03/17/2011 - The Independent

PAGE 2 - The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011CAMPUS(continued from page one)as many as 3,000 people (in additionto those working at the twonational laboratories.) Anotheroption has food services andconference rooms.How much of this will cometo pass, and at what rate, is hardto predict in 2011. However,it seems clear that the demandfor connecting the national labswith industry will not disappear,particularly with the growth ofinternational economic competition.As Sandia vice president RickStulen said last week, speakingto the Valley Study Group, “TheU.S. doesn’t have a lock on scienceany more. Research is aninternational effort. (Open Campus)will keep US researchersPARATRANSIT(continued from page one)his staff checked ALC’s recordthoroughly, and found that it hadgood references in other cities.The majority voters on theboard liked the change for tworeasons: One was the savings of$5 million, the other was whatthey felt was ALC’s better wayof tailoring the kinds of vehiclesand drivers to the riders. Forexample, an oxygen patient willbe assigned a driver that worksfor a firm that has oxygen-patienttransport as a specialty, and willknow what to do in helping therider.“Even if the money were thesame, ALC would be a betterchoice,” said Kamena.RELUCTANCE FROMPARATRANSIT RIDERSThe board’s decision was notpopular with some paratransitriders, who voiced opposition tothe change. They said that MVhas done a good job. They arereassured by having only one,consistent service to deal with.When ALC takes over, therewill be a variety of buses anddrivers from various transportationproviders. Riders said theydoubted there would be consistencyin service.Matsuoka told The Independentthat the concerned speakers“were more fearful than angry.They know the drivers now. Theydon’t know the new company.”Community College District to Reduce StaffAs a step toward addressingan anticipated $10.3 million budgetshortfall due to state budgetcuts, the Chabot-Las PositasCommunity College DistrictBoard of Trustees at its March 8meeting approved a reduction instaff positions at the district andtwo colleges, affecting 18 currentemployees.Twenty-six positions are affected.Seven management positions,representing more than 9percent of the district’s management,have been affected; two arevacant positions. Nineteen eliminatedclassified staff positions,six of which are vacant, representapproximately 4 percent of thedistrict’s represented classifiedpositions. The reductions are ef-connected with the internationalcommunity. It will create an environmentand a place to attract thebest and brightest from aroundthe world to come work here.”One of the attractions thatstill has a role in the world ofclassified research is the NationalIgnition Facility (NIF), theworld’s most powerful laser. NIFoperates just inside the fence atLawrence Livermore, very nearthe Open Campus. Visiting scientistswith NIF research plansneed not have clearances or enterthe Lab. They will be able to useOpen Campus facilities to meetwith NIF personnel and helpguide experiments.NIF is considered an anchortenant of Livermore Valley Open“There is a great anxietyabout the unknown. AmericanLogistics was at the meeting,and described its service. Theyprovided free rides to some tothe LAVTA meeting as a demonstrationof their service,” saidMatsuoka.The board majority was reassuredby Matsuoka and ALCpresident Craig Puckett that thefirm has had a good record inother locations. Matsuoka alsoemphasized the flexibility ofmatching up various kinds ofrides to the riders’ needs, andthe 40 hours of training that eachdriver must have from ALC.MV vice president W.C. Pihlstressed that the firm has beenthe provider of both fixed routeand paratransit service since2002. It would be desirable tocontinue that integrated arrangement.“It’s one-stop shopping.We do not offer pick-ups forother businesses,” Pihl told TheIndependent.Pihl said that MV is happythat the LAVTA board renewedits contract for the fixed-routeservice for the next three years.Some 72 drivers work in thatoperation.Pihl said MV will work hardto have a successful transition forLAVTA over to ALC by July 1.He said that ALC is a respectedfirm, just as MV is.fective June 30, 2011 except forone position which is effectiveSeptember 30, 2011.“These are difficult decisionsduring difficult times caused bythe state budget crisis. We havea fiduciary responsibility to planand budget within the frameworkprojected by the state and weare exploring all options to addressthe projected shortfall,”said district Chancellor Joel L.Kinnamon. “In the face of unprecedentedstate budget cuts,the district priority is to fulfill itsmission in maintaining the qualityof its academic programs andproviding educational access forstudents and the community,”he said.Campus although it is slightlyoutside the boundaries of the 110-acre site. NIF’s role stems fromthe extraordinary capabilities itcreates for studying matter at extremetemperatures and pressures– the kinds of conditions foundin the centers of stars (and inthermonuclear weapons, which isone reason some aspects of NIFresearch remain classified.)In time the Open Campusplans to house an internationalcenter for studying what is calledhigh energy density physics, adramatically growing sciencein which Lawrence Livermorehas always been a lead playerbecause of its experience withnuclear weapons and high poweredlasers.Buck Koonce, senior advisorto the Lawrence Livermore Labdirector, also spoke to the ValleyStudy Group last week. He seesa “pent up demand” for the kindsof labs-industry collaborationsthat will be housed on the OpenCampus.In addition to the research representedby the anchor tenants,he foresees joint labs-industryacademiaefforts in climate andenergy, cyber security, nonproliferation,bio security and materialsscience.Universities from as far awayas University of Michigan and asclose as UC and Las Positas aretaking an interest, he said.He mentioned a marketingstudy that found the Open Campus“will be wildly successful”not only because of the qualityof its technical efforts, but alsobecause of all the attractions ofthe region – a highly educatedand competent work force, ahigh quality of living, and mutualcooperation among local communities.He noted three examples ofcommunities working together.One is the selection of the LivermoreValley as a center for I-GATE, the statewide Innovationfor Green Advanced TransportationExcellence, just to the northof the two laboratories. Another isthe business-community effort tocreate a new Silicon Valley here,called Innovation Tri-Valley. Athird is what he called the “unheardof” parallel effort by fiveAt its March 8 meeting, theboard also adopted a resolution insupport of California CommunityColleges Budget Priorities andPrinciples. The resolution recognizesthat “California’s highereducation system is in a crisis situationwith insufficient resourcesat a time of record demand dueto high school graduates andunemployed residents seekingretraining...” The resolutionincludes support for “a balancedapproach to budgeting, includingthe extension of temporary taxrevenues to protect vital stateprograms.”For more information, pleasevisit the district website at www.clpccd.org.local mayors to work together inmany ways including jointly lobbyingWashington for the good ofthe larger community.To Sandia’s Stulen, the OpenPleasanton School Boardmembers are notifying the AalmedaCounty School Administrationthat the districts budget hasa positive status.The process is a regular oneeach year, undertaken in the falland spring. Normall, it is routine,because it is a regular process inwhich board members ask AssistantSuperintendent Luz Cazaresquestions about some of the detailsconcerning the budget.However, in times of schoolfinancing difficulty throughoutthe state, the action is less routine.The district stayed out ofthe red ink this year, thanks inpart to concessions from schooladministrators, teachers and classifiedemployees. Although noCampus effort is exciting forseveral reasons, starting with itsdemonstration of cooperationbetween two national labs andtheir federal sponsor. Each labhas helped the other, and NNSAhas signaled its approval of thecollaboration and the work itself.“This is one of the most satisfyingprojects I have ever workedon,” he said last week.School Budget Stays Positive This Yearcontracts have been signed yetfor the coming year, the boardhas put the district in a good fiscalposition by approving tentativelayoff notices to certificated personnelwho occupy 62 full-timeequivalent positions.Also this year, federal moneyto retain teachers has helped meetthe payroll.For next year, the outlook isalso good, although this year’sending balance fund of $12million drops to $4.8 million.However, if the state does nothold the tax extension election inJune or it does not pass, it’s likelythe district will be in much worseshape based on its projections.By 2012/13, with some of thetemporary aid such as federalteaching jobs assistance goingaway, there is a big deficit projected.Ending balance wouldbe a minus $2.7 million. Expenditurecuts would total $7.7million.

Livermore to Annex Labs; Funds OKed for IncubatorThe Livermore City Councilapproved two items related toimproving the economic outlookin the city and the region.One vote okayed a multiyearloan agreement for i-GATENEST incubator. The city woulduse general fund money for theloan. The other item approvedby the council is an application toannex land occupied by the twonational laboratories.Livermore has been designatedas an innovation hub bythe state. The focus of innovationwill be on green energy and greentransportation.Livermore’s designation forthe hub is i-GATE. EconomicDirector Rob White told thecouncil in discussing the loan,“This is not just a designation. Itis about our future.”The loan would be providedto the i-GATE NEST (NationalEnergy Systems Technology), aseparate nonprofit entity. Whiteexplained that the loan is neededto execute a lease because NESThas no credit history. The moneycan only be used to make utilityor lease payments. No check willbe advanced. The money wouldbe released on a monthly basis,as needed. “The intent of theloan is to act as a line of creditin case there were a shortfall inany month.”The maximum amount overfive years would be $448,000.The money would be repaid at a5.4 percent interest rate.John Mahoney, president ofNEST, and Jim Ott, CFO, wereon had to discuss plans with thecouncil.Mahoney described someof the benefits of investing in abusiness incubator. There is $30in local tax revenue generated byever dollar of public investment.Eighty-four percent of incubatorgraduates remain in the localarea; 87% stay in business.Fund sources for the incubatorwould be rents, a speakerseries and payment for incubatorservices.A 14,000 square foot buildingat 7679 and 7693 Longard Roadin Livermore has been selected.Mahoney told the council that itis move-in ready. It would house12 businesses. There is already awaiting list of six.He said that the goal is workforcedevelopment and job creationthrough the technologytransfer. With those goals, i-GATE would be working closelywith the Livermore Valley OpenCampus.The Open Campus is locatedon land outside the LawrenceLivermore National Laboratoryand Sandia National Laboratories.On Monday, the city councilapproved an application toLAFCO to annex the 1057 acresoccupied by the laboratories,as well as two small privatelyowned parcels.Associate Planner ChristineRodrigues stated that the annexationwould facilitate the newi-Hub i-GATE designation. Thelaboratories have agreed to bepart of the annexation.The city would not have anycontrol over land use. However,it would be able to comment onproposed uses as part of the NationalEnvironmental ProtectionAct (NEPA).No additional money willcome to the city as a result of theannexation.Mayor Marshall Kamenacommented, “The open campuswill have a tremendous impacton the city. Over the next fiveyears it is anticipated to helpgenerate 5000 jobs and $1 billionin revenues for the region. Thesite will be within the confinesof the city.”The application now goes toLAFCO for its consideration.The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011 - PAGE 3

PAGE 4 - The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011EDITORIALChallenger BaseballOpening day of the Livermore American Little League(LALL) has always been a special event. It was especiallyso this year. LALL inaugurated a Challenger division.Established by the nationwide Little League organizationin 1989, the Challenger program is for kids with physicaland mental disabilities. Teams are chosen by ability level,rather than by age.This is Livermore’s second Challenger team. The other isaffiliated with the Granada Little League. It has been verysuccessful, giving rise to the need for this new team.The Challengers play a spirited brand of baseball. Theydrew a lot of attention at the opening day festivities. Seeingthese kids playing baseball and making friends with otherspecial needs children was a “heartwarming sight,” saidLouie Roessler, LALL president.The Challengers give meaning to baseball’s slogan, “thenational pastime.” May this wonderful program continueto grow.At Least 80 Trees Felled inNiles Canyon’s 1st PhaseBy Ron McNicollThe good news for angry residentsin Sunol and Fremont whowant to save hundreds of treesalong scenic Niles Canyon Roadfrom the CalTrans ax is that thehighway department has stoppedcutting the trees.Residents who attended ameeting March 9 in Fremontwere happy to hear that from aCalTrans official.A minute later, they let out agroan of shock and disappointmentwhen they heard that thecutting was halted because allthe trees that needed to be cut inphase 1 have been cut. The jobwas finished on March 4.The total toll on the trees wasbetween 80 and 100, which upsetmany in the audience. A total of439 trees could be leveled by theend of the work for the third andfinal phase of the project.Jeff Miller, director of the AlamedaCreek Alliance, seemed tosum up the group’s feeling whenhe got applause by telling threemajor Cal Trans officials, “Youslipped this one past us, but youwon’t on phase 2.”The official phase 2 publichearing was conducted last fall.CalTrans is responding to comments.However, the agency istrying to schedule a meeting forthe public to comment further,working through Sen. EllenCorbett’s office. She and AssemblymemberBob Wieckowskiarranged last week’s meeting.Ron Kiiana, manager of theproject for CalTrans, told theIndependent that he expects thecomments at the future meetingto resemble those from lastweek’s meeting, and from thephase 2 EIR meeting last fall.Besides wanting to save treesand the beauty they providemotorists, the critics said thatwidening the road will speed uptraffic. Although CalTrans saidthe posted limit won’t rise aboutthe current 45 mph, residents saidLINS(continued from page one)respond as to whether or not I metwith the Lins.” She told Ayala toaddress all of her questions tothe council.Ayala then asked Matt Sullivanand Cindy McGovern toask staff if staff had met withthe Lins.Sullivan said that he had beencontacted about a new project,but had not meet with representativesof the Lins.City Manager Nelson Fialhostated, “At the request of theLins, we did meet with them.They plan to submit a modifiedplan within the next 7 to 10days.”By law, the Lins are prohibitedfrom submitting an identicaldevelopment proposal.Sullivan said it is his understandingthe new plan would befor ten units.As to the legality, City AttorneyJonathan Lowell said itdepends on the application. Hewould be reviewing the electioncode as well as city procedure.Lowell theorized that an argumentcould be made that 10 unitsis very different from the 51 unitOak Grove subdivision.In addition to supporting thereferendum, Pleasanton votersapproved a ridgetop protectionordinance, Measure PP. A 10-unitdevelopment would be exemptfrom its provisions.The provisions include nohousing or structures on slopesof 25 percent or greater or within100 vertical feet of a ridgeline.(INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.)that some drivers will behaveotherwise, and pose more dangerthan exists now.Enforcement is up to the CHP,but it may be possible to coordinatesome of their work withCalTrans, said Kiiana.CalTrans officials said at themeeting last week that the wideningis all about safety. Wideningthe shoulders to 8 to 10 feet andmaking the center rumble strip 2feet wide, plus having each of thetwo traffic lanes at 12 feet will bea big help in reducing accidents.It will give motorists more roomto swerve to avoid accidents.Some 38 percent of the accidentsinvolve trucks, whichled some in the audience to callfor a truck ban. However, anyassumption that most of the truckaccidents are big rigs is false,said Kiiana.Some 80 percent of the trucksinvolved in the crashes are pickuptrucks or trucks the size of a UPStruck. Nine percent were tractorswith one trailer and 2 percentwere tractors with two trailers.The Fremont City Council hasdiscussed possible enacting a banon trucks on the road.MEASURE E(continued from page one)portpleasantonschools.com/.People interested in donatingto the campaign may do so on thewebsite, through Pay Pal, or byprinting out a form and mailingit in with a donation.Volunteers will be taking partin a precinct walk on March 26and 27, starting at the group’sheadquarters at 4479 StoneridgeDrive, Suite C.CHAMBER, POLITICIANSENDORSE MEASUREThe Pleasanton Chamber ofCommerce board of directorsvoted unanimously to endorseMeasure E. Scott Raty, presidentand CEO of the chamber, said,“The parcel tax will help preservethe quality of education in Pleasantonschools that is increasinglythreatened by severe state budgetcuts of recent years.”Other organizations endorsingthe measure include the Leagueof Women Voters of the Livermore-AmadorValley, the localteachers and classified employees’unions, the Democratic Partyof Alameda County, and variousPTAs and other school groups inthe district.More than 800 people haveendorsed Measure E . They includeSen. Ellen Corbett, and AssemblymembersMary Hayashi,Joan Buchanan, and Bob Wieckowski.Also endorsing are MayorJennifer Hosterman and theentire city council, school boardpresident Valerie Arkin, and theentire school board.Former school board memberJim Ott and current member JoanLaursen are co-chairs of the endorsementcommittee.Among the facts that volunteersprovide to the publicare Measure E’s exemption forproperty owners over 65, requirementof an expenditure plan foreach of the four parcel tax years,and creation of an independentcitizens oversight committee tomonitor the funds.The tax life would be fouryears, and could be renewed onlyby another vote.Funds raised from the parceltax cannot be spent on increasingany salaries or benefits, includingfor administrators.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.LIVERMORE(continued from page one)business and keeping our schoolssafe. I’d rather be at or slightlyover our peers than way below,”he explained. “Now that we havethree years of data, I’m curious tosee if anything changes in yearsfour or five.”Van Schaack pulled togetherthree years of data to get a senseof any trends that may haveformed. “Often there are oneyearanomalies, especially whendealing with small numbers likeexpulsions. We may expel two orthree students each year for drugsales. If we happen to catch fiveone year, statistically it looks lasif we’ve doubled, though that canbe misleading,” he said.The District has four levelsof discipline. Level 1 includesdisruption, defiance, bullying,possession of tobacco, and theftof property. Punishment typicallyincludes intervention, counseling,and 1-3 days of suspension.Level 2 includes fighting,possession of a dangerous object,hate violence, intimidation orthreats to staff, and repeated gangactivity. Punishment can includepolice involvement, intervention,exclusion from school activities,3-5 days of suspension, and possibleexpulsion.Level 3 behaviors includebattery, possession of a knife oncampus, possession of controlledsubstances, robbery, and assaultor battery upon a school employee.Punishment can include3-5 days of suspension, policeinvolvement, and expulsion.redevelopment(continued from page one)the impact on schools, LivermoreTrustee Stewart Gary commented,“No school district willreceive one new dollar the firstyear of the budget. In addition,the inequitable school fundingsystem means that high wealthdistricts will continue to receivemore.”Gary likened the idea of eliminatingredevelopment districts as“throwing out the baby with thebath water. We can’t untangle decadesof redevelopment agencieswith one stroke of the pen and nothave negative consequences. It’stime to stop, take a breath andhave a conversation about how toproceed. Redevelopment districtsshould not be eliminated withoutthe appropriate surgical precisionand beneficial trailer bills to keepgood redevelopment projects,such as in Livermore.”Gary added, “The LivermoreValley Joint Unified School District,the City of Livermore, andthe Livermore RedevelopmentAgency have a healthy relationshipand understanding of eachother’s needs. One example is thefavorable development mitigationagreement that directly fundsthe school district.Len Alexander, executivedirector of the Livermore ValleyPerforming Arts Center, statedthat the Bankhead Theater hasprovided over 49,000 studentsaccess to performing artists overthe last three-and-a-half years.The Redevelopment Agency providedland for the theater.”Livermore City ManagerLinda Barton pointed out thatthe Governor is proposing touse redevelopment funds forMedicaid and trial courts, notschools. “Redevelopment is theonly economic tool we have. Totake it away makes no sense.”Barton suggested that redevelopmentwas selected for eliminationbecause it is the easiest toaccomplish.Barton also noted that Californiaresidents voted in Prop.22, which is designed to stop thestate from taking local dollars.Taking redevelopment dollarsviolates the provisions.Buchanan replied that Prop.22 leaves no choice but to eliminateredevelopment agencies,since the state can no longertake funds.State revenues come fromthree main sources: personalincome tax, 53 percent; retailand use taxes, 30.4 percent; andcorporation taxes, 10.2 percent.“California has one of the mostvolatile revenue streams in theU.S. When the economy is good,the state does well,” commentedBuchanan.Buchanan stated that 40 percentof the people pay no incometaxes; the top one percent earnerspay over half of the incometaxes. When it comes to corporatetaxes, some pay nothing; otherspay full rate.Thirty percent of the budgetgoes to K-12 education, 10.6percent to higher education, 30percent to health and humanservices programs, 9 percent toprisons and 5.1 percent to pensions.The remainder goes to avariety of programs.Major stressors on the budgetinclude prisons, where fundinghas increased 77.6 percent overnine years. Debt service has goneLevel 4 behaviors includepossession of a firearm, brandishinga knife, drug sales, sexualassault or battery, and possessionof an explosive, all withthe consequence of mandatoryexpulsion.“Discipline is truly aboutbehavior modification, aboutteaching students to become responsiblecitizens. The purpose isnot to punish, but to shape,” saidVan Schaack. “Understandingthat behavior can be the result ofother things, like frustration inschool, is more important thanblind adherence to a zero tolerancepolicy.”Zero tolerance policies ondrugs, including over-the-countermedication and prescriptiondrugs, have been makingheadlines for some time, mostrecently in Virginia when a highschool football player committedsuicide after a months-longsuspension and forced transferfor possessing a legal substancethat was prohibited at his school.In 2003, a middle school studentwas strip searched on suspicionthat she was hiding extra-strengthibuprofen. In 2009, the SupremeCourt ruled the search unconstitutional.“I do know of cases wherestudents have been suspendedor expelled for bringing plasticknives to school to spread creamcheese on bagels, or have beenexpelled for giving a friend anaspirin,” said Van Schaack. “Webelieve we’re more reasonableup 110.9 percent; pensions up90.5 percent; and redevelopmentup 126.4 percent.In the past, rather than tryingto fix the budget problems, thestate has borrowed against thefuture. Buchanan said that hasgot to stop.Proposed reductions include$6 billion in health and humanservices, excluding child care;$1.7 billion in redevelopmentpayments; $1.1 billion formUC/CSU systems.The Governor has proposedextending the current personalincome tax, vehicle license feeand sales tax. California residentswould make the decision, if theissue can be placed on the ballot.Otherwise, Buchanan stated,the Governor will need to makeadditional cuts to the budget inorder to balance it. “He is readyto make those cuts.”Buchanan said this recessionis different from earlier declinesin the economy. It started with thenear collapse of the worldwidefinance markets. The biggestever housing bubble burst. Interestrates were at a very low rate,leaving no ability for the FederalReserve to adjust them to staveoff the recession.“There is very little we can doto grow the economy. The rate ofjob loss in California is no differentthan other states. We can’tcompete with a $1 an hour paidin China. We need to make toughdecisions to balance the budget.If we do, it will signal that thestate is serious about dealing withthe budget crisis. Businesses willstart investing again. I have beentold by business leaders that thestate should not cut funding toeducation. Education is the onlyreal economic generator,” accordingto Buchanan.She pointed out that amongcollege graduates, unemploymentis at 4 percent. For thosewith some high school educationit rises to 14.2 percent. “Unemploymentrates increase as thelevel of education decreases.”Buchanan continued, “Accordingto some, robotics is theway to bring back jobs. A differentkind of worker, those whooperate computers and machines,will be required. A higher level ofeducation will be needed.”California is currently rankednear the bottom in almost everycategory in supporting education.For example, it is 47th inboth funding and class size, saidBuchanan.One audience member pointedout that cuts to health and humanservices would impact the abilityof children to learn.Buchanan replied, “I agree.The problem is that we can’t digthe financial hole any deeper.”The issue of redevelopmentwas again raised.It was pointed out that increasingthe value of property withina community through redevelopmentwould actually provideincreased revenue for the stateand more money for schools.City Councilmember JohnMarchand declared that Livermore’sRDA has created 200jobs and over 400 affordablehousing units. “It is the fuel forthe engine that will drive us outof the recession.”Buchanan stated, “I believethan that.”The District’s drug policydoes require that students have avalid note from a doctor to bringover-the-counter medication andprescription drugs to school. VanSchaack said that for example,a student caught with Tylenolwithout a doctor’s note would notbe treated the same as a studentcaught selling or distributingVicadin.Over the last three years, thesuspension rate in elementaryschool has been 355 per year, anaverage of 1 per 15.5 students.In middle school, there were 719suspensions per year, an averageof 1 per 4.5 students. In highschool, there were 501 suspensionsper year, an average of 1per 7.8 students.“Before 2008, the freshmanclass recorded the highest numberof suspensions with nearly200 per year,” said Van Schaack.“I think that drop could be dueto the Freshmen in Transitionprogram. It eases the transitionto high school and allows usto clearly communicate expectationsand consequences upfront.”In the 2009/10 school year,Livermore had 1,632 suspensionsout of a total student bodyof 12,989, for an average of0.126. In comparison, Dublin’saverage was 0.124 and Fremont’swas 0.066. Alameda County hadan average of 0.101. Livermorewas just above the state averageof 0.124.the vote will be to eliminateredevelopment. It will be a partisanvote. The problem is thereare great examples and not sogood examples of redevelopmentprojects. In the future, we willlook at how to accomplish redevelopment.Perhaps, there wouldbe a cap on the tax increment,a tougher definition of blight.There has to be a tightening ofthe rules.”One speaker provided anexample of what she sees happeningacross the United Stateswhen it comes to sharing the painin the current recession. A CEO,a union member and a tea partyrepresentative sit down. Thereare 12 cookies in front of them.The CEO takes eleven and tellsthe tea party person, “Watch outfor the unions. They will try totake half of your cookie.” Shecontinued, “We are fighting overthe cookie that is left. This iswrong.”There was strong supportvoiced by those in attendance forkeeping local dollars local by retainingredevelopment districts.Don Miller pointed out thatLivermore’s RDA has passthroughagreements with schoolsand the county. He wanted tomake sure the regional theatercould go forward. “It turns outthat the arts bring more moneyto a community than do sports.The increased sales taxes go tothe state.” He said that Californiais the only state that does nothave an oil extraction tax. “Thatshould be part of the governor’sprogram.”Buchanan stated, “Manywould agree. The problem is thetwo-thirds vote required to makeit happen.”She said that Livermore isamong the great examples ofhow RDA is supposed to work.“I have seen the changes inLivermore. However, it is moreimportant to protect the schools.”Providing safety and educationare the most important roles ofthe state.Buchanan quoted ChristinaRomer, head of PresidentObama’s Council of EconomicAdvisers, as stating education isthe most important way to get outof the recession.Livermore Chamber of CommerceCEO Dale Kaye added thatRomer has also said that to keepbusinesses and jobs, Californiahas to be innovative. Romer hassaid that redevelopment is an innovativeeconomic engine.The majority of those whotook part in the discussion wantedto retain the Livermore redevelopmentdistrict. Buchananwas asked if there were a wayto make that a reality throughlegislation.She replied that it would notbe possible to favor one agencyover another.MAYORS VOTEIn other responses to the possibleelimination of redevelopmentdistricts, local mayors tooka stand against it. A meeting wasplanned to discuss the issue inSacramento.The Alameda County MayorsConference joined a coalitionof local government, business,labor, and community groups in“While these numbers mayseem high, I’d like to point outthat 87.4% of Livermore studentsare never suspended,” said VanSchaack. “And most students areonly suspended once.”The numbers for expulsionswere much lower. On average,10 students are expelled eachyear from elementary school, 41from middle school, and 94 fromhigh school.In the 2009/10, Livermorehad 54 suspensions, a rate of0.0042, significantly higher thanlocal school districts, the county,and the state. The rate for bothDublin and Fremont was 0.0016.Alameda County had a rate of0.0021 and the state had a rateof 0.0034.The District is trying to improveoverall discipline througha tobacco diversion programfor middle and high school students,an in-development gangdiversion program, additionalafterschool programs to createconnections and provide criticalmentor relationships, a reviewof the dress code and electronicuse policies, and a closer examinationof suspensions at theelementary level to develop moreproactive approaches to improvebehavior.To see Van Schaack’s entirereport, go to the “agendas andmeetings” tab in the SchoolBoard section of www.livermoreschools.com.Go to the calendarsection and view the agenda forthe March 15, 2011 meeting.opposition to the proposed statebudget raid of redevelopmentfunds. The decision was made atthe March 9 meeting.A press release issued after themeeting noted that in November2010, over 60% of voters passedProposition 22 - a measure thatspecifically stopped state raidsof local redevelopment funds.Despite this clear voter mandate,legislators could vote on a budgetthat takes these important localfunds in blatant violation of Prop.22 and the will of voters.Livermore Mayor MarshallKamena is quoted as stating,“The voters, our ultimate lawmakers,have spoken loud andclear, and they have every rightto expect that the constitutionalamendments they enact will notbe undermined by illegal schemeslike the budget proposal to takelocal redevelopment funds. Youcan’t just tell 5.7 million voters‘your votes don’t count’. Thistype of illegal end run aroundthe voters’ breeds greater votercynicism and discontent. If wedid this at a City level it wouldnever be tolerated.”According to the press release,redevelopment is supported locallyby business, labor, affordablehousing, environmental,community groups and localofficials. Redevelopment creates304,000 new jobs a year,$40 billion in economic activitystatewide and $2 billion in stateand local tax revenue.Kamena pointed out that inLivermore, “Redevelopment hasimproved the quality of life byproviding affordable housing andrevitalizing the downtown. If thisillegal seizure of our local fundsgoes through, major projects andadditional affordable housing,both of which create jobs in thelocal economy, are going to belost. “The action of the AlamedaMayors Conference ispart of a statewide “MyVote-CountsCA.org” campaign to urgelegislators to respect the rule oflaw, the will of voters and rejectstate budget raids of local redevelopmentfunds. This campaignincludes statewide Radio Ads,extensive online and Facebookadvertising and an electronicand physical grassroots petitiondrive. For more information andto listen to the radio spot, visitwww.MyVoteCountsCA.org.REDEVELOPMENT DE-BATEThe University of Californiaand Capitol Weekly are jointlysponsoring a conference onredevelopment — the financialstakes, the political discussion,the winners and losers, the legalstruggle and what happens next.The format will be the same asUC-Capitol Weekly’s conferencelast year on the 2010 elections.The conference will be heldMarch 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. atthe Crest Theater in Sacramento,10th and K Streets. It will includetwo panels of four experts each,plus a keynote luncheon speaker.Registration begins at 8 a.m.Coffee, rolls and juice will beprovided. A brown-bag lunchalso will be provided.Sign up online by to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event.

The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011 - PAGE 5

PAGE 6 - The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011Gino Bosz and Luis Castillo celebrate a goal for Pleasanton U19Select. The pair combined for 9 goals in Association Cup playover the weekend.Las Positas Swim/DiveThe Las Positas College Hawks Swimming& Diving team traveled to Stockton fora tri-meet with San Joaquin Delta Collegeand Modesto College.Scores and top times follow:Men: MJC 68 - LPC 44; Delta 70 - LPC43; MJC 61 - Delta 48400 Medley Relay: 1st - Delta 3:52.38,2nd - LPC 3:56.63; 1000 Free: 1st- Tim Richard,MJC 10:02.14, Kevin DeFranco, LPC5th 14:17.28; 200 Free: Jared Schanen, MJC1:53.53, Sean Mendez, LPC 4th, 2:04.45; 50Free: Darrius Mehring-Ford, MJC 22.67,Trevor Lundeen, LPC 5th, 25.17; 200 IM:Josh Burdge, Delta, 2:06.44, Joseph Cheney,LPC 3rd, 2:14.71; 1M Dive: Rogan Sautter,LPC 162.20100 Fly: Josh Revives, Delta 56.06,Sean Mendez LPC 3rd, 1:04.06; 100 Free:Kyle Suchland, LPC 51.73; 100 Back: TimRichard, MJC 55.69, Joseph Cheney, LPC2nd 1:01.95; 500 Free: Eric Bonander,MJC 5:18.15, Kyle Suchland LPC 3rd5:36.81; 3M Dive: Rogan Sautter, LPC168.40; 100 Breast: Trevor Lundeen, LPC1:03.83; 800 Free Relay: MJC 7:36.24,LPC 3rd 8:09.76Women: Delta 66 - LPC 45; MJC 61- LPC 37; Delta 62 - MJC 48400 Medley Relay: MJC 4:25.81, LPC2nd 4:33.33; 1000 Free: Amber McKinley,MJC 12:29.48, Katie Bertelson, LPC 3rd12:58.25; 200 Free: Jillian Chapman,LPC 2:06.83; 50 Free: Lauren Rohrbach,Delta 27.97, Jennifer Porter, LPC 2nd 28.02;100IM: Caitlin DeNise, MJC 1:01.05,Kourtney Shannon, LPC 5th 1:16.45; 1MDive: Shaynna Hockett, Delta 150.50,Catilin Clark, LPC 105.4550 Fly: Lauren Lewis, MJC 30.20,Katie Bertelson, LPC 3rd 33.26; 100 Free:Amber McKinley, MJC 1:01.81, HannahAckley, LPC 4th 1:10.93; 50 Back: JenniferPorter, LPC 31.06; 500 Free: KaylaHieb, Delta 5:46.78; 3M Dive: ShaynnaHockett, Delta 121.90; 50 Breast: CaitlinDeNise, MJC 32.33, Jillian Chapman, LPC2nd 34.00; 800 Free Relay: Delta 9:08.68,LPC 3rd 9:42.27.Wrestling TournamentThe East Avenue Middle School wrestlingteam from Livermore brought home16 medals last weekend at the Third AnnualBulldog Wrestling Tournament. The teamadvanced nine wrestlers to the finals claimingsix gold medals. In the 8th grade divisionBrandon Untalan (95-lbs), Stephan Holt(145), Lucas Bumalang (190) and AaronJennings (205) led the team winning titles intheir weight class. Jennings had an impressiveday pinning all his opponents to claimhis title. Untalan had an exciting match inthe finals against Alex Ruiz from Beachwoodwhen he scored a two point reversal with 4.5seconds to win 7-6 to claim the gold. RussellLovett (110) and Jacob Roach (130) tooksecond place and Dominik Luzader (155)took third place. Aaron Jennings had thefastest pin for the team pinning his opponentin the semi-finals in 9 seconds.In the girls division Mia Volpatti won thegold medal in her weight class. Volpatti hadan impressive day winning her final match13-3 over Sophia Parham from Bancroft.Tori Cockerill (160) took second place,Bernadette Allen (150) took third and KaylaSmith (150) took fourth place.In the 7th grade division MichaelLaflame (105) took third place and VinceMederos (135), Dillon McNaney (160) andAustin Whinery (190) took fourth place intheir weight class.In the 6th grade division Bryce Disbrow(125) pinned Dominic Controneo fromCreekside in the finals to win the gold medalin his weight class.Livermore American LLLivermore American Little Leagueresults from last week:Junior 80's: LALL/LNLL Red Sox 8,SRV/TV/DV Angels 2: Red Sox top players:Justin Murray helped boost the Red Soxscore with a 2 run double. Morgan Neu washitting well with a BIG single. Steve Bruanpitched a couple of great innings to closeout the game for the Red Sox. Angels topplayers: Will Birkawhite pitched well forhis 1st inning of the season. Quinton Hughes(catcher) and Chris Felipe had a nice doubleplay at 3rd base and home plate.Majors: Yankees 3, Red Sox 2: For theYankees, Ian Branes hit a single in the 4thinning and stole second. Clayton Westropehit down the left field line for a double andRBI. Bryce Disbrow hit a single for a RBI.Logan Koch hit a single to right field andRBI. Clayton Westrope closed the last 3innings to seal the win. For the Red Sox,CJ Malski pitched 6 tough innings. NoahReno had fantastic hitting. Steven Mohlerhad great fielding.Indians 3, Athletics 2: The LALL MajorIndians survived a leadoff homer by the A'sTristen Mulrooney in the top of the 6th inningand hung on for a 3-2 win on opening nightfor LALL's 2011 Major Division season.The Indians struck first with a pair of clutch,2-out, back-to-back RBI singles in the firstinning off the bats of Albert Amavizca andNate Tabaracci. Kaine Montez, the Indiansstarting pitcher, struck out four A's hitterswhile tossing 3 scoreless innings. AustinBirdwell was solid on the mound for theA's, while Griffin Bateson banged out 2 hitsincluding a double to the left field wall in the3rd inning for the A's. Top Cardinals players:Tristen Mulrooney (HR, RBI), AustinBirdwell (2 IP, 3K), Griffin Bateson (1B,2B), Top Indians players: Albert Amavizca(1B, RBI), Nate Tabaracci (1B, RBI), KaineMontez (3 IP, 0 R, 4K)AAA Division: A's vs. Giants: CameronPriest did an amazing job for the Giants withhis pitching as did Michael Butterfield withhitting and Kyle Betz for catching; The A’sJulian Chavira went 2 for 2 plus a walk, 2runs scored and 2 RBI’s; Victoria Dominguezwent 1 for 2 with 2 huge RBI’s and RigoZapien Jr. pitched 2 shutout innings allowingone walk and striking out 4 batters. A's topplayers: Julian Chavira, Victoria Dominguez,Rigo Zapien Jr.; Giants top players: CameronPriest, Michael Butterfield, Kyle BetzPadres 10, Dodgers 5: In their firstmeeting of the season, the Padres held offthe Dodgers 10-5. Cole Meyers led thePadres with a single in the third inning anda double in the fourth, while scoring tworuns. William Steinberg doubled in thethird inning and Trevor Chapman doubledand drove in a run in the fifth inning to addto the lead. Although the Dodgers ended upon the losing end, there were a number ofnice individual performances. Ian Partridgestruck out five batters over the first threeinnings and contributed a solid single inthe loss. Drew Braudrick struck out fourbatters while pitching two effective inningsin relief, as well as scoring a run as the Dodgersfought back in the sixth inning. AdamLebish drove in a run on a solid double inthe sixth and made some nice plays in rightfield. Top three players for the Padres wereWilliam Steinberg, Cole Meyers, and TrevorChapman. Top three players for the Dodgerswere Drew Braudrick, Ian Partridge, andAdam Lebish.Dodgers 12, Giants 5: The Dodgersstarted scoring early in their 12-5 win overthe Giants. Joseph Fields hit a lead-off tripleand scored in the first inning. Drew Braudrickand Michael Honeycutt both scoredtwice in the game. The Giants were led ondefense by Christopher Kilday with twostrong plays at second base. Ryan NostrandPleasanton Girls Lacrosse U11 Blue team members picturedare (front row) Natalie, Kylie, Adalyn, Alicia; (standing) Lydia,Cleo, Katie M.,Erin, Paige, Keara, Fiona, Jasmine, Madison,Rylee, and Jessica.reached base twice, scoring once and JulianStroud doubled and scored in the fifth inning.Dodgers top players: Joseph Fields, DrewBraudrick, Michael Honeycutt; Giants topplayers: Christopher Kilday, Ryan Nostrand,Julian StroudAA Division: Indians 3, White Sox 1:It was a close game from the start, with greatdefense and great pitching. The White Soxstarted the scoring in the bottom of the fourthwith James Duperly (1 for 2, RBI) knockingin Matt Crivello (1 for 2, Run) and ZechariahHumphreys keeping the Indians from scoring.Jacob Blanchard had two hits (2 for 3)and started the game holding the White Soxscoreless for first few innings. Then in theTop of the sixth inning the Indians awoketheir bats, Steve Lee (2 for 3, 2B, Run) startedwith a double and scored, Cole Arnold (2for 3, Run, RBI) helped increase the lead.The Indians then shut down the White Soxin the bottom of the Inning to preserve thewin. Indians top players: Steve Lee, ColeArnold, Jacob Blanchard; White Sox topplayers: Matt Crivello, James Duperly,Zechariah Humphreys.Cardinals 4, Tigers 2: Top players forCardinals: Tyler Morano, Grant Peterson,Jake Mina; Top players for Tigers: ColinBarnett, Chris Miller, Tucker VonderachIndians 2, Tigers 1: Top players for Indians:Adam Chapman, Sam Bush, Cole Arnold;Top players for Tigers: Tyler Griffeath,Cameron Winter, Alex CirinaIndians 8, Cubs 0: Highlights for theCubs were the outstanding pitching of MattPolaski, the hardest thrower seen thus farthis season. Evan Sire and Brandon Brunsboth had base hits and stolen bases. For theIndians, Cole Arnold turned an unassisteddouble play, while Adam Chapman hada two RBI triple. Cole Arnold and JacobBlanchard pitched the five innings givingup only one hit, although the Cubs made itto base several times on coach-pitches. NateLindsay and Chase Vogler had their first hitsof the season, and both scored. Indians topplayers: Adam Chapman, Cole Arnold, JacobBlanchard; Tigers top players: Matt Polaski,Evan Sire, Brandon Bruns.A Division: Orioles 11, Jays 2: AllOrioles played well today. John Joiner,Colby Scherer and Michael Bliss collected3 hits each, Michael Bliss had 5 RBI's. Jaystop players: Lead-off batter, Brandon Clark,went 3/3 during the game. Alex Scull hit agreat double in the 3rd inning. Jason Nicholasand Amie Dempsey hit a double and asingle respectively in the 4th inning and bothscored on solid hits by Jarrett Williams andJordan Scates.T-Ball: Dodgers vs Rangers: Top playersfor Dodgers: Jacob Franks , Mia Orsi, CaydenRico; Top players for Rangers: Josh Morano,Mikian Pickerill, Tyler Orth.Nationals vs Dodgers: Top players forNationals - Xavier Dillon, Kevin Grant, MasonRosa; Top players for Dodgers - PrestonParkerson, Adam Valentine, Isabella MoenA's vs. Twins: Top players for A's - JoshuaLanci played great defense as pitcher. SamFriedmann had a couple of great defensivestops at short stop. Charlie Betz had a bighit into the outfield. Top players for Twins:Ayden Kelleher and Dustin Merlos had greatdefensive plays at first. Logan Moore had abig hit to the outfield.Rangers vs. Bluejays: Rangers topplayers: Jordan Trevethan, Dean Lindsey,Brandon Von; Bluejays top players: AshtonBanke, Justin Wheeler, Henry Gleason.Livermore SmokeLivermore Smoke Girls Softball results:10U Red Girls: Dynamite 7, BlackPanthers 0: The game ended on a double playbegun by Madison Kunke. Sarah Sanchezwas the winning pitcher and Samantha Mc-Cutcheon had an excellent hit.Dynamite 5, Cyclones 2: Melanie Larondepitched a complete game while SydneyReno did a great job catching behind theplate. Kylie Roberts layed down a nice sacbunt to score a run.Dynamite 12, Mad Batters 1: Adelynnede Leon had 3 hits and scored 3 runs. KateWallace logged 2 hits and 2 runs. RebekahPeterson hit a triple and scored a run.Lil Devils 4, The Mad Batters 10.Granada Little LeagueGranada Little League results fromlast week:Granada Rivercats 14, Canyon Creek/Danville Phillies 4. The Junior 90's Rivercatshad a great start to their season with a 10-runrule decision against Canyon Creek/Danville.A productive 8-run 1st inning gave the Rivercatsa strong start. Jonah Teetsel endedthe Phillie's rally in the 2nd inning with anawesome throw to first base to get the finalout. The Phillies didn't allow the Rivercatsto add to their lead in the 2nd-4th innings.The Rivercats continued to play great defenseand came out with a powerful 5th inning toget 5 more runs. Sean Mahoney's doublesealed the game for the Rivercats with anRBI to give his team the final run needed fora 10-run rule over the Phillies. Both pitchers,Marcellus Bayless and Jacob Mitchell, dida fantastic job as well. Overall great hittingby the whole team.Junior 80's: Mudhens 19, DanvilleTigers 4. Mudhens were on fire today withall players hitting. Top Hitters: Kyle Moylan1B, 2B, 3RBI, 3RS; Johnny Bailey 2 1B,3RS; Hunter Gonsalves 1B, 2RBI, 2RS.Danville Tigers: Gabe W. 1B, 1RS; Nick A.1B, 1R; Jake M. 1B 1RBI, 1RS. Top Pitchersfor Mudhens: Johnny Bailey 3I, 3 SO; SeanDreger 21, 0SO. Danville Tigers: Anthon R1I, 7H, 6R, 1SO.Mets 12, Mudhens 6. Top Hitters forMets: Kyle Neves 1B, 3RBI, 2RS; AustinHarrison 1B,!RBI,2 RS; Brandon Cuy1B,1RBI. Top Hitters for Mudhens: DominicMingione 1B,2RBI, 3SB; Chris Hinds 2B,2RS/ Sean Dreger 1B, 2B, 2RBI, 2RS. TopPitchers for Mets: Griffin Miller 4I, 5H,6R, 5SO; Randal Young 5I, 0H, 0R, 0 SO.Top Pitchers for Mudhens: Sean Dreger 4I,0H,0R,0 SO; Jason Whitney 3I, 5H, 7R,4 SO.Game called after 2.5 hours of play.Minor AA: Giants 9, Yankees 9: TheAA Giants started out strong with AJ Moraispitching a shutout inning and catching a linedrive. Later, Thomas Young earned his firststrike out and Ryan Wenzel got 2 outs at firstand had 2 runs. For the Yankees, NicholasMelendez had 2 triples and a single andcaught a pop fly. Colton Osborn got an RBIPleasanton Cavaliers Youth Rugby Club hosted a huge youthrugby tournament in Muirwood Drive sports field, Pleasanton onSunday, March 13, with 7 teams from the Bay Area competing.The day kicked off at 11:00 am with 2 or 3 games being playedat any one time and continued through to 4:30 pm. Teamsparticiating were Pleasanton Cavaliers U8/U12/MS, Santa ClaraU8/U10/U12/MS, Mt. View U8/U10/U12, Peninsula U8/10, Los GatosU10, Larmorinda U12, Land Park MS (2 sides). Pictured are U12teams in action.single and Ethan James pitched well with2 strike outs.Diamondbacks 11, Red Sox 2: TheD-backs came alive - doubles by AJ Phillipsand Nathaniel Basinger in the first,andBrandon Harvey in the Second. A slew ofbase hits followed by Morgan Labrucherieand three by Scott McPherson. For the RedSoxs: Moghadam and Tompkins scoredfor the team. Great pitching by Collumand Jordon.A Division: Yankees: (Offense) NathanLloyd, Nick Gladen, Sam German; (Defense)Tate Massingale, Tovin Loth, Wesley Short.Giants:(Offense) Koston Markham, GavinReynolds, Joshua Johnson; (Defense)Mathieu Rocheleau, Justin Gilliam, JakeAddington.Yankees: (Offense) Jake Steele, JensenRoldan, Nathan Lloyd; (Defense) BobbyZepeda, Braeden Cochran, Hudson Steele.Orioles: (Offense) Iliza Shields, StevenGeyer, Antonio Rivalie; (Defense) JordanFritz, Liam Wilcox, Hayden Williams.Rangers vs. A's: Rangers top offenseplayers: Joe Schweig, Daniel Owen, BenWigginton; defense: Case Kerezsi, Jake(continued on page 8)

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The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011 - PAGE 9got loose from the onrushing keeper and sheoutran her to score. Elise Falgout's hustleand Franklin's and Hatch's runs put morepressure on the Lamorinda defense as theFusion counterattacked nicely. The defensestopped Lamorinda each time to keep thefinal score at 4-1.PGSL Opening DayOpening Day for the Pleasanton GirlsSoftball League (PGSL) is Saturday, March19 at the Pleasanton Sports Park. Festivitieswill be held at fields GSB 6 & 7. Last year’sPhantom teams will be recognized. Therewill be a Hall of Fame induction ceremonyand over 20 great items to raffle off this year.The League will specifically recognize allthe girls in the league who are seniors inhigh school and playing their final seasonin PGSL. Amador and Foothill softballteams will conduct a demonstration. Theannual complimentary Pancake breakfastwill start at 7:45am and conclude at 9:00am.Ceremonies will start at 9:10am. Over 800young girls are participating in the leaguefor the 2011 season. The public is invitedto help kickoff the new season.Bowling NewsJohn Twardy in the Cheyenne Leaguebowled 290, 268 and 257 for a 815 series atthe Granada Bowl in Livermore. Ray Salasrolled 255, 258 and 289 for a 802 series.Rich Holland in the 4 Seasons Heating &Air League bowled 184, 246 and 278 fora 708 series that is 185 pins over average.Bill Deuell in the Getaway Fours Leaguerolled 299 game. Tim Piper in the CheyenneLeague bowled 296.Aaron Fick in the Getaway Fours Leaguerolled 249, Jeff Cote 246, Doug Simens235, Wesley Nerton 226, Brian Estabrook223, Dave Moore 220, Rich Novotny 217,Don Evans 212 and Pat Fowler 200. RalphSoto in the Match Point League bowled277, Mike Balhorn 267, Derrek Gillians267, Steve Ohlsen 266, Jim Ford 262, MarkPollard 257, Bob Suhr 257, Savan Thakkar243, Mike Silva 230, Gail Carrol 225, JosieHylton 221 and Sean Tomasello 205. MarkMcCreary in the 4 Seasons Heating & AirLeague bowled 278, Brandon Klinefelter269, Gabe Donahue 268, Gil Criste 267,Steve Choate 263, Dave Erwin 247, JoeDiMaggio 245, Phil Sivret 242 and MikeAdema 234. Graham Scott in the PracticeKings & Queens League rolled 259, LanceGlossup 247, Jeff Spencer 246, Craig Truscott244, Bruce Ragusa 241, Daniel Dunn 231,Russ Overcash 225, Duane Moschetti 224,Marilyn Sowders 202, Tanya Kolman 200,Bill Sanders 199 and Mark Kaiser 196. MarkMcCreary in the Cheyenne League bowled279, Gene Bruihl 259, Joe Delise 254 andGlen Thompson 230. Steve Reitz in theEarly Years Fun Time League rolled 243,Keith Wilson 224, Brian Johmann 217, StacyStephenson 214 and Dan Turina 205. JeffRichter in the Family Affair League bowled227 and Mike Collins 206. Jeremy Stuber inthe Generation Gap League rolled 278, DanStuber 214, Dana Christofferson 202.Morning League Bowler - Frank Cerrosin the Primetime Seniors League bowled264, 203 and 215 for a 682 series that is 154pins over average, Charles Henderson 234,Mike Miller 224, John LeMire 210, DwayneChildress 207, Joe Burns 205, Rich Harris203, Shirley Davis 196, Dale Irving 194and Bill Andrew 177. Alma Taasevigen inthe Sirs & Sirettes League rolled 245, DonTunison 226, Paul Guerrero 224 and BoWong 202. Tom Crane in the Donna's MixersLeague bowled 256, Steve Riddle 230, PaulGuerrero 221, Neil Lund 219, Bill Nawrocki212, Doug Parker 211, Dick Braden 206 andJackie Thompson 204. Virgina Moore in theSenior Primetimers League rolled 215, johnFoscalina 211, Rich Alameda 209, AlmaTaasevigen 203 and Dick Harris 202.Youth Bowler - Chris Clark in the FamilyAffair League bowled 176. Alex Stuber inthe Generation Gap League rolled 267, 213and 278 for a 758 series that is 155 pins overaverage, Eric Smyth 279, Shawn Donohue257, Curtis Agness 248, Ross Anderson 245,Jacky Faltings 236, Justin Agness 221,Thomas L. HarperThomas L. Harper, a Labretiree, died Wednesday, March2, 2011 from pancreatic cancer.He was 67.Tom was born May 3, 1943in Salinas,Calif., to thelate Thomas L a w -rence andAnne MaeHarper. Heattended SacredHeartA c a d e m yand PalmaHigh Schoolin Salinasand was anEagle Scout. He received hisbachelor’s degree in mechanicalengineering from U.C. Berkeleyand a PhD in nuclear engineeringfrom MIT. His graduate workat MIT was done under a fullscholarship.Tom came to LLNL as aphysicist in L Division in 1969.One of his first assignments wasas an X-ray experimenter workingon the Cannikin Event at theAmchitka Island supplementaltest site. Soon after, he was assignedto re-write the Fluorescercomputer code, which is usedto design and analyze X-ray experiments.His revision was useduntil the end of nuclear testingand a modified version is still inuse by the Laser Program. The142-page accompanying reportis still the “bible” of such experiments.In 1972, he was nameddiagnostic project physicist forthe Delphinium Event and hecontinued as a Nevada Test Siteproject physicist for eight moreevents, the last being the majorOrkney Event in 1984. Towardthe end of this period, he servedas an underground test expert forZ division, returning to L Divisionin the early ‘80s.After the Orkney Event, Tommoved to the Nuclear DesignDepartment as a program managerand then transferred backto Z Division. He retired fromLLNL in November 1993 aspart of the VERIP-3 programand continued working as a Labassociate for Z Division. He latertransferred to AX Division towork on archiving and classificationreview.Tom enjoyed hiking and beingoutdoors in some of his favoriteplaces, including Yosemite, Tahoeand Marina Beach. He alsoenjoyed being home and caringfor his land and sheep. Tom andhis wife Susan, took trips lastyear to Denver, Colorado, GrandHaven, Michigan and Las Vegas,where they hiked and enjoyedtime together. They have beenmarried for 23 beautiful years.Tom was a working memberof the Sierra Club and worked onand with the City of Livermorefor many projects dear to hisheart. He was a large supporter ofconservation efforts and a memberof both the National WildlifeFederation and The AudubonSociety.Tom will be remembered forhis wonderful sense of humor,strong wit, intelligent mind andhis thirst for knowledge. Henever met anyone he did notlike and could hold a delightfulconversation with anyone aboutany subject. He loved his familydearly and took care of them eachand every day.Tom is deeply missed by hiswife, Susan; his children, LisaGauslow of Philadelphia, PA,Nathaniel (Sarah) Beighley ofGrand Haven, MI, Collin Beighleyof Grand Haven, MI, Paul(Christina) Harper of Oakley andNadia Harper of Livermore, CAand by his newest granddaughter,Chrissie Beth. Tom is alsosurvived by his mother-in-law,Marie Bytwerk of Livermore;sister-in-law, Mary McCort ofGainesville, FL; nephew, ShaneMcCort of Gainesville, FL andbrother-in-law, Richard (Donna)Bytwerk of West Palm Beach,FL.A celebration of Tom’s lifewill be held Friday, April 8, at 11a.m. in the Chapel at CornerstoneChurch in Livermore.The family of Tom wouldlike to thank all their wonderfulfriends and family for the support,prayer, visits, cards andletters they have provided duringthis difficult time. We wouldalso like to thank the Pastors atCornerstone for their love, time,prayer, encouragement and conversationswith Tom. He was sograteful. He was at peace.Arrangements by CallaghanMortuary.Laura L. ForkerLaura L. Forker passed awaypeacefully on March 9, 2011.She was 94 years old.She is survived by her sonTom Forker and sister Mary LouBooher.She wasa l o v i n gwife, sister,mother,grandmo t h e r ,great grandmo t h e r ,aunt andgreat auntto her exte n d e dfamily. She will be deeplymissed by everyone.Laura worked for the FederalGovernment for most of her life.She retired from Lawrence LivermoreNational Lab in 1972.Services were held at CallaghanMortuary, Livermore, onMarch 14, 2011. Burial followedat Memory Gardens Cemetery,Livermore.John Cortez Jr.John Cortez Jr. entered intorest on Tuesday, March 8, 2011surrounded by his loving family.He was theowner andoperator ofTire OutletStores inSan Jose,CA for 48years. Hehad livedin Livermorefor 33years.He wasborn in Pomona,CA on March 13, 1935 andattended James Lick High Schoolin San Jose before serving overseasin the U.S. Air Force. Uponreturning home, he met and marriedthe love of his life, Amelia.John was known for his generousspirit, his gourmet cooking andhis sense of humor. He loved toplay and teach the game of golf.He enjoyed camping, fishing andreading a good book. He especiallyloved spending time withhis grandchildren.John is survived by his lovingwife, Amelia, of 52 years anddevoted daughters Cindy Cortezof Livermore, Diana Cortez ofTulsa, OK, Annette Romeroand her husband Fernando Jr.of Livermore and Renee JonniKapus and her husband Kliff ofLivermore. He is also survivedby his 13 adoring grandchildren:John, Danielle, Gabrielle, Krista,Jessica, Alex, Bernadette, Victoria,Joshua, Michael, Keaton,Kincaid and Kolton. His generous,protective spirit will bemissed by all who knew him.A funeral service will be heldon Thursday, March 17, 2011 at11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Churchin Livermore. Burial to follow atSt. Michael’s Cemetery.Arrangements by CallaghanMortuary.Robert L. Normana.k.a “Little Bob”Bob passed away on the morningof February 3, 2011 withhis family in Tracy CA, after along battlewith cancer.He was bornAugust 17,1936.He is survivedby hiswife of 50years, MaryJean; daughterLeslie(aka Lynn), son Matthew, granddaughterAngelica and belovedfour legged buddy Tela.Little Bob, the “ElevatorOperator” was a favored pilotamong local skydivers and othersof the community at large. Heloved flying and spending timewith friends.A memorial service will beheld Sunday, March 20, 12:00-5:00pm at the Byron Airport. Allwho knew Bob are invited to jointhe celebration of his life.Bob was a 30 year residentof Livermore, an amateur radiomember with the call signKE6KHW. He now resides atthe San Joaquin Valley NationalCemetery in Santa Nella CA.Barbara Maxine FoscalinaMaxine was born on April 12,1921 in Kansas and passed awayat her residence with family byher side, on Monday, March 14,2011 in Livermore, California.She was 89years old.She enjoyedherf a m i l y ’ sc o m p a n yand quilting.She wasp r e c e d e din death byher husbandCharles in1987. Sheis survivedby her sons, Charles Foscalinaand wife Marilyn, John Foscalinaand wife Diane, James Foscalina,and Karen Foscalina, all ofLivermore, her 11 grandchildrenand 15 great grandchildren. TheFoscalina family would like tothank Rosewood Gardens inLivermore for their gracious andcaring support.A Rosary will be held onThurs., March 17 at 7 p.m. atCallaghan’s Chapel. A Mass ofChristian Burial will be celebratedon Friday, March 18 at 11 a.m.at St. Michael Catholic Church,458 Maple Street in Livermore.Burial will follow mass at RoselawnCemetery, 1240 N. LivermoreAvenue, Livermore, CA.Reception following.In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be made to a charity ofchoice.Shirley Ann(Henley) DarbeeShirley Ann (Henley) Darbeeof Livermore California passedaway March 13, 2011 after a longillness. Shirley was the epitomeof courage and strength havingsurvivedtwo typesof cancerbefore succumbingtothe third.Visitationw i l l b eMarch 17,2011, 11:30am with FuneralServices starting at noon atGraham-Hitch Mortuary, 4167First St., Pleasanton, CA. Aprivate graveside service willbe held at Memory Gardens inLivermore.A native Caifornian, Shirleywas raised in San Leandro. Sheis survived by her husband RockwellDarbee, children, Douglas(Della) Burruss, RichardSwinson III (Priscilla) Burruss,Jennifer (Mariano) Casado ofLivermore and grandchildren,Brianna (Amanda Burnham),Dillon, Amanda, Andrew andShay Burruss, Austin Salazar,Preston and Darbee Sherman,sister Donna Kelsey, as well asher two beloved dogs, Chiquitoand Lola.Shirley was preceded in deathby her parents, Sidney and MaudieHenley, brothers Donald Floydand Billy Ray Henley, sisters,Reba Jo Richards and Betty SueCarrolyn.Shirley was a long time residentof Livermore, California.She worked at the LawrenceLivermore National Laboratoryfor 25 years, retiring in 2004.Shirley will be remembered as adeeply loving and caring personwho loved life. She was passionateabout music, foremostthe Beatles. Shirley was themost generous and giving personknown to her family and friends.Even if she had little to give, shestill gave you everything youneeded.Shirley loved to travel withher husband, seeking adventurewherever the road would lead.She found great joy spendingtime with her family and mostenjoyed family gatherings, especiallyduring the holidays.Shirley will be sorely missed, asshe was the center of her families’lives. She will forever live in thehearts of all that knew her.Eleanor Kathryn FarrandEleanor Kathryn Farrand,87, died March 10, 2011 ofpneumonia. She was born Dec.23, 1925.E l e a n o r,widow ofWi l l i a mA . F a r -rand, livedin recentyears atHeritageE s t a t e sin Livermore,California. Born andraised in Mississippi, shelived in New Orleans beforemarriage. She and her husbandlived and raised their family inSouthern California. After retirementthey moved to the BayArea to be near their children andgrandchildren.Eleanor was born at the familyhome in Crystal Springs,Mississippi on December 23rd,1923. Her parents were bothfrom families with a long historyin Mississippi. Her ancestorswere part of the expansion ofAmerica, settlers moving west asthe borders of our nation movedwest. Her mother’s family, theSteens, moved from South Carolinato Tennessee, then on to Mississippiwhen the land opened upto settlers. They founded thenearby town of Steen’s Creek(later Florence). Her father’sfamily had lived in CrystalSprings for generations, tracingmany of its roots to the “GreatMigration,” the settling of NewEngland in the 1630’s.Eleanor’s father, Grady ShelbyFairman, met her mother,Ella Kate Steen, at MillsapsCollege where they both werestudents. They married in1916. Grady and Ella Kateraised their children, EleanorKathryn and Miller Merton Fairman,through the vicissitudes ofthe depression.After high school Eleanorlived in the dorms at Copiah-LincolnCollege, a two yearschool. She went on from thereto Newcomb College in NewOrleans, where she earned a B.A.in Art. She lived with her AuntAmy in the French Quarter. Thiswas during W.W.II; some of thetime in New Orleans was spentworking for Higgins Industries,famous for the Higgins Boat, thelanding craft used by the Alliesduring the war. At Higgins shewas one of only two women onthe payroll.She met Bill Farrand, a radiotechnician in the Navy, at a danceon one of the big paddlewheelMississippi River boats. He wasfrom Southern California. Hecourted her, mostly from afar,while in the Navy, and later backat UCLA in graduate school. Sheeventually agreed to marry him,but not before she won a place ina national student artist programand spent a semester in Morelia,Mexico.Married on Christmas Day of1947 (timing she later regrettedwhenever her wedding anniversarydisappeared into the family’sChristmas celebrations), she andher new husband drove acrosscountry to make a home in NorthHollywood. They both attendedUCLA, living in G.I. Bill housing.When their first son camealong in 1950, they left UCLAand moved to Downey whereBill began his career in aerospaceengineering. That careerincluded designing, building andinstalling the inertial guidancesystem that let the nuclear submarineNautilus find the NorthPole, designing the guidancesystem for the Minuteman I missile,and designing the first commercialelectronic calculator.In Downey Eleanor’s next twochildren were born. She was aloving and energetic mother andhomemaker. She learned to drive(a useful skill in the suburbs ofLA), nurtured her love of musicby performing in CommunityLight Opera, and continued alifetime habit of weekly airmailletters to her mother, sharing theactivities of her busy family. In1959, when Bill’s companymoved to Orange County, thefamily moved to Fullerton.There she held offices in thePTA and volunteered for the localart education center. Latershe worked on the Sister CityAssociation’s activities, whichled to several trips to Morelia,Mexico (by coincidence, thetown where she spent her semesterabroad). In 1969 she and Billdesigned and built their dreamhome on the lot next door, an expanseof stone walls, wood, andspaces for their active lives.She saw her sons and daughteroff to college and their adultlives. After her father died,she brought her mother to livewith her. Eventually she andher husband began to travelfor the fun of traveling. Theyvisited Europe, Asia, Centraland South America, and theSouth Pacific. Later they enjoyedcruises to Alaska, Mexico,and the Caribbean. They visitedseveral Senior Hostels. Eleanorand Bill became interested intheir family genealogies. Theypursued information about theirancestors around the US.By the time Bill finally retired,all three children and theirfamilies were living in NorthernCalifornia. So the two moved toPleasanton where they enjoyedretirement together. Bill diedin 2001, and Eleanor moved toHeritage Estates in Livermorewhen it opened in 2004. Thereshe lived until her final hospitalization.Eleanor is survived by herdaughter, Lanah L. Hotchkissof Redwood City, California,her son, Scott M. Farrand ofCarmichael, California, her son,A. Brady Farrand of Piedmont,California, their spouses, sixgrandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. On Wednesday,March 16th, 2011 a private familyservice was held. Eleanorwas interred at Odd FellowsMemorial Park in Livermore,California.Arrangements by CallaghanMortuary.Dorothy Anne Newman7-20-25 to 3-7-11Dorothy, 85, was a lovingmother and grandmother. Shewill be remembered by familyand friends as someone who wascompassionate and a joy to bearound. Dorothy will be greatlymissed.She is finally at peace and ishome with the Lord She will belaid to rest alongside her parents,William and Anne Gibbons atOlivett Memorial Park, Colma,CA.She is survived by her threechildren, Michael (wife Susan),Denise Hendricks (husbandChris), and Dennis (wifeJoan); six grandchildren, Andrew,Jamison (wife Chelsea),Christopher, Joseph, Kiley andNicole, as well as a cousin andseveral nieces.Dorothy worked 19 years forWatkins-Johnson in Palo Alto.For the past 17 years of her life,she worked for Nutro Dog andCat Food Company.Services will be held in Campbell,CA. Arrangements arepending.

PAGE 10 - The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011Wellness Walk Along Callippe TrailThis month’s trail hike sponsoredby World Walk to Wellnesswill begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday,March 19, in front of the CallippePreserve Golf Course clubhouse(patio nearest the parking lot,not on the golf course side) insoutheastern Pleasanton.Leading the walk will beexpert trail guide Dolores Bengtson.The trail is about 3 mileslong, with an elevation gainof several hundred feet in twoplaces. A shorter, more levelwalk on hard surfaces will beled by W. Ron Sutton, AKA “Mr.Pedometer,”founder of WorldWalk to Wellness and CEO ofcorporate sponsor ACCUSPLIT,maker of pedometers and stopwatches.All levels of walkersare welcome. There are restroomfacilities at the clubhouse andmidway through the full hike.“Those who plan on takingthe Callippe walk can expect tosee wonderful views of the golfcourse, as the trail actually goesaround it; great views to the westand south; and specimen valleyand live oaks, with several niceplaces where the trail actuallypasses through oak woodland,”Students from several schoolsin the Tri-Valley area will bewinding up a unique and verysuccessful learning experience atShadow Cliffs park this Saturdaymorning, March 19.The students have been participatingin a “Trout In Classroom”(TIC) program that givesthem the opportunity to witnesslive Rainbow Trout hatch fromtiny eggs right in their classroomand develop into active little minnowsswimming around in theiraquarium. The students havecompleted various classroomcurriculum plus other activitiesand projects related to the developmentand survival of theyoung fish.The City of Pleasanton willhost a free workshop on residentialsolar energy and energy efficientlighting on Saturday, March19 at the Pleasanton Senior Center,5353 Sunol Boulevard.The workshop, scheduledfrom 10:00 a.m. to noon, will includean overview by Peter Shoemakerof PG&E about residentialsolar energy—how it works, averagecosts, how to determine ifyour home is best situated for itsuse and a discussion by SantinoBernazzani on how the rebatesand incentives work. Marc St.Raymond of Recurve will alsodiscuss the recently launched En-Police in Alameda are planninga sobriety checkpoint onSt. Patrick’s Day with the help ofBART police on Thursday March17, with another checkpoint bythe Oakland police the next day.Police in Fremont, Livermore,Union City and on the UC Berkeleycampus will send out saturationpatrols all weekend, said Lt.Ava Garavatti of the LivermorePolice Dept., who chairs Avoidthe 21, the county’s multi-juris-said Bengtson.“With luck, we’ll also seepoppies in bloom, along withCalifornia violets, which arethe host plants for the Callippebutterfly,” she continued. “Thesouth trail is adjacent to landpreserved as open space forever;that land has many blue birdboxes on the fence, so hopefullywe will see Western Bluebirds.Red-tail hawks are a commonsight, soaring over the grasslandshunting for prey.”Participants should wear comfortableshoes, dress in layers, andbring along water. The walk willtake place rain or shine, “unlessthe rain is falling horizontally,”according to Sutton. Recent rainshave made the hills surroundingCallippe Preserve a lovely green,so this is a perfect time of year toexplore this part of Pleasanton“from a new angle.”“We are pleased that somepeople have accepted our invitationto ‘walk’n’talk’ almost everyweek, and some new membershave made the commitment to‘get walking,’” said Sutton, notingthat in the weeks betweentrail walks, the group exploresdifferent public parks in Pleasanton.“The buddy system reallyworks well to help us achieve ouractivity goals, so come on yourown, or bring a buddy, but let’s all‘walk’n’talk’ on Saturday mornings.”To sign up for e-mail notificationof where weekend walksare taking place, go to walks@worldwalktowellness.org.All World Walk to Wellnessevents are free of charge (andrequire no reservations), butparticipants have the opportunityto voluntarily contribute to PleasantonPartnerships in Education(PPIE) Foundation. So far, WorldWalk to Wellness has contributedabout $6,000 to PPIE, includingmatching funds provided bycorporate sponsor ACCUSPLITat wellness festivals.First Street in downtownPleasanton becomes Sunol Boulevard.To reach the CallippePreserve Golf Course (8500Clubhouse Drive), take SunolBlvd. south from the intersectionof Bernal Avenue to SycamoreRoad (1.8 miles., passing OakHills Shopping Center, then uphillpast Pioneer Cemetery). Atthe signal, turn left (east) ontoSycamore Road and bear rightat the fork in the road (1-tenthof a mile). This road becomesAlisal, with several sharp turns(1.1 mile). Turn left onto Westbridge,at the golf course sign.(If you find yourself on HappyValley Road, you have missedthe turn.) Westbridge becomesClubhouse Road. It is 1.1 milefrom the left turn off of Alisal tothe clubhouse parking lot.Please note that parking islimited at this popular municipalgolf course. Consider carpoolingwith fellow walkers. At the endof the walk, participants havethe option of purchasing refreshmentsat the clubhouse.Next month’s trail hike willtake place at 9 a.m. on Saturday,April 9, on the Marilyn KaneTrail, which is located on WestLagoon Road, off of BernalAvenue (between Hwy. 680 andFoothill Road).Students to Release Fish Raised As Part of 'Trout' ProgramSaturday morning the studentswill be releasing theirlittle aquatic friends in the parkreservoir, where they hope thefish will develop into colorfulhealthy adults. The teachershave planned several activitiesat the park that will conclude theprogram for this year. The studentshave learned a lot about thefish, their life cycle, their habitatand environmental requirements.The best part is that the studentshave really enjoyed the learningexperience.The TIC program is sponsoredby the “Tri-Valley FlyFishers” (TVFF) as one of their“Outreach” activities. They findfunds through grants to supplythe classrooms, at no cost to theteachers or school districts, withthe aquarium and related refrigerationequipment and other supplies.Club members volunteertheir time to set-up the equipmentand train and support the teacheras needed to make the programoperate smoothly.Dedicated classroom teachersare the heart of the program.They attend a workshop thatteaches them about the fish, theaquarium (and related equipment),and curriculum (approvedby California state EducationalStandards) plus other relatedclassroom projects and activities.The program has proven to be avery effective learning tool forPleasanton to Host Solar Energy Workshopergy Upgrade California programand the benefits of a whole houseenergy assessment. A questionand answer session will followthe presentation and a numberof solar installers and energyefficient lighting vendors willalso be available to speak to thepublic and answer questions inan informal setting.The use of solar energy topower homes is one segment ofthis overall growth as homeownerstap into sunshine to produceelectricity and heat water andswimming pools.Installing solar panels is ahome improvement project thatCrackdown Planned on DUI On St. Pat's DayThe musical feature “MammaMia!,” which features musicperformed by the Swedish popmusic group Abba, will be shownMarch 20 at the Vine Theater inLivermore as a fund-raiser forthe Pleasanton Tri-Valley RotaryClub.This special event is singalongscreen presentation wherethe audience is encouraged to singalong with the musical portions ofthe film. Karaoke style subtitleswill appear below the frame ofthe movie during the musicalnumbers so audience memberswho are less familiar with Abba’slyrics can sing-along.There will be lots of surprisesdictional crackdown on drunkand drugged drivers.These patrols are in additionto regularly scheduled policecoverage, she said. They arestaffed by each department’s bestDUI officers.“Sober, licensed designateddrivers are everyone’s favoritepeople,” Garavatti commented.“They regularly save lives anddon’t cost anyone a penny. Don’trely on pure dumb luck to getpays dividends in several ways,including the environmentalbenefit of producing your ownclean energy. Homeowners canalso benefit by increasing thevalue of their property with asolar installation and, at the sametime, avoid future energy rateincreases.The U.S. Department of Energyreports that nationwide, artificiallighting consumes about 10%of a household’s electricity use.Using new lighting technologiescan reduce lighting energy usein homes by 50-75%. Upgrading15 of the inefficient incandescentlight bulbs in a home could savehome after you’ve been drinking.”She also requests that peoplewho see dangerous drivers onthe road turn them in by dialing911 on their mobile phones.Avoid the 21 will hit thestreets for Cinco de Mayo andMemorial Day weekend.The crackdown is funded bythe California Office of TrafficSafety through the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration.'Mamma Mia' Sing-Along to Raise Funds for Rotary Clubthroughout the evening.The pre-event social starts at5:30. Sing-along screening startsat 7:00.The Vine Theater is located at1722 First St., Livermore.To purchase tickets, call 273-1603.the teachers and they all love it.The California Department ofFish and Game (DFG) regulatesthe program. It supplies and controlsthe eggs and the distributionof the fish that hatch and develop.It regulates the minimum teachertraining requirements and certifythe teachers that meet them.Several teachers and studentswill participate in the fish releaseSaturday morning to plant thefish in the reservoir and celebrateanother successful year. Amongthe activities planned for theevent are fly casting demonstrationsand clinics (given byTVFF members) for interestedstudents.about $50 per year.For more information aboutthe free workshop, please call(925) 931-5506.'Lasting Legacy'Seminar OfferedThe Rotarian Foundation ofLivermore will host a free seminarabout basic estate planningand planned giving.“Leave a Lasting Legacy” willtake place on March 22 at 6:30p.m. at the Livermore Library,1188 So. Livermore Ave.Please RSVP to grrutherford@comcast.net.The Alameda County TransportationCommission (AlamedaCTC) invites the general publicand all interested parties to attenda Community Workshop regardingthe Alameda CountywideTransportation Plan (CWTP) andthe Transportation ExpenditurePlan (TEP).The workshop will be heldThurs., March 24 at the DublinLibrary, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin.Informational open house is from6:30 to 7 p.m. wiht the worlshop7 to 8:30 p.m.The public is invited to helpthe Alameda CTC plan for transportationimprovements and prioritizetransportation investmentsover the next 25 years. CommunityWorkshops are scheduled asfollows to solicit public input atthe following locations and times.The third meeting is Wednesday,March 9th.The Alameda CWTP is along-range policy document thatguides transportation fundingEight Alameda County farmers’markets will offer food stamprecipients a special incentivethis summer: Spend at least $10in SNAP (food stamps) at themarket, and receive $5 for freeto spend at the market.Among those participatingwill be the Livermore and PleasantonFarmers Markets.“The goal of this project is toencourage SNAP recipients totake advantage of fresh, locallygrownfruits and vegetables,”says Sarah Nelson, Special ProjectsCoordinator for the PacificCoast Farmers’ Market Association.“By offering an incentivethat lowers the price of freshproduce, we are helping shoppersstretch their food dollars whilekeeping their families healthy.”The incentive program beganon March 1 and will continuethrough the end of October.Targeted markets have alreadyLEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDSInput Sought on CountyTransportation Plandecisions for Alameda County’stransportation system over thenext 25 years. The TEP is theAlameda County half-cent transportationsales tax initiative, currentlyknown as Measure B. As akey source of local funding, theTEP funds transportation projectsand programs, such as operationsand maintenance, in AlamedaCounty.The CWTP is being updated toaddress legislative and regulatorychanges in transportation, as wellas changing demographics andeconomic trends and to addresscurrent and future transportationneeds.The CWTP will also providea framework and guidelines fortransportation planning in accordancewith regional goals andplanning policy requirements.For more information on theAlameda CTC, ACCMA andACTIA, visit the website www.alamedactc.org.Farmers' Markets Offer IncentiveTo Purchase Fresh Foodseen a 100% increase in SNAPredemption. Markets are promotingthe incentive programthrough a grassroots campaign.Two community outreach internsare visiting social service offices,low-income housing sites,schools, and clinics, handing outflyers and talking to staff andclients about the program.The project, organized by SanFrancisco-based nonprofit Rootsof Change, is part of a statewideeffort to increase access to fruitsand vegetables among SNAPrecipients.All participating markets aremanaged by the Pacific CoastFarmers’ Market Association.For more information aboutthe project, please contact SarahNelson at (925) 825 9090 or sarahnelson@pcfma.com.www.independentnews.comLEGAL NOTICESFOR INFORMATIONPLACING LEGALNOTICESCONTACT RICHARD @925 243-8000FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 448458The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Real EntertainmentManagement, 869Caliente Ave, Livermore, CA94550, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):JCUBED INC, 869 CalienteAve, Livermore, CA 94550This business is conductedby: a CorporationThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the ficti-tious business name(s) listedabove on February 9, 2011.Signature of Registrant:/s/: Jon Thomas Van FossenThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon February 24, 2011. ExpiresFebruary 24, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2946. Published March 3, 10,17, 24, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 448185The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Valley WideTransport, 353 YosemiteDr, Livermore, CA 94551,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Terrence Francis Monser,353 Yosemite Dr, Livermore,CA 94551This business is conductedby: an IndividualRegistrant has not yet begunto transact business underthe fictitious business nameor names listed.Signature of Registrant:/s/: Terrence F. MonserThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon February 16, 2011. ExpiresFebruary 16, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2947. Published March 3, 10,17, 24, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 448621The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Motion Analytix,2480 Ancona Circle, Livermore,CA 94550, is herebyregistered by the followingowner(s):Douglas L. Perry, 2480 AnconaCircle, Livermore, CA94550This business is conductedby: an IndividualThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on January 25, 2011.Signature of Registrant:/s/: Douglas L. PerryThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon February 28, 2011. ExpiresFebruary 28, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2950. Published March 10,17, 24, 31, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 447798The following person(s) doingbusiness as: The UPSStore (#4722), 1452 N VascoRd, Livermore, CA 94551,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Edward B. Belmont, 1154Central Ave, Livermore, CA94551Leslee Belmont, 1154 CentralAve, Livermore, CA 94551This business is conductedby: Husband and WifeThe registrant began to transactbusiness under the fictitiousbusiness name(s) listedabove on April 7, 2003.Signature of Registrant:/s/: Edward B. BelmontThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon February 7, 2011. ExpiresFebruary 7, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2951. Published March 10,17, 24, 31, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 448475The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Deliver More,454 North L St, Livermore, CA94551, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Amber Star Lancaster, 454North L St, Livermore, CA94551This business is conductedby: an IndividualRegistrant has not yet begunto transact business underthe fictitious business nameor names listed.

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDSwww.independentnews.comThe Independent, MARCH 17, 2011 - PAGE 11Signature of Registrant:/s/: Amber S. LancasterThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon February 24, 2011. ExpiresFebruary 24, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2952. Published March 10,17, 24, 31, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 448530The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Willow Tree,6513 Regional St, Dublin, CA94568, is hereby registered bythe following owner(s):Willow Tree Restaurant, Inc.,a California Corporation,6513 Regional St, Dublin,CA 94568,This business is conductedby: a CorporationThe registrant began totransact business under thefictitious business name(s)listed above on December14, 1983.Signature of Registrant:/s/: Marina Chin, SecretaryThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon February 25, 2011. ExpiresFebruary 25, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2957. Published March 17,24, 31, April 7, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 448875The following person(s) doingbusiness as: MavericksWood, 3661 A N. VascoRd., Livermore, CA 94551,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Leland Jay, 3661 A N. VascoRd., Livermore, CA 94551This business is conductedby: Co-partnersRegistrant has not yet begunto transact business underthe fictitious business nameor names listed.Signature of Registrant:/s/: Leland Jay and JanetJayThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon March 4, 2011. ExpiresMarch 4, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2958. Published March 17,24, 31, April 7, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 448412The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Four FoolsWinery, 3408 Isle Royal Ct,Pleasanton, CA 94588, ishereby registered by the followingowner(s):John J Conroy, 3408 IsleRoyal Ct, Pleasanton, CA94588This business is conductedby: an IndividualRegistrant has not yet begunto transact business underthe fictitious business nameor names listed.Signature of Registrant:/s/: John J ConroyThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon February 23, 2011. ExpiresFebruary 23, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2959. Published March 17,24, 31, April 7, 2011.FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENTFILE NO. 449024The following person(s) doingbusiness as: Sarva-IT Solutions,5716 Owens Dr, Apt102, Pleasanton, CA 94588,is hereby registered by thefollowing owner(s):Gopikrishna Manchala, 5716Owens Dr, Apt 102, Pleasanton,CA 94588This business is conductedby: an IndividualRegistrant has not yet begunto transact business underthe fictitious business nameor names listed.Signature of Registrant:/s/: Gopikrishna ManchalaThis statement was filed withthe County Clerk of Alamedaon March 9, 2011. ExpiresMarch 9, 2016.The Independent Legal No.2960. Published March 17,24, 31, April 7, 2011.NOTICE OF INVITING BIDSNotice is hereby given thatsealed competitive bids willbe accepted at the AlamedaCounty Social Services AgencyContracts Office, 2000 SanPablo Avenue, 4th Floor,Oakland, CA 94612 NET-WORKING/SOUTH COUNTYBIDDERS CONFERENCERFP# SSA-RPR-FY 11/12– Resource Parent Recruitment,Tuesday, March 22,2011, 1:30 p.m. – Eden AreaMulti-Service Center, 24100Amador Way, Poppy Room,2nd Floor, Hayward, CA NET-WORKING/NORTH COUNTYBIDDERS CONFERENCERFP# SSA-RPR-FY 11/12– Resource Parent Recruitment,Wednesday, March23, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – AlamedaCounty Social ServicesAgency, 2000 San Pablo Ave,Berkeley Room, 3 rd Floor,Oakland, CA ResponsesDue by 3:00 pm on April 15,2011 County Contact: KarenObidah at (510) 267-8608 orvia email: kobida@acgov.org Attendance at NetworkingConference is Non-mandatory.Specifications regardingthe above may be obtainedat the Current ContractingOpportunities Internet websiteat www.acgov.org.3/17/11CNS-2061009#The Independent Legal No.2953. Published March 17,2011.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, Suite800, Oakland, CA 94612MANDATORY INFORMA-TION CONFERENCE- N.County RFP/SOQ 10034,San Lorenzo Library BuildingExpansion Project - Architectural& Engineering ProfessionalServices, Monday,March 28, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.– General Services Agency,1401 Lakeside Drive., ConferenceRoom 1107, 11 th Floor,Oakland, CA NETWORKINGINFORMATION CONFER-ENCE- N. County RFP/SOQ10034, San Lorenzo LibraryBuilding Expansion Project- Architectural & EngineeringProfessional Services,Wednesday, March 30, 2011,at 10:00 a.m. – General ServicesAgency, 1401 LakesideDrive., Conference Room201, 2 nd Floor, Oakland, CAAttendance at the MandatoryInformation Conferenceis required ResponsesDue by 2:00 pm on May3, 2011 County Contact :Bernadette Delgado at (510)208-9590 or via email: bernadette.delgado@acgov.org Information regardingthe above may be obtainedat the Current ContractingOpportunities Internet websiteat www.acgov.org.3/17/11CNS-2061092#The Independent Legal No.2954. Published March 17,2011.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, Suite800, Oakland, CA 94612MANDATORY INFORMA-TION CONFERENCE- N.County RFP/SOQ 10034,San Lorenzo Library BuildingExpansion Project – ConstructionManagement ProfessionalServices, Tuesday,March 29, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.– General Services Agency,1401 Lakeside Drive., ConferenceRoom 1107, 11 th Floor,Oakland, CA NETWORKINGINFORMATION CONFER-ENCE- N. County RFP/SOQ10034, San Lorenzo LibraryBuilding Expansion Project- Construction ManagementProfessional Services,Thursday, March 31, 2011,at 10:00 a.m. – General ServicesAgency, 1401 LakesideDrive., Conference Room201, 2 nd Floor, Oakland, CAAttendance at the MandatoryInformation Conferenceis required ResponsesDue by 2:00 pm on May4, 2011 County Contact :Bernadette Delgado at (510)208-9590 or via email: bernadette.delgado@acgov.org Information regardingthe above may be obtainedat the Current ContractingOpportunities Internet websiteat www.acgov.org.3/17/11CNS-2061132#The Independent Legal No.2955. Published March 17,2011.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 94612N E T W O R K I N G / N O R T HCOUNTY BIDDERS CON-FERENCE RFP #900863for Multilingual InterpretationServices, Tuesday, March22, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – GeneralServices Agency, 1401Lakeside Drive, Room 1107,11th Floor, Oakland, CA NET-WORKING/SOUTH COUNTYBIDDERS CONFERENCERFP #900863 for MultilingualInterpretation Services,Wednesday, March 23, 2011,2:00 p.m. – Dublin PublicLibrary, 200 Civic Plaza, TheProgram Room, Dublin, CAResponses Due by 2:00 pmon April 20, 2011 CountyContact : Ann Marie Romero(510) 208-9742 or via email:AnnMarie.Romero@acgov.org Attendance at NetworkingConference is Non-mandatory.Specifications regardingthe above may be obtained atthe Alameda County CurrentContracting OpportunitiesInternet website at www.acgov.org.3/17/11CNS-2061156#The Independent Legal No.2956. Published March 17,2011.ANIMALS2) 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 at the PleasantonFarmers Market at W.Angela and First Streets.Two locations will showcasecats only: Petsmart in Dublinnoon to 4 and the Pet FoodExpress in Livermore 1 to 4.Sundays, cats are at Petsmartin Dublin 1 to 4, and PetCoin San Ramon 11 to 3. TVARat (925) 803-7043 website atwww.tvar.orgEMPLOYMENT60) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITYBE WARY of out of areacompanies. Check with thelocal Better Business Bureaubefore you send money orfees. Read and understandany contracts before you sign.Shop around for rates.65) ENGINEERINGEngineers-Product Development/Marketing/ Sales/Support for LED productsfor Asia Pacific region. Mail:Job 4900-01, Bridgelux,101 Portola Ave, Livermore,CA 9455170) PROGRAMMERPROGRAMMER ANA-LYST (SR. JAVA PRO-GRAMMER), Scane Corp.,Pleasanton, CAReq: Bachelors in computeror business-related field, orforeign equivalent, + 5 yrs ofrelated/similar progressiveprogramming experience.Knowledge/experience of:development/analysis rolein large enterprise setting;MVC Frame Works Struts/Spring, Spring AOP, Hibernate,Web Services(Axis, SOAP), J2EE, JAXB,Multithreading, Object Design,and Service-OrientedArchitecture, Websphereand Rational ApplicationDeveloper, RDBMSwith DB2 or Oracle, andJ2EE, EJB, JMX, XML,XSL, XSLT, XSLFO, Tiles,Velocity, JSF and JMS,HTML, CSS, Java script,AJAX, SQL, Maven, CVSand UNIX scripting. Emailresumes to: Hari Cheruku,hari@scanecorp.comTO PLACE ACLASSIFIED ADcall Richard925 243-8000MERCHANDISE127) LOST/ FOUNDJEWELRY Well-MadeHoop Earring, 14k gold,with small stones. Pleasedescribe to claim. 925-447-5475NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS155) NOTICES“NOTICE TO READERS:California law requires thatcontractors taking jobs that total$500 or more (labor and/ormaterials) be licensed by theContractors State LicenseBoard. State law also requiresthat contractors include theirlicense numbers on all advertising.Check your contractor’sstatus at www.cslb.ca.govor 800-321-CSLB (2752).Unlicensed persons takingjobs less than $500 muststate in their advertisementsthat they are not licensed bythe Contractors State LicenseBoard.”REAL ESTATEInland Valley Publishing Co.Client Code:04126-00001Re: Legal Notice forClassified AdsThe Federal Fair Housing Act,Title VII of the Civil RightsAct of 1964, and state lawprohibit advertisements forhousing and employmentthat contain any preference,limitation or discriminationbased on protected classes,including race, color, religion,sex, handicap, familial statusor national origin. IVPC doesnot knowingly accept anyadvertisements that are inviolation of the law.What’s In a Price?By Cher WollardThis week marks the official start of Spring. That means thehigh season for home sales and purchases is upon us.If you are a seller just getting into the market, or a buyerconsidering making an offer on a property, the first thing toconsider is “price”: what price to ask, what price to offer, whatprice to agree to.In Livermore, there are currently 239 homes offered for saleon the Multiple Listing Service, ranging in price from a low of$68,000 for a one-bedroom condo to a high of $3.988 million fora Tuscan-style vineyard estate home.Chances are, your home falls somewhere in between.Sizing Up the CompetitionBefore you list your home, your Realtor will prepare a ComparativeMarket Analysis, which measures your house againstother similar properties that are on the market, are in contractor have sold recently – usually within the last 3-6 months. YouRealtor will begin with homes that are or were listed on the MLS,but should also consider new homes and homes sold by ownersor by real estate agents who do not use the MLS.The CMA will compare homes of similar size and conditionin the same or a comparable neighborhood to yours. Your agentmay also factor in whether or not your home is being sold as ashort sale, since that may affect the price you are able to get foryour home.If you are being transferred for your job and are using yourcompany’s relocation services, your agent will likely prepare aBroker Price Opinion. BPOs are similar to CMAs, but includeextensive questions about availability of homes and how quicklythe market is moving. Banks also use BPOs when determininghow to price properties they own and what price to accept onshort sales.Once your Realtor has helped you arrive at an estimated valuefor your home, he or she will likely compare that to other propertiespriced similarly in your community. If your house does notquite measure up, you may be advised to make improvementsin the property, such as painting, replacing flooring, counter orwindow treatments, or resodding the lawn. Or you may decideto adjust your price to be more competitive.Determining ValueThe List Price is the price for which the seller offers the property.For example, let’s say your house is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathhome in good condition in a nice neighborhood that you and yourRealtor have agreed to price at $445,000.Chances are your home will be viewed by buyers looking inthe $425,000-$450,000 price range.Buyers who see your home and like it, still may not be willingto pay the List Price. They may look at the statistics, see thatsingle-family homes in Livermore are currently selling at anaverage of 2 percent below List Price and, based on that, offer$436,100. This is the Offer Price.Or the buyers may have seen another home they consider tobe comparable, priced at $430,000, and so offer that price.Other buyers may believe your home is worth $445,000 andare willing to pay it, but want you to complete significant repairsor pay part of their closing costs. A buyer who offers $445,000 foryour home and receives a credit of 3 percent of the price towardclosing costs is actually only paying you $431,650.We are seeing more multiple-offer situations in the Tri-Valleythis season. That means your home may have two or more partiesbidding on your home. Multiple offers do not always translateinto higher prices, but it is possible that one or more of the OfferPrices on your home will be higher than the List Price.Sellers may agree to accept or reject any Offer Price, or theymay negotiate other price and terms. The price buyers and sellersagree to is the Contract Price.Sometimes buyers and sellers will agree to a Contract Price,only to have new information arise, during inspections, for example,that affect the perceived value. The buyers may ask thesellers to pay for significant repairs or seek to renegotiate theContract Price. The sellers have the option to accept the newterms and continue with the transaction, or reject them and risklosing the buyers. The sellers would then have to go back on themarket, perhaps adjusting the List Price.Closing the DealMarket conditions determine value, but the transaction willalso likely require an appraisal. Appraised Value is the price alicensed appraiser places on the property. Like a Realtor doinga CMA or BPO, appraisers compare the home with othercomparable homes. But while Realtors are most focused on thecurrent competition, appraisers focus most heavily on sales thathave closed. They want to know not just the sales price, but whatcredits were given on those sales.The appraiser’s job is to protect the lender from exposure tomore debt than the property is worth. That means they are oftenmore conservative in their estimates than Realtors – or even thanthe marketplace.Sellers faced with an offer significantly above comparableproperties in their area should consider carefully before accepting.It does no good to accept a high offer price if the sale is destinedto collapse due to a lower appraised value.Sometimes if a property does not appraise high enough forthe buyers to get a loan, the sellers will reduce the contract priceto meet the appraised price. Sometimes the buyers will put moremoney down on the home to compensate for the difference. Theprice the property actually sells for is the sales price.Whether you are looking to buy or sell property, contact yourlocal Realtor for information on market conditions. He or she canhelp you determine the right price.HARP Extended Another YearThe Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has beenextended until June 30, 2012, the Federal Housing FinanceAgency announced Friday.The program, which is designed to assist homeowners whoowe more on their mortgage than the current Market Value oftheir home. Through HARP, these homeowners can refinance ata lower interest rate.HARP was due to expire at the end of June.A House subcommittee is also considering extending the HomeAffordable Modification Program (HAMP). Moves to extend twoother companion programs, the FHA Short-Refi program and theEmergency Assistance Loan Program to help unemployed andunderemployed home owners, were voted down in committee.Cher Wollard is a Realtor withPrudential California Realty, Livermore.

PAGE 12 - The Independent, MARCH 17, 2011Researchers Learn from Success at Marylin AvenueLeading researchers in thefield of education continue tolearn from and recognize MarylinAvenue Elementary Schoolfor its reform efforts, and thecontinuous improvement inteaching and program that haveresulted in unprecedented growthin student achievement.After two-year gains in studentproficiency on the CST’sin math (from 28% to 57%) andin ELA (from 24% to 34%), andafter realizing a 87 API gain,Victoria Bernhardt authoredData, Data, Everywhere (2007).She is a member of Education forthe Future Initiative. The bookdescribes how Marylin Avenueuses multiple sources of datafor school improvement. Thisbook documents the success ofa school that looked at more thanstudent achievement data. Everyyear, Marylin analyzes its demographic,perception, process, andstudent achievement data.In June of 2010, Kristen Anderson,with the Leadershipand Learning Center, asked theMarylin staff to submit a chapterfor publication in, Data TeamSuccess Stories. The book isabout schools and districts fromacross the country that have hadsuccess with the Data Team Process.Each grade level team usesthe Data Team Process at Marylinto analyze assessment data, identifystrengths and weaknesses ofstudent work, set goals, agree ona plan for how they will achievetheir goals, and agree on whichassessment they will use to reassess,and when (which is usuallyevery two weeks).This past December, a thirdbook came out entitled, Responseto Intervention (RTI) and ContinuousSchool Improvement(CSI), by Victoria Bernhardtand Connie Hebert (2010). Thislatest book outlines how MarylinAvenue School uses multiplesources of data to design, implement,and evaluate a school-wideintervention system. Bernhardtand Hebert will be presentingthis book at the Association forSupervision and CurriculumDevelopment conference in SanFrancisco this month.Recently, Andy Hargreaves,a prominent researcher fromBoston College, spent an entireday at Marylin Avenue School.He interviewed teachers, SuperintendentKelly Bowers, andPrincipal Jeff Keller. Additionally,Professor Hargreaves spenttime in classrooms, and attendeda grade level data team meeting.The purpose of his visit was togather data for a new book he anda colleague are writing on effectiveorganizations. Their researchhas taken them to Finland, Singapore,and now, Livermore.From 2005 to 2010 Marylinhas increased their API from a655 to 796, their similar schoolscore has risen from a 1 to a 10,and they have almost tripled thepercentage of students proficientin math (from 28% to 68%), andalmost doubled the percentageof students proficient in ELA(from 24% to 45%). This dramaticgrowth is the reason whyresearchers, Superintendents, andother schools are looking to learnfrom Marylin Avenue School.BART(continued from page one)eral Plan by adding a new Actionitem to the Goal of providingalternatives to single-occupancyvehicular travel. That new ActionItem would be that the Cityshould advocate a preference fora BART extension along 1-580to a station at Isabel, with a laterextension to a Greenville I-580station.”Proponents of the initiativecite the cost, $4 billion in today’sdollars according to keepbarton580.org,possible new taxes,and hardship to residents andbusinesses along the proposedroute as reasons against theDowntown Station. They alsosay that the freeway route wouldattract more riders, keep out-oftowntraffic off First and VascoStreets, provide a good cost-tobenefitratio, and make fundingpossible.“I want BART, but not in thecenter of town,” says Pokorny.“I’m gathering signatures toput the initiative on the ballotso the people of Livermore canhave their say. People may havedifferent views on this than me.I think everyone should have achance to vote.”The initiative advocates saythat Portola and Junction Avenueswill be torn up for six toseven years during the tunnelingprocess and at least 80 homesalong the route will be demolished.Bob Vinn, an assistant cityengineer with the City of Livermore,says this is inaccurate.“Project plans and specificationshave not yet been developed.At this early conceptualstage, the work along Portola andJunction would most likely be acut and cover operation, whichis generally done a block at atime while maintaining access tobusinesses and residents. It maytake a few years to complete theentire distance from I-580 to theDowntown Station, but the workin any particular block wouldlikely be completed within severalmonths,” he explains.If the initiative passes, theCity would be obligated to advocatefor BART along the freeway,says Vinn. “BART along thefreeway would not be eligible forfederal, state or regional fundingbecause the City cannot meetthe Metropolitan TransportationCommission’s Transit OrientedDevelopment policy,” he explains.“Therefore, a vote againstBART to Downtown and Vasco isessentially a vote against BARTto Livermore.”That policy requires an additional6,414 housing units withina half-mile radius of the stationsites for the freeway alignment,but only 1,516 additional housingunits for the Downtown-Vascoalignment.The next step for the City isa station area planning processto examine access, parking,pedestrian and bicycle connections,potential zoning changesto provide for transit orienteddevelopment within walkingdistance of the station, height,density, design, and other issues.If the City receives a Focus StationArea and Land Use PlanningGrant from the Association ofBay Area Governments (ABAG),that planning process could startin late 2011.“The City will coordinatewith the school district, as wellas other stakeholders, during thestation area planning process.We will also coordinate with theschool district during the preparationof a project level EnvironmentalImpact Review in whichthe actual environmental impactsto Junction Avenue School wouldbe determined,” says Vinn.Livermore school superintendentKelly Bowers says it’s prematurefor the Livermore SchoolDistrict to expend any resourceson the project. “We simply can’tproject the exact need of anyfacility that far ahead, given thecontinually changing face ofeducation and our community,”she says.Pokorny has a sixth graderand a kindergartener, so it’s likelythat even if the Downtown Stationgoes through and everythinggoes perfectly, she wouldn’thave a child at Junction whenwork commences. Vinn saysthat if funding were available,construction could begin in 8 to10 years. Funding to constructthe project has not been secured,so construction is likely furtherin the future.For more information, visitwww.keepbarton580.org andhttp://barttolivermore.org.

THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION IIArt, Community, & EducationTHURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011Spinning wheelsChinese Acrobats at the BankheadChina’s premier acrobatic touringcompany the Golden DragonAcrobats will take the stage onMarch 25 at the Bankhead Theaterin downtown Livermore for a spectacularshow of skill and beauty.For more than 40 years, thegroup has entertained audiencesof all ages with their presentationof traditional dance, acrobatictechniques, and colorful costumes,Clarinetist Joe Bonfiglio joinsthe Livermore-Amador Symphonyfor a performance of Aaron Copland’sClarinet Concerto on Saturday,March 26, at 8:00 p.m. at theBankhead Theater in Livermore.The program will also featurethe Symphony No. 4 of JohannesBrahms and The Wasps, AristophanicSuite by Ralph VaughanWilliams.Highlighting the performanceis the Copland Clarinet Concertowhich has become a masterwork ofthe clarinet repertoire. It was commissionedby Benny Goodman,the legendary “King of Swing,”in 1947. Goodman gave the worldpremiere performance in 1950.Soloist for the Copland is JoeBonfiglio whose early musicalcombined with ancient and contemporarymusic. The GoldenDragon Acrobats will appear atthe Bankhead Theater for one performanceonly on Friday evening,March 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.The Golden Dragon Acrobatsrepresent a centuries-old traditionof precision acrobatics in China,an art form that became familiarto audiences worldwide during thecareer brought him unique insightinto the concerto. As anundergraduate at the PeabodyConservatory in Baltimore, he hadthe privilege of meeting his idol,clarinetist Harold Wright of theBoston Symphony, back stage followinga performance by Wright ofthe concerto in Washington, D.C.While studying clarinet at the JulliardSchool with Stanley Drucker,longtime principal clarinetist of theNew York Philharmonic, Bonfigliowas invited to observe Drucker rehearsedthe concerto with LeonardBernstein on the podium and AaronCopland in attendance. Bonfigliocalls the subsequent performanceby Stanley Drucker, “The greatestlive performance I’ve ever heard(continued on page 2)celebration of the 2008 Olympicsin Beijing. Now considered thepremier Chinese acrobatic touringcompany, the Golden Dragon Acrobatsare known for their remarkablefeats of physical strength,concentration and technique thatleave audiences spellbound asthey spin, balance and suspendthemselves above the stage.(continued on page 3)Clarinet Concerto FeaturedJoe BonfiglioRock MusicianAppears at FirehouseRock musician and songwriterJohn Waite will showcase his talentsat the Firehouse Arts Centeron Friday, April 1, 2011 at 8:00p.m.The Firehouse Arts Center islocated at 4444 Railroad Avenuein downtown Pleasanton.After starting out as lead vocalistfor English rock group,The Babys, Waite launched hissolo career in 1982 with his debutalbum Ignition, producing the hitsingle “Change.” The pulsatingtrack, written by Holly Knight,was included on the Platinumselling Vision Quest soundtrack.“Going To The Top” was releasedas the original follow-up single to“Change.”Waite’s next album, No Brakes,resulted in international attentioncaused by the hit “Missing You,”which replaced Tina Turner’s“What’s Love Got To Do WithIt?” as #1 on the United StatesBillboard Hot 100 singles chart.(Turner later recorded and releasedWaite’s smash song herself, but itreached only #84.) Another NoBrakes single, “Tears,” also madethe Top 10 on Billboard.Over the next 20 years, Waiteproduced many hit singles, severalof which are heard on thesoundtracks of major films. “IfAnybody Had a Heart” was releasedfrom the soundtrack of the1986 film “About Last Night” withDemi Moore. “Deal for Life” appearson the soundtrack from Daysof Thunder.In 1988, Waite joined formerBabys band mates JohnathanCain and Ricky Phillips, alongwith Neal Schon from Journeyand drummer Deen Castrovovo,to form Bad English. In its fouryearcollaboration, the group soldmore than two million albums andproduced the #1 hit single, “WhenI See You Smile.”Waite returned to solo workand has produced six solo albums,including his latest, Rough andTumble. He toured with RingoStarr & His All-Starr Band in2003 and was the opening act forJourney in 2005.In 2006, “Missing You” wasreleased as a duet with AlisonKrauss and reached the Top 40on the Country Charts in theUnited States. Waite and Krauss(continued on page 2)

2 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 Art & EntertainmentGuided Tour Offered as Part of 'SixCharacters in Search of an Author'A performance of the classicdrama “Six Characters in Searchof an Author” combined with aseparate “Guided Tour” of theplay will offer an unique theatricalexperience for audiences atthe Bankhead Theater on March29 and 30.In his surrealistic story, Italianauthor Luigi Pirandello confrontsactors in a stage rehearsal withcharacters from an unfinishedplay, effectively blurring the linesbetween reality and fiction. Whilethe play’s controversial themes andunusual format found a poor welcomewhen it opened in 1921, itsoriginality and contribution to thedebate on the difference betweenreal life and artifice ensured itslong term success. It is now consideredone of the most importantand influential plays of the 20thcentury. A single performance of“Six Characters in Search of anAuthor” will be presented by theNew York-based Aquila TheatreCompany on Tuesday evening,March 29 at 7:30 p.m. Ticketsrange from $29 to $51 with $12student tickets.The “Guided Tour” will bepresented the following morning.Designed not as a condensedversion of the play but as an educational“tour” of key scenes, theevent demystifies the charactersand examines elements of thiscomplex and fascinating play.An actor from the Aquila TheatreCompany hosts the tour, introducingeach character, providingcontext, and supplying a narrativelink for the stage action. Scenesare acted in full costume with setsand props, and an open questionand answer session is included.The two-hour “Guided Tour,” appropriatefor anyone high schoolage and above, will be held in theROCK(continued from front page)performed “Missing You” on theTonight Show in 2007.Tickets to the John Waite concertare $32, $38, and $45. Groupdiscounts are available. Ticketsmay be purchased on-line at www.firehousearts.org up to three hoursprior to the performance, by phoneat (925) 931-4848, or in personat the Firehouse Arts Center BoxOffice. Box Office hours areWednesday-Friday, 12 noon-6:00p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m., and for two hours prior to theperformance. The entrance to freeparking is on Spring Street nearFirst Street.Bankhead Theater on Wednesdaymorning, March 30 at 10 a.m.Tickets are $10 per person. Whileit is not essential to see the play inadvance as the “Guided Tour” is astand-alone event, the combinationof the two provides an opportunityfor a deeper exploration of thisthought-provoking drama.Originally a novelist, LuigiPirandello became a prolific playwright,creating 16 plays between1915 and 1921, the most famousof which is “Six Characters inSearch of an Author.” With thiswork, he broke away from traditionaldramatic structure both bySYMPHONY(continued from front page)on the clarinet.”The love that Bonfiglio hasfor the Copland concerto shinesthrough when he talks about thepiece. “It’s really a concerto in twomovements with a cadenza thatconnects the two movements,” herecently explained. The openingmovement is dreamy and seemsto float outside of time, whilethe melody flows in unexpecteddirections.“The cadenza is a previewof what’s to come in the secondmovement,” he added. Eightyfourmeasures of unaccompaniedclarinet transport the listener fromusing a non-linear “play within aplay” format for the storyline andby making the boundary indistinctbetween the characters on the pageand the actors on the stage. As theplay opens, the six characters ofthe story have been abandonedby their playwright, their storyunfinished. Appearing at the stagedoor, they interrupt a rehearsal anddemand to be allowed to tell theirown story. As the complex tale ofmarital strife, family dysfunction,prostitution and suicide unfolds,the characters each argue the validityof their own perspective. Ininterpreting the dramatic actionthe tranquility of the openingmovement to an entirely differentmusical landscape of edgy rhythmsand provocative melodic lines. Thecadenza has sixteen meter changesand few opportunities to catch abreath, while ending with a climbfrom a low E at double forte to highF-sharp at piano.Bonfiglio described the Coplandconcerto as, “a classical pieceof music that incorporates elementsof jazz.” The jazz elements becomemore prominent in the cadenza andthe second movement. At times;Copland composes material forthe soloist that seems well suitedPhoto - Wilbur Thompsonbetween characters, the audienceis compelled to question how realityis defined and who is allowedto define it. With today’s realitytelevision and the uncontrollednature of the internet making itincreasingly difficult to differentiatebetween what is real and whathas been scripted, “Six Charactersin Search of an Author” is as timelyand relevant to audiences now as itwas when it was written.Based in New York, AquilaTheatre Company is criticallyacclaimed worldwide for theirskillful reinterpretations of classicplays that are designed to ignite theimagination of contemporary audiences.Founded in 1991 by artisticdirector Peter Meineck, the groupstrives to make the live theaterexperience more accessible for allaudiences and to share a deeperunderstanding of the great plays– from ancient Greek dramas andthe works of Shakespeare, to newAmerican classics. In addition totheir regular season in New York,Aquila Theatre members tourextensively and have receivedawards for their creative, multidisciplinaryeducational programsand their outreach to underservedaudiences in both rural and urbancommunities.Aquila Theatre Company’sproduction of “Six Characters inSearch of an Author” is part of theLivermore Valley Performing ArtsCenter’s “LVPAC Presents” seriesfeaturing acclaimed performers inmusic, dance and other performingarts. Coming up next, LVPACwill continue its World Musicprogramming with a performanceby the Grammy Award-winningCajun band, Beausoleil. Headedby band leader Michael Doucetand his brother David, Beausoleilperforms a blend of zydeco, swing,blues, traditional jazz, and Caribbeancalypso, for more than 30years. BeauSoleil avec MichaelDoucet will appear at the BankheadTheater for one performanceonly on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at8:00 p.m.The Bankhead Theater is locatedat 2400 First Street in DowntownLivermore. The ticket officeis open Tuesday through Saturdayfrom noon to 6 p.m.To purchase tickets call 925-373-6800 or visit www.bankheadtheater.orgfor a jazzy freedom of expression,yet remains constrained by notevalues that are relaxed, yet withoutauthorization for swing. Someartists prefer a freer interpretation,yet Bonfiglio believes, “Toomuch jazziness and ornamentationcheapens it.” He pointed out thatBenny Goodman’s rendition of theconcerto is among the “straightest”he has ever heard.Bonfiglio will share his memoriesof Harold Wright, StanleyDrucker, and Aaron Copland in apre-concert talk at 7:00 p.m. priorto the performance. Dr. ArthurBarnes, Music Director, will discussthe The Wasps, AristophanicSuite. Peter Curzon, the Symphony’s“in-house” musicologist, willspeak about Brahms’ SymphonyNo 4.Tickets are adults $22-$28; seniors$20-$26; youth $10. Ticketsare available through the BankheadTheater. Call (925) 373-6800, oronline at www.bankheadtheater.org. Ticket office hours are Tuesdaythrough Saturday, noon to6pm, and on performance days,two hours prior to show.More information about thesymphony is available at www.livamsymph.orgor by calling (925)373-6824.

Art & EntertainmentTHE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 3'New Voice of Portuguese Music' Appears in PleasantonRamana VieiraRamana Vieira, called the “newvoice of Portuguese world music,”will perform at the Firehouse ArtsCenter on Saturday, April 2, at8:00 p.m.The Firehouse Arts Center islocated at 4444 Railroad Avenue indowntown Pleasanton, Calif.Bringing traditional Portuguesefado music into the 21st century,Ramana Vieira has entertainedaudiences at the Olympics, TheGrammy Awards and at venuesworldwide. Her stylings layerunconventional instrumentalsover fado’s characteristic hauntingmelodies and melancholy storiesof heartache, updating old-worldballads while maintaining the integrityof the tradition.Born in San Leandro, to Portugueseimmigrants, Ramana’spersonal relationship to fado liesin her family history. With agrandfather who was a famousmusician and composer from MadeiraIsland, Ramana was exposedto Portuguese lore and music at ayoung age. Many of her recordingshave been inspired by her principalinfluence, Amlia Rodrigues, whowas known as the “Queen of Fado”and whose records Ramana heardas a child.On stage, Ramana is joinedby Laura Boytz on cello, JeffreyLuiz on classical guitar, StephenLa Porta on percussion, and AlbertoRamirez on electric bass. Thegroup performs both traditionaland original songs, with selectionsfrom Ramana’s CD, “Lagrimas DeRainha or Tears of a Queen.Peter Crooks of Diablo Magazinewrote, “A World musictreat!—Centuries of traditionalPortuguese folk music get a 21stcentury upgrade when East Baynative, Ramana Vieira, the topFado singer in the United States,performs.”Tickets are Adult: $16, $20 and$24; Child: $12 and Senior: $18.Group discounts are available.Tickets may be purchased online atwww.firehousearts.org up to threehours prior to the performance,by phone at (925) 931-4848, or inperson at the Firehouse Arts CenterBox Office. Box Office hours areWednesday-Friday, 12 noon-6:00p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m., and for two hours prior to theperformance. The entrance to freeparking is on Spring Street nearFirst Street.ACROBATS(continued from front page)The group is led by artisticdirector Danny Chang, who beganhis own acrobatic career at the ageof seven. His father founded theGolden Dragon Acrobats in 1967and Chang performed to great acclaimthere and with other groups,before assuming leadership of thecompany in the 1980s. While hecontinued to perform and direct,Chang also began to focus on hisdream of sharing the beauty anddrama of precision acrobaticswith a worldwide audience. In1985, the Golden Dragon Acrobatsmade their first performance inthe United States and have sinceperformed extensively on tour andin theme parks around the world.Chang and his wife, choreographerAngela Chang, collaborate in creatingacrobatic presentations thathave won international awards fortheir remarkable artistry and highproduction values. The GoldenDragon Acrobats now present over200 performances a year and areknown, not only for their preciseacrobatic technique, but for theirextensive community and youthoutreach efforts as well.The March performance bythe Golden Dragon Acrobats is apart of the “Family Fun” Seriesoffered by the Livermore ValleyPerforming Arts Center. The seriesshowcases performing arts eventsdesigned to engage and excite theimagination of young people andtheir families. As with many otherevents at the Bankhead Theater,the “Family Fun Series” encouragesfamilies to attend by offeringstudent pricing of $12 per ticket.Adult tickets range from $39 to$62. This year’s “Family Fun Series”started with the “It’s Magic”show, which performed to a soldoutaudience in October, and willconclude with the unique visualcomedy and theatrics of The FlyingKaramazov Brothers on April15, 2011.In addition to the Golden DragonAcrobats, a performance bydance company, Taylor 2, will bepresented at the Bankhead Theaterthe same week of March. Thissmall ensemble from the Paul TaylorDance Company will presentdances specifically chosen to showTaylor’s expressive choreographyin an intimate setting on March 22,2011. Both events are part of theLivermore Valley Performing ArtsCenter’s LVPAC Presents, whichfeatures acclaimed performers inmusic, dance and other performingarts across a wide range of musicalstyles and genres.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. Onperformance days the ticket officeremains open through intermission.To purchase tickets or for more information,call 925-373-6800 orvisit www.bankheadtheater.org

4 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 Art & EntertainmentMemorable, Beautifully Executed MomentsAbound in LVO's 'Madama Butterfly'Photo - Doug JorgensenB.F. Pinkerton is performed by Christopher Bengochea.By Sarah BobsonThe night belonged to MelodyKing. Singing the title role inLivermore Valley Opera’s currentproduction of Madama Butterfly,which opened Saturday night atthe Bankhead Theatre, King simplycaptivated the audience. Shelooked and acted the part of thesubmissive, 15-year-old geishabride with a playful innocence thatwas engaging and enchanting. Thisis all the more remarkable sincethis is her first time in the role.There are few female operaticcharacters as naïve and self-sacrificingas Cio-Cio San, nicknamedButterfly, and few male charactersas unrepentant and despised asthat of B. F. Pinkerton, the older,worldly American Naval officershe marries. Madama Butterflytells the clash-of-cultures tale ofa young girl whose heart is brokenby a callous, opportunisticoutsider.In this most beloved and beautifulbut heart-wrenching opera,Pinkerton does not take seriouslyhis marriage in tradition-oriented,turn-of-the-century Japan to Cio-Cio San. He needs a place to staywhile he’s in Nagasaki. What couldbe better, and more practical andeconomical, than to rent a houseand get a girl to go along with it?In Act I, the consul Sharpless triesto warn him to be careful and notplay with the delicate 15-year-old’sheart, but to no avail.Presenting the potential pathosso early in the opera not only foreshadowsButterfly’s tragic end, butheightens the ensuing drama in herevery move and gesture. Puccini’slush orchestration and exquisitelybeautiful melodies, a counterpointto Pinkerton’s callousness, furtherserve to tug at the heart strings.There is no composer who playson the emotions like Puccini.Butterfly is a difficult role.For one thing, the lyric sopranois onstage throughout most of theopera, which is not only emotionallytaxing, but physically taxing,even when she’s not singing. Shemust get up and down frequentlyfrom a kneeling position, whichplays havoc with the knees. Forthis reason, many sopranos wearknee pads, never seen under thekimono. The role often is doublecast, as it is in this production, withCarrie Hennessey.Cio-Cio San is one of the rarecharacters who actually transformsover the course of the opera. Shegoes from a naïve newly-wed whosacrifices her family, ancestral religion,and Japanese honor to marrya foreigner, to a woman who mustgive up her child to the husbandwho betrays her trust when hedoesn’t take his marriage vows seriously.As such, she must expressthe wide ranging emotions of adelicate, young girl and yet singunrelenting music of hurricaneforce. In “Un bel di,” King’s fullbodied,rich lyric soprano investedthe famous aria with a longingthat went far beyond simple sentimentality.Contemporary audiences hatePinkerton, and with good reason.They would have hated him evenmore in 1904, when the operapremiered at La Scala. In additionto being a cad, he was a boor and aracist and even harder to take. Theopera flopped, so Puccini withdrewit and made cuts and changes. Oneof the changes was to tone downPinkerton. Several months later,the opera re-opened to resoundingsuccess.In the LVO production, ChristopherBengochea’s portrayal ofPinkerton, as insensitive and lascivious,a man who can’t wait toget his hands on Butterfly, seemscloser to the original characterization.Bengochea sang the part ofthe ugly American with a robusttenor voice. While he belted afew of his early top notes a bit toomuch, as the opera progressed,he settled into the solidness ofhis strong voice. A commandingperformer, he brought a virile,energetic quality to the characterthat is not often seen in stylizedversions where the actors movewith stolid deliberation.Mezzo-soprano Michele Detwilerwas a warm-voiced Suzuki.Baritone Nicolai Janitzky, asPinkerton’s compatriot Sharpless,displayed a handsome, resonantvoice. Alex Taite’s characterizationof Goro was suitably obsequious.Bass-baritone Carlos Aguilarwas an impressively stentorianBonze, standing behind the scrim,representing the shadow of Butterfly’sancestors. Emmanuel Franco,as Prince Yamadori, portrayedButterfly’s suitor with relish, undercuttingthe character’s pompousnessby strutting on stage withsuch long pants that they draggedon the stage and resembled a seal’sfront flippers.Other supporting cast includedJoel David Sutliff as the ImperialCommissioner, Jennie Litsteras Kate Pinkerton, and NoelleWoodward as Butterfly’s small sonDolore. The chorus admirably sangits small part.Madama Butterfly sets areusually simple and stark, lightingeffects ethereal. Jean FrancoisRevon‘s sets were even moreminimal, with a slightly elevatedplatform center stage; a beautifulbackground scrim painted withblack tree branches, delicately litas a glowing “skyscape”; and atable. Butterfly’s house was cleverlyrepresented by stand-aloneshoji doors. The one drawback:Instead of the shoji sliding sideways,they were lifted into theair, all without blackout, whichbroke the illusion. Silhouette,though, was used to good advantage.Pinkerton’s returning shipbecomes larger as it draws nearerthe harbor. The Bonze is seen onlyas a large, looming shadow in thebackground.There were so many memorable,beautifully executed momentsin Stage Director’s Brian ClayLuedloff production: Pinkertonspreading the arms on Cio-CioSan’s kimono as if they were butterflywings; confetti representingcherry blossom petals floatingdelicately, carpeting the ground;Butterfly dropping her outer kimonobefore retreating to themarriage bed.Under Music Director AlexanderKatsman’s leadership, theorchestra produced a generousamount of detail without sacrificingthe overall arch and thrust ofPuccini’s melodic line.All performances take place atthe Bankhead Theater, 2400 FirstSt., Livermore.Tickets for the Saturday eveningperformance, March 19,at 8:00 p.m., and the Sundaymatinee, March 20, at 2:00 p.m.are available at the box office, at925-373-6800, or at www.livermoreperformingarts.org.Prices are: $39-$64. Students$10 off on all days. Included in theticket price is a pre-performancelecture one hour prior to curtain. Atraditional artist’s reception is heldin the lobby immediately followingeach performance.For more information aboutLVO, visit the website www.livermorevalleyopera.orgDonations Soughtto Aid JapanLivermore Valley Opera isworking with the Red Cross tocollect donations for Japan disasterrelief at each performance of“Madama Butterfly.”. Over thefirst weekend opera patrons werevery generous. The collectionbox will be in the lobby duringthe final weekend performances.Donations will be given to localRed Cross board member ThomasPetty, a local CPA, on Monday,March 21. Final performances areMarch 19, 20. at the BankheadTheater, 2400 First St., Livermore.Tickets or information are at www.livermoreperformingarts.org or925-373-6800.

CommunityTHE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 5Looking Back at the Peace CorpsKelly Vander Werf, 12 years old, operates a camera during a sessionat Tri-Valley TV Summer Camp.Summer Camp OffersSessions in TV ProductionMiddle or high school studentwho are thinking about choosingvideo production for a future career,Tri-Valley TV Summer Campoffers an introduction to the field.Presented by Tri-Valley CommunityTelevision, this TV Campincludes an introduction to studioproduction, field production, writing,producing and digital videoediting. The day camp consists ofa total of 20 hours and is open tomiddle and high school studentsin grades 6 – 12. Participants willwork within a group to produce aTV program.Now in its third year, the TVCamp has sold out the past twosummers. Two sessions will be offeredto campers. The first sessionwill take place June 13 - 17. Thesecond session will be availablefrom August 8 – 12. Tri-ValleyTV Camp will run from 9 a.m. – 1p.m. each day. The fee is $495 andregistration is limited.For the past two years, studentshave produced a one hour specialthat aired on TV30 titled “Tri-ValleyYouth View.”“Students not only had the opportunityto work with our staffat a real television station, butinterviewed two Mayors, an upand coming rock band and others,”said Melissa Tench-Stevens,Executive Director of Tri-ValleyTV. “We were fielding calls allyear long from the positive buzzcreated by last year’s camp andthis year’s camp will be just asexciting. Our staff enjoys workingwith the students, and some of thestudents have gone on to workingwith us at the station. It is a winwinfor all.”In addition to providing handsonexperience in television production,Tri-Valley TV Camp willgive students an overall pictureof the production process, help toprepare them for related courses invideo and provide an edge for theirfuture in the television industry.Experienced ROP Media instructorMitch Eason will be returning asCamp Director.The camp is located at theTri-Valley Community TelevisionStudios of TV28, TV29 and TV30which is on the grounds of thePleasanton Unified School District,4663 Bernal Avenue, Suite B inPleasanton.For more information and toregister for the Tri-Valley TVCamp, visit the Tri-Valley TV website at www.trivalleytv.org or phonethe station at 925.462.3030.By Sarah BobsonDoug Holt first caught a glimpseof the Peace Corps a year before itsfounding. In 1960, John F. Kennedy,campaigning for the presidency,made a whistle stop in AnnArbor, Michigan, where he brieflymentioned the program, one ofmany he hoped to establish if hewere elected. Doug, then a freshmanat the University of Michigan,was in the crowd.He recounts the event as hesits in the cozy living room of hishome, decorated with pictures,vases, figurines, opera scores,and art books. He and his wifeRaquel, both of whom founded theLivermore Valley Opera, boughtthe house shortly after movingto Livermore in 1970. Doug tiltshis head upward, as if traveling toanother dimension. His eyes beginto sparkle.“Young people were in thetrees. We filled the grounds aroundthe Michigan Union. About midnight,Kennedy talked about PeaceCorps, and other things. Now thereis a stone marker at the building.”It wasn’t until four years later,in 1964, that Doug decided to applyto the Peace Corps. He choseSoutheast Asia as his region ofpreference, and was assigned to thePhilippines to teach physics.He underwent 10 weeks of rigoroustraining in Hilo on the islandof Hawaii. The U.S. governmentprovided food, which Doug sayswas good, and accommodations.Recruits were housed in a formermental sanatorium, a two-storyframe building with rooms sproutingoff of long hallways. They sleptin large dorms where alarm clockswere constantly going off at differenttimes.The daily schedule began at 7a.m. and ended at 10 p.m. Recruitsengaged in physical training, wherethey spent an hour a day runningthrough “rolling hills of sugar canefields as far as the eye could see.”Doug studied Tagalog, the dialectspoken in Luzon (the capitol is Manila).He also studied somethingcalled WACAS, short for WorldAffairs Communism AmericanStudies. Doug remembers:“The Sixties was an interestingtime. We needed to knowDoug Holtsome basics about the world andpolitics. The Vietnam War was allover the news, and on the mindsof everybody, trainees and teachers:Ho Chi Minh, the trails, whatthey were finding out, the peopledying, all of that. The trainers werevery aware that the Peace Corpswas being seen as infiltrating acountry and injecting Americanizedideas. It was gently mentionedthat ‘The reason there is a courselike WACAS is because you mightget into discussions, especially ifyou’re educating other teachers.They’re going to ask you questions.What do you feel about this,what is going on, what is your mission,if there is one, so you must bevery careful how you answer thesequestions, but feel free to talk asyou want.’”To an outsider, the 15-hourtraining days sound grueling, butDoug says they weren’t.“We were so excited. We werejust out of college. The opportunitywas overwhelming. We thought:‘This is the best thing I could everdo.’”He taught physics, in English,at Cubao High School in QuezonCity, near Manila, from 1964 to1965. At the time, science andmath teachers were in high demand,both in America and abroad,a direct result of the Soviet Unionbeating the U.S. into outer space bylaunching Sputnik 1 in 1957. Theshockwave woke Americans tothe fact that their students neededto learn more science and math.This resulted in the formationof committees like the PhysicalScience Study Committee, whichdeveloped new curricula in math,biology, physics, and chemistry.The word spread about the valueof the program. Countries like thePhilippines were eager to havetheir students learn it, and thePeace Corps was happy to oblige.During his first year teaching,Doug lived with a Filipino family.He made many friends, including apretty, young music teacher at thehigh school named Raquel Villa,who he eventually married.Doug felt he was having awonderful adventure, but his PeaceCorps colleagues sent to rural areashad other thoughts. They felt sorryfor him because they said he wasn’texperiencing the real Philippines.He had the luxury of speaking Englishto almost everyone. He livedin a house. He rode a bus to work.They, on the other hand, oftenhad to speak other languages, liveunder simple conditions, and walkeverywhere. Doug said he didn’tmind this lack of authenticity. Hefelt challenged enough having tocontend with living in a differentculture and occasionally eatingstrange food such as balut, partiallyhatched duck eggs.“You haven’t lived until youbite into crunchy feet and feathers,”he says.Nevertheless, at the end ofhis first year teaching, Doug hadan opportunity to experience the“real Philippines.” He traveled600 miles south of Manila to teachsummer elementary school sciencein Marawi City. Located onMindanao, this central coastal areahad no electricity or city runningwater, but the Western Sulu areadid overflow with heat, humidity,monsoons, mud, and a few piratesthrown into the “authenticity”mix.At the end of the summer,Doug was invited to teach therefor the next school year, at a newuniversity. He knew he enjoyedteaching in an urban setting. Hefelt he had taught his students a lot.But he was ready to try somethingmore challenging: teaching in anenvironment that had no frills.Although he would miss his Manilafriends, especially Raquel, hewould keep in touch.____________________________________This is Part 1 of a two-partinterview.

6 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 Art & EntertainmentFoothill High School percussion group.Foothill High School toHost Annual CompetitionThe Foothill High School Band Boosters will host its annual WinterGuard, Percussion, and Drum Major Competition on Saturday March26 at Foothill High School.This event traditionally showcases the region’s top talent. The topfinishers here typically dominate the awards podium at Championshipsthe following weekend. Ninety-two performances are scheduled forthis day-long event.The Drum Majors start the day off at 8 a.m. in the stadium. In thelarge gym, the Percussion competitions begin at 8:30 followed by WinterGuard at 2:50 and awards at 6:10.Proceeds from this full day of artistry, music and motion will benefitthe FHS music program.The public is invited to attend.For information, go to www.foothillband.org/Foothill/Winter_Show.htmlThe school is located at 4375 Foothill Road, PleasantonAuditions Set for YouthRoles in 'Macbeth'The Livermore Shakespeare Festival is holding child and teen auditionsto fill three roles for its summer production of Macbeth. Actorsmust appear fourteen-years-old or younger, although their actual agemay be older. Auditions are only open to actors aged twelve and up. Toaudition, please prepare a Shakespeare monologue no longer than oneminute, memorization optional.Child and teen actors must be mature, focused, diligent, and preparedto work in a stop-and-go professional environment. They must be availablefor periodic late afternoon and evening rehearsals in June, and forall previews and performances, which will take place June 30, July 1, 2,10,15, 17, 23, and 30. Parents (or actors) must provide transportation.Auditions will be held Saturday, March 26, from 10 am – 2 pm atHawthorn Suites, 1700 North Livermore Avenue Livermore, CA 94551.To arrange an audition appointment or obtain more information, e-mailDeborah Munro at Deborah@LivermoreShakes.org.East Avenue Middle School StudentsParticipate in CMEA Honor Music ProgramFour 8 th grade students fromEast Avenue Middle School representedLivermore in the HonorChoir and Honor Orchestra as partof the California Music EducatorsAssociation (CMEA) Bay SectionWinter Conference held atSan Jose State University (SJSU).Elizabeth Dimits and AmandaBardin performed in the HonorChoir; Dana Anex (violin) andKyle Talley (cello) performed inthe Honor Orchestra.The CMEA Bay Section conferencedraws attendees fromfifteen counties surrounding SanFrancisco Bay. Students participatein the Honor Choir, Band and Orchestraby invitation and representmiddle schools from the entire BaySection. The students receivedtheir music in advance of the conference,rehearsed as a group forthe first time at the conference onFriday and then performed in choirand orchestra concerts on Saturdayafter a second day of rehearsal.The Honor Choir, under thedirection of William ChristopherFields, performed six vocal selectionsin the SJSU Morris DaileyAuditorium and the Honor Orchestra,under the direction of DavidMartin, performed three piecesat the SJSU Concert Hall. KathyBoster, musical director at East AvenueMiddle School, attended theperformances as a CMEA memberand conference participant.4th Street Studio will be closingat the end of April. It has been thehome of the Saturday Salons andLivermore’s Literary Arts Centerfor seven plus years.Saturday Salons will continuethrough April (March 19 andApril 16).Those who are interested in abrainstorming session to see howto keep a literary arts center andthe Saturday Salons in Livermore,Karen Hogan will host a meetingon March 23 at 7:00 at the Studio.Let her know if you can come so Iknow how many to expect. If youcan’t make it but have ideas, pleasesend those along.First and foremost, it has provideda supportive environment forwriters to share their work. Inexperiencedwriters shared and becameexperienced writers. ExperiencedEast Avenue Middle School students Elizabeth Dimits (L) andAmanda Bardin (R) with EAMS Music Director Kathy Boster afterthe CMEA Bay Section Honor Choir performance at SJSU.East Avenue Middle School students Dana Anex (L) and Kyle Talley(R) with EAMS Music Director Kathy Boster after the CMEA BaySection Honor Orchestra performance at SJSU.4th Street Studio to Closewriters shared and became betterwriters. Everyone became betterat reading their work. It has beena rising tide that lifted all boats.Salon attendees left excited aboutwriting.It has been a resource for otherliterary ventures. A representativeof the California Writers’ Clubattended a Salon and used myemail list to promote the formationof the CWC in the Tri-Valley.When Valley Shakespeare Festivalneeded office space and a place formeetings, auditions, and rehearsals,they found it at Fourth StreetStudio. As Shakespeare’s Associateswas getting on its feet, it usedthe space gratis. When LivermoreHigh students needed a place toread pieces that could not be readin the school setting, they had anevening of their work at FourthStreet Studio. Special poetry readings,such as one supporting CindySheehan, found a home there.Then there’s the anthologies.Much as visual artists have artshows that bring their work out ofthe artist’s workshop, the anthologieshave brought the writings ofthose who pass through the Salonsout of their workshop and into thepublic arena. It makes writers visibleto their community.I think all of these things werepossible because there was a placewhere something happened sosomething else could happen.Hogan declares, “I would loveto find a way to keep this going.Here’s to writing and writers.”The 4th Street Studio is locatedat 2235 Fourth Street

Wine CountryTHE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 7Sample the Future at Annual Barrel TastingMore than 30 Livermore Valleywineries will participate in theregion’s third annual Barrel TastingWeekend March 19 and 20 byoffering samples of wines still indevelopment—direct from theirbarrels. Guests with special eventwristbands and official glasses willreceive at least one barrel sampleat each participating winery. Mostwinemakers will be present topersonally pour and discuss theiryoung wines and offer pairingswith gourmet appetizers, artisancheeses, chocolate and nuts.Barrel tasting provides wineenthusiasts of all experience levelswith a fun “snapshot” of how wineevolves—from grape to glass.Guests will have the opportunityto pre-purchase some of the barrelwines at a discount, before theyare bottled and released to thepublic, a practice known as buying“futures.” More than a dozen differentvarietals, including the rarePrimitivo and Alicante Bouschetand ever-popular Chardonnayand Cabernet Sauvignon, will bepresented for tasting across thisbeautiful wine region.Each winery will offer a uniqueexperience to Barrel TastingWeekend guests. Many will givediscounts on wine purchases toticket holders only. Examples ofspecial events and wines to beThe San Francisco Flower &Garden Show is entering its 26 thyear with a bigger, better andgreener approach that celebrates“Life in the California Garden.”This annual festival will beheld Wednesday through Sunday,March 23-27, 2011 at the SanMateo Event Center. New for2011 will be a special Wine TastingGarden from the LivermoreValley Winegrowers Associationfeaturing Concannon Vineyard,Crooked Vine Winery, Cuda RidgeWines, Darcie Kent Vineyards,Stony Ridge Winery, and WenteVineyards.Twenty full-sized garden installationsfrom top Bay Area designers(including the 6000 squarefoot Modern Homestead by StarApple Edible Gardens of Oaklandthat will feature a chicken coopand demonstrations on beer andjam making, as well as aestheticvegetable displays). A Farmer’sMarket with flowers and produce,and seminars led by well-knownexperts including Pleasanton’stasted include:• Big White House & JohnEvan Cellars: tasting of 2009Sangiovese, 2009 Roussanne,2009 Lapsus and 2006-2010 Syrahvertical. Bottle your own wine for$99 per case.• Cedar Mountain Winery: barrelsamples of 2009 Zinfandel to bepaired with Bissenger RaspberryCreams. Complimentary premiumtasting. Bottle your own olive oil(bring your own bottle).• Cuda Ridge Winery - 2009Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009Merlot, both available for futurespurchase 20% discount 30% discountfor Club Members. Livemusic both days Catfish Boyson Saturday Roger Kardinal onSunday.• Eagle Ridge Vineyard - It’llbe a “Barrel of Fun” tasting our2007 Petite Sirah & 2008 Zinfandel.Available for purchase will bethe BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches.Also present will be JJS Designs(glass, linens & paper products),Knack Shack (metal & lamp glassjewelry) & Bag-It-Up (designerinspired purses, wallets & othergoodies). Enjoy 20% off all winesales & futures (unable to combinewith other discounts).• Eckert Estate Winery – tasting2008 Malbec and 2009 Carignane.“Ensemble,” a hands-on workshopArea Wineries Featured in Wine Tasting GardenBarry Hoffer will inform attendeeson how to “Get Your Green On,”using garden techniques that canbe accomplished in urban, suburbanand country settings. A seriesof daily cooking demonstrationswill feature celebrity chefs.“The Flower & Garden Showhas evolved into a full celebrationof the California life-style andhow we connect to our landscapeand environment,” explained showproducer Kay Estey. “Because foodhas become so much a part of ouridentity, even the horticulture staffof the world famous Filoli Centeris offering up kitchen gardendesign ideas. We are very excitedabout the tasting area created bythe Livermore Valley WinegrowersAssociation.”There will seminars and booksignings by top experts on a rangeof topics - flower arranging, designtrends, water conservation, lawnalternatives and cutting edge growingwalls.The 26 th Annual San FranciscoFlower & Garden Show is heldat the San Mateo Event Center,1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo,conveniently located midwaybetween San Francisco and SiliconValley with easy Caltrain, BART& SamTrans access. Parking isavailable at a cost of $10 for theentire day.Show hours are Wednesday,March 23 to Saturday, March 26from 10am to 7pm and Sunday,March 27 from 10am to 6pm.Admission includes all regularseminars and demonstrations. Discountedadvance purchase ticketscost $16 online or at the door fora single day for $20. A multi-day,all show pass is only $25, a halfdaypass is $15 and children under16 are admitted free at all times.Special group rates for 20 or morepeople.For advance online ticket sales,general show information and acalendar of seminars, chef demonstrationsand film showings, visitwww.sfgardenshow.com. Ticketscan also be purchased at major BayArea nurseries and garden centersor by calling 925-605-2923.for creating balanced blends 1 p.m.and 3 p.m. each day. Wines pairedwith cheese fondue and ‘sippingchocolate’. 10% off purchasesof single bottles and 25% off oncases.• Fenestra Winery - Tastingand sampling our 2010 Pinot Grisand 2009 Livermore Tempranillo.There will also be a special pricingon 2010’s samplings for thisweekend only: the 2008 Malbec,2008 Petite Verdot and the 2008Cab Franc. BBQ sandwiches willalso be prepared by Blue SageCatering in Livermore.• La Rochelle Winery, SantaLucia Highlands is the appellationto be celebrated with the latest PinotNoir Program Release. Jenniferwill prepare release party fare. LaRochelle Club members receivetwo complimentary tastings, generalpublic, $10 per person• Les Chênes Vineyards - Enjoywine from our barrels with a pairingfrom Chef Jim on the CrushPad. Inside the Tasting Room aSpecial Wine flight with additionaloutstanding wine pairings by ChefJim for $5.00 .fee waived withpurchase of wine. Mustards to tasteand Chutneys to taste. All readyto purchase along with our FrenchStyle Chocolates.• McGrail Vineyards & Winery– tasting Casa de Vinas Petite Sirahand 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon.Seguin Moreau Barrel Cooperagewill give a barrel talk anddemonstration. 25% off all winepurchases.• Murrieta’s Well, Sample ourMalbec directly from the barrelat this fun filled event and havethe chance to pre-purchase thewine before it’s even bottled (aka“futures”).• The Steven Kent Winery &La Rochelle Winery: tasting LaRochelle 2009 Pinot Meunier onSaturday and Steven Kent 2008Ghielmetti Vineyard CabernetSauvignon on Sunday. 20% offpurchase of 6 bottles or more.• Wood Family Vineyards - barreltasting and offering futures on2009 Zinfandel. Bart’s Blazin’ Qwill have a sampling to pair withour wines. Designate Wood FamilyVineyards to start and pick upyour glass :) .Livermore Valley’s Barrel TastingWeekend will take place Saturday,March 19 and Sunday, March20, noon to 4:30 each day. Advancetickets are $30, available onlineat www.LVwine.org. Tickets purchasedat the event will be $35per person. Each ticket includes asouvenir tasting glass featuring theLivermore Valley Wine Countrylogo, two days of barrel tasting atparticipating wineries, special activitiesand discounts and an eventmap. Please visit www.LVwine.orgfor details.Participating wineries include:Bent Creek Winery, Big WhiteHouse & John Evan Cellars, BodegasAguirre Winery, Cedar MountainWinery, Charles R Vineyards,Chouinard Vineyards, ConcannonVineyard, Crooked Vine Winery,Cuda Ridge Wines, Darcie KentVineyards, Eagle Ridge Vineyard,Eckert Estate Winery, el SolWinery, Fenestra Winery, GarréVineyard & Winery, La RochelleWinery, Las Positas Vineyards, LesChênes Estate Vineyards, LongevityWines, McGrail Vineyards &Winery, Mitchell Katz Winery,Murrieta’s Well, Nottingham Cellars,Occasio Winery, Page MillWinery, Retzlaff Estate Winery,Rodrigue Molyneaux, Ruby HillWinery, Stony Ridge Winery,Tamás Estates, The Steven KentWinery, Wente Vineyards, WhiteCrane Winery, and Wood FamilyVineyards

8 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 Art & EntertainmentART/PHOTO EXHIBITSImages of California by Livermore photographerWilliam Hackett of CheshireCat Photo, during the months of Februaryand March, First Street Alehouse, Livermore.The show will be open during theAlehouse’s regular hours. The First StreetAlehouse is located at 2106 1st Street,Livermore; (925) 371-6588.Tuscany and the Cinque Terre, exhibit ofworks by Charlotte Severin and fellowartists. Livermore Civic Center LibraryGallery, 1188 So. Livermore Ave. Theexhibit will continue through March 31during regular library hours. Participatingartists and photographers are Ann andHugh Bevan-Thomas, June Ferreri andJustin Trent, Martin Spellman, Margoand Arne Kirkewoog, Bonnie Bartlett andCharlotte Severin.Harrington Art Gallery exhibit, Marksof Nature. A look into artistic interpretationsof the pleasant, abstract qualities ofimages in nature. Runs Wed., March 9– Saturday, April 2, 2011. Firehouse ArtsCenter, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton.www.firehousearts.org.Kaleidoscopes by artist Christine McCallnow showing until April 15 at Casbah,1770 First Street, Livermore CA. Hours11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. Show sponsoredby Artistic Edge.Country Charm & Country Vines by artistKaren Fleschler is on display at the JohnChristopher Cellars until April 15. HoursThursday – Sunday 2:00 – 6 p.m. Showsponsored by Artistic Edge.Linda Beach featured artist for March atWente Vineyards Estate Winery, 5565Tesla Road, Livermore. The exhibit entitled“Sense of Place” will feature pastellandscapes. The subjects of her paintingsinclude local and California scenes as wellas coastal images from her native NewEngland. The show will be on displayMarch 1-31 from 11:00 to 4:30 daily at theWente Vineyards Estate Winery TastingRoom, 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore.Call for Artists – Danville Art in the Park,October 1 & 2, 2011, Town Green. This13th annual Fine Arts Festival is acceptingapplications from artists with paintings,sculpture, photography, ceramics, graphicsand fine jewelry (no crafts). The event issponsored by the Alamo Danville Artists’Society and the Town of Danville. Boothspaces are 10’ x 10’ and $70 for membersof ADAS and $85 non-members plus 10%to Art in the Schools fund. Prospectus maybe downloaded from www.ADAS4ART.org or send an e-mail to normawebb@comcast.net or call 925 828-9170. orcall 925 828-9170. Applications will bereviewed April 1st.MEETINGS/CLASSESLivermore Art Association, PleasantonArt League, meeting Mon., March 21,7:30 p.m. Almond Ave. School, 1401Almond Ave., Livermore. Program byWalter Davies and Bill Hackett, “AlternativePhotographic Processes” and “DigitalPhotography 101.” Public is invited. Thereis no admission charge.Avant-Garde Arts Studio has moved toa new location in Pleasanton, 435 BoulderCourt, #600. Studio art courses atAvant-Garde offer students a serious andsustained exploration of the creative processesin visual art. Technical, perceptualand aesthetic issues are addressed in a historicaland contemporary context. Classesare structured so that students experiencethe creative process through a direct anddynamic engagement with visual media.Adult art classes are offered on Weds.mornings at 10 am - 12:30 pm and Thurs.evening at 7:15 - 9:45 pm. A variety ofworkshops are also available. For information,go to www.avantgardeartstudio.comor call 484-1378.Figure Drawing Workshop, every Friday9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Artists bring theirown materials and easels. Open to all artists.Professional artist models (nude). Noinstructor. Students under 18 need writtenparental permission to attend. Cost $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 Critique and Coffee, meets at theStoneridge Mall in Pleasanton. Fridaysat 10 a.m. in the common area in front ofNordstrom. ACC/ Art, Critique and Coffeemeets weekly where artists can sharethe newest works, techniques and talkabout art. For more information call 925461-5084 or e-mail PoetryOnCanvas@Mac.ComBeginning painting and drawing lessons,Livermore artist and instructor offers lessonsto children and adults with little orno art experience. Students learn to drawand paint in a realistic way in various mediumsusing various techniques. They willlearn about perspective and color theory.Lessons will cover portraits, landscapes,still-life, illustration and more. $22 for45 minute lesson. For more informationcontact Thomasin Dewhirst at 216-7231or thomasin_d@hotmail.com.Summer Camp offered by Tri-ValleyRepertory Theatre, class production:“Seussical Jr.” Three separate sessionsof camp during July/Aug 2011. First twosessions span 2 weeks each and are opento children in grades 2-8. Third sessionis accelerated at 5 days and is open tochildren in grades 4-9. All children willparticipate as cast members in a musicalproduction learning singing, dancing, andacting skills, as well as creating their owncostumes, sets, and props. Culminates intwo performances of “Seussical Jr.” at endof session. Session I: July 11-22 (shows onthe 23), Session II: July 25- Aug. 5 (showsAug. 6) and Session III: Aug 8-12 (showson Aug. 13). Sessions 1 & 2: $400, Session3: $300 www.trivalleyrep.orgWINERY EVENTS3rd annual Barrel Tasting Weekend,Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association.March 19-20, noon to 4:30 p.m. atvarious wineries. www.lvwine.org. 447-9463. Taste wines right out of the barrel,meet winemakers, and more.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.comChris 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.Blacksmith Square live music, Saturdays3-6 May – September, sponsored byArtistic Edge, Greenleaf BBQ Products,John Christopher Cellars, Swirl, andVictorine Olive Oil. Corner of SouthLivermore Ave. and Railroad Ave. downtownLivermore.Golden Bough, concert, March 19, 8 p.m.Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave.,Pleasanton. www.firehousearts.orgThe Rolling Stones Concert Experience:A Live Rock Tribute to the Rolling Stonesfeaturing URS: the Unauthorized RollingStones. West Coast Performing ArtsPresenters. March 19, 8 p.m. The GrandTheatre, 715 Central Avenue, Tracy; (209)831-6858; www.atthegrand.orgLivermore-Pleasanton Youth OutreachSymphony, concert, March 26, 10 AM,at VA Livermore, Building 90, 4951 ArroyoRd, Livermore. Selections featuringAndrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantomof the Opera, Morton Gould’s AmericanSalute, and Joe Garland’s In the Mood. Theadmission is free. www.lpyos.orgLivermore-Amador Symphony, concert,Brahms’s 4th and soloist Joe Bonfiglio,March 26, 8 p.m. Bankhead Theater,2400 First St., Livermore. Brahms’s 4thand Joe Bonfiglio, soloist. Prelude talk 7p.m. 925-373-6800, www.livermoreperformingarts.orgON THE STAGEShakespeare’s Associates’ production ofA Life in the Theatre by David Mamet.March 31-April 23, 2011, Thursdays,Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at theBothwell Arts Center, 2466 Eighth Street,Livermore, CA. Tickets from $25-$35 bycalling 1-800-838-3006 or www.LivermoreShakes.org.For more informationvisit www.LivermoreShakes.org or call925-443-BARD (2273).The Sound of Music, presented by AmadorValley and Foothill high schools, March17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 7:30 p.m. AmadorTheater, 1155 Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton.Tickets at www.firehousearts.org.Sunol Repertory Theatre, annual melodramaTrouble Bubbles at the Hot Springsor Hold Your Nose as You Walk By, byGary McCarver. March 18, 19, 25, 26,April 1, 2. Admission $15 Reserved Seating.All Performances at 8 p.m. Sunol GlenSchool Theatre, 11601 Main St., Sunol.Tickets go on sale to the general publicon February 4 at Little Valley Winery,793 Main Street, Pleasanton, 12-5 PMThursday-SundayArsenic and Old Lace, Asbury Players,March 18, 19, 20, 2011. Asbury UnitedMethodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore.Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Fridayand Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.Doors open 20 minutes prior to showtime. Tickets are $10 general admission,$8 for seniors and children under 12. Foradditional ticket information, please call455-1048.The National Tour of The Music Man,March 19, 8 p.m. Dougherty Valley PerformingArts Center, 10550 Albion Rd.,San Ramon, 973-3343 or SanRamonPerformingArts.com.Judy, Judy, Judy, a cabaret tribute will beperformed at the Firehouse Arts Center,4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton, onMarch 20, 2 p.m. A tribute to the legacy oflegendary singer and actress Judy Garland.Performers will include internationallyknown Tielle Baker, San Francisco CabaretGold Award-winning singer PamelaBrooks, Emmy Award singer ML Parr,joined by celebrated jazz pianist RichardNelson Hall.Golden Dragon Acrobats, Chinese touringcompany, Fri., March 25, 7:30 p.m. BankheadTheater, 2400 First St., Livermore.www.livermoreperformingarts.org or925-373-6800.Aquila Theatre Company in Pirandello’sSix Characters in Search of an Author,Tues., March 29, 7:30 p.m. BankheadTheater, 2400 First St., Livermore.www.livermoreperformingarts.org or925-373-6800.Reach for the Stars! An Evening of theArts for the Arts, Livermore ValleyEducation Foundation presents a specialevening fund-raiser featuring artsshowcase performances by elementary,middle and high school students enrolledin Livermore Valley Joint Unified SchoolDistrict’s music, drama, dance and visualarts programs. Thurs., March 31 at 7 p.m.at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore.Tickets are $25 for reserved seats; studentstickets are $12.50 with the purchaseof a reserved seat in any section. www.livermoreperformingarts.com, or at theBankhead box office, 2400 First St., Livermore.For additional information, contact:Victoria Schellenberger, LVEF President,vschellenberger@sbcglobal.netDANCETaylor 2, Paul Taylor’s dances, Tues.,March 22, 7:30 p.m. Bankhead Theater,2400 First St., Livermore. www.livermoreperformingarts.org or 925-373-6800.Friday 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.MOVIESGoing Places: A Classic Film Series, shownthe first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.in the Pleasanton Library’s meeting roomthrough June 2, 2011. The program is apartnership of Las Positas College and thePleasanton Public Library proudly present.Candy Klaschus, film historian andCoordinator of the Humanities Programat Las Positas College, is the host. Thereis no admission charge. 400 Old BernalAve., Pleasanton. 931-3400. No registrationrequired.Italian Film Festival, March 25-26, timesto be announced. Barbara Mertes Centerfor the Arts, 3000 Campus Hill Dr.,Livermore. Performing Arts Events Lineat 925.424.1100 or go to www.laspositascollege.edu/performingartsFacing Ali, a documentary film about boxerMuhammad Ali, will be shown on March17 at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 RailroadAve., Pleasanton. Presented by thePleasanton Library. Doors open 6:15pm,film screens at 7pm. Seating is on a firstcome,first-served basis. The film eventsare free and open to all. No registrationis required. For more information, callPenny Johnson, 931-3405.CHORALValley Concert Chorale, Winter concert,“In Remembrance,” marking the upcoming10th anniversary of the September11, 2001 tragedy. Fri., March 18, 8 p.m.Valley Community Church, 4455 Del ValleParkway, Pleasanton. Ticket informationat www.valleyconcertchorale.org.The Morrisson Theatre Chorus, underthe musical direction of Cesar Cancino,will present “Broadway to Hollywood,”a concert of favorite songs from the stageand screen, on April 1 and 2 at 8:00pmand Sunday, April 3, at 2:00pm. Ticketsare $10 to $15 and can be purchasedonline at www.dmtonline.org or at (510)881-6777. The theatre is located at 22311N. Third St. in Hayward.OPERALivermore Valley Opera, presents Puccini’sMadama Butterfly, March 19, 20.Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore.www.livermoreperformingarts.orgor 925-373-6800.Met Opera Theater-casts, 10 a.m. simultaneousviewings and 12 encore rebroadcastsof Metropolitan Opera productionsat Dublin’s Regal Cinema, 6:30 p.m.Wednesdays - Schedule: April 9, 27:Rossini’s “Le Comte Ory;” April 23, May11: Richard Strauss’s “Capriccio;” April30, May 18: Verdi’s “Il Trovatore;” May14, June 11: Wagner’s “Die Walkure.”MISCELLANEOUS10th Annual Pleasanton Poetry, Prose &the Arts Festival, Sat. and Sun., March26 and 27, Firehouse Arts Center, 4444Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Guest speakers,poetry and prose workshops foradults, youth and teen workshops, writingcontests and an award ceremony. Thereare also be a linked visual and poetrycontest and display downtown and at thefestival, a fine art exhibit and literary rowwith local and nationally known authors.For information, contact Michelle Russo,City of Pleasanton Civic Arts, mrusso@ci.pleasanton.ca.us, (925) 931-5350 orDeborah Grossman, City of Pleasantonpoet laureate at pleasantonpoetry@gmail.com. www.firehousearts.org.2011 San Francisco Flower & GardenShow, March 23-27 at the San MateoEvent Center. Celebrate “Life in theCalifornia Garden” with food, wine,fun, flowers and more. Local wineriesparticipating are Concannon Vineyard,Crooked Vine, Cuda Ridge, Darcie Kent,Les Chenes Estate Vineyards, McGrailVineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Stony Ridge,Tamas Estates & Wente Vineyards. Gardendesign, new plants, 200 vendors, 75seminars and films, “Garden To Table”cooking demonstrations with Bay Areachefs. Hours are Wed-Sat 10am-7pmand Sunday 10am-6pm. http://sfgardenshow.com.A Special Poetry Evening with CynthiaBryant, Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 7:30- 8:30 p.m. Towne Center Books, 555Main Street in Pleasanton. Cynthia’s latestbooks are Pebbles in the Shoe and No Timeto Shoot the Poets. Light Refreshments.Free event.George Komsky Live in Concert, anItalian Night in Diablo. Thurs., April14, 5:30 p.m no-host bar and limited liveauction for $100.00 per person. “An ItalianNight in Diablo” will feature Italianopera arias by Rossini, Donizetti, Belliniand other favorite timeless pieces. Theconcert proceeds will support Police andFire: The Fallen Heroes with funds to assistthe families of law enforcement and fireservice personnel who lost their lives inthe line of duty. Held at Diablo CountryClub in the town of Diablo Information isavailable at www.thefallenheroes.org oremail info@thefallenheroes.org Ticketscan be purchased at 925.831.2011

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 9Artist toIntroduceNew WorkDisney Art On Main Street, afine art collection at Alexander’sFine Art will host its first meet theartist event on Fri., March 25 andSat., March 26. Rodel Gonzalezwill be at the Pleasanton store onFriday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdayfrom 2 to 5 p.m.On Friday the opening receptionwill unveil his internationalcollection and newest limited editionreleases.On Saturday, Rodel will presenta painting demonstration.Alexander’s Fine Art is locatedat 608 Main St., Pleasanton. Theevent is free to the public.Please RSVP by Monday, March21 at info@disneyartonmain.comor call 925-846-6015Work by Joanna CrawshawDisplayed at Cuda RidgeCuda Ridge Wines is presentingworks by Livermore artistJoanna Crawshaw through the endof April. Artist Joanna Crawshawwill be in attendance at an artistreception at Cuda Ridge Wines onSunday, March 27 from 1pm-4pm.Light refreshments and complementarywine tasting will be provided.Joanna’s art is available forpurchase at the winery.Livermore native Joanna Crawshawstudied at the Art Instituteof Boston where she discovereda love for abstract art. Since hermove back from Boston, she hasconcentrated on finding a way tomarry her love of the human formCasbah, the Mediterranean andMiddle-East Restaurant at 1770First Street in Livermore, is supportingthe Artist Community byholding Art Exhibits throughoutthe year at their location. ArtisticEdge, local art store located atBlacksmith Square in Livermoreworks with the local artists to helpfurther promote and display theircreations at local businesses andcreate the shows at Casbah.Currently on display at theCasbah through April 15 is “Kaleidoscopesof Livermore” byLivermore Artist Christine Mc-Call. Christine has been capturingLivermore’s heritage and beautywith her photographs. These unusualdesigns look images froma toy kaleidoscope. Upon closerinspection, one can see that theywith her passion for abstract art.Joanna’s current work representsa move toward mood based workthat provides an atmosphere inwhich each piece can come aliveand communicate with the viewer.She looks forward to meeting bothher returning guests and new appreciators.Many of Joanna’s pieces are ondisplay in the Cuda Ridge maintasting room and in the Cuda Cavern.The oil and acrylic paintingsare interspersed with the barrels tomake a unique display of her workin a tranquil environment. CudaRidge Wines is located at 5385East Avenue in Livermore.Casbah and Artistic Edge Team toSupport Local Artistare actually made out of picturesof buildings or nature, which havebeen replicated and mirrored untilcomplex designs emerge.The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party willbe hosted by the Assistance Leagueof Amador Valley on Sat., May 7 atthe Aahmes Shrine Event Center,170 Lindbergh Ave., Livermore.The festivities begin at noon.This 16th annual fund-raiserwill include tea tables decorated bymembers, food, a hat contest, raffleprizes and a champagne bar."Wounded" by Joanna CrawshawQuilt Expert Featured at Mad Hatter's Tea PartyAlex Anderson, former hostof HGTV’s “Simply Quilts,” andauthor of numerous quilting books,will be the guest presenter. She willtalk about and display quilts.Assistance League of AmadorValley is a philanthropic organizationin the Pleasanton/Dublin/Livermore area. The group of 70volunteers purchase school clothingfor local underserved children,conduct vision screening in areapre-schools, work with seniors,plus take part in other local programs.Tickets are $50. All of thefunds will go to support localprograms.For information or tickets callCarmen at 371-4566 or go to www.amadorvalley.assistanceleague.org.Panama Red Coffee Co. is hosting an exhibition of scenicphotographic images of California by local Livermore photographerWilliam Hackett of Cheshire Cat Photo, during the month of March.The color images include several prize-winning photographs. Allartworks are for sale. The event will be open during Panama Red’sregular hours. The Panama Red Coffee Co. is located at 2115 1stStreet, Livermore. Pictured is Point Bonita Lighthouse.

10 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 Art & EntertainmentBy Nancy O’ConnellLas Positas offered its secondprogram of the 2011 season EarlyMusic Concert Series on Saturdaynight, March 12.Those who arrived by 7:30 p.m.were lucky to hear a pre-concerttalk with Bruce Lamott, currentlythe director of the PhilharmoniaChorale and a professor at the SanFrancisco Conservatory. He askedquestions of the two soloists – JayWhite, countertenor, and YukoTanaka, harpsichordist, and invitedquestions from the audience. Oneamusing moment came as he askedJay White, a Grammy award-winningartist, if he had undergonesurgery in order to achieve hishigh voice like the Castrati of earlymusic in the 16th through the 18thcenturies.White assured the audiencethat he had not undergone suchan operation, and that many mencould cultivate this type of singingif they were trained. In thoseearly centuries, women were notallowed to perform on the stage,and castrati assumed those rolesin feminine costumes. Countertenorsbecame the third voice, inmusical compositions for voices,in addition to the tenor and thosewho sang descant as early as the14th century.“Quackabella” Choir Fun,Food and EntertainmentThe Cantabella Children’sChorus was chosen by CD auditionto participate in the PacificInternational Children’s ChoirFestival (PICCFEST), June 21-27,2011, at the University of Oregonin Eugene, home of the Ducks.“Quackabella” is hosting anevening of delicious food, sparklingentertainment and fun onFriday, March 25, 2011, at OurSavior Lutheran Ministries, 1385South Livermore Avenue, Livermore,6:30-9:00 PM.Award-winning Bay Area chefDana La Grutta will prepare aEarly Music: A Superb Baroque ConcertHenry Purcell’s Music for aWhile opened the program. Itbegan quietly in the harpsichord.Then the countertenor, Jay White,entered. His voice was eloquent,his hands expressive, highlightingevery word. Purcell is knownas the greatest English composerof the 17th century. His musicis still performed today. He providedclear instructions on howhe wanted the ornamentation inhis compositions performed. Bothsoloists interpreted this work as hewould have wished.John Blow lived from 1649to 1708. His Ground in E Minorfollowed the Purcell. The pieceis for solo harpsichord. A groundis based on a bass line which hasa melodic line over a few bars.Usually only four bars are used togive the melody to the bass. Thenit is repeated again and again. Onher two-manual instrument, YokoTanaka, was able to demonstratecontrasting dynamics. The upperregister was quiet; the lower produceda forte sound. Her ornamentationwas brilliant; her left handtechnique strong and powerful.The piece ended quietly.Giovanni Bononcini, who livedfrom 1670 to 1747, was Italian. Hismusic was very popular in England.However, he was Catholic,gourmet spaghetti dinner, includingappetizer, spaghetti, salad,bread and a drink. Vegetarianspaghetti will be available uponrequest. A collection of dessertswill be auctioned to top off themeal. “Quackabella” choristerswill provide entertainment.Proceeds from the dinner andauction will be used to offset thecost of festival transportation andregistration.The community is invited to attendthis family event. Tickets are$20. Cantabella.org 925-577-3514925-292-2663and when England became Protestant,he was forced to leave. Hiswork, Lasciami un sol momento,was beautifully interpreted by JayWhite. The second part was verydramatic. White sounded angry, hisnotes quickened as he sang of lovebetrayed and the cruel pain that hehad suffered. The harpsichord accompanimentbecame much faster,placing great technical demands onYoko Tanaka.She surmounted all of the difficultieswith ease, just as she didin Handel’s Suite or Sonata in FMajor. In the Allegro the noteswere lightning quick. Her fingerswere in perpetual motion. In theCourante she played staccato passages.The right hand would makea statement, the left would answer.In another movement she used theecho effect to great advantage byintroducing the theme on the lowermanual, then echoing the theme onthe upper manual (or keyboard.)White returned to the stage,singing in Handel’s Stille Amarefrom Tolomeo. He sang the role ofa deposed Egyptian pharaoh whois forced to drink poison. White’scountertenor’s voice was hauntingin his despair. He acted the partwith great feeling as he slumpedback in his chair.After intermission, duringwhich Yoko tuned her beautifulinstrument, she left the stagebriefly and returned with a bigbouquet for Marilyn Marquis, whohas organized these early musicconcerts these past few years.Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concertoin D Major opened thesecond half of the program. Inthe pre-concert talk it was pointedout that Bach stayed within a fiftymile radius of Leipzig, Germanyfor most of his professional life,whereas Handel traveled widely.Lamott said that Bach was influencedby the music of Vivaldi, andthis concerto was patterned afterVivaldi’s Concerto in D Major.For solo harpsichord, the Allegrobegan with running notes in bothhands. The Larghetto introducedrepeated chords, had a contrastingsection and then returned to theearlier chords – an ABA form. Thelast movement, another Allegro,was lively and spirited, and filledwith challenging passages.White then returned for aHandel work. First he told the audiencethat in the earlier operaticselection, the pharaoh hadn’t reallydied. He’d been given a sleepingpotion by his wife. He returns tothe stage and joins the chorus.White described the next Handelcantata as “light and fluffy.”Written while Handel was livingin Rome, this Cantata had somemusical surprises. White managedto sing two roles at once. He wouldsing in his high countertenor voiceand answer in a low tenor – a dia-logue between two types of voice.It was a musical tour de force.A Dieupart suite for solo harpsichordfollowed, which was verywell executed by Yoko Tanaka.Charles Dieupart (c. 1667-1740)also composed the gentle lovesong, Gia la Stagion D’Amorewhich White performed nextwith harpsichord accompaniment.Again, his expressive hands portrayedso much feeling, and hisvoice captivated the audience.The last work returned to themusic of Purcell. The bass line wasplayed on the harpsichord. Thenimprovisation on that melody becamemore and more intricate. Thisled into an Evening Hymn with thehaunting voice of the countertenorsinging Hallelujah – a gloriousway to end this concert as the audienceerupted with enthusiasticapplause.This concert was performed inthe new Barbara Mertes Centerfor the Arts, Building 4000 on theLas Positas campus. Parking isfree. Reserve a ticket or several foryour entire family through www.lpcearlymusic.org, and come to thelast concert in the series on April2, which will honor Philip Manwell,Dean of Academic Servicesand the Director of the Center forthe Arts. He is retiring at the endof this academic year and will besorely missed.C a n t a b e l l a C h i l d r e n ' s C h o r u s d u r i n g a r e c e n t

CommunityThe Livermore Youth FootballLeague (LJFL) Cheer Squad won1st place in their Division at theUSA Jr. Nationals Championshipheld March 5 at Disneyland. Theycompeted against teams from allover the west coast. Pictured isthe squad with their trophy. Theare (front on mat, left to right)Hannah Ulrich, Allison Martin;(front row) Alyssa Martinez,Shelby Granada, Zoe Kline,Hannah Burbach, Nicole Adams(learning forward from back row),Makenzie Frost, Adriana Correa,Mikayla Winter, Caitlin McCool,Ally Christensen; and (back row)Coach Taylor Zentner, CoachJackie Kline, Reagan Haus,Sarah Peters, Tori Bairrios, EmilyBurchfield, Rylie Fields, NeydelinTorres, and Savannah Haus.THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 11Teams from each of the Pleasantonmiddle schools won awards at theUnited Spirit Association JuniorNationals held at Disneyland,M a r c h 6 t h . T h e t e a m f r o mPleasanton Middle won first placein the Medium Junior Show Novicedivision. For the second yearin a row, the team - coached byKim DeJoy and Natalie Vultaggio- won both the Northern CaliforniaSpirit Championship and theJunior Nationals Championshipin their division. This year theteam also won the overall GrandChampionship with the highesttotal score among 35 teamsfrom California and Nevada. Thismakes five championships forthe Pleasanton Middle team inthe last two years. Members ofthe Pleasanton Middle team are:Cameron Bell, Sarina DeJoy, MitsuDill, Lexi Ewanich, Hayley Hart,Tori Heckart, Madison Hinkins,Ali Johnson, Mandi Johnson,Victoria Lachnit, Mikai Lewis,Emma Loll, Madison Maas, SamiManning, Amber Marquez, CierraMartinez, Erin Moirano, BrieannaMorrissey, Megan Patterson,Jordan Robinson, Lauren Shohfi,Brittany Vargas, Lexi VenemaThe team from Hart Middle,coached by Nancy Jefferies, wonsecond place in the Small JuniorShow Novice division. Hart hadpreviously won second placein the Northern California Spiritcompetition. Completing the winsfor the Pleasanton middle schools,the team from Harvest Middle wonthird place in the Medium JuniorShow Novice division. The team iscoached by Linda Montoya.Victorian TeaPlanned atRavenswoodCelebrate May Day with theannual Ravenswood Victorian Teafor a springtime afternoon of dignifieddelight. This year marks the15th anniversary for the charmingevent, presented by the LivermoreArea Recreation and Park Districtand the Ravenswood ProgressLeague.The 1890s restored Victorianis on the National Register of HistoricPlaces, is a State of CaliforniaHistorical Point of Interest and is aCity of Livermore Historic PreservationLandmark Site.Sweets and savories, a selectionof teas, sparking wine andsparkling juice will be served. Thisevent is open to adults and childrenages 8 and older. A special menuis set; special food requests cannotbe accommodated. Docents willbe dressed in Victorian-era costumesas they serve the tea. Livebackground music will add to theambiance.The tea is set for 2 to 4:30 p.m.Sunday, May 1, at Ravenswood,2647 Arroyo Road, Livermore.Two seating locations are available:inside the historic home oroutside on the covered porch.Tickets are $37 per person. Alldonations benefit the RavenswoodHistoric Site Furnishing Fund, anongoing project of the nonprofitRavenswood Progress League thatsupports restoration and publicprograms at the site.Reservations are being takennow until the event is full. Formore information, call 925-443-0238. Reservations forms areavailable online at www.larpd.dst.ca.us.Four MusicAwardsAvailableThe Livermore-Amador SymphonyAssociation has four awardsof $300 each to be given to graduatinghigh school seniors who haveparticipated in school and communitymusical activities duringthe 9th through 12th grades.Students are eligible if theylive or attend school in Livermore,Pleasanton, Sunol, Dublin, or SanRamon.Information regarding theawards and an application formmay be found at www.livamsymph.orgApplications must be postmarkedby April 11, 2011. Questionsmay be directed to (925)447-8789

12 THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 Community(Organizations wishing to run notices inBulletin Board, send information to PO Box1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of BulletinBoard. Include name of organization, meetingdate, time, place and theme or subject. Phonenumber and contact person should also beincluded. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.)Registration Fair, Livermore ValleyJoint Unified School District, for kindergartenand new students in grades 1-8: March 17,3:30-7:30; March 18, 2:00-6:00 at RobertLivermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave.,Livermore. Visit www.livermoreschools.comfor more information.Pleasanton VIP Travel, Visit Safari West,Wed., May 25, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $86 members,$87 nonmembers. Price includes one hourguided tour of Safari West, lunch, Marin cheesefactory, and motorcoach transportation. Signupat travel desk, Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd.,Pleasanton. Information, 931-5370.Hacienda School, 3800 Stoneridge Dr.,Pleasanton is offering a Spring Break ScienceLearning Adventure camp. Monday throughFriday, April 4-8, 2011. The focus this year isEarth Science, plate tectonics, and earthquakes.The program is for 1st-8th grade students.The hours are from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm withextended care at no charge from 8:00 am – 6pm. The cost is $325 (all inclusive exceptlunch). Call Charlotte at (925) 485-5750 tolearn how to register.Livermore Military Families is a supportgroup for families in Livermore, who have aloved one serving in the Military. It is a safeplace to come and share the joys, tears and fearsthey have with others who understand whatthey are going through. All family membersare welcome to attend meetings. Meetingsare held on the 3rd Thursday of each monthat the Livermore VFW Building, 522 South LStreet from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For moreinformation please call Tami Jenkins, 925-784-5014 or email livermoremilitaryfamilies@yahoo.comRobotics 101, Girl Scouts of NorthernCalifornia is hosting three hands-on workshopsthis spring that bring the world of robotics togirls. In this series of introductory workshopsgirls ages 6-14 will build and program LEGOrobots, learn all about robotics tournamentsand even compete in a scrimmage of theirown! There are three dates to the series: March27, April 17, and May 22. All workshops willbe held at Hart Middle School in Pleasanton.More information at http://www.girlscoutsnorcal.org/documents/Flyer.pdf.To sign up,contact Donna Androwsky at dandrowsky@girlscoutsnorcal.org or call (510) 562-8470ext. 136.Widowed Men and Women of NorthernCA., Lunch on San Ramon, 11:30 a.m., March23, RSVP by March 20 to Marsha, 827-2501.Birthday dinner in Pleasanton, 6 p.m. March26, RSVP by March 23 to Mary Ann, 294-5708.Lunch in Fremont, 1 p.m. March 29, RSVP byMarch 26 to Vickie, 51-656-1166.Monte Carlo, safe and sober grand nightcelebration fund-raising for Granada andLivermore high schools. Fri., March 25, 7 to11 p.m. at the Shrine Event Center, 170 LindberghAve., Livermore. Casino games, horsd'oeuvres, music, and live and silent auctions.All proceeds benefit the safe and sober gradnight celebrations at both high schools. Tickets$40 per person. Information and updatesat granadagradnight.com and lhsgradnight.com, or call Barbara Mastrobuoni, 683-7457or Shirey Brooks, 346-3388.Mad Hatter's Tea Party, hosted by AssistanceLeague of Amador Valley, Sat., May7, Shrine Event Center, 170 Lindbergh Ave.,Livermore, beginning at noon. Tea tablesdecorated by members, food, hat contest, raffleprizes and champagne bar. Alex Alexander,former host of HGTV's Simply Quilts, willtalk about and display her quilts. $50. Fundsgo to support local programs. Information ortickets, call Carmen, 371-4566 or go to www.amadorvalley.assistanceleague.org.Fundraiser, Tuff Girl Fitness in Livermoreis offering a free fundraiser fitness bootcamp in Livermore on Saturday, March 19from 8am-9:30am. This boot camp will be afundraiser for the Avon Walk for Breast CancerResearch. To RSVP email getfit@tuffgirl.comor visit tuffgirl.comSunset Christian Schools MasqueradeGala, Sat., March 26, at the Livermore Barn,3131 Pacific Ave., Livermore. Fund-raisingevent featuring a catered dinner, dancing,raffles, lice and silent auctions. Doors open at6:30 p.m. Dinner served at 7 p.m. Live auctionbegins at 8 p.m. with dancing to follow. Allfunds raised will be used to benefit the childrenof Sunset Christian Schools. The public isinvited to attend. Tickets are $60 per person.Cocktail dress and masks are encouraged.Information or reservations, call 895-4051 oremail scs.ladiesleague@gmail.com.Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club,Sat., March 19, 50-82 miles Cinderella classictraining ride, meet 9:30 a.m. at Crank-2Tandem Bicycles in Pleasanton, Kathy Burkle,kburkle1@yahoo.com. Sun., March 20, 39miles, summit of Mt. Hamilton, meet 10 a.m.corner of Alum Rock Ave. and Mt. HamiltonRd., Richard Hedges, 447-6197. Wed., March23, 30 miles Livermore Airport to Lake DelValle, meet 10 a.m., Gail Blanco, 872-1001.Anyone planning to go on a ride is asked tocontact the leader for details on where to meetand what to bring.Free Diabetes Class. 7 week series willteach you how to manage your Type 2 diabetesor Pre Diabetes, eat the foods you love, how andwhy to check your blood sugar, medications,exercise and more! New series begins ThursdayApril 14 - May 26, 10 am - 12 pm, in Livermore.Please call the Alameda County Public HealthDiabetes Program at 510-383-5185 for moreinformation and to register.Spring Service of Remembrance, Wed.,April 6, 7 p.m. Hope Hospice Grief SupportCenter, 6377 Clark Ave., Suite 100, Dublin.Includes poetry, music and a ceremony ofremembrance. Each guest/family will receivea complimentary remembrance rose with vase.Additional roses are $5 each. Refreshmentswill be served. Reserve a personalized roseno later than March 31. 829-8770 or www.HopeHospice.com.Tri-Valley Communities Against a RadioactiveEnvironment (Tri-Valley CAREs)was founded in 1983 in Livermore, Californiaby concerned neighbors living around the LawrenceLivermore National Laboratory, one oftwo locations where all US nuclear weapons aredesigned. Tri-Valley CAREs monitors nuclearweapons and environmental clean-up activitiesthroughout the US nuclear weapons complex,with a special focus on Livermore Lab and thesurrounding communities. Tri-Valley CAREs'overarching mission is to promote peace, justiceand a healthy environment. All are welcomeat the monthly meeting at the LivermoreCivic Center Library Thursday, March 17 from7:30pm to 9pm. For more information call Tri-Valley CAREs at (925) 443-7148 or visit ourwebsite at http://trivalleycares.orgLivermore Peripheral Neuropathy SupportGroup meets the fourth Tuesday of themonth, 10am at Heritage Estates RetirementCommunity, 900 E Stanley Blvd. , Livermore.The next meeting is March 22. All are welcome.A video presentation entitled, Coping with aChronic Neuropathy, will be shown. For furtherinformation contact: Ann Laye, 443-4098Scholarship, Chapter FX, of the P.E.O.Sisterhood (a philanthropic and educationalorganization promoting women’s education)announces that applications are available fortheir annual $600 scholarship and the Marcia M.Howie Memorial Scholarship. The awards areopen to any female who is a graduating seniorintending to further her education by attendingan accredited college, business school, cosmetologyor nursing course. Applicants must beresidents of Livermore. When awarding thesescholarships, financial need is considered, aswell as scholastic achievement and extracurricularactivities. Letters of recommendationand official transcripts must be attached to theapplication. Applications may be obtained fromhigh school scholarship advisors or by sendinga stamped, self addressed envelope to: ChapterFX, P.E.O., 1961 Evans Street, Livermore CA94550. (925) 366 5567. Applications must bepostmarked no later than April 12, 2011.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous,meeting Alamo, 9:30am – Wednesdays -SanRamon Valley United Methodist Church, 902Danville Blvd., Contact - Nicole O., 925-997-4047 / Erin S., 415-215-1187 http://foodaddicts.org/images/wheelchair_logo.JPG.Nodues, fees or weigh-ins. All are welcome.Funds for school, Pet Food Express willbe donating all the proceeds from pet washesduring the month of March to Amador ValleyHigh School Sports & Deca Programs. Washingyour pet has never been easier with their selfservicepet stations. Each station includes raisedtubs, shampoos, air dryers, towels, aprons tokeep you dry and no mess to clean up. The newPet Food Express is located next to Safeway at1737 Santa Rita Road in Pleasanton.Daughters of the American Revolution(DAR), Jose Maria Amador Chapter,Pleasanton, meets first Saturday of the month.Members are descendants of patriots of theAmerican Revolution. Dedicated to preservingAmerican history, promoting patriotism andsecuring America's future through education.Please contact Ann at 510-507-5509 or anarciso@comcast.netfor time and location.Special Fund-raising, Cantabella Children’sChorus will host a gourmet spaghettidinner, an auction of fabulous desserts, plusentertainment by talented chorus members.Friday, March 25, 6:30-9:00 P.M. at Our SaviorLutheran Ministries gymnasium, 1385 SouthLivermore Avenue, Livermore. Proceeds areto benefit Cantabella choristers who will attendthe prestigious Pacific International Children’sChoir Festival in June, 2011, at the Universityof Oregon, home of the Ducks! Join us for adelightful evening of delicious food, beautifulmusic and lots of fun, and help send membersof the “Quackabella” chorus to UO! Tickets$20. Call (925) 577-3514 or (925) 292-2663.Information: Cantabella.org.Navy, Marine Corp. & Coast Guardveterans, meet with other like minded veteransfor camaraderie and more. There are no lawsto protect benefits, so it is time to get involved.The local branch of the FRA, a veteransservice organization, meets the first Friday ofeach month at 1900 at the Veterans MemorialBuilding, 511 South L Street, Livermore. Formore information, go to www.fra.org or contactRoy Warner, 449-6048.Recruitment Grant, a $500 recruitmentgrant is available for a woman student pursuinga career in education. Eligibility includesgraduate of a high school in Livermore,Pleasanton or Dublin, full time student ofupper division or graduate standing as of fall2011, must have a good gpa. The applicationdeadline is March 19, 2011. The grant will beawarded by the local chapter of Delta KappaGamma, an international honor society forwomen educators. To receive an applicationform, send a self-addressed stamped envelopeto: Susan Canfield, 262 Trevarno Rd., Livermore,CA 94551.Pleasantonians 4 Peace, Peaceful WarProtest will be held on the fourth Wednesdayof the month, March 23, between 5 - 6 at thecorners of First and Neal Streets. Please joinus if you can. Questions?? Call Cathe Normanat (925) 462-7495; Matt Sullivan at mjs7882@gmail.com; or kdowding@pacbell.net. www.Pleasantonians4Peace.orgPacific Locomotive Association, nonprofitgroup operates the Niles Canyon Railroadbetween Fremont Niles District and Sunol.Volunteers are sought for the following glazier,painter, electrician, mechanic or welder torestore historic trains. Other volunteers can bea brakeman or brakewoman, shopkeeper, treetrimmer, docent, caterer or engineer. For moreopportunities, call Rich Alexander at 510-996-8420 or email pla_ncry@ncry.org.11th Annual Danville-Alamo-WalnutCreek Branch of AAUW Garden Tour willbe held Fri., May 6 and Sat., May 7. Sevengardens in Alamo, Danville and Walnut Creekwill be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are$30 if postmarked by April 30th, $35 thereafter;$25 for seniors 65+ by April 30, $30 thereafter.No children under 12 please. For tickets withgarden locations, mail check by April 30 payableto “AAUW Funds” with a business size,self-addressed stamped envelope to: AAUWGarden Tour 400 Cliffside Dr., Danville, CA94526. Further information: gardentour@aauw.daw.org or Tena: (925) 837-0826. Variouslandscape designers as well as expert gardenerswill be on hand to share their knowledge. Allproceeds benefit AAUW’s Funds that supportaspiring female scholars.Volunteer Drivers Needed, Senior SupportProgram of the Tri-Valley is looking forVolunteer Drivers to transport seniors to theirmedical appointments. The Senior TransportationProgram supplements existing publicand paratransit services by providing ridesvia volunteer drivers. Volunteers must havea valid driver’s license, a registered vehicle,carry automobile liability insurance, and havea clear DMV record. Please contact JenniferCullen for more information at (925) 931-5387or email: ja.cullen@yahoo.com. Funding forthis program is provided by Alameda CountyTransportation Commission (Alameda CTC)and Measure B Funds.Volunteer for 20th annual LivermoreWine Country Festival will be held April30 and May 1, 2011. Volunteers are neededto help make the event a success. Festivalhours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The winepouring shifts are Saturday 10:30 a.m. (½hour to set up) to 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to5:30 p.m. (1/2 hour to clean up). Sunday 10:30a.m. (½ hour to set up) to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (1/2 hour to clean up). Allvolunteers required to attend the Wine CountryFestival Volunteer Training Meeting which isscheduled for Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m.Download a volunteer agreement form atwww.livermoredowntown.com. Forms mustbe returned no later than Monday, April 18th,2011. For information, call 373-1795.Free income tax help, Livermore, AARPvolunteer preparers. Mondays, Feb. 7-April 18,noon-4 p.m. Robert Livermore CommunityCenter, 4444 East Ave., Livermore, by appointment,373-5760. Thursdays and Fridays,Feb. 3-April 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Civic CenterLibrary, 1188 So, Livermore Avenue, firstcome, first served. Bring W2, all 1099 forms,copy of previous year's tax return, and otherimportant documents.Pleasanton Newcomers Club, open tonew and established residents of the Tri-Valley.Activities include a coffee on the firstWednesday of the month, a luncheon on thesecond Wednesday of the month, bunco, MahJongg, bridge, walking and hiking groups,family activities and monthly adult socials.Information, call 215-8405 or visit www.PleasantonNewcomers.com.Good News Bears, nonprofit with a missionto distribute stuffed animals to socialservices, emergency services, medical facilitiesand anyone who needs a hug. Based inLivermore, the group reaches around the BayArea and the world. Volunteers needed to holdcollections of gently used teddy bears and otherstuffed animals, assist with fund-raising anddeliver the animals to organizations supportedby the group. Meetings 2nd Thursday of themonth, 6:30 p.m. at the Livermore Police Station.Log on to www.goodnewsbears.org or call373-7982 for more information.RELIGIONBible Study, offered Wednesdays, 7:30to 8:30 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints, 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz,Pleasanton. Refreshments served at no cost.925-305-9468.Granada Baptist Church, 945 ConcannonBlvd., Livermore. Services: Sundayschool 9:45 a.m., worship 11 a.m., TuesdayBible study, 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome.1-888-805-7151.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.comSpiritual Reiki Group The Japanesesystem of Reiki is a spiritual practice whichuses meditations, chanting, visualizations,and hands-on energy group work so that wecan connect to our true nature. No prior Reikiexperience is necessary. On the first and thirdSaturdays of every month, 10-11:45 a.m. at Tri-Valley Unity's Gathering Place, 7567 AmadorValley Blvd., #120, Dublin. Contact Gayle atgstaehle@comcast.net.Community Bible Study Class, book ofLuke will be the topic of study in Pleasanton atValley Bible Church. CBS is a non-denominationalBible study ministry open to all women,with a special children's program for ages 0-5years old. The class meets on Thursdays from9:30-11:30AM beginning 9/9/10 and goesuntil 5/12/11. More information about theCBS program and registration available bycontacting Sharon at 925-399-5072, or emailbobsharonmerrill@gmail.com.Granada Baptist Church, 945 ConcannonBoulevard, Livermore. Services: Sundayschool – 9:45 a.m.; worship service – 11 a.m.All are welcome. 1-888-805-7151.Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243Scott Street, Livermore. 925-447-5462, serviceson Saturday: Sabbath school 9:30 a.m.,worship 11 a.m. www.livermoresda.org/ Allare welcome.Stepping Stones on Grief Journey,Grief Ministry Workshop Spring 2011 Series,Catholic Community of Pleasanton. EightThursday evenings, 7:30 p.m., April 7-June 2(omitting April 21) at St. Elizabeth Seton, 4001Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Preregistration isrequired. A one-time $15 donation is requested.Open to all regardless of religious affiliation.Please call Mary Hagerty, 846-5377, for moreinformation.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 Church, 557 Olivina Ave., Livermore.Bible studies for all ages, including 21classes for adults every Sunday morning at9:45. Worship at 8:30 and 11 a.m. as well as6 p.m. There is also a Hot Topics Bible Studyon Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. while children arein Children's choir and youth are in worshipand other activities. 447-1848, www.trinitylivermore.org.St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church,678 Enos Way, Livermore. Inquirers/confirmationclass Sundays through May 22, 9:30 to11:15 a.m. All are welcome. Variety of subjectswill be covered. Call The Rev. Debra Low-Skinner,447-3289. Lenten evening prayer, soupsupper and study offered on Mondays, March14-April 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Study will use "TheLast Week" A Day by Day Account of Jesus'Final Week in Jerusalem;" call The Rev. DebraLow-Skinner, 447-3289. St. Patrick's GreenFund-raiser and Potluck, March 17, starts at5:30 p.m., call Jenny Moy, 447-3289.Purim Activity, Congregation Beth Emekwill celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim Sat.,March 19, which recalls the triumph of goodnessand loyalty over bigotry and evil. Jewstraditionally celebrate Purim with abundantfood and drink and donations to charity. BethEmek’s annual Purimspiel, a retelling of thestory of Purim, will feature entertainment andauctions, with proceeds going to organizationsthat include Hope Hospice, the Tri-ValleyHaven and the Tri-Valley Humane Society.Adult Megillah reading will be at 5:30pm,PurimSpiel at 7:00pm. Congregation BethEmek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. $10per person. 925- 931-1055.Celebrate Purim at the Bothwell ArtsCenter with Tri-Valley Cultural Jews on Sunday,March 20, from 10:30 to 12:30. Includesannual costume parade. Hamantashn will bemade. Non-members are asked to contribute$10 per family as a donation.