, Moya Stone, Michael Sakoda, Marissa Harnett, Lou January Speaker: Fancher, Clare Varellas, Chris Lavin, Amanda Kuehn, Diane Claytor, Barry Hunau (cartoonist) Join us for the second of three free Sister Caritas Foster – “Modern Day Slavery/Trafficking” Photos:Tod Fierner, Ohlen Alexander, Gint Federas Health Matters events. Aging experts For more information, contact: Layout/Graphics: Andy Scheck, Jaya Griggs. Printed in CA. will be covering healthy aging topics, “Improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to Regina Englehart @925-876-9076 Mailing address: Lamorinda Weekly, P.O. Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570-6133 as well as offering free mini-fitness social and economic empowerment” or go to: soroptimist24-680.org Phone: 925-377-0977; Fax: 1-800-690-8136 classes suitable for all levels: from email: [email protected], www.lamorindaweekly.com 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Preventing Elder

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Kevin Feinstein conducting a foraging hike in Lafayette Photo Susie Iventosch Kevin Feinstein (aka Feral Kevin), co-author of “The Bay Area Forager” reader tipped me off to a local a fruit off a tree until I was in my 20s," tled “Crash Course in Wild Mush- wild plants thrive. He conducts hikes alleviate the sting from where that Aforaging expert and naturalist, Feinstein said. room Foraging.” Both books are locally through Sierra Ranch, because very plant may have stung you in the who leads guided foraging hikes in Originally from Tennessee, Fein- available on Feinstein's website: hikers are allowed to forage on pri- first place! Lafayette and several other Bay Area stein studied film at Florida State Uni- www.feralkevin.com. vate land with permission by the own- Feinstein says that nettles are a locations. Kevin Feinstein, otherwise versity before moving to California Most of his students are foresting ers, whereas foraging may not be super-sustainable food, both to find known as "Feral Kevin," is a self- 14 years ago. novices, and he says that is lots of fun allowed on public lands. Feinstein and grow, and they are one of the taught expert on the edible treats During his 20s he developed an for him because they don't really emphasizes that hikers must be pre- most nutritious mega-super green Mother Nature nurtures in the wild, interest in studying food, gardening, know much about the subject. registered for these events, which can foods available. He also likes to serve from mushrooms and chickweed to ecology, sustainability, diet and natu- "I am a cautious, conservative, be done on his website or through crunchy thistle stalks with hummus. wild artichokes, milk thistle, wild ral health. Now, he spends much of careful forager," he pointed out. "I Sierra Ranch. He says that when trimmed up, they mustard and radishes, mallow and his time giving lectures, leading group wish I would have had someone to When I asked Feral Kevin if he are kind of like celery stalks. Now, I miner's lettuce. He says that in a 10 by hikes and private guided tours, teach- teach me, especially when it came to had a recipe he could share, he admit- would never have looked at a thistle 10 foot square space, he might find 20 ing classes and writing books on these foraging for mushrooms!" ted that he is not much of a recipe fol- plant and thought ... food! But, that is to 30 different types of edible plants! subjects. He has written two books: The Lafayette hikes are best done lower, but that he has several in his true of the beloved artichoke as well, "I grew up in a mainstream, sub- “The Bay Area Forager,” co-authored from December through May or June, book. He said that he makes pesto out I suppose. urban environment where I didn't eat with Mia Andler, and an eBook enti- when there is plenty of moisture and of his pickings and one of his fa- "Foraging connects you to your vorites is stinging nettle pesto. Maybe food and the place you live more than Kevin Feinstein *For more information on stinging nettles: you are like me, and cringe at the any other activity," Feinstein noted. http://feralkevin.com http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/stinging- thought of eating those stinging green nettle-benefits-zmaz81mazkin.aspx?PageId=2#ArticleContent Sienna Ranch things, but I did try them last year 3232 Deerhill Road, Lafayette **To harvest your own nettles, check with a good source on what when I saw them at the farmers' mar- (925) 283-6311, http://siennaranch.net leaves to cut in order to reap multiple harvests from your plant. ket. I sautéed them with shallots and garlic in a little bit of olive oil, and they were really very good. You can Stinging Nettle Pesto also make soup from this concoction (Makes1 1/2 to 2 cups) by adding chicken or vegetable broth. You must use gloves when han- INGREDIENTS dling nettles until you either cook 2 cups nettles, washed and stems removed (be sure to use tongs or gloves when handling) them or pulverize them in a food 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano processor. Either method removes the 1/4 pine nuts or walnuts sting. I even read that if you boil the 1-2 cloves garlic nettle leaves in water, the resulting tea 1-2 teaspoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice Mallow seed pod (aka mallow mixture can be applied to the skin to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil cheesewheel or wild okra) Salt and pepper, to taste Susie Iventosch is the author of Tax Bites and DIRECTIONS Tasty Morsels, which can be found at Across the Way in Moraga, www.amazon.com, and Bring a pot of water to boil and blanch nettles for about 2 minutes. (You can also steam them to www.taxbites.net. Susie can be reached at remove the sting, or thoroughly pulverize raw leaves in a good quality food processor.) Drain and [email protected]. pat dry to remove excess water. Place nettles in food processor with remaining ingredients. This recipe can be found on our website: Process until desired consistency. Add more olive oil if necessary to allow for processing. ww.lamorindaweekly.com. If you would like to share Use pesto as you normally would for spreads, pastas, dips, etc. your favorite recipe with Susie please contact her by email or call our office at (925) 377-0977. Sauteed Nettles with Shallots and Garlic INGREDIENTS 4 cups nettle leaves, stems removed 1 large shallot finely diced (can also use onion) Gardening 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil Garnish with grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or toasted pine nuts and season to taste with J. Limon Gardening salt and pepper. Maintenance/Clean‐up DIRECTIONS Heat olive oil in large sauté pan. Add shallots and garlic and cook until translucent. Add nettles, Monthly Service using tongs, and cook until wilted over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Sprinkler System Repair Serve as a side dish, or use as a base for nettle soup, by adding chicken broth. You can also add diced carrots, leeks and potatoes to your soup, either pre-sauteed, or tossed in raw and cooked in the broth. Then you can serve chunky or pureed into a smooth soup. Call Jose (925) 787‐5743 License #: 018287 25 yrs. experience Business Directory in Lamorinda

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Goal Keeper Striker Baseball Begins in Lamorinda Clinic Dons, Cougars face off on Thursday OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS By Scott Wu Ages:10-18 he high school baseball season baseball defensively, and having players was tough, we are confident Dates: Tis under way in Lamorinda and competitive at bats will be the keys to that this year’s team can fill their each team is vying for an NCS title. our success,” he said. Whether they’re shoes,” Santich-Hughes said. They April May TIME DFAL league play began on March on the diamond or in the classroom, have been able to do so early with 6th 4th ages 10-13 9-10:30 am 17. Division rivals Campolindo (5-2 Luckhurst will look to instill disci- preseason victories over NCS powers 13th* 11th ages 14-18 10:30-12 am overall) and Acalanes (7-2 overall) pline and determination into his play- College Park and San Marin. 20th 18th * ages 10-13 11-12:30 will face off in their first DFAL game ers this year. “I expect my players to Despite coming off of a rough 2013 of the season on Thursday, March 27. be good students, good people, and to season, the Matadors look capable 27th *ages 14-18 12:30-2 Last year Campolindo took the work very hard and pay attention to of rebounding this season. “Our team DFAL title and the Division II NCS details when they practice.” has 13 seniors and five captains who Location: Wilder Sports Park field #3 title. Acalanes finished second behind A win over the otherwise unde- provide excellent leadership,” coach Campolindo and went on to win the feated Berkeley High School in pre- Vince Dell’Aquila explained. Key re- (all participants are to bring cleats, shinguards and water. Division III NCS title. Miramonte season play showcased their ability to turning players include seniors Ben- GK’s are to bring GKgloves and may also consider bringing had a rebuilding year, but the Mats (4- contend with the best. With motiva- nett Stehr and Andrew Rozensweig. pants and long sleeve shirts or jerseys). 3 overall) are now looking to get back tion and momentum, the Campolindo Stehr, a 2013 second team catcher and Cost: $250 per participant to the top of the DFAL behind their Cougars will be a force to be reck- star lineman on the football field, is For Registration Please Visit: senior leadership. oned with this spring. the first Miramonte player since now keeperout.com or doublescissors.com This year the Cougars started the The Acalanes Dons, coached by MLB slugger Brett Jackson in 2009 season ranked 11th in the state. Cam- Justin Santich-Hughes, are also look- to hit a home run over the fence into (925) 698-3279 (925) 262-3617 polindo head coach Max Luckhurst is ing to continue their success. The the Miramonte pool. Rozensweig, REGISTER NOW! Space is limited optimistic about the upcoming season Acalanes squad will rely on its upper- Miramonte’s lefty ace, led the NCS in Registration Deadline: April 4th despite losing some key graduates. classmen for guidance. “Seniors strikeouts during the 2014 preseason “We will try to keep our momentum Grant Henderson and Austin Fisher and is looking to continue his pitching going by getting the new guys on this will be two vital players to our team success. year’s team up to speed,” Luckhurst this year,” Santich-Hughes said. Hen- “Sophomore James Vacarro will explained. derson, a second team all-league also be a crucial factor in our pitching He expects strong leadership player will serve as a utility infielder success this year,” Dell’Aquila said. from returning seniors Denis Karas this season, whereas gold-glove win- Miramonte, who has shown that it can and Matt Ledrech, both of whom ning Fisher will play shortstop. play at an elite level, should be a seri- were first-team all DFAL players in “Returning sophomore Jake Berry ous contender during the 2014 spring 2013. Other crucial players on the will also be key to our success,” baseball season. EST. 1996 Cougars’ roster include juniors Adam Santich-Hughes noted. Berry, a stand- With significant wins over Ten- Remotto and Conor McNally who out second team freshman in 2013, nyson and Skyline in preseason play, also earned all-league rights last sea- returns to the diamond as the starting the Mats have shown their strength. son. second baseman for the Dons. “We’re a good, cohesive team that is Luckhurst is focused on instilling Even with key returners, the Dons looking to play solid baseball, be baseball fundamentals to his team. will have to replace five all-league smart defensively, and pitch well,” “Throwing strikes, taking care of the seniors. “Although graduating these Dell’Aquila said. DATES: July 7 thru July 18 (M – F) TIMES: 1:30 – 5:00 P.M. Girls Qualify Two Teams to State Tourney FEES: $320 (T-shirt included) Mats reach regional finals FOR REGISTRATION FORMS, CONTACT: By Conrad Bassett 925/280-3950 x-5163, [email protected] top tier of Northern California teams or download registration form at campofootball.com in the Open division. The Mats took two road games before falling in the Regional Finals to Salesian. Their first trip was to Delta Col- lege in Stockton where they beat St. Mary’s (Stockton) 94-79. The Mats employed their fero- cious press and deep bench and pushed Family & Cosmetic Dentistry out to a 24-16 lead after one period and led by seven when sophomore Keana Delos Santos went on a personal 7-0 run to double the lead – all in about 20 Now seconds. She nailed a three from the accepting corner followed by a layup and then a steal and another layup. new Sophomore Sabrina Ionescu led patients! all scorers with 31, senior Mariah Ashley Ewing Photos Gint Federas Seals added 15 and Delos Santos fin- ished with 14. Keana Delos Santos With the win, the Mats advanced Kristi L. Doberenz, D.D.S., Inc. to face Carondolet before a loud and 8 Camino Encinas, STE #110, Orinda packed crowd. (925) 254-3725 Coach Kelly Sopak and the team were thrilled with the community support. “It was so cool the last two weeks to see the tremendous support. It really means a lot to the kids and coaches. Heck, I even tried to fire them up near the end of the game. The fans were very much a part of both wins here in Nor Cal.” Kyle Davis The game was tightly contested Mortgage Consultant/Owner/Partner from the beginning. Carondolet had Lamorinda Resident Since 1995 their biggest lead of the game at 30- BRE License #01111347/NMLS #274107 Megan Adachi 23 when an unsung player came off Direct: 925-314-5299 wo Lamorinda teams were se- the bench for the Mats. Freshman Mariah Seals [email protected] lected to participate in the CIF Elle Louie hit a corner three point shot T 319 Diablo Rd., Ste 103 • Danville • CA BRE Lic. # 01327738, NMLS#280803 Northern California girls’ basketball and then a second one a few minutes late in the game," said Ionescu. championships. Campolindo was the later to get the Mats back in the game. Ionescu led the team with 33 RATES ARE NEAR ALL TIME LOWS! No. 7 seed in Division III and Mira- Coach Kelly Sopak remarked, points and Seals added 23. monte was the No. 6 seed in the Open “Elle is a tremendous player. She These wins led to a rematch, at 30 YEAR FIXED RATE TO $1,000,000! Division. makes a lot of active plays that some- Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento on 4.500% /4.590% APR The Cougars fell in their opener times don't get credited as a stat. March 22, with Salesian (Richmond), at Soquel High in Santa Cruz, 74 to Tonight she stepped up and delivered who had handed Miramonte its only GREAT CONFORMING RATES! 66. Coach Art Thoms was proud of some big shots and timely rebounds. loss of the regular season. Fixed Rates to $417,000 Fixed Rates to $625,500 what the team accomplished this sea- She has come a long way.” The Pride pulled out to a large RATE APR RATE APR son. “We reached two of our goals by Miramonte had a 43-40 lead at early lead and the Mats came back, 30 Year Fixed 4.250% 4.250% 4.500% 4.500% making the NCS and Norcal playoffs. the half. but not quite enough and lost the CIF 15 Year Fixed We are going to miss our seniors Ash- The game was tied at 80-80 with Northern California championship 3.250% 3.250% 3.500% 3.500% ley Ewing, Meghan Adachi and 2:32 to go. Louie hit a free throw to game 78 to 64. Ionescu led all scorers “PROVIDING PREMIER LOAN PRODUCTS AND SERVICE FROM Sierra Regan.” give the Mats the lead with 1:44 to go with 23. THE MOST EXPERIENCED AND SOLUTION-ORIENTED The Cougars finished with a 17- – a lead they would not relinquish as Miramonte finished with a 30-2 PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.” 12 record. Ionescu hit six clutch free throws in record. Call 925-314-5299 for Today’s Quote! Over in Orinda, the Matadors the last minute to seal the 92-87 win. "To make the Nor Cal champi- This is not a loan commitment, nor is it a guarantee concluded their regular season with "I don't really think about the onship in the Open bracket is just an of any kind. This comparison is based solely on estimated figures and information available at the the DFAL title, swept through the makes or the misses. In our system, I amazing feat for this school and com- time of production. Interest rate is subject to have the green light to make plays and borrower and property qualifying. NCS with a title and were then se- munity," said Sopak. "I am extremely Stonecastle Land and Home Financial, Inc. is an lected to take a road trip through the fortunately tonight I started to feel it proud to have coached this team." Equal Opportunity Lender. Page: C2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Boys’ Basketball Make State Title Run By Michael Sakoda eliminated 70-61 at Drake a week ago. The Mats came back from three 10-point deficits, and cut Drake’s lead to 56-60 with under two minutes to play, but they never made it over the hump. “I think we were just too worn mentally from being on the road for so long,” said head coach Drew McDonald. “We played our best basketball down the stretch ... and I’m proud of the way our guys coursed out this season.” Miramonte will graduate five players, Joey Goodreault, Scott Rein, Connor Wong, Ray Clark and Drew Anderson, who averaged 31.6 points, 18.3 rebounds per game during the CIF run. Both Anderson and Goodreault have made their mark in Miramonte school history. In the history of the basketball program, a player has only scored 31 or more points in 25 occasions. “Drew has a half dozen of those himself,” said McDonald. “And Goodreault will be a leader in 3-point field goals made as well as assists.” Acalanes (17-13, 5-7 DFAL) was upended in the opening round by Christian Brothers 60- 46 on March 12. Trailing 28-22 early in the third quarter, the Dons, led by Buster Souza (15 points, 15 re- bounds), went on an 8-2 run, tying the score as Luke Hoyle Photos Gint Federas Ray Clark Matt Thomas the period expired. But the Dons struggled to amorinda’s seniors were huge for their falling against Riordan. The Cougars trailed 35- added 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks to get their offense going in the fourth. They were Lschools during an exciting stretch of 41 entering the final quarter. However, Campo pace the Cougars. outscored 23-9 in the final eight minutes. games in the CIF Tournament. went on a 12-3 run, capturing a 49-44 lead with “This game was tough ... our worst offen- “The game turned quickly,” said coach, Bill Campolindo (23-8, 11-1 DFAL) advanced less than five minutes to play. sive output, shooting percentage-wise, of the Powers. “They were hungrier and we didn’t to the NorCal semifinals, beating Vanden 96-64 With four seconds left, Zolitakis was inten- season,” said head coach Matt Watson. “But match their effort.” on March 15 before being ousted 72-68 by tionally fouled while shooting a three, giving what these guys have accomplished has been The 17 wins Acalanes notched this year is a Archbishop Riordan in an overtime thriller on him free throws, and more importantly, giving impressive ... definitely a special team.” marked improvement from their eight wins a March 18. Campo the ball. The senior went 2/3 from the Campo will lose eight players—Zolintakis, season ago, and Powers credits his players for Campo’s offense clicked against Vanden as line, and knocked down a shot over the hands Dunn, Hoyle, Isaac Christian, Andrew Cassidy, the growth. four players scored in double figures—seniors of three Riordan defenders, sending the game Walter Brennan, Anderson Clarke and Ryan “The guys bought in to what we were trying Justin Dunn (27 points, 7 rebounds), Luke into overtime. Smith—to graduation. to do,” he said. “They were starving for direc- Hoyle (16 points) and Andrew Zolintakis (12 The Cougars lost momentum in the over- Miramonte (18-13, 6-6 DFAL) stole two tion ... put in the work and improved.” points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists), and junior Chris time period, and Riordan edged Campo 72-68. games on the road, at Fairfield 74-70 on March Acalanes graduates six players including Hansen (11 points, 6 rebounds, 8 blocks). Zolintakis was remarkable, scoring 32 of his 38 12, and at Burlingame 78-76 on March 15, ad- standouts Souza and Matt Thomas as well as Just three days later, the shots weren’t in the second half and overtime. Chris Hansen vancing to the NorCal semifinals before being Kyle Kinnear, Ross Teichman, and Zack Kisner.

SMC in WNIT for Fifth Year in Row Gaels Reach Second Round of NIT By Caitlin Mitchell By Caitlin Mitchell

Jackie Nared Photos Tod Fierner aint Mary’s women’s basketball qualified SMC was led by senior Jackie Nared, who Sfor the Women’s National Invitation Tour- had a game-high 27 points and 11 rebounds. nament and earned a first round win at home Senior forward Danielle Mauldin added her 10 against Bakersfield. points and 12 rebounds for her 24th double-dou- The Gaels (23-9) faced the Roadrunners on ble of the year. Senior guard Kate Gaze added March 21. SMC found themselves down 13-4 10 points and five assists. early, but they responded with a 20-3 run to take They advanced to face UTEP in Texas on the lead. Bakersfield opened the second half hot March 24 after the press deadline. Follow to build a lead. The Gaels caught back up to tie @LamorindaSports for score reports and tour- it at 55 all with seven minutes to play. They took nament updates. the lead and never looked back.

Stephen Holt Photo Gint Federas aint Mary’s men’s basketball team strug- Holt was forced to sit with a little over five min- Sgled with consistency during their NIT run. utes to play. The Gaels (23-12) qualified as a No. 4 seed. Despite losing Holt, the Gaels went on a 13- They came from behind to beat No. 5 Utah in 0 run to take the lead and the game, 70-58. Sen- Danielle Mauldin the first round and jumped to an early lead in ior guard James Walker III led the team with 23 the second round against No. 1 Minnesota but points, tying a career high. Holt had 15 points. could not hold on for the win. With the win, Saint Mary’s advanced to On March 18 against Utah, Saint Mary’s take on the Gophers on March 23. Instead of Submit stories to found themselves down as many as 13 in the finding themselves down early, the Gaels first half. In the second half, they battled back jumped to an early 14-0 lead. Minnesota re- [email protected] behind baskets by senior center Matt Hodgson sponded with a 15-2 run. The Gaels were up to cut the deficit to 44-59 with eight minutes to 26-22 at halftime, but the Gophers took the (we prefer to receive your original photo file, minimum size: go. In the midst of the Gaels’ come back run, lead and eventually hung on for the 63-55 senior guard Stephen Holt was charged with an win. 200 dpi and 1200 pixels wide) offensive foul –his fifth of the game. Averaging Holt put up 24 points in the game, his last 37 minutes a game, a WCC best, an emotional as a Gael. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C3

Divers Make No Waves at Final Four Championships Submitted by Andrew Ward Submitted by Steve Sherman

herman divers traveled to Provo, Utah to 15 girls’ springboard, Brenna Cetrone placed Scompete in the Region 10 Diving Champi- 8th on the 1- and 3-meter boards, Audrey Lund- Photo provided onships March 7-8. Morgan Matranga com- gren finished 18th and 16th, Camille Valvur ndrea Ward, a former Orinda Aquatics finish, Ward earned a spot on the podium. peted in the 16-18 girls’ springboard and placed 21st and 19th, and Sara Koenigsberg fin- Aand Campolindo swimmer, represented A senior, Ward has dominated the Mountain finished 15th out of 41 divers on the 3-meter and ished 24th and 23rd, respectively. UC Santa Barbara at the NCAA Women’s Pacific Sports Federation, winning at total of 18 16th out of 46 divers on the 1-meter. In the 14- Swimming and Diving Championships. She titles at the conference championships. She swam the 100 Fly and the 200 Fly. She also added six titles and two conference records in qualified for a spot in the 500 yard freestyle. just this year. Her accomplishments earned her Young Gymnast Earns Top In the 100 Fly, Ward finished in fourth place the MPSF Swimmer of the Year award. Finish at State with a school record, 51.47 seconds. With the Submitted by Mizushima Sullivan ompeting for the Head Over Heels Ath- Water Polo Club Wins in SoCal Cletic Arts boys’ gymnastics team, Kian Submitted by Mark VandenBerghe Sullivan of Orinda competed in the NCBGA State Gymnastics Championships. Sullivan placed fifth in the All-Around in 8-year-old cat- egory and second on Vault. His scores from championships on March 8 put him in good standing to compete in the up- coming regional meet in Phoenix, where he is planning to compete in all six events (floor, pom- Kian Sullivan on the high bar at the NCBGA State mel, rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar). Gymnastics Championships in San Luis Obispo. Dons Dry Spell Ended Submitted by Bob Chance

Front row, from left: Mike Winther, Scott Murphy, Jaime Steingraf, Mark Laurland, Chase Mcfar- land, Jay Mills; middle row: Dash Mcfarland, Tyler Smith, Luke VandenBerghe, Aidan Vollmar, Logan Estes, Mac Darin; back row: Coach Doug Smith, Tom McGuire, Coach Tor Jensen, Soren Jensen, Coach Kirk Jensen; not pictured: Dylan Grausz. he Lamorinda-based CC United Water 9, and Laguna Beach 11-9. The final game TPolo Club’s 12-and-under team won the against Laguna Beach was a huge victory for KAP7 International Water Polo Tournament in the team as they came back from a deficit at half Irvine in February. CC United was undefeated time with a strong third quarter. The tournament through the tournament beating Vanguard of is great preparation for the team as they prepare Huntington Beach 11-6, Orange County Water for the Junior Olympic National Championships Polo 12-4, San Clemente Tritons Water Polo 13- in July. From left: Coach Bob Chance, Andrew Nakahara, Assistant Coach Micah Canestaro. our wrestlers represented Acalanes at the Ridge. Nakahara reached the medal rounds, CYO Champs FNCS Wrestling Championships at Newark coming in at 8th place, breaking a 15-year dry Memorial on Feb. 28 and March 1: Tai White, spell for medaling at NCS for Acalanes. Submitted by Meredith Meade Brian Lilienstein, Andrew Nakahara, and Sam A First Championship Submitted by Karl Richtenburg

Back row, from left: Coach Jim Gebhardt, Coach Steve Haggerty, Coach Dan Meade; middle From left: Bryce Bergerson, Erez Waite, Henry Werner, Camden Sinha, Charles Richtenburg, row: Erin Meade, Claire Rowell, Madison Rogers, JoJo Flower, Morgan Coolbaugh, Makenzie Augie Martinez, and Micah Cockrum. Sauer; front row: Mia Mastrov, Julia Haggerty, Grace Gebhardt. The Blue Renegades won the Lamor- Soccer championship on March 15. The St. Perpetua fifth grade girls captured the onship on March 8 with a 41-25 win over Good inda Kindergarten Saturday Indoor They won 4-2. American Division Oakland Diocese Champi- Shepherd of Pittsburg. Page: LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 SHOP MORAGA

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$50 off for new clients Watch for Love Hall of Taxes th Peggy Hall, Enrolled Agent Lafayette April 9 30 years experience Specializing in complex tax situations for individuals and Call for Advertising small businesses. Moraga Consultation, Preparation, 925.377.0977 (925) 388-1040 Representation, Planning www.HallofTaxes.com • [email protected] amorinda LOUR HOMES

Lamorinda Weekly Volume 08 Issue 2 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Gardening Guide

...read on page D8 Award-Winning ëWine Caveí Goes Beyond a Refrigerator By Chris Lavin ine is important to many WLamorinda families – some even have dedicated specialized re- frigerators to store the good stuff. But if you have a winery, why not dig a cave? Yes, a real cave. “We wanted someplace with temperature and humidity control,” said David Rey, who with his wife Di- anne and two more generations owns the Reliez Valley Vineyards in Lafayette. They have grapes, they have machinery. They needed space. To get a cave, one must dig. To find out how and where, Rey called the Orinda architect who designed his home and outbuildings back in the early 1990s, Rick Kattenburg. “I originally designed the home on the 2-and-a-half acre property in 1991,” Kattenburg said. He added a pool cabana, an outdoor kitchen, and a garage with a game room on top al- most 10 years later. Then they started on “the cave.” The Reys’ grape vines were al- ready in the ground, and doing well. But It might look like a barn, but this seasonal storage shed is equipped with a winch on steroids to lift heavy equipment the resulting wine needed space to age. back and forth. Photo provided Spelunkers have known the secret for years – crawl down into an existing humming in 2012. cave some 20 or 30 or more feet, and you get into the special thermal realm of Architect Kattenburg has been in business for 35 years in Orinda, and 50 to 55 degrees , a perfect temperature for storing wine. It can be 100 degrees specializes in residential projects. Rey’s home was a big project, complicated, outside, or even below freezing, and still 55 down in the caves. So Rey called he said, but it helped that the homeowner was so involved. Kattenburg, and Kattenburg called in the bulldozers. The equipment started ...continued on page D4

Page: D2 OUR HOMES Wed., March 26, 2014

Lamorinda Home Sales recorded City Last reported: LOWEST AMOUNT: HIGHEST AMOUNT: LAFAYETTE 8 $735,000 $1,950,000 MORAGA 6 $500,000 $1,300,000 ORINDA 11 $700,000 $1,525,000 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oakland real estate information company. Sale prices are computed from the county transfer tax in- formation shown on the deeds that record at close of escrow and are published five to eight weeks after such recording. This information is obtained from public county records and is provided to us by California REsource. Neither Cal REsource nor this publication are liable for errors or omissions. LAFAYETTE 3305 Ameno Drive, $1,231,000, 3 Bdrms, 2055 SqFt, 1960 YrBlt, 2-19-14 1130 Glen Road, $1,300,000, 3 Bdrms, 2099 SqFt, 1948 YrBlt, 2-18-14 110 Haslemere Court #4, $735,000, 3 Bdrms, 2025 SqFt, 1988 YrBlt, 2-26-14 860 Hope Lane, $1,000,000, 4 Bdrms, 1689 SqFt, 1953 YrBlt, 2-25-14; Previous Sale: $450,000, 04-29-99 3858 Quail Ridge Road, $1,300,000, 4 Bdrms, 2883 SqFt, 1966 YrBlt, 2-19-14; Previous Sale: $1,300,000, 07-07-05 25 Richelle Court, $1,325,000, 3 Bdrms, 2284 SqFt, 1966 YrBlt, 2-26-14; Previous Sale: $951,000, 10-29-09 3351 Springhill Road, $1,950,000, 3 Bdrms, 1396 SqFt, 1958 YrBlt, 2-25-14 3142 Sweetbrier Circle, $885,000, 4 Bdrms, 1624 SqFt, 1962 YrBlt, 2-21-14; Previous Sale: $76,000, 08-18-76 MORAGA 116 Corliss Drive, $1,300,000, 4 Bdrms, 2288 SqFt, 1965 YrBlt, 2-26-14; Previous Sale: $995,000, 02-23-11 107 Fairfield Place, $650,000, 3 Bdrms, 1760 SqFt, 1965 YrBlt, 2-21-14 120 Merion Terrace, $985,000, 3 Bdrms, 2725 SqFt, 1988 YrBlt, 2-21-14; Orinda’s Latest Collection Previous Sale: $375,000, 02-25-88 533 Moraga Road #230, $756,000, 2706 SqFt, 2008 YrBlt, 2-20-14 Of Exquisitely Designed Homes. 454 Rheem Boulevard, $500,000, 3 Bdrms, 1322 SqFt, 1974 YrBlt, 2-21-14 42 Sea Pines Street, $985,000, 3 Bdrms, 2828 SqFt, 1980 YrBlt, 2-18-14; Previous Sale: $745,000, 08-17-01 Come tour the recently completed 3,700 sq ft ORINDA 31 Charles Hill Road, $975,000, 3 Bdrms, 1911 SqFt, 1940 YrBlt, 2-14-14; 4 bdrm/4bath + bonus room home Previous Sale: $142,000, 10-17-78 on 8 spacious acres. 25 Dias Dorados, $810,000, 4 Bdrms, 1966 SqFt, 1959 YrBlt, 2-19-14; Previous Sale: $950,000, 03-21-05 16 East Altarinda Drive, $1,525,000, 3 Bdrms, 2577 SqFt, 1958 YrBlt, 2-19-14; Previous Sale: $1,450,000, 06-19-13 10 Ellen Court, $850,000, 3 Bdrms, 1523 SqFt, 1957 YrBlt, 2-19-14; Previous Sale: $347,000, 11-17-93 1 Estates Court, $1,075,000, 3 Bdrms, 2184 SqFt, 1939 YrBlt, 2-14-14; Previous Sale: $310,000, 07-29-96 1 Estates Drive, $700,000, 1 Bdrms, 1138 SqFt, 1961 YrBlt, 2-19-14; 300 Miller Court, Orinda, CA Previous Sale: $36,000, 05-28-71 3 Fleetwood Court, $1,155,000, 4 Bdrms, 2241 SqFt, 1960 YrBlt, 2-19-14 29 Las Piedras, $749,000, 2 Bdrms, 1017 SqFt, 1951 YrBlt, 2-20-14; Previous Sale: $480,000, 03-11-11 Exclusively represented by Glenn W. Beaubelle, 103 Oak Road, $950,000, 4 Bdrms, 1795 SqFt, 2006 YrBlt, 2-14-14; The Beaubelle Group of Coldwell Banker Previous Sale: $790,000, 01-16-09 31 Vista Del Orinda, $750,000, 3 Bdrms, 1238 SqFt, 1952 YrBlt, 2-25-14 Brokers must accompany their client(s) and register them on their first visit to the Sales Center in 535 the Glade, $1,000,000, 2 Bdrms, 2175 SqFt, 1985 YrBlt, 2-25-14 RUGHUWREHHOLJLEOHIRUDEURNHUFRPPLVVLRQ‹2ULQGD2DNV6LJQDWXUH'HYHORSPHQW*URXS¬ Kurt Piper Group

Reservoir Neighborhood Gale Ranch Community

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Gorgeous Ranch-Style Home Coming Soon in Reliez Valley

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Kurt Piper Amy Price

925.818.8000 415.606.2047 415.990.4929 925.997.6808 925.216.7583 Realtors Recommended for a Reason Page: D4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Wine Cave ...continued from page D1

Owner David Rey and architect Rick Kattenburg decided on adding an entertainment area to the "wine cave," Architect Rick Kattenburg in his Orinda office. so tastings and dinners could be had right alongside barrels of aging wine. The chandelier in the center is made Photo Chris Lavin from a wine barrel. Photos courtesy Rick Kattenburg Kattenburg says he loves working with Rey, who was involved at every step of the project. They both watched as the 20-foot hole became a magnificent 1,000-square-foot barrel storage area, with a huge dining table in the center for entertaining, tasting and mixing. Now it’s not only a center for tast- ing, but for socializing. “It’s incredible,” Kattenburg says. But the road to fruition was long. The first step was, where to put a cave? Kattenburg gets out a piece of paper. “We built the house originally with a fire truck turnout above the house,” he said, his pencil outlining a driveway in his architect’s hand. “We didn’t want guests having to look down on cars.” Face it, would you want to gaze out into the valley with a glass of wine in your hand, or onto a parking lot? They decided to dig the cave under the turnout – again thinking of unobstructed views, should equip- ment be in use. But at about 10 feet, the soil turned to rock. Heavier equipment like jackhammers were or- dered. The hole got deeper.

Reliez Valley Vineyards has more than one area for tasting and mixing, including this subterranean room that also serves ...continued on page D6 as a tasting area for micro-brewed beer. NEW SPRINGHILL LISTING!

1250 Laurel Lane, Lafayette 4 Bedrooms (2 luxurious Master Suites) +Study • 3.5 Baths • 3652 Sq. Ft* • .96 Acre* • Beautifully Designed Gardens, Level Yards & Views Attention has been paid to every detail in this fabulous home. Located on a quiet lane, it enjoys panoramic views of the Lafayette hills, privacy, and Patricia Battersby Jaime Roder a beautiful setting for comfortable indoor/outdoor living. The fully updated interior is stylish, 925.330.6663 925.253.2149 luxurious, light and bright. The thoughtful floor [email protected] [email protected] plan is open, spacious, and designed so all spaces www.patriciabattersby.com www.jaimeroder.com are well utilized. The central courtyard functions as CalBRE#00854469 CalBRE#01868839 an additional room and there are level lawns, gardens, and play areas to enjoy as well. Lafayette schools: Springhill, Stanley & Acalanes. You will love this home! Offered at $2,300,000 ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE *Per tax records Page: D6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Wine Cave ...continued from page D4 In the digging of the cave, Kattenburg and Rey discovered veins of shells that signified the edge of an ocean. Lamorinda Weekly covered that discovery of 6-mil- lion-year-old clam fossils (see story at https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/ issue0610/Beachfront-Vineyard-in-Lafayette-Cave-Dig-Unearths-6-10-Million- Year-Old-Fossils.html). The geology caused Kattenburg to modify the access to the

Quinn Berg Broker Associate cave, and a bent tunnel was built underground on a downward slope to tie in with Direct: 925.765.2996 the wine cave. Rey knew that the lime-rich history of the soil would be good for his [email protected] grapes. www.quinnberg.com The project ended up, after completion, winning the 2014 Houzz Design CalBRE #01872891 Award, a coveted architectural prize awarded by the 16 million users of the Houzz site. “We are so honored,” Kattenburg said. “It’s a big deal.” Rey’s relatively small 2-plus acres have cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, syrah

©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a and other grapes lining the property. He also has a micro-brewery in the family, with registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 the wine cave at its center. “It’s a working wine cave,” he said. “It’s beautiful.”

Tucked away in Lafayette’s desirable Happy Valley, 2-story charmer Walnut Creek ~ Views form most every room of this gorgeous 10 year old cus- has 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath, 3280 sq ft hm on 1.2 acres, w/pool. Downstairs tom built home. 5 bdrms 5.5 baths + additional office or 6th bdrm. Lrg open bonus rm. Close to dwntwn, Hwy 24, Lafayette Reservoir and top- kitchen w/center island & views of the hills. Hardwood flrs, family rm open to rated schools. Call for details. kitchen, 1 bdrm & bath on first floor. Enjoy your spa on the deck while viewing Paddy Kehoe 925.878.5869 the hills & your own small vineyard. A must see: Listed at $2,099,000. Call today [email protected] Gretchen Bryce 925.683.2477 New in Moraga!

TING!

NEW LIS PENDING!

420 Stonefield Place, Moraga 401 Birchwood Drive, Moraga Spacious, open & bright, 5 bedroom, Wonderful 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3.5 bath home on peaceful cul-de-sac fantastic views of Las Trampas hills, Mt. located in Camino Woods. Remodeled Diablo & Saint Mary’s College. 2948± sq. kitchen. Great backyard with pool, lawn ft. of living space with beautiful open and garden areas. 420Stonefield.com beam vaulted ceilings. 401Birchwood.com Offered at $1,175,000 Offered at $1,125,000

Rob & Kathy Olson 925.788.6193 [email protected] [email protected] License #: 00385275 | 01372297

Silver Dell Beauty

39 Greentree Court, Lafayette Tucked back on a cul-de-sac in the sought after Silver Dell neighborhood sits this stunning 4 BD/3 BA home. With 2,833+/- sq. ft., this beautiful home enjoys a remodeled eat-in kitchen that opens to a great room, a formal dining room and a beautiful living room with vaulted ceiling and views of the hills and beyond. Situated on .91+/- acre lot, the private New Listing Coming Soon! backyard is an entertainer’s dream with wonderful sitting areas and a sparkling Stylish contemporary home in sought-after Glorietta neighborhood, pool. This home is ideally located just a minutes to Meadow Swim & Tennis Club and Glorietta Elementary School short distance from Springhill Elementary (check availability). 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in main house plus separate School, Acalanes High School, Briones 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment with full kitchen and fireplace. Beautiful creekside setting with sunny deck, level lawn area & Artist Studio. Open Space and Springbrook Swim Club. www.39GreentreeCourt.com

Offered at $1,649,000 • Call for more information Offered at $1,495,000 Paul & Virginia Ratto 925.998.9501 Lisa Brydon 925.285.8336 | Kristi Ives 925.788.8345 [email protected] www.BrydonIvesTeam.com www.RattoandRatto.com CalBRE#: 01408025 License #: 00900621 | 01361537 CalBRE#: 01367466 [email protected] Page: D8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Cynthia Brianís Gardening Guide for April “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” – William Shakespeare By Cynthia Brian Beginning at age 8 when we were taught to drive, it was the responsibility of my siblings and me to water our crops one plant at a time starting in April and continuing throughout the warm months. My parents were “dry farmers,” meaning that we had no source of irrigation for our fields. My dad built a stainless steel tank on the back of his World War II Willy Jeep, and every day my sisters and I would pump water from the creek or well into the tank, then drive through the fields stopping at each vine or tree to offer a drink. The work was tedious and arduous yet necessary for the survival of our family farm. Although not always pretty, the fruit from our dry farming techniques was super sweet, delicious, and perpetually in high demand. In another act of water management, my dad snaked the washing machine hose to the asparagus patch where after a long day on the tractor, we’d smother our chesa in the warm mud. H2O was precious and never a drop was wasted. April is the month for youthful romping and creative conservation. Get busy digging in the dirt as spring has sprung.

• CUT back all plants, vines, trees, and bushes damaged by winter frosts. • PRUNE shrubs scheduled to bloom in summer before their growth spurt. Lilacs, forsythia, and tulip trees can be pruned after they finish their spring bloom. • GROW hardy, low maintenance cordylines, also known as festival grasses, in large containers or use in your landscape to provide splashes of vertical color. • CELEBRATE Earth Day by honoring our planet, the supplier of life to over seven billion humans. • SUFFERING from arthritis? Seed tape is a quick and easy way to sow seeds when mobility is compromised. Burpee, Park Seed, and Territorial Seed are among the suppliers available at your favorite retailer. • WATCH your water usage. Be responsible with irrigation by watering in the morning or evening, using gray water whenever possible. • TAKE pictures of your spring garden to share with others and to use as a guideline for harvesting times. • APPLY two to three inches of compost around perennials, trees, and shrubs. • SKIP tilling your soil unless you are starting a new bed. Tilling has been found to be harmful to the beneficial microbes, fungi, worms, and insects that help your garden grow. A parade of spring color with delphiniums, tulips, and pansies. • CONTINUE planting root crops of turnips, carrots, beets, radishes, and potatoes. Photo Cynthia Brian Succession sowing keeps your harvest hearty. • PULL or cut weeds as soon as they sprout to conserve water and nutrients for the plantings you want to showcase. • ATTRACT beneficial bugs, bees, butterflies,nd a birds to your landscape by eliminating all pesticides and insecticides while providing a natural habitat for abundant food, shelter, water, and protection from prey. • PROPOGATE drought resistant sexy succulents from cuttings. • PLANT onions, chives, blueberries, lilies, dusty miller, alyssum, dianthus, and oregano. • PICK fragrant lilacs and wisteria to decorate your interiors. • SET out plants that you started indoors in February. • APPRECIATE the shrill calls of the red-tailed hawks as they rid your garden of moles, voles, gophers, mice, and rats. These hunters can detect a mouse from 360 feet. • LOOKING for the perfect rose that isn’t in your local nursery or garden center? Check out Edmunds’ Roses at www.edmundsroses.com for a huge selection in every color including hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, groundcover roses, climbing roses, antiques, and tree roses. • CHOOSE bird feeders that are appropriate for the birds that visit your yard. Make sure to keep all feeders away from windows to avoid bird strikes and injuries. • TRELLIS a dwarf fruit tree for easier harvesting. Apple, peach, pear, plum, and apricot can be trained to grow vertically or horizontally. You may need two trees as pollinators. Anne Knight presents

Pending

PATTI CAMRAS REALTOR® CalBRE# 01156248 925-899-9282 believe in the [email protected] 5 Moraga Way, Orinda 5 Corte Bombero, Orinda art of living well. Located on a sunny court just minutes from www.patticamras.com downtown Orinda, 5 Corte Bombero is a dream home on a .65 acre lot. Traditional in style and thoughtfully updated, this home has it all. • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Open, inviting floor plan for all to enjoy Whether helping first-time home buyers & move-up buyers • Vaulted, exposed wood ceiling in living room or downsizing empty nesters & seniors, I want my clients Anne Knight with traditional wood burning fireplace Realtor • Beautifully updated and meticulosy maintained to live well at every stage of their lives. I’ll do whatever it Village Associates • Hardwood floors throughout takes to help them enjoy a seamless transition from one of • Secluded court location C: 925 360 0296 minutes from downtown life’s passages to the next. This is my promise. Orinda, BART and [email protected] ASSOCIATES ©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal CalBRE #01867467 freeway Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 REAL ESTATE

Single Story Ranch in the heart of Burton Valley! 567 Silverado Drive, Lafayette

This fabulous home offers a flexible floor plan including 3 bedrooms, two full baths and a family room. From the white picket fence surrounding the level, professionally landscaped front yard, to thoughtful details such as crown molding, Bamboo floors, recently installed bay windows, and several access points to the backyard, this home combines traditional character with modern comforts and seamless indoor outdoor living. Ideally located just steps away Offered at from Burton Valley Elementary School, Merriewood Children's Center and Ranchos Colorados Swim & Tennis Club. Convenient to downtown, $1,185,000 Lafayette Community Center, and Lafayette Regional Bike Trail. A wonderful home in the heart of Burton Valley! virtual tour at www.567silveradodrive.com

Presented by SUE LAYNG

Cell: 925-963-7189 • [email protected] • www.SueLayng.com ASSOCIATES CalBRE # 000970956 REAL ESTATE Page: D10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, March 26, 2014

• FILL Easter baskets for the garden lovers on your list with essential garden tools including a pair of sturdy gloves, hand forged trowel, packets of seeds, a water wise nozzle, and a pot of Dutch tulips. • PROVIDE privacy with pathway plantings of tall, upright grasses. Screening grasses which may grow to seven feet tall or more include feather reed grass, switch grass, and maiden grass. • SCATTER seeds of self-sowers such as cosmos, California poppy, blanket flower, nasturtium, sunflower, and pot marigold for annual fireworks of color. • STOCK up on cacti, succulents, and other drought tolerant plants at the Spring Opening Plant Sale on Saturday, April 12 at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek (http://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/). • DELIGHT in the pop of multihued tulips, delphiniums, aquilegia, muscari, hyacinths, and freesia parading in your landscape.

Swing into spring and feel like a kid again. Our gardens are abloom. This earth is yours. Happy Gardening. Happy Growing.

©2014 Cynthia Brian The Goddess Gardener [email protected] http://www.goddessgardener.com, 925-377-7827 Cynthia is available as a speaker and consultant.

Lic.: #611120 & Landscaping Family owned in Moraga since 1987 Grasses can be privacy screens. This Australian grass tree also sports fascinating spires that resemble horns at the Ruth Mulching trees and shrubs Your friendly neighborhood Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek. Photos Cynthia Brian conserves water arborists Darren and Lew Edwards Mulching is important for trees and also shrubs. Besides being attractive, mulch can be used to conserve soil moisture, to buffer soil temperature extremes, to control weeds and competing vegetation and to replenish organic matter and nutrients in the soil. The majority of landscape trees evolved in a woodland environment with natural mulch around them. Often the practice is to rake up or blow away any natural mulch in a home landscapes. In a natural environment, trees generally do not grow in lawns or meadows and their root systems do not compete well against lawn grasses. A mulched area around a tree should be provided for the benefit of the tree. The size of the mulched areas around a tree depends on the size Fish Ranch Farms Nursery of the tree. So don’t wait until it’s too late have a complete inspection by Now Hours: Wed-Mon 10-2, Sat-Sun 10-4 Now a Certified Arborist at Advance Tree Service and Landscaping. Advance Tree Service Open! 1000 Fish Ranch Road, Orinda Open! Your Authority on Trees and Landscape. www.fishranchnursery.com (925) 421-0035 925-376-6528 All Natural Vegetables & Plants: 4” Pots $3.75, 6-pack $4.75 [email protected] www.advancetree.com LETTUCE – 6-pack has 4 kinds of lettuce & 2 kinds of spinach Follow us on Twitter (advancetree) and like us on Face Book HERBS- 7 kinds of herbs, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme…… (ADVANCETREESERVICEANDLANDSCAPINGINC.) OUR HOMES D11 Wed., March 26, 2014 Page: >\kFlkJkXpFlk @ePfliE\nFlk[ffiIffd C\k>Xi[\eC`^_kjCXe[jZXg\;\m\cfgd\ek^`m\pfl^ff[i\XjfekfÈ>\kFlkXe[JkXpFlkÉk_`jjldd\i%

Xi[\eC`^_kjCXe[jZXg\;\m\cfgd\ek#@eZ%`jX]lccj\im`Z\cXe[jZXg\gffc[\j`^eYl`c[Ôid% N\[\j`^e`ejkXccn`k_aljkfe\ZXcc0),$),+$+.0.›nnn%^Xi[\ec`^_kjcXe[jZXg\%Zfd Celebrating over 20 years of service in Lamorinda. Bonded – Licensed & Insured License# 702845 C27 & C53

Columbine, an Aquilegia hybrid and delphiniums do well in a sun-dappled shade garden. family owned since 1933

DESIGN e Ri INSTALLATION u dg IRRIGATION l e DRAINAGE B STONEWORK CONCRETE WORK DECKS 925-258-9233 FENCES cell: 510-847-6160 PATIOS Landscape Company Inc. LAWNS PONDS Blue Jay Feldman LICENSED Cordylines and New Zealand Flax add texture and color CLEANUP & OWNER/OPERATOR INSURED to a landscape. HAULING www.blueridgelc.com Lic# 818633 Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm

ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA

ASSOCIATES

REAL ESTATE New Listing Pending New Listing 171 Camino Pablo Original 1936 5 Corte Bombero Traditional 9 Las Piedras Picturesque private 52 Singingwood Lane Two story THE VILLAGE custom 3bd/2ba. Great rm w/Cathedral 4bd/2ba beautifully updated home w/ 6bd/3ba home in park like setting brick enhanced 5bd/2.5ba home on 1.06 ceilings & views of beautiful yd. Fam. kitchen/ family great rm, exposed wood w/panoramic views, level lawn & pool. ac. Formal entry, living & dining rms, ASSOCIATES: rm opens to well-appointed kit. w/SS beam ceiling & fireplace in LR. On 3745sf classic custom w/vaulted ceilings, spacious eat-in kit. & large family rm. appliances, island. Master Suite retreat .65 ac fenced lot w/plenty of sunshine & walls of windows, hdwd flrs, den, Mstr retreat upstairs along w/ 3 other Ashley Battersby w/patio. Indoor/outdoor living. outdoor living. Lvl lawns, gardens & workout rm, FR & well-appointed bdrms. Dwnstrs bdrm could make Patricia Battersby $935,000 brick patios. $1,050,000 kitchen. $1,329,000 perfect ofc. $1,495,000 Joan Cleveland Shannon Conner ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA Joan Eggers Linda Ehrich Joan Evans Linda S. Friedman Marianne Greene Dexter Honens II New Listing New Price New Listing Anne Knight 14 Silverwood Court Cul-de- 17 Tappan Lane Vistas across 81 Mossbridge Lane Beautifully 11 Scenic Drive Gorgeous Susan Zeh Layng sac living at it's best. Enjoy privacy, Orinda come alive from all rooms of this updated approx. 4540 sf, 6bd/5.5ba 4bd/3.5ba, 4695 sf single-story Orinda Art Lehman views, level lawns, pool, spa, full guest spacious 4,155 sf with 6 bd/4 ba & 2 half Traditional Orinda Downs gem! Form estate on .64 ac lot w/exceptional style Charles Levine house. Ideal for in/outside entertaining ba. High ceilings & light & bright. meets function in this exquisite home & quality; LR & DR; office; showplace Erin Martin & comfort. Incredible luxury living, Perfect for fun in the sun with yards, perched on a private lane. This is the kitchen/dining/fam rm; 1bd/1ba guest April Matthews features & amenities. Great convenient decks, pool, & vineyard on 1.15 ac. home you have been waiting for! house; solar heated pool & lrg poolside location. $1,589,000 $2,275,000 $2,795,000 patio. $2,998,000 Karen Murphy Ben Olsen ORINDA MORAGA MORAGA LAFAYETTE Sue Olsen Tara Rochlin Jaime Roder Altie Schmitt Judy Schoenrock Ann Sharf New Listing Pending New Listing Amy Rose Smith 92 Sandhill Road Estate setting of 1018 Del Rio Way Updated St. 119 Sandringham Dr. S. Light & 971 Pleasant Hill Road Light & Molly Smith unmatched appeal. Large spaces+ Mary's Garden Home. Level lot bright executive cul-de-sac rancher w/ airy contemporary on private .50 ac Mt. Jeff Snell modern design allure for appealing with one story five bedroom home - indr/outdr feel, gourmet granite kitchen, Diablo view lot. 4 spacious bd & 3.5 ba Lynda Snell family living or grand scale entertaining. hardwood nearly throughout. Near hdwd flrs, custom wndws, Anderson incl. 2 mstr suites. Updated kit. Clark Thompson Fab. views of valley & Briones to Moraga Commons and Saint sliding drs, mstr ba w/steam shwr & w/brkfast bar. Large LR&DR. Huge Angie Evans Traxinger reservoir/sunsets. Walls of windows, Mary's College. heated flrs. Lvl yd, flagstone patio, mstr suite w/priv. deck, ofc area, 2 car Ignacio Vega high ceilings. $4,850,000 $1,179,000 views. $1,399,000 attached gar. $995,000 Terri Bates Walker LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE BLACKHAWK Ann Ward Dan Weil Margaret Zucker

New Listing New Listing New Listing New Listing 567 Silverado Drive Fabulous 1110 Via Media Ideally located 1250 Laurel Lane Stylish 20 Chestnut Place Extraordinary traditional ranch on lvl lot, completely 5bd/5ba home near town & commute 4bd/3.5ba family home on a Blackhawk Country Club 4980 square fenced, great for family living indoor w/Mt. Diablo views. Amazing in-law picturesque .9 acres. Great layout. foot, country French style estate with & outdoor. Lovely bamboo flrs, suite w/kitchen & laundry room. Fully remodeled with high end pool on sought after cul de sac. Vaulted facebook.com/VillageAssociates vaulted ceilings, tons of natural light Bedroom upstairs is great office. Four finishes and thoughtful extras. ceilings, Master suite with fireplace and & easy access to schls, Swim Clubs & bedrooms downstairs, each w/own Central courtyard, level lawns, adjoining office. twitter.com/villageassoc Lafayette Bike Trail. $1,185,000 bath. $1,395,000 gardens and views! $2,300,000 $1,999,000

93 Moraga Way, Suite 103 • Orinda, CA 94563 • Phone: (925) 254-0505 Visit www.villageassociates.com Click on Sunday Open Homes