Lifestyle Resources Magazine 2013 Summer Fall by Leonel Calara

AT HOME RESOURCES

Products, services, articles, and related events. 2

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Photo: Karyn Millet Interior: Chelsea Court Designs

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CONTENTS

The Magazine for Silicon Valley + Beyond

S U M M E R | FA L L 2 0 1 3

DEPARTMENTS At Home 1–33 Contributors 12+14 Calendar 42 Dining + Lodging 44–47 Business Resources 55–65 Automotive Resources 66–69

Photo: Bernard Andre

FEATURE ARTICLES Los Gatos–Chelsea Court Designs 22–26 The Living Dance–Smuin Ballet 34–40 Destination–South Africa 48–54 Solar Impulse Across America 56–58

48 Photo: Keith Sutter

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56 Photo: Doug Eaton

Photo: Solar Impulse

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

ummer is here again, and with that and this issue, Lifestyle Resources celebrates its second anniversary publication with our fifth issue. I often ask myself where the time has gone, but when I slow down and think about it, I realize how much gets accomplished in an autopilot kind of way. One of the things I managed to pack into doing during the past six months—rather than continuing to say “someday”—was take a trip to Africa. As a child, some of my favorite time spent was with my father, reading through the pages of National Geographic and examining the incredible images that captured different cultures and faraway places. Anything and all things Africa have always intrigued me, and the desire and determination to go has only increased as the years have marched on.

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There are times when you just have to ask yourself, if not now—when? Enjoy this thumbnail travelogue of a magnificent visit to the southern region of the massive continent of Africa. (Oh, and Dad, it was more spectacular than we had imagined.) Also in this issue, two of our features showcase women who, although in very different careers, are both guided by passion, creativity, and the love of their craft. Marie Peterson, long-time Los Gatos resident and owner of Chelsea Court Designs in Los Gatos, talks about her inspirations, her path, and what keeps her engaged and successful. And Celia Fushille, artistic and executive director of Smuin Ballet, is a delightful woman, full of passion and vision, who opens up about herself and her commitment to and pride in continuing the legacy of the Smuin Ballet. In our business section, read about Solar Impulse, the brainchild of psychiatrist and wellknown adventurer Bertrand Picard; its inaugural flight across America took off from Moffett Field in early May. Read on and enjoy this issue of Lifestyle Resources, as well as your summer. May you also find inspiration in the following pages.

Linda Almini, Founder/Publisher

CONTRIBUTORS

In this issue, Cindie Farley writes about interior designer Marie Peterson of Chelsea Court Designs in Los Gatos, whose distinctive environments are sanctuaries that combine comfort and elegance, yet keep up with the way we live. Cindie, a long-time resident of Pacific Grove, works in educational publishing. She is also a freelance writer and editor, and teaches digital storytelling. She writes feature articles for Coastal Canine magazine and contributes on a regular basis to Lifestyle Resources as a writer. She is also our copy editor.

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Andrea Stuart is a poet and San Francisco Bay Area lifestyle magazine editor and writer. In this issue of Lifestyle Resources, she explores the creative nuances that make up Smuin Ballet’s living dances, a concept that has put Smuin on the map for artistic exploration. Andrea especially enjoys human expression of a Prometheus nature, from the performing and visual arts to social arts.

“There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing,” says leonel calara about the visual arts. He was led into his career through a curiosity of illustration and photography. After earning a BFA in Graphic Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and freelancing for years, he has evolved into Art Director for Lifestyle Resources. With a love for all things visual, Leonel tells stories and captures moments as a freelance photographer.

CONTRIBUTORS

WHERE TO FIND In addition to in-home distribution and online presence, Lifestyle Resources is available at:

Steve Natale is a writer for

examiner.com on vintage automotive subjects, as well as a partner at GM Sports in San Jose, providing parts and restoration for vintage GM cars. Steve is also a contributing writer for Test Drive in Lifestyle Resources. His articles and photographs have been published by many classic car publications and web sites. Steve has been attending vintage car, airplane, wooden boat, and motorcyle events for more than 35 years. Check out Steve’s regular column on classic cars at http://www.examiner.com/ classic-car-in-oakland/steve-natale

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is a green technology and transportation advocate living and writing in Silicon Valley. He is especially interested in electric bicycles, scooters, motorcycles and cars, as well as improving the mass transit systems. David writes on these topics for several outlets including PlugInCars.com, and is also co-founder of Transition Silicon Valley. David Herron

Santana Row - San Jose America Italiana Windows & Doors - San Jose Courtside Club - Los Gatos Los Gatos Luxury Cars Los Gatos Athletic Club Sereno Real Estate - Los Gatos The Pool Guys - Saratoga Bally Fitness - San Jose University Electric Showroom Santa Clara Mezcal Resturant Downtown San Jose Argonaut Window & Door Showroom - Cupertino Graniterock Design Centers Cupertino & Monterey Precision Cabinets & Trim Showroom - Brentwood Scott’s Seafood - San Jose, Mt. View & Palo Alto San Pedro Square - San Jose Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley - Palo Alto Reach Fitness - Palo Alto San Francisco Design Center Union Square NewsStand San Francisco Reid Hillview Airport Palo Alto Airport South County Airport San Jose Aviation Center Architectural Facades - Gilroy SGK Home Solutions - San Jose Draeger’s market - Los Altos Carmel Plaza Carmel-by-the-sea Coldwell Banker - Pebble Beach For a complete list on where to find Lifestyle Resources, call 408.398.1068

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LIFESTYLE RESOURCES The Magazine for Silicon Valley + Beyond PUBLISHED BY PHONE ADDRESS

FOUNDER | PUBLISHER WRITER + COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTOR CIRCULATION MANAGED BY

SFMP Media 408.398.1068 Silicon Valley 415.837.8145 San Francisco 831.402.3915 Carmel 88 South 3rd St. Suite 230 San Jose, CA 95113 Linda Almini lindaalmini@aol.com Cindie Farley cindiefarley@gmail.com Leonel Calara nelcalara@gmail.com SFMP Media

LIFESTYLE RESOURCES magazine is published bi-annually, with 25,000 copies in June and in December. All information and requests including editorial submissions and advertising may be submitted to publisher at lindaalmini@aol.com. Reproduction of contents in part or in whole is prohibited without publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission. www.lifestyleresourcesmag.com

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COVER PHOTO Bernard Andre

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CHELSEA COURT DESIGNS By Cindie Farley

The Chelsea district of London was once described as “a village of palaces.” It is also home to the prestigious annual Chelsea Flower Show. And it was the “palaces” of Chelsea and their lushly landscaped gardens that became the inspiration for the name of Marie Christine Peterson’s design firm. Photo: Bernard Andre

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Photos by Karyn Millet

eterson founded Chelsea Court Designs in Los Gatos, where it has been since 1992. Today, as Chelsea Court’s creative director, she leads her team of designers in creating individually distinct environments that reflect and enhance the client’s vision or lifestyle—always with sophisticated, yet comfortable design. The firm provides interior architectural design and decoration services and comprehensive project management. In addition, they design landscape ornamentation and offer sourcing for art and antiques. Chelsea Court’s clientele ranges from private individuals, to property developers, to restaurateurs and hoteliers throughout the world. The name, Chelsea Court Designs, also reflects Peterson’s desire to create and expand the firm beyond her own name. She highly values her staff of six professionals who are as dedicated as she is to guiding the company to success. While Peterson is in the field meeting directly with clients, her senior designer, Sascha Lale, is the strength in behind-the-scenes management and support. Peterson graduated from San Jose State University in 1979 with a B.S. Degree in Interior Design; the designers on her staff are also degreed professionals. Prior to forming Chelsea Court Designs, Peterson had extensive experience in the field of antiques, primarily French. She has also traveled the world, and these two influences are apparent in her design concepts. She will use an antique as a character or focal point only, and not to

dictate style. Knowing antiques are also a major investment, she uses them wisely, as a “piece of art or a jewel in the room.” And from her travels, Peterson has insight into those of her clientele. Her clients’ exposure through their own global travel can greatly influence what they want to see in their homes or surroundings. Peterson’s first experience in this area came in 2000, when she teamed up with a large design firm in Beijing on several projects in China. Chelsea Court was asked to bring its knowledge and understanding of western and European design to the collaboration; the result was an eclectic blend that mixed old world, new world, and contemporary styles. Peterson had previously admired seeing the mix of antique and modern elements in the beautiful palazzos and chateaus of Europe. Because of Chelsea Court’s longevity, many of its private projects are for repeat clientele who have acquired multiple properties or who are downsizing as their family needs change. For the firm’s younger clients who are just entering the market, Peterson sees new trends that mirror life in a very mobile, fast-paced society. What she hears is “I need it quickly, I need it fresh, and I need it more as an interim design rather than an investment for life.” Not only has Peterson adapted to this trend, she also finds it stimulating for its inherent quality of change or “movement.” Because Chelsea Court operates in the hub of Silicon Valley, it’s easy to see how technology plays a key role in how the firm functions, as well as how home designs LIFESTYLE RESOURCES

Photo: Bernard Andre

have changed. During the design process, the client is kept informed of progress in real time; this level of communication can serve to speed the progress while allowing the client to be more involved. And the smart-home design concept itself is technology that streamlines busy lives and gives clients more freedom for travel and other pursuits. In 2012, Peterson was part of a design team that restored the historic Thrash House in Los Gatos. The mansion was recognized as a work of art by the Pacific Coast Builders Association, winning Chelsea Court several accolades, including

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“best kitchen design” and “best renovated or restored single house” in the PCBA’s Gold Nugget Awards. Currently, Chelsea Court is working on two hospitality projects in Los Gatos; one is for the Hotel Los Gatos and the other is for the Michelin Star restaurant, Dio Deka. From restoration of historic sites to implementing innovative smart-home design, Peterson is confident that she and her team will provide superior service to produce results of the highest standard. She prides herself on “jumping as high as the client requests.”

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A GLOBAL FORCE IN FASHION BY Andrea Stuart

THE LIVING DANCE Smuin Ballet is as atypical in application as it is in theory. The San Francisco-based dance company features 16 dancers – each exquisitely versed in the art of ballet –and does not feature a prima ballerina. Executing 70 performances per year throughout San Francisco, Mountain View, Carmel, and beyond, the company allows each dancer to perform each ballet 20 to 24 times per year, significantly more 34

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Photo: Keith Sutter

than other ballet companies. According to Celia Fushille, artistic and executive director at Smuin, this frees the dancers from the stress of perfecting the dances for only one or two performances. “They know they can explore the role,” says Celia. She explains that what is required today is stunning in comparison to what was required of ballet dancers in the 1970s and 1980s when she began her career; a truth that was also observed by her late business partner, Michael Smuin. “Michael would look at us and say, ‘If I tried to get a job today, I couldn’t.’ I feel the same way,” she admits. LIFESTYLE RESOURCES

Although Celia never considered herelia was a fledgling ballet dancer at the San Francisco Ballet when self a nonconformist, she has lived her the company’s former mas- life as unapologetically as the artistry ter dance teacher, Tatiana Grantzeva, displayed in Michael Smuin’s creations. took her by the wrist, escorted her to Subconsciously, there was a rebel burnMichael, and said to him, “This is Celia. ing inside the classical ballerina. As a She’s a good dancer. You should hire her.” result, she became a pioneer of her genOne year later, Celia became an appren- eration, starting a family in the middle of tice. A girlish giggle escapes her as she a traditionally uncompromising career, recounts the story, and it becomes evi- at a time when no one else would condent that she admires the late renaissance sider such a thing. Unbeknownst to her, she also attracted master of ballet the at tention of as intensely today Michael, who was as she did when drawn to the human she was merely a quality present in 13-year-old ballet her dancing. hopeful watching Having always his dress rehearsals admired Michael from the balcony. for his artistic viCelia, now 50, sion and ability to was drawn to ballet blend the kinesat the young age Photo: Carla Befera thetic conversation of seven. One of Celia Fushille of ballet with jazz seven ch i ldren, she attended the ballet every year or two and social dance, Celia was naturally when the San Francisco Ballet passed drawn to his musicality. Her own life through her hometown of El Paso, Texas. rhythm seemed to echo similar philosoHowever, it wasn’t until after she was phies. Following a five-year hiatus from awarded a ballet scholarship at the age ballet to raise her family, she returned of 13 and had lived in San Francisco to dancing at the San Francisco Opera during four summers, that she realized Ballet before accepting Michael’s invishe wanted to be a ballerina by vocation. tation to join him as a ballet dancer and “For whatever reason, I assumed I wasn’t master at Smuin Ballet, his eponymous in that category until I was around 15,” company founded on the principle of says Celia. Answering to her passion, creating living dance. “Like traditional artists such as she moved to San Francisco to become a professional dancer at 17, and remains Monet and Renoir, we’ll always love classical ballet,” explains Celia. “But we there today.

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Photo: David DeSilva

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also appreciate new things. I feel committed to keeping Michael’s legacy alive, and to helping dancers explore the art form.” Michael was known for pushing the envelope, blending the traditional grace of ballet with more contemporary dance elements, and choreographing unconventional ballets to the likes of

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Sinatra, The Beatles, and Gershwin. The synergy between Michael and Celia fits Smuin Ballet like a glove. From principal dancer to executive director, Celia has been embedded into each of the company’s masterpieces, a nuance that is carried through the vein of Smuin Ballet even following Michael’s death in 2007.

Photos by Keith Sutter

The secret to the company’s success? Fearlessness. “It’s about new attempts and growth in choreography,” says Celia. It’s Smuin Ballet’s ability to honor tradition while infusing artistic and contemporary elements into its works that gives the company its unique edge and attracts lovers of traditional ballet

and modern dance alike. Celia explains that while the company’s 16 dancers must have a strong classical ballet foundation, they must stretch as dancers and become versatile as artists. Celia has evolved as a creative force– having begun with her toes planted firmly on the stage–and she credits LIFESTYLE RESOURCES

Celia Fushille honored by Smuin Ballet founder Michael Smuin after her final performance as a Smuin dancer at the company’s 2006 Gala. Photo: Scot Goodman

much of it to listening to her instincts and being unafraid to take chances, both personally and professionally. She credits motherhood for providing her with the selflessness required to run an organization such as Smuin Ballet. “As a dancer you have to be totally self-

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centered with your time. As a mother, you have to be selfless,” she says. That selflessness has translated to her ability to lead a formidable team of artists, as well as production and administrative staff that are changing the way the public views and appreciates ballet.

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SILICON VALLEY + BEYOND SUMMER / FALL CALENDAR 2013 Los Gatos Music in the Park June 16th - August 25th, 2013 Sunday afternoons 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Civic Center at 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos www.lgmip.com Santana Row - Flavors of Jazz Series Includes a variety of styles, from traditional and contemporary jazz to funk and Brazilian beats. Tuesdays, July 2nd - August 27th, 2013 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stevens Creek and Winchester Boulevard, San Jose for information on the artist and other upcoming events visit www.santanarow.com San Jose Museum of Art 110 South Market St. June 6th - September 8th 2013 Annie Leibovitz: Pilgrimage Photographs of landmarks of American History. www.sanjosemuseumofart.com San Francisco Summer of Racing 34th America’s Cup July 4th - September 21st, 2013 San Francisco Bay for more information on schedules visit www.americascup.com

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Carmel Plaza’s Summer Live Music Series Fridays, July 26th - September 27th, 2013 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ocean Ave. and Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea for information on the artist and other upcoming events visit www.carmelplaza.com Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival July 13th & 14th, 2013 Main and State Streets, Los Altos www.downtownlosaltos.org San Jose Jazz Festival August 9th - 11th, 2013 for more information on schedules visit jazzfest.sanjosejazz.org Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance August 18th, 2013 - Sunday The Lodge at Pebble Beach www.pebblebeachconcours.net Mountain View Art & Wine Festival September 7th & 8th, 2013 Castro Street between El Camino Real and Evelyn, Mountain View www.miramarevents.com HP Pavilion - San Jose Sarah Brightman Dreamchase World Tour October 28th, 2013 - 8:00 p.m. www.hppavilion.com

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DINING + LODGING RESOURCES

Photo: SFMP Media

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DESTINATION SOUTH AFRICA BY LINDA ALMINI

T he sun had just set when we arrived at Simbambili Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve, which is part of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Our hosts greeted us with warm washcloths and cool beverages, and a porter soon escorted us to our suite to further freshen up before dinner. Simbambili has only eight luxury suites, each with private entrance and its own plunge pool. The suites are spacious, with exquisite decor and amenities. Walking down the pathway to the boma, we could overhear stories of the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sightings, increasing our excitement and anticipation of the next dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventures. We joined other guests in dining on authentic African fare under a star-filled sky. The night was pitch black aside from, the glow of the fire pit, candles, and torches. Photo: Doug Eaton

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5:00 a.m. knock on the door awoke us, and our long-awaited dream of the trip became a reality. After a quick splash of coffee, we were off in an open-air vehicle on safari. We drove through the exotic knobthorn and jackalberry trees that surround the lodge, and within minutes we had our first sighting: three lionesses. Suddenly, in our captivation with these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, the outer world became null. As we moved on, a few hyena crossed our path, exposing their sharp teeth as they squealed along their way; it was a bit eerie, although exhilarating. Not a moment lost between sightings or experiences, our guide and tracker noted flattened or broken brush and examined tracks to determine what animals were nearby or how recently they had been there. We might head off, or wait for more game sightings. At one point, we came upon a handful of elephants feeding on a cropping of plants, with the sound of the roots being ripped from deep in the earth by their massive trunks. Being close enough to count their eyelashes and feel the air move about as they flapped their ears to cool down was nothing shy of humbling. Leopard, giraffe, water buffalo, kudu, zebra, and hippo were a few of many sightings. But when we came upon a cheetah lying in plain view with her three cubs by her side, even our guide and tracker gasped in awe, and we knew we were fortunate to be witnessing a very special sight. Our morning and afternoon drives were abundant

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Simbambili Game Drive

Simbambili Game Lodge

Victoria Falls

with numerous sightings of the big five, as well as many amazing birds. Between game drives, we retreated to our room for a nap in the oversized king bed, then took a dip in our plunge pool or soaked in the two-person stone tub. We could also watch the sunset and stars fill the sky from a stargazing bed on our deck. It was total pampering. The complete privacy, and one-on-one personalized service and attention to detail were far beyond our expectations. Traveling this distance, a visit to Victoria Falls in Zambia was a must. The Falls are known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “The Smoke that Thunders,” and are one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Zambezi River is Africa’s fourth-longest river following the Nile, Congo, and Niger, and it separates Zimbabwe from Zambia. The river, moving with conviction, reaches its destination and plunges over the Zambezi gorge, creating the legendary Victoria Falls. The spray, visible from miles away, creates a majestic visual and has a magnetic draw, offering a pure performance of nature. A hike along the banks through the rain forest is an exceptional way to experience and see the falls. You wind along the pathway, peeking through the trees and sharing the path with baboons as you make your way to open spots to view the falls or bask in the glow of a rainbow. Cross over the Knife Edge Bridge for a real rush as the spray shoots upward like inverted rain and the power of the falls challenge you to keep your balance. LIFESTYLE RESOURCES

The Royal Livingstone Lobby

The Royal Livingstone

View Atop Table Mountain

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Many activities are available in the area; there are riverboat cruises, bungee jumping, and helicopter tours. Between hiking and mild activities, we mostly enjoyed the accommodations at The Royal Livingstone Hotel. Positioned right on the banks of the Zambezi River and surrounded by lush grounds, the hotel has continuous views of the mist and sounds of the falls. The 173 rooms in the colonial-style buildings offer comfortable and sophisticated accommodations, as well as private verandas. The main lobby is positioned under a thatched roof, and the lounge, restaurant and bar boast elegant decor reminiscent of a bygone era. Just what the doctor ordered—Dr. Livingstone that is—relaxing poolside as zebra graze on the grass just feet away, viewing stunning sunsets from the sun deck, or dining on exquisite cuisine under the stars. Cape Town, also known as the “Mother City,” is the provincial capital of the Western Cape and is the oldest city in South Africa. But rest assured, the blend of old and new results in a chic, clean, and lively cosmopolitan atmosphere, full of history and culture and bustling with locals and travelers alike. Table Mountain, the flat-topped mountain standing 3,563 feet above sea level, is a dramatic and iconic backdrop above the city and offers brilliant views of the pristine coastline stretching out from the heart of the city. Checking into the One&Only Cape Town, put us three minutes walking distance to the V.A. (Victoria & Alfred) Waterfront, where shopping, music, food, and history are abundant. The waterfront is still a working harbor in which tugboats

V.A. Waterfront, Cape Town Gothic-style Clock Tower

Cape Town One&Only Lobby

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Boulders Beach

and freightliners share the waters with luxury yachts, and it offers things to do and sights to see day and night. There are many points of interest, among them several historical landmarks: the Victorian Gothic-style Clock Tower, which is also a national monument; and the Nelson Mandela Gateway, offering history of and tours to Robben Island where Mandela served several years during his incarceration. At Donald Greig Sculptures, you can watch artisans in the galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s working studio. They specialize in African wildlife sculptures showing incredible detail, from miniatures to life-size. Hiring a car to visit the Cape Winelands is a must. Approximately 45 minutes outside of Cape Town are Constantia, Stellenbosh, Paarl, and Franschhoek, which make up a large part of the wine region. Even if you do not partake in the grape, the scenery is smashing, with high mountain ranges

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Fairview Vineyards, Paarl Region

surrounding the valley, and the region is full of cool cafes, exceptional cuisine, and stunning Cape Dutch dwellings that date as far back as the 17th century. If you do partake, exceptional wines and tasting experiences are to be had. Cape of Good Hope is the most southerly point on the western coast of the African continent, and is well worth the trip. The scenic drive out of Cape Town takes you along and through stunning areas of South Africa, including Clifton and Camps Bay, which showcase some incredible homes perched above whitesand beaches dotted with brightly colored umbrellas. Then on to Boulders Beach, the breeding ground of the African penguin colony. Returning to The One&Only Cape Town for dinner at Nobu or Rubens, then a morning call for a massage at Spa Island is a great way to wind down and wrap up a spectacular trip. Photos by SFMP Media

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Photo: Terrall Lloyd

The San Francisco 49ers and Levi Strauss & Co. partner on naming rights deal.

Business articles, events, and services LIFESTYLE RESOURCES

Energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies could eliminate half the energy consumption of modern society and eliminate half of the remaining fossil fuel consumption. The technology exists today but is trapped in research labs. That was the message Bertrand Picard spoke early on the morning of May 3 shortly before his solar-powered electric airplane, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA, took off from Moffett Field on a historic first flight across the U.S. by a solarpowered airplane. A flight whose purpose was, in part, to demonstrate that these technologies exist and can be put into use today.

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BY DAVID HERRON Photo by Solar Impulse

SOLAR IMPULSE ACROSS AMERICA The Solar Impulse is the brainchild of psychiatrist and adventurer Picard, along with co-founder Andre Borschberg. Picard is perhaps most famous for having flown a balloon, the Breitling Observer, around the world. The Solar Impulse project was conceived shortly after that flight, as a way to fly an airplane solely on renewable energy. After meeting rejection from many airplane manufacturers who said the project was impossible, they gathered a team of people and over 90 partner companies to build and test the airplane. The goal is to circumnavigate the planet on solar power, in a flight that will require 22 days of flying time. LIFESTYLE RESOURCES

t has the wingspan of a jetliner in a custom packaging flexible enough to (208 feet), the weight of a regular car form the top surface of the wing. Where the flexible Maxeon™ cells (3,500 lbs), a battery pack the same size as in the Tesla Model S (85 kilowatt- make for a good wing surface in comhours), and electric motors the power of mercial settings, that flexibility makes a low-end motorcycle (4x 10 horsepower, them able to take extremes of cold and for 40 horsepower, or 30 kilowatts). heat without being damaged. Thanks to a 45-kilowatt (peak) Before takeoff, Picard described the solar array on the top skin of the wings, technology in the Solar Impulse as a winthe HB-SIA genwin, which could er ate s enou g h create jobs and electricity that it sustain grow th can start in the wh ile clean ing m or n i n g w i t h up the transporan empty battery tation environpack, fly all day on ment. “If we want solar power, end to have a good futhe day with a full ture, we need this battery pack, and clean technology. Photo Solar Impulse then fly all night. We hope that the The next mornpolitica l world Solar Impulse Across America first ing, it can repeat will also globally test flight landing at Moffett Field the process, day understand that after day. In theory, the HB-SIA can fly if we want to have a good future, we need indefinitely, if it weren’t for the human this clean technology. It needs to get out pilot in the cockpit. of the labs, the start-ups, the universiT he projec t is more t h a n a n ties, or experimental airplanes, to really adventure; it gives partner companies a be used everywhere in our world for cars, way to test technologies in a vehicle that for homes, heating and cooling systems, demands the highest power to weight lighting systems. With the technoloratio, energy efficiency, and solar energy gies we have onboard, we can divide gathering performance. An example is by two the energy consumption of our the photovoltaic cells sourced from world, and produce half of the rest with SunPower. Their Maxeon™ cells hold the renewable resources. This is the type world record for efficiency at 24%, much of message that people really have to higher than the competition while being understand, because that’s the way ultrathin and flexible. The Solar Impulse forward. That’s the innovation and the uses the commercially produced cells, adventure of the 21st century.”

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EVENT Muji opened its doors on April 16, in downtown San Jose. The Japanese retailer carries men’s and women’s clothing, products for the home and office and much more. Large crowds attended the opening and shopped for a variety of items. Photos by SFMP Media

Kyoko Hirota San Jose Store Manager Hiroyoshi Azami Muji President

EVENT 49ers Draft Bash presented by Bud Light held at San Pedro Square. Fans from all over enjoyed food and music and viewed the live broadcast of the 2013 NFL Draft. Photos by SFMP Media

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EVENT Vernon Davis, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, is the new owner of Jamba Juice in Santa Clara at 3942 Rivermark Plaza. Photos by SFMP Media

Photo: Terrall Lloyd

EVENT The San Francisco 49ers, and Levi Strauss & Co. partner on a 20-year naming rights deal for the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new stadium in Santa Clara. Photos by Terrall Lloyd Photo: Terrall Lloyd

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EVENT Lisa Gevelber, Director of Marketing for North and South America Google, hosted Inc. Business Owners Council of San Francisco-Silicon Valley, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco and guests at the Mountain View Google Campus. Lisa engaged the audience and shared the many facets of Google beyond the search. Marketing to markets: Google ran its first television spot, “Parisian Love,” during the Super Bowl–brilliant move. Give it a Google search. From viewing to doing, “Google Search Stories” on YouTube shows the true power and broad reach of connecting, educating and sharing information. Lisa’s knowledge of, and passion for, Google products were evident and clearly demonstrated the power far beyond key strokes. Coverage: Linda Almini Photos: SFMP Media

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Alf Nucifora, LMC, Lisa Gevelber, Google

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Articles, products and services 66

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Photo: SFMP Media Concours d’Elegance 2012

BY Steve Natale

MW’s latest ultimate driving machine is the 640i Gran Coupe. Taking a page from the Mercedes-Benz CLS playbook, this “coupe” is really a four-door, and one of the best looking 4-door cars BMW has ever produced. Seductively curvy, the 640i Gran Coupe’s sleek, elegant styling demands attention. The sharklike front nose of the 6-series two-door has been seamlessly adapted to a fourdoor body style brilliantly, creating a world-class touring car. My test car was powered by a 315 HP, 3.0 liter, twin-turbo, 24-valve in-line 6-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers 30 MPG according to the EPA. A tasteful and well-designed interior features wood and leather in all the right places, and is quiet and comfortable. An easy-to-read 10.2-inch highresolution information and navigation center with 3-D maps is impressive, as is

TEST DRIVE BMW 640i Gran Coupe

the 200 GB hard drive with 20GB storage. This car is big, but carries only four people comfortably. The trunk is large, great for traveling. The fussiest of drivers will feel pampered by the smooth ride and silky smooth shifts of the 8-speed transmission in the normal drive mode. It’s well-mannered and easy to drive around town, but with a touch of the switch, the car can be put into performance mode and fun begins: BMW’s legendary performance engineering comes alive with recalibrated suspension, engine response, and shift management that lets you know that you are driving a very fast and capable car. All in all, the 640i Gran Coupe delivers pampering and performance to perfection. Prices for the 640i Gran Coupe start at $77,100 MSRP. My well-equipped test car was priced $93,795 and was graciously provided to me by East Bay BMW in Pleasanton. LIFESTYLE RESOURCES

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