Orinda’s #1 News Source! THE ORINDA NEWS Gratis Published by The Orinda Association 12 issues Annually Volume 30, number 9 Delivered to 9,000 households and Businesses in orinda september 2015 Lots of Fun at Orinda Classic Car Show benefi ts Nonprofi ts By SALLY HOGARTY Editor

hree Shelby Cobras, several Mustangs, Ttwo Woodies and many more classic cars will ensure lots of fun for local resi- dents as the 11th Annual Classic Car Show rolls into Orinda on Sept. 11-12. “This is really a destination event,” says founder and organizer Chip Herman. “We’ll have a little fun and, hopefully, raise more than a little money for our local nonprof- its.” Beneficiaries of the Classic Car Show include the Orinda Association, Seniors Around Town ride service, Educational Foundation of Orinda, the Orinda Rotary, Orinda Starlight Village Players, Lamorin- da Arts Council, Orinda Chamber of Com- merce, Orinda Parks and Rec Foundation and the Orinda Historical Society Museum. sAllY hoGArtY It all begins on Friday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. Getting ready for Dancing with the cars are (l-r) Jim and Sue Breedlove, Candy Kattenburg, Cora Hoxie, Bill Wadsworth and opening the door, chairperson with the popular Dancing with the Cars Barbara Bontemps. the 1957 t-bird shown is owned by orinda resident Eddie Kassick. dinner. Billed as “Fun, Fun, Fun till Her dancing to live music with surf-inspired Daddy Takes the T-Bird Away” (yes, the songs of the Beach Boys and Jan and Senator Glazer Names Orindan car show includes some beautifully restored Dean,” she adds. Bontemps encourages T-Birds!), this year’s dinner will resemble party goers to dress the part – Hawaiian Chief of Staff a beach party. “We’ll have two Woodies on shirts, dresses, flip-flops and maybe even By MAGGIE SHARPE family settled in Orinda in 1999. In 2010, display complete with surf boards hanging an Annette Funicello look-a-like would Staff Writer they moved to London and then Singapore. out the back,” says Rotary member and be welcome. A cake auction plus a silent “We just returned to our Orinda home dinner organizer Barbara Bontemps. “We’ll and live auction (which includes a trip to ormer Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer, who six weeks ago and couldn’t be happier to also have a Shelby Cobra, a ’65 Mustang Hawaii) will raise additional funds for the Fwas sworn in May 28 as State Senator reconnect with our friends and this special and a T-bird at the dinner to give people an nonprofits. for District Seven, has named Orinda resi- community,” said Whittaker, who holds idea of what to expect the next day.” Tickets are $100 per person (non- dent Stephen Whittaker his Chief of Staff. a B.A. from UC Berkeley, an M.A. from Bontemps says the food will also reflect reserved) and $125 (reserved) and can be “Steve knows me well and is very Cambridge University, England, and a the beach party theme with stuffed pork purchased by calling Bontemps at 925-899- J.D. from Harvard Law School. “After law loin, coconut confetti rice, citrus salad and, 9929, emailing her at [email protected] or [See STAFF page 8] of course, tropical drinks. “We’ll also have [See CLASSICS page 6] School board Approves Installing IN THIS ISSUE Garden in Wagner ranch Nature Area News Building Permits 5 By DAVID DIERKS consider the Wagner Ranch Nature Area PG&E 5 Assistant Editor to be an enormous asset to Wagner Ranch, Police Blotter 5 the school district and community. It’s an Around Town t the August 10 Orinda Union School extremely impressive piece of land. The Benefi ts 6 ADistrict Board Meeting, the board projects undertaken over the years to make voted four to one to approve the installation it such a wonderful resource for school Local Residents 7 of the Wagner Ranch School Garden inside children are truly magnificent.” Performing/Visual Arts 11, 13, 19, the Wagner Ranch Nature Area (WRNA). The new garden will form a triangle (100 21 The school garden will occupy 5,000 square feet by 100 feet by 114 feet) in a corner of Restaurant Guide 14-16 feet, about .6 percent of the total 18 acre the chain link fence which forms the pe- contriButED Photo Schools/Students 9, 10, 17 Stephen Whittaker, senator Glazer’s chief of WRNA. Wagner Ranch Elementary School rimeter of the WRNA. “Our students would staff, and his wife Carol. Business Buzz 24 (WRES) Principal Jim Manheimer said, “I [See WRNA page 20] Calendar 21 familiar with the concerns of residents in Car Time 7 Orinda and throughout my Contra Costa and Classifi ed 20 lou seal comes to Wilder Alameda county district,” said Glazer via Editorial 4 ampers at the Giants Baseball email. “He brings unique insights given his CCamp at Wilder Field in Orinda got lifelong work in business and law. He will Everyday Changes 8 a nice surprise when the Major League be a great staff leader in the Capitol who Orinda Association 2 baseball team’s mascot, Lou Seal, can keep me and my team focused, effective Roving Reporter 12 showed up. and responsive to the people of the Seventh Seasoned Shopper 22 After leading the kids in some cheers, Senate District.” Something to Howl About 10 Lou went on to spread his team spirit to Whittaker was born in San Francisco in The Reel Less Traveled 18 other camps. For information on next 1962 and raised in Monterey. He and his year’s camps at Wilder, email info@ sfgiantscamps.com.

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us PostAGE us non-ProFit 2 n The Orinda news n September 2015 orinDA AssociAtion tom romaneck Joins OA board A message From the OA president

ocal painting contractor Tom Roma- time for a Fresh Look at our Downtown Lneck is the newest member of the Orin- da Association (OA) Board of Directors. Born and raised in San Francisco, Tom Bill Waterman and his wife Denise moved to Orinda in 2003. “My wife was raised in Concord and wanted to be closer to her mother so arlier this summer our City Council lage), are eyesores and are in need of our we moved to Orinda,” says Tom. “We have Ecompleted its work on the latest round attention. Clearly, some kind of action is made so many friends here and greatly of the state-mandated Housing Element required in this area. enjoy the small town atmosphere.” as part of its overall land use plans. And Certainly, planning in our two downtown Romaneck’s company specializes in in- with the considerable input and support districts has to be done very thoughtfully terior and exterior painting as well as deck of the Citizens Infrastructure Oversight and carefully. One idea might be to create restoration. He has over 100 references Commission (CIOC), and many hard work- a new “Downtown Specific Plan,” along the from Orinda residents for whom he has ing concerned citizens, and city staff, the lines of what Lafayette did in the past 10 worked. “I take a lot of pride in my work council has pushed ahead with the early years. That plan, which supplemented their and take my time to be sure the job is done sAllY hoGArtY stages of a road and drain repair plan. Hav- general plan, was the product of nearly 10 right,” he adds. Painting contractor Tom Romaneck recently ing moved ahead on these critical and time years of planning and discussion between joined the oA board. When not beautifying local residences, consuming matters, the council now has the neighborhood associations, city staff Romaneck likes to volunteer his time for a is now a very active member of the Orinda the opportunity to begin anew what will no and council. The plan created the needed variety of community groups and events. Chamber, where he is chairman of the Am- doubt be a very lengthy discussion about detail and structure for a creative develop- “My love of volunteering goes back to the bassador’s Committee. “The ambassadors what kind of downtown our city will have ment process, and gave rise to fresh new early 90s when I got involved with the Spe- are the backbone workforce of the cham- in the coming decades. ideas. Another proposal, suggested by cial Olympics in San Francisco,” he says. ber,” Romaneck explains. “We do the set up Plainly stated, our two prized downtown folks in Orinda Vision and supported by the Romaneck was a member of the Lafayette and clean up after such chamber events as areas – the theater and the village districts Orinda Chamber of Commerce, would be Chamber of Commerce for eight years and [See ROMANECK page 8] – could benefit from some new and vibrant to invite the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to businesses and offices. On the theater side, form a Technical Assistance Panel (made the last new structure built was Theater up of multidisciplinary experts in planning, Square, which to my memory was nearly 25 architecture, construction, governance, etc.) years ago. On the village side, aside from to provide some new ideas and the momen- our marvelous Library and City Hall build- tum needed to come up with some realistic ings, there haven't been any new private solutions to this perplexing challenge. buildings built or had substantial exterior It’s probably safe to say that virtually all updating in about 40 years, since the “Vin- of us here in Orinda appreciate and value tage House” was constructed sometime in living among the green/brown hills and the mid-1970s (during the “disco”music era moving about in a place that maintains its for those of us that remember). That's not semi-rural character. We all feel fortunate to say all of our commercial structures are to be able to live in such a beautiful place. in poor condition or should be torn down. We can and must preserve this unique To the contrary, buildings like Orinda Mo- character of Orinda. And, in my opinion, we tors and Casa Orinda connect us to the owe it to ourselves and future generations past and are in very good condition. But to resume efforts to enhance the viability having buildings deteriorate and remain of our two downtown districts. We can and empty shells for years on end (i.e. Phairs) should begin down this path again and, or remain vacant lots for 25 plus years (i.e. with much discussion and dialogue, at least the vacant lot next to Phairs and the site some modest improvements will hopefully of the former Mobil gas station in the vil- become a reality.

the Orinda Association the orinda Association is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to: • maintaining and improving the quality of life in orinda; • Promoting awareness and discussion of issues that are important to the community; • Encouraging and recognizing volunteer efforts to enhance the beauty, character, and security of orinda. P.o. Box 97 26 orinda Way (lower level library) orinda, california 94563 Phone: 254-0800 Fax: 254-8312 www.orindaassociation.org

oFFicErs BoArD mEmBErs President Bill Waterman maura Aars Vice President: Joe Garvey Joe haughin secretary Alison Dew chris laszcz-Davis treasurer cindy Powell tom romaneck membership Jim luini

helping your neighbor this fall.

Do good while feeling good and register to volunteer as a driver for the Seniors Around Town Program

orinda seniors living independently occasionally need help getting to doctor’s appointments in our area. You determine how often and how far you want to drive. Your gift of time and trans- portation allows our seniors to remain in their homes, living independently. Call today at 925-402-4506 or go to www.orindaassociation.org The Orinda news n September 2015 n 3 orinDA clAssic cAr shoW 4 n The Orinda news n September 2015 EDitoriAl Letters to the editor Orinda City Council Refuses To for each of the nine firefighters stationed Make Tough Decisions On Water in Orinda. Use How does that compare with what our Kudos to The Orinda News (August partner Moraga is contributing to MOFD? 2015 issue) for its front-page article on Their tax base only increased $200 million water rates. this year and 18.9 percent of that goes to During this time of extended drought, MOFD. So their taxes to MOFD only in- courageous leadership is, to date, lacking creased $380,000. This equates to less than on the part of the majority of the Orinda $50,000 for each of the eight firefighters City Council. stationed in Moraga. Until and unless the drought ends, there Did Moraga firefighters get less of a must be a moratorium on new construc- raise than Orinda firefighters? No, they all tion in Orinda. The City Council itself can get paid the same. So where did Orinda’s vote for a moratorium, or the council can money go? To subsidize service in Moraga put a referendum on the ballot, allowing as it has since MOFD was formed. Orinda Orinda’s voters to decide if a moratorium taxpayers are currently paying $13.8 mil- is appropriate. lion in property taxes (including parcel On June 16, the East Bay Municipal Util- taxes) to MOFD; equivalent to $1,534,000 ity District (EBMUD), which provides wa- per firefighter for the nine firefighters ter to Orinda, sent customers a letter stating stationed in Orinda. Moraga taxpayers List of The Orinda News Advertisers that, “Single-family residential customers are only paying a total of $7.6 million Page Page who use more than 80 units (59,840 gal- in taxes; equivalent to $944,000 per fire- Arts and Entertainment Pet Service lons) of water per billing period are subject fighter for the eight firefighters stationed lamorinda idol 11 Animal house Pet sitting 10 middle Eastern Food Festival 13 theatre View Veterinary clinic 10 to a . . . penalty.” in Moraga. The average cost per firefighter moraga Art Gallery 13 Professional Services The EBMUD directive is asking each for the district is $1,256,000, which means orinda starlight Village Players 19 cruise Adventures unlimited 12 Orinda household to use about 1,000 gal- Orinda taxpayers are subsidizing Moraga Automotive taxi Bleu 15 lons of water per day. In effect, a household with $312,000 in tax dollars for each of orinda motors 7 Real Estate orinda shell 23 AG realty of four members will be limited, on aver- Moraga’s eight firefighters or a total of Beauty and Fitness Alexander Gailas 2 age, to 250 gallons per day. $2.5 million for the year. This is a $275,000 coreKinetics 22 Better homes & Gardens In recent weeks, the City of Pleasanton, increase from last year and it has been living lean Exercise & Eating Program 22 lisa shaffer 24 California, placed restrictions on new steadily increasing every year. Churches coldwell Banker lafayette orinda Presbyterian church 23 laura Abrams 15 construction. Is a majority of Orinda City Orinda could use this $2.5 million to Cleaning Services suzanne toner Geoffiron 13 Council afraid of offending real-estate make our city safer. We have over two doz- Kirby carpet cleaning 20 shellie Kirby 6 development interests by not placing a en substandard fire hydrants that have been Construction and Trades steve stahle 18 moratorium on new construction? neglected for over two decades. Virtually David collins Painting services 13 maureen Wilbur 14 tom romaneck Painting 24 Pacific union In January, City Councilmember Eve 100 percent of the emergency responses to Dental Virginia and Paul ratto 18 Phillips introduced a motion to allow Sleepy Hollow and Orinda Downs do not Dr. Kristi l. Doberenz DDs 10 leila schlein 6 Orindans to vote on the Housing Element, meet the benchmark response time MOFD Dr. mary smith DDs 22 soheila smith real Estate a plan to permit hundreds of new houses in has set for the District. We have acres of Financial and Insurance Services soheila smith 8 Breedlove insurance services 1 Village Associates Orinda, a city that is basically full. Not one high-fire-hazard, over-vegetated residential Prospect mortgage April matthews 5 other member of the council would second neighborhoods which would benefit from Kat rider 5 Ann sharf 6 Ms. Phillips’ motion, killing it. a fuel reduction program. rPm mortgage clark thompson 8 It’s time for the residents of Orinda to rise Our representatives on the MOFD Board Dianne crosby 19 Restaurants/Catering state Farm Baan thai 16 up and tell the city council to be responsible can do something about this. Our City Kathleen conroy 5 casa orinda 17 with such a precious resource as water. Council members can pressure them to do Garden/Landscaping Europa 14 Any Orinda resident concerned with something about this. Nice roads and a well Blue ridge landscaping 13 la mediterranee 16 conserving water should contact all mem- planned downtown are fine; but shouldn’t tree sculpture 18 lava Pit 20 Medical siam orchid 17 bers of the City Council, stating that time safety come first? Dr. Brian clark 11 Village inn cafe 15 for bold leadership on water conservation – Steve Cohn Dr. nicolle ionascu 8 Village Pizza 14 has arrived. medicine shoppe 18 zamboni’s Pizza 16 The City Council must act. Any council- Study of Downtown Needed Dr. Kristin Walker 12 Retail Stores Non-Profits Echo Grove 24 member who opposes a moratorium on con- As one familiar with the Urban Land Educational Foundation of orinda 9 Farmers’ market 23 struction must be held strictly accountable. Institute (ULI) and its Technical Assistance orinda Association 3 morrison’s Jewelers 2 – Richard S. Colman Program (TAP) program, I believe Orinda orinda classic car show 3 theatre square 24 would benefit from a ULI study of our Where do our property tax dollars downtown. Just like our roads, which were ency or preconceived philosophy. They team of experienced experts from their go? long ignored to our detriment, the time is are selected to participate based on their multi-disciplinary stable (that includes The Contra Costa Assessor released long overdue to address our downtown. professional judgment and experience. The economists, lawyers, architects, historians, this year’s property tax assessments and Previous local attempts have proven divi- ULI (not the TAP participants) charges a planners, traffic/transportation engineers, Orinda’s tax base increased 8.3 percent sively partisan – hardly useful in problem meager “fee” to cover administrative front- landscape architects, developers, mayors, from $5.39 billion to $5.84 billion. This solving. end expenses and the expense of reproduc- parking consultants, etc.) – a team impos- $450 million increase will generate $4.5 The ULI is a national, volunteer, profes- ing the report. It is not remuneration for sible to duplicate for $15,000 because the million in new taxes. Where will those go? sional organization made up of senior mem- professional services and well below what panelists are volunteering their time. About 50 percent go to the state school sys- bers, each with a demonstrated expertise in a for-profit consulting firm would charge The ULI has operated this service for tem; 7.3 percent ($330,000) go to Orinda; a particular aspect of cities and towns. The for the same service. decades in many geographic areas and dealt and 22.4 percent ($1 million) go to MOFD. members contribute their time gratis to the Depending on the issues defined by a with virtually all the issues Orinda faces The MOFD increase equates to $110,000 TAP program and have no local constitu- city, the ULI will assemble a specific TAP [See LETTERS page 6]

The Orinda News prints 9,000 copies and is published 12 times a Opinions of The Orinda News are expressed on the year by The Orinda Association. The office is located at 26 Orinda the Orinda News editorial page. Views of writers and letters to the editor are Way (lower level of the Library). All rights reserved. The publication is A Publication of their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The sent out by direct mail (Permit #4, Orinda Post Office) and distributed The Orinda Association Orinda Association or of The Orinda News. Advertisements to key locations throughout the city. Mailing Address appearing in The Orinda News are not to be construed as Editor ...... Sally Hogarty P.O. Box 97 Assistant Editor ...... David Dierks Orinda, California 94563 endorsements by The Orinda Association or The Orinda News. Copy Editor ...... Maggie Sharpe Telephone: 925 254-0800 Letters to the Editor are printed on a space-available Advertising Representatives ...... Jill Gelster, Elana O’Loskey basis and should be no longer than 400 words. They must in- Editorial Committee ...... Jill Gelster, Sally Hogarty, clude the writer’s first and last name, signature and telephone www.orindanews.org Jim Luini, Elana O’Loskey, number. Mark Roberts, Bill Waterman, Kate Wiley Send letters to: Editor, The Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Staff Writers ...... Jennifer Conroy, Valerie Hotz, Barbara Kobsar, Orinda, CA 94563, or email to [email protected]. Charlie Jarrett, Kathryn G. McCarty, Fran Endicott Miller, Bill O’Brian, Elana O’Loskey, John Vanek, Letters to Editor for the October issue are due September Bill Waterman, Bonnie Waters, Tom Westlake 8, 2015. Contributing Writers ...... Katharine Barrett, Annabelle Hall, Hillary Hoppock, Chris Laszcz-Davis Graphics ...... Aspen Consulting: Jill Gelster & David Dierks For display advertising rates, call Jill Gelster at 925-528-9225 Printing ...... Folger Graphics or email to [email protected]. The deadline for the October issue is September 8, 2015. The OA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The Orinda news n September 2015 n 5 PG&E / PErmits / PolicE BlottEr

city launches 30th Anniversary Chase bank Looks to Locate on Camino Sobrante By SALLY HOGARTY above. Editor The application includes a variance re- quest for proposed parking that is less than public hearing was held at the Orinda required under Orinda’s Municipal Code. APlanning Commission meeting on “We received a letter from the owner’s Aug. 25 (meeting occurred after press representative requesting the conditional deadline) to consider a commercial use use permit to allow a retail financial institu- permit for Chase Bank to locate at One tion at the site of the FedEx and Zamboni’s Camino Sobrante. The proposed Class B Pizza, which we understand is on a month use (retail financial) permit was filed by to month lease,” says Planning Director the owner of the building, which includes Emmanuel Ursu. Fed Ex printing, Zamboni’s Pizza res - For the staff report (available by Aug. 22) taurant, Great Clips hair salon, NIWA’s or the audio minutes of the Aug. 25 meet- and Starbucks on street level with offices ing, go to www.cityoforinda.org.

DAViD DiErKs ayor Dean Orr (L), along with members of the current and former City Councils, pOLICe bLOtter Mattended the final Concerts-in-the-Park on Aug. 11 to kick-off the official cel- July through August 15, 2015 ebration of the City of Orinda's 30th anniversary of incorporation. Events are planned throughout the year. Look for them in the Orinda Outlook, emailed to residents, and Burglary, Auto: 3 incidents at North- View, Tahos Rd. and Lombardy Ln. on the city's website, www.cityoforinda.org. wood Dr./Davis Rd., Moraga Way/Bry- ant Way and Tara Rd. Arrests Burglary, Commercial: 1 incident Fight/Shoplifting: 2 arrests at Safe- at Moraga Way. way. pG&e Launches Gas pipeline Burglary, Residential: 5 incidents Petty Theft: 1 arrest at Safeway. at Meadow View, Hall Dr., North Ln., Possession of Dangerous Drugs: 2 Safety Initiative Camino Encinas and Orchard Rd. arrests at Camino Sobrante and Donna Embezzlement: 1 incident at Safe- Maria Way/Sager Ct.. n trees Blocking Access partially in response to the disastrous 2010 way. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: San Bruno explosion. Identity Theft: 4 incidents at La 1 arrest at Rheem Blvd./Moraga Via. to Pipelines may Be re- “We are asking to take a closer look Cuesta Rd., Warford Terr., Orchard Rd. Probation Violation: 2 arrests at moved at these premises and, if it is deter - and Tappan Ln. CVS and Altarinda Rd./Santa Maria. mined that there is access concern, PG&E Petty Theft: 5 incidents at Moraga Stolen Vehicle: 1 arrest at Orinda By FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER will work with the customer to re-land- Way (2), Estabueno Dr., Beverages and Shell. Staff Writer scape to his or her satisfaction,” says More and Dalewood Dr. Warrant Arrest: 3 arrests Bates Smith. Petty Theft from Vehicle: 2 incidents Blvd., Orinda Way and Camino Pablo/ acific Gas and Electric (PG&E) re- PG&E has also identified 21 trees on at Fiesta Cir. and Risa Ct./Ivy Dr. El Toyonal. Pcently rolled out a Community Pipeline Orinda pubic property that require atten- Possession of Dangerous Drugs: 1 Safety Initiative to identify areas of prob- tion. PG&E will work with community incident at Safeway. Orinda BART Station lematic gas pipeline access. Jeff Smith, the leaders and the city council to replace and Shoplifting: 3 incidents at CVS, No reported incidents. company’s corporate relations representa- replant the trees. There is no current time- Camino Sobrante and Moraga Way. tive, says that 83 Orinda residents have frame for the work, however PG&E hopes Vandalism: 2 incidents at Camino – Compiled by David Dierks received notification letters about possible to proceed quickly, with customer satisfac- Encinas and Irwin Way. Assistant Editor gas pipeline access issues on their proper- tion its primary concern. Vehicle Theft: 3 incidents at Meadow ties. PG&E has identified 289 trees on the “We have a critical responsibility to keep residents’ properties that block or impede our customers and our communities safe,” access to pipelines and may have to be says Smith. “We completely understand removed and replanted. PG&E will cover how important trees and landscaping are to all costs of the work. families, the community and the environ- “While it may not be obvious to the na- ment. Trees are important to us too. We ked eye, certain trees, tree roots, brush and want Orinda residents to know that if a structures can threaten gas safety because tree needs to be replaced for safety reasons, they block first responders, fire fighters and we will listen to their concerns and work our own emergency response crews from together with the property owner or civic getting to the pipe during emergencies of leaders to ensure the natural beauty of the natural disasters and making it safe,” says area is restored and trees are replanted in a Smith, who likens the blockages and access safe area. All this natural landscaping work issues to parking a car in front of a fire will be done at PG&E’s expense – with hydrant. “If there is an emergency, there no charge to our customers or the city of cannot be any obstacle impeding immedi- Orinda.” ate access.” For more information on the Community The initiative is part of PG&E’s $3 billion Pipeline Safety Initiative, call 800-PGE- safety improvement program, implemented 5000. 6 n The Orinda news n September 2015 FunDrAisEr / AAuW t LETTERS from page 4 t CLASSICS from page 1 Dog Show benefits Crohn’s Vaccine many times. Indeed many members come sending a check to Orinda Rotary, P.O. Box from towns comparable to Orinda. 44, Orinda, CA 94563. Tickets can also be research This process, the epitome of openness, purchased online at www.orindarotary.org. By ANNABELLE HALL presents a path forward for Orinda. Our The festivities continue on Saturday, Contributing Writer children and grandchildren will thank us Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. when for avoiding the temptation to again ignore close to 200 cars will be on display in and ack up your pooch and head to Orinda our downtown problems and opportunities. around Orinda Motors (OM), 63 Orinda PCommunity Park for a fun-packed Dog – Peter Hasselman Way, as well as in the Phairs parking lot. Show on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 OM, the presenting sponsor which gener- p.m. There will be seven contests/catego- Developing a Downtown Plan ously closes down its business each year for ries, such as scruffiest dog/bad hair day, The Orinda City Council has recently the car show, will be a hub of activity with best legs, longest ears, etc. In addition, a agreed to begin a long-deferred community not only lots of great cars but also a display local kennel club will hold agility demon- discussion on the future of downtown. The by The Orinda Historical Society Museum strations. Face painting, food and raffles intent is to explore ways to solicit input on depicting Orinda through the years. “We round out the show. Proceeds benefit the changes that may be needed and the tools will have cars inside our garage that would Crohn’s MAP Vaccine Heroes and Friends that are available to the city for facilitating have been driven in Orinda during the time of King’s College London Association, change. period as well,” says OM’s John Vanek. Inc., a non-profit that is working to bring The council has made a good start on a According to Herman, a very special the vaccine to human trials. long-term program to improve our roads. event includes the 1 p.m. visit of at least A year ago my son, a graduate of Mi- AnDrE Gout Anthony Gout (r) was diagnosed a year ago It is now time to begin to formulate a seven original Shelby Cobras about to ramonte High School and UCLA, was with crohn’s Disease. shown here with his sister long-term program for improvement of our begin their annual 1,000-mile invitational planning a medical career when he was di- Arielle and dog Picasso. downtown, a downtown without significant tour as well as the 3 p.m. Drive of Classic agnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Luckily, he renewal in 25 years. Cars. “We’ll have over 100 cars going down was diagnosed at a time when there is hope sibility of serious side effects, including There are many issues to be addressed: Orinda Way and then over to the Theatre for a cure. A new treatment, a promising lymphoma. Most importantly, this disease How to create a rational plan for the future Square part of town and on to Moraga,” he vaccine that could potentially cure Crohn’s, robs children of their childhood and young of a downtown that has no plan? How to explains. “If you want a really good spot has been tested in animals and worked. We adults of their youth. interest the area’s best merchants in con- to see some amazing vehicles, just line up are now raising money to bring Crohn’s Funding is daunting. In his TED Talk, sidering Orinda? How to maintain Orinda’s along Orinda Way a little before 3 p.m.” MAP Vaccine to human trials. Roger Stein refers to the “Valley of Death” village character in the 21st century? How to For those wanting to be closer to the cars, Crohn’s disease is dubbed the “other where potential medical treatments go to deal with traffic and parking in the Cross- a $10 donation will get you a seat in the car disease that starts with a C.” Considered die because they are unfunded. We are roads? How to have a positive influence of your choice. incurable, it is a highly complex, vexing determined that the vaccine will not be on the change of property ownerships that While the car show is free, donations condition affecting all parts of the diges- one of those lost to lack of funding. We are is happening in Orinda Village? will be gratefully accepted. Helping in- tive tract. Terribly debilitating, it typically determined to bring this potential cure to There are many resources available to crease those donations is a first-time ever strikes young people from the ages of 13 to human trials and give hope to all Crohn’s assist us in identifying and addressing the matching fund set up by the Car Show 30. Increasingly, however, young children sufferers. relevant issues. There is no lack of profes- Committee. The group has agreed to match are being diagnosed with Crohn’s. The The Dog Show promises to be fun for sional talent in the Bay Area to help guide donations up to $5,000 with everything go- younger the child, the more severe are the dogs and owners alike. All ages are wel- this discussion. ing to the nonprofit organizations involved. symptoms. I will spare the gory details, but come and the show is free to spectators. A good place to start would be for the For more information on the car show, suffice to say it is something you would Register your dog ($20) at http://ahallgout. city to request the San Francisco chapter of go to www.orindacarshow.com and to pur- only wish on your worst enemy! It is also wix.com/fundogshow1 or just show up and the Urban Land Institute, the nation’s fore- chase tickets to Dancing with the Cars on a costly disease. For example, just one of register ($25) at the event. For more infor- most real estate research and educational Friday night, go to www.orindarotary.org. the medications needed to manage Crohn’s mation on the Crohn’s MAP Vaccine, visit institute, to convene a Technical Assistance costs $30,000 a year. There is also the pos- http://crohnsmapvaccine.com. Panel in Orinda. This is a cost effective community and conduct a panel discussion way to garner the advice of experienced in which its findings and recommendations professionals from the Bay Area who vol- are presented at the conclusion of their day- unteer their time to address the issues that and-a-half visit. AAUW-OmL teaches Young the applicant city wants them to address. A Technical Assistance Panel is not Thirty-two Bay Area cities have benefited meant to provide the “silver bullet” answer Women to $tart $mart from these panels over the past 10 years. to a city’s downtown issues; rather it would By CHRIS LASZCZ-DAVIS to negotiate their starting salaries and A panel is typically comprised of half provide a big-picture perspective from Contributing Writer benefits. $tart $mart teaches them to do just a dozen experts from various disciplines experts who have dealt with issues like that. that are in the best position to respond Orinda’s many times in the past. It would s the American Association of Uni- AAUW also offers many interest groups to the specific issues raised. Its members assist the City Council in starting our com- Aversity Women (AAUW) Orinda- and social opportunities, in addition to analyze the issues and the real estate in- munity discussion on a professional basis. Moraga-Lafayette branch kicks off another supporting education based projects. Visit volved, interview the stakeholders in the – Tom Trowbridge year, the group adds new priorities to their the September Showcase meeting to learn long standing efforts to empower local about these programs and the many facets college, high school, and middle school of membership: gourmet groups; bridge, girls. Efforts include providing both college travel and movie groups; book and world and Tech Trek science camp scholarships, affairs discussion groups; golf, cycling, and mentoring girls through their Sister-to- tennis groups; and more. Sister project, tutoring elementary school AAUW’s September Showcase, which students and staffing the school library at is open to the public, will be held Sept.15, Burckhalter School in Oakland. at the Holy Trinity Serbian Cultural Cen- AAUW’s newest goals include teaching ter, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Coffee college women salary negotiation through will be served at 9:30 a.m.; the program their $tart $mart workshop. College begins at 10 a.m. For membership infor- women entering the job market need the mation, visit the Branch website: http:// confidence, knowledge and skills required oml-ca.aauw.net. The Orinda news n September 2015 n 7 cArs / hiKEr Car Time Orindan, 67, Hikes Appalachian trail By HILLARY HOPPOCK Auto Parts not created Equal Contributing Writer

n July 14, 2015, 67-year-old Orindan By JOHN VANEK ORichard Birss finished the Appala- chian Trail (AT) after four straight months uto repair costs have steadily climbed sub-standard friction materials. The metal of backpacking. On that last day, he Aover the last 10 years. Most automo- materials are not the same in Asia as in the clambered over boulders for five miles on tive consumers are looking for ways to U.S. and Europe. Rotor and drum warp Maine’s Mt. Katahdin. En route he battled save money on auto repairs. Automobiles are common when cheap parts are used. black flies (aptly named the “state bird of are complex these days and require expert Warped rotors result in decreased braking Maine”) and ticks (the dreaded purveyors diagnosis and repair by properly trained performance, which is a safety hazard. A of Lyme Disease) and went through four personnel. Some consumers try to scrimp cheap brake job will tend to squeal, have pairs of shoes. The remarkable people he by using a facility that utilizes after-market vibration issues under braking and have met, both hikers and those gracious AT parts. The world of auto parts is a murky premature wear. hiker helpers dubbed “trail angels,” offset one. There are so many manufacturers and Batteries: Cheaper batteries have less all those challenges. cost ranges that one can easily be misled. sturdy cases and inferior posts and there are Those last 1,800 miles of the 2,180-mile Nowadays, most parts are made “overseas,” fewer internal plates. Poor plate connection AT trek from Georgia to Maine were much which is code for “Made in China.” Not all can cause the battery to fail when it is sub- easier than the first 420 miles that Birss parts made in China are inferior but many jected to vibration. Some battery manufac- tackled a year earlier. On April 13, 2014 contriButED Photo are not as good as the original parts on the turers use recycled lead, which doesn’t last in Carter County, Tennessee, two rescue Richard Birss poses at the end of the Appalachian car. Not all parts are created equal, and as long as real lead. Just because it looks workers spent three hours chain sawing trail, which he finished in mid-July. that’s why the same parts vary so much like your old battery doesn’t mean that it the steep boulder-strewn terrain to get being faster than most 67-year-olds, it in price. Be wary of drastic differences: matches the performance level. Installing a Birss off the trail and to the Elizabethton was sometimes hard to keep up with the cheaper almost always means inferior battery that has fewer cold-cranking amps Hospital 15 miles away. Doctors performed younger hikers. quality. Let’s take a look at some common than recommended by the manufacturer is emergency surgery to fix a hole in his small There are also hostels for showers and replacement parts and what the effects of just asking for trouble. intestine that was leaking body fluids into laundry in the towns along the AT, where “fixing it on the cheap” can be. Oil Filters: The oil filter keeps dirt out his abdomen, causing intense pain. The Birss was able to retrieve the 25 pre-packed Brakes: Brakes are one of the most com- of your engine, which is an important job culprit? Daily doses of Ibuprofen, which boxes of food his wife Cindy mailed him mon repairs and one of the common areas if you want it to last. Quality oil filters he no longer takes! and shop for shoes. Even in Maine’s 100- where corners can be cut. Brake shoes and have a check valve so that the engine has Undaunted, Birss resumed his hike in mile wilderness section an AT hiker can pads are friction materials that rub against oil pressure immediately upon cold startup, March of this year, solo this time. A fel- pay to have a bucket of food dropped at brake drums or rotors, slowing the rota- preventing wear. Many cheap filters lack low retired Contra Costa County probation the 50-mile mark. tion of the wheels. The friction material is this critical element or, even worse, don’t officer, who was fortunately with Birss Birss averaged about 15 miles a day with usually made of a semi-metallic mixture have the fine filtering material necessary on the first hike, decided not to go. Birss a top tally of 25 miles in Virginia’s 500 (ground up metal mixed with other stuff) or to capture the smallest particles of dirt. says loneliness isn’t a problem on the AT, miles of relatively easy terrain. “We don’t ceramic materials. The friction materials of This is not an area to try to save a few which has decent cell phone reception, judge a day so much by mileage,” he said. cheaper pads or shoes tend to contain more dollars. 250 shelters that accommodate six to eight “If I spent 12 hours getting 10 miles - that metal and thus are a harder composition. Alternators/Starters/Water Pumps: and even a North Carolina barn that holds was a difficult day.” Despite light clothing, In choosing drums and rotors, always Alternators, starters and water pumps can 50-100 friendly hikers. Birss met hikers a lightweight pack and sleeping bag, he buy the best products available. Cheap be rebuilt if they fail. When done right, from all over the U.S., Canada, Germany carried 35 pounds on his back, including drums and rotors are made of sub-standard the end result is pretty much a brand new and France, but not many from California. 15 pounds of food and water. steel and, therefore, wear out prematurely, part, although it is sold for less. However, At one point, Birss hiked with two sisters His major concern wasn’t wildlife, al- especially when they come in contact with [See CARS page 10] from Michigan but he found that despite [See HIKER page 18] 8 n The Orinda news n September 2015 BEAutY t STAFF from page 1 the majority of the populace. I hope that Steve’s hard fought election will inspire Everyday Changes school, I was an attorney at Orrick, Her- other like-minded candidates to enter the rington & Sutcliffe, a San Francisco law arena, with the result that California poli- 40 plus beauty tips, tools and firm. I then worked as a lawyer for three tics -- locally and state-wide – become less large financial institutions. Most recently, I political and interest group-dominated, and techniques for Women headed the legal department for Visa Inc.’s more focused on finding real solutions to Asia Pacific region.” our largest public policy problems.” Bonnie Waters Whittaker and his wife Carol have two Whittaker says his children are sixth- children. “Carol has had her own cor- generation Californians, and he would like he normal changes of aging are inevita- Get a hairstyle magazine and look for porate training and consulting business to see them raise a seventh generation here. Tble. With all the breakthroughs in facial photographs of women who have a face for 20 years and recently helped found a “California certainly has lots of problems, treatments, skincare products, cosmetics, shape and hair texture similar to yours. Use non-profit organization fighting child sex but my wife and I are committed to our and hair color and cutting techniques, it is these looks to serve as inspiration when trafficking in India,” said Whittaker. “My state,” he said. “We look forward to sup- almost possible to turn back the clock on seeing a hair professional. Remember if son Spencer will begin his senior year at porting Senator Glazer’s efforts to keep aging. You won’t find overnight miracle you put yourself in the hands of a qualified Princeton University in September, and my California golden for many years to come.” cures in this list of tips, tools and techniques and talented stylist, they can create a look daughter Olivia starts her freshman year at Whittaker, who has known Glazer – just a lot of sound advice. that is perfect for you. Cornell University later this month.” for more than 15 years, describes him as Let go of perfection and embrace your Be realistic about the amount of time you Whittaker says Glazer always has many “generous, humble and a man of integrity.” flaws while you maximize your assets. can devote to styling your hair. Without demands on his time, and it’s his job to “Steve has selflessly given countless Always wash your face before going to proper styling, a fabulous hair design will ensure that the senator uses his time in the hours over the years to help improve Orin- sleep. not help you look your best. most productive way. da, and now he is going to take his energy Good skincare includes getting good Get a color that complements your skin “To that end, I am focusing now mostly and passion to do the same in our district sleep, which is when the blood flow and tone. on streamlining processes and communi- and California,” said Whittaker. “His deci- circulation nourishes the cells. Don’t get obsessed with what you can’t cation channels and taking matters off his sion to leave the private sector and go into If you smoke, STOP! Smoking ages have. desk so he can focus on solving some of public service inspired me to do the same.” your skin. As for going totally gray, it can be daz- the region’s most vexing problems,” said In his spare time, Whittaker heads out- Stay out of the sun and sun beds. zling. Whittaker, who divides his time between doors. Wear sunscreen of SFP 40 or higher You still have to take care of gray Sacramento and District Seven. “My job “I try to spend as much time as possible religiously on face, chest, hands and body. hair with the proper maintenance, including is to make sure that Senator Glazer has the outside to make up for all the days I have Eat right. Good nutrition helps the body regular cuts, nourishing conditioners and support he needs to best represent the con- spent in an office over the years,” he said. repair the skin. the occasional hair mask. stituents of the California Senate’s Seventh “Tennis, biking and hiking are all likely Drink lots of water and hydrate from the If you do choose to color your hair, don’t District. This includes making sure that our activities. My wife and I also like to explore inside out. stray too far from your natural depth. team in the Capitol helps to educate and new areas, and now that we are empty nest- Don’t use hot water on your face or Err on the light side. Color your grey, prepare the senator on the important issues ers, we should have more time to do so.” body. Hot water strips your skin of oil and don’t cover your grey. Aim to enhance and and bills that affect our district and the state moisture. enrich your natural color and subtly conceal at large. Of course, the Sacramento team Work with a skincare professional to grays. t from page 2 also works closely with our colleagues in ROMANECK devise a daily skincare regime that you Concealing dark circles with much light- the Walnut Creek district office.” Comedy Night, the restaurant tour, Trivia will follow. er concealer never works. It will only make Whittaker said his new boss wants to Bee, etc.” Romaneck is also a member of Moisturize your body after your shower you look worse because it will emphasize make Sacramento more effective and re- the Orinda Historical Society Museum and and prior to going to bed. wrinkles and bags. Use one shade lighter sponsive to the majority of Californians Friends of Joaquin Moraga Adobe. Ask your skincare professional for an ef- than your natural skin color. who do not identify with the extreme right “I met Bill Waterman while volunteer- fective rejuvenating masque to use weekly. Apply your concealer with a light hand, or left of the political spectrum. ing at the Orinda Action Day. He asked Exfoliate your face and body. The outer layering it thinly over your foundation and “Senator Glazer has shown how a if I’d be interested in being on the OA layer of skin is dead and needs to be exfoli- “patting” it in place with your ring finger moderate candidate can build a winning board. I attended a meeting and was very ated to see the fresher skin. Your skincare or a beauty blender. coalition of voters that include Democrats, impressed with the friendly group of local professional can help you determine the Toss the gloss. It will only creep up into Republicans and Independents,” said Whit- professionals who are so committed to the ideal frequency. those nasty little vertical lines above your taker. “With such a broad base, the senator organizations they serve. I feel honored to Educate yourself about the benefits of upper lip. is able to independently consider pending be among them. light chemical peel for improving skin tone Get rid of your dark lipsticks. Nothing bills and vote for what he thinks is best for – Sally Hogarty, Editor and texture and to soften the appearance of says aging more than “bleeding lips.” fine lines and wrinkles. Don’t be one of those who think they Get rid of your mustache and sprouting can’t get fit or stay fit, who think it’s no chin hairs. fun or just too much work. Change drooping eyes by slightly arch- Exercises such as yoga, bicycling and ing the brows and extending them outward walking help relieve stress and make us toward the temples. feel more youthful. See a waxing specialist. Add light weight training to your exer- Look closely in the mirror to ascertain cise regime. your face shape and hair texture. Find an exercise regime you love, works If you have a round or square face, you with your lifestyle and one that you will may look better with hair that is longer. stick to. If you have a long face you will most Don’t let your age define you! Embrace likely look better with shorter hairstyles, life and make the most of the body you i.e. shoulder length or shorter. have. If you have fine, thin hair you may look The secret to looking good at any age is better with your hair above your shoulders to feel comfortable in your own skin and to with a few layers cut in. find styles that best flatter your assets and If you have thick, curly hair you may play down your flaws. actually look better with your hair longer, Contact Bonnie at 925-947-1814 at because longer hair may tame the curl. Changes Salon and Day Spa. The Orinda news n September 2015 n 9 schools

Staffers Spruce up Schools and SEPTEMBER SCHOOL CALENDAR 2 Acalanes Union High School District board meeting, 1212 Pleasant Hill Road, La- Skills Over Summer break fayette, 7:30 p.m. Also Sept. 16. Visit www.acalanes.k12.ca.us. Holden High School Parent Potluck & Orientation, 6:30 p.m. Visit www.holdenhigh. By BILL O’BRIAN Students at Wagner Ranch Elemen- org. Staff Writer tary School will be the beneficiaries of Orinda Intermediate School Back to School Night, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visit http:// the purchase of five new classroom sets ois-orinda-ca.schoolloop.com. hile students and parents relaxed of Chromebook computers, compliments 15 Orinda Union School District board meeting, 8 Altarinda Road, 6 p.m. Visit www. Wover the summer break, Orinda of the parents’ club, which has provided orindaschools.org. teachers, administrators and other staff them better student access to the benefits of 16 Miramonte High School Parents Club Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Visit www.acalanes.k12. were busy improving the schools, enhanc- technology. Further, the parents’ club is in ca.us/miramonte. ing their skills, adding new supplies and the process of purchasing shade structures 17 Miramonte High School Back to School Night, school gym, 6 p.m. Visit www.acalanes. hiring new teachers. for the lower and upper grade play equip- k12.ca.us/miramonte. Michael Randall, principal of Orinda ment. The plan is for these to be installed 25 Glorietta Elementary School Family Fun Night, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visit http://gl- Intermediate School (OIS), reports that on a non-student day this fall. Also, a new orinda-ca.schoolloop.com. the school purchased 280 Chromebooks class is being added this year – transitional Sleepy Hollow Elementary School Moms Back to School Fiesta Night, 6:30 p.m. Visit for use in core classes (language arts kindergarten. A portable classroom has http://sh-orinda-ca.schoolloop.com. and social studies). Additionally, the been erected for this class and will be ready 25 Wagner Ranch Elementary School Roundup Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit http:// mathematics department received 28 new for the first day of classes. wr-orinda-ca.schoolloop.com. iPads. Joining Wagner Ranch as the new prin- 28 Del Rey Elementary School Parents Welcome Coffee, 8 a.m. Visit http://dr-orinda-ca. OIS sent two teachers to the Columbia cipal is Jim Manheimer, who taught for schoolloop.com. University’s Teachers College for training 11 years in Martinez and has served in in how to best teach reading and writing in administrative positions in San Ramon, a workshop format. Since early August, the Alameda and Lafayette. He, his wife and Speak Up be Safe program Continues school has been preparing and auditioning their children recently returned from a year for its fall play, Transylmania, to be per- and a half overseas that mainly included By BILL O’BRIAN against the program, Trustee Carol Brown formed Nov. 12 through 14. Last but not teaching fifth grade to Cambodian children Staff Writer said, “I have issues with this particular least, OIS is in the process of hiring one and extensive travel in Southeast Asia and program. . . I think there are flaws in it that new full-time core teacher. beyond. Also joining the school is Bridget rustees of the Orinda Union School need to be corrected.” Trustee Sarah Butler Kirsten Theurer, principal of Del Rey Goodwin who is a resource teacher and TDistrict (OUSD) voted unanimously also wanted to opt out of Speak Up Be Safe, Elementary School, is excited about the had been at Glorietta elementary for nearly at the August 10 school board meeting to saying, “Of course we want to protect our positive changes and growth of her school 15 years. Manheimer says, “She brings a renew the Speak Up Be Safe child abuse children, but the board should be able to and personnel over the summer. Facility wealth of experience and a sterling repu- prevention program. Provided to the district pick the program.” improvements include fencing, student tation to Wagner Ranch and will provide by the Contra Costa Child Abuse Preven- Jenny Hawkins of Orinda, who is on the restroom restorations, portable classroom excellent service for our children with tion Council, it teaches students how to steering committee that selected Speak Up upgrades, new flooring in the kitchen and special needs.” prevent child abuse, sexual harassment Be Safe, defended the program and noted new paint. Teachers were also involved in Two changes in teaching assignments and bullying. that the Lafayette and Moraga school dis- professional development opportunities, involve Maple Lai and Katja Coste. Lai Although the board voted unanimously, tricts also utilize the program. She said, including technology, science and math is returning from maternity leave and will several board members expressed concern. “Giving them a common language on those training, physical fitness instruction, as well again be teaching grade four while Coste The program had come under fire in April difficult subject matters is huge.” as reading and writing workshop institutes will move from fourth grade to kindergarten due to an incident where a third-grade Board President Matt Moran read a letter in New York. Del Rey is also in the process in the new portable. “We are very glad that boy talked about seeing nude pictures in from Contra Costa District Attorney Mark of hiring two new teachers. “Things are get- Lai is back with us,” says Manheimer. He his home. A subsequent investigation by Peterson supporting the program. Peterson ting cleaned and readied for the new school further notes that Coste “is very excited the police and Child Protective Services wrote, “I think I have the moral impera- year, and we have a dynamic team ready to to be working with the very young once revealed that the pictures were in an art tive to do everything I can do to protect greet you,” said Theurer. [See SCHOOLS page 20] book on the family’s coffee table. Speaking [See PROGRAM page 20] 10 n The Orinda news n September 2015 Author / PEts / sWimminG

Financing the American revolution Younger swimmers shine at meadow mini meet

By SALLY HOGARTY Editor

ossmoor author Jon Foyt will do a Rreading from his new novel, The Mind of an American Revolutionary, at Orinda Books on Sept. 13 from 1 -3 p.m. His book examines the life and motivations of Robert Morris, an illegitimate immigrant from Liverpool who went on to finance contriButED Photo the American Revolution. At times using rossmoor author Jon Foyt will read from his latest money from his own pocket, Morris ended novel on sept. 13 at orinda Books. up in debtor’s prison. This is Foyt’s 12th novel. At age 83, the Georgia. For more information on Foyt, active author has completed 60 marathons go to www.jonfoyt.com. American Revo- contriButED Photo and holds a MBA from Stanford and com- lutionary is available at Orinda Books, held on July 19, the 45th Annual mini meet for ages 8 and under took place at meadow swim pleted the degree work for a masters in Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and for and tennis club. orinda country club won the event with meadow coming in second and moraga country club taking the third place trophy. swimmers from the top three teams are shown above. historic preservation at the University of e-readers at www.smashwords.com. t CARS from page 7 plug in a vehicle that requires a platinum plug results in poor fuel efficiency, poor Something to Howl About... cheap rebuilt parts frequently lack atten- performance, high tailpipe emissions and tion to the details that result in dependable other issues. Animal Tales performance. The companies that produce The bottom line: You get what you pay rapturous for raptors low quality rebuilds replace only what is for. As usual, I suggest using a shop that obviously bad and leave the rest, hoping the you trust and has a good reputation. They part will outlast its short warranty. will figure what parts are the best for your Jennifer conroy While some consumers may balk at car and give you a fair price. They will offer manufacturer recommendations to use a warranty and stand behind their job. This expensive platinum sparkplugs, platinum way you spend less time price shopping kay, I admit it. I’m crazy about the You’ll see this at dog shows, where the plugs burn hotter and longer, hence they de- and more time enjoying your family. I am ORaptor Squad in the Jurassic World handler offers tiny bits of kibble or other liver maximum fuel efficiency and power. always available for consultation. movie. I won’t tell you the number of times treats to a dog as it goes through its paces. In addition, the platinum holds up longer John Vanek can be reached at Orinda I’ve gone to see the movie but suffice it to In Jurassic World, the raptor trainer with the high electrical voltages used in Motors, 254-2012, or by email at john@ say that I really couldn’t see a big difference combined clicker training with pack be- today’s ignition systems. Installing a cheap orindamotors.com. between the 3D and 2D versions no matter havior rewards that allowed him to fill the how many times I saw them. role of the “alpha.” And that – establishing My first reaction to the raptors was a the alpha – is really the key to it all. While big “wow.” Yes, I saw them in the three being the alpha of a raptor pack may seem previous Jurassic movies but in this one whimsical, holding that position in the their interaction with humans seemed more companion dog world is the basis for a real, or as real as any interaction with an relationship that maintains respect, obedi- extinct species could be – raptors being ence and loyalty. the extinct species, that is, not humans (at How does one establish that position? least not yet!). Fundamental training that may or may not The trainer in the movie uses a clicker include clicker training is the first step. and, in fact, clicker training, for dogs in Professional trainers can be located through particular, has a significant following. The animal shelters, humane societies and concept is simple. You use a thumb clicker, recommendations from your veterinarian. like the kind many of us had as children, Maintaining your role as alpha requires to make a sound that elicits a response consistent behavior on your part to ensure from the animal. It is a type of training consistent responses on your dog’s part. If with roots in animal behavior studies by you expect your dog to behave one way Harvard University professor of psychol- today but then reward it for behaving the ogy B.F. Skinner. opposite tomorrow, you create confusion The clicker is tied to the concept of posi- for your dog and lose ground as the alpha tive reinforcement. In the case of animals of your little pack. such as raptors and dogs, positive behavior Don’t give your dog an old slipper as a – such as not eating the human trainer or chew toy today and then get upset when sitting on command – is acknowledged by she chews your Nikes tomorrow. Being the sound of the clicker followed by the tough is not the answer; being consistent reward – typically a small food reward. The is. As a pack animal by nature, your dog ideal scenario is that eventually the animal will be most comfortable knowing what can be weaned from the reward and act as you expect and knowing how you will react desired simply upon hearing the clicker or when expected behavior is performed. It is a verbal command. The actual compromise out of fulfilling those expectations on both in many cases seems to be to continue with sides that the intense loyalties between dogs the rewards but keep them on the small side. and humans evolve. The Orinda news n September 2015 n 11 stuDEnts / PErForminG Arts

Youngsters ready to roll at 10th orsVP’s Pinocchio Visits Geppetto’s cafe Annual Lamorinda Idol eet Pinocchio and Geppetto as Mthey visit Geppetto's Cafe, 87 By KATHRYN G. MCCARTY taught me that you can smile and that Orinda Way, on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. to Staff Writer you won’t be as scared if you have stage sing a couple of songs from the Orinda fright.” She said the reason she likes sing- Starlight Village Players production of ocalists Claire O’Connor, Lucy Berk- ing in Idol is because she likes “to entertain Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio which plays Vman and Olivia Harris have something people.” Berkman adds she loves “knowing weekends in September at the Orinda in common with Lamorinda Idol -- they I am making someone else happy by telling Community Center Park Amphitheater. are all celebrating their 10th birthday this the story of the song and entertaining the For more information call 925-528- christinE KEssEl year. The three Sleepy Hollow Elementary audience.” There is one more thing Berk- 9225. Director Malcolm Cowler works with Pinocchio actress Emily Joy Kessel. students will join more than 30 other young man enjoys about singing. “Whenever you singers as the curtain rises at Orinda The- are bored at your house, you can just rock atre for the final round of competition on out in your room.” Harris is also enthusias- was one of many events Idol singers were Demetri Leones, a 13-year-old student Sunday, Sept. 6. tic about Idol and said the experience has invited to participate in, including the La- from Stanley Middle School, shares Sas- Having started competing in Idol in given her “a chance to perform more, learn fayette Art and Wine Festival, the Orinda ner’s sentiments. Leones, who is competing 2012, O’Connor is a veteran to the show. new songs and meet new people.” She’s Classic Car Show and in the Orinda Fourth in her first Lamorinda Idol, calls the com- O’Connor said singing in the recent Orinda “learned a lot” and credits workshops from of July Parade. petition “a great experience. I have learned Community Park Idol performance helped Rena Wilson of Lamorinda Theatre Acad- “The high school singers are super tal- that no matter how hard the competition prepare her for the September finals. “It emy, as well as watching other vocalists ented so I expect most of us will go in just seems, if you just have fun everything will perform in helping her grow. being happy to perform and not being too be ok.” Like the older girls, 7-year-old Audrina concerned about winning,” said Sasner. If The singers aren’t the only people to Kang (Sleepy Hollow) has learned from a win is not in the stars for her, she says learn from participation in Idol. Lamorinda working on Idol. “Singing makes me feel that “you can’t let rejection affect your Idol Chairman Steve Harwood has been happy,” explains Kang. A novice Idol per- opinion of your self – you just have to keep involved for the last eight years, initially former, Kang said although singing for an working at it.” [See IDOL page 18] audience makes her nervous, thanks to the experience she has gained through Idol, she now has “more self-confidence.” Sofia Rose, 8, (Sleepy Hollow) expects her first Idol performance “will be fun but kind of scary too.” Rose said that the show and its events have “taught me you have to be brave and believe you can do it!” Michaela Sasner, 14, a sophomore at Acalanes High School, is a veteran per- former. In her fifth year with Idol, she said she has learned the value of time and hard work. “It’s gratifying to hear how your voice can develop.” As a high school final- ist, Sasner said she enjoyed the opportunity to work with Fred Johnson, and performing at the annual Fred and Friend’s Cabaret, contriButED Photo which she called “my favorite thing about Claire O’Connor, who loves to entertain people, is a veteran lamorinda idol contestant. this year.” The performance opportunity 12 n The Orinda news n September 2015 roVinG rEPortEr

ladies who offered to give their opinion after hearing the discussion with adults roving reporter nearby): Mika: Well, I think it’s good that What Do You Think of the Orinda Police they’re trying to keep us safe, but I think Department’s Cameras and License Plate it’s ridiculous that they have to go that far to do it. Genevieve: I think that’s a really Readers? good idea, because, like in Lafayette, the charlie Jarrett people were better protected and people won’t get hurt as much or as often. Yes, it’s a good idea! hile at the Rotary-sponsored Sum- Dvora Citron: I’m comfortable with it. Wmer Concerts-in-the-Park, Orinda In my neighborhood, we tend to notice if residents gave their input on the Orinda we recognize people or not, and since we Police Department’s new motion-activated do have a certain amount of crime in our chArliE JArrEtt surveillance cameras and Automated community, we tend to look out for each Daniel DeBusschere. License Plate Reader (ALPR) one-year other and communicate with each other trial program that was just set up to help about anything that might look suspicious. installed. There are five location cameras reduce crime. I think it is another level of safeguard. The that have to be installed, and I just don’t other thing I think is important to say is that know the exact status at this time, whether I wouldn’t want people to feel a sense of it is fully operational or not. I am aware that exclusivity. I don’t think that people who the Lafayette program has been extremely successful. I’m hoping that Chief Nagle can provide similar results for the people

chArliE JArrEtt here in Orinda. I feel that when the word Steven Trottier. gets around that Orinda has cameras and this program and that they’ll get caught if Further, I think there’s a little deterrent they do crime in Orinda, maybe they will factor in this program. If the bad guys have go and try some other place. to look over their shoulders, or are trying to disguise themselves, then, it will be more olive Festival in october difficult for them. I’m in favor of cameras for policemen anyway. We’ve seen what Friends of Wagner Ranch Nature Area that’s accomplished. So the main line is to are gearing up for the 5th Annual Olive chArliE JArrEtt Festival on Sunday, Oct. 4, from noon and her granddaughter get it right! Marilyn Cooper Djuna to 4:30 p.m. The event features samples Benson. Good Friends: Genevieve Korklan & Mika Stricklar (two very perceptive young of locally grown olives and olive oil, Marilyn Cooper: That sounds fine to chArliE JArrEtt cooking demonstrations, arts, crafts Dvora Citron. me. It’s certainly better than racial profil- and live music. The nature area, located ing to reduce crime. That’s a good step for don’t live in Orinda should feel as though at 350 Camino Pablo, next to Wagner any community. As a new resident of the we are trying to keep people out. It is noth- Ranch Elementary School, is owned by Monteverde Apartments, I’m glad to hear ing more than a crime safeguard! the Orinda Union School District and about it. It sounds like greater security for Daniel DeBusschere: I’ve lived in features 18 acres of meadow, forest, the community as a whole. Orinda since 1968, and I have spoken ponds and streams, where students study Steven Trottier: I think it’s good for in support of the ALRP program several everything from daily life on an historic security, and it helps the police do their times. I haven’t spoken with Chief Nagle rancho to the current ecology of the red- job more efficiently, and it keeps the com- to see if they have gotten any feedback. I legged frog. For more information, visit chArliE JArrEtt www.fwrna.org. munity safe. So, I think it’s a good idea. Genevieve Korklan and Mika Stricklar. understand they just got the cruiser camera The Orinda news n September 2015 n 13 VisuAl Arts

Library Gallery: teachers Have Class

By ELANA O’LOSKEY to share my enthusiasm and knowledge and Staff Writer to awaken creative expression in my stu- dents.” View Gelbaum’s 30” x 40” acrylic his month we honor 18 teachers from on canvas work, Dreaming of My Egyptian TLafayette, Moraga and Orinda schools Horse and a 24” x 30” acrylic on board who are artists by filling the Orinda Library work, Figure With Abstract Blues and Reds. Gallery with their work in an exhibit en- Jo Ann Lieberman says, “I taught art to titled Teachers Have Class. Albert Einstein children through Lafayette Partners in Edu- says, “Creativity is intelligence having cation for 15 years and now teach through fun.” Come and see what teachers who are the Bedford Gallery’s Art-in-a-Suitcase contriButED Photo also artists have created: paintings, ceram- program. Art makes me happy and settles Carla Gelbaum used brilliant colors in her acrylic on canvas entitled Dreaming of my Egyptian horse. ics, prints, botanical watercolors, collage, my soul.” See her Jungle Boogie, a 24” x clay monoprints and iPhoneograpy. Meet 30” acrylic painting. x 31” gouache on recycled paper works: observation. “The botanical watercolors I the artists at a reception on Sunday, Sept. Kim H. Wong says, “I am a visual painter El Cielo Ofrece, La Vida es Hermosa and have chosen to show each have their own 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. when light refresh- and I paint intuitively; I teach the same Compartir el Desayuno. beautiful peculiarities which I hope viewers ments will be served. way that I paint. Sometimes I start with an Susan Zib of Orinda agrees. “We have enjoy,” she said. To say that these teacher/artists enjoy the abstract image, but often I just put a color three ways of recording history - the writ- David Wilson says, “Making pictures is dual passions of teaching and creating art or brush stroke or movement down, and that ten, the oral and the visual arts. Without the something I have always done. Art in its would be an understatement. Pamela Stefl gets me started. Each color, stroke or move- arts there is no well-rounded education,” many forms is often the door that leads us Toki of Oakland relates that, “When I was ment leads me to something else. I create she said. View three of Zib’s pointillism to connect with each other. It also enables and build images, colors and compositions acrylics on canvas: Untitled I (12” x 12”), people to see the complex shades of grey as I paint.” Look for Color Explosion, his II and III which are 9” x 12”. that make us human.” He is showing a series 36” x 48” acrylic painting and Masquerade, Erica Amundson says, “Art can trigger of acrylic on canvas paintings saturated a 24” x 30” acrylic painting. emotions that awaken in us a sense of our with color: Untitled 1-5, varying in size As to why printmaking as an art form common human experience. An emotion from 21” x 21” to 35” x 35”. holds her interest, Moose Wesler admits may be so strong that we feel it in our bod- Visit the gallery at 26 Orinda Way during she loves making art. “Printmaking is a ies. This understanding can help to open us normal library hours – Monday through wonderful kind of language where one can enough to act from a place of we rather than Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and translate a drawing or an idea into a visual me.” See an opening, her 16” x 16” pen and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 form that has a specific look,” she says. ink drawing on paper. p.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sept. “Recently I visited the cave art in south- Linda Kam is fascinated by botanical 6 and 7 for Labor Day. Call 254-2184 for western France. These remarkable pictures watercolor painting, which she pursues more information or visit http://ccclib.org. give us a sense of our history. That’s what under the guidance of Catherine Watters. See page 25 of the September issue for a art is to a society: an essential record of our Now that she is retired, she devotes more list of teacher/artists at wwww.orindanews. achievements filtered through the experi- time to developing precision and careful org. ences of the artist.” See Wesler’s two 24” x 18” linocuts, Bongo Man and Bassman. contriButED Photo Hillery Paterson says, “Artworks that are Susan Dannenfelser’s whimsical Acorn Wood- pecker Female with Acorn hat is a high-fired installed and accessible to the community stoneware ceramic. are very important reminders to our shared human spirit. It is very clear that Orinda in New York City this summer, I ventured values art.” Look for three of Paterson’s 25” to the Guggenheim Museum. When inside, the people were literally hungry to view the artwork. Families, old and young were an- ticipating the next room and next exhibition ... the energy was palpable. I also had no idea that I could be touched by the Wassily Kandinsky exhibition and unexpectedly teared up, ‘happy’ tears, when I entered the room.” Look for Openings to the Journey, Toki’s 40” x 60” color-rich clay monoprint. Tim Hancock of Lafayette says, “As an artist I am always inspired and influenced by my surrounding environment. The natural beauty of the California landscape speaks to me on a personal level, with the lighting and specifically the oak trees of Lamorinda. Within them are powerful symbols and metaphors that reflect life and creation.” See two of Hancock’s paintings; both are 11” x 14” oils on canvas: Dinosaur Hill Oaks and Lafayette Oak. Is it true that teaching and creating art can feed each other in healthy ways? Carla Gel- baum says, “I have always enjoyed making art and learning about art and other artists. Teaching for me has been an opportunity 14 n The Orinda news n September 2015 rEstAurAnt GuiDE the 2015 Guide to Orinda restaurants – bon Appétit! By ELANA O’LOSKEY plus antique firearms. If you’ve never been, stop Staff Writer by to sample the menu or the full bar at this local gem – a place out of time. Reservations ondering where to eat in Orinda? Here’s recommended. Wour annual list of hometown restaurants. Keep this section or access it at www.orin- Nation’s Giant Hamburgers and Great Pies danews.org, Sept. 2015 issue. Local options 76 Moraga Way include coffee/tea, healthy smoothies, breakfast, 254-8888 brunch, lunch, dinner, a little nosh, a glass of www.nationsrestaurants.com wine or beer, scotch, or just takeout. Happy Hour Hours: Sun. – Wed. 6 am – 11 pm; Thurs. 6 daily 3-5 pm at Table 24, 3-6 pm at Barbacoa am – 12 am; Fri. and Sat. 6 am – 1 am and on Wed. Piccolo Napoli’s house wine is $3; Late at night and starving? Fast-food joints all are at Theatre Square. Skip the mess and treat have nothing on these big, juicy burgers cooked the kids. Thanks for making a hometown choice. just how you like ‘em. They’ll do it just as fast for takeout too. Breakfast served all day. Pies, AMERICAN/CALIFORNIA CUISINE so many, either by the slice or whole. Kids love Casa Orinda this place and you won’t break the bank. sAllY hoGArtY Village Pizza is a favorite lunch spot for residents of lamorinda with its friendly atmosphere. 20 Bryant Way 254-2981 Shelby’s salad, panini, salmon, eggs benedict, breakfast CAFES www.casaorinda.net 2 Theatre Square, #152 burrito or vegetarian omelet. Desserts include Caffe Teatro Hours: Mon. - Sat. Dining 4 pm – 10 pm; 254-9687 crème brûlé, poached pear and apple tart tatin. 26 Orinda Way (under the Orinda Library) Mon. - Thurs. Bar 4 pm to 11 pm; Fri. - Sat. www.shelbyseatbetter.com Wine and beer. Patio seating great for people 254-5871 Bar 4 pm to 12 pm; Sun. Dining 4 pm to 9 pm; Hours: Mon. – Fri. Lunch 11 am – 3 pm; watching; also validated parking, wheelchair Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 6:30 am – 6 pm; Fri. Bar 4 pm to 10 pm Dinner Tues. – Thurs. 5 – 8:30 pm; Dinner Fri. accessible and dog-friendly. 6:30 am – 5 pm; Sat. 8 am – 5 pm; Sun. 8 am The Casa is Contra Costa County’s oldest – Sat. 5 pm – 9:30 pm; Brunch Sat. - Sun. 10 – 4 pm continuously operating restaurant, celebrating am - 3 pm; Sunday dinner 5 - 8 pm Table 24 Neighborhood Comfort Food Inviting spot under the Orinda Library with 83 years! That’s because of their prime rib, You’ll always find something to tempt you 2 Theatre Square, #153 outdoor tables/umbrellas to enjoy public art luscious fried chicken (served with homemade on the menu or daily specials list. Popular for 254-0124 sculptures. Sip a chai tea latte, or some Illy cof- biscuits), mashed potatoes, and fresh fish such business breakfasts and lunches. California, www.table24orinda.com fee made to order with daily fresh pastries from as calamari – classic home cooking. Inside are European and Asian cuisine using the fresh- Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 9 or 10 pm; San Francisco. Try a generously sized breakfast historical photos of rodeo dudes and cowgirls est ingredients. Try their chicken and mango Sat. – Sun. Brunch 11 am – 2 pm; Sat. Dinner or lunch sandwich, a salad, snacks or gelato. 3 pm – 9 or 10 pm; Sun. Dinner 2 pm - 9 or 10 Thirst quenching Italian sodas. Kid friendly. pm; Happy Hour 3 pm – 5 pm daily For neighborhood comfort food, this is the Geppetto’s Caffe place. Family friendly, outdoor seating, a fire-pit 87 Orinda Way and benches to enjoy dinner or drinks from their 253-9894 full bar. The food – custom built burgers from Hours: Mon. – Fri. 6:30 am – 5 pm; Sat. 7 in-house chuck and short ribs, tacos, baby back am – 3 pm; closed Sunday ribs, in-house French fries, fresh Maine lobster Speedy drink service in the morning along rolls - just a few choices from their wood burning with fresh pastries/bagels or a breakfast bur- oven. Kids’ Menu for ages 9 and under. Validated rito. Locals often crowd the place at lunch for parking, wheelchair accessible, dog friendly. a reason. The umbrellas outside offer a respite so you can enjoy delicious sandwiches such as BURMESE chicken curry on sunflower wheat, turkey club The Refined Palate on ciabatta, veggie or chicken pesto and brie. 19 Orinda Way, Suite F Great soups (mushroom, Italian vegetable) or 566-4877 salads like Chinese chicken, spinach or taco www.refinedpalateorinda.com keep people coming back. Try some gelato for Hours: Lunch Mon. – Saturday 11:30 am – 3 dessert. Good bread selection for sandwich- pm; Dinner 5 pm – 8:30 pm; closed Sunday es. Order by phone at lunch for quick service. Co-owners Theodore Wang of Orinda and renouned Burmese chef William Lue opened this Peet’s Coffee and Tea popular lunch and dinner spot. Try something 63 Moraga Way different like the green tea leaf salad, which gets 258-9328 rave reviews. Other faves are the ginger salad, www.peets.com seafood chowder, lamb masala, coconut-chicken Hours: Mon. – Fri. 5:30 am – 8 pm; Sat. and noodle soup and yam tapioca (dairy free). Por- Sun. 6 am – 8 pm tions are generous; exotic sambals available Exceptional beans freshly roasted and served by request; no MSG. Chef Lue is a master of up by expert baristas. Extensive variety of teas Burmese cuisine and has sourced his produce and tasty pastries. Try the ethereal jasmine and fresh herbs from local growers. downy pearls tea. Open access Wi Fi; extra [See CAFE page 15] The Orinda news n September 2015 n 15 rEstAurAnt GuiDE t CAFE from page 14 http://yansrestaurant.com/wp love the quick service and table and chairs sized Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 12 – 8:30 pm; Fri. & Hours: Sun.-Mon.-Wed.-Thurs. Lunch 11:30 just for them. Try the Italian ices: mango, cherry, Sat. 12 pm – 8 pm roomy seating inside with benches outside. am – 3 pm; Dinner 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm; closed sour apple, lemon, strawberry lemonade or blue Lots of Aloha, especially in the aroma of Tuesday; Fri. - Sat. Lunch 11:30 am – 3:00 pm; raspberry flavors. Loyalty card, ample parking. BBQ that floats out to meet you. Many votes Starbucks Dinner 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm for Katsu Loco Moco but also lunch specials 2 Theatre Square, #106 This family-owned restaurant does a big take- Republic of Cake and BBQ mixed grill plate. Yelpers like the fried 258-0476 out business (10 percent discount). Extensive 2 Theatre Square, #151 shrimp and mini bowls, $5.50 for chicken, steak www.starbucks.com menu including lunch specials, appetizers, salt Orinda, CA 94563 or pork with steamed veggies and rice; brown Hours: Mon. – Sun. 5:30 am – 7 pm and pepper calamari with jalapenos, soups and 254-3900 rice available. Outdoor seating. They also deliver What could be more convenient than this loca- Kung Pao prawns, brown rice on request. Locals http://republicofcake.com and cater; check in on Yelp and show entry to tion – you know what’s there. Coffee in every like Mongolian beef or lamb, hot and spicy tofu, Hours: Mon. - Thur. 10 am - 6 pm*; Fri. and server for promotions. shape and form, fine teas, seasonal specials and mu shu dishes, chow meins, Hong Kong style Sat. 10 am – 7 pm*; Sun.11 am - 5 pm* tempting pastries. Also healthy snacks. Specials pan fried noodles, sizzling platters, and egg foo * Or until the display case is sold out. ITALIAN change often. Free Wi Fi. young. All are cooked without MSG, at the level Simply delicious! They use the finest local La Piazza of spiciness you prefer and prepared dry wok at ingredients such as fresh produce and locally 15 Moraga Way Starbucks your request. milled flour to keep a low carbon footprint. 253-9191 One Camino Sobrante, #9 Basic and seasonal cupcakes including wheat www.lapiazzaorinda.com 253-0447 DESSERTS free options; flavors change monthly. Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 5 pm – 9:30 pm; Fri. – www.starbucks.com Loard’s Ice Cream and Candy Sat. 5 pm - 10 pm Hours: Mon. – Fri. 4:30 am – 7 pm; Sat. 5:30 230 Brookwood Road DELICATESSENS Good food combines with a friendly staff am – 7 pm; Sun. 5:30 am – 7 pm 254-3434 Europa Hof Brau Deli & Pub and a cozy atmosphere, often busy during din- Friendly baristas who remember your name www.loards.com 64 Moraga Way ner hours as it is across from the theater. Try and order; outdoor seating. Coffee in every Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 11 am – 9 pm; Fri. – Sat. 254-7202 their brick-oven pizzas, freshly made salads, shape and form, fine teas, seasonal specials and 11 am – 10 pm www.europahofbrau.com carpaccio, pastas, soups (vegetable, cream of tempting pastries. Also healthy snacks. Specials This all-time Orinda favorite is the perfect Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10 am – 9 pm; Sun. 10 artichoke, squash), and the basket of fresh bread change often. Free Wi Fi. place to stop before a game, after a movie, or am – 8 pm at your table. Sit at the bar and watch them make anytime you are in the mood for a generous A spacious cafeteria style family restaurant your BBQ shrimp, spinach calzone, gnocchi, Village Inn Cafe scoop. Choose waffle or sugar cones or order with a play area, slide and video games for the or linguine a la vongole. Tiramisu for dessert, 204 Village Square an ice cream birthday cake. Sample the butter kids, flat screens for adults. This popular spot is a must try; kids love the pizza. Beer and wine. 254-6080 brickle, chocolate showers, macapuno (young known for delicious corned beef and mash with www.orindacoffeeshop.com coconut) or ube (purple yam, taro root, coco- cabbage, meats carved and sandwiches created Piccolo Napoli Hours: Mon. – Fri. Breakfast 5:30 am – 11:25 right before your eyes. You can also grab a stool 2 Theatre Square, #144 am; Lunch to 3 pm; Sat. Breakfast 6:30 am – 11: or your favorite table to catch a game and have a 253-1225 25 am; Lunch to 3 pm; Sun. breakfast menu only beer on tap. Small play area available. www.piccolo-napoli.com (check for specials 7:30 am – 2 pm online) This family friendly, no frills diner-style spot HAWAIIAN Hours: Wed. - Sun. Lunch 11:30 am – 4 is just right for sitting down with friends over Lava Pit Hawaiian Grill pm; Dinner daily 4 – 9 pm except Fri. - Sat., fresh hot coffee and some Belgian waffles or 2 Theatre Square, #142 4 – 10 pm eggs. For lunch, sit at the counter and enjoy an 253-1338 Traditional thin-crust pizza to gluten free avocado-turkey-bacon club; add a big basket of www.lavapit.com [See ITALIAN page 16] fries for 50¢ more, or try the house-made soup. People love their corned beef hash because it’s always made from scratch (half orders avail- able). Selection of coloring books for kids. Generous portions. Local since 1986.

CHINESE Szechwan Restaurant Chinese Cuisine 79 Orinda Way 254-2020 www.szechwanorinda.com Hours: Tues. – Sat. 11:15 am – 3 pm Lunch; sAllY hoGArtY customers at Europa have lots of delicious sand- Tues. – Thurs. 4 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner, except wiches and entrees available. Fri. – Sat. till 9:45 pm; Sun. 3:30 – 9:15 pm; Closed Monday nut) ice cream. Sorbets include strawberry and Bright décor with a view of the golf course lemon. Try one of the other 40+ flavors includ- across the street, comfy booths. Return visits ing old standbys like cookies and cream, pecan for their outstanding hot and sour soup. Recom- praline or chocolate mint chip. Sundae special mended: Singapore noodles, mu shu, Mongolian of the week such as caramel toffee crunch or beef, curries, Kung Pao prawns, lunch specials cookie monster milkshake. Catering available. and Szechwan dishes. Brown rice is available. Eat in or order in advance (see online menus); Chillers 10 percent discount (excluding lunch) on takeout 21 Orinda Way, Suite G orders; all orders can be customized on request - 254-3233 if you want it no MSG or like it spicy, tell them. Hours: Mon. – Sat. 11:30 am – 5:30 Beer and wine. pm; closed Sunday Power up with a tasty, healthy smoothie (22 Yan’s Restaurant Mandarin and Sezchuan choices) – or maybe it’s time for some ice cream, Cuisine a milkshake (generous amount of ice cream) or One Orinda Way, #1 FroYo. Order to go or have a seat in a sunny spot; 253-9852 either way, your smoothie is made to order. Kids 16 n The Orinda news n September 2015 rEstAurAnt GuiDE t ITALIAN from page 15 for its extensive menu including seaweed salad, JAPANESE chirashi, spicy California roll and spicy tuna vegetarian choices and combos like prosciutto Hanazen Japanese Sushi roll, miso soup, tempura, and Orinda roll. Bento di Parma, sweet basil, and truffle oil. Local 87 Orinda Way lunch box specials $8.50; a la carte sashimi; favorites include the gluten free meatball appe- 254-3611 kids menu. Order take out online. Beer, wine tizer, prosciutto, pear and gorgonzola pizza and Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 5:30 pm – 9 pm Fri. and sake. salty caramel gelato. Try their Genoa sandwich, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm; Sat. 5:30 – 9 pm – Closed house-made soups, pastas, salads, gelato, beer, Sunday MEDITERRANEAN wine ($3 wine on Wed.) and cappuccino. Home An intimate restaurant with traditional dishes Petra Café delivery in Orinda till 8 pm. Bring in your used and a great sushi bar. Yelpers say, “The freshest, 2 Theatre Square, #105 wine corks and contribute to their green sound- best sushi in the East Bay.” Chef Kenji Horikawa 254-5290 proofing project, Put a Cork In It. prepares every dish while his wife Coco (who Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11 am – 9 pm; Fri. holds a sake sommelier license) serves the and Sat. 11 am - 9:30 pm; Sun. 11 am – 8 pm Village Pizza guests. Instead of a fixed menu, there are daily Petra gets top marks from its online fans and 19 Orinda Way and seasonal specials. Kenji’s sushi rice is “fla- makes the most of its tiny interior and outside 254-1200 vorful and tender.” Takeout available. Only 18 tables – a takeout favorite. Regulars swear by www.villagepizzaorinda.com (check for on- seats in the restaurant so reservations are a must. the chicken or lamb gyro with tzatziki sauce sAllY hoGArtY line coupons) Fantastic sake selection. and warm fluffy pita. Check out their grilled Baan Thai features delicious food and a soothing Hours: Mon. – Thurs. Lunch 11 am – 2:30 salmon on Greek salad. Vegetarian options such atmosphere. pm, Dinner 5 pm – 9 pm; Sat. 11 am – 10 pm; as roasted vegetables, falafel, dolmas, hummus. Sun. Dinner 5 pm – 9 pm Baklava with ground pistachios on top. Greek 70 Moraga Way Family atmosphere in this casual spot, com- beer and wine, retsina. 253-2004 fortable for everyone. Garlic chicken pizza, veg- www.turqgrill.com (check online for cou- etarian pizza, mini pizza for lunch dripping in MEXICAN pons) cheese, served with a salad. Menu includes steak Barbacoa Mexican Comfort Food Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 7 pm; Closed sandwiches and burgers (cooked on a grill), 2 Theatre Square, #130 Sat. - Sun. white bean soup and more. Wine, beer; best 254-1183 This Middle Eastern restaurant offers gener- news yet – they deliver. www.barbacoaorinda.com ous kabob plates with rice and salad, falafel Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 11 am – 9 pm; Fri. – Sat. sandwiches and chocolate baklava. Return Zamboni’s Pizza 11 am – 10 pm; Happy Hour 3 - 6 pm visits for grilled chicken wrap; many vegetarian One Camino Sobrante, # 4 Orinda’s first wood-fired Mexican grill. The items. Kids menu. Popular for takeout, order by 254-2800 house-made chips and salsa, enchiladas, burritos phone; near BART. Voted one of 101 Best Bites Hours: Open Mon. - Thurs. 11 am – 9:30 pm; and nachos are made with the best fresh local in Diablo Magazine. Fri. – Sat. 11 am – 10 pm; Sun. 11 am – 9 pm ingredients available. Locals recommend any Want pizza where everything is made fresh of the fajitas, tortilla soup, gluten free menu THAI daily, nothing is frozen or microwaved, and the options, or steak. Full bar with great seating to Baan Thai cheese has no fillers or additives? This is the sAllY hoGArtY watch one of three flat screens. Indoor and out- 99 Orinda Way Zamboni's makes its pizzas fresh daily. place; also pizza by the slice. You can eat in, door seating with large fire pits for cool nights; 253-0989 take out, or they deliver. Yelper says, “Made to Niwa Restaurant dog friendly. Validated and valet parking. www.baanthaiorinda.com order pizza is great.” Wine, beer, soft drinks. One Camino Sobrante Hours: Open 7 days: Lunch – 11:30 am – 3 254-1606 La Cocina Mexicana pm; Dinner Sun. – Thurs. 4:30 – 9:30 pm; Fri. Closed for remodeling 23 Orinda Way and Sat. until 10 pm 258-9987 Tucked across from the Orinda golf course. Serika Restaurant www.lacocinaorinda.com Gracious surroundings and service. Unique Thai 2 Theatre Square, #118 Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11 am – 8:30 pm; brown rice (almost purple) – nutty and tasty. 254-7088 Fri. – Sat. 11 am – 9 pm; Sun. 11 am – 8:30 pm Return visits for: Thai crunch salad, papaya Hours: Lunch Mon. – Fri. 11:30 am – 2 pm; Bring on the chips! This family-friendly salad, grilled eggplant with chicken. Great tom Dinner Mon. – Sat. 5 - 9 pm; closed Sunday restaurant has a large menu and a special kids kha gai (chicken soup with coconut milk and If you want really fresh sushi in a charming, menu. Customers return for taco salad with lemongrass). Lunch specials like mango curry relaxing spot tucked away from the street, this is grilled chicken. Try their chicken burrito, with choice of tofu, chicken, prawns, scallops your place. Yelpers like the miso, tuna sashimi, chicken enchiladas verdes, vegetarian burrito, or calamari. Extensive vegetarian menu. Takeout aegedashi tofu and lunch specials. Children are sinaoa (burrito or bowl) or mole sauce. Dine in popular and available, as is wine and beer. always welcome and you will find plenty of or use their takeout menu. Full bar, margaritas kid-friendly food. Beer, wine and sake, with on the rocks or blended, beer and wine. online Siam Orchid Kirin on tap. specials. 23 Orinda Way No. F 253-1975 Sushi Island (formerly Yu Sushi) Maya Mexican Grill www.siamorchidorinda.com 19 Moraga Way 74 Moraga Way Hours: Lunch Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 2 pm; 253-8399 258-9049 Open for Dinner Daily 4:30 – 9 pm www.sushiislandorinda.com Hours: Mon. – Sat. 11 am – 8 pm; Closed A white tablecloth experience with a roomy Hours: Lunch Mon. – Sat. 11:30 am – 3 pm; Sunday full bar and good cocktails. Return visits for: Dinner Mon. – Thurs. 5 pm – 9:30 pm; Dinner Maya offers many traditional Mexican Chiang Mai chicken soup, panang beef, chicken Fri. – Sat. 5 pm - 10 pm; Closed Sunday dishes based on family recipes – busy at satay with peanut sauce and cuke salad, Orchid Yelpers praise the high quality fish. Known lunchtime. People come back for: Shrimp bur- fried rice with tofu, Singapore noodles, green rito, crispy tacos (shrimp, chicken), fish tacos, curry with chicken, and many noodle dishes. The tacos Maya (grilled steak). Smoking good hot pumpkin curry and special ginger salad remain sauce; salsa bar. Takeout available, as is beer popular dishes. Lunch is served with egg roll, and soft drinks. ginger salad and steamed rice. Takeout available.

MIDDLE EASTERN Turquoise Mediterranean Grill The Orinda news n September 2015 n 17 stuDEnts Scouts’ myriad projects enhance Wagner ranch Nature Area

By KATHARINE BARRETT visitors. More than 50 projects enrich the Contributing Writer garden, meadow, oak woodland, olive grove, pond and streams throughout the or 30 years, local youth have donated 18-acre nature area. Ftheir talents and resources to enrich Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts who have the environment and outdoor programs at recently completed their projects will be the Wagner Ranch Nature Area. The proj- honored at the Orinda Olive Festival in ects have ranged from improving wildlife the nature area on Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. habitat for monarch butterflies, native bees, to 4 p.m. Families will enjoy lunch in bats, owls, bluebirds and wood ducks, to the olive grove on the beautiful redwood Bill huDson Bill huDson providing wheelchair-accessible trails, a tables constructed by Takuma Okamoto. Sasha Gordon (l) and Claire McCullough drill Boy Scouts from Troop 303 installed a large camp fire circle, picnic tables, signs and Visitors of all ages will follow the signs post holes to install historic marker signs for their display kiosk near the entrance to the nature area. kiosks, raised garden beds, an educational and trails leading to the historic ruins of Girl scout silver Award. video, a rain barrel catchment and a beauti- the blacksmith shop. Children will paint they are fired, the tiles will be mounted working on the following projects: Connor ful tile bench of children’s art to welcome ceramic tiles with nature themes. After next to the 200 hundred existing tiles on Stewart is building bat boxes; Ryan Riahi Clayton Chan’s decorative bench near the is building gates for the pond enclosure entrance. and garden; and Aidan Young is working miramonte Grad makes music at Several new projects are underway and on a memorial bench and sign honoring some may be completed in time for the Eve Gentry, a supporter of nature area pro- berklee College in boston Olive Festival. Girl Scout Taryn Lausch, a grams. Projects are approved by the school By ELANA O’LOSKEY learned a lot. From there, he applied for Miramonte High junior and board member district’s facilities and maintenance direc- Staff Writer and attended the innovative month-long of the Friends of the Wagner Ranch Nature tor, and receive a small amount of funding Clive Davis program at NYU. Visiting the Area, is researching and constructing a rep- from the Friends of the Wagner Ranch ogic, Eminem, ASAP, Rocky, Vic best studios in NYC where Jay Z, Kanye lica Miwok house. Three Eagle Scouts are Nature Area (www.fwrna.org). LMensa, Kanye West, Ray Charles – any West and Beyoncé record, and learning to of those names sound familiar? They are collaborate with the other students in his the musical influences of Miramonte grad group, stretched his experience and knowl- local Water Polo Players Excel Elijah Stavena who began his studies at edge base; he was hungry for more. He is Many Lamorinda athletes competed the prestigious Berklee College of Music grateful to Dane, Benzi, Charlotte and Sam in the Water Polo Junior Olympics July in Boston last month. In his somewhat for sharing their talents and making every 30 - Aug. 2 in Irvine, CA. Miramonte circuitous path to Boston, Stavena first minute at NYU count. students Grace Tehaney and Carson traveled from Orinda to Santa Monica, then When applying to NYU’s music program Broad finished fourth out of 96 teams to New York University (NYU), ALMA failed – something he didn’t expect - Stav- playing for the 16U club team the 680 in Lafayette, Oakland, San Francisco and ena needed a plan B. His college counselor Drivers. The two are now focusing their finally Boston. helped him analyze what happened and efforts playing for Miramonte’s varsity “I’m a late bloomer when it comes to move forward. He applied to Berklee, water polo team. creating and writing music,” says Stavena. which is actually harder to get into. Before Lamorinda Water Polo, a year-round “A lot of people who apply to Berklee his Berklee interview and audition, he and USA Water Polo club, fielded teams in started at three years old. It was when my Zoey Winter did a benefit performance four age groups for the competition .The parents decided to divorce that I began to for Hospice of the East Bay. By now, he 12U earned a silver medal with the 14U write poetry as a way to vent and be real was working with 25th Street Recording and 16U teams winning silver and the contriButED Photo with myself. It turned out to be a way to in Oakland. He also worked with Tia and 18U came in 18th. Grace Tehaney (l) and Carson Broad. explore all kinds of ideas that were circling Christian to create his first performance in my life; the writing evolved and became in his stage persona, “Kahleo,” at the an- more rhythmical. When I heard Eminem - nual Performance for Progress event at how he expressed his emotions, how visual Miramonte. The name Kahleo reflects his his lyrics were - it inspired me to take my Hawaiian roots and means “the voice.” “It poetry further.” was the best performance I’d ever done; I In his freshman year at Miramonte, loved collaborating with them,” said Stav- ena (see the video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NsRJEQfLOZs). To keep up with Stavena, go to www.kahleospeaks.com

where you can link to Soundcloud. As only mAtt VAttuonE the third rapper ever accepted at Berklee, Coach Savannah Smith with her 12u team. he is determined to “learn how to work with musicians, producers, songwriters and singers to work in as many projects as possible.” Seems like a bright future ahead for this Miramonte grad who is determined to follow his musical dream.

contriButED Photo Elijah Stavena already has an impressive music career. Stavena set a goal to work on a song every morning. He sought various in-home re- cording studios in the Bay Area and began recording his lyrics. Shortly after he sang “Life’s About Your Individuality” for his mom, he made it into a music video. His mom kept asking, “When are you going to show it to people?” Without telling him, she sent it to the principal at Miramonte, who posted it on the school website. Stavena and his family produced the film Everything is Temporary; they decided to use the song in the film. Next, he went to a week-long song writing and stage performance work- shop in Santa Monica. Then, he interned at the California Music Channel where he 18 n The Orinda news n September 2015 Film

California Independent Film Festival Sept. 10-16

he California Independent Film Hard for the Money” begins at the Rheem TFestival returns with a wide on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. with another series of variety of films that celebrate diver- shorts “Death Becomes Us” at the Orinda sity, human rights and freedom of Theatre on Sept. 11 also at 1 p.m. At 7 expression. p.m., the Orinda Theatre will screen the The 18th annual event will be held at action feature Huong Ga with the Rheem three venues: The Orinda Theatre, The screening the imaginative children’s film Rheem Theatre and the Castro Theatre in Paper Planes at 7 p.m. San Francisco. It all begins on Sept. 10 For a complete listing of films, go to contriButED Photo at 6:30 p.m. at the Rheem Theatre where www.caiff.com. Shelby Lyon (l), Crystal the Capuchin Monkey and Peyton Meyer in a scene from Gibby showing on Tab Hunter Confidential will be shown. A – Sally Hogarty, Editor sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at the orinda theatre. series of short films subtitled “They Work

and fell many times but somehow man- The Reel Less Traveled t HIKER from page 7 aged soft landings. In steep inclines, he though he did encounter two uninterested grabbed onto trees and in the boulder fields bears, three moose and eight snakes – just he crawled over, under and through rock Short, But Sweet, Choice of the black and garter variety, not the feared tunnels to follow the AT white “blazes” September Movies poisonous copperhead of the south or rattle- painted on trees and rocks. He earned the tom Westlake snake in Pennsylvania. He carried antibi- trail name “Dusty” for dragging his poles otics to be taken within 72 hours of a tick and stirring up the dirt on the Pacific Crest he International Film Showcase of- was in full swing when this film came out bite, which doesn’t always leave the telltale Trail, which Richard describes as a 2,660- Tfers a curious little film from Italy and, though it’s widely regarded as a screw- bull’s eye or amoeba type rash before the mile trail with switchbacks designed for called Class Enemy (Razredni Sovraznic). ball comedy, there can be no denying that debilitating joint aches of Lyme set in. mules to navigate. To many, remembrance of their time in the economic troubles America was going It was those miles of boulders in northern The best part of his trip wasn’t the gor- school (especially high school) is fraught through are always there, just behind the New Hampshire and southern Maine, un- geous rock formation in Dragon Tooth, with tales of abuse, peer pressure and, laughter. In a reverse Pygmalion story, a stable slippery rocks in 18-inch high Maine VA, or the sudden view that emerged at a sometimes, memorable teachers. All of this wealthy albeit scattered socialite (Carol streams and the frozen roots in Georgia that clearing in the forest. It was the amazing is applicable in this film when a beloved Lombard) “adopts” a vagrant on the skids were Birss’ greatest concern. He slipped people he met, like the trail angels who teacher is replaced with someone who takes (William Powell) and turns him into the fix scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon for an entirely different approach to the job. family butler. To say romantic high-jinx hikers or the Ohio family camping near the When tragedy strikes, many of the students ensue would be simplifying this master- trail who gave out candy and drinks. When and faculty start to look at this newcomer piece but, as it usually is with films like this, Birss and his friend were hitchhiking in with suspicion. getting there is half the fun. It will show at North Carolina, a woman stopped her car In many ways, the film expounds on the Rheem on Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. and yelled across the road, “Boys, I think themes introduced in the 1969 film The Ashamed as I am to admit it, that’s all you want to go the other way,” then drove Prime of Miss Jean Brody and the chilly I have for you this month. I reiterate my 15 miles out of her way to get them back blue atmosphere makes for an engaging, urging to keep the California Independent on the trail. Or the time in North Carolina thought-provoking experience. To find out Film Festival in the forefront of your mind when a man and his son took Birss five more, go to http://internationalshowcase. and check the websites for there are always miles past their fishing spot to make sure org. It will screen at the Orinda Theatre for last-minute additions, and I wouldn’t want he got to town to buy desperately needed a week starting on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. you to miss out on anything. Until next shoes. Then on Sept. 16, the Moraga Movers month, remember to stay in the dark for Birss has been backpacking for 50 years present My Man Godfrey. The Depression that’s where the reel magic lies. and plans to get back on the trail but prob- ably on trips of 500 miles or less. For now, however, he’s content to rest on his laurels “For the next decade, it is my hope that from page 11 and reflect on his rocky memories of his t IDOL we can keep Lamorinda Idol rolling along, trek along the Appalachian Trail. as an audition judge, and subsequently as continuing to find ways to give our young chairman, and has seen the group evolve. people an avenue for their passion,” said “Over time we’ve expanded the number Harwood. of performances and range of activities in Lamorinda Idol will be held at the Orinda the program,” he said. Reflecting on the Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 6. Emcees for lessons to be learned from the past decade the event are ABC7 News reporters Laura of activity, Harwood is particularly proud Anthony and Amy Hollyfield. Thirty- of the organization’s growth, “especially three soloists and 12 groups will com- in the areas of creativity and the power pete in categories by grade, judged by of volunteerism.” Harwood said the Idol professional artists Deborah Eubanks committee has 30 very active volunteers as (vocal coach), Aart de Geus (founder of well as support from each of the parents, Synopsys) and Amikaeyla (performing Orinda Rotary, the Acalanes Chapter of the artist). National Charity League and Boy Scout For details, including performance Troup 303. schedule, visit www.lamorindaarts.org. The Orinda news n September 2015 n 19 PErForminG Arts Starlight players present Carlo Collodi’s pinocchio in the park

By DAVID DIERKS Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio is no different. Assistant Editor Cowler turned his experience as an engi- neering software developer into “creating a eptember sees the Orinda Starlight total 3D video environment for Pinocchio’s Village Players (OrSVP) open their journeys. Much like in a video RPG game, S christinE KEssEl third show of the season, Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio travels around his environ- (l-r) Genevieve di Natle, Akash Wason, Josh Kessel, Shawn Bonnington, Al Guaraglia, Bill Chess- Pinocchio. Directed and adapted by ment, visiting places such as Geppetto’s man, Emily Joy Kessel, Dan Phillips, Elissa Berall and Monica Flores rehearse a scene from carlo Malcolm Cowler, a long-time member house, the puppet theater, the circus and, collodi’s Pinocchio. of OrSVP, Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio is of course, the Land of Boobies (renamed songs in the show with lyrics by Cowler. rehearsals. But most of the cast is very the fourth show Cowler has directed Mugginsland for this production). He is Kevin MacCloud of incompetech.com, experienced in theater, which helps a lot. at OrSVP and his third original script also eaten by a gigantic Dragonfish.” Since a royalty free music composer, provided Costuming is also a concern, but this has for the group. “ It’s based closely on OrSVP uses an outdoor amphitheater, the music for six of the songs. “Six of the been helped significantly by Marian Simp- the original story by Carlo Collodi,” projections will suffer during the daytime songs are based on Kevin’s music, modi- son allowing us to use costumes from her said Cowler. “I made some changes to matinee performances. “The show relies fied and arranged to fit my lyrics by Ray,” theater company, East Bay Children’s The- make it less dark in places, so it will greatly on video projections, which work said Cowler. “Two of them are original atre.” Simpson appeared as Miss Caroline appeal to both children and adults. well in the evening, but not during the day. scores composed by Ray for my lyrics. All Amory in OrSVP’s production of Agatha Much-loved characters that appear in the I strongly recommend that patrons attend of the songs have been written to blend Christie’s Black Coffee in June. show include Pinocchio, Geppetto, the an evening performance of the show to see smoothly into and advance the storyline. Performances run Sept. 12 through Oct. Cricket, the Blue Fairy, the Fox and Cat, it at its best,” said Cowler. Ray is a really accomplished musician and 3, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. Candlewick and the Puppets.” Cowler recruited musician and former very easy to work with. His music certainly with Sunday matinees on Sept. 20 and 27 Cowler is known for his use of video OrSVP actor Ray Christensen to help with adds a whole new dimension to the show.” at 4 p.m. and one Thursday performance projections during his productions and the production. There are eight original Christensen last appeared on the OrSVP on Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. For more information, stage in the 2005 production of William visit www.orsvp.org or call 925-528-9225. Shakespeare’s The Tempest. OrSVP is completely volunteer run Cal Shakes Welcomes broadway This production also marks the “largest and no one at the theatre is paid. Anyone cast for an OrSVP production – 24 actors who is interested in any aspect of theatre Star in role of King Lear aged five through 70,” said Cowler. “The and would like to help is encouraged to By KATHRYN G. McCARTY main headache is scheduling. With a large contact the group at [email protected] or Staff Writer cast, you have a lot of conflicts during 925-528-9225.

roadway, film and TV star Anthony BHeald appears in the title role of Eric ting is cal shakes’ new Artistic Director California Shakespeare Theatre’s final bie Award-winning director Eric Ting takes over production of the 2015 season, William Othe reins at Cal Shakes this November. Ting Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by brings extensive directing credits at some of the top Amanda Dehnert. The two-time Tony theaters in the country including 11 seasons as the As- Award nominee just completed runs in the sociate Artistic Director at Connecticut’s Long Wharf Broadway revival of Bernard Pomerance’s Theatre. “I’m inspired by the fearless scope and vision drama, The Elephant Man, starring Bradley of my predecessor, Jonathan Moscone, and humbled Cooper at the Booth Theatre and subse- by the collective commitment, faith and trust given me quently at the Theatre Royal Haymarket contriButED Photo by the entire Cal Shakes Board,” says Ting. contriButED Photo in London. Broadway's Anthony Heald stars as the famously Silence of the Lambs and Red Drag- mad king. on fans will recognize the actor as Hannibal Quartermaine’s Terms and Henry V. Heald Lecter’s nemesis, Dr. Frederick Chil- performed with Nathan Lane in Terrence ton. Other big screen appearances fans may McNally’s The Lisbon Traviata and with be familiar with are Silkwood, Postcards George C. Scott and Charles Durning from the Edge, The Client and The Pelican in Inherit the Wind. Brief. In more than 30 years of working in Dehnert, who last directed at Cal Shakes the industry, Heald has appeared in both in 2011 with The Verona Project, is well feature and regular roles in dozens of televi- known to Oregon Shakespeare Festival sion shows, including Cheers, Boston Le- (OSF) audiences. She has directed Heald gal, Boston Public, Law and Order and The in the OSF productions of Julius Caesar Practice. (2011, in the roles of Cicero, Publius, Cinna Heald’s impressive theatre résumé in- and Pindarus), My Fair Lady (2013, in the cludes being twice nominated for Tony role of Alfred P. Doolittle) and Into the Awards for his roles in Anything Goes and Woods (2014, in the role of The Mysteri- Terrence McNally’s Love! Valour! Compas- ous Man). sion! He has three Obie Awards for his Off- From Orson Wells and Ian McKellen to Broadway performances in The Foreigner, [See LEAR page 22] 20 n The Orinda news n September 2015 clAssiFiED t SCHOOLS from page 9 t WRNA from page 1 absolutely against basically making a land that won’t cause as much damage to the grab by one school for property that should area. Katherine Barrett said, “I am currently again.” benefit enormously from activities that be used by all the kids in Orinda. I don’t working on a proposal that would modify Miramonte High School principal Julie could be done in their own garden area,” understand why we weren’t talking about the shape of the proposed elementary Parks reports the Mats have a number of added Manheimer. Stuart House, Wagner this informally instead of having to do it school garden to become a large rectangle new things happening. Over the summer Ranch Elementary School Director of Fa- this way. It’s taken a lot of time, effort and of comparable size along the southern flooring in many classrooms was replaced. cilities said, “The garden is proposed to be money, as well as sweat, to try and maintain school fence line within the Nature Area. Parks said this was a much-needed im- located in the area behind the Bandit Club, that nature area as 18 acres. I don’t want a There are fewer heritage trees and rare na- provement because the old flooring was the before and after school care building.” single tenth of a hundredth of a percent of tive plants in this stretch for which there original from when the school opened in The area was chosen by both the former that area going to something else.” FWRNA would need to be mitigation.” 1955. In August, teachers attended the and current directors of facilities at WRES secretary Katherine Barrett said, “The For more information, visit fwrna.org Acalanes Union High School District’s as well as the former and current WRES FWRNA has been in favor of the elemen- and www.orindaschools.org. three-day Summer Institute, a teacher- principals. Plastic deer fencing material is tary school having their own garden, but we driven professional development course. “It to be erected to enclose the space. The plan were hoping to have input given our history t PROGRAM from page 9 is something that really makes our district also necessitates the removal of a dead pine of developing and funding the Nature Area our kids.” He referenced a situation of a special, as it honors the time that teachers tree and a second tree that is “encroach- garden for use by all the schools. We even school girl who after attending the classes need to plan rigorous, cutting-edge cur- ing on the space of the tree next to it. It’s had proposed to fund and build a garden on reported abuse that led to the arrest of a riculum,” said Parks. doomed anyway because they are too close school property this spring.” Concord man charged with 11 counts of The school has a new associate principal, together,” said Manheimer. The area slated for the new garden is cur- child molestation. He and his wife, who Zach Pinkerton, who formerly worked at A garden area with raised planter boxes rently home to 45 different species of native worked as a nanny in Orinda and Antioch, Acalanes High School. “We are excited has been provided by the Friends of plants that are used in the Native Studies now faces multiple possible life sentences for him to join our team,” said Parks. A Wagner Ranch Nature Area (FWRNA) in program for Orinda students in the fourth if convicted. new math teacher, Dave Rosenbaum, joins another part of the WRNA. Manheimer grade. Katherine Barrett added, “I spent Of the 1,098 Orinda students who took the staff from the Mount Diablo Unified said, “Those planter boxes were created two hours visiting the site to take photos the classes, only seven families opted out School District, and English teacher Anne by the Friends. They have ideas about what and map the trees and native shrubs that will of it, according to Kathy Marshall, OUSD’s Nastor, who previously worked for the should be in those planter boxes, when they be impacted. At least one species is listed as director of curriculum and instruction. Oakland Unified School District, also should be used, what should be grown, and endangered. In the center of the proposed Moraga School District Superintendent joins the team. New teachers include Jamie that is not necessarily consistent with what area is the Peter Morton Memorial with 4 Bruce Burns said there has been little Mather, a social science teacher from the the teachers and the parents’ club might redwood trees, a redwood bench and rock controversy over the program in his com- Liberty Union High School District. David want to do.” with plaque. Adjacent to the memorial is munity with only a few parents keeping Uyeno, who formerly taught elementary FWRNA board member Reginald Barrett a large heritage valley oak surrounded by their children out of the classes. instrumental music in Orinda schools, is said, “They need something like this. No a bench used by students for their writing The Orinda School Board decided to cre- taking over the Mats’ instrumental music doubt about it. I’m more than happy to col- projects.” The OUSD board was very con- ate a subcommittee to review the program program. Parks says the school is still laborate and work with the school district cerned that the FWRNA had not been con- throughout the year and to improve com- finalizing its master schedule and expects and with the school to make that happen.” tacted about the proposal, though that didn’t munication with parents. The composition to have more new team members prior to The FWRNA, however, strenuously stop them from approving the request. of the subcommittee will be decided at the start of school. Regarding support staff, objected to the proposal of fencing off a The FWRNA are examining the planned next school board meeting scheduled for Parks says, “We are happy to welcome section of the WRNA. Barrett said, “I am garden site and trying to find an alternative Sept. 15, 8 p.m., at 8 Altarinda Rd. Annie Lai to our attendance office. She is transferring from Del Valle. Veronica Er- ickson, who served in the attendance office last year, will be taking over as our testing Coupon Clippers - Shop Locally and Save! coordinator.” Jen Woodman, director of special ser- vices/personnel for the OUSD, says there is a statewide shortage of substitute teach- ers. “We are always looking for qualified substitutes, and they sometimes get hired as teachers in many places,” said Woodman. She adds that the need for substitute teacher coverage is a constant in the schools. “These are nice positions for local folks,” she said. At press time, this newspaper had no information available from Glorietta or Sleepy Hollow elementary schools.

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Please call 925-254-7622 or • Pets visit us at www.reliablewindowservice.com. • Pet Care Wanted • Rentals • Services Enclose your check payable to The Orinda Association and mail to Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Orinda, I buy 1950’s Furniture. Danish modern, Herman • Vacation Rentals/ CA 94563. We reserve the right to reject any ad. Classified ads must be prepaid. Your cancelled check is Miller, Knoll wanted. 1 item or entire estate! Call Home Exchanges Rick at 510-219-9644. Courteous house calls. your receipt. • Wanted The Orinda news n September 2015 n 21 cAlEnDAr ON THE CALENDAR middle eastern Food Festival SEPTEMBER ive entertainment, children's activi- 1 Moraga Art Gallery presents Color, Clay and Fire through Oct. 24, at 522 Center St., Lties, delicious ethnic food, a shopping Moraga. Visit http://moragaartgallery.com. bazaar and more await those attending the California Shakespeare Theater presents Charles Ludlam’s The Mystery of Irma Vep, a 21st Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. comedy featuring vampires and werewolves, through Sept. 6 at Bruns Amphitheater, Orinda. The much-anticipated event takes place Visit www.calshakes.org or call the box office at 510-548-9666. Sept. 26, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sept. 27, 3 Story Hour with Cathy Goshorn for children aged 2 to 4, Thursdays, Orinda Books, 276 noon - 8 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist Village Square, 10 to 11 a.m. Call 925-254-7606. Also Sept. 10, 17, and 24. Antiochian Orthodox Church, 501 Moraga 6 10th Annual Lamorinda Idol, featuring performers in K-12, Orinda Theatre. For details, Way, in Orinda. including performance schedule, visit www.lamorindaarts.org. See story page 11. Parishioner George Wahbeh, who owns 9 The Second Wednesday Book Group will discuss The Curious Incident of the Dog in Orinda Cleaners, encourages everyone the Nighttime by Mark Haddon, Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, 3 p.m. New members to stop by and enjoy the wonderful food, welcome. dancing and cultural center. For more infor- contriButED Photo last year's festival featured a wide variety of ethnic th 10 18 Annual California Independent Film Festival runs through Sept. 16. Visit www. mation, call 925-258-4255 or go to www. foods. the Ladies Auxiliary has been busy plan- CAIFF.org/ for movie schedule and tickets. stjohnorinda.org. ning even more for this year. Free Movie Night at Orinda Theatre, 7 p.m. Co-sponsored by Diablo Magazine. Visit www. lamorindatheatres.com/index_orinda.asp. 11 11th Annual Classic Car Show, with Dancing with the Cars at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 and the Car Show on Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.orindacarshow. com. See story on page 1. 12 Orinda Starlight Village Players presents Malcolm Cowler’s stage adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio through Oct. 3. Performances at the Community Park are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. Visit www.orsvp.org or call 925-528-9225. See story page 19. Seniors’ Trip to Sam’s Castle of Pacifica, hosted by Recreation Department, 11:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. $35 (residents), $40 (non-residents.) Visit www.cityoforinda.org; call 925-254-2445. 14 Diablo Choral Artists has openings for all voice parts (especially tenors and basses). Re- hearsals are Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. For details visit www.vmschorus.org, call 925-680-7089 or email info@ dcaschorus.org. 15 The World Affairs Book Group will read and discuss The Better Angels of Our Nature by Stephen Pinker, Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, 3 p.m. The group meets bi-monthly and welcomes new members. American Association of University Women September Showcase, Holy Trinity Serbian Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Coffee at 9:30 a.m. followed by program at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public. For information, visit http:// oml-ca.aauw.net. contriButED Photo 16 California Shakespeare Theater presents William’s Shakespeare’s King Lear through Dancers performing traditional dances are always a highlight of the festival. Oct. 11 at Bruns Amphitheater, Orinda. Visit www.calshakes.org or call the box office at 510-548-9666. See story page 19. 19 Orinda Books hosts Carole Bumpus discussing her new book, Recipes for Redemption: A Lamorinda Nature Walk and Birdwatching for seniors. Wednesdays, 9 to 11 a.m., free. Call Companion Cookbook to a Cup of Redemption, 276 Village Square, 1 p.m. 925-254-2445 for weekly meeting place. 23 Random Readers, Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, 2 p.m. The readers meet monthly Lamorinda Sirs for retired men. Second Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Cultural and welcome new members. Center, 1700 School St., Moraga, Pete Giers, 925-254-4667. 24 Maria’s Book Group, Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, 11 a.m. The group welcomes Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary. Every Friday, 7 a.m., Lafayette Park Hotel, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd., new members. Lafayette, http://www.lamorindasunrise.com/ or 925-283-8288. 26 Middle Eastern Food Festival, St. John The Evangelist Antiochian Orthodox Church, 501 Lamorinda Toastmasters. Every Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette, Moraga Way, Orinda, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Also 9/27 noon to 8 p.m.. Ethnic foods and drinks, http://lamorinda.toastmastersclubs.org. live entertainment, children’s activities, shopping bazaar and more. Call 925-258-4255 or Montelindo Garden Club. Third Friday, 9 a.m., September through May, St. Stephen’s Epis- go to www.stjohnorinda.org. See article this page. copal Church, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, www.montelindogarden.com. September’s topic is “Mediterranean Mounts.” Nursery owner Jeff Rosendale will explain how to make elevation AT THE LIBRARY changes in a flat garden. All events are free unless otherwise specified. Please note that the library is closed Sept. 6 and Orinda Garden Club. Fourth Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon, September through May, Orinda 7 for Labor Day. For more information, call 925-254-2184 or visit www.ccclib.org/loca- Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante. tions/Orinda.html. Orinda Juniors Women’s Club community service group. First Tuesday, September through 1 Orinda Library Gallery showcases Teachers Have Class, featuring Lamorinda teachers June, 7 p.m., www.orindajuniors.org. who are also artists. A reception for the artists will be Sept. 13, 2 to 4 p.m. Orinda Rotary. Every Wednesday, noon, Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, 925- 3 English as a Second Language Conversation Circle. Practice English in an informal, 254-2222. small-group setting, Tutoring Room, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Preregistration not required. Also Sept. Orinda Association. Second Monday, 7:15 p.m., Orinda Library, May Room, 925-254-0800. 10, 17 and 24. Orinda Hiking Club. Every weekend and first Wednesday, www.orindahiking.org or Ian at Monthly Book Sale. Hosted by Friends of the Orinda Library, Book Shop and sorting room, 925-254-1465. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Orinda Historical Society Museum. Call 925-254-1353 for times and location of meetings. 9 Ballet Storytime. Tutu School of Walnut Creek brings the magic of ballet to storytime with Orinda Job’s Daughters. First and third Monday, 7 p.m., 9 Altarinda Road, 925-283-7176. classic ballet stories. Children 18 months to five years and caregivers are invited to join in, Orinda/Tábor (Czech Republic) Sister City Foundation. Fourth Thursday, 7 p.m., social, 7:30 10:30 to 11 a.m. p.m., meeting; call 925-254-8260 for location. 15 Toddler Lapsit. Stories and songs for children aged 1 to 3 and their caregivers, Gallery Orinda Teen Advisory Council. Second Wednesday, 4 p.m., Community Center, 28 Orinda Way Room, 10 and 10:30 a.m. No registration required, but attendance limited to once per week. email [email protected]. Also Sept. 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 Orinda Woman’s Club. Second Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to noon, call Jean Barnhart, 925-254-3881, Peek-A-Boo Time. Storytime for children ages 0 to 5, 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. Also Sept. 22 or https://sites.google.com/site/orindawomansclub. and 29. Walnut Creek Garden Club. Second Monday, 9:30 a.m., Camellia Room, Heather Farm, 1540 18 Mystery Book Club. Members discuss the latest mystery of the month, Tutoring Room, 3 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek, http://californiagardenclubs.com/content/walnut-creek- to 4 p.m. Adult program. garden-club or [email protected]. September’s topic is “Pollution Prevention,” presented 19 Saturday Morning Live! Story time for children aged 3 to 5, Picture Book area, 11 a.m. by Kit Ohlman from the Contra Costa Sanitary District. Also Sept. 26. 24 Contra Costa Tale Spinners. A monthly story swap keeping the oral tradition alive, Gallery CITY/FIRE/SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING SCHEDULE Room, 7 to 9 p.m. Acalanes Union High School District. First and third Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., district office, 1212 Discussion on Individual Investments. Library Garden Room, 7 p.m. Email michaelskin- Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. [email protected]. City Council. First and third Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Library Auditorium, www.cityoforinda.org. Historic Landmarks Committee. Fourth Tuesday, 3 to 5 p.m., Library Garden Room. Call CLUB MEETINGS 925-788-7323. Moraga-Orinda Fire District. First and third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.. Visit Diablo Star Chapter #214, Order of the Eastern Star. Second Monday, 7:30 p.m. Orinda Masonic www.mofd.org/board/meetings meeting location will be posted on the agenda. Center, Karen Seaborn, 925-689-0995. Orinda Union School District Board of Trustees. Third Tuesday (Sept. 15), 6 p.m., OUSD Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe. Third Monday, 7:30 p.m., Gallery Room, Orinda Conference Room, 8 Altarinda Road, Orinda, CA 94563. For the latest listing of dates, Library, www.moragaadobe.org. please check the website at www.orindaschools.org. Friends of the Orinda Creeks. Fourth Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., May Room, Orinda Library, Planning Commission. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Library Auditorium, www.cityo- 925-253-1997. forinda.org. Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition. Third Wednesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Orinda City Hall Sarge Littlehale Room, 925-687-8844, ext. 227. Send calendar items to Maggie Sharpe at [email protected] 22 n The Orinda news n September 2015 hEAlth / FArmErs’ mArKEt

move of the month Seasoned Shopper Stability Ball Pikes! Fresh Start to Every Day BArBArA KoBsAr Step 1 Start in a push-up position with your legs on the stability his month the focus is back on a healthy ball. Make sure that your back Tstart to the day before school or work is straight, your hips are tucked and enjoying the fresh fall crops arriving at and your core is engaged. the Farmers’ Market. Apples, peppers, po- tatoes, eggplant, squash, pears, grapes, nuts Step 2 and tomatoes are just some of the bounty Lift your hips upwards by that makes September another marvelous

contracting your upper abs. month to shop at the market. BArBArA KoBsAr Raise your body up to a V or Slices of apple or bunches of grapes Colorful peppers make for great additions to until your feet are in the middle alongside a bowl of wholegrain cereal with meals. of the stability ball. milk starts the day. Cherry tomatoes with a young bell peppers are bright green in color, chicken sandwich for lunch and a handful but as they mature these same peppers turn Step 3 of nuts for a snack are just part of the plan red or yellow or purple depending on vari- Slowly lower your body to give you energy for the day. ety. Other sweet peppers, like Italian frying back to the starting position The “5-A-Day For Better Health Pro- peppers and Hungarian yellow peppers, are and repeat. gram” recommends a minimum of 1 pound thinner fleshed with a more concentrated of fruit and vegetables per day, which trans- sweet pepper flavor. Try to do 12 repetitions. lates roughly into 5 portions daily. Chili peppers range in flavor from mild Portion sizes do not vary but how many to searing hot. Sizes and heat range from servings you need a day does. Children (2 the small hot Jalapeno and Serrano to the For more information, contact Sheena with Living Lean personal training and eating to 6 years) need 5 servings (2 fruits and 3 larger, relatively mild Anaheim and Pasilla for elite fitness, at 925-360-7051 or www.thelivingleanprogram.com. vegetables), older children, teen girls, ac- or Poblano and the ever-popular Padron tive women and most men need 7 servings peppers. Eye-watering heat lovers are on (3 fruits and 4 vegetables) and teen boys the hunt for small, orange, lantern-shaped and active men need 9 servings (4 fruits Habanero peppers or to talk to a farmer and 5 vegetables). Looks like a good plan about his new favorite kind of chili pep- to visit the Farmers’ Market! per fire. Peppers are one of the most versatile Enjoy and see you at the market! vegetables to choose for eating raw, sauté- The Orinda Farmers’ Market is open ing, stuffing and roasting. Best known of every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the sweet peppers are the bells, obviously Orinda Way in front of the Community named after their shape. They are mild, Park and Rite Aid. For more information, sweet, crisp and exceptionally juicy. Most visit www.cccfm.org or call 925-431-8361.

t LEAR from page 19 James Earl Jones and Laurence Olivier, orinda’s coastal some of the world’s best actors have taken on the coveted title role of King Lear, the cleanup Day story of an aging king who attempts to Join Friends of Orinda Creeks at the secure his kingdom’s legacy by dividing annual beach and inland watershed it between his three daughters, and in the cleanup on Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. right here process tears his family and country apart. in Orinda. Previews for King Lear are Sept. 16 Trash accumulates along San Pablo through 18, opening on Sept 19 and con- Creek in downtown Orinda and flows tinuing through Oct. 11 at the Bruns Me- downstream to San Pablo Reservoir and morial Amphitheater. Performances are beyond to San Francisco Bay. Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Help take care of our fragile marine Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sun- environment by volunteering your time. days at 4 p.m., with a Saturday matinee on Meet in the parking lot next to the Vin- Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. The Bruns Amphitheater tage House (25 Orinda Way) at 9 a.m. is located at 100 California Shakespeare on Sept. 19. Bring sunscreen, gloves Theater Way, Orinda. For more information and wear long pants and sturdy shoes. or to charge tickets ($20 to $72), call the All other equipment will be provided. Cal Shakes Box Office at 510-548-9666 or For additional information, contact visit www.calshakes.org. Jim Luini at 925-254-6208. The Orinda news n September 2015 n 23 BusinEss Buzz t BUZZ from page 24 those values into the interior design of all their homes,” says McDonald. “We make Festival of trees returns to marriott McDonald worked for luxury companies in certain that everything we work into the Los Angeles and New York City, where she interior design is consistent with this. took classes at Parsons School of Design, “Some people think they can’t afford an before establishing her own firm, Couture interior designer. I always tell them they Chateau, in 1989. are better off in the long run working with “We work with a lot of multi-genera- a designer to make their vision a reality. It tional families in the Lamorinda area and can save time and resources. We work with always begin with the mind-set that home is families in several ways, from half-day con- our starting place,” says McDonald. “With sultations up to three-year projects. There this in mind, we spend time examining the is the right designer for everyone and when client family’s core values. My heart is to appropriate, I make referrals for clients.” go in and to draw the vision out from the Watch for the Back to Basics half-day family. We may design their main home and seminar offered by Couture Chateau pro- sAllY hoGArtY Attendees at a previous Festival of Trees enjoy the delicious luncheon prior to the popular fashion show. a second property, helping them to think viding design tips for people serious about getting their home in order. Details will he Orinda Woman's Club (OWC) Poipu Kai Beach Resort. There will be a soon be available on the website at www. T29th Annual Festival of Trees Benefit silent auction for a one week stay at Sea couturechateau.com. Luncheon and Fashion Show will take Garden Inn Mazatlan, Mexico. The pro- McDonald and her husband Patrick have place November 20, 10:30 a.m. at the San ceeds benefit White Pony Express, which been residents of Orinda since 1995. The Ramon Marriot Hotel, 2600 Bishop Drive, strives to help hunger and poverty in Contra couple has two adult sons. Nicholas is San Ramon. Helen Lyall’s beautiful clothes Costa County; Seeds Restorative Justice in currently studying film at the Dodge Col- will be featured and Dan Ashley, the co- Schools; and OWC's Community Service lege of Film at Chapman and Jonathan is anchor of Channel 7 News, will once again Committee. a student at U.C. Berkeley where he also be the Master of Ceremonies. The festive Reservations are $90 per person. For plays football. In her free time McDonald day includes a raffle of wreaths, trees, and more information, call Janet Nelson, serves as business moderator for the Interior bountiful gift baskets plus a raffle for a 925-451-0559 or www.orindawomansclub. Design Community in a volunteer capacity trip to Club Tahoe at Incline Village or to org. and enjoys swimming workouts. For more information, call 925-386-0720 or visit www.couturechateau.com. contriButED Photo Ann McDonald of couture chateau will hold a fall workshop on getting your home ready for the holi- days on october 10. Go to www.couturechateau. searching for com to register. differently about design and decorating.” skyline Graduates This process involves thinking about fab- for 50th reunion rics, spaces, furniture design and placement and how it flows together to make it work id you graduate in 1966 from Sky- in the present. Couture Chateau is team Dline High School in Oakland? The based, utilizing at least four team members 50th reunion is being planned, and the and sometimes up to 11 team members on committee is looking for 630 graduates any given project. from the class. Please contact us at sky- “Working together collaboratively, the [email protected]. family articulates a focus, perhaps it is If you have a friend or relative who philanthropy, athletics, animal rescue, or is deceased, who was a member of this faith based core values, and we integrate class, please let us know. 24 n The Orinda news n September 2015 BusinEss Buzz

Ha Nguyen, Lorie Romo, Sharon Grisby, Nancy Perata and Nini Trinh each host a business buzz station in this well-lit and spacious salon. Effective Sept. 1, the Senior Special haircut Putting a Personal Face runs $11.99 every Tuesday and the Junior Special haircut is $11.99 every Wednesday. on Local Business While this business does not take ap- Valerie hotz pointments, the good news is that a Super- cuts application for the Android or iPhone allows clients to check-in online. The app To send items for consideration, email do not have to go home and shower after indicates how long the wait will be and how Hotz at [email protected]. getting a haircut.” many people are waiting for their haircut. Five stylists are on the premises offer- A monitor inside the salon operates as a Supercuts Orinda Grand Opening ing superb Supercuts services including queue, showing who is next in line. The After tiring of the drive from their a haircut at a bargain $15.99 (lowest Su- salon offers a fine selection of hair care VAlEriE hotz Moraga home to Lafayette for a haircut, percuts price in the Bay Area), highlights, products by Biolage, Paul Mitchell, it’s a chillers' owner Mark Callahan. husband-and-wife team Rajeev and Ro- hair color, trim, shampoo and blow dry. 10, Crew, Redken and Nioxin. Own” - preparing each one fresh as you mie Verma established Supercuts at 81 “We provide the Supercuts guarantee. If wait. Located at 21 Orinda Way, Chillers is Moraga Way, near Mechanics Bank. This for any reason you do not like the results, tucked at the end of the building, just past Crossroads location features convenient you may return within one week and have the UPS Store. free parking on the upper level for easy another cut according to your request,” says Step inside this brightly lit shop and take access any time of day. Verma. “In addition to possessing the state a seat at a bistro table. Callahan stocks “We feature the Tea Tree experience - license, all our stylists must go through the excellent reading material, The Beatles in exclusive to Supercuts - which is a haircut Supercuts Academy and be certified by Su- America, Life Platinum Anniversary Col- and shampoo using the special Tea Tree percuts. This process ensures that no matter lection 70 Years of Extraordinary Photog- invigorating cleanser made with mint,” where our clients go, they will always have raphy, and The Orinda News. Or sit outside says Rajeev Verma. “All haircuts come the same consistent experience.” Every at a sidewalk table and enjoy the sunshine with hot towel refresher soaked in tea tree three months, instructors visit each salon to while sipping your custom-made dessert. oil, a very soothing treatment that removes update stylists with new techniques. “We are basically a smoothie shop and hair clippings from a client’s neck and face Enthusiastic about giving back to the also offer Dreyer’s ice cream, milk shakes area. It provides a moment of relaxation in community, Verma is inspired by the Good and Flavor Brigade Italian Ice, a nonfat and VAlEriE hotz the middle of a busy schedule and clients Rajeev and Romie Verma of supercuts. Neighbor Program. When students, family non-dairy alternative to ice cream that is members or staff members of local public made with fruit and water,” says Callahan. schools come into Supercuts, this special “It has half the sugar of sorbet. A big craze project benefits the After School programs now is green smoothies that combine kale at schools by donating $5 to the program or spinach. It is a nice healthy snack that is of a client’s choice. Verma has specific custom-made to include your preferences. guidelines for this program so give him a This month we introduce a new offering of call to get the details at 925-525-7641 or fresh organic juice selections that includes email Verma at [email protected]. orange, carrot, celery and wheatgrass.” Rajeev and Romie Verma have been Smoothie flavor names spark the imagi- married 30 years and are parents to three nation, such as Aloha Berry (you will feel adult sons, Rohan, Rahul and Rohit. This like you are on the beach in Maui), Banana small business family owns six UPS stores Bliss, Tropical Treat, Peach Perfect, Straw- and three additional Supercuts in the East berry Splurge, Purple Pucker, Pineapple Bay. In their limited free time, the couple Paradise, Soy Sister, The Total Package, enjoys gardening together and cultivating Rockin’ Raspberry and the Make Your 300 Cabernet grapes. Rajeev serves on the Own. “Mark is a really great man who does board of directors of the Campolindo Cou- good things for our community,” says Orin- gars football fundraising committee and dan Leslie Darwin O’Brien. “I like to make can be found playing golf at the Moraga my own smoothie with mango, peaches, Country Club. Romie’s favorite pastime is banana and acai powder. It is delightfully baking for friends and family. refreshing any day of the week.” Supercuts is open seven days a week, 9 A native of Orinda, Callahan is a Mi- a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information call ramonte High School graduate. After 925-438-7018. working as a Realtor in the East Bay, he purchased Chillers six years ago. Callahan Chillers Offers Refreshing Mouth Wa- and his wife of 17 years, Katia, have one tering Smoothies son, Tommy, who is in sixth grade. In his If you have not had a chance to stop by free time, Callahan enjoys hiking East Bay Chillers and treat yourself and family to a trails, cycling and swimming and most delicious concoction prepared by owner especially spending time with his family. Mark Callahan, this is something you need Chillers is open Monday through Satur- to do. Callahan offers 15 different smoothie day from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more flavors – not to mention the “Make Your information call 925-254-3233.

Couture Chateau Ann McDonald is a designer at heart and by trade. After earning a baccalaureate degree in Social Science at U.C. Berkeley, [See BUZZ page 23] The Orinda news n September 2015 n 25 VisuAl Arts Library Gallery: teacher/Artists exhibiting During September Show

“teachers Have Class” September 2015 Orinda Library Gallery Teacher/Artist Exhibit Name/Residence Position/School(s) Art Exhibited art teacher, Los Lomas High pen and ink drawings, acrylic Erica Amundson of Martinez School, Walnut Creek paintings retired music teacher, Del Rey Maggie Boscoe of Orinda ceramics Elementary School, Orinda Susan Dannenfelser of Lafayette retired art teacher from Del Rey ceramics contriButED Photo www.dannenbeck.com Elementary School, Orinda tim hancock’s Dinosaur hill oaks, a 11”x14” oil on canvas. art teacher at Stanley Middle Carla Gelbaum of Moraga School and Springhill Elementary acrylic paintings http://cwgelbaum.com School, Lafayette art teacher at Burton Valley and Tim Hancock of Lafayette plein air oil paintings, pen and Springhill Elementary Schools, http://timhancockart.com ink and watercolor sketches Lafayette Deborah Hovey-Lacour of Oakland fine arts teacher at Miramonte portraiture, photography and http://deborahhoveylacour.com High School, Orinda drawing teacher of robotics, leadership Debra Jockisch of Orinda and health, Orinda Intermediate photography School retired art teacher from Wagner Linda Kam of Orinda botanical watercolors Ranch Elementary School, Orinda retired art teacher from Lafayette, Jill Landau of Walnut Creek Springhill and Burton Valley oil paintings www.jlandauart.com Elementary Schools, Lafayette retired art teacher from Burton contriButED Photo acrylic paintings, collage and linda Kam’s Aeonium cuneatum, a 11”x14” Jo Ann Lieberman of Lafayette Valley and Happy Valley prints watercolor. Elementary Schools, Lafayette retired art teacher from Joaquin Lois Reynolds Mead of Orinda Moraga Intermediate School in acrylic paintings, paper collage, http://loisreynoldsmead.wordpress.com Moraga and Del Rey Elementary iPhoneograpy School, Orinda fifth grade teacher at Del Rey John Moran of Oakland photography Elementary School, Orinda Hillery Paterson of Oakland art teacher, Del Rey Elementary gouache on recycled paper http://hillcompanydesign.com School, Orinda Robert Porter of Concord visual and performing arts teacher mixed media paintings www.robertporter.net Acalanes High School, Lafayette Pamela Stefl Toki of Oakland instructional support provider, Del clay monoprints www.pamelastefl.com Rey Elementary School, Orinda visual arts teacher at Joaquin Moose Wesler of San Leandro Moraga Intermediate School, printmaker www.doodlecity.com Moraga contriButED Photo fifth grade teacher at Del Rey David Wilson of Oakland acrylic paintings JoAnn lieberman’s Jungle Boogie, a 24”x30” Elementary School, Orinda acrylic. Kim H. Wong of Orinda substitute art teacher for the acrylic paintings http://kimhwongartist.com Acalanes High School District visual arts teacher at Glorietta Susan Zib of Orinda and Sleepy Hollow Elementary acrylic paintings (pointillism) Schools, Orinda

contriButED Photo contriButED Photo contriButED Photo contriButED Photo hillery Patterson El cielo ofrece, 25” x 31” susan zib’s untitled 1, a 12”x12” acrylic on David Wilson’s untitled 3, a 29”x29” acrylic on Pamela stefl toki’s openings to the Journey, a gouache on recycled paper. canvas. canvas. 40”x60” clay monopprint.