VOLUME XLVIII, NUMBER 3 Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 High School Trimester Schedule Meeting Goals By Patricia Koning were on two different block al minutes required by the State schedule would result in “signifi- dents increased 69 points at LHS Last week, Livermore School schedules. of California and to provide its cant increases in achievement.” and 82 points at Granada; socio- District executive director of stu- Each trimester is 12 weeks teachers with collaboration time The data has proven him cor- economically disadvantaged dent services Chris Van Schaack long. Students can attend periods within the school day. rect—standardized test scores students increased 75 points at came through on a promise he 1-5, 2-5, 1-4, or 1-3, depending Van Schaack reported on the in English Language Arts, math, LHS and 118 points at Granada; made three years ago, when he on their post-high school goals five goals which he and Avilla history, and science have im- and ELL students increased 90 was principal of Granada High and extracurricular commit- made back in 2008: to improve proved significantly, as well as points at LHS and 104 points at School. “When you approved the ment. student achievement, increase the Academic Performance Index Granada. high school trimester schedule, I “We had identified many elective offerings and flexibility, (API) for both schools. “These academic gains are re- said I’d come back early in year concerns with our program at the create collaborative time at LHS, From 2008 to 2010, the His- ally the most impressive part of three with a progress report,” time,” explained Van Schaack. create a culture that encourages panic, socio-economically disad- this report,” said trustee Bill Dun- Find Out What's he said. “Student achievement was stag- innovation and creativity at both vantaged, and English language lop. “I was beside myself when I In Jan. 2008, the Livermore nant, students were having dif- campuses, and unify the high learners (ELL) subgroups have saw these improvements.” Happening Board of Education approved the ficulty fitting electives into their schools. made tremendous gains on the A survey of students, staff, new schedule, presented by Van schedule, and there were reports In an October 2008 report to API, outstripping the 32-point and parents showed that the tri- Check out the Schaack and Livermore High of stress overload.” In addition, the Board, Van Schaack made overall increase for LHS and mester scheduled seems to have second section School (LHS) principal Darryl LHS needed to adjust its schedule what he termed a “bold predic- the 62-point overall increase for increased elective options and Section II is filled with infor- Avilla. At the time, the schools to meet the minimum instruction- tion” that benefits of the trimester Granada. Scores for Hispanic stu- (See GOALS, page 4) mation about arts, entertainment and special events. There are education stories, a variety of features, and the arts and enter- tainment and bulletin board list Pleasanton Holding Workshop on Finances Make that a Dou- Discussion of items related to changes announced by Calpers. new City of Pleasanton employee In addition, the contracts do not ble: union contracts was delayed until address the entitlement process. Gold, That Is a future meeting. Hughes expressed disappoint- Only three councilmembers ment that a 2-tier pension plan 2011 Chronicle were present for Tuesday’s meet- was not included in the contracts. Competition Proves ing. Mayor Jennifer Hosterman He pointed out that other cities Golden for Livermore was in Washington, D.C. attend- have done so. By Laura Ness ing the Conference of Mayors. He mentioned that there is Hollywood may be reveling in Councilmember Cindy McGov- the potential for an initiative its Golden Globes, but Livermore ern was ill. to address issues the public is winemakers are celebrating a In addition to missing council- concerned about, particularly the great medal haul from the 2011 members, finance director Emily unfunded pensions, if the council Wagner was ill. does not act. San Francisco Chronicle Wine Councilmember Cheryl Cook- Brenda Wood, business man- Competition, including some Kallio suggested moving all of ager for the Pleasanton City Once again, Mitchell Katz the items pertaining to union Employees Association, said that walked away with Best of Class contracts, employee compensa- the union had negotiated in good and Double Gold for his 2008 tion, and pension liabilities to a faith. “We will talk about the Sangiovese, this time from Chris workshop format on Feb. 1. “It concessions we made in greater Grimes Vineyard. He also won a is important to have the entire detail in two weeks.” Gold for 2005 Tawny Port- Liver- council and staff present,” she The new contracts include Photo - Doug Jorgensen stated. a provision for the city man- more Valley, Falling Star. The new rapid buses will make it easier for people to get in and out of them. Wente Vineyards won Best of Councilmember Jerry Thorne ager to pay 8 percent towards commented, “I’m glad we are his pension; management would Class with its 2007 Nth Degree going to have the workshop pay 4 percent; and employees 2 Cabernet Sauvignon in the $60 prior to our making a decision percent. Currently, the city pays and up category. Go, Livermore Rapid Bus Service Is $4 Million on contracts.” the entire 8 percent contribution Cab! Members of the public were for all employees. Speaking of Cab, among invited to offer input into the Karla Brown, who ran for city Concannon’s 5 Gold medals Under Budget, & Ready to Roll proposed contracts. council last November, suggested was a Double Gold for the 2008 David Miller told the council, that it is time for employees Conservancy Cabernet. Other Wheels’ $14 million Bus Rap- Stoneridge Mall. When the sta- The buses are equipped with “The workshop is a great step to recognize that times have Concannon Golds went to Se- id Transit (BRT) service, seven tion opens, BRT will also stop clean-burning hybrid engines, forward.” He presented a petition changed. Commitments were lect Vineyard 2008 Petite Sirah years in the making, will begin there. producing fewer carbon emis- signed by 230 residents request- made in 2000 regarding pensions Jan. 24, linking Livermore to the BRT won’t run on weekends. sions and delivering better fuel ing that a workshop be held to with the belief that the economy and 2009 Pinot Noir, as well as East Dublin/Pleasanton BART The route will shave time off the economy. There also are low talk about the city’s financial would continue to be fabulous. to 2009 Conservancy Chardon- station and also to Stoneridge morning and evening commutes, floors and ramps for easy access situation. She urged the council to look nay, and to the 2007 Petite Sirah Mall between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. according to Wheels officials. by handicapped passengers. Bart Hughes, who has at- at contracts that were fair to Reserve. on weekdays. The buses will run every 10 Rep. Jerry McNerny of Pleas- tended several council meetings both employees and Pleasanton Fenestra came away with a What had been called the minutes at the peak commute anton, who worked for years to comment on employee pen- citizens. Double Gold (Seefor itsGOLD, 2007 page Petite 10) Dublin/Pleasanton BART station times, and 15 minutes at other to obtain federal funding, was sions, suggested that the council Councilmember Matt Sullivan was changed to the new name, times. Specially installed reader- joined by Rep. John Garamendi, reject the contracts and send them stated, “It is an important issue because the West Dublin/Pleas- boards at the newly installed, whose district includes Liver- back for further negotiations. that we need to work together anton BART station will open modern-design shelters will show more, in helping to inaugurate the He noted that since negotiations on to solve.” Therapy Dogs on Feb. 23. It is located near riders when the next bus is due. (See RAPID BUS, page 5) were completed there have been Honored For service Residents Taking Thorough Look at Climate Plan To veterans The voting is underway. “Bal- of being accomplished with meeting sponsored by the city needed more time with the lists. then go to the bottom of the box, Eighteen therapy dogs who lots” are expected to be returned residents supporting it. Good Jan. 11 at the Veterans hall. After They were told to take them where it says “please download have helped hundreds of military in a few weeks to consultants and also means effective, both in an orientation from consultants, home, and return them to city hall the,” there will be a choice of two veterans suffering from illnesses the City of Pleasanton concern- terms of making a significant they spent an hour poring over in the next couple of weeks. documents in bolder face. ranging from cancer to Alzheim- ing what future carbon-cutting contribution to carbon reduction, the 19 pages of material that lists Other residents can go on-line One is the “strategies” docu- er’s to post traumatic stress disor- measures might be good for and being cost-effective when it 300 suggestions in a total of 15 at pleasantongreenscene.org and ment, which explains the overall Pleasanton in its climate action comes to results obtained from categories. download the material. To ac- picture in nine pages. The other der (PTSD) were honored at the plan (CAP). dollars spent. It was clear from the mass complish that, on the home page is the Draft GHG reduction mea- Veterans Administration hospital The CAP must be put in place Approximately 60 people of knowledge available and the go to the box that says “Pleasan- sures,” which is the 19-page in Livermore last Saturday. to meet state requirements. picked up their “ballots” at a many choices to read, that people ton CAP workshop January 11,” (See CLIMATE, page 4) Honoring the animals for their “Good” here means capable service were the VA, the Valley Humane Society, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Livermore Vice Mayor John Marchand and doz- Wildlife in the Vines ens of other admirers, patients, By Mark Browning sity is the sweet, nutritive grape. staff and family members. Monocultures—where humans The large clusters of sugar-laden Honors included tags showing plant large areas with a single fruit attract a host of insects that length of service and honorary crop—are typically biological feed off of the juices and pulp military ranks. Navy terminology deserts. From cotton to corn, and lay their eggs among the is used because a Navy vet once from wheat to soy, wildlife is vines where their larvae hatch effectively shut out from the by the millions. Songbirds ar- suggested that the dogs should regimented rows that harbor rive by the droves. Red-shafted have the rank of Petting Officers. only one plant and perhaps a flickers, large ground-foraging The play on Petty Officer stuck. few attendant pests. Even in ba- woodpeckers, consume great However, as the years passed, the nana plantations, nestled amidst quantities of ants. Meadowlarks more experienced dogs had to be tropical biodiversity, little moves specialize on beetles, caterpillars, promoted to higher ranks. except perhaps the occasional and cutworms. Bluebirds eat a (See THERAPY DOGS, page 5) tarantula. By contrast, vineyards wide array of insects. Yellow- host a rich and diverse array of rumped warblers, migrating from wildlife, from large mammals to Alaska and Canada, find their an impressive variety of birds, greatest winter habitat amongst reptiles, and amphibians. In re- California vines. The impres- sponse to the rich diversity their sive harvest of injurious insects lands hold, many vintners have by these songbirds is more than become excellent examples of enough payment for pilfered agriculturalists who encourage grapes. wildlife diversity and forge al- Below the ground, the root liances with biologists working systems of cover crops—grasses to preserve valuable ecosystems and legumes planted between Photo - Doug Jorgensen and threatened species. the rows to reduce erosion and A foggy, damp day didn't keep Pleasanton residents from taking a stroll along the pathway in The cornerstone of this diver- (See WILDLIFE, page 12) the Sports Park.

Pet of the Week Inside Robin is a seven month old dilute calico who is a bit overweight, but is as cute as a button. She’s looking for her chance to Art & Entertainment...... Section II Roundup...... 3 shine in a forever home that will help her lose some of her belly blubber. She was rescued as a young kitten from a feral colony Bulletin Board...... Section II Short Notes...... 8 and domesticated thanks to her dedicated foster family. To learn Photo - Doug Jorgensen Classifieds...... 10 Sports...... 6 more information about adopting her and possibly becoming A hawk surveys the landscape Editorial...... 4 Obituaries...... 9 a foster family for other animals in need, call 925-426-8656 or from atop one of the older visit www.valleyhumane.org. Valley Humane Society is located windmills in Livermore. Mailbox...... 9 at 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Hours are Tues.- Sat. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. PAGE 2 - The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 Feb. 2 Talk County Teams Up with Noted Author to Address Interplay Kaiser for Wellness Program Alameda County and Kaiser together to discuss ways to cur- Permanente last week kicked tail ballooning health care costs. Of Science and Democracy off a first-of-its-kind wellness County leaders agreed that part- One of America’s premier program, HealthWorks. The nering with Kaiser – the County’s science writers will speak next program will utilize traditional largest health care provider with month on the importance of sci- and high-tech methods to help about 70 percent of employees ence in the growth and preserva- County employees improve their enrolled - would be a first step to health and help Alameda County improve employee health and to tion of liberal democracy in the take a swipe at skyrocketing help the County craft long-term western world. health care costs. policies to encourage a healthier Timothy Ferris will appear at The 3-year program will pro- work force. the Bankhead Theater in Liver- vide employees with in-depth Participants are required to more on Wednesday, February health assessments, help them be Kaiser members. They also 2, as part of the Rae Dorough set reasonable goals regarding must show a willingness to make discussion series. healthy lifestyle changes and lifestyle changes if provided the Ferris is the author of a dozen improved health, and provide right assistance. books, including The Whole She- them with a wide array of support The program begins with ex- bang and Coming of Age in the to help them reach their goals. tensive screenings to give each Milky Way. He has written more More than 300 employees from of the participants a thorough than two hundred articles and three Alameda County depart- assessment of his or her current essays and made three documen- ments have enrolled in the pilot health. They then are provided tary films for prime time show- program. Participants have either online programs that help them ing on PBS. He produced the been diagnosed with diabetes or make changes to a healthier life- phonograph record that serves as show risk factors such as high style as well as on-site classes an artifact of human civilization body-mass index that could lead focusing on exercise, healthy on the Voyager spacecraft now them to develop the disease. eating and weight management. exiting the solar system. At a kickoff rally on Thursday, Kaiser also provides access to He has taught university intuitive, but the less factual our County Administrator Susan health “coaches” who work with courses in five disciplines – as- beliefs are, the more passionately S. Muranishi said the program employees one-on-one to gauge sets up a “win-win” scenario their progress and address is- tronomy, English, journalism, we hold them.” As a current example, he for Alameda County by aiding sues such as smoking and high history and philosophy – and is employees to become healthier stress that could be obstacles to presently an emeritus professor thinks that science has given rise to factual information that helped and happier while helping the healthier living. These and other at UC-Berkeley. County to curtail long-term tools will be provided over the His talk will be based on ele- reduce the severity of the present health care costs, and cultivate a 3-year length of the program in ments of his book, The Science financial crisis, particularly in workforce that is beset by fewer hopes of aiding employees to comparison to the Great Depres- of Liberty, published in 2010 Author Timothy Ferris to speak in Livermore. health problems and is thus more make positive lifestyle changes by Harper Collins. The book is sion that started in 1929, when productive. that are permanent. a detailed account of the rise of government actions sometimes The HealthWorks initiative If the program is shown to science and modern democratic “made things worse.” grew out of a Health Care La- be successful, the County will institutions. on their own. Science cannot underlies the poverty and frustra- On a personal note, he wishes bor-Management Committee be eager to expand it to all of In his view, science and de- be successful without the kinds tion of much of the Middle East, that people everywhere would convened by Muranishi’s office its employees, said Nate Miley, mocracy have grown hand in of ferment that occurs where where investment in research is “examine their political beliefs last year to bring County labor President of the Alameda County hand, overcoming setbacks over people can think and speak freely. far below the international aver- based on empirical facts.” He leaders and department heads Board of Supervisors. the centuries — from religious Democratic institutions cannot age and dictatorships prevail. offers a “simple exercise” for opposition to Galileo’s views succeed without the evidence- Ferris writes and speaks in determining whether they do. of the universe in the early 17th based progress enabled by unbi- nonpartisan language. “I’m He states, “Take a minute, Century to fascist repression of ased science. Working together, proud that you can read my write down a few goals that are “Jewish science” and Soviet pun- the benefits of the two escalate book and not be able to tell which most important to you. What- ishment of modern geneticists in as each makes the other more party I belong to,” he said in an ever they are…reducing poverty, the 20th. productive. interview. improving the financial situa- As Ferris sees it, science and To Ferris, the advances are He believes that dogma is the tion, achieving peace. Then ask liberal democracy have a syner- not only academic; they lead to enemy of progress. “Most of us yourself what has worked so gistic relationship, meaning one technological progress that en- hold political beliefs based on far in moving you toward those in which the outcome is greater riches society. Conversely, in The what we learned growing up, aspirations.” than the sum of what science Science of Liberty, the absence of what our parents told us. It’s the and democracy can contribute democracy and modern science same with religion. It’s counter-

College Financial Aid Workshops Scheduled Las Positas College will offer p.m., Dublin High School, 8151 workshops. High school seniors financial aid workshops for high Village Parkway, Dublin attending the workshops will school students and their par- • Thursday, February 10, 7:00 qualify for the drawings with ents. The workshops will cover p.m., Livermore High School, winners to be announced in the most important basic topics 600 Maple St., Livermore April. about financial aid and teach at- The Cash for College Program For additional information, tendees how to maximize their is offering a $1,000 scholarship please email the Las Positas Col- opportunities. drawing for each of the three lege Financial Aid Office at lpcfi- Workshop topics will include: [email protected]. types of aid which are avail- able, deadlines, qualifications, “independent” vs. “dependent” definitions, application process, resources for scholarships, im- portant hints for completing a FAFSA, hints to minimize ex- pected family contribution, and time for questions and answers. The workshop schedule is: • Thursday, January 27, 7:00 p.m., Granada High School, 400 Wall St., Livermore • Wednesday, February 2, 6:30 The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 - PAGE 3 VALLEY ROUNDUP

Parking for BART BART ticket or cash. Those electing this option origin. For more information or to purchase a brick The new West Dublin/Pleasanton Station is must park their vehicle in a numbered parking Officers were told that the grandson suffered visit www.AlamedaCountyFair.com, contact scheduled to open on Feb. 19. space within the designed “fee” area, and then from mental illness and had a history of using il- Marketing at 426-7565 or marketing@Alam- The new station will include development will have to enter that parking space number into legal drugs. Investigators are trying to determine edaCountyFair.com. with 1200 parking spaces and eventually 210 the parking validation/addfare machine prior to if there were any connection to the incident. housing units, office space and a hotel. paying for their parking with BART blue ticket This investigation is ongoing. Stockpile Stewardship Assistant The project cost $80 million including $50 or cash. The National Nuclear Security Administra- million from BART revenue, $15 million from Parking fees are required weekdays from 4 tion (NNSA) welcomed Brig. Gen. Sandra E. local and state funding, and $15 million from a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is free on evenings and Finan (USAF) as Principal Assistant Deputy private partnerships. weekends. Administrator for Military Application. Gen. The BART Board of Directors on Thursday Finan will assist Don Cook, NNSA’s deputy formally approved parking fees for the West State of the City administrator for Defense Programs, in direct- Dublin/Pleasanton station, which will be served Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman will ing the Stockpile Stewardship Program, which by two parking garages, a 722-space garage on deliver her annual State of the City Address on maintains the safety, security and effectiveness the Dublin side of the station and a 468-space February 8. of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile with- garage located on the Pleasantion side of the The luncheon, hosted by the Pleasanton station. In each garage there will be designated out underground nuclear testing. Chamber of Commerce, will be held at the Hilton Gen. Finan most recently served as the In- “permit” and “fee” areas. The “permit” areas Pleasanton Hotel starting at 11:30 p.m. in the garages are located on the third floor Tickets are $35 for members; $45 for non- spector General of the Headquarters Air Force with easy access to the pedestrian bridges that members. Registrations are online at www. Global Strike Command (AFGSC) at Barksdale serve the station. A limited amount of monthly pleasanton.org Air Force Base. She was responsible for con- reserved permits for the new station will be ducting independent, impartial and professional available beginning February 1. Monthly per- Murder-Suicide inspections on all matters affecting AFGSC mits will cost $63. All parking permits will be Livermore police officers responded to a readiness, discipline, efficiency and economy. sold online through Parking Carma/Pacific Park possibile murder suicide situation last Thursday. “I am excited to join the NNSA team at this Management. Frances Roberson, 96, and David Roberson, 51, critical time of advancement in our nuclear en- BART encourages customers to sign up for were found by family members and friends who terprise,” said Gen. Finan. “I am honored to get the EZ Rider Parking Program/Clipper card to showed up at the home on Canterbury Avenue at Artist's drawing of monument. to work with our nation’s foremost experts as we use when paying a daily parking fee (more info at about 7:15 p.m., police said. maintain our nuclear stockpile, modernize the www.clippercard.com). Customers who sign up According to police, both victims had been 100th Anniversary Monument complex, and implement national policy.” for this program will receive a numbered parking shot in the head. A monument is being planned to commemo- Finan has a bachelor of arts degree in music hangtag that can be displayed on the rearview Family friends reported they had gone to the rate the Alameda County Fair’s 100th anni- education from California State University, mirror of their vehicle when parking in one of the house just prior to the call to the police to visit and versary. The monument will be located at the San Bernardino; a master of science degree designed “fee” areas. Customers can touch their check on the elderly resident and her grandson. fairgounds in Pleasanton. in systems management from the University Clipper card to the Clipper card reader inside the When police entered the house, they found an The anniversary will be part of the 2012 fair. of Southern California, Los Angeles; a master paid area of the station. This action results in elderly woman with severe head trauma as the The fair is selling personalized bricks at $150 of arts degree in national defense and strategic the deduction of the $1.00 daily fee for the dol- result of an apparent gunshot wound. Alongside to individuals and famliies and $300 for corpo- studies from the Naval Command and Staff lar value on the Clipper card and activates the her was her grandson, also with an apparent rations and businesses. The purchase includes College, Newport, R.I., and a master of strate- hangtag number for that day. Customers without gunshot wound to the head. Neighbors reported four tickets to the 2011 Alameda County Fair gic studies degree from the Air War College at the Clipper parking card will also have the op- hearing possible gunshots during the early eve- and an invitation to the dedication ceremony of Maxwell AFB, Ala. tion of paying for their parking with the blue ning hours but were unable to determine their the monument.

Alameda County Fair Continues to Receive Recognition In addition to being one of the Among the Alameda County County, while giving back to the (IAFE) awards for its 2010 Fair Alameda County Fair has been aged entertainment and you get Tops 50 Fairs in North America Fair’s 27 First Place awards, the Bay Area community and the marketing programs and contin- host close to 3 million fairgo- a venue that will always have by Carnival Warehouse and Fair was presented with top hon- Fair industry. We have become ues to be ranked in the Top 50 ers, 30,000 part time employees a place in the heart of America. Venues Today, the 2010 Al- ors for its Children’s Programs, a flagship in our industry and Fairs in the United States. and hundreds of thousands of Repeatedly taking home a large ameda County Fair took home Conservation and Being Green will continue to be a leader in Recently released attendance exhibitors, artists, performers number of industry awards sim- 47 Western Fair Association Programs, Fair Promotions, Fair promoting strong community numbers from Fairs across the and participators. Providing an ply supports the Alameda County (WFA) awards at the 88th Annual Sponsorship Program, Consumer involvement,” commented CEO nation show that the Alameda educational, competitive and fun Fair’s principal to be one of the Achievement Awards Conven- Protection Program and Agricul- Rick Pickering. County Fair is ranked 44 on the venue for patrons and partici- best all-around entertainment tion in Reno, NV this week. For tural Program. In Recognition of his personal list of the Top 50 North American pants is serious business; rising venues for residents of Alameda the 6th year, the Alameda County Additionally, the Alameda leadership in the Fair Industry, Fairs.This is the highest rank- to the top of the Fair industry County and the broader region. Fair received more industry County Fair won the exclusive Rick Pickering is serving as ing in history for the Alameda is the result of commitment, Planning is currently under- awards than any other Fair in WFA Blue Ribbon Award for Chairman of the California Fair County Fair. Of particular note, leadership and prudent financial way for the next Fair. The 2011 the United States and Canada. being an industry leader and for Alliance (CFA).CFA represents 22 of the Fairs larger than the management. Fair will celebrate the summer- The 2010 Fair, which enjoyed a supporting the many Fairs, part- the interests and legislative ac- Alameda County Fair are State Historically, the nature of the time with the theme “99 Ways turnout of 418,499 patrons for its ners and related organizations tivity of over 80 plus Fairs in Fairs, while the Alameda County Fair has always been to promote to Come Out & Play”, which 17-day event, received 27 First within the Fair industry. California. Fair is successfully operated by education and showcase com- will run from June 22 through Place honors, 12 Second Place, “Winning such awards is a The Alameda County Fair also the nonprofit Fair Association, munity talents and achievements. July 10. For more information, 4 Third Place and 4 Honorable testament to our desire to bring received 6 International Asso- without any tax funding from the Couple that historic foundation please visit our website at www. Mentions awards. positive recognition to Alameda ciation of Fairs and Expositions government. with a continued drive to provide AlamedaCountyFair.com or call Over the past five years the new, as well as traditional, all- (925) 426-7600. PAGE 4 - The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 LARPD Rejects Ranger Station Bids; Ends Project Livermore Area Recreation restroom, because there are no LARPD loses close to 50 percent to change the ERAF formula. EDITORIAL and Park District (LARPD) won’t utilities available in the park. of its budget each year to the state It was established by a legisla- move forward with a ranger sta- Assistant Manager John Law- for ERAF (Education Revenue tive action. “What this is, is a Street Lighting Cutback tion at Sycamore Grove Park. rence suggested that the board Augmentation Fund). take-over bid. The premise that The Livermore City Council has set in motion a pilot The LARPD Board of Direc- move forward with installing all The initial feasibility study there would be more money if program aimed at reducing the city’s budget costs and energy tors voted 5 to 0 to reject all of the of the utilities. All the permits estimated to cost $25,000 looked the district were to disappear is use by dimming the street lighting. Significant savings are bids and use the money budgeted are in place to hookup to water, at the potential benefits and op- simply not true. However, if the envisioned. The program will determine what lower levels for the ranger station for other sewer and electricity. “The utili- portunities. The first phase study council is intent on pursuing the purposes. ties will be in place if we decide predicted there could be between of lighting are feasible without adversely affecting crime issue, the LARPD board needs to The board also offered com- to add a building in the future,” $1.3 million and $3.1 million in be formally contacted so we can and street safety. ments on the City of Livermore’s he explained. additional revenue if the district have a discussion.” Deactivation of mid-block lights in both residential and study of a potential merger of the Just over $91,000 will go to- were either merged with or made Other directors voiced similar industrial areas is among the proposed reductions. two agencies. wards completion of a resource a subsidiary of the city. However, opinions. The program will also attempt to even out residential The proposed ranger station management plan for the Bobba the revenue is based on all the as- Beth Wilson said there has lighting levels. It’s been noted that these levels vary. Some would have included the rehabili- property. The property was pur- sumptions and predictions in the been no public outcry for this chased by the Tri-Valley Conser- study coming to fruition. blocks are dim, others are very bright. tation of a home donated to the action. “The report to the city district. The idea was to replace vancy. The land will be turned After hearing the consultant’s council does not answer impor- Lighting requirements in commercial areas will be re- the district’s 100-year-old ranger over to the park district once a report, the city council voted tant questions. The consultant did viewed as another component of the program. station currently located in Vet- resource management plan is in in December to conduct fur- not look at a similar situation in City officials pledge that the dimming of the lighting erans Park. place. The 74 acre Bobba prop- ther studies at a cost of up to Brentwood. Merger of the park won’t be forced on any neighborhood. Meetings with the General Manager Tim Barry erty is just south of and adjacent $100,000. district with the city did not residents are planned before any lights are turned off. told the board that the low bid for to Veterans Park. Barry pointed out that the work. There was no additional the project was $952,951. Funds Board president Steve Good- district had conducted its own money. The city is looking for This program has the promise of being a relatively man noted that the house had studies. “We determined that the painless way to cut government spending and reduce the left in the budget for the project a permanent fix to a temporary total $481,623. Adding the usual been donated to the district by question is very complex without problem.” city’s energy footprint. The support and participation of contingency would have pushed Jacquie Williams-Courtwright. a clear-cut answer, involved legal Laureen Turner agreed the the public are necessary if the program is to succeed. We the cost of the station over $1 It will be demolished. “Unfortu- issues and possible tax-sharing council report is flawed. “My big- hope that will be given. million. “I don’t see where we nately, we won’t be able to use it agreements. The final outcome of gest concern is the predicted cost could pull additional money as previously planned. However, the answer could not really be de- savings, which would mainly from to make this project a go,” we are able to use the money that termined until an agency actually involve our staff and our land. he stated. would have been used for the embarked upon a reorganization No one voted for us because they A portion of the remaining ranger station to add some ameni- process through LAFCo. There wanted to get rid of district staff funds will be used for demoli- ties to the park. In addition, we could be less money.” or land.” tion and removal of the donated now have money to put towards Director Maryalice Faltings There are several large parks buildings; installation of sewer, the resource management plan.” stated, “I feel the ball is in the outside the city limits, which CLIMATE water, PG&E service and AT&T MERGER STUDY council’s corner. This board has could not be included in any (continued from page one) phone service; installation of The Board also reviewed a never been formally addressed merger. East Bay Regional Park a prefabricated bathroom and staff report regarding the City of concerning any of this. The District is expected to take them material that offers the 300 Smith told The Independent storage building in Sycamore Livermore’s study of alternatives council heard a request from one over. selections. that the sample size is too small Grove with sewer, water and to LARPD. person (Director Scott Kamena) President Goodman said he City staff and consultants will to base policy on it. However, electrical connections; replace- The board was asked whether to look into the issue and voted was quite disappointed that the be looking over the submissions ment of the existing vault toilets it would like to provide direction to move ahead. This board had to winnow the document down it is valuable for input to the council had voted to spend more council, so members know what at the Veterans Park parking lot to staff regarding the council’s the same request from the same money. “The consultant didn’t to the more popular choices, with two turnkey vault toilets; study of the potential to change person. A study was completed as well as retaining points that interested public have to say. He even get our name right in the re- noted the public will also be able and administrative, inspection, the status of the park district. and we decided not to move for- port. It’s laughable the consultant the city and consultants see as permit, legal and bidding costs. An initial study approved by ward. The findings of the council didn’t research the Brentwood important. to have input during the council the council was to determine if study are so baseless as to be meeting. The restroom in Sycamore Grove situation.” He told staff, “Until A final public meeting on the will have running water. The there would be more money if the pie-in-the-sky.” Many of the individual sug- we are officially contacted, we plan will be held sometime in Veterans park will be a vault type city were in control. Currently, Faltings pointed out that LAF- shouldn’t take any action.” March. After that, the plan will gestions are designed to work in CO does not have the ability go to the city council, where concert with others. For example, the public also may comment. reducing the size of commercial After that stop, environmental on-site parking would presum- study will need to be completed, ably be accomplished using Attorney Argues Clients Misunderstood 'Poison Pill' Impacts as required by CEQA. The plan such measures as quicker transit headways, and increased mixed- In papers filed in Superior In his written response, Lins’ amend the development agree- reason to consider or research the is due to be sent to the state by Court on January 11, the Lin attorney referred to a written ment to remove the poison pill full legal impact of the poison pill February 2012. use development . In that way, people won’t have family attorneys argue that their statement made during a previ- language. on their vested rights. VARIETY OF CATEGORIES clients misunderstood the rami- ous lawsuit by the Lins, where The Lins’ Attorney Andrew Sabey claims that raising the Among the categories for to use cars as much, and will have fications of the poison pill pro- City Manager Nelson Fialho was Sabey writes that at the time of issue of the poison pill during the selection are land use and trans- increased transit services avail- vision in documents related to ordered to sign the development the referendum, the viability of previous lawsuit was an attempt portation, improvement in transit able to offset car dependency, developing land owned by the agreement. the development agreement in on the part of the city manager to systems and walking and cycling said Daniel Dunigan, an urban family in southeast Pleasanton. At that time, the Lins’ attorney the event of a successful PUD delay performance of his ministe- ease, parking policy and pricing designer with consultant Town- Jennifer and Frederic Lin, took the position that the Lins referendum was not at issue and rial duty. to discourage single occupancy Green. owners of the Oak Grove prop- “acknowledged that if the ref- had not been fully considered The city’s consulting attorney, vehicle traffic, and traffic man- It’s not realistic to think that erty, filed a lawsuit against the erendum by the opponents were by the Lins. “Now that the de- Arthur F. Coon, notes that there agement and pricing to improve such action would happen right City of Pleasanton last June in successful in setting aside the velopment agreement is at issue was no relevant fact or language traffic flow. away. However, the CAP em- an effort to move forward with PUD ordinance, the poison pill and the legal implications of the of which the Lins were ignorant. Reducing energy demand, and braces actions that could be a 51-home project. The lawsuit language would have the effect PUD referendum have been re- “It would clearly undermine the promoting solid-waste and wa- completed in the next 10 to 30 was filed after Pleasanton voters of setting aside the development searched, the Lins recognize that integrity of the courts to allow a ter-demand efficiency are other years, said Dunigan. backed a referendum overturning agreement as well.” The state- they were, in fact, mistaken (in party to repeatedly, calculatingly categories. However, the energy efficien- the approval of the planned unit ment was signed by the Lins’ their previous statement).” and successfully assert one posi- The city’s director of op- cies resulting will help individual development. attorney and by James Tong. He adds that at the time of tion to obtain relief in one judicial eration services, Daniel Smith, residents and business people Another ordinance approved In the current lawsuit, the the decision regarding the law- proceeding and then to later emphasized that the suggestions save energy in their homes and at the same time as the develop- Lins’ attorney argue that the suit requiring Fialho to sign the disavow that position entirely that residents pick from a list de- businesses and perhaps with the ment was a development agree- successful referendum does not development agreement, there and assert an exactly opposition cost of transportation. ment. Each of the documents have the effect of setting aside was no pending ballot measure position.” veloped from earlier sessions will contains a poison pill provision the development agreement and that could implicate the develop- A demurrer hearing is set for let the city council know what There is a benefit to the com- munity when it comes to individ- that says that if one were set aside that it is valid and enforceable. ment agreement. The Lins had no Jan. 25 in superior court. people are thinking, but by no by a referendum, the other would The lawsuit asks the city to means will it be the determining uals saving money, said Smith. It be void. factor in council policy decisions frees income for people to spend when it comes to cutting carbon in the community, instead of us- ing it to pay energy bills. emissions. Impacts of Health Care Reform Repeal Pointed Out Congressman John Gara-men- if House Republicans succeed the Patient’s Bill of Rights were • Increasing prescription drug di (D), who served as California’s in repealing health care reform. repealed, it would harm resi- costs for 11,800 seniors who hit Insurance Commissioner for Nearly 500,000 small business dents of the 10th Congressional the Part D drug “donut hole” and eight years, released an updated owners, seniors, working fami- District by: denying new preventative care Tax Extension is the analysis of how the Patient’s Bill lies, and young adults in our • Allowing insurance compa- benefits to 96,000 seniors; of Rights helps 497,000 residents communities would see vital and nies to deny coverage to 119,000 • Increasing the costs of early of the 10th Congressional District popular protections taken away,” to 308,000 CA-10 residents, in- retiree coverage for up to 8,900 Big ‘If’ for Schools and how they would be harmed if Congressman Garamendi said. cluding 9,000 to 43,000 children early retirees; The good news coming from “There would be little left to cut, health care reform were repealed. “The same House Republi- with pre-existing conditions; • Eliminating new health care Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed but teachers and programs that House Republicans planned to cans who did nothing about sky- • Rescinding consumer pro- coverage options for 3,200 unin- state budget is that it won’t mean directly affect the classroom.” vote Wednesday to repeal the rocketing health care costs during tections for 497,000 CA-10 resi- sured young adults; health care reform law. the years they ruled the House dents who have health insurance • Increasing the number of any cuts for the remainder of On another item, the board (The vote took place after The from 1994-2006 now talk about through their employer or the people without health insurance this school year, said Pleasanton recognized 17 semi-finalists Independent’s deadline.) ‘repeal and replace,’ yet they’ve market for private insurance; by 24,000 individuals; and assistant school superintendent from Foothill High School and “Consumers gained a lot of offered no alternative proposals,” • Eliminating health care tax • Increasing the costs to hospi- Luz Cázares. nine from Amador Valley for protections in the Patient’s Bill added Garamendi. credits for up to 13,100 small tals of providing uncompensated The bad news is that there is achieving National Merit Scholar of Rights. They have a lot to lose According to Garamendi, if businesses and 106,000 fami- care by $23 million annually. still uncertainty about the follow- honors. lies; ing school year. Cázares made The Foothill scholars are those observations during the Lawrence Atherton, Kimberly school board of meeting Jan. 11. Brinckerhoff, Mary Chambers, GOALS The biggest “if” is whether Jae Choi, Michelle Dickinson, (continued from page one) voters would approve new taxes James Ding, Sarah Hadley, Pete scheduling flexibility. About 75% Freshmen in Transition classes Rambo (and mother of Kathryn), The schedule could allow stu- to balance the budget. Brown’s Huang, Rayed Khan, Jonathan of students agreed that they have and the Biotech and Green En- wound up being beneficial. “The dents to take five years of foreign plan is to make about $12.5 bil- Liu, Kevin Park. Yoojin Park, the opportunity to take a variety gineering pathways, to which schedule change provided the language or complete the Univer- lion in cuts to most programs. Amy Vanderlip, Max Wang, of elective classes. Over half we hope to add culinary arts and impetus for teachers to scrutinize sity of California-recommended However, he would spare K-12 Brian Wu, Stephanie Wu, and (54% at LHS and 61% at Grana- digital media communications.” their practice and continue to three years in two academic education. Brown would raise Anna Zhang. da) agreed that the schedule al- Both principals said that the make improvements,” she said. years, but a lack of student in- revenue by close to the same At Amador Valley, the semi- lows them to balance schoolwork trimester schedule has unified “Teachers at both campuses terest may eliminate this option. amount through a five-year ex- finalists are Kunwar Bal, Omsri and other activities. the two high schools. “We can developed pacing guides and For the past two years, Granada tension of taxes that already are Bharat, Rahael Borchers, Kevin Parent responses to those two now tackle common problems,” common assessments.” has offered a spring Spanish 2A in effect, but expire this year. Bowman, Calvin Brown, Kim- questions were more favorable, said Avilla. “A great example is She likened the whole transi- class. However, principal Rambo Voters would have to approve berly Grano, Tanay Jaeel, Sarah with about 75% of parents in two young math teachers, both tion to cleaning out the garage. said she plans to discontinue the the extension of the taxes in an White, and Ting Zhuo. agreement. However, only 41% teaching pre-calculus at different “You take everything out and program because of low enroll- election in June. Each told trustees a little about of teachers at LHS and 58% schools, who meet regularly and when you start to put everything ment. at Granada thought schedul- share ideas.” back in, you get rid of what you Jaimeson Cortez, Granada’s If voters don’t approve the their hopes and aspirations. Fu- ing options for students have taxes, education likely will suffer ture college choices among them The trimester schedule has don’t need and become more student Board representative, increased. enabled students to take classes at creative with what you do want,” suggested that this may be due cuts, said Cázares. included Stanford, Northwestern, Data shows a slight increase she said. to lack of awareness. “I wish I’d Trevor Knaggs, president of Davidson, Amherst, MIT, Co- the other high school, which has in the number of units taken on been a boon for low-enrollment In the trimester schedule, each taken advantage of this because the Pleasanton teachers union, lumbia, Northeastern, and Penn. average. In 2008, LHS students classes. Kathryn Rambo, LHS course is an independent, 5-unit I see how it has freed up some of spoke at his regular report to the Future careers include pub- took an average of 66.3 units and student Board representative, section. What would have been my friends’ schedules,” he said. board. He said that it is time now lishing house editor, electrical Granada students, an average of takes AP statistics at Granada. a year-long class on a traditional “Maybe not enough people know for people who support public engineer, medicine, computer 62.5. In 2010, those numbers in- Marine biology, French, German, schedule is accomplished in two this is an option.” education to let others know science, and social planning. creased to 70.1 for LHS and 67.4 and show choir also have drawn trimesters because classes are Originally, the trimester in- that the tax extensions should Superintendent Parvin Ah- for Granada. Van Schaack said cross-town students. 70 minutes long. This has meant cluded a fifth-period athletics be supported in the June special madi commented to the board, he expects the average student to “I’m a little late to my next that students might have a year- class for students on sports teams election. “As you see, we will be in great graduate with 15 more units, or class, but it’s fine,” she said. long course with two different to allow them to start practice Knaggs said that if the tax hands in the future.” three classes, under the trimester “Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to teachers. The schedule has also earlier. “Budgetary concerns extension were not supported, schedule. take this class at all.” Last year resulted in gaps in a year-long forced us to make difficult deci- Teachers at both schools now she attempted to sign up for a course if a student has one part sions and one of those was cut- have regular collaborative time math class at Las Positas College in the fall trimester and the other ting athletics classes,” said Van built into the school day. At 60 (LPC), but as a concurrent enroll- in the spring. Schaack. Students do have the to 70 minutes a week, this totals ment high school student. By In 2008, the ability to take option of taking four classes and Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala over 40 hours over the course the time she could register every more than a year’s worth of either starting their school day Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell of the year. This new time for courses in an academic year late, at 9:20 am, or ending early, Editor: Janet Armantrout section and waiting list was full. (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) teachers to work together, said Budget cuts at LPC have severely was presented as a benefit of the at 1:45 pm. Van Schaack, has brought some reduced opportunities for high trimester schedule, especially Moving forward, Van Schaack The Independent is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., Liver- more, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and challenges in determining how school concurrent enrollment. for math and foreign language. intends to form what he called an additional entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998. The Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www. best to use the time. This has borne out for math— “issues committee” to address independentnews.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The For teachers, a challenge Independent, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. He also feels the schedule of implementing the trimester struggling students can take a any future problems. “We will Advertising rates and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 has encouraged innovation and schedule was adapting every remediation class and not fall continue to gather data and reflect during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. creativity. “We are creating a behind—but less so for foreign on and refine this program,” he Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. course to 12 weeks. This, said culture of trying new things,” he Granada principal Philomena language. said. said. “For example, there are the The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 - PAGE 5 RAPID BUS (continued from page one) project at a ribbon-cutting Jan. 13 at the Shrine Event Center in Livermore. Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, president of LAVTA, which is the agency that operates Wheels, also received plaudits for his work. McNerney said that Haggerty is well-known in Washington for his work throughout the Bay Area on transportation problems. Haggerty said in his remarks to the audience that the project came in at 62 percent of the cost estimate, and created 400 jobs. Leslie Rogers, regional ad- ministrator for the Federal Tran- sit Authority, also underscored the cost-savings. He said the project came in at $4 million under budget. The federal share of the cost was covered by $11 million in Photo - Doug Jorgensen grants. State funding accounted Congressmen Jerry McNerney and John Garamendi join Alameda County Supervisor Scott for $1.1 million, and local fund- Haggerty for the ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the new BRT service. ing, including Measure B money from county sales tax, was $1.3 million. Another $450,000 came equipment for BRT was made in have changed times. This traditional No. 10 route is from clean air grants. the United States. Perhaps the most radical the one that will operate on week- CHALLENGED TO GET “People who are riding ACE change will be to the No. 10 ends and the early and night times MORE RIDING B.R.T. to the Rapid bus, and then trans- line, which carries 50 percent when BRT is not running. ferring to BART, riding to Hay- of all Wheels passenger trips. The new schedules may be Rogers offered a challenge to ward, are employees of Gillig. BRT does not go through down- obtained by visiting the Wheels those gathered for the event. He There is a circle of keeping the town Pleasanton, because the web page at http://www.wheels- said that not only should they ride money here,” said Garamendi. city council chose not to have BRT themselves, but each per- Such a circle helps keep “in- it there. son should urge 25 of his or her credibly important manufactur- As a result, Wheels will split friends, relatives, and others they ing industry in America. Every off some No. 10 buses as the know to ride the new buses. transportation district ought No. 10V, and run them only in Rogers credited Paul Mat- to buy American,” said Gara- Pleasanton to the East Dublin/ suoka, LAVTA executive direc- mendi. Pleasanton BART. Riders may tor, and his predecessors, Vic He segued that thought into continue westward into Dublin Sood and Barbara Duffy, for their talking about “Make It In Amer- and to Stoneridge Mall and Kai- leadership on the project. “They ica” legislation that he is sponsor- ser medical offices by transfer- have been wonderful partners. ing in Congress. “If it’s American ring to the BRT, which will stop We have been pleased to have a taxpayer money, let’s spend it at the No. 10 stops there, and longtime partnership in this.” on things made in America,” return the same way. The 14 new BRT buses, sport- he said. There also will be trips on the ing distinctive, swirling abstract B.R.T. WILL IMPACT current No. 10 line configuration designs in blue and white to OTHER SCHEDULES distinguish them from the rest of for people who want to travel the Wheels fleet, were made by Wheels will have a new through downtown Pleasanton Gillig in Hayward. schedule beginning Jan. 22, in and along Stanley Boulevard to Garamendi noted in his re- preparation for the BRT service’s Livermore and back while BRT marks that it was important that start on Jan. 24. Many lines will is operating. THERAPY DOGS (continued from page one) Last Saturday, a nine-year- affection offered by the animals. — the patients who are agitated old black Labrador retriever, The dogs seem to sense which are calmed, those who are with- cleverly named Lawrence the patients need companionship drawn are drawn out, those who Livermore Lab, was promoted the most. need love but don’t know how to to Rear Admiral and honored for One social worker told the ask are loved completely.” 1,000 hours of service. Lawrence story of a reclusive veteran who According to Vice Mayor belongs to Pat Wheeler, volunteer refused to leave his room despite John Marchand of Livermore, coordinator of the therapy dog the urging of medical staff — un- “These service dogs help us to program for the Humane Society til one day he was seen taking a see something other than just the and the VA. She also brought Al- therapy dog for a walk. world around us. They help us to bert, a Lab-Border Collie mix, for A respiratory therapist found see that in that world, there is a promotion to the rank of Captain that the dogs’ presence led to gentler side. There is a world of and a 750-hour award. better patient cooperation dur- uncompromising acceptance and Newer dogs are ranked as dif- ing tests. affection.” ferent grades of Petting Officer One volunteer accompanying To describe the therapy pro- according to number of hours Wheeler and Lawrence the Liver- gram in greater detail, Wheeler served. more Lab recalled that Lawrence is working on a book that is ex- The therapy dog program at seemed to know his job, ignoring pected to be published later this the Livermore VA hospital started the petting offered by her hand year. Rep. McNerney, a strong in July 2004. It is one of the pet and going instead “to a veteran supporter of the program, is therapy outreach efforts of the lying in bed, waiting until the expected to provide a foreword. Valley Humane Society, based patient acknowledged him.” Although Livermore is not in his in Pleasanton. The Society runs Darryl Silva, a social worker district, California’s 11th , the comparable programs through- who spoke at Saturday’s ceremo- connection is a natural one for out the Tri-Valley for disabled ny, described a group substance him as a member of the House children, elderly residents of abuse session in which Lawrence Committee on Veteran’s Affairs. assisted living homes, and even calmed a tense newcomer, a Viet- libraries, where reading to dogs nam vet who was becoming in- has helped children improve creasingly upset as he described their reading skills. (The dogs his struggle with PTSD and alco- make non-judgmental listeners. hol. Without Lawrence’s calming The young readers can try harder touch — sensing distress, he words and books without fear of went to the vet and laid his head embarrassment.) on his knee — he thought the The various Valley Humane patient might not have been able programs comprise more than to continue or to return for further 100 teams of handlers and dogs. therapy sessions. The dogs are screened for dis- A physician’s assistant, C. position and health. Handlers Winn Crannell, now retired, are given training. At the VA commented, “Therapy dogs hospital, patients and hospital bring a great deal of comfort to workers alike have found the the participants. With their quiet, dogs’ presence calming and re- gentle ways, their unconditional assuring. Stories abound of sick, love, their wonderful sense of isolated or withdrawn veterans what precisely is needed — extra responding to the unconditional attention or just a quiet presence PAGE 6 - The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011

The Pleasanton Ballistic United Soccer (BUSC) U12 Premier Team were finalists in the Stanford Winter Turf Tournament played on January 8th and 9th. They defeated Santa Rosa United Juventis 4-0, tied El Dorado United Crew 3-3, and defeated Sonoma County Alliance 4-1 to advance to the finals. BUSC lost in the finals 5-1 to the Mavericks Cosmos. Pictured are (kneeling, left to right): Amador Valley High School frosh girls basketball team remained undefeated with their 4th win on Nick Carreon, Blake Staniford, Keaton Steuben, Bryce Taylor, Ryan Murray, Ruben McIntosh, Friday, defeating Alameda by a score of 51-11. Small but aggressive, these girls are relentless on Kyle McClanahan, Maysam Sayfurahman. (standing, left to right): Coach Greg Rubendall, Daniel the court. Pictured are the AVHS Lady Dons Frosh basketball team Jamie Rinetti, Haley Brodnick, Mubarak, Nathan Fernandez, Garrett Howell, Jared Wilson, Daniel Ferguson, Jacob Guzman, Courtney Pang, Celine Leroudier, Kyla Peinado, Chloe Connolly, Jessica Medina, Lissi Knell, Jimmy Thompson, and Adolfo Trujillo. Alaina Urban, Tracy Lem, Rachael Miller, Madison Steele.

Pro Bowling The round of 64 begins Thurs., Jan. 27, Lomas (151.00)Clayton Valley (132.00); of 30 rebounds for the Wolfpack and scoring CCOP for the second time this season, 12-6. SM/SC 408 Gladiators vs (CCOP) 407 One A Day Earl Anthony Memorial 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Newark Memorial (119.50); Woodland 6 points. Brandi Meyer played multiple posi- In true Swoosh form, the entire team con- (2-42): Nathan Findley scored for the Gladia- Classic will take place Wed., Jan. 26 to Sun., The top 32 players bowl Fri., Jan. 28, (92.00); Northgate (84.50); College Park tions along with Alyssa Gonzalez, rotating tributed with attempts, rebounds, steals and tors with Frankie Silva and Jonathan Nguyen Jan. 30 at Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl, 6750 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A match play round is 6 to (79.00); West Valley (73.00); Terra Linda so that their opponent never knew where blocked shots. After coming off a 3-month playing hard defense. Antonio Gutierrez, Regional Street, Dublin. 10 p.m. with the top four advancing to the (68.00); Concord (37.00); Monterey Trail they were coming from. Great effort by injury, Daniela Walker was a welcomed sight Eliza Duncan and Mason Colwell all played The City of Dublin has signed on for the ESPN finals. (35.00); De La Salle (32.50); Deer Valley both girls to keep it all straight and cutting for the Swoosh girls by grabbing 2 steals, 4 great for CCOP to win 42-2. second year in a row to be a local sponsor for Sat., Jan. 29 will feature Pro-Am events (31.00); Arroyo (28.00); Foothill (24.00); off St. Joan’s shot attempts. Sportsmanship rebounds, 2 jump balls and a blocked shot. • • • the Earl Anthony Memorial PBA Open. and PBA fan day starting at 9 a.m. Berkeley (22.00); Clayton Valley B (12.00); leaders, Sarah Partridge, Jessica Elfin and Liz Her presence was well-known by the CCOP In a hard fought game, Catholic Com- The Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour The finals will be broadcast live on Washington (5.00); Fleming gave up her own scoring drives to group. Team Captains, Nicole “Tinytels” munity of Pleasanton (CCOP) 4th grade team Earl Anthony Memorial is returning to Earl ESPN2 starting at 11 a.m. on Sun., Jan. feed their teammates so that everyone was Bartels and Katie Gomez, along with center came out on top 13-0. Julia Balesteri led the Anthony’s Dublin Bowl for its second year 30. part of the win. Another Wolfpack victory Katie Marcel dropped in 8 out of the 12. Crushing Orange with 6 points while Allie in a row, following an 18-year absence. The For more information, call (925) 828- CYO Basketball with true teamwork by all. Guard, Maddy Valone, and forward, Emily Simon and Makensie Reese played excellent event is being held from January 26-30 and 7550 The St. Michael's/St. Charles (SM/SC) • • • March, each added an additional 2 points to defense. For the Lazers, Jacqueline Arnold will conclude with live ESPN television 8th grade girls Wolfpack CYO basketball SM/SC)6th grade Spartans CYO bas- secure the win and continue on the playoff played tough inside with 5 rebounds accom- coverage at 11 AM PST on the last day. team worked hard to keep their playoff ketball team #604 defeated St. Joan of Arc road with a 7-0 record. panied by quick steals from Katie Hottinger “The City is very pleased to offer its High School Wrestling hopes alive. Playing in their true team #606 29-10 in a hard fought game Sunday. • • • and strong defence from Jane Abele. support for this exciting event,” said Mayor Terin O'Callaghan from Livermore High spirit the Pack beat St. Joan 35-16 with key Leading the Spartans with 13 points and SM/SC 5th grade boys (#504) lost 28 • • • Tim Sbranti. “We believe that this event School took first place in the 154 pound plays under the basket, great rebounding 5 rebounds was Patrick Schwartz. Frank to 6 to. (#502) St. Isidore. SM/SC scored SM/SC CYO 4th grade boys' team will help boost tourism in Dublin and the division at the Clayton Valley Invitational by the entire team and everyone putting up Gomez and Kavan Bagatelos worked hard first but just couldn't hold onto the lead. Top (#423), aka Club Penguin, was outscored Tri-Valley area, as well as shine a positive Tournament over the weekend. attempts. Paige Walker played a key role on the defensive end with 3 and 4 rebounds scoring players for SM/SC were Jr. Rubio, by St. Joan's (#424), 30-5. Jamie Sprigi and spotlight on our community.” The Livermore team finished in second in the paint locking it down in the second respectively while adding 4 points each. Grant Blockley and Nicholas Tivey. Marcus Bryce Stephens were offensive standouts The tournament will include pro/am place with 168.50 points. half shutting out the offensive drive of St. Bobby Canteline also added 4 points while Santo Domingo was the top scorer for St. for St. Joan's, while Brett Shapiro was a squads on Saturday, January 29, where youth, Livermore wrestlers finishing third in Joan. Team Captain, Jordan Volponi, played pulling down 2 rebounds and dishing out Isidore. Top defensive player for SM/SC defensive force with two steals and four adult and senior bowlers will have a chance their divisions were Nico Lang, 114; Tyler a solid defense up top while Team Captain, two assists. were Will Hanson and Colton Morlan. Top rebounds and Elliot O'Grady contributed to bowl with the stars of the PBA Tour. Rardon, 142; and Mac Morgan, 162. Kelly Borden, sealed the baseline forcing • • • defensive players for St. Isidore included with three steals and three rebounds. For Wednesday, a pro-am event is planned Results: James Logan (232.50); Liver- turnovers for St. Joan, bringing down 8 out The SM/SC 5th grade girls Swoosh team Michael Bowen and Griffin Krieger. Club Penguin, the scoreboard didn't do from 7 to 10 p.m. more (168.50); Freedom (160.50); Los continues on the road of victory beating • • • The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 - PAGE 7

Photos - Doug Jorgensen Dublin High School defeated rival Dougherty Valley last Wednesday, 3-1. Dublin scored 5 minutes Granada High School defeated Foothill High School 2 to 1 in EBAL men's varsity soccer action into the match when Oliver Castillo served a perfect pass on a set corner play. Collin Hartland last week. All of the goals were scored in the first half. Christian Clark scored for Foothill; Trevor came through a screen and placed a strong shot into the goal. Matt DiGirolamo added 2 penalty Long and Garret Foster teamed up for both Granada scores. kicks as the Gaels dominated the second half of play.

ter is located at 4444 East Ave., Livermore. at www.pleasantonsoftball.org; 2) Mail- 11/30/10. For more information or ques- Contreras Is Symbol of Bothwell Park is located at 2466 Eighth in: PGSL, P.O. Box 911 , Pleasanton , CA tions, email Christine Tanis at christine.t@ St., Livermore. For more information, call 94566 (download a registration form from pleasantonsoftball.org. 925-373-5700. our website). Late fee of $25 applied after

Amador’s Move Up in Basketball NorCal Grizzlies Baseball Jacob Contreras has emerged year’s 2-12 mark for regular 668 wins over 38 years are NorCal Grizzlies Baseball is currently as a leader on the Amador Valley season play. more than any other high school evaluating players ages 9U thru 14U for 2011 spring tournament baseball season. Season High School varsity basketball The team has improved, de- coach’s in California history. runs through July and includes 13 local tour- team. spite the loss of star forward Chris Morewood, another naments, 1 tournament in SoCal, 2x weekly practices at indoor training facility and out- The senior guard has shown Trevor Guerreri to a torn ACL. assistant to Field, also coached door fields, and complete uniform package. steady improvement throughout Contreras credited the difference at Milpitas. “We had a great run Please contact Tom Graham, Head Coach, at his high school career, said coach to four juniors who have stepped there,” said Field. “I’m proud to 925-922-5050 or [email protected]. Schedule an evaluation at www.norcalgriz- Ralph Field. “Jake definitely is up their play. They are Robert have him working with me.” zlies.org/2011springballreg.html. one of our strengths this year. He Lewis, Matt Lady, Shaun Hogan Besides Contreras, the other plays both ends of the court. He and Tyler Lawrence. co-captains on the team are Roller Hockey Signup is a leading defender and scorer,” Contreras also credits Field Brandon King and Nate Johan- Valley Inline Hockey in Livermore is Fields added. for the team improvement. The sen. The trio has played together getting ready for Spring with Youth League signups. Signups will be Saturday, Jan 30 and Field called Contreras “a coach has stressed defense. “We since the sixth grade. When they February 6 at the rink 11am-1pm.The rink is winner on the court and off. He scout a lot of the teams we play. were 8th graders at Harvest Park located behind Junction Ave. Middle School with parking off Ladd Ave. Leagues include is taking care of the classroom, Coach has good stats and film on Middle School, they won the 8th Mites (ages 6 and under) free learn to play and is a captain on the basket- the best players and plays,” said grade championship against other and skate class; Squirts (ages 7-8), PeeWees ball team. I can’t say enough Contreras, who has asked Field schools in Pleasanton, Dublin (9-12), and Bantams (13-16). Equipment can be borrowed as long as the participants good things about him. He is to assign him to the opponent’s and Livermore. have skates. Session starts mid-March. For a role model for our younger toughest player. Looking ahead, Contreras has more details on costs and league call us at 925-443-1500 or check the web at www. players.” Field is receiving plenty of applied to Sacramento State and valleyrollerhockey.net Contreras’ 3.7 grade point expert help this year. Steve Cain, Sonoma State, and plans to study average definitely takes care of his former coach at Milpitas High the science of kinetics. PGSL Registration the academics. He holds down a School, retired, but decided to As to college basketball, Con- 2011 Registration is still open for part-time job as well. help Field as an assistant. Field’s treras said he hasn’t looked into all divisions in the Pleasanton Phantom Contreras has been chosen it yet, but might decide to play at Girls Softball League. All girls living in Pleasanton, Dublin and Sunol are eligible to all-tournament teams in three the college level. to play. Two ways to register: 1) Online consecutive high school tourna- ments. They were the Gold Dust Pit Bulls Avenge Earlier Loss; El Dorado High School tourney Poised to Make Playoffs in Placerville, Amador Valley’s ABC Tournament, and the Dub- Friday night the East Bay Pit the 122-108 win, doubling the lin High School Don Nelson Bulls took on the California Sea point spread of the previous loss Classic. Kings on their home floor with to the Sea Kings. In a pre-season game against a chance to redeem their only With the win, the team im- Alhambra High School, Contre- home loss handed to them by proved its home record to 8-1 and ras scored 24 points, collected the Sea Kings on December 12. 8-3 overall, placing Pit Bulls in five rebounds and recorded five The game was closely contested the top ten of the ABA Nationally steals. Amador Valley won that until the closing minutes of the and positioning the team to make one 61-36. fourth quarter when the Pit Bulls the ABA playoffs. The team finished the pre- pulled away. The Pit Bulls face rival Bay season with an 8-4 record. As The win was led by Tray Britt Area Matrix, this Friday night, of late last week, they were 3-1 with 30 points and 5 rebounds, January 21st at 7pm and Chico in the regular East Bay Athletic Teohn Conner poured in 29 Rage Sunday, January 23rd at Las League (EBAL) season. It means points with 8 rebounds. Five Pit Positas College, 3000 Campus they already are ahead of last Bulls were in double figures, in Hill Drive, Livermore.

justice to highlight the team's admirable ef- LARPD Community Pool. forts. Offensively, Logan Finch and Brandon Water Polo Harvey scored for the team with three and The Livermore Area Recreation and two points respectively, while defensive Park District held the largest 14 and under water polo tournament yet with twenty teams Bocce Kits for Rent honors go to Forest Bishop, Eric Valdez and Following the debut of two new bocce Ben Leggat who all contributed with many participating this past weekend. There were 6 games three for level one teams and three courts at the freshly renovated Bothwell rebounds and steals. Park, the Livermore Area Recreation and • • • for level two. In the Level one games, LARPD LAZ- Park District is now making bocce ball kits The SM/SC 4th grade Boys Ninjas available for rent to the public. (SMSC409) played against CCOP 414 on ERS played great water polo. They were overpowering on offense. On defense Drew Bocce ball kits can be checked out for a Sunday, January 9. While the Ninjas fought week at a time from the Robert Livermore hard the entire game, they lost to CCOP 33- Kobayshi and Joey Kunzler played well. The two newest players, Claire Piazza and Kayley Community Center. The kits are available at 14. Lead scorers for the Ninjas were Joshua the front counter from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Collom and Jordan Collom. On defense, Clark, played really well. Scott Ragatz did an amazing job in the cage and even scored Monday through Friday. Joshua Collom also lead in rebounds and Rental for one week is $20, plus a $40 Cameron Schrader lead in steals. The loss twice in level 2. Level two players were looking great refundable deposit by credit card or cash – a brings their record to 5 – 2 for the season. total of $60. The $40 deposit is refundable if • • • at the end of the day firing on all cylinders. Jessica Elfin was the shark in the water on equipment is returned in good condition. Kits 2BN4 Warriors vs the 2BN9 Warriors. are rented on a first-come, first-served basis; It was an exciting afternoon of basketball. Saturday with 8 goals and over 10 steals. Eli Smith was the wall in the cage. He didn't let reservations are not available in advance. Dylan Cole scored many baskets for the Rental of a bocce ball kit does not guarantee 2BN4 Warriors. Jacob Bryant and Charlie much get past him and made great passes to the drivers all the way down the pool. a bocce ball court will be available. Latkowski did a super job playing point guard The Robert Livermore Community Cen- for their team. Top players for the 2BN9 War- Max Zhuang played with great enthusiasm riors were Collin McDowell, Jacob Bohart, and really helped the team on both offense Dylan Levine and Reggie Wade. and defense. The LAZERS will play again on the January 29th, come out and watch at the PAGE 8 - The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 Livermore High School Senior Kevin Lois Headed to Annapolis in June

By Patricia Koning the University of the Pacific—he sit-ups in two minutes and a 1.5 says. “It makes me want to go For most high school seniors, says the Naval Academy was all mile run in under 10.5 minutes, there too.” the days of checking the mail for that he wanted. among other challenges. Hearing the siblings talk, college admissions letters—and When he began thinking about Even though he started filling it’s not clear who is inspiring hoping for the fat envelope—are college, John, an Oakland Police out the application last summer, whom. “They inspire me every over, as most universities notify Officer, suggested he consider Kevin feels he’s been preparing day. They work so hard at school applicants by email. However, it the Naval Academy. “I thought it for the Naval Academy since and are amazing soccer players,” was through a knock at the door might be a good fit, so I wanted childhood. “My parents instilled Kevin says. “I wanted to be a role and a special delivery letter that to expose him to it,” John ex- good study habits in me and model, to set a good example for Kevin Lois, a senior at Livermore plains. “I just wanted him to have taught me always to do my them.” High School (LHS), learned he’d choices.” best,” he says. “I made a lot of After four years, Kevin will been accepted into the United With a 4.4 grade point average, sacrifices to achieve straight A’s. graduate with an engineering States Naval Academy. community service tutoring non- School doesn’t come easy to me. degree. He will owe the U.S. The letter arrived on Christ- English speakers, Interact Club, Sometimes my friends didn’t military four years of service. mas Eve. It came as a welcome and two varsity sports—baseball understand why I would choose His dream is to become a fighter surprise to the family. In Novem- and cross-country—Kevin likely studying over them. But I could pilot—flying an F-18 he says, ber, Kevin received his Letter could have attended any college see the big picture.” would be the icing on the cake. of Assurance from the Naval he wanted. However, he was Sports, he thinks, made him Every additional year of educa- Academy, indicating the intent intrigued by the Naval Academy mentally tough. John coached tion means another year of ser- to extend an Offer of Appoint- and began learning more. Kevin in baseball for three years, vice, so if he attends the two-year ment provided he met all of the Last June he attended the Na- on a travel team that won a Na- flight school, his service require- remaining requirements—an val Academy’s Summer Seminar, tional Championship in 2004. ment will be six years. interview, medical exam, fitness a six-day experience for students “As a catcher, I get beaten up For anyone interested in at- assessment, and nomination. entering their senior year of high a lot,” says Kevin. “But I love tending the Naval Academy, That last requirement had the school. In the Summer Seminar, being that person who can do Kevin recommends starting Lois family worried. To receive Kevin lived the life of a midship- something no one else can.” early and becoming familiar with an Offer of Appointment, appli- man and experienced the aca- John and his wife Colleen the program. “Look at online cants must obtain a nomination demics, athletics, extracurricular feel they made sacrifices as sources, talk to people who have from an official source—a U.S. activities, and leadership training parents too. “It was tough love. been there or know someone who Representative, U.S. Senator, the programs. My children have known train- attended the Naval Academy,” he President, or the Vice President. “We were woken up at 5 am ing and discipline from an early says. “The Summer Seminar was Nominations are also available every morning, exercising like age,” says John. “They know amazing. It’s what sealed the deal for members of the Navy and Ma- crazy, getting yelled at—every- the important thing is to try your for me. I thought I knew what rine Corps and Reserve Officers thing that happens in the plebe best. It was not an easy thing to the Academy was about. I had Training Corps (ROTC); children Kevin Lois summer—and I loved it,” he do, but as parents, we also had to no idea what it entails until I’d of deceased or disabled veterans, says. “Everything about that see the big picture.” been there.” including prisoners of war and can only have five constituents nomination so it could go to week made me want to go to the Kevin’s identical twin sisters John says parents should missing in action; and children of attending the Naval Academy at another candidate. Naval Academy.” Jessica and Ashley, both sopho- be aware that everything their Medal of Honor Awardees. any time. For Kevin, knowing he’ll be That began the application mores at LHS, say he is an inspi- children do counts, even from an “We’re not politically con- When Kevin received his Of- inducted into the Naval Academy process, what Kevin and John ration. “He made it look so easy. early age. “Stay out of trouble, nected,” explains John Lois, fer of Appointment, he knew he on June 30 is very exciting and a term “the journey.” As he re- We understand how hard it was because they (the academy) look Kevin’s father. “We’re nobodies must have secured a nomination, huge relief. “I’ve been so relaxed turned home, Kevin began work- to get into the Naval Academy,” at everything,” he says. “The Na- so we were very concerned about but he wasn’t sure from whom. A ever since I found out,” he says. ing on his application, which says Jessica. val Academy expects perfection the nomination.” Kevin applied few days later, Feinstein’s office “Now I can just enjoy my life included obtaining recommenda- Ashley adds that Kevin is a everywhere. It’s really a lifelong for nominations from both U.S. called to let him know he was her until it’s time to leave.” tions from teachers, applying for role model and she’s proud to journey.” Senator Dianne Feinstein and principal nominee. About another While Kevin applied to oth- the Congressional nomination, be his sister. “I tell everyone For more information, visit U.S. Representative John Gara- week later he learned he was also er universities—he received writing essays, and preparing for that he’s going to the Naval www.usna.edu. mendi. The nominations are lim- Garamendi’s principal nominee. $40,000 scholarships to the Uni- the fitness assessment, which in- Academy, not in a bragging way, ited, as each member of Congress Kevin declined Garamendi’s versity of California Davis and cludes at least 40 pushups and 65 but because I’m so happy,” she

Red Cross Emma C. Smith Elementary The first, Predators, will take held on Thursdays from 6:30 receive a garden guide in the first and to help keep it free to those The American Red Cross School on Thursday, Jan. 27 from place starting at 10 a.m. at Vet- p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Pleasan- mailing. A variety of bird- and who cannot afford to pay. It takes Northern California Blood Ser- 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The school is erans Park. They kill for a living ton Police Department. butterfly-friendly, pesticide-free, time and money to put on the tour vices Region was honored by located at 391 Ontario Drive in – all branches of the evolution- The Citizen Academy is a water conserving, low mainte- and prepare all of the materials. both the Pleasanton and Liver- Livermore. ary tree have them: Predators. classroom setting with a mixture nance gardens that contain 50% If you are able to help defray the more City Councils at their recent In Pleasanton, he mentioned Birds, mammals, insects and of lectures, demonstrations, and or more native plants will be open expense of putting on this annual meetings. the blood donor center at 5556- even plants all have killers in the learn-to-do activities. The goals on Sunday, May 1, 2011, from 10 educational and inspirational Mayor Marshall Kamena B Springdale Avenue Pleasanton family. Join this ranger program of the program are to create a.m. to 5 p.m. at various locations event, we would truly grateful presented a proclamation to the as a location where those who to learn about a few of the preda- closer partnerships with the com- throughout Alameda and Contra for your assistance. Please follow Red Cross in recognition of Na- wish to could donate blood. tors that have existed in the past munity, explain law enforcement Costa counties. the instructions in the registra- tional Blood Donor Month. He Information is available at (925) and those that rule today. procedures, and to discuss the im- More than 40 garden talks tion form to make your contri- encouraged Livermore residents 468-1800. At 2 p.m., there will be a portance of public involvement will be scheduled throughout the bution, or you can donate here to donate blood and thanked Every two seconds, someone Winter Compass Course at Vet- in the policing process. Topics day.Visit "Preview the Gardens" http://bringingbackthenatives. the members of the community in the U.S. needs blood. More erans Park. This time of year, of instruction include commu- http://bringingbackthenatives. net/please-donatehttp://bring- who already donate for others than 38,000 blood donations the creeks are flowing and the nity policing, patrol procedures, net/preview-2011-gardens to ingbackthenatives.net/please- in need. are needed every day. This year ground is soft. Come explore radio communications, SWAT, read garden descriptions, view donate. Councilmember Cindy Mc- alone, as many as five million pa- the less-traveled areas of the narcotics/voce, crime prevention, garden photos, and download Govern read the proclamation in tients will require blood transfu- park in search of the illusive traffic enforcement, K9, evidence plant lists. Pleasanton. sions, as accident victims, people markers along the way. No prior collection, use of force, animal Native plants will be sold January is typically a difficult undergoing surgery, and patients experience or compass required. services, and DARE. This is a at numerous locations over the month for the Red Cross to meet receiving treatment for leukemia, This program will include an ap- free course. course of the week-end in the its commitment to local hospitals cancer and other diseases. proximate two-mile cross-coun- The program is open to adults Tour’s Native Plant Sale Extrava- due to a lack of blood donors. Call 1-800-RED CROSS try walk, so hiking-appropriate only. Applicants will be carefully ganza; details will be added soon This is often attributed to holiday (1-800-733-2767) or visit red- shoes are recommended. screened. Participants must live at http://bringingbackthenatives. fatigue, illness and bad weather. crossblood.org to schedule an There is a $5 per vehicle or work in the City of Pleasan- net/native-plant-sale-extrava- Since 1970, January has been appointment. parking fee. A $2 donation is ton. ganza. recognized as National Blood Individuals who are at least requested to help support the Applications are available at The Bringing Back the Na- Donor Month. To help ensure an 17 years old (16 with parental programs. Participants may call the front counter of the Pleasan- tives Garden Tour has been free adequate blood supply, the Red permission), meet height and 925-960-2400 for more informa- ton Police Department by con- since its inception because we Cross stresses the importance weight requirements (at least 110 tion. tacting the Academy Coordinator want to get the word out far and of donating blood to help save pounds based on height) and are Sgt. Leigh Ridgers at 931-5169 wide about the benefits to all of lives. in generally good health may be Police Academy or [email protected]. us that come from gardening with Thomas Petty, a Livermore eligible to donate blood. Enrollment native plants. However, given resident, community blood drive Enrollment is now open for Native Gardens decreasing public agency support sponsor and member of the Red Nature Programs the Spring 2011 session of the Registration for the Sunday, in this era of budget cutting, we Cross regional Board of Direc- Two programs are planned for Pleasanton Police Department May 1, 2011 Bringing Back the find it necessary to turn to you, tors, accepted the proclamation Saturday, Jan. 22 by the Liver- Academy. The session begins Natives Garden Tour is now our participants and supporters, and informed the City Council more Area Recreation and Park February 17 and concludes May open! Register now at http:// to help us keep the tour going of an upcoming blood drive at District ranger staff. 26. There are four meetings each bringingbackthenatives.net/ to Teen Career Development Fair Planned in February The City of Pleasanton has ment Fair on Saturday, Febru- Teens ages 14 through 19 will partnered with the cities of San ary 5. This free event will take Research, and Applications Pro- Ramon and Dublin and the Dub- have the opportunity to attend a cess; Public Sector Jobs; Inter- place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at series of workshops on Finance lin/San Ramon Women’s Club to the Pleasanton Senior Center, view Techniques; How to be a present a Teen Career Develop- Management; Social Networking Great Volunteer; and Resume located at 5353 Sunol Boulevard and Use of Media; Job Search, in Pleasanton. Development. The event will also feature panel discussions on College Openings in Jr. Ranger Program Preparation and Skills/Trades, It’s not too late to sign your Saturdays a month from Janu- of Livermore. and a mock interview session. kids up to make a connection ary to June in Sycamore Grove Past participants in the Junior For more information, please with the outdoors this winter and Veterans parks. In addition Rangers program exhibit a life- call (925) 931-3432. and spring. to regular meetings, there will long love for nature, with careers The Junior Rangers program be two overnight campouts in such as environmental education for the Livermore Area Recre- the park. teacher, oceanographer, environ- ation and Park District invites The Junior Rangers hike, mental law, wilderness guides youth ages 9 to 13 to join the play games and do nature stud- and park ranger – including two park rangers for a program filled ies while learning about maps, of LARPD’s own staff rangers. with fun, nature exploration and compasses, plants, animals and The six month program is adventure. more. This year, the group will now $10 off and costs a total of The program meets two also do a field trip to Morgan $215. The next meeting will be Territory Regional Preserve north held Saturday, Jan. 22. For more information, call the LARPD Ranger Office at 925-960-2400. Relay for Life Begins Registration can be done online at www.larpd.dst.ca.us or by call- 10th Year in Livermore ing 925-373-5700. A kick-off event for the 10th event works, how to start a team, annual Livermore Relay For Life and how much fun the event can will be held January 27 at 6:30 be, please come attend the kick p.m. at Cattlemen’s Restaurant off on January 27 at 6:30pm in Livermore. at Cattlemen’s Restaurant in Relay For Life is the Amer- Livermore. There will be plenty ican Cancer Society’s flag- of people there to talk about the ship annual fundraiser. Relays event. There will be some very take place all over the country. special stories shared. For the tenth consecutive year, For questions, please contact Livermore will have its own Vicki Tan at or firstmeow@fan- Relay. Last year over $216,000 tastictan.com. You may also find was raised for cancer research at information or register at www. the Livermore Relay. LivermoreRelayForLife.com. To learn more on how the The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 - PAGE 9

(Opinions voiced in letters you support this view, please let every other week all year long originated at a federal biolab at similar to the Great Depression is Assemblymen have acted like the published in Mailbox are those the council know by going to the – rain or shine, assemble comfort Fort Detrick, MD) many new bio- wishful thinking. Now we are en- Treasury held an infinite amount of the author and do not neces- address above and adding your packages and ship to our de- logical agent research facilities couraged to continue the policy of money and that it was their sarily reflect the opinion of The name to the petition. ployed service members. We are have been authorized and funded of unlimited spending, which was duty to spend as much as possi- Independent. Letter Policy: The honored to serve as the avenue by the Feds. The Government one of the major contributors to ble. The elected and self-anointed Independent will not publish Community Thanked of our community’s kindness Accountability Office (GAO) the present recession. thought they could continue the anonymous letters, nor will it Operation: S.A.M. bringing our troops reminders released a report finding that the After World War II we had spree and that there would never publish letters without names. (Supporting All Military) from home. total number of labs in the US everything going for us to enable be repercussions to their outra- Abusive letters may be rejected P.O. Box 2992 In these dangerous and some- was not even known. Addition- our recovery from the Great De- geous actions. Surprise! There or edited. Frequent letter writers Livermore, CA 94551 times very austere conditions, ally, GAO found that many of pression. Our production facili- are repercussions! may have publication of their Operation: S.A.M. would like it is incredibly important our the facilities are redundant and ties were intact while the rest of California is bankrupt, but the letters delayed.) to express a sincere thank you to troops can remain confident and do duplicative research. How of the world was in shambles. We elected self-anointed still will our community for its continued focused. Just receiving a note or these potentially dangerous fa- had pent-up domestic demand for not cut the budgets. You elected Theater Funding support. Even when times are letter from a child can provide cilities do we need? Does it make goods and services that could be and self-anointed must cut every Patricia Grimes tough, there are those who can the sometimes needed encour- sense for LLNL, traditionally a paid for with the savings of war budget. No sacred cows allowed. Livermore have continued to support our de- agement and hope – a tangible nuclear weapons research lab, to production workers wages, much The budget sent out by "Moon- The people behind the Bank- ployed troops with their heartfelt glimmer that America is aware have this program? of the savings were invested in beam" protects the unions and head Theater want to build a generosity and kindness. With and feels blessed to have so many In my opinion, our community war bonds. Even many of our the pension plans, raises taxes. 2000 seat 9-story high theater in your help, Operation: S.A.M., men and women protecting our does not need it. We already deal armed forces put a significant Somehow you elected and self- the Livermore downtown area. “Supporting All Military” has Freedom. with the environmental and hu- amount of their meager wages anointed folks must wake up. They believe that even with the been able to support in excess of We appreciate your uncon- man health impacts of having ra- into war bonds. At the same time, Businesses and retiring people economy so depressed, there will 27,000 men and women currently ditional support so Operation: dioactive materials experimented foreign demand for our products are leaving California in great be sufficient moneyed patrons to serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and S.A.M. can continue our mis- on in our community; this just was gathering steam from mar- numbers. fill such a huge space and make other overseas countries. We sion. Be assured, SAM proudly adds insult to injury. And now kets all over the world, much of it Their replacements are Il- it a viable project. Unfortunately, could not have accomplished this stands committed to our troops I hear that DOE is planning to encouraged by the Marshall Plan, legal Aliens, whoops correction they have been unable to find any without the dedication from our and to our community until they construct another biolab at Los which gave the European coun- Undocumented Workers, who lenders with such an optimistic community and our volunteers. all return home. Information is Alamos Lab. Thankfully, Tri-Val- tries the wherewithal to support essentially pay no taxes. They are view, so they have asked the City Thank you for helping Operation: available at www.operationsam. ley CAREs, our local environ- our industrial production. a terrific drain on the California of Livermore to use the general S.A.M. to assure our troops, on org mental advocacy group, is using We came out of the war with Treasury. fund (source of police, fire, li- a continuous basis, that our com- every legal means to challenge a spirit of cooperation and sac- Please cut every budget by braries and other city services) munities’ thoughts and prayers BioSafety these dangerous facilities. I urge rifice. We were endowed with a 10% this year and plan a 5% to guarantee their loan for the are with them and they have not Beverly King others to support their work to kinder, gentler and functioning reduction per year for the next next 30 years. been forgotten. The need for this Livermore stop this. government that would take care ten years. No new taxes or fees. Citizens who believe that support is great and the troops on Livermore Lab has been op- of its veterans with adequate Protect Proposition 13. gambling with the general fund is the receiving end are more than erating a high level BioSafety Economic Recovery monetary, educational, and medi- We seem to outsource many fiscally irresponsible and should appreciative – they are humbled Level-3 Laboratory in a prefabri- Aaron Latkin cal benefits. It was a different things. I recommend that we not happen have created an on- . . .. We are very proud to say cated building for two years with- Livermore world from the mean spirited one outsource the California's penal line petition to be sent to the SAM and our supporters have out ever completing a thorough Our present economic condi- in which we now live. Unless we system. I bet that the prisoners city council. It may be read and become the extended family for Environmental Impact State- tion is much worse than we have make some drastic changes in our could be housed in Siberia or signed at www.ipetitions.com/ some and sadly the only family ment. In this facility researchers been led to believe. We borrowed life-style we may never recover. China for about 65% of the cost petition/protectlivermorepublic- for many. experiment on some of the most too much, we spent too much, we of keeping them here. I believe services. Operation: S.A.M. is a Liver- dangerous pathogens known to owe too much, and we expect too State Budget if we out-sourced them, when This petition asks the council more based all-volunteer 501(c) 3 man, such as anthrax, bubonic much. There is no free lunch, no Kenneth Nather their terms were up we would see to refrain from risking the city’s not-for-profit group of concerned plague, Q fever and botulism. free dinner, and no free wars. Livermore fewer repeat criminals. money unless that action is sup- citizens dedicated to the on-going Since the Anthrax attacks of To believe that a recovery from For the past 35 years Cali- ported by a vote of the public. If support of our troops. We meet 2001 (which were found to have the present recession would be fornia Governors, Senators and

Grayson Hund Grayson had a smile that could Nancy. Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Ave- friends and neighbors and their missions with the 8th Air Force in Grayson Anthony Hund light up everyone’s day and Services will be held at Rose- nue, Oakland, CA on January 18, families, and his own. He is England including the D-Day at- passed away Friday, January had an unforgettable infectious lawn Cemetery, North Livermore 2011 at 1 p.m. Share memories sorely missed. tack. Subsequently he joined the 14, 2011, laugh. Many say they can still Avenue, at 1:30 p.m. on Thurs., and sign the family guestbook at A Memorial Mass will be Oakland Fire Department serving surrounded hear Grayson’s joyful laughter. Jan. 20. www.affuneral.com celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 28 years at Engine#4 Truck#2 at by his lov- Those who knew him well will In lieu of flowers please send 22 at St. Elizabeth seton Catholic East 14th and 12th Ave. He served ing family never forget his hearty appetite donations to St. Jude's Children’s John Edward Flatley Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., in the USAF Reserves until 1973 who adored and genuine love of good food! Hospital or Shriners Hospital in Pleasanton resident John Ed- Pleasanton. Interment will be retiring as a full Colonel. He him. Gray- Grayson found himself most at Sacramento, CA. ward Flat- at Sacramento Valley National piloted C-119, C-124, C-141 in son was 16 peace in the water. This is where Arrangements by Callaghan ley passed Cemetery in Dixon, CA. support of the Cuban Missile years old. he spent many happy hours in his Mortuary. peacefully Crisis, the Berlin Crisis, and the He was a swimming pool, right in his own on Dec. 22, Colonel Dan Thomas Muat, Vietnam War. Livermore back yard. Theresa Maria Pavlick 2010 of heart USAF (Ret) Dan was preceded in passing resident. Bubby, you will always be our Today we failure. He D a n by his loving wife of 62 years, Grayson gentle giant who gave us a pre- celebrate the was born on p a s s e d Helen Katherine. They are sur- was born in cious gift that we will carry with life of The- Jan. 6, 1930 away peace- vived by their children, Dan Walnut Creek, California, on us “to infinity and beyond.” resa Maria in New York fully, sur- Jr, Roger, and Susan Osborn, 6 September 9, 1994. Grayson Mass of the Christian Burial Pavlick as she City to John rounded by grandchildren, and 5 great grand- attended several schools in his will be celebrated on Thursday, gently passed and Beatrice family and children. Dan and Helen were a lifetime in the Dublin and Pleas- January 20, 2011 at 11:00 am at on December Flatley. the incred- devoted and loving couple and anton School Districts. All of St. Michael Catholic Church, 458 30, 2010. Her He was raised in the Bronx, ibly com- parents. They enjoyed family, ex- them had a tremendous positive Maple St., Livermore, CA, with five loving the second of seven children. passionate tensive world travel and life-long impact on Grayson’s life and his burial to follow at St. Michael children Ste- He is survived by his wife, El- and caring friends in their retirement. family. Grayson also attended Catholic Cemetery 3885 East phen, Karen, eanor, children Michael, Ann and staff at the Friends and family are invited Easter Seal’s Kaleidoscope after Ave, Livermore. M i c h a e l , Joseph; son-in-law Ken; grand- Livermore to visit with Dan on Friday, Jan school program in Dublin with In lieu of flowers, the fam- Frank, and Chrissy, her grand- children James, Claire, Matt, VA Hospital 21, 2011 from 12pm – 2pm, with many classmates. He made many ily is requesting donations be children Henry and Charlie; her Tim, Luke, Amy and Lizzie; on January 10, 2011. He was funeral service to follow at the new friends while participating made to the Exceptional Needs sisters Rosemary Pensyl and sisters Helen and Irene; brothers a resident of Livermore. Dan Chapel of Callaghan Mortuary in this wonderful and enriching Network in memory of Gray- Dolores Schwartz; along with Thomas and Peter. was born in Long Beach, CA on 3833 East Ave, Livermore. program. son Hund. www.ennetwork.org extended family and friends will Jack began his military career February 19, 1923. He graduated Dan will be laid to rest with During many summers, Gray- P.O. Box 3149 Livermore, CA miss her gentle, caring, generous, in 1948 as an aircraft mechanic from Fremont High in Oakland his beloved Helen Katherine at son attended Camp Arroyo, in 94551. and enormous heart. All of those in the Army Air Corps during the in 1940. Arlington National Cemetery in Livermore, through the Excep- Arrangements by Callaghan she met, she touched. Berlin Airlift. He was accepted During WWII Dan co-piloted Arlington, VA tional Needs Network (ENN) Mortuary. Originally from Dallas, PA, into the Naval Aviation Cadet B-24 bombers completing 30 In lieu of flowers, Dan would camp program. ENN was estab- Theresa made her home in Pleas- program to become a pilot and appreciate your donation to the lished by Grayson’s mother and Christino B. Tejada anton, CA which became her officer. He and Eleanor met soon Oakland Children’s Hospital, other parents of special needs Christino B. Tejada died Janu- favorite town, before moving to after his arrival at his first duty www.childrenshospitaloakland. children. ENN is where Gray- ary 8, 2011. He had been a resi- Melbourne, FL. Her zest for life station in Coronado. Jack flew org. son and his family established a dent of Livermore since 1945. was apparent when she went to and served as a line officer until network of lifetime family and Chris was born in Ilocas Sur, college in her forties, joined the his retirement as a Commander friends. Luzon, Philippines on July 21, Forensic Team, won numerous in 1970. He thoroughly enjoyed Most recently, Grayson at- 1912. He served in the US Navy, awards for her speeches and his second career at the Lawrence tended Foothill High School and was a World War II Vet- graduated with honors. She ex- Livermore Lab as an electronic in Pleasanton. It is there where eran. pressed her life through poetry, technician. Grayson was treated with abso- He married Ruth Harding drawings, paintings, piano, sing- Following his retirement, lute kindness and compassion by 1945. Chris retired from the ing, volunteering, floral arrange- Jack and Elli took their RV to an incredible and loving staff, Livermore Radiation Lab in ments, and gardening. However, the desert to prospect, the beach for which Grayson’s family is 1967. He enjoyed gardening and her greatest joy was being the for sunsets and the mountains forever grateful. enjoyed passing on his knowl- best Mom ever. She now returns for hiking and stargazing. He Grayson is survived by his edge of roses. home to be with Jesus, along was often found tinkering in his loving mother and father, Val- He is survived by a son and with her husband Frank and garage and could improve or erie and Tony Hund, his sisters, his son's wife, Bernie and Karen loved ones. She is forever in our repair just about anything. His Ashley and Vanessa Hund, his Tejada of Napa; grandson and hearts. grandkids saved their broken toys grandparents, Rene and Mimi wife Steve and Sheri Tejada of Arrangements entrusted to for his next visit, because they Vedrine, Jerry and Marie Hund, Discovery Bay, granddaughter South Brevard Funeral Home, knew he could fix them. He ran many aunts, uncles and cousins, and husband Christine and Clark Melbourne, FL (321) 724-2222. long before it was popular and and an abundance of loving Morris of Salinas, and great Her Funeral Mass was at Holy took up windsurfing in his 70s. friends. grandchildren Colin and Jared Name of Jesus Catholic Church, He loved fishing, cooking, talk Grayson taught his family Tejada and Jacqueline and Jake Indialantic, FL on January 6, radio, politics, tools, flashlights, more about life and love than Morris. He was preceded in death 2010. The family will then honor and growing tomatoes. they ever knew was possible. by his wife Ruth and a daughter Theresa's life at Mountain View Most of all he loved his PAGE 10 - The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 Hydrogen Driven Taxi Shuttle Service On the Road at the Lab Employees at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory may notice a new look to two of the vehicles that provide taxi shuttle service at the Lab’s main site: As the banners on these taxis indicate, they run on pure hydrogen. This results in near zero CO2 emissions at the point source. These hydrogen taxis are part of a Department of Energy (DOE) funded deployment of hydrogen powered vehicles and fueling infrastructure at nine fed- eral facilities across the country to demonstrate this market-ready advanced technology. Produced and leased by Ford Motor Com- Hydrogen driven shuttle service at the Lab. pany , one 12- passenger bus and one nine-passenger bus Lam Research Corporation held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new facility in Livermore. with wheelchair capability will to support the development of advantages of hydrogen as a complement LLNL’s existing a hydrogen refueling infrastruc- transportation fuel. diesel-fueled taxis. They are part ture. The taxis will be refueled on The project is a collaboration of LLNL’s strategy for an energy site using technology supplied by between Lawrence Livermore Lam Introduces Itself to the Community sustainable future and a cleaner Air Products. and Sandia national laboratories. Lam Research Corporation semiconductor devices. volvement, Lam Research made environment. The DOE is actively engaged The taxis will offer the opportu- hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Lam Research employs ap- a $10,000 grant to the Project With very few cost and tech- in market transformation efforts nity for Lab personnel and the at its new Livermore facility last proximately 450 full time, part Roadrunner food pantry at the nical issues limiting commer- to demonstrate hydrogen and fuel public to learn more about hy- Friday. The occuation further sig- time and temporary workers Marylin Avenue Elementary cialization and deployment, cell technologies and educate drogen fueled vehicles. Several naled the company’s growth, as it at its Livermore facility, and School. The company also an- hydrogen-powered vehicles can the public about the safety, en- educational community outreach expands both its market share and another 250 people are working nounced today that it is teaming help create the demand needed ergy security and environmental activities are being planned for manufacturing capacity. in support of Lam Research at a with Livermore’s local high the future. The facility, which includes new 191,000-square foot parts schools—Granada and Liver- 110,151-square feet of manufac- warehouse operated by its out- more High—awarding a $10,000 GOLD turing and office space will serve sourced service provider, Menlo scholarship to a graduating se- (continued from page one) as the primary hub for the volume Logistics. nior every year at both of these manufacturing of the company’s As a new resident of Liver- schools. Sirah from Ghielmetti vineyard. Darcie Kent scored two Golds, Ghielmetti Vineyard. Brent state-of-the-art etch systems that more, and in keeping with its Relative newcomer, Nottingham both for whites, from Monterey: Amos and team scored many are used in the production of long history of community in- Cellars, scored a Double Gold for Darcie Kent Vineyard 2009 Silvers, including for the 2009 its 2009 Chardonnay, unoaked. Monterey County Rava’s Black Livermore Valley Chardonnay, This is a desirably crisp, clean, Jack Sauvignon Blanc, and 2009 2008 Livermore Valley Estate breezy and totally sunny wine in Rava’s Black Jack Gruner Velt- Mourvedre, 2007 Livermore its disposition. Good fruit, like liner. She really showed well, Valley Ghielmetti Vineyard Cab- Bridgelux Appoints Chief gals with naturally awesome with medals for every entry, ernet Franc and 2008 Livermore skin, can go without makeup. including Silvers for the 2009 De Valley Ghielmetti Vineyard Mal- Sales & Marketing Officer Murietta’s Well scored a Dou- mayo Vineyard Chardonnay and bec. They also had an impressive Bridgelux Inc. has announced agement companies by focus on markets, owning those markets ble Gold for the 2008 Livermore the 2008 Livermore Valley Mad- haul for wines made of Lodi that David W. Plumer, Jr. has delivery of exceptional customer and then leveraging that technol- Valley Zarzuela Tempranillo, as den Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. fruit, including Tempranillo and joined the company in the newly value through highly innovative, ogy into new applications. He has well as for the 2007 Livermore A great debut, and kudos to her Alvarelhao. created global role of Chief Sales energy efficient and low cost developed significant talent and Valley Los Tesoros Red Mer- and The Wine Group. Mitchell Katz Winery show- & Marketing Officer. Plumer solutions combined with rapid an excellent track record of per- itage. Congratulations to Jaime cased strictly Livermore, with brings to his new position more expansion of channel partners formance in the areas of strategic Wente received a Double Dowell of Crooked Vine/Stony Silvers for the 2008 Ghielmetti than 30 years of multinational and development of long-term, customer relationships, market Gold for 2009 Livermore Valley Ridge for Gold in the Petit Verdot Shiraz, the 2008 Falling Star sales, marketing, operations, and strategic customer and alliance penetration and expansion, team Morning Fog Chardonnay, as de- category for the 2008 Livermore Merlot and the 2009 Buttner general management experience relationships. The overall growth management and overall business pendable as the fog itself. They Valley Del Arroyo Petit Verdot, Vineyards Pinot Gris. Mitch and across the information technolo- and business success of APC operations. I am confident that he doubled up again with Double $28. his vineyard artist partners also gy, clean technology, and energy culminated in its $6B cash acqui- will be a tremendous asset to the Gold for the 2007 Arroyo Seco Overall, Livermore scored hauled in Bronzes for the 2008 management industries. sition by Schneider Electric Cor- Bridgelux team.” Reliz Creek Pinot Noir. Karl very well in the Petite Sirah Abbous Acres Shiraz, the 2009 Bridgelux, located in Liver- poration, a worldwide specialist Prior to joining APC, Plumer and team also struck Gold for category: Fenestra and Concan- Chardonnay Shadow Hills Char- more, is a leading developer and in energy management. was with IBM where he held a the 2009 Livermore Valley Louis non scored Golds, and the 2008 donnay and the always impres- manufacturer of LED lighting “The lighting industry is at number of executive manage- Mel Sauvignon Blanc, and for Charles R took Silver, as did sive Cracker Box Sangiovese, technologies and solutions. an inflection point where the ment positions in sales, mar- the delightfully complex and rich Stony Ridge, Bent Creek, Ruby this time, the 2008 vintage. Plumer comes to Bridgelux introduction of a disruptive tech- keting, product management 2008 Arroyo Seco Nth Degree Hill and Crooked Vine entries. Retzlaff Estate Winery won from American Power Conver- nology, solid state lighting, into and technology operations and Pinot Noir. John Christopher Cellars and Silver for the Livermore Val- sion (APC), as President of their a large, legacy market is present- invested half his career based Cuda Ridge was among the Concannon took Bronzes. ley Estate NV Cabernet Port, Asia Pacific/Japan Region and ing tremendous opportunities in Asia, leading rapid growth in few multiple Gold winners for Nottingham Cellars also while Red Feather Winery was Senior Vice President of the com- for the creation of new markets those emerging markets. strictly Livermore Valley fruit, brought home Silvers for the ’09 awarded Silver for its Dry Rose pany’s global IT Business Unit and applications, said Bill Wat- Plumer has an MBA from the with a Gold for the 2008 Cab- Reserve Chardonnay, ’07 Viog- made from Estate Cabernet Sau- reporting to the CEO. Plumer kins, Bridgelux CEO. “David Amos Tuck School of Business, ernet Sauvignon, marking the nier, ’08 Syrah, ’08 Cabernet vignon, a well as a Silver for the was responsible for leading sales, has spent his entire career with Dartmouth College, NH with second year in a row that the Sauvignon and the ’08 Ralphi’s 2008 Estate Reserve Cabernet marketing and services. He grew world-class corporations that distinction as an Edward Tuck winery’s Cab has won Gold at Red Blend. Sauvignon. their Asia business dramatically successfully built entire busi- Scholar and a BA summa cum this competition, and the other For Fenestra Winery, it was Other Livermore Wineries over the past 5 years, securing nesses by introducing disruptive laude in Economics from Union for the 2008 Cabernet Franc. Hi-ho, Silver! - especially for that hauled in medals include APC’s position as one of the technologies into incumbent College, NY. The 2008 Cuda Ridge Malbec wine made of fruit sourced from Bent Creek, Charles R, Cuda world’s leading IT/Energy Man- won Silver. Ridge, Chouinard, Concannon, Crooked Vine & Stony Ridge, Fenestra, Mitchell Katz, Not- BUSINESS NOTES tingham, Page Mill, Picazo, Red Feather, Retzlaff, Rodrigue Mo- Grand Opening Distressed Property Expert Today, more than 13% of ho- Brentwood Office set in people-skills, current loan lyneaux, Ruby Hill, and Thomas La La La Salon will host a Madeline Walker of Intero Real meowners are delinquent on their East Bay mortgage banker, program and product knowledge, Coyne. Poetic Cellars, in the grand opening on Thurs., Jan. 20 Estate Services in Livermore has mortgage or in the foreclosure Landmark Mortgage Group kicked and is highly motivated and able to Santa Cruz Mountains, with Katy from 3:30 to 10 p.m. at 291 South process. This is occurring across lead the strategic direction for the Lovell at the winemaking helm, earned the prestigious Certified off 2011 with the opening of a branch. Creating brand awareness Livermore Avenue, on the corner Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) all price ranges, and the fastest- downtown Brentwood location. garnered several medals with her rd in the Delta region through host- of 3 and S. Livermore Ave. designation, having completed growing category of homes in This represents the fourth branch Livermore Valley fruit as well. On hand will be members of the ing branch functions and continu- extensive training in foreclosure foreclosure is the luxury home in the Landmark network, with ous community involvement are Congratulations to all the fire and police departments. The avoidance, with a particular em- market. a much-anticipated San Ramon responsibilities of the position as ribbon cutting will take place at 4 location due to open doors also in winemakers and winegrowers phasis on short sales. At a time “My goal is to help as many well. A minimum of five years in the who continue to elevate the stat- p.m. There will be a hair showing early 2011. mortgage industry is preferred. when millions of homeowners are homeowners as possible,” said Landmark is also looking to ure of Livermore Valley in the featuring local heroes. Prizes will struggling with the possibility of Walker, who has demonstrated a Inquiries from experienced be given away. populate the office with highly minds and hearts of wine lovers foreclosure, the skills and educa- commitment to struggling hom- motivated and knowledgeable professionals interested in the po- For information go to www. tion amassed by Walker will help eowners, a commitment that can staff. A branch manager is the sition should be directed to info@ everywhere. lalalasalon.com. benefit Livermore area residents provide much-needed stabilization first order of business. The ideal lmglending.com to the attention of Complete wine competition and surrounding communities. to the community. candidate is someone currently in Todd Allen. All responses will be results are at winejudging.com the mortgage industry with a strong promptly and discreetly handled.

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS www.independentnews.com

LEGAL NOTICES Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby No.2914. Publish January 94550 estate under the Independent not expire before four months 2:00 p.m. – General Services 4)FOUND 60) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY registered by the following 6, 13, 20, 27, 2011. This business is conducted Administration of Estates Act. from the hearing date noticed Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, of out of area FOR INFORMATION owner(s): by:a General partnership (This authority will allow the above. Conference Room 1107, 11th FOUND AN ANIMAL? BE WARY Call companies. Check with the PLACING LEGAL Lori Ross Tijerino, DDS, Inc., FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Registrant has not yet begun personal representative to 9. the Floor, Oakland, CA FREE SECTION. YOU MAY EXAMINE Respons- Barbara local Better Business Bureau NOTICES 1262 Concannon Blvd. Bldg I, NAME STATEMENT to transact business under take many actions without file kept by the court. If you es Due by 2:00 pm on March 925 243-8000 to let 33,000 before you send any money CONTACT BARBARA @ Livermore Ca 94550 FILE NO. 446474 the fictitious business name obtaining court approval. are a person interested in the The following person(s) doing 07, 2011 County Contact: households know! or fees. Read and understand 925 243-8000 This business is conducted or names listed. Before taking certain very estate, you may file with the business as:Steven David Kai Moore (510) 208-4882 any contracts before you sign. by:a Corporation Signature of Registrant: important actions, however, court a STATEMENT OF Gallery, 1467 Portola Mead- Request for Special or via email: kai.moore@ 6)LOST Shop around for rates. The registrant began to trans- /s/:Vivian Garcia, Victoria the personal representative (Form DE-154) of Attendance at ABANDONMENT ows Rd., Livermore Ca 94551 Notice acgov.org LOST A FAMILY PET? act business under the ficti- Foster, Shenay Jorgenson will be required to give notice the filing of an inventory and Networking Conference is FREE OF USE OF is hereby registered by the Call Barbara ALL CASH VENDING tious business name (s) listed This statement was filed with to interested persons unless appraisal of estate assets or Non-mandatory. Specifica- SECTION. Be Your Own Boss! FICTITIOUS BUSINESS following owner(s): 925 243-8000 to let 33,000 ROUTE! above on November 2010 the County Clerk of Alameda they have waived notice or of any petition or account as tions regarding the above may 25 Machines + Candy All for NAME Steven David Mattos, 1467 households know! Signature of Registrant: on December 21, 2010. Ex- consented to the proposed provided in Probate Code be obtained at the Alameda $9995. Vend3, 800 Grand FILE NO. 438838 Portola Meadows Rd., Liver- /s/:Lori A Tijerino pires December 21, 2015. action.) The Independent section 1250 County GSA Current Con- Blvd., Deer Park, NY. 1- The following person(s) has more Ca 94551 . AUTOMOTIVE This statement was filed with The Independent Legal administration authority will be tracting Opportunities Internet 877-915-8222. Major CC (have) abandoned the use Autumn Williams, 1467 Por- A Request for Special No- the County Clerk of Alameda No.2920 Publish January 20, granted unless an interested form is available from the website at www.acgov.org. 10)AUTOS WANTED accepted! (CAL*SCAN) of the Fictitious Business tola Meadows Rd., Livermore tice on December 28, 2010. Ex- 27, February 3, 10, 2011. person files an objection to court clerk. 1/20/11 Chil- Name: My Fur and Feather Ca 94551 DONATE YOUR CAR: pires December 28, 2015. the petition and shows good 10.Attorney for Petitioner: CNS-2023397# 71) HELP WANTED Friends Pet and Home Sitting This business is conducted dren’s Cancer Fund! Help The Independent Legal No. NOTICE OF PETITION cause why the court should Heather R. Stoneman, Esq. The Independent Legal No. Services, 474 McLeod St Apt by:Co-partners Save A Child’s Life Through INDEPENDENT 2913. Publish January 6, 13, TO not grant the authority. (SBN 214917) 2917. Publish January 20, A, Livermore Ca 94550 Registrant has not yet begun Research & Support! Free Va- CONTRACTORS WANTED 20, 27, 2011. ADMINISTER ESTATE 6.A HEARING on the petition 220 Montgomery St., Suite 2011 for Senior Home Health The Fictitious business Name to transact business under cation Package. Fast, Easy & OF: will be held in this court as 484 Care Must Have Statement for the Partnership the fictitious business name Tax Deductible. Call 1-800- FICTITIOUS BUSINESS WILLIAM M. TRIMBLE follows: San Francisco, Ca 94104 ANIMALS Experience was filed on May 21, 2010 in or names listed. 252-0615. (CAL*SCAN) NAME STATEMENT Case No. VP10546698 Date:February 8, 2011 (415) 394-6800 Senior Solutions, Inc. the County of Alameda. Signature of Registrant: 1. To all Heirs, beneficiaries, 2) CATS/DOGS FILE NO. 446120 TIME:9:30am DEPT: 201 at: The Independent Legal No. DONATE VEHICLE: 925 443-3101 The full name of Registrant: The following person(s) doing /s/:Autumn Williams creditors, contingent credi- for Superior Court of California, 2919 Publish January 20, ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, RECEIVE $1000 Grocery Christine L’Heureux, 474 business as: Opparel, 6911 This statement was filed with tors, and persons who may adoption information contact ATTN: COMPUTER WORK. McLeod St Apt A, Livermore County of Alameda 27, February 3, 2011. Coupon. Your Choice. Corte Madrid, Pleasanton Ca the County Clerk of Alameda otherwise be interested in the 2120 Martin Luther King Jr. Valley Humane Society at Work from anywhere 24/7. Up Ca 94550 94566 is hereby registered by will or estate, or both, of: Noahs Arc - This business was conducted on January 6, 2011. Expires Way NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS 925 426-8656. to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/ the following owner(s): January 6, 2016. WILLIAM M. TRIMBLE Notice is hereby given that No Kill Animal Shelters. mo. Full Time. Training pro- by:Christine L’Heureux Berkeley, Ca 94704 best friend: Yomi Oyesiku, 6911 Cor- The Independent Legal 2.A PETITION FOR PRO- sealed competitive bids will Adopt a new Advance Veterinary Treat- vided. www.KTPGlobal. Signature of Registrant: 7.IF YOU OBJECT to the TVAR, the Tri-Valley Animal te Madrid, Pleasanton Ca No.2918 Publish January 20, BATE has been filed by: be accepted in the office of the ments. Free Towing, IRS com or call 1-888-304-2847. /s/:Christine L’Heureux granting of the petition, you Rescue, offers animals for 94566 27, February 3, 10, 2011. BARBARA T. CARLINO in the should appear at the hearing GSA-Purchasing Department, Tax Deductible, (CAL*SCAN) This statement was filed with Kim Johnson - Oyesiku, 6911 Superior Court of California, adoption every Saturday and the County Clerk of Alameda and state your objections or County of Alameda, 1401 Non-Runners. Corte Madrid, Pleasanton FICTITIOUS BUSINESS County of Alameda County Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Sunday, excluding most holi- 1-866-912-GIVE. ABLE TO TRAVEL. Hiring on December 22, 2010. Ex- file written objections with the days. Saturdays from 9:30 8 people. No experience Ca 94566 NAME STATEMENT 3.THE PETITION FOR PRO- Oakland, CA 94612 NET- (CAL*SCAN) pires December 22, 2015. FILE NO. 446063 court before the hearing. Your am to 1:00 pm, dogs and cats necessary. Transportation & This business is conducted BATE requests that: BARBA- appearance may be in person WORKING/SOUTH COUNTY The Independent Legal No. by:a General Partnership The following person(s) doing RA T. CARLINO be appointed are available at the Pleas- EMPLOYMENT lodging furnished. Paid train- 2910. Publish December or by your attorney. BIDDERS CONFERENCE Registrant has not yet begun business as:Mainland Leis, as personal representative to RFP #900727 for Unified anton Farmers Market at W. ing. Work and travel entire 30, 2010, January 6, 13, 8.IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR 56) ADULT CARE USA. Start today. www.Pro- to transact business under 738 Alexander St., Livermore administer the estate of the or a contingent creditor of Messaging System, Thurs- Angela and First Streets. 20, 2011. the fictitious business name Ca 94550 is hereby registered decedent. day, January 27, 2011, 10:00 Two locations will showcase CAREGIVERS tekChemical.com 1-208-590- the decedent, you must file 0365. (CAL*SCAN) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS or names listed. by the following owner(s): 4.THE PETITION requests the your claim with the court and a.m. – Castro Valley Library, cats only: Petsmart in Dublin NEEDED for elder care. NAME STATEMENT Signature of Registrant: Vivian Garcia, 838 Mayview decedent’s will and codicils, if mail a copy to the personal 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Can- noon to 4 and the Pet Food Light housekeeping LOGISTICS TRAINEE Earn FILE NO. 446223 /s/:Kim Johnson - Oyesiku Way, Livermore Ca 94550 any, be admitted to probate. representative appointed by yon Room, Castro Valley, Express in Livermore 1 to 4. errands transportation as you learn. Good pay, medi- The following person(s) doing This statement was filed with Victoria Foster, 2484 Rob- The will and any codicils are the court within four months CA NETWORKING/NORTH Sundays, cats are at Petsmart meal prep personal care. cal/dental, $ for school. No business as:Sycamore Family the County Clerk of Alameda inson Circle, Livermore Ca available for examination in from the date of first issu- COUNTY BIDDERS CON- in Dublin 1 to 4, and PetCo Please fax resume experience needed. HS grads Dentistry Dental Practice of on December 22, 2010. Ex- 94550 the file kept by the court. ance of letters as provided in FERENCE RFP #900727 for in San Ramon 11 to 3. TVAR 925 371-8118 ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 1- Lori Ross Tijerino, DDS, Inc., pires December 22, 2015. Shenay Jorgenson, 1081 5.THE PETITION requests Probate Code section 9100. Unified Messaging System, at (925) 803-7043 website at 800-345-6289. (CAL*SCAN) 1262 Concannon Blvd. Bldg I, The Independent Legal Laguna St., Livermore Ca authority be administer the The time for filling claims will Friday, January 28, 2011, www.tvar.org The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 - PAGE 11 LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS www.independentnews.com

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED 160)BOAT/RV and RETAIL ATTEND COLLEGE AD ONLINE from Home. *Medi- LOOKING FOR RETAIL call Barbara 925 243-8000 cal, *Business, *Paralegal, or go on-line at OR STORAGE SPACE? *Criminal Justice. Job place- www.independentnews. ment assistance. Computer com Also available pay by Great Location Off Hwy 580 On Kitty Hawk Road available. Financial Aid if Credit Card for Classified and qualified. SCHEV certified. Display Ads. For Details Email: [email protected] Call 888-210-5162 72) HELP WANTED/DRIVERS www.Centura.us.com 162)HOMES FOR SALE Company Drivers (Solos (CAL*SCAN) & Hazmat Teams) *GREAT By advertising with The In- dependent, you can reach 190)TIMESHARES/RE- PAY * GREAT MILES * CDL- SORTS A Required. We also have over 33,000 homes and busi- dedicated & regional positions nesses with your message. SELL/RENT Your available. Call 866-789-8947. To place an ad, call Barbara TIMESHARE for CASH!!! Swift (CAL*SCAN) at 925 243-8000 Our Guaranteed Services One Feature will Sell/Rent Your Unused CALL NOW. Top 5% Pay! 165) HOUSE/ROOMS/RENT- ALS TO SHARE Timeshare for CASH! Over Excellent Benefits. 300 New $78 Million Dollars T660’s. Need CDL-A & 3 RENT YOUR EMPTY LIVING offered in 2010! www. Homebuyers Seek: months recent OTR. 1-877- SPACE. Avertising in The SellaTimeshare.com (877) 258-8782. www.MeltonTruck. Independent where you can 554-2098 (CAL*SCAN) com (CAL*SCAN) reach over 33,000 homes and businesses with your Energy Efficiency Driver - Drive KNIGHT in 2011. Daily or Weekly message. To place an ad, call By Cher Wollard P a y . T o p E q u i p m e n t , Barbara at 925 243-8000 Home builders predict 2011 will be great year for their busi- 2 7 S e r v i c e C e n t e r s , 172)LOTS & ACREAGE/OUT ness. Van and Refrigerated. OF STATE CDL-A with 3 months OTR The National Association of Home Builders met last week in experience. 1-800-414- Advertise with The Indepen- Orlando for the annual International Builders Show. The mood was 9569. www.DriveKnight.com dent and reach over 33,000 upbeat, according to reports in Realtor magazine and Consumer (CAL*SCAN) homes and businesses with your message. To place an Reports. CLASSIFIEDS ad, call Barbara at 925 243- “This year’s spring selling season will be better than last year’s,” 8000 ************** said David Crowe, chief economist at the NAHB, told the as- EVERYTHING MUST GO! Reaches $1,000 an acre. Priced less semblage. Crowe said job growth and the 2 percent cut in Social 33,000 Homes than the developer paid. 90 Security taxes enacted by Congress last month will result in more Direct mail minutes north of Phoenix. 36 discretionary spending, spurring home sales. acres with electric, reduced to to $36,000. Private peaceful So what will all those new-home buyers be looking for? Smaller, Livermore, Dublin, setting, breathtaking moun- more energy-efficient homes. Pleasanton & Sunol tain views, abundant wildlife. Financing available. Saddle Buyers are already seeing reductions in home sizes. Call Barbara Creek Ranch by AZLR. 1-888- Forty years ago, the average single-family home was 1,500 925 243-8000 690-8271. (CAL*SCAN) sq. ft. At the peak, in 2007 and 2008, the average new home was MERCHANDISE SERVICES 2,520 sq. ft. 115)ESTATE/GARAGE/ 177)BUSINESS SERVICES Last year, the U.S. Census Bureau data shows the average size YARD SALES CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. of a new single-family home was 2,377 sq. ft., down slightly from RAIN OR SHINE! 240 California community 2,438 square feet in 2009, Rose Quint, assistant vice president of Call Barbara at 925-243-8000 newspapers reaching over 6 survey research for NAHB told the assemblage. or go to www.independent- million Californians. 25-words news.com before 8am Tues- $550 works out to 18 cents Quint predicted the trend will continue, with the 2015 new home days to get your ad in for the cost per thousand! FREE size currently projected at 2,150 square feet and containing fewer next edition. email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SCAN. bathrooms and smaller garages. 118) FREE/GIVEAWAY com (CAL*SCAN) The U.S. population is aging. Older homeowners are generally GOT OLD JUNK ADVERTISING-BEST KEPT unwilling to care for large spaces, Quint said. FREE/GIVEAWAY SECRET. A business card Additionally, larger homes use more energy. Younger buyers SECTION sized display ad. 140 Califor- Call 925 243-8000 Barbara nia community newspapers. tend to be very energy conscious. 125)HOUSEHOLD GOODS Reach 3 million+ Californians. “People are coming to realize, ‘Let’s buy what we need,’” said Cost $1,550. $1.33 cost per Place your household items thousand. Free brochure Quint. here for sale. Call (916)288-6019; www.Cal- Both the Census Bureau and NAHB predict buyers will demand 925 243-8000 or go on-line SDAN.com (CAL*SCAN) and builders will incorporate more “green” features in homes built at www.independentnews. com Pay by Credit Card for The California Press during the next five years: low-energy windows; water efficient Classified Release Service distrib- features; engineered wood beams, joints, or trusses; and Energy and Display Ads. utes news releases elec- tronically to 500 California Star rated appliances. 127) LOST/FOUND newspaper editors. www. We’ll also see changes in home design, with larger living rooms LOST or FOUND AN ITEM CaliforniaPressRelease and incorporation of more electronic features into appliances and FREE SECTION Service.com Ques - Call Barbara 925 243-8000 tions call (916)288-6010. other household goods, as well as universal design features that (CAL*SCAN) will make it easy to adapt homes for future improvements, said LOST WEDDING RING Sat January 8th Evening at 178)FINANCIAL SERVICES Quint. Chili’s in Livermore CASH NOW! Cash for your Among the electronic features on display: REWARD 415 516 4199 structured settlement or an- • A thermostat that can be programmed remotely and also works 130)PRINTERS/MISC nuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-494-9115 as a digital picture frame 1 Used Epson FX-1170 Rated A+ by the Better Busi- • A refrigerator with Wi-Fi enabled 8-inch LCD screen which Wide-Carriage Printer in ness Bureau. (CAL*SCAN) Working Condition allows cooks to view recipes while cooking $50 OBO 185)SCHOOLS/EDUCATION • A digital device that lets homeowners fill the bathtub or turn 6 Ribbons $12 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! on the shower remotely Two Mobile 4-Level Printer Graduate in 4 weeks! Stands. $25 ea. OBO FREE Brochure. Call Now! • A single machine that will both wash and dry clothes 3/4 Box 3 Across Labels 1-866-562-3650 ext. 60 • An oven with a removable partition $20 OBO www.SouthEasternHS.com PAPER (CAL*SCAN) As for current homeowners, the show highlighted trends in 1 Small 8 1/2 x 3 1/2 7000ct home-improvement, too. AIRLINES ARE HIRING sz 1 $15 The kitchen remains the most important room for upgrades, 1 1/2 Box 9 1/2 x 11 2300ct - Go to aviation maintenance $20 college for FREE! Tuition but Jill Waage, executive editor with Better Homes and Gardens, 1 Box 14 7/8 x 11 $30 paid for the BEST. H.S. Grad w/good grades and presented some surprising data. Call Barbara The most important features for home owners, according to her 925 447-8700 proven work history. CALL Aviation Institute of Main- magazine’s recent consumer preferences survey, are: 140)WANTED TO BUY tenance (866) 859-6378. • Indoor laundry room WANTED DIABETIC TEST (CAL*SCAN) STRIPS. Cash Paid. Un- • Additional storage opened, Unexpired Boxes • A home office Only. All Brands Consid- • Creating connections to outdoor living space ered. Help others, don’t throw boxes away. For more infor- Other trends Waage noted: built-in TVs and gaming systems, mation, Call 888,491-1168. and areas of the home wired for technology. (CAL*SCAN) In kitchen design, “conscientious consumption” edges out WANTED - COMIC BOOKS, “conspicuous consumption,” meaning more attention to value, ef- sports & bubble gum cards. Mags, toys, movies & mu- ficiency and flexibility. Gone were heavy molding and oversized sic, rock and roll stuff any- appliances. thing pre 1975. Please call According to presenters at the show, kitchen trends for 2011 Mike:1- 800-723-5572 $ Paid. (CAL*SCAN) include: NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS • Clean-lined cabinetry 155)NOTICES • Cabinet-depth refrigerators or enclosing freestanding refrig- erators “NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that • Combination kitchen/dining spaces for flexible entertaining contractors taking jobs that to- • Ceiling treatments to define spaces tal $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the • Energy- and water-efficient appliances and fixtures Contractors State License • Accent colors on walls, fabrics and tiled back splashes Board. State law also requires • Hands-free faucets that contractors include their license numbers on all adver- • Low-cost LED light bulbs that save energy tising. Check your contractor’s • Fixtures in light, matte-finished bronze as a warmer alterna- status at www.cslb.ca.gov tive to chrome or stainless steel. (Chrome and stainless were still or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking definitely on display) jobs less than $500 must Both white and warm wood finishes in cabinets and floors were state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by shown, as were window and door features to connect kitchens to the Contractors State License the outdoors. Board.” Complete reports on the homebuilders’ show can be found at REAL ESTATE www.consumerrerports.org The Federal Fair Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state law prohibit advertisements for Upcoming Speakers at R.E.A.L. housing and employment Guest speakers from the Bay East Association of Realtors will that contain any preference, address the Real Estate Alliance of Livermore (R.E.A.L.) at up- limitation or discrimination based on protected classes, coming meetings. including race, color, religion, On Jan. 20, Dave Stark, director of government affairs for the sex, handicap, familial status Bay East Association of Realtors, will present a review of the 2010 or national origin. IVPC does not knowingly accept any real estate market. advertisements that are in On Feb. 10, Bay East CEO Tricia Thomas will address the violation of the law. group. 157)APT/DUPLEX/HOUSE/ R.E.A.L., a marketing group open to Realtors and profession- RENTALS als in affiliated fields, meets Thursday mornings at the First Street GOT A HOUSE FOR RENT? Let the 33,000 households/ Alehouse, 2106 First Street, Livermore. The doors open at 8 a.m. businesses that receive The for networking and refreshments. The meeting runs 8:30 to 9:30 Independent know about it. a.m. To place an ad go to www.in- dependentnews.com or call Admission is $4. Barbara at 925 243-8000 For more information, see the website at www.realestateallian- ceoflivermore.com Interest Rates Fall Slightly Interest rates on conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgages nudged slightly lower to 4.9 percent this week, while rates on other popular mortgage products held steady or dropped slightly. The average 15-year fixed mortgage rates tumbled one point to 4.4 percent. The average 30-year jumbo mortgage rate fell less than one point to 5.4 percent, while 15-year jumbo rates were down to 4.7 percent. Cher Wollard is a Realtor with Prudential California Realty, Livermore. PAGE 12 - The Independent, JANUARY 20, 2011 WILDLIFE (continued from page one) increase nitrogen— provide a rich environment for pocket gophers, ground squirrels, voles, and rabbits, which in turn sup- port healthy populations of bob- cats, foxes, coyotes, hawks, and owls. It is this very biodiversity that creates the greatest challenges for vintners and wildlife officials, for not all vineyard practices are good for wildlife, and not all wildlife is good for vineyards. Gophers busily create complex burrow systems and high mounds that interfere with harvest and other machinery. Worse, they can decimate a vineyard by chewing on roots, weakening or killing the vines. Flocks of the introduced European starling descend as the fruit ripens late in the season. They can gather in Western Bluebird the thousands and, uncontrolled, can wipe out large swathes of important to this species. “You don’t farm the same land state since 1987, establishing grapes. Deer graze on the leaves In recent years many vintners with the same family for 128 cooperative alliances with land- and young vines and can cause have cooperated with wildlife years without a strong commit- owners willing to engage in significant damage in a short biologists to protect such pools, ment to sustainability.” voluntary efforts to improve period of time. even going so far as to create Other vineyards have concen- natural habitat on their land. The Sarah Swenty, External Af- more on their lands. Across the trated on improving the health of program provides cost-sharing fairs specialist with the U.S. Fish board, vintners are increasingly wildlife corridors by removing funds for habitat restoration and and Wildlife Service, points out utilizing more natural methods. invasive species of vegetation technical assistance in imple- that when vineyard owners over- “By reducing pesticides, using and planting native species such menting sound strategies. react to these pressures they too raptors for controlling rodents, as oaks, willows, cottonwood, “Although the Fish and Wild- Barn owls can be attracted to nest boxes. can become impoverished of bio- setting aside parts of the land and berry producing shrubs. life Service is not currently logical diversity. “The overuse of for wildlife corridors, and re- Dead trees placed in streams working with many vintners pesticides, clearing of wildlife storing areas alongside rivers and rivers encourage salmon and in the Livermore area, we cer- ed in participating can con- Mark Browning is a widely- corridors along creeks and rivers, and streams, agriculture can be other fish to breed. Nest boxes for tainly would like to,” says Sarah tact the program through their draining of wetlands, and the use published nature writer, research- instrumental for healthy wildlife ducks, hawks, and owls bolster Swenty. “All that it takes is a website at www.fws.gov/part- er, and photographer. He can be of fumigants can be as harmful populations,” says Swenty. “The these beneficial predators. phone call or email.” ners/contactus.html or call to the land as the agriculture,” reached at marksbrowning@ key is reducing damage to ac- One of the more secretive Property owners interest- 703-358-2201. verizon.net. she says. ceptable levels, where the farmer avian predators among the vines Fumigation is the practice of learns to accept a certain amount is a bird that vintners have come pumping poison gases into rodent of crop loss in exchange for a bal- to fully appreciate: the barn burrows to kill the resident pests. anced ecosystem that in the long owl. No other animal is more Because a whole host of other run provides more sustainability welcome on the vineyard than species utilizes such burrows, the for the future.” this white-faced, golden winged damage to wildlife can be devas- Such practices are not neces- bird. Producing large numbers of tating. Likewise, strychnine used sarily new to vintners. Wente young, and often more than one in baited pellets implanted in the Vineyards, with over 5000 acres brood per year, barn owl families soil also works its way through in the Livermore area, possesses can account for the removal of up the food chain. a long heritage of working with to 2000 or more rodents per year “Some of the most vulnerable the needs of wildlife and harvest- from the vines. Vintners erect species on vineyards are those ing its benefits. Kevin Zollinger, boxes in and near their fields for dependent on vernal pools,” says Vice President of Grape Growing this reason. At dusk these birds Swenty. At first glance, it is easy Operations, proudly describes the can be observed fluttering slowly to underestimate the importance vineyard’s early participation in over the fields, hunting their of vernal pools, pools that hold forming the South Livermore favorite vineyard prey: pocket standing water only during the Valley Area Plan that was estab- gophers. winter and spring and dry up in lished to prevent encroaching de- Such natural methods and the heat of summer. Such pools velopment of agricultural lands. cooperative efforts are growing. were early victims in the history He agrees that wildlife issues The East Alameda Conservation of California agriculture, but the create the need for a balancing Strategy, a partnership between a temporary nature of these ecosys- act. “Our most problematical ani- number of government agencies tems is what makes them unique: mals are rodents such as ground including the City of Livermore, such pools cannot support fish, squirrels and pocket gophers that Alameda County, and the U.S. and that makes them perfect chew root systems, and deer that Fish and Wildlife Service, will breeding places for a number of eat a lot of young growth on the soon be implemented across the creatures such as fairy shrimp, vines. Wherever possible we use area. The strategy centers on the tadpole shrimp, spadefoot toads, non-invasive techniques such as preservation of endangered spe- and tiger salamanders, one of the erection of hawk and owl cies and ecosystems and seeks the most managed animals in boxes to help suppress rodent to forge common ground among California. populations, and deer fences that all involved. Listed as threatened, and keep out deer but allow smaller A second initiative, the Part- protected by both state and fed- wildlife access.” Zollinger points ner’s Program under the U.S. eral law, the California tiger out that farming for balance is a Fish and Wildlife Service, has salamander is large, averaging basic and common sense concept. been working throughout the six to eight inches in length, and boldly striped with yellow like its namesake. It remains under- ground in rodent burrows most of the year, and only emerges during spring rains to breed. It has lost over half of its original range in the state due to wetlands loss, so remaining vernal pools are highly THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION II THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 Art, Community, & Education

Page 6.

Page 3.

Pictured are (upper left) Wesla Whitfield, who will present her romantic Valentine show at the Firehouse Arts Center; (lower left) Zoe Ferraris, author of City of Veils and Finding Nouf; (upper right) Classic rock guitarist Dave Mason performing at the Bankhead Theater, and (bottom, center) work by local potter Erin Davis.

Page 2. Page 7. 2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 Art & Entertainment

Zoe Ferraris

Author Presents Program at The Pleasanton Library Daniel Glover

Zoe Ferraris, author of City of Veils and Finding Nouf will be at the Pleasanton Library on Sun., Pianist Performing Benefit Concert January 23 at 2 p.m. Concert Pianist Daniel Glover medium… The elegance and ci- the Chorale’s website for more In City of Veils, the body of will perform a piano recital to vility of Glover’s approach was information. a brutally murdered and severely benefit the Valley Concert Chorale musically unimpeachable…” Pianist Daniel Glover has per- disfigured woman is found on the on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Mr. Glover’s program will fea- formed in 42 states and 22 coun- beach in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 7:30 p.m., at the First Presbyterian ture compositions by Franz Liszt tries throughout Europe, Asia, Detective Osama Ibrahim dreads Church in Livermore. The church to commemorate the 200th An- North America and the Caribbean. investigating another unsolvable is located at the corner of 4th and niversary of the great Hungarian He holds a master’s degree from housemaid murder—unpleasantly L Streets. pianist and composer’s birthday. New York’s Juilliard School, common in a city where the veils of Mr. Glover, who is the ac- Additionally, Mr. Glover will play where he attended as a scholar- conservative Islam keep women as companist for the Valley Concert Schumann’s First Piano Sonata, ship student. Among his numerous anonymous in life as the victim is Chorale, is an internationally Bartok’s Suite, and works by the competition awards is first prize in in death. Digging deeper, however, known concert pianist who has lesser-known Russian composer the prestigious Liederkranz Com- an ambitious lab-tech named Katya performed extensively throughout Sergei Liapunov, written in the petition in 1990. discovers that the body is not the world. style of Liszt, one of which will He has trained with such lu- that of a disobedient servant, but Of Mr. Glover’s talent, the San be his stirring Elegy in Memory minaries as Eugene List, Abbey Leila Nawar, a rebellious young Jose Mercury News said, “Glover of Liszt. Simon, Jerome Lowenthal, Nancy filmmaker who has made more is an incisive, exciting, and appar- Tickets are $25. Tickets may Bachus and Thomas LaRatta. Mr. than a few enemies with her prob- husband and his extended family ently tireless player…a natural for be purchased in advance by calling Glover has recorded eight CDs, ing documentaries on religious of Saudi-Palestinian Bedouins, hyper-virtuosic challenge.” the Valley Concert Chorale’s gen- including Liszt, The Profound hypocrisy and sexuality. City of who had never welcomed an eral information line at (925) 866- and the Profane (2008), Spanish Veils was chosen as one of the best American into their lives before. The San Francisco Classical 4003, or via the Chorale’s website Impressions (2006), Romantic books of 2010 by the Guardian, the It first occurred to her to write a Voice remarked, “Brilliant, tender, at www.valleyconcertchorale.org, Russian Encores (2005), and a San Francisco Chronicle, and the mystery set in Saudi Arabia at the whimsical, sparkling…Glover or at the door. Tickets are also recording of live performances Florida Sun Sentinel. jacket bazaar in Jeddah, where her brought everything together into available at Towne Center Books of works for piano and orchestra In Finding Nouf, novelist Zoë ex-husband bought a “Columbo” a well balanced, evenly measured in downtown Pleasanton. Visit by Mozart, Strauss and Prokofiev Ferraris offers up a literary page- coat and proposed setting off to (2005). turner and a fascinating portrait of solve mysteries together. She lives a society she knows well—con- in San Francisco. See her website temporary Saudi Arabia. Loosely at www.zoeferraris.com Traditional Music and Dance of inspired by Ferraris’s own life in Towne Center Books will sell Jeddah with the Saudi-Palestinian Ms. Ferraris’ books at the event. Poland Featured at Library family of her then husband, Find- For presale, please call 925/846- Experience the traditional mu- from both the nobility and coun- which make up the Pleasanton ing Nouf asks how would a male 8826. sic and dance of Poland as Lowic- tryside, with dancers in vibrant, community. These free programs detective investigate a woman’s The program is free and open zanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble museum-quality costumes. This are open to all ages, and no regis- murder—in a country where men to all. No registration required. performs at the Pleasanton Public will be the first performance in tration is required. For information and women are forbidden to con- For more information, call Penny Library on Saturday, January 22 Pleasanton. on these and other family events, verse? Johnson, 925/931-3405. The li- beginning at 3:00 pm. This performance is part of visit the library website at www. Zoë Ferraris moved to Saudi brary is located at 400 Old Bernal Lowiczanie has toured through- the library’s ongoing Dance & ci.pleasanton.ca.us/library/pro- Arabia in the aftermath of the first Ave., Pleasanton. out the western U.S. The group Sing Around the World series, grams-and-events.html or call the Gulf War to live with her then features music and dance forms celebrating the many cultures Children’s Desk at (925) 931-3400 ext. 8. Art & Entertainment THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 3 Rock Guitar Legend to Appear at Bankhead Theater in Only Bay Area Performance Classic rock guitarist Dave Mason has entertained audiences Just Disagree.” In 2004, he was in- to the legendary recording of “All acclaimed performers in music, Mason rolls into the Bay Area for for over 37 years as a guitarist, ducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Along the Watchtower” with Jimi dance and other performing arts a single performance in downtown singer and songwriter with hits of Fame as a founding member of Hendrix, and went on to record across a wide range of musical Livermore on February 9, 2011. such as “Feeling Alright” and “We the group Traffic. with the Rolling Stones and Paul styles and genres. Following the Dave Mason and his band McCartney. Mason also toured Dave Mason concert will be the will revisit classic rock favorites and recorded for several years as voices of the famous Vienna Boys and showcase newer songs at the a member of the band Fleetwood Choir making their only California Bankhead Theater for one night Mac in the mid-1990s. While still appearance on Friday February only on Wednesday, February 9 performing 80-100 shows annually 11, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. The Vienna at 7:30 p.m. to enthusiastic audiences across the Boys Choir will perform a diverse Mason began his long and country, Mason continues to write repertoire that spans musical styles successful career at a young age. new songs, including those of his from traditional Austrian melodies He was just 18 years old when most recent studio album, “26 Let- and medieval chant, to familiar he joined with three other British ters and 12 Notes,” described as an pop songs. musicians, including Steve Win- eclectic blend of old classic rock The Bankhead Theater is lo- wood, to form the rock band Traf- with a blues-tinged rhythm. cated at 2400 First Street in Down- fic in 1967. The following year, Tickets for the Dave Mason town Livermore. The ticket office he wrote “Feeling Alright,” which concert at the Bankhead Theater is open Tuesday through Saturday appeared on the band’s second range from $29 to $51, with $12 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. album, but grew to even greater student tickets available. On performance days the ticket popularity in later decades when The evening with Dave Mason office remains open through in- it was performed and recorded by is part of the Livermore Valley termission. To purchase tickets dozens of other artists. It became a Performing Arts Center’s LVPAC call 925-373-6800 or visit www. hit for both Joe Cocker and Grand Presents series which features bankheadtheater.org Funk Railroad and has long been considered a rock and roll anthem. Although the original members of Traffic disbanded after a few years, the group’s style had a long- reaching influence on the evolution of rock and roll. As a solo artist, Mason went on to achieve a top 10 single with his version of “We Just Disagree” and has scored several gold and platinum album releases. In addition to his successful solo career, Mason’s talent as a guitarist has been sought after by many other top artists. In 1968, he Dave Mason brought his acoustic guitar sound

Program Kicks Off Livermore Reads Together A special kick-off event for to become a Beat, but he did join up in Livermore playing music he Livermore Reads Together – 1906: Lawrence Ferlinghetti in co-found- mocked off the family player piano A Novel will take place from 2- ing the Santa Cruz Poetry Festival, rolls starting at age 5. 4pm on Sunday, January 23, 2011 a renowned annual literary event This program is part of Liver- at the Livermore Public Library that attracted the likes of Charles more Reads Together, a communi- Civic Center, 1188 S. Livermore Bukowski, William Burroughs, ty-wide reading program featuring Avenue. and Ken Kesey. Dalessandro also James Dalessandro’s book, 1906: James Dalessandro, author of worked as a writer at Columbia A Novel, about the San Francisco 1906: A Novel, will be the featured Pictures, and he currently teaches earthquake and fire. The commu- speaker. He will also show his screenwriting at Academy of Art nity of Livermore is encouraged documentary filmThe Damnedest University of San Francisco. to join their neighbors by par- Finest Ruins, followed by refresh- He is the author of Canary in a ticipating in the Livermore Reads ments and turn-of-the-century Coal Mine (a volume of poetry), Together free events for children music provided by keyboardist Bohemian Heart (a detective and adults during the month of Greg Pane. novel), and Citizen Jane: A True February 2011. Copies of books James Dalessandro was born in Story of Money, Murder, and One and event schedules are available Cleveland, Ohio in 1948. While Woman’s Mission to Put a Killer at all Livermore Public Library lo- attending Ohio University, he Behind Bars (a true crime book). cations. Livermore Reads Together watched a documentary about Keyboardist Greg Pane has is sponsored by The Friends of the the Beat Poets, read Howl, and played improvisation music for Livermore Library. For additional decided to hitchhike to California the silent film showings at The events check the library’s website to make his name as the next Gary Niles Essanay Silent Film Theater at www.livermore.lib.ca.us Snyder. Dalessandro was too late and Museum for 5 years and grew 4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 Entertainment & Community

Photos - Doug Jorgensen Diavolo entertained audiences at the Bankhead Theater last week. The company is comprised of dancers, gymnasts and actors. The sets created are an intrinsic part of each piece of work. Everyday items such as doors, chairs and stairways provide the back-drop for dramatic movement that is used to create metaphors for the challenge of relationships, the absurdities of life and the struggle to maintain our humanity in an increasingly technological world.

Christian Songwriter-Storyteller in Pleasanton Well-known Christian song- tions to college campus crowds. ginning at 10:30 a.m. He will share writer and storyteller Justin He is a music ambassador for one of his songs at the church’s McRoberts will lead worship Compassion International, a lead- blended worship service that be- Sunday, Jan. 23 at Centerpointe ing Christian organization offering gins at 9 a.m. Centerpointe Senior Church, 3410 Cornerstone Court, sponsorship of children in Third Pastor Mike Barris will deliver the Pleasanton. World countries. message at both services. McRoberts travels widely, ap- He will lead worship at Center- For more information, please pearing before audiences ranging pointe’s contemporary service be- call 925-846-4436 or see www. from small rural church congrega- centerpointechurch.info. Ballet Dancers at Borders The award-winning Diablo be in costume to read the book. Bookstore, Rose Pavilion. Ballet of Walnut Creek brings to The events are free and great for Museum on Main’s 2011 Ed Kinney Lecture Series kicked off with a sold Following the readings, compli- out event (standing room only) on Wednesday evening, Jan. 12, with “The life the popular children’s book mentary photos with the dancers children ages 3 - 10 years old. Relativity of Einstein” at a new venue the Firehouse Arts Center. Character Angelina Ballerina at several Sat- are available. For more information, please portrayals are often the highlights of the lecture series. Veteran Broadway urday morning story times. Story time in Pleasanton will be visit www.Diabloballet.org or call and film actor Duffy Hudson earned high praises from the audience Diablo Ballet dancers will Sat., Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. at Borders 925.943.1775 that included local scientists, educators, and even young students for his portrayal of Einstein. Hudson developed the one-man show with Donations of Jewelry Sought careful attention to detail to portray Einstein’s personality and thought processes. He returns to the close the annual lecture series in October The American Cancer Society Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5. Pleasanton. Contact Monda Wise- in a portrayal of the mysterious Edgar Allan Poe. The next lecture in the Discovery Shop in Pleasanton is This special jewelry event will man, Mgr. at (925) 462-7374 for series will be Wednesday, February, 16 , 7 p.m., Meet President and Mrs. requesting the donation of costume feature themed pieces, precious more information. Lincoln. President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln portrayed or precious jewelry for its annual and semi-precious gems, and much All proceeds benefit the Ameri- by Roger and Colleen Vincent, stop by on their way to the theater. The jewelry event, “Find a Treasure: on more. can Cancer Society’s programs of Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. No March 11 and 12. Donations are The Discovery Shop is located research, education, service and reservations are required. Tickets are available at the door on a first come accepted at the shop during open in the Mission Plaza Shopping advocacy. first served basis at $10 general admission, $5 members and seniors, and hours: Monday to Friday 10-6, Center at 1987A Santa Rita Road, $3 students/teachers with ID. Entertainment & Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 5

Happy, Happy Birthday . . .

By Sarah Bobson who want to learn more about man?” Happy, Happy Birthday Baby the time when their parents were Or “How many years can some … Boomers. This year, 2011, the young, the time that was labeled people exist before they’re allowed first crop born during the years – and perhaps also limited by – the to be free?” 1946 to 1964, turns 65. phrase, “the decade of sex, drugs, Or this protest for justice from It seems like yesterday when and rock and roll.” “If I Had a Hammer” by Peter, Paul we were young people in college My friend added: “You know, and Mary: or otherwise, determined to change my daughter takes for granted the If I had a hammer the world for the better. Wasn’t it rights we had to fight for, rights I’d hammer in the morning only yesterday that I was standing addressed in Roe v. Wade (the I’d hammer in the evening in the middle of the Columbia 1973 Supreme Court decision All over this land University campus, listening to regarding abortion), the Equal Or the angst of growing up, as a handsome young man named Rights Amendment, Brown v. expressed in the Simon and Gar- Mark Rudd fire up protestors in Board of Education (the landmark funkel tune, “Sounds of Silence:” support of students occupying the Supreme Court decision that made “Hello darkness, my old Big Band Plans Swinging office of the president inside Low unconstitutional “separate but friend Library? equal schools”), and the Civil I’ve come to talk with you Performance in Pleasanton Now many of us are grandpar- Rights Act.” again” The swinging sounds of Silver Anka, Tito Puente, Jack Jones, ents, or old enough to be grand- I started to rethink the ‘50s as a Or the ever-inventive rock mu- Moon Band will fill the Pleasanton Maynard Ferguson, The Drifters, parents, collecting our first social time of not-so-peaceful undertows, sic of the Beatles, the mop-heads Library during a concert on Sun., and many others. security checks, carrying Medicare when separate drinking fountains who swept the U.S. by storm. Jan. 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The concert is sponsored by the and AARP cards, and asking, un- in Miami, Florida, where I grew Road films like “Easy Rider” Silver Moon Band will perform Friends of the Pleasanton Public comfortably perhaps, for the senior up, were labeled for “White” and took us on a trip through the favorite ballads sung in the style Library. discount at movies, motels, and “Colored.” It was a time when American South and Southwest. of Old Blue Eyes, Bobby Darin All library programs are free museums. African-Americans could only oc- Books like One Flew Over the and others. The musicians in this and open to the public. No registra- Where has the ride taken us and cupy the back of the bus behind the Cuckoo’s Nest warned us about eleven-piece all star group have tion is required. where are we now? rear door, even if that meant they the lobotomizing effect of Big appeared with such notables as: For more information, please Often, I find myself thinking had to stand in cramped condi- Brother, while In Cold Blood Steve Allen, Ray Charles, Paul call Penny Johnson, 931-3405. about my life, going back over tions in the sweltering, humid heat showed us something was wrong the events, personal and historical, while the front section remained in the heartland. trying to make sense of it all, and empty. Now, in 2011, with the first However, the times that were 'The Lion in Winter' wondering whether I’ve come full African-American president in the a-changin', that gave us those Opens in Danville circle, or whether I’m at a different White House, that era belongs in a politically and socially charged place from where I began. different millennium. commentaries, also introduced us Role Players Ensemble will II of England springs his captive I was born in conservative When I remember the ‘60s, I to the Barbie doll, the Hollywood present “The Lion in Winter” start- wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, from times. I feel I’m now living again not only think about the protestors Walk of Fame, the first heart trans- ing January 21 in Danville. prison. Their three sons jostle for in conservative times. I was never who marched to the tune of a dif- plant, the first touchtone telephone, The play received three Tony position as Henry’s successor. El- a radical, although I took part in ferent drummer as they brought an the Arpanet (the prototype of the Awards. The film adaptation eanor schemes to land son Richard a few protests. I changed my per- end to a war bogged down in mud Internet), and so much more. earned seven Academy Awards, in the throne, while Henry plots to spective, or raised my conscious- and blood. I also think about the In this column, dedicated to including Katharine Hepburn’s make young John his heir. ness as we used to say back then. music, the books, the films, and the baby boomers, we will revisit the Best Actress. Dungeons and daggers; po- I coasted through the peaceful, pop culture of the times. pop culture, events, and people of RPE’s artistic director Eric litical machinations; sibling rivalry prosperous ‘50s, got swept up in What would the movements the ‘60s as well as the ‘40s and Fraisher Hayes will direct The and love-hate relationships - with the turbulent, troubling ‘60s, and and the marches have been, after ‘50s. We will try to figure out what Lion in Winter. Eric last directed delicious wit and a dash of treason, slid through what seemed like the all, without the accompaniment of it all meant then, where the ride has The Hairy Ape at the Village this royal family puts the fun in unwinding, de-escalating ‘70s. the folk tunes that gave the beat to taken us, and what in hindsight it Theatre. Featured will be Mark dysfunction. I witnessed many moments (too the idealistic hearts and minds of means now. We will ask ourselves: Jordan as Henry, Sylvia Burboeck Performances will continue numerous to mention here), some young people who wanted to make Have we come full circle, or have as Eleanor, Cin Seperi as Richard, weekends through Feb. 12 at the of them wonderfully monumental, love, not war. we ended up in a different place Chris Dewey as Geoffrey, David Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, and some of them horribly devas- Without these Dylan lyrics from from where we began? Kahawaii as John, Dekyi Ronge Danville. Curtain is at 8 p.m. tating. Man first stepped on the “Blowin’ in the Wind”: (Look for Sarah’s column the as Alais and Percival Arcibal as Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. moon. A president, a presidential “How many roads must a man third week of each month in The Philip. Sundays. For information, go to candidate, and a religious leader walk down before you call him a Independent.) “Well—what shall we hang? www.danvilletheatre.com. Tickets were assassinated, and a president The holly or each other?” To cele- may be purchased at VillageTh- resigned. brate Christmas 1183, King Henry eatreShows.com. Recently, I told a friend (she’s in her late 50s) about this column, that it would be primarily for boomers and seniors who might like to review the ‘60s (and pos- sibly the ‘50s and, for some, the ‘40s). She immediately responded: “But my daughter [who is 30] is also interested in learning more about the ‘60s.” The ‘60s was a seminal time that changed the course of history in our country. Today, it seems to hold a mystique for young people 6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 Art & Entertainment Valentine Show Features Top Cabaret Singer

Called the “best cabaret singer composers Cole Porter, George performed in concert with such in the world” by the N.Y. Daily Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Rodgers notables as Michael Feinstein, News, Wesla Whitfield will present & Hart, and more. Whitfield has George Burns and Frankie Laine her romantic Valentine show at the amassed awards and accolades and has appeared on television on Firehouse Arts Center on February coast to coast, prompting the New Live! with Regis & Kathie Lee, 13 in Pleasanton. York Daily News to call her “the Charles Osgood’s CBS Sunday Her appearance is part of the best cabaret singer in the world.” Morning and repeat appearances Firehouse Arts Center Cabaret Se- Whitfield has performed from on Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie ries. Her show, Isn’t It Romantic? New York’s Carnegie Hall and Home Companion and The Charles will be performed during a 2:00 Lincoln Center to the White House Grodin Show. p.m. matinee at the invitation of Hillary Clin- Wesla’s pianist and arranger, Whitfield will sing her reper- ton. Her annual engagements at Mike Greensill, is also her husband toire from the Great American San Francisco’s RRAZZ ROOM and a celebrated performer in his Songbook, which include selec- are among the highlights of the own right. He is a two-time win- tions from her recordings on Bay Area music scene. She has ner of Outstanding Jazz Pianist the HighNote Records label by by the San Francisco Council on Entertainment. Art Crawl is Moving to Tickets are Adult-$15, $20 and Second Saturdays $25; Child-$15 and Senior-$22. On February 12, 2011, from 1 to 4 p.m., Art Crawl joins with Bothwell They may be purchased online at Arts Center’s Downtown Art Studios’ Open Studios for an afternoon www.firehousearts.org up to three of art. As a result, there will be no crawl on January 28. Crawls will hours prior to the performance, continue on the second Saturday of every month, except October, when by phone at (925) 931-4848, or in Art Crawl steps aside for the much larger art tour, ArtWalk. person at the Firehouse Arts Center Art Crawl is a free tour of open studios, art displays and exhibitions, Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, easily accomplished within the 3 hour event time. An addition to the Pleasanton. Crawl will be Artistic Edge at Blacksmith Square, as well as the new Box Office hours are Wednes- Downtown Art Studios. day-Friday, 12 noon-6:00 p.m., Some of the sites already exhibit or create artwork on a regular Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., basis, such as UltraSpectives and the Art Glass Studio, Panama Red and for two hours prior to the Coffee Company, Wild Vine Lounge, Outside In, Proctor’s and Ryan performance. Series and group Fine Art. discounts are available. Entrance Those who don’t will work with artists who will set up temporary to free parking is available on displays on the shop’s property. Such exhibit sites include ABC Music Spring Street near First Street. Source, Outside In, Main Street Designs, Not Too Naughty, It’s All About More information is available at Dancing, Sanctuary Ultra Lounge, orghipchick and more. www.firehousearts.org. For more information about the Crawl, please see www.lindaryan- fineart.com. Wesla Whitfield You’re a Good Man Char- lie Brown Performances Slated

Tri-Valley Young Performers Academy (TVYPA) will present performances of the musical comedy “You’re a God Man, Charlie Brown.” This family friendly, award winning musical is the first produc- tion of TVYPA’s by-audition-only Upstage Group. It features an elementary-age cast (Snoopy Cast) as well as a more mature, middle and high school age cast (Charlie Brown). This musical comedy is a funny and touching col- lage of scenes and characters based on Charles M. Schultz’s popular Peanuts series, including Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Linus, Sally and Schroeder. Performances are Friday, Feb. 4 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. (Snoopy Cast) and Satur- day, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. (Charlie Brown Cast) at Livermore High School, 600 Maple Avenue. Advance tickets are adults $10 and students $5 (available at website); at the door adults $13 and students $8. Please bring a food donation for Alameda County Community Food Bank. For tickets or information visit the website at www.TriValleyYPA.org. Cast members are pictured at right. Wine & Art THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 7

A Year in Review: Jaime Dowell of Crooked Vine Looks Back at 2010

By Laura Ness Winemaker Jaime Dowell of Crooked Vine and Stony Ridge is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime next month. She’ll hit Fiji first, and then we’ll see what happens thereafter. She hopes to Erin Davis works on wheel work the harvest in the southern (above). Below is some of her hemisphere, probably Australia, finished work. coming up in the March and April timeframe. It’s been a rock n’ roll time at Crooked Vine/Stony Ridge with the Corbetts, and they’ve achieved much to be proud of, and much to build on as they continue to build the brands. Before Jaime packed her bags, though, we caught up with her for a brief summation of 2010 harvest, which she said was longer than normal, but overall, went very smoothly. Potter Of the “first” highlights, Jaime Presents was excited about the Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling she was making Program at for Crooked Vine (to be released for Valentine’s Day), and a Rosé Meeting wine called “Razzle Dazzle,” un- der the Stony Ridge (to be released The Livermore Art Associa- in May). tion (LAA) and Pleasanton Art Crooked Vine is also making a League (PAL) invite members Late Harvest Viognier for the 2010 and the public to attend the vintage, after a three year hiatus. Jaime Dowell works on this year's vintage prior to taking off on a new adventure. joint monthly meeting, featur- She says, “We harvested at 34 Brix ing local potter Erin Davis. and actually used our feet to crush She will demonstrate throw- this one!! How fun!” ing techniques and talk about They paid a little bit more atten- manipulating porcelain. tion to Petite Sirah this vintage as ahead of rot and sunburn all sea- early results from the 2010 harvest, Dazzle,” which happens to be a Erin Davis is a self-taught well. Says Jaime, “We added back son, so there were really no losses we did some barrel sampling, and saignée of Cabernet Sauvignon, potter and instructor. A land- stems to the fermentation after like so many other vineyards saw. the whites are shining. The 2010 Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. scape painter in the past, she destemming on a couple of bins... Because of the long, cool grow- barrel-fermented Viognier is filled There is nothing shy about this has always drawn inspiration to see if we can’t coax out a little ing season, I think the wines will with pineapple and banana, with a wine, and the color is gorgeous from the outdoors. Her pottery more meatiness...so far there is a be even richer this vintage. With wonderful texture of apple butter. and reddish pink, like the midpoint embodies the “perfect” imper- distinct difference.” great color on most everything and The 2010 Charvay is a co-fer- of a fall sunset. There’s guava, fections found in nature. Work- Barrel tasting will tell in the good intense flavors through out ment of Chard and Viognier, with strawberry, mango and Jolly Roger ing primarily in porcelain, all spring, the wines, it may be Livermore’s lovely apricot, banana, pineapple candy. I loved the rich, lasting of her pieces are thrown on the Syrah is always a fun animal year!!” and apple flavors. There’s a de- finish of strawberry bubble gum. wheel and then gently shaped to play with. This fall, they added All in all, Jaime is excited finitive minerally edge, and decent Yum. This one will be ideal for into a softer, more natural a little Viognier (2%) to a couple about the prospects for the 2010 acid, a watchword of this vintage. summer: it’s filled with strawberry form. To see examples of her of bins of Syrah. “We decided to vintage for Crooked Vine and The 2010 Fumé Blanc shows shortcake deliciousness. work visit www.ekdpottery. create a co-fermentation, hoping to Stony Ridge: it’s hard to leave this considerably less tutti-fruitiness Turns out that this was Jaime’s com. make the mid palate a little more place behind, but she is bound and than the decadent, tropical heat first attempt at Rosé, and she was, The meeting is on Monday, complex. We added a little PS to determined to go out and see the wave immersion of the 2009. somewhat needlessly, fretting over January 24, 7:30 pm at the one of the Zin fermentations to world. They’ve been interviewing Lovely kieffer lime, tangerine and the color. Someone with red hair Almond Avenue School, 1401 beef up the spiciness a little. We’ll some great candidates, with people subtle floral notes, with a predomi- shouldn’t get so stressed out about Almond Avenue in Livermore. see if it makes a difference.” from all over the world, including nance of candied grapefruit and pigment in wine. Additional parking is at the Vineyard-wise, Del Arroyo Yugoslavia, Italy, and Australia. citron promise that this wine will Hope she finds some fun Gre- rear of the school. This is a continued on a high-quality path, They’ll probably choose someone be amazing. nache and Mourvedre to work with free event and the public is despite what could have been a who had roots a little closer, from Probably a perfect example Down Under. Maybe she’ll come welcome to attend. Refresh- disastrous growing season. somewhere in California. of this young lady’s handiwork back inspired to create Livermore’s ments available. For more She notes with relief, “We were Meanwhile, checking in on the is the 2010 Rosé, called “Razzle finest GSM. information visit www.liver- moreartassociation.org.

8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

ART/PHOTO EXHIBITS own materials and easels. Open to all art- com; Wente Vineyards, 5565 Tesla Road, tickets.com. cial evening fund-raiser featuring arts Believe/Achieve Art Exhibit, Diablo/Al- ists. Professional artist models (nude). No Livermore, www.wentevineyards.com; Livermore-Amador Symphony, concert, showcase performances by elementary, ameda Branch of the National League of instructor. Students under 18 need written Tamás Estates, 5489 Tesla Rd., Livermore, Youth Soloists, Tell, and Till, Feb. 12, 8 middle and high school students en- American Pen Women (NLAPW) at the parental permission to attend. Cost $20 www.tamasestates.com. p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., rolled in Livermore Valley Joint Unified John O'Lague Galleria and the Hayward per session. At the Bothwell Arts Center, Murrieta's Well events: Vineyard Tour and Livermore. Youth Soloists featured, “Tell School District’s music, drama, dance City Hall Dec. 3, 2010 to Feb. 9, 2011. 2466 8th St., Livermore. Coffee, tea and Tastings, every Saturday at 1 pm; Library and Till. Prelude talk 7 p.m. Tickets at and visual arts programs. Thurs., March There is no admission charge. Hayward refreshments are available. Call or email Tasting Weekend, February 19 and 20; 925-373-6800, www.livermoreperform- 31 at 7 p.m. at the Bankhead Theater in City Hall is located at 777 B Street. Barbara Stanton for more info about the Big Red Wine Tasting Event, March 12. ingarts.org Livermore. Tickets are $25 for reserved Pen Women writers will be performing workshop, 925-373-9638 - microangelo@ Murrieta's Well, 3005 Mines Road, Liver- Early Music Concert, Farallon Recorder seats; students tickets are $12.50 with the original works at the reception. Music and earthlink.net. more. www.murrietaswell.com Quarter, February 12, 2011, 7:30 pre- purchase of a reserved seat in any section. refreshments will be provided. Journal Writing Club for Young Adults, Lavish Laines Winery, grand opening, of concert talk, 8:00 concert. Early Music www.livermoreperformingarts.com, or at 5th Annual "East Meets West" exhibit young adults ages 12-21, are invited to new tasting room, 2481 Buena Vista Ave., Concert Series. The Morning Star - music the Bankhead box office, 2400 First St., through January at the Livermore Li- join the Journal Writing Club for Young Livermore, January 29, 10 a.m. to 10 .m. from Northern Europe. Barbara Mertes Livermore. brary Gallery, 1188 S. Livermore Ave., Adults at the Livermore Public Library, Wine tasting and food pairings, live music Center for the Arts, Las Positas Col- Bat Boy: The Musical, Tri-Valley Rep- features paintings, photographs and Civic Center, on Thursday evenings, and new release of 2008 Gewurztraminer. lege, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. ertory Theatre. Studio Theatre, 1048 sculptures by seven different artists, plus January 20, February 10 and March 3, Raffle begins at 5 p.m. (925-487-3208 Works from medieval England through Serpentine Lane, Suite 309, Pleasanton. works by a half-dozen local poets. The 2011 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, for a fun- for raffle tickets). Event is free, tasting Renaissance Germany and the Low Weekends Feb. 18-March 13. Call 462- art represents both Eastern and Western filled evening of writing with author is $5, which goes toward the purchase Countries to the courts of Versailles and 2121 or go to www.trivalleyrep.com for traditions, as well as contemporary work. J.L. Powers. Those attending will learn of a bottle. Information go to www. the Thomaskirche of Leipzig. Tickets information. Artists are: Lily Xu, Eugenia W. Zobel, about publishing their works and how to LavishLainesWinery.com. are $15 for individual concerts. www. Little House On The Prairie, Feb. 19-27, Linda Sargent Beach, Walter E. Davies, expand their writing horizons. For more Fenestra Winery, Soup & Wine "Souper" lpcearlymusic.org or www.laspositascol- Presented by Bay Area Children’s The- Zhiping Zhang, Jason Robert Griego; information, please visit TEEN SPACE on Bowl, Jan. 29, 30, noon to 5 p.m. Guest lege.edu/performingarts ater, Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger poets: Charan Sue Wollard; Connie Post, the library’s website: www.livermore.lib. chefs prepare tasty soups to sample with Swing, Swing, Swing, Pied Pipers, Polly Canyon Rd., San Ramon, 973-3343 or Deborah Grossman, Ronnie Holland, Jim ca.us or contact Sandy at 925-373-5500 award winning wines. $12.50 glass, buffet Podewell and Gene Krupa Tribute Band, SanRamonPerformingArts.com. Curcuro, and David Wright. There is no extension 5583. plate, soup samples and unlimited access Sun., Feb. 13, 3 p.m. Bankhead The- Arsenic and Old Lace, Asbury Players, admission charge. Figure Drawing and Painting Workshop to recipes. 83 Vallecitos Rd., Livermore. ater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www. March 18, 19, 20, 2011. Asbury United Watercolors by Larry Gibson. Exhibit taught by Livermore artist Carolyn Lord, www.fenestrawinery.com. livermoreperformingarts.org or 925- Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Liver- on display through Jan. 25, 2011. Wente Saturday, March 19 and Sunday March Thomas Coyne Winery winter open house 373-6800. more. Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Friday Vineyards Estate Winery Tasting Room, 20, 2011, 9 am to 4 pm. $99 plus $50 Feb. 19, 20, 21, noon to 5 p.m. at the Wesla Whitfield, Feb. 13, 2 p.m. Firehouse and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 5565 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925.456.2305, Model’s fee. Students bring own art sup- historical tasting room at 51 E. Vallecitos Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleas- Doors open 20 minutes prior to show wentevineyards.com plies Register through Las Positas Com- Road, Livermore. Release of new wines anton. Tickets and information www. time. Tickets are $10 general admission, Pushpa Dalal, abstract photo show, "Color, munity Education. "Figure Drawing and including the Livermore Cabernet Franc firehousearts.org $8 for seniors and children under 12. For Light and Movement" gallery in the Painting Workshop" , when registering 2006. Selection of fine fruits and cheeses Diablo Symphony Orchestra presents additional ticket information, please call Barbara Mertes Center for the Arts at Las the Class' Code Number is AL478 How served. "Bottle Your Own Wine" We will Flamenco! with Carolina Lugo’s & 455-1048. Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., to register-http://www.laspositascollege. be selling Vino Tinto Barato at the Open Carolé Acuña’s Brisas de España and Shakespeare’s Associates’ production of Livermore. Reception Jan. 19, 5 to 7 p.m. edu/communityed/index.php? House. Bring a clean bottle, we will fill, Conductor Joyce Johnson-Hamilton. Sun- A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet. Paring fee $2. Information 424-1000. cork and label it for you for $6.00 per day February 13, 2011 at 7:30 PM. Lesher March 31-April 23, 2011, Thursdays, Harrington Art Gallery exhibit, Look of WINERY EVENTS bottle. Use our bottle for $6.50. Or you Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the Jazz, Saturday, January 29, 2011 – Tues- Wine Medals, SF Chronicle Wine Competi- may bottle label and cork it yourself. This Walnut Creek. Tickets at 925-943-7469 Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 Eighth Street, day, February 22, 2011. Gallery Reception tion, the largest contest of American wines is available only on Feb 19 and 20. Limit or http://purchase.tickets.com. Livermore, CA. Tickets from $25-$35 Saturday, January 20, 2011, 3 to 5pm. in the world, has just released the results of six bottles per person. For more info America, Feb. 18, 8 p.m. Dougherty Valley at 1-800-838-3006 or www.Livermore- Bay Area artists such as Chester Elmore, of its 2011 judging. Charles R Vineyards call (925) 373-6541 or visit http://thom- Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Shakes.org. For more information visit Joan Finton and James Gayles will be was awarded three medals this year. The ascoynewinery.com Rd., San Ramon, 973-3343 or SanRa- www.LivermoreShakes.org or call 925- featured in an exhibit that celebrates ’07 Quail Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Romance Wine and Chocolate Event, monPerformingArts.com. 443-BARD (2273). jazz and how it can inspire visual artists. brought home Gold while the ’08 Petite February 13, Wente Vineyards. Sit Youth Music Festival, Sat., Feb. 19, 2 p.m. The Yeomen of The Guard, Lamplight- This exhibit will be held in conjunction Sirah took Silver and ’09 Chardonnay down and enjoy five chocolate and wine Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad ers Music Theatre. 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. with our annual Campana Jazz Festival, came away with Bronze. Come out and pairings prepared and selected by Wente Ave., Pleasanton. www.firehousearts. 19 and 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 20. Bankhead February 17-20, 2011. Firehouse Arts try these award winning wines at our tast- Vineyards. Learn how chocolate and wine org Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. ing room (Petite Sirah is coming soon!) can combine and create a romantic and Peter Fletcher - Classical Guitarist, Sun., www.livermoreperformingarts.org or www.firehousearts.org. anytime Friday thru Sunday from Noon sensual experience. 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. Wine Feb. 20, 3 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 925-373-6800. Art Crawls merge with Second Saturdays to 4:30pm. 8195 Crane Ridge Road in club members $30, guests $35. Call 925- 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. Queen of Bingo, theater a go-go, Feb. 24- Open Studios, starting in February, Livermore. 456-2405 to purchase tickets. firehousearts.org 26, 8 p.m. Feb. 27, 2 p.m. Firehouse Arts downtown Livermore. Planned monthly Tamás Estates news & events: Winter Bar- Pacific Chamber Symphony, concert Feb. Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. from 1pm-4pm with several participating rel Weekend - January 22 & 23, 11-4:30 MUSIC/CONCERTS 25, features master flutist Sheridon Stokes www.firehousearts.org venues on every second Saturday (2/12, pm; Library Tasting Weekend - January Al Jarreau, 8 p.m. Jan. 28, Dougherty rejoins PCS for a program of works for Livermore 2011 Talent Finals, Sat., Feb. 3/12, etc). Information and applications 29 & 30, 11-4:30 pm. Tamás Estates, 5565 Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 flute and orchestra: Vivaldi’s Concerto for 26, 7 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 at www.lindaryanfineart.com. Artists Tesla Road, Livermore; information at Albion Rd., San Ramon, 973-3343 or Two Flutes, the Adagietto from Mahler’s First St. Presented by the Rotary Clubs interested in exhibiting should ensure that 925-456-2380. Niki DiPietro has been SanRamonPerformingArts.com. Symphony #5, and the world premier of a of Livermore as a fund-raiser. www. they sign up well in advance. promoted to Tasting Room Manager at Faculty Recital, 8 p.m. Feb. 3. Barbara Mertes work by Los Angeles composer Christo- livermoreperformingarts.org or call Bankhead Theater will be exhibiting the Tamás Estates. Niki has been working in Center for the Arts, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., pher Caliendo. Bankhead Theater, 2400 925-373-6800. Intersecting Color works of Angela Johal the tasting room for the past three years. Livermore. Performing Arts Events Line at First St., Livermore. Tickets or informa- and kaleidoscopic local images created by Lori Albiani (our former Tasting Room 925.424.1100 or go to www.laspositascol- tion www.LivermorePerformingArts.org COMEDY Christine McCall through February 14. Manager) has been promoted to Tasting lege.edu/performingarts or 925 373-6800. Creatures of Impulse, Pleasanton's teen Generally open to ticketed theater patrons Room Manager at Murrieta's Well. Valley Concert Chorale, benefit concert The Music of Doris Day, with Jim Martinez improv troupe, presents their most popular only, the Bankhead is located at 2400 2nd Annual Cabstravaganza, Charles R featuring Dan Glover. Sat., Feb. 5, 7:30 Trio and Laura Didier, Sun., Feb. 27, 2 short-form show to date on Thursday, First Street, Livermore. The Bankhead’s Vineyards, Saturday, January 22 from p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, Pleasanton p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., February 3 and Friday, February 4 at performance calendar can be found at noon to 4:30pm – Calling all Cabernet Ticket information at www.valleyconcer- Livermore. www.livermoreperformin- 7:30 p.m. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on www.bankheadtheater.org. Sauvignon lovers! We’re hauling out the tchorale.org garts.org or 925-373-6800. Thurs., Feb. 3 and Fri., Feb. 4 at the Fire- Wild Vine art exhibition program in Feb- big (Cab) guns again this year. Includes All District Jr. High Orchestra Concert, house Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., ruary features husband-and-wife team the Gold Medal winning ’07 Quail Creek Feb. 5. Barbara Mertes Center for the ON THE STAGE Pleasanton. Tickets are $5 in advance for Ken Ball and Victoria Whyte Ball. The Cab. Charles R Wine Club Members can Arts, 000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Tri-Valley Reper- students with valid ID, general admission exhibit includes Ken’s special take on also taste the ’06 Reserve Cabernet (which 925.424.1100 or go to www.laspositascol- tory Theatre musical comedy production. $8 advance/$10 at the door. For tickets, nude photography and Victoria’s evoca- is seldom poured.) Limited number (just lege.edu/performingarts Performances weekends Jan. 21-Feb. 6, please visit www.firehousearts.org. tive work with the camera. Reception 36!) of 3-bottle gift packs featuring two Dave Mason, rock’n roll legend, Wed., Feb. 2011, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Girlfriends Gala, The Four Bitchin’ Babes Thursday, February 10 from 6-7:30 pm. library wines – the legendary ’05 Cab 9, 7:30 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Sundays. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First revue starring Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Wild Vine, 2187 First Street, Livermore, and the ’06 – along with a special sneak St., Livermore. www.livermoreperform- St., Livermore. Call 462-2121 or go to Nancy Moran and Deidre Flint. Mon., Feb. also participates in Second Saturday Open preview of the upcoming ’07 Walker Cab. ingarts.org or 925-373-6800. www.trivalleyrep.com for information. 14, 7:30 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 Studios/Art Crawls. 8195 Crane Ridge Road in Livermore. 36th annual Campana Jazz Festival, Sat., Cabaret, Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre, First St., Livermore. Tickets or informa- Winter Barrel Tasting Weekend, Murrie- Feb. 12, Amador Valley High School, 1155 Jan. 21-22, 27-29 8 p.m. and Jan. 23 tion at www.livermoreperformingarts.org MEETINGS/CLASSES ta's Well, Tamás Estates, Wente Vineyards Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton. Competitions and 30, 2 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, or 925-373-6800. Livermore Art Association, Pleasanton Estate, Jan. 22 and 23, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and performances throughout the day. www. 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. Art League, meeting Mon., Jan. 24, 7:30 Sample wine directly from the barrel as amadormusic.org. firehousearts.org AUDITIONS/VOLUNTEERS p.m. Almond Ave. School, 1401 Almond well as current release wines in Murrieta's Diablo Symphony Orchestra presents The Lion in Winter, Jan. 21-Feb. 12, Village Solo Piano Competition for young artists, Ave., Livermore. Potter and instructor Well's historic barrel room as well as at our Flamenco! with Carolina Lugo’s & Carolé Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Presented sponsored by Las Positas College Music Erin K. Donohue-Davis will present the sister wineries in Livermore Wente Vine- Acuña’s Brisas de España and Conductor by Role Players Ensemble Theatre. www. Department, open to ages 14 through program. No admission charge. Public yards and Tamás Estates. Complimentary Joyce Johnson-Hamilton. Sunday Febru- danvilletheatre.com. 24. The winner will perform George is welcome. for club members, $5 for guests at each ary 13, 2011 at 7:30 PM. Lesher Center for Reach for the Stars! An Evening of the Gershwin’s, “Rhapsody in Blue” at the Figure Drawing Workshop, every Friday location. Murrieta's Well, 3005 Mines the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Arts for the Arts, Livermore Valley May 4, 2011 Orchestra Concert as part of 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Artists bring their Road, Livermore. www.murrietaswell. Tickets at 925-943-7469 or http://purchase. Education Foundation presents a spe- the inaugural season for the new Barbara THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 9

Fracisco Mertes Center for the Arts. The Ave., Pleasanton. 931-3400. No registra- tory. Information at www.livermoreper- the evening. Feb. 22: Meet the Artists; program of such Tin Pan Alley-era classics application deadline is February 10, 2011. tion required. formingarts.org or 925-373-6800. Exhibit: Filling the Space/Llenando el as “Cake Eatin’ Man” and “My Canary The selection will take place in February. Truffles, Tidbits and Wine Tasting, Thurs- Espacio; Artist in Residence: Alnolkys Has Circles Under His Eyes,” the Frisky To request application forms and informa- CHORAL day, February 3, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Turro and Photography by Eira Arrate; Frolics quintet revels in the outdated, tion, please contact Music instructor Mary Vienna Boys Choir, Fri., Feb. 11, 8 participating downtown Pleasanton busi- Batá Music: Somos 3 Jesús Díaz, Sandy dusty gems from our grandparents’ 78 Campbell, mcampbell@laspositascol- p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First nesses. Event begins at Chase Bank, 561 Pérez and Eric Barbería. Wed., Feb. 23: rpm record collections. Livermore Reads lege.edu, (925) 424-1118. St., Livermore. Tickets or information Main Street. Tickets must be redeemed by Cuban Words/Palabras Cubanas, The Together – 1906: A Novel is sponsored by Concerto competition, Prometheus www.livermoreperformingarts.org or 7:30pm. If there are any tickets available Poetry of Nicolás Guillén preformed by The Friends of the Livermore Library. Symphony Orchestra of Oakland is 925-373-6800. the day of the event, they will be sold at Joel and Ana María Oliver; Cuban Author February 17, 7pm. A Dramatic Reading sponsoring a concerto competition for Chase Bank beginning at 5:45pm. Wine Odette Alonso Yodu Streaming Live from 1906: A Novel. A cast of volunteer Bay Area string, wind and percussion OPERA strollers will receive a commemorative from Mexico City via Webcam. Thurs., readers from Shakespeare’s Associates players age eighteen years or younger. The Barber of Seville, Opera San José wine glass and map. Advance purchase Feb. 24: Cuba Café/ Café Cuba: Abel will bring James Dalessandro’s book 1906 The competition will be held on Tuesday continues its 27th Season presents $25.00 at the following locations: Clover Magritte: Cuban Singer and Song Writer to life with a dramatic reading. With an evening February 1, 2011. The winner Rossini’s comic opera, The Barber of Creek (670 Main Street); Studio 7 Fine Lara Greene: Presentation: The Sound of introduction by Dr. Philip Manwell, the will perform with the orchestra on Sunday, Seville. Eight performances are sched- Arts (400 Main Street); Towne Center Son; Rick Moniz and Catherine Suárez: featured selections will provide a glimpse May 22, 2011, and will receive a $200.00 uled from February 12 through 27 at the Books (555 Main Street); and the Rose Presentation: Cuba Through My Eyes. of 1906 San Francisco— part Paris, part award. Contestants are to perform from California Theatre, 345 South First Street Hotel (807 Main Street). Fri., Feb. 25: Discussion Panel: Feminine Dodge City— corruption, bravery, a memory a complete concerto or work in downtown San José. Tickets are on 6th Annual Claws for Paws crab feed Voices/ Voces Femeninas followed by journalist, a runaway, a Chinese slave girl for solo instrument and orchestra. The sale at the Opera San José Box Office, fund-raiser dinner and Auction is set for Cuban Guateque/ Guateque Cubano, Trío ... and Enrico Caruso! Livermore Reads application deadline is January 25, 2011. by phone at (408) 437-4450 or online Feb. 5, 2011 benefits Tri-Valley Animal Pasión Habanera, Dance Performance by Together – 1906: A Novel is sponsored by Applications are available by calling (925) at www.operasj.org. This production of Rescue. 6-10pmall the crab that you Yussef Breffe Cuban Dance Instructor The Friends of the Livermore Library. 447-3659 or online at www.promethe- The Barber of Seville is made possible, can eat plus Caesar Salad, pasta, French and Choreographer For more information February 19, 12 noon, Vine Cinema. Clas- ussymphony.org. in part, by a Cultural Affairs Grant from bread, dessert and coffee/tea. A no host please visit our web site lasemanacubana. sic Movie Screening – San Francisco. Singers invited, Cantabella Children’s the City of San José. bar will be available. Shannon Center, org, the Las Positas College home page View a special showing of the classic Chorus has been teaching fine vocal pro- 11600 Shannon Avenue, Dublin. Dinner laspositascollege.edu or call Catherine 1936 movie San Francisco starring duction and music literacy through great MISCELLANEOUS tickets are $45 prior to 1/15/11 and $50 Suárez at (925)424-1212. Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald, and choral works to 206 children in grades K- Charity Fashion Show, Thursday, January thereafter until tickets sell out. Dinner Science on Saturday, February 19, Spencer Tracy, nominated for best actor. 12 since 1992. Children in K-5 are placed 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Sapphire Restaurant and tickets may be ordered online at www. Withstanding Climate Change: You Can Livermore Reads Together – 1906: A in training choirs, singers in grades 4-8 Lounge, 2300 First Street, Livermore. tvar.org, through PayPal or by mailing a Change the World, 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 Novel is sponsored by The Friends of perform in Cantabella Children’s Chorus, Presented by Esteem Productions as a check to TVAR, P. O. 11143, Pleasanton, a.m. at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First the Livermore Library. advanced choristers in grades 7-10 sing fund-raiser for the Taylor Family Founda- CA 94588. For more information about St., downtown Livermore. Presented by February 20, 2pm. The 1906 Earthquake: in the Chamber Choir and may audition tion. Tickets $10 in advance and $12 at the TVAR, e-mail [email protected], or call the Lawrence Livermore National Labora- Lessons Learned, Lessons Forgotten, and for the Honors Choir. Rehearsals take door. Admission includes a raffle ticket the message line at 925-803-7043. Visit tory. Information at www.livermoreper- Managing Earthquake Risk. The 1906 place in Dublin, Livermore and Pleas- and a complimentary glass of champagne. TVAR on the web at TVAR.org. formingarts.org or 925-373-6800. earthquake marked the birth of modern anton. New singers are cordially invited Besides a “Catwalk Fashion Show” that Ragin' Cajun, dinner, dance and auc- earthquake science. For the first time, to email Director Bee Chow, director@ will showcase local boutiques, the event tion on Fri., Feb. 11 from 6:30 to 11 LIVERMORE READS the effects of a major seismic event were cantabella.org or call (925) 292-2663 will include a silent auction. Music will be p.m. benefit for Sandra J. Wing Healing February 1, 7pm. Livermore 1906: During systematically investigated and docu- for placement in the training choirs or to provided by Amos Productions. For more Therapies Foundation. Palm Event Center and After the Big Quake. Local historians mented. As earthquake sciences evolves, arrange an audition for the performing information on the event and how to get in Pleasanton. Proceeds will go towards and Livermore Heritage Guild members reanalysis of the 1906 quake yields new choirs. Classes resume the second week tickets, email us at EsteemProductions@ providing funds to cancer patients. Spon- Anne Homan and Richard Finn will talk insights. Mary Lou Zoback, former Chief of January, 2011. Visit www.cantabella. gmail.com or visit our website at www. sors and volunteers are sought. For more about the effects of the huge 1906 earth- Scientist of the US Geological Survey, will org for more information. EsteemProductions.net. information about becoming a sponsor, quake on Livermore, what the citizens of bring us up to date on what we’ve learned. Auditions, The Sound of Music, Tri-Valley Zoe Ferraris, author of Finding Nouf reads please ask for Ken Perine at 925-292- Livermore did to help each other, and the Livermore Reads Together – 1906: A Repertory Theatre. Saturday February from her new mystery, City of Veils at the 5936. For more information about the big effort to help those in need throughout Novel is sponsored by The Friends of 19 at 11:00am or Monday, February 21 Pleasanton Library on Sun., Jan. 23, 2 organization or to attend the event, call the Bay Area. Livermore Reads Together the Livermore Library. at 7:30pm. Callbacks by invitation only p.m. Zoë Ferraris moved to Jeddah, Saudi the Foundation at 866-862-7270 or www. – 1906: A Novel is sponsored by The February 22, 7pm. San Francisco’s Lost Feb. 22 and 24 at 7:30pm. 1048 Serpentine Arabia in the aftermath of the first Gulf HealingTherapiesFoundation.org. Tickets Friends of the Livermore Library. Landmarks with Author James Smith. Lane #303, Pleasanton. Please prepare a War. She lived in a conservative Muslim are $75 per person. 1-866-862-7270. February 5, 10:30am. Quakes and Shakes San Francisco’s earthquakes, 1906 and brief song (16-32 bars). Bring sheet mu- community with her then-husband and Science on Saturday, February 12, It’s for Kids. Become a junior seismologist prior, will be presented in an illustrated sic; accompanist provided. Please bring his family, a group of Saudi-Palestin- Gust about Time: Harnessing the Wind, and explore the inside and outside of discussion of how the city earned its seal a picture and resume, stapled together. ians. No registration is required. There 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at the Bank- our planet, find out what instruments are and what really happened. No tapes; no a capella. Be prepared to is no charge. head Theater, 2400 First St., downtown used to measure earthquakes, and piece February 24, 7pm. The Miles Brothers: dance. www.trivalleyrep.com for more 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Livermore. Presented by the Lawrence together a proper safety kit. Presented by Before and After the Earthquake. David information. Director: Daren A.C. Jr. Fellowship Breakfast, Mon., Jan. Livermore National Laboratory. Informa- the Lawrence Hall of Science. Livermore Kiehn, Historian of the Niles Essanay Carollo, Vocal Direction: Sean Aloise, 24. Marriot Pleasanton Hotel from 7:30 tion at www.livermoreperformingarts.org Reads Together – 1906: A Novel is spon- Silent Film Museum will show short films Choreographer: Todd Aragon, Producer: to 9:30 p.m. The Tri-Valley YMCA will or 925-373-6800. sored by The Friends of the Livermore and photographs by the Miles Brothers, Kathleen Breedveld, Musical Director: co-host with Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti Library. pioneers in American cinema, including Jo Ann Fosselman. Performance dates: and Guy Houston. Keynote speaker will Museum on Main, 2011 Ed Kinney Lec- February 10, 7pm. Are You Ready? How to their 1906 film A Trip Down Market July 22, 2011 through August 7, 2011, be Monte Poole, longtime sportswriter and ture Series. Wednesday, February, 16, 7 Survive the Big One. Find out all you need Street, an historic 13-minute journey Bankhead Theater, Livermore. columnist for the Bay Area Newspaper p.m., Meet President and Mrs. Lincoln. to know to survive the next Big Quake, shot just days before the earthquake. Group. Proceeds from the event benefit Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad and other disasters. Genevieve Pastor- Livermore Reads Together – 1906: A MOVIES the Tri-Valley YMCA programs. For Ave., Pleasanton. No reservations are Cohen, certified emergency manager, will Novel is sponsored by The Friends of The Good Soldier, the movie will be play- more information or to purchase tickets, required. Tickets are available at the door give an overview of the hazards faced by the Livermore Library. ing 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the IBEW Hall, 6250 contact the Tri-Valley YMCA at 475-6107 on a first come first served basis. The the Livermore area, emphasizing the four February 26, 1:30am. Aftershock!: Teens Village Parkway, Dublin. This film asks or [email protected]. Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 pillars of preparedness: making a kit and Prepare for Disaster Assistance. At five different veterans from five different Annual Burns Supper, Hosted by Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Tickets a plan, plus being informed and involved. Aftershock!, teens will learn first aid for conflicts what their experiences were Pleasanton-Blairgowrie-Fergus Sister are $10 general admission, $5 members Livermore Reads Together – 1906: A earthquake and fire disasters through like or are like after coming home from City Organization, Jan. 29, Pleasanton and seniors, $3 students/teachers with Novel is sponsored by The Friends of a special American Red Cross training war. Did they receive the support and Marriot, 11950 Dublin Canyon Rd., ID. Information, contact Jennifer Amiel, the Livermore Library. For additional course designed for teens. Other topics in- help they needed? How do you go from Pleasanton. Supper includes songs and Director of Education at (925) 462-2766 events check the library’s website at www. clude first response topics and techniques, being a trained killer to fitting back into poems; Caliban featured. 5:30 p.m. no host or [email protected]. livermore.lib.ca.us. and a look at teen volunteer opportunities society? This moving documentary is 79 bar/registration, 7 p.m. dinner. Advance A Toast to Heroes: A Literary Evening February 12, 10:30am. Readers’ Theater with the American Red Cross. minutes. This event is unaffiliated, open reservations at $65 per person required on the Myth & Reality of the Hero & for Children of Lizzie Newton and the February 26, 2pm. Jack London: Eyewitness to the public, free or $3.00 donations are by Jan. 21, 2011. www.PBFSCO.org or the Un-hero. Fri., Feb. 18, 8 to 10 p.m. San Francisco Earthquake. Under the to the Great Quake. Jack London: Eye- welcomed, and wheelchair accessible. contact Kathy Tollworthy at 462-6378 or Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad general direction of Dr. Philip Manwell, witness to the Great Quake is a dynamic Meet & greet potluck begins at 6:30 [email protected]. Ave., Pleasanton. Poet Laureate Deborah Dean, students from the Arts and Com- portrait of California through the eyes of PM, while a short discussion follows the Timothy Ferris, award-winning author, Grossman and Livermore Poet Laureate munication Division at Las Positas Col- the renowned author, adventurer and so- film. For more information, you can call makes a passionate case for science as the Cher Wollard will co-host the first Literary lege will offer a special presentation of cial crusader, Jack London, as performed 925-462-3459. inspiration behind the rise of liberalism Evening at the new Firehouse Center. Nar- the children’s book Lizzie Newton and by Michael Oakes, artistic director of Going Places: A Classic Film Series, shown and democracy. Wed., Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. rator Robert Eastwood, award-winning the San Francisco Earthquake, the story Live Oakes Educational Theater. Fol- the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Rae Dorough Speakers Series, Bankhead poet, author and artist from San Ramon, of ten-year-old Lizzie Newton, who hav- low London as he journeyed throughout in the Pleasanton Library's meeting room Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Tickets will weave his perspective on the mythol- ing helped take her grandmother to the the region documenting the devastation through June 2, 2011. The program is a or information www.livermoreperformin- ogy of the heroic and un-heroic with other hospital after the 1906 San Francisco of the 1906 earthquake –one of the most partnership of Las Positas College and the garts.org or 925.373.6800 invited Bay Area writers. $5, students free. earthquake, sets off on her own to find articulate of the eyewitness accounts. Pleasanton Public Library proudly pres- Science on Saturday, February 5, Proton www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us her parents. Livermore Reads Together Livermore Reads Together – 1906: A ent. Candy Klaschus, film historian and Therapy for Cancer, 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 La Semana Cubana/Cuban Week 2011 – 1906: A Novel is sponsored by The Novel is sponsored by The Friends of Coordinator of the Humanities Program a.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Yemaya: Embracing the Earth, Feb. Friends of the Livermore Library. the Livermore Library. at Las Positas College, is the host. There downtown Livermore. Presented by the 22-25, Las Positas College, 3000 Cam- February 13, 2pm. Frisky Frolics: Tin Pan For additional information check the is no admission charge. 400 Old Bernal Lawrence Livermore National Labora- pus Hill Dr., Livermore. Events are in Alley Troubadours. With a ukulele-driven library’s website at www.livermore. lib.ca.us. 10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 Community

Members of the Tri-Valley chapter of DBE (Daughters of the British Empire) ended their 2010-year of fund- raising by presenting a check to Sue Compton, Director of Axis Community Health. Additional donations made locally by the chapter included over twenty toys to the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department’s Toys Army 1st Sgt. Jeremy L. Wright (right) was one of 90 Army active duty, for Tots drive, and sponsoring of a local family through the Salvation Army’s holiday drive. Ladies from the Reserve, or National Guard soldier heroes honored during the pre-game group also donated to the British Home for Senior Citizens in Sierra Madre, California. DBE, founded in 1909, activities at the 2011 Army sponsored “All-American” Bowl in San Antonio, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in the USA made up of women with a common bond of British or British Texas. Shortly before the kickoff of the nationally-televised game, each Commonwealth heritage and ancestry. Members join together in philanthropy and fellowship by contributing soldier hero was matched to an All-American high school athlete, who significantly to local charities and supporting four retirement homes for seniors in California, Illinois, New York, represented the East and West squads on the field. Wright was paired with and Texas, that were established by the DBE. Local chapter members meet monthly and encourage ladies his half-brother George Atkinson III for Bowl. Their Dad, George “Butch” with similar heritage and ancestry to join their group, help with fund-raising activities, enjoy social interaction, Henry Atkinson, a former Oakland Raiders player, is also attending Bowl and form long-lasting friendships. For additional information about DBE in the Tri-Valley area please contact Week, along with George’s twin brother Josh. Both twins have committed Edith Caponigro at 925-462-1960. to Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. During the past year, the soldier heroes have participated in various military deployments, and because of their dedication, leadership, and teamwork skills, received various medals for their distinguished service to our country. Wright is assigned to the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, N.C. Wright is the son of Chamber Announces Community George Atkinson of Livermore. He is a 1986 graduate of Tompkins High School, Savannah, Ga.

Service Award Winners instrumental in the forming of the the residents have the ability to The Pleasanton Chamber of The 2009 Holiday Fund set a community advocating for quality BID for the downtown area. She track energy performance of their Commerce has announced the record-high $93,346 raised in di- child care and resources for fami- began the organization now known Eagle Solar Roofing system on- recipients of its 48th annual Com- rect contributions from the public, lies. Child Care Links is committed as the Pleasanton Downtown Asso- line. The innovative storm water munity Service Awards program. apart from the match. Seven non- to offering a variety of services at ciation and was the first president treatment system is designed to The 2010 recipients listed below profit organizations received close no cost to the community. The of the organization in 1979. She be integrated into the community will be honored at a dinner on to $20,000 each. agency helps to enrich the lives of remained active on the Planning which includes a permeable pav- January 28, 2011 at Pleasanton Excellence in Business Award: children in the Tri-Valley by pro- Commission through 1985 and ing system in the private streets, Marriott Hotel. The public is in- Given to businesses that have made viding educational workshops for during the 90’s; she was voted best bio-swales and retention basins in vited to attend. a positive impact in the Pleasanton parents and childcare providers. overall CEO at the Valley Volun- landscaped areas, and an advanced Business Philanthropy Award: community through their achieve- Child Care Links acts as a teer CEO dinner. She helped raise underground detention facility to This goes to businesses that have ment within the scope of normal link between the government and funds and organized the first fund- restore clean water to the environ- provided philanthropic service business activity. Honoree: Spring families in Alameda County who raiser for the new senior center and ment. beyond the scope of normal busi- Street Studios are seeking assistance for child the City of Pleasanton’s Centennial In addition, the front yards ness activity. Honoree: Pleasanton In 20 years in Pleasanton, Jerry care. Income eligible families can in 1994. are designed to maximize water Weekly Holiday Fund Pentin of Spring Street Studios receive funds to help pay for child Most recently, for the past five conservation by featuring drought- Unlike most other fund-raising has donated numerous videos at care as well as learn how to find years, Joyce has served as Pro- tolerant plants and eliminating drives by individual organizations, a value of hundreds of thousands quality child care in their com- gram Manager of the Leadership the use of turf areas to lessen the Pleasanton Program, a volunteer need for fertilizers/herbicides and the Holiday Fund has no adminis- for initiatives and non-profits. Here munity. The agency offers free position. Joyce chaired the first maintenance. The high-efficiency trative expenses or other overhead. are a few of the recipients of his child care referrals to parents in successful fund-raiser for the irrigation system which includes The Pleasanton Weekly donates all volunteer talents: Firehouse Arts; the Tri-Valley. Firehouse Arts Project and joined a satellite-based controller also the support services and marketing Pleasanton Partners in Education; Distinguished Individual Ser- the Tri-Valley YMCA Board of reduces water use by tailoring expenses so all money raised can Tulancingo Sister City; Cycling for vice Award: The award is given to Directors in 2009. She chaired water consumption to the local support local nonprofit groups. Civics to support Mock Trial and individuals who have contributed the Annual Partners Campaign and conditions. Over the past seven years, the Competition Civics at Amador and to Pleasanton through exceptional raised the largest amount in their UNCLE Credit Union will once fund has raised more than $450,000 Foothill; Veteran’s Hall - Pleasan- service to the community or phil- recent history. again sponsor this annual chamber from donors in direct contribu- ton; Pleasanton North Rotary and anthropic efforts. Honoree: Joyce Green Business Award: The tradition. The evening will fea- tions. Since the first campaign, the many more. Shapiro. awards goes to businesses that are ture live music and networking Tri-Valley Community Foundation Excellence in Service Award: Joyce Shapiro has been a con- small or large that promotes sus- beginning with a no-host cocktail has provided 1:1 matching funds, This goes to a non-profit organi- sistent volunteer and leader for tainable environmental business reception at 6:00 p.m. and dinner so more than $900,000 has been zations that have contributed to the community since moving to practices throughout their organi- program at 7:00 p.m. Cost to attend given to Tri-Valley non-profits Pleasanton. Honoree: Child Care Pleasanton in the mid 60’s. She has zation for the benefit of employees, is $75 per person; tables of 8 avail- in non-restricted funding. Axis Links been a downtown business owner, customers or the community. Hon- able, event is open to the public. Community Health Center and For the past 30 years Child Care property owner, chamber officer, oree: Ponderosa Homes RSVP by January 24. Reservations Open Heart Kitchen have been on Links has been dedicated to the director and president. Ponderosa Homes ensures ev- can be made online at www.pleas- the list of beneficiaries since the children and families in Alameda In the 70’s she served on the ery home within The Village at anton.org/chamber_store.html or beginning. County acting as a leader in the Planning Commission and was Ironwood community has a solar call (925) 846-5858 ext. 201. (photovoltaic) roofing system and

Community THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 11

Pleasanton Police Department Announces Award Winners The Pleasanton Police Depart- ment and investigative stops. ment has announced the 2010 Officer Kroutil started with the Officer of the Year and Profes- Modesto Police in 2007 and joined sional Staff Employee of the Year, the Pleasanton Police Department as part of its long-standing annual in 2009. He is commended for his recognition program for superior commitment to law enforcement performance. Employees through- and outstanding performance of out the organization nominate their his duties. peers for their contributions, which The Professional Staff Em- are then reviewed by a committee. ployee of the Year is Records The final selections are made by Clerk Vanessa Schlehuber. Ms. the Police Chief. Schlehuber is consistently opti- Officer Matthew Kroutil has mistic, up-beat and enthusiastic been selected as Officer of the about her career and the depart- Year for his proactive contribu- ment. Always willing to assist tions in keeping Pleasanton safe. others, Ms. Schlehuber embraces Officer Kroutil has been described providing strong customer service as a dedicated professional with an to achieve the best possible resolu- intrinsic motivation to do quality tion and many co-workers seek out police work. His hard work and te- her assistance and expertise on a nacity was further demonstrated in variety of issues. She is primary July while making one of the sev- to assist with processing juvenile eral hundred traffic stops he made arrests in the CABS and Livescan during the year. While on patrol systems, and is a facilitator to train in the City of Pleasanton, Officer our employees on both the criminal Kroutil stopped a vehicle for hav- and applicant uses for Livescan. Greg Soyka is shown with the bleachers he built. ing a cracked windshield. During Her background and experience the stop he contacted a 35 year-old with our permitting process has male driver from Nebraska, and helped those new to this role. Ms. inquired about the juvenile female Schlehuber is a true asset, having passenger with him in the vehicle. garnered a well-versed knowledge Greg Soyka Earns Eagle Rank Officer Kroutil’s investigative in- base of the many aspects within Greg Soyka of Troop 948 in the Alviso Adobe Park on Foothill served as Senior Patrol Leader, Pa- stincts and intuitive skills lead him our department she is always Pleasanton recently earned the Blvd. in Pleasanton. The bleachers trol Leader, Den Chief, Instructor to believe something was unusual ready and willing to take on new rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy will be used by school children and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. about their relationship. Regard- challenges. Scouts of America. Greg com- and others attending field trips and He completed Brownsea National less of their independent claims to In addition to her many contri- pleted his Eagle project this past nature seminars at the park. Youth Leadership Training, was on mitigate his doubts, he continued butions as a paid employee, Ms. August and recently passed his Beginning as a Cub Scout in Brownsea staff and is a member of Schlehuber gives generously of to ask probing questions and in- Eagle Board of Review. His Court second grade, Greg has been in the Order of the Arrow. her own time and volunteers and vestigate for the truth. Because of of Honor will be held this coming scouting for over 10 years. As Greg logged over 75 nights his determination, Officer Kroutil serves President of the Pleasan- summer. a Webelos Scout he earned the camping and more than 300 miles unraveled a significant and par- ton Police Officers Association ticularly despicable crime against Charitable Foundation. Over the For his Eagle project, Greg Arrow of Light, the highest rank hiking while in Scouting, including a child and arrested a sexual preda- past several years, she’s provided designed, managed an participated a Cub Scout can earn. During two trips to Philmont Scout Ranch tor who had traveled across state countless hours of personal time in the construction of two eight his time in Troop 948 (sponsored in New Mexico. lines after meeting the juvenile planning and organizing the “Giv- foot long wooden bleachers for by the Centerpointe Presbyte- Greg is a graduate of Foothill on the Internet and who was later ing Tree Program” for during the use inside the adobe structure at rian Church in Pleasanton), Greg High School and is currently a determined to be a wanted fugitive. holiday season. She meticulously student at the University of Ne- Because of this arrest additional solicits and reviews applications, vada, where he is studying Civil victims were discovered. The ar- organizes press releases and com- Engineering. rest of this predator has removed munications with citizens to en- him from our communities and sure a successful outcome for the will likely prevent him from caus- families in need. She also oversees ing further victimization to others donations made by the foundation Mendenhall Students Named to Honor Band for many years to come. during the year and gives gener- Pleasanton Police Department ously to local causes. The overall The Northern California Band California Jr. High Band. bers of the Mendenhall Middle prides itself on high visibility and success of the program is a true Association has announced that The Honor Band is a select School Advanced Band directed proactive patrols to serve its com- reflection of her ownership, dedi- Jane Wu, Jared Maranon, Emily group of musicians from all of by teacher, Randy Watson. The munity and work with citizens to cation and leadership in this role. Gary, Brett Bernstein and Gen- the California counties north of Board of Directors of the Northern reduce crime. This is an excellent She has been with the Pleas- evieve Bussell from Mendenhall the Tehachapi Mountains. The California Band Association con- example of the kind of outstand- anton Police Department since Middle School have been selected Director for the 2011 All-Northern gratulates these students for their ing police work that can be ac- July of 2005 and is married to her through auditions to be partici- Jr. High Honor Band will be Mr. successful efforts in becoming a complished when officers remain husband Kurt, who is a Sergeant pants in the 2011 Northern Califor- Michael Boitz. part of the All-Northern Honor engaged in routine traffic enforce- with the PPD. nia Band Association All-Northern The selected students are mem- Band.

12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 Community

(Organizations wishing to run notices in invites new or long-time residents to its monthly available online at www.pedrozzifoundation. triotism, preservation of American history and Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 Bulletin Board, send information to PO Box luncheon on February 17 at Blackhawk Grille, org. The deadline for finalizing all applications securing America's future through education. Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, ser- 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of Bulletin 3450 Blackhawk Plaza Cir., Blackhawk. 11:30 will be March 1, 2010 by 5:00 pm. This is also Information, contact Maris at 443-3087. vices on Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 a.m., Board. Include name of organization, meeting - 2pm. Cost is $21. Speaker will be Terry the deadline for receipt of all sealed, official Daughters of the American Revolution, worship 11 a.m. www.livermoresda.org/ All date, time, place and theme or subject. Phone Monday, Volunteer Program Mgr. for Med- transcripts. The Pedrozzi Scholarship Founda- Jose Maria Amador Chapter, Pleasanton, are welcome. number and contact person should also be share, which recovers & distributes surplus tion will be awarding many annual and multiple volunteer women's service organization de- Stepping Stones on Grief Journey, Grief included. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) medical supplies. Call Susan, 925-718-5214, year scholarships to graduates of the Livermore scended from a patriot of the American Revo- Ministry bi-monthly sessions, Catholic Com- Team KC Red Cross Blood Drive, Sunset for reservations & information. Valley Joint Unified School District. lution. Dedicated to patriotism, preservation munity of Pleasanton. Jan 27, Feb., 10, 11 and School, Frankfurt Way, Livermore on Thurs., Depression and Bipolar Support Al- Retired Educators’ Scholarship: Up to of American history and securing America's Mar. 10, 24, 7:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth Seton, 4001 Jan. 27, 1 to 7 p.m. To sign up, go to www. liance (DBSA) Pleasanton, meets 7:15 to six scholarships, each worth $1,500.00, are future through better education. anarcisco@ Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. No preregistration redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code 8:45 p.m. St. Clare's Episcopal Church, 3350 offered by the Tri-Valley Retired Educators comcast.net or phone 510-507-5509. required. Open to all regardless of religious af- TeamKC. This blood drive is in support of Team Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton (not affiliated with Scholarship Foundation. The awards are of- Birthright Pregnancy Support Service, filiation. Please call Mary Hagerty, 846-5377, KC and in memory of Korrine Croghan. the church. www.dballiance.org/pleasanton or fered to high-school graduating seniors and For information on a variety of volunteer op- for more information. Free e-waste recycling, Sat., Jan. 22, 9 a.m. contact chapter leader, Al Pereira, 462-6415. college/university students. All applicants must portunities, please call John Kupski evenings A Call to Justice: Amos/Micah/Hosea, to 5 p.m. Granada High School - 400 Wall Street The Good Soldier, the movie will be be planning a career in education. Requirements at 606-8230. We are presently open M-Tu-Fri is the theme of the St. Charles/St. Michael's - Livermore - at the front of the school. Items playing 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the IBEW Hall, 6250 are: a) applicants must be residents of the 10 am-2 pm, Thurs. eve. 6-9 pm. Birthright Bible Study for January 24-March 7. God accepted: all electronic equipment (computer, Village Parkway, Dublin. This film asks five Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin or Sunol area, b) offers free pregnancy tests, guidance, adop- stood by his people and did the right thing monitor, hard drive, keyboard, printer, fax ma- different veterans from five different conflicts high school applicants must be seniors planning tion and medical referrals, baby and maternity for them - the Bible calls this "justice." All chine, cell phone, TV, DVD/VCR, microwave what their experiences were like or are like after to attend a four-year college in fall, 2011, c) clothing, and more. Livermore office at 1520 are invited to join the bible study group on oven, satellite equip, stereo, speakers, camera, coming home from war. Did they receive the community college applicants must be qualified Catalina Ct., just behind the Granada Shopping Monday evenings from 7:30-9:00 pm at St. electronic wires/cables, etc.). This event sup- support and help they needed? How do you to transfer as juniors to a four-year institution Center, or call 449-5887. 1-800-550-4900 Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas Ave., in ports the 2011 Granada High School Safe and go from being a trained killer to fitting back in fall, 2011, d) 4-year college applicants must Hotline number is staffed 24 hours a day. All Livermore. To reserve materials (cost $10) or Sober Grad Night. into society? This moving documentary is 79 be sophomores who will continue as juniors Birthright services are free and confidential. have questions call Julie at 925-447-4549 ext Truffles, Tidbits and Wine Tasting, minutes. This event is unaffiliated, open to the in fall, 2011. Questions about the scholarship www.birthright.org 114 or at [email protected]. Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m. public, free or $3.00 donations are welcomed, should be sent to [email protected] or call Pleasanton Newcomers Club, open to Engaging Spirituality, series sessions at participating downtown Pleasanton busi- and wheelchair accessible. Meet & greet pot- 925-443-6097. Application packets for the new and established residents of the Tri-Val- Monday evenings, offers daily practices for nesses. Event begins at Chase Bank, 561 Main luck begins at 6:30 PM, while a short discussion scholarships can be downloaded at the retired ley. Activities include a coffee on the first living deeply. Twenty-one week program starts Street. Tickets must be redeemed by 7:30 p.m. follows the film. 925-462-3459. educators’ website www.div85.calrta.org/. Ap- Wednesday of the month, a luncheon on the Mon., Jan. 24, 7 to 9 p.m. St. Michael's Church, If there are any tickets available the day of the Charity Fashion Show, Thursday, Janu- plication deadline is March 7, 2011. second Wednesday of the month, bunco, Mah 458 Maple St., Livermore. Sponsored by St. event, they will be sold at Chase Bank begin- ary 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Sapphire Restaurant and Fishing with EBRPD - introduction, Jongg, bridge, walking and hiking groups, Michael Parish Social Concerns Ministry. For ning at 5:45 p.m. Wine strollers will receive Lounge, 2300 First Street, Livermore. Pre- class offered at Del Valle, 8-10am, Saturday, family activities and monthly adult socials. more information and directions to the meeting a commemorative wine glass and map. Only sented by Esteem Productions as a fund-raiser January 22. 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore. Information, call 215-8405 or visit www. location, call Carolyn Owens, 447-8987. eight hundred (800) tickets will be offered for for the Taylor Family Foundation. Tickets This class is designed anyone interested in PleasantonNewcomers.com. The deaf community is invited to worship this event and will be available for advance $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The price getting started with the sport of fishing at East at First Presbyterian Church in Livermore, purchase for $25.00 at the following locations: of admission includes a raffle ticket and a Bay Regional Parks. Participants will learn the RELIGION where ASL translation will be provided every Clover Creek (670 Main Street); Studio 7 Fine complimentary glass of champagne. Besides basics including knot tying and rigging, gear United Christian Church, celebrating Sunday at 10:30 A.M The church is located on Arts (400 Main Street); Towne Center Books a “Catwalk Fashion Show” that will show- and bait selection, and casting techniques. A 50 years in the Tri-Valley. 1886 College Ave. the corner of 4th and L streets. (555 Main Street); and the Rose Hotel (807 case local boutiques, the event will include California State Fishing License is required at M St., Livermore; worships on Sunday Love Never Ends: An afternoon for Main Street). a silent auction. Music will be provided by for participants 16yrs+. Gear provided. Parent morning at 10:30 a.m. Children’s program on married couples, Sun., Feb. 13, 2 to 6 p.m. Friends of the Vineyards, annual meet- Amos Productions. For more information on participation is required for ages 5-15 years. Sunday morning and first Fridays. The com- St. Michael Catholic Church, 458 Maple St., ing to be held at 7:00 pm on Jan. 27 at the the event and how to get tickets, email us at 5+yrs. Registration is required. Tel. 1 (888) munity is welcome. United CC is an Open and Livermore, in the parish hall. Couples from Livermore Library, 1188 So. Livermore Ave. [email protected] or visit our EBPARKS. Fee: $19 (non-res. $21), www. Affirming ministry. Call 449-6820 for more World Wide Marriage Encounter will share All are welcome. Light refreshments will be website at www.EsteemProductions.net. ebparks.org information. testimonials on refreshing marriages, faith in provided. Guest speaker will be Dick Schneider Tri-Valley Animal Rescue’s 6th An- Beginning German Conversation I, Trinity, 557 Olivina Ave., Livermore. the home and celebrating life together. Infor- from the Sierra Club. www.fov.org nual Claws for Paws crabfeed fund-raiser Las Positas College Community Education, Services on Sunday at 8:30, 11 a.m. and 6 mation, Debbie Post, Faith Enrichment Team Rummage Sale, First Presbyterian Church dinner and auction is set for Feb. 5, 2011, 6 1/25-3/11, Mondays 7 to 9 p.m.; 4/4-5/23, p.m. with Sunday school or Bible study for Coordinator, DebbieJaneStineman@yahoo. annual event. Feb. 4 and 5 (Fri. & Sat.) 0 a.m. to 10 p.m. Shannon Center, 11600 Shannon Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. BBC German Steps se- all ages at 9:45 a.m. Bible study for adults com, 443-5314. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Avenue, Dublin. All the crab that you can ries. Information or to register, call 424-1467; and activities for all ages on Wednesdays at Divorce Care, Valley Bible Church, 7106 Saturday. 451 South K St., Livermore. eat plus Caesar Salad, pasta, French bread, or register online at www.laspositascollege. 6:45 p.m. 447-1848. Johnson Dr., Pleasanton, 13-week seminar Livermore Library Board of Trustees, dessert and coffee/tea. A no host bar will be edu/communityed. Tri-Valley Unity Church, 2260 Camino and support group for people going through meets 7 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 27 at the Civic Center available. In addition to dinner, there will be Conversational German for Advanced Ramon, San Ramon. Class for children, ages divorce or separation. Video shown each night Library, 1188 So. Livermore Ave. An agenda raffle baskets, silent auction items, along with Students, Livermore Adult Community Educa- 1-10, during church service, 10 to 11:15 a.m. featuring experts on various topics such as will be posted at the library 72 hours prior to a Kindle raffle. Dinner tickets are $45 prior tion class, 1/19-3/23, Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Ongoing adult classes and small groups. All controlling anger, forgiveness, caring for kids, the meeting. to 1/15/11 and $50 thereafter until tickets sell Information or to register, call 606-4722; online are welcome. 829-2733. www.trivalleyunity. and managing finances. The group meets on Livermore Valley Business and Profes- out. Dinner tickets may be ordered online at registration at www.livermoreadulted.org. com Tuesdays 7 to 9 p.m. starting Feb. 8. There is sional Women, honoring Woman of the Year, www.tvar.org, through PayPal or by mailing a Widowed Men and Women of Northern Spiritual Reiki Group The Japanese a one-time charge for the workbook and other Joanne Abey, Jan. 26 at Castle Rock Restaurant, check to TVAR, P. O. 11143, Pleasanton, CA CA., Birthday champagne brunch in San Ra- system of Reiki is a spiritual practice which materials of $25. Preregistration is required. 1848 Portola Ave., Livermore. Abey was an 94588. For more information about TVAR, mon, Jan. 23, 11:45 a.m. RSVP by Jan. 20 to uses meditations, chanting, visualizations, Contact Mark Porter at 846-9693 or mcporter@ educator in Livermore schools, specializing in e-mail [email protected], or call the message Marsha, 830-8483. Lunch in Fremont, Jan. 26, 1 and hands-on energy group work so that we hotmail.com. Early Childhood, reading specialist and home line at 925-803-7043. Visit TVAR on the web p.m., RSVP by Jan. 24 to Vickie, 510-656-1166. can connect to our true nature. No prior Reiki economics. She was also the owner of Tutorage at TVAR.org. Crab feed dinner in Livermore, Jan. 29, 5 p.m. experience is necessary. On the first and third Learning Center for 29 years before retiring. Crab Feed, Livermore-Pleasanton Elks RSVP by Jan. 23 to Hilda, 398-8808. Saturdays of every month, 10-11:45 a.m. at Tri- Her new passion is establishing the Community Lodge #2117. Sat., Jan. 22, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 City of Pleasanton nature programs: Valley Unity's Gathering Place, 7567 Amador Gardens in Livermore. Registration 5:30 p.m. p.m. dinner, 8 to 11 p.m. dancing to music by Wondrous Universe Series, Winter Skies, Sat., Valley Blvd., #120, Dublin. Contact Gayle at followed by dinner and the program at 6 p.m. The Singing DJ. Tickets $35 per person advance Feb. 5, 2011, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Alviso Adobe Com- [email protected]. The public is invited to attend. Cost is $20 sale only, deadline is January 17. 455-8820. munity Park, 3465 Old Foothill Road. How Community Bible Study Class, book of for dinner. Please RSVP by Jan. 24 to Sally Elks Lodge, 940 Larkspur Dr., Livermore. big is our galaxy? How far is the nearest star? Luke will be the topic of study in Pleasanton at at 413-6065. From Idea to Entrepreneur, free seminar How was our solar system made? Explore the Valley Bible Church. CBS is a non-denomina- Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club, Marketability and Pricing, 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at universe as we try to answer these questions and tional Bible study ministry open to all women, Sat., Jan. 22, 20 miles Feather Pedals training the Pleasanton Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave., more. Games and hands-on activities will aid us with a special children's program for ages 0-5 ride for Cinderella, meet 9:30 a.m. at Shannon Pleasanton. Pleasanton business and patent as we search for the answers. Then, if the skies years old. The class meets on Thursdays from Center, Dublin, Marty Lenzi, 283-1037. Sun., attorney Gerald Prettyman will discuss creat- are willing, we’ll take a peek at the wonders 9:30-11:30AM beginning 9/9/10 and goes Jan. 23, 47 miles Dublin to Moraga loop, meet ing an inexpensive prototype, confidentiality above through a telescope. For all ages. Fee: until 5/12/11. More information about the 9 a.m. at Shannon Center, Peter Rathmann, 336- and nondisclosure agreements, market studies, $9 for residents/$12 for non-residents. 2nd CBS program and registration available by 0973. Wed., Jan. 26, 30 miles Heather Farm small group testing, the Rule of Thirds, and Annual California Newt Festival, Augustin contacting Sharon at 925-399-5072, or email to Diablo junction and back, meet 10:30 a.m., market differentiation. Registration is appreci- Bernal Park, Sat., Feb. 12, 2011, 9 to 10 a.m. [email protected]. Henry Lam, 708-4066. Anyone planning to go ated to allow sufficient seating. Call 600-7342 Learn about the natural history of amphibians, Granada Baptist Church, 945 Concan- on a ride is asked to call the leader for details or visit www.GotABrightIdea.com. particularly the spectacular California Newt non Boulevard, Livermore. Services: Sunday on where to meet and what to bring. Diapers needed, Livermore residents can and its interesting cycle of life. Participants will school – 9:45 a.m.; worship service – 11 a.m. Livermore Adult Community Education help the local Pregnancy Center by dropping help take a count of newts as part of an annual All are welcome. 1-888-805-7151. is currently accepting enrollment for the follow- off diapers on (most needed are Newborns, 4 & survey on this unique adventure for all ages. ing classes; SAT/PSAT Preparation, English as 5’s) on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 3pm Fee: $9 for residents/$12 for non-residents. a Second Language, GED, Adult High School – 6pm at the Livermore Pregnancy Resource Call (925) 931-5340 for information or to reg- Diploma, CAHSEE Preparation, Microsoft Center, 4200 East Ave., Suite 104. Annual ister, or register online at www.ci.pleasanton. Office 2007, Phlebotomy, Clinical Medical Diaper Dash on Thursday, January 20, 2011. ca.us/services/recreation.html. Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Clinical For information: (925) 447-1111 or hiscenter@ Pleasantonians 4 Peace, Peaceful War Nursing Asst., Hemodialysys Tech., Physical yahoo.com ~ myspace.com/livermoreprc Protest will be held on the fourth Wednesday Therapy Aide, Sterile Processing Tech., Estate Tri-Valley Communities Against a Ra- of the month, January 26 between 5 - 6 at Planning, Retirement Planning, CPR/First Aid, dioactive Environment (Tri-Valley CAREs) the corners of First and Neal Streets. Please Art Classes and Health & Fitness Classes. Call was founded in 1983 in Livermore, California join us if you can. Questions?? Call Cathe 925-606-4722 for more information or visit us by concerned neighbors living around the Norman at (925) 462-7495; Matt Sulli- at www.livermoreadulted.org. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, van at [email protected]; or kdowding@ GNON (Girls Night Out Networking) one of two locations where all US nuclear pacbell.net. Please see our New P4P web site group - 2011 Post Holiday Kick Off Mixer, weapons are designed. All are welcome at the www.Pleasantonians4Peace.org Thurs., Jan. 20, 5 to 8 p.m. at TGIF's Pleasanton monthly meeting at the Livermore Civic Center Daughters of the American Revolution, (Rosewood Pavilion). $15/pp (includes heavy Library on Thursday, January 20 from 7:30pm Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, meets appetizers/no host bar). Women in the Tri-Val- to 9pm. For more information call Tri-Valley 9:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month ley that want to have some fun and network in CAREs at (925) 443-7148 or visit our website between Sept. and May at the Asbury United an informal way. Information, contact Frances at http://trivalleycares.org Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore. Hewitt, founder, at (925) 487-4748 or gnon- Scholarship applications, The applica- DAR is a women's service organization. The [email protected] tions for Livermore students for college schol- women are descended from a patriot of the San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club arships from the Pedrozzi Foundation are now American Revolution and are dedicated to pa-