Danville INSIDE Congrats to grads: Caps will fly tonight as seniors say farewell PAGE 15 ‘New’ Vets Hall plans: Architects ready to Weekly prepare cost estimate for remodel PAGE 5 6OL 6 .UMBER s *UNE Mailed free to homes in Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville and Diablo www.DanvilleWeekly.com
Dad to hundreds A Father’s Day salute to a Danville couple who have fostered 410 children, hoping to be a bridge to a better life PAGE 12 Buying a new car? SAVE MONEY!
s Save Time
s Full Service New Car Buying Solution Talk to Cartelligent First! s Guaranteed Satisfaction See why thousands of people are benefi ting from our service. s Guaranteed Best Price
s No Pressure, No Hassle
s We’ll Do The Negotiating 4024 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville | 925.736.3220 | www.cartelligent.com
Relax ... Keep the lifestyle you love in this slow economy ...
We have unique one-of-a-kind designer furniture & accessories at lower than warehouse prices.
Danville (925) 866-6164 1901 Camino Ramon
San Mateo Mountain View Saratoga San Rafael 650-577-8979 650-964-7212 408-871-8890 (415) 456-2765 1888 S. Norfork 141 El Camino Real 600 El Paseo de Saratoga 863 E. Francisco
Page 2ÊUÊJune 12, 2009ÊUÊDanville Weekly Streetwise ASKED OF SENIORS AT SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL What are you going to miss about high school besides your friends?
Kellie McFarland
I am going to miss all the school spirit and 3XUFKDVHRU/HDVH$1<1HZ9ROYRE\-XQHWK events. I loved every homecoming week and DQGHQMR\DZRUU\IUHHRZQHUVKLSH[SHULHQFHZLWKWKH school-wide dress up days. I am definitely %HVW,Q&ODVV&RYHUDJH3ODQ going to miss that next year. Get All of This Plus More Great Offers from Volvo! x :DUUDQW\0DLQWHQDQFHDQG:HDU 7HDUFRYHUDJHLVIRU\HDUVRU PLOHVZKLFKHYHUFRPHILUVW&HUWDLQOLPLWDWLRQVDSSO\5RDGVLGH$VVLVWDQFH LVIRU\HDUVXQOLPLWHGPLOHDJH Nolan Theurer For more details visit www.volvocars.us/safeandsound The thing I’ll miss most is the sense of fel- lowship. I’ll miss being able to walk through 925.939.3333 the halls and smile at or high-five anyone I come across. I’ll miss that love. 2791 North Main St., Walnut Creek, CA www.lawrencevolvo.com Megan O’Brien I will miss the performing arts program as a whole and school spirit. Practically everyone at SR loves this school, and the high energy is so awesome to be involved in. I’m going to miss being a San Ramon Wolf once I’m an Azusa Pacific cougar. Ian Charbonnet Happy Hour Father’s Day The thing I’ll miss most after high school is the opportunity to make a difference with Monday - Friday 5 p.m. - close Dinner the people I love. Music with the Chamber Singers, cleaning up with the environmental Bar and Patio Only! June 21st program, and playing benefit concerts with Reservations not accepted for Happy Hour leadership have helped build my character 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. as well as given me memories with people $6 small plates I’ll never forget. $5 wine/martini selections Megan Michaelis 44 Church Street Danville I am going to miss everything about choir! The camaraderie and united focus makes 925.820.7200 coming into choir every day a blessing. Ken www.bridgesdanville.com Abrams, our director, has made a truly unique and incredible choir program, and I cherish every moment. — Compiled by Stan Wharton Have a Streetwise question? E-mail [email protected] 480 Hartz Avenue About the Cover 925.820.7210 Dave Mitchell, 70, feeds and cuddles little DW, one of hundreds of foster children cared for by him and his wife Deanna over the years. Photo by Susan Astbury. Vol. V, Number 7 Live Entertainment Friday, Saturday and Sunday Nights Danville WeeklyÊUÊJune 12, 2009ÊU Page 3 QUOTE OF THE WEEK diPietro Todd Salon “I’ve driven architects crazy. There’s been a whole roomful of them in a state hospital.” Scott Perkins, member of the Veterans Building Steering Committee, Doing Great Hair for Twenty Years while suggesting ways to improve the plans. See story, PAGE 5. Tour historic old town for only $3 Voted Best Salon by NEWS DIGEST The Pacifi c Sun 2009 A walking tour of historic downtown Danville will begin at 10 a.m., tomorrow, Saturday, June 13. Meet in (sister paper to Danville Weekly) Tony La Russa sues Twitter front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Rail- road Ave. An experienced docent will lead an interesting A fake Twitter page purporting to be that of St. Louis and informative stroll through the downtown to numer- Now open in Walnut Creek + 1919 Mt Diablo Boulevard Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has raised the ire of ous sites that played important roles in Danville’s history. the Alamo resident and prompted a lawsuit against the Saturday morning tours take place on the second 925.938.1919 social networking application. Saturday of each month through October. A Friday The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that a law- evening walking tour will take place on Friday, June pleasanton dowtown association presents suit was filed in late May in Superior Court of Cali- 19, led by Museum docent and Danville Council- fornia seeking unspecified damages. The suit claimed woman Karen Stepper. Friday evening tours, held on that someone created a false account under La Russa’s the third Friday of each month, begin at 6:15 p.m. in concerts name and posted tweets. Some of the tweets contained front of the Village Theatre, 233 Front St. disparaging remarks regarding Cardinals pitchers who The cost of the walking tours is $3 per person. Call Fridays 7 PM had passed away and La Russa’s own drunk driving ar- 837-3750 or go to www.museumsrv.org for additional in the PARK rest. The venerable coach said his concern wasn’t with information. to 8:30 PM lions wayside park at first & neal streets the content, but with someone using his name. “There is a law against improperly using a person’s Hospital board names new members name without authorization and it wasn’t authorized,” La Russa said. “You can’t sue everybody for criticizing The San Ramon Regional Hospital Foundation an- www.pleasantondowntown.net Tonight- June 12 you, but it seemed like that was the perception. It was nounced the appointment of Mark Curtis, Steven improper use of the name, but it’s been settled.” Enoch, and Hermann Welm as new members of its The Corvairs No word was given as to damages, but speculation Board of Directors (50’s/60’s Rock & Roll) is that it will be in the form of La Russa’s legal fees and Mark Curtis is well known in the San Ramon Valley Sponsored by Big O Tires possibly a donation to the Animal Rescue Foundation, as a long time journalist with KTVU in Oakland. He Next Friday - June 19 a charity created by La Russa. now runs Mark Curtis Media, a full service multi-me- Hurricane dia company specializing in freelance news reporting, 3.5 earthquake jolts Danville public relations and political analysis. Curtis earned a (Blues, Classic Rock, master’s degree in journalism from the University of Contemporary Rock) Danville residents felt a sharp jerk Monday after- Florida. Sponsored by La Lu European noon as an earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Steven Enoch has served as the Superintendent Mobile Spa & Jeweler’s Gallery scale struck the northern portion of town. The U.S. of Schools for the San Ramon Valley Unified School Pleasanton Geological Survey reports the quake occurred at 3:15 District since July 2008 and has more than 30 years y p.m., with the epicenter located just northeast of the of experience in public education. Enoch earned his PRINT & ONLINE intersection of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Tas- master’s degree in school administration from Califor- Weekly Concerts in the Park Drawing sajara. The depth was reported to be 5 miles. nia State University, Fullerton. Danville police said no damage was reported due Hermann Welm recently retired from his company NAME: ______Bring this entry form to the quake. One resident did call in, they said, to Industrial/Commercial Land Consulting. His background to this week’s concert request an officer investigate strange shaking. Officers includes many years deciding land use issues in San E-MAIL: ______for a chance to win explained to the new California resident that the town Ramon as a planning commissioner, City Council mem- great prizes had just experienced an earthquake. ber and mayor. Welm earned his master’s degree in Eco- Donated by members of the Pleasanton Downtown Association. At 3:30 p.m. there was a 1.9 aftershock, according nomics from the University of Notre Dame. Must be present to win. Must be 21 years of age to enter. to U.S.G.S. Then at 4:52 p.m. there was another quake For more information contact Gregg Schnepple at of 2.7 magnitude. 275-6038. Head of Athenian School retiring Eleanor Dase, who is re- the challenges of a global tiring as the head of Athe- society,” said Ted Urban, nian School after 35 years, chairman of the Board of has steered the school Trustees. “Because of Elea- away from financial crisis, nor, Athenian has the finan- fended off feral pig inva- cial and physical resources sions, hosted the Prince of necessary to provide excep- Wales, and overseen two tional learning and growing capital campaigns. experience for today’s and More than 650 people Eleanor Dase tomorrow’s students.” will gather tomorrow on the Dase first taught as a East Lawn of the Athenian School math teacher at the Athenian, and to pay tribute to Dase. Unassuming, in the ensuing years, served as direc- Serving the 580 and 680 Compassionate Care Since 1954 compassionate and caring, Dase em- tor of College Counseling, Academic corridor communities bodies the ideals of the school, said Dean, Assistant Head, and in 1992 with offices in Danville ■ Services include internal medicine, family medicine, officials, which was founded in 1965 became Head of School. The current on the six pillars of Round Square and Pleasanton pediatrics, urology, radiology and laboratory; minor Pillar Campaign, which ends June schools. 30 along with Dase’s role as head, office-based procedures performed “Eleanor’s capable guidance over is funding the new music/multipur- Danville ■ Extended weekday hours and Saturday appointments the past several years has equipped pose building, named the Eleanor 925-314-0260 are available the school to prepare its students for Dase Center in her honor. N Pleasanton ■ Languages spoken include Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu 925-462-7060 and Russian Correction Castro Valley ■ All major health insurance plans accepted as well as The story in the May 29 issue on the school district budget should have quot- 510-581-2559 traveler’s insurance and cash pay ed Trustee Paul Gardner as saying that the cost to employees of two furlough days would be less than 1 percent of an average employee’s compensation, as Hayward he compared that to companies across America where employees are being 510-785-5000 bayvalleymedicalgroup.com 510-785-5000 asked to take permanent pay cuts of 10-20 percent. The total cost for com- pensation in the district is approximately 88 percent of its budget. Page 4ÊUÊJune 12, 2009ÊUÊDanville Weekly Newsfront SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ALAMO ● BLACKHAWK ● DANVILLE ● DIABLO Vets building Road work plan nears to resurface completion soon Senior advocate blasts Federal funds benefiting proposal as not doing enough Danville projects BY GEOFF GILLETTE BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI After 10 meetings and countless Danville will be a smoother hours of discussion, members of the ride after two major road resur- Veterans Building Steering Commit- facing jobs, which are to begin tee have agreed on a basic plan and this summer. are now beginning the process of One project will repave parts determining cost estimates. of Green Valley and Diablo At their June 8 meeting, members roads, paid for by the federal of the committee examined the lat- stimulus package passed earlier est plans drawn up by consultants this year. ARG. The group had been scram- Danville will receive $823,000 bling to incorporate thoughts and for the project from the Ameri- concerns raised by the committee can Recovery and Reinvestment members at their last meeting and Act of 2009 signed into law by work them into the design. President Obama on Feb. 17 to One of the areas of greatest con- create jobs and help stimulate cern was the main hall area, which the economy. The bill is pro- is expected to host crab feeds and viding $27.5 billion in federal other events. ARG Principal Naomi funding for roadway projects Miroglio said they shaved space out that are ready to begin. of the Prospect Avenue promenade “We hope to start in early entrance in order to gain more summer,” Town Manager Joe square footage in the hall. Calabrigo told those in atten- The senior space, located toward dance at last week’s Mayor’s the rear of the structure, was also ex- Morning. “We put this together panded to allow a second bathroom. quickly.” Veterans asked whether there Danville will use the funds to would be a way for them to have a repair and resurface a 0.7-mile private office in the second floor of section of Green Valley Road the building. The area, designated from Stone Valley Road to Dia- for veterans’ use, has desks for the blo Road. This section of Green various organizations but no room Valley is heavily traveled during for private discourse. the school year due to the four Committee member Scott Perkins schools in the area, noted Ca- said the veterans will need to have labrigo. an office up there where they can Approximately 13,000 ve- have frank discussions about veter- hicles travel on these streets ans’ benefits and other issues in pri- each day. The project also will vate. He suggested several possible upgrade sidewalks, curb ramps changes to the plan that would allow GEOFF GILLETTE and traffic signals on Green Val- them to include the office. ley Road used by school chil- “I’ve driven architects crazy,” he Danville men join bristly brotherhood dren. joked. “There’s been a whole room- Devon Gooch Blunden (left) and Max Zimmerman, both 22, show off their flowing facial locks as they head off to The project includes a 1.4- ful of them in a state hospital.” join their equally hirsute comrades on Beard Team USA, whose motto is “Growing Beards for America.” The pair took mile segment of Diablo Road While the veterans were large- a cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska, to join the team in the World Beard and Mustache Championships. from Green Valley Road to ly satisfied with the layout, some Contestants were feted in Anchorage with parades and parties before the May 23 championship. Blunden’s Mutton Avenida Nueva with repairs to members of the senior community Chops and Zimmerman’s Alaska Whaler both placed fourth in the competition. Blunden and Zimmerman said going the multi-use trail along the were less enthused. to Alaska for the championship was a great way to start off their summer vacation from UC Berkeley, where Zimmer- north side of Diablo Road that “I don’t feel the seniors have man just graduated, and UC Santa Barbara. The pair has committed to joining Beard Team USA in representing their is frequently used by bicyclists been very well represented. I think country in the next championship, set for 2011 in Trondheim, Norway. en route to Mount Diablo. the veterans’ needs have been well The second project will re- met but not the seniors’,” said surface Camino Tassajara from Linda Stolow. Sycamore Valley Road to the Stolow pointed to the contem- eastern town limit and resur- porary look of the Prospect Avenue face Crow Canyon Road from side and reminded the committee Turnover at the Rose Garden Camino Tassajara to the south- that the Veterans Hall is a historic ern town limit of Danville. structure. She also stated that the Shopping center loses spa, restaurant “We can’t do them simultane- look of the building does not match ously,” said Calabrigo, noting the overall look of the downtown. BY GEOFF GILLETTE On Sunday, some clients grum- the only blow to the relatively that the construction will be “I don’t think we’re preserving Residents arriving at the Burke bled over not having been in- young shopping center. Last week done in phases to lessen its downtown,” she said, “too much Williams Day Spa in the Rose Gar- formed of the closing. also saw the closing of Amaranta, impact on residents and busi- glass. Our downtown is quaint. I den Shopping Center last week “You’d think they could have an upscale Mexican restaurant lo- nesses. don’t get ‘quaint’ out of this.” were surprised to find locked called the people with reserva- cated prominently on the Rose The $6 million project is re- Stolow questioned the legality of doors, as the health care establish- tions for treatments, rather than Garden site. ceiving federal transportation the narrow setbacks for the project, ment shut down after less than a have us come down here and see Blake Hunt Ventures is the funds made available under the as the municipal code stipulates year in operation. that sign,” admonished an un- property manager for the Rose Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi- a minimum 10-foot setback on A sign taped to the door of identified resident. Garden. CEO Brad Blake said he cient Transportation Equity Act: the street side and side yard. Her the posh spa blamed the closing The sign on the door also di- was unable to comment on the A Legacy for Users signed into recommendation was to take the on the poor economic conditions rected residents with gift cards closing of Burke Williams, as there law by President Bush in 2005. seniors out of the mix entirely. and directed residents to seek out to contact the corporate office at may be some litigation involved in This project has been four “I don’t think this is the right build- appointments at either of their 1-866-239-6635 to learn how to the closure. Blake stated that Blake years in the planning and the ing for us. I don’t think we’re meeting locations in San Francisco or San get a refund. Hunt Ventures was in negotiations town will pay about 10 percent, See VETS HALL on Page 7 Jose. The loss of the spa was not See ROSE GARDEN on Page 8 said Calabrigo. N Danville WeeklyÊUÊJune 12, 2009ÊU Page 5 NEWS Father’s Day Buffet & BBQ Off to greener pastures Faz shares his ‘AWARD WINNING RIBS’ Kids say goodbye to beloved Icelandic horse with us straight from our sister restaurant – MacArthur Park in Palo Alto! BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI Carrot cake was on the menu Saturday as Villi, an Sunday, June 21st, 2009 Icelandic horse, spent his last day with the SonRise 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Equestrian Foundation, which gives riding sessions to children with emotional or physical challenges. s !DULTS s #HILDREN AND UNDER s UNDER &2%% “Villi is the perfect horse for our program because ""1 -%!43 s 35--%24)-% 3)$%3 s $%#!$%.4 $%33%243 he is sure-footed and very loving,” said SonRise CEO Melanie Buerke of Danville. “As an Icelandic he is Reservations Strongly Suggested sturdy, which enables us to put larger people on him 600 hartz avenue, danville • 925 838 1320 and makes him very secure for children who may feel www.fazrestaurants.com scared or need extra support.” One of Villi’s final riders was Charlie Cleberg, 11, who despite having little use of his arms has learned to ride and has even learned to rope with his feet at Son- Rise. At the farewell party, he raced Emma McGregor, 13, who has also struggled with physical challenges. Villi will be leaving for Oregon where he will live with the family who loaned him to SonRise in February 2008. He was one of four therapeutic riding horses participat- ing in the SonRise Equestrian Foundation programs at Charles Wilhelm Training Stables in Castro Valley. The WE HAVE THE NEWEST Foundation is looking for another horse to replace Villi. “Villi’s quiet, unflappable and loving demeanor helps DESIGNS FOR 2009 to provide children with the confidence to ride,” said executive director Alana Koski. N 6AFFORDABLE QUALITY 6LARGEST SELECTION SonRise Equestrian Foundation is currently planning its 6PLUMBING EXPERTS third annual Wine & Equine Festival and would appreci- ate donations of premium bottles of wine for a drawing. KERRY BORSTAD 13 E Airway Blvd Anyone who is interested in more information about Son- Emma McGregor, 13, who has struggled with physical Rise can call 838-RIDE (838-7433) or visit www.sonrise- challenges, rides Villa for the last time with the SonRise Livermore 443-2284 equestrianfoundation.org. Equestrian Foundation. NewLuxuryBaths.com Plumbing Lighting Hardware Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 10-4 Danville man charged with $80M Ponzi scheme BY JANET PELLETIER money for their own personal use, ments showing fictitious returns. Purchase • Refinance • FHA Loans • Investment Loans The San Francisco bureau of the including mortgage payments on Son and Chung drained SNCA’s Securities and Exchange Commis- Son’s multi-million dollar home.” and SNCI’s bank accounts as their Meet Cari and Doug Anderson of Diversified Capital Funding. sion has filed a complaint against the “They placed ads in Korean-lan- Ponzi scheme was collapsing and Finding the right loan for thousands of Northern California home operators of two Pleasanton com- guage newspapers and used sales transferred investor funds to ac- buyers has made Diversified Capital one of the Bay Area’s most panies with an $80-million Ponzi agents to target Korean-Americans counts they controlled overseas, successful loan brokerage organizations. We offer the best in scheme, including a man from Dan- in typical affinity fraud fashion as the complaint said. Investor funds customized loan programs to meet your financial needs. ville. The SEC said the men targeted they preyed on the trust within were used to provide capital infu- Korean-American investors with false close-knit communities,” said Marc sions to SNCI and pay Son’s wife a Call us today for a Free loan evaluation. We’ll provide the right loan promises of extraordinarily high re- Fagel, director of the SEC’s San salary for which she did no work, options and give you the information you need. Take advantage of turns from foreign currency (forex) Francisco Regional Office. according to the complaint. today’s low rates! trading. It alleges that Peter C. Son The SEC complaint, filed in fed- The SEC is seeking court orders of Danville and Jin K. Chung of eral district court in San Francisco, freezing their assets and compelling Cari and Doug Anderson Los Altos lured approximately 500 alleged that Son, 37, and Chung, 46, them to return overseas assets to the (925) 964-1213 Direct investors in the United States, South operated their scheme through SNC U.S. [email protected] [email protected] Korea and Taiwan into their invest- Asset Management Inc. (SNCA) and Son appeared in federal court www.carianddoug.com ment scheme in which funds were SNC Investments Inc. (SNCI), which in Oakland on Tuesday on fed- not traded in the forex market as maintained offices in Pleasanton, and eral criminal charges. Separately claimed but instead used to pay New York City. on Wednesday, the Commodity cash “returns” to certain investors in The SEC alleges that Son and Futures Trading Commission an- Ponzi-like fashion. Chung faked SNCA’s supposed nounced civil fraud charges against The agency further claims that forex trading profits, providing in- Son, Chung, SNCA and SNCI, ac- A Real Estate Broker licensed by the California Department of Real Estate. License #01841299 the men “misappropriated investor vestors with monthly account state- cording to the SEC. N Silver / Gray White / Beige ABS / Nav Heated Seats WhoWe Premium Sound ABS / Nav Under 27K Miles! Under 17K Miles! Are… $58,995 $57,995 We are a locally owned/operated luxury car dealership 07 MBZ S550 07 BMW 650ci We are a company with 1000s of satisfi ed customers We sell Lease Returns - 2003 through 2008 eleaseReturns.com 800.407.0303 or 925.553.1029 fax We buy directly from BMW Financial, Mercedes Credit Lexus Financial, Jaguar Credit, Porsche Credit and Banks We Want you as a customer for life… Check out our inventory online at Joe and Jill Newcomer elease owners www.eleasereturns.com Cars come with a Carfax history report for your vehicle 1941 San Ramon Valley Blvd. integrity protection Between Sycamore and Crow Canyon off I680 Page 6ÊUÊJune 12, 2009ÊUÊDanville Weekly NEWS Summer Special $300 off per foot for any Fence Restoration work $200 off per foot on any fence style Alamo social worker fulfills Visit Our ‘mission impossible’ Beautiful Showroom! t1MFBTBOUPOhT$IPJDF Association honors Chia-Chia Chien for helping Asian Americans Premium Fences Decks t'BNJMZ0XOFE0QFSBUFE BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI and the only clinician bilin- Retaining Walls PWFSZFBST “One tiny seed can begin gual in Chinese at the Adult Arbors/Trellises a garden.” Following this Outpatient Program. belief, the National Asso- “Looking back, I was so Ornamental Iron ciation of Social Workers amazed that most of my com- Chain Link chose Alamo resident Chia- munity services in the last 36 Vinyl Ranch Rail 925.426.9620 Chia Chien for its Lifetime years have all been provided Repairs Lic. #771763 Achievement in Social Work to people with cultural and Fence & Deck 575 Boulder Court, Pleasanton Award. language difficulties,” she re- Restoration BorgFence.com Chien, a social worker flected. “And that was the job for 30 years, founded the that I thought was a mission Culture to Culture Founda- impossible before but now, tion in 2001 to promote to me, it’s not only a mission ./2#!, mental health in the Bay possible but a mission essen- Area’s Asian-American com- tial.” 7EIGHT ,OSS #ENTER munity. Chien also started activities After “During my 28 years of for Asian seniors, originally Lose weight...and keep it off! clinical experience, I have held at the Alamo Women’s s ! 6ARIETY OF (EALTHY $IET 0ROGRAMS seen that Asian Americans Club but now part of the s 3TAFFED BY 0ROFESSIONAL $OCTORS .URSES have the tendency to either Danville seniors who meet at s ,UNCH %VENING 3ATURDAY wait until very late or to be the Veterans Memorial Build- !PPOINTMENT !VAILABLE in crisis before seeking help,” ing. Last year she began the s .ON -EDICATION 0ROGRAMS !VAILABLE Before s ,ATEST &$! !PPROVED -EDICATIONS Shauntrell lost weight on our said Chien when receiving Senior Volunteer Awards in program and you can too! her award May 19 in at the FILE PHOTO Contra Costa County to rec- Santa Clara Marriott. “The Chia-Chia Chien of Alamo was given a Lifetime ognize older people who give Culture to Culture Founda- Achievement in Social Work Award by the National their time generously to oth- Also Offering Botox® / tion was established to serve Association of Social Workers. ers and to encourage more Restylane® Treatments the community as a bridge to volunteerism. help reduce the cultural stigma associated with mental Also, through the Culture to Culture Foundation, Dr. David Melamed, MD Dermatologist illness.” It also highlights the need for more bilingual and Chien began a Mental Health Warrior Award and the Unretouched clinical photo taken bicultural mental health professionals. first Chinese American Mental Health Scholarship. 925-846-5614 while frowning before and 14 days Chien was born in Taiwan and moved to the United Chien has been recognized many times for her ac- after treatment with Botox® Cosmetic States in 1970 as a young adult, where she earned a complishments, including the 2005 UC Berkeley Peter ® master’s degree in social work from University of Il- E. Haas Public Service Award. NEW Botox Service linois, Champaign-Urbana, and a master’s in public She, too, appreciates the importance of planting seeds. FOR UNDERARM PERSPIRATION PROBLEMS health from UC Berkeley. “The Chinese have a saying and that is: One genera- “I remember at that time, I was experiencing a lot tion plants the trees, and the next generation will enjoy $75 OFF of challenges because of culture shocks and language the shade,” she said. Botox® Treatment barriers which often time made me feel that being a plus Free Consultation to new clients only first generation immigrant with English as a second The Senior Volunteer Awards, started last year by Chia- Not valid with other offers. language background, to become a social worker was Chia Chien, are presented to several seniors in Contra a mission impossible,” she said. Costa County each October with a prize of $250 and a FREE CONSULTATION Pleasanton San Ramon Chien was the first bilingual psychiatric social worker certificate of recognition. Entries are due Aug. 31. For 374 St. Mary St. 2701 Crow Canyon Blvd. hired by the city of Berkeley at its Mental Health Clinic more information, e-mail [email protected]. New clients only 925 846-5614 925 837-6400 thizes with the seniors’ concerns he VETS HALL wanted to remind people that this is, Continued from Page 5 after all, a veterans’ building. the needs of seniors, especially handi- “The veterans welcome other users, capped seniors,” she claimed. we’ve been welcoming other users She called for the classes and events for a long time. But I want people to held at the Town Community Center realize that the veterans are giving a near the library to be moved to the 13,000-square-foot lot to this project Veterans Hall and to move the senior and have committed to raising $3 events to the Community Center. million to this project. It allows for Other senior advocates spoke, dedicated veterans’ space,” he said. including Chia-Chia Chien of the Mayor Newell Arnerich wrapped Chinese American Senior Center up the comment period by saying, and Barbara Smith of Contra Costa “I don’t want anyone to walk away for Every Generation. Both warned thinking the seniors are not repre- the committee that with the senior sented.” He commended Kevin Do- population about to be impacted navan and Kent Rezowalli for their by the aging baby boomer genera- work in bringing senior concerns tion that senior facilities will need to the committee and said he feels to be prepared for the influx. that while the building does not “We applaud you for planning for provide for everything the seniors a new senior center,” Smith said. “We requested, it is a vast improvement just hope it’s going to be big enough.” over the current facilities. Smith added that concerns about “I think we’ve hit a homerun on parking should be addressed. She most of those things,” he said. “Is pointed to the drop-off lane along it better than what they have now? Prospect Avenue, which would as- Absolutely.” sist passengers being let out near the With the committee’s agree- entrance, but asked about those who ment over the preliminary concept drive. “Put yourself in the shoes of plan, ARG will begin the process of someone who is 80 years old with breaking down the cost of the work limited mobility,” she stated. and will present an initial cost esti- Perkins said that while he sympa- mate at the June 22 meeting. N Danville WeeklyÊUÊJune 12, 2009ÊU Page 7 NEWS Rakestraw DIABLO VIEWS wins small BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI was a non-event, merely the business award Graduates step to higher education. But the Americans wanted something Local bookstore honored I have known special and prevailed. It was held in Assembly District 15 in the ballroom of a hotel with and loved a reception afterward. My main BY GEOFF GILLETTE memory is frustration that Pepe In a time that is proving difficult appy graduation time, had been one vote away from for small business, one Danville com- whether it’s your turn giving the student speech for the pany was the recipient of some good H to celebrate or not. I’ve class of about 150. His would news recently. District 15 Assembly- only been to one graduation in have been so much better than woman Joan Buchanan named Mi- Danville—when my daughter the mundane, “We now go for- chael Barnard, owner of Rakestraw Zoe walked the lawn at Monte ward” words of the chosen kid. Books, as the Small Business Owner DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI Vista High School, class of ’97. Of course that’s just my humble of the Year. The awards ceremony But when the strains of “Pomp opinion. But prolific writer took place May 26 in Sacramento. Gym class dismissed and Circumstance” air around Stirling Silliphant, best known At the event, members of the The gymnasium next to the parking lot on Danville Boulevard at San Ramon this time—usually on radio for “In the Heat of the Night,” Assembly as well as the California Valley High School was torn down last week, leaving concrete stairs leading to commercials—it’s this gradua- who lived in Bangkok addressed Small Business Association gave out a flattened ground. Known as the “small gym,” and in previous years as the tion I picture, and Zoe in her us all with memorable words, accolades to those businesses that “girls gym,” it was built in 1939 and was the oldest building in the San Ramon black gown trimmed in red, one which unfortunately I’ve forgot- best exemplify the entrepreneurial Valley Unified School District. A new main gymnasium will be built on this hand holding down her cap, hair ten. spirit necessary spot, part of the school modernization program paid for by Measure A funds. blowing in the breeze, hurry- Four years later Pepe gradu- in small business Behind the site is the auxiliary gym that was completed in March 2008. ing across the football field. Of ated from Stanford on a sunny while at the same course it was extra emotional Saturday morning. Sen. Dianne time providing a since she is my youngest. The Feinstein, also a Stanford grad, strong service to nest was about to empty. spoke to the assemblage in the their community. I barely remember my own football stadium for the com- “I am delighted to graduation from Notre Dame mencement. Afterward families recognize Michael High School in San Jose—not and graduating seniors went to Barnard,” said Bu- because it wasn’t memorable smaller venues for the diploma chanan. “Through but because it was so darned ceremony, with Pepe getting his Michael his hard work, long ago. I vaguely recall that degree in international relations Barnard Rakestraw Books, we girls all wore white caps and in the Dohrmann Grove, a lovely The Bookstore in Danville, continues gowns and carried candles as we outdoor spot. My main memory to be a community institution.” solemnly marched up the cen- is that a Rockefeller girl was one She added, “Small businesses ter aisle at St. Joseph’s Church, of the grads and I thought how make significant contributions to the which has since been promoted nice it would have been if Pepe California economy. They are the to a cathedral. had hooked up with her—then heart and soul of our communities.” My next commencement was our investment in his education Buchanan pointed to the many four years later when my hus- truly would have paid off. activities hosted by Rakestraw band Jim graduated from Santa Next was Zoe’s Monte Vista Books, including author appearanc- Clara University. This was in the graduation, then a few years es and events with local schools. late ’60s and it was becoming later we were all in San Diego Barnard said he was thrilled to uncool to attend one’s graduation to see her receive her bachelor’s be selected as this year’s recipient. the facility, a factor which led ceremony so the university man- degree from SDSU in liberal “It’s a terrific honor,” he said, “and a ROSE GARDEN Blake Hunt to recently seek a dated attendance. Morris West, arts, education—altogether a nice validation of what we’re doing Continued from Page 5 parking variance from the Town author of “The Devil’s Advocate” fun weekend at a beachside in the community.” with the company when it sud- of Danville that will allow more who’d received his doctorate of hotel. The commencement itself As the economy continues to stum- denly decided to pull up stakes “personal service” oriented busi- literature from Santa Clara, was was held in the new basketball ble and people are spending less, and close down its operation. nesses into the shopping center. the speaker; he rallied against stadium, where we had a clear Barnard said he thinks that seeing a As for Amaranta, Blake said that Personal service businesses in- the Vietnam War, an incredibly view of Zoe on the JumboTron small business thrive is a good sign. his company is actively seeking a clude tutoring, physical fitness, hair pessimistic speech at a normally as she received her diploma. A “It must mean we’re doing some- replacement for the restaurant stylists and nail salons. Conceptu- optimistic occasion, ending with congresswoman from Southern thing right,” he said. “People think and has already lined up potential ally, businesses of this sort will the words, “God help us all.” California spoke movingly on local bookstores are in trouble. prospects. bring in a stable base of clientele Even before his graduation the importance of educators, They’re not,” he added with a laugh Businesses in the Rose Garden that would come for the service, Jim had been drafted but I still and the ceremony was impres- “The rumors of our deaths are are seeing some difficulties due to then stay to eat or shop at one of needed five units to graduate sive for the number of advanced slightly exaggerated.” N the lack of traffic coming through the Rose Garden retailers. N from San Jose State. I followed degrees being bestowed in so Jim to his postings and took my many areas of education. A few last two classes via correspon- years later when Zoe earned her dence courses with UC Berkeley teaching credential she wasn’t so as much as I value my degree interested in the ceremony, just in journalism I never even knew in moving back up north to TAKE US ALONG when my graduation ceremony relocate for her teaching job in took place. San Jose. Something fishy: Years later when Jim received I always get excited at this Barbara and Jerry his MBA from Santa Clara, our time of year for the graduations Buck share the son Pepe was 8 years old. That and baccalaureates, squeezed Danville Weekly was a lovely ceremony in the uni- in between Mother’s Day and with a live lobster at versity garden, which we attend- Father’s Day. Or maybe it’s the Peggy’s Cove in Nova ed mainly to impress upon Pepe kid in me that was conditioned Scotia in October. the importance of higher educa- during my childhood to get Take Us Along on tion. We left our 10-month-old excited at the end of the school your travels and send baby Zoe with my parents and it year. Graduations are exciting photos to travel@ was a nice chance for Pepe to be and poignant, marking as they DanvilleWeekly.com alone with mom and dad for an do the end of high school and or 117 Town and evening, too, and a nice dinner the beginning of something alto- Country Drive, Suite on the peninsula. gether different with a lot of con- D, Danville 94526. Onto the next genera- gratulations thrown in between. Be sure to include a tion! Pepe graduated from Is it your turn to attend a gradu- daytime telephone International School Bangkok. It ation? If so, enjoy! number. was about 30 percent Americans, which meant that there was no Dolores Fox Ciardelli can be e- See more Take Us unanimity on what constitutes mailed at editor@DanvilleWeekly. Along, PAGE 23. a graduation. To the Asians, it com. Page 8ÊUÊJune 12, 2009ÊUÊDanville Weekly Perspective Compassionate therapy for change, helping EDITORIAL THE OPINION OF THE WEEKLY you move from merely Danville surviving to thriving. Weekly Traffix will help traffic and pollution Serving the communities ny time a group or entity makes an effort to reduce our Dr. Sara Denman of Alamo, Blackhawk, carbon footprint or eliminate traffic congestion, it is to Licensed Psychologist | PSY19808 Diablo and Danville be applauded. So kudos go out to the entities respon- Areas of Dr. Denman’s expertise include, but are not limited to: A parenting challenges, eating issues, substance abuse, sible for Traffix, a school transportation program aimed at doing PUBLISHER both. anxiety, depression, past and present trauma, life changes, Gina Channell-Allen, Ext. 119 and all forms of PTSD including Veterans. Busing students to local schools has been a quandary for a EDITORIAL 145 East Prospect Ave Ste 218 | Danville | 925-648-4941 Editor decade or so as fleets were recognized to be polluting the en- Dolores Fox Ciardelli, Ext. 229 vironment more than they helped the air by taking individual Staff Reporter cars off the road. In addition, in the older diesel vehicles, fumes Geoff Gillette, Ext. 234 sometimes entered the buses through the floorboards as well Nurturing Therapeutic Editorial Assistant Amory Gutierrez, Ext. 221 as every time the door opened. Not a good way for children to Bodywork for Women, Men Contributors begin or end their school days. Susan Astbury School buses were ditched due to their pollution and the and Children John A. Barry expense of providing transportation to the students. As budgets Don Colman s 0REGNANCY Beverly Lane continued to be cut, parents had to make other arrangements to s )NJURY 2EHABILITATION Jacqui Love Marshall get their children to school. More students began to ride bikes, s 3WEDISH$EEP 4ISSUE Chris Scott and families formed carpools for their children. Nonetheless, Maria Shen s !ROMATHERAPY Franklin Utchen traffic jams became the norm around schools, resulting in idling 90 Minute Stan Wharton cars and—more pollution. Not to mention the inconvenience to s 2EIKI 4REATMENT Massage ART & PRODUCTION the parents. s 3TRESS 2EDUCTION2ELAXATION for only $65 Art Director Now Traffix is launching in August, a partnership of Danville, Multi-modality approach Rick Nobles, Ext. 117 New clients only San Ramon, Contra Costa County and the San Ramon Valley individualized for your changing needs Offer expires 7/15/09 Designers Trina Cannon, Ext. 114 Unified School District. The bus program is slated to receive PATRICIA YAMSHON, CMT Lili Cao, Ext. 120 $40 million in Measure J funding in order to get the program off By Appointment Only in San Ramon Kristin Herman, Ext. 114 the ground but rider fees will help to cover ongoing costs once Manuel Valenzuela, Ext. 120 925-858-0932 ADVERTISING the program is started. Member Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals Advertising Sales Manager Seven schools, both middle and elementary, will initially be Mary Hantos, Ext. 222 served by the buses. In order to work out a schedule to fully Account Executives utilize the vehicles, times had to be changed for beginning and Andrea Heggelund, Ext. 232 ending the school day at some campuses. Cost will be $200 per Barbara Lindsey, Ext. 226 Inside Sales year for students who sign up this summer; after school begins, Karen Klein, Ext. 122 the cost goes up to $250. Before when the district provided bus- Real Estate Sales ing, it cost $400. s &ULL