THE ORINDA NEWS Gratis Published by The Orinda Association 12 Issues Annually Volume 31, Number 1 Delivered to 9,000 Households and Businesses in Orinda January 2016

Local Mom, Philanthropic Organization Win Orinda’s Top Honors for 2015

SALLY HOGARTY SALLY HOGARTY Anna Tague has been selected as the OA's 2015 The Orinda Community Foundation is this year's William Penn Mott, Jr. Environmental Award recipient. (L-R) OCF board members Ted Urban, Mark Roberts, Volunteer of the Year. Dick Burkhalter, Sue Severson, Richard Westin and Richard Stanaro. Not shown is board member Carol Penskar. By SALLY HOGARTY deliberating over their choices. But, when the Year. “There are so many wonderful in reality, she volunteers for many things,” Editor all was said and done, Anna Tague emerged people in our community that do so much,” says Sandy Kassis. “If she sees a need in as the Volunteer of the Year and the Orinda she says. “Can I decline the award so you the community, she doesn’t just talk about ach year the Orinda Association (OA) Community Foundation was selected for can give it to someone truly deserving?” it, she personally looks for ways to meet Ehas the difficult task of selecting the the William Penn Mott, Jr. Environmental However, given the many recommenda- the need.” Volunteer of the Year and the William Penn Award. tions that flowed into the OA office on her From working with the Orinda Juniors Mott, Jr. Environmental Award recipients behalf and her impressive 19 years of vol- to the Community Center Auxiliary to from a myriad of local residents. This year Volunteer of the Year unteering in Orinda, this year’s Volunteer driving for the OA’s Seniors Around Town was no exception with OA board members Anna Tague swears she doesn’t deserve of the Year award is well deserved. program, Tague has kept very busy while reading through the various nominees and the honor of being the 2015 Volunteer of “Anna says she ‘never volunteers’ but, [SEE AWARDS page 12] Orinda Association Marks 70 Years of Service to the Community By SALLY HOGARTY helped form the Orinda Union School Way is named after former OA president inevitable growing pains. Editor District? The busy volunteer organization Mowry Irwin? As the Orinda City Council and its many officially became the Orinda Association As the town continued to grow, the OA committees took shape, the OA looked to he Orinda Association (OA) proudly in 1946 when the Orinda Improvement formulated plans and began fundraising refocus its role in Orinda. In March of 2003, Tcelebrates 70 years of making Orinda Association (OIA) and Orindans, another for a community center. By 1974, the a committee made up of a cross section of a better place to live and raise children. public service organization, merged. group had sufficient funds to make a major community members recommended a new Beginning this month, the OA takes a look The fledgling group named landscape capital down payment on the former Orinda structure for the OA and a new mission to back at its rich history and its plans for designer William Penn Mott, Jr. as its first Union School and provide the impetus for maintain and improve the quality of life in the future. president. Mott went on to serve as head purchase and development of today’s Com- Orinda, promote awareness of issues and Most residents recognize the OA for its of the State of California park system munity Center. encourage volunteerism. popular 4th of July parade and the monthly and then head of the national parks under Prior to incorporation as a city, Orinda The OA already had a proud history newspaper The Orinda News. Others par- President Reagan. The OA proudly awards residents looked to the OA to act as their [SEE OA page 8] ticipate as riders or drivers in the OA’s Se- a local resident the William Penn Mott, Jr. voice with local, state and federal authori- niors Around Town volunteer ride program Environmental Award each year. ties -- a role the OA took to heart with mem- while students come to the OA’s Volunteer Knowing libraries were very important bers regularly present at county meetings IN THIS ISSUE Center looking for volunteer hours to fulfill for the sleepy little hamlet, the OA (then to be sure Orinda got its fair share of tax News school service requirements. the OIA) established the first real library dollars and services. City Council 5 But did you know that in 1923, the OA in 1935, and, in 1956, gave 1.4 acres of With the 1985 incorporation of Orinda, Education Bill 5 (then known as Orinda Improvement As- land for a new library, which stood for many expected the OA to disband but in- Police Blotter 6 sociation) established the Orinda Volunteer many years at the corner of Orinda Way stead the organization continued its watch- Roads 7 Fire Department, and, in the same year, and Irwin Way. Did you know that Irwin dog role as the new city went through its Around Town Local Organizations 14, 15 Local Residents 10 Orinda Association’s Obituary 8 Schools/Students 11 Annual Awards Dinner Visual Arts 2 Business Buzz 16 February 21 – 6 p.m. Calendar 13 Orinda Country Club Classifi ed 12 Editorial 4 Come and celebrate your fel- Orinda Association 3 low residents for their exceptional Roving Reporter 9 volunteer work in our community. See Something to Howl About 10 page 3 for more information. The Reel Less Traveled 5

DAVID DIERKS The Orinda Association board of directors: Back row L-R: Bill Waterman, Alison Dew, Cindy Powell, Tom Romanack; Front row: Joe Haughin, JIm Luini and Joe Garvey. Not pictured are Maura Aars and

Chris Laszcz-Davis.

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US POSTAGE US NON-PROFIT 2 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 LIBRARY GALLERY

Library Gallery Rings in New Year With Exhibit By Women Artists

By ELANA O’LOSKEY City and an MFA from the Academy of to get out of the house. While her husband Staff Writer Art in San Francisco. The theme for her watched the kids, she enrolled in a ceram- show is “Art Around Town” because she ics class. As an art major in college she had lfred Lord Tennyson reminds us that, has chosen more than 10 works depicting done a lot of things, but never clay. She was A“Hope smiles from the threshold of local landscapes such as the Lafayette Res- hooked from the first night. After moving the year to come, Whispering ‘it will be ervoir, Mount Diablo, a friend at a stable, to Danville, she found the Guild and credits happier…’” The Lamorinda Arts Council people at Chow Restaurant and four-footed them with keeping her work fresh because, invites you to begin an even “happier” 2016 friends. To stay fresh, she keeps learning “We have a fantastic studio, great teachers with a visit to the Orinda Library Gallery and is enrolled in the Golden Gate Atelier and an eclectic group of members so we to see the work of local artists Hilary Mills School where she studies French Academy end up feeding off each other’s creativity.” Lambert (oil paintings), Mimi Wild (ceram- 19th century painting four days a week. She The Guild’s motto is, “Seize the Clay.” ics), Julia Chen Wen (Chinese brush paint- hopes viewers appreciate her interest in Fans of Gary Larson’s Far Side cartoons ings) and Donna Anderson (photographs) harmonious, colorful and beautiful shapes. will understand Wild’s sense of humor im- from Jan. 3 to 31. Join them on Saturday, Look for Summit Ranch (12” x 12”) and mediately. Get ready for 30 ceramic pieces Jan. 9, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. for an artists’ Lafayette Reservoir (8” x 16”); both are oil such as snakes in a meat grinder, a vulture reception when light refreshments will paintings on canvas. Visit www.millsgal- pitcher, a sea otter casserole, raccoon dip be served, music will be heard, and you lery.com to see more of her work including dishes and a chicken with chicken noodle will be tempted to linger and speak with her murals. soup. Most of her pieces are animal figures CONTRIBUTED PHOTO creative minds. Mimi Wild of Danville has been creat- in different poses and many are caricatures. Donna Anderson's canvas Giclée photograph is entitled Autumn Abstract. Hilary Mills Lambert of Alamo is a ing ceramics for over 35 years at the Clay She hopes viewers find the humor in her fifth-grade teacher at Lafayette Elementary Arts Guild (the Guild) in Walnut Creek. work and come to appreciate her piquant has been absolutely no manipulation of School and has been involved in the art Her introduction to clay occurred when, point of view of the animal, insect and the image; the more you look at it the more world all of her adult life. She earned an as a young mother in Southern California avian worlds. interesting it gets. Yet, Anderson is a pur- MS from the Pratt Institute in New York with two babies, she realized she needed Julia Chen Wen of Walnut Creek has had ist, “I do not manipulate my photographs a passion for Chinese brush painting since in any way, either on the computer or in she was a teenager. She learned the funda- the printing.” Other works include Tulip mentals of this traditional form of painting Tree, Van Ripper Lane, Orinda (10” x 13”) from master teachers Chang Heng and and Autumn Abstract (11” x 14”), both are Chen Jian Chang. Later she studied under canvas Giclée photographs. A Giclée is a Du Den Ying and Deng Xuefeng special- digital inkjet print used to reproduce fine izing in freehand style paintings of flow- art photography and other 2D art with supe- ers and birds. Wen stresses her method is rior clarity and color. Anderson is showing traditional in nature, depicting flora, small more than 15 large photographs and over animals, birds and insects. The more than 20 4” x 6” photographic cards mounted on 20 works she has chosen to exhibit invite archival mats from her company, Zenshine. viewers to experience a lifetime’s worth of She hopes viewers appreciate her portrayal her artwork. Look for Plum Flower (13” of nature’s wonders, especially the way x 25”) and Chrysanthemums (24” x 18”), light interplays with landscape. To see her both of which are ink paintings on sheng work visit www.djanderson456.wix.com/ xuan paper. She hopes her work inspires dj-anderson-photo. people to appreciate and learn more about When asked what value art has for the Chinese art forms. For the last 10 years, community, Lambert says, “Art slows you Wen has taught Chinese brush painting down, shows you the science and method at the Golden Crane Senior Center, 1401 to beautiful things that resonate throughout Danville Blvd. in Alamo. Visit www.gol- time. Art forms, architecture and apprecia- dencrane.org or phone 925-820-0500 for tion of nature are necessary for humanity.” more information. Wild says, “Art opens your mind to things Donna Anderson, an Orinda native, has that you wouldn’t think of as art – it is all been attracted to visual images since col- around us - such as a sunset which dazzles lege. After a long career in film, she has us with a rainbow of colors.” Wen says, returned to still images. Nature is her muse. “Chinese brush painting is a venerable art Her passion is finding and photographing form with much to offer in its appreciation nature’s incredible abstracts where she of nature.” Anderson says, “Art is a univer- captures something that others may walk by sal way of communicating without words, and never see. Delta Dawn, Tinsley Island, without prejudices, without biases. A way a 19” x 23” canvas Giclée photograph, is of sharing a vision, a perspective or idea so atmospheric it is hard to believe there without judgment. It can be shared across the world regardless of culture, ethnicity or religion. It might carry beauty, a smile and a rush of emotion, appreciation.” Visit the gallery at 26 Orinda Way dur- ing normal library hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and Jan. 18 for Martin Luther King Day. Call 925-254-2184 for more information or visit http://ccclib.org. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 n 3 ORINDA ASSOCIATION

A Message From the OA President The Orinda Association The Orinda Association is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to: We Are Celebrating 70 Years As We • Maintaining and improving the quality of life in Orinda; • Promoting awareness and discussion of issues that are important to the community; Enter New Phase • Encouraging and recog- P.O. Box 97 Bill Waterman nizing volunteer efforts 26 Orinda Way (Lower Level Library) to enhance the beauty, Orinda, California 94563 character, and Phone: 254-0800 Fax: 254-8312 security of Orinda. www.orindaassociation.org he Orinda Association’s varied and and support of many wonderful friends, in Trich history is summarized well by The 2003 we decided we could serve Orinda OFFICERS BOARD MEMBERS News Editor Sally Hogarty’s story on the best by becoming a non-profit service President Bill Waterman Maura Aars Vice President: Joe Garvey Joe Haughin front page. But I wanted to take a minute organization. Secretary Alison Dew Chris Laszcz-Davis to give some additional thoughts about the And so now the OA is focused on not Treasurer Cindy Powell Tom Romaneck OA’s role – past, present and even future. only maintaining but also improving the Membership Jim Luini Like many organizations, our Orinda As- unique quality of life we enjoy here in sociation has gone through many changes Orinda. We do so by continuing to inform Awards Dinner and the Volunteer Fair as supporters. So please join me in welcom- over the course of its 70 years. From our and promote dialogue within our town part of Orinda Action Day in April. Your ing Cindy to her new role. Our board will founding in 1946 and continuing for some through the platform of this newspaper, membership in the OA makes all of this continue to work very hard to serve Orinda 40 years, the OA was the organizing entity by our hosting of community forums for possible, so please join or maintain your and our fellow OA members going forward! that helped Orindans solve community candidates running for City Council and current membership. You can join or renew Thank you, and Happy New Year! challenges. We were the “voice of Orinda” school board positions, and additionally online on our OA website, www.OrindaAs- to the County Board of Supervisors until we by promoting awareness and developing sociation.org. Boy Scout Troop 57 incorporated as a city in 1985. We had an solutions for important issues such as road In closing, this month marks the conclu- administration and many committees made repair and downtown planning. We also sion of my four years as OA President, and Open House up of dedicated volunteers, working on the host and organize the ever-growing Orinda I am happy to announce that our board has Jan. 5, 7:10 p.m., Orinda Intermediate typical things a city does, including plan- Fourth of July parade and celebration, and elected our long-time board member Cindy School Multi-Purpose room. All boys ning, public safety and recreation. The OA we support the Orinda Classic Car Show Powell as our new president. Cindy is a ages 10 to 17 years old. No prior scouting board members represented their neighbor- in September. We serve the community wonderfully talented and dedicated mem- experience necessary. Enjoy “Troop 57 hoods, and thus everyone had a means to by organizing and operating our unique ber of our board, and she will do an excel- Style” dessert and other fun activities. get their views heard and listened to. Most “Seniors Around Town” free ride program lent job! She will be supported by VP Joe Contact Gary Peterson at gary.peter- of our initial City Council members had that helps local seniors stay independent Garvey, and the rest of our energetic board [email protected] or (925) 253-1373. served in various capacities in the OA too. and able to remain in their homes. And members, office staff and many wonderful Then from 1985 until 2003, we continued to we help support volunteerism by operating act as a political entity and helped Orindans our office and Volunteer Center and hosting express their concerns to the City Council events such as the annual Volunteer of the and staff. But with the assistance, advice Year / William Penn Mott Jr. Environmental

Seniors Around Town Holiday Luncheon

The OA's Seniors Around Town vol- unteer drive program held a festive holi- day luncheon for both its volunteer driv- ers and riders on Dec. 8 at the Library Garden Room. Lots of delicious food was enjoyed as well as a performance by Miramonte HIgh School's Bella Voce singing ensemble. Steve Harwood was the MC with Chip Herman an honored guest. Herman and his wife Carolyn organize the Classic Car Show each year which benefits the Seniors Around CHARLIE JARRETT Town program. Chip Herman receives a beautiful clock appro- priately set in a steering wheel for his support – Sally Hogarty, Editor of SAT through the Classic Car Show.

Orinda Association’s Annual Awards Dinner

CHARLIE JARRETT Sunday, February 21 – 6 p.m. Singers from Miramonte High School's Bella Voce sang at the luncheon. Orinda Country Club

Volunteer of the Year - Anna Tague William Penn Mott, Jr. Environmental Award - The Orinda Community Foundation

Come and celebrate your fellow residents for their exceptional volunteer work in our community. Call 925-254-0800 or email [email protected] for more information. 4 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 EDITORIAL

Editorial . . . Local Church Presents Forum on Religious Bias

ongratulations to the Orinda Commu- Muslim background for personal and pro- Cnity Church (OCC) and its forward- fessional reasons. As the truth is exposed thinking members who have planned to his wife and friends, the lawyer finds his an open and thoughtful conversation on carefully constructed life unraveling. The religious bias in America for Jan. 10 (see playwright’s aim was to leave theater-goers calendar page 13 for details). with more questions than answers. Some- Religious bias has been building since thing many of us have whether we’ve seen 9/11 and given the recent horrific acts the play or just read the latest headlines in of terrorism in Paris, France and in San the media. Bernardino, California, it has grown to –Sally Hogarty, Editor new heights. Some Americans have started looking at anyone with Middle Eastern 2016 Celebrates the characteristics with suspicion and some (think Donald Trump) have even suggested Year of the Monkey that the United States deny all Muslims entry into this country – a country founded s the New Year dawns, it’s time by immigrants. Afor all those monkeys to come out List of The Orinda News Advertisers OCC’s goal is to deepen understanding of of hiding and celebrate the Year of the Page Page personal and collective histories so that all Monkey. According to the Chinese zo- Automotive Pet Service Orinda Motors 5 Animal House Pet Sitting 10 people can move with clarity and empathy diac, the official start of the year is Feb. Orinda Shell 11 Theatre View Veterinary Clinic 10 into the future. Certainly a worthwhile goal 8, Chinese New Year. Beauty and Fitness Professional Services for the forum as well as for humankind – If you were born in 1920, 1932, 1944, CoreKinetics 9 Cruise Adventures Unlimited 15 Home Expo ‘16 15 although the latter (in my opinion) will 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 or 2016, In Forma Integral Fitness 8 Living Lean Exercise & Eating Program 14 Taxi Bleu 9 take something akin to a miracle to bring this is your year. Per the Chinese zodiac, Yoga by Jeanne Dowell 6 Real Estate to fruition. those born in the Year of the Monkey are Cleaning Services Better Homes & Gardens Those planning to attend the Jan. 10 fo- known for being lively, flexible, quick- Kirby Carpet Cleaning 12 Lisa Shaffer 2 Coldwell Banker rum were encouraged to see Ayad Akhtar’s witted, clever and intelligent, especially Construction and Trades David Collins Painting Services 3 Laura Abrams 16 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Disgraced, when it comes to career and wealth. On Tom Romaneck Painting 16 Suzanne Toner Geoffiron 15 which ran through Dec. 27 at Berkeley the other side, they can have an impetu- Dental Shellie Kirby 7 Repertory Theater. The play follows A ous temper and a tendency to be selfish Dr. Kristi L. Doberenz DDS 11 Maureen Wilbur 9 Pacific Union Pakistani American lawyer who hides his and arrogant. Dr. Mary Smith DDS 8 Educational Virginia and Paul Ratto 6 Old Firehouse School 6 Leila Schlein 6 Financial and Insurance Services Village Associates Breedlove Insurance Services 1 Dexter Honens 9 Letters to the Editor Prospect Mortgage April Matthews 10 Kat Rider 7 Ann Sharf 10 Remembering Molly Gravelle petition regarding Orinda’s downtown. Garden/Landscaping Clark Thompson 14 You recently ran a story about Molly Although this represents less than four Blue Ridge Landscaping 8 Restaurants/Catering Gravelle celebrating her 100th birthday. My percent of our city’s residents, the tenor of McDonnell Nursery 14 Baan Thai 6 Casa Orinda 5 mother, Susan Watson, cut it out and sent the article seemed to be that a “majority” Tree Sculpture 7 Medical home/made kitchen 13 it to me. Ms. Gravelle was my mechanical of Orinda citizens are clamoring for major Advanced Therapy Center 13 La Mediterranee 7 drawing/architecture teacher at Miramonte change in our city. While I agree that there Dr. Brian Clark 11 Lava Pit 12 High School in 1973 and 1974 and taught is definitely room for improvement, I really Dr. Nicolle Ionascu 7 Siam Orchid 3 Zamboni’s Pizza 3 me skills that I still use today. A compli- don’t think the bulk of Orindans want to see Medicine Shoppe 2 Dr. Kristin Walker 9 Retail Stores cated drawing I did for her was submitted our little village turn into downtown Wal- Non-Profits Echo Grove 2 to a regional competition where I won nut Creek, with huge new condominium Orinda Association 3 Morrison’s Jewelers 2 third place. I had never done anything like and apartment buildings blocking out our Theatre Square 16 that before and she encouraged me all the scenic views. way - in her usual kind, generous, motherly Indeed, if you go to the actual petition, way. I was not a very good student until you’ll see that many people (most signers feet of still-unoccupied-after-five-years being suggested), so you’ll have to park Ms. Gravelle showed me something I was are apparently anonymous) really would commercial space on the first floors of the at one end of town and walk to do all your good at doing. Now, I am a professional just like to see a better array of restaurants Contra Costa Transit Centre in Pleasant errands? How about parking meters and scientist and technical drawings are part and retail, and who can argue with that? Hill – a great example of what developers pay parking lots? of my everyday life. But as even some of the signers wrote, be want to build in Orinda. Just five years ago Orinda paid thousands I have often looked back at those years careful what you wish for. Just because you build new apartment of dollars for a “Retail Leakage Report,” and wondered what ever happened to her. There are a number of pro-development complexes (as we’ve been told is the only that said Orindans actually spend a surpris- Thanks for letting me know and celebrating folks who will exploit this call for change, way that downtown revival can “pencil ingly high percentage of their disposable her birthday in The Orinda News! then insist the only way to “revitalize” is out” financially) -- doesn’t mean that you income right in our town -- and that even – Charlie Watson to bulldoze most of the existing downtown can somehow force great restaurants and adding 500 new apartments would be un- and put in huge multi-use buildings, with trendy shops to fill those ground-floor likely to increase sales tax revenues. Petition Didn’t Represent Major- several floors of apartments over “commer- spaces. Instead, you might get a lot of Let’s all work together to improve Orinda ity cial space.” And though this space might empty windows. while maintaining its small-town feel, and I was more than a little perplexed by allow for “new restaurants and retail,” one And at what cost? Do we really want an not just become yet another Walnut Creek. your front-page story about a 700-signature only has to look at the thousands of square Orinda with limited vehicle access (as is –Frank Simons

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 P.O. Box 97 appearing in The Orinda News are not to be construed as Orinda, California 94563 endorsements by The Orinda Association or The Orinda News. Editor ...... Sally Hogarty Telephone: 925 254-0800 Assistant Editor ...... David Dierks Letters to the Editor are printed on a space-available Copy Editor ...... Maggie Sharpe basis and should be no longer than 400 words. They must in- Advertising Representatives ...... Jill Gelster, Elana O’Loskey clude the writer’s first and last name, signature and telephone www.orindanews.org Editorial Committee ...... Jill Gelster, Sally Hogarty, number. Lynn Kalmar, Jim Luini, Elana O’Loskey, Send letters to: Editor, The Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Mark Roberts, Bill Waterman, Kate Wiley Orinda, CA 94563, or email to [email protected]. Staff Writers ...... Jennifer Conroy, Bobbie Dodson, Valerie Hotz, Letters to Editor for the February issue are due Charlie Jarrett, Bill O’Brian, Elana O’Loskey, January Bill Waterman, Tom Westlake 8, 2016. Contributing Writers ...... Chris Laszcz-Davis Graphics ...... Aspen Consulting: Jill Gelster & David Dierks Printing ...... Folger Graphics For display advertising rates, call Jill Gelster at 925-528- 9225 or email to [email protected]. The deadline for the February issue is January 8, 2016. The OA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 n 5 FILM / CITY COUNCIL

City Council Members Acknowledge Service of Dean Orr The Reel Less Traveled

On Balance Tom Westlake

n December, I lamented the lack of things Unsure at this time what order he’s showing Ito talk about and locally playing films them in, I will list them in chronological to recommend. But in the same column, I order, starting with When Worlds Collide. predicted that January would see a return Like so many movies during this time, the DAVID DIERKS City Councilmembers present a recognition award to out-going Mayor Dean Orr (center) at the December to normalcy – and I was right. legendary George Pal (as producer) had a 1 City Council meeting. Pictured are (L-R) incoming Mayor Victoria Smith, councilmembers Darlene Gee, The New Year sees the return of the In- hand in this movie’s making. Now more Orr, Amy Worth and incoming Vice Mayor Eve Phillips. ternational Film Showcase and the Classic than ever, this film feels relevant (though to Film Showcase will continue to feature its be fair, we’re more worried about meteors free movies. January also sees the return of and asteroids than we are whole planets). a fairly new feature at the Rheem, where Next is The Incredible Shrinking Man. the mysterious Lord Blood-Rah will host a Using radioactivity as the bad guy, our quartet of science fiction classics. hero sails through a mysterious mist, caus- Starting with the Classic Film Showcase, ing him to lose stature in more ways than we have Tootsie. For as long as there’s been one. This movie is notable for its oversized theatre, gender switching has been a sub- props and for making cats and spiders even trope, usually farcical in nature. And gender more terrifying than they already are. But bending in film is no exception (even Cary this is more than a simple sci-fi high con- Grant did it!), but rare is the movie that adds cept. There’s a real heart and soul that just poignancy and social commentary into the might put a lump in your throat at film’s mix. This alone should make it worth your end. Then, there’s the 1958 version of The while to check it out. That it has a stellar Fly. Starring Vincent Price, who takes the cast (Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange and idea of animal husbandry to new heights, Teri Garr) makes it even more desirable. a case could be made for pairing this and Directed with flair by Sydney Pollack – the Shrinking Man together – and in a way who is also featured in the cast – there’s they did, only we now know it as Ant-Man enough comedy to keep you amused but (2015). there’s also enough to chew on once the Lastly, there’s The Time Machine. An- lights go up. Coming as close to a perfect other George Pal presentation (this time as comedy as any I can think of, it will screen director), the film finds Rod Taylor as H.G at the Orinda Theatre on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. Wells, traveling all over the place, mostly Admission free. to the future, and finding disappointment, Next is that quartet of sci-fi films and this not to mention a bunch of monsters with Lord Blood-Rah has a lot to answer for. questionable culinary tastes. Complacency Not only is he completely stealing away has always been a problem and it’s telling our Saturday afternoon, but he’s doing it that we need a science fiction film to bring in the most enjoyable way by showing four it to our attention. But bring it, it does. After classic films, made from 1951 to 1960. [SEE FILM page 14] 6 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 POLICE

POLICE BLOTTER November, 2015

Burglary, Auto: 7 incidents: Wagner Vehicle Theft: 2 incidents: Orinda Ranch Elementary, Southwaite Ct., Theatre and St. Stephens Dr. Loma Vista Dr., Country Club Plaza, Orinda Theatre, Village Square Shop- Arrests ping Center and Irwin Way. Possession of Burglary Tools: 1 ar- Grand Theft: 1 incident: Northwood rest: Chevron. Dr. Stolen Vehicle Arrest: 1 arrest: Hit and Run Misdemeanor: 4 inci- Camino Encinas. dents: Glorietta Blvd., Oak Rd., Scenic Shoplift: 1 arrest: Safeway. Dr. and Moraga Way/Glorietta Blvd. Warrant Arrest: 5 arrests: Bever- Identity Theft: 3 incidents: Lavina ages and More, Tahos Rd./St. Stephens Ct. (2) and Oak Dr. Dr., Orinda Way, Moraga Way and Petty Theft: 5 incidents: Williams Lavenida Dr. Ct., Evergreen Dr., Altarinda Rd./ Orindawoods, Stanton Ct. and Counter Orinda BART Station Report at Orinda PD. Catalytic Theft: 1 incident. Shoplift: 1 incident: Orinda Way. Traffic Collision Property Damage: – Compiled by David Dierks 1 incident: Knickerbocker Ln. Assistant Editor Every Student Succeeds Now Law By BILL O’BRIAN standards; each state developed its own Staff Writer standards. The new law makes significant changes wo weeks prior to Christmas President in federal education policy extending TObama signed into law the new bi- beyond the past decade. It returns power partisan education bill called the “Every to the states to determine how to improve Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).” The new poorly performing schools, and curbs the law replaces the federal education statute authority of the U.S. secretary of education. called No Child Left Behind (NCLB) which “ESSA maintains annual testing to identify Congress created in 2001. groups of students who are failing, but NCLB was a bi-partisan attempt that empowers states to come up with their own aimed to improve education based on the standards, and determine how to overhaul idea that setting high standards and estab- schools that don’t make the grade,” accord- lishing measureable goals can improve ing to Douglas Belkin of the Wall Street individual student learning outcomes. Journal. Proposed by President George W. Bush and co-authored among others by George Miller (D-CA) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), the Dog Enjoying the Water NCLB greatly expanded the federal role in education by tying federal education fund- ing for states to annual tests of basic skills. The law did not assert national achievement

SALLY HOGARTY Tazze, Richard Westin’s 10-year-old Aussie- Doodle, just couldn’t resist the water in the Library Plaza fountain in December. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 n 7 ROADS City Staff Looking for Funding Sourc- es for Next Phase of Road Repairs

By DAVID DIERKS (not all roads will be repaired under this Assistant Editor plan). Option B changes the requirements to get an average of all to “very good” sta- s the City of Orinda enters Phase 3 of tus, giving an average Pavement Condition Aits four-phase Road and Drain Repairs Index (PCI) of 70 (again, not all streets will Plan, which began in 2012, city staff must be improved). Option C moves all roads up grapple with how to pay for the much need- to a “good” status with all roads having a ed repairs to its deteriorating infrastructure. minimum PCI of 50. The latest funding goal for Phase 3 of the Each scenario can be completed in either plan requires $46 million dollars. an eight-year or a 10-year period. CIOC In January, the city will perform phone Chair Terry Murphy said, “We had to polling to determine the community’s feel- ask ourselves what would be best for our ings on various funding options. Mayor neighbors, the people of Orinda, and what Victoria Smith said, “The best revenue would be best for the City of Orinda. We measure is the one the voters will support.” voted unanimously for us to go with Option The current funding options include: C.” Councilmember Darlene Gee added, “A city sales tax, parcel tax, ad valorem tax good plan evolves. A good plan has to be (on property), real estate transfer tax and revisited. Every member of this community utility tax. The sales tax and utility tax wants their road to be in good shape. We can be passed with a simple majority if need good roads, and we deserve it.” the proceeds are for general purposes. The When Orinda incorporated in 1986, it real estate transfer tax requires a majority inherited 92.5 miles of publicly maintained to pass, however, only charter cities can roads from the county, many of which were levy this tax and Orinda is not a charter in need of repair. Given the new city’s bud- city. An election to become a charter city get limitations, adequate road maintenance can only be held in November in even became impossible to accomplish with numbered years. This would necessitate Orinda’s roads falling into poor conditions. putting Phase 3 on hold until after that By 2012, the Metropolitan Transportation election. The parcel tax and ad valorem tax Commission listed Orinda roads as the both require a two-thirds majority to pass fifth lowest among all Bay Area cities and and the proceeds are legally restricted to a counties with 53 percent listed as “poor” particular use. or “failed.” In November, the Citizens’ Infrastructure Working in four projected phases, the Oversight Commission (CIOC) presented current plan seeks to improve the average of three options for road work in Phase 3. Orinda’s roads up to the good or excellent Option A continues the plan as is with no range, giving them a PCI of 50+. Phase 1 changes. The current plan aims to get the began in 2012, when voters passed Measure average of all roads up to a “good” status [SEE ROADS page 12] 2015 Mayor’s Award for Excellence Recipients

DAVID DIERKS The 2015 Mayor’s Award for Excellence recipient is the Public Works and Engineering Services. Top row Director of Public Works and Engineering Services Chuck Swanson, Senior Civil Engineer Larry Theis, City Councilmembers Victoria Smith, and Amy Worth; front row: City Councilmembers Darlene Gee, Eve Phillips, out-going Mayor Dean Orr, Public Works Inspector Tod Fierner and Public Works Supervi- sor Bryan Rowe. 8 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 OBITUARY t OA from page 1 donated items, such as soccer uniforms for our Soccer for All program or eye glasses Michael Lynn Emmons: A Prince of promoting volunteerism and public for the Lion’s Club. Many newcomers stop awareness in Orinda. From establishing by to learn more about their new commu- in Plain Clothes the Neighborhood Awareness Program nity so we’ve become a disseminator for for crime prevention to helping develop information as well.” lis, Oregon. Orinda’s general plan to honoring the Vol- As publisher of The Orinda News (which After earning a master’s in tax law from unteer of the Year and the William Penn has published off and on since 1927!), NYU, he joined Arthur Andersen out of Mott, Jr. Environmental Award, the OA has the OA increased the newspaper from a Portland in 1967. Making partner in 1975, its roots firmly planted in the fertile soil of quarterly publication to a monthly, giving the family lived overseas twice during his volunteer opportunities. local residents more timely access to local 34-year career. Hong Kong became home With its new mission, the OA changed news and events. 1974-1978, where Mike was president of its nonprofit designation from the more Part of the OA’s commitment to the lo- the American Chamber of Commerce. He political 501.c.4 to a 501.c.3 organiza- cal community is its sponsoring of various joined the Tokyo office from 1990-1993. tion, and in April of 2002, it opened the public forums. During elections for City Living overseas had a lasting impact on Volunteer Center at its current location in Council and the Orinda Union School daughters Lisa and April, fostering a shared the library plaza. “With the opening of the Board, the OA routinely offers a venue for passion for adventure travel. new library complex, the OA was given the local residents to hear nominees’ positions After retirement in July 2001, Mike opportunity and challenge to set up and run and ask questions. The OA is currently worked in the Bay Area, forming an in- the first Orinda Volunteer Center,” says past planning a public forum on how to finance house worldwide tax organization for OA president Kate Wiley. “We also offered repairs for Orinda’s deteriorating roads. Andersen Consulting. His team helped other Orinda non-profits our brick and As 2016 unfolds, the OA will continue construct a strategic plan to reorganize mortar site as a place where citizens could to look for ways to serve local residents. what emerged as the world’s leading learn about their upcoming fundraisers, For further information on the OA or to consulting firm: Accenture. Mike was programs and a place to purchase tickets to serve on its board, call 925-254-0800, go CONTRIBUTED PHOTO among key executives to ring the bell events. The center, being open M-F, 9 – 4 to www.orindaassociation.org or visit the Michael Lynn Emmons: June 13, 1941 - Nov. on Wall Street July 2001 when Accen - p.m. also became a natural repository for OA on Facebook. 27, 2015 ture, LLP listed on the New York Stock Exchange. ichael Lynn Emmons passed away Retirement followed, and he enjoyed Mfrom a heart condition that shadowed extensive travel with Gail and family. Mike him in recent years. He was on a sunny and Gail visited over 75 countries and all afternoon walk around Lake Cascade in seven continents. Days in Orinda or their Orinda with lifelong love, his wife of over second home in Sisters, Oregon were filled 52 years and best friend, Gail Emmons. with family time, fly-fishing, photography, For those who never met Mike, he can flying his Cirrus Plane, hiking and golf. be summed up in two words: humility and Mike fired a hole-in-one at Black Butte generosity. A prince in plain clothes, his Ranch on August 1, 2013! view of the world filled many of us with A supportive and endlessly proud hus- the joy he felt every waking minute. With band, Mike captured memorable moments an insatiable thirst for knowledge, few photographing Gail’s Ikebana floral exhibi- could match his command for recalling tions and demonstrations. Known as BaBa historical events as if reading from a book. to his grandchildren, he never missed an Fewer still could match a willingness to opportunity to attend and document their listen, no matter how trivial the agenda. In many birthdays, performances, musicals, his eyes, you were the only person in the concerts and sporting events. room. Born June 13, 1941 in Salem, Oregon Mike’s drive to give back and contribute to C.S. and Mildred Emmons, Mike is benefited several worthy organizations. He survived by brother Terence and sister- made a lasting impact through key policy in-law Victoria Emmons and sister Karen decisions and strategic direction for Black Emmons; brothers David and Pat, Jr. are Butte Ranch, Mentor Corporation and the deceased. Mike is also survived by his lov- Deschutes Land Trust. He was a strong ing wife Gail Williams Emmons, daughters supporter of Wagner Ranch Nature Area, Lisa Emmons Hallahan and April Emmons Friends of Orinda Library, EFO Orinda Asai, sons-in-law Jack Hallahan and Hiroki Schools, Orinda Baseball, Lamorinda Wa- Asai, and six grandchildren: Patrick Hal- ter Polo, the Orinda Garden Club and the lahan, Helena Hallahan, Griffith Hallahan, Presidio School in San Francisco. Niko Asai, Kai Asai and Masa Asai. Though he never bragged, Mike was an Donations can be made to the Deschutes All-American for Albany High Football and Land Trust: deschuteslandtrust.org/michae- 1960 NCAA Champion at the University of lemmons Washington from which he graduated with You can find this tribute on Google Docs B.A. and law degrees. at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/ On June 14, 1963, Mike married the 1W5qLLc1OW0c4bkr9UX7DObbvLPm- love of his life, Gail Williams of Corval- cWXuowEpEcUfUR-I/edit?usp=sharing. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 n 9 ROVING REPORTER

Roving Reporter Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What worked well in the past and what do you resolve to do better this year? Charlie Jarrett

o take my cell phone and lock it in “Tmy glove box before any drives that I take so that I have no cellphone to play with while I’m in the car and driving,” says Orinda resident Patty Hung. “Even if the phone rings while in my glove box, I have to wait until I have stopped my car and turned it off before I can access my phone. You see, the key to my glovebox will be on my car keychain, which will be in the ignition while I’m driving!”

CHARLIE JARRETT Orinda resident Wendy Herman. “After moving to California to live with my brother, however, I’ve gone into training with a physical trainer (Andre). I work out with him three times each week. I am now getting my muscles in shape and toned up. I have resolved in the new year to keep it CHARLIE JARRETT up to stay in good physical shape!” Patty Hung and Linda Stepanek. Linda Stepanek, an Orinda resident for 28 years, says, “I have not made any reso- lutions, but along the same line, whenever we leave the house for dinner or an outing, I propose to leave the phone at home, as long as I am sure I won’t need it for an emergency or when I know someone has to reach us.” “I never did much physical exercise at all,” says Orinda resident Wendy Herman.

Orinda Woman’s Club CHARLIE JARRETT (L-R) Saudia Ooyshee, her daughter Audree Haque and husband Asif Haque. Saudia Ooyshee comments: “My resolu- tion that I have always made, since I had my children, is to work out in the gym and lose some weight, but so far I’ve not stuck with that as well as I want to. My other resolution, especially for this next year, is to work on my frustrations and anger.” Her husband Asif Haque adds, “My wife CHARLIE JARRETT tries very hard, but with two very small Santa seems right at home walking down the children in the home under feet, it is hard runway with a beautiful model at the Orinda for her! We will work together towards Woman Club’s annual Festival of Trees fund- raiser on Nov. 20 at the San Ramon Marriott. that goal. We moved to Orinda recently The event raised $35,000 for beneficiaries and love this community. Orinda is a great including White Pony Express and SEEDS place to raise children and the schools are Restorative Justice program. very good!” 10 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 PETS / BOOKS

Local Songstress Releases CD that Benefits Kids Something to Howl About...

ocal singer Leslie Darwin held a Animal Tales LCD release party at Orinda Books on Dec. 6 for a very special album. Show and Tell Merry Christmas from Terry's Kids features local artists as well as Grammy Jennifer Conroy Award-winning musicians with the sales benefiting the Terry’s Kids Foundation, a non-profit program that provides et out your calendars! Two big dates dogs” that literally cover every inch of the music education and performance op- Gare coming up for you and the family. dog from nose to tail. portunities to kids everywhere. Local The 2016 Golden Gate Kennel Club All- These shows, alas, do not accept the all- beneficiaries include Holden High Breed Dog Show is Jan. 30 and 31 at the American Heinz 57© dogs but for anyone School, as well as Mary Farmar and Cow Palace in San Francisco and the Cat interested in the dog world there is no bet-

Robert Semple Elementary Schools SALLY HOGARTY Fanciers Association have a show Feb. 20 ter place to see uncommon breeds such as in Benicia, California. The jazzy CD Orinda Resident Leslie Darwin signs CDs at and 21 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds the nearly hairless Chinese Crested Dog or received an enthusiastic welcome from the December release party at Orinda Books in Santa Rosa. the giant woeful Irish Wolfhound all in one for Merry Christmas from Terry’s Kids. those attending the CD party. The Golden Gate Kennel Club show is place. The fact that an all-breed benched one of the few “benched” dog shows in show takes place right here in the Bay Area the entire country. A benched show means is a big deal. The most famous one, which that virtually all breeds of dogs will be is televised nationally, is the Westminster represented. They will be waiting patiently Kennel Club Show in New York City. But in rooms adjoining the main arena where living here, it is well worth the trip to the their owners, handlers and groomers will Cow Palace to be able to walk among the be combing, brushing, massaging, pray- beagles, poodles, terriers and retrievers, all ing and otherwise going through various hanging out together. If you want to prepare maneuvers to ensure their particular canine yourself, watch the movie Best In Show is show ready. and you will find that the comic movie by The show includes categories of obedi- Christopher Guest is very close to reality. ence training, utility work, and conforma- As for cat shows, one sponsored by the tion. So, what the heck does that all mean? Cat Fanciers of America is an excellent Obedience is the basic standard of training introduction to the world of “cat fancy.” that all well-mannered canines should dis- Just a little tip – the Santa Rosa show, also play. It includes basic commands like “sit,” an all-breed show, will have a cat costume “stay” and “come.” Most local humane contest and that alone may be worth the societies offer such training. price of admission. But if that does not Utility work is more advanced, typically convince you, let me share that some of involving a bunch of gear, such as ramps the staging for the cats is, well, out of this and hurdles, and includes the use of hand world. Cat kennels set up as mini castles signals. For this training, you need to with cats on thrones should be enough of contact a local dog club, preferably one a hint. The real treasure of an all-breed cat that specializes in your breed, but mixed show is that you will have a chance to see breed dogs can also learn and excel at Scottish folds, Manx cats, sphinx cats and utility work. standard tabbies beyond anything you have Conformation is, simply put, the canine ever seen before. beauty competition. There are strict con- For information, visit http://www.gold- formation standards for purebred “show engatekennelclub.com or http://cfa.org. Orinda Books’ Marian Nielsen Wins James Patterson Award uthor James Patterson believes in sup- Aporting independent bookstores and established a Holiday Bonus in the amount of $5,000 to be paid to a bookstore em- ployee who helps to instill a love of books and reading in his/her customers. This year, the American Booksellers Association and Patterson selected Orinda Books’ long-time employee Marian Nielsen as one of those selected to receive the award. According to Bookweb.org, Nielsen received nomina- tions recognizing her as an “outstanding independent bookstore employee, one that CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Marian Nielsen, long-time employee of Orinda was especially deserving of a holiday bonus Books, also writes a book column for The Orinda this year.” News. According to Orinda Books owner Ma- ria Roden, her staff as well as book club in nominations. members, customers and friends all sent –Sally Hogarty, Editor THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 n 11 SCHOOLS / STUDENTS

Orinda Junior Women’s Club An- Brownie Troop Made the Holidays Joyful nounces Youth Ink 2016

By CHANTAL VALENTINE Youth Ink 2016 submissions will be Contributing Writer accepted on an ongoing basis but must be hand-delivered to a designated school rep- he Orinda Junior Women’s Club resentative or postmarked by February 17 T(Orinda Juniors) announces the prompt and mailed to Orinda Junior Women’s Club, for this year’s Youth Ink is “Future.” The Post Office Box 40, Orinda, CA 94563. creative writing contest is open to middle Youth Ink 2016 submission forms are avail- school students who live or attend school able through the administrative offices and in Orinda. This prompt was chosen because English departments at Orinda Intermediate it encompasses almost limitless potential School, the Orinda Public Library, Orinda for subject matter, thereby, encourag- Academy, Athenian School, School for ing young writers to personalize their Girls, or online at www.orindajuniors.org. pieces. Co-sponsors of Youth Ink 2016 include A panel of several local professional The Orinda Association, Friends of the writers, including reporters and best-selling Orinda Library and The Orinda Community novelists, will evaluate Youth Ink 2016 sub- Foundation. missions and choose winners. Cash prizes If you are interested in becoming an of $250, $125 and $75 will be awarded Orinda Juniors member or making a dona- to the top three winners at an awards cer- tion to the various service projects, email emony to be held on April 21. [email protected]. MAI ANGSUPANICH Girl Scout Brownie Troop 33321 (all 3rd graders from Glorietta Elementary School) made their annual visit to the Orinda Rehabilitation and Convalescent Hospital to spread holiday cheer with Four Year Olds Help the Homeless caroling and festive crafts.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Youngsters from the Old Firehouse Preschool in Lafayette held a bake sale to raise money for the homeless. They raised $140! Shown are (L-R) Quinn Curley, Elsa Stratford and Mari Beltramo. Sister-to-Sister Hosts Three Super Sunday Sessions By Chris Laszcz-Davis their “little sisters” and sharing what they Contributing Writer have learned at the Super Sunday Sessions that begin in February. arents, it’s time to register your middle As the younger girls share what’s bug- Pschool daughter for Sister-to-Sister’s ging them, they discover they are not alone three Super Sunday sessions on Feb. 7, and have a lot in common with all girls. Feb. 28 and March 13. Sister-to-Sister They become friends as they share their is a community outreach program of stories and strategize solutions. They are the American Association of University of often surprised to hear how much better life Women-Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette branch is in high school as the older girls address (AAUW-OML) that connects middle and their questions and concerns. high school girls in a supportive environ- To learn more about Sister-to-Sister, visit ment to address both the empowering AAUW’s website at www.oml-ca.aauw. and challenging aspects of adolescence. net/s2s/. Registration is now open and The program equips girls with the confi- is available online. Deadline is Feb. 1. For dence and the skills they need to make posi- more information, call Laura Wittenberg tive choices in their lives. at 925-788-0901 or Valarie Burgess at High school girls have been preparing 925-997-0118. for the sessions this fall in trainings con- The AAUW has been empowering wom- ducted by AAUW. They acquire leadership en as individuals and as a community since and facilitation skills while deconstructing 1881. For 134 years, the women have cultural messages and stereotypes as well worked as a national grassroots organiza- as the pressures of being a girl in today’s tion to improve the lives of millions of culture. They eagerly anticipate meeting women and their families. 12 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 CLASSIFIED t AWARDS from page 1 Goodwin, launched the Orinda Commu- Club. For more information and reserva- Thirty-three miles had a PCI of between 25 nity Foundation (OCF) and raised close to tions, call the OA office at 925-254-0800 and 49, a poor condition. Ten miles had a raising four children with her husband, $40,000 that first year. or email [email protected]. For PCI of 50-69 and were rated good. Fifteen Skip . She also found time to organize Girl Committed to enhancing the quality more information, visit the OA’s website at miles of road had a PCI of 70-89 and re- Scouts for Christmas caroling around the of life in Orinda by encouraging philan- www.orindaassociation.org or on Facebook ceived a very good rating. The remaining Sleepy Hollow neighborhood and set up thropy, building partnerships and providing at Orinda Association. 13 miles had a greater than 90 PCI and were book readers at Sleepy Hollow Elementary financial assistance to support not only rated excellent. School as well as new family welcome community activities but also the arts and t ROADS from page 7 Orinda spends an average of $2.3 million packets. “I remember when we first moved beautification of the city, the OCF has L, a temporary one-half cent sales tax. The per year on street maintenance and repairs here, I was pregnant with our first child, contributed more than $150,000 in its five- one-half cent sales tax generated $964,000 under the Pavement Rehabilitation Program Caroline, who is now a freshman in col- plus years and has created a reserve for the in 2013 and $1.05 million in 2014. Mea- (this program is not related to the Road and lege,” says Tague. “It was really difficult to renovation of the entrance to Orinda, one sure L expires in 2022. Phase 2 began in Drain Repairs Plan). Most of these funds figure out where everything was and how to of its long-term projects. 2014 with the passage of Measure J, a $20 (about $1.5 million) are generated by gas get started in a new community. I wanted to OCF has given grants to such groups million Bond Fund. These monies will be taxes, countywide transportation sales tax support other new families by establishing as the Joaquin Moraga Adobe, Fourth of used to improve Orinda’s residential roads and grant revenues from county and federal a welcome packet and a picnic at Sleepy July Parade, Orinda Idol and Concerts in with a PCI less than 25, prioritized by traf- sources. The rest of the funds come from Hollow. Now others continue the tradition.” the Park, however, it’s the organization’s fic volume. These two measures will raise Orinda’s General Fund and Garbage Fran- However, Tague’s biggest contribution commitment to local garden clubs and the approximately $30 million over the life of chise Fees (about $0.8 million). Prior to the to Orinda and beyond is the establishment establishment of Orinda Action Day that the Road and Drain Repairs Plan. 10-year plan, Orinda focused on repairing of POISE (Parents of Orinda Individuals earned it the OA’s 2015 William Penn Mott, Created in 2004, the CIOC reviews the arterials, collectors and school routes, as in Special Education) in 2009. The orga- Jr. Environmental Award. conditions of Orinda’s road system, and these streets affect the greatest number of nization provides support, information Orinda’s four, very busy garden clubs as an advisory committee, works with the users. No monies were used to repair resi- and mentorship for families with special beautify outdoor areas in the downtown Public Works Department to analyze road dential roads except for emergency repairs. needs children. The impetus for POISE district with native plants, while Orinda repair progress and give the City Council Phase 3 begins in 2018 and requires was the diagnosis of the Tague’s youngest Action Day has become a much-anticipated recommendations on which roads should either $47.75 million to be generated to daughter Nicole with Phelan McDermid community event every year. Usually be given priority for repair. complete the 10-year plan or $46.37 million Syndrome, a rare genetic/chromosome held on a Saturday in April, the work day Orinda’s 92.5 miles of paved publicly to be generated to complete the 8-year plan. deletion syndrome affecting approximately draws hundreds of volunteers, including maintained roads are divided into four Phase 4, scheduled for 2022, will address 1,300 people worldwide. many families with young children, who classes: Arterials (major through roads the need for additional funds to maintain When Nicole started Orinda Intermedi- pick up trash, weed flowerbeds, clean up expected to carry large volumes of traf- Orinda’s roads after they have been repaired ate School a few years ago, Tague became the creek and do whatever is necessary to fic), Collectors (collect traffic from local to ensure all roads maintain their PCI. The involved with the school’s Diverse Abilities make Orinda a more beautiful and healthy roads and deliver it to arterials), Urban current estimate to maintain the roads is Awareness Week (DAAW). While im- environment for residents. Local (seven, previously referred to as $2.8 to $3 million per year, but this will pressed with the school’s commitment Anna Tague and members of the OCF School Routes) and Residential. Prior to the increase due to inflation. to educating students about different will be honored for their contributions to adoption of the Road and Drain Repeairs For more information, visit www. challenges as well as learning styles and the community at a gala dinner on Feb. 21, Plan, 21 miles had a PCI less than 24 and cityoforinda.org and click on Roads & physical impairments, she felt it should go beginning at 6 p.m., at the Orinda Country were rated in very poor or failed condition. Infrastructure. a step further and include parents and the community. With help from others, she es- tablished an open house during DAAW that includes hands-on activities and the popular wheelchair basketball game. In addition to Coupon Clippers - Shop Locally and Save! organizing the open house each year, Tague continues her work with special needs chil- dren as a trained parent mentor for families of newly diagnosed special needs children through CARE parent network. “I believe it’s all about making connec- tions and supporting the community,” says the OA’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year.

William Penn Mott, Jr. Environmental Award When Sue Severson was mayor in 2009, the recession had hit the City of Orinda hard, forcing the City Council to cut all non-essential services. One of those ser- vices involved supporting community groups and events. “I really hated to take support away from our local groups and 2016 events such as the Fourth of July parade Publication Schedule Orinda News classified ads ... so I decided to see if private funds could Issue Deadline be raised to replace the approximately February 2016 January 5, 2016 Your ad in The Orinda News reaches 9,000 households and businesses in Orinda! $20,000 the city had contributed,” recalls March 2016 February 5, 2016 Severson. She, along with Richard Westin, Carol Penskar, Dick Burkhalter and Paula Ad rates are $5 per line - $10 minimum There are 32 spaces per line. Count each letter, punctuation mark, and space between words. ...classifi ed ads Categories Name ______Category ______Address ______Number of Lines ______Household Service • For Sale Cars Total Clean. Serving Lamorinda homes since 1985. Musical Instruments City ______Zip ______Phone ______Email ______Insured and bonded employees. 376-1004. Sports Equipment Write your ad in the boxes below with one letter, space or punctuation mark in each box. Cost is Instruction Miscellaneous $5 per line: $10 minimum. French and Italian Conversation Classes start- • Help Wanted ing in January at the Orinda Community Center. Tel. • Household Services (925) 254-2445. www.cityoforinda.org. Caregivers Sharlyn’s Dance Experience: Tap, Jazz, Hiphop Domestics & Broadway Styles. Ages 4-18, Masonic Center, House-Sitting Orinda. Contact: Sharlyn, 510-913-8877. Free Class • Instruction for new students! Music Lessons Tutors Services Miscellaneous Rain gutter Cleaning. Roof cleaning, overhang- • Pets ing branches trimmed. Charles (h) 925-254-5533 • Pet Care or (c) 925-528-9385. • Rentals Wanted • Services Enclose your check payable to The Orinda Association and mail to Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Orinda, • Vacation Rentals/ CA 94563. We reserve the right to reject any ad. Classified ads must be prepaid. Your cancelled check is I buy 1950’s Furniture. Danish modern, Herman Home Exchanges your receipt. Miller, Knoll wanted. 1 item or entire estate! Call • Wanted Rick at 510-219-9644. Courteous house calls. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 n 13 CALENDAR ON THE CALENDAR First Forum Focuses on Wildland Fire By BOBBIE DODSON January Staff Writer 3 Orinda Library Gallery presents Ting in the New Year with Exhibit By Women Artists through January. Artist reception on Jan. 9, 2 to 4:30 p.m., features light refreshments and he First Friday Forum will be on Jan. music. See article, p. 2. T8, as the first Friday is New Year’s Day. Moraga Art Gallery presents Yellowstone: Beauty, Beasts and Boneyards, oil paintings The forum will be held at Lafayette-Orinda by Orinda resident Lisa Gunn, through Jan. 9, at 510 Center St., Moraga. Visit www.mor- Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, agaartgallery.com or call 925-376-5407. Lafayette, at 1:30 p.m. with refreshments 7 Story Hour with Cathy Goshorn for children aged 2 to 4, every Thursday, Orinda Books, beforehand at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. 276 Village Square, 10 to 11 a.m. Call 925-254-7606. Dr. Scott Stephens will speak on “Fire and 8 First Friday Forum features Dr. Scott Stephens talking on “Fire and climate change in the climate change in the Sierra Nevada: There Sierra Nevada: There is hope for our future forests,” Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, is hope for our future forests.” 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served at 1 p.m. in Fellowship “I am interested in the interactions Hall. of wildland fires and ecosystems,” said 9 Orinda Books hosts Jennifer Dodd talking about her new book, Love According to Cosmo, Stephens. “This includes how prehistoric 276 Village Square, 11 a.m. Call 925-254-7606. fires once interacted with ecosystems; how 10 Orinda Community Church hosts a discussion on religious bias in the U.S., 11:30 a.m. current wildland fires are affecting ecosys- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO to 12:30 p.m., 10 Irwin Way. Call 925-528-8077 or visit www.orindachurch.org. tems; and how future fires and management Dr. Scott Stephens speaks on fire and climate Orinda Books hosts chef Charlie Vollmar in a cooking demonstration and luncheon, 11:30 [SEE FORUM page 14] change at the Jan. 8 forum. a.m. Call 925-254-7606 to sign up. 13 The Second Wednesday Book Group will discuss James Salter’s All That Is, Orinda Books, Lamorinda Toastmasters. Every Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette, 276 Village Square, 3 p.m. The group meets monthly and welcomes new members. http://lamorinda.toastmastersclubs.org. 14 California Independent Film Festival presents Tootsie, Orinda Theater, 7 p.m. Free. Visit Montelindo Garden Club. Third Friday, 9 a.m., September through May, St. Stephen’s Episcopal http://www.caiff.org/#!events/c17as. Church, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, www.montelindogarden.com. Sarah Malone will talk on Orinda Books hosts “An Educational Happy Hour” for teachers and librarians, featuring Form and Foliage. new spring titles and how the bookstore can help teachers’ and librarians’ programs, 276 Orinda Garden Club. Fourth Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon, September through May, Orinda Village Square, 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante. 19 The World Affairs Book Group will discuss The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Orinda Junior Women’s Club community service group. First Tuesday, September through Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster by Jonathan Katz, Orinda Books, 276 Village June, 7 p.m., www.orindajuniors.org. Square, 3 p.m. New members welcome. Call 925-254-7606. Orinda Rotary. Every Wednesday, noon, Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, 925- American Association of University Women (AAUW), Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette branch, 254-2222. presents The Empathy Gap, a movie that examines the “masculine script” taught by popular Orinda Association. Second Monday, 7:15 p.m., Orinda Library, May Room, 925-254-0800. culture. Social time at 9:15 a.m., movie airs at 9:45 a.m. at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Orinda Hiking Club. Every weekend and first Wednesday, www.orindahiking.org or Ian at Church, 1700 School St., Moraga. 925-254-1465. 29 Orinda Books hosts Sherri Lynn Wood discussing her book, The Improv Handbook for Orinda Historical Society. Call 925-254-1353 for times and location of meetings. Modern Quilters: A Guide to Creating, Quilting, and Living Courageously, 276 Village Orinda Job’s Daughters. First and third Monday, 7 p.m., 9 Altarinda Road, 925-283-7176. Square, 11 a.m. Orinda/Tábor (Czech Republic) Sister City Foundation. Fourth Thursday, 7 p.m., social, 7:30 p.m., meeting, call 925-254-8260 for location. AT THE LIBRARY Orinda Teen Advisory Council. Second Wednesday, 4 p.m., Community Center, 28 Orinda All events are free unless otherwise specified. The library will be closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Way, email [email protected]. Day and Jan. 18 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. For more information, call 925-254-2184 Orinda Woman’s Club. Second Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to noon, call Jean Barnhart, 925-254-3881, or visit www.ccclib.org/locations/Orinda.html. or https://sites.google.com/site/orindawomansclub/. 12 Toddler Lapsit. Stories and songs for children aged 1 to 3 and their caregivers, Gallery Walnut Creek Garden Club. Second Monday, 9:30 a.m., Camellia Room, Heather Farm, 1540 Room, 10 and 10:30 a.m. No registration required, but attendance limited to once per week. Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek, http://californiagardenclubs.com/content/walnut-creek- Also Jan. 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. garden-club or [email protected]. JanGardens of Giverny, France. Michael Stehr, art Peek-A-Boo Time. Story time for children ages 0 to 5, 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. Also Jan. 19 historian and tour guide will talk on “Gardens of Giverny, France,” focusing on Claude and 26. Monet’s paintings. 13 Angel Azul: Awared winning documentary exploring the work of Jason de Caires, an art- ist who creates artificial coral reefs from statues cast from live models. Narrated by Peter CITY/FIRE/SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING SCHEDULE Coyote. Screening followed by discussion with director Marcy Cravat. (2014, 74 min.) 6-8 Acalanes Union High School District. First and third Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., district office, 1212 p.m. Auditorium. Free and no registration required. Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. City Council. First and third Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Library Auditorium, www.cityoforinda.org. 15 Mystery Book Club. Members discuss the latest mystery, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Adult event. Historic Landmarks Committee. Fourth Tuesday, 3 to 5 p.m., Library Garden Room. Call 16 SAT/ACT practice exam. Practice your chosen exam in a realistic test setting offered by 925-788-7323. C2 Education. Test results consultation available in the Lafayette location. Free, Registra- Moraga-Orinda Fire District. First and third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.. Visit tion required. 10 a.m.-2p.m. Garden Room. www.mofd.org/board/meetings meeting location will be posted on the agenda. Saturday Morning Live! Story time for children aged 3 to 5, Picture Book area, 11 a.m. Orinda Union School District Board of Trustees. Second Monday, 6 p.m., OUSD Also Jan. 23 and 30. Conference Room, 25 Orinda Way—Suite 200, Orinda, CA 94563. For the latest listing of 19 Orinda Library Math Lounge. Free drop-in math tutoring every Tuesday sponsored by dates, please check the website at www.orindaschools.org. MathElf. Professional tutors consulted through MathElf iPad app, iPads provided, in a fun, Planning Commission. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Library Auditorium, www.cityo- pressure-free environment. Free and open to all local students. 3:30-5:30 Gallery Room. forinda.org. Also January 26. 20 Orinda Library TAG meeting. Join the Teen Advisory Group and help the library while Send calendar items to Maggie Sharpe at [email protected] having fun! Fun activities and help guide the library’s teen collection and events. Free and open to teens who live or go to school in Orinda. 4-5 p.m. in Gallery room. 28 Contra Costa Tale Spinners. A monthly story swap keeping the oral tradition alive, Gallery Room, 7 to 9 p.m. Adult and teen event.

CLUB MEETINGS Diablo Star Chapter #214, Order of the Eastern Star. Second Monday, 7:30 p.m. Orinda Masonic Center, Karen Seaborn, 925-689-0995. Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe. Third Monday, 7:30 p.m., Gallery Room, Orinda Library, www.moragaadobe.org. Friends of the Orinda Creeks. Fourth Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., May Room, Orinda Library, 925-253-1997. Guided Meditation. Wednesdays, 9 a.m., St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way, Orinda, focuses on health, harmony and wholeness, 925-254-5965 Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition. Third Wednesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Orinda City Hall Sarge Littlehale Room, 925-687-8844, ext. 227. Lamorinda Meditation. Every Monday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Career Wisdom Institute, 1036 Country Club Drive, Moraga, Suite 100. Meditate in silence for 30 minutes, $5 donation. Contact Gaby Mozee at [email protected]. Lamorinda Nature Walk and Bird watching for seniors. Wednesdays, 9 to 11 a.m., free. Call 925-254-2445 for weekly meeting place. Lamorinda Sirs for retired men. Second Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga, Pete Giers, 925-254-4667. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary. Every Friday, 7 a.m., Lafayette Park Hotel, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, http://www.lamorindasunrise.com or 925-283-8288. 14 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 HEALTH / WILDER SCOREBOARD

Move of the Month Wilder Scoreboard All Lit Up One Legged Inchworm on Stability Ball This exercise strengthens the core and the hip flexor; it also requires stability. Starting Position • Place the hands about shoulder width on the ground • Lay the shins onto the gym ball. Your legs are stretched out. Balance your body • Lift one leg • Hold the back straight and the hip up Correct Execution • Angle the leg which lies on the ball and pull it in hip direction

• The gym ball rolls in hip direction, too SALLY HOGARTY • Pull the leg forwards until it is vertical to the ground Members of the Orinda City Council, City Staff and Orinda Rotary light up the new scoreboard at Wilder • The ball is under your foot in the final position, hold it for a bit on Field #2. The board was donated by the Orinda Rotary Club, Orinda Community Foundation and Orinda • Stretch the leg out again and roll the ball back into the starting position Park and Recreation Foundation. • The upper body is stable and straight during this exercise • Repeat this several times, also with your other leg t FILM from page 5 unconventional teacher suffering from cystic fibrosis. Autism is a difficult thing For more information, contact Sheena with Living Lean personal training and eating watching this movie, if you feel compelled to “get right” on film, mainly because for elite fitness, at 925-360-7051 or www.thelivingleanprogram.com. to take action, then I can only comment that it’s such a wide-ranging topic. But, since the film has done its job. It’s playing at the it’s Efi and Jo Alice bringing it to us, Rheem on Jan. 16. Check the website for clearly they felt strongly enough about the exact show times. movie to want us to see it. It’s playing on Finally, we jump ahead to the week of Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Orinda Theatre. Jan. 29 when Efi Lubliner and Jo Alice To find out more, go to www.internation- Canterbury introduce you to A Brilliant alshowcase.org. Young Mind (aka: X+Y). This film, un- I can’t think of a better way to start the characteristically hailing from the far-flung year than to sample the bountiful harvest shores of the U.S.A., is not the prequel to detailed above. And, if this is any indica- A Beautiful Mind though it shares many tion, the rest of the year will surely be one of the themes from that 2001 film. In this for the record books. I can hardly wait, but one, Asa Butterfield (Ender’s Game, Hugo) I guess I’ll have to. Until then, remember plays an autistic mathematical genius, to stay in the dark for that’s where the reel who is mentored by an equally troubled, magic lies.

and their associate ecosystem services t FORUM from page 13 similarly to what we have experienced. may change this interaction. I’m also look- This is possible.” ing into how fire will be affected by climate Stephens holds a Ph.D. in Wildland change as a new area of research.” Resource Science from U.C. Berkeley and Wildland fires typically have very com- received a Fulbright Fellowship in 2014 to plex behaviors and are affected by changes western Australia. He is a certified senior in fuels, topography, weather and ignition fire ecologist and received the Environ- patterns. This diverse behavior produces ment Science Policy and Management equally diverse effects. Department teaching award for his fire “We know how to restore frequent fire- science class. adapted forests, with generally positive or Stephen visited the White House in neutral ecological effects,” said Stephens. November of 2015 as a speaker in the Fire “Today’s challenge is to move more quickly Chiefs’ White House Roundtable on “How to restore large areas of these ecosystems. Climate Change Impacts the Wildland Ur- The next two to three decades are abso- ban Interface.” Hosted by Vice President lutely critical in terms of restoration. If we Joe Biden, the roundtable focused on how are unable to restore frequent fire-adapted climate change is impacting the number, ecosystems, wildfires will change these frequency and intensity of wildfires in the landscapes with outcomes that are very U.S. and how we can better manage the undesirable. In the 50 to 100 years when wildland/urban interface going forward. our grandkids are having families, I hope For more information, call 925-283- that they will be able to enjoy these forests 8722. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 n 15 BUSINESS BUZZ t BUZZ from page 16 tionally friendly,” says Smith. “We love the Orinda community and enjoy our work.” Chamber Ribbon Cutting for New 4th Bore Tap Room straighter hair and want to spend less time An avid gardener, Smith grows squash, and Grill styling in the morning.” green beans, lettuce, herbs, carrots, beets – Available for private events, Orinda you name it. Her favorite activities include taking her eight-year-old daughter Mad- eline to the steam trains in Tilden Park and going to movies. “We are going to learn to ice skate this winter,” says Smith. Esthetician Aurea Fonseca-Geen offers waxing, facials and massage by appoint- ment. The image skin care product line may be purchased here, as well as the Kevin Murphy line of shampoo, conditioner, gels and sprays. Manicures and pedicures by Kim require an appointment. All stylists at Orinda Hair Studio are independent operators and Mauldin is VALERIE HOTZ only available on Sunday. “Generally Orinda Hair Studio owner Afiza Noor (L) and stylist we are open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 SALLY HOGARTY Ashley Smith. p.m. While we prefer clients call for an embers of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce and City Staff attended the rib- Hair Studio is an ideal venue for a Sweet appointment, we do welcome walk-ins,” Mbon cutting for the 4th Bore Tap Room and Grill in Theatre Square. Cutting Sixteen party, Bridal Shower or any party says Smith. For more information, call the ribbon are (L-R) 4th Bore co-owner J.J. Phair (green jacket) Mayor Victoria celebration. “It is so much fun coming to 925-254-5575. To reach Smith directly, call Smith, 4th Bore co-owner Michael Karp and Chef Jonathan Williams. The new work every day because everyone is excep- 510-367-4135. restaurant replaces Barbacoa, which was also owned by Karp, and will feature craft beer and a year-round beer garden. Holiday Bazaar Fun

JENNIFER WEISS Once again, the Orinda Community Center Auxiliary’s Holiday Bazaar was a huge success. Not only did lots of holiday shopping take place but many youngsters told Santa their holiday wishes. 16 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS BUZZ

orders tailor-made for special events such ago,” says Feldman. as weddings, as well as in-home dinner With California feeling the effects of a Business Buzz parties,” says Somers. “Aly is an incred- four-year long drought, Feldman reports ibly talented pastry chef who trained at the water-conscious homeowners in the Bay Putting a Personal Face Culinary Academy. She makes amazing Area are revamping their yards. “I provide wedding cakes with intricate decorations, drought-tolerant options and encourage on Local Business as well as all kinds of desserts.” how to control water seasonally, as well as Valerie Hotz Prior to partnering with Dean Miller, installing drip irrigation,” says Feldman. Somers enjoyed a 30-year career in the “When it comes to vegetable gardens, we fashion industry. She met her late husband, install raised beds and excellent fencing Steven, during a stint at Joseph Magnin. to keep deer out.” His firm also installs To send items for consideration, email turing oak tables, ladder-back chairs and “As a buyer, I traveled extensively and stonework, drainage and those challeng- Hotz at [email protected]. concrete flooring. Enjoy the Bay Area’s enjoyed dining in fine restaurants around ing backyard projects such as hot tubs, fresh air and Moraga’s scenic hillsides the world,” says Somers. “I have always fishponds and other water features. home/made kitchen Offers Catering in the outdoor seating area cordoned off been passionate about food. Friends asked Feldman’s wife, Julie, is a native of Great Services with white patio lights, complemented by me to cater events, and I kept getting big- Britain and works for JP Morgan in San Lamorindans have lucked out with the water bowls filled to the brim for pooch ger jobs, which led to Aly and I launching Francisco. The couple has two children. expansion of a delightful eatery, home/ and special in-house doggie treats. This is home/made kitchen.” Ava is a freshman at Miramonte High made kitchen, located at 337 Rheem definitely a breakfast or coffee destination While managing a restaurant is a 24/7 School and Henry attends the sixth grade Boulevard, adjacent to 24 Hour Fitness in for cyclists. proposition, Somers enjoys tending to her at Orinda Intermediate School. The family Moraga. If you have not yet had a chance “We offer creative menus such as our chickens, and especially landscaping and enjoys traveling and other special times to stop in for breakfast – brunch is offered mouth-watering Papaya Boat, a Home- overseeing her vegetable garden. Currently include attending the antique fair at the on Saturday and Sunday – you need to made Granola with Organic Yogurt and on maternity leave with her first child, Dean former Naval Base in Alameda and go-kart make this part of your New Year’s resolu- a drizzle of honey in half of a papaya, Miller and her husband Todd savor spend- racing with Henry. tion for 2016. Organic Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes or ing time in the great outdoors. Owners Gayle Somers and Aly Dean Market Quiche served with organic greens To view the Friday night dinner menu Miller bring Truckee ambience to our and house vinaigrette,” says Somers. “We and join the email list, visit www.home- neighborhood with attractive décor fea- are the only restaurant to serve four Barrel madekitchen.com. Closed on Monday, Coffee.” The coffee bar offers scones, cook- home/made kitchen is open Tuesday ies, coffee cake and muffins with names through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with like Raspberry Oat Morning Glory and table service starting at 8 a.m. Drop by Bacon, Cheddar and Chive. Make plans to for Happy Hour on Fridays only from 4 to spend date night at home/made kitchen on 5:30 p.m. Friday dinner is served 5:30 to Fridays. This is the only night of the week 8 p.m. Reservations are appreciated. Call you can drop in between 5:30 and 8 p.m. 925-388-0841. for dinner. The rest of the week you can rely on Blue Ridge Landscape Company, Inc. a take-away dinner menu. Delectable of- With 30 years of experience in landscape ferings include the Home-Made Kitchen building and design, Orindan Jay Feldman Chicken Pot Pie, Mom’s Meatloaf with and his crew offer everything from nuts Garlic Mashed Potatoes, as well as tra- to bolts when it comes to installing gar- ditional Lasagna and Butternut Squash dens and hardscape features for Bay Area Lasagna. homeowners. VALERIE HOTZ VALERIE HOTZ home/made kitchen owners Gayle Somers (L) Home/made kitchen provides exception- “We specialize in building hardscapes Jay Feldman of Blue Ridge Landscaping. and Aly Dean Miller. al catering services. “We can fulfill special such as outdoor kitchens, fire pits, patios, low voltage lighting, decks, hot tubs, ponds, For more information about Blue Ridge walkways as well as drip systems,” says Landscape Company, Inc., visit www.blu- Feldman. “Typically a homeowner will eridgelc.com. Contact Jay Feldman directly have a vision in mind, and we bring the by calling 510-847-6160 or bump him an heavy equipment to implement their con- email at [email protected]. cept in the garden.” A native of Mendocino, Feldman’s Orinda Hair Studio at the Crossroads mother owned an antique rose nursery, Conveniently located at 41 Moraga Way, “Heirloom Roses.” His first job was with Orinda Hair Studio offers four experienced Quality Landscape Co., whose owner was hair stylists, as well as manicure-pedicure, the originator of the Botanical Garden in esthetician and masseuse services all under Fort Bragg. Fifteen years ago he established one roof. Owner operator Afiza Noor has Blue Ridge Landscape and has been based been here since 1996, welcoming walk-ins in Orinda since 2006. as well as clients who call ahead for an “We undertake everything from re- appointment. pairing a gate to installing a six-figure Bay Area native Ashley Smith joined landscape for a brand new home. Several hairstylists Noor, Justin Jay and Amy projects stand out for me, one of them being Mauldin last summer and specializes in the Berkeley garden we installed that was color, men’s and women’ cuts and Dream featured in Sunset magazine a few years Catcher’s extensions. “This is the only hair extension on the market that is non- damaging and promotes natural growth,” says Smith, who attended Miss Marty’s cosmetology school in San Francisco. “I recommend it for those who want fuller hair. It is especially beneficial for cancer patients who have lost their hair during chemotherapy. They can use hair exten- sions until it grows out again. I have clients who want the Brazilian Blow-Out. It is fun for those who want smoother, shinier and [SEE BUZZ page 15]