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Wednesday, April 5, 2017 • Vol. 11 Issue 3

Celebrate

Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterianwithwwiithth Church 26,000 copies •Easter Sunday Services, April 16 delivereddeliv biweekly to LaLamorindam homes & 6:30 a.m. • 8:00 a.m. • businesses 9:30 a.m. • 11:00 a.m. www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Visit LOPC.org/news/easter FREE for Holy Week Service Info 49 Knox Drive Lafayette CA 94549 (925) 283-8722 • LOPC.org

Twins Sadie and Morgan took their father David to the Opening Day of the market after a morning playing Tot Baseball across the street at the Orinda Community Park. Photo Andy Scheck Farmers Market Celebrates 20th Anniversary By Sora O’Doherty

t was no April Fool’s Joke when the Orinda Farmers attendance and offer some new attractions. According to Enabled by the Orinda Community Center’s donation Imarket cut the ribbon on its 20th season of providing Staci DeShasier, executive director of Contra Costa County of chairs, the market was able to expand its customer seat- fresh food on April 1. The Farmers Market will run Farmers’ Markets, Orinda accomplished that goal with a 10 ing area. DeShasier says that when they added top musi- until mid-November, with a focus on food and music from percent increase in customer attendance. DeShasier was de- cians in front of the new seating, it made the market the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in front of the Rite Aide store lighted, noting that the increase translates into real dollars for place to be on Saturday mornings, and now the market has on Orinda Way. small family farms and also means more residents and visi- a full lineup of music on tap. The market’s goals for 2016 were to increase customer tors are discovering the market and enjoying its offerings. ... continued on page A7 Advertising

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Public Meetings City Council

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Diablo Blvd. School Board Meetings PARKING SLOTS Acalanes Union High School District 274 REGULAR Wednesday, April 19, 7 p.m. 36 ADA AUHSD Board Room 1212 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette 2 STN AGENT www.acalanes.k12.ca.us 2 MAINT VEHICLE Lafayette School District 1 POLICE Wednesday, April 19, 7 p.m. 42 MOTORCYCLE Regular Board Meeting 4 TAXI District Offi ce Board Room 2 BUS 3477 School St., Lafayette 270’-0’’ KISS AND RIDE www.lafsd.k12.ca.us Check online for agendas, meeting Addressing environmental notes and announcements City of Lafayette: challenges, BART will be adding www.ci.lafayette.ca.us trees, improving landscaping, pro- Phone: (925) 284-1968 viding a rain garden, better irriga- Chamber of Commerce: tion, LED lighting and permeable www.lafayettechamber.org Image provided pavement. ith plans to address physical, ditional parking spots for ADA Houlihan said the project is ex- 1200 Block Pleasant Hill Rd. Woperational and environ- compliance, and offering better 3300 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. pected to take about eight months Identity Theft mental conditions, BART is sched- signage, would commence after to complete. While there will be no 1000 Block Woodbury Laf uled to start work this May on site the current solar panel installation impact to bus services, or to pedes- Police Department (2) improvements at its Lafayette sta- is fi nished, which has an estimated trians and cyclists, parking will be 1800 Block Reliez Valley Rd. tion. BART Engineering Division completion date of mid-April. restricted as they close one lot at a 10 Block Mountain View Ln. Manager Mary Grace Houlihan BART riders can expect to see time. Lafayette Police Department Juvenile Disturbance updated the Lafayette City Council an enhanced “Kiss and Ride” area Further information and up- Incident Summary Report Lafayette Cr./Mt. Diablo Blvd. at its March 27 meeting about the together with improved pedestrian dates can be found on the BART. March 12 - 25 Lost Property reconstruction project. access, more motorcycle parking website and on fl yers and notice Alarms 86 3400 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Houlihan said that the improve- as well as improvements to the boards at the station. 911 Calls (incl hang-ups) 8Ordinance Violation ments, which include replacing bus zone and two-way drive aisles, Noise complaints 12 1000 Block Timothy Ln. Traffi c stops 161 400 Block Peacock Blvd. deteriorated paving, providing ad- which will improve circulation. Suspicious Circumstances 18 Patrol Request Suspicious Subjects 44 Mt. Diablo Blvd./Happy Valley Rd. PG&E to remove trees in Lafayette Suspicious Vehicles 35 3300 Block Helen Ln. Abandoned Vehicle Petty Theft By Pippa Fisher Circle Creek Dr./Circle Creek Ln. 3200 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. he city of Lafayette Animal Cruelty 900 Block Moraga Rd. Thas been working to Mt. Diablo Blvd./Happy Valley Rd. 20 Block Crest Rd. move forward with Pacif- Assault W/ Deadly Weapon 1000 Block Carol Ln. ic Gas & Electric Co. on 3300 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3200 Block Mt. Diablo Ct. its Community Pipeline Auto Burglary 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Safety Initiative, which 10 Block White Oak Dr. 3400 Block Golden Gate Wy 4000 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3200 Block Elvia St. requires the removal of Police Department Petty Theft From Vehicle 216 protected trees within 1000 Block N Thompson Rd. 3500 Block Wilkinson Ln. the city of Lafayette. 3700 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3700 Block Mosswood Dr. The removal is re- 3400 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Petty Theft Other quired under the CPSI to 900 Block S Thompson Rd. (2) 4100 Block Happy Valley Rd. clear areas around pipe- 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Phone Harass lines of trees to allow ac- 30 Block Lafayette Cr. 300 Block Shire Oaks Ct. cess for fi rst responders Public Assembly Check 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. and crews, so that tree Moraga Rd./Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3300 Block Springhill Rd. Battery Public Nuisance roots do not damage the 70 Block Lafayette Cr. (2) 900 Block 2nd St. pipe and so that the pipe Eb Sr 24 At Brown Ave. Dyer Dr./Hampton Rd. can be properly inspected. 3100 Block Old Tunnel Rd. 100 Block Camellia Ln. Initially in 2014 Civil Disturbance 3900 Block El Nido Ranch Rd. PG&E called for the re- 1000 Block 2nd St. Martino Rd./Springhill Rd. moval of over 1,000 trees, Civil Problem Valente Ct./Acalanes Rd. but since then has done 1000 Block Pine Ln. Reckless Driving further analysis, includ- Police Department Pleasant Hill Rd./Old Tunnel Rd. ing an inspection and ap- 900 Block Moraga Rd. 3600 Block Deerhill Rd. praisal of every individual 900 Block S Thompson Rd. Palo Alto Dr./Cambridge Dr. tree by arborist Michael Counterfeit Reliez Station Rd./Glenside Dr. (2) Baefsky of Baefsky & 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. St Marys Rd./Glenside Dr. Disturbing The Peace Taylor Blvd./Pleasant Hill Rd. Associates, Environmen- Springhill Rd./Pleasant Hill Rd. Lafayette Cr./Mt. Diablo Blvd. tal Landscape Consulting Dui Misdemeanor Moraga Rd./St. Marys Rd. and Contracting. 3300 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Road Rage ... continued on next page Acalanes Rd./Glorietta Blvd. Springhill Rd./Pleasant Hill Rd. Fire/ems Response Info Security Check 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 700 Block St Marys Rd. Forgery Shoplift 900 Block Hough Ave. 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. (2) Found Property 3500 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. (5) 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. Threats 1000 Block Aileen St. 600 Block Moraga Rd. 3700 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 3700 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. 600 Block Sweet Ct. Trespass Olympic Blvd./Reliez Station Rd. 3600 Block Happy Valley Rd. Fraud Credit Card 500 Block Merriewood 10 Block Hidden Valley Rd. Unwanted Guest 10 Block Mountain View Ln. 4000 Block Valente Dr. Fraud False Pretenses Vandalism 900 Block Hough Ave. 10 Block Folin Ln. 1000 Block Pine Ln. 10 Block Lark Creek Ln. Grand Theft 3300 Block Hillside Terrace 3800 Block Happy Valley Rd. 10 Block Lark Creek Ln. H&S Violation 3300 Block Hillside Terrace 3400 Block School St. 10 Block Greenvalley Dr. 3300 Block Betty Ln. 3400 Block School St. Hailed By Citizen Vehicle Theft Bart Lafayette Station 800 Block Topper Ln. Hit And Run Misdemeanor 1200 Block Clover Ct. 3300 Block Springhill Rd. Verbal Dispute 3600 Block Mt. Diablo Blvd. El Nido Ranch Rd./Upper Taylor Blvd./Pleasant Hill Rd. Happy Valley Rd. Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A3 Togo’s sandwich chain looks to Lafayette for expansion By Pippa Fisher

Togo’s in nearby Pleasant Hill Photo Pippa Fisher ogo’s sandwiches may soon be ing in fresh, made-to-order sand- 30 Tavailable in Lafayette if plans wiches that started back in 1971 as to expand the company within the a small sandwich shack in the south city take off. end of San Jose State campus now Top Togo management is ze- has close to 300 locations open or roing in on Lafayette for future under development. However, the JUST LISTED | 122 Fairfield Place, Moraga growth and hopes to fi nd inter- company is careful not to over- A little updating and you will have a very nice 4BR/2BA home in Moraga est and a suitable location, having saturate any area. Peterson said that with a beautiful view at a great price. Potential in-law setup or 5BR/3BA. identifi ed the city’s strong consum- although there are Togo’s nearby er demographics. in Pleasant Hill and Concord, La- Chief Development Offi cer fayette is a distinctly different trade Todd Peterson says that Lafayette area. provides a “great consumer mar- Peterson points out that many ket” citing a strong residential base franchisees start as fans and often plus offi ces, shops and a commu- have little or no background in the nity that could be supplied. He said restaurant business but are brought they had looked at several locations through a process and given the over the past few years. tools, training and support to be- While Togo’s can’t be specifi c come successful. on a timeline at this point, the com- He attributes the company’s pany is focusing its development success in part to careful placement on a few key California markets, and strong brand recognition. specifi cally Lafayette. And, he says, “really good The franchise chain specializ- sandwiches!” PG&E to remove trees in Lafayette ... continued from page A2 This report indicated that within monitored and that they are safe. Lafayette, 272 trees on private He said there are no anomalies and public property are deemed and that this is a proactive rather to be an unacceptable risk and re- than reactive step. But, he added, quire removal. Of those, 216 are “You don’t want trees on high considered “protected.” pressure gas transmission pipe- Baefsky concludes that the lines.” total payback to the city will be PG&E has identifi ed trees for $530,965, with $56,160 in re- removal on EBMUD land, pri- planting and $474,805 in pay- vate property, East Bay Regional ments. Parks land and city land. They At the March 27 city coun- will provide the city with a site cil meeting, council members plan and must show authoriza- heard from Assistant Planner tion from private property own- Megan Canales, who requested ers. the council authorize City Man- Council Member Mark ager Steve Falk to execute the Mitchell commented on the good agreement with PG&E and place work done reducing the number mitigation payments collected in of trees to be removed from over a restricted reserve fund for fu- 1,000 to 216. Council Member ture planting of median islands Cameron Burks pointed out the in Lafayette. The likely locations importance of safety balanced for such median islands would be against the semi-rural feel of La- on the east and west ends of Mt. fayette so valued by residents. Diablo Boulevard and on Pleas- The motion passed unani- ant Hill Road between the free- mously, with Mayor Mike An- The Spring Market is in Full Bloom! way and Deer Hill Road. derson, Burks and Mitchell in fa- Marvin Nushwat of PG&E vor. Vice Mayer Don Tatzin was reassured the council that the absent and Council Member Ivor pipes in Lafayette are constantly Samson recused himself.

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Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. 925.200.2795 BRE# 01029160 [email protected] jimcolhoun.com Planning Commission EXPERT KNOWLEDGE ... EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE ... JIM COLHOUN Monday, April 10, 7 p.m. Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. After 4 years, Moraga approves new Chase building By Sophie Braccini Design Review

The new bank building has Korpus, who was on the planning Monday, April 10, 7 p.m. been reviewed and discussed for commission when the study ses- Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room, 335 Rheem Blvd. four years, going through study sion took place, detailed her own sessions with planning staff, the requests. She reminded the coun- School Board Meetings design review board and planning cil that the MCSP calls for School Moraga School District commission. Mayor Teresa Onoda Street to include two traffi c lanes, a Thursday, April 13, 7 p.m. appealed the planning commis- wide pedestrian path, a bicycle lane Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School sion’s fi nal assent, to bring it to a and angled parking. She said that to Library council vote. achieve this it would require mas- 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga Chase Bank claims to have sive widening, but that if the Chase www.moraga.k12.ca.us 3400 clients in Moraga. At the project is approved as is, this will See also AUHSD meeting page A2 March 22 town council, its repre- not be possible. sentative, Market Director of Real The two women were not fol- Check online for agendas, meeting Estate Ronald Chester, stated that lowed by any of their colleagues. notes and announcements Chase would walk out altogether if Vice mayor Roger Wykle said that Town of Moraga: the council added more conditions the new building presents the gen- www.moraga.ca.us to approve the project. eral town architecture existing in Phone: (925) 888-7022 The new bank’s site will be lo- Moraga, and that implementation Chamber of Commerce: cated in a very prominent position of the MCSP vision was something www.moragachamber.org in the future downtown as envi- that could be materialized in the Moraga Citizens’ Network: sioned by the MCSP. School Street future. Council Member Jeanette Chase Bank location at the corner of Moraga Way and School Street. Image provided www.moragacitizensnetwork.org is earmarked to become the down- Fritzky added that this building re- oraga’s latest Town Council town main street and that corner minded her of the Orchard Supply MMeeting was the stage of a Moraga March 11 Violation City would be the entrance to that com- Hardware store across the street. Police Ordinance long-lived piece of local drama, mercial area. Council Member Dave Trotter said Eleven o’clock and all was not one that pits those who want to cre- The mayor said that she wanted he did not want the bank to give up Report well. Police responded to music ate a new vision for the downtown to start implementing the vision of on Moraga and simply asked that and more than 150 partiers shaking versus those who take into account the MCSP with this project. She pear trees replace some of the trees March 7 to 21 their shamrocks six days early in what exists and settle for it. Alarms reminded the council that that vi- proposed in the plan. honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Police This time it was the design of March 8 location n/a sion was to create an environment Trotter noted that the zoning of Lepre-calmed them down, sent the new Chase Bank at the corner March 11 1800 block St. Andrew’s Drive guests snaking home and residents more pedestrian- and less auto-cen- the MCSP is not completed yet and March 12 1100 block Larch Avenue acknowledged their o’ffense. No of Moraga Way and School Street tered. She added that shopping has that for that reason there is not any March 14 Bank of America ATM further action was taken. (Bob’s Christmas Tree lot) that was changed, everything can be deliv- requirement of any setback at this March 16 100 block Longfi eld Place March 11 Assault at stake. The result was predictable: ered, and that downtowns need to time in the municipal code. March 17 400 block Kingsford Drive Like when Dollar Tree or Moraga A domestic disturbance in the 100 create an environment where peo- The building’s plans were ap- March 20 location n/a Center Homes (The City Ventures March 21 400 block Park Street block of Miramonte Drive resulted ple want to hang out. For example, proved 3-2. A committee is work- March 21 location n/a in one arrest for battery and a second project) were approved, if the code Onoda wanted to add a larger side- ing on the zoning of the MCSP, but for interfering. The fi rst subject was permits it, it will be built. And right Burglary walk, six feet instead of fi ve feet, no results are expected before the booked in Martinez jail, the second now there are no zoning rules in the March 21 electronics and jewelry cited and released. No injuries. and remove some of the parking end of the year. Moraga Center Specifi c Plan that lots along the School Street portion Warrant Arrest March 14 Vandal could justify adding more trees, of the site to accommodate both a March 13 Moraga Road near Corliss. A broken window found in a creek larger sidewalks or even a setback wider sidewalk and an ample veg- What of Bob’s March 8 Miscellaneous plus items taken from a nearby from the street, as some residents building led the owner to believe etation buffer. We can’t hearrrrrr you! A Moraga and offi cials may want. Christmas Tree lot? teenage tresspassers were at it again. Council Member Kymberleigh resident failed to return home after Council member Dave Trot- Police made some suggestions on an evening job interview, but did securing the property. ter asked property owner Dave warn the cell phone battery was low Bruzzone where would “Bob” on juice. Shortly after the police got March 14 Vandal of Bob’s Christmas Trees go this involved, who should call but the Someone put graffi ti on both the “missing” person, who’d spent the Rancho Laguna Park men’s and year. Bruzzone answered that he evening in the relative safety…of women’s bathrooms after dark. would make sure that the beloved relatives. No word on the success Seems the culprit, whoever they business would be provided with or failure of the interview, but fi rst may be, is an equal opportunity adequate space in the shopping paycheck priority might be a spare destroyer. Police have yet to fl ush center again in 2017. phone battery. them out. March 8 Robbery March 16 Vandal Dial “R” for Robbery: someone It’s not a gas: Will the driver of a Many local parents continue to support wanting to buy a new iPhone small brown 2-door (and his two became a robbery victim by male passengers) please remember providing the seller with his to disengage the nozzle before 5th-grade teacher in ‘Duct Tape’ case home address. A second subject speeding away from the gas station? By Sophie Braccini showed up, brandishing a gun. The We found the pump, but haven’t Parents of current and for- erstwhile-seller grabbed the money found you. Yet. and the phone and ran off with the mer students of Tang, as well as March 16 Larceny accomplice, probably making it former students, continue to sup- diffi cult to call for help. Police were on the dime picking up port the teacher, highlighting sev- an employee turned shoplifter at eral elements they consider the March 9 Dog bite Rheem Valley Center. The suspect Police responded to a local park was tabbed…er nabbed, and MSD neglected. The parents fi rst where a man reported a German released. specify that only seven students Shepard bit him. Where was the March 16 Remains Found out of 22 were interviewed, one man bitten? In the park, of course, A hiker found more than he expected by one behind closed doors in a but more importantly in the hip. A manner that they feel was intimi- second subject recognized the dog, when he came across skeletal saying it had jumped her son while human remains on an area hillside. dating. One mother indicated to he was skateboarding (the son, not The remains were recovered and this newspaper that her child was the dog). When contacted, the dog sent to the county coronor’s offi ce interviewed and testifi ed that the owner thought the hip injury was for forensic ID. teacher did not put on the tape, a scratch not a dog bite, but the March 17 Lost/Stolen property but that “John Doe” did it himself volunteer made sure he’d had a A Moraga resident reported several as a humorous provocation. recent rabies vaccination (the dog; thousand dollars in jewelry missing The lawyer of the “Doe” fam- not the owner). Animal Control was from her residence. She notifi ed her ily, Larry Cook, did not respond was notifi ed and will chew on the insurance company; they asked for report. police involvement. Parents wear their “I’m with Millie” badge: from left, Anne Naff ziger, Natalie to our phone calls. The district at- torney dismissed criminal charg- March 10 DUI assist March 17 Suspicious Doane, Janelle Chng, Laura Revelos, Sara Giordani. Moraga police assisted Lafayette circumstances Photo Sophie Braccini es in the case, but the civil suit is any local parents continue interviewed seven students from police with the investigation of A resident reported a large slab M continuing. The documents fi led a solo driver parked in the road of rock had been knocked down. to support a Moraga teach- the classroom, including the al- by Cook refer to physical and and apparently passed out. Driver Police took it for granite, and er in what is being referred to as leged victim, “John Doe.” MSD’s psychological abuse of a child, subsequently fl unked sobriety although no stone was left unturned, “the duct tape story” despite an records indicated that a majority stating that Tang placed the duct tests (and clearly lacked parking no suspect(s) were found. editorial in another local newspa- of the students as well as a col- skills) and was arrested for DUI, tape and ridiculed the child in transported to county lockup and March 18 Violation City per that claimed the teacher lied. league of Tang confi rmed that the front of the class, and that she booked. Ordinance Los Perales fi fth grade teacher teacher herself placed the tape on also engaged in intimidation, co- An apartment party got out of March 10 Suspicious Millie Tang was accused of plac- Doe’s mouth, which she denies. ercion and threats. The documents hand…and mouth… when police circumstances ing duct tape over a child’s mouth But parents continue to sup- also accuse Black of failure to pre- observed 50 congenial collegians last year. Documents released to port a teacher that they consider Moraga parents told police fi ve boys in their cups. The party of the fi rst vent, correct, train and supervise rang their doorbell and called their part (police) dispersed the party of the East Bay Times spell out the an exceptional educator, pointing the teacher, and states that the MSD daughter derogatory names. Word the second party (attendees); one Moraga School District’s conclu- out defi ciencies in the district’s authorized and/or ratifi ed Tang and games of the worst kind. No action resident was cited, a second issued sions written after Los Perales inquiry and accusing the media of Black’s misconduct toward “John was taken. a warning. Elementary Principal Amy Black bias. Doe.” ... continued on next page Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A5 YOUR REAL ESTATE GUIDE Summer Jobs Available TOP LAMORINDA BROKER Recreation Leaders ALEX GAILAS 925-254-7600 Apply Today! [email protected] www.Alexgailas.com MORA GA PARKS & RECREATION 925-888-7045 • www.moragarec.com Making you feel confi dent with your Real Estate transactions since 2000! CalBRE#01305545 45 Moraga Way, Ste 203, Orinda

Mayor Onoda declares a vibrant business Citizen of the Year community is within Moraga’s grasp Dinner set for April 22 By Sophie Braccini Submitted by Claire Roth second lowest percentage in Contra Costa County he dinner honoring Bobbie ber.org. Come join your fellow that was frozen by Proposition 13 in 1978. The con- TPreston, Moraga’s 2017 Citi- residents to celebrate Preston and sequence, according to Onoda, is that the town that zen of the Year, will be held at 6 our community at this special was incorporated in 1974 with a minimal government p.m. on Saturday, April 22 at the event. principle is not equipped to face today’s requirements Soda Center on the Saint Mary’s The Citizen of the Year event and obligations, such as paying competitive salaries College campus. Everyone is is sponsored by Saint Mary’s Col- to staff and saving money to repair its infrastructure. welcome and invited to attend. lege, Moraga Chamber of Com- She said that this year a measure to levy extra tax for Tickets are $55 and may be merce, the Lamorinda Weekly repairs would be studied. purchased at www.moragacham- and Moraga Valley Kiwanis. Kevin Reneau, past president of the chamber of commerce and owner of Senior Helpers in Moraga, asked the mayor how to convince people of the neces- Spring road repairs in sity for more taxes. Onoda responded that designing a measure with clear goals and educating residents downtown Moraga was key to success, as was done to get the 1 percent By Sophie Braccini sales tax approved. Onoda stressed her support of economic de- While the sinkhole repair days only, on April 1 and 8, while velopment in town and support of streamlining the plans are still being held during the week of the school’s regulatory processes for new and existing businesses. under the California Department Spring break only one lane for Council Member Jeanette Fritzky added that devel- of Transportation’s scrutiny, alternate traffi c is available. The Mayor Teresa Onoda delivers the State of the Town ad- opment takes a lot of pieces and parts, and that Mor- Moraga public works depart- fi rst Saturday, on April 1, saw dress. Photo Sophie Braccini aga needs a long-term economic development plan. ment has started its spring repair some lines and confusion, but n her State of the Town address, Moraga Mayor She said that the risk was that one day Moraga would campaign partially funded with a people had not too much trouble ITeresa Onoda said that the thrifty town had been have no other choice than becoming part of a larger CalRecycle grant. The objective using alternate routes. built on a nonsustainable fi nancial canvass and that entity. is to have Moraga’s main arteries Kwan explained that the re- things needed to change. The mayor said that the town has the economics in good shape for the triathlon on paving work of the section be- Her address was part of the Moraga Chamber of to keep businesses in town but that the online compe- April 22. Edric Kwan, the town’s tween Corliss and Draeger Drive Commerce mixer on March 29. tition means that businesses would have to reinvent public works director, believes will be conducted with lane clo- Onoda also started a discussion with chamber themselves. Edy Schwartz, a former chamber presi- that his plan will minimize un- sures during the weekdays using members about the economic future of the town, re- dent, challenged everyone in the audience to com- avoidable traffi c impacts. lane closures similar to the ones affi rming her support of the business community and municate on social media about all that businesses in The reopening of Rheem used during last fall’s overhead challenging retailers to add charm to their storefronts Moraga have to offer. Onoda added that she does it Boulevard between St. Mary’s utility undergrounding work. and create the shopping experience Moragans de- regularly when she has lunch out with her husband Road and Moraga Road was key The project will also include a serve and want. and she recommended that everyone participate in to keeping the drivers’ stress lev- slurry seal of the roadway be- Onoda talked about the Moraga Center Specifi c this buzz about the Moraga experience. el to a minimum. Repairs along tween Draeger Drive and Devin Plan zoning and how work was being done to create Kathe Nelson, chamber executive director, shared Moraga Road present a differ- Drive, which will also utilize a vision for the downtown. She explained that hillside the unique atmosphere that is developing in Moraga ent challenge depending on the lane closures to complete the and ridgeline rules were also being defi ned accord- where a business, Amoroma, decided to support an- number of lanes available in each work. Everything is expected to ing to the town’s principles to make the development other Moraga business, Moraga Produce. segment. The most challenging is be completed by April 22 and process more predictable and simple for developers. The current chamber president, Wendy Scheck, the narrow, two-lane stretch be- changeable messages with road She also explained how two elements of the town fi - concluded that she was hopeful that the attitude in tween St. Mary’s Road and Corl- closures information continue to nancial reality clearly showed that Moraga is under- Moraga was changing and that the close-knit and vi- iss. Kwan elected to close the inform motorists at major inter- funded: infrastructure, like storm drain maintenance, brant community everyone desires would be attain- segment completely on Satur- sections. and staff compensation. able. To top this optimistic mood Onoda announced The mayor explained that Moraga gets only 5.3 a townwide hike scheduled on Oct. 14 on the Carr Share your thoughts, insights and opinions with your community. percent of what its residents pay in property tax, the Ranch trails. Send a letter to the editor: [email protected] Many local parents continue to support 5th-grade teacher ... continued from page A4 At this time, more than 80 Millie” stickers and they say that needed a friend. Read has two tarian endeavors, and she fi nds the case. They feel that MSD letters of support for the teacher parents all over the district, not grandchildren who are former these accusations and attacks should support its teachers and have been received and given to only Los Perales parents, choose students of Tang. He said that he on her character devastating, he not back down over what they the MSD. The parents supporting to wear them in support of the did extensive interviews of the said. consider frivolous lawsuits. Read Tang are dismayed that the East teacher. teacher and of parents and decid- When parents talk about is convinced that if the case goes Bay Times never mentioned the Gregory Read, a partner with ed he should assist her. He says Tang, the emotions also run very to court the probability of win- letters that were sent to them. the San Francisco law fi rm Sedg- that the very petite teacher — of- high, between anger, disappoint- ning is very high, but he warns They wonder what is the reason, wick, offered Tang to be her law- ten smaller than some of her fi fth ment and deep sadness. A group that putting children on the wit- even calling it a “witch hunt.” yer pro-bono. The well regarded graders — is very distressed by of parents plan to attend the April ness stand could be a diffi cult ex- At a recent fundraiser for the trial lawyer said that Tang has what she feels in an injustice. Her 11 MSD board meeting to con- perience. Moraga Education Foundation already a lawyer appointed by whole life has been dedicated to tinue to affi rm their support and parents distributed “I’m with the school district but that she teaching, as well as her humani- demand that the district not settle

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City Council Tuesday, April 11, 7 p.m. Library Auditorium, Orinda Library Direct: (925) 389-6161 [email protected] 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 www.MaureenWilbur.com CalBRE #01268536 Planning Commission ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Maureen Wilbur Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Offi ce is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affi liated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Tuesday, April 11, 5 p.m. independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Special Joint Meeting with City Council Library Auditorium, Orinda Library 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 Citizens’ Infrastructure 28 homes in Orinda Grove get new addresses Oversight Commission By Sora O’Doherty Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. n an effort to avert potentially responders are familiar with this costs of changing the street signs, The land upon which Orinda Sarge Littlehale Community Room, Ilethal confusion, Orinda City arrangement, other emergency per- and the residents will not have to Grove is built was part of a three- 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 School Board Meetings Council voted to rename the streets sonnel are not, and staff has deter- deal with the U.S. Postal Service way swap that enabled the city to in the Orinda Grove development, mined that there is a possibility that regarding the change of address, build its new city hall in 2007. Sub- Orinda Union School District requiring changing the addresses of confusion could create a deadly de- some residents did appear before sequently Pulte Homes developed Monday, April 17, 6 p.m. 28 residences. lay if another jurisdiction needs to the council to object to the associ- the 11-acre former school site and Regular Board Meeting Currently the development be called upon to respond to a 911 ated costs, for example reprinting the adjacent 3.1-acre city-owned 8 Altarinda Rd., Orinda consists of streets and paseos, or call. In an emergency, a delay of of business cards and checkbooks. ball fi elds, building 73 homes and www.orindaschools.org See also AUHSD meeting page A2 pedestrian walkways. The houses even a few minutes can affect the However, the city decided that the the Orinda Union School District face the paseos and have addresses patient’s outcome. change was necessary to assure offi ce building to replace the for- Check online for agendas, meeting on them, while the garages front the Not all the residents of Orinda public safety and voted unani- mer district offi ces on the site. The notes and announcements City of Orinda: streets. Thus the addresses of the Grove are thrilled by the change. mously on March 21 to go ahead homes were sold starting in 2013. residences don’t refl ect the street Although the city will bear the with the change. (See graphic.) www.cityoforinda.org name from which the residence is Phone (925) 253-4200 Chamber of Commerce: accessible, but rather the “paseo” name. With the renaming of the www.orindachamber.org The Orinda Association: streets, the houses with garages on either side will be given addresses www.orindaassociation.org associated with that street name. The city designed the change to affect the fewest possible residence. In an earlier attempt to clarify, March 5 to 18 address plaques were affi xed to Alarms 43 each garage. While Orinda fi rst Noise complaints 4 911 Calls (includes hang-ups) 4 Traffi c stops 103 Amber Valley Dr./Dalewood Suspicious Circumstances 4 Camino del Cielo/El Toyonal Suspicious Subjects 20 20 block Alta Vista Suspicious Vehicles 29 100 block Las Vegas Rd Barking Dog 100 block La Espiral 20 block Charles Hill Rd. 10 block La Vuelta Burglary, Commercial 30 block Las Vegas Rd details n/a 80 block Davis Rd Civil Reckless Driving 100 block Orchard Rd. Moraga Way/Overhill Rd . 600 block Ironbark Cr. Moraga Way/Glorietta Blvd. 700 block Miner Rd. Hwy 24/Camino Pablo 10 block Orinda Way Valley View/Moraga Way Death, non-criminal Los Amigos/Camino Pablo 60 block Donna Maria Way Moraga Way/Camino Pablo Disturbance 10 block North Ln. 60 Brookwood Rd. BevMo Lavenida Dr/Donna Maria Way (2) Glorietta Blvd./Orchard Rd. Donald Dr/Hall Dr. Shoplift Dispute CVS 70 block Estates Dr. Rite Aid 30 block Evergreen Dr. Stolen Vehicle recovery 100 block Orchard Rd. 80 block Orchard Rd. Drunk in Public Throw from moving vehicle 10 block Orinda Way 70 block Moraga Way DUI Theft, Petty San Pablo/Miner Rd. 10 block Orinda View Rd. Fraud 20 block Overhill Rd. reported to police 40 block Hillcrest Dr. ID Theft 10 block Ridge Ln. reported to police Theft, Grand 10 block Corte Sombrita 500 block Miner Rd. Panhandling 200 block La Espiral New tax-free municipal bonds to Safeway Unwanted Guest Police/Fire/ EMS Safeway be issued for Orinda’s streets 10 block Crown Court 500 block Moraga Way By Sora O’Doherty BevMo Trespass Orinda Community Center Orinda Country Club rinda will issue $35 million in by gas taxes and money returned to sewer lines from the home to the Miramonte High School Camino Pablo/Hwy 24 Omunicipal bonds on April 6 to source by the Contra Costa Trans- main sewer line in the street are the 200 block Sundown Terr. Vandalism provide fi nancing for the continued portation Authority. These roads responsibility of the homeowner. Public Nuisance 40 block Pomello Pl. repair and maintenance of residen- would include, for example, Miner Once a street is newly paved, it can Eastwood/Coral Drives 10 block Paintbrush Ln. tial streets. Of that, $10 million Road and Moraga Way. only be dug up for an emergency. 100 block Camino Pablo 10 block Juniper Dr. is the second tranche of Measure According to Farah Khorasha- Some adjustment to the sched- 10 block Harran Cr. 10 block Orinda Way Welfare check J, passed by the voters in 2014; di, recently hired Paving Program ule of road repairs has been neces- 30 block Las Cascadas Rd. the remainder is from Measure L, Project Manager for Orinda Pub- sitated by the Miner Road sinkhole Estabueno Dr/Moraga Way 10 block El Caminito passed in 2016. lic Works and Engineering Ser- and the traffi c increase on the detour Moraga Way/Bryant Orinda Intermediate School Orinda bonds are rated AAA, vices, the city is in the middle of routes. Repairs to Camino Sobrante according to James Cervantes of a fi ve-phase, 10-year paving proj- from La Espiral to Miner Road had IT’S OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR Stifel, the brokerage fi rm handling ect begun in 2012. By 2022, only been scheduled for 2019, but have BIG SAVINGS ON THE STYLES YOU’LL LOVE. the bond sales. The tax-free bonds maintenance of the roads should been moved up to this year. will be available in various con- be required, all the substantial re- Khorashadi started at Orinda fi gurations, from one to 20 years; pairs having been completed. This at the beginning of the year, hav- depending on the bond, the interest year 63 segments of road will be ing retired from Riverside County rate will vary. The minimum incre- repaired, including almost 60,000 where she worked in transporta- ment to purchase is $5,000. linear feet of curbs and gutters. tion design and maintenance for Money raised by the bond is- Khorashadi explained that prior to 25 years. She has a master’s degree suance will fund the ongoing repair a residential street being repaired, in engineering from Southern Il- of residential streets. Arterial and residents are notifi ed and asked to linois University. She rejoins her collector routes, which bear more have their sewer lines checked and husband, who has lived in the Bay traffi c, are not funded by bonds, but repaired or replaced as needed. The Area since 2008.

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Integrity Knowledge Results Frank Woodward CalBRE#01335916 Realtor®, Previews Property Specialist T. 925.788.4963 Call Michael Heller 925-998-2150 [email protected] ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing | | Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliatedith w Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor BMW Concord 1967 Market ST. Concord sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. Sinkhole repair inches slowly forward Farmers Market By Sora O’Doherty ... continued from page A1 rinda reached a critical compro- depth, but every inch increase affects trans, along with the plans, for the As a nonprofi t, part of the breakfast sandwiches with eggs Omise agreement with the Re- a lot of other things in the design, city’s offi cial funding request. market’s mission is educat- from Great Valley Poultry and gional Water Quality Control Board Theis said. This design change does The city continues to coordinate ing people about the benefi ts of amazing Mexican pastries. Other that should speed the progress of re- not affect the culvert’s fl ood capacity, its work with the utilities during the healthy eating. This year the fo- newcomers to the market in- pairs to the Miner Road sinkhole. which was a matter of concern to the construction of the sinkhole repair. cus is on families. There will be clude: Smit Ranch, provider of A number of permits are still re- neighboring homes. Theis also said EBMUD wants to turn the existing a children’s activity every week organic apples, preserves, honey quired, but that from the RWQCB is that the compromise, reached March water mainline back on before April at the kids’ booth, which will be and nuts; Michie’s Munchies the most important and now more 30, took longer than Orinda wanted, 10. That agency is expected to work staffed by the market, but also by which will sell wheat free (not likely, owing to the city’s agreement as the city and RWQCB went back with the city to either repair leaks so local community group volun- gluten free) bakery products and to increase the height of the rein- and forth on the issue. Based on the the mainline can be put back in ser- teers. Activities will be based on Anna’s seafood selling fresh sea- forced concrete culvert by a half foot new fi nal design, the city must obtain vice or to make other arrangements the seasons, such as strawberry food. to provide better fi sh passage. permits from all the regulatory agen- to ensure there are no service disrup- season, cherry season, and will DeShasier noted that the According to Orinda Public cies, including the Army Corps of tions. also focus on obscure holidays market has been an incubator Works Director Larry Theis, the Engineers and the California Depart- Contractor Chrisp Company is like National Herb Day. for businesses, such as Donna culvert will remain at 16-feet wide ment of Transportation. nearing completion of the center- Michael Faircloth won’t be Pickthall, who opened Genuine but the height will go from seven to The city is now making the nec- line and edgeline striping along the returning to the farmers’ mar- Goodness just down the street. seven-and-a-half feet. The additional essary modifi cations to the engineer- Camino Sobrante and Manzanita ket, having this year opened La The restaurant this year will be half foot will be buried with channel ing plans so that the fi nal permit Road detour routes. Theis says the Châtaigne bakery in Lafayette. open on Saturday mornings, of- soil, which fi sh reportedly prefer to applications can be submitted. The remaining striping should be com- The Bake Shop will be the new fering a modifi ed, simpler menu concrete; the soil also reduces the design will also be reviewed by the plete soon. market bakery, and DeShasier featuring farmer’s market pro- water velocity through the culvert. contractor for a new cost estimate, raves about their wonderful ba- duce in signature dishes. RWQCB wanted even more which can then be submitted to Cal- gels and unusual smears, new EBMUD’s Orinda Water Treatment Plant back on line this month By Sora O’Doherty he EBMUD Orinda Water Treatment Plant is on long for the water from the plant to reach homes. the entire plant, but in the future, that won’t be necessary, Tschedule to reopen between April 10-20. However, The most important work performed was the instal- Horn explained. after the plant comes back on line, it will take fi ve to 10 lation of a bifurcation valve. The valve, which is under- Other work on the plant included upgrading the elec- days before Orinda residents notice the improvement in ground, allows EMBUD to split the plant in order to per- trical system and the chemical building. New fi lter under- the water, according to EBMUD Community Affairs Rep- form repairs on one side while the other side continues to drains replaced old ones, and EBMUD also worked on the resentative Kathryn Horn. That is because it will take that operate. To do maintenance it was necessary to shut down water tank.

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©2017 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker has not and will not verify this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304. Page: A8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Emergency response times in north Orinda rise since sinkhole By Nick Marnell added an ambulance to Station 43,” and 49 seconds. Fire Chief Stephen Healy said. One of the calls in the post- Fire Districts The chief responded to a sug- sinkhole time frame included a gestion from a resident for dy- Feb. 20 response to a car fi re in the Public Meetings namic placement of an ambulance far western end of north Orinda, Moraga-Orinda Fire near the road closure while the city on Bobolink Road. Because the District repairs the sinkhole. “Most of the fi rst due responding unit from Fire Board of Directors Orinda calls are in the downtown Station 45 was on an emergency Wednesday, April 19, 7 p.m. area and in the St. Stephens area,” medical call, the crew from Station Go to the website for meeting Healy said, and the response times 43 ran the call and took more than location, times and agendas. Visit would increase for those calls if an 12 minutes to arrive. The car fi re www.mofd.org ambulance were stationed closer to turned out to be a false alarm. Miner Road. Comparing the arrival of fi rst- According to district records, responding units to the scene of all ConFire Board of Directors for the two months prior to the sink- Orinda emergency calls of Febru- Tuesday, April 11, 1:30 p.m. Photo Gint Federas hole, fi rst-responding units arrived ary 2016 to February of this year, Board Chamber room 107, oraga-Orinda Fire District Because of the formation of the at 15 Code 3 north Orinda calls in average response time increased Administration Building, Memergency response times sinkhole and the road closure, the an average of eight minutes and 33 24 seconds in 2017 to nine minutes 651 Pine St., Martinez into north Orinda have increased district adjusted its routing model seconds. For the two months since and 17 seconds. For Moraga, av- For meeting times and agendas, by an average of one minute and 16 to effectively handle north Orinda the sinkhole, fi rst-arriving crews erage response time decreased 10 visit http://alturl.com/5p9pu. seconds since the collapse of a por- emergency calls in the area primar- responded to 11 calls in the same seconds between the same periods tion of Miner Road on Jan. 11. ily north of Miner Road. “And we area in an average of nine minutes to six minutes and six seconds. Fire Chief Paige Meyer: the Joe Montana of fire service By Nick Marnell HARDWOODS His career in public service his way with words when he offered “We had fi nancial problems we began as a lifeguard on the state Meyer the fi re chief job again. “I’ve shouldn’t have had. We were build- CARPETS beach circuit where he learned the got a question for you,” Batchelor ing a $10 million fi re station but the severity and importance of help- said. “Are you going to live your fi refi ghters were taking a pay cut. It RUGS ing those in distress. “I was doing life with fear, or are you going to didn’t make sense!” something that mattered, with the empower yourself to be as great as Meyer changed the staffi ng LINOLEUM self-satisfaction of making a differ- you can be? Answer that question, model, redeployed resources and ence.” and you’ll fi nd the answer to wheth- with the help of a better economy TILE On injury calls the fi re depart- er you’ll take this job.” the district solved its fi scal prob- AMINATE ment would come to the beach. The “I took it,” Meyer said. “He lems. He lowered the station cost to L fi refi ghters all thought Meyer had knew what would make me tick.” under $5 million. the greatest job in the world, but he Meyer was 41 and never felt The district runs 90 percent felt a calling to theirs, and Meyer so stressed out in his life. He dealt emergency medical calls. “So we volunteered at the Stockton Fire with a math nightmare. Because of better be the best at it.” Meyer FAMILY -OWNED Department. A true sense of pur- its dire fi nancial plight the city had brought in a medical director and Courtesy San Ramon Valley Fire 30 YEARS ! pose hit him as a volunteer. cut the fi re staff in half, responding added training, constantly trying to Intelligence combined with peo- Public Service in Sunnyvale to 13,000 calls a year with four en- improve quality. He ran the district ple skills, passion and a solid Meyer became obsessed to gine companies, down from eight. as a business. work ethic invariably produce an score a fi refi ghter job. He changed Fires burned longer because it often With the new deployment, the effective leader. Lafayette’s Paige his Chico major to public policy, took longer to get to them. How do district cardiac save rate hovers at Meyer, fi re chief of the San Ramon he commuted between school and you keep people safe when you’re near 50 percent. “That’s where we Valley Fire Protection District, per- Stockton for fi re meetings and he doing more with less? make an impact. But we can always sonifi es that formula, even drawing tested for every fi re job that came “You have to do things by the do better.” He plans to revamp the a comparison to the San Francisco up. He landed his fi rst paid posi- book. You have to think. Everyone Fire Prevention Division from an 49ers’ all-time great quarterback. tion in Sunnyvale, in its public ser- wants to be a hero but you can’t enforcement arm into a business- Early career vice department, where he worked be a hero alone. Three fi refi ghters friendly department, and to become

Meyer grew up in Stockton. He as both a police offi cer and a fi re- might be on a fi re a long time, and more involved in disaster prepared- says his mother was a big infl uence fi ghter. “I had little or no interest they have to make great decisions. ness. in his life, teaching him to be the in being a police offi cer, though You cannot operate the same way “Paige is doing an excellent hardest worker he could be and do I have a ton of respect for them. I with a staffi ng reduction.” job,” said district board president something you love and are pas- was terrifi ed. I was a fi refi ghter in a Meyer brought in command Donald Parker. “He has brought sionate about. cop’s world.” and control training. He had to about a harmony of the board, the He learned on one of his fi rst deal with disciplinary issues. The union and the community unlike fi re calls the importance of thinking fi refi ghters’ code? “The code is to any chief I have ever seen.” and working smart. Meyer attacked give victims their best chance for Concurred by Capt. Mike Mo- a structure fi re, into the smoke, the survival, and to go home safe. The hun, Local 3546 president, who fi re ripping and blowing, his helmet code isn’t running around and get- said that Meyer and he share the melting, his face burning — hard ting yourself hurt or killed.” same goals: To provide a high de- core fi refi ghters love to “feel the He loved leading a gritty degree of service to the community, to fi re.” A colleague bailed him out. partment but he demanded that give all employees the opportunity “It taught me that you should never his personnel think and that they to succeed and to treat people with have any close calls. You need to understand the job and the risks. respect. “Paige relates well to oth- control your atmosphere when you The Vallejo crews didn’t always do ers and recognizes their strengths. walk in that building. If you can’t, things the right way and Meyer had With his high level of energy and then the victim is dead. You have to to change the mindset. If he didn’t, intelligence, I sometimes feel that understand that there’s more to put- he’d be handing a fl ag to someone’s I’m working with Joe Montana,” ting out a fi re than adding water.” family member. Mohun said. Meyer was bored with police “I’ve met a couple of people Meyer spends most of his off work and he applied for fi refi ghter who could outrun a fi re, and I’ve time with his wife, two daughters positions. “I got job offers from met a couple of people who could and son. His oldest plays on the Stockton and Vallejo on the same grab me by the neck and drag me Campolindo High School girls bas- day. I leaned toward Stockton, my out of a burning building in 10 sec- ketball team, the 2017 Northern wife didn’t want Stockton.” He onds. But 99.9 percent of us can’t California champions. (See page took the job in Vallejo in 1997. do it like in the movies.” C1) '( #'" "% "!"#$# # 0322544 Sixteen years in Vallejo San Ramon Valley today “My board believes in saving

" ! His head nearly exploded with The Vallejo Fire Department lives and property. My fi refi ghters what Vallejo offered. “Diverse was just that — a city department, believe the same thing. The union calls. Fires, shootings, stabbings, with Meyer the department head. and the administration are second you name it. I loved it!” He got in- He jumped at the opportunity in to none. That makes my life easy. volved with the union on the nego- 2013 to lead the San Ramon Val- “I’m a small part of big things tiating committee. Meyer worked ley Fire Prevention District — an that are going on.” as a fi refi ghter, captain and battal- independent, special district with Best-selling author Michael ion chief but he twice turned down its own governing board. Meyer Lewis (“Moneyball”) profi led the fi re chief position. loved that he could live and die on Meyer and his Vallejo performance In 2011, City Manager Phil his own merits. Again he had to in “Boomerang: Travels in the New Batchelor, a published author, used change a culture. Third World.” Corrections In our March 22 article about MOFD fi nances, we incorrectly reported in the headline and in the body of the story the district general fund defi cit. A write off changed the MOFD Statement of Net Position, resulting in a $60 million unrestricted net defi cit, not a defi cit in the district general fund, which reported a Cerfied Green Cleaner $3.7 million balance as of June 30, 2016. A mention of the district’s balance sheet should have been stated as on the district Statement of Net Position. owned and operated by Gregg Also in the March 22 issue, in the story “Miner Road sinkhole repair to begin as property owners and Eckstein for 39 years city come to right-of-entry agreement,” the length of the delay caused by the sinkhole to emergency vehicles was misstated. At the Sleepy Hollow community meeting Fire Chief Stephen Healy of the Moraga-Orinda Spring Cleaning Call to schedule now! Fire District estimated that the delays ran approximately two minutes. (925) 945-6767 or (925) 945-6746 Our exclusive hot water ... continued from page A1 extracon method, • Carpets • Oriental Rugs Rheem Boulevard Opens together with so water • Upholstery • Water Damage It was a team effort, she said, crediting former town and repaving along a portion of Moraga Road. “I am and eco-friendly cleaning manager Jill Keimach, who negotiated cost-sharing not going to close two roads if I can help it,” Kwan soluon loosens and lis Gregg does a fabulous job on our among participating agencies, former mayors Dave said. Recent rain delays pushed the road’s opening the dirt and soil from the carpets! I absolutely recommend Trotter and Mike Metcalf who promoted the passage back and frustrated both residents and town offi cials, carpet without the abrasive Diablo Valley Carpet Care. of Measure K funds for road repair, and public works but Onoda assured her audience the road was built brushing of other Dora Parker Assistant Manager, director and town engineer Edric Kwan. without compromise. “We’re building for the future in cleaning methods. Moraga Country Club “This is exciting, taking things off the plate,” said our splendid tiny town,” she said. “First, Rheem Bou- Kwan, who can now concentrate on sinkhole repairs levard, next — the sinkhole!” Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A9

Updated in the Gated Community of Beacon Ridge Updated With Character and Charm in Orinda

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Letters to the Editor Town Hall Meeting on ULI and cancers. Researchers found 13 pesticides Dear Editor, per child on average, with 2,4-D How can we serve you? This appears to be the year for at- being detected in 20 percent of the tending town hall meetings of one population, according to the U.S. sort or another. The Orinda City Center for Disease Control & Pre- Let us count the ways. Council and Planning Commission vention. Applicators show a 2,500 have given us yet another reason percent spike after treatment. Re- for wanting to do so when they hold searchers say there are no safe lev- their joint session from 5 to 8 p.m. els of exposure to these hormone on Tuesday, April 11 in the Orinda disruptors, triggering infertility, Library Auditorium. At this meet- obesity, cancer, cardiovascular dis- ing there will be a presentation by ease and other diseases. (Vanden- the Urban Land Institute’s Technical berg, et al). Assistance Panel, a highly respected Chip Osborne, a nationally rec- organization, selected by the city ognized expert from Massachu- council to share its views on ideas setts, who has consulted hundreds for the revitalization of our city’s of municipalities over the past 20 downtown areas. years, described the steps to transi- As an Orinda resident of 50 tion from chemically intensive turf years, I feel so fortunate to be able maintenance to organic manage- to live here and look forward to con- ment. sidering the ULI TAP’s concepts for Healthy, chemical-free turf is rejuvenation. This is an opportunity better able to withstand pressures to be part of a creative and produc- from heavy use and compaction, in- tive process and I welcome it. sects, weeds, and disease, as well as Sharon Iversen drought and heat stress. Orinda, California Harvard University found that organic management cost the same At the UC Eye Center in Berkeley, how you see is what you get. School and park staff learn risks as the conventional method after Because we’re part of the top-rated UC School of Optometry, of playground pesticides several years of transition, as did we’re here for you and your family in a whole range of ways: Dear Editor, the Town of Moraga. Fostering soil On March 2, 89 school, park, and microbes allows natural soil aera- • Pediatric Vision Care • Eye Examinations city representatives learned about tion, increasing water retention and • LASIK Surgery • Geriatric Vision Care • Contact Lenses risks to children and themselves reducing Harvard’s water usage by • Eyewear Center • Specialized Vision Care from lawn chemicals commonly 30 percent. Make an appointment and go Cal! used on playgrounds and learned PASE has trained many volun- how to transition to a “Systems Ap- teers/Interns to assess pesticides proach” of organic maintenance. applied by public agencies and ad- This workshop, sponsored by Par- vocate for least-toxic pest manage- ents for a Safer Environment and ment policies over 14 years. PASE the Acalanes Union High School welcomes those interested to at- District, described how organic turf tend a highly lauded presentation maintenance can reduce our bodies’ on April 18 prior to ﬁ ve Earth Day contamination. booth events April 21-23. Info@ Unfortunately, lawn chemicals pfse.net or 925-283-4609. www. (2,4-D, Dicamba, MCPA, MCPP, pfse.net Open to the Public 7 Days a Week • www.caleyecare.com etc.) used by public agencies, con- Keith Park, Elizabeth Hudson, 510.642.2020 Free510.642.2020 Parking with Appointments tractors and households are linked Susan JunFish • to hormone disruption, develop- Parents for a Safer Environment, mental and reproductive toxicity, Moraga

Advertising All You Need to Know About the Home Offi ce Tax Deduction April 2017 ith nearly 40 percent of the and regularly for conducting a trade or calculated in two ways: the regular de- Safe Harbor WAmerican workforce tele- business. (Occasional or incidental uses duction method or safe harbor. The safe harbor home deduction is commuting, many people don’t count.) Regular Method a simplifi ed way to claim a home offi ce wonder about the potential benefi t of You must use the home offi ce as a This method involves totaling the deduction. This option does not change home offi ce deductions, but may lose main place of business, such as where direct and indirect expenses of your the criteria for who may claim a home out on a potentially substantial tax break. you meet with clients or customers in home offi ce for deduction purposes. offi ce deduction. If you use this sim- Like many other types of write-offs, the the normal course of your business day. Expenses can include: plifi ed option, you can multiply the al- home offi ce deduction comes with mul- The exclusive-use work area must be an • Mortgage interest payments lowable square footage of your offi ce tiple rules and best practices. identifi able space and should not be com- • Real estate tax by a rate of $5. The maximum footage Why Is It Valuable? bined with personal-use space (such as • Depreciation allowed is 300 square feet and thus the Home offi ce write-offs are complex, the family TV room). If you are an em- • Rent maximum deduction is $1,500. This but benefi cial as they are another way to ployee, there is an additional requirement • Dwelling insurance option will save you time because it deduct from your total taxable income. that the business use must be for the con- • Utilities simplifi es how you fi gure and claim Many taxpayers are leery of the home venience of your employer and you must • Maintenance the deduction. It will also make it easi- offi ce deduction due to confusion, but not rent the space to your employer. • General repairs er for you to keep records. Note that if it is a potentially signifi cant deduction Special rules apply to daycare busi- Direct expenses incurred only for you use this method, otherwise deduct- – especially for self-employed individu- nesses, separate structures and space the business part of the home (for ex- ible expenses such as real estate taxes als and small business owners who are used for storage purposes. ample, painting the home offi ce) are are fully deductible on Schedule A. looking for ways to reduce their overall And if you think you don’t qualify as deductible in full. However, indirect tax burden. a renter…think otherwise. Homeowners expenses like mortgage interest are Pamela Marks is an Enrolled Agent for Who Qualifi es? and renters are both eligible for a home based on the percentage of your home Block Advisors, a new tax fi rm specializing in complicated taxes. Pamela has been The home offi ce deduction is most offi ce deduction – your home offi ce just devoted to business use. Whether you providing expert tax preparation support commonly used among small business has to meet the above parameters to work out of an entire room or just part for more than 10 years. You can contact owners and freelancers, although tele- qualify. of one, you’ll need to determine the Pamela at 925-284-9940 for an appoint- commuting employees may qualify too. How Do You Calculate the Home Of- percentage of your home used for busi- ment or at the offi ce at 3390 Mt. Diablo Really, the deduction can apply to any- fi ce Tax Deduction? ness. Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549. one who uses part of a home exclusively The home offi ce deduction can be Page: A10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Acalanes students will work for college By John T. Miller

$GDP+DPDOLDQ DGDP#KDPDOLDQSURSHUWLHVFRP x Residential Consultant x Senior Housing Specialist x Certified Probate Specialist CalBRE #01917597 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate—Reliance Partners

Quality Hearing Aids • In Ear Monitors • Ear Mold Impressions Musicians Hearing Protection FREE Consultations FREE Hearing Screenings From left, Acalanes students Clay Schmidt and Jeremy Ridge. Photo John T. Miller and now taking Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Medicare. pair of enterprising students top wrestler for the Dons. ested in pursuing software engi- Afrom Acalanes High School Residents may have noticed neering and robotics in college. Dr. Erik M. Breitling, has formed a business partnership door hanger advertisements, billing Speaking of his students, Appel Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA focused on providing needed labor the group as “Local Helpers.” The said, “Jeremy and Clay are the type to community members, while also ﬂ ier, along with word-of-mouth who only need to see something

Hearing Aid Evaluations 3744 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 100, Lafayette helping to fund their college educa- and a steady perusal of the Next- once and then are off and running. (925) 262-4242 www.LamorindaAudiology.com tions. door Saranap website, has gener- After building simple websites in Swim Plugs • Comprehensive Diagnostic Adult Hearing Evaluations Clay Schmidt came up with the ated enough work to keep the group our AP Computer Science Princi- idea near the beginning of his junior of students busy. ples course, they developed a per- year after hearing from a couple of “We can do anything from sonal website on their own. They friends who had been working all manual labor, to baby sitting, did this based on their desire to summer. He texted his friend, Jer- to tech help or tutoring,” says improve the local community, and emy Ridge, and wondered if they Schmidt. He mentioned that $15 an didn’t receive any academic credit could advertise and ﬁ nd enough hour is their suggested rate, but the for it. I hope more students use part time work for themselves and client is encouraged to pay them computer science like Jeremy and their friends to save for college. what they are worth. “Sometimes Clay have done where local com- The cofounders, along with we make mistakes, but we’re will- munities directly beneﬁ t.” a core group of eight fellow stu- ing to come back another day and Ridge, who hopes to go to an dents that have known each other make it right.” Ivy League college or perhaps Home Composting since Stanley Middle School, are “Our goal is to work within the Stanford, sees the enterprise as de- extremely busy with their classes, community and provide needed veloping good relationships with sports, and extra curricular activi- services to the people who live community members. “A lot of for Busy People ties, yet they still have more than here, while also raising money for older people need help in the gar- enough energy to take on part-time our own college education,” added den, or in moving boxes. Some- jobs in their spare time to try and Ridge. times their own child moves away

• Reduced cost compost bins stash away money for their future The two don’t make any money and they need somebody to fi ll in.” educations. for farming out work to others, but The two will continue their en- • Free workshops “We’ve generally been able rather are glad to facilitate match- deavor through their senior year, • Vermicomposting & to work about eight hours every ing the community’s needs with but hope the idea will sustain itself. Bin Building weekend,” says Schmidt, “but it’s their friends’ expertise. “When we’re gone we hope it’s Workshops really hard to fi nd any spare hours Both Schmidt and Ridge give not over,” said Schmidt. “We hope during the week.” credit to their computer science that we can kick it down a year and • CompostSMART That’s understandable. Both teacher at Acalanes, Daniel Ap- someone else will carry it on.” Advanced Training Schmidt and Ridge take three Hon- pel, for helping them to acquire the To contact Local Helpers, their • Republic Services ors or Advanced Placement courses skills to make their undertaking a website is at local-helpers.neoci- garbage bill discount each, maintain nearly perfect 4.0 reality. ties.org or call (925) 285-5229. GPAs while also participating in “We were given skills in his Their email is local.helpers175@ • Free guides and athletic activities. Schmidt plays class that helped us create this busi- gmail.com. resources football and tennis and Ridge is a ness,” said Schmidt, who is inter- Two Lamorinda businesses honored with www.RecycleSmart.org CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Offer available to RecycleSmart residents within Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut By Sophie Braccini Creek, Danville and unincorporated Central Contra Costa County (Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo) and residents within the City of San Ramon. Contra Costa Green Business and have been honored often for their dry farming and organic practice of growing grapes. Sal Captain says that reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts is natural to them. The winemaker was raised in England where being thrifty regarding use of electricity and water was simply the way of life. He and his wife joke on how inspectors can’t get over the fact that they use so little Bridging the journey from water, and have been checking their water meter many times for malfunction. What they have done is train Lamorinda to Rossmoor their vines to live on very little water, growing deep ³2QHVDWLV¿HGFOLHQWDWDWLPH´ Middle and right, Sal and Susan Captain. roots. They believe that what people say about their wines and their intense taste and color comes from the dry farming. The Captains, along with Blake Wallen at Lafay- ette Car Wash, explain that they had to fi ll up a very lengthy questionnaire to compete for the award. They had to answer questions about their practices over time of course, but also about their employees, where they Rossmoor senior real estate specialist and were coming from and how much travel they had to Lamorinda resident for 20+ years! complete to come to work. Wallen explains that most of the workers at the La- Call today for a personalized tour of fayette Car Wash are families from the area that have Rossmoor and a Market Analysis of your home. been working with them for many years. The car wash is well known for recycling the water that is used to clean the cars. What is less known is that all the elec- Maria Eberle trical apparatus used in the business such as the vacu- Realtor ums use less electricity. Berkshire Hathaway The gang at Lafayette Car Wash. Photos provided Wallen adds that the desire to do their part for the he California Air Resources Board recently hon- environment is certainly a motivation for his family, HomeServices Tored 13 California businesses for their remarkable 1830 Tice Valley Blvd., but that it also makes sense from a fi nancial viewpoint. practices as they surpassed others in their energy and The businesses were honored in Sacramento on Walnut Creek water resources conservation, and in the optimization March 20 during an offi cial ceremony. CARB Chair (925) 478-7190 of their sustainable practices. Mary D. Nichols said that the award winners were

[email protected] Among thousands of small California businesses the best examples of how more and more Californian www.mariaeberle.com from which the 13 were selected, two are from Lam- small businesses are making smart, climate-friendly CalBRE# 01798906 orinda: Lafayette Car Wash And Detail Center and choices. Captain Vineyards in Moraga. The business owners “From Arcata to Los Angeles, from a craft dis- explain how their practices come from their desire to tillery to a window and solar panel cleaning service, minimize their carbon footprint, and are also good for small businesses throughout the state are showing their bottom line. that environmental protection and innovation are also

Sal Captain and his wife Susan have been produc- good for the bottom line,” she said. More information ing wine in Moraga for years. They are a recognized at www.arb.ca.gov. Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: A11 RESULTS THAT MOVE YOU. Put over fifty years of combined expertise in the Lamorinda market to work for you. We need homes to show our Buyers. Call us for a free market evaluation of your home. Audrey Neale Ana Zimmank CalBRE #01441356 CalBRE # 00469962 M. 415.407.2164 M. 925.640.6008 [email protected] [email protected]

©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Offi ce is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affi liated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. A scaled-back Saranap Village moves to the Planning Commission By John T. Miller along Boulevard Way extending well beyond the project site. By way of historical background, before the 24 and 680 freeways were built, Boulevard Way was expanded into four lanes with plans to create a major thoroughfare from Mt. Diablo Boulevard, through Tice Valley to the Danville highway. That plan was abandoned when the freeways were put in, but the four, largely unnecessary lanes remain as far as Saranap Avenue. The proposed development would narrow Boulevard Way to two wider than normal lanes with bicycle lanes, three new pedestrian crosswalks, a roundabout in place of a stop sign at Saranap Avenue, and angled parking. The crosswalks would have an island in the center so that pedestrians would only need to cross one lane at a time instead of fi ve. “All this would make traffi c safer and smoother,” said Saranap Village is taking shape in this rendering. Image provided Dacus. Additional outdoor amenities include about 30 street fter four trips “back to the drawing board,” the Saranap heights in the range of 65 feet may “set a precedent for trees, understory plantings, a fountain plaza and outdoor AVillage project is on track for review by the Contra heights of further developments along Boulevard Way.” She seating. Costa County Planning Commission this month or in May. urged that “the proposed heights be the exception rather than On behalf of Hall Equities, Karbo said, “It was evident Although some neighbors still express concern over the the rule for future developments in the neighborhood.” by the public comments that the community recognizes the size and scope of the project, the changes that have been Speaking on behalf of the Saranap Community Associa- benefi ts of transforming Boulevard Way commercial district made over the past four years appear to be enough to satisfy tion, President David Dacus pointed out that the general plan into a uniquely vibrant and connected community with fi ne most of the residents. has not been updated since 1991. “Currently, the general plan living, small shops and restaurants, and a neighborhood mar- The original plans — which called for a housing struc- has no designation for mixed-use projects, which are now ket.” ture 75-feet tall with approximately 250 units and a six-story seen everywhere in California. The proposed amendment by According to Contra Costa County Senior Planner Sean parking garage — have been substantially reduced. HEG would apply to all the parcels in the project.” Tully, the next step for the project will be for the zoning ad- Speaking for Hall Equities Group, the proposed builder “It’s diffi cult for folks to make a case for lowering the ministrator to make a recommendation on the Environmental of the development, Deb Karbo said, “The open house meet- plans (even further),” added Dacus. “The HEG has done a Impact Report, which will happen at either the April 3 or the ings and community surveys demonstrated that listening is good job of threading the needle of what’s appropriate for April 17 meeting, or at a special hearing scheduled around important and can lead to enhancements that benefi t neigh- them to market and would be pleasing to the neighborhood.” that time. Tully’s understanding is that public comment will bors and the economic viability of the project.” The scaled down housing version features 12 different not be taken at this meeting. The Planning Commission will At issue is the necessity to amend the general plan, which fl oor plans with more studio and one- or two-bedroom units convene later in April (or possibly May) and will formally currently limits the height of buildings to 35 feet. to address that market. provide the public advanced notice at which time comments In a letter posted on Nextdoor Saranap, Paula Santi of In addition to the proposed development, Karbo noted on the project will be welcomed. the Saranap Homeowners Organization warns that proposed that major public infrastructure improvements would be made

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All Entries will be posted. Bring your finished entry into your nearest McCaulou’s by Saturday, April 15th. The winners will be notified Monday, April 17th Page: A12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 “A little bit of myself goes into every job.” ~ HE’S ALL ABOUT LAMORINDA ~ Michael VerBrugge, President, Moraga Resident 925.631.1055 www.MVCRemodeling.com Specializing in kitchens & bathrooms. Office: 925-254-8585 Cell: 925-998-7898 All forms residential remodel/repair. www.clarkthompson.com Lic# 681593 CalBRE #: 00903367 [email protected] Giving Dreams an Address

General Contractor Clean | Courteous | Conscientious On-time | Trustworthy | Local References Police: Prevention is key to stemming Full design team resources available burglaries in Lamorinda communities By Cathy Dausman re residential burglaries on the Arise in Lamorinda? “It does seem that way,” says Orinda police Chief Mark Nagel, before adding that Orinda’s numbers prove otherwise. When Nagel compared statistics for the ﬁ rst two months last year against this year it was nearly “even Steven” he said, with nine reported burglaries in 2016 and eight in 2017. Call Tom Burglary, deﬁ ned as entering a for a free Since 1993! building illegally with the intent to estimate Tom Gieryng, owner and operator commit theft, is always a hot topic, Security camera image of a car involved in a robbery in Lafayette on March Nagel said. He says his department 21st. Photo provided

has worked with law enforcement Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda is attractive too, for all the wrong agencies from Oakland to the South police departments each offer va- reasons. A home with doors and Bay to solve burglary crimes. cation home checks, and will notify windows hidden behind shrubbery Most frustrating for Nagel are homeowners if something is amiss. and insufﬁ cient outdoor lighting

the instances when residents are Although Christensen, King provides a burglar the cover of All Airports home or arrive home to confront and Nagel were all willing to dis- darkness and leisure time to break TAXI BLEU Served 24/7 a burglary in progress, and home- cuss statistics and as-yet unsolved in away from neighbors’ prying owners are at risk of bodily harm. cases, they much preferred to edu- eyes. Nagel cites one burglary cate the public about preventing case where the intruder(s) simply Dispatch: Nagel said burglar alarms and motion lights are good deterrents; even burglaries. Each shared frustration walked through an open back door.

925-849-2222 creating a “safe room” within the over the simple things left undone Crooks gained entry from the Direct: house buys time and allows for help which act as an open invitation to rear of a home in 86 percent of last 925-286-0064 to arrive. Security cameras are also crooks. For example, King said year’s Lafayette home burglaries, an effective crime deterrent; Nagel Moraga experienced about 40 auto Christensen says, so the No. 1 pre- www.mytaxibleu.com burglaries during the summer of ventative action a homeowner can [email protected] updated the Orinda City Council on their use on public streets at the 2015, each of which occurred on take is to lock their backyard gates. March 21 council meeting. unlocked vehicles. The same is true Not a single home with locked Lafayette residents experi- for residential burglaries. Home- gates was burglarized in Lafayette enced an unexplained downturn owners may intentionally leave in 2016. Conversely a previously in burglaries in 2016, said police doors unlocked, place a key under burglarized house is more likely to Chief Eric Christensen. Four years the mat for service worker access, be burglarized again.

ago the city reported six to 10 bur- open windows or fail to activate King, Nagel and Christensen glaries per month. His department burglar alarms. explained that each one of them is “The perception is we’re living in the crime prevention business. Building handled only three total cases this year in January and February; two in a bubble (in Lamorinda),” said “If something can be prevented, Foundations are already solved. Still, there is an Nagel, “and it’s just not true.” In I’m a happy camper,” said King. increased concern about burglar- fact the same “location, location, “Even one (burglary) is too many • Lifting location” that realtors love to tout for me,” echoed Nagel. “California • Leveling ies and crime in general, and that, Christensen says is a good thing: is also attractive to would-be bur- is the land of opportunity,” Chris- • Stabilizing “Are people paying atten- glars. They love a home with easy tensen said, before adding that tion (to crime stats)? Yes!” Home freeway access. An empty house should not apply to burglars. burglaries peak when the price of For more information: Preventing residential burglaries (Lafayette police): www.bayareaunderpinning.org gold rises; they are also cyclical, Christensen says, increasing when www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-departments/police people vacation during summer Moraga vacation check request: https://secure.blueoctane.net/forms/ and winter holidays and homes are Staying Safe in Orinda: empty. www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-hUUzWK3S4&feature=youtu.be How to dispose of an unwanted gun ... continued from page A1 King said Lamorinda resi- as a tool, but he thinks twice before ing a fi rearm in a home is a very dents might discover a forgotten unholstering it, because he is re- large responsibility. “It’s just not gun while cleaning out an elderly sponsible for locating every casing enough to hide the gun; the gun has relative’s home or come across a of every round (bullet) he fi res. to be secured while you are away LeapFrog Plumbing gun abandoned on a hillside. Safe I began my visit by notify- from your home. I cannot think of Protect your family and home handling practices evolved quickly ing the front desk — empty hand- a more terrible thing than for a bur- from dangerous gas leaks . after a gun stolen in 2015 in San edly — that I wanted to turn in a glar to get lucky by fi nding a gun Gas leaks cause ¼ of earth‐ Francisco from a Bureau of Land gun. Ortiz accompanied me to the and taking it with them, and then quake‐related fires! Keep your Management offi cer’s personal car, where he retrieved the shot- have the gun used in a crime. Ev- vehicle resulted in the death of a gun from the trunk. He carried it eryone should ensure their fi rearms family safe with an earthquake bystander. California law now re- to a sand-fi lled metal tube, placed are locked up and inaccessible to shutoff valve. You can't control quires fi rearms in a vehicle to be the barrel inside and squeezed the thieves or others,” he said. “We re- the earthquake but you can secured in the trunk or in a locked trigger. Nothing happened, as we cover a lot of handguns that have Head Frog Mo Williams control the damage! container stored out of sight. Be- had hoped. That meant the cham- been taken in other crimes. Lock cause of that Moraga police de- ber was empty. He broke it open them up,” Christensen said. April is Earthquake Preparedness Month partment is providing its offi cers and carried it inside, where it was “Treat every gun as if it is loaded, When it comes to safety...... We Hop To It! with lock boxes to secure their bagged and tagged. I supplied my and treat it with respect,” King said, department-issued fi rearm, King name, address and birthdate, and adding that fi rearm safety is every- said. Lafayette and Orinda police the gun was placed in an evidence body’s responsibility. With certain $50 off $150 off do likewise. locker. Grandpa’s shotgun plus an exceptions, it is unlawful to fi re or Earthquake emergency Tankless water Today when you purchase a air rifl e and BB rifl e surrendered discharge a fi rearm within Lafay- shut off valve* heater install* fi rearm from a licensed gun dealer, earlier will go to a site in the central ette, Moraga or Orinda (ordinances you must either declare the make valley and be melted down. 9.04.020, 9.12.020 and 8-602 respec- and model of the gun safe in which In addition to accepting un- tively). And if you decide you no lon- $50 off it will be stored or purchase a gun wanted fi rearms or ammunition ger want a gun? “Call us,” King said. any plumbing job lock. “Many manufacturers supply each Lamorinda police department Disposal is safe and free, no appoint- over $500* a gun lock with the fi rearm (pur- offers free gun cable locks. All any- ment necessary. *Limit 1 coupon per job. Exp. 5/18/17 chase),” King said. But sometimes one has to do is ask an offi cer or Note: Lock and disable any gun safe handling means “hands off.” stop by the department, Orinda po- before surrendering it to police; We Hop To It! “Kids are curious,” King said, lice Chief Mark Nagel said. keep it safely out of sight in your Family-owned and serving and teaching them to treat guns Lafayette police Chief Eric vehicle, and alert police empty Lamorinda since 1993 with safety and respect starts when Christensen says that maintain- handedly. An offi cer will retrieve it. they are 5 or 6 years old. Offi - Related Stories green solutions! cer Robert Ortiz, who processed http://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0703/Recalling-Past- my shotgun surrenders, says both Lamorinda-Gun-Use.html (925) children and adults ask if they can 377-6600 handle his handgun; the answer is http://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0626/Gun-Ownership- CA Lic 929641 www.LeapFrogPlumbing.com always “no”. He thinks of his gun in-Lamorinda-Safety-number-one-concern-among-local-police.html Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B1 Celebrate spring in Lamorinda By Cathy Dausman

We off er both a relaxed atmosphere and Some lucky youngsters in Moraga fi nd eggs with the help of a Bunny friend. Photo Andy Scheck a sports bar, something for families, hen the calendar says spring noon to 3 p.m. April 15. Find a free (visit http://www.sustainablelafay- couples, students and seniors. On the W menu you’ll see many of Roman Italian there comes a chance for photo coupon on the Rheem Valley ette.org/earth-day-2017). Contra specialities, from the classic bruschetta celebrations both religious and sec- website at www.rheemvalley.net. Costa County Libraries are closed made with melted fontina cheese and ular in Lamorinda. Moraga Farmers’ Market is Easter Sunday, April 16, so check sautéed mushrooms to mista and The moveable feasts of Pass- hiding Easter eggs full of toys, out your copies of “Happy Easter, arugula salads, an array of wood-fi red pizzas and paninis, and no shortage of over and Easter both fall mid-April candy and “Bunny Money” cou- Mouse,” or “P is for Passover” ear- primis and seconds. The restaurant has this year. Passover begins April 10 pons during market hours April 16. ly. Find Us On full bar and a generouse wine list. and runs through April 18; both The day also includes live music www.tavernapellegrini.com • www.pizzapellegrini.com Latin and Orthodox Easter celebra- and activities for children. Feel the tions coincide on April 16 in 2017. need to shop for fresh local produce By the time you read this the Mor- outside? Orinda’s seasonal Farm- aga Junior Women’s Club Spring er’s Market opened April 1 (no Egg Hunt on the Commons will fooling!). Moraga Farmers’ Market * have come and gone (it was March runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year ‘round on 25; see photo) but if the young ‘uns Sundays in Moraga Center. You’re Invited To Take a Photo are still twitching for some season- In other spring news, the al fun, more events “hoppen” soon. Orinda Community Foundation The Rotary Club of Orinda will host Orinda Action Day April with the Easter Bunny hosts its Spring Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. 22; for details go online to www. sharp April 15 at the Orinda Com- orindafoundation.org. Sustainable So Bring Your Camera! munity Center Park. Between 1 and Lafayette hosts an Earth Day cel- 4 p.m. April 15, Orinda Theatre ebration at the Lafayette Library Square offers rock climbing, a pet- and Learning Center plaza April 23 Saturday, April 15th Noon to 3:00 p.m. ting zoo, pony rides, face painting and live entertainment. In the suite between Dover Saddlery & Nation’s Giant Hamburgers The Lafayette Community Center Foundation’s Bunny Brunch Easter Clowns Easter Fairy Balloon Art begins at 10:30 a.m. April 15 at the Lafayette Community Center in the Live Oak Room. Tickets are $10 per person and include brunch, a live show, an egg hunt and Mr. Bunny; the event sells out so plan to pre-register at https://apm.ac- *With your Rheem Valley Shopping Center tivecommunities.com/lafayetterec/ receipts totaling $25 or more OR go online to Activity_Search/1314. www.rheemvalley.net to print out the coupon In addition, the Lafayette Ro- for a FREE photo session with the Easter Bunny. tary invites children second grade (While supplies last) and younger to their free Commu- Visit us online at www.rheemvalley.net Rheem Blvd. at Moraga Rd. in Moraga nity Egg Scramble starting at 10 a.m. April 15 at the Lafayette Plaza Park near the Park Theater. Moraga’s Rheem Valley Shop- ping Center offers Easter clowns, an Easter Fairy, balloon art and pictures with the Easter Bunny from

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INFORMATIONAL MEETING AND TOURS NEXTSATURDAYAPRIL APRIL 19TH FROM-PM FREE 7-9 PM Rock Climbing Wall and Petting Zoo FAMILY Pony Rides and Face Painting And Live Entertainment! FUN! Page: B2 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Mexican Restaurant Pour Me Passover wines you won’t want to spit out By A.K. Carroll Open 7 Days Welcome to Pour Me, a new when you read the word “kosher” a Week monthly column from your the fi rst thing you think of is salt, We serve breakfast friends at the Lamorinda Weekly. pickles or hot dogs. You may know all day! When it comes to the world of something about the restrictions (open at 10:30 a.m.) spirits (the kind associated with regarding kosher products (no gel- hangovers, not hauntings), there is atin, shellfi sh or meat mixed with much to know and always some- dairy), but you probably know Authentic Mexican Specialties thing new to learn. Look to this little about the world of kosher Mixed Fajitas space for new trends and local wine. If anything, you’ve heard products, recipes, recommenda- that it is notoriously sweet — of- Shrimp and Salmon Tacos, tions, and profi les of local wine- ten made with Concord grapes or Baja Cali Diablo New York Steak Burrito makers, brewmasters and mixolo- other grapes not typically suitable Margaritas, Wine & Beer gists. We kick off the series with a for wine — or just plain bad. But spotlight on kosher wines, under- this is not always the case. Though Kids Menu sung contenders among the world making a kosher wine comes with of viticulture. its own set of challenges (and re- 23 Orinda Way, Orinda (925) 258-9987 If you’re anything like me, quires a great deal of supervision), winemakers have made headway in crafting kosher vintages that are not only palatable, but pleasant. What’s Kosher? The question of “what” makes for a kosher wine is also a question of “who” and “how,” according to David Raccah of kosherwinemus- ings.com and other kosher wine sources. In order for a wine to be kosher, it must be produced, handled, and supervised by Ortho- dox Sabbath-observant Jews. The wine can only contain kosher ingredients, which means fruit from vines that are at least three years Let’s Talk About Home Care. old, no hybrid crops and no unko- sher additives or enzymes. This Let’s talk about how high quality, personalized in-home care is where it gets tricky. Many of can help you or a loved one. the acid blends and fi ning agents Home care can keep older adults in their homes. 9 out of 10 of seniors typically used by winemakers are prefer to age in their own homes. Hiring a caregiver provides the extra support a no-no when it comes to kosher an older adult may need to stay where they most prefer: at home. laws, which means an extra hurdle to a well-balanced vino. Home care helps seniors stay independent longer. A caregiver provides In order for a wine to be ko- support with activities of daily living, while encouraging mental and physical sher for Passover — a weeklong stimulation and overall wellness. They also promote safety in the home by preventing falls or other accidents. spring celebration that runs April 10-18 this year — it must also be Home care is personalized to each family. Our care plans at Home Care free of corn syrup and chametz Assistance are tailored specifically to each client’s unique needs and preferences. (leaven, including yeast). As the Caregivers are expertly matched and managed by our client care team. chief catalyst for fermentation, ad- Caregivers are available for a few hours every day or around-the-clock. ditive yeast (often a byproduct of Home care supports advanced care needs. Our caregivers are experienced and a grain) is a major part of typical trained to support older adults who are transitioning home from the hospital, winemaking. While most kosher recovering from a stroke or a major medical procedure, or managing chronic wines are also pesach (kosher for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or diabetes. Passover), some, like the notori- Contact a Client Care Manager today to schedule your free ous Manischewitz, don’t make the cut. in-home consultation! The winemaking process itself Merlot that qualify as kosher and must also be kosher. Only Or- go for under $6, as well as an as- sortment of Baron Herzog wines 925-233-6166 190-G Alamo Plaza thodox Jews can handle the wine and winemaking equipment at all in the $6-$10 range. HomeCareAssistance.com/Alamo Alamo, CA 94507 stages of the journey, from harvest Barzon Harzog wines can also to bottle, with a lot of cleaning and be found at Moraga Wine and supervision along the way. Conse- Spirits, as well as the Orinda Bev- quently, most kosher wine comes Mo. The Lafayette Whole Foods out of Israel and the majority of it carries high-end mevushal wines is made by Orthodox winemakers. from Californian and Israeli wine- Some kosher wines are boiled or makers at Covenant; the Mensch fl ash pasteurized prior to bottling, Zinfandel and The Tribe Chardon- a process called mevushal. This nay fall in the $20-30 range. practice is a remnant of centuries- For the biggest selection check old ceremonial law and allows a out the new Lafayette BevMo, non-Jewish person to handle and where wine specialists and cus- pour the wine once it has gone tomized tags make it easy to lo- through the process. Non-mevush- cate a wide range of kosher op- al wines, on the other hand, must tions, from a $6 bottle of sweet be served by a Sabbath-observant Concord-grape Mogen David to Jew in order to remain kosher. Napa-made Hagafen wines, which There you have it: A quick are subtle about being kosher and tutorial to the world of kosher considered on par with compara- wines. But, which to serve at your ble non-kosher wines. You’ll also holiday meal? Lamorinda stores fi nd a selection of Baron Harzog offer several options. On the lower bottles, as well as non-meshuval end of the spectrum, Trader Joe’s wines from Yarden of Israel. carries a Perrenal Chardonnay and L’Chaim!

Where to ﬁ nd Kosher wines Trader Joe’s: 3649 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette (925) 299-9344 Perrenal: Chardonnay, Merlot $4.99 Baron Herzog: Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc $5.99-9.99

Moraga Wine and Spirits: 1437 Moraga Way, Moraga (925) 376-6111 Baron Harzog: Cabernet and Chardonnay $12.99 Whole Foods: 3502 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette (925) 284-5305 Covenant: Mensch $20.99, The Tribe $32.99 HoneyRun Mead $13.99 BevMo: 6 Camino Pablo, Orinda (925) 254-3161 Baron Harzog: Cabernet $14.99 and $13.49 Chardonnay Barkan: Cabernet $14.99 BevMo: 3590 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette (925) 282-8185 Mogen David $5.99 Baron Herzog: Cabernet and Chardonnay $12-16 Jeuneusse, Black Muscat and Cabernet $12-16 Yarden: Red blend, Chardonnay, Merlot $16-30 Hagafen: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot $20-30 Jackson’s Wines and Spirits: 3524 Mt Diablo Blvd # A, Lafayette (925) 284-4100 Hagafen: Chardonnay $21.99 and Cabernet $39.99 Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B3

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Thoughtful Food ‘Papa’s Favorite Torte’ travels from Christmas to Easter, and it’s still delicious By Susie Iventosch (Adapted from “Private Collection 2: Recipes from the Junior League of Palo Alto” by Sora O’Doherty ) INGREDIENTS Crust 1 ½ cup all-purpose fl our 5 Tbsp. granulated sugar ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature 2 egg yolks (save whites for fi lling) Filling 8 oz. almond paste 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar 2 Tbsp. all-purpose fl our 2 eggs 2 egg whites ½ tsp. almond extract ½ to ¾ cup raspberry or lingonberry jam, or cranberry sauce Topping ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted ½ cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp. milk Photo Susie Iventosch DIRECTIONS hen Sora O’Doherty is not busy raspberry or lingonberry jam, or even Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Wdoing investigative reporting cranberry sauce. In the bowl of a food processor mix fl our, sugar, and butter. Mix until crumbly. Add egg yolks through and photography, or writing about lo- To me, the raspberry jam is a natu- the tube with the motor running. If you don’t have a mixer, then you can cut the butter into the fl our- cal events for the Lamorinda Weekly, ral with the torte and I used the Bonne sugar mixture with your fi ngertips and stir in the egg yolks with a fork. Mixture will be crumbly and she can often be found in the kitchen Maman Raspberry Preserves, which is will not form a ball or hold together. creating some lovely and delectable one of my favorite raspberry jams on Turn dough into a fl uted 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Pat the dough into the tart pan, concoction for her family, friends and the market. I was able to fi nd lingon- fi lling in all the nooks and crannies of the fl uted edges. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out. I coworkers. When she told me about berry jam, too, and will absolutely try sprayed my tart pan with a little bit of cooking spray before patting the dough into place. the almond-raspberry torte she’d made that one next time I make this dish. I Very carefully spread a good layer of jam or cranberry sauce over the crust, being careful not to dis- for a Lamorinda Weekly editorial made this torte two days ahead of my rupt any crust crumbles. meeting, and then proceeded to send party and wrapped it loosely in foil. It For fi lling, place almond paste, sugar, fl our and 2 eggs and blend until very smooth. Add egg whites pictures, I realized this is the perfect really did hold up very well – even the and almond extract and blend again until smooth. Pour over jam in prepared crust. dessert for Easter! crust remained nice and crisp. Then, I Bake for 1 hour. Top will be a nice golden-brown. (Mine only took 45 minutes to cook until center was The torte is actually called “Papa’s refrigerated the leftovers and found that no longer jiggly and the top was a nice golden-brown.) Favorite Torte” and O’Doherty’s rendi- the dessert is even better when chilled! Cool 10 minutes. While the torte is cooling, place the almonds in a pie tin and toast at 325 dgerees tion is an adaption of the recipe found The recipe says to cook the torte for 10 minutes, or until slightly browned. Remove from oven. Combine powdered sugar and milk and in “Private Collection 2: Recipes from for a full hour, but I found that mine spread over the top of the torte. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the top and arrange evenly, covering the Junior League of Palo Alto,” pub- was completely cooked in 45 minutes, the entire top. lished in 1984. The anecdote introduc- so perhaps I have a hotter oven, but Cool completely before serving. This torte keeps beautifully for several days at room temperature. I ing this recipe is really cute, too. “It just keep an eye on it the fi rst time you also refrigerated it and it was delicious cold. became increasingly diffi cult to fi nd make it so you don’t overbake it. an appropriate gift for Papa, so one Also, the recipe calls for 8 ounc- Cooking Term of the Week holiday I treated him to this wonder- es of almond paste, and if you use Coulis ful almond torte. It’s been his special Odense brand, that tube is 7 ounces. Christmas present ever since.” That O’Doherty uses the full 8 ounces, so Coulis is a fruit or vegetable purée, used as a line was not attributed to anyone in the she has quite a bit leftover from the base for a sauce or as a garnish, but can also cookbook, but this dessert has become second tube to use for other dishes. I be a simple sauce by itself. The sauce may be a favorite of O’Doherty’s family, too. love to make almond scones and our thick or thin but is easily pourable. The fruits

“I’ve never made this for anyone recipe calls for almond paste, (recipe or vegetables have usually been cooked, who didn’t love it,” O’Doherty rein an upcoming column), so that is a marked. “It also transports easily and great use of the extra. On top of that, puréed and strained to create a sauce-like Susie can be reached at keeps beautifully!” I simply made mine with 7 ounces in- consistency. Tomato coulis is often used in [email protected]. O’Doherty added one extra egg stead of 8 and it seemed to turn out just savory dishes, while fruits made into a coulis This recipe can be found on our website: (an extra yolk in the crust and an extra fi ne. are normally served over desserts like crepes, www.lamorindaweekly.com. If you would white in the fi lling), as well as the jam If you love almonds, you will most ice cream, and cheesecake, or over breakfast like to share your favorite recipe with Susie spread over the crust. The original did defi nitely love this torte. Many thanks dishes such as waffl es or pancakes. please contact her by email or call our not call for jam, and O’Doherty says to someone’s “Papa” and to O’Doherty offi ce at (925) 377-0977. she prefers something a little tart, like for sharing this delicious treat. Those pesky General Education requirements: How to make them work for you By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD raduating seniors deciding religiously affi liated colleges you Different schools address GE ask students to take an advanced good research are factors important Gwhich college to attend or will likely see requirements in sub- requirements differently. Some, course in the same subject instead. to success. juniors considering which colleges jects such as philosophy and reli- such as Amherst, Brown, Hamp- How much variety is there to to apply to should look carefully at gion, although they may have titles shire and Smith have few or no choose from in each subject area? a college’s general education re- like “Meditative Arts” and “Faith in GE requirements. You might have Do you need to take calculus quirements. These are courses that Modern Society.” only one or two required courses, to fulfi ll the math requirement? If everyone, regardless of their major, Colleges have GE requirements and then enjoy free rein to choose you are glad to leave math behind must take in order to complete their because their leadership and fac- whatever classes you want, as long in high school some schools offer degree. They will usually represent ulty want to see their students en- as you complete the prerequisites. courses that are less quantitative, one-quarter to one-third of the total gage in a broader-based liberal arts The upside: you have the freedom for example: the environmental and credits required. education, whether the students to choose, as long as you have scientifi c issues behind an oil spill. Some of the GE requirements see value in it or not. However, the some idea what you might like to Can you apply a course used to will be courses you want to take, but more required GE courses a student study. The downside: you are navi- fulfi ll a General Education Re- others may not capture your inter- must take in additional to required gating your college education with- quirement towards a major or est. At most schools, the GE classes classes for their major, the fewer out the structure GE requirements minor? will consist of a semester or two of the electives available. Designing can provide, and some students are Some schools let you “double Elizabeth LaScala, PhD, brings English composition, aka Exposi- your class schedule also becomes more successful at this than others. dip” courses towards fulfi lling re- decades of admissions expertise to personally guide each student tory Writing or Writing Seminar, more challenging, especially in Here are three questions to ask quirements as well as completing a through applying to well- and courses in the humanities, fi ne the early grade levels. If you have yourself so you make better choic- major or minor. That required cal- matched colleges, making each arts and performing arts, a social a choice between a school that es: culus course could be used to fi ll step more manageable and science, history course, foreign lan- has few GE requirements and one Can you place out of the intro- the calculus requirement for pre- less stressful. She has placed guage, mathematics and science. that asks you to take 12 credits in ductory courses? med. hundreds of students in the Sound familiar? Yep, it’s a lot like subjects of little interest to you or Some colleges will grant course Students should ask these often most prestigious colleges and high school but college level. Some- courses where you have consider- credit based on a “4” or “5” on an pesky GE requirements questions universities in the U.S. Reach her times there will be a community able diffi culty with in high school, Advanced Plcement test. Others and learn how to work them to their at (925) 385-0562 (offi ce) or (925) 330-8801 (mobile), or online service requirement or a life fi tness the choice could affect the time it will ask students to sit for their own advantage. And as in all phases of at www.doingcollege.com or course requirement, often pass-fail. takes to earn the degree as well as examination. Some schools may the college admission process, re- [email protected]. If you are looking at Jesuit or other college GPA. give credit for the intro course, but alistic self-appraisal combined with Page: B4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Teen Writes Reasoning: The joy and angst of taking the dreaded SAT By Alexandra Reinecke n the car, it smelled like the new paint punctuate with a comma. ponytail? What from the ‘P’ on my chest? Did phant when I corrected where I’d fi rst chosen Ion the pencils. James Taylor warbled. I We were assembled in a hall of lockers they see what I had in my mirror’s refl ection the option whose modifying phrase meant a jiggled my leg. The oatmeal colored Birken- but were soon herded out, directed by adults that morning: a loose mouth, a weak nose, a Chinese New Year dragon’s teeth had walked stocks my friend called ‘those weird 70s drunk on the borrowed authority lent them determination in the eyes which atoned those down a Chinatown street and snatched a bit shoes’ and whose presence prompted my by their stopwatches. As I returned to the other pieces, which gave reasonable claim to of festival paper instead of that that dragon father’s casual inquiry as to the state of my realm of the pale mustard tile I thought mouse of such a letter? had walked and then snatched the paper with spiritual enlightenment—Jesus shoes, he mentarily of the cows we used to visit such a The room was cold, a deliberate precau- its teeth; I wrote an imagery-heavy essay in taunted amicably, with the tone betraying the long time back, great black cows with marble tion, the proctor informed us, against sleepi- which I described the silver of NASA’s rock- syllables—shook with my anxiety. eyes and orange ear tags the shape of houses. ness. It was upon fi nding the abundance of ets as being robbed of stream-trout’s scales. As my father drove I looked at the col- Policy, they said. Procedure. My fellow test- life colonizing the walls—a pensive Martin When it was over we fi led out of the lection on my lap—a new pack of Ticond- takers murmured expletives as they shuffl ed Luther King Jr. poster, drawings of animals classrooms, the hallway, the school; the eroga pencils, an M&M spangled bag of trail out of the building, some seeking refuge un- with the Spanish words for them beneath, purple fl eece I had stood beside earlier now mix, an oversized Starbucks drink too large der the outside overhands, others the menial a case fi lled with age-crinkled Día de Los appeared magenta in the sun. I returned to for the cup holder in my father’s BMW and heat provided in the bathroom. Muertos chrysanthemums, handwritten my father’s car where I was subjected to too small to squelch my nerves. The thought Beside me an Asian father sang the qua- notes affi rming the character of the teacher tacit encouragement and more James Taylor. of something carried-over from a CNN dratic formula to his daughter; a group of whose instruction this space was usually I returned to our house, to the butter bour- documentary whose name I had long since boys jostled each other, repeating a name to privy—that the frank impersonality of the bon wood block of our kitchen island. I re- forgotten: the same candies that studded my whose fame or notoriety I was unfamiliar. test became clear: how the answers were au- turned to catch up with CNN, to dress for break-time snack had been manufactured Taking up a place beside the faded mustard- tomated so that you had no increased like- the march that night, a fi ght more important specifi cally to resist against such clamminess tiled wall, I noticed how little squares de- lihood of guessing correctly if you guessed than that arbitrated by the College Board and of hands like mine. void of tile sat lonely, the concrete like gaps C, that the essays were graded with numbers its bubbles, the testing center with its pale- As I joined the groups clustered around of missing teeth. I scrutinized those around and not feeling. yellow walls and college-sweatshirt-wearing the testing center I felt a simultaneous came. The white ‘Y’ leading ‘Yale’ on a T-shirt When the test began, I bubbled answers students. I watched the other marchers in the maraderie and competition with the other reminded me of a martini glass holding a in sets of eleven the way my prep-book had street, and I did not try to reason with them. test-takers. A girl from my Pre-Calculus honey-hued curl; Cal’s buttercup script colo- instructed me, reasoning the answers fi rst, I watched the other marches with a rage in class—large brown eyes, general meekness, nized T-shirts, both long-sleeved and short, vehemently crossing out those which were my chest stronger than that towards reading- a Patagonia fl eece the color of Ocean Spray sweatshirts with bears and without. As I wrong, and stringing the circled correct ones section reasoning questions, or sums asked cranberries—small-talked me as I fl ipped analyzed my fellow test-takers I wondered in the answer sheet in an almost methodic the no-calculator math section, or the lack through the packet of SAT grammar rules I’d whether they were similarly analyzing me. manner, like stringing letters for forming of help given the guess of the letter ‘C,’ all drawn up that fall. Don’t COLONize without What impression did they gather from my words, names, in friendship bracelets or of which, by comparison, were problems to a complete phrase, it told me; when in doubt, newly cut hair pulled back into its chestnut going along a rosary’s motion. I was trium- which my attention was little matter. Assistance League of Diablo Tim Rojas is Moraga’s Employee Valley’s R.E.A.D. Program Thrives of the Month Submitted by Betty Miller Submitted by Kevin Reneau

Standing from left, Assistance League of Diablo Valley Corporate Partners Committee Chair- man Linda Mercer and R.E.A.D. Co-Chairmen Meredith Kingsly-Brochier and Gen Camera From left: Wendy Scheck, Mark Bellingham, Tito Rojas and Kevin Reneau Photo A. Scheck welcome Fehr & Peers Corporate Partners employee volunteers Ryan McClain and Chelsea Caldetera’s help in placing an I LOVE TO READ! sticker in hundreds of donated books. ito Rojas, a long-time painter and shift also approaches every job with enthusiasm Tsupervisor at Mark Bellingham Paint- and superior work ethic. We are most fortu- ne of Assistance League of Diablo Bridge,” written by Eve Bunting, relates the ing, has been named the Moraga Employee nate to have him in our company. OValley’s hands-on philanthropic pro- construction of the “impossible bridge,” the of the Month for February. In winning the award, the Moraga Rotary grams is R.E.A.D., an acronym for read, en- Golden Gate Bridge. “Too Tall Foyle Finds Rojas has been working on local homes and Chamber of Commerce will award Rojas rich, achieve and discover. Since 2003, the his Game,” written by Golden State Warrior for the past 12 years and is recognized as a a gift card to Safeway as well as a gift card R.E.A.D. co-chairmen and committee mem- Adonal Foyle and Shiyana Valentine Wil- skilled painting technician. to Peninni’s in Moraga. Rojas was presented bers have taken great care in selecting books liams, describes how an athlete ﬁ nds a ven- “Tito is a skilled craftsman,” said Mark with his award and gifts at an recent Moraga that they currently read in13 schools and 48 ue for his height, while “The Night Before Bellingham. “He’s worked here for 12 years Rotary meeting at Saint Mary’s College. classrooms each year. One of the most im- Baseball at the Park by the Bay,” written by and not only produces superior work, but portant themes they have focused on in the David Schnell, depicts a young boy’s dream past six years concerns events that are rel- of playing for the San Francisco Giants at evant to the San Francisco Bay Area. AT&T Park. Silver Award “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” written by To learn about all of the philanthropic Submitted by Mabel Vo Andrea Beaty, captures the pride American programs that are primarily funded by the women felt when taking over the jobs vacat- Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop ed by men who fought for the United States in Lafayette, please visit this website: dia- of America during World War II. “Pop’s blovalley.assistanceleague.org.

V. Eugene Garbarino November 13, 1926 - March 28, 2017

Bay Area resident, Dr. Victor Eugene Garbarino, 90, died peacefully on March 28, 2017 at his home in Orinda, California. After serving in the Army during WWII, he came home and put himself through University of Michigan’s dental school and began his practice in Orinda. He married his wife of 60 years, Joan Garbarino, and raised a family of six children: Paul, Tim, Claude, Alexa, Ann, and Thad. He was a beloved husband, a devoted father, and a kind and generous friend to everyone who knew him. Quick to laugh with an adventur- ous soul, ‘Gene’ was a student of life with a From left: Girl Scouts Mabel Vo and Megan Crane Stanley Middle School students stand by boundless interest in the world around him, one of their Silver Award projects at the downtown Lafayette Plaza. a true gentleman from the Greatest Genera- abel Vo and Megan Crane recently sion of Joan Bruzzone. Leading up to the tion. Mcompleted their Girl Scout Silver project they held an education booth collect- A celebration of his life will be held pri- Award project. ing signatures at 2016 Earth Day, attended vately. In lieu of ﬂ owers, donations may be made in Gene’s name to Las Trampas, Inc. For their project the two eighth-graders numerous events on pollution to learn more PO Box 515, Lafayette, CA 94549 or made on line at http://lastrampas.org/donate/. did a pilot program for recycling bins at the on the topic and collected data on the trash downtown Lafayette plaza with the permis- collected during their pilot program. SUMMER CAMPS 2017 Half Day Camps

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(9 am – (9 am – 12 am) (8:30 - 11:30am) TIMES: 1:30 – 5:00 P.M. TIMES: Want a great tutor Want who is fun? Individual/small group summer or year round tutoring available [email protected] (M – F) 925.283.3795 NDA WEEKLY Page: Page: B5 WEEKLY NDA tness and endurance. Within a week rior one week introductory roughingit.com/visit (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) (Intermediate* 10:30am - 1:30pm) th rd th – These classes might trick students These classes might trick – th st th FEES: $350 (T-shirt included) $350 (T-shirt FEES: EST. 1996 EST. - 16 - 23 - 30 - 14 - 21 - 28 into believing that math is fun into believing that th th th th th th Lamorinda’s Hometown Camp Hometown Lamorinda’s FOR REGISTRATION FORMS, CONTACT: FORMS, REGISTRATION FOR rst race, an exciting experience for all! Classes now Warning

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Summer Camps Musical Theater: Musical Theater: The Crucible Youth Youth Crucible The A creative experience they will experience A creative is the Crucible The forget! never kids where only place can explore such a wide range of arts— glass blowing, blacksmithing, neon, welding jewelry, ceramics, under one roof. and robotics—all ages for camps, youth Weeklong 8-18. Morning and afternoon camps. 4 June 19 and Aug. Dates: www.thecrucible.org/youth- camps/ Phone: Join Andrea’s Musical Join Andrea’s on a magical Adventures the journey through Build a forest. enchanted with Elsa and Anna, snowman climb a beanstalk with Jack or the ball with Cinderella. go to and props Craft own your acting play games, costumes, and sing everydress-up day. Dates: 1-4 p.m. June 12-16 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 7-11 from Aug. www.cityoforinda.org Phone: (925) 254-2445 Photo provided by Stem Workshops Stem by provided Photo nal Dates: June-Aug. Dates: ograms return this summer featuring skills-based this summer featuring return ograms Summer Camps & Classes Summer Camps (Berkeley) (Berkeley) (Lafayette) (Lafayette) (Lafayette) (Lafayette) Planet Earth Berkeley Rep Berkeley

School of Theatre School of Summer ART Camp: Summer ART Camp: Let your artists your experiment Let with a variety of media and projects while gaining for a deeper appreciation of our the environment planet. Artists will immerse in three-themselves and gain dimensional work with sketching, experience canvas pastels, drawing, silk painting, painting, and creating ceramics, artwork.collaborative Phone: (925) 299-1515 www.theart-room.com This three week hands- week three This & Acting on Filmmaking theory, covers Intensive pre- and post-production, with a fi and concludes family and for screening friends. 6:30 -9:30 p.m., from Evenings Dates: entering 4 for July 17 – Aug. 9-12. grades Phone: (510) 647-2972 www.berkeleyrep.org/ summerintensive

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and Music Arts/ ALMA Academy of Language Academy  With the recent spring weather, summer can’t be far behind. That means it’s time to sign up your That means it’s be far behind. summer can’t weather, the recent spring With a look at our half-day camps, listed on Take program. child for a super summer camp or enrichment in our May 17 issue. And check out all our camps and classes B5 -B8. Phone: Private lessons in all instruments Private lessons in and also private including Italian,languages, Spanish, Chinese, French, Japanese and ESL. Special classes and summer group performing including ensembles, vocal jazz combo, combo, rock theatre drum circle, ensemble, and acting skills. All ages and welcome. are levels The award-winning Town Hall Theatre educational pr Theatre Hall Town award-winning The and performance-based theatre classes for ages 4-18 years old. Titles include “There’s No Place Like No Place “There’s Skills-based classes include Improv, include Titles Musical!” and performance-basedThe old. 4-18 years ages classes for theatre “SPAMALOT, and Island” “Treasure Jr.,” Pan “Peter Home,” name a few! to and Stage Combat Theatre, Musical for Voice Phone: Have a blast, learn to design, sew, sew, design, a blast, learn to Have and walk like a pro and illustrate with unique personalized away include Camps fashion items. fashionkit and digital patterns notions, instructions, fabrics, and embroidery, custom participation in our end-of- One-week, summer fashion show. half-day full-day and camps for grade), and third juniors (second kids, and teens. June-AugustDates: (925) 254-5053 www.alma-leap.com www.sewnow.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORI 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com 5, 2017 April Wednesday, www.TownHallTheatre.com SUMMER CAMPS 2017 Half Day Camp Page: LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindawe *(cost formorningorafternoon, notboth) andLearnto Swim Classesfor BeginnerSwimmers. Experienced anddedicated Coaching Staff. • 16-lanepool(Miramonte High School). Fall andSpringSwim Clinicsfor ExperiencedSwimmers • SummerTeam practices andcompetes inbeautiful • clinicsandsummerteam. Afternoon practice optionsfor summerswimteam. • Noclubmembershiprequired inorder to participate in • theOMPA (OrindaMoraga Pool Association). SummerJuniorGator Program for beginnerswimmers. • SummerSwim Team for ages4-18which competes in • • Three-dimensional work • Three-dimensional lifeonlandandunderthesea • Focusonendangeredspecies,glaciers,and • Studentsconnecttotheworldaroundthem • A varietyofmediaandprojects silkpainting,ceramics • Sketching,drawing,pastels,canvaspainting, OFEXPLORE THEWORLD ARTSUMMER! THIS Registration forSpringandSummercan Registration forSpringandSummercan ϰϱ'ůĞĂĞtǇƵƚ͕>ĨǇƩϵϱ ϯϴϱͲϬϮϭϭ ϯϰϱϱ'ŽůĚĞŶ'ĂƚĞtĂǇ͕^ƵŝƚĞ͕>ĂĨĂǇĞƩĞ;ϵϮϱͿ a world of Join ǁŝůůƚĂŬĞƉůĂĐĞ ŶĂƌƌĂƟǀĞƐ͕ŚŝƐƚŽƌŝĐĂůďŝŽŐƌĂƉŚŝĞƐĂŶĚůŝƚĞƌĂƚƵƌĞĂŶĂůǇƐĞƐ͘KƵƌ ƐƚƌŝǀĞƚŽŝŵƉƌŽǀĞƚŚĞŝƌǁƌŝƟŶŐƐŬŝůůƐ͘WƌŽũĞĐƚƐĐŽŶƐŝƐƚŽĨĮƌƐƚ CAMP YOUNG WRITERS words, correct grammar, usage, andsomuchmore. ƚŚĞĞůĞŵĞŶƚƐŽĨǁĞůůͲǁƌŝƩĞŶĞƐƐĂǇƐ͕ĐƌĞĂƟǀĞƵƐĞŽĨĚĞƐĐƌŝƉƟǀĞ one-on- onesessions,students learnproper sentence structure, WRITING PROJECTS ǁǁǁ͘ůĂĨĂǇĞƩĞǁƌŝƟŶŐƐƚƵĚŝŽ͘ĐŽŵ ϵϮϱͲϯϴϱͲϬϮϭϭ &ŽƌĨƵƌƚŚĞƌŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ƉůĞĂƐĞĐĂůů ŚĞůĚƚŚƌĞĞĚĂǇƐƉĞƌǁĞĞŬ͕ϮͲϱƉŵ͘ dŚĞtƌŝƟŶŐ^ƚƵĚŝŽ ĂŵƉĨŽƌzŽƵŶŐtƌŝƚĞƌƐ ideal forgr.8-10 boys &girls Miramonte Swim Club Miramonte Swim Club 91 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette | Lamorinda Youth Recreational Swim Team f o Morning: 9-noon|Afternoon: 2-5|Full Day: 9-5|$250perweek* e CAMP YOUNG WRITERS a y B6 www.orionacademy.org 350 Rheem Blvd. Moraga, CA Blvd.Moraga, CA 350Rheem www.orionacademy.org ůĞĂƌŶƐŽĐŝĂůƐŬŝůůƐ͕ďƵŝůĚƉŚǇƐŝĐĂůƐƚĂŵŝŶĂĂŶĚ KƌŝŽŶ͛ƐŵŽƐƚƉŽƉƵůĂƌƐƵŵŵĞƌĐĂŵƉŝƐďĂĐŬ͊ be foundonwww.mscgators.orgbe foundonwww.mscgators.org Artemis Rowing l BeginnerandAdvanced Beginner ůĞĂƌŶƚŽĂĚĂƉƚƚŽŶĞǁƐŽĐŝĂůƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶƐ͘tĞ s ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇƚŽĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞƚŚŝƐĨƵŶĂĐƟǀŝƚǇ ǁĞĞŬ͊ ǇĞƐͲŚŝŬĞǁŝƚŚůůĂŵĂƐ͊dŚĞŐƌŽƵƉǁŝůůĂůƐŽ ƵƌŝŶŐƚŚŝƐĐĂŵƉƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐǁŝůůŐĞŽĐĂĐŚĞ͕ f & ĂƌĞĞǆĐŝƚĞĚƚŽŽīĞƌĂŶŽƚŚĞƌŐƌŽƵƉƚŚĞ www.artemisrowingclub.org o ŚŝŬĞŝŶƚŚĞƌĞĚǁŽŽĚƐ͕ƌŝĚĞŚŽƌƐĞƐĂŶĚ CREATIVE NARRATIVE Learn toRow Camps r @Jack Aquatic London Center, 115 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 115 Embarcadero,Oakland, ŽƌǀŝƐŝƚƵƐĂƚ g g June 12-30 r i June 12-Aug 25| Week-long camps . r ĨƵŶĐĂŵƉĨŽƌϴƚŚ͕ϵƚŚĂŶĚϭϬƚŚ 8 . Through grade appropriate classesand l - WŚŽŶĞ͗ϵϮϱͲϯϳϳͲϬϳϴϵ Register onlineat s 1 0 isopento students ingrades 3-12who ŐƌĂĚĞƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͘ and thissummerasyour children enter July 10-August 4 925-299-1515 and . THE WRITING STUDIO WRITING THE ABSORBING ESSAY-BASED Where Words CometoLife

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ages 3-11. Mornings ages 3-11.Mornings language andsummerfunfor enrichment inMandarin, Campers, ages3-5&Explorers, careextended available. Mini 4:30 p.m. Full orhalf-days, with Three-week sessions8:30a.m.– trips, &music. swimming, art Afternoons are packedwithfi Japanese, SpanishandItalian. teacher. - ledby Mr. Lorie, aJMmath four timesover thesummer nine studentsandwillmeet Groups ofnomore than ofeachsession. will beapart interactive problem solving ones. Manipulatives and while introducing future previous mathconcepts, is designed to reinforce be bothfunandeducational, This program, intended to Phone: (925)888-7036 www.moraga.ca.us Email: [email protected] also available. orsmallgroupIndividual tutoring Parks andRecDepartment. Adlerteacher Michael orMoraga head and algebraII.Contact algebra I,highschoolgeometry, andstatistics,and science, sports schoolmath include elementary Sessions Recreation Department. through Parks theMoraga and experienced, funny teachers Weeklong sessionstaughtby www.lorietutors.squarespace.com Dates: variousdates andtimes www.saklan.org Phone: (925)376-7900 Dates: June12–Aug. 11 ages 6-11. providesSummer @Saklan culture Amazing Math Classes ¾ ¾ ¾ Summer BridgeMath Summer Swim Team - Team Summer Swim Sunday Stroke Clinics April SwimConditioning Saklan School Saklan PARENTINFORMATIONAL MEETING (Moraga) (Moraga) (Moraga) a iii diti C i S y Visit Visit ACALANESHIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA OPEN TO ALL! S S tro TROKE are fi www.lmyaswim.com www.lmyaswim.com French, k e lled with ACADEMIC/LANGUAGE/SCIENCE Cl eld REGISTRATION IS OPEN! C i , n

LINICS A i cs ND - beginsMarch5(stroke specific sessions) begins May 2(early registration discounts) Phone: (925)878-5159 Email: [email protected] your availability. Dates: schedule basedon way ofteaching children. creative approach andjoyful for andisknown her School teaches atStanleyMiddle director XiomaraDiMaio Grammy Award winner, up duringthesummer. A for studentsages3and lessons (pianoorvoice) off Musical Arts The of LamorindaSchool www.lafayettewritingstudio.com Phone: (925)385-0211 June 12-31;July10-Aug.4 Dates: intheprocess.skills developing strong writing writing, based expository andessay- of storytelling 3-12. Writers step into aworld sessionsfor gradeson-one andone- writing instruction Writing Studioprovide both Summer campsat The www.vivaelespanol.org Phone: (925)962-9177 options are available. day 9a.m.to noon.Full day Formula “Laboratorio.” Half- orSecret at theReservoir such as Wondrous Outdoors a specifi relatedlearn vocabulary to campstudents weeklong and cooking. Duringeach &crafts, games, music, arts through language skills Learn orimprove Spanish Viva elEspañol Summer Camps with Spanish Immersion - S beg - begins April 11 (get in swimshape!) - beginsApril11(get Camp Young Writers The Writing Studio - Fun musiclessons! , A UMMER biAil11(ti h i ekly.com Wednesday, April 5,2017 c kid-friendly theme c kid-friendly i PRIL ns (Lafayette) (Lafayette) Marc

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15 students. opinion pieces. of Maximum narrative, information, and engaging strategies to write camperswilllearn activities, and engaging lessonsand writing. Focusing onfun help foster alove of teacher),will Kindergarten with Mrs. Lorie (aRheem incoming fi This campfor weeklong www.lorietutors.squarespace.com no Fri. only; Tue. or Thur. class) Dates: June26-30(Mon., Wed., www.spectrumofscience.com Phone: (925)820-2415 spectrumofscience.com Email: AmyBeth@ the learningbegin! middle school. Have fun&let for & preschool, elementary & handsonscience workshops Science off for more.asking of Spectrum the children &have them science designed to challenge Each fast-moving, high-energy STEMworkshops! Dynamic STEM WorkshopSeries Photo provided School by Saklan Lorie Tutors Writing ifi c se , ers dynamic, active (Moraga) rst-third graders (Orinda) Camp Adventure Day Camp Photo provided by Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B7

SPORTS

Artemis Rowing Cougar Youth Football Camp (Oakland) (Moraga) Thank you Artemis Rowing is a The Cougar Youth Football Advertisers! competitive rowing program Camp directed by Head based at Oakland’s Jack Coach Kevin Macy for grades Lamorinda London Aquatic Center. 4-8 is held at Campolindo Throughout summer, Artemis High School. All equipment is Weekly. is off ering fun Learn to Row supplied; T-shirt is included. camps for students in grades Registration forms can be 6-12. Enroll in two or more found at campofootball.com. and be ready for our middle/ high school teams in fall! Dates: Ideal for grades 8-10. July 10-21 (Monday – Friday, 1:30 to 5 p.m.) www.ArtemisRowingClub.org www.campofootball.com

Lamorinda Soccer Miramonte Swim Club Camps (MSC) (Moraga) (Orinda) Lamorinda Soccer Club 2017 Swim Team, Spring Summer Camps are a place Stroke Clinics, and where kids have fun and learn Junior Gator Learn-to- about the game of soccer! We Swim program. No club focus on kids having fun with membership is required in small-sided games as well as order to participate in arts and crafts projects. We clinics and summer team. welcome all girls & boys at The summer team practices any skill level between the and competes at Miramonte ages of 5 to 10. High School’s 16-lane pool. Registration is now open. [email protected] www.lamorindasc.com Phone: (925) 247-8110

www.mscgators.com

Oakland Strokes Randy Bennett (San Pablo Reservoir orr Basketball Camps Oakland Estuary) (Moraga) The Oakland Strokes summer The Randy Bennett Day program is a half-day summer Camps held at Saint Mary’s camp open to any child McKeon Pavilion are a great sixth through 12th grade. way for boys and girls ages The program is a “learn 4-13 to receive top-class to row” program, focused instruction on every aspect on taking kids from never of the game. Throughout rowing, to being profi cient, the week Coach Bennett will and teaching the basics and lead instruction on every includes conditioning. aspect of the game. Morning, Dates: Various one-week afternoon and full day sessions starting June 12. options.

Email: [email protected] Dates: June 6 - July 14 www.oaklandstrokes.org smcmensbasketballcamps.com

Saint Mary’s College Sports, Kidz Love Soccer Athletic Camps Camp (Moraga) (Orinda) St. Mary’s College off ers 40-plus Spend a week enjoying sports camps on one of the most the world’s most popular picturesque campuses on the sport. Play fun soccer games West Coast. SMC off ers boys to build skills in an age- and girls camps for ages 4-18. appropriate camp. Learn Summer 2017 off ers all sports, and practice soccer skills baseball, basketball, running, including: dribbling, passing, Get Creative! soccer, softball, tennis and receiving and shooting. volleyball camps. Everyone is a winner as the week’s fun culminates in a BLACKSMITHING • CERAMICS • WELDING • GLASS BLOWING Dates: “World Cup” tournament. KINETICS & ELECTRONICS • WOODWORKING • BIKE SHOP various dates and times available Dates: [email protected] Aug. 14-18 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) LEATHER • ENAMELING • JEWELRY • NEON • AND MORE Phone: (925) 631-4FUN (4386) Phone: (925) 254-2445 www.smcathleticcamps.com www.cityoforinda.org

Summer Tennis Camp – St. Mary’s College (Moraga) Camps will address technical, tactical, and fi tness aspect of the game through personal instruction and specifi cally designed age/level appropriate drills, as well as competitive aspect through match play and fun games. Morning sessions 9 a.m. to noon for boys and girls ages 8-15. Full day option available. Dates: 1-week sessions June 12 - Aug. 11 www.smctenniscamps.com

Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì Spanish Immersion Camps Ì Week-long day camps Ì Ì Ì Choose from a variety of kid-friendly themes Ì Camps include games, arts & crafts, Ì Ì science, music, cooking and more! Ì Option for half or full day, with before and Six 1-week sessions after care JUNE 19 – AUGUST 4 Ì Experienced, dynamic teachers

Join us for Youth, ages 8-18, design and create their own works of art in The Crucible’s storytelling, Summer Camps. Young artists learn industrial arts techniques, experiment music, art, games [MXLHMǺIVIRXQIHMEERHHIWMKRERHGSQTPIXIXLIMVS[R[IPHIH & TONS of FUN sculptures, glass mosaics, remote-controlled robots, lit neon signs, and - in español! more. Weeklong camps make imaginations soar while teaching hands-on 6HYHUDOFDPSVLQFOXGH¿HOGWULSVWRWKH/DID\HWWH5HVHUYRLU skills overlapping science, technology, engineering, art, and math. www.vivaelespanol.org 925-962-9177 /DID\HWWHPleasanton Mill Valley And schools all over the Bay Area TheCrucible.org/youth-camps Page: B8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Half-Day SUMMER CAMPS 2017

Photo provided by Stem Workshops

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

Build a Peace Village Moraga Valley Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church (Orinda) (Moraga) (Lafayette) The Orinda Community MVPC will transform into the Maker Fun Factory: Created by Church will be hosting a Maker Fun Factory, a place God Built for a Purpose. Peace Village camp this buzzing with excitement and Gear up for an adventure! At 0RUDJD9DOOH\3UHVE\WHULDQ&KXUFK summer. The camp will alive with gadgets and gizmos Vacation Bible Camp this year, teach the Peace Village core aplenty! Enjoy awesome music we will ground kids in the rock- curriculum of mindfulness, and experience Bible stories solid foundation of God’s love media literacy, connecting with all fi ve senses. We’ll have through songs, stories, games, with nature, and confl ict ingenious crafts, high-energy experiments, and more. resolution to children ages recreation, and a kaleidoscope of For 4-year-olds through 6-13. snacks. 9 a.m. – noon. completed fourth graders. Dates: Children must be 4 years old Aug. 14-17 from 1-4 p.m. through entering 5th grade. Dates: June 12-16, afternoon Phone: (925) 254-490 Phone: (925) 283-8722 x234 Email: [email protected] Dates: June 19-23 Email: [email protected] www.orindacommunitychurch.org www.mvpctoday.org www.LOPC.org

VARIETY 9DFDWLRQ%LEOH6FKRRO June 19-23 City of Lafayette - Moraga Parks and Sienna Ranch DPQRRQ Recreation Summer Camps Recreation Summer (Lafayette) (Lafayette) GEAR UP for a hands-on amazing week! MVPC will transform Camps (Moraga) into the Maker Fun Factory, a place buzzing with excitement Art, soccer, cheerleading, Lego, Minecraft, and Pokemon Camp choices at Lamorinda’s own and alive with gadgets and gizmos aplenty! Enjoy our cooking, dance, science, oh my! Your child’s Summer ranch camp include morning awesome music and experience Bible stories with all ﬁ ve engineering, LEGOs, adventure starts here. Come Farm Hands and Nature and senses. We’ll have ingenious cra s, high-energy recrea on, tennis, Critters-N-Clay, check out the variety of camps Horseback Riding camps as well and a kaleidoscope of snacks. Come put it all together at VBS music, robotics, basketball, off ered through the Moraga Parks as afternoon pottery, woodshop, this summer. A er all, you were MADE for this! carpentry, fl ag football, and Recreation Department for archery, art and animals, horses gymnastics, golf, chess and 2017! Camp Hacienda, Bricks 4 and more. Serving campers Camp cost: $70 per child ($90 a er June 1st) more! Registration Begins entering grades PreK-8 with Children must be 4 years old through entering 5th grade. Kidz, Techsplosion, Little Medical April 10th. School, Coding Camp, Incredifl ix, select teen programming, Sienna Register online today! Dates: Kindercool, Skyhawks Sports, Math, Ranch off ers week-long, half-day www.mvpctoday.org various dates and times Science, Speech, Debate, and more! or full-day camp options. available. Registration is open now. Dates: Dates: various dates and times 10 Moraga Valley Lane Phone: (925) 284-2232 various dates and times available available Moraga, CA 94556 www.LafayetteRec.org Phone: (925) 888-7045 Phone: (925) 283-6311 925-376-4800 www.moragarec.com www.siennaranch.net Did we miss your favorite camp? On May 17 we will list all camps and classes. Reach 60,000+ in Lamorinda and advertise with us. Call (925) 377-0977 or email [email protected]. Summer Camps Hosted by Lamorinda Soccer Club, :DOQXW&UHHN Coaches, Players and Alumni. $WUDGLWLRQDOVXPPHUFDPSH[SHULHQFH)

Location: THE RHEEM CENTER LAMO Indoor Futsal Arena 452 Center Street, #A Moraga

DATES: Week 1: June 12-16 Week 6: July 24-28 Week 2: June 19-23 Week 7: July 31- August 4 Week 3: June 26-30 Week 8: August 7-11 Week 4: July 10-14 Week 9: August 14-18 Week 5: July 17-21 Times: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Thank you Advertisers! Lamorinda Weekly.

The Lamorinda Weekly Summer Camp listings are not paid advertising. Our intent is to provide a useful reference guide. In the event we have inadvertently printed $GYHQWXUHGD\FDPSFRP misinformation, please let us know. LW is not liable for errors or omissions. Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B9 Looking Good in Lamorinda Vintage and bling highlight spring By Moya Stone

Vintage handbags in exotic leathers at Cuesta Antiques in Lafayette. Photos Moya Stone

t’s spring! Time to revisit the esta Square says this season cele- leg cropped and boot cut jeans Icloset and consider a new ad- brates the shoulder. Tops with an are what’s hot. dition or two to freshen up our off-the-shoulder silhouette work Speaking of jeans, Patrizia look. well for all ages and body types. Marrone proprietor of Patrizia Specialtees in Lafayette’s Fi- As for bottoms, cropped! Wide- Marrone on Fiesta Lane in La- fayette tells me that embellished is everything. Marrone stocks her elegant boutique with Euro- pean designs offering Lamorinda something a little different. This spring jeans in traditional blue and also white are distressed and detailed with both large and small Bay Area stones, in some cases rhinestones BAD around the cuff for some unex- INC. Drainage, Inc. pected sparkle. The latest trend in jewelry is to layer two to three or more deli- Have You Checked Your cate pendents and Natasha Gras- so Jewelry in Moraga has just the Crawlspace Lately? thing. Each piece is gold-ﬁ lled or silver and in charming motifs • French Drains such as horseshoes, love knots, • French Drains keys and stars or the more edgy • Underfloor Drains skull. Grasso also uses semi-pre- • Underfloor Drains cious stones in her work, which • Downspout Systems in addition to necklaces includes • Subdrain Systems earrings, bracelets, and rings. I’m • Subdrain Systems thinking Easter, graduations and • Sump Pumps Mother’s Day. Natasha Grasso Jewelry is located in the Rheem • RSump etaining Pumps Walls Shopping Center 386 Park Street in Moraga. • PavestoneR etaining Driveway Walls & Walkways I recently stopped by one of my favorite shops in Lafayette, • Pavestone Driveway & Walkways Cuesta Antiques, and discov- A General Engineering Contractor Delicate pendants at Natasha Grasso Jewelry in Moraga. ered a small collection of exotic leather vintage handbags. Peruse Locally A General owned Engineering and OperatedContractor any fashion magazine and you Locally owned and Operated will notice exotic leather is all Contractor LIC # 762208 the rage in accessories. Cuesta Contractor LIC # 762208 has one-of-a-kind 1950s bags in, ostrich, alligator, and even sea turtle. Each one in impeccable 925•377•9209 condition and, considering the 925•377•9209 rarity of the leather, reasonable visit our website price tags. Plus the vintage fac- www.bayareadrainage.com tor decreases the guilt. Thinking ahead to Father’s Day, the shop also carries vintage men’s accessories such as wallets and ﬂ acks. Cuesta Antiques, 3540A Wilkin- son Lane in Fiesta Square. The Summer of Love Expe- rience: Art, Fashion, and Rock and Roll opens April 8 at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Celebrating the 50th anniversary Theater View of the legendary counterculture centered right here in our own San Francisco, this exhibit fea- Veterinary Clinic tures more than 300 artifacts of the era including handmade fash- Theater View ions by local designers. Crochet, Veterinary Clinic, embroidery, leatherwork, denim, owned by and of course tie-dye were the fashion trends among youth who Dr. Laurie Langfold, wanted to set themselves apart is excited to from mainstream America and announce a new anyone over 30! The Summer addition. of Love Experience runs though Dr. Amelia Ausman August 20, 2017. And these will has joined our team. all be the more fashionable at La- Come check us out. fayette’s own Summer of Love concert series beginning in June. Enjoy the sun and go forth in style! Moya Stone is a writer and blogger at www.overdressedfor- Embellished jeans at Patrizia Marrone in Lafayette. life.com. “Dr. Laurie” Langford

Phone: (925) 317-3187 Submit stories to Fax: (925) 334-7017 Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.theaterviewvetclinic.com 1 Bates Blvd., Suite 200, Orinda Page: B10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Not to be missed Not to be missed Lamorinda’s ART Mary’s Performing Arts Department, tures with the White Bunny. Ages: Religious Services runs Thursday April 27 through Sun- Toddlers through Kindergarten and The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery day April 30 at Saint Mary’s LeFevre Grades 1 and 2 only. Be sure to bring Theatre, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, a basket. Rain cancels the event. For in Lafayette presents Side x Side, an in Moraga. By the acclaimed cre- more information on Spring holiday Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church exhibit that features the paintings of ative team behind Hamilton, IN THE events, see page B1. 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, 254-3422 James Koskinas and Julie Schumer HEIGHTS tells the universal story www.holyshepherd.org through April 15. They both work in of a tight knit Latin American com- Community Egg Scramble, 10 a.m. acrylic and tend towards a painting munity in Manhattan and is grounded Saturday, April 15 at the Lafayette HOLY WEEK SERVICES style of large scale abstract expres- in universal themes of family, com- Plaza Park near the Park Theater. sionism and fi gurative. jenniferperl- MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 13 munity and self-discovery. Tickets: Open to all kids through second muttergallery.com. 7:00 p.m. $18 with $15 for students and seniors grade. Free and made possible by GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 14 Certifi ed appraisers from are available at the https://www. the Rotary Club of Lafayette. For 12 Noon & 7:00 p.m. stmarys-ca.edu/in-the-heights-event- more information on Spring holiday Michaan’s Auctions will give ver- listing. Show times: 8 pm. April 27; events, see page B1. EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 16 bal appraisals on Fine Art, Furniture 4 p.m. April 28; 9 p.m. April 28; 8 8:15 a.m. Traditions Worship and Decorative Art, Jewelry, Stamps p.m. April 29; 2 p.m. April 30. Addi- Orinda Academy will be holding 9:30 a.m. Blended Worship and Coins, Asian Art, etc. from 4-7 tional info. (925) 631-4670; tms8@ an Open House from 7 to 9 p.m. on 10:45 a.m. Celebrations Worship p.m. on April 21 (by appointment) at stmarys-ca.edu. April 19 for fall 2017 enrollment. Easter Breakfast 9:00-11:00 a.m. the Moraga Library,1500 St. Mary’s Orinda Academy is located at 19 Al- Road, Moraga. This fundraiser is Enjoy a rare appearance by Juke tarinda Rd. sponsored by Moraga Women’s So- Joint, Lamorinda’s own Classic soul ciety. Bring your heirlooms or garage and R&B band at Bonehead’s BBQ, The City of Lafayette and the La- sale treasures for evaluation. Call 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette fayette Chamber of Commerce, in Tammie Chambless (510) 227-2530 from 5:30 to 8:30 on Saturday, April partnership with local non-profi t for appointment. Entry + up to 3 ap- 29. organization Sustainable Lafayette, praisals: $25. Pay at the door and will host the city’s 12th annual Earth proceed to the Community Room. LECTURE, LITERATURE & Day Festival at the Lafayette Library All proceeds go to Moraga Schools. SCREENINGS and Learning Center. The theme of The Moraga Art Gallery announc- this year’s festival is “Sustainable “World on the Move,” focusing on Youth” and the event will showcase es its springtime show, Color and immigration issues, is the topic cho- local youth groups as well as exhibi- Caprice, an exhibit that spotlights sen by Dr. David Vasquez-Levy, pres- tors will provide attendees with in- member artist Angelica Samame’s ident of the Pacifi c School of Reli- spiration and awareness about how 10 Irwin Way, Orinda | 925.254.4906 | www.orindachurch.org eye-catching collection of stylized gion, for his presentation at 1:30 p.m. to make their local community more All are Welcome! portraits of sophisticated women — on April 7 at the First Friday Forum sustainable and connect them with slender and fashionably-clad. The Palm Sunday in the Sanctuary of Lafayette-Orinda opportunities to help. The Festival show also features guest artist, Eliza- April 9, 10:00 am Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beth Russell, aka Liz R Honeypots, Lafayette. Refreshments are served on April 23 on Golden Gate Way Procession of the Palms from Forestville, whose ceramics at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This is behind the Lafayette Library and consist of utilitarian platters, mugs, Maundy Thursday a free event. For more information Learning Center, and at the plaza of casserole dishes and more. The show Supper, Prayer, Music, and Reflection contact (925) 283-8722. the library, located at 3491 Mt. Dia- runs to June 3. For more information, April13, 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall blo Blvd in Lafayette. visit the gallery’s website: www.mor- There will be a screening of “Rac- agaartgallery.com, call (925) 376- Easter Sunrise Service ing to Zero” at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on The Lamorinda Idol 2016 audi- 5407 or email moragaartgallery@ April 16, 7:30 am in the Olive Grove Friday, April 14 at St. Mark’s United tions will be held on May 11-13. gmail.com. Children's Easter Egg Hunt Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way, Registration is open to all Lamorinda Orinda. This is a documentary of San students or residents. Groups can in- 9:00 am in the Court Yard Valley Art Gallery presents their Francisco’s commitment to turn all clude members outside Lamorinda. new show ARTERIAL: Your Road garbage into resources. Be inspired Register at www.LamorindaArts.Org Easter Celebration Worship to the Best East Bay Artists running by this upbeat fast-paced journey through April 30. The Lamorinda 10:00 am in the Sanctuary from through May 13. Plus, there are through the city’s waste stream, and Idol program includes workshops, beautifully crafted, ceramic, wood see how action is achieving results. multiple performance opportunities, and glass pieces, and original design- More info: (925) 705-2744 parties and the Finals at the Orinda er jewelry. For more info visit www. Theatre Sunday, Aug. 26. valleyartgallery.com. It’s located in The Summer of Love Experi- Walnut Creek. Lafayette United Methodist Church ence: Art, Fashion & Rock & Roll OTHER 955 Moraga Road 925.284.4765 thelumc.org IRAN|USA, an original exhibi- at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 24 in April 9: Palm Sunday Worship 10am the Orinda Library Garden Room. Learn the art of making Pysanky, tion organized by the Saint Mary’s April 13: Seder Dinner 6pm Orinda Library welcomes Alfred or Ukrainian Easter Eggs, decorated College Museum of Art, presents a April 16: Easter Sunday Worship 8:30 & 10:30am Escoffi er, a Fine Arts Museums of using a wax-resist and dye method in program of compelling video art and Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt 9:30am San Francisco docent, who will share a three-hour workshop led by local prints by artist and faculty member highlights of this exhilarating display folk art teacher, Evie Michon. Tradi- We Love God, Love Others & Serve the World Peter Freund through May 28. The of memorabilia celebrating the 50th tionally created during Lent, Pysanky multi-language exhibit re-envisions anniversary of the Summer of Love were given as treasured gifts. 1 to 4 key moments in the politically St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church at the De Young Museum. This pro- p.m. on Saturday April 8. Cost is charged history of the two countries gram is sponsored by the Friends of $20, limited to 20 people. Hosted A Loving Community through the lens of an experimen- the Orinda Library. by Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sunday Services: 8 and 10 AM tal artist. The museum is located on 433 Moraga Way, Orinda. Register: campus, 1928 St. Mary’s Road in In-church Youth Zone, 10 AM Nursery Childcare Lamorinda Arts Council will host [email protected] Moraga and is open from 11 a.m. to their 2nd Annual ShortDocs Film 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, 284-7420, www.stanselms.ws 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; $5 Fest at 3 p.m. on May 7 at the La- Have a case of Spring fever? There admission. fayette Library and Learning Center. is no better cure than bringing a new MUSIC This documentary fi lm festival pro- kitten or cat into your family. See the vides local fi lmmakers an opportu- beautiful kitties at Community Con- Check out new music of the 21st nity to create new work as well as cern for Cats’ adoption event from 1 showcase it at a community screen- to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April century with perhaps a fl air of late ing. Entries for the Lamorinda Short- 8 and 9. Our Lafayette and Walnut night Thelonious — all this imagi- Docs Film Fest will be accepted until Creek locations are open on Saturday natively created on stage by pianists. April 19. The competition is open to and Sunday. Our Pleasant Hill loca- Come enjoy the Piano Composers’ anyone 5 years of age or older who tion is only open on Saturday. Find concert at 7 p.m. on Friday April 7 is living, working or attending school us at Pet Food Express in Lafayette at the Lafayette Library and Learn- in Orinda, Lafayette or Moraga. Film and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Wal- ing Center Community Hall. This submissions will be judged in one of nut Creek. For more information, see free event is sponsored by the Con- four categories: elementary school, www.communityconcernforcats.org. tra Costa Performing Arts Society in middle school, high school and adult. partnership with the library. To learn more about the Lamorinda Jewish Gateways presents Jewish Gateways Saint Mary’s Jazz Band Concert ShortDocs Film Fest competition Passover Celebration for ORINDA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH and to enter go to http://www.lamor- Families with Young Children from 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7, Soda 24 Orinda Way (next to the Library) - 254-4212 indaarts.org/shortdocs. 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April Activity Center, 1928 Saint Mary’s 9 at Easton Hall, 2401 Ridge Road, Sunday Service and Sunday School 10 - 11 am Road, Moraga. Featuring Music KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS Berkeley. Celebrate this freedom Informal Wednesday Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 pm from: Miles Davis, Gordon Good- holiday with Passover songs, stories, win, Thelonious Monk, Carlos San- Reading Room/Bookstore M - F 11 - 4; Sat 11 – 2 Get ready for the second annual a hands-on project and treats. Led tana, Duke Pearson, and Count Basie. Rock Band Showcase at the Lafay- by Rabbi Bridget and Isaac Zones. www.christianscienceorinda.org Tickets are $5; $2 for students and ette Community Center. The bands Cost: $30 per family, plus $5 per sib- seniors are and are sold at the door. will play at 7:30 p.m. on April 14. ling over 5. For more info see www. Cash or Check only. Doors open 30 Register at www.abrighterday.info jewishgateways.org/families or call minutes before performance time. (510) 410-0622 or email rabbibridg- The public is invited to take a 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda Pacifi c Chamber Orchestra con- [email protected]. photo with the Easter Bunny at 3 254-3770. www.ststephensorinda.org cludes its 28th season at the Lafay- p.m. on Saturday, April 15 in Rheem Come celebrate diversity and pro- ette-Orinda Presbyterian Church at Sunday 8am, 10am Valley Shopping Center in the suite mote unity at Soul Food Lamorinda 7:30 p.m. on Saturday April 22 in between Dover Saddlery & Nation’s from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9 at the Sanctuary, led by Maestro Law- Giant Hamburgers. There will be the Intercultural Center at St Mary’s rence Kohl. The program includes Easter Clowns, the Easter Fairy, bal- College. Soul Food Lamorinda is a Beethoven’s Leonore Overture #3, loon art and more. Use your Rheem free Baha’i-inspired program that JOIN US FOR WORSHIP Brahm’s Symphony #1 and Elgar’s Valley Shopping Center receipts to- combines an audio-visual presen- Concerto for Cello with Nina Flyer, all are welcome taling $25 or more go online to www. tation with readings from various soloist. Ms. Flyer has toured, record- rheemvalley.net to print out the cou- faiths, philosophers and leaders. This ed, and taught throughout Europe Sunday mornings, 9:30am pon for a FREE photo session with month’s program, “Sense of Time,” and America. She is a professor of Sunday evenings, 5pm – beginning April 30 the Easter Bunny. For more informa- will explore the precious nature of cello and chamber music at the Uni- tion on Spring holiday events, see time — how quickly it passes and Easter Sunday, 9:30 & 11am versity of Pacifi c Conservatory of page B1. how profound it can be when we Music. Tickets may be purchased at make the most of it. Free and open the door or at www.pacifi cchamber- 10 Moraga Valley Lane Orinda Rotary Club’s Annual Egg to everyone. For more info: www. orchestra.org. www.mvpctoday.org Hunt is at 11 a.m. sharp on April meetup.com/Soul-Food-Lamorinda/. 925.376.4800 The award-winning musical “In 15 at the Orinda Community Center Play Field. There will be over 1000 ... continued on next page the Heights” presented by Saint eggs and prizes for all as well as pic- Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: B11 Film Clips Judy’s Nail Salon Hollywood meets Orinda with the Weíve been a Moraga Business for 15 Years $50 return of stand-up comedy Shellac Gel Nails & Reg. PED FREE Designs or Regular Manicure & Pedicure $35 Buffer Shinny Full Set or Fill-in Gels $30 For any Lamorinda Weekly Readers Get 2 for 1 Tickets! * WE WELCOME NEW CUSTOMERS! combination Nails By Derek Zemrak $5 OFF PLEASE CALL AND SCHEDULE AN & Feet service *min. charge $30 (Please Bring Coupon In the fall of 1998, his sitcom, “DiResta” APPOINTMENT. WE WILL DO A GOOD When You Visit launched on the UPN Network. DiResta then JOB AND PROVIDE GREAT SERVICE! Our Shop) went on to secure very big roles in the mov- 625 Moraga Rd, Moraga (925) 377-9997 (925) 708-3448 Tue – Sat: 10 - 7 Sun: 10 - 6 ies “Miss Congeniality” with Sandra Bullock and “15 Minutes” with Robert De Niro. During that period, he made two memorable appear- ances on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” Service Clubs Announcements and the “Howard Stern Show.” In spring 2004 John’s show, “Trash to Cash,” premiered on the FX Network. He went on to star in “How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days” and “Miss Congenial- We meet Friday mornings at 7:00 am ity Two.” In fall 2007, DiResta began work on at The Lafaye e Park Hotel & Spa, his next two TV adventures: “American Body Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafaye e. Shop” was on Comedy Central for one year and For more info, please email us at [email protected] “Hammered” lasted two seasons on HGTV/ DIY networks. April 7 April 14 John DiResta has been around the block, Dr. Bobbi Preston, Kim Overaa, “Morning twice. He is a true comedic mixed martial artist of the highest order: On TV, on fi lm or live on Chief Opera ng Offi cer, Harvest” Farm. Transi oning stage, DiResta gets it done and is the funniest No One Le Behind age 18-23 Foster youth human being that ever lived. Tickets are $20 but if you say you’re a Lam- Coming soon. John DiResta Photo provided orinda Weekly reader you get two admissions Scheduled Tear-Drop trailer public appearance events ohn DiResta will bring laughter to the Orin- for price of one. Jda Theatre at 8 p.m. on Thursday April 13. Don’t miss out on this great comedy night at DiResta is the real deal. He was raised on the the Orinda Theatre. Be ready to get your laughs rough and tumble streets of Long Island where on! he made fun of people. If you got mocked by Now playing at the Rheem Theatre: Lafayette Rotary Club John DiResta then you were in with the “in” “The Boss Baby” – PG Step in on a Thursday and join us for our lunch meeting. crowd. “Power Rangers” – PG-13 Thursday at noon Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. A former New York City Transit police of- “Beauty and the Beast” – PG April 6: April 13: fi cer, DiResta started his comedy career in 1992 Now playing at the Orinda Theatre: Joann Heydenfeldt Kathy Merchant in the bowels of the New York comedy circuit. “The Zookeeper’s Wife” – PG-13 Adjunct Professor at St Mary’s What is happening Five years later his one-man show, “BEAT: A “Beauty and the Beast” – PG A Scientiic Discussion of Mindful- at Las Trampas Subway Cop’s Comedy,” opened to rave re- “The Sense of an Ending” – PG-13 ness- What is True and What Isn’t views. The New York Times called him “UP- “A United Kingdom” – PG-13 CANDY SCRAMBLE ROARIOUS!” John quickly signed a huge de- For more information visit the Lamorinda Sat. 4-15 @ 10am, Plaza Park, Join the bunny & kids velopment deal with ABC/Disney. John quit the Theatres website at www.lamorindatheatres. police department and moved his wife and three com. kids to the west coast. Not to be missed Not to be missed Not to be missed Books of every category will be sold cient. Senior Services Members: No Stephens Drive, Orinda. Everyone ing as outlined in her book “Time OTHER ... continued at prices ranging from 25 cents to $4. charge/ Non-Members: $10 welcome. Presentation: “Do I Have Management in the Garden.” Visitors Beginning at 1 p.m. a bag can be pur- Pollinators for You!” by speaker El- are welcome! Please email Carolyn Passover Seders at 7:30 p.m. on chased for $5 and fi lled with all the Come to the Early Stage Alzheim- len Zagory, director of horticulture. Poetzsch [email protected]. Monday, April 10 and 11 at 1671 books it can hold. Come to one of the er’s Forum from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek. Featur- biggest bargain sales in Lamorinda. p.m. on May 5 in Lafayette (exact ad- Author Claire Splan will share tips Sudden Oak Death Blitz from 10 ing: delicious traditional Seder din- The sale will be held at the Moraga dress location will be provided upon and tricks you can use to make the a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. ner, insights, singing, four cups of Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road. registration.) Participants will have most of your hours and still leave Orinda Library welcomes the Uni- wine, and Hand Baked Shmurah an opportunity to learn more about time for actually enjoying garden- versity of California at Berkeley Col- Matzah. Second Seder on Tues- Moraga Classic Car Show regis- the disease, treatment and research ing at the Lafayette Garden Club’s lege of Natural Resource who will day evening conducted in Russian. tration is now open to residents who updates as well as discuss common next general meeting from 9:45 a.m. show how tohelp stop this disease as Adult: $45, Child: $30. No one will own classic cars and would like to challenges and coping strategies dur- to noon on April 6 at the Lafayette a Citizen Scientist. Attend a short and be turned away for lack of funds. participate in the ninth annual Mor- ing breakout sessions. This is a free Veteran’s Building. located at 3780 informative training session where Reservations required. www.jewish- aga Classic Car Show, which takes event, open only to early-stage indi- Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Splan you will receive a SOD Blitz collec- contracosta.com (925) 937-4101. place from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on viduals and their care partners. Space will show how to use task-batching, tion kit. For more information go to: Saturday May 13, as part of the 2017 is limited; early registration is recom- time savers, and a month-by-month www.sodblitz.org. Building Jewish Bridges presents Moraga Community Faire. The $35 mended. For more information or to approach for more effi cient garden- Adoption in Jewish and Interfaith registration fee includes an entry rib- register, please contact Lan Trinh at Families from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on bon, lunch for two and a commemo- (408)372-9982 or [email protected]. Thursday, April 20 at B’nai Tikvah, rative photo. Prizes will be awarded. Please submit: 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. Join The registration deadline is May 1, GARDEN adoptive parents and an adoption but space is limited to 70 cars, so reg- Events: professional to discuss how families ister early to secure a spot. Register The Walnut Creek Garden Club’s give children a secure Jewish iden- at www.moragachamber.org/faire or, monthly business meeting is at 10 [email protected] tity while honoring their culture of call Gloria at (925) 247-4473. a.m., social time at 10:30 a.m. and origin. Free. For more info see http:// program at 11 a.m. at the Gardens www.buildingjewishbridges.org or POLITICAL GATHERINGS at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks call (510) 845-6420 x11 or email Drive, Walnut Creek. The April [email protected]. Join the Lamorinda Democratic Club 10 program is “Meander Through Lamorinda Weekly is an independent publication, produced by and for the residents of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, CA to discuss “K-12 Public Education - Springtime Blooms in the Ireland 26,600 printed copies; delivered to homes & businesses in Lamorinda. Acalanes High School SAGE Follow the Money” from 7 to 9 p.m. and England” by member and pho- Contact us: (Students for the Advancement of on Monday, April 13 at the Lafayette tographer Christa Buckingham. Letters to the editor (max 350 words): [email protected] Global Education) Club presents its Library and Community Center. The You’re invited to attend and consider Delivery issues: [email protected] fundraiser movie night at 9:30 p.m. U.S. Department of Education is pro- becoming a member. Maureen Little: Event listings: [email protected] on April 21. posing to change how funding is pro- [email protected] (925) 820- Business press releases: [email protected] vided as well as requiring that States 1476 General interest stories/Community Service: Saint Mary’s celebrates its status [email protected] allow for vouchers that fund private School stories/events: [email protected] as a Fair Trade College with this schools. Learn how these proposals Culinary Herbs for Warm Weath- Sport events/stories/pictures: [email protected] yearly free Fair Trade Festival, hap- will affect our local schools. Cost is er at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 14 in Publishers/Owners: Andy and Wendy Scheck; pening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on free for members and students, $5 for the Orinda Library Garden Room. [email protected], Friday April 28. Coffee, chocolate, non-students. For additional infor- Orinda Library welcomes Elana [email protected] tea, handicrafts, and other Fair Trade mation, see ldclub.org. O’Loskey, who will share with her Editor: Peggy Spear; [email protected] goods will be available — both free knowledge of culinary herbs to grow Copy Editor: Nick Marnell; [email protected] samples and items for purchase. En- SENIORS now. She’s an experienced herb Sports Editor: [email protected] joy a BBQ for $5. For more informa- grower, teacher, and talk show host Advertising: 925-377-0977, Wendy Scheck; [email protected] Pleasant Hill Senior Center pres- tion about this event and SMC’s Fair of “Gardening with Spirit,” Join Staff Writers: ents “Crime Prevention Trade efforts, visit www.stmarys-ca. Educa- us for recommendations, planting Sophie Braccini; [email protected] edu/fairtrade tion: ID Theft” from 4 to 5 p.m. on guidelines, recipes, door prizes and Cathy Dausman; [email protected] Wednesday, April 19, at Pleasant Hill more. Pippa Fisher; [email protected] Don’t miss Lafayette Dogtown Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Nick Marnell; [email protected] Downtown 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Pleasant Hill. This workshop trains Moraga Gardens Farm presents its Sora O’Doherty; [email protected] Saturday, April 29 at the Lafayette citizens on how to implement crime annual sale of heirloom tomatoes, John T. Miller; [email protected] Library and Learning Center & the prevention strategies, home security hybrids, peppers, eggplant, herbs Digging Deep: Cynthia Brian; [email protected] Lafayette Plaza. This free event is improvements and the Neighborhood and more in 4-inch pots selected Thoughtful Food: Susie Iventosch; [email protected] for dogs and dog lovers. Designed to Watch Program. Free. Seating is lim- for success in the micro-climates of Contributing Writers: Conrad Bassett, Karl Buscheck, Amanda Kuehn be a fun and festive canine-focused ited. Must RSVP in advance. For Lamorinda’s home gardens. 10 a.m. Carroll, Diane Claytor, Michele Duff y, Paula King, Ariel Keys, Michael Lupac- event, Lafayette Dogtown Down- more info see http://CrimePreven- to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays chino, Ann McDonald, Fran Miller, Kara Navolio, Alexandra Reineke, Moya town 2017 includes outdoor working tionApril19.eventbrite.com or call from through April 15 (closed Easter Stone, Uma Unni, Jennifer Wake, Derek Zemrak, Victor Ryerson dog and canine agility demonstra- (925) 798-8788. Sunday). 1290 Moraga Way, Moraga Calendar Editor: tions, fun dog competitions, creative (next to Moraga Fire Station). For Jaya Griggs; [email protected] Anne Randolph Physical Therapy canine crafts and other activities for information call Claire Curtin, (925) Photos: Tod Fierner, Gint Federas dog lovers of all ages. Visit www. presents Fall Prevention from 11:30 299-1353. Layout/Graphics: Andy Scheck. Printed in CA. LafayetteChamber.org/dogtown. a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 in the Cedar Room, Lafay- The Montelindo Garden Club Mailing address: The semi-annual giant book sale Meeting (third Lamorinda Weekly, P.O. Box 6133, ette Community Center. Falls are a Friday of every Moraga, CA 94570-6133 sponsored by The Friends of the threat to health and independence. month, September through May) will Phone: 925-377-0977; Fax: 1-800-690-8136 Moraga Library will be held from 10 Learn how to gain better balance, be at 9 a.m on Friday April 21 at St. email: [email protected] a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. avoid falls and remain self-suffi - Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. website: www.lamorindaweekly.com Page: B12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Love Lafayette

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When I say “good,” The Campolindo girls basketball team. Photos Gint Federas hen the Campolindo girls’ basketball team you say “neighbor.” Wfell in the Division3 CIF State Champion- ship game 62-45 to Rosary Academy, head coach Art Thoms gathered his squad to remind them of every- Mike Rosa Now that'sNow that'steamwork. teamwork. Agent thing they had achieved. CALL FORCALL A QUOTE FOR A 24/7 QUOTE 24/7 925-376-2244 “After the game, the girls were upset and I huddled Insurance Lic. #: 0F45583 them together,” Thoms recalled of the scene at the 346 Rheem Blvd., Suite 106 Moraga Golden 1 Center – the home of the NBA’s Sacramento P097314.1 State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL Kings – on March 24. “And I said, ‘Just remember the journey and all of the fun that we had during the season and the goals that we did accomplish during the season.’” The loss to the Fullerton powerhouse, whom Max- Preps ranked as the No. 20 team in California, concluded the Cougars’ campaign (27-7, 9-1) and marked Mary H. Smith D.D.S. • Cecelia Thomas, D.D.S. just the club’s second loss since the middle of January. A Professional Corporation “Obviously, they’re very talented,” Thoms offered Family & Cosmetic Dentistry when asked to explain the team’s impressive perfor- 96 Davis Road, Suite 5 Orinda, 925.254.0824 mance. “But they really played for each other.” As had been the case throughout the regular season, a triumvirate of juniors powered the Cougars through their playoff push. Aubrey Wagner “I call them the Big Three,” Thoms said of the trio, consisting of Aubrey Wagner, Haley Van Dyke and Ashley Thoms. While that group of standouts drew the most press, the Cougars were able to advance so far thanks to the help of a whole cast of contributors, beginning with junior wing Grace McGuire. “She actually got the sportsmanship award for the fi nals game,” Thoms said. “She was steady all year. She works hard, plays well every single game and is really a pleasure to coach.” Thoms also highlighted the contributions of junior Taking care of all dental needs for you and your family. Emphasizing starter Jessi O’Reilly, junior wing Kailey Meyer and cosmetic dentistry with implants, and Invisalign. Nitrous oxide is sophomore wing Mariella Crudele. O’Reilly, was one of available. Consultations are complementary. the team’s captains and was the Cougars’ vocal leader. Dentistry with Excellence. Meyer, who didn’t even play basketball last season, was a key cog in the rotation, and Crudele hit her stride late after an early injury threatened to derail her year. “She really started to get back into form toward the end of the season,” Thoms said. “And we look for her to make huge contributions next year.” The team’s run to the California’s largest stage, which also featured an NCS semifi nals appearance, didn’t shock the coach. Haley Van Dyke “I honestly expected to win the league, which (we did as) co-champions,” Thoms said. “And I expected to make it to the state championship.” The Cougars shared the DAL National League crown with Miramonte, who tumbled out of the D2 state bracket in the regional semifi nals, losing 66-65 Thanks for helping! to Vanden on March 18. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Thoms added. “But We want to bring I really believed that and I talked about that from the you local news, fi rst day of practice.” interesting stories The infl ection point for the Cougars came less than a month into the season when the team took out and local advertising. Salesian – the program that would eventually dump Please patronize them out of the NCS tournament – 67-59 on Dec. 22 and keep on telling in Richmond. our advertisers to “I just felt it was realistic (to make it to the state support this paper. fi nals),” Thoms said. “I felt like we had the talent to Encourage others to make it there. I knew the key point would be believing that we could make it there and I think that winning give it a try. the Salesian game during the season was kind of turn- ing point. They believed that they were as good as I thought they were.” “Hi Wendy, my new ad looked great. What a response!” Ashley Thoms Jim Colhoun, Relocation and Home Marketing Specialist Alain Pinel Realtors

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Wright reaches state finals for academically-gifted Mats wrestling team By Karl Buscheck

Wright grapples Heritage in his qualifying match at NCS. When asked to explain Wright’s success with Miramon- te, Herrera pointed to the standout’s relentless motor. “His hard work, his dedication and ultimately his internal drive and motivation to not let his family and friends down,” Skyler Wright in his state match against Dillon Cravens, #5 Central Section Senior from Bakersfi eld Photos provided Herrera said. “The guy has a heart of gold. So, part of his mo- t was during Skyler Wright’s sophomore season that Jose sidered in the top two, three percent of athletes in the state.” tivation is not to let anyone down in any way shape or form. IHerrera, the head coach of the Miramonte wrestling pro- At the state championship – hosted at Rabobank Arena in And that translates to school work, wrestling and everything gram, began to grasp just how talented a wrestler he had in Bakersfi eld on March 3 and March 4 – Wright advanced to he does. He’s just that kind of special guy.” his midst. the second round of the competition before exiting the tour- With Wright’s high school career complete, his next step That spring, Wright, who started working out in the nament. Wright took down Dillon Cravens of Bakersfi eld – will be to compete at the junior college level before eventu- weight room as a fi fth grader and wrestling as an eighth the No. 5 overall wrestler in the Central Section – before ally transitioning to a four-year program. Herrera said that grader at Orinda Intermediate School, secured an NCS spot losing to Ed Bilezekchian of Santa Ana in his second match. while Wright has drawn interest from colleges, the junior- and went onto topple the No. 3 seed in the tournament. The loss brought an end to Wright’s wrestling tenure with college path is the best option for the back-to-back league “From the very fi rst sight ... (I could tell) he was just a the Mats and also capped his second consecutive season in champ. fanatic,” Herrera recalled of the senior star, who took off in which he’d been the top 152-pound athlete in the the league. “The sky’s the limit,” Herrera said. “No pun intended.” the spring of 2015 when he learned to master the technical side of the sport. This spring, Wright anchored a Mats team that not only claimed third place at NCS, but that was also the most academically successful in the region. Miramonte posted the highest GPA for any team with at least seven wrestlers on the roster, making the program the NCS CIF Scholastic Cham- pionship Team for 2016-2017. The feat impressed, but didn’t surprise the head coach. “I’m extremely proud,” Herrera said. “But again, being in this community that I’m in as a coach, that’s kind of the standard and almost the expectation of every student to kind of overachieve and anything but the highest (level) is unacceptable.” At the NCS meet, held on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, Wright placed in second in the 152-weight class, earning an auto- matic bid to the state fi nals. “He was one of the top 32 wrestlers in that weight class in the state of California,” Herrera said. “And the state of California has over 1,000 wrestling programs, so he’s con-

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ReliableWindowService.com [email protected] Cliff 510-697-1125 Licensed, insured & bonded Wednesday, April 5, 2017 www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 LAMORINDA WEEKLY Page: C3 Acalanes lacrosse team is charging through league play By Karl Buscheck the Dons have suffered just one defeat over- postseason march. all, falling 12-4 on Redwood of Larkspur “I think Division 2 teams will tell you back on March 18. that we’re going to be there or we’re going “We weren’t really sure how the team to be close at the end,” Ringwood said. “We was going to be this year,” Ringwood admit- just want our shot.” ted. “We knew we had a lot of talent, but we Campolindo is one of the teams that is didn’t quite know how they fi t together and angling to take down the Dons. The Cougars at the beginning of the season we were kind face off against Acalanes on the road on May of getting by the skin of our teeth, but lately 2 in the penultimate game of the DAL sea- we’ve found a groove.” son. Perched atop the Diablo Athletic League Campolindo was on the wrong end of the standings, the Dons (10-1), have benefi tted score line in the fi rst meeting, falling 9-7 to from a roster stacked with skilled athletes. Acalanes on March 24. The loss stands as “We’ve got some talented players,” one of just two defeats for the Cougars, who Ringwood said. “But we’re spread pretty sport an 8-2 mark overall and a 7-1 record in evenly across offense and defense.” the DAL. With six DAL contests remaining on the After dropping the season opener 13-5 to docket, the Dons are on the path to scratch- Monte Vista back on Feb. 21, Campolindo ing the fi rst bullet point off their annual to-do has found its form, running off eight wins in list. a stretch of nine matches. “We have the same goals pretty much Miramonte sits in a tie for fourth in the every year,” Ringwood said. “We ask the DAL table after edging Northgate, 9-8, on kids for team goals at the beginning of each the road on March 30. The win stemmed the season. We have them submit them and write team’s two-game slide, and leaves the Mats Acalanes Collin Jeff ries and Miramonte Josh Radlow Photo Gint Federas them all down. They always consist of two at 5-6 overall and 4-4 in league play. sked about the possibility of the con- Preps. goals. They want to win league. They want While head coach Byron McGovern’s Asiderable outside hype becoming a dis- “They’re used to being pretty well re- to compete for an NCS championship.” team dropped back-to-back contests to their traction for the Acalanes lacrosse team, head garded. We haven’t had a down season in a Last spring, Acalanes advanced to the local rivals during the week of March 14, the coach Brent Ringwood had to let out a laugh. really long time,” Ringwood added. “And quarterfi nals of the NCS Division 2 bracket Mats still have one more crack at the Dons “Honestly, I don’t think they even know we always talk about the history of the (pro- before watching their season come to an end. and Cougars, respectively. The Mats visit about those rankings,” Ringwood said of his gram) and they put in the work.” While the focus remains on the league sched- Moraga on April 21 for DAL showdown club, pegged as the No. 20 team in the state As Acalanes carves through the schedule ule and the task at hand, the Dons already with their neighbors and travel to Lafayette and the No. 71 team in the nation, per Max- with an unblemished 8-0 record in league, have designs of producing yet another deep on April 25 to meet up with Acalanes. Lamorinda Rugby Hosts Canadian Team Submitted by Doug Pearson he Lamorinda Rugby JV monte), Nick Bettencourt Tteam got a taste of in- (Acalanes) each scored tries ternational rugby fl avor this with Kaleo Nelson (Cam- week. On Tuesday, Lamo polindo) converting the ex- players met players from tra points. Logan Branch Shawnigan Lakes (British (Acalanes) had a couple of Columbia) and took them 20-yard runs and Nick Miller into their homes as guests (Miramonte) had some nice for the night. The following tackles in the match. Fol- night, the two teams played lowing the match, both teams each other at Wilder Field awarded players of the match in Orinda. The Shawnigan to the other team and sat down players started the game with for a post-match pasta feed as a furious pace and scored is the custom in rugby. Lamo twice to go ahead 12-0 in players hosted the Shawni- the early minutes. Lamor- gan players one more night at The two teams pose together under the goalposts at Wilder after the match. inda fought back and tied the their homes and wished them game at halftime 12-12. The good luck on the rest of their Shawnigan Coach Ander Monro congratulates Lamorinda players had wo- tour of Northern California. Lamo on the match and ken up and in the second half The Lamorinda JV team is thanks them for their put 24 unanswered points looking to continue their un- hospitality. Lamo play- on the board. Final Score: defeated season with a players, pictured from left, Lamo 36-Shawnigan 12. off run that will end in April. Nick Miller, Nick Pearson, Zach Barker (Mira- Marco Nykodym, Miles Beaubelle, Konrad Mader, Tighe Tejada, Dominic Bradley, Nick Betten- Submit stories to court, Max Schoen- [email protected] berger, Owen McNamara, Alex Cortessis, Logan (we prefer to receive your original photo fi le, minimum size: Branch, Mateo Larson. 200 dpi and 1200 pixels wide)

DŽƌĞƚŚĂŶĂĚĞĐĂĚĞĂŐŽ͕ƌŝĐƚŽŽŬƚŚĞ ŚĞůŵŽĨĂĨůĞĚŐůŝŶŐ>DzsŽůůĞǇďĂůů ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵĂŶĚ͕ǁŝƚŚŚŝƐƉĂƐƐŝŽŶĨŽƌƚŚĞ ŐĂŵĞ͕ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚĂŶĚĞŶĞƌŐŝǌĞĚƚŚĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ͘ŵŽŶŐŚŝƐŝŶŶŽǀĂƚŝŽŶƐǁĂƐ ƚŽďƌŝŶŐĐŽůůĞŐĞĂŶĚŚŝŐŚƐĐŚŽŽů ǀŽůůĞǇďĂůůƉůĂǇĞƌƐƚŽŚĞůƉƚƌĂŝŶƚŚĞ ĐŽĂĐŚĞƐĂŶĚƚŽĂĐƚĂƐƌŽůĞŵŽĚĞůƐĨŽƌ >Dz͛ƐĂƐƉŝƌŝŶŐĂƚŚůĞƚĞƐ͘ƌŝĐĂůƐŽ ĐŽĂĐŚĞƐǀŽůůĞǇďĂůůĂƚ:ŽĂƋƵŝŶDŽƌĂŐĂ /ŶƚĞƌŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ^ĐŚŽŽůĂŶĚƐŚĂƌĞƐŚŝƐ ƚĂůĞŶƚĂƚĂŵƉŽůŝŶĚŽ,ŝŐŚ^ĐŚŽŽůĂŶĚ ^ƚ͘DĂƌǇ͛ƐŽůůĞŐĞ͘tŚĞƌĞĚŝĚŚŝƐ ĞŶƚŚƵƐŝĂƐŵĐŽŵĞĨƌŽŵ͍ ͞DǇŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĨŽƌǀŽůůĞǇďĂůůƐƉƌĂŶŐĨƌŽŵĂŶŝŶĐŝĚĞŶƚŝŶ>ŽŶĚŽŶ͕ŶŐůĂŶĚ ǁŚĞŶ/ǁĂƐϭϰŽƌϭϱ͘hŶƚŝůƚŚĞŶ/ƉůĂǇĞĚďĂƐĞďĂůůĂƐĂƉŝƚĐŚĞƌ͕ĂŶĚ ďĂƐŬĞƚďĂůůĂƐĂĐĞŶƚĞƌ͕ĂŶĚĂůŝƚƚůĞƐŽĐĐĞƌŝŶ<ƵĂůĂ>ƵŵƉƵƌ͕ DĂůĂǇƐŝĂ͘ƚƚŚĞŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ^ĐŚŽŽůŝŶ>ŽŶĚŽŶ͕ĂWƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ͕Dƌ͘ ŽĚƐŽŶ͕ǁĂƐǁĂƚĐŚŝŶŐŵĞĂŶĚĂĨĞǁŽůĚĞƌŬŝĚƐĂƐǁĞƚƌŝĞĚƚŽĚƵŶŬ ǀŽůůĞǇďĂůůƐĂĨƚĞƌĂďĂƐŬĞƚďĂůůŐĂŵĞ͘/ĐŽƵůĚĚƵŶŬƐŽDƌ͘ŽĚƐŽŶĂƐŬĞĚ ŵĞƚŽƉůĂǇǀŽůůĞǇďĂůůĂŐĂŝŶƐƚƚŚĞŵŝůŝƚĂƌǇŬŝĚƐŝŶƚŚĞƐŽƵƚŚŽĨŶŐůĂŶĚ ƚŚĂƚǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ͘/ƌĞŵĞŵďĞƌŐĞƚƚŝŶŐŬŶŽĐŬĞĚŽƵƚǁŚŝůĞƚƌǇŝŶŐƚŽďůŽĐŬ ĨƌŽŵƚŚĞϭϬΖůŝŶĞ͘^ŽŵĞŚŽǁƚŚĂƚĐĂƵƐĞĚŵĞƚŽůŝŬĞǀŽůůĞǇďĂůůŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶĂůůƚŚĞŽƚŚĞƌƐƉŽƌƚƐ/ŚĂĚƉůĂǇĞĚ͘dŽĚĂǇ͕ǁŝƚŚĂDĂƐƚĞƌ͛Ɛ ĞŐƌĞĞŝŶůĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉĨƌŽŵ^ƚ͘DĂƌǇΖƐŽůůĞŐĞ͕/ƐĞĞŝŶǀŽůůĞǇďĂůů ŵŽƌĞŝŶƚĞƌĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶĐĞƚŚĂŶŝŶŽƚŚĞƌƐƉŽƌƚƐ͘tŚĂƚŽƚŚĞƌƐ ƐƉŽƌƚƐ;ďǇĂŶĚůĂƌŐĞͿƌĞƋƵŝƌĞƚǁŽĂƐƐŝƐƚƐďĞĨŽƌĞƚŚĞ ĂƚƚĂĐŬ͍tŚĂƚŽƚŚĞƌďĂůůƐƉŽƌƚŚĂƐŵŽƌĞƉĞŽƉůĞŝŶƐƵĐŚĂƐƐŵĂůů ;ϯϬΖǆϯϬΖͿƐƉĂĐĞ͍ůůŝŶĂůůǀŽůůĞǇďĂůůƉůĂǇƐǁĞůůŝŶƚŽŵǇƉĂƐƐŝŽŶ ĨŽƌĚĞǀĞůŽƉŝŶŐǇŽƵƚŚŝŶƚĞĂŵŝŶŐƐŬŝůůƐ͟ Page: C4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY 925-377-0977 www.lamorindaweekly.com Wednesday, April 5, 2017 CYO March Madness St. Perpetua 5th grade American Submitted by Jack Appleton Girls team won the Diocese Basketball Championship Submitted by Andrea Hilsabeck

Back row, from left: coaches Jim Smith, Brad Hilsabeck and John Lyons. Front row, from left: Adriana Smith, Madeline Jerge, Hailey Hilsabeck, Natalie Lyons, Katie Kostolansky, Anna Mollahan, Natalie Aiken & Jenna Steele. Not pictured: Tea Sloane Smith Top row, from left, coach Peter Reidenbach, Joe Reidenbach, Jack Dowley, Cole Santangelo, coach Stuart Colaco; bottom row from left, Will Appleton, Phin Kofman, Dashiell Strottman, David Gonzales and Jake Colaco; not pictured Stewart Cocotis. St. Perpetua 6th grade girls national he fourth-grade St. Perpetua boys’ bas- CYO leagues in the area. The St. Perpetua Tketball team version of March Madness boys won three games in a row, culminat- team clinches league championship is known as the Tournament of Champions ing in a championship win over St. John’s of Submitted by Kevin Guthrie and includes eight of the best teams from Sacramento. League title for OIS basketball Submitted by Jason Curry

Top row, from left, coach Jason Curry, Andrew Sidlauskas, Tyler Lenk, Chase Lenk, Nicolai Bell, Front row, from left, Quinn Guthrie, Sophie Westen, Anya Peterson, Erin Hambidge; back row Ben Murphy, Zach DeLange; bottom row, from left, Anthony Ricevito, Peyton Harris, Christian from left, coach Kevin Guthrie, Lauren Kuo, Kate Carter, Sarah McCarthy, Alexa Carter, Alexan- Gee, Kenny Kostermans, Brian Dolan and Caden Breznikar. dra Ames, Keilly Kilpatrick, Molly Strohmeyer, coach Gregg Ames. Photo Jack Carter he St. Perpetua 6th-grade Girls CYO out the highly competitive season as they The 7A boys basketball team from Orin- ished a great season with an overall record TNational Team capped off an exciting secured six of their 11 wins by three or fewer da Intermediate won the league title on of 22-2. The team was led by Tournament basketball season with a pair of overtime points, including a two-point victory in the March 15, defeating Martinez Jr. High in a MVP’s Ben Murphy and Andrew Sidlauskas. wins in the West Diablo League Playoffs semiﬁ nals and a come-from-behind, one- come-from-behind victory. The Bulldogs ﬁ n- Feb. 25 and 26. The entire team exhibited point victory in the Championship game. Orinda Intermediate wins 6th grit, determination and teamwork through- The Lady Panthers of St. grade league tournament Submitted by Chase Jiannalone Perpetua win Diocese again By Jim Gebhardt & Steve Haggerty

Front row, from left. Mia Mastrov, Ellie Palma, Claire Rowe; back row, from left: Jim Gebhardt, Kiana Thorson, Grace Gebhardt, Julie Haggerty, Zoe Edelman, Rosie Grant-Hudd, Steve Hag- Photo provided gerty (not pictured: Alexandra Wecsher) Photo provided IS 6th Grade Basketball team won a can and Tournament MVP Rome Jiannalone. he eighth-grade American girls’ team late Heart 47-41 in the semi-fi nals on Satur- O hard fought victory by sweeping Al- Team members Nasen Alm,Gio Tfrom St. Perpetua fi nished their CYO day. The championship game on Sunday saw bany Middle School, Longfellow Middle Bottene,Dorian Byrd, Ethan Conley,Cole Da- experience by winning their fourth CYO the seventh-graders from St. Joan of Arc off School (Berkeley) and Joaquin Moraga Mid- vidson, Brett Jasper,Sebastian Rguem,Shep Diocese Basketball Championship in fi ve to a blazing start with a 13-4 lead over the dle School. Romary,Will Stokes.Julin Huang, Brian years. This year’s playoffs were once again defending Diocese champions. Slowly St.

Named All Tournament was Luke Dun- Edelen (not pictured). exciting.St. Joan of Arc’s seventh-grade girls P’s chipped away at the defi cit with great team played up in the eighth-grade American teamwork, determination and hustle. St. Submit stories to division for the fi rst time and upset undefeat- P’s held a comfortable lead for most of the ed Good Shepherd’s 8th grade girls team in second half. The girls from St. Joan of Arc [email protected] a game that went down to the wire. With the wouldn’t give up, though, scoring a three- (We prefer to receive your original photo fi le, minimum size: win St. Joan of Arc advanced to the fi nals to pointer with seconds remaining to bring the 200 dpi and 1200 pixels wide.) play a St. Perpetua squad who beat Immacu- fi nal score to 38-34. Way to go girls! amorinda LOUR HOMES

Lamorinda Weekly Volume 11 Issue 3 Wednesday, April 5, 2017

April Gardening Guide with Cynthia Brian ...read on page D12

Changing your garden, changing your life By Sophie Braccini

Kay Countryman and Ron Briggs Photos Sophie Braccini Robert Sorenson very year, the Bringing Back the Natives Gar- yard into an intricate kingdom for tens of diff erent nia natives, they will be exposed to an area that has den Tour features new and mature gardens natives. Each of these residents came from a diff er- been entirely restored to its original fl ora. Sorenson Ecomposed mostly of native plants. Th e three ent background but with a similar quest for beauty removed all the invasive and nonnative plants and Lamorinda gardens featured here — and which will and authenticity. Th ey all say that the experience went on a hunt for plants from the local watershed. be on the tour — are each so diff erent from each they have in their garden is enriching their lives. Collecting seeds in nearby parks and buying small other, but all testify of how gardening practices have Sorenson embarked on the restoration of his plants in specialized nurseries, he worked tirelessly shaped not only the landscape but also the lives of one-acre property years ago. Th e front of the Orin- to create a sustainable space of beauty. Th ere are lit- the gardeners. da house already sets the tone with native grasses erally hundreds of native plants to be discovered on Over several decades Orinda’s Robert Soren- under the trees, and the voyage in nature continues that land. son has restored the wild native habitat on his very in the back. It is somewhat of a litt le expedition Sorenson is a Berkeley optometrist who says large property that extends on both sides of a creek; to explore the whole property. Sorenson has built that gardening is his way of balancing his life. He Kay Countryman and Ron Briggs replaced the lawn stairs and bridges to access both sides of the creek feels that he is a student of nature, and that even in their medium size backyard three years ago with with recycled woods and there are no guardrails of if he has researched plants for years there is still so natives, working with a landscape architect; while any type. But the hiking eff ort is totally worthwhile. much for him to learn. He also loves to experiment Tré Fran has transformed a relatively small front- Th ere, people will not only discover Califor- and propagate. ... continued on page D4 Page: D2 OUR HOMES 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 5, 2017 VLATKA BATHGATE

IF I HAD A BUYER FOR YOUR HOME WOULD YOU SELL IT? Lamorinda Home Sales recorded Call me at 925 597 1573 City Last reported: LOWEST AMOUNT: HIGHEST AMOUNT: LAFAYETT E 7 $525,000 $2,399,000 [email protected] MORA GA 9 $484,000 $2,000,000 CalBRE#01390784 ORINDA 7 $960,000 $3,150,000 Home sales are compiled by Cal REsource, an Oakland real estate information company. Sale prices are computed from the county transfer tax information shown on the deeds that record at close of escrow and are published fi ve to eight weeks after such recording. This information is obtained from public county records and is provided to us by California REsource. Neither Cal REsource nor this publication are liable for errors or omissions. LAFAYETT E FOR SALE 18 Juniper Drive, $858,000, 3 Bdrms, 1683 SqFt, 1976 YrBlt, 3-8-17; 33 Bates Blvd, Previous Sale: $525,000, 01-17-03 Orinda 1556 Rancho View Road, $2,399,000, 4 Bdrms, 3246 SqFt, 1971 YrBlt, 3-8-17; Previous Sale: $1,836,000, 10-11-16 Resort Style 3100 Sandalwood Court, $1,083,000, 4 Bdrms, 1783 SqFt, 1962 YrBlt, 3-10-17 Living 590 Silverado Drive, $1,385,000, 3 Bdrms, 2012 SqFt, 1961 YrBlt, 3-8-17; Previous Sale: $950,000, 12-03-12 3375 South Lucille Lane, $860,000, 3 Bdrms, 1464 SqFt, 1977 YrBlt, 3-13-17 Offered at 3711 West Road, $525,000, 1 Bdrms, 832 SqFt, 1977 YrBlt, 2-28-17; $1,875,000 Previous Sale: $425,000, 11-01-06 1003 Woodbury Road #202, $860,000, 2 Bdrms, 1110 SqFt, 2015 YrBlt, 3-10-17 COMING SOON COMING SOON MORA GA 41 Las Cascadas, Orinda 6 Cresta Blanca,Orinda 1976 Ascot Drive, $484,000, 2 Bdrms, 1234 SqFt, 1973 YrBlt, 3-8-17; Previous Sale: $129,500, 04-19-90 2059 Ascot Drive #211, $463,000, 2 Bdrms, 1193 SqFt, 1971 YrBlt, 2-27-17; Previous Sale: $289,000, 08-13-10 789 Augusta Drive, $1,435,000, 5 Bdrms, 2992 SqFt, 1978 YrBlt, 3-7-17; Previous Sale: $1,020,000, 07-28-03 3 Crockett Drive, $2,000,000, 5 Bdrms, 3730 SqFt, 1987 YrBlt, 2-28-17; Previous Sale: $780,000, 08-15-96 140 Donald Drive, $1,010,000, 3 Bdrms, 1431 SqFt, 1958 YrBlt, 3-10-17 120 Draeger Drive, $1,220,000, 3 Bdrms, 1624 SqFt, 1956 YrBlt, 3-10-17; Romantic Retreat in Orinda Country Peace of Paradise Previous Sale: $905,000, 07-24-08 Club Offered at $1,478,000 Offered at $920,000 48 Sullivan Drive, $1,440,000, 3 Bdrms, 1819 SqFt, 1963 YrBlt, 3-10-17; Previous Sale: $655,000, 06-14-00 SALE PENDING SOLD WITHIN DAYS 415 Th arp Drive, $1,300,000, 4 Bdrms, 2284 SqFt, 1966 YrBlt, 3-2-17; WITH 5 OFFERS Previous Sale: $1,185,000, 06-16-15 123 Spring Rd, Orinda 122 Stein Way, Orinda 145 Westchester Street, $740,000, 2 Bdrms, 1743 SqFt, 1979 YrBlt, 3-1-17 ORINDA 14 Charles Hill Circle, $960,000, 3 Bdrms, 2011 SqFt, 1950 YrBlt, 2-27-17 98 Estates Drive, $1,506,000, 4 Bdrms, 2141 SqFt, 1955 YrBlt, 3-8-17 59 La Espiral, $1,345,000, 3 Bdrms, 2564 SqFt, 1947 YrBlt, 3-7-17; Previous Sale: $1,325,000, 03-08-07 36 Las Vegas Road, $3,150,000, 5 Bdrms, 3941 SqFt, 2015 YrBlt, 3-1-17; Previous Sale: $846,000, 12-24-15 Spectacular Mediterranean Beautifully updated 46 Muth Drive, $1,210,000, 3 Bdrms, 1372 SqFt, 1961 YrBlt, 3-2-17; Representing Seller $120,000 over the asking price Previous Sale: $658,000, 01-25-11 131 Oak Road, $1,746,000, 4 Bdrms, 3700 SqFt, 2006 YrBlt, 3-10-17; VLATKA CAN HELP YOU WITH BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME. Previous Sale: $540,000, 11-01-05 WWW.BESTLAMORINDAHOMES.COM 68 Persimmon Walk, $1,320,000, 4 Bdrms, 2394 SqFt, 2014 YrBlt, 3-9-17

PROFESSIONALISM. INTEGRITY. RESULTS.

SERETA: 925.998.4441 925.818.5500 RANDY 925.787.4622 JANET POWELL JOHN FONDNAZIO CAMPOLINDO NEIGHBORHOOD, MORAGA CALL FOR PRICE 132 SELBORNE WAY, MORAGA CALL FOR PRICE

925.876.2399 925.817.9053

JON WOOD PROPERTIES KAILEY GRAZIANO MATT MCLEOD 925.464.6500 KAILEY GRAZIANO 925.404.4361

892 LAS TRAMPAS DRIVE ROAD, LAFAYETTE $2,595,000 615 CANDLEBERRY ROAD, WALNUT CREEK $1,080,000

JON WOOD: 925.383.5384 HOLLY SIBLEY: 925.451.3105 925.404.4361

LAURIE HIGGINS LISA TICHENOR

LAURIE HIGGINS 925.876.7968 JON WOOD PROPERTIES 925.383.5384 / 925.451.3105

90 BROOKFIELD DRIVE, MORAGA $1,240,000 3643 PERADA DRIVE, WALNUT CREEK $1,198,988

925.876.7968 925.285.1093 MATT McLEOD SHERRY HUTCHENS

KAILEY GRAZIANO 925.404.4361 TERESA ZOCCHI 925.383.5384

754 GLENSIDE DRIVE, LAFAYETTE $995,000 3939 CANYON ROAD, LAFAYETTE $1,795,000 925.464.6500 925.212.7617 TERESA ZOCCHI TINA FRECHMAN

925.360.8662 925.915.0851 MATT MCLEOD 925.464.6500 TINA FRECHMAN 925.915.0851

BRENTWOOD DANVILLE WWW.DUDUM.COM 160-B GUTHRIE LANE, #3 100 RAILROAD AVE., #A BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 DANVILLE, CA 94523 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001 O: 925.800.3510 F: 925.800.3520 Distinctive Properties LAFAYETTE WALNUT CREEK 999 OAK HILL RD., #100 1910 OLYMPIC BLVD., #100 CALBRE #01882902 LAFAYETTE, CA 94549 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 O: 925.284.1400 F: 925.284.1411 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001 Page: D4 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Changing your garden, changing your life ... continued from page D1 During the tour, several speeches and a concert will take place in the beautiful garden. Tré Frane's garden is also the result of a lifelong quest. Th e plant physiologist studied the functioning of plants and was a technology teacher at Gloriett a Elemen- tary School for years. She knows her plants and loves to experiment in her garden. Th e relatively small front yard opened during the tour is a treasure trove for anyone interested in natives. Frane says that more than 50 diff erent species are represented. Over the years she has cultivated over 100 diff erent plants. She observes them, but if she notices that they do not thrive in her garden, she lets them go. Almost every morning when the weather is right, she comes to her sitt ing rock in the garden with a cup of coffee, enjoys the beauty, notices the changes and observes the natural life that thrives in her garden. During the tour where she'll be featured for the fi rst time, she plans to be there along friends who have volunteered to help and she will answer questions. She will show off her three diff erent varieties of poppies, wild gin- gers, yarrows, diff erent buckwheats, irises, dogwoods and so many more. Alexandra Ashton, the landscape architect who worked with her to reshape her garden and who proposed new plants, will also be there. Photo Sophie Braccini ... continued on page D13

48 Michael Lane, Orinda

Lovely English Manor in the Glorietta neighborhood on a 1.45± acre lot, minutes to freeway, BART, schools and Meadow Swim and Tennis Club. 4 bedrooms + office/nursery, 3.5 bathrooms, 3788± sq. ft., vaulted ceilings, huge Chef’s kitchen, adjoining family room and formal living & dining rooms. Beautiful yard with pool/spa, lawns, deck, garden area and lower lot for bocce ball court, play structure, RV/boat parking.

Offered at $2,195,000 | 48michaellane.com

Paul & Virginia Ratto 925.998.9501 [email protected] rattoandratto.com License #: 00900621 | 01361537

It’s April in Lamorinda for Real Estate

believe in the art of living well.

Whether helping first-time home buyers & move-up buyers or downsizing empty nesters & seniors, I want my clients to live well at every stage of their lives. I’ll OPEN SUNDAY 1-4 do whatever it takes to help them enjoy a seamless transition 51 VALENCIA ROAD, ORINDA from one of life’s passages to the 4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2059 SQ. FT. | .76 ACRE next. This is my promise. Stylishly updated, spacious and open floor plan with easy access to the outdoors. 51 Valencia is enhanced with quality features that convey an inviting ambience. The setting is tranquil and serene and the location is close to town, 12 years of Orinda schools, highway 24 and BART. It’s a great home!

PATTI CAMRAS PENDING IN 7 DAYS! REALTOR® 220 LONGVIEW TERRACE, ORINDA CalBRE# 01156248 925-899-9282 $1,200,000 [email protected] 5 Moraga Way, Orinda April MaƩhews www.patticamras.com Cell: 925.200.0773 [email protected] CalBRE# 01221153

It’s April in Lamorinda for Real Estate ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real www.dreamhomelamorinda.com estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304. BRINGING LAMORINDA HOME

3518 Rowe Place, Lafayette 3280 Sweet Drive, Lafayette

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

255 Tharp Drive, Moraga 731 Miner Road, Orinda

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

Terri Bates Walker Broker, J.D. 510.282.4420 | [email protected] terribateswalker.com | Follow me on: License# 01330081 Page: D8 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Stylish Solutions Leave space for who you will become By Ann McDonald empty space. What is missing is as important as what is included. We are constantly designing with an eye to a future incarnation and legacy, of an individual, family, community or business. Imagine if we did interior design for a business and installed antique dial up land line phones, instead of Wi-Fi. What sounds preposterous for a business is oft en de rigeur for home design. Th ink about it: We reach the stage where we can aff ord to decorate or reconstruct, and the fi rst thing we do is pull out our magazines of dream rooms past. Proverbially, we are in- stalling landlines in the forms of sofas, pictures, accomplishments. We pile up memories and have them framed. We line our halls and shelves with what happened, and rarely leave empty space for what will. One of the exercises I recently had a client walk though, and then did myself (ouch!), was to go through their home and tag every- Color has a huge impact on our lives. If the thought of a complete removal or overhaul is daunting, consider using simple, smaller elements. We see side table/ thing that was given, inherited or chosen for stool, pillows, artwork, and even a bench used here. Practice in children’s rooms or family rooms to ease yourself in. Photos provided them by someone else. Th en we tagged every- ow are you, Lamorindans? My heart In transition, I felt like sharing the most thing that was centered around a memory old- hopes well. Th is spring has been such important piece about designing your home er than seven years. Ha precious time in Lamorinda, all the spaces, from almost 30 years on the front lines Do you know what was left ? Very little. rains bringing blooms before their time. I am of true luxury design. And here’s the kicker: It’s a stunning loving it. If you were a longtime client, you and I home! Spectacular inherited pieces, muse- Th is is my last regular column for our would have shared many discussions around um-worthy art, blue and white for miles, gor- beloved Lamorinda Weekly as my team and I this topic. It feels so close to the heart, and yet geous framed art from children, photos from are transitioning into other design work, most many miss it. Because you are wise enough to precious trips. However, very little was direct- notably, diving deeper into manufacturing live and thrive in Lamorinda, I’m certain this ly a result of the homeowner’s true heart for for our Bespoke Holiday Collection as well as will resonate with you. what was ahead in their life. expanding our library of online Design and 1)Your designed home should be a place Without even thinking, they had become Decorating classes. For more information, you you BECOME, not a place you store. a “luxury store house” with no room for move- may visit www.couturechateau.com. Let me explain by way of an exaggerated ment. For now, know I have reached out to a example: A strong example to be sure, but one dear designer to who will take precious care of One of the keys to successful luxury de- worth recalling when we put our homes to- this column space in the months to come. sign is movement. To move, there must be gether. ... continued on page D10 The Lamorinda Real Estate Firm People Trust Coldwell Banker Orinda Simply the Best

Coldwell Banker honors the achievements of The Beaubelle Group and Elena Hood Group as being named to Society of Excellence and Northern California Top 1%

The Beaubelle Group | 925.254.1212 | thebeaubellegroup.com Elena Hood Group | 925.254.3030 | orinda.com Glenn Beaubelle, Kellie Beaubelle, Finola Fellner, Elena Hood, Larry Hood, Lilli Rath, Kirsten Buckley Nancy Stryker, Lynn Molloy 5 Moraga Way and 2 Theatre Square, Suite 117 | Orinda | ColdwellBankerHomes.com ©2017 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ofﬁce is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real Estate Licensees afﬁliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304. Page: D10 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Stylish Solutions Leave space for who you will become ... continued from page D8 2) You have something brilliant to bring to the next season of life in Lamorinda, and how you design your home will tell me a great deal about what part you will contribute. It’s okay to have some antiques, and old photos, but begin to think objectively when it comes to creating a space to move you forward. Th is can be hard. It’s OK to cry. It’s even OK to fail! It’s even OK to rent storage space. But if we want to keep growing and becoming something other than a memory, we must embrace the process. Many of you know from last month’s article, I was moved to redecorate aft er my own experience doing the same, and I’m in the business! I’m the professional. Aren’t we glad we’re all human? To go forward in your design, embrace your home as process, and ask yourself questions: • Is my space ready for the next? Is there any empty space? • Will this home handle where I want to go? Where my Lamor- inda family is hoping to be in one, three, or even fi ve years? Consider the offi ce: Contemporary or traditional, it matt ers not. Th e design of the systems and structures to host the offi ce are always the most up to date. We don’t fi ll it with low speed dial up phones. My client and I decided upon a 30 percent rule. Th irty percent or roughly one third of the things from the past could remain, but they did so only on rotation. Th ere had to be new art, new photos, empty spaces…where the next incarnation of life would have space to reside. 3. “Blessing comes when it has space to reside” - Ann Some of my past articles deal with these nuances, and I encourage you to read them. I really feel like Lamorinda is one of the most precious places in all the Earth. Let’s cherish our homes and design them with an eye towards refreshing the future, and making all things possible. In closing, it has been an absolute pleasure to write this column monthly. I love being a part of your home story. For now, blessings and best from my design heart to yours!

Create spaces for the next season. Leave some areas undone, so the next piece of your journey can fi nd its’ way in. Designer Clearance As one last hurrah, we are hosting a Designer Clearance Sale on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22 at 5 Tappan Lane, Orinda. I have engaged a professional Ann McDonald, IIDA, NAPO, is the Estate Sale Company to handle the inventory sale, as there is simply too much for my Founder/CEO of Couture Chateau, a team and me to manage. We are clearing out our fabric warehouses as we transition luxury interior design fi rm in Orinda. into more holiday production, and have tremendous inventory of fabric, accessories, For a complete blog post including smalls, table top and more to sell. other design ideas, visit www. couturechateau.com/blog. You may fi nd more information on the sale at www.couturechateau.com/ sale2017. Please make sure to be on the email list for updates and times. We look forward to seeing you then! Can You Do Better with Mark or a Big Bank? With Interest Rates Having Gone Up Now Is The Time To Sell your home See If Mark Can Find A Better Mortgage For You!!

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Mark has been a Lamorinda Resident and Mortgage Broker for 15 years and agent. would love to put that experience to work in handling your mortgage needs! MZ Financial Group handles financing needs up to $3,000,000. With Interest Rates at Historic Lows give Mark a call today for a discussion about your specific situation!

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ESTATES AND PROPERTY Contact Michael Donner: [email protected] 510.333.4488 Page: D12 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 5, 2017

April Gardening Guide The Art of Growing Grass By Cynthia Brian “Now every fi eld is clothed with grass, and every tree withleaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay att ire.” ~Virgil es, California passed Proposition 64 last No- • Aerate to loosen the soil. A core aerator will vember. However, this column is not about punch holes in the ground to bring air and water to Ycultivating marijuana, although I am writing the roots. Th e fi nger plugs are to be left on the surface about the glories of grass. to naturally decompose. Less compaction equals bet- Spring is spectacular with its wardrobe of rain- ter drainage and absorption. bow blooms. Trees are covered with blossoms, the • Consult your favorite nursery professional for fragrance of freesia engages our nostrils, and the ubiq- a recommendation on the best seed combinations for uitous beauty surrounding us is awe-inspiring. We are you. I’m a huge fan of mixed growth lawns for year so blessed that Mother Nature celebrates the rebirth around enjoyment. I reseed with Pearl’s Premium of the seasons with a grand April entrance. (www.PearlsPremium.com) interspersed with plugs Because of the warmer soil, fall is the best time of isotoma (blue star creeper) and white and red clo- to plant or reseed a lawn, yet spring runs a close sec- ver. Together they make a very att ractive natural rug ond in popularity. If you haven’t torn out your swath and the clover is a natural nitrogen supplier. Some of grass in the past few years during our dreadful people enjoy lawns laced with wild strawberry, vio- drought, no doubt you are now looking at a runway lets, mint, or even planted with bulbs. of green in your yard thanks to the months of rain. • You may have to cover reseeded areas with net- To manage your eff orts maintaining the health, beau- ting to keep the birds away. For small areas, discarded ty and benefi ts of your lawn for the remainder of the window or door screens work well. year, get started this month with simple best practic- • Let the rainfall do the watering to get your es. grass established. If it’s later in the season when the Tips to Growing a Lush, Green, Sustainable Turf rain has stopped, water deeply in the morning twice a • Decide if you want to seed, sod or reseed. Seed- week or as needed. ing for the fi rst time is best done in autumn when the • Mow your lawns with a sharp blade on a high soil is warm as germination is swift er. You can suc- sett ing without the bag allowing the cut grass to re- cessfully reseed, overseed and sod in spring, including main on the lawn. Th is is called grasscycling and is those irksome bare patches. the most benefi cial component of cultivating a lush, • Whichever you choose, your fi rst consider- deep green, thick healthy lawn. If you are buying a A birdfeeder anchors a fl owering crabapple tree. Photos Cynthia Brian ation is to properly prepare your soil. Check the PH new mower, buy a mulch mower, which will chop the level. Ideally lawns should be in the six to seven range. grass. Grasscycling allows the clippings to be the fer- If lower than six, add lime; if higher than seven, add tilizer that provides nutrients to your grass. Scientif- sulfur to bring the PH down. ic research indicates that the content of typical grass • Pull the weeds. If you have lots of weeds, keep clippings by weight is nitrogen (N) 4 percent, potassi- in mind that weeds mean that the soil conditions are um (P) 2 percent, and phosphorous (K) .5 perent. By imbalanced. Weeds provide homes and food for mi- recycling your grass clippings back to your lawn, you crobes but your soil must be improved before your use 25 percent less additional fertilizer. new sod or grass seeds will thrive. Many “weeds” are • Mulch the reseeded areas to create a strong actually gourmet dinner or tea ingredients including turf. plantain, dandelion, creeping Charlie, mint, mustard, • Stay off the grass while it’s growing! lambs quarter and more. • For those of you who are “Ex-lawn Rang- • Order several yards of enriched soil and com- ers,” you can create an inviting mosaic with massed post to be delivered. Ask the yard experts what is their groundcovers and low growers including dicondra, best soil for improving your lawn. Soil is the founda- ajuga, creeping thyme, golden creeping Jenny, dwarf tion. cinquefoil, or even sedum. You’ll need to clip, snip, • Add organic fertilizer to accelerate deeper and maintain. Most groundcovers are not foot-traffi c Blue star grass amidst the fallen petals of peach blossoms. rooting. friendly. ... continued on page D14 Wed., April 5, 2017 OUR HOMES Pag e: D13 OPEN SUNDAY APRIL 8, 1-4 7 Carr Drive in Moraga Changing your garden, changing your life ... continued from page D4

4 beds 2 baths, approximately 1624 sq ft single story gem. Flat lot in one of Moraga's favorite neighborhoods. Updated and ready to move in. Offered at $1,050,000

Valerie Durantini 925.253.4657 www.valeriedurantini.com CalBRE# 01376796 ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304

Photo Sophie Braccini

In their Lafayett e home Kay Countryman and Ron Briggs will also showcase their garden for the fi rst time. Th e backyard used to be a lawn that year aft er DAVID PIERCE year absorbed an increasing water — and fi nancial — budget. Countryman had Helping Lamorinda Homeowners Since 1987 been going to the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour for years and really Direct: 925 254 5984 liked a garden a friend of hers had done. Roxy Klein was the architect and she and [email protected] her husband decided to work with her. Klein designed the garden and established the plant list, creating spaces and www.DavidPierce.net areas in the garden that gave the couple a feeling of space they had never had be- CalBRE #00964185 fore. Th e garden was completed two years ago and the couple soon noted that it had consequences on their lives they had not expected. Not only was their water was cut by 66 percent, but the new landscape created a new experience for them. Th ey say that it is as if the garden sudden- Each Oﬃce is Independently Owned & Operated ly became alive. Th ey felt that it was drawing them outside; they noticed that they were spending much more time in the garden, feeling grounded and happy. Th ere they observe the wildlife coming back, the change of seasons, the beauty and variety of the environment. Briggs said that he would never have guessed how much the new garden would mean for his well-being. Reach 60,000+ in Lamorinda Advertise in Th e Tour Lamorinda Weekly Th e Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour is on Sunday, May 7. It is free Call 925-377-0977 today and self-guided. Th is year, for the fi rst time, participants can choose between receiving a free PDF of the 80 page garden guide or paying $10 for the printed We print and deliver 26,000 copies every other week. guide. More information at www.bringingbackthenatives.net. Th ere are 39 gardens on the tour, eight from Lamorinda, and several nurseries, including some that rarely open their gates to the public. Local newspaper delivered to Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Page: D14 LAMORINDA WEEKLY OUR HOMES www.lamorindaweekly.com 925-377-0977 Wednesday, April 5, 2017

The Art of Growing Grass ... continued from page D12 Benefi ts of Maintaining a Lawn Although many people tend to discourage lawns in landscapes as a water conservation method, I am a fi rm believer that the humble grass shoot off ers benefi ts to our health and wellbeing. Besides thefact that children and animals enjoy a safe, comfortable place to tumble and toss, lawns contribute to bett er air quality by trapping dust and smoke particles while cooling the air from the ground up. Our environments are made more habitable by the generation of oxygen absorbing the pollutants of carbon and sulfur dioxide. Lawns clean the air we breathe. Erosion is controlled because water can’t carve deep recesses in a thickly planted lawn. Water fi lters through turf grass making our ground waters safer and cleaner for the environment. A patch of green soothes the eye when viewing a landscape, off ering a resting space between the color explosions of fl owers and shrubs. Lawns off er a buff er zone in fi re prevention. Several years ago when one of the biggest wild fi res in our national history hit the forests of Northern California, our family cabin’s grassy meadow became the safe zone for dozens of fi refi ghters from around the country. Th at lawn literally saved lives and the forest from the raging blaze. Prepare your grass for healthy growing this spring, and get ready for the fun- fi lled days of croquet, ball games, picnics, sprinkler baths, or just staring up at the clouds. Remember that maintaining your lawn enhances the environment, improves your health, and optimizes your enjoyment of the great outdoors. And that’s great grass! A close up look at clover as a lawn substitute. Pearl’s Premium lawn two days aft er mowing. Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Tips for April

BEWARE of ticks. Check your body, hair, and clothing aft er gardening. On a rainy day in mid March when I was covered head to toe in clothing, a tick bit me on my neck. Th e golf ball size lump is still painful. TURN houseplants a quarter round every week to give adequate amount of sunlight to all parts. BAIT for snails and slugs. VISIT the Wagner Ranch Wildlife Festival on Sunday, April 23 for free family fun. Th ere will be honeybees, goats, turtles, birds, garden activities, food, music, nature tours, arts and craft s. 350 Camino Pablo Rd. at Bear Creek Road in Orinda. htt ps://fwrna.org/ wildlifefest/ PERUSE FLOWER PHOTOGRA PHY. Award winning photographer Anne Morrison Rabe’s Spring Flowers exhibit is showcased now at home/made Kitchen & Bakery, 337 Rheem Boulevard in Moraga. Almost all of Anne’s photographs were shot with an iphone. Eat, drink, and enjoy the art.www.Amr-Photogrpahy.com PREORDER my forthcoming garden book, “Growing with the Goddess Gardener,” Book I in the Garden Shorts Series. All pre-orders will receive extra goodies such as heirloom seeds, bookmarks, and more. Email me for details, Cynthia@GoddessGardener. com. A quarter of the proceeds benefi t the 501c3 Be the Star You Are! charity. WIN $50,000 FOR YOUR GARDEN: As a judge in America’s Best Gardener Contest. I encourage you to enter to win $50,000. Show the world that your thumb is the greenest by showing the world pictures of your garden today! www.americasbestgardener.com Western red bud is a gorgeous native tree with deep pink/purple blooms. OUR HOMES Wed., April 5, 2017 Pag e: D15 >\kFlkJkXpFlk @ePfliE\nFlk[ffiIffd C\k>Xi[\eC`^_kjCXe[jZXg\;\m\cfgd\ek^`m\pfl^ff[i\XjfekfÈ>\kFlkXe[JkXpFlkÉk_`jjldd\i%

Xi[\eC`^_kjCXe[jZXg\;\m\cfgd\ek#@eZ%`jX]lccj\im`Z\cXe[jZXg\gffc[\j`êYl`c[Ôid% N\[\j`êèjkXccn`k_aljkfe\ZXcc0),$),+$+.0.nnn%^Xi[\ec`^_kjcXe[jZXg\%Zfd Celebrating over 20 years of service in Lamorinda. Bonded – Licensed & Insured License# 702845 C27 & C53

DESIGN e Ri INSTALLATION u dg Visit home/made Kitchen & Bakery for creative digital fl oral photography IRRIGATION l e by Anne Rabe. DRAINAGE B STONEWORK CONCRETE WORK DECKS 510-847-6160 FENCES PATIOS Landscape Company Inc. LAWNS PONDS Blue Jay Feldman LICENSED CLEANUP & OWNER/OPERATOR INSURED HAULING www.blueridgelc.com Lic# 818633

Cynthia Brian in the garden. ©2017 Cynthia Brian, Th e Goddess Gardener, is a New York Times best selling author, actor, radio personality, family owned since 1933 speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are1® 501 c3. Flowers • Trees • Succulents • Pottery & Fountains Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www. Benches • Garden Decor • House Plants • Gifts • Jewelry StarStyleRadio.net Landscape Consultation Available for hire for any project. [email protected] www.GoddessGardener.com 925-377-STAR Lamorinda’s Leading Independent Real Estate Firm

ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA

ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE

New Listing THE VILLAGE 260 Camino Sobrante 41 Longridge Road 31 Paintbrush Lane 176 Camino Don Miguel ASSOCIATES: Great location at Lake Cascade near Very special home of great style, design Beyond your Wilder dreams! .53 acre lot New to market! Magnifi cent custom club house & tennis courts. Vaulted & fl air. Light and bright rooms. Ideal w/ approved plans for a 4,500-5,000 sq. built classic traditional 3 bedroom, ceilings, custom features, modern setting close to town + spectacular ft. contemporary masterpiece by Swatt- 3.5 bath home located on the 5th Ashley Battersby kitchen. Lower fl oor in-law with bath views from patios and terraces off most Miers. Premium cul-de-sac location w/ fairway of Orinda Country Club. Patricia Battersby & own entrance. Walk to club/ town. rooms. views and HOA amenities. $1,145,000 $1,150,000 $1,150,000 $2,350,000 Shannon Conner Meara Dunsmore ORINDA ORINDA ORINDA MORAGA Joan Eggers Linda Ehrich Joan Evans Linda S. Friedman Marianne Greene Dexter Honens II New Listing New Listing New Listing Anne Knight 572 Dalewood Drive 3 Gardiner Court Fabulous 5156sf 160 Camino Don Miguel 67 Corte Yolanda Susan Zeh Layng Stunning executive 5bd/4.5ba, apx. executive retreat nestled on gorgeous 1.2 One of a kind estate overlooking OCC. Great single level home in Campolindo. Charles Levine 5211sf home in Orinda Downs. High acre w/sparkling pool, sport court, lawns, Rebuilt from the ground up in 1996 Three bedrooms, two baths, updated Erin Martin ceilings & hwd fl rs; large family room & views. Kitchen adjoining family by the fi nest craftsmen to preserve the kitchen, hardwood fl oors. Close to April Matthews & rec/game room opens to deck with- room w/French doors open to veranda. original elements of the home. Resort school, shopping and transportation. Hillary Murphy outdoor kitchen & gazebo with views. Luxurious master suite. quality pool & spa, gardens, views & $2,350,000 $2,950,000 $4,950,000 $1,195,000 Karen Murphy guest house. John Nash MORAGA LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE LAFAYETTE Ben Olsen Sue Olsen Tara Rochlin Jaime Roder Altie Schmitt Judy Schoenrock New Listing New Listing Ann Sharf 217 Corliss Drive Complete home 3395 Moraga Blvd Beautiful, 4122 Canyon Road Desirable 3333 Hamlin Road Amy Rose Smith remodel in desirable Corliss area. New modern, new-construction home in Happy Valley mid-century modern on Super opportunity on almost 20 acres. Molly Smith kitchen, wood fl oors, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 convenient Lafayette location, +great 1.08ac. Fred & Lois Langhorst design One of the last big parcels of land in Jeff Snell remodeled baths, a large fl at lot and schools. Spacious layout, 2027sf, with reportedly. Fred Langhorst, Frank Lloyd Lafayette to develop. Truly a rare fi nd of Lynda Snell plenty more updates. 4 beds & 3 baths. Ten-foot ceilings give Wright’s apprentice 4yrs w/William magnifi cent allure of beauty & close-in Clark Th ompson this home an open & welcoming feel. Wurster. Stunning glass walls, high trail are appeal. $1,465,000 $1,750,000 $1,780,000 $2,500,000 Angie Evans Traxinger clerestories. Ignacio Vega DANVILLE OAKLAND SAN RAMON WALNUT CREEK Ann Ward Jenny Lyons Wilhite Margaret Zucker

New Listing New Listing New Listing 10 Creekledge Court Danville 211 Orange Street 200 Glory Lily Court Stunning & 215 Grover Lane Top location in estate home located at the end of a Beautiful craftsman home with original exquisitely updated 2005 modern Gale desirable South Walnut Creek! Spacious landmark Colonial street! 5 bedroom, wood fl oors & windows. Possible rental Ranch gallery home. 5bd/4ba + bonus 4bd/2ba rancher featuring open fl oor 4 & 1/2 bathroom, apx. 5600 sq. ft. home unit or large family room w/kitchen, bath rm on quiet court. Sleek fl ooring, rock- plan, 1928sf on a .44ac lot w/privacy & facebook.com/VillageAssociates on 1/3 acre park-like yard with pool, & separate entrance. Level yard with walled man cave/ofc. Great yd w/ grass near end of cul-de-sac. Close to BART, pond, BBQ, fi replace & more! mature landscaping. play area, courtyard w/ hot tub & more. freeway, town & top schools! twitter.com/villageassoc $2,388,000 $889,000 $1,595,000 $780,000

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