July 2021 Orinda Votes to Hold Parade Despite COVID-19 Concerns by KRYS SHAHIN Staff Writer

Published by The Orinda Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit THE ORINDA NEWS Gratis www.theorindanews.com 12 Issues Annually Volume 36, Number 7 Delivered to 9,000 Households and Businesses in Orinda July 2021 Orinda Votes to Hold Parade Despite COVID-19 Concerns By KRYS SHAHIN Staff Writer

n June 2, the Orinda City Council Ovoted 3-2 to go ahead with the town’s annual Fourth of July parade this year despite continuing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration will be a scaled down version of its predecessors after its cancel- lation last year. It will include the mile-long parade and concert in the Orinda Com- munity Park in the afternoon, but will not include the petting zoo, bouncy houses, bleachers for sitting or food booths that normally bring the community together. The parade is set to start at 11 a.m. from the Theatre Side of town to allow people to join after Sunday services, according to The SALLY HOGARTY Orinda Association President Bill Water- The annual Fourth of July parade is back. With July 4 falling on a Sunday this year, the parade will start at 11 a.m. rather than the usual 10 a.m. start time. For man. If people are unable to participate complete information on the parade and other festivities, see Pages 9-13. in person, a livestream will also be made available at 10:30 a.m. for residents to tune 9 a.m., along with the start of the 2-mile into the festivities from home, according “Fun Run for a Reason” to support the Orinda and Moraga Residents Sign to Waterman. Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood There will be a flag raising ceremony at Foundation that will last until 10:30 a.m. Petition for Baitx’ Recusal from MOFD Participants are encouraged to start and finish their walk/run anytime between 9 By KRYS SHAHIN ation of the MOFD/ConFire merger on the and 10:30 a.m. There will be no official Staff Writer Board’s agenda. start with large groups, but rather staggered “He is one of three members of the Board small groups. fter the Moraga-Orinda Fire District aligned with the employees’ union, not The City Council authorized the closure A(MOFD) Board of Directors contro- the residents of Orinda and Moraga,” said of a portion of Moraga Way, Brookwood versy about merging with the Contra Costa Orinda resident Steve Cohn in an email. Road, Camino Pablo, Santa Maria Way and Fire Protection District (ConFire), the “It is important to demand that Greg Baitx Orinda Way for the parade to take place Board now faces another controversy just recuse himself, turning a 3:2 majority into during their June 2 meeting. as incendiary – whether MOFD Director [SEE MOFD page 6] Councilmember Inga Miller and Mayor Gregory Baitx should recuse himself from RICHARD WESTIN | ORINDA NEWS ARCHIVES Amy Worth expressed concern for holding all labor negotiations. With a 3-2 vote win, Orindans and city officials decided Orinda will have it’s 4th of July parade this the event this year, but Councilmembers Although the Board agreed to no longer year after all, yet it will be a scaled down version Nick Kosla, Darlene Gee and Vice Mayor pursue the merger topic, Director Baitx, of past year’s parade due to safety precautions. [SEE PARADE page 5] who put the hot topic on the May agenda, is now under fire by a group of Orinda citizens citing an “apparent conflict of interest.” The alleged conflict of interest involves Director Baitx participating in labor negotiations while being an MOFD board member and an active firefighter with the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District according to Former Mayor Sue Severson. The Orinda News has made multiple attempts to contact Baitx and as of publication, there has been no response. Severson said there is a large, grassroots group in the community that “has interest in making sure we keep our excellent level of fire service.” The group of residents, including former Orinda City Council Members, created a website (https://bit.ly/2U608ni) defining COURTESY OF MOFD why they believe Baitx has a conflict of District 1 Board Member Gregory Baitx, an active firefighter and elected by Moraga residents of interest. The site also alleges Baitx’s union District 1, was asked to recuse himself from any president asked him to put the consider- union business coming before the MOFD Board.

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NON-PROFIT Calendar 19 2 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com COMMUNITY | SCHOOLS | STATE OUSD and Parents Address Concerns About New History Textbooks

By TRISTAN SHAUGHNESSY Staff Writer

n June 7, the Orinda Union School ODistrict’s (OUSD) Board of Trustees agreed to purchase new K-5 history textbooks for the upcoming school year after more than an hour of intense debate. At the meeting, some Orindans expressed concern with the proposed materials, calling selections inaccurate and racist. Resi- dents suggested that instead of purchasing the books for three years, as originally proposed, the Board should approve only a one-year contract and begin looking for BOBBIE DODSON other options immediately. Beekeeper Anna Lisa Kronman points to the queen. All the bees are attuned to the queen’s scent. Her David Schrag, the district’s Director of entire job is laying eggs and she will lay thousands of them over the course of her life. Curriculum and Instruction, however, said

such a proposal would not give teachers TRISTAN SHAUGHNESSY enough time to learn the material. “Any- Cover illustration for one of the social studies text- Orindan Anna Lisa Kronman thing shorter than three years would be books the OUSD Board agreed to purchase in June; this one comes with controversy from the parents. really tough for our teachers,” he said. Provides Good Home for Bees Current K-5 history textbooks were ad- statements said that this action would help By BOBBIE DODSON Bee Culture, in my mailbox addressed to opted in 2006 according to the meeting’s bring the “voices of marginalized commu- Staff writer our cat. Then another. So, I thought I should agenda. The June OUSD Board discussion nities” into the classroom in the hopes of at least look at them, and it proved interest- came after a year of change for California promoting “racial justice.” hen Miramonte discovered a swarm ing,” said Kronman. “After six months of schools with shifting protocols in place OUSD began the current selection pro- Wof bees on campus, Orinda bee - this, I said to my husband, ‘Let’s get some in response to the pandemic and calls for cess for a new history textbook in 2019. keeper Anna Lisa Kronman, a member bees and try it.’” response to Black Lives Matters concerns. Schrag said at the June meeting that the dis- of Diablo Beekeepers Association, came They drove to Sacramento to purchase At the high school level, the state’s trict had only four state-supported options to the rescue. It was a win-win situation. everything they needed. That was some 10 department of education said in a press from which to choose. After a committee Kronman got more bees for her hives, and years ago, and Kronman is hooked. release that California would be the first of teachers from every grade level reviewed the school rid itself of a problem. “Bees are amazing to watch,” she said. in the country to offer a teaching model these materials, he said they agreed that the “It’s a service of the Association. Call “I like to take pictures in slow motion re- for high school ethnic studies courses. The [SEE SCHOOLS page 10] and someone will come,” said Kronman. ally to observe them. All worker bees are One of 250 beekeepers in the Lamorinda female. In the videos, you can see they seem area, Kronman explained she became one to collect either pollen or nectar. Drones are Landmark Mental Health AB-988 after several nudges. the male honeybees. Their only function “My visiting son said, ‘Mom, you is to fertilize a young queen bee. They are Bill Passes Assembly this Month should keep bees since you have so many visibly larger and stouter than workers.” plants they favor like lavender and rose- Kronman said the queen can vary in size, By KEN HOGARTY aims to deploy mental health profession- mary.’Soon, I found a beekeeper magazine, [SEE BEES page 3] Staff Writer als, rather than police officers, in situa- tions of mental health crises and address ssemblymember Rebecca Bauer- systemic inequalities according to the AKahan’s (D-Orinda) mental health author. emergency crisis response legislation, “We need to finally rethink and redesign AB 988, termed “landmark” by her staff, how we respond to those in mental health passed off the Assembly floor June 3 crisis,” said Assemblymember Bauer- with a vote of 70-0. This “Miles Hall Kahan. “AB 988 fundamentally changes Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act” our approach by putting care and training follows two other Bauer-Kahan justice ahead of confrontation and arrest. It is reform bills, AB 731 and AB 624, which poignant this bill passed the Assembly on passed through the assembly the prior the two-year anniversary of the tragic death week. of Miles Hall.” AB 988 will implement statewide the The Miles Hall Lifeline Act is named new nationwide 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention for Miles Hall, a 23-year-old Black man, and Mental Health Crisis Hotline created shot and killed by officers in 2019 while last year by the Federal Communications suffering from a mental health crisis. In Commission and Congress. The new sys- the case of serious public safety threats, the tem will provide an alternative to 911. It [SEE AB 988 page 7] www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 3 THE ORINDA ASSOCIATION

A Message From the OA Board The Orinda Association

Enthusiastic Volunteer The Orinda Association is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to: • Maintaining and improving the quality of life in Orinda; Kyle Arteaga • Promoting awareness and discussion of issues that are important to the community; e are thrilled to see you and your appointments, shop for their groceries, • Encouraging and recognizing volunteer efforts to enhance the Wneighbors at the Fourth of July pa- and check on them to make sure they were beauty, character and security of Orinda. rade. It will be the first time we can truly doing okay. Visit our office at 26 Orinda Way The Orinda Association celebrate our newly regained freedoms for So, when one of our most dependable (Library Plaza) P.O. Box 97 us and our country. volunteers had to step back recently, we Phone: 254-0800 Orinda, CA 94563 Let this remind us that independence were sad but understood. Soon after, how- www.OrindaAssociation.org is important for all generations. The past ever, Lucy Berkman walked into the Orinda year was isolating, especially for our Association office. Lucy, a 16-year-old OFFICERS BOARD MEMBERS President Bill Waterman Kyle Arteaga seniors. As we sat in our comfortable high school junior at Miramonte, decided Vice President Sally Hogarty Carlos Baltodano houses reconnecting with our families, she wanted to give back to the community Secretary Bryan Silveira Barb Brawner some of our neighbors were left alone once distance guidelines ended. And while Treasurer Cindy Powell Jacalyn Buettner City Council Liaison Inga Miller Joe Haughin – Board Member Emeritus without the ability to shop or care for she isn’t old enough to drive for Seniors Chris Laszcz-Davis themselves. Around Town (drivers must be 25), she Diane Lautz Thankfully, a handful of volunteers volunteered to shop for some of our seniors Latika Malkani Marianne Moser continued to drive our seniors to doctors’ [SEE BOARD page 4] Devan Sudra Kate Wiley ing; a hive tool for prying apart frames; veil t BEES from page 2 and gloves or full body suits for protection; All officers and board members volunteer their time. but she is usually only slightly larger than a and feeders to hold sugar syrup when natu- worker bee. It’s her shape that distinguishes ral nectar is not available. her. Her abdomen is long and so are her While it’s estimated there are two tril- legs. Her wings are short in comparison lion bees in the world and 20,000 species, with her body and do not reach the end an average hive will have about 30,000 of her abdomen. Her back is bald, black bees. They are the chief pollinators of the and shiny. world’s flowers while providing beauty as “Because queens are in the business well as food. In fact, one-third of the food of laying eggs, the most likely place to we eat depends on bees. find your queen is in the nursery,” said Some bees don’t produce honey but Kronman. have a specific purpose. For example, the Kronman feels beekeeping to be time- Dogwood genus, Cornus, is kept alive by consuming, though not hard. She added, three rare species of miner bees. “It smells good.” Kronman said pesticides and herbicides She is pleased that some years she gets can be deadly to bees. 50 pounds of honey. “There is also a mite problem,” she said. “While I like the honey, I also keep bees “In recent years, mites have weakened the because I want to give bees a good spot to bee population. Fortunately, they haven’t be,” she said. “I give them a bee hotel, and come to my hives. My purpose is to give they pollinate the flowers and fruit trees in bees a safe space to be, so they will thrive, my garden.” collect pollen and nectar and be revived Items typically needed to start include: and provide honey for my morning toast!” bee hives and a stand to keep them off the ground; wooden frames to hold beeswax; Bobbie Dodson can be reached at smokers, which calm bees and reduce sting- [email protected]. Fitness Tip of the Month The Key to Fitness is Change In accordance with Newton’s first law, a body in motion stays in motion...In eating and physical activity we need periodic variation to induce fat loss and muscle gain. Intermittent measurements tell us when the variation is needed. This is a very efficient way of getting in shape. For more information, contact Sheena with Living Lean personal training and eating for elite fitness at 925.360.7051 or www.thelivingleanprogram.com. 4 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com EDITORIAL Editorial Change is in the Air and the Newspaper! ith the lifting of most COVID-era rest of us on our toes! Wrestrictions, we are all experiencing June always marked the month of gradu- more freedom and a return to a more normal ation, so this issue, we’ve highlighted 41 pre-pandemic life. We, like many of you, talented high school students who won find not wearing masks everywhere a wel- the Poul Anderson Writing Awards (see come change. But we’re also proceeding page 16). with caution, as some of our friends and Also check out the American Association neighbors are still too young to receive the of University Women-Orinda, Moraga, vaccine or have health conditions that make Lafayette scholarships awarded to 36 lo- the vaccine dangerous for them. cal and deserving young women and teens The same holds true for our Fourth of (page 14), who excelled in STEM programs July Parade. With the support of many throughout the academic year. Orindans, The Orinda Association will hold One thing we know about Orindans is the parade this year, but it will be a slightly they are passionate about the city they live smaller parade and the festivities in the park in and their surrounding communities. are limited to a concert. Masks will also be You’ll find controversy rising up within available and, although not mandatory, are our MOFD department (see page 1) about strongly recommended to protect our more conflicts of interests. At The Orinda vulnerable citizens. News, we encourage community member The Orinda News has also instituted a voices to speak up by writing letters to the List of The Orinda News Advertisers few changes. Our Business Buzz Column editor, which are due by the 8th of each Page Page usually found on the back page will now month prior to the next months’ issue. To Automotive State Farm, Bryan Silveira 8 be a feature on a local business paired with voice your opinions, send your email to Mash Gas and Food 1 State Farm, Kelly Sopak 3 Orinda Motors 7 Wilder Owners’ Association 24 David Born’s Financial Column. [email protected]. Orinda Shell Auto Care 9 Real Estate We are grateful to our various Business COVID went ahead and messed with so Beauty and Fitness AG Realty Buzz writers over the years, Charlie Jar- many areas of our lives, to include our lo- CoreKinetics 20 The Gailas Team 3 rett, Valerie Nevin and Elana O’Loskey. cal artists who were previously scheduled Nancy Henderson Personal Training 21 Coldwell Banker Living Lean Exercise & Eating Program 10 Laura Abrams 13 While Jarrett and Nevin are no longer to showcase their artwork in the Orinda Cleaning Services Suzanne Toner Geoffrion 24 with the paper, O’Loskey will continue to Library gallery from March 2020 forward. Kirby Carpet Cleaning 6 Shellie Kirby 12 keep us informed on the visual, and now Therefore, our writer Elana O’Loskey is Dental Compass performing arts, in our area. If you have an happy to present a photo slideshow of 20 Dr. Mary Smith DDS 21 Jay Williams 12 Educational Dudum Real Estate Group idea for a business feature, please contract curated art pieces on our website, located Orinda Parks & Rec 14 Christina Linezo 10 [email protected]. at https://bit.ly/3vyoVh2. Soon, both the Orinda Union School District 18 The Grubb Company We also have Miramonte student Ania Wilder Gallery and Library Gallery will Garden/Landscaping Rebecca Ciccio 16 Keenan as one of our regular writers and- schedule artists’ displays on their walls Ken’s Rototilling 24 Alexis Thompson 22 McDonnell Nursery 16 Sotheby’s Charis Woo as our summer intern (see page again. Tree Sculpture 18 Ann Newton Cane 19 5). It’s always a pleasure to work with our – Sally Hogarty, Executive Editor and Medical Village Associates talented and energetic teens that keep the Charleen Earley, Editor-in-Chief Canopy Health 2 Shannon Conner 8 Dr. Brian Clark, Psy.D. 14 Dexter Honens II 18 Medicine Shoppe 16 April Matthews 21 Nonprofit Murphy Team - Karen & Hilary Murphy 2 Letter to the Editor ONE Orinda Ann Sharf 9 Orinda Classic Car Show 5 Clark Thompson 20 Controlling Our Taxes Going To The real story, though, is how Orinda The Orinda Association 3, 16 Village Associates Professional Service Restaurants/Catering MOFD and Moraga have given up or lost control 5A Rent-A-Space 11 Baan Thai 6 By the time this letter is posted, a petition of 29 million tax dollars, annually dedi- A1 Home Roofing Company 22 Casa Orinda 6 with over 1,000 signatures will have been cated to emergency services. How a small East Bay MUD 23 Farmers’ Market 23 presented to MOFD Director Greg Baitx group of municipal employees, whose Green Sheds 11 Fourth Bore 15 Law Office of Victoria Robinson Smith 13 Siam Orchid 13 and the entire MOFD Board demanding services we appreciate and require, can Park Place Wealth Advisors 11 Zamboni’s Pizza Company 22 that Baitx recuse himself from the firefight- take over our independent “fire” depart- Premier Kitchens 19 Retail er wage and benefit contract talks and vote ment. This needs to be understood by the Professional Property Management 20 McCaulou’s 19 because of a serious conflict of interest. community. Recycle Smart 17 His conflict of interest is obvi- The City of Orinda and Town of Moraga ous (see www.orindaroadfacts.info/ need to separately and jointly rectify this t BOARD from page 3 volunteering helps take the awkwardness mofd-recusal-petition for a summa- loss of control. They first need to un- out of meeting new people while providing ry). Two other Directors also have a derstand (by creating standing commit- and offered to recruit some of her friends me with the satisfaction of helping others. conflict (major underwriting of their tees/commissions) what services we are to do the same. So, if you are looking to get more campaigns by the employees’ union - receiving from MOFD and what we are We in the office left that day smiling from involved, you can volunteer, even if it’s see www.orindaroadfacts.info/other), but paying for them; and then they need to ear to ear. She reminded us of the volunteer just for an hour a month. Alternatively, if they all recused themselves, there would make sure we are getting the services we spirit that has always made Orinda special. if you prefer, you can donate. Either not be a quorum of the board to agree to want and need and are paying for (but not Just as one door closes, another opens. It’s way, every little bit helps. So be like a contract. If only Baitx recuses himself, receiving). heartening to see our kids carry that torch Lucy and contact us at 925.402.4506 or then the independent directors (Jorgens Individuals cannot do this alone. The forward. [email protected]; I and Jex) will be on an equal footing with cities need to act on our behalf to ensure We’re all stumbling towards normalcy, promise you won’t regret it. the union-affiliated directors (Danziger and our well-being. That’s the whole purpose like a toddler who just learned to walk, Donner) and the communities best interests of representative democracy. each of us trying to find our way to re- Kyle Arteaga can be reached at can be served. – Steve Cohn connect with others. But, at least for me, [email protected]

The Orinda News prints 9,000 copies and is published 12 times a year Opinions of The Orinda News are expressed on the by The Orinda Association. The office is located at 26 Orinda Way The Orinda News editorial page. Views of writers and letters to the editor are (lower level of the Library). All rights reserved. The publication is sent A Publication of their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The out by direct mail (Permit #4, Orinda Post Office), distributed to key The Orinda Association Orinda Association or of The Orinda News. Advertisements locations throughout the city and online at www.theorindanews.com. Mailing Address appearing in The Orinda News are not to be construed as P.O. Box 97 endorsements by The Orinda Association or The Orinda News. Orinda, California 94563 Executive Editor ...... Sally Hogarty Letters to the Editor are printed on a space-available Telephone: 925.254.0800 Editor-in-Chief ...... Charleen Earley basis and should be no longer than 400 words. They must in- Assistant Editors ...... David Dierks, Kathy Bohanan Enzerink clude the writer’s first and last name, signature and telephone Copy Editor ...... Ken Hogarty www.theorindanews.com Editorial Committee ...... Jill Gelster, Cindy Powell, Bill Waterman number. Advertising Representatives ...... Kathy Bohanan Enzerink, Send letters to: Editor, The Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Jill Gelster, Elana O’Loskey Orinda, CA 94563, or email to [email protected]. Staff Writers ...... Mimi Bommarito, David Born, Bobbie Dodson, Letters to Editor for the August issue are due July 8. Ken Hogarty, Barbara Kobsar, Elana O’Loskey, Krys Shahin, Tristan Shaughnessy, Tom Westlake For display advertising rates, call Jill Gelster at 925.528.9225 Contributing Writers ...... Kyle Arteaga, Raymond Kunz, ([email protected]), Elana O’Loskey at 925.984.1751 Mary Ann Mcleod, Ariele Taylor, Jane Wiser ([email protected]) or Kathy Enzerink at 252.626.2109 Graphics/Layout ...... Aspen Consulting: Jill Gelster, David Dierks Printing ...... Folger Graphics ([email protected]). The deadline for the August The OA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. issue is July 8. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 5 STUDENT t PARADE from page 1 Citizens are excited to get back into community events and to have a sense of Accomplished Teen Charis Woo Dennis Fay voted for it. normalcy. Though she is against having the parade “It would be good to have something,” Interns for The Orinda News this year and would rather postpone it until said resident Shannon Pedroni during the the next, Mayor Worth says she will be at June 2 meeting. “I for one would feel com- By SALLY HOGARTY the parade with a mask on. fortable and confident and think it would Executive Editor “I certainly want to support the commu- be a great event.” nity event, and I look forward to supporting Postcards for the event explaining masks ell-rounded doesn’t begin to describe this community,” said Worth. “There are a for unvaccinated individuals are recom- WCharis Woo, who began interning lot of uncertainties. I looked forward to us mended by the County Health Department with The Orinda News in June. In addition having a Fourth of July parade, but we do and encouraging masks for everyone will to enjoying writing, history and English, the not know what will happen as we start to be sent to all Orinda residents in late June. rising junior at Head-Royce also plays the open up.” Orinda’s vaccination rate is higher than harp, crews with Oakland Strokes, swims Kosla said his reasoning in voting to go most cities in Contra Costa County with in San Francisco Bay raising money for forward with the traditional event this year 83.6% of residents partially vaccinated various charities and has clocked over 200 was solidified after going to graduation and 74.7% fully vaccinated as of the June hours at the Contra Costa Solano County parties over the past few weeks where he 2 meeting according to the Contra Costa Food bank since COVID-19 began. saw people “being respectful and wearing Health Department. “I fell in love with the harp when I was masks.” Though most of the city is at least par- just five. My mother and I were walking Worth’s counter was the schools have tially vaccinated, Worth says her main by a store in Walnut Creek and I heard this more control over how many people show concern is that “there is no clear, no black beautiful music. I’ve been playing ever up to graduation, which is a “once in a life- and white,” on how to get back to normal since. I love playing at my grandmother’s time event.” Schools were able to mandate without mandatory guidelines. She called retirement home and would like to do the how many people per student could attend things like the parade still “in this gray same at other senior centers. Recently, the celebration while also requiring masks. area.” though, the harp has taken a backseat to SALLY HOGARTY High school junior Charis Woo is the new student The city, conversely, can only do what the Concerns were raised by city officials crew,” said Woo. intern for The Orinda News. state and county require as mandatory about turnout to the parade since Piedmont, guidelines. Concord, Clayton, Martinez and Danville school paper, to her schedule at Head- Which is exactly what The Orinda As- have all canceled or postponed their own "I fell in love with the harp when Royce. sociation (OA) intended when it pitched city celebrations. But Lautz and Water- I was just five," said Charis Woo Woo has always lived in Orinda where the suggested celebration to city officials, man assured them that in years where the she attended Sleepy Hollow Elementary according to OA Board Member Diane parade lands on a Sunday, turnout is lower School before transferring to Head-Royce Lautz. and typically hovers in the 2,000 to 3,000 The busy young woman, who was previ- as a sixth-grader. The OA, which has held the parade annu- participant range. ously a member of the Orinda Country Club In 2019, she won the Voice of Democracy ally since 1985, typically begins planning Lautz argued that there are not enough swim team, plans on doing her second open essay contest sponsored by local Veterans the event early in the new year. Planning parking spots available for nonresidents to water swim for Swim Across America on of Foreign War (VFW) Post 8063. She went for this one was no different than usual join in the festivities, and with Bay Area Oct. 3. The 1.5-mile swim benefits UCSF on to Sacramento for the state competition. according to Waterman. Rapid Transit only serving 20% of its nor- Benioff Children’s Hospitals’ fight against “I didn’t win the state prize, but my “[We] met back in January and talked to mal ridership, it would be difficult to get to cancer. younger brother, Christian, did this year volunteers and the OA Board with the un- Orinda without a car. “It’s very different swimming in open in the middle school category,” said Woo. derstanding that we would only go forward “We are being thoughtful about what we water. On my last swim, the waves and The energetic teen will do a variety of within CDC and county guidelines,” said are doing,” said Lautz. “We feel that people current forced me to stop a lot to be sure I projects for The Orinda News to include fil- Lautz. “We’ve been going forward with that are ready to get back to normalcy.” was still on course,” Woo said. ing, factchecking and writing a few stories. in mind since. We were resigned to stop if Journalism piqued Woo’s interest when the regulations said that we couldn’t [have Krys Shanin can be reached at she added an Expository Writing class, Sally Hogarty can be reached at the event].” [email protected]. which included writing and editing the [email protected]. 6 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com EVERYDAY ORINDA t MOFD from page 1 to use his official position to influence a governmental decision in which he knows a 2:2 compromise.” or has reason to know he has a financial Everyday rinda Baitx, who represents District 1 in Mor- interest.” aga, was absent from the June 16 meeting Government Code section § 1090 also Adulting Still Includes Storytime when the May online petition calling for states that “members of the Legislature, his recusal was presented by former Mayor state, county, district, judicial district, Laura Abrams. With 1,150 signatures from and city officers or employees shall not MIMI BOMMARITO Moraga and Orinda, it demanded he recuse be financially interested in any contract himself from the labor negotiations. made by them in their official capacity, or “The communities you have been elected by any body or board of which they are ood and fireworks aside, July Fourth third grade field trip I was happy to have to serve no longer trust you as the com- members.” Fconjures an array of visual images chaperoned. munity representative and have lost faith Board President Jorgens added that “This plucked straight from the illustrations in How many readers knew the boxy little that you have the resident’s best interest particular recusal decision is up to Director a history book: defeated Redcoats, quill structure with the funky roof that sits in at heart and believe that you place outside Baitx, but if I had his set of circumstances, pens and parchment, and wigged white men front of East Bay Pediatrics at the intersec- interests above Moraga-Orinda citizens,” I would recuse myself.” wearing knickers and stockings, a fashion tion of Bates and Davis Road was once our said Abrams. “You cannot serve two A memo will be written by Director trend that, thankfully, never repeated until train depot? Granted, the railroad only ran masters. You cannot negotiate the best John Jex and submitted to the California Hamilton hit Broadway. from Emeryville to Orinda, and then backed union contract for your constituents for Fair Political Practices Commission for In reality, countless lesser events – rarely up to Emeryville, no joke, in reverse. The paying the bill on one hand and negotiate review to seek an opinion, according to dissected in a classroom – led to the cre- train chronically ran so behind schedule its against your union president and fire sup- Jorgens. ation of this country. Sounds so obvious, motto was, “Better a late train than no train pression brotherhood on the other hand. Controversy has surrounded the board but how easily we forget we didn’t drop at all.” As a lifelong “Petticoat Junction” Walk away from the negotiation table and since Directors Steve Dazinger, Michael from a stork, and our towns and cities and fan, this charming tidbit of local history leave it to the remaining four directors to Donner and Baitx were elected in 2018 the means that connect them didn’t drop suckered me right in. negotiate …. There is passion and deter- (www.theorindanews.com) with the back- from … well, bigger storks? And why is it called the DeLaveaga mination from both communities to have ing of the firefighters union. “Our opinion During my recent “roots research” trip to Depot when our town is called Orinda? this process be legitimate and without about why we endorse certain candidates the rural Nebraska Sandhills, my joy over- Because E.I. DeLaveaga, an investor from tarnish.” is to maintain a level of protection for this flowed as I Willa Cather-ed my way over San Francisco, purchased the land in fore- The MOFD Board governing documents community,” said Vince Wells, president the prairie acres my people have tended closure from William Walker Camron, the require “recusal for an ‘apparent’ conflict of Firefighters Local 1230, at the time. since they were part of the Homestead Act first developer. of interest in addition to an actual conflict “We believe we stood up for the com- of 1862. Camron’s wife enjoyed the poetry of of interest.” MOFD Board President Craig munity by endorsing these candidates. I One evening, after my cousin and I Katherine Philips, an English poet of the Jorgens said MOFD provides a “higher do not want to have this Board make deci- sipped a little “liquid courage,” we knocked 17th century known as “The Matchless standard for conflicts of interest than Cali- sions or have members of the community on the door of the magnificent home my Orinda,” “Orinda” being the poet’s pseud- fornia State law mandates.” think that what the Board decides to do is Austrian great grandfather built and asked onym. In her honor, Alice Camron named According to the State of California based on the fact that we supported these for a peek inside. I wish I had the space to their estate “Orinda Park.” And now we Department of Justice, Gov. Code, § 87100 candidates.” fully describe the tour. Fever dreams have know why OPP is called Orinda Park Pool. et seq. “no public official at any level of made more sense. Seriously. You never know when you’ll state or local government shall make, par- Krys Shanin can be reached at The talkative, eclectic owners, with at be asked a trivia question for big money. ticipate in making or in any way attempt [email protected]. least 17 major DIY construction projects You can thank me later. at various stages of completion through- “But wait, there’s more.” You see, Wil- out the house, were surprisingly eager liam Camron hit a rough patch, lost all to explain all of them. Meanwhile, their his money and ditched his family. His teenagers grumbled, and Mittens, their wife had to relinquish her beloved Orinda cat, nibbled from a pot of what appeared Park, selling to DeLaveaga. Is it just me, to be yesterday’s dinner coagulating on the or can’t you see this story making a great stove. Fortunately, the one thing they hadn’t episode of Comedy Central’s “Drunk altered was the staircase my grandmother History?” descended on Christmas Day, 1914, to This Fourth of July, ask your older lovies marry my grandfather. to share their stories. Excavate the smallest Few stories make it into history books, moments: what was their favorite sweet? but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. How did they style their hair? Describe History is sacred, especially the small mo- their first job. What made them laugh the ments. Our number of grandparents double hardest? Gently pry the story floodgates with every generation. The cosmic Rube open. Learn their favorite novel, and then Goldberg machine explains how each of you read it too. Travel the pages with them. us eventually achieved a birth certificate The elderly weren’t always frail and hard containing many avenues worthy of explo- of hearing; tales of their coltish years just ration. Every story was “woven against a might surprise you. Left untold, their sto- backdrop” of something. ries will be the only gold taken with them Although I have no ancestors from to the grave. Orinda, I still found our local Walking History Tour, presented by a member of the Mimi Bommarito can be reached at Orinda Historical Society, fascinating — a [email protected]. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 7 CAR TIME / POLICE

Car Time POLICE BLOTTER I think I Need Brakes, Right? May 1 through June 14 Calls for Service St. Stephens Vista RAYMOND KUNZ Accident Injury: 1 incident: Camino Identity Theft: 1 incident Pablo Outside Assist: 3 incidents ou’re driving down the street and a low initial quote or estimate, take the car Armed Robbery: 1 incident: El Nido Petty Theft: 2 incidents Ycoming to a stop and hear a squeak apart for the inspection and then suddenly Ranch Cir. Petty Theft from Vehicle: 3 incidents: or squeal. You know you need new brakes the price doubles or more! Are you really Burglary, Auto: 2 incidents: Orinda Acacia Dr., Muth Dr., Bates Blvd. ... right? So, you go to Google and search going to take it out of the shop after it is all Way, Moraga Way Possession of Firearm, Felony: 1 for a “brake shop” in your area, call them apart? In most cases, the answer is “no.” Burglary, Commercial: 3 incidents: incident and ask how much to replace your brakes. So, what is a complete brake job? Camino Pablo, Irwin Way, Theatre Shoplift: 3 incidents: Orinda Way, At this point, the first question someone Although there are exceptions, for the Square Camino Pablo (2) should ask is, “When can you get it in so most part you want new brake pads as Court Order Violation: 1 incident Tow: 2 incidents that we can perform a brake inspection?” well as new rotors and brake sensors (if Death Non-Criminal: 3 incidents Vandalism: 3 incidents Literally speaking, this is the only answer equipped). Some vehicles require clean- DUI Misdemeanor: 1 incident Vehicle Theft: 4 incidents: Van Tassel personnel at the shop can give you until ing and repacking the wheel bearings and Evading Police, Wrong Way Driver: Ln., La Cuesta Rd., Brookwood they do an inspection. replacing the bearing seals as well. 1 incident Rd., Arbolado Ct. And here’s why. Things like vehicle Steer clear of “machining” the rotors if Extortion: 1 incident Weapons Violation: 1 incident GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), tire, rotor possible. This removes material from the Failure to Obey Officer: 1 incident or drum size, 4-wheel disc, front disc and rotors to “true” them, making them thinner Found Property: 2 incidents Arrest rear drum, floater rear differential, and even and generally causing pulsation from rotor Forgery: 1 incident Recovered Vehicle: 1 recovery whether or not it is a European vehicle, all warpage. Although machining the rotors Fraud: 1 incident Warrant Arrest: 2 arrests make a difference. has been an acceptable process in the past, Grand Theft Vehicle Parts: 3 incidents: Unfortunately, most consumers can’t an- more and more manufacturers recommend Camino Del Diablo, Irwin Way, – Compiled by David Dierks swer all the questions that need to be asked rotor replacement as opposed to machining Hillcrest Dr. Assistant Editor in order to give an estimate over the phone! for various reasons. This is also recom- Hit & Run Misdemeanor: 1 incident: Beware of shops who say they can give mended by most brake specialists as well. you an estimate over the phone without hav- The bottom line: no one can give you a ing access to all these details because that price for your brake job without looking t AB 988 from page 2 This legislation is a critical piece of a can be a bait and switch tactic used in this at the car and performing a brake inspec- broader effort to decriminalize mental industry for years. Such shops get you in on tion first. Do you really want to rely on the bill does stipulate mobile crisis teams and illness.” cheapest price to stop your car? Quality law enforcement would work in tandem to AB 988 is currently in policy committees work with brand name parts and a long deescalate the situation. before moving to the senate fiscal commit- warranty should be what you are looking Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan tee. If cleared, it would go to the senate for, regardless of the job. partnered with the Steinberg Institute, The floor for a vote and back to the assembly For those of you who may think “auto- Kennedy Forum, Contra Costa County, for a concurrence vote on any amendments repair” is easy, remember my mantra: There NAMI of Contra Costa County, and the made in the senate. The bill has until Sept. is more computing power in most newer Miles Hall Foundation in introducing the 10 to be cleared by the legislature with vehicles nowadays than there was in the bill. final action from the Governor no later Saturn rocket that sent man to the moon! Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, than Oct. 10. The Steinberg Institute’s founder, said SHUTTERSTOCK Raymond Kunz can be reached at “Law enforcement should not be ex- Ken Hogarty can be reached at Most manufacturers recommend rotor replacement over machining. [email protected]. pected to be experts in mental health. [email protected]. 8 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com PERFORMING ARTS Cal Shakes The Winter’s Tale Sept. Plus Music and Opera in July

By ELANA O’LOSKEY stage. On July 2, Paper Moon Presents Staff Writer legendary blues musician Taj Mahal. Singer Gaby Moreno opens the night, part of rtistic Director Eric Ting, Resident the Measure for Measure Concert Series. ADramaturg Philippa Kelly and ev- Doors open at 5 p.m.; the show starts at eryone at Cal Shakes is busy preparing 7 p.m. for their full production of The Winter’s On July 3, Rebirth Brass Band, a New Tale. Ting and Kelly have created a new Orleans institution, performs with power- DAVID DIERKS adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, which house vocalist Destani Wolf. Doors open The stage at the Orinda Community Center Amphitheater is home to the Orinda Starlight Village Players will run Sept. 1-26 at the renowned Bruns at 5, show at 6 p.m. Tickets are limited, during the summer months. This year the players are not building a theater and are performing reader’s Amphitheater. The cast and creative team and all Paper Moon shows require proof theater productions on the bare stage. will be announced soon. of vaccination and masks. Get tickets Only one play is scheduled because of and all public safety information at www. OrSVP Presents Stories by Starlight the changing landscape in relation to the papermoonpresents.com. By DAVID DIERKS said Administrative Director Jill Gelster. pandemic and the movement for racial From July 24 to Aug. 8, the West Edge Assistant Editor “Actors, however, are holding a script and equality, so important as all theater com- Festival, West Edge Opera, will run three performing standing in place on the stage panies reemerge. weekends and three operas at the Bruns. he Orinda Starlight Village Players rather than interacting. This way we can Ting, the tale’s director, said, “… we’re One opera is from early music, one from T(OrSVP) return this summer to the maintain social distancing.” thrilled to welcome audiences back with the 20th century and one contemporary. Orinda Community Center Park Amphithe- Shows offered include: Shakespeare’s extraordinary passion play. Catch Eliogabalo by Francesco Cavalli; ater with eight weekends of entertainment • Tartuffe by Moliere, adapted by Part tragedy, part comedy, it’s the very Kataya Kabanova by Czech composer Leoš starting Aug. 6 and running through Oct. Patrick Cleary capsule of this moment.” Janácek; and Elizabeth Cree by Kevin Puts 3 (dark on Labor Day weekend). Due to • Two Left Feet by P.G. Wodehouse First performed in 1611, this adaptation and Mark Campbell. Visit www.wested- COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainty, with The Town in the Library, the is a winter’s tale that winds an extraor- geopera.org/festival-2021 for information OrSVP is producing eight individual shows, Library in the Town by Edith Nesbit dinary path from rage to redemption and and tickets. one each weekend, and each performed as • A Triple Tryst of Terror (including resurrection to reconciliation, all wrapped As part of “Cal Shakes Online” in collab- reader’s theater. Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat, up in a love letter to lovers of live theater. oration with Remote Studios, July 24 and Normally by this date OrSVP would W.W. Jacobs’ The Monkey’s Paw and Visit www.calshakes.org/winters-tale/ for July 31, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will mark have a full stage built and a first production Saki’s The Open Window) details. the first two Bay Area digitally remote, live finished. The pandemic intervened. OrSVP • Don Quixote, adapted by Matthew Cal Shakes, in the interim, is sharing its public readings of renowned playwright rents the Orinda Community Center Park Garlin outdoor Orinda stage as a safe performance Herbert Siguenza’s award-winning play, Amphitheater from the city. The creation • Seven Keys to Baldpate Inn by venue with as much of the creative com- El Henry. of the theater usually takes five weeks of George M. Cohan munity as possible. COVID-19 made their Siguenza, a co-founder of the perfor- construction starting in April. State and • A Familiar Visage by Eddie Peabody outdoor performance space as precious mance group Culture Clash, will present county restrictions prevented this. • Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu as gold, and that gold is being mined. For this Chicano adaptation of Shakespeare’s OrSVP’s Board of Directors decided they • Bill Chesman’s Mini 10 Minute Play more about the Season of Shared Light, Henry IV Part One. The online product will could not ask their all-volunteer staff to Festival visit www.calshakes.org. feature Actors Reading Collective members spend five weeks building the theater with Auditions for the shows are by appoint- Paper Moon Presents was literally born Wilma Bonet, Catherine Castellanos, Jomar the threat of productions being cancelled at ment only starting July 10. Each production to work with Cal Shakes sharing the Bruns [SEE CAL SHAKES page 19] the last minute and the need to dismantle contains a variety of parts (m/f/non-binary, everything done with no productions. In old and young). response, OrSVP reworked this year’s “The auditions will be held at the Orinda productions. Community Center Park. We will audition Enter reader’s theater. five people per 30-minute time slot,” said Reader’s theater is a minimalist style of Gelster. performance where no sets are used and In addition to the acting parts, OrSVP is scripts are openly used by the cast. This searching for stage, light and sound techni- means that rehearsals are minimized and cians and is willing to train. can be performed with social distancing For more information, contact and reduced social contact. [email protected]. “The plays are cast with actors for all the parts, are directed by our wonderful David Dierks can be reached at directors and are performed accordingly,” [email protected].

COURTESY OF CAL SHAKES Tickets are on sale now for Cal Shakes The Winter’s Tale in a sparkling new adaptation by Artistic Direc- tor Eric Ting and Resident Dramaturge Philippa Kelly. They describe the play as, “A story split between tragedy and comedy, loss and healing, it’s the hope we need.” Performances are scheduled Sept. 1 – 26. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 9 FILM

The Reel Less Traveled

Old Movies – Age is Just a Number TOM WESTLAKE

was out and about the other day and made before I was born, but ones already Ichanced to overhear a conversation. The then considered ancient. By some stan- talk was about movies, which immediately dards, some might call me old (how old piqued my interest. Okay, I’ll be honest. I is something you can figure for yourself was eavesdropping. with a hint hidden toward the end of this The exchange was about the four-hour column), but my life expectancy and the Justice League movie – the Zack Snyder length of the overall history of cinema dif- cut. I was very interested since, at that time, fer significantly. I had not yet seen it. Anyway, talking about To be generous, the art of cinema as we how cool it was, one of the participants know it is only about 125 years old, give compared it with all the Marvel movies, or take, and by that measure to call Blade noting it reminded him of the old Blade Runner “old” is inappropriate. Real old Runner. movies would probably be The Cabinet of I must have done something noticeable Dr. Caligary (1920) or Metropolis (1927). because they turned to stare at me with I suppose you could lump any silent movie disdain in their eyes. They gave me the once into that category, but early sound films over, and after determining that I posed no could also be included as well. The Wizard threat, continued with their conversation. of Oz or Gone with the Wind (both 1939) In the interest of full disclosure, I recall would also fall into the category of old. I made a noise somewhere between a gasp, I would probably draw the line some- a moan and what could only be described where around 1950 or so. It was around that as a sound of outright disapproval. Blade time when the social fabric was on the verge Runner an old movie? I beg your pardon. of a major shift, so I suppose how well a How dare you. It came out in 1982 and movie has aged, meaning how antiquated I saw it when it was first released – in a the acting and overall attitude of the film theater and everything. meshes with current thought processes, Fully aware that “age is just a number” should also be kept in mind. and that “you’re only as old as you feel,” I think our ideas of what constitutes it’s still annoying to hear things like this, “old” should be re-evaluated, especially mainly because many might dismiss a par- in regards to film. True art is timeless, and ticular film based on nothing more than how one only need look at any top ten list of long ago it was made and released. classic films to see what I mean. Besides, Old movies to me are not only films [SEE REEL page 10]

The Orinda Theatre is Open for Business

SALLY HOGARTY The Orinda Theatre’s Derek Zemrak said the art deco movie house is open for business with a variety of films and live shows currently scheduled. Choose from documentaries, comedy and drama as Orinda gets back to a more normal lifestyle. A monthly live comedy show is also in the offering. “I’m so excited to get back to having comedians here,” said Zemrak. “And, we know our audience. Our comedians are funny without relying on a host of four-letter words.”

The long-time film critic, producer and actor has also recently published a book entitled 50 Mov- ies You May Not Have Seen, That You Should! The book includes a plethora of films including one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s early films What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, which also starred Johnny Depp. Great photos and commentary make this a fun read. The book is available at The Orinda Theatre. 10 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com OBITUARY

t SCHOOLS from page 2 Daoust also mentioned possibly forming Educator, Playwright, Writer and Performer: a committee comprised of teachers, parents now approved textbook, myWorld Interac- and administrators to focus on creating ad- A Life Full of Creativity and Positive Energy tive K-5, was the best text from the pool. ditional history materials to be used at all After the selection committee chose OUSD schools. By SALLY HOGARTY myWorld Interactive, the materials were When asked if it was feasible for OUSD Executive Editor piloted in classrooms across the district to write its own texts instead of using the during the 2020-2021 school year. But at ones recommended by the state, Daoust he Orinda News lost a talented reporter, last month’s meeting, a handful of parents said that, while possible, it would be time- Tand the local theater community one of said that they were dissatisfied with what consuming and difficult. She said that its brightest stars when playwright, educa- their children were being taught, noting energy would be better spent focusing on tor and performer Kathy McCarty passed that some historical events were described training teachers and designing lesson plans away June 2 at the age of 58. Kathy, who incorrectly and/or insensitively. that correct the issues inherent in using the also taught at Orinda Academy, loved One parent said her child was penalized state textbook. covering local performing arts, especially on a quiz for describing forced labor as In addition, Schrag said in an email that Lamorinda Idol. “conflict” instead of “cooperation,” and if the District wrote its own text, it would While I had reviewed Kathy’s shows for another person, a teacher, said that she lose out on useful tools included in the state years, I didn’t really get to know her until counted over 500 errors in the textbook, textbook, like digital activities, materials 2000 when I played Nana in Caroline Alt- something Schrag dismissed. Others said adjusted for students at different reading man’s Whiskers, a musical adaptation of more general things about the text being levels and workbooks. “It is much more The Velveteen Rabbit. Kathy, who produced too white-focused at the expense of other than a single textbook for all students,” the musical, played the Horse, a wise, lov- COURTESY OF RICH SCHWAB narratives. he said. ing character, not unlike Kathy herself. Kathy McCarty dedicated her life and consider- Addressing concerns, the Board agreed As for alternative texts, Schrag said at the able energy to the creative arts as a playwright, Every holiday season I looked forward to actor, director, journalist and educator. that the district would work on creating a meeting that it would be a number of years being in that production, especially when set of supplemental materials for its social before the state updates its history options. my 5-year-old granddaughter joined the Pleasant Hill and, most recently, at Contra studies curriculum, something that Schrag According to the California Department cast as Raggedy Ann. Thanks to Kathy, Costa College and Orinda Academy until said is very common and important when of Education’s website, new instructional my very shy granddaughter built an inner the effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) teaching history. materials for social studies will be adopted confidence that has served her well these forced her to quit a few years ago. “It’s upsetting. It’s disturbing. I wish November 2028. past 16 years. Tackling MS with the positive energy it were different,” said the Board’s Vice Saying that OUSD is “beholden” to Galatean Players, Kathy’s theater compa- she used in all aspects of her life, Kathy President, Carol Brown. “And meanwhile, California’s content standards at June’s ny, produced over 20 of her original works completely changed her diet and lifestyle again, I just think it is critically important conference, Daoust suggested that com- throughout the Bay Area, including her to combat the effects of the disease. Un- that we offer uniform supplementation to munity members share concerns with state full-length musical Rivets. This homage to fortunately, just over a year ago, she was this curriculum.” officials. “There is advocacy that can be the Homefront Soldiers of WW2 performed diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, Explaining what this might look like in done at the state level with the Department on the SS Victory Red Oak at the Rosie the Primary Central Nervous System Lym- an interview, Liz Daoust, the Board’s presi- of Education,” she said. Riveter National Park in Richmond. phoma, that has a very low survival rate. dent, said the District would try to increase The busy thespian often toured her pro- Kathy is pre-deceased by her father, Air the amount of professional development Tristan Shaughnessy can be reached at ductions to other states, and I was fortunate Force veteran Joe McCarty, and mother offered to its teachers in social studies. [email protected]. to be in the cast of The Ladies Quintet when Peggy Donaldson McCarty. She is sur- it played Off-Broadway in New York. vived by her husband Rich Schwab and But the best part Kathy gave me was her brother Mike McCarty. A celebration This in turn sparks a revolution of another t from page 9 minister at her wedding six years ago to of Kathy’s life is planned for later in the REEL kind, this time coming from the authority Rich Schwab, whose family still resides in summer. Metropolis, alluded to above, is a lot closer figures who wish to hold the party line Orinda. I’ve never felt so proud as I stood Donations can be made in her name to Blade Runner than Justice League. So and make sure it stays held. What follows next to Rich and watched our Kathy walk to the Campbell Theatre, where many there. is a series of events all too familiar in down that aisle! of her shows were produced, by go- Next thing you know someone will totalitarian countries: persecution, exclu- Raised primarily in Benton, Illinois, ing to www.campbelltheater.com or be calling The Beatles “old,” and that is sion, accusations, and the unfortunate and Kathy packed a great deal of living and to the Animal Rescue Foundation at something I will simply not tolerate. You sometimes deadly collateral damage that creativity into her 58 years. In addition to www.arflife.org/donate. have been warned. comes with them. her writing and performing, she produced Speaking of societal shifts, The Interna- It is particularly prescient that this a stand-up comedy show and taught theater Sally Hogarty can be reached at tional Film Showcase at the Orinda Theatre film will be shown during a month when classes at College Park High School in [email protected]. is still up and running and going strong. we, as Americans, celebrate our iden- This month’s film, The Silent Revolution, tity as a country. It holds a lesson that hails from Germany, and as the title sug- we should all take to heart. It will have gests, it deals with very important chapter a three-day run at the Orinda Theatre in Hungarian history, namely the Hungar- from July 16–18 at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. For ian Uprising, which took place in the very further information and reservations, significant year of 1956. please go to internationalshowcase.org or It is not so much the uprising itself at orindamovies.com. this film’s center, but more the reaction So now, I go back into hibernation for to it by a group of 12th grade students. another month, curling up with my own vast Despite the restrictions placed upon news collection of movies, both old and new, and of the uprising in the German Democratic I’ll leave you with my usual plea to always Republic at the time, word gets out. So go towards those wonderful flickering im- horrified are these students at this hor- ages made of light and sound. For that’s rendous injustice, they do the only thing where the reel magic lies. they can do given their circumstances. They hold a two-minute moment of Tom Westlake can be reached at silence. [email protected]. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 11 FOURTH??? OF JULY Grab Your Chair, Hat and Mask: July 4 Promises Safety, Fun for All

By KATHY BOHANAN ENZERINK Assistant Editor

ook left. Look Right. Everywhere BestSchedule Hometown of Evens: Parade Lyou look, Orinda Village has the aura and feel of normalcy as it prepares for the 9 a.m. Flag-raising Ceremony annual July 4 Best Hometown Parade, VFW Post #8063 raises the colors of our flag in which kicks off Sunday morning with the front of the Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda traditional flag-raising ceremony at 9 a.m. Way The parade starts in the Theatre District at 9 a.m. Fun Run For A Reason 11 a.m., culminating on the Village side Fun Run for a Reason: 2-mile walk/run any time around noon. between 9 & 10:30 a.m. More info at Parade viewers may line the mile-long https://sudc.org/wesley/ route, maintaining safe distances from 10 a.m. Friends of the Orinda Library Book Sale other patrons, or watch live stream online in the Library Breezeway, 26 Orinda Way, Plaza at orindaparade.com/live, which starts at Level 10:30 a.m. “The committee highly recom- 10:30 a.m. Streaming link to parade begins mends those not vaccinated wear a mask Watch the parade from your home at and suggest all others do so as well to www.orindaparade.com/live. protect the unvaccinated,” said Diane Lautz, CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 11:00 a.m. Parade Begins on Theatre Side an Orinda Association (OA) board member Michael Beller, who is walking in the parade with 12:15 p.m. Park Band plays in Gazebo Orinda Library staff and volunteers with Friends of and co-chair of the parade. “Patriotic masks the Library, is patriotic from head to toe in his ‘just Bring your own picnic or order ahead from local will be available during the day’s events.” for this parade’ attire. restaurants Some things old, some things different, Did you know: some things new. All in red, white and blue! the decorated book cart! He said, “March- The parade stretches for 1 mile from the Theatre Side to the Village Long-time favorite bands, including The ing in the parade is a great opportunity for Side. There are lots of places along the route for people to view the Orinda All-Volunteer Marching Band, two us to remind everyone the library is open parade without crowding. New Orleans-style brass bands and the and to celebrate Independence Day with popular bagpipes will march along the pa- our community.” Things to Remember: rade route, joined by other musical entries. Need an early morning workout? Partici- Follow CDC, State & County Guidelines. JULY What’s new? A giant log hauled on a pate in the annual two-mile Run/Walk for a Masks recommended for anyone not vaccinated. lowbed trailer and a reconfigured, former Reason in person between 9 and 10:30 a.m. We support everyone wearing a mask at this first fire truck with a whole new purpose. or virtually. Visit https://sudc.org/wesley large community event. Returning are the bright and shiny for details. Visit www.orindaparade.com for event details. classic cars which will wend their way Love music? Head to the Community through the village along with ladies on Center, near the Friends of the Library book very tall stilts. There’ll be sirens blaring sale, to enjoy the sounds of the Lewiston and lights flashing for sure, along with Jazz Band beginning at 10 a.m. Want more floats, former military members from music? The Three Day Weekend band per- 2021 VFW #8063 and dignitaries who serve the forms following the parade in the Orinda community. Park gazebo, a perfect place for an old- For more information, please visit www.OrindaParade.com or call (925) 254-0800 It will be hard to miss Library Branch fashioned picnic with family and friends Manager, Michael Beller. Just look for – don’t forget the blanket as you spread the man in the stars and stripes walking out! alongside library staff and volunteers with [SEE PARADE page 12]

PHOTO BY TOM LAVIN This member of The Orinda Preschool (TOPS) traveled in style in the 2019 parade. 12 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com FOURTH OF JULY t PARADE from page 11 Know Before You Go The parade is organized by The Orinda H Association (OA), celebrating its 75th Street parking will not be available along the parade route on Moraga Way or on year. Organizers considered a multitude Orinda Way. All other street parking is available, as well as Orinda BART’s west of patriotic-themed scenarios as COVID parking lot. For handicapped parking, drivers may drop passengers off in front of the Community Center on Orinda Way until 10 a.m. restrictions continually changed. “Our H community is ready for some normalcy Street closures planned from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. include: the Westbound and organizers will provide as much Highway 24 on-ramp (East side of Camino Pablo); Moraga Way from Wells Fargo back-to-normal fun as allowed by all fed- Bank to the Davis Road intersection; a portion of Santa Maria and all of Orinda eral, state and county COVID guidelines,” Way. [Highway 24 access for both on and off ramps will remain available at St. Stephens Drive] said Lautz. H To participate, volunteer or donate to sup- Volunteers will serve as Parade Route Monitors, helping keep the parade moving port the 2021 Best Hometown Parade via and ensuring safety. H gofundme, visit orindaparade.com. Porta potties, provided by Republic Services, will be on the North side of town in the Community Center parking lot and the East BART parking lot. H Kathy Enzerink can be reached at Need more info? Visit orindaparade.com or www.orindaassociation.org. PHOTO BY TOM LAVIN All decked out in red, white and blue for the 2019 [email protected]. parade.

2021 July 4 Celebration Volunteer Team lanning and preparing for our wonderful parade begin many months in advance. PWithout the tireless work of our dedicated volunteers, this popular event would not have been possible this year, especially given the uncertainty of COVID restrictions. A very big thank you goes out to the following who made this year’s parade possible: Announcers: Scott Butler, Bill Cosden, Steve Harwood Co-Chairs: Diane Lautz, Bill Waterman SALLY HOGARTY Lots of cars, classic, military and more will follow the parade route Decorations Captain: Marianne Moser Flag Raising Captain: Terry Murphy and VFW Post 8063 Fundraising/Sponsors: Jill Gelster, Bill Waterman Marketing/Publicity Captains: Sally Hogarty, Barbara Brawner Music/Bands Captains: Jacalyn Buettner, Cindy Powell Parade Operations Captains: Andy Radlow, April Meagher Pole Banners Captain: Chris Laszcz-Davis Run for a Reason Captain: Meghan Frey Social Media Captain: Roxanne Christophe, Marianne Moser Sound Systems Captain: Steve Harwood Volunteers Captains: Latika Malkani, Marianne Moser Website: David Dierks

TOM LAVIN The Peter Pan Foundation will once again march in the parade.

SALLY HOGARTY Lewiston Jazz Band will play in front of the Community Center prior to the parade. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 13 FOURTH OF JULY

JULY July 4 Sponsors Village Associates Steve and Tish Harwood Mechanics Bank Orinda Community Foundation (OCF) e Orinda Parks and Rec Foundation (OPR) Republic Services Harwood Family Berry Brothers Towing

Enhancing Orinda’s Quality of Life Bros.

SALLY HOGARTY Enthusiastic members of the Orinda All Volunteer Marching Band provide patriotic tunes throughout the parade.

SALLY HOGARTY Scott Butler (L) and Steve Harwood will emcee the parade on the Village Side.

GRANT WURGLEY This former firetruck, owned by Michael Karp of The Fourth Bore and Forge Handcrafted Pizza, has a new life for food and beverage services, special- izing in wood-fired pizza.

SALLY HOGARTY Liberty is back as COVID-19 restrictions are reduced and the parade goes on! 14 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com STUDENTS AAUW-OML 36 Awards Scholarships to Local, Deserving Students

By MARY ANN MCLEOD Contributing Writer

merican Association of University AWomen-Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette (AAUW-OML) recently held a Celebration of Excellence event, highlighting STEM programs and college scholarships and awarding a total of 36 scholarships to middle school girls, graduating high school seniors and Saint Mary’s College students. Cara Wolfe was the featured speaker. A graduating senior at UC Berkeley, she is studying computer science and Asian American studies. Wolfe participated in all OML branch STEM programs, and when she graduated from Acalanes High School in 2017, she received a college scholarship from the branch for her community service. While sharing her experiences participating COURTESY OF AAUW-OML in the branch’s Tech Trek and STEM Con- Miramonte’s Chaya Tong (L) recently received a scholarship from AAUW-OML based on her academic achievements and community service. Among the 36 scholarship winners are also (center) and ferences, Wolfe highlighted the importance Aine Flynn Cassie Hopkin. of young women working equitably and comfortably in the STEM field. camp was canceled because of COVID-19. other in breakout rooms. They will learn the (2020/2021) attending virtual Tech Trek The selection criteria for the high school This year, although the girls will not be video software Flipgrid and will share their camp this summer include Deya Murthy, and college scholarships is academic ex- on campus, they will have a unique op- creations on Friday. There will be optional Emma Wong, Sophia Bitton, Claire Casado, cellence, community service and leader- portunity to participate in hands-on activi- evening sessions as well. The opportunity Christophe Davis and Kodie Zundel. ship. All recipients are excellent students ties in the morning and afternoon STEM to participate in this year’s program was and have demonstrated a desire to help workshops, hear from inspirational women offered to last year’s awardees, and they Mary Ann McCloud can be reached at others for the good of their communities. working in STEM and interact with each accepted. Orinda Intermediate School girls [email protected]. Six local graduating high school seniors and three Saint Mary’s College students received community service scholarships, including Chaya Tong from Miramonte. Congratulations to Miramonte Scholarship Winners Tong participated in leadership programs such as the Lafayette Youth Commission By ARIELE TAYLOR Harriet Scholarship - Awarded to stu- and Miramonte’s Mock Trial and Peer Tu- Contributing Writer dents who have shown strong resilience tor programs. She organized the new South or perseverance: Josh Morganstein and Asian Culture Club and Writer’s Mag. She ach year Miramonte students have the Leilah Hodges. represented Miramonte on the Acalanes Eopportunity to apply for multiple, local Orinda Woman’s Club Scholarship - Governing School board, where she was scholarships. The offering organizations or Awarded to a high school female who has proud to encourage the board to vote to Miramonte Scholarship Committee deter- exhibited outstanding leadership: Chloe change the district’s transfer process and mine recipients. The selection process is Lai and Madeline Giron. reopen its boarders. Tong will attend Emory always difficult because of the numerous Joseph Daugherty Scholarship - In University as an English major. outstanding applicants. This year was no honor of Joseph Daugherty, who was ac- Additionally, three Saint Mary’s Col- different. The following deserve congratu- tively involved in athletics, leadership and lege students from the High Potential lations: clubs: Audrey Allen. Program received community engage- Orinda Rotary Scholarship - Awarded Kiwanis Scholarship - For distinguished ment scholarships and nine others re- to a student with strong academics, extra- community service and leadership: Chaya ceived scholarships to AAUW’s National curricular and community service: Aine Tong. Conference for College Women Student Flynn and Cassie Hopkin. Ernie Voigt Memorial Scholarship - Leaders. This virtual conference offers Orinda Rotary STEM Scholarship For an athlete of any Miramonte sport who two days of leadership training, inspiration - Awarded to an MHS student who dem- exhibits talent, positivity and leadership: and networking, empowering students to onstrates exceptional interest and ability Mina Jenab (lacrosse). gain the skills and confidence to pursue in chemistry, biology, physics, technology Will Newton Award - For a Miramonte their goals. and/or math: Drugan Brady. baseball and/or softball player who exhib- A total of 18 Lamorinda eighth grade McCarthy Scholarship - Awarded to a its talent, positivity and leadership: Wade girls will attend virtual Tech Trek camp student who demonstrates transformative Beury (baseball) and Ellie Sinha (softball). this summer. In normal times, Tech Trek leadership in life: Grace Barmmer. Moraga Rotary Al Simonsen Schol- is a week-long STEM immersion program AAUW Scholarship - For women stu- arship - In memory of Al Simonsen and held at Stanford Camp Curry, but last year’s dent leaders: Chaya Tong. awarded to athletes who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and community

service: Matthew Lyons and Madeline KIM ANDERSON Giron. Orinda Rotary STEM Scholarship was awarded to Drugan Brady, a Miramonte High School student Arielle Taylor can be reached at who demonstrated exceptional interest and ability in one of the following categories: chemistry, biol- [email protected]. ogy, physics, technology or math. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 15 ADVERTISEMENT 16 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com STUDENTS Local Talented Student Writers Win Poul Anderson Awards

By SALLY HOGARTY monte, four entrants from Orinda Academy writers are omitted so that we can read and Executive Editor also competed. judge without being aware of the identity of The judges, which included Glori- the writers,” said Morgan. OVID-19 may have kept most high etta Librarian and author Anne Lowell, Malayna Chang took first place honors Cschool students in distance learning, Campolindo Librarian Sarah Morgan, in the Essay/Memoir/Biography category but it didn’t stop 41 talented local writers Director of the Intuitive Writing Project with her heartfelt story about dealing with from entering this year’s Poul Anderson Elizabeth Perlman and myself, had tough the loss of her mother entitled “In Memory Writing Contest. Sponsored by the Friends choices to make deciding upon category Of.” of the Orinda Library, the contest is open winners and honorable mentions. Judges Although Chang lost her mother to to all high school students in Orinda. The were allowed to award more than one cancer at a young age, she recalls many entrants once again showed the depth of winner in a category, or no winner if fond memories and happy times in her talent in our local area. While this year’s appropriate. award-winning memoir; “When I was a contestants were primarily from Mira- “When we are judging, the names of the young child, I remember driving up to Lake Tahoe with her and my dad, scream- ing to music from Les Misérables and National Charity League Holds Glee, and learning the lyrics to Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ at age six.” The Senior Recognition for Grads Miramonte rising senior also won honorable mention for her short story “Eighteen Months.” COURTESY OF CHAYA TONG Recent Miramonte graduate Chaya Tong was one of the winners in the essay/memoir/biography category for her memoir “The Memory Keeper.”

Miramonte, won in the poetry division for her coming-of-age poem, “Sand.” Ending on a high note, she writes: “I was molded and melted and formed till the ground was my cloud, till I landed and bloomed, till I asked, ‘is this what it feels like to be Strong.’” Miramonte rising sophomore Jarret Zun- del placed first in the short story category with his homage to his grandmother in “Per Aspera Ad Astra,” a Latin phrase meaning “through hardships to the stars.” In his letter to her he said, “I am writing this because through your life’s limitations you taught me never to live within the borders of ste- COURTESY OF MARCI BYRNE reotype, society, and self-doubt.” He recalls The Lamorinda Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) held its Senior Recognition May 9 at how his grandmother told about her many the Balestrieri Family Farm. The NCL is a mother-daughter philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Twenty-two seniors from adventures in China during difficult times, the graduating Class of 2021 were honored for their dedication to philanthropic service and cultural [SEE ANDERSON page 18]

enrichment. Over the past six years, these seniors have volunteered over 4,500 hours of community COURTESY OF MALAYNA CHAN service to organizations in need of assistance. Back Row (L-R): Grace Barmmer, Helena Bardsley, Malayna Chang’s memoir “In Memory of” was Mia Castillo, Gracie McCauley, Claire Rowell, Lindsey Bliss, Maddie Tooker, Emma MacKenzie. one of the winners in the essay/memoir/biogra- Middle Row (L-R): Maggie Buckley, Molly Mitchell, Kate Dendinger, Tallulah Clancy, Audrey Al- phy category. len, Caroline Sween, Reilly Yuen, Keira Taylor. Front Row (L-R): Spencer Deutz, Lindsay Davis. Missing from photo: Evy LaVelle, Kiki O’Toole, Devon Byrne, Olivia Anderson. Shared first place honors with Chang was Chaya Tong, who graduated from Miramonte this year. Tong’s work, “The Memory Keeper,” is a charming account of being the “ultimate daycare kid.” Tong recounts her time in school as “one of the only brown kids,” but she contrasts that with how she blended in at daycare where, as the oldest, she often helped with the younger ones. She writes, “Daycare is infused in me. I can clean a room in five minutes and whip up lunch for seven... After taming countless temper tantrums, I can work with anyone.” Wendy Mapaye, also a rising senior at

COURTESY OF JARRET ZUNDER Rising sophomore Jarret Zunder took first place in the short story category for his homage to his grandmother in “Per Aspera Ad Astra.” www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 17 ADVERTISEMENT 18 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com CLASSIFIEDS / CLUB MEETINGS

Club Meetings in July

With the lifting of state-level restric- www.moragaadobe.org. ly meetings currently conducted via 14 - Membership Committee Meeting; July 21 tions some clubs are meeting in per - Friends of the Orinda Creeks. Fourth Wednes- Zoom video conferencing. 7 – 8:15 a.m. Board Meeting. Meetings via zoom. For more son while others still offer Zoom day, 5 p.m. 925.408.1840. www.orindacreeks.org. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82609498205. Regu- information and zoom link, contact Ally Fatore meetings. Use contact info for more [email protected]. lar meetings will resume at the Lafayette Park at [email protected]. information. Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition. Third Hotel when conditions permit. www.lamorinda- Orinda Garden Club, PO Box 34, Orinda, American Association of Uni- Wednesday, 10 a.m. 925.687.8844, ext. 227. sunrise.com or [email protected]. www.orindagc.org, 925.257.0668. versity Women - Orinda Mora- https://bit.ly/3egD3EZ. Meetings: July 9: Jamie Textor, New Club Presi- Orinda Hiking Club. Every weekend and ga Lafayette Branch (AAU2W-OML). Lamorinda Meditation Community. Mon- dent; July 16: McAvoy Layne, The “Ghost” of first Wednesday, Ian at 925.254.1465 or For information, visit oml-ca.aauw.net. days and Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:25 a.m., Mark Twain; July 23: David Isenberg, Member www.orindahiking.org. Community Gentle Yoga, via Zoom, Mondays through Zoom. All levels and philosophies Magazine; July 30: Kathy Suvia, Governor- Orinda Historical Society. Call 925.254.1353 and Thursdays 9-10 a.m. Contact Gaby Mozee welcome. Contact Gaby for more details: Elect, District 5160. for times and location of meetings and appoint- at [email protected]. [email protected]. Orinda Association. Tuesday July 7, ments. Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Lamorinda Republican Women Federated. 7 p.m., Zoom meeting. 925.254.0800 or Orinda Junior Women’s Club. First Tuesday, Adobe. Third Monday, 7:30 p.m. Con- Third Thursday. For more information, go to: www.orindaassociation.org. 7 p.m., www.orindajuniors.org. tact Kent Long for Zoom link at www.lamorindarepublicanwomenfederated.org. Orinda Chamber of Commerce. July 7, 4 Orinda Masonic Lodge #122 F&AM. [email protected]. For more info., Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary. All week- p.m. - Executive Committee Meeting; July 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda Masonic Center. For information, call 925.254.5211. t ANDERSON from page 16 said judge Sarah Morgan. Orinda Rotary. Virtual meeting Each winner received $500 along with Wednesday, 12:15 p.m., For information but he also recounts his own adventures certificates of recognition from the Friends email [email protected] or go to with her in the United States, including of the Orinda Library. Those achieving www.orindarotary.org for zoom link. discovering snow for the first time on a trip honorable mention received $50 each, Orinda Satellite Rotary Club. Second Wednes- to Lake Tahoe. plus recognition certificates. Winning and day. Call Sylvia at 510.224.8548. Honorable mentions went to Sajda Amiri honorable mention entries can be read on Orinda/Tábor (Czech Republic) Sister City (“The Soles beneath Our Feet”), Eloise the Friends of the Orinda Library website, Foundation. Fourth Thursday, 7 p.m., social, 7:30 Anagnost (“The Sound of Silent Stories” www.friendsoftheorindalibrary.org. p.m. meeting via Zoom. For more information, and “Beneath the Surface”), Reagan Kaelle The contest is named in memory of the 925.254.8260. (“Goldilocks”), Danielle Kelly (“Russian late Poul Anderson, a popular writer and Orinda Woman’s Club. Currently meeting River”), Audrey Lambert (“Nathan and Orinda resident. One of the most pro- virtually Second Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Email Jean the Sunflower Girl”), Amber Lee (“Give lific writers in science fiction, Anderson Barnhart at [email protected] or go to Peace a Chance”), Willa Mapaye (“To won many distinguished awards during www.orindawomansclub.org. Live”), Rowan Sandhu (“Pick the Dande- his career, including the Grand Master Road Runners. Runners meet 5:45 a.m. Tues- lions”) and Jonathon Su (“My Identity” Award of the Science Fiction Writers of day at Papilion (67 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette), and “An Introspection: Are Colleges My America for a lifetime of distinguished Wednesday (Gepettos 87 Orinda Way, Orinda), Soulmates?”). achievement. He was also the author of COURTESY OF WENDY MAPAYE Thursday (SiSI, 910 Country. Club Drive, Mor- “The smallest feeling of admiration over 100 novels and story collections as Wendy Mapaye’s poem “Sand” won in the poetry aga) and Friday (Starbucks, 470 Moraga Road, division. and honor can encourage young people to well as several mysteries and non-fiction Rheem). For more information, contact John Fazel, continue their passions in life. I sincerely books. [email protected]. hope that these winning writers continue Sons in Retirement (SIR) Lamorinda Branch expressing their ideas and creativity and Sally Hogarty can be reached at Orinda News 174 hosts, via Zoom, a speaker and dis- feel this is safe space in which to do it,” [email protected]. cussion on the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For info, call Tyler at classified ads 925.963.5741 or Bill at 925.963.0442 or go to www.branch174.sirinc2.org. Your ad in The Orinda News reaches 9,000 households and Send club listings to Jill Gelster at businesses in Orinda! calendar@aspenconsult. 2021 Publication Schedule Issue Deadline July 2021 June 8, 2021 ...classified ads Aug 2021 July 8, 2021 Ad rates are $5 per line Services $10 minimum Rain Gutter Cleaning. Roof Cleaning. Overhang- Form available at: ing branches trimmed. Charles (h) 925-254-5533 https://bit.ly/3f4gkf6 or (c) 925-528-9385. Wanted Enclose your check payable to The Orinda Association and mail to I buy Danish Modern & 1950’s Modern furniture, fine art, sterling silver, & estate jewelry. Will buy 1 The Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Orinda, item or entire estate! Call Rick at 510-219-9644. CA 94563. We reserve the right to reject Courteous house calls. Rick Hudson Estate Liq- any ad. Classified ads must be prepaid. uidation, LLC. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Unwanted Eye Glasses are collected for Lions Ads can also be paid at bit.ly/3bZsoio. Club at The Orinda Association office, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 19 CALENDAR

On the Calendar in July

Orinda Library Online events. Daily sto- www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries. 5 Orinda Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. Orinda webinar offered by Lamorinda Arts Council. rytimes and events can be viewed at: https:// See article p. 20. Way in front of Rite Aid and the Community Participate as an audience member, a writer bit.ly/3gCh7q8). Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Art Gallery at the Orinda Library view “85 Park. www.cccfm.org or market hotline at or an artist. Visit www.lamorindaarts.art/art- Way, is open to the public for Grab and Go Inspired Artworks Escape Local Studios” in 925.431.8361. Also July 12, 19, and 26. See embraces-words for details and to register, service. More information can be viewed at person at the newly opened gallery and online article p. 23. email [email protected] or call https://ccclib.org/grab-and-go/: Open hours at www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries Oakland Strokes Session 3 Monday 925.359.9940. are Mon. through Thu., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; through July 31. Meet the 41 local artists at July 5 - Friday July 9; Session 4 Mon- Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Sun. their outdoor reception on July 10, 3:30-5:30 day July 12 - Friday July 16; Session CITY/FIRE MEETING SCHEDULE Call 925.254.2184 for more information or See article p. 21. 5 Monday July 26 - Friday July 30. To City Council. First and third Tuesdays, 7 visit http://ccclib.org. Orinda Parks and Recreation accepting join or for more information, go to: p.m., Library Auditorium, 26 Orinda Way. Christian Science Church Prayer Garden applications for summer camps Session III www.oaklandstrokes.org. www.cityoforinda.org. open to all for Quiet Meditation. Everyone (July 6 - 16), Session IV (July 19 - 30) and 6 Orinda Books Pat’s Book Club will meet Historic Landmarks Committee. Fourth seeking a better sense of peace will find Session V (Aug. 2 - 6). www.OrindaPark- via ZOOM to discuss A Woman of No Im- Tuesday, 3-5 p.m. Call 925.788.7323, www. a welcoming haven in an outdoor setting. sandRec.org. See ad pg. 14. portance by Sonia Purnel. 4 p.m. All are cityoforinda.org Pray, read, meditate. Books and periodicals Taste of the World Market, 5 p.m. Weekly welcome. The book is available at Orinda Moraga-Orinda Fire District. Third with a spiritual perspective on current issues food truck event features a different mix Books. To attend, phone 925.254.7606 or Wednesday, 7 p.m. For agenda, go to are free to all. You are welcome anytime of trucks and entertainment. To see which email [email protected] giving your www.mofd.org/transparency/resources/ during daylight hours. 24 Orinda Way. food trucks will be present, visit www. email address. You will receive a link to the board-agendas-minutes. tasteoftheworldmarket.com/calendar-agen- event. Planning Commission. Second and fourth 1 Art Gallery at Wilder Virtual Ex- da-style/. Also, July. 8,15, 22, and 29. 7 The International Film Showcase will Tuesdays, 7 p.m., www.cityoforinda.org hibit Sophie “Sanders’ Bouquets” de- 4 The Orinda Association 4th of July Cel- screen the USA premiere of The Silent scribes themed drawings sure to delight; ebration and Best Home Town Parade. Cel- Revolution at the Orinda Theatre through Send calendar items to Jill Gelster at each drawing is a floral world unto it- ebration begins at 9 a.m. with flag raising. July 13. East German twelfth grade students [email protected]. self. Available online through July 31 at See article p. 11. decide to show solidarity with the victims of the 1956 Hungarian uprising by stag- ing two minutes of silence during classes. t CAL SHAKES from page 8 Go to www.orindathreatre.com for ticket p.m. for a 7 p.m. performance to enjoy a pic- and screen time information. See article Tagatac, Dena Martinez, Herbert Siguenza, nic on the many outdoor tables and chairs; p. 9. Rinabeth Apostle, Rotimi Agbabiaka, Mi- only food and drink from onsite vendors is 10 Orinda Starlight Village Players auditions cheal Torres, Brian Rivera, Mozart Pierson permitted. for summer season. Email [email protected] and Hugo Carbaja. Visit www.calshakes. The Bruns Amphitheater is located at 100 for reservation. Visint www.orsvp.org for org/events/event/el-henry/ for information Shakespeare Way in Orinda. There is ample season details. and tickets. parking, and ADA assistance is available 17 Pacific Chamber Orchestra presents Re- For audience members not viewing of- for the short walk up to the Bruns. Their newal - Beethoven Symphony #6 “Pastoral,” ferings remotely, extensive health and safe- website is chock full of information for Symphony #15. Also July 18. For tickets: ty information at the Bruns can be found theater lovers of all ages. Because they are www.pacificchamberorchestra.org. online at www.calshakes.org/cal-shakes- working remotely, visit www.calshakes. 20 Lamorinda Idol finalists perform live 2021-covid-19-safety-precautions/. The org/ or email them at info@calshakes. beginning at 6 p.m. at the Orinda Com- Bruns Amphitheater currently functions org. Enjoy this local jewel nestled in the munity Park. For more information at one-third capacity, 180 patrons; this hills. just a stone’s throw from downtown email [email protected] or visit may change over time as health regulations Orinda. www.lamorindaarts.org/idol-2. change. 25 Art Embraces Words - 2 p.m. free Zoom Traditionally, most people dress warmly Elana O’Loskey can be reached at and arrive at the Bruns Amphitheater at 5 [email protected]. Parks & Rec’s Camp Orinda is Back his summer, Orinda Parks and Rec Twill offer a modified Camp Orinda from noon to 4 p.m., Mon. through Fri., beginning with Session 3 (July 6 – July 16). Participants will participate in traditional camp activities such as arts and crafts, sports, walking treks to local attractions and team-building games at the Orinda Community Center. Lunch is included from 12pm-1pm, therefore campers do not need to be regis- tered for Camp Connector - BYOL. There will be no travel by bus for field trips as in COURTESY OF PARKS AND REC DEPARTMENT A youngster enjoys the lego camp at Camp Orinda years past; however, city staffers are cur- a few years ago. rently working on alternative fun Friday options for campers to enjoy. City staff For more information, visit trained in COVID-19 safety protocols will https://bit.ly/3xyFB9y or email oversee Camp Orinda. [email protected]. 20 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com VISUAL ARTS Orinda Garden Club Members Participate in Bouquets to Art 2021

JANE WISER She said members of the club went Contributing Writer to the museum early in the year, as they do annually, for “Selection radition continued as Bouquets to Art Day.” A few weeks later, they got an T2021 opened for its 37th year, June 8 assignment. to 11 at the De Young. Orinda Garden Club “This year we were assigned a piece members have participated in the spectacu- of furniture called, Royal Chair from lar floral event for years. Diana Kennedy Ghana, Africa,” said Kennedy. “As soon and Phoebe Kahl celebrate their 23rd year as we received the information, we began as participants, joined by Mari Tischenko, brainstorming on our proper container, who represented the Club with a separate floral materials and location of where our arrangement. pedestal will be placed.” “It was a challenge we looked forward Bouquets to Art was cancelled during to and found very exciting,” said Kennedy. [SEE BOUQUETS page 23]

COURTESY OF SOPHIE SANDERS Sophie Sanders’ 13.5” x 10.5” pen and ink drawing, Flowers for My Mother, swirls and dances in a floral waltz that would make any mother happy. Wilder Gallery: Sophie’s Lush Bouquets Highlight Elegant Floral Drawings

By ELANA O’LOSKEY to gain a form of freedom, which doesn’t Staff Writer exist in reality due to my severe disability.” The world she inhabits in her art is far he Lamorinda Arts Council invites you from any wheelchair. The way she links Tto view a virtual exhibit of drawings by lines and shapes into a lush floral reality Sophie Sanders during July. All exhibits filled with interesting details begs you to scheduled at the Art Gallery at Wilder are linger. Each drawing is a world unto itself, virtual until COVID-19 restrictions change. a look at floral whorls and twirls you never View Sanders’ online exhibit focusing on imagined could live together in such har- elegant floral drawings through images mony. Her drawings offer us bouquets from of her artwork at www.lamorindaarts.org/ her imaginary garden. online-galleries. The Art Gallery at Wilder is virtual, still Sanders was born and grew up in Taiwan. closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. If At the age of one, she contracted polio, you have any questions about Sanders’ which severely impacted her ability to artwork or the exhibit, please contact Cura- walk. Throughout childhood she depended tors Denise Nomura and Aniston Breslin at on two crutches to move about. Since she [email protected]. At press couldn’t play with kids outdoors, she spent time it was unknown when Wilder will her time learning how to draw. Fast forward reopen; please check www.lamorindaarts. to the Bay Area where in 1979 she enrolled org/current-exhibits-wilder/ for up-to-date at the California College of Arts and Crafts information. (now called California College of the Arts); in 1982, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Elana O’Loskey can be reached at

PHOEBE KAHL Arts. She married and lived on the East [email protected]. The bouquet, created by the Orinda Garden Club for the 23rd annual Bouquets to Art 2021, took a few Coast for a while before relocating back weeks to create. This floral artwork assignment was based on the Royal Chair from Ghana. to the Bay Area in 2008. Due to Post-Polio Syndrome (known as PPS), under medical advice, she began using a wheelchair for mobility in 1989. This helps her conserve her dwindling energy, which she prefers to use creating drawings and paintings. These creations give her a sense of liberation – something not available to her in the physical world. She keeps developing her skills and talent for drawing and painting because working from pure imagination allows her to construct a world filled with beauty, harmony and whimsy. Sanders explained, “I just draw or paint whatever happens to come to my mind, either from imagination or from memory, in the moment. It is truly ‘playing’ on paper! Accuracy is not my concern, but ‘having fun’ on paper is! My main goal in creating COURTESY OF SOPHIE SANDERS art works is to be liberated from reality, Flowers for My Family is a 17.5”x23.5” pen and ink with watercolor piece by Sophie Sanders. www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 21 VISUAL ARTS COVID-19 Retrospective - 80 Inspired Artworks Escape Local Studios

By ELANA O’LOSKEY Polly Ziolkowski. Staff Writer Participating artists include individual artists and artists in local groups such as rtworks from 40 artists previ- Bay Area Studio Artists, The Glover Group, Aously sequestered in studios since Oakland Art Association, Lamorinda Arts March, 2020 have finally escaped into the Council, Bay Area Woodturners, Monte- light. verde Senior Village and Lamorinda Arts The Lamorinda Arts Council invites Alliance. View artwork online from all you to view an entire gallery of inspiring exhibitors at the Council’s virtual gallery, artwork in the Art Gallery at the Orinda www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/. Library during the month of July. This is The Council thanks contributing artists for the first post-COVID-19 exhibit where the their cooperation in providing photographs whole gallery has opened to the public. and videos for their virtual exhibit. If you Meet the artists at an outdoor reception are interested in learning more about the in their honor Saturday, July 10 from 3:30 exhibit or getting in touch with any of the – 5:30 p.m. on the patio adjacent to the Gal- artists, email curators Boscoe and Car- lery. The Council thanks Todd Trimble and mel at [email protected] or call Steve Ehrhardt of Orinda Parks and Rec. 925.359.9940. for their assistance in reopening the entire This exhibit runs July 1 through 31 Gallery. during normal Library hours in the Art Curators Maggie Boscoe and Bill Car- Gallery at the Orinda Library at 26 Orinda mel are delighted to display this unprec- Way. Hours are Mon. – Thur., 10 a.m. edented outpouring of local talent of over – 8 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., 80 artworks including paintings, fabric closed Sun. All libraries are closed Mon., art, mixed media, photographs, ceramics July 5. and turned wood. Much of the work was Call 925.254.2184 for more information created during the pandemic. In a special about the Library, or visit http://ccclib.org/. tribute to the reemergence of local artists, Thanks to Orinda Library Manager Michael The Orinda News features a slideshow of 25 Beller and his staff for their assistance in artworks curated from artworks on display ensuring COVID-19 regulations are ob- at the gallery in its online edition. Access served for everyone’s safety. To learn more these photos at www.theorindanews.com/ about the Lamorinda Arts Council, go to orinda-library-gallery/. www.lamorindaarts.org. Because the Council reconfigured all scheduled art exhibits to be virtual until Elana O’Loskey can be reached at COVID-19 restrictions changed, artists [email protected]. scheduled from March 2020 through the

COURTESY OF ELLEN REINTJES Ellen Reintjes has a series of paintings beginning with the title, “Name That Tune.” When you view Name That Tune ___+___ Forever, musicologists will note the musician is playing a euphonium. Reintjes says, “Think of it as a 4-valve baritone horn. The model is my husband, Don Tatzin, who plays with the Walnut Creek Concert Band.” Fortunately, filling in the blanks to “name that tune” is easier than naming the instrument.

present were unable to show work in a brick bourn, Marie Cotter, Jeanette Crawford and mortar gallery. The Council redesigned Baird, George Ehrenhaft, Claire Finne, its website so art lovers could easily view David Fleisig, Sylvia Fones, Therese photographs and videos of exhibiting art- Gladstone Gordon, Lisa Gunn, Irene ists’ creative work during their scheduled Herrera McDonough, Karen Hildebrand, exhibit month. Artwork was, and still is, Lance Jackson, Kimiko Kogure, Brad available for purchase online. Boscoe Krebs, Alecia Larson, Margaret Mason, said, “The virtual gallery turned out to be Sara Michael, Robin Moore, Felicie such a good idea we are retaining it for the Morris, Tina and Rick Nelson, Denise foreseeable future.” Nomura, Jane Raymond, Ellen Reintjes, The 40 featured artists at press time Iris Sabre, Maria SantoStefano, Ruth included: Suzun Almquist, Dana Beebe, Stanton, Karl Stinson, Mary Claire Stot- COURTESY OF SHARON TAMA Julie Bradner, Barbara Brady-Smith, Eddie ler, Hallie Strock, Joanne Taeuffer, Sha- Annie Leibovitz: Vision in Focus is an acrylic Brooks, Loralee Chapleau, Lassie Cole- ron Tama, Taki Tu, Marcy Wheeler and painting by Sharon Tama.

COURTESY OF RICK NELSON Rick Nelson’s Tall Vase is made of recycled red- wood and pine. 22 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com LOCAL GUEST SPEAKERS / AUTHOR Guest Speaker Series of Local High School Graduates Hosted by SIR

By CHARLEEN EARLEY tor for 20 years, working on such films still have a responsibility to work to ensure Editor-in-Chief as Monster’s Inc., A Bugs Life and many that our youth are effectively educated and more. gain the tools to make a significant differ- hen Bill Wadsworth began putting She will share a behind-the-scenes ence through their work.” Wtogether a speaker series for the glimpse of how great animated films are Their first speaker in April was Sara Sons in Retirement (SIR), Lamorinda created. Lamson Nathan, an Acalanes High School Branch 174, he didn’t realize a theme, Currently a Visual Development Artist graduate and currently CEO and Presi- which he now calls, “Local High School for Disney, Kratter was born on the Island dent of Amigos de Las Americas, an Grads Make Good in the World,” would of Kwajalein (far out in the Pacific) and international non-profit that empow- evolve. raised in Orinda. ers youth to become lifelong leaders Given that he’s part of the SIR com- She spoke about her part in the creative who share responsibility for global mittee that arranges speakers, he im- process. community. mediately thought of Nicolle Devenish “A visual development artist works with SIR is a nonprofit, public benefit or- Wallace, a nationally known political the art team to help create the look and feel ganization with a mission to improve analyst and anchor of MSNBC news of a particular film,” she said. “It can take the lives of its members through fun and politics program, Deadline: White a year or two or three to come up with the activities, events and making new friend- House. visual language for an animated film, but ships. It is open to retired or semi-retired “I had been thinking of Nicolle Wallace this is truly the fun part of working on a men, regardless of age, race, color or because she graduated from Miramonte project. One gets to research, explore and religion. near the time my two sons were there,” create a whole new world.” SIR has roughly 13,000 members with- COURTESY OF TIA WALLACE KRATTER said Wadsworth. “I located her speaking She hopes attendees will have a greater in 120 branches; local branch 174 has Fall speaker, Tia Wallace Kratter, who might representative on the Internet and sent in a appreciation of films after her talk. about 125 members. Wadsworth said he speak in-person instead of Zoom, will share a request for a pro-bono Zoom presentation “I’ll want them to get a deeper insight joined in 2015 “primarily to have a group behind-the-scenes glimpse of how great animated via their online form.” into what it takes to make memorable, to play golf with a couple of times a films are created. Kratter was one of the first employees at Pixar. A few days later and to his surprise, she heartfelt and lasting films – ones that month.” said yes. your grandchildren are probably watch- While speaker events are only open to For more information about SIR, visit Wallace spoke on June 9 about what ing incessantly!” she said. “As much as SIR members and their guests, anyone www.branch174.sirinc2.org. she called “News of the day, politics and I’d like to say it’s the great art that makes interested may contact Wadsworth directly covering politics and a White House after the movie, it’s really the story that is at [email protected] to get the link to a Charleen Earley can be reached at working in politics and a White House.” paramount to creating truly memorable recording of any presentation. [email protected]. Whenever she gives talks, Wallace hopes films.” attendees are blunt and honest with their Creating a theme of local high school interaction with her. graduates making good in the world, was “I usually take more away from the not what Wadsworth planned, but he’s Tubach’s Latest Novel is Multi- viewers than they take away from me,” said happy it turned out that way. Wallace, who was born and raised in Orinda “I think it’s important to hear these sto- Layered with Comedy and Suspense and graduated from Miramonte in 1990. ries because Lamorinda is home to most of By CHARLEEN EARLEY ler, World War II and the Holocaust,” said SIR’s Aug. 11 speaker is Tia Wallace our SIR members and many have children Editor-in-Chief Tubach, who studied German at UCLA, in Kratter, who, hopefully, will be in person and grandchildren in the area that they in- Göttingen and Munich and later earned a by then. fluence,” said Wadsworth. “I also believe rinda resident Sally Patterson Tubach Ph.D. in German Literature at UC Berkeley. Kratter is a 1975 Campolindo High that the foundation of our community will Ohad her second novel published last Born in Santa Monica, raised in Potrero School graduate. She’s also an accom- be stronger if we each remind ourselves that year, this one titled The Grande Dame and Canyon in Pacific Palisades, Tubach said plished artist and one of the first employees it does ‘take a village.’ And just because Hitler’s Twin: A Comedy of Errors. So far, she’s lived in Orinda since 1976, “when at Pixar where she was a Shader Art Direc- those of us in SIR are in our 70s or older, we she has garnered rave reviews from readers I married my husband and became step- from across the globe. mother to his two children whose mother “A splendid world opened up in this had died.” story. I felt completely drawn into a vortex, Semi-retired, Tubach is a part-time not of hate and destruction, but a fire of freelance writer. Her husband Frederic love and transformation. What an artistic Tubach is a retired UC Berkeley professor. creation! The magic wand held up at the Together, they have lived abroad and trav- end is superb, a surprise. The reader can eled frequently over the years. find great originality, thoughtfulness and Tubach hoped The Grande and Dame allegory in this book,” wrote Trudi Frei, of Hitler’s Twin: A Comedy of Errors, pub- USA/Switzerland, paired with her five-star lished Oct. 19, 2020, during the pandemic, review on Amazon.com. would offer a healthy, mental break for Tubach said the inspiration for this book readers. came from learning about the Holocaust “It is a comedy of errors, so I hope that back in high school. my cast of quirky characters and their “I wondered how a culture that produced comic missteps and misunderstandings a Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and enlight- will amuse and make readers laugh,” she ened writers such as Lessing, Schiller and said. “Some readers have said it provided Goethe, could also produce an Adolf Hit- [SEE TUBACH page 23] www.TheOrindaNews.com THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 n 23 SEASONED SHOPPER

t TUBACH from page 22

a welcome diversion from the anxieties of Seasoned Shopper the pandemic and the troubled state of the Sweet Summertime Corn world. But beyond escapism, and since I come down on the side of ‘nurture’ in the BARBARA KOBSAR ‘nurture verses nature’ debate, I hope that readers will challenge their assumptions about the genetic determination of human t’s summertime and sweet corn is waiting behavior and about identity politics.” Iat your local farmer’s market – ready to Tubach addresses the cognitive dis- eat fresh, add to salads or pop on the grill. sonance some readers might experience Sweet corn is harvested young before in seeing the words “Hitler’s Twin” and the sugar has a chance to turn into starch. “Comedy” in the same title sentence. Supersweet varieties (yellow, white and “One of the women in my Berkeley bicolor) produce and retain natural sugars writers critique group outright objected to for an enhanced sweet flavor. that juxtaposition while I was still writing Dent or field corn, another type of corn the story,” said Tubach. “I answered this left on the cob to dry, then gets sold as a objection by saying that since I had to use a grain to feed livestock, or gets processed singular trick of science fiction to bring Hit- into flour, cornmeal, starch and oil. Flint ler’s twin into existence in our times and in corn, also called Indian corn or calico corn, a San Francisco setting, the novel is a mixed is harder than dent corn and boasts a wide genre that is part fantastical tale – almost a range of colors. It’s prized for a high nutri- modern fairy tale or speculative tale.” HERLINDE SPAHR ent value. When dried, it’s used for corn Research for her novel, she said, required Long-time Orinda resident, Sally Tubach, is author meal, hominy and polenta. collaborations on two books concerned of her newest novel, The Grande Dame and Hitler’s Twin: A Comedy of Errors, which was recently pub- Back to the sweet corn of summer! with WWII and the Holocaust. Travel fac- lished by Wipf & Stock in Eugene, Oregon. Choose ears of corn with green, moist, snug tored into her research as well. fitting husks. End silk should be golden “Extended stays in Germany – and Ultimately, Tubach has high hopes her brown and dry, the ears full and plump and France, where we owned a vacation house book will enlighten others. the stem end moist. Cobs coming to market in the Languedoc and I have Hitler’s twin “I hope readers will be moved by a va- BARBARA KOBSAR on ice offer the sweetest, freshest flavor! Sweet corn is in abundance and waiting at your raised – provided the requisite background riety of elements, such as its poignant and Many stands display a freshly husked cob local farmer’s market, ready to eat fresh, add to to tackle this story that takes place primarily sensitive look at aging, its sprinkling of of corn on top of the pile to give shoppers salads or pop on the grill. in San Francisco but incorporates numerous magical realism, its satirical look at com- a visual “taste.” What to look for? Plump side trips to Europe,” she said. mercialism in art and literature, its suspense looking kernels in tight rows that come all jalapeno (seeded and minced), ¼ teaspoon Not your typical writer who adheres and the complexity of the plot,” she said. “I the way up to the ear’s top. White variet- salt and 3 tablespoons Cottage Kitchen Red to strict and disciplined writing routines, also hope it encourages thoughtful aware- ies tend to outsell yellow varieties, but the Pepper Jelly. “probably because of our busy, stimulating ness about the emerging, anti-democratic choice is yours! Combine salad ingredients. Mix in home life and travels,” Tubach said when and authoritarian tendencies in our domes- Grill or roast fresh corn for the most dressing. Refrigerate until ready to serve. she finds time to write, it’s at her home tic and global politics.” flavor and more convenience when serving Serves 4. office computer. Her book is available at Amazon.com and a crowd. If you want plump and extra juicy “I usually begin by standing at the com- on the publisher’s (Wipf and Stock) web- corn on the cob, try microwaving, steaming The Orinda market is open every Sat- puter for a couple of hours and later sitting site. It can also be ordered at any bookstore or boiling. urday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Orinda on a sofa with my laptop on my lap,” she including Orinda Books. Shop the farmers market for all the ingre- Way in Orinda Village. More information said. “Late afternoon is my best time. Most dients to make this delicious Corn Salad, a is available at www.cccfm.org, facebook. days I produce more words writing emails Charleen Earley can be reached at quick and easy make-ahead: com/OrindaFarmersMarket and Instagram than in my creative writing!” [email protected]. at OrindaFarmersMarket, or call the market FRESH CORN SALAD hotline: 925.431.8361. 2 cobs fresh corn, kernels sliced off Barbara Kobsar sells her Cottage Kitchen 1 firm tomato, seeded and chopped OR 1 jams and jellies at the JAM STAND at the cup cherry tomatoes cut in half Saturday Orinda market and at the Walnut 1 small cucumber, diced Creek market Sunday. She is also president 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, of the CCCFM (Contra Costa Certified chopped Farmers Market) Association Board of 1 – 2 tablespoons chopped green onion Directors.

Dressing: Combine 3 tablespoons olive Barbara Kobsar can be reached at oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 small [email protected].

t BOQUETS from page 20 $10 for the public. The return of Bouquets to Art 2021 2020 due to the pandemic. This year, with was welcomed by all who enjoy nov- limited access, it sold out immediately. For- el creativity and floral displays. Visit tunately, given post-COVID-19 technology, https://deyoung.famsf.org/bouquets-to-art there is a first ever, virtual tour available, for more information. providing an in-depth look at every floral design, filled with behind-the-scenes de- Jane Wiser can be reached at tails. It’s free for museum members and [email protected]. 24 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JULY 2021 www.TheOrindaNews.com BUSINESS

Financial News Siam Orchid Celebrates 30th Anniversary During Pandemic Planning for Young Orinda’s College DAVID BORN, CFA, CFP

s another crop of Miramonte grads put money in and take it out immediately Aprepares to disperse to universities because the tax break is only on the earn- across the country, the reality of college ings in the account. expenses is coming home to roost for some The tax benefit can be huge if you invest of their families. funds before your student graduates from Most inquiring Orinda families learn TOPS, St. Stephen’s or Fountainhead pre- that financial aid for them only comes in schools. The benefits will be less if your the form of loans. Need-based grants and student is already a Matador, though that scholarships taper off greatly just above may be an easier time for some families to the poverty line. come up with the money. Many Orindans also find themselves The ideal level of funding for a four-year without tax breaks to lighten the blow. The old depends on many unknowns. It’s hard American Opportunity Tax Credit and Life- to know if that impressive crayon work will time Learning Credit offer $5,500 in tax lead to a prestigious architectural degree. breaks but begins phasing out at $59,000 That’s before throwing in a host of external of income for single filers. factors, like school price inflation, policy One very powerful tax break remains changes and market returns. undiminished for all income levels: the 529 The main risk of putting too much in is a plan in which savings and earnings can be 10% penalty on the earnings if withdrawn withdrawn tax free for qualified educational for non-qualified expenses. The rules are expenses. many, but this risk is mitigated somewhat One caveat to this opportunity is that you by the ability to transfer the account to a need to have money to put in while there is different beneficiary, siblings or some other still time for it to grow. It doesn’t help to family members. If a student might qualify for financial aid, the titling of the account is important. The risk of putting too little in is that you TRISTAN SHAUGHNESSY might miss out on a better tax break. Over- Owner of Siam Orchid Thai restaurant, Pepsi Phanmongkol and his family have been serving loyal customers since the early 90s. Pivoting during the pandemic was a challenge, but business is now picking back up. all, the chances that young parents perfectly fund expenses over a decade away looks By TRISTAN SHAUGHNESSY the cost of his ingredients increased. While slim, but the benefits of getting started to Staff Writer ordering produce for the restaurant during some degree are often worth it. the pandemic, he said, food deliveries be- Send ideas for business features to n 1991, Pepsi Phanmongkol noticed came not only more pricey but also more [email protected]. Isomething about Orinda, something delayed. significant: there were no Thai restaurants Despite these challenges, Siam Orchid is David Born can be reached at in the city. Absolutely none. So, he opened still up and running, something Phanmon- [email protected]. the Siam Orchid. Now, 30 years later, he gkol attributes to the type of food served: says the restaurant is still serving regulars “Because my restaurant serves family style, from the ‘90s. takeout might be good for customers. You Located at 23 Orinda Way, Siam Orchid got the fancy restaurants – the food is not has had a long history, but its award-win- good for takeout.” ning meals have mostly stayed the same. Reflecting on the past few months, According to Phanmongkol, his wife, Lek, Phanmongkol said things have been getting and brother, Nicky, have been cooking for better for the restaurant as more Orindans restaurant patrons since its debut. But last get vaccinated. But, he is still cautiously year, to stay open, the eatery had to adapt waiting for when Siam Orchid reaches pre- to a pandemic. pandemic numbers of customers. Phanmongkol said when lockdown or- Offering dine-in or takeout options while ders came last March the Siam Orchid’s staffing a full bar, the restaurant serves business took an immediate nosedive: lunch Monday through Thursday from 11 “Even for me, it was shocking. For the a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner everyday from restaurant to be shutting down – like wow! 4:30 to 9 p.m. It was a really big hit.” Even with new families in the city, Phan- Pivoting exclusively to takeout orders, mongkol said the area is by and large the Phanmongkol said Orindans were initially same as when he first opened his restaurant. slow changing dining habits but, by May, “I just thank the people who live in 2020, they were used to the idea of order- Orinda for supporting my restaurant for 30 ing takeout. Yet, sales were still noticeably years,” he said. lower compared to pre-pandemic levels. Besides worrying about the number of Tristan Shaughnessy can be reached at customers, Phanmongkol mentioned that [email protected].