Pleasanton Delays Vote On Wal-Mart Grocery - The Independent

VOLUME XLIX, NUMBER 19Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING DUBLIN • LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012Pleasanton Delays Vote On Wal-Mart GroceryFind Out What'sHappeningCheck Out Section ASection A is filled with informationabout arts, people,entertainment and special events.There are education stories, avariety of features, and the artsand entertainment and bulletinboard.Bob BorchersExpert to DiscussVenture CapitalAt BankheadWednesdayThe history and future ofventure capital, which stimulatesstart-up companies by providingearly financial support, will bepresented in a talk next week atLivermore’s Bankhead Theaterby a nationally known expert inthe field.The expert is Bob Borchers,an inventor, entrepreneur andLivermore native who was partof the original iPhone team atApple.Borchers has spoken to groupsin the Tri-Valley before, addressingthe Valley Study Group andthe Innovation Tri Valley forumin recent years. He is known asa witty and energetic speaker,with a full repertoire of insidestories about famous productsand marketing campaigns.His talk is titled, From Fairchildto Facebook: The History andFuture of Venture Capital. It willstart at 7:30 p.m. on May 16 InLivermore’s Bankhead Theateras part of the Rae DoroughSpeaker Series.Venture capital is an importantingredient in the U.S. economy.According to the National VentureCapital Association, 11 percentof private sector jobs comefrom venture backed companies,and venture backed revenue accountsfor 21 percent of the U.S.gross domestic product.Borchers is a general partnerat the Palo Alto venture capitalfirm, Opus Capital, where he specializesin products, applicationsand technology related to mobilecommunications.Before Opus, Borchersworked at Apple as senior direc-(See TALK, page 5)Info SessionSlated On FreeHousing ServicesThe Tri-Valley Housing OpportunityCenter (TVHOC) willprovide information on free housingservices available to employeesof area businesses.The seminar will be held atthe Pleasanton Firehouse ArtsTheater, 4444 Railroad Avenue,on Wednesday, May 16, from 9to 11:30 AM, followed by an opportunityfor informal discussionand networking.The Center has invited businessesand human resourcesprofessionals throughout the Tri-Valley to participate. The meetingis open to the public as well.(See HOUSING, page 2)A decision on the appeal ofthe approval of a Wal-Mart grocerystory was continued by theappellant Councilmember MattSullivan.The Pleasanton City Councilheld a special meeting Mondayin an attempt to resolve the issue.An overflow crowd filled theFirehouse Arts Center.The zoning administrator,planning commission and thecity council have all approvedthe Wal-Mart application. Eachapproval was appealed.Wal-Mart proposes to locatePhoto - Doug JorgensenFamily fun was part of the Wine Country Festival held in downtown Livermore over the weekend.The event is presented by Livermore Downtown, Inc. It featured continuous entertainment, wineand beer tasting, many displays, and arts and crafts booths.Fundraiser to Screen The Power of TwoBy Patricia KoningOn Sunday, May 20, CysticFibrosis Research, Inc. (CFRI)will hold its fourth annual Winefor a Cure fundraiser. The eventwill begin with a VIP receptionat The Winemakers Pour Houseat 3 pm, followed by a screeningof the documentary The Power ofTwo at the Livermore Cinema.“Wine for a Cure is a funevent to raise awareness of cysticfibrosis and money for researchto help save my daughter’s lifeand the lives of thousands ofother children and adults battlingMiley, Thomas RunningIn County 4th DistrictSection AArt & Entertainment.......... 8Bulletin Board......................11Milestones.................... 10 and 12Section IClassifieds...........................11Insidea neighborhood grocery store ina former Nob Hill store in theMeadow Plaza Shopping Centeron Santa Rita Road. The storehas been vacant for three years.Director of Community DevelopmentBrian Dolan told the councilthat Wal-Mart’s plans conformto the PUD for the location. Inaddition, Wal-Mart has agreedto abide by the conditions underwhich Nob Hill operated. Therewould be no truck deliveriesbetween 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Thebusiness would be open from 6a.m. to midnight.this disease,” says Diana Heppe,chairperson of Wine for a Cure.She is a Livermore resident.. “Weare extremely proud to be screeningthe award-winning documentary,The Power of Two.”Her 12-year-old daughter TaraGoodearly has cystic fibrosis(CF) and her son Tyler Goodearly,a freshman at UC Davis,has made several advocacy tripsto Washington, DC. This summerhe will intern with the Cystic FibrosisFoundation as an advocatein DC.“There are dozens of familiesWith redistricting last year,Pleasanton joined the AlamedaCounty 4th Supervisorial District.The seat is up for electionin the June 5 primary.Running are 12-year incumbentNate Miley and challengerTojo Thomas. Since there areonly two candidates running,there will be no run-off in November.The term lasts for fouryears. There are no term limits.The Independent asked thecandidates some backgroundinformation, followed by questionsabout balancing the countybudget, health care services in theValley, and green building andpower for county facilities.Candidates were asked whetherthe county’s general assistancewelfare for single people wassufficient, at $336 per month.(Recipients may collect only fora total of three months over 12months, and must pay the moneyback to the county.)Other questions were aboutthe county’s legal obligationto reduce bird deaths in the Altamont,protection for ranchesand farmlands, development inDoolan Canyon, and Measure3B, the November ballot proposalto bring in a permanent onecent sales tax for transportation inthe county. It would include $400million for a phase I LivermoreBART extension and the wideningof Highway 84.Also sought were views onthe solar policy that is workingits way through county committees.Along with that was aquestion about a Pegasus EnergyPartners, Inc. application to buildsolar arrays on 2000 acres ofprime agricultural land in theeastern Altamont near MountainHouse.The solar arrays would take upmore than one-half of the nearly4000 acres of prime agriculturalland in the county. The applicantssaid that they need to locate theinstallation on that agriculturalland because it is near a powerfacility that can upload the electricityto the power grid.(See SUPERVISOR, page 10)Editorial.................................4Mailbox...................................4Roundup..................................3Short Notes.............................9Sports......................................6Obituaries................................9Pleasanton councilmemberare allowed to continue an itemwithout the support of fellowcouncilmembers. Sullivan requestedthe continuance becausehe said he needed more informationbefore he could reach adecision. His concern related torecent news stories of allegedWal-Mart bribery of foreignofficials in order to gain marketshares in various countries.Sullivan asked that staff conductresearch into the issue todetermine if there is potentialliability for the city if it werehere in the East Bay currentlydealing with this disease. In recentyears, we have lost severalof our residents and a committeemember to CF. We are looking toyou, our community, to help usfund this vital research before welose any more of our children,”adds Heppe.The Power of Two is a filminspired by “The Power of Two:a Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis,”a memoir by Californianative identical twins, Anabeland Isabel Stenzel. The twins(See FUNDRAISER, page 10)to conduct business with Wal-Mart. He also suggested therebe consideration of an ordinancethat would ban companies whoengaged in criminal activitiesfrom locating in Pleasanton. Hisfinal request was for councilmembersto reveal if they hadreceived campaign donationsfrom Wal-Mart or the Chamberof Commerce Political ActionGroup, and whether the ChamberPAC had received funds fromWal-Mart.Cheryl Cook-Kallio, JerryThorne, Cindy McGovern andMayor Jennifer Hosterman saidPleasanton SchoolPanel Hears FacilityIdeas Based on SurveysBy Ron McNicollThe Pleasanton school district’sFacilities Master PlanCommittee (FMPC) has heardfindings from on-campus surveysabout the state of district facilities,and what people want to seeimproved.The committee met May 3in its second session with consultantsfrom LPA, which thedistrict hired to create a facilitiesmaster plan.The consultants talked abouton-site surveys they conductedin the company of school and districtstaff. .Maintenance employees,who made their suggestionsabout simplicity of maintenanceand cleaning, were included.The district faces more growth,which will come from the eliminationof the city’s housing cap.There is also the traditionalproblem of keeping schools upto date, both in terms of physicalplant reliability, and how wellthe facilities serve changes inapproaches to education.A good example of buildingsmatching or not matchingprograms came in a referenceone committee member madeto several pod schools that thedistrict built in the 1970s.The schools were designed forthe newest wrinkle then in education.One committee membersummed it up, as a shift from thepace an individual student wouldlearn at to we’ll all be collaborative.“It was so dramatic, it didn’twork, as we all know,” he said.Such schools were switchedback to traditional architectureas teaching returned to a moreconventional style.No one is talking about goingback to the “open” classroom.they had at one time or anotherbeen supported by the ChamberPAC. They received no donationsfrom Wal-Mart. Hosterman andCook-Kallio also pointed outthat they had received supportfrom unions.Cook-Kallio commented,“The conversation would bedifferent, fi Wal-Mart had beenconvicted.”Sullivan will not receive answersto his concerns. A councilmajority is required to authorizethe use of staff time to conductresearch on an issue. The other(See WAL-MART, page 4)However, it’s possible to designa room with enough flexibilityto lecture. Students could thengather inn break-out groups insmaller spaces, said the committeemember.Kimberly Coffeen, an LPAarchitect, explained how studentslearn in various ways, dependingon their own personal tendencies.Known by the acronym VARK,the information is the productof educational research over thepast 20 years.The VARK acronym meansVisual, Aural, Reading/writing,and Kinesthetic. Students wholike the visual approach enjoyseeing the information presentedin maps, diagrams, symbolicarrows, which could have beenused in words.Aural learners like to hearinformation spoken. They learnbest from lectures, group discussion,radio, and web chats. Readersand writers like text-basedlearning.The kinesthetic types like tolearn from experiencing thingsthat can be grasped, held, tastedor felt.Coffeen said that the designfor classrooms have spaces accommodatingall four ways oflearning, with “white boardseverywhere, and lots of tactilesurfaces.” There can be a smalllecture alcove, and small areaswhere a student teaches others.The emphasis on the growinguse of technology in learningwill be a part of this assimilationinto new classroom space andfurniture flexibility.With the switch to wirelesshand-held devices, students nowcan move around in the room.They won’t be confined to adesk, where they might not evenbe able to see the teacher well,(See FACILITIES, page 4)Photo - Doug JorgensenA fizzy drink caused one Girl Scout attending last Saturday's festivities at the fairgrounds inPleasanton to blink. The festivities, which included a variety of activities, marked the 100thanniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts.PET OF THE WEEKMeet Jetta- a 4 month old female Siamese mix kitten with lots oflove to give. She is the last of her littermates to get adopted andshe is anxiously awaiting a new home. Her siblings and their momwere rescued by VHS at a young age from a county shelter. Jettais absolutely stunning and has a sweet temperament with a lovingpersonality. For more information, call 925-426-8656 or go online towww.valleyhumane.org or www.facebook.com/ValleyHumaneSocietyto see our other adoptable dogs and cats. Valley Humane Societyis located at 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Hours are Tues.,Wed. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thurs., Fri. noon to 7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 4p.m. and Sun. noon to 4 p.m. Photo by Aaron Czeszynski

PAGE 2 - The Independent, MAY 10, 2012COMING ATTRACTIONS:SOLAR ECLIPSE,SOLAR TRANSITTwo unusual astronomicalevents are rapidly approachingthat can be observed at home solong as the sky is clear. The firstis a solar eclipse, which occurswhen the moon blocks the sun’slight. The second is much rarer,the passage of the inner planetVenus across the face of the sun.Because the sun’s light is never safe to look at directly with thenaked eye, the Exploratorium has put safe-viewing instructionsonline at http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/how.htmlThe solar eclipse will take place on Sunday, May 20. Startingabout 5:17 p.m. locally, the late afternoon sky will slowly beginto darken as the moon begins passing in front of the sun. By about6:30, the moon will cover more than 80 percent of the sun’s surface,creating the impression of early nightfall. As the moon continuesits orbit around the Earth, it will gradually uncover the sun. Thesky will lighten again until the eclipse ends around 7:40, some 38minutes before the sun sets for real.North of Sacramento, the eclipse will be annular, meaning themoon will pass so centrally across the face of the sun that a completering of bright light will be visible around it. Even the seeminglysmall amount of light in that ring can cause permanent eye damage,so the Exploratorium’s safe-viewing instructions still apply.Solar eclipses are visible at least twice a year somewhere onEarth. Anyone interested in a total eclipse can travel to northernAustralia to see one later this year, on November 13.Safe-viewing rules also apply to the much rarer event, Venus’spassage across the face of the sun on June 5. Only seven suchtransits have occurred since the invention of the telescope in the17th Century. They occur in an odd pattern dictated by the orbits ofthe two planets. Pairs of transit are spaced eight years apart, eitherin early June or in early December. Then the next pair returns aftereither 105 years or 122 years. Next month’s transit follows one inJune 2004. There will be no more in our lifetimes, since the nextwill be in 2117.The June 5 transit will start about 3:06 p.m. and last for six anda half hours. The sky will not darken like it will in the May 20eclipse. During transit, Venus will be closer to Earth than any otherplanet ever gets. But it will still be some 25 million miles away. Itwill only be a small black dot, blocking a tenth of a percent of thesun’s light.LOSS OF SATELLITE CAPABILITIES DECRIEDThe U.S. has drastically reduced its support for the Earth-observingsatellites that help it predict weather, conserve water, understandclimate change and respond to natural disasters, according to areport by the National Research Council.If we do not reverse the trend, in the next few years, we willexperience a dramatic decline in capabilities that we now take forgranted, the report warned. These are capabilities as ordinary asmaking multi-day weather forecasts and as dramatic and potentiallylive-saving as showing a hurricane approaching a coastal city.“Almost everything you can imagine about how Earth as asystem works is measured or monitored from space,” said DennisHOUSING(continued from page one)“We are very pleased to havean opportunity to provide thisimportant information to businesses,”said Randi DeHollander,Chairwoman of the Center’sBoard of Directors. “The mortgagecrisis has impacted manypeople who make up our workforce."With so many scam artistsseeking to take advantage ofhomeowners in distress, we wantcompanies to know where theycan safely refer their employeesfor objective, qualified assistancewith mortgage and housing issues.In addition, we offer areaemployees free homeownershippreparation classes that qualifythem for special purchase opportunitiesoffered by Tri-Valleycities and lenders.”The TVHOC was establishedin 2005 as an outgrowth of morethan a decade of collaborationon workforce and affordablehousing issues by the cities ofDublin, Livermore, Pleasanton,San Ramon, and the Town ofDanville.The Center is a 501(c)(3)charitable corporation with amission to provide accurate,unbiased information and personalizedguidance through thecomplex process of home-seeking,home-buying, or foreclosureprevention. Services are availablewithout charge, and withoutregard to consumers’ city ofresidence.The Center is a HUD certifiedhousing counseling agencyand recently qualified to assisthomeowners enrolled in the newKeep Your Home - Californiaprogram.Those interested in attendingshould RSVP by email to info@tvhoc.org to reserve a place.For further information contactMilly Seibel, Executive Directorat 925.373.3130 x 301Hartmann of the University ofWashington, who chaired thecommittee that produced the report.“A lot of factors importantfor the commerce and qualityof life are measured from spaceeffectively and efficiently — andthose will go away.“If nothing is changed,” hecontinued, “We’re predictingto be down to 25 percent of ourcurrent (earth-observing) capabilitiesby 2020.”Reasons cited for the decline start with budget cutting. Existingsatellites and launch systems are aging. There are few if any replacements.The report refers to a “near perfect storm of a declinein resources, increase in demands and loss of heritage assets.”NASA has done a good job of prolonging the lives of existingsatellites and finding international partners for the U.S. program.It should continue its cost-cutting creativity, the report said. Forexample, it should consider small, single-sensor satellites that canbe launched opportunistically with larger satellites.However, even creative cost cutting can’t fill the gap generatedby a serious drop in resources, the report said.The report is a follow-on to a 2007 assessment, also by the NationalResearch Council, that expressed concern that “the nation’scivil space institutions (including NASA, the National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration and the U.S. Geologic Survey) arenot adequately prepared to meet society’s rapidly evolving Earthinformation needs.”Since then, the challenge has only increased. Of eight satellitesexpected five years ago, only three are in orbit today. Two failed,once was canceled and two others will launch next year if at all.The 2007 report recommended 18 missions, but only two areapproaching launch.METHANE OVER ARCTIC OCEANA puzzling increase of methane, a highly potent greenhousegas, has been found above the Arctic Ocean , NASA reports. Theincrease was found in a series of pole-to-pole airplane flights carriedout to map greenhouse gas distribution in 2009-2010.Methane is known to be released from decaying plant matteron land, such as from melting permafrost. It is also found in shallowsea beds. It was not previously known at elevated levels overdeep ocean.The increase detected by the flights was modest, a one-halfpercent increase over normal background. One possibility is thatthe methane comes from marine life at the surface of the ArcticOcean, according to lead researcher Eric Kort.There was no accompanying carbon monoxide to suggest themethane was from combustion. And based on location and timeof year, it was extremely unlikely that it came from geologicformations or from wetlands, according to a report published inNature Geoscience. The research was done largely under NationalScience Foundation funding.The research team concluded that the increase was emanatingfrom ocean that was partly covered with ice, or seeping betweencracks in the ice. The first concern is that the methane may representa new source of greenhouse gas. The second is the possibilityof amplification, in which the methane generates more warming,which encourages the production of more methane, which thencauses further warming.Although the methane levels detected “weren't particularlylarge,” Kort said, they need to be better understood “to avoidfalsely interpreting any changes observed in Arctic methane levelsin the future. As Arctic sea ice cover continues to decline in awarming climate, this source of methane may well increase.”

Amgen Race Will Have Network CoverageWhen the 2012 Amgen Tourof California kicks off on Sunday,May 13, cycling fans willhave the chance to see all of theaction on NBC and NBC SportsNetwork. NBC Sports Networkwill provide live HD coverageof the race from May 13-19, anddaily highlights that will air onthe network each night duringthe eight-day competition. Additionally,for the first time in racehistory, the 2012 Amgen Tour ofCalifornia will air live for twohours on NBC for the final stageof the race on Sunday, May 20 at10 a.m. PT. The final stage willre-air on NBC Sports Network at3:30 p.m. PT.Livermore is the finish city forTues., May 15.In addition to the live broadcastson NBC and NBC SportsNetwork, cycling fans will havethe opportunity to follow the raceand have live updates at theirfingertips via the RadioShackTour Tracker, the official TourTracker platform of the race.The RadioShack Tour Trackerwill deliver race coverage acrossweb, mobile and tablet viewingplatforms via live video, audioand real-time data streams ofthe event using the tested TourTracker technology, which hasbeen used by more than 1 millionviewers.For further information on the2012 Amgen Tour of California,including specific broadcasttimes and information on theRadioShack Tour Tracker, visitwww.amgentourofcalifornia.com.The largest cycling event inAmerica, the 2012 Amgen Tourof California is a Tour de Francestylecycling road race, presentedby AEG that challenges theworld’s top professional cyclingteams to compete along a demandingcourse from May 13-20,2012. In a 2011 poll conducted byCyclingNews.com, the AmgenTour of California was voted thefourth best race in the world, andthe No. 1 race in America.The Independent, MAY 10, 2012 - PAGE 5Raffle Funds Will Help Pay for FireworksTALK(continued from page one)Last year, Livermore wasunable to have their traditionalfireworks show on the 4th of Julybecause of budget constraints.This year, however, the fireworksare coming back becauseof generous donations by theLivermore community. AynWieskamp, East Bay RegionalParks Board member, and LindaJeffery Sailors, local artist, haveorganized an Opportunity Drawingto raise some of the moneyneeded to fund this year’s fireworks.Tickets are $2 each or 3tickets for $5. Only 2,000 ticketswere printed.The drawing includes 5 separateprizes: a week at a threebedroom South Lake Tahoecabin (value = $895; or. a MuranoGlass necklace (value $285)donated by Lance Cavalieri; or apair of sterling and green onyxearrings (value $200); or a 2012Family Swim Pass (value $300)donated by the Livermore AreaRecreation and Park District;or 16 Bags of High QualityCompost (value $100) donatedby Waste Management GreenCare.The drawing will take placeat 1 pm on June 10 at LivermoreAve. & First Street. You need notbe present to win.To buy tickets or to make adonation call Ayn Wieskamp at925 447-8426 or Linda Sailorsat 925 449-7274. All donationsare tax deductible through theLARPD Foundation.tor of worldwide marketing forthe iPhone. He played a keyrole in the development, productlaunch and global expansion ofthe iPhone, its operating systemand App Store, which sells softwarefor specific purposes. Heled the partnership of Nike andiPod and generated relationshipswith major automotive companyfor integrating the iPod into theirproduct lines.Prior to moving to Apple,Borchers was vice president ofmarketing at FusionOne, a pioneerin creating and marketingmobile communications. Hespent six years at Nokia, wherehe co-founded the Vertu businessunit. He held several senior marketingpositions at Nokia MobilePhones where he successfullypositioned the mobile phone asboth a technology and lifestyleproduct.He moved to the mobile industryafter working for Nike inOregon, where he led efforts inproduct and service personalization.He began his career doingresearch and development inprosthetics.Borchers’ undergraduate degreeis from Stanford and hismasters from a joint programbetween MIT and Harvard MedicalSchool . He has more than 30patents granted or pending.The Bankhead Theater islocated at 2400 First Street indowntown Livermore. Ticketsare available at the box office, bycalling 925-373-6800 or on-lineat www.bankheadtheater.org.

PAGE 6 - The Independent, MAY 10, 2012Gunnar David, a senior at Amador Valley High School signed aNational Letter of Intent last week. He will be attending WesternOregon University this fall on a baseball scholarship. WesternOregon is currently ranked 11th in the Nation in Division IIbaseball.Pleasanton SeahawksHosted by the Crow Canyon Sharks,the Pleasanton Seahawks (PLS) swim teamput on a high flying exhibit at the C/B/A+Meet April 21-22 in San Ramon. The PLSAge-Group swimmers kept ahead of the packwith many new times and cuts. In addition,the Pre-Senior group had many new PLSTop Ten Records.Pre-Novice: Anna Sun - lifetime best*(LTB) B time 50 free; Paul Maasrani - Btime 50 free; Dominick Wonosaputra - twoB times, including LTB B time 50 free; SushantVema – LTB 50 back; Ishan Kulkarni– LTB 50 backIntermediate I: Aaron Lin - three new Btimes: 100 free/breast, 50 back; Esha Chawla– 100% BTs with B times: 100 free/breast;Bryson Huey - A times: 50 free/back/fly; CloeGosselin – 100% BTs with B time in 50 breast;Darron Dai - B and A times in many eventsand new B time in 100 free; Alex Luo - Band A times in many events, and new A timein 50 breast; Adi Mehta - three great races,all B times; Eric Wu - maintained B and Atimes; Erik Holmes - three great races withB times (50 free, 100 back); Other notablementions: Josh Atre - 100 free/100 breast;David Peck – 100% solid performances withstellar 50 fly; Madhav Vats – 100% strongswims with new BTs (50 free/50 breast);Sonia Atre - strong swims(100 free/breast,50 back); Niva Ranavat - awesome job in firstlong course events(50 free/ 50 breast)Intermediate II: 8&u girls: Lauren JhongnewA times (50 back, 50 breast, 100 free)& 100% best times (BT); Olivia Kim- newPRTs (50 free, 50 back, 50 fly) & 100% BTs;8&U boys: Mattias Bengtsson- new A times(50 free, 100 free, 50 breast, 50 fly) & 100%BTs; Max Cory- new A time 50 free & 100%BTs; 9-10 girls: Lexi Barrera- 100% BTs;Anna Sun- 100% BTsJunior: Kyra Black - 4 Junior Olympic(JO) times in first long course meet; GraceKim - 2 JOs and 3 Far Western (FW) times;Lara Serban - JO 100 fly; Laurel Heckman - 5new BTs; 100% best times: Niklas Bengtsson,Will Rose, Ben Song, Nick Skinner, CalvinChui, Katherina Cory, Alexa Bui, TanayaGondhalekar; outstanding races in first longcourse meet of season: Paulina Umansky andEmma ValentinePre-Senior: Miranda Heckman - 8 PRT’s;Shawn Kim - 3 FWs, 2 JOs; Nja Zuniga - JO;Sofia Barrera - 2 JOs; Jonah Cooper - 8 PRTs;Drew Kobayashi - 5 PRTs, 2 FWs; AudrickAntonio - 2 PRTs, 4 FWs; Christopher Jhong- 3 PRTs, 4 FWs; Michael Martin - 1 FW,2 JOs; Pieter Cory - 2 PRTs, 1 FW, 2 JOs;Tim Yao - 3 FWs, 2 JOs; Brandon Brown- 1 JO; Vera Umansky - 1 JO; Alex Gilchrist- 1 PRT, 1 FW, 2 JOs; Kyle Oslund - 1 PRT,1 JO; Jonathan Mui - 2 FWs; AnthonyJhong - 1 FWGranada Little LeagueGranada Little League results:T-Ball: Orioles vs. A's: The Oriolesbattled the A’s on 5/5 in coach-pitch baseball.Dominic Franco and Gavin Bates were superbat the plate—both sprayed multiple shotsinto the outfield. Scott Lineweber owned thehot corner making several plays—includinga hot shot he scooped cleanly before riflinga bullet to Gates at second for a nifty forceplay in the third inning. Drake Bellucci andMichael Boyd played excellent defense forthe A's. David Macintire and Ryan Doko hadthree key hits apiece.Farm: A's vs. Tigers: The A's played anextraordinary game in the field, racking up14 outs through 4 innings. The A's ParkerWarner turned in a stellar game at 1st basewhere he helped the team with 6 outs in the1st inning. Jacob Phillips was ripping theball all game long had blazing speed whenrunning around the bases.Minor A: A's vs. Rangers: Top offensiveplayers for the A's: Aden Clements,Alex Clouser, Dennis Derham, and ColinJohnston. Top defensive players for theRangers: Calvin Seely, Lucian Wolf, andHayden Williams. Top defensive playersfor the A's: Augi Mascari, Sean Nadeau, andJensen Roldan. Top defensive players for theRangers: Tyler Trudeau, Celeste Summers,and Carter March.Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals: Top defenseplayers for the D'Backs were pitchers S.Langefels, M. Straus, C. Hutton and J. Orsiniand for the Cardinals Neal and Nathanson.Top offensive players for the D'Backs wereH. Borg and J. Sisto, and for the CardinalsS. Mills and Bouchner.Minor AA: Cardinals 7, Rangers 10:For the Rangers, Braeden Cochran threwto Chase Kerezsi at 2nd for an out. JordanGarland made a leaping catch at 1st base.Liam Wilcox slammed a double and knockedin Zach Kramer and Jordan Garland. Forthe Cardinals, Gio Costello struck out 4batters and caught a pop up. Justin Gillianhit a double and had 2 RBIs. Andy Hankinshad 2 RBI's and Joey Katan and SammyMorrisroe both hit in runs for their team.Ryan Macintire, Gio Costello, and ColtonOsbrone had two hits each for their team.Dylan Macdonald and Duncan Maloneyboth had base hits.Cardinals 12, Diamondbacks 8: For theDiamondbacks, Max Higgins, Kyle Drobicand Landan Paden all had base hits thatknocked in runs for their team. Also DanielBecerra hit a double. For the Cardinals, AndyHankins had a double and a three run triple.Dale Spence and Sammy Morrisroe both hadbase hits that knocked in RBI's. Justin Gillianhad two base hits. On defense, Dale Spencemade an amazing catch at short stop andGarett Robb caught two fly balls followed byColton Osborn with one fly ball. Colin Pearcestopped a grounder at 2nd to get a man outat 1st base. Joey Katan and Andy Hankinsboth had great games pitching.A's 16, Cardinals 13: It was a closegame up to the end. For the Cardinals, DaleSpence made an unassisted out at secondbase. Catcher, Dylan Macdonald, threw outa runner at third base along with making a lotof great stops behind the plate. On offense,Duncan Maloney smacked a ball into the outfieldfor a double and 2 RBI's. Colton Osbornand Sammy Morrisroe also hit doubles. TheA's played a great defensive game. HunterHoughton hit a double that helped his teamput points on the scoreboard.AAA Division: Rangers 7, Cardinals4: Quinn Tudor pitched five innings for theCardinals. He was supported by phenomenalfielding efforts by Caleb Chance and ColtonTrudeau. Colton Trudeau displayed heads upbase running and leveraged an errant throwto second to cross the plate for the first run ofthe game for the Cardinals. Sawyer Demarest(two RBI’s) had a nicely placed hit in thesecond inning to right field that resulted ina stand up triple and a few pitches later hewas able to score for the Cardinals on a passball steal. Caleb Chance faced four battersin relief to finish out the sixth inning forthe Cardinals. Adrian Ayala was the startinghurler for the Rangers, pitching fourinnings and logging a total of eight “K’s”.Rudy Ayala had a hot bat going three-forthree(double and two singles) and was alsocalled in to pitch the last two innings of thegame, striking out four. Other Rangers tobang out doubles were Ben Morrisroe, ScottMcPherson, Tristan Shackelford and DylanBaxter for a combined runs batted in (RBI)tally of five. Devon Pearce had two singlesand provided the Rangers a steadfast firstbase defense, catching a fly ball in the firstand assisted on fielding plays in the third,fourth and fifth innings.Rangers 16, Giants 5: The Rangers beganthe game by posting five quick runs. Not tobe outdone, the Giants utilized smart baserunning and also scored five runs in the firstinning. Giants' starting pitcher, Theo Deanand relief pitcher Mateo Wilde forced theRangers to fly out four times during the game.Travis Silva had a fantastic “highlight reel”catch at short stop and also had two base hitsagainst the Rangers. Rangers starter, ScottMcPherson pitched the entire game for theRangers, striking out five Giants and he alsoprovided offensive support by chalking upa double and crossing the plate three times.Dylan “Dump Truck” Baxter had a fantasticgame for the Rangers going three –for-three(two singles and a double) with five runs battedin (RBI), to top it off, he also had a fly ballcatch while playing third base. Aggressivebase running and solid hits by Devon Pearce(triple), Ben Morrisroe (double and a single),Tristan Shackelford (stretched a double intoa triple), and Austin Overton (two base hitsand three runs) helped the Rangers Maintaintheir lead and close out the game.Marlins 7, A’s 13: The Marlins ThomasVi hit a double to the fence, and Gooby hadtwo hits (one a great bunt in the fifth inning)to lead their scoring, that was backed-up bygood defensive plays by Young and Morlan.But the A’s managed to hold Marlin ralliesscoreless with outstanding defense by ZachParodi and two late innings of scoreless pitchingby Logan Finch. The A’s offense was heldto singles, but Vincent Dixon and CameronStephenson both had two hits a piece.Pictured in the photo is Amador Valley High School pitcherJordan Ott (23) tagging out a Monte Vista player at home plate forthe final out of the game. Jordan Ott received the perfect throwfrom catcher Jacob Kinney (in the back ground).A’s 13, Tigers 2: The Tigers pitcherClark had two early strikeouts, and wassupported by singles from Knight, Nyugenand two singles by Morgan Labrucherie whoscored both Tiger runs. The A’s rode strongpitching by Josh Collom (3 innings, 1 runallowed) and Sam Ornelas (2 innings, 1 runallowed), and three singles by Alex Lewisand two singles by Nathaniel Basinger, whoboth drove in two RBIs each.Pleasanton Girls SoftballPleasanton Girls Softball Leagueresults:T-Ball: KB Homes vs. Elise Daggs,DDS: Top Players: KB Homes - NadiaBrown, Annalisa Demange, Emma Shenefiel;Elise Daggs, DDS - Natalie Chilton, SydneyHead, Maylen Montoya.Micro White: Valley Plumbing vs. DougSnyder Realty: For Doug Snyder Realty,these girls made great plays in the field andhad some big hits: Audrey Ku, Natalia Bellini,and Sara Vanoni. Good job girls. Keep upthe good work. For the home team ValleyPlumbing: Jaymie Gardner had an unassistedout at 2nd in the first inning; Abigail Kopshad a strong hit up the middle in the secondinning; and Elena Soltero took out CoachNancy to hit it up the middle in the third inning.Top Players: Valley Plumbing - JaymieGardner, Abigail Kops, Elena Soltero; DougSnyder Realty - Natalia Bellini, Audrey Ku,Sara Vanoni.Micro Teal: A2 Technologies vs. ProImage Studios: Leila Lyions, Ella McCarthyand Ella Hodges paced A2 Technologies.Morgan Notari made two nice outs at catcher,April Krywe turned in a sweet play at 2ndbase and Rylie Palfalvi hit well for Pro ImageStudios. Top Players: A2 Technologies- Ella Hodges, Leila Lyions, Ella McCarthy;Pro Image Studios - April Krywe, MorganNotari, Rylie PalfalviJoanne Bryant – State Farm vs. TheCourse at Wente: Callie McCarthy had herfirst big hit. Isabel McElroy had a greatcatch at 1st base. Mackenzie Davis hit a hardgrounder. Casey DeCroix did great in theoutfield. Laila Fuentes had some great pitching.Emily Mayer hit solid every at bat. TopPlayers: Joanne Bryant – State Farm - CaseyDeCroix, Laila Fuentes, Emily Mayer; TheCourse at Wente - Mackenzie Davis, CallieMcCarthy, Isabel McElroyJoanne Bryant – State Farm vs. CAMechanical Inc.: The home team played agreat game with Sophie Wendell making abig out at 2nd base. Casey DeCroix had abig hit. Gianna had a great game pitching.For the Visiting team Sarah pitched well andAva had some great hits along with Jordanhaving a great overall game. Top Players:Joanne Bryant – State Farm - Casey DeCroix,Gianna Ghio, Sophie Wendell; CA MechanicalInc. - Jordan Kruzner, Sarah Nicholson,Ava SilversmithWorkbench True Value vs. Joanne Bryant– State Farm: Joanne Bryant – State Farm:Maddie-Great Hitting; Eliana-Great out atHome Base; Abby-Great Pitching. WorkbenchTrue Value: Kara Fitzsimmons-Greathitting, made a big hit to score a run. SamaanBeliakoff-Great fielding, hitting and hustlearound the bases; Katie Yozzo-Big hits, fastbase running and good fielding. Top Players:Workbench True Value - Samaan Beliakoff,Kara Fitzsimmons, Katie Yozzo; JoanneBryant – State Farm - Abigail Clubb, ElianaClubb, Maddie NevesMarleen Armstrong – Farmers Insurancevs. The Course at Wente: Sydney Voorheeshad 2 nice hits, Marissa Macias made agreat infield play to record an out at home,Maddie DiMaggio connected with a solid hitto the outfield. Ella Piergrossi pitched hardfor several strikeouts, Audrey Davis had 2hard hits to centerfield, Izzy McElroy madethe play at 3rd base for a double play to endthe inning and had a hard hit to center field.Top Players: Marleen Armstrong – FarmersInsurance - Maddie DiMaggio, MarissaMacias, Sydney Voorhees; The Course atWente - Audrey Davis, Izzy McElroy, EllaPiergrossiA2 Technologies vs. CA MechanicalInc.: A2 Technologies was paced by EricaHaley's three hits as the No. 3 batter, alongwith solid hits from Ella Gervasoni and EllaMcCarthy. Top Players: A2 Technologies -Ella Gervasoni, Erica Haley, Ella McCarthy;CA Mechanical Inc. - Sophia Fraher, Sarah-Rose Nicolson, Rachel TanisA2 Technologies vs. Pro Image Studios:Leila Brown, Ella Hodges and KatieO'Sullivan keyed A2 Technologies' hitting,while Erica Haley, Natalie O'Sullivan andElla McCarthy pitched well. Pro ImageStudios saw Kelly Queen make two supercatches at 1st base while Amy Heath andRylie Palfalvi also played well. Top Players:A2 Technologies - Leila Brown, Ella Hodges,Katie O'Sullivan; Pro Image Studios - AmyHeath, Rylie Palfalvi, Kelly QueenCA Mechanical Inc. vs. Joanne Bryant– State Farm: Julia Buteau connected foran awesome hit to 3rd base; Gwen Buteauunassistedout at 2nd; Jordan Kruzner-stronghit to 2nd. Ava Munos-great job on thepitching mound; Emily Mayer-great hits;Eliana Clubb-great out on 3rd. Top Players:CA Mechanical Inc.- Gwen Buteau, JuliaButeau, Jordan Kruzner; Joanne Bryant– State Farm - Eliana Clubb, Emily Mayer,Ava Munos.Mini White: Array Power vs. DeloresGragg – Keller Williams Realty: On DeloresGragg – Keller Williams Realty, Macey hada few great hits. Divya also had great hits toget on base. Ishana displayed great hittingand made plays at 1st to get outs. Top Players:Delores Gragg – Keller Williams Realty- Macey Fisher, Divya Kilari, Ishana RamHealthylivingrule vs. West Maui CondoRentals: From Healthylivingrule, there wasa great hit from Diana Zachlod, excellentcatching from Claudia O'Neill and a quickplay at 1st base from Alex Stokoe. FromWest Maui Condo Rentals, there was awesomehitting from Lindsay Salmon and withOlivia Sanchez and a great play at catcher,Elizabeth Allen, catching a foul tip. TopPlayers: Healthylivingrule - Claudia O'Neill,Alex Stokoe, Diana Zachlod; West MauiCondo Rentals - Elizabeth Allen, LindsaySalmon, Olivia Sanchez.Mini Teal: Images by Lori 7, TG InformationSystems 3: Images by Lori and TGInformation Systems had an opportunity toplay each other once again. This time Imagesby Lori put together a victorious effort led by astrong pitching performance by Rachel Singhwith 2 strike outs. Contributing to Images byLori’s solid defense was Juniper Huneke whosingle-handedly caught 2 pop flies. Images byLori came ready to swing their bats for thisgame. Marin Tollefsen showed the way with2 solid singles and 2 RBIs. Although Imagesby Lori were winning after four innings, TGInformation Systems were determined tokeep playing and take the game to 5 inningswith less than 5 minutes left in regulationplay. Samantha Chan and Samantha O’Brienhad sound bats for TG Information Systemsresulting in two hits a piece during the game.Emily Verbeck provided consistent defensiveplays against Images by Lori. Top Players:Images by Lori - Juniper Huneke, RachelSing, Marin Tollefsen; TG Information Systems- Samantha Chan, Samantha O'Brien,Emily VerbeckTG Information Systems 5, MachiConstruction 0: TG Information systemsdefeated Machi Construction in a make-upgame where both teams were challenged bygreat plays made by both teams. For MachiConstruction, 1st baseman Meaghan Penricekept the game close by fielding many hardhit grounders and making many outs herselfat 1st. Emma Seitz was solid at 3rd base,while Annika Huston excelled offensivelywith a base hit up the middle, and was solidon the mound throwing many strikes. For TGInformation Systems, Sammie O'Brien’s batwas hot, getting two hits, MacKenzie Wiedelpitched the first two innings, and had manystrikeouts. Emily Verbeck helped lead TGInformation Systems to victory with heroutstanding pitching. Top Players: MachiConstruction - Annika Huston, MeaghanPenrice, Emma Seitz; TG InformationSystems -Sammie O'Brien, Emily Verbeck,MacKenzie WiedelImages by Lori 4, Accurate Impressions1: Images by Lori and Accurate Impressionscame together to play their make-up gamefrom one of the rainy days in April. AccurateImpressions had strong at-bats from NiavChapman and Rylee Galletti who each hadsingles in the early innings of the game.Emily Gossett played a strong defense ascatcher. Images by Lori had a convincingpitching performance that allowed only 1 runin 4 innings. They also had strong offenseperformances by Kristina Cuevas who had2 RBIs and who also scored a run. Othercredible contributions by Images by Loricame from Jenna Clune and Alex Jagoe whoeach went 2 for 2 at the plate and they eachscored runs. Top Players: Images by Lori- Jenna Clune, Kristina Cuevas, Alex Jagoe;Accurate Impressions - Niav Chapman, RyleeGalletti, Emily GossettImages by Lori 6, GFI Stainless 3: Thegame between Images by Lori and GFIStainless was a pitching duel as well as anopportunity to swing some productive bats.During the 1st inning, GFI Stainless had 5singles and Images by Lori had 3 singlesand 2 doubles. Haley Kolon of GFI Stainlessdrove in the 3rd and final run of the 1st inningfor her team and she would later singlein the 4th inning. One of the lead-off hittersAll Valley Divers, competitive diving team, coached by LoganChampion and Monte Young, competed April 28th, at theAnnual Santa Clara Diving Future Champions Invitational, atthe International Swim Center. Competing for the All ValleyDivers Girls Team Level 3, on the 3 meter was Shelby Bates,taking 1st Place with a score of 124.5. On the 1 meter, Level 3,was Gabriela Blum, taking 4th Place and Bianca Zhou finishingin 5th Place. On the 1 meter, Amber Gardner, Level 4, took 3rdPlace. For The All Valley Divers Boys Team Level 3, on the 3meter was Nicholas Chan, who took 1st Place, with a score of114.25, and Darby Culver finishing in 3rd Place. On the 3 meter,Level 4, Nathan Harris took 2nd Place, Wade Humphrey, Level3, took 1st Place on the 1 meter with a score of 113.55 andTimothy Chan, Level 2, finished in 2nd Place. Pictured withher blue ribbon is Shelby Bates with All Valley Divers CoachLogan Champion.Photo - Doug JorgensenThe United States Tennis Association (USTA) was on hand withits SmashZone Mobile Tour for the Girl Scouts 100th AnniversaryCelebration at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.Children hadthe opportunity to play tennis games. There werespecial appearnace by the stars of Nickelodeon’s new hitlive-action series How to Rock, Cymphonique Miller and MaxSchneider. Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman dropped byto promote tennis as a healthy activity. Pictured is CymphoniqueMiller demostrating her tennis skills.for Images by Lori was Maribel Rouse whosingled in the 1st and got another single in the3rd inning. She also scored 2 runs, one in the1st inning and another in the 4th inning. Forthe 3rd and 4th innings, it was a compellingpitching match between Lauren Sowers ofGFI Stainless and Ellie Dickson-Escobar ofImages by Lori. Each player had 3 or morestrikeouts that had the fans cheering with eachpitch. Another consistent hitter for Imagesby Lori was Marin Tollefsen who singledin the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings. She alsoscored runs. On defense, Colette Wogslandfrom GFI Stainless had a well-executedplay at 3rd to get the lead runner out andon offense she had a solid single in the 5thinning. Top Players: Images by Lori - EllieDickson-Escobar, Maribel Rouse, MarinTollefsen; GFI Stainless - Haley Kolon,Lauren Sowers, Colette WogslandAccurate Impressions 5, SecuritiesAmerica 4: Accurate Impressions struckearly and often racking up runs thanks tostellar hitting by Kayla Gregory and CharlotteWhiting. Securities America made a valiantcomeback effort thanks to the great hitting byAmanda Mero and Whitney Dishman. EmmaCrabb made her best pitching appearance ofthe season striking out multiple AccurateImpressions players. Top Players: AccurateImpressions - Kayla Gregory, CharlotteWhiting; Securities America - Emma Crabb,Whitney Dishman, Amanda MeroSecurities America 3, Accurate Impressions2: This was a rematch of two hungrysquads. This time around, Securities Americagot the win. Accurate Impressions playedhard and was led by the batting prowessof both Charlotte Whiting and Zoe Chidambaram.But they were no match for theSecurities America team and Kendall Witterswho was fantastic at the plate. Julia Thomaswas on base all day long and scored a key runfor the team. Isabella Restani was the MVPtoday, she flexed her power with the bat, andclosed down the game by striking out the side.Top Players: Securities America - IsabellaRestani, Julia Thomas, Kendall Witters;Accurate Impressions - Zoe Chidambaram,Charlotte Whiting.Minor Teal: McElroy Orthodontics 6,Savvy Seconds 1: A mid-season matchupsaw a pitching duel between McElroy Orthodonticsand Savvy Seconds. Runs wereat a premium for most of the game whenboth teams were pitching well and playingsolid defense. McElroy Orthodontics wasable to pick up a few insurance runs in thebottom of the last inning in a hard foughtgame. Top Players: McElroy Orthodontics- Jordan Ciesielski, Hailey Fanfa, NicoleWitters; Savvy Seconds - Ally Crumrine,Halle Hershon, Allie JenezonMcElroy Orthodontics 5, Fire StopSprinkler Company 4: It was a tight, wellfoughtcontest between McElroy Ortho-

The Independent, MAY 10, 2012 - PAGE 9Owl ProgramIn Honor of Owl Mothers is thetheme of the nature program to be presentedby Livermore Area Recreationand Park District ranger staff on Sun.,May 13. Meet Ranger Patti Cole at7:30 p.m. at Sycamore Grove Park,1051 Wetmore Rd., Livermore.For Mother’s Day, visit with someof nature’s most dedicated moms– owl mothers. In January, an LARPDranger program guided participantsto look and listen for courting GreatHorned and Barn owls. That programfilled to capacity, so this is anotheropportunity to experience owls inthe wild. Search for nests, watchfor these silent flyers and listen forthe screeches of youngsters beggingfor food. Advanced reservations arerequired by calling 925-960-2400.Space is limited, so registering earlyis recommended.There is a $5 per vehicle parkingfee at either entrance to SycamoreGrove Park. A $2 donation is requestedto help support the programsunless other fees are specified. Participantsmay call 925-960-2400 formore information.Fight Like a Girl“Fight Like a Girl,” is the topic ofa free personal violence preventionseminar for women and girls to beheld Thurs., May 24 in Livermore.Kym Rock will be conductingthe seminar. Livermore Martial ArtsAcademy, LLC will host the eventat the Robert Livermore CommunityCenter, 4444 Railroad Ave.,Livermore. The program is from6:30 to 9 p.m.“Kym Rock’s Fight Lie a Girl,”is a ten year program that teacheswomen and kids to think smarterand have the skills and awareness tokeep themselves out of dangeroussituations.To register, email Lmaa@comcast.netor call 497-6448. Registrationis not required, but is helpful.Biggest GrillJohnsonville Sausage is bringingbig taste to Livermore with the greatflavor of Johnsonville Brats.The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill– the world’s largest touring grill– will be rolling into town on May16 firing up the grill at the Safewaystore on First Street.The semi-truck-sized grill weighsin at 53,000 pounds and measures 65feet long, 20 feet high and 6 feet indiameter. It has the ability to holdup to 10 grillers, preparing 750 bratsat a time.Event-goers at these events willhave the opportunity to purchaseJohnsonville Brats, fresh off the BigTaste Grill, while helping to supportthe Prostate Cancer Foundation,www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5699537/k.BEF4/Home.htm.All are welcome to head to theLivermore Safeway to check out theJohnsonville Big Taste Grill and enjoya Johnsonville Brat. The grill will beat 4495 First St., Livermore from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 16.For more information about theJohnsonville Big Taste Grill, visitwww.johnsonville.com/bigtastegrill.Gene Morgan Adds ServiceThe Hartford has announcedthat it is making its award-winningAARP®-branded homeowners insuranceprogram available through GeneMorgan Insurance Agency.According to research from TheHartford, 60 percent of consumersprefer to buy their auto and homeinsurance as a bundled policy. Basedon this research and strong customerdemand, The Hartford is now offeringthe AARP-branded home insuranceprogram through select, authorizedindependent agents, allowing consumersto purchase both AARPbrandedhome and auto insurancefrom a local independent agency.Gene Morgan Insurance Agencywas chosen after satisfying a numberof eligibility requirements, whichincluded: demonstrating a commitmentto community service; meetinga high-level of business and ethicalstandards; and completing a trainingprogram designed to address theneeds of the 50+ population. Theseproducts were previously only availablefrom The Hartford by phone,the Internet and by mail. The AARPbrandedhome insurance program isdesigned in consultation with TheHartford Advance 50 Team, whichhelps to tailor products and servicesspecifically to the interests and needsof Boomers and older adults.Gene Morgan Insurance is afamily owned insurance agency inLivermore, CA since 1953. Startedby Gene Morgan, the agency is nowowned and operated by his son,Mike Morgan. Gene Morgan Insuranceoffers a variety of options forhomeowners and auto insurance,as well as business, life, and healthinsurance.Rangeland WorkshopA workshop with the theme ofMaking Rangeland Stewardshipwork for ranchers, agencies and theland will be held Wed., May 23 at theCastro Valley Library.The presentation is sponsoredby the Alameda Creek WatershedCouncil and the Alameda CountyConservation PartnershipGrazing is increasingly recognizedas an important tool to managenatural resources and improve habitatin the undeveloped hills and valleyssurrounding the Bay Area. Grazingleases on public lands, mitigationbanks and land trusts can be a win-winarrangement for the land owner andtenant. This workshop will includediscussions with land managers,experienced tenants, and beginningranchers on the opportunities andconstraints of grazing for conservation.The workshop will begin withan overview of rangeland stewardshipin the Alameda Creek Watershedand the East Bay, and how grazingleases can help achieve conservationgoals. After a break for dinner(provided), we will go into moredepth on good lease arrangementsand some of the resources availableto local ranchers.Afternoon Session 2:30 to 5:00PM will include the following: overviewof Alameda Creek Watershedrangelands; how public landownersuse grazing to meet habitat, waterquality, and other management goals;why some endangered species needranchers; and the needs and constraintsof grazing tenants.Dinner will be served 5:15 to6 p.m. following by an eveningworkshop.The evening event will includeinformation about lease arrangementsthat encourage stewardship; toolsand resources for ranchers (FarmBill, technical assistance, etc.); and apanel discussion with beginning andexperienced ranchers.Dinner will be provided. $10donation suggested to help coverworkshop expenses. Space is limited-please RSVP by Friday, May18 to Amy Evans at amy.evans@acrcd.org.This workshop is funded in partby Beginning Farmer and RancherGrant # 2011-49400-30641 fromthe USDA National Institute of Food& Agriculture, and by the AlamedaCounty Unincorporated Clean WaterProgramHeidi Black WrightJuly 11, 1977 – April 24, 2012Heidi peacefully passed awayin the early morning hours ofApril 24, 2012 at the age of 34,eventuallysuccu m b -ing tothe effectsofb r e a s tcancershe hadbattledin herb o d ya n db r a i nfor over 4 ½ years. She foughtlong and hard, living each minuteto its fullest, clear to the end.Heidi was born July 11, 1977in Livermore, California. Sheis the oldest of four childrenand spent her entire childhoodin Livermore. Heidi graduatedfrom Granada High School in1995. She studied Early ChildhoodEducation at BrighamYoung University where shemet her soon-to-be husband,Scott Wright. In 1997 they weremarried for time and all in theOakland Temple of The Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints. After they completedtheir degrees, they moved toNorthern California and beganto raise their family, first inMountain View and then in ElkGrove. Her family moved toCenterville, Utah in 2009. Heidifirst and foremost saw herself as amother to their four children. Shededicated everything she could tonurturing, teaching, caring for,and instilling principles of faithinto her children and those of hercommunity.Heidi had an extreme passionfor life. Heidi came to earth witha joy for life and a love of living.She radiated light and her smilewas contagious. Her kind heartloved to serve and she enjoyedbeing on the go, always busyand always involved. She lovedpeople, her family and friends,and had an amazing supply ofenergy. She was comfortable inthe limelight and courageous intaking on new adventures. Heidiloved to organize and was a hardworker. Being with friends alwaysbrought her joy. She lovedbeing a big sister and was a wonderfulhelp to her parents. Shewas drawn to music and danceand loved to create with herhands. Her sensitivity of spiritgave her insight into people andsituations, and her friendly naturedrew others to her. Throughouther childhood, her faith grew andshe developed a deep love for herSavior Jesus Christ.Heidi’s favorite pastimesincluded: scrapbooking andmaking decorative cards as ademonstrator for Stampin’Up;immersing herself into the worldand fantasy of Disney; providingservice to others; and talking withloved ones for hours on end.Heidi leaves behind her husbandof 14 years, Scott; theirchildren, Kaylie, Cameron, Dallyn,and Kyler, all of Centerville;parents, Ken and Janelle Blackof Livermore; siblings, AmyRandall (Austin) of Orem, UT,Ryan Black (Laura) of Farmington,UT, and Jason Black ofLivermore; grandparents ValBlack of Livermore, and Elwynand Janet Ralph of Centerville;and numerous in-laws, nieces,nephews, cousins, aunts, unclesand friends. Funeral serviceswere held April 30 in Centerville.An online guestbookis available at www.russonmortuary.com.Michael DeLiaA memorial service celebratingthe life of decorated WorldWar II veteran Michael DeLiawill be helda t 1 : 3 0p.m. Saturday,May1 9 , 2 0 1 2a t C e n -t e r p o i n t eC h u r c h ,3410 Corne r s t o n eC o u r t i nPleasanton.H e d i e dApril 19, 2012 at the age of 88.He was born July 30, 1924in Watertown, New York andworked professionally as a hospitaladministrator.He is survived by his wifeof 38 years, Barbara DeLia,of Pleasanton, six of his sevenchildren from a previous marriage,grandchildren and manyfriends.The family prefers contributionsin his memory to the:Wounded Warriors Eagle HeadCane Project, c/o Tri-ValleyCarvers, 452 Leona Dr. Livermore,CA 94550.Beverly C. WoosterResident of LivermoreJanuary 4, 1919 — May 2,2012After 93 years in the materialworld, Beverly ConstanceWooster returned peacefully tothe center of the circle of lifefrom whence she came. She wasborn in Portland, OR to Herbertand Alice Rossi McCue. Shewas preceded in death by herparents and her beloved husbandof 51 years David Wooster. Sheis survived by her daughters andtheir spouses, Christina and JackRoach of Livermore and Marciaand Robert Edwards MD ofKlamath Falls, OR. She lovedand enjoyed her grandchildren,Diana O’Connell (Guy Morin),Michael Roach, Yuko Edwards(Andrew Inglis), Adam Edwards(Michelle Lee), Claire Edwards,Robert Edwards III and MarkEdwards. She also treasuredher five great grandchildren,Kaitlin O’Connell, Kyle andBrisa Roach, and Cora and PippaInglis.Beverly grew up in Oakland, CA, graduating from OaklandHigh in 1935. She then receivedher BA from Cal Berkeley in1939, majoring in French andminoring in Italian. Beverly andDavid met at the Fourth of Julydance in Forest Hill, CA in 1937and married in 1939. They firstlived outside of Murphys, CA ina mining cabin with dirt floorsand a woodstove, but no electricityor running water. Davidsupervised a small crew of minersthere. They moved severaltimes, living in Henderson, NV,China Lake, CA and Gabbs, NV,before moving to Livermore in1958 where David worked at the“Rad Lab”. Beverly had a greatlove for books and learning andwas a founding member of theAAUW in China Lake, CA inthe early 50’s. When they movedto Gabbs, NV, she worked as avolunteer librarian at the locallibrary. Shortly after moving toLivermore, she was hired as alibrarian for the city of Livermoreand worked at the library for 25years, a job where she served asa trusted and valuable resource tothose seeking assistance, whichshe enjoyed very much.Beverly remained intellectuallyand spiritually curiousthroughout her life. She spenther life reading, studying, andattending classes and seminars,learning as much as possibleabout her special interests: astrologyand dreams, metaphysicsand spiritual enlightenment, andHollywood. She was always herown person, not hesitating toexpress her point of view andunafraid to step outside the box.Her friends and family loved andrespected her for it. Beverly wassharp minded, actively engagingin stimulating conversations untilshortly before her death. She hada keen sense of humor, lovedto share her “stories” with thegrandchildren, and was generousto her family.Beverly’s intellectual energydefined her social environment.She was a long-time member ofthe Livermore Book Club, theSewing Group, and the MeditationGroup. A unique group offriends, the Fire Maidens fromOuter Space, have been cajolingand supporting each other in theirspiritual explorations every Mondaysince November 2, 1981.While studying astrology, shefound friends whose horoscopesso aligned with hers that theyhave been meeting regularly forover 30 years also.Beverly fostered many longterm friendships in these groups,whose members provided supportand love through the years andespecially as Beverly’s healthbegan to fail. The family wishesto thank all her dear friends,home caregiver Elana Earley andDaisy Macusi at the New HavenCare Home for their devotion toBeverly.Beverly was very much lovedand will be sorely missed by herchildren and grandchildren, butshe left us with many, many funand remarkable memories. Weare comforted knowing she isrejoining her oldest and longmissedfriends Jeanne, Bettie,Dolly and Georgia, and that shecan dance again with her mostperfect partner David. A Celebrationof Beverly’s life is plannedfor a later date.Patricia AnnNelson NewhardResident of LivermorePatricia Ann Nelson Newhard,62, of Livermore, Ca, passedaway peacefully at ValleyCareMedical Center in Pleasanton,Ca, on May 7, 2012, after a longillness.A nati v e o fO m a h a ,Nebraska,Mrs. Newh a r da n d h e rhusband,Michael,have livedin Livermoresince1998, previously residing inTracy, Ca, where Mrs. Newhardworked for the Bureau of Reclamationas a Facilities ManagementAssistant at The DeltaMendota Canal in Byron, CA.She was retired on disability in2001 after 18 1/2 years of federalservice.Michael and Patricia weremarried in 1993. She was an avidreader having a large selection ofher favorite books at home includingher beloved Holy Bible.She was a member of TrinityBaptist Church for over ten years.As her health began to decline,she was active in the churchlibrary, wrote cards of encouragementfor the Helping HandsMinistry of the church, lovedwatching old black and whitemovies, crocheting, sewing, andgoing to antique shops with herhusband. She was a proficient Pinochleplayer with the card clubat Holy Cross Lutheran Churchin Livermore.Her greatest joy as a bornagain Christian was serving ourLord by encouraging others andwitnessing for Him.She is survived by her husband,Michael, her two sistersAnna Lueskow of Lakewood,Ca, and Kathy Sinclair of Arkansas,her brother, David Nelsonof Omaha, Nebraska, and herdevoted cousin, Davie Nelson,also of Omaha.She is also survived by hertwo children, Alaric Dailey, ofOmaha and Tommy Stricherz ofGreeley, Colorado, and his wife,Zina, who are the parents of herGrandchildren, Riley, Jessica andBradyn, her step-sons, MichaelNewhard, of Stockton, Ca, andKeith Newhard of Ripon, Ca,the latter being the father of herstep-granddaughter, Kaylynn Newhard,of Russellville, Arkansas,and her step-daughter HeatherNewhard of Livermore, Ca, aswell as numerous cousins, nieces,and nephews around the states.Mrs. Newhard’s Celebrationof Life service and visitationwill be held at the Trinity BaptistChurch, 557 Olivina Ave,Livermore, Ca, on Monday, May14, 2012. Visitation will be from9am to 10:30am, with servicesimmediately following. A receptionat the church will be heldimmediately after services.Burial is Tuesday, May 15,2012, 12:30PM at San JoaquinValley National Cemetery, 32053McCabe Road, Santa Nella, Ca,95322.Arrangements by CallaghanMortuary.Cassel MontgomeryCassel “Cass” Montgomerypassed away peacefully on April26, 2012, after a short, but valiantbattle with cancer. Cass was bornin Springfield, OH, on November19, 1931.He was a typographer by tradeand this led him to many differentparts of the world and ourcountry. One of his highlightswas as the ship’s typographerfor the S.S. Monterey and S.S.Mariposa, both of which sailedthe South Pacific. He eventuallywent to work for himself inSan Francisco, opening up CassMontgomery Typography, andhad a successful career there. Hiswork with advertisers led him tobecoming a part-time model forhis clients as well.Cass is survived by his exwifeElda Montgomery, sonBarry Montgomery, daughterin-lawLeslie Montgomery, andgrandsons Grant and GarretMontgomery of Livermore, CA.He is also survived by his lovingsisters Alma Farley of Huffman,TX, and Barbara Harvey ofHouston, TX, and brother SterlingMontgomery of Livingston,TX. His son Scott Montgomerypredeceased him.As he requested there willbe no services. Until we meetagain Dad!Shirley Ann Mason10/1/1934 - 4/6/2012Born October 1, 1934 inFordyce, Arkansas to the lateMr. and Mrs. Temple and ManillaThornton,S h i r l e yp a s s e da w a ypeacefullyin herhome atthe age of77 on Friday,April6, 2012.At the ageof 9, Shirleymovedwith her parents to Klamath Falls,Oregon. She was the youngestof her family of seven siblings.She was a proud member of theLivermore Eastern Star. Shirleywas a resident of Manteca sinceOctober 2010. She is survived byher loving husband of 57 years,Earl. Shirley and Earl raisedtheir six children in Livermore,California.Shirley is survived by herdaughters Judy Ricks, VirginiaHorgan, and Vicki (Ken) Reed;and her sons David (Jui) Mason,James (Stephanie) Mason, andJerry (Teresa) Mason. She also issurvived by eight grandchildren:Kevin Hamilton, James and Ben-jamin Reed, Kimberly Josephand Crystal Mason, Samuel Mason,and Christopher and JosephMason; and 6 great grandchildren.She is also survived by hersister-in-law, June Thornton.Shirley was an avid reader.Her joy was to read one newspaperfrom front to back every day.She and Earl enjoyed travelingtogether; and their trips tookthem to Alaska, China, Hawaii,and Russia, as well as travelswithin the United States. Together,they enjoyed dancing, playingcards, and entertaining friends.She was known for her sense ofhumor, and generosity.Shirley also enjoyed time thatshe spent with her family; and entertainingthem was important toher. It was a treasured time whenshe was surrounded with all ofher children, spouses, grandchildren,and great –grandchildren.Family and friends are invitedto a memorial service at CallaghanFuneral Home, located at3833 East Avenue, Livermore,CA, on June 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.Following the services, a celebrationof her life will be held at thehome of Virginia Horgan, 1427Aster Lane, Livermore, CA.Obituary/MemoriumPoliciesObituaries are published inThe Independent at no charge.There is a small charge forphotographs in the obituaries.Memorium ads can alsobe placed inThe Independentwhen families want to honorthe memories of their lovedones. There is a charge formemorium ads, basedon the size of the ad.Please send an email toeditmail@compuserve.comto receive additionalinformation.

PAGE 10 - The Independent, MAY 10, 2012SUPERVISOR(continued from page one)Candidates were given thechance to add any issues that theywished to discuss, and to nameseveral endorsers. The candidatesare presented in alphabeticalorder by last name.NATE MILEYNate Miley was elected tothe Board of Supervisors afterserving 10 years on the OaklandCity Council. He is currently theboard president. Miley grew upin Maryland, intending a politicalcareer in Washington after lawschool. However, after workingin Oakland on a one-year projectas a Jesuit Volunteer Corps member,he decided to stay.Miley is proud of his communityorganizing background,and believes that power comesup from the grassroots, not fromthe top down. He said that hisorganizing showed him the importanceof listening to peopleabout their needs, and coachingthem to obtain what they want.He is the coach, and the peoplethemselves receive the glory.Miley has two grown childrenand said that he is living in a committedrelationship.Supervisors are due to voteon the 2012-13 budget on June22. The budget is projected toinvolve $2.184 billion in appropriations,but identifies only$2.096 billion in revenue, leavinga gap of $88 million.Shortfalls are familiar to thecounty. The county has lost $2billion from its budget over thepast 10 years, said Miley. Thestate mandates programs, butdoes not fund them fully.Management efficiencies andkeeping positions unfilled willhelp balance the budget, saidMiley. The new solar array andwind turbines that have takenSanta Rita Jail off the electricgrid will help, too.“What we won’t vote for, is togo into general reserves, whichare at about $175 million. Wewould like the reserves to reach$250 million, which would be10 percent of the total budget,”said Miley.Miley said that the Valleyshould receive additional medicalresources from the county. Mileyrecognizes more resources mustgo to Hayward and Oakland becauseof their need, but he wouldlike to bring the health care andsocial services directors to theValley and talk about a better wayto deliver services locally.“Maybe there could be a onestopservice center for the wholeValley,” said Miley. There couldbe savings on renting facilities.There would be convenience inknowing all services are availableat one place.Besides getting Santa RitaJail off the electrical grid, thecounty has accomplished severalgreen projects. The Castro Valleylibrary converted to solar power,and is selling power back to thegrid.The county is building its capitalprojects to LEEDS standards.Some county employees work athome. They share cubicles on arotating basis when they are dueto be in the county office. “Itsaves the county money,” saidMiley.Miley said that the $336 permonth paid in general assistancefor three months “doesn’t cutit. I’d like to allow people sixmonths on general assistance,and make sure that people aretrained to look for jobs.”“That was the big thing (infindings by a task force aboutwelfare). With the economy theway it is, you have more unemployed.How do you expectgeneral assistance people to findjobs”, asked Miley.Miley would like to see morepeople on welfare converted toSocial Security’s SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI), if theyqualify. That would shift thecost from the county and helprecipients more.On bird deaths in the Altamont,Miley said the answer isthe repowering, which is underwayat one turbine operation. Thenew turbines will greatly reducethe number of turbines needed forthe same power output.Miley said he’d like to seea reduction in bird kills greaterthan the agreed upon 50 percent.However, he is comfortable with50 percent because everyone hasagreed to it.On open space, Miley said,“We have to do everything wecan to preserve open space,agriculture and ranching in thecounty.”Miley has taken no positionon Doolan Canyon. He said thathe and supervisor Scott Haggertyencouraged Dublin andLivermore to come to an agreementabout a proposed seniordevelopment.If the issue comes to LAFCO(Livermore has said it will takeit there, if necessary) than Mileysaid that it would be inappropriatefor him, as chair of LAFCO,to signal his intentions on anyvote by announcing a stand nowon the matter.Miley supports Measure D,which voters approved to preserveagricultural uses beyondan urban limit line set by themeasure.However, “we also need torecognize legitimate agriculturaluses in Measure D.” He cited aCastro Valley equestrian facilitywhere the owner wants to coverthe riding ring. He does not ownenough land to meet the squarefootage ratio between the ringsize and the parcel size, so hecan’t install it.Miley said that supervisorsmay have the discretionary powerto overcome that restriction onequestrian centers. “Under thelaw, supervisors can make technicaladjustments. We considerthis as a technical adjustment,”said Miley.The equestrian issue is goingthrough the county reviewprocess now. It will be beforethe planning commission soon,said Miley.The property is under newownership. The previous owneralso applied to cover the arenaand was turned down.On the Pegasus Energy Partnerssolar array, Miley said it’simportant for a solar policy tobe in place before making thedecision. Supervisors approvedtwo solar arrays much smaller,but held up on Pegasus becauseof its size.Miley wants to see the staff research,including what can occurin urban areas of unincorporatedland, before making a decision.Miley is a supporter of MeasureB3. “People in Livermorehave been paying for a BARTextension. For that alone, theydeserve it. Clearly, we need theextension, if it helps (to get ridof) the clog on the I-580 corridor,said Miley.Also, with Livermore growingas a job center, BART will helpwith the expansion. “It’s like (SupervisorScott) Haggerty said, forevery $1 we spend, we leverage$3 to $4 out of it,” he said.Building the project is a jobgenerator, too, with an estimated25,000 jobs coming from every$1 billion in expenditures.An issue that Miley added tothis story was the state’s realignmentof the criminal justice system,in which state prisoners willbe shifted to the counties.“I feel that counties can do abetter job than the state, but wereceived only $9 million fromthe state. San Bernardino got $20million,” said Miley. The countyput together “a very good plan”by coordinating the district attorney,probation, law enforcement,and social services.Miley’s other issue is whatto do with sports teams that usethe Oakland-Alameda CountyColiseum. Those are the GoldenSate Warriors, Oakland Athleticsand Oakland Raiders.“We have to find a way tomanage these matters, and nothurt taxpayers, but help the public.It’s daunting,” said Miley.Miley said that his endorsersinclude the county DemocraticParty Central Committee, theAlameda County Central LaborCouncil, Pleasanton Mayor JenniferHosterman, Dublin MayorTim Sbranti, and 1st DistrictSupervisor Scott Haggerty.The Miley campaign webaddress is http://www.mileyforsupervisor.com/.TOJO THOMASTojo Thomas has been an AlamedaCounty deputy probationofficer for 11 years. Before that,he worked for the county socialservices department as a familyservice worker.Thomas, who was born inKerala, India, ran MANCA, anon-profit cultural organizationfor Bay Area residents who comefrom that area.One of the projects that hestarted was a Bay Area BreastCancer Walk sponsored by theorganization.Thomas came with his parentsto Concord in 1992. He studiedcriminal justice in college andearned a master’s degree incounseling.Thomas said that supervisorsneed to look at the county budgetline by line, and see “whatis waste, and and what we cansave.”Because he works in the fieldof criminal justice, Thomas saidhe knows there are cutbacksfrom the state in the field. Buthe feels the county “can use itsfunds smartly, and hire moreofficers.”Thomas said that he has aperson working with him on thebudget. “I’m learning about it.I’ll see what I can do. I’m a quicklearner,” he said.On the question about Valleyhealth services from the county,Thomas said, “As a probationofficer, I know there is a lackof resources for mental healthclients. More can be done, andshould be done. It’s one of myinterests.”“I’m in a helping field. Peopleprovide their own solutions. Itwould be good to visit Pleasantonand Castro Valley and see whatpeople want,” said Thomas.Thomas said it would be “agreat idea” to convert as manycounty facilities as possible” togreen energy. “We should seewhat we can do. It will savemoney. If we can hire a newperson (in green energy), I’m allfor it, if it can save money forthe budget.”Thomas said that people whoreceive welfare come into hisoffice. “We need to review it(payments level), and make anappropriate decision. I think inmy heart, ‘How do they live, at$300 a month? They receive helpfrom relatives,” he said.Thomas owns land in LakeCounty, where he wants to builda vacation place. He likes theland and the wildlife there, sois favorably disposed to supportwildlife in the Altamont.“We need to work out anamicable solution (about curbingraptor deaths). If elected, Iwant to sit with the committee. Idon’t want any birds to die, butwe need wind turbines, too,”said Thomas.Thomas said that he wouldhave to review the county openspace policies. “I like to keepopen space, as much as we can,but growth is also a big thing,”he said.On growth beyond the urbangrowth boundaries, Thomas saidthat he would “seriously reviewit. There is room for infill developmentLet’s clean that outbefore we start building outward.When we get into open space,that concerns me.”On the county solar policydraft and the Pegasus applicationfor more than 2000 acres of solararrays, Thomas said, “2000 acresis a lot of property. I would seriouslylook into it.”On Measure 3B, Thomas said,“Raising taxes is fine to accomplishall that stuff (in Measure3B), but you have to make surethe money goes to what is talkedabout in the measaure.”Under issues that he raisedhimself for the story, Thomassaid that he has “high experiencein public safety. I want tomake schools safer by providingschool resources officers wherethe county (is the policing jurisdiction).”“I’m a working man, a familyman, married 11 years. I want todo what’s best for the people ofthe county,” said ThomasThomas named his endorsersas Sgt. Howard Russell ofthe Fremont police department,Ajit Nair, a doctor from Pleasanton,and the Rev. KurianNeduvelichalinkal, vicar of theSt. Thomas Catholic church inSan Francisco.The Thomas campaign webpage address is http://www.tojo2012.com/.PLACE YOURCLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE/CALL INReach over 27,000 homesby direct mail in Livermore,Pleasanton, Dublin & Sunol.Lively 18 th Annual LivermoreValley Wine Auction Sets RecordsFUNDRAISER(continued from page one)both have CF, a fatal, geneticdisease that affects over 30,000children and young adults in theUnited States. They received lifesavingdouble lung transplants. Atransplant does not cure the disease.The film follows them on atour of Japan to inspire change inthe hearts and minds of a cultureresistant to transplantation.The film features other storiesof people living with CF, includingLivermore resident RobinModlin and her adult daughterAnna, who has CF. Robin andAnna’s role in the film was largerthan originally anticipated, asAnna’s health began to declineduring production.“When you set out to make adocumentary, you have a visionbut you don’t know how everythingwill unfold,” says directorMarc Smolowitz. “Robin andAnna show what it’s like to livewith CF.”While the film is about livingwith a devastating disease,producer Andrew Byrnes says italso is a story about love betweensisters, parents and children, husbandsand wives, and caregiversand patients. “It’s a universalstory that can touch and changeyour life even if you have nodirect relationship with cysticfibrosis or organ donation,” hesays. “The movie also showswhat a life-saving legacy organdonation can accomplish. I dohope that people who see thefilm are encouraged to sign upto become donors.”Byrnes knows firsthand howtransformative organ donationcan be – his wife is Isabel Stenzel.“Eight years ago, I wouldhave become a widower if shehad not undergone her doublelung transplant,” he says.Livermore resident Robertby Laura NessThis year’s Livermore ValleyWine Auction brought in a recordcrowd – 275 this year vs 223 last—with a goodly number of newattendees, as evidenced by theshow of hands that accompaniedthey auctioneers warm-up act beforethe bidding got serious.It was hard to settle the crowddown, though, after several rousingnumbers by the infectiouslyenergetic, yet tight, group, anchoredby American Idol frontman, Jason “Wolf” Hamlin, andguitar-wailing Karl Wente, whomanages to make even the largestinstrument look somethinglike a toy. With a gritty rockmeets-countrysound, The FrontPorch Band filled the Wentebarrel room with kick-ass musicthat was best accompanied bysome of Livermore’s best reds:namely Cabernet, Malbec andPetit Verdot.The food, served promptlyand efficiently by the ever vigilantand synchronized Wentecatering staff, left something tobe desired, namely somethinggreen. This was a hearty protein-heavymeal, with a richspring onion soup with smokedsalmon, drizzled with extra virginolive oil, followed by pan-searedfilet mignon atop a see of herbmashedpotatoes that could haveused the olive oil drizzle fromthe first course. A mushroomartichokeragu accompanied thebeef, but the plates looked asthough they were missing theirgreens. This was a small sea ofcarbs and cholesterol, with noalternate shoreline. If you wereeven remotely on the verge ofvegetarian, this wasn’t your dinner.But maybe that wasn’t thepoint: giving your green wasmore important than getting yourgreen?One of the highlights was the54K raised for the yearly Fund-A-Need drive, which this yearbenefitted the ValleyCare NICU.More results, plus highlightsfrom the live and silent auctions,next week.In any event, the wines didnot disappoint. The 2010 DarcieKent De Mayo Chardonnay and2010 La Rochelle FerringtonVineyard Chardonnay were bothgreat pairs with the soup, the Ferringtonable to handle the salmonwith slightly more aplomb, givenits higher acidity.Good thing the tables werealso awash in Cabs and Cab-relatedblends, including the mostelegant and nearing ready forprimetime 2009 Rodrigue MolyneauxEstate Cabernet. Thisis a fresh, engaging, peppery andtoothily tannic Cab, with suavemanners, congeniality and thatever-optimistic bent that keepsit hound-bound to the hind of thehare. Another most delectablewine with the dinner was the2010 La Rochelle Santa LuciaHighlands Pinot, which has thatright down the middle appeal thatgets it invited back to parties.The pre-dinner wine tastingin the auction item filled barrelroom was great fun, with primopeople watching and some of thebest wines to be sampled. My topten would have to include: the2005 Bodegas Aguirre CabernetSauvignon for its peppery-feistinessand awesome tannins; the2009 Cuda Ridge Cab Francfor its lovely perfuminess, the2009 Concannon Estate PetitVerdot for its solidly elegantrendering of this often bullmooseof a grape; the 2009 BodegasAguirre Malbec for its flawlessbalance and dead-on oak treatmentto keep it from going rustic;the 2010 Merillee Chardonnayfrom Steven Kent for its creamcheesey frosting mouthfeel anddeliciousness; the 2009 RodrigueMolyneaux Cabernet Sauvignon;the 2010 La Rochelle FerringtonVineyard Chardonnay; the 2010Eagle Ridge Pinot Grigio for itsrefreshing depth of fruit and hintof nuttiness, and the 2009 StevenKent Cabernet, LivermoreValley.This new and sporty SKWlabel has a retro feel, but it’sau courant vino, reeking – in agood way - of sweet tobacco,cherry cigar wrapper, menthol,cedar closet and the very finestleather luggage from back whenthings didn’t get schmooshed inconveyor belts at airports. Is thatthe distinctively alluring scent ofmy original Ghurka briefcase onthe floor of the car I used to beable to afford? I remember thataroma like it was 1990. This isdefinitely 2009 Cab, though,thoroughly modern and quitefab, with great balance, poiseand elegantly subtle nuances ofcoffee mocha ice cream with apomegranate balsamic drizzle.The finish is as tidy and satisfyingas beach novel, and there’snothing wrong with that. Youcan call a Livermore Cab withconfidence.The annual event is hosted bythe Livermore Valley WinegrowersFoundation.Moss received a heart and kidneytransplant about two years ago.He’s part of the planning committeefor Wine for a Cure andfriends with the Stenzel sisters,Robin and Anna Modlin, andDiana Heppe.Five years before the transplants,Moss had to stop workingbecause of complications fromdiabetes and hypertension. Heslipped into clinical depressionand described his life as “totallyflat.” Because he’d had severalheart attacks and bypass surgery,the condition of his heartmade him ineligible for a kidneytransplant.Then, a young man in UnionCity was killed in a drive-byshooting. Bob received his heartand kidney.“It’s hard to express howmuch my life changed. Whenyou escape the life I had, with nofuture, for the complete opposite,it’s incredible,” he says. “I can’tget enough of everything. Theresimply aren’t enough hours in theday for me now. I wake up at 4 inthe morning ready to go. My wifejokes that I am practically manicbecause I am always looking fornew things to do.”He’s met with the family ofhis donor. Their gift, he says, isincredibly selfless. “It literally isthe gift of life,” Moss explains.“Deciding to become an organdonor is a highly personal decisionbut my hope is that if peoplesee The Power of Two they willunderstand what it can mean.”Recently Mark Zuckerburg,CEO and founder of Facebook,announced a new feature onFacebook that allows users toshare their donor status withfriends and family, and to linkto state databases where peoplein the United States can registeronline to officially becomedonors. “We, in the transplantcommunity, are thrilled by thisnews,” says Moss.According to the group DonateLife California, there wasa 5,000% percent increase insignups to their donor registryin the first two days after theannouncement. There are over20,000 people on California’sorgan waiting list.Attendees of The Power ofTwo screening can learn moreabout organ donation and CF ata question and answer sessionthat will follow the movie. Anaand Isabel Stenzel, Smolowitz,Byrnes, Moss, and Anna Modlinwill be on the panel along withsome local healthcare professionals.CFRI executive director CarrollJenkins and The Power ofTwo cast and crew member willbe at the VIP reception precedingthe screening. This event willshowcase wines from the LivermoreValley, including StevenKent and La Rochelle, culinarydishes from a special tastingmenu created by Kelly McFarlandand Julie Racine of TheWinemaker’s Pour House, andlive music by Livermore residentand entertainer Chris LeBel.Tickets to the screening are$20. Visit www.cfri.org/wineforacure.shtmlto purchase ticketsand learn more about theVIP reception and sponsorshipopportunities.For more information on ThePower of Two, visit www.thepoweroftwomovie.com.On June5, the movie will be availableextensively on Cable/Satellitevideo-on-demand and digitalbroadband by GoDigital. Uplinkwill release the film theatricallyin Japan in October.

The Independent, MAY 10, 2012 - PAGE 11LEGAL NOTICESFOR INFORMATIONPLACING LEGALNOTICESCall 925-243-8000FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 463462The following person(s) doingbusiness as: FIT-2-B-TIED,5273 Felicia Ave, Livermore,CA 94550, is herebyregistered by the followingowner(s):Suzanne Andreasen, 5273Felicia Ave, Livermore, CA94550This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:s/:Suzanne Andreasen, OwnerThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon March 30, 2012. ExpiresMarch 30, 2017.The Independent Legal No.3220. Published April 19,26, May 3, 10, 2012.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 463881The following person(s) doingbusiness as: (1)H & K ProcessService (2)Parra AttorneySupport Service, 819 BrennanWay, Livermore, CA 94550,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Kay Parra, 819 Brennan Way,Livermore, CA 94550This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 4/18/2007.Signature of Registrants:s/:Kay Parra, OwnerThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon April 11, 2012. ExpiresApril 11, 2017.The Independent Legal No.3221. Published April 19,26, May 3, 10, 2012.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 463154The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Silver LakeBand Camp, 3899 CaliforniaWay, Livermore, CA 94550,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Jaybird Productions, 3899California Way, Livermore,CA 94550This business is conducted bya CorporationThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:s/:Jason S. Bury, PresidentThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon March 23, 2012. ExpiresMarch 23, 2017.The Independent Legal No.3222. Published April 19,26, May 3, 10, 2012.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 463458The following person(s) doingbusiness as: CK Skin,153 So. L St., Livermore, CA94550, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Catherine A. Kupper, 841Jefferson Ave., Livermore,CA 94550This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 1/1/2012.Signature of Registrants:s/:C. A. KupperThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon March 30, 2012. ExpiresMarch 30, 2017.The Independent Legal No.3226. Published April 26,May 3, 10, 17, 2012.NOTICE of INVITING BIDSNotice is hereby given thatsealed bids will be acceptedin the office of the AlamedaCounty Administrator’s Office,1221 Oak Street, Suite 555,Oakland, CA NETWORKINGBIDDERS CONFERENCESfor RFP #900997 Evaluationof the Development Reviewand Inspection Processin the Alameda CountyPublic Works Agency NorthCounty - Monday, May 14,2012, 10:00 a.m. at GeneralServices Agency, Room1107, 11 th Floor, 1401 LakesideDrive, Oakland, CA andSouth County – Tuesday,May 15, 2012, 2:00 p.m. atAlameda County Library Administration,2450 StevensonBlvd.,Conference Room 3,Fremont, CA ResponsesDue by 2:00 pm on June 5,2012 County Contact: LindaKatz (510) 272-6342 or viaemail: linda.katz@acgov.org Attendance at NetworkingConference is Non-mandatory.Specifications regardingthe above may be obtainedat the Alameda County GSACurrent Contracting OpportunitiesInternet website atwww.acgov.org.5/10/12CNS-2307267#THE INDEPENDENT LegalNo. 3229NOTICE of INVITING BIDSNotice is hereby given thatsealed competitive bids willbe accepted in the office ofthe GSA-Purchasing Department,County of Alameda,1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite907, Oakland, CA 94612NETWORKING BIDDERSCONFERENCES for RFP#900958 Social AdjustmentServices for RefugeesSouth County- Thursday,May 17, 2012, 2:00 p.m. atCastro Valley Library, Canyon-ChabotRoom, 3600 NorbridgeAvenue, Castro Valley,CA and North County - Friday,May 18, 2012, 10:00 a.m.at General Services Agency,Room 1105, 11 th Floor, 1401Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CAResponses Due by 2:00pm on June 7, 2012 CountyContact : Stefanie Taylor(510) 208-9610 or via email:stefanie.taylor@acgov.orgAttendance at NetworkingConference is Non-mandatory.Specifications regardingthe above may be obtained atthe Alameda County CurrentContracting OpportunitiesInternet website at www.acgov.org.5/10/12CNS-2307880#THE INDEPENDENT LegalNo. 3230FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 462902The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Tommie’sCafe @ Lifestyle RX, 1119 E.Stanley Blvd., Livermore, CA94550, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):J Cubed Inc, 869 CalienteAve, Livermore, CA 94550This business is conducted bya CorporationThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 3/1/2012.Signature of Registrants:s/:Jon Thomas Van Fossen,PresidentThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon March 15, 2012. ExpiresMarch 15, 2017.The Independent Legal No.3231. Published May 10,17, 24, 31, 2012.NOTICE OF PETITIONTOADMINISTER ESTATEOF:MICHAEL WHITENER,aka MICHAEL J. WHITEN-ER, aka MICHAEL JOHNWHITENERCase No. RP126285041.To all heirs, beneficiaries,creditors, contingent creditors,and persons who mayotherwise be interested in thewill or estate, or both, of:Michael Whitener,Michael J. Whitener, andMichael John Whitener2.A Petition for Probatehas been filed by: BRENDAJESKE in the Superior Courtof California, County of Alameda3.The Petition for Probate requeststhat: BRENDA JESKEbe appointed as personalrepresentative to administerthe estate of the decedent.4. ( ) The petition requeststhe decedent’s will and codicils,if any, be admitted toprobate. The will and anycodicils are available for examinationin the file kept bythe court.5. ( * ) The petition requestsauthority to administer theestate under the IndependentAdministration of Estates Act.(This authority will allow thepersonal representative totake many actions withoutobtaining court approval.Before taking certain veryimportant actions, however,the personal representativewill be required to give noticeto interested persons unlessthey have waived notice orconsented to the proposedaction.) The independentadministration authority will begranted unless an interestedperson files an objection tothe petition and shows goodcause why the court shouldnot grant the authority.6.A Hearing on the petitionwill be held in this court asfollows:Date: June 12, 2012TIME: 9:30 AM DEPT: 201at:SUPERIOR COURT OFCALIFORNIA,County of Alameda2120 Martin Luther KingJr. WayBerkeley, CA 94704Berkeley Courthouse7.If you object to the grantingof the petition, you shouldappear at the hearing andstate your objections or filewritten objections with thecourt before the hearing. Yourappearance may be in personor by your attorney.8.If you are a creditor or acontingent creditor of thedecedent, you must file yourclaim with the court and maila copy to the personal representativeappointed by thecourt within four months fromthe date of first issuance ofletters as provided in ProbateCode section 9100. The timefor filing claims will not expirebefore four months from thehearing date noticed above.9.You may examine the filekept by the court. If you area person interested in theestate, you may file with thecourt a Request for SpecialNotice (Form DE-154) ofthe filing of an inventory andappraisal of estate assets orof any petition or account asprovided in Probate Codesection 1250. A Request forSpecial Notice form is availablefrom the court clerk.10.Attorney for Petitioner:Bernard M. KingKing, Snell, Mildwurm& Fox39650 Liberty StreetSuite 420Fremont, CA 94538-2261(510) 770-5770The Independent Legal No.3232. Published May 10, 17,24, 2012FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 464591The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Serenity StoneworksFountains & Decor LLC,252 Main St, Pleasanton, CA94566, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Serenity Stoneworks Fountains& Decor LLC, 252 MainSt, Pleasanton, CA 94566This business is conducted bya Limited liability companyThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 6/17/2007.Signature of Registrants:s/:Larry Bourland, President ofSerenity Stoneworks Fountains& Decor LLCThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon April 27, 2012. ExpiresApril 27, 2017.The Independent Legal No.3233. Published May 10,17, 24, 31, 2012.ANIMALS2) CATS/ DOGSADOPT A DOG OR CAT, foradoption information contactValley Humane Society at(925)426-8656.Adopt a new best friend:TVAR, the Tri-Valley AnimalRescue, offers animalsfor adoption every Saturdayand Sunday, excluding mostholidays. On Saturdays from9:30 am to 1:00 pm, dogs areavailable at the PleasantonFarmers Market at W. Angelaand First Streets. Twolocations will showcase catsonly: Petsmart in Dublin from12:00 to 4:00 and the PetExtreme in Livermore from12:00 to 4:00. On Sundays,cats are available at Petsmartin Dublin from 1:00 to 4:00,and Pet Extreme in Livermorefrom 12:00 to 4:00. For moreinformation, call Terry at (925)487-7279 or visit our websiteat www.tvar.orgFERAL CAT FOUNDATIONCat & kitten adoptions nowat the new Livermore Petcoon Saturdays from 10:00AMto 2:30PM. We have manyadorable, tame kittens thathave been tested for FIV &FELV, altered & vaccinated.We also have adult cats &ranch cats for adoption.EMPLOYMENT65) HELP WANTEDDRIVERS NEEDED!Tri-ValleyMake Xtra money.Delivering phone books.Must have drivers license,own transportation,w/ auto insurance.Call now!!1-877-360-7183www.deliveryofphonebooks.com56) ADULT CAREIndependent ContractorsWanted. Senior HomeHealth Care. Must have experience.Senior Solutions,Inc (925)443-3101.160) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITYBE WARY of out of areacompanies. Check with thelocal Better Business Bureaubefore you send money orfees. Read and understandany contracts before you sign.Shop around for rates.TO PLACE ACLASSIFIED ADCall (925)243-8000MERCHANDISE127) LOST & FOUNDLOSTRed Poinsettia ClipEarring Lost downtownLivermore, Friday 12/16. Iffound, please call(925)447-1762NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS155) NOTICES“NOTICE TO READERS:California law requires thatcontractors taking jobs that total$500 or more (labor and/ormaterials) be licensed by theContractors State LicenseBoard. State law also requiresthat contractors include theirlicense numbers on all advertising.Check your contractor’sstatus at www.cslb.ca.govor (800)321-CSLB (2752).Unlicensed persons takingjobs less than $500 muststate in their advertisementsthat they are not licensed bythe Contractors State LicenseBoard.”REAL ESTATEInland Valley Publishing Co.Client Code:04126-00001Re: Legal Notice forClassified AdsThe Federal Fair Housing Act,Title VII of the Civil RightsAct of 1964, and state lawprohibit advertisements forhousing and employmentthat contain any preference,limitation or discriminationbased on protected classes,including race, color, religion,sex, handicap, familial statusor national origin. IVPC doesnot knowingly accept anyadvertisements that are inviolation of the law.Buying Your First HomeBy Kelly DeYoreoWhile rents have been going up, home prices and interest rateshave been coming down. Many people are considering buying theirfirst home. It’s a big step, and a process that can seem intimidatingat first.One of the keys to making the home-buying process easier andmore understandable is planning. In doing so, you’ll be able to gainan understanding of the steps involved, and the roles played by you,your Realtor, lender, and the title company.Getting Ready to BuyWhat do you want to buy? Your first home will probably not bethe “dream home” you stay in for the rest of your life, but for thenext five to eight years, how much space do you need? Is your 900square foot, two bedroom apartment big enough, or do you reallyneed a third bedroom and garage?Make a list of things, in order of importance, that matter most toyou in buying your first home. These things will not be the samefor everyone. For some buyers, location or proximity to a particularschool will be of primary importance. For others, the size and floorplan of the home will be most important.After you’ve identified your main requirements, make a secondlist of the things you’d like to have, but don’t absolutely have to findin your first home. Perhaps you’d like a large yard, but it’s somethingyou’re willing to do without. Do you have to have that secondbathroom, or could you live happily with one?Do you have a time-frame in which you want to purchase? Canyou spend the next six months looking for a home, or do you needto be settled more quickly?Whatever your answers, this process will help you define yourgoals. Eventually, these answers will also be helpful to your Realtorin helping you find the right home.During this “getting ready to buy” phase, keep your financialhouse in order. Make all your payments on time. Establish goodcredit, but have as little credit card debt as possible. Save for a downpayment. You’ll probably need at least 3.5 percent of the purchaseprice for your down payment, along with closing costs, but a higherdown payment always makes you a stronger buyer.Finding a RealtorThe National Association of Realtors includes brokers and salespeoplewho are bound by a Code of Ethics, and have access to extensivetraining opportunities and a wealth of community information.Realtors are routinely active in their communities, providing themwith a better understanding of the area in which they are selling.Buying and selling real estate can be a complex matter. At first itmight seem that by checking local home magazines or on-line websitesyou could quickly find the right home at the right price.On-line sites are a very helpful tool for home buyers, but a basicrule in real estate is that all properties are unique. No two properties- even two identical models on the same street – are exactly alike.Homes are different, and so are contract terms, financing options,inspection requirements and closing costs.In this maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricingand negotiating, it makes sense to work with professionals whoknow the community, the history of the home and neighborhood,and much more.How do you choose? One of the best places to begin is to askfriends, neighbors or colleagues for referrals. Their experiences,good or bad, can be valuable to you in making your decision. Youmight also meet a Realtor at an open house, local brokerage, or on arecommendation from a lender or financial planner.In some cases, buyers will interview several Realtors beforedeciding with whom they would like to work. The interview can bea good opportunity to consider the agent’s local knowledge, experience,and ability to represent you. The agent should be willing tolisten carefully to your needs, answer your questions, and provide aplan for going forward.Getting Pre-approved for a LoanMost homebuyers will need to obtain a loan to be able to purchasetheir first homes. You probably will not want to waste yourtime looking at homes that are out of your price range. Meet witha loan broker early in the process, even before you begin seriouslylooking at homes.The loan broker will have you fill out a brief application, verifyyour credit and income, and “pre-approve” you for a specific loanamount and purchase price. The loan broker will give you a pre-approvalletter listing these amounts.A good loan broker will recommend the best type of loan productfor your combination of income, down payment, credit score, andindividual circumstances.You can visit several lenders, if you choose, and get several preapprovals,but remember each one will probably have to perform acredit check.Although not a final loan commitment, the pre-approval letter canbe shown to the seller when you are presenting an offer on a home.It demonstrates your financial strength and shows that you have theability to go through with a purchase.This information is important to sellers since they do not wantto accept an offer that is likely to fail because financing cannot beobtained.Begin Looking at HomesFinding and looking at homes will be an exciting and cooperativeprocess between you and your Realtor. She may call you, or emailyou, with information about homes which meet your needs. Youmight also contact her with questions about an interesting home yousaw advertised.Together, you’ll visit and tour homes until you find the one you’dlike to present an offer on.Making an Offer on a HomeWhen you find the right home, your Realtor will help you decidethe specifics of your offer (price, down payment, length of escrow,inspection time frames, and more.) She may show you “comps”-recent, similar comparable sales- to help you decide on the rightoffer price.Your agent will present your offer to the seller or his agent. Theseller may accept or reject the offer, or may present a counterofferto you. This may go back and forth several times until agreement isreached between the buyer and seller. When you have an acceptedagreement, congratulations, you are “in contract” or “in escrow!”What’s Next?During the escrow period (typically 30 to 45 days), the buyernormally has the opportunity to conduct inspections, review sellerdisclosures, arrange for homeowner’s insurance, and conduct anappraisal.Your loan broker will be assembling all the required documents tosubmit to their underwriting department for a final loan approval.Each party (buyer, seller, and real estate agent) has specific contractualduties during this period, and your Realtor will guide youthrough the process.At the end of this escrow period, after your lender has sent yourloan documents to the title company, your Realtor will make arrangementsfor you to sign your closing papers. This will usually happenseveral days before the actual closing, or completion of the sale.You might also do a final walk-through of your new home priorto closing, to ensure any agreed-upon repairs are complete, and thatthe condition is similar to when you entered into the contract.Close of EscrowAfter the loan funds (from the lender) and all down payment funds(from the buyer) have been received by the title company, the salewill be released for county recording on the next business day. Thisis the close of escrow, or the day that the sale is official. You willreceive the keys to your new home and can move in as agreed.Buying your first home can be an exciting, rewarding, and occasionallystressful experience. With good planning and the rightprofessional assistance, you’ll find a home where you can live happilyfor years to come.Kelly DeYoreo is a Realtor withPrudential California Realty, Livermore

PAGE 12 - The Independent, MAY 10, 2012Local Singers Perform National Anthem at A's, Giants Gamesthat she wrote at a wedding withher. She is so creative, talentedand amazing.”Videos of Sweeney’s andStephen’s national anthem performancescan be seen on YouTube.“I will never forget how absolutelyincredible this experiencewas for me,” said Stephens, aMusic Technology major at CaliforniaState University MontereyBay. “After the anthem, I walkedwith my family up to our seatsand the crowd around me stoodand applauded me again.As for their teams? Both theA’s and the Giants won theirgames following the locals’performances. “Born and raisedin the Bay Area, Giants are ahuge part of my childhood,”said Stephens. “I am a fan allthe way!”Stevie Rae Stephens (left) performed before the Giants game; Braden Sweeney at the A's game.By Carol GrahamGoing to major league baseballgames is exciting enough,for most.For two local young adults,kicking off a game by singingthe National Anthem to packedstadiums only adds to the thrillof it all.Stevie Rae Stephens, a 2009Livermore High School graduate,sang The Star-SpangledBanner at the Giants’ May 5thgame against the MilwaukeeBrewers.“The most memorable momentwas how silent AT&T Parkbecame about 10 seconds intothe song,” said Stephens. “Then,when I hit my first top note onthe word ‘glare,’ there was anexhilarating uproar in the crowdthat sent chills up my spine.”Two weeks earlier, GranadaHigh School senior BradenSweeney performed the nationalanthem before the Oakland A’sApril 22nd game against theCleveland Indians.“It was all so surreal,” saidSweeney. “Being escorted downan elevator and through tunnelsto get to the field was neat.“I didn’t know I’d use theearphones that many stars use,”he added. “Because of them, Icouldn’t hear the delay or thecrowd. I’d been practicing athome with the radio blastingmusic at me while I focused onsinging the anthem.”The challenging Star-SpangledBanner is notorious both forits one and a half octave range,and antiquated wording adaptedfrom an 1814 poem by FrancisScott Key.“I just stayed focused on thesong because that’s what I wasthere for,” said Sweeney. “WhenI was singing my last note, I felthappy with how it had gone andrelieved that I had not cracked orforgotten any words.”Stephens experienced no preperformancejitters. “I wouldlike to say that my lack of nervesis due to some sort of skill Ilearned,” she said. “I have noidea why I’ve never had stagefright! My first performance waswhen I was five and even then, Iknew the stage would always bewhere I belong.“The amount of peoplewatching you doesn’t changeyour voice, so relax and graspthose two minutes.”Stephens and Sweeney, who,coincidentally, are friends andshare vocal coach Nuhad Levasseur,have many years of lessonsand big performances under theirbelts. In 2006, Stephens sangthe anthem for Livermore’s 4thof July celebration. In 2008, sheperformed before a full house atHollywood’s Kodak Theater.Earlier this year, Sweeneyproduced and sang in “Performingfor the Protection Plan: AVocal and Dance Showcase,”an Invisible Children fundraiserheld at Livermore High School,earning more than $5,300 for thenon-profit group striving to endthe abduction and use of childrenas soldiers and slaves in centralAfrica’s rebel war.“Braden sang on Sunday, andon Monday morning I receiveda call from our contact at theA’s who said the CommunityRelations Department was soimpressed with all the positivepress leading up to Braden’sperformance that they donated$2,500 to Invisible Children inBraden’s name,” said motherNicole Sweeney. “How cool isthat? We were over the moonwith the donation.”“Braden is not only a dedicated,talented and successfulindividual, he’s also a visionary,”said Stephens. “I’m very proudof him for his accomplishmentswith the benefit concert, singingthe national anthem for the A’s,and his upcoming choreographyin Hairspray.” This summer,Sweeney will be playing thepart of Link as well as choreographingHairspray for DiabloTheater Company’s Stars 2000Teen Theater.“Whenever we watch him perform,we anticipate every singlenote and will the notes to comeout as he would want them to,”said Nicole.Father and Livermore PoliceChief Steve Sweeney added,“I was probably more nervousthan he was. If a professionalcan forget the words, you knowit can happen to any performer.He handled the whole experiencewith confidence and professionalism.”Stephens’ mother is equallyenthusiastic about the daughternamed after blues guitarist StevieRay Vaughan. “Stevie holds thehighest number of communityservice hours by a LivermoreHigh School student for travellingaround the Tri-valley puttingon shows for senior citizens,”said Lauri Stephens. “She hasan incredible talent not only forsinging but for songwriting aswell.”“Stevie and I met duringLivermore Idol,” said Sweeney.“I was privileged to sing a song

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION AViva!New Social Club for Young Opera Lovers toHost Inaugural Event at the FirehouseLivermore Valley Opera (LVO)will present an afternoon of passion-stirringmusic by Mozart,Puccini, Verdi and Donizetti,performed by internationally acclaimedopera singers tenor EleazarRodriguez, soprano RebeccaDavis and bass-baritone PhillipSkinner (Tosca's Scarpia).The performance will be at 2p.m. on Sun., May 20 at the FirehouseArts Center in downtownPleasanton.Immediately following performance,the audience is invited to areception where they will have theopportunity to meet and talk withthe artists.“A Passionate Afternoon” willbe the inaugural event of LVO’snew social club, Viva! founded byand for young opera lovers of theBay Area. Entertainment seekersages 21-40 are invited to join Viva!for access to special opera performancerates, VIP Opening Night,fun social gatherings, prizes, andmuch more.“An afternoon of passion is anopportunity to indulge in the guiltymusical pleasure of the very coreessence of opera . . . and life,” saysElizabeth Wells, LVO ExecutiveDirector. “The main theme ofnearly every opera is that the tenorand soprano are desperately in loveand it’s the bass or baritone roleof the opera who wants to keepthem apart. How many operaswould have happy endings ifonly the soprano had been in lovewith the baritone instead? Davis,Rodriquez and Skinner are allextremely moving artists who areguaranteed to leave the audience asbreathless and heartbroken as thecharacters they portray.”Funding for this performancewas provided in part by a grantfrom the City of Pleasanton CivicArts.“LVO is very appreciative ofthe support it has received fromPleasanton Civic Arts,” says JimSchmidt, LVO President. “Becauseof the grant, LVO is able tobring opera to the community inmany different ways.”Viva!'s volunteer directors,local opera enthusiasts Lisa Vittoriaand Christine Ferraris, sharea passion for the arts, events, andTri-Valley community activities.They say they are excited aboutthe club’s first event.“Viva! is an awesome new clubfor young opera lovers who liveanywhere in the Bay Area,” saysVittoria. “We are excited aboutgrowing this new club and planningfuture events.”Both Ms. Vittoria and Ms.Ferraris will be available duringthe artist’s reception where youngopera fans interested in joiningViva! can learn more and how toget involved.For more information visitViva!’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/livermorevalleyoperaviva,or contact the foundersat viva.lvopera@gmail.com or925-330-1548.Lisa Vittoria and Christine Ferraris organized the new club. In thephoto at right is tenor Eleazar Rodriguez.A native of Piedras Negras,Mexico, Rodriguez is a recipientof the Placido Domingo voicescholarship given by SociedadInternacional de Valores de ArteMexicano, Mexico’s most renownedyoung artist program. Inaddition, he is a top prize winner inthe Carlo Morelli National Competitionin Mexico City. This season,he is an ensemble participant at theBadisches Staatstheater Karslruhe,singing leading roles. Last season,he was a member of the ensembleat Theater Heidelberg (CorneliusMeister, GMD), where he gaveacclaimed performances as Taminoin Die Zauberflöte, Jaquino in anew production of Fidelio, andCassio and Rodrigo in Otello.Rodriguez was a member ofthe San Francisco Opera’s MerolaOpera Program in 2009 and 2010.He earned a Bachelor of MusicDegree from the San FranciscoConservatory of Music where hereceived the Outstanding AchievementAward in opera from the SanFrancisco Conservatory in 2007and 2010.San Francisco Classical Voicewrote, “Among Merolini, alreadywell-recognized, it proved to be aspecial night for Rodriguez, whosevoice rang out in the 3,200-seatWar Memorial Opera House,in a heartwarming ‘Quoi! Vousm’aimez?’ from The Daughter ofthe Regiment."Skinner is an American bassbaritonewho has sung leadingroles in both North American andEuropean opera houses. A veteranperformer at San Francisco Opera,he made his debut there in 1985and has gone on to sing over 35roles with the company. In 2007,Skinner created the role of EdgarRay Killen when San FranciscoOpera staged the world premiere ofthe Philip Glass opera, Appomattox.He is a graduate of NorthwesternUniversity and receivedhis Master's Degree from IndianaUniversity.Lyric Soprano Rebecca Davisis fast becoming known for herbrilliant and warm vocal timbre, aswell as dynamic vocal versatilityand remarkable vocal extension.Her voice has been characterizedas “powerful, majestic, captivating,elegant, and thrilling to thebone”. Rebecca made her ChicagoSymphony Orchestra debut inApril 2008 singing Salaambo’s ariafrom the movie score of CitizenKane. Rebecca has earned numeroussinging awards, including theGrand Prize of the Chicago BelCanto, finalist of the Tri-StateRegion in the Metropolitan OperaCompetition, finalist and winnersconcert of the 2009 RenataTebaldi competition, and finalistof the 2010 José Iturbi competition.2010-2012 has included threeproductions of La Traviata, as Violetta,with Opera Santa Barbara,Festival Opera, and Opera San Joseas well as her role debuts as Ilia inMozart's Idomeno at Opera SanJose, Mimi in Puccini's La Bohemewith Opera Santa Barbara, andBaby Doe in Opera Idaho's productionof The Ballad of Baby Doe.Tickets are $20. Group discountsare available. Tickets maybe purchased online at www.firehousearts.org up to three hoursprior to the performance, by phoneat (925) 931-4848, or in personat the Firehouse Arts Center BoxOffice. Box Office hours areWednesday-Friday, 12 noon-6:00p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m., and for two hours prior tothe performance. The entranceto free parking is on Spring Streetnear First Street.

2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012Big Al Lopez will be at theWild Vine with his work (atleft). Above is a guitar purse,at right a shawl - just a few ofthe wearable works of art atBlacksmith Square.Art Happens Tonight in Downtown LivermoreDuring “Art Happens” on May10, several downtown locationswill open their doors for an eveningof art exploration and creativity.Hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m.May’s offerings feature a receptionfor “Sweet Lines, FabulousForm” and the fun, lively artworkof Big Al Lopez at the Wild Vine,from 6:00 to 7:30 pm; open studiosat Firehouse Art Studios in thehistoric Firehouse building acrossfrom the Bankhead Theater; colorsaturated,vibrant vineyard worksof Nova Starling as well as openstudios for the working artists atthe Bothwell’s Downtown Art Studiospace; glass art jewelry makingprojects at Art Glass Studios; andlace techniques at Café Art.Figurehead Art Gallery exhibitsan array of works by gallery artists.A special night at BlacksmithSquare offers “Art of Fashion atArtistic Edge” with an eveningof textile art that is wearable, creative,colorful and fun clothing,purses and accessories.There are wine tasting roomsand a new brewery at BlacksmithAquare. There will be a fashionshow throughout the night.Artistic Edge owner DanaKlebes, said, "We are very excitedabout this event. We have some ofthe very best artists from Livermoreand around the Bay Areaparticipating and rarely do you seea gathering of this talent focusedon textiles in Livermore. This isart that you can put in your everyday life and more importantly use."A location map of art offeringsthrough June can be downloadedfrom www.bothwellartscenter.org, or pick one up the night of theevent from the participating locations.This new monthly event iscoordinated by the Bothwell ArtsCenter, with significant help fromLVPAC.The Commission for the Artsinvites the public to visit theLivermore Downtown area tosee the art wheels and street polebanners on display in connectionwith the Livermore Stage 3 Finishof the Amgen Tour of California2012.For the Art on Wheels Project,there are a total of 30 wheels thatare on display at 25 business locationsthroughout the downtownthrough May 20. The work willbe auctioned off. The silent auctionforms are available at theparticipating businesses. Bids startat $10 per art wheel.Amgen Banner and Wheel Art onDisplay in Downtown LivermoreFor the Street Pole Art BannerProject, there are a total of 15 artbanners on display at the followingintersections in the downtownarea. The silent auction forms forall the street banners are availableat ArtSpace Gallery and CustomFraming. The art banners will beon display until May 20, 2012.Bids start at $20 per art banner.To submit a bid for the wheel,simply fill out the silent auctionform at participating businessesdisplaying a wheel. To submita bid for an art banner, simplyfill out the silent auction form atArtSpace Gallery and CustomFraming located at 133 S. LivermoreAvenue. Brochures and mapsfor both projects can be found onthe City of Livermore website atwww.cityoflivermore.net .For the Art on Wheels Projectbrochure and map, visit http://www.cityoflivermore.net/civicax/filebank/documents/7594/.For the Street Pole Art BannerProject brochure and map, visit:http://www.cityoflivermore.net/civicax/filebank/documents/7576/For questions, please feel freeto contact Theresa De la Vega at(925) 960-4049 or tbdelavega@cityoflivermore.net.Art Reception and Auction forYoung Dublin ArtistsDublin Partner in Education (DPIE) will host an Art Receptionand Auction on Fri., May 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn,6680 Regional Street.The event will celebrate the creativity of Dublin students. Winningartwork from the 14th annual DPIE Art Contest will be sold in liveand silent auctions. Funds will benefit Dublin schools.Wine, champagne, hors d’Ouevres and dessert will be served.Auctioneer, Juliette Goodrich, CBS News Anchor and Jim Hampton,KKIQ radio personality, will auction off all 28 First Place professionallyframed pieces of original student artwork. All second andthird place pieces will be sold in the silent auction throughout thenight. Tickets for this event at $40 per person can be purchased bycalling 925-828-2551 ex.8024 or online at http://www.dpie.org/fundraising/student-art-auction.aspxTo view the first place art around town before it goes to auction-visitDublin City Hall, Main Lobby, Dublin Library, Tech CU on DublinBlvd., Key Point Credit Union on Amador Valley Blvd., Cachet Salonon Regional Street.

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 3Pure Prairie League Brings Its OriginalCountry Rock Sound to the BankheadPure Prairie League arrives atthe Bankhead Theater for a singleperformance on Thursday evening,May 17, 2012.When they appeared on thescene in the late 1970s, Pure PrairieLeague pioneered a blend of vocalharmonies and rhythms that wereunlike anything else on either therock or country music scene atthe time. Although the group hastransitioned over the years, theyretain the style that has kept aloyal following of “Prairiedog”fans attending concerts aroundthe country.Tickets to hear the familiarharmonies Pure Prairie League atthe Bankhead Theater on May 17thrange from $28 to $40 for adultsand $14 for students.Pure Prairie League’s originalcountry rock style owes itsroots to the different musicalbackgrounds the founding bandmembers brought with them whenthey came together in Ohio in the1970s. From popular East Coastrock and roll, the bluegrass andcountry music of Kentucky, and therich soul and blues sounds of theCincinnati music scene emergeda combination of smooth vocalharmonies and engaging rhythmsthat set Pure Prairie League apartand had a lasting influence on boththeir contemporaries at the timeand today’s top country artists.They put out two albums inthe early 1970s but when neithersold quickly, the band returned toplaying bars and nightclubs. Then,unexpectedly, a single off theirsecond album started climbingthe radio charts in response to listenerrequests. “Amie” rode all theway into the Top 40s in 1974 andhas remained a favorite countryrock classic ever since. AlthoughPure Prairie League signed anotherrecord contract, lead singer/songwriter Craig Fuller had left,the disco era had taken hold, andalbum sales were slow. The bandtook another upward turn with theaddition of up-and-coming singer/songwriter Vince Gill whose leadvocals led to a chart-topping hit,“Let Me Love You Tonight” in1980 and renewed interest inthe band. Within a decade, however,their record label folded,Gill moved on, and the band wenton hiatus.In 1998, Fuller and originalbassist, Mike Reilly, decidedDel Valle Fine Arts Concert serieswill feature classical guitaristRobert Gruca for a May 19 concert.The performance will be at 8p.m. at the Bankhead Theater inLivermore.His program will include worksby classical composers such asDowland, Handel and Albeniz, aswell as contemporary composersLeo Brouwer and Jorge Morel.Gruca is described as an excitingguitarist who has earned severalfirst prizes in national guitarcompetitions. He has performed awide range of solo, chamber, andconcerto repertoire throughout theeastern United States and Canada.He also toured with the ClevelandOrchestra in the US and in Europefor performances of Mahler’s SymphonyNo. 7, and has collaboratedto restart Pure Prairie League,bringing back the rich harmonies,lively beat, and the pedal steel,fiddle, mandolin, washboard andaccordion sounds for which theywere known. They were pleasedto discover that fans, both old andnew, were eager to hear their brandof country rock. In 2005, they releasedan acclaimed album of newsongs, “All In Good Time” filledwith the kind of catchy hooks,smooth vocals, and satisfyingrhythms that made Pure PrairieLeague’s music popular from thevery beginning.The Bankhead Theater is locatedat 2400 First Street in DowntownLivermore. To purchasetickets call 925-373-6800 or visitwww.bankheadtheater.orgClassical Guitarist Next in Concert SeriesRobert Grucawith that ensemble on many otheroccasions. He has released twoCDs of solo guitar pieces.John Holmquist, ClevelandInstitute of Music, writes, “RobertGruca is one of the most talentedguitarists of his generation. A sensitiveand refined musician, hisvirtuosic technique is always at theservice of his musical expression.A player to watch.”Tickets are $25, $29 and $23.Tickets for the concerts areavailable at the Bankhead Theaterticket office at 2400 First Street,Livermore, by calling 925-373-6800 or on line at www.livermoreperformingarts.org.Free youth tickets and reducedprice student rush tickets are availableon the day of the performance.endless variety,exciting entertainmentGuest Maestro:Lara WebberMay 12 at 8pmLivermore-Amador SymphonyRae Dorough Speakers SeriesBob BorchersMay 16 at 7:30pmFrom Fairchild to Facebook—The History and Future of Venture CapitalPure Prairie LeagueMay 17 at 7:30pmOne of Country-Rock’s Pioneering ForcesRobert Gruca GuitarMay 19 at 8pmDel Valle Fine ArtsC hanticleer“Love Story”May 20 at 2pmA Glorious Afternoon of Sheer Vocal PerfectionBlues to Benefitthe BothwellFri Jun 1 at 8pmBlues Icon Barbara Dane andBig Cat & The HipnoticsC antabellaChildren’s ChorusSat Jun 2 at 1/4pmThe Pure, The Bright, The BeautifulRodeo Weekend!Buffalo RomeJun 8 at 8pmCountry Western Musicwith a West Coast Feelbarbara dane 1960sbuy tickets 925.373.6800www.bankheadtheater.org2400 First street | Downtown Livermore

4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012By Patricia KoningAfter running Galina’s MusicStudio for nearly a decade, ownerGalina Corkery has decided it’stime to stretch into some new directions.One of those directionsis to bring more music into thecommunity.“It’s incredibly sad that musicprograms are being cut from ourschools,” she explains. “I wantto share the gift of music. It canchange people’s lives.”The studio is now offeringcomplementary music classes toGirl Scout and Boy Scout troopsas well as other organizations. Thisspring two Girl Scout troops tookadvantage of this opportunity.A Brownie troop of girls ages 8to 10 years old, all students at theLivermore Valley Charter School,learned several traditional songs,rhythm using guitars and drums,and how to play the recorder. Eachparticipant went home with his orher own recorder.Troop leader Cate Casey describesit as an amazing musicalexperience. They also earned amusic fun patch for attending thelesson.“For over an hour, Galina andSimone worked with the girlsto combine vocals, percussion,keyboards, bells, and recorders.They started with a simple beatand gradually built up harmoniesand layers of sound with the variousinstruments,” she says. “TheSpreading a Love of MusicA Girl Scout Brownie troop earned a fun music badge at a complementary class at Galina’s Music Studio.relaxed, fun approach gave thegirls confidence to experiment withthe instruments and to create theirown music—their pleasure in theexperience was evident from thesmiles on their faces!”Another troop of older girlsformed an impromptu band duringtheir class. “It was really incredible,”says Galina. “Many hadexperience with music throughlessons or recorder at school.”Spontaneity is one of the ideasbehind the classes, says Galina.“We find each child’s musicalityand try to engage everyone. It’sreally fun because they use theirskills and learn some new ones.”This summer, Galina’s MusicStudio will be offering GLEECamp for the first time. Modeledafter the popular television show,participants will learn about harmoniesand how to become bettersingers and performers. The campis open for children ages 10-17and will be held from 1-2:30 pmon Tuesdays and Fridays.Each session of eight classesis $175. The first session beginson June 19 and ends on July 13;the second session begins on July17 and ends on August 10. Signup through the Livermore AreaRecreation and Park District (visithttp://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/ and seethe “Summer Camps” brochure).Galina is also planning to starta choir this summer. There will betwo choirs, one for children withvoice experience and one for thosewithout experience. “My hope isto grow a concert choir that mightperform at local festivals and otherevents,” she says. “I’d also like myadvanced piano students to begingiving performances at local seniorcenters.”Another new offering is “AllAbout Jazz,” a jazz appreciationclass emphasizing history, harmony,theory, and basic improvisationtechniques. Students will beexposed to jazz traditions throughvideos, interviews, classic albums,and demonstrations. Prior knowledgeis not necessary.To learn about all of theseprograms, visit http://www.galinasmusicstudio.com/or call 925-960-1194.The public is invited to an openhouse exhibition of the photographyof the Chinese AmericanCooperation Council PhotographyClass at the Pleasanton PublicLibrary on May 19, from 2pm to4pm.The Chinese American CooperationCouncil (CACC) is aCalifornia nonprofit organizationheadquartered in Pleasanton. Themission of CACC is to promotecultural heritage and enhancefriendship in the Chinese Americancommunity and to facilitate thecultural and business exchangesand cooperation between thepeoples of the U.S. and the GreaterPhotography Class to Show Work at Pleasanton LibraryChina.The photography class currentlyhas 17 students who learnfrom the experience and dedicationof master teacher photographer Mr.Jianzhong Cai.A graduate of the GuangzhouUniversity of Arts with a majorin oil painting, Mr. Jianzhong Caihas over 30 years of experience inphotography and is well known inChina at the national level. Mr. Caihas established a professional artstudio, specializing in oil painting,children picture story books andblack and white print photography.He also excels in book coverdesign and exhibition planning.Mr. Cai has a particular fondnessfor black and white photography,in particular for its simplicity aswell as vibrance and clarity. Hehas dedicated his photography tothis profound form of expression.The program is free and opento all. No registration required.For more information email niumatters@gmail.comor call thePleasanton Library at 925/931-3400, ext 7.At left is one of the photosthat will be on display.

Reception for Surrealist ArtistThe surreal paintings of LosGatos artist Frank Sustarich areon display at Prudential CaliforniaRealty, 1780 First Street, Livermore,through June 30.The exhibit is open duringregular business hours, or by appointment.A reception, open to the public,will be held Saturday, May 12, 5-7p.m. Wine and hors d’oeuvres willbe served. Art lovers are invited toview the show and meet the artist.San Francisco born Sustarichbegan drawing in his youth andexpanded to painting in his earlyteens. Strong family support anda creative environment helped tonurture this emerging artist. Earlylandscape efforts were traditionaland showed a natural sense ofcomposition.“Even though I enjoyed paintingscenes from my surroundings,I became increasingly interested inimprovising my own images andselecting a palette which suited mytaste,” he said.'Spring intoAction' BenefitsLions SightProgramsAmador Valley Lions Club willhost "Spring Into Action," a fundraiserbenefitting local charities aswell as Lions Sight Conservationprograms.The event will be held on Monday,May 21, 2012, at DemitrisTaverna, 2235 First Street in Livermore.This event starts at 6 pm withno host cocktails followed by abuffet dinner at 7pm. There will bedoor prizes as well as opportunitiesto participate in a 50/50 cash raffleand silent auction items.The highlight of the eveningwill be vocal presentations byDanielle Pierce who has been performingsince she was ten yearsold. Danielle has performed withthe Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre atthe Bankhead Theater, where shewill be appearing in Oklahoma thissummer. She has participated inother theatrical productions whichinclude: Godspell, All Shook Up,and Ragtime. Danielle also hassung at many local communityevents, as well as the AlamedaCounty Fair.Tickets are on sale now andcost $35.00 each. To secure yourticket to this charitable event andto enjoy great food and Danielle'svocal presentations please call 925443-8649. Space is limited.During this same time he discoveredhis interest in the unusualsounds that could be heard on shortwave radio.“I was particularly interestedin the sounds between channels.Many seemed so unearthly that asI let my imagination wander, I sawstrange and wonderful images inmy mind.” This unusual connectionbetween image and sound stillserves as a means of visualizationfor the works he produces.He began to exhibit his work onthe Art and Wine Festival circuit.He described the Mill Valley ArtFestival as the best experience hehad during this time. Those earlysuccesses were a great learningexperience and very encouraging.A career in mechanical engineeringoccupied many of hisadult years. His professional careerincluded considerable drawing anddrafting, and the artist continuedpainting. During that time, he triedmany media but always came backto oil on canvas as his preferredmeans of expression. As his workin technology waned, he reassertedart with full vigor and focus.Inspiration comes to him frommany sources. Often a phrase spokenby a friend or a line of poetryis enough to start the process ofvisualization. Electronic music isparticularly effective in creating anabstracted sense of time and space.Many ideas result from observationof the local environment.The changing political andsocial scene offers many topicsto contemplate. He often findsinspiration in the active process oflooking for inspiration combinedwith his personal wealth of experiencein literature and the sciences.“It seems as if one feeds offof the other, experience tells mewhere to look and practice tells mehow to look.”His style is best classified assurrealism. His work remainsunique, thought provoking andpositive in intention. “I really don’twant to waste time or paint onwork which criticizes, complainsor gives offence or insult to theviewer. I wish instead to uplift ordelight.”While it is true that some piecesof his work are intended as explorationsof color or shape, veryfew pieces of his work are withouta more involved meaning. Hispaintings are accompanied by afew lines of poetry or prose thathe proposes as his meaning behindthe piece.For information, or to arrangeviewings, contact Cher Wollard at925 824-4824 or cherw@cherw.com.THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 5"Angel" by Frank Sustarich72nd Annual Pleasanton Rose ShowSaturday, May 12, 2012Pleasanton Senior Center5353 Sunol BoulevardRose Show Exhibitors Registration:Judging:Show Opens:Awards Ceremony:7:30 am - 10:00 am10:00 am - 12:30 pm1:00 pm - 4:00 pm1:30 pmFor more information, please call Alain Pinel officeand ask for Leslie, Joyce or Marti at (925) 251-1111.Proudly Co-Sponsored by:www.ThePleasantonRoseShow.com

6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012Mr. Half Dome Talk Takes Listeners on AdventureDuring Livermore Library PresentationBy Carol GrahamMr. Half Dome has earned hismoniker.After 31 hikes to the summit ofone of the world’s most recognizableand iconic mountains, RickDeutsch appropriated the nicknamefor himself.“I am Mr. Half Dome,” he said,laughing. “Why? Because I said so.I just made it up.”Yet the title holds within itselfa world of experience, knowledge,and insights accumulating overyears of talking about, writingabout, and climbing Yosemite’sHalf Dome.On April 29th Deutsch presentedhis talk “The History ofHalf Dome” to a full audience atthe Livermore Civic Center Library.Following the presentation,Deutsch sold and autographed copiesof his book, “One Best Hike:Yosemite’s Half Dome.”“After my 15th trip, I tried tofind a Half Dome guidebook. Therewere none,” said Deutsch, 63. “Justa few pages in Yosemite guides. Iwanted more.”Deutsch published his comprehensiveguide in 2006. He recentlyreleased a second edition with extensivecontent added. “I includeda lot more historical vignettes soit’s a fun read for non-hikers also.I cover the human history and thegeological reasons why Half Domelooks the way it does,” he said.Half Dome, a granite monolithrising 4,800 feet from the floor ofYosemite Valley (with an elevationof 8,842 feet) is universally recognizedfor its curious shape. Fromthe valley it takes on a benevolentdome shape - a gargantuan burrowingowl gazing up toward theheavens.From other angles, it rises up outThe Safeway Foundationfunds nonprofit organizationsthat strengthen the communitiesthey serve. “When we were approachedby the Tri-Valley Chapterof TurningWheels for Kids with anopportunity to become involved,we were thrilled to be able to helpfund this important cause with a$5,000 grant through our Foundation’sgrant process” stated ChristyDuncan Anderson, Executive Directorof The Safeway Foundation.TurningWheels for Kids, aSilicon Valley based 501(c)3 nonprofitorganization serves underprivilegedchildren in the SantaClara County area by providingnew bicycles at Christmas-timeand throughout the year. This year,the Tri-Valley Chapter launchedwith an aggressive goal of purchasingand assembling 400 bicycles togive to local charities in the Hayward,Castro Valley and Tri-ValleyCommunities.“The goal of purchasing, assemblingand donating 400 bikesRick Deutsch hiking on Half Dome.of the forests like a granite tsunamiwith a hulking backside ready toovertake its sheer vertical face.“It’s quite an interesting rock,”said Deutsch.Exfoliation - shedding of rocklayers - accounts for its steep faceand, despite its name, nearly all ofHalf Dome remains. “Only 20%is missing,” said Deutsch, pointingto an enormous outline of aweeping woman’s profile on thegranite face.The legend is that an Indianwoman named Tis-sa-ack traveledacross the plains with her husbandin an arduous journey up into themountains, heavy with burdensand weary from long days climbing.When they reached Ahwahnee(an Indian word meaning “deep,grassy valley) it had been dayssince they’d had water. Tis-sa-ackreached Ah-wei-ya (Mirror Lake)first and drank thirstily from it untilit was dry.In a wild fury, her husbandbegan to beat her as she ran away.The Great Spirit, angered bythe turmoil in his peaceful Ahwahnee,turned them into stone:the husband became WashingtonColumn, the hurled burden basketbecame Basket Dome, the papoosebecame Royal Arches, and Tis-saackbecame Half Dome - her tearsstreaking its face for all time.Deutsch shared with the audiencecolorful stories of themountain’s most notable climbers,beginning in 1875 following anearlier report stating Half Domewas “Perfectly inaccessible, beingprobably the only one of the prominentpoints about the Yosemitewhich never has been, and neverwill be, trodden by human foot.”Although Deutsch moved toCalifornia in 1975 from his hometownof Falls Church, Virginia (elevation325 feet), he didn’t climbHalf Dome until 1990. “Wow, Iwas hooked,” he said. “I wantedto do it every year. I also realizedthat to see all the great things onearth, I needed to create a Life Listwhich I wrote down and carried for20 years. As a result, I’ve been tosome amazing places.”His climbs and travels includeMt. Whitney, Mt. Shasta, MachuPicchu in Peru, the Great Wall,Mt. Fuji, the Taj Mahal and thePyramids. “I’m not just a hiker,”he added. “I have made over 250scuba dives, rafted the GrandCanyon three times, and evendrove a dog sled in the shadow ofby December 1, 2012 was prettyambitious and we have quicklyrealized that we will need to get thecommunity and local corporationsinvolved if we are going to pull thisoff” said Rich Sims, a Tri-ValleyChapter board member.“We are deeply indebted to andthankful for the generosity of theSafeway Foundation in helpingus make a giant leap towards ourgoal of raising $40,000. This grantmeans at least 50 children willreceive a brand new bike!” saidMt. Whitney.”The mottos Deutsch lives by are“Carpe Diem (Seize the day)” and“Dream as if you’ll live forever;live as though you’ll die today.” Hepresents educational and motivationaltalks at colleges, museums,outfitters, bookstores, libraries, andhealth clubs.“I love to help people accomplishtheir goals and get to the topof their ‘mountain,’” said Deutsch.“I developed a motivational talkcalled D.O.M.E. 'D' is for discoveringyour passion, 'O' is forovercoming obstacles, 'M' is forstaying motivated, and 'E' is forbeing enthusiastic.“I tell stories that people can'Turning Wheels Tri-Valley Receives Safeway Foundation FundsCathy Griggs, coordinator of theTri-Valley Chapter.TurningWheels for Kids Tri-Valley is a new, local chapterof an already proven, 501(c)3organization under the auspicesof the Santa Clara Valley MedicalCenter Foundation. We are a groupof local individuals from differentbackgrounds with a commoninterest ~ kids and bikes! We aregrassroots and look eagerly foropportunities to serve the childrenof Hayward, Castro Valley, SanLeandro and the Tri-Valley areas.relate to and apply to their lifesituation.”Although this talk centered onthe history and geology of HalfDome, audience members wereeager to hear Deutsch discuss theclimb itself. “I think most anyonewho is physically willing andable can complete this extremelystrenuous hike with three things:education - learn all you can aboutwater treatment, harnesses, gloves,boots, etc.; preparation - get yourlegs in shape and your upper bodystrong so you can pull yourself upthe cables; and motivation - Do itfor your own reasons. Don’t getpressured into doing it if you reallydon’t want to.”The cables, the ominous-soundingand most notorious part ofthe 16-mile hike, allow hikers toascend the final 400 feet of graniteto the summit without climbingequipment. “People will freak out.They’ll freeze like a caterpillar thatdoesn’t move,” said Deutsch. “Ihave a ranger voice: ‘If you’re notgoing to move, can you lean to theright?’ And, they do!”Deutsch’s daily blog at Hike-HalfDome.com offers a free smartphoneapp, updates on permits andweather, park-planning news, andsections on geology, history, andmishaps.“One Best Hike: Yosemite’sHalf Dome” is available at REIand other outfitters, on Deutsch’swebsite, and Amazon where reviewerswrote, “If you plan on hikingHalf Dome, this is your bible!It’s well-written, well-organizedand extremely informative andhelpful,” and “His brief historyof Yosemite and the hike makesfor an interesting, quick read. Theinformation on accommodations,preparations and the pictures areright on!”Deutsch will be speaking locallyagain on May 15 at thePleasanton Library and June 12at Livermore’s Sunrise MountainSports.“I hope to climb Half Domefour times this year,” said Deutsch.“Mission Peak in Fremont is mytraining ground. It takes aboutthree hours round trip with an altitudegain of 1,500 feet. I know I’mready for another Half Dome hikeafter completing it twice in a row.“The challenge of the hikekeeps me in shape. I often wonderif I can keep doing it another for31 times.”

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 7California Symphony Performs Ambitious ProgramBy Sarah BobsonLara St. John is a force ofnature, as witnessed Friday nightat the Bankhead Theater whenshe performed with the CaliforniaSymphony. The symphonycelebrated its 25 th anniversarywith an ambitious program thatbrought together forces in natureand of nature that included theTchaikovsky Violin Concerto andBeethoven’s 9 th under the baton ofDonato Cabrera.St. John, as a showman anda musician, is an imposing figure.She commands the stagewith every movement she makes,whether it’s fiddling the bow,plucking strings, or cocking herhead to eye the conductor for acue. The flowing gown she worecould not camouflage her stancesor prances underneath as her fiddler’slegs worked the melody, digginginto the floor, drawing weakand strong beats up through herbody to her fiddler’s fingers, thenstamping them back down again.She injected fire into the episodicswings of the first movement, allegromoderato, with rhapsodicflair. She played with bouncingrhythmic and color figurationsand variations, driving the musicwith a brilliant, pointed tone anddangerous intensity. In the slowersecond movement, canzonetta(little song), she let the plaintivefolk song-like themes and harmoniesbreathe and expand, and thetrills languish into stolidity as theymight in a long, cold, cruel Russianwinter. She set the pace for thehard-driving third and final movement,allegro vivacissimo, tearingthrough the chromatic deviationsand virtuoso flourishes with manic,quicksilver speed, challenging theorchestra to keep pace, which theydid, beautifully, without overpoweringher and without sacrificing arich tone. Soloist and orchestra didget out of rhythmic sync, but theyreconnected. At the end of the firstand third movements, St. John wasvisibly out of breath.Tchaikovsky’s violin concertoin D-major is one of a handful ofwarhorse Romantic-era pieces thathas become standard repertoirefor the world’s great violinists totackle: Yasha Heifitz (the granddaddyof them all, by which allmetrics are set), David Oistrakh,Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell,and Midori, to name a few. Thechallenge is for the orchestra andsoloist to make the work sound likethe audacious, contemporary musicit was when Tchaikovsky firstcomposed it. Too often, soloistsresort to the showman gimmickryof throbbing vibratos, excessiverubatos, exaggerated glissandos,and sudden, attention-grabbingdynamic shifts. Their techniqueovershadows the music, makingit play second fiddle, if you’ll excusethe bad pun, to theatricality.That is not the case with St. John.Her technique, disciplined over alifetime, serves the music. Whenshe plays, she seems at home onthe stage, but then why shouldn’tshe? This child prodigy picked upthe violin at age two and beganperforming on European stages at10. At the end of the performance,the audience, understandably, gaveher and the orchestra a standingovation.An intermission is not enoughof a breather between the Tchaikovskyand the Beethoven, twovery difficult compositions thatdemand much of the conductor,orchestra, and audience. Called themost influential symphony ever,Beethoven’s 9 th , as well as the othereight symphonies he composed,pushes the boundaries of socialdecorum and musical inventiveness.The 9 th is the musical battlefor ascendency between the solidityof earthly existence and theethereal sublimity of heaven wherethe soaring human spirit hopes toreach the stratum of peace, brotherhood,and divine grace. The CaliforniaSymphony played ably withwarmth, but a robust intensity andpointed brilliance seemed lacking.Perhaps they were just tired fromthe Tchaikovsky. The piece didcome alive, though, in the fourthmovement with the introductionof the soloists and chorus.In using Schiller’s ‘’Ode toJoy,’’ Beethoven calls for brotherhoodthrough his innovative settingof words to a basically symphonicpiece. The human voices pick upfrom the instrumental voices andthey become one. In the fourthmovement finale, Adam Lau’s richbaritone opened the vocal portionwith clarion resonance, replacingthe cello and bass recitative. Althoughthe soloists in general haverelatively small parts, each of thefour young singers sang with assertivepoise. Daniel Montenegro hasa full, deep tenor. Soprano MarinaHarris sang with a clear, bell-likequality, offset by mezzo-sopranoRenee Rapier’s mellow, reedy,lower register. The real star of thevocal section, though, was the chorus,and especially the sopranos,who must hang their voices on highB’s but mostly high A’s for whatseems an eternity. The CaliforniaSymphony Festival Chorus andthe San Francisco State ChamberSingers and University Chorus, underthe direction of Vance George,Conductor Emeritus of the SanFrancisco Symphony Chorus,and David Xiques, combinedtheir voices to produce sublimesonorities that could have causedan earthquake in the hall.D. J. Sparr’s “Optima Vota:Overture-Fantasia,” the first numberon the program, had orchestralcolorations and swirling, rich harmonies,at times discordant, thatseemed on the verge of coalescinginto an established melody withoutquite getting there, but then thiswas billed as an overture. ThePictured painting on site are, above, Szanne Johnson, and below Sherri Kelcourse.Artists spent last weekendcreating works of art designed to"capture the essence of the SouthLivermore Valley."Tri-Valley Treasures PleinAir Exhibit" will be displayed atStudio Seven Arts in Pleasanton,May 12 and 13.The awards and reception withthe artists is set for May 12 from5 to 7 p.m. Alameda County SupervisorNate Mile will presentthe awards.The work is judged by BrianMark Taylor.En plein air is a French expressionwhich means "in the open air,"and is particularly used to describethe act of painting outdoors.Participants include DennisBaker, Linda Beach, Dana Beebe,Cheryl Bloomfield, Diane Durst,Jesus Garcia, George Michelle,Linda Hart, Anne Hartwell, KathleenHill, Szanne Johnson, SataKahn, Nancy Katz, Sherri Kelcourse,Susan Kendall, R. Mescarz,Prashanti Nekkanti, BethanyOkurowski, Lisa Passin, NancyRodrigue, Linda Sailors, Marianew music composition had whatsounded like strains from “Victoryat Sea” or other film soundtrackslike Disney’s “Fantasia.” Theyoung composer, also a giftedguitarist and composer in residencewith the California Symphony, hasperformed with numerous symphoniesacross the country.Art Shows off South LivermoreSantoStefano, Vincert Walsh andNorma Webb.They worked at Sun Hill Vineyards,Crohare Olivina, TriskaVineyards, Tarantino Vineyards,and Vieira Property.

8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012ART/PHOTO EXHIBITSLivermore Art Association Gallery, locatedin the Carnegie Building, offers art classes,unusual gifts, painting rentals, art exhibitsand information pertaining to the art field,2155 Third St., Livermore. The gallery hasbeen open since 1974 and is run as a co-opby local artists. Hours are Wed.-Sun. 11:30-4p.m. For information call 449-9927.Firehouse Art Studios open studios today,May 10 from 5:30 to 8pm, in conjunctionwith Art Happens. Studios are locatedat 142A McLeod Street, upstairs, acrossfrom the Bankhead Theater. Artists LynneShephard, Claudia Willis, Martha Eddleman,Valerie Daft, Regina Leyva, and Linda Beachwill be on sight to give you a tour of thestudios and to discuss their art. The groupis varied in its production of art rangingfrom traditional, to very contemporary. Oils,acrylics, encaustic, pastels, and mixed mediaare just a short list of what these artists usein their work. For more information contactLynne Shephard 925 443-4406Art in the Vineyard, May 27, Wente VineyardsEstate Winery, 5565 Tesla Rd., Livermore. Artdisplays and demonstrations, entertainment,wine tasting (fee). Presented by theLivermore Art Association. Information,456-2305.Fresh Works, 2nd Annual Open Juried Art Exhibit,May 30-June 30, 2012. Firehouse ArtsCenter's Harrington Gallery, 4444 RailroadAve., Pleasanton. Reception for this exhibitis Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 3p.m. Regular Gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. Saturday 11:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m. www.firehousearts.org/harrington-galleryMEETINGS/CLASSESPleasanton Art League, Livermore ArtAssociation, meeting 7:30 p.m. Mon., May21, Cultural Arts Building, 4455 Black Ave.,Pleasanton. Guest artist is Maj-Britt Hilstrom,Multimedia Printmaker and Sculptor.The public is invited. There is no admissioncharge. www.pal-art.com.Everything Poetry (in two parts), SecondSaturday Soup-workshops 2nd Saturdayof every month, 10 a.m.-12 noon FirehouseArts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue,Pleasanton; Third Tuesday Trope- poetrycritiques 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7p.m.-9 p.m. Towne Center Books, 555 MainStreet, Pleasanton. Contact Cynthia Bryantat PleasantonPoetry@ci.pleasanton.ca.us.Figure Drawing Workshop, every Friday9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Artists bring theirown materials and easels. Open to all artists.Professional artist models (nude). Noinstructor. Students under 18 need writtenparental permission to attend. Cost $20 persession. Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 8th St.,Livermore. Coffee, tea and refreshments areavailable. Call or email Barbara Stanton formore info about the workshop, 925-373-9638 - microangelo@earthlink.net.Make It & Take It, 2nd Thursday nights, withguest artists and demos. May is “Fused Jewelry”only $15 Art Glass Studio, 174 SouthL St., Livermore. For more informationcontact Roberta Jones at: 925-447-1962www.artglassstudio.weebly.comWINERY EVENTSMcGrail Vineyards and Winery events:June 9th: Lobster Feed. July 7th: SageConcert at McGrail; July 14th: AnnualCabernet Reserve Celebration and Releaseof the 2009 McGrail Vineyards CabernetSauvignon Reserve. (925) 215-0717 www.mcgrailvineyards.com, 5600 GreenvilleRoad, Livermore.The Winemaker's Pour House, Be HappyAt "Happy Hour" with Livermore ValleyWine. Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 4 to 6 p.m. Buya glass of Livermore Valley Wine or Flightand order a Flatbread for half price. Takethe wine puzzle challenge. Ask the waitstaff for the wine puzzle. Information call(925) 215-2656 or visit www.winemakerspourhouse.com.Cedar Mountain Winery, May 12, noon to 4p.m. bottle your own wine. Earl has created aspecial “Red Blend” table wine for this eventonly. Bring ar clean 750 ml wine bottle, fill,cork and label it for only $8.00 per bottle.Use a winery bottle for $9.00. Fill 12 bottles,and Cedar Mountain will pay the sales tax.7000 Tesla Rd., Livermore.Charles R Vineyards. May 12 and 13, noonto 4:30 p.m. Mother's Day Wine, Roses& Dessert at the winery. Bring Mom tocelebrate her special day with a red rose(be early - limited supply). May 19th - WineClub Pick Up Party noon to 4:30 p.m. music(Steve Kritzer & his guitar), food & wine. 8195Crane Ridge Road, Livermore, (925)454-3040; www.charlesrvineyards.comLa Luna Fridays, evening of tapas, live musicand wines on the terrace of Murrieta'sWell on May 11, Aug. 3, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 6to 9 p.m. 3005 Mines Road, Livermore. $50per person, $40 Silver Spur Club membersplus tax; ticket includes live music, tapasand wine. Reservations are required. Call925.456.2395. www.murrietaswell.comGarré Winery. Sunday, May 13 Mother’sDay Champagne Brunch 10am to 1:30Buffet style brunch with custom omelettes,fresh fruit & pastries, carving stations andmore. 7986 Tesla Rd. Reservations Required(925)371-8200Mother's Day Picnic, Retzlaff Estate Wines,May 13, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ReservationsAppreciated. Bring a picnic lunch and thechildren. Spend the day in the shade ofour pepper trees and relax. A hat contestwith prizes for the most colorful, the mostoutrageous and the oldest hat. Live music:‘TBA”. $10.00 per/adult. 925-447-8941 www.retzlaffwinery.com 1356.So. Livermore Ave.,Livermore.Tamas Estate Winery, Cafe Tuesdays, May15, Cape Cod Clam Bake; June 19, SouthernComfort Food; July 17, Mid West BBQ;August 14, California Classics. $25 perperson advance purchase / $30 per personthe week of the event $20 for Salute! Clubmembers. Price includes live music, buffetstyledinner, and one glass of wine. Purchasetickets for all events for $75/per person& $60/per person Salute! Club members.www.tamasestates.com. 5565 Tesla RoadLivermore, (925) 456-2380.Vineyard Tour and tasting with Murrieta'sWell co-founder Sergio Traverso. Sergioexplains the seasonal changes in thevineyard. Taste some of the most popularwines and learn how the unique terroirmakes Murrieta's Well wines so special.May 19, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Space is limited.Reservatoins required. $20 per person, $10for Silver Spur members (plus tax). 3005Mines Road, Livermore. Call 925.456.2395.www.murrietaswell.comThomas Coyne Winery Spring Open House,May 26, 27 and 28. Noon to 5 p.m. Release ofsix wines 2010 Quest, California $14; 2008Mouvedre, Contra Costa $20; 2004 MerlotDetjen's Farm, Livermore $15; 2009 Confluence,California $20; 2007 Petite Sirah,Livermore $20. Selection of fine fruits andcheeses. "Bottle Your Own Wine:" sellingVino Tinto Barato, a red table wine, at theOpen House on May 26 only. Bring yourclean bottle, we will fill, cork and label it foryou for $6.00 per bottle. Or you may bottlelabel and cork it yourself. Use our bottle for$7.00. For more info call (925) 373-6541 orvisit http://thomascoynewinery.com. 51 E.Vallecitos Road, Livermore.MUSIC/CONCERTSMusic every Saturday in the tasting roomfrom 12 to 4; open every day if the gate isopen and for sure on Fridays, Saturdays andSundays 11 to 5. Red Feather Winery, 5700Greenville Rd., Livermore. Information at449-1871 or www.redfeatherwinery.comChris Bradley's Jazz Band, plays at the SunolJazz Cafe (In the Center of Sunol) the 2ndand 4th Tuesday of each month 7:30-9:30p.m. The band features real Jazz from the1920's, 30's.Livermore Amador Symphony, concertSat., May 12, 8 p.m. Lara Webber, guestconductor. Music by Beethoven, De Fellaand Franck. Bankhead Theater, 2400 FirstSt., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.orgor 373-6800.Livermore-Pleasanton Youth OutreachSymphony, performs 7-8 P.M. Sat., May 12at the Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385S. Livermore Ave. Livermore. Admission isfree. www.lpyos.org.Jazz Night Concert, vocal/instrumental, LasPositas College, Sat., May 12, 8 p.m. BarbaraF. Mertes Center for the Arts Main StageTheater, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore.Advance purchase tickets will be availableonline at www.brownpapertickets.comwith the venue of Las Positas College, orcall 1-800-838-3006. Tickets will also beavailable at the door. For further informationcall the Performing Arts Events Lineat 925.424.1100 or call Cindy Rosefield at925.424.1119Tangonero, 2 p.m. on Sun., May 13 at thePleasanton Library. New Argentine Tangoband specializing in classic tango. This freeconcert is sponsored by the Friends of thePleasanton Library and will be held in thePleasanton Library’s meeting room, 400Old Bernal Avenue. Doors open at 1:30pm.Come early to find parking and ensure aseat. The concert is open to all. No registrationrequired. Information 931-3400, ext. 7.Robert Gruca, solo guitar, May 19, 8 p.m. DelValle Fine Arts Concert, Bankhead Theater,2400 First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.orgor 373-6800.Chanticleer Love Story, May 20, 2 p.m. LVPACPresents, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St.,Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or373-6800.Pablo Cruise Better Than Ever!, 8 p.m. May25, Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 RailroadAve., Pleasanton. www.firehousearts.org.San Ramon Symphonic Band, May 25, 7:30p.m. "An American Portrait," Dougherty ValleyPerforming Arts Center, 10550 AlbionRd., San Ramon. www.sanramon.ca.govSwingin' Blue Stars, May 27, 2 p.m. FirehouseArts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton.www.firehousearts.org.Pleasanton Community Concert Band,May 28, 10:30 - 12:30 Memorial Day performance,Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. 447-7270.Pure Prairie League, country rock band, May28, 8 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St.,Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.org or373-6800.Josh Gracin, May 31, 8 p.m. Firehouse ArtsCenter, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton.www.firehousearts.org.Blues in the Vineyard Festival, Bay AreaBlues Society and Winterhawk Winery, 4537Abernathy Road, Fairfield. Sunday, June 3,noon to 5 p.m. Fundraising for programssuch as “Blues in the Schools." Blues HarpHall of Fame Inductee, Darrell Mansfield;Terrible Tom, who took the late, great OtisRedding’s place on tour; and Alvon Johnson,Blues Guitar Player of the Year, 2002. TheFestival will also feature, the Oakland BluesDivas. BBQ dinners available, catered byTexas Road House for $25. The $25 ticketincludes admission to the Festival. Regularadmission is $20 and no meal. highsierratickets.comor brownbagtickets.comON THE STAGETales of a 4th Grade Nothing, presentedby Civic Arts Stage Company, May 11, 12at 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Arts Center, 4444Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Pleasanton. www.firehousearts.org.Playwright's Theatre, Eugene O'NeillFoundation, Tao House. Staged reading.Sun., Sun., May 20, 3 p.m. "Diff'rent" byEugene O'Neill." The Old Barn, EugeneO'Neill National Historic Site, Tickets $25.Reservations 820-1818 or www.eugeneoneill.org.Shuttle service to Tao House fromthe Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205Railroad Ave., Danville, provided by theNational Park Service beginning at 2 p.m.The True Story of the Three Little Pigspresented by Bay Area Children's Theater,May 12-20, Fridays 7 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 2and 4:30 p.m. Front Row Theater, 17011Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. www.sanramon.ca.govDave Koz, May 18, 8 p.m. Dougherty ValleyPerforming Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd.,San Ramon. www.sanramon.ca.gov.The Member of the Wedding, previews onJune 7, opens June 8, and runs through July1, 2012, at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre,22311 N. Third Street, in Hayward. 8 p.m.Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays and2 and 8 p.m. on Sat., June 23.The DouglasMorrisson Theatre is a program and facilityof the Hayward Area Recreation and ParkDistrict.. The Box Office is open Tuesdaythrough Friday, 12:30 to 5:30 and can bereached at (510) 881-6777. Information isalso available at www.dmtonline.org. $10Preview, $20 Sat. matinee, $28 Thurs., Fri.,Sat. eve., Sun. matinee.DANCEAnastasis Ballet Company performs “Testimony,”a benefit Shepherd’s Gate. PerformanceMay 14, at 7:30 p.m. at CornerstoneFellowship in Livermore (348 N. CanyonsPkwy.). Tickets are $10 for adults and $5for children (children under 2 are free) andcan be purchased on the Anastasis BalletCompay website (www.anastasisballet.org), or at the door. Pre-purchased ticketholders receive priority seating.Zydeco at the Bothwell! Dance and ZydecoDance Lessons, $15, live zydeco music,gumbo, beer & wine available for purchase.May 19, Mark St. Mary and the Delta Blues& Zydeco band; Ted Sherrod Dance Instructorboth nights. Doors open at 5:30, DanceLesson 6:00, live music starts at 6:30. $15,more info at www.bothwellartscenter.org. Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 8th Street,Livermore.Dance Performance, Las Positas College, Sat.,May 19, 8 p.m. Barbara F. Mertes Center forthe Arts Main Stage Theater, 3000 CampusHill Dr., Livermore. Advance purchasetickets will be available online at www.brownpapertickets.com with the venue ofLas Positas College, or call 1-800-838-3006.Tickets will also be available at the door. Forfurther information call the Performing ArtsEvents Line at 925.424.1100 or call CindyRosefield at 925.424.1119.AUDITIONS/COMPETITIONSValley Concert Chorale will hold auditionsby appointment for its upcoming 2012-2013 concert season on the followingdates: Monday, May 14; Monday, June 4;Monday, August 27; Monday, September10. Auditions and rehearsals will be held atthe First Presbyterian Church of Livermore,corner of 4th and L Streets. The Chorale’s49th season will include the music of Gilbertand Sullivan, its ever-popular Decemberholiday program including the Chorale’sannual Sing-it-Yourself Messiah, Durufle’sRequiem, Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, andfinally Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony withthe Livermore Amador Symphony at theBankhead Theater in downtown Livermore.The Chorale is seeking experienced singerswith sight-reading skills who enjoy singingexciting and challenging music. TheChorale performs a wide variety of musicranging from classical to contemporary,and folk to jazz. To schedule an appointment,call (925) 462-4205.MOVIESClassic films at the Pleasanton Library,Las Positas College and the PleasantonPublic Library present the series. Theme‘Three Great Directors:" Howard Hawkes,John Ford and Alfred Hitchcock. Admissionis free. The series is hosted by CandaceKlaschus, Professor of Media Studies atLas Positas College. Klaschus offers a brieftalk about each film prior to the screening.Refreshments are served. A completelist of the ‘Three Great Directors” films isavailable at the Pleasanton Public Library.Movies will be shown the first Thursdayof each month through June 7, 2012. Noregistration required. The library is locatedat 400 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. For moreinformation, call Penny Johnson, 931-3405.CHORALValley Concert Chorale, "Springtime Sounds,Bugs and All," Sat., May 12, 7 p.m. TrinityLutheran Church, Pleasanton. Bugs, love,and toasts of cheer featuring Charles Hoag'sCicada Songs accompanied clarinet andmarimba, Haydn Wood's The Spider andthe Fly and The Owl and the Pussycat, somemadrigals, a drinking song by Brahms, anda song about the beautiful nymph Echo,with music composed by Arthur Sullivan(of Gilbert and Sullivan fame). www.valleyconcertchorale.org.OPERAHacienda Regal Cinema, Dublin, will screenWagner's Ring Cycle in May, plus a film inthe making of the Met Production. Theschedule is as follows: Valkyrie, May 14,6:30 p.m.; Siegfried, May 16, 6:30 p.m.; Gotterdammerung,May 19, 6:30 p.m.Livermore Valley Opera, A PassionateAfternoon, Sun., May 20, 2 p.m. FirehouseArts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton.Music by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and Donizetti,performed by tenor Eleazar Rodriguez,soprano Rebecca Davis and bass-baritonePhillip Skinner (Tosca's Scarpia). Artists'Livermore-Amador Symphony will feature guest maestro Lara Webber at its May 12 concert at theBankhead Theater in Livermore. The program will include Beethoven: Symphony No. 1; De Falla: ElSombrero de Tres Picos (Three-Cornered Hat); and Franck: Symphony in D. Minor. The concert willbegin at 8 p.m. with a prelude talk from 7–7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.) at the Bankhead Theater,2400 First Street, Livermore. Tickets for the concerts are available at the Bankhead Theater ticket officeat 2400 First Street, Livermore, by calling 925-373-6800 or on line at www.livermoreperformingarts.org.

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 9reception immediately following performance.Tickets $20. www.firehousearts.org.MISCELLANEOUSMuseum on Main, preschool pre-literacyprogram, M.o.M.’s Reading Time. For ages2 to 5 and families, free reading program,10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Reading at 10 a.m. withtheme crafts following. Donations appreciated.No reservations required. Largegroups or playgroups please phone in advance:925.462.2766 or email: education@museumonmain.org. 2012 M.o.M.’s ReadingTime Dates and Themes: May 9, Pleaseand Thank You; June 13, Flag Day; July 11,We All Scream for Ice Cream; August 8, It’sA Circus; September 12, Fiesta; October 10,Creepy Critters; November 14, Thank You,Veterans; and, December 12, Light Up theSeasons. The Museum on Main is locatedat 603 Main Street in historic downtownPleasanton.72nd Annual Pleasanton Rose Show, Sat.,May 12, Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. Exhibitor registration,7:30 to 10 a.m.; judging 10 a.m. to 12:30-p.m., show open for viewing 1 to 4 p.m.,awards ceremony 1:30 p.m. Information,call the Alain Pinel office and ask for Leslie,Joyce or Marti, 251-1111.Antique & Craft Show and Concert, Sat., May12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop, dine and enjoylive music on the lovely grounds of theDublin Heritage Park & Museums. Purchasean elegant box lunch and picnic on theshady lawns or in the picnic grove. Over60 vendors will be available with antiques,collectibles, vintage and hard-to-find itemsand local arts & crafts and flowers. While youstroll the grounds and picnic, Le Hot JazzTrio will perform French Gypsy jazz of the1930s. Free admission. www.ci.dublin.ca.usMay Fair for Mother's Day, May 12, 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. at Murray Schoolhouse, day ofFrench music, food, dancing the "May Pole,"and browsing booths with antiques andhandmade goods at Dublin's picturesque"Heritage Park and Museums. “Le Hot JazzTrio” will perform. Crepes, galettes, elegantbox lunches and desserts are also on themenu. Vintage tractor/wagon rides andspring craft making. The 1856 MurraySchoolhouse Museum, 1859 St. RaymondChurch and the 1911 Kolb CraftsmanBungalow and the historic cemetery willbe open for viewing from 1:00-4:00. www.ci.dublin.ca.usAmgen Tour of California finish stage,Livermore, May 15, downtown. Race hostsworld's top cyclists. Variety of eventswill be planned around the event. www.cityoflivermore.netBob Borchers, Jr.,, Wed., May 16, 7:30 p.m.LLNL Presents The Rae Dorough SpeakersSeries: From Fairchild to Facebook.Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore.www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800.Hidden Gardens of the Valley, a benefitfor Valley Humane Society (VHS), Sunday,May 20. 10 am – 4 pm self-guided tour offeringa private glimpse into ten gardensacross Pleasanton. Buzz Bertolero, the DirtGardener, will be on hand. Tickets are $35per person in advance or $40 the day ofthe event, and include program, map, anddirections. Valley Humane Society, 3670Nevada Street, Pleasanton or www.valleyhumane.org.Admission non-refundable.Tickets are also available in Pleasanton atTowne Center Books, 555 Main St., SerenityStoneworks, 252 Main St., and WesternGarden Nursery, 2756 Vineyard Ave; inDublin at Armstrong Garden Center, 7360San Ramon Rd.; and in Livermore at AldenLane Nursery, 981 Alden Ln.Spring antiques and collectibles streetfair. May 27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Main Street,downtown Pleasanton. Hosted by thePleasanton Downtown Association, www.pleasantondowntown.net.San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, Sundayand Monday, May 27 and 28 in San Ramon’sCentral Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd.from 10am to 5pm both days. This familyfriendly festival features professional kiteflying demonstrations, over 200 arts & craftsbooths, entertainment on 3 stages, twolarge kids’ activity areas, food booths andmore. Early morning hot air balloon launchon May 28th at 6am. For more information,call the City of San Ramon Parks andCommunity Services Department at (925)973-3200 or check out the website at www.ArtandWind.comGibsonHouse Mystery Performers present,Murder at the KO Corral, interactivemystery dinner theater, Sunol Valley GolfClub, Fri., June 1, 7:15 p.m. Western attiremost welcome. 3-course gourmet meal andfarcical mystery play, all for $59 per Sleuth,tax & gratuity included. The Sunol ValleyGolf Club, 6900 Mission Road, in Sunol.Reservations required at (925) 862-2408.www.SunolValley.comYes, Livermore had a 126-foottower—as tall as our originalflag pole—with eight-foot highred neon letters spelling verticallythe name RICHFIELD. Thetower was shaped like a giantoil derrick with a high-poweredbeacon on the top. One of aseries of 36 towers erected fromMexico to Canada in the WestCoast, ours was near the site ofthe original Livermore airportsouth of old Highway 50 (today’sPortola Avenue) just west ofRincon Avenue. A group of LosAngeles businessmen had formeda corporation known as HighwayCommunities, Inc. They workedin conjunction with the RichfieldOil Company to fill the needs ofearly automobile and airplanepassengers.Their program started officiallyon December 17, 1928,the twenty-fifth anniversary ofthe Wright brothers’ historicflight. In Palm City, California,as Navy and commercial planesflew overhead, Admiral AshbyH. Roberson threw a switch thatilluminated beacons at the top ofthe first six finished towers—oneof them in Livermore. The towerswere called a “Lane of Light”or sometimes “The Great WhiteWay.” The plan was to helpmotorists by locating service stations,eateries, and hotels near thetowers. In those days not manypeople traveled on the highways.They appreciated being able tofollow the beacon’s glow to fillup their vehicles, use restroomfacilities, or find a place to spendthe night. Each tower near an airfieldheld an 8,000,000-candlepowerrevolving beacon.A Richfield service stationopened next to the Livermoretower in March 1929. Like theother stations in California builtnext to the beacons, its architecturewas Spanish revival style,with cream colored cement reminiscentof adobe brick cappedby a red tile roof. The deluxelavatories, according to theHerald, were “in white enameland are fitted with antiquefurniture. The women’s compartmentincluded a built-in dressingtable and full-length mirror.”Bill Bonetti and Ray Henry werestation assistants; by June 1930,Bonetti was the manager; in 1959he was the owner. There weretwo gas pumps, air and waterhoses, a drinking fountain, andan automatic lift for raising carsfor greasing service. The originalplan was to also build a hotel atthe site.In March 1943 the huge towerwas torn down at the request ofthe Navy because it was a hazardto young fliers in training whoused the Livermore Airport andthe Naval Air Station. The gasstation remained until some timein the 1970s, according to AnitaGandolfo, when new housingdevelopments engulfed the oldTowers of Livermorestructure.Early pilots flew visually bychecking out their open cockpitwindows for highways or railroadtracks or other landmarksduring the day. This worked fordaylight flying, but airmail operatedaround the clock. In 1921an airmail pilot experimentedby following bonfires lit by PostOffice staff and farmers acrossthe dark prairie to Chicago. Beginningin 1923 the Post Officeworked to complete a transcontinentalairway of “lighthouses”—tower beacons spaced 15 to 25miles apart, each with enoughbrightness to be seen for 40 milesin clear weather. In 1926 theDepartment of Commerce tookover this project.Here in our area, RichardC. Sweet was caretaker in thelate 1920s and the 1930s of agovernment searchlight beaconlocated on a 50-foot galvanizediron tower at the top of PattersonPass, labeled Site #32. Sweet waspaid $40 a month to crank up thegenerator and light the beaconeach night. Mounted on a basecontaining a motor that drove thesearchlight around the horizon atsix revolutions per minute, thebeacon was fitted with a parabolicmirror and a 1,000-wattprojection type lamp. A shedsheltered the generator. Its roofwas painted with the number 32.It was first lit in May 1928. Aweek later, a similar tower waslit at the Livermore Airport. TheSweets cannot remember whentheir tower and shed were torndown, but the last airway lightbeacon in the country came downin 1973. The development of radioand radar eliminated the needfor visual confirmation.A third tower beacon wasbuilt at the summit of MountDiablo. Seventy-feet high, itwas erected by the Standard OilCompany at the suggestion of theU.S. Department of Commerce.Construction of the 20,000,000candlepower beacon began inJanuary 1928. The Herald reportedthat it would be “the onlyone of its kind in the world andwill serve as a guide to airplanesflying to the San Francisco Baydistrict at night. The beacon willbe so powerful , it is believedthat it will penetrate heavyfogs to a great distance.” On 15April 1928, Colonel Charles A.Lindbergh pressed a telegraphkey that started the beacon inoperation, as well as a similarone in the Merced hills near LosAngeles. Each beacon revolvedsix times per minute and werevisible for 100 miles.As a part of the blackout onthe West Coast after the bombingof Pearl Harbor in 1941, anysurviving beacons were turnedoff. The old Standard tower onMt. Diablo was torn down. Thebeacon was replaced on top ofthe Summit Building, built bythe Civil Conservation Corps in1939-42. The beacon is aging;replacing its fragile parts is difficult.But so far, on Pearl HarborDay, the beacon is lit at duskand remains lit until the morning.This custom began in 1964.There are still some WWII vetswho attend the ceremony.(Readers can reach me atam50homan@yahoo.com.)

10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012The Rotary Club of Dublinwill honor three city employees– Officer Channing Rhodes, StaffBattalion Chief Brian Caminada,and Julie Carter – with their annualSuperstar Award on Tuesday,May 15, 2012, at a special Rotarianlunch event at the Dublin RanchGolf Course in Dublin.The Award recognizes Dublincity employees and school districtofficials for their embodiment ofRotarian life, as well as other corevalues Rotarians hold with high regard.The Superstar Award criteriaincludes: leadership by example,ethics first (the Rotary 4-way test),openness to new ideas, and dedicationto excellence.Officer Channing Rhodesjoined the Sheriff’s Office on September30, 2001 and has worked ondiverse assignments at the SantaRita Jail, Eden Township Station,and Dublin Police Services. Oneof his many contributions involvesdeveloping Dublin’s Crime FreeMulti-Housing program. By trainingand educating apartment managerson how to use the program,Officer Rhodes took the programto new heights. The programhad an overall impact in keepingcrime out of the community. Theprogram also promoted a betterunderstanding with apartment staffRotary to Honor Dublin City Employeesand residents on how to have a betterworking relationship with locallaw enforcement.Throughout his tenure at DublinPolice Services, Officer Rhodesreceived numerous letters of appreciationfrom citizens and lawenforcement agencies for his outstandingwork. His commitmentand dedication to the communityand the Department have earnedhim the nomination of Dublin PoliceServices’ “Officer of the Year.”Staff Battalion Chief BrianCaminada began his career inJanuary 1982 as a firefighter.Three decades of service and manypromotions later, Chief Caminadanow serves as the EmergencyMedical Services (EMS) DivisionChief with direct managementand oversight of the Department’sParamedics, Emergency MedicalTechnicians (EMTs), equipment,training and supplies. Chief Caminadahas a philosophy that he oftenshares with others: “Never takeyourself too serious, but alwaystake what you do very serious.”As head of the EMS Division,Chief Caminada has utilized hisexperience in communications,advanced life support delivery,risk management and collaborativeapproach to implement manyhigh level programs in the AlamedaCounty Fire Department.Some of these programs include:transitioning the new ambulanceprovider into the County EMSdelivery system (Paramedics Plus);providing training on new equipmentincluding the new 12-LeadEKG heat monitors; updating theDepartment Health and WellnessProgram for Department employees;implementing AutomaticExternal Defibrillator (AED) programsfor all cities served by theAlameda County Fire Departmentand developing an Injury andIllness Prevention plan for theDepartment.Chief Caminada currentlyserves as the President for the AlamedaCounty Fire Chiefs EmergencyMedical Services Section.Julie Carter is the Human ResourcesDirector for the City ofDublin and has been serving theDublin community since 1999. Inher role with the City, she has completednearly 260 recruitments,not including the part-time positionsshe filled. In addition to herdaily responsibilities, Julie chairsthe City’s Safety Committee andserved as the chair of the CustomerService Committee for five years.Outside of City Hall, Julie servedas the 2010 President of NORCALHR and has been a Board memberof Northern California ChapterInternational Public ManagementAssociation since 2005. Most recently,she is an Alameda CountyLeadership Academy graduate.Julie is a dedicated memberof the City’s executive team andprovides City staff and prospectiveemployees with excellentcustomer service and always witha smile. One heartfelt exampleof Julie’s dedication followedthe recent and tragic death of onethe City’s beloved employees,Roberta Dikeman. Julie providedcontinual guidance and support toher family that went well beyondher role at the City, coordinatingand preparing Valentine’s Daycards for Roberta’s children so thatthey would have a normal day atschool. She spent countless hourson the phone and in person withRoberta’s husband and friends toensure that the family had everythingthey needed, from financialto emotional support.Julie is also well known forher event planning skills. Julieorchestrated memorable civic celebrationsthat marked the City’smilestones such as Dublin’s 20thand 25th anniversaries. She coordinatesCity Council retirementcelebrations, employee recognitionevents, and staff training, just toname a few. Julie’s creative touchesand flawless execution becamethe hallmark of Dublin’s events.Julie’s event planning skillscame in handy for the City’s twobids (in 2010 and 2011) to becomean “All-America City,” an honorbestowed on the community in2011. Julie handled logistics forthe competition and served as thecommunity member liaison inKansas City, MO. With boundlessenergy, Julie helped to createa memorable experience each yearfor the Dublin residents who joinedthe City in receiving this greatcivic honor.In her spare time, Julie volunteersat her daughters’ (Bianca, 14and Nicole, 10) schools and at herlocal church.“The City of Dublin is thrilledthat the Rotary Club of Dublinhas chosen to recognize publicservants who dedicate themselvesto making the community a betterplace to live everyday,” said CityManager Joni Pattillo. “I lookforward to the opportunity of presentingthese fantastic employeesand community members with thisaward.”The lunch event is from 12:00p.m. to 1:30 p.m.Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers HonoredThe Tri-Valley Knights of Columbushonored the region’s topfirefighters and law enforcementofficers on Friday, April 27, duringan event held at the BlackhawkMuseum.The Red, Blue, and GoldBanquet was organized by localKnights to recognize the outstandingperformance of the heroes thatkeep our homes and communitiessafe. 2012 was the 19 th consecutiveyear for this event. The banquetand awards ceremony were hostedby CAPT Tom McCaffrey, USN(Ret) on behalf of the Knightsfrom Danville, San Ramon, Dublin,Pleasanton, and Livermore.Nearly 300 guests were on handto applaud the officers chosen forthese prestigious awards. DublinMayor Tim Sbranti served as thebanquet emcee.The recipients of outstandingservice awards were:Staff Battalion Chief BrianCaminada – Alameda County FireDepartmentDetective Patrick Smyth – AlamedaCounty Sheriff’s DepartmentOfficer Kevin Johnson – CaliforniaHighway PatrolCorporal Becky Chestnut –Contra Costa County Sheriff’sOfficeDetective Brian Sliger – DanvillePolice DepartmentLieutenant Nate Schmidt –Dublin Police ServicesFire Engineer Craig Berchtold– Livermore-Pleasanton FireDepartmentOfficer Keith Tse – LivermorePolice DepartmentOfficer Doug Jones – PleasantonPolice DepartmentCorporal Hollis Tong – SanRamon Police DepartmentCaptain Todd Word – San RamonValley Fire Protection DistrictContra Costa County SheriffDistgrict Deputy Ron Cortez andCHP Officer of the Year KevinJohnson.David Livingston was the keynotespeaker. His remarks emphasizedthe importance of First Respondersin successful police work andfirefighting efforts. He explainedthat the award not only serves asa display of public gratitude for ajob well done, but is also highlyregarded by co-workers and supervisorsin the police and fireDublin Mayor Tim Sbranti servedas emcee.departments.As an added benefit, the eventraised $1,800 for the 100 Clubs ofAlameda and Contra Costa Counties.These nonprofit organizationsprovide immediate financial reliefto the families of officers who diein the line of duty. They also providecollege scholarships for thechildren of these heroes.Livermore Grand Knight TerryLucchesi and Officer of the YearKeith Tse.Danville Grand Knight TerryGotowka and Corporal BeckyChestnut.

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 11(Organizations wishing to run noticesin Bulletin Board, send information to POBox 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care ofBulletin Board or email information to editmail@compuserve.com.Include name oforganization, meeting date, time, place andtheme or subject. Phone number and contactperson should also be included. Deadline is5 p.m. Friday.)Livermore Amador Valley Garden Clubwill meet on Thursday, May 10, 7:00 at AlisalSchool's multipurpose room, 1454 SantaRita Road, Pleasanton. Ernesto Sandoral ofUC Berkeley will speak on succulents. Visitorsare welcome. For more information callBev at 925-485-7812, or visit www.lavgc.org.Amador Valley Quilt Guild will meeton Saturday, May 12, at 1:30 pm at the PleasantonMiddle School, 5001 Case Avenue,Pleasanton. The meeting is open to all thosewho are interested in the culture, history andartistry of quiltmaking. This month there willbe a Silent Auction. The auction committeeand AVQ members have amassed manytextile and textile-related treasures to bidon, starting at $1.00. All items are extremelyreasonably-priced, and a good way for abeginner to start, a good way to increaseyour current collection of fabric and quiltrelateditems.Become a literacy tutor. PleasantonLibrary’s Project Read needs volunteer tutorsto help adults with English skills. Project Readprovides the workbooks and study guides.Training will help volunteers to developteaching skills, craft curriculum, and gainexperience. Volunteers should be at least18 years old, fluent in American English butnot necessarily a native speaker and able todevote a consistent hour or two weekly to astudent for a semester. Training is May 12, 1o 4 p.m. Please call or email to register for theProject Read training. For more information,email PennyJohnson@CityofPleasantonCa.gov, or call Penny Johnson, 925/931-3405.Tri-Valley Chapter of the National Federationof the Blind, meets on Saturday, May12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Cafeteria Room2 at Valley Memorial Hospital in Livermore,1111 East Stanley Blvd. Any visually impairedor interested person is urged to attend. Call,Carl, 449-9362 for more info.Three weddings and a reception, June10, 7 to 9 p.m. Veteran's Hall, 522 South L St.,Livermore. An interfaith event featuring oneChristian, one Jewish and one Muslin coupletaking part in a mock wedding. Sample foodsfrom different cultures. Donations $5 perperson, $10 per family or dish of vegetarianwedding reception food (sweets or appetizers)would help defray the cost. Please dressappropriately for a festive event. Sign up byJune 1 at http://threeweddings.eventbrite.com. Questions may be directed to InterfaithInterconnect, the sponsoring groupcomposed of clergy and lay people fromLivermore, Pleasanton and Dublin, interfaith.interconnect@gmail.com.Tri-Valley Communities Against aRadioactive Environment (Tri-ValleyCAREs) monitors nuclear weapons and environmentalclean-up activities throughoutthe US nuclear weapons complex, with aspecial focus on Livermore Lab and thesurrounding communities. All are welcomeat the monthly meeting at the LivermoreCivic Center Library Thursday, May 17th from7:30pm to 9pm. For more information callTri-Valley CAREs at (925) 443-7148 or visithttp://trivalleycares.orgThe Livermore Rotary needs gentlyused items for their Garage Sale to be heldJune 16, 2012 from 8am to 2pm in the parkinglot of 1080 Concannon Blvd. Drop offgently used items Wed & Thurs., June 13th& 14th to the Portola School (2451 PortolaAvenue) between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. Dropoff larger items between 2:00 and 6:00 pmat 1080 Concannon Blvd Friday, June 15th.Proceeds will benefit the many Rotary programsserving our community.Pedrozzi Scholarship Awards Reception,May 31, 2012 .The 2012 Pedrozzi FoundationScholarship award winners are askedto attend a celebration in their honor withfamily and friends in front of the BankheadTheater, 2400 First St., Livermore, on Thursday,May 31, from 4:30 - 5:30. Open to the public.Valley Spokesmen Bicycle TouringClub, Sat.,, May 12, 60 miles, Petaluma andbeyond, meet 9 a.m., Jim Duncan, 209-1369,hey-you@comcast.net. Sun., May 13, 40 milesride to Del Valle, meet 9:30 a.m. at Diablo VistaPark, Gail Blanco, 872-1001, gvblanco@aol.com. Wed., May 15, 24 miles Heather Farmsto Martinez, meet 9 a.m. at Heather Farm,Richard Skow, 939-6964. Anyone planning togo on a ride is asked to contact the leader fordetails on where to meet and what to bring.Texas Hold 'em, Exceptional NeedsNetwork (ENN) will be hosting a Texas Hold'Em Tournament on Friday, June 1, 2012 atthe Veterans Memorial Building 522 South LStreet Livermore. Check-in 6pm - everyoneplaying must check-in by 6:45pm. 1st place- $500, 2nd place - $300, 3rd place -$200, plusdoor prizes throughout the night. Complimentarysnacks; beer and wine available forsale throughout the night. Gaming provider:Blue Dog Events. Buy-in $60 before May 23,2012 receive an additional $300 in tournamentchips. Unlimited re-buys the 1st hour at$20. Add-ins for the 1st hour available at $20.To purchase tickets - please contact DeniseGil at 925-998-4914 or ariel2kids@aol.comor ENN at 925-215-2281. ENN is a local 501c3non-profit that host summer and fall respitecamps for children with special needs. www.ennetwork.orgFree computer classes, The LivermorePublic Library: Searching the Internet, Monday,May 14, 2012: 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Classesare hands-on, first come, first served andtake place in Community Room B, 1188 So.Livermore Ave. For more information call373-5505.Widowed Men and Women of NorthernCA., Happy hour in Pleasanton, May 17,5 p.m., RSVP by May 15 to Kathy, 398-8005.Friendly bridge, May 19, 1 p.m. RSVP by May13 to Barbara, 426-8876. Brunch in Pleasanton,May 20, 12:30 p.m., RSVP by May 17 toRuby, 462-9636. Lunch in San Ramon, May23, 11:30 a.m., RSVP by May 20 to Marsha,830-8483. Brunch buffet in Livermore, May 27,10:45 a.m., RSVP by May 24 to Hilda, 398-8808.Avon Breast Walk, Sat., May 12, raffleto raise funds for team participating in thisyear's San Francisco Avon Breast walk. Thegoal is to raise $20,000. Livermore merchantshave donated gifts. The raffle will take placeat Lily Ann's Lingerie Shop in downtownLivermore. For information about the walkgo to www.avonwalk.org/goto/mbGNON (Girls Night Out Networking)Date Night at The Races. Fri., May 18, 5p.m. at the Pleasanton Satellite WageringFacility. Bring a donation for the PleasantonMilitary Families. Visit www.gnontrivalley.com. Pleasanton Satellite Wagering Facility(4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton). RSVP tognoners@gmail.com by May 14. $10/pp forGNON members, $15/pp for nonmembers,GNON members with male guest $16/percouple, nonmembers with male guest $25/per couple.Alameda County Property Rights TaskForce, Smart Growth and Sustainable Development:program on topic to be presentedon Monday, May 14, 7-9 pm. at the PleasantonLibrary, 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton.Free meeting, focus on new regional plan forthe Bay Area and what it means to residentsin the Tri-Valley. To reserve a space at thislecture please go to: http://smartpleasanton.eventbrite.com/ and to reserve a free ticket.To leave a message call 1-800-414-3313.Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated,meeting May 10, 6:30 p.m. Cattlemen'sRestaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Rd., Livermore.Meet Joel Fox, Co-publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the website Fox and Hounds Daily.Fox worked for Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Associationfor nineteen years, serving as thepresident from 1986 to 1998. He currentlyserves as president of the Small BusinessAction Committee. For reservations andinformation contact coupclan1962@pacbell.net or phone Phyllis Couper, 925-462-4931,by May 7.Pleasantonians 4 Peace, Peaceful WarProtest on the fourth Wednesday of themonth, May 23, between 5 - 6 at the cornersof First and Neal Streets. Questions?? CallCathe Norman at (925) 462-7495; Matt Sullivanat mjs7882@gmail.com; or kdowding@pacbell.net. www.Pleasantonians4Peace.orgTri-Valley Democratic Club meeting,Mon., May 21, IBEW 595 Hall, 6250 VillageParkway, Dublin. Doors open 7 p.m., meeting7:30 -p.m. speaker (to be announced) 8 p.m.Refreshments.Internet use classes, Pleasanton Library,four-class series to learn to surf the Internetand send emails. Absolute beginners arewelcome. Classes are held at 9:00 am onTuesday and Thursday mornings. Registrationis required. Reserve a spot at the ReferenceDesk, or call 925/931-3400, extension7. Call Merry Luskin at 925/931-3400 x 25 forinformation. 400 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton.Library programs are free and open to all.Singles wine tasting party, Saturday,May 12, 2012, 7:30-9:30pm, at the MarriottHotel, 11950 Dublin Canyon Rd., Pleasanton.$30 at the door includes all the wines youtaste, from boutique wineries; accompaniedby appetizers to cleanse the palate. This eventis co-sponsored by The Society of SingleProfessionals, the world’s largest non-profitsingles organization; and by Wine Socials.Anyone wishing more information aboutthis and many more singles parties may call415/507-9962 or visit www.ThePartyHotline.com.Vendors sought, Livermore Lions ClubsChristmas Boutique is November 3, 2012and vendors are needed. Quality handmade(or hand embellished) items are accepted.The boutique is a major fund-raiser for theLions Club. Rental fees are used to supporteye and hearing programs here in our community.For applications please call Joan at925-980-2628. Single or double tables areavailable ($55 &$80). Price reduced for nonprofitorganizations.DBE Daughters of the British Empire,John McLaren’s Roses of Britain Chapter inthe Tri-Valley meets at 11:00 a.m. on the 3 rdThursday of every month at CastlewoodCountry Club. DBE was founded in 1909 andis a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization madeup of women of British or British Commonwealthheritage and ancestry with a focus oncharity and fellowship. Those interested inhelping with “the cause," enjoying social activities,and forming long-lasting friendships,please contact Edith Caponigro at 925-998-3500 or Jenny Whitehouse at 925-484-1273for additional information.Pleasanton Newcomers Club, opento new and established residents of theTri-Valley. Activities include a coffee thefirst Wednesday of the month, a luncheonon 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.comTOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly),meets at Hillcrest Community Gardens Building,550 Hillcrest Ave., Livermore. Mondays,6:15 to 6:45 p.m. private weigh-in, 6:45 to7:30 p.m. meeting. All are welcome. Nonprofit,self-help organization founded in 1950. TOPSmembers are guided by a nutritionist and amedical doctor at the national headquarters.Members are encouraged to use the diabeticexchange program and are free to use whateverfood they plan. Information, contact Sueat 462-6281.Dress a Girl Around the World SewFest: Saturday, May 19, 2012, 9am – 3pm,St. Michael Hall, 300 block of Maple Street,Livermore. For more information, pleasecontact Suzanne Slupesky: suzbeck@yahoo.com, 925-352-8447.Overeaters Anonymous. No weighins,dues or fees. Meetings Tuesdays andThursdays, 7 - 8 p.m. St. Barts, 678 Enos Way,Livermore. Call Nora for further informationat (925) 447-1676Livermore Peripheral NeuropathySupport Group meets every fourth Tuesdayof the month at 10 a.m. in the secondfloor conference room at Heritage EstatesRetirement Community. The address is 900E. Stanley Blvd., Livermore All are welcome.Contacts are: Sandra Grafrath 443-6655 orLee Parlett 292-9280.Operation: S.A.M. "Supporting All Military"is a 501(c)3 non profit military supportorganization based in Livermore. S.A.M. hasbeen in operation since January 2004. Itis dedicated to the continued support ofdeployed troops. Preparation of comfortpackages takes place every other week - allyear long. Providing morale support forthose deployed. All information provided isconfidential and is not shared for securitypurposes. To submit a name and address, inquireabout donations or helping, please visitwww.operationsam.org, email operationsam@comcast.netor call 925 443-7620 formore information and the calendar of events.Community Resources for IndependentLiving (CRIL) offers services to helppeople with disabilities and supports themto live independently and participate in theircommunity for as long as they are willingand able to do so. CRIL maintains offices inHayward, Fremont and Livermore to provideinformation and referrals and providecommunity education at senior centers andaffordable housing complexes to residentsof Southern Alameda County. The Tri-Valleyoffice is located at 3311 Pacific Avenue, Livermore94550 and can be reached by phoneat (925) 371-1531, by FAX at (925) 373-5034or by e-mail at abril.tamayo@cril-online.org.All services are free.RELIGIONFirst Presbyterian Church, 2020 FifthStreet, Livermore. 9:00 a.m. ContemplativeService in the Chapel, 10:30 TraditionalService in the Sanctuary and children’s program.For more information www.fpcl.us or925-447-2078.Holy Cross Lutheran Church SundayService 9:30 a.m. 1020 Mocho St., Livermore.Information, 447-8840.Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385 S.Livermore Avenue, Livermore. 8:30 a.m. worship(semiformal); 9:45 a.m. adult Bible study/Sunday school; 11 a.m. worship (informal). Forinformation, call 925-447-1246.Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743East Avenue, Livermore. 9 a.m. Sunday worship.Information 447-1950.Calvary Chapel Livermore, SundayServices 10:30 a.m. 545 N. L Street Livermore.(925) 447-4357 - www.calvarylivermore.org.St. Matthew's Baptist Church, 1239North Livermore Ave., Livermore. Services onSunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult Sundayschool 9:30 a.m., Children's Sunday schoolat 9:30 a.m. Prayer each Wednesday at 7 p.m.followed by Bible study at 7:30 p.m. 449-3824.United Christian Church, celebrating 50years in the Tri-Valley. 1886 College Ave. at MSt., Livermore; worships on Sunday morningat 10:30 a.m. Children’s program on Sundaymorning and first Fridays. The community iswelcome. United CC is an Open and Affirmingministry. Call 449-6820 for more information.Bible Study, offered Wednesdays, 7:30to 8:30 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints, 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz,Pleasanton. Refreshments served at no cost.925-305-9468.Granada Baptist Church, 945 ConcannonBoulevard, Livermore. Services: Sundayschool – 9:45 a.m.; worship service – 11 a.m.All are welcome. 1-888-805-7151.Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, serviceson Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 a.m.,worship 11 a.m. www.livermoresda.org/ Allare welcome.The deaf community is invited to worshipat First Presbyterian Church in Livermore,where ASL translation will be providedevery Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The church islocated on the corner of 4th and L streets.Faith Chapel Assembly of God, 6656Alisal St., Pleasanton, Sunday School for allages 9:15 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Children’sChurch 11:15 a.m. Women's Bible studyWednesdays at 10 a.m. Intercessory prayer1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Please call office at846-8650 for weekly programs.Trinity, 557 Olivina Ave., Livermore.Sunday worship at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and 6p.m. Sunday school or Bible study for all agesat 9:45 a.m. Awana is Sunday at 3:30 p.m.Wednesday nights there is adult Bible studyat 6:45 and NRG and Re.Gen for youth, andchildren's choir for kids. Child care during allevents. 447-1848, www.trinitylivermore.org.St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 LomitasAve., Livermore. Meditation groups followingthe John Main tradition, every Monday 5:30p.m. and 7 p.m. For details, contact Claire LaScola at 447-9800.Centerpointe Church, 3410 CornerstoneCourt, Pleasanton. Services: 9 a.m. blendedstylewith choir and band, family worship.10:30 a.m. contemporary led by band, SundaySchool for children and middle-schoolers.www.centerpointechurch.org; 925-846-4436.St. Innocent Orthodox Church, 1040Florence Rd., Livermore. Sunday service at10 a.m. For details please see our websiteat www.stinnocent.net or call Fr. Leo Arrowsmithat 456-0845.Join in conversation about “TheShack” Wednesday evenings at 7:30 andThursday mornings at 10:30. Pastor ChuckJohnstone will be hosting a discussion groupon the most impactful Christian writing ofour time. “The Shack” has sold over 15 millioncopies and tackles questions about God’srole in human tragedy and how guilt, shameand issues of God’s judgment shape ourviews about God. Drop-in participants welcome.Location: 4743 East Avenue, Livermore,for more information contact the church at925- 447-1950. Copies of the book availableat the class. Asbury United Methodist Church,4743 East Avenue in Livermore.St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 3350 HopyardRoad, Pleasanton, Services on Sunday,8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Children’s SundaySchool & Chapel at 10:15 a.m. All are mostwelcome to come and worship with us andto enjoy our hospitality. For more informationcall the church office 925-462-4802.St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church,678 Enos Way, Livermore. Services on Sundayat 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Children's Sundayschool during the 10:30 a.m. service. Formore information call the church office at(925) 447-3289 or SaintBartsLivermore.com.St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Churchfollows the traditional 1928 Book of CommonPrayer. 193 Contractors Avenue, Livermore.Sunday service at 10 a.m. Sunday schoolprovided. For information, contact Fr. BenBrown at 925/906-9561.Tri-Valley Church of Christ at 4481 EastAvenue, Livermore, worship service 10:30 to11:45 a.m. Sundays, all are welcome. 925-447-4333 ( a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)Tri-Valley Unity Church has to 9875Dublin Canyon Rd., Castro Valley. New classes,small groups, new children's and teen programs,and Sunday services (at 10 a.m.). Allare welcome. Rev. Harriet Hawkins, minister.(925) 829-2733. www.trivalleyunity.comCheck out Unity of Tri Valley on Facebook.

12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012Pleasanton PTA to Honor Winners ofExcellence in Education AwardsThe Pleasanton PTA Council,in partnership with the PleasantonUnified School District, has announcedthe 2012 Winners of theExcellence in Education Awards.Honorees will receive their awardsat the 22nd Annual Excellence inEducation Awards Ceremony onMonday, May 21 at 4:00 p.m. atTrinity Lutheran Church, 1225Hopyard Road. Friends andfamilies of the honorees, as wellas community members, are mostLocal Student Honored at UCLAThree UCLA students have beenhonored with 2012 Charles E. YoungHumanitarian Awards for their outstandingcommitment to public service.The awards ceremony, a private eventfor family and friends, took place May3 in the Charles E. Young Grand Salonat UCLA’s Kerckhoff Hall.The Young Humanitarian Award,established by UCLA in 1986 as anannual tribute to recognize and encourageprojects that address communities’social needs, is one of the mostprestigious honors given to UCLAundergraduates. Each student received$700, to be donated to a public serviceproject of their choice.One of the recipients is KendraKnudsen, 22, of Pleasanton. She isa psychobiology major who willgraduate in winter 2013, developedthe Creative Minds Project at Step Upon Second, a nonprofit organization inSanta Monica that serves people withmental illness. The project utilizescreative art therapies to foster changeand progress toward recovery, stabilityand reintegration into society.In particular, Knudsen is an artteacher and coordinator of “Julie’sRoom,” Step Up on Second’s art studio,where she is bringing together UCLAundergraduate and graduate students tofacilitate creative art therapy groups.“Kendra’s attentive listening skills,sensitivity and thoughtfulness are agreat help to our members,” AaronCriswell, director of supportive servicesfor Step Up on Second, said inrecommending Knudsen for the award.“Many of our members are not onlyfighting the stigma of mental illness buthomelessness as well. Kendra’s sincereacceptance of the members and herpromotion of dignity and compassionmake ‘Julie’s Room’ a popular haven.”Knudsen plans to pursue a doctoratein clinical neuropsychology to investigatehow creative thinking may yieldhealth benefits for both mentally ill andhealthy individuals. She will use thehumanitarian award to buy art suppliesfor “Julie’s Room” to help implementthe visual art therapy component of theCreative Minds Project.Rocky Mountain College held its130th Commencement, Saturday, May5, 2012, at 1 p.m., in the Fortin EducationCenter. Among those who will begraduating is Morgan Elizabeth Boweof Livermore.Hansen Shi, grade 10, of Dublin,the son of Dr. Jianxiong Shi and Mrs.Manli Zhang, earned High Honors forthe winter 2012 term at Phillips ExeterAcademy.The following local residents wereamong 554 students who made theDean's Honor List at California LutheranUniversity for the fall semester:Danika Briggs of Livermore, a seniorand a communication major; SarahPeterson of Dublin, a freshman and anEnglish major; and Elizabeth Lopez ofPleasanton, a sophomore and a communicationmajor. Students qualify forthe Dean's List by maintaining a 3.6grade point average in their academicsubjects.Christina Joy Edholm of Pleasantonwas among more than 2,800 studentswho received degrees from the Universityof Nebraska-Lincoln at commencementexercises May 4 and 5. Itwas the largest graduating class in UNLhistory. Edholm received a master ofscience from Graduate Studies.welcome to attend the ceremony tocelebrate their achievement! Lightrefreshments will be served.The 2012 Honorees are as follows:Mark Aubel (Amador ValleyHigh School/Harvest Park MiddleSchool); Patty Bowser (Hearst Elementary);Tony Dennis (AmadorValley); Lisa Fulton (Foothill HighSchool); Tina Gerstenberg (FairlandsElementary); Debbie Harvey(Amador Valley); Diana Liggett(Lydiksen Elementary); Jim Rodgers(Valley View Elementary);Shannon Sos (Foothill High); PamThrone (Fairlands Elementary);Lori Vella (Foothill High); ReneeVerostek (Harvest Park MiddleSchool); Kendra Zierau (WalnutGrove Elementary).For more information, pleasecontact Adrienne Herz at 925-485-9401.The Pleasanton PTA Councilbegan in 2003 as an umbrellagroup for all PTAs in Pleasanton.The mission of the PTA is to representtheir members and to empowerand support them with skillsin advocacy, leadership, and communicationto positively impact thelives of all children and families.More information is available atwww.pleasantonpta.org.Grantham NamedPleasantonTeacher of theYearPleasanton Unified SchoolDistrict’s teacher of the year is JonGrantham, Amador Valley HighSchool Band Teacher.Grantham has been with the districtfor nine years. His colleaguesand parents of his students describehim as an amazing teacher who instillsconfidence and respect in hisstudents. He believes in the talentand skills of his students and expectsexcellence from them. He iscompassionate and understandingand masterfully engages students.“Mr. Grantham brings out thebest in people,” said SuperintendentAhmadi, “Observing hisstudents in the classroom and atcompetitions, there is no doubtthey take pride in what they do.Jon is a gift to public education.”Grantham’s name will be submittedto the Alameda County Officeof Education for the county’sTeacher of The Year program.The Rev. Joyce Parry MooreSt. Barts Introduces New RectorBy Laning ThompsonThe new rector of St. Bartholomew’sEpiscopal Churchbrings a potpourri of experienceas an opera singer, impresario,actress, dancer, teacher, cancersurvivorand long-distance-runnerto the pulpit in Livermore.The Rev. Joyce Parry Moore,who began her ministry at thechurch on April 16, says, “Thecommunity of St. Bart’s, Livermore,reflects the kind of diversityinto which I am called to minister— we serve people of many demographics,cultures, and walksof life.”Joyce comes to St. Bart’s fromSt. Paul’s, Oakland where sheserved as assisting priest for thelast year. Previously, she waschaplain of the Seamen’s ChurchInstitute at the Port of Oakland,which involved boarding containervessels to minister to seamen ofmany creeds.Originally from Auburn, WA,Joyce received a graduate degree inopera from the New England Conservatoryof Music and pursued acareer as a classical singer. In 1995,she moved from New York to Juneau,Alaska, to perform and internwith the innovative PerseveranceTheatre there.While working in Alaska’scapital city, she met and marriedan actor and teacher named PatrickMoore. They blended their families:“hers,” a son by a previousmarriage; “his,” a son and twodaughters, and “theirs,” a daughternamed Ariana. Now 12, Ariana isfollowing in her parents’ footstepsby studying acting at the OaklandSchool for the Arts. Her familyhas recently moved from Oaklandto Pleasanton to be near St. Bart’s.Joyce and her husband, Patrick,acted in many plays together inAlaska before Joyce formed herown non-profit opera company —Opera to GO! — that still travelsto rural areas of the state, providingentertainment, education andoutreach.During her 14 years in Alaska,Joyce received the call to thepriesthood and decided to attendseminary in California. She receiveda master’s degree in divinityfrom the Pacific School of Religion(PSR) at the Graduate TheologicalUnion (GTU), Berkeley, andis currently pursuing a doctoratein Pastoral Counseling at the SanFrancisco Theological School.In conjunction with her doctoraldissertation, which focuseson providing creative pastoral carefor women following cancer treatments,she will present a workshopentitled “Coming to Voice” on May8 at the Women’s Cancer ResourceCenter in Oakland.Mother Joyce, as she is calledat St. Bart’s, was raised in theMethodist Church, but becamea Catholic during her graduatestudies in Boston. She joined theEpiscopal Church after moving toAlaska, and has studied at severalGTU schools, including the FranciscanSchool of Theology andthe Center for Buddhist Studies.Her faith journey results in a veryecumenical outlook.Mother Joyce preaches and offerscommunion at 8:00 and 10:30a.m. services every Sunday at St.Bartholomew’s, 678 Enos Way inLivermore. She was preceded asrector of St. Bart’s by The Rev.Debra Low-Skinner, interim rector,and The Rev. Carol Cook.