2010 - The Independent, Livermore [PDF]

VOLUME XLVII, NUMBER 13

Your Local News Source Since 1963

SERVING LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SUNOL

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

Positive Forecast for Business Environment Find Out What's Happening Check out the second section

Long-range planning efforts by Tri-Valley cities to establish business-friendly communities should begin to pay off once the economy starts to recover, developers and business leaders were told last week. Development money is scarce now. However, Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin all represented themselves as having taken steps to deal with such issues as business needs, housing, transportation and cultural activities in a way that should “prime the pump” for future economic health.

Section II is filled with information about arts, entertainment and special events. There are education stories, a variety of features, and the arts and entertainment and bulletin board listings.

They spoke at a Pleasanton meeting of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), an international organization whose charter is to anticipate and develop solutions to emerging land use issues. ULI members range from architects to real estate developers, city planners and regulators. Speaking at the meeting were Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, Dublin Mayor Rick Sbranti, Livermore Community Development Director Marc Roberts and Director of the Alameda County Surplus Authority Pat Cashman.

The audience totaled some 80 business representatives, more than half of them developers and architects, according to meeting organizers. The session was set up to showcase the advantages of conducting business in the TriValley. Each city representative spoke optimistically about local developments as well as efforts to speak in a coordinated manner when Tri-Valley leaders visit Sacramento. Session moderator Guy Houston, formerly mayor of Dublin and state assemblyman, noted that a decade ago, disputes were

common between the cities. Today, the “whole region pulls together” when it is necessary to visit Washington or Sacramento on regional business. Pleasanton Mayor Hosterman echoed his words. “We speak with one voice representing 260,000 people” who live in the region, she told the group. Hosterman also expressed in glowing terms the image presented by the Tri-Valley to outsiders who visit Pleasanton for the first time to consider coming to work here: “I hear from CEOs all the time,” she said. “They fly

Pleasanton To Consider Proposition 15 The Pleasanton City Council will decide next week whether or not to endorse Proposition 15 on the June 8 ballot. The measure would create a pilot project to make voluntary public financing available to candidates running for Secretary of State in 2014 and 2018. It would establish a pilot program for the Secretary of State election campaigns. It is funded primarily by registration fees on lobbyists, lobbying firms, and lobbyist employers, with no taxpayer dollars going to candi(See PROPOSITION, page 10)

RABBIT ADOPTION EVENT

Would you like a bunny this Easter? Come meet Joey from Contra Costa Animal Services and dozens of other rescued bunnies and rabbits at the East Bay SPCA, located at 4651 Gleason Dr. in Dublin on Saturday, April 3rd from 11 am-4 pm. House rabbits live 8-12 years, are easily litter box trained and make delightful pets. If there is any question about being able to commit to a rabbit for their lifetime, please buy a chocolate bunny instead. Rabbits are the third most frequently euthanized pet at shelters. Make this a Happy Easter for everyone. Please visit www.eastbayspca.org or call 925-479-9670 for more info.

(See BUSINESS, page 4)

Oak Grove

No Change In Ballot Arguments

Commission to Hold Hearing on BART Stations The Livermore Planning Commission will take input on BART plans to come to Livermore at its April 6 meeting. The session will include a discussion of proposed BART alignments, station sites, and yard locations. Results from the community workshops on station area planning and key environmental impacts and benefits will be presented. The Planning Commission will provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding a preferred alignment, station site(s), and yard location. The City Council will make an advisory recommendation to the BART Board of Directors. The council will hold its discussion on April 26. BART will select the preferred alignment and station site(s) this summer. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. It will be held at the Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. For more information, call the city at 960-4500.

in prospective employees and take them downtown and these people say, ‘Oh my God, I want to live here!’” The Firehouse Arts Center, projected to open in September, will only make the community more attractive, she said. Dublin Mayor Sbranti painted a picture of a community that is organizing its plans around transportation hubs – particularly the existing and future BART stations – as well as taking advantage of the intersection of Inter-

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

A cattle drive held in Livermore last Sunday offered a glimpse of the old west.

Cattle Drive Evokes Old West Nostalgia By Ron McNicoll The cattle drive, one of the staples of the Old West and the Western movies that depicted that historical period, is rarely seen anymore in the Valley. Those scenes came alive again on Sunday when Robert Vieira and a dozen of his neighbors

herded cattle for six miles along Patterson Pass Road. Six miles is miniscule compared to driving cattle from Texas to Nebraska in the 1870s and ’80s. However, it does fit the scale of urban-edge agriculture in 2010. Vieira’s main pasture is at his

house, at about 1800 feet elevation in the Altamont. It was time to move the cattle to a spring pasture, just east of the Alameda-San Joaquin County line. The pasture is at about 300 feet elevation. It is owned by Vieira’s father. The elevation drop of 1500 feet and the distance of six miles

may not seem like much. However, the local climate conditions of the cattle’s new pasture varies greatly from the foggier, cooler main pasture, said Vieira. Normally Vieira would transport cattle in a truck, as do virtually all ranchers. Because of the (See OLD WEST, page 2)

Parents’ First Funding Week Hits $42,000 The opening drive to raise money for the coming school year in Pleasanton has produced approximately $42,000 in one week. Dave Halperan, treasurer for Pleasanton Partners in Education (PPIE), told the school board at its meeting March 23 that

response has been good from parents. A suggested donation of $150 has been provided as a guideline. The school families’ donations are the first piece in a grassroots campaign to raise money to supplement the district’s budget for the coming school year.

The second phase will involve seeking funds from the entire community. Eventually, the district will likely go for a parcel tax for its third stream of revenue. That has the potential to provide a renewable annual revenue stream for four years, which would be the

life of the tax. The tax could be renewed after that. However, there is no time left to put a parcel tax on the ballot this year, because a community discussion is still needed. The discussion might involve the district polling residents about (See FUNDS, page 4)

Several individuals sent requests to the Pleasanton city clerk asking that she, in her capacity as elections officer for the city, seek a writ eliminating portions of ballot arguments submitted regarding the support for Measure D (Oak Grove). The referendum of the Oak Grove development is on the June 8 ballot. The development includes 51 custom home lots and 498 acres of permanent open space. It is located in the southeast hills of Pleasanton. Since it was approved, there have been a series of legal battles over the validity of the referendum, with the Court of Appeal siding with the referendum supporters. The most recent controversy regarding the development plan have to do with statements in the “yes” ballot arguments. Councilmember Cindy McGovern was concerned about assertions that housing would not be visible on ridgelines and would not be built on ridges. McGovern asserted that the argument deceives the public when it says the lots will all be placed below 790-foot elevation, more than 200 feet below the ridgeline. Kay Ayala objected to the argument that states the developer will pay $2 million to the school district. City Attorney Jonathan Lowell notes that the election code requires that prior to a writ being issued, the request must provide “clear and convincing proof that the material in question is false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements of election code.” “It is not inherently evident that the statements complained of in this case are deceptive or false,” added Lowell. Lowell explained, that the

(See OAK GROVE, page 4)

Pleasanton Considers Appeal Of Housing Cap Decision The Pleasanton City Council held its third closed session to discuss whether to appeal a recent court decisions that overturns the housing cap. No action was reported. City Attorney Jonathan Lowell said that the council will discuss the issue in open session at the next council meeting, April 6. Lowell declined to comment on what direction the sessions are taking. Prior to the closed sessions, speakers have urged the council to move forward with an appeal. Last September, Thomas B. Brown of Hanson Bridgett LLP wrote an analysis of legal challenges to inclusionary ordinance and housing elements for the

League of California Cities. His analysis was published prior to the court’s decision. He concluded that the issues confronted by the City of Pleasanton in the Urban Habitat litigation have the potential to affect cities statewide. “While few if any other cities impose absolute numeric caps on residential development, the challenges asserted by the Urban Habitat petitioners and the Attorney General are broadly applicable to, and place at risk, the most commonplace land use regulations.” The 29,000 unit housing cap was approved by Pleasanton voters. There is room to build around 2,951 under the cap. Alameda Superior Court (See APPEAL, page 4)

Inside Art & Entertainment........Section II

Short Notes.............................10

Bulletin Board............... Section II

Sports......................................5

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

Obituaries................................9

Editorial.................................4 Mailbox...................................4 Roundup..................................3

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Visitors browse through the works of art during the annual Llivermore Art Association spring show held last weekend at The Barn. VHS Pet of the Week Thor is a very handsome orange and white cat with an outgoing personality. He wants to be in the middle of everything and is very curious and playful. To meet Thor, come to Valley Humane Society's Kitty City, located at 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Open Tues- Sat from 11AM to 5PM. Visit the web site www.valleyhumane.org or call 925-426-8656 for more information.

PAGE 2 - The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Grace Wilkins, 7th grader from Livermore Valley Charter School sets up her project, "Discovering Taste Beds Using Lifesavers and Licorice." Volunteer Nick Williams is helping to set up the display. The 14th annual Tri-Valley Science and Engineering Fair is at the Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. It is sponsored by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Judging took place on Wednesday, March 31, with an awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. The public may view the exhibition of student projects at the Robert Livermore Community Center on Thursday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for admission. For more information about this year’s Tri-Valley Science and Engineering Fair, go to the web at http://tvsef.llnl.gov/

Photos - Doug Jorgensen

Cowboys on horseback and using an ATV guided the cattle through their six mile trek, first down a dirt road, then along Patterson Pass Road.

Staples Ranch

Environmental Group Asks for Investigation into Filling of Wetlands

The Alameda Creek Alliance has asked the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board to investigate the apparently unpermitted filling of seasonal wetlands at the Staples Ranch site in Pleasanton. A public records request and investigation by the Alameda Creek Alliance revealed that wetlands on the Staples Ranch site were filled without required permits from the Water Board. “The wetlands on the Staples Ranch site were potential breeding habitat for the threatened California tiger salamander and were documented to support a population of a rare plant, the San Joaquin spearscale,” said Ralph Kanz, Conservation Director for the Alameda Creek Alliance. The City of Pleasanton is currently proposing a development project for the Staples Ranch site. During environmental review for the Staples Ranch development, the Alameda Creek Alliance learned that construction of the Arroyo Las Positas Realignment/Arroyo Mocho Widening Project in 2003 filled wetlands in the northwest portion of Staples Ranch with surplus soils. A 1994 wetland delineation identified this area as having all the features of an alkali sink or vernal pool, including San Joaquin spearscale, a rare plant

usually found in alkaline soils. A portion of the wetlands was filled with 6-12 inches of water, potentially enough to provide breeding habitat for salamanders. The California tiger salamander depends on ephemeral vernal pools for breeding. In recent decades, 95 percent of California’s vernal pools have been lost, and at least 75 percent of the salamander’s habitat throughout the state has been eliminated. “Although the filled area will never again provide habitat for wetland species, the impacts of past and future activities should be properly mitigated, especially when habitat for threatened and rare species is altered or destroyed,” said Jeff Miller, Director of the Alameda Creek Alliance. “The City of Pleasanton and Alameda County must fully mitigate for wetland habitat loss on the Staples Ranch site.” The Alameda Creek Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity filed and won a lawsuit challenging an inadequate environmental review for the Staples Ranch development project in 2009. A settlement with the City of Pleasanton resulted in a supplemental review of the project’s effects on sensitive plants and wildlife in December of 2009. This supplemental review is also considered deficient by the Alameda Creek Alliance since it

did not fully disclose the impacts to wetland species and habitat. According to the settlement, after completing an enviornmental study, the city must reconsider the project approvals, in light of its new information. If the city rescinds the project approvals it can either drop the project or adopt new or revised findings, an updated mitigation and monitoring program, and a revised Staples Ranch Specific Plan Amendment. If the city does not rescind the approvals, the conservation groups can re-file the lawsuit challenging the February 2009 approvals and the certified report, with the supplemental report not admissible in the case. The conservation groups retain the option of challenging any new or revised project approvals, limiting any challenge to the extension of Stoneridge Drive through the project area, biological impacts, greenhouse gas emissions, and cumulative impacts associated with a nearby mining operation.

OLD WEST (continued from page one)

way Vieira’s herd was split this year, there really weren’t enough cattle to justify hiring a truck operation, so he resorted to the Old West method. The drive lasted only two hours, so there was no nighttime campfire with its singing cowboys, the way there were in Gene Autry’s and Roy Rogers’ movies back in the 1950s. However, Vieira said that he is aware of one drive that goes from near Oakdale in the Central Valley up to the Sierra, and takes several days. The cowboys stay at ranches along the way. The cowboy styles on Vieira’s drive were right out of the Old West and the movies. Chaps worn over the blue jeans protected the riders from any tall brush they might encounter. Western hats

and long-sleeved shirts helped them deal with the sunshine. Cowboy boots with the high heels for grabbing the stirrups better completed the outfit. Vieira and his neighbors drove 110 pairs of cattle. Each pair has a cow and her calf. Although the cattle drives are rare, ranchers get together annually to help each other with roundups of cows and calves. They put them in corrals, brand and vaccinate them. Good pastures are important in the cattle industry, because cattle buyers pay ranchers by the pound. The native grasses in the Altamont are among the best in the state for weight-gain, said Vieira. Calves weigh about 70 to 80 pounds when they are born, and grow to about 800 pounds in

pastures. Then they are sold to cattle buyers, shipped to a feed lot, and grow to about 1100 or 1200 pounds before being taken to the slaughterhouse. Ranchers keep track of cows on the range by implanting tags in their ears. They keep notebooks about individual cows, observing which cows have been producing calves that grow to a heavy weight. The cows that have not been successful in that category are culled from the herd, said Vieira. “You can tell the quality of looking at the calf. It will have a certain body type. Muscling and growth are important,” he said. Some cows have better genetics than others for producing such cattle, and “they pay by the pound.”

The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010 - PAGE 3

VALLEY ROUNDUP Advisory Board Recommended

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report on the problems reported by claimants and advocates with the implementation of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000, as amended (EEOICPA). GAO’s recommendation is for the creation of an independent advisory board to oversee the Department of Labor’s (DOL) responsibilities and to establish a transparent public access to the Site Exposure Matrices (SEM) utilized by the DOL claims.

Livermore Budget Workshop

The City of Livermore invites residents to again share ideas and help ‘spread the word’ about upcoming opportunities to comment about funding for city service priorities. A workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13 at the Livermore Public Library Civic Center (1188 S. Livermore Avenue) from 7:00pm— 9:00pm in the Community Rooms A & B. There will be information about the City Council’s proposed 2010-2012 goals. Those attending can suggest budget allocations to various city services. Those unable to attend the workshop can complete an electronic survey to provide feedback. Click on the “Livermore Budget Dilemma” link at the City’s website— http://www.ci.livermore. ca.us. The survey link will be available from Monday, April 12—Sunday, April 18th.

Good Friday Action

The annual Good Friday witness and action will be held Fri., April 2 at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Participants will gather at the corner of Vasco Road and Patterson Pass Road. The action protests of ongoing nuclear weapons work at the Lab. Music will start the day at 6:45 a.m. with the program to begin at 7 a.m. There will be a procession to the West Gate of the Lab. Those who choose may risk arrest by standing, sitting or kneeling at the gate. Tri-Valley CAREs is one of the sponsors of this event.

Clean Air Plan

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has released the draft 2010 Clean Air Plan, a comprehensive strategy to improve Bay Area air quality and protect public health. The draft Clean Air Plan details the strategy that the Air District and its partners will implement to reduce air pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions. This strategy proposes to safeguard public health by reducing exposure to air pollutants that pose the greatest health risk. The draft plan is the first of its type to look at multiple pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, air toxics and greenhouse gases in an integrated way. This integrated strategy assesses the sources of these pollutants to identify opportunities for

maximum reduction. A series of regional workshops will take place April 6-8 to present an overview of the draft plan, answer questions and receive public input. One will be held in Oakland on Thurs., April 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1221 Oak Street, 2nd floor, room 225. For a copy of the plan, or to get more information visit: www.baaqmd.gov/Divisions/Planning-and-Research/Plans/Clean-Air-Plans.aspx or contact David Burch, principal planner, at 415.749.4641 or [email protected].

Real Estate Town Hall

The 3rd Annual Pleasanton Real Estate Town Hall sponsored by the City of Pleasanton, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, will be held on April 15th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Veterans Hall in downtown Pleasanton. The purpose of the town hall is to provide objective, timely and accurate information about the residential real estate in Pleasanton. The event is an opportunity for Pleasanton residents to hear from industry experts about what’s really happening in the Pleasanton real estate market. Open to everyone and free to attend. A panel of real estate experts and community leaders will lead a lively discussion about the current status of residential real estate in Pleasanton. Representatives from the real estate profession, lending industry, and consumer advocates will each speak on their area of expertise. Panelists include: Pam Winterbauer - 2010 President of the Bay East Association of REALTORS®; George Duarte - California Association of Mortgage Brokers; and Dr. Stephen Shmanske, Director of the Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies and Professor of Economics at the College of Business and Economics, California State University, East Bay. For information, call 846-5858.

Suspicious Briefcases

The Livermore Police Department received a call from the Livermore Post Office located in the 200 block of South Livermore Avenue on Monday at about 4:30 p.m. The postal employee reported two brown briefcases were found on the Northwest corner of the building next to the handicap ramp. While officers responded to the scene a second witness called the police department and stated he saw a light skinned Hispanic male (approximately 25 years old) with a black baseball cap place the briefcases at the Post Office. He then entered a white Saturn Vue driven by a white female with red hair (approximately 40 years old). Both drove away from the area. The Post Office and surrounding businesses were evacuated. The Alameda County Bomb Squad responded. At 7:40 p.m., the devices were detonated in place and found to be empty. This is an-ongoing investigation with the assistance of the Postal Inspectors and the Alameda County Bomb Squad.

Photo - Kathleen J. Defenbaugh

A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction of a new fellowship hall.

Work Begins on New Fellowship Hall Asbury United Methodist Church broke ground last week in a ceremony kicking off the beginning of the construction of a new estimated $2.5 million Fellowship Hall that is anticipated to be completed near the end of 2010. Pastor Chuck Johnstone presided over the ceremony. Rev. Kristie Olah, District Superintendent, assisted in the responsive readings as well as providing the closing blessing. Asbury UMC is replacing the original Fellowship Hall that was constructed nearly 50 years ago. It was the first building erected when the church moved to the property on East Avenue in 1961. Open Heart Kitchen has been using the Fellowship Hall kitchen for over 15 years and conservative estimates are that they have served over 400,000 meals to people who are unable to provide meals for themselves or their families from the kitchen there. Open Heart Kitchen has had to temporarily relocate to Holy Cross Lutheran Church until the new Fellowship Hall has been completed. The ceremony started with the Asbury Ringers, their handbell choir, recessing from the Sanctuary while ringing their bells and

Tri-Valley Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Set The ceremony inducting the lastest members of the Tri-Valley Sports Hall of Fame will be held Thursday, April 29. The Tri-Valley Sports Hall of Fame, presented by Easter Seals Bay Area, honors individuals who were raised in the Tri-Valley area and who have distinguished themselves in athletics at the college, Olympic, and/or professional levels. The event supports the works of Easter Seals Bay Area, in particular the Kaleidoscope After-School program which offers a comprehensive approach to education, recreation, and socialization for local youth ages 5 to 22 years with disabilities. The event will be from 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at the Palm Event Center, 1184 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton. This year’s inductees are: 2010 Special Olympian Natalie Day: Natalie was born May 7, 1987; the happiest day of Tim and Monica Day’s lives.  During her first year they realized that she was not developing as she should.  At one year old Natalie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The dreams they had for our daughter would never be fulfilled … or so they thought. Natalie began physical therapy right away and made great strides; she is always determined.  Then they enrolled her into the Livermore School

District. Natalie loved school.  She began to grow.  After a few years they realized that she was missing something.  Natalie was lacking the friendly social interaction with peers that every child needs. A friend referred them to Easter Seals Bay Area’s Kaleidoscope After-School program.  It did not take long to realize Kaleidoscope is much more than just a place to go. Kaleidoscope is her home away from home.  The other children have evolved into lifelong friends, and the staff has become like family to Natalie, Tim and Monica. Natalie loves sports, especially baseball. She has played several sports including baseball, basketball, bowling, and track and field. She loves them all.  Natalie has played on Easter Seals Kaleidoscope Special Olympic Team (The Tigers) for years.  She also plays for the Livermore Challengers baseball team. Natalie attended Livermore High. She walked the same halls, as sports great Randy Johnson and Giant’s Right-fielder Nate Schierholtz (who was a year ahead of Natalie in high school and a family friend). She has new challenges ahead of her now.  She is transitioning into a young adult, graduating from Kaleidoscope – a wonderful life ahead, with new challenges and new freedoms.    2010 Recipient, Bob Vincent Community Service Award Joe Rose: Oakland-born, Pleasanton-raised Joe Rose started his coaching career when he was a senior at Amador Valley High School in 1969. Joe only planned to coach a few years, but found he couldn’t stop.

“It’s one of those things where you say to yourself, ‘I am only going to do it a few years. But it’s like driving a truck. It’s in my blood’.” Joe has been coaching for more than 40 years – from Amador Valley High to San Leandro High to Livermore and Pleasanton Junior Football League – he just cannot stop – and the young people he’s coached are certainly glad he didn’t. 2010 Inductees: Justin Andrade, Professional Bull Rider (Livermore): A professional bull rider who is among the best rodeo cowboys to come from the Bay Area. Born and raised in Livermore, California, Justin now makes his home on a ranch, running cattle in the Pacheco Pass area (near Hollister). A past Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (2002) qualifier, Andrade won the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco in 2001 and had his best season a year later, winning RodeoHouston and La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., on his way to qualifying for the Wrangler NFR. Derek Guffey, All-American Swimmer (San Ramon): An AllAmerican Swimmer from San Ramon, California, Guffy is most at home in a pool. Derek Guffey’s remarkable high school career provides a glimpse into his aquatic skills – he broke Dave Bottom’s National High School Record in the 100 back as a junior with a time of 49.83 and as a senior he shattered the North Coast Section Record in winning the 200IM with a time of 1:49.81.  Those two marks as of today – 16 years later

– still stand as the oldest individual event records in NCS swim history. Today, Derek stays active with the Alumni Association at Cal State Bakersfield and trains daily. He entered the U.S. Masters Swim Program last year, and at the U.S. Championships won 3 out of 4 events he entered in the men’s 35-39 age group. Marci Porter Lucier, Olympic Athlete (Barcelona, ’92), America’s Cup Team (’95) (San Ramon): Not only is she an Olympic Athlete, but Marci competed in the prestigious America’s Cup competition on the first all women’s team in prestigious America’s Cup 143 history. She was selected from over 2000 athletes to compete with the Championship defender yacht for the 1995 America’s Cup. This San Ramon native, who now lives and works in the Bay Area, was a member of the national rowing team from 1991 to 1993, 1992 alternate for the Olympic rowing team, and holder of numerous national and international rowing titles. Mark Madsen, Former NBA Player (Danville): Nicknamed “Mad Dog,” Mark played professional basketball in the NBA from 2000-2009. He was drafted by the Lakers (29th pick in the 2000 draft, first round) and was part of their 2001 and 2002 championships. Madsen played six seasons with the Timberwolves, and finished his career with the Clippers. Currently, this Walnut Creek native now Utah resident coaches for the Utah Flash. Madsen feels very at home as in his role as with the Flash – in fact, he said: “it’s been a dream come true.”

leading the congregation to the grounds. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in front of the original Fellowship Hall, which Asbury has been dismantling for the last couple weeks. A local rancher is taking the metal building and will use it as storage on his farm. Several groups of people used the ceremonial shovels to break the ground, including, their most senior member, Ethel Chong, Edna Chance who has been a member of Asbury over 70 years, youth and children, each representing different age groups of the church. In addition, there was a group dubbed the “Faithful to Fifty” who were present nearly 50 years ago when the original building was dedicated.

The Project, Design and Building Committee members also broke ground with John Seals, the Architect of the new building, and Dan McNely and Claire McNely Koenig the General Contractor and Project Manager, respectively. Asbury has a long history in Livermore, having recently celebrated their 140th anniversary when the original church was formed by seven parishioners who met in their leader’s house, long before Livermore was incorporated. Those interested in reading more about the new building or seeing animated fly-overs can visit Asbury UMC’s Web site, www.asburylive.org. For any questions, please contact the church office at 925-447-1950.

PAGE 4 - The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010

EDITORIAL Airport Sore Spot Removed

The Livermore City Council has unanimously approved rescinding the Livermore Municipal Airport’s 35-yearold master plan and its provisions for long-term airport growth. The action is meant to lay to rest the noise and safety concerns of the airport’s residential neighbors. Five resolutions were adopted: • Future development will be approved only if a clear demand exists. • No step will be taken to bring a major cargo carrier to the Livermore Airport. • There will be no extension of the existing runways. • Livermore will work aggressively with other agencies to foster noise reduction. • Livermore will operate the airport as a self-sustaining enterprise. Livermore Municipal Airport is one of the Valley’s prime assets, but turmoil has beset it, jeopardizng its future. Rescinding the old master plan will help keep the airport small, while sustaining its usage. In rezoning, the Livermore City Council is attempting to serve the best interests of both the residents and the airport.

BUSINESS (continued from page one)

state freeways 580 and 680. There are literally millions of square feet of office space available in the neighborhood of the existing East BART station, and hundreds of thousands of square feet expected near the future one to the West, Sbranti said. Expected development around the West BART station, which is planned to open in about a year, includes some 1,000 residential units. Dublin has reduced business fees to encourage companies to locate there, Sbranti added. The transportation hubs will encourage denser development nearby, including the opportunity for people to minimize use of cars as they walk between residence, work and transportation. He also called attention to the 3,300 acre Eastern Dublin plan east of Camp Parks, which Dublin expects over the long term will offer a mix of industrial, commercial and residential development, as well as a major sports park, with an eventual population of some 30,000. In Pleasanton, Mayor Hosterman noted especially the business possibilities of the unincorporated Staples Ranch area to the east. Alameda County’s Pat Cashman, who described himself as “a developer” at heart, noted that Staples Ranch includes some 124 acres of unincorporated land that is planned for a mix of residential and commercial uses. When fully developed, it will include an “auto row” as well as 600 independent living units for seniors, he said. It is also expected to be the site of four San Jose Sharks ice rinks. “Pleasanton has an embarrassment of riches” with regard to parks and recreation facilities, he said. Farther east, Livermore Planning Director Roberts pointed out, Livermore also offers advantages to businesses with services and products that fit the nature of the city, particularly science and technology. Livermore has been chosen one of six state hubs for a program called I-GATE, intended to maximize the economic impact of clean energy and transportation technologies. I-GATE stands for Innovation for Green Advanced Transportation Excellence; its areas of technology are ones in which Livermore’s two national labs – Sandia and Lawrence — already perform state-of-the-art research. Roberts also noted that the city plans development of a 1,600 acre site north of the LawrenceSandia complex where high tech companies will be invited to locate and partner with the Laboratories. The two national labs, which generally have high security, recently announced a 110-acre “open campus” on their east perimeter where business will be given easy access for industrial partnering. Roberts cited moves to Livermore of two companies, Bridge-

(INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.)

lux and Admedes, as examples of the kinds of clean, high-tech business development that the city hopes to attract. He noted that Toyota is moving ahead with plans to open a 73,000 square foot sales and service center on Livermore’s northeast side. Groundbreaking is projected to take place in April. He also noted the renovation of downtown Livermore and the anticipated extension of BART past Dublin and Pleasanton to Livermore, although routes and station locations have not yet been chosen. All the city representatives spoke of streamlined permit processes and lowered business fees. Reduced fees, which can attract developers and businesses, are possible for more than one reason. One is reduced cost of infrastructure like sewage and water treatment when that cost is related in part to declining land values. Another is the reduced cost of construction in difficult economic times. A third is the projection of high density development in areas that will then see fewer cars and car trips, with less need for roadways and parking lots. Roberts, for example, said that the Livermore-wide housing density has been about 6 or 7 to an acre. Current projections in the downtown area show it rising to more like 23 per acre. It’s clear that development money is not easily available in today’s environment. However, as the economy improves, the speakers told regional business leaders, the Tri Valley will be a good place to consider doing business.

Oak Grove School Fee Put in Spotlight By Ron McNicoll Pleasanton school superintendent John Casey said that he will sign any gift fee pact to which the Lin family agrees as part of its controversial Oak Grove development. The issue is potentially controversial because signing the agreement enables the developer to say that $2 million will be coming to the district. That can be a talking point when the Lins fight the ballot battle on June 8. In fact, the Lins sent a letter to some members of the public in Pleasanton on March 8, talking about $2.1 million in contributions in development fees to the district. The amount is based on the Lins’ projected average of 5000 square feet of habitable units per lot, according to the Lins’ attorney, Marty Inderbitzen. He told The Independent on Tuesday that the figures are based on the $8.62 per square foot that the current gift fee sets out. At the school board meeting on March 23, Casey said that he is aware of passions running high on both sides of the Oak Grove issue. He said that he doesn’t want to involve the district in any

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the Lins and the city says that no building permit shall be issued until the school fee is paid. If the agreement that is signed is the gift fee agreement, then that is the one that binds the would-be homeowner, said Inderbitzen. Inderbitzen said that he first contacted the school district about the gift fee in 2007 after the city council approved Oak Grove. “We wanted to address the school fee issue up front. We had one or two conversations (with Sandra Lemmons, who then was the districts’ assistant superintendent who supervised the fee agreements) about putting the gift fee agreement together. “Sandra sent us a draft of the gift fee agreement. We put it aside when we got into litigation over the validity of the referendum.. “We have always represented to the district that we would sign the gift fee agreement. I reiterated that to Dr. Casey earlier this month,” said Inderbitzen. Inderbitzen added that he was out of town last week. He expects Casey to send him the agreement for the Lins’ approval soon.

Lowell notes, “The facts in this situation cause the clerk to proceed even more carefully. This is because the ballot argument in question was authored by two, and signed by three, members of the city council. Even were the city clerk to seek to file a writ, and perhaps schedule a closed session to discuss it, the outcome with regard to this fact situation is pretty obvious: the Council majority would not authorize filing of a petition for writ challenging an argument that the same majority signed.” He suggests that the statements in question be dealt with through the rebuttal argument. In addition, there is the campaign itself, where one’s message can be disseminated by various media, concludes Lowell. In the rebuttal arguments, the proponents of Measure D expanded on the argument regarding money that would paid to the school district. They note that, based on the current gift fee of $8.62 sq. ft., the district would receive at least $2 million for 5000 sq. ft. home. If the homes were the size opponents are claiming, fees will be over $3 million. In addition, taxes will generate over $500,000 per year to the school district and city. The main argument in the rebuttal is that the property has been designated as residential since 1996. Under the general plan, the property owned could have requested 98 homes, but agreed to 51. No homes have been submitted or approved. “Oak Grove is designed as residential. There will be development there. Through collaboration the city will get almost 500 acres of open space parkland, protecting the most visible ridgelines and providing a buffer, stopping development to the southeast forever.” As for environmental impacts, proponents write that lots are placed to minimize impact on the environment, removing 58 trees. Signing the rebuttal for the “yes” on Measure D were Councilmembers Jerry Thorne and Cheryl Cook-Kallio; Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kurt Kummer, and Tanya

Ludden, past president of the Peralta District PTA. The opponents title their rebuttal as “the truth.” They noted that city public documents show that Oak Grove will be locating buildings and access roads “mainly on the ridges” and the subdivision would “cut the top off the main ridge” of the Southeast Hills. Large houses will be visible from all over Pleasanton. They also point out that the school district revealed that there is no approved school district fee agreement with this developer. Plus, one-time developer fees do not pay for teachers, counselors, or other operational costs.

“The Oak Grove development plan is so environmentally destructive that the national Sierra Club opposes it,” opponents to Measure D state in their rebuttal. They suggest to residents, “If you voted to protect our ridges in the last election, vote ‘no’ on Measure D.” Signing the rebuttal on “no” were Councilmember Matt Sullivan, School Board Member Valerie Arkin, Co-Chair Save Pleasanton Hills Karla BrownBelcher, former city councilmember Steve Brozosky, and Conservation Director of the Alameda Creek Alliance Ralph Kanz.

what it would support and how much the figure should be. The district is working to close what has been expected to be an $8 million shortfall for next year. Teachers cut that deficit by $4.6 million when they gave up pay for furlough days that did not involve regular classroom instruction. Classified employees have also indicated that they want to help, and are in negotiations over their salaries. Other funding sources are helping to close the gap. The wish is to hire back many of the teachers who received layoff warning notices March 15. Officially, layoffs won’t occur until May 15. Even after that, it’s possible to hire back teachers, right up until the beginning of the school year. However, it’s more desirable both for the district and the teachers to let them know as soon as possible whether their jobs can be restored. BOARD BACKS TAX ELECTION DRIVE The board showed its enthusiasm for the potential of a parcel tax by unanimously endorsing a statewide initiative that would land on the ballot Nov. 8 to lower the super-majority for school parcel taxes. The current threshold is a two-thirds vote. The initiative, if approved, would lower the requirement to 55 percent. The initiative would need to pass by two-thirds to make the change in law, because it would be a constitutional amendment. Joan Laursen, Pleasanton

Schools PTA president, said that the amendment would exempt seniors, limit a tax to $250, and require creation of a committee that would oversee spending the parcel tax money. Board president Chris Grant noted that Pleasanton already had those features in its own parcel tax last year. “We would have passed by 7 percent on that 55 percent threshold,” he said. Trustee Jim Ott, who made the motion, said that under the current rule, “why should a one-third minority decide the majority (can’t raise taxes)?” Valerie Arkin called the initiative “direct democracy that would benefit our schools.” Jamie Hintzke said that at a conference that she attended related to school boards, a representative from the federal education office stated, “Basically, you are on your own locally. You’d better figure out a way to collaborate locally. So we are on our own.” Hintzke added that it’s important to “be able to put the decision in the hands of voters.” Grant said that the change in the parcel tax process “would be a baby step” in the right direction. However, “the system in Sacramento is broken.” The state failed to fully fund Proposition 98, the schools’ basic guarantee for reliable revenue annually. Over the past two years, the district has received $22 million less from the state than it should have, said Grant.

resident. How many years have you paid this extra tax? Make yourself heard on this endless project at the Tuesday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., BART meeting at the Community Center, 4444 East Avenue.

trees will be removed. However, they failed to mention that the 58 trees are only for the construction of road. It is still unknown how many trees will be eliminated to build the houses. Furthermore, the plan doesn't take into account fire safety requirements that the area around the home must be free of trees and shrubs that could require the elimination of still more trees. Even the City staff estimates a higher number of oak trees will be removed but their estimate is based on an outdated plan that doesn't include the developer's revised location of new homes. In the end, nobody really knows how many trees will be removed for this project. Isn't that

an important detail to confirm before this election? Save the trees, save the ridgelines, save the hills, vote "no" on D. For more information go to www. savepleasantonhills.com.

(continued from page one)

meaning of the terms “ridge” and “ridgeline” are not clear in City documents. In fact, a review of the City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure PP in 2008 suggested that there was a need to specifically clarify the meaning of the term “ridgeline” in the General Plan in the future. Also, the references that were questioned mostly relate to “ridges” rather than a “ridgeline” while the proponents’ argument refers solely to a “ridgeline.” Lowell added that Ayala submitted a memorandum showing that the district and developer have not yet entered into a mitigation fee agreement, but does note that the developer’s acknowledgment that there is a gift fee. This information does not render false the argument that were Oak Grove approved, it would provide $2 million, or thereabouts, to the school district. “There is not sufficient evidence for the Elections Official to seek a writ,” concluded Lowell. He then suggested that the procedure would be for the city clerk to confer with the city attorney. If the statements were especially egregious, e.g. an assertion that someone engaged in embezzlement or some other nefarious activity, or a dollar figure is off by a factor of many millions of dollars, then it might be decided that moving papers for a writ petition should be drafted immediately. Notice would be sent to the city council. The matter could be discussed in closed session.

(continued from page one)

Publisher: Joan Kinney Seppala Associate Publisher: David T. Lowell Editor: Janet Armantrout

the public about whether the money will come from, and how much there will be. She told The Independent that she feels that can be accomplished at the meeting April 13. She raised no objection to Casey signing the agreement. Valerie Arkin, an opponent who signed a rebuttal ballot argument against Oak Grove, said that Casey should wait. There were errors in the Lin letter. The public should really be involved in the discussion at a board meeting, before anything is decided. Arkin told The Independent that she is concerned that the Lins won’t be paying anything to the district, even though they sign the agreement. The Lins won’t be building any homes. The buyers of the lots who will build the homes will have that obligation. They might not want to pay more than the state-required minimum. LAWYER EXPLAINS LINS’ AIMS Inderbitzen told The Independent that signing the gift fee agreement would bind whoever buys the property from the Lins. Part of the agreement between

OAK GROVE

APPEAL

Judge Frank Roesch ordered the city to complete re-zoning, as required by state law, to accommodate its share of the region’s housing. The ruling was issued March 12. Roesch stated, “It is self-evident that the city cannot comply with the state statute requiring the city to accommodate its regional housing numbers when the city is not permitted by its local law, Measure GG, to allow the number of housing units to be built that would satisfy the requirement.” Cities have to zone for housing. No decision can require that development actually take place. Roesch also struck down the portions of Measures PP and QQ that relate to housing. They are ridgeland protection measures approved last November. Language related to the definition of housing would be removed from the general plan. The new definition would have allowed some assisted living units to be counted under the cap. Ridgeland protection provisions would remain. Affordable housing advocates sued the City of Pleasanton in 2006, challenging the city’s

politics outside of the school’s sphere. As far as Casey is concerned, doing business as usual, namely putting his signature on a gift fee agreement without any contact with the school board, is the neutral thing to do. That’s what he has done with other developers. He has the administrative power to do it. Unless three board members tell him not to do it, or to wait until after the election, he will sign, he told the board. Casey said he didn’t want to fail to take up the developer on this opportunity. “We want to acknowledge the fee now, so that later there is no argument that they could say they want to pay less than the gift fee,” said Casey. Board president Chris Grant, and trustees Jim Ott and Pat Kernan, who said that he wrote the gift fee agreement, sided with Casey’s statements. They saw no reason to wait, when the district can secure an agreement now that will bring in much more revenue than the basic requirement. Jamie Hintzke said it was important to make the information public for purposes of educating

policies and practices that they claim exclude housing for lowerincome families. Plaintiffs in the suit are Urban Habitat, a regional environmental justice organization, and Sandra De Gregorio, a Pleasanton resident. They asked the Alameda Superior Court to order the city to lift policies that they argued effectively ban affordable family housing in Pleasanton. The suit was joined last year by state Attorney General Jerry Brown, who said Pleasanton’s housing limits added to urban sprawl and led to increased vehicle use, air pollution and

(Opinions voiced in letters published in Mailbox are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Independent. Letter Policy: The Independent will not publish anonymous letters, nor will it publish letters without names. Abusive letters may be rejected or edited. Frequent letter writers may have publication of their letters delayed.)

Paying for BART

David Williams Livermore The people of Livermore have paid $260 million in extra sales taxes in the past 46 years for BART according to city officials. $260 million averages out to more the $3,200 per Livermore

Vote NO on D (Oak Grove)

Allen Roberts Pleasanton The proponents of the Oak Grove development want you to believe that none of the mature oak trees will be removed as part of their development. Consider the following: their initial ballot argument stated that no trees will be removed. Then, in their subsequent ballot argument rebuttal, they indicated that 58

FUNDS

Castlewood Lockout

Matt Sullivan Pleasanton City Council We are in one of the worst recessions in our nation’s history. Many people have lost their jobs, their health insurance, even their homes. The people of Pleasanton haven’t been immune to this and many of our residents and businesses are suffering. Our city and schools district budgets have been cut, teachers have lost their jobs, and city spending has been (More MAILBOX, page 5)

The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010 - PAGE 5

curtailed. But with all the terrible stories of this recession, some rise to level of near disbelief. I recently met with a group of hospitality and service workers from Castlewood Country Club and their union representatives from Unite Here Local 2850. They had been in contract negotiations with the management of the Country Club for since September 2009. Recognizing that the Club has been having difficulty like other businesses, the workers agreed to a wage freeze and to contribute $225 per month to their family health insurance. For many years, the workers had agreed to accept lower wages in exchange for health insurance. Past management of Castlewood should be congratulated for offering health insurance to their employees in an era where it is indeed rare for workers such as these to have benefits. But as reported in this paper, the club management decided recently that negotiations were not going well, made a draconian final offer that would require employees to pay the full $739 per month for family health insurance, and then locked them out and brought in replacement workers. For workers who make on average $12.53 per hour – or roughly $2,100 a month (before taxes) for a full time employee – this is prohibitive. The Country Club may indeed be suffering

revenue declines during this economy, but they have also refused to share the details of their finances with the union. They cite competitive salaries and benefits in other local businesses as justification for the offer. The workers have been locked out for over a month with no end in sight. Most of us have it pretty good in Pleasanton, but many of these workers are Pleasanton residents and cannot survive on what is being offered. Members of the Pleasanton City Council have called on the management of Castlewood Country Club to end the lockout and re-enter negotiations in good faith with the union and the workers, but to no avail. Whatever your opinion on unions, we all owe humane working conditions and the benefits most of us now enjoy to union struggles of the past. In my opinion, it appears that management is trying to break the union. If you agree that this lockout should end, please call Castlewood Board President Jim Clouser at 925-837-8969 and tell him so. My request has been met with hostility and disregard. As my friend and supporter of the Castlewood workers Fred Norman said “the workers starve and golf continues.” Maybe if enough of us call they will listen.

No on Oak Grove

Seahawks Ranked

advanced seven to the finals claiming two championships. Mico Asifoa (105) and Dominic Luzader (135) led the team winning their weight class. In the gold medal round, Luzader pulled out a last second escape over Matt Kerby from Mendenhall to win the gold medal. Jacob Roach (115), Ben Morgan ( 125), Stephan Holt (140), Zane Luzader (95) and Austin Whinery (180) each took second place in the weight class. Brarndon Untalan (80), Eric Lebish (Hwt), and Dillon McNaney (140) took third place and Robert Payne (95), Russell Lovett (105) and Cameron Church (85)each took fourth place.

Club U12 D1 Elite got off to a great start of the newly introduced Spring Season thanks to goals by Blake Tucker, Garrett Howell & Michael Leonard. They defeated Tri-Valley SC Bayern 3 to 2. The first half saw a United take the lead less than 5 minutes into the game thanks to some quick footwork by United's Blake Tucker. Tri-Valley equalized soon after in what was to become a fairly even match. Elite's lead was restored after a fantastic finish by Garrett Howell late into the first half. After the break Tri-Valley came back in to the game thanks to a lucky long kick that lobbed into the net. However some outstanding goalkeeping by Jared Wilson and excellent defending by Colin Ritchie and Griffen Chinn kept Tri-Valley from getting on the score sheet again. Elite sealed their victory after a wonderful cross was put away by Michael Leonard in the dying minutes of the game. Top Offensive Players: Blake Tucker, Michael Leonard, Garrett Howell; Top Defensive Players: Griffin Chinn, Jared Wilson, Colin Ritchie

The Pleasanton Seahawks Swim Team (PLS) has achieved the USA Swimming Level 4 Club Recognition status. This is the highest recognition awarded to swim clubs by USA Swimming. The designation reflects outstanding achievement in business/ organizational success, parent/volunteer development, coach development/education and athlete development/performance. Level 4 Clubs must fulfill required standards within each category along with additional points necessary for this ranking. The Pleasanton Seahawks is the only Pacific Swimming Club to have earned the Level 4 Recognition Award, one of only two clubs in California, and one of just six clubs in the Western U.S. When asked what this award signifies, PLS Head Coach, Steve Morsilli, remarked, “The award is just another confirmation of our belief that we are an outstanding Team within the USA Swimming and Pacific Swimming family. It takes organizational and performance excellence to qualify for Level IV, so it's a positive reflection on the administration and the coaches and athletes.” In addition to the Level 4 Recognition, PLS earned the 2010 Silver Medal Club for the ninth year in a row as part of the USA Swimming Excellence Program, ranking the Seahawks as one of the top 30 Clubs in the United States.

College Information Night

The Pleasanton Rage Girls Soccer club will host its annual College Information Night, Monday April 5 at 7:00 PM at the Marriott Hotel, Dublin Canyon Rd. in Pleasanton. This year’s event includes coaches from some of the best academic and athletic programs in the county. Featured guest panelists include Cal Berkeley’s Neil McGuire, Santa Clara University’s Jerry Smith, and Stanford’s Paul Radcliffe, NCAA Women’s Coach of the Year. Other colleges and universities attending are SMC, USF, UOP, SJSU, Menlo Atherton and Soka University. Each year the Rage host’s this informational event to assist its players and parents in the process of recruiting and selecting a college. All comers are welcome and appetizers are provided by the club. Since 2000 the Rage Soccer Club has graduated over 240 players who have gone on to play for some of the best colleges and universities in the Country. For additional information contact the Rage at 925 251-9116.

Middle School Wrestling

The Mendenhall Middle School Mustangs wrestling team competed in the Harvest Park annual wrestling tournament this past weekend at Harvest Park Middle School in Pleasanton. Out of the 18 wrestlers that Mendenhall had competing, 13 came home with medals. Leading the way for the Mustangs was 8th grader Casey Soltis, who won the 150 lb. championship while going 3 – 0 on the day with a tech fall, pin & major decision in the final. Nick Campiotti, wrestling in the 100 lb. 8th grade class, came away with a 2nd place medal. Other 8th graders to finish well for Mendenhall were Brian White (3rd place, 140 lb), Colten Paynter (3rd, 130 lb), Dominex Kovacs (3rd, 125), and Jake Benavidez (3rd, 105). The 6th / 7th grade wrestlers for Mendenhall had a great tournament as Matt Kirby, wrestling at 135’s, lost a close decision in the finals after recording a couple of pins to reach the championship match. Dominic Kolling took home the silver in the 75 lb bracket. Clay West (115lb) and Nolan Parker (105 lb) battled through the consolation bracket to finish in 3rd place. Other placers for Mendenhall in the 6th / 7th grade division were Jonathon Davis (140 lb), Jason Bohl (145 lb), Michael Bohl (125 lb), and Oliver Grajeda (135 lb) all placing 4th. The East Avenue Middle School wrestling team took second place in the eighth-grade division at the annual Harvest Park wrestling tournament on Saturday. East Avenue advanced seven to the finals, claiming two championships. The team brought home 25 medals. Taylor Disbrow (140-pounds) and Matt Neale (HWT) led the eighth-grade team winning titles in their weight class. Disbrow had an exciting match against Brett Lewis from Pleasanton Middle School winning 8-2 in the finals. Matt Neale had an impressive finish pinning John Carandang from Hart to win his title. Aaron Cortex (90), Shawn Hamby (130), Vince Volpatti (150), Cody McNaney (185) and Corbin Cofer (200) each took second place in their weight class. Jesse Robles (115) took fourth place. In the girls division, Victoria Cockerill (160) pinned all her opponents to claim her title and was selected Most Outstanding girl wrestler. Cockerill pinned her final opponent in 34 second to win the gold medal. Mia Volpatti (115) pinned all her opponents to win her weight division. Bernadette Allen (150) took second place and Emily Lang (105) took fourth place. Allen had the fastest pin for the team pinning her opponent in the semifinals in 16 seconds. Overall, the girls team finished in third place. In the sixth-seventh grade division East Avenue took third place. East Avenue

Soccer State Cup

Pleasanton Ballistic United U19 Select upset Folsom Clash 1 to 0 in CYSA State Association Cup. Former Foothill high school goalkeeper Niko Lecco started in goal and earned his Ballistic United team a shocking 1-0 double overtime penalty kick shoot-out victory over top seeded Folsom Clash in the 2010 CYSA State Association Cup. In group play the prior week Folsom (District VI Undefeated League Champions) scored 20 goals with 1 against to win their 3 group games. Lecco and the Ballistic defense withstood a withering Folsom attack that sent waves of players and shots at the Pleasanton goal. The Pleasanton keeper also had to contend with two Penalty kicks in the 2nd half. Folsom hit the post on the first kick with Lecco saving the 2nd. In the second half Brian Hu made a crucial goal line clearance of a corner kick to keep Folsom off the score sheet. Pleasanton came close to winning the game in the final seconds of regulation when Striker Jaymi Van Dam took a pass down the flank and then fed the ball to a streaking Albert Lin. Lin's cross to the far post found the foot of Alex Carvan who narrowly missed finishing the game off as the whistle blew to end regulation. In Golden Goal overtime neither team was able to score although both sides were presented with excellent opportunities. Following two scoreless over times the game went to a Penalty Kick Shoot-out. After 5 kicks the teams were still tied. The dramatic win was capped with Lecco saving Folsom's 7th kick setting the table for Steven Gilbert. Gilbert stepped up and with ice in his veins calmly slotted home the game winner. With the win Ballistic United (21 wins, 4 Ties, 9 Losses) advanced to the State Quarterfinals in Redding where they will face Sonoma United. The Livermore Elite Fury girls U14 completed Norcal State Cup Bronze play as they were defeated by the Sonoma Alliance in the semifinal match, 1-0. Earlier victories over Tri-Valley Freedom and Elk Grove Everton advanced Livermore to the semifinals. Against Tri-Valley, the Fury dominated the first half action in the Freedom zone with several scoring chances, led by Elise Falgout and Kylie Diaz. Livermore's offense broke through eight minutes into the second half when Hannah Gooby received a short pass from Madyson Souza and turned quickly to fire a high shot that eluded the Freedom keeper for a 1-0 lead. Eight minutes later, Souza converted a corner kick when her ball deflected off a Tri-Valley defender and spun backwards into the goal. Alison Pierson completed the scoring when she took a pass from Gooby and fired the shot into the right corner. Livermore was led on defense by Sarah Wilkinson and Beth McCall, as they limited any Freedom scoring chances by controlling anything deep and clearing to midfield in the Fury's 3-0 victory. Livermore also started strongly against Elk Grove Everton and dominated the first fifteen minutes before breaking through with three goals in eight minutes. In the 19th minute, Amber Lennier led Jenna Hatch with a deep ball that she ran down, eluded the fast charging goalie and placed into the empty goal for 1-0. Five minutes later, Morgan Brandt worked free and crossed the ball to the middle where Lennier punched to the right corner for 2-0. Gooby then took a pass from Souza and drilled a shot by the keeper for 3-0. The Fury continued to dominate play in the second half and finalized the scoring and the 4-0 win when Pierson drove the ball from the left side, passed back to Rebekah Johnson, who then found an open Elyse Codiroli with a nice touch pass and Codiroli fired a shot into the left corner for the goal. In the semifinal game against the Sonoma Alliance, Livermore played the majority of the time in its end as the Alliance moved the ball well and had many scoring chances. This time, the Fury defense, despite being shorthanded with no subs available, held its ground. Kaitlyn Bulhoes, Ryley Landreth, Sarah Franklin and Morgan Brandt all played with great effort. A first half goal in the 18th minute off a corner kick was all Livermore allowed. The player of the game, however, was Fury goalie Tayler Lennier as she had several spectacular saves to deny the Alliance and keep her team in the game, including a kick save on a low ball in the first half and a jarring collision to deny a Sonoma forward early in the second half. Livermore could only muster a few decent rushes before the Alliance defenders turned them away quickly to preserve Sonoma's win.

Spring Soccer

Pleasanton Ballistic United Soccer

Philip J. Blank Pleasanton The Pleasanton Planning Commission did not review Oak Grove Oak Grove has been ‘ram rodded’ without appropriate review by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission did not certify the EIR and the developer appealed this decision to the City Council. In an astonishing display of hubris, the City Council approved not only the EIR, but surprisingly the Development Agreement (DA) and the Conditions of Approval (COA). The City Council should have sent the COA and DA back to the Planning Commission for detailed work and revision. The PC goes over these documents in great detail to ensure that they are consistent with the General Plan and other Planning constraints (e.g. viewscapes, Greenpoints, FAR ratio’s etc.). This did not happen in the case of Oak Grove. These documents, written by the developer, are detrimental to the City and the Southeast Hills of Pleasanton. It is clear that the current majority on the City Council will approve Oak Grove at any cost. Sadly, the City has violated its own rules - there has been no input from the Planning Commission on either the DA or the COA. Oak Grove will destroy our Southeast Hills – Vote No on D!

Foothill Little League

Pleasanton Foothill Little League highlights from last week: Majors: A's vs. Angels: Another first for Pleasanton’s new baseball complex, a home run, and it could not have happened in a more dramatic fashion. The Athletics and Angels squared off on Saturday in a classic pitcher’s duel. With the Angels ahead 3-2 in the bottom of the 6th with two out, Shaun Kienhofer hit a blast for the ages to tie the game at 3-3. The ball not only traveled the necessary 225 ft, but also cleared the 25 ft fence in right center field. The Athletics later won the game when Justin Lavell led off the 7th with a walk, took second on a base hit by Joshua Lim, stole third and then scored on an infield single by Daniel Mubarak. The Athletic’s pitching was anchored by Kienhofer, Nate Gipson and Jeffrey Deguchi. There was some great defense in the game, particularly a double play started by left fielder Nick Dauskurdas. Angels vs. Dublin Diamondbacks: PFLL Major Angels defeated the Dublin Little League Diamondbacks 11 – 4 in inter-league play. Jacob Davidson led the Angels offensive attack with three hits, two runs scored and two RBI. Bobby Fjerstad and Jordan Singh each had two hits and two runs scored, Joshua Ott had a single and a double and Jack Sanderson a double. Jakob Davidson, Brett Derham, Nick Bush, Joey Richardson and Jack Sanderson pitched great for the Angels giving up only 2 earned runs on 4 hits while striking out 11 D'backs. Top Offensive Players: Jakob Davidson, Bobby Fjerstad and Jordan Singh. Top Defensive Players: Chase Hunter, Matt Bishop and Joshua Ott. AAA Division: Orioles vs. Cubs: It was a very close game with several lead changes. The Orioles took the lead on top of the 6th inning with a base hit from Owen Camp and Cameron Ghoddoucy. With a one run lead, Anthony Costello, closed out the game with exceptional pitching. The game ended in favor of the Orioles with the score of 8 to 7. Top Offensive Player: Hunter Peterson. Top Defensive Player: Anthony Costello. AA Division: Padres vs. Mets and Cardinals: The Padres had an exciting week with two victories in their last at bat. On Saturday 3/20, AJ Tannenbaum, Calvin David and Jackson Berg scored runs in the bottom of the 4th inning to snatch the victory from the Magical Mets. Joey Battilega's two out double brought in the final two runs which resulted in a 7-5 victory. Mik Steele, Jackson Berg and Jake Gonzalez had excellent offensive contributions. Then in a Friday night thriller against the Cardinals, Jake Gonzalez scored the go-ahead run on a hard slide at the plate in the bottom of the 5th inning, followed by AJ Tannenbaum and Aaron Carroll who scored on a 2 run towering gapper by Alex Nielsen. The 6-3 Padre victory featured outstanding pitching and defense by both sides. Noteworthy offensive and defensive plays were made by Jason Dormann, Mik Steele, Aaron Carroll, Alex Nielsen, Joey Battilega and AJ Tannenbaum. Cardinals vs. Padres: The Cardinals met the Padres on Friday night under the lights at Bernal field. The Cards came out strong to start the game. The Cardinals took the lead early with a hit by Trevor Krysler that resulted in an RBI bringing home Demetre Aaron. In the 4th Inning Nick Palange hit a single. Brett Davis’ triple to Right field brought home Nick, and Joshua Robinson’s walk brought home Brett. Defensively the Cardinals were able to hold the Padres off for the first half of the game. Brett Davis’ pitching shut down the Padres offense allowing no hits and only one walk in the first three innings. Jack Kost fielded the ball nicely throwing to Trevor Krysler at first base for an out. Demetre Aaron also made an out at first. The Cardinals played hard, but the Padres pulled out the win in the end with a 6-3 victory. Rangers vs. Yankees: The Mighty Rangers came out ready to play the Yankees today. At the plate and in the field, our best overall game played thus far. Offensively the bats were swinging for a total of 7 hits. Nick received the game ball for his all around performance making several challenging outs at shortstop and a fine defensive play at pitcher. He also put in two solid innings on

Fire Station #1

George Withers Pleasanton Fire Chief Retired An article, in the Valley Times, March 11th, referred to the Old Pleasanton Fire Station #1 as a former “Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Station #1”. While it is true that the LPFD did utilize this station for a very brief period of time, any formal recognition of the history of this Fire Station, in association with the new Firehouse Arts Center, should recognize the historical significance of this building to the history of Pleasanton. This Station was built by the labor and efforts of Pleasanton volunteer firefighters in 1928/29. It served this community, as our only Fire Station for the next 40 years, as did an all volunteer Fire Department. Our first paid Fire Chief Jon Frudden, was appointed from the volunteer firefighter ranks in 1961, and our first paid firefighters were hired in 1965/66. For the next 30 years this Station continued to be staffed by both volunteer and paid Pleasanton firefighters. It was not until 1996/97 that the LPFD began to use this facility for a very brief period of time. Recognition of Livermore in the more than 70 year history of this Fire Station would be disrespectful to the families, and to the memories, of the members of the Pleasanton Fire Department who built this station and protected this community for more that

the mound (first time) and hit a double for an RBI. Rounding the bases to score during the game were Arjun, Andrew, Chandler, Ricky, Oscar, and DK. Outfielders Brandon, Drake and Oscar quickly got the ball and threw it in to their cut off man. Once again a wonderful TEAM effort. A Division: Reds vs. D'backs: The Reds played a great game! Mason Ward was on the ball with at least 4 strong hits. Bryce Lombardi played a strong game too making a few nice stops. Top Offensive Player: Mason Ward, Top Defensive Player: Bryce Lombardi T-Ball: Express vs. Rockhounds: The Rockhounds the player of the game was Clay Chidester. Dylan Brown hit a home run ball and Trevor Stinson had some great hits. The Express team game ball was given to Bryce Englert, who along with Bianca Del Arroz and Riley San Filippo, played great defense. Top Offensive Players: Clay Chidester, Dylan Brown, Trevor Stinson. Top Defensive Players: Biana Del Arroz, Bryce Englert, Riley San Filippo. RiverCats vs. Raptors: The RiverCats and Raptors met for game 2 of the 2010 season at our beautiful new Ballpark on Bernal. It was a well played game on both sides of the diamond. Gavin LeBars continued his torrid hitting, and Jeffrey Mauro hit three home runs to lead the RiverCats at the bat while Tyler Ferrey, Archie Powell, and Joseph Gibson all showed great hustle making excellent plays and backing up their team mates on Defense. E. McLaughlin and C. Knight had fine games on offense and defense, as well. Big Hitters: Gavin LaBars, Evelyn McLaughlin, Chase Knight. Clutch Fielders: Joseph Gibson, Tyler Ferrey, Archie Powell. Both Raptors and RiverCats showed energy and great sportsmanship.

Granada Little League

Granada Little League highlights: Majors – Phillies 2, Dodgers 0. Top Hitters Phillies – Kyle Neves 1B, 2 RBI; Sean Dreger 2B, 1B. Top Hitters Dodgers

70 years. If a similar Fire Station Renovation Project existed in Livermore, I doubt seriously that the name Pleasanton would be represented on any commemorative plaque, or any other formal recognition.

Destruction of Ridgelines

Anne Fox Pleasanton Vote NO on Measure D Oak Grove and say NO to Destruction of Ridgelines Starting with the time in the 1983 when 52,000 signatures of Alameda County voters were gathered to save Nipper Ridge from development, to when the Pleasanton Ridgelands Plan was adopted, time and time again, the voters have said ?NO? to development on area ridgelines. If you do not want to see luxury mansions at the top of the Kottinger Ridge ridgeline looming over Pleasanton, vote No on Measure D. If you don?t want 25% slope or more steep hillsides scarred and graded by bulldozers, including removing .7 million cubic yards of land from ridgetops and dumping the dirt on 26 acres, vote No on Measure D. If you care about Kottinger Creek and streams in Pleasanton, vote No on Measure D. After Kottinger Hills in Pleasanton was referended and overturned in 1993, Shea and Hong Yao Lin and Jennifer Lin turned their sights northward and sought

– Kyle Emrich 1B, Austin Harrison 1B. Top Pitchers Phillies – Jared Buranis 6IP, 0R, 2H, 15K. Top Pitchers Dodgers – Nick Lind 2IP, 0R, 1H, 3K. A classic pitching duel between the Phillies and the Dodgers; the difference in the game was a two run double by the Phillies in the 5th Inning. 15 strikeouts for Jared Buranis of the Phillies. Diamondbacks 9, Giants 5. Top Hitters Diamondbacks - Jason Whitney - 2 singles, 2 RBI's, run scored; Brett Rasmussen - 2B, RBI, run scored. Giants - Hunter Gonzalves - 2 singles, run scored; Zaunbracker - 2B, RBI, run scored. Pitchers Diamondbacks - Nick Stanley, Brett Rasmussen, Michael Steim; Giants - Nick Despotakis, Griffin Miller, Matthew Benavidez. Giants jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead after the first inning,

to develop 12,500 housing units in 3,200 acres of unincorporated land in North Livermore. Now, Charter Properties and the Lins seek to build up to 12,500 square feet mansions in the Southeast Hills of Pleasanton and have renamed Kottinger Hills to Oak Grove. In 2000, a county-wide voter initiative overwhelmingly supported by voters to retain Open Space and Agricultural lands stopped the North Livermore development of 12,500 homes, then the developer filed a lawsuit against Alameda County to make the will of the people null and void and force the development anyway. After two years of court battles, the developer lost. In 2008, a Pleasanton citywide voter referendum to stop the Southeast Hills ridgeline development of Oak Grove mansions up to 12,500 square feet in size was certified and an initiative overwhelmingly supported by voters to protect Open Space and Ridgelands was adopted, then the developer filed two lawsuits against City of Pleasanton to make the referendum signatures of the people null and void and force the development anyway. After two years of court battles, the developers lost. On June 8th, the citizens will finally be able to have their voices heard. Say No to Destruction of ridgelines and vote NO on Measure D.

but the Diamondbacks fought back to score 8 more runs while holding the Giants to only 2 more to win the game. Diamondbacks 1, Mariners 5. Top Hitters Diamondbacks - Devon Shortridge - 1B; Jason Whitney - 1B; Brett Rasmussen - Walk, 2 stolen bases, run scored. Mariners - Erik Martin - 1B, RBI; Anthony Miller - 2B, RBI. Pitchers Diamondbacks - Michael Steim, Jason Whitney; Mariners - Greg Moreland, Jason Frost, Anthony Miller. Diamondbacks jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning before the Mariners scored the next 5 and didn't allow another run to be scored. Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 1. Top hitters Diamondbacks - Ryan Reeves - HR, 2 RBI, 1R; Chance Manning - single. Dodgers - Jeremy Anninos - single, 1RBI; Kyle

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PAGE 6 - The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010

USA Swim team, the LifeStyleRx Tiger Sharks ahd one of their first swimmers compete at the Junior Olympics held in San Ramon. Julian Wagner age 14 swam his way to a personal best time in his 100 yard backstroke with a time of 1:06.25. Julian trains under the coaching of David Tambuwun. Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Granada High School took on De La Salle and Carondelet high schools in lacrosse and swimming last week. In the photo (at left), the girls junior varsity is in action, losing 14 to 0 to Carondelet. The varsity girls also lost, in what was a much closer game, 10 to 9. Boys varsity lacrosse lost to De La Salle 17 to 3, the junior varsity 9 to 2. In swimming, Carondelet defeated the varsity girls 146 to 48 and junior varsity, 137 to 48. De La Salle swam to victory against the boys’ varsity, 107 to 77 and junior varsity 124 to 46. Moylan - double, run scored. Top pitchers Diamondbacks – Michael Steim - 5IP, 6K. Dodgers - Nick Lind - 4IP, 9K. Nick Lind struck out nine in four innings of work for the Dodgers but Ryan Reeves' two run homer in the 4th inning backed up Michael Steim's five shutout innings to help the Diamondbacks down the Dodgers. Minor AAA – Giants 13, A’s 11. Top Hitters Giants – Malini Tia 2-2B, 2 RBI, 1 R. Top Hitters A’s – Andrew Clutters 2-1B, 1-2B, 2 RBI, 2 R. Top Pitchers Giants – Cameron Guyer 1IP, 1H, 1R; Emery Larson 1IP, 1H, 1R, 2K. Top Pitchers A’s – Seth Street 2 2/3 IP, 4H. Great Game by both teams. The lead was exchanged 5 times before the Giants scored a few runs in the Top of the 5th inning to take the lead for good. Giants 5 D-Backs 10 Top Hitters Giants - Cameron Geyer- 2B, run scored; Woody Stultz- 2-1B, run scored; D-Backs - Lucas Aninnos HR, 2-1B, Grant Riddiough 1B 3B; Top Pitchers Giants - Woody Stultz,Malini Tia; D-Backs- Riley Van Trease, Diego Ramirez. Giants came back strong and loaded the bases in the 6th but the D-Backs held on to win 10-5 A's 10, Red Sox 0. Top Hitters Red Sox - Connor Sweeney 1B & 2B; Michael Thaete 1B & BB. Top Hitters A's - Troy Forward 1B & 3B, 2R; RJ Wright 2 1B, 2 RBI, 2R; Albert Amavizca 1B & BB, 2R. Top Pitchers Red Sox - Jack Kath 2 IP, 2K. Top Pitchers A's - Blake Downey & Noah Stewart combined shutout. Minor AA - Phillies 7, Dodgers 9. Top Hitters Phillies - Kobe Kortez 1 1B, 1 RBI; Jacob Keller 1 1B; Max O'Connor 1 1B, run scored. Top Hitters Dodgers - Thomas Vi 1 1B, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored; Jett Sevilla 2 2B, 3 RBI; Kyle Correia 1 1B, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored. Top Pitchers Phillies - Kobe Kortez 2IP, 2H, 2R, 4K. Top Pitchers Dodgers - Kyle Correia 1I, 1H, 1R, 3K; Jeremy Dyson 1I, 0H, 0R, 2K. Both teams played a great game. It was close though out the whole game. Mariners 17, Dodgers 9. Top Hitters Mariners - Gunner Hollingshaus 2 1B, 2 RBI, 2 RS; Daniel Pryor 1 1B, 2 RS; Colton Clore 1 2B. Top Hitters Dodgers - Sam Meiers 1 2B, 1 RBI; Michael Nowaczyk 1 1B, 2 RS; Jeremy Dyson 1 1B, 2 RBI, 2 RS. Top Pitchers Mariners - Daniel Pryor 1IP, 4H, 4R, 2K; Aaron Udoutch 1IP, 1K. Top Pitchers Dodgers - Kyle Correia 2I, 3H, 2R, 3K; PJ Kalcic, Jr. 1I, 2H, 5R, 1K. Both teams played a great game. D-Backs-6 vs. Red Sox-3- D-Backs Offense- Derek Eijansantos, Noah Wiesner, Jordan Muller- Defense- Travis Silva, Scott McPherson, Alec Lewis- Red-Sox- Top Hitters- Colton Morlan- Home Run, Jorden Garcia- 1B, Avery Kempton-1RBI- Top Pitcher- Logan Greenough- Defense-Jordan Collom- pop-fly catch-, Dylan Krauss-Left field throw to 3rd for base out! Mariners 10, A's 8. Top Hitters A's Nicholas Gregovich 2 1B, RBI; Jack Tafoya 2B , RBI; Nate Wilson 2 1B, 3 RBI. Top Hitters Mariners - Zach Hollingshaus 2 1B, 2 RBI; Nathaniel Basinger 1B, RBI; Aaron Udoutch 1B, RBI. Top Pitchers A's - Josiah Night, 2IP, 5R, 3H, 5K; Ethan Arrowsmith 2IP, 5R, 1H, 2K. Top Pitchers Mariners Gunnar Hollingshaus, 1IP, 1R, 1H, 2K; Tyler Thompson, 1IP, 0R, 1H, 1K. The Swingin' A's lit up the Mariners in the first two innings to take a one run lead. The Mariners slugged their way back in the game scoring three runs in the last inning to win. Mariners 17, Dodgers 9. Top Hitters Dodgers – Jeremy Dyson HR, RBI; Michael Nowaczk 2 1B , 3 RBI; Sam 2B, 2 RBI. Top Hitters Mariners – Zachary Stewart 1B, 2 RBI, Tyler Young 2B, 2 RBI; Colton Clore 2B. Top Pitchers Dodgers – Kyle Correia, 2IP, 7R, 5H, 4K; PJ Kalcic 2IP, 5R, 4H, 1K; Jacob Morton, 1 IP, 5R, 2H, 1K. Top Pitchers Mariners – Aaron Udoutch, 1IP, 0R, 1H, 1K; Grant Blockley, 1IP, 4R, 5H, 2K; Matt Perry, 1IP, 1R, 1H, 1K. The game was a slugfest with both teams hammering extra base hits. The Dodger’s hot pitching then held the Mariners bats in check and preserved a Dodgers one run lead in the 3rd. The Mariners bats came alive in the bottom of the 3rd and 4th to take the lead for good. Diamond Backs 10 to Giants 14. Offense for D-Backs was Nathaniel Hascom, Parker Hall, and Brandon Harvey. Defense for DBacks was Zachary Parodi, Colby Smith, and Quentin Ayres. Minor A - Dodgers: ( Offense)Benjamin Morrisroe, Michael Gauch, Kaegan Nelson( Defense)Ryan Van Bladel, Duncan Maloney, Nathan Kamm: Oakland A’s:(Offense) Frank Silva, Matteo Wilde, Austin Overton,(Defense) Jeffrey Winter, Brent Young, Robert Zepeda Yankees: (Offense) Nicholas Raab, Jensen Roldan, Douglas Wynne; (Defense) Kyle Yerby, James Young, Thomas Young. Phillies: (Offense) Logan Finch, J.T. Kelly, Carson Tracey; (Defense) Pascale Badders, Jullian Collom, Alec Faith. Pirates: Offense: Caleb Chance, Jaxen Mclaren, Quinn Tudor. Defense: Mason Eastman, Noah Vengley, Ryan Wenzel. Red Sox: Offense: Shlok Bansal, Westley Gladen, Luke Moylan. Defense: Skyler Ferguson-Rosa, Max Silveira, Ethan Vincent Yankees: (Offense) Aden Clements, Connor Crampton, Jacob Kilbane; (Defense) A.J. Morais, Brendan Paterson, Devon Pearce. Giants: (Offense) Ethan Lane, Ethan Payne, Taylor Pine; (Defense) Ryan Stapp, Blake Stokes, Nathan Woolsey. Phillies: (Offense) Aidan Ackerman, Logan Finch, Nick Hill; (Defense) Pascale Badders, J.T. Kelly, Brandon Yocham. Oakland A's: (Offense) Austin Overton, Tyler Hattori, R.J. Mata; (Defense) Nicholas Melendez, Ryan Layton, Frank Silva, Jr. Farm - Yankees - (Offense) Bryce Tanner, Jake Addington, JD Cerruti (Defense) Michael Anolin, Tate Masingale, Luke Shepard; Red Sox - (Offense) Antonio Sotka, Aiden Buenrostro, Lalito Angeles (Defense) Shane Waechtler, Joshua Johnson, Christian Silva Pirates:(Offense) Landon Jansen,Garrett Robb,Chase Kerezsi (Defense) Jake Fields,Will Wentworh,Kyle Drobick/ Giants: (Offense) Dale Spence,Stephen Geyer, Kieran Campbell. (Defense) Ryan Hansen, Antonio Rivalie, Gavin Rose A’s: (offense) Ryan Hutchinson, Benjamin Sears, Daniel Knight (defense) John Orsini, Neil Shah, Ryan Macintire. Mariners: (offense) Justin Gilliam, Sam German, Yash Hammond, (defense) Logan Dickey, Connor Perkins, Joshua Henninger Yankees - (Offense) Shawn Walker, Luke Shepard, Skyler Steele (Defense) Jake Add-

ington, Andrew Berg, Hudson Steele; Pirates - (Offense) Nicholas Hall, Landon Jansen, Ben Wigginton (Defense) Landon Paden, Garrett Riddiough, Kyle Drobick A's (offense) - Ryan Hutchinson, Ben Sears, Seth Mills (defense) - Neil Shah, Donovan Holmes, Ryan Macintyre: Farm Phillies (offense) - Mark Bennett, Jaxson Moseby, Hunter Houghton. (defense) -Cooper Meyer, Michael Straus, Austin Melendez. Diamondbacks (offense) Ryan Tafoya, Austin Lee, Ryan Stear (defense) Ben O'Connor, Ben Wiesner, Grant Thrailkill: Mariners (Offense) Connor Perkins, Nick Lydon, Justin Gilliam (Defense) Yosh Hammond, Andrew Bates, Mason Franchi T-Ball - Red Sox: (offense) Jason Zaia, Bambos Christoforou, Collin Johnston (defense) Daniel Chelucci, River Powell, Derek Wickander. Yankees: (offense) Jake Walton, Andrew McKeever, Reggie Wade, (defense) Andrew McAliden, Cason Mills, Daphne Lux

Livermore American LL

Livermore American Little League results: Junior Gold 80's: LALL 4, Pleasanton Foothill 1: Livermore American and Pleasanton Foothill split their doubleheader. In the opening game, Tito Quihuis and Garret Smith held Pleasanton hitters to one run. Taylor Wirth and Chris Logan each had two hits. Foothill 15, LALL 12: In a close game which saw the lead change several times, pitcher Jordon Ott held LLAL scoreless in the final inning to save the game. Foothill's Stephen Chipman collected three hits and Ryan Brobst had 4 RBI's. Majors: Indians 8, A's 7: Top players Indians: Kyle Tucker pitched a strong 6 innings; Patrick Schwartz hit the game winning run to score in 7th inning during overtime; Nathan Tabaracci- 2 for 3, double to center field. Top players A's: Keith Tyser- Great catch in Right field; Jax Mamaoag- Huge home run in 6th inning; Matt CalcagnoGreat pitching. Red Sox 10, Giants 9: In a great matchup, the Red Sox were able to come back in the late innings to take the game from the Giants. A home run early in the game by Nick Penrod helped get the Red Sox off to an early lead. Then in the 5th, down by 2, Zach Stevens knocked in the tying and winning runs with a double. C.J. Maliski then came in to shut down the Giants in the 5th and 6th innings. For the Giants, Jacob Currie had a clutch RBI single, Conner Jones had 2 singles and three stolen bases including a steal of home, and Jacob Ledbetter also had an RBI single. Top players for the Red Sox: Nick Penrod, Zach Stevens and C.J. Maliski; Top players for the Giants: Jacob Currie, Connor Jones, and Jacob Ledbetter Yankees 3, Giants 1: In a pitching duel, the Yankees were able to pull out the victory over the Giants in the final inning. Highlights for the Yankees were the great pitching performance by Ryan Ball giving up only one run and two singles by both Truman Griffeath and Ryan Silvas. For the Giants, Sean Stavert pitched a great 5+ innings also giving up just 1 run, a single and a run scored by Jarrett Powell, and an RBI single by Nate Redditt. Top players for the Yankees: Truman Griffeath, Ryan Silvas, and Ryan Ball; Top Players for the Giants: Sean Stavert, Jarrett Powell, and Nte Redditt Yankees 5, Indians 3: Top players Yankees: John Langerud- hitting 2 for 2; Eli Smith Hitting 2 for 2; Jake De Frenchi-Goodman hitting 2-2; Top players Indians: Conner Cruz- Great pitching; Joseph DominguezAwesome catch in center field. Patrick Schwartz- good hitting AAA Division: Diamondbacks 17, Padres 16: In a wild game, the Padres came back from being down 14-1 to get within one run. The Diamondbacks were able to hold them off, however, winning 17-16. Jordan Esling and Tyler McMahon started off the offensive power for the Diamondbacks with back to back doubles in the first and Logan Miller went 3-4 with a double and two singles. For the Padres, Noah Reno went 4-4 with a grand slam home run and 6 RBIs. Griffin Bateson went 3-4 with 3 runs scored and Morgan Vonderach scored twice in the game. Padres top players: Noah Reno; Griffin Bateson; Morgan Vonderach. Diamondbacks top players: Jordan Esling, Tyler McMahon, Logan Miller Angels 16, Padres 9: The Padres and Angels finished their two-part game Friday night with the Angels holding onto their lead from the earlier game. On March 10th, the Angels were leading 14-6 going into the bottom of the 5th before it became too dark to play. The Angels were led on offense by Ryan Brandt and Ryan Escover who both went 3-3 with a combined 5 runs scored. Logan Cole pitched 7 strike-outs and only allowed one run. For the Padres, Adam Lebish tripled and scored twice, Cameron Priest singled twice and scored a run and Bobby Canteline singled and doubled. Top players Padres: Adam Lebish, Cameron Priest, Bobby Canteline. Top players Angels: Ryan Brandt, Ryan Escover, Logan Cole Padres 10, Mariners 7: The Padres and Mariners played a well-matched game, ending in a Padre 10-7 victory. Chase Jesus played well at second for the Padres and singled with 2 RBIs. Alex Griffin also singled and had 2RBIs and Christopher Kilday had a double and an RBI. The Mariners offense was led by Aaron Eppstein with two singles and 2 RBIs and Cole Fairhurst who scored a run. Austin Toland pitched 5 strike-outs for the game and helped his team on offense with a single and a run scored. Top players Padres: Chase Jesus, Alex Griffin, Christopher Kilday; Top players Mariners; Aaron Eppstein, Cole Fairhurst, Austin Toland. Chris Roessler; pitched 4 innings, 1 hit and 0 ER’s, 9 strike-outs; Luke Foscalina 2 base hits, single, 3 runs. Gerardo Cabassa, 1 base hit, 3 RBI’s. Giants 10, Rockies 0: Although runs were not scored for the Rockies, pitching was the highlight. Rigo Zapien pitched a great 2 innings as well as Michael Hallock and Zack Heinz. The Rockies tried there hardest, but could not stop the undefeated Giants. Top players Giants: Luke Foscalina, Chris Roessler, Gerardo Cabassa. Top players Rockies: Rigo Zapien, Michael Hallock, Zack Heinz. Angels 8, Rockies 2: Logan Cole had 13 strike-outs, 2 singles and 2 RBI’s, Chase Dunn 2 triples, Connor Johnston hit

a single and RBI. The Rockies fought there way throughout the game to try and beat the undefeated Angels. Zackary Hrdlicka broke a no hitter in the bottom of the 5th inning, Brendan McAfferty base hit and scored a run, Nathan Coats had a nice hit in the outfield. To players Angels: Logan Cole, Chase Dunn, Connor Johnston. Top players Rockies: Zackary Hrdlicka, Brendan McAfferty, Nathan Coats. AA Division: Cubs 3, Cardinals 0: Not one, but two over the fence home runs by Shane Clifton of the Cubs, secured a 3-0 win against the Cardinals on March 27, 2010. Other notable players for the Cubs were Jacob Blanchard with a strong single in the 4th inning, and a great defensive running catch from pitcher Conner Livingston, who not only beat out a single to first base, but then went on to steal second and third. The Cardinals kept the game close with great pitching by Eamon Smith, a great catch from Branden Trevethan on the mound, and a huge throw from Jake Hager in left field to throw out a Cubs runner. It was a great game by both teams. Astros 12, Pirates 1: The Pirates and the Astros met up for an exciting game. The Astros came out swinging and scored runs in almost every inning. Jonathan Song hit powerfully with a single, a double, and 2 RBIs for the day. Hannah Lipp had a single and a RBI, showing the boys how it's done with smart and fast base running. Nick Hermann had a key single in the 3rd with the bases loaded to keep the rally going. Defensively, Nick looked like a superstar with a dead-on throw from third to get the runner at first. For the Pirates, Luke Sorenson was 2 for 2 and made an impressive out at second base in the top of the 2nd. Wesley Edwards hit a double to centerfield in the top of the 4th. He finished off the inning with a great defensive play at second base to get the third out. Peyton Gibbs knocked out a double in the top of the 6th and scored the Pirate's first run. He also played great defense by making a tough catch at second base. Tigers 12, White Sox 0: Mason Arnold pitched a strong game for the Tigers and didn't allow any runs. Jordan Burress hit a double for the White Sox while Cole Gibson made a diving catch in left field. Top 3 Players Tigers: Ian Toland, Kendall Hornbeck, Ian Partridge; Top 3 Players White Sox: Jordan Burress, Reese Wilkins, Cole Gibson Reds 4, Indians 0: The AA Indians visited the AA Reds. The Reds pulled together timely hitting, good base running, pitching and solid defense to come away with a 4-0 victory. This game was close until the 5th inning. Other than singles by the Indians' Nick Bouillerce and the Reds' Nick DeLisle, the first two innings were extremely quiet for both teams. In the bottom half of the fifth inning, the Reds were able to put together a four hit rally to bring in 2 runs. Sean Brooks beat out a grounder to third for an infield hit. William Steinberg followed with a solid single down

the third base line to give the Reds two base runners with one out. Scott Ragatz then came in to relieve Andrew Arruda for the Indians. Julian Stroud of the Reds delivered his second hit of the game to drive in Sean Brooks. Jackson Brown of the Reds followed with a single to drive in William Steinberg with the second Reds run of the inning. Scott Ragatz then retired the next two batters to shut the Reds rally down. Top players Reds: Sean Brooks, Julian Stroud, Jackson Brown. Top players Indians: Nick Bouillerce, Grant Peterson, Justin Moriarty. Cubs 3, Reds 2: Another nail biter for the Cubs with sensational hits by Tyler Revay (single to center to start the come from behind rally) and Brad Archer (2 doubles). Defensively, Emilio Lopez had 2 great catches in center field to keep the game close. For the Reds, from behind the plate, Julian Stroud threw out a runner at third, ending the Cubs rally in the 2nd inning. Offensively, Nick Delisle doubled and scored a run when Sean Brooks singled in the 4th inning. In the same inning, Jonah Wagner reached base on a fielders choice and later scored to give the Reds the lead temporarily. Astros 5, White Sox 0: For the Astros, the top of the order made things happen early, scoring 2 runs in the first inning. Gavin Napier, Daulton Johnston, Carson King, Michael Honeycutt, and Bailey Kemp all had impressive base hits. Astros top players included Jared Adams who was in fine form with a single, excellent fielding, and solid pitching as a closer, Jason Nunez who singled and made an awesome play at third to tag out a steal attempt, and Shane Grimes who showed star quality as an outfielder by getting balls to the infield in record time to halt any runners from scoring. The White Sox played a strong game, challenging the Astros in every inning. Top-notch play was delivered by Kevin Calandreli and Cole Gibson who each singled. Cole Gibson also showed outstanding pitching by getting key strike-outs. Alex Cirina played excellent defense to prevent the Astros from scoring additional runs in the 4th. Top players White Sox: Kevin Calandreli, Cole Gibson, Alex Cirina. Top players Astros: Jared Adams, Jason Nunez, Shane Grimes. Pirates 2, Indians 4: For the Indians, Scott Ragatz led the offense, hitting a 2 RBI single in the 1st inning. Justin Moriarty hit a double bouncing off fence at center field. Alex Forgatsch slammed an RBI double in the 4th inning. For the Pirates, Ryan Bond 2-2, led the offense with a double in the the 2nd inning. Gabe Pinon 2-2, with 2 singles. Logan Church defensive play catching a ball going into right field . A Division: Yankees 11, Mets 10: Top players Yankees: Tyler Ottman - 4 for 4 with two doubles, 1 run and 3 RBI's. Antoine Evans - 3 for 4, 1 home run, 2 runs and 4 RBI's. Joey Orluck - 3 for 4, 1 double and 2 RBI's, including the game winner. Top players Mets: Tyler Emmanuele - 3 for 3, three doubles, 1 run and 3 RBI's. Carson Mohler - 2 for 3,

1 double, 2 runs and 1 RBI. Steven Lee - 2 for 3, 2 doubles, 1 run, 1 RBI. Red Sox 11, Yankees 10: Things started to heat up in the 3rd inning of the game, after the Red Sox were in the lead, 5-0. Ottman had a strong hit over the 2nd baseman’s head and Stine hit a single. Now up the Red Sox with Polaski hitting a solid double and Singh hitting a single. Now top of the 4th inning, Fairbanks hits a single, his second for the night. Hornbeck hits a single and scores when Evans hits his single. Kilner hits another single for another score. No score in the bottom of the 4th inning by the Sox. Top of the fifth and Sire hits a double, and scores with a single by Stine. Bottom of the fifth, Bittner catches a pop fly. O’Hara scores by Polaski’s single and Arnold hits a double scoring 2 more. Top of the 6th inning, Yankees rally with Fairbank’s double, Bittner’s single, Hornbeck’s single score Fairbanks, Evans hits a single, bases loaded and Kilner hits a single, Bittner scores and Stow hits a double and now the game is tied 10-10. Bottom of the 6th inning, the sun is setting, Kennedy hits a single, and is batted in as the winning run, the Red Sox win 11 to 10. Rays 0, Mets 10: To players Rays: Ethank Volker, Tyler Ramirez, Colton Korhummel; Top players Mets: Adam Chapman, Jaryd Borges, Brandon Bruns. T-Ball: A's vs. Twins: To players A's: Dylan Cole - Great hitter and excellent defense, slid home like a pro. Sawyer Bartlett - Great hitter, excellent runner. William Grenville - good running and defensive play. Top players Twins: Duncan Maxwell - Good fielding nice throw to first. Evan Wolfe- Great at bat. Ryan Kennedy - clutch hitting good fielding. A's vs. Rangers: Top players A's: Sam Friedmann- Good hit and fantastic runner got a home run. Crayton McCafferty- hard hitter, excellent defense. Brendan O'Hara - Excellent outfield man with great defense. Top players Rangers: Tallon Chambers - Great hitting and running, hit a home run. Reef Sweeney- good hitting. Also caught a high ball and got one of the players from the home team out. Austin Lane- Good hit. Slid to home safely. Royals vs. Pirates: Top players Royals: Ben Baker , Ryan Martinez, Joey Demarco. Top players Pirates: Parker Moore, Joe Swagg, Mick Myers Giants vs. Dodgers: Top players Giants: Joey Makarewics, Caden Gereb, Ryan Demo. Top players Dodgers: Ethan Santiago, Jean Paul Wolfson, Joseph Pyle. Giants vs. Blue Jays: Top players Giants: Connor Toland, Drew Kardy, Jake Bearden; Top players Blue Jays: John Moiner, Jordan Lamendola, Giovanni Sandoval.

Livermore American LL

Livermore National Little League Juniors: The Livermore National Junior Gold baseball club brought their “A game” sweeping a double header from Tassajara

Valley Blue 12-0, and 10-0. In game 1, LNLL exploded for 12 hits to compliment a superb pitching performance from Connor Spalding who threw 4 innings of 2 hit baseball. Leading the offensive surge was Tyler Wallis who was 2-2 with a tape measure home run in the third inning knocking in 3 runs. Adding to the offensive attack with hits were Timmy Harris, Jay Telles-Garay, Billy Henderson, Nick Sposeto, Tylor Silva, Jared Roberts, and Thomas Navarro. Game 2 started as a pitchers' duel as the game was tied 0-0 at the end of 2 innings of play. However, in the third inning LNLL got their bats going again. Timmy Harris lead off with a single and after 2 walks the bases were loaded for Billy Henderson. Billy came to the plate and calmly stroked a bases clearing double to clear the bases to open the scoring. Shane Silva then stood to the plate and on the first pitch, connected on another home run, this time a blast to deep left that scored 2. Adding to the hit brigade were Jay Telles- Garay (3b), Hayden Goldstein (2b), Timmy Harris, and Tylor Silva. Timmy Harris pitched 4 shutout innings and Jay Telles-Garay came on to pitch a perfect 5th inning to preserve the shutout, striking out the side. LNLL is now (7-4) for the season. Majors: A's 8, Dodgers 3: In the season opener, LNLLs Major Dodgers met the Majors A’s. The game ended in a victory for the A’s with the final score of Dodgers-3, A’s-8. The Dodgers seemed to dominate the first two innings by totally shutting the A’s out. Dodgers Nicholas Ratinho, Scott Newby, and Wyatt Pennybacker all hit singles and contributed to the score of 3-1 at the end of the third inning. The A’s rallied in the fourth with two RBIs by Cameron Johnston, two RBIs in the fifth by Thomas Triantos and one RBI by Zach DeCarsky, and in the sixth two RBIs by Russell Stevenson. Thomas Triantos pitched three perfect innings: totally shutting out the Dodgers the last three innings with only 12 batters getting up to bat. Dodgers catcher, Nicholas Adiao hung tough through the game even after taking a huge hit in the knee. An auspicious start to what looks to be a great season of little league baseball. Cardinals 5, Giants 4: In a tightly contested game, the Cardinals squeezed by the Giants 5-4 behind strong pitching from Bubba Furr and Koll Waddle. Furr struck out 7 batters and stole 3 bases while Waddle struck out 5 batters and scored a run. Cristian Montiel hit a triple to deep left center but was thrown out at the plate trying to score. Frank Gomez hit a single and scored a run for the Cardinals. The Giants were led by Josh Blaha who reached base twice, stole 2 bases and scored a run. Brett Wilkinson hit a triple and scored while Riley Miller doubled, stole a base and picked up an RBI. Cardinals 14, Dodgers 4: The Cardinals played their best game of the season, beating the Dodgers 14-4 using stellar pitching from Donivan Winters who gave up only 1 run while striking out 10. Winters also hit a triple, scored twice and knocked in 3 runs. Kyle Helsel went 4 for 4 at the plate, stole 3 bases and picked up 4 RBI. Jake Guttierrez stole 2 bases and scored 2 runs. Giants pitcher Wyatt Pennybacker shut down the Cardinals when he was in the game. Pennybacker struck out 9 and gave up only one run. On offense, he stole a base and scored a run. Nicholas

The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010 - PAGE 7

New Best Times were achieved by Shahini Ananth, Nathan Boas, Taylor Brennan, Kylie Clark, Catherine Elliott, Alexander Gonzalez, Nina Hayes, Katie Kulp, Patrick Kulp, Morgan Roddy, Brendan Schierloh, Shelby Swanson, Trent Trump and Natalie Wong. For more information about the swim program, please go to lacswimming.org.

Golf Tournament

The LHS-GHS Golf Tournament will raise funds for the Livermore and Granada high schools safe and sober grad night. The tournament will be held April 9 at Poppy Ridge Golf Course, 4280 Greenville Rd., Livermore. The day will include golf, lunch, a barbecue dinner and prizes. The fee is $175 per golfer for the full day; $25 per person for dinner and awards/auction event only. Registration for golf is at 11 a.m. There will be a putting contest at noon followed by the shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner is set for 6 p.m., the auction, raffle and awards at 7 p.m. For information, contact Tony Ansuini at 408-688-7165 or [email protected]. Registration can also be completed at the granada High and Livermore High websites.

Players Sought

Tracy Futbol Clubs U-12 Fireballs Hi Comp Soccer team looking for players. Birthdate must be between August 1, 1997 to August 1, 1998. For more information please contact George Edwards at (209) 613-2294 or E-mail [email protected].

Junior Football Photos - Doug Jorgensen

A Pleasanton Girls Softball player chokes up on the bat, waiting for the pitch (top photo). In the lower photo, a Livermore Smoke player takes a swing at the ball.

Adiao reached base twice and scored twice. Scott Newby scored a run and played solid defense at first base. AAA Division: Diamondbacks 5, Padres 3: An outstanding performance by the Padres starting pitcher Joel Cook kept the D'Backs from putting together any type of offense or runs. Bottom of the 5th after Padres changed pitching started with D'backs Quinn Smalling getting hit by a pitch put him on 1st base followed up by Ryan Castillo base hit line drive into left center field gap w/a double steal to put runners in scoring position. With a past ball Q. Smalling advanced to get the D'Back's 1st run. Which seem to put some pressure on the Padres defence. Along came a total of 5 runs that inning due to good base running by Aaron Noriega, Ryan Robinson, Eric Griffin, Quinn Smalling, and Ryan Castillo and alertness by D'Backs base coaches and aggressive playing which put the D'Backs ahead 5 to 3. Top of the 6th inning pitcher Ryan Castillo came in with 1 pitch to get 1st base with a good fielding play. Padres did get 1 hit after that, but after the hit pitcher focused in and retired the next 2 batters to with the game. Padres 9, A's 5: Noah Rakestraw of the A’s scored first in the 1st inning on a fielder’s choice. Javier Guerra of the Padres caught a great pop fly ball at second for a great out in the 1st. Joel Cook of the Padres hit a double to center to start the home 2nd inning. He scored a run on the RBI by Reece Kerstetter. Joshua Lyons of the A’s made a great tag out at 3rd base. Joel Cook struck out three batters to close the visitor’s 3rd. Maverik Wilson of the A’s made a great defensive play at home to get out Reece Kerstetter of the Padres to end the home 3rd. Garrett Barker of the A’s scored on a throw past 3rd base. Tanner Gomes hits to right field for a base hit in the 6th. Then takes 2nd and 3rd on two wild pitches. Spencer Lujan of the A’s pitched a great game with multiple K’s Dodgers 11, Cardinals 7: The Cardinals and Dodgers opened their regular season with an exciting game from start to finish. The scoring went back and forth with the Dodgers prevailing, 11-7. Pitching well under pressure for the Cardinals were Kade Gomes, Jake Winslow, and Tyler Langowski. Jake Winslow had a big hit for the Cards, a triple in the 4th inning bringing in 3 runs. Also hitting well were Connor Burke and Kenny Mayfield. Pitching well for the Dodgers were Zach Ostrander and Cody Voisin, each throwing 2 solid innings in the win. Zach Ostrander also contributed with his bat, tripling in the first inning. JT Rasmussen had a solid single in the first. Single A: Orange Giants vs. Cubs: It was a battle of the bats this week as the Orange Giants took on the Cubs. Daniel Vergara got the game rolling with a blast past 3rd base for the Giants. London Bishop followed with a solid hit of his own, scoring 1. Then Jesse Haight took to the plate, sending one sailing to the outfield. The Cubs followed suit. Leif Jensen hit one right past 1st for a single. Nate Lee and Ryan Kelly also had nice hits, bringing Cubs home. A's vs. Rockies: Pitcher Jinyoung Bae from the Rockies had an awesome few innings-getting a few important strike outs against the A’s. Ronald Martindill from the Rockies displayed great hitting power getting on base at his at bats. TJ Testerman from the A’s ripped one past the infield players to bring 2 of his A’s Teammates home. Anthony Barbalinardo from the A’s stopped a hard hit ball at 1st base-tagging the player out to end the inning. Rockies vs. Giants: Top players Rockies: Jacob Garcia, Kyle McKinzie, Sean Pascual; Top players Giants: Charles Fillipucci, Charlie Ridings, Grant Dufek Rockies vs Cardinals: Rockies: Jin Young-Bay had a great hit to the outfield and JC Garcia did a fantastic job itching. Cardinal: Jonas Lindquist did an awesome job catching and Siddarth Bokka had two great hits to the outfield. Cardinals vs. Dodgers: The Cardinals' offense was led off by Jacob Burk's double, which was hit all the way to the wall. Austin Statham also hit a hard line drive into the outfield. The Dodgers' Nato Nagengast had some solid hits throughout the game. On the field, excellent plays were made for the Cardinals by Nico LaManna, who made a great stop in right center field, and by Ryan O'Neill, who caught a fly ball and rocketed it to first base for the out. The Dodgers' Mason Swanger also made some impressive defensive plays. T-Ball: Cardinals vs. Cubs: The

Cardinals played the Cubs on the big field Monday night. For the Cardinals, Matthew Ludwig was a great first base defender. Sophia Palomo and Charlie Latowski were awesome hitters. For the Cubs, Jesse Huertas fielded great to Donovan Vmeki at 1st getting numerous outs while Colin Perotti played great short stop. On offense, Austin Calkins and Giovanni Costello were the Cubs power hitters of the game. Dodgers vs Cardinals: Mateo Contreras hit the ball hard during all three at bats. Nathan Evans and Jasen Rudolff both had strong games in the field. A's vs. Giants: A's--Jared Mcquillian, Avery Bingham and Jadiel Salgado. Giants--Zachary Hoobing, Justin York and Joshua Nixon Giants vs. Cardinals: Star players for the Cardinals were Sophie for great fielding, Connor for his hard work as catcher and Graedon for a great effort. For the Giants, Ian Silveira hit two balls to the fence and was skilled at fielding the ball. Kylie Saal made a great effort as shortstop. Shane Pollard gave his all when he backed up first base.

Livermore Smoke

Livermore Smoke results: U-10 Black Division: Slammers 15, Extreme Smoke 11: It was a battle of the bats as the Slammers took on the Extreme Smoke this week for a Slammer win, 15-11. Katie Lucas got the rally started for the Slammers with a single and RBI. She repeated the feat in the second inning as well. Not to be left out, Alyssa Silva, Jessica Blau, and Brianna Wheelock repeated the feat. Then, wanting to make a statement, Lauren Martin amazed the crowd with her triple down the third base line, scoring one more. Extreme Smoke answered back with a double from Cassidy Kovisto and Morton, but it was not enough to stop the Slammers Under-8: Little Slammers vs Lightning Bolts: Little Slammers players: Savanna Nelson, Olivia Powers, Annette Rizo; Lightning Bolts players: Kaleigh Castillo, Eliana Eme, Sofia Randall Embroider Me Lightning Bolts vs Cottage Preschool Chili Peppers: Lightning Bolts players: Emily Brown, Elliana Aggarwal, Anika Jensen; Chili Peppers players: Sarah Burton, Lauren Wirth, Shannon Spiller. Lightning Bolts vs Red Hots: Lightning Bolts players: Justynne Thomas, Amanda Hofmann, Julie Rocha; Red Hots players: Hannah Whitelock, Hope McKeever, Nicole Benjamin

Amador Swimming

With sweep after sweep, the Amador Valley High School boys JV swim team destroyed Cal High 138-30. Amador swept six individual events and went 1-2 in all three relays to record a decisive victory. The Dons won every individual event with Kaleb Pedersen leading the way with a pair (fly, back). The other first place finishers were James Cheney (200 free), Andrew Son (IM), Joey Silva (50 Free), Ben Sornsen (100 free), Justin Pasquale (500 free) and Chris Mowry (breast). Pasquale (200 free), Silva (100 free), Mowry (IM), Cheney (500), and Song (breast) also had second place finishes to go with their firsts. The winning relay teams where Pederson, Camren Chang, Cameron Kurotori and Matt Sun in the medley relay; Song, Steven Cox, Chris Iniquez, and Michael Chew in the 200 free, and capping the meet were Silva, Shridar Gandhi, Cheney and Sornsen in the 400 free relay. Amador Valley boys varsity started ahead, stayed ahead, and cruised to a 12362 win over Cal High in EBAL swimming and diving action. The Dons finished first in eight of the 12 events with Andrew Seitz (200, 500 free) and Bryan Hughes (IM, fly) got to the wall first in a pair of events while Kyle Surber (50 free), Pierson Connors (diving), Nick Johnston (back), and Caleb Wang (breast) also recorded a first in an event. Surber and Johnston also grabbed second place finishes in the 100 free and 500 free respectively. Amador also won two relays with Johnston, Surber, Seitz and Hughes putting it together in the medley relay. Later the “B” relay of David Becker, Stefan Hall, Nick Wee and Brian Zhang narrowly go to the wall first in the 200 free. The Amador Valley JV girls swimming and diving team came into the swimming

Photo - Doug Jorgensen

Little League in the Valley is in full swing. In the photo, Pleasanton National League Major division Cardinal player hits the ball in a game with the Padres. meet with a 10 point lead thanks to a sweep by the divers, won the medley relay, and never looked back, taking a 107-79 victory over California High. The Dons diving squad of Gabby Schulz, Nicole George and Raquel Fraticelli posted the sweep, while Lindsey DeWilde, Elaina Gates, Kat Lai, and Kayla Miller won the medley relay. The medley four also posted at least one win in individual events with Lai taking both the 500 and 200 freestyle events, DeWilde winning the back, Miller the 100 free, and Gates the breaststroke. Amador won the fly as well with Kaitlin Bindert doing the honors. Gates and Miller also had another top three finish with a second in the 100 free, and third in the breast respectively. Other top three finishes for the Dons included Emily Truax in the 200 and 500 free, Lexi Orzoco in the fly, and Nicole Martin in the back. Girls varsity: California High made the most out of the freestyle events and the relays to pull out a 106-80 victory over the Amador Valley varsity girls swimming and diving team. The Dons were tied after the 50 free and only down by two 48-46 going into the 100 free, but Cal gained 14 points in the 100 and the 500 free and won both free relays to pull away. The Dons got three first place finishes overall: Catherine Breed in the 200 free, Haley Brott in diving, and Tory Houston in the breaststroke. Houston also took second in the IM. The diving squad managed to go 1-2-3 with Emma Rigl and Marina Mihov following Brott and Amador was particularly strong in the 200 free with Cassidy Booe and Danielle Sticker going 3-5 behind Breed. Stickler also placed second in the backstroke. Natalie Wong posted a pair of thirds, in the IM and the 500 free, to help keep Amador close. Theresa Martin and Ali Hernbroth posted the Dons other top three finishes with a second in the fly and a third in the 100 free respectively.

Pleasanton Girls Softball

Pleasanton Girls Softball League results: T-Ball: Hyatt-Summerfield Suites vs. Me and My Friends Deli: Excellent hitting by both teams highlighted this twilight tilt in chilly conditions. Hyatt-Summerfield Suites received big hits from Brooke Inman, Rylie Palfalvi and Kaylyn Vahey. Ella Gervasoni, Ella Hodges and Ashlyn Buress fielded ground balls with ease. Me and My Friends Deli played solid defense, led by Ashlee O'Dell’s force play at second and key throws by Lindsay Hill and Sarah-Rose Nicolson. Top Players: Hyatt-Summerfield Suites - Ella Gervasoni, Ella Hodges, Brooke Inman, Me and My Friends Deli - Lindsay Hill, SarahRose Nicolson, Ashlee O'Dell Floor Coverings International East Bay vs. Mike Sanders: Sophia Minnite and Kelsey Lem delivered powerful hits for the Floor Coverings International East Bay team, who played their second game of the season against Mike Sanders. Avery Ehrlich did a great job pitching and fielding to 1st base. She also scored Floor Coverings International East Bay's first run of the game. On 2nd base for Mike Sanders, Kate Sanders threw from 2nd to Lydia Caraballo at 1st for an out. Pitcher Ella Piergrossi threw to Shay McIntyre at 1st for another out. Top Players: Floor Coverings International East Bay – Avery Ehrlich, Kelsey Lem, Sophia Minnite; Mike Sanders - Lydia Caraballo, Ella Piergrossi, Kate Sanders Micro Division: Jabwire vs. Contra Costa Co. Public Auto Auction: Top Players: Jabwire - Kristina Cuevas, Madlyn Murawski, Madeline Shimy; Contra Costa Co. Public Auto Auction - Lydia Muentz, Molly Perez, Kannon Phipps TPC Softball vs. Sean Doyle: For the TPC Softball, Kate Weckworth did a great job at 1st base, while Colette Wogsland held her own as catcher. Grace Haubner got some great hits. For Sean Doyle, Emily Verbeck, Jillian Brugaletta and Sierra Defreitas all had awesome hits. Top Players: TPC Softball - Grace Haubner, Kate Weckworth, Colette Wogsland; Sean Doyle - Jillian Brugaletta, Sierra Defreitas, Emily Verbeck Greyhound Properties vs. The Hopyard Alehouse and Grill: This game was a great match-up with both teams hitting, running, and fielding well. Both teams scored runs and made plays that resulted in outs. Top Players: Greyhound Properties - Ella Camp, Sierra Deaver, Kate Derham; The Hopyard Alehouse and Grill - Lindsay Craft, Ella Melvin, Megan Riley Mini White Division: Kevin Martin, Attorney at Law vs. Minuteman Press of Pleasanton: Kevin Martin, Attorney at Law’s Morgan Barrowcliff had a huge hit, and Jamie Boyd and Emily Johnson were outstanding at fielding. Minuteman Press of Pleasanton’s top players were Madison Harman pitcher, Ava Moseley on 1st, and Emily Johnson on 2nd. Top Players: Kevin Martin, Attorney at Law - Morgan Barrowcliff, Jamie Boyd, Samantha Buscheck; Minuteman Press of Pleasanton - Madison Harman, Emily Johnson, Ava Moseley Mini Teal Division: Diversified Mortgage Group vs. Genworth Financial: Diversified Mortgage Group’s Claire Larsen pitched 3 strike outs & had 1 RBI, Amber Doyle had 2 hits & 1 RBI, Morgan Harris pitched 1 strike out. Genworth Financial’s Aliyah Baxter and Gianna Lyng were awesome at the pitcher’s mound. Hannah Brown turned in great defensive plays. Top Players: Diversified Mortgage Group - Amber Doyle, Claire Larsen Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists vs. Blueline Company: Blueline Company’s Hannah Schott pitched wonderfully. Strong hitting from Sophia Gluck. Great plays to 1st and home by Alexis Neely. Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists had great pitching and defense by Abigail Fried. Emily Yamasaki was fabulous at 1st base. Aliya Lubrin had a smashing hit. Top Players: Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists - Aliya Lubrin, Emily Yamasaki, Abigail Fried; Blueline

Company - Sophia Gluck, Alexis Neely, Hannah Schott State Farm Insurance-Leslie Wolf vs. Blueline Company: Hailey Benner had a great game hitting two singles. Paige Scoffield played great defense catching a fly ball in left center field. Megan Roberts did a great job as catcher and hit a single. Top Players: Blueline Company - Hailey Benner, Megan Roberts, Paige Scoffield Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists 5, City Beach 5: Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists had big hits by Bridget O'Sullivan, excellent fielding by Abigail Fried, great pitching by Maddie Baalman. City Beach had big hits by Eve Schiano and Michaela Riter, great fielding by Madison Hildebrand. Top Players: Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists - Maddie Baalman, Abigail Fried, Bridget O’Sullivan; City Beach - Madison Hildebrand, Michaela Riter, Eve Schiano Mini Black Division: John RochaReMax Accord vs. Construction Testing Services: Top Players: John Rocha-ReMax Accord - Claire Armstrong, Arianna Cisneros, Danielle Williams; Construction Testing Services - Lauren Hermes, Taylor Noval, Nicole Riordan Minor Teal Division: Concord Feed 9, Richert Lumber Co., Inc. 5: Both teams played well and Concord Feed pulled it out in the last inning to win the game. Brittany Barrowcliff - 2 doubles, Kara Haynie - struck out 3 batters, Jasmin Ross - great defensive playing at 3rd base. Allison Harizal of Richert Lumber Co., Inc. did a great job pitching. Top Players: Concord Feed - Brittany Barrowcliff, Kara Haynie, Jasmin Ross; Richert Lumber Co., Inc. - Olivia Austin, Michelle Cyr, Allison Harizal. Major Black Division: TG Information Systems vs. Athen’s Burger: Jennifer Ng and Courtney Hennings led hitting behind solid pitching by Danielle Hammer of Athen's Burger. Ryan Harding had a stinging double and both Nicole Gilbreth and Nicole Chin were defensive stars for TG Information Systems. Top Players: TG Information Systems – Nicole Chin, Nicole Gilbreth, Ryan Harding; Athen’s Burgers – Danielle Hammer, Courtney Hennings, Jennifer Ng

Livermore Lacrosse

The reality of playing in the toughest league in California set in for the Cowboys this week. The Livermore High School varsity boys' Lacrosse team was defeated by Foothill, 12 - 2. Livermore played the first quarter toe to toe with the Falcons and were down by a score of 1 - 0. Then the wheels came off in the second quarter after Chis Hill went down with an injury. The Falcons scored five goals and never looked back. They added three in the third quarter and three in the fourth to finish with 12. Scoring for the Cowboys were Matt Holzschuh and Daniel Rowan with a goal apiece. Tommy Parker and Scott Gragg each had one assist each. Gavin Herr had 14 saves in the loss. Even with the loss, this was the closest the Cowboys have come to the Falcons. The JV Boys' Lacrosse team were defeated by the Falcons of Foothill by a score of 15 - 2. Scoring for the Cowboys were Steven Niessen and Mac Morgan who each had a goal. Niessen and Robert Nguyen had one assist each. Steven Martinez had 11 saves in the loss. The Livermore Boys' varsity team lost to the Wolves of San Ramon Valley, 16 - 6. San Ramon built a 9 - 0 lead at the first half and made it 10 - 0 before the Cowboys started in with the comeback. Two quick goals by Eric Loberg and Scott Gragg made the score 10 - 2. Then San Ramon scored three goals to take a 13 - 2 lead after three quarters. In the fourth quarter Livermore outscored San Ramon 4 - 3. Goals by Matt Holzschuh, Stan Steeper, Tommy Parker, and Gragg's second goal of the game had the Cowboys feeling better about the score. Assists in the game were by Gragg, Parker, Daniel Rowan, and Jacob Cuellar. The defense stood its ground and had a good fourth quarter with Chris Hill, Joe Gonzalez, Rusty Schmidt, and Michael Fischer playing hard. Travis Cyronek and Kyle Kline had outstanding games at Long Stick Middie and Middie respectively. Gavin Herr had nine saves in the loss. As in the game against Foothill, the Cowboys got closer to San Ramon than ever before. The JV team was undermanned and played hard in losing to San Ramon Valley 13 - 3. Scoring for the Cowboys were Steven Niessen, Mac Morgan, and Nick Vickers. Steven Martinez had a great game in recording 22 saves.

LAZERS Water Polo

On Saturday March 27th the Livermore Lazers played host to several teams from the Bay Area in their Spring Tournament series held at the Robert Livermore Community Center. In Level One play, the Lazers won 2 and lost 1 match. There were some great offensive performances by Annika Landreth while Rory Cartwright and Elizabeth Bukus played solidly on defense. In the Level two matches, the Lazers won all 3 of their games. Baylie Peterson contrib-

uted goals for the Lazers and Katie Flores had three great games playing defense.

Youth Basketball

The Livermore Our Savior Lutheran Girls 7th & 8th Grade Girls Team closed out their regular season play in Piedmont with a very exciting game over Piedmont's Zion Lutheran 49-47. The lead changed several times throughout the game with Zion Lutheran leading at half time. Both teams continued to make adjustments to counter the other team's defensive and offensive strategies. Zion Lutheran's Milan Moses and Amari Cumby provided significant offensive support and staunch defensive play was provided by Klara Abrans and Breanna Scarborough. For Our Savior Lutheran, Danielle Dufek provided the offensive momentum along with Lauren Tabor, Elizabeth Flemming and Julia MacDonald. Kylie Long, Taylor Peterson, and Kayla Cromwell provided staunch defensive play.

Crush Basketball

Livermore’s Tri-Valley Crush 6th grade boys basketball team defeated a very good ASA team from Concord by a score of 33 to 28. Scott Newby had a big game for the Crush scoring 14 points and bringing down 7 rebounds. The play of Aaron Kawahara and Austin Weller were also key to the win with both having numerous assists and steals. Nate Barney was outstanding on the boards and Austin Curtis and Aaron Lee played well. On Sunday the Crush was defeated 36 to 26 by a tough SportStrong team despite a great effort by Dylan Medeiros, Bryce Bonite, John Reggiardo, Parker Turk, Tyler Padden, and the rest of the Crush team.

Edge Gymnastics

Edge Gymnastics team competed in the NorCal State Championship hosted by Marin Elite Gymnastics in Kenfied on March 27-28. Results: Level 7: Junior B age group: Stephenie Relova, 9th vault 9.05, 2nd bars 9.35, 1st beam 9.55, 2nd floor 9.575, 1st all around 37.575. Junior C age group: Samantha Jower, 3rd vault 9.3, 4th bars 9.35, 13th beam 8.875, 3rd floor 9.4, 4th all around 36.95 Senior A age group: Adriana Gascon, 12th vault 9.05, 2nd bars9.2 , 1st beam9.6, 1stT floor 9.325, 1st all around 37.7225; Nadine Vomund, 9th vault 9.15, 4th bars 9.075, 5th beam 9.25, 1stT floor 9.325, 3rd all around 36.8

Granada Varsity Lacrosse

Granada High School's varsity boys Lacrosse team faced off against the mighty De La Salle Spartans in their second game in league play. Del La Salle proved to be a league stronghold despite a tenacious Matador defense and a relentless offensive effort. Granada was defeated 17 to 3. De La Salle scored 13 point in the 1st half. The Matadors held them to 4 points in the second half. Granada scored one goal in each of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters. Top scorers for Granada were Jared McAllister, 2 goals and Eric Martin, 1. Assists for Granada were credited to Jared McAllister, 1 and Eric Martin, 1. Goalie, Jim Goritz held strong and had 6 saves to the opponents goalie at 3.

Livermore Aquacowboys

Eighteen Livermore Aquacowboys competed in the Junior Olympic Championship Swim Meet held at the San Ramon Olympic Pool. Three additional new Sectional Times were achieved by Nina Hayes and Natalie Wong. A New Pacific Recordable Time (PRT) was achieved by Alexander Gonzales. In addition, 10 new Farwestern Times were achieved by Taylor Brennan, Kylie Clark, Catherine Elliott, Alexander Gonzalez, Katie Kulp, Morgan Roddy and Trent Trump.

The Livermore Junior Football League registration for 2010 is underway. Due to its success over its three-year existence and the support of LARPD and the high school football programs, LJFL is expanding to all children aged 8 through 14 (as of December 31, 2010.) Football participants will learn the fundamentals of contact football in a safe and positive environment and play regardless of talent level or ability. Cheer participants will learn the fundamentals, cheer at games and compete locally. All games will be played in Livermore at the high schools. All practices will take place in Livermore. The season begins on August 1 and concludes in early November. Online registration is open at www. LivermoreJuniorFootball.com. In person sign-ups will occur on Saturday, March 20, 10 am to 6 pm at the Robert Livermore Community Center gymnasium lobby, 4444 East Ave, Livermore. The registration cost is $265 for football and $95 (noncompetitive) or $120 (competitive) for cheer. Registration costs increases after April 24. Each player pays a $25 refundable volunteer fee. Sibling discounts apply. LJFL has a limited number of scholarships for needy families. Applications are available at www.LivermoreJuniorFootball.com. Registration will close when the league reaches 12 teams. Players that are not able to register with LJFL will be given instructions to Pleasanton Junior Football League registration. LJFL intends to expand in the future to accept all Livermore children who wish to play contact football or to cheer. For additional information, interested parents should visit: www.LivermoreJuniorFootball.com. President and Vice-President of LJFL are Jim Burke and Jon Parker.

Diablo Century

Cycling enthusiasts are invited to register for the 2nd annual Diablo Century to be held on Sunday morning, April 25 at the Contra Costa JCC in Walnut Creek. Three routes, all beginning at the CCJCC on Tice Valley Blvd. in Walnut Creek, will accommodate various cycling levels: the 25mile route will take casual cyclists through the scenic hills of Danville and Alamo to the foot of Mt. Diablo and back. The more challenging 100-K route (62 miles) will have cyclists enjoying the breathtaking backside and spectacular views of Mt. Diablo via Clayton and the Morgan Territory. Cyclists will descend into Livermore and return via Danville and scenic Blackhawk. The final 100-M route (100 miles) will have serious cyclists taking the 100-K route and then adding to the challenge with a vigorous jaunt to Castro Valley, followed by an energetic climb up Redwood Road to Moraga. The Diablo Century will take place come rain or shine. Start time for the 100-K and 100-M routes is from 6:30 to 8:00 am. The 25-M route begins at 8:00 am. Individual registration fee for all routes is $50 per person ($60 the day of the event). Tandem for all routes is $100 per tandem ($110 the day of the event) and additional luncheon tickets for non-registered riders are available for $10 each. To register for the Diablo Century or to learn more, please visit www.ccjcc.org/diablo. To learn about volunteering opportunities, please contact Phil Hankin at philh@ ccjcc.org or (925) 938-7800, ext. 273.

Charity Golf Tournament

The Tri-Valley YMCA will host its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Fri., April 30 at the Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton. The event will include silent and live auctions, a women's beauty event, and a dinner. Free certified childcare will be provided from 3:30 p.m. until the conclusion of the festivities. For all who register by April 1st, the cost is $165. After April 1st, the price is $185 which includes golf, lunch, dinner and refreshments. The golf begins at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start but golfers may begin checking in at 10 a.m. The funds raised for this event benefit the programs of the Tri-Valley YMCA whose policy is to never turn away a child or family for lack of funds. There are many sponsorship opportunities such as hole sponsorship and a "Corporate Outing Foursome" special. Live

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PAGE 8 - The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010

and silent auction items are being welcomed to help raise funds in support of the Y mission of building strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

Football/Cheer League

Livermore Youth Football and Cheer is celebrating its 36th year and is accepting registration for competitive football players ages 7 to 14 years and competitive cheerleaders ages 5 to 14 years. Register a football player or cheerleader at www.eteamz.com/lyfc For the month of March receive a $25.00 discount by entering the code mar25 during registration. Regular registration fees $100. Player participation fee football $175.00 (Vikings level $200 which includes keeping your jersey). Cheerleaders $100 participation fee. Discounts are available for bringing in sponsorship money. The coaching staff includes former NFL player James Hodgins (St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets). This year’s board will emphasize both on athletic achievement and academic excellence. The league is a traveling league and of the nine games travel is to five of them. This year away games are in Antioch, Walnut Creek, Pinole, Napa and American Canyon. The LYFC family will insure that all player gets to all games. Practice begins on August 2, 2010, at the Mendenhall fields where all teams, football and cheer practice. All practices, for all levels, take place at the same days, time and place. Each player will have the opportunity to play multiple positions each and every game. Training includes developing football and cheerleading skills, including instructing the players for special teams. This is the only Livermore league offering such instruction. For more information please visit our website at www.eteamz.com/lyfc or e-mail [email protected].

Bowling News

Youth Bowler, Robert Bobosky in the Generation Gap on Sunday shot a 156 over series at the Granada Bowl in Livermore. Games were 162-184-161. Kevin Wilcox, in the Thursday Practice Strikes & Spares,

rolled 134 over series average to finish with a 536. Jim Leal, in the Getaway Fours league, shot87 over for a 250 game. Right behind him was Lee Pettus with a 246, Lori Bobosky 60 over for a 203 game and Karen Lopez 56 pins over for a 197 game. James Murphy bowled 277 in the Modified Guys & Dolls on Wednesday with Jerry Friesen rolling a 276. Pat Braga went 101 over series average with 239-188-211 in the set. Rouding out the high scorers were Joe Dimaggio a 248, Gary Rensink a 242 and Dennis Mitchell a 235 game. Janelle Carey bowled a 232 (77 over) in the Thursday Morning Donna's Mixers league, Doug Parker a 216 and Betty Winn 201 . Dawn Buhnekempe rolled 56 pins over average for a 166 game in the Sirettes & Friends league. Tammy Ragusa, in the Thursday Practice Strikes & Spares league, shot 102 over series with games of 159-182-235. Mike Smit rolled a 224, 225 to end the night with a 621. Connie Fonseca bowled 51 pins over for a 172 game. Joe Delise, in the Cheyenne league, rolled 55 over for a 266 game and Ray Salas turned in a 279. In the Early Years Reno Getaway, Ray Siegried ended the night with a 651 (111 over) to include a 203-212-236. Senior bowler Dick Braden, in the Monday Primetimers, rolled a 246, Jim McQuaid a 234 and Obie Brooks a 204 Cindy Henderson & Sachiko both rolled 105 over series with Cindy ending with 546 and Sachiko a 513 in the Sirs & Sirettes. Larry Prezzler had a 205 game and Chuck Edeal was 41 over average with a 191 game. In the Friday Primetimers, John Waite rolled 217, Dick Harris 215, Otis Farris 210, Sam Cancilla 209. Lori Kaufman bowls 43 over witha 198 game and Shirley Davis 40 over with a 177 game. Youth bowler Alex Laronde rolled 122 over with games of 168-149-174 in the Generation Gap league. Riely Chin rolled 64 over with a 267 game and Nick Moreland 55 over with a 168 game.

Fastpitch Softball

Mavericks fastpitch softball team is now recruiting players for its 16U team. There are spots remaining on the 2010 roster. The team was the 2009 Western Pacific champs. For information, contact Greg at 699-4354 or go to www.mavericksfastpitch.com.

Churches Plan Easter Week Services Centerpointe Church, Easter Sunrise Service at 6 a.m. at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, located off Stanley Boulevard in east Pleasanton. Parking will be free and refreshments will be served after the 45-minute service. Pastor Mike Barris will deliver the message entitled, “When Empty Means Full.” Two Easter celebrations on its campus at 3410 Cornerstone Court, Pleasanton. The traditional service 9 a.m. followed by a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Mike Barris’ message is titled, “Because He Reigns, He Pours.” During Holy Week, morning communion services will be held at 7 and 9 a.m. daily. Each service will run about 35 minutes and will include a devotional message. The Maundy Thursday communion service celebrating Jesus’ last supper with his disciples will be at 7 p.m. on April 1. www. centerpointechurch.info or call 925-846-4436. First Presbyterian Church, 4th and South L Streets, Livermore. Easter Sunday, April 4, traditional worship at 9 and 11 a.m. Fellowship after each service. Resurrection Celebration in the sanctuary. 447-2078. Trinity Baptist Church, 557 Olivina Ave., Livermore. Maundy Thursday, April 1, Lord’s Supper 7 p.m. Good Friday service, April 2 at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, “Share Resurrection Power” 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. Easter Dramatic Monologue, 6 p.m. 447-1848.

Catholic Community of St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Holy Thursday service, April 1, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 2, 1:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 7:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil at 8:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Masses at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. 447-4549. Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385 So. Livermore Ave., Livermore. Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7 p.m. service. Good Friday service at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 4, 9 a.m. classic service, 11 a.m. contemporary. 447-1246. CrossWinds, 6444 Sierra Ct., Dublin. Good Friday services 5 and 7 p.m. Easter Sunday services at 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Regular children’s program available. 560-3800. Livermore Alive, 1040 Florence Rd., Livermore. Easter Sunday, April 4, 10 a.m. Easter egg hunt. Food, activities for ages 5 to 12. Special pre-school hunt. www.livermorealive.org. St. Augustine Catholic Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. Good Friday, April 2, stations of the cross at non; cross walk start 4:30 p.m. Holy Saturday, morning prayer 8:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 4, Masses at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon and also 10:15 a.m. in the grotto. 846-4489. St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion and Communion, 8 p.m.

Good Friday, April 2. Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 3. Easter Sunday, April 4, children’s mass 9 a.m., 11 a.m. Mass, 12:30 p.m. youth mass. 484-5020. Victory Point Church has a new home at 6258 Preston Avenue in Livermore. A Grand Welcome service on Easter Sunday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m. will celebrate the fifth anniversary and the relocation to the new

facility. Open to the public. Everyone is welcome. Pastor is Stuart Young. Tri-Valley Unity Church, “Wisdom Calls Forth” is the theme for the 10 a.m. Easter celebration, Sunday, Apr. 4. All are welcome. Ongoing classes and groups. 2260 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. (925) 829-2733; www.trivalleyunity.com

Special Services Planned for Easter Week and Easter Sunday

The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010 - PAGE 9

Livermore Police Offer Two Sessions of 'Illegal Prescription Drug Use' Presentation

Nominations Due for Juanita Haugen Award

“Illegal Prescription Drug Use in Livermore” is the topic of a presentation offered by the Livermore Police Department. This talk is geared primarily towards parents of teens, young adults and educators. High school and college-age students are encouraged to attend as well, and all members of the community interested in this subject are also welcome. There will be two opportunities to hear this presentation: Monday, April 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Granada High School Student Union, and Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at

the Livermore High School Theater. Narcotics detectives Keith Graves and Scott Harrison, as well as Sgt. Jim Conley, will be the presenters. There will also be two guest speakers: young adults who became addicted to prescription drugs and would like to share their stories in an effort to help others. Prescription drug abuse is a national and local problem that has almost doubled in Livermore just in the past two years. It impacts primarily teens and young adults. These powerful drugs are prescribed as painkillers

and result in an extremely high rate of addiction. Police departments are also experiencing an increase in burglaries and robberies as a source of funding, as well as fraudulent prescriptions, as people become desperate to obtain their drug of choice. Education is the best way to help our youth stay away from all drugs. Parents are rarely aware of their children using these drugs. During the presentation the detectives will discuss the most common drugs being used, signs and symptoms of prescription drug influence, drug paraphernalia, and information on

how this medication is being obtained. Parents of teens and young adults are particularly encouraged to attend. This presentation is cosponsored by the Livermore Police Department and the Livermore Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, an organization of members from the community who have graduated from the Citizens Police Academy.  For more information about the Citizens Police Academy, please visit www.livermorepolice.org Questions about this presentation can be directed to Sgt. Jim Conley at 925-371-4900.

Theoharis "Harry" Spiliotopoulos

FM2 Wildcat, F4U Corsair, TV1 jet fighter, F2F Banshee, S2F Tracker and various others. Gene was a terrific husband and father and always wanted the best for his family. In order to improve the family's financial situation, Gene started selling life insurance in the evenings. In 1953 he founded E.E. "Gene" Morgan Insurance Agency, which has been located for the last 45 years at the corner of 4th and L Streets. He worked hard, along with his wife and business partner, Isabel, to make the business one of the most successful insurance offices in the East Bay. Gene's son, Mike, joined the agency in 1979. In addition to his success in business, Gene was active in community affairs and politics. He was a member of many civic organizations, was a past president of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce and served as a director of the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District Board for 10 years, including a term as president. Gene and Isabel enjoyed traveling and visited countries all over the world. During his business and community careers, Gene received many awards and lots of recognition for his achievements. However, his family and valued clients always came first. Upon retirement, Gene and Isabel eventually located in the Palm Springs area and lived for the last four years in La Quinta. He enjoyed the warmer climates. He and Isabel were active tennis players. They remained very much in love for all of their 64 years of married life. They shared the grief of the loss of their wonderful daughter Cindy at age 16. Gene is survived by his wife Isabel, daughters Chris (Bob) and Monica (Bill), his son Michael (Nancy) and his grandchildren Christine, Morgan, Melissa, Meredith and Michelle. Services were held March 21 at the First Presbyterian Church in Livermore. Donations in Gene's memory can be made to the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore or to a favorite charity.

phies with his team. He was self-employed, along with his brother Ben, raising tomatoes and growing grain in both Livermore and the Central Valley. They owned a trucking service and hauled tomatoes and assorted fruits during the summer. He was also instrumental in developing domestic water wells for both the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton. Joseph was an entrepreneur. He bought and sold cattle, operated a Christmas tree farm lot in Oakland for a number of years, and bought and sold scrap iron and oakwood. He also operated in wrecking yard in Escalon. Joseph was an avid hunter and fisherman in California and out of state. He loved the simple pleasures of life, such as the outdoors, nature and his beloved Terriers. He had a remarkable talent for telling funny stories. He especially enjoyed family gatherings on his Mines Rd. property. He is survived by son, Joseph Mingoia of Livermore and daughter Linda Dyer of South San Francisco, and three grandchildren, Kathleen, Charles and Tiffany. He is also survived by two sisters, Sister Julie Carmel of Notre Dame Order and Josephine Glangrosso of Pleasanton. He leaves behind a large extended family of nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Hazel, and brothers Emanuel and Ben Mangoia. A memorial and celebration of life will be held Sat., April 10 at noon at the Livermore Pleasanton Rod & Gun Club on Dagnino Rd., Livermore. All who knew him are welcome. Donations to a favorite charity would be appreciated by the family.

3, 2010, in Livermore after several years of deteriorating health. She was born Edna Berthe Craig in Wi l l o w s , CA, on March 25, 1920. Early in her life her family moved to San Francisco, where she grew up in a peaceful time for a child with her three brothers and four sisters. At the beginning of WWII she fell in love with a young marine, Jesse Smith. They married in 1942 before he went off to war. Her first son Gerald was born in 1943, followed by son David in 1947. The young family moved often to military bases in San Diego, Hawaii, Cherry Point, and San Francisco, finally settling in Livermore in 1958 after Jesse retired. Their youngest son Paul was born in 1963. During this time Edna enjoyed her pastime of sewing, becoming the seamstress for family, friends and neighbors. She especially loved creating frilly dresses for little girls. Life was filled with family get-togethers and the sports events of her sons. Following Jesse’s sudden death from an airplane accident in Livermore in 1966, she moved to Gilroy, Reno, Gray Eagle, and finally Williams, Oregon, where she wed Ed Schank, a military, long-time family friend. Following his death, she lived many years in Sutter Creek. Later she would live in San Diego near dear friends, the Norby’s, and in Rocklin to be close to her sister Joan. As her health began to deteriorate, she moved back to Livermore in 2007 to be near old friends and her son David. Edna was preceded in death by her husbands Jesse Smith and Ed Schank, her brothers Howard (Big John) Craig, Robert Craig and recently John Craig,and her sister June Larson. She leaves her younger sisters Kay Vanderbur, Marilyn Allen, and Joan Nepa. She will be greatly missed by her sons and their families, J.C. and Ramona Eaglesmith of Taylorsville, David and Linette Smith of Livermore, and Paul Smith and fiancee Cindy Erich of Sutter Creek. There are nine grandchildren Jared, Justis, and Jason; Matthew, Emily and Rachel; and Tiffany, Daniel and Bayleigh, and six young great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers

Theoharis Anastasios Spiliotopoulos, better known as “Harry” peacefully passed away at his Pleasanton home surrounded by friends and family on March 23, 2010. He was 68 years old. He was born July 15, 1941 in Athens, Greece. He moved from Greece to Pleasanton in 1961 where his aunt and uncle resided and owned the Cheese Factory. He graduated from Cal Poly in 1969 with a degree in Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering and worked as an engineer for 38 years. Harry was a generous man and could fix just about anything. He was also an excellent cook specializing in his Greek Cuisine and Crème Brule. His hobbies included computers and restoring old cars. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Spiliotopoulos, of Pleasanton, two daughters and their spouses, Staci and David Valdix of Pleasanton and Trisha and Scott Carter of Pleasanton and 5 grandchildren. A service to honor his life was held on Monday, March 29 in Pleasanton. Memorial Donations are requested to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by GrahamHitch Mortuary.

Gene Morgan

Gene Morgan died March 5, 2010 at his home in La Quinta, CA. His wife Isabel and his children were at his side. Gene was born in Cambria, Illinois on Sept. 12, 1922. He often talked about his exceptional and happy childhood with his loving parents, Silas Ervin and Ruby Morgan, and his sister Doris. He was a good student and active in sports. He always had an interest in airplanes and decided to join the Navy after the outbreak of World War II. Gene signed up for the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1942 and started his active duty Naval Aviation training in 1943. He was assigned to a number of colleges and Naval Air Stations where he received extensive academic, military and flight training. He was commissioned as a Navy Ensign and received his Navy Wings of Gold at Corpus Christi, Texas. After various active duty assignments, Gene was assigned to an F6F Hellcat squadron at Livermore Naval Air Station. It was on Oct. 13, 1945 that he met the love of his life, Isabel Bonne. It was love at first sight for both Isabel and Gene. They were married on Dec. 9. Gene finished his Naval active duty in 1947. He then started to work for his in-laws, Al and Emma Bonne, as a dry cleaner in their commercial laundry on Second Street in Livermore. That same year saw the birth of their son, Michael. In 1948, daughter Chris was born, followed by daughters Cindy and Monica in later years. Gene continued to fly in the Naval Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1982. During his career as a Naval Aviator, he piloted many of the Navy's best planes, including the Hellcat,

Joseph Samuel Mingoia

Joseph passed away from complications due to congestive heart failure at ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton on Feb. 3, 2010. He was a "young" 94 years of age. He was born August 15, 1915. Though he was a long-time resident of Livermore, he was born and raised in San Jose to Italian immigrants who farmed in Pleasanton off Vineyard Avenue. He spent many summers there. He attended and graduated from Bellarmine Prep in Santa Clara where he excelled in baseball, accumulating several tro-

Catherine Vargas

Catherine Vargas died March 26, 2010 following a long battle with illness. She can now be her her father Lewis Vulgamore. She was born August 8, 1950 and spent most of her youth in Livermore, attending Livermore High School. She lived in Pleasanton to raise her family. She leaves behind her mother Rozella Vulgamore of Livermore, sisters Sharon Shafto of Auburn, Carol Wilbur Of Redding, brothers Butch Vulgamore of Twin falls Idaho, Dewey Vulgamore of Manteca; sons Rubin Lopez of Pleasanton, Brandon Lopez of Stockton, and her husband Mike Vargas of Sacramento. There was a private family ceremony Wednesday 3/31/10 in Lake Tahoe.

Edna (Smith) Schank

Edna (Smith) Schank, loving mother, passed away March

Pleasanton Community of Character Collaborative Luncheon is set for May 6. The deadline to make a nomination for the Junaita Haugen Award is April 1. The award is named in honor of longtime Pleasanton Unified School District Board Member and community volunteer, Juanita Haugen and recognizes Pleasanton residents chosen by their peers who consistently model high ethical and moral standards of behavior advocated by the Collaborative: Responsibility, Compassion, SelfDiscipline, Honesty, Respect and Integrity. This year’s recipients will be announced May 6, 2010 at the Community of Character Collaborative Luncheon Celebration at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton. Cost to attend is $35 per person, which includes a $5 donation to the Community of Character Juanita Haugen Civic Engagement Scholarship Fund. To register send a check to PO Box 516 Pleasanton California 94566. RSVP by April 29. Anyone wishing to nominate a person who has demonstrated a commitment to the Community of Character traits through their volunteer work may download a form at www.pleasanton.org.

donations can be made to Fisher House Foundation, www. fisherhouse.org. At her request there will be no funeral services and burial will be private.

William E. “Bill” Hecht

Pleasanton resident William E. “Bill” Hecht died March 27, 2010. He was born in San Francisco to Denis and Patricia Hecht on February 11, 1965, was raised in Jamestown and Davis, CA where he graduated high school. He worked as an electrician for 25 years in San Mateo and was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 617. He enjoyed coaching and supporting Pleasanton American Little League. Bill was always generous with his abilities, assisting neighbors in need. He also enjoyed sailing and archery. Devoted father and husband, he is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Hecht, and adored sons, Dylan and Joshua. He also leaves behind his loving mother, Patricia Fullendorf Hecht of Davis, sisters, Patricia M. Hecht of Elk Grove and Peggy Traverso of Davis. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Graham-Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First St., Pleasanton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made

to Raskob Day School, 3520 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619.

Lina B. Meyer

Lina passed away on the first day of Spring, March 31, 2010. After many blood transfusions, her heart seized to function, and a happy life came to an end. She is survived by her son Rène and his wife Mary, daughter Lauren and her husband Paul. Lina was born Feb. 12, 1919. She was raised in Zurich, Switzerland. She lived in Monaco for several years as an au-pair girl during the Nazi occupation. After the war, she returned to Switzerland, where she met Paul in 1947 and married him in 1952. In 1953, they adventured to Chicago for a year and a half. In 1955, they moved to Seattle where they lived for six years. In 1960, the family arrived in Livermore. Her, Rène, son was born in 1961. Soon after, Lina ran the nursery school for the First Presbyterian Church in Livermore for several years and made many friends. We all miss her deeply. At her request, there will be no formal services. Family members will meet with friends sometimes during the coming warmer season.

PAGE 10 - The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010

Scholarships for Veterans

The Las Positas College Foundation and the Mario Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation are joining hands to serve military veterans. The Las Positas College Foundation will raise $10,000 in scholarships. The Mario Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation is matching that amount, bringing potential veteran scholarship funding to $20,000. Both foundations invite the community to pitch in and increase that amount for veterans who wish to pursue their education. Scholarships are available to all veterans and active duty military personnel. Pedrozzi scholarships are available only to veterans and active duty military personnel who graduated from an accredited Livermore high school. "We strongly encourage all eligible veterans to apply for these scholarships," says Todd Steffan, Las Positas College Veterans First Coordinator. Veterans can find applications for these and other scholarships on the Las Positas College Veterans First Website and information on how to donate, go to [email protected] for links.

Bay Friendly Gardens

The 7th annual free Bay Friendly Garden Tour will take place Sun., April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will showcase natural gardening techniques. Registration for the tour is required. Go to www.BayFriendly. org by April 15 to register. Registrants will receive a tour guide book with garden directions and descriptions by mail.

Duck Races

The 18th annual Livermore Duck Races will be held Sun., April 25 at the Granada High School pool in Livermore. The races are 2 to 3:30 p.m. This is a fund-raiser for Livermore schools and nonprofit groups. Over $5000 in cash prizes will be given out. There will be a Little Duckie Race for kids age 12 and younger. The race is free with a parent present. There will be prizes, compliments of Livermore McDonalds. The Livermore Lioness Club and Livermore Y's Men Club will float and stir plastic ducks in the pool, 400 Wall St., Members from the Granada swim team will dive into the pool and retrieve winning ducks. Each duck will have a number attached and assigned to the number on an entry form. The winning duck entries eligible for prizes will be announced at the conclusion of each race. Individuals need not be present to win. For more information, call 449-1315 or 321-1123. Tickets, printed by Camino Press, are $5 per entry. They are available from some Livermore school PTAs or write to the Livermore Duck Races, PO Box 48, Livermore, CA 94551. For information, call Betty Harvey at 449-1315 or Jim Travis at 321-1123.

Nature Programs

The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District ranger staff will offer two programs this weekend. Mammals is the topic of a Sat., April 3 program. Meet Ranger Darren Segur at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park. Lots of critters are mammals, but what exactly makes one a mammal? What are the advan-

tages and disadvantages of being one, and where do humans weigh in on “mammalness?” These and other questions will be answered during this nature program along with cool critter stuff. Good for ages 5 and up. There will be a Sunset Hike on Sun., April 4. Meet Ranger Patti Cole at 7 p.m. at the Wetmore Road entrance to Sycamore Grove Park. After sunset, hike back looking and listening for the park’s nocturnal residents as they stir from their slumber. No flashlights please, but don’t forget the insect repellent. Canceled if raining. There is a $4 per vehicle parking fee. A $2 donation is requested to help support the programs. Participants may call 925-960-2400 for more information.

Youth Opportunities

Applications are now being accepted for the Dublin Youth Advisory Committee. Applicants must be Dublin residents and enrolled in middle, junior high or senior high school for the upcoming school year. The term of office is for one year starting June 1 and ending the following May 31. Application deadline is April 30, 2010. Applications are available on-line at www.ci.dublin. ca.us at the Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, or by calling 556-4500. The committee offers teens a way to provide input on programs and activities offered by the city. The committee generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. • • • Applications are being accepted for the student representative to the City of Dublin Parks and Community Services Commission. Applicants must be Dublin residents and enrolled in middle, junior high or senior high school for the upcoming school year. The term of office is for one year starting June 1 and ending the following May 31. Application deadline is April 30, 2010. Applications are available on-line at www.ci.dublin.ca.us at the Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, or by calling 556-4500. This is an advisory body to the city council. It makes recommendations as necessary in all matters pertaining to the operation and maintenance of an effective, efficient and adequate program of parks, recreation and community services. The commission meets monthly on the third Monday at 7 p.m. Commissioners receive $50 for attendance at each meeting.

Autism and Swimming

April is National Autism Awareness month and American Swim Academy is offering free swim assessment classes for children with special needs. April 2010 will be the first National Autism Awareness Month since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised the autism prevalence rate to one in 110 children. Children with autism are naturally attracted to water making drowning the leading cause of death for children with autism. “The benefits of swimming are immeasurable,” said Matt Alberti, owner of American Swim Academy. “It’s one of the most helpful exercises, promoting large muscle coordination and balance.” For information call, 800-810SWIM or visit www.americanswimacademy.com.

Horizon Students Graduate from City of Pleasanton's Intern Class Four Horizon High School students wrapped up their assignments, and were ready for graduation this week. The graduation in this instance was not the overall high school commencement, rather a fiveweek internship program that provided them hands-on experience in the work place. The graduation ceremony was held in the Pleasanton city operations center on March 31. All four students were mentored by city staff members. Each graduate was given the opportunity to put to use some of the public speaking skills she learned in a class taught by Chris Morales, the city’s assistant director of Human Relations. Students presented their own five minute commencement speech.

FOR INFORMATION PLACING LEGAL NOTICES CONTACT BARBARA @ 925 243-8000 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435032 The following person(s) doing business as: Curb Appeal, 2481 Buena Vista Avenue, Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Karl Erwin Mueller, 2481 Buena Vista Avenue, Livermore Ca 94550 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/:Karl Mueller This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on February 22, 2010. Expires February 22, 2015. The Independent Legal No.2724. Publish March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 434595 The following person(s) doing business as: Fit Moms Club, 5568 Corte Sierra, Pleasanton CA 94566 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Julie M Monette, 5568 Corte Sierra, Pleasanton Ca 94566 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/:Julie M. Monette This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on February 10, 2010. Expires February 10, 2015. The Independent Legal No.2725. Publish March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435527 The following person(s) doing business as:Faz Restaurant & Catering, 5121 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton Ca 94588 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): S.D. Inc., 5121 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton Ca 94588 This business is conducted by:a Corporation The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on 1996. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Faz Poursohi This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 3, 2010. Expires March 3, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2727. Publish March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435543 The following person(s) doing business as: That’ll Do Pig Video Productions, 11501 Dublin Blvd., Ste 200, Dublin Ca 94568 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Creatability LLC, 5776 Belleza

Dr., Pleasanton, Ca 94588 Why Not 3D, 1130 Catalina Dr., Apt 80, Livermore Ca 94550 This business is conducted by:a Joint venture Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Paul Wakefield This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 4, 2010. Expires March 4, 2015. The Independent Legal No.2732. Publish March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435683 The following person(s) doing business as: Interiors By Design, 7601 Kilrush Ave, Dublin Ca 94568 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Katherine Tella, 7601 Kilrush Ave, Dublin Ca 94568 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/:Katherine Tella This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 6, 2010. Expires March 6, 2015. The Independent Legal No.2733. Publish March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2010.

she said. Kristina Silva spent her internship taking on administrative aide work in the offices of the city manager and city attorney. She also spent a week at Gingerbread pre-school, in a job share with another student, Channing Stone. Brenda Gonzalez worked at the city’s sports park. Rebecca Porter provided administrative support at the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department. All four students plan to go on to college. Although the jobs differed for the students, they all emphasized customer service, said McMahon. The program’s experience helps students market themselves. “They undertake a presentation in class. They market

themselves. They develop a resume. We help them build a skills set. They are building their resumes,” said McMahon. McMahon began work with Morales in December to plan the courses for March. Although most of the city hall interaction was within each department that had a student, Morales also taught a job-hunting class, in addition to her public speaking instruction. Morales picked a topic for her own instructional speech to them that she thought would be interesting. It was about the power of positive thinking. “They are teen mothers, and already dealing with life in different aspects, and with many challenges. Everyone has challenges in life issues. Help is always there,” said Morales.

Bogey Bash Benefits Arc Programs The Arc of Alameda County’s first annual “Bogey Bash” comes to Las Positas Golf Course on Monday, April 26. The event benefits the 600 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that are served by the Arc. The day begins with lunch at Bebe’s Restaurant and a putting contest. Golfers tee-off at 12:30 in a “shotgun” start, the silent auction begins at 5:30 with dinner and the awards ceremony at 6:30. The registration fee is $125 per golfer; with a $5 discount if a group signs up as a foursome. Participants may also purchase a “mulligan-plus” ticket for $40 which includes 5 raffle tickets, 2 mulligans and entry

into the Long Drive and Putting Contests. Golfers will have a chance to win a new Chevy Malibu courtesy of F.H. Daily Chevrolet in San Leandro should they get a hole-in-one on the par 3 15th hole. Raffle/auction items include: 6 bottles of Wente Vineyard’s 2004 handcrafted, limited production Nth Degree Merlot, 4 parkhopper tickets to Disneyland, Hearst Castle tickets, golf at the NCGA courses at Poppy Hills or Poppy Ridge, golf at Castlewood Country Club and dinner at Hap’s restaurant coupled with a night’s stay in a suite at the Rose Hotel in Pleasanton. Restaurants such as, Eddie Papa’s, Vic’s All-Star

Kitchen, Uncle Yu’s, La Pinata and Massimo’s have also contributed. John Vella owner of JV’s Locker Room in San Leandro will be part of the silent auction offering an array of autographed sports memorabilia. Vella is a former offensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders and won a Super Bowl ring in 1977. “We have received tremendous support from businesses in Livermore as well as cities throughout the County,” said Arc’s Development Director Richard Fitzmaurice. “But there’s room for more. It’s a good promotional opportunity for local businesses and golfers love winning raffle prizes and

getting good deals on silent auction items.” Programs serving people with developmental disabilities have been hard-hit by California’s budget crisis. Last year, for example, The Arc of Alameda County’s community employment program was cut by 10% and was closely followed by a 3% cut across the remaining programs. In addition, the agency is losing $120,000 this year due to 4 additional state-mandated “holidays.” Funds generated at the “Bogey Bash” will help bridge the loss in state funding. Contact Fitzmaurice at [email protected] with a raffle/auction item to donate or to become a sponsor.

they receive enough funds to run competitive general election campaigns ($1,300,000). A candidate may also receive “fair fight” funds if they are outspent or if outside groups attack them or support an opponent. • Participating candidates would be prohibited from raising or spending money beyond what they receive from the fund. They are banned from raising any money for their campaign from lobbyists, their clients, or anybody else. • Participating candidates must follow strict reporting requirements and can only spend on legitimate campaign expenses. Violators would face fines,

possible jail time, and prohibitions from running for office in the future. Taxpayer and public funds are protected. Proposition will not increase taxes or take away from other important programs, according to proponents. The measure was authored by then-Assemblywoman Loni Hancock and signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hancock has since been elected to the State Senate. It has been labeled as “The California Fair Elections Act.” At the last two council meetings, Pleasanton resident Joe Ely has asked the council to consider

supporting the proposal. Councilmember Matt Sullivan asked that it be placed on the next agenda. Councilmember Cindy McGovern agreed. “I think we should discuss it. It’s time to try a different way.” Mayor Jennifer Hosterman was more hesitant. “It only affects one office. I’m not sure it would be appropriate to support it at this time.” Counclimember Cheryl CookKallio stated the the converstaion is worth having. “People who think we will get change in the state without a prototype are living in La-La Land.”

PROPOSITION (continued from page one)

dates. Currently, lobbyists only pay $12.50 per year in California, among the lowest rates in the country. Provisions include the following: • To qualify, Secretary of State candidates must show broad grassroots support by receiving 7,500 $5 qualifying contributions and signatures from registered California voters. They must also agree to strict spending limits. • Candidates receive enough Fair Elections funds to run competitive primary campaigns ($1,000,000). If they win their primaries

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES

The students also took a class from city human resources director Denyce Holsey, who taught them how to interview for a job. Their teacher at Horizon, Karen McMahon, is part of the regional occupational Program, which specializes in technical career education. Horizon has an enrollment of 45 students. It is comprised of mothers or mothers-to-be and fathers. It is part of the Pleasanton school district’s Village High School. McMahon said that the primary benefit the students receive from the experience at city hall, and the other venues where students have completed the internships, is self-confidence. “It’s nice to see people believing in them. Their supervisors at city are awesome mentors,”

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435556 The following person(s) doing business as:Coats Construction Company, 2659 Pickfair Lane, Livermore Ca 94551 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): James A. Coats, 2659 Pickfair Lane, Livermore Ca 94551 This business is conducted by:an Individual The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on March 3, 2010. Signature of Registrant: /s/:James A. Coats This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 4, 2010. Expires March 4, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2730. Publish March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436011 The following person(s) doing business as:Rising Sun Partners, LLC, 4900 Hopyard Rd, Suite 100, Pleasanton Ca 94588 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Rising Sun Partners, LLC., 4900 Hopyard Rd, Suite 100, Pleasanton Ca 94588 This business is conducted by:a Limited liability company The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on February 10, 2010. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Nilesh Patel This statement was filed with

www.independentnews.com the County Clerk of Alameda on March 15, 2010. Expires March 15, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2736. Publish March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436065 The following person(s) doing business as: RnR Home Repair and Improvement, 2276 Stonebridge Rd., Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): RnR Home Repair and Improvement, 2276 Stonebridge Rd., Livermore Ca 94550 This business is conducted by:a Corporation Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Ronald W. Johnson This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 16, 2010. Expires March 16, 2015. The Independent Legal No.2737. Publish March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435727 The following person(s) doing business as:LASYO, 526 Maple Street, Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Livermore-Amador Symphony Association, 5884 Corte Mente, Pleasanton Ca 94566 This business is conducted by:a Corporation The registrant began to

transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on February 10, 2010. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Ursula G. Goldstein This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 9, 2010. Expires March 9, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2738. Publish March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435960 The following person(s) doing business as:Viva Lussuria, 2720 White Crane Cir., Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kimberly Ayers, 2720 White Crane Cir., Livermore Ca 94550 This business is conducted by:an Individual The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on February 25, 2010. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Kimberly Ayers This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 15, 2010. Expires March 15, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2740. Publish March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436060 The following person(s) doing business as: The Munras Group, 6870 Corte Munras, Pleasanton Ca 94566 is

hereby registered by the following owner(s): Neil Bellenie, 6870 Corte Munras, Pleasanton Ca 94566 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/:Neil Bellenie This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 16, 2010. Expires March 16, 2015. The Independent Legal No.2744. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436140 The following person(s) doing business as:Jerome Construction, 640 Emerald St., Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jeff K. Jerome, 640 Emerald St., Livermore Ca 94550 This business is conducted by:an Individual The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on January 1, 2010. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Jeff Jerome This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 18, 2010. Expires March 18, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2745. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436344 The following person(s) doing business as:Delford West Flowers, 3070 Olivoro Ct., Livermore CA 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Karl Eckel, 3070 Olivoro Ct., Livermore Ca 94550 This business is conducted by:an Individual The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on 1995. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Karl Eckel This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 24, 2010. Expires March 24, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2747. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436108 The following person(s) doing business as: Precision Bonds And Insurance Services, 2934 Bresso Drive, Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Donna Nemier, 2934 Bresso Drive, Livermore Ca 94550 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/:Donna Nemier This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 17, 2010. Expires

March 17, 2015. The Independent Legal No.2748. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436393 The following person(s) doing business as:Byson Group Construction, Inc., 4885 Shelton Street, Dublin Ca 94568 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Byson Group Construction, Inc., 4885 Shelton Street, Dublin Ca 94568 This business is conducted by:a Corporation Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Vera Liang This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 25, 2010. Expires March 25, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2749. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435912 The following person(s) doing business as:Tahara, 4725 First St. #270, Pleasanton Ca 94566 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Deborah R. Gleason, 4314 Valley Ave. Apt C, Pleasanton Ca 94566 John Slomski, 4314 Valley Ave. Apt C, Pleasanton Ca 94566 This business is conducted by:Husband and wife

The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010 - PAGE 11

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on February 1, 2010. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Deborah R. Gleason and John Slomski This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 12, 2010. Expires March 12, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2750. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 435459 The following person(s) doing business as:Accent, 1919 Second Street, Livermore Ca 94550 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sharon Peck, 4209 Waycross Ct., 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 February 25, 2010. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Sharon Peck This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 3, 2010. Expires March 3, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2752. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 436494-436496 The following person(s) doing business as:1)Nothing Kills Dreams, 2)NKD Printing, 3)NKD Clothing, 3645 Palermo Way, Dublin Ca 94568 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): NKD Productions & Entertainment, 3645 Palermo Way, Dublin Ca 94568 This business is conducted by:a Limited liability company The registrant began to transact business under the fictitious business name (s) listed above on October 10, 2009. Signature of Registrant: /s/:Aaron Davis This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on March 26, 2010. Expires March 26, 2015. The Independent Legal No. 2753. Publish April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010. NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, 9 th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE and SITE VISIT - S. CountyProject #10027, ACSO Regional Training Center Firing Ranges Lead Reclamation and Recycling Project, Tuesday, April 06, 2010 at 11:15 a.m., Firearms Training Facility, 6289 Madigan Road, Dublin, CA Attendance at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is required Responses Due by 2:00 pm on April 27, 2010 County Contact: Rod Freitag at (510) 208-9522 or via email: rod.freitag@ acgov.org Information regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 4/1/10 CNS-1824993# The Independent Legal No. 2742. Publish April 1, 2010. NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900585 – TELEPHONE BILLING SYSTEM, Friday, April 09, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Rm. 1105, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900585 – TELEPHONE BILLING SYSTEM, Monday, April 12, 2010, 3:00 p.m. – Public Works Agency, 4825 Gleason Drive, Dublin, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on May 14, 2010 County Contact : Dan Mermelstein (510) 208-9619 or via email: dan. [email protected] Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 4/1/10 CNS-1825444# The Independent Legal No. 2743. Publish April 1, 2010 NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900716 for ONLINE HOMEWORK HELP SERVICE, Thursday, April 08, 2010, 2:00 p.m. – Dublin Public Library, 200 Civic Plaza, The Program Room, Dublin, CA NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900716 for ONLINE HOMEWORK HELP SERVICE, Friday, April 09, 2010, 2:00 p.m. –General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, 11th Floor, Room

1107, Oakland, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on May 14, 2010 County Contact : Kelley Smith (510) 891-5670 or via email: kelley.smith@ acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Information regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 4/1/10 CNS-1827428# The Independent Legal No. 2746. Publish April 1, 2010 NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900715 for Master Cabling Contract, Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, 11 th Floor, Room 1107, Oakland, CA NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900715 for Master Cabling Contract, Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 2:00 p.m. – Dublin Public Library, 200 Civic Plaza Drive, The Program Room, Dublin, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on May 18, 2010 County Contact: Evelyn Benzon (510) 208-9622 or via email: [email protected] Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Information regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www. acgov.org. 4/1/10 CNS-1829569# The Independent Legal No. 2751. Publish April 1, 2010

ANIMALS 2) 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 noon to 4 and the Pet Food Express in Livermore from 1 to 4. On Sundays, cats are available at Petsmart in Dublin from 1 to 4, and PetCo in San Ramon from 11 to 3. Information, call TVAR at (925) 803-7043 or visit our website at www.tvar.org 4)FOUND FOUND AN ANIMAL? FREE SECTION. Call Barbara 925 243-8000 to let 49,118 households know! FOUND TURTLE Springtown Area Call for Discription 925 454-9812 6)LOST LOST A FAMILY PET? FREE SECTION. Call Barbara 925 243-8000 to let 38,000 households know!

AUTOS/BOATS/RV’S/TRUCKS 10)AUTOS WANTED DONATE VEHICLE: RECEIVE $1000 Grocery Coupon. Your Choice. Noahs Arc - Support No Kill Animal Shelters, Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, IRS Tax Deductible, NonRunners. 1-866-912-GIVE. (CAL*SCAN) DONATE YOUR CAR: Children’s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child’s Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1-800252-0615. (CAL*SCAN) SELL YOUR USED CAR HERE. Call Barbara at 925243-8000 0R www.independentnews.com Pay by Credit Card for any Classified or Display ads.

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

125)HOUSEHOLD GOODS

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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 Opportunity Knocking Auto Sales Self-Motivated Easy Schedule No Experience Needed Will Train! Benefits Apply Within Or Online @ LivermoreAutoGroup.com Call Parm or Ravi @ (925) 294-7700 Ford / Lincoln / Mercury INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS WANTED for Senior Home Health Care Must Have Experience Senior Solutions, Inc. 925 443-3101 MEDICAL ASSISTANT. Learn on the job. Good pay/ benefits, 30 days vacation/yr, $ for school. No experience OK. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 1-800-345-6289. (CAL*SCAN) JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! No experience. Get paid to train. California Army National Guard. High School JR/SR & Grads/GED. Up to 100% tuition assistance. Part-time work with full-time benefits. www. NationalGuard.com/Careers or 1-800-GO-GUARD. (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 SLT NEEDS CLASS A TEAM DRIVERS with Hazmat. $2,000 Bonus. Split $0.68 for all miles. Regional contractor positions available. 1-800835-9471 (CAL*SCAN) Company Drivers (Solos & Hazmat Teams) * GREAT PAY * GREAT MILES * CDLA Required. We also have dedicated & regional positions available. Call 866-789-8947. Swift. (CAL*SCAN)

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************** Reaches 38,000 Homes Direct mail to Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton & Sunol Call Barbara 925 243-8000 MERCHANDISE 82)EQUIPMENT FOR SALE NEW Norwood SAWMILLS - LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www. NorwoodSawmills.com/300N 1-800-661-7746 ext. 300N (CAL*SCAN) 118) FREE/GIVEAWAY GOT OLD JUNK FREE/GIVEAWAY SECTION Call 925 243-8000 Barbara CARDBOARD BOXES ALL SIZES You Pick-up, Old Steel CAMPER SHELL for Shortbed Pick-up Truck. FREE to a Good Home. 925 447-8215 STEREO CONSOLE AM/FM Turntable, 8 Track Player, Does Work Needs Cleaning, Cabinet Good Shape 925 321-6038 121)ESTATE/GARAGE/ YARD SALES RAIN OR SHINE! Call Barbara 925-243-8000 or go to www.independentnews. com before 8am Tuesdays to get your ad in for the next edition.

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MAVERICKS FASTPITCH 16U 2009 Western Pacific Champions Now recruiting, spots avail. on 2010 roster Contact Greg at 925-699-4354 / www.mavericksfastpitch.com

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PAGE 12 - The Independent, APRIL 1, 2010

Religious Leaders Speak Out in Support of Castlewood Workers A procession of religious leaders broke bread and spoke out on behalf of dishwashers, cooks, and maintenance workers, in a special prayer on the picket line Wednesday at Pleasanton’s Castlewood Country Club. Castlewood management locked out the workers from their jobs a month ago over a cost neutral proposal when the union on behalf of the workers refused management demands to forego the family medical insurance, a benefit Castlewood workers have had for 30 years. Sixty-one workers, members of Unite HERE Local 2850, have been locked out of

Livermore Moms with over 500 guests at Wente Vineyards hosted an Easter Egg Hunt on Sat., March 27. Participants had a chance to search for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. Photos by Clark Schoening

their jobs since February 25. Workers had offered to make oncessions during bargaining earlier this year, and had proposed cuts to offset increased costs of family medical benefits. Wei Ling Huber, President of Local 2850 stated, “In this religious season, when modestly paid workers have been locked out because they won’t agree to losing health coverage for their families, many religious and community leaders are joining with us to ask, ‘Where is the conscience of the Castlewood Country Club? Is this truly what they want their organization to

stand for?’” “Management tells us that these are hard times for the Club. We have shown a willingness to make concessions in bargaining, concessions which will hurt us. But they can’t take away family medical benefits in this uncertain time. Too many of our spouses and children need them, depend on them,” says Francisca Carranza, a locked out worker at Castlewood. Unite HERE Local 2850 has been negotiating with Castlewood since September 2009. The union has represented the workers at the club for over 30 years.

Among the concessions they have offered this year have been an increase in medical insurance co-payments from 0 to $225 per month, a greater number of hours worked to qualify for medical benefits, a wage freeze in the first year, and a loosening of seniority protections. “Trying to starve out workers with a lockout, and cutting dependent medical benefits is so wrong,” states Huber. “How can they believe that workers averaging about $12.50 an hour can afford an increase of $739 a month for family health insurance?”

THE INDEPENDENT • SECTION II

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

Art, Community, & Education

In the photo, Jordan Hindiyeh (Black Dog), left, battles with Ted Marshall (Billy Bones) in the Pleasanton Civic Arts Stage Company production of Treasure Island at the Amador Theater April 23-May 2, 2010. (Photo by L. Breton)

Swashbuckling Tale of Adventure Coming to Pleasanton

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic “Treasure Island,” the swashbuckling tale of Jim Hawkins’ search for buried treasure and his clashes with Long John Silver and the crew of the Hispaniola opens April 23 at the Amador Theater. “Treasure Island” features battle scenes professionally choreographed by Dexter Fidler, who

trained Robin Williams in sabre and cutlass for his role in Hook. The production is a partnership of the City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Stage Company and San Francisco Shakespeare Festival The theater is located at 1155 Santa Rita Road, on the Amador Valley High School campus in Pleasanton, Calif.

This production of Treasure Island portrays Frederick Gaines’ adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic. In the action-packed, swashbuckling yarn, Jim Hawkins finds a map of Treasure Island and embarks on an adventure on the high seas in search of buried treasure. His thrilling quest involves (continued on page 2)

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Art & Entertainment

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

Mad Hats, Tea, and Vintage Fashions

By Patricia Koning The Assistance League of Amador Valley’s annual Mad Hatter’s Tea is always an event to look forward to, with unique guests and entertainment. This year’s Mad Hatter’s Tea features a vintage fashion show by the Goodwill Bags. “What makes the Goodwill Bags special is that we provide fashion shows of authentic vintage clothing from the mid-1800’s to 1940’s with commentary, music, history, and humor.  We offer a unique opportunity for folks to learn a bit of ‘live’ history to which they might otherwise not be exposed,” explains Goodwill Bags coordinator Shawn Richardson.

Each show is unique because Goodwill Bags has too many models and fashions to fit into a single event. The vintage fashion collection includes a variety of “white lawn” dresses, hoops, bustles, turn of the century Gibson girl outfits, and “active wear” along with roaring 20’s dresses and gowns all the way into the 40’s.  Goodwill Bags, a voluntary auxiliary of Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay, has been presenting fashion shows for over 30 years. All of the fees collected for the shows are directed to Goodwill Industries to support their mission to provide transitional employment, workforce preparation, and job placement services for local men and women with vocational disabilities. Up to 400 guests can attend the Mad Hatter’s Tea, which is the Assistance League of Amador Valley’s major fundraiser. Guests are seated at tables of eight, which are individually decorated by members of the Assistance League. The event will also feature a hat contest, a silent auction, raffle prizes, and a champagne bar. The Assistance League of Amador Valley, a chapter of the National Assistance League, was founded in 1990 by 40 charter members

from Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin. Today nearly 90 volunteers serve the Tri-Valley area through

philanthropic programs. “Everything we do stays right here in the Tri-Valley,” says Janis

Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, he has choreographed fights for over 150 productions and was Robin Williams’ trainer in sabre and cutlass for the movie Hook. He has worked extensively with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and the Discovery Channel series Deadly Duels. Fidler has taught stage combat at several universities and performing arts companies and fencing at Halberstadt Fencers Club in San Francisco. Currently, he is artistic director of Peninsula Youth Theatre in Mountain View, Calif. Performances will take place April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 at 7:30 p.m., April 24 at 11:00 a.m. and April 25, May 1 and May 2 at 2:00 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food items to the theater to benefit The Haven Food Pantry. Tickets to Treasure Island are $12, $16 & $20 for adults

and $8, $12, & $16 for children and seniors. All tickets may be purchased online at www.civicartstickets.org up to three hours prior to the performance, by phone at (925) 931-3444, or in person at

O’Rourke, public relations chair for the Assistance League of Amador Valley. “And our philanthropic programs are all unique.” The Assistance League of Amador Valley focuses its philanthropic efforts on four programs: Operation School Bell, a national Assistance League program that fosters success in elementary schools by providing clothing, books, and tutoring as well as educational support for teenage parents at Horizon High School; Care About the Retired and Elderly, volunteer activities at the Pleasanton Senior Center and Pleasanton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Assault Survivor Kits for the Tri-Valley Haven Rape Crisis Center; and Screening Eyes Early, a vision screening program for preschoolers. The 15th annual Mad Hatter’s Tea will be held on Saturday, April 24 from noon to 4 pm at the Aahmes Shrine Center at 170 Lindbergh Avenue in Livermore. Tickets are $50 and reservations must be made by Friday, April 9. For more information, visit www.amadorvalley.assistance league.org, send an email [email protected], or call 925-461-6401.

TREASURE ISLAND (continued from front page) Long John Silver and the pirate crew of the Hispaniola and teaches Jim important lessons about courage, honesty and true friendship. “Treasure Island includes an especially rich and diverse cast of actors,” says Artistic Director Rebecca Ennals. “Francis Serpa, our professional adult actor who plays Long John Silver, has made the exciting leap to pirate from the lover he portrayed as Romeo in our Shakespeare on Tour production last year. Our other adult cast member, the very funny and now retired Ted Marshall, returns to theatre after a 20-year hiatus in the role of Billy Bones. “Our expansive cast of 44 young actors includes four sets of siblings, a hearing impaired girl who uses an interpreter in rehearsal, and several children whose parents who have relocated to the Tri-Valley from outside the United States. All of them bring texture and depth to our production and are

a delightful, talented group. “To offer more children the wonderful experience of being in a play, we have two complete Treasure Island casts, the Davey Jones cast and the Jolly Roger cast, who alternate performances.” Treasure Island is directed by Bill Olson, a teaching artist for the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival for the past five years. He has directed many youth productions including Macbeth, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, As You Like It and Julius Caesar. He has also worked with students at Palo Alto’s Jordan Middle School and has directed productions of Greater Tuna, The King and I, and Romeo and Juliet for Palo Alto Players. Olson is an Equity actor, a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, and a professional juggler. The professional combat choreographer Dexter Fidler directed the Treasure Island fight scenes. A Certified Fight Director and

the Amador Theater Box Office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for two hours prior to the performance. Group discounts are available.

Sneak Peak of Treasure Island Offered at Library A theatrical sneak peek will be presented at the Pleasanton Public Library on Saturday, April 10. The Pleasanton’s Civic Arts Stage Company and the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival present excerpts from their upcoming Amador Theater production, Treasure Island. The 2:00 p.m. program will feature selected scenes from the play, performed by cast members drawn from the Pleasanton community. Following the performance will be an audience question-and-answer period with the director and cast. This free program is best suited for children ages 5 and older. No registration is required. The full stage production of Treasure Island will be performed April 23-25 and April 30-May 2. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civicartstickets.org or call (925) 931-3444. For information on additional library activities and events, visit the library website at www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/library/programs-and-events.html, or call the Children’s Desk at (925) 931-3400 extension 8.

Art & Entertainment

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

Mr. Amador Event Set for April 12 For the fifth year, Amador Valley High School is putting on their annual Mr. Amador Showcase on April 12. Each year a group of students organize and put on a show to raise money for local charities, an event that in past years has raked in between $7,000 and $10,000. This year they are raising money for the Stanford Oncology Center. The performers in the actual showcase are boys ranging from sophomore to seniors. The boys perform dances, individual talents, a fashion show and a Question and Answer portion. The participants this year are sophomores Evan Gum and Gabe Scholl, Juniors Robby Potter, Justin Shotwell, Patrick Gibbons and Michael Mallory and seniors Cory Thomas, Jon Ostlund, Chris Stiles, Christian Schlacte, Clint Roach and Tunde Olayomi. The students have been working hard for the past few months, starting practices in the middle of February for two hours every weekend. One of the directors, senior Rachel Miller, says that she believes it will all work out, noting that many of the city’s companies have also been helping make this event possible through supporting the group financially. Businesses including Fiesta Taco and ProImage Picture Studios have been vital in helping the students achieve their goal of raising the most money possible to donate to this beneficial organization. Co-director Ashley Pelzel says that, without the help of local businesses, the program would not be able to reach the caliber that it does every year. “Our show is supported every year by the amazing businesses in the Tri-Valley. We could not put on the show that we are able to without their help.” On April 12th the boys will be performing in the Amador Valley High School gymnasium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 before hand and $10 at the door. For information, contact Ashley Pelzel at (925) 640-1659 or Rachel Miller at (925) 200-6736. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Student Activities window at Amador (currently closed for spring break reopens on the April 12).

3

Paws to Read Taking Sign Ups

Chris Waltz and Lee White

The Paws to Read program will go into its third round in April. Paws to Read, a program sponsored by the Livermore Public Library and the Valley Humane Society, is based on studies which show that reading with trained therapy dogs can improve a child’s self-esteem and confidence, as well as encourage a child to read more, and has proven to be very popular with youngsters perfecting their reading skills. Registration is underway. Participants can register for up to three sessions between April 5 and May 26, as space allows. Drop-ins may be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The programs will take place on Wednesday evenings, with two sessions between 7 and 8 p.m. Sessions will be approximately 25 minutes long and will be held in the Livermore Public Library Civic Center Craft Room. Participating children should not be fearful of dogs or have allergies to pets. For more information or to register, please call the Livermore singers in North America today, Public Library’s Children’s Desk and along with her powerful yet at 925-373-5500, ext. 5504. soft style of fiddle playing, she truly is one of the young talents to watch. White has been playing the violin since she was six years old and studied with legendary classical teacher Michael Yokass. Waltz is one of few male Gaelic Singers found today. Waltz’s original compositions evoke feelings of mystical ancient Celtic landscapes. Chris has opened for or performed on stage with the Celtic Super group from Ireland, Dervish, virtuoso Celtic composer/bouzouki player Roger Landes, and legendary singer/songwriter Tish Hinajosa. This concert will be held in the Pleasanton Library’s meeting room. The program is free and open to all. No registration required. For more info regarding the program call Penny Johnson at 931-3405.

Celtic Music to Be Performed Amarin Celtic World Music will play the Pleasanton Public Library on April 11, at 2pm. Amarin features the acclaimed singer/songwriter and composer Chris Waltz and young fiddle virtuoso and singer Lee White. Together Waltz and White perform an eclectic blend of original, traditional and contemporary Celtic, Folk, Spanish-Sephardic, Flamenco, Klezmer, and Gypsy music with songs sung in Irish/ Scottish Gaelic, Spanish, Latin, Ladino, and English performed on vocals, guitars, fiddle, Irish flute and whistle. Masterfully combining powerfully driven Celtic jigs and reels on guitar and fiddle and ethereal, mystical multi-vocals sung in many tongues, Waltz and White will leave you mesmerized. This magical crossbreeding of sounds makes Chris and Lee an exciting duo to see and hear. White is considered one of the finest traditional Irish/Scottish

The Pleasanton Public Library will show the film Amazing Grace, starring Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce. He was seen as a true hero who spent his career in the English parliament fighting for the end of the British slave trade. Rated PG. 118 minutes. The film will be shown in the Library Meeting Room at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 13, 2010. The Pleasanton Library is located at 400 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. This program is free. No registration is required. For more information, call Penny Johnson, 931-3405.

4

Art & Wine

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

A Beautiful Day and A Barrel of Fun… (and Money) Livermore Valley’s 2nd annual Barrel Tasting Weekend, March 20 - 21 By Laura Ness What’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys? A barrel of money: some saved, some earned, and both sides of the transaction walk away happy. It appears everyone involved in the 2nd Annual Barrel Tasting weekend was smiling at the end of the day. For many, traffic was up 30 to 50% over last year, and sales were as good or better. Observations from the Saturday circuit to be summarized this way: it was perfectly crowded most everywhere. The flow seemed to come from all directions, and converged on the main artery – Tesla Rd., about mid afternoon. By then, all the driveways to wineries like Wente, La Rochelle, Steven Kent and Crooked Vine were jammed up like phone circuits on Mother’s Day. My friend Cheryl and I cruised into Cuda Ridge as our first stop: it was a top-down day, and her convertible was eager to prove worthy of its leak-prone toplessness. We almost didn’t make it all the way over Highway 84. The green of the hills was arrestingly gorgeous, and the old oak trees taking up several zip codes like old dowager empresses, were nigh impossible to pass by. The photo opps were splendid and plentiful. I especially loved the contrast of the gracefully verdant oak that was leafing out like a salad bar, right next to one that had obviously hit the snooze

button hard enough to stall off spring for another month. There is a simile here with barrel tasting: oak is a commanding, overriding influence. It’s very hard to get past, and you’d best embrace it. So here we were (amazingly) at Cuda, the gleaming purple namesake shining in the filtered sun, looking like it could burn some rubber without leaving the parking lot. Not dissimilar in muscle, Larry’s 08 Malbec (Ghielmetti), with generous dollops of Cab, Merlot and Petite Verdot, was a thing of power and provocation. It was so far north of Argentine Malbec that you’d think you were in California. Oh, wait. We are, which is why this puppy was going to cost you about $30/bottle, instead of the sub $15 you’d pay for a bottle from our neighbors to the south. Of course, no Argentine Malbec is going to sport this level of sophistication for teenage dollars. As much as this monster got our attention, we were both instantly enamored of the 08 Cab Franc, which was quite simply a rose bowl parade in the nose, followed by an exquisitely textured flood of tea roses, raspberries, orange peel and hibiscus, all wrapped up in a the most beautiful down comforter of a finish. Larry almost believed me when I said I’d be hard-pressed to top that experience. Fortunately, it was even harder than anticipated. Fine freshman and sophomore wines

with amazing promise were not hard to find: and their upperclassmen were quite exemplary. Cuda Ridge reports that half their sales for the weekend were futures and March is topping February, which was a record month. Bodegas Aguirre was a thoughtprovoking data point on the graph of why we don’t need to spend a whole lot of money on new oak when making Livermore wine – the fruit is pretty much as beautiful as Ricardo’s daughter Sylvia, who needs no makeup to look fabulous. We tasted 2009 Sonoma Chardonnay from a used barrel: it was so amazing, we could barely contain ourselves. But then, we tried the 08 Cabernet from a 1year old barrel, and we knew we had hit the ultimate jackpot. “I am tempted to tinker with this one, but I think I will leave it alone,” vowed Dr. Aguirre, better known as Ricardo. But with a wink, he acknowledged his innate penchant for blending and then added, “I can’t help myself!” He mentions how fond he is of his meager crop of 08 Merlot: he thinks it’s awesome…which means if he can resist the temptation to blend the two of them, maybe Iran will stop making nuclear weapons and North Korea will begin working on a cure for AIDS. Up to Wood Family, where the lesson for the day is how new oak acts like a prizefighter in the ring: wow that new American oak has a severely loud impact on the already gorgeous 08 Hansen Ranch Zin! It’s got a big personality, but gosh, we experienced that the Zin in new American oak is bigger than in the used, yet still exhibits rabidly amazing fruity-spiciness that seems to be a signature of this ranch. Bent Creek is a throwback to a quieter time and deeper appreciation of nature: the old mocha colored Chevy is a delicious data point that reminds you of when this place was “just a farm.” Like it isn’t now? The double-cordoned vines stand resilient in the face of the oak trees that threaten to rob their sunlight, yet they soldier on with quiet determination. Winemaker Tom was using his syringes and pipettes to demonstrate the

effects of new and used American oak on Cabernet from the 08 vintage: suggesting people taste each first, then blend, then add a modicum of Petite Sirah. He made the point, intentional or not, that new American oak adds quite a bit of butterscotch and vanilla crème brulee to Cabernet, making it hard to resist. It’s not quite as potent as transfats or corn syrup, but it sure does embellish the candied qualities of the fruit. My friend Cheryl was loving this one! The scene was really rocking at McGrail, where the views are hard to beat, and the setup is quite conducive to a wedding or class reunion. The barrel room was as chummy as a frat party, and Aileen Avila of Taste Talula bakery, was completely wiped out of the 400 cupcakes she’d brought by 3pm. Fortunately, the educational component of the barrel tasting of the same fruit in three different oak regimens, proved quite worthwhile: this was a fascinating study. I might posit that Hungarian is the new French, or maybe the new Missouri oak is the new Hungarian! The big difference is that the Hungarian adds so many more wood tannins laced with amazing baking space. McGrail offered a 75-case blend of 2007 Cabernet for sale (lot 335), which combined one barrel of American oak, one Hungarian oak, and one French oak barrel. Futures will-be bottled in May and released at the end of June. Trends and Tastes It’s to be expected that you’d find lots of samples of Cabernet (14) and Petite Sirah (5) but even more evident was the trend towards Cab Franc (5): Cuda Ridge’s was the most outstanding I tasted, although there were plenty of others. Malbec was a solid theme this year, as was Petite Verdot. Malbec’s star is rising for sure: 72% of the world’s Malbec is planted in Argentina, with France sporting 20% (it’s an allowed ingredient in Bordeaux blends) and the US a meager 2% right behind Chile at 3%. This is typically a bang for the buck wine in terms of flavor and mouthfeel. It really should do well in Livermore, especially if wineries can value-price it.

Jennifer Fazio from La Rochelle and Steven Kent was clearly pleased with the weekend’s turnout, noting that over 1700 tickets were pre-sold in advance. She indicates they did much better with the future’s sales than last year, selling most of the 2007 Steven Kent Home Ranch Cabernet, which will be released in October. They also offered the 2008 La Rochelle Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir for futures sales, offering a 20% discount on 6 bottles or more. Tasting room sales were down a bit from last year, which she attributes to keen interest in the barrel tasting component. Didn’t get to Crooked Vine, but Eric Corbett reports their traffic was up significantly from last year, and they had both Cab Franc and Petite Verdot as futures. Hated to miss those, but you just can’t do everything in one day. Zipping over to Page Mill, we were treated to some palate-pleasing 2008 Walker Vineyard Cabernet, and some exquisite estate Petite Sirah: both wonderful examples of fruit making a statement without too much wood influence. It was hard to decide between the two, which is why Dane intelligently offered people the option to buy a half a case of each. What a lovely setting this is, with the pristine organic vineyard basking in the sun and the hills to the north serenely presiding over the entire Livermore scene. Speaking of organic and scenery, there is something bucolic about the setting at Retzlaff. It’s like you’re seated in a swing on the front porch of an old farmhouse, gazing out over a more slowly turning world. Time seems to rest here among the pepper trees, roses, chickens and lawn chairs on the grass. It seemed fitting to top off a beautiful day of barrel tasting with a bottle of winemaker Bob Taylor’s 2006 Retzlaff CabernetMerlot blend: as smooth, elegant and pleasing on the palate as a watercolor rendition of a vineyard in the first blush of spring. Life is good here in wine country: and it’s comforting to know that so much great wine is snoozing along in barrels tucked carefully away in cellars far and wide.

Art & Entertainment

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

5

Review

The Symphony Performs a Rich and Varied Program By Nancy O'Connell On Saturday evening, March 27, the Livermore Amador Symphony presented an intriguing program titled "Enigma, Romance and Scandal." The receptive audience enjoyed the unusual program. The symphony performed some seldom heard works with skill and sensitivity. Pre-concert talks began at 7 p.m., an hour before the performance. The talks are a fascinating glimpse of what the audience will hear and often feature two speakers. Kristina Anderson, the symphony’s concertmaster, explained the background of Beethoven’s Romances for Violin and Orchestra. The orchestra played the one labeled Opus 50 before the one with an earlier opus number, because scholars are certain that one romance was composed at least five years before the other. She said, “The earlier one has harmonies very similar to Mozart’s, whereas the other romance has many of Beethoven’s characteristics which led to the romantic period of music.” She also picked up her violin – an Italian violin made in 1801– and demonstrated the melodies. The 2nd speaker was the guest conductor, Mitchell Sardou Klein, who is the music director of the Peninsula Symphony. He has conducted many orchestras and was the associate conductor of the Kansas City Philharmonic for more than a 100 concerts. His talk concentrated on Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Opus 36, which he later directed. Each of the variations has only initials for a title, and it is believed they all stand for someone Elgar knew in his lifetime. Some are joyous, some poke fun at the person depicted, and others are lyrical and romantic like the one titled C.A.E., which he wrote for his wife, Caroline Alice Elgar. The concert began with Dr. Arthur Barnes directing the Overture to the School for Scandal by Samuel Barber, who lived from 1910 to 1981. Barber was born in West Chester, PA, and his father was a physician. To digress, my aunt was the Superintendent of the nurses at the hospital there and worked many years with Dr. Barber. Often a guest at the Barber’s home, she remembered “Sammy” as a talented little boy, and his later visits home from the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. The

Overture performed on Saturday night was written as a graduate thesis at Curtis when he was only 21. It had some very difficult passages which the orchestra surmounted with ease. The opening theme heard first in the violins was played with uniformity of bowing, and good intonation. A second theme, romantic in sound, was introduced by Eva Langfeldt in an oboe solo. Kathy Boster was heard in a clarinet solo as the first section drew to a close. All of the strings had tricky passages and then the earlier oboe melody was heard on the English horn, played by Larry George. His tone quality was beautiful and haunting, and it was followed by a coda which brought this work to a dramatic conclusion. Mitchell Sardou Klein came on stage and first had the orchestra play certain excerpts from the Enigma Variations, explaining to the audience what the excerpts symbolized. No one is quite certain what inspired Elgar’s original theme, but it reminds various musicians of different well known melodies. Some of the variations are humorous. One, titled R.B.T. depicts a crusty, rather grumpy gentleman, and W.M.B. poked fun at an abrupt and rather rude country squire who was officious. This music sounded pompous, whereas Troyte is wonderfully comical because Elgar tried to teach this fellow, an architect and a good friend, to play the piano. Other variations are filled with tenderness and lovely melodies like the one mentioned earlier in the talk which Elgar meant for his wife. In the XII section bearing the initials B.G.N., it was dedicated to a cellist – Basil G. Nevinson. This movement began with a memorable cello solo played eloquently by Nick Dargahi. Then the entire cello section entered and the rich melodies encompassed a range

of notes from a low open C two octaves below middle C to a high harmonic E, over two octaves above middle C – a range of more four octaves. The bowing looked uniform in the section as the cellists wove their notes between tenor and bass clefs. After the intermission, Kristina Anderson played the two Beethoven Romances. She made her difficult passages look effortless, and had good intonation with her double stops. Her tone quality was beautiful, and her artistry was apparent in her approach. It was interesting to read in the program notes that Beethoven, in addition to being a fine pianist, was also a “capable violinist.” No wonder his string quartets are so favored by classical musicians! He wrote for strings so well because he knew what could be played and how it would sound. After she took her well deserved curtain bows, she reappeared on stage with the violist, Holly Barnes, Dr. Barnes’s daughter. Together they played a variation of “Happy Birthday” for Art, who turned 80 this last week. The audience joined in and sang also, and Art was presented with a bottle of champagne. In the last work on the program, The orchestra played Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini: Symphonic Fantasy after Dante, Opus 32. In the introduction, Tchaikovsky describes Dante’s descent into Hell. Early in the first movement the cellists had leaps of more than an octave, and chromatic running passages. The music is full of syncopation or playing off of the beat, and is accelerated, as Dante sees the whirling of tormented souls. In the Andante Cantabile, the first clarinetist had a solo as the cellos were plucking their strings with mutes on and there were several wind solos. Tchaikovsky

was a master of orchestration and gave some beautiful melodies to Larry George on the English horn, accompanied by Marianne Wilson, harpist. After several curtain calls, the symphony remained seated for photographs. The audience

enjoyed cookies and punch in the lobby, and the sounds of the concert seemed to reverberate in their minds as they left the Bankhead Theater. Save the date of May 15th for the last symphony concert of the season, titled “Strings, Tuba, and Mahler.”

Students present a performance.

Young Performers Head to Arts Camp Tri-Valley Young Performers Academy will offer a new summer performing arts camp at Triple Threat in Livermore. Starting June 14 ­ July 2, students ages 8-18 will rehearse and perform Beauty and the Beast, Jr. The camp runs Monday-Friday from 9am ­ 3pm with extended care provided. During the past 3 years, TVYPA has had successful camps in Pleasanton and Dublin. This summer TVYPA will expand into Livermore with a 3-week Musical Theater Camp. The camp culminates in 3 performances scheduled for July 1 and 2 at the Livermore High School Theater. This Musical Theater camp offers training with 3 experienced directors. TVYPA believes the performing arts boosts confidence, promotes many life skills and can be a truly rewarding experience for those who participate. For more information or to register go to the website www. TriValleyYPA.org

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THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

Art & Entertainment

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

Spring Wildflower Report: Best Year Since 2005 By Bob Coomber I’m not going to take very long writing this. I’ve got many trails to visit between now and mid – May, when the wildflower boom will wither away as we head toward summer. But I’ve been out for some very long hikes lately, and have been holding my breath for what could be the best year in half a decade for wildflowers. After reading this, run, don’t walk, to one of the locations of which I’ve made note. If you love Spring color as much as I do, now is the time. You might have been driving along the freeway and caught the changing hues of the local hills. When I noticed it, my first impression was something you might hear at a good sporting event: “oh, yeah…it’s ON!” As soon as I caught the mustard blooming all over the Tri Valley last month, I started getting out in “serious” mode. Here’s my list of favorite wildflower places, from my point of view. 1. Sunol Regional Wilderness (EBRPD) I’ve visited Sunol several times in the past few weeks, and each time find a new color to add to the visual palette. As of a few days of this writing, the purple vetch, a favorite of mine, had not joined the fiesta. Sunol regularly boasts a great number of species of all colors, and for some reason they seem to last longer in the Alameda Creek canyon. Hayfield Rd. Trail offers acres of Owl’s Clover and lupine. The poppies, monkeyflower and vetch will be there through mid – May. Everything else? Right now, and it’s spectacular. 2. Sycamore Grove (LARPD) “The Grove” is by popular accord ( in my home, anyway) a regular favorite at any time of year. But now it’s not only beautiful, parts of it look like an old movie that’s been colorized. You won’t have to wander too far from the parking lot to look both high and low and find dozens of different species. Having a nice rainy season certainly helped, and this small valley captured enough moisture to make for a very good show. Lupine are just beginning to show as of this writing. For something fun to do with your kids, have them draw pictures or write about the flowers

Wildflowers bloom in abundance in the valley (file photo). as they walk along. Take advantage of the outstanding naturalists here, too. Much of what I’ve learned about the flowers at The Grove has been from them. 3. Brushy Peak Regional Preserve (EBRPD) Located at the north terminus of Laughlin Rd. in north Livermore, Brushy Peak probably wouldn’t have made my list, had I not visited recently and found trailside displays a mere quarter mile from the parking lot. Mustard, poppies, lupine and many more made for one of the brighter starts to my late winter Brushy Peak Loop hike. I encourage everyone to visit, and to add one of the nice loop hikes to their wildflower viewing day. During a recent drive out Laughlin Rd., I observed two of my favorite wading birds, stilts and avocets at Livermore’s coolest vernal pool, Frick Lake. Although it’s on private property, you can watch the birds from your car as you head north. Brushy Peak dries up quickly, so don’t drag your feet when considering a flower watching trip. 4. Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park (EBRPD) This one’s a natural. With all those hillsides and acres teem-

ing with wild things, Pleasanton Ridge offers not only the color of the Valley’s outstanding wildflower shows, but the feel of a truly remote and wild place. And believe me, the hike to the ridge and wandering on the ridgelines will do nothing to dispel that feeling. If you wish, you can return day after day for a week and not take in the entire park. Besides the rolling chaparral hillsides, The Ridge offers some narrow trails in the canyons, where you may cross paths with wildflowers normally found in wetter climes. But those shows may be fleeting should the rain be finished for the year. The Ridge has hundreds of loyal followers, and as you stroll on the trails you’ll find up to date bloom information is easy to acquire, for the cost of a smile. 5. The Iron Horse Regional Trail (EBRPD & cooperative agencies) The Iron Horse is a cool weather favorite of mine. Although it’s a paved, mostly flat regional trail, there are trailside blooms along most of its length, especially through Pleasanton, Dublin and San Ramon. This is a trail fully

accessible to everyone, so I don’t want any excuses about missing flower season in our valley. The sun brings walkers, runners, skaters and bikers to this trail, all to get some exercise while being gazed upon lovingly by the plant community’s most colorful members. There is nothing strenuous about the Iron Horse, and it’s a fine place to get a long walk or run during any time of year. Because of the copious rain totals this winter, the Bloom of 2010 will be the best since 2005. Some photos will be so vivid and bright people will think you’ve digitally enhanced them. My next 45 days will be dominated by wildflower hikes, centered mostly in the above recommended parks. I hope to see you cruising the trails, jaws dropping and eyes alive after taking in this Spring’s show. Follow my travels at http:// www.ebparks.org/bobcoomber . I’ll report on one fully accessible hike and one not – so – accessible hike each month for the rest of the year. Most of all, get out with your families and stop me when you see me. Let me hear of your best wildflower moments. Have a wonderful Spring!

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Tri-Valley Haven Production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues Helps Local Survivors Tri-Valley Haven brings Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” back to the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on April 2, 3, and 9 at 8 pm. All proceeds from this popular production will benefit the Haven’s domestic violence and sexual assault programs, which face drastic cuts in state funding. Tickets are available now at the Bankhead box office, online at www.bankheadtheater. org, or by calling (925) 3736800. Sponsors for performance events include: Sybase, The Consumer Learning Center, Tracy and Marc Meersman, and the Livermore Downtown Association. Livermore Downtown Association vendors have jumped on board with an Opening Vendor Night at the Bankhead on April 2nd to support the vital services that Tri-Valley Haven provides to the community. Proceeds from this event will also benefit Tri-Valley Haven. Throughout April, which the Downtown Association has designated Women Helping Women Month, many downtown businesses and restaurants will offer specialty items such as “V-tinis”, with proceeds going to the Haven. On April 7th from 6 – 9 pm a Downtown shopping event on Livermore’s First Street will feature the actresses of “The Vagina Monologues” at local businesses. Tri-Valley Haven’s Rape Crisis Center serves over 200 sexual assault survivors from Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin each year. More than 300 women and children stay in the domestic violence shelter annually. The Haven strives to break the cycle of violence by teaching classes in area high schools, elementary and middle schools. For more information about the Livermore Downtown shopping events, or Tri-Valley Haven, please call Christine, at TriValley Haven (925) 449-5845.

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Art & Entertainment

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

ART/PHOTO EXHIBITS Livermore Art Association Gallery, located in Carnegie Park, offers art classes, unusual gifts, painting rentals, art exhibits and information pertaining to the art field, 2155 Third St., Livermore. The gallery has been open since 1974 and is run as a co-op by local artists. Hours are Wed.-Sun. 11:30-4 p.m. For information call 449-9927. Through the Glass Eye, photographic landscapes exhibit at Deer Ridge Vineyards, 1828 Wetmore Rd., Livermore. Reception for artists Sun., April 18, 2 to 4 p.m. Exhibit open March 20 to May 21. Artists: Marc Davis, Chris Foster, Stephen Joseph, Lon Overacker, Lawrence Piggins. Information, 1-866-561-0838. Winery hours: Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seward Johnson Sculptures Coming to Downtown Pleasanton, April 1, interactive exhibit by sculptor J. Seward Johnson placed on sidewalk locations. The eleven life-size, three-dimensional bronze sculptures depict the everyday activities of people who may be found anywhere, from a man reading a newspaper on a park bench and an elderly woman carrying a bag of groceries to a child welcoming a soldier home from duty. The exhibit will remain in place through June 30, 2010. More information about the J. Seward Johnson exhibit is available by contacting Pleasanton Fine Arts Coordinator Julie Finegan at [email protected] or (925) 931-5355. Art Exhibit, collection of hand printed linocuts by Katie Caulk now on display at Swirl on the Square through April 30. Swirl is located in Blacksmith Square at 21 South Livermore Ave. Hours are Th-F: 11:30-2:00 and 5:00-9:00; Sat: 11:3010:00; Sun 11:30-8:00. Meet the artist on Sunday, March 28, 3:00 – 5:00. Art exhibit, Judy Rice's collection of paintings on Masa Paper will be on display at the Garré Winery and Restaurant from March 1 - April 30. Garré Winery is at 7986 Tesla Road. Hours are M-F 11:002:30, and Sat-Sun 11:30-5:30. Call to Artists - Art Exhibition, What Lies Above, Below & Through, a juried exhibition exploring surface, depth, opacity & transparency. Entries due April 16th. Exhibition runs May 14 - June 19th at Ryan Fine Art, 171 So. J Street, Livermore. See www.lindaryanfineart. com for details. BFA student exhibit, Paintings, photography, sculpture, and works on paper will be shown by California State University, East Bay BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) students in an exhibition in the University Art Gallery, 25800 Carlo Bee Blvd., Hayward. The opening reception will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 29. The exhibition will be open from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays March 30-April 22. Admission is free. Participants are Jasmin Marie Alconcher, Victor Arce, Kathleen Bonnar, Matthew Ecclesiastre, Carol Faber, Eyaeal Fisseha, Monica Garcia, Tony Hoang, Kenneth Hung, Zsuzsanna Laszlo, Pat McCabe, Rene Mijares, Justin Reece, Diane Reilly, Melanie Grayrain Sharr, Andrew Wallace, Michael Wallace, and Elizabeth Zunino, Campus parking is $7 per day. Pay machines are in lots E2, F, G, H, K and N. Livermore Art Association sponsors show at Bothwell Arts Center. "The Essential Nude," a collection of fine figurative art

by local artists will be on display from April 15th - 18th. Reception to be held Thurs., April 15 from 7 to p.m. The show will be judged by artist Robert Hunt. Exhibit hours are 11:00am - 4:00 pm. The Bothwell Center is at 2466 Eighth Street, Livermore. The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit website livermoreartassociation.org. Trevor Pawlak – Poetry Exhibit, San Ramon Library Art Gallery, 10 year old Trevor Pawlak finds words beyond his years to express himself through poetry. He has Autism and enjoys writing poetry to share his feelings, as he is nonverbal. Trevor addresses some of his struggles with Autism through his unique perspective on the world. Exhibit open through April 30th at the San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery Street. The gallery is open during regular library hours: Monday – Thursday from 10:00am – 8:00pm, Friday - Saturday from 10:00am – 5:00pm, and on Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00pm. The San Ramon Library is closed on 3/31 for furlough and on 4/4 for Easter. For more information please contact the San Ramon Library at 925-973-2850, visit their website at www.ccclib.org or contact Suzy Chow at 925-973-3372. Call for Artists, Art in the Park, Danville: 12th Annual Fine Arts Festival, October 2 & 3, On the Town Green, Front Street Park, by the Library. Categories: Paintings in All Media, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, Graphics and limited openings in Fine Jewelry (no crafts). Sponsored by Alamo Danville Artists’ Society and the Town of Danville, this event is a Fund Raiser for Art in the Schools of the San Ramon School District. Art in the Park includes a Judged Inside Art Show and food, wine and live entertainment. Booth spaces are 10’ x 10’ and the fees are $85 for non ADAS members. Artist’s applications available: e-mail ormawebb@comcast. net or call 925 828-9170. MEETINGS 2nd annual Plein Air Paint Out, April 3, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunol Regional Wilderness. All dimensional mediums accepted. People’s Choice Awards at days’ end. Registration is required. $15 (nonresidents $17). www.ebparksonline. org or call 1888-327-2757.

Livermore Art Association, Pleasanton Art League, meeting Mon., April 19, 7:30 p.m. at Almond Avenue School, 1401 Almond Ave., Livermore. Guest artist is Peggi Kroll-Roberts. She will present a figure painting demonstration. There is no

admission charge. The meeting is open to interested individuals. WINERY EVENTS Murrieta's Well 20th Anniversary Weekend Events: winemaker's dinner, Fri., April 16, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Meet cofounder Sergio Traverso. Sample wine country cuisine paired with Murrieta's Well wine Guests $105 per person, Silver Spur Club Members $95 per person. Anniversary Celebration is Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 11:00am to 5:00pm. Anniversary Weekend will feature complimentary wine tasting, special release library wine tasting in our historic barrel room and complimentary vineyard tours. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 925-456-2390. www.murrietaswell.com. 3005 Mines Road, Livermore. 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Silent Auction, White Crane Winery, noon to 4pm, Sun., April 25. Benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Hosted by HIKE members of Team in Training. Join us for a relaxing day of wine tasting. Local wineries will showcase their wines for tasting while you enjoy finger food, music, inspirational speakers, and, raffles. Meander through silent auction items to fit every budget. 10% discount when purchasing your $25 ticket on line. https://WineHike. ticketleap.com Use code: SUPPORT or call 925 413 7788 925 413 7788 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Silent Auction, White Crane Winery, noon to 4pm, Sun., April 25. Benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Hosted by HIKE members of Team in Training. Join us for a relaxing day of wine tasting. Local wineries will showcase their wines for tasting while you enjoy finger food, music, inspirational speakers, and, raffles. Meander through silent auction items to fit every budget. 10% discount when purchasing your $25 ticket on line. https://WineHike. ticketleap.com Use code: SUPPORT or call 925 413 7788 925 413 7788.

Vino Carnival, a wine country Auction benefiting these local children's charities, hosted by the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation. Sat., May 1, Palm Event Center, 1184 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton. 5 p.m. silent auction and upscale carnival cuisine, 7:30 p.m. live auction and dessert/port pairing. Tickets $175 per person. Game token packages available, buy 5 game tokens and event ticket for $200. www.lvwine.org.

Art, Wine & Chocolate, An evening of wine-tasting, live music and fine art to benefit Camp Kadima. Saturday, May 1, 7:30-10pm. Come experience the fine art of nine diverse award-winning and upcoming Bay Area artists. Works on display will include original watercolors, acrylics, oils, ceramics, photography and jewelry. Enjoy wine tasting from Little Valley’s selection of superb wines. Treat yourself to delicious gourmet desserts. Live music performed by Night Harvest. Tickets are $20. Little Valley Winery, 739 Main Street, Pleasanton. Contact Sharon Cohen, 925-931-1055 x11 or [email protected] MUSIC/CONCERTS San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers will perform at the Sunol Event Center/ Jazz Cafe. Sat., April 3, 8-10 pm. entertainment. Buffet dinner starts at 7pm. Menu: Scottish Stew, Chicken Marsala, Vegetarian lasagna, Scottish bread pudding. Night of authentic Scottish music, dancing and dallads with over 20 musicians. $20 Adult. $15 Seniors. $10 kids under 12. 11984 Main St., Sunol. 862-2800. Parisii String Quartet, April 17, 8 p.m. Del Valle Fine Arts concert. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. 925-373-6800, www.livermoreperformingarts.org. Contra Costa Wind Symphony, perform U.S. premiere of "The Queen Symphony," based on the music of the rock band, Queen. Pianist Nathan Cheung, violinist Jim Potochny, cellist Greg Colburn and combined choirs of Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley high schools featured. Also works by composers Peter Graham of Scotland and Frigyes Hidas of Hungary. 8 p.m. April 17. Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek. All seats $10. www.CCWindSymphohy.org or at the door. Pleasanton Community Concert Band, April 18, spring concert, 2 p.m. Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton. For further information please call (925) 846-5897. Battle of the Basses, April 24, David Morris will demonstrate how bowed basses, the viola da gamba, the bass violin, and the cello went through many changes through the end of the baroque era. This program will include unaccompanied solo works as well as pieces with Yuko Tanaka playing basso continuo. The program will include music from the renaissance to the high baroque and composers ranging from Tobias Hume and Marin Marais to J.S. Bach. At 7:30 p.m. in the library at Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. Cost: $15. For information call 925-424-1467 or see www.lpcearlymusic.org. ON THE STAGE The Vagina Monologues, April 2, 3 and 9, 8 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. All proceeds of this production go to Tri-Valley Haven to end local violence against women. 925-373-6800, www.livermoreperformingarts.org. Rent, the Pulitzer Prize-Winning musical performed at Las Positas College. April 2 through 18. 8 p.m. April 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17; 2 p.m. April 11, 18. 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore. For more information, call (925) 424-1166. $15 general admission, $10 students and seniors.

Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Role Players Ensemble, April 16-May 8, In a small West Texas dime store, the “Disciples of James Dean” fan club gather for their twentieth reunion. They were all teenaged girls when Dean filmed “Giant” two decades ago in nearby Marfa. One of them, an extra in the film, continues to insist that Dean fathered her son, the Jimmy Dean of the title. As with most reunions, everyone and everything is not exactly as it seems. Tickets (925) 314-3400. For other show information please call (925) 314-3463. The Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. Tickets (925) 314-3400. For other show information please call (925) 314-3463. The Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville.

Tiffany Davis and Jeff Seberg in The Producers

The Producers, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre mainstage musical, April 23, 24, 25, 30, May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. 925-373-6800, www.livermoreperformingarts.org. Treasure Island, April 23-May 2, 2010, at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton. Presented by City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Stage Company, in partnership with the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Performances are April 23-24 and April 30-May 1 at 7:30 p.m., April 24 at 11:00 a.m. and May 1-2 at 2:00 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food items to the theater to benefit The Haven Food Pantry. Tickets are $12, $16 & $20 for adults and $8, $12, & $16 for children and seniors. All tickets may be purchased online at www.civicartstickets.org up to three hours prior to the performance, by phone at (925) 931-3444, or in person at the Amador Theater Box Office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for two hours prior to the performance. Group discounts are available. DANCE Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center Presents. April 10, 8 p.m. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. 925-373-6800, www. livermoreperformingarts.org. Saturday Night Dance Parties, themed parties each Saturday night from Salsa

Art & Entertainment

to Swing, includes an optional group dance lesson at 7:15. $15 cover charge, 7:15 dance lesson, 8:00-10:30 for dance parties. It's All About Dancing, 171 So. Livermore Avenue, 925-449-9292, or [email protected]. AUDITIONS/VOLUNTEERS Heidi Chronicles audition, Directed by Susan Hovey. Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre production. Auditions: Saturday, April 3rd, auditions at 1pm and Tuesday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m. Callbacks at Studio Theatre, 1048 Serpentine Lane, Suite 309, Pleasanton. Roles for 5 women and 3 men who need to appear ages 20-40 throughout the show. Go to www.trivalleyrep.org for audition materials and information. MOVIES The Red Badge of Courage, April 2, A classic film series hosted by Candace Klaschus, Las Positas College. At 7:00 p.m. in the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton. Free. Information: 925-931-3405. Flow, Amador Valley High School’s Environmental Club, will be showing the award-winning film Flow about the world water crisis. The film has won many awards, including Best Documentary at the United Nations Association Film Festival and Jury Prize at the 2008 Mumbai International Film Festival. The movie will be shown in Amador Valley High School’s multipurpose room on Wednesday, April 21 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Admission is free and snacks will be for sale. The club can be contacted at [email protected]. CHORAL Never Ending Light: A Day of Sacred Song in the Russian Tradition performed by St. Innocent Orthodox Concert Choir on Sun., April 25, 2 p.m. Livermore Civic Center Library, 1188 So. Livermore Ave. Admission is free. For more information call 925-373-5505 or e-mail Joyce Nevins to receive e-mail notices about upcoming programs. OPERA Live Theater-Casts from the Met: 10 a.m. Saturdays at Dublin's Royal Hacienda Cinema. May 1, Armida. Replays of each opera will be shown on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. as follows: April 14, Hamlet; and May 19, Armida. San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows, Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m., Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Presented by the Livermore Valley Opera as a fund-raiser. Two short operas in a production entitled “Rivalries,” with piano accompaniment. One opera is an original opera set in a wine bar, and the second is Mozart’s The Impresario. 925-373-6800, www. livermoreperformingarts.org. MISCELLANEOUS Women Helping Women Month, Livermore Downtown Inc. partners with Tri-Valley Haven for an April 7th shopping event from 6 to 9 p.m. Tri-Valley Haven’s production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues will be playing at the Bankhead Theater on April 2, 3, and 9 at 8 pm. Shop at participating stores during the event. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Tri-Valley Haven to end violence locally. As a bonus, The

Vagina Monologues’ actresses will greet shoppers at the store fronts. Participating stores include: Lily Ann’s Lingerie (Jafra Cosmetics); Main Street Designs; Orghipchick; Outside In Etc., Purse Party; Proctor’s Custom Framing; Radiance Day Spa; Savvy Seconds; Shakabuku Design; Van’s Health Foods; Vino Cellars; and Woopsiedaisy. Tickets for Tri-Valley Haven’s production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues are available now at the Bankhead box office, online at www. bankheadtheater.org, or by calling (925) 373-6800. For more information about the performance or the shopping event, please see the Downtown Kiosk Posters or contact Christine at Tri-Valley Haven at (925) 667-2707 or [email protected]. Earth Day Celebration, Sat., April 17, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community clean, educational booths, children’s activities, earth friendly vendors. Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, Livermore Beautification Committee and Water Resources Division sponsors. Information 373-5748. Pleasanton Poetry, Prose & the Arts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18, 2010, Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. The 9th Annual Festival will feature guest speakers, poetry and prose workshops for adults, youth and teen workshops, writing contests and award ceremony. There are also a fine art exhibit and Literary Row, a place to meet local and nationally known authors. www.pleasantonarts.org Arts Exhibit/Literary Row Reception and Celebration, April 17, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. Free event. View “linked pieces,” visual art works and poems about them. Part of annual Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival. Jim Steinke performs on guitar and mandolin. Wine and savories served. Sustainability: Then & Now, Thursday, April 22, Celebrate Earth Day with Alviso Adobe Naturalist, Eric Nichols and Maria Lara, from the office of Pleasanton’s City Manager, in a discussion on native, historical, and current sustainability efforts. Museum on Main Ed Kinney Lecture series. 7 p.m. at Lynnewood United Methodist Church, 4444 Black Ave., Pleasanton. Tickets are $5 members and seniors, $10 non-members, $3 students and teachers with ID. Reservations are suggested. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Call the Museum on Main at 462-2766. 10th annual Two Day Town, April 23, 24, 25 at Lake Del Valle, Livermore. 20 bands over three days everything from rock, jazz, folk, salsa and more. Family activities, walks with Doc Hale, bike riding, Good Food Cafe. $50 per person in advance for a three day pass, kids under 12 free. Information twodaytown.com or call 510-287-9095. Tickets available at Tesla Vintners in Livermore. Artists Flea Market, Saturday, April 24, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Delucci Park, First at Neal, adjacent to the Farmers Market, Pleasanton. Easels, frames, art books, mat cutters, tapes, bargain art, seconds, paints, canvas, craft supplies, etc. Rehearsal behind the scenes, Livermore's Shakespeare’s Associates behind the scenes rehearsal, "Romeo and Juliet." May 8 Spring Fundraiser for a rare opportunity to experience the world inside

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

the rehearsal room. Dinner, dessert and Livermore Valley Wine (donated by Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery). The activities are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bothwell Arts Center located at 2466 8th Street in Livermore. Tickets are $135 per person for dinner, wine, and workshops. All proceeds will benefit the Livermore Shakespeare Festival. Guests are encouraged to call Katie Marcel at (925) 443-BARD or email [email protected] by

May 1st to secure a seat for an evening to remember. Save the Music, a Pleasanton Schools Educational Enrichment (PSEE) benefit to Save the Arts in Pleasanton Schools. Two-day fundraiser and celebration showcasing the talent of Pleasanton students through a visual arts show and performing arts extravaganza at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, May 21-22. Proceeds will go to support PUSD's elementary band

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and strings programs and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) specialists for the 2010/11 school year. PSEE's goal is to raise $290,000. Visit www.psee.org for updated information or to make a donation. May 21 will feature a visual arts show with wine and cheese tasting. May 22 will feature performances by groups from all PUSD schools, starting at 9 a.m. www.livermoreperformingarts.org.

Beth Emek to Host Holocaust Remembrance Day Congregation Beth Emek commemorates Yom Hashoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day on Sunday April 11 at 7:00pm The Israeli Parliament, the K’nesset, in 1951 formally established Yom HaShoah v’Hag’vurah - The Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and the Heroism. Today, Jews observe Yom Hashoah throughout the world to remember the millions who died and those who acted courageously in the face of such a great human tragedy. Facilitators including Rabbi Richard Winer, poet Deborah Grossman and author Ruth Gasten will explore how traditional and modern resources offer comfort and how we are able to create these resources for ourselves and for others. Through song, dance, poetry and art those in attendance will honor the lives lost and develop tools for coping with tragedies great and small. All are welcome. “Comfort food” will be provided. The address is 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton.

California Theatre Center (CTC), Sunnyvale’s resident, professional, repertory company which specializes in performing for children of all ages presents Rumpelstiltskin one night only at the Louis B. Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara University on Friday, April 2, 2010 at 7:00pm. A poor miller tries to impress the royal cousin by boasting untruthfully that his beautiful daughter can spin straw into gold. The girl is locked in a room with a spinning wheel and some straw to accomplish this task. A strange little man appears and entices the young maiden to promise him her firstborn child if he assists her. Later, he returns to claim the baby in fulfillment of their bargain, but is undone by his own ego. For ages 5 and up. For tickets or more information, please call the California Theatre Center Box Office at 408-245-2978 or visit the CTC web site at www. ctcinc.org. Single tickets range from $11.00 - $12.00. The Louis B. Mayer Theatre, Santa Clara University (SCU) (near Franklin at Lafayette Streets) 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara.

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THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

Education

Livermore Students Compete in Science Odyssey By Patricia Koning Over 500 students entered projects in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District’s Science Odyssey held on March 16 and 17. The fair, now in its ninth year, is open to District students in elementary, middle, and high school. “This year’s Science Odyssey was a huge success,” says Pauline Huben, a teacher on special assignment who was one of the event’s organizers. “The students did some amazing work and really seemed to enjoy themselves.” BJ Kato, a senior at Granada High School, won best-in-show in the high school division for his project “Inhibiting Bioluminescence in the Dinoflagellate P. fusiformis.” There were two best-in-show winners for the middle school division; Ethan Ha, a seventh grader at Christensen Middle School, for “Swimming in Acid”, and Jessica Hoang, an eighth grader at Christensen for “Temperature vs. the Resistance of Copper Wire.” Mila Steinberg, a fifth grader at Arroyo Seco Elementary School, won the elementary best-in-show prize with her project titled “Keeping Liquids Warm.” This year the judging was split over two nights, a change from previous years. On March 16, judges graded the posters and on March 17 conducted interviews with the students. “This helped move the event along much more quickly on Wednesday night, so families could get into the multipurpose room and see the projects earlier,” says Huben. “Granada High School science teacher Frankie Tate did a marvelous job of getting judges.” In addition to the science projects, participants in the Science Odyssey and their friends and families enjoyed a wide variety of hands-on displays from community science-based organizations. The Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science (TOPS) program gave tours of the mobile planetarium, Environmental Education for Kids (EEK!) demonstrated how to make noisemakers from recycled materials, and Swain Biological shared some of its snakes. One of the most popular exhibits, says Huben, was done by the physiology classes from Granada and Livermore High Schools, who led dissections of fetal pigs and cats. “Everyone said, ‘ooh, gross’ but then they couldn’t stay away,” she says.

Photos - Doug Jorgensen

Working on projects are (top photo) Jesus Cardenas from Sunset School and Debbie Smith, hands-on science at Croce Elementary; (photo at right) Jerald A. The Scientific Jam, led by Christensen science teacher Jeff Hale provided science instruction in the form of musical entertainment. Other presenters were the Livermore Lithophiles, Friends of the Arroyo, Friends of Shadow Cliffs, Alameda County Master Gardeners, Abbie 4-H Club, StopWaste.org, and the Tri-Valley Fly Fishers. Next year, says Huben, the District will pull out all the stops for the 10th anniversary of the Science Odyssey. In 2001, assistant superintendent of educational services Kelly Bower (who was then the teacher on special assignment, the position that Huben now holds) started the Science Odyssey with $20,000 grant from Intel Corporation.

Community

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

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Inderbitzen Joins Law Firm The law firm of Patton Martin & Sullivan LLP has announced that it has started 2010 with the formation of a key “of-counsel” relationship with Martin (“Marty”) Inderbitzen. The addition of Mr. Inderbitzen, a recognized expert in real estate law, to the Patton Martin & Sullivan team extends the law firm’s practice areas to real estate transactions, land use, entitlement, zoning and corporate and partnership matters. Patton Martin & Sullivan is known for its trial and appellate expertise in business, real estate, and intellectual property matters. Mr. Inderbitzen has enjoyed a long association with Steve McNichols, a prominent litigator in the Bay Area, who has also established an “of counsel” relationship with John Patton, Kevin Martin, and Randy Sullivan at their offices at 6600 Koll Center Parkway in Pleasanton, California. Also based in Pleasanton, Mr. Inderbitzen has practiced law

in Northern California for over 30 years. He has recently been involved with several real estate projects, including the entitlement, processing and development of the Dublin Ranch Project in Dublin, Calif. — a 1,500-acre mixed-use development project consisting of over 5,000 residential units, 2,000,000 square feet of office, commercial and retail uses, multiple parks, schools and public buildings as well as $500,000,000 in infrastructure improvements; a 36-acre commercial project in Livermore, Calif.; a 51-unit custom lot residential project in Pleasanton, California; and a 500,000 square-foot mixed-use commercial project in Hacienda Business Park in Pleasanton. Mr. Inderbitzen’s affiliation brings Patton Martin & Sullivan’s ranks to six attorneys in Pleasanton, each with extensive practice backgrounds. The firm’s structure is tailored to efficiently and effectively meet its clients’ needs.

Edward Jones office Opening in Livermore The financial services firm Edward Jones has hired Linda Kime as the financial advisor to open Edward Jones’ first branch office in Livermore. James D. Weddle, managing partner of the St. Louis-based financial services firm, said the firm wants to extend its reputation for unparalleled client service to Livermore and the Tri-Valley area, which is why Kime is opening the office. Kime said she is excited to be opening a new office for a firm that has built a reputation on serving individual investors. Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 2 on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2010, is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones Web site is located at www.edward-

jones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones. com. Member SIPC.

Double Centurion Producer Century 21 Lincoln Realty announced that Pat O’Connell was recently recognized with the Double Centurion Producer award for sales production. The award is presented to associates who achieve $418,000 in sales production or 120 closed transaction sides within a calendar year. “Pat is a consummate professional who continues to exceed the expectations of our clients in order to provide an unmatched level of service and peace of mind during the real estate transaction,” said Theodore Jordan Babbes, broker of Century 21 Lincoln Realty.

Pictured in the front ror are Rob Blatechy of SolarCity (holding the ribbon from the left), pastor of Our Savior, Phil Scharnitzke, Roxanne Kruz of PG&E, Mayor Marshall Kamena, and James Hatfield of SolarCity (holding the ribbon from the right).

Our Savior Lutheran Ministries and SolarCity Unveil New Solar Installation Livermore Mayor Marshall Kamena joined Our Savior Lutheran Ministries and SolarCity on Wednesday, March 24 in a ceremony to celebrate the church and school’s commitment to using clean, renewable power with a new, 200-kilowatt solar power installation. The solar power system consists of multiple arrays on Our Savior Lutheran Ministries’ buildings. It is estimated that the solar power system will produce more than 240,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity this year, sufficient to provide approximately two-thirds

of the church’s energy needs. SolarCity financed the solar power system via a power purchase agreement (PPA)—an arrangement in which SolarCity installed the solar panels for free. Our Savior Lutheran pays for the solar electricity the system produces. The solar electricity is expected to reduce the church’s annual electric bills by approximately $56,000, while costing $49,000, creating a net savings of approximately $7,000 per year that can be used for other expenses, or to support other ministries.

The church’s solar system is expected to offset close to 9 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime, the equivalent of taking 1,000 cars off the road for a year or planting nearly 5,000 trees. For more information about Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, please visit our website at www. oslm.net. SolarCity currently serves more than 300 communities in California, Arizona and Oregon. Additional information about the company is available on the Web at www.solarcity.com.

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Community

THE INDEPENDENT • THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

(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. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.) The 29th annual Mt. Diablo Iris Show and Plant Sale, Sat., April 17, at the First Baptist Church of Walnut Creek, 2336 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. Fantastic representatives of iris, some for sale. The show is open to the public, there is no admission fee. For additional information call Mary Sindicic at (925) 606-0355. An Affiliate of – The American Iris Society ClutterLess Self Help Support Group, (CL) is a nonprofit, peer-based, self-help support group for people with difficulty discarding unwanted possessions. Meetings in Room 7 at 7 p.m. every Monday 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Mary & St. John Coptic Orthodox Church. Room 7, 4300 Mirador Drive, Pleasanton. Just come or call our one of the volunteers: 925-2001943, or go to www.ClutterLess.org. Livermore-Amador Genealogy Society meets 7:30 pm., Tues., April 13 at Congregation Beth-Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct., Pleasanton. Writer/historian Anne Homan and genealogist/ historian Richard Finn will talk about their new book, "Vasco's Livermore, 1910/ one hundred years after the Australian artist Vasco Loureiro visited Livermore." Vasco created caricatures of many of the town leaders in the old Hub saloon, which was where Lizzie's Fountain is now. The authors will show images from the book and talk about the historic role many of these men had in shaping Livermore and the surrounding area. Public is invited. No fee. Information, call Marie Ross 447-1806. Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated will host Allan Lindsay O’Neal, past president of the NRA Members’ Council of Alameda County, as speaker at a dinner meeting starting 6:30pm on Thursday, April 8, at Cattlemens Restaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore. $26 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Advance reservations required by Monday, April 5. Call (925) 462-4931 to RSVP. Visit www.trivalleyrepublicanwomen. org for more information. Exceptional Needs Network Rummage Sale, Saturday, April 10, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Livermore-Pleasanton Elks Lodge, 940 Larkspur Dr., Livermore. Purchases benefit developmentally delayed children and their summer camping experience at Camp Arroyo. Stock up now on many 'gently used' items. For more information or to donate items, contact Kirsten Sprott at (925) 454-8968 or [email protected] Birds of Mt. Wanda, free morning bird walk Sat., April 3, John Muir National Historic Site. 8:30 a.m. Meet at Caltrans Park and Ride, corner of Alhambra Ave. and Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez. Wear good walking shoes, Bring water and binoculars (if available). Trail is steep. Heavy rain cancels.228-8860. Widowed Men and Women of Northern CA. general meeting Tues., April 13, noon at the Dublin Library. Lunch in Pleasanton, April 8, 11:30 a.m. RSVP by April 5 to Marsha, 8308483. Bocce ball in Pleasanton, April 12, 1 p.m. RSVP by April 9 to Gino, 846-2728. Happy hour in Pleasanton, April 15, 5:30 p.m., RSVP by April 13 to Lorraine, 846-5695. Opera night and dinner in Oakland, April 16, 6 p.m. RSVP by April 6 to Gino, 243-1282. Free teen workshop - body acceptance, Pleasanton Community Counseling Center, Sun., April 18, 2 to 4 p.m. Pleasanton Library. Discussion on how self-acceptance is important to self-esteem and happiness. Free. Participants will receive a Jamba Juice card. Call Jenny to register, 600-9762 ext. 7#. Community Service of Remembrance, Wed., April 14, 7 p.m. Hope Hospice Grief Support Center, 6377 Clark Ave., Suite 100, Dublin. Includes poetry, music and ceremony of remembrance. Each guest will receive a live plant inscribed with the name of a loved one. Refreshments. Reserve plants no later than April 2, 829-8770. Registration email to info@ hopehospice.com or call 829-8770. Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club, Sat., April 3, 40 miles Cinderella training ride from Lafayette BART to Dublin, meet 9 a.m. Bekki Livingston, sports.groups.yahoo. com/group/pedlpushers. Sat., April 3, 45 miles Cinderella training ride, Dublin high through cities of the Tri-Valley, meet 9 a.m. Karin Ball,

[email protected]. Sun., April 4, 38 miles from Livermore Airport to Pleasanton and Blackhawk, meet 9 a.m. Bill Goodwin, 487-0521. Wed., April 7, 30 miles Shannon Center through San Ramon, Danville and Alamo, meet 10 a.m. Gail Bianco, 872-1001. Anyone planning to go on a ride is asked to contact the leader for details on where to meet and what to bring. Amador Valley Quilt Guild, meeting Saturday, April 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pleasanton Middle School, 5001 Case Avenue, Pleasanton. The April meeting will feature quilt artist Anelie Belden (www.anelie.com). Anelie will present a “Truck Show” of the Thoroughly Modern Dresden designs. The guild is a nonprofit educational association for quilters of all skill levels. Anyone interested in quilting may attend. For further information about the guild or upcoming speakers, please visit our website. http://amadorvalleyquilters.org Ohlone Audubon meets 7:30 p.m. on April 6 at Eden Church, 21455 Birch St. on the corner of Grove, Hayward, 94541. Doug Cheeseman will do a presentation on "Mammals and Birds of Tanzania and Kenya." No admission charge & refreshments served. For more information call 925-939-5798. Pacific High, class of 1970, 40th reunion. Sat., July 31, 6 p.m. to midnight. Hilton Hotel, 7050 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. 463-8000. 6 p.m. includes dinner, dancing with DJ hosted music. The price for early ticket buyers is $75/attendee. After April 30 2010, the price will be going up to $85 per person. No tickets will be sold at the door OR after July 16 2010 due to having to finalize food plans. phsreunion1970@aol. com PHS70 Reunion . Bingo night, benefiting Christensen Middle School Wrestling team, Sat., May 8. Bingo Ranch, 3070 Pacific Ave., Livermore. Doors open 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Must be at least 18 to play. One pack $17; games pay $175, $250, and $500. Mystery envelope to first 150 players. Snack bar. Proceeds will be used to purchase uniforms and equipment. Contact Laura Sheppard at the Bingo Ranch, 606-7777, for information. Pleasantonians 4 Peace is sponsoring a candlelight Vigil in front of the Museum on Main, 603 Main Street, downtown Pleasanton, 7 p.m. on Wed., April 14. Participants will reflect on the human and monetary costs of the war, honor veterans who have sacrificed, and visualize ways of moving beyond this conflict to a more peaceful world. There will also be a Peaceful War Protest on the fourth Wednesday of the month, April 28 between 5 - 6 at the corners of First and Neal Streets. Questions?? Call Cathe Norman at (925) 462-7495; Matt Sullivan at [email protected]; or [email protected]. Please see our New P4P web site at www.Pleasantonians4Peace.org Livermore Amador Valley Garden Club (LAVGC), meets 7 p.m. Thurs., April 8. Guest speaker is Fred Hempel, Ph.D. He is a farmer and amateur tomato breeder and will share his knowledge on gardening. His topic is, "The importance of gardening for farmers: Embracing failure for success" LAVGC will meet at Harvest Park Middle School, in the multipurpose room, 4900 Valley Blvd., Pleasanton. All garden enthusiasts are welcome to attend. For more information call Lydia Roberts at (925) 461-1725. www.orgsites.com/ca/lavgc. The Tri Valley Youth Court is looking for adult and youth volunteers to act as SpanishEnglish translators. The volunteers will work with non-English speaking families during their entire involvement with the program. TVYC is a youth-driven diversion program that acts as an adjunct to the traditional juvenile justice system for first time teen offenders. For more information, visit our website at www.trivalleyyouthcourt.com or call Tonya at 925-337-7171. Blue Star Moms East Bay, Chapter 101, is collecting donations for the deployed military personnel to be placed into care packages and mailed to them for 4th of July. The dates for "Drop Zones" are: Sat., April 10, 10-3 Molly’s Pup Purr-ee; Sat., April 24, 10-3, Pleasanton Wal-Mart; Sat., May 1, 10-3, Molly's Pup Purr-ee; Sat., May 8, 10-3, Pleasanton WalMart; Sat., May 22, 10-3, Pleasanton WalMart. Information contact Stephanie Nimitz, [email protected]. Literacy tutors sought, free tutor training workshop will be held at the Livermore Library on Monday, April 19, from 7-9 p.m. and on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Please plan to attend both sessions. Once trained, tutoring can be done any day or any time. To register, or for more information, call 373-5507. The READ Project is a service of the Livermore Public Library. Livermore Moms (formerly Livermore Moms Club) Monthly Meetings, meets April 12, 7 p.m. Meeting will be a free yoga class. The purpose of the Livermore Moms is to share ideas and talents so that we may grow as parents, learn better ways to understand our children to help them become confident and capable individuals. Meetings are free for members, as well as for first time visitors. Contact [email protected] for more information and meeting location. Bogey Bash, A fund-raiser for Arc of Alameda County will be held April 26 at the Las Positas Golf Course, Livermore. Funds will go to programs to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Fee is $125 for individual golfers. Sponsorships are available. For information, contact Richard Fitzmaurce at [email protected] or 510-357-3727 ext. 2107. Calpers retirees, all retired public employees under the Calpers retirement program are invited to attend bimonthly meetings at Emil Villa's Hickory Pit & Grill, 3064 Pacific Ave., Livermore, at 10:45 a.m. Dates are April 1, June 3, August 5, Oct. 7 and Dec. 2. For more information, call Dona Allen, 443-3484. Volunteer drivers, Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley is looking for volunteer drivers to transport seniors to their medical appointments. The Senior Transportation Program supplements existing public and paratransit services by providing rides via volunteer drivers. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, a registered vehicle, carry automobile liability insurance, and have a clear DMV record. Please contact Jennifer Cullen for more information at (925) 931-5387 or email: [email protected]. Funding for this program is provided by Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority. Over 145 Tri-Valley seniors registered for rides. Volunteers have driven over 10,000 miles to get seniors to their appointments. More volunteer drivers (over the age of 25) are needed. Tri-Valley Holistic Moms Network, meeting 7 p.m. April 19. Todd Sarner, marriage and family therapist, will present a program on "Overcoming Behavior Problems and Raising a Child that Thrives: Parenting Practices that are Developmentally-Safe and Attachment Friendly." Discussion at Harvest Park Middle School, 4900 Valley Avenue, Pleasanton. This meeting is free for Chapter members & first time visitors. Meetings are held on the third Monday evening of each month. For further information, please visit www.holisticmoms.org or e-mail [email protected]. Beginning Bridge Class, Designed for new players with no previous bridge experience. Learn this mind stimulating game. Bridge has been proven to increase short term memory and improve one’s immune system. Taught by Audrey Rennels, a Life Master trained teacher. 8 classes on Thursdays, April 9 – May 25, 2010 from 6:30-8:30pm. $50 Pleasanton Resident/$55 Non-resident. Classes held at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. Pleasanton, CA. For more information please call 931-5365. Day Trippers – Oakland Aviation Museum, Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 9:00am2:00pm. Tour the historic North Field at Oakland Int. Airport. View a collection of planes including the Mark III “Flying Boat” featured in the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Experience travel in 1940’s style. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch afterwards on the shoreline at Marina Park. $25 Pleasanton Resident/$28 Non-resident Please call 931-5365 for more information. Homeless people are invited in for the night when the weather is predicted to fall below 40 degrees or rain is forecast. There are many opportunities for members of the community to volunteer including transportation, hospitality, and overnight security. No experience necessary, just compassion. Call Teri at 250-8981. Water-Wise Workshops, free workshops offer ways to cut water waste and still maintain a beautiful yard. The workshops will feature local plant and irrigation experts and are sponsored by Zone 7 Water Agency, Livermore Municipal Water, California Water Service Company, City of Pleasanton and the Dublin San Ramon

Services District. Workshops are Sat., April 3 from 11:00 – 12:30 pm at the Pleasanton Library and Sat., April 24 2:00 – 3:30 pm at the Dublin Library. Call 925- 454-5015 to find out more. Free computer class, Livermore Adult Education is offering a free computer class to people who qualify through a One-Stop Career Center. This intensive computer course includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook 2007. Some computer experience is required. For more information please call 925-606-4722 or visit us at 1401 Almond Ave. Livermore. Scholarships available, Chapter FX, of the P.E.O. Sisterhood (a philanthropic and educational organization promoting women’s education) announces that applications are available for their annual $600 scholarship and the Marcia M. Howie Memorial Scholarship. The awards are open to any female who is a graduating senior intending to further her education by attending an accredited college, business school, cosmetology or nursing course. Applicants must be residents of Livermore. When awarding these scholarships, financial need is considered, as well as scholastic achievement and extracurricular activities. Letters of recommendation and official transcripts must be attached to the application. Applications may be obtained from high school scholarship advisors or by sending a stamped, self addressed envelope to: Chapter FX, P.E.O., 1961 Evans Street, Livermore CA94550. If there are any questions, please call (925) 366 5567. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 19, 2010 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Silent Auction, White Crane Winery, noon to 4pm, Sun., April 25. Benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Hosted by HIKE members of Team in Training. Join us for a relaxing day of wine tasting. Local wineries will showcase their wines for tasting while you enjoy finger food, music, inspirational speakers, and, raffles. Meander through silent auction items to fit every budget. 10% discount when purchasing your $25 ticket on line. https://WineHike. ticketleap.com Use code: SUPPORT or call 925 413 7788 925 413 7788 San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club invites new and established residents to its monthly luncheon on Thursday, April 15. Jacquie Williams-Courtwright, owner of Alden Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Lane, Livermore, will talk about "Spring in the Garden." The meeting is from 11:30 to 2pm. Lunch will be a box lunch for $9.00 Call Myrna at 925-560-0656. Reunion Amador Valley High School – Class of 1980, 30 year reunion. Fri., Sept. 17, casual BBQ at a classmate's ranch; Sat., Sept. 18, Pleasanton Hilton. For more information, go to Facebook or contact Mindy GottesmanSmith at [email protected]. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Assistance League of Amador Valley fund-raiser, Sat., April 24, Aahmes Shrine Event Center, Livermore. Tickets are $50 per person. This fun event features tea tables individually decorated by members, yummy food, a hat contest, raffle prizes, and a champagne bar. Tables preview begins at noon and the party is from 1:00 – 4:00. The entertainment is The Goodwill Bags Fashion Show featuring Authentic Vintage Clothing. Information call Carmen at 371-4566. www. amadorvalley.assistanceleague.org AAUW Scholarships, Scholarships for college women undergraduates are being offered by the American Association of University Women Livermore-Pleasanton-Dublin Branch. Two or more scholarships from $500 to $2500 will be awarded to women who currently live in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin or Sunol or who graduated from a Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin high school. The recipients must be college undergraduates who will be juniors or seniors at the beginning of the 2010 college fall term and plan to complete a full course of study at an accredited four-year college or university. The deadline for an application to be submitted is April 1, 2010. For an application and further information, contact Joan at (925) 484-0602. Pleasanton VIP Travelers, Grand Ladies of San Francisco, tour of old Victorians, lunch included, April 15, leave Pleasanton 8:30 a.m. return 5 p.m. $83 members, $84 nonmembers. Sign up at the tour desk at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. 2nd Annual K9 Cancer Awareness Hike for Life will be held Sat., April 3 in Brushy Peak Regional Park, north end of Laughlin Road, Livermore. The event begins at 9 a.m.

The walk is led by Bob Coomber. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. All dogs are free, $5 suggested donation per two-legger. Each K9 will receive a homemade dog treat at the end of the hike. For information, or to register, call 719-1910. Let the organizers know how many K9s will be taking part. Free Income Tax help will be available at the Livermore Public Library Civic Center this tax season, Feb. 4 through April 15. Trained volunteers from AARP will be available to answer questions and help the public prepare state and federal tax forms. Appointments are on a first come, first served basis. Tax assistance will be provided Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, March 13 at the Civic Center Library, 1188 S. Livermore Avenue. For further information about this service, please call the library’s Information Desk at 925-373-5505. Pleasanton Newcomers Club and TriValley, great way for new and established residents to meet new friends, keep in touch with old friends, have fun and become acquainted with neighbors, merchants, restaurants, professional services, and Pleasanton and Tri-Valley communities. Coffee on first Wednesday of each month, or come for lunch on the second Wednesday of each month. Information, visit the website at www.pleasantonewcomers.com or call Sandy B. at 249-1776. RELIGION Calvary Chapel, Livermore, presents: ‘The Truth Project: Know what you believe and why." Wednesdays at 7 pm in April. Located on 545 N L Street, Livermore. Call (925)4474357 or visit calvarylivermore.org. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews will hold a community potluck seder on Saturday, April 3 at 5 p.m. at the Bothwell Center, 2466 8th St. in Livermore. The seder features an Englishlanguage progressive Secular haggadah highlighting the power of community and the value of freedom. The seder, led by Secular Rabbi Judith Seid, author of God-Optional Judaism, includes traditional Passover songs as well as freedom songs from the Civil Rights movement and Yiddish songs of resistance. Reservations are required. To reserve a space and choose a potluck assignment, please call (510) 888-1404 or e-mail Reservations@EastBayCulturalJews. org. There is a requested donation of $10/adult (over 13) non-members of TVCJ. Grief Workshop, Eight-week workshop, April 15 through June 3, 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Meetings are open to all, regardless of religious orientation. Preregistration is required. One time donation of $15 is requested. Please call Mary at 846-5377. Exploring the Gospel of St. Luke: Join Fr. Thomas Bonacci, C.P., scripture scholar, over five weeks, where he will look at Luke’s unique contribution to the Gospel traditions of Jesus who models what it means to be “Spiritfilled” people. Anyone in the community who is interested in understanding more about Luke’s Gospel is invited. The sessions are on Monday evenings, April 19, 26, May 3, 17 & 24 at 7:30 pm in Borromeo Hall at St. Charles Borromeo 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. A $5 freewill donation for Fr. Thomas would be appreciated. For more information contact Julie at [email protected] or 925-447-4549 ext 114. Meditation Study Group - Practice new meditation methods, based on teachings of Shinzen Young. 7:15-8:30 pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, at Tri-Valley Unity's Gathering Place, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd., #120, Dublin. Contact Gayle at [email protected] Prayer Circle - Prayer, meditation, study, and sharing. 7:15-8:30 pm on the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of the month, at Tri-Valley Unity's Gathering Place, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd., #120, Dublin. Contact Bob at [email protected]. St. Matthew's Baptist Church, 1239 North Livermore Ave., Livermore. Services on Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult Sunday school 9:30 a.m., Children's Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Prayer each Wednesday at 7 p.m. followed by Bible study at 7:30 p.m. 449-3824. United Christian Church, celebrating 50 years in the Tri-Valley. 1886 College Ave. at M St., Livermore; worships on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. Children’s program on Sunday morning and first Fridays. The community is welcome. United CC is an Open and Affirming ministry.  Call 449-6820.