Wednesday, June 6, 2012 • Vol. 6 Issue 7

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The scaffold-enclosed Old Yellow House is off its foundations while being refurbished. Photos Cathy Dausman Greening the (Pink)

Old Yellow House James Wright shows off the vintage newspapers nestled under the home's linoleum flooring. By Cathy Dausman colorful Orinda home and its storied past is becoming Wright consulted with Orinda’s Historical Landmarks Com- and the inside will be made environmentally green. Wright is a environmentally green, thanks to a new owner. The mittee (HLC) to insure that the house “should look as close as renewable energy architect who plans to live and work at that AOld Yellow House, as it was originally known, has ac- possible to its original form.” He introduced himself to neighbor address, while using it as a model for a zero-energy environment. tually been pink since 1991 and unoccupied since 1966. But and former resident Ezra Nelson, tapped Nelson’s memories of Four HLC members and Assistant City Planner Roscoe Mata re- new owner James Wright said he is excited to begin his restora- how the house once was, applied for a historic landmark desig- cently toured the site. The group approved Wright’s exterior tion project, emphasizing that he plans to refurbish rather than nation for the house, and plans to refurbish the dwelling, inside color choice. “I am so glad it’s being preserved,” said HLC replace. His enthusiasm for the work to be done and his affection and out. member Kay Norman. “The feeling up here [second story] is so for the Orinda landmark is quite contagious. Its exterior will be repainted close to its original yellow color nice,” said another. ... continued on page A12

Quote of the Week: Advertising Sold Sale Pending Sold Coming "The right to marry is an soon ... acknowledgment of the equal rights of gays and Are you thinking lesbians to engage fully in of selling?? the life of our nation." 440 Deerfield Dr., Moraga Cathy Schultheis Offered at $1,199,000 Read Letters to the 510-915-2277 ©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell [email protected] Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Es- Editor, page A9 461 Woodminster Dr., Moraga 352 Deerfield Dr., Moraga tate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . brokercathy.com Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Op- DRE #01005765 Offered at $439,000 Offered at $1,215,000 erated by NRT LLC. DRE License # 01908304 RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Moraga School District Entangled Town News A2 - A12 Letters to the Editor A9 Life in Lamorinda B1 - B12 in Decades-Old Scandal Business B8 By Sophie Braccini Service Directory B9 he Moraga School District (MSD) has been All personnel working in the proximity of chil- ishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of Food B9 Tconfronted with an outcry from parents and dren are “mandated reporters.” They include teach- $1,000, or both. Not to be Missed B10-B11 local residents over the past two weeks, requesting ers, administrators, teachers’ aids and assistants, but According to Moraga Police Chief Bob Priebe, Sports C1 - C3 the full investigation of whether then Joaquin Mor- also employees of day camps, recreational facili- the chief of police at that time discussed the case HOW TO CONTACT US C3 aga Intermediate School (JM) Principal Bill Walters ties, and social workers, to name a few. According (non-reporting of suspected child abuse by Walters) Classified C2 and possibly other school officials failed in their to Lauren Brosnan, community outreach coordina- with the then district attorney. “Since nothing was Love Lafayette C4 legal obligation as mandated reporters under the tor with Contra Costa Children’s Protective Serv- done at that time in regards to mandated reporting, Our Homes D1 - D8 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act during the ices, pending amendments to the law will also child endangerment or any other issues, any pros- This Week Read About: 1990s sexual misconduct scandal involving JM sci- include sports coaches as mandated reporters. ecution at this time would be precluded due to the Historical Facelift A2 ence teacher Dan Witters. The mandated reporter must report suspected statute of limitations,” said Priebe in an e-mail. One Percent A4 California Penal Code section 11164, known as abuse as soon as he/she becomes aware of it. The Moraga parent Sam Shapiro, dean of instruc- Budget Workshop A6 the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, states law specifies the reporter has to call social services tion and teacher at Athenian School, met with MOFD Budget Woes A11 that individuals working in close proximity to chil- or police immediately, or as soon as feasible, and MSD Superintendent Bruce Burns June 1. He said Long Distance Care B3 dren have the legal obligation to contact Social needs to follow up with a written report within 36 the School District should take two steps: “First, THT's Pygmalion B5 Services or the local law enforcement agency if hours. Contacting the hierarchy instead is not an the District should continue to look into ways to A Special Flag B6 they suspect or have reasons to believe that a child option. prosecute Mr. Walters for his failure to protect Idol Finalists B7 has been abused or neglected. The law was first Failure to report as defined by Penal Code children. Theatre Square B8 written to include teachers in 1974. 11166(c) is characterized as a misdemeanor pun- ... continued on page A11

Life in Lamorinda B1-B12 Sports C1-C3 Our Homes D1-D8 Summer Reading, and Acalanes, Campolindo At Home in More Win Tuscany? NCS! Jennifer Wake Sophie Braccini views an Simon Tryzna has suggestions award-winning remodel has the baseball for summer with a distinctly Italian success stories. reading fun! flair. Page D1 Page B1 Page C1 Page: A2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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#1 Agent in Lafayette www.DanaGreenTeam.com Balanced Budget Includes Extra Funding for Road Repair By Cathy Tyson ith very little fanfare, and no public com- per capita in the County, the City of Lafayette spends Wment, the City of Lafayette’s $11.9 million more than $4 million annually on police services. Massage Parlor budget for fiscal year 2012-2013 passed unani- What about money for roads? The capital im- Ordinance Approved mously at a recent City Council meeting. Boasting provement budget includes $1.1 million from the Also unanimously approved at the May a balanced budget with $4,500 to spare, frugal Ad- General Fund reserve, with an additional $975,000 29 City Council meeting is an ministrative Services staff improved on the very from the annual operating budget. What’s more, two Civic News amendment to the Lafayette Municipal modest $223 extra from the last fiscal year while grants are expected in 2013 that would pay for pave- Public Meetings Code about massage parlors. There are funding programs at current levels. The city’s re- ment management work and streetlight installation City Council currently 19 such establishments serve, or savings account, is very healthy, the esti- along Mt. Diablo Boulevard. The city also receives downtown. Chapter 4-501 establishes Tuesday, June 11, 7:00 pm mated total for fiscal year 2012–2013 is $8.9 million, money from gas taxes and Measure J sales taxes. In new standards that comply with Lafayette Library & Learning Center, $3 million over their target amount, allowing for a the wake of the recent failed tax measure, there was California law and spells out certain Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd release of $1.1 million for pavement projects. agreement that dipping into the city’s substantial re- minimum health and safety standards “While we predict that the General Fund will serve account was appropriate to start to address the Planning Commission for those businesses and their grow less than one percent next year, we have seen road repair backlog. employees. Simply put – all massage Monday, June 8, 7:00 pm encouraging signs of growth in the local economy, Other notable highlights include the approval of therapists and practitioners operating Lafayette Library & Learning Center, suggesting that things are slowly improving,” said modern “smart” parking meters that will be popping within the city must be state certified, Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd City Manager Steven Falk in a staff report. Falk also up downtown at a budgeted cost of $200,000; re- and the businesses must be registered pointed out that the city has weathered the recent eco- member that when you conveniently use a debit or with the city. Ten pages outline who Design Review nomic downturn without laying off employees and credit card to settle up. Due to savvy renegotiating, and what is covered, along with Tuesday, June 11, 7:00 pm maintaining existing programs, a feat “many, if not the lease on the City Offices in Desco Plaza has been exemptions for other professionals like Lafayette Library & Learning Center most, California cities have been unable to do.” reduced annually by $59,000. City employees had physicians, nurses, physical therapists, in the Arts & Science Discovery Police services are getting more expensive, going their salaries frozen for the past two years, and are but also barbers, manicurists, nursing Center at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. up five percent over the last fiscal year, at a cost of currently in negotiations for a salary increase. homes, health clubs and more. C. Tyson $217,000. Even with one of the lowest staffing levels School Board Meetings Acalanes Union High School District Historical Facelift for Plaza Park Shops Wednesday, June 6, 7:30 pm Wednesday, June 20, 7:30 pm By Cathy Tyson Board Room AUHSD Office 1212 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lafayette www.acalanes.k12.ca.us Lafayette School District Thursday, June 21, 7:00 pm Regular Board Meeting LAFSD Office 3477 School Street, Lafayette www.lafsd.k12.ca.us Check online for agendas, meeting notes and announcements City of Lafayette: Proposed North Elevation Graphic provided www.ci.lafayette.ca.us Phone: (925) 284-1968 sually the goal of a facelift is to Chamber of Commerce: Umake the recipient look younger— in this case property own- www.lafayettechamber.org ers want to bring back the historical charm of the heart of Lafayette. Start- SEMI-ANNUAL Share your thoughts, ing with Squirrels and encompassing DESIGNER insights and opinions the four adjoining shops through what OUTERWEAR used to be A-1 Photo Lab and Han- with your community. dlebar Toys, the prominent, though OUTLET Send a letter to aging establishments are in the pre- the editor: liminary stages of getting approval from the City for façade improve- letters@lamorinda ments. weekly.com “Due to the gradual deterioration of these historic buildings over the last few decades and the difficulties of current economic times, the shops around Plaza Park have lost their place as the economic and cultural heart of Lafayette,” said architect Sudhish Mohindroo of SZFM Design Studio in a description of the project. Mohindroo is the design genius be- hind other notable local projects in- cluding the renovated La Fiesta Square, the Mercantile, and the cur- rently-under-construction streetscape improvement project along Mt. Dia- blo Boulevard. SALE Looking to restore cultural signif- icance, invigorate the area, add out- door seating and retain small village scale is not easy. Throw in upgrading OFF WHOLESALE outdated utilities and making the PRICES SALES TAX ON US! buildings structurally stable, while bringing them up to modern retail WEDNESDAY standards is quite a challenge, so JUNE 6, 1PM - 7PM building owners are making careful THURSDAY- SUNDAY strategic improvements. The proposal before a recent De- JUNE 7 - 10, 11AM - 4PM sign Review meeting outlined a num- 535 CENTER STREET ber of changes to the buildings. MORAGA CA 94556 Enhancing the 1950s diner look of 925.631.6878 Squirrels Coffee Shop with new light- Rheem Valley Shopping Center ing, new doors, and new paint will BRING THIS AD IN FOR A $5 emphasize the mid-century look of DISCOUNT TOWARD A $25 the building. PURCHASE OR MORE. ... continued on page A8 INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A3 Sidewalk Beautification Continues Keith Katzman Knows Moraga Real Estate

925.376.7776 [email protected]

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Pending! 1891 Apollo Court Represented Buyer, $399,500 Pending with 4 Offers! 428 Zinfandel Circle 4BR/2BA, 2391± sq. ft., $619,000

Photo Cathy Tyson Pending! Pending! Pending! 1099 Sanders Rd, Moraga 1043 Camino Pablo, Moraga 0 Camino Pablo, Moraga lthough the project is a bit be- press and Wells Fargo Bank the base 4BR/2BA, 1967± sq. ft., $750,000 $699,000 $599,000 Ahind schedule, pedestrians are rock has been installed for the side- Experience Counts ~ Some of my Closed Sales 41 MERRILL CIR 1024 LARCH AVE 2135 ASCOT DR #17 19021 SCHUESTER DR already enjoying the substantially walk and pavers are going down. 392 SPRINGFIELD PL 1148 LARCH AVE 2135 ASCOT DR #20 3628 BICKERSTAFF 83 MARIE PL 1204 LARCH AVE 2135 ASCOT DR #27 67 LA CRESTA 132 WHITETHORNE DR 1056 LARCH AVE 2135 ASCOT DR #26 895 STONEGATE CIR complete streetscape project that is Street lights are being installed be- 8 LOUISE CT 1090 LARCH AVE 2087 ASCOT DR #224 31 COLORADO 1203 RIMER DR 6 LARCH LN 2087 ASCOT DR #124 210 CARMEL 1218 RIMER DR 1843 JOSEPH DR 2083 ASCOT DR 529 OAKSHIRE PL transforming downtown sidewalks. tween Dewing Avenue and Mountain 1224 RIMER DR 9 FLUETI DR 2091 ASCOT DR 1729 RELIEZ VALLEY 1236 RIMER DR 679 MORAGA RD 1018 RIVER ROCK LN 2211 TICE VALLEY 133 SHUEY DR 656 MORAGA RD 94 G ELDER 1348 NAVELLIER Starting from the Round Up Saloon, View Drive. 89 SHUEY DR 139 PASEO DEL RIO 1409 CAMINO PERAL 1715 139TH ST 70 SHUEY DR 1426 DE LA CRUZ 1403 CAMINO PERAL 2277 STAR AVE 24 CARR DR 107 NATALIE DR 1418 CAMINO PERAL 4255 WILSON LN decorative brick pavers have been Look for a variety of greenery in- 39 BUCKINGHAM DR 257 SANDRINGHAM 1405 CAMINO PERAL 2 AGHALEE LN 1076 SANDERS DR 238 SANDRINGHAM 1437 CAMINO PERAL 1018 RIVER ROCK LN 24 FREITAS DR 235 SANDRINGHAM 1416 CAMINO PERAL 1919 YGNACIO VLY RD marching their way east along the cluding Scarlet Oak trees, Liquid 4 WANDEL DR 1072 COUNTRY CLUB 1475 CAMINO PERAL 309 CORTE GABRIEL 149 WALFORD DR 1080 COUNTRY CLUB 1515 A CAMINO PERAL 3545 BOYER CIRCLE 108 WALFORD DR 398 BIRCHWOOD DR 236 VALLEY GLEN 938 MOHR LN south side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard Amber, Creeping Fig and Star Jas- 4 SPARROW CT 268 BIRCHWOOD DR 180 VALLEY GLEN 3569 BADDING RD 11 KETELSEN 13 DONALD DR 205 VISTA GLEN PL 3 ROBERTS CT 8 PIMENTEL CT 1924 ASCOT DR 950 OAK VISTA 459 FERNWOOD DR and have made it to the corner of Mt. mine planted between Dewing Av- 133 WESTCHESTER 1939 ASCOT DR 565 PALO ALTO PL 1798 ST ANDREWS DR 15 BRECK CT 1977 ASCOT DR 7 EL CAMINO FLORES 830 AUGUSTA DR 2067 ASCOT DR 20 JUNIPER WAY 1164 LARCH AVE 1958 ASCOT DR 20 ROSS DR YOUR HOME HERE! View Drive, home of Trader Joe’s. enue and Mt. View Drive in 1160 LARCH AVE 2063 ASCOT DR 30 ROSS DR “Every construction project has strategically located cut-outs; the irri- 1027 LARCH AVE 2135 ASCOT DR #28 3 WOODFORD DR its challenges, there’ve been quite a gation system is ready and waiting for Moraga Resident since 1966. few rain days, but overall it’s going plants. Planting will continue follow- Successfully selling real estate for over 26 years. well,” said City Engineer Farzaneh ing paver placement throughout the Sanders. She commented that heavy project. Installation of a stone façade equipment should disappear around on the short solid wall in front of Di- early July, and that the entire project ablo Foods will commence shortly. should be complete near the end of Approximately 80 percent of the July. cost of the project is funded by a fed- Now the north side of the street is eral grant which is administered by enjoying traffic barriers and heavy CalTrans. equipment. Between Pet Food Ex- C. Tyson A Member Of Real Living Last Chapter at Work for Lafayette Librarian Susan JV LUCAS PAVING, INC. Weaver CA LIC#195560 By Cathy Tyson laments long time librarian and friend, Robbie Duncan. “She’s the best boss I’ve ever had.” All three made the transition from the cozy original shoebox library to the new and vastly expanded Lafayette Li- brary and Learning Center. Dun- can recalls the shift to the new facility as fun and lots of hard work – the trio had to wear hard hats as staff was getting organized setting up the new building. Susan Weaver Photo provided There’s a special day-long drop-in retirement event planned, irst legendary storyteller Miss “Susan Weaver Day” on June 6; FDonna steps down, and now just two days later, on June 8, will Senior Community Library Man- be her final farewell. ager Susan Weaver is retiring, ... continued on page A8

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Civic News Public Meetings Town Council Wednesday, June 13, 7:00 pm Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, 1010 Camino Pablo Lic #624045 Planning Commission BUILDING THE BAY AREA FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS Monday, June 18, 7:00 pm Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Marys Rd 925.273.7692 www.peraltaconstruction.com Design Review Monday, June 11, 7:00 pm Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Marys Rd School Board Meeting The One Percent? Moraga School District Survey results indicate Moragans may be willing to pay a bit more sales tax to fix roads Tuesday, June 12, 7:30 pm Joaquin Moraga Intermediate By Sophie Braccini School Auditorium small crowd joined the Moraga wards Group/Godbe Research, called a two-thirds majority in Moraga that large a part as possible of the revenue 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga ATown Council on May 30 to 5.5 percent of Moraga voters, or 302 would support a road-only tax.” stream from the tax measure right www.moraga.k12.ca.us hear the results of a survey that residences, sampling 30 different cat- In attendance was Jerry Brad- after the election and allocate that See also AUHSD meeting page A2 gauged residents’ support for road egories of residents based on demo- shaw, the City of El Cerrito engineer money to road repairs. But it was not Check online for agendas, meeting taxes: a general one percent sales tax, graphic criteria such as age, sex, and who has also been serving as a con- clear to any of the meeting’s partici- notes and announcements with a 20-year sunset, is likely to pass political party affiliation. sultant for the Town of Moraga. El pants how much the Town would be Town of Moraga: on the November ballot; a parcel tax A 1.0 percent general sales tax re- Cerrito passed a specific tax measure able to borrow against a non-fixed would probably fail. ceived a 54 percent approval rate, for its roads with a 71 percent major- revenue stream such as a sales tax and www.moraga.ca.us The Council took the parcel tax with a margin of error of +/- 5.5 per- ity. “How did you do it?” asked resi- what collateral the Town could offer Phone: (925) 888-7022 idea off the table, and will continue to cent, while a specific parcel tax never dent Dale Walwark. “Two-thirds of El to secure the loan. Chamber of Commerce: study a sales tax for inclusion on the got above 53.7 percent even at only Cerrito voters are Democrats,” an- At an earlier meeting the Council www.moragachamber.org November ballot. $58 a year. With just above 50 per- swered Godbe, who also worked with determined that a sales tax alone would Moraga Citizens’ Network: Previous study sessions deter- cent of residents supporting any form the City of El Cerrito. He added that not suffice to fix Moraga’s roads. “A www.moragacitizensnetwork.org mined that bringing the town’s “at of taxation, the only type the Town in Moraga, women tend to support tax sales tax would staunch the bleeding,” risk” roads up to the Bay Area aver- can choose is a general purpose tax, measures more than men do. said Metcalf. The Council agreed that age would require a $14 million in- meaning a tax that is not allocated a There is no guarantee that a gen- once it has been able to prove to resi- vestment. To bond that kind of priori for a specific use; specific tax eral tax will be used only for road re- dents that their tax dollars are being put money would require a parcel tax, measures require a two-thirds major- pairs, a wrinkle that worried some of to good use, it would be possible to re- coupled with a sales tax to pay for on- ity in California. the Council members. “Some people turn to voters and ask for a second going maintenance. That was the “People rate street maintenance may hesitate to give us a blank measure to raise additional funds. Council’s intent, but the recent poll re- very high, higher than police services, check,” said Mayor Mike Metcalf. In order to be on the November Police Report sults do not line up with this strategy. which is quite rare,” said consultant Town Manager Jill Keimach ex- ballot, the tax measure needs to be for- D.U.I. missed the line, 5/25/12 At The polling consultant, Lew Ed- Bryan Godbe. “However, there is not plained that the Town would bond as mally approved by the Council in July. just after midnight, police on patrol

noticed a car swerving in and out of traffic, then attempting to stop at the Moraga Reduces Capital Expenses signal at Rheem Boulevard and Moraga Road, but failing to stop at Plans for Town Offices at 329 Rheem scaled down the limit line. Presumably the driver noticed the cops, because By Sophie Braccini upon getting the green light, the car he Moraga Town Council has straint in its spending decisions. At EOC.” luxury, so Keimach’s suggestion to proceeded very slowly. The driver Tadopted a scaled-down plan for the May 23 Council meeting, Town The Town will contribute some use existing vacant space in the flunked field sobriety tests, with a the Town Offices at 329 Rheem Manager Jill Keimach proposed alter- equipment so it can access its emer- Town’s corporation yard at 331 blood alcohol level of 0.138%. Boulevard. The retrofit of the build- natives to the original renovation gency information network. The Rheem was welcomed. ing was originally scheduled to in- plans for 329 Rheem that should save Council unanimously approved the The Council was quick to dismiss Broken fog light, D.U.I. 5/26/12 A clude an Emergency Operations the Town about $400,000: A partner- partnership with MOFD. diagonal street parking and landscap- Cadillac Escalade was on Mira- Center and a Community Meeting ship with the Moraga-Orinda Fire The issue of the Community ing that staff initially proposed for 331 monte Drive at 3 a.m. Cops noticed Room in which meetings of the District (MOFD) to use one of its fa- Meeting Room and its proposed alter- Rheem and decided that sweeping a broken fog light and pulled over Council, the Town’s various commis- cilities as an Emergency Operations native was a bit more contentious. and buying chairs would be enough. the driver. The driver’s red watery sions, and the community could be Center (EOC), and the utilization of The Town has been holding its meet- At first Mayor Mike Metcalf and eyes, slurred speech and smell of held. Both were crossed off the list in existing Town-owned space at 331 ings in the Joaquin Moraga Interme- Council Member Dave Trotter alcohol was a heads up to police view of newly discovered structural Rheem as a new meeting room. diate School auditorium for years. wanted to table this component of the who placed the subject under arrest without incident and eventually problems that would have increased MOFD Fire Chief Randy Bradley The rental cost amounts to about project all together. “It is a perception took him/her to the Martinez De- the project’s costs; less expensive al- spoke during the meeting. “In an $4,200 per year, and staff must set up issue,” they said. The minimalist plan tention Facility. ternatives have been found close by. emergency, we do not have an EOC. and take down the audio equipment was eventually approved, with Trotter Since the Town is likely to ask We support yours,” he said. “Our sta- and podium, which adds to its work- casting the lone dissenting vote. Speeding & D.U.I. 5/27/12 Cruis- voters to approve new taxes for infra- tion 42 (555 Moraga Road) is fully load. But the initial plan to build a Don’t plan to attend meetings in ing along at 54 m.p.h. on Moraga structure maintenance in November, retrofitted. It has a kitchen, bed- meeting room at 339 Rheem was con- the new space anytime soon – the Way near the Country Club, cops the Council seemed eager to show re- rooms, and is ready to become an sidered by many to be an unnecessary project has yet to be put out to bid. pulled over a 19-year-old at the be- witching hour – midnight. After flunking sobriety tests, and unable to locate a sober friend to drive McInturf Honored by Peers him/her home, the driver was taken By Sophie Braccini to Martinez Detention Facility. No “I would have brought a camera.” glass slipper for this Cinderella. “We nominated her because she really stands out,” said Moraga False alarm, 5/28/12 Police re- Town Manager Jill Keimach. sponded to an audible alarm sound- “Marty holds two clerk positions, ing at a Walford Drive home. Turns one full-time in Moraga, and one out the door leading to the garage 562 Center St. Moraga, Rheem Valley Shopping Ctr. near CVS was unlocked as well as the door part-time as an elected clerk in leading into the house. Cops www.moragajewelers.com Phone: (925) 376-1283 Pleasant Hill. Both I and my Pleas- locked both doors, and checked the ant Hill counterpart nominated her. perimeter – all good. A neighbor We both agree that she is very pro- mentioned the residents were out of fessional in all aspects of her posi- town. tions, and I think that she has the BUY A ROCKET ! strongest work ethic that I’ve ever D.U.I., no slurpee for you, 5/28/12 seen.” A car drove into the 7-11 parking SUPPORT THE FIREWORKS Marty McInturf Photo Sophie Braccini McInturf said that she was al- lot at 3:25 in the morning. Cops hen Moraga’s Town Clerk, ready serving in Pleasant Hill when happened to be there and noticed $50 DONATION – MORAGA.CA.US Marty McInturf, attended a she was hired in Moraga. “I had a his eau de alcohol cologne as he W recent dinner meeting of the North- commitment with Pleasant Hill, I stepped out of the vehicle. With a ern California chapter of the City could not resign,” she explained. blood alcohol level of 0.10%, just The result is longer days and nights over the legal limit – and a records MORAGA PARKS & RECREATION Clerks Association of California she and double Council meeting duties. check that showed he was on pro- 925-888-7045 • www.moraga.ca.us was not expecting anything special. bation for a prior D.U.I., he was ar- Deep in conversation with her col- “Marty is very good at keeping both rested for probation violation along leagues and their spouses, she jobs separate,” added Keimach. with drunk driving. Slow learner. wasn’t paying particular attention to Among the other qualities that make the speaker—but through the din of McInturf special, according to D.U.I. broken license plate light, the background noise, she suddenly Keimach, is her attention to detail, 5/25/12 At 2:20 a.m. a Jeep was recognized her name. “I turned her sense of humor and her avail- pulled over on Augusta Drive, for a Blue Ridge Cabinets around to see what was going on, ability to interact with residents who broken license plate light – the of- and everyone was looking at me,” call her with questions of all kinds. ficer noticed the smell of alcohol Kitchens • Baths • Custom Cabinetry she said. McInturf was unaware that McInturf, who was raised in from the young driver. She even- she had been nominated for the As- Moraga and has a special fondness tually submitted to a breath test at sociation’s Award of Distinction, so for the town, did not confirm the station which documented a Steve Gorman (925) 798-4899 the announcement that she won whether or not she would run again 0.12% blood alcohol level. Dear [email protected] came as a complete surprise. Had for the Pleasant Hill position in No- old dad picked her up after she she known, she added with a smile, vember. signed a notice to appear. www.blueridgecabinets.com Lic. 810658 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 Spirit Van Program Seeks Friends with Funds in Moraga Program coordinator asks Moraga Town Council for Call us additional support anytime By Sophie Braccini ary Bruns gave a compelling the Spirit Van was her only way to get gram. Bruns was asked if she had ap- you need Mpresentation when she came to her appointments. “As the popula- proached local service groups such as to ask the Moraga Town Council for tion gets older, this service will be- Kiwanis and Rotary—she replied that an extra additional funds for the Lamorinda come even more valuable,” she said. she had applied to them but received Spirit Van program on May 23. As During her presentation Bruns no support. hand! she does every year Bruns, the coor- projected that by 2020, 25 percent of Three members of the board of OOurur qualified dinator of the program that take sen- Moraga’s population will be senior directors of the non-profit Lamorinda carcaregiegivers help ease iors to appointments and to run citizens. Dogs who came to the meeting hop- the burburdenden of caring errands, came to the Council meeting The Spirit Van is funded by the ing to encourage the Council to re- foro lo ved ones.ones. to report on how the $9,000 the Town three communities, Moraga, Orinda consider its decision regarding plans contributed last year was spent, and to and Lafayette, and by the riders who for an off-leash dog area at Rancho AssistanceAssistance with ExerciseExercise & physicalphysical acactivitiestivities ask for $12,500 this year due to the in- pay $5 per trip. Lafayette makes the Laguna Park, to no avail, were im- bathing,bathing, drdressingessing MedicationMedication supsupervisionervision creasing costs of running the pro- largest contribution and Orinda the pressed by the presentation and de- & groominggrooming DementiaDementia & gram. smallest. Bruns indicated that in 2011 cided to make a $500 donation. MealMeal preparationpreparation Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s ccareare Bruns was accompanied by one the Spirit Van made 450 trips for “Jeanne Moreau, Blair Newell TransportationTransportation ttoo & LightLight housekhousekeepingeeping of the van’s volunteer drivers and two Moraga residents. She also said that and I were touched as you discussed frfromom appointmentsappointments HospitalHospital sitting & Moraga passengers who testified to its the program is trying to purchase a your mission,” said Lamorinda Dogs’ ErrandsErrands & shopping companionshipcompanionship usefulness. However, the Council re- second vehicle, a mini-van, and that Bill Carman later. “We requested WeWear areey yourour 24/7 parpartnertner in high-high-qualityquality home ccare.are. fused to increase the Town’s donation it would welcome more business unanimous approval from our direc- “WeWWeeepr prprovideovide yyouou with the most expexperiencederienced and amount; instead, it encouraged Bruns from Moragans. She asked the Town tors to donate the sum of $500 to help trustworthyrustworthy caregiverscarreegivers toto meet youryour individualindividual to seek other sources of funding. to increase its contribution, mostly to you keep the people who built our needs.eeds. OOurur ccaregiversaregivers araree bbonded,ondedd,, insuredinsurreed anand “When I lost my driver’s license cover mounting operating costs, a community mobile.” He also asked coveredovered bbyy wworkers’orkers’ ccompensationompensation insurance.” insurraance.” I stopped going out and became de- consequence of higher gas prices. her if the Spirit Van could help trans- VanessaVVaanessaa Valerio,VVaalerio, RN pressed,” Yoshi Weber, a frail, senior “If you look at what towns con- port seniors to the group’s farewell VPP andand COOCOO forfofor PatientPatient CCareare Moraga resident told the Council. tribute per ride, Moraga pays the barbecue party at Rancho Laguna [email protected]@caranessaV eindeed.com “Then my daughter told me about the most,” said Mayor Mike Metcalf as Park on June 2. 925 MoragaMoraga WWay,ayy,, SuitSuitee 9 Lamorinda Spirit Van and now I am he looked at the facts provided by For more information about the OrOrinda,inda, CACA 94563 going back to my art class.” Weber Bruns. “You need to make this pres- Lamorinda Spirit Van Program con- (925) 317-3080 (877) 50 GEGET-CARETT--CARE was followed at the podium by entation in Orinda.” tact Mary Bruns at www.HomeCareOrinda.comwww.HomeCareOrinda.com Heather Bransbury, a wheelchair- No Council member was willing [email protected] or (925) bound Moragan who explained that to add $3,500 per year for the pro- 283-3534. Town Loses Another Staffer ORINDA THEATRE SQUARE KASPER’S HOT DOG Public Works’ John Sherbert retires COMPANY LAVA PIT By Sophie Braccini HAWAIIAN GRILL ohn Sherbert’s last day as Staff quences of having a very small staff, LIVING LEAN Engineer in the Moraga Public especially in view of mounting fed- J ORINDA THEATRE Works Department was May 25. eral and state requirements. “We are ORINDA TRAVEL Sherbert retired after only five years so thin on staff that if someone leaves, in public service because his life has it is hard to find anybody to pick up PETRÁ CAFÉ led him along many different paths. the slack,” he said. He also thinks that REPUBLIC OF CAKE As he prepared to depart, he shared a very small staff has to deal with so SERIKA memories of achievement, of great many aspects of the job that it can be SHELBY’S camaraderie, of hard work, and a few at the expense of becoming very com- concerns about the Town of Moraga. petent in any one area. ANAHID DESIGNS FLOWERS He also proposed a somewhat His solution would be to consoli- AMFA ART GALLERY unorthodox idea for how to reduce date some, if not all, of the three Lam- BARBACOA costs and overhead: consolidate all or orinda municipal administrations. BONFIRE PIZZERIA part of the staff in Lamorinda. “There is potential for economy of ENTOURAGE SPA & SALON Sherbert is the third person to scale,” he said, “and it would increase leave Moraga’s Public Works De- local expertise because people would THINK partment this year. Department head have the opportunity to specialize INSIDE Jill Mercurio accepted a new job more.” He added that the downside THE four months ago, and has not yet could be the loss of some local con- been replaced; inspector Dana Blat- trol. “But the costs are such that I SQUARE ner left unexpectedly a few weeks would trade off local control for re- ago. ducing costs,” he said. As examples, “We are in the process of re- he cited the Acalanes Union High STARBUCKS COFFEE cruiting a replacement for Jill Mer- School District that manages four SUBWAY curio,” said Town Manager Jill high schools, and the Moraga Orinda SWEET DREAMS TOY STORE Keimach. She added that she was Fire District. “There are issues and TABLE 24 expecting someone to start in that discussions, but at least we do not TINY FEET KIDS SHOES position this summer. In the interim, have to pay for two Fire Chiefs or VISUAL ENTRÉE OPTOMETRY the Town is contracting with Contra three Superintendants,” he concluded. Costa County for grading inspection None of the local governments (part of Blatner’s job), Parks and have publicly discussed the creation Recreation Director Jay Ingram is of a “Lamorinda staff,” but at the last picking up Public Works, and Rob Tri-City meeting on February 15, the AT ORINDA THEATRE SQUARE IT’S ALL GOOD. Casual, yet upscale dining with a menu Kalkbrenner has a contract as in- three Councils discussed working to- for every taste. An eclectic blend of boutiques and health & beauty services. And all terim Town Engineer—he works gether to put joint transportation bids the latest movie releases at an iconic Bay Area theater. With so many new and exciting two days a week. out to increase their bargaining power. restaurants and shops, there are so many reasons to think inside The Square! Sherbert is witness to the conse- ... continued on page A8 COMPLIMENTRARY PARKING I CONVENIENT ACCESSS orindatheatresquare.com

Advertising One recent Sunday morning before 9 a.m. (at no cost to taxpayers), a group of park users (some dog owners, others not) enjoyed a 30-year tradition of socializing and exercising at Rancho Laguna Park. We and many others do not want this cherished community time together to end. Page: A6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 20 Zander Drive, Orinda $2,749,000 Open Sun. June 10th 1 to 4 PM www.20ZanderDr.com Exceptional 5 bedroom 6.5 bath approx. 5071 sf custom gated estate, including guest house, completed in 2010 located in desirable Glorietta neighborhood on over 1 acre Civic News among majestic oaks, with beautiful Orinda Public Meetings Maureen hill views, lush landscaping & level lawns; minutes from award winning Orinda schools. Wilbur City Council Contact Maureen Wilbur 925-253-6311 Tuesday, June 19, 7:00 pm Auditorium, Orinda Library, Direct: (925)253-6311 [email protected] www.MaureenWilbur.com 26 Orinda Way ® CA DRE #01268536 ©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Planning Commission Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License # 01908304 Tuesday, June 12, cancelled Tuesday, June 26, at 7:00 pm City Council and Staff Work to Close Projected Auditorium, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way Budget Gap Historical Landmark By Laurie Snyder Committee he latest in a series of budget workshops Reduce FY 13 General Fund transfer departing officer and in a reduction in serv- Special Meeting: Twas held by the Orinda City Council at a to Internal Service Funds $97,345 ices to residents. Tuesday, June 12, 3:00 pm special session May 22. Presented at the meet- Furlough Days @ $11,000 per day $11,000 The Council next queried Planning Direc- Regular Meeting: ing that was open to, but only lightly attended Council Member Sue Severson observed tor Emmanuel Ursu regarding the impact of Tuesday, June 26, 3:00 pm by, members of the general public were docu- that the Planning Department has already cut eliminating, or decreasing to half-time, a Gallery Room, Library ments not yet publicly available on the City’s one-and-a-half positions and faces “the unpre- Planner and were advised that the department 26 Orinda Way web site. dictability of new projects coming on,” and would likely need to cut its service hours back Staff recommended that Council members voiced concerns that the Orinda Police Depart- significantly – only offering counter opera- School Board Meeting approve a “Most Likely” Revenue Scenario ment (OPD) “is the one department that has not tions half of each day. Orinda Union School District outlined in the Update of General Fund made any cuts to date.” She asked whether or Worrying over potentially decreased City Monday, June 11, 6:00 pm Adopted Budget: Fiscal Year 2013 (FY 2013). not there might be a way to reduce an officer’s revenues and aware that the department had OUSD Office Working from a proposed revenue base of position to a half-time role, and also proposed worked hard to speed up its processing of ap- 8 Altarinda Road, Orinda $10,137,614 with expenditures of that the City seek further efficiencies from its plications, several Council members sug- www.orindaschools.org $10,027,619, the City would have seen a small vehicle replacement program by lengthening gested that it might be more advisable for See also AUHSD meeting page A2 surplus of $109,995 – were it not for shortfalls the life of vehicles. Ursu to give his staff more time to process pa- Check online for agendas, meeting in Planning and Permit Review fees of Council Member Victoria Smith asked perwork in order to enable more flexible notes and announcements $45,000; Property Tax Projections, a one per- Orinda Police Chief Jeffrey Jennings to assess counter hours for the public. To which Keeter City of Orinda: cent drop equaling $182,773; In-lieu-of Vehi- the potential impact of each staff reduction sce- observed that staff “would have to manage www.cityoforinda.org cle License Fees, a one percent drop equaling nario. Eliminating the Reserve Officer would expectations on turnaround time.” Phone (925) 253-4200 $73,642; and Pending Appeals, $9,000 – a total not be possible, he explained, because it would Smith asked, since the department is esti- Chamber of Commerce: hole for the Council to plug of $200,420. impair the department’s ability to operate mating reductions in Planning and Permit Re- In contrast, staff also presented their “Pes- safely while maintaining the City’s current view fees, whether or not there might be a www.orindachamber.org The Orinda Association: simistic” Revenue Scenario, estimating the level of expected service. The Reserve Officer corresponding reduction in the workload of deficit at $381,034. This would occur if the is brought on board when others are off duty staff. Ursu responded that staff could instead www.orindaassociation.org City takes in lower franchise fees, experiences for a variety of reasons, including training. be directed to focus more on code enforce- drops by another percent each in property taxes Jennings then informed Council members ment and other duties. and vehicle license fees, sees even lower rev- that if OPD is required to eliminate a position Council Member Dean Orr suggested that enue from planning and permit review, and has it will need to be that of the Detective Officer, a half-time position devoted to permitting and its Supplemental Law Enforcement Services but he cautioned that the loss of either detective fee-servicing items would likely not work (SLESF) grant of $100,000 cut by the State of would reduce OPD’s ability to crack burglary well due to the nature of those jobs, but that Police Report California. and other criminal cases. “It’s not a model that non-fee generating duties could be assigned Probably dazed and confused, “We remain hopeful that we will be made will catch the most criminals,” he said, explain- to a half-time employee. 5/29/12 Police say a 50-year- whole for this year,” said City Manager Janet ing that “the investigator would be so inun- Worth wondered whether Planning De- old male showed objective Keeter when asked if Orinda will lose its dated” that he would not have time to devote partment programs such as the Mayor’s signs of intoxication. His $100,000 SLESF public safety grant. The City, to other programs residents have come to rely Award for Architectural Excellence and funds BAC level was 0.28, which she explained, just received $78,000 of that on, such as school policing and neighborhood expended for web site development were as confirmed their suspicions. grant on May 18, delayed because the State of watch programs. important when weighed against the possible He was also found to have a California is behind in processing its payments. Vice Mayor Amy Worth, pointing out that reduction to or elimination of police services. small bag of brown powder, Options for balancing the FY 2013 “conviction keeps up the deterrent factor” for Council members decided not to eliminate which turned out to be heroin budget included: criminals bent on victimizing Orinda resi- the OPD Reserve Officer, unanimously ap- instead of brown sugar. He Organization restructuring and efficiencies $98,189 dents, also observed that if the Police Depart- proved the organizational restructuring and was arrested for being drunk Eliminate Reserve Officer – Police $50,000 ment is forced to drop an officer, the City efficiencies option proposed by staff, and in public, and taken to Mar- Eliminate Detective Sergeant $240,540 would still end up paying in two ways – by elected to leave all other items on the table for tinez where he was booked Eliminate Detective Officer $200,000 incurring increased overtime as other mem- discussion at the next budget workshop on into the detention facility. Eliminate Planner $93,468 bers of the force pick up the workload of the June 5.

Suspicious person, 5/22/12 A 22-year-old male walking along Orinda Way was found to have a trio of syringes on his person and a small metal spoon which was considered drug paraphernalia. As he was on probation in Alameda County, he was arrested and his “under the influence” sou- venirs were retained as evi- dence.

Learned your lesson yet? 5/22/12 A 50-year-old male learned his lesson the hard way when police discovered him parked at Wagner Ranch Elementary School way after hours (12:45 a.m.) and in pos- session of an open bottle of port wine. His preliminary al- cohol screening showed an in- Aging Parents? We Can Help. toxication level of 0.078 and 0.077. He was also on proba- tion. He was arrested, trans- Why is Home Care Assistance the leading choice of older adults ported to Martinez Detention in the Tri Valley/Lamorinda community? Facility and his vehicle was towed. ● Home Care Assistance lets you select the caregiver of your choice from our extensive roster. ● Home Care Assistance is the leader in 24 hour a day, 7 day a week live-in care. Beating the bushes, 5/17/12 ● Home Care Assistance provides high quality, bonded and insured caregivers, who are experienced in You can lie in the bushes, but care for older adults. you can’t hide from a charge ● Home Care Assistance helps with meals, personal care, transportation and more. of Public Drunkenness. That’s ● Home Care Assistance Handbook for Live-In Care Happy to 102 the lesson one 56-year-old wrote the books and , available on male found when he was dis- Amazon.com. They serve as a resource for the industry, as well as families. covered near Rite Aid Phar- Jesse Walters macy. Even with bloodshot Meet . Jesse is the Client Care Manager for eyes, slurred speech and a gait our Danville/ Walnut Creek office. He has been working on so wobbly he used the police older adults issues for more than ten years and specializes cruiser to steady himself, the in home care. Please call Jesse to answer any questions you man still refused to take a pre- may have about home care. liminary alcohol screening. Call Jesse for a free consultation at: He was arrested for public drunkenness and probation vi- 925-817-0416 • HomeCareAssistance.com olation, and transported to 480 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville, CA 94526 Martinez Detention Facility. Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A7 Certified Green Builder Number of Accepted Offers Year-to-Date 2010 2011 2012 Orinda 59 70 81 Lafayette 109 114 142 McCartt Moraga 44 60 79 Construction Inc. Total 212 244 312 Number accepted offers each month for Lamorinda detached homes Custom Homes & Renovations Building in Lamorinda Since 1999 Frank Woodward Integrity • Knowledge • Results LamorindaValues.com

“As seen on” 925.788.4963

“AsAs heard on HG Radio”Radio [email protected] Build It GREEN Smart Solutions from the Ground Up ©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License # 01908304. Celebrate America with Orinda Library’s Summer Music Series By Laurie Snyder Let us prepare your roof and raingutters for seasons to come. New Work and Repairs Ask for All Types of Roofs and Gutters Shawn! Clean/Screen, Roof Powerwashing. We do it all!

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Lic #793315 All Raingutters Systems, Inc. 925-381-7620 Dare you not to dance! The Real Placebos will perform bluegrass, swing and blues from their CD, "American Roots," as the Summer Music Series kicks off at the Orinda Library June 20 at 6:30 p.m. Image provided ast Bay residents will be mak- The tensions of daily life will then Eing new memories with friends, melt away on Wednesday, July 18 as families, and neighbors while enjoy- concert goers relax to the classics and ing some of the best loved melodies the sinfully soulful standards of the from America’s musical heritage as “Great American Songbook” as per- the Summer Music Series kicks off at formed by another series favorite, The the Orinda Library this month. Amethyst Trio (www.amethysttrio.com/.) Ruth Boyer, the Adult Services A previous appearance by the trio in Librarian at the Orinda Library, says Orinda was described by an attendee that the programs – only just recently as “pure delight” in “the right intimate announced – are already attracting at- setting for chamber music,” and is tention. “We decided to mix it up a bit sure to attract another crowd. this year,” she explains, noting that the And on August 22, children and series will offer a blend of sophistica- adults will savor those last few pre- tion and fun for listeners of all ages. cious moments of summer sanity Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on mellowing out to the music of Cole Wednesday, June 20, The Real Place- Porter, Charlie Parker, and Rodgers bos will get Lamorindans channeling and Hart, as only Berkeley’s Pocket their inner air fiddlers with their Trio can deliver. homegrown, high energy acoustic Performances are free, open to all, renditions of Mississippi blues, and will be held inside of the Orinda swing, and traditional bluegrass Library at 26 Orinda Way, located just straight off of their “American Roots” a short walk from the Orinda BART COLDWELL BANKER OPEN HOUSE CD (www.therealplacebos.com/.) station and within easy walking dis- The Real Placebos have been known tance of several popular local restau- to draw curious kids and enthusiastic rants. For more information on the adult audiences to their jam sessions music series as well as the Summer outside of Orinda’s Caffe Teatro. So, Reading Festival, visit the library arrive early enough at the Library to website at ccclib.org or call (925) Extravaganza get a good seat. 254-2184. SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2012 OPEN HOUSE 2:00 PM TO 5:00 PM Saturday June 16th 3pm-5pm Theater View Veterinary Clinic Tour the Clinic ~ Free Heartworm Tests for the first 90 visitors (a $37 value!) ~ Free Nail Trims for Dogs & Cats (a $12 value!) ~ Chat with Vendors ~ Treats for Pets (& their people, too!) View all of our open homes by snapping the bar code Everyone welcomed & encouraged to check out the best veterinary or visiting our event website: care that Orinda has to offer! www.cbphonehome.com/orinda.html

“Dr. Laurie” Langford Theater View Veterinary Clinic For the expert representation you deserve, is a brand new facility owned by contact Coldwell Banker, Lamorinda and the Bay Area’s real estate leader. “Dr. Laurie” Langford who has been caring for animals in Orinda 5 Moraga Way | Orinda | 925.253.4600 for 15 years. Phone: (925) 317-3187 2 Theatre Square, Suite 211 | Orinda | 925.253.6300 Fax: (925) 334-7017 Email: [email protected] ©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to www.theaterviewvetclinic.com Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License #01908304 1 Bates Blvd., Suite 200, Orinda Page: A8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Civic News Lafayette Historical Facelift for Last Chapter at Work for Lafayette Librarian Plaza Park Shops ... continued from page A2 Susan Weaver The Pioneer Store dating from dressing a comprehensive solution ... continued from page A3 1860, which is now A-1 Photo for parking is crucial for the suc- Rumor has it she won’t be keeping busy playing golf, Susan. Include visionary, innovative, collaborative, ded- Lab, will have its historic gabled cess of this renovation on Plaza possibly catching up on her reading and about a thousand icated, smart,” said Kathy Merchant, Executive Director roof line restored, a new wood Way, along with Fenton’s coming and one special projects that have been on the back of the Lafayette Library and Leaning Center Foundation. front porch and new windows. to the now vacant Park Theater. burner. “Of course she'll say NOW I say nice things...and this is The owner is working with the The City Council has ex- Weaver started her career with the Contra Costa Li- what I will miss most. She is, to use her phrase, ‘hecka Lafayette Historical Society to pressed support for preliminary brary system in April of 1995, spending the last six years fun!’ I've known that every day I walk in to the library, keep renovations true to the origi- plans for a consolidated parking here in Lafayette, with prior postings at libraries in Crock- Susan will be there and we will share instant laugher. nal form. area in the rear of the shops, en- ett and San Ramon. Skills learned working at detention Everyone knows that when I tease that Susan is so diffi- The Handlebar Toy and Plaza compassing not only expanded facilities, also known as jails, in Martinez, Marsh Creek cult, they all understand I mean the exact opposite and Way Cleaners buildings will re- parking, but a comprehensive and West County years ago may have come in handy with that this has become a treasured personal as well as pro- ceive similar, yet distinct historic parking solution with a number of the occasional overly-enthusiastic library patron. fessional relationship. A rare gift for which I will always improvements. components. A subcommittee of “Extraordinary is not sufficient praise to describe be grateful." Parking for the area has been city representatives is actively the subject of lengthy discussions, working on a solution for the area, not only for this row of businesses, and they are expected to produce It's great to be HOME! but for the Park Theater, just a Plaza Way Overlay in the coming stone’s throw down the block. Ad- months. Lafayette is where my heart is. It's where we've raised our children, Restaurant Row Meets the Streets? It's where my friends are, and it's where I've worked for 25 years. Asian street vendor-inspired restaurant proposes new location Coming SOON, a Pacific Union office in Lafayette! Also on the May 29 Design Review agenda was a study session to Have YOU been thinking about a move? get preliminary feedback on demolishing the existing building Bigger, better, smaller, closer? across the street from Chow on Lafayette Circle – home of the Art I am HERE to help! Room and the Lafayette Gallery, and build Boo Koo - a new restau- rant that features fresh, healthy quickly-prepared southeast Asian street food. With a successful shop in Mill Valley, the owners are Call Pamela TODAY looking to expand in Lafayette and proposed a contemporary small 925.323.4100 café, with lots of outdoor seating to take advantage of the existing Pamela Halloran Explore the possibilities trees on the property. In general the Design Review Commissioners Real Estate Broker liked the project, but suggested additional fine tuning to integrate the indoor and outdoor spaces. Boo Koo is a spin on “beaucoup” [email protected] | PamelaHalloran.com | DRE #00936191 A Member Of Real Living meaning many, much, an abundance – referring to many sparkling flavors, as in their spicy ginger beef banh mi or pho ga. C. Tyson

Civic News Moraga Town Loses Another Staffer Public Works’ John Sherbert retires ... continued from page A5 Sherbert said he had 5 very inter- plishments,” he reminisced. First he esting years working in Moraga. He started looking at the energy con- was recruited by Town Engineer and sumption of the Town, something Public Works Director Jill Mercurio. that had never been done before. “When I met with her, I shared my “When I saw that the energy grants concerns over not being familiar with were available and could help us re- all of the aspects of the job,” Sherbert duce our energy bills, I immediately recalled. “She looked at my resume brought it to Jill (Mercurio),” he said. and said, ‘you should be able to handle The rest is history: installation of led what we are doing here.’” lights, replacement of old equipment Sherbert is an electrical engineer that was energy-guzzling and insula- by training. He worked in the com- tion in divers public buildings were puter hardware and software engi- all conducted successfully. All these neering industry, before starting his modifications translate today in dol- own general contracting practice. lars saved. But doing it alone was not his thing, Sherbert added some of the and as a Moraga resident, when he Town’s capital projects to his list of read about the opening, he thought accomplishments. “The lights at he could contribute to the Town in Ascot went very well, as well as which he had raised two children. some of our pavement projects,” he At the UC Eye Center “I’ve loved the challenge and I’ve said. He also remembered those loved to learn,” said Sherbert. “With that didn’t go so well, such as the the flexibility and support of my resurfacing of Moraga Road that seeing is believing. manager (Mercurio), it’s been a started to fail. “I’m just finishing wonderful experience.” the last paperwork on this project,” “We’ve had some great accom- he noted.

Speaking of State Regulations… How one unfunded mandate is affecting this small town The failure of the 2012 Community Clean Water Initiative doesn’t mean that requirements for communities to clean up storm drains will disap- pear—it means that municipalities will have to find other funds to pay for the clean-up. “The mandate stays the same,” said Moraga Staff Engi- neer John Sherbert, “and the new costs will have to be covered by (the Town’s) General Fund.” The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Fran- cisco Bay Region, wants to improve the quality of the water in reservoirs and in the bay. Moraga’s water run-off goes to the San Leandro Reservoir, which is a source of drinking water for a large part of the East Bay. “Nobody would argue against clean water, but sometimes what we are asked to do is a little extreme,” said Sherbert, who believes that it should not be “one rule fits all.” For example, “We are required to have catchment devices in all of our storm drain entries, whether or not we have debris in our creeks,” he explained. Other requirements for clean water include holding three outreach At the UC Eye Center in Berkeley, how you see is what you get. events per year and sweeping the streets frequently. “We do it (sweep- Because we’re part of the top-rated UC School of Optometry, ing) only twice a year because there is no trash in our streets,” said Sher- we’re here for you and your family in a whole range of ways: bert. “And the Water Board says that we should do it every week, every • Pediatric Vision Care • Eye Examinations other week, or every day.” Sherbert said that a 2012 clean-up of the creek banks near the high • LASIK Surgery • Geriatric Vision Care • Contact Lenses • Eyewear Center • Specialized Vision Care school collected one cubic foot of trash. “And part of that was a paper banner that had blown from Campo,” he added. Sherbert was hoping Make an appointment and go Cal! that the agency, after seeing these results, would loosen the mandate for Moraga. “We hoped that reasonable people would allow an excep- tion, because we are burning up local agency resources for no real gain,” said Sherbert. The expected cost to the Town this year, to comply with storm water regulations, is $324,239 – a 78 percent increase from previous years. Sherbert acknowledged that Moraga does pollute its creeks, but said the source of the pollution is run-off from gardens that contains pesticides and fertilizers, and the new law has no way to measure or im- Open to the Public 7 Days a Week • www.caleyecare.com prove that type of pollution. 510.642.2020 Free Parking with Appointments “This is one of the most outrageous examples of unfunded man- • dates that our towns and cities have to abide by,” said Sherbert. Non- compliance can result in fines of $10,000 per day. S.Braccini Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A9

Share your thoughts with our community! Opinions in Letters to the Editor are the express views of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly. All published letters will include the writer's name and city/town of residence -- we will only accept letters from those who live in, or own a business in, the communities comprising New Listing—A Contemporary Masterpiece! Lamorinda (please give us your phone number for verification purposes only). Letters should be 350 words or less; letters of up to 500 words will be accepted on a space-available basis. email: [email protected]; Regular mail: Lamorinda Weekly, P.O.Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570 Editor: more people around, usually peo- ple I have come to know. Fewer Criminal Investigation in Moraga wild animals venture close to the Needed homes. And despite all my ef- As a high school teacher with a forts to arrange for friends to son in his school, I am deeply walk with me, it is not always dismayed to read of the evidence possible. It is important for our Beautiful 3,704+/-sf contemporary Orinda home with 4bd/3.5ba. This home was designed by Sutta-Dunaway Designs incorporating that came to light about Principal community to provide a safe en- Walter’s abject failure to protect vironment for the large displaced natural elements & clean lines while integrating the style w/the students at Joaquin Moraga from population of dog owners who exterior environment. Exquisite gardens & landscape, salt-water pool a sexual predator teacher. (See have enjoyed the off-leash hours w/water feature & large flat grass play area on 0.42 acres.

Contra Costa Time’s, “Moraga at Rancho Laguna. I would like www.1HeatherLane.com Offered at $1,695,000 School District Secret: Principal to see the cities of Orinda, Mor- Failed to Report Student Abuse aga and Lafayette pool their re- Letter.”) Educators learn right sources to provide dog owners a Lisa Brydon & Kristi Ives Team away that as “mandated re- safe place to walk that provides 925.438.2053 porters,” we are required by law for off-leash hours. to report suspected or alleged www.BrydonIvesTeam.com DRE#: 01408025/01367466 abuse to Child Protective Serv- Diana Stephens ices. Walter’s criminal and ethi- Orinda cal failures are manifold: He received a letter from a student Editor: detailing sexual abuse by her teacher, Dan Witters, and then A couple of months ago, while I waited an entire summer vacation was at church on a Sunday morn- before talking with Witters about ing, my home was broken into by the allegations. (Were Witter’s some burglars. I called the police, Moraga students safe that sum- and "Orinda's Finest" responded mer?) When he finally did meet in a few minutes. The two offi- with Witters, Walter’s actually cers were very efficient and gave him a copy of the letter with knowledgeable. Some jewelry 3622 Mt. Diablo Blvd. the accusing student’s name on it. was taken from a drawer in my Most shocking, Walters failed to bedroom and a laptop computer Lafayette report the allegations, as required was taken from my home office. by law, to Child Protective Serv- The worst problem was that my 925-284-4809 ices. It gets worse: he later re- newly-installed kitchen door was ceived a document from a destroyed, the way they broke different teacher in his school into my house. The officers Across from (who is now in jail for raping a pointed out that I had left my Diablo Foods different JM student; see articles garage door open a good sign to on Julie Correa) documenting the "crooks" that I was not at Witter’s behaviors, including home. licking a female student’s ear and In a couple of days, the officers patting another’s rear end, and found out who the culprits were, Walters not only failed to report and an arrest was made. Most of these new allegations to the au- my jewelry was returned to me. thorities, he doesn’t even remem- I can't thank the officers enough 20% OFF 50% OFF ber if he brought them up to for how efficiently and thor- Witters. Walter’s failed to protect oughly they ran this investiga- the children our town trusted him tion. We Orinda residents can Any Repair Job Women’s High Heels to protect: It appears that if he surely be grateful for how we are Valid through June 30th Valid through June 30th had intervened as he was sup- taken care of by our police serv- posed to, half-a-dozen other girls ices. would not have been abused by Witters. With this new evidence Johnette Perry of his failure to prevent the future Orinda victimizations, our town can brace itself for many expensive Editor: law suits. And who can blame the victims? We should have pro- An Open Letter to President tected them. Walters is a nice Barak Obama man, and this is tragic, but if Dear President Obama, there’s anything we’ve learned in Twelve years ago, by vote of our the last decade it’s that we can’t congregation, the Orinda Com- sweep adult-to-child abuse under munity Church took action sup- the rug. Walter’s must be investi- porting the movement for gated for criminal negligence in equality for the lesbian, gay, bi- his failure to meet his legal obli- sexual, and transgendered com- gation to report sexual abuse by munity when we adopted our a teacher he supervised. Open and Affirming Statement, A Cornucopia of welcoming “all to full participa- Sam Shapiro tion in the life of our church.” Moraga We therefore applaud your per- Earthly Delights sonal statement of faith in sup- Editor: port of equal marriage rights for South BART parking lot - Featuring - homosexual couples. off of Happy Valley Road The recent decision to terminate Too often religion is invoked to Local & Organic... the off-leash hours at Rancho La- condemn homosexuality. We be- • just picked fruits and guna Park has led some of us dog lieve that the Gospel of Jesus is a veggies walkers to look for alternative gospel of inclusion and that we FREE • fresh flowers places to exercise our dogs. We are called by our Christian faith seed pack • artisan coffee & baked goods are now spending more time up to support the human dignity of * on Donald Dr., exploring Gate- all people. The right to marry is of flowers or • freshly prepared crepes vegetables way Valley, Briones, the an acknowledgment of the equal * one per person while • pizza oven supplies last Lafayette Reservoir, and the rights of gays and lesbians to en- • specialty foods backside of Sibley. These are gage fully in the life of our na- • hand-crafted art beautiful areas and great places tion. We look forward to the day • live music to enjoy a rigorous hike, espe- when all people will be so wel- • and much more! cially if you’re with a friend. The comed and we thank you for tak- new concern is that these places ing an important step in that are isolated, we see coyotes and direction. there are occasional mountain Fun activities lion sightings. For women in Very truly yours, Always good neighbors, great with particular, human predators cause Mary Winbigler (on behalf of the live music and California’s cookbook a sense of insecurity. Church Council) I feel safer in the park. There are Orinda finest, freshest food! author Leslie Jonath, Sponsored by: Join our Public Forum 11am If you have significant knowledge about an issue facing Lamorinda or one of its cities that requires more than the 350 words to which we must limit Letters to the Editor, don’t despair! You can submit your letter to our Public Forum section. Just send your letter to [email protected] www.urbanvillageonline.com and let us know you’d like to be considered for the Public Forum. Page: A10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Summer BBBQs, Beaches, and Session Want to Host your own Better Grades Enrolling W aWhether your child’s goal is to get ahead in the fall, to Radio Program? Now! Sadvance skills learnt during the year, or to avoid the aSummer Slide - give your child a clear advantage. Reserve Individual coaching & group classes with TV & Radio a place in our summer session. Veteran Host/Producer, Cynthia Brian. We Make Math Make Sense From concept to on-air for ages 13 and up. D Flat Monthly Fee. Drop-in any time during regular hours, whenever it’s convenient. 1 WEEK FREE TUTORING & HOMEWORK HELP Must present coupon. New students only. 3435 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette (Golden Gate Way at Mt. Diablo Blvd.) (925) 283-4200 www.mathnasium.com GRADES K-12 • PRE-ALGEBRA • ALGEBRA 1 & 2 • GEOMETRY • PRE-CALCULUS & CALCULUS • SAT/ACT PREP HOMEWORK HELP FOR ALL LEVELS 925-377-STAR or email GRADES K-12 • PRE-ALGEBRA • ALGEBRA 1 & 2 • GEOMETRY • P [email protected] www.StarStyleRadio.com (click on Coaching/Classes) Community Service Be the STAR of your industry!

We are pleased to make space available whenever possible for some of Lamorinda’s dedicated community service organizations to submit news and information about their activities. Submissions can be sent to [email protected] with LOPC Members Help Joplin the subject header In Service to the Community. Victims Rebuild Digital Design Class Tapped for Submitted by Bobbie Dodson Senior Symposium Logo hirty four members of the Adult Mission team learned some of the terror they endured. TTeam from Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Amy and Larry Jump, with their three boys, Submitted by Dick Holt Church (LOPC) volunteered 1,440 hours of barely made it into their basement where it work during the week of May 5-12 helping build sounded like a freight train was rumbling over houses in Joplin, Missouri, the town which suf- them. When they emerged all that was left of fered extreme tornado damage in May of 2011. their home was a pile of bricks and broken studs. The category E5 twister, struck at 5:32 p.m. They learned that a car which landed on their leaving a path of destruction, nearly a mile wide gas meter had been blown from the hospital and six miles long, through the town. Some parking lot, nearly a mile away. 8,000 homes and 400 businesses were de- Taking refuge in her laundry room because stroyed; 4,500 jobs affected; 1,550 residents in- it had no windows, which made it safer than most jured; and 162 lives were lost in just 32 minutes. rooms, Stevi Andron came out to find it was the Nearly a year later the long scar remained. only thing left standing. Betty and Mel Browns- While some new homes graced the flat, rocky, berger sheltered 13 people in their basement green landscape it was mostly a wasteland of while their home above was being blown away. concrete foundations and still some debris of All the homeowners expressed their grati- damaged homes, with the nine-story St. John’s tude to the volunteers over and over again. Hospital building standing tall, but unusable be- Brownsberger said, “We didn’t wait for help, cause it had been moved four inches off its foun- and started working right away but having peo- dation by the 200 mph wind. ple like you come is a Godsend.” The LOPC team, men and women, worked Volunteers continue to arrive from through- on four new homes accomplishing such tasks as out the United States and foreign countries as installing house wrap and siding, finishing inte- well. Knowing there will still be much work to riors with molding, sealing tile, sanding be done the LOPC team plans to return in 2013, sheetrock, putting in Prego flooring, and paint- Rev. John Weems, the group’s leader, explained. ing. An older home was gutted, including tear- Also, this summer he will accompany the high Aaron Miller, LCF board member Dr. Anita Rama, Angelo Calitis and Susan Lane. Photo provided ing out a chimney, and the rebuilding began. school group when they travel to Joplin to add Listening to the stories of the owners, the their efforts to the rebuilding of the town. n an effort to provide real world design chal- to promote the event. On Wednesday May 23, Ilenges to the students in her digital design Calitis received a certificate of appreciation and class, Acalanes Digital Design Teacher Susan a gift card from LCF. Record Number of Athletes Lane collaborated with Acalanes junior Aaron Miller in requesting her students create a logo Compete at Moraga Rotary’s for The Lafayette Community Foundation’s (LCF) upcoming Annual Senior Symposium. Annual Field Day Miller, a Lafayette Troop 243 Boy Scout and Eagle candidate is helping to organize the Oc- Submitted by Gary Irwin tober 13 Symposium as his Eagle project. He suggested tapping the Acalanes Digital Design class for help creating a proprietary logo for the event; more than 30 student designs were sub- mitted to the LCF’s Liaison Committee for Sen- iors for a vote. Acalanes freshman Angelo Calitis’ dynamic and cheerful design was se- lected and will be utilized in all materials used Calitis’ winning design Orinda Rotary Shepherds Little Flock Submitted by Frank and Rhonda Darling ucation, and limited medical and dental care. For two weeks, the three dentists set up their own clinic while the five nurses examined the kids. Once they had completed treating the or- phans, they opened the clinics up to neighboring villagers. After Rhonda returned, she talked with her husband, Frank, about the hardships in the In- dian jungle. She told him that rented vehicles were being used to get volunteers to and fro in Photo Ohlen Alexander difficult conditions, and that a more reliable n May 30, the Rotary Club of Moraga The Field Day is a community service proj- means of transportation was needed for the vol- Oheld its 21st Annual Field Day, a track ect that was originated by Moraga Rotarian, and unteers – and to allow the kids to connect to their and field meet at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate past president, Al Simonsen who has chaired the heritage on field trips similar to those taken by School for third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade Mor- event since its inception. Simonsen is a retired many U.S. kids. aga students in the three public elementary captain for American Airlines who also substi- Frank, named president of the Rotary Club schools and Saklan School. There were 250 tute-teaches in intermediate and high schools in of Orinda in July 2011, suggested raising funds athletes this year, compared with 205 last year, Lamorinda. “A big ‘thank you’ to all teachers to purchase a bus for Little Flock as part of the competing in events such as sprints, relays, sack who encouraged their students to attend Rotary club’s call for international projects. The Board races, long jumps, and baseball throws. Gold, Field Day,” he said. “It was a fun event for the Children near Chennai, India have future as liked the idea and “Wheels for Little Flock” was silver, and bronze medals were awarded to the children, Rotarians, parents and teachers who bright as their smiles thanks to the collabora- born with help from the Moraga, Lafayette, top three contestants in each event. were there. The students behaved beautifully tion between Little Flock orphanage and Lamorinda, Sunrise, and Rossmoor clubs, as Again this year, Donald Rheem Elementary and were enthusiastic in their support for each Lamorinda’s Rotary and Interact clubs. well as the area’s Interact Clubs (Rotary spon- School won plaques for the most winning points other and their schools.” Photo Frank and Rhonda Darling sored service clubs in high schools). “Little and the most participants, and these plaques will Rotary also supports local schools by giving honda Darling always wanted to do a Flock” also reached out to their major donors be displayed at the school. The 112 Rheem ath- a dictionary to every third-grade student in the Rproject somewhere in the world that with the goal of providing half of the total letes accumulated 182 points out of the total 271. Moraga schools including Saklan and Canyon needed her skills. So in January 2011, after re- amount needed – $50,000. There was a tie for High Point Girl between schools; this community service project has tiring from a 38-year nursing career, she teamed That goal was met, and planners are now Caroline Coates, in Mrs. Cavallero’s fifth-grade continued for more than a decade. up with other medical professionals to care for working out the details for the bus purchase and class, and Kendall Runckel, in Mrs. Berkman’s “It was a beautiful day,” Simonsen added. the children of Little Flock, an orphanage in delivery, proving that simple ideas can become third-grade class, both at Rheem. The High Point “All who participated were winners in our Southern India, 90 miles south of Chennai. reality. Acting locally and thinking globally to Boy was Will Grubbs, in Mrs. Noyes’ fifth-grade eyes.” Little Flock was founded to care for 100 make life better for others no matter where they class at Rheem School. These students along Moraga Rotary is a local service club children ages 4 to 17, many of whom had been live need not be just a dream. with the High Point Teacher, Mrs. Cavallero, and within Rotary International that meets most abandoned because of their status as members For more information about Little Flock, Principal Elaine Frank, will be presented with Tuesdays at noon at Saint Mary’s College. For of the “Dalit” or “untouchable” caste. At Little visit: littleflockhomes.org. the plaques honoring their achievements at an information, please call Gary Irwin of Moraga Flock, they now have food, shelter, clothing, ed- upcoming Moraga Rotary meeting. Rotary at (925) 376-7688. Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A11 FREE YOGA CLASS

FREE Introductory yoga class at Lafayette Find out why yoga is so popular! Register by calling Community Center Sat. June 9 with No experience necessary. 925-284-2232 or at Howard VanEs, author of “Beginning Class time: 11:00 am –12:15 pm, Yoga: A Practice Manual”. wear clothing you can move in. www.lafayetterec.org

MOFD Board Discusses Potential Budget Deficit By Lucy Amaral ower property values and higher Association (CCCERA). funding the reserves with revenue enues are expected, with expenditures Lpension obligations mean the Last fiscal year, the Board ap- from the Fire Flow Tax. reaching just over $2.5 million. The Moraga- Orinda Fire District could proved pulling more than $350,000 The proposed budget does in- expenditures for the upcoming budget face an almost $900,000 deficit for from reserves in order to balance the clude hiring three firefighter/para- year include the reconstruction of Sta- the 2012-2013 budget year. District’s budget. Bradley also noted medics. Bradley noted that these tion 43 in Orinda and remodeling Moraga Orinda At the MOFD Board Meeting that because of the large volume of hires would replace three firefighters costs for Station 41 in Moraga. Fire District held May 30, Fire Chief Randy homes being reassessed this past year, who retired in 2012 and therefore not The discussion from the Board pri- Board of Directors Meetings Bradley presented the preliminary property tax revenue decreased an ad- represent an increase in staffing. Cur- marily echoed Bradley's warnings of Meetings of the MOFD Board of Directors projections for the General Fund and ditional $200,000 from the original rently, those man-hours are being service cuts. Board members John are open to the public and take place on the third Wednesday of each month at the Capital Projects Fund budgets. estimate. This carry-over, along with covered by overtime charges. Former Wyro, Frank Sperling and Fred Weil all the Orinda City Hall, Sarge Littlehale Typically, this presentation would the increased expenses for next year, Board member Brook Mancinelli, expressed concern about changing the Room, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda. have occurred during a separate Fi- created an estimated deficit of who was in the audience that night, ambulance configuration and how that Next meeting: nance Committee meeting, then a $862,208. cautioned Bradley about hiring new would affect response times. As well, Regular Board Meetings draft budget would be brought back Bradley discussed the cost-cut- firefighters. Mancinelli said that any redirecting of funds, such as the June 6, 2012 to the full Board for review and ap- ting measures the District has taken while it's not a long-term solution, Fire Flow Tax, would need to be a tem- 6:00 PM Closed Session only proval in June. Because the vacant over the last several years. Eliminat- paying overtime to firefighters is porary fix only. Weil directed Bradley June 20, 2012 Board seats leave only three sitting ing several full-time positions, re- more cost effective as there is no in- to look at where more cuts could be 7:00 PM Open Session Board members, they also now serve structuring salaries, and freezing crease in benefits or retirement made without sacrificing service, and (go to www.mofd.org as the meeting as the Finance Committee. positions were some of the actions charges. bring back a budget proposal to the date approaches for more information) According to Bradley's report, taken by the District to balance the Also in attendance was former June 20 meeting for review. property tax revenue growth is pre- budget without cutting service levels. Board member Dick Olsen, who ex- dicted to be flat at best, while ex- "This year is going to be very dif- pressed concern about CCCERA and penses continue to rise, especially ficult," said Bradley. "We are running the growing pension obligations. He pension charges. Bradley said that out of program elements and staffing cited a recent study where invest- Bay Area MOFD's pension costs will increase elements to cut in order to maintain ment-interest claims by CCCERA BAD by more than $500,000 this next year the same service levels." were overestimated. Olsen advised INC. Drainage, Inc. due to higher pension obligation bond Bradley offered several options to the Board to act cautiously. payments, as well as de-pooling and try and make up the short fall includ- Bradley said that the Capital loss recovery actions taken by Contra ing dipping into reserves again, cross- Projects fund preliminary draft shows Have You Checked Your Costa County Employee Retirement staffing one ambulance for a year, or that just over $1 million of new rev- Crawlspace Lately? MOFD Names Assistant Fire Marshal Board also votes to keep the Fire Flow Tax rate at last year’s level • French Drains By Lucy Amaral • Underfloor Drains ire Protection Officer Kathy Fire Marshal. This new position, mately $145,000 each year while still • Downspout Systems FLeonard has been promoted to combined with Bradley as Fire Mar- offering the same level of service. • Downspout Systems the position of Assistant Fire Marshal shal, would help to produce a bal- "For now, we have eliminated the • Subdrain Systems for the Moraga-Orinda Fire District anced financial plan with no impact position of Fire Protection Officer, and • Subdrain Systems (MOFD). The announcement was on service levels. frozen the position of Fire Marshal," • Sump Pumps made at the MOFD Board of Direc- Leonard was a firefighter with the said Bradley. "When the economy al- • Sump Pumps tors Meeting held May 30. Hayward Fire Department for 20 lows, we will reinstate the Fire Mar- • R etaining Walls The position was created after years before joining MOFD as Fire shal position. Then, we will either hire • R etaining Walls former MOFD Fire Marshal Mike Protection Officer three years ago, and or promote someone into that position • Pavestone Driveway & Walkways Mentink announced his retirement. has recently been certified as a Fire and eliminate the Assistant position." • Pavestone Driveway & Walkways Bradley said that according to the Marshal in the State of California. The Board also moved to keep the health and safety code, the Fire Chief "Kathy has the training and can Fire Flow Tax rate for the 2012-2013 A General Engineering Contractor is technically the designated Fire now develop her skills as the Assis- fiscal year the same as last year, $0.06 Locally A General owned Engineering and OperatedContractor Marshal for the District and at the last tant Fire Marshal," said Bradley. for Moraga and $0.06 for Orinda. The Board meeting, suggested that the Bradley noted that by not filling Fire Flow tax, assessed to District Locally Contractor owned LIC and # 762208Operated Board eliminate the positions of Fire the Fire Marshal position and elimi- parcels, is collected for capital expen- Marshal and Fire Prevention Officer nating the Fire Prevention Officers ditures such as the upcoming rebuild- Contractor LIC # 762208 and create a new position of Assistant position, MOFD will save approxi- ing of Station 43 in Orinda. 925•377•9209 A Tearful Goodbye 925•377•9209 visit our website www.bayareadrainage.com

LeapFrog Plumbing Got gas? Many people think plumbers deal only with water and sewage. Not true! We install and repair all types of gas lines and fixtures too. Photo Andy Scheck Head Frog Mo Williams olice and Sheriff's officers than 600 mourners were in atten- preparedness and ability to listen as Mo’s sizzling LeapFrog Loot Psalute the casket of Contra dance including Lafayette City some of the key attributes she summer $50 off Costa County Supervisor Gayle Council member Don Tatzin, and demonstrated during her many years Any plumbing job* Uilkema prior to her funeral service past District Attorney Gary Yancey of public service. Uilkema lost her specials… held Thursday, May 24 at St. Per- who both cited Uilkema’s profes- two-year battle with ovarian cancer • Outdoor kitchens LeapFrog Loot petua Church in Lafayette. More sionalism, hard work, intelligence, on May 19. W. Scheck • New gas lines for cooktops $100 off Gas line installation and dryers * • Fire pits & patio heaters over $600 Moraga School District Entangled in • Pool heaters & hot tubs LeapFrog Loot • Natural gas barbecues $200 off Decades-Old Scandal We’re poly­pipe certified (used by PG&E – better than iron) Tankless water heater ... continued from page A1 installation* Second, the School Board should about it during the first or second staff vestigation with the possibility of *1 coupon per service, exp. 8/30/12 mandate a zero tolerance for teachers meeting,” he said. While all MSD ad- prosecution of Walters, however, may and administrators who fail to abide ministrators were required to take the have an uphill battle. “I know there We Hop To It! by the law and do not report suspected online training provided at mandate- is a great public outcry for prosecu- Family-owned and serving abuse to the authorities.” dreporterca.com this year, and they tion,” Priebe said in his e-mail, “but I Lamorinda since 1993 Burns said that there are several did, Burns said teachers did not take can find nothing prosecutable at this green solutions! steps in place in the MSD to make sure the Mandated Reporting class this time from our records.” that all employees are aware of their year, but added, “All teachers and ad- Parents have asked the Moraga responsibility for mandated reporting. ministrators took an on-line sexual School District to answer their ques- (925) 377-6600 “[Mandated reporting] is indi- harassment class this year.” tions at the next public Board meeting CA Lic cated in the staff handbook, we talk Parents asking for a continued in- on June 12. 929641 www.LeapFrogPlumbing.com

Page: A12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Lic# 681593 General Contractor 925.631.1055 www.MVCRemodeling.com Specializing in kitchens & bathrooms. ASSOCIATES All forms residential remodel/repair. REAL ESTATE 93 Moraga Way, Orinda “A little bit of myself goes into every job.” Michael VerBrugge, Owner, Greening the (Pink) Old Yellow House Moraga Resident ... continued from page A1 Clean | Courteous | Conscientious Nelson approves of the makeover, ing work should take another two second story is framed with 2 x 3 On-time | Trustworthy | Local References too. months. He said the inside work will rough cut studs. The kitchen flooring Full design team resources available Work on the house is planned in be “pretty easy,” and expected the is checkered linoleum; room-sized two phases: Phase I, currently under- bulk of the project to be completed by pieces of linoleum covered most other way, included raising the house 24 September. floors. Newspapers dating from the inches above grade, constructing seis- Muir Sorrick’s 1970 History of 1940s were layered underneath the mic shear walls in the basement, and Orinda stated ship captain Alexander linoleum to provide insulation. C abinet M odifications building a new front entry landing. Jenkins bought the home’s 2.2-acre These were a bonus find for Wright, Raising the house was not difficult, site in 1894. The local newspaper de- who said he will preserve and frame With over 25 years fulfilling custom needs, we can alter or modify said Wright, noting its weight was scribed the house he built as “a real them to use as interior wall dividers. most cabinetry, while still utilizing your existing cabinetry for: probably not much more than a truck- commodious cottage.” A goldenrod Wright calls the original frame- • Large TVs/ Refrigerators and appliances Licensed Cabinet & load of lumber. The original redwood yellow paint, possibly the same color work “optimized framing.” The spac- • Recycle Bins and shelf pullouts Millwork Contractor • Cabinet alterations/repairs #598395 shiplap siding will be removed and re- used by the California and Nevada ing between each piece of lumber Thinking about home, office, entertainment, custom cabinetry, shelving, installed over an inward facing radiant Railroad, made it appear to be a rail- allows for more added insulation, he crown mouldings, baseboards, new doors or mantels? We can help there, too! barrier and three inches of rigid foam road station house, but it was always said. Wright intends to keep the sec- insulation. For now, Wright simply a private residence. ond story close to its original condi- Paul Kephart Master Craftsman plans to maintain the existing plumb- It was said Jenkins liked the barn tion, while restoring the main level 925.827.1093 www.TheCabinetMd.com ing, heating and knob and tube wiring. on his property, but not the house, and upgrading the basement to a During Phase II, Wright will which may explain why he sold it. “high tech” environment. The base- focus on siding, windows and archi- Nelson said his father, Charles, ment will house his home office and tectural features, and upgrade the bought the house from Felix Fazio in a working kitchen. Wright also hopes UPHOLSTERY SPECIALIST electrical wiring. Double pane win- 1918. Back then it had no plumbing, to highlight a portion of the original REFINISHING AND RESTORATION dows will hang inside restored origi- gas or electricity. Charles raised his basement stone wall behind glass. He nal window casings. A second story family there, and his widow remained said his deep energy retrofit will act • Slipcovers • Pillows • Window Cushions bath will be built along the landing; a until her death in 1966. Ezra Nelson as sound insulation so most Moraga • Custom Upholstery • Design Consulting main floor bath will be cantilevered lived in the house from 1924 until Way traffic noise will disappear. He’ll Marine - Commercial - Residential off the back. Wright is installing an 1952, when he moved into the “cot- install twin energy recovery ventila- Pickup & Delivery Available • Free Estimates By Phone energy recovery fresh air ventilation tage” next door. tion (ERV) systems in the basement system plus a new integrated solar Today the Old Yellow House sits using an on-site well as a water Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-2 electrical skylight and entry canopies. on a half-acre lot, adjacent to the San source. Family Owned And Operated For Over 55 yrs. (925) 962-0579 All of this will bring the house up to Pablo Creek. Birch, cedar, oak and The Old Yellow House restora- 3418 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette Net Zero Passive House Institute US fig trees surround a single car garage. tion project is being documented at (PHIUS) standards. A full basement was dug by hand http://www.facebook.com/home.php Work on Phase I began in early in 1928; it later housed the home’s ?ref=wizard#!/NetZeroHomes. Its May. Wright estimates the foundation only bath. Interior walls are pine; the changes might even make Alexander CABINETMAKER work will take about a month and sid- second floor stair rail is redwood. The Jenkins smile. We custom build to your design Built-in storage and furniture Keeping an Eye on the Old Yellow House Any material you choose! A Former Resident’s Reflection 510.535.1222 By Cathy Dausman no indoor plumbing, no gas or electricity. The front room Charles Ferguson was where the Nelsons could entertain visitors, but the family “spent their life” in the kitchen, the only room

Lic. 446488 C-6 www.everwoodcabinets.com heated by the warmth of an old Athens wood stove. Nelson still marvels at the breads, pies and preserves his mother produced on it. He also remembers the winter his siblings brought snowballs into the kitchen for an in- door, and presumably warmer, fight. For a while, there was a party-line crank telephone in the front hall, phone number CLifford 4487. That disappeared during the Great Depression when money got scarce. Nelson says depression times were good and bad, easy and hard, but mostly he remembers the good. He remem- Lic #855456 bers a barn where the current garage is, with a steeply The Haddon Family, Orinda Residents, Owners/Operators sloped roof on the north, and an ad for “Bull Durham to- bacco” on its side. The barn had no stalls but his family Do business kept a cow and horse. It was an Orinda family farm, with with a neighbor. “horizon [visible] everywhere,” he says, of then-bare hills. Nelson’s mother carried two redwood seedlings from Oakland eighty years ago; young Nelson and his mother walked until they got to Old Tunnel Road. Then Karen called another son and asked for a ride – it was too dan- Ezra Nelson Photos Cathy Dausman gerous to walk through the tunnel, he says. Nelson esti- zra Nelson is living local history. He’s lived in mates those trees are 140 feet tall today; he built a bench EOrinda all of his considerable years and he grew up beneath them commemorating the occasion. at 209 Moraga Way – the home affectionately known as Ezra is the last of his generation, and he’s still keeping The Old Yellow House, although it’s been salmon colored an eye on the old yellow house from where he moved in Your comfort is our #1 priority since Nelson’s sister Mabel re-painted it in 1991. 1952. It wasn’t far – in fact it was only next door, into “That paint didn’t hold up too well,” he says. Nelson “the cabin,” still on the two-plus acre plot his family orig- Manufacturer’s Rebate - * is the youngest child of Charles and Karen Nelson, who inally bought. He still thinks the Old Yellow House “has bought the Orinda treasure in 1918. He lived in the house a lot of charm to it,” and is watching the work being done up to $1200 Off with his parents and four siblings, Clara, Clyde, Mabel by new owner James Wright. “I’m glad [Wright] came,” * Offer exp. June 15 and Earl. The family relocated from Albany to escape the says Nelson, who wants to see the work completed. “I Spanish Flu Pandemic that killed Nelson’s brother Walter hope I live to that time.” 925-521-1380 (Clyde’s twin) when Walter was 18 months old. It was an You can read more about life in the Old Yellow House www.haddonheatingcooling.com eight-room house, and Nelson’s “bedroom” was the up- online at stairs landing. https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0607/ When the family moved in, the house had no heating, Growing-up-in-The-Old-Yellow-House.html

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James Burkin www.BurkinElectric.net Sole Proprietor Sign by the redwood trees in Nelson’s back yard Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B1 Summer Reading Events and Activities Kick into High Gear By Jennifer Wake

Full Service Bike Shop: Repairs | Tune-ups | Fittings Over 250 Bikes in Stock! Trek, Gary Fisher, Look, Orbea, Santa Cruz, Cervelo, Moots, Parlee, Civia, Independent Fabrications Road Racing | Road Touring Comfort Road | City Bikes Bike Path Cruisers Womens Specific Designs | Mtn. Cross-Country All Mountain | Kids Mountain Kids Road | Little Kids 969 Moraga Rd., Lafayette in La Fiesta Square 284-9616 • www.sharpbicycle.com M-W 10-6, Th-F 10-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 12-5 Avid readers Jefferson and Jonathan Wake Photo Jennifer Wake ummer heat getting you down? museum in Jerusalem. His hope in take a Zombie Apocalypse Survival SCrack a book, and disappear into sharing the story of a couple risking Kit Challenge, try Zombie makeup, Yesterday’s Treasures Consignment another world. Kids and adults will their lives to do the right thing is that and then do battle with the Zombies also have ample opportunities this the message of courage and interfaith in the library after it has closed. ~ High end name brand summer to get engaged in reading compassion gains momentum. “It is For more information about the consignment furniture. through great programs offered at like pushing a little snowball downhill Summer Reading Program, prizes, ~ Staging and Home Design Lamorinda libraries, as well as won- and hoping it will grow.” book lists, and other events visit your services offered. ~ Accepting consignments daily. derful speaker events at local book Also on Saturday, June 9, the local library or the Contra Costa 996 Moraga Road, stores. Moraga Library will kick off its Sum- County Library website at ccclib.org. ~ We offer new furniture Author Marty Brounstein will mer Reading Festival with a special through Ashley and various Lafayette conduct a book talk Saturday, June 9 hands-on arts and science Eco-Festi- other vendors. (925) 283-8549 at 2 p.m. about “Two Among the val, featuring nature-related interac- Righteous Few: A Story of Courage tive exhibits facilitated by the Charles in the Holocaust” at Orinda Books. M. Shultz Museum and Research Brounstein and his wife Leah Baars Center. The free 45-minute program Moraga’s Pilates connected with the children of Frans is designed for school-age children. Fitness Studio and Mien Wijnakker during their visit Younger children are welcome with Special for Lafayette Health Club Members only to the Netherlands in 2009. Frans and an adult. Free 1 week , GUEST PASS Mien were Catholics living in the Tweens and teens can pick up -Full use of Fitness Studio small town of Dieden who risked the their reading record and celebrate the -Access to all Classes: Pilates, Zumba & Cycle safety of their own family to save the beginning of the Summer Reading -One Private Pilates Session with Personal Trainer lives of two dozen Jewish people dur- Program while making a dream ing World War II. Baars encouraged catcher at 11 a.m. June 13 in the 1460 Moraga Road Suite F, Moraga, Moraga Shopping Center, behind McCaulous Brounstein to research the Wij- Lafayette Library and Learning Cen- www.starpilates.com 925-376-7500 or 925-788-2559 nakkers’ story in great detail. Inspired ter’s Teen Center. by the message of hope from Otto Kids can also earn summer read- Frank, “Anne Frank: the Diary of a ing minutes with a dog certified for Young Girl,” and Corrie Ten Boom, sociability on Saturday, June 30 at the The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lafayette present “The Hiding Place,” Brounstein Orinda Library or and kids ages 10 began to weave a new story of and up can participate in the much an- courage and triumph during mass ticipated Z-Day: The Zombie Apoca- move watch listen devastation. “This is one of the few lypse at the Lafayette Library and positive stories. No one was caught or Learning Center that day (and night), harmed,” Brounstein says. when Mitch Kocen, renowned Bay Brounstein filled the gaps in Area Zombie Expert, will lead an records left behind by Frans with in- emergency Zombie Survival seminar terviews and visits to Yad Vashem and participants will eat brain food, Don’t miss: Sock Hop June 15 We Have The Answers 2012 You Need Only Ask

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JUNE JULY AUGUST Dancing Movies Rock in the Plaza in the Plaza the Plaza 7pm 8pm 6pm 15 50’s Sock Hop 6 Field of Dreams 10 The Floorshakers with Hot Rod Jukebox Rated PG thefloorshakers.com George C Tuck, founder of Atlas Heating Co. in 1908. Square Dance 13 JAWS Mixed Nuts Atlas Heating and A/C is the oldest residential heating company 22 Rated PG 17 with world class “caller” mixednutsband.com in the Bay Area and has served Contra Costa County since the Eric Henerlau beginning. The three principals have 96 years combined The Muppets 20 Night Fever experience in the business; we have been around the block a Rated PG 24 29 70’s Disco nightfeverband.com few times. Our know-how plus current rebates and specials with DJ-+5 Productions 27 Ironman make this a good time to get answers to your comfort questions. Rated PG-13 It’s time to get comfortable.TM
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ʈV°Ê›{n™xä£ 1908 • CA Lic #489501 Lafayette x£ä‡n™Î‡£Î{ÎÊ ÜÜÜ°>̏>à i>̈˜}°Vœ“ For information contact the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce: (925) 284-7404 or lafayettechamber.org Page: B2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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promised myself I would not compare Snow White Iand the Huntsman to this year’s earlier Snow White movie, Mirror Mirror, but I can't help myself. There is no comparison! Snow White and the Huntsman is a far superior film in all aspects from script to cine- matography to acting; it is a joy to watch. Snow White and the Huntsman is an updated script of the classic tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, first written in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm. The opening five minutes of the film sets the tone by show- ing something new, creative and visually pleasing. The movie stars Kristen Stewart (Twilight Series) The first female club president (Rotary club of Duarte, 1987) and current District Governor-elect Sylvia Whitlock (left) as Snow White. Her performance is mediocre at best. smiles with Moraga Rotary member and past Rotary International President Clifford Dochterman, Jean Irwin Hatfield, If you want to see Kristen’s acting ability rent the Ambassadorial Scholar and teacher for the hearing impaired, and past District Governor Deepa Willingham. movie “The Cake Eaters.” It is worth the rental and Photo Cathy Dausman you will appreciate her performance. Oscar recipient f Clifford Dochterman seemed Rotary was an all-male organ- ever, were permitted. “Never in Charlize Theron (Monster) plays the role of the Evil Ito stand out a bit during a May ization when it was established in the world did the old guys realize Queen, Ravenna, who killed Snow White’s father. You 18 Rotary gathering, at least he 1905. It was still that way in that a one-gender club meant that will hate this queen as evil oozes through her pores, was pleased. Dochterman, a Mor- 1981, the year the U.S. Supreme the gender could be ‘all women’ although in a few scenes she was a little exaggerated. aga Rotary member and past Ro- Court appointed its first woman clubs,” said Dochterman. Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers) plays The tary International President, has (Sandra Day O’Connor) to the A “difficult adjustment time” Huntsman. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On made it part of his mission over bench. That same year Dochter- followed, he said, but by 1995 Stranger Tides) plays the prince. the years to allow women to join man chaired New Horizons Com- there were eight women Rotary In this version, we learn of Snow White and the Rotary International. The retired mittee, an international Rotary District Governors. Today prince's childhood friendship. The eight dwarfs (yes, university administrator modestly group. Among some 30 recom- women serve as Rotary Founda- eight) are excellent and deliver some of the comic re- admits having had “somewhat of mendations, “was the proposal tion Trustees and sit on Rotary’s lief. It was a pleasure to see veteran actor and Oscar an involvement” in the process. that the membership of Rotary be International Board of Directors. nominee Bob Hoskins (Mona Lisa, Who Framed The gathering he attended—and opened to women.” Eight years Rotary estimates that 20 percent Roger Rabbit) light up the screen with his performance spoke to— celebrated 25 years of later Dochterman attended the in- of its current 1.2 million world- as Muir, the lead dwarf. I was disappointed that little women in Rotary. ternational Council on Legisla- wide members are female. Local people did not portray the dwarfs. Dochterman, the self-pro- tion in Singapore, where as a numbers back that up: Jose Ave- The cinematography is astonishing as it captures claimed “token male,” shared the voting member, he suggested the lar, Secretary for Rotary Club of the breathtaking landscape of the United Kingdom. podium with keynote speaker organization eliminate the word Orinda says 13 of its club’s 69 The castle is stunning and the dark forest is gloomy. Deepa Willingham, Past District “male” from its documents. members are women. Rotarian First-time director Rupert Sanders created a great mix Governor; Sylvia Whitlock, the The issue was strongly op- Rich Render says six of Moraga of fantasy, fairytale and action. Snow White and the first Female Club President, Rotary posed, he said, partly because of Rotary’s 29 members are women, Huntsman is grim with a PG13 rating due to the violent Club of Duarte; and Jean Irwin cultural differences in South including its 2011-2012 president battle scenes and the graphic transformation of the Evil Hatfield, a teacher for the hearing America, Asia and Europe. Nora Avelar (Jose’s daughter). Queen. The little ones should stay at home and enjoy impaired and a Rotary ambassador When Dochterman became “Rotary is alive and thriving Disney's 1937 classic Snow White and the Seven scholar. Dochterman said the vi- International Rotary President in because of the contributions of Dwarfs. sion of women in Rotary has been 1992, there were still clubs that women Rotarians,” Dochterman Derek Zemrak is a Film Critic, Film Producer and Founder “one of the most influential factors did not want to admit women. said. And he might know – his of the California Independent Film Festival. You can follow in my entire Rotary experience.” Single gender Rotary clubs, how- wife is a Rotarian, too! Derek on Twitter @zemrak for the latest Hollywood news.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Elders often deny they Questions with home care? need assistance or that their abilities are Ask Vanessa diminishing.

DEAR VANESSA:

I am a 45-year old professional and my 78-year old mother’s resistance to care and indifference to accept the process of aging have kept her from getting the support she needs for a better quality of life. She’s been ignoring aids to make her life better, such as a hearing aid or Vanessa Valerio, RN a cane to prevent falls. She thinks that giving up driving will limit her mobility. She will not admit or recognize the fact that she cannot do VP and COO for Patient Care things as well as she used to do. And she is not open to the idea of receiving in-home care to stay safely in her home. at Home Care Orinda (925) 317-3080 This is an area of frustration; Elders I’m afraid that often her reluctance deny to make they necessary adjustments can and will lead to danger to herself and [email protected] compromise her health and well-being. I live in constant fear that my mother might do major damage to herself and others in a driving accident. REBA need assistance or DEAR REBA: that their abilities are I empathize with you. You may also have difficulty admitting that times are changing, roles are reversing, and you need additional help for your mom. Have a heart-to-heart talk with your mother and explain to her that getting older is nothing to bediminishing. ashamed of. Not preparing for old age and denying the aging process will often accelerate the symptoms. According to David Stephen, PhD, “Denial is a kind of self-imposed ignorance, a defense mechanism that helps block a feeling or intellectual realization because admitting the feeling as reality is painful. Elders often deny they need assistance or that their abilities are diminishing. It is difficult to admit that one needs help, because that may be perceived as indicating a loss of independence and a loss of self-worth.”

Moving your mother into an assisted living facility piles feelings of guilt on top of denial. Depending on the level of assistance that she needs, hiring an experienced in-home caregiver may be a good option at this point. Patiently explain to her that having someone by her side would not mean losing her independence and privacy. The transition need not be as drastic as she fears it might be. Each person needs a period of adjustment to become accepting of care, to trust a caregiver, and to let down barriers of privacy. Let her know that having a caregiver does not have to be round-the-clock; she can pick certain times of the day when she prefers a caregiver to come in. The caregiver can start making her life easier by doing light housekeeping or running errands for her. As the rapport is gradually established, your mother will become more accustomed to the idea of accepting or paying for care; she will even welcome the support that she has resisted for some time now. Look at what home health care agencies in your area can offer; do a research on the type of services and flexibility in terms of hours required.

I hope that you find a suitable caregiver for your mother so she can embrace the concept of receiving services more easily, and remain comfortably in her own home. May she get the care that she needs, and you get the peace of mind that you deserve! VANESSA Got Questions & Answers about Home Care is written by Vanessa Valerio, RN, VP and COO for Patient Care at Home Care Orinda. If you would like more information about senior care and how home care can help, please email Vanessa Valerio at [email protected], call her at (925) 317-3080 or visit their website at www.homecareorinda.com/. Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B3 Helping Loved Ones Age Gracefully By Laurie Snyder roken bones. Double doses of As the senior population increases, Indicators of Well-Being,” a report Bblood pressure pills adminis- providing proper care – especially from The Federal Interagency tered by homecare workers. A long distance – can become more Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. neighbor calling long distance complicated. By 2030, baby Boomers are about odd bruises she spotted on In 2010, seniors made up 13 expected to make that number grandpa’s arms. An aunt suffering percent of America’s population, rise even more dramatically “to from poorly managed pain. Grand- having grown “from 3 million in 72 million ... representing nearly parents telling Meals on Wheels to 1900 to 39 million in 2008,” ac- 20 percent of the total U.S. popu- hit the road – and not come back. cording to “Older Americans: Key lation.” _|äx lÉâÜ WÜxtÅ

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But what do adult children do users to share private diaries to to estimate what their lives will “Over the years 925-377-7711 techmommy has been our computer when aging parents insist on stay- document daily living, the look like in two years, five, and savior and guru, untangling our hardware and software problems with remarkable ease. ing at home – too far across the re- progress being made with treat- beyond. www.techmommy.com Thank goodness for techmommy. gion or country to be reached ment, and other issues. The fee is “The goal,” says Jones, “is to Serving the Bay Area’s Technology We would be lost without her!” $48 per year for the person receiv- really have quality time.” – Dan & Colleen, Moraga quickly? Needs Since 1985 “If you live an hour or more ing care; access may then be away from a person who needs shared by the registered member care, you can think of yourself as with as many people as needed a long-distance caregiver,” accord- without additional fees. ing to “So Far Away: Twenty The Institute on Aging also Questions and Answers About recommends scheduling family Long-Distance Caregiving,” a meetings – before any emergency publication of the National Insti- – to discuss what family members tute on Aging. want as they age. Do they hope to Activities may involve “ar- remain in their New England ranging for professional care- homes, or would they prefer to be- givers, hiring home health and come “snowbirds” and head for nursing aides, or locating care in California? an assisted living facility or nurs- What types of medical inter- ing home. . . . Some long-distance ventions do they want and for how caregivers find they can be helpful long? Have they written advance by researching health problems or directives and, if so, did they ad- medicines, paying bills, or keeping dress how they want their pain family and friends updated” on- managed and whether or not they line. want to be placed on ventilators, One way they are doing this is or fed through tubes if the worst through San Francisco-based happens? What kind of spiritual CareZone, co-founded in 2011 by care do they want – if any? Will Jonathan Schwartz, former CEO their physicians and nurses accom- of Sun Microsystems. “Neither modate those requests? my brother nor I had a safe place Molly Jones, administrator of to organize information about our the Rheem Valley Convalescent families, store important docu- Hospital, often counsels adults ments or instructions, or a secure thrown into crisis by their parents’ way to keep our extended families unexpected medical problems and or helpers up to date. So, like agrees that starting a dialogue everyone else, we reverted to early is crucial. Some parents may paper files, phone trees, and lots of not have much money, but may email,” explains Schwartz. Be- have great insurance; others may cause there were no web-based have savings that will be quickly tools available to adequately meet depleted because their insurance caregivers’ needs, he left his high covers extended care in a skilled tech career to develop a system nursing facility, but not out-patient that would. care – or vice versa. CareZone serves as an online And while the goal is to help hub for nurses, therapists, family, parents remain in their communi- and neighbors to “manage, coordi- ties as long as possible, children nate and archive private family in- need to become educated about formation in a single, secure the nuts and bolts of their parents place.” The system’s Profile and lives in order to become effective Contacts tools allow users to enter advocates for them when help is blood types, allergies and other required. Jones notes that this is important data for loved ones, as particularly important whenever a well as contact information for loved one is diagnosed with a de- Page: B4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 jtÜx Wxá|zÇá Congratulations 2012 Graduates! Y|Çx ]xãxÄÜç á|Çvx DLJJ 3645 Mt. 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Elizabeth helps you write essays that are thoughtful, well-constructed and highlight your Photo Cathy Dausman unique personality and special experiences. Hundreds of Miramonte High School seniors crowd onto the gymnasium floor June 1 to say good-bye to “Christian was selected as a Reynolds Scholar teachers at the last rally of the year before graduation. at Wake Forest University. We would like to thank you for all that you’ve done for him— this would not have happened without you.” New Mural at JM ~The Medved Family, April 2012 Submitted by Moose Wesler Call Elizabeth 925 891­4491 or email ommunity members, [email protected]. Cstudents, administra- Elizabeth LaScala, PhD tors, teachers and staff of Certified College Advisor Doing College Essay Workshops in July the Moraga School District www.doingcollege.com and August or by personal appointment. gathered recently at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School for the dedication of the school's most recent mural. In memory of in- spiring teachers like Carol Robak, the mural captures her love of social studies and physical education. From left: Assistant Princi- pal Brad Carn, Fran Strykowski, Glenn Robak, student artist Annie Midthun, Hillary Hoppock, Principal Joan Danilson, and Moose Wesler, the de- signer of the mural.

Photo Moose Wesler Lynn’s Top Five Providing Financial Help to Struggling Adult Children By Lynn Ballou, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ reporter recently called me to viding support --- it may be very ap- home from college who aren’t Adiscuss my thoughts on how to propriate to insist that any financial launching financially as both they and help our young adult children if they support that is provided comes with we had envisioned. These young are struggling financially. On the one the absolute condition that the adult adults often feel like failures and are hand as parents we want to do any- child will meet with a financial coun- paralyzed with worried about their fu- thing and everything we can to help selor to work on personal financial tures. We feel financially drained and our children succeed, but on the other behavioral reform. spent just to get them through school, hand we don’t want to create an un- 3) Decide with your own planner and are worried about them in differ- healthy financial co-dependency sit- what you can afford to do. For some, ent ways. Open up an honest, forth- uation with no end in sight. After all, it may be a free place to stay – if so, right conversation, just as you would destroying our own financial stability create a realistic end date in advance. with a close adult friend. They are, to help them out with no end in sight For others it might be financial sup- after all, adults now. Do what you can won’t end well. But are these stress- port. Decide if it’s a gift or a loan, to be helpful, but as much as possible, ful economic times so unusual that we again, based on what you can afford. let them “own” the solution. It will are “allowed” to break all the rules of Creating financial instability in your bring them not only great pride and financial sanity to help them out? own life to help a child in the long run satisfaction, but the ability to navigate How do we draw some lines and hurts everyone. stormy waters they may experience some boundaries? Let’s explore 4) Loaning the money? Make it again later in life when you are no some practical ideas this month. practical. If it’s a loan in full or part, longer there with the lifeboat. 1) Don’t berate, support! It’s SO think realistically about how long you easy to slip back into the parent-child can afford to extend the loan, and As Seen in Lamorinda role. However, keep in mind that our what realistically they can be ex- young adult children are probably pected to pay back, and when. You emotionally very vulnerable and em- might decide to waive interest to barrassed about their situation. If they make it a partial “gift.” For some of are in financial straits due to the eco- you it may be a better investment to nomic downturn and not foolhardy charge your children 2 percent interest behavior, this is a time to step up to than keep the money in a CD! the plate and let the family values you 5) Keeping it “fair” to siblings. This have instilled and nurtured for many might be the toughest one of all for years guide the way. Talk with them many. If one child is receiving a lot as you would an adult friend. Ask more financial support than others, Lynn Ballou is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL them to explain their situation and this can create a lot of resentment and PLANNER™ professional and co-owner of what they think good solutions might a long-time trend of family tension. If Ballou Plum Wealth Advisors, LLC, a be. Guide them with advice as you you are helping a child financially Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm would a good friend. Don’t tell them who may not be in the position to in Lafayette. Lynn is also a Registered what to do. Don’t just swoop in, write repay the debt anytime soon, to be fair Principal and Branch Manager with LPL checks, and hope it will all magically to all siblings, you might think about Financial (LPL). The opinions voiced in this be better. putting a provision in your estate plan material are for general information only 2) One time behavior or the norm? that would equalize things by deduct- and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendation for any individual. If the adult child is in a mess finan- ing any imbalance from their share of Students from Mrs. Vann's third-grade class at Springhill Elemen- Financial Planning offered through Ballou tary got a close up look at the former Lafayette Grammar School cially because of irresponsible finan- your estate when you pass away. This Plum Wealth Advisors, A Registered during their Lafayette History tour. Students were dressed as res- cial behavior, figure out if it’s a will help with the “fairness” factor Investment Advisor and a separate entity. idents of the 1800s, and got to ring the school (now church) bell. one-time thing, or if this is becoming which is frequently important to take Securities offered through LPL Financial, Photo Cathy Dausman the “norm” for that child. For this into account in these situations. member FINRA/SIPC. child, it may be about more than pro- Many of us have kids coming

Submit stories and story ideas to [email protected] Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B5 Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion at Town Hall Theatre Savor the Flavor! By Sophie Braccini

Clive Worsley as Henry Higgins and Ginny Wehrmeister as Eliza Doolittle Photo Stu Selland own Hall Theatre (THT) is Clive Worsley, otherwise Artistic ouisiana-grills Tclosing its 2011/2012 season Director at THT, plays Professor Hig- www.l .com with the 100-year-old play Pygmalion gins. He obviously had fun playing by George Bernard Shaw. The play is this insufferable jerk, a “Dr. House” based on the classic Greek myth of a like character, self-centered and very WOO ES D PELLET BARBECU man who fell in love with the statue sharp. “He (Higgins) can come off as of a perfect woman he carved that an egotistical blowhard,” said Wors- Louisiana Wood Pellet Grills impart delicious, savory flavor to meat, poultry, fish, vegetables came to life by the power of ley. “I wanted to allow myself to be and much more. Capable of low-heat smoking or a quick BBQ using pure wood pellets. Aphrodite. The musical adaptation, such a jerk. But also find more multi- Come take a look at the complete line of Country Smokers My Fair Lady, and the film that fol- dimensional aspects of the character. from Louisiana Grills including the “Whole Hog”. We stock a complete assortment of wood pellets. lowed, were based on Shaw’s play. In I believe that he comes to love and re- HARDWARE LUMBER 1912 Victorian England, Phonetics spect someone like Eliza, which is not Louisiana Grills are proudly made in North America. since 1967 Professor Henry Higgins tutors the ordinary for a man of his time.” At Thank you for supporting your locally owned businesses. very Cockney Eliza Doolittle, not times Worsley makes a caricature of only in the refinement of speech, but Higgins, accentuating his fidgeting (925) 376-3600 • 1409 Moraga Way also of her manners. The end result and mannerisms. (Moraga Shopping Center) produces a very ladylike Miss Doolit- Director Dennis Markam and his a unique lifestyle store tle, without crushing the spirit of the team of actors definitely chose a more young woman, who regains her inde- feminist vision for the play. While pendence in the end. Eliza is molded into upper class be- The first thing to like about Pyg- havior by Higgins, she retains her in- verynicepools.com malion is that it is not My Fair Lady. dependence and her fighting spirit Nobody breaks into song, and the resurges in the end. “Eliza realizes at very 925-283-5180 ending is what Shaw always intended. the end of the play that she is an inde- nice On stage, the irony of Shaw’s style pendent person, even if she was de- comes alive. It is raw, unlike the Hol- pendent on Higgins for a while,” said pools lywood film version, and more effi- Markam. “One core theme of the cient as a social critique of the time. play is that you can change your ap- The second good thing is that pearance, but in the end the humanity THT’s team does a wonderful job is unchangeable.” recreating this charming comedy. It The rest of the cast is also very is pleasant and engaging from start to solid. Chris Parnell-Hayes, who plays finish, with some scenes that are Eliza’s father, Alfred Doolittle, has a We do the work. You get to play. downright excellent. wonderful comic presence. Don Eliza’s transformation from com- Wood is a charming Col. Pickering Established 1977 in Lafayette, California. mon flower-girl to Duchess-like is set and Ann Kendrick renders Higgins’ Maintenance • Repair • Build Serving the entire Contra Costa County in two phases. At the end of the first mother with poise and great elegance. area and beyond. phase, she’s already mastered the man- Kudos as well to Martin Flynn nerism of a lady, but the old wild spirit for the scene design and Maggi Yule still comes out. That’s one of the most for the costumes. The rendition of hilarious scenes of the play. Ginny early 20th century England is very Wehrmeister, as Eliza Doolittle, is at her believable and the change of sets be- best. You’ll never say, “How do you tween three different places is made do?” the same after seeing that scene. effectively. Weekend Leadership Seminar for Sophomores Inspires Hundreds Submitted by Amy Harmer

Elliot Alper, Miramonte Mitchell Carlson, Campolindo Photos provided ore than 100 sophomores one student to the seminar. During Mfrom various high schools the weekend, the students stayed at throughout Northern California were Menlo College and interacted with invited to attend the annual Northern like-minded sophomore leaders and California Youth Leadership Semi- learned from community leaders in nar (NCYLS) program May 25-27 at politics, business, media, education, Menlo College in Atherton, Califor- high-tech, and other industries. nia, including Mitchell Carlson from After the seminar, the sopho- Campolindo High School and Elliot mores are challenged to participate Alper from Miramonte. in the President’s Volunteer Service NCYLS is a non-profit 501(c)3 Award, by completing 100 hours of volunteer-run organization that hosts community service the following a free three-day seminar for students year. To date, NCYLS alumni have who have demonstrated leadership logged more than 10,000 hours of potential in their high school. The service throughout California. seminar focuses on developing criti- Alumni have also initiated civic or- cal thinking, communication, and re- ganizations, such as Students sponsibility, while cultivating Against Violence, Key Clubs, Ju- leadership. niorettes, Peer Counseling Groups, Annually, each Northern Califor- and Students Against Drunk Driv- nia high school nominates and sends ing. Page: B6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Merriewood Children’s Center Founder Retires

June 6. Kisner founded Merriewood children walk through its doors over with partner Gretchen Johnsonbaugh the years – whether in its nursery in 1981, opening its doors to children school or its before- and after-school ages 2 to 12. Kisner began by teach- program. “We’re now servicing the ing and directing, but as time went second generation of graduates,” said on she spent more time doing admin- Sivesind, who noted that several of her istrative duties, said long-time Mer- 10 grandchildren attended the Center. riewood teacher and school-age “Kids that went here are sending their director Bonnie Sivesind, who has kids here, and some even work here. worked with Kisner since the Center Many of Diane’s grandchildren went Merriewood Children’s Center opened. “She’s done a great service through the Center as well.” founder Diane Kisner to the community. She’s a very for- Kisner sold Merriewood to long- Photo Kristin Kisner ward-thinking person and likes time teachers Kevin Meany and fter 31 years as one of the pio- change,” she said. “She has always Mim Bazzell, but continued to work Aneers of school-aged child care looked to see what will work better.” at the Center alongside the children in the local community, Lafayette’s Located near Burton Valley Ele- afterward. “She has such a heart for Merriewood Children’s Center mentary School, Merriewood Chil- kids,” Sivesind said. “That’s what founder Diane Kisner retired today, dren’s Center has seen thousands of we’ll miss most.” J. Wake St. Perpetua Students in "Music Man Jr." Submitted by Monica Chappell with more than 20 students from St. Perpetua School in Lafayette serving as cast and crew in Mered- ith Willson's The Music Man Jun- ior. The production was directed and choreographed by Renee De- Weese and Rena Wilson of the Lamorinda Theatre Academy. The Music Man is one of the world's best-loved and most often pro- duced shows. It featured a dazzling All American score with a handful of the best known songs of all time. With its wonderful humor and dar- ling costumes, this small-scale pro- Photo Liz Haggerty duction was performed to a full harismatic con-man Harold stage May 10 and 12 at The Del house and concluded to thunderous CHill and his boy's band hit the Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek, applause from the audience.

Change Those Bittersweet Memories By Youngjoo Ahn igh school is hard enough without moving the After attending private school for eight years, Izzy Hsummer before freshman year. Fasheh transitioned to Miramonte High School. “I felt Getting used to the rushed pace of passing periods, nervous, and a little worried about coming to a new lugging back-breaking textbooks, and rigorous life-or school," said Fasheh, currently a sophomore. "I’m find- death tests, like the AP and the cursed SAT, is difficult ing that public school is more diverse and less strict. any time, even when surrounded by people you’ve There are fewer rules and you can wear what you want. known since elementary school. Being plunged into a I didn’t know what the people were like or how they’d new community right before high school makes this react to me. The good thing about moving schools was transition even more challenging. meeting new people and learning about the Lamorinda High school is notorious for cliques, bullying up- community." perclassmen, and judgmental teens. To survive and Adjusting to a foreign neighborhood with radically thrive the four years of study requires the solace of true different people is usually overwhelming, especially friends. But how do you make friends in a new location combined with the additional burdens of freshman year. when people don’t even know your name, and really Adopting a positive, outgoing attitude to change seems don’t care to? to be the cure for the bittersweet memories left behind. “Moving in general sucks, but leaving friends is the By reaching out, getting involved, and nurturing friend- worst part,” said Miramonte sophomore Hanna ships, social skills are developed and broadened. Plus, Abruzzo. “Outgoing people definitely have an advan- adapting to a new environment at an early age is good tage when it comes to adjusting to new surroundings.” practice for that giant leap after senior year called “col- Some teenagers deal with the upheaval with a pos- lege.” itive outlook. Sophomore Yurika Kazama has moved to Youngjoo Ahn is a sophomore at Miramonte High three different countries because of her father’s job. De- School. In her spare time, she enjoys experimenting in spite the difficulties of moving frequently, often without the kitchen, skiing, and taking pictures with her Polaroid warning, Kazama tries to make the best out of her situ- camera. ation. “Once you move you realize what you truly miss Teen Scene is YOUR voice. If you have something and love about a place. You learn a lot of things about to say or have writing skills and want to be part of yourself when you adapt to a new place. Moving to our Teen Scene team, email our Teen Coach, Cynthia Lamorinda as a sophomore was incredibly demanding Brian, [email protected]. but the community has been really welcoming,” said Kazama. The opinions expressed in Teen Scene are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly. A Very Special Flag Comes from Afghanistan to Moraga By Sophie Braccini as the lives of many others in Mor- large military base in southern dojo out of curiosity,” said Archangel. aga,” said Archangel, who presented Afghanistan and his missions had to “I learned a great deal there and love the flag to Westernoff this spring. do with “finding bad guys” and pro- the values and practices that are Archangel, a Moraga dad who’s viding over-watch of transport routes. taught to adults and children alike.” raising two teenagers with his wife Without adding too many details Archangel said the discipline and rig- Carol Shenon, started his professional about his deployment, he shared some ors that characterize the martial arts life in the military. After several years thoughts and memories: “Most of the coincide with his philosophy of life serving as an active duty officer, he men and women over there were very and honor. went back to civilian life as a software young. Being a father of teenage For Westernoff, it was a great engineer. But he didn’t want to end kids, I was definitely one of the old- honor to receive such a meaningful the service to his country. “As a est,” he said. “The climate and condi- gift. “I will hang it in the front of the young man, I looked up to my older tions were pretty harsh, and there dojo so that we always remember,” he brother who had made this career were a few times when the situation said. He too believes that the hard choice,” said Archangel. “I thought it became quite dangerous.” work and dedication of all service was a privilege and loved serving. While Archangel enjoyed doing men (and women) mirror the princi- Going into the reserves afterward was his duty, he said it was no picnic. ples of karate-do. He encourages a natural thing for me.” “The military made things as com- everyone to stop by The Karate & Fit- Al Archangel and Tom Westernoff holding the framed flag at the karate Being an Air Force Reservist, fortable as possible for us,” he added. ness Place karate dojo in the Moraga studio in Moraga Photo provided Archangel trains with his unit every “We could call our families every day, Shopping Center to check out the lag Day commemorates the Afghanistan as a mission commander, month and could be called upon to there was some recreation on the framed American flag. Fadoption of the United States he flew an American flag during com- serve if needed. But the monthly base, and we had a few special privi- “A sincere thank you goes out to flag on June 14, 1777. For Al bat operations in honor of his karate commitment was not enough for him. leges.” Lt. Col. Al Archangel and his team for Archangel, June 14 has a special sig- ‘sensei’ and friend, Tom Westernoff. “I wanted to serve again in active One of these privileges was the their role in protecting our freedom,” nificance; it reminds him of July 4, “I wanted to honor Tom because duty,” he said. So he signed up for six opportunity to fly an American flag Westernoff said, “and for acknowl- 2011 when, as a reserve Lieutenant he is such a great role model and has months in Afghanistan. on an actual mission in honor of edging the personal benefits gained Colonel deployed for six months in brought so much into my life as well Abroad, he was stationed at a someone. “I went to Tom’s karate through martial arts training.”

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B7 2012 Orinda Idol Finalists Announced Submitted by Britta Glade fter approximately 200 stu- 2012 Orinda Idol Finalists and Runners Up Adents from 26 schools audi- tioned in May, the 2012 Orinda K-2 Soloists 3-5 Soloists 6-8 Soloists 9-12 Soloists K-5 Groups 6-12 Groups J n J Idol finalists for the Lamorinda Finalists Finalists Finalists Finalists Finalists Finalists Jacob Woll community were finally an- Callie Barber Malia Akazawa Grace Baer Sophie Belinn Monday Blues Frank and Annie Jocelyn Purcell nounced. “The level of talent was Lucy Berkman Elizabeth Becker Poppy Bovoso Sarah Cain Kaylin Ishizu Nathan Correll Urban Flare very high, so we look forward to Amelia Chen Isabel Fine Lucy Clearwater Mariette Clarisse Wesley Ishizu Jennifer McFarlane Sabrina Chaco an extremely high quality show Bridget Mills Malin Glade Nathan Correll Ebarle Jules Kuramoto Applause Theatre Bella Johannessen on September 9 at the Orinda Claire O'Connor Taylor Johnson Mia Lineweaver Julia Elliott Rising Starz Company Isaac Taylor Theatre,” said Britta Glade of Runners-Up Jennifer McFarlane Jocelyn Purcell Maritza Grillo Leah Douglas Andrew Alcaraz Grace Mesenbring Kendall Roberts Tosca Maltzman Runners-Up Orinda Idol. The community Olivia Uzuncan Hannah Hoffman Francesca Blake Baby J's will also be treated to two per- Lila Hill Jackie Patton Eleanor Roeder Carolyn Moore Nicole Prozan Gabriel Blake Nicole Prozan Michaela Sasner Amrita Newton Emily Barlow formances from the Orinda Idol Simply Sisters Alaina Campbell Jordan Ben-Shmuel finalists and runners up before the Lindsey Wallace Leah Woodcox Paige Powell Laura Jinparn Hannah Witbeck Niamh Akazawa Melissa Elliott final competition, with a perform- Runners-Up Runners-Up Malia Akazawa Jonathan Miller Riley Felt ance July 17 at the Orinda Com- Bella Craddock Kate Marvin Runners-Up Fiona Akazawa Amrita Newton Greta Kohls munity Park (as part of the Samantha Martin Avery Hansen Georgia Jansky Sweet Harmony Emma & Sophie Deirdre Nelis Tuesday evening Summer Con- Anna Finnell Sophie Belinn Erin Nolan cert in the Park series) and again Arriana Glenn Kiera Glenn Emma Patton Melissa Nolan on August 25 at Orinda Theatre Fine & Sassy Hannah Rosen Square. Runners-Up Isabel Fine Jenna Sposato Timing for the September 9 finals Nick and Jacob Michaela Sasner Maggie and Liv event is available at: Jacob van Steyn Liv Lagomarsino www.orindaartscouncil.org/orind Nick Karr Maggie McCulloch a_idol_finals.php. Technology Upgrade at Happy Valley Elementary School please... t was like Christmas in purchased along with one for IJune at Happy Valley Ele- each teacher. Teachers were mentary School last week. given a handy adaptor to Parents at Happy Valley Ele- allow projection of images mentary took a survey and on a classroom screen. Dis- decided to spend money trict technology coordinator from the school’s existing in- Angie Corritone helped fa- dividual parent fund reserve miliarize the teachers with account on refreshing the li- this new tool, she explained: brary and upgrading technol- “The goal is student engage- ogy. With a significant ment and to bring out the discount from Apple, a set of best in our teachers.” ...thanks iPads for the library were C. Tyson Happy Valley Elementary School teachers show off new iPads. Photo Cathy Tyson

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College Prep for Students (Grades 6-12) UC Berkeley Santa Clara St. Mary’s Accepting applications for UCLA Stanford Yale Fall 2012 and Summer School www.internalDrive.com Summer School June 18 - August 3 1-888-709-TECH Math, English, US History, Spanish, Middle and High School Prep, (8324) American Sign Language and English as a Second Language (925) 254-7553 WWW.ORINDAACADEMY.ORG “INSPIRING SUCCESS – FULFILLING POTENTIAL” Page: B8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Think Inside the (Theatre) Square By Sophie Braccini access,” remembers GLL’s Peter egy’s working and that the occupancy Wenzel. “Our first idea was to have rate of the property is now 95 percent. a wine bar there, and I talked to Victor “The change of zoning that the City (Ivry) and Michael (Karp) about it.” allowed in the Square helped,” says “That was the starting point for Wenzel, referring to the rule that per- Barbacoa,” says Ivry with a smile, mitted retail only on the ground floor “but a wine bar was not really what of Theatre Square. “The inside of the we are about. We wanted something center had struggled historically; al- alive and fun, something that would lowing financial or real estate busi- attract families and lift the energy in- nesses to occupy some of the empty side the Square.” space made sense.” Ivry and Karp say that they have Shelby’s restaurant has been in always dreamed of a restaurant that the Square for seven years. “We’ve would remind them of Cabo San been here through the worst, but Lucas, a real live authentic Mexican we’ve survived,” says Shelby’s Car- restaurant. They met their match for los Rangel. “We’ve managed to make the kitchen with young star chef Jason it through and now people are coming Moniz who says he learned the lost art down even more.” Rangel believes of Mexican cuisine in Mexico. “We that the Square is becoming a desti- will grind our own spices, take the nation for food. “There is such a wide time needed to do our own chili variety of options to choose from,” he sauces, we will grill on the wood says, “from pizza, to modern Cali- fire,” says a passionate Moniz. “We fornian, Japanese, Middle-Eastern, Photo Andy Scheck will give our customers textures and Hawaiian, soon Mexican, and also omeone new to Lamorinda marketing campaign in Lamorinda Orinda’s lifestyle. big flavors.” dessert with Republic of Cake.” Sstrolling through Theatre Square and the Berkeley-Rockridge area,” “When we presented the Table 24 Beyond the menu, the impact of This change in dynamic is also might not believe that just five years says Marcom Creative Director concept to GLL, we asked them to co- the new restaurant will definitely be welcomed by Anahid Raad who ago the occupancy rate on the first Heather McAllister. Live entertain- invest in the project,” remembers in balance with the energy inside the opened a new florist shop, Anahid floor was desperately low, restaurants ment is scheduled to come to the Ivry, “and they supported us when we building. The restaurant will take Design and Flowers, across from Bar- located where Table 24 is now had Square this summer and, for the first made the investment to transform the over part of the inside plaza with an bacoa in the beginning of May. been failing one after the other, and, time, GLL partnered with the Califor- place.” The success of Table 24, a outdoor seating area; the inside will “This is a very dynamic business en- in spite of half a dozen steady healthy nia Shakespeare Theater to create great family restaurant with high have a separate bar and dining space; vironment,” she says. Definitely a businesses, the Square was falling “dine and play” packages, as well as quality, innovative food, reinforced the kitchen will be open and visible. new kind of comment for Theatre into disuse. Today that first floor is live happenings in the Square with ac- GLL’s confidence in the Square, and The materials chosen blend rustic Square! vibrant, consolidating existing retail- tors and/or directors. showed that the right project could modern with authentic Mexican tiling ers and restaurants, some new, very The launch of the campaign coin- thrive there. and art for a colorful but clean and Lamorinda Weekly business articles are intended to inform the community about local business successful businesses, and a few cides with the opening of the most re- “Then there was the inside corner modern look. activities, not to endorse a particular company, promising ones that could change the cent brainchild of Table 24 owners of the center, opposite to the elevator Wenzel confirms that the strat- product or service. Lamorinda entertainment balance in Victor Ivry and Michael Karp in part- favor of Orinda. nership with GLL, the Mexican grill To support this growth, GLL Real Barbacoa,scheduled to open this Estate Partners, owner of the Square, week. business briefs has hired Marcom Group to launch an The creation of that restaurant il- all-out marketing campaign with the lustrates the active role the property Kabab.Burger Mediterranean tag line: “Think Inside the Square.” owner is taking, seeking and support- Grill Opens in Lafayette “We are launching a multi-media ing businesses that fit the space and 3647 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette (next to Trader Joe’s) This is Lafayette resident and former printing business owner Avi Ben- Ari’s first restaurant. But Ben-Ari has the best partner to support him in WANTED this career change: his wife, Michaella, who’s been managing a SUMMER JOB catering business in Walnut Creek Miramonte senior looking for a summer for years. “We are cooking the food job beyond baby-sitting and dog walk- of our roots. This is what we love ing Interests include science, foods, and want to share with the commu- . nity,” he says. Ben-Ari has lived in music and math. Honest, hardworking this country for more than 30 years. and (mostly!) serious . Give me a shot! Avi Ben-Ari with daughter Leeron in the new family restaurant . Originally from Israel, he brought in Kabab.Burger in Lafayette Photo Sophie Braccini 925-255-3799 Refrences available.. his suitcases the longing for the spices and tastes of the Mediter- recreate that taste, “all from scratch News from the three Chambers of ranean Sea. Kabab.Burger will in our kitchen,” promises Ben-Ari. Commerce But why add ‘burger’ to the ‘kabab’? Lafayette “Kabab is ground beef and lamb The Summer Series begins every Fri- meat mixed with spices and grilled, day night from June 15 through Au- not very far from a burger,” says the gust 24 with free dancing, movies and restaurant owner. “We want to adapt rock & roll in downtown Lafayette at to our clientele, so if some people the Lafayette Plaza Park (Mt. Diablo just want a good beef burger, we can Blvd. and Moraga Road). Every Fri- do it. If they want to try the real day is different and fun for all ages. kabab, we will do that also.” As we On June 15, enjoy a ‘50s Sock Hop were talking with Ben-Ari at the be- with a live band, then on June 22, ginning of the afternoon, several po- square dance with a professional tential customers came by to check caller. For a complete event listing, out the menu and enquire about take- visit www.trylafayettefirst.org/sum- out. The set-up is very informal; mer-2012-events/. customers order and pick-up at the back counter and can sit at one of the Moraga inside tables. The menu offers a Moraga Chamber Of Commerce Golf classic Middle-Eastern choice of Tournament all day Saturday, June dishes, with baba ganoush, hummus, 23. For more info, visit Moragacham- salads, and a nice variety of grilled ber.org. Mike Rose proudly announces meats, including kababs and burgers, served as a sandwich, a wrap, or on Orinda skewers. 4th of July Events - Help Needed! the opening of our Orinda Chamber's legendry Hot Dog New Sales Associate at Coldwell Booth will start this year at 10 a.m. on Lafayette Location…!!! Banker July 4. The Orinda Chamber sells be- 5 Moraga Way, Orinda tween 700 and 1,000 hot dogs in Coldwell Banker Residential Bro- about three hours that day, so it takes kerage announced today that Tricia a lot of volunteers to make it happen. Mike’s Auto Body Young has joined the company as a “We have always been grateful for the 3430 Mt. Diablo Blvd. sales associate in its Orinda office. help from Scouts, who have again In her new position, Young will spe- volunteered to help this year,” says (former Butler-Conti Dodge location) cialize in residential sales in the East Chamber Executive Director Candy Bay. Young, a 40-year resident of the Kattenburg. “Scouts will be wrapping Lafayette CA 94549 Lamorinda area, has extensive up hot dogs, and will be grabbing knowledge of local schools and sodas, chips, and candy and passing (925) 283-5600 neighborhoods, as well as a familiar- them off to the adult volunteers who [email protected] ity with the entire East Bay region. are manning the cash boxes.” This Prior to joining Coldwell Banker project requires older Scouts (eighth- Residential Brokerage, she served as grade and older). If you know a Scout Approved by most major insurance companies… director of a Lafayette preschool. who might be interested, please con- tact Steve Sernett at [email protected]. 2012 Marks 40 Years in Business

Visit our website for our other 7 locations If you have a business brief to share, please contact www.mautobody.com Sophie Braccini at [email protected] Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B9 Tropical Treat Guava Duff (Serves 8) By Susie Iventosch t was in April that I was first introduced to this fabu- INGREDIENTS Ilous dessert. My husband works for a very large com- 3-4 cups of fruit, pitted, peeled and diced pany, which held its annual incentive trip in the Bahamas. (guava, papaya, mango, peaches, nec- That was a really nice place for a business trip, but there tarines) reserve 1/2 cup for topping were some 2,000 people in our quaint little group. This 1/2 cup butter usually means buffet style meals, which have never been 1/3 cup sugar my favorite. So, one night I convinced him to go out to a 2 egg yolks nearby restaurant, where we were able to order off a real 2 teaspoons vanilla menu. The meal was good, but the dessert was sensa- 2 cups all-purpose flour tional! 3 teaspoons baking powder Guava Duff, a dish I had never even heard of before 1/2 teaspoon salt this trip, is a dessert that tastes sort of like a cobbler, but 1/3+ cup guava juice instead of fruit on the bottom with dough on top, the dough is rolled out with the fruit tucked inside and then DIRECTIONS rolled up like a jelly roll cake. It is then steamed and In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until topped off with a delicious butter-brandy sauce! integrated. Add egg yolks and vanilla and My mission for the remainder of the trip was to dis- stir well. Sift flour with baking powder and cover how to make this delightful dish. So, I asked nearly salt and stir into butter mixture. Add every waitress and hotel personnel I encountered, to see enough guava juice until dough can be Photo Susie Iventosch how they make their version. And, trust me, every Ba- gathered into a large ball. hamian family has its own version of this popular dessert! On a floured surface, roll dough out into a I felt very well informed on how to make my own large rectangle, approximately 12x 15 inches or so. It is not necessary to be exact on this measurement. rendition of Guava Duff, and planned to make it at my Beginning at the close end of the rectangle, spread a row of chopped fruit and roll dough over fruit. Repeat this dinner party the next weekend. But as I quickly discov- process until you have a large jelly roll shape and you've used up all but 1/2 cup of the fruit. ered, guavas are not to be found in northern California Cut the roll into two shorter rolls and seal each very tightly in foil. Double wrapping is even better, to keep until sometime in mid-summer. Rats! Undeterred, I de- dough in place while steaming. cided to make "Mango" Guava Duff, minus the guavas! In a large pot, fitted with a French steamer, (or in a pasta pot with the mesh liner) place the two wrapped rolls of Guava juice afforded the guava flavor, and it turned out dough and steam for about one hour, or until dough is cooked. You may need to add more water to the bottom beautifully! of the pot while steaming. Since then, we have made "Mango-Papaya" Guava Cool thoroughly. When ready to serve, remove foil and cut into 1-2 inch slices. Heat in microwave and drizzle Duff, and I plan to make peach and nectarine versions warm brandy sauce over the top. Can serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and a when the crops are ripe. If I ever find fresh guavas this spoonful of reserved diced fruit. summer, well, I will definitely make a real Guava Duff! Brandy Sauce Susie Iventosch is the author of Tax Bites and INGREDIENTS Tasty Morsels, which 1/4 cup unsalted butter can be found at Across 1/2 cup sugar the Way in Moraga, 2 teaspoons vanilla www.amazon.com, and 1/3 cup guava juice www.taxbites.net. 1/4 cup brandy Susie can be reached at [email protected]. DIRECTIONS These recipe is available on our web site www.lamorindaweekly.com In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and stir well with a wire whisk. Continue to cook over If you would like to share your favorite recipe medium heat, stirring all the while, until sugar dissolves. Stir in vanilla, guava juice and brandy and continue to with Susie please contact her by email or call our cook until well integrated, slightly reduced and thick enough to coat a spoon. office at 925-377-0977. Can be made ahead of time and reheated to serve over warm guava duff. Business Service Directory

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Not to be missed Not to be missed Please submit: ART Audition now for the award-win- moves. Professional dancers Karen ning WomenSing, one of the East and Michael will provide a dance les- Events: [email protected] Keep it Simple. The new exhibition Bay’s premier ensembles. Wom- son and live DJ services, playing your at the Lafayette Gallery reflects the enSing is holding auditions June 11 by favorites and taking requests. The so- Stories: [email protected] warmth and relaxation that summer appointment for experienced singers. cial is every Wednesday, (except June brings June 5 until August 4, 50 For more info, visit www.wom- 27) from 12:30pm until 3pm, the Letters: [email protected] Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. The ensing.org or call (925) 974-9169. Lafayette Community Center Live Lafayette Sculpture Garden is now Oak Room, 500 St. Mary's Road. Opinion: [email protected] open for the summer. The Gallery is The CCPAS Composers Group will Cost: $2 for members and $4 for non- open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am to 5pm, present a free concert at 7:30pm Fri- members. For more info, call (925) and Sunday, 11am to 2pm. Free. For day, June 15 at Grace Presbyterian 284-5050. more info, call (925)284-2788 or visit Church, Walnut Creek. This is a di- www.lafayettegallery.net. verse, local group of pianists who will Self-Discovery and Aging, Creative be playing their original music. Their Writing Workshop. This workshop Moraga Art Gallery’s new show, styles represent classical, ragtime, is facilitated by creative writing and “Shades of Brilliance,” will feature blues, modern/contemporary, new- English instructor Judith Rathbone Lamorinda’s the work of gallery member and pho- age, jazz-inspired, and more. For June 11 and June 25 from noon to more info, visit www.ccpas.org. 2pm, the Lafayette Community Cen- Religious Services ter Alder Room, 500 St. Mary's Road. 2012 Summer Concert Series at the Workshop sessions include writing Moraga Commons. Free Concerts prompts, feedback and encourage- are on Thursday evenings, 6:30pm - ment, and information about the world 8:30pm. Bring your picnic blanket or of writers, writing, and publishing. lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in Cost: $1 for members and $3 for non- front of the band shell. Enjoy the members. For more info, call (925) music while your children enjoy the 284-5050. park: June 21, Moonalice, early SF rock band; June 28 ,Pladdogh, Celtic; The Stroke Support Group of Con- July 4 Livin' in the USA Rock (7:00 tra Costa County will hold its June tographer Lucy Beck, as well as guest pm concert & show. The Moraga meeting from 7 to 9pm June 11 in the artist David Lindsay. The show opens Commons Park is located at the inter- Concord Room at John Muir Medical fàA Z|Äxá XÑ|ávÉÑtÄ V{âÜv{ Wednesday, June 6 and runs through section of Moraga Rd. and St. Mary’s Center, 2540 East Avenue, Concord. A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHURCH! August 18. An opening reception will Rd. Bring a picnic or purchase deli- The speakers will be Alison Bonds Meeting Sundays at 9am take place from 3 to 5pm, Saturday, cious grilled dinners at the concession Shapiro and Rita Martin who will dis- St. Mary's College Chapel June 16, 522 Center St, Moraga (be- stand. cuss "Healing into Possibility: Sharing 925 376-5770 • www.stgiles-moraga.org tween TJ Maxx and The Dollar Tree the Journey of Recovery.” For more INCLUSIVE, THOUGHTFUL • TRADITIONAL SERVICE AND MUSIC in the Rheem Center). Meet the fea- THEATER info, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376- YET FORWARD LOOKING & OPEN MINDED tured artists as well as fellow gallery 6218. Meetings are free and open to members. For info, call (925) 376- Shaw's Classic, Pygmalion. Town the public. 5407. Hall Theatre closes out their 2011- 2012 Main Stage season with George Hearing Loss: What to do about it? St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church MUSIC Bernard Shaw’s classic comedy about Join us to learn about your ears and A Loving Community class and gender, Pygmalion. Pyg- gain a better understanding of hearing Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM WomenSing's June Concerts. malion runs through June 23. It is loss and your hearing test. Four 20- Active Youth Program, Sunday School, Nursery Childcare, 10 AM WomenSing will delight choral and rated PG and is approximately two minute hearing screenings (by ap- classical music fans with their Full hours long. Contact Town Hall The- pointment only) are available at no 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws Circle concert from 8 to 9:30pm atre Box Office at (925) 283-1557, or charge following this lecture on Wednesday, June 6 at purchase tickets online at www.Town- Wednesday, June 13 from 10:30am to Lafayette/Orinda Presbyterian HallTheatre.com. noon, Lafayette Community Center Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Toyon Room, 500 St. Mary's Road. Get connected. For more information please visit Orinda Starlight Village Players Cost: $1 for members and $3 for non- www.womensing.org or call (925) presents Agatha Christie's And members. Please let us know you’re Grow in your faith. 974-9169. Tickets are $25 for pre- Then There Were None Fridays and coming to the lecture by calling (925) Serve others. mium, $20 for general, $18 for sen- Saturdays, June 1-23 at 8:30 pm, Sun- 284-5050. Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church iors, $10 student/youth. day, June 10 at 4 pm and Thursday, June 21 at 8 pm at the Outdoor Am- Senior Nature Walk and Bird- Sunday Worship 9 & 11:00 a.m. Dancing in the Plaza, Friday phitheater, Orinda Community Center Watching led by Ben Pettersson. Programs for children & youth evenings, 7pm, Lafayette's Plaza Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. Tickets: Experience nature at its finest along Park: June 15, ‘50s Sock Hop with $16 regular admission and $8 dis- our trails. Delight in the beauty that 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette l www.LOPC.org l 925-283-8722 Hot Rod Jukebox, June 22, Square counted admission. Season Tickets unfolds around each bend and learn to Dance with world class “caller” Eric for all three shows are $35 regular and identify birds. Trail maps will be dis- Henerlau; June 29, ‘70s Disco with $21 for discounted tickets. For tickets tributed. Bring a water bottle; binoc- DJ-JT Productions. Free. For infor- or more info, call (925) 528-9225 or ulars will be helpful if you have them. mation contact the Lafayette Chamber visit www.orsvp.org. The walks are every Wednesday start- of Commerce: (925) 284-7404 or ing June 20 (except July 4) from 10am lafayettechamber.org. Cal Shakes presents "The Tem- to noon, Lafayette Senior Services 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda pest" through June 24. Please call Room outside the Alder Room, 254-3770. www.ststephensorinda.org Orinda Summer Concerts in the (510) 548-9666 or go to Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Sunday 8am & 10am. Park. Orinda Community Center www.calshakes.org for tickets and de- Mary's Road. Free. For more info, is having free concerts on Tuesday tails. call (925) 284-5050. nights from 6:30 to 8:30pm, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. The schedule is: Free Family Movie Night. Join the OTHER The Orinda June 12 TBD; June 19, The Crisis, Moraga Youth Involvement com- Blues-Rock; June 26, Bay Bridge mittee as we show Toy Story under the Positive Living Forum. Brighten Community Church Beat, Funk, Rhythm, and Blues; July stars at the Moraga Commons Park. your day and take part in this inter- 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org 3, Cal Alumni Big Band, Big Band Bundle up with blankets and friends, active gathering which features speak- “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s Jazz. enter the raffle, and enjoy delicious ers on a wide range of topics that journey, you are welcome here!” concessions sold by the M.Y.I.C. The encourage and guide participants to- Join us Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Orinda’s Summer Music Series. event is at 8:30 or 8:40pm (depending wards a more ideal and positive life Make new memories with friends, upon darkness) Saturday, June 16, experience. Drop-ins are welcome. families, and neighbors while enjoy- 1149 Moraga Rd, Moraga. The workshop is from 10:30am to ing some of the best loved melodies noon June 14, Lafayette Community from America’s musical heritage as SENIORS Center, Elderberry Room. Cost: $1 the Summer Music Series kicks off for members and $3 for non-members this month inside the Orinda Library, BART Senior Clipper Card Distri- 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. The Real bution from noon to 3pm June 5 at Synchronized Swimming. Walnut Placebos will be playing starting at the Lafayette Community Center, Creek Aquanuts will be performing 6:30 pm Wednesday, June 20. Free. Manzanita Room, 500 St. Mary's Celebration of Champions Saturday, For more info, call (925) 254-2184 or Road. The green Senior BART ticket June 16 from 5 to 8pm at Heather visit www.ccclib.org. has been replaced by the Senior Clip- Farm Park, Clarke Memorial Swim per Card, (minimum age 65). You Center. Tickets are available at the Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church Piano Concert by the Contra Costa must apply for the Senior Clipper door for $15. For more info, visit 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, 254-3422 Performing Arts Society. The pianist Card in person with a valid form of www.aquanuts.org. www.holyshepherd.org members will perform mainly classi- ID. The card will be issued immedi- cal selections June 10 at 2 pm, the ately. For more info, call (925) 284- ... continued on next page SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice 5050. 9:30 a.m. Worship Service Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Free. For Coffee Fellowship at 10:30 a.m. Lamorinda Dance Social. Enjoy af- Childcare available for ages 5 and younger more info, visit www.ccpas.org or call Please submit events to: (925) 939-7465. ternoon dancing every Wednesday calendar@lamorinda and learn some great new dance weekly.com Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B11 Impressive Productions at 6th Annual Lamorinda Acalanes Unified Film Festival

LAUFF6 winners, from left: Scott Call, Lauren Carr, Zachary Beck, Christina Beck, Julia Anderson, Colter Harris, And the LAUFF6 winners are: John Cornell, Tucker O'Neil, Laura Gustafson, Paul Sarconi, Victor Thresh, Aja Adair, Conor MacKinnon, Andrew Christian, Justin Seligman, Bill Tawfall, Taylor Hunt, Jeff Sawdon Photo Justin Seligman Best Actor: Conor MacKinnon Best Cinematography: Tucker Acalanes O'Neil he Lamorinda Acalanes ($500) sponsored by Orinda Arts Digital Filmmaking, Academy Mystery Product Acalanes TUnified Film Festival Council. She was also awarded of Art University: Pre-College Sponsored by New York Film Academy Haazard (LAUFF6), held last month at the Underclassmen award for Art Experience, Interlochen Best Actress: Aja Adair Sponsored by Bay Area Video Coalition the Campolindo Performing Arts Video Production.” Leigh Scan- Center for the Arts, 32 Ten Stu- Campolindo Best Use of Audio: Chessa Center (CPAC), included screen- lon won the Senior Video Pro- dios and AVID, which pledged A Life Deferred Mehlman ings of 26 exciting short films, duction Award and Sam Crossley thousands of dollars in tuition re- Sponsored by East Bay Media Center Las Lomas each written, directed, and pro- won a special CPAC award for ductions for winners of the film Best Screenplay: Heidi Roodvoets Palos Verdes Blue duced by students from four years of service to the festival to attend Miramonte Sponsored by the Academy of Art Uni- Acalanes, Campolindo, Los school theater, Seligman added. Film/Video/Acting summer pro- Man's Best Friend versity Lomas, Miramonte, and JM In- “We had a fun show. Also in at- grams for teens. Sponsored by Interlochen School of the Best Comedy: Colter Harris termediate schools, and the cel- tendance was Vince DeQuattro “The festival showcases the Arts Campolindo ebration of winners in 11 of 32 Ten studios who said a few talent of our community’s stu- Best Special Effects/Title Se- The Tutor categories. kind words from the stage.” dents: as actors, as screenwriters, quence/Motion Graphics: Sponsored by Lamorinda Theaters “The Campo video program Special acknowledgement as cinematographers, and as dig- Cameron Bagley, Julia Anderson, Best Editor: Leigh Scanlon offers four levels, and some stu- was given to The Orinda Arts ital artists. It gives them a forum Laura Gufstafson, Keith Geiger Campolindo dents go on to top film schools,” Council for sponsoring the $500 to tell their own stories, in their Campolindo Intro to Campo said Campolindo Film Arts OAC Young Filmmakers Schol- own voices,” Seligman said. “If Pokeworld Sponsored by New York Film Academy teacher and LAUFF founder and arship Fund to supplement sum- there was one message I wish to Sponsored by Lamorinda Theatres Best Lighting: Jeff Sawdon coordinator Justin Seligman. mer filmmaking educational impart to these students, it’s that Best Director: Cameron Bagley, Campolindo “Senior Jeff Sawdon received a opportunities for LAUFF6 they have an historically un- Julia Anderson, Laura Guf- It Gets Better President's Scholarship to Dodge award winners. Other sponsors precedented ability to deliver a stafson, Keith Geiger Sponsored by Lamorinda Theaters School of Film at Chapman Uni- included New York Film Acad- message to the world. My role is Campolindo 32 Ten Award: Taylor Hunt, Sam versity (an $80,000 scholarship). emy at Universal Studios, Lam- to give them the tools to discover High School Survival Guide to Sports Crossley, Jeff Sawdon Julia Anderson also won the orinda Theaters, East Bay Media the talent they have lying Safety Campolindo Young Filmmakers Scholarship Center, San Francisco School of within.” J. Wake Sponsored by New York Film Academy Halfway Sponsored by 32 Ten Studios Not to be missed Not to be missed eWaste & Documents for Shredding Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Upcoming Special Events at: OTHER continued Fundraiser for Loaves and Fishes of a walk on a sacred labyrinth in the Contra Costa County. This is an event early evening hour. Music will be play- Contra Costa Master Gardeners for recycling and shredding from 9am ing as participants walk the Chartres- 2013 class. In order to apply to the to 10pm June 16 at the Lafayette Chris- style labyrinth. The Chapel will be training program attendance at one of tian Church, 584 Glenside Drive, open for prayers and there will be on- the following free orientation sessions Lafayette. Cost: $5 fee for certain items going readings. Join us for a quiet is required: Monday, June 25 from 1 to and $8 for shredding per Bankers Box. evening walk on June 22 in preparation 3pm, 151 Linus Pauling Drive, Her- For more info, visit of summer at the Lafayette-Orinda cules; Wednesday, June 27 from 10am www.ctrecycling.net or call (510) 352- Presybterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, to noon at 75 Santa Barbara Road, 2nd 2665. Lafayette, (925)283-8722. Floor, Pleasant Hill; Tuesday, July 17 THE QUEEN'S SLUMBER PARTY from 1 to 3pm at 75 Santa Barbara Rd, Motorama World of Wheels. Lam- Loaves and Fishes first Annual PRESENTS: 2nd Floor, Pleasant Hill; Thursday, July orinda Sunrise Rotary is presenting Event “Food for Thought” summer 19 from 10am to noon at 151 Linus Lafayette's premiere auto show. See garden party Sunday, June 24 from 2- Pauling Drive, Hercules. To register classic cars, bikes, and motorcycles 5pm, Hacienca de las Flores, 2100 PSYCHO BEACH for Orientation visit the Contra Costa Sunday, June 17 from 9am to 4pm at Donald Drive, Moraga. Food prepared PARTY Master Gardener website at ccmg.uc- the Clock Tower and Bank of the West and served by renowned East Bay davis.edu and click “join us.” parking lots on Mt. Diablo Blvd., chefs as well as live and silent auctions. Friday, June 15, 9:00 PM Lafayette. There will be food, bever- All proceeds from this event will ben- Rheem Theatre Lazarex Cancer Foundation presents ages, raffles, car swag, live entertain- efit Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa Info Meeting for Hike for Life, A Grand ment, and more. For more info, visit County, a local agency that has been Canyon Adventure. This four- day jour- Trivia, Games and www.motorama.us. Free. providing hot nutritious meals for those Party Favors! ney culminates in a one-day guided hike in need since 1983. Cost: $50 per per- of the Grand Canyon along the trail you Girls Night Out Networking pres- son. To purchase tickets, visit choose (in the canyon or along the rim). ents It's your Health, Your Choice! www.loavesfishescc.org and click on The Grand Canyon hiking adventure is Learn why so many women experience Register~Food for Thought or call YOUNG a fundraiser that helps cancer patients. hormone problems, sleep disturbances, (925) 687-6760. The info meeting is at 9:30am Saturday, fibromyalgia and weight gain. Dr. FRANKENSTEIN June 2 and at 7pm Tuesday, June 19 at Leslie Hewitt will be educating you to The annual Lamorinda Fourth of Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley make an informed choice during the July parade will take place in Orinda Thursday, June 14, 7:00 PM Road, Walnut Creek. Free. For more seminar from 5:30 to 6:30pm June 18 at 10am Wednesday, July 4. In keeping info, call (925)323-2993 or visit at the Anatomy Power Wellness Studio, with this year's theme of Saluting All Orinda Theatre www.conquerthecanyon.com/LAZARE 3470 Camino Tassajara, Danville. Free Veterans, veterans from all conflicts, A Mel Brooks Film X_index.htm. for GNON members, $10 for non- from World War II through the members. For more info, visit Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, are invited to Find Your Perfect Match at Mad- www.gnontrivalley.com. march or ride in the parade. Title spon- Bunjo’s Comedy All Star die’s® Matchmaker Adoptathon. sor Orinda Motors is providing a large Show @ the New Rheem Visit ARF on June 9 and 10 when pup- Why Meditation? Meditation has number of convertibles for veterans but pies, kittens, dogs and cats all go home long been known to promote im- more are needed. For more informa- Come see some of the best stand up comedians from the with no adoption fees, and ARF re- proved health and well-being, in- tion, veterans are asked to contact Terry ceives a grant of at least $500 from Bay Area and Beyond! creased self-awareness, growth, and a Murphy of the local VFW post at Saturday June 23 8:00 pm Maddie’s Fund® for each qualifying deeper spiritual connection. The sem- (925)285-1510 or adoption - helping us rescue even inar is presented by Mary Bruns June [email protected]. For gen- (doors open at 7:00 pm) more! Limit of two adoptions per 19 from 11am to noon in the Sequoia eral information about the parade and household; standard adoption criteria Headliner- Michael Slack Room at the Lafayette Community celebration, please contact the Orinda NBC’s “At The Pump” apply. Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Center, 500 St. Mary's Road. Cost: $1 Association at (925)254-0800 or Featured for Bob Saget, Brian Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Wal- for members and $3 for non-members. [email protected]. nut Creek. (925) 256-1273 For more info, call (925) 284-5050. Regan, Jeff Dunham POLITICAL GATHERINGS Beer and Wine Bar!! Making Strides Against Breast Can- Understanding Public Employee Tickets- $15 advance or $20 on the day of event. cer 5k Walk Saturday, June 16 (reg- Pensions – a presentation by Dan The League of Women Voters of Di- istration begins at 8am; walk begins at Borenstein about the problems of pub- ablo Valley will hold its Annual Meet- For a limited time only, all regular movie 9am), Heather Farm Park, Walnut lic-employee pension funding at 7pm ing at the Lafayette Public Library tickets are $7 on Tuesdays. Creek. How Far is 5K? (About three Thursday, June 21 at the Orinda Li- Community Room on Saturday, June miles.) For more info, or to register, brary Auditorium, 26 Orinda Way, 16. Their business meeting starts at Check www.lamorindatheatres.com for all movie listings visit makingstrides.acsevents.org/wal- Orinda. Borenstein will explain the 8:45am. At 10:45am, Lisa Vorder- nutcreek. inner-workings of these retirement brueggen, reporter and political colum- plans, delving into how they are fi- nist for the Contra Costa Times will Please submit: Theater View Veterinary Clinic is nanced and why they are leaving bil- speak on "The State of the County, the Events: [email protected] having an open house June 16, 3 to lions of dollars of debt for our children State, the Nation, and the Press." Cost: Stories: [email protected] 5pm, 1 Bates Blvd., Orinda. Receive to pay. Free. $5. Contact the League at (925)283- free heartworm tests (for the first 90 2235 for more information. Letters: [email protected] visitors), free nail trims for dogs and Opinion: [email protected] cats, and treats for pets and their people.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C1

Acalanes, Campolindo Win NCS Tournament By Simon Tryzna

5 Year Anniversary Andrew Merken #15 Denis Karas #18 Photos Kevin Nguyen Independent, locally owned and operated! or the second straight year, Campolindo and Playing right after their Lamorinda rivals on Saturday FAcalanes High School baseball teams left the North at the A’s home field, the Cougars were able to reach the Coast Section tournament as champions. The victories championship game by blowing out their first three oppo- come as no surprise since both teams were seeded number nents, winning by ten runs in each game. one in their respective divisions. As the defending cham- The Cougars won 10-0 over Pinole Valley in five in- pions with the top spot, after a two week tournament, the nings, and 13-3 over Cardinal Newman in six innings be- Cougars and the Dons proved they are the top teams on fore facing upstart College Park in front of a full crowd in Saturday, June 2nd at O.Co Coliseum. Moraga. Much like their first two games, the Cougars As the number one seed in the Division III bracket, were able to pounce on the Falcons early, scoring four runs Acalanes got a much needed bye in the first round before in the first before notching one run in both the second and hosting San Marin High (MCAL), a rematch of last year’s the third innings. Brett Stephens hit two home runs and championship game. Acalanes’ Johnny York pitched six drove in four runs while Trent Shelton pitched a complete scoreless innings in relief of Andrew Merken and short- game shutout, giving Campolindo a 10-0 win. shop A.J. Welsh drove in the winning run in the bottom The Cougars advanced to take on second-seeded con- of the eleventh, giving the Dons a 3-2 win. ference rival, Dougherty Valley, for the championship. They P040036 02/04 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), Bloomington, IL The Dons then defeated Sonoma Valley (SCL) 9-4 to became the three-time defending champions after a 6-3 win. advance to the championship game in Oakland. After a Campolindo got on the board early as Josh Cushing surprise 11 – 7 win on the road at two-seeded Miramonte, hit an RBI single to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead the sixth-seeded Tamalpais Red Tailed Hawks were the against DVHS. The lead would hold until a throwing error surprise opponent in the championship. by Campolindo allowed the Wild Cats to tie up the game The Dons scored two runs in each of the first two in- in the bottom of the fourth. The Cougars were quick to re- nings, enough to back up starter Merken, who no-hit spond as James Marvel drove in Stephens to give Campo Tamalpais. Following a walk and an error, Merken gave a 2-1 lead. Later in the frame, Denis Karas hit a double to way to York who quickly got out of the sixth. After walk- left field that plated two and gave the Cougars a four run ing two in the seventh and giving up the only hit of the cushion. game, York closed the door on Tamalpais giving Acalanes Dougherty Valley would not go down quietly and they the 4-0 win and securing the second straight title. scored two to cut Campo’s lead to 5-3. However, Cam- At the end of it all, Dons coach Justin Santich-Hughes polindo added one more in the top of the sixth and Tyler was thrilled. Santich-Hughes noted that the program made Luckhurst threw two scoreless innings to pick up the save a decision two years ago to get to a team to this place by 6-3, giving the Cougars their third DII title in as many years. cutting seniors in favor of sophomores. “Those sopho- After the game, head coach Max Luckhurst noted that mores are seniors now and we knew we’d have the team their success came from getting younger guys more ex- this year. We built this, and it’s so gratifying to see that perience. "We were in the quarterfinals and semifinals for pay off,” he said. years and years and years. I think the adjustment came when we gave the opportunity to some of the more phys- ical freshmen coming in. It was this class to start off."

Miramonte: The Mats defeated Encinal, 7-5, to match-up against the Tamalpais Red-Tailed Hawks. After two in- nings, the Matadors were comfortably ahead 6-0. However, the Hawks stormed back with a three-run fourth inning and finished the comeback by blowing the game open with an eight-run fifth inning that saw three Matador pitchers walk six batters, give up Kyle Davis three hits, and hit one more batter. Combined with Mortgage Consultant/Owner/Partner two errors in the inning, Miramonte found itself trail- Lamorinda Resident Since 1995 ing 11-7. DRE License #01111347/NMLS #274107 After the game, Miramonte coach Vince Del- Direct: 925-314-5299 l’Aquila gave credit where credit was due. “[Tamal- [email protected] pais] did a great job of hanging with it. They never stopped playing. I’m not saying we stopped, but 319 Diablo Rd., Ste 103 • Danville • CA DRE Lic. # 01327738, NMLS#280803 … that one inning just blew up on us.” RATES HAVE NEVER BEEN LOWER! A.J. 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Top row: Ryan Doyle, Matty Rinquist, Will their opponents 153- Email: [email protected] REAL ESTATE Rack, Ryan McCormick, Nate Welcomer, Payson Newman, Mathew LoPresti and Josh Ba- 39 during the course Serving clients, friends and family in your neighborhood since 1989. ginski. Middle Row: Fynn Chorak, Huma Dadachanji, Jake Landry, Drew Cirelli, Adam of the season. This is not a loan commitment, nor is it a guarantee of any kind. This comparison is based solely on estimated figures Shafer (above), Adam Wong (below), Collin Jeffries and T.J. Collins; bottom row: Kannah and information available at the time of production. Interest rate is subject to borrower and property qualifying. Cruickshank and Spencer Giglio Photo provided Stonecastle Land and Home Financial, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Page: C2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 SMC Rugby Honored Moraga Baseball Association Box Scores Submitted by Tony Samaniego Submitted by Jin Meng Mustang Division 3 RBI, 2RS; Charlie Craig 3RS May 23 Pirates Highlights: Michael Evans 1S, 1R; Ryan Fritch Red Sox: 13 Cubs: 9 1D, 1RBI, 1RS; Tarek Antonios-McCrea 1D, 1RS; Luke Red Sox Highlights: Daniel Wheeler 2-for-3, 2RS, 3 Ahearn 1S, 1D, 1RBI RBIs, 2-1B; Joe Arth 2-for-3, 2 RS, 3RBIs, 2B, 3B; Max Pinto Division Duff 2-for-3, 1RS, 1RBI, 1B Giants 15, Yankees 12 Cubs Highlights: Joey Schmidt 2-for-3, 2RS, 1RBI, 2- Giants Highlights: Logan Robeson 3-for-3, Run 3 RBI, 1B; Billy Woolsey 2-for-3, 1RS, 1HR, 1RBI; Sam 3 2B; Brendan O'Donnell 1-for-2, 2 RBI; Zyon Gangwer Ouzounian 2-for-3, 1RS, 2RBIs, 2B 2-for-3, Run, RBI; Michael Coane 3-for-3, 3 Runs, 2 RBI May 22 Yankees Highlights: Ben Jules 3-for-3, 2 Runs, 4 RBI, Giants 16, Pirates 4 2B; Dash Weaver 2-for-3, 3 RBI; Jules Frippiat 1-for-3, Giants Highlights: Jake Crumbaugh 1D, 2 RBIs, 2 RS; run Michael Holloway 1D, 1RBI, 2RS; Corey Goldman 2S, Lafayette Little League Submitted by Todd Bequette Majors Division flame-throwing righty, Tyler Ewing, silenced the powerful AAA Division Yankee bats with three innings each of shutout ball. White Sox 4 Cardinals 1 Indians 4 Cardinals 2 The White Sox rode the stellar pitching of Jake Finegold, In an elimination game at Buckeye Field, the Indians came Daniel Flaherty and Michael Bone to a 4-1 victory over from behind with a furious fifth inning rally. Down 0-2, the Cardinals in a second-round playoff game at Buckeye Simon Oh led off with a booming double to left center. Field. Finegold also provided most of the offense, slam- Ethan Frigon then put the Tribe on the board with a dou- ming a three-run homer. Mason Larrick starred in the field, ble. After Josh Thuma singled, Ben Bequette smashed a making several key defensive plays to help the White Sox double to right center. Tyler Schenone, Frigon and Nick secure the victory. Schirmer starred for the Indians on the mound. For the Phillies 2 Yankees 0 Cards, lefty Brian Merkin stifled the Indian bats, throwing In a winner’s bracket battle between two top teams, the three shutout innings. Ben Ross and Justin Pratt had run Andrew Cook Photo Michael Geib Phillies stayed unbeaten. Stylish lefty Matty Vicensio and scoring hits for the Redbirds. hile the Saint Mary’s Col- Gowen. Nick Wallace and Kelly Wlege rugby team was recog- Harris were named Honorable Men- www.Lamorindaweekly.com nized by USA National Collegiate tion. The recognition is also an invi- Rugby as the fourth team in the na- tation to take part in the All Most Frequently Viewed Stories From Our Last Issue: tion, individual players were also American Camp in Houston in June. honored. Five players were named to Twenty-five players from the camp - Fifth Grader to Attend Johns Hopkins Gifted the first team All-America squad: will be chosen to play on a traveling Summer Program Andrew Cook (captain), Matt Craw- team, which will tour Ireland in Au- - Card Bonanza for WWII Vet's 90th Birthday ford, Tim Maupin and Kinsley Mc- gust. - AAUW Awards Scholarships to 10 Outstanding Local Young Women - Local Gal and Pals Rock While Rolling - The Dog Days are Over Town Council votes to end off-leash hours at Rancho Laguna Park approves a reconfiguration plan - Security Systems for the Home - Public Forum off-leash dogs at Rancho Laguna Park - A Stroll Along Golden Gate Way - Something Old and Something New - Cairns in the Garden - BART Solar Project Moving Forward If you wish to view any of the stories above go to www.lamorindaweekly.com and click the link below the story. Tim Maupin Photo Michael Geib

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Bronfman rode Sweet Pea, a pony owned by Leap of Faith Farms, and won six ribbons, includ- ing a blue ribbon for High Point scorer of the day. The girls teamed up and won second place in a fun event called "Drag Bag," which included two riders, one horse, and a dress-up From left: Eavan Bronfman, Anna Moellenhoff bag of clothes. Photo provided This was the first Leaps & The girls’ 1600 Meter Relay Team pictured from left: Devon McDonald, Rebekah Ent, Tina Bounds horse show, and it raised over Romak and Kera Deakins. Photo Dave Blomgren $10,000 for the program. he North Coast Section (NCS) 2012 girls’ Long Jump, senior Devon McDonald set TTrack & Field "Meet of Champions" was a new record for MHS placing fourth with 17- Lamorinda Rugby No.1 in State, held May 25-26 at UC Berkeley’s Edwards Sta- 09. The girls’ 4x400 Meter Relay placed second dium. Five Miramonte High School athletes with a time of 3:56.03. qualified at this meet to advance to the CIF State At the State Finals, the girls’ 4x400 finished N0.2 in Nation Finals in Clovis on June 1-2. third in their heat and 11th overall, recording an- Submitted by Doug McKinley Senior Jamie Fehrnstrom finished the boys’ other personal best at 3:54.86. Fehrnstrom fin- 1600 meter run in fifth place with a time of ished in 14th overall and McDonald jumped 4:15.65, automatically qualifying for State 17-3.25 to finish 20th. under the CIF At-Large mark of 4:15.79. In the Lamorinda Baseball Academy Teams Record Strong Performances Submitted by Jon Ewing

Lamorinda players celebrate winning the state rugby championship Photo Doug McKinley amorinda varsity gold went undefeated in scored quickly in the second period for a com- Lregular season and post season play. manding 22-0 lead against Oceanside of south- Their incredible run was recognized by Rugby ern California. The final score was 27-17. Magazine and they were named No. 1 in Cal- As a result of playing rugby, a number of ifornia and No. 2 in the nation by the publica- the players received special consideration in LBA Legends 14U Photos provided tion. being accepted to universities such as Cal, St. amorinda Baseball Academy had three Waterfront Ball Park. The Bucks played five In the state cup game on May 19, Lamor- Mary’s, University of British Columbia, Lteams earn top finishes on May 19-20. games to earn the title. They went 2-1 on Satur- inda took a 15-0 lead into halftime and then UCLA, Oregon State and Central Washington. The U14 team took their fifth consecutive day and 2-0 on Sunday, including a 7-6 win in USSSA Tournament in an exciting finish. the championship game. Lamorinda CYO Track Team Tommy Henderson hit a solo home run and The U12 Generals also played in the All- teammate Andrew Deaver followed suit with World Baseball Tournament. They won two Submitted by Jeanne Balczewski his own solo home run to give the Legends a 2- games on Saturday, but dropped the first game 0 win. on Sunday, 7-5. In their second game of the day, The U13 Bucks earned first place in the All- they battled back to beat the Orinda Desperados World Baseball Tournament at the Martinez 11-1 to win the silver game.

From left: Bryson Lew, Vishal Lashkari, Niyi Olabode and Cole Jeter. Photo provided The Saint Monica third grade boys won the 4x100m relay at the Diocesan track meet on May 12th. Lamorinda Weekly is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA Contact us: Staff Writers: LBA Bucks 13U Letters to the editor (max 350 words): Sophie Braccini; [email protected] [email protected] Cathy Tyson; [email protected] Sport events/stories/pictures: Laurie Snyder; [email protected] [email protected] Cathy Dausman, [email protected] Art, theater, community events: Sports Editor: Caitlin Graveson [email protected] [email protected] Business news or business press releases: Teen Coach: Cynthia Brian; [email protected] [email protected] School stories/events: Food: Susie Iventosch; [email protected] [email protected] Contributing Writers: General interest stories/Community Service: Andrea A. Firth, Conrad Bassett, Moya Stone, Rosylyn [email protected] Aragones Stenzel, Lucy Amaral, Alex Crook, Alex Kozela, Re- Publishers/Owners: Andy and Wendy Scheck; becca Eckland, Marissa Harnett, Lou Fancher, Nina Mohan, [email protected], [email protected] Barry Hunau (cartoonist) Editor: Lee Borrowman; [email protected] Photos:Tod Fierner, Doug Kohen, Associate Editor: Jennifer Wake; Ohlen Alexander, Kevin Nguyen [email protected] Layout/Graphics: Andy Scheck, Jonas Scheck, Amanda Advertising: 925-377-0977 Griggs. Printed in CA. Wendy Scheck; [email protected] Lamorinda Weekly, Circulation: 26,200 printed copies; delivered to homes & busi- P.O. Box 6133, Moraga, CA 94570-6133 nesses in Lamorinda. Phone: 925-377-0977; Fax: 1-800-690-8136; email: [email protected] LBA Generals 12U www.lamorindaweekly.com Page: C4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Love Lafayette

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Lamorinda Weekly Volume 06 Issue 7 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Tuscan Modern Design Digging Deep with Cynthia Brian ...read on page D4 Receives Excellence Award By Sophie Braccini n a trip to Tuscany with his wife, Hazel, Lafayette resident John Clen- dening was inspired by the local ancient homes renovated with modern- Oized interiors. So when the couple wanted to create a living space above their new garage, they looked for someone who could understand and materialize their vision. “Interior designer Kelly Hetherwick Woods turned our ideas into an inspiring creation,” Clendening says. “If you didn’t know it, you’d think you’re in Italy.” Het- herwick Woods enjoyed the project and its outcome so much that she submitted it to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Last month ASID awarded her the 2012 Excellence Award for the North California Chapter. The new studio is designed to be an independent living unit. It can serve as a guest house, with a full kitchen and bathroom, or a perfect hangout for the Clen- denings’ teenage children when they have sleepovers. “It could also become useful in the future as a ‘boomerang’ unit,” adds Hazel Clendening with a smile. The space mixes distressed wood exposed beams, some rough stone in place of tiling in the kitchen, farm style sink and faucet, zinc center isle, with modern white clean shelving and minimalist dark wood cabinetry. The rustic materials soften the straight modern lines, while the modern look adds elegance to the dis- tressed appearance of the stone and wood. The harmony of subdued colors, from the beige wash of the floor to the stone color of the counter and dark wood of the beams and cabinets, create a subtle and calming harmony. The large room incorporates a beautiful open view of the hills and includes a Murphy bed, a sofa bed and relatively light armchairs to easily modify the config- uration of the room. Fabrics were selected that can be easily cleaned. The small but well-designed bathroom is covered in stone aged with a deep brown patina that combines ancient charm with modern amenities. The Clendenings have also been collecting wines from all over the world for years and they wanted to find a way to use the tens of emblazed wood crates they’ve collected. Contractor Creg Muyskens found the perfect use for them: the staircase leading to the new unit has been entirely tiled with wood squares of different sizes cut from the crates – an interesting puzzle to fit together. The other “wine feature” that is not part of the studio, but was part of the project that Hetherwick Woods submitted to ASID, is an 1,800-bottle wine cellar where the Clendenings store their wines. ... continued on page D5 Studio with emblazed wood on wall behind Photos Kevin Nguyen Page: D2 OUR HOMES Wed., June 6, 2012 VLATKA BATHGATE RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Lamorinda Home Sales recorded IF I HAD A BUYER FOR YOUR City Last reported: LOWEST AMOUNT: HIGHEST AMOUNT: LAFAYETTE 11 $331,000 $1,400,000 HOME WOULD YOU SELL IT? MORAGA 10 $382,000 $1,245,000 Call me at 925 597 1573 ORINDA 11 $640,000 $1,650,000 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oakland real estate information company. Sale prices are computed from the county transfer tax in- [email protected] formation shown on the deeds that record at close of escrow and are published five to eight weeks after such recording. This information is obtained DRE#01390784 from public county records and is provided to us by California REsource. Neither Cal REsource nor this publication are liable for errors or omissions. LAFAYETTE 1037 Cavallero Lane, $500,000, 4 Bdrms, 2144 SqFt, 1949 YrBlt, 5-8-12 20 Grove Creek Court, $1,164,000, 4 Bdrms, 2902 SqFt, 1989 YrBlt, 5-3-12; SALE PENDING, 44 Lucille Way, SALE PENDING, 234 El Toyonal, Previous Sale: $1,210,000, 04-07-06 3252 Marlene Drive, $360,000, 3 Bdrms, 1160 SqFt, 1972 YrBlt, 5-7-12 Orinda, Representing Seller Orinda, Representing Buyer 3282 Marlene Drive, $331,000, 3 Bdrms, 1160 SqFt, 1981 YrBlt, 5-8-12; Previous Sale: $514,000, 11-23-05 3134 Maryola Court, $839,000, 3 Bdrms, 1692 SqFt, 1957 YrBlt, 5-1-12; Previous Sale: $665,000, 07-25-08 3766 Mosswood Drive, $695,000, 4 Bdrms, 2039 SqFt, 1947 YrBlt, 5-1-12; Previous Sale: $135,000, 01-25-79 3333 Springhill Road, $775,000, 3 Bdrms, 2598 SqFt, 1948 YrBlt, 4-27-12 3329 Stage Coach Drive, $1,400,000, 5 Bdrms, 3346 SqFt, 1982 YrBlt, 5-1-12; Previous Sale: $716,000, 06-27-96 SALE PENDING, Ewart Dl, SALE PENDING, 1002 Santa Monica Ct, 1258 Panorama Drive, $1,089,000, 2 Bdrms, 1583 SqFt, 1953 YrBlt, 5-8-12; Lafayette, Representing Buyer Pleasant Hill, Representing Buyer Previous Sale: $685,000, 10-08-99 3277 Theresa Lane, $736,000, 4 Bdrms, 2102 SqFt, 1960 YrBlt, 5-7-12 1042 Via Media, $865,000, 3 Bdrms, 2893 SqFt, 1978 YrBlt, 5-4-12; Previous Sale: $1,111,000, 06-10-05 MORAGA 87 Ashbrook Place, $817,000, 4 Bdrms, 2273 SqFt, 1962 YrBlt, 5-7-12; Previous Sale: $63,000, 08-20-71 1487 Camino Peral, $382,000, 2 Bdrms, 1265 SqFt, 1973 YrBlt, 5-4-12; Previous Sale: $413,000, 04-11-08 767 Camino Ricardo, $888,500, 5 Bdrms, 2199 SqFt, 1964 YrBlt, 5-1-12 SOLD, 255 La Espiral Dr, Orinda SOLD, 94 Devin Dr, Moraga 5 Carey Court, $802,500, 3 Bdrms, 1922 SqFt, 1987 YrBlt, 4-27-12; Represented Buyer Represented Buyer Previous Sale: $699,000, 12-08-00 440 Deerfield Drive, $1,245,000, 5 Bdrms, 2969 SqFt, 1965 YrBlt, 4-30-12; Previous Sale: $1,445,000, 01-10-06 10 Dickenson Drive, $1,069,000, 4 Bdrms, 2583 SqFt, 1960 YrBlt, 5-1-12; Previous Sale: $275,000, 05-13-88 21 Hardie Drive, $1,100,000, 4 Bdrms, 2121 SqFt, 1961 YrBlt, 5-4-12; Previous Sale: $975,500, 11-24-04 2 Peralta Court, $868,000, 4 Bdrms, 2825 SqFt, 1987 YrBlt, 5-3-12; Previous Sale: $835,000, 10-11-02 SOLD, 20 Birch Ct, Orinda SOLD, 17 El Camino Moraga,Orinda 216 Tharp Drive, $775,000, 3 Bdrms, 1749 SqFt, 1966 YrBlt, 5-8-12 8 Via Barcelona, $629,000, 3 Bdrms, 2417 SqFt, 1985 YrBlt, 4-27-12; Represented Seller Represented Buyer Previous Sale: $601,000, 05-30-03 ORINDA 37 Calvin Drive, $850,000, 3 Bdrms, 1812 SqFt, 1970 YrBlt, 5-1-12 17 El Camino Moraga, $640,000, 2 Bdrms, 1404 SqFt, 1948 YrBlt, 5-1-12 46 El Gavilan Road, $1,100,000, 5 Bdrms, 2859 SqFt, 1954 YrBlt, 5-1-12; Previous Sale: $945,000, 08-13-09 99 El Toyonal, $825,000, 4 Bdrms, 2654 SqFt, 1933 YrBlt, 4-27-12; Previous Sale: $68,000, 07-01-76 7 El Verano, $875,000, 3 Bdrms, 1616 SqFt, 1954 YrBlt, 4-27-12 SOLD, 136 Spring Rd,Orinda SOLD, 9 Wanflete Ct, SOLD, 122 Lombardy Ln, 25 La Campana Road, $828,000, 2 Bdrms, 1418 SqFt, 1951 YrBlt, 5-1-12; Represented Seller and Buyer Orinda, Represented Buyer Orinda, Represented Buyer Previous Sale: $400,000, 11-08-96 18 Las Cascadas Road, $1,560,000, 5 Bdrms, 4072 SqFt, 1926 YrBlt, 5-4-12; Previous Sale: $845,000, 08-18-89 1 Lost Valley Court, $1,210,000, 3 Bdrms, 3109 SqFt, 1988 YrBlt, 5-2-12 22 Meadow Park Court, $1,650,000, 5 Bdrms, 2943 SqFt, 1948 YrBlt, 5-1-12; Previous Sale: $1,900,000, 06-20-06 19 Northwood Drive, $685,000, 3 Bdrms, 1672 SqFt, 1950 YrBlt, 4-27-12; Previous Sale: $820,000, 08-10-05 19 Tarabrook Drive, $784,000, 4 Bdrms, 1693 SqFt, 1961 YrBlt, 5-1-12; VLATKA CAN HELP YOU WITH BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME. Previous Sale: $212,500, 07-08-85 Lamorinda Foreclosures recorded WWW.BESTLAMORINDAHOMES.COM LAFAYETTE ©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License # 01908304 Woodview Drive, 94549, Wells Fargo Bank, 05-09-12, $959,592, 2477 sf, 4 bd Patricia Battersby Ashley Battersby 925-330-6663 925-323-9955 [email protected] [email protected] ASSOCIATES DRE# 00854469 DRE# 01407784 REAL ESTATE www.patriciabattersby.comwww.patriciabattersby.com

Eastern Charm in Spectacular California Setting 83 El Gavilan Road, Orinda 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths .3 Acre* 3009 Sq Ft** Designed to perfection, this stunning traditional home beautifully integrates East and West Coast styles in a magnificent setting with spectacular views. With great natural light from large expansive windows and numerous French doors that open to the outdoors, the home has ambiance throughout – an absolute entertainers dream!  Built in 1998 with fabulous detail, stylish appointments  Shingled exterior, white crisp trim and arbors  Beautiful outlooks or sensational views from every room  Deep baseboards, crown moldings, high ceilings  Gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances,  Butler pantry, limestone counters, hardwood floors  Adjoining eating area and family room with 2 sets of Fr. doors  Level yard, flagstone courtyard & patios, level lawn, panoramic deck, exquisite gardens, citrus trees Offered at $1,725,000

Stunning Modern Architectural Style Spectacular Setting & Views 2 Wellesley Drive, Lafayette 5.3 * Acres Near Briones Regional Park 3Bedrooms 2.5Baths  Built in 1998, designed by San Francisco Architect Nick Noyes  A modern expression of San Francisco Bay architectural tradition  Fabulous detail & appointments – High end Bonelli windows, Marvin French doors & more  Panoramic views of surrounding hills  Fabulous kitchen & appliances, Italian lights, French doors to Italian paver terrace  Approx. 3 minute walk to Regional Park trails  Barn style garage, sunny gardens, charming chicken coop  Great location – minutes to commute access, Happy Valley School, Downtown Lafayette Offered at $1,395,000

*per Public Records **per Appraiser Page: D4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Tree Love Nothing Short Digging Deep with Cynthia Brian About It “Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky.” Kahlil Gibran by Andi Peterson Brown By Cynthia Brian hort sales: don’t let the term fool you— ith summer upon us, is there anything better than Sthere’s nothing short about them. reading, dreaming, and swinging in a hammock And despite the term’s prevalence in the Wunder the canopy of a beautiful tree? We all have lexicon of modern America, many trees we adore–those that remind us of forts, childhood climb- homeowners are embarrassed to admit that ing adventures, romances in far away paradises, cooling shade they don’t quite understand what it really on a blistering hot afternoon, or days of picking juicy, mouth- means. watering fruit. So what is a short sale? It’s when a Before you write a poem in your garden, you need to know be- property sells for less than the balance owed fore you grow. It’s important to plant the right tree in the right on the mortgage. To do so requires the place. Total height, root depth, spread, lifespan, disease control, written consent from the seller’s lender. power line and neighborhood compatibility, water and food The term underwater refers to existing needs, rapid or slow growth, maintenance needs are just a few homeowners who owe more on their of the considerations in planning the perfect tree for your en- mortgage than their property’s value but vironment. who aren’t necessarily selling their home. Redwoods, pines, eucalyptus, oaks, elms, and large conifers are Just because a homeowner is magnificent in the wild, on hillsides, in forests, along roadways, underwater does not mean that their lender shopping centers, parks, creeks, and open spaces yet should be must agree to a short sale. Homeowners are almost always required to show financial avoided or limited in developments. A single specimen may and/or personal hardship in order for a be appropriate, but before planting, study the growing habits lender to agree to take the loss. Because of any tree and question the impact of your choices on your lenders are not conventional sellers, when a neighbor’s happiness. buyer is procured it can take weeks, possibly Evergreens and deciduous trees that boast beauty in every sea- months, for the lender to make all the son with flowers, fruit, interesting bark, and colorful autumn necessary decisions. And after all that time, foliage top my list of favorites. These trees don’t block vistas. the lender might still come back and say no. They rustle in the wind, allow sunshine through their fronds, Short sales are not that common in and are complemented by a variety of undergrowth plantings. Lamorinda, although they are trending If you are looking to plant a tree you’ll enjoy in every season, slightly up. They made up less than ten check out these choices: percent of all closings in 2011, but the Birch Flowering Peach Palm numbers are on pace to potentially double Trees Crab Apple Japanese Maple Pistache this year. Crepe Myrtle Lilac Redbud I think that I shall never see Short sales can have legal and tax Chestnut Liquid Amber Silk Tree A poem lovely as a tree. implications. This column is intended as Dogwood Magnolia Tulip Tree informational only and is not a substitute A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Flowering Cherry Olive Weeping Willow for legal or tax advice. Against the sweet earth's flowing breast; A home is not complete without fruit trees. Lamorinda flour- A tree that looks at God all day, ishers include pomegranate, persimmon, apple, peach, Asian And lifts her leafy arms to pray; pear, pear, Santa Rosa and wild plum, tangerine, Meyer and Eu- A tree that may in summer wear reka lemon, Washington orange, loquat, cherry, walnut, chest- A nest of robins in her hair; Real Estate Broker AndiBrownHomes.com nut, fig, tangelo, mulberry, apricot, and guava. Upon whose bosom snow has lain; 925.818.4588 Branch out. Be an arborist poet. Plan your planting then em- Who intimately lives with rain. brace the summer of tree love! Poems are made by fools like me,

DRE# 01738605 But only God can make a tree. real local • real knowledge • real value CYNTHIA BRIAN’S GARDENING GUIDE Joyce Kilmer (1888-1918)

©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. FOR JUNE on page D6 Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Palm trees have fascinating bark, don't block vistas, and recall Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License # 01908304 paradise vacations. Photos Cynthia Brian Wed., June 6, 2012 OUR HOMES Page: D5 Sue Layng and Gary Bernie proudly present… Tuscan Modern Design Receives Excellence Award Open Sunday 1-4 ... continued from page D1

3645 Boyer Circle, Lafayette

Lovely custom home with exquisite natural setting situated high on a hillside with majestic According to Hetherwick Woods, the project was not an easy process. “They oak trees, inviting views and level play areas. This four bedroom three and a half bath home is live in a part of Lafayette that has a lot of restrictions,” she says. “From start to finish, approximately 3537 square feet on a stunning .75 acre parcel. Vaulted ceilings add volume; it took close to two years.” She adds that carving into a hill is never an easy task. It endless French and sliding glass doors leading to spacious decks provide seamless indoor took a full local team to make it happen, Hetherwick Woods’ husband Phillip Woods outdoor living. Some amenities include: dramatic master suite with lovely views and fireplace, kitchen with adjacent family room and informal breakfast room accessing the inviting rear was the architect for the project, the structural engineer was Dave Murphy from deck, and a separate dining room is the perfect venue for entertaining. The three secondary Orinda, and Howard Martin from Schell Martin/Lafayette did the geotechnical work. bedrooms share a common work/play/or computer area. One of Lafayette’s sought after Hetherwick Woods has been an interior designer for approximately 20 years. areas within walking distance to town and excellent schools. For more information call Sue She started as a partner for a San Francisco interior design company and, specializing Layng at 925-963-7189 or Gary Bernie at 925-200-2222. in hotels interior design, she traveled all over the world. When her twins were born, Offered at $1,349,000 the Orinda resident decided to change her lifestyle and started her own company, Hetherwick-Hutcheson Design, eight years ago, focusing on private residences. She partners with Carolyn Hutcheson Bried. For more information about Hetherwick-Hutcheson Design, visit the com- pany’s website: h-hdesign.com.

Sue Layng Cell: 925-963-7189 [email protected] www.SueLayng.com

Gary Bernie DRE # 000970956 DRE # 00686144 Office: 925-258-0090 [email protected] ASSOCIATES 1,800-bottle wine cellar Bathroom with deep brown patina cabinet REAL ESTATE www.pacunion.com Page: D6 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Cynthia Brian’s Gardening Guide for June “I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs.” Joseph Addison, essayist and poet (1672-1719)

When I arrived home to find my garden gate open and my cherry tree stripped of the bountiful almost-ripe Queen Anne’s, I wasn’t singing a tune. It wasn’t the birds that had eaten the fruit, but a family of deer who had welcomed themselves into my back yard to dine on all my roses, fruit, and lilies. When I whined to my favorite city dwelling book editor, she emailed, “I always thought that if I ever had a garden, it would be dedicated to the dining delights of butterflies, birds, snails, rabbits, gophers, etc. Maybe a few favorite flowers guarded in glass enclosures for my visual diet.” The butterflies, birds, and bunnies are welcome in my secret gardens, while the snails, gophers, etc. are invited to invade another planet. Even though I appreciate the manure the deer left behind, outside my backyard they are invited to feast. This year local intruders are in abundance so make sure to tighten the locks and be vigilant about protecting your summer harvest. The bird song is more melodious in a well-protected garden.

• FENCE areas visited by marauding deer. Although fuzzy and poisonous plants tend to be deer resistant, nothing is deer proof except a fence! (Yes, they bit off the floral spikes of my foxglove!) • INSERT three to four, eight-foot bamboo poles straight into the ground then pull together and tie at the top to make a teepee for cucumbers, beans, melons, and other climbers. • REPOT your crowded cymbidium orchids. Divide and share with friends and family. • ADD a snake plant, broad sword fern, Peace lily, or rubber plant to your indoor living space for the maximum amount of natural air purifying. • CELEBRATE the summer solstice on June 21 by including neighbors in a midweek cook out. • REFRESH your wooden patio furniture with a splash of colorful paint or if it’s teak, give it a good cleaning. • SWING in a hammock while reading a good book. • FREEZE cherries or blueberries to add to your iced tea. • SURPRIZE dad with a new garden tool. (Keep the receipt in case he wants to exchange it!) Happy Father’s Day to all great dads! • RESEARCH the growing habits of trees you like. • STAKE your gladiolas before they topple. • APPLY a final dose of high nitrogen fertilizer to everything: ¬lawns, perennials, trees, and annuals before the heat begins. • POUR your coffee grinds and tea leaves on acid loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and fuchsias. • CUT out dead wood from privets, boxwoods, holly, and other hedges. • PUT on your overalls to work in your vegetable garden. Take it from the farmer in me-the more seeds you sow, the more food you’ll grow. • THIN fruits when they are the size of a penny on your overly populated trees. • THROW your graduates a garden party and serve homemade Meyer Lemonade. & Landscaping Congratulations to all the Lamorinda teens who are graduating this June and kudos Family owned in Moraga since 1987 to the parents and teachers who have done such an amazing job of cultivating blos- Your friendly neighborhood soming individuals. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with many of our ISA arborists Darren and Lew Edwards community’s youth through Be the Star You Are! charity, Express Yourself! radio show, KEEPING TREES HEALTHY Starstyle Coaching, and the Teen Scene column here in the Lamorinda Weekly. May Generally speaking, trees don’t need us to grow. But they need our help the gardens of your life continue to fertilize and grow YOU. to stay healthy and safe. Having your trees checked by an ISA arborist on a regular basis is a wise choice. As a professional we may be able to see Happy Gardening to You! the dangers that lark ahead and can solve them before they can become a ©2012 Cynthia Brian bigger problem or even dangerous. The Goddess Gardener So don’t wait until it’s too late, have a complete inspection by your local [email protected] ISA Certified Arborist at Advance Tree Service and Landscaping for all www.GoddessGardener.com your tree care needs. 925-377-7827 Advance Tree Service I am available as a s Your Authority on Trees and Landscape. peaker, designer, and consultant. 925-376-6528 Cynthia Brian repots cymbidiums and [email protected] www.advancetree.com stands under a redwood with climbing ivy. Follow us on Twitter (advancetree) and like us on Face Book (ADVANCETREESERVICEANDLANDSCAPINGINC.) Wed., June 6, 2012 OUR HOMES Page: D7

ASK CYNTHIA: Reader Requests

Dear Cynthia: Your column gives me great ideas and new ways to think about gardening. Thanks! I have a problem and hope you will shed some light. I read the story on the front page of the April 25th Lamorinda Weekly edition about “Moraga’s Johnny Redwood Seed” with trepidation. When we moved to our Orinda house we had beautiful sunset views until a neighbor below us planted redwoods. Our view is now gone, we have little sunshine, and our landscaping has died in the shade. We are very unhappy but they refuse to cut them down. What can we do? AJ family owned since 1933 Hello Orinda AJ: While I admire Kevin Bernie’s love of trees in the April 25th article, I don’t blame you for being discouraged. I agree with you that those trees must be topped or removed. Most CC & R’s, design review boards, and city ordinances provide provisions for maintaining views. Check with your city offices about the local tree regulations. If they can’t help you, unfor- tunately, you’ll probably need a lawyer and not a gardening guide. With that said, here’s a tree lesson for locals. At the time Moraga was known as Rancho Laguna de Los Palos Col- orados (Ranch of the Lake of Redwoods), Lamorinda was not a developed area. As ancient and majestic as redwoods are, and despite the fact that they are sold in most garden centers, they are not viable choices to plant in neigh- borhoods, unless one doesn’t care about being neighborly. DESIGN e Rid Redwoods are rapid growers, adding five to seven feet per year until INSTALLATION u g IRRIGATION l they eventually reach a height of 300-375 feet with a girth of twenty to e DRAINAGE B thirty feet. They will outlive us, our children, grandchildren, great grand- STONEWORK children, and beyond. CONCRETE WORK Redwoods block vistas and sunshine. As evergreens, they provide DECKS 925-258-9233 year round shade, limiting what will grow underneath. About a third of FENCES cell: 510-847-6160 their limbs drop yearly and the foliage will block drains and clog drain- PATIOS Landscape Company Inc. pipes. With shallow roots, they tend to suck nutrients out of the soil and LAWNS PONDS Blue Jay Feldman LICENSED if too near homes can destroy foundations, pathways, patios, and drive- CLEANUP & OWNER/OPERATOR INSURED ways. Being expensive to move, remove, or prune, redwoods were not in- HAULING www.blueridgelc.com Lic# 818633 tended for suburban yards. Unless you live at the top of the hill with no one around and you plan on being in that location forever, think thrice before planting a red- wood. In advance of digging that hole for that precious small tree that will quickly sprout to its reputation of being the tallest tree on earth, get the Garden Lights landscape & permission of those who live in front, behind, and next to you. They may pool development inc. have purchased their home for the amount of sunshine or pictorial views and paid a hefty price for that bonus. Your beloved redwoods will surely Garden Lights is an Award Winning destroy everything, including the friendship, within a few short years. Landscape Design-Build Firm Landscapers tend to plant in multiples of three to five meaning that your Offering Services in . . . trees have the potential to create a thirty story hedge over 150 feet wide. That is one giant fence. • Landscape Design & Installation With the abundance of beautiful trees available, visit redwoods Planting - Masonry - Concrete - Carpentry where they thrive…in a redwood grove. A drive through the beautiful, yet • Low-voltage Landscape Lighting dark dense redwood forests of Canyon provides plenty of warning of what • Pool / Spa Design, Installation & Remodels will transpire when we plant the tallest living specimen on this planet in our lots. • Water Gardens, Ponds & Waterfalls I wish you and your redwood neighbors peace and good fortune. Design & Install with just one call. Cynthia Brian 925-254-4797 The Goddess Gardener Cynthia will answer one or two questions per issue as space allows. Email Free Consultations your comments or questions to [email protected] Serving the Lamorinda Area for 18 years. Bonded – Licensed & Insured Lic. #702845 Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm.

ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA

THE VILLAGE ASSOCIATES:

New Listing New Listing New Listing Pending Ashley Battersby One Acacia Drive One Claremont Avenue 8 Beaconsfield Court 31 Tarabrook Drive Charm & convenience in this wonderful 1-level Classic No. Orinda hm w/contemp twist on flat Updated 3bd/2ba 1700 sf mid-century modern Nature lovers paradise nr town & Bart. Wood Patricia Battersby 3bd/2ba home of 1833 sf on .36 acre lot. Light lot close to town. Unbelievable remod kitchen; feel, hdwd flrs, granite counters, dual panes, panelling, raised beam ceilings, skylights & walls of & bright w/remod kitchen & master bath. Fr drs 2300 sf of comfortable, light-filled living fresh paint. Lots of light, court location, nr 12 glass. Lg fam rm. 5bd, updated kitchen, shaded patio Joan Cleveland to patio & lawns. space! years of top-rated schools. & decks, lovely gardens. Joan Eggers Offered at $799,000 Offered at $850,000 Offered at $879,000 Offered at $899,000 ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA Linda Ehrich Joan Evans Linda S Friedman Marianne Greene Dexter Honens II New Listing New Price New Listing New Listing 35 Charles Hill Court 50 Donna Maria Way 38 Mira Loma 83 El Gavilan Road Debbie Johnston Breathtaking pano views from updated 2493 sf 3bd/2ba Super remodel of all rms incl dlx new kitchen Ideal 5bd/4ba 4200 sf lg fam hm w/newly remod Eastern charm in spectacular setting. Lvl yd & custom contemp on .82 ac. Great rm w/updated chef's w/adj fam rm + butler's pantry. Lg master suite. baths & kitchen w/adj fam rm. Fun game rm, kids magnificent vus. Blt in 1998, superb materials, Susan Zeh Layng kitchen, stylish baths, A/C, spacious fam/media rm. All high end finishes & fixtures. 1-lvl EZ access floor & tons of space! EZ access outdoors to new grt natural light, hdwd flrs, gourmet kitchen, Move in ready! to flat lot/lawns. Walk to 12 yrs. schools. decks & lush gardens, views & privacy. butler's pantry. Flagstone patios. Art Lehman Offered at $1,079,000 Offered at $1,259,000 Offered at $1,395,000 Offered at $1,725,000 Charles Levine ORINDA ORINDA MORAGA MORAGA April Matthews Karen Murphy Ben Olsen Sue Olsen New Price New Listing New Listing Kurt Piper 6 Rich Acres Road 65 La Espiral 312 Corte Gabriel 1741 Spyglass NEW, NEW, New construction on almost 1 acre Villa Romantica! One of OCC's finest homes. Prime location w/pvt patio backing to open space. Spacious 4bd/2.5ba at the 4th fairway w/open Tara Rochlin amidst towering oaks, lvl lawn & lg stone patio. 4349 sf, 4bd/4ba on .69 acre knoll setting w/lvl Dramatic 3bd/2.5ba updated home + light & rooms & vaulted ceilings. 3424 sq ft of light 5bd/5ba. Pvt gated road close to town, chefs lawn, saltwater pool, patios/terraces. Incredible bright interior. Walk to town, trails, park...great & airy spaces on 3 levels, lg master suite & Judy Schoenrock kitchen w/adj fam rm. In-law w/LR, bd/ba. attn to detail, numerous upper-end amenities. location! rumpus room. Offered at $1,999,000 Offered at $2,350,000 Offered at $599,500 Offered at $929,000 Ann Sharf LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE Steve Smith Jeff Snell Lynda Snell Clark Thompson New Listing New Listing Ignacio Vega 3500 Moraga Blvd. 3645 Boyer Circle 2 Wellesley Drive 1225 Monticello Road Amazing location nr town, trails, schools, Bart Uniquely pvt 4bd/3.5ba 3600 sf custom hm on .76 ac Spectacular setting, unbelievable views. 5+ acres nr Desirable Happy Vly Glen contemp 5bd/3.5ba Terri Bates Walker & more. 4bd/3ba hm impressively blt w/high natural setting close to town. Lovely views, lvl play Briones. 3bd/2.5ba, fab kitchen & applis, Italian on pvt 1.31 ac. Entertainer's delight, Tuscan style quality materials & the finest craftsman finishes. area, fab decks, 3-car garage. Vaulted ceilings, hdwd lights, Marvin Fr drs to paver terrace. Sunny gardens, kitchen/fam rm, 3 view decks, gorgeous pool. Ann Ward Lg mstr w/spa-like bath, open kitchen. flrs, French & sliding doors. charming chicken coop. Tastefully remodeled thruout. Ofc w/sep ent. Dan Weil Offered at $1,150,000 Offered at $1,349,000 Offered at $1,395,000 Offered at $1,795,000 Margaret Zucker Visit www.villageassociates.com to see our weekly online previews. Click on Sunday Open House Friday after 5 PM for Open House listings

93 Moraga Way, Suite 103 Orinda, CA 94563 ASSOCIATES (925) 254-0505 or 1-866-856-VARE REAL ESTATE