Lamorinda Weekly Issue 4 Volume 11

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 • Vol. 11 Issue 4

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 5:30pm - 9:00pm 26,000 copies deliveredde biweekly to LLamorinda homes & Stroll & SampleWine ReceptionLafayette’s w/ Best Music Restaurants businesses Dessert & Coffee www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 http://bit.ly/Taste17 FREE

Lafayette’s Earth Day Festival targets ‘Sustainable Youth’ By Pippa Fisher

ith a very “hands-on” approach this year, Lafay- together with the LL&LC, the Lafayette Chamber of Com- Imperfect Produce representatives will talk about food waste Wette’s 12th annual Earth Day Festival will show- merce and the City of Lafayette, this year’s festival has plenty and encourage purchasing of “cosmetically challenged” pro- case local youth groups as well as exhibitors. of educational fun for everyone. duce. White Pony Express will educate festival-goers on their The fun will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Lamorinda 4-H will have a petting zoo featuring their food rescue program and Sustainable Lafayette will host a April 23 on Golden Gate Way behind the Lafayette Library livestock projects. Global Student Embassy will demonstrate “Repair Café” where volunteers will repair household items and Learning Center and at the plaza of the library. how to create a garden in a small space. The Lafayette Com- onsite to prevent them ending up in a landfi ll. Hosted by nonprofi t organization Sustainable Lafayette, munity Garden will bring vegetables and display chickens. ... continued on page A10 Advertising BESTLAMORINDAHOMES.COM VLATKA BATHGATE (925) 597-1573 Outstanding Result! REPRESENTED SELLER Letters to the Editor A8 Community Service B4 Sold for $445,000 over asking Not to be Missed B6-B7 HOW TO CONTACT US B7 Sold Price $2,320,000 Classifi ed C2 If I had a buyer for your home ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Re- Shop Orinda C4 served. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each would you sell it? Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned 33 Bates Blvd., Orinda by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304 Town Hall Theatre continues to lead by ‘green’ example in Lafayette By Pippa Fisher marine life, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. A discussion will follow the screening. Money raised through ticket sales and donations will be Local school districts anticipate used to help eliminate the use of plastic water bottles at the theater. possible budget deficits Town Hall Theatre Board By John T. Miller Vice President Tom Stack ex- he Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga “The increased pension costs have no plained the endeavor. He es- Tschool districts will be looking at revenue stream,” says Burns, “and may timates that more than 4,000 ways to make ends meet as they face require districts such as MSD to plan to bottles of water are sold at the possible defi cits in funding for the up- reduce expenditures.” theater each year and it is his goal coming year. The lack of reimbursement for cer- that patrons will bring reuseable While budgets may not actually tain mandated costs, such as for special bottles which they will be able to be cut, diffi culties may arise due to in- education, has put a stranglehold on the refi ll from a brand new water bot- creased costs without additional money districts. Lafayette School District Su- Tom Stack wants to eliminate plastic water bottles at THT. Photo A. Scheck tle fi lling station to be installed to cover those expenses. perintendent Rachel Zinn said that the oining forces with Sustain- be presenting a special showing by Kevin Burke of Valley Plumb- For example, Superintendent Bruce federal government originally prom- Jable Lafayette for an educa- of “A Plastic Ocean,” a visually ing, paid for from the proceeds of Burns of Moraga School District points ised to reimburse 40 cents on the dollar tional movie night, Town Hall stunning 90-minute movie about this special movie night. Refi ll- to increased costs of funding the State for those costs, but now pays only 18 Theatre continues to be a leader our global disposable lifestyle, able bottles will also be available Teachers Retirement System and the cents. in “going green.” the impact plastic is having on for purchase at the theater. Public Employee Retirement System. ... continued on page A12 Sustainable Lafayette will the oceans and how it affects ... continued on page A11 Civic News A1-A12 Life in Lamorinda B1-B8 Sports C1-C4 Our Homes D1-D20 Moraga schools to change Saint Mary’s Local golf Orinda kindergarten to all-day – students teams take Garden Tour page A4. take on a swing at focuses on Fire Districts A8 Miranda’s the DAL outdoor “In the title – page living Lower insurance rates for Heights”– C2. – page D1. MOFD residents? – page page B1 A8. Page: A2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017

THE DANA GREEN TEAM PROUDLY PRESENTS...

529 SILVERADO DRIVE, LAFAYETTE 171 MORAGA WAY, ORINDA

Public Meetings City Council JUST LISTED | 1ST OPEN SUN. 1-4 JUST LISTED | 1ST OPEN SUN. 1-4 Updated 4BR/2BA, 2044± sq. ft. home with open-concept living spaces Fully updated 4BR/3BA, 2243± sq. ft. single-story charmer located over Monday, April 24, 7 p.m. on a level .27± acre, corner lot with pool in the heart of Burton Valley. a bridge on a gated .52± acre lot ideal for entertaining and play. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Off ered at $1,465,000 529SilveradoDrive.com Off ered at $1,275,000 171MoragaWay.com Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Planning Commission Call me for an appointment to view these exciting new listings!

Monday, May 1, 7 p.m. LAMORINDA’S #1 REALTOR SINCE 2008 Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. 925.339.1918|LICENSE # 01482454 DANAGREENTEAM.COM Design Review Monday, April 24, 7 p.m. Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Arts & Science Discovery Center, Lafayette’s Downtown Creeks Plan continues to flow 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. By Pippa Fisher School Board Meetings Acalanes Union High School District Wednesday, April 19, 7 p.m. AUHSD Board Room 1212 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette www.acalanes.k12.ca.us Lafayette School District Wednesday, April 19, 7 p.m. Regular Board Meeting District Offi ce Board Room 3477 School St., Lafayette www.lafsd.k12.ca.us Check online for agendas, meeting notes and announcements City of Lafayette: A map of the creeks in downtown Lafayette. Image provided www.ci.lafayette.ca.us Phone: (925) 284-1968 hile it continues to tweak the and Development Plan, Lafayette’s committee to help protect and en- how the committee has addressed Chamber of Commerce: Wwording of the Downtown Creeks Committee will be moving hance the downtown creeks. The the DRC’s concerns but recognized www.lafayettechamber.org Creeks Preservation, Restoration the draft to the Planning Commis- creeks committee has been seeking the need to sit down for a work session with the recommendation to feedback and comments from all sion to refi ne some of the wording, Loitering 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. have a committee workshop to al- the city commissions over the past so as not to be too prescriptive in Lost Property low for more input. months. the plan. He recognizes that much Lafayette Car Wash The creeks are recognized as The Design Review Commis- of the creekside property is private- 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. an asset for Lafayette in the Down- sion heard a presentation from Will ly owned and private projects will Ordinance Violation town Specifi c Plan, which recom- Elder, creeks committee chairman, have to meet substantial compli- 900 Block Moraga Rd. mended the formation of the creeks on Monday, April 10. He shared ance. Lafayette Police Department 3300 Block Moraga Blvd. Patrol Request Incident Summary Report Reliez Station Rd./Pleasant Hill Rd. March 26 - April 8 Happy Valley Rd./Mt. Diablo Blvd. Judge rules in favor of city’s position in Alarms 89 Petty Theft 911 Calls (incl hang-ups) 14 4100 Block Happy Valley Rd. Noise complaints 5 3200 Block Elvia St. lawsuit on Deer Hill housing development Traffi c stops 182 3100 Block Old Tunnel Rd. By Pippa Fisher Suspicious Circumstances 12 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. San Francisco-based hous- that seeks to increase the amount Terraces, the city was in violation Suspicious Subjects 4100 Block Happy Valley Rd. 31 Aing advocate group suffered of rental housing across the Bay of the HAA and had coerced the de- Suspicious Vehicles 34 1000 Block 2nd St. Supplemental Report 5 100 Block Castle Ct. a setback in a recent Contra Costa Area, in a lawsuit accusing the city veloper to scale back the scope of Abandoned Vehicle 7 Phone Harass Superior Court ruling regarding the of violating the state Housing Ac- the plans. Animal Cruelty 800 Block Acampo Dr. potential development at Deer Hill countability Act. However the judge found that Mt. Diablo Blvd./Dewing Ave. Prom Shoot Auto Burglary in Lafayette. The lawsuit concerning the “…the fact that the developer has Silver Springs Rd./S. Silver Springs Rd. 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Public Nuisance Judge Judith Craddick denied 22-acres at Deer Hill claimed that maintained that the decision to sus- 1200 Block Vacation Dr. Hastings Ct./Hilltop Dr. the writ of mandate requested by by approving the lesser develop- pend the Terraces and move for- 3300 Block Moraga Blvd. 900 Block Moraga Rd. Sonja Trauss on behalf of the San ment of 44 single-family homes, ward with Deer Hill was voluntary, 1000 Block Brown Ave. Lancaster Dr./Lucas Dr. Francisco Bay Area Renters Fed- down from the original plans for the petition is denied.” Mt. Diablo Blvd./Moraga Rd. 3700 Block Highland Rd. eration (SFBARF), an organization 315 multifamily units known as the ... continued on page A9 800 Block Avalon Ct. 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. El Nido Ranch Rd./Upper 3300 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Happy Valley Rd. St Marys Rd./Rohrer Dr. 3500 Block Brook St. Reckless Driving Beat Info 3400 Block Black Hawk Rd. Upper Happy Valley Rd/ 3300 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Los Arabis Dr. 1200 Block Pleasant Hill Rd. Pleasant Hill Rd./Deer Hill Rd. 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Civil Disturbance Moraga Rd./St. Marys Rd. 3300 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 500 Block St. Mary’s Rd. 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Mt. Diablo Blvd./Happy Valley Rd. Civil Problem School St./Topper Ln. 1700 Block Toyon Rd. Dewing Ave./Bickerstaff St. 3200 Block Ameno Dr. Residential Burglary 1000 Block 2nd St. 1100 Block Brown Ave. 3600 Block Happy Valley Ln. Shoplift Civil Standby 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 1000 Block Aileen St. Stolen Recovery Computer Fraud 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 10 Block Lincolnshire Ct. Stolen Vehicle / Recovery Defraud Innkeeper El Nido Ranch Rd./St. Stephens Dr. 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Theft Access Card 3300 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3700 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Disturbing The Peace Threats 3400 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 1000 Block Carol Ln. Drunk In Public 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Traffi c Hazard Elder Abuse St. Marys Rd./Glenside Dr. 3400 Block S Silver Springs Rd. Knox Dr./Hidden Valley Rd. Forgery 3100 Block Camino Colorados 600 Block Huntleigh Dr. 3700 Block Highland Rd. Found Adult 3400 Block Golden Gate Way 3400 Block Golden Gate Way Mcgraw Ln. Found Property Deer Hill Rd./Pleasant Hill Rd. Moraga Rd. and Happy Valley Rd Moraga Rd./Moraga Blvd. Police Department 800 Block Reliez Station Rd. Acalanes Rd./Valente Ct. 10 Block White Oak Dr. ##* '!* 3400 Block Monroe Ave. 4000 Block Los Arabis Dr. ##*!"$& # ##*$" 900 Block Camino Del Rio Acalanes Rd. Off-ramp / WB 24 '!*'!*((&'*$" Trespass Fraud Credit Card %&%)! &$&' 4100 Block Los Arabis Dr. 1200 Block Monticello Rd. 900 Block Hawthorn Dr. 200 Block Lafayette Cr. Fraud False Pretenses Unwanted Guest " ! !%!! 4100 Block Los Arabis Dr. 3200 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Hailed By Citizen 3200 Block Quandt Rd. !$ ! 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Hit And Run Misdemeanor 1000 Block 1st St. "!$ # Vandalism 4000 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. %( & &!' (' 1200 Block Pleasant Hill Rd. (2) 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. (3) 900 Block Dewing Ave. Camino Diablo/Stanley Blvd. x "#&! +' " * +"& 3700 Block Mosswood Dr. Olympic Blvd./Pleasant Hill Rd. 50 Block Lafayette Cr. 3400 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. x ("#$"'(#! ,##!"& 3700 Block Mosswood Dr. (2) 1000 Block Windsor Dr. x '(&(&(+ ()( ) ,$(( Identity Theft Vehicle Theft 3900 Block Happy Valley Rd. 900 Block Dewing Ave. 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Verbal Dispute 3300 Block Kim Rd. 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 1000 Block 1st St. (2) 900 Block Acalanes Rd. 20 Block Tiana Terrace 900 Block Janet Ln. Juvenile Disturbance Welfare Check Moraga Blvd./Carol Ln. Moraga Blvd./4th St. 1700 Block Springbrook Rd. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A3 Every dog can have his day at Dogtown Spring Market in Lamorinda! Park-Like! Classic! Downtown in Lafayette Open Sun 1-4 Open Sun.1-4 By Pippa Fisher

94 Sanders Ranch Road, Moraga 2180 Sky View Court, Moraga Fantastic home on a park-like lot Beautiful traditional home w/great w/pool. lawn, sport court & views. views. 4433 sqft, 6Br, 4Ba, office. 4652 sqft, 5Br, 3.5Ba, bonus room, 2 offices. Wonderful back yard for entertaining & play. $2,495,000$2,495,000 wwwwww.94SandersRanchRd.com $2,095,000 www.2180SkyViewCt.comkyViewCt.com Timeless! MCC! Open Sun 1-4 Open Sun 1-4 !

Is the city council in the doghouse again? Photo provided ll the coolest Lamorinda goals in the friendly competitions Adogs are currently planning such as Best Dog-Owner Team to attend Dogtown Downtown Trick, Dog who can “Stay” the from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Satur- Longest, Best Costume and Best of day, April 29. Show.

The annual event, now in its In addition to the fun dog com- 15 Merrill Drive, Moraga 503 Augusta Drive, Moraga fourth year, welcomes all well-be- petitions there will be creative ca- Beautiful Colonial home with Expanded & updated Sequoia haved, leashed doggy participants, nine crafts and other activities for striking curb appeal. 4525 sqft, model in MCC. 3713 sqft, 4Br, kicking off with a grand parade dog lovers of all ages. 5Br, 4.5Ba. Gorgeous kitchen. In-law suite. 2.5Ba & office. Nice back yard with lawn. from the Lafayette Library and Tony La Russa’s Animal Res- $2,395,000 www.15MerrillDr.com $1,450,000 www.503AugustaDr.com Learning Center to the Lafayette cue Foundation and Contra Costa Plaza Park where all the activities County Animal Services will also and contests will be taking place. be present and available for pet The free event will include adoptions. The fun event will have working dog and canine agility plenty of dog-related vendors. demonstrations by the Lafayette The Lafayette Chamber of Police and Canine Companions. Commerce, Lafayette Library and For those dogs who don’t have Learning Center and the City of La- to take their canine professionalism fayette host the annual community to that sort of degree in their work- event. 925 254-3030 www.Orinda.com ing career, there are more attainable Lafayette • Moraga • Orinda Cal BRE 1221247

Preserving its hillsides was a plus for Lafayette. Photo provided s residents of Lafayette have space. The APA says, “It must be a Along suspected, they are liv- place where people want to be!” ing in a pretty great city. Now the According to the notifi cation, California Chapter of the America “The jury was highly impressed Planning Association has made with the city’s efforts to concentrate that offi cial with its “Great Places growth in its increasingly vibrant in California” award going to La- downtown area and to preserve the fayette. city’s natural hillsides as a sustain- The APA hands the award an- able, multipurpose resource that nually to only three locations in the defi nes the character of the city.” state that exemplify character, quali- The city will receive the award An Exceptional Happy Valley Glen Estate ty and excellent planning regardless at the APA Annual Awards Gala on of whether it be a small town, a sub- June 2 at Preservation Park in Oak- urb, a public park or preserved open land. Welcome to 1154 Glen Road, a stunning Cape Cod style home, which offers 4460± sq. ft. of beautifully appointed living Residents can take steps space with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, an office, bonus room to deter crime, says and gourmet kitchen. The backyard is outfitted with a stone Lafayette Police Chief fireplace, sparkling swimming pool, separate spa and expansive By Pippa Fisher lawn area, perfect for entertaining! This amazing residence

rime tends to go in waves and tributes this in part to their practice provides access to BART, downtown Lafayette and Hwy 24. CLafayette Police Chief Eric of collecting DNA at every crime Christensen said that despite the scene to build a database, which he Exclusively offered at $3,650,000 perception that burglaries are up, in says is far superior to ﬁ ngerprint- fact so far this year, residential bur- ing. He said that most criminals glaries in Lafayette are down from who have reached the level of at- Price Gallegos Group the same period last year. tempting residential burglary are Amy S. Price & Christine Gallegos That was one of the messages repeat offenders. 925.997.6808 | 415.606.2047 Lafayette’s top cop told several City-installed cameras have Lafayette residents who recently made catching criminals as they pricegallegos.com braved the stormy elements and attempt to ﬂ ee much easier, Chris- [email protected] turned out for an informal style tensen said. [email protected] meeting to hear Christensen up- He believes in keeping crime License #: 01433269 | 01896511 date them on the latest crime trends out of his city by being hard on within the community. those who attempt it here. He Furthermore, Christensen made pointed out, “You will never cor- the point that of the seven residen- rect the behavior but you can affect tial burglaries so far in Lafayette, where they shop.” all seven have been solved. He at- ... continued on page A9 Page: A4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Sell your home with more than a Realtor; work with our full service team of experts! Moraga Public Meetings City Council Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m. Council Chambers and Community BRE#01407557 Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. Planning Commission Phone: 925.639.3904 / KarenRichardsonGroup.com Joint meeting with DRB: Monday, April 24, 6 p.m. Monday, May 1, 7 p.m. Council Chambers and Community Town of Moraga mulls tax for storm drain repair Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. By Sophie Braccini Design Review oraga has started prelimi- cost for repairing the high prior- same for each property. For ex- will also have to gauge public sup- Mnary work to propose a new ity spots totals over $9 million; the ample a small lot with few nonper- port and decide the level of taxing Monday, April 24, 7 p.m. Council Chambers and Community tax of some form to fund its storm medium priority is $11 million, and meable surfaces would be charged that will be asked. Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. drain network repair and mainte- the low priority is over $6 million less than a large property with a Funding all the needs would re- School Board Meetings nance. for a total close to $27 million to lot of concrete, because it would quire an annual fee of about $312

Moraga School District The gaping hole in the middle fully fi x storm drains. impact the storm drain system dif- per parcel. SCI Consulting Group of town is the perfect catalyst for To these infrastructure expen- ferently. Very large owners such as that is consulting with Moraga on Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m. Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School staff and council to garner suf- ditures Moraga needs to add a Na- the school district would have more this topic warns that a $312 levy Library fi cient public support. One set of tional Pollutant Discharge Elimina- than one vote on the tax, while rent- would be high. Vice mayor Roger 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga fi gures says it all according to Pub- tion System permit to control the ers do not vote. This process re- Wykle, who sits on the audit and fi - www.moraga.k12.ca.us lic Works Director Edric Kwan: water quality that will ultimately quires a 50 percent majority to be nance committee, said that if $312 See also AUHSD meeting page A2 Fixing the sinkhole before it failed be discharged in its water drinking approved. was what is needed to do things Check online for agendas, meeting would have cost $1.7 million to the system. Staff estimates that another Other options, including a spe- right, then it should be the amount notes and announcements town, repairing it will total $3.4 $155,000 per year is required to be cial tax and a general obligation asked to property owners. Town of Moraga: million. This time federal money compliant with its NPDES permit. bond, require a two-thirds majority SCI ultimately weighed in fa- www.moraga.ca.us will bail Moraga out of the hole, Addressing the audit and fi - of voters for approval. In Moraga vor of the vice mayor adding, that Phone: (925) 888-7022 but the funding was fi rst denied in nance committee on April 10, where the percentage of home- recent trends show that when resi- Chamber of Commerce: the face of the town’s lack of main- Kwan explained that there would owner occupied houses is over 80 dents are presented with real hard www.moragachamber.org tenance, and would not probably be be different options to ask residents percent, the two groups voting on facts and precise action plans, rath- Moraga Citizens’ Network: extended again if the town does not to fund part or all of the needed the tax, residents and homeowers, er than vague marketing phrases, www.moragacitizensnetwork.org take the bull by the horns and fi x its work. are not very different. they respond positively to taxing. drains. Proposition 218, The Right to Staff, commissions and com- The town council will discuss Moraga Storm drains have been exten- Vote on Taxes Act, allows cities mittees have a long road in front of this topic shortly and an informa- sively studied by the public works to charge property owners a fee to them, probably a year or more of tion campaign will start in the wake Police department and in the report that fi nance property-related services, study and public outreach to inform of the council’s approval of the pro- Report was presented in 2015. The total such as storm drains, subject to and convince the residents that this cess. A measure is envisioned to be voter approval. The fee isn’t the new tax is a necessity. The town on the ballot in mid-2018. March 22 to Aprilil 11 Alarms • Owner of a silver 2005 Audi on March 23 location n/a Ascot Court lost $200 when the Full-day kindergarten to start in Moraga March 24 100 block Shuey Dr. vehicle was broken into. By Sophie Braccini March 24 100 block Walford Dr April 5 eginning next fall, Moraga ed the full-day kindergarten last dergartens in the U.S. were full-day March 25 location n/a B March 27 300 block Birchwood Dr. This time a gold Honda Civic. Front School District will implement year, showed that students adjust programs, 46 percent in California. April 4 10s block Laird Dr. passenger window broken; laptop a full-day kindergarten, probably well to the full-day program, and In the neighboring districts of Orin- April 6 location n/a stolen. What’s up with the color- with the present fi rst-grade sched- often fl ourish academically as well da and Lafayette, the students can April 7 200 block Scofi eld Dr. coordinated auto attacks? ule. as emotionally and socially. stay for lunch, but no additional in- April 10 1900 block Ascot Dr. April 5 Bomb callout Carolyn Parker, MSD’s direc- Lorie said that this was exactly structional time is provided. April 10 400 block Woodminster Dr. April 11 400 block Fernwood Dr. Moraga police department tor of curriculum and instruction, the benefi ts teachers were look- Parker said she looked at stud- April 11 400 block received…very carefully…what stressed that the additional minutes ing for when they asked the MSD ies about possible downsides. One Calle La Montana was thought to be explosive will allow for a more balanced day, to look into the longer day. She argument that came out through the device(s) from a resident. Police with more instructional time, but said that she and her colleagues parents’ survey that was done prior March 23 Miscellaneous then…very quickly…evacuated also more social and emotional were looking for the best learn- to the decision was fatigue, that the A jarring discovery: the contents of the entire Town Hall. Explosive ordnance technicians were time. ing environment for their class- day would be too long for the chil- which appeared to be prescription medication was discovered outside notifi ed…very rapidly. The items “It’s about creating the best rooms, where conversation and dren. The director explained that the police department. Police took were military smoke grenades. teaching environment for the stu- engagement can take place, where according to her research, as long control of the item until it could be Don’t smoke ‘em if you’ve got ‘em. dents,” said kindergarten teacher students are able to let down their as the day is balanced and includes properly disposed of. Amanda Lorie. guard and take risks. She said that enough playtime that would not be April 5 Suspicious circumstances Parker presented to the MSD the extended day was a gift of time. the case. March 24 Miscellaneous A Saint Mary’s College student board on April 13 the results of “We are working so hard to cre- The increased day will add 55 Forty subjects doth a party make on thought she saw a man place a Miramonte Drive. The resident was fi rearm in his backpack. No subject months of studies, other districts ate this optimal environment, and of instructional minutes and 40 found in violation; subjects were located; no other witnesses. SMC visits, parents’ surveys and teach- for doing so we have to cut things, minutes for lunch and recess. instructed to party less heartily. safety offi cers are investigating. ers’ discussions. She said that so cut lessons or strategy short, so The transitional kindergarten many reports, including large-scale we can go through the whole cur- program is not included in the ex- April 5 Vehicle larceny March 25 Simple assault national ones, say longer kinder- riculum, and we also have to cut tended day and will remain morn- Items valued at $170 taken from a A party went from bad to worse garten days have shown gains in on their playtime and socialization ing only. The new kindergarten day when offi cers responded to reports black Jetta on Ascot Drive. math and literacy, as well as better time,” she said. will start next fall at the beginning of unwanted guests at a residence. Revelers asked to leave turned April 6 Vehicle incident fi rst-grade readiness and less need The teacher stressed that the of the 2017-18 school year. The violent, lobbing bottles and A Porsche who owner noticed white for intervention, which she equated purpose was not to teach more but next steps this year will be giving attacking party-goers. They fl ed but spots on her car hood was unsure if to a cost savings for the district in to give time for students to try new time to kindergarten teachers for were identifi ed and detained by a the spots came from the dealership the long run. skill sets, and still have time to be collaboration and discussion of or a contentious neighbor. German neighboring police force. The Fight The director added that stud- fi ve-or six-year -olds. best practices, fi nalizing the new Club mentality persisted though, measles, perhaps? ies and visits made to the Palo Alto The program is not that avant- schedule and communicating with as another fi ght broke out. No one was seriously injured, all declined April 7 Monetary incident School District, which implement- garde; in 2012 76 percent of kin- parents. medical assistance and strangely, Someone attempted to charge no one wanted to be prosecuted for $2,000 and change the account battery or vandalism. owner’s address on his Union Bank account. Group holds anti-war protest at Moraga Commons March 25 Lost property A Dollar Tree trip cost one resident April 9 Drunkenness a lost wallet containing Saint An occupant of a car parked on Moraga Mary’s College ID card, bank card Road was deemed intoxicated. He got and petty cash. a free ride to Martinez.

March 27 Suspicious Circumstances April 9 Vehicle Larceny Someone who accessed a man’s Police recorded a $100 theft from a email address list sent unwanted vehicle in a residential complex. No emails to family. leads; nothing seen or heard.

March 28 Threats April 9 Incident Anonymous internet threats were A resident reported what looked like reported to police. a swastika made from lumber on the ground near an apartment complex. March 28 Auto collision No leads. When an on-duty emergency vehicle collides with another vehicle does a April 10 Traffi c accident second emergency vehicle respond? Offi cers responded to a solo vehicle Probably not, if the damage was vs. light pole (not sabre) accident. Members of Indivisible Moraga braved a chilly north wind at the Moraga Commons April 13 and held a pro- minor and both involved vehicles It obviously wasn’t Han, because test in tandem with nationwide vigils called by the organizers of the Women’s March for the people of Syria. were driveable. the poor driver couldn’t stop the car from rolling away or from running “We stand with their suffering,” said protester Dolores Stratford. April 4 Vehicular Vandalism/ over her foot. She needed hospital President Donald Trump announced April 6 a cruise missile strike against a Syrian air base in retaliation Larceny attention. for the regime’s alleged use of chemical weapons against its people. “We are vehemently anti-war,” said Me- • A Beemer owner’s black car gan Kinney, founder of Indivisible Moraga. “Doing nothing was being complicit with the Trump administra- extensively vandalized parked April 10 Missing Person tion.” Kinney’s group favors diplomacy and the use of international criminal courts over military force. curbside on Tharp Drive. 57-year-old husband reported Indivisible Moraga is part of the larger Indivisible movement, of which there are more than 6,000 groups missing after a 10 hour absence. • A black Mercedes Benz had fi ghting the Trump agenda. — Nick Marnell tires slashed and door and bumper Police couldn’t locate him; they scratched. issued an APB. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 MORAGA TRIATHLON WHAT’S YOUR HOUSE WORTH? SATURDAY, APRIL 22 ALEX GAILAS 925-254-7600 DRIVE SAFE – WATCH FOR ATHLETES! [email protected] www.Alexgailas.com MORA GA PARKS & RECREATION 925-888-7045 • www.moragarec.com Making you feel confi dent with your Real Estate transactions since 2000!

CalBRE#01305545 Trust, Diligence, Dedication EBMUD, parks district under town Rheem Center Study Session scrutiny regarding Moraga landslide By Sophie Braccini very month the Moraga Town council that in the “Conclusions had to leave their homes because of ECouncil reviews the status of and Recommendations” section of worsening conditions. the landslide that formed below the report the consultant describes During the council meeting Augusta Drive last year that result- the active landslide area as appear- Priebe said that the two parties — ed in three families having to leave ing to be part of a larger landslide the residents and the agencies — their homes and the closure of a that predates the residential de- have shown interest in speeding up portion of the Lafayette-Moraga velopment in the area. The report the litigation and that a meeting is Regional Trail. also states that if true, failure of the being scheduled and will likely oc- At the April 12 council meet- slopes below the trail have essen- cur in May. ing Moraga resident Dennis Mar- tially reduced the restraining forces The town manager added that tel, whose home is affected by the on the landslide, which could po- next month, EBMUD will be asked landslide, brought to the town’s tentially lead to additional land- to come to the council to report on attention a geotechnical study that slide movement further upslope. their efforts to resolve the more was done in January of 2016 when The report adds that additional and than a year old situation. the fi rst land movements occurred. potentially more signifi cant move- Council Member Dave Trotter The subsequent collapse of the ments could occur if the landslide indicated that he had been appoint- hillside that destabilized the uphill is not stabilized, particularly if the ed to the East Bay Regional Park homes happened two months later. region continues to experience sig- Advisory Committee last January Martel alleges that the agency did nifi cant rainfall. and had asked that the park district nothing to prevent the further deg- Several precise recommenda- present at its June 26 meeting its The Moraga Planning Commission and Design Review Board will radation of the situation. tions were included in the report in- plan to deal with various segments hold a joint study session on the Rheem Valley Shopping Center from The three affected property cluding borings of the active slide of trails damaged by storms, in- 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 24 in the council chambers and community owners initiated a lawsuit against area and development of a slope cluding the Moraga one. meeting room, 335 Rheem Blvd. in Moraga EBMUD and East Bay Regional stabilization repair scheme. The Priebe said that staff has cre- This special joint meeting will look at US Realty Partners’s plans for Parks District after EBMUD de- report recommends these activities ated a page on the Town’s website renovating their portion of center, which they purchased in December nied responsibility be carried out as soon as possible, at www.moraga.ca.us/Augusta_ 2015. Moraga town manager Bob to prevent additional and poten- Drive_Landslide to provide all staff The public is invited and will have the opportunity to give feedback. Priebe, who received a copy of the tially more signifi cant slope move- reports and related attachments for The agenda with architectural drawings will be available on the town geotechnical study a few weeks ments from occurring. the public to view. website under “Planning Commission, agenda” before the meeting, ago from Martel, explained to the In March of 2016 three families

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School Board Meetings Orindans eager to hear Urban Land Institute’s initial Orinda Union School District Monday, May 8, 6 p.m. thoughts on city’s downtown development plans Regular Board Meeting By Sora O’Doherty 8 Altarinda Rd., Orinda www.orindaschools.org An overﬂ ow crowd of about 150 came See also AUHSD meeting page A2 to hear a presentation on downtown development by the Urban Land Institute’s Check online for agendas, meeting Technical Assistance Panel to a joint meet- notes and announcements City of Orinda: ing of Orinda’s city council and planning commission. www.cityoforinda.org At the end of two days of interviewing Phone (925) 253-4200 Chamber of Commerce: interested citizens, the TAP group — made up of eight professionals who volunteered www.orindachamber.org The Orinda Association: their time to the Orinda project — already had a 63-page presentation chock full of www.orindaassociation.org information and ideas. While some ideas, such as downtown housing, continue to

be controversial, many other suggestions, such as opening Orinda Community Park March 19 to April 1 to the street, received apparent widespread approval. The presentation, which was Alarms 64 Noise complaints 3 limited to one hour, sparked a vigorous ex- 911 Calls (includes hang-ups) 7 change of ideas on the future of downtown. Traffi c stops 76 The TAP was given four tasks: Suspicious Circumstances 20 1. Based on the TAP interviews, what Suspicious Subjects 7is the collective vision for downtown Orin- Suspicious Vehicles 15 da? Provide a draft a mission statement for Armed robbery downtown. 20 block Indian Wells, Moraga 2. Based on the community’s vision for Opening the Orinda Community Park to the street was one idea of the TAP. Photo Andy Scheck Battery downtown Orinda, what streetscape design Wagner Ranch concepts, if any, are recommended? For more information 10 block Irwin Way 3. Based on the community’s vision for Burglary The following links provide access to information on Orinda downtown development. The TAP’s downtown Orinda, what are the restoration 300 block El Toyonal members and mission, notes of their interviews, and their fi ndings and suggestions can be found in and planning recommendations, if any, for 100 block Alice Ln. their slides; residents can watch the video of the entire joint meeting of the city council and the Plan- Burglary, Auto San Pablo Creek? ning Commission online, and also access the briefi ng book prepared for the TAP by Orinda city staff. 4 10 block Westwood Ct. . Based on the community’s vision for ULI Slides: Burglary, Commercial downtown Orinda, what changes, if any, https://cityoforinda.app.box.com/s/xk9gps5hxtizlp7pl8wcwp4yyf2qhnq5 50 block Tomcat Way are recommended to downtown develop- Video of ULI Presentation to Joint City Council/Planning Commission: Burglary, Residential ment standards and allowable land uses? https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RElMHXsO3a-rGRZHOTQUdpOOP1fusv4tR7i7wjFqknU/edit 30 block Overhill Rd. The TAP found that Orinda possesses Briefi ng Book prepared by Orinda Planning Department for ULI: 30 block Marston Rd. an impressive civic realm, consisting of the http://orindaca.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=1049&MinutesID=12 10 block Crest View Dr. library, community center, and community 31&Format=Minutes&MediaFileFormat=ismv 10 block Rustic Way park. ... continued on page A9 Civil 200 block Hall Dr. (4) 10 block Yosemite Rd. Orinda police chief says crime is down, more solved Miramonte High School By Sora O’Doherty 10 block Ardilla Rd Death, non-criminal esidential burglaries are down resulting in the injury of a spouse. stored on the cards will be saved power availability and location re- Orinda Convalescent Rin Orinda, perhaps owing to Although the percentage increases for one week, and then overwritten, quirements. Disturbance security cameras, and the solve rate may appear high, it is because the unless a crime is reported, in which Solar-powered cameras cost Orinda Senior Village for crimes has jumped by double actual numbers are very small. The case the relevant camera card can about $12,000 each but can be used Donald/Hall Drives digits from fi ve percent to 28 per- 100 percent increase in assaults be pulled and the data saved. where there is no power source. 100 block Crest View Dr. cent. In other good news, there is with deadly weapons means that The police department current- With infrared lenses, they provide Orinda Theater no “blue fl u” in Orinda as the Orin- in 2016 there were two assaults, up ly has two patrol cars with auto- useful data even at night. Dispute da Police Department completed from one in 2015. mated license plate readers, a fi xed Cheaper cameras can be used 10 block Crest View Dr. DUI 2016 with a total of zero sick days. Nagel praised the use of cam- license plate reader at Wilder and where there is an existing power Police Chief Mark Nagel an- eras and the department plans to 16 Reconyx security cameras at source. For example, the entrance Camino Pablo/North Ln. Elder abuse nounced these statistics in his an- make further improvements, using heavily travelled intersections and to Wilder has a power source and 100 block Camino Sobrante nual report to the council on crime funding already budgeted. freeway access points. Chief Nagel is one-way in and out, so an au- Excessive speed on March 21. The council agreed to a change recommends phasing in more au- tomatic license plate recognition Charles Hill Rd/El Nido Although crime reports were in record keeping that will save tomated license plate readers and camera would be suitable, while Fraud down from 103 in 2012 to 36 in the city staff time and money. Cur- solar-powered security cameras more powerful security cameras reported to police 2016, and eight in 2017 to date, rently the data cards are collected on entry/exit points and main in- are better suited to freeway on and Hit & Run Nagel did mention that violent from the cameras and stored for tersections in Orinda. The number off ramps, according to the chief. Courtney Ln./Donald Dr. crime is up, notably with two as- 90 days. However, the data is only of cameras purchased will be based Any additional expenditure on se- ID Theft saults with a deadly weapon, one used when a crime is reported. The on available funding in the police curity cameras will be funded from 100 block Via Floreado (2) attempted homicide, and six re- council agreed that the cards could department budget, and the types the budget already allocated to the 20 block Camino Encinas ported cases of domestic violence, be left in place. The information of camera chosen will depend on police department. Grand Theft 10 block Chelton Ct. Police/Fire/ EMS Orinda sinkhole repair clears high 10 block Lost Valley Safeway Camino Pablo/Hwy 24 Moraga Way/Glorietta Blvd. Wilder Rd./Windy Cr. Way hurdle, work to begin this week Camino Don Miguel/Vista del Theft, Petty By Sora O’Doherty Public Nuisance 10 block Theatre Square or the fi rst time, the Orinda ing used as detours around Miner the money they will spend. 10 block Donald Dr. CVS FCity council used an exception Road, as well as the continuing Director of Public Works and Silver Oak Terraces/Sundown Threats to the Brown Act to add an urgent storms. Engineering Services Larry Theis 10 block Harran Cr. Miramonte High School item to its agenda that came to light Once the permits are issued, updated the council and the pub- Library 100 block Crest View Dr in order to quickly begin repairs on Orinda must begin the repairs lic on the current state of sinkhole Sleepy Hollow Ln./Lombardy Ln. Tresspass the Miner Road sinkhole: permits. within seven days. That clock repair plans. Further compromises Reckless Driving Edgewood Rd/Lost Valley Dr. The item came to the council’s started when the permits were is- have been reached concerning the St Stephen’s/Hwy 24 10 block Quarry Hill Dr. Via Hermosa/La Espiral Unauthorized possession attention after the agenda notice sued on April 13, according to design of the culvert for Miner Brookbank/Miner Roads 10 block Theatre Square had been given to the public. Jason Chen, Orinda’s senior civil Road. In order to provide a better Moraga Way/Whitehall Dr. Vandalism Having provided the Army engineer. design for passage of fi sh through Moraga Way/Glorietta Blvd. 100 block Camino Don Miguel Corps of Engineers with additional Although welcome, this also the culvert, the city agreed to add Safeway (2) Vehicle Theft justifi cation of the continued state presents a potential problem for another six inches of depth to the Camino Pablo/Monte Vista Figleaf Rd./Wilder of emergency caused by the sink- Orinda: it may have to start the culvert, which will be buried in the San Pablo Dam Road/Wildcat Warrant hole, Orinda was deemed qualifi ed work before qualifying for federal channel bottom, with the addition Theatre Square 500 block Moraga Way for renewal of emergency permits. reimbursement, which, in theory, of a concrete “curb” on the culvert Overhill/Tara Rd. Wanda Ln/Tahos Rd. The Corps was convinced by the could jeopardize the possibility of that fi sh will be able to navigate. Camino Sobrante/La Espiral narrow nature of the roads be- qualifying for reimbursement of ... continued on page A8 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A7

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©2017 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker has not and will not verify this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304. Page: A8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 MOFD fire suppression rating improves, and lower insurance rates may follow for residents By Nick Marnell Fire Districts cent of its rating refl ects the com- porated areas. The 8B rating is ap- Public Meetings munity’s emergency communica- plicable only in those rural and re- tions capabilities, including 911 mote areas, such as Briones, where Moraga-Orinda Fire telephone and dispatching systems, a fi re hydrant supplied by a mu- District Board of Directors for which MOFD contracts with nicipal water system is more than Wednesday, April 19, 7 p.m. the Contra Costa County Fire Pro- 1,000 feet from a structure.” Unin- Go to the website for meeting tection District. Fifty percent of the corporated areas of MOFD with no location, times and agendas. Visit rating refl ects the quality of the fi re hydrants received a 2X rating. www.mofd.org department, including its equip- In 2015 structure fi res caused ment, staffi ng, level of training and $10.3 billion in damage, accord- the geographic distribution of fi re ing to the National Fire Protection ConFire Board of Directors stations. Evaluation of the water Association. It therefore behooves Tuesday, May 9, 1:30 p.m. supply constitutes the remaining insurance companies to encourage Board Chamber room 107, 40 percent of the ISO rating. The communities to lower their ISO Administration Building, company looks at the condition rating, generally resulting in lower 651 Pine St., Martinez and maintenance of the EBMUD premiums for communities with For meeting times and agendas, hydrants, existence of alternative better protection. Representatives visit http://alturl.com/5p9pu. water sources, and the amount of of the Farmers Insurance Group Courtesy MOFD available water, both in terms of and State Farm Insurance — the oraga-Orinda Fire District Through its Public Protection Clas- volume and pressure, compared country’s leading property-casualty MChief Stephen Healy an- sifi cation program the company with the amount needed to suppress insurance company — would not nounced that the district achieved rates a community’s effort to profi res. comment on any specifi c correla- an improved rating from the In- vide adequate fi re service on a scale “We received extra credit for tion between an ISO rating and in- HARDWOODS surance Services Offi ce for its fi re of 1 to10, the lower number equat- our reserve ladder truck, keeping surance premiums for Lamorinda suppression efforts, and that im- ing better fi re protection. MOFD better training records and our fi re homeowners. CARPETS proved rating may help lower fi re had registered a 3 rating since its season staffi ng levels,” Healy said. The ISO rates only structure insurance rates for many district inception in 1997, but effective ConFire will undergo its ISO fi re suppression efforts. The com- RUGS residents. April 1, the district rating improved review this year. “We have a split pany does not consider vegetation The ISO is a privately owned to 2, a score attained by fewer than rating of 3/8B,” said Deputy Fire fi res in its rating, nor does it review LINOLEUM assessment company that collects 3 percent of all fi re districts nation- Chief Lewis Broschard. “The rat- emergency medical service proce- statistical data on how effective- wide. ing of 3 exists within all the cities dures. TILE ly fi re departments put out fi res. According to the ISO, 10 per- we serve and many of the unincor- LAMINATE Former Moraga firefighter takes on a massive challenge as East Contra Costa County chief FAMILY -OWNED By Nick Marnell rian Helmick, the interim Fire the Moraga Valley Presbyterian 30 YEARS ! BChief of the East Contra Cos- Church on a homebuilding mis- ta Fire Protection District, never sion. Through the church he met imagined that he would work in fi refi ghters from the Moraga Fire fi re service. District. He ate dinner with them. Helmick starred in football, He hung out at the fi re house. He baseball and wrestling at Mira- began to feel similarities between monte High School but the three- sports and fi refi ghting. sport athlete blew out his left knee One day the captain asked at a football scrimmage before Helmick to ride along on a Gloriet- his senior year. It was the last day ta Boulevard vehicle accident call. Helmick ever played organized He sat in the engine and observed. sports. On the ride back to the station, the A potential sports career de- answer Helmick had sought since railed, Helmick struggled to fi nd his football injury fi nally hit him. “I his life’s purpose. He traveled found it. This is it!” Helmick said to Mexico as a volunteer with of fi refi ghting. “The camaraderie, like among teammates. The accident call itself was the game.” All Airports Helmick told the captain that he wanted to be a fi refi ghter and TAXI BLEU Served 24/7 the captain helped him land a re- Chief Brian Helmick poses with his family. Courtesy of ECCFPD serve job right out of high school. to leave but I stayed here,” he said, population has grown, fi re stations Dispatch: Helmick stayed with what became remaining with one of the most have closed, leaving the district 925-849-2222 the Moraga-Orinda Fire District for troubled fi re districts in the Bay with three, though offi cials hope to Direct: three years until 1998. Area. “Our offi cers are expected reopen a fourth station in May. 925-286-0064 He left to join the Oakley-Knight- to do a lot with a little. It’s one of “The situation is overwhelm- sen Fire District, which merged with the reasons I came to this area,” ing and complex,” the chief said. www.mytaxibleu.com two other districts to form ECCFPD Helmick said. “Everything is on the table, includ- [email protected] in 2002. “I wanted to work where It will take a leader with that ing adjusting strategy and tactics there was more volume and a wider perspective to handle the challenges to mitigate whatever problems we diversity of calls,” Helmick said. “I in the district. As a result of Propo- have safely and effectively.” wanted to learn, to make an impact sition 13, East County Fire receives As passionate as Helmick, 40, and then go back to MOFD. ‘Tell an average of 7 percent of property comes across, he made clear that them I’ll be right back,’ I said. Al- tax allocation, unlike 12 percent for his career does not defi ne him. “My most 20 years later, here I am.” ConFire or 20 percent for MOFD. identity is Christ,” he said. “My Helmick felt a calling to the In the past fi ve years voters have success in life is determined by my Bay Area East County community. He loved said no to two district parcel taxes, bride and my three children.” BAD INC. its rural feel. He became union in effect telling lawmakers that it’s Nor has Helmick forgotten his Drainage, Inc. president and worked through the up to them to fi gure out how to dis- roots. “No way would I be here if I ranks to serve 10 years as a battal- tribute the 1 percent that residents hadn’t been molded by the men at Have You Checked Your ion chief. “I have had opportunities pay in property tax. As the region’s the Moraga Fire District,” he said.

Crawlspace Lately? Letters to the Editor Opinions in Letters to the Editor are Happy Chase is coming to Moraga the express views of the writer and not • French Drains Dear Editor necessarily those of the Lamorinda • French Drains We Orinda and Moraga customers of Chase Bank are happy to Weekly. All published letters will include • Underfloor Drains hear that “someday soon” we will have a branch of Chase Bank in our the writer’s name and city/town of • Underfloor Drains area. residence -- we will only accept letters • Downspout Systems Now we drive to Lafayette to do our banking, and end up eating from those who live in, or own a business • Downspout Systems meals in Lafayette, shopping at McCaulou’s in Lafayette, and Safe- in, the communities comprising Lamorinda (please give us your phone number for • Subdrain Systems way in Lafayette, etc., etc. Orinda and Moraga are missing out on our • Subdrain Systems verifi cation purposes only). Letters should • Sump Pumps shopping! be 350 words or less; letters of up to 500 • Sump Pumps We don’t know why Orinda refused to have Chase Bank there. words will be accepted on a space-available • R etaining Walls (We citizens do not ALL do our banking “online” as there are too basis. Visit www.lamorindaweekly. many hackers around, as we have found out the hard way!) com for submission guidelines. Email: • PavestoneR etaining Driveway Walls & Walkways Bob’s Christmas Tree lot will fi nd a good home in Moraga. [email protected]; Regular Johnette Perry mail: Lamorinda Weekly, P.O.Box 6133, • Pavestone Driveway & Walkways Orinda Moraga, CA 94570 A General Engineering Contractor A General Engineering Contractor Orinda sinkhole ... continued from page A6 Locally owned and Operated Further complications may be ments — and therefore they may thorizing staff to negotiate a revised Locally Contractor owned LIC and # 762208Operated caused by EBMUD regarding the be ineligible for federal reimburse- contact with Bay Cities for the con- waterline that passes through the ment. Other elements of the repairs struction work. The cost of the rene- Contractor LIC # 762208 sinkhole work site. The latest hy- may also be considered better- gotiated construction contract is now draulic study agreed with the box ments. estimated to be $2.2 million, with culvert design and found that the The actions taken by the city another half million dollars for emer- 925•377•9209 overfl ow pipes are not necessary. council on April 10 included adop- gency work, bringing the total to 925•377•9209 visit our website This probably means that those tion of a resolution extending the $2.7 million. The city now hopes that pipes will be regarded as a “better- state of emergency, approval of the the repairs will be completed and the www.bayareadrainage.com ment” — intentional city improve- latest plans for the repair, and au- road reopened by the end of June. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A9 We’re Family

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More Lafayette News Water pumping station gets a roof, but installing it may be noisy By Pippa Fisher esidents on the east end of plete and electrical and mechani- underway. RMount Diablo Boulevard cal systems have been tested, will EBMUD says it will be work- might be hearing loud ”popping” replace the old pumping plant on ing on Saturdays through the noises as EBMUD installs the Mount Diablo Boulevard near summer to complete on time as a new metal roof to the new Diablo Carol Lane. Construction is set result of the wet winter. Saturday Vista Pumping Plant. to continue through fall 2017. work hours will be from 7 a.m. The roof deck installation, So far, below ground drain- to 5 p.m. with any louder activi- which was scheduled to start age, electrical conduits and wa- ties starting after 8 a.m. Regular April 17, is the next stage of ter lines have been installed and weekday work hours are from 7 work on the new building that soil has been placed to backﬁ ll a.m. to 7 p.m. has been seen emerging next to and level the ground. Inside the Once the new plant is online Blodgett’s. new pump house, water pump and pumping water to the com- EBMUD is constructing the and piping installation is nearing munity the old plant will be taken Photo provided new station, which, once com- completion and rooﬁ ng is now out of service and demolished. Garden Club helps Lafayette bloom at Oak Hill Road off ramp By Pippa Fisher

n a recent gorgeous Saturday morning, about received a commitment from the city for watering the 10 volunteers from the Lafayette Garden plants. O Club spent roughly an hour and a half beau- Shively explained that the planting is all Mediter- tifying a spot next to the City of Lafayette sign at the ranean, deer resistant, drought tolerant and should re- entrance to Oak Hill Road. quire very little maintenance. Through the hard work Garden club member Wendi Shively came up with of all volunteers they quickly planted over 100 plants the idea for the project after noticing the area had been and used 50 bags of soil amendment and compost. an “eyesore” for so long. The club asked the Lafayette Right now they are planning on providing three Rotary to donate half the funds so they could purchase maintenance days per year and have plans to plant Photos provided by Wendi Shively ﬁ ve-gallon plants rather than smaller ones. They also several hundred daffodil bulbs in the fall.

Judge rules ... continued from page A2 Lafayette Police Chief ... continued from page A3 “We’re extremely pleased with lated Californians Fair Housing and As a result of stiff penalties, he enter through a back door or win- avoid confronting a criminal. the judge’s decision,” said Lafayette Employment Act.” hopes to get word out through the dow. The chief suggested that City Manager Steven Falk. “Lafay- They have 20 days in which to ap- criminal community that Lafay- Christensen said that an if residents will be away, they ette supports smart growth, not in- peal Craddick’s decision. ette is tough on crime. alarm – the louder the better – is should not cancel their newspa- discriminate growth. In this case, the Falk says that the city is doing its His style is friendly and ap- a good investment and that resi- pers to avoid getting on a “vaca- city and the developer agreed to work fair share to address the region’s hous- proachable but he wants to get dents should advertise that they tion list” which can fall into the together on a more suitable plan for ing shortage. He points out that more his message across: that residents have one with stickers visible wrong hands. It is better to tell that parcel. That’s good government.” than 500 multifamily units have been can take steps to help make them- from outside. As another form of neighbors, who can then keep an Trauss said that the HAA doesn’t developed in the past seven years or selves less of a target. alarm, he said, a dog makes an eye on the house. exist to protect developers; that it’s are in the planning stages with more He stressed the importance excellent deterrent. Lastly, he reminded all pres- meant to protect the larger number of than a quarter of Lafayette’s housing of simply locking doors and win- Cameras, both externally and ent that the Lafayette police offer renters that are excluded from living in rental units. “SFBARF is intent on dows. He said that fi ve of the internally, have allowed police to an additional service of check- in Lafayette. “We still have another ‘suing the suburbs’ over the housing seven break-ins so far this year solve many recent crimes and he ing in on vacationing residents’ course of action we may pursue,” she crunch. In this case, they sued the involved unlocked doors or win- thoroughly encouraged their use. homes. said. “By excluding 700 renters in fa- wrong suburb.” dows. The same applies to side He was particularly clear on vor of 44 homeowners, Lafayette vio- gates. He said most criminals one point – that residents should Orinda Downtown Development ... continued from page A6 They were enamored of the creek, hance the pedestrian experience. adult children wanted to come back Speakers in the public forum Michael Kaplin also expressed and saw it as a surmountable chal- A living street is a street primar- to Orinda and get started in the included representatives of What’s interest in housing on Orinda Vil- lenge. They understood Orinda’s ily designed for pedestrians and housing market, others were op- Up Downtown Orinda, Orinda Vi- lage, noting that some residents tricky relationship with BART. cyclists and a social space where posed to the idea. sion, Orinda Watch, the Chamber may want to downsize and their big Most cities would love to have a people can meet and children can One of the ideas that seemed to of Commerce, and many individual houses, once sold, would increase BART station right in town, said play safely and legally and where be met favorably was arranging a Orinda residents. the city’s tax revenue. the TAP Chair, David Cropper, di- vehicular access is secondary or direct entrance to Theatre Square Marty De Laveaga Stewart,‎ an Several speakers focused on the rector of development for TMG, even closed for pedestrian use. from BART near the Fourth Bore ancestor of the De Laveaga family question, who is downtown devel- but acknowledged that it created The idea of focusing on San restaurant. The TAP also suggested who were formative in the development supposed the serve? Hill- parking problems for Orinda. Pablo Creek remains popular, but turning Bryant Street into a park- opment of Orinda, urged the city ary Murphy, representing What’s The TAP found Orinda teens to ULI’s suggestion that funding ing area, but residents pointed out to go ahead with development, not- Up Downtown Orinda, liked that be outstanding in their engagement, could come from developers of 240 that the area is used for casual car- ing that downtown hasn’t changed there were a lot of ideas that could and made suggestions for methods units of housing downtown was pooling. Although parking was not since the 1950s. be implemented in the short term, to keep teens connected. Jessica met with confl icting views. While within the TAP’s scope, they rec- Andrew Van Wye favored the an opinion echoed by Mayor Eve von Borck, assistant city manager some expressed a desire for smaller ognized it as a problem, and men- development of new housing units, Phillips. in Fremont, suggested making living units downtown for residents tioned the possibility of providing opining that “housing delayed is Orinda Way a “living street” to en- wishing to downsize or perhaps for parking for employees. housing denied.” Page: A10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Designing woman: Local entrepreneur opens new shop in Lafayette By Sophie Braccini in her life. Her mom had been a facturer. She wanted to have a line not her own house, that she appre- painter all her life as well as an people could get a feel for on the ciates being able to invite clients in, art collector. When she died, Price fl oor. and also being able to have space to and her brothers spent time togeth- The designer has surrounded store her inventory of designs. er going through their mother’s herself with orange and pink be- On top of interior design, Price work and collections, reminisc- cause those are the colors that does paint color consultation, up- ing and sharing their joyful child- make her happy, but when she holstery, art curation and styling hood memories, with art all around works with clients she starts with services. She loves working with them. Price says that this was a de- what appeals to them, with the art people in the middle of a remodel. fi ning moment for her, when all her and the colors that inspire them Price Style & Design is located at professional experiences came into and their family. 3439 Mt Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. perspective and gave her a clear fo- Price fi nds the Lafayette loca- More information at www. cus for what would be next for her: tion convenient to reach her clients pricestyleanddesign.com. More on creating happy places for people who are located all over Lamorinda Thornton’s art is available at www. around the art that inspires them. and in Walnut Creek. She says that bridgettethornton.com. When the opportunity to get a she loves to work in a space that is space to show her designs and work on clients’ proposals appeared, she decided to take the plunge. The intimate showroom-atelier is an upbeat yet peaceful and inviting space that the businesswoman created as an inspiring workspace for herself and her clients. Furni- ture, light features, objects and of course art create an engaging sense of place. She displays paintings by Bridgette Thornton, a young lo- Leslie Price in front of her new store. Photos provided cal artist. Thornton now lives and eslie Price began her design kitchen, living room and din- works in Los Angeles, but it is Lcareer 17 years ago, while ing room, and says that she could on the walls of Campolindo High raising her two sons in Moraga. not imagine hiring anyone else. School that Price fi rst spotted her She started in real estate staging Vranesh believes that hiring a pro- work. She saw it again on Serena houses. Wanting to work with her fessional saves you from making & Lily’s website — a well-known hands, she developed an upholstery mistakes, and ends up not adding site focusing on home décor and and a cushion making enterprise in to the fi nal cost since professionals original art — and she reached out her garage, before embarking in get wholesale prices. She qualifi es to the young woman. the next phase of her business life the quality of Price’s service as un- “Her work is so happy,” says just a few weeks ago as she opened precedented. Price. She showed Thornton her fi rst store front: Price Style & Maura Richards, another cli- schemes for her space and the Design in Lafayette. ent, adds that Price worked within young artist painted the pieces Price explains how as she their budget to redo all their paint- now in Price’s space. The busi- staged homes, buyers would some- ing, window treatment and furnish- nesswoman adds that Thornton times ask her to create their newly ings. Both she and Vranesh say that also does commission art if people purchased home’s décor. Word of Price has created beautiful spaces want different color schemes. mouth was all it took to grow her that their whole family, children Price also displays in her space interior design practice. included, enjoy everyday. couches by Robin Bruce, an Amer- Remi Vranesh hired the interior Price says that the passing of ican manufacturer that Price con- designer for the front of her home, her mother was a turning point siders a well-priced quality manu- Earth Day Festival Lynn’s Top Five ... continued from page A1 With youth specifi cally in created with discarded materials col- mind, there will be an environmen- lected by students at Stanley Middle Realistic Steps for a Successful Career Change tally themed scavenger hunt and a School. The six-foot by six-foot By Lynn Ballou “Safe Moves Bike Rodeo” where structure will ultimately be placed in ometimes making a career ences can save you time, allow- face. participants can learn about bike the Lafayette community garden. Schange makes sense, and ing you to learn and explore what 5) Keep it real and stay on safety and Boy Scouts can work to- Plenty of healthy food choices sometimes it’s fi nancially reck- works and what might not from track with professional coach- wards a biking merit badge. will be available along with live less. Whether starting on a new those who have been there and ing: I defi nitely owe much of For Lafayette’s creative youth, music and screening of environ- career path or starting your own done that. Sometimes you might my business success to excel- there will be an adventure play- mentally themed fi lms produced by business, how do you know if even fi nd a mentor in this per- lent coaching. Whether you need ground where children can use local youth. this is the right move for you fi - son. There’s no greater joy than someone upfront to bounce ideas their imaginations to make their The annual Lafayette Awards nancially? And of course what’s to be a mentor and a supporter off of to be sure you have a vi- own creations using recycled mate- of Environmental Excellence will really at stake is not just your fi - of someone who is interested able idea and business plan or rials. Global Student Embassy will be announced at the festival. nancial stability — it’s your life- in moving their life forward, so you are already successful but lead a community participation art Attendees are encouraged to time happiness. know that mentors abound! want to take it to the next level, project using plastic straws collect- fi nd alternative modes of transpor- In writing this column I 3) Understand the account- the power of a great coaching ed locally to educate community tation to the festival since there is turned to local Orinda Certifi ed ing, tax and legal issues: Even relationship can be your key to members about waste created by limited parking. Those driving to Business Coach Paul Wildrick if you have a brilliant business unlocking new horizons. single-use plastic straws. the event are encouraged to park at for his wisdom and inspiration. vision, you will need help from a It’s scary to embark on new Additionally attendees have the Stanley Middle School. For those Now a very successful business qualifi ed tax and accounting pro- career and business paths, but opportunity to help Orinda artist who bike to the festival, there will coach with ActionCOACH, he fessional to decipher the account- don’t let fear stymie you. Paul Lara Dutto fi nish an art piece that be a free bicycle valet hosted by a knows and shares a lot about this ing and tax matters involved. And reminded me of a great proverb will feature a functioning rain barrel, local Cub Scout troop. topic, having made successful if you are starting a business, about motivation and moving Take action on Earth Day in Orinda and strategic career moves him- your need for experienced legal your idea forward: “When is the self multiple times, including as counsel is paramount. How are best time to plant a tree? 20 years an entrepreneur. Here are a few you funding your career change ago. Second best time? Right important ideas for your consid- or business start-up? What are now!” Put in the time, do your eration. the tax and accounting rules and homework, and maybe we’ll all 1) Study and research: choices? Which entity makes the be enjoying that forest you cre- Don’t just jump into something most sense? Need capital? Do ate! If you have any questions on a whim. Be real about the you borrow from others or use for this column’s guest, Paul new professional path you are your own resources? You should Wildrick, you can reach him via contemplating including the time do your own preliminary re- email at paulwildrick@action- involved to be a success. “Re- search, but when the time comes coach.com or by phone, 925- From 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday April 22, the City of Orinda will tooling yourself can often take to make the move, you should 963-9665. be beautifi ed and cleaned during the ninth annual Orinda Action Day several years, whether it involves already have retained an expert of Community Service by residents and friends of all ages. taking courses, getting certifi ca- team as you begin fi rst steps. Check-in time is 9:30 a.m. at the Orinda Library Plaza on 26 Orinda tions or degrees or even research- 4) Can I afford to make Way in Orinda. The fi rst 300 volunteers will receive a free tee-shirt, ing ideas for new companies,” this change? Working with your snacks and coffee upon registration. The town’s D.J. and “Voice of Paul advises. He notes that the fi nancial advisor, create a few Orinda” Steve Harwood will be presenting prizes for unusual “fi nds” internet is an unlimited resource forecasting models that illustrate and pizza is served. of free information. Everything several different approaches and For more information regarding the event and those interested from who is currently engaged strategies. For example, if your in being a project manager, please visit the OCF website, in the business you are interested business plan could take several orindafoundation.org, or inquire at [email protected]. in to what they charge, their cus- years to start paying off, maybe tomer base and your own poten- you think about phasing in vs. a tial earning power in this fi eld, cliff approach. Also pay attention will help you think through your to your capital burn rate. How Lynn Ballou is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional and Regional Director with EP Wealth When I say “good,” options. much asset base can you afford to 2) Informational inter- Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisory Firm use and what happens to you and in Lafayette. Information used in the writing of you say “neighbor.” views: Paul and I are both big your future fi nancially if your this column is believed to be factual and up-to- believers in the power of the new path doesn’t provide a suc- date, however, we do not guarantee its accuracy. informational interview. Don’t cessful business outcome? And This column does not involve the rendering of be shy about sending an email although we all wish for a fi nan- personalized investment advice and is not in- Mike Rosa Now that'sNow that'steamwork. teamwork. tended to supplement individualized professional Agent CALL FORCALL A QUOTE FOR A 24/7 QUOTE 24/7 to someone you feel could re- cially successful result, make the advice. A fi nancial, tax and/or legal professional 925-376-2244 ally help you narrow the scope tough choices before you launch should be consulted before implementing any of Insurance Lic. #: 0F45583 346 Rheem Blvd., Suite 106 of your business ideas to what’s to be sure you can weather possi- the strategies directly or indirectly suggested and Moraga workable for you. The right infl u- ble fi nancial adversity you might discussed. All investment strategies have the po- P097314.1 State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL tential for profi t or loss. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A11 Transportation tax, Trump highlight Glazer-Baker Lafayette Town Hall By Nick Marnell Other topics broached by the public extended from the lack of state funding for schools to universal health care for California. “Where would the money come Cerfied Green Cleaner from?” said Glazer, who noted that the best answer to the health care owned and operated by Gregg crisis is to save the federal Afford- Eckstein for 39 years able Care Act. No 2017 Town Hall seems Spring Cleaning Call to schedule now! complete without shots at the new (925) 945-6767 or (925) 945-6746 administration in Washington. “We need a law to demand the release of Our exclusive hot water extracon method, • Carpets • Oriental Rugs tax returns for anyone who runs for together with so water • Upholstery • Water Damage president in California,” posed an and eco-friendly cleaning attendee, and Glazer said he sup- soluon loosens and lis Gregg does a fabulous job on our ported the thrust of that concept. the dirt and soil from the carpets! I absolutely recommend Then came a question on what carpet without the abrasive Diablo Valley Carpet Care. Lafayette Mayor Mike Anderson introduces Sen. Steve Glazer at the April brushing of other the state can do to protect the public Dora Parker Assistant Manager, Lafayette Town Hall. Photo Nick Marnell from the actions of President Don- cleaning methods. Moraga Country Club California’s new $52 billion The fi rst Town Hall speaker, ald Trump. “There is a lot to worry transportation funding bill a representative of the Bay Area about, and with good reason,” the cast a large shadow over the Steve Council, urged Sen. Glazer to vote senator told the largely approving Glazer-Catharine Baker Lafayette for passage of the bill. Glazer, a audience at the Stanley Middle Judy’s Nail Salon Town Hall April 3 as demonstra- Democrat, appeared unmoved. School gymnasium. “It keeps me tors waved signs demanding its “I have supported three tax in- up at night.” Weíve been a Moraga Business for 15 Years passage, speakers questioned Glaz- creases,” Glazer said, speaking of Glazer said that the state has re- Shellac Gel Nails & Reg. PED $50 FREE Designs or er over his stance and the cohost the local road repair measures he tained former attorney general Eric $35 missed the meeting entirely as she backed as a member of the Orin- Regular Manicure & Pedicure Buffer Shinny Holder to protect the rights of Cali- Full Set or Fill-in Gels $30 For any was delayed at a state committee da City Council and the proposed * fornians from federal overreach. WE WELCOME NEW CUSTOMERS! combination Nails hearing over that very transporta- countywide transportation tax in- Baker and Glazer conduct the $5 OFF PLEASE CALL AND SCHEDULE AN & Feet service tion bill. crease in 2016. “I’m not sure I see joint town halls to foster bipartisan- *min. charge $30 APPOINTMENT. WE WILL DO A GOOD (Please Bring Coupon When You Visit Gov. Jerry Brown pushed hard the accountability here,” he said. ship in a state whose leaders Glazer JOB AND PROVIDE GREAT SERVICE! Our Shop) for the April 6 passage of Sen- Glazer voted against the bill, hav- said are twice as polarized as the 625 Moraga Rd, Moraga (925) 377-9997 (925) 708-3448 Tue – Sat: 10 - 7 Sun: 10 - 6 ate Bill 1, a long-term transporta- ing lobbied unsuccessfully for a U.S. Congress. “In 2016, Catharine tion funding package that includes BART no-strike provision. and I agreed on state bills 88 per- new revenue to repair local streets, Lafayette Council Member cent of the time,” said Glazer, who highways, bridges and overpasses. Ivor Samson later said that he later commented that he and Baker The money will come mainly from wanted more specifi cs from Glazer. work together to present a model a 12-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax “I wanted to hear about changes he of civil behavior which he believes LeapFrog Plumbing increase and higher vehicle regis- would suggest. What would he like makes everyone stronger. Protect your family and home tration fees. to have seen in SB1?” from dangerous gas leaks . Gas leaks cause ¼ of earth‐ Congressman rips Donald Trump and quake‐related fires! Keep your family safe with an earthquake his policies at Lafayette Town Hall shutoff valve. You can't control By Nick Marnell the earthquake but you can Head Frog Mo Williams president and the vice president. control the damage! His response to a question about the proposed bor- April is Earthquake Preparedness Month der wall evoked the biggest applause of the evening. “Never murder a political opponent who is commit- When it comes to safety...... We Hop To It! ting suicide,” said DeSaulnier, who has coauthored legislation to override the wall and safeguard sanctu- $50 off $150 off ary cities. He told the crowd that he backs an independent Earthquake emergency Tankless water investigation into Trump’s Russian connections and shut off valve* heater install* he suggested that the crisis in Syria will not be solved solely by the military. “You need a mix of soft diplo- $50 off macy,” the congressman said. A cancer survivor, DeSaulnier said that money for any plumbing job medical research must not be slashed out of the federal over $500* budget. “There’s nothing like the National Institutes *Limit 1 coupon per job. Exp. 5/18/17 of Health in the world,” he said. “It’s crazy to suggest We Hop To It! that we would cut this investment.” Trump’s failed health care proposal was nothing Family-owned and serving more than “a tax cut for the top 1 percent of the coun- Lamorinda since 1993 try,” DeSaulnier said, and the audience roared its approval when the congressman said that he favors uni- green solutions! versal health care. DeSaulnier assured a questioner that he will vote Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Photo Nick Marnell (925) 377-6600 against HR 610, a bill that calls for sending all federal CA Lic rom his opening remarks through the questions education dollars to the states in the forms of federal 929641 www.LeapFrogPlumbing.com Fhe took from the audience, Democratic U.S. Con- grants so that the states can then distribute the money gressman Mark DeSaulnier pounded President Donald as vouchers. Trump unmercifully at the Lafayette Town Hall April The congressman has conducted two Town Halls 12. “The most dangerous person in the world is not in Orinda and one in Lafayette since he assumed of- Bridging the journey from a terrorist, but the president of the United States,” he fi ce. “It’s not a slight,” he said about Moraga, where Lamorinda to Rossmoor said to the attendees who packed the Stanley Middle he said he will hold a future Town Hall but did not School gymnasium. commit to a time frame. “One satisfi ed client at a time!” The congressman told the cheering crowd that “I am sure Congressman DeSaulnier knows that Trump must remove Steve Bannon as his chief strate- the people of Moraga are a very engaged segment of gist, publicize his tax returns and halt what he termed his constituency and all of us here would welcome a Muslim travel ban. DeSaulnier touted his efforts to his taking the time to engage with us,” said Moraga extend federal confl ict of interest laws to include the Mayor Teresa Onoda.

Town Hall Theatre ‘green’ ... continued from page A1 Rossmoor senior real estate specialist and Stack recognizes that there will We are the Town Hall, we want to ways and ultimately our oceans.” Lamorinda resident for 20+ years! be loss of revenue for the theater be the place that the community He explains that this is the Call today for a personalized tour of but says that this is too important. comes to for multiple resources and second event at THT. Their Janu- Rossmoor and a Market Analysis of your home. He says that Town Hall Theatre experiences.” ary screening of the fi lm on global wants to lead, to dare other local The popular music festival warming “Before the Flood” was businesses to follow. will feature such musicians as Ca- so successful that THT was able to Maria Eberle “In the current climate, it is easy roompas Room, Harrison Flynn, go “deep green,” effectively allow- Realtor to feel overwhelmed by dark news. Way Fatt Reunion, (a tribute to ing the theater to use all renewable Berkshire Hathaway But you can’t quit. You have to do Steve Sage & Steve Swan), Katy energy for the next three years. something. For our part, Town Hall Lawrence Acoustic Trio and Meg “Sustainable Lafayette is HomeServices realizes that we can effect change lo- Merry & The Locust Street Band. thrilled to partner again with Town 1830 Tice Valley Blvd., cally, by doing our part and more, to Sustainable Lafayette Board Hall Theatre for another inspiring Walnut Creek move things along...whether that is Member Brad Crane says that by and educational fi lm,” Crane says. (925) 478-7190 via education, action or exposure.” partnering up with THT, they have “‘A Plastic Ocean’ documents what [email protected] He points out that the following tapped into a wider group. He says our addiction to single-use plastic www.mariaeberle.com night is the seventh annual Lafay- it is about “Pushing the conversa- is doing to our marine ecosystems. CalBRE# 01798906 ette Community Music Festival, tion.” Come and learn what we can do lo- when local musicians donate their “Americans use 135 million cally to have a positive impact.” talents for the benefi t of the theater. plastic water bottles and 500 mil- Tickets are $10 and $5 for se- “We are an arts community, and lion plastic straws every day. Only niors and youth. Further details that is our focus, but we can also a fraction of that gets recycled. are available on the THT website, help on an environmental level. Much of it ends up in our water- www.townhalltheatre.com. Page: A12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 “A little bit of myself goes Local school budget ... continued from page A1 into every job.” “With rising special education three districts when she says, “We ing to get funded. “Every year we Michael VerBrugge, costs and very little funding com- are trying to make reductions as far have to wait until the governor’s President, ing from the State and federal gov- away from direct daily classroom budget is announced to know what Moraga Resident ernment to support special educa- instruction with students.” we have.” tion,” Zinn said, “we are working Seaton foresees minimal staff Budget woes could be a lot 925.631.1055 with neighboring districts to deter- reductions for the 2017-18 school worse for the Lamorinda schools www.MVCRemodeling.com mine if there are particular types of year, but a lack of new revenue if not for the support of the com- Specializing in kitchens & bathrooms. services that can be shared.” may force more drastic cuts for munity. Lafayette Partners in Edu-

All forms residential remodel/repair. Carolyn Seaton, who is just fi n- 2018-19. cation invested $2.8 million last ishing her fi rst full year as superin- Districts annually brace for year; the Moraga Education Fund Lic# 681593 tendent of Orinda Schools, reports, the uncertainty of Proposition 98, granted $975,000 for the TK-5th “Orinda’s budget demonstrates which mandates education fund- grade programs and $525,000 to that we will be defi cit spending by ing in California. But Burns cau- Joaquin Intermediate; while the General Contractor 2018. Cuts will be required if ad- tions that “state revenue numbers Educational Foundation of Orinda Clean | Courteous | Conscientious ditional revenue sources are not between January (on which dis- gave approximately $1.1 million to On-time | Trustworthy | Local References identifi ed.” tricts begin building budgets) and the schools, with another $3.7 mil- Full design team resources available Seaton added, “The state has May could increase or decrease, lion coming from the Parents Clubs reneged on several of its increases providing more or less funding for of all fi ve OUSD schools. to funding, such as additional mon- schools.” In addition, generous parcel ies to cover cost of living increases. In fact, the Sacramento Legis- taxes in each of the cities contrib- Additionally, the federal govern- lative Analyst’s Offi ce report pub- ute millions more to the schools. ment has threatened cuts to educa- lished in February predicts that by Gerson points out that senior citi- tion funding which would also im- May, “Revenue in 2017 18 could be zens in Lafayette can opt out of the pact our schools.” signifi cantly higher than assumed parcel tax. “We are in the process Another factor contributing in January, with a resulting increase of making an appeal to our seniors to decreased revenue is the Cali- in the minimum guarantee.” This to consider foregoing their senior fornia Department of Education would lead to signifi cantly higher exemption, if they can afford to Local Control Funding Formula, state funding for schools. do so. If even half the seniors who implemented in 2013-14, which Lafayette School Board Presi- take the exemption would forego redistributes signifi cant state fund- dent David Gerson expressed the it, it could bring almost $500,000 Call Tom ing to districts that serve high needs frustration of trying to run a budget in revenue back into the district’s for a free Since 1993! students. For example, in 2014-15, without clarity for how you’re go- budget,” Zinn said. estimate Tom Gieryng, owner and operator Orinda received less than $7,000 per pupil, compared to a Califor- No program cuts at Acalanes nia average of $9,200 per pupil. In At the secondary level, the Acalanes Union High School District New York, an average of $22,000 faces many similar problems as the other school districts in Lamor- was spent per pupil. The funding inda. per pupil in the local districts is still Julie Bautista, the Chief Business Offi cial for AUHSD, estimates below the 2007-08 fi gure. that the funding for 2017-18 will not cover costs. “We are projected to Building One way the districts are look- defi cit fund our programs and operations by $560,000 due to inad- Foundations ing to cut expenses is through re- equate state funding.” She adds that the initial federal budget proposal duction of staff. In Moraga, Burns would cut about $100,000. • Lifting noted that layoffs would be an The district has done some minor trimming of positions, but other- • Leveling outcome of declining enrollment. wise does not anticipate any program cuts. “We have a uniquely large outgo- • Stabilizing Bautista bemoaned the new state funding program, which shifts ing eighth grade class with fewer more funding to districts with higher percentage of low-wealth, Eng- incoming transitional kindergarten lish learner, and foster youth students. “The base funding amount in and kindergarten students. Fewer the new formula is absolutely inadequate for districts and creates an www.bayareaunderpinning.org students mean fewer staff.” ongoing fi scal challenge for the AUHSD,” Bautista said. In Lafayette, Zinn and the dis- She expressed gratitude for the community’s value for high quality trict are looking at attrition to take education through their contributions to the education foundation and care of reduction of positions, with the parcel tax funds. “In total,” she said, “local funding comprises 21 reconfi guring of staff to provide percent of the district’s annual budget.” needed support. She speaks for all

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BRENTWOOD DANVILLE WWW.DUDUM.COM 160-B GUTHRIE LANE, #3 100 RAILROAD AVE., #A BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 DANVILLE, CA 94523 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001 Distinctive Properties LAFAYETTE WALNUT CREEK 999 OAK HILL RD., #100 1910 OLYMPIC BLVD., #100 CALBRE #01882902 LAFAYETTE, CA 94549 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 O: 925.284.1400 F: 925.284.1411 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B1 SMC performs ‘In the Heights’, a slice- of-life play From Lin-Manuel Miranda By A.K. Carroll Lafayette’s DOGTOWN DOWNTOWN

SATURDAY, DOG PARADE 10am (begins @ Lafayette APRIL29, 2017 Library and Learning Center) ACTIVITIES 10AM -12PM VË jÄÍÁ?ÍÄ VË ~Ëa¬ÍÄË ?w?ßjÍÍjË+?ã?Ë+?Á VË7jaÁÄ ÁjÁËwË Í±Ë ?MË Üa±ËFË Á?~?Ë-a± CONTESTS ÍjÁËßÖÁËa~ËË?ßÊ?ËWÍjÄÍÄ^Ë FREE Áj~ÄÍÁ?ÍËÄÍ?ÁÍÄË]Ïå?Ë KË?w?ßjÍÍjË+?ã?Ë+?Á VË jÄÍË0j?Ë0ÁWÄË®#ÝjÁË?aË ~¯ VË ~~jË7~ÖjËË?w?ßjÍÍj¾ÄË Ë ÔaËÖ?Ë ?jË?ÄË.Ý VË ~ËÝËW?Ë».Í?ß¼ËÍjË~jÄÍ VË jÄÍËwË.Ý MORE INFO ?w?ßjÍÍjW?MjÁ±Á~Êa~ÍÝ

Saint Mary’s students perform “In the Heights,” by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Photos Matthew Cohen hese days it’s hard to scroll Set in the Manhattan neighborhood tendees can expect to see music, Tthrough social media without of Washington Heights and told song, dance, and spoken word via seeing a photo or post about a re- from the perspective of Usnavi, a rap. The form is akin to that of Poster Design: Amy Dryer Design cent performance of “Hamilton.” young Dominican-American bode- “Hamilton,” but the story is one Poster Printing: Minuteman Press Lafayette Minuteman Press LAFAYETTE Lafayette The rap-happy musical about U.S. ga owner (originally played by Mi- that is far more familiar — a story CHAMBER founding father Alexander Hamil- randa), the story unfolds over the of home and identity and commu- ton won a Pulitzer Prize, Grammy course of three days, during which nity. Award, and 11 of its 16 Tony nomi- the audience is privy to the joys and “It’s not based on source mate- nations in 2016. It’s still a hot tick- struggles of Usnavi’s Latino com- rial,” said Gabriel. “It’s based on et, with premium seats going for munity. personal experience, which seems over $1,300 in San Francisco and “I was so thrilled to come on to be really important to the stu- hitting $1,900 a pop in New York board,” said Leamy, who joined dents.” City. But while “Hamilton” may SMC’s production team at the in- While the story is riveting and be the best-known of Lin-Manuel vitation of Gabriel, and who boasts the music and lyrics are Tony- Miranda’s creations, it isn’t his fi rst a substantial Broadway career. “I award-winning, what really sets award-winning work. have a personal connection to the this performance apart, according When Miranda was a college original choreographer, Andy Blan- to Gabriel, is the cast. “In the end sophomore at Wesleyan University, kenbuehler; we worked together on they really understood the impor- he punched out a fi rst draft of “In ‘Fosse.’” tance of being present and avail- the Heights,” a slice-of-life story Bringing her high-caliber train- able and expressing themselves that hit Off-Broadway in 2007 and ing to the undergraduates of SMC with compassion and generosity went on to win four of 13 Tony was both a challenge and an op- and fl exibility,” he said. “It’s been nominations in 2008. Though the portunity, for the students as well one of the more exciting directorial show left New York in 2011, it’s as for Leamy. “Anytime you work experiences I’ve had.” about to hit the stage of the LeFe- with young people as opposed Performances of “In the vre Theatre at Saint Mary’s Col- to professionals it’s at a different Heights” take place April 27-30. lege, thanks to a dedicated cast of level, but that doesn’t mean they’re Tickets are $8-18, and can be pur- students and the expert guidance not as capable,” she said. “It’s just chased at the box offi ce or online of guest director Nick Gabriel, art- different. Their caliber has been at www.stmarys-ca.edu/in-the- ist and educator at San Francisco’s quite high, and it has risen through heights. Information only: 925- American Conservatory Theater the process, which has delighted 631-4670. (A.C.T.). us. They’re young and still quite The public is invited to a free “I remember admiring (Lin- green in a lot of ways, but knowing pre-show event on Friday, April 28, Manuel Miranda) even before in a lot of ways too.” during which Professors José Fei- he broke through with ‘In the “We worked really hard to fi nd to and Raina León will refl ect on Heights,’” said Gabriel, who saw students with a passion for the ma- growing up in immigrant families the show when it fi rst hit Broad- terial and who love performing,” from the Caribbean. The conversa- way. “It felt as signifi cant as any said Gabriel, noting that most of tion starts at 7 p.m. in the Delphine landmark piece that defi nes an art the cast is comprised of nontheater Intercultural Center, and will end form.” majors. “Theater is not their life the prior to the 9 p.m. performance. Although Gabriel was im- way it is for a lot of aspiring actors. pressed by Miranda’s fresh and in- But they’re so committed to getting novative approach to the musical it right and to authenticity. The cali- format, what really drew him in ber of the work is kind of extraordi- was the show’s depiction of com- nary.” munity. “All of the characters have The 16-member cast includes a little moment, but it’s largely freshmen to seniors who are study- about their relationships with one ing psychology, sociology, political another despite their different as- science and other subjects. “They pirations and goals,” said Gabriel. have really stepped up to meet the “They’re all trying to connect with level of the musical theater ma- one another.” jors in very surprising ways,” said Choreographer Deb Leamy de- Leamy. “It wasn’t easy, but I think scribes Miranda’s “In the Heights” they have all risen to the occasion.” as a modern-day “West Side Story.” During the performance, at-

“In the Heights” is a modern “West Side Story.”

Let the fl owers say the words

(925) 284-5765 Flowers for all occasions “THE KNOT” 3584 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayett e www.fl oralartsfl orist.com Page: B2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 ‘Frantz’: Love, lies and secrets during WWI By Sophie Braccini for French magazines that he want- Fine Jewelry since 1977 ed to explore the themes of secrets Expanding our Services with and lies and that he believed that these themes would carry more Two Goldsmiths strength told in a dramatic time of • Custom Designs • Appraisals grief and terrible loss such as WWI • Expert Repairs • Pearl Restringing in Europe, when millions were killed on all sides. Lubitsch’s ﬁ lm All your jewelry is insured with Jeweler’s Block Insurance. was made in 1930, and the director $5 off Watch Battery had not, of course, anticipated the Reg $15, Now $10 World War II. It ended with a new 1 watch battery per person. Exp. 5/15/17. Usually installed while you wait. W/coupon. Restrictions apply. hope of French-German friendship

3645 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette between Trader Joes & the Post Offi ce that Lubitsch, a German pacifi st 283-2988 www.waredesigns.com Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 that immigrated to the U.S., believed in. Ozon has a different perspective; he shows in his movies the rancor and humiliation created by the Versailles’ treaty and, with no desire to judge, points out the emerging signs of revenge. The character of Adrien, the Army private that survived the war, has been deeply wounded; he suffers what we would call PTSD today. Anna has suffered a great loss, but she has more strength and a fi ercer desire to continue to live. The two main characters have a dif- Farshid Ramani fi culty in explaining their emotions Owner and their inner struggles. Ozon Lic.#853620 shows that it is through art that they With 20 years experience, serving the greater Bay Area, now conveniently “Frantz” will be screened at the Orinda Theatre. Photo provided best communicate, via poetry, mu- located in down town Lafayette ready to serve all your fl ooring needs. 2561 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette (925) 691-9000 ramatic and sentimental are on his friend’s grave. For Frantz’ sic or painting. He shows that when Dtwo of the many adjectives family and for the Germans in the people exchange through culture, that characterize this month inter- small town, the presence of the an understanding is born and bridg- national fi lm presented in Orinda Frenchman in the wake of a bitter es are created. Art is a door to enter Theatre, “Frantz.” defeat provokes passionate reac- into the soul of another person, of The French/German fi lm tions. War has created deep scars another people. touches on many themes such as that even the youth’s hopes and The movie is fi lmed some- betrayal, remorse, redemption, for- dreams will not heal. Anna will times in German and sometimes giveness, courage and the intense grow and transcend her condition, in French, with English subtitles absurdity of war. It is also, and opening a door for hope, even if we of course for American distri- perhaps foremost, a compassionate all know what will happen 15 years bution. Ozon said that German Play-Based Learning and beautiful portrait of a woman later. was the fi rst foreign language he who fi nds the strength to live in Most of the time the historical learned in school and that he had Ages 2-5 war-torn Europe at the beginning movie is fi lmed in black and white, great pleasure fi lming with Ger- Limited Openings for Fall 2017 of the 20th century. with elegance, slow but endearing man actors. German actress Paula NEW Extended Day Option 8:00am – 5:30pm French director François Ozon timing, and with a lot more surpris- Beer, as Anna, is a classic beauty, chose to reinvent 1930 Ernst Lu- es that expected at fi rst. It is the fi rst full of charm and appropriate self- www.stmarksnurseryschool.org bitsch black and white silent fi lm time that a French fi lm addresses restraint who dominates the cast, “Broken Lullaby.” The movie German people’s feelings after the even if Pierre Niney, who plays 451 Moraga Way starts in a small German town just fi rst world war. It is done with sub- Adrien, is also completely believ- Orinda, CA 94563 after World War I. Every day Anna tlety and compassion, with mirror able and touching. License # 070200759 goes to the grave of her betrothed, effect between the French and Ger- “Frantz” will play for a week at Frantz, who died during the war. man perspectives, highlighting the the Orinda Theater, starting April One day she sees there Adrien, a complete inanity of war. 21. More information and tickets at young Frenchman depositing roses Ozon explained in interviews lamorindatheatres.com. Project Empathy: opening young minds POWER WITHOUT By Sophie Braccini COMPROMISE. have them experience some of the 530i Sedan SOPHISTICATION, TURBOCHARGED. BMW Concord challenges faced by blind people. Michael Heller, BMW Concord, [email protected] Moore explained that the blind- folding part of the activity helped develop empathy for a person adjusting to a visual impairment. It was followed by a discussion with station leaders emphasizing the capabilities of the blind and how they adapted to their situation. The JM eighth-graders created their own experiments for the sixth-graders and conducted the discussion groups afterward. Call Michael Heller 925-998-2150 Moore’s objective was not to BMW Concord | 1967 Market ST. | Concord have the students pity visually impaired people, but to open the doors of empathy in their hearts and minds. While the stations did focus solely on the blind, Moore believes that empathy, once developed, is JM students participate in Project Empathy. Photo Sophie Braccini not limited to just one group of people. She thinks that when we In the Joaquin Moraga Intermedi- lives of people very different from become aware of the lives and feel- ate School large gym on March herself. One example was when she ings of others, our empathy grows. 16, sixth-graders with blindfolds confi ned herself to a wheelchair for Her experience inspired her to over their eyes sat divided into a few days. Her cousin sometimes show empathy toward others, and seven groups, each led by two or pushed her when she went down- to spread empathy to even more three eighth-graders. One group town, and Moore remembered people until it reaches a critical clumsily try to spread jam, mustard how shocked she was when people mass, creating a positive impact or ketchup on a piece of bread. An- addressed her cousin, instead of and spreading compassion. She other group attempted to navigate a talking to Moore directly. She re- hopes other Interact students will small obstacle course with the help membered how she felt somewhat continue this new program after of a cane. A third group struggled to invisible, and that it had a profound she goes on to college, and adds pour liquid in cups of different siz- impact on her. that she and her classmates could

es without spilling, while a fourth The next summer she designed expand the program to other mid- group tried to put on clothes with a camp for younger kids to experi- dle schools in the area. their eyes shut. ence what it was like to live a much Moore says that she grew up

The idea to teach these sixth- less privileged life. They had to live with the message of understanding graders what it might feel like to be on a few dollars a day, collect and in her family, but that it was only visually impaired came from Cam- sell refuse, and live for a day with when she started her experiments polindo High School junior Audrey very little water. that those messages became her re-

Moore, who started her search for This year Moore created an en- ality. heightened empathy when she was tire empathy experience for middle Moore, who has always been just 13. school students as part of the Cam- attracted to studying the sciences,

Three summers ago, Moore polindo Interact Club. is thinking of studying neurosci-

was a precocious and inventive Moore worked with her club’s ence and exploring how empathy teen who was bored. Her mother classmates to design experiments happens and impacts the brain. She asked her to do something produc- for the 27 eighth-grade leadership says that now is the perfect time for tive with her time, so she decided class students. The idea was to train more empathy; it’s something that to invent her own camp, creating them fi rst, and then have them meet the world needs. a series of experiences, living the with all the JM sixth-graders and Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B3 Pacific Chamber Orchestra’s spring concert offers breathtaking Brahams By Sophie Braccini acifi c Chamber Orchestra’s last concert of the sea- Pson will be its largest, with 36 musicians playing brass, winds, and string instruments, interpreting works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Edward Elgar and Johannes Brahms. Once again Maestro Lawrence Kohl proposes a unique yet accessible program that combines a deep understanding of musical history, fi liation and structure. The three proposed pieces will offer a voyage from the classical form to the more romantic, from the more noticeably structured to deepest undercurrents, and will showcase international musical talents such as cellist Nina Flyer. The concert will start with Beethoven’s Leonore Overture #3 from his opera “Fidelio.” The opera tells the story of the efforts of Fidelio’s wife Leonore to free him from prison. Kohl says that although the '( #'" "% "!"#$# # 0322544 great musician was not a natural opera writer, this overture – Beethoven went through four versions — is " ! a complete work of its own, a beautiful rendition of the drama throughout this opera. “Some of the traits of Beethoven that come out in this work are his passion for liberty, the heroic, and his hatred of tyranny. It is a stirring work,” says Kohl. The next piece is Elgar’s Cello concerto, written after World War I. Kohl says that it carries a special Cellist Nina Flyer will perform with the PCO. fervent passion. He is proud to present Flyer, the Pa- Photo provided cifi c Chamber Orchestra’s principal cellist, as the fea- 10th because Brahms uses some of Beethoven notes, tured soloist. Flyer is a lecturer in cello and chamber not as plagiarism, but as an homage to his predeces- Theater View music at the University of the Pacifi c Conservatory sor. However, in contrast to how Beethoven utilizes of Music. Her UOP in-residence ensemble, Trio 180, powerful small chunks, or discrete blocks to build his performs and tours all over the world. She was also a works, Brahms creates undercurrents and layers going Veterinary Clinic lecturer in Cello at Cal State East Bay and taught at the on at the same time, creating a rich texture. Reykjavik School of Music. Where Beethoven would utilize the sound of a The maestro adds that both Elgar and Brahms were shepherd horn on a hill to create a panoramic impres- Theater View infl uenced by Dvorak’s incredible sense of the natural- sion of nature, Brahms will appeal to the senses and Veterinary Clinic, sounding folk-like melodic line. “Indeed Brahms used render the feeling of pleasure in nature felt by the shep- owned by to humorously note that one could write entire sym- herd on a hill, overlooking the immense panorama so Dr. Laurie Langfold, phonies based upon melodies that Dvorak discarded,” that we feel the shepherd’s joy. “That is what makes is excited to says Kohl. The maestro adds that Elgar also has this it a romantic work,” says Kohl. He adds that Brahms sense of expressive long melodic lines that intertwine still has a sense of restraint and contained emotions announce a new with each other’s without the listener perceiving any that makes him the most classic of the romantics. addition. seam. Breathtaking Brahms will be played at the Lafay- Dr. Amelia Ausman It took Brahms 10 to 21 years –depending on his ette-Orinda Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Sat- has joined our team. own depiction— to write his fi rst symphony. Kohl ex- urday, April 22. Tickets are available at www.pacifi c- Come check us out. plains that this work is sometimes called Beethoven chamberorchestra.org. Pet Projects Tell Puddles to stay out of the rain puddles By Mona Miller, DVM “Dr. Laurie” Langford ur wet winter this year has include deer, fox, coyote, skunk, are acquired from contact with Obrought many benefi ts to raccoon, cattle and rodents. Ad- infected dogs, and another third parched California, and more spe- ditionally there is a population of through contact with infected rats. Phone: (925) 317-3187 cifi cally the Bay Area. However, sea lions on the northern California Thus, the canine vaccine provides Fax: (925) 334-7017 one negative consequence might be coast, north of Jenner, that carries some protection for both dogs and Email: [email protected] an increase in the number of ani- Lepto – so pet owners who take their owners. mals exposed to a potentially fatal their dogs to Mendocino County Further information can be www.theaterviewvetclinic.com disease called Leptospirosis — or have a potential higher risk level. found at www.veterinarypartner. 1 Bates Blvd., Suite 200, Orinda Lepto, for short. Likewise, properties with a large com and at Centers for Disease Although rare, one veterinary number of rats may be at higher Control, www.cdc.gov. specialty hospital in San Francisco risk. Thus, we often need high-lev- had already seen fi ve cases from el rodent control when bird feeders December through mid-February – are used, or when we keep back- which is more than those veterinari- yard chickens. Hunting dogs are ans have seen in a typical 12-month also at higher risk. period. In part, this increase is Symptoms occur within several due to more puddles of water and days of exposure to the bacteria, marshy areas, which harbor this and are nonspecifi c for any particu- deadly bacterium. Lepto is rare, but lar illness: general malaise, lack of worth discussing – especially since appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and it causes very serious illness. It can sometimes fever, excessive thirst be transmitted to humans, and a ca- or jaundice. nine vaccine is available that can Diagnosis can be diffi cult. The help protect against the disease in veterinarian needs to know to check dogs. for Lepto. General blood tests will Lepto is a bacteria transmitted show kidney or liver disease. More in the urine of almost any mam- specifi c (and expensive) blood and mal, but not birds or reptiles. It urine tests are needed to show ei- can cause a fatal liver or kidney ther antibodies or Lepto antigen. infection, as well as bleeding into The good news is that this is a the lungs. It is most often acquired treatable disease, and the prognosis when an infected mammal urinates, is fair to excellent with early diag- and another mammal comes along nosis AND aggressive treatment and drinks from the puddle of water with appropriate antibiotics, intra- that contains the infected urine, or venous fl uids and stomach medica- absorbs it directly through a cut in tion support. An infected dog might the skin or paw pad. require 24-hour hospitalization In the East Bay, a common sce- care for three to fi ve days. nario is an infected deer or rat uri- There are vaccines available, nates in an area of marshy puddles and these are considered optional or slow-moving creeks in one of (or noncore vaccines). There are the many open spaces that we en- different strains of Lepto bacteria joy. Animals that can carry Lepto (called serovars), and the commer- cially available vaccines protect Dr. Mona Miller lives in against some of these strains, but Lafayette with not all. Vaccine can alter diagnosis her son, two test results, so it’s important to know cats and yellow if your dog has been vaccinated for Labrador. She Lepto. I recommend giving the vac- attended UC cine if your dog is at all at risk – for Berkeley as an instance, if they go hunting, camp- undergraduate, ing, hiking in open spaces, or go to and received her DVM from the beaches north of Jenner. UC Davis. She Lepto is a zoonotic disease, has been happy to call Lafayette transmissible to humans – in the home since 2001. She can be same way that dogs acquire it, and reached via email at MonaSDVM@ it causes the same severe kidney aol.com. She welcomes questions or liver infection. According to the from readers that may get incorpo- Centers for Disease Control, about rated into a column. one-third of reported human cases Page: B4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 JM to host pancake dinner Five Lamorinda Odyssey of the Mind Submitted by Brett Lorie Teams Advance to World Finals Submitted by Keum Roberge

Photo provided he fourth annual Peace, Love and made for this night, will be for sale. T-shirts TPancake Dinner, to benefi t the JBFC will be available to be tie-dyed. And at 6:30 Schools in Tanzania, will begin at 5:30 p.m. p.m., this year’s movie, “Fantastic Beasts on Friday, April 21 at Joaquin Moraga Inter- and Where to Find Them,” will begin play- mediate School. ing in the gymnasium. More information Dinner, made by the students, staff, and can be found, and tickets ($10 each) can be Moraga Rotary Team (Division I). Back row, from left, Coaches Jason Akel and Thomas Wang; parents of JM, will be pancakes, eggs, sau- purchased, at http://peaceloveandpancakes. middle row from left: Beatrice Roberge, Nicholas Aiken, Jordan Rodino, and Benjamin Wang; sage, fruit and more. Student art, specially squarespace.com. front row from left: Tyler Akel, Sophia King, and Joseph Pak. Photo by Mary Pat Aiken en teams from Orinda, Lafayette, and level parking garage to a secret meeting Orinda Boy Scout Troop 57 Honors TMoraga competed in the Odyssey of place while creating distractions to avoid be- the Mind State Tournament at Heritage High ing followed. The Glorietta team also earned School in Brentwood on March 25, where the highly coveted Ranatra Fusca Award, Record Eight New Eagle Scouts they joined just under 200 teams from all named for the water strider insect, that is Submitted by Steve Tennant over California. By placing fi rst or second given to teams or individuals who display place in their respective divisions and cate- outstanding creativity during competition. gories, fi ve Lamorinda teams have advanced A Division II team, also sponsored by to the World Finals. Three Moraga Rotary the Moraga Rotary and coached by Jenny teams, one Orinda Rotary team, as well as Clare and Zunilda Ramos, won fi rst place the Glorietta Elementary School Blue Team in the “Spontaneous” category and took sec- will represent California at the Odyssey of ond place for “Odd-A-Bot,” a problem that the Mind 2017 World Finals on May 24-27 involves designing, building, and operating at Michigan State University. an original robot that demonstrates human A Division I team, sponsored by the characteristics when performing tasks. Moraga Rotary and coached by Jason Akel Two veteran Division III teams will and Thomas Wang, took second place for compete in the World Finals. A Moraga Ro- their solution to “Ready, Set, Balsa, Build.” tary Division III team, coached by Lydia Ox- The problem includes building a balsa wood endine and composed of seven Campolindo structure of no more than 15 grams that must High School students, won second place at hold as much weight as it can. The team, the State Finals for “It’s Time, Omer.” The composed of fi fth graders from Glorietta team, which also competed in the World Fi- Elementary and St. Perpetua School, also nals last year, has been together throughout Troop 57’s Newest Eagle Scouts (left to right): Steven Rein, Matthew Przekop, Robbie Tennant, Kevin Pease, Zach Peterson, Kyle Finger, Sean Kostecki, and Max Fleming. Photo provided placed fi rst in the “Spontaneous” category, their high school years. for their creative solution to an impromptu Last but not least, a Division III team n both a memorable and historic day, Eagle award by Troop 57 Scoutmaster Jim problem-solving challenge. representing the Orinda Rotary and coached OTroop 57 of Orinda formally acknowl- McFeely. Each Scout spoke in response to Another Division I team representing the by Michael Kim, took fi rst place in the edged the achievements of Kyle Finger, a challenge from Scoutmaster David Finger Glorietta Elementary Blue Team took fi rst “Ready, Set, Balsa, Build” challenge. Over Maxwell Fleming, Sean Kostecki, Kevin to live by the obligations of the Eagle Scout place in “Catch Us If You Can,” a problem the years, this accomplished team has repre- Pease, Zachary Peterson, Matthew Przekop, and continue to live by the Scout Oath and that requires designing, building, and operat- sented California at State Tournaments and Steven Rein and Robert Tennant at the Eagle Law. ing three vehicles that travel from a multi- World Finals. Court of Honor Ceremony held on Sunday, The Eagle Scouts received proclama- March 19. tions from State Assemblywoman Catharine The Scouts’ all had earned Scouting’s Baker, Orinda Mayor Eve Phillips, and Ryan highest rank of Eagle Scout which was cel- Brown from Congressman’s Mark DeSaul- ebrated before a standing-room-only gather- nier’s offi ce. Troop Committee Chair Steve ing of friends and family at the Church of Tennant presented congratulatory letters Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Moraga. from elected offi cials including Senator Bar- Life Scout Brendan McFeely ably served as bara Boxer, Senator Diane Feinstein, Vice Master of Ceremony for the event. After an President Joe Biden and President and Mrs. invocation from Bishop Michael Delange, Barack Obama. Senator Feinstein also sent and opening from Unit Commissioner Herb U.S. fl ags which were fl own over the U.S. Lederman, each Scout was presented their Capital in honor of each scout. Lafayette Rotary support planting Submitted Matt Pease

Moraga Rotary Team (Division II). Back row from left, Zac Yu, Sebastian Fojut; front row (from left): Ryan Erickson-King, Alex Clare, Vishal Lashkari, Jack Erickson-King. Photo Zunilda Ramos

From left, Norma Evans, Wendi Shively, Matt Pease, and Laurie Callaway Photo provided he Lafayette Rotary Club presented to use these funds to purchase plants and Ta donation for $1,500 to the Lafayette other materials for our project and believe Garden Club to support their recent work in everyone will be pleased with the work that landscaping the Oak Hill off ramp on High- has been completed” said Wendi Shively, a way 24. The Lafayette Garden Club teamed past president of the Lafayette Garden Club. with the City of Lafayette and Lafayette Ro- Lafayette Rotary meets every Thursday tary to replant this area and refresh the soil from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. at the Oakwood and will work with the city to maintain these Athletic Club at 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Visi- drought and deer resistant plants. “Lafay- tors are welcome to join them for lunch and ette Rotary is proud to support the Lafayette you can get more information by emailing Garden Club to help upgrade one of the en- [email protected]. The Lafayette trances to Lafayette, and it is consistent with Garden Club (www.lafayettegardenclub. our efforts to serve communities locally and com) meets from 9:30 until 11 a.m. the sec- Moraga Rotary Team (Division III). Back row from left, Stone Mao, Jake Oxendine, Michael globally,” according to Norma Evans, Presi- ond Thursday of the month at the Veterans DaRodda, Maria Wong; front row,from left, Kendall Schmidt, Andrea Calderon (Bennett Coates dent of Lafayette Rotary. “We are delighted Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. not pictured). Photo Lydia Oxendine Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B5 GETGET AHEADAHEAD IN IN MATH MATH THIS THIS YEAR FALL GRADES K-12 # # ! " HOMEWORK HELP FOR ALL LEVELS Flat Monthly Fee Drop-in any time, no scheduling needed! WHEN MATH MAKES SENSE, YOU SUCCEED! Must present coupon. New students only.

3435 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette (Golden Gate Way at Mt. Diablo Blvd.) (925) 283-4200 www.mathnasium.com Wagner Ranch Nature Campolindo team shines at state Area opens its gates for a day of fun and learning Academic Decathlon finals By Sora O’Doherty Submitted by Jonathan Lance n Sunday, April 23, the public Earth Day games. There will be a Owill have the rare opportunity rare docent tour of the meadows, to enjoy the Wagner Ranch Nature woodland, ponds and streams, and Area, adjacent to Wagner Ranch the historic home site of Theodore Elementary School. Wagner, California’s ﬁ rst Surveyor Once a year the historic ranch General. and 18-acre nature preserve is open Food and beverages will be to the public for a wildlife festi- available for purchase, or visitors val. From 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. may bring picnics to enjoy at the families and children can join in many available picnic tables. Sev- a variety of activities for all ages. eral community organizations will Visitors can enjoy wildlife fun at present earth-friendly endeavors the pond (red-legged frogs and and there will also be a silent auc- the resident western pond turtle, tion table. Children can get their Mr. T), meet animals in the garden Wildlife Guides stamped at 10 sta- (goats and beautiful parrots from tions and receive a free honey stick the Contra Costa Avian Society), at the Bee Station.

The entire Campolindo Academic Decathlon team. try DIY gardening projects, hands- The Nature Area is located at on nature arts and crafts, and play 350 Camino Pablo in Orinda. he recently crowned Contra Division; Third Place (Bronze) in ence, Scholastic Division. TCosta County High School the subject of Literature, Scholastic Bennett Coates, Second Place Academic Decathlon Champions, Division; First Place (Gold) in the (Silver) in the subject of Science, Film Clips Campolindo High School, suc- subject of Music, Scholastic Divi- Scholastic Division. cessfully represented Contra Costa sion; First Place (Gold) in the sub- Verbanszky teaches AP psy- Silent Movie Star ‘Baby County during the weekend of ject of Social Science, Scholastic chology and government/econom- March 23-26, at the 2017 Califor- Division; Third Place (Bronze) in ics, and has been Campolindo’s Peggy’ to make a rare nia Academic Decathlon, held in the subject of Art, Scholastic Divi- Academic Decathlon coach since Sacramento. sion. 2005. They have won the county’s appearance at the Rheem Campolindo’s coach Paul Ver- Ashley Zhang, Seventh Place, Academic Decathlon title for the By Derek Zemrak banszky reported that the team Highest Scoring Student by a past seven consecutive years. His represented their county very well School; Overall; Second Place (Sil- Academic Decathlon is an after- at the state competition. The team ver) in the subject of Art, Honors school club with funding coming took sixth place, overall, in Divi- Division. from donations and fundraising. sion 2 (medium-size school), and Mikhail Vasilyev, First Place “It is a tremendous accomplish- picked up a number of individual (Gold) in the Essay Competition, ment to compete in the State Com- awards: Scholastic Division; Second Place petition, says Verbanszky. Zoe Portnoff, First Place (Silver) in the subject of Social Sci- “I am very proud of my stu- (Gold), Overall Scores; Scholastic ence, Scholastic Division. dents.” Division; First Place (Gold) in the Athya Uthayakumar, First Interview Competition, Scholastic Place (Gold) in the subject of Sci- OIS presents “Madagascar JR” Submitted by Jeanette Lipp

Baby Peggy Photo provided iana Serra Cary (“Baby Peggy”) will be inducted into Dthe Classic Film Hall of Fame in The Rheem Theatre at 7 p.m. on April 22. Cary, 98, the only living silent screen movie star, will be making a rare appearance at the Classic Film Hall of Fame where the documentary “Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room” will be shown along with a few of her short fi lms. Patti Leidecker will be performing the live musical score on the baby grand piano. One of the silent era’s most popular child stars, Baby Peggy was born Margaret (“Peggy Jean”) Montgomery on October 26, 1918 in Merced, to a show business family. Her father, Jack Montgomery, was a cowboy and a stunt- man in early fi lms, and was the double for cowboy star Tom Mix. Between 1920 and 1923 Baby Peggy appeared in nearly The young performers in OIS’s “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.” Photo provided 150 short fi lms and nine feature fi lms. When Peggy was three the Century Film Corporation signed her to appear rinda Intermediate School’s motion picture, “Madagascar – A but to “Move It, Move It!” in their shorts and feature fi lms, although she was occa- O Bulldog Theater presents its Musical Adventure JR.” follows There are two casts, comprised sionally loaned out for other productions, such as “Penrod” spring musical, “Madagascar – A all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ of approximately 70 OIS students and “Fools First” (both 1922), or to Universal in the suc- Musical Adventure JR.,” April 27- friends as they escape from their along with additional 14 OIS stu- cessful feature “The Darling of New York” (1923). Baby 29 at OIS. home in New York’s Central Park dents serving on tech crew. The Peggy was the silent star precursor to sound era child star

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zoo and fi nd themselves on an un- performance lasts approximately Shirley Temple of the 1930s. Peggy made the fi rst fi lm ver- Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria expected journey to the madcap 90 minutes, with one intermission. sion of “Captain January” in 1924, and Shirley appeared in the hip hip Hippo and, of course, world of King Julien’s Madagas- For show time information and to the remake a decade later. Many of Baby Peggy’s popular those hilarious, plotting penguins car. Filled with outlandish charac- purchase tickets, please visit www. comedies were parodies of movies in which she imagina- as they bound onto the OIS stage in ters and an upbeat score, the OIS showtix4u.com. Tickets are also tively imitated famous screen actresses Mary Pickford and this musical adventure. Based on production of Madagascar JR. will available at OIS Theater one half Pola Negri. After the advent of sound, Peggy appeared in the smash DreamWorks animated leave the audience with no choice hour prior to show times. smaller roles during the 1930s, and retired from the screen Community Service: We are pleased to make space available whenever possible for some of Lamor- in 1939. She earned several million dollars in her short ca- inda’s dedicated community service organizations to submit news and information about their activities. reer.

Submissions may be sent to [email protected] with the subject header In Service to the According to an article published in the 1923 edition Community. of “The Blue Book of the Screen,” Peggy celebrated her fourth birthday by purchasing a new home in Beverly Hills, Share Your Celebrations and Remembrances where Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Charles Chaplin and others lived at the time. If you would like to share an announcement about a special event or achievement, such as a wedding, Baby Peggy, who is known today as Diana Serra Cary, engagement, scholarship or graduation of a local resident, or about a special person from Lamorinda who is a grandmother, silent fi lm historian and respected author has passed, send a photo along with your text (up to 250 words) to [email protected], and of several books about Hollywood including “Hollywood include “Celebrations and Remembrances” in the subject line. Posse” and “Whatever Happened to Baby Peggy?” The local community can pay tribute to a living legend, Submit stories to Diana “Baby Peggy” Serra Cary. Admission: $10 for California International Film Festi- [email protected] val members and $15 for non-CAIFF members Page: B6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 IT’S OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR Not to be missed Not to be missed BIG SAVINGS ON THE STYLES YOU’LL LOVE. Gold Coast Chamber Players ART information contact he library at concert “Tango Twist” at 7:30 p.m. (925) 376-6852. The Art of Collage: Come to a There will be a pre-concert talk with Kai Christiansen at 7 p.m. on Erik Larson, New York Times workshop at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 in the Community Hall at bestselling author, April 29 in the Orinda Library Gar- discusses his the Lafayette Library. Enjoy tango- den Room. Create a personalized latest book “Dead Wake: The Last inspired music for string quartet journal with collage artist Valerie Crossing of the Lusitania” from 7 and bandoneon, including a compo- Adinolfi . All materials provided. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4 at sition by former Lafayette Mayor Pre-registration suggested but drop- the Lafayette Library Distinguished Erling Horn’s son, Patrick Horn. ins welcome. Ages 14-adult. Speaker Series. Larson’s work in- Tickets: $40 General, $35 Senior, cludes “The Devil in the White Custom Hardwood Shutters The Moraga Art Gallery an- $15 Student. Purchase online: City,” “Thunderstruck” and “In the www.gcplayers.org. By phone: nounces its springtime show, Garden of Beasts.” Information on Incredible Savings, Promotions, and Upgrades On (925) 283-3728. Color and Caprice, an exhibit that a special private reception with Lar- Shutters & More Going On Now!* spotlights member artist Angelica son, reserved seating and tickets is Contact your local Style Consultant for amazing offers in your area! THEATER Samame’s eye-catching collection at: www.tinyurl.com/ErikLarson, or call (925)283-6513 x102. of stylized portraits of sophisticated The award-winning musical by Schedule your FREE Consultation today! women — slender and fashionably- Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In the KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS 925-216-4857 //BudgetBlinds.com clad. The show also features guest Heights, ”presented by Saint Mary’s *Applies to selected window treatments and Norman and PureVu® shutters sold through Budget Blinds®. Ask for details. Not valid with any other offers, discounts, or coupons. Valid for a limited time only. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. At participating franchises only. ©2016 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC. and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operate artist, Elizabeth Russell, aka Liz R Franchise opportunities available. Performing Arts Department, runs Family Bingo from 6:30 to 7:30 Honeypots, from Forestville, whose Thursday April 27 through Sunday p.m. on Friday ceramics consist of utilitarian plat- , April 21. Play April 30 at Saint Mary’s LeFevre ters, mugs, casserole dishes and with your kids, your grandkids, and Theatre, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, more. The show runs to June 3. For friends from the community at this in Moraga. Tickets: $18 with $15 more information, visit the gallery’s fun, all-ages event! Everyone is for students and seniors are avail- website: www.moragaartgallery. welcome. No cost or registration re- able at the www.stmarys-ca.edu/ Lamorinda’s com, call (925) 376-5407 or email quired. Moraga Valley Presbyterian in-the-heights-event-listing. Show [email protected]. Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Religious Services times: 8 pm. April 27; 4 p.m. April Moraga. Mvpctoday.org. Free. IRAN|USA, an original exhibi- 28; 9 p.m. April 28; 8 p.m. April 29; 2 p.m. April 30. Additional info. Princess Tea Party from 11 a.m. tion organized by the Saint Mary’s (925) 631-4670; tms8@stmarys-ca. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, College Museum of Art, presents April 29. edu. (See story page B1) a program of compelling video Moms, grandmothers and daugh- ters in preschool/kindergarten are art and prints by artist and fac- Orinda Intermediate School Bull- ulty member Peter Freund through invited for a fancy afternoon includ- dog Theater stages “Madagascar May 28. The museum is located on ing tea, scones, crafts, story time – A Musical Adventure JR.,” April campus, 1928 St. Mary’s Road in and more! Special guest and former 27 through 29 at Orinda Interme- Moraga and is open from 11 a.m. to Nurtury Preschool teacher Julie diate School, 80 Ivy Drive. Take a 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; $5 Tausend will read “Fancy Nancy’s journey out of the zoo and onto the Sunday Mornings at 9:30am admission. Tea for Two.” Tickets: $20/adult; stage with your favorite crack-a- $15/child. Register online by April 10 Moraga Valley Lane | www.mvpctoday.org | 925.376.4800 The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery lackin’ friends from the blockbuster 25: mvpctoday.org. Moraga Valley DreamWorks fi lm. Tickets are $3- presents Simple Sentences, an Presbyterian Church: 10 Moraga $10. Visit www.showtix4u.com for exhibit of new paintings and ex- Valley Lane, Moraga. show times and tickets. Tickets are plorations by Bay Area artist Bill also available at the door. The Lamorinda Idol 2017 audi- Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church Rushton running April 27 through 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, 254-3422 tions will be held on May 11-13. May 27, with an opening reception LECTURE & LITERATURE www.holyshepherd.org from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April Registration is open to all Lamor- inda students or residents. Groups 8:30 a.m. Traditions Worship Service 27. www.jenniferperlmuttergallery. Saint Mary’s College Creative 9:45 a.m. Education for all ages com can include members outside Lam- 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service Writing Reading Series presents orinda. Register at www.Lamor- Coffee Fellowship at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. The Orinda Library Gallery visiting writer in creative nonfi c- indaArts.Org through April 30. The Childcare available for ages 5 and younger tion, Joyce Maynard, at 7:30 p.m. presents The Glover Group Color Lamorinda Idol program includes on April 19 in Hagerty Lounge, De and Light: The Legacy Continues workshops, multiple performance La Salle Hall. Maynard is the au- May 1 through 31. A passion for the opportunities, parties and the fi nals thor of 16 books including the nov- beautiful farmland, coastal and ru- at the Orinda Theatre on Sunday, els “To Die For” and “Labor Day,” ral geography of the San Francisco Aug. 26. as well as the best-selling memoir, Bay Area is the inspiration for over “At Home in the World.” Respite Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. 60 new plein air paintings. Gallery on Friday, May 5. Respite Night hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 “The Summer of Love Experi- p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.- provides a fun night out for special ence: Art, Fashion & Rock & Roll” 6 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. needs children and siblings while will be presented at 1 p.m. on Mon- their parents get a night off. To reg- MUSIC day, April 24 in the Orinda Library ister your children, visit the Moraga Garden Room. Orinda Library wel- Valley Presbyterian Church web- Pacifi c Chamber Orchestra con- comes Alfred Escoffi er, a Fine Arts site: mvpctoday.org. Everyone is Museums of San Francisco docent, cludes its 28th season at the Lafay- welcome and there is no cost for the who will share highlights of this 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org ette-Orinda Presbyterian Church at event; also, no church or religious “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s display of memorabilia celebrating 7:30 p.m. on Saturday April 22 in affi liation required. 10 Moraga Val- journey, you are welcome here!” the 50th anniversary of the Summer ley Lane, Moraga. Join us Sundays at 10 a.m. | Sunday School 10 a.m the Sanctuary, led by Maestro Law- of Love at the De Young Museum. rence Kohl. The program includes This program is sponsored by the The Moraga-Orinda Fire District Beethoven’s Leonore Overture #3, Friends of the Orinda Library. is hosting its Brahm’s Symphony #1 and Elgar’s Orinda Open House and Hot Dog Lunch from 10 a.m. Concerto for Cello with Nina Flyer, “Helping Education in Afghani- soloist. Tickets may be purchased at to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Sta- stan: War for Hearts and Minds” the door or at www.pacifi cchamber- tion 45, 33 Orinda Way, Orinda. from 7 to 8 p.m., with registration/ Lafayette United Methodist Church orchestra.org. (See story, page B2) Kids and Adults can meet their lo- social time at 6:30 p.m on April cal fi refi ghters, tour the fi re trucks, 955 Moraga Road 925.284.4765 thelumc.org Enjoy a rare appearance by Juke 27 at the Lafayette Library. Learn and gather important wildfi re safety Sunday 10am Worship and Faith Formation for all ages about current conditions and chal- Joint, Lamorinda’s own Classic and disaster preparedness informa- Opportunities to Love God, Love Others, lenges in Afghanistan and Budd soul and R&B band at Bonehead’s tion from MOFD and other local and Serve the World MacKenzie’s prognosis for Afghan- BBQ, 3422 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, agencies. Smokey the Bear and istan’s future. Member and Trust in Lafayette, from 5:30 to 8:30 on Sat- Sparky the Fire Dog will make spe- Education members: $10 Nonmem- urday, April 29. cial guest appearances throughout St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church ber: $15 Student: Free. For reserva- the day. For more information, visit A Loving Community Concert: “I Don’t Feel No Ways tions: visit www.worldaffairs.org or www.MOFD.org. Tired” at call (415) 293-4601 Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM 4 p.m. on April 30 at FESTIVALS In-church Youth Zone, 10 AM Nursery Childcare the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Fireside Chat: “Cleopatra: The Church, Lafayette. The Chamber Last Pharoah” at 6:30 p.m. on The Wagner Ranch Wildlife Fes- 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws Ensemble closes its season with Tuesday, May 2. Orinda Library tival from selections by Brahms, Barber, Ger- 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. welcomes George Hammond of shwin, Gibbs, Guastivino, Paulus, on Sunday, April 23 for free fam- Humanities West for a fi reside chat Whitacre, Lennon-McCartney ily fun. There will be honeybees, exploring the history and legend and others. Ticket Info: $10 Stu- goats, turtles, birds, garden activi- of Cleopatra. An iconic fi gure who dent, $20 General. Tickets can be ties, food, music, nature tours, arts lived dangerously and died sen- purchased through the website, at and crafts. 350 Camino Pablo Rd. at sationally, she remains an enigma www.cantareconvivo.org/upcom- Bear Creek Road in Orinda. https:// and object of fascination. For more ing-events or through its offi ce at fwrna.org/wildlifefest/. (See story information contact the library at (510) 836-0789. page B5) (925) 254-2184. Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble, Saint Mary’s celebrates its sta- “The Missing Kennedy”: Author tus as a Fair Trade under guest conductor Mitchell College with Talk with Elizabeth Koehler-Pen- Covington, presents “Beautiful is this yearly free Fair Trade Festival, tacoff from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the World,” featuring exciting pre- happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday May 2 at the Community mieres of works by gifted Bay Area on Friday April 28. Coffee, choco- Room at Moraga Public Library. composers. Showtimes are at 4 p.m. late, tea, handicrafts, and other Rosemary Kennedy, younger sis- ORINDA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH on Sunday, April 30 at St. Perpetua Fair Trade goods will be available ter of JFK, was lobotomized at age 24 Orinda Way (next to the Library) - 254-4212 Catholic Parish 3454 Hamlin Road, — both free samples and items for 23 and then sent to live in a rural Lafayette, and on May 6 at Lake purchase. Enjoy a BBQ for $5. For Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 - 11 am convent. Hear the author talk about Merritt United Methodist Church more information about this event Informal Wednesday Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 pm the their friendship, her attempt to 1330 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland. and SMC’s Fair Trade efforts, visit Reading Room/Bookstore M - F 11 - 4; Sat 11 – 2 understand why the lobotomy hap- Tickets: $25-15, children between 6 www.stmarys-ca.edu/fairtrade pened in the fi rst place, and the sur- www.christianscienceorinda.org and 12 free. Available at the door or ... continued on next page prising good that came from what online at www.vocisings.org. is otherwise a tragedy. For more Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B7 Not to be missed Not to be missed RECEIVERECEIV 6 SERVICESICES GET from along San Pablo Creek in Mandalas relate to us spiritually THE 7 TH SERVICEE FREE! FESTIVALS ... continued Orinda Village as part of the 2017 and how they are meant to repre- Orinda Action Day. Meet at the sent the connection between our FacialFa Manicure Don’t miss Lafayette Dogtown table in front of the Orinda Library. inner worlds and outer reality, a Downtown 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Long pants and a hat are advisable. sort of guided meditation. All ages PPedicureed Brow Wax Saturday, April 29 at the Lafayette Tools will be provided but bring welcome; Youth ages 15 and under Library and Learning Center & the work gloves. must be accompanied by an adult. PICKPICK UP YOUR LOYALTY Lafayette Plaza. This free event is Register at www.lafayettecommu- CCARDARD AT THE FRONT DESK! Saint Mary’s College Guild Fash- for dogs and dog lovers. Visit www. nitygarden.org. See full terms and conditions at: LafayetteChamber.org/dogtown. ion Show and Luncheon April in marilynmonroespas.com/Lucky7 (See story on page A3.) Paris is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Don’t Miss Lafayette’s Favorite April 22 at the SMC Soda Center. Dinner Party “Taste of Lafayette” 3589 Mt DIablo Blvd. Lafayette 925-299-8877 Don’t Miss the Hacienda de las Meg Coons, CABI representative, Restaurant Stroll, 5:30 to 9 p.m. on www.marilynmonroespas.com/lafayette Flores, Fiesta de Mayo celebration will bring the spring line of fashions Tuesday May 16. Friends, food and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May and her models to the campus for entertainment with 26 participating 7, 2100 Donald Drive. Step back in this event. Complimentary wine, restaurants. Ticket holders head out Service Clubs Announcements time, enjoy the beautiful grounds Champagne, or raspberry lemonade at their own pace with friends to and learn about the Hacienda’s rich will be served. Cost is: $45 per per- stop at any or all of the participating history. Fun for all ages! Free ad- son. Make check payable to: SMC restaurants for sampling. Tickets We meet Friday mornings at 7:00 am mission, authentic Mexican food Guild. Send to Pat Wiegmann, 39 are available online at www.lafay- at The Lafaye e Park Hotel & Spa, and drinks, live Mariachi Band, pi- Carr Drive, Moraga, CA 94556. ettechamber.org or at the Lafayette Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafaye e. For more info, please email us at ñata contests, cupcake walks, other Chamber offi ces, located at 100 La- [email protected] kids’ activities and more. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, fayette Circle. (925) 284-7404. (See AAUW OML will honor Orinda- story page B3.) April 21 April 28 The 11th annual Moraga Com- Moraga-Lafayette middle school Robert Ricke speaks on Student Will Brad Davis lighten up munity Faire & Car Show will girls who have won scholarships to Lafayette Juniors 18th Annual Reach - helping at risk homeless, a bit in this self exposure be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the week-long AAUW Tech Trek Kitchen Tour is from 10 a.m. to 3 Saturday, May 13 at the town’s Camp this summer and award schol- p.m. on Saturday, May 20. Tour six refugee and Foster students. extravaganza? Probably not. Rheem Valley Shopping Center arships to high school girls and one Lafayette kitchens for a great cause featuring pony rides, bounce house college woman headed for gradu- benefi ting Contra Costa Interfaith The gorgeous Tear-Drop Trailer makes it’s Moraga public and climbing wall, bike safty check, ate school. American Association Housing, Alternative Family Ser- debut at the Moraga Community Faire, May 13. Y’all come! live entertainment, food trucks, lo- of University Women (AAUW), vices, The Taylor Family Founda- cal wine, classic cars and all sorts Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette (OML) tion, and Trinity Center. Tickets are of fun booths — an old fashioned Branch Orinda Community Church, $40 and available at www.lafayette- neighborhood faire for the whole 10 Irwin Way. Refreshments will be juniors.org or Premier Kitchens in Lafayette Rotary Club family. Free to attend. For more in- served. Lafayette. Step in on a Thursday and join us for our lunch meeting. Thursday at noon Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. formation, visit www.moragachamber.org/faire. The three Lamorinda chambers SENIORS April 20: April 27: of commerce are organizing a free Robert Shusta Carl King: OTHER business forum for the community Anne Randolph Physical Therapy 21 Century Policing Trends and Shifts in Our discussing the future of retail from presents Fall Prevention from 11:30 Paradigm of Work Certifi ed appraisers from Mi- 6 to 8 p.m. on April 25 at the Sarge a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, chaan’s Auctions will give ver- Littlehale Room, 22 Orinda Way April 26 in the Cedar Room, Lafay- www.rotarylafayette.org bal appraisals on Fine Art, Furni- (the city offi ces.) The panelists will ette Community Center. Falls are a www.facebook.com/Rotary-Club-of-Lafayette-Ca-197392963631366 ture and Decorative Art, Jewelry, discuss what they think will change threat to health and independence. Stamps and Coins, Asian Art, etc. over the next 10 years and what can Learn how to gain better balance, from 4-7 p.m. on April 21 (by business people and city do to make avoid falls and remain self-suffi - appointment) at the Moraga Li- sure the downtowns stay vibrant. cient. Senior Services Members: No SOROPTIMIST OF 24/680 Please join us for our next meeting: brary,1500 St. Mary’s Road, Mor- charge/ Non-Members: $10. Wednesday, May 3th WHEN: Wednesday 1/8/14 aga. This fundraiser is sponsored Acalanes High School will be Social Social 5:30-6:00 5:30-6:00 p.m. p.m. by Moraga Women’s Society. Bring holding a Wellness Fair from 11:25 Lunch n’ Learn: “Are Your Le- Meeting Meeting 6:00 6:00 – 8:00– 8:00 p.m. p.m. your heirlooms or garage sale trea- to 12:27 on April 27. This is a com- gal Documents in Order?” from WHERE: The Buttercup Grill sures for evaluation. Call Tammie bined effort of students, administra- 10:30 to noon on May 10 in the 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Chambless (510) 227-2530 for ap- tion and the parents club. There will Cedar Room, Lafayette Commu- January Speaker: pointment. Entry + up to 3 apprais- be therapy dogs, a bicycle-powered nity Center. Are you aware of the Sister Caritas Foster – “Modern Day Slavery/Trafficking” als: $25. Pay at the door and pro- smoothie machine, self-defense basic documents you should have “Improving the lives of women and For more information, contact: ceed to the Community Room. All exhibition, pull-up competition, in place? Ms. West will cover the girls through programs leading to Regina Englehart @925-876-9076 or go to: soroptimist24-680.org proceeds go to Moraga Schools. paper airplane competition, henna essential forms: Living Trust, Will, social and economic empowerment” painting, mindfulness, yoga, mental Health Care Directive, Financial Lamorinda Arts Council will host health information and much more. Power of Attorney, benefi ciary their second annual ShortDocs forms, personal items distribution RD Film Fest at 3 p.m. on May 7 at The semi-annual giant book sale list and POLST. RSVP required LAMORINDA SIR LUNCHEON MAY 3 the Lafayette Library and Learning sponsored by The Friends of the by Wednesday, May 3: Seniors@ Dan Ashley on the Challenge of TV News Ratings Center. This documentary fi lm fes- Moraga Library will be held from LoveLafayette.org or (925) 284- in our Tumultuous News Climate tival provides local fi lmmakers an 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5050. Veteran Bay Area journalist Dan Ashley will bring fascinating insights opportunity to create new work as 29. Books of every category will be into the unprecedented challenges of journalists in today’s unpredictable Come to the Early Stage Al- well as showcase it at a community sold at prices ranging from 25 cents world at the SIRS 171 lunch meeting, Wednesday, May 3. A respected zheimer’s Forum screening. Entries for the Lamorin- to $4. Beginning at 1 p.m. a bag can from 8:30 a.m. reporter for decades, Ashley is KGO’s ABC7 anchor. da ShortDocs Film Fest will be ac- be purchased for $5 and fi lled with to 12:30 p.m. on May 5 in Lafay- SIRS brings together retired or soon-to-be-retired men. The lunch cepted until April 19. To learn more all the books it can hold. Come to ette (exact address location will be begins at 11:30 am on May 3 in the Holy Trinity Church hall, 1700 about the Lamorinda ShortDocs one of the biggest bargain sales in provided upon registration.) Par- School St., Moraga. First time guests are welcome; contact Tim Film Fest competition and to enter Lamorinda. The sale will be held ticipants will have an opportunity to Freeman [email protected] to reserve a seat. go to http://www.lamorindaarts.org/ at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. learn more about the disease, treat- shortdocs. Mary’s Road. ment and research updates as well as discuss common challenges and Acalanes High School SAGE Sale opportunity for “Beau- coping strategies during breakout (Students for the Advancement of tycounter” safe skin care products sessions. This is a free event, open Lamorinda Weekly Global Education) Club presents its and Shalom jewelry and accessories only to early-stage individuals and is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA fundraiser movie night at 9:30 p.m. from Uganda at 11 a.m. on Satur- their care partners. Space is limited; 26,600 printed copies; delivered to homes & businesses in Lamorinda. on April 21. day, April 29 at St. Mark’s United early registration is recommended. Contact us: Letters to the editor (max 350 words): [email protected] Methdodist Church, 451 Moraga For more information or to reg- Delivery issues: [email protected] Sudden Oak Death Blitz from 10 Way, Orinda. Proceeds go toward ister, please contact Lan Trinh at Event listings: [email protected] a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April sending Rev. Michele Robbins to (408)372-9982 or [email protected]. Business press releases: [email protected] 22. Orinda Library welcomes stu- Malawi and Uganda to continue General interest stories/Community Service: GARDEN [email protected] dents and faculty from the UC her work on Women’s empower- School stories/events: [email protected] Berkeley College of Natural Re- ment issues related to domestic Sport events/stories/pictures: [email protected] The Montelindo Garden Club sources who will show how to help violence. Coffee, pastries, makeup Publishers/Owners: Andy and Wendy Scheck; stop this disease as a Citizen Sci- demo. Come and build awareness Meeting (third Friday of every [email protected], entist. Attend a short and informa- of this area of the world as well as month, September through May) [email protected] tive training session where you will Beautycounter’s educational efforts will be at 9 a.m on Friday April 21 Editor: Peggy Spear; [email protected] receive a SOD Blitz collection kit. around skin care safety. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Copy Editor: Nick Marnell; [email protected] For more information go to: www. 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Ev- Sports Editor: [email protected] sodblitz.org. The fi rst Campolindo Auto Show eryone welcome. Presentation: “Do Advertising: 925-377-0977, Wendy Scheck; [email protected] runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April I Have Pollinators for You!” by Staff Writers: Under the Night Sky at 7 p.m. on 29. Come support the Campolindo speaker Ellen Zagory, director of Sophie Braccini; [email protected] Saturday, April 22 at the Lafay- Auto Engineering Class at its fi rst horticulture. Cathy Dausman; [email protected] ette Community Garden, 3932 Mt car show! Bring any kind of auto- Pippa Fisher; [email protected] Lafayette Garden Club’s Fabu- Nick Marnell; [email protected] Diablo Blvd. Join together under mobile you want, from a Model-T John T. Miller; [email protected] the heavens at the Lafayette Com- to the newest Maserati. It’s only $25 lous Celebration at 10 a.m. on Sora O’Doherty; [email protected] munity Garden for an evening of to enter a car. With free admission May 11 at The Gardens at Heather Digging Deep: Cynthia Brian; [email protected] stargazing and to learn about the to the show for everyone, attendees Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Wal- Thoughtful Food: Susie Iventosch; [email protected] spring sky. Isabel Hawkins, former can bring the family for a day of fun nut Creek. Mimosa and Brunch, Contributing Writers: Conrad Bassett, Karl Buscheck, Amanda Kuehn UC Berkeley professor and current with games, food and cars. Fashion Show featuring “Garden Carroll, Diane Claytor, Michele Duff y, Paula King, Ariel Keys, Michael Lupac- Exploratorium consultant, will talk Inspired” apparel, boutique with chino, Ann McDonald, Fran Miller, Kara Navolio, Alexandra Reineke, Victor about the night sky and help locate “Colorful Mandalas in the Gar- garden-themed Items for sale, fl o- Ryerson, Moya Stone, Uma Unni, Jennifer Wake, Derek Zemrak, constellations and other bright ob- den” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May ral designs and arrangements. Cost: Calendar Editor: Jaya Griggs; [email protected] jects in the sky. Our classes are free. 6 at the Lafayette Community $35 per person. For reservations Photos: Tod Fierner, Gint Federas However, a $5 donation is appre- Garden, 3932 Mt. Diablo Blvd. please email: Ann Ward annward@ Layout/Graphics: Andy Scheck. Printed in CA. ciated. Register at www.lafayette- Join local artist and educator Tracy annward.com or Laurelle Thom Mailing address: communitygarden.org Randolph for an intergenerational [email protected]. Lamorinda Weekly, P.O. Box 6133, art workshop at the Lafayette Com- Please submit Moraga, CA 94570-6133 Orinda Action Day Creek Clean munity Garden & Outdoor Learn- Phone: 925-377-0977; Fax: 1-800-690-8136 Up from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Sat- ing Center, where attendees will events to: email: [email protected] website: www.lamorindaweekly.com urday, April 22. Volunteers will be explore and create Mandalas. At calendar@lamorinda clearing trash and invasive plants this workshop, we will explore how weekly.com Page: B8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Thoughtful Food Environmentally sound sandwiches in Lafayette By Susie Iventosch have entered the Bay Area market Homegrown’s Chicken Cherry Pecan with stores in San Francisco, Dan- ville and a brand new store in La- Chicken Salad fayette (their 13th, which opened INGREDIENTS on April 11), they have also started 1 lb. roasted or grilled chicken, chopped into bite size pieces an organic farm in Discovery Bay 1 cup Just Mayo or your favorite mayonnaise (I used the Best Foods to supply their Bay Area restau- Olive Oil Mayo) rants with their own seasonal, or- ¼ cup dried tart cherries ganic “hyper local” produce. The ¼ cup pecans, chopped (we slightly candy and spice ours with our new Lafayette store is located at favorite autumnal seasonings) 3597 Mt. Diablo Blvd. right where 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped fi ne La Boulange used to be situated. 1 ½ Tbsp. roasted garlic cloves, chopped fi ne When I visited the Danville 1 ½ Tbsp. fresh sage, chopped fi ne Homegrown location, I had one 1 tsp. sea salt of the daily specials, which was a 1 tsp. black pepper, ground grilled Brie and apple sandwich, DIRECTIONS but I’ll have to admit, there were Mix all ingredients and serve on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich so many choices it was tough to fi lling. If using as a salad, garnish with a little extra parsley. For the choose just one thing. The chicken pecans, I browned them slightly in a tiny bit of olive oil, sprinkled and avocado grain bowl may have sugar over the top and cooked just long enough for the sugar to melt, my name on it for my next visit. stirring a few times. Remove from stove and toss with a mixture of Friedman has kindly shared 1/2 tsp. cardamom, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. cumin, and 1/2 tsp. sea for our readers their recipe for salt. Chicken Cherry Pecan Chicken A new favorite chicken salad. Photo Susie Iventosch Cooking Term of the Week here’s a new sandwich in Lam- and the people who enjoy eating Salad, which is used in the Chicken Torinda! Well, make that a new them,” according to their menu. Cherry Chicken Pecan Sandwich. I Deglaze sandwich shop in town with plenty Gillis and Friedman are often made this at home and it is superb. Deglazing is the method of using liquid, usually wine or of fun and interesting sandwiches, referred to as “sandwich environ- “We love this chicken salad,” broth, to remove stuck bits of food (meats or veggies) Friedman said. “We wanted to cre- salads, soups and grain bowls and mentalists” and the stores are de- from the bottom of a pan after cooking and using that as it is called Homegrown Sustainable signed and built with an eye toward ate something that was fresh and a base for a sauce. Sandwiches. the environment using reclaimed bright enough for all seasons, but Founded in the Seattle area building materials. From top to had rich, deep fl avors that made by Brad Gillis and Ben Friedman, bottom, these guys are all about it hearty and craveable. The herbs Susie can be reached at Homegrown was born from the co- leaving a positive impact on the and roasted garlic cloves mix with [email protected]. This recipe can be found founders’ belief that “if we thought- environment and happy, satisfi ed the sweet tartness of the cherries and spice of the pecans to create an on our website: www. fully curate everything about our customers. lamorindaweekly.com. If amazing umami mouthful.” sandwiches — which grains go into Toward that end, in 2014 you would like to share your Homegrown Sustainable our breads, how the animals behind Homegrown also started its own favorite recipe with Susie our meats and cheeses are raised, dedicated certifi ed organic farm, Sandwiches please contact her by email what chemicals we’re keeping off Homegrown Sprouting Farms, in 3597 Mt. Diablo Blvd. or call our offi ce at (925) 377- our produce -- each sandwich will order to supply the restaurants with Lafayette, CA. 94549 0977. be a little bit healthier for the planet their own produce. Now that they www.eathomegrown.com Orinda Retaurant Tour: One more bite for the roads By Sora O’Doherty ood, wine, art and music will year the Chamber of Commerce Fbe the stars of the 2017 Orinda hopes to offer at least 200 tickets. Restaurant Tour, which kicks off at But, according to Sophie Braccini, 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2. executive director of the chamber, With several innovations, this the number of tickets will need to year will see more involvement be capped about a week before the by restaurants from Orinda Village event so that the restaurants know and, for the fi rst time, a street fair how many guests to expect. will feature Orinda merchants, so it Another fi rst for this year is an will be possible to also pick up a invitation from the Orinda Cham- gift for Mothers’ Day. ber of Commerce to local artists to Participants will gather at 51 showcase their art. Sanvitalia will Moraga Way, next to Peet’s Cof- be open, and Hilton House will be fee in a large parking area, to col- among the shops offering wares lect their ticket booklets. For a for sale. In addition some Orinda half hour they can enjoy a com- nonprofi t organizations will partic- Last year’s Taste of Lafayette Photo A. Scheck plimentary glass of fi ne wine from ipate, including CalShakes, whose the Lamorinda Wine Growers As- 2017 season will open on May 24 Tickle your taste buds at sociation and appetizers offered with Shakespeare’s “As You Like by the restaurants from the village It.” annual Taste of Lafayette side, including newcomers Genu- There will also be live music to By Pippa Fisher ine Goodness and Baja Cali. (Late- kick off the festivities and through- comers can also enjoy the wine and out the tour, with four live perform- rinda isn’t the only community celebrating its their own pace, stopping at any or all of the more appetizers, supplies permitting.) ing locations. The chamber of com- Oculinary delights. Lafayette’s downtown area than 25 participating restaurants. There is a two- Then, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. merce is partnering with Orinda will be transformed into a large, strolling, commu- hour limit allowing all to enjoy at their leisure al- guests can use their tickets at the Schools who are selling tickets to nity dinner party on May 16 when the Lafayette though, if required, there are two free shuttle buses 16 participating Orinda restau- the tour and the Educational Foun- Chamber of Commerce once again hosts the Taste available. rants who will be offering samples. dation of Orinda that is also sup- of Lafayette. Diners will meet back at the taste pavilion for Among the restaurants participat- porting the event. The popular culinary event offers a chance to dessert, coffee and to hear the winner of the eve- ing are Casa Orinda, La Piazza, Oh, and why one for the road? meander through downtown Lafayette while sam- ning’s raffl e to benefi t the Lafayette Community Shelby’s, Sushi Island, Piccolo Na- Because Orinda restaurants top the pling signature dishes from the city’s popular Res- Foundation. poli, Lava Pit Hawaiian Grill, Petra list of sales tax revenue contribu- taurant Row restaurants and local caterers. The annual event, which has sold out in previ- Café, and Europa Hof Brau, with tors, and that includes the half-cent “It’s that one spring night where the sidewalks ous years, is now in its 15th year. It promotes La- dessert being provided by Repub- tax that funds Orinda’s road re- of Lafayette are fi lled with hundreds of smil- fayette’s downtown and raises money to support lic of Cake, including Peet’s cof- pairs, so when you dine in Orinda, ing people, everyone enjoying conversation with the Lafayette Chamber and the Lafayette Commu- fee. Also returning to the tour are you also contribute to improving friends and neighbors,” says Lafayette Chamber’s nity Foundation, a longstanding local nonprofi t that Cine Cuvée, Taverna Pellegrini, the community and building better Executive Director Jay Lifson. invests in programs and projects which promote and Fourth Bore, restaurants that roads. The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. in the Taste and enhance the civic, cultural, educational and en- opened last year. New participants Tickets are $40 and are avail- Pavilion on the corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and vironmental health of Lafayette. include Wild Magnolia and Reem’s able online at www.orindacham- Lafayette Circle, near Bank of the West when par- Tickets are $45 and are available from the La- Steaks (change of ownership). ber.org. If there are any available, ticipants will check in, enjoy a complimentary glass fayette Chamber of Commerce’s offi ce located at Last year the event was capped tickets may also be purchased on- of wine or beer, sample appetizers and enjoy live 100 Lafayette Circle or through the website www. at 150 tickets, which sold out. This site at the beginning of the tour. music. lafayettechamber.org until May 1. After that they At 6:30 p.m. ticket holders start their stroll at will cost $50.

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“Hi Wendy, my new ad looked great. What a response!” Jim Colhoun, Relocation and Home Marketing Specialist Alain Pinel Realtors “Th anks so very much for your help in making our Shakespeare Summer Conservatories a big hit!” 925-377-0977 Janet Magleby, Cal Shakes, Director of Marketing & Communications www.lamorindaweekly.com Local newspaper delivered to Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C1 Submit stories to [email protected] (we prefer to receive your original photo fi le, minimum size: 200 dpi and 1200 pixels wide) All 3 Lamorinda girls’ lacrosse teams in mix for Diablo Athletic League crown By Karl Buscheck

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The Don’s Anna De Roque. Photos Gint Federas s the second half of the Dia- sophomores Marcy Morse and tories over their chief rivals. Ablo Athletic League girls’ la- Claire Gallagher as the bosses of The next clash with one of crosse season rolls along, all three the midfi eld, the key for the Cou- those rivals comes against Mira- Lamorinda programs are making gars has been the club’s depth. monte on April 21 in Moraga. bids to secure the top spot in the “Everyone brings something “Friday’s game against Mi- standings. different to the table and it’s awe- ramonte is one that we’re really Miramonte commands the some,” Neff said. “We have so looking forward to – it should be lead, sitting at perfect 10-0, while many different forms of talent.” an epic battle between two pretty Campolindo is second at 10-1 and For the second-place Cougars, evenly-matched teams that could Acalanes occupies third place with the contributions have also been very possibly end up determining a 9-2 mark (9-6 record overall). coming from players up and down the league champion,” Parker said. “I think things are going awe- the roster. Both the Cougars and the Mats some,” said Dons head coach “The credit for our success are among the most respected set- Courtney Neff. “I’m super proud thus far this season is attributable ups in the state. MaxPreps ranks of them. They are really starting predominantly to the tremendous Campo as No. 29 in California to believe that they belong and can group of girls we have this year,” and tabs Miramonte as the No. 38 beat those top teams.” head coach Dave Parker. “They’ve squad. Acalanes’ two league losses really bonded together as a team, “We cannot wait for this match- came against the Mats and Cougars they’re unwaveringly unselfi sh – up,” Mats’ head coach Jackie Pel- on March 17 and 24, respectively. always willing to make the extra letier said of the upcoming dual. The former was an especially frus- pass to an open player if they have “Local rivalries like this get more trating setback for the Dons. a better shot.” than the team psyched to play. The “We had a heart-breaking loss Asked to highlight stars from school and community rally be- against Miramonte – a one-goal this year’s roster, Parker sim- hind (us) as well. Games like this difference – and we were ahead ply couldn’t whittle down the list are a great test for us to see how far for most of the game,” Neff said. for a team whose only loss (13-1 we’ve come this season.” “Campo was tough, but I think overall) came against the Mats on For the title-hopeful Mats, (we) really do believe that (we) March 14. a trio of seniors – Taylor Geary, can hang with those teams and beat “I honestly believe that we Lucy Stenovec and Morgan John- them So, I still sense of unfi nished have 10-11 girls that deserve all- son – have shepherded a group that business that we want to take care league recognition at one level or features 10 varsity newcomers. of.” another,” Parker said. “We are re- “They have done a great job The Dons’ second go-around ally fortunate to have a lot of talent of paving the way for the younger against Miramonte comes on April at each position.” players and it is a true testament 25 in Orinda and round two against At the beginning of the sea- to how well good leadership can Campolindo arrives on May 2 in son, the Cougars set out to become translate into success,” Pelletier Moraga in the fi nal matchup of the the best team in program history said. “I think all of our players are DAL season. as measured by setting season re- learning that this leadership is im- While Neff credited senior cords for most total wins, most portant for growth not only on but captains Julia Mueller and Anna goals scored, fewest goals allowed, off the fi eld. They are three very De Roque for winning the respect achieving the greatest post-season talented ladies and have bright fu- of the entire roster and pointed to success, and earning the most vic- tures ahead of them.”

Acalanes’ Julia Mueller (9) and Susie Bush (11). Page: C2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017

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Campo and Miramonte golf teams among league frontrunners By Karl Buscheck t the tail end of spring break, loss on April 12 at Moraga Country especially Campolindo and Miramon- AJack Schram, the head coach of Club, falling 204-199 to Campolindo, te – there’s great rivalry but also great the Miramonte golf team, fi red off an whcih holds a share the top spot in friendship with kids on both teams,” email to his squad. the standings along with Las Lomas. Scott said. In the missive, Schram, who heads The Cougars, who have a 4-0 mark in As Scott pointed out, many of his up the school’s football program in Foothill Division action, also secured golfers went to middle school with the fall, told his players that he hoped a fourth-place fi nish – in a fi eld of 22 their now competitors at Miramonte they’d tuned into the furious fi nal teams – at the 40th annual Wildcat In- and Campolindo. round of the Masters and were ready vitational at Meadow Club in Fairfax. “They still remain friends and to play inspired golf down the stretch. As has been the case throughout that’s good to see,” Scott said. “That’s To this point in the season, the the season, captains Alex Meyers and kind of the way golf is. Even when Mats have been heeding the advice Sam Sernett anchored the Mats’ line- you’re playing in a match and there’s of their coach, sporting an 8-2 record up at Deer Ridge during the Freedom two kids from rival schools, there’s overall and an 2-2 mark in Diablo Ath- Tournament. great camaraderie going on and it’s letic League Foothill Division play. “They’ve been doing a great job,” just fun to see.” Miramonte’s fi rst loss came at the Schram said of the pair. “They’re the Owners of an 6-4 record overall hands of league coleaders Las Lomas only two seniors on the team, so we (2-4 in league), Acalanes has a bal- back on March 13. A week prior, the have a lot of younger golfers – we anced roster, which means a differ- Mats got the better of Las Lomas, top- have 12 total on the team (and) we’re ent Don has emerged to lead the way pling the Knights – and the rest of the really solid, we’re really deep with the every time the team hits the course. fi eld – to win the Freedom Tournament fi rst nine (players).” Nonetheless, Scott singled out the con- at Deer Ridge Golf Course in Brent- Miramonte hosted neighboring tributions of senior Julian O’Donnell. wood. Acalanes on April 17 at Orinda Coun- “I just appreciate his leadership “We beat Las Lomas by three try Club. While Acalanes head coach and what he’s done for the team,” Scott strokes,” Schram recalled, noting that Tim Scott admitted that it was been a said. the Mats will get another crack at Las “rough” season for the Dons, the team Acalanes closes out the season by Lomas on April 20. “Five guys playing always enjoys the chance to square off playing Campolindo at Moraga Coun- 18 holes – it shows you how close it against a familiar foe. try Club on April 26, in a match which was.” “The kids get all pumped up for it will have major title implications for Photo Gint Federas The Mats suffered their second and everything and among the teams – the hosts. Mats, Cougars prepare for ‘highlight’ of DAL swimming season By Karl Buscheck n April 21, some 200 to 250 athletes “It’s a classic rivalry meet and it’s al- teammates. “The women fi nished second While the Cougars have enjoyed con- O– half wearing green, the other half ways high energy, high intensity,” Heidary overall and combined we were third (and) siderable success in recent springs, Ron wearing red – will descend on the deck said. “And generally the best dual meet there were about 40 teams in the meet.” Heidary also puts a heavy emphasis on of the Soda Aquatic Center in Moraga for times come from that meet.” With the DAL Finals looming on May making sure that his upperclassmen – the marquee event on the Diablo Athletic Campolindo’s head coach agreed fully 6, the NCS Finals approaching on May 13 like Griffi n – set the tone for the younger League swimming calendar. with his brother’s assessment. and State Finals running on May 19-20, swimmers who, in turn, are expected to “Well, it’s defi nitely the highlight of “I tell the kids we’re fortunate,” Ron Don Heidary singled out a particular seg- grow into future leaders. the season on many fronts,” said Mira- Heidary said. “We’re so fortunate to have ment of his squad that is poised for a im- “Our philosophy is team is fi rst and monte head coach Don Heidary, whose such a competitive program a couple of pressive postseason showing. you’re a good teammate,” Ron Heidary Mats will compete against Campolindo. miles away. The kids get up for the meet “The women’s freestyle sprint group is said. “It’s the most competitive dual meet and it’s almost like an event in and of it- pretty strong and has a chance to do well at “We have team goals that we want to (of our season) and it may be the most self.” North Coast and the State meet,” he said. achieve,” the coach added. “We’ve had a competitive dual meet in North Coast,” Leading up to the showdown with the Over at Campolindo, Jolen Griffi n, a pretty impressive dual meet record over Heidary added. “Our two teams are pretty Cougars, the Mission Viejo Invitational – senior who’s headed to UCSB next year the past 10 years and winning the league strong. A lot of the kids know each other. A held in Irvine on March 25 – stands out at and who won the NCS 100-meter back- and we’ve won North Coast 14 times – lot of the kids train together and my broth- the high-point of the Mats’ season. Mira- stroke last spring, is the Cougars’ preemi- girls and guys – over the last 20 years.” er (Ron) coaches Campolindo.” monte brought 40 swimmers to the meet nent talent. Before the DAL trials arrive on May 4, The meet marks the penultimate com- and Heidary was impressed with the ath- “He’s one of the faster swimmers, I the Mats will conclude the dual meet por- petition of the DAL schedule for both letes in and out of pool. think, in the country at the high school tion of the schedule by competing against sides and provides the Mats and the Cou- “It was successful, very positive and level,” Ron Heidary said. “He’s outstand- their other rival – Acalanes – on April 26 gars with a chance to cheer on their team- competitive from a team perspective,” Don ing and has been for four years. He’s been in Orinda. mates and provide one of the fi nal sendoffs Heidary said, noting that the Mats showed a leader, a role model and he’s very good. for this year’s class of seniors. spirit and camaraderie rooting on their So he’s an important part of the program.”

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House Cleaning ReliableWindowService.com License #805794 classified ad height Over 100 top carriers = great pricing Email to: and coverage for Biz Gen Liability, www.totalclean.biz Tree & brush removal. W Comp, Homes, Auto, Life. Call Poison Oak removal. 376-1995, classified@ Henry at (925) 247-4356 Serving Lamorinda since 1985. reach 60,000+ with your ad 0E90108 Insured and bonded 376-1004. Licensed, insured & bonded lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C3 Local divers compete at Greg Panfili named All-Star MVP Louganis Invitational Meet Submitted by Justin O’Bryant Submitted by Patricia Cetrone renna Cetrone (Moraga), BAudrey Lundgren (La- fayette) and Hailey Tang (Moraga) traveled to Irvine to compete in the fi fth annual Greg Louganis Invita- tional dive meet March 25-26. Cetrone, a junior at Mi- ramonte High School, placed third on 3M and sixth on 1M, medaling on both boards. Lundgren, a sophomore at Acalanes High School, placed 17th on 1M. Tang, a freshman at Campolindo High School, placed 14th on 3M and 18th on 1M. All three are members of the Sherman Divers competitive team and were coached by Brianna Nicholson. Brooke Panfi li Photo Gint Federas Acalanes basketball player Brooke Pan- cluding Limari Thomas, Haley Vice Neat From left: Brenna Cetrone, Hai- fi li was selected to play in the GST/ and Namiko Adams. Brooke’s team won ley Tang, Audrey Lundgren and Passthaball Senior All-Star game recently an exciting and close game and she took coach Brianna Nicholson. in San Leandro along with some other home the MVP trophy with her game- Photo Trish Cetrone very good Division 1-bound players, in- high 24 points, including fi ve 3-pointers. DAL All-League – Foothill Division Boys 2016-2017 Boys Cross Country – 2016-17 Boy’s Water Polo – 2016-17 Second Team – All- League – Foothill Division Most Valuable Player – Foothill Division Robbie Rowell Acalanes QB Junior Tyler Abramson Miramonte Senior Teddy Hoxie Miramonte OL Junior Outstanding Goalie – Foothill Division Tomie Vega Campolindo OL Senior Ben Miller Campolindo Junior Nick Rovetti Miramonte OL Senior 1st Team All-League – Foothill Division Vince Mossotti Campolindo WR Junior Peter Brassinga Campolindo Senior Brian Merken Acalanes WR Junior Duncan Creed Miramonte Junior Jake Hassard Miramonte DB Junior Mikey Dakis Miramonte Junior John Torchio Campolindo DB Junior Beck Jurasius Campolindo Sophomore Michael Hooper Campolindo DB Senior Brad Robison Acalanes Senior Casey McGonigle Miramonte LB Senior Christian Schillinger Miramonte Senior Enzo Gravino Las Lomas LB Junior Jake Stone Acalanes Sophomore Michael Wheeler Campolindo Junior Boys Soccer – 2016-17 2nd Team All-League – Foothill Division Most Valuable Off ensive Player – Valley Division Jared Yabu Jonathan Fierro Giorgio Alessandria Campolindo Sophomore Drew Wondolowski Acalanes Senior 1st Team All-League – Foothill Division Casey Conrad Acalanes Senior Co-Most Valuable Defensive Player – Valley Division Jared Yabu Campolindo Senior Tommy Hawkins Campolindo Junior Sam Pinto Miramonte Junior Jonathan Fierro Miramonte Senior Jackson Painter Miramonte Freshman 1st Team All-League – Foothill Division Raymond Diaz Campolindo Senior Stephen Schmidt Miramonte Senior Rupert Dusauzay Campolindo Senior Richard Gong Campolindo Senior Bennett Winther Acalanes Junior Seppi Ortman Campolindo Junior 2nd Team All-League – Foothill Division Honorable Mention – Foothill Division 1st Team All-League – Valley Division Niki Moore Campolindo Senior Nate Welcomer Acalanes Senior Gabe Singer Acalanes Senior James Bull Miramonte Junior Wayne Hawkins Campolindo Senior Bryan Bamford Acalanes Senior Kyle Flett Campolindo Senior Will Clark Miramonte Junior Chris Rogers Acalanes Sophomore Ethan Sauerberg Campolindo Junior Ben Hodder Miramonte Senior Navid Boozarpour Campolindo Senior Football - 2016-17 Michael Ramirez Miramonte Sophomore Honorable Mention – Foothill Division Most Valuable Player Off ense– 2nd Team All-League – Foothill Division JJ Young Miramonte Junior All-League - Foothill Division Matty Ringquist Campolindo Senior Zach Woodworth Acalanes Senior Kai Weyland Campolindo Senior Grant Churchill Miramonte Senior 2nd Team All-League – Valley Division Payson Newman Acalanes Senior Boys Basketball – 2016-17 Alex Topping Acalanes Junior Mark Von Hacht Acalanes Senior William Knox Miramonte Senior William Stenzel Miramonte Senior Honorable Mention – Foothill Division Jose Carra Hernandez Campolindo Sophomore Vivek Lashkari Campolindo Sophomore Solomon Dusauzay Campolindo Senior Honorable Mention – Valley Division Tim Tague Jacob Westphal Nick Foster Oliver Feigin Acalanes Junior Luke Denham Acalanes Junior Name School Position Brody Quinn Acalanes Senior Tim Tague Miramonte QB Senior Luca Argast Miramonte Sophomore First Team – All-League – Foothill Division Conor Roemer Miramonte Sophomore Jacob Westphal Campolindo QB Senior Nicholas Rovetti Miramonte Senior Jesse Marlow Charlie Hocking Hunter Clarke Nick Foster Miramonte WR, DB Senior Wrestling– 2016-17 1st Team All-League – Foothill Division Ethan Fischler Miramonte WR Junior 1st Team All-League Jesse Marlow Acalanes Senior Matt Ringuist Campolindo WR Senior 132 Tai White Acalanes Charlie Hocking Miramonte Senior Kannah Cruickshank Campolindo WR Senior 145 Jeremy Ridge Acalanes Hunter Clarke Campolindo Freshman Joey Berzins Campolindo TE Senior 152 Skylar Wright Miramonte 2nd Team All-League – Foothill Divisio Ryan Nall Acalanes DL Junior 160 Axel Jurgens Acalanes Chris Wright Campolindo Senior Lev Garcia Campolindo DB Senior 170 Maxwell Fleming Miramonte Mitchell Smith Acalanes Junior Alex Cruz Concord LB Senior 2nd Team All-League Will Cummins Campolindo Junior Ryan Walker Miramonte LB Senior 138 Owen Madaus Miramonte Miles Beaubelle Miramonte Sophomore Branden Bocobo Campolindo LB Senior Honorable Mention – Foothill Division Sterling Butler Acalanes LB Senior We will publish the Girls list in our May 3rd issue. Ryan Nall Acalanes Junior Nick Foster Miramonte Senior www.Lamorindaweekly.com Most Frequently Viewed Stories From Our Last Issue:

- BART improvements coming to Lafayette spring 2017 - Fire Chief Paige Meyer: the Joe Montana of ﬁ re service - A scaled-back Saranap Village moves to the Planning Commission - Many local parents continue to support 5th-grade teacher in ‘Duct Tape’ case - After 4 years, Moraga approves new Chase building - PG&E to remove trees in Lafayette - Wright reaches state ﬁ nals for academically-gifted Mats wrestling team - How Lamorindans dispose of an unwanted gun - Togo’s sandwich chain looks to Lafayette for expansion - Acalanes students will work for college

If you wish to view any of the stories above go to www.lamorindaweekly.com and click the link below the story. Page: LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 19, 2017 amorinda LOUR HOMES

Lamorinda Weekly Volume 11 Issue 4 Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Digging Deep with Cynthia Brian ...read on page D16

Orinda Garden Tour highlights outdoor living By Sophie Braccini textures, colors and structures provided by the ev- ergreen shrubs, the backbone of a strong planting composition.” Nature in these gardens is never very far, but it has been domesticated and magnifi ed. Th e very spectacular gardens present an interesting mix of formality, with some grandiose designs that take advantage of large spaces, mixed with the abundance and more carefree California spirit. Visitors will appreciate the variety of plants such as dwarf mondo grass, mature Japanese maples, wisteria, camellia and weeping bamboo, mixed with stunning architectural details such as a fi re pit set into a large boulder. Th e mix of colors, atmospheres and types of features is particularly appealing in one of the La- fayett e gardens that completely wraps around the house. Another garden features interesting textures and shades of green from a combination of ever- green shrubs, annuals and ferns. Th e att ention to detail and the careful maintenance of these gardens will certainly impress and inspire. Water features and lawns are incorporated in several gardens along with arbors and terraces, surrounded by fl owers, shrubs and trees that create A Lafayett e garden on the tour seen through an arbor. Photo provided an enchanting oasis for the homeowners and their guests. ive Orinda and Lafayett e gardens have been local programs. Th e event is also a fundraiser for the club, along selected this year to showcase the best in el- Th is year the tour focuses on gardens that with other events that are happening simultaneous- egant Californian suburban outside living in F showcase outside living and entertainment. Orin- ly. Th e cocktail party is one of them (tickets are sold the biannual Orinda Garden Club Tour May 11. da residents Shari Bashin-Sullivan and Richard separately) and the club is organizing a silent auc- Th is chance to see professionally landscaped Sullivan of Enchanting Planting designed three of tion as well as a unique plant sale. Club member Va- private estates and the associated social events re- the gardens featured on the tour. Bashin-Sullivan, nessa Crews explains that all the hundreds of plants turns every other year. Th e tour is fi rst an eye-pleas- a club member, encourages garden enthusiasts to sold are the result of club members’ gardening tal- er and an opportunity for inspiration, and it also tour all of the gardens to enjoy the many fl owering ents. ... continued on page D4 includes a fundraiser that supports the club’s many plants and to also “appreciate the many interesting Page: D2 OUR HOMES 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Lamorinda Home Sales recorded City Last reported: LOWEST AMOUNT: HIGHEST AMOUNT: LAFAYETT E 12 $728,000 $2,725,000 MORA GA 8 $745,000 $1,607,000 ORINDA 10 $1,200,000 $2,425,000 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oakland real estate information company. Sale prices are computed from the county transfer tax information shown on the deeds that record at close of escrow and are published fi ve to eight weeks after such recording. This information is obtained from public county records and is provided to us by California REsource. Neither Cal REsource nor this publication are liable for errors or omissions. LAFAYETT E 3975 Canyon Road, $2,725,000, 4 Bdrms, 5221 SqFt, 2002 YrBlt, 3-21-17; Previous Sale: $340,000, 01-04-01 918 Dewing Avenue #A, $790,000, 2 Bdrms, 1245 SqFt, 1991 YrBlt, 3-23-17; Previous Sale: $588,000, 08-08-13 3958 Franke Lane, $1,655,000, 3 Bdrms, 2040 SqFt, 1951 YrBlt, 3-27-17; Previous Sale: $170,000, 05-23-79 917 Hough Avenue #7, $728,000, 2 Bdrms, 1038 SqFt, 1969 YrBlt, 3-24-17; Previous Sale: $418,000, 03-10-04 7 Lincolnshire Court, $1,855,000, 3 Bdrms, 2595 SqFt, 1952 YrBlt, 3-15-17; Previous Sale: $1,520,000, 03-07-14 3507 Moraga Boulevard, $1,250,000, 3 Bdrms, 1381 SqFt, 1941 YrBlt, 3-23-17; Previous Sale: $785,000, 12-23-04 1155 Pleasant Hill Circle, $1,125,000, 4 Bdrms, 2340 SqFt, 1949 YrBlt, 3-14-17; Previous Sale: $315,000, 08-29-97 3518 Rowe Place, $1,700,000, 2 Bdrms, 1877 SqFt, 1947 YrBlt, 3-24-17 3943 South Peardale Drive, $1,570,000, 3 Bdrms, 1579 SqFt, 1949 YrBlt, 3-16-17; Previous Sale: $1,211,500, 07-20-07 ORINDA - Completed in 2013, this 1648 Springbrook Road, $900,000, 3 Bdrms, 1124 SqFt, 1953 YrBlt, 3-23-17; home showcases impeccable crafts- Previous Sale: $121,000, 01-15-80 manship, the finest of finishes, un- 4064 Valente Court, $1,678,000, 4 Bdrms, 2927 SqFt, 1942 YrBlt, 3-16-17; obstructed views, multiple outdoor Previous Sale: $435,000, 05-22-97 venues and beautifully landscaped 4038 Valente Drive, $1,550,000, 4 Bdrms, 2512 SqFt, 1971 YrBlt, 3-17-17; grounds. The 5-bedroom, 5.5 bath Previous Sale: $399,000, 09-26-97 home features more than 5,300 sq. MORA GA ft. of living space with an open and 335 Calle La Mesa, $745,000, 3 Bdrms, 1790 SqFt, 1969 YrBlt, 3-20-17 functional floor plan on two levels 1100 Country Club Drive, $1,483,000, 3 Bdrms, 2051 SqFt, 1975 YrBlt, accessible by an elevator or a 3-16-17; Previous Sale: $1,130,000, 04-24-13 sweeping staircase. Sprawled 746 Crossbrook Drive, $1,607,000, 4 Bdrms, 2654 SqFt, 1966 YrBlt, 3-17-17; over .80 acres, the estate borders Previous Sale: $770,000, 05-01-02 another five acres of dedicated 370 Donald Drive, $1,325,000, 4 Bdrms, 2214 SqFt, 1969 YrBlt, 3-16-17; open space ensuring the utmost in Previous Sale: $191,500, 10-20-78 privacy. Offered at $3,950,000 2 Carnoustie, $1,200,000, 3 Bdrms, 3424 SqFt, 1987 YrBlt, 3-24-17; Previous Sale: $575,000, 02-26-91 '½ÄÄt͘ç½½ 24 Corte Encina, $1,530,000, 5 Bdrms, 2649 SqFt, 1969 YrBlt, 3-24-17; ϵϮϱ͘Ϯϱϰ͘ϭϮϭϮ >ùÄÄDÊ½½Êù Previous Sale: $580,000, 08-07-98 ϵϮϱ͘ϴϭϴ͘ϳϲϮϬ 1063 Del Rio Way, $1,460,000, 5 Bdrms, 2820 SqFt, 1969 YrBlt, 3-24-17; Previous Sale: $915,000, 09-12-12 TheBeaubelleGroup.com 23 Winslow Place, $1,350,000, 3 Bdrms, 2062 SqFt, 1964 YrBlt, 3-24-17; Previous Sale: $335,000, 08-16-88 ... continued on page D12 CABRE# 00678426 CABRE# 01910108 k&ROGZHOO%DQNHU5HDO(VWDWH//&$OO5LJKWV5HVHUYHG&ROGZHOO%DQNHUpLVDUHJLVWHUHGWUDGHPDUNOL Correction: FHQVHGWR&ROGZHOO%DQNHU5HDO(VWDWH//&$Q(TXDO2SSRUWXQLW\&RPSDQ\(TXDO+RXVLQJ2SSRUWXQLW\(DFK &ROGZHOO%DQNHU5HVLGHQWLDO%URNHUDJH2IILFHLV2ZQHGE\D6XEVLGLDU\RI157//&5HDO(VWDWH$JHQWVDIILOLDWHG ZLWK&ROGZHOO%DQNHU5HVLGHQWLDO%URNHUDJHDUH,QGHSHQGHQW&RQWUDFWRU6DOHV$VVRFLDWHVDQGDUHQRWHPSOR\HHV A story in the April 5 issue of the Lamorinda Weekly's Our Homes section, RI&ROGZHOO%DQNHU5HDO(VWDWH//&&ROGZHOO%DQNHU5HVLGHQWLDO%URNHUDJHRU157//&&DO%5(/LFHQVH "Changing your garden, changing your life," incorrectly identiﬁ ed the occupation of Orinda's Robert Sorenson. He is an ophthalmologist. Coming Soon | Active | Pending | Sold 2017

Coming Soon Coming Soon Active Pending

28 Dos Encinas, Orinda 989 Carol Ln, Lafayette 1982 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette 3451 Echo Springs, Lafayette Price to be determined Listed at $1,195,000 Listed at $3,300,000 Listed at $1,390,000

Pending Pending Pending Pending

514 Silverado Dr, Lafayette 3268 Ameno Dr, Lafayette 626 Moraga Way, Orinda 454 Turrin Dr, Pleasant Hill Listed at $1,379,000 Listed at $1,265,000 Listed at $1,099,000 Listed at $915,000

Sold Sold Sold Sold

1414 Eagle Point, Lafayette 550 Merriewood Dr, Lafayette 104 Hodges Dr, Moraga 754 Glenside Dr, Lafayette Listed $1,595,000 | Sold $1,750,000 Listed $1,368,000 | Sold $1,424,000 Listed $1,195,000 | Sold $1,261,600 Listed $995,000 | Sold $1,070,000

COMING SOON – 141 Westchester Drive, Moraga Country Club *KPG represented either Remodeled beauty | Single-level | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1867± sq.ft. the Buyer or Seller in Call for Details the above properties

KURT PIPER SCOTT SANS LESLIE PIPER DASHA SIENITSKY

925.818.8000 [email protected] KurtPiperGroup.com

925.818.8000 925.216.7583 415.990.4929 845.798.2077 License #: 01130308 License #: 01919680 License #: 01296053 License #: 01959571 Page: D4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Orinda Garden Tour highlights outdoor living ... continued from page D1 Members have contributed herbs such as lemon verbena and pineapple sage, as well as perennials and succulents. Th ere will also be orchids and some unusual scented leaf pelargoniums. Crews adds that the club is particularly proud of the tomato plant sale that is off ered thanks to the expertise of club member Sue Berger-Anderson. "She is an heirloom tomato guru and she is nurturing about 300 hard-to-fi nd plants for the sale," says Crews with pride. Berger-Anderson grows multiple varieties in her Orinda garden, so these are almost sure to be successful for local gardeners. Crews says that every kitchen gardener will want to visit this sale. Th e purchase of a tour ticket is required to access the sale. ... continued on page D6 A Lafayett e wrap-around garden. Photo provided

Exclusive Upper Happy Valley Lot 00 Los Arabis | $999,000 1.54 Acres Shiva Jafarzadeh | 925.876.2290

Web Id: HLF57S, CalBRE #01507290

BERKELEY 510.542.2600

DANVILLE 925.838.9700

LAFAYETTE 925.283.7866

Exquisite Custom Estate Exquisite Country Estate MONTCLAIR/OAKLAND 3410DeerRidgeDr.com 260JosephLn.com 510.339.4000 3410 Deer Ridge Dr. | $2,699,000 260 Joseph Lane | $2,450,000 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms Jennifer O’Grady | 925.389.2380 Jennifer O’Grady | 925.389.2380

Web Id: WHY6TP, CalBRE #01738517 Web Id: KYC2V8, CalBRE #01738517 EXQUISITE HAPPY VALLEY GATED ESTATE

Elegantly set back on a redwood tree-lined 1.27 acre ﬂ at lot, this beautiful estate in Happy Valley boasts gorgeous classic architectural detailing with exceptional quality throughout. Exquisitely remodeled with designer touches by acclaimed San Francisco designer, Tineka Triggs, of Artistic Design for Living. Offering sophisticated yet comfortable indoor and outdoor living, the main home features dramatic entertaining and living spaces, while this gated estate also includes a charming separate guest house and an impressive ofﬁ ce built above the three-car garage. This grand estate has over 7,700 square feet of living space, and is a very special blend of excellence, charm, and style. Price upon request.

JULIE DEL SANTO Broker/Owner 925.818.5500 [email protected] Distinctive Properties www.dudum.com CalBRE# 01290985

www.1259redwood.com Page: D6 OUR HOMES 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 It’s April in Lamorinda for Real Estate Orinda Garden Tour ... continued from page D4

OPEN SUNDAY 2-4

51 VALENCIA ROAD, ORINDA

4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1959 SQ. FT. | .74 ACRE OFFERED AT $1,398,000 Stylishly updated, spacious and open floor plan with easy access A beautiful Orinda garden with a pool Photos provided to the outdoors. 51 Valencia is enhanced with quality features that convey an inviting ambience. The setting is tranquil and serene and Club president Margie Murphy says that all the proceeds from the tour and the location is close to town, 12 years of Orinda schools, highway 24 its various events go to fund the club’s diff erent charitable projects. Th e club is and BART. It’s a great home! one of the oldest in the area; it has been operating since 1937 with a mission to beautify Orinda. Th e ongoing projects include the restoration of the cork oaks (Quercus suber) around Lake Cascade and the installation of a memorial rock and bench, placing holiday wreaths around town as well as the beloved fall scare- crows and pumpkins, maintenance of several public spaces such as the Highway 24 off -ramp and the triangle at Orinda Way and Camino Sobrante. Th e club extends its reach beyond Orinda with projects such as the monthly off ering of Orinda Garden Club's bouquets for patients at Contra Costa Medical Center in Martinez, a project that has been going on for 52 years; participation in Partners 4 Plants at the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Restoration Area in Oakland; maintaining the David Austin Roses at Th e Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek; and scholarships to local students studying horticulture. SOLD OVER LIST PRICE IN 7 DAYS! For more information and tickets visit www.orindagc.org/tour2017.

220 LONGVIEW TERRACE, ORINDA $1,200,000

April MaƩhews Cell: 925.200.0773 [email protected] CalBRE# 01221153

It’s April in Lamorinda for Real Estate www.dreamhomelamorinda.com An elegant side garden on the tour. BRINGING LAMORINDA HOME

3518 Rowe Place, Lafayette 3280 Sweet Drive, Lafayette

Sold for $1,700,000 with 6 Offers Coming Soon | Price Upon Request Lovely ranch style home with unlimited potential on a Darling single-story 3BR/2BA, 1525± sq.ft. home on a .25± sunny, ﬂat parcel backing to a creek. Ideal location close acre lot on popular Sweet Drive. Views of the hills from to downtown and the trail. Represented the Buyer. kitchen/family room. Sunny deck and large backyard.

255 Tharp Drive, Moraga 731 Miner Road, Orinda

Coming Soon | Price Upon Request New Listing | Offered at $3,495,000 Charming one level 4BR/2BA, 1956± sq.ft traditional on a Newly renovated 6BR/4.5BA, 5300± sq.ft. estate with an flat .25± acre lot. Open kitchen/family room combo offers open floor plan, high-end finishes and striking architectural access to backyard with pool and garden area. detail on a fairly-level oak-studded 1.6± acre lot.

Terri Bates Walker Broker, J.D. 510.282.4420 | [email protected] terribateswalker.com | Follow me on: License# 01330081 Page: D8 OUR HOMES 925-377-0977 Wed., April 19, 2017

The Real Estate Quarter in Review Homes continue to sell at Knowledgeable - Professional - Reliable - Local Committed to exceeding your expectations! a fast pace in Lamorinda By Conrad Bassett, CRP, GMS-T Paul & Virginia Ratto Homes sold in Lafayette 925.998.9501 [email protected] 2017 25 at or over asking 9 34 rattoandratto.com License #: 00900621 | 01361537 2016 43

Homes sold in Moraga

2017 18 at or over asking 10 28

2016 20

Homes sold in Orinda

2017 24 at or over asking 4 28 Tom Stack 2016 23

he fi rst quarter of 2017 showed a continued fast pace in activity on the residen- Broker Associate tial side of Lamorinda real estate. Supply remains very low so the resulting sales 925.878.9964 Tquantities remain low. Th e average sales price continues to increase in Lafayett e [email protected] and Moraga but not in Orinda versus the year ago period. Th e days on market remain www.TomStack.com short and the homes that have multiple off ers are increasing. Facebook: Per Contra Costa Association of Realtors statistics reported from January 1 facebook.com/TomStack through March 31, 2017, 34 single-family homes closed in Lafayett e down from 43 that You Tube: closed in the same quarter of 2016 and 49 in 2015. Sales prices ranged from $835,000 Tom Stack Lamorinda Real Estate to $5,082,388 and the average number of days on market was 21. Th e average sales price CalBRE #01501769 was $1,622,848 up from the year ago same period of $1,570,712, up from $1,411,281 in 2015 and $1,323,841 in the same quarter of 2014. It was $1,283,618 in the fi rst quarter of 2013 and continuing the upward trend from the $971,889 in the fi rst quarter of 2012. In Moraga the number of single-family closings was up to 28 from 20 in the fi rst quarter of 2016. Prices so far this year ranged from $745,000 to $2,750,000. Th e average sale price was $1,381,452, up over $100,000 from $1,278,575 a year ago. In the fi rst quarter of 2015 it was $1,195,451; in the fi rst quarter of 2014 it was $1,151,360, a slight increase from the $1,137,226 in the fi rst quarter of 2013, and a huge increase from the same quarter in 2012 when it was $959,857 and the $823,931 in the fi rst quarter of 2011. Th e average marketing time was 36 days; much of this average coming from two homes ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ofﬁ ce is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. that took seven months to sell. A year ago it was only 13 days. Real estate agents afﬁ liated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. ... continued on page D14 JUST LISTED: 12 Calvin Court, Walnut Creek

YOU’LL LOVE LAMORINDA! WWW.FINOLAFELLNER.COM COMING SOON! 77 Estates Drive, Orinda

MICHELLE AND WENDY HOLCENBERG PRESENT: South Walnut Creek. North of your Expectations.

Bedrooms Bathrooms Price 32$975,000

Located on a storybook Saranap cul-de-sac close to downtown Walnut Creek sits a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house ready for you to call home. It features hardwood ﬂooring, updated bathrooms, an expanded master, vaulted ceilings, dual-pane windows, air conditioning, new paint inside and out, and a spacious, level yard with lawn, decking, hot tub and a garden/play area.

Close to top-rated Parkmead and Tice Creek Schools, Las Don't miss this rare Glorietta contemporary home exquisitely Lomas High School, Dewing Park Swim Club and restaurants, remodeled in 2015 and boasts breathtaking views, ideal open shops and entertainment. 3D tour at www.12Calvin.com floor plan with 4 bed, 3.5 baths, office, in-law/au-pair setup, Open 4/23 1-4pm. and a separate 1650 sq ft detached 7 car garage with endless possibilities (guest house, office space, gym/play space). The home features a gorgeous custom chef's kitchen, private master suite with large walk in closet and spa bathroom, gorgeous hickory hardwood floors and amazing redwood clad soaring ceilings. Enjoy indoor/outdoor living at it finest with retracting Fleetwood window walls that open to batu decks, Michelle Holcenberg beautifully designed gardens, private fire pit, built-in BBQ with Wendy Holcenberg (925) 324-0405 Green Egg smoker. Minutes from downtown, BART, trails, [email protected] restaurants and top-rated Orinda schools! www.holcenberg.com License #01373412 Call me for details. License #00637795 925.890.7807

BRE #01428834

©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ofﬁ ce is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents afﬁ liated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. OPEN SUNDAY 1-4PM

Walk to 12 Years of School in Popular Del Rey Neighborhood! 4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2342 SQ. FT. ACRE

20 Whitfield Court, Pleasant Hill

Natural Beauty in Orinda Downs 3 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 3291 SQ. FT. | .93 ACRE | $1,550,000

Office: 925-254-8585 [email protected] www.clarkthompson.com CALBRE# 00903367 E XPERIENCE SLEEPY HOLLOW

Can You Do Better with Mark or a Big Bank? With Interest Rates Having Gone Up Now Is The Time To The Spring Market is in Full Bloom! See If Mark Can Find A Better Mortgage For You!! SOLD IN 1 DAY WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS! Mark Zinman Mortgage Broker/Owner MZ Financial Group 415-203-6369 [email protected] 35 Williams Drive, Moraga Hidden Valley Treasure 16 Diablo Circle, Lafayette | 3BD/2BA, 1,730+/- sq. ft., .24+/- acre MZ FINANCIAL GROUP 16DiabloCircle.com | Offered at $1,325,000 Mark has been a Lamorinda Resident and Mortgage Broker for 15 years and SOLD WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS! would love to put that experience to work in handling your mortgage needs! MZ Financial Group handles financing needs up to $3,000,000. With Interest Rates at Historic Lows give Mark a call today for a discussion about your specific situation!

Silver Dell Gem 16 Fallen Leaf Court, Lafayette | 4BD/2.5BA, 2,581+/- sq. ft, .55+/- acre 16FallenLeafCourt.com | Offered at $1,775,000 Lamorinda Home Sales recorded Custom Las Huertas Paradise ... continued from page D2 Nestled in the sought after “Trail Neighborhood” pocket of Lafayette sits this beautifully ORINDA crafted 5BD/4.5BA custom gem that was rebuilt to perfection in 2005. With an open 26 Alder Walk, $1,329,000, 4 Bdrms, 2394 SqFt, 2014 YrBlt, 3-17-17 floorplan, this 4,260+/- sq. ft. mostly single level home offers wonderful design elements, 44 Bates Boulevard, $1,350,000, 3 Bdrms, 2060 SqFt, 1959 YrBlt, 3-23-17 COMING SOON top-of-the-line finishes, expansive 175 Camino Don Miguel, $1,200,000, 3 Bdrms, 2213 SqFt, rooms and indoor/outdoor appeal. Situated on a .48+/- flat acre lot, 1955 YrBlt, 3-16-17 the backyard is an entertainer’s 220 Camino Sobrante, $1,650,000, 5 Bdrms, 2886 SqFt, 1955 YrBlt, 3-23-17 paradise with outdoor kitchen, gas 5 De Soto Court, $1,430,000, 4 Bdrms, 3113 SqFt, 1956 YrBlt, 3-22-17 fire-pit with surround seating, sun- 86 La Espiral, $1,728,000, 3 Bdrms, 2800 SqFt, 1977 YrBlt, 3-27-17; swept dining area, saltwater pool, 10-person hot tub and large level Previous Sale: $975,000, 02-05-16 grass area. Easy access to the 5 La Sombra Court, $1,435,000, 4 Bdrms, 2191 SqFt, 1954 YrBlt, 3-24-17 Lafayette bike trail, top rated 18 Rabble Road, $2,425,000, 6 Bdrms, 5817 SqFt, 2014 YrBlt, 3-21-17; schools and downtown. Previous Sale: $2,750,000, 12-01-14 Call for more information 8 Snow Court, $1,700,000, 6 Bdrms, 3857 SqFt, 1986 YrBlt, 3-17-17; Previous Sale: $1,042,000, 03-07-01 Lisa Brydon 925.285.8336 | Kristi Ives 925.788.8345 109 Van Ripper Lane, $2,304,000, 4 Bdrms, 2952 SqFt, 1951 YrBlt, 3-21-17; www.BrydonIvesTeam.com Previous Sale: $1,700,000, 11-19-13 CalBRE#: 01408025 CalBRE#: 01367466 [email protected] 1560 Rancho Del Hambre, Lafayette

Enchanting Custom Lafayette Estate property in Reliez Valley. Impeccably maintained with an ideal ﬂoorplan, high ceilings, and great spaces throughout. Features include an updated kitchen/family room, formal dining and living rooms, and 4+BR/4.5BA in 5200± sq.ft. The serene 3.12± acre estate features a Pebbletec pool, patio with barbecue, and boasts expansive views of Mt. Diablo, Briones Regional Park & Heritage Oaks. Away from it all yet close to town, FWY, Bart and top rated Lafayette schools. Open Sunday 1:00-4:00| Call for Price and Details | 1560RanchoDelHambre.com

Nancy Rothman Dan Walner 510.701.0230 510.205.7159 [email protected] [email protected] nancyrothman.com danwalnerhomes.com

Coming Soon in Orinda!

87 Bates Blvd, Orinda 4+BR, 2.5BA, 2769± sq.ft., on a .48± acre lot, 3-car garage, traditional style with modern updating First open houses | April 29th & 30th Offered at $1,649,000 Call Pamela and start turning your dreams into realty!

Pamela Halloran Broker Associate 925.323.4100 [email protected] pamelahalloran.com License #: 00936191 Page: D14 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 19, 2017

DAVID PIERCE Drainage Systems Helping Lamorinda Homeowners Since 1987 • Standing Water Problems Direct: 925 254 5984 Eliminated • Sump Pump Service, Repairs [email protected] & Replacement www.DavidPierce.net • Drainage Inspections & Reports CalBRE #00964185 • Retaining Walls • Grading 925-944-5263 Lic. # 512288 drainagepros.com A+ rated Each Oﬃce is Independently Owned & Operated

The Real Estate Quarter in Review Homes continue to sell at a fast pace in Lamorinda ... continued from page D8 In Orinda, the number of single-family closings was 28 versus a year ago when distressed sales available in Lamorinda. there were 23. Sales prices ranged from $725,000 to $3,150,000 with an average price of In Orinda there are 42 homes on the market. A year ago there were 40. Th e list $1,523,767. In the year ago fi rst quarter it was $1,634,327. isTh reduction in average is prices range from $920,000 to $5,750,000. not based upon any signs of a decline in the market — just a sample size without many As is the case nearly every quarter, the most active price range is in the more “af- high end sales. In 2015 it was $1,511,044. Th e average price in the fi rst quarter of 2014 fordable” price ranges. At the high end, 13 homes sold above $2,000,000 in the three was $1,128,161. In the fi rst quarter of 2013 it was $1,151,882. In the fi rst 90 days of communities combined. A year ago there were 17. Th ere are 39 currently available 2012 it was $934,541. In 2011 it was $894,857. It took an average of just 24 days on the above this amount in the three communities combined. market to sell a home, almost the same as the fi rst quarter of last year when it took 22 Interest rates continue to be att ractive and many corporations continue to relocate days. families both in to and out of the area. Th e real estate markets in San Francisco, the In the fi rst quarter of 2016, Lafayett e homes sold at an average of $645.43 per Peninsula, and the other side of the hill in Oakland and Piedmont have been even more square foot up from $615.46 per square foot in 2016, a huge increase from 2015 when active so there has been some spillover eff ect where buyers are willing to make longer the average was at $524.42 per square foot; Moraga came in at $552.98 per square foot, commutes in order to fi nd more “aff ordable housing.” Of course, Lamorinda and aff ord- down from a year ago when it was $601.28 a square foot versus $509.81 in 2015. Again, able housing are seldom mentioned in the same breath. the price drop is based upon the size of the homes that sold, not a change in the mar- Lastly, it is important to look at what homes are selling for versus their list prices. ketplace. Orinda was at $625.23 up from $581.86 in 2016 and $563.91 in 2015. To this Oft en homes come on the market at unrealistic prices and they do not sell. We also are point in 2014, the average price per square foot in Lafayett e homes was $542 per square seeing more homes listed well below true values so that it may encourage bidding wars foot, Moraga was $462 and Orinda was at $495. that might generate a higher overall sales price. In the fi rst quarter of this year many In the condominium/town home category, Lafayett e had nine closings reported to homes have had multiple off ers and have sold at or above the list price. the MLS and all were resales Th ey ranged from $525,000 to $950,000. Moraga had 10 Of the 34 single-family home sales that closed in Lafayett e in the fi rst quarter of ranging from $445,000 to $1,015,000 with the highest four all being in Moraga Country 2017, 25 sold at or above the list price. In Moraga, 18 of the 28 sales were at or above the Club, and Orinda had two — both on Brookwood Drive at $490,000 and $533,000. asking price and in Orinda, 24 of the 28 sold at or above the fi nal listing price. As of April 10, 2017, there were 96 homes under contract per the MLS in the three Th is will typically happen when a house goes pending in the fi rst two weeks on the combined communities (a year ago there were 65) with asking prices of $389,000 to market. Of the 96 currently pending sales in the three Lamorinda communities com- $3,650,000. It should be pointed out that there is only one pending “Potential Short bined, 64 went pending in 21 days or less. Th e actual average days on the market would Sale” and one bank-owned property. Th is should lead to a much larger quantity of clos- be markedly lower but many agents are sett ing up marketing plans where they hold the ings in the second quarter. home open to the public and to brokers and follow with an off er date in a week or so Inventory is at 96 as of April 10, 2017. A year ago it was 105 on the same date. aft er exposing the property to the market—pointing to a high likelihood of a continued Th ere are 39 Lafayett e properties currently on the market versus 47 properties on trend in homes selling above the asking price. the market in April, 2016. Asking prices in Lafayett e currently range from $844,044 to In the detached home category in the fi rst quarter of 2017, the average sale price in $4,100,000. In Moraga, buyers have their choice of 16 homes, down from 18 homes Lafayett e was just under 104 percent of the asking price. In Moraga it was 101.4 percent at this time in 2016. Th ey are listed between $879,000 and $2,699,500. 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Digging Deep Color me purple By Cynthia Brian “God gets mad if you walk by the color purple in a fi eld somewhere and don't notice it.”— Alice Walker, “Th e Color Purple”

Fragrant French lilac. Photos Cynthia Brian Chinese Fringe with its plum colored fl owers. s I amble through my April garden, I know that God is very happy. Purple, the Purple bearded iris and Dutch iris tender their brilliance in the middle of the weed- color of royalty, wisdom and luxury is favored in the majority of my botanical fi lled hillside where Jerusalem star, also known as goat’s beard, thrive. Bulbs and rhizomes Ablooms. Th e nobility of the season is highlighted with the elegantly perfumed li- are the ultimate VIPs of my garden. Once planted, I forget about them until they burst lac, the scented grace of cascading wisteria, and the pride of the dark and handsome helle- into bloom, a welcome surprise especially when other plants are failing. If you are a be- bore as it changes from its deep shaded amethyst of winter to the violet and chartreuse of ginner gardener, I highly recommend indulging in bulbs for all seasons. Most require litt le spring. Bees are swarming, sucking the sweet nectar from the fragrant fl owers of lavender, maintenance and eff ort with minimal water while providing maximum results. Some of my freesia and the Chinese fringe. Shades of indigo, mauve, and sangria pepper the landscape perennial favorites that are available in hues of purple include calla lily, gladiolus, oriental off ering a powerful presence yet calming expression. lily, bearded iris, Asiatic lily, dahlia, anemone and naked lady. ... continued on page D17 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com OUR HOMES LAMORINDA WEEKLY Pag e: D17

I love the color purple and have dedicated this month to everything purple. If you’d like to bring a bit more of the richness of purple into your outdoors, I recommend check- ing out a few of these favorite cultivars:

Agastache Violet Vision Liatris Aquilegia Swan Lavender Lantana Aster Kickin’ Purple Lavender Astilbe Purple Candles Lilac Azalea Monarda Piurple Rooster Buddelia Miss Violet Nepeta Litt le Trudy Campanula Milan Lilac Purple Potato Vine Chinese Fringe Plant Phlox Laura Clematis Jackmanii Prunella Puprle Daze Delphinium Pagan Purples Rose Angel Face Digitalis Sugar Plum Rhododendron Echinacea Magnus Salvia May Night Freesia Society Garlic Hellebore Dark and Handsome Sea Foam Statice Hemerocallis Black Stockings Tulips (Black Parrot or Victoria’s Heuchera Fire Alarm Secret) Hollyhock Crème de Cassis Veronica Hocus Pocus Hydrangea Let’s Dance Rave Wisteria Iris Superstition

Ask your nursery if they carry inventory from Bluestone Perenni- als, Brent and Becky’s, White Flow- er Farm or Proven Winners. While perusing the gardens, buy petunias, pansies, zinnias and other annuals in the hues that will brighten your landscape.

“Purple haze, all in my brain Lately things they don't seem the same Actin' funny, but I don't know why Excuse me while I kiss the sky!”— Jimi Hendrix

I am kissing the sky with joy for spring. Get your purple haze on!

... continued on page D18 Jerusalem star, also known as goat’s beard. Close-up of violet-hued wisteria. Page: D18 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Cynthia Brian’s Gardening Guide for April

SPLASH your barbecue grill with white vinegar then scrub with half an onion to clean the grates and get ready for outside dining.

BUFF your garden tools by plunging them in a fi ve-gallon bucket of sand mixed with a cup of vegetable oil. Th e sand will keep them sharper and the oil wards off rust. Small hand tools can be stored in the sand bucket.

PLANT frost tender plants as the weather warms towards the end of the month. Ground covers, citrus, bougainvillea, and summer annuals are available for purchase.

SOW seeds of scarlet runner bean, sweet peas, or morning glories to climb on fences and wire.

RESIST cutt ing back the dying leaves of narcissi and daff odils. Th e frongs are gathering their nutrition for next year’s blooms. Cut them back only when as dry as potato chips.

BAIT the snails and slugs, pick them off by hand, use copper barriers, or bowls of beer. Th ese slimy crawlers will devour new seedlings.

BUY ladybugs from your nursery or garden center if you see aphids or other pests on your plants. Remember ladybugs fl y to infested gardens.

VISIT the Be the Star You Are! booth at the Moraga Faire 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 to get a bag of complimentary spring potpourri. Bring your gardening questions and I’ll be there to answer them. www.BetheStarYouAre.org/events.

SELECT appropriate plants in one- or two-gallon pots for your shade garden. Smaller sizes don’t root as quickly. Hostas, ferns, vinca minor, anemones, begonias and impatiens mingle beautifully without much sunlight. Lantana and lavender comingle in rock garden.

PLANT purple anything this spring and be delighted all year.

WEED, weed, weed. Because of the heavy rains this year, weeds are ubiquitous, yet easy to pull. If they don’t have seed heads, add to your compost pile.

PREORDER my forthcoming garden book, “Growing with the Goddess Gardener,” Book I in the Garden Shorts Series. All preorders will receive extra goodies such as heirloom seeds, bookmarks and more. Email me for details, Cynthia@GoddessGardener. com. Twenty-fi ve percent of the proceeds benefi t the 501c3 Be the Star You Are! charity.

Win $50,000 for your Garden: As a judge in America’s Best Gardener Contest, I encourage you to enter your best garden photo. Th e top prize is $50,000. www.americas- bestgardener.com.

BUY a beautiful pott ed purple lavender plant to show your love for your mother or anyone’s mom’s on Mother’s Day.

A heartfelt shout out to every mom! You are the nurturers and our teachers. Happy Mother’s Day! Let it rain purple.

Happy Gardening and Happy Growing! Purple vetch is a nitrogen-rich cover crop. Wed., April 19, 2017 OUR HOMES Pag e: D19

family owned since 1933

Flowers • Trees • Succulents • Pottery & Fountains Benches • Garden Decor • House Plants • Gifts • Jewelry Landscape Consultation

Deep purple bearded iris.

DESIGN e Ri INSTALLATION u dg IRRIGATION l e DRAINAGE B STONEWORK CONCRETE WORK DECKS 510-847-6160 FENCES PATIOS Landscape Company Inc. LAWNS PONDS Blue Jay Feldman LICENSED CLEANUP & OWNER/OPERATOR INSURED HAULING www.blueridgelc.com Lic# 818633

Cynthia Brian in shades of purple. Cynthia Brian, Th e Goddess Gardener, is a New York Times best selling author, actor, radio Reach 60,000+ in Lamorinda personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Advertise in Be the Star You Are1® 501 c3. Lamorinda Weekly Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www. Call 925-377-0977 today StarStyleRadio.com Available for hire for any project. We print and deliver 26,000 copies every other week. [email protected] www.GoddessGardener.com 925-377-STAR

Local newspaper delivered to Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm

ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA

ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE

New Listing New Listing New Listing New Listing THE VILLAGE 282 Glorietta Blvd 38 Whitehall Drive 51 Valencia Road A magical home 32 Coachwood Terrace ASSOCIATES: Stylish architect’s home less than Charming completely updated home & setting w/stylish updates, spacious Special setting, custom modern design .25 miles from Glorietta Elementary! in fabulous neighborhood. Dual panes & open fl oor-plan & wonderful in/out with oversized rooms + high ceilings. Hardwood fl oors, fresh paint & windows, hardwoods, light & bright living. Enjoy the wood fl oors, updated Ideal fl oor plan with family room off Ashley Battersby additional updates. This home is move-in inside. Incredible entertaining areas kitchen & baths, walls of glass & kitchen + bonus recreation room. A well Patricia Battersby ready. inside & out. Close to K-12 excellent numerous upgrades. Conv. to town, valued home in the DOWNS. $995,000 $1,295,000 $1,398,000 $1,550,000 Shannon Conner Orinda schools, shopping. schools, BART. Meara Dunsmore ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA Joan Eggers Linda Ehrich Joan Evans Linda S. Friedman Marianne Greene Dexter Honens II Anne Knight New Listing New Listing 10 Oak Drive 24 La Campana 176 Camino Don Miguel 572 Dalewood Drive Susan Zeh Layng Stunning traditional w/ classic fi nishes! Old World Charm in the heart of the New to market! Magnifi cent custom Stunning executive 5bd/4.5ba, apx. Charles Levine 5 bed, 3.5 baths, apx. 4,907 sqft. Grand OCC. A 1930’s jewel with architectur- built classic traditional 3 bedroom, 3.5 5211sf home in Orinda Downs. High Erin Martin spaces in beautiful condition. Huge al interests that sets the stage for this bath home located on the 5th fairway of ceilings & hwd fl rs; large family room & April Matthews master retreat. .89 acres w/ sport court. special home. Beautifully updated inside Orinda Country Club. rec/game room opens to deck w/outdoor Hillary Murphy Close to town and schools. & out with gorgeous English gardens & kitchen & gazebo w/views. $1,880,000 $2,195,000 $2,350,000 $2,350,000 Karen Murphy views. John Nash ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA MORAGA Ben Olsen Sue Olsen Tara Rochlin Jaime Roder Altie Schmitt Judy Schoenrock New Listing Ann Sharf 20 Red Coach Lane 3 Gardiner Court 160 Camino Don Miguel 217 Corliss Drive Amy Rose Smith Rare opportunity in Orinda Downs, Fabulous 5156sf executive retreat One of a kind estate overlooking OCC. Complete home remodel in desirable Molly Smith 5 beds, 3.5 baths w/updated kitchen, nestled on gorgeous 1.2 acre w/sparkling Rebuilt from the ground up in 1996 Corliss area. New kitchen, wood fl oors, Jeff Snell walls of windows w/views & new decks pool, sport court, lawns, & views. by the fi nest craftsmen to preserve the 4 bedrooms, 2.5 remodeled baths, a large Lynda Snell surrounding home. Beautiful gardens, Kitchen adjoining family room w/French original elements of the home. Resort fl at lot and plenty more updates. Clark Th ompson pool, spa, outdoor kitchen & apx. 600sf doors open to veranda. Luxurious master quality pool & spa, gardens, views & $2,495,000 $2,950,000 $4,950,000 $1,465,000 Angie Evans Traxinger guest home. suite. guest house. Ignacio Vega LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE DANVILLE WALNUT CREEK Ann Ward Jenny Lyons Wilhite Margaret Zucker

New Listing New Listing New Listing 881 Mountain View Drive 561 Morecroft Road 10 Creekledge Court Danville 473 Beacon Ridge Lane Exceptional home in close proximity to This is gorgeous! 5 beds/ 4 baths, over estate home located at the end of a Level-In and Remodeled with Views downtown Lafayette, shops, restaurants 3700 sq.ft. of beauty and great spaces. landmark Colonial street! 5 bedroom, in Beacon Ridge. Lafayette Schools. & BART. Gorgeous pano. views from 2 master suites, 2 family rooms, granite 4 & 1/2 bathroom, apx. 5600 sq. ft. home 3bd/2.5ba +bonus. Chef’s Kitchen with facebook.com/VillageAssociates all 5 bedrms! Open concept kitchen/ kitchen, hardwood ﬂ oors and sports on 1/3 acre park-like yard with pool, granite and stainless. Vaulted Ceilings. family rm opens to level lawn in scenic court. pond, BBQ, ﬁ replace & more! California Closets. twitter.com/villageassoc backyard. $1,495,000 $1,795,000 $2,388,000 $1,039,000

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