Third Charter School Sought in Livermore - The Independent

VOLUME XLVIII, NUMBER 41Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011Third Charter School Sought in LivermoreFind Out What'sHappeningCheck out thesecond sectionSection II is filled with informationabout arts, entertainmentand special events. There areeducation stories, a variety offeatures, and the arts and entertainmentand bulletin board listLARPD GoesGreen at ParksLivermore Area Recreationand Park District now has threeplaygrounds that feature recycledtire rubber surfacing. Playgroundsat Karl Wente Park, BothwellPark, and Robertson Park havethe new surfacing, helping tomake them more environmentallyfriendly by keeping over 5,000tires out of the waste stream.The new surfaces have beenreceived favorably by the publicfor aesthetics, greatly improvedaccessibility, and enhanced safety.The surfacing at Bothwell Parkand Robertson Park were paidin part by a grant received fromthe Tire-Derived Product GrantProgram from CalRecycle.LARPD anticipates usingthe same rubberized surfacingfor the planned playgroundat Cayetano Park. For moreinformation, visit the websitewww.larpd.dst.ca.us or call 925-373-5700.Voter RegistrationDeadline Is Oct. 24The deadline to register tovote for the November 8, 2011Consolidated District Election isMonday, October 24, 2011.Alameda County residentsmust be citizens, 18 years oldand not in prison or on parolefor the conviction of a felonyto be eligible to register to vote.V oter registration affidavits areavailable at the Registrar of Votersoffice and at libraries, firestations and post offices. Theymay also be downloaded. Theregistration form can be found atwww.acgov.org.Completed affidavits must bedelivered to the Registrar of Votersoffice at 1225 Fallon Street,Room G-1, Oakland, CA 94612or postmarked by October 24th inorder to be valid for the upcomingelection.Voters can call the Registrar ofVoters office at (510) 272-6973or (510) 267-8683 or visit thewebsite at www.acgov.org/rov tocheck voter registration status.New Law Aimedat ProtectingChildren in CarsNew legislation has beensigned into law in California regardingthe protection of childrenin vehicles.On Tuesday, October 4, 2011,Governor Brown signed into lawSenate Bill 929 that will requirethat a child riding in any vehiclemust be restrained in the backseat in a child restraint until(See LAW, page 5)EBRPD Information inToday's IndependentLook for the East Bay RegionalPark District’s insert intoday’s Independent.Included in the insert are activitiesand events planned for thecoming months in area parks.EBRPD includes 65 parkswith over 1,200 miles of trailsfor hiking, biking, horsebackriding and nature study. The ParkDistrict offers lakes, shorelines,campgrounds, visitor centers,interpretive and recreation programs,picnic areas, indoor/outdoorrental facilities, golf coursesand much more. http://www.ebparks.orgBy Patricia KoningBy next Monday, the Tri-Valley Learning Corporation(TVLC) [which oversees theLivermore Valley Charter School(LVCS) and the Livermore ValleyCharter Preparatory high school(LVCP)] plans to submit to theLivermore Valley Joint UnifiedSchool District (LVJUSD) apetition for a new K-8 charterschool.Named Portola Academy,the proposed school would belocated at the former PortolaElementary School site, currenthome of LVCP. The new charterPhoto - Doug JorgensenSaturday was ArtWalk day in downtown Livermore. A variety of art was on display. In addition,there was entertainment and an opportunity for hands-on activities.“It has been a very successfultwo years.”That was the message deliveredby Livermore City ManagerLinda Barton regarding efforts tomeet goals set by the council in2010. “The results show a greatpartnership between staff, thecouncil and the community.”Her report took place duringthe regular city council meetingon Monday. The report is onepresented every year. Successesincluded an upturn in constructionactivity, a better job outlook,successes in transportation andopen space preservation.The were six categories, eachcontaining a variety of goals.The top category focused onmaking the city more businessfriendly and generating jobs.Art & Entertainment....... Section IIBulletin Board............... Section IIClassifieds...........................10Editorial.................................4Mailbox...................................4Insideschool would serve 560 studentsin transitional kindergartenthrough eighth grade. TVLCChief Operating Officer BillBatchelor stated that LVCS andLVCP will transition to the newcampus on the corner of ConstitutionDrive and North CanyonsParkway in time to house PortolaAcademy at the Portola Avenuesite in 2012.One goal of the school, saidBatchelor, is to serve as an alternativeneighborhood school for thePortola community. If demandexceeds the number of availablespaces for students, enrollmentLivermore Council Has HadA 'Successful Two Years'More business friendly policiesincluded implementing asimplified hazard materials permittingprocess, expanding typesof businesses allowed along thefreeway corridor, and reducingtraffic impact fees and the cost ofconditional use permits for newhigh wage, innovative technologybusinesses. Other policiesincluded reducing traffic impactfees for existing businesses relocatingwithin the city; reducingthe cost of transfer of developmentcredits for new housing by50 percent, a savings of $21,000per home; reducing the inclusionaryhousing in-lieu fee fornew housing by 33 percent, asavings of $8,000 per home; andextending the city’s fee defer-(See COUNCIL, page 4)Roundup..................................3Short Notes.............................12Sports......................................6Obituaries................................9preference will be given to familiesliving within the geographicboundaries of the former PortolaElementary School and JunctionAvenue Middle School, thecurrent boundaries of JunctionAvenue K-8. The boundary wouldbe within a one-mile radius of thePortola Avenue site.“We feel there is a need in thiscommunity that we can meet,”explained Batchelor. “The TVLCboard and everyone involved arevery excited to be submittingthis petition. This is a project wehave been working on for severalyears.” He notes that LVCS currentlyhas nearly 800 students onits waiting list.Portola Academy, which isexpected to serve a diverse Title1 population, will be modeled inlarge part after LVCS, but tailoredto meet the needs of the studentpopulation. “We won’t reallyknow what our population willlook like until we open enrollment,”said Batchelor. “Our hopeis to attract a lot of the neighborsof the Portola school site.”Portola Academy will targetclass sizes of 20:1 in transitionalkindergarten through third gradeand no more than 26:1 in gradesPhoto - Doug JorgensenA varied group of alternative fuel and manual green vehicles wereon display at the Green Scene Fair at the Hacienda Business Parkin Pleasanton last week. Exhibitors provided demonstrations andinformation on such things as green building materials, landscapedesign, solar power and energy efficient products. Pictured lookingat a bicycle that folds up is Jeniece Avalos of Pleasanton.four through eight. Transitionalkindergarten is for students bornbetween Nov. 2, 2007 and Dec.2, 2007, a requirement enactedby Senate Bill 1381, the KindergartenReadiness Act.Signed into law last fall, the billpushes up the date when childrenmust turn five to enter kindergartenfrom Dec. 2 to Sept. 1. Thechange will be phased in onemonth at a time over three yearsstarting in the fall of 2012.The school also will have enrichmentspecialists in art, music,physical education, science, and(See CHARTER, page 4)Pleasanton Schools HopeTo Fund Nursing StaffPleasanton school trusteeshope to be able to retain thetwo full-time equivalent schoolnursing positions that came tothem at the beginning of the lastfiscal year.Trustees heard a report aboutnurse staffing, and a related item,the district’s child nutritional servicesat their meeting Sept. 27.The two nursing positionsjoined an existing one in in2009 to cut the district’s nurseto-studentratio from 15,000:1to 5000:1. That’s still far greaterthan the guidelines from nationalhealth authorities, which say agood ratio is 750:1.The district’s average is higherthan the state’s average in comparableschool districts, which is2300:1, senior director of pupilservices Kevin Johnson told theboard at its meeting Sept. 27.Through the efforts of trusteesJamie Hintzke and Chris Grant,and former trustee Pat Kernan,the district was able to obtain atwo-year grant from ValleyCareHealth System to pay for the ad-dition of the two nurses.That grant will expire at theend of this fiscal year. Grant saidat the meeting that the districtand ValleyCare haven’t had aconversation yet about whetherthe grant might be extended.ValleyCare awarded the districtthe grant in view of the toughbudget crisis the district has beenfacing because of a shortage ofstate funding.Grant told the Independent,“We were hoping then that thebudget would improve (aftertwo years), but that hasn’t happened.Together, the health carecommunity, ValleyCare and theschool district can evaluate howwe can best weather an expandedpoor situation at the state level,and maintain the quality nursingsupport that we have in ourdistrict.”Hintzke added that a goodlevel of nursing staffing needs tocontinue. “We need to figure out away to carve it out of our generalfund,” she said.(See NURSING, page 4)Coalition Pushing for Ag Land Protection in Rural Solar PolicyAfter hearing from the SolarCoalition about a proposed ruralsolar energy ordinance, anAlameda County Supervisors’committee asked staff to conductmore research, and bring an 11thhour updated policy draft backnext month. The coalition consistsof a newly organized groupof stakeholders.The decision was made Oct. 3Zone 7 Reviews Reserve Policy:Pleasanton Asks No Rate IncreaseAt a study session, Zone 7Water Agency directors took acloser look at their reserve policies,but did not act.The one-hour meeting onOct. 5 was intended to clarifyfor all directors the past policiesconcerning financial reserves,and show the status of currentreserves.Reserves have been an issuewith the agency’s four waterretailing customers: Livermore,Pleasanton, DSRSD, and CaliforniaWater Service.The retailers would like tosee Zone 7 approve no water rateincrease next year.Pleasanton reaffirmed thatdesire in a resolution it passedOct. 4, and sent to Zone 7 on theday of the meeting Oct. 5.The city council voted 3-0 to(See ZONE 7, page 4)by the Supervisors Transportationand Land Use Planning Committee,which screens issues beforethey go to the full board.The panel involves SupervisorsScott Haggerty, whosedistrict includes Livermore,and Nate Miley, who representsPleasanton and Castro Valley.A staff report with recommendationson what to have in the solarpolicy needs to be researchedfurther, said the supervisors.Haggerty was concerned thatthe committee did not receive thereport from staff until the meetingbegan. He wanted more timeto look it over.Haggerty also recognized thatstakeholders were at the samedisadvantage.Dick Schneider, who was aco-author of Alameda CountyMeasure D and is examining thepolicy draft for compatabilitywith the measure, said that hedidn’t see how there could be afull and fair discussion of the issueswithout receiving the reportin a timely way to give feedbackconcerning staff recommendations.A draft version of the reporthas been available, but not thefinal version.Schneider and others haveformed the Solar Coalition of fiveorganizations. The coalition saidthat it has many questions aboutthe policy, and suggestions aboutwhat it needs to cover.The organizations are theFriends of Livermore, Friends(See SOLAR, page 4)SupervisorsUpdateWilliamsonAct PolicyAlameda County Supervisorspassed revisions to the county’sWilliamson Act policy. The revisionsensure that it conformsto changes made over the yearsin the state’s administration ofthe law.The board acted on a 3-0vote at its meeting Oct. 11, withNadia Lockyer and Keith Carsonabsent.The Williamson Act allowsassessors to value agriculturalland at its agricultural value, notat the higher value of potentiallydeveloped land. The savings helpto enable landowners to remain inagriculture.The move to update the policybegan four years ago. Planners,the planning commission, theagricultural advisory committee,stakeholders and the publicplayed a role in designing thechanges.One change may help morelandowners take advantage ofthe Williamson Act. Instead ofrequiring a minimum numberof acres to qualify, a landownerinstead could show a gross valueof the land’s agricultural produc-(See UPDATE, page 2)PET OF THE WEEKMeet Roxy. Roxy is a 10 month old Dachshund &Rottweiler blend. Not only is she as cute as can be,but she is playful and loving. Roxy enjoys running aftertennis balls and snuggling with her person. To learnmore about our adoptable animals, call 925-426-8656or visit the website www.valleyhumane.org. ValleyHumane Society is located at 3670 Nevada Street inPleasanton. Hours are Tues.- Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Photo courtesy of Aaron Czeszynski

PAGE 2 - The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011UPDATEtion that would qualify it.Darrell Sweet, chair of theagricultural advisory committee,said that he and another committeemember, Mike Gatzman,worked closely with county staffin developing the changes.Larry Gosselin, another agriculturaladvisory committeemember, said that he wanted tosee the policy adoption delayedto try to encourage more peoplein the equine community to expressthemselves.There was also concern aboutthe policy revision restrictingbuildings to a two-acre envelopeon agricultural property, as setout by Measure D.Supervisor Scott Haggerty,who was chairing the meeting,said, “There is nothing we cando about that one,” because it isa county ordinance.Supervisor Nate Miley saidthat four years was long enoughto spend on the policy revision.He moved its adoption. The secondingcame from supervisorWilma Chan.Photo - Doug JorgensenLast Saturday was a day filled with activities in the Valley. One way to enjoy the day was to takea pony ride. The rides are offered each weekend by Nancy Bankhead at G&M Farms in Livermore.G&M is located at 487 East Airway Boulevard.

The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011 - PAGE 3Chamber to Host MileyAlameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, AlamedaCounty Supervisor, will discuss his prioritiesfor the county and his newly created districtthat includes all of Pleasanton. The presentationwill be hosted by the Pleasanton Chamber ofCommerce on Wednesday, October 26, 11:30amto 1:00pm, at FAZ at the Four Points SheratonHotel, 5121 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton.Cost is $35 for Chamber members; $45 fornon-members. Tickets and information are availableat http://www.pleasanton.org/BART Redistricting SessionThe Board of Directors of the San FranciscoBay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is conductingPublic Meetings to provide an opportunityfor the public to give input and commentregarding the redistricting of the BART electiondistricts.The meeting in the Tri-Valley will be heldThurs., Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the LivermoreCity Council Chambers.Following each federal census, the BARTBoard of Directors is required to adjust the boundariesof the election districts so the districts areas equal in population as practicable. Using the2010 United States Census as a basis, the Boardof Directors must adjust the boundaries of theelection districts.For more information, go to www.bart.gov/newsThieves CaughtAt about 5 a.m. last Friday, Pleasanton Policedispatchers received a 911 call from a resident ofthe 1400 block of East Gate Way who reportedhearing “drilling or cutting” sounds outside hishome. It was found later that the suspects wereremoving a catalytic converter from a car.Within minutes offices arrived in the area toinvestigate and saw three subjects pulling away inan older white Toyota Camry. Upon spotting theofficers, the driver of the Camry sped off onto ValleyAvenue, driving against oncoming traffic. Officerspursued the Camry onto southbound I-680,where they followed at speeds up to 85 mph untilexiting onto northbound Sunol Blvd. The driverturned onto Junipero Street and found it blockedby other officers. The driver then turned ontoLone Oak Drive where he and a male passengerjumped from the moving car and fled on foot. TheCamry slowly continued a short distance beforecrashing into a parked car. A female passengerwas found hiding in the backseat of the Camry andwas taken into custody. She had no visible injuriesfrom the collision; there were no reported injuriesor damage resulting from the pursuit.Dispatchers began to receive 911 calls fromresidents in the area who were spotting the twomales running through backyards, climbing overfences and even running across the roofs of somehomes. Officers surrounded the area and weresearching yards when they located the two maleswho were taken into custody without a struggle.Arrested and booked at Santa Rita Jail for felonyevading and theft were 31-year-old Ratha Bun,29-year-old Sokcheath Hin and 26-year-oldSomneary Hen, all of Stockton.Home InvasionsThe Livermore Police Department reportedtwo incidents of home invasion on Mon., Oct.3.The first call involved an interrupted residentialburglary on Heather Lane. When the lonevictim confronted the two suspects, he was batteredand struck with an unidentified object. Hesuffered moderate injuries and was transportedto ValleyCare Hospital. Electronic equipmentwas stolen from the house. The Livermore PoliceDepartment is still investigating. The preliminaryinvestigation on this incident revealed thatthe intended target was possibly a neighboringresidence.The second incident occurred a little time lateron Catalina Drive. Two suspects forced a femalevictim inside her apartment from the front porcharea. Once inside, they threatened and batteredher and her boyfriend. The suspects held the victimsagainst their will, and proceeded to ransackthe residence. A neighbor came to investigate thecommotion and the suspects battered the neighborwith a weapon. The suspects fled in a greenfull sized sedan. Multiple items were stolen fromthe victim’s residence. All three victims sustainedminor to moderate injuries.The preliminary investigation has revealedthat it appears that these incidents were notrandom and that the suspects targeted these tworesidences with the intent to steal narcotics.There are similarities between the two incidents.However, based on investigation thus far,the police are unable to conclude they are related.The investigation is ongoing.There were two suspects at each incident. Thesuspects at the first were described as a blackmale with an average build and an unknownmale. The second incident suspects included ablack male adult with a trimmed goatee and anEast Indian or light skinned black male.Energy WorkshopLivermore, Dublin and Pleasanton are workingtogether to encourage Tri-Valley homeownersto take advantage of the up to $4,000 availablerebates from Energy Upgrade CA for completingenergy-saving work on their homes.Each city will host a free workshop to providemore information about available rebates andtax credits, benefits of a home energy upgrade,or to speak with Participating Contractors aboutenergy efficiency.The workshop in Pleasanton will be heldWed., Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. ion the Veterans’Memorial Building, 301 Main St.Livermore is co-hosting a workshop onThursday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. at the LivermoreLibrary, 1188 So. Livermore Ave.The final event is Sat., Oct. 29, 10 a.m. in theDublin City Council Chambers.

PAGE 4 - The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011EDITORIALLab’s Short-Sighted Retiree PolicyThere is plenty of intellectual horsepower at LawrenceLivermore National Laboratory, but when it comes to informingsome 5,000 retirees of changing health plans, LawrenceLivermore National Laboratory is acting unwisely.The Lab should be using all means possible to communicatewith the retirees, many of whom live too far away orare too infirm to attend local health plan meetings. Instead,it has discontinued a simple and inexpensive way of reachingout to them and explaining complicated and changing healthplans. It has refused to work with the Laboratory’s RetireeAssociation, whose members in the past have reached outto their former colleagues in other parts of the country, orin nursing homes. Association members did this as a freeservice that signaled “We Care” to retirees — and to activeemployees, who knew that the caring would continue whentheir turn came to retire.Now, the Laboratory appears to be turning its back onthe men and women who helped win the Cold War. Today’semployees know they will be treated no differently in oldage. How can this be healthy for the morale and productivityof an important national institution?NURSING(continued from page one)“It would be great if Valley-Care could help. However, it’simportant. Whether it’s privatehelp, or ourselves and privatefunds, the school district mustprovide it,” said Hintzke.District school nurse SusanHan gave the board some statisticsas to how the need for attentionto medical conditions ofstudents has grown each year.Eighteen years ago, if a districtneeded an epinephrine(adrenalin) injector, there wouldbe only one. In the Pleasantondistrict last year, there were 179such injectors, said Han.Forty-three students, all withType I diabetes, take insulindaily. That’s one in every 345students, which is higher than thenational average of about 500 to600, said Han.Keeping kids in class contributesto their academic success,pointed out Han.Grant said that the districtdoes a good job in keeping absencesdown. Attendance averages98 percent daily, comparedto 95 percent in similar districts,he noted.In addition to the importanceof keeping kids in class, thereis a financial benefit in keepingkids healthy. State fundingto districts is based on averagedaily attendance (ADA), so at 98percent ADA, Pleasanton is pickingup $2.4 million annually thatit would have lost at 95 percentADA, said Grant.NUTRITION TIES INWITH HEALTH CAREThe district’s nutrition effortsin the cafeterias and health educationalso tie in with wellness.The board heard a report from directorof child nutrition servicesFrank Castro.The district serves more mealsdaily than all of the restaurants inPleasanton combined, said Castro.Trying to keep food healthy,Castro’s department buys organicfood wherever possible. With a lacarte meals, no single item is over400 calories.The district instituted a “harvestof the month” campaign,with enough for 700 students totaste such foods as snap peas andkiwi fruit.One new item was very popular:“Martian fries.” They aregreen, like the reputed men fromMars, but are green beans breadedin whole grain and baked,not fried. “I see them as the newfrench fry,” said Castro.Another creative turn in thedistrict’s kitchens involves atribute to Dr. Seuss. When theschools participating in the “ReadAcross America” program readthe Seuss book “Green Eggs andHam,” the cafeteria puts that dishon the menu.When schools hold multi-culturaldays, the department worksto develop a menu so kids caneat the foods keyed to variouscultures. This has been so successfulthat some schools decidednot to have kids bring ethnic foodfrom home, as they had done inthe past, said Castro.BOY RECEIVINGCHEMOHONOREDAt some school board meetings,trustees honor nominatedstudents, teachers and staff fortheir outstanding examples of thesix virtues that comprisePleasanton’s“community of character.”The character quality in Septemberwas integrity. Five studentswere honored. The standout,whose story the board andaudience found very moving, wasAlex Rozsa, a 3rd-grader fromAlisal elementary school.Alex was diagnosed with amalignant brain tumor. It requiredsurgery and chemotherapytreatments, which will continueuntil next summer. Despite thisadversity, Alex’s true self hasshone through, said nominatorTracy Zuehlsdorf, a counselorat Alisal.“He is a courageous boy,focused on relationships, friendships,family, hope, and a verycompassionate and positive attitudeon life,” said Zuehlsdorf.“Alex is a model for bothstudents and adults at Alisal. Heexemplifies what we feel definesintegrity, and he teaches us everyday that even though life gets reallytough, integrity coupled witha positive attitude, makes all thedifference,” said Zuehlsdorf.Also honored were ValleyView 5th-grader Jennifer Hernandez,Hart Middle School 8thgraders Erin Griffin and JordanReni, and Foothill High Schoolsenior Eduardo Perez.COUNCIL(continued from page one)ral program by for another twoyears. Businesses can pay feesat the end of construction, ratherthan at the beginning.Barton mentioned the grandopening of the I-GATE incubatorfor new businesses and thegroundbreaking of the ParagonOutlets as major successes. Inaddition, the city is pursuing over$10 million in grants to move I-GATE forward.The reduction in fees extendsfor a two year period. The goal isto stimulate construction activity.Mayor Marshall Kamena pointedout that over the last ten months,construction has been up significantlywith $100 million in privateprojects. That total includesthe Paragon Outlets Livermore,with the walls expected to go upin November. In comparison,there was $66 million in privateprojects in 2010 and $66 millionin 2009.Kamena listed some of theprojects. They include a newWalgreens at the corner of Firstand P Streets and news that nextyear work will begin on theToyota dealership. The dealershipis scheduled to open in early2013. Plans have been approvedto expand the Stanford AuxiliaryLibrary in Livermore. Kamenaquipped, “We house more ofthe library in Livermore than ishoused at Stanford.”He also stated that the cityexpects to see the constructionof 332 homes next year.The goal in transportationwas to complete and improve theregional and local transportationsystems. Barton reported thatthe council adopted a BARTalignment along I-580. Work isunderway to include funding forthe extension in the upcomingMeasure B reauthorization votescheduled for November 2012.If funding were included for theBART extension to Livermoreconstruction could begin by2013. Construction of the JackLondon Boulevard to El CharroRoad is underway. New HOVlanes westbound on I-580 will beunder construction in the springof 2012.Kamena said that meetingsCHARTER(continued from page one)Spanish. Portola Academy willhave a longer school day thanLVCS, likely going from 8 amto 4 pm for first through eighthgraders and an extended daykindergarten.TVLC will hire a principal,at least 30 credentialed teachers,and additional support staff torun the new school. Batchelorexplained TVLC will seek bilingualteachers.The plan for the new schoolwill likely meet with opposition,as did LVCS when it wasfounded. LVJUSD could standto lose significant Average DailyAttendance funding if studentsleave to attend Portola Academy.LVJUSD administrators hadno comment as they have notyet seen the petition for PortolaAcademy.Some members of the LVCScommunity have expressed concernthat with the high school onlytwo years old and the move of bothschools to the new campus still(INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.)with BART have gone well.Kamena also reported onAB2032, a bill that would allowrevenues collected locally fromhigh occupancy toll (HOT) lanesto stay in the originating area. Heestimated that in the first year ofoperation, 2012, the city wouldreceive $3 million. By 2035, theprojected income would be $45million a year. “That will helpgreatly with local transportationprojects,” he stated.Infrastructure rehabilitationis another council goal. Bartonstated that the staff is workingwith PG&E to secure an interestfree loan to replace 350 streetlights along First Street withmore efficient LED lights. Over$1 million in grants were securedto construct a segment of theIron Horse Trail from the ACEtransit center in downtown to KStreet. Funds from the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Actwere used to fund local street androad rehabilitation projects.Open space preservation hasbeen very successful. The cityacquired the 65-acre propertyeast of Laughlin Road, north of I-580. Barton said that the purchasewill strengthen the urban growthboundary in that area. It will alsoexpand Brushy Peak RegionalPreserve.The city assisted the East BayRegional Park District with thepurchase of the 635 acre DoolanRanch and authorized the acquisitionof 107 acres of land alongDoolan Road adjacent to theurban growth boundary.Establishing long term financialstability was the fifth goal.The city has entered into negotiationswith bargaining groupsto create sustainable employeesalary and benefit packages. Acap on vacation accrual has beenset for all employees.The final goal was to work towardsstate reform to prevent futureraids of local funds. Amongthe successes were passage ofProposition 22 and formationof partnerships with other localagencies in sending numerousletters of opposition to the governorand legislature.pending, opening a new schoolwill strain TVLC’s resources. Anotherconcern is that TVLC doesnot have enough experience inworking with English LanguageLearners and socioeconomicallydisadvantaged students.The LVJUSD Board of Educationwill likely take action on thepetition before the end of November.If they reject the petition, aswas the case with the petitions forboth LVCS and LVCP, TVLC cansubmit the petition to the AlamedaCounty Office of Education andthen to the State Board of Education.The State Board of Educationis the chartering agency of bothLVCS and LVCP.The TVLC board is hopefulthat the charter petition will be approvedbefore summer, in time tohire staff for a fall 2012 opening.“We will open the school whenwe are ready, when we can do itright,” said Batchelor.For more information onTVLC, visit http://www.trivalleylearning.org/.Publisher: Joan Kinney SeppalaAssociate Publisher: David T. LowellEditor: Janet ArmantroutThe Independent is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., Livermore,CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office andadditional entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998. The Independent is mailed upon request. Go to www.independentnews.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TheIndependent, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550.Advertising rates and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212.Editorial information may be submitted by editmail@compuserve.com.ZONE 7(continued from page one)request the rate freeze. CouncilmembersCheryl Cook-Kallioand Matt Sullivan were absent.The resolution asks that Zone7 and Pleasanton liaison boardmembers meet before adoptionof an increase, if zero increasewere not being considered. Theboard will meet Oct. 19 to setwater rates for 2012.Mayor Jennifer Hosterman,in a letter enclosed with theresolution, cited an 11 percentcountywide unemployment rateand 17 percent vacancy rate inSOLAR(continued from page one)of the Vineyards, the Measure DCommittee, the East Bay Chapterof the California Native PlantSociety and the Ohlone Chapterof the Audubon Society.Three applications for solararrays in the Altamont led supervisorsto call for creation ofthe ordinance earlier this year.Local and county governmentsare under pressure to meet a statemandate to obtain 33 percent ofenergy from renewable sourcesby 2020, so supervisors want tohave a rural policy in place.One permit already has beengranted for a 14.2 acre solarfacility.. Another for 140 acresis pending. A third applicationwas submitted two weeks agoby Pegasus, which would use asmuch as 2300 acres of prime agriculturalland in the Altamont.All told, more than one-halfof the nearly 4000 acres of primeag lands would be occupied bysolar installations, if the pendingapplications were approved.Haggerty’s chief of staff,Chris Gray, said that the supervisorsaid the county’s policy(Opinions voiced in letterspublished in Mailbox are thoseof the author and do not necessarilyreflect the opinion of TheIndependent. Letter Policy: TheIndependent will not publishanonymous letters, nor will itpublish letters without names.Abusive letters may be rejectedor edited. Frequent letter writersmay have publication of theirletters delayed. Letters should besubmitted by e-mail to editmail@compuserve.com.)BART RouteLen AlexanderLivermoreI’m afraid that I must stronglydisagree with Patricia Grimes’recent assertion that the CityCouncil engineered the nowabandoned downtown/VascoBART routing for their own purposes.Both my wife and I, residentsof downtown Livermore,attended the City’s public planningworkshops and, along withother residents, worked througha process that ultimately createdand endorsed the downtownroute. In fact, that recommendedroute was not one of the originalroutings proposed by BART.I believe that those of us whoparticipated in the workshopscame to realize that the downtown/Vascoroute was the onlypathway eligible for Federalfunding and able to connect existingand future residential areas,rather than parking lots, to thepublic transit that Livermore hasbeen promised for years.The Council, in adopting thedowntown route, was simplyaccepting the recommendationof the public workshops. Tosuggest otherwise is purely disingenuous.Marchand for MayorClarence and Pat HoenigLivermoreHistorically, one of Livermore’sgreat assets has been ourcommercial, office, and industrialinventory in the Tri-Valleyas signs that the economy is stillhurting.The letter noted, “An increasewill further burden our weakenedeconomy and limit our ability torestore jobs and sustain our qualityof life.”At the Zone 7 meeting, directorJohn Greci said that increasingrates may upset customers,“However, they’ll be more upsetwith us, if we didn’t maintain abig reserve.”should be proactive about designatingrural areas for solarinstallations, instead of just acceptingsites that the would-bedevelopers choose.The Altamont isn’t the onlyplace where residents and environmentalistsmight be concernedabout solar installations.Sunol, Doolan Canyon, CollierCanyon and the Vargas Plateauare “important sites that couldbe affected,” says the statementfrom the Solar Coalition.Schneider wrote the group’sstatement. He said after the meetingthat he still hadn’t received acopy of the updated report. However,the original draft is deficientin several respects, he said.The draft says that any primeag land taken out of use by solarstructures should be mitigated ona 1:1 basis. Prime ag land meansClass 2 soil that’s irrigated in thepast four years. Displacing anyother ag land would not requiremitigation. However, the coalitionwants to see mitigation requirementsfor those areas, too.Further, the draft said the aggreat City Council leadership. Werecommend that now is the timeto continue that tradition by electingJohn Marchand as our Mayoron November 8, 2011.John Marchand’s current accomplishedexperience on theCity Council coupled with hisopenness, integrity, dedicationand optimism regarding theLivermore community are thequalities we need to sustain andsupport our local government.This will insure that Livermoreremains a great place to live andraise our children and grandchildren.Equally important is the preservationof our Urban GrowthBoundary as a key element tothe preservation of Livermore’senvironment and Livermore’sunique identity. It safeguards ouraward-winning South LivermoreValley Area Plan and supportsour vineyards.Dublin has recently put DoolanCanyon development in NorthLivermore at risk. Now it iseven more essential that JohnMarchand’s knowledge of thatissue, experience and dedicationto preserving that valuable openspace be retained as our Mayor.Please consider John Marchandfor Livermore Mayor whenyou vote on Tuesday, November8.Bullying StoryVictoria StortiLivermoreWhile trying to catch up withmy mail I came across an articleposted on the front page of theIndependent, which was publishedon Thursday, September22, 2011 “Rubber ChickensFly in the Face of Bullying.”The article goes on and praisesMendenhall Middle School’sPrincipal, Susan Sambuceti, andher efforts in or building a communityat the school. In the samepacket of mail I received a letter(as all the parent’s from JunctionIf Zone 7 raises the rates by 10percent, there would be no needto tap the reserve fund. It wouldcost the average household $3.62per month.The Zone 7 staff recommendeda 7.5 percent increase, whichwould create a deficit of $2.2million in the reserve, and wouldnot be paid off until 2015.The board’s finance committeeendorsed a 5 percent increase,which would create a deficit of$2.6 million and would not bepaid off until 2016.land mitigation should occurin the county, but if suitableland is not found, it could beaccomplished in adjacent counties.Schneider said he talked toagriculturalists who don’t likethat exception.Also the draft doesn’t addressthe fate of raptors, which environmentalistssay could be driveninto Altamont wind turbines, dependingon where the solar arraysLeague to Host CandidatesForum in LivermoreThe League of Women VotersLivermore-Amador Valley willhost a forum for candidates runningfor city council and mayorin Livermore.The event will be held onThurs., Oct. 20 at the LivermoreCity Council Chambers, 3575Pacific Avenue.Candidates for council willanswer questions from 7 to 8did) stating that Junction Ave K-8school continues to be identifiedas a Program Improvement(IP) school and has been for thelast five years. Same time Mrs.Sambuceti was the Principal ofJunction. In the same letter is alist of schools given as alternativeoptions but Mendenhall isnot given as alternative choicein the district.I would hope that the schooldistrict is helping in buildinga better community for all. Itdoesn’t make sense Mrs. Sambucetigets all these praise whileit was under her managementtime that Junction had one ofthe lowest API Scores in fiveyears. Where was all her effortin building a community whileshe was at Junction? Kudos tothe Principal of Junction forall his efforts, after all is reallytaken on a school that has beenneglected. I have an eight graderthat has wrestled for the schoolfor the last two years, and a sixthgrader that just joined Junction. Iam optimistic about the progressand successes of Junction and Ibelieve our new Principal, JamalFields, will bring Junction backon track. With all said, GoodLuck Mendenhall.Urban Growth BoundaryDon and Miriam MillerLivermoreOver the last 11 years, Livermoreresidents and the currentCity Council have strongly andrepeatedly defended both theCity’s and the County’s urbangrowth boundaries (UGB)against those who seek to createsprawl development in the openareas north of our city. Nowcomes this year’s city councilelection with those who onceagain seek to assault the urbangrowth boundary. This time theyare using the Keep BART on I-580 issue. While those signingthe petition to keep BART onA 5 percent boost would costthe average household $1.81 permonth more.Zone 7’s philosophy overallhas been pay-as-you-go. Thedistrict builds reserves to payfor future capital improvementsand projected expenses withoutborrowing. Directors have citedthe desire to avoid interest costs,which add to the total debt.Water retailers have said thatZone 7 sometimes should considerdeficit financing.are placed, said Schneider.Further, Measure D prohibitsconstruction of infrastructure,such as solar arrays, unless thepower in these facilities would beused strictly in the local area.The county doesn’t agree, saidSchneider. Its contends that thecontribution to the state powergrid is allowed under Measure D.Schneider insists that is clearlynot the case.p.m. followed by candidates formayor from 8 to 9 p.m.The candidates for city councilare Bobby Dale Burger, StewartGary, Marshall Kamena andLaureen Turner. Mayoral candidatesare Barbara Hickman,John Marchand, and MinueteMcKernan.The election will be Tuesday,November 8, 2011.the freeway did so with sincerereasons, the leaders behind thepetition, Valerie Raymond, formerLivermore Mayor CathieBrown, former councilman JohnStein and former Dublin MayorLinda Jeffrey Sailors have amuch different agenda. Theyhave repeatedly given their supportto developers eager to overturnour UGB.The current City Councilresponded positively to thecitizen’s petition after it was clearthat the required transit orientedgrowth associated with BARTcould be accomplished south ofGreenville Road without interferingwith the UGB. However, thisaccommodation has not stoppedthe BART ringleaders frompressing to replace the councilmembers with candidates thatthey can control with an agendato overturn downtown developmentand replace it with Dublinesqueurban sprawl - sprawl thatwill destroy the City’s carefullycrafted plan to create a vibrantand sustainable downtown citycenter. Don’t be fooled. Avote for Marchand, Kamenaand Gary protects the UGB andadvances BART to Livermorealong I-580.Burger for CouncilLinda Jeffery SailorsLivermoreBobby Burger, candidate forthe Livermore City Council,has raised an interesting issue?“What contingency planninghas been done for the proposedregional theater?” The theater’ssupporters have made very optimisticrevenue projections, butwhat if that doesn’t happen?The current city Council putthe city’s General Fund at risk toguarantee payment of the bondsif the theater group cannot raisethe money. This is an important(More MAILBOX, page 20)

PAGE 6 - The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011Photo - Doug JorgensenThe Amador Valley High School varsity football team battled the visiting Livermore Cowboys in anEBAL game last week. Amador came away with a 14 to 12 win. In the photo, Livermore’s DemariayDrew (27) tackles Amador quarterback Ryan Mahoney (8).Livermore Fusion U11 GirlsWhite pulled off their firstvictory of the Norcal season onSaturday over MFC Barcelona.Lindsay Harnish led the teamwith three goals, while JosieBerg, Janessa Sanchez, andCassidy Herberth all addedsingles goals to push the finalscore to 6-2. Samantha Kwanand Grace Groeniger both heldtheir own in goal, keeping theopponents to only two goals;while Abby DeVries, KatherineLewis, Sophia Mylius, and JenWise helped their teammatessecure the win with their overallfield dominance. Pictured isLindsay Harnish heading tothe goal.West Coast Soccer Wrath U11 girls continue their season with anotherwin, this time against Pleasanton Rage. Anneliese Widdman was ingoal in the first half and Kylie Karter took over part way through thesecond half. With great goal-keeping and with the help from a strongdefence, Wrath continued their run of games with no goals conceded.The defenders worked hard against a strong Rage team. Defendersincluded Fran Hyde, Lindsey Phillips, Allyssa George and Kayli Lawsen.Wrath pressed hard with good midfield work from TylerRene Enderlein,and Abby Andrews. Wrath opened the scoring with a goal from HaleyThompson. Wrath pressed with chances for Kylie and Kate Wallacebut Kelsi Green then scored the second goal. Kate was rewarded forher hard work for the third goal and the win was rounded out by a goalfrom Abby Hoobing.Jason Campbell scored 3 goals over the weekend for thePleasanton BUSC U13 Premier 99 squad.WCOGA GymnasticsThe West Coast Olympic GymnasticsAcademy compulsory gymnasts competed inthe Meet by the Bay at Gymtowne Gymnasticsin South San Francisco on 10/2/11.The level 4 team won 2nd place. Standoutperformances: McKenzie Meyn -1st placebeam, 2nd place vault and floor and 2nd placeall-around. Juliette Gosselin- 1st place bars,3rd place beam and 3rd place all-around.Mariah Murphy - 2nd place bars and 3rd placeall-around. Amelia Liao - 3rd place bars andbeam. Rachel Shaw - 3rd place vault. AudreyOng - 2nd place bars. Claire Volkman - 3rdplace beam. Phoenix Cabuay - 3rd place bars.Deanna Chang - 3rd place vault.The combined level 5/6 team won 3rdplace Standout performances – level 5:Corrine Jackson – 1st place vault, beam andfloor, 2nd place bars and 1st place all-around.Lauren Swenson-Lennox – 1st place vaultand 3rd place all-around. Zoey Castillo – 3rdplace bars. Standout performances -level 6:Sara Ling – 2nd place vault and beam, 3rdplace floor and all-around. Jasmine Saucelo– 1st place beam and floor.Pleasanton SeahawksThe Pleasanton Seahawks competedat the WCAB Senior II Meet at DVC onOctober 1 & 2.The Senior Elite group turned in severalnoteworthy swims: Iris Brand swam earlyseason best times in the 100 back, 100 flyand 200 IM; Eva Chung swam BT’s in the100/200 free; 200 back and 200 IM; KirstenBrand swam BT’s in the 200 back, 100 fly& 400 IM; Nick Silverthorn swam BT’s inthe 200 breast and 100 fly; James Thompsonswam a BT in the 400 IM and Kristine Doanswam a BT in the 200 free.Fall BallFall Ball results include:AA Division: Livermore Giants vs. SanRamon Rivercats: All players were preparedto play on this warm Sunday afternoon.Defense: London Bishop pitched a greatinning. Michael Anolin caught an amazingpop-fly bringing the game to an end. Offense:Cooper Wilcox had a notable single. RileyScott pounded the ball for a single when hewas up at bat. Jonah Johnson sparked theteams enthusiasm when he hit a triple.West Coast SoccerWest Coast Soccer Waves U10 girlsenter the second half of the season undefeated.The Waves’ 2-2-0 record reflectsthe hard work and determination this brandnew Norcal team has to make their first yeara knock out season.The teams’ success has been accomplishedwith excellent defending by JovanaCenteno, Kaila Vazconez, Jessa Lyons, CaitlynGarrison and Ariel Conley. Holding thecore together with a strong midfield are JackieParker, Lyndsay Plant, Jessica “the grizz”Carlson. Goal scoring has been dominatedby Kara Kolte, Monique Reil and Jessica“J dawg” Keaney. Goal keeping has alsoshined with keepers Jessica Carlson, JackieParker, Ariel Conley, Jessica Keaney, JessaLyons, and Lyndsay Plant all contributing toan excellent “goals against” record.The team’s latest accomplishment cameSaturday against a seasoned Livermore Fusionteam. With great effort and precisionexecution, the West Coast Waves turned upthe offensive assault with a 4-1 win againsttheir opponent. The Waves dominate withball possession. Their defense put up anoutstanding wall that kept shot on goal toa minimum.Livermore FusionLivermore Fusion Soccer Club results:Youth/Recreation SoccerU-8 Girls: Soccer Sisters team had agreat game on Saturday, October 8, againstthe Mighty Squirrels. The top players for theSoccer Sisters were: Indianna Stoneberger,Claire McGinnis, and Erika Beakey.Livermore Jr. FootballLivermore Junior Football Leagueresults include the following:Junior Division: Texans 20, Bucs 6: Thisweek’s game was a battle of the defenses.Despite the final score the score remained6-6 through three quarters. Big tackles weremade Dylan Clinton, Elijah Hodgers, SilasVankirk, Andrew Waller, Kyle Winkler. Thetouchdown for the Bucs came from a fumblerecovery made by Hunter Kronmal who ranit in to score. The Bucs offense this weeksuffered from the short week of practice,however Jackson Brown managed to have afew break away runs that looks good.Vikings 25, Raiders 19: The Vikingsbeat the Raiders 25 to 19. Hunter Musgrave,quarterback, 16 scored three touchdowns,Jose Dominguez, 28 scored a touchdown,Colton Downs, 81 had a fumble recoveryand several tackles, Dylan Cole, 9 sacked thequarterback and Ian Humes, 99 also sackedthe quarterback. The Raiders played hardagainst the Vikings but were handed theirsecond defeat with a score of 19 – 25. TheRaiders’ O-line led by Harrison Meadows,Dylan Mesarchik, and Ethan Payne madeway for a Joe Doughty pitch-out and 20 yardrun to score their first touchdown. JaxenMcLaren had two long runs for touchdownsfor the Raiders in the second quarter. TheRaiders’ defense made up of D’Cy Ashford,Baker O’Dwyer, Duncan Maloney, DrewBraudrick, Royal Jones, and Elijah Nuddlemanstopped the Vikings causing them to turnthe ball over on downs with 4 seconds left inthe half. In the third quarter, the Vikings triedto make a two point conversion after theirtouchdown with a pass into the end zone butLogan Church dove to knock the ball downin front of the receiver. With the Vikingsthreatening another score on the Raiders’ 15yard, Caelan Roberts penetrated the backfieldand tackled the ball carrier for a huge losscausing the Vikings to punt the ball.Intermediate Division: Dolphins 18,49ers 13: In a game that saw 4 lead changes,the Dolphins held on to beat the 49ers, 18-13.49er quarterback Daniel Crisp accountedfor 45 yds offense on the final drive, whichended on the Dolphin 21-yard line as timeexpired. He also accounted for several hardhitting, bone jarring special teams tackles.49er middle linebacker Braden Jacksonlead the team in tackles, almost alwaysbeing in on or near the tackle. Dolphin runningback Jack Walker scored two rushingtouchdowns, while quarterback NicholasGrant ran for another. Dolphin defensiveback NolanMcCormick intercepted a 49erpass on the Dolphin 40-yard line, shuttingdown another 49er drive. 49er RenaissanceMan Lucas Montenegro continues to be a bigplay threatevery time he touches the ball. Hecaught a short pass from Crisp, broke twotackles and outraced the Dolphin defenders toturn a short pass into an exciting 45 TD catchto tie the game 6-6 late in the first quarter.He later scored on a one point conversionattempt. The Dolphins responded by drivingthe ball 46 yards for a go-ahead TD, cappedby Walker’s second rushing TD of the game,making the score 12-6, Dolphins. Luke Morrisroereturned the ensuing kickoff 10 yardsgiving the 49ers decent field position. The49ers needed only 5 plays to reach the endzone, the 5th play being a 16 yard TD passfrom Crisp to running back Isaiah Smith,giving the 49ers the lead 13-12, with 7:42remaining in the game. The Dolphins tookalmost 5 minutes off the clock and the leadfor good on a long drive ending with a 3yard TD run by Dolphin quarterback. Withonly 1:55 remaining, the 49ers drove the balldown field as time expired on their attemptedcomeback. Great game, there were no losers,everyone fought hard till the final whistle.The win improved the Dolphins record to4-1, the 49ers dropped to 2-3.Senior Division: Steelers 20, Packers 6:The first quarter was a defensive struggle asboth teams tested each other for weaknessesand played to a draw with no scoring. In thesecond quarter the Steelers got some offensegoing with a mix of running and passing andfinally scored on a 35 yard pass from JasonFrost to Ben Parker on a 8 yard out patternfollowed by a nice broken tackle and run forthe touchdown. Wesley Katz kicked the firstPAT of the year to make the score 8-0. TheSteelers kept their balanced attack going andscored at the end of the second quarter ona 25 yard touchdown pass from Jason Frostto Wesley Katz on a beautiful roll out andthrowback to make the score 14-0 with 12seconds remaining in the half. After bobblingthe ensuing kick off the Packers’ JacobGoodman returned the kick off 90 yards forthe touchdown to make the half time score14-6 in favor of the Steelers.In the second half the defenses continuedto dominate. The Packers were driving whenthe Steelers Clayton Bailey intercepted a passat the 25 yard line. The Steelers couldn’tcrack the Packers tough defense and wereforced to punt. Fortunately for the Steelersthe punt was fumbled by the Packers and wasthen recovered by Austin Brown in Packers’territory. The Steelers running attack thentook over as they drove the ball down to thegoal line and finally punched it in for a 2 yardtouchdown by Theo O’Ferrall as he drug 4defenders with him across the goal line. Inthe fourth quarter the Packers were drivingagain when Ben Thompson intercepted his3rd pass of the year. The Steelers then ranout the clock with powerful running by TheoO’Ferrall and Ben Parker. The offensive linewas impressive all day with strong blockingby Kyle Neves and Sean Stavert. The Steelersdefense was their usually strong selvesas their book ends Will and Stephen Mohlercontained everything inside the tackles andpressured the quarterback all day. Aaron Andrewsharassed the quarterback and smashedball carriers all day to lead the defense andthe line backers were led by Clayton Bailey,Ben Thompson, and Jack Lutz. The Steelerssecondary, led by Tyler Gonzales, ConnorMcCormack, and AustinBrown, blanketedthe Packers receiving corps all day. The winraised the Steelers record to 5-0 and they willface a dangerous Giants team this week.California GymnasticsThe Level 4, 5 and 6 girls from CaliforniaGymnastics Academy competed at theAloha Gymfest in Santa Clara on October2, 2011.CGA’s Level 5 team won the first placeteam award. Daniela Mendiola took secondplace all-around in her age group and firstplace on beam with a score of 9.350. AlexandraKim won first place all-around, takingfirst on beam with a score of 9.625. MayaMid-way through the Norcal Premier Soccer season, the WestCoast Fury U9 girls soccer team leads the league with anundefeated record. This past weekend the girls traveled to UnionCity to play the UC Premier Strikers on turf. The West Coastgirls dominated the game with an offensive barrage that wouldnot stop. In the final seconds of the game, a penalty was calledon West Coast which set up a direct shot on goal. Pictured isWest Coast's Kate Zeck stopping the penalty kick to ultimatelyend the game in a 0-0 tie.

The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011 - PAGE 7Rage Grey U-11 forward Hannah Gossett takes an early shot ongoal inside the San Jose Magic Blue's box. (Photo courtesy of WarrenMcCarty)The Pleasanton Rage Lady Rebels battled the Mustangs in aU18/19 match last Saturday. Lady Rebels were victorious, 6 to1.The West Coast Wild Fire U12G team has recorded a 2-0 record inNorcal State Cup preliminary play. The girls were on fire against thePleasanton Rage, beating them 3-0. The West Coast girls came outfiring with forward Isabella Barbero sending one in for the first score.Forward, Jenna Tidwell, netted goal number two on a breakaway frommidfield. Meghan Giamona pounded in the third and final goal withjust seconds left on the clock. Pictured is Isabella Barbero sendingthe ball up from the midfield.focus and ability to play multiple positions.Top Offensive Players: Natshelly Campos- Pumas; Top Defensive Players: KaamnaShankar - PumasUnder-10: The Jaguars and Jazz playeda tough battle, only to have the Jaguars comeout on top 5-2. The Jaguars were led byGracie Osie who played shut-out soccer ingoalie in the first half and scored two goalsin the second half. Eunice Jung continuedto lead the offense with patient ball controland pin point passing. Cameron Perez andMarissa Fredricks also scored to round outthe victory. The Jazz were led by MiyumiSmalheiser and Constanze Huebner.Score: Jaguars 5, Jazz 2; Jokers 2, Jitterbugs1: Top Offensive Players: UniceJong – Jaguars; Kaela Lee, Jasmine Sahabi,Shauna Chen, Keyan Bahadori - Jitterbugs;Top Defensive Players: Gracie Osie – Jaguars;: Kaylee Dillon, Stefani Deines, MaddieBolt, Gianna Varner Isabella Montiel,Hannah Deckinger – JitterbugsUnder-12: The Bay Cats met the Blazerson the warm and humid sports field fora spirited match between two tough teams.The players explored their developing skillsfueled by their coaches’ instruction.Score: Blazers1, Bay Cats 2; Out-Rage-Us 1, Her-ricanes 2: Top OffensiveFrank won first place all-around in her agegroup, placing first on beam with 9.350 andfirst on floor with 9.375. Alexandra McMillinwon first in bars with 9.475. Sabrina Kheirolomoomscored a 9.325 on floor, takingSecond Place. Lily Cuyler earned Secondplace on bars with 9.35 and Second Placeon beam with 9.425. Julieta Mendiola scored9.375 on beam and Yasmine Diyab scoreda 9.0 on beam.CGA’s Level 4 team won the second placeteam award. Anna Foehner placed second inher age group on floor with a score of 9.4and placed second all-around. Carly Onikiplaced first all-around in her age group withfirst place wins on bars with a score of 9.7and beam with a score of 9.1. Julia Humphreywon Second Place all-around with a scoreof 9.1 on vault and 9.375 on bars. KarinnaStevenson took third all-around with a scoreof 9.4 on the beam. Delaney Watkins scored9.3 on floor and Calli Renner scored a 9.0on floor.At Level 6, Naomi Chin placed secondall-around, winning first place on floor with9.476. Emily Balicanta placed second allaround,winning first place on beam with9.375. Allison Tietz took second on floorwith a score of 9.275 and Jasmyn Chenghad a score of 9.025 on vault.Pleasanton RageRage Black U10 girls: The Rage turnedin one of its best halves of the season inNovato on Sunday against NYSA NovatoUnited, but had to settle for a scoreless tieat intermission against the Novato United01G Green.However, Emma Clark providedthe exclamation points in Novato’s betterhalf, using strong individual performancesto score a pair of second-half goals to helpbeat Pleasanton 4-0 in a State Cup preliminaryseeding game.Sophia Shiblaq, LydiaO’Brien, Olivia Murphy and Amanda Dilgerled Pleasanton’s efforts offensively, but theRage couldn’t prevent Novato from securingits first win of the regular season.Paige Oniki, Andrea Harding, SamanthaLipsker, Lacy Becker and Julia Damiani allturned in fine games for the Rage, whosefirst-half efforts including a pair of sterlingsaves by goalie Kelly Meyrath.Clark brokethe scoreless tie by weaving her way past apair of Rage defenders and finding the backof the net from 10 yards out two minutesinto the second half. Before the Rage couldrecover, Josie Shaw was streaking free andscoring from 15 yards for a lighting-quick 2-0Novato lead.Shaw and Ashley Urrea addedgoals to close out the Novato scoring.West Coast SC 8, Pleasanton Rage 0:Speedy Monique Reil provided a rude, earlymorning wakeup call for the Rage as shescored three goals within an eight-minutespan of the first half, leading Livermore’sWest Coast SC Girls 01-02 to a resounding8-0 win over Pleasanton in U10 Girls BronzeEast league play.The Rage’s constant hustling couldn’tprevent the offensive onslaught by WestCoast SC, which had 30 shots on goal.Despite the score, the Rage got constanthustling from its players, particularly OliviaMurphy, Julia Damiani and Paige Oniki. Reilpunched in a short shot to break a 0-0 tie eightminutes into the game, then quickly scoredtwice more. Reil scored from the top of thebox after pouncing on a loose ball and twominutes later she found the net again fromshort range. Jessica Carlson, Ariel Conley andKaila Vasconez also scored for Livermore.Top Offensive Players: Sophia Shiblaq, LydiaO’Brien, Amanda Dilger, Olivia Murphy;Top Defensive Players: Paige Oniki, AndreaHarding, Julia DamianiPleasanton Rage Grey U-11 played adouble-header this past weekend, with bothgames resulting in tie scores.Saturday’s league game in San Leandroagainst the SACYSL California Northstarsfeatured Grey offensive players attackingthe net after the first few minutes. ForwardsIsabella Clark, Emily Esparza, IsabellaHuyler, and twin sisters, Emily and MaryTincher, took multiple shots on goal. It wasmid-fielder Eknoor Kaur who found the netPictured is West Coast Soccer Waves U10 player CaitlynGarrison bringing the ball upfield.in the 13th minute, kicking a high shot outof reach of the Northstars’ goalie. Esparzatapped a grounder in the 17th minute, but thereferee ruled that the ball failed to cross theline completely, so no score was recorded.The Calif. Northstars answered with twogoals in the 21st and 28th minutes.Grey’s first-half goalie, Karin McCarty,who played forward in the second half,evened the game’s score in the third minuteof the second half, off an assist from HannahGossett. Thirteen minutes later, Greydefender Julianna Pereira powered a free kickthat narrowly missed its target. Inspired, Kaurfound the net in 17th minute for her secondgoal of the game. Refusing to let Grey remainin the lead for long, the Northstars respondedwith a goal of their own in the 18th minute.No more shots found their targets in thesecond half, thanks to consistent defensiveplay by Grey defenders Devyn Baldus, ZoeMoura, Pereira and second-half goalkeeperClark. The game ended in a 3-3 tie.On Sunday, Grey played its third preliminaryNorCal State Cup seeding gameat home against San Jose Magic Blue. Theteams aggressively moved the ball up anddown the field, but the game proved to bea defensive battle, with the final score: 0-0.Rage Grey girls take their second placefinish in their flight into the next round ofState Cup, which is scheduled to begin onDec. 3 in Manteca.In league play on Saturday, the U10 Greydefeated the ACC Mavericks Thunderbirds3-1 with a strong team effort. A strongdefensive effort by the whole team featuredstrong play from Hanna Lurie, who also set upone goal, Lexi Whitney and Brooke Delaney.On the offensive end, the Grey got goalsfrom Alexis Gundermann, Bella Mayo andAnnika Laberge-Shusterman, who also set upanother goal. Top Offensive Players: AnnikaLaberge-Shusterman, Alexis Gundermann,Bella Mayo; Top Defensive Players: HannaLuri, Lexi Whitney, Brooke Delaney.Pleasanton Rage Division 4Under-8: The Mountain Lions hostedthe Monkeys in a fast paced offensive matchupof two energetic teams on a warm fallafternoon. Each team gave it their all as theybattled for supremacy. Top Offensive Players:Livy S., Olivia M., Jewels S. - MountainLions; Top Defensive Players: Leila L., GwenB., Julia B. - Mountain LionsUnder-9: The U9 Pumas fought backagainst the tough playing Polka-Dots. Afterfalling behind by 2 goals, Kaamna Shankarput on her game-face in goal and stoppedthe Dots cold. Natshelly Campos put thePumas on her back and led them to victoryby personally scoring 5 times in an amazingshow of determination and skill. SophieKeegan came up big for the Pumas with her

PAGE 8 - The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011Livermore Fusion Soccer Club in collaboration with the LivermoreReferee Association took time to honor and remember Coach Ron Chellbefore each home game played by the Premier Program during theweekend of Oct. 8 th and 9 th . Both teams and the referee crew gatheredat midfield around the center circle and held a minute of silence tohonor Coach Chell who lost his brave battle with cancer and passedaway peacefully on Sept. 19. Coach Chell’s infectious passion, energy,and eagerness to teach the game of soccer were only surpassed by hislove for his family. Coach Chell’s positive attitude, boundless energy,and knowledge of the game will be missed by all of the Fusion SoccerClub Family. Pictured above are Director of Coaching Ben Grahamand the Fusion SC Girls U-12 Maroon team prior to their match onSaturday, Oct. 8.Players: Lulu C., Panda P., Emi S. - BayCats; Marissa Lawrence, Audrey Emmett,Hailey Hogarty - Her-ricanes; Top DefensivePlayers: Bliss B., Laurlaur D., Anna P. - BayCats; Kyra Sha, Allison DeFazio, Alyssa Wu- Her-ricanesUnder-14: Rowdies 4, Chaos 2: MeganCavanaugh of the Rowdies started the goalsby kicking one in past the goalie. Later shepassed the ball into the center, where RachelButler kneed the ball into the goal. NextEmily Aston of Chaos took a shot whichthe goalie deflected, but Emily stayed withthe ball and shot the second one into thegoal. Before the end of the first half, KellyMcQuade-Weingarten of Chaos passed to thecenter and Grace Martin sailed the ball intoBy Carol GrahamAlthough pink is not a colortypically associated with footballuniforms, the boys fromLivermore Youth Football’s fiveteams are sporting it proudly onthe field throughout October inhonor of Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth.“We’re all wearing long pinksocks on our right feet,” said 7-year-old Stephan Hoehne, whoplays on the youngest age-bracketteam in the league, the Scouts.“It’s cool. We’re supporting thefight against breast cancer.”More than 200 pink and whiteballoons bobbed around thegrandstands at Granada HighSchool on Saturday, October 8as Livermore Youth Football andCheer’s (LYFC) athletes took tothe field.Nearby, 12-year-old HaleyOkumura manned a booth that offeredinformation, pink-sprinkledcupcakes, bracelets, buttons andgoody bags with all proceeds beingdonated to fight the disease.“My mom passed away frombreast cancer in 2010,” said theHarvest Park Middle Schoolstudent, who also takes ordersfor paper leis she creates usingpink polka-dotted flowers. Alarge entirely-pink pumpkin witha ribbon shape cut out, sits on thetable – a nod to the month and itsimportance. “My grandpa paintedit this morning,” said Haley.the goal just shy of the top cross bar. At theend of the first half the score was tied 2-2.Haley Issacs of the Rowdies shot a ball toMegan Cavanaugh who started the secondhalf by scoring one more for the Rowdies.Finally, center-half Haley Issacs shot abeautiful ball right under the crossbars. Inthe second half, no more goals were scoredagainst the Rowdies due to fantastic defenseby center defensive back Tori Garcia andright defensive back Maggie Cirves, finishingthe game 4-2.Under18/19: Rage Lady Rebels 6,Mustang 1: The Lady Rebels dominated theMustang United with great combinations andphenomenal teamwork. Everything fromoverruns and attacks from the backfield.Hunter Meurrens and Haley Okumura manned a booth at Saturday's event.Football League GoesPink for a Good CauseWest Coast Olympic Gymnastics Academy competitors picturedare (from left) Level 4 Team: Mariah Murphy, Naomi Evans,Amelia Liao, McKenzie Meyn, Audrey Ong, Phoenix Cabuay,Juliette Gosselin, Deanna Chang, Claire Volkman, Rachel Shawand Mia Reeve.Top Offensive Players: Brittany Jones,Tara Byrne & Emily Nickel - Rage LadyRebels; Top Defensive Players: MaiseRueda, Camille Tsztoo, Pascal Masri - RageLady RebelsPleasanton BallisticPleasanton Ballistic United Soccer Club(BUSC) results include the following:The BUSC U19 Select played a strongteam game and rode Brandon Cohen’s hattrick to a 3-0 victory over the visiting ABSCOsos. In the 14th minute, Alex Lutx made astrong run down the side and crossed in ballto Tyler Briggs, who one-touched a lay-off toCohen. He rocked one low that the Osos GKwould not catch up to for a 1-0 lead. A crucialmoment came when an Osos midfielder drewa red card, leaving them down a man. In the42nd minute, Jake Lorentz made a steal in themidfield and fed Cohen again. He lined it upand let it fly from way out and it found netfor a 2-0 halftime lead. The Select salted itaway in the early moments of the second halfwhen strong defense in the attacking end byJosh Valdix caused an Osos turnover. Valdixscooped it up and made a quick throw-in toBriggs, who went to the touch line to drawthe defense towards him. He threaded apass to the back post for Cohen to tap ithome for the 3-0 final. Center backs EricBrooks and Morgan Melendrez and outsidebacks Ian Newbery, Austin Rogers, and ZachMorrissey played strong in front of LukasMoses for the clean sheet. The Select (4-1-2CCSL, 6-5-5) hit the road for the remainderof the season, trying to maintain their firstLYFC will be repeating itsshow of support on Sunday,October 16 at Livermore HighSchool as cheerleaders and footballplayers compete againstAntioch’s Deer Valley beginningat 10 a.m.Program president RenatoDel Nevo, known to everyoneas Coach Del, said that feedbackfor the young athletes’ support“has been very positive. I’vehad people say that it has reallytouched their families.”Competing against teamsfrom nearby cities, LYFC emphasizeseducation and familyalong with acquiring knowledgeand techniques designed to prepareathletes for the demands ofhigh school and collegiate sports.Cheerleaders range in age from5 to 14 years old, and footballplayers range in age from 7 to14 years old.October was designatedBreast Cancer Awareness Monthin 1985, with a number of nonprofitorganizations, such as theAmerican Cancer Society and theSusan G. Komen Breast CancerFoundation, devoted to boostingawareness and funding as wellas providing educating about theimportance of early detection andunderstanding treatment options.More than 260,000 women and1,900 men are expected to bediagnosed with breast cancer inthe United States this year. Since1990, death rates have been decreasing,which is thought to bethe result of increased awareness,earlier detection through screening,and advances in treatment.Currently an estimated 2.5 millionbreast cancer survivors livein the United States.LYFC parent Nanette Hoehnesaid, “I’m extremely proud ofthe players, having known manypeople who have suffered frombreast cancer and someone whowas like a mom to me passing.Just like with anything, if youmake people aware of it, youdefinitely open up the topic fordiscussion. That’s always a goodthing with kids.”place position.Ballistic United U13 Premier 99clinched its place among the top 24 teams forthe next round of the NorCal State Cup in amatch played Sunday. Cal Odyssey misseda chance to qualify as the result drops themto 3rd place in the group.Clovis opened the scoring with a goalin the 4th minute. Odyssey’s speedy strikerwas able to run onto a through ball for a 1on 1 with keeper Blake Staniford that wasfinished far post. Odyssey struck for a 2-0lead 10th minutes later as Ballistic struggledto mount any type of possession over thehome team. In the 20th minute pressure byStriker Blake Tucker in the attacking 3rdallowed Garrett Howell to intercept a pass.Howell played the ball forward for Tuckerwho than laid the ball off for Youki Chiba’s1st time shot. Chiba’s blast was saved bythe Odyssey keeper but Bryce Taylor camestreaking in to beat the keeper on the far postcutting Odyssey’s lead to 2-1. The Odysseyhowever was able to restore the 2 goal leadjust before halftime.Ballistic completely turned things aroundin the second half as the Pleasanton team wasable to sustain possession on the opponentshalf of the field resulting in several scoringchances. In the 45th minute Jason Campbellheaded an Odyssey throw to Right Back DanielFerguson. Ferguson quickly played theball forward to Garrett Howell who flickeda header to Tucker. Tucker took one touch,a brilliant pass springing Campbell downthe right flank. Campbell beat his defender1 v 1 and then took an impossible shot fromthe flank at 30 yards that found its way overthe keeper to the far post. The goal cut theOdyssey lead to 3-2 and completely energizedBallistic Premier.With 10 minutes left in the match andneeding one goal to clinch the group Ballistictook a chance removing a defenderand switching to an aggressive 1-3-3-4 (FourForwards!) formation. Kyle McClanahancame on to take a Striker spot with 5 minutesleft and his presence had an immediate impactas the ‘Center Back turned Striker’ used hisspeed to make deep penetrating runs withthe ball. In the final minute of play Ballisticforced another deep turnover that GarrettHowell played wide for Right Back JacobGuzman. Guzman sent in a cross from 35yards out that Odyssey failed to clear. JasonCampbell came flying in from the left wing,pounced on the ball, and calmly finished hisshot to the far post. The goal capped off anexciting finish to the game and propelledBallistic United into first place in Flight F.The team also earns a coveted spot amongthe top 24 teams in Northern California in thenext round of State cup qualifying.In Saturday’s NorCal League game Ballisticcame back from behind to tie the CaliforniaNorthstars 2-2. Campbell and Tuckerboth scored with Campbell also getting theassist on Tucker’s goal. Ballistic (3-1 league,11-8-2 overall) returns to action next Sundayagainst AFC Barcelona in Tracy. Top OffensivePlayers: Jason Campbell, Bryce Taylor,Blake Tucker, Youki Chiba; Top DefensivePlayers: Jacob Dremalas, Jimmy Thompson,Kyle McClanahan, Daniel FergusonPleasanton BUSC U-12: Rampagedefeated the Rapids, 5-2. Top offensiveplayers: include Danny Lopez with 3 goals,Akash Patel with 1 goal, and Anthony Campawith one goal. Providing strong supporton offensive positions were Brady Scanlonand Jake Gebb. Top Defensive Players: JoshOse who did a spectacular job as goalie andRohin Sequeira, Jake Bell, and Luke Bellwhose strong play in the backfield kept thegoals against us to a minimum.Under-6: Colts v. Crusaders: Evenwithout star players Jacob Franz and VincentMa, the Colts took on the Crusaders in ahard fought and high scoring game. Firsthalf highlights for the Colts included someoutstanding defense by Tejas Prakash and agoal by Ryan Yamamoto. Kellen Torrey andFerris Elway of the Crusaders also scored.The second half featured another goal byRyan Yamamoto, with an assist by Joe Li,a goal from power forward Elijah Lammle,and great goal tending by Justin Thornton.Ferris Elway closed the game with anotherCrusaders’ goal. Colts Top Offensive Players:Laith Saah, Elijah Lammle, and RyanYamamoto. Coalts Top Defensive Players:Dylan Sheridan, Joe Li, and Tejas Prakash.Crusaders Top Offensive Players: ConnorFulham, Dylan Sobrero, and Austin Harris.Crusaders Top Defensive Players: John Kvistad,Jaden Childers, and Jared Gondkoff.Water PoloThe 14 & Under LAZERS water poloteam had an exceptional tournament thislast weekend, October 8, with nearly allplayers participating. The team won 7 outof 8 games played, in their first tournamentof the season.In his first season ever with LAZERS,Chris Johnson played exceptionally well,making shots on goal and helping the teamwin several games. Elizabeth Bukus, in thewhole-set position, scored 5 goals in onegame, and continued to play great waterpolo the whole day.New player Gianna Paden, in herfirst-ever tournament, showed strength andagility, scoring two goals for her team, andcontinually staying engaged in the game.Finally, Harry Yee, in his first time in goal,Livermore High School Boys' Varsity Water Polo Team completeda successful weekend at the Freedom Challenge Tournament inBrentwood. The Cowboys were undefeated (4-0) culminating with avictory over cross team rival Granada, 12-6. Pictured are the coachand team members (from left) Coach Nathan, Robert Nilsen, RussellMeglio, Kevin Johnston, Michael Hawkins, Jake Volponi, Max Federle,Aron Sherman, Andrew Kettenhoff , Christopher Nilsen, Nick Durst,Jake Sherman, and Nathan Yeegave up only a few goals, and demonstratedhis strength in that position.Junior WarriorsCelebrating its 21st season in Dublin,the Junior Warriors Basketball League isDublin’s most popular youth sports program.Over 550 participants played last season.The league is open to players in kindergartenthrough eighth grades. Weeknightpractices start in December. Games will beplayed on Saturdays at Stager CommunityGymnasium and Wells Middle School Gymnasiumbeginning in January. Specific gameand practice times will be announced later.Reversible jerseys will be provided to allparticipants. Please note: All new participantswill be required to participate in a scrimmageand uniform fitting. Returning players mustattend a uniform fitting only. To register goto: www.dublinrecguide.comEarly Registration (through October 17)Fees: $125 Residents / $150 Non Residents;Late Registration (October 18 and endingOctober 31) Fees: $150 Residents / $175Non ResidentsLittle Leagues Sign UpLivermore Little Leagues are holidingwalk in registration on Oct. 22 and Nov 5for the 2012 season, from 10am-2pm at theLivermore High School Student Union. Playerswho will be 5 yr-18 yr. on or before April30, 2012 are eligible to register. Every playermust provide proof of residency and newplayers need to provide Birth Certificate.Not sure which league to register with?All three leagues will be there on these days.A boundary map will be provided. Questionsvisit the websites, eteamz.com/lnll, eteamz.com/lall or granadalittleleague.netLocal EquestrianThe Rocky Mountain College IHSA(Intercollegiate Horse Show Association)Equestrian Team will compete at the Collegeof Southern Idaho, in Twin Falls, Idaho, October8-9, 2011. Among the team membersis Shauna Ketcham of Livermore.Teams from the College of SouthernIdaho, Utah State University, University ofMontana Western, Montana State University,University of Montana and Carroll Collegewith compete in three western shows overthe two day weekend.The RMC Equestrian Team hopes to winboth high point team and high point rider thisweekend in Idaho Brown added.Registration Now OpenRegistration for the Livermore PhantomLacrosse Spring 2012 season is now open.Boys and girls teams are forming for playersage 7 through 8th grade. The season runs mid-January through May. Registration closesOct. 31, but teams are filling fast. Registeron-line at www.phantomlacrosse.org.Bowling for BaseballLivermore High School baseball is hostinga Bowling Tournament to raise moneyfor the season. The cost is $15 per person or$90 for a team of six. The tournament will beon December 3 from 6-8pm at the GranadaBowl. Those interested in participating,please contact David Perotti at dperotti@lvjusd.k12.ca.us or 925-586-2811or go towww.eteamz.com/LHScowboysbaseballfor more info.Halloween Run/WalkThe Rotary Club of Pleasanton will hostthe inaugural Halloween Spirit 5K Run &Walk and Kids’ Challenge on Sunday morning,October 30, in downtown Pleasanton.The start will be at the Main Street Arch.The challenge will benefit the PleasantonRotary Club’s general charity, whichfocuses on projects in the Tri Valley. Todate, the Rotary Club of Pleasanton hasdonated more than one million dollars tovarious charities.5K Run or Walk is flat and fast certifiedcourse, which includes closed and monitoredstreets and a portion of the nearby ArroyoTrails, part paved and part trail surfaces. The5K start will just be a few hundred feet westof the arch, on Main Street, with the finishline set up right underneath the arch. TheKids’ Challenge is a number of age-specific100-yard dashes (for children ages 2-8) on theclosed portion of Main Street, also finishingunderneath the arch.Trophies will be awarded to the topmale and female finishers, as well as thetop male and female Masters (over 45-yearsold) winners. In addition, medals are giventhree deep in designated age groups for bothmale and female participants. Each childparticipating in the Kids’ Challenge willreceive a finisher ribbon and a cookie fromMr. Cookie, himself.Entry are $5 ages 2 to 8 kids’ challengepre-registered, $10 race day; $20 5K run/walkelementary and middle school studentspre-registered, $25 race day; $20 each allevents families of four or more preregistered,$25 race day; $30 5K run/walk highschool students and adults preregistered,$35 race day.All participants will receive a commemorativeorange and black T-shirt, goodiebag, refreshments (including ice cream), andwill each receive a ticket to a huge after-raceraffle. The 5K Run and Walk will start at 9:00a.m. The Kids’ Challenge events will beginaround 10:15 a.m. Check-in and race-dayregistration will open 6:30 a.m.Online registrations received by 10/19(mail-ins postmarked by 10/17), may pick-uptheir race packet at Fleet Feet Sports, 234-AMain St, Pleasanton (10/28, noon - 7:00 p.m.and 10/29, till noon), finals days prior tothe race. Bib numbers will be sent to thosewho include a #10 S.A.S.E. along with theirmailed applications (postmarked by 10/17/).Final mail-in registration must be postmarkedby 10/24. Final online registration will closeat midnight 10/27. All other packets will beavailable for pick-up on race day.For more Halloween Spirit Run informationand/or to download and application tomail in your entry fee, contact On Your MarkRace Events at 209-795-7832, or visit theirwebsite. Online registration is also availableon active.com.

PAGE 10 - The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011(continued from page 4)issue, since any cost to the GeneralFund would translate intocutbacks in City services andemployee layoffs. The servicesthat are in danger would includepublic safety, the library, andmaintaining city streets andstorm drains. The city council hasnot got a Plan B for the theater ifit is not successful.We need a voice of reason onthe council to protect our city’sgeneral fund. On Nov. 8, I willbe voting for Bobby Burger forthe city council. I invite you tojoin me.Vote for ChangeRon GerenLivermoreIn his ballot statement, JohnMarchand, Livermore mayoralcandidate, says that he will“continue to protect our qualityof life.” With protecting qualityof life the primary issue whichdrove the very successful KeepBART on 580 petition to rejectthe downtown route, how can webe confident that Mr. Marchand“will continue to listen to ourcommunity,” as he also says inhis ballot statement, when it tookthe voices of 8,345 citizens toget his attention? I suggest thathe and Mayor Marshall Kamenahave not really been listening tothe community at large and theiracceptance of the petition wasmerely expedient, lest allowingLivermore citizens to vote onthe petition would have hungthe BART issue around theirnecks like an albatross at electiontime and severely risked theirelections. That is not the kindof “listening” we need here inLivermore.So how can we be confident?We can’t. We need a change.Barbara Hickman as Mayorand Bobby Burger and LaureenTurner as new councilmembersrepresent new directions thatwill regain confidence in theCity Council. They will listenmore broadly, consider carefully,and act on behalf of the greaterpopulation of Livermore.Exercise & SchoolsLoren RoundtreePleasantonThe school year for the PleasantonSchool District (PUSD) isunderway and this year deservessome financial change. Becauseof the weakening economy, moneyissues have forced teachersand administrators to cut activitiesand programs, particularlyin sports and Physical Educationclasses.According to the www.betterhealth.vic.govwebsite, in recentyears, obesity has been a big issuein grade school students; somecurrent statistics state it could beas high as 22%. Cutting sportsand exercise programs that canhelp to minimize health issuesamong the youth doesn’t makeany since to me. Only about 60%of students between the ages of 5and 14 participate in sports afterschool, which means that 40% ofstudents sit at home after schooldoing absolutely no exercise. Ifstudents can’t even do exercisein school, that number will growrapidly. The PUSD can only do somuch for the Pleasanton Schoolsso it is up to the community toreally act on this issue.The statistics won’t drop untilwe do something about them.theme of “MY way or the 580highway.” I want to think Livermoreis intelligent, thoughtfuland totally capable of makingpolitical decisions all on theirown.Locally, we have many mediaoptions to learn and becomefamiliar with candidates,viewpoints, and ballot choices.When I receive, via US mail,a non-requested postcard suggestingstrongly to vote for theirfavored candidates along withtheir personal view, that is informationenough. When that samepostcard DIRECTS me to NOTvote for other candidates citingTHEIR personal reasons that’smy clue that group is not lookingout for my best interests.I don’t need or appreciatetheir negative opinion aboutother candidates. Most of us areable to and interested in learning,discussing and researchingcandidates for our own personaldecision making. Voting in thiscountry is guaranteed private.There already is a feel of “organized”voting. They say, ”votefor this person for Mayor andthese people for council. Thesepositions should be singular,NOT group control oriented.Though I may agree withsome parts of a political groupsview doesn’t mean I am interestedin supporting that candidateand his other directives, blindly.Many people I have spoken toare interested in moving Livermorein a thoughtful and forwardthinking manner instead of “sameol, same ol”. Welcome to thefuture, Livermore.This negative and controllingfeel in politics is currently overrunning our country right now.Trike-a-thonLaura DivitaAdministrator Manager TrinityDaycare Learning CenterTrinity Daycare LearningCenter (TDLC) has been invitingLivermore Community Helpersto visit the center for manyyears. Despite city and businessbudgets, dance performers, Lifestylesexercise coaches, WheelsBus, Pastor Meek, CA WaterCompany, Postmaster Jerry,Sheriff Taylor, Livermore Sanitation,Dr. Volponi Optometrist,Dentist Lee & tooth fairy, StateFarm Good Neighbear, LibrarianKelly, Firefighters, and the PoliceDepartment, all come to fill upour October calendar. Thanks toall of our Community Helpers forgiving us their time and energy.TDLC gives back by runninga Trike-a-thon for its students thisyear on October 21st completewith popcorn, trikes, music andfun. Any donations are given toSaint Jude Research Hospital.The Livermore Community isalive and full of generous CommunityHelpers.If you would like more informationor would like to visit ourschool for the trike-a-thon, pleasecontact Ms. Laura at the Daycareoffice, 925-449-5683.Voting Is PrivateMary Sue MarksLivermoreMy ballot for the November8 election came in the mail andI tilled it out and have sent it inalready.One evening, a woman calledme and asked if I had voted andwanted to know who I voted forand why. I told her it is a privilegeto vote and for whom I voted ismy business and no one elses.Facts QuestionedKathy StreeterLivermoreJohn Stein has always sharedhis opinions openly and often andI have admired his eagerness toparticipate in civic discussion.The confidence with which hehas presented figures and backgroundto support his points ofview at numerous City Councilmeetings has always led me tobelieve that he researched hissubject matter thoroughly beforestating his opinion. And, eventhough my opinion differedfrom his on many occasions Ithought we simply had a differentvision.His Letter to the Editor printedin the Independent on October6 leads me to believe that myassumptions have been overlyoptimistic.It is very clear that his assessmentof the Regional Theater isfar from correct. He made no lessthan 7 assertions in his letter thatare simply not true. So does thatmean he didn’t research this particularsubject very thoroughly,or does it mean he has taken astance that is not supported byfact in order to support his politicalviews? Either way it bringsother assertions he has made intoquestion.EndorsementsGeo SchillerLivermoreWhen the Independent endorsescandidates, does the Independent,in the interest of reliableand truthful journalism, revealtheir connections (LVPAC) andfinancial backing (Friends ofLivermore) of the candidates?Response to EditorialLinda Jeffery SailorsLivermoreThis is another election whenthe Independent, and the candidatesit supports, are manufacturinga supposed “threat”to the Urban Growth Boundarywhen no candidate is proposinga change to the UGB. OnlyLivermore voters can determinethe future of the UGB, not theIndependent, not the council, notany individual. The UGB guaranteesthat Livermore voters willdetermine North Livermore’sfuture. Hickman, Burger andTurner have each made it clearthat they support the UGB.Why is the Independent tryingto create a “UGB” issuewhen none exists? Because theIndependent is trying to divertattention away from the real issueof this campaign: the fact that thecurrent council is listening to aspecial interest group instead ofthe citizens of Livermore.\Kamena and Marchand votedto give millions of dollars oftaxpayers? money to LVPAC(Livermore Valley PerformingArts Center) to build, operateand own a 2,000 seat regionaltheater. Candidate Stewart Garysupported their actions. Theyignored citizens? requests toat least allow voters to weighin before putting the operatingbudget at risk.LVPAC is led by the council’smajor supporter, Joan Seppala,who is also the owner and publisherof the Independent. Shehas been a tireless promoter ofthis huge project and has resistedany suggestion that the publicshould be able to vote whetheror not they wish the City to goahead with the most expensiveproject it has ever undertaken;one that puts the city’s operatingbudget at risk.Kamena and Marchand alsovoted to put BART downtown.They strongly opposed those whowanted to allow voters to decideif BART on 580 was better forLivermore. The prospect of beingforced to appear on the Novemberballot in opposition to a votethey did not want to take resultedin their finally agreeing to BARTon 580. They did not want votersto decide. The Independent supportedtheir actions.Shouldn’t we be discussingthe fundamental issue of thiscampaign? That this Kamana/Marchand council has refused toget in touch with its constituents.That this Kamena/Marchandcouncil has listened instead toa small, but influential specialinterest group that wants to seeits vision of Livermore carriedout by the City at the expense ofthe entire Livermore community.Please consider the real issueswhen you cast your ballot in thisNovember’s election.(Editor’s note: Linda JeffreySailors, the former mayor ofDublin, says that the fundamentalissue of this campaign is that candidateswhom she opposes havelistened to “a small, but influentialspecial interest group thatwants to see its vision carried outby the City at the expense of theentire Livermore Community.”In particular, she targets JoanSeppala, the publisher of TheIndependent. What is the visionthat she so criticizes?Residents and every candidatepraise the quality of lifein Livermore. This quality oflife did not happen by accident.Over the years, The Independenthas endorsed candidates whosupported policies that have preservedopen space and the winecountry surrounding the City, avibrant, walkable downtown withrestaurants, two movie theatersand the Bankhead Theater, citycenteredeconomic growth, andeducational and social services.Joan Seppala, The Independent’spublisher, along with herhusband, Lynn, have for approximatelyfifty years supported civicorganizations and elected officialswho shared common viewsregarding the future of Livermore.The Seppalas volunteerand/or donate to a broad rangeof organizations and projectsincluding environmental groups(Friends of Livermore, Tri-ValleyConservancy), not-for-profit artsorganizations (Pacific ChamberSymphony, and LivermoreValley Performing Art Centerfor its Bankhead and RegionalTheaters); business associations(Livermore Valley Chamber ofCommerce), and educational andsocial programs (Las Positas CollegeFoundation Board).The Independent believesthat the fundamental issue isnot about the community’s andcouncil’s vision that The Independentand the Seppalas haveendorsed for almost five decades.The critical issue is electing experiencedcandidates who knowhow to move forward with plansnow underway. Among the plansare strategies to protect the pristineDoolan Canyon that Dublinseeks to urbanize with sprawldevelopment that would significantlythreaten the open space inneighboring North Livermore; aflourishing, cultural downtownanchored by the regional theater,an economic engine projectedto generate millions of dollarsfor the City’s general fund; thesecuring of Fortune 500 companiesand major universities, inconjunction with the laboratories,to provide high quality longtermjobs at the Open Campusscience and technology center;the completion of the ParagonOutlets to bring tourism and taxdollars to Livermore; and theconstruction of BART on I-580,beginning with the Isabel stationin 2013.)Political ChoicesPatty RobinsLivermoreIt seems lately we have askewed view of political choicesand election decisions. Politicalgroups send us post cards declaring“Vote for ME, NOT for thembecause of this….”There definitely is a currentLEGAL NOTICESFOR INFORMATIONPLACING LEGALNOTICESCall 925-243-8000FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 455441The following person(s) doingbusiness as: US SunshineInternational Commerce &Service Center, 2804 MintCommon, Livermore, CA94551, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Zhaowei Liu, 2804 Mint Common,Livermore, CA 94551This business is conducted byan individualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 8/23/2011.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Zhaowei LiuThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon August 23, 2011. ExpiresAugust 23, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3068. Published September22, 29, October 6, 13, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456124The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Livermore ValleyOptometry, 2700 Las PositasRoad, Livermore, CA 94551,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Nhusuong Thi Phamle, 331Turnstone Circle, Pittsburg,CA 94565This business is conducted byan individualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Nhusuong PhamleThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 14, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 14, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3069. Published September22, 29, October 6, 13, 2011.SUMMONS(CITACION JUDICIAL)CASE NO. C 10-02996NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:(AVISO AL DEMANDO):DAVID MUNKELT, an individualand dba RedbarnHotrods; PAMELA MUN-KELT, an individual and dbaRedbarn Hotrods; and DOES1 through 100, inclusive,YOU ARE BEING SUED BYPLAINTIFF:(LO ESTA DEMANDANDOEL DEMANDANTE):COLLODI INVESTMENTS,L.P., a California limited partnershipNOTICE! You have beensued. The court may decideagainst you without your beingheard unless you respondwithin 30 days. Read theinformation below.You have 30 CALENDARDAYS after this summons andlegal papers are served onyou to file a written responseat this court and have a copyserved on the plaintiff. A letteror phone call will not protectyou. Your written responsemust be in a proper legalform if you want the court tohear your case. There maybe a court form that you canuse for your response. Youcan find these court formsand more information at theCalifornia Courts Online SelfhelpCenter (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your countylaw library, or the courthousenearest you. If you cannot paythe filing fee, ask the courtclerk for a fee waiver form. Ifyou do not file your responseon time, you may lose thecase by default, and yourwages, money, and propertymay be taken without furtherwarning from the court.There are other legal requirements.You may want tocall an attorney right away. Ifyou do not know an attorney,you may want to call an attorneyreferral service. If youcannot afford an attorney,you may be eligible for freelegal services from a nonprofitlegal services program. Youcan locate these nonprofitgroups at the California LegalServices Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), theCalifornia Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contactingyour local court orcounty bar association. NOTE:The court has a statutory lienfor waived fees and costs onany settlement or arbitrationaward of $10,000 or morein a civil case. The court’slien must be paid before thecourt will dismiss the case.!AVISO! Lo han demandado.Si no responde dentro de 30dias, la corte puede decidiren su contra sin escuchar suversion. Lea la informacion acontinuacion.Tien 30 DIAS DE CALEN-DARIO despues de que leentreguen esta citacion ypapeles legales para presentaruna respuesta porescrito en esta corte y hacerque se entregue una copiaal demandante. Una cartao una llamada telefonica nolo protegen. Su respuestapor escrito tiene que estaren formato legal correctosi desea que procesen sucaso en la corte. Es posibleque haya un formulario queusted pueda usar para surespuesta. Puede encontrarestos formularios de la cortey mas informacion en el Centrode Ayuda de las Cortesde California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca deleyes de su condado o enla corte que le quede mascerca. Si no puede pagarla cuota de presentacion,pida al secretario de la corteque le de un formulario deexencion de pago de cuotas.Si no presenta su respuestaa tiempo, puede perder elcaso por incumplimiento yla corte le podra quitar susueldo, dinero y bienes sinmas advertencia.Hay otros requisitoslegales. Es recomendableque llame a un abogado inmediatamente.Si no conocea un abogado, puede llamara un servicio de remision aabogados. Si no puede pagara un abogado, es posible quecumpia con los requisitospara obtener sevicios legalesgratuitos de un programa deservicios legales sin finesde lucro. Puede encontrarestos grupos sin fines delucro en el sitio web de CaliforniaLegal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), enel Centro de Ayuda de lasCortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendoseen contacto con la corte o elcolegio de abogados locales.AVISO: Por ley, la corte tienederecho a reclamar las cuotasy los costos exentos porimponer un gravamen sobrecualquier recuperacion de$10,000 o mas de valor recibidamediante un acuerdoo una concesion de arbitrajeen un caso de derecho civil.Tiene que pagar el gravamende la corte antes de quela corte pueda desechar elcaso.The name and address ofthe court is:(El nombre y direccion de lacorte es):Superior Court of California,County of Contra Costa725 Court StreetMartinez, California 94553The name, address, andtelephone number of plaintiff’sattorney, or plaintiff withoutan attorney, is:(El nombre, la direccion yel numero de telefono delabogado del demandante, odel demandante que no tieneabogado, es):G. Geoffrey Wood, Esq.Morton, Lulofs & Wood,LLP2410 Camino Ramon, Suite210San Ramon, California94583P: (925)498-0740DATE: (Fecha): OCT 21,2010Clerk (Secretario)D. WeberBy /s/:Deputy (Adjunto)D. WeberThe Independent Legal No.3070 Publish September 22,29, October 6, 13, 2011FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456188The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Franca JonesInc, 2778 Maria Street, Pleasanton,CA 94588, is herebyregistered by the followingowner(s):Franca Jones Inc, 2778 MariaStreet, Pleasanton, CA94588This business is conducted bya CorporationThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Mee N. Chung, PresidentThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 15, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 15, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3073. Published September22, 29, October 6, 13, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456185The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Western Valve &Fitting, Inc., 4355 TechnologyDrive, Suite G, Livermore, CA94551, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Western Valve & Fitting, Inc.,4355 Technology Drive, SuiteG, Livermore, CA 94551This business is conducted bya CorporationThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on June 25, 2006.Signature of Registrants:/s/: John Kolokousis, C.E.O.This statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 15, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 15, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3076. Published October 6,13, 20, 27, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456562The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Nor Cal EventStaffing, 1192 Portola Meadows#168, Livermore, CA94551, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):(1)Michael Gaisor, 1192Portola Meadows #168,Livermore, CA 94551 (2)Aubrey Ramirez, 1192 PortolaMeadows #168, Livermore,CA 94551This business is conducted bya General partnershipThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listed

The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011 - PAGE 11above on N/A.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Michael Gaisor, CEO/General PartnerThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 27, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 27, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3077. Published October 6,13, 20, 27, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456502The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Classy K-9Pet Salon, 53 Wright Brothers,Suite E, Livermore, CA94551, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Roberta Elliott, 622 Placer Ct,Livermore, CA 94551This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Roberta ElliottThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 26, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 26, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3081. Published October 6,13, 20, 27, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456578The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Rent-A-Grand-Daughter, 1269 Murdell Lane,Livermore, CA 94550, ishereby registered by the followingowner(s):Feather Rae Latimer, 1269Murdell Lane, Livermore,CA 94550This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Feather Rae LatimerThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 27, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 27, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3082. Published October 6,13, 20, 27, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456384The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Black Krossby Sabe, 1752 Sterling Ct.,Livermore, CA 94550, ishereby registered by the followingowner(s):Sylvia A Vonder Haar, 1752Sterling Ct., Livermore, CA94550This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 8/16/2011.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Sylvia A Vonder HaarThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 21, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 21, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3083. Published October 6,13, 20, 27, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456611-456615The following person(s) doingbusiness as: (1) Charles RVineyards, (2) Charles R Winery,(3) Charles R Estate, (4)Charles R Cellar, (5) CharlesR Vintners, 8195 Crane RidgeRd., Livermore, CA 94550,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Quail Nest, LLC, 8100 CraneRidge Rd., Livermore, CA94550This business is conducted bya Limited liability companyThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 9/26/2006.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Bonnie Bartlett, MemberThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 27, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 27, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3084. Published October 13,20, 27, November 3, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456675The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Benko InsuranceAgency, 1560 HolmesSt. Bldg. D, Livermore, CA94550, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):(1) Joseph E. Benko (2) H.Amelia Benko, 2268 FifthS t r e e t , L i v e r m o r e , C A94550This business is conducted bya Husband and wifeThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 5/15/1985.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Joseph BenkoH. Amelia BenkoThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 29, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 29, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3085. Published October 13,20, 27, November 3, 2011.NOTICE of INVITING BIDSNotice is hereby given thatsealed competitive bids willbe accepted in the office of theGSA-Purchasing Department,County of Alameda, 1401Lakeside Drive, Suite 907,Oakland, CA 94612 NET-WORKING/NORTH COUNTYBIDDERS CONFERENCERFP #900722 for Clerk RecorderSystem, Wednesday,October 26, 2011, 2:00 p.m.– General Services Agency,1401 Lakeside Drive, Room1107, 11 th floor, Oakland,CA NETWORKING/SOUTHCOUNTY BIDDERS CON-FERENCE RFP #900722for Clerk Recorder System,Thursday, October 27, 2011,10:00 a.m. – City of Dublin,100 Civic Plaza, RegionalMeeting Room, Dublin, CAResponses Due by 2:00 pmon January 19, 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.10/13/11CNS-2187298#THE INDEPENDENT LegalNo. 3086FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456735The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Birdies,828 Placenza Street, Livermore,CA 94551, is herebyregistered by the followingowner(s):Tracy Ann Hutchison, 828Placenza St, Livermore, CA94551This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 9/30/11.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Tracy Ann HutchisonThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 30, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 30, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3087. Published October 13,20, 27, November 3, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456866The following person(s) doingbusiness as: At Your ServicePersonal Assistant, 1135Blanc Ct, Pleasanton, CA94566, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Elizabeth Venema, 1135Blanc Ct, Pleasanton, CA94566This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Elizabeth Venema,OwnerThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon October 4, 2011. ExpiresOctober 4, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3088. Published October 13,20, 27, November 3, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456706-707The following person(s) doingbusiness as: (1) The HomeSource Company, Inc., (2)dba Bay Home & Window,40 California Ave-Ste. H,Pleasanton, CA 94566, ishereby registered by the followingowner(s):The Home Source Company,Inc, 40 California Ave-Ste. H,Pleasanton, CA 94566This business is conducted bya CorporationThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on 5/2/1994.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Jeff Falcon, PresidentThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 29, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 29, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3089. Published October 13,20, 27, November 3, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 456731The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Sunset WestRealty, 690 South K St.,Livermore, CA 94550, ishereby registered by the followingowner(s):Gregory Peter Lanet, 690South K St., Livermore,CA 94550This business is conducted byan IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on N/A.Signature of Registrants:/s/: Gregory P. Lanet, OwnerThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon September 30, 2011. ExpiresSeptember 30, 2016.The Independent Legal No.3090. Published October 13,20, 27, November 3, 2011.NOTICE 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 94612MANDATORY NETWORK-ING/SOUTH COUNTY BID-DERS CONFERENCE ANDSITE WALKTHROUGH RFP#900812 - 700/800 MHzPublic Safety Radio Coverage,Monday, October 31,2011, 2:00 P.M. – Eden AreaMulti-Service Center, 24100Amador Street, CaliforniaPoppy Suite 225-226, Hayward,CA Responses Dueby 2:00 pm on December 6,2011 County Contact : JeffThomas (510) 208-9613 orvia email: jeff.thomas@acgov.org Attendance atNetworking Conference isMandatory. Specificationsregarding the above maybe obtained at the AlamedaCounty Current ContractingOpportunities Internet websiteat www.acgov.org.10/13/11CNS-2188160#THE INDEPENDENT LegalNo. 3091ANIMALS2) CATS/ DOGSADOPT A DOG OR CAT, foradoption information contactValley Humane Society at925 426-8656.Adopt a new best friend:TVAR, the Tri-Valley AnimalRescue, offers animals foradoption every Saturday andSunday, excluding most holidays.Saturdays from 9:30am to 1:00 pm, dogs and catsare available atthe PleasantonFarmers Market at W.Angela and First Streets.Two locations will showcasecats only: Petsmart in Dublinnoon to 4 and the PetFood Express in Livermore1 to 4. Sundays, cats are atPetsmart in Dublin 1 to 4, andPetCo in San Ramon 11 to 3.TVAR at (925) 803-7043website at www.tvar.orgEMPLOYMENT65) HELP WANTEDWe are seeking part-timeworkers for the post ofBOOKKEEPER, PAY-ROLL/PAY RECEIVER.Applicants must be computerliterate with access tothe Internet. Contact korey001@gmail.com56) ADULT CAREIndependent ContractorsWanted, Senior HomeHealth Care. Must have experience.Senior Solutions,Inc 925-443-310160) BUSI-NESS 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.MERCHANDISEFOR SALE (1) EntertainmentCenter (60” x 60”) @$150 (2) Computer WorkStation (43” x 53”) & Cabinet(20” x 29”)to hold printer,both @ $100 (3)FutonMattress & Frame @ $50.Please contact (925)352-4112 MLane35114@aol.com115) ESTATE/ GARAGE/YARD SALESGARAGE SALE Sunday10/16. 7:00AM-12:00NOON. 4244 MiltonWay, Livermore. Tables.Chairs. Curtains. Desks.118) FREE SECTIONCLEAN FILL DIRT 2 1/2cubic yards. You load andyou haul. Livermore backyard. Accessible to pickupor small bobcat. Call(925)447-4841.TO PLACE ACLASSIFIED ADcall 925-243-8000NOTICES/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 $500 muststate in their advertisementsthat they are not licensed bythe Contractors State LicenseBoard.”REAL ESTATEInland Valley PublishingCo.Client Code:04126-00001Re: Legal Notice forClassified AdsThe Federal Fair Housing Act,Title VII of the Civil RightsAct of 1964, and state lawprohibit advertisements forhousing and employmentthat contain any preference,limitation or discriminationbased on protected classes,including race, color, religion,sex, handicap, familial statusor national origin. IVPC doesnot knowingly accept anyadvertisements that are inviolation of the law.Has the Real EstateMarket Finally Hit Bottom?By Kelly DeYoreoInterest rates, already at historic lows, continue their decline.California housing affordability is better for buyers than it has beenin years.Whether you’ve been waiting to sell your house or buy, everyonein the real estate market is waiting for one thing: the bottom. Whenwill it be? Or is it already here?Prices in much of the country seem to be bouncing along thebottom, with prices nationally down about 30 percent off their 2006peak. Daily economic news, employment reports, and the ups anddowns of the stock market lead to general uncertainty about wherehousing is headed in the next few months, or years.In housing, more than stocks, bonds or most other investments, allthings are local. According to TrendGraphix, which tracks local realestate sales data by county and city, Livermore prices ($ per squarefoot, single family homes) peaked at $417 in February 2006 Forexample, a 1,000 square foot home which sold for $417,000 wouldhave a value of $417 per square foot.That price steadily declined every quarter until January 2009, whenit hit $246 per square foot and began to level out, slightly up somemonths and slightly down others. As of September 30, 2011 (over 2½ years later) Livermore single family homes were averaging $242per square foot, almost the same as in January 2009.Dublin figures tell a similar story. Dublin’s single family homespeaked at an average of $415 per square foot in April 2006. Steadydeclines began to stabilize at $261 per square foot in December 2008.For the next 2 years and 9 months, that price went slightly up or down,to a current average of $257 per square foot.Pleasanton single family homes reached a high point of $458 persquare foot in October 2006. That figure dropped to $333 in February2009, and once again, has moved slightly up or down each monthsince. Pleasanton single family homes were selling for an average of$337 per square foot as of September 2011, over 2 ½ years later.It seems clear from the numbers that locally, we experienced asubstantial drop in value between 2006 and late 2008/early 2009.Since then, however, per-square-foot home prices in all three communitieshave remained remarkably stable.David Stevens, former head of the Federal Housing Administration(FHA), said there is good reason to believe that a real estate recoverymay not be too far in the future. In a recent interview with InmanNews, Stevens noted four signs that he says indicate a real estaterecovery is not as far away as some might think.1. Markets are stabilizing. According to Stevens, the real mortgagedelinquency rate is down, from 10 percent in the second quarter of2010 to 8.5 percent in the second quarter of 2011. New foreclosurestarts are also down.2. Some markets are beginning to experience home-price growth.Foreclosures and negative equity are bigger problems in some areasthan others. Each market is different.“The fundamentals are better than ever,” according to Stevens. “Ifyou remove foreclosure properties from the equation, non-distressedproperties have actually experienced a slight increase in price.”3. This is the best time ever to buy. The cost of homeownershipisn’t only based on the price you pay, but also the mortgage interestyou pay over the life of the loan.Assume a buyer is going to purchase a $360,000 home with a$300,000 loan at 4% interest. If prices decrease another 5 percent,that means the home would drop in value by $18,000. But if interestrates rise from 4 percent to 6 percent, the cost of waiting is high.Over the life of a 30-year loan, the homeowner will spend $131,908more in additional interest. The cost of owning that home costs awhopping $113,908 more than the $18,000 they “saved” by waitingfor the bottom of the market.4. A coming home shortage is likely. Stevens says there are twomain factors that will contribute to a home shortage in the not-toodistantfuture: the size of Generation Y (born between 1977 and 1994),which is estimated to be about 80 million people, or 25 percent ofthe U.S. population. They are now entering prime time for startingcareers, families, and buying a home. The second factor is supply.There has been virtually no new construction in the last several years,despite the increase in population.To illustrate this problem, the 2010 census put the U.S. populationat about 309 million. By 2050, the prediction is that the U.S.population will be 439 million. That’s an increase of 130 millionpeople in 40 years. Regardless of whether they own or rent, theywill need housing.Stevens says the main challenges we face are job creation anddealing with the tight credit situation. Lending guidelines have beentightened to such a degree that it can be difficult for even well-qualifiedbuyers to obtain a home loan. Many other analysts believe thatit may take three to five years for the housing market to fully recover,and that we will experience many ups and downs along the way.Of course, the timing of the bottom of the market will only beclear in the rear-view mirror, and there is much uncertainty to come.Experts take educated guesses as to when the real estate market willrecover, and it’s useful to pay attention to the local market in yourown community.Look for clues in housing price trends, number of homes on themarket, and local employment figures to decide it it’s a good timeto buy, sell, or just stay put for a little longer. For more detailedinformation about the market in your neighborhood, contact yourlocal Realtor.Kelly DeYoreo is a Realtor withPrudential California Realty, LivermoreLARPD Plans Arroyo Clean-up;Volunteers Are NeededThe Livermore Area Recreation and Park District is looking forvolunteers to help keep the community clean.Weather permitting, on Saturday, Oct. 22, volunteers can jointhe neighbors of Robertson Park in cleaning up the Arroyo Mochorunning through the park. The project will involve cleaning trashand debris out of the creek.Volunteers are asked to bring snacks and gloves and to wearwork clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty or wet. Volunteersmust be at least 16 years old (if 16 or 17, they must be accompaniedby an adult).Sign-ups will start at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, with cleanuprunning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers should check in near thehorseshoe pit area at Robertson Park, 3200 Robertson Park Road,Livermore. For more information or to sign up, contact Sandra Kayaat 925-373-5786 or skaya@larpd.dst.ca.us.

PAGE 12 - The Independent, OCTOBER 13, 2011Nature ProgramsA Pumpkin Carving Campfire will behosted by the Livermore Area Recreationand Park District ranger staff on Sat.,Oct. 15. Meet Ranger Dawn Soles at4:30 p.m. at Sycamore Grove Park, 5049Arroyo Road.Halloween is fast approaching anddecorations are going to be popping outleft and right. Join me for an eveningfilled with one favorite – the pumpkin!Participants will spend the first part of theevening carving this squash into works ofart, or horror. Please bring a pumpkin andcarving tools if you have them (there willbe a few tools to lend). Carving stencilswill be provided. There will be a BBQgoing if you would like to bring food togrill. We’ll then head down to the campfireto hear about the history of Halloween andhave some Halloween fun. Hot chocolateand s’mores fixins’ will be provided. A $4per person donation is requested. PleaseRSVP by calling (925) 960-2400. Signup early – space is limited.Oaks and Acorns is the topic of theSun., Oct. 16 program. Meet Ranger AmyWolitzer at 2 p.m. at Sycamore GrovePark, 5049 Arroyo Road.Come for a short walk (less than ½mile) to admire the different types ofoaks that grow in our parks and helpus collect some acorns for planting thiswinter. Participants will also learn abouthow important oaks and acorns were tothe Indians that lived in this area and theprocess they used to make these nuts edible.There will be some replicas of toolsand baskets used in the process. Thoseattending may even have an opportunityto make (and taste) acorn mush.There is a $5 per vehicle parking fee atboth entrances to Sycamore Grove Park. A$2 donation is requested to help supportthe programs. Participants may call 925-960-2400 for more information.Adobe VolunteersThe City of Pleasanton’s Alviso AdobeCommunity Park is currently seekingvolunteer docent applicants to join theEducation Program team.Alviso Adobe Community Park islocated at 3465 Old Foothill Road in thewestern foothills of Pleasanton. Volunteerdocents should enjoy learning and leadinghands-on activities with school groupsand other park visitors. All applicantsmust complete a volunteer applicationand attend an interview.To apply online, please visit www.helplendahand.org, or contact StephanieCarman at (925) 931-3479 or scarman@ci.pleasanton.ca.us.The application deadlineis Friday, October 28, 2011. Once anapplicant is selected to become a volunteerdocent, they must be fingerprint clearedand TB tested at the city’s expense.Breast Cancer SymposiumValleyCare Health System, alongwith ValleyCare Medical Foundationand Valley Medical Oncology Consultantswill present a free Breast CancerSymposium on Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 8p.m. at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel,FAZ Ballroom, 5121 Hopyard Road inPleasanton.The Symposium is designed for cancersurvivors, caregivers and those whoselives have been touched by breast cancer,as well as the general public concernedabout cancer and its prevention.Guest speakers and their topics includethe following:Lori Hope, a two-time cancer survivorand author of Help Me Live: 20 ThingsPeople with Cancer Want You to KnowRuby Chang, MD, “3D Breast Ultrasound:A New Screening Tool. Does ThisIncrease the Chance for a Cure?”Nicole Jeffrey-Starr, MD, “Importanceof Clinical Breast Exams and BreastSelf Exams”Rakesh Patel, MD, “Evolution ofRadiation Therapy: Less is More”Steve Williams, MD, “ImmediateBreast Reconstruction”Vanni Mathiram, MD, “Do I Need anAxillary Lymph Node Dissection?”Rishi Sawhney, MD, “PersonalizedChemotherapy & Targeted Therapy inBreast Cancer”In addition to presentations by thespeakers, there will be question and answersessions and a free door prize drawing.Light refreshments will be served. ToRSVP, call (925) 734-3319.Health ProgramsThe public is invited to attend twoprograms hosted by Rosewood Gardens,an assisted living and memory carecommunity located at 35 Fenton Streetin Livermore, California. To attend, call925-443-7200.Veterans Aid & Attendance Workshopfor Veterans and Surviving Spouses, Saturday,October 15, 10:30am – 11:30am:Veterans and their surviving spouses couldbe eligible for up to $23,388 of tax-freeincome per year to help pay for assistedliving or home healthcare expenses. Findout more at this free workshop presentedby Jake Birnberg of Hoosier Senior Solutions.Continental breakfast will be served,compliments of Rosewood Gardens.Understanding Alzheimer's and OtherMemory Disorders, Monday, November14th, 11:00am - 12:00pm: When memorydisorders begin to impact everyday life andoverall safety, it’s time for answers. Joinexperts Anaga Kumar and Dara Burke forthis important luncheon seminar. You’lllearn the warning signs, the facts aboutAlzheimer’s and other memory disorders,plus forward-looking strategies for livingwith memory loss or caring for a lovedone experiencing it.Recently, Watermark RetirementCommunities, Inc. assumed managementand ownership of Rosewood Gardens, inLivermore, California.Christmas ChildOperation Christmas Child kickoffevent will be held on Oct. 15, 6 p.m.at Crosswinds Church, Dublin. Guestspeaker Livia Satterfield will share herstory.For twelve years of her life, Livia livedin a Romanian orphanage. With a lack oflove and care from the orphanage attendantsand fellow orphans, she remembersher life changing as a 9-year-old througha simple shoe box.Dublin kids, families and volunteershost a celebration event to kick-off the2011 Operation Christmas Child seasonin which they aim to collect 22,000 shoebox gifts. Dublin residents will learn howto impact hurting children a world awaywith simple shoe box gifts this holidayseason.Crosswinds Church is located at 6444Sierra Ct., Dublin.Operation Christmas Child, a projectof international Christian relief and evangelismorganization Samaritan’s Purse,headed by Franklin Graham, is the world’slargest Christmas project of its kind. Since1993, the project has hand-delivered morethan 86 million shoe box gifts to needychildren in more than 130 countries.For more information on how toparticipate in Operation Christmas Child,call (714) 432-7030 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.Witch WinnersLivermore Downtown Inc. recentlyhosted a Witches Night Out event thatincluded a variety of contests.The winners are: Favorite Martini,Pineapple Cilantro from The Clay Ovenpoured by Bartender Elias at ultra-spectivephotography; Favorite Bartender: Chaseof Simply Fondue; Favorite ShoppingLocation: Main Street Designs.Pedestrian SafetyDuring the month of October, theLivermore Police Department will befocusing its efforts on vehicle safety asit pertains to Pedestrian Safety.The City of Livermore’s pedestrianaccident statistics are below the nationalaverage. However, recently LPD hasresponded to several vehicle vs. pedestriancollisions, especially around schools.The department’s Traffic Unit routinelyconducts pedestrian safety operationsthroughout the city to enforce pedestrians’right-of-way violations. During themonth of October the Traffic Unit willbe conducting pedestrian operations onWednesday, October 19. The departmentalso designates crossing guards toschools with high pedestrian and vehicletraffic. The crossing guards are there toassist students with crossing the busyroadways during school hours. Additionally,the city has several crosswalk trafficdevices throughout the city at locationswith high vehicle and pedestrian traffic.The devices are in-ground flashing lightsto warn drivers of foot traffic crossing theroadway. Pedestrians are encouraged touse crosswalks.Questions regarding pedestrian safetyor general traffic issues, may be directedto contact Officer Joe Nguyen @ theLivermore Police Department Traffic Unitat (925) 371-4850.Halloween CraftCreate a spooky Halloween craft todecorate your home for the holiday! Allcraft times will be on a drop-in basis andcraft assistants will be on hand to helpyou at various times throughout the craftprogram. Please see below for times andlocations:Rincon Branch Library: Friday, October14, 2011, 3:30-4:30 p.m., located at725 Rincon Avenue.Civic Center Library: Wednesday,October 26, 2011, 12:00-5:30 p.m., locatedat 1188 S. Livermore Avenue.All ages are welcome to these freelibrary programs. Contact Youth Servicesat (925) 373-5504, or Rincon at (925)373-5540, for more information.

THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION IIArt, Community, & EducationTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011Tracy Turnbladt playedby Melissa Modifer andPenny Pingleton andportrayed by MorganFrazerPhoto - Robert Sholty'Best Musical' Features a 1960's LookTri-Valley Repertory Theatreopens its mainstage musical seasonon Saturday, Oct. 22 with the awardwinning musical, "Hairspray."The show opens on Saturday,Oct. 22 with an 8 p.m. performance.Performances are weekends,Oct. 23, 28, 29, 30, Nov. 4,5 and 6 with curtain time 8 p.m. onFridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m.on Sundays.The show received eight TonyAwards, including Best Musical.Music by Marc Shaiman, lyricsby Scott Wittman and Shaimanand a book by Mark O'Donnell andThomas Meehan are based on the1988 John Waters film Hairspray.The songs include 1960s-styledance music and "downtown"rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore,Maryland, plump teenagerTracy Turnblad's dream is to danceon The Corny Collins Show, a localTV dance program based onthe real-life Buddy Deane Show.[When Tracy wins a role on theshow, she becomes a celebrityovernight. She then launches acampaign to integrate the show.The cast of the Tri-Valley RepertoryTheatre production includesTracy Turnbladt: Melissa Modifer,Edna Turnbladt: Peter DelFiorentino,Wilbur Turnbladt: Jeff Seaberg,Amber von Tussle: MorganBreedveld, Velma von Tussle:Suzie Shepard, Motormouth Maybelle:Sherrell: Lee Rogers, LinkLarkin: Robert Lopez, Seaweed:Isaiah Boyd, Little Inez: ImaniWilson, Corny Collins: DannyCozart, Penny Pingleton: MorganFrazer, Male Authority: John Maio,Female Authority: Ginny Wehrmeister,Judine (Judy): AshleyForney, Kamilah (Kami): ClarissaForney, Shayna (Shay): TiffanyGaines, Tammy: Jenny Hudson,Annette (Dance Captain): AlanaBuschini, Brenda: Katie Robbins,Tanya: Catherine Kirch, Ronda:Alaina Campbell, Lou Ann: Nina(continued on page 3)Firehouse Hosts “A Tributeto the Great Ladies of Jazz”The Firehouse Arts Center Cabaret Series will continue withjazz vocalist Suzanna Smith and the Suzanna Smith Trio in “ATribute to the Great Ladies of Jazz” on Sunday, October 30, 2011at 2:00 p.m.The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenuein downtown Pleasanton.Known for her golden tone, innate sense of swing, and irresistiblecharm, Smith brings back to life the classic jazz standards ofElla Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughn, Anita O’Day, BlossomDearie and Shirley Horn.Smith has emerged as one of the brightest new voices on theBay Area jazz and cabaret scene, appearing live at concert halls,festivals, clubs and on radio. She has been featured on In TheMoment on KCSM and is currently in pre-production for her firstmajor recording. She has appeared with her trio regularly at SanFrancisco’s Savanna Jazz and at Hotel Donatello’s Zingari. In addition,she has entertained at The Rrazz Room, Café du Nord, ThePurple Onion, and The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay.Tickets are adults $15, $20 and $25, child $12 and senior $20.Group discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased online atwww.firehousearts.org up to three hours prior to the performance,by phone at (925) 931-4848, or in person at the Firehouse ArtsCenter Box Office. Box Office hours are Wednesday-Friday, 12noon-6:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and for two hoursprior to the performance. The entrance to free parking is on SpringStreet near First Street.

2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 Art & EntertainmentBlues Brothers ReviewPerforming at the Firehouse“The Official Blues BrothersRevue” will be featured in fourshows at the Firehouse Arts Centerin Pleasanton, November 3-5,2011.The live concert combines thehumor, music and mayhem oforiginal Lost in Las Vegas movie.It is appropriate for all ages.Performances will take place at8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, andSaturday, November 3, 4, and 5,2011 and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday,November 5, 2011. The FirehouseArts Center is located at 4444Railroad Avenue in downtownPleasanton.Wayne Catania and KieronLafferty (Jake and Elwood) gottheir start in the award-winningLas Vegas show "Legends in Concert,"performing in showroomsand theaters from coast to coast. Achance meeting with film makerPaul Jay led to the acclaimed A&Edocudrama "Lost in Las Vegas”,the story of two performers tryingto survive and raise families in acity whose sole value is makingmoney.The A&E film led to an auditionfor the stage musical The OfficialBlues Brothers Revival at therequest of Victor Pisano and JudyBelushi Pisano. “We learned thatday how hard it is to do what John(Belushi) and Dan (Ackroyd) did,”says Belushi Pisano, “Some lookedthe part but nobody had the wholepackage until Kieron and Waynearrived."From that Revivalshow, which ran successfullyin Chicagoin 2004, The OfficialBlues Brothers Revuewas born. Thelive concert combinesthe humor, music andmayhem of originalLost in Las Vegasmovie and pays homageto Chicago’s richhistory of blues, gospeland soul music.It is an upbeat anduplifting show, appropriatefor all ages.Tickets are adults$24, $29 and $34;child and senior: $17,$24, and $29. Groupdiscounts are available.Tickets may bepurchased online atwww.firehousearts.org, by phone at (925)931-4848, or in personat the Firehouse ArtsCenter Box Office.The Valley Concert Choralewill offer a unique opportunity toexperience the music of internationally-knownSwedish sopranosaxophonist and composer, AndersPaulsson. He will share his newarrangements of favorite Americanspirituals as he accompanies theChorale in its season opener.Joining the Chorale is the LasPositas College Chamber Choirand San Francisco Concert Choralefor a 3 p.m. performance onSun., Oct. 23 at the Mertes Centerfor the Arts at Las Positas College,LivermoreThe Chorale’s Artistic DirectorJohn Emory Bush met Paulsson inCopenhagen three years ago at theInternational Federation of ChoralMusic Festival and explains his excitementabout having this talentedmusician perform for the season’sopening performance.“We are so excited about thisopportunity to share Anders Paulsson’sincredible talent with thelocal community. He will accompanythe chorale as we performhis new arrangements of severalwell-known American spirituals,including the world-premiere ofhis arrangement of O When theSaints Come Marching In. Aftermeeting Paulsson and hearinghis music, I knew we needed toThe Firehouse Arts Center’sHarrington Gallery will host the2010 traveling exhibit of the NationalWatercolor Society October26-December 10, 2011.The Firehouse Arts Center islocated at 4444 Railroad Avenuein downtown Pleasanton.Admission is $5.00. Admissionis free of charge on the openingday of the exhibit, Wednesday,October 26, 2011.An artists’ reception will takeplace on Saturday, October 29,2011 from 3:00-5:00 p.mThe National Watercolor Societyexhibit represents the best ofwater media painting. This showfeatures a selection from the Society’s90 th annual exhibit in 2010,which is traveling to numerousvenues nationwide this year.A companion exhibit, “FivePalettes," that features works byfive California Watercolor Associationartists, will also be ondisplay and will be included in thegeneral admission fee. The artists,all from Contra Costa County, areLeslie Wilson, Marilyn Miller,Maggie Metcalf, Iretta Hunter,and Sue Johnston. Their works'Of Sax and Spirituals'Opens Chorale’s 48th SeasonNational Watercolor Show Openingbring him to the Tri-Valley, andhe enthusiastically accepted theinvitation.”Paulsson’s artistry is referred toas classic beauty of tone combinedwith a rich jazz personality, andhe’s been called “a champion ofthe soprano saxophone” by MusicJournal USA. The soprano saxophoneis a rare and exotic voicein the classical world and AndersPaulsson is one of the first pioneerscommissioning new music for itfrom living composers.The melodic sounds of thesoprano saxophone became wellknownthanks in part to the popmusic of Kenny G in the 1990s,and Paulsson has taken that soundand adapted it to compositions forchoral music set to beloved spiritualslike Swing Low Sweet Chariot,Nobody Knows the Trouble I’veSeen and Deep River for the Octoberperformance.“Paulsson’s choral arrangementsof the spirituals, which hewill accompany, provide rich andcomplex harmonies, creating acompletely new experience for theaudience, as if hearing the songsfor the first time,” adds Bush.“These beautiful arrangementswill move you, maybe to tears, asthe choristers that are preparingfor the program will agree. This"Wheels" by Marilyn Millerare displayed at Gallery Concord,Triton Museum in Santa Clara,Epperson Gallery in Crockett, andLindsay Dirxx Brown museum inSan Ramon. They have shown andplaced in many local and statewidecompetitions.Harrington Gallery hours areAnders PaulssonWednesday-Friday 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., for one hour prior toeach Firehouse Arts Center performance.Call (925) 931-4849for more information or visit theFirehouse Arts Center website,www.firehousearts.org.is something not to miss, a rareconcert experience that you willnot forget. It’s truly a treat forthe choral groups to perform and Ipromise it will be the same for theaudiences.”Tickets are $20. They can bepurchased in advance by visitingthe Chorale’s website at www.valleyconcertchorale.org, or bycalling the Chorale’s informationnumber at (925) 866-4003 toorder tickets. Tickets may alsobe purchased through Las PositasCollege website http://www.laspositascollege.edu/performingarts/index.phpFor more information aboutthe Valley Concert Chorale performances,ticket purchases andauditions, visit www.valleyconcertchorale.orgor call 866-4003.

Art & EntertainmentLakota Sioux Dance Theatre to Bring aCelebration of Native American CultureThe Lakota Sioux Dance Theatrewill perform at the BankheadTheater in November. The programwill include ceremonial drums andelaborately-detailed regalia. “CokataUpo! Come to the Center” isa spectacular three-part tribute tothe cultural and artistic legaciesof the Lakota Sioux people usingvideo images, music, storytellingand dance.Lakota Sioux Dance Theatrewill appear for one performanceonly on Friday evening, November11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.Unfolding the story of the birth,death and rebirth of a nation, “CokataUpo! Come to the Center”is filled with creation tales andpresent day reflections, offeringan uplifting message of hope andrenewal of the spirit. More thantwenty traditional courting andsacred songs, as well as dances,narratives and stories are woveninto the fabric of the performance.Dancers, drummers, and storytellerswork in harmony to communicatethe powerful resonance of theliving history and oral traditions ofthe Lakota Sioux.Perhaps most renowned fortheir famous leaders, Sitting Bulland Crazy Horse, as well as forfacing off against the US Armyat Little Big Horn, the LakotaSioux people have a long andstoried history in the upper GreatPlains region of the United States.In the mid-1800s, despite treatiesacknowledging the Lakotapeople’s sovereignty over theGreat Plains, unrestrained Euro-American settlement and miningsparked bloodshed, resulting inbitter conflicts with the US Army.By late in the 19th century, the Lakotapeople were largely confinedto reservations, prohibited fromhunting buffalo and some of theirother traditional ways of life.Founded on the Rosebud Reservationin South Dakota over threedecades ago, Lakota Sioux DanceTheatre has become a culturalHAIRSPRAY(continued from front page)Gosiengfiao, Shelley: Liz Marsh,IQ: Derek Demsher, Fender: NedHansen, Brad: Nick Quintell,Sketch: James Koponen, Matt: JJBaczenas, Rocky: Steve McCloud,Gilbert: Lavale: William Davis,Duane: Camron Jones, Stooie: KJBrown, Lorraine: Bella Ohlmeyer,Pamela: Carolyn August, Cindy:Michelle Freschi.It is directed by Daren A.C.Lakota dancerambassador, sharing the spirit andtraditions of their people throughlive performances and outreachthat both entertains and enlightens.The group was formed withthe support of traditional LakotaIndian educators, healers, communityleaders, powwow dancers,singers and storytellers, and nowincludes some of the most highlyacclaimed championship performersof the Sioux Nation under theCarollo; vocal direction by SeanKana, Choreography by SheriStockdale; musical direction byJoAnn Fosselman; light desieneris David Lam; costumes by LisaDanz and Wendy Baczenas; anddance captain is Alana Buschini.Tickets may be purchased atthe Bankhead Theater, 2400 FirstStreet, call 373-6800, or go onlineto www.bankheadtheater.orgdirection of noted choreographerHenry Smith. Lakota Sioux DanceTheatre performed at the openingcelebration of the NationalMuseum of the American Indianin Washington DC, at The MillenniumCelebration in Times Square,Free Registrationwith this AdCall or sign-up online! Exp. 11/13/11Lessons in Piano,Voice & GuitarAll Ages & Levels Welcome!Individual • Group Lessons(925) 960-1194GalinasMusicStudio.com2222 Second St, Suite #2Downtown LivermoreTHE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 3and have appeared at numerousuniversities, community theatersand in reservation settings acrossthe United States. Tickets to seeLakota Sioux Dance Theatre at theBankhead Theater on November11th are just $14 for students andrange from $39 toThis year, LVPAC Presents’World Music Series opened theseason in September with the NationalAcrobats of China. “CokotaUpo! Come to the Center” willbe followed later in the seasonby several other events, includingCeltic Nights, which will usemusic and dance to bring the world...endless variety,exciting entertainmentFRIDAY NIGHT!Tommy CastroOct 14 at 8pmA Soulfully Intense Bluesmanwith a Scorching GuitarSt. PetersburgString QuartetOct 15 at 8pmDel Valle Fine ArtsHairsprayOct 22-Nov 6 at 2 & 8pmTri-Valley Repertory TheatreLike There’sNo TomorrowNov 3 at 8pmWarren Miller’s 62nd Annualreminder that Winter is on it’s Way!Leo KottkeNov 7 7:30pmLegendary Acoustic Guitar Virtuosoof Irish storytelling to life in February,Luna Negra Dance Theaterwill celebrate the richness of theLatino culture with creative andoriginal choreography in March,and Mariachi Sol del Mexico willdeliver a mix of contemporary andtraditional mariachi music to theBankhead at the end of April.The Bankhead Theater is locatedat 2400 First Street in DowntownLivermore. The ticket officeis open Tuesday through Saturdayfrom 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Topurchase tickets call 925-373-6800or visit www.bankheadtheater.org.FREEPARKING!BUY TICKETS 925.373.6800www.bankheadtheater.org2400 FIRST STREET | Downtown Livermore

4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 CommunityPleasanton Is Offering a Variety ofEvents with a Halloween ThemeThe City of Pleasanton’s CommunityServices Department offersa broad range of fun, spooky andaffordable Halloween activitiesand events in October. Participantscan imagine the ghost of Californiarancho Francisco Alviso or a phantomof milkmen-past from the oldMeadowlark Dairy at “Halloweenat Alviso Adobe Community Park”on Friday, October 28 or Saturday,October 29. Join City NaturalistEric Nichols on a walk aroundthe park to learn about and viewsome nocturnal animals of theregion including spiders, snakesand frogs. The tour ends withparticipants making a Halloweencraft. All ages are welcome tojoin in 20- minute tours that beginat 7:00 p.m. and continue to 8:30p.m. The fee is $5 for residents and$7 for non-residents. This fun andeducational activity is perfect forthose ages 4 and up.Also scheduled is another popularfamily event the 4 th AnnualPumpkin Carving Party at AlvisoAdobe Community Park on Saturday,October 29 from 1:00 to 3:00p.m. The fee is $5 for residentsand $7 for non-residents. Dresswith the weather in mind for bothevents and remember to pre-registeronline or by phone at (925)931-5340.Meanwhile, tennis buffs ofall ages can bring their frighteningforehands, scary serves andgruesome ground strokes to the6th Annual Halloween Fun Nightscheduled on Friday, October28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at thePleasanton Tennis Complex onHopyard Road and Valley Avenue.This free event draws hundreds ofparticipants every year. Kids andadults alike attend in costume totour the Haunted Hallway of Horror,enjoy yummy treats and tennisgames for all age groups and skilllevels including ‘Beat the Pro’ andLittle Shop of Horrors sing-along will be held Sun., Oct. 30 at theVine Cinema, 1722 First St., Livermore. Hosting the event will be theTri-Valley Rotary Club.Pre-event social at 5 p.m. includes food provided by Zephyr Grill;beer and wine available to those age 21 and over. Doors open for thesing-along at 6 p.m.Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) is a nerdy orphan working atMushnik's Flower Shop in urban Skid Row. Life is not easy for Seymour.He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker Audrey Fulquard (Ellen Greene)who is already spoken for, and he is consistantly berated by his boss Mr.Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia). While on a quest to find something exoticto place in the window of the flower shop, Seymour stumbles on a verymysterious plant. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soonbegins to sing for his supper.Tickets are $15 adults and $10 children under 12 (with parent orguardian). Call the ticket hotline at 925-273-1603 for more information.A little skunk works on his backhand stroke at the Annual HalloweenFun Night event at the Pleasanton Tennis Complex on October28.‘Speed Serve.’ For more information,please call (925) 931-3446.Those seeking a more dramaticHalloween experience won’t wantto miss “Nightmare” A TerrifyinglyFun Night Of Improv as presentedby the Creatures of Impulse,Pleasanton’s own teen improvtroupe. Participants can help createthe story, setting and characters forthree nights and of fun, interactive'Little Shop of Horrors' Sing-alongPlanned by Tri-Valley Rotaryand completely unscripted theater.That’s on Thursday, October 27,Friday, October 28, and on Saturday,October 29 at 7:30 p.m. at thenew Firehouse Arts Center, 4444Railroad Avenue. Tickets are $5in advance or $8 at the door witha valid student I.D. and $10 in advanceor $15 at the door for generaladmission. For more information,please call (925) 931-4828.LARPD CarnivalTickets AvailableTickets are being sold now forthe LARPD Halloween Carnivalto be held on Sat. Oct. 22 from 1-4:00 p.m. at the Robert LivermoreCommunity Center, 4444 EastAve. This carnival is for ages 2-9years old and usually sells out.No tickets will be sold at the door.Tickets are $7 per youth. Parentsare free.The Halloween Carnival willhave jumpys, a lollipop tree, soccerkick, obstacle course, facepainting, bowling and mini basketball.Everyone will receive agoodie bag and a mini pumpkin.Call 373-5700 or visit LARPDto purchase a ticket.Yosemite Epics Author to Speak atPleasanton LibraryWriter and outdoorsman MattJohanson will show slides and tellstories from his new book, YosemiteEpics: Tales of Adventure fromAmerica’s Greatest Playground.Enjoy vicarious thrills from thesafety of the Pleasanton LibraryMeeting Room October 20, Thursdayat 7pm.“In Yosemite Epics, Matt Johansonhas assembled stories, toldfirst hand by some of today’s topadventurers, of harrowing taleswhen they dodged a bullet in Yosemite.Strap yourself in. It’s quitea ride.” – Ron Erskine, outdoorcolumnistA falling climber’s rope snapsthousands of feet above the ground.A free soloing climber, alone andunroped, attempts a terrifyingdo-or-die move. Two backcountryskiers awake in their tent tofind themselves buried by anavalanche. A daring kayak venturehelps an aging legend discovergreater health and happiness.These stories and more cometo life in a collection of first-personnarratives from rock, snow,ice and whitewater. Thrilling yetthoughtful, the book explains theathletes’ motivations for their ambitiousoutings and shares valuablelessons learned from their experiences.It features tales from SteveRoper, Howard Weamer and LynnMacMichael, Dale Bard, MartyMcDonnell, Errett Allen, JohnBachar, Royal Robbins, Lynn Hill,Hans Florine, and others.The program is free and opento all. No registration required.For more information, call PennyJohnson, 931-3405.Program on Earthquakes PlannedLawrence Hall of Science is bringing another program to the LivermorePublic Library, this one on earthquakes!Livermore Public Library presents, in observance of October’s “GreatCalifornia Shakeout”— Quakes and Shakes, a program for children offeredby the Lawrence Hall of Science. Become a junior seismologistand explore the inside and outside of our planet, find out what instrumentsare used to measure earthquakes and piece together a proper safety kitto make sure you’re prepared—not scared—the next time the groundstarts to quake and shake!This event will take place in the Storytime Room of the LivermorePublic Library Civic Center, 1188 South Livermore Avenue, on Saturday,October 15, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.There is no charge for this event. For further information, please call(925) 373-5504, or visit the website at www.livermorelibrary.net .Harvest Gathering Planned inDublin at Heritage ParkDublin is hosting a “Harvest Gathering” at the Dublin Heritage Parkand Museums, 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin on Sat., Oct. 22.From 3:00 to 6:00 there will be wagon rides, petting zoo, storyteller,fortune teller and craft making. Peek inside the windows of the 1911Craftsman Bungalow to view a vintage Halloween Party. Seasonalhandcrafted items will be available for purchase in the Hay Barn. Therewill be a guided flashlight tour of the cemetery at dusk.Live bluegrass bands will perform outdoors from 3:00-7:00 followedby the Harvest Moon Barn Dance from 7:00-9:00 pm in the 1870 SundaySchool Barn.A $5 wristband covers all activities except food and beverages. Foodbooths will offer Hot Dogs, Roast Corn, Apple & Pumpkin Pie, Beerand more. Free parking. For more information please phone 925-452-2100.

Art & EntertainmentTHE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 5Firehouse's Smash Second Season Openerby Susan SteinbergCelebrating its first year asthe Valley’s newest performancevenue, the Firehouse Arts Centerin Pleasanton started its secondseason with a real bang.Firecracker entertainer LisaVroman, famous long-time star of“Phantom of the Opera”, provedshe could hold an audience in thepalm of her hand without all theelaborate sets, props, costumes andother cast-members of that powerfulproduction.Confessing that she was happierin her own clothes than in thecorset and 20 to 40 pound dressesshe wore as Christine, she was stillan elegant figure in several beautifulformal gowns, and still a vocalpowerhouse of a singer.Vroman also proved that in anintimate space she could connectwith her listeners on a very personalbasis, as she chatted informallyabout her career, her recentmarriage, and her many stage colleagues, who have included DickVan Dyke at the Hollywood Bowland Michael Tilson Thomas, conductorof the SF Symphony.The ladies in the audience werecompletely won over by her warmfreshness: “I’m not really 18 withlong hair or a voluptuous figure.”But in a glamorous midnight bluegown, she was a believable Maria,happily twirling to the girlishexcitement of “I Feel Pretty” from“West Side Story.”In a more serious vein, she gaveAndrew Lloyd-Weber’s “LoveChanges Everything” a movingart-song rendition, focusing on thetruth of the human heart: “Lovechanges everything, words meanmore, pain is deeper than before.Love brings you glory, it bringsyou shame — nothing ever willbe the same.”Switching moods, Vromanbecame a sizzling cabaret chanteusewith the blues-y “Girls ofSummer” (“they get burned”) andthen a hip chick tossing out sexyinnuendos in “The Boy From...”Evoking happy nostalgic smilesfrom the audience was a medleyof classic old favorites, from thehushed magic of “In the Still ofthe Night” to the passionate “Soin Love," and the jaunty “Who’sGot the Last Laugh Now?”Enjoying the slyly satirical sideof Irving Berlin, she showcased theunfamiliar but witty number, “PlayMe a Waltz by Strauss," in whichthe celebrated lyricist dismissed“Broadway tunes” in favor of theold-fashioned um-pah-pah rhythmsof the Waltz King. His “I Love aPiano” was just the opposite: arousing razzmatazz show tune,with the pianist working in everythingfrom Gershwin’s “Rhapsodyin Blue” to those famous notes of“Phantom."Accompanist Joan Cifarellishowed off more of her fabuloustechnique in a solo medley of oldBroadway favorites. She jazzed,she vamped, and she improvisedaround that great Duke Ellingtonsignature tune, “Take the A Train."Her wildly applauded performanceshowed the best traditions of olderfree-style artists now lost in today’sslick musical world. No wondershe’s in such high demand!Vroman’s most moving numberwas contemporary composerEd Dixon’s “I’m Tired of LovingYou," expressing the difficultyand pain of leaving a lover whono longer cares. Full of heartfeltemotion, the lines were sung withthe aching sincerity of someonewho’s been there: “I’ve given youeverything — do you really care?Did you ever love me? You werenever there...”In a more light-hearted spirit,she delighted the full-house crowdwith favorite popular show-stoppers,from Judy Garland’s iconic“Trolley Song” to “I Could HaveDanced All Night”.The concert’s second half beganwith the soaring soprano lines of “Come to My Garden” from “TheSecret Garden." Vroman gave ahauntingly lovely performance,made even more poignant by theparticipation of a gifted youngsinger from Walnut Creek, theangel-voiced Griffin Silva.Another lyrical selection unfamiliarto listeners was a trueart-song written by contemporarycomposer Steve Marzullo, whoset William Butler Yeats’ poem“When you are old...” to an exquisitelybeautiful melodic line.Switching gears once more, shewas all sweet girlish innocencesinging “Say a Little Prayer ForMe Tonight” from “Gigi," confidingthat, like most females, she’dhad a terrific crush on dapper malestar Louis Jourdan.An unexpectedly sarcastic tributeto a famous female “domesticgoddess” had the ladies laughingout loud at “You Wear Me Out,Martha." (Yes, the men were snickeringtoo.)Then it was anecdote time, withreminiscences about unnervingperformance mishaps, from theslowly-unraveling gown in “Phantom”to the tenor who literallydisappeared in the midst of a bigromantic duet. To help illustrateher predicament, she asked for anaudience volunteer. To everyone’ssurprise, Alex Murphy of WalnutCreek, recently graduated from thePacific Conservatory of the PerformingArts, gave a completelyimpromptu professional turn, andwas warmly applauded for hisvoice and his stage presence.Another familiar show-tune,“My Favorite Things” sparkledwith such punchy personal rewritesas “Standing ovations that go onforever, Cashing a check from SirAndrew Lloyd Webber," as theaudience roared.A medley of classic Rogersand Hammerstein songs from“Oklahoma," her encore gift to theaudience, was sung with a joy andsincerity that made them soundnew again. Vroman is truly a classact and consummate entertainer,connecting with her audience in avery personal way. What a pleasureto have her performing right herein the Valley!A continuing year of Firehouseevents promises many morememorable artists. For information,call 925-931-4848 or visitwww.firehousearts.org.Gift Sale to Feature Fair Trade ItemsA fair trade gift sale will be held this Sun., Oct. 16 at St. MichaelChurch in Livermore.The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is locatedat 358 Maple Street.Fairly traded craft items suitable for Christmas gifts or any occasionwill be offered. Prices range from $5 to $20. Please bring a checkbookor cash. Gift items include baskets, scarves, Nativities, tree ornaments,soaps, candles, puzzle boxes, toys, musical instruments, children'sbooks and figurines.The items come from around the world including the U.S., Bangladesh,India, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Vietnam and other countries. Theitems are sold at cost to help the artisans and to raise public awarenessregarding fair trade.Fair trade means that the artisans receive a living wage and thatcharitable organizations are on the ground assisting them, their families,and communities to work themselves up and out of poverty.For more information, clock on fair trade gift sale athttp://stm-scm.blogspot.com. For information on fair trade in generalgo to www.crsfairtrade.org.

6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 Wine & CommunityGiorgio’s Deli & Pasta: Buon apetito at top-of-the hill Rios-Lovellby Harry StollWhen it’s weekend lunchtimealong the Tesla Road tasting trail,come in and say ciao bello! to ebullientItalian chef Giorgio Fundaro,and chow bella! to the beautifulfood he prepares with zest andlove at his recently opened cafféin Rios-Lovell Winery. Giorgiois an Etna of a husky guy from aprimo venerable vintage, crownedwith waves of silvery gray hairsweeping straight back. He loves tofeed people. For starters he startedfeeding with salads and plattersand sandwiches.One of six sandwiches of varyingcombinations of turkey, smokedgouda, lettuce, tomatoes, olive oil,spicy mustard, prosciutto, salami,provolone, sliced red onions, spicymustard, ham, Swiss, mozzarella,fresh basil, roasted chicken, andmortadella, arrives at your tablebetween two slices of slightlytoasted, tasty, toothy, fresh bread.One bite of a Giorgio sandwich andyou will put thumb-to-fingertips toyour lips for a kiss, and you willnod toward the kitchen door.A case in taste: Spicy seededOccasio winemaker and “vithistorian”John Kinney continuesto seek out heritage varietals with along history of exceptional performancein Livermore Valley.Though Livermore’s historicimportance in pioneering grapevarieties like Sauvignon Blanc,Cabernet Sauvignon, and PetiteSirah are well documented, John’sresearch into Petit Verdot showsthis varietal has substantial Valleyhistory.Petit Verdot had widely beenthought to have arrived in Califormustardputs a nice zing into thesliced mild beef concerto sandwichof lettuce, tomatoes, Swiss, andmortadella. All of the sandwichesare a modest $7.95 and come withsome sliced red onion, spinach,tomatoes, and olive oil waiting foryou on the side of the dish. All holdthe mayo, but mayo is available.For $3.95 or $4.95, these willbe your salad days, with threeinsalatas offered: Greek (withfeta, of course, black olives, andartichokes), Italian (with Italianingredients), and Insalada di Pomodori,featuring mozzeralla. Youshould order the di Pomodori forthe sheer joy of pronouncing it.There are cheese or meat platters,or an olive, olive oil and warmbread plate for $5, and—still in theMediterranean spirit—five dolmasfor two dollars.For a fiver they will bring youa glass of vino from the tastingroom in the next room. Barbera orSangiovese for Giorgio’s offeringsmight seem right. Rios-Lovell offersmany more.To start the New Year, Giorgiowill add to the menu pasta hecooks to a perfecto to the toothy aldente density. His life and businesspartner, Deborah Karels, said shethought she knew about pasta untilshe met Giorgio. “He removes itfrom the heat at the right instant,knowing it will continue to cook,and puts in the sauce to heat withit.” To top the pasta Giorgio willmake from-scratch sauces. ARios-Lovell Barbera would pairperfectly with the marinara.And, of course he’ll be cookinghearty minestrone and othersoups.“No junk,” is Giorgio’s missionstatement, company philosophy,and core value. He uses the bestand freshest vegetables, the meatsare hormone free, and the focaccio,French and Italian sourdough, andother artisan breads are from thebest bakeries.Girogio has three daughters—Deborah has three sons. Some oftheir children work in the cafe,making it a family affair. Deborahspends her time up front with thecustomers; sometimes Giorgio,maybe not being able to stand theheat, comes out of the kitchen.He will schmooze and gesticulatewith customers. A stickler for detail,he might offer advice to thestaff. That’s when they arrivedercihim back to the kitchen. Giogiobreathes fire at frozen foods, isbonkers for fresh ingredients, andwants Deborah to shop for produceand bread every day.All this vital viva happens in anappropriately expansive room ofRios-Lovell. The tall ceiling containsthe energy and aroma. Widetall windows catch the sun thathas passed over Italy. You couldlook down along the graceful Rio-Lovell lawn, trees, fountain andgazebos—and out over the valley.Warm-colored wall murals depictlife in a European Latin-languagecountry to the north of Italy. Onespot is identified as a café ratherthan a caffé, but it’s the same continentand it’s a nice bite of ironywhile enjoying the food.Tête-à-tête tables for intimacyand larger tables for convivialityare a nice size mix. The granitetabletops are from Giorgio’s graniteand marble yard in Concord.Every table holds a glass cylinderfloating a single rose. Giorgio willsoon visit Italy and will send backItalian pottery to sell in the caffé.As you enter the Rios-Lovellbuilding, the caffé is to the right.The large room holds about 45diners. Smack dab in the center ofthe tasting trail along Tesla Road,it’s within three miles—over goodroads—of more than 20 tastingrooms, including San FranciscoBay, in a gazebo on the Rios-Lovell lawn, and of course, Rios-Lovell next to the caffé. Parking iseasy, with plenty of room for thelong cars.Giorgio is available to care asmall event, be it a party, baptism,bar mitzvah, or wakes andweddings and every fancy ball.925.961.7545 or giorgiodeliandpasta@yahoo.comThis welcoming place is openFriday-Sunday from 12 p.m. until6 p.m. Giorgio’s Deli & Pasta (atRios-Lovell Winery), 6500 TeslaRoad, Livermore; 925.447.0447Occasio to Introduce Latests Historic Varietial: Petit Verdotnia in 1975, with the first cuttingsplanted at Mount Veeder Winery inNapa Valley by the Bernsteins.In researching the origin ofthe Mount Veeder planting, Johnfound that the Bernsteins had receivedtheir cuttings of Petit Verdotfrom the UC Davis Field PlantServices, proving Petit Verdot hadbeen planted in California prior to1975. But had Petit Verdot existedin Livermore Valley at the turn ofthe last century? John scoured thehistorical archives, paying particularattention to Theodore Gier,known in Livermore Valley for hisexperimental vineyard, having 250acres planted to over a hundreddifferent grape varieties.Documentation on Gier’s vineyardis hard to come by as he wasarrested in 1922 and his vineyardand documents were seized by theFederal Government for violationsof the Volstead Act (prohibition).However, fragments of Gier’sachievements still survive in theAlameda County archives. In onedocument, dating from 1914, Gierwrites, “Among the above variet-ies, from which many of my finergrades of wine are produced, areCabernet Sauvignon, CabernetFranc, [Petit] Verdot, Petite Sirah,Sauvignon Blanc,… and Zinfandel.”John releases his 15 cases of2009 Petit Verdot Oct. 15 on theheels of his tremendous reviewof his 2008 vintage in the Oct.2011 issue of the Wine Enthusiast– scoring 92 points - no varietallabeled Petit Verdot has rankedhigher in the 23 year history ofthe magazine. Wine writer VirginieBoone writes, "A sensational varietalPetit Verdot that’s rich andvelvety, lush and intense, with ahint of Bordeaux’s typical herbiness,that evolves into some of thebest blackberry, mocha and spicychocolate you can imagine. WinemakerJohn Kinney had originallyplanned to blend the two barrelsthat eventually became this wine.Be glad he didn’t…”Occasio Winery is committed tothe Heritage varietals of LivermoreValley, with a focus on small andmicro lot wines.John King, author of Cityscapes:San Francisco and Its Buildings,will discuss his book at the LivermorePublic Library Civic Center,1188 S. Livermore Avenue on Sunday,October 16, 2011 at 2pm.There is no charge for thisevent. Books will be available forsale and signing.San Francisco Chronicle UrbanDesign Critic John King will takea lively look at some of the unexpectedways to read the landscapearound you — and while theAuthor of 'Cityscapes' to Speak at Livermore Librarystarting point is the observationsin his new book “Cityscapes: SanFrancisco and Its Buildings,” hisobservations are equally relevantto a city such as ours.In sparkling prose and withfull-color photography, Cityscapeslooks at fifty buildings that conveya distinct slice of San Francisco.These are the buildings that aredefined by bold visual moves andthe ones that offer tactile delight.These are the structures you noticeevery time you pass by, and theones that escape notice until thelight hits them a certain way. Includedare some of San Francisco’smost familiar buildings and worksby some of architecture’s biggestnames—but also plenty of buildingsthat are often ignored yetadd a unique texture to this fabledplace.An outgrowth of “Cityscape,” aweekly column that debuted in theSan Francisco Chronicle in 2009,Cityscapes is part history, partguidebook, and part architecturalprimer. The points it makes aboutspecific buildings convey somethingtrue to all great cities—thatevery building shines in its ownway as a distinctive piece in amuch larger puzzle, one still beingassembled before our eyes.John King is the San FranciscoChronicle’s urban design critic.He joined the paper in 1992 andhas been in his current post since2001. His writing on architectureand urban design has been honoredby groups including the CaliforniaPreservation Foundation, theSociety of Professional Journalists,the California chapters of theAmerican Institute of Architectsand the American Planning Association.He was a finalist for thePulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2002and 2003.The Friends of the LivermoreLibrary have underwritten this programas part of the Friends Authorsand Arts Series. For additionalevents, check the library’s websiteat www.livermorelibrary.net.

CommunityAl Caffodio and the Twin Valley RelaysAl Caffodio was born inAlameda in 1908 and graduatedfrom the University of Californiawith a degree in chemicalengineering in 1929. After a conventionaljob with a San Franciscopaint company, in 1935 heinvented for himself the positionof a paid rodeo secretary whocould calculate the rodeo resultsquickly so that most of the winnerswould receive their moneybefore the end of the show. Heworked about 20 rodeos a year,some as far away as the EastCoast. The Rowell Ranch Rodeoin Dublin was one of them. CecilJones, who took over the positionfrom Caffodio at Rowell, said,“Caffodio was the master of allRodeo Secretaries.” His reputationgrew, and he was hired bythe Gene Autry Flying A RanchRodeo.His induction into the ArmyAir Corps for World War II interruptedhis work with Autry. Hisenlistment records showed himat six foot three, 171 pounds.Eventually a master sergeant, heworked as a meteorologist andset up weather stations in theWest.After the war, Caffodioworked as a bartender/managerin Pleasanton and then becamea businessman and civic leaderin Livermore. He owned the VillageCanteen on downtown FirstStreet from 1951 until his deathin 1968. Caffodio, a nonsmokerhimself, offered cigarettes, finecigars and tobacco, importedpipes, liquor, beer, wine, newspapers,and a wide selection ofmagazines. One resident remembered,“It was a delightful,friendly place to roam around.”“If you wanted to know anything,you went down to visit Al at hiscigar store,” Virginia Bing recalled.The store was open sevendays a week, from 9 a.m.to 11p.m. In a Livermore News interviewin 1955, he said that he hadnot had a vacation since openingthe store—“That’s one of thedrawbacks, the way the store tiesyou down.”In 1933 California legalizedpari-mutuel betting from whichrevenue could be used to subsidizecounty fairs; the state hopedthat such fairs would encourageagricultural excellence. At the AlamedaCounty Fair, Al Caffodiowas one of three men who operatedthe pari-mutuel machines.Although he never hadchildren of his own, he helpedpromote recreation for childrenin Livermore. He organized andlargely funded the Twin ValleyRelays, an annual track eventheld at Livermore High Schoolbeginning in 1958: “a communityevent, with literally dozens ofservice club members, parents,school and PTA officials andothers working for weeks to arrange.”Youngsters from Amadorand Livermore Valley elementaryschools, both parochial andpublic, met in the spring for onegiant track meet. At the first one,394 boys competed; the next yeargirls were included. The last meetwas held in 1962, and the relayshad expanded to include 1,368runners. Competitors were fromEast Avenue, Fifth Street, MarylinAvenue, Junction Avenue,Joe Michell, Alisal, PleasantonElementary, Valley View, Dublin,and Sunol Glen. In June 1961Caffodio thought he was attendingan evaluation meeting ofthe year’s relays at the Rod andGun Club, but in reality it was asurprise barbecue in his honor.His friends chose this method ofhonoring him because, consideringhis modesty, they knew theywould never succeed in gettinghim to a testimonial. They gavehim certificates of appreciationfrom the city and the Board ofSupervisors. According to theHerald, Supervisor Murphy saidabout the relays: “I have neverseen so much confusion so wellorganized.”Caffodio was also instrumentalin starting a Livermoresoccer league. He was a directorof Valley Memorial Hospital andan enthusiastic member of theLivermore Boosters and the Elks.One example of his generositywas his purchase of uniforms inthe 1960s for the Livermore HighSchool basketball team. LARPDnamed Al Caffodio Park for himin December 1968, and the CaffodioSoccer League also honorshis work with young people. Hedied in April 1968 at ValleyMemorialHospital. He was survivedby his mother and two sisters.Some familiar names on theTwin Valley Relay Teams in1962:St. Michael “Saints”: BillBettencourt, Janet Fuchs, FredHoldener, Molly Banke, LouisViale, Richard Stanley, CharlesCanfield, Pat Benapfl, MikeGreci, Robert Kamp, Carla Viale,Paul AmmendoliaSunol Glen “All Stars”: TimKoopman, Kei Sugaoka, BrianTaketa, Rudy Robles, CarolDucharmeDublin “All Stars”: KirkPope, Ben Waugh, Doug Hostetter,Darlene Loomis, DebraGellermanPleasanton “Tartans”: M. Inderbitzen,Paul Calderon, DannyChristian, Richard Garibaldi,Andy Jorgensen, Mike Vargas,John Burton, Dennis Swift,Danny Murphy, Lester Silviera,Tom CraigMarylin “Roadrunners”:Gary Scofield, Scott MacFarlane,Alan Duke, Joseph Leal, AlanHiguera, Patricia Armstrong,Martha Baroody, Verna Carlin,Laura Mustain, Barbara Fagundes,Donna DespyJunction “Bulldogs”: LynnCarstensen, Brian Salemme,Raymond Coronado, Jean Quan,Jeanne Amaral, Jacqueline Williams,Sandra Gruhlke, FredQuarterman, Norman Jensen,Doug SerpaFifth Street “Flyers”: AlGutierrez, Tom Buckholdt,John Humphrey, Frank Cuellar,Rick Volponi, Linda Ashworth,Melinda Robles, Jane O’Donnell,Charlene Struthers, SidneySladky, Kathy SvetsJoe Michell “White Eagles”:Janet Reginato, Donna Sorenson,Margaret Brunke, Karen Sachau,Jim Frydendal, Philip Wente,Eric Wente, John Migliore, CraigPeverill, Clifton Wilhite, JimBowieEast Avenue “Dolphins”:Patty Lamb, Beatrice Severin,Kathy Bireley, Carol Bargmann,Karen Larsen, Earl Basso, BartSchenone, Stan Preftokis, ChuckSeaborg, Steve Runstrom, JimConniff, Marc Nordahl(Readers can reach me atam50homan@yahoo.com.)THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 7Wellness Festival Set forThis Weekend in PleasantonA visit to the Pleasanton PublicLibrary on Saturday, October 15,can include the opportunity to“Change 1 Thing” in order to behealthier.That is the theme of the Communityof Wellness Festival, to beheld in the library’s CommunityRoom from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.More than 20 organizations andindividuals will be hosting tablesthat offer visitors a wide arrayof options and information. Theevent is free of charge. Each visitorwill receive a card that summarizesthe six steps to effectively changebehavior.“We are constantly bombardedwith messages about what weshould do to prevent disease orstay healthy,” said W. Ron Sutton,founder of Community ofWellness. “Instead of being overwhelmedwith advice that is toomuch to deal with, our approach isto help people understand how toeffectively modify their behaviorso that they can select just onething to change before next springfor a healthier lifestyle. We thinkour table sponsors exemplify awide range of programs and services,literally offering somethingfor everyone.”City Councilman Jerry Thornewill officially open the festival at10 a.m.Corporate sponsor for the eventis ACCUSPLIT, makers of certifiedaccurate pedometers andstopwatches. Special guest will beSteve Simmons, a former basketballplayer and All-American hurdlerwho has coached or managedover 30 national track-and-fieldteams. ClubSport representativeswill be on hand. “ClubSportPleasanton has been committed tohealth and fitness in the Tri-Valleycommunity for 30 years,” saidHeather Stanek, general manager.“We are thrilled now to be workingwith Community of Wellness inthis important effort. At the event,we will be offering baseline fitnessassessments.”Another table sponsor is MaryDeggelman, marriage and familytherapist, who has a “Get moving!”approach to her practice, utilizingthe benefits of family memberswalking and talking together.Meditation is another way tochange one’s life. The Science ofSpirituality table will be offeringa 21-day pledge to attend free,weekly Jyoti Meditation classesheld in Pleasanton.Every 10 minutes throughoutthe festival, Exercitement Fitnesswill be offering demonstrationsthat will include stability ball,Pilates, and yoga, all of whichare offered in classes through theCity of Pleasanton at the SeniorCenter.Children attending the festivalcan take turns reading aloud tovisiting dogs from the popularPaws to Read program sponsoredby the library.Other table sponsors includeAxis Community Health, EdenI&R, Eat Right – Move More Alliance,Pans on Fire, PleasantonCommunity of Character, PleasantonPartnerships in EducationFoundation, Pleasanton UnifiedSchool District, and ValleyCareHealth System. Many will offergive-aways to visitors to theirtables.Visitors can sign up to receivefollow-up information via a freeonline Community of Wellnessnewsletter that will highlight individualtable sponsors and theirprograms. Also available at nocharge is a World Walk to Wellnessnewsletter. These informal,no-cost Walk ‘n’ Talk groups havetaken 40 hikes together since January,mostly one-hour excursions,exploring the wide variety of cityparks in Pleasanton, but also occasionallyventuring beyond forlonger hikes.Danielle Alvari, a Foothill HighSchool graduate now age 19 andattending college, will be representingPleasanton and the BayArea in the Miss California, USA2012 pageant, which takes placein January. Her area of interestis health, particularly the nationalissue of childhood obesity. She hasbeen speaking at local elementaryschools, encouraging youngstersto get – and stay – active.

8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 Art & EntertainmentSample of Carolyn Lord's work.Mini FigureDrawingWorkshop SetThe Livermore Art Association(LAA) and Pleasanton Art League(PAL) invite members and thegeneral public to attend their jointmonthly meeting, where CarolynLord will conduct a mini figuredrawing workshop. The eveningprogram will be a micro-workshopso everyone can try the ideas presentedby Carolyn. She will discussand demonstrate stick figure drawingstrategies. Letter-sized paperand pencils will be provided, or youcan bring your own sketchbook.Taking advantage of watercolor’sextreme portability, Carolynhas traveled to many other countriesto paint. Watercolor definesCarolyn Lord’s career as an exhibitingartist, but is not the full extentof her interests: she studied at theSan Francisco Tapestry Workshopwith Jean-Pierre Larochette; designedposters for the LivermoreValley Opera; portraiture and figuredrawing in oil; designed andpainted glazed ceramic tile for afireplace and a kitchen installation;taught art to middle school boys atthe Pacific Boychoir Academy inOakland. Carolyn enjoys architecturalhistory, quilts and embroiderson occasion, and relishes paintingthe trees and flowers that grow inher own garden.The meeting is on Monday,October 17, 7:30 pm at the AlmondAvenue School, 1401 AlmondAvenue in Livermore. Additionalparking is at the rear of the school.This is a free event and the publicis welcome to attend. Refreshmentsavailable. For more informationvisit www.livermoreartassociation.org.ART/PHOTO EXHIBITSLivermore Art Association Gallery, locatedin the Carnegie Building, offers artclasses, unusual gifts, painting rentals, artexhibits and information pertaining to theart field, 2155 Third St., Livermore. Thegallery has been open since 1974 and isrun as a co-op by local artists. Hours areWed.-Sun. 11:30-4 p.m. For informationcall 449-9927.Pleasanton Art League Fall Members'Exhibit, Sept. 15-Oct. 15. FirehouseArtsCenter, Harrington Gallery, 4444 RailroadAve., Pleasanton. www.pal-art.com. Galleryopen Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10/12,13, 14, 15.Maclyn Pons will show her watercolor& colored pencil work of florals andlandscapes at the Garre Vineyard Cafe.September and October. 7986 Tesla Rd.,Livermore,Wente Vineyards, work by artist CourtneyJacobs, exhibited October 3-29. WenteEstate Vineyard tasting room, 5565 TeslaRoad in Livermore. Abstract paintings inacrylic and oil.Painting Under the Influence with CarolMaddox, exhibit by 13 local artists whocreate art under the influence of CarolMaddox, an award-winning artist andteacher. Livermore Library, 1188 So.Livermore Ave., Livermore, Oct. 1-31.This is a show of their work along withCarol's. Participating will be DodieArterburn, Eileen Butcher, Arline Dust,Marianne Foote, Carol Gerich, LindaHuggins, Jo Ann Koopman, Myra Latkin,Annette Mack, Marisa Ocasio, Ann Peters,Lisa Scarborough and Gloria Thompson.A reception will be held at the library onSunday, Information: 925-447-6250 orcarolgerich@gmail.com.Livermore Art Association (LAA) Gallery,featuring jewelry by Diana Carey themonth of October. The LAA Gallery islocated at the Carnegie Building at 21553rd Street in Livermore. Hours are 11:30a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday throughSunday. The Gallery is also open from4-8 Thursdays during Farmer's MarketThere will be an artist receptionfor Trish Fenton at the Wild VineLounge in downtown Livermoreon October 20, 2011, 6 - 7:30.Fenton's contemporary mixedmedia work (pictured) has beenfeatured in many Livermoreexhibits. Her work is describedas being hauntingly nostaglicbut also very current.season. Admission is free. For more infocall the Gallery 925-449-9927.MEETINGS/CLASSESFigure 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 $20per session. At the Bothwell Arts Center,2466 8th St., Livermore. Coffee, tea andrefreshments are available. Call or emailBarbara Stanton for more info about theworkshop, 925-373-9638 - microangelo@earthlink.net.Art in Public Places, join a local groupof artists and paint on selected Fridaymornings around town. ACC/Art Critique& Coffee invites artists to expressthemselves in watercolor, acrylic, oilFor more details check out the websitefor Poetry On Canvas Pleasanton orcontact Claudette at PoetryOnCanvas@Mac.Com ~ ACC Meets each Friday atvarious locations.Art Courses & Classes for children,teens & adult in Livermore. Beginner toadvanced students welcome. Instructionencourages creativity and originality aswell as teaching established methods ofart-making. 2 week/4 week/8 weeks ArtCourses & Ongoing Art Classes offered.Group, private and semi-private classes.Saturday morning & weekday adult / teenclass. Senior private classes at student'shome. Thursday after-school children'sclass K - 5th grades. Homeschoolingclasses (the instructor is a ConnectingWaters Charter School approved vendor).The instructor, Thomasin Dewhurst,holds a Master's degree in Fine Art andhas extensive knowledge of both artpractical and art history. (925) 216-7231,email thomasin_d@hotmail.com orvisit: http://childrensartclassesprojects.blogspot.com/Girls Night Out Classes, Make familymemories by attending a class together.Painting, jewelry making & paper artare now available to experience locally.Classes led by artist Claudette McDermott. For more information e-mail or call tosign up for classes 510 543-4776 Poetry-OnCanvas@Mac.Com ~ Individual andgroup classes available.Beginning Stained Glass, start and finisha small stained glass window (14” x 14”)using cutting and manufacturing skills.Learn how to use basic glass tools. Limitedto 8 students. Tools and supplies are $174.Does not include glass. 5 week class,2.5 hours each, choice of day per week:Weds 10-7p, Thurs.-Sat. 10-9pm, Sun10-4pm. Classes are ongoing. Art GlassStudio, 174 South L St., Livermore. Formore information contact Roberta Jonesat: 925-447-1962 www.artglassstudio.weebly.comKids After School Program, after schoolprogram for 11-18 yrs. olds includesstained glass, mosaic or fused projects.Student may chose any of those duringthe 6 weeks. Classes are ongoing,start any Wednesday. Limited to 8students. 6 week class $155 (allmaterials included) Wednesdays 2:15p-4:45p. Art Glass Studio, 174 South LSt., Livermore. For more informationcontact Roberta Jones at: 925-447-1962 www.artglassstudio.weebly.comWINERY EVENTSFree Tasting Fridays, Rodrigue MolyneauxWinery, will now be open Fridays from12:30-5:00 for the month of August andpossibly beyond. The entire flight ofyummy wines will be poured for anyguests to celebrate our opening on Fridays.3053 Marina Avenue, Livermore,CA 925-443-1998, info@rmwinery.com,www.rmwinery.comGrape Stomp, Cuda Ridge Wines is havingan old fashioned grape stomp on Sunday,Oct. 16 from 12:00 – 4:30. This is a ticketedevent that includes grape stompingfun, lunch by Posada’s catering, one glassof wine, wine tasting, and Live Music byTrusting Calliope. The cost is $35.00 perperson and $25.00 for Cuda Cadres (tax included).There is special children pricing.RSVP by Oct. 13, reservations will be heldto 50 Adults. Credit card prepay requiredto hold reservation. Call 510-304-0915to make reservations. Event details onwww.CudaRidgeWines.comEagle Ridge Vineyard celebrates Fallwith "Sweets & Treats" & "Pumpkin fora Penny." Each weekend in Oct. (12:00- 4:30) pumpkin goodies are paired withEagle Ridge wines. Also, with any winepurchase, a pumpkin may be purchasedfor a penny (while supplies last & limited1/customer). Eagle Ridge Way, 10017Tesla Rd., Livermore.Tamás Cafe Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5 to 8p.m. American Traditions Family StyleDinner. $10 plus tax for Salute! wineclub members, $15 plus tax for all otherguests. Tamás Estates, 5565 Tesla Road,Livermore; 925-456-2380.Grape Stompin’ and Wine Sippin’, Oct.22, noon to 4:30 p.m. McGrail Vineyardsand Winery. Partake in some “I love Lucy”action by stomping grapes. Grab a friendand race to fill the bottle first. Soleil Pizzawill be selling gourmet wood-fired pizzas,live music. Fullest bottle in 30 secondswins the prize. $10/person for stomping.5600 Greenville Rd., Livermore. www.mcgrailvineyards.comFood and Wine Walk-a-bout, featuringThe Steven Kent Winery's Single VineyardSeries Cabernets, and the cuisine ofChef Neil Marquis. This event will takeplace in the Barrel Room Wed., Oct. 26,6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations requiredas event is limited to 50 guests. $55 perperson non-club members, $50 per personfor SK/LR Club Members. Call 925-243-6442 to RSVP. www.StevenKent.comMuestra de Arte Festival, work by localartists displayed at Murrieta's Wellin Livermore. Sample Murrieta's Wellwines and a selection of artisan cheesesin the historic barrel room. Sat., Oct. 29,11 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Admission is free.$10 for wine tasting. Complimentary forSilver Spur members. 3005 Mines Rd.,Livermore, 456-2395.Entries are being sought for the 2012 SanFrancisco Chronicle Wine Competition.The annual judging that takes place overa four-day period in January. All resultsare then immediately posted on www.winejudgingc.om and many of the awardwinners will have the opportunity to beshowcased at the exclusive Public Tastingin San Francisco, February 18, 2012. Wineentry information and forms are availableat www.winejudging.com.MUSIC/CONCERTSMusic every Saturday in the tasting roomfrom 12 to 4; open every day if the gateis open and for sure on Fridays, Saturdaysand Sundays 11 to 5. Red FeatherWinery, 5700 Greenville Rd., Livermore.Information at 449-1871 or www.redfeatherwinery.comTri-Valley Medieval & RenaissanceCollegium playing session for amateurmusicians, Peter Maund, director. Mondays7:30–9:30 p.m. 7600 Dublin Blvd.,suite 370, Dublin. $25. Information collegium2011@gmail.comor 925-424-1209or 925-984-4395Chris Bradley's Jazz Band, plays at TheSunol Jazz Cafe (In the Center of Sunol)the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month7:30-9:30 p.m. The band features real Jazzfrom the 1920's, 30's, 40's.Dublin Heritage Center Music Jam, EveryTuesday night there is an open music jamfor either Bluegrass or Irish Fiddle. Allare welcome to come and listen or joinin and play. 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin.Information: 925-452-2100.Tommy Castro Band, Oct. 14, 8 p.m.LVPAC Presents, Bankhead Theater, 2400First St., Livermore. www.bankheadtheater.orgor 373-6800.Jazz at the Library, Adam ShulmanQuintet, Friday, October 14; 8 p.m. theSan Ramon Library, 100 MontgomeryStreet, San Ramon. $20 each (Seniors 62+and Students $15) www.sanramonjazz.org/wp/wp-admin/edit.phpSt. Petersburg String Quartet, Oct. 15, 8p.m. Del Valle Fine Arts Concert, BankheadTheater, 2400 First St., Livermore.www.bankheadtheater.org or 373-6800.Sycamore Strings Academy AdvancedStudents' Recital on Saturday, October15, 6:00 p.m. at Centerpointe PresbyterianChurch, 3410 Cornerstone Court, Pleasanton. Admission is free and children arewelcome. The concert presents performancesby our most advanced studentsplaying solo and group pieces, and inour chamber orchestra. These talendedyouths will perform works by composerssuch as J.S.Bach, Kreisler, Mozart andVivaldi. The event will be followed byan informal reception.Fanfare for Food, Livermore-AmadorSymphony Pops concert, Fri., Oct. 21,Robert Livermore Community Center,4444 East Ave., Livermore. Doors open 7p.m. concert at 8 p.m. 447-6454. Ticketsgo on sale Sept. 1 at $30 per person.San Ramon Symphonic Band, Oct. 21,7:30 p.m. "Life is a Cabaret," DoughertyValley Performing Arts Center, 10550Albion Rd., San Ramon. www.sanramon.ca.govEnsemble Caprice, Matthias Maute andSophie Larivière, recorder and transverso;David Jacques, baroque guitar; SusieNapper, baroque cello; Ziya Tabassian,percussion. La Follia & the Gypsies;Gypsy Music in the Renaissance andBaroque Periods. Presented by the SanFrancisco Early Music Society. Friday,Oct. 21, 2011 - First Lutheran Church, 600Homer Street, Palo Alto, 8:00 pm; Saturday,Oct. 22, 2011 - St. John’s PresbyterianChurch, 2727 College, Berkeley, 7:30pm; Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 - St. Mark’sLutheran Church, 1111 O’Farrell Street,SF 4:00 pm. Tickets $35 single tickets,$30 senior, $28 members, $12 students.To order tickets and for complete seasoninformation visit www.sfems.org or callour office. Tel. 510-528-1725, P.O. Box10151, Berkeley, CA 94709, sfems@sfems.orgFoothill High School Band Review, Oct.22, parade competition, Main Street, 8:30p.m. free. Field show, 4 to 10 p.m. at theschool, $10 general admission, $7 studentsand seniors. www.foothillband.orgPops Concert. The Livermore-AmadorSymphony will perform its annual popsconcert with the theme Fanfare for Foodon Friday, October 21 at 8 p.m. at theRobert Livermore Community CenterBallroom. Wearing costumes and bringingyour dinner is encouraged. This eventis sponsored by the Livermore-AmadorSymphony Guild. Call 925-447-6454 tomake your reservations.Jazz at the Library, Bruce Mishkit Quartet;Friday, October 28; 8 p.m. the SanRamon Library, 100 Montgomery Street,San Ramon. $20 each (Seniors 62+ andStudents $15) www.sanramonjazz.org/

Art & EntertainmentTHE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 9wp/wp-admin/edit.phpSuzanna Smith A Tribute to the GreatLadies of Jazz, Sun., Oct. 30, 2 p.m. FirehouseArts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave.,Pleasanton. www.firehousearts.org.ON THE STAGEThoroughly Modern Millie, Pacific CoastRepertory Theatre. Oct. 7-23, Thurs.- Sat.8 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m. at the Firehouse ArtsCenter, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton.www.firehousearts.org.Capitol Steps, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. DoughertyValley Performing Arts Center, 10550Albion Rd., San Ramon. www.sanramon.ca.govThe Jungle Book - Children's Theater,Las Positas College, Oct. 21 and 22, 7p.m. and 2 p.m. Mertes Center for the PerformingArts, on the Las Positas Campus,3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. Ticketprices are $12 general admission and $8for students & seniors. www.brownpapertickets.comwith the venue of Las PositasCollege, or call 1-800-838-3006.Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre, openswith Tony Award winning musical Hairspray,Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St.,Livermore. Oct. 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 andNov. 4, 5, 6. www.bankheadtheater.orgor 373-6800.CityRead with Jamie Ford, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.Free. Dougherty Valley Performing ArtsCenter, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon.www.sanramon.ca.govCreatures of Impulse Nightmare, 7:30p.m., Thurs., Oct. 27, Fri., Oct. 28 andSat., Oct. 29. Firehouse Arts Center,4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. www.firehousearts.org.Rosencrantz and Guildenstern AreDead by Tom Stoppard, October 28- November 19, Role Players Ensemble,8 p.m. Th., Fri., Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. VillageTheatre, 233 Front St. Danville, www.ci.danville.ca.usDANCEFriday Night Dance Parties, themedparties each Friday night from Salsa toSwing, includes a group dance lessonat 8:15. $15 cover charge, 8:15 dancelesson, 9:00-10:30 for dance parties. It'sAll About Dancing, 171 So. J Street,Livermore. 925-449-9292, or studio@itsallaboutdancing.com.MOVIESLittle Shop of Horrors sing-along will beheld Sun., Oct. 30 at the Vine Cinema,1722 First St., Livermore. Hosting theevent will be the Tri-Valley Rotary Club.Pre-event social at 5 p.m. includes foodprovided by Zephyr Grill; beer and wineavailable to those age 21 and over. Doorsopen for the sing-along at 6 p.m. Ticketsare $15 adults and $10 children under12 (with parent or guardian). Call theticket hotline at 925-273-1603 for moreinformation.Classic films at the Pleasanton Library,Las Positas College and the PleasantonPublic Library present the series. Themethis year is ‘Three Great Directors." Admissionis free. The series is hosted byCandace Klaschus, Professor of MediaStudies at Las Positas College. Klaschusoffers a brief entertaining talk about eachfilm prior to the screening. The three greatfilm directors featured in this year’s seriesare Howard Hawkes, John Ford and AlfredHitchcock. Refreshments are served. Acomplete list of the ‘Three Great Directors”films is available at the PleasantonPublic Library. Movies will be shownthe first Thursday of each month throughJune 7, 2012. No registration required.The library is located at 400 Old BernalAve., Pleasanton. For more information,call Penny Johnson, 931-3405.CHORALValley Concert Chorale, Las PositasCollege Choir, featuring Anders Paulsson,Sun., Oct. 23, 3 p.m. Fundraiserfor LPC. Tickets $20. Mertes Center forthe Performing Arts, on the Las PositasCampus, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore.www.brownpapertickets.com withthe venue of Las Positas College, or call1-800-838-3006.OPERABroadcast from the Met, Dublin RegalCinema. Saturday morning, Oct. 15, AnnaBolena, replay Wednesday afternoon,Nov. 2. Saturday morning, Oct. 29, DonGiovanni; replay Wednesday afternoon,Nov. 16. .Opera San José, double-bill, Leoncavallo’semotional tour de force Pagliacci pairedwith Poulenc’s French monodrama Lavoix humaine. Eight performances arescheduled from November 12 through 27at the California Theatre, 345 South FirstStreet in downtown San José. Tickets areon sale at the Opera San José Box Office,by phone at (408) 437-4450 or online atwww.operasj.org. Pagliacci and La voixhumaine are made possible, in part, bya Cultural Affairs Grant from the Cityof San José.MISCELLANEOUSM.o.M.’s Reading Time, ages 2 to 5 andfamilies, Museum on Main monthly readingprogram, 10 to 11 a.m. with themerelated crafts immediately following.Admission is free. Donations are alwaysappreciated. No Reservations required.Large groups or playgroups please call inadvance: 925.462.2766 or email: education@museumonmain.org.November9: Giving Thanks- What are you thankfulfor? Enjoy books and make a craft to shareat the Thanksgiving table. December 14:Snow Day- You never know where you’llfind snow! Join us for a cool morningof books and fun all about snow. 603Main Street,Pirates of Emerson - Haunting Fields &Corn Maze, through Oct. 31 at the AlamedaCounty Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.Weekdays 7:30 to 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat.7:05 to 11 p.m. Sat., Oct. 29, 7:05 p.m.to midnight. The Pirates of Emerson is avery intense atmosphere, with extensiveuse of smoke, strobe lights, animatronicsand scores of freaky costumed characters.Not recommended for children under13. Doing our best to make PleasantonUN-Pleasant! General $20, Speed Pass$30, Combo Ticket $40, Corn Maze $10.Bumpkin Patch, Carnevil, Bone Ball,Fields Family Corn Maze, MisfortuneTeller and more! www.PiratesOfEmerson.comPolitical Issues Book Club meets the 4 thTuesday of each month, and reads booksabout issues and trends that are drivingcurrent affairs in both the national andinternational arenas. Topics that havebeen covered include politics, governance,economics, military affairs, history,sociology, science, the climate, andreligion. Contact Rich at 872-7923, forfurther questionsWe’re Talkin’ Books! Club is a member-centeredbook group led by a smallgroup of book club veterans, with readingselections based on member recommendationsand consensus. No homeworkrequired– share your insights or just listenin! Contact Susan at 337-1282 regardingthe We’re Talkin’ Books! Club.Museum on Main, 2011 Ed Kinney LectureSeries. Wednesday, October 19, 7p.m., Edgar Allan Poe: Man of Mystery.Shakespeare's Associates has announced the upcoming seasonwith two plays to be performed at Concannon Vineyard in Livermore.The Tragedy of Hamlet is on the calendar for July 12, 13, 14, 22,27, 28, 29, and August 10, 11. The Merry Wives of Windsor will beperformed July 19, 20, 21, and August 3, 4, 5, 12.Performances beginat 7:30 pm Thursdays – Saturdays, and at 7:00 pm on Sundays. Thepicnic area opens at 5:30 pm.Tickets go on sale February 2012. Forinformation go to www.LivermoreShakes.org or call (925) 443-BARDPictured is a scene from last year's production of "Romeo andJuliet." In the photo are Joseph Salazar as Romeo and Ben Kahreas Tybalt. Photo by Randy LargeFirehouse Arts Center, 4444 RailroadAve., Pleasanton. No reservations arerequired. Tickets are available at the dooron a first come first served basis. TheFirehouse Arts Center is located at 4444Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Ticketsare $10 general admission, $5 membersand seniors, $3 students/teachers withID. Information, contact Jennifer Amiel,Director of Education at (925) 462-2766or education@museumonmain.org.Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of"The Other Boleyn Girl," visits the DiabloCountry Club on October 26 at 7:00pm,1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo. Ticketdetails at http://www.rakestrawbooks.com/gregory.htm. She will discussand sign her new novel, "The Lady ofthe Rivers" recent history book, "TheWomen of the Cousins’ War" (September2011, coauthored by David Baldwin andMichael Jones).Downtown Halloween Carnival, Oct.29, 1 to 5 p.m. downtown Livermore.Presented by Livermore Downtown, Inc.www.livermoredowntown.com.Brew Crawl, Sat., Oct. 29, hosted by thePleasanton Downtown Association (PDA)and sponsored by Handles Gastropuband the Pleasanton Main Street Brewery.Patrons can shop along Main Street,sample local craft beers and food pairings.Designated driver tickets for $10.Tickets at 3 for $25 at Handles on Main– 855 Main Street, Pleasanton Main StreetBrewery – 830 Main Street and RedcoatsPub – 336 St. Mary Street. Tickets will beavailable for $30 at 4:30 p.m. on the dayof the event. Tickets must be redeemedby 6 p.m. Ticket price includes a commemorativebeer glass and tasting map.Only 500 will be sold. Event is rain orshine, no refunds. PDA is not responsiblefor lost, misplaced or stolen tickets.Auditions Setfor YouthArtist RecitalThe Music Teachers Associationof California (MTAC) will holdauditions on November 7 and 8,2011 for the Young Artist Recital,which will open the Firehouse ArtsCenter’s Liszt Festival on November20, 2011. The Firehouse ArtsCenter is located at 4444 RailroadAvenue in downtown Pleasanton.Auditions are open to pianostudents up to age 21 whoseteachers belong to the AlamedaCounty East Branch of MTAC orwho themselves live Pleasanton,Dublin, Livermore, Sunol, SanRamon, Danville or Tracy, Calif.Participating students are requiredto present a memorized and wellpolishedLiszt piece.Application forms may be obtainedby emailing DominiquePiana at dominiquepiana@comcast.net.They must be completedand mailed with a non-refundablecheck for $20.00 made payableto MTAC Alameda County Eastto Dominique Piana, P.O. Box11345, Pleasanton CA 94588. Allapplications must be postmarkedby October 26, 2011The auditions will be held at theFirehouse Arts Center in Pleasantonon November 7 and 8, 2011,beginning at 4:00 p.m. Applicantswill be notified of their auditiontimes by November 2, 2011. Allpianists auditioning will receivea jury sheet with comments ontheir performances. A panel ofthree judges will make the finalselection.Each winner will perform onepiece at the Young Artist Recitalon November 20, 2011 at 2:00p.m. and will receive a free ticketto the entire Liszt Festival and twocomplimentary tickets to the 2:00p.m. recital.More information is availableby contacting Dominique Piana at(925) 455-5333.

10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 CommunityBy Patricia KoningLast year, the health servicesdepartment of the Livermore ValleyJoint Unified School Districtwas presented with a daunting task– ensure that all students entering7th through 12th grade hadreceived the pertussis (whoopingcough) vaccine booster, or Tdap.The stakes were simple and high:no shot, no school, which wouldresult in a loss of Average DailyAttendance (ADA) funds for theDistrict.It came down to the wire, with81 students vaccinated on Sept.21, the day before the “no shot, noschool” requirement went into effect.Several members of the healthservices staff made home visits onSept. 22 to vaccinate the last fewstudents.For their outstanding effortsin verifying vaccination recordsfor over 6,100 students, the healthservices department was presentedLivermore School Nurses Honored forWhooping Cough Vaccine Compliancewith the inaugural Going Beyondthe Call of Duty award at the Oct.4 meeting of the Livermore Boardof Education.“Last year, this was a task thatseemed insurmountable, almostimpossible,” said Scott Vernoy,director of student services. “Thehealth services staff worked tirelesslyall summer over manyweekends, making home visits,setting up vaccination clinics,and tracking down immunizationrecords.”Kim Adams, Catherine Arthur,Shelley Casey, Penny Corso,Laura Curran, Julie Howard, NolaRechtin, Carolyn Reggiardo, andBeth Splendorio each received amedal and certificate in honor oftheir exceptional work. Vernoyexplained that the award is forDistrict members to recognizeother members for going aboveand beyond.The Livermore Valley CharterPictured are nurses honored last week.School (LVCS) and LivermoreValley Charter Preparatory HighSchool also attained 100% compliance,according to LVCS principalTara Aderman.Children typically receive theTdap booster between the agesof 10 and 12, but many parentsdon’t take their kids to well-childcheckups at this age. Tdap protectsagainst three dangerous diseases:tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.In the summer of 2010, Dr.Mark Horton, then-director of theCalifornia Department of PublicHealth, declared whooping coughan epidemic in the state. The law,AB354, requiring the booster for7th through 12th graders wasenacted in Sept. 2010; a new law,SB614, extended the deadline to 30days after the start of school.In the 2012/13 school year, thehealth services staff will have aneasier task as only students entering,advancing, or transferring into7th grade will need proof of theimmunization.For more information visitthe State of California’s websiteon school immunizations:www.shotsforschool.org; the AlamedaCounty Public HealthDepartment’s pertussis website:www.acphd.org/Pertussis; and theCDC’s pertussis website: www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis.Despite stormy weather, three Dublin elementary schools successfully participated in International Walk to SchoolWeek between October 3 and October 7. Dublin, Frederiksen, and Murray Elementary Schools worked with Citystaff to welcome an estimated 425 students who walked or biked to school during their school’s designated “Walkto School Day.” Each school made their event unique: Dublin Elementary School registered with local non-profitorganization Safe Routes to School and recorded student participation with a mode chart. Murray ElementarySchool organized a Walking School Bus from nearby Kolb Park, and Frederiksen Elementary School declared a“Crazy Shoe Day” and organized a parade. Stationed at entry points around each school, parent volunteers andCity staff distributed giveaways and refreshments, which were partially funded by Measure B Bike/Pedestrianfunds, to participating students. In the photo, Frederiksen Elementary School students visit the Walk to SchoolDay table before heading to class.New Website Offers Local Bargainslocalgruv.com is a daily dealweb site that launched on September12, 2011. People who live,work, or play in the Tri-Valley canfind savings of 50 to 90 percent ona variety of items.localgruv.com was started bylocals with a simple philosophy:Think Local, Buy Local, GiveLocal. A portion of the proceedsbenefit Tri-Valley non-profit organizations.The business conceptis simple, offer a good deal from agood local business to LocalGruvmembers. Then LocalGruv willgive 10 percent of its profits backto local non-profit organizations.Membership to localgruv.comis completely free. Simply go tothe web site and sign-up.

CommunityTHE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 11Tactical Team TakesTime to Donate BloodThe East County Tactical Team(Livermore and Pleasanton PoliceDepartments’ combined SWATteam) recently took part of a busytraining day to save lives in adifferent way than most officersare accustomed to. Members ofthe Tactical Team rolled up theircamouflaged sleeves and theyeach donated a pint of blood tothe American Red Cross. In total,the team donated two gallons ofblood.Most community membersthink of SWAT team members asbig burly men risking their lives inextreme situations to save others.The team’s donating blood wasjust another way that the tacticalofficers provide support for ourcommunity, and show their commitmentto saving lives.Sara O’Brien, CommunicationsManager at the American RedCross, stated that the donated bloodcould potentially aid fifty people inA Tri-Valley non-profit hasreceived a $10,000 grant from theSan Francisco Giants CommunityFund to establish an anti-bullyingprogram with Livermore students.Basicnecessities.org, based inLivermore, was awarded the grantin an on-field ceremony held atAT&T Park in San Francisco priorto the September 3 Giants game.The ceremony was a part of theGiants annual Strike Out ViolenceDay, which is supported by theGiants Community Fund, the SanFrancisco Sheriff’s Departmentand the Family Violence PreventionFund.“That was quite a thrill beingon the field,” said Suarez-Dunbar,who also teaches Spanish at LasPositas College. “But it’s evenmore of a thrill to get our Bust OutBullying program up and runningthanks to the Giants CommunityFund’s generous support.”Bust Out Bullying aims to educatechildren between the ages of5 and 14 about traditional bullyingand cyber-bullying through a seriesof workshops, demonstrations andneed. O’Brien said that while donatingblood is not a risky maneuverfor the officers, she knew therewere plenty of local people whowill benefit greatly from the effortsof the officers. O’Brien said thatanyone who wants to donate bloodcan either call 1-800-redcross, orgo online at www.redcrossblood.org. O’Brien hopes that the officers’willingness to give backto their community might inspireothers to do the same.Sergeant Brian Martinez of theLivermore Police Department, theTactical Commander of the teamstated, “It was fun, and it was anew and different way to helpothers. All the members of theteam participated, and everyonegot a kick out of seeing a bunchof officers donating blood all atonce. Giving blood is easy, andwe encourage everyone to do so.It was a great way for our team tobond.”Giants Award Grant toHelp Combat Bullyingreadings. In addition to addressingchildren, Bust Out Bullyingwill also work with teachers andother school staff, as well as parents.Potential participants will beindentified through the schoolsand the Junior Giants program ofLivermore.“Bullying has been a problemforever,” said Suarez-Dunbar. “Onthe one hand, society has gottenbetter at identifying bullying anddevising ways to address it. On theother hand, new technologies havegive rise to new forms of cyberbullyingthat we still have to catch upwith. Also, while physical threats,especially associated with boys,is pretty well-known, other seeminglynon-violent bullying that isjust as, if not more, damaging, isoften perpetrated by and amonggirls. These are lesser known areasof bullying that we want to exploreand intervene in.”To find out more about BustingOut Bullying or to make a donationto the program, you can goonline to basicnecessities.org orcontact Suarez-Dunbar at (925)424-1212.Pleasanton Brothers MovingUp in Racquetball WorldBy Ron McNicollNikhil and Julian Singh havebeen playing racquetball for onlythree years. However, they haveprogressed far enough to bringhome medals from state, nationaland international competitions.Starting the sport just threeyears ago, the sons of Salis andJennifer Singh of Pleasanton wonat both the state and national levelsin tournaments. Julian, 10, went onin the under-10 class to compete inan international tournament duringthe summer in the DominicanRepublic.Julian picked up two bronzemedals in the world tournament.He's proud of them, and has themdisplayed in a special box near thefront door of his home.Julian, who is in the fifth gradeat Lydiksen School, also captureda medal in singles competition atthe state juniors tournament inSan Diego. He came in secondin his age bracket, but that turnedout to be a grander result than heexpected.The father of the boy who beatJulian asked him to pair up withhis son in doubles competitionat the national and world meets.They won gold in the nationals inPortland, and then bronze in theworld meet.Julian won another medal in thestate tournament in San Diego. Hefinished second in doubles competitionwith his brother as partner.Nikhil, 12, is an 8th-grader atHart Middle School, and Julian isa 5th grader at Lydiksen school.Nikhil carried away his own medalfrom the state tourney with a secondin singles competition.Both boys are very good fortheir age, said Elaine Dexter, theircoach at ClubSport Pleasanton."They are in the top 10 percentin the country. They'll be reallygood when they are older," saidDexter.Grouping at ClubSport is byability, not age, so the boys findthemselves playing against adultssometimes. They hold their own.There is a professional racquetballcircuit. It doesn't pay the bigPictured are (from left) Nikhil Singh, coach Elaine Dexter andJulian Singh with their medals at the US National Junior Olympicsin Portland, OR. Julian won the national 10 and under doubles titleand won bronze in the gold division singles while Nikhil took 3rdin the Blue division singles and 3rd in the 12 and under doublesconsolation round.money that athletes in other sportsreceive. However, it's possible tomake a living at it, said Dexter.Racquetball is played in afour-walled room. Tree walls areplexiglas so that spectators canwatch the competition. The ball isplayed against the fourth wall.The game was invented in 1949by Joe Sobek on a Connecticuthandball court. Sobek wanted tocreate a sport that used a lightweightracquet and light ball toprovide faster action than squashor handball. There are now anestimated 5 million players in theUnited States.Nikhil said that as much ashe likes racquetball, and plans tocontinue it, he doesn't see himselfheaded for the pro circuit. Rightnow, with his 8th grade interests,he is looking more into computerprogramming.Nikhil took up the sport after hewatched his brother take a lesson."I like the fast pace. You're notalways waiting, as in football orbaseball. You get to use strengthand speed. It's really fast. Thatmakes it more fun."Julian said, "It's a fun game. Ilove the pace. You never have tostop." With evenly matched opponents,a game might last from30 to 45 minutes. The first playerwith 15 points wins.Jennifer said that it's a pleasureto watch her sons excel in the sport."They play in such a graceful way.It helps develop confidence andstrength and skill."

12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 Community(Organizations wishing to run notices inBulletin Board, send information to PO Box1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of BulletinBoard or email information to editmail@compuserve.com.Include name of organization,meeting date, time, place and theme or subject.Phone number and contact person should alsobe included. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.)Friends Holiday Boutique, Friday,October 14, noon to 5 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 15,10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission Holidayboutique featuring hand-crafted gifts from localartisans. Jewelry, scarves, pens, soap, knit andcrochet items and much more. Cash or checksonly please, no credit cards. 963 Kolln Street,Pleasanton 94566 (Jensen tract across SantaRita Road from Amador High School)Fair trade gift sale, Sun., Oct. 16, 8 a.m.to 1 p.m. St. Michael Church, 458 Maple St.,Livermore. Prices range from $5 to $20. Craftitems suitable for Christmas gifts and otheroccasions. Items include baskets, scarves,nativities, tree ornaments, soaps, candles,puzzle boxes, toys, musical instruments,children's books and figurines. "Fair Trade"means that the artisans receive a living wage.Information at http://stm-scm.blogspot.com,or www.crsfairtrade.org.Golden Monkey Sale, Veterans HospitalCountry Store, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuressecond hand treasures and secret familyrecipes. Benefit for the Veterans services at theVA Hospital in Livermore. 4950 Arroyo Rd.,Livermore. Information, 449-6448.Silent Auction, support hospitalized veterans,annual fundraiser, holiday shopping onNov. 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans HospitalCountry Store, 4951 Arroyo Rd., Livermore.Information 449-6448.Heritage Estates Annual Holiday Boutique,Fri., Nov. 4 and Sat., Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to4 p.m. each day at Heritage Estates, 900 EastStanley Boulevard, Livermore. Handcraftedgifts and baked goods made by residents andtheir families. Items include jewelry, jams &jellies, scarves, blankets, kitchen helpers, andmuch more.Annual Holiday Bazaar, Friday and Saturday,November 4-5, from 9am-4pm. Handmadegifts, ornaments, and holiday decorations.Homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods.Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1020 MochoStreet, Livermore. Free admission.Animal Lover's Boutique, a small animalthemedgift boutique in the lobby of FelineMedical Center in Pleasanton, donations andthe proceeds from the boutique go into JackieBarnet's Just Like New fund (JLN). Sat., Nov.5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suite B1, 3160 SantaRita Road, Pleasanton. For more information,please contact Cindy Ferrin (925-323-8517)cferrin@pacbell.net or visit the Valley HumaneSociety website, www.valleyhumane.org.Livermore Lions annual ChristmasBoutique, Nov. 5, 2011 at the Bothwell ArtsCenter, 2466 8th St., Livermore. Handcrafteditems.2nd Annual Pasta Feed Fund-raiser,Exceptional Needs Network, Sat., Nov. 5, 5 to10 p.m. at the Robert Livermore CommunityCenter, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. Raffleprizes, good foods, good times for a goodcause. Dinner catered by A Tasteful Affair.Elbow room will be open for children activitiesand respite. Adults $25, children $15. Ticketscan be purchased online @ http://ennetwork.org/pasta/Pasta_Dinner/Pasta_Dinner_Fundraiser.html.All proceeds benefit annualsummer camp.Free flu shots, Alameda County PublicHealth Nurses will be administering free flushots for Seniors on Thursday, Oct 27, between9:30 AM and 2 PM at the Robert LivermoreSenior Center, 4444 East Ave; Livermore.Questions, call (925) 560-5860Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated,dinner and our program featuring notedspeaker Peter Friedman. Dinners are $30.Advance reservations are required. Cattlemen'sRestaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore.Thurs., Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 pm. PeterFriedman has been in the U. S. Defense Industrysince 1965 and is a veteran of the U.S.Navy. He will discuss his undercover servicewith the FBI and Department of Defense, andwhat Americans need to be aware of in thefuture. Contact at Phyllis at 925-462-4931, orcoupclan1962@pacbell.net.Tri-Valley Democratic Club, meets 7p.m. Mon., Oct. 17 at the IBEW Hall, 6250Village Pkwy, Dublin. AssemblymemberJoan Buchanan will discuss the situation inSacramento.READ Project, There are adults in ourcommunity who struggle with basic readingand writing skills. Become a volunteer literacytutor. A free tutor training workshop will be heldat the Livermore Library on Saturday, October29, from 9AM-4PM. Once rained, a volunteercan tutor any day or any time. To register, orfor more information, call 373-5507. TheREAD Project is a service of the LivermorePublic Library.San Ramon Valley Newcomers Clubinvites new andlong-time residents to itsmonthly luncheon on October 20 at ForbesMill Steakhouse, 200 Sycamore Valley Blvd.W., Danville. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $20.The speaker will be Brad Bartman, FinancialAdvisor. Call Susan, 925-718-5214, for reservationsand information.Love A Doll Club meets on the secondThursday morning of each month. Come sharethe love, knowledge and collection of dolls anddoll related items. For more detailed information,call 925-447-5149.Grant Writing Workshop, Las PositasCollege Community Education will sponsor aGrant Writing Workshop on Wednesday October26 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Participantswill learn the steps in nonprofit grant writing,and are invited to bring their own grant proposalsto the workshop for a private critiquefrom the instructor. The workshop instructoris Patricia Belding, long-time Tri-Valley grantconsultant and former field representative/programanalyst for the federal Office of EconomicOpportunity. Register online at www.laspositascollege.edu/communityedor by telephone at(925) 424-1467 with credit card. To register bymail send payment to: Community Education,Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive,Livermore CA 94551Dance, Dance, Dance, Sat., Nov. 5, lessonfrom 7:30 p.m., dancing until 11 p.m. Benefitfor Rohi Children's Home in Nakuru, Kenya.Hosted by Our ChristianSingles CarPool.Music by The Phantom DJ. PSC Event Hall,5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. Information,408-421-2743 or 918-3344. Suggested donation:$15 to $10.Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club,Sat., Oct. 15, 25-40 miles monthly FeatherPedal ride, meet 9 a.m. at Crank 2 in Pleasanton,Rebecca Wood, 577-3842. Sun., Oct. 16, 48miles two bridges plus, meet 9 a.m. at PleasantHill BART, Gary Hsueh, 510-334-1976. Wed.,Oct. 19, 45 miles Port Costa and Crockett andPinole, meet 10 a.m. at intersection of OlympicBlvd. and Pleasant Hill Rd., Dave Leddon,462-0727. Anyone planning to go on a ride isasked to call the leader for details on where tomeet and what to bring.Oktoberfest, Sat., Oct. 15, Livermore-Pleasanton Elks #2117, bar opens 5 p.m.,dinner 6:30. Music from new jukebox. Prepaid$21, at the door $25, children under 12, $5.RSVP to office 455-8829 or 940 LarkspurDr., Livermore.Bioidentical Hormones - What CanThey Do For You?? Dr. Lynne Mielke,M.D. will discuss why they are safer than thepharmaceutical alternatives. Oct. 25, 7:00-8:00 pm at Optimal Health Spectrums, 4463Stoneridge Dr., Suite A, Pleasanton. SeminarSpace is limited to 20 participants. Please call925-846-8000 to RSVP. Free.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 and isdedicated to the continued support of our deployedtroops. Preparation of comfort packagestakes place every other week - all year long.Providing morale support for those deployed.All information provided is confidential andis not shared for security purposes. To submita name and address, inquire about donationsor helping, please visit www.operationsam.org, email operationsam@comcast.net or call925 443-7620 for more information and thecalendar of events.Fall Native Plant Sale, seeds, and bulbssuitable for California gardens. Speak to expertsabout lawn alternatives such as nativeperennials, wildflowers, and grasses. Nativeplant books, posters, and note cards on sale.Organized by California Native Plant Society(Santa Clara Valley Chapter). Saturday, October15, 2011, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hidden VillaRanch, CNPS Nursery, 26870 Moody Road,Los Altos Hills. 2 miles west of I-280. Freeparking. Come early for the best selection;bring boxes in which to carry purchases home.Cash or check only. For more information, visitwww.cnps-scv.org, email cnps_scv@yahoo.com, or call 650-260-3450.Widowed Men and Women of NorthernCA., Birthday luncheon in San Ramon, Oct. 16,noon, RSVP by Oct. 13 to Marsha, 830-8483.Lunch in San Ramon, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. RSVPby Oct. 16 to Janet, 443-3317. Happy hour inPleasanton, Oct. 20, 5 p.m., RSVP by Oct. 18to Kathy, 398-8005. Photo album viewing,wine and conversation, Oct. 22, 2 p.m. RSVPby Oct. 19 to Ruby, 462-9636. Play in CastroValley, Oct. 30, 2 p.m. RSVP as soon as possibleto Jill, 510-881-4788.VFW Post 7265, Livermore, invites Veteransof Foreign Wars, all military branches,to join the group. Any age veteran welcome tomeetings held 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7 p.m.(2000 hours), 522 South L St., Livermore.Camaraderie, support, connections, advocacy,distinction and community service. Information,contact Vice Commander Virgil Stangerat 455-5039 or go to www.vfwwebcom.org/ca/post7265.Pleasantonians 4 Peace, Peaceful WarProtest on the fourth Wednesday of the month,October 26 between 5 - 6 at the corners of Firstand Neal Streets. www.Pleasantonians4Peace.orgVeterans Benefits Seminar, hosted byVisiting Angels, will be held at no charge forVeterans and their families who want to learnmore about Long term Care. Livermore CivicCenter Library, Oct. 18., 5:30-6:30. Refreshmentsserved. For information and R.S.V.P.call 925-443-1000.Del Arroyo 4-H Club invites the publicto see the National Science Experiment, Wiredfor Wind on Oct. 19, 2011 during a CommunityClub meeting at Arroyo Seco School, 5280Irene Way, Livermore. This national event isdesigned to engage hundreds of thousands ofAmerican youth in a single science experimentfocusing on a very important issue facing ourglobal community – renewable energy. www.delarroyo4hclub.orgDaughters of the American Revolution(DAR), Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter,meets 9:30 a.m. first Saturday of the month fromSeptember to May at Asbury United MethodistChurch, 4743 East Ave., Livermore. DARis a women's service organization. Membersare descended from a patriot of the AmericanRevolution and are dedicated to patriotism,preservation of American history, and securingAmerica's future through education. ContactMaris at 443-3087 or mhl3frog@yahoo.com.Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes,7 week series will teach you how to manageyour diabetes with exercise, health eating(including the foods you love) and medications,and answer all your questions aboutliving with diabetes. Mondays, October 17through November 28, 2-4 p.m. at the DublinSenior Center. Sundays, November 6 throughDecember 18, 3-5 pm at Heritage Estates inLivermore. Class is open to all adults withpre diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Please call theAlameda County Diabetes Program at 510-383-5185 to register. Space is limited!D.A.R. Daughters of the AmericanRevolution, Jose Marie Amador Chapter,Pleasanton. Meetings first Saturday of themonth. Group is comprised of descendantsof Patriots of the American Revolution. It isa service organization that provides contests,awards and scholarships. For members,prospective members, and information onmeeting location, contact Ann 510-507-5509or anarcisco@comcast.net.The Writing Club, Young Adults, ages12- 21, are invited to join The Writing Clubat the Livermore Public Library, Civic Center.The Writing Club will meet once a month onThursdays, November 3, and December 1,2011, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, for an evening ofwriting with author J.L. Powers. There is nocharge to join. Take writing a step further bylearning about publishing and how to expandwriting horizons. For more information, pleasevisit TEEN SPACE on the library’s website:www.livermorelibrary.net, or contact Sandyat 925-373-5500 extension 5583.Drop-in Computer Tutoring, Need helpwith downloading E-Books from the libraryto your E-Reader, sending E-mail attachments,social networking, blogging, generalinternet questions, or ??? Help is availableat the Pleasanton Library Thursday evenings6 to 8 p.m. Questions? Ask at the ReferenceDesk or call 925-931-3400 (press 7 for Ref.Desk). Library programs are free and open toeveryone. Call Merry Luskin at 925/931-3400for information.Beginners Internet Classes, four-class seriesto learn to surf the Internet and send emails.Absolute beginners are welcome. Classes areheld at 9:00 am with a choice of Tuesday orThursday sections. Registration is required.Reserve a spot at the Reference Desk, or call925/931-3400, extension 7. Library programsare free and open to everyone. Call MerryLuskin at 925/931-3400 for information.Pleasanton Military Families is a Pleasantonbased support group for those who havea loved one serving in the Military. The groupgathers at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday ofeach month to share concerns, fears, and tocelebrate the joys that are experienced. Thereis no better support than being surrounded byothers who know what you are going through.Three times per year, the group collect suppliesand sends care packages to the troops. Pleasecontact PMFSG.ca@gmail.com for the locationof the next meeting.Lawyers in the Library offers free legalinformation and referral. The program is cosponsoredby the Alameda County Bar Association.The lawyers visit Pleasanton Library onthe third Tuesday of each month. This programis free and open to all. Each person will have a15 to 20 minute free consultation with a memberof the Alameda County Bar Association. Appointmentsare by lottery. Register from 5:30 to5:45 p.m. Names will be selected at 5:50 p.m.You must be present when names are drawn.Appointments begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at8:00 p.m. For more information, call MerryLuskin, 931-3400, extension 7.Free counseling on job search skillsand resume writing is now available at thePleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave.Sign up at the Reference Desk for a 20 minuteconsultation. Receive help with resume writing,find employment web sites, learn how to searchfor a job on the web, and get help with on-lineapplications. The Pleasanton Library has extensivesupport material available to assist jobseekers. For appointments call the ReferenceDesk at 925/931-3400. Library programs arefree and open to everyone.Livermore Military Families, a supportgroup for families in Livermore who have aloved one serving in the Military, is intendedto be a safe place for family members to comeand share their experiences and concerns withothers who understand what they are goingthrough. All family members are welcome toattend meetings. Meetings on the 3rd Thursdayof each month at the Livermore VeteransMemorial Building, 522 South L Street from7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more informationplease call Tami Jenkins, 925-784-5014 oremail livermoremilitaryfamilies@yahoo.Community Resources for IndependentLiving (CRIL) offers services to help peoplewith disabilities and supports them to liveindependently and participate in their communityfor as long as they are willing and ableto do so. CRIL maintains offices in Hayward,Fremont and Livermore to provide informationand referrals and provide community educationat senior centers and affordable housingcomplexes to residents of Southern AlamedaCounty. The Tri-Valley office is located at 3311Pacific Avenue, Livermore 94550 and can bereached by phone at (925) 371-1531, by FAX at(925) 373-5034 or by e-mail at abril.tamayo@cril-online.org. All services are free.The Bingo Ranch, 3070 Pacific Ave. inLivermore and is open Mondays, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Buenas VidasYouth Ranch has been running Bingo for 16years and is now working with Livermore Charter,Christensen, Arroyo Seco, East Avenue,Livermore High and Granada High schools,Pleasanton Seahawks and All American SportsAcademy Teams. Come play Bingo and supportthe kids in the Valley. Call 925-606-7777 formore information.RELIGIONUnitarian Universalist, 1893 N. VascoRd., Livermore. 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.Information 447-8747.Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 NevadaCourt, Pleasanton. Information 931-1055.Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, affiliated withthe Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations(csjo.org). Information, Rabbi Judith Seid,Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, 485-1049 or East-BaySecularJews.org.First Church of Christ, Scientist, Livermore,has services at 10 a.m. every Sunday.Sunday School for students (ages 3-20) is heldat 10 a.m. every Sunday. The church and readingroom are located at Third and N Streets. TheReading Room, which is open to the public,features books, CDs and magazines for sale.For information, call (925) 447-2946.Sunset Community Church, 2200 ArroyoRd., Livermore. Sunday worship serviceat 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children's churchprovided. A "Night of Worship" first Sundayof each month at 6 p.m. Wednesday nightprogram for all ages at 7 p.m. Information,call 447-6282.Holy Cross Lutheran Church SundayService 9:30 a.m. 1020 Mocho St., Livermore.Information, 447-8840.Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore. 8:30 a.m.worship (semi-formal); 9:45 a.m. adult Biblestudy/Sunday school; 11 a.m. worship (informal).For information, 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 am and 6:00 p.m. 545 N. LStreet Livermore. (925) 447-4357 - www.calvarylivermore.org.St. Matthew's Baptist Church, 1239North Livermore Ave., Livermore. Serviceson Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult Sundayschool 9:30 a.m., Children's Sunday school at9:30 a.m. Prayer each Wednesday at 7 p.m. followedby Bible study at 7:30 p.m. 449-3824.United Christian Church, celebrating50 years in the Tri-Valley. 1886 College Ave.at M St., Livermore; worships on Sundaymorning at 10:30 a.m. Children’s program onSunday morning and first Fridays. The communityis welcome. United CC is an Openand Affirming ministry. Call 449-6820 formore 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.Tri-Valley Unity Church, 2260 CaminoRamon, San Ramon. Class for children, ages1-10, during church service, 10 to 11:15 a.m.Ongoing adult classes and small groups. Allare welcome. (925) 829-2733. www.trivalleyunity.comGranada 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 provided everySunday at 10:30 a.m. The church is located onthe 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 6 p.m.Sunday school or Bible study for all ages at 9:45a.m. Awana is Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdaynights there is adult Bible study at 6:45 andNRG and Re.Gen for youth, and children'schoir for kids. Child care during all events.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.Eckankar, "Learn to Love God, Others,and Yourself" is the theme of the next ECKWorship Service, Sunday, October 16 at 11:00AM. The service is held once a month on thethird Sunday at the Four Points Sheridan, 5115Hopyard Road(about 2 blocks south of theI-580 Hopyard exit). For further information,contact http://eck-ca.org/ by computer, or callKathy at (925) 944-0118.