04/23/2015 - The Independent
Transcription
04/23/2015 - The Independent
VOLUME LII, NUMBER 17 Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING DUBLIN • LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 EBRPD Will Appeal Decision Keeping Old Altamont Turbines Find Out What's Happening Check Out Section A Section A is filled with information about arts, people, entertainment and special events. There are education stories, a variety of features, and the arts and entertainment and bulletin board. The East Bay Regional Parks District will appeal the Alameda County Board of Supervisors' March 24 approval of a three-year extension for operation of 828 old-style wind turbines in the Altamont, which are owned by Altamont Wind Inc. (AWI). The EBRPD vote on April 21 was unanimous. The board was responding to published studies by the county Scientific Review Committee that showed that hundreds more raptors would be saved by installing new turbines this year, as originally required of AWI. Further, the EBRPD board said that Golden Eagles roost and nest in their Brushy Peak park, so it's consistent for the board to want to protect raptors throughout the Altamont area. Board member Ayn Wieskamp of Livermore said, "I hope we are providing the county supervisors with enough information to take a second look at this and say 'no.' Wind power is not going away, but we can make good decisions to protect the raptors." Director John Sutter of Oakland referred to the county Scientific Review Committee's report that said hundreds more raptors would be saved by adhering to this year's deadline to replace the wind turbines. "This is a basic decision. Do we pay attention to what the science is telling us? Do we look at the facts? I think we do." By a 3 to 2 vote, the supervisors approved the three-year extension for the old turbines, instead of requiring a switch to 18 new turbines with enough power to replace the old ones. Supervisors Scott Haggerty and Nate Miley sympathized (See RESCUE, page 5) All Livermore Police Now Wear Body Cameras All Livermore Police Department officers are now equipped with body worn cameras. After 14 months of research, testing and evaluation, the body worn camera program has begun. The process of bringing body worn cameras to LPD began in February 2014. It included evaluating costs, storage of videos, and a body worn camera policy. From May 2014 to July 2014, several officers were selected to test and evaluate several different body worn camera systems. Based on the testing and evaluation process, LPD selected the system made by Taser International. In November 2014, a proposal was submitted to, and approved by, the Livermore City Council for the purchase and implementation of the body worn cameras for every LPD Officer. Since the approval, LPD officials worked on the implementation process of the body worn cameras. In early April 2015, Taser International came to LPD for a three day period to train all of the officers on the use of the body worn cameras. The implementation of the body worn cameras will allow LPD Officers to document incidents and interactions and obtain evidence during investigations. Additionally, the Department will be able to review the video footage to debrief critical incidents and use the camera footage as a training tool to keep officers well trained and prepared. The Livermore Police Department is cognizant of the privacy concerns (See CAMERAS, page 5) (See APPEAL, page 4) Full STEAM Ahead for Pleasanton Pre-school Plan Council to Honor First Responders Plans are underway to recognize the officers and firefighters at the April 27 city council meeting who were involved in the rescue of a woman attempting to commit suicide. The incident occurred a little after 10 p.m. on April 17. Both the Livermore Police Department and Livermore-Pleasanotn Fire Department responded to a report of a distraught 50-year-old Livermore resident standing on the First Street overpass ledge threatening to harm herself. The female was on the outside portion of the new cyclone fencing, on a 5” ledge suspended 50 feet over the Union Pacific railroad tracks. She was holding onto the chain link fence with only her fingers. Attempts to talk the woman off the ledge began to fail. Officer Estes grabbed onto her fingers through the fence. Officers Foreman and Sanchez, Sgt. Goard and Lt. Draghi all arrived to assist in the rescue attempt. Sanchez, who also is a trained crises negotiator, began trying to coax the woman down. He grabbed and held onto her right hand through the fence. The woman became more with AWI president Rick Koebbe's statements that as a small business in the Altamont, he did not have the capital to undertake the replacement immediately, unlike neighboring firms that are part of huge national operators. Supervisor Rick Valle talked abut the preservation of union jobs. There was concern that AWI might go out of business. Including young Gene, whose window afforded him a perfect view. "I also had a 027 electric train with a track on a plywood board that I'd play with," he said. Over the years, his passion evolved. He majored in Electrical Engineering at Iowa State University, then moved to Northridge, CA where he lived for more than 50 years. "My wife and I bought a G scale train to run around the Christmas tree. But after two years of looking at it for two weeks and then boxing it up, we decided we wanted to see it year round," said Heiman. "We found a person to fabricate overhead tracks which we put in my office. Over the years, my son Markus and I built several layouts in the garage. We would build something up, then tear it down and rebuild." By Ron McNicoll The Pleasanton Unified School District will move ahead with its plan to create a STEAM pre-school at the district headquarters site. The board acted unanimously at its April 14 meeting, after first discussing the idea at its March 24 meeting. Staff reported that a previously projected opening date of June now realistically is more likely August. STEAM is the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program with an "A" added for the arts. Many districts have moved or are moving to STEM to better focus on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The pre-school, which would have a capacity of 52 slots, including 12 reserved for children from lower income families, would be the first one in California devoted to the STEAM approach to education, said Traci Peterson, program director of Kids Club, which operates the district's afterschool program for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Pleasanton already plans to offer STEAM for transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade, and now wants to apply it the pre-school to serve children 3 and 4 years old. The start-up cost would (See TRAINS, page 8) (See PRE-SCHOOL, page 5) Photo - Doug Jorgensen Gene Heiman shows off one of his trains. Lifelong Love of Trains Reflected in Hobby By Carol Graham At his bedroom window, the young boy would stand watching for hours. "My home was on a slight raise, so I could watch the trains go by and switch in the small rail yard," said Gene Heiman. "My mother always knew where to find me." Heiman grew up in Estherville, Iowa, a sleepy town in America's heartland that even today has fewer than 7,000 residents. But it had the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway, a bustling railroad built in 1870 by a group of businessmen who wanted to control the shipment of wheat in to and flour out of Minneapolis's thriving milling operations. For 90 years, locomotives moved through Midwest landscapes of patchwork farms, their pulsing wheels and piercing whistles commanding the attention of everyone nearby. The Once and Future Universe, As Told By A Nobel Laureate By Jeff Garberson Nobel Prize winning physicist John Mather last week outlined what is known and what is still mysterious about the 13.8 billion year history of the universe. He spoke at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore as part of the Rae Dorough Speaker Series. Mather also looked into the future, forecasting the challenges that occupants of Earth will face in another billion years or so as the aging sun expands and becomes hotter than humans on Earth can tolerate. The history has been revealed in greater and greater detail by astronomers and physicists beginning at the time of Galileo and continuing through today, he said. Many puzzles remain, however, such as exactly how galaxies evolve, how stars are born, and how the stars generate chemical elements that are then distributed throughout the universe. Mather himself has provided major new insights into the evolution of the universe. He is best known for the work in the 1990s for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2006: his role in detecting and mapping subtle fluctuations in cosmic background radiation that help explain how the universe developed a structure (See UNIVERSE, page 5) Eastside Plan Focus of Two Meetings Planned in Pleasanton The City of Pleasanton has scheduled two community meetings to discuss the East Pleasanton Specific Plan in the coming weeks. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Donlon Elementary School multi-purpose room at 4150 Dornan Road, at 6:30 p.m. A second meeting on Wednesday, April 29, has been relocated to the City Council Chambers at 200 Old Bernal Avenue, also at 6:30 p.m. The East Pleasanton Specific Plan (ESPS) public meetings offer an opportunity for Pleasanton residents to provide input into the future of one of the city’s remaining parcels of undeveloped land. The meetings are intended to elicit public response to any Inside potential development and issues regarding rezoning, pre-zoning, adjustments to the Urban Growth Boundary, and eventual annexation of the plan area into the city, including a Base Plan that calls for 1,300 single family homes and 1.6 million square feet of industrial/ retail development. The first such neighbor(See EASTSIDE, page 3) Photo - Doug Jorgensen The Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club staged the 29th Cinderella Classic last Saturday. The bicycle tour is open to women of all ages and abilities. Many of the riders wore colorful costumes. SECTION A Editorial..............................4 Art & Entertainment............ 8 Mailbox...............................4 Bulletin Board................... 10 Roundup...............................3 Milestones ...................... 12 Short Notes......................8 MAIN SECTION Sports.................................6 PET OF THE WEEK Who wouldn’t want to meet Tommy? This nineyear-old grey and white longhair has been on an amazing journey. Tommy is a wizard with affection and bound to be a sensation in your life. Come see him and feel him at Valley Humane Society, 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. For more info visit valleyhumane.org or call (925) 426-8656. Photo - Valley Classifieds......................10 Obituaries.......................9 Humane Society/S. Reed PAGE 2 - The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 - PAGE 3 One Bay Area Topic of Meeting Future Forum Formed Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Future Forum, a group of 14 young Democratic Members of Congress focused on issues and opportunities for millennial Americans. Members of the Future Forum launced a national listening tour stops in New York City, Boston, and San Francisco, with more cities to follow in the months ahead. They will hold town hall meetings, take part in roundtables, and participate in tours with young Americans at colleges, start-ups, and established companies. “The issues of rising student loan debt, college affordability and declining millennial entrepreneurship do not just impact young Americans, they affect the health of our overall economy. Congress can’t afford to ignore these pressing challenges,” said Future Forum Chair Eric Swalwell. “But we can’t just be talking about millennials; we need to be listening to millennials. To that end, we are crowdsourcing stories and ideas at events around the country and via social media and Medium to hear directly from our generation about how Congress can take action to better our future.” The Future Forum is one pillar of the newly formed Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), an initiative overseen by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and DPCC Chair Steve Israel. Body of Hiker Found Search and rescue crews located a body believed to be that of a missing hiker just after 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16 in a remote area of the Sunol Regional Wilderness. The body was spotted by East Bay Regional Park District rescue crews from the District’s helicopter. Irwin “Don” Meyers, 70, of Palo Alto was reported missing at 6:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, after he didn’t return from a hike. Rescue crews searched the area until about 2 a.m., then resumed searching at daylight. More than 40 personnel from East Bay Regional Park District Police, East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department, East Bay Regional Park District Rangers, East Bay Regional Park District Search and Rescue, Alameda County Fire, Alameda County Search and Rescue, San Francisco Water Department Rangers and the California Highway Patrol participated in the search. There appears to be no evidence of foul play. Hacienda Shows Activity Hacienda Business Park in Pleasanton reported a strong period of activity during the first quarter of 2015 with net absorption of over 185,000 square feet. While occupancy varied somewhat in some sectors, several new tenants were added to the office sector producing a corresponding reduction in office vacancy of nearly 4%. “Hacienda continued to see solid improvement in occupancy in the office sector in the first three months of the year” said James Paxson, Hacienda’s general manager. “All of the recent reports relating to economic gains in the East Bay are reflected in the business growth seen in Hacienda during the first quarter. Activity reflects not only the expansion of existing tenants but the arrival of new tenants both from within and outside of the region. ” Tenant commitments were made by companies in a variety of business segments, including: Ichen Art Academy (tutoring), Cardio Barre (fitness), Markel Service (insurance), National Budget Planners (financial), and SmartZip (Real Estate Services). Voting Begins Early Voting ballots for the May 19, 2015, 7th State Senate District Special General Election are available at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters’ office. Office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. The Vote-By-Mail period for this election continues through Tuesday, May 12, 2015. Voters may request a Vote-By-Mail ballot at any time from Monday, April 20, 2015 through Tuesday, May 12, 2015, for the May 19, 2015, Special General Election by one of the following ways: completing the application on the back of the Voter Information Pamphlet, sending an email, sending a written request via fax to (510) 272-6982, by mail to the Registrar of Voters’ office, or calling the Registrar of Voters at (510) 272-6973 to request a ballot to be mailed. Voters may also complete the online Vote-By-Mail application at www.acgov.org/rov/votebymail. htm. All Vote-By-Mail ballot requests must be received no later than Tuesday, May 12, 2015, by 5:00 P.M. Only the registered voter himself or herself may apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot. An application for a Vote-By-Mail ballot that is made by any person other than the registered voter is a criminal offense. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters’ office is located at 1225 Fallon Street, Room G-1, Oakland. For more information, visit the website at www.acgov.org/rov or call the Registrar of Voters at (510) 272-6973. ENDORSEMENTS Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla has received the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund for the 7th District State Senate seat. She has also received the endorsement of the California Small Business Association, adding to the growing momentum and support for her campaign for State Senate by Democrats and Republicans, business and labor. Bay Area residents will begin a public discussion about the region’s future growth at a series of public open houses being held in all nine Bay Area counties beginning April 29 and continuing through May 28. The Alameda County Plan Bay Area 2040 session, an update of the current plan, will take place on Wed., April 29 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The session will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Palm Pavilion, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanotn. Participants are invited to view display boards and offer their comments on goals proposed for the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, house the region’s projected population, improve public health, preserve open space and maintain the region’s transportation infrastructure, among others. Displays also will feature the overall schedule and key milestones for the plan update, an explanation of the housing and employment forecast process and plans for transportation improvements already in the works at the county and regional level. Plan Bay Area 2040 is led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). For more details, contact [email protected] or call (510) 817-5757. THE NEW CALIFORNIA GOLD Corrections In a story on interviews with State Senate 7th District candidates, it was stated that Susan Bonilla opposes the high speed rail. That is incorrect. She currently is supportive of the project. One reason relates to starting in the Central Valley, where construction would act as an economic stimulus for the area, where unemployment is at a high level. A story last week referring to a Dublin study of 10 acres of potential parkland in Subarea 3 in East Dublin is located near Fallon Road, not Doolan Road. EASTSIDE The draft Environmental ton.gov/epspDEIRApr2015. Impact Report on the Plan For more information, visit hood meeting, held on April can be accessed directly at www.Pleasantonvoters.com. 12, 2015 at the City’s Ophttp://www.cityofpleasanerations Services Center on Busch Road drew more than 100 participants with concerns about the Plan and its impact on the community, especially regarding water usage, the El Charro Rd. extension, school crowding and the fact that the project is not required to meet State and Regional imposed housing requirements. In earlier meetings, others have raised the issue of the need to move the urban growth boundary. Contact: Bob Reina The EIR describes significant environmental impacts 925.784.8718 or [email protected] as a result of this (EPSP) Reina Financial Network project, including traffic noise, transit increases and CA LIC #0654373 air pollutants that impact air quality. (continued from page one) Indexed Annuity with a Guaranteed LIFE TIME INCOME RIDER 12% BONUS No Sales Charges Put all food scraps and soiled paper in your green bin. Help create rich soil for our farms. ReadySetRecycle.org PAGE 4 - The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 EDITORIAL Steve Glazer for 7th District State Senate Proven Environmentalist, More Accessible Voters in the State Senate 7th District have a choice between two Democrats on May 19. Susan Bonilla and Steve Glazer are on the ballot to replace Mark DeSaulnier, who was elected to Congress last November. Bonilla and Glazer were the top two finishers in the March 17 primary. With little to separate them on the issues, independent political action committees have launched a barrage of nasty flyers in support of and opposition to one or the other candidate. Both have big spenders behind them. Glazer is backed by Bill Bloomfield, JobsPAC (California Chamber of Commerce PAC) and the California Charter Schools Association; Bonilla is heavily favored by unions. Their associations with such groups have raised questions about their ability to maintain an objective viewpoint on issues impacting the funders of their political campaigns. The Independent interviewed each separately. Both support more storage for water and are against the two tunnel system proposed by Gov. Brown to deliver water from the Delta. They see the need to improve traffic along the I-580 corridor by bringing BART to Livermore. Each expressed the necessity of a strong educational system to keep the economy growing and to lift people out of poverty. Glazer has a demonstrated involvement with environmental issues, with a long history of working with such organizations as Save the Bay. On behalf of the Trust for Public Land, he worked on measures in more than 25 states to protect clean water and thousands of acres of open space. He has said that he supports minimizing regulations that don't diminish health and safety, but have a negative impact on business. As technology changes, environmental laws have to keep up. He supports laws enacted to reduce carbon emissions, which he calls an important method of reducing greenhouse gases. It is a stand that is contrary to that taken by the Chamber of Commerce, and one we support. His desire to prevent BART strikes has drawn the ire of unions. He notes that New York, Chicago, Massachusetts, and San Francisco all restrict transit strikes. We believe his tone is too strident when he talks about the issue. However, he says that he still believes in the collective bargaining process. We do agree with his stand on moving forward with pension reform, which he believes is necessary to ensure funds are available when workers retire. We don't agree with his lack of support for closing the business tax loophole in Proposition 13. Glazer strongly backs adding more charter schools, a move we believe would weaken regular public schools. Bonilla mentioned favoring a sunset clause for environmental laws, which would limit how long they are in effect. She says that would provide an opportunity to review their value. A sunset clause could lead to a loss of important provisions. While she votes favorably on most environmental issues, she has no record of active involvement. Bonilla has been strong on child care, noting that without the availability of affordable care for their children, many women would not be able to work. Because of her backing by unions, Bonilla has been accused of being too in tune with unions to take on pension reform or changes in teacher tenure. With both of them coming from the northern portion of the district, accessibility is of concern. Glazer appears more willing to involve himself in local issues. Bonilla has shown little interest, focusing more on topics where she lives than the Tri-Valley. Although we don't support his views on some important issues, we are recommending Steve Glazer for the State Senate 7th District mainly because of his proven record on behalf of the environment and his willingness to engage in TriValley issues. APPEAL (continued from page one) Supervisors Keith Carsons and Wilma Chan voted against the extension. The directors felt that AWI had a long notice period to get the work done, said EBRPD spokesperson Carolyn Jones. The County Supervisors are set to revisit the issue May 5. Altamont Pass is home to some of the oldest, and most plentiful, wind turbines in North America. The area is also a favorite spot for raptors, who roost at nearby Brushy Peak, Morgan Territory, Ohlone and other regional parks, and feast on the plethora of mice and ground squirrels in the area. Doug Bell, Wildlife Program Manager for the Park District, said the health of the East Bay raptor population is at stake. “We know, at least for golden eagles, the mortality rate is unsustainable,” he said, noting that about 10,000 birds, including 2,000 raptors, die annually at Altamont Pass wind farms. “What we don’t know is the long-term sustainability of other birds in the area. … The cumulative effect of wind turbines in other parts of California, the West, and beyond is a serious concern.’” (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell Editor: Janet Armantrout The Independent (USPS 300) is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and additional entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998. The Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www.independentnews.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Independent, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. Advertising rates and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. Zone 7 Has Enough Water, but Urges Conservation By Ron McNicoll Zone 7 Water Agency rescinded its Stage 2 Action Plan for the drought, because of its current ability to deliver 100 percent of the water requested by retailers. However, directors made it clear that they still want the public to conserve at a rate that water retailers set, as mandated this year by the state. The directors took the action at their meeting April 15. The Stage 2 Action Plan, created in 2014, included a list of conservation measures for water users. The Action Plan was begun after Zone 7 learned that it would not have enough water to fill Valley retailers' requests in 2014. The State Water Project (SWP) could deliver only 5 percent of the normal annual water amount, and not before Sept. 1, 2014. This year the SWP said it can deliver 20 percent of the water. There is no embargoed calendar period. The Action Plan listings were suggestions, not requirements, because Zone 7 has no enforcement authority since it does not set rates for retail water customers. Zone 7 rates are charged to the retailers, who then add their own costs, and present customers with the water bill. Only the retailers, through their pricing structure and education campaigns, can enforce a reduction in water use. The retailers set 25 percent conservation goals last year, which were much higher than nearly all of the water agencies in the state. They did so in order to preserve as much water as possible in the face of a drought whose end is uncertain. It was a big help toward Zone 7's current ability to deliver 100 percent, said general manager Jill Duerig. This year, the Valley retailers don't have the luxury of acting freely. They must follow mandated levels set by Gov. Jerry Brown, and applied specifically to each district in the state. DSRSD was assigned a 20 percent conservation goal, other Valley retailers were told to meet 25 percent. However, late last week the state sent out new mandates to individual water agencies. In the Valley, DSRSD will have to conserve 16 percent; Livermore must meet 20 percent; and for Pleasanton and California Water Service in Livermore the mandate sets a 24 percent reduction rate. The Zone 7 board vote to lift the Stage 2 Action Plan was 5 to 1, with one abstention. Sandy Figuers abstained. He provided no reason. Angela Ramirez Holmes voted against the action. Ramirez Holmes said she strongly favors conservation, but had wanted the board's resolution to be amended, as suggested by DSRSD engineering service manager Dan McIntyre, who spoke from the audience. McIntyre suggested that the board add specific language that the Zone 7 supply this year would be divided with 40 percent coming from available supplies and 60 percent from long-term storage. Ramirez Holmes said that it was important to focus on the Valley's underground water basin, and keep it at a good level. "I want to make sure we are not taking water that we don't need, especially out of the groundwater basin. It's what saves us. It's critical if we have a community problem in the next several years." Ramirez Holmes said that the real message is not that Zone 7 can provide 100 percent, but that conservation is still important, especially in view of previous state-set water conservation goals for 2020. Duerig said that it would be better to leave out the percentages, but keep in the language concerning current supplies and long-term storage. Not everything is known yet, since there has been no update yet on the retailers requests. One of Zone 7's suppliers other than SWP has not said how much water would be available, said Duerig. More information is expected to be available for a meeting of the Valley Water Roundtable, which will take place at 5 p.m. May 13 in the DSRSD meeting room. SUPPLY BLOCKS MORATORIUM IDEA One consequence of Zone 7 being able to supply the total requests from retailers is that there would be no legal basis for a city to declare a moratorium on building. There has been talk about a moratorium. Pleasanton resident Alfred Exner, who ran in the 2014 Zone 7 election, suggested to the board at a meeting a month ago that Zone 7 call for a moratorium. There was no response, since he was speaking during the audience segment of the meeting. However, director Bill Stevens said that the board should be prepared to discuss a growth moratorium during the summer. The Independent checked with Pleasanton city attorney Jonathan Lowell about what the law says concerning a moratorium. The city would have to make findings for a moratorium that would be based on a lack of water, said Lowell. That finding cannot be made when the city's "primary water supplier advises it still has an adequate supply to meet current and forecasted demands." The Zone 7 water reports 100 percent water supply estimate for this year, and 96 percent for 2016. DEADLOCK ON PAY RAISE On another item, directors deadlocked on a 3-3 vote, with one abstention, about whether to increase their pay. John Greci abstained saying he wasn't comfortable voting for something for himself. Directors Sarah Palmer, Dick Quigley and Bill Stevens favored a raise from $159 per meeting to $176. Opposed were Sandy Figuers, Jim McGrail and Angela Ramirez Holmes. The board has not had a pay increase since 2008. A policy set by the board calls for a look at a raise every two years. Because of the poorer economy since 2008, there have been no raises. The board looked at three options: no raise, a boost to $176, or a raise by 5 percent per year over the past seven years to $215, as permitted by state law. Stevens said that the current pay is a pittance. "You have to take time off (for daytime committee meetings)." With the tie, staff will come back next month with a single focus, namely, accept or reject the $176. Negative Dec for SF Landfill Move Appealed The San Francisco Planning Commission will hear an appeal concerning the environmental review of the an agreement for disposal of San Francisco Municipal solid waste at Recology Hay Road Landfill in Solano County. An initial evaluation conducted by the San Francisco Planning Department determined that the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment, and that no environmental impact report is required. A negative declaration was prepared. The decision to issue the negative declaration was appealed by Joshua Levine, an attorney representing the Solano County Orderly Growth Committee. He noted that the city's bike plan required an enviornmental impact review. “Recology is proposing to haul 5 million tons of waste, in hundreds of trucks driving thousands of miles, along a completely new route from San Francisco to Solano County,” Levine said in the appeal. Heavy-duty trucks making the 155-mile round trip to the Hay Road Landfill will affect traffic and air quality, he added. “The Planning Department was wrong to issue a preliminary negative declaration,” the attorney declared. The group Sustainability, Parks, Recycling and Wildlife Legal Defense Fund, which describes itself as a Bay Area public benefit corporation, has joined the appeal filed by the Solano Orderly Growth Committee. Sarah B. Jones, director of environmental planning for San Francisco, said in the preliminary negative declaration released in March that sending solid waste to Solano County would follow the end of transporting material to the Altamont Landfill in Alameda County. The round trip that trucks would make to the Vacaville area site is 155 miles – about 40 miles longer than the trip to Alameda County. A public hearing on the appeal will be held April 23 at 1:30 p.m. At that time, the hearing will be proposed for continuance to May 21, 2015. For a more specific time, call (415) 558-6422. Currently San Francisco dumps its trash at the Altamont Landfill in Alameda County near Livermore. San Francisco's agreement with Waste Management Inc. at that facility is expected to expire at the end of 2016. The issue is of interest to the City of Livermore, because it receives fees from waste taken to the Altamont Landfill. The fees are used to finance environmental education programs, a performing arts facility in downtown Livermore, and the purchase of open space. Moving San Francisco trash from the Altamont Landfill to another site will not impact the city's ability to pay-off its part of the Bankhead Theater agreement. Dublin Place Shopping Center Purchased American Realty Advisors (American), an institutional real estate investment manager with approximately $6.7 billion in assets under management, has acquired the Dublin Place Shopping Center, a 283,506 square-foot retail shopping center in Dublin for $51.1 million. The property is currently 97 percent occupied. Tenants include Target, Hobby Lobby, Burlington Coat Factory, and Toys R Us. In a press release an- nouncing the purchase, American notes that it may have the ability to increase density on the center’s site with additional commercial and residential space over time. According to Kirk Helgeson, Executive Vice President of American Realty Advisors, this asset is centrally located within a strong, growing submarket of downtown Dublin. “Downtown Dublin, and this immediate location at the West Dublin/Pleasan- ton Bart Station, are the focal points for increased densification and infill development in the coming years, which will increase customer demand, the interest by retailers to this area and heighten returns for our investors,” Helgeson notes. “In addition to the increasing customer base coming to the market, the shopping center’s proximity to mass transit, and its adjacency to the intersection of Interstates 580 and 680, make this investment particularly attractive,” Helgeson adds. American acquired the Dublin Place Shopping Center from PFRS Dublin Corporation, and plans to increase the value of the asset by marketing the existing vacant space to new tenants, bringing existing below market rate rents up to the current market rates, and upgrading existing shop buildings, according to Helgeson. (Opinions voiced in letters published in Mailbox are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Independent. Letter Policy: The Independent will not publish anonymous letters, nor will it publish letters without names. Abusive letters may be rejected or edited. Frequent letter writers may have publication of their letters delayed. Letters should be submitted by e-mail to editmail@compuserve. com.) to Livermore I had a chance to talk with Steve Glazer, candidate for the 7th District State Senate seat. While his positions on a number of specific issues are clear, as outlined in the Independent’s April 16th issue, I was more concerned with his general philosophy, and how he would approach issues not currently on the radar. He responded that two of his guiding principles are to have a balanced budget, and that state government should strive to work with local jurisdictions in an effort to tailor solutions to local needs, rather than create blanket, one size fits all solutions. During our brief discus- sion I was impressed with his sincerity, dedication, and awareness of the issues. We are fortunate to have two well qualified candidates for this position, but along with my vote, I’m impressed enough to give my time and a small donation to help get Steve elected. I urge you to do the same. This group has been playing interesting and exciting music for the past 25 years here in Livermore, San Francisco, and other Bay Area sites. Maestro Lawrence Kohl always gives a short informative talk about the composers or features of the music. He and his musicians are fun to watch and listen to as they perform glorious music. Sometimes vocalists are included in the program. Your tax deductible donation for next season's concert schedule is available now at the Bankhead box office. OR you may buy individual tickets if you prefer. Even kids enjoy this upbeat experience. Give it a try! Vote for Glazer Richard Combs Livermore During his recent visit Chamber Symphony Louise Gray Livermore If you missed seeing and hearing Sunday afternoon's recent concert by the excellent Pacific Chamber Symphony at the Bankhead Theater, you missed a stunning performance by a marvelous group of musicians! The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 - PAGE 5 RESCUE (continued from page one) Viera property. 260-Acres Near Mt. Diablo Purchased by Park District The East Bay Regional Park District board voted unanimously April 7 to buy a pristine, wooded 260-acre property on the eastern flank of Mt. Diablo. The property will ultimately help connect thousands of acres of open space, miles of trails, and major wildlife corridors in eastern Contra Costa County. The land will become an addition to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, bringing the park’s total acreage to 5,320. “This is an important acquisition for us as we work to link open space around Mt. Diablo,” said Board Member Beverly Lane, whose district includes Morgan Territory. “We’re very excited to be able to save this beautiful piece of land for generations to come.” The Park District purchased the property, at its appraised fair-market value, with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. Using state and federal grant funds, the Conservancy put forth 90 percent of the $2 million purchase price. The Park District agreed to pay 10 percent plus future maintenance and operating costs. The property was purchased from the Viera family. In addition to lush oak woodlands, the property includes an expansive meadow, a portion of Marsh Creek and several seasonal streams, steep hills and open grasslands. It offers potential habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species, including the Alameda whipsnake, California tiger salamander, and California red-legged frog. upset. She began to struggle and twist around with her feet now off the ledge and her body dangling over. Sgt. Goard was able to grab the woman’s arm, while Officer Foreman held onto Sgt. Goard’s feet to prevent him from falling over. A firefighter quickly leaned a ladder on the fence and grabbed her arm as well. For over three minutes, the woman continued to struggle, fighting against the officers and LPFD’s efforts to save her, all while her body was hanging over the overpass. A fire Captain scaled the fence and bear-hugged her, while additional firefighters put rescues straps around her. The LPFD cut a 4’ hole in the fence pulling her to safety. The woman was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. A quote from one of the officer involved, states, “She is alive today due to the efforts of all involved…There was not room for one more additional body to hold onto her but we would have lost her if we were one person less. It was perfect unity between the fire and police departments.” The Livermore Police Department shut down First Street throughout the rescue and for the investigation after for approximately 45 minutes. The rescue took about 15 minutes, during which time multiple police officers and firefighters worked on the scene. UNIVERSE (continued from page one) that could lead to galaxies. Today, he is senior project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to be launched in the fall of 2018 to probe farther and deeper into the universe’s past than ever before. The Webb will extend the results of the famous Hubble Space Telescope, which has been revolutionizing astronomy almost since it was launched in 1990. Mather demonstrated the capability of the Hubble by showing an image that it recorded of a part of space that was believed to be empty and dark. Skeptics thought that the time required for the image would waste a unique scientific resource that was in heavy demand by astronomers around the world. After days of exposure, however, the supposed image of darkness turned out to be filled with luminous dots, whirls and circles, instantly changing astronomers' understanding of the size and complexity of the universe. Except for a single, bright star, “everything in this picture is a galaxy,” Mather said. Each galaxy has “perhaps 100 billion stars…orbiting a common center, held together by gravity. “Everything in this picture was a surprise…a reminder that astronomy has always been an observational science and our imagination is almost never good enough to tell us what’s there.” The photograph and his description of it illustrated a theme that Mather returned to throughout the evening. He poses a “mystery” and then reveals how scientists have solved or are trying to solve it. He showed a slide taken by the Hubble of the famous Crab Nebula, the remnants of a star that exploded, as seen and recorded by astronomers around the world in 1054. The high resolution photo shows that the nebula harbors newly created stars, he said, helping answer the question of whether the universe is still generating new stars. It does not, however, explain in detail how they are created, a mystery he hopes d avoi e! bat pro will be resolved more fully with the Webb telescope. The Hubble’s sharp image of the Crab Nebula also provides a platform for presenting another incompletely solved mystery, which is how the heavier elements get distributed throughout the universe. Only the simplest, lightest atoms, hydrogen and helium, are thought to have been created during the early universe. Where, then, did the elements come from that form the chemical building blocks of Earth and its life forms? They were synthesized in the thermonuclear furnaces of stars, which eventually explode, he said, casting out into the universe “carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, all the stuff we’re made of.” These elements “have already traveled hundreds of millions of light years before they turned into us,” he said, drawing laughter as he continued: “So we’re kind of recycled…when you’re looking in the mirror in the morning, you’re looking at exploded stars, not just cosmetology but cosmology.” Mather traces much of the recent dramatic advance in astronomy to the decision in 1985 to build different observatories to examine the universe using different kinds of light – gamma rays, X rays and ultraviolent, in addition to the visible. These have led to such momentous discoveries as confirming that the universe began with a sudden expansion, often called the Big Bang; that new laws of physics prevail in much of the universe, as reflected by the mysterious Dark Energy and Dark Matter; and that black holes are at the center of most, if not all, galaxies. He said that he does not like the term “Big Bang” because it may evoke a picture of a firecracker exploding into a room. When the universe began its sudden expansion 13.8 billion years ago, he said, there was no outside space for it to grow into. It expanded “into itself…it fills all the space, and it always did.” He returned to easier concepts with his description of the next space telescope, the Webb, which will be able to record infrared images of extremely distant galaxies that are moving away from Earth so fast that their light is stretched into infrared wavelengths. Infrared light is more effective than visible light at passing through the dust and gas of space, allowing views into the interiors of nebulas like the Crab and Eagle, where new stars are being created out of the remnants of old. “Perhaps we’ll finally, finally be able to understand how stars are born,” he said. The Webb will orbit the sun in a stable location called a Lagrangian point nearly a million miles outside the Earth's orbit. There, it will be easier to operate at a constant, very low temperature, since it will not repeatedly pass in and out of the Earth’s shadow, as the Hubble does. Expansion and contraction due to alternating heat and cold makes precise viewing more difficult. Most exciting for him personally, he has said, is the search for life on remote planets. At least so far as Earth is concerned, life developed rapidly after large amounts of liquid water appeared, he said. The Webb will be able to record and analyze light that has passed through the atmospheres of distant planets that pass in front of stars. In the next decade, he said, “we hope to tell you” that there’s a “little Earthlike planet with enough water to have an ocean.” Much farther in the future -- a billion years or more -- Mather said, the universe will turn inhospitable for life, at least in the vicinity of Earth. The sun will get brighter and dangerously hotter. “That’s not under our control,” he said. By 5 billion years from now, humans “better have space travel” because “the sun will become as large as the Earth’s orbit is now” and the major galaxy nearest our own Milky Way, Andromeda, “will come and collide with us.” To nervous laughter, he added, “The sun will eventually go out, which means it will turn into a white dwarf star which is about as big as the Earth…and I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about that.” revocable living trusts Individual $599 couple $699 Package Includes: • Revocable Trust • Advance Healthcare Directive • Pour-Over Will • Financial Power of Attorney We Also Update Trusts! 7000 Village Parkway, Suite A, Dublin (925) 479-9600 • www.CaDocPreparers.com We are not attorneys. We can only provide self help services at your specific direction. California Document Preparers is not a law firm and cannot represent customers, select legal forms, or give advice on rights or law. Prices do not include court costs. LDA #30 Alameda County, Exp. 4/2015. District Holds Off on Approval of Sociology Textbook The Livermore School Board delayed a decision to approve a sociology book based on comments regarding bias and inaccuracies in the text. Trustee Chuck Rogge raised the issue. He said that after reviewing the content, "I found a real bias leaning towards the liberal side." He referenced comments on firearms, which he said showed a bias towards control. The book, "Introduction to Sociology in Our Times," was written by Diana Kendall. Rogge said he found inaccuracies in statistics used to discuss credit card debt, bankruptcy, and internment camps during World War II. He pointed out that the internment discussion only talked about Japanese-Americans, while German-Americans and Italian-Americans were also interred. "If we are teaching critical thinking, there needs to be accurate facts behind what students are talking about," he stated. "I talked to the teacher of the class. Because of the liberal leaning bias, I will not vote for the text," he declared. He added that in general, he liked the book. Superintendent Kelly Bowers commented, "This is an elective course. Students are there by choice. What we can do is develop supplemental materials to provide other perspectives and additional information." Bowers said that the district has a book challenge process in place. It includes establishing a group of people to review the proposed textbook. Every person selected for the goup must read the entire book, as well as conduct research on the facts. If there were enormous numbers of areas of concern, the book may not come back for approval. "Sometimes there is no text for a course," she added. The board voted to table the item, directing staff to come back with a process and a timeline to review the book. The vote was 4 to 1 with Craig Bueno dissenting. Bueno stated that the school, parents and staff had signed off on the text. He said, "I don't want to undermine the district's review process. Once a site is behind a book, it will receive my full support. The process is extremely important." The textbook was piloted at Livermore High School last school year. It was reviewed and selected by high school teachers, parents, and administrators, and presented to School Site Council (SSC) for review, discussion, and recommendation. Board president Kate Runyon noted that the board is the final step in the process. "I would feel better if we had this come back to us." Amy Robbins. Director of Curriculum and Special Projects, stated, "We want students to find the bias and look for other sources of information. The book opens up the door to talk about bias and society." STATE WAIVER The school board voted unanimously to ask the state Board of Education for a waiver on the process for receiving bids for the sale of the Sonoma School site. Assistant Superintendent Chris Van Schaack explained that the district would like more flexibility in the receipt of bids. If approved by the state, the waiver would allow the district to market and sell the site through a request for proposal process, rather than a public bid process. It would also waive the requirement that the highest bidder receive the contract. The district could sell or lease to the party that presents the most favorable proposal. The final part of the waiver would extend the review period to allow the district the opportunity to possibly negotiate with the developer. The request for a waiver will be sent to the state with the hope that the item would appear on the State Board of Education June agenda. It is expected that the site would be zoned for housing at a density similar to the surrounding neighborhood. Van Schaack said that in a highest bidder scenario, a developer could come in with high density apartments, which would not likely gain approval by the city. That would delay the sale of the property. Any proceeds, estimated at between $13 and $15 million, would be deposited in the district's Building Fund. CAMERAS (continued from page one) of community members. Officers have been trained regarding the recording of victims of crimes. Victims can request the video camera be turned off and the investigating officers will honor that request. All releases of videos will be in compliance with the Public Records Act. PRE-SCHOOL (continued from page one) be $430,000, with the total amount borrowed from the district's Kids Club fund, and then paid back from revenue. The capital cost portion of the amount likely would be $179,000. The district hopes to obtain some of the capital cost from $250,000 that the city has reserved to help fund school district programs to serve low-income children. The money comes from an in-lieu development fee, which was collected instead of requiring the developer to build low-income housing. The money can be used only for capital costs. The city council already approved the fund, but it will be up to city manager Nelson Fialho to review specific expenditures, and decide whether they qualify for the money, said Deputy Superintendent Luz Cázares. Cázares said that she talked to one man who was so enthusiastic about the STEAM pre-school that he said he would raise $10,000 for the technology needs for the school. During the school board discussion, trustee Mark Miller said that even if the city doesn't approve giving any money to the district for capital costs, it would not change his vote. Trustee Chris Grant stated, "The pre-school is amazing, a visionary future for how pre-school is taught." Grant added, "It is a leap that makes us signifi- cantly more contemporary than surrounding school districts." Three other pre-schools have failed at the proposed STEAM location. However, staff predicts that the preschool will be financially successful because of the STEAM approach. It can attract not only Pleasanton residents, but people commuting to science jobs in the Valley. The low-income slots are reserved only for Pleasanton children. There will be a reduced fee, but it has not yet been determined. Grant aknowledged, "There are risks that come with the program. I believe it will be successful, and probably a model that we will replicate in Pleasanton, and other communities will replicate it as well." An audience member advocated for the program, saying that she worked with a similar program four decades ago in California. It was a pilot program funded with federal money. "It had 15 students, a teacher, and two aides. It lasted for three years, until the money was gone. I watched them over the decades, and now (the children) are leaders in their professions, and many obtained doctorates." "There are people in this community who are in poverty. I see their parents walking their children every day. These kids don't have the opportunity to go to private schools. There are a lot of little children who deserve the opportunity, respect and support of our school system," she stated. NEW ON THE MARKET $488K Linda Futral Broker, ASP, SRES, QSP, CDPE 6 4 1 B e n I n g ra m C o u r t , T ra c y Exquisitely appointed executive home with upgrades like no other. Even boasts separate office or in-law room. 925.980.3561 [email protected] lindafutral.com License #01257605 OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 1:00-4:00PM The Livermore Citywide Garage Sale Memorials, Burial, Cremation, Loss Support 189 Contractors Street Livermore, CA 94551 (925) 344-6135 www.valleypetloss.com SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015 - 8am to Noon Don’t miss the curtain rise on old stuff starring in new roles! Stage a sale independently or with your neighbors. MAKE THE CUT! Register your sale online at LivermoreSanitation.com or over the phone at 925-449-7300. Participants registered by June 11th will receive free advertising. Rather shop than sell? Save the date and gather your reusable shopping bags! For a complete list of participating addresses, check the June 18th edition of the Independent or visit LivermoreSanitation.com on June 19th. PAGE 6 - The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 Guardian Knights Wrestling Club pictured are Jonah Perez, Ethan DeLaTorre, Joey Lestochi, Anthony Martinez, Johnny French, Ahmet Gueye, Justin Phillips, Matt Fuerter; (middle) Sabrina Afani, Zach Stewart, Brandon Jordan, Jerrod DeLaTorre, Evan Rios, Ryan Peterson, Logan Potter, David Curly, Jack Kilner; (front) Coach Duckwall, Coach Rios, Dustin Dukleth, and Coach Banke. Livermore Girls Softball Association 10U Lightning defeated the Purple Bandits 11 to 6. Kate Hankins went 3 for 3 including two home runs. Emma Hatcher also homered. Team members include Kathryn Piscotty, Sydney Gutierrez, Natalie Geiger, Callie Smith, Aislin Brecheisen, Kristen Johnston, Emma Hatcher, Kate Hankins, and Hannah Temple. Pictured is Livermore American Little League A Division Rangers' Star of the 4/18 Game Noah Blake. Noah went 4 for 4, including a double, a triple, for 7 RBI's. The Livermore Phantom U-11 lacrosse team played hard against the Diablo Scorpion Stingers this weekend. Ben Operin scored on an assist from Jack Hansen. Bodhi English and James Foley had stellar face-off performances and Kinsey Claudino had six saves as goalie. Pictured is James Foley. West Coast U15 Girls Whiplash advanced in Silver Cup State Cup play with a win over Union City Premier, 3-0. In the first half, Alize Perez capitalized on a header by Kira Karter to end the first half 1-0. Whiplash came out strong in the second half when Tara Collier delivered a well placed corner kick to Devyn Montesinos, who tapped it in for a 2-0 lead. Alize Perez scored again for a final of 3-0, with an assist from Kierra Stanek. Excellent defense by Maddie Stewart and Paige Sutter kept Union City from scoring. Pictured are (back row) Alize Perez, Maddie Stewart, Tara Collier, Taylor Sullivan, Natalie Arruda, Jenna Radwan, Kira Karter, Coach Vanessa Miskala; (front row) Celia Portugal, Devyn Montesinos, Taylor Petersen, Paige Sutter, Kierra Stanek and Jenna Tidwell. Aaron Spiller leaps to catch the ball as Austin Harrison steals 3rd base in a Granada Little League game between the two Granada Big League teams. Photo - Bill Pictured are members of the Livermore National Little League San Bernardino 57 Classic Team: (back) Michael Anolin, Siosi Meafou, Coach Robert Anolin, Austin Statham, Coach Siosi Meafou, James Foley, Manager Ruben Gomes, Garret Gomes, Anthony Molleson; (front) Chanston Bright, Jonah Johnson, Jake Hutchinson, Gavin Powers, Gino Barbalinardo, Ty Clappin, Kyle Denton, and Riley Scott. Pictured is Livermore Phantom U13 Purple team member Jake Herweg #18 scoring one of his goals from attack. Also pictured is defenseman, Alex Echeverria #21 stepping into a long pass downfield. The Fusion U9B Gold team kicked off their season in Dublin Sunday. Forward James Valentine scored first as he snuck one past Dublin’s goalie. After that goalie Tavey Moser stopped several shot attempts, including a penalty kick just before the half. Tavey successfully stopped the close range shot and went on to push the ball out wide to forward Lane Curtain for one of Lane’s two goals on the day. Midfielder Trevor Crouch scored inside the box, showing great control with pressure. Dublin’s front line continued to attack only to be shut down by Fusion’s center back Dylan Wherry who also scored two goals on the day. In all four different Fusion players scored in an impressive opener for the newly formed group who ended the game with a powerful outside shot from Dylan Wherry. Final Score : Fusion 6 Dublin United. 1 Nale M aya l a n n i E r e d i a n o , under the instruction of Vince Aying, competed at the National Blackbelt League’s Best of the Best karate tournament on April 18, 2015. Erediano won 1st place in the 8-9 yr old advanced girls sparring division, and won Grand Champion in the 8-9 yr old underbelt girls sparring. Erediano also won 1st place in the 11 & under black belt sparring division. Six Hawks Divers The Las Positas College Hawks men's and women's diving teams won big at the Northern California Diving Championships recently held at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton. Led by coaches Jason Craighead and Monte Young, the Las Positas College Hawks dive team showed its strength in numbers and talent, as the largest and best dive team in the State (16 divers) and accounted for 25% of the total meet participants. "Everyday Jason Craighead and Monte Young are on the pool deck with the dive team helping them put in extra work, be it in the pool or weight room, said LPC Athletic Director Dyan Miller. "The student athletes have worked so hard to improve and compete at a high level. I can truly say there may be more talented divers in the state, but there is definitely not any team that has been working harder." In the largest showing for women, from one school in California Community College State Championship history, the Lady Hawks qualified for five of the top eight qualifying spots: Valentina Barbalinardo, Kaitlin West Coast Wrath U14 girls defeated Fresno Chaos to make the last 8 of the State Cup. Pictured is Kate Wallace The Livermore Phantoms coming close with a header. U15 team defeated the Walnut Creek Warriors, place on 1 meter and Tenth place on 3 money will be donated to AVON Cancer. 10 - 0, last Saturday. Max meter; Angelica Leporati, Pleasanton, Breast All are invited to take part in the Ninth place on 1 meter and Seventh O'Connor scored three; place on 3 meter; Gabriella Quintana, "Playing for a Cure" event. The high school is located at 1155 Eleventh place on 1 meter Jaxen McLaren and Angus Concord, and Thirteenth place on 3 meter; Bri- Santa Rita Road in Pleasanton. Stewart each scored two; anna Zantman, Livermore, Thirteenth on 1 meter and Twelfth place on and CJ Alire, Andrew place 3 meter; Danielle Buchanon, Castro Equestrians At a horse show on April 18 and 19 Choumas, and Harrison Valley, Fifteenth place on 1 meter NorCal Diving Championship held at the Murieta Equestrian Center Meadows each scored one Results, in Rancho Murieta outside Sacramento Men: Gabe Nieto, Livermore, goal. Max O'Connor had Fourth place on 1 meter and 3 meter; with over 80 riders competing, the Heinsma, Castro Valley, Ninth Livermore-based Sterling Farms two assists; and Aiden Thomas place on 1 meter and Fourteenth place Equestrian team won 16 Blue ribbons. Morgan Vonderach won 8 blue Neely, Alec Faith, and on 3 meter; Jesse Leonard, Castro ValTenth place on 1 meter and 15 place ribbons riding Blugatti. She jumps Daniel Pryor each had ley, on 3 meter; Nick Payne, Stockton, the 2 foot 9 inch - 3 foot height and one assist. Goalie Shane Eleventh place on 1 meter and Tenth won two SAHJA Child/Adult Medals on 3 meter; Kendrick Calkins, classes, 2 jumper classes, and several Grimes had three saves. place Castro Valley, Sixteenth place on 1 Hunter classes. Kaylea Morrison rode High Roller Pictured is goalie Shane meter and Twentieth place on 3 meter; to win blues in her Hunter classes also Erik Lundeen, San Ramon, Twentieth Grimes returning the ball place on 1 meter and Nineteenth place jumping the 2 foot 9 inch - 3 foot height. Laura Waters rode Gunn's Mackon 3 meter; Kyle Bachand, Pleasanton, to play. enzie, a halter broke horse that Laura Hausman, Donna Rotella, Angelica Leporati, and Alexa Beaudoin Severn. Gabe Nieto qualified for the men, with Thomas Heinsma and Nick Payne capturing first alternate positions. For Coast Conference Championships, the LPC women divers accumulated a total of 213 points towards a Conference Championship. The men contributed equally, scoring a total of 198 points towards a Conference Championship. The Coast Conference Championship Meet ran at DeAnza College April 16-18. NorCal Diving Championship Results, Women: Valentina Barbalinardo, Livermore, First place - 3 meter; Donna Rotella, Tracy, Fourth place on both 1 meter and 3 meter; Kaitlin Hausman, Pleasanton, Sixth place on 1 meter and Eighth place on 3 meter; Alexa Beaudion Severn, Pleasanton, Eighth Twenty-first place on 1 meter; Cody Connors, Pleasanton, Twenty-fifth place on 1 meter For more information about the LPC Hawks swimming and diving program, please contact head Coach Jason Craighead at jcraighead@ laspositascollege.edu. Playing for a Cure The Amador Valley High School softball team will hold its 6th annual Breast Cancer Awareness game on Thurs., April 30. The game versus Cal High will be held at the school softball fields. Festivities are set for 3 p.m. followed by the game at 4 p.m. Special features include survivor first pitch, pink bases, pink softballs, pink uniforms, breast cancer awareness table with literature and survivor stories, breast cancer merchandise for sale, breast cancer research donation box, bake sale and 50/50 raffle. All donations and 50 percent of the raffle has broken since late last year. The pair did amazingly well at Kenzie's first horse show, winning 4 blues in Walk Trot classes and placing in every class they entered. This successful equestrian team is coached by Adrienne Grasso of Livermore. With only three horses at this show, Sterling Farms ET won more than their share of first prizes since the only other team that had more blues had 13 horses competing and they had 17 blues. Morgan is a sophomore at Granada High. Kaylea is a freshman at Livermore High. Laura is a 2012 graduate of Livermore High currently studying at Modesto Junior College. Livermore National LL Livermore National Little League results: AAA Division: Giants 12, Red Sox 10; Joey Lombardo's bat came alive with two solid hits. Ethan Trog- Team Livermore participated in the Club VIP Rec Volleyball Tournament in Pleasanton on April 18, 2015. The girls played 5 games and a total of 12 matches. Pictured are (back) Jaida Carr, Dallas McKee, Cindy Chang, Shirley Chang, Jennifer Hoang, Sierra Saucier, Tayla Duncan; (middle) Adithi Kumar; (front) Mia Taylor, Alexis Aying, Claire Wiedenfeld, Rachel Rockwell, and Sofia Shaw. don also had a great day at the plate with a single and a double. Danilo Jackson shutdown a late rally to earn a save. James Theberge singled and stole second. Omar Sanchez ripped a single up the middle. Tyler Caldeira crushed the ball to deep right for an in the park home run. A’s 11, Diamondbacks 1; The Athletics' bats came alive in this mid-week showdown against the Diamondbacks. The entire team made contact and got on base. Ben Rho smashed one deep into the left field warning track. Blake Bystrom cracked one way back for an A’s double & RBI. On the mound Ben Rho and Thomas Schnapp threw many strikes. Jake Follis threw a near perfect save keeping the lead and sealed the victory. A’s 17, Pirates 3; The Athletics’ hitting spree continued as the A’s got their second straight victory. Jack Gonci, Joe Hutchinson Jake Follis had great at bats for the A’s with several RBI’s. Dominic Gozzo made some great plays catching for the A’s and saved a run at the plate tagging out a steal. The pitching on this team has really come a long way with Kedar Patel and Thomas Schnapp throwing into the zone with many strikeouts. AA Division: Red Sox vs. Rangers: Diego Flores and Jace Whatley led the Red Sox defensively in Monday's game. Diego, at first base, made an unassisted ground out to second base to end the 2nd inning and fielded a ground ball to turn a double play in the top of the fifth. Whatley stopped a sharp ground ball at third base and completed the play with a strong throw to Flores at first. Giants vs. Nationals: Chandler Smoak had a great game with a single in the first inning advancing runners to 2nd and 3rd allowing the Giants to score two runs. On his first at bat, Gavin Day smacked deep into left field for a triple. Andrew Mitchell pitched two great innings with 7 first pitch strikes and 4 strike outs. A's vs. Pirates: James Flett hit a hard line drive for a double in the 2nd inning and later hit a single to load the bases. Jacob McLaughlin made a great defensive move and tagged a runner out at 2nd as part of a double play. Jaden Snowden hit the ball in several of his at-bats and helped score runs for the A's. The Pirates played a great game, with their pitchers throwing several strike-outs. Rangers vs. Red Sox: It was a tight battle in the first of two games this week between the Rangers and the Red Sox. Luke Mifsud led the Rangers. He pitched the first two innings, blanking the Red Sox. In the first, he recorded all three outs. Luke added a perfect second inning with three more strikeouts. He also belted two hits: a two RBI single in the Rangers' half of the second and another single in the fifth. He scored the game winning hit on an RBI by Beckett Kohn. Seph Freitas played well. He pitched a scoreless third, recording all three outs with two called strikeouts and a sweet fielding play. He added a single and an RBI for the Rangers. Sam Milochik continued playing excellent defense at second and centerfield. He made nice plays at both positions to save runs. DJ Santiago smacked a ground ball with eyes through the right hand side of the infield for a single in the third. Trevor Straume’s bat stayed hot as he smashed a double to the fence. Grant Vonheeder, Dylan Garcia, Jack Eaton, and Cody Terpstra also had hits. Rangers vs. Red Sox: In the first game of the season with rules allowing for walks and steals, Beckett Kohn started the game with a walk and two steals. Jack Eaton had the first of his three walks and stole second for his first of two stolen bases. They were both driven home by Enzo Battaglia who hit a massive double for two RBIs. Enzo added another pair of RBIs in the 4th with a bases loaded single. Trevor Straume had the other hit for the Rangers, a beautiful line drive single to RF that scored two more runs in the 4th The other Rangers’ runs were manufactured with walks, steals, and good baserunning. Cody Terpstra chipped The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 - PAGE 7 in a pair of walks. Sam Milochik also added two walks and stole third. DJ Santiago and Grant Vonheeder each had two walks, including one each for an RBI. Grant added a fantastic catch while manning second. Jack Eaton showed his toughness while playing catcher. He was hit hard on the leg by a pitch, but stayed in the game. Quinn Wetzel notched 4 strikeouts and made a good defensive play as pitcher. In the 4th, Trevor recorded three straight swinging strikeouts. Cody added a pair of strikeouts in the final inning. Giants vs. A's: Eric Guttierrez showed strong hitting and brought in 2 runs for the A's. Viliam Nowicki was a defensive powerhouse and tagged several runners out as 1st baseman. Gavin Nunez stole 2 bases and ran home on a teammate's hit, barely beating the throw to home plate. A Division: Giants vs. Dodgers: After missing a game Zach Lininger came back strong for 3 great outs. All the Giants are showing their hitting powers by smashing the ball. The Game ball goes to Xavier Box aka XBox for a great hustle on the field and stopping some hard hits. Diamondbacks vs. A’s: For the A’s, Zyston Bright displayed awesome defense when he got a double play; he caught a pop fly to get the batter out and then got the runner at 1st base out. Caden Romero hit a powerful line drive past 2nd to get on base. The Diamondbacks continue the season strong. On offense, Sean Nelson was a powerful hitter with two doubles and Logan Von Roll smashed the ball to get a double. Defensively, the Diamondbacks had two double plays by Jacob Pancoast and Josh Graber. They both caught high fly balls and threw runners out. Yankees vs. Rockies: For the Rockies, Corbin Kuhn had two doubles in the 2nd and 3rd innings and Jacob Smithson had a big triple in the 4th. The game ball went to Zach Nalick for his consistent hitting and fielding. For the Rockies, on defense there were impressive outs at 2nd and 3rd by Michael Griego and Cooper Cox. On offense, Jordan Aldape and Jacob Smithson once again had strong bats and there was very stylish base running by Langston Bradley. Red Sox vs. Dodgers: Griffin Lee of the Red Sox made numerous defensive gems in the infield. Timothy Wisely hit the ball hard twice to the right side and showed great energy running the bases. Emmanuel Armas continued to swing a hot stick, peppering line drives around the infield. The Dodgers hit a couple of rockets to the outfield Nationals vs. Red Sox: The Red Sox had yet another nice overall team performance. Ty Rankin made a nice play recording an out at second base and had a great hustle day on the diamond. Joshua Morales hit the ball well in all of his at bats and contributed to the team's stellar defense. For the Nationals, their defense was much improved. Twice in one inning Jayden Ehler #3 at second scooped up a ground ball and tossed it to Ryan Loder at first for outs. On offense, Jordan Andrews, Jacob Talley and Clancy Terpstraall had nice hits. Nationals vs. Yankees: For the Yankees, Losey, while pitching threw a nice, long ball to first to record an out, and again the next play caught a bouncing ball and threw to Munoz at 3rd base for an out. For the Nationals, Aydon Hamilton-Bealum hit two singles and Anthony Yazurlo a double. On defense, Clancy Terpstra and Jayden Ehler teamed up to record an out. Rockies vs. Diamondbacks: For the Rockies on defense, there were impressive outs at 2nd and 3rd by Michael Griego and Cooper Cox. On offense, Jordan Aldape and Jacob Smithson once again had strong bats and there was very stylish base running by Langston Bradley T-Ball Division: Pirates vs. Rockies: On a cool & breezy evening a few players stood out for the Rockies. Sarah Theberge stopped 2 grounders from the pitching position and made plays at 1st and 2nd base in the 3rd inning. She also had 3 hits for the team. Joshua Ghere stopped 2 grounders and made plays at 1st base in the 1st inning. He had 3 hits for the team. Raymond Hewlett also had 3 hits and drove in 2 runs. Dodgers vs. Red Sox: Tyson Headley impressed the crowd by hitting a home run and two doubles. Imani was a consistent hitter with getting on base with each at bat and helping defensively against the Red Sox. Johnny "The Beef" Lee was a ball magnet, defensively stopping the ball and throwing it to the base quickly to keep base runners at bay. Dodgers vs. Giants: This was the first game that t-ballers transitioned to pitches. In the first inning, every Dodger player hit a pitch from their coach, John Lee. Johnny Lee's first two at bats were hard hits right at the pitcher, keeping his dad on his toes. Carlo Traverso hustled after many balls, making sure to keep Giants from advancing the bases. Seth Fuller had solid hits throughout the game, bringing in three runs. Reno Bolyard showed aggressive fielding and consistent hitting. Last batter, Avery Lockhart, hit the first pitch thrown to her and rounded the bases, bringing other runners home. Yankees vs. Rockies: For the Rockies, Landon Borja had 3 hits & 2 off pitch and drove in 2 runs. He also stopped a grounder from short stop and threw to 1st in the 1st inning. Evan Vandersea had 3 hits & one off a pitch, drove in 2 runs & loaded the bases in the 2nd inning. He stopped 4 grounders and got one out at 2nd base. Ashton Young also had 3 hits with 1 off pitch and drove in 3 runs for the Rockies. All three players received game balls for their efforts. Pleasanton Girls Softball Pleasanton Girls Softball League: 8U Division: Handles Gastropub vs. Pleasanton Police Officers Association Top Players: Handles Gastropub - Gabriella Avelar, Caitlyn Burgess, Sahara Seiferth; Pleasanton Police Officers Association - Emily Bull, Katherine Foster, Emma Shenefiel 10U Teal Division: Pyramid Painting 8, Tim McGuire Realtor 5: Pyramid Painting did very well at batting, starting with the first batter, Valerie Moser got a double and later scored a point for the team. The highlight of the game was from London Abrew, who hit a home run and scored 3 points. Madison Cribbs got a base hit and scored another for the team. Tim McGuire Realtor showed they could swing the bat well too. They tried hard at defense with an exceptional play made by Kayla Pascua, caught a fast line drive ball at third base. She also batted well and scored a point for Tim McGuire Realtor. Kylie Beeby swung hard at the bat, got on base, later stole 2 bases and scored a run. Katie Heilin played well starting with a great hit and later helped her team with an RBI. Top Players: Tim McGuire Realtor - Kylie Beeby, Katie Heinlin, Kayla Pascua; Pyramid Painting - London Abrew, Madison Cribbs, Valerie Moser Middle School Teal: Dietz & Watson 12, Logo Boss 6: It was a close game throughout, with both teams battling hard and being aggressive. The visitors played great defense, with Jocelyn Mitchell starting a step on first/ throw 'em out at home double play, Nicole Baker making a great catch, and Isabel Fernandez pitching three solid innings. The home team was paced by Zoe Chidambaram getting a key two-out hit, Valerie McKeever finishing strong on the mound, and Megan Schuerlein throwing out a runner at home for the final out. Top Players: Dietz & Watson - Zoe Chidambaram, Valerie McKeever, Megan Schuerlein; Logo Boss - Nicole Baker, Isabel Fernandez, Jocelyn Mitchell Doctors Giving Back 9, VEP Healthcare 7: VEP Healthcare pitcher, Lacy Becker, was dominant allowing just one run over the first three innings as Doctors Giving Back fell behind early. Despite great defensive play by Angelina Padua and a double by Maci Briggs in the late innings for VEP Healthcare, Sarah Nekrawesh, Cordelia Stewart, and Calli Turns all helped lead Doctors Giving Back to victory. Top Players: VEP Healthcare Player - Lacy Becker, Maci Briggs, Angelina Padua; Doctors Giving Back - Sahar Nekrawesh, Cordelia Stewart, Calli Turns San Jose Boiler Works 20, Summit Financial 10 : The highlights of Monday Night Softball. Summit Financial's Hannah Deckinger had 2 hits and scored 4xs, Jasmine Ramirez played great defense at 1st base and Macy Mendes excelled at pitching. For the visitors San Jose Boiler Works, Emily(Elizabeth) Capas had 2 RBIs and Kayla Galvez made a great defensive catch at 2nd base. Audrey Simmons had 3 RBIs and scored 2xs. Top Players: Summit Financial - Hannah Deckinger, Macy Mendes, Jasmine Ramirez; San Jose Boiler Works - Emily(Elizabeth) Capas, Kayla Galvez, Audrey Simmons Tim McGuire Realty 14, Summit Financial Group 13: Summit Financial Group took the lead early and kept up the pressure till the very end. Gillia Lyon was an absolute star on the hot corner and scored 3 runs on offense. Grace Haubner went 2-for-3 and played hard for 5 full innings. Hannah Deckinger led the team from behind home plate while also contributing 3 runs of her own. Tim McGuire Realty did not give up despite being down early. The come-back was spearheaded by Violet Rocha and Naomi Chin; Naomi hit a bases clearing home run. Emma Seitz came in to pitch the final inning brilliantly and save the win for Tim McGuire Realty. Top Players: Tim McGuire Realty - Naomi Chin, Violet Rocha, Emma Seitz; Summit Financial Group - Hannah Deckinger, Grace Haubner, Gillia Lyon Granada Little League Granada Little League results: Farm: Cardinals vs. Yankees: The Cardinals played a great game Saturday night. Every team player recorded a hit and all players played well on defense. The Cardinals had a lot of fun playing and cheering for each other. A Division: Cardinals vs. Giants: Cardinals had a great showing at Saturday's game with its defense not allowing any runs to score and its offense producing 13 hits. Lane Curtin (P) took care of business during the 1st and 2nd inning striking out 5 of the 8 batters faced. Carsen Williams (P), 3rd inning, received a game ball for his hand in retiring all 3 batters. Carsen (P) to Austin Kral j(1B); line drive caught by Carsen (P), and striking out the final batter of the inning. Diego Silva (P), 4th inning, allowed no hits, retiring all 3 batters faced with 15 pitches. Top hitters: Logan Rothe, 2-2, received a game ball; Lane Curtin, 2-2 (RBI); Kyler Hutton, 2-2 (RBI); Zachary Lindstrom, 1-2, double. AA Division: Diamondbacks vs. Rangers: Great game between the Diamondbacks and Rangers. Rangers' bats were heavy with Wyatt Krauss getting three hits and scoring three runs, Sean Epps had three hits, including a triple and Bryce Berry pitched a scoreless inning. The Diamondbacks' Dylan McGee got a huge hit, including a 2-run RBI, Jack Swartz did a great job catching for the first time and Joseph Sosa had a solid game. Final score, Rangers 19 and Diamondbacks 10. Great game everyone. Majors: Giants 11, A’s 4: The Giants scored four runs in the fourth on a two-run single by Isaiah G, a walk by Kyle R, and an RBI single by Stephen G. The Giants' Stephen was perfect at the dish, going 3-3. Colin P paced the A's at the plate. Colin went 1-2, drove in one and scored one run. He tripled in the sixth inning. Royals 13, Cardinals 5: The Royals scored five runs in the sixth on a tworun double by Andrew B, a groundout by Aiden L, and a two-run double by Hunter H. Dylan B racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Royals. He singled in the third inning and homered in the fifth inning. It was a good day at the plate for the Cardinals' Lucas S. Lucas went 2-3, drove in one and scored one run. He singled in the second and sixth innings. The Royals never trailed after scoring three runs in the second on a two-run double by Samuel M and an RBI single by Jordan F. The Cardinals pushed across two runs in both the second inning and the sixth. In the second, the Cardinals scored on a walk by Ashton R, plating Eric H. The Royals matched their two-run third inning with two more in the fifth. In the third, the Royals scored on an error, bringing home Mateo W. Yankees 8, Rangers 1: Cooper M came up big at the dish and on the bump, leading the Yankees to a 8-1 win over the Rangers on Saturday. Cooper racked up four RBIs on two hits for the Yankees. He homered in the first inning and singled in the third inning. The Rangers had no answer for Cooper, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. The Rangers managed just one hit off of the Yankees' pitcher, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out seven during his three innings of work. Six runs in the first three innings helped the Yankees blow out the Rangers. A three-run home run by Cooper in the first inning supplied the early offense for the Yankees. Koston M couldn't get it done on the hill for the Rangers, taking a loss. He allowed seven runs in four innings, walked one and struck out two. The Yankees tacked on another three runs in the third. Calvin S kicked things off with a single, bringing home Ian S. That was followed up by Cooper's single, scoring Calvin and Jake S. Livermore American LL Livermore American Little League results: T-Ball: 4/11 - Raptors vs. Storm: The Storm played a great game against the Raptors on 4/11/15.Storm's Josh Hawley was awarded a game ball for his first big hit off of a coach pitch. Storm's Hawley also played great defense at second base and center field. Ashton Terkeurst also got a game ball for his strong hit down the third base line in the second inning. He also played excellent defense while playing short stop and he consistently fielded the ball while at third base. Brady Thomas earned a game ball for his unstoppable defense while pitching when he fielded and threw the ball to first base and got the runner out. Thomas also had a big hit to center field. 4/13 - Mud Cats vs Rock Hounds: The Rock Hounds unleashed their most powerful offense so far with every player hitting a pitched ball during the first two innings. Tyson Edgar, Brodie Bishop and Brayden Rutherglen all had power behind their bats in hitting doubles. Tyson Edgar was on fire with a force out at 2nd and 3rd. Colton Sullivan and Sean Gavin made many awesome stops and Daniel Snyder had a great out at 1st. Everyone had fun playing baseball. A Division: Cardinals 4, Athletics 8: Athletics' Lane hit two singles and a double. Noah also hit a double. Jacob hit 3 singles. Athletics' Patrick, Matthew, Shaunerson and Ryan hit two singles. Garin, Noah, Philip and Anderson all hit 1 single. Lane and Noah had 2 RBI’s. Garin, Ryan, Shaunerson and Matthew all had 1 RBI. Special mention to Athletics' Shaunerson and Ryan for forcing a memorable tag-out at 2nd base. Honors as well went to Patrick for making multiple close plays at 1st base and to Matthew and Ryan for their assists. Athletics' Star of the Game: Game ball to Garin for hitting, an RBI and excellent play as catcher. 4/15: Orioles 3, Rangers 9: The Rangers played a great defensive game, holding the Orioles to just 8 hits in 6 innings. Rangers' Erik Schock pulled off a beautiful double play in the top of the 5th. Teammates grabbed some fly balls, line drives, and pop ups that dazzled the crowd. Offensively, Rangers' Dylan Boyd was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored, and Devin Ingersoll, , Noah Blake, and Erik were all 3 for 3 with Devin knocking in 4 RBI's. Rangers' Star of the Game: Noah Blake 4/16: Reds 9, Yankees 13: Handing a very tough Reds team their second loss for the season, the Yankees were able to hold on to win the game. Strong efforts from Yankee's Geoffrey Huang, Benjamyn Marr and Luke Creeden offensively and Chrissy Creeden on defense. Yankees' Star of the Game: Geoffrey Huang 4/16: Reds 9, Yankees 13: The Reds started out with a bang against the Yankees, hammering 7 hits and recording 5 runs in the top of the first, but that would turn out to be the end of the excitement for them. They had a hard time putting much together after that and ended up suffering their second loss of the season. Lead-off hitter Ashton Marr did his part to try to prevent a loss by going 3 for 3 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI's. Ward Piazza was 3 for 3, as well. Reds' Star of the Game: Ashton Marr 4/18: Giants 3, Yankees 5: The Yankees prevailed in a defensive struggle against the Giants. Both teams showed good leather in the field. Clean up hitter Christian Jose was able to drive in 4 of the Yankees' 5 runs and made 4 defensive outs including 2 unassisted in the last inning to keep the Giants at bay. The play of the game was when Yankees' Vincent Betonio launched a strike to first baseman Mickey Creeden from right field to take away a hit from the Giants. Yankees' Daniel Correa locked down home plate with the best performance by a catcher all season. The game ball was awarded to Carter MacIntosh for a great defensive performance and hustle. Yankees' Star of the Game: Carter MacIntosh 4/18: Reds 16, Orioles 6: Bouncing back after their second loss of the season two days before, the Reds' bats came alive again, as they played some impressive defense in their 16-6 win over the Orioles. Reds' Ronnie Gomez, Jr led the offensive assault with a triple, a double, 3 RBI's, and 2 runs scored. Doubles were recorded by Reds' Wyatt Watson-Bird (2), Ashton Marr, Tyler Duprel, Colt Piazza, and Sam Flynn. Sam lead the team in RBI's with 4 and made some great plays at third base. Reds' Star of the Game: Sam Flynn 4/18: Rangers 19, Athletics 3: With everyone on the Rangers getting at least one hit in this game, it proved to be one of their most explosive offensive outings of the year. Rangers' Jayden Pimental, Devin Ingersoll, and Noah Blake all went 4 for 4, and Noah threw in a double, a triple, and 7 RBI's into his performance. Rangers' Erik Schock and Eli Watson-Bird were 3 for 4 and Dylan Boyd went 4 for 5. Rangers' Angeline Dillon added a couple hits of her own and was rewarded with her second RBI of the season. Rangers' Star of the Game: Noah Blake AA Division: 4/14: Athletics 5, Yankees 9: Yankee starter Luther Hart pitched three innings giving up one hit and allowing no runs to start things off. Riley Durrant came in in relief of Luther and finished the game off for the Yankees. Yankee bats were on fire with 9 runs on 9 hits. Big hitter Aiden Grout drove in three runs on two doubles including one in the bottom of the fourth to put the Yankees ahead for good. A solid five run inning at the top of the 4th by the Athletics tied the game temporarily but darkness forced a stop to play and secured the win for the Yankees. Yankees' Star of the Game: Aiden Grout and Jaden Vassallo 4/18 - AA Cardinals(7) vs AA Yankees(8) : The third battle between the Yankees and Cardinals came down to the bottom of the 6th when a sacrifice fly by Zach Peeso put an end to a Cardinals comeback hopes and left the final score 8 to 7 in favor of the Yankees. Yankees' Zach Peeso was brought in at the top of the second after Yankee ace Rylan Sullivan was pulled due to a sore arm after pitching one scoreless inning. Joshua Ramon finished it off for the Yankees pitching the last two innings. The Cardinals made a run for it in the top of the sixth after falling behind 4-2 during the first five innings. They scored five runs and forced the Yankee bats to come alive during the bottom of the 6th. And alive they came, with four additional runs in the bottom of the inning ending with the sacrifice fly by Zach Peeso that scored Kaeden Hudson and securing the victory. All in all, Zach's pitching and clutch hitting didn't go unnoticed as he was awarded the game ball by the Yankee coaching staff. Several key defensive plays by Cardinal players including two critical catches by Zack Bickerton kept the game within reach of the Cardinals. The series between these two teams ended on Saturday with the Yankees winning two of the three regular season games. Who knows if they will play again during the playoffs. Yankees' Star of the Game: Zach Peeso AAA Division: 4/11: Giants 4, Yankees 0: It was a pitchers duel Saturday night at Ernie Rodriguez field. Giants' Brent Johnson pitched 4 1/3 innings allowing 4 runs and striking out 4 batters. William Fuller was the shining star for the Yankees on offense. William was 2-2 with a double and a single. Yankees' Star of the Game: Brent Johnson and William Fuller 4/15: Angels 8, Orioles 6: The Angels pulled off a victory against the strong pitching of the Orioles. The Angels' offense never gave up.They kept swinging away and had several runs to show for it. The defense of the Angels also played tough forcing the Orioles to leave many players on base. Angels' Stars of the Game: Amelia Sanchez and Craig Magnesium 4/18: Orioles 9, Rangers 5: After a heart-stopping 12-11 win last week (game ball to Vinnie for triple in the last inning), the Rangers were unable to defeat the Orioles in their early Stop Your Pain! Are you experiencing significant pain at your neck, shoulder, back…? WE CAN HELP!!! Safe • Effective Natural • Drug-free Grand Opening! 30% Off with this coupon 11750 Dublin Blvd, #201 Dublin, CA 94568 925-248-2170 www.elim9968.com Photo - Doug Jorgensen The Foothill High School varsity baseball team defeated Granada High 6 to 4 in an EBAL game. The Falcons scored two runs in the top of the sixth to break a 4 to 4 tie and take the victory. morning game. Rangers' Star of the Game: Brandon Von (pitching) and Tyler Bury (hitting) 4/18: Yankees 13, Athletics 11: Fans were treated to a high scoring affair on Saturday as the Yankees and A's combined for 24 runs and 22 hits. On offense, Andrew Arante doubled for the Yankees and had two RBI's. Yankees' Griffin Sutton had an RBI single and Hunter Diemert was 1 for 2 with a run scored. On defense, the brilliant play of catcher Yankees' Nolan Dennis helped keep the A's runners from stealing any bases. Yankees' Star of the Game: Andrew Arante and Nolan Dennis Intermediate Division: 4/14: LALL Intermediate Blue 12, Intermediate Canyon Creek 3: Canyon Creek and LALL Blue met for the first time this season. For LALL Blue, Adam Chapman was looking sharp and throwing strikes to keep Canyon Creek guessing. Adam was also impressive offensively, going 3 for 3 with extra base hits including a bases-loaded double in the 2nd that earned him 3 RBIs and gave LALL Blue a strong lead. Both Nathan Jones and Zach Neal had an impact for LALL Blue as well, blasting key base hits and then coming around to score due to heads-up base running. Canyon Creek threatened early with a lead-off bunt single from Lucas Badcock, followed up by solid line drives from Diego Nava and Harris Nasrat to score 2 runs in the top of the 1st. However, LALL Blue displayed solid defense; Jack Volponi made several unassisted key outs at first base to end Canyon Creek's rallies early in the game. At the end of 5 innings, LALL Blue secured the win 12 -3. 4/18: Double Header: LALL Intermediate Gold 15, Danville Intermediate Aces 1: and LALL 8, Danville 2: The first game started with Livermore American holding the Danville Aces to 1 run with great pitching by Blaze Hill and Cole Gibson. Livermore American showed up and had a strong defense by the entire team. Livermore Gold Team came ready to play with their bats on fire. Blaze Hill, and Garrett Hamer both had 3 RBI’s. JJ Knight, Cole Gibson and Kyle Johnson each had 2 RBI’s, and single RBI’s from James Duperly, Tyler Morano, and Matthew Hagan. Final Score 15-1. Livermore American also wins game 2 with final score 8-2 over the Danville Aces. It was a great day for the Livermore Gold with every player contributing to the wins. Phantom Lacrosse The Livermore Phantom U13 Purple team got back to their winning ways this past weekend going 2-0 with wins over San Ramon Falcons and the Walnut Creek Warriors. On Saturday, the Purple team came out strong against the Falcons. After a few scoreless minutes, they took the lead with great passing and finishing from the attack. Goalie Josh Amick had another great game giving up only 2 goals in the 7-2 win. On Sunday, the Purple team traveled to Walnut Creek to take on the Warriors. The team got off to a quick lead scoring 3 goals beginning with face off wins from Dane Winslow, who gained possession and started the attack. Alden Dean, Lucan Neely, and Jake Herweg all had outstanding games in attack, while the Phantom middies and defense stifled the Warrior attack throughout the game. Livermore would go on to win by a score of 13-5. Guardian Knights The Guardian Knights Wrestling Team participated at the Concord Youth Center Tournament this past weekend preparing for the 2015 Freestyle State Tournament in Fresno, this coming weekend, 4/24-25. The GK coaches had the wrestlers enter only one age group, either Cadet or Junior, in the two styles, Greco and Freestyle. The 18 wrestlers who entered the tournament won a combination of 34 medals. Livermore Girls Softball Livermore Girls Softball Association results: Under-8: Red Hots 5, Diamond Divas 5: Red Hots' Jessica Guiterrez went 3-3 at the plate, she singled in the first, third, and fourth innings. In the top of the first, Red Hots grabbed the early lead, 2-0. The Red Hots' attack began with a double from Kylia Oki, a single by Alexis Traynor then moved Kylia from second to third. Jessica singled, bringing home Kylia. Red Hots pushed more runs across when Alexis scored on an RBI single by Kaitlyn Bosques. In the third Jessica Guiterrez started off with a single, along with Sophie McGinnis and Ginger Hopcus loading the bases. Lily Speckenheuer had her first RBI of the season with a fielder’s choice, then Donovan Morton blasted a fly ball to left hitting in two RBI’s. Diamond Divas quickly matched Red Hots' strong inning with a four-run inning of its own in the third. Individual Highlights: RBI’s - Jessica Guiterrez 2, Donavan Morton 2, Kaitlyn Bosques, Madison DeJesus, Sophie McGinnis, Lilian Speckenheuer. Hits - Ginger Hopcus, Kylia Oki 2, Alexis Traynor 2, Jessica Guiterrez 3, Kaitlyn Bosques 2, Isabella Draghi, Madison DeJesus, Donovan Morton 2, Sophie McGinnis 2, Lilian Speckenheuer 2. Red Hots lost 3-2 in four innings on Saturday. Kaitlyn Bosques racked up two RBI’s on two hits for Red Hots. She tripled in the second inning and singled in the fourth inning. Red Hots jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second. Red Hots caught fire (continued on page 8) THE GRILL AT Mother’s Day Brunch Give Mom the day off and treat her to a gourmet brunch featuring: Sunday, May 10th 10am-2pm ~ Champagne or Mimosa Toast ~ Gourmet Token of Affection ~ Elegant Ridge View Buffet Featuring Custom Omelet Station, Seafood, Prime Rib And Much, Much More Adults $45.95 Children 5-12 $16.95 Under 4 free Prices INCLUDE Tax and Gratuity Call early, our Easter Brunch was sold out Reservations: 925-456-8215 4280 Greenville Road, Livermore, CA www.poppyridgegolf.com NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR CARNEGIE STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA GENERAL PLAN The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks (State Parks) has directed the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) Preliminary General Plan, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and State CEQA Guidelines. The OHMVR Division is the lead agency for the proposed project under CEQA. Carnegie SVRA is an off-highway vehicle (OHV) park operated by the OHMVR Division. The SVRA comprises 1,575 acres currently open to the public and an adjacent 3,100-acre expansion area The Preliminary General Plan outlines a series of visitor experience areas and a detailed set of goals and guidelines developed to guide operations and management of the SVRA into the future. Proposed improvements envisioned in the General Plan include new entrance gates; a gathering area and interpretive facility at the Tesla Coal Mine Site, and other new gathering areas; additional recreational opportunities (i.e., multi-use OHV routes, four-wheel-drive technical course and trail/road system); additional picnic and camping areas; parking; a training site; additional maintenance space; a ranger station; a new interpretive facility; communication or technology support facilities; and a helicopter landing site. These facilities would be developed over time as funding becomes available. Development of these facilities would include site-specific design and planning and each project would undergo additional environmental review pursuant to CEQA. The Preliminary General Plan and Draft EIR public review period is from April 23, 2015 to June 8, 2015. The Preliminary General Plan and Draft EIR may be reviewed online at: http://www.CarnegieGeneralPlan.com. Hard copies of the documents are available at the Tracy and Livermore Public Libraries, Carnegie SVRA in Tracy, Carnegie SVRA Sector Office in Livermore, and the California State Parks OHMVR Division Headquarters in Sacramento. Written comments should be postmarked or submitted by email no later than June 8, 2015, to the following address: California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division c/o AECOM, attn. Carnegie SVRA General Plan 2020 L Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95811 Comments can be submitted electronically at: http://www.CarnegieGeneralPlan.com/ DEIR-comments; or by email: [email protected]. PAGE 8 - The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 Title VII Hearing Photo - Doug Jorgensen Silicon Valley Soapbox Derby held a competition on Cayetano Road in Livermore over the weekend. Pictured are two contestants racing on the course. The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District will hold an open hearing on the Title VII American Indian Education Program. The hearing is set for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, May 5, at Rancho Las Positas Elementary School, 401 E. Jack London Blvd. Livermore, in Room 21. This is a required meeting as part of the Title VII federal grant application for the 2015-16 school year. Next year's program will be described at the hearing. The budget will be discussed and approved at the meeting. For more information, call Mary Puthoff at 925-606-4748, Soccer Program Offers Options For All Ages and Skill Levels By Carol Graham To ensure that youth soccer is open to all who want to play and to support players' development both on and off the field, the Livermore Fusion Soccer Club is expanding three of its key programs: the Financial Aid Program, TOPSoccer, and the College Mentor Program. "As someone involved in the day-to day-of the organization, the growth and quality of the club over the last five years has been astonishing," said Director of Coaching Ben Graham. "As a club, we have never been healthier, and look to continue to provide the best experience we can." Fusion SC is the assumed name for Livermore Youth Soccer League, a non-profit organization started in 1976 that serves more than 2,500 players aged 4-18 each year. "The club wanted to be seen as a community organization that 'fused' together everything and everyone in Livermore," said Director of Marketing Tony Campbell, explaining the Fusion moniker. "It's also a play on the fact that we reside in the shadows of the Lawrence Livermore lab - fusion being a primary focus of research." Although the Financial Aid Program isn't new, it has grown significantly in recent years. In 2014, Fusion provided around $20K in financial aid, nearly doubling the $11K provided in 2012. "We do not want to turn away anyone who is interested in playing soccer due to cost," said Campbell. "We want any player who loves soccer to be able to play." Financial aid is available for participants at all three SPORTS (continued from page 7) after Jessica Guiterrez doubled, then Kaitlyn blasted a monster triple, plating Jessica. In the fourth Kylia Oki singled off the pitcher, followed by Alexis Traynor and Jessica who loaded the bases. An RBI single by Kaitlyn fueled Red Hots' comeback in the top of the fourth, but unfortunately game time ran out. Individual Highlights: RBI’s - Kaitlyn Bosques 2. Hits - Ginger Hopcus, Kylia Oki, Alexis Traynor, Jessica Guiterrez 2, Kaitlyn Bosques 2, Isabella Draghi, Donovan Morton, Lilian Speckenheuer. West Coast Soccer West Coast Wrath U14 girls qualified for the last eight of State Cup with a hard fought win over Fresno Chaos. The team coached by Kendra Perry included Tyler Enderlein, Janessa Sanchez, Kylie Karter, Camryn Hunsinger, Regan Mah, Sydney Myers, Kate Wallace, Allyssa George, Savannah Seals, Brianne Radliff, Cora Schwan, Rachel McCarthy, Kaila Vasconez, Francesca Hyde, Steffanie Angelo, Abby Hoobing, and Lindsey Phillips. Both teams started strongly with Fresno taking an early lead after a quick attack. Wrath settled back to play their own game and worked the Fresno defense throughout the game. Wrath came back and Allyssa pounced on a loose ball in the box to bring the game back to 1-1. Wrath’s defense of Savannah Seals, Regan Mah, Sydney Myers and Francesca Hyde played well throughout the game. They soaked up pressure and all took their chances to push forward and make the most of their passing skills. Tyler Enderlein, Allyssa George, Kaila Vasconez, Cora Schwan, Camryn Hunsinger, Kylie Karter and Janessa Sanchez worked to dominate in midfield and on the wings. Fresno came out strong in the second half, but Wrath continued to play well and finally broke through when Rachel McCarthy was rewarded for her hard work, and scored a fine goal. Kate Wallace, also playing up front, had some good chances to stretch the lead. Fresno never gave up and pounced on a loose pass, to bring the score back to 2-2. The game went into extra time and then to penalties. In goal, Brianne Radliff saved Fresno’s 2nd and 3rd penalties. Wrath’s Regan Mah, Savannah Seals and Tyler Enderlein scored to win the penalty shoot-out 3-1.Missing from the game due to injuries were Steffanie Angelo, Lindsey Phillips and Abby Hoobing. Fusion SC Fall Soccer Registration is underway for the Livermore Fusion SC Recreation and Select (Rec Plus) fall soccer programs. Registration is open through May 15th with both programs starting in July and running until November. While the Recreation program starts at the U5 age group, the Select program starts at the U9 age group. Over 2,000 Livermore kids choose Fusion SC as their #1 choice for soccer. To register a child for either of the fall soccer programs, or for more information, visit the Fusion SC website at www.fusionsc.org or call the office at 925-443-7570. levels of play: Recreation, the foundation of the club, offered in fall with registration currently open through May 15th; Select, a more challenging level of play also offered in fall; and Premier, the highest level of competition with the soccer year including spring and fall sessions. Qualification for receiving aid is based on income, with varying percentages granted. Additionally, Fusion will customize payment plans to accommodate individuals' needs. TOPSoccer is a second program implemented to ensure youth soccer is open to all. Fusion joined with US Youth TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, to provide a program open to boys and girls with mental or physical disabilities. The program, which takes place in August, began in 2014 with 17 players. "Older Fusion players are mentor coaches who come to the TOPSoccer games after playing their own games. They work one-on-one with the players with drills and scrimmages," said Campbell. "The program is free, with uniforms donated by Fusion families and registration fees covered by the club." Cindi Chase, an Adapted Physical Education Specialist, has witnessed the program's benefits. "Fusion's TOPSoccer program has provided a wonderful opportunity for my students to participate and play on their own soccer team. One student in particular has made a great improvement in his interest level and skill development. He is now able to kick the ball several times in a row as he moves the ball toward the goal, instead of just one kick and done. The coaching and volunteers, one for each athlete, are excellent. Thanks for providing students with disabilities the opportunity to participate on a sports team in their community like everyone else." Also new last year is the College Mentor Program. "As a club, we are building a college-bound culture for all our players, whether or not they end up playing college soccer," said Campbell. "The College Mentor Program is a resource for Fusion SC families, educating them on the complicated college search and soccer recruitment process. The program's goal is to help players find the best college, one that is a good match for them academically, athletically, socially and financially. "We begin working with our middle school players, using age-appropriate materials and exercises to begin shaping their college-bound mindset early. We want to inspire them to aim high and understand that only hard work will get them there. Our high school aged players have more frequent and in-depth workshops where we actively work on a particular piece of their college search and make sure they're moving forward in their process." The College Mentor Program, open to players at all levels, offers sessions throughout the year at which parents and players receive materials, resources, and handbooks that contain action lists for each grade. Further demonstrating Fusion's commitment to all-around excellence, the club offers players in the Under-9 bracket and older an opportunity to earn an Athlete Scholar Award Patch. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher receive patches which may be sewn onto uniform sleeves, sweatshirts or soccer bags. To fund these programs, Fusion SC relies on sponsorship and fundraisers. The 4th Annual Fusion Frenzy Golf Scramble, the club's biggest fundraiser, takes place Friday, May 29th, at Poppy Ridge Golf Course. Festivities include lunch, golf, dinner, auction, and prizes for winners of the long drive, closest to pin and putting game, while a hole in one wins a new car. The cost is $160 per player, or $600 for a foursome. To learn more, visit www. fusionsc.org, or www.fusionfrenzygolf.org. ext 3 or email her at mputhoff@ lvjusd.k12.ca.us. Birds of Springtown Birds of Springtown will be the topic of a program presented Sat., April 25 by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District ranger staff. Meet Ranger Patti Cole at 8 a.m. at Marlin Pound Park, 2010 Bluebell Drive. Join this program to make the spring migration to the north side of the valley. Come in search of wading birds and ducks in their breeding plumage, signs of nesting and raptors soaring over the grasslands. This is an easy walk on an asphalt path, appropriate for all ages and levels of birding experience. This program will last approximately two hours. Contact the ranger at [email protected] for directions. A $3 donation is requested to help support the programs unless other fees are specified. Participants may call 925-9602400 for more information. Crafts at Rincon The Livermore Public Library Rincon Branch will host two fun craft programs for children at the Rincon Branch Library, 725 Rincon Ave. These free events are for ages 4 and up. Celebrate May Day and Plant Flowers in Pots – Friday, May 1, 2015, 3-4:30pm Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder – Friday, June 26, 2015, 11am-3pm For further information, please call 925-373-5504, or visit the library’s website www. livermorelibrary.net. 40 Year Anniversary Livermore Wienerschnitzel franchisee, Farouk Diab, is the recipient of Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine’s 15th Annual Most Valuable Performer (MVP) Award in the “Spirit of Franchising” category. Diab is one of only ten franchisees in the country to be honored with an MVP Award, which recognizes the best and brightest in the industry. The award comes at a very special time as 2015 marks Diab’s 40th anniversary with Wienerschnitzel. Diab also operates several of the most profitable stores in the chain’s system of more than 325 restaurants. Career Discovery Fair Students and parents from Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin middle schools and high schools are invited to attend a career discovery fair on Thursday, April 30th at 6:00 p.m. This event will be held at the Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Avenue in Livermore. Las Positas College students are also welcome. This event will provide career readiness, academic planning and employment skills training with workshops and employer representatives. Workshops include resume review, proper attire and grooming for the workplace, portfolio building and mock interviews, financial and college planning, STEM based work opportunities, ROP/CTE programs and area businesses. The event is presented by CareerTrack Plus, a career and academic advising service founded by owner Laurie Erceg, a former Tri-Valley ROP teacher from Granada High School and a 2013 Alameda County Teacher of the Year award recipient. There is no charge to attend, but registration and workshop sign-up is required, as space is limited. To sign up email info@ careertrackplus.com or call (510) 305-5111. For more information on CareerTrack Plus, go to www.careertrackplus.com Sunflower Fundraising Sunflower Hill will be at Swirl on the Square to raise funds to achieve the goal of creating a residential community for individuals with special needs. Sunflower Hill is an organization working to build an intentional community for special needs adults that sustains and enhances their life ahead. Visit Swirl on Sunday, April 26, 2 to 6 p.m. Live music with The Ruckus Band from 2 to 5 p.m. 100% of OneHope Wine tasting fees and 10% of net sales from Swirl will go directly to Sunflower Hill. Come Swirl for the Cause! Swirl is located in Blacksmith Square, 21 S. Livermore Avenue Downtown Livermore; 925-447-1400 or www.swirlonthesq.com For more information about Sunflower Hill, go to http:// sunflowerhill.org. Scholarships Available The Bay East Foundation is accepting applications for its Scholarship Program for students who will be attending junior college, college or university in 2015-16. The scholarship award ranges from $1000 to $4000. The deadline to apply is Wed., May 6. Applicants must be residents of Alameda County, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must attend a qualified educational institution with programs acceptable for credit towards a bachelors degree. Applications can be found at Bay East Association of Realtors website at www.bayeast. org/membership/programs/ foundation Those with questions may email [email protected]. Duck Races at GHS The 23rd annual Livermore Duck Races will be held on Sat., April 25. Water concerns have left the Arroyo Mocho near Livermore's Robertson Park dry. Activities will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Granada High School swimming pool. This is a fund-raiser for Livermore schools and local nonprofit groups. Over $5000 in cash prizes will be given out to lucky duck sponsors. Tickets will be available at the event. Granada High swimmers will be helping with the flotation of the ducks at the pool and then dive for lucky winners. Boy Scouts from Troop 942 will then help net and bag the plastic ducks. The races are presented by the Livermore Lioness Club and the Livermore Y's Men Club. Each duck will have a number attached and assigned to the number on each entry form. The winning duck entries eligible for cash will be announced at the conclusion of each race. Individuals who submitted the winning entries are not required to be present and will be notified by telephone. For more information, call 449-1315 or 321-1123. Tickets printed by Camino Press are five dollars per entry. They are available from some Livermore school PTAs or write to Livermore Duck Races,PO Box 48, Livermore, CA 94551. TRAINS (continued from page one) In 2013, Heiman relocated to Pleasanton's Stoneridge Creek Retirement Community to be closer to his children - situated nicely between Markus in Cameron Park and daughter Pamela in San Francisco. Heiman was happy to once again recreate his railroad, elevated as before for convenient viewing, and welcomes neighbors and friends to enjoy it. "People say, 'I cannot believe you have a train in your apartment. Can I bring my grandchildren by?'" said Heiman. "Ask and you shall see. I have a circle track with two G scale trains - one on the siding and one on the main line. It's surprising how many people are closet train enthusiasts." Rail enthusiasm is a hobby with an international following that incorporates any or all of the numerous elements associated with trains and railways. Hobbyists, called railway modelers or model railroaders, have varying levels of involvement, from simply owning a train set to joining model railway clubs (California alone has more than two dozen) to creating detailed scale-model layouts using locomotives, rolling stock, tracks, signaling, buildings, roads, figures, animals, cars and natural features, like hills, fields and streams. Because of the G scale's size and durability, it is often used outdoors and is also referred to as garden railways. Heiman also has a 1/8 scale train which he keeps in his truck to run with the Golden Gate Live Steamers club in Oakland's Tilden Park. At Stoneridge Creek, Heiman hopes to grow the model railroad club he introduced. "Our club has ladies and men, but it's a very small group," he said. "At this time, there's no facility for an indoor or a garden layout. Here, we have trains from Z gauge to G, and everything in between, in boxes and crates waiting to see daylight." For now, Heiman will continue sharing his model railroad with friends and neighbors, while happy to know his son is carrying on the tradition. "Markus now assembles a setup at Christmas," said Heiman, "including decorating a tree with only railroad ornaments." As for the railroad that inspired Heiman's lifelong fascination, only a few short Livermore Cinemas age of adeline (pg13) 12:00 1:15 2:404:00 5:306:45 8:15 9:15 ex machina (r) 12:503:50 6:50 9:35 1:054:05 7:109:45 the water diviner (pg) paul blart: Mall cop 2 (pg) 12:002:254:50 7:15 9:45 FURIOUS 7 (pg13)–DBOX 12:353:406:559:55 unfriended (r) 12:302:455:007:309:50 home (pg) 11:50 2:104:306:509:05 monkey kingdom (g) 11:45 2:05 4:25 6:45 9:05 Cinderella (pg) 12:353:456:509:35 12:203:30 6:40 9:40 the longest ride (pg13) true story (r) 1:254:107:009:40 Insurgent (pg13) 12:553:506:45 child 44 (r) 9:40 preview april 30: avengers: age of ultron (pg13)-cc 7:008:00 avengers: age of ultron (pg13)-3d-DBOX 7:15 double feature avengers-3d 4:15 segments of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway remain in use today. By the early 1960s, much of the area's long-haul traffic had been diverted, leaving most of the railway's former trackage abandoned. The mark it made lives on in at least one man's memory. "Railroads helped our country grow, and still move a huge amount of goods every day," said Heiman. "It was great to see the huge machines move so much, and so fast." Joaquin Roofing (209) 277-1909 • New & Repair • Residential • Commercial Gutter • Inspections Lic.1000490 Fresh Produce Picked Daily Asparagus Cucumbers Onions Squash Green Beans Watermelon Strawberries Snap Peas Tomatoes Strawberries – $2.50 Per Basket 1969 S. Livermore Avenue at Concannon Open Daily – (510) 439-7618 Livermore Podiatry for all your foot care needs • Geriatric • Ingrown Toenails • Plantar Fasciitis • Hammertoes • Bunions • Sports Injuries • Custom Orthotics • Laser Treatment • Warts/Fungus/Corns • Broken Bones • Wound Care On-Site X-Ray Livermore Podiatry Sally Pham, DPM Podiatrist, Foot & Ankle Surgeon (925) 455-1555 48 Fenton Street, Livermore The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 - PAGE 9 Robert Douglas Anderson Aug 9, 1947 – Mar 7, 2015 A longtime resident of Livermore Bob Anderson passed away unexpectedly, March 7, 2015, while at the Rodeo grounds. He was born in Bemidji, Minnesota to Charles and Fern Anderson. The family moved to San Lorenzo, CA in 1949 where Bob spent his youth. He graduated Arroyo High school in 1965, joined the Air Force in Jan 1967, and served during the Vietnam conflict until Dec 1970 as a SSGT. He later became an Alameda County deputy sheriff in 1972 and served for five years. After exploring and living in Colorado a couple years he returned to California and work for NUMMI until his retirement in 2005 as a Maintenance Engineer. Although Bob never married, his life was full with family, friends, traveling, and his great love of western dance. Bob is survived by his older brother, Charles Anderson of Livermore, Vernice (Charles’ wife), nephew Kevin and wife Linda of Idaho, nephew Byron and wife Charlene of Livermore, and great-nephews and great-nieces, Branson and Alyssa of Livermore, Corey, Charlyn, and Connor, of Idaho. He is also survived by younger brother, Timothy Anderson of Washington, Christine (Timothy’s wife), niece Keri and her husband Nate of Livermore, niece Kaela of Livermore, nephew Keanu of Livermore, and great-niece and nephew, Nalea and Ben of Livermore. He will be missed deeply by family, friends, and his little side kick, Gizmo the dog. Bob was interned by means of an Honorary Military Funeral at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on March 30, 2015. Ruth Louise Hinkins Resident of Kensington, CA July 14, 1935 - April 14, 2015 After a six-year battle with cancer, Ruth Louise Hinkins went into hospice care on April 9, 2015 and passed away April 14 at her sister Jean’s home in Liverm o r e , California. Ruth grew up on the family farm in Wisconsin where she loved riding horses with her sisters and cousins. Love of animals was always an important part of her life and in her later years she rescued and enjoyed the companionship of dogs, cats and even rabbits. She also carried her love of music throughout her life, beginning with Belmont High School band and playing piano duets with her cousin Lois, playing the organ at church, and playing the baritone in the University of Wisconsin band. In later life she continued to play the piano and the baritone, though primarily just with her family. and friends. She was a member of the Club Mendelssohn Society. Ruth had many talents. She earned a BS and MS in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and she was very proud of being a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In those days it was relatively rare for a woman to get a graduate degree in mathematics and it was assumed that, as a woman, she would be a teacher. She was an excellent teacher and taught at Eau Claire State College before she moved to California to work as a computer scientist. Ruth worked first for Standard Oil in Richmond California and then for Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. When she was at the University of Wisconsin, a degree in computer science was not an option, so later in life she earned her MS in computer science at UC Berkeley. Ruth excelled at devising efficient computer code to solve physics and engineering problems and she loved the challenge. She never really wanted to retire and continued to work until her health failed. She was always creative and ready to start something new. We will miss especially her ability to bring fun and new ideas to our lives. There was never a dull day when Ruth was involved. She was predeceased by her parents Isabel (Strutt) and Russell Hinkins, brother-in-law Walter King, nephew Bill King and niece Lisa King. She is survived by her sister Jean King of Livermore, CA and sister and brother-in-law Susan Hinkins and Richard Gillette of Bozeman, MT. Family thanks the staff of Hope Hospice for their special care. Ruth’s favorite charities were for animals including National Audubon and Humane Society of US. There will be no memorial service and the family will bury Ruth’s ashes in Wisconsin. Louis J. Buserwini Sept. 28, 1930-April 15, 2015 Former San Leandro resident Louis Buserwini passed away April 15, 2015, after an extended illness. Born and raised in Oakland, preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary, brothers Angelo, H e r man and Frank a n d dearly beloved wife Betty. Survived by daughter, Susan Hunt (Grant) and son Steven, five grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Louis fondly reminisced of his days as a butcher at the salami factory and continued to make sausage with his grandchildren. He enjoyed golf, the Oakland Raiders and the A's. Louis was a former member of the Acorn A's, Elks Club, SIRS, Italian Catholic Federation and the Colombo Club. He also served as a reserve police officer with SLPD. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 2, 2015 at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Avenue, Livermore, California. Nathan “Nate” Hale Steele Nathan “Nate” Hale Steele, age 88. Born September 26, 1926 in Ada, Oklahoma; died April 15, 2015 at ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton, Ca. of heart failure. Nathan was one of 14 children born on a small farm in Ada, Oklahoma. At 17, Nate joined the Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Cornell in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war, Nate went to work at Standard Oil (now Chevron) and eventually went on to work at the Point Richmond Shipyard dismantling ships. In 1948, Nate began working at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a Materials Handler until moving to Livermore and transferring to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1956. He worked his way up to a LLNL LongHaul Truck Driver and then a Transportation Supervisor, retiring in 1986. In 1947, Nate married his “Sweetie," Vela Mae Abbott. They lived in Richmond, California attending the Christian Missionary Alliance. Once in Livermore, Nate and “Vee” became Sunday school teachers and Youth Leaders at the Christian Missionary Alliance church on 5th & J. They spent time ministering to the inmates at Santa Rita Jail in Pleasanton and hosted missionaries from all over the world in their Livermore home. One of the missionaries they hosted was Dr. Ardel Vietti, who went on to be one of the Christian leprosy doctors kidnapped by the Viet-cong in 1962, never to be seen again. This affected Nate and his family deeply. Nathan has now been reunited in heaven with his wife of 64 years, Vela Mae Steele (2008) and his 2-yearold son Roger Glenn Steele (1955) Nathan is survived by his daughter Deanna (Jerry) Haynie of Livermore, grandsons Roger (Samia) Haynie of Mountain House, Ca. and Rodney (Danielle) Haynie of Pleasanton, Ca., granddaughter Jessica (Daniel) Rippee and best football friend Thomas Donayre of Livermore, Ca. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 23rd at 1pm at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Avenue, Livermore. Anthony J. Silva June 10, 1926 – April 16, 2015 Resident of Livermore Anthony J. Silva passed away on Thursday April 16, 2015 at ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton. He was a kind and patient soul and will be missed by many. A n t h o n y was born in Livermore. He grew up i n Ta s sajara where his family raised milk cows. He lived in Pleasanton and attended Amador Valley High School. For the past 55 years, Anthony lived in Livermore. He worked for the Pleasanton School District, first as a bus driver, and later as a purchasing agent, until he retired. After retirement, he worked for Toys R Us in Dublin. He did volunteer work for the International Joseph Diseases Foundation and for the Lions Club. He was married to Rose Marie (Rogers) Silva for 57 years when she preceded him in death in 2011. He is survived by one daughter, Roxanne (Silva) Martinez of Portland, OR, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and good friends. Viewing will be this Friday, April 24, 6-8pm at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Avenue in Livermore. Funeral and graveside service will be Saturday, April 25 at 11am at Callaghan. Joseph Stanley Santos August 9, 1935 – Nov. 3, 2014 Joe was born in Maui Hawaii at the Punene Hospital, and died at Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek. Joe was a retired truck driver from DeSilva Construction and other Bay Area employers. Joe was a real Panioli, Hawaiian cowboy, loving to rope n’ ride. He also loved hot rods especially his ’31 5-window coupe which he took often to car shows. He was a kind-hearted friend loved by family and friends alike, especially by his car buddies at McDonalds on Chestnut who all say Aloha and Mahalo! Jesse W. T. Meadows Jesse W. T. Meadows, 89, passed away on April 13, 2015. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anne, who passed away on October 15, 2014. Jesse (also known as “Windy”) and Anne spent the last months of their life at Sierra Ridge in Auburn, CA close to their son and daughterin-law, Mark and Peggy Meadows. Prior to that, they were long-time residents of Livermore, CA. Jesse was born May 2, 1925 to Jesse and Blanche Meadows, the fourth of five children. He spent his earlier years in Chicago, Illinois and Las Vegas, New Mexico. After high school he enlisted in the Navy and served his country for three years during World War II. After his time in the service, Jesse earned a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It was there that he met his future wife, Anne. They were married for 64 years and spent most of their lives together in Los Alamos, N. M., and Livermore - where he worked 28 years as a nuclear chemist for Los Alamos National Lab and Lawrence Livermore Lab (LLL). After retiring from LLL, Jesse obtained his certification as a financial planner. He worked part-time preparing people’s taxes and advising them on financial matters. After receiving training by the IRS and State of California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), he also volunteered at the Livermore community center and other area senior centers, assisting seniors with their taxes and advising them on Medicare and health insurance matters. Some of Jesse’s many hobbies included jogging, dancing, sailing, hiking, reading, cross-country skiing, completing cross-word and jigsaw puzzles and playing cards. Jesse and Anne were avid square dancers and loved to travel. They took many educational adventures, staying in elder hostels and seeing the world. Over the years Anne and Jesse hosted exchange students from Europe and Japan, establishing longterm friendships with the students. While in Auburn, Jesse enjoyed listening to music, singing, and visits from his family. Jesse was a hard-working man with a strong intellectual curiosity and sense of responsibility. He had a sharp wit and lively sense of humor. Jesse loved Southwestern food (the hotter, the better) and Native American culture. He was devoted to his wife and family. He loved organizing annual family vacations up at Lake Tahoe. Jesse is survived by his 3 children, Mark (and Peggy), Karen (and Dennis) and Stuart (and Denise); 4 grandchildren (Kelsey, Taylor, Kyle and Austin); and brother, Robert (and Josephine). He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sadie. A celebration of Jesse and Anne’s lives is planned for May 17 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Robert Livermore Community Center, Palo Verde Room, 4444 East Avenue, Livermore, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Alzheimer's Association - Research Center at Alz. Org. National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Juanita Phyllis Bianchi Juanita Phyllis Bianchi, a native of Huntington, West Virginia, and a resident of Pleasanton since 1950, relocating from Oakland , died on April 19, 2015 at the age of 94 years. Loved by many and missed by all. Mrs. Bianchi was an Independent Paralegal for many years. She attended Huntington High School class of 1937 and Marshall College in Huntington, WV; graduated from the Paralegal Institute in 1974; a member of the Soroptimist; Past Matron of the Eastern Star of Pleasanton, a member of the Credit Women’s Breakfast Club and a Notary Public; a ValleyCare Thrift Shop END OF THE MONTH SALE This Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EVERYTHING IN THE STORE 1/2 OFF! 1911 Second Street, Livermore member of the First Methodist Church of Oakland and a Collector of stuffed animals since she was 18 At Juanita’s request there will be no formal funeral services. Cremation entrusted to the Livermore Crematory located at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave., Livermore, CA. Inurnment will be at a later date at St. Augustine’s Cemetery, 5750 Bernal Blvd., Pleasanton, CA with her former husband Milton Regalia and son Phillip Flowers. Contributions in Juanita’s memory can be made to Children’s Hospital, 747 52nd St., Oakland, CA 94609. Anju Bhatia Sept. 3, 1957—April 5, 2015 Resident of Pleasanton Anju Bhatia, a beloved wife and mother who lived by her faith daily, went home to her Heavenly Father on Easter Sunday morning after a 13-month battle with cancer. She was 57. During her memorial service on April 9 at Valley Community Church, her friends and family commented on her strong Christian faith and her beautiful ability to touch each person that she met. Her brother, Rajiv Makhija said, “I never remember her complaining. Her faith saw her through.” The Rev. Bob Ferro said, “Anju prayed for God’s will to be done.” Her life was one of service to family and friends. One of her good friends, Judy Woo, called her “angel.” Another sister in Christ said, “She wanted the glory of Christ to be reflected in her life.” Indeed, many at the memorial service remarked upon the beauty and wonder of Anju getting baptized with her three children on Good Friday and being called home to heaven on Easter Sunday. Anju was born in Calcutta, India and moved to Hong Kong with her family during her school years. After completion of her GCE ‘A’ Level exams she proceeded to the UK where she pursued her Honours Degree in Social Administration at the University of Sussex. Upon finishing her degree, Anju returned to Hong Kong and sat for the competitive examination for the Hong Kong Administrative Service. At age 23 she was made a Justice of the Peace. She had the distinction of being the first and only woman of Indian origin to ever be recruited to the administration. Anju and Tarun Bhatia were married in Hong Kong in October 1982. Anju offered to resign her position with the Hong Kong government as she and Tarun had plans to move to the U.S. Unwilling to lose Anju’s services, the government appointed her as Hong Kong’s Acting Assistant Commissioner for Trade from New York and shortly after she was made Honorary British Consul. Five years later when asked to return to Hong Kong, she relinquished her position to start a family. After raising her three children across Connecticut, Taiwan, and Pleasanton, where the family has resided for the last 15 years, Anju earned her Realtor designation and served clients within the Tri-Valley for several years. She was recognized with the Bayeast As- sociation’s Masters Award in 2012 and twice received the President’s Award. In addition to working in real estate, she was an active volunteer of Home of Hope, a charity empowering disadvantaged and underprivileged youth in India. She also served as a member of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton. Anju was appointed as President of the Tri-Valley Indian Association shortly after moving to Pleasanton and also spent many years supporting her children’s schools. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Tarun of Pleasanton and three children Sanam (Thakur) of Hong Kong, Mika, and Nikhil; her parents Bhim and Sarla Makhija of New Delhi, India; her brother Vineet Makhija of Sydney, Australia and her brother Rajiv Makhija of Hong Kong. Her youngest brother, Sanjay Makhija, passed away at age 21. She was buried in the Garden of Angels at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Livermore. The family prefers contributions in her memory to Home of Hope, 190 Tobin Clark Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010. www.hohinc.org. Hathily P. Johnson Pleasanton Resident Died April 17, 2015 Born in Southern California in 1924, Hathily was raised in the Pasadena area and went to the University of Arizona in Tucson until World War II when her mother wanted her close to home. Hathily met her future husband through a friendship with his sister. After her family moved back to Solano County, Hathily and Walter ("Brady") married and settled briefly on a ranch at Mokelumne Hill. They then moved to Orinda and began many adventures including sailing twice to and living in the South Pacific with their small children. Hathily moved with the children in 1957 to her father-in-law's Pleasanton ranch where they lived until 1979 when she moved to a house "in town." Hathily was a devoted mother and dear friend. She loved being a Cub Scout den mother, cheering on her children in various sports and activities, dancing around the house, family car trips and traveling. She played tennis with her friends at Castlewood for many years and was a founding member of the Golden Acorn Chapter of the Children’s Home Society. She was always smiling and cheerful. Hathily was diagnosed in 1997 with Alzheimer's and began the "long goodbye." She was pre-deceased by her parents, Marcus C. and Dorothy Peterson, her brother, Marcus E. Peterson, and her friend and former husband, Walter S. Johnson, Jr. She is survived by her four children, Walt Johnson (Pam) of Seminole, Florida; Marc Johnson of Pleasanton, Hathi Winston (Jerry Prettyman) of Pleasanton and Chris Johnson (Lori) of Sunol, along with 7 grandchildren. The family thanks Eldercare Services, Hope Hospice and Pleasanton Nursing & Rehabilitation for the kind care of their mother. Graveside services will be Friday, April 24th at 1pm at Suisun-Fairfield Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 8th. PAGE 10 - The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 2015 TVC UNCORKED: Familiar Music, New Players by Laura Ness Congratulations once again to all the winners at the 7th annual Uncorked Competition, to Jill Naughton, Kellie Hayes, Laura Mercier, Barbara Graham of the Tri-Valley Conservancy, plus the host of volunteers who helped make the competition something useful and meaningful. Heckuva job to pull a wine competition off, whether the judges are eskimos, kangaroos, chimps or a group of somms, wine buyers and restaurant owners. It doesn’t matter, because many of the same wines seem to rise to the top every year in this kind of judging, whether winemakers are on the panels or not. That should really come as no surprise. Wines made for massmarket consumption are typically made to a consistent formula that makes them easier for distributors and larger retailers to embrace. If they don’t have to concern themselves with significant vintage variation, all the better. So, we congratulate Murietta’s Well for once again taking “The Whip,” their easily embraceable white blend that finds broad appeal, to the top of the heap. At the same time, it’s worth noting that several other wines receiving top honors made their debut at the top of the charts for the first time, including Pat Paulsen Vineyards for taking Best of Class and Best Red of Show for its 2010 Petite Sirah, Dante Robere for its 2012 Syrah that took Best of Class and Boa Ventura de Caires for taking Best of Show Dessert for its 2009 “DePorted.” Familiar names like Wood Family, took Best of Chardonnay with the just bottled 2014 “Para Mas Amigas” that Rhonda wasn’t even planning to enter. 3 Steves once again scored a Best Sauvignon Blanc, this time for its just bottled 2014. Thomas Coyne took Best Merlot with a 2012, while Collin Cranor of Vasco Urbano won Best Red Blend for “The Sheriff,” a 2013 GSM. Stony Ridge took Best Zinfandel for its 2012, while Chris Graves, former winemaker for Ruby Hill, scored an in absentia wine for the 2012 Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon. Murietta’s Well scored another Best of for Other Red, with its 2012 The Spur. It’s worth remembering that among the things we have come to love about the Livermore Valley is its willingness to go full out after varieties other regions may not be so eager to rope and ride. To wit, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, all of which can be terrific as standalone soldiers. There were only three Merlots and four Cab Francs entered this year, an astonishing under-representation. Instead of having an “Other Bordeaux” category, wineries had to put their Malbecs and Petit Verdots into the Other Reds category, or, into the Red Blends category. Because wineries can only enter wines into three categories, they have to choose carefully to maximize their chances of rising to the top. The largest fields were Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Blends, which were all whittled down during an elimination round judged by winemakers who were former Best of Class winners. The criteria for judging was simple: award a Bronze if you would finish the glass, a Silver if you would buy a bottle and a Gold if you would buy it and share it with your friends. For the curious, here is the complete lineup of winners by category: 1. Four Other Whites: 2013 Trebbiano by Rubino Estates (S); 2014 Cedar Mountain Pinot Grigio (S); 2013 Concannon Reserve Semillon (S); 2013 The Whip by Murietta’s Well (G, BoC, BoS) 2. Four Sauvignon Blancs: 3 Steves (G, BoC); 2013 McGrail (B); 2014 Lola by Steven Kent (S); 2010 The Singing Winemaker (S) 3. Nine Chardonnays: 2012 Reserve Ruby Hill (G); 2012 Retzlaff Estate (B); 2013 Occasio (S); 2013 Page Mill (B); 2011 Nella Terra (B); 2013 DarcieKent De Mayo (S); 2013 Wente Morning Fog (G); 2014 Wood Family (G, BoC) 4. Nine Other Reds: 2012 LEGAL NOTICES FOR INFORMATION PLACING LEGAL NOTICES Call 925-243-8000 Pictured are medal winners in the Tri-Valley Conservancy Uncorked competition. Sangiovese Rubino Estates (B); NV Mourvedre Rios Estate (B); 2012 The Spur by Murietta’s Well (G, BoC); 2012 Petit Verdot Nottingham Cellars (S); 2013 “Norm” Grenache Vasco Urbano (S); 2013 GPS Page Mill (S); 2011 Malbec Fenestra (B); 2012 Malbec Cuda Ridge (B); 2013 Grenache Wente (S); 2011 Petit Verdot Garre (B) 5. Four Merlot: 2009 Picazo Vineyard McGrail (B); 2012 Occasio (B); 2012 Thomas Coyne (S, BoC); 2012 Cuda Ridge (S) 6. Ten Red Blends: NV “Syzygy” Entropy Cellars (S); 2012 “Supremacy” Nottingham Cellars (S); 2012 “Infrared” Fenestra (S); 2013 “The Sheriff” by Vasco Urbano (G, BoC); NV “Alfie’s Amalgamation” Big White House (B); 2012 “Moxie” Meritage Crooked Vine (B); 2012 “Trifecta” Stony Ridge (B); 2012 “Firepit Red” Darcie Kent (S); 2012 “Coccineous” Las Positas (S); 7. Three Zins: 2012 Stony Ridge (G, BoC); 2012 Thomas Coyne (S); 2013 Wood Family (S) 8. Six Syrah: 2012 Big White House (B); 2012 Crooked Vine (S); 2010 Fenestra (S); 2008 Thomas Coyne (S); 2012 Reserve by Dante Robere (G, BoC) 9. Four Cabernet Franc: NV Estate Rios Estate (S); 2012 BDX Collection Steven Kent Winery (S); 2013 “Los Tesoros” Murietta’s Well (G, BoC) 10. Ten Cabernet Sauvignon: 2011 Mia Napote (B); 2012 Reserve Collection by Ruby Hill (G, BoC); 2012 Thatcher Bay Vyd Rosa Fierro Cellars (S); 3 Steves Livermore Valley (S); 2012 Nth Degree (G); 2011 McGrail Estate (G); 2012 Smith Ranch Vineyard Designate Nottingham Cellars (S); 2012 “The Premier” Steven Kent Winery (S) 11. Ten Petite Sirah: 2010 Eagle Ridge Vyd Cedar Mountain (S); 2012 “Heine” Casa de Vinas Vasco Urbano (G); 2012 Page Mill Estate (S); 2012 Las Positas Estate (G); 2006 Heritage Estate Concannon (S); 2010 Pat Paulsen Vineyards (G, BoC, BoSR); 2010 Madden Ranch Darcie Kent (B); 2010 Eagle Ridge Estate (B); 2010 Charles R (B) 12. Five Dessert Style Wines: NV Reserve Solera Ruby Hill (S); 2011 Michelle’s Reserve Port Rios Estate (S); 2009 “DePorted” by Boa Ventura de Caires (G, BoC); 2005 Late Bottled Souzao Cedar Mountain (B); 2011 Late Harvest Syrah John Evans Cellars (S) Following a day of judging, we ventured out to explore some of the in barrel treats that winemaker Collin Cranor and his trusty sidekick, Julio Covarrubias of Casa de Vinas, had to offer. Collin’s recently promoted assistant winemakers, Alex Wolfe (Fresno State) and Ty- ler Kirby (Davis), had drawn the samples earlier and we set about dissecting them, Kirby and me taking notes. My husband joked that at least Tyler could probably read his own handwriting. We thrilled to discover the beautiful aromatics of the 2013 Cabernet Franc, which is the first year they got fruit off of Julio’s two rows of vines after grafting. Pretty aromas of raspberry chocolate mousse, dried cranberry, fern and lavender give way to a mouthful of cherry cobbler, pretty cedar, great tannins, nutmeg, ginger and a finish of raspberry tea with cinnamon spice. The 2013 “Five Star” Cabernet from rows on the East side of the vineyard, offers up elegant blackberry and cassis. These vines, on a rootstock that encourages early ripening with less overall water consumption, delivers clusters that are smaller and more open than the “production” Cabernet vines. The resulting wine is smooth, elegantly textured and layered nicely with blackberry and dark German chocolate cake. Collin and Julio both agreed it has an element of graphite: in fact, it’s so incredibly black, it tasted like Petite Sirah is blended in. (It isn’t.) Then it was on to the fantastic 2013 Malbec, Julio’s first off his vineyard, beaming from inside the glass with a gorgeous raspberry magenta glow. It’s been a dream of his to grow Malbec, and this is a righteous first effort, brimming over with aromas of blueberries, coriander, pinon incense, adobe brick and cigar, and flavors of red plum, red licorice and almond brittle. We finished off with the 2009 Petite Sirah, the initial vintage Collin made from Casa de Vinas. That 2009 is holding up really well with aromas of dark rye toast and molasses, and flavors of grilled figs stuffed with bleu cheese and wrapped with prosciutto dipped in pomegranate balsamic. The finish is flinty with a hint of Rye Krisp cracker. Julio plans to plant more clones of Cabernet, including 6, 30 and 337, as well as Carmenere. Ooh, ah, another exotic red that might prove itself worthy of the amazingly varied climate and terroir that is uniquely the Livermore Valley. Cities to Present Small Business Seminar Series The cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and their respective Chambers of Commerce join the San Francisco office of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to host the Tri-Valley Small Business Series from May to November 2015. The series is designed to connect the region’s small businesses with local resources and to celebrate the important role that small business plays in the region. In a recent report, the Bay Area Council Economic Institute found that the Tri-Valley’s business base is primarily composed of very small firms. Those same small businesses have accounted for a growing percentage of jobs in the Bay Area since 2000. By working together, the Tri-Valley Cities and chambers are able to provide programming that addresses the specific needs of new and growing local businesses toward sustaining the region’s outstanding business climate. The series will kick off with a proclamation of “Small Business Week” by each City Council during National Small Business Week, designated from May 4-8, 2015. Dublin and Pleasanton will present the proclamation on May 5, and Livermore on May 11. Each of the three cities and their partner Chamber of Commerce has scheduled an event that is open to all small businesses in the Tri-Valley.The first will be a Small Business Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Robert Livermore Community Center in Livermore. Pleasanton will host a “Tech Talk” event in July, followed by a “Meet the Lenders” event in Dublin in October. Information and registration about each event is available at www.dublin.ca.gov/businessseminars. The events were designed to provide ideas and information that support small businesses and start-ups throughout the Tri-Valley region. The series will culminate with “Small Business Saturday” on November 28, 2015, a campaign founded by American Express in 2010 to support the small businesses that create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods around the nation during the busiest shopping season of the year. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 502985 The following person(s) doing business as: Marz Construction, 22 Rickenbacker Cir, Livermore, CA 94551, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tony Fernandes, 7438 Hillsboro Ave, San Ramon, CA 94583 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant has not yet begun to transact business using the fictitious business name listed above. Signature of Registrants :s/: Tony Fernandes This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 25, 2015. Expires March 25, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3782. Published April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2015. SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NO. RG14739441 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDO): REBECCA A. DE TIEGE, an individual aka REBECCA A. DETIEGE aka R. A. DETIEGE; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in a proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Website (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. !AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir ensu contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion. Tien 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en lacorte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpia con los requisitos para obtener sevicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) oponiendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. March 18, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3784. Published April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 502018 The following person(s) doing business as: K & D Nails Salon, 4082 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Linh Ngo, 2151 Oakland Rd SPC 590, San Jose, CA 95131 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant has not yet begun to transact business using the fictitious business name listed above. Signature of Registrants :s/: Linh Ngo This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 2, 2015. Expires March 2, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3785. Published April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of CA, Alameda 1225 Fallon Street Oakland, CA 94612 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 503050 The following person(s) doing business as: Espinosa Martial Arts, 3550 Bernal Ave. #100, Pleasanton, CA 94566, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Ramon Espinosa, 7152 Pitt Ct., Dublin, CA 94568 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant began to transact business using the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/2013. Signature of Registrants :s/: Ramon Espinosa This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 27, 2015. Expires March 27, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3786. Published April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015. The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Jon O. Blanda, Esq. (CSB #217222) 3835 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite R349 Westlake Village, CA 91362 (818)716-7630 DATE: (Fecha): SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 s/: LEAH T. WILSON s/: Clerk, by (Secretario) ALEX MOYLE, Deputy (Adjunto) The Independent Legal No. 3783. Published April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 502484 The following person(s) doing business as: Kumon Math & Reading Livermore, 4072 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Anh My Le, 1762 Wickham Rd, San Jose, CA 95132 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant has not yet begun to transact business using the fictitious business name listed above. Signature of Registrants :s/: Anh My Le This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 16, 2015. Expires March 16, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3787. Published April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 502684 The following person(s) doing business as: Break-out, 2768 Elston St, Livermore, CA 94550, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): LaBarbera Group Inc, 2768 Elston St, Livermore, CA 94550 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant began to transact business using the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2/1/2015. Signature of Registrants :s/: Cheryl LaBarbera, Secretary This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 18, 2015. Expires Professionals Choice Real Estate Directory Local guide to the Valley’s Leading Real Estate Professionals & Services Ivy Mike Fracisco Livermore’s Top Producing TopEstate Producing Livermore Real Agent 2012 Realtor since 1999 www.IvyLoGerfo.com www.IvyLoGerfo.com (925) 998-8131 Residential • Commercial • Property Mgmt (925) 998-5312 925 998-5312 Fracisco Realty & Investments Ivy www.MikeFracisco.com CalBRE #01378428 REALTOR® CalBRE#01267853 BRE #01267853 Sandee Utterback (925) 487-0524 CalBRE#00855150 Cindy Williams Gene Williams REALTOR®, CRS & GRI (925) 918-2045 WWW.SANDEEU.COM REALTOR® (510) 390-0325 Specializing in Livermore’s Finest Homes www.WilliamsReGroup.com Over Two Decades of Experience! Gail Henderson Broker Associate, MPA SABRINA BASCOM Commercial • Residential (925) 337-0194 (925) 980-5648 [email protected] www.gailhenderson.com Cal BRE#01848451 101 E. Vineyard Ave #103, Livermore, CA Cal BRE #01709171 DONNA GARRISON SUSAN SCHALL 925.980.0273 925.519.8226 CA BRE Lic. # 01395362, 01735040, 01964566 Search Tri-Valley Homes for Sale at FabulousProperties.net (925) 337-2461 [email protected] www.PamCole4Homes.com CalBRE#01291147 KRISTY PEIXOTO AND COMPANY Estates, Ranches & Land Realtors (925) 251-2536 [email protected] Estatesandranches.com CalBRE #01256255 Cindy Greci (925) 784-1243 GRI BRE#01323804 Rebecca L. Evans Team Evans Excellence in Real Estate 925.784.2870 www.rebeccalevans.com Livermore Valley Expert CalBRE # 01498025 Dominic Greci (925) 525-0864 GRI BRE#01707140 www.GreciGroup.com Cristina Kaady RESERVED FOR YOUR AD. FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 243-8001 REALTOR® www.cristinakaady.com 1983 Second St, Livermore CalBRE#01402000 510.517.8958 925.824.4805 Rosanne Hoffman 925.890.4416 | [email protected] DRE#01254257 HomesAboutTheBay.com REALTOR® CA Lic. # 01960359 To Place Your Ad, Call Your Account Representative At (925) 243-8001 The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 - PAGE 11 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 502676 The following person(s) doing business as: Meritage Wealth Advisory, 1107 El Rio Court, Livermore, CA 94551, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Meritage Wealth Advisory, LLC, 1107 El Rio Court, Livermore, CA 94551 This business is conducted by a Limited liability company The registrant began to transact business using the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 7/22/2008. Signature of Registrants :s/: Ken Perine, Manager This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 18, 2015. Expires March 18, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3788. Published April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015. STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE NO. 502713 The following person(s) has (have) abandoned the use of the Fictitious Business Name: Dublin AutoWorks, 6351 Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568. The Fictitious business Name Statement being abandoned was filed on 3/18/2015 in the County of Alameda. The full name of Registrant: (1)Bart Shum, 200 Dandelion Lane, San Ramon, CA 94582 (2)Melody Shum, 200 Dandelion Lane, San Ramon, CA 94582 Signature of Registrant: /s/: Bart Shum; Melody Shum This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on April 3, 2015. Expires April 3, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3789. Published April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 503282 The following person(s) doing business as: Mountain Mike’s Pizza,1304 First St, Livermore, CA 94550, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MMP-1 LLC, 1120 N. Main St, Manteca, CA 95336 This business is conducted by a Limited liability company The registrant has not yet begun to transact business using the fictitious business name listed above. Signature of Registrants :s/: Jeff Liotard, Manager This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on April 2, 2015. Expires April 2, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3790. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 503283 The following person(s) doing business as: Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 1472 N. Vasco Rd, Livermore, CA 94551, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MMP-2 LLC, 1120 N. Main St, Manteca, CA 95336 This business is conducted by a Limited liability company The registrant has not yet begun to transact business using the fictitious business name listed above. Signature of Registrants :s/: Jeff Liotard, Manager This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on April 2, 2015. Expires April 2, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3791. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 503203-04 The following person(s) doing business as: (1)Triple Point Advisors (2)Experience Disc, 3266 Chablis Court, Pleasanton, CA 94566, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Gauri G. Reyes, 3266 Chablis Court, Pleasanton, CA 94566 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant began to transact business using the fictitious business name(s) listed above on March 30, 2010. Signature of Registrants :s/: Gauri Reyes This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on April 1, 2015. Expires April 1, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3792. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 503423 The following person(s) doing business as: 147 Emerson Street, 259 Alden Lane, Livermore, CA 94550, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): (1)Denise DeSmet Glasco, 259 Alden Lane, Livermore, CA 94550 (2)Ervin A. DeSmet, 4411 244th Street SE, Woodinville, WA 98072 (3) Richard C. DeSmet, 1377 Echo Valley Dr, San Jose, CA 95120 (4)Gary A. DeSmet, 600 Donald Street, Sonoma, CA 95476 This business is conducted by an Unincorporated association other than a partnership The registrant began to transact business using the fictitious business name(s) listed above on April 1, 2015. Signature of Registrants :s/: Denise DeSmet Glasco, Manager This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on April 8, 2015. Expires April 8, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3793. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 503546 The following person(s) doing business as: BottleSeeker, 6497 Aspenwood Way, Livermore, CA 94551, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Paul Moretti, 6497 Aspenwood Way, Livermore, CA 94551 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant has not yet begun to transact business using the fictitious business name listed above. Signature of Registrants :s/: Paul Moretti This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on April 13, 2015. Expires April 13, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3794. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2015. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 503251 The following person(s) doing business as: Morrissey Brother Construction, 1217 Wagoner Dr, Livermore, CA 94550, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): John T. Morrissey, 1217 Wagoner Dr, Livermore, CA 94550 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant has not yet begun to transact business using the fictitious business name listed above. Signature of Registrants :s/: John Morrissey This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on April 2, 2015. Expires April 2, 2020. The Independent Legal No. 3795. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2015. Valley Humane Society at (925)426-8656. Adopt a new best friend: TVAR, the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue, offers animals for adoption every Saturday and Sunday, excluding most holidays. On Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, dogs are available at the Pleasanton Farmers Market at W. Angela and First Streets. Two locations will showcase cats only: Petsmart in Dublin from 12:00 to 4:00 and the Pet Extreme in Livermore from 12:00 to 4:00. On Sundays, cats are available at Petsmart in Dublin from 1:00 to 4:00, and Pet Extreme in Livermore from 12:00 to 4:00. For more information, call Terry at (925)487-7279 or visit our website at www.tvar.org FERAL CAT FOUNDATION Cat & kitten adoptions now at the new Livermore Petco on Saturdays from 10:00AM to 2:30PM. We have many adorable, tame kittens that have been tested for FIV & FELV, altered & vaccinated. We also have adult cats & ranch cats for adoption. EMPLOYMENT 65) HELP WANTED Technician / Installer Positive attitude Electrical experience Field dispatched Van provided Full benefits Clean DMV req. ANIMALS Call Mark 408-621-0993 2) CATS/ DOGS ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, for adoption information contact WINE INDUSTRY SALES & OPERATIONS HELP WANTED Weekend sales and operations position in Livermore available. Part time initially working Saturdays & Sundays. Experience required: *Wine or Beer Making *Computer competency Full time possible depending on individual. If interested, email: [email protected] JANITORIAL Seeking experienced janitors/housekeeper with high cleaning skills for Pleasanton Ca. City Wide Facilities. Background Required. Start $10.per hour. Fax resume at (209) 957-0421 asap. BE WARY of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send money or fees. Read and understand any contracts before you sign. Shop around for rates. 115) ESTATE/ GARAGE/ YARD SALES ESTATE SALE Furniture, Appliances, Power tools, Dishes, Glassware & much more Saturday, 4/25 8:00AM - 2:00PM 143 Amber Way Livermore ANNOUNCEMENTS 155) NOTICES “NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www. cslb.ca.gov or (800)321CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.” REAL ESTATE Inland Valley Publishing Co. Client Code:04126-00001 Re: Legal Notice for Classified Ads The Federal Fair Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state law prohibit advertisements for housing and employment that contain any preference, limitation or discrimination based on protected classes, including race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. IVPC does not knowingly accept any advertisements that are in violation of the law. TO PLACE A LEGAL NOTICE OR CLASSIFIED AD IN THE INDEPENDENT Call (925)243-8000 e Sally Blaze Karen Crowson REALTOR® 925.998.1284 [email protected] apr.com/sblaze REALTOR® 925.784.6208 [email protected] KarenCrowsonHomes.com Sylvia Desin Cherie Doyle REALTOR® 925.413.1912 [email protected] apr.com/sdesin REALTOR® 925.580.2552 [email protected] apr.com/cdoyle Leslie Faught Linda Futral REALTOR® 925.784.7979 [email protected] LeslieFaught.com Broker Associate 925.980.3561 [email protected] LindaFutral.com Dan Gamache Kat Gaskins REALTOR® 925.918.0332 [email protected] TriValleyHomeSearch.com REALTOR® 925.963.7940 [email protected] KatGaskins.com Marti Gilbert Linda Goveia REALTOR® 925.216.4063 [email protected] REALTOR® 925.989.9811 [email protected] apr.com/lgoveia Anni Hagfeldt Elizabeth Hall Blaise Lofland Real Estate Group REALTOR® 925.519.3534 [email protected] AnniHagfeldt.com REALTOR® 925.250.0730 [email protected] LizHallRealty.com Gail Henneberry Gina Huggins REALTOR® 925.980.1900 [email protected] apr.com/ghenneberry Broker Associate 925.640.3762 [email protected] apr.com/ghuggins Kelly King Mark Kotch REALTOR® 510.714.7231 [email protected] apr.com/lkking REALTOR® 925.989.1581 [email protected] MarkKotch.com Jo Ann Luisi Tim McGuire REALTOR® 925.321.6104 [email protected] JoAnnLuisi.com REALTOR® 925.463.SOLD [email protected] TimMcGuire.net Maureen Nokes Kim Ott Broker Associate 925.577.2700 [email protected] apr.com/mnokes REALTOR® 510.220.0703 [email protected] KimOtt.com How Older Buyers Can Keep Their Property Taxes Low By Cher Wollard As people age, they often find the home they are living in does not suit their needs. Perhaps there are too many stairs, or the property is too large for them to maintain easily. Maybe the home is inconvenient to shopping or medical care providers. Or they may simply want a less expensive home in their retirement years. The dilemma: If they move, they fear they will exchange their current low property taxes for higher rates. After all, Proposition 13 ties property tax rates to the sales price. For example, a couple – we’ll call them Tim and Terry – purchased a Livermore home in 1981 for $180,000. Although that house is now worth over $700,000, its current assessed value is only $235,000, making their annual property tax payments approximately $3,200. That is because the county tax assessor is only permitted to increase the assessed value on property by 2 percent per year, unless the property is added onto or resold. If Tim and Terry were to sell their current house and purchase a smaller Livermore home for $575,000, their property taxes would more than double to almost $7,200 per year. But if either Tim or Terry is over 55, they may be able to keep their low property taxes even if they move. Propositions 60 and 90 allow homeowners to transfer their Proposition 13 assessed valuation from the old home to the new home under certain conditions. Those are: • They are replacing their primary residence with a new primary residence within a two-year timeframe • The new home must be of equal or lesser value, with a few caveats • One homeowner must be age 55 or older • Both homes must be within the same county, or within any of the ten counties that currently accept Proposition 90: Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, El Dorado, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego • None of the homeowners have transferred their assessed valuation in the past Homeowners who buy their new home before selling the old must purchase a house costing less than the sales price of their old home. Those who sell first and then buy have a slight advantage: They can actual go up slightly on the purchase price of their new home. If they buy within 365 days of closing on the sale of their old home, they can go up 5 percent. If they wait to purchase until a year after having sold their first home (but not more than two years), they may purchase a home costing up to 10 percent more than their old home. This is a one-time benefit, but it can be enormously valuable. For Tim and Terry, it would make a difference of $4,000 per year. Suppose Tim and Terry don’t really need this assistance or are planning to move to a county that does not participate in Proposition 90 transfers. They may be able to pass their tax basis along to their children, stepchildren or grandchildren. Proposition 58 excludes transfers of real property between parents and children from reassessment by the county. That means they could sell (or give) their home to Tim’s daughter, Jackie, and allow her to keep lower tax basis. Or, if Jackie and her husband are deceased, the benefit can likely be given to a grandchild, per Proposition 193. The property, however, must meet certain criteria. It must be: • The parents’ or grandparents’ primary residence. • Up to $1 million (per transferor) of real property other than the primary residence. • The result of a sale, gift, or inheritance. A transfer via a trust also qualifies for this exclusion. • A claim must be filed with the county assessor’s office either before the transfer takes place or within a certain period of time, usually three years. This is a one-time opportunity. You cannot both transfer your tax basis to your new home and pass it along to a child or grandchild. Nor will you be eligible to use it again in the future. So you want to think carefully about how to apply your eligibility. Tim and Terry are smart. They are consulting a knowledgeable tax expert as well as their local Realtor to help them make their decisions about this important move. NOTES: As of Monday, there were 81 Livermore homes on the Multiple Listing Service, of which 73 were single family residences. Pleasanton had 75 homes, of which 67 were single family residences. For Dublin, the total was 51, with 31 single family homes. Throughout the three cities, 405 residential properties are currently in contract. That’s up from 324 in March and up significantly from 296 in April 2014. Interest rates on 30-year fixed rate mortgages are about 3.62 percent, jumbo conforming rates are at 3.75 percent, and jumbo rates are at 4.125 percent. Cher Wollard is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Drysdale Properties, Livermore. Agents Awarded Better Homes and Gardens Tri-Valley Realty announced the recipients of the brand’s national 2014 Agent Production Award. The distinction is bestowed to real estate professionals whose performance ranks them among the best within the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand nationwide. These individuals were recently acknowledged during the Better Homes & Garden’s convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awards and receiving agents are as follows: Emerald Elite Award: Gina Piper, Cynthia Hochler-Gee, and Mike D’Onofrio all ranked among the top 2 percent Nationwide of all agents in the brand. Platinum Award: Adam Neil Golden, Rosie Yandell, and John Manos all ranked among the top 3 percent of all agents in the brand. Gold Award: Mia and Beverly Team, Meraj Khan, Jennifer Branchini, Sophie Aretta, and Tracey Esling all ranked among the top 5 percent of all agents in the brand. Silver Award: Earl and Andrea Rozran Team, Shivani Yadav, Alfred Zielske, Sue Fredrickson, Julia Korpi, Sandy Parkins, Katherine Moe, Cindy Whitehand, Linda Newton, Janet Cristiano, MaryJane Billowitch, Cynthia Dake, and Lisa Di Pasquale all ranked among the best within the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand nationwide. Platinum Award Diane Smugeresky Judy Turner REALTOR® 925.872.1276 [email protected] HomeBuyerSearch.com REALTOR® 925.518.3115 [email protected] apr.com/jturner apr.com Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has been named a Platinum Award winner and a Five Star Award winner by the Cartus Broker Network. The awards were presented at the annual Broker Network International Conference held last month at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. Cartus is a worldwide leader in employee relocation solutions. Platinum is the highest level of the Excellence Awards presented to principal brokers. Excellence Award recognition is based on performance results related to a wide variety of goals including customer service, cost management, and effective analysis and marketing of homes. Fewer than 26% percent of the Network’s principal brokers achieved Platinum-level recognition for their 2014 performance. The Five Star Award recognizes brokers who have met or exceeded their individual objectives for outgoing broker-to-broker referral closings during the year. “Receiving the Platinum Award and the Five Star Award is a great honor, and something that we worked for consistently throughout 2014,” said Peggy Nelder, regional vice president of relocation for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. PAGE 12 - The Independent, APRIL 23, 2015 Dublin Farmers' Market Opening The Belding garden in Pleasanton is part of the tour. Native Plants Featured in Annual Garden Tour Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, set for Sunday, May 3, 2015, 10:00 to 5:00, features 30 Gardens in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Four are located in Pleasanton, and one in Livermore. This collection of native plant gardens ranges from a40-year-old wildlife oasis to brand new installations, from large lots in the hills to small front-yard gardens, from local native plants to natives from throughout California, and from gardens designed and installed by owners to those designed and installed by professionals. The five families in Livermore and Pleasanton with gardens featured on this year's native plant tour hope to help change attitudes about getting rid of water-guzzling landscaping in the Tri-Valley by showing as many folks that there are many attractive alternatives. Following are some key points: • Native plants are very used to area weather patterns and don't require a lot of hot season irrigation to survive. • Over time, native plants have adapted to the critters that share the environment, and therefore don't need lots of pesticides to survive. • For the flower person, there are all sorts of annuals and perennials with colorful, distinctive blooms that can bring color to a yard while creating a healthy environment for bees, birds, butterflies and other critters. • There are all sorts of shrubs and trees to add texture and variety to a yard. Information about the free, self-guided tour of 30 Alameda and Contra Costa county gardens can be found at www.BringingBackTheNatives.net A garden guide provides details on each garden. Talks are scheduled throughout the day. On Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3 there will be a Native Plant Sale Extravaganza 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the Extravaganza a number of nurseries specializing in California natives, many not normally open to the public, will carry large quantities of hard-to-find California natives. Registration is required. Registrants will receive a Garden Guide containing descriptions of each garden and directions. Early registration is suggested to ensure a place. Visit www.BringingBackTheNatives.net to register for the tour, view photos of the gardens, read garden descriptions, download plant lists for each garden, obtain contact information for landscapers that specialize in native plant gardens, and more. Ward and Pat Belding’s garden in Pleasanton consists of a 1,700 sq. ft. front garden, 90% native Inspired by the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Ward and Pat hired Middlebrook Gardens to design and install a low-water, low-maintenance garden in place of their water- and energy-demanding lawn. The native garden reduced their water bill considerably—compare the water bills Ward will have on display. The garden includes a variety of native plants suitable for Pleasanton’s hot summers, including six varieties of sage, manzanita, coffeeberry, fuchsia, buckwheat, California lilac, and monkeyflower. The back garden, home to a magnificent oak and dotted with shade-loving natives, will also be open for viewing. Alrie Middlebrook will be available from 2:00-5:00 to discuss how she and her staff worked with Ward and Pat to design the garden, review the challenges they encountered, and describe the merits of the plants that were installed. Smart Start Creative Learning Center The Dublin Farmers' Market will open its fifth season on Thursday, April 23, at Emerald Glen Park. The Market will run each Thursday, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, through September 24. Due to construction of the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex, the Market will be held in the plaza at Emerald Glen, along Gleason Drive. The City will partner once again with the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA) to operate the Market. The first night of the Market will feature a performance by the Quarry Lane School Jazz Band and Orchestra at 6:00 PM. In addition to its weekly traditional farmers’ market fare of fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and hot foods, the Dublin Farm- partment of Rock (rock and pop favorites) "Dublin Cooks" (Second Week of the Month): This night will feature cooking demonstrations and cookoffs, where residents and local service organizations can show off their talents in the preparation of a variety of foods, such as chili and ribs. "Community Night" (Third and Fifth Week of the Month): This night will again provide local groups with an opportunity to showcase their talents. The Market will feature entertainment from local musical, theatrical, and dance groups. On July 16 and 30, the Dublin Farmers’ Market will feature its third “Dublin Idol” competition, where kids and teens in grades 5-12 will be able to compete to win the crown. A KKIQ deejay will emcee the event, and the sta- tion will present monetary awards to the winners. "Family Night" (Fourth Week of the Month): Designed to give families an opportunity to spend more time together, this night will feature games and activities for the kids, including face painting, clowns, and a host of fun and interesting shows and exhibits. Scheduled exhibits include a bubble artist, the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, and the Oakland ZooMobile. For more information about the Dublin Farmers’ Market, including the “Dublin Idol” competition, please visit the City of Dublin website at www.dublin.ca.gov/ farmersmarket. For more information about the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association, please visit www. pcfma.com New Clock a Landmark at Renamed Park Plans have been set for the April 30 rededication of a City of Pleasanton park and the unveiling of a new traditional street clock, both recognizing the Golden Anniversary of Rotary Club activity in the city. Formal ceremonies will begin at 11:15 a.m. to officially recognize the name change from Main Street Green to Rotary Park. The Pleasanton City Council unanimously approved the name change in July 2014, along with a two-phase plan to refurbish the 0.75 acre park just north of the Main Street Bridge at the intersection of Main St. and Vervais Ave. Ceremonies will take place on a new semi-circular plaza. It will feature a ribbon cutting and dedication comments by Mayor Jerry Thorne and other city officials. There will be a clock unveiling by Scott Raty, president of Rotary Club of Pleasanton; Tom Hall, president of Pleasanton North Rotary; and Carol Vander Meulen, president of Tri-Valley Evening Rotary. Formal ceremonies will end at about noon. The three clubs donated the $17,000 clock, standard and commemorative granite base to the city as part of its 50 Years of Rotary in Pleasanton celebration. The 14-foot-tall time piece can easily be seen on Main Street. OpenED Feb. 2, 2015 Preschool: 2 Years - First Grade Entry Now enrolling students: Current Openings, Summer and Fall Enrollment. Call or e-mail for a tour. (925) 455-0793 www.thesmartstartpreschool.com [email protected] Eco-Friendly • Hands-On • Creative Learning Community Compost Giveaway Enjoy the Fruits of YOUR Labor! When you place food scraps, food-soiled papers, and yard trimmings in your Organics cart, it gets processed into rich compost. This compost is now available for you to put back into your garden! Pick up your 2 complimentary bags of compost at: WHERE: City of Livermore Maintenance Service Center 3500 Robertson Park Road WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2015 TIME: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or while supplies last (Limit 2 bags per Livermore household, ID required*) This event is brought to you by City of Livermore Public Works. For more info, please visit www.LivermoreRecycles.com For more information, contact us at: [email protected] or (925) 960-8015 ers’ Market will also feature weekly special events, such as free music, wine and beer tastings, cook-offs, local entertainment, and children’s games and activities. The City’s weekly themes this year include: "First Thursdays" (First Week of the Month): The "First Thursday" events will include musical performances, in addition to beer and wine tastings from local breweries and vintners. A full line-up of free, staged concerts returns this year, after a two-year hiatus. The following bands are scheduled to perform: May 7: Stealin’ Chicago (Chicago tribute band) June 4: Tom Rigney and Flambeau (zydeco) July 2: The Fundamentals (rock and pop favorites) August 6: Caravanserai (Santana tribute band) September 3: The De- *ID may include driver license or utility bill We’re Social facebook.com/cityoflivermore twitter.com/cityoflivermore www.nextdoor.com recognizes the service organization’s impact since the Rotary International granted a charter for the city’s first club, Rotary Club of Pleasanton on June 15, 1965. Pleasanton North Rotary and the Tri-Valley club were chartered in 1987 and 2002, respectively. In combination, the three groups have donated millions of dollars of financial aid and thousands of hours of hands-on Photo - Jack Ligon A new street clock recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Rotary Club is put in place. First-phase park construction has been completed. It includes plaza lighting, a semi-circular shade trellis, game tables and chairs, drought-resistant grass, trees, paths, and access to the nearby Arroyo Del Valle Trail. Proposed phase-two renovations call for two bocce ball courts, a group picnic area, a drought-resistant garden demonstration project, public art, and a parking lot at the east end of the property. The 50-Years of Rotary in Pleasanton Celebration assistance to needy individuals, organizations, and international projects. Other events include a free historical exhibit covering five decades of Rotary in Pleasanton May 6 to Aug. 2 at the Museum on Main and a gala dinner-dance open to the public at Castlewood Country on May 8. For tickets, see www.pleasantonrotary50.org. THE INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 • SECTION A Anna Lorenz Featured Del Valle Fine Arts Debuts Young Artist Showcase By Carol Graham Part of art is experimentation - a freedom from the restraints of formula and preconception that is, quite often, the birthplace of magic. Del Valle Fine Arts is showing they share the artist's spirit. For the first time, the organization will open its featured concert, Duo Rendezvous on May 2nd, with a "Young Artist Showcase" preconcert. "This is an experiment and the first time we’ve featured young talent in this way," said Del Valle Fine Arts (DVFA) Board Member Jo Ann Koopman. "The Young Artist Showcase is a way to build interest among students in the area, and is also a gift to the patrons of our five concerts during the year. Anna’s name came up immediately because we knew that our 'page turner' has an amazing talent as a harpist." Anna Lorenz, 20, a former page turner for pianists performing at the Bankhead Theater, began playing the piano at age two and the harp at age eight. "While the harp is certainly viewed as a beautiful instrument, it is less frequently seen as a serious one," said Lorenz. "Seeing the harp in a solo recital is, in my opinion, the best way to see what the harp is all about." At 7 p.m., Lorenz will take the stage with her Lyon and Healy Concert Grand pedal harp. "It has 47 strings and seven pedals which change the pitch of the strings enabling me to play music in different keys," she said. "I've planned my program to include pieces that were all written at the prime of harp composition, and which show the great technical and emotional versatility of the instrument." Duo Rendezvous, the featured concert, follows at 8 p.m. "Violinist Jasper Wood and guitarist Daniel Bolshoy formed the Duo Rendezvous as a way to use their dazzling virtuosity in an entertaining way," said Koopman. "They want to show the audience that style, charm and expert talent can come from the guys next door." Along with being professors at Vancouver's University of British Columbia, Wood and Bolshoy have appeared both as soloists with leading orchestras and as solo recitalists throughout North America and around the world. The Duo is defined by passion for performance and love of virtuosic and intimate music. Their concerts feature musical imagery ranging from the brothels of Buenos Aires to the cafés of Paris. They aim to excite audiences about great music - whether classical, jazz or world. Duo Rendezvous is the final DVFA concert of the season. Each year, the Livermore organization presents five concerts, which regularly include a string quartet and piano recital, along with special events. Now in its 37th season, DVFA focuses on bringing world-class chamber music to the Tri-Valley area and introducing local children to classical music. "We use donations and grants to bring artists to schools for presentations of classical music, especially schools where students may otherwise not be exposed to music appreciation," said Koopman. "Artists interact with kids through demonstrations, and asking and answering questions. DVFA is also proud to be able to provide free concert tickets to young people through high-school age." Lorenz herself grew up in Livermore, although last spring she received a scholarship to Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where she is currently finishing her first year. Locally, she has performed extensively, including at Valley Dance Theatre’s production of "The Nutcracker," the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society Founder's Day Concert, and the Open Heart Kitchen fundraising concert "Food for the Soul." The Duo Rendezvous and Young Artist Show(continued on page 7) Anna Lorenz at the harp. Photo - Doug Jorgensen 2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 Fresh Works 5: 73 Artists Chosen in Juried Exhibition Public Opening Reception May 2; “Artful Bouquets” Floral Response Event May 9 The fifth annual Fresh Works exhibition will be on display at the Harrington Gallery at the Firehouse Arts Center starting May 2. The juried installation is comprised of works in a wide variety of media, including oil, watercolor, photography, sculpture, and drawing. All art work is original, completed within the last two years, and not previously exhibited in Pleasanton. The exhibition opens Saturday, May 2 with a gala Artists’ Reception, and runs through June 6. The Artist’s Reception on May 2 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. will offer an opportunity for guests to chat with the artists. The reception will also include an Awards Ceremony, recognizing the juror’s outstanding selections, including several cash awards and honorable mention ribbons. In addition, this year one artist will be honored with the $650 Gary and Nancy Harrington Award to be presented by the donors. Light refreshments will be served. The reception is free. It is open to the public. The “Artful Bouquets” Response Event will be held during open gallery hours on Saturday, May 9 from 11:00-3:00, as part of Pleasanton’s Big Draw festival. On view for just that day will be unique live floral arrangements created in response to selected works in the exhibit. The bouquets will be displayed near their inspiration pieces. In addi- Diva - Laura Spiegel On the Fence - Susan Helmer Pleasanton and Livermore. Fort Bragg Winter - Holly Savas Crosswalk - Kaethe Bealer tion, the Harrington Gallery will open the historically reconstructed Engine Bay Doors, in order for the public to enjoy the gallery (and floral response pieces) with natural light streaming through the opened wall. The juror for this year’s selections is Philip Linhares, the now-retired Chief Curator of Art at the Oakland Museum. After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees at California College of Arts and Crafts (now California College of the Arts), Linhares began his career as a practicing artist, but fairly quickly took on curatorial and faculty duties at various institutions, which developed into a distinguished body of work as curator and juror, notably as Director of Exhibitions at San Francisco Art Institute, Director of Mills College Art Gallery, and of course his 21 year tenure at the Oakland Museum. One hundred and fiftytwo artists submitted a total of 415 works for consideration this spring, resulting in 75 pieces from 73 artists being accepted. The artists hail from across the greater Bay Area, including Orinda, Richmond, San Pablo, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Oakland, and of course Just a few examples from the stellar roster of artists for this show include the following local artists familiar to Tri-Valley art-followers: Ron Rigge, Claudette McDermott, Marti Keeth, Robert Huberman, Sally Haig, Lynn Hall, and Sue Evans. Casting a wider net, notable Bay Area names include prolific Antioch painter Andre Salvador, Dmitry Grudsky of Newark who has a commissioned public art piece in Pleasanton (at Valle Vista Park), Saratoga residents Amy and Vincent Liu (Vincent created the firefighter homage paintings recently exhibited in the Grand Atrium), Danville artist Peggy Magovern (teacher of the popular pencil art sessions at the Firehouse), and accomplished painter Ed Lucey of Los Gatos. The Harrington Gallery is located inside the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton, Calif. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and also one hour before most performances and during intermissions. Admission for this exhibit is free. Donations are gratefully accepted. Livermore Library to Host Star Wars Day on May 2 The Livermore Public Library will host Star Wars Day on Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Civic Center Library, 1188 South Livermore Avenue. There will be Star Wars themed games and crafts as well as costumed characters available for photos. New Star Wars books will also be available for check-out. This free event is for all ages. Costumes are welcome. For further information, please call 925-373-5504, or visit the library’s website www.livermorelibrary.net. THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 3 Creatures of Impulse Presents Tri-Valley High: Intergalactic 2015 Improv is just an exciting theatrical medium.” Creatures of Impulse’s efforts have been lauded statewide, not only for their high caliber training and performances, but also for their community and local business out-reach, offering theatrical improvisation classes, workshops, camps, and performances that bring youth and teens together to engage in the supportive culture of teen improv. General admission tickets: $5 students, $10 adults. Tickets can be purchased online at www.firehousearts.org, by calling 925-931-4848, and in person at the Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Box Office hours are Wednesday - Friday 12:00 noon-6:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm, and two hours prior to the performance. Free parking. Pictured are Scott Rowland, left; and Briana Marquez. Photo - Aaron Zwiefel Photography B A N K H E A D T H E A T E R 14 / 15 Creatures of Impulse (COI) teen improv troupe is gearing up for their annual spring classic, “TriValley High.” Full-blown, fully improvised musical theater productions are created from scratch each night, complete with fresh new characters, stories, scenes and songs inspired by audience suggestions and participation. This year the troupe takes up the Sci-Fi gauntlet, with their new show Tri-Valley High: Intergalactic 2015. The show happens over three consecutive nights, May 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. on the Firehouse Arts Center main stage, with two free Preview Nights of the improvised scifi adventure on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. (no tickets required). Audiences can enjoy just one or two of the shows, or come to all nights: each show is completely different…viva improv. Each night, COI members will take suggestions from the audience at the beginning of the show, then use them to create completely improvised teen sci-fi musicals from start to finish. The troupe will not know what characters they will play until the show starts, and won’t know what songs they will sing until they start singing them. Says COI founder and director Mark Duncanson, “This year I decided to challenge COI members with an improvised teen sci-fi musical based on my love for sci-fi and what I have seen COI accomplish with bringing the teen story to the stage.” Duncanson, himself recipient of the 2012 Martin Luther King Legacy Award, is a seasoned graduate of the Bay Area Theater Sports improv program, and continuing professional performer himself. He developed his love for long-form, story-based improv in 1994 when he was cast in “Liquid Soap,” an improvised episodic soap-opera based out of San Francisco. Regarding the world of youth improv, he states, “As a youth worker and teaching artist, I aim to push boundaries and give people what they don’t expect. I have had COI members try to talk themselves out of being in an improvised musical because they didn’t think they could do it, only to discover they have a hidden talent for improvised rap, or that they actually have a great singing voice. Dark Side of the Moon CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE—PINK FLOYD Sat APR 25 8pm San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers ALASDAIR FRASER, MUSICAL DIRECTOR Sun APR 26 2pm The Capitol Steps PUTTING THE “MOCK” IN DEMOCRACY Fri MAY 1 8pm Duo Rendezvous DEL VALLE FINE ARTS Sat MAY 2 8pm Art Made Easy Show and Reception Set Olympia National Park Watercolor by Nancy Chan The public is invited to the 22nd Year of Art Made Easy Reception and Show on May 4, 7 p.m. to 9. The show will be on display at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. Refreshments will be served. Works representing are created during Fall, Winter and Spring Classes will be exhibited Monday, May 4 starting at noon through Friday, May 8 at noon. An Evening with Boston Brass AND AVHS WIND ENSEMBLE Tue MAY 5 7pm Simply Sinatra STEVE LIPPIA AND HIS BIG BAND Thu MAY 7 7:30pm A Still Life Watercolor Collage by Cynthia Altman come by BUY TICKETS 925.373.6800 bankheadtheater.org 2400 First Street, Livermore click call 4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 Classic Albums Live Recreates Pink Floyd Masterpiece “Dark Side of the Moon” Boston Brass Amador Music Program to Host the Boston Brass for a Master Class and Performance The Amador Valley High School Music Program will host the distinguished Boston Brass on May 4-5, 2015. Boston Brass will be coming to Amador Valley High School for a 2-day master class and performance with students. Students at AVHS will experience a Boston Brass Clinic and Master Class, followed by a student rehearsal directed and coached by the Boston Brass—all in preparation for the evening concert on May 5th, where students will perform with the Boston Brass in a joint public evening concert at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. In addition to the student performance, there will be a full Boston Brass show including everything from classical arrangements to jazz standards. After the concert, Boston Brass members will remain in the hall to greet students and their families, pose for pictures, and sign autographs. This one-of-a-kind ensemble has been treating audiences to their unique brand of entertainment for 27 years. Through over 100 performances each year, the members of Boston Brass play to audiences at concerts, educational venues, and jazz festivals. The ensemble's lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences with an evening of great music and boisterous fun. In addition to these solo performances, Boston Brass regularly performs with orchestras, bands, organ, jazz bands, and a variety of other ensembles. They have performed in 49 states and 30 countries and have conducted master classes around the world, including sessions and residencies at the Eastman School of Music, The Julliard School, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Peabody Conservatory of Music, University of North Texas, Royal Academy of Music in London, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory at the National University of Singapore, and Mahidol University in Bangkok. An Evening with the Boston Brass—with Special Guests Amador Valley High School Wind Ensembles, performed on May 5, 2015 at 7pm, at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore. Tickets can be purchased at bankheadtheater.org or by calling 925.373.6800. To learn more about or support the AVHS Music program, visit amadormusic.org. Concert to re-create Dark Side of the Moon performance. Every note of the groundbreaking Pink Floyd album “Dark Side of the Moon” will be performed on the Bankhead Theater stage when Classic Albums Live returns with its “note-for-note, cut-forcut” rendition on Saturday, April 25, 2015. Every element, no matter how small is replicated live on stage with faithful attention to detail, from the clock intro that opens “Time,” to the haunting vocals of “Great Gig in the Sky” and the unmistakable drumbeat of “Money.” Called a “masterpiece” by Billboard magazine when it was released in 1973, fans have obsessed for years over Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” with its radical integration of music and special effect sounds. Covering such issues as greed and mortality with a psychedelic touch, the songs have influenced decades of artists and still ring true today. “Dark Side of the Moon” was Pink Floyd’s eighth studio recording, but their first to reach number one. It has been reissued numerous times since, satisfying lifelong fans and attracting new followers, and has appeared on the Billboard Top 200 a record-breaking total of 800 weeks. “Dark Side of the Moon” was the first album Classic Albums Live recreated and has since become their flagship show, beautifully demonstrating their note-perfect mastery on one of the most popular rock albums ever recorded. Classic Albums Live’s shows inspired the Toronto Star to describe their performance as “just the album as you heard it before you wore it out on the family turntable.” Craig Martin founded the Canadian-based group in 2003 believing that classic rock masterpieces deserved a more authentic performance than commonlyavailable tribute bands could deliver. He specifically selects exceptional musicians who focus on playing the world’s most well-known and familiar rock albums with absolute detail and precision. Their extensive preparation process ensures they know the songs inside and out; they spend hours listening to each note carefully, finding ways to perform it live without any recorded elements. The Bankhead Theater is located at 2400 First Street in downtown Livermore. Tickets may be purchased at the box office, online at www.bankheadtheater.org or by calling 373-6800. THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 Invitation to Participate in Harmony Circle By Carol Graham For those who aren't quite sure whether to call themselves BraveHeart women, organizers of the 2015 BraveHeart Women Harmony Circle Tour want them to know, "That's okay. We're in a pivotal moment on our planet, and our beings are called to rise above the outmoded beliefs that keep us struggling as female indecision-aries instead of creating as female visionaries." This marks the first year the BraveHeart Tour will be stopping in Livermore. The Harmony Circle will take place Monday, April 27, from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. The event is free, with pre-registration requested. "The Harmony Circle is a gathering where women connect at a heart and soul level," said Lia Venet, Certified Holistic Health Coach and American Association of Drugless Practitioners. "It is a learning experience that is hard to describe in words. Each woman will take away her own unique experience. All that is required is to come with an openness and curiosity." The Circle, hosted by Venet and Monica Ferris, will take place at TaekwonDo Livermore, 971 Stanley Boulevard (next to Nob Hill). Refreshments will be served from 6:30 - 7 p.m. "Basically, the intention is to create love and peace together," said Venet. "This simple activity can help us to get out of our adrenal (stress) system and into a relaxed state where everything comes with ease. As women, our evolutionary programming keeps us in the space of fight, flight or freeze. Harmony Circles draw us out of the shadows, equipping us with the tools to collaborate and unleash our creative potential. It's about coming into a circle of sisterhood and feeling the potent power of collaboration in our hearts." Attendees may dress in whatever they feel comfortable - jeans, work clothes or yoga attire. "A Harmony Circle is not a religious, political or business networking community, but a global community of 400,000 like-minded women," said Venet, noting that the evening is designed to demonstrate the benefits of oxytocin, a hormone that according to the BraveHeart website, can lower blood pressure, reduce cravings, promote healthy sleep and boost memory. Livermore's Harmony Circle is one of nearly 40 taking place this spring, ranging from New York to Texas to Canada. The tour began in 2010. Venet added the BraveHeart Women's Harmony Circle Tour is funded by donations. "Wherever each woman is in her unique life is perfect and will be fully embraced," said Venet. "This is a place for women to be themselves with a sense of connection and belonging." For more information, visit braveheartwomen. com; to sign up: be.braveheartwomen.com/ht2015signup. 5 by Sarah Bobson Mitch Miller Anyone who watched television in the 60s probably didn’t escape watching a slightly built man with saucer eyes, receding hairline offset by a twitching moustache, and a pointed goatee, who looked straight into the camera and told the home audience to sing along. That man, of course, was Mitch Miller, and the program was “Sing Along with Mitch.” Beginning in 1961, when the show hit the airways, Miller became an American icon, a household name, mainly because of his distinctive look, the distinctive nature of the program, and his singular devotion to promoting the old-time American songs. The show’s diet of old-time favorites was meant to be a tasty alternative to the rock ‘n’ roll craze of the 50s and early 60s, but it only lasted until 1964. The country’s musical palate had changed, and the series couldn’t compete with the new taste in music offered by The Beatles and Bob Dylan. While it lasted, the series had a devoted following. Week after week, Miller would enter our living rooms and invite, no reproach, us, to sing along with his allmale chorus of clean-cut men backing him up like an army of singing clones. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, Miller was a natural for this type of show. An accomplished musician and conductor, he had also succeeded in the business end of the industry. At Columbia Records, he became a hit maker and career shaper for singers like Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Mathis, Doris Day, Patti Page, and Frankie Laine, but because of his dislike of rock ‘n roll, he passed on working with Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and The Beatles. So it wasn’t a stretch for this champion of songs that typified a pre-60s America to bounce into our living rooms and invite us to have some good clean fun by singing together. And who better to become our choral conductor and preserver of America’s televised song book than a man who, ironically, was born on the Fourth of July (1911). Each program opened with the beginning lyrics, modified somewhat, to the Scout Song, “Be Kind to Your Web-footed Friends:" Be kind to your web-footed friend, for a duck may be somebody’s mother; be kind to your friends in the swamp, where the weather is very, very damp; now you may think that this is the end … well, it IS! The melody had the marching beat of that good ole patriotic song, “Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Philip Sousa’s American marching song par excellence. It made me laugh, though, to see Miller marching in place, his face front and center on the screen, while singing this homage to ducks and webbed feet. I never did get the connection between the cute little waddling birds and Americana (I mean, they had ducks in the So- viet Union too), except that this was a Boy Scouts song, and I guess one didn’t get more American than that. The songs for each show rallied around a theme. The opening and closing numbers were sing-alongs. Sandwiched in between were the moldy oldies. My mother and I would watch and dutifully followed the bouncing ball across the top of the lyrics at the bottom of our screen. My father and brother refrained without much soul-searching to share in this family experience. I wished I could have done the same, but my mother insisted I watch with her because it was one of her favorite shows. So I would sit cross-legged on the floor in front of our small 12-inch Stromberg-Carlson and wait to hear Mitch say, “Now come on and sing along.” That was our cue to get ready, to cough up the phlegm and clear out the frogs from the vocal chords. The lyrics to the next song would pop up on the screen and the male chorus would begin to chirp. I seem to remember there being a little ball that would bounce from one word to the next to let the audience know what lyrics they should be singing, but I have read conflicting reports that the bouncing ball only existed in parodies of the show. Nevertheless, I would sing the lyrics to songs like “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon,” “You Are My Sunshine,” “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” and “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.” For my mother, songs like “Over There,” a popular World War Two patriotic song written by George M. Cohan, meant to spur the troops to march gladly over to Europe and whip old Hitler’s backside, brought back memories of when she was a young woman doing her Rosie-the-Riveter bit working on an airplane parts assembly line. Mitch Miller died in 2010 at the age of 99, one year shy of a century, but he’s frozen in my mind as that little guy with the goatee and the perky ferret face. Preparing to write this column, I watched a number of youtube video clips of the show. I found myself smiling, maybe because the song lyrics are so dated and corny and Mitch and his minions look so dated and corny singing them. Nevertheless, I found myself singing along all these years later. Why? I don’t know. Perhaps because it’s fun to sing with others. What’s interesting is that the lyrics came flooding back to me as though 50-plus years had not intervened between when I first watched “Sing Along with Mitch” in the 60s and now. Only this time I had a choice whether or not to sing along or to push the little white ball that did exist on the playback track to skip to the end of the song, or even to the end of the program. 6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 Review “Of Mice and Men” A Must-See by Susan Steinberg John Steinbeck spoke for the voiceless-- those “fringe people” just outside the edges of the American dream. His greatest play, “Of Mice and Men” is being brilliantly showcased by Danville’s Role Players Ensemble weekends through May 3rd. Moving, engaging, and irresistible, this hard-hitting work centers on two 1930’s drifters in California’s Central Valley. Like the migrant family in Steinbeck’s famous “Grapes of Wrath," these are simple people constantly seeking work, hoping to save enough for their own small piece of land. Unlike most migrants, they travel as a pair, unheard of by all who meet them. As the story unfolds, the audience begins to see the sad isolation of most “hired hands” on the ranch. What makes George and Lennie so different is their human bond, unlikely but sustaining to both. George, played with subtle wisdom by Shawn J West seems a smart man, saddled with the burden of his big, strong, but mentally childlike friend Lennie, a clueless but endearing innocent. Frustrated by Lennie’s unwitting ability to get them in trouble, George feels understandably angry, yet he cannot bring himself to abandon him. Partly motivated by a sense of responsibility, he seems also aware that Lennie’s trusting companionship is an emotional necessity in his own life, giving it a purpose and camaraderie missing in their fellow workers’ lives. As he observes, “Guys like us are the loneliest guys in the world...but we’ve got each other.” Those others may get along at work, but are as unconnected as pebbles, and just as likely to roll off in different directions. West skillfully balances the exasperation of a man driven crazy by Lennie’s repetitive questions and the gentleness of a caring guardian trying to manage a difficult child and keep them both employed. Much of his acting is done with amazing facial expressions: the visionary joy as he imagines their “someday” life on their own farm, and the blankness of his eyes when he realizes that Lennie’s actions have destroyed their dream. Kharye Moye’s Lennie is also a marvel of acting excellence, especially his physical changes, from enthusiastic delight to stiff apprehension and fear of a world he does not understand. Everyone in the audience is drawn to his engaging character, tensing at each moment of danger, and hoping against hope that everything works out well for him. As in his hit role in “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (RPE), his guileless sincerity and goodness shine out from his beaming face. Having seen more famous actors over-play these plum roles, this reviewer appreciated the effective and affecting style of both leads. Unlike most productions, this one is notable for the excellence of its supporting cast. Particularly impressive is Aaron Malberg as crippled “swamper” Candy, kept on the payroll only because of a ranch accident. With his usefulness limited, he is worried about his bleak future, like that of his beloved old dog. Snatching at a possible tie-in with George’s plan, he brightens hopefully, picturing a place where he can age and die in peace. Trying to defend his “stinky old dog," grudgingly acceding to demands to “put him out of his misery," and waiting in taut misery for the fatal shot, he gives a masterful, painful performance. Even lying dejectedly on his bunk, back to the audience, his grief is silently palpable. Most moving is his realization that Lennie has killed his dream, as he relapses into a shrunken, defeated old man. An equally moving actor is Durand Garcia as spinedamaged Mexican skinner Crooks, living in a lonely corner of the barn because “Spics” aren’t allowed to room with white men, or even join them in a game of cards. Bitterly resentful and intolerably lonely, he lashes out when poor Lennie enters his room. But sensing Lennie’s own vulnerability, he soon empties out his heart to the newcomer. He scoffs at George’s plan, one he’s heard so often from others, “Each one has a piece of land in his head, like Heaven. But nobody gets to Heaven and nobody gets to have a piece of land.” Succumbing to the dream himself, he finally begs to be allowed to join them. It’s not just the idea of a farm that attracts everyone, but their basic longing for a connection-- to other people, to a permanent home, and the freedom of finally working for themselves. Even a small perk, like deciding to stay warm and dry indoors on a stormy day seems like a heavenly privilege. Others also hunger for a human connection and the fulfillment of a personal dream, like pugnacious Curley’s beautiful wife, whose desperate loneliness precipitates inevitable tragedy. Crooks sums up their longing: “Talking is what’s important. A guy needs somebody to be with; it doesn’t matter who it is.” In the bunkhouse, individuals speak their private monologues, addressed to no one in particular, like Lennie and Curley’s wife in the barn, oblivious to each other despite their proximity. This is like the lonely isolation of Eugene O’Neill’s characters, each with a hopeful “pipe dream," in RPE’s recent “ The Iceman Cometh," and was a brilliant choice by director Eric Fraisher Hayes. He has given each actor a chance to fully develop his character, like bunkhouse mediator Slim, played with sympathy and humane sensitivity by Edwin Peabody. Hayes’ slow-motion pacing allowed a build-up of maximum tension before Candy’s dog is shot, with Whit’s efforts to defuse the grim atmosphere, giving Jeff Ennor a shining moment. Hayes even brings out the disillusioned young girl behind the trampish behavior of Curley’s wife, Lindsey Marie Schmeltzer. Unseen hero of the show is Carlos Aceves, designer of the amazing set evoking a claustrophobic world, fenced in by tall dark bunkhouse walls that limit the open stage area. The final barn scene becomes even more closed in, with hardly any room to move, so the audience shares the feeling of “no escape." Rob Evans’ creative soundtrack realistically evokes the night noises of the first scene, then the off-stage background sounds of the ranch, normalizing counterpoints to the tense interior action. His use of simple country music also helps create the mood, from the jaunty opening to the final haunting dirge for so many ruined dreams. After seeing many versions of this iconic play, I can enthusiastically recommend Role Players’ interpretation as top-notch. Don’t miss this standing-ovation-worthy production at Danville’s Village Theatre. For tickets, call 925-314-3400 or visit www.villagetheatreshows. com. Vocals and guitar of Queen of Hearts combo Kate Snyder and Don Stewart go great with a mug of beer. Beer Tasting and Sudsy Supper at St. Bart Craft beer might seem like a bumptious upstart, smack in the middle of the Livermore Valley’s wine country. But there’s no denying the current popularity of these beers, flowing fast and foamy from the area’s fledgling microbreweries. The local brews don’t (yet) come in bottles or cans at the supermarket. However, you can find them on tap at the breweries themselves and at several pubs and other purveyors in downtown Livermore. (The First Street Alehouse, for example, places a weekly order of 10 kegs from Altamont Brew Works.) Or, here’s an even easier way to get to know the locals: at the 2nd annual Beer Tasting and Sudsy Supper May 17 at St. Bart’s Parish Hall in Livermore. For the price of admission ($35 general at brownpapertickets.com), dine, dance and sample several brews during the evening, chat with beer pros about their stylish quaffs, and go home a connoisseur. Beers on parade will once again hail from Altamont Beer Works, Eight Bridges Brewery and Working Man Brewery Company, each tucked into a tidy Livermore industrial site. New this year will be brews from Sauced BBQ & Spirits, a restaurant with its own labels located in downtown Livermore. Microbreweries are those with a production under 60,000 barrels a year. (“Budweiser spills that much!” says brewmaster Dan Pelote, co-owner of Working Man Brewery Co., which produced 750 barrels in 2014.) But the crucial difference between our locals and the big three—Coors, Budweiser and Miller’s—is the focus on style over quantity. (continued on page 7) THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 The relatively small output allows the local brewers to tinker with their recipes and focus on the flavor. Beer falls into two main categories: ales and lagers. Most craft beers are ales, with a family tree going back thousands of years. Lagers didn’t show up until the 1500s. The basic difference is in the yeasts, but that’s as far as most beer drinkers venture. Let’s just say there are endless ways to blend hops, malt, yeast and water, and endless flavors to find dancing out of a glass. Sudsy Supper festivities are set for 5:30-9 pm. During the first hour or so, guests will start off with two complimentary samples for each person's miniature beer mug. Additional samples may be purchased. Queen of Hearts (vocals and guitar by Kate Snyder and Dan Stewart) will keep things lively covering hits of the Seventies and Eighties. Then there’s a pub-style meal showing off beer’s versatility—even in the chocolate dessert. There will be a choice of bangers and mash, Shepherd’s Pie (with meat or vegetarian), or roast chicken. Children’s meals will feature pizza and root beer floats. Each adult diner can wash the pub grub down with a complimentary bottle from either Lagunitas Brewing Company of Petaluma or Trumer Pils Brauerei of Berkeley. (Extra bottles may be purchased for $5.) The Mellotones, the popular local combo, will provide dance music from the Big Band era until it’s time to sing “Goodnight Sweetheart.” Advance tickets at $30 general, $15 youth (7-20) and $8 children (2-6) may be purchased from brownpapertickets.com until May 13. After that, they will be sold at the door, at $35 general. Youth and children’s ticket prices will not change. Childcare will be available. St. Bartholomew’s Parish Hall is at 678 Enos Way, Livermore. There is parking on site as well as on the street. 7 Del Valle Fine Arts Season Concludes with a Special Double Program Del Valle Fine Arts concludes its 2014-2015 chamber music season on Sat., May 2 at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater with a solo performance by harpist Anna Lorenz at 7:00 pm followed by the Canadian violin/ guitar duet Duo Rendezvous at 8:00 pm. Anna helped found Livermore’s Camerata Players, playing harp and piano. Her harp program for the May 2 performance includes Andante from Violin Sonata No. 2 by J. S. Bach (1685-1750), Oriental (Spanish Dance No. 2) by Enrique Granados (1867-1916), Asturias (from “Cantos de España”) by Isaac Albeniz (18601909), Etude de Concert Op. 193 by Félix Godefroid (1818-1897), Danse Oriental and Toccata by Aram Khachaturian (19031978), and Impromptu by Reinhold Glière (18751956). Duo Rendezvous unites two leading Canadian performers, violinist Jasper Wood and guitarist Daniel Bolshoy. After a short break, the Duo Rendezvous program begins with a chronological ordering of music: Bach’s (1685-1750) baroque piece Suite in A Major, BWV 1025, Saraband, celebrated violinist Niccolò Paganini’s (17821840) lighter and playful Sonata Concertata, the Pièce en forme de Habanera by the impressionist Maurice Ravel (18751937) and the Suite Populaire Espagnole by Manuel de Falla (1876-1946), one of Spain’s most famous composers of that time. The program also his life in France. Finally, the Introduction and Tarentelle by Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) is his most enduringly popular nonSpanish Dance short work. Tickets are $42/$35/$28. They are available at the Bankhead Theater box office, 2400 First Street in Livermore, by phone at 925.373.6800 or online at www.bankheadtheater.org. DEL VALLE (continued from front page) Canadian violin/ guitar duet Duo Rendezvous includes a South American flavor with Luiza by Brazilean composer Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994), well known for composing ("The Girl from Ipanema"; 1964) and Histoire du Tango by Ástor Piazzolla (1921-1992). Piazzolla is the single most important figure in the history of tango, a towering giant whose shadow looms large over everyone that followed him. Vittorio Monti's (1868- 1922) Csárdás, provides another intriguing composition, quite possibly the best-known example of Hungarian-style gypsy fiddle music ever written. Ironically, Monti was an Italian who spent most of case concert takes place at Livermore's Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore. Doors open at 6:30, with open seating for Lorenz's 30-minute pre-concert recital which is included in the ticket price of $28 - $42. "Every day I am more amazed by the harp’s depth of personality and its glorious solo repertoire that shows that," said Lorenz. "I would love to share this on May 2nd, and I also hope to give back to the Livermore audience for everything they’ve given me." To learn more, visit www.livermoreperformingarts.org, or www.delvallefinearts.org. Tickets are $42/$35/$28. They are available at the Bankhead Theater box office, 2400 First Street in Livermore, by phone at 925.373.6800 or online at www.bankheadtheater.org. Students through high school are admitted free, but tickets must be arranged by calling or going to the box office. College students are $10 on the day of the performance. 8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 ART/PHOTO EXHIBITS Call for Artists, Livermore Art Association Art in the Vineyards to be held May, 24 at Wente Vineyards is accepting applications from LAA members and non-members, 2 dimensional art, Photography and pottery. Request applications at [email protected] Imagination Expressed 2015, the Pleasanton Art League's ninth art exhibit at Museum on Main. March 11 – May 3, includes paintings, photography, baskets, pottery, porcelain and jewelry. 603 Main Street, Pleasanton CA 94566. Museum hours are Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 7th Annual Essential Nude Art Show, Livermore Art Association, April 24, 25, 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 Eighth St., Livermore. Reception, 7 to 9 p.m. April 23. Public invited to attend. Artists’ Flea Market, Sat., April 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. adjacent to the Farmers’ Market, Delucci Park, Pleasanton. Pleasanton Art League. Paint, canvas, frames, easels, paper, books, etc. Las Positas College Annual 2015 Fine Art Photography Exhibition April 27 - May 15, 2015 in the Mertes Center for the Arts Gallery, Building 4000 and in Building 2400 Hallway near Room 2420. Reception and awards, Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 PM Building 2400, Room 2420. 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore. Fresh Works #5: Firehouse Arts Center Harrington Gallery exhibit opens Saturday, May 2. On view through Saturday, June 6. Free opening reception with the artists and awards ceremony on opening day from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Light refreshments served. This annual juried installation features 73 artists using a wide variety of media, including oil, watercolor, photography, drawing, sculpture, mixed media. Adjudicated by Philip Linhares, retired Chief Curator of Art at the Oakland Museum. For more info: 925-931-4849, or [email protected]. Regular gallery hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 12:00-5:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Donations always appreciated. May 9 Special Event: “Artful Bouquets” Response Event: floral arrangements created in response to selected works in the exhibit will be on display at the gallery during Pleasanton’s Big Draw festival. Hours May 9: 11:00-3:00 p.m. Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council third annual The Big Draw, taking place on May 9, 2015. The Big Draw is a downtown Pleasanton chalk and arts festival. Includes sidewalk chalk artists and a variety of arts activities. In addition, there will be live performances throughout the day, painted pianos, Take A Seat Poetry Chairs on Main Street, Artful Bouquets at the Harrington Gallery and much more. www. pleasantonarts.org/ Art in the Vineyard, annual Livermore Art Association show at Wente Vineyards Estate Winery, 5565 Tesla Rd. Livermore. Sunday May 24, 2015, from 11:00am. to 5:00pm. Wine tasting, art demonstrations, entertainment. www. livermoreartassociation.org Art Under the Oaks Applications Now Being Accepted, sponsored by the Livermore Art Association and Alden Lane Nursery; held under the shade trees at Alden Lane Nursery on July 18 and 19, 2015 The application deadline is May 4. Applications can be picked up at the LAA Gallery, located at 2155 Third Street in Livermore or can be downloaded at www.livermoreartassociation.org/enter/enter.html#auto. For more information, send email to Erin Davis at [email protected]. MEETINGS/CLASSES Pleasanton Art League, drawing workshop led by Francesca Pastine on May 2 and 3 at the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton. The workshop fee is $209. To register online, go to www.palworkshop5.eventbrite.com To register by mail, please provide name, address, phone, email and mail it with your check payable to Pleasanton Art League, c/o Workshops, P.O. Box 23, Pleasanton, CA 94566. For more information, go to www.pal-art.com WINE & SPIRITS McGrail Wine & Cheese Pairing 101, Thurs., April 23, 7;8:30 p.m. (925) 215-0717. Join Chef Denise Garcia and Wine Educator Joy Jackman for a fun and tasty class on pairing wine and cheese. Presented by Cheese Therapy and McGrail Vineyards, $40/club member, $45/guest. www.mcgrailvineyards. com/ Wine Wednesday at Charles R Vineyards, April 29th from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Unwind and wine while viewing blooming flowers. Stop by for a glass of wine before heading out to eat. 8195 Crane Ridge Road, Livermore. The Chef & The Winemaker - A Celebration of the Bay Area’s Most Acclaimed Women Chefs, Wente Vineyards Restaurant. Four dinners, 6 to 9 p.m. : Jan Biesty Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Shakewell, “Top Chef” Season 4 contestant, 'Star Chefs’ “Rising Star,” April 30; Gayle Pirie, Chef/Co-owner of Foreign Cinema, Laszlo, and Show Dogs, Cookbook author, James Beard Nominee, June 4; Tanya Holland, Executive Chef/Owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen, TV personality, cookbook author, 2013 California Chef of the Year, Sept. 10; Joanne Weir, James Beard Award Winner, TV Personality, cookbook author, Chef/ Partner of Copita, Nov. 12. 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore; event information 925.456.2424; dinner reservations at 925.456.2450 or wentevineyards.com/ restaurant Charles R Vineyards events: “Uncorked!” Fourth Friday Is Back at Charles R Vineyards! – kick off on Friday, May 22nd from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. Gather your friends and unwind with music on the patio from “KNR.” $5 (free for club members). Wine by the glass or bottle available for purchase. Spring Fling Club Pick Up Party & Live Music On The Patio -Saturday, May 16th from 11:30am – 4:30pm. Live music by “Souled Out” starts at 1pm. 8195 Crane Ridge Road/ at the end of Greenville Road. Retzlaff Vineyards, Annual Mother’s Day Picnic, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 10 at 1356 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore. Bring the kids, pack a brunch and enjoy the day in the shade of our ancient pepper trees. Hat contest with prizes for the most colorful, the most outrageous, and the oldest. $10.00 per adult. Due to popular demand, this event is by reservation only. 925-4478941 for reservation. MUSIC/CONCERTS Dark Side of the Moon, classic albums live - Pink Floyd. 8 p.m. Sat., April 25. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. Del Valle Fine Arts, Duo Rendezvous, violin and guitar. 8 p.m. May 2. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. Las Positas College, music department recital, 12:30 p.m. May 6, Main Stage, Performing Arts Center, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http://laspositascollege.edu/performingarts Simply Sinatra, Steve Lippia and his big band. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., May 7. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. Almost Elton John, 8 p.m. Fri., May 8. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. Anthony Kearns, Ireland’s Foremost Tenor, May 10, 3 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www.firehousearts.org or 931-4848. Las Positas College, vocal, instrumental, Mother’s Day Jazz Tea, 3 p.m. May 10, Main Stage, Performing Arts Center, 3000 campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http://laspositascollege.edu/performingarts Las Positas College, orchestra, wind ensemble concert, 7:30 p.m., May 14, Main Stage, Performing Arts Center, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http://laspositascollege.edu/performingarts Broadway Chorus Goes on Vacation, May 15-17, Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton. Tickets at 462-2121. Best of Doo Wop, 8 p.m. Fri., May 15. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. Livermore-Amador Symphony, presents Beethoven and the Red Violin featuring Elizabeth Pitcairn, soloist. 8 p.m. May 16. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. Pleasanton Chamber Players, 2 p.m. May 17, Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. firehousearts.org or 931-4848. The Swingin’ Blue Stars of The USS Hornet Memorial Day Salute to the USO, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. and May 24 at 2 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www. firehousearts.org or 931-4848. Super Diamond Tribute to Neil Diamond, May 29 and 30, 8 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www.firehousearts. org or 931-4848. ON THE STAGE Fiddler on the Roof: Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre presents the 9-time Tony Award winning musical. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m., April 17 through May 3 at the Firehouse Arts Center. Reserved seat tickets are $17-$38. Purchase online at www.firehousearts.org, 925931-4848, or at the center Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, April 17-May 3, weekends. Village Theatre, Pleasanton. www.villagetheatreshows.com or 314-3400. Play On! a comedy by Rick Abbot, presented by the San Ramon Community Theater. Comedy about a theater group trying desperately to put on a play, as they deal with the maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Performances will be held at the Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon, weekends April 17 to May 3; curtain 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. For information and tickets, go to www.sanramoncommunitytheater.org Hank Williams: Lost Highway, April 1726. Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St., Hayward. Program and facility of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. www.dmtonline.org or 510-881-6777. Best of the Best, Las Positas College, celebration of the arts and fund-raiser for Las Positas College Foundation, April 25. 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http://laspositascollege. edu/performingarts Lamplighters Music Theater, May 3, 4 p.m. St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 3350 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton. Lamplighters perform excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore, and others, with a special bonus - a chance to-sing along. www.stclarespleasanton.org/event Playwrights’ Theatre series, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House featuring plays by Clifford Odets. A stagedreading of Odets’ popular Waiting for Lefty is scheduled for Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Old Barn at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in the Danville Hills. It will be followed by Odets’ highly successful Golden Boy on Sunday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the Historic Site. Playwrights’ Theatre is produced by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, in cooperation with the National Park Service. Reserved tickets for both events are available online at www.eugeneoneil. org, or by phone at (925) 820-1818. There is limited seating available in the Old Barn performance site. All seats are $25.00 per person. TriValley High: Intergalactic 2015. Creatures of Impulse, the Bay Area’s award-winning, nationally recognized teen improv troupe, takes teen improv “out of this world” with a new Sci-Fi show each night. See one, two, or all three nights of the Bay Area’s only full-blown improvised teen musical. Audience suggestions inspire fresh new characters, stories, and improvised songs each night…no show is ever the same. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 7, 8, 9 at 7:30 p.m. Free Preview Nights Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. General admission tickets: students $5; adults $10. Tickets available at www.firehousearts.org, 925-931-4848, or at the Box Office at the center. Free parking. Ohlone College Playwrights Festival (Bill 2), Thurs., May 7 and Fri., May 8, 8 p.m. world premieres of dynamic, edgy, and inspiring 10-minute plays. Written by professional and emerging playwrights around the country . Student Repertory Theatre Company, a class of student directors, producers, actors, and designers at Ohlone College produce the festival. Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. $10. (510) 659-6031 or SmithCenter.com Nunsense, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre, May 8-17, Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Tickets at www.villagetheatre.shows.com. Las Positas College, one act plays, May 20 and May 22, 1 p.m. Black Box Theater, Performing Arts Center, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http:// laspositascollege.edu/performingarts The Skin of Our Teeth, May 22-June 14. Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St., Hayward. Program and facility of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. www.dmtonline.org or 510-881-6777. COMEDY The Capitol Steps. 8 p.m. Fri., May 1. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. MOVIES Classic Film Series, First Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. through June 2015 at the Pleasanton Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. May 7, Coal Miner's Daughter; June 4, My Left Foot. Theme Almost True, presented by Las Positas College coordinator of the Humanities Candace Klaschus, a film historian. Pleasanton Library meeting room. The programs are free and all are welcome to attend. Note that some films are mature in content and may not be suitable for children. 931-3400, ext. 4. DANCE Ohlone College Dept. of Theatre & Dance Presents: Soul House, April 23-25, 8 p.m. tory, told through dance. Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont. $12-$15; $2 parking. 510.659.6031 or www. smithcenter.com Las Positas College, dance performance, 2 p.m. May 2, Main Stage, Performing Arts Center, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http://laspositascollege.edu/performingarts Valley Dance Theatre Spring Rep, Spring celebration of dance with repertory pieces both classic and contemporary featuring highlights from Sleeping Beauty and a swinging salute to the 1940's. Music accompaniment is provided by The Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra. May 30, 7 p.m., May 31, 2 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater. org or 373-6800. AUDITIONS Additional auditions for children's ensemble for Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre’s "The King and I," April 25th at 9:30am-11:00am. 1020 Serpentine Lane, Suite 101 in Pleasanton. Ages 6-13 Children will be taught a vocal selection from the show and will also be taught a dance from the show as well. Rehearsals will begin in mid-May. Children will be released from rehearsals by 9:00pm during the school year. Show dates, July 18th thru August 2nd at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. To make an audition appointment, call the producer, Kathleen, at 925-8993451. For more information: www. trivalleyrep.org/shows/the-king-and-i CHORAL Music of the Silver Screen, Valley Concert Chorale, May 17, 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 4th and L Streets, Livermore. www.valleyconcertchorale. org OPERA Livermore Valley Opera, May 31, 2 p.m. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www.firehousearts. org or 931-4848. MISCELLANEOUS 24th annual Livermore Wine Country Festival, May 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Livermore. Celebration of wine, craft brews, arts, crafts, shopping, dining, entertainment and hometown charm. Produced by Livermore Downtown, Inc., free admission. Fee for wine and beer tasting. www.livermoredowntown.com Las Positas College, speech performance night, 7 p.m., May 8, Main Stage, Performing Arts Center, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. http:// laspositascollege.edu/performingarts 21st Livermore Valley Wine Auction, “Winemaking a Difference,” May 9, 5 p.m. at Wente Vineyards Estate Winery. Includes dinner, auction, live music. Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation, www.lvwf.org 2015 Spring Faire, Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at the Heritage Park and Museums, 6600 Donlon Way in Dublin. General admission to the French-themed Spring Faire is free. Come to celebrate Mother’s Day or just come to enjoy the beautiful springtime blooms in the park, shop for antiques and one-of-a-kind items, listen to live music, and enjoy great food with a glass of wine or champagne. There are plenty of children’s activities as well. www.ci.dublin.ca.us 75th Annual Pleasanton Rose Show, Sat., May 9, Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. Exhibitors registration 8-10 a.m., show open THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 to public 2-5 p.m., awards ceremony 2:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by City of Pleasanton and Alain Pinel. No admission charge. 251-1111. Bras for the Cause “Diamond Jubilee” Breast Cancer Walk, Tri-Valley SOCKs (Stepping Out for Cancer Kures). 5/9/2015, 5:30pm registration, 7:00pm walk start. www.trivalleysocks. org. Registration fee & minimum $200 in donations required; register link on website. A fun evening 10k walk through downtown Pleasanton with most participants in decorated or themed bras. Bra judging contests, raffle baskets, goody bags & a fun Finisher’s Party included. 100% of funds raised are donated to local Bay Area beneficiaries. The Museum on Main 2015 Ed Kinney Speaker Series An Evening With… James Beckwourth, Tuesday, May 12th, 7pm: James Armstead will portray the mountain man, explorer, and fur trader. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Tickets may be purchased online at www.museumonmain.org, at Museum on Main during regular operating hours or by phoning the museum at (925) 462-2766. Tails at Twilight, Fri., May 15, 6 to 11 p.m. Bella Rosa at Garré Winery, Livermore. Evening of music, dancing, and scrumptious food with live and silent auctions to create a brighter future for cats and dogs. Benefit for Valley Humane Society. valleyhumane.org/ 2015 Top Chef Grand Tasting Event, Sun., May 17, 5 to 8 p.m. Rotary Club of Dublin annual fundraiser at 5885 Owens Dr., Pleasanton. Food paired with wines from local restaurants and wineries; taste craft beers; dine on delicious desserts. Door prizes, silent and live auctions, free valet parking. $45 per person. www.TopChefDublinRotary.org. Hula Lives On, 2:30 p.m. May 24, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Kumu Gloria Ruiz Presents Halau Makana Lani in a Musical journey to the Islands of Hawaii. Accompanied by the talented voices of Faith Ako and Weldon Kekauoha. www. bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800. “Let’s go fly a kite!” The San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 24-25, 2015 in San Ramon’s Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. from 10am to 5pm both days. www.ArtandWind.com 9 First LVCP Musical Also Helps Kids Who Need Blankets By Ron McNicoll "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," is what a cast of 18 students at Livermore Valley Charter Prep (LVCP) will be saying and singing when they perform the first musical comedy in the school's four-year history. There is something a little special about these performances, beyond the "very first" landmark. Linus, the "Peanuts" comic strip character who parades around with his security blanket, was the inspiration for the cast and their director, teacher Kjelene Deakin, to take part in Project Linus. Siince 1998, the national project has provided blankets to 5 million children, many of whom use them also for comfort, said Deakin. Others need them simply for warmth; it might be the only blanket they have. The cast's project was separate from an earlier project at LVCP, which also sewed blankets for Project Linus. The sewing by the cast and other helpers took four hours after school. It involved tying strands from a kit for the blankets, which was provided by Project Linus. The cast received a grant from the high school's parent-teacherstudent organization to buy the materials. The personal value of caring about people, as the cast did with Project Linus, is underscored by the play itself. As Deakin describes it, the play begins with Charlie thinking that he is a misfit, and that no one likes him. However, with Charlie Brown's optimistic interest in them, the characters open up to him. By the end of the play they realize that Charlie Brown is, indeed, a good man. "Through the play we see that other characters have their little idiosyncrasies. They all have things they are dealing with in their lives, too," said EAkin. Although the play features the "Peanuts" little kids in the cast, the message is true for teens in high school, too, said Deakin. Teens go through their own trials concerning love, insecurity, too much homework, or "getting or not getting a Valentine," said Deakin. The actor who plays Charlie Brown is wellknown to Deakin. He is her son, Elijah, a senior at LVCS. Elijah said that he likes his role in the play. "I can explore it, and relate to the character of Charlie Brown. I can put it into a physical character that people can see on stage, rather than read in comics." "The character is kind of depressed, but not a victim. He has little bubbles of hope, wishes that things were better, and tries to be a good man in everything he does," said Elijah. Kjelene Deakin teaches dance at LVCP, and has taught dance on her own, including her son. Elijah has branched out from that tutelage, doing competitive dancing, and helping the Valley Dance Theater with spring recitals. Kjelene Deakin has earned professional credits of her own in the theater for more than 20 years, including time on Broadway as a dancer, actress and choreographer. She also worked for the National Theater for Children in Chicago, bringing that work to New York. One highlight was her work with education theater with touring companies that performed excerpts from Shakespeare. She is a graduate of the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York. In addition to directing the show, Deakin is the choreographer. LVCP music department director Joe Lim is in charge of the music. Performances will be at 7 p.m. April 23, 24 and 25 in the school's multipurpose room, 2451 Portola Ave. Tickets will be available only at the door. Prices are $2 for students, $5 for youths, $10 for adults. TRAVEL BUG Cruise from San francisco (925) 447-4300 In Downtown Livermore 2269 Third Street www.travelbuglivermore.com New Interactive Online Calendar! Find your local Performances, Events, Festivals, and more! www.independentnews.com/calendar (925) 447-8700 10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 Local Groups Participating in Bay Area Dance Week The Livermore Cultural Arts Council is helping to promote the diversity of dance. Local dance teachers and groups were invited to take part in Bay Area Dance Week (BADW), Friday, April 24 to Sunday, May 3. Their (free) classes will be listed in the BADW calendar at bayareandw.org. The classes range from salsa to ballroom to ballet to hula, and more. The Livermore School of Dance, The Island Spice, Del Valle Folkdancers, and Sunshine Dance & Cheer are among the participants. International Dancing will be offered at the Bothwell Arts Center, Livermore, by the Del Valle Folk Dancers. An evening of dancing to music from around the world will be held Tues., April 28 at 7:30 p.m. No partners needed. No experience necessary--dances will be taught. There are no reservations for this event, come early to sign in. 2466 8th Street, Livermore. Livermore School of Dance (LSOD) is planning an entire spirit week full of events for National Dance Week. They will have themed dance wear days, such as "Crazy Sock Day" and "Ballerina Tutu Day." Plans are to create a poster board complete with daily quotes, dancer biographies, and dance-related trivia questions. The week will end with performances on the L Street Stage in downtown Livermore during the Annual Wine Festival. The weekend will include local performers and will feature performances from LSOD Jazz Companies, as well as, music from Garage Band Academy and Matticus DJ Service. An LSOD-created flash mob, titled “Dance with Me,” will also be performed. Participation in the flash mob is open to everyone in the community. An instructional dance video will be available on the web-site (www.livermoredance.com) to download. Flash Mob Details: Saturday and Sunday May 2nd and 3rd 1:00 PM at the L Street Stage on the corner of L and Second Streets. Wear comfortable black, purple and/or teal clothing. Come and dance. With dance more popular than ever around the nation, BADW will feature an anticipated 400+ free events including classes, performances, open rehearsals, lecture demonstrations. In 2013, over 22,000 people attended Bay Area Dance Week classes, workshops, performances, studio talks, work in progress showings and open houses. For a listing of all events during Bay Area Dance Week see http://bayareandw.org/ Art Inspired by Revelation 21 Trinity Church will present a Christ Centered Art Show, "A New Heaven & A New Earth." Works of art are based on Revelation 21. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat., April 25 events will include a worship intro - David Hartwell, performance by Anastasis Ballet; and Jason Leith, speaking on Restoration and Relationship Through Art. The gallery will be open from 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. There will be collaborative canvas, cake pops, fabric art, assemblage necklaces, watercolors, silhouettes, and clay mosaics on Sun., April 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. At 6 p.m. artist, author and pastor of Cornerstone Fellowship Andrew Madsen will talk on So What Are We Waiting For? Trinity Church is located at 557 Olivina Avenue, Livermore. For information, go to www.trinitylivermore.org. All are welcome. (Organizations wishing to run notices in Bulletin Board, send information to PO Box 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of Bulletin Board or email information to [email protected]. Include name of organization, meeting date, time, place and theme or subject. Phone number and contact person should also be included. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) The Elegant Rose: Mt. Diablo Rose Society's 27th Annual Spring Rose Show, Sunday April 26, 2015 at the Dublin Senior Center, 7600 Amador Valley Blvd., Dublin. Free admission. View the judged exhibits from 1 to 4 pm. Hundreds of blooms on display and experts on hand to answer your questions. More info: (510) 331-6115 The film “Terms & Conditions May Apply,” will be shown on Sat., May 2 at the IBEW Hall; 6250 Village Parkway, Dublin, at 7:00 PM. This 80 minute film has been touted as a “Must-see” by Huffington Post. This film shows us why our founding fathers created the 4th amendment to protect the right to privacy & security. T A meet & greet potluck begins at 6:30 PM, while a discussion follows the film. This event is unaffiliated, free ($3.00 donations accepted), & wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 925-462-3459 or email [email protected].” Armchair Travelers, Livermore Public Library Civic Center on May 14, 2015 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Wilderness Press author Tom Courtney will discuss multi-day hiking adventures he features in his guidebooks, Walkabout Northern California: Hiking Inn to Inn and Walkabout Malibu to Mexico: Hiking Inn to Inn on the Southern California Coast. Adults are invited to this free program on the second Thursday of each month in the Community Meeting Rooms of the Civic Center Library, 1188 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore. For additional information please call 925 373-5500. Children's Carnival, BPOE Lodge 2117 will host the Elks' 5th Annual Children's Carnival, Sun., April 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. Livermore-Pleasanton Elks Lodge 2117, 940 Larkspur Dr., Livermore. Admission is free to children 2 to 12 years old accompanied by a parent or an adult. There will be games, prizes, hot dog lunch and cotton candy. Questions? Contact by email [email protected] or call 925-437-0109 Fertile Groundworks Garden of Grace Garden Learning Series, 11 a.m. to noon April 25 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore. Topic will be IPM (Integrated Pest Management). Fertile Groundworks Garden of Grace Garden Learning Series, 11 a.m. to noon April 25 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore. Topic will be IPM (Integrated Pest Management). Livermore Library Board, meets 7 p.m. Thurs., April 23 at the Civic Center Library, 1188 So. Livermore Ave. An agenda will be posed at the library 72 hours prior to the meeting. Golf Tournament, Livermore High School Alumni Assoc.(LHSAA) is sponsoring its 5th Annual Golf Tournament at Las Positas Golf Course. "Shotgun StartScramble Format" starts with a 11:30 registration & 12:30 Tee Off and includes green fee, cart, range balls, prizes, and dinner for $125.00/player. Can't make the golf, dinner & socializing $30.00 LHSAA raises funds to support Livermore High School's Students, Faculty & Administrative needs. Contact: Kristen/Simon - 925-784-1367 or 925-784-9987, Rich - 925-989-4372, Jim 925-548-8108 or go to www.livermorehighalumni.com or www.mkt.com/lhsaa Pleasanton/Tulancingo Sister City Association, an open house and Cinco de Mayo celebration. 2 to 4 p.m. on Sun., April 26 at the Amador Recreation Center, 4455 Black Ave., Pleasanton. There will be information about programs offered by the organization, including both an adult and youth exchange program. Presentations, art, music, mementos and refreshments. Light dinner will follow ($10 donation) Must RSVP for dinner. Contact information: [email protected] or Jorge at 925-989-6882 Visit the website at www.ptsca.org Forte International Exchange Association (FIEA) seeking volunteer host families for high school boys and girls from various countries for the upcoming school year. Host families provide room, board, and guidance for a foreign teenager. Couples, single parents, and families with or without children living at home are all encouraged to apply. The exchange students arrive from their home countries before the current school year begins. Each FIEA student is fully insured, brings his/her own spending money and expects to bear his/her share of the household responsibilities as well as be included in normal activities and lifestyles. For information contact your Local Representatives Carol or Susan Berger at 209-502-7443 or by e-mail [email protected]. Information: www.forteexchange.org. Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated, special guest speaker, California Assemblywoman Shannon Grove. Shannon represents the California 34th Assembly District. She was elected in November 2010 as the first woman Veteran to serve in that legislative body. Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Cattlemen's Restaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore, (Hwy580@Airway Blvd.) 5:30-6:30 meet and greet hour, dinner at 7 pm. $30 members/$34 guests. Contact Linda at [email protected] or phone 925-426-1474 for reservations due by Monday, May 11th. All are invited to attend. Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society presents Anne Gillespie Mitchell. On May 13 at 7:30 pm. She will speak on Searching Successfully to Reveal Your Ancestors Story on Ancestry .com. Held at Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct., Pleasanton. No charge and all are welcome. Anne is a Product Manager at Ancestry.com and writes the Ancestry Anne column for Ancestry.com. Her website Finding-forgotten-stories.com has a wealth of information to help you in your ancestral research. For addition information contact: Marilyn Glass and Diane Wiedel, Program Chairs. E-mail program@L-AGS. GNON (Girls Night Out Networking and the Bankhead Theater in Livermore invite Bay Area women for a night of networking, fun, great food and theater tours. This special evening will offer an opportunity to learn about the Bankhead Theater and it's upcoming shows and events. There will be raffle prizes and great food by Valley Catering. 5 to 7 p.m. on Mon., May 4, 2400 First St., Livermore. RSVP and prepayment required: www.gnon.org/ rsvp.html or call 925-487-4748. $10 pp for GNON members; $15 for nonmembers. Information at www.gnon.org. Tri-Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment (Tri-Valley CAREs) monitors nuclear weapons and environmental clean-up activities throughout the US nuclear weapons complex, with a special focus on Livermore Lab and the surrounding communities. All are welcome at the monthly meeting held at the Livermore Civic Center Library Thursday, April 16th from 7:30pm to 9pm. For more information call Tri-Valley CAREs at (925) 443-7148 or visit http://trivalleycares.org Tri-Valley Stargazers Astronomy Club. Feed your wonder about the Night Sky and the Cosmos by joining us on the 3rd Friday of the Month for our club meeting. Unitarian Universalist Church, 1893 N. Vasco Rd., Livermore. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. talk starts at 7:30 pm. For more info visit us @ http://www. trivalleystargazers.org/ Covered California Enrollment Opportunity, Tri-Valley Progressives is resuming the enrollment assistance to help minimize tax penalty for 2015 at Alameda County Libraries. Certified enrollment counselors in English and Spanish will be at Dublin Library (200 Civic Plaza) every Monday 1-4PM from through April 27. It is free and no appointment is required. For more information email TVP4ACA@ gmail.com. Axis Community Health is also offering enrollment assistance for CoveredCA, Medi-Cal and HealthPAC at their clinics, and 3 public libraries in Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton. Appointments available at (925) 462-1755. Hope Hospice’s Fifth Annual Hike for Hope 2015, Saturday, May 2, at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Participants can check-in and start their hike from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Memorial hike and fund-raiser. Two trail options: easy 2.6 mile roundtrip route; 4.4 mile hike with a moderate incline. Early registration fee for The Hike for Hope is $30 through April 14; and $40 on or after April 15. Hikers can easily sign up by going to TheHikeForHope.com or by calling Hope Hospice at 925-829-8770 for a printed registration form. Widowed Men and Women of Northern CA., April 26, 12:3 p.m. brunch in Livermore, RSVP by April 23 to Harriet, 447-8229. Dress a Girl Around the World, an invitation to make simple dresses for girls in third world countries. Next Sew-Fest is Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Valley Montessori School, 1273 N. Livermore Ave next to St. Matthew’s Church between Las Positas and Portola Aves. Help is needed sewing, ironing, cutting. Bring sewing machine or serger, iron, ironing board, scissors, along with helping hands. (Those planning to stay all day should bring a bag lunch.) Always accepting cheerful cotton fabric donations. Those who can’t make the Sew-Fest but would like to sew, arrange for kits that can be sews at home. Questions? Suzanne Beck, 925-352-8447 or suzbeck@ yahoo.com 23rd Livermore Duck Races, April 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Granada High School swimming pool, 400 Wall St., Livermore; benefiting Livermore schools and Valley nonprofits. Over $5000 in cash prizes. Free Little Duck Race for kids 12 years and younger with a parent present. Sponsor a duck, tickets $5 each. For more information, call 321-1123 or 449-1315. Presented by Livermore Lioness Club and the Livermore Y's Men Club. Ravenswood Historical Site, 2647 Arroyo Road, Livermore, Docents in 1890s costumes give free guided tours beginning at noon, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Each tour includes the 1885 Cottage and the 1891 Main House, and the beautifully landscaped grounds. For information on the Ravenswood Progress League (RPL) or the volunteer Docent Program, please call the Docent Coordinator at (925) 443-0238. Sons in Retirement (SIR) is a social group of retired men who join together to better enjoy their leisure time. Activities include golf, bridge, photography, travel, fishing, biking, wine tasting, and technology. The Tri-Valley Branch serves men living in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, and San Ramon. The group meets for lunch on the first Thursday of each month at the San Ramon Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. Please read more about the Tri-Valley SIR at http://sirs34.org/ and the Statewide SIR at www.sirinc.org/. For information or to attend a meeting, call Rich Osborne 925-785-3549. Bras for the Cause “Diamond Jubilee” Breast Cancer Walk, Tri-Valley SOCKs (Stepping Out for Cancer Kures). 5/9/2015, 5:30pm registration, 7:00pm walk start. www.trivalleysocks.org. Registration fee & minimum $200 in donations required; register link on website. A fun evening 10k walk through downtown Pleasanton with most participants in decorated or themed bras. Bra judging contests, raffle baskets, goody bags & a fun Finisher's Party included. 100% of funds raised are donated to local Bay Area beneficiaries. NAMI Tri-Valley Parent Resource & Support Group meets monthly for parents/caretakers of children ages 5-17 years with (or suspected of having) emotional/ psychiatric disorders. It meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm at Pathways to Wellness, 5674 Stoneridge Dr., Suite 114, Pleasanton. The group is drop-in and free. Contact person is Marsha McInnis at 925-980-5331. “Let’s go fly a kite!” The San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 24- 25, 2015 in San Ramon’s Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. from 10am to 5pm both days. Vendors are sought in the following categories: Non-profit Food and Beverage; Businesses, Children/ Family Activity Vendors and Non-profit information vendors. Eligibility rules and application form at www.artandwind.com. For more information, call Mary Ann Wilkman at (925) 973-3210 or visit website at www.ArtandWind.com Tri-Valley Haven provides crisis stabilization counseling for those experiencing difficulties related to domestic THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 violence, abusive situations, sexual assault or other challenging emotional issues. We provide assistance with individual therapy and/or group support. Please call to schedule an appointment: 925 449-5845 (Counseling Intake) Sons in Retirement (SIR) is a group for retired men who seek activities to enhance their retirement. Monthly meetings feature lunch and an interesting speaker. Men have the opportunity to learn about and join activities such as hiking, bridge, investment, bowling, bocce ball and wood carving. There is also a neat group of guys to get to know. SIR Branch #121 meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the DoubleTree Hotel, Las Flores Road (near Bluebell Drive), Livermore, at 11:30. Any retired man is welcome to drop by to learn about your opportunities. For more information check our website: branch121.sirinc2.org or email Neal Cavanaugh at [email protected] (put “SIR” in the subject line). Birthright of Livermore, Mon., Tues., Wed., 10-2; Thurs. 12-4; 1st, 2nd & 4th Saturdays 10-1. Birthright offers free pregnancy tests, guidance, adoption and medical referrals, baby and maternity clothing, and more. Livermore office at 1520 Catalina Ct., or call (925) 449-5887. 1-800-550-4900 Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day. Website at www. birthright.org/Livermore for more information. All Birthright services are free and confidential. ClutterLess Self Help Support Group, nonprofit, peer-based, self-help, support group for people with difficulty discarding unwanted possessions. Cluttering is a psychological issue, not an organizing issue. New meeting location: Parkview,100 Valley Avenue (main entrance), 2nd Floor Activity Room, Pleasanton. Mondays except some holidays 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Come or call a volunteer at 925)289-5356 or 925-922-1467. More information at: www.ClutterLess.org American Legion Post 47 in Livermore is looking for veterans in the Livermore area who are interested in performing community service for young people and promoting veterans affairs. Interested veterans will meet with other like-minded veterans for camaraderie and support of veteran’s causes. The American Legion is the largest federally chartered veteran’s organization that is the veterans lobby and voice to congress. The Livermore American Legion Post 47 meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Veterans Memorial Building, 522 South L Street, Livermore. Enter the building from the ramp on the 5th Street side. For more information go to http://www.calegion. org/ or contact Bill Bergmann at calegion. [email protected] or (925) 443-2330 or Roy Warner at 925-449-6048. Pleasanton Lions Club- welcomes visitors to come experience a great time while making a difference in our community & beyond. Dinner meetings every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm. The Regalia House, 4133 Regalia Ct., Pleasanton. www.pleasantonlionsclub.org Assistance League® of Amador Valley invites all visitors to join this dedicated group of volunteers, reaching out to those in need in the Tri-Valley and having fun doing it. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Parkview, 100 Valley Ave., Pleasanton. For more information, see our website, www.amadorvalley. assistanceleague.org, e-mail [email protected], or call (925) 461-6401. Operation: SAM “Supporting All Military” is a 501(c)3 non profit military support organization based in Livermore. S.A.M. has been in operation since January 2004. It is dedicated to the continued morale support of deployed troops. For information or donations, visit www. operationsam.org, email operationsam@ comcast.net or call 925-443-7620. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Pleasanton, meets Wednesdays 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. St. Clare's Episcopal Church, 3350 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton (not affiliated with the church. Information at www.dbsalliance.org/ pleasanton or contact chapter leader, Al Pereira, 462-6415. Shepherd's Gate Thrift Store, 1362 Railroad Avenue, Livermore. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last Friday of every month 50% off most of the store sale. For more information visit www.shepgate.org/holiday Bereaved Mother’s Network of the Tri-Valley meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Livermore Civic Center Library, Small Conference Room. The aim of the network is to allow bereaved mothers to make connections with, share resources, and support other mothers who have been through the worst experience of their lives, losing a child. For more information, contact [email protected]. Pleasanton Newcomers Club, open to new and established residents of the Tri-Valley. Activities include a coffee the first Wednesday of the month, a luncheon on the second Wednesday of the month, Bunco, Mah Jongg, walking/hiking groups, family activities, and monthly adult socials. Information, call 925-215-8405 or visit www.PleasantonNewcomers.com Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) offers services to help people with disabilities and supports them to live independently and participate in their community for as long as they are willing and able to do so. CRIL maintains offices in Hayward, Fremont and Livermore to provide information and referrals and provide community education at senior centers and affordable housing complexes to residents of Southern Alameda County. The Tri-Valley office is located at 3311 Pacific Avenue, Livermore 94550 and can be reached by phone at (925) 371-1531, by FAX at (925) 373-5034 or by e-mail at abril.tamayo@cril-online. org. All services are free. Livermore Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the third floor movie room at Heritage Estates Retirement Community. The address is 900 E. Stanley Blvd., Livermore All are welcome. Contacts are: Sandra Grafrath 443-6655 or Lee Parlett 292-9280. DBE Daughters of the British Empire, John McLaren’s Roses of Britain Chapter in the Tri-Valley meets at 11:00 a.m. on the 3rd Thursday of every month at Castlewood Country Club. DBE was founded in 1909 and is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization made up of women of British or British Commonwealth heritage and ancestry with a focus on charity and fellowship. Those interested in helping with “the cause," enjoying social activities, and forming long-lasting friendships, contact Edith Caponigro at 925-998-3500 or Jenny Whitehouse at 925-484-1273 for additional information. Pleasanton Military Families is a Pleasanton based support group for those who have a loved one serving in the Military. The group gathers at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to share concerns, fears, and to celebrate the joys that are experienced. There is no better support than being surrounded by others who know what you are going through. Three times per year, the group collect supplies and sends care packages to the troops. Contact PMFSG.ca@gmail. com for the location of the next meeting. Livermore Military Families, a support group for families in Livermore who have a loved one serving in the Military, is intended to be a safe place for family members to come and share their experiences and concerns with others who understand what they are going through. All family members are welcome to attend meetings. Meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Livermore Veterans Memorial Building, 522 South L Street from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, call Tami Jenkins, 925-784-5014 or email livermoremilitaryfamilies@yahoo. RELIGION First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth Street, Livermore. 8:30 a.m. Contemplative Service in the Chapel and 10:00 a.m. Traditional Service in the Sanctuary and children’s program For more information www.fpcl.us or 925-447-2078. Tri-Valley Bible Church, 2346 Walnut St., Livermore, holds Sunday worship at 10 a.m. with Sunday school for all ages at 9 a.m. Children's classes during adult worship service. AWANA children's program Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 449-4403 or www.Tri-ValleyBibleChurch.com. Unitarian Universalist, 1893 N. Vasco Rd., Livermore. 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Information 447-8747 or www. uucil.org Congregation Beth Emek, Center for Reform, Jewish Learning, Prayer and Community in the Tri-Valley. 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. Information 9311055. Rabbi Dr. Lawrence Milder, www. bethemek.org. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, affiliated with the Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations (csjo.org). Information, Rabbi Judith Seid, Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, 485-1049 or EastBaySecularJews.org. First Church of Christ, Scientist, Livermore, services 10 a.m. every Sunday. Sunday School for students (ages 3-20) is held at 10 a.m. every Sunday. The church and reading room are located at Third and N Streets. The Reading Room, which is open to the public, features books, CDs and magazines for sale. For information, call (925) 447-2946. Sunset Community Church, 2200 Arroyo Rd., Livermore. Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. Hispanic service starts at 2 p.m. Nursery and children's church provided. A "Night of Worship" first Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. Wednesday night program for all ages at 7 p.m. Information, call 447-6282. Holy Cross Lutheran Church Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. 1020 Mocho St., Livermore. Information, 447-8840. Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore. 9 a.m. worship (semiformal); 10:30 a.m. adult Bible study/Sunday school. For information, call 925-447-1246. Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue, Livermore. 9 a.m. Sunday worship. Information 447-1950. Calvary Chapel Livermore, meetings Sundays at 10 a.m. Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. (925) 447-4357 - www. calvarylivermore.org. United Christian Church, www. uccliv.org, a gay-welcoming congregation offering community and spiritual encouragement for questioners, seekers and risk-takers. Worships on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. 1886 College Ave. at M St., Livermore; call 449-6820 for more information. Granada Baptist Church, 945 Concannon Boulevard, Livermore. Services: Sunday school – 9:45 a.m.; worship service – 11 a.m. All are welcome. 1-888-805-7151. Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 Scott Street, Livermore. 925-4475462, services on Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 a.m., worship 11 a.m. www. livermoresda.org/ All are welcome. Faith Chapel Assembly of God, 6656 Alisal St., Pleasanton, Sunday School 9:15 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Children’s Church 11:15 a.m. Women's Bible study Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Intercessory prayer 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Senior adult ministries meet every other month. Call the office at 846-8650 for more information. Trinity Church, 557 Olivina Ave. Livermore. Sunday worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m., and Sunday School and Bible study for all ages at 9:45 a.m. Awana is Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday night there is adult Bible study, youth activities and children's choir at 6:30 p.m. Child care during all events. 447-1848, www. trinitylivermore.org St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Meditation groups following the John Main tradition, every Monday 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. For details, contact Claire La Scola at 447-9800. St. Innocent Orthodox Church, 5860 Las Positas Rd., Livermore. Sunday Liturgy at 10 a.m. For details, go to www. stinnocent.net or call Fr. John Karcher at (831) 278-1916. St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 3350 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, Services on Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Children’s Sunday School & Chapel at 10:15 a.m. All are most welcome to come and worship with us and to enjoy our hospitality. For more information call the church office 925-462-4802. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church , 678 Enos Way, Livermore, (925) 447-3289. Church: Service Schedule: 8:00 a.m. Contemplative Eucharist; 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study (check web-site): 10:25 Sunday School (Godly Play); 10:30: Sung Eucharist with choir, child care provided. 1:00 p.m. Youth Group. www. saintbartslivermore.com Little Brown Church, United Church of Christ 141 Kilkare Road, Sunol. 10:30 a.m. worship. All are welcome here. www. littlebrownchurchofsunol.org 925-8622580 Pathway Community Church, 6533 Sierra Lane, Dublin. Contemporary Worship Service, Sunday 10:30 am. Children, youth, adult programs. Biblically based practical messages, nondenominational. All are welcomed. www.pathwaycommuntiychurch.org (925) 829-4793. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 486 S. J Street, Livermore. 9:00 a.m. worship service. Bible Study/Sunday School 10:20. Bible Basics Class, which explores the main teachings of the Bible, meets at 7:00 Sunday night. Call 371-6200 or email [email protected] for more info. Tri-Valley Church of Christ, 4481 East Avenue, Livermore; worship service 10:15 a.m. Sundays. www.trivalleychurch.org. Bethel Family Christian Center, 501 North P Street, Livermore, Pastors are Don & Debra Qualls. Weekly ministries: Sunday 10 a.m. - Teaching Sessions; Sunday 10:25 a.m. - Holy Grounds Fellowship; Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m. - Elementary aged children go to Kid’s Church following worship, nursery available; Wednesday 7 p.m. - Back to the Point Bible Study; all ages; Friday 7 p.m. - Celebrate Recovery; in the dining hall; 925-449-4848. Centerpointe Church, 3410 Cornerstone Court, Pleasanton. Services 9 a.m. blended with choir and band. Childcare for infants through age 6 and children start in the worship service with their parents. 10:30 contemporary worship led by a band. Sunday school for children and middle-schoolers. www.centerpointechurch.org (925) 846-4436. Valley Bible Church, Pleasanton, 7106 Johnson Drive, Services at 9:00 and 11:00. Interpretation for the deaf at 9:00. 925-227-1301. www.thecrossing.org Valley Bible Church, Livermore, Meeting at Altamont Creek Elementary School, 6500 Garraventa Ranch Road, Livermore. Services at 10:00 a.m. Cedar Grove Community Church, 2021 College Ave., Livermore. Worship Services 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. www. cedargrove.org or call 447-2351. Chabad of the Tri-Valley, 784 Palomino Dr., Pleasanton. 846-0700. www.jewishtrivalley.com. Rabbi Raleigh Resnick. Well Community Outreach Center ministry provides meats, canned and dry goods, toiletries, and school supplies (only available prior to the start of the school year). Those with an immediate need or who would like to donate nonperishable food items, call the office at (925) 479-1414 to begin the process. Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Thursday 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Pick up by appointment only. The Outreach Center will be open every 4th Saturday to distribute bags from Fresh and Easy Market and 11 Sprouts. This will be on a first come first serve basis between 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 2333 Nissen Drive, Livermore. Lynnewood United Methodist Church, 4444 Black Ave. offers a friendly congregation where all are welcome. Worship at 9 or 10:30 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday school for youth and adults at 10:30 a.m. and childcare at both services. Children are welcome in all services. Contact Rev. Heather Hammer at 846-0221, send an email to office@ lynnewood.org or visit website at www. lynnewood.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 9050 Mocho St., Livermore. 3rd ward 9 a.m., 2nd ward 11 a.m., Mocho branch (Spanish) 2:10 p.m. 1501 Hillcrest Ave., Livermore: 1st ward, 9 a.m.; 4th ward 11 a.m., Springtown ward, 1 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Pleasanton 1st Ward: Sunday at 1 p.m., 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz. Pleasanton 2nd Ward: Sunday 1 p.m. at 3574 Vineyard Ave. Pleasanton 3rd Ward: Sunday 9:30 a.m., 3574 Vineyard Ave. Pleasanton 4th Ward: Sunday 9:30 a.m., 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz. Dublin 1st Ward: Sunday 9:30 a.m., 8203 Village Parkway. John Knox Presbyterian Church, 7421 Amarillo Rd., Dublin. Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for ages 3-18 during worship. Adult education Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Jr. High youth group Sundays 4:00-6:10 p.m. High school youth group Sundays 5:50-8:00 p.m. www.jkpcdublin.org (925)828-1846. Livermore Quakers: Unprogrammed worship, Mondays at 7pm, 1886 College Ave. (United Christian Church). More information: LivermoreQuakers@gmail. com or (925) 315-7170. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd., Suite 108, Dublin. 10:00 Sunday service; children’s program available. All are welcome. Ongoing classes, groups, and activities. Rev. Karen Epps, minister. http://www.unityoftrivalley.org/ 925.829-2733. St. Francis of Assisi, 193 Contractors St., Livermore. .Sunday School (all ages) – 8:30 AM. Communion – 9:30 AM. 925-906-9561 stfrancisanglican.church. Center for Spiritual Living Livermore Valley - A Lighthouse to the world. People from all faith traditions, cultures, races and sexual orientations are welcome. Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. Youth and teen programs offered as well. Meeting place 1617 2nd St., 2nd Floor, Livermore. For more information contact [email protected] or visit us at http:// csllvlighthouse.org. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, Lag B’Omer picnic on Sunday, May 3 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Athan Downs Park, 2975 Montevideo Dr., San Ramon. Annual picnic potluck and our traditional watermelon toss. Please bring a picnic dish to share, park games, food for Alameda Food Bank. Celebrating "Week of Action" - taking action to do something positive in our community. We will be providing new or gently used books for a class of third grade students with limited resources. This event is free for TVCJ members. $5/ adult for non-members; can be applied toward membership. 12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 Assemblywoman Baker Honors Eli Kozak During Holocaust Remembrance Week Tony Dennis at announcement of his selection as Teacher of the Year. Pleasanton Teacher of the Year Selected Amador Valley High School teacher Tony Dennis has been selected as the Pleasanton Unified School District Teacher of the Year 2015-16. He is currently the lead teacher of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for the Pleasanton Unified School District, a program which engages students in thoughtprovoking, critical thinking STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curricular activities while developing students into future members of the engineering community. This program spans all grades K-12 and Tony works to maintain the success and growth of PLTW. Dennis has been with the district for 13 years. He has taught Algebra to AP Statistics and Engineering at Amador Valley High School. The form nominating him for the honor stated, “Tony is without a doubt one of the most selfless teachers that Pleasanton has had the pleasure to employ. His innovation, devotion, and dedication to the students and faculty of Amador Valley High School are greater than can be expressed by words.” Parvin Ahmadi, PUSD Superintendent, stated, “Tony Dennis is the driving force behind Project Lead the Way and has an exponential impact on students throughout PUSD. Mr. Dennis has been instrumental in drawing more girls to engineering. He’s got an amazing passion for engaging students and en- couraging them to explore and solve problems on their own. When you walk into his classroom you can tell his students are happy to be there and eager to learn. ” Dennis’ name will be submitted to the Alameda County Office of Education for the county’s Teacher of the Year program. Dennis will be recognized during a Salute to Service ceremony on Thursday, May 7, at Amador Valley High School, beginning at 3:15 p.m. Assemblywoman Catharine B. Baker (R-San Ramon) honored Eli Kozak at the State Capitol as her honoree for the Assembly’s Holocaust Remembrance Week floor ceremony. Kozak is the son of Moses and Sonia, both Polish Jews and survivors of the Holocaust. Baker stated, “It is an honor to recognize Eli Kozak during the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony, and it is our duty to continue sharing the stories of Holocaust survivors. Through our Remembrance Ceremony, the California State Assembly seeks both to commemorate this tragic history and to reflect on the lessons it holds for our lives today. We also pay tribute to the rescuers who risked their lives to save others during the Holocaust and to the American soldiers who liberated the concentration camps.” Before emigrating to New Jersey, Mr. Kozak’s mother and father–both at the time raising families of their own–lived in Poland at the start of the war. Mr. Kozak’s mother, Sonia, was forced to watch the Nazis murder her husband and their two young boys. She managed to escape, and moved from place to place evading the Nazis. Mr. Kozak’s father, Moses, also lost his first wife and children in the Holocaust and went into hiding in the forests of Poland. One day, Sonia was shot in the face, and at night, she broke into a hospital to treat her wounds. At the hospital she met a man who also broke in for supplies: her future husband, Moses. Eli Kozak’s parents instilled their belief in him that you can achieve anything you want in America. Kozak is a resident of Livermore and President of EDTtec, a full service construction contractor. He and his wife have raised a family of five children and thirteen grandchildren. Held annually, the Assembly’s Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony honors Holocaust survivors, liberators, and children of survivors. The California State Assembly has observed Holocaust Remembrance Week for the last fourteen years. This ceremony has become an annual Capitol tradition memorializing the horrific atrocities committed during this dark chapter in history and honoring the bravery and fortitude of the survivors and liberators of the Holocaust. The following link is a video of the Assembly Holocaust Memorial Project, and shares the stories of the survivors who were honored during the ceremony. https:// www.youtube.com/watch ?v=5q1LOifGg2I#action =share Las Positas Journalism Students Recognized ValleyCare Medical Center has announced the following births: A son to Areum Kim and Russell Andrew Jensen of Livermore on March 20. A daughter to Elizabeth Hernandez-Soto and Sebastian Samuel Houser of Livermore on March 20. A son to Manuela Navarro and Sergio Perez of San Leandro on March 19. A daughter to Kimberly Ann and Jared Alan Terzich of Pleasanton, March 20. A daughter to Morgan and Zachary Becker of Livermore, April 6. A daughter to Chelsea Weeden and Norberto Guevara of Pleasanton, April 2. The Las Positas College journalism students, led by instructor Melissa Korber, recently attended the 2015 Journalism Association of Community Colleges Conference (JACC) and brought home several awards, including a General Excellence award for the online student newspaper "The Express." Awards: First Place News Feature--Jessica Rhoades (Naked Magazine); First Place Column Writing--Travis Danner (The Express); Online General Excellence-The Express; On-the-spot Competitions; Honorable Mention Editorial Cartoon-Shelby Escott; Honorable Mention Opinion Writing-Kalama Hines; 3rd Place Opinion Writing--Martin Gallegos; Honorable Mention Feature Photo--Brianna Guillory; 4th Place Feature Photo-Tami Shepherd; Honorable Mention Feature Writing-Angelica Estacio; Honorable Mention Sports Photo-Tami Shepherd For more information about the Las Positas College journalism program, contact Melissa Korber at (925) 424-1286 or [email protected]