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Idea Transcript


VOLUME XLV, NUMBER 31

Your Local News Source Since 1963

SERVING LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2008

U.S. Spends Most on Health Care; Results Low Painting of the fountain at Carnegie Park by Sherri Kelcourse.

Day Of Art In Carnegie Park Livermore Art Association will host Art in Carnegie Park on Sat., Aug. 2. This is described as "a fun summer event the whole family can enjoy." Local artists will fill Carnegie Park with artwork for sale and provide art demonstrations. There will also be live music, local wines and food. Visitors can also browse LAA’s art gallery, located on site in the historic Carnegie building.

The United States ranks first in spending on health care and 37th in health care outcome. That was just one of the observations made by Wright Lassiter III during last week’s Livermore Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Lassiter is the CEO of the Alameda County Medical Center. He talked about trends in health care and how they may impact businesses and individuals. He offered the following reasons for why costs are high, “We are not spending money in the right areas. People would rather see an orthopedic surgeon before a primary care provider. The pharmaceutical industry has more im-

pact in the U.S. than other parts of the world. The lifestyle is sedentary. Americans eat poorly and don’t exercise. We also spend an inordinate amount of money at the end of life, more than in other countries. This country also has a lust for technology that may not be necessary.” Lassiter said, “Yes,” to the question is there a health care crisis? Most care is centered around hospitals rather than ambulatory access. “Hospitals should be the second place people go for care,” Lassiter stated. Other issues include the financial viability of hospitals, the uninsured population, and

the insured population and how access is provided to health care. In Alameda County about 13 percent of the population has no insurance. Nationwide that number rises to 15.4 percent of the population. Lassiter said the county is doing better than the nation as a whole. There is a pretty decent supply of hospital beds in the county. We are providing one hospital bed for every 426 residents; nationwide that number is one bed for every 489 individuals. In some aspects, the crisis occurs because health care is overly focused on hospitals rather than

care. At the same time, the cost of insurance is a “fairly alarming” issue in California. “Health insurance costs too much. Premiums rose more than 50 percent between 2003 and 2006,” he stated. For small businesses, the issue is affordability. A survey demonstrated that 80 percent of small businesses feel they should pay something toward health insurance, while 57 percent felt it was a shared responsibility between government and business. Another area of concern is the aging of doctors. Currently 55 (See HEALTH CARE, page 3)

State Budget Maneuver Would Cut Wheels Service

800 Miles of HOT Lanes Envisioned The high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes planned for Interstates 680 and 580 will be part of an 800 mile network of rapid express lanes intended to break traffic deadlocks throughout the Bay Area. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission voted last week to approve the plan for the network of lanes on Bay Area freeways. The HOT lanes are expected to generate $6 billion in their first 25 years of operation. The express lanes are free to people with two or more persons in the car. Solo drivers may use them, but must pay a fee. The amount will depend on what time of day the lane is used and how much it is being used. Experience with HOT lanes in southern California shows that as lane use goes down, the price goes down, to encourage more motorists to use it. Creation of the hot lanes will be a cooperative effort between the MTC, the various counties’ congestion management agencies, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol. In the Valley, HOT lanes are already assured for funding on the Sunol grade on I-680, and on Interstate 580 eastbound along the Pleasanton city limit. Another HOT lane, westbound along I-580, is also in the plan approved by the MTC. The $6 billion revenue from HOT lanes is part of a $31 billion financing plan approved by MTC to tackle congestion problems throughout the Bay Area. All of the money is new money, not money that already has been reserved for projects. MTC is not a taxing agency, but determines which transportation projects in the Bay Area are meritorious of receiving federal and state grants. Among categories in the financing plan are $900 million for regional bicycle programs, $19 billion for transit capital and operating shortfalls, $13 billion for state highway shortfalls, and $11 billion for local roads’ shortfall.

physician access, which is where the care should happen. Hospitals are not shrinking in size. In some cases they are growing. However, there is an alarming trend related to financial loses. In California, hospitals lost $330 million collectively in 2003; in 2007 that loss rose to $2 billion. Treatment of the uninsured cannot be made up for by payments for insured patients. There is a problem between delivery and reimbursement of care. There is an $18 billion shortfall in Medicare funding, $11 billion in Medicaid. California is ranked 50th in the country in its reimbursement for medical

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Members of the Amador Valley Quilters created quilts as gifts for premature babies. Pictured with some of the quilts are Natalie Avery (left) and Diane Saugier.

Quilters Share Joy and Spread Comfort By Patricia Koning Last weekend, 20 women from the Amador Valley Quilters (AVQ) spread a lot of warmth and comfort to some very small newborn babies at Stanford Hospital. The quilters personally delivered 154 newborn-sized quilts and 45 tiny knitted hats, all handmade and donated, to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The donation came about after quilter Natalie Avery shared the needs of the Stanford NICU with the quilting guild. “Stanford

admits 1,200 to 2,200 very sick premature babies each year,” she explains. “The quilts are not necessarily to keep babies warm but to add comfort to their lives. The nurses place the quilts under these babies in the tiny isolette units to give parents a focal point as they approach their infants. There are often many tubes, wires, and machinery connected to these babies.” As the babies grow, the quilts become their primary cuddle blankets and eventually go

home from the hospital with them. “The trip was a success,” says Avery. “We didn’t realize how sick many of the babies really are. It brought many of us to tears. It was nice to see our quilts bringing a touch of comfort, especially to those babies from other parts of the United States with few visitors.” This type of effort is typical for AVQ. The purpose of the 27year-old organization is to pre(See QUILTERS, page 12)

Wheels bus service could lose almost 10 percent of its total service hours if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s threat to siphon off transit funds is carried through. It comes at the worst possible time, because Wheels would have to cut back service just when motorists are trying to get out of their cars and into public transit, said Wheels executive director Barbara Duffy. No decision has been made in Sacramento. However, the governor wants to make several shifts of transit-reserved revenue to other transportation sectors. They include such areas as paying down debt on transportation bonds and funding home-toschool transportation. It’s part of an effort to narrow the $17 billion gap in the $101 billion 2008-09 state budget. In one category — “spillover” revenue from the gasoline sales tax —

Steve Brozosky, who finished 188 votes behind Jennifer Hosterman in 2006, took out papers last week to run for Pleasanton mayor. Hosterman is running for reelection. Brozosky said he hasn’t decided whether or not he will run. Since he was leaving on vacation, he wanted to have papers ready to turn in and avoid a last

areas, each with proposed goals and policies. The major area is planning. The stated goal is to provide a range of recreation opportunities, facilities and programs to meet the present and projected community needs. Among the policies are the following: acquire land, easements or facilities to meet existing and projected user needs; provide special use facilities; provide a diversity of recreation programs and classes; provide opportunities for multi-cultural outreach, (See LARPD, page 4)

speaker. He is a leading advocate of renewable energy. “The expanded use and production of renewable energy over the next few years will mean hundreds of thousands of new, green-collar jobs," said McNerney. "Our region is wellpositioned to capitalize on this tremendous growth, though one of our challenges is training our workforce for these new jobs. I’ve written and passed legislation to expand green-collar job training and I’m pleased the Tri(See SUMMIT, page 4)

minute scramble when he returned. He said a lot of people have been asking him to run. Asked about having such a large field and the potential of splitting the vote, Brozosky said he hadn’t talked to the other potential candidates. However, he expects there will be some conversation as to what would be the best thing to do. “I think we all (See ELECTION, page 4)

Ordinance Would Set Stricter Rules For Bike Events

Summit to Address Area Workforce Needs The Tri-Valley Business Council will host an "Energy Industry Workforce Development Summit" on August 13 as part of its goal to position the region as the hub for the expanding energy and green building industries. The summit, scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Dr. in Livermore, will include energy industry and Tri-Valley education leaders, government and public agency officials. U.S. Congressman Jerry McNerney (DPleasanton) is the keynote

(See WHEELS, page 4)

Brozosky Considering Run for Pleasanton Mayor

Open Space Parks, Trails, Sports Park Top List in LARPD Master Plan The draft master plan for the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD) was unveiled this week. Work on the plan began in 2006. It combines the Trail Master Plan, established in 1991 and the overall district Master Plan, last updated in 1995, into one document. The district service area encompasses 241 square miles in northeastern Alameda County. A public hearing was held Wednesday after The Independent’s deadline. The plan is broken into eight

Schwarzenegger would divert $1.1 billion. The funds are excess collected above the projected cost of living average for the state. The governor is also talking about suspending Proposition 42, which would guarantee public transit a certain percentage of more than $1 billion that goes to various segments of transportation in the state. Diversion of the funds would bring a $600,000 shortfall to Wheels. By itself, that would make “only a dent” in the Wheels budget, said Duffy. However, Wheels also faces $600,000 more in expenses for fuel in the fiscal year, which began July 1. Wheels can’t survive both blows without cutting service, she stated. Duffy estimated that losing $600,000 would equate to a loss of about 12,000 hours of bus service during a year. The agency would cut service on the lines that

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

It may have been summer, but it was snowing (fake) in downtown Livermore over the weekend. Enjoying the Livermore Downtown, Inc. "Christmas in July" event were Emily Gossett (front) and behind her Hannah Gossett.

An Alameda County Supervisors’ committee is recommending adoption of rules to help manage large staged bicycle events on the public roads of eastern Alameda County. The Transportation and Land Use Committee approved the draft of an ordinance that would go a little beyond rules already in effect for such events. Dawn Argula, deputy chief of staff for Supervisor Scott Haggery, said that the purpose of the ordinance is to be more specific about conditions than the current ordinance. It should make for better compliance, because expectations will be clear, as will communication about the issues. Concern was raised by rural residents about events attracting hundreds of riders. One event, the Cinderella Classic, brings in 2500 riders every year. In some cases, event coordinators have not notified residents, and sometimes clean-up after an event has not been good. Sometimes there has been a lack of toilet facilities. The ordinance would remedy that. Many rural residents don’t see city newspapers, and don’t know when rides will be coming through, said Argula. They need notice, in case they plan to move (See BICYCLES, page 4)

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Pictured is Kathi Hileman as the genteel, hopelessly impractical estate owner Madame Ranyevskaya in Chekov's "The Cherry Orchard." Reviewer Susan Steinberg urges audiences to see what she describes as an outstanding production at Las Positas College. For details, see page 11.

Inside Art & Entertainment............8, 11

Roundup..................................3

Bulletin Board......................5

Short Notes.............................2

Classifieds...........................10

Sports......................................6

Editorial.................................4

Obituaries................................9 Open Homes......................On-line

PET OF THE WEEK Bandit is a little ball of fire! She had a litter of kittens very early in life, and now she seems to be reliving the childhood she missed. She is about a year old, very playful and full of energy. She is also gentle and loving, and would be perfect for children. To meet Bandit, come to Valley Humane Society’s Kitty City at 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Open Tues.-Sat. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the web site www.valleyhumane.org or call 925-426-8656 for more details. Wiggle Waggle Dog Wash is August 9th at noon; bring your pooch in for a rinse!

PAGE 2 - The Independent, JULY 31, 2008

Genealogy and the Military The Livermore-Amador Genealogy Society, in association with the Livermore Family History Center, will present a free “American Military Research” Seminar on Sat., Aug. 9. This “how to” seminar will enable genealogy researchers to not only find, but also follow their great-great grandfathers through on-line military records. During the morning presentation, Susan Goss Johnston, genealogist, Las Positas College genealogy teacher, and lecturer, will discuss what can and cannot be found on-line. Her afternoon workshop, “Going Beyond the Obvious: Problem-Solving with Online Military Records," will apply techniques covered in the morning session. Johnston is a graduate of the National Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research course, “Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis,” and the National Archives’ course, “Going to the Source.” In addition, Trevor Hammond, Marketing Manager for Footnote.com, will provide “An Introduction to Footnote.com”—a site for genealogists conducting military and historical research. Prior to joining Footnote, Hammond worked for Ancestry.com in intelligence and customer support. The free seminar, running from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., will be held at the LDS Church, 950 Mocho Street, Livermore. Lunch and an afternoon workshop with on-line interactive case studies will follow morning lectures. Laptops are not required for the workshop, although attendees with wireless laptops can follow along during the workshop. Access to Footnote.com will be provided. Most of the software used during the seminar is available at both the Pleasanton and the Livemore Family History Centers. Online registration is available at http://www.L-AGS.org/seminar/. For information about the free seminar, contact Jane Southwick (925) 4473898 or Kay Speaks, Seminar Chair, at [email protected]. The registration deadline is August 7, 2008. Onsite registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. the day of the seminar, subject to available seating. Early registration is advised. Attendees may either bring a bag lunch or order a lunch costing $4.25. Lunch orders must be received by 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 1. Lunch is available by pre-order and payment only. Lunches will not be sold the day of the seminar.

Nature Program Summer Survivors is the topic of a nature program Sat., Aug. 2 presented by the Livermore Area Recreation and

Park District ranger staff. Meet Ranger Wolitzer at 10 a.m. at the Wetmore Road entrance to Sycamore Grove Park. This is a one- to two-mile walk that focuses on those plants that brave and even flourish in the Livermore summer heat. How do these plants manage to survive such hot weather? What special adaptations do they have to do this? There will also be a discussion about how some of the animals of Sycamore Grove Park stay cool during the hot August days. Bring lots of water, and wear sunscreen and a hat. After our hike, participaints will quench their thirst with iced teas made exclusively from herbs in the park. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee and a $2 donation is requested to help support the programs. Participants may call 925-960-2400 for more information.

night getaway to Mexico, a stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and an iPhone. For a list of prizes, please contact your local Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office or call 925.275.3085. Raffle prize winners will be notified September 18.

Nth Degree Tasting

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Students Visiting Twelve visiting Korean students are attending Summer Adventure Camps at Valley Montessori School in Livermore through August 8. The purpose of their visit is to practice their English-language skills and learn about the local culture. An older group of seven students, ages 9-12, attend a variety of events and activities with some Valley Montessori students and graduates. Field trips include hiking at Sycamore Grove, rock climbing, swimming, and attending a yoga class at the Cosmic Dog, cheering at an A’s game, bowling at Granada Bowl, observing a chef’s demonstration at the Firehouse Books and Bistro, visiting the Monterey Bay aquarium and San Francisco. The five younger visitors, ages 6-8, are enrolled in the regular elementary summer programs. One of the Valley Montessori students commented, “The visiting students are energetic and lots of fun. It is great to share with them and show them where we live and how we live.” The students stay with host families in Livermore and also take advantage of English classes at VMS twenty hours a week.

Veterans Info Faire Las Positas College’s Veterans First Initiative will hold its Second Annual Veterans Information Faire on Wed., Aug. 13. It is open to all returning veterans considering or planning on continuing their higher education. The Faire, hosted by LPC’s Veterans First Initiative, provids an opportunity for those who have served the nation in uniform to receive information, learn about obtaining financial help for attending Las Positas, veterans’ benefits

One visitor admiresd the inside of a Chevy Impala belonging to a member of the Altamont Cruisers. The cars were displayed as part of a community event at Lowe's Livermore. tips, and community support resources. The Info Faire will be hosted in the Little Theater/Building 800, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. It will open at 9:30 AM for guest registration and begin officially at 10 AM with a welcome; the event is scheduled until 2:30 PM, with a 45-minute lunch break allotted at noon. Advising and planning, financial aid, and veterans’ benefits information will be addressed before lunch. After the break, an LPC student veterans’ panel will address questions from guests, and LPC Veterans Club President Christina McCandless will discuss the club and its numerous campus and community activities. Among those in attendance will be local veterans support groups such as the Pleasanton Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Blue Star Moms, the Concord and Palo Alto Veterans Centers, LPC Veterans First Office and Veterans Club, CSU East Bay Veterans, and Tri-Valley One Stop; all distinguished guests will be introduced at the conclusion. A full copy of the day’s agenda is available on the web at www.laspositascollege.edu/veterans/ index.php in .pdf format. To RSVP, contact the LPC Veterans Office by telephone at 925-424-1571 or 925-

424-1582, or by e-mail at the Las Positas College website.

Habitat for Humanity Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Community Foundation announced the launch of its 10th annual Habitat for Humanity fundraising campaign. The major event of this year’s fundraising effort will once again be a Habitat for Humanity raffle, which kicked off this week. Last year’s fundraising effort raised $268,000 to help low-income families build their own home. This year's goal is $400,000. Money will also be raised by fundraisers held by individual Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices throughout Northern California. The raffle runs through September 12 in all 63 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices throughout Northern California. Tickets are $2 each and the public is invited to participate. Checks should be made payable to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Community Foundation. All monies raised through the raffle will be donated to local Habitat for Humanity chapters for homes to be built in 2009. Prizes for the raffle include $5,000 donated by Princeton Capital, a three

Wente Vineyards will host a “Summer Jubilee to the Nth Degree!” on August 2. Featured will be the premier release of The Nth Degree Pinot Noir. A total of 5 wines will be poured, including two hand-crafted Small Lot wines. The event is noon to 4 p.m at the Wente Vineyards Estate Winery 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore. Food will be available for purchase by Wente Vineyards Catering. Fee for winetasting is $5 wine club members, $10 nonmembers. Fee includes a Riedel logo wine glass.

Shot Clinics Axis Community Health has scheduled its free summer immunization clinics for children on August 2 and September 6, 2008, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. The clinics will take place at Axis’ Pleasanton Clinic only located at 4361 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton. Saturday Immunization clinics are open to all Tri-Valley families who are low income or uninsured, including those enrolled in Medi-Cal and MediCal Managed Care. Parents should bring child’s immunization records and information about family income and medical insurance. There is a fee for some immunizations. Immunization appointments are also available at (925) 462-1755.

Author to Speak Author Kelly Perkins will speak at the Livermore Library at 2 p.m. on Sun., Aug. 3.

Heart transplant recipient Kelly Perkins and her husband Craig have gained international recognition for their remarkable courage and landmark accomplishments. Author of The Climb of My Life: Scaling Mountains with a Borrowed Heart, Kelly has expanded the possibilities of what a heart transplant recipient can do, climbing mountains that few thought possible. Their celebrated climbs around the world personify the spirit of living and have inspired people of all walks of life to reach new heights. This free event will be presented at the Livermore Public Library Civic Center, 1188 S. Livermore Avenue. The Friends of the Livermore Library have underwritten this program as part of the Friends Authors and Arts Series. For additional events, check the library’s website at www.livermore.lib.ca.us For further information about programs, please contact Joyce Nevins at (925) 373-5500 extension 5577.

College to Host Expo LPC 2008 Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore will host Expo LPC 2008 on Thursday, August 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Expo LPC is a one-half unit college orientation that includes a tour of the 147-acre campus, a preview to college life, college success strategies, important academic information, an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students, food, and fun activities. All new and re-entry students enrolled in 6 or more units are encouraged to register for the August 14 Expo orientation (PSCN 24 section - course code CRN# 20840). For more information, please call Veronica Jennings at (925) 424-1421 or the Counseling office at (925) 424-1400.

The Independent, JULY 31, 2008 - PAGE 3

VALLEY ROUNDUP New College Deans Las Positas College has hired two new academic deans at the College. Janice Noble has been named dean of business, computing and applied technology. Noble comes to Las Positas College from San Bernardino Valley College, where she served as dean of social science and human development. She held the positions of both the associate dean of allied health and the associate dean of academic programs at Mt. San Jacinto College. Prior to her career in the community college system Noble was a vice president of two health care systems in southern California. Noble has a doctorate degree in higher education, a master of business administration and a master of arts degree in education. John Williams has been named interim dean of social sciences and wellness. He will serve in this capacity until a permanent dean is hired. Williams most recently acted as the interim vice president of instruction at Mission College in Santa Clara where he also was a faculty member and department chair. Williams served for several years as academic vice president and dean at Menlo College. Williams has a master of science degree in administration, and both a master of science and bachelor of arts degree in biology.

Haggerty Honors Two Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty recognized an officer from the Fremont Police Department and a firefighter from the LivermorePleasanton Fire Department at Haggerty’s 12th annual barbecue held Friday at the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Sergeant Kim Petersen was named Police Officer of the Year. She is a graduate of Stanford University and has been with the Fremont Police Department since 1986. She has served as a patrol officer and detective and a member of the SWAT team. Petersen holds the position of Court Liaison Sergeant. In this role, she is responsible for facilitating the prosecution of criminal cases emanating from the department. She recently earned her FMT certification as part of establishing the Department’s Tactical Emergency

Medical Program. Sgt. Petersen was recognized because she saved the life of a one year old boy who was suffering from seizures and not breathing when the officer arrived on the scene. Working with Sheriff’s Sgt. Griffith and Deputy Krinke, Petersen used CPR to save the infant’s life. The boy stopped breathing several times on the way to Washington Hospital. Petersen continued her efforts. The boy was stabilized in the emergency room and later released. It was Petersen’s efforts, as well as those of the two sheriff’s deputies, that saved the infant’s life. The Firefighter of the Year award went to Battalion Chief Joe Rodondi, who joined the department in 1997. Throughout his service with the LPFD, Rodondi has worked on various labor management projects. He was instrumental in coordinating efforts to secure and provide LPFD a customized electric golf cart, equipped with lights and a siren, to use to deliver emergency medical care during special events. Working with other department members, he is currently facilitating the development and implementation of the engineer and captain academy. The specific training will afford other members of the LPFD interested in promotion opportunities the skills and training necessary to compete for the ranks of engineer and captain. Battalion Chief Joe Rodondi was recognized for his dedication and commitment to fire service.

Correction The woman in the photo on page 2 of last week's Independent was identified as Michelle Okamoto. It is Melissa Cox, the hair stylist.

Clarification A story on Zone 7 Water Agency’s approval of a CEQA document, a necessary step for the operation of a solar power facility at its Del Valle Water Treatment plant, omitted the name of the contractor that will operate the solar installation. The firm is Renewable Technologies, Inc. (RTI). The contract already has been approved by Zone 7 directors. The contract spells out the amount that Zone 7 will pay RTI over the next 20 years for power there. Zone 7 expects to save $80,000 on its power bill over the two decades.

HEALTH CARE (continued from page one)

percent are over age 55. The demand is outpacing the supply, commented Lassiter. Another shortage is in nursing. He estimated there would be a need for an additional 43,000 nurses by 2010 and 74,000 by 2020. Health care has to partner with education to deal with the shortfall, according to Lassiter. Education is also key to helping to create programs that promote health. There is an epidemic of obesity, chronic disease and new threats of bioterrorism, yet less than 4 cents on the health care dollar is spent on prevention and public health. One reason, Lassiter said is there are no immediate results. Lassiter was asked to determine what health care might look like depending on which candidate is elected in November. He called Obama’s approach a typical Democratic formula. It would expand access and coverage and create programs for the uninsured. The goal would be to make sure everyone had coverage in some form. Obama would also look at reforms in the private insurance industry. His approach would not necessarily result in universal health care, but would clearly broaden access. Both candidates agree on loosening restrictions on drugs - how they come into the country, how they are approved, and what types of drugs are dispensed (generics versus brand names). “There is a significant cost to the FDA process,” commented Lassiter. McCain offers a traditional Republican approach, including market reform and tax credits for individuals. He proposes remov-

ing the tax credit inequities that exist today between employer and the self-employed. Congress is also looking at reform. One bill, HR6210 would allow small businesses and those who are self-employed to pool resources to purchase insurance. That is difficult to do today, said Lassiter. The bill includes tax credits for both employers and the self-employed. SB3072 also includes tax credits. It would allow formation of associations to purchase insurance across state lines. It would expand health savings accounts and place a cap of $250,000 on malpractice compensation. The measure would establish an electronic medical bank. Lassiter believes it will be difficult for any changes to occur in such a complex system fraught with inflexibilities. There is no large block saying what changes need to be made that make it difficult to institute reforms. “Changes will depend on stakeholders putting their own biases aside and thinking about what is best for the country. Universal health care for all will take some time to accomplish,” he said. In California, Lassiter says that the governor is proposing comprehensive reform. The issue is how to pay for it. Under the governor’s proposal, more money would be directed toward payment for care rather than for administrative processes. The focus would be on prevention. In addition, he would stablish electronic medical records as the standards. “That is important, but expensive. It would be difficult for a small office to have the ability to pay for an electronic system.

It is a mandate with without funding,” Lassiter continued. Coverage and access reform has to include finance reform. “There is a lot of money in the system,” he commented. “It you don’t change the incentives around reimbursement, you can’t change coverage and access.” One option would be value based purchasing, with higher payment for good care. There is no incentive to provide preventive care because it tends not to show results for some time in the future. One proposal that chambers of commerce do not like is called pay or play. Either a business provides insurance or it would be taxed in some way to pay for coverage. “I think this will happen in many communities across the United States.” Health savings accounts will happen more and more often. Business leaders are promoting reform in the state. One of the main reasons why businesses do not provide health care coverage is the cost. Proposed changes would include market based reforms, universal coverage with individual responsibility, financial assistance for low income individuals, equal tax treatment with premiums deductible for individuals as well as businesses. Retail based clinics are opening. Lassiter pointed to Wal-Mart as a large employer entering the field. “I have mixed feelings. It is a reasonable short term approach. However, it doesn’t solve the access issues. Every patient should have a medical home that is better than emergency room care.”

PAGE 4 - The Independent, JULY 31, 2008

EDITORIALS Full Commission Warranted The Pleasanton City Council, in an unanimous vote, has approved establishment of a new commission/committee to take on the issue of sustainability, one of the greatest needs in today’s world. The new body will deal with energy conservation, recycling and other concerns related to the overarching issue of global warming. A major question to be decided is what kind of official authority will it have? Will it be a commission with decision-making power, or a committee or task force with lesser authority? Five to ten appointees would serve. Mayor Jennifer Hosterman and Councilmember Matt Sullivan strongly favor a commission. “These are very important issues. ... We have to give a commission a good role and provide some teeth to implement the programs,” asserted Sullivan. The commission vs. committee question boils down to just how serious is the Pleasanton City Council about exerting its local powers to help advance the sustainability cause. Here is an opportunity to practice in a meaningful way the philosophy “Think globally, act locally.” Nothing less than a full commission is in order.

Wine Scene's New Player Las Positas Community College’s fledgling winegrower program has achieved its first glory, capturing two awards at the Bay Area wine competition at the Alameda County Fair. Las Positas’ first vintage was a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine won a silver medal, besting some 125 entries from throughout the Bay Area. Meanwhile, the label for that wine, designed by the college’s Design Shop, won a gold medal. Neal Ely, dean who oversees the wine program, called it “a watershed moment” for the students and their instructor, David Everett. Our beloved college promises to be a real player in the wine scene.

Study Shows Increased Bird Deaths In Altamont Despite some measures being taken to reduce Altamont raptor bird kills by wind-power towers, the death rate for three of four species has increased, according to the results of a two-year study. The increase came despite some partial shutdowns of towers at times, and replacement of some of the old towers. The key is to reduce the number of towers from 5500 now to 550 in 10 years, said Chris Gray, Chief of Staff for Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty. That has been the county’s goal, with the target of a 50 percent reduction in bird kills. Total power output won’t suffer, because the new turbines are much more efficient than the old ones.

Supervisors issued repowering permits two years ago, setting goals for replacement of most towers within six years of the issuing date, and replacement of all of them within 10 years. That has been lagging, said Gray. The study, conducted between 2005 and 2007 and released last week, showed that only one of the four species, the golden eagle, had a dip in its death rate. It declined by 20 percent. Death rate for the red-tailed hawk increased 19 percent. The American kestrel death rate went up by 13 percent. Survey results showed an increase of 43 percent in burrowing owl death rates. However, that percentage is relatively

vague, said the study. The owl is active mostly at night. The survey data were collected during the day, so it’s more difficult to assess the owl’s use of the area. However, as with all birds, scientists look at the bird’s remains and try to assess what killed it, whether a natural cause or a wind tower. Gray said that the one clear message that comes from the report is that in areas where old, small wind towers have been replaced by bigger, but fewer, wind towers, bird deaths are down. “This report proves that we need repowering (eliminating the old windmills). I’m glad we have real numbers,” said Gray. Elizabeth Murdock, execu-

tive director of the Golden Gate Audubon Society, is a member of the five-person scientific review committee that issued the report. She told the Independent that not only is it important to replace the old towers, but also it’s critical that the new turbines are sited in the best possible places to cut the death rate. Scientific studies in other areas of the country have shown that, she said. The 50 percent reduction goal is written into the permit. The science review committee will continue to undertake studies to pinpoint the problems and refine the statistics, so that the reduction in bird deaths will be achieved, said Murdock.

Staged events are governed only by a requirement to obtain a parade permit from the county. However, the requirements of a parade permit are not quite as refined as those proposed in the new ordinance, said Argula. Haggerty’s office has spent two years working on drafting the ordinance, after receiving complaints about the cycling events from rural residents. Argula said that cyclists who are opposed to the ordinance draft are usually not informed about what it would do, and fear that it would interfere with their activities. However, they should be reassured that the ordinance would not prevent training rides or recreational riding, including members riding as a club. Only advertised staged events, with

such things as entry fees, would be subject to the ordinance. CYCLIST SAYS ORDINANCE UNNECESSARY Pleasanton cyclist Bob Fusco was one of about a half-dozen people to speak against the ordinance at the committee hearing. He later told The Independent that the new fees required by the ordinance will put an undue financial burden on small bike clubs, which use their treasuries to try to attract more people to the clubs. All the ordinance does is discriminate against cyclists, since running events and other such things are not covered by the ordinance, said Fusco. The current requirement for a parade permit for staged events takes care of planning adequately, said Fusco.

According to Fusco, the proposed ordinance does nothing to ensure better safety, which supervisors said was one of the motives to tighten requirements. Fusco explained that residents say they are concerned about suddenly coming upon a cyclist over a hill or around a corner. The ordinance would do nothing to improve safety in such a situation, said Fusco. It would be better if a committee of residents and cyclists were to get together and design a policy from the ground up to address safety specifically, he said. The supervisors’ committee, consisting of Haggerty and 4th district supervisor Nate Miley, passed the ordinance draft along to the full board, which is expected to see it in September.

mentation, the district would encourage most programs to be selfsupporting. LARPD would also continue to pursue efforts to recoup money taken by the state under ERAF (educational revenue augmentation funds). The district conducted a demand and needs analysis as part of the process. The survey found that 49 percent of those responding to a survey said that active outdoor sports or recreation activities were the most popular recreation activities; picnicking and barbecuing were the second most frequently cited leisure activities. Open space parks were the most important district offerings, followed by walking or hiking trails, children’s play areas and the community center. Walking or hiking trails were the most used facilities overall followed by neighborhood and open space parks. The survey concluded that the senior population is steadily increasing. This age group is more likely to participate in passive, low impact recreation activities such as walking. “It is likely that the importance of walking and hiking and the facilities that accommodate these activities will continue to be important and widely used by the community.” At community meetings, those in attendance identified a sports park and a roller hockey facility as high priorities. Trail priorities include the extension of the Arroyo Del Valle Trail southeast from Sycamore Grove to Del Valle State Park and to the west to Isabel Avenue. Other trail connections would involve connections from

Robertson Park to Tesla Road also from the ball fields to the Arroyo Mocho Trail; completion of the South Livermore Valley Trail from Marina Avenue to Concannon Blvd. and along Tesla Avenue to Greenville Road; completion of the Iron Horse Trail

through downtown Livermore; and the South Bay Aqueduct Trail from Del Valle Park to Brushy Peak. The draft plan also discusses potential changes and upgrades to current parks and facilities.

BICYCLES (continued from page one)

livestock or equipment along a road. Under the new ordinance, event organizers would identify the routes they want and obtain mailing lists. They would send postcards to the residents along those routes, at least 45 days ahead of the event. The county would post special signs along the roadside in advance to let motorists know about the event. Wineries would received notices for events in their areas. “It’s all about communication,” said Argula. The staged events have become increasingly popular over the years in east county, notably on weekends. Cities in Alameda and Contra Costa have special ordinances for staged road events. The county does not.

LARPD

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ELECTION (continued from page one)

just want to make sure there is a challenge and a discussion of issues,” he commented. Brozosky said he has heard from people who feel frustrated in dealing with the current mayor. “They don’t think they are being listened to. Letting people speak is not the same as listening to them.” His goal would be to have more open dialogs and conversations with people who bring up issues as a way to bring the community back together. “People don’t have to agree on every issue. It is important to be respectful and listen,” Brozosky stated. In addition to Brozosky, Mary Roberts, Anne Fox and Greg O’Connor have pulled papers to run for mayor. All four are lined up in support of the Oak Grove referendum and hillside initiative, both of which Hosterman opposes. For council, Jerry Pentin is the only candidate who has returned his nomination papers. Cindy McGovern and Matt Sullivan have said they will seek re-election. A fourth candidate, Howard Neely, has announced plans to run. There are two seats open. For the two seats open on the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District Board of Directors, Barbara Kraybill took out papers. Kraybill recently retired from her job as youth services superintendent for the district. Incumbents Beth Wilson and Steve Goodman both plan to seek re-election. Linda Jeffery Sailors of Livermore filed her papers for the Ward 5 BART seat being vacated by incumbent Zoyd Luce of Dublin, who has served one term. Walter Stanley III has taken out papers for the seat as well. Jamie Hinske became the newest potential Pleasanton school board candidate when she took out papers early this week. Incumbent Chris Grant, and Carla Schuman-Butler and Valerie Arkin also have taken out papers. Prasad Rallapalli is the only person to return papers in that race. Sunol school board incumbent Neil Davies has returned his papers. So far no one else has taken out papers for that election. Only incumbent Thomas McLaughlin and newcomer Stewart Gary have filed for the two seats on the Livermore school board. Bill Morrison is the other incumbent. He told the Independent earlier this month that he is not sure whether he will run again. In the two Valley districts of the Chabot-Las Positas Commu-

(INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.)

nity College board, Carlo Vecchiarelli in District 5 and Barbara Mertes in District 7 are the only ones to have filed. No one has taken out papers in either district. Filing deadline for all offices is Aug. 8, except in races where an incumbent has not filed. In those circumstances, the deadline is extended until Aug. 13. REPUBLICANS FOR McNERNEY Congressman Jerry McNerney announced the list of Republicans from the 11th District who will make up his Republicans for McNerney Steering Committee. The Republicans for McNerney Steering Committee is made up of Republicans from all four of the counties that are in the 11th District: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and San Joaquin. Sunol rancher Tim Koopmann is a member of the committee. He stated, “Jerry understands what local farmers, growers, and ranchers like me are up against. He introduced legislation to create estate tax exemptions for family farms and small businesses, and worked to ensure support for both Californiagrown crops and conservation programs to reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water and air quality, and increase wildlife habitats in this year’s farm bill.” Each of the seven steering committee members are supporting Rep. McNerney for different reasons, whether for his dogged dedication to constituent service, his work on behalf of the nation’s veterans, or his efforts to bring jobs to the district particularly through renewable energy use and production. “I’m proud to have the support of so many in my reelection effort, especially the members of the Republicans for McNerney Steering Committee. Since taking office, I have worked hard to get things done for this district by reaching across party lines and working with whomever I needed to. I’m pleased that the members of my steering committee, along with so many others across the district, recognize that,” McNerney said. Other members of the Republicans for McNerney Steering Committee are: Steve Abercrombie, Tracy City Council; Mike Cox, Morgan Hill; Bob Kavanaugh, Stockton; Shabbir Khan, Stockton; Paul Sanguinetti, Stockton; and Susanna Schlendorf, former mayor of Danville.

Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell Editor: Janet Armantrout Sales Manager: Jessica Scherer

The Independent is published every Thursday at 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550 (Mailing address: PO Box 1198, Livermore, CA 94551) The Independent is delivered by the United States Post Office. Advertising rates and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 during regular business hours. • Fax: (925) 447-0212 E-MAIL: [email protected]

programs and classes; and consider equestrian needs in development of multi-use trails and location of potential staging areas in conjunction with East Bay Regional Park District. A large multi-use sports park was identified as one of the special use facilities needed by the area. The district would pursue potential funding sources that do not rely on future private development. It would also investigate the feasibility of a local bond measure to support the development of a sports park. A second goal is to take an active role in local and regional agency planning to ensure consistency with master plan goals and policies. LARPD would work with other agencies to explore recreation opportunities along flood plains, watershed lands, arroyos, existing service roads, and abandoned right-ofways and quarried reclamation. A third planning goal is to design and implement a comprehensive system of trails, parks and open space areas both in the urban area and in outlying areas within the district’s jurisdiction. One policy would be to identify gaps in the trails system. The other seven areas are facility design, historic resources, conservation, maintenance and operations, financing and implementation, management, and marketing and communication. One of the goals under historic resources would be to encourage heritage tourism at existing facilities for both educational purposes and as a potential way to generate revenue. Under financing and imple-

SUMMIT

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Valley Business Council is holding this summit to discuss and examine this very issue.” Tri-Valley Business Council CEO & President Toby Brink added, "This summit is part of our long-term vision to position the Tri-Valley as a center of innovation for the energy industry and to help our business and educational leaders build a strong energy-focused regional workforce." The summit will address current and projected workforce issues that are key to positioning the Tri-Valley as a national center for energy technology and green building solutions. The discussion will focus on industry needs and gaps, education models that will create industryspecific talent pools, and a collaborative workforce development process. In addition to the keynote by Congressman McNerney, the summit will feature energy workforce projections and gaps by the California Agency of Labor and Workforce Development, highlights of successful education models funded by the Irvine Foundation, and a panel of in-

dustry and education experts moderated by the Director of UC Berkeley’s Career Academies Support Network. Executives from PG&E, Sandia National Laboratories, California State University- East Bay, the Chabot Las Positas Community College District, Tri-Valley ROP (Regional Occupational Program) and energy technology start-up will comprise the panel. The summit is also specifically designed to unite a number of high school and college courses into an energy career pathway. Eventually, the program will serve as part of a regional strategy to extend the career path to other Tri-Valley high schools, community colleges, workforce investment boards and four-year universities. Jim Caldwell, Chair of the TriValley Business Council's Education Partners Council, said, "We hope the Summit will launch an industry and education partnership to benefit the energy industry across the entire region." For more information about the summit, please contact Jim Caldwell at (925) 292-2308 or send an email to [email protected].

WHEELS

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carry fewer passengers. “We’ll do all we can to save our mainline routes, the 12, 10, and 15,” she said. The 15 connects Springtown to Livermore. The 12 line includes Shea Business Park and Las Positas College. It also connects the Livermore Transit Center to the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. The 10 line is the agency’s workhorse. It runs from Stoneridge Mall, along Dublin Boulevard, past the BART sta-

tion, through downtown Pleasanton, to the transit center and out to the national laboratories. It carries 50 percent of the total ridership. Duffy met with Assemblyman Guy Houston on Friday to make him aware of the situation. “It’s a good time for people to let legislators know how important public transit is,” said Duffy. Calls to Houston were not returned in time for The Independent’s deadline.

Smith School Launches Upcycling Brigade Program Livermore’s Emma C. Smith Elementary School recently supplemented the school’s fundraising efforts with TerraCycle’s™ free Upcycling Brigade Programs. The school will collect energy bar wrappers, drink pouches and cookie packaging, which TerraCycle upcycles into eco-friendly products from the waste. Smith Elementary will receive a donation of 2 cents for every single piece of packaging collected. “Since our school promotes recycling of other materials, I believe the students will understand the benefits of these recycling efforts; and therefore, they will be excited to participate. It also provides an opportunity for the students to make a difference for their school,” Shirley Packard, Smith Elementary PTA member, said. The programs are part of TerraCycle’s Sponsored Waste movement in which socially responsible companies like Capri Sun, CLIF BAR and Balance Bar provide funding for TerraCycle to collect and reuse their packaging. The Brigades are designed to reduce the amount of non-recyclable packaging going into landfills while educating people about the benefits of reusing waste materials. The collected materials will be reused in various ways to create various items including tote bags, pencil cases, umbrellas, shower curtains and more. Many of these items are already available at Target® and OfficeMax® and other retailers nationwide. Smith Elementary’s students, faculty and PTA members jumped headlong into the project. “During snack and lunch recesses, we have collection buckets available where the students can deposit these items which are otherwise non-recyclable. We have plans to set up at

least 2 recycling centers on campus to collect drink pouches, energy bar wrappers, cookie wrappers, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and more,” Strout said. “We welcome the public’s involvement with our collection program.” “Once we launched the program, for me, it was no longer about the fundraising aspect. While the cash our school earns is an added bonus, the students’ enthusiasm for recycling and doing the right thing for our community has become my true motivation for continuing these programs,” Packard said. “I hear great stories about the school’s recycling efforts. While on a hike, a student picked up empty drink pouches and energy bar wrappers from the dry creek bed; a student collected all of the empty drink pouches from his birthday party, a teacher dug through the trash from the students’ lunches, collecting drink pouches and wrappers while on a field trip. The Smith community is very excited about the small impact we can make in Livermore.” A donation for each item collected will be made to Smith Elementary School as a result of the Brigade efforts. Smith is a public elementary school, serving kindergarten through fifth grades, with approximately 750 students. “We estimate that Smith school would recycle over 8000 drink pouches and more than 3000 energy bar wrappers during nine months of school, just from the students’ lunch packs,” Packard said. “Livermore has ten elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools. If we could get all of the schools in the district to launch these Brigades, we could make a huge impact in our community.”

The Independent, JULY 31, 2008 - PAGE 5

Organizations wishing to run notices in Bulletin Board, send information to PO Box 1198, Livermore, CA 94551, in care of Bulletin Board. Include name of organization, meeting date, time, place and theme or subject. Phone number and contact person should also be included. Cosmic Dog Yoga is offering a family yoga class on Saturday, August 23rd at 11 a.m. Parents, come do yoga with your kids. This class is appropriate for families with kids in the 7-12 age range. This class is by donation only. All proceeds to go to the TriValley Haven. Cosmic Dog Yoga is located at 1923 Second Street. Reservations not required. For more information, call us at (925) 456-YOGA. Mortgage 101: The Mortgage Industry of Today, part of the Las Positas Community Education Program, Aug. 6, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Easy to follow discussions and updated information on topics such as: Taking equity out of your home, how to purchase a new home, new confirming loan limits, FHA guidelines, underwriting process and criteria, short sale and foreclosure. For more info: 925.449.1275 or [email protected] or register online at www.laspositascollege.edu/ communityed. Annual Pleasanton/Tulancingo Sister City Barbeque (25th Anniversary), Saturday, August 9, Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, 5:30 to 11 p.m. $30 per person. Tickets can purchased at Pleasanton of Commerce on Peters Ave. Need not be a member to attend. Tri-tip dinner with all the trimmings, no host bar; mariachi band will entertain; KGO's Gary Hanson will emcee; live auction. For more information: Jorge Victoria 925-4625786. Romania Animal Rescue Fundraiser, Oasis Grille and Wine Lounge 780 Main Street, Pleasanton, September 14, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Admission: $25 in advance; $35 at the dooR includes wine, wine tasting and appetizers from the Oasis Grille. Raffle and Auction prizes include vacation getaways, art, wine, hotel stays, gift baskets, golf for four and much more. Performance by magician Tom Cutts. Tickets can be purchased on the website, via email or phone: 925-6725908, [email protected], www.romaniaanimalrescue.com. Donations accepted. Funds help to send highly skilled vets to help the dog overpopulation crisis in Romania. The Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society meets 7:30pm., Tuesday, August 12, at Congregegation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct., Pleasanton. The speaker will be Mel Stephenson whose topic is “Scandinavian Genealogical Research." Map to the meeting site: www.L-AGS.org/maps/ Pls-BethEmek.html. Visitors are welcome, no charge. Information: Marie Ross 925447-1806. Vineyard Alternative Elementary/ Middle School, a Livermore School District run independent study program for grades 1-8, is now accepting enrollment for the 2008-2009 school year. A Parent Orientation Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, at 10:00am in Room 8 at the Ed Rundstrom Learning Center, 1401 Almond Ave., Livermore. This voluntary program is designed to assist parents who wish to instruct their children at home. The program provides, at no cost, educational materials that meet the district and state framework guidelines. For more information, call (925)606-4720 or visit our web site at www.vineyarded.net. Book Sale, Friends of the Livermore Library will hold its monthly book sale on Sunday, August 3, from noon to 4 p.m. in front of the former Library at 1000 South Livermore Avenue in Livermore. Fiction and nonfiction books, magazines and audiovisuals are sold at deep discounted prices and there will be a table of free books. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. books will be sold for $ 2.00 a shopping bag full of books. Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club, Sat., Aug. 2, 25 miles tour of China Camp State Park, meet 10 a.m. Marin Civic Center, Randy Huey, 518-8439. Sun., Aug. 3, 47 miles Shannon Center to Castro Valley, to Moraga Commons, meet 9 a.m., Peter Rathmann, 828-1973. Mon., Aug. 4, 25 miles Shannon Center through Dublin, San Ramon and Dougherty Valley, meet 6 p.m., Gary Lusso, 324-4842. Wed., Aug. 6, 30-35 miles climb Mt. Diablo, meet 8 a.m. at San Ramon Community Center, Alaine Nadeau, 361-7972. Anyone planning to go on a ride is asked to call the leader for details on where to meet and what to bring. Free Diabetes classes for people of all ages with Type 2 Diabetes or Pre Diabetes. Alameda County Diabetes Public Health Diabetes Program. New classes: August 6, 6:30 pm. Dublin Senior Center; September 8, 10 am, Pleasanton Senior Center; September 9, 10am, Livermore Adult Education Please call 510-383-5185 to register. Celebration of Athletes, 580/680 Senior Games opening ceremonies, Fri., Sept. 19, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pleasanton Senior Center. Mexican buffet dinner, silent auction, door prizes, keynote speaker, fitness expert Joanie Greggains. $14 per person,

Storyteller Plans Session at the Livermore Library The Livermore Public Library’s Civic Center location will be presenting a special performance by Storyteller Kirk Waller on August 6th as part of the library’s Summer Reading Game, “Catch the Reading Bug @ Your Library.” Bay Area Storyteller Kirk Waller has been entertaining and mesmerizing audiences for years with his electrifying, musical and magical storytelling style. Storytelling, Waller says, is about using “creativity and flexibility to allow the story to tell itself.” Waller, a teller at the 2007 Bay Area Storytelling Festival, recently released his first CD of stories, Quack, Gabble, Squawk and other Animal Tales. Kirk Waller will perform Wednesday, August 6th at the Livermore Public Library’s Civic Center location, 1188 South Livermore Avenue. This free performance will begin at 10:30am, and will take place outside the library, with the audience to be seated on tarps. The Livermore Public Library’s “Catch the Reading Bug @ Your Library” Summer Reading Game is a free program for all young people and their families. Children earn a variety of prizes for reading books, as well as attending storytimes, crafts, and special events at Livermore’s three library locations. Participation is free, and registration is not required to attend events. Special events throughout the summer are scheduled to include magic shows, puppets, animals, and international music, performance, & stories.

dinner RSVP by Sept. 12, doors open at 4 p.m. 931-5365. Widowed Men and Women of Northern CA., meeting Aug. 5, 1:30 p.m. Dublin Library, David Stegman, executive director of Valley Humane Society, will be the speaker. Fish Fry in Dublin, Aug. 8, 5 p.m. $5, RSVP by Aug. 6 Roman, 828-2439. Friendly bridge, Aug. 9, 1 p.m. in Dublin, $2, RSVP by Aug. 6, Jeanne 361-6110. Champagne brunch in Pleasanton, Aug. 10, 11:45 a.m., Faz Restaurant, $25.50, RSVP by Aug. 6 with payment, Marsha, 830-8483. Happy Hour Sheraton Hotel in Pleasanton, 5 p.m., RSVP by Aug. 13, Lorraine, 8465695. Bunco in Dublin, Aug. 16 $2, 1:30 p.m. RSVP by Aug. 13, Jeanne 361-6110. Birthday Dinner, Sazio's Restaurant in Castro Valley, 5:30 p.m. RSVP by Aug. 13 to Margaret, 510-782-1819. First Time Buyer Seminar, Aug. 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m. 5994 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite 101, Pleasanton. RSVP Firsttimebuyereducation.com.

Wellness Defined Wellness is the ultimate solution to America’s health care crisis. It is never too late to develop healthier lifestyle habits to fend off illness. Dr. Robert Walsh defines “Wellness” and presents common sense, time-tested, proven advice for better health through better living. Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Tuesday, August 12, 10am to 11:30am, $1.50 Residents / $2 Nonresidents. Child care licensing orientation, 9 a.m. to noon. first Tuesday of each month. The Licensing Orientation is the first step in becoming a licensed family child care provider and is open to all. Participants will receive the application packet and handouts with information from Department of Social Services - Community Care Licensing regarding the licensing process. Child Care Links will be present to offer an overview of the services provided to potential child care providers. There is a $25.00 Community Care Licensing Orientation fee for all attendees. This fee applies to every person attending

the orientation. Must prepay and preregister prior to attending a licensing orientation. For more information, contact Child Care Links at (925) 417-8733 or Department of Social Services-Community Care Licensing (510) 622-2602. RELIGION Community Bible Study, a non-denominational Bible study, will be offering a women’s class on the book of Revelation from the new testament. Thursdays at the Centerpointe Presbyterian Church (corner of Busch Rd. and Valley Ave. in Pleasanton), starting September 11, from 9:30 -11:30AM for a nondenominational, in-depth study of the Book of Revelation. The children’s program, run concurrently, is available for the little ones. For more information or to register, call Kim @ 925-209-0242 or attend the Informational Coffee to be held on the Centerpointe campus on August 21 from 10am - 11am. Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. Tri-Valley Unity Church welcomes

guest speaker Rev. Margaret Stortz on Sunday, Aug. 3, to speak on the “Five Commandments of Spirituality.” All are welcome.

Service at 10 a.m. at the Radisson, 6680 Regional St., Dublin. www.trivalleyunity.com (925) 829-2733.

PAGE 6 - The Independent, JULY 31, 2008

The DirtBags came home with the Great 8 Championship.

DirtBags Are Champs Livermore “DirtBags” brought home the “Great 8 Championship” from the Cal Ripken “Big Kahuna” Baseball Tournament held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Someone once said baseball is America’s favorite pastime and for eleven 10 year old boys from Livermore, that statement would be true. They call themselves the “DirtBags” and are a tournament baseball team. They spent the summer preparing and training for the Cal Ripken “Big Kahuna” Baseball tournament held July 21st-25th. Boys from all over the East Coast participated. The “DirtBags” were the only team from the West Coast to enter. The boys began with a 0-4 record, then come back to win the “Great 8 Championship” on the last day against the “Long Island Bandits” from New York. When asked what the best moment of the trip was, other than winning the tournament, the boys would tell you just being able to play baseball with friends. Parents would agree that this group of boys is unique in its ability to pick each other up when they are down, support each other’s accomplishments, and to triumph over adversity. After being runners up in several championship tournaments, winning in Myrtle Beach made it well worth the wait. Many people ask why the name “DirtBags?” The name first originated from the Long Beach State “DirtBags” and has epitomized the way the boys play the game; with heart, passion for their favorite sport, and team camaraderie. Manager Lon Goldstein created the team a year ago with boys from his Little League “All Star Team.” Assisting him are coaches Will Pennybacker, Phil Martin, Jim Martinez, Greg Mitchell, Mike Barnes and many parents who believe in this group of young boys and their ability to play good baseball. The players include Hayden Goldstein, Wyatt Pennybacker, Nick Martin, Brian Martinez, Justin Mitchell, Ryan Barnes, Dalton Seymour, Chris Moussa, Robert Chioino, and two boys Justin Kottinger and Gabriel Culver willing to travel the distance from Stockton and Tracy. For this group of boys, baseball is more than just a year-round sport, it is a passion. For now, they will continue to play in local tournaments within the Central Valley and Bay Area, as well as pickup games in their backyards and local, neighborhood parks, because they don’t just play to win, they play for the love of the game.

Golfer Invited to State In the midst of a solid year on the Junior Golf Association of Northern California tour, Granada High School sophomore to be and varsity golfer Kenny Maroney received welcome summer news. Based on his performance, Kenny received an invitation to compete in the 48th Annual California State Junior Amateur Tournament on August 10th - 13th at the Copper River Country Club in Fresno. Maroney will represent Granada High School and the JGANC while joining an elite group of Northern California junior golfers as they compete against a stellar group of 14 17 year old Southern California players in this statewide event.

Del Prado vs. Pleasanton Meadows The Del Prado Stingrays swam past the Sharks bite, at the Pleasanton Meadows Shark Tank, 644 to 341. Stingrays, Jake Newman (10), broke his own Boys 9-10 50 Free (31.57) team record. Top times were also recorded for the Stingrays by Alyssa Bardakos (8), Megan Doi (10), Lucy Bell (10), Stella Kruschke (5), and Taylor Peterson (18), for the girls. The boys top swimmers were Eric Gates (15), Matthew Sun (14), Christopher Nespor (14), Andrew Goard (12), and Jack Payan (16). The Sharks top girls were Annie Geasa (12), Jessica Rhoads (6), Kyra Schwaninger (12), Sidney Vaeth (8), Alyson Isaacs (10). The boys were led by Nick Tucker (10), Blake Tucker (8), Cody Vaeth (6), Jack Geasa (10), and Perry Cheney (11). Also topping the charts for the Stingrays were Kiki Doi (16), Stephanie Doi (13), Kathryn Kitayama (11), Meghan Hogue (8), Colleen Mayes (16), Jake Newman (10), Michael McMasters (6), Max Jorgenson (6), Cameron Kurotori (12), and Joey Lindley (13). The Sharks also had some good performances from Kyra Thordsen (6), Haley Isaacs (10), Elsa Schaninger (14), Kayla Moberg (13), Kaala Cheney (13), Chris Bush (12), Curtis Wong (17), Eric Thomas (8), Joey Silva (15), and Ethan Dutra (8). Last week it was the oldest swimmers’ turn to rack up the points, and this week it was the youngest group’s chance to score for the Pleasanton Meadows Sharks. Last week the 15-18’s scored nearly 25% of the points, this time the six and under scored 20% of the point total in their 644-341 loss to the Del Prado Stingrays. Leading the way for the youngsters were Cody Vaeth and Jessica Rhoads who both grabbed two first place finishes. Vaeth scored in the free, and back while Roads nabbed the fly and breaststroke. The U6 boys were particularly impressive in sweeping the backstroke event. Aaron Zheng, Max Jorgenson and Brent Werder came in behind Vaeth. The free was also a good event for the Meadows with Luke Scanlon and Brent Werder going 3-4 behind Vaeth. Kyra Thordsen finished first in the U6 backstroke. Werder, Zheng and Vaeth, along with Joey Herz took one of the few firsts for the Sharks’ Relay teams, winning the free relay. Also winning relays for the Sharks were the 13-14 Medley Relay (Aaron Silva, Alec Kron, Parker Brown, and David Walsh) and both 15-18 boys relays (Joey Silva, Curtis Wong, Kevin Driver and Taylor Helms in the Medley and Driver, Helms, Silva and Michael Corbin in the free). The 7-8 boys backstroke team almost matched the Under 6’s, with Blake Tucker, Eric Thomas and David Florio going 1-2-3. Tucker also won the free event. Cody’s big sister Sidney grabbed a first place of her own,

taking the 7-8 fly, and Ethan Dutra gave Pleasanton Meadows both firsts in the 7-8 fly. Nick Tucker (9-10) and Annie Geasa (1112) continued the younger Sharks’ domination of the fly event. Geasa also placed first in the back while Tucker, along with Geasa’s brother Jack went 1-2 in the IM. Also scoring first place finishes for the Sharks were Haley Isaacs in the 9-10 breast, Kyra Schwaninger in the 11-12 breast, Chris Bush in the 11-12 breast, Perry Cheney in the 11-12 free and Curtis Wong in the 15-18 breast. Alyson Isaacs grabbed a pair of individual second place finishes for the Sharks (free, IM) a week after breaking the club record in the 50 free. Isaacs posted a 31.80 last week to smash Cathy Coler’s 16 year old record of 32.74. 1st Place Girls Results Girls 6 & Under 25 Yard free: Kruschke, Stella, DP-CC, 27.66. 25 Yard back: Thordsen, Kyra, PMST-US, 34.36. 25 Yard breast: Rhoads, Jessica, PMST-US, 38.87. 25 Yard fly: Rhoads, Jessica, PMST-US, 35.14. 100 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Borchers, Julia 6, Carter, Josie 6, Harris, Jacqueline 5, Hicks, Shelby 5), 2:57.25. 100 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Graham, Lauren 5, Griston, Isla 5, Foster, Isabella 6, Kruschke, Stella 5), 2:36.24. Girls 7-8 25 Yard free: Bardakos, Alyssa, DP-CC, 17.29. 25 Yard back: Bardakos, Alyssa, DP-CC, 21.68. 25 Yard breast: Hogue, Meghan, DP-CC, 23.59. 25 Yard fly: Vaeth, Sidney, PMST-US, 19.78. 100 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Marotto, Katherine 8, Hicks, Lacey 7, Hogue, Meghan 8, Bardakos, Alyssa 8), 1:16.10. 100 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Foster, Madeline 7, Griston, Molly 7, Juarez, Reagan 7, Cook, Harper 8), 1:40.05. Girls 9-10 50 Yard free: Doi, Megan, DPCC, 32.08. 25 Yard back: Bell, Lucy, DPCC, 21.67. 25 Yard breast: Isaacs, Haley, PMST-US, 22.02. 25 Yard fly: Bell, Lucy, DP-CC, 17.98. 100 Yard IM: Doi, Megan, DP-CC, 1:28.49. 200 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Gates, Caroline 10, Borchers, Anna 10, White, Nicole 9, Suto, Healey 10), 2:43.00. 100 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Bell, Lucy 10, Gates, Caroline 10, Doi, Megan 10, Suto, Healey 10), 1:15.96. Girls 11-12 50 Yard free: Kitayama, Kathryn, DP-CC, 33.87. 50 Yard back: Geasa, Annie, PMST-US, 37.39. 50 Yard breast: Schwaninger, Kyra, PMST-US, 41.19. 50 Yard fly: Geasa, Annie, PMST-US, 38.00. 100 Yard IM: Beliles, Katie, DP-CC, 1:24.43. 200 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (DeWilde, Courtney 11, Fowler-Kimsey, Hannah 12, Smith, Lacey 12, Beliles, Katie 12), 2:17.93. 200 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Banke, Megan 12, Bahls, Christina 12, Beliles, Katie 12, Fowler-Kimsey, Hannah 12), 2:36.45. Girls 13-14 50 Yard free: Klein, Laura, DP-CC, 28.88. 50 Yard back: DeWilde, Lindsey, DP-CC, 34.66. 50 Yard breast: Strom, Jaclyn, DP-CC, 38.44. 50 Yard fly: Doi, Stephanie, DP-CC, 31.03. 100 Yard IM: Doi, Stephanie, DP-CC, 1:12.42. 200 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (DeWilde, Lindsey 13, Gates, Elaina 13, Cohen, Sara 13, Doi, Stephanie 13), 1:55.97. 200 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (DeWilde, Lindsey 13, Gates, Elaina 13, Strom, Jaclyn 14, Doi, Stephanie 13), 2:12.77. Girls 15-18 50 Yard free: Doi, Niki, DPCC, 27.47. 50 Yard back: Peterson, Taylor, DP-CC, 31.90. 50 Yard breast: Boughton, Kari, DP-CC, 37.53. 50 Yard fly: Peterson, Taylor, DP-CC, 29.67. 100 Yard IM: Doi, Niki, DP-CC, 1:09.04. 200 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Boughton, Kari 17, Fowler-Kimsey, Zoe 16, Peterson, Taylor 18, Doi, Niki 16), 1:50.36. 200 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Mayes, Colleen 16, Doi, Niki 16, FowlerKimsey, Zoe 16, Peterson, Taylor 18), 2:06.56. 1st Place Boys Results Boys 6 & Under 25 Yard free: Vaeth, Cody, PMST-US, 20.98. 25 Yard back: Vaeth, Cody, PMST-US, 28.16. 25 Yard breast: Jorgenson, Max, DP-CC, 31.99. 25 Yard fly: Bell, Jack, DP-CC, 29.37. 100 Yard free Relay: Pleasanton Meadows-US ‘A’ (Werder, Brent 6, Zheng, Aaron 6, Herz, Joey 6, Vaeth, Cody 6), 2:14.06. 100 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Bell, Jack 6, Jorgenson, Max 6, Soares, Jasen 6, McMasters, Michael 6), 2:07.64. Boys 7-8 25 Yard free: Tucker, Blake, PMST-US, 18.36. 25 Yard back: Tucker, Blake, PMST-US, 22.12. 25 Yard breast: Juarez, Tommy, DP-CC, 22.61. 25 Yard fly: Dutra, Ethan, PMST-US, 25.13. 100 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Proud, Will 8, Carter, Harrison 8, Juarez, Tommy 8, Reimer, Steven 7), 1:24.96. 100 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Bessiere, Jack 7, Juarez, Tommy 8, Proud, Will 8, Reimer, Steven 7), 1:34.65. Boys 9-10 50 Yard free: Newman, Jake, DP-CC, 31.57. 25 Yard back: Newman, Jake, DP-CC, 17.72. 25 Yard breast: Sabatini, Tommy, DP-CC, 19.10. 25 Yard fly: Tucker, Nick, PMST-US, 15.80. 100 Yard IM: Tucker, Nick, PMST-US, 1:25.24. 200 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Sabatini, Tommy 10, Banke, Jacob 9, Smith, Taylor 9, Newman, Jake 10), 2:25.94. 100 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Newman, Jake 10, Sabatini, Tommy 10, Reimer, James 10, Smith, Taylor 9), 1:14.75. Boys 11-12 50 Yard free: Cheney, Perry, PMST-US, 30.49. 50 Yard back: Goard, Andrew, DP-CC, 40.21. 50 Yard breast: Bush, Chris, PMST-US, 42.56. 50 Yard fly: Goard, Andrew, DP-CC, 38.25. 100 Yard IM: Kurotori, Cameron, DP-CC, 1:22.02. 200 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Hrycewicz, Theo 11, Burke, Gabriel 11, Sabatini, Anthony 12, Balas, Peter 11), 2:28.88. Boys 13-14 50 Yard free: Nespor, Chris-

topher, DP-CC, 27.29. 50 Yard back: Sun, Matthew, DP-CC, 31.48. 50 Yard breast: Nespor, Christopher, DP-CC, 34.65. 50 Yard fly: Sun, Matthew, DP-CC, 30.24. 100 Yard IM: Sun, Matthew, DP-CC, 1:09.59. 200 Yard Medley Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Goard, Andrew 12, Crispell, Kevin 12, Kurotori, Cameron 12, Borchers, Nate 12), 2:31.64. 200 Yard free Relay: Del Prado Stingrays-CC ‘A’ (Sun, Matthew 14, Nespor, Christopher 14, Lindley, Joey 13, Kurotori, Cameron 12), 1:58.38. 200 Yard Medley Relay: Pleasanton Meadows-US ‘A’ (Silva, Aaron 13, Kron, Alec 13, Brown, Parker 13, Walsh, David 13), 2:50.98. Boys 15-18 50 Yard free: Payan, Jack, DP-CC, 24.53. 0 Yard back: Gates, Eric, DPCC, 29.24. 50 Yard breast: Wong, Curtis, PMST-US, 32.89. 50 Yard fly: Gates, Eric, DP-CC, 27.13. 100 Yard IM: Gates, Eric, DP-CC, 1:05.89. 200 Yard free Relay: Pleasanton Meadows-US ‘A’ (Driver, Kevin 17, Corbin, Michael 17, Helms, Taylor 17, Silva, Joey 15), 1:44.20. 200 Yard Medley Relay: Pleasanton Meadows-US ‘A’ (Silva, Joey 15, Wong, Curtis 17, Driver, Kevin 17, Helms, Taylor 17), 1:59.93.

DBAC vs. Dublin The DBAC Piranhas hosted the Dublin Green Gators last Saturday, July 26 at the Pleasanton Dolores Bengston Aquatic Center. It was a close meet with the lead changing several times. . There were some great individual and relay team performances. The final score for the meet was Dublin 523, DBAC 475. The top female swimmers for the DBAC Piranhas were Hanna Lurie (6), Katie Tsui (10), and Iris Chang (14). The top male swimmers for the DBAC Piranhas were Preston Sim (6), Jax Pedersen (9), Zachary Corbishley (9), and Daniel Huang (12). The top female swimmers for the Dublin Green Gators were Sofia Gluck (7), Alexandra Torrez (10), Stephanie Chiu (12), Maya Cipriano (12), and Crystal Hung (17). The top male swimmers for the Dublin Green Gators were Frankie Fitzpatrick (6), Reese Toney (8), Matthew Zamudio (13) and Benjamin Young (15). 1st place finishers for DBAC girls: 6&U 25Y free, Hanna Lurie, 24.50; 9-10 50Y free, Katie Tsui, 33.03; 13-14 50Y free, Katherine Lai, 29.84; 15-18 50Y free, Patricia Lee, 26.12; 7-8 25Y fly, Emily Tincher, 20.67; 13-14 50Y fly, Iris Chang, 30.79; 6&U 25Y breast, Hanna Lurie, 32.65; 9-10 25Y breast, Rachel Becker, 20.69; 9-10 100Y IM, Katie Tsui, 1:27.73; 13-14 100Y IM, Iris Chang, 1:08.90; 6&U 25Y back, Jordan Peters, 28.79. 1st place finishers for DBAC Boys: 6&U 25Y free, Preston Sim, 25.96; 9-10 50Y free, Zachary Corbishley, 36.73; 11-12 50Y free, Daniel Huang, 28.89; 13-14 50Y free, Alec Grotegut, 26.12; 9-10 25Y fly, Jax Pedersen, 18.75; 6&U 25Y breast, Preston Sim, 35.17; 9-10 25Y breast, Zachary Corbishley, 22.67; 11-12 50Y breast, Daniel Huang, 36.21; 1314 50Y breast, Chris Mowry, 38.73; 9-10 100Y IM, Jax Pedersen, 1:31.87; 11-12 100Y IM, Daniel Huang, 1:13.49; 9-10 25Y back, Andrew Silva, 20.92; 13-14 50Y back, David Becker, 35.31. 1st place finishers for Dublin Girls were 7-8 25Y free, Sofia Gluck, 17.75; 11-12 50Y free, Stephanie Chiu, 29.39; 6&U 25Y fly, Claire Suen, 21.85; 9-10 25Y fly, Alexandra Torrez, 19.04; 11-12 50Y fly, Mary Brillante, 37.00; 15-18 50Y fly, Janelle Oto, 33.04; 78 25Y breast, Olivia Cano, 22.37; 11-12 50Y breast, Maya Cipriano, 38.95; 13-14 50Y breast, Amy Ross, 39.45; 15-18 50Y breast, Sami Deering, 38.23; 11-12 100Y IM, Maya Cipriano, 1:14.90; 15-18 100Y IM, Crystal Hung, 1:12.22; 7-8 25Y back, Sofia Gluck, 21.81; 9-10 25Y back, Alexandra Torrez, 20.02; 11-12 50Y back, Stephanie Chiu, 37.63; 13-14 50Y back, Matty Banks, 36.46; 15-18 50Y back, Crystal Hung, 27.71. 1st place finishers for Dublin Boys were 7-8 25Y free, Reece Toney, 15.56; 15-18 50Y free, Eric Lau, 26.39; 6&U 25Y fly, Frankie Fitzpatrick, 31.95; 7-8 25Y fly, Reece Toney, 18.50; 11-12 50Y fly, Jorell Toney, 33.22; 13-14 50Y fly, Matthew Zamudio, 30.75; 15-18 50Y fly, Benjamin Young, 27.69; 78 25Y breast, Nicolas Costa, 23.89; 15-18 50Y breast, Kagan Wilkinson, 31.35; 13-14 100Y IM, Matthew Zamudio, 1:12.59; 1518 100Y IM, Benjamin Young, 1:04.04; 6&U 25Y back, Frankie Fitzpatrick, 26.81; 7-8 25Y back, Ren Bennett, 21.23; 11-12 50Y back, Jimmy Bowen, 36.66;15-18 50Y back, Benjamin Young, 30.51.

Club Sport vs. Ruby Hill The Club Sport Tidal Waves finish undefeated in dual meets this Tri-Valley Swim League season by topping the Ruby Hill Killer Whales 666.5 to 326.5. The Tidal Waves will defend their Tri-Valley Swim League Champion title on Saturday, 2 Aug, at Livermore's Robert Livermore Pool. The top female swimmers for the Tidal Waves were Alyse Bateman (17) and Jana Gaytan (17), Danielle Alvari (16), Alison Hernbroth (15), Emily Cech (14), Katie Bindert (13), Gabrielle Stratiotis (12), Savannah Wieser (11), Jacqueline Wood (10), Julia Wood (8), Catherine Ku (7), Emily Salisbury (6), Kate Carroll (5) and Ashley Torres (4). The top male swimmers for the Tidal Waves were Kyle Schempp (18), Jonathan Lau (16), Matt Jacobe (15), Cody Ellgas (14), William Bateman (12), Austin Wei (11), Conner Daly (10) and Justin Lee (10), Marc Gauthier (9), Christopher Jhong (8), Cole Reznick (7), Nolan Jetter (6) and JR Ku (5) The top female swimmers for the Killer Whales were Michelle Schirle (16), Lindsey Olenic (14), Camille Lusher (13), Brianna Nicholas (12), Courtney Seams (11), Lexi Ewanich (10), Lauren Coching (8), Taylor Sowers (7), Lindsey Maddalon (6) and Lauren Sowers (5) The top male swimmers for the Killer Whales were Ryan Perry (18), Mason Mooney (16), Chris Johnston (15), Alec Psinakis (14), Nick Johnston (13), Evan Lee (12), David Acosta (11), Chase Psinakis (10), Tom Sornsen (9), Joey Vasquez (8) and Jack Madden (6). 1st place finishers for Club Sport Girls were 6&U 100Y Medley Relay, Chenoa Bodero, Emily Salisbury, Megan Reilly and Kate Carroll, 2:23.73; 7-8 100Y Medley Relay, Kate Salisbury, Rebecca Hoffman, Catherine Ku and Julia Wood, 1:31.78; 9-10 100Y Medley Relay, Julia Densmore, Jacqueline Wood, Lexi Venema and Katie Chase, 1:12.56; 13-14 200Y Medley Relay, Nichole Maria Cui, Cayla Jetter, Arin Miller and Ellen Ouyang, 2:12.23; 15-18 200Y Medley Relay, Amanda Venema, Danielle Alvari, Alyse Bateman and Sara Schoch, 2:05.15; 6&U 25Y Free, Emily Salisbury, 28.43; 7-8 25Y Free, Julia Wood, 18.16; 910 50Y Free, Meagan Tang, 33.16; 11-12 50Y Free, Savannah Wieser, 30.88; 13-14 50Y Free, Nichole Maria Cui, 28.58; 15-18 50Y Free, Sara Schoch, 27.00; 6&U 25Y Fly, Chenoa Bodero, 31.86; 7-8 25Y Fly, Catherine Ku, 22.33; 9-10 25Y Fly, Lexi Venema, 17.50; 13-14 50Y Fly, Arin Miller, 33.62; 15-18 50Y Fly, Jana

Gaytan, 29.37; 7-8 25Y Breast, Catherine Ku, 25.33; 9-10 25Y Breast, Jacqueline Wood, 20.84; 11-12 50Y Breast, Gabrielle Stratiotis, 40.03; 13-14 50Y Breast, Cayla Jetter, 37.62; 15-18 50Y Breast, Danielle Alvari, 35.53; 9-10 100Y IM, Jacqueline Wood, 1:28.74; 11-12 100Y IM, Savannah Wieser, 1:19.08; 13-14 100Y IM, Cayla Jetter, 1:13.84; 15-18 100Y IM, Alyse Bateman, 1:08.47; 6&U 25Y Back, Megan Reilly, 31.16; 7-8 25Y Back, Julia Wood, 22.56; 9-10 25Y Back, Julia Densmore, 18.83; 13-14 50Y Back, Nichole Maria Cui, 33.44; 15-18 50Y Back, Danielle Alvari, 31.59; 6&U 100Y Free Relay, Chenoa Bodero, Megan Reilly, Emily Salisbury and Kate Carroll, 1:59.73; 7-8 100Y Free Relay, Kate Salisbury, Rebecca Hoffman, Catherine Ku and Julia Wood, 1:18.66; 9-10 200Y Free Relay, Katie Chase, Lexi Venema, Meagan Tang and Julia Densmore, 2:21.90; 13-14 200Y Free Relay, Nichole Maria Cui, Cayla Jetter, Arin Miller and Ellen Ouyang, 1:56.46; 15-18 200Y Free Relay, Rachel Miller, Alison Hernbroth, Kelly Avon and Alyse Bateman, 1:52.17. 1st place finishers for Club Sport Boys were 6&U 100Y Medley Relay, Jack Kost, Jonathan Ye, JR Ku and Nolan Jetter, 1:59.54; 7-8 100Y Medley Relay, Sammy Chase, Christopher Jhong, Nick Skinner and Cole Reznick, 1:23.43; 9-10 100Y Medley Relay, Blanco Mauricio, Anthony Jhong, Conner Daly and Justin Lee, 1:15.10; 11-12 200Y Medley Relay, Alec Gauthier, Braden Holt, William Bateman and Collin Miller, 2:34.91; 13-14 200Y Medley Relay, Abraham Barrera, Eric Hildebrand, Riley Murtagh and James Cheney, 2:08.45; 15-18 200Y Medley Relay, Stephen Jacobe, Kyle Schempp, Kyle Surber and Casey Ellgas, 1:51.58; 6&U 25Y Free, Nolan Jetter, 21.68; 78 25Y Free, Cole Reznick, 16.72; 6&U 25Y Fly, JR Ku, 28.56; 7-8 25Y Fly, Christopher Jhong, 19.86; 11-12 50Y Fly, William Bateman, 37.59; 13-14 50Y Fly, Eric Hildebrand, 27.75; 15-18 50Y Fly, Kyle Schempp, 27.84; 6&U 25Y Breast, Nolan Jetter, 30.57; 7-8 25Y Breast, Christopher Jhong, 22.53; 9-10 25Y Breast, Anthony Jhong, 20.72; 11-12 50Y Breast, Braden Holt, 41.59; 13-14 50Y Breast, James Cheney, 38.07; 15-18 50Y Breast, Kyle Schempp, 30.26; 9-10 100Y IM, Conner Daly, 1:25.71; 11-12 100Y IM, Collin Miller, 1:25.15; 1518 100Y IM, Kyle Surber, 59.66; 7-8 25Y Back, Cole Reznick, 20.47; 9-10 25Y Back, Justin Lee, 19.07; 11-12 50Y Back, William Bateman, 40.29; 13-14 50Y Back, Abraham Barrera, 32.19; 15-18 50Y Back, Kyle Surber, 28.86; 6&U 100Y Free Relay, Jonathan Ye, Jack Kost, JR Ku and Nolan Jetter 1:38.05; 7-8 100Y Free Relay, Christopher Jhong, Joseph Louderback, Nick Skinner and Cole Reznick, 1:11.19; 9-10 200Y Free Relay, Anthony Jhong, Jose Alvarado, Marc Gauthier and Mauricio Blanco, 2:38.51; 11-12 200Y Free Relay, Braden Holt, Alec Gauthier, William Bateman and Collin Miller, 2:11.76, 13-14 200Y Free Relay, James Cheney, Riley Murtagh, Cody Ellgas and Eric Hildebrand, 1:50.10; 15-18 200Y Free Relay, Casey Ellgas, Stephen Jacobe, Kyle Schempp and Kyle Surber 1:39.77. 1st place finishers for Ruby Hill Girls were 11-12 200Y Medley Relay, McKalee Mooney, Lexi Nicholas, Brianna Nicholas and Courtney Seams, 2:22.77; 11-12 50Y Fly, Brianna Nicholas, 35.01; 6&U 25Y Breast, Lindsey Maddalon, 38.46; 11-12 50Y Back, McKalee Mooney, 36.38; 11-12 200Y Free Relay, McKalee Mooney, Lexi Nicholas, Courtney Seams and Brianna Nicholas, 2:07.35. 1st place finishers for Ruby Hill Boys were 9-10 50Y Free, Tom Sornsen, 32.42; 11-12 50Y Free, Evan Lee, 33.61; 11-14 50Y Free, Nick Johnston, 26.25; 15-18 50Y Free, Mason Mooney, 25.56; 9-10 25Y Fly, Tom Sornsen, 16.50; 13-14 100Y IM, Nick Johnston, 1:06.38; 6&U 25Y Back, Christopher Yang, 31.66.

Briarhill vs. FAST The Briarhill Barracuda of Dublin defeated the FAST (Foothill Area Swim Team) Dolphins of Pleasanton by a score of 619 to 340 in a meet at the Foothill High School pool. Many great swims were accomplished by swimmers from both teams. Standout swimmers that placed first in all 4 events they were entered into: For FAST: Paige Heacox (9-10); Briarhill: Callan Jackman (7-8), Joey Grywczynski (7-8), Matthew Grywczynski (9-10), Brian Standart (13-14), Kevin Standart (13-14), Ann Kenney (15-18) and Brandon Lind (15-18). Other swimmers that place first in one or more events: For FAST: 6-Under; Farnaaz Khoyloo, Weslee Zinsner, Scott Dummond, Putty Basseer 7-8; Laura Belichak, 9-10;

Pleasanton Foothill Little League’s 10 yr old All Star team played some great baseball in the Danville Invitational Tournament, coming away with a second place finish. The team went 4-0 over the weekend with wins over Dublin, Danville District, Tassajara American and San Ramon American, before finally losing to Albany in the Championship game on Monday. Sammy Gee, 11-12; Jeff Liebman, 13-14; Mallory Manzano, 15-18; Sarah Nolan, Sammie Suchland. For Briarhill: 6-U; Meghan Van Lare, David Groves 7-8; Ryan Hair, 9-10; Fiona Somerville, Meghan Butler, Alexei Pacholuk, 11-12; Haley Lukas, Brittney Achziger, Jessica Young, Sherman Vuong, Jack Senna, 13-14; Ladan Khandel, Crystal Fisher, Sean Kenny, 15-18; Shannon Corrigan, Marcus Gainer, Brent Reed.

Valley Swim League Pleasanton Valley Swim Club won the Valley Swim League Championship meet at the Robert Livermore Community Center Pool on Saturday, July 26th for the third consecutive year. PVC swimmers won 40 events out of 80, and 13 relays out of 24. The Rhonewood Sharks, who had an undefeated dual meet season, placed second in the championship meet held at Robert

Livermore Community Center Pool on Saturday, July 26, 2008. Final scores: Pleasanton Valley Dolphins 1997, Rhonewood Sharks 1641.5, Sunset Swim Team 1541.4; Castlewood Barracudas 1324.5, Livermore Valley Tennis Club 1298; San Ramon Aquabears 1284, Ruby Hill Rip Tides 808; and TigerSharks 729. PLEASANTON VALLEY broke 7 league records: Mixed 7-8 100 Medley Relay Alan Thomas-Jackson Butler-Matthew Dotson-Eric Shields 1:18.08; Boys 11-12 50 yard Free Bryce McLaggan 26.03; Girls 1112 50 Yard Back Ali Gonsman 32.96; Boys 11-12 50 Yard Back Bryce McLaggan 32.23; Girls 13-14 50 Yard Back Claire McLaggan 31.07; Girls 6 and under 100 yard Free Relay Emily Claridge-Kieran Wallace-Julia Gonsman-Caroline Gjerde 1:24.71; Mixed 6 and under 100 yard Free Relay Tommy Scavone-Will Bosse-Evan Thomas-Travis

The Independent, JULY 31, 2008 - PAGE 7

Silva 1:26.27 Highlighted Swimmers for Pleasanton Valley: Gold Medals Individual Events Free: Caroline Gjerde, Travis Silva, Camaryn Butler, Matthew Dotson, Thomas Gjerde, Ali Gonsman, Bryce McLaggan, Claire McLaggan Fly: Camaryn Butler, Matthew Dotson, Rachel Butler, Breast: Tommy Scavone, Addison McLaggan, Taylor Truex, Audrye McLaggan 100 IM: Taylor Truex, Bryce McLaggan, Claire McLaggan, Chris Dotson Back: Julia Gonsman, Alan Thomas, Rachel Butler, Ali Gonsman, Bryce McLaggan, Claire McLaggan, Emily Pease; Silver Medals Individual Events: Free: McKenna Harris, Brent Bockover, Chris Dotson Fly: Evan Thomas, Thomas Gjerde, Mandy Boyden, Lissi Knell, Chris Dotson Breast: Tynan Castro, Jackson Butler, Lissi Knell 100IM: MacKenzie Bammer, Ali Gonsman, Lissi Knell, Audrye McLaggan Back: Kieran Wallace, Travis Silva, Kate Haskell, Kennedy Truex; Bronze Medal Individual Events: Free: Emily Claridge, Evan Thomas, Eric Shields, Rachael Butler, Rachel Usedom Fly: Caroline Gjerde, Gavin Wallace, Daniel Rodriguez, Karoline Vanderzee, Audrye McLaggan Breast: Mackenzie Bammer, Brian Wiener, Kaitlyn Melo 100IM: Kennedy Truex, Brent Bockover Back: Tommy Scavone, Gavin Wallace. RHONEWOOD: The 15-18 boys had a stellar meet for the Sharks. They placed first in all of their age level events except the IM. They smashed the league and club records in both the free-style relay and medley relay. Swimmers are Briant Jacobs, Hayden Christensen, Matthew Hawkins, Scott Crowder, and Derek Gutierrez. Briant Jacobs broke the club record with is 50 back swim. Hayden Christensen smashed the 50 fly record for the Rhonewood sharks. Natalie Hawkins recorded first place finishes in the 25 fly and 25 breast. She broke the Shark record for the 25 fly, which by the way was her own record set earlier in the season! Wesley Edwards swam to a first place finish in the 25 fly and set the Shark record in the 25 back, although that was a second place finish. Kayleigh Torres took the 15-18 Girls 100 IM and broke the club record in the 50 back with a 29.70, although this was a second place finish. Shannon Melrose broke the Rhonewood Sharks record in the 11-12 Girls 50 back with a time of 32.46. Rhonewood Champions: 6-U girls & boys: Natalie Hawkins 25 fly 22.99, 25 breast 29.34; Wesley Edwards 25 fly 24.32; 9-10 boys: 100 Medley Relay 1:09.62 ( Ryan Eckles, Thomas Neufeld, Isaac Dugger, Conner Jones); 11-12 girls & boys: Elizabeth McCall 50 fly 32.15; Trent Trump 50 fly 32.10; Jonathan Wapman 50 breast 38.98; 200 Medley Relay 2:14.10 (Shannon Melrose, Leash Flannery, Christine Kunzler, Elizabeth McCall); 100 medley relay 2:23.38 (Trent Trump, Jeremy Edwards, Tyler Eckles, Jonathan Wapman; 200 free relay 2:03.67 (Shannon Melrose, Leah Flannery, Christine Kunzler, Elizabeth McCall); 13-14 girls & Boys: Kellie Douglas 50 breast 35.18; Michael Hawkins 50 breast 33.30; 15-18 girls & Boys: Kayleigh Torres 100 IM 1:05.84; 200 medley relay 2:07.04 (Kayleigh Torres, Tyler Cartwright, Carrie Melrose, Andrea Lagorio; Briant Jacobs 50 free 22.72, 50 back 26.02; Hayden Christensen 50 fly 28.68, 50 breast 28.68; 199 medley relay 1:44.63 Briant Jacobs, Derek Gutierrez, Hayden Christensen, Matthew Hawkins; 100 free relay 1:32.95 (Hayden Christensen, Matthew hawkins, Scott Crowder, Briant Jacobs). Rhonewood swimmers: Kaitlynn Amaral, Emily Brown, Jacob Burk, Jason Campbell, Trevor Campbell, Brooke Carter, Danielle Carter, Tyler Cartwright, Courtney Christensen, Hayden Christensen, Nicole Crowder, Scott Crowder, Jonathan Cruz, Elizabeth Dimits, Natalie Dimits, Kellie Douglas, Isaac Dugger, Michael Eckles, Ryan Eckles, Tyler Eckles, Jeremy Edwards, Wesley Edwards, Paul Epperson, Jacob Farmos, Teagan Fish, Leah Flannery, Ryan Gewandijan, Kirstynn Gonzales, Derek Gutierrez, Luke Gutierrez, Emily Hawkins, Matthew Hawkins, Michael Hawkins, Natalie Hawkins, Megan Hill, Briant Jacobs, Amanda Johnston, Katie Johnston, Kevin Johnston, Conner Jones, Reece Kerstetter, Christine Kunzler, Andrea Lagorio, Elizabeth McCall, Carrie Melrose, Shannon Melrose, Christy Neufeld, Matthew Neufeld, Thomas Neufeld,

Courtney Offill, Mackenzie Paulo, Kathryn Rambo, Gage Rohrbacher, Neil Senecal, Aron Sherman, Megan Simons, Carlie Spruiell, Sydney Spruiell, McKenna Stevulak, Jenna Sunnergren, Kayleigh Torres, Taralyn Torres, Collin Trump, Trent Trump, Jake Valponi, Emily Wapman, Jonathan Wapman, and Hunter Woffinden.

All-Star Swimmer Nina Hayes will be traveling to Gresham, Oregon to compete in the USA Western Zone All-Star Championship Swim Meet scheduled for August 5 - 9. Nina was selected to represent Pacific Swimming based upon her performance at this summer’s Junior Olympics. The Western Zone Championship brings together the top swimmers from California, Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming and Washington. Nina swims for the Livermore Aquacowboys.

Livermore Aquacowboys The Livermore Aquacowboys turned in some fast swims at the Orinda CBA+ swim meet on July 26-27. Patrick Kulp dropped two seconds and achieved a new A time in the 200 butterfly. Katie Kulp achieved new Junior Olympic times in the 50 and 100 backstroke events. Shahini Ananth recorded new Junior Olympic times in the 50 and 100 breaststroke events. Alex Gonzalez swam to a new AA time in the 50 backstroke. Haley Hamza turned in a new A time in the 50 free. Christopher Gonzalez, Matthew Hayes, and Zander Bass improved their times in every race they swam in. Jessica Paul was a heat winner in the 50 breast, and won 1st place in the 200 Individual Medley. Jessica achieved new best times in 6 of her 7 races.

Youth Soccer Pleasanton Rage U16AC had a great showing in the 2008 Pleasanton Rage College Showcase with 2 wins and 2 losses. Katie M. and Brooke B. provided 2 goals in first game, while the second game turned defensive ending in a 0-1 loss. Chelsea P finished a cross; Offensive: Andi Glaeser, Allie Rodriguez, Amanda K., and Emmie R. Defensive: Lindsey S., Sammie B., Vanessa M., Ari G., and Austyn B.

Lady Hustle Tryouts Lady Hustle Fastpitch will be holding try-outs for the fall season. For more information go to www.ladyhustlefastpitch.com. Try-Outs Age’s 14 and 16: Session 1 Sunday, August 10th 10am-12pm Fielding/ Running @ Robertson Park 1pm-3pm Hitting @ Double Diamond; Session 2 Sunday, August 17th: 10am-12pm Fielding/Running @ Robertson Park 1pm-3pm Hitting @ Double Diamond. Try-Outs for 18’s: Session 1 Saturday, August 16th 10am-12pm Fielding/Running @Robertson Park 12:30pm-2pm Hitting @Double Diamond; Session 2 Saturday, August 24th 10am-12pm Fielding/Running @Robertson Park 12:30pm-2pm Hitting @Double Diamond.

Swim Meet On Saturday, August 2th, at the Robert Livermore Pool, the Tri-Valley Swim League, will hold its 2008 Championship swim meet. The Robert Livermore Pool is located at 4444 East Avenue, in Livermore. The meet will feature competitors from eight teams in the League. The teams are the Briarhill Barracudas, Club Sport Pleasanton Tidal Waves, Del Prado Stingrays, Dolores Bengston Aquatic Center Piranhas, Dublin Green Gators, FAST Dolphins, Pleasanton Meadows Sharks, and the Ruby Hill Killer Whales. The Tri-Valley Swim League welcomes spectators. Admission is free.

Livermore Fall Ball Livermore National Little League will offer fall ball in Livermore. It is open to players who are age 7 before August 1, 2008

through players who are 14 before August 1, 2008. Games will be at Junction Ave. Middle School, 298 Junction Ave. The teams will play on Sundays September 7, 2008 - October 26, 2008. Teams will be formed early August. Fees are $100.00 includes shirt & hat Sign ups will be on July 22, from 5:30-7:30 at Mountain Mike's (1304 1st St.) and July 29 from 5:30-7:30 at Mountain Mike's (1472 N. Vasco Rd.). Anyone who is not currently a player with LNLL, send a copy of birth Certificate when registering, players will not be registered until certificate is on file. The league is open to all Livermore residents who want to play. Coaches needed for all .Games will include San Ramon and Dublin leagues Umpires will be paid for games For more information, please call 925-719-2289 www.lnll.usor e-mail Jaimie, [email protected].

Summer Trail Run Dog Days of Summer Trail Run is set for August 23. The 3.7 mile course is be great for beginning trail runners with its elevation gains and drops of less than 300 feet. The 6.24 mile course is another story with a gain and fall of 1100 feet. Expansive ridgetop views reveal Mount Diablo to the west, Mount St. Helena to the north and the snow-covered Sierra to the east. Morgan Territory is located within the traditional homeland of the Volvon, one of five Native American nations in the Diablo area. Sandstone hills within the park’s 4,708 acres are adorned in spring with more than 90 species of wildflowers, including the Diablo sunflower. Due to the size of the parking lot, participation is limited to the first 80 entries. Registration opens at 7:30 am, race begins at 8:30 am. Fee is 3.7 mile course $27.00; 6.4 mile course $30.00 For more information go to EBTrailRunners.

Youth Football/Cheer Livermore Youth Football & Cheer (LYF&C) is a full contact football league that has been established for 35 years. The league’s

motto is “children first game second.” The league focuses on teaching the fundamentals of both football and cheer that are needed to make the transition into high school both rewarding and as smooth as possible. The league works with the local high schools to ensure participants are learning the fundamental. Safety is the biggest concern. All coaches are CPR and First Aid certified as well as NYSCA certified. All coaches are required to attend coaching clinics each year to strengthen their knowledge of the game. Squads compete in the highly competitive Diablo Valley Youth Football Conference (DVYFC). It consists of 18 “city” teams that attract the best football players and cheerleaders in the Alameda and Contra Costa counties. There are 5 levels to tryout for with ages 7 to 14 (football), 5 to 14 (cheerleading). Walk in registration will be available during practice 6-8 pm. behind Mendenhall Middle School, 1701 El Padro Dr. Information website www.eteamz.com/lyfc or email [email protected]/lyfc. The league is currently accepting applications for both football and cheer coaches for the upcoming season.

Swim Sessions The Pleasanton Seahawks’ Fall Swim and Varsity Conditioning sessions starts September 15 and runs through December 31. Both swim programs feature professional coaches, individual instruction, daily pool time (daily attendance not mandatory), and regular (optional) USA Swimming swim meets. For the 8th year in a row the Seahawks have been recognized as one of the top 75 USA Swimming teams in the nation. Swimmers of all abilities are welcome. Please note that Fall Swim does not affect summer league eligibility. USA Swimming registration is included. For more information regarding Fall Swim or Varsity Conditioning with the Pleasanton Seahawks USA Swimming Team, please contact [email protected].

PAGE 8 - The Independent, JULY 31, 2008

Evening Showcases Local Foods and Wines It was a great evening for sipping and sampling at the annual Taste of Terroir with its wine and food match-ups served up in the elegant setting of the Palm Event Center. The annual Taste of Terroir is presented by the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association as a way to showcase local foods and wines. More than 500 individuals took part in the evening that was sold out two days in advance. Sixteen wineries and restaurants teamed up to offer such savories as 2007 Concannon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and Sea Scallops with Kiffer Lime Beurre Blanc created by Patrick David’s to a Murrieta’s Well 2006 White Meritage served up with Pumpkin Borani created by Oasis Grille. Some of the chefs used some unusual ways to present their creations. For the Habanero Sausage with grilled corn and tomato salad with Dijon vinaigrette created at The Grill at Wente Vineyards, a small tray with a miniature fork was used. This spicy food went well with the Tamas Estates 2005 Barbera. Movida chose a Chinese soup spoon for its presentation of Filet of Beef Foie Gras with a Pinot Noir reduction served with the Charles R Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir. The use of the spoon made tasting simple and interesting. Adding to the pleasurable evening was a cool breeze that invited those on hand to relax on the patio while enjoying the wine and food experience. Cooking demonstrations and music added to the well rounded evening. The evening is capped

off by a visit to a room filled with a variety of desserts, cheeses, crackers, and fruits and an opportunity to sample one of the local ports. A panel of judges handed out awards, while the public selected its favorite pairing. The People’s Choice award went Mitchell Katz Winery & Palm Event Center for a Duck Bratwurst served up on a housemade caraway bun with Cranberry and Stone Ground Mustard Glaze, paired with the 2004 “Fat Boy” McGrail Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. The chefs were John Jackson and Alex Olson, Palm Event Center;

Winemaker Mitchell Katz. The wine is one of the most popular released by the winery. It features big, concentrated intense flavors that went well with the mix of flavors in the food. The judges liked the Wente Vineyards & The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards 2005 Nth Degree Merlot, Livermore Valley paired with Braised Duck, Shelling Bean Salad, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Arugula, Lemon Summer Truffle Vinaigrette. The chef is Arthur Wall, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards; winemaker, Karl Wente. In this case, the wine with its hints of herbal tea, black

Beauty and the Beast, Pleasanton Playhouse musical production. July 18Aug. 3, 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Ticket office open Monday- Saturday from noon to 6:00 p.m.373-6800, www.livermoreperformingarts.org. The Concerts at Wente Vineyards 2008; Schedule: Aug. 4th: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons; Aug. 5th: Huey Lewis & The News. Choose either a four-course dinner in the award-winning The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, followed by reserved, stage-front seating, or a gourmet buffet-style dinner at tables of ten on the lawn. To find out more information about The Concerts, visit www.wentevineyards.com/ concert.asp or call (925) 456-2424. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com. Woman’s Will, Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Person of Szechuan in Pleasanton. Sat., Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at Centennial Park, adjacent to the senior center. Admission is free. For further information please visit www.womanswill.org, or call 510420-0813. Shakespeare, Tickets are now on sale for Livermore Shakespeare Festival’s summer productions running in repertory July 10 – August 2 at Concannon Vineyard, 4590 Tesla Road, Livermore. “The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) runs Aug. 1. “Twelfth Night” runs July 31 and Aug. 2. All performances begin at 7:30 pm. Picnic grounds open at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased at (800) 838-3006 for $30/25. For more information or to buy online, go to www.livermoreshakes.org. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov. July 26-Aug. 10, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Las Positas College Theater, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. $10 general admission, $7 students and seniors. Performing Arts Events Line 424-1100. Vineyard Nights Live: Fri., Aug. 1, Bonedrivers, Roadhouse Style rockin’ blues. Live music on the patio. Restaurant opens 6pm, music 7-10pm. $15pp minimum. Indoor seating available. For more information contact Garre Winery, 7986 Tesla Road, Livermore. 371-8200. www.garrewinery.com Bocce Ball & Italian Dinner Night Wednesday, August 6, Italian buffet

dinner and a traditional Italian game. Served with three glasses of complimentary vineyard selection wine, event takes place on outdoor courts with patio seating. Cellar Master Wayne Re is Bocce Captain and coordinates instruction and group play. Bring a group or come alone; all skill levels are welcome. $38.95 person all inclusive. Seatings from 5:30pm. Garre Winery, 7986 Tesla Road, Livermore. 371-8200. www.garrewinery.com. Reservations required. Dublin Summer Concert Series, Fridays at 7 p.m. fountain courtyard on the east side of the Dublin Civic Center. Audience-style and picnicstyle seating is available on the terraces around the fountain for over 400 guests. Led Kaapana is on stage August 1. Bring a picnic dinner to munch on and a blanket to sit on. There is no admission charge. Eagle Ridge Vineyard is celebrating the first anniversary of its tasting room on Aug. 9 & 10 from 12:00 4:30. The first year was highlighted by winning 3 silver medals and a bronze for the very first wine, 2004 Petite Sirah. The 2006 Pinot Grigio, while not entered into any competitions, has completely been sold out for several months. In celebration of the first anniversary, the winery is releasing its 2005 Petite Sirah and 2007 Pinot Grigio to the public. The festivities will include specialized food-wine pairings with both of the new wines. 10017 Tesla Rd., Livermore. 447-4328. Auditions, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Stage Company, in partnership with the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, will hold auditions for Washington Irving’s classic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, adapted for the stage by Frederick Gaines. All auditions will take place at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, on the Amador Valley High School campus in Pleasanton. Auditions for all ages, 7 years and older, will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 13, 2008. Call backs will be held on Thursday, August 14, 6:00-9:00 p.m., by invitation. Adults and children who wish to audition should dress comfortably and be prepared to have fun. They will be asked to read from the script with some improvisa-

tion. This is a non-union production and offers no pay. Audition packets are available online at www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us. Click on Community, Arts and Entertainment, then Civic Arts. For more information, contact Michelle Russo at (925) 931-5350, Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., or [email protected]. Performances Oct. 17-19, 21-26 Willy Wonka Junior, tickets are now on sale for August 15, 16, 17 at the Bankhead Theater. A free Wonka Bar for each child attending the performance-and a prize for the child with the golden ticket. Prices for Seniors $10.00, Adults $12.00 and Children $8.00. SmARTSunlimited produces Theater for Children – By Children. 1PM & 3PM productions performed by children ages 3-10, 6PM & 8PM productions performed by children 11-17. Go to www.livermoreperformingarts.org or call 925-373-6800. Auditions for the upcoming Las Positas College production of Shakespeare in Hollywood will be held on Monday and Tuesday, August 25 and 26 from 7-9:30 PM. The mad cap farce by the author of Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo is about the filming of the 1935 Max Rinehardt version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There are eight male and four female principal roles, plus small ensemble parts. An audition monologue is requested but not required. Rehearsals will be on Monday through Thursday nights and performances are November 14 through 21. For more information, call (925) 4241166 or email [email protected].

Pictured are Karl Wente, winemaker, Wente Vineyards (left) and Arthur Wall, executive chef, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, winners of the Judge’s Best award for their pairing of 2005 Nth Degree Merlot, Livermore Valley and Braised Duck, Shelling Bean Salad, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Arugula, Lemon Summer Truffle Vinaigrette.

cherry and vanilla was a perfect complement to the food. Other awards: Most Innovative Pairing went to La Rochelle Winery & Campo di Bocce. The 2006 Pinot Noir, Classic Clones, Arroyo Seco was paired with Squash Blossom Tamale. The chef was Michael Wogen, Campo di Bocce; winemakers Steven Mirassou and Tom Statz, La Rochelle Winery; Best Expression of Local Ingredients was awarded to Livermore Valley Cellars & Faz Restaurant. A 2006 “Caboose” Zinfandel, Livermore Valley was paired with Honey Mustard Rubbed Pork Tenderloin on Rosemary Foccacia with Shallot Butter, Balsamic Plum Chutney and Brentwood Corn. The chef is Dolly Jacoby, Faz Restaurant; winemaker Tim Sauer. Selected as the most Outstanding Dish was the Palm Event Center Duck Bratwurst on House-Made Caraway Bun with Cranberry and Stone Ground Mustard Glaze; chefs John Jackson and Alex Olson, Palm Event Center. The most outstanding wine was the Murrieta’s Well 2006 White Meritage, Livermore Valley; Winemaker Phil Wente, Murrieta’s Well.

The Independent, JULY 31, 2008 - PAGE 9

William (Bill) Edward Heffelfinger William (Bill) Edward Heffelfinger was born on August 10, 1930 in Richmond, CA and passed away on Monday, July 21, 2008 at Abigail’s Guest Home in Pleasanton. Bill was a descendent of pioneer families who came to Shasta in the 1850’s. While in Shasta, he attended Shasta Grammar School where his Aunt Thyra Heffelfinger was his teacher and Shasta Union High School in Redding. While growing up and living in Shasta, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He joined the Army Air Corp on March 7, 1946 and did his overseas tour in Alaska. He received his GED while in the service and was discharged on January 10, 1949. At that time, he returned to Shasta and married his childhood sweetheart, Jacquelyn Rahl in 1950. His jobs included PG&E, milk delivery, grocery clerk, and working on the Clear Creek Tunnel and Bully Hill Mine at Shasta Lake. Bill and his family moved to Fremont in 1963 where he worked as an Operating Engineer until his retirement in 1986. Bill was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and was a Past Master of Sequoia-St. Elmo Masonic Lodge #349 in Oakland, CA and an active member of Pleasanton Masonic Lodge where he was a recipient of the Hiram Award in 1998. He was also a member of Western Star Lodge #2 in Shasta Ca. The I.O.O.F #75 in French Gulch, Ca., The Scottish Rite in Oakland Ca. and E. Clampus Vitus Chapters 10 and

13. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymon and Dorothy Heffelfinger and his oldest son William Daniel. He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn of Fremont, sons, Frank of Fremont, Chris and wife Patricia of Stockton; daughter Susan Heffelfinger of Roswell, GA; brothers Gerald of Stockton,;and Raymon Jr. of Anderson; sisters Lois Luiz of Lodi, Pat Enos of Walnut Grove, Jacky Day of Livermore, Suzann Wilson of Anderson, and Diane Hurshey of Burney; as well as grandchildren Troy Spray, Sara and husband Dave Eaton, Katie and husband Robert Walker, Christine and William, and Great Grandchildren Trenton and Andrew Walker and Mylee Eaton. A memorial service will be held on August 10th at Pleasanton Masonic Center, 3370 Hopyard Road Pleasanton, CA at 7:00pm. Interment will be at Western Star Masonic Cemetery in Shasta at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s name to a favorite charity. Arrangements by Graham-Hitch Mortuary.

Richard Louis Rossi Richard Louis Rossi died in Pendleton, Oregon, July 24, 2008. Mr. Rossi was born in Livermore, CA, May 15, 1924 to Dominic and Louise Rossi. In 1942, at the age, of 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served honorably during WWII on the troop transport USS Frederick Funston. The ship was engaged in landings in Africa, Italy and

the Pacific theater. After discharge in December, 1945, he returned to Livermore. In 1949 he moved with his wife and son, Gary, to North Bend, Oregon, where he worked for Mountain States Power Co. in Coos Bay, Oregon for many years as a lineman and crew foreman. Another son, John, was born in Coos Bay. Richard was active in the Coos Bay Fire Department as a volunteer where he attained the rank of Captain. In the early 1970’s he moved to Portland and served as Work Methods Superintendent for Pacific Power for the western states. On August 14, 1976 he married Barbara DePaoli and blended her family of three children with his own. In 1977, Richard was transferred from Wyoming to Pendleton where he worked as line superintendent until his retirement in 1983. Richard and Barbara have welcomed many families into their home since arriving in Pendleton and became “Grandpa and Grandma” to dozens of neighborhood children. “Rich” brought joy and satisfaction to the community with his woodworking accomplishments. A determined golfer he had many good times with his golfing buddies. Richard is survived by his wife Barbara of Pendleton, children Gary Rossi and his partner Nancy Borneman, of Prineville, Oregon; John Rossi and wife Terri of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Mark Hill and his partner Christina of Modesto, CA; Steve Hill and wife Belinda of Ashville, North Carolina; Debbie and husband Daniel Taylor of Friday Harbor, Washington; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Dominic Rossi and Louise Fischer. The family suggests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or charitable organization of choice, in his memory. He will be missed by his wife and family and by all of his many friends throughout the Northwest to whom he brought much love and humor. Arrangements by Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, Oregon

Peter Brumm Livermore resident Peter Brumm passed away peacefully at his home, with his family by his side on July 23, 2008. He was born October 17, 1963. Peter wrote the food column for the Independent magazine until his illness. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi at the University of Wisconsin, and belonged to the Livermore Valley Tennis Club. Peter is survived by his ex-wife Lynn and their two daughters Emma Marie and Sophia Marance of Livermore, his parents; Thomas and Michelle Brumm of Livermore and siblings Thomas Jr. (Catherine) Brumm of Washington, Timothy Brumm of North Carolina , Elizabeth (Thad) Lawrynk of Minnesota and by two nephews Alexander and Nicholas Pries of Minnesota. Services for friends and family will be held at 2pm on August 1, 2008 with a chapel Blessing to follow at Callaghan Mortuary Chapel, 3833 East Ave, Livermore with burial immediately following at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Robert Manuel Nobriga Robert Manuel Nobriga passed away peacefully July 26, 2008 after a two year fight against cancer. He was born April 10, 1933 As the eldest child of Manuel and Lucille Nobriga, Bob began his childhood in Oakland, graduating from Castlemont High School in 1951. While working at World Air Center in 1967, he met his future wife Melba. After a brief courtship they were married in 1968 and moved to Livermore in 1969. Bob co-owned Richmond Plastics with his friend and partner Bill Flores from 1984 until his retirement in 2000. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Melba, his children, Marchelle

(Bill) Roe of Missouri, Bobby (Heather) Nobriga of Benicia, Bonnie (Mitch) Oellrich of Livermore, and Rod (Michele) Lazaro of Manteca; grandchildren Danielle Oellrich, Natasha and Elias Nobriga, Courtney Lazaro, and Tatyana and Briyana Oellrich, a sister Barbara Freitas of Mountain House and mother-in-law Gladys of Livermore, as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, B.W. Sims. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thurs., July 31 at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave., Livermore with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

www.independentnews.com LEGAL NOTICES FOR INFORMATION PLACING LEGAL NOTICES CONTACT BARBARA @ 925 243-8000 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 412504 The following person (s) doing business as:Anaya Photography, 648 Division Street, Pleasanton Ca 94566 is hereby registered by the following owner (s): Yvette S. Helmers, 648 Division Street, Pleasanton Ca 94566 Jason W. Anaya, 648 Division Street, Pleasanton Ca 94566 This business is conducted by:a General partnership The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on November 22, 2002. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Yvette S. Helmers and Jason Anaya This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on June 25, 2008. Expires June 25, 2013. The Independent Legal No. 2351. Publish July 10, 17, 24, 31, 2008. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 413061 The following person (s) doing business as:ShimmyShimmy-Wiggle-Wiggle Funkion, 2121 Railroad Ave., Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner (s): Charles Augustine, 712 Santa Ray Ave., Oakland, CA 94610 This business is conducted by:an Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Charles Augustine This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on July 8, 2008. Expires July 8, 2013. The Independent Legal No. 2353. Publish July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2008.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 412891 The following person (s) doing business as:EXCO Expedited Courier, 456 Amaral Circle, Pleasanton Ca 94566 is hereby registered by the following owner (s): Brian K. Gillman, 456 Amaral Circle, Pleasanton Ca 94566 This business is conducted by:an Individual The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on July 1, 2008. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Brian Gillman This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on July 3, 2008. Expires July 3, 2013. The Independent Legal No. 2354. Publish July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2008. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 413412 The following person (s) doing business as:Livermore Bucket Company, 1341 Anza Way, Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner (s): Robert Powell Snyder, 1341 Anza Way, Livermore CA 94550 Arlene Marie Snyder, 1341 Anza Way, Livermore Ca 94550 This business is conducted by:Husband and wife Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Robert Snyder This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on July 17, 2008. Expires July 17, 2013. The Independent Legal No. 2355. Publish July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2008. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 413540 The following person (s) doing business as:The Hole

Event, 4696 Amy Court, Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner (s): Katrina M. Hole, 1350 Spring Valley Common, Livermore Ca 94551 This business is conducted by:an Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Katrina Hole This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on July 22, 2008, Expires July 22, 2013. The Independent Legal No. 2356. Publish July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2008.

ANIMALS/PETS 1) CATS/DOGS ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, for adoption information contact Valley Humane Society at 925 426-8656. Adopt a new best friend: TVAR, the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue, offers animals for adoption every Saturday and Sunday, excluding most holidays. On Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, both dogs and cats are available at the Pleasanton Farmers Market at W. Angela and First Streets. Two locations will showcase cats only: Petsmart in Dublin from 12:00 to 4:00 and the Pet Food Express in Livermore from 1:00 to 4:00. On Sundays, cats are available at Petsmart in Dublin from 1:00 to 4:00, and PetCo in San Ramon from 11:00 to 3:00. For more information, call TVAR at (925) 803-7043 or visit our website at www.tvar.org. FOUND AN ANIMAL? Free Section. Call Barbara 925 243-8000 to let 49,118 households know! 4)FOUND FOUND PARROT In Livermore June 24th Call to Identify 925 858-7329 5)LOST LOST CAT Long Haired 1yr., Fluffy Orange Tabby Very Sweet, Hurt Toe, Micro Chipped Last seen Panama Bay Coffee downtown Livermore REWARD 925 858-0175 LOST DOG Shepherd Female, last seen 2 mile mark on Mines Rd., in front of her home July 1st 2pm. Please Call 925 443-4040

AUTOS/BOATS/RV’S/TRUCKS 7)AUTOS WANTED DONATE YOUR CAR: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800-252-0615. (CAL*SCAN)

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EMPLOYMENT 56) ADULT CARE CAREGIVERS NEEDED for elder care. Light housekeeping errands transportation meal prep personal care. Please fax resume 925 371-8118 60) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FAMILY SALON FOR SALE Great Livermore location w/superior anchors. Clean and bright. 8 Stations plus Shampoo. $85,000 Call David toll-free for details. 866-732-3291 ABSOLUTELY RECESSION PROOF! Do You Earn $800 in a Day? Your Own Local Vending Route Includes 30 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-6252405. (CAL*SCAN) SPORTS MINDED Successful Entrepreneur seeks Selfstarter, must be $$$ Motivated, Team Player, ready to produce Health & Wealth NOW! 1-800-221-8429 (CAL*SCAN) BE WARY of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send any money or fees. Read and understand any contracts before you sign. Shop around for rates. 71) HELP WANTED MYSTERY SHOPPERS Get Paid to Shop Retail -Dinning Establishments Need Undercover Clients to Judge Quality Customer Service. Earn Up to $100 aday Call 1-800-742-7193 ***AVON*** Reps needed. Part Time or Career. Internet access required. 1-800-8877618 (CAL*SCAN) FIREFIGHTER & EMT. Paid onthe-job training for H.S. grads. Must be physically fit and under age 34. Good pay/benefits. Paid relocation. Call 1-800345-6289. (CAL*SCAN) TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD call Barbara 925 243-8000 or go on-line at www.independentnews.com Also available pay by Credit Card for Classified and Display Ads. 72) HELP WANTED/DRIVERS DRIVERS: Flat Broke? Think Flatbed! I-5 Corridor/11 West. CDL-A, 1yr. Free Benefits! Assigned Equipment. 866-394-1944 x117 DRIVER - CDL Training $0 down, financing by Central Refrigerated. Drive for Central, earn up to $40K/year. Owner Operators average $60k/Year 1-800-587-0029 x4779. www.CentralDrivingJobs.net (CAL*SCAN) DRIVER: Don’t Just Start Your Career, Start It Right! Company Sponsored CDL training in 3 weeks. Must be 21. Have CDL? Tuition Reimbursement! www.JoinCRST.com 1800-781-2778. (CAL*SCAN) DRIVER - $5K SIGN-ON Bonus for Experienced Teams: Dry Van & Temp Control available. O/O’s & CDL-A Grads welcome. Call Covenant 1-866-6842519 EOE. (CAL*SCAN) DRIVERS: 13 DRIVERS NEEDED. Sign-On Bonus. 3542 cpm. Earn over $1000 weekly. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A & 3 months rent OTR. 1-800-635-8669. (CAL*SCAN

PAGE 10 - The Independent, JULY 31, 2008

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CLASSIFIEDS ************** Reaches over 45,893 Homes and over 3,225 Local Businesses mailed Home Delivery in Livermore Pleasanton & Sunol Call Barbara 925 243-8000 75)HELP WANTED/ LOAN OFFICERS LOAN OFFICER OPPORTUNITY. US Home Funding seeks licensed Loan officers to work from home. Strong support, Excellent commissions. Phone: 800-788-4498. Fax: 866-255-3371 or email: [email protected] (CAL*SCAN) 80)MISC. EMPLOYMENT NEEDED: 15 PEOPLE TO LOSE UPTO 30LBS 30 DAYS $30 +s/h ALL NATURAL DR RECOMMENDED www.jkdietsamples.com. 925-371-2819

MERCHANDISE 110)FOUND FOUND EARRING In Front of Carl’s Jr. Pleasanton Call 925 846-8469 118) FREE/GIVEAWAY FREE POSTER SIZE CLIP ART BOOKS Good for Projects & Coloring Would like to be given to: Schools, Churches, Day Cares Call 925 447-8700 Barbara GOT OLD JUNK FREE/GIVEAWAY SECTION Call 925 243-8000 Barbara 119)EQUIPMENT FOR SALE SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $2,990 - Convert your Logs To Valuable lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.NorwoodSawMills.com/ 330N -FREE Information: 1-800-578-1363 - x300-N. (CAL*SCAN) 121)GARAGE/FLEA MARKET/YARD SALES One day only! Multi-family August 2, 9:00 - 3:00 Placer Circle, Livermore Rain or Shine! Call Barbara 925-243-8000 or go to www.independentnews.com before 8am Tuesdays to place your ad in for the next edition. 127) LOST/FOUND LOST or FOUND AN ITEM FREE SECTION Call Barbara 925 243-8000

NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS 150)ADOPTIONS PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families nationwide. Living Expenses Paid. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 1-866-4593369. (CAL*SCAN) 151)ANNOUNCEMENTS

Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.”

REAL ESTATE The Federal Fair Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state law prohibit advertisements for housing and employment that contain any preference, limitation or discrimination based on protected classes, including race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. IVPC does not knowingly accept any advertisements that are in violation of the law. 157)APT/CONDOS/HOUSE/ TOWNHOUSE/RENTAL GOT A HOUSE FOR RENT? Let the 49,119+ households that read the Independent find out about it. . To place an ad go to www.independentnews.com or call Barbara at 925 2438000 160)BOAT/RV and RETAIL LOOKING FOR RETAIL OR STORAGE SPACE? Great Location Off Hwy 580 On Kitty Hawk Road For Details Email: [email protected] 162) HOUSE/ROOMS/RENTALSTO SHARE RENT YOUR EMPTY LIVING SPACE By Advertising with The Independent reaching over 49,119 homes and businesses with your ad placement. Call Barbara 925 2438000 163) HOMES/TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE I HAVE PROPERTIES in FORECLOSURE. GREAT DEAL. PLEASE CALL 925 215-4663 “FOR SALE WITH OWNER” HOMES Help-U-Sell Tri-Valley See our website for our complete list of Open Homes, with addresses, prices, owners’ phone numbers etc. www.helpuselltrivalley.com 925-484-1000 168)LAND FOR SALE/OUT OF STATE TEXAS LAND SALE!! 20-Acre Ranches, Near BOOMING El Paso. Good Road Access. ONLY $14,900. $200/down $145/mo. Money Back Guarantee. No Credit Checks. 1 800 755-8953 www.sunsetranches.com ARIZONA LAND BARGAIN 36 Acres - $29,900. Beautiful mountain property in Arizona’s Wine Country. Price reduced in buyers market. Won’t last! Good access & views. Eureka Springs Ranch offered by AZLR. ADWR report & financing available. 1-877301-5263. (CAL*SCAN) NEW TO MARKET New Mexico Ranch Dispersal 140 acres - $89,900. River Access Northern New Mexico. Call 6,000’ elevation with stunning views. Great tree cover including Ponderosa, rolling grassland and rock outcroppings. Abundant wildlife, great hunting. EZ terms. Call NML&R, Inc. 1-866-360-5263. (CAL*SCAN) NEW MEXICO SACRIFICE! 140 acres was $149,900, Now Only $69,900. Amazing 6000 ft. elevation. Incredible mountain views. Mature tree cover. Power & year round roads. Excellent financing. Priced for quick sale. Call NML&R, Inc. 1888-204-9760. (CAL*SCAN) NEW ARIZONA LAND Rush! 1 or 2-1/2 “Football Field” Sized Lots! $0 Down. $0 Interest. $159-$208 per month! Money Back Guarantee! 1877-466-0650 or www.SunSitesLandRush.com (CAL*SCAN) NEW TO MARKET - Colorado Mountain Ranch. 35 acres $39,900. Priced for Quick Sale. Overlooking a majestic lake, beautifully treed, 360 degree mountain views, adjacent to national forest. EZ terms. 1866-353-4807 (CAL*SCAN) ABSOLUTE STEAL River Access! Washington 6 AC $49,900; 15 AC - Old Farm Buildings - $89,900. Top quality acreage in stunning setting! Limited available. EZ Terms Call WALR 1-866-836-9152. (CAL*SCAN)

ZNE ConvenZioNE August 22-24 Pleasanton. SARK, Michele Beschen from HGTV, Art Workshops, Music, Film Screening, Gallery Tours, Gifts, and so much more! Join us as we celebrate creativity all weekend long! www.ZNEcon.com Axis Health Center 4361 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Serves Valley residents with emphasis on those with low income. The center has general medical services, family planning, well baby, prenatal and maternity programs, social services, blood pressure checks, WIC food supplement programs, premarital blood test, sports/camp physicals, TB screening, free transportation available. 925 4621755 155) NOTICES “NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License

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*LAND AUCTION* 200 Properties Must be Sold! Low Down / EZ Financing. Free Brochure. 1-800-756-2087. w w w. L a n d Au c t i o n . c o m (CAL*SCAN) *LAND AUCTION* 200 Properties Must be Sold! Low Down / EZ Financing. Free Brochure. 1-800-756-2087. w w w. L a n d Au c t i o n . c o m (CAL*SCAN) UTAH RANCH DISPERSAL. Experience the fun and relaxation of having your own 40 acres in the great outdoor recreational area of the Uintah Basin. Starting at only $29,900. Call UTLR 1-888-693-5263. (CAL*SCAN)

SERVICES 178)BUSINESS SERVICES A BEST-KEPT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECRET! A 25word classified ad costs $550, is placed in 240 community newspapers and reaches 6 million Californians! Call for more information (916) 2886010; (916) 288-6019 w w w. C a l - S C A N . c o m (CAL*SCAN) ADVERTISE EFFECTIVELY! Reach over 3 million Californians in 140 community newspapers. Cost $1,500 for a 3.75”x2” display ad Super value! Call (916) 288-6010; (916) 288-6019, www.Cal-SCAN.com (CAL*SCAN) Looking for a cost efficient way to get out a NEWS RELEASE? The California Press Release Service is the only service with 500 current daily, weekly and college newspaper contacts in California. Questions call (916) 288-6010. www.CaliforniaPressRelease Service.com (CAL*SCAN) 180)FINANCIAL SERVICES $$$CASH FAST $$$ Fast Cash Advances Against Inheritances, Lawsuits, Structured Settlements, Annuities, Lotteries, and Military & Regular Pensions. (No VA or WC) Call Now 1-877-726-6639. www.18 7 7 - 7 2 - M O N E Y. c o m (CAL*SCAN) 190)SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION GET CRANETRAINED! Crane/ Heavy Equipment Training. National Certification Prep. Placement Assistance. Financial Assistance. Northern California College of Construction. www.Heavy4.com Use Code “NCPA1” 1-866-302-7462 (CAL*SCAN)

Real Estate Office Switches to Legacy After 10 years operating as a RE/Max franchise, the office located at 1686 Second Street in Livermore has exited the RE/Max network and converted to an independent real estate brokerage affiliating with Legacy Real Estate & Associates. The brand, launched by longtime East Bay owner and Livermore resident Bill Aboumrad, converted its first RE/Max franchise in January 2008 when the Fremont RE/Max operated by Mr. Aboumrad became Legacy Real Estate & Associates. The Livermore office, which is co-owned by Aboumrad and Dave Debus and managed by local broker Pete Conley, has over 30 real estate agents. The flagship Legacy Real Estate & Associates office in Fremont has over 130 real estate agents and managed approximately 900 sales transactions with total sales volume of $740 million last year. “We’re a locally owned agency now and completely focused on what happens in our micro-housing markets. With independence, there is greater freedom and flexibility in terms of adjusting to what our client requirements are to either sell their home or help them buy one,” said Livermore office manager Pete Conley. “We also felt the name Legacy Real Estate & Associates better represented what we stood for which is professional and tenured real estate agents with a positive history in Livermore and the East Bay.” Conley started his career with RE/Max nearly a decade ago and is very active in the Livermore community, having served as the president of the Livermore Downtown Association during the recent downtown revitalization project. Aboumrad is also very active in the Livermore community and was schooled in real estate by his late father, a real estate broker who started Good Realty in Fremont in 1971. “When my dad started his business all the real estate firms were boutique and locally owned. There was accountability and decisions were made right then and there, not by far-away boards and franchisors,” he said. “We believe that real estate is an intensely localized business and clients are better represented when their Realtor is local and part of the same community,” said Mr. Aboumrad. For more information on Legacy Real Estate & Associates call 925.447.8100 or visit www.legacyrealestateassociates.com.

Dream Homes Still Desired Homeowners at the highest end of the real estate market still have a dream house in mind and zip code does play a factor in where some call home, according to the 2008 Coldwell Banker Previews International® Luxury Survey. Top locations for a dream home among those surveyed were on an island (27 percent) or in a rural country setting (22 percent), followed by the suburbs (18 percent) or an international destination (18 percent). Additionally, 17 percent of those surveyed confirmed that they have considered moving expressly to obtain a specific address or zip code. Eight percent of respondents actually admitted to having been influenced to purchase a property to “keep up” with friends or family. In addition, high-end homeowners remain optimistic about home values with a strong majority of the affluent homeowners surveyed (85 percent) expecting the price of their homes to increase over the next five years, a sharp increase from the 66 percent tallied in the 2007 survey. In addition, four out of five of these homeowners surveyed believe the increase in value will be “significant” to “moderate” (81 percent). The 2008 Coldwell Banker Previews International Luxury Survey polled 305 U.S. homeowners whose primary residence is valued at over $1 million ($2 million for California residents) and who have investable assets of more than $1 million. The average annual household income of the 2008 luxury survey’s respondents is $754,000. The survey revealed that about half of the affluent homeowners surveyed own at least one secondary residence. Most of these properties are located in beach areas. For many of those, the primary purpose of the residence was a retirement property Whether inside or outside, “must have” luxury amenities such as designer kitchens, formal landscaping, water views, customized home entertainment centers and swimming pools are the top amenities of choice for luxury homeowners. “High-end kitchens, a well-kept appearance outside of the home, and swimming pools have become the standard for luxury homeowners,” said Brown. “These areas of the home attract attention and have long been critical factors when considering the value of a property.” Formal landscaping was, by far, the amenity mentioned most often by respondents as something they currently have surrounding their primary residence. Nearly half have a water view and more than a third have a pool and hot tub. The luxury amenities that are found surrounding affluent homes include: To maintain their luxury homes, those surveyed indicated that landscapers (95 percent) and housekeepers (62 percent) were a must. Of note, housekeepers were significantly more common among those ages 54 and younger (72 percent versus 55 percent of those ages 55plus). The survey was conducted online by independent market research firm, ICR, in April 2008 and commissioned by Coldwell Banker Previews International®, the exclusive Coldwell Banker® service dedicated to luxury real estate. In 2007, the Coldwell Banker system participated in more than 25,000 transaction sides of homes priced at $1 million or more in 2007 with a total sales volume of $46.6 billion.

The Independent, JULY 31, 2008 - PAGE 11

Who's Afraid of Anton Chekov?

Latest looks to be modeled.

Back to School Fashion Show On Saturday, August 16 from 11am to 1pm, PartyBees will sponsor the LimitedToo BackTo-School Fashion Show. The event will be held in the Grand Court area of the Stoneridge Shopping Center, located in Pleasanton at the intersection of I580 and I680, in conjunction with the Stoneridge Kidgits Club. The latest clothing styles including LimitedToo Punk Rock, School Girl, and Fashion Active will be modeled. The event will also feature free hair-braiding for the first 50 girls, ages 5 to 13, to be done by PartyBees’ partner Hairlights Salon in Pleasanton. PartyBees is also looking for volunteer girls to model the clothes at the Fashion Show. Tryouts to be held at PartyBees – Sunday, August 10, 2 to 4pm. Girls, ages 5 to 13, are eligible to model the latest fashions. No previous experience necessary. For more details and to sign up, contact Sue David at PartyBees, phone 925-249-9233. Models will also need to be available on Wednesday, August 13 for “Runway Practice” at the Stoneridge Shopping Center, too. For more information on PartyBees, including a full description of all the party options and costs, or to book a party, go to www.partybees.com or call 925-249-9BEE (9233).

Jazz Concerts Continue at Library The John Palowitch Quartet to perform at the Pleasanton Library on Sat., Aug. 2 as part of the Free Summer Jazz Series. The performance begins at 7 p.m. The Library is offering a series of after-hours concerts featuring young jazz artists. John Palowitch, a jazz alto saxophonist from Pleasanton, graduated from Amador Valley High School in 2008 and is now attending the University of Miami Frost School of Music. At Amador, John was lead alto in the school’s Jazz “A” band, and directed and played in the Jazz Combo. He studied saxophone with Daniel Zinn and also plays piano, flute, and clarinet. John was a three-time member of the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, a twotime member of Music For All’s “Jazz Band of America”, the Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Ensemble, and the SFJazz High School All-Stars. He was a fourtime member of the IAJE/CBDA California High School Jazz Band. In 2008 he was awarded NFA Young Arts Honorable Mention in Jazz Saxophone. In the most recent Downbeat Student Awards, John was a winner in the Original Song category for his composition “Aquatic Mass,” and an Outstanding Performance recipient in the soloist category. In last year’s Downbeat Student Awards, John was an Outstanding Performance recipient for his Original Song “Autogrill.” All concerts are Saturdays at 7pm in the Pleasanton Library’s meeting room. No reservations, no tickets, no cover charge. Library programs are free and open to everyone. Call Penny Johnson at 925.931-3405 for information.

By Susan Steinberg Apparently lots of normal theatergoers have a morbid Fear of Chekov. They’ll cheerfully line up to see “Hamlet” or “Othello,” “Long Days Journey Into Night” or “Death of a Salesman.” Hardly sitcoms, but they attract good audiences. However, Chekov is considered in a gloomy and depressing class of his own. Why? Just as Eugene O’Neill and Arthur Miller capture a uniquely American anguish, so Chekov gives us the quintessential social malaise of pre-Revolutionary Russia. Every class seems trapped in its own inescapable role, from the servants to the landed gentry, and even the “progressive-minded” intellectuals. An elderly butler, dying alone in a deserted country house, worries only about whether his master remembered to take a heavy overcoat. Landowners faced with bankruptcy continue to spend money “as if it grew on trees,” just as they always did. And social idealists, instead of acting to initiate change, pontificate endlessly about it. Was Chekov exaggerating? Unfortunately for Russia, he was describing reality. After all, one of the most popular works at the time was a publication entitled, What Is To Be Done? In the play, “The Cherry Orchard,” debt-ridden landowners not only refuse to face threatened foreclosure, but even disdain practical advice to avert financial ruin. Lonely individuals never take the initiative to link their lives with other single souls. Those preaching the doctrine of social change and selffulfillment lack the will to implement either. Such inertia is maddening to American audiences. After all, we have been raised on the national ethic of hard work, initiative, and go-getting to move ahead in this world. Yet we all recognize the power of inertia in our own society: the spouse who stays in a bad marriage, the sad singles who never try to break out of their isolation, the perennial student demonstrating for freedom and independence, but living at his parent’s expense. So Chekov actually represents us as well: our nostalgia for a beloved old place or a tattered old shirt; our inability to break a bad habit, even if we recognize its damage; our espousing of noble causes without personal follow-through. (“No I didn’t buy a Prius.” “Well I don’t ALWAYS separate my recyclables.”) Chekov even provides an uncannily modern description of useless academics: “People at the university-they’re supposed to be educated, but they’re not interested in the truth. They’re not interested in much of anything, actually. They certainly don’t DO much. They call themselves intellectuals, and think that gives them the right to look down on the rest of the world.” Do-nothing political leadership also takes a well-deserved beating from Chekov’s pen: “Just to look at the cities… miles of slums, where people go hungry and live packed into unheated tenements full of cockroaches and garbage, and their lives are full of violence and immorality. So what are all the theories for? To keep people like us from seeing all that… If that’s all our talk is good for, we’d better just shut up.” Sadly this diatribe could be run in today’s newspapers as a current indictment of the miserable condition of our inner cities. Why can’t Chekov’s characters act to relieve their desperate situations, people ask. Might as well ask why we can’t act to relieve our own. Really, Chekov is NOT just about musty old times in Imperial Russia; he is writing about the universal plague of inertia in

our human institutions and in every individual. Each of us must recognize bits of ourselves – possibly not the best bits – even in the most outlandish Chekovian characters. They may be exasperating, but all are sympathetically human and familiar, especially in the current Las Positas production. Heading the cast is the luminous Kathi Hileman as the genteel, hopelessly impractical estate owner Madame Ranyevskaya. Lovely and fragile as a butterfly, she is someone we want to protect and shield from the effects of her own folly. Her brother, veteran actor Tom Darter, is like a garrulous favorite uncle, who goes on too long at family gatherings, but whom everyone loves despite his silliness. His heartfelt spontaneous paean to an old family bookcase and other quaint apostrophes are at once comical and deeply touching. Other characters touch familiar chords as well: the brighteyed ingénue Amanda Morin as Anya, a young woman setting out to experience life with unrealistically innocent optimism! Her male counterpart, John Holst, is Petya, the poor but idealistic perennial graduate student, whose sophomoric pronouncements sound like a Berkeley stereotype: “I don’t care if you’re rich; you’ve got no power over me. Humanity is moving onward, toward a higher truth and a higher happiness. And I’m ahead of the rest!” Jeremy Schlitt is the play’s “Mr. Malaprop,” master of inappropriate word usage (“excuse my expressivity”), who plays his physical klutziness to the hysterical hilt. Lisa Darter as Varya, the verging-on-spinsterhood housekeeper, is a fascinating study in contrasts: a woman yearning both for worldly travel and the orderly confines of a convent, hoping against hope for a “marriage of salvation” but resigned to a more probable future of celibate housekeeping. Kristi Grand is the amusingly flighty maid Dunyasha, with Henry Cole as the valet with pseudo-sophisticated airs. Other ‘types’ are Marsha Howard as the eccentric governess Carlotta, whose sad speculations on her lost identity can break your heart. The formidable Richard Weingart plays their larger-thanlife neighbor Boris. Literally a Russian bear, he is crude and gross, but basically goodhearted. Cheerfully confident that “something will come along,” he takes advantage of the modern business offers that allow him to stay on his land. Shocked by his neighbors’ calamitous loss, he is actually

moved to tears, blustering, “I didn’t realize… God bless you all… I didn’t realize…” Special tribute is owed to Henry Perkins, a last minute cast addition only 9 days into the complex role of Lopakhin, who has risen from being a poor peasant boy, going barefoot in the winter and never attending school, to emerge as a shrewd and successful entrepreneur. With bitter memories of his father’s and grandfather’s serfdom on the estate, he still retains a tender, almost filial affection for Mme. Ranyevskaya, who had tended his hurts after his drunken father beat him. In gratitude, he tries desperately to win her approval of his economic scheme for her salvation: conversion of the family estate, and especially her beloved cherry orchard into “modern vacation home-sites for the newly-emerging middle class.” But she dismisses the plan as “hopelessly vulgar.” The estate is sold at auction, and in a compulsive gesture Lopakhin buys it for himself. Suddenly all is changed for him; he is now the master of his former masters, and glorying in his triumph: “My god, if my father and grandfather could see this, see ME –the little boy they beat. I bought the estate where they wouldn’t even let them in the kitchen!” Intoxicated by his new power, he yells, “Everybody come watch what I do! I’m going to chop down every tree in this orchard – and then I’m going to develop that land! I’m going to do something our children and grandchildren can be proud of!” Talk about echoes of Pardee’s “Livermore Trails” PR !! Who says Chekov is “dated”? The saddest aspect of Lopakhin’s character, is that this rare man of action is also enslaved, driven by his obsessive ambition to earn money and possibly shed his peasant status, especially in the eyes of Madame R. So intent is he on this goal that he passes up his real chance of happiness with Varya, and instead heads off to new business ventures, explaining, “I’ve got to keep working, otherwise I don’t know what to do with my hands.” His good-bye to Varya, it seems as sad as the dispossessed brother and sister bidding a tearful farewell to their ancestral home, “Oh, my beautiful orchard, my life, my youth, my happiness – good-bye!” The house seems deserted until the old butler Firs, an affecting Ted Bresler, shuffles in, abandoned along with the hopelessly lost past, intoning softly, “well, it’s all over now. Nothing left. Not a thing.” What a perfect curtain line for this play! Moments of mirth, introspec-

tion, sorrow and hope, disappointment and achievement – the end of an old era and the beginning of a new one: that’s the huge canvas of “The Cherry Orchard,” played in one small setting. The play runs through August 10 at Las Positas College Theater’s outdoor performance area, 3000 Campus Drive (off Collier Canyon Road). Shows run Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7 PM, but be sure to arrive by 6:30 to enjoy the “green

show” featuring Russian song and dance, plus a Rachmaninoff prelude performed by Tom Darter. It’s a pleasing prelude and mood-setter for a theater classic given fresh vigor in a new “American” translation by Paul Schmidt. Congratulations to Director Wendy Wisely and her multi-tasking team for bringing it to our Valley. Admission is nominal $10 general, $7 students and seniors. For more information, call the Performing Arts Events Line at 424-1100.

PAGE 12 - The Independent, JULY 31, 2008

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Bobbing along in the water are competitors in the 10th Annual Lake Del Valle Aqua Challenge, an open-water swim for all levels. It was held last Saturday at Lake Del Valle. The event featured a 2-mile, 1-mile, and ½-mile swims. In addition to the Aqua Challenge, there was a Del Valle Duathlon race, which consisted of a 1-mile open water swim, followed by a 5-K run.

QUILTERS (continued from page one)

serve and continue the traditions, culture, and history of quilting. Members attend monthly meetings, which feature a guest speaker and an optional workshop. “There is a real sense of belonging and drive to do for others,” says Avery. “Community Quilts” is an ongoing AVQ project. Throughout the year, members work together creating quilts that are then donated to local charitable organizations. The first Community Quilts project took place in 1986, when members created 16 quilts for the Tri-Valley Haven. The guild now donates about 400 quilts annually to organizations such as Shepherd’s Gate, Agape Villages, Buenas Vidas Youth Ranch, and others. At meetings, members can pick up quilts-in-progress that are destined for donation. One member might make the quilt tops, while another quilts the completed tops, and another binds the quilts. “Often, these quilts are touched and worked on by 15 or 20 people,” says Avery. “It’s truly a group effort.” At the AVQ annual December brunch, community quilts are collected and given to representatives from recipient organizations. Girl Scout volunteers parade the community quilts around the room for all to see, an event that Avery says is quite emotional. While the guild generally donates quilts within the local community, they also donate to places where members have personal connections. In the spring, member Laura Lee Fry collected quilts to send with her daughter Kristen on a mission to Kampala, Uganda, where she gave the quilts to children at an orphanage. At the Harvest Wine Celebration, the AVQ will hold its first ever quilt sale at Wente Vineyards. There will be hundreds of quilts on sale, ranging in price from $20 on up. Avery is working on what she describes as an art quilt with squares comprised of Barbie bikini tops and bottoms. All money earned at the sale, as well as other AVQ fund-raisers, goes towards the purchase of materials for donated quilts and training for members. With over 400 members, AVQ is a busy organization. In addition to monthly meetings, held

the second Saturday of each month at Pleasanton Middle School, there are a number of Friendship Groups that also meet monthly. The organization has many social events, such as the AVQ birthday celebration, July lemonade social, mystery trips, new member welcome teas, quilt challenges, and retreats. Every other year, AVQ holds a quilt show. The next quilt show will be held in the spring of 2009.

New members are always welcome. No quilting experience is necessary. Membership is $35 per year, and $25 for seniors and students. In addition to monthly meetings, members receive a monthly newsletter, discounts on purchases from many affiliate members, and have access to the guild library, which includes books, patterns, and stencils. For more information see www.amadorvalleyquilters.org.

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