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Thursday, February 16, 2012
Omigod you guys! 'Legally Blonde' brings bounce to the Lesher Theatre
Walnut Creek has never been so sweet. As Elle Woods storms up the steps of Harvard Law and into your heart with her unique brand of fizzy wisdom, she'll give you a toothache. (Thursday, 4:03 PM)

Visit the USS Hornet
Take the family to visit the USS Hornet, a restored aircraft carrier in Alameda. The USS Hornet served in WWII and recovered the Apollo 11 astronauts. Tour the bridge, hangar deck, engine room, navigation bridge, captain's bridge, primary flight control, and flight deck, or ride the flight simulator. The Hornet is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors; $12 for military and students with ID; $6 for youth ages 5-17; and children 5 years and younger are free. Parking is free. The USS Hornet is located at Pier 3, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda. Call (510) 521-8448 or visit www.uss-hornet.org. (Thursday, 12:51 PM)

Are you homebound and a bookworm?
If you are a homebound individual living in the area and are unable to visit the Danville Library for materials, volunteers are able to deliver books to you. For more information, call 837-4889. (Thursday, 12:51 PM)

Mobile gourmets convene at Pleasanton Fairgrounds
A gourmet food truck festival will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds (4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton) on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 4-8 p.m. The festival will feature food trucks, beer, wine, margaritas and live music along with warm, lit indoor seating. Among the mobile gourmets: Chairman Bao, We Sushi, Brass Knuckle, Nom Nom (from the Great Food Truck Race), Little Green Cyclo, Kara's Cupcakes, That's Sweet and Golden Waffle. $5 admission and children are free. Visit www.gourmetfoodtruckfestival.com. (Thursday, 12:50 PM)

Ishmael Reed to present 'Black History through Poetry'
Call him neither black nor African American. Renowned poet Ishmael Reed, who is appearing Sunday afternoon at the Firehouse Arts Center in honor of Black History Month, thinks all Americans should be referred to as "Pan-Americans." (Thursday, 12:49 PM)

Streetwise: Favorite American president
As President Obama visits the Bay Area for campaign fundraisers, Danville residents take time to reflect on previous commanders-in-chief. This week, Roving Reporter Stan Wharton visited San Ramon Valley High School to ask students Who is your all-time favorite president? (Thursday, 11:39 AM)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Council considers canceling fireworks, will create new July 4 program
The San Ramon City Council spent nearly two hours Tuesday evening discussing the pros and cons of putting on the aerial fireworks display this summer as part of the city's Independence Day celebration at Central Park. Its huge popularity through the years has caused concern at City Hall regarding public safety and cost. (Wednesday, 11:27 PM)

Fallen soldier memorial slated for downtown Danville
A memorial statue dedicated to San Ramon Valley High grad Lance Cpl. Joshua "Chachi" Corral will officially be allowed on Hartz Avenue in front of the new Veterans Memorial Building. A "battlefield cross," the memorial would feature boots, a rifle and a helmet with two plaques -- one which describes the genesis of the battlefield cross and one dedicating the memorial to Chachi. (Wednesday, 11:12 PM)

Wild, Weird and Wonderful Collections on display
Through April 28, the Museum of San Ramon Valley will display a distinctive and eclectic variety of over fifty collections from hunters and gatherers both young and old. Located at 205 Railroad Avenue in Danville, exhibit hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1-4 p.m. and from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays. (Wednesday, 1:41 PM)

St. Timothy's concert series
Flutist Kris Palmer and Pianist Dmitry Cogan will be in concert on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. at St. Timothy's (1550 Diablo Rd., Danville). Performing on wood and alto flutes, Palmer is a second prize winner in the National Flute Association's Young Artist Competition, and Cogan is a Laureate recipient of the Jose Iturbi International Piano Competition in Spain. Cost $10-$20. Call 837-4993 or visit www.sainttimothysdanville.org. (Wednesday, 1:21 PM)

Republican party hosts economic discussion tonight
The Contra Costa Republican Party will host Mike Winther, founder and president of the Institute for Principle Studies, in a discussion titled "Battle for the Soul of America's Economic Future." The event is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the San Ramon Valley Golf Club (9430 Firecrest Lane, San Ramon). Cost $25. For reservations visit www.Go to: ContraCostaGOP.org. (Wednesday, 1:21 PM)

Widowed men and women social tomorrow
The Widowed Men and Women of Northern California meets for a happy hour gathering at 5 p.m. on the third Friday of the month at the Sheraton Hotel across from JC Penney's at Stoneridge Mall. Guests welcome. RSVP prior to event. Call Lorraine, 846-5695. (Wednesday, 1:20 PM)

Just like a train wreck
In this week's Raucous Caucus educator and recruiter Tom Cushing discusses the heated GOP race. "It gets way too much coverage, methinks, as stern-looking pundits dissect every odd moment and outrageous charge, and re-handicap the sweeps, moment-by-moment," Cushing writes. "I will suggest that these Republican candidates and this process bode very well for the Democratic opposition." (Wednesday, 1:03 PM)

Caltrans gives green light to Bay Bridge closure this weekend
A Caltrans spokesman confirmed this morning that the upper deck of the Bay Bridge's eastern span will be closed over the coming three-day weekend. During the closure, motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes or public transit, which will be beefed up with additional ferries and overnight BART service at some stations. However, BART train service will run hourly and only serve 14 of BART's 44 stations. (Wednesday, 1:03 PM)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Danville woman charged with leaving infants in car while shopping
A Danville woman who faces felony child endangerment in connection with leaving her two infant twins in a car last week at Stoneridge Shopping Center may have done the same thing previously. "There is some indication this has happened before," said Pleasanton police Sgt. Kurt Schlehuber. (Tuesday, 4:27 PM)

Monte Vista hosts first NCS game
The Monte Vista High School Mustangs will work to clinch the North Coast Section title at the first round of post-season play on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The mens' varsity team will host Berkeley High at 5 p.m. and the lady Mustangs will face off against Doughtery Valley at 7 p.m. An NCS gate fee of $9 will be charged for adults and $6 for students. (Tuesday, 4:18 PM)

Fire District app debuts in San Jose
In conjunction with Valentine's Day, San Jose community leaders launched the PulsePoint citizen first responder mobile phone application designed to alert CPR-trained users to a victim in cardiac arrest. After a year working to get the app in the San Jose Fire service area, the district and El Camino Hospital unveiled the application at a news conference. (Tuesday, 4:14 PM)

Board of Education discusses possible bond measure, leans toward November ballot
After several heated forums about a possible school facilities bond, San Ramon Valley Unified's Board of Education met Tuesday morning to discuss the realities of implementing a measure to improve school infrastructure. While most residents surveyed believe that the district can be trusted to properly manage tax dollars, 85 percent said the quality of school facilities are excellent or good an 61 percent believe there is great or some need for additional funding. (Tuesday, 3:49 PM)

LGBT Day of Dialogue at San Damiano
San Damiano (710 Highland Dr., Danville) welcomes gay, lesbian, bi-sexua, and transgendered people to a day of prayer and dialogue in this peaceful and beautiful setting from on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 1-5 p.m. This is an afternoon for shared stories of faith and community. Family members and friends are welcome as well at this free event. Call 837-9141, ext. 315 or visit www.sandamiano.org. (Tuesday, 10:11 AM)

Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley meets tomorrow
Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley meets from noon-1:30 p.m. every Thursday at Round Hill Country Club (3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo). Meetings include networking, lunch and a guest speaker. For information, visit its Web site at www.kiwanis-srv.org or call 244-1227. (Tuesday, 10:10 AM)

An evening in Roma
Michael sings a romantic style of music inspired by music legends Mario Lanza and Placido Domingo, combined with Josh Groban and Michael Buble on Saturday, Feb. 18. Performance will be held from 8-10 p.m. at the Firehouse Arts Center (4444 Railroad Ave. Pleasanton). Tickets are $15-$25 for adults, $12 for children and $20 for seniors. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org. (Tuesday, 10:09 AM)

Monday, February 13, 2012
Amgen Tour coming back to Tri-Valley in May
The Amgen Tour of California will be back in the Tri-Valley on May 15, passing through Walnut Creek, Danville and Clayton before completing the Stage 3 finish in Livermore. (Monday, 4:31 PM)

SRVHS class of 2010 raises funds for Battlefield Cross memorial
Several students at San Ramon Valley High School donned "Some gave all, all gave some" t-shirts on Friday during a lunchtime fundraiser to benefit fallen soldiers. Along with parent representatives of the class of 2010, the students sold shirts and sweatshirts to raise money for the Semper Fi Foundation and Danville fallen soldier memorial. (Monday, 3:55 PM)

Public blood drive this Saturday
The American Red Cross will hold a public blood drive from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the American Red Cross Bus at Dundracon, San Ramon Marriott (2600 Bishop Dr., San Ramon). Use sponsor code "Dundracon" when scheduling an appointment. Call 800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org. (Monday, 12:57 PM)

Laugh out loud withTrapped in a Rumor improv
Improv troupe Trapped in a Rumor will perform at the Village Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. These unrehearsed, unprepared shows are fast-paced, funny, energetic and rated PG-13. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Call 314-3400 or visit www.villagetheatreshows.com. (Monday, 12:57 PM)

Kiwanis Club calls for grant applicants
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley through its affiliate has issued a call for community non-profit organizations throughout the area to apply for more than $41,000 in grants to be awarded during 2012. Ranging from $500 to $3,000, the Kiwanis grants are designed to support programs and projects that help both specific organizations and the broader community. (Monday, 12:56 PM)

Street Smarts traffic safety program receives grant
San Ramon Valley's Street Smarts program received a $7,000 grant from State Farm Insurance. A collaborative traffic safety program that involves community members, public agencies and the private sector, the grant will support the organization's teen driver safety program, "It Happens." (Monday, 12:38 PM)

Police arrest caretaker for the elderly suspected of defrauding her clients
Walnut Creek police arrested a caretaker for the elderly on Saturday who they suspect has been defrauding her clients, police said. Employees at the Target at 1871 N. Main St. contacted police at around 1 p.m. when two women tried to make a purchase that seemed suspicious.
(Monday, 12:15 PM)

This week's police log
The Danville Police Department provides Danville Express with a record of its calls each week. This is a sampling, omitting the more mundane, such as routine traffic stops, service requests, noise complaints and domestic disturbances. (Monday, 12:13 PM)

Sunday, February 12, 2012
An Evening with author John Lescroart
New York Times bestselling author John Lescroart will be in town from 6:45-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16 at Read Booksellers (3630 Blackhawk Plaza Cir., Danville). Lescroart will discuss and sign his new book, "The Hunter," a dark, intimate thriller about the price we put on family and the terrible costs of seeking the truth. Refreshments provided. Call 736-9090 or visit www.readbooksellers.com. (Sunday, 9:48 AM)

'Drumm!' at the San Ramon Library
In honor of African American History Month, thrill to the passion and joy of African drums, music and dance as Benjamin Ofori, Master Percussionist, presents "DRUMM!" at 2 p.m., Feb. 18 at the San Ramon Library, Bollinger Canyon Road and Market St. This special cultural event is sponsored by the San Ramon Library Foundation. All ages will enjoy this performance of "DRUMM." For more information call 973-2850, or visit the Library website at ccclib.org. (Sunday, 9:46 AM)

Plan Bay Area's virtual workshop runs through Feb. 15
Bay Area residents can express their opinions on how our region should grow and what kind of transportation system we will need to support that growth in an online workshop sponsored by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments. The virtual workshop, which takes just a few minutes and runs through February 15, will help the agencies decide on transportation and housing/land-use investments and policies for the nine-county region over the next 25 years. Visit http://www.onebayarea.org/workshops/virtual.htm for more information. (Sunday, 9:45 AM)

Friday, February 10, 2012
Crow Canyon roadwork scheduled for Friday evening
Crews will be working on Crow Canyon Road between Camino Tassajara and Indian Rice Road tonight. Beginning at 9 p.m., workers from Republic ITS will be conducting re-lamping of the street lights on the medians in that area. (Friday, February 10, 2012, 11:54 AM)

Big bass breaks Shadow Cliffs record
This fish story has witnesses: Eric Doppee, 13, caught a black bass at Shadow Cliffs lake on Saturday that weighed 18 pounds 9 ounces. That breaks the record, he learned from a ranger the next day. (Friday, February 10, 2012, 11:50 AM)

State drops police misconduct case, lets Feds take the reins
The case against three law enforcement officers and a private investigator involved in a Contra Costa County drug squad misconduct scandal was dropped today by the district attorney's office as the federal cases continue, attorneys said. (Friday, February 10, 2012, 11:49 AM)

Fire district chief retires
The San Ramon Valley Fire District's chief quietly retired on Jan. 11 after six years with the department. At a district board meeting on Jan. 25, Richard Price announced that he would continue his duties as chief but with virtually no pay and no benefits. (Friday, February 10, 2012, 10:59 AM)

Thursday, February 9, 2012
Streetwise: What is your favorite romantic story?
In honor of the fast-approaching Valentine's Day, Roving Reporter Stand Wharton went to the Danville library to ask residents about their favorite tale of romance. While Romeo and Juliet may be a tale for the ages, San Ramon Valley locals have many sweet stories about being struck by Cupid's arrow. (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 5:49 PM)

California to receive up to $1.8 billion in mortgage relief agreement
Contra Costa County homeowners who were victims of mortgage fraud could see $651 million in relief soon thanks to a $25 billion agreement reached between the nation's five largest lenders, the federal government and 49 state attorneys general. (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 5:24 PM)

Pet of the week: Maizy
One-year-old Maizy is an angelic dog with a sweet face. She has a kind and gentle personality and boy, does she love her toys! If you are looking for a companion, Maizy will suite your desires. She could also be a lap dog if you would like, as she just adores people. (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 2:10 PM)

BART moves to take closer look at going to Livermore
The BART Board of Directors voted unanimously today to direct staff to advance the proposed BART to Livermore Project. The project would extend BART five miles to a transfer station, and express bus service. Preliminary estimates are a daily ridership of about 21,000 new riders in 2035. (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 2:07 PM)

Attend a read-a-thon kick off event
Read with San Ramon Valley Education Foundation is hosting its 3rd annual Read-A-Thon. It will kick off on Feb. 14 Valentine's Day, and end on Read Across America Day, March 2. Read with SRVEF is designed to help children improve their reading skills reading more frequently, trying different types of books, and having a blast in the process. There will be a kick off party from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12 at Read Booksellers in Blackhawk Plaza. For more information about Read with SRVEF visit www.srvef.org/read. (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 2:07 PM)

Violins will perform with Diablo Symphony Feb. 12
On Feb. 12, violinist Karen Shinozaki will perform with the Diablo Symphony in Walnut Creek under the baton of guest conductor Kenneth Raskin, the associate conductor of the Sacramento Philharmonic. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek), tickets may also be purchased by phone at 943-7469 or online, www.lesherartscenter.com. (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 2:05 PM)

Catholic radio host Patrick Coffin to speak in Danville
Patrick Coffin, host of the Catholic Answers Live radio show, will speak at Catholics@Work on 'The Sunday Christian and the Values Switch.' The lecture will be held from 7-8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Crow Canyon Country Club (711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville). Cost $20 for members, $25 for non-members, and includes full breakfast. Call 525-0272 or visit www.CatholicsAtWork.org. (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 2:04 PM)

Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Residents protest new Walmart at pre-bid meeting
About 12 people gathered at 9100 Alcosta Boulevard, the site of the new Walmart Neighborhood Market on Wednesday to protest the big box retailer and call for more transparency in city government. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 6:08 PM)

Cross-town rivalry game this Thursday
Cross town rivals Monte Vista High School and San Ramon Valley High School's Varsity soccer teams face off Feb. 9 in a battle for EBAL dominance. Come out to the SRVHS stadium to watch the women compete at 5:30 PM and the men at 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 4:54 PM)

Screenagers video festival features SRV twins
Watch out for the ones with glowing eyes, their laser guns and never go pee alone. In "Final Hours," a short film by San Ramon Valley High seniors Cody and Casey Chavarria, five civilian squad members forced to fight for their lives in a hostile climate learn this lesson the hard way. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 4:14 PM)

The California Independent Film Festival comes to Contra Costa
The California Independent Film Festival, whose roots lead back to Pleasanton and Livemore, is celebrating its 14th Anniversary from Feb. 10 through Feb. 16 in Moraga and Orinda. Feb. 16, the closing night ceremony tribute to Oscar Recipient Margaret O'Brien will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Rheem Theater in Moraga. A special screening of Meet Me in St. Louis will also be featured. For additional information call 388-0752 or visit www.calif.org. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 2:51 PM)

Cypress string quartet performs Sunday
Ward, Stone, Filner and Kloetzel of the Cypress String Quartet return with great classics of the quartet repertoire: Haydn, Beethoven and Ravel. The concert is from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Tickets Adult: $20, $25, $30; Child: $12; Senior: $25. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 2:50 PM)

Attend 'Legally Blonde, the Musical'
College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods does not take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Featuring Broadway star Bailey Hanks as Elle, "Legally Blonde" has performances Friday, Feb. 10 - Saturday, March 3 at Lesher Center for the Arts (Hofmann Theatre, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek). Call 943-SHOW for more information. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 2:49 PM)

Halftime showdown in California's gay marriage saga
In this week's Raucous Caucus, educator and recruiter Tom Cushing discusses the history and future of California's gay marriage debate, from Prop 22 in 2000 to Tuesday's ruling against the gay marriage ban. "I see this as an important test on the issue of how this country treats folks who will never command a majority," Cushing writes. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 2:47 PM)

City Council votes to cut hours at local watering-hole
The Walnut Creek City Council voted unanimously to deny an appeal from the owners of Lift Lounge and Grill that would have allowed the Locust Street business to continue operating until 12:30 a.m. Instead, the council voted to roll back the bar and grill's hours by one hour for the next 90 days, after which time the business owners may
re-apply to extend their hours. (Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 1:24 PM)

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Residents anxious about the future of Mudd's
A handful of curious residents, architects and city officials toured the now vacant building that housed Mudd's restaurant on Thursday afternoon hoping to understand the past, present and future of the unique San Ramon restaurant. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 2:07 PM)

Assessing college aptitude with the PLAN
In this week's Doing College, expert admissions adviser Elizabeth LaScala answers a reader's question about the PLAN and ACT tests. "The PLAN test is administered to high school students in grade 10. It measures skills and knowledge in English, math, reading and science," LaScala writes.
(Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 1:59 PM)

Seniors Buzz session: hands-only CPR
The town of Danville will host a buzz session on "Hands Only CPR" from 9-10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room (400 Front Street). Debbie Vanek of the San Ramon Valley Fire Department will present. Call 314-3400.Town of Danville will host a buzz session on "Hands Only CPR" from 9-10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front St. The presenter will be San Ramon Valley Fire Department, Debbie Vanek. Call 314-3400. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 1:29 PM)

Sri Aurobindo's Life Divine
Join an ongoing reading, meditation and yoga group every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The group is dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and meets at a private residence in Danville. The event is free. E-mail Samesh at shinasa@hotmail.com or call (650) 218-4223 for more information.Join an ongoing reading, meditation and yoga group every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The group is dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and meets at a private residence in Danville. The event is free. E-mail Samesh at shinasa@hotmail.com or call (650) 218-4223. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 1:28 PM)

Alamo Cribbage Club meets tonight
The club plays cribbage for fun. It meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Safeway conference room (200 Alamo Plaza, Alamo). Call 284-7044 or e-mail almoy1@prodigy.net for more information. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 1:21 PM)

Wisdom workshop Wednesday discusses fall prevention
Learn steps that can be taken to create a safe home environment and safe management of medications. A registered nurse from ComForcare Home Care will speak from 10:30 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Alcosta Senior the Community Center (300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon). Call 973-3255 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov (Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 1:09 PM)

Fur flies over proposed change to animal shelter law
Valley Humane Society would be negatively impacted if Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to repeal the 1998 Hayden Law goes through. It mandates that public shelters must hold animals for four to six days before euthanizing. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 1:07 PM)

9th Circuit rules state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
A federal appeals court in San Francisco today ruled that Proposition 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage, is unconstitutional. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 1:06 PM)

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