FALL/WINTER 2014
silicon valleylocal Your Silicon Valley Connection
M A G A Z I N E
Dedicated & Working Hard For The State Gavin Newsom California’s Lt. Governor
For tickets & show times call 415.421.4222 Matinees all ages–Evenings 21+
beachblanketbabylon.com Follow us on: facebook.com/BBBinSF
@BeachBlanketSF
CONT ENTS SILICON VALLEY
RESOURCE GUIDE Fall/Winter 2014
Inside LT. GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM Dedicated and working hard for the state
CHUCK REED
A Conversation with San Jose’s Mayor
THE LOCAL STATE OF REAL ESTATE SiliconValleyResourceGuide.com Whether buying, selling or just interested, learn more about the local real estate scene
SHOULD YOU REMODEL? Or move? Or wait?
49ERS NEW STADIUM
New technology may enhance games
SILICON VALLEY NON-PROFITS THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY A crossroads of wealth creation
TERRI NORVELL
ANDY DOLICH
Accountability is motivational
LEADER AMONG LEADERS
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN SILICON VALLEY
Do sports heroes still exist? Carl Guardino and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group
NEW STADIUM FOR SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU The great ocean adventure
A very special place that can’t be beat
SCHOOLS & TEACHERS OF SILICON VALLEY Preparing the next generation
49ERS FOUNDATION
A proud tradition on and off the Field
Northern Cali
fornia Chapter
2013-2014
Don’t be afraid of the outdoors.
Silicon Valley Allergy and Asthma
Dr. Anjuli K. Mehrotra M.D. 2500 Hospital Drive, Bldg 14 Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 701-7DOC
http://www.siliconvalleyallergy.com
From the Publisher: Dick Henning and the
Celebrity Forum — 47 Years of Historical Excellence
I
love history. It is our story, of where we have come from yesterday, to be where we are today, to see where we are headed for tomorrow. Who are our history makers? To be able to see them and hear them, first-hand … even to ask them questions … is truly a special treat in our life we live. If you were to read about it, that’s one thing. If you were to hear directly from these very people, now that is truly yet another. It is special. For 47 years, the Foothill College Celebrity Forum Speakers Series has been a beacon of such knowledge and interest for us to dive into and thoroughly enjoy. We have seen it grow from one night to two nights to three consecutive nights – with seven monthly attractions - each night a full house of nearly 2,400 people at Flint Center at DeAnza College in Cupertino. The audience consists of many who have been coming for more than 10, 20, 30, even 40+ years. That’s nearly 7,000 people, year after year, who have been enjoying coming to hear each speaker as they do. Yes, it’s that entertaining and that interesting. It’s to no one’s surprise that the Celebrity Forum has been voted the Best Speaker’s Series in the country. Something about Dick Henning, the Founder and Host of the Celebrity Forum: He is one of the most humble people you will ever meet. That being said, you will not find another anyone, anywhere, who has done or is doing single-handedly something so special of this magnitude so extraordinarily well every year and for 47 consecutive years as Dick Henning. I have been there each night for nearly 27 years myself – and have Ken Packer loved each and every one. People ask me all the time if I have my Publisher & favorite(s). The truth is, they all are. Each one has been and is a great, Executive Editor personal and fascinating story. ken@svlocalmag.com You will find the 47th Annual Celebrity Forum Speakers Series 20142015 season schedule on your right. I believe you would love, as many do, as many have done, for years. It’s been a wonderful Tradition … dinner with family and friends … and then to happily experience an evening with history. You can’t beat it … Enjoy! All the best,
Ken
2014-15 Foothill College Celebrity Forum Bill Nye, “The Science Guy” October 22, 23, 24 He is a science educator, comedian, television host, actor, writer, and scientist who began his career as a mechanical engineer at Boeing.
Robert Gates November 19, 20, 21 He’s an American statesman and former President of Texas A&M who served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense.
Anderson Cooper
Platon
January 21, 22, 23 As a CNN anchor, he goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view and travels around the world to film human-interest stories.
February 18, 19, 20 He is an award-winning photographer who has taken photos of many worldfamous people. As he shows his photos, he will share interesting stories about his subjects.
Walter Isaacson
Soledad O’Brien
March 25, 26, 27 He wrote the only authorized biography of Steve Jobs and will talk and about Job’s life. Aaron Sorkin has completed the screenplay for the longanticipated Isaacson movie.
April 22, 23, 24 Maria de la Soledad Teresa O’Brien is an American broadcast journalist, executive producer, and philanthropist. Last year, she launched Starfish Media Group dedicated to uncovering and producing empowering stories.
Alan Alda May 13, 14, 15 One of TV ‘s greatest stars, he is best known for portraying Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H. The role earned him five Emmys for acting, writing, and directing. His latest book is, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself in which he takes a humorous look at a serious question: What has been the meaning of my life?
www.celebrityforum.net
FALL/WINTER 2014
silicon valleylocal Your Silicon Valley Connection
M A G A Z I N E
Board of Advisors Daniel Considine
Founder, Boone Energy
Rosanne Foust
President & CEO, SAMCEDA San Mateo County Economic Development Association
Dedicated & Working Hard For The State
Gavin Newsom California’s Lt. Governor
Rich Borell Founder & CEO Ken Packer
Publisher & Executive Editor
Harry Kellogg
Vice Chairman, Strategic Relationships Silicon Valley Bank
Gay Krause
Executive Director, Krause Center for Innovation Foothill College
Joe Parisi
President, Therma Corporation
Larry Schreiber
President, NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter
Karen Tucker CEO, Churchill Club
Silicon Valley Local Magazine is a community magazine published by Silicon Valley Local Magazine LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text or photographs without the written permission from the Publisher is strictly prohibited. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photographs. The opinions expressed in Silicon Valley Local Magazine are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board of Advisers, Management or Owners. The magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers in the magazine. All rights reserved. Publisher and/or Advertiser shall be held blameless for any and all pricing errors, along with any expired dates typing errors or trademark infringements. If any errors are found, we will correct when brought to our attention within 48 hours. For advertising and editorial inquiries, contact us at info@svlocalmag.com
Editorial Contributors Scott Budman Award-Winning Reporter
Scott Budman is an Emmy award-winning reporter, who appears nightly on NBC Bay Area News, as well as on KNBR radio. He is the co-creator and host of the syndicated NBC program “TechNow,” which airs Saturday nights at 6:30pm. Scott has covered Silicon Valley since 1995, and is still on the lookout for interesting personalities, startups, and gadgets. A Bay Area native, Scott was born in Oakland, and attended Skyline High School before heading south to UCLA. You can reach him at scott.budman@nbc.com. He’s also on Twitter: @scottbudman
Jessica Fullmer
CEO/Founder, Sustainable Business Institute Founded Mo-DV in 2002, built the team, and created the progressive strategy and branding for the company. Since its founding, Jessica has raised over $5 Million in equity capital. She has established contracts with two major motion studios, Sony and Paramount, and developed sales to retail through four major flash media device manufacturers. She has also brought prominence to Mo-DV Inc. as a business. Previously, Ms. Fullmer founded the Sustainable Business Institute, a globally recognized non-profit institution, where over the years she managed hundreds of people and raised upwards of $5 Million. SBI is committed to encouraging business leaders to adopt and communicate sustainable business practices through CEO Forums on Sustainable Business, the Seal of Sustainability, Sustainable Business User Groups, and youth mentoring. She has also consulted for organizations in the private sector, government, and education, including teaching at a number of colleges and universities. She has served as a board member on 14 Boards of Directors. In the early days of her career, Jessica was mentored and trained by Dr. Edward Deming and his protégés.
Jan Hutchins
Former News Anchor & Mayor of Los Gatos Jan Hutchins is a yogi, shaman and sage. He’s been professionally involved with transformational arts like health, sports, consciousness and yoga for more than 40 years. He’s the owner of the Yoga Center of Los Gatos (since 2001) where his authentic spirit, healing energy, wisdom, sense of humor and attention to individual needs make his classes unique. A Yale graduate, Hutch has lived transformation, excelling at several careers prior to opening the Yoga Center. For 20 years he was a television journalist in the Bay Area. He’s run Community PR for the San Francisco Giants, produced Emmy award winning children’s television programs and held numerous public service positions, including serving as Mayor of Los Gatos. He is active in the ManKind Project (mkp.org) doing his own inner work and helping initiate men into their sacred masculinity.
Andy Dolich Andy Dolich is a Partner in Odgers Berndtson’s North American Sports Practice based out of San Francisco. He joined Odgers Berndtson in 2013, bringing over four decades of experience in the professional sports industry. From 2007-2010, he was the COO of the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers, where he was responsible for all revenue generating operations. Previously, he held two executive positions in the National Basketball Association, including President of Business Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies and President and COO of the Golden State Warriors. Andy has a BA in government from American University and an MA in sports management from Ohio University. He currently serves on a number of sports industry and community-invested boards and organizations, and is also an instructor at Stanford’s School of Continuing Education.
Editorial Contributors
(continued)
Porcia Chen Silverberg
Executive Director, Thrive - The Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo Porcia brought over twenty years of experience in public relations, marketing, sales and social entrepreneurship to Thrive over 6 years ago. A collaborations advocate at heart, in 2001 Porcia founded the National Center for Community Collaboration (NCCC) based in Denver, while she was in charge of community relations for the Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network. NCCC is dedicated to inspire community-based partnerships across public, private and nonprofits organizations through exchange of knowledge and resources. Porcia is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Silicon Valley; graduate of the Redwood City/ San Mateo County Chamber Leadership Program and the San Mateo County Citizen’s Academy. She also serves on the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council.
Russell Hancock
President & CEO, Joint Venture Silicon Valley Russell Hancock is President & CEO of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, a position he has held since 2003. In this role Dr. Hancock is best described variously: as a civic leader, community gatherer, institution builder, social entrepreneur, and outspoken advocate for regionalism. Since taking the helm of Joint Venture he has quadrupled the size of the organization; assembled a potent board filled with mayors, CEOs and university presidents; built strategic partnerships; recruited a highly talented staff; and launched initiatives that are delivering measurable results to the region. Russell is also the founder of the annual State of the Valley conference, a “town hall” meeting attracting more than 1,500 leaders for a day spent in dialogue and discussion about the Valley’s opportunities. The conference features the release of Joint Venture’s Silicon Valley Index, a document now receiving national and international attention. Dr. Hancock’s leadership in the Silicon Valley region builds on earlier work he led as Vice President of the Bay Area Council (1994-1999). There, he spearheaded the campaign extending BART to the San Francisco Airport. He also directed a broadly-based effort which ultimately created the Bay Area Water Transit Authority, charged with delivering a highspeed ferry system to the San Francisco Bay. Educated at Harvard in the field of government, Russell received a Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University where he currently teaches in the Public Policy Program. Fluent in Japanese, Russell returned to Stanford in 2000 to become the inaugural director of the Shorenstein Forum for Asia-Pacific Studies, Stanford’s gathering place for ranking officials, senior executives, journalists, and scholars who shape outcomes in the Pacific Rim. In addition to the research output of the Forum, he built up corporate programs, established international fellowships, raised money, and generated public events featuring a stream of presidents and ministers.
Editorial Contributors
(continued)
Muhammed Chaudry
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Education Foundation Muhammed Chaudhry is President & CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation. He is one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent voices for education and serving the underserved student. Under his leadership, SVEF has become the leading education foundation in the South Bay supporting students, teachers, parents and the larger academic community. He has supported children and education causes since his days at San Jose High Academy when he led several youth campaigns aimed at improving the lives of students. Later at San Jose State University, he worked summer jobs as a city recreation leader, tutoring “at-risk” youngsters and teens in math and English and encouraging them to achieve in school and go to college. He has forged partnerships with the business, technology, academic and civic communities to advance education causes, such as improving high school graduation rates and overall college and career readiness, and raising student performance in the critical areas of math and science to help narrow the student achievement gap. He is especially focused on developing intervention programs – particularly in the STEM fields of math and science – to help struggling youngsters reach for college and become Silicon Valley’s next leaders and innovators. Prior to leading SVEF, Chaudhry held management positions in brand marketing with The Clorox Company and Dazzle Multimedia. He also worked for IBM. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University and is a graduate fellow of the Stanford Executive Leadership Program. He serves on numerous community boards, including the California Consortium of Education Foundations, the Hispanic Foundation and Partners in School Innovation. He is an active member of San Jose Rotary Club and personal interests include golf, long-distance running and volunteering with various philanthropic causes, including the national Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Youth Association and its “Muslims for Peace” initiative. He resides in San Jose with his wife, Rabia, and their 6-month-old twins. Contact him at muhammed.chaudhry@svefoundation.org or on Twitter: @macrhamuhammed.
Dan Fritschen President, Planese, Inc.
Dan is a homeowner advocate whose mission is to educate homeowners so they can remodel their homes with confidence! He is a Sunnyvale based columnist for US Today Home Magazine, author of 6 books on home remodeling, creator of the website www.remodelormove.com, founding board member of the Home Industry Leadership Board, designer of the award-winning remodelormove design idea app and professional Home Show speaker. Dan studied Mechanical Engineering and then moved to Sunnyvale to begin his career in Semiconductor capital equipment. After seeing how frustrated homeowners can get when planning a remodel he embarked on a crusade to educate homeowners so they get better results from their remodeling investments. Dan started Planese Inc. in 2013 to use technology to make collaboration easier between homeowner and contractor and ensure better results from remodeling projects.
Editorial Contributors
(continued)
Lina Broydo
Public Relations and Marketing Consultant, Star PR Travel, Arts and Style Writer, Travellina Lina Broydo is a Travel, Arts and Style writer for local, national and international publications. In addition her articles are featured on Lina Broydo Travellina site on Facebook. Lina Broydo is also President of STAR PR Public Relations & Marketing consulting company. Lina previously worked for 22 years as the Director of Public Relations at The Fairmont San Jose, gaining national and international recognition as Business and Cultural Ambassador to the San Jose/Silicon Valley Community. Prior to that, she worked with legendary SF 49ers Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Russ Francis, Bill Ring and Bill Walsh as CEO of Executive Sports, Inc., a Public Relations and Sports Promotions and Marketing company representing numerous corporations and famous athletes, as well as visiting Russian sports teams. In her consulting position, Lina is raising the profile of Fresh Dialogues online and on television, and creating public relations, marketing and sponsorship programs. Contact Lina at lina. star_pr@sbcglobal.net or lina.travellina@att.net
Terri Norvell
CEO, Trust Yourself Now – a people development company Terri Norvell is a breakthrough speaker and founder of Trust Yourself Now – a people development company. Prior to 1996 Terri was VP of Training & Marketing for a $1.2B Silicon Valley property management & development company; GM of a $9M temporary housing firm; President of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce; Founding Board member for the Housing Industry Foundation and the Mountain View Performing Arts Center. Terri is co-author with Jack Canfield and Ken Blanchard of the highly-acclaimed book, The Masters of Success. Terri@TrustYourselfNow.com www.TrustYourselfNow.com
Jean-Michel Cousteau
Explorer, Environmentalist, Founder, Ocean Futures Society Since first being “thrown overboard” by his father at the age of seven with newly invented SCUBA gear on his back, Jean-Michel has been exploring the ocean realm. The son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel has investigated the world’s oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone for much of his life. Honoring his heritage, Jean-Michel founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work. Ocean Futures Society, a non-profit marine conservation and education organization, serves as a “Voice for the Ocean” by communicating in all media the critical bond between people and the sea and the importance of wise environmental policy. As Ocean Future’s spokesman, Jean-Michel serves as an impassioned diplomat for the environment, reaching out to the public through a variety of media.
Lydia. Raising children is the hardest and most rewarding job I will ever have and one that SVT: How long have you been keeps me challenged, grateful doing this and what do you and very proud. Lydia is 13 and love most about your work? in 8th grade. She is a terrific RF: I joined SAMCEDA in July of student and excels at multiple 2008 and thoroughly enjoy what sports. She has a wonderful I do. Having a vibrant economy sense of humor and makes impacts all our communities on me think! Julia is 18 and in her many levels. On the Peninsula, first year at the United States we expect our cities to provide Naval Academy in Annapolis, top notch services, we expect MD. When we were looking at to have well-maintained parks various colleges and universities and open space to enjoy, Russell Hancock Rosanne Foust Scott Budman she said more than once that and we expect an efficient she wanted to go somewhere transportation infrastructure. In that would challenge and order to have all this (and more) motivate her. When she decided we need a vibrant economy on the Academy many people that can sustain and enhance asked why. Her answer was simple, “I wanted our quality of life. SAMCEDA works to ensure that these expectations become reality. These are tough to be part of something greater than me.” As issues, but I am energized by finding solutions that a parent, I could not be more proud of both daughters. make this a great place to live, work and play. business advocacy organization.
Rainy Hake
Bay Area Mags LLC Announces the Acquisition and Relaunch of SiliconValleyTalk.com
Chuck Reed
Terri Norvell
Tyler Mariucci
Lina Broydo
SVT: What are some key challenging issues we SVT: There are many organizations you work are facing you would like us to know about? with and Boards you serve on – you are a hub RF: The biggest challenge I see on the horizon of everything and everyone – who and what is fear of change. Society is moving at a faster inspires you? pace than I think anyone could ever have RF: My parents never had very much from a anticipated and sometimes the immediate material point of view. By todays’ standards we reaction is “No. Stop. I want everything to slow would be poor, actually very poor and yet I never down.” this Recognizing change felt poor. We never owned a home, my Dad The Pulse of Silicon Valley ... Experience in thethat form of isaninevitable we collectively need to find ways that engage both worked three jobs at various points in his life, extraordinary roundtable - where experts leaders, points of view. Thoseand that see change as positive we never had a new car…always a used one, weCommunity andfamily citizens, all under one speak out and share and roof, those that see change as negative. never professionals went on an overnight vacation, we didn’ttheir have music, artand or dance lessons and yet we stories ideas. SVT: What can we do to help make this an even were rich in what really mattered. They instilled in me and my brother and sister the value of hard better community? a positive and others upbeat, informative inspiring Be open, flexible,place patient,where kind, resourceful, work, It’s education and treating as you want to RF:and we will learn about and learnoffrom people, great companies creative, hardworking, dedicated, committed, be treated. They instilled the importance familygreat willing to engage and grateful for the freedoms and faith. readorganizations newspapers and doing watchedgreat the things. andThey great and opportunities we have. news and made sure we were aware of current
A SCOTT BUDMAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE EVOLVING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY
Let Them Play Video Games! I
know, the conventional wisdom is that video games are bad. I’ve heard that since I was a little kid, which takes us back to the early days of the Atari 2600, where “Pac-Man” was made of little squares, and “Space Invaders” was cutting edge. Games were evil way back then, just like they supposedly are now. Here’s the thing: Since I was a kid, and have grown up, lots of engineers have also grown up, started companies, and changed the world. Some of them are the kids I grew up Budman with. The ones who insisted on playing video games while the rest of us were, you know, outside playing games and inside reading books. Many of the game players were also creating, coding, and programming
their own video games, and yes, those are the aforementioned people now running companies. Of course, not all young gamers grow up to be CEOs. But I cover tech, and the thing techies cite most as their inspiration for jumping into computers, or engineering, or science (besides watching “Star Wars” a lot of times) is video games. The challenges, competition, even the cheat codes. Maybe that’s why, when Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg was holding court among a few of us reporters about a year and a half ago – and found out that some of us had daughters, she said “Let your daughters play video games. Encourage it!” This from the current authority on how women can advance in the workplace. As a father of two daughters, those words stuck with me. Not enough to actually go out and buy a video game console (I really want them outside playing games, or inside reading books), but enough so that when I see them playing something on an iPad, I don’t cringe. I dream of future college scholarships, and enough future stock options to keep their parents set well into retirement. The debate over good vs bad will continue, with lots of stats on both sides. But let the record (and Sheryl Sandberg) show: Sometimes, playing around can lead to curiosity, which can lead to really good things. Scott Budman is a Technology correspondent for NBC News. He’s also on Twitter: @scottbudman
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Tim Draper turns in the first batch of signatures in Sacramento to qualify for the November 2016 ballot.
The Benefits of Six Californias By Tim Draper
ultimately, create a better future. Currently, California government is out of I grew up in California when the state was touch with constituents. There are 38 million number one in education, was the best place to do people in California, 12% of the entire population business, had the best infrastructure, and the best of the United States. Californians are only ¼ as weather. That was 40 years ago. All we have now well represented as the rest of the nation. We is the best weather. have had great people in office, but it is K-12 schools have gone an impossible job. California has simply JEFFERSON from 1st in the nation to 47th become ungovernable. in the nation. As a place to This is why we need Six Californias. do business we’ve gone from We need an opportunity for people to one of the top to literally the be closer to their government. A CENTRAL CALIFORNIA worst with a national rank of 50 chance to reclaim our democracy SOUTH out of 50 according to 24/7 Wall and have our voices heard. We CALIFORNIA Street. Prisons have quadrupled need a much better platform in size and we have almost 20% of from which all of the states can people living below the poverty line. grow. We need a choice. Government has gone downhill and we Californians will have a are no longer getting the best services for choice in November 2016. They our money. Something needs to change. will be able to vote to create six We need to change the course we are on. new states. States that better Because of this, I have proposed a plan represent them. States that are called Six Californias. Six Californias is an initiative more efficient and effective. to create six new, smaller states with more local, States that they create. representative and responsive governments. This California is a beautiful place effort is driven by the same desire and energy to live. Let’s make it a great place to thrive. I have when I am working with entrepreneurs; the desire to fix problems, drive progress and To learn more visit www.sixcalifornias.com NORTH CALIFORNIA
SILICON VALLEY
WEST CALIFORNIA
A culinary oasis in Silicon Valley “The Lion & Compass is to the Silicon Valley what Sardi’s was to the theater district.” —The New York Times
For more than a quarter of a century, the Lion & Compass has maintained a special status in the Silicon Valley. Opening in 1982, the Lion & Compass quickly established its reputation as the premiere dining spot for the hightech cognescenti. From business dining and banquets, private corporate events, wedding receptions, to a fine dining experience for two, the Lion & Compass is a culinary oasis in the Silicon Valley.
1023 North Fair Oaks Avenue Sunnyvale, California 94089 (408) 745-1260 http://www.lionandcompass.com
BayAreaMags.com Greetings to all, Welcome to our new website BayAreaMags.com! For your convenience, we’ve established a single gateway to the information you seek via our various publications that include Silicon Valley Local, Peninsula Local, San Francisco Local, East Bay Local and Finally Friday Weekend Magazine, with more to come. We hope that you have shared in the excitement of some of our recent cover features that have included Jed York, Owner/CEO San Francisco 49ers, Larry Baer, CEO San Francisco Giants, Lew Wolff, Owner Oakland A’s and Congresswoman Jackie Speier. We simply couldn’t deliver without our terrific team of editorial contributors who lend their expertise and insight to what’s going on in the Bay Area. And what about what our readers have contributed? When you’re wondering what to do on a weekend in the Bay Area, be sure to visit FinallyFriday.com. Since October 2007, community members, like you and me, have been sharing what’s fun – old or new, refined or funky! Be on the lookout as we begin publishing our network of Webzines in selected cities throughout the U.S. Read us soon, Rich Borell, Founder & CEO and our discerning mascot, Hailey
BayAreaMags.com
east bay a ul ns ni pe n o ic il s valley cal local local lo SUMMER 2013
SPRING 2013
SUMM ER 2013
Your East Bay Connection
Your Peninsula Connection
Your Silicon
Valley Connection
Z I N E M A G A
Leader
SILICON VALLEY
ders Among Lea
M A G A Z I N E
M A G A Z I N E
E RESOURCE GUID ion
THE SPECIAL MAGIC THAT IS LEW WOLFF Owner of the
Oakland A’s, the San Jose Earthquakes
san francisco local SPRIN G 2013
Your San Fran cisco Connectio n
M A G A Z I N E
Visionary Extraordinai re Larry Baer
President & CEO San Francisco Giants
Fall/Winter 2014
Champ Among Champions
no Carl Guardi n Valley & The Silico oup Gr Leadership
and Weekend Idea Te The Bay area’s l medIa WeBsI aTIon socIa recommend mer 2013 sPrInG/sUm
THE BAY AREA’S WEEKEND IDEA AND RECOMMENDATION SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE SPRING/SUMMER 2013
THE BAY AREA’S WEEKEND IDEA RECOMMEND AND ATION SOCIA L MEDIA WEBSI TE WINTER 2013
Jackie Speier
U.S. House of Representatives
for Your Resource
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SiliconValleyResourceGuide.com
EDITION
Do Sports Heroes Still Exist? By Andy Dolich
He stood for truth, faith, justice. The triumph of right, mother, home, friendship, loyalty, patriotism, the love of team and alma mater, duty sacrifice, retribution, and strength of soul as well as body. He was manly, he was tolerant. Although he neither smoke or drank, he gladly downed ginger-ale when the team went to a local tavern. Lance Armstrong, Oscar Pistorius, Aaron Hernandez not quite. Of all the athletic heroes who have appeared on the American scene, probably none ever aroused the admiration or left a positive impression as one who never really existed. He was Frank Merriwell of Fardale Academy, Yale and the sporting world at large. From 1896-1914, he performed unmatchable feats of athletic greatness in “Tip Top Weekly”, the most widely read nickel novel ever published. The Jack
Armstrongs, Frank Merriwells, Chip Hiltons and Gil Thorp All Americans of days and print media gone by are as prevalent in today’s sports world as the winning Mega-Millions ticket. The sports scene has produced a new type of athlete. They are covered on multiple media platforms 24/7/365. They are referred to by first names. They can become larger than their team or even their league. They want to be in control not being controlled. These sports mega-stars make more money than the values of entire teams were worth in the not too distant past. Professional athletes are workmen, employees, playing for hire under all types of ownerships, management structures and coaching regimes. Mountains of money have been invested in long term guaranteed contracts. They are playing to validate investments in their skills. Their ability is ultimately judged by team owners, management, team mates, sponsors, spectators and the media. As we head into a New Year it might be worthwhile taking a few minutes to appreciate the rich tapestry of competitive sports, high quality ownerships, coaches and incredible athletes we have right in our own backyard. For all of the knuckle headed behavior we see from many modern paid for play gladiators we have Future Hall of Famers playing in Bay Area stadiums , ballparks and arenas who are throwbacks. Athletes who personify the perfect combination of on field abilities along with the off field professionalism and caring for the community and its committed base of sports fans.
CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT IDEAS.
For over 25 years, the Churchill Club has been a place in Silicon Valley for important people to say important things. We encourage an open exchange of ideas and different perspectives in pursuit of innovation, economic growth, and societal benefit. That’s a noble cause, no matter how you see the world.
churchillclub.org
™
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Protecting Our Pets in Santa Clara County
By Mike Wasserman Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 1
A
s a dog owner and the elected County Supervisor from Los Gatos (“The Cats”), it’s fitting that I am an animal lover and strong supporter of animal shelters. County residents will be happy to know that all 2,309 healthy animals that came through the Santa Mike Wasserman Clara County Animal Shelter last year were either adopted, placed with fosters, or reunited with their owners. This is especially impressive when considering the fact that we operate a “no-kill” Shelter which handles not just cats and dogs but also goats, horses, and chickens. Throughout the year, a variety of low and no-cost pet adoption days as well as low-cost
vaccination clinics are offered. At a recent pet clinic, over 100 animals were vaccinated and 71 microchips were installed which will help to reunite lost pets with their owners. The Shelter also recently participated in the nation’s largest free adoption day where 110 animals were adopted in one weekend! Pets adopted from the County’s Shelter are all spayed or neutered, Microchipped with ID implantation and registration, vaccinated, de-fleaed, and de-wormed. Providing low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs is an important investment since it helps control our animal population. These services are available to all County residents through participating veterinary clinics in most cities for as low as $10. The existing Shelter in San Martin is at capacity much of the year and we are in the process of creating a 501(c)3 to take donations toward a new Shelter. We benefit from the hundreds of volunteers who annually help the Shelter through donations of blankets and food, spending time with animals waiting for adoption, and fostering pets. Please go to www.sccountypets.org to learn how to donate, volunteer, foster pets or obtain spay and neuter services.
Should You Remodel? Or Move? Or Wait? By Dan Fritschen President, Planese, Inc.
If you are thinking about making a change in your home to get more space, do some updates or modify the style, you have just a few choices: remodel, move or wait. This can be a tough decision any time, but now with home prices at record levels in Silicon Valley, it is harder than ever. Or is it? Record high home prices mean more equity as the price goes up, but because of Proposition 13, a homeowner’s property tax Dan Fritschen can only go up a few percent a year. So do high home prices and property tax limits make it easier to decide to remodel, move or wait? 1. Higher home prices means higher costs to move since some of the costs of moving are a percentage of the home value. Higher home prices also mean that your property taxes will likely go up when moving to a different house, even if the new home is the same price as the old one. The potential difference depends on your current tax bill versus what the tax bill would be on your new home. 2. Home prices in Santa Clara County have climbed more than 25% in the past two years according
to county records. Remodeling costs have not increased that much, so as a percentage of a home’s value, remodeling is less expensive than in years past. 3. The payback for remodeling is higher now since the value of a home per square foot has increased along with the property value, faster than the cost of remodeling. 4. Moving may be the right choice for a variety of reasons – to get a better location, a different type of neighborhood or a change in your home design. 5. Waiting may still be the right choice if you have to take personal loans or finance the cost to remodel with loans that have high interest rates. Even if you can pay for your remodeling with savings or by refinancing your home and using the cash for the project both remodeling and moving require a big investment of time, effort and money and each has some risks. Therefore if you are having trouble deciding between remodeling and moving or you may need to move in a year or two for work or other reasons than waiting may be wise. If you need some more help sorting through and weighing your options, get some online assistance. Use the Remodel or Move? decision making tool at www.remodelormove.com
2014 SEASON SCHEDULE CONNECT WITH US HERE
DATE
OPPONENT
TIME
TV
1
Saturday, March 15
REAL SALT LAKE
7:30 PM
CSNCA
2
Saturday, March 22
@Sporting Kansas City
5:30 PM
CSN+
3
Saturday, March 29
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
7:30 PM
CSNCA
4
Sunday, April 13
COLUMBUS CREW
12:00 PM
CSN+/UNIMAS
5
Saturday, April 19
@Colorado Rapids
3:00 PM
CSNBA
6
Saturday, April 26
CHIVAS USA
7:30 PM
CSNCA
7
Saturday, May 3
@Vancouver Whitecaps FC
4:00 PM
CSNCA
8
Wednesday, May 7
COLORADO RAPIDS
7:30 PM
CSNBA
9
Saturday, May 10
FC DALLAS
7:30 PM
CSNBA
10
Saturday, May 17
@Seattle Sounders FC
7:00 PM
CSNCA
11
Sunday, May 25
HOUSTON DYNAMO
7:30 PM
CSNCA
12
Saturday, May 31
@FC Dallas
5:30 PM
CSNBA/UDN
13
Saturday, June 7
@Toronto FC
1:00 PM
CSNCA
14
Saturday, June 28
*LA GALAXY
7:30 PM
NBCSN
15
Wednesday, July 2
CHIVAS USA
7:30 PM
CSNCA
16
Friday, July 11
D.C. UNITED
8:00 PM
NBCSN
17
Saturday, July 19
@ New York Red Bulls
4:00 PM
CSN+
18
Wednesday, July 23
CHICAGO FIRE
8:00 PM
NBCSN
19
Saturday, August 2
**SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
7:30 PM
NBCSN
20
Friday, August 8
@LA Galaxy
7:30 PM
NBCSN
21
Saturday, August 16
FC DALLAS
7:30 PM
CSNBA
22
Wednesday, August 20
@Seattle Sounders FC
7:00 PM
CSNCA
23
Sunday, August 24
@Philadelphia Union
5:00 PM
CSNBA/UDN
24
Saturday, August 30
REAL SALT LAKE
7:30 PM
CSNBA
25
Sunday, September 7
@Portland Timbers
2:00 PM
ESPN2
26
Wednesday, September 10
@Vancouver Whitecaps FC
7:00 PM
CSN+
27
Sunday, September 14
LA GALAXY
12:00 PM
CSN+/UNIMAS
28
Saturday, September 20
@Montreal Impact
4:30 PM
CSNCA
29
Saturday, September 27
@Colorado Rapids
6:00 PM
CSNBA
30
Saturday, October 4
PORTLAND TIMBERS
8:00 PM
NBCSN
31
Wednesday, October 8
@Portland Timbers
7:30 PM
CSNCA
32
Saturday, October 11
@Real Salt Lake
6:30 PM
CSNCA
33
Saturday, October 18
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
7:30 PM
CSNCA
34
Sunday, October 26
@Chivas USA
12:00 PM
CSNCA/UNIMAS
sjearthquakes.com
*Match will be played at Stanford Stadium **Match will be played at Levi’s Stadium ®
State of the Valley ECONOMY IS SIZZLING, BUT NOT FOR ALL
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By Russell Hancock President & Chief Executive Officer, Joint Venture Silicon Valley
very year, Joint Venture Silicon Valley produces the State of the Valley conference, where its comprehensive study of the regional economy, the Silicon Valley Index, is released and discussed. The 2014 Index, to no one’s surprise, reveals that Silicon Valley’s economy is red-hot and leads the nation Russell Hancock with extraordinary growth in
jobs, income, innovation, venture capital investment and immigration. The study also shows the most impressive gains in commercial development in a decade, a 52 percent increase in foreign immigration and the highest net migration in 14 years. But the data also indicates that the new surge of prosperity poses greater challenges for the region to accommodate sustained growth and that the gains are bypassing the lowest earning groups, leaving the less affluent further behind than ever. While the economic boom between San Jose and San Francisco is driving prodigious growth from Market Street to Market Street, with that comes tough new challenges in housing, transportation and infrastructure for the entire region.
“This year’s Index proves that a rising tide is not enough to lift all boats,” says my colleague Emmett D. Carson, Ph.D., CEO and President of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which produces the Index with Joint Venture and is the lead sponsor of State of the Valley. “The gaps and disparities, particularly for low and middle income households and along racial lines, are more pronounced than ever,” Emmett notes. We believe the community must take deliberate policy actions to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to share in the region’s prosperity. Nearly 1300 people attended this year’s State of the Valley conference, a town hall-style gathering of regional leaders, elected officials and citizens in a daylong discussion of Silicon Valley’s economic opportunities, challenges and future. In addition to a breakdown of the Index that Emmett and I presented, the audience heard keynote remarks by Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Khan Academy founder Salman Khan and demographer Manuel Pastor. Videos of all the presentations and other highlights of the conference may be viewed on YouTube. Other highlights of the 2014 Index include: Jobs The region added 46,665 jobs in 2013, an increase of 3.4 percent over the prior year. California as a state, meanwhile, is still 2.2 percent below pre-recession jobs totals. Computer hardware design, information services and the Internet industry, community infrastructure, health care, construction, and a range of other business services are driving the job growth. The regional unemployment rate has continued its downward trend, reaching 5.8 percent in November 2013. Innovation and investment The number of patent registrations rose to 15,057 in 2012, an 11 percent increase over 2011. Silicon Valley had 20 IPOs in 2013, an increase of 3 over the previous year. Population The region’s population growth has accelerated over the last year due to a 52 percent increase in foreign immigration in 2013 over the previous year. The region’s total population grew 1.31 percent last year compared to 0.88 percent statewide, and our net
The region added 46,665 jobs in 2013, an increase of 3.4 percent over the prior year. California as a state, meanwhile, is still 2.2 percent below pre-recession jobs totals. migration (13,766 people) has not been this high since 1997, when it reached a high of 14,515. Income The share of households in Silicon Valley earning more than $100,000 increased two percentage points to 45 percent in 2012, while the share of households earning $35,000 to $99,000 decreased two percentage points to 35 percent. Although median household income has finally started to increase following a fouryear decline (up $1,028 between 2011 and 2012), the increase in average annual rental expenses (up $1,526) is outpacing income gains. Income disparities persist between racial and ethnic groups. The lowest-earning racial/ethnic group earns 70 percent less than the highest earning group. Housing Silicon Valley’s housing market is becoming an increasingly inhospitable environment for first-time homebuyers. Fewer than half of Silicon Valley’s firsttime homebuyers can afford to purchase a medianpriced home, compared to 59 percent in the state. And while the total number of home sales has picked up, median prices continue to climb (an increase of 10 percent in the last year). The Index is accessible online at www.siliconvalleyindex.org and may be downloaded from the Joint Venture website at www.jointventure.org or the community foundation website at www.siliconvalleycf.org.
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
A Great Job … What Does That Mean and Where Is It? Are you thinking about a job position change to another company? Do you see yourself working for a company that’s a great place to work? Would you enjoy working for a company that engages with its employees and provides opportunities for overall job happiness and growth? If you answered “yes” to the above questions, then you would most likely be a candidate to work for a company whose values are implemented in its workplace culture. Silicon Valley Local Magazine in the coming weeks and months will take a more personal approach and go to the source … to find out more on what makes a great company tick.
Ken Packer
Publisher & Executive Editor ken@svlocalmag.com
Our goal is to search out, through our independent research, the “Best of the Best” in companies to work for and find out from key individuals some good answers to some good questions: What makes their company fun, what is their leadership philosophy and what is the meaning, and joy, in being a part of their organization. Indeed, there are key factors to be considered before making one of the most important decisions of your life, and career, when searching to join a new organization, such as: A company that respects its employees, shows fairness to all, rewards its employees with perks, and by other means, and offers fair compensation, along with benefits. How does an organization communicate, do they encourage diversity, is there team building, how can you advance, how can your ideas be welcome, how are your efforts appreciated and how is the compensation opportunity toward meeting your needs … and also your goals? And, so, how does one who is possibly looking, and hopeful, find and learn more about great companies to work for … many of which may be under people’s radar? There may be many, and, yet, even just one, may be for each person such a great find. If you are thinking about a change of companies, or looking to start your career with a company that’s a leader in its industry, we invite you to check out … as we continue our quest on finding … the “Best Companies To Work For In Silicon Valley”.
SILICON VALLEY’S
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR Financial options for every phase of your life
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
NVIDIA CORP
Chris A. Malachowsky, Co-Founder, SVP and NVIDIA Fellow SVL: What does corporate culture mean to you and your company? How important is it? CM: This was one of the very first things we discussed shortly after founding the company, when we had just a handful of people. We felt our values, and the culture they would inspire, was a paramount issue for us, literally on par with the product and technology ideas behind our formation. Two decades later, we continue to put a premium on instilling a culture that reflects the core values and guiding principles that our early team felt was important. It’s even more critical now that we have nearly 9,000 employees around the world. Our culture is part of the glue that holds us together. It helps us operate effectively as one team. And it serves as the basis for operational consistency, and execution excellence. SVL: What strides does your company take to enhance your corporate culture and also support and empower your employees? CM: We strongly believe that you can’t artificially create and mandate culture. Bullet points on a poster do not work. A wallet-size card with a motto doesn’t work either. It has to be lived, practiced, cultivated, nurtured, protected. Our culture is evident just about everywhere you turn here. It’s reflected in the very high standards we drive to, our celebration of critical debate, the forthrightness of commentary, the lack of politics or personal agendas, and the level of creativity and thoughtfulness brought to everything we do.
SVL: What do you love most about your company culture? What excites you and others about working here? CM: I think it really empowers the individual to do good work, unimpeded by nonsense. It encourages our people to always be proud of what they and their colleagues accomplish, and to work in a supportive environment that recognizes them as individuals and members of a bigger community. I still find this invigorating. It allows everyone to play a role in our collective success, in a way they can be proud of. I love it that as hard as we work, as large as our commitment is to corporate success is, we play just as hard, find time to laugh, and work to better our communities. A great example of this is Project Inspire, our year-end company-wide volunteer project where we spend a weekend transforming a school or community farm instead of holding a holiday party. It’s one of the best things we do. In some ways, it’s our whole culture, writ large. SVL: What does it take for someone to be successful here? CM: It starts with playing your role, and playing it well. And to do that requires a high degree of skill, plus very high standards. But that’s really just the beginning. People succeed here by collaborating, by steering clear of the kind of politics that might exist elsewhere, but most of all by being passionate about what they’re doing.
THE VISUAL COMPUTING COMPANY nvidia.com
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
ADOBE
Donna Morris, Senior Vice President, People and Places SVL: What does corporate culture mean to you and your company? How important is it? DM: Our business continues to evolve and this includes our culture – but we are grounded on the set of values since our inception 30+ years ago; Genuine, Exceptional, Innovative, Involved. With our values as the foundation, our priority is to have an environment to enable the success of our people that will contribute to the success and growth of the business. At Adobe our employees are our core asset, driving the innovation and creativity at the company. SVL: What strides does your company take to enhance your corporate culture and also support and empower your employees? DM: We continue to look at initiatives to enable the success of our people. Our business continues to transform and this means our people processes also must evolve. For example, we replaced the annual performance review with the Check-in approach – a flexible framework for providing continuous, genuine and reciprocal feedback between managers and employees. The Check-in approach has been well received by managers and employees alike and is helping to drive the success of our business transformation.
SVL: How does your company support its employees’ development, learning and wellbeing? DM: To help Adobe employees reach their fullest potential, we take a holistic approach in providing an exceptional experience through wellness, workplace, and career development programs. As we continue to grow globally, we are using digital platforms to engage and cultivate leaders through highly interactive, virtual lab sessions. We are also focused on innovating around our workplace experience including creating open, collaborative workspaces as well as hosting community events like our Adobe Field Trip day for employees and their families. SVL: What kinds of sponsorships, community or philanthropic activities does your company participate in or support? DM: It is important for Adobe to help foster the next generation of tech innovators with creativity and coding initiatives. Over the past 8 years we have engaged 150,000 students around the globe in the Adobe Youth Voices program – producing media and learning digital skills they may not have had access to otherwise. To help bring more gender diversity into the tech industry, we are providing grants to and partnering with Girls Who Code, an organization that educates and inspires high school girls with the skills to pursue opportunities in computing fields. This summer we hosted 20 enthusiastic young women at our San Jose headquarters and were inspired by their passion and dedication.
Inspiring. Empowering. Rewarding. Fun.
These are some of the words people commonly use to describe their careers at Adobe. As an Adobe employee, you’re encouraged to be creative. Think way outside the box. And work with some of the industry’s most innovative minds on highimpact projects. No matter what you do at Adobe, you’ll play a part in shaping the future of digital experiences.
adobe.com
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
WELLS FARGO
Brian Pearce, Senior Vice President, Head of Retail Mobile Channel and Digital Innovation for Wells Fargo’s Digital Channels Group
Bank Apps Make Money Management A Snap SVL: In recent years, we have seen Mobile Banking change so much. What stance has Wells Fargo Bank made in embracing the future and how has it become a leader in modern Banking Technology? Brian Pearce: We are proud, and excited, that Wells Fargo Bank recently earned #1 in overall mobile performance and best iPhone and Android apps in Keynote’s Mobile Banking Scorecard, a bi-annual assessment on how well firms’ digital channels meet the needs of their customers. Wells Fargo isn’t innovating for the sake of innovation, but rather to help customers succeed financially. The bank is also an industry leader in security, privacy and fraud protection, and was awarded “Best Privacy and Security” by Keynote last year. SVL: With so much recent growth behind Mobile Technology and Apps and the Wells Fargo Bank of today, what is the significance of all this and what are you and Wells Fargo Bank most proud of? Brian Pearce: The app’s recent enhancements, for sure, are not lost on customers, as mobile continues to be the bank’s fastest growing channel in history with 13.1 million active mobile customers, up 22 percent year-over-year. SVL: You talk about a good number of important new features … What are some of them and what are the special meanings and benefits they have for your customers? Brian Pearce: Indeed, there are a good number. For example, here are just three we feel are helpful for and appreciated by many. *Wells Fargo SurePay contact list import: Wells Fargo SurePay makes it simple for our customers to send money to their friends or family using the recipient’s email address or mobile number, eliminating the pain of memorizing an account number. Now customers can even import their contacts into the app to easily add new people to
their recipient list. * Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit video capture: Ever-popular mobile deposit is now complimented by auto-capture technology, which initiates and takes the check’s picture for the customer, in addition to more specific guidance when a check can’t be processed. Instructions include, “Hold steady,” “More light,” or “Get closer,” to help customers complete their deposit. * Make an Appointment: Make an Appointment enables customers to easily schedule via mobile an in-person meeting with a banker to discuss their financial needs. As more people continue to use their phones and tablets for their general banking needs, Make an Appointment allows them to easily access our store-based banking team for those more complex or nuanced transactions that require guidance from an expert. For more information on mobile banking, search your app store for “Wells Fargo”, visit www. wellsfargo.com or come in and talk to a banker. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Financial options for every phase of your life
Whether you want to save for the future, secure a personal loan, utilize exclusive online and telephone banking services, or enjoy the convenience of our ATMs and many locations, we are here for you. Call, click, or stop by and talk with a banker. If you would like to open an account over the phone, call 1-800-932-6736 any time (or 1-800-311-9311 for service in Spanish).
wellsfargo.com All loans are subject to application, credit qualification, and income verification. Š 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. 122933 08/14
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
ROBERT HALF Sharon Black, Senior District Director
SVL: What does Corporate Culture mean to you and your company? How important is it? SB: At Robert Half, we help businesses grow by matching the right talent to their specialized staffing needs, and we build rewarding careers for the professionals we place. Our employees have a passion for helping job seekers and businesses. We treat our customers with professionalism and respect and adhere to a philosophy of “Ethics First” in everything we do. SVL: What do you love most about your company culture? What excites you and others about working here? SB: The company culture at Robert Half is dynamic. Our mission is to create a work environment where employees can thrive and innovate. We constantly explore new ideas; look for more effective ways of doing business and pilot technologies that will help our employees work more efficiently. We also never forget the importance of providing unparalleled customer service and building strong relationships with our clients and job candidates. People here are engaged and passionate about their jobs. They’re not afraid of “rocking the boat” if they think that a new way of doing something will produce better results. They are problem solvers. Robert Half’s renowned customer service has always been inspired by a sincere desire to find solutions for the everyday business challenges our customers face. We have a saying in our office: “We lead by example, and hire the best!” SVL: What does it take for someone to be successful here? SB: Our secret to success, besides hard work and a sincere belief in helping others, is our determination to earn the long-term loyalty of our clients and job seekers. You need a desire to
give customers and colleagues your finest effort. Our best performers understand that success comes to those who earn it. Robert Half promotes from within and awards growth and future opportunities to recognize hard work and dedication. We have many professionals worldwide who have built lasting and rewarding careers with Robert Half. SVL: What is your definition of leadership? SB: Leaders appreciate the value of collaboration. They focus on group performance as well as individual contributions. They encourage a competitive spirit, but also promote the sharing of techniques, tips and best practices.
Recommended by 9 out of 10 customers. “Robert Half has a passion for finding the right people for the role and not just someone to fill a chair. We value their quick response and excellent follow-up.” Support Project Manager, Regional Airport Authority
1.800.803.8367 roberthalf.com
Robert Half once again was named to FORTUNE® magazine’s list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Source: FORTUNE, March 17, 2014 © 2014 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. 0310-9005
BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
T herma CORPORATION Nicki & Joe Parisi, FouNders
SVL: What does Corporation Culture mean to you and your company? How important is it? TC: Corporate culture is very important to Therma Corporation. All of our employees are empowered to execute any project or task as if they had full freedom in the decision making process. This freedom allows our employees to flourish with creative ideas and solutions for our customers. SVL: If you could describe your corporate culture in three words, what would they be? TC: Quality, Innovation, and Relationships. SVL: What strides does your company take to enhance your corporate culture and also support and empower your employee? TC: Therma Corporation takes great strides to support our employees by providing them with the very best of equipment and management tools that allows each employee to be successful.
SVL: What's the best part you feel about working in this environment that is so clearly apparent as you walk around? TC: It's inspiring to see the creativity at work as you walk around our company, you can feel the pride in all of our employees. SVL: What does it take for someone to be successful here? TC: The most successful employees at Therma Corporation are self-driven with a hint of hidden entrepreneurship. SVL: Are there opportunities available to your employees for helpful advisors, mentors or coaches? TC: All of our employees are encouraged to serve as a coach or a mentor. Therma Corporation's front office was designed with an open space concept to encourage interaction between employees so that they can share in each other's knowledge.
From vision to implementation. Therma Corporation is a full-service design/build mechanical contractor with nearly 50 years of industry experience. Our solution-based approach is tailored to each client, resulting in the most efficient and economical designs for your project. Whether it’s a “one off” custom part or a full-service, design/build mechanical system, we’re experts at finding the perfect configuration for your needs. Our teams can help you with creative solutions in HVAC, process piping, plumbing, architectural sheet metal, maintenance, controls, custom fabrication, and more. At Therma Corporation, we’re fond of saying, “If you can imagine it, we can build it!” Ph: 408 • 347 • 3400 | Fax: 408 • 347 • 3418 | www.therma.com
Rebarts Interiors: Window Fashions Gallery
R
ebarts Interiors designs beautiful shutters, blinds and draperies that come in many styles, colors and textures. They have two locations to provide full-array gallery showrooms. The main showroom office is in Burlingame and a branch in San Carlos, to better and more conveniently serve you. Bart and Becky San Diego are the proud and proficient owners, who share 30 years of outstanding professional experience. At Rebarts Interiors, they work closely with you in creating the finest custom window fashions from a residential setting to a large commercial project from the consultation to the installation to make sure that all is attention to detail. Rebarts Interiors has a popular following throughout the Bay Area, as well as throughout the Western US and overseas, including as far as the Orient. Rebarts Interiors also works with an extremely talented group of in-house design consultants, as well as a network of outside designers, decorators, architects, developers and realtors. Rebarts Interiors is a certified Hunter Douglas Gallery Centurion which means they exclusively preview all the latest and newest products before any other dealer. They can custom fit treatments to any shape and size and offer a free in-home design consultation and free measuring services. Every Hunter Douglas window fashion carries a lifetime limited warranty that covers your window treatments for as long as they cover your windows. “Our commitment and our goal is to develop a working relationship with our client in making their window fashion vision become a reality, from the beginning stages to the end … “Our philosophy is that from your initial phone call to our office, all the way through the completion of your project, giving outstanding service is always our priority. We
also follow up after the sale to make sure everything was done just the way you wanted. If it wasn’t, we’ll come back and make sure it’s fixed. You will be happy, we guarantee it.” Rebarts Interiors is proud to be a Diamond Certified Company, an outstanding member of the Better Business Bureau, and also a member of ASID North CA and also ASID CA Peninsula in which Becky is a Board Member as Co-Director at-Large.
The w o d n Wi s n o i Fash rts e p x E Your one-stop source for all your interior design and home décor needs, including custom window shades, shutters, draperies, curtains and more.
247 California Drive • Burlingame, CA 94010 990 Industrial Rd. Ste 106 • San Carlos, CA 94070
650-348-1268 www.rebarts.com
President Mike Wasserman
2014 State of the County
T
he County is often referred to as the invisible layer of government. While most people have a good idea of what Congress, the State Legislature, and their City Council do, they are hard-pressed to identify specific services provided by Santa Clara County. A recent “County IQ Quiz� confirmed that people know little about the County and how it is funded. The most frequently missed question related to the fact that the County only retains 18% of the property taxes collected, with majority going to the State of California to fund education. Residents have a right to know where their tax dollars are being spent, and that the real life help provided by the County is often the difference between life and death.
As the 2014 President of the Santa Clara safe, we must also consider the complex County Board of Supervisors, I am making it needs of our most vulnerable residents – the a priority to increase public education about men, women, and children – who are living County services and to make government on the streets. Addressing homelessness when more accessible for residents. One way is by it becomes a crisis each year often means leveraging existing technology. Smartphone we are too late. The County has made it a users can download three new free apps: priority to end chronic homelessness through SCCVOTE allows users to find their polling permanent supportive housing. Research location and track their mail ballot. Residents shows that access to housing dramatically can report problems with harmful vectors decreases chronically homeless individuals’ like mosquitoes, rats, and wildlife with use of public services. In fact, the average SCCVECTOR. And the Santa Clara County chronically homeless person costs taxpayers Library District app, SCCL, gives users access about $60,000 annually, and the solution to the library’s website and catalog. A soon-to- costs roughly half that. This approach clearly be released way-finder app will help visitors saves taxpayer dollars, and it is the right to navigate the Valley Medical Center campus. thing to do. Through our partnerships with Another app will enable Destination Home and hikers at County Parks the City of San Jose, we to report problems with helped 1,500 formerly trails, starting with Los homeless people secure COUNTY GOVERNMENT Gatos Creek Trail. Our permanent supportive MAY BE INVISIBLE TO MANY, next step will be to housing. But we can’t BUT MAKING AN EFFORT TO develop an app of all stop there. We must RAISE THE VISIBILITY AND frequently used County find ways to prevent services. Additionally, homelessness. One ACCESSIBILITY OF COUNTY the County’s main place to start is with SERVICES WILL HELP TO website – www.sccgov. foster youth. Many INSURE THAT OUR RESIDENTS org – was recently young people are overhauled to make exiting the foster GET CONNECTED WITH THE it easier for residents care system without SERVICES THEY NEED. to locate services, the ability to live access information independently. This and connect with the year, we will launch County. new supportive housing As the Chair of the Public Safety and programs specifically targeted for these Justice Committee, I realize that public safety vulnerable youth. is one of the more visible services provided County government may be invisible by the County. However, the sheer volume of to many, but making an effort to raise the that work is staggering. Every year, 10,000 visibility and accessibility of County services arrests are made by the Sheriff, 40,000 cases will help to insure that our residents get are prosecuted by the District Attorney and connected with the services they need. 18,000 adults are supervised by Probation. In addition to these traditional public safety —Mike Wasserman, 2014 President of the roles, the County is working in neighborhoods, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors keeping kids safe as they travel to and from Full text and video available here: school through the Traffic Safe Communities http://www.sccgov.org/sites/d1/SOTC/Pages/home.aspx Network. And when we talk about keeping people
Rotary World Leader Comes to Silicon Valley G ary C. K. Huang, President-elect of Rotary International for 2014-2015, came to San Jose recently to speak to several hundred upcoming club presidents at the Far West President–Elect Training Seminar (PETS). The Rotary year begins July 1, so Huang is traveling around the world to help train the 34,000 club presidents who will lead their clubs next year. The greater Silicon Valley, known in Rotary as District 5170, includes 53 clubs from Oakland to Santa Cruz and from Palo Alto to Livermore. With the motto, “Service above Self’’ every club has community projects and international projects. Rotary has about 1,200,000 members worldwide. They meet weekly, hear wonderful speakers and have a lot of fun. Clubs are always looking for new members. Huang will be the first Chinese president of Rotary International, a goal he set many years ago. He was born in southern China and grew up in Taiwan. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University and has an MBA from the College of Insurance in New York. He and his wife, Corinna, have three children. In 2004 Huang wrote a book about his business and his Rotary experiences called “Finding Solutions, Not Excuses.” Local Rotarians honored Huang and his wife with a lovely reception in the Taiwanese Culture Center in Sunnyvale. Delighted by seeing friends he knew even as long ago as high school, Huang spoke to them in the Taiwanese dialect,
Presentation of artwork to President-Elect Huang. Lena Zee, Gary Huang, Jim Lechner, Arthur Ku (the artist) Henry Yin and David Sheen Photo by Steve Cho
encouraging them to become Rotarians. He then taught everyone his trademark “Happy Clap.” “Eradicating polio has been a goal of Rotary for many years,” said Huang. “By partnering with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other organizations we hope the world will be polio free by 2018.” He said he chose the theme Light Up Rotary for his presidential year because he was inspired by the teachings of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, who said: “It is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness.”
7:05 15 NYY 15
BAL
20
21
22
HOU
HOU
23
24
HOU
6:05 16 TEX TEX 16 TEX TEX
NYY
1:05 TEX 1:05
17 17
25 7:05 26 TEX 7:05 7:05 7:05 23 24 BOS NYM 24 23 NYM BOS
18 18
TEX TEX
12:35 12:35
BOS BOS
7:05 7:05
19 19
7:05
BOS BOS
7:05 7:05
20 20
7:05
BOS BOS
1:05 1:05
21 21
2014 SEASON TICKET PACKAGE SCHEDULE OAKLAND ATHLETICS
1:05
TEX
7:05
27
HOU
28
7:05
29
HOU
25
26
27
EXHIBITION
30 23
SEA 1:05
SEA SEA 1:05
HOU KC SEA SEA 1:05
6 30 23
20 136 3
1:05 1:05 27 HOU HOU 20
HOU SEA
MIN CLE CLE
7 31 24
8 MIN 9 MIN 10 SEA 1 CLE 26 2 SEA 27 3 SEA CLE 25 CLE CLE SF SF MARCH/APRIL
LAA MIN CLE
14 317
LAA CLE
13
7:05 7:05
7:05 7:05 7:05 7:05
22 158
7:05 28 TEX 21 TEX TEX 14 TEX LAA LAA
29 22 15
7:05
7:05
TEX TEX
ATL HOU 2717 TEX
18 TEX
1:05
LAA
15 81
21 TEX4 TEX 14 LAA 7 LAA MINTB
10 7:05 KC 27 TEX 21 HOU HOU 20 TEX 28 1:05
1:05 MIN
12:35 12:35
7:05
24
28
11 7:05
29 22
5
7:05
WSH BOS
11 4
12 5
CLE WSH BOS
18 11 4
CWS SEA
19 12 5
25 DET TOR CLE 11 CWS WSH 18
1:05
25
25 18
TOR
25
1:05 LAA
30 23
HOU
17
24
HOU HOU
13 7:05 HOU
18
25
HOU 6
SEA
HOU HOU
KC 1:05
21
27 HOU 1 BOS 8 1
MAY 12:35 14 7
15 81
TB CWS SEA
21 14 7
22 15 8
2
WSH BOS
9 2
CLE WSH BOS
16 29
TOR CLE WSH
23 16 9
7:05
BOS
3
WSH BOS
10 3
CLE WSH BOS
17 103
TOR CLE WSH
24 17 10
6:05
28 21 14
DET TB
29 22 15
LAA TOR CLE
30 23 16
LAA TOR CLE
26 19
DET TB
27 20
DET TB
28 21
DET TB
29 22
LAA TOR
30 23
26 DET DET 1:05
27
29 LAA DET12:35
30
12:35 12:35 12:35 12:35
7:05
CWS
1
7:05
2 12:35 SEA 7:053
DET 28 7:05 7:05
12:35
LAA LAA
24 24
LAA TOR
31 24
LAA LAA
31 31
LAA
31
CWS
1:05 1:05
4
11
11 12 NYY LAA 5 BAL NYY 4 NYY JUNE 7:05 7:05
13 6
14 NYY BAL 7 12:35
16 TEX NYY 15821 TEXLAA 22 9 PHI BAL 1 LAA 2 LAA LAA NYY 1:05 7:05 7:05
17 10 3
18 BOS 19 BOS TEX 11 23 LAA 24 12 NYY LAA LAA 4 NYY 5 BAL NYY 12:35 7:05 7:05
20 13 6
21 BOS 14 25 TEX NYY 7 BAL 1:05
1:05
1:05 1:05 22 BOS 15
NYY BAL 1:05
8
TEX LAA
22 15
DET TEX
1:05 1:05
MIA BOS
9
23 16
7:05 29 22
16
DET
HOME 1:05
TEX LAA
29 7:05
17
TEX LAA
11
7:05 12:35 26 MIA 27 19 20
BOS
12:35 30 7:05
NYM 24 NYM 25 17 TEX 18 BOS TEX 7:05
30 23
10
TEX
7:05
7:05 23 NYM 24 7:05 25 16 17 NYM 18
1:05 28 7:05 TEX 29 30
MIA BOS NYY
TEX
12:35
NYM 24 NYM 25
FIREWORKS
6
12
BOS NYY
13
7:05 7:05
26 19
7:05
MIA BOS 7:05
26
MIA
29 DET DATES, 30 ALL TIMES, OPPONENTS, AND MIAGAMES, PROMOTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
BAL
TEX
18
7:05 7:05
MIA BOS NYY
28 21 14
MIA BOS
28 21
1:05 27
7 7
2 2
TOR TOR
SF SF
8 8
SF SF
9 9
SF SF
MIA
HOU
28
ATL 28 28
5
TB TB
44
KC KC
11 11
6:35 1:05 1:05
SEA TEX SEA
HOU HOU
23 23
HOU HOU
30 30
7:05 7:05
30
HOU HOU
12:35 12:35
TOR TOR
4 4
10 10
SEA SEA
17 17 24 24
TOR TOR
5 5
11 11
SEA SEA
12 12
BAL BAL
18 18
BAL BAL
19 19
TEX TEX
25 25
TEX TEX
26 26
1:05 1:05
7:05 7:05
7:05 7:05
6:05 6:05
31 31
AUGUST AUGUST
TB TB
55
KC KC
12 12
7:05 7:05
TB TB
66
KC KC
13 13
12:35 12:35
18 18
19 NYM 20 20 NYM NYM 19 NYM
25 25
HOU HOU
7:05 7:05
HOU SEA 1 1
26 26
12:35 12:35
HOU HOU
27 27
MIN MIN
7:05 7:05
KC KC
LAA LAA
KC KC
11
KC KC
22
MIN MIN
88
MIN MIN
99
ATL ATL
15 15
ATL ATL
16 16
21 21
LAA LAA
22 22
LAA LAA
23 23
28 28
LAA LAA
29 29
LAA LAA
30 30
4 4
HOU HOU
5 5
HOU HOU
6 6
77 14 14
6:35 6:35 7:05 7:05
7:05 7:05
1:05 1:05
6:05 6:05
6:05 6:05
6
PHI PHI
TEX TEX
28 28
SEPTEMBER 2 2
CWS CWS
9 9
15 27 15 TEX TEX TEX
16 16
1:05
14 26 14
13 SEPTEMBER SEA SEA
19 1:05 1:05PHI 7 8 7 CWS CWS 8
21 21
1:05 1:05
29 29
16 16
33
23
LAA
SEA SEA
HOU HOU
7:05 16 7:05
HOU HOU
6:05 6:05
1:05 12
PHI
15 15
HOU
LAA
HOU HOU
7:05
SEA
9
6:05 21 HOU 22 22 21 HOU
7:05 7:05
7
1:05 7:05
27 20
33
31 24 17
6:05
10 3
15 LAA
BAL
LAA
17 17
LAA NYY
8 1
5
DET DET
6:05 29
1:05 1:05
9 2
BAL LAA
NYY 4 NYY JUNE
1 1
2
KC
HOU HOU
22
ATL ATL
6:05
NYY
SEA
3
15
10 10
7:05
10
DET DET
1:05 7:05 7:05 7:05 7:05
27 27
LAA
1:05 1:05
2
1:05 14
1:05 1:05 ATL
MIN MIN
7:05
7:05
JUNE9 CWS CWS
8
BAL
KC KC
SEPTEMBER 12:35 7:05 7:05
7:05 12:35
SEA 7:051 SEA 7:05
1:05
TB
7:05
28
LAA
DET TB CWS
7:05 7:05
CWS SEA
SF SF
7:05
27 20 13
7:05 7:05
26
TEX TEX
14
HOU
DET TB CWS
7:05 7:05
19
7:05 20 BAL BAL 20
12:35
7
6 6
TOR TOR
1:05
NYM TEX 3019 NYM 20 26
28 28
HIT & RUN - 12 GAMES
26 13 14 HOU 19 SEA 14 MIN HOU SEA 13 8 MIN SEA 12 7 MIN
26 19 12
DET
7
7:05
1:05 1:05 1:05
TB CWS SEA
1:05
HOU
HOU
MIA MIA
30 30
DET DET
1
7:05 7:05 7:05
20 13 6
1:05 7:05
TOR CLE
19 125
13 6
7:05 7:05
1:05
HOU SEA SEA
1:05 12:357:05 7:05 HOU 24 HOU 25 HOU 26
12:35 12 KC KC
TEX TEX
12 5 29
6:35 1:05 1:05
25 18 11
TB
SEA SEA SF
KC
HOU HOU SEA6
7:05 7:05
16
MIA MIA
27 27
JULY JULY
7:05 1:05 7:05 1:05 EXHIBITION EXHIBITION
23 24 169 5 HOU 10 MIN 17
MAY
SEA
EXHIBITION
11 4 28
CWS SEA
7:05 7:05
1:05
TEX LAA
EXHIBITION
18 114
12:35
26 26
EXHIBITION
5 29
HOU SEA SEA
MIN SEA
29 29
29
4 28
17 103
7:05 MAY
7:05
CWS SEA
TEX TB LAA MIN
7:05 7:05
EXHIBITION
16 92
MIA MIA
SAC FLY - 26 GAMES
SF
12:35
29
1:05 4 SEA BOS 31 LAA
12:35 12:35
EXHIBITION
7:05 30 TEX TEX 23
7:05
HOU
12:35 12:35
LAA MIN CLE
1:05 1:05
1:05
SEA SF AUGUST 7:05 7:05 1:05 1:05 7:05 7:05
CLE 251 CLE 262 SEA 273 SEA CLE CLE SF SF MARCH/APRIL 7:05 7:05
28
EXHIBITION
31 24
7:05 7:05
13 306
SF
CLE CLE
7:05 7:05
31
NYM NYM
25 25
2014 SCHEDULE
ON - 44CLEGAMESSF CLE DECK CLE MARCH/APRIL 24
30
HOU
MARCH/APRIL
23
12:35
22 22
LAA LAA
22 22
7:05 7:05
29 29
7:05 20 7:05
7:05 7:05
LAA LAA
7:05 7:05
As of 11/18/13 HOME HOME
23 23 30 30
SEA SEA
3 3
CWS CWS
10 10
CWS CWS
11 11
SEA SEA
12 12
SEA SEA
13 13
TEX TEX
17 17
TEX TEX
18 18
PHI PHI
19 19
PHI PHI
20 20
LAA LAA
24 24
TEX TEX
25 25
TEX TEX
26 26
TEX TEX
27 27
12:35 12:35
7:05 7:05 12:35 12:35
12:35 12:35
7:05 7:05
6:35 6:35
1:05 1:05
1:05 1:05
As As of of 11/18/13 11/18/13
FIREWORKS FIREWORKS
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ALL ALL GAMES AND TIMES SUBJECT JULY TO CHANGE l COMCAST SPORTSNET CALIFORNIA u FOX NATIONAL n KOFY
ALL GAMES ON 95.7 THE GAME
A LOOK BACK:
Jim Plunkett J
im Plunkett won the Heisman Trophy in 1970 at Stanford and was the #1 overall selection in the 1971 NFL Draft. He joined the Raiders in 1978 and led the Silver and Black to two World Championships of Professional Football with victories in Super Bowls XV and XVIII. Plunkett was named Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XV, a 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He set a then-record with an 80-yard touchdown pass to RB Kenny King. He was also named the Comeback Player of the Year in 1980. The San Jose, Calif.,-native finished his illustrious playing career in 1986 ranked #4 on the Raiders all-time passing list with 12,665 yards and 80 touchdowns through the air. Plunkett was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.
SVL: Who were some of your favorite teammates? Jim Plunkett: Dave Dalby, there’s no question about it. I also enjoyed playing with Bobby Chandler and Rich Martini. Lester Hayes was a fun guy to hang around. SVL: Are there any former teammates of yours that you feel should be in the Hall of Fame? Jim Plunkett: I think there are quite a few; obviously Cliff Branch would be one of them. I think Raymond Chester will get there. Dalby did a great job playing center for the Raiders, three Super Bowls worth, he should have a consideration. SVL: What was the most memorable game for you when you played for the Raiders? Jim Plunkett: There were so many but I think that first Super Bowl, there’s no question about it. After 10 years in the league, and two years sitting on the bench behind Kenny Stabler and finally getting my opportunity to win a Super Bowl. The way we
won it as a wildcard team and being the first wildcard team to not only get there but to win the Super Bowl. SVL: Is there one play that you can remember from your career? Jim Plunkett: Not one particular play, there have been so many that have been big plays through the course of my career that I can’t latch onto any one in particular. SVL: Which team did you like playing against the most? Jim Plunkett: I always enjoyed playing against the better teams in the league to see if we could knock them off if we were the underdog especially when I was in New England and San Francisco. You step on the field with the Raiders they expect to win every time, that was a great feeling that I hadn’t experienced when I was with those other teams because there was so much doubt they didn’t have the kind of confidence that the Raider players did. SVL: Can you describe what it was like to win
the Super Bowl? Jim Plunkett: It’s been so long but you certainly are filled with emotion. It’s something you shoot for as a professional football player. Your ultimate goal is to get to the Super Bowl and win it and I finally got to experience that and it was a great feeling. SVL: What was your favorite stadium to play in, other than home? Jim Plunkett: Always at home, if I was at New England it was at home, if I was at San Francisco it was at home. There’s a certain amount of comfort level that you feel when you’re playing in your own stadium. SVL: Can you compare today’s game to your playing experience? Jim Plunkett: I played into the age of specialization where on each down you’d have different players in so I got to see all of that, not quite to the degree that Raiders do today. They shuffle players literally every down, which requires some work by the
quarterback to stay on top of things. SVL: What are your impressions of Raiders fans both past and present? Jim Plunkett: There’s not a greater group of fans than Raider fans. In the old days when I first came to the Raiders you could walk out of the Coliseum and literally you could almost name everybody by their first name. That sense of community and that kind of feeling, it’s a little different now, the stadium is bigger and there’s a different fan base but all in all you can’t beat the Raider fans. SVL: Can you describe what it was like playing for Coach Flores? Jim Plunkett: I enjoyed it, we got along well, we had our own head to head battles where he’d want to do one thing and I’d want to do another. He did a very fine job, took us to two Super Bowls that we won. He prepared us for each and every game and it was up to us to get the job done.
A LOOK BACK:
Rich Gannon
Q
uarterback Rich Gannon played with the Raiders from 1999-2004. During his six years, he was voted to the Pro Bowl four times, where he was named Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player twice (2001-02) - an accomplishment that no other National Football League player had ever achieved, was named the NFL’s MVP after his record setting season in 2002, and led the Raiders to three straight AFC West titles, two AFC Championship games, and one Super Bowl appearance. During the 2002 season, Gannon set records in four different categories: pass completions (418), 300-yard passing games (10), single-game consecutive completions (21 vs. Denver), and single-game completions (43 vs. Pittsburgh). Gannon also set three Raiders franchise records: completions (1,533), 300-yard passing games (24), and completion percentage (62.6). Gannon finished his tenure with the Silver and Black as the second leading passer in Raiders history. SVL: When did you start playing football? Rich Gannon: I started playing organized football in 1972. I was in the second grade and I played in the 65-pound youth organization in Philadelphia, and I never missed a season until 1994 when I had rotator cuff surgery. SVL: How did you become a Raider? Rich Gannon: I finished the 1998 season in Kansas City and was an unrestricted free agent. I got a call from Jon Gruden and I flew out the next day; sat down and visited with him, Bruce Allen, and Mr. Davis. It felt right and I felt like it
was something that we could build and help turn around, and I think we did in a short time there. SVL: What did it mean for you to play for the Raiders? Rich Gannon: Well it was a great opportunity. It’s a great organization with a great history and I was proud of the fact that I left the place better than when I found it. We won three straight AFC West titles, we went to two AFC Championship games, went to the Super Bowl, but we didn’t accomplish all of our goals. SVL: Is there any one moment or play that stands out in your career? Rich Gannon: Not really. The thing I am most proud of is that I never took the game for granted; I worked extremely hard, and never disrespected the game. I realized how difficult it is and how hard you have to work at it and I was proud of myself, my preparation, and performance. SVL: Do you keep in contact with any of your former Raider teammates? Rich Gannon: Yeah, certainly. I sure do.
SVL: Which team did you enjoy playing against the most? Rich Gannon: I would probably have to say Kansas City. I played four years in Kansas City and the Chiefs let me go in terms of the free agency, but I always enjoyed playing not only against them, but at Arrowhead. It’s probably one of the more difficult stadiums to play at on the road and we went in there and we were able to have some success. I think we were 3-1 in my first four years going back there. I was proud that we had success there against a pretty good football team in the AFC West.
SVL: What are you doing now? Rich Gannon: I do color commentary for NFL games for CBS television and co-host a weekday radio show on Sirius XM. I also keep very busy with my wife and two daughters. Our daughters keep me real busy with their activities and things like that. SVL: Are there any messages that you would like to pass on to Raider fans? Rich Gannon: Keep the faith.
A LOOK BACK:
Tom Flores
T
om Flores the quarterback ranks sixth on the Raiders all-time passing list with 11,635 yards and 92 touchdown passes. Flores the head coach led the Silver and Black to two World Championships of Professional Football with victories in Super Bowls XV and XVIII. Flores currently serves as the analyst on the Raiders’ radio broadcasts each week during the football season. Flores was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
SVL: When did you first start playing football? Tom Flores: The first time I ever handled a football was in the fifth grade. Somebody had a football that was half filled with air; I just picked it up and threw it. We had to wait sometimes for the air to fill back up in the ball before we could continue playing. It was never any organized ball at the time, we just kind of played pick up ball and I was probably about nine or 10. Then, when I went to junior high, I started playing flag football when I was in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade. I then continued on to high school where tackle was introduced. SVL: When did your coaching career start? Tom Flores: Coaching started in 1971 kind of by accident. I couldn’t find any team that I felt I had a chance to make as a veteran, so I decided that it was probably best to get on with the rest of my life. I had taken a job with a friend of mine in Oakland, [while I] looked around to see if there was anything available in football, but nothing
at the time was, so I did that; and was doing a little work trying to get into some sporting news on weekends on television. Then all of sudden in July, I got a call from Buffalo. The head coach there had quit about a day or two before training camp had started so they asked me if I’d come back to help coach for that year, because they knew I knew the system. So overnight I became a coach in the NFL. SVL: As a player, how did you become a Raider? Tom Flores: In 1960 when the league started, I had been in Canada for two months in ‘58 and had been released. I came back and had surgery on my throwing shoulder. In ‘59 I tried out with the [Washington] Redskins and failed because the shoulder just wasn’t ready. During that time I had gone back to school, I was working on my Master’s Degree in Education and the AFL started, and they were taking anybody who was warm and could walk. Oakland was the last franchise to be established and I got a call, I said ‘what the heck, I have nothing to
lose, I have the rest of my life to work,’ so I might as well give it one more chance to do something that I have always had a passion for. So there we were 11 quarterbacks in camp the first day. SVL: What was the pressure or competition like at that time with 11 quarterbacks at camp in 1960? Tom Flores: There was no real pressure, because we were a bunch of guys in a league that according to some experts had no chance to succeed. Everybody was either labeled a reject or a wannabe, the NFL had the established the name, so there was not a lot of pressure. We were having a good time in doing so and a lot of great stories came out of that. It was a low budget operation, but there was a lot of competition when you have 11 quarterbacks the first day, then all of a sudden in about two days it was down to four, then eventually it came down to just two guys that were left standing at the end. I ended up with Babe Parilli who was veteran at the time, he had just been released in Canada, he and I became the quarterbacks that year, and I became the starter. I started the very first game for The Oakland Raiders ever.
going to work and we started becoming more proud of what we were doing.
SVL: In your playing career, is there a moment or play that stands out? Tom Flores: There were two games, one in ‘63 when I threw six touchdowns. I was facing George Blanda with the [Houston] Oilers and at halftime it was 35-35, it was just a wild game. I threw six touchdown passes and I think he threw five. It was won with a field goal in the later minutes of the game by Mike Mercer, our kicker at the time. That was a memorable game for me because of all the different things we could do offensively. Then in ‘66 we were playing in Shea Stadium and Joe Namath is the quarterback and I’m the quarterback and we were driving at the end of the game, there was very little time on the clock and at Shea Stadium down in one end zone it’s so noisy because it’s right next to the airport, and were on the one-yard line, I’m trying to audiblize SVL: What did it mean to you to play for the and the players can’t hear me so I’m running Raiders? down the line of scrimmage yelling the audible Tom Flores: Well at that time, it just meant that I hoping they don’t jump offside, and then I get was doing something that I loved to do. We had up to the line and the backs hadn’t heard me so no way that we could ever possibly conceive that I had to turn around and tell them. Then we ran it would grow to be what it is today. Football as a the play, scored and won the game. We needed a whole wasn’t as big as it is [today], even the National touchdown to win. I looked up and there was like Football League, but because of television and only :06 left on the clock, I said ‘whoa, I could have one league, now all of a sudden a new league and we been standing here and the clock would have run were televised by ABC and eventually NBC, so we got down it would have been all over.’ After the game a lot of coverage of that respect. Then all of a sudden it was euphoria in the locker room, because it was with each year, you got the feeling that this was such a neat game.
TECH’S YOUNG GUNS
Is the next Steve Jobs out there? By Scott Budman
T
hey’re the Young Guns. Seen by some as too young and too cocky; seen by others as the future of the world’s greatest wealth creation engine. Here in Silicon Valley, we hold a special place for young executives. Men and women who wouldn’t get the time of day in most traditional smokestack industries, but who are treated like royalty in tech. They start Budman companies, convince people twice their age to part with hundreds of millions of dollars in Venture funding, and
then become billionaires. Recently, we’ve referred too many of them as “The next Steve Jobs.” But they’ve been here as long as there has been a Silicon Valley. And thanks to people like Jack Dorsey, I’m confident that there will always be a Silicon Valley. We catch up to Dorsey at the headquarters of Square, a growing company changing the way we buy things. The “Square” in question is a small attachment to your iPhone or iPad that lets you accept credit cards payments anytime, anywhere. It’s simple, and extremely lucrative. And it’s not all Dorsey does for a living. He also started Twitter, the much larger company currently informing just about everyone about just about everything. Nowhere near 40, Dorsey is what the tech industry is all about: Youth cool, and success. He is, however, a lot older than Mark Zuckerberg. Another executive clearly ahead of his time, pushing through decisions that, after
initial skepticism, prove to be spot-on. Speaking of Facebook, let’s not forget Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. Not as young as Mark, but ahead of her time in the tech world, with a strong feeling that education is what’s needed for a better tech industry (remember, Apple used to push that pretty hard, too). All corporate neighbors, by the way, of Aaron Levie, the young CEO and co-founder of Box. His is a company focusing on cloud storage - not as consumer sexy as Facebook or twitter, but crucial to the future of tech. He has written several posts recently pretty much saying that he does what he does because he watched Steve Jobs do it. Touching and thoughtful, from someone who will surely be part of the next big tech wave. Box’s chief competitor is called DropBox, and there’s more in common there than storage, and the word “Box” in the name. DropBox also has a young hotshot founder. Arash Ferdowsi, along with his co-founder (they were classmates at MIT) just pulled in enough money to rate a staggering $4 billion valuation. Which, while impressive, is likely dwarfed by even the personal wealth of Google’s Marissa Mayer. While young in age, Mayer is already treated (deservedly) like a Valley veteran, taking a big role in guiding Google to its huge success. One of the company’s first hires, Mayer is given credit for the company’s easy to use design, and much-imitated culture. Search “success,” and you’ll find her. Also in the neighborhood (what is it about Palo Alto, anyway? Is there something in the water that makes young people more ambitious than you or me?), a company called Pulse, with two co-founders still in their twenties, Akshay Kothari and Ankit Gupta. Both out of Stanford (again, where else?), they’re quiet young men, but determined to change the way we find and read news. Their app makes the iPad an intelligent device. On top of that, the Amazon Kindle Fire chose Pulse as the first built-in app for its new, popular tablet. And, how about Ernestine Fu? We first met her as a High School student, already starting companies. She went on to Stanford, and
while still there, became an associate at Alsop Louie Partners, a Venture Capital firm. Wait a minute, you ask, a 20-year old VC? Well, why not. This is, after all, the land of the 20-something founder of companies used by twenty somethings; why not tap into a young mind when it comes to deciding who to fund? Admittedly, some of the youth movement is here because good times are here; When the dot-com boom went bust, it also took also took a lot of the young founders down with it. This makes some sense: When people get nervous, they’re less likely to take risks, and
We here in Silicon Valley love our risk takers, and we love our rock stars.
few things say “risk” like trusting ten million dollars of your money to someone who could be your kid. That said, we here in Silicon Valley love our risk takers, and we love our rock stars. We have a special place for young people – after all, Jobs and Wozniak were young founders, so were Marc Andreessen of Netscape, Jen-Hsun Huang of Nvidia, and many others. They’re not worried about being the “next” Steve Jobs, as much as they’re worried about their next round of funding, next line of products, or when the IPO hits. And as long as they’re still here, Silicon Valley will rightly be known as the Wild West, where the Young Guns rule. Scott Budman is an Emmy award-winning reporter, covering business and technology for NBC Bay Area News. He is also the host of the weekly NBC show, “TechNow,” and can be heard doing business updates every afternoon on KNBR radio. You can find Scott on Twitter: @scottbudman
The
San Francisco 49ers
Community Relations and
49ers Foundation
A PROUD TRADITION BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD
49ers Linebacke rs visit Good Samaritan Hos pital e ner John York at th 49ers Co-Chair/Ow int YMCA Bayview Hunters Po
H
ow do you define a Class Organization? From the very top on down. An organization that, internally, has everyone’s attention and 100% participation. Pride that’s felt everywhere and amongst everyone. Like one big family that cares. That’s the 49ers. The Season is actually 12 months long for the 49ers – as they like to say, “There is no off-season” – both on and off the field. As the on-field football season ends, the Foundation gets to work, hosting charitable events that raise millions of dollars to benefit non-profit organizations in alignment with the 49ers Foundation’s mission to keep kids “Safe, On Track, and In School.” During the season,
ies serving 2012 49ers Rook l to homeless Thanksgiving mea families
each week on the players’ day off, the 49ers orchestrate community events that transform people’s lives. The San Francisco 49ers Foundation is the non-profit community funding extension of the 49ers, now in its 21st year.
TE Vernon Davis host ing kids a a Player t VISA Sho p With
49ers honor breast cancer survivors at an October home game
The Foundation supports programs for underserved youth that keep them “Safe, On Track and In School.” Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has donated nearly $20 million - $2.9 million in 2012. The philanthropic efforts of the 49ers Foundation are highly focused and strategic; remaining true to the well-developed mission statement and purpose and committed to creating measurable results through transformational grants and impact programs. In 2012, 49ers players participated in more than 150 events, donating over 2,800 hours of volunteer time, impacting over 80,000 people in need annually. In 2012, 100% of the players participated in one-or-more community events. Meet Joanne Pasternack, the Director of Community Relations and the 49ers Foundation Joanne Pasternack for the San Director of Community Francisco 49ers. Relations and the Joanne attended 49ers Foundation high school in the Bay Area. Her father was a dedicated fan of the 49ers and Joanne grew up cheering for the 49ers as well. She went to college at the University of Pennsylvania, then to law school at Santa Clara University. Following law school, she went to Washington, DC, where she worked with the Kennedy and Shriver families for the extraordinary non-profit, Special Olympics. At Special Olympics, she found a perfect marriage of her two passions – sports and philanthropy. It was the beginning of Joanne’s path towards a position that seems tailor-made for her interests and skills. After working a World Winter Games for Special Olympics in Alaska, Joanne returned to the Bay Area where she secured a job with the City of Mountain View in the City Manager’s
Office and the Police Department. While there, she co-founded the Mountain View Police Activities League (MVPAL), where she once again found a natural proclivity for event management, charitable outreach and using sports as a vehicle to transform perceptions and, in turn, a community. She was at the City of Mountain View in a variety of roles for over six years when, one day, she saw a job posting. She remembers how her heart began beating with excitement as she read the position description. “Looking for the right person … The San Francisco 49ers … Community Relations.” She couldn’t believe what she was reading. This would be her dream job and she wanted to go for it and boy, did she! Joanne was interviewed extensively. It was a very thorough process - it was that important to them. They certainly knew that they found the right person and she certainly knew that she found the right organization! They complete each other, on and off the field. Her words: “I live this … I breathe this … and I love this job.” Joanne told me about the 49ers and their overall commitment to charitable work. Their concept of Sports and Philanthropy was no afterthought. Leading by example, are John and Denise and Jed York and their entire family. John, Denise and Jed live and breathe philanthropy, vigorously engaging in activities and throwing considerable energy, effort and support towards the team’s charitable endeavors. John and Denise’s daughters, Jenna and Mara, are active participants in nearly every community event, sharing their zeal for transforming the lives of at-risk youth through hands on service. Their brother, Tony, is also involved and spent time with his father in New Orleans, visiting a school that had been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and taking time to get to know the students, among other activities. Daughter-in-law, Danielle (Jed’s wife), is a school teacher and worked for years in an underserved middle school deep in the heart of one of the most challenged parts of San Francisco. From the top down, it’s the culture, the fabric, the very spirit. Their desire has always been, and will always be, to see “Philanthropic change through sports.” Indeed, they want to be not just the
RB Frank Gore advocating literacy
best in the NFL, but in all sports. The San Francisco 49ers Foundation was honored by the San Jose/Silicon Valley Business Journal for being No. 15 in corporate philanthropic giving in 2012. Not bad for a company that has only 150 employees. The No. 2 Company, by comparison, was Cisco, with 72,000 employees. Nationally, the 49ers were selected runner-up as the best in Sports Philanthropy by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and they were the only representative from the NFL to have this distinction in 2011. There are many examples of their contributions. The San Francisco 49ers Academy – a school for low income middle school youth in East Palo Alto – not only bears the name of the 49ers football team, but it is also indelibly stamped with the spirit of their storied franchise. The school focuses on the underlying socioeconomic situations that were barriers to the students’ success by collaborating with teachers, police officers and strong mentors. Recognizing the challenges faced by youth in the economically disadvantaged community of East Palo Alto and seeing an opportunity to make a measurable difference for these youth, the 49ers Foundation has been a part of the Academy since 1996, giving grants while also providing hands on support through collaboration, 1000s of game tickets, mentorship, facility enhancement, and donations. With an increase in obesity rates among our nation’s youth, the 49ers have incorporated
49ers Co-owners Denise DeBartolo York and daughters Jenna and Mara at the 49ers Academy Gala
Second Harvest Food Drive kick-off with co-chairs including 49ers CEO Jed York and supporters
the PLAY 60 youth fitness program into the Academy to increase the students’ overall health, building a $75,000 outdoor fitness zone and bringing national visibility to the school and its commitment to fitness through a partnership with Matthew McConaughey. With the 49ers involvement, test scores have skyrocketed to the highest level in the school district – on par with far wealthier ZIP codes. In 2012, the 49ers Foundation facilitated $752K in contributions to the Academy, hosted eight events and dedicated countless volunteer hours to assist the youth. And there is so much more! Breast Cancer Awareness, helping feed the homeless, where Jed has been the Food and Fund Drive Co-Chairman for Second Harvest Food Bank for the past two years. The Bayview Hunters Point YMCA near
LB Patrick Willis with Make-A-Wish recipient
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrating Pasta Bowl with a young fan
Candlestick Park is another place they love supporting. They are also strong supporters of City Year San Jose/Silicon Valley, Hedge Funds Care (eradication of child abuse), the Center for Youth Wellness, Fresh Lifeline for Youth (FLY), and the Football Camp for the Stars (a camp for athletes with Down syndrome), and many others. The 49ers Taube/Koret Touchdowns for Kids program is another wonderful example of the giving spirit of the 49ers. For every Touchdown, Field Goal, Interception and Sack, in partnership with the Taube Family Foundation and the Koret
Foundation, the 49ers, philanthropist Tad Taube and Koret have raised $700,000 to help support Bay Area charitable organizations. Again, here is a collaborative commitment that helps improve the life, safety and educational opportunities for the children of the communities they serve. The 49ers host two very popular — and philanthropically productive — fundraising events. One is the Pasta Bowl. This has become their popular annual kick-off to the new season, the night before pre-season training begins. All the players come together and literally serve their designated table of admiring fans with food and pictures and fun. All proceeds go to benefit the community. There is also the 49ers Foundation Winter Fest, held in March in Lake Tahoe. This event always sells out. It’s a fun time for all and in 2013, the 49ers Foundation brought in $2 million during the weekend to support local Bay Area charities. That primarily is the Foundation side. There is also the Community Relations side. Each week, the players have one day off. Typically it is on Monday. On their day off, the Community Relations team organizes community events where players have an opportunity to participate in hands-on service events where they can directly impact those in need in the Bay Area. From hosting a board game tournament for youth with serious illness at the Ronald McDonald House to building a playground in East Palo Alto, inspiring incarcerated youth to choose a different and more productive path and so very much more, for the 49ers philanthropic outreach efforts, it is always about the people and for those in need in our community. There are a good number of players who can relate to coming from hard upbringings and they pour their hearts into the events. FLY is a perfect example, where the players and students talk about issues and goals. The players inspire and make a difference for the kids they personally reach through such community visits. Even on the road, like when they have traveled to Youngstown to train in between East Coast games, they made a huge difference visiting a local hospital, school, and community center. In October 2010, when they traveled to London to play in the NFL International Series game, they had one day off. Instead of site-
seeing, they arranged a special day with a hugely dedication and passion. “The key here is that the members of the popular Premier League team – Tottenham 49ers family recognize that they have been Hotspur – and together, in one of the poorer blessed with a special opportunity - one that districts of London, they held a collaborative is not to be taken for granted,” Joanne said. event for 100 low-income youth showcasing “The 49ers take this responsibility seriously. the PLAY 60 movement and the importance of That is why we do what we do. Whether it getting out to play, 60 minutes a day, through is a rookie or a seasoned veteran, ownership both football and soccer. It was an amazing or a 49ers alumnus, we are so very proud of day. The 49ers were the first to host such a large scale event while playing the International Series game. The following year, another team repeated this warm, monumental gesture. The 49ers plan to do something similar when they return to London in October 2013. The 49ers are also very active in spreading the messaging of the NFL “Play 60” Campaign to inspire children to be active and keep healthy. Vernon Davis is the 49ers spokesperson. G Alex Boone sharing Play 60 Messaging One year, inspired by the youth’s our 49ers and their authentic commitment to commitment to the campaign, he hosted a transforming the lives of those in need.” team of 15 students from the 49ers Academy Indeed, when I visited with Joanne, there who participated in a competition to write a was definitely an energy, a spirit that touched commercial for “Play 60.” Vernon arranged for a Limo ride to a special evening held at his home everything and everyone there. It was obvious – all about helping benefit community – and with an Academy Awards Red Carpet look, plus infectiously and fantastically impactful. The Paparazzi and Oscar-like statues for the kids. A fun, memorable event for everyone for a life time! 49ers feel that community has done so much Another example of the tremendous player to benefit them as an organization and, as participation is Joe Staley who, with a librarian a result, the organization in turn is happy and proud to be able to give back to the for a mother, loves reading to elementary community - as it has and will continue to in students and was recently honored with a perpetuity. If there were a Super Bowl Trophy national accolade for helping build literacy among youth. It does make a difference. And given to the organization based on what they do off the field, as well, no doubt the San the list of what all the 49ers do, individually, Francisco 49ers would be winners of that one as a Team and as an organization is a very each and every year. long one. All without fanfare, but with total
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The 49ers Levi’s Stadium and VTA A Super Hub and A Great Partnership in the Making
and deboard faster. A new pedestrian crossing and fencing will move people quickly and safely across VTA’s light hen the 49er’s Levi’s Stadium rail tracks, providing better access to opens this summer, it will the stadium and the ACE and Capitol serve as a regional Corridor trains. entertainment hub. VTA is installing a pocket track to Figuring out how store extra light rail trains for quick to move people in deployment during games and special and out quickly and events that will be able to carry up to hassle-free is one of 12,000 passengers. Bus servicing the VTA’s top goals this stadium will also be augmented. VTA’s year. 38 park and ride lots throughout the The stadium will county will be heavily utilized as well. hold 68,500 people, The 2016 Super Bowl will give VTA and VTA expects to a chance to shine on a global stage. Ken Yeager carry over 10,000 When the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey people to each 49ers hosted the Super Bowl this year, their game. As a 12-year VTA Board Member public transportation system became and the County Supervisor representing overwhelmed. Riders waited hours to the City of Santa Clara, I have been return to New York City. With careful following the planning process closely. planning, we can do better. Just steps from the stadium entrance, VTA will be crucial in moving many the Great America station will be the of the 75,000 attendees between main transit hub. It connects by light rail the stadium and host hotels in to the Mountain View Caltrain station San Francisco. There will be a full and by express buses to the Fremont complement of trains and buses, nearly BART station. Capitol Corridor and ACE triple the parking of this year’s Super trains from Sacramento and the Central Bowl, and freeway lanes dedicated to Valley stop nearby. shuttles. There is still a lot of planning to The Great America station is currently be done, but I am confident that we can under expansion. A new platform pull it off. that separates east and west-bound trains will allow passengers to board By Ken Yeager Santa Clara County Supervisor, District Four
W
The
Tabard Theatre Company 2014-2015 Season It ’s All About
Starting Here, Starting Now SEPTEMBER 2014
10 in 10 Perspective OCTOBER 2014
The Immigrant NOVEMBER 2014 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever NOV. /DEC. 2014
Tuesdays with Morrie JAN. / FEB. 2015
Violet
APRIL/MAY 2015
www.TabardTheatre.org Located at Theatre on San Pedro Square — 20 N. San Pedro St. Downtown
2014 49ers SCHEDULE DATE Thursday, Aug. 7 Sunday, Aug. 17 Sunday, Aug. 24 Thursday, Aug. 28
OPPONENT @ Baltimore Denver San Diego @ Houston
PRESEASON
LOCAL TIME PACIFIC TIME 7:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
NETWORK KPIX 5 KPIX 5 FOX KPIX 5
+For the first time, flexible scheduling may be applied in Weeks 5-10. During that period, flexible scheduling can be used in no more than two weeks by shifting a Sunday afternoon game into primetime and moving the Sunday night game to an afternoon start time. &For the first time, a select number of games are being “cross-flexed,” moving between CBS and FOX to bring potentially under-distributed games to wider audiences. *“Flexible scheduling” will be used in Weeks 11-17 as it has been in recent years. In Weeks 11-16, the schedule lists the games tentatively set for Sunday Night Football on NBC. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game would be moved to an afternoon start time. Flexible scheduling will not be applied to games airing on Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights. A flexible scheduling move would be announced at least 12 days before the game. For Week 17, the Sunday night game will be announced no later than six days prior to December 28. The schedule does not list a Sunday night game in Week 17, but an afternoon game with playoff implications will be moved to that time slot. Flexible scheduling ensures quality matchups in all Sunday time slots in those weeks and gives “surprise” teams a chance to play their way into primetime. ^The broadcasting network and start time for the 49ers Week 16 matchup with the San Diego Chargers will be set at a later date. If the game airs on NFL Network, kickoff will be 1:30 p.m. PT. If the game airs on CBS, kickoff will be 5:15 p.m. PT.
REGULAR SEASON DATE Sunday, Sept. 7
OPPONENT @ Dallas
LOCAL TIME 3:25 p.m.
PACIFIC TIME 1:25 p.m.
NETWORK FOX
Sunday, Sept. 14
Chicago
5:30 p.m.
NBC
Sunday, Sept. 21
@ Arizona
1:05 p.m.
FOX
Sunday, Sept. 28
Philadelphia
1:25 p.m.
FOX
+Sunday, Oct. 5
Kansas City
1:25 p.m.
CBS
Monday, Oct. 13
@ St. Louis
7:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
ESPN
+Sunday, Oct. 19
@ Denver
6:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
NBC
Sunday, Oct. 26
BYE
+Sunday, Nov. 2
St. Louis
1:05 p.m.
FOX
+Sunday, Nov. 9
@ New Orleans
12:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
FOX
*Sunday, Nov. 16
@ New York Giants 1:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
FOX
*&Sunday, Nov. 23
Washington
1:25 p.m.
CBS
Thursday, Nov. 27
Seattle
5:30 p.m.
NBC
*Sunday, Dec. 7
@ Oakland
1:25 p.m.
FOX
*Sunday, Dec. 14
@ Seattle
1:25 p.m.
FOX
^Saturday, Dec. 20
San Diego
1:30 p.m. or 5:15 p.m.
*Sunday, Dec. 28
Arizona
1:25 p.m.
NFL Network or CBS FOX
Jean-Michel Cousteau
President, Ocean Futures Society www.oceanfutures.org
The Great Ocean Adventure S
ince first being thrown overboard by my father, Jacques Yves Cousteau at the age of seven in 1945, I have been compelled to explore, to discover, to understand the secrets of the sea. An oftquoted fact is that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about our own ocean. How can we protect what
We protect over 14 percent of our land and less than one percent of the ocean. It is time to demonstrate the same stewardship for the ocean.
we don’t yet understand? This is what has made me want to continue to support the philosophy of my father through our efforts at the Ocean Futures Society, my non-profit marine conservation organization based in
Santa Barbara, CA. Today we have the knowledge and technology to admit that we, humans, are the biggest threat to our oceans; but we are also 100% responsible for its long-term preservation and protection. Overfishing, pollution, climate change, ocean acidification are all impacting the oceans because of the misuse and abuse caused by humans. The ocean is our life support system. We need to stop harming it because what we do to the ocean we ultimately do to ourselves. It is ironic that the depletion of our ocean resources has accelerated at the same time we were personally donning dive masks and witnessing the richness of the ocean first hand over 50 years ago. Just as we started to dignify and appreciate the ecological role of individual marine species and how they contribute to the sustainability of the marine ecosystem they call home, we were improving our fishing technology to remove them faster than they were replenishing their populations. From an ecological standpoint, we now understand how everything is connected. We now appreciate the need to set aside protected areas in the ocean just as we have done on land. But we are over a hundred years behind terrestrial conservation measures when it comes to protecting our marine assets. We protect over 14% of our land and less than 1% of the ocean. It is time to demonstrate the same stewardship for the ocean and recognize the importance of marine protected areas as a way to increase
Photo: © Carrie Vonderhaar, Ocean Futures Society
abundance, improve biodiversity and provide a nursery for species that will spill over into areas open to fishing. It is a win-win situation for us all. Ninety percent of all large fish populations are at risk from overfishing and most commercial fisheries are in decline. The problem is enormous but the solution is clear, quickly effective, and costs little. But this is where the heart comes and where we must remain hopeful for the future; otherwise I would not keep traversing the planet, sharing the mission of Ocean Futures Society, empowering people to take personal responsibility for the long-term sustainability of our oceans. It starts with the individual; it starts with the heart and a desire to care.
The more I learn about the ocean, the more I realize how little I truly understand it. Even after all these years, a sense of exploration and wonder still fills me each time I dive into the ocean’s depths. We owe it to ourselves--we owe it to our water planet—to do all that we can to protect our life support system. We must connect the ocean to the existence of every human being. This is the only way for people to understand that the quality of each and every one of our lives depends on water, depends on the ocean. My father said, “People protect what they love,” and so we want more people to fall in love with water. And I say, “Protect the ocean and you protect yourself.”
| | LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme: Celebrations & Senses For All Seasons
Y
ou know when you hear the words fantasies, elegance and perfection in reference to a catering company, you are talking about a unique and special place. You are talking about Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme. PSRT has been the number one catering company in Silicon Valley for many years, thanks in part to their ability to customize events so well. At PSRT, they feel that the essential belief, at the core of their organization, is their desire to have fun while they provide the best food and service they possibly can. Vince Guasch and Debbie Blackwell, the co-founders and co-owners, are the heart and soul of the company, and their exuberance and positive energy infuse everything they do. Vince’s playful and tantalizing recipes bespeak the joy they all feel when their food and planning come together to create a special day for their customers. For Debbie and Vince, the company is a reflection of their passions. Good food comes from the essence of its flavor and the care that it is prepared with. PSRT is a business built on dedication. This dedication allows Debbie and Vince to lend their passions to the art of their catering ... THEIR art of catering. While they cover all aspects of event planning, the essence of PSRT is and always shall remain the food. They are always working in the kitchen, creating new flavors, old tastes with new twists and innovative combinations. The food is always the most memorable aspect of
their events, and they intend to keep it that way. Don’t look to them for “run-ofthe-mill caterers fare”; you won’t find that on their menus. Some people might think the most important element at PSRT is the food, and yet, at PRST, they also consider it to be the staff. The best food in the world is useless, they feel, if it is not prepared well and served with efficiency. Again, Vince and Debbie are the ones who make it all happen; all the business, the recipes, the fun and the flair. Whether it’s Corporate, Weddings, Social, Destination or Your Dream Special Events, at PSRT they understand that your dreams belong to you, and they strive to make your vision happen in its entirety.
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Our events are renowned for their elegance, creativity and attention to detail. PSRT provides planning and execution at every stage of the event.
Dedicated & Working Hard for The State A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM SVL: What you know today, what would the Gavin Newsom of today like to say to the young Gavin Newsom? GN: I would tell myself that success is not a place or a destination; it’s a direction. There is no “having made it.” As Winston Churchill said the secret to success is moving from failure to failure with enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Oh, and I would definitely tell myself to use less hair gel. SVL: Who have been your role models and who has inspired you in politics and life itself? GN: Sargent Shriver, Bobby Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Cesar Chavez, Mahatma Gandhi, Vaclav Havel and Richard Branson to name a few. My wife and three children also inspire me every day.
The Lt. Governor is with Gina McCarthy, the head of the EPA, as she takes a look at San Francisco’s grease recycling program.
SVL: What prepared you for this path in politics and when did you discover this idea of being Mayor of San Francisco and Lieutenant Governor of California? GN: For a life in politics you have to
be passionate, care about issues and most importantly people. My background in business, particularly in restaurants, certainly did not hurt. The spark to get involved in local government came from the frustration of navigating San
Francisco’s bureaucracy when I opened my first business, Plumpjack. SVL: What did you enjoy most about being Mayor of San Francisco? GN: Cities are laboratories of innovation. A city shows the cause and effect, the good decisions and bad decisions in real-time and with immediate feedback. As mayor you have the ability to customize policy to address the needs of a diverse citizenry. You can have a two-way conversation with citizens that result in “bottom up” solutions without having to wait for the state or federal government.
The Lt. Governor is at an event with AT&T’s Futurecast.
SVL: What do you enjoy most about being Lieutenant Governor of California? GN: Just as cities are a laboratory for innovation, the state is a laboratory for democracy. To be a part of the most diverse state in the world, with the most diverse democracy, is an honor. Because of California’s size, diversity and economic power, we are the perfect place for scaling innovative ideas that can then become a model for the nation. Few places can boast the kind of dynamism and influence we enjoy here in the Golden State. SVL: San Francisco went through a great renaissance with you as Mayor. Looking back, what are some of the proudest moments or accomplishments you saw during your term as Mayor? GN: I am proud of many things we did in San Francisco. From implementing the first city wide universal health care plan in the nation, to getting 12,000 people off the streets and addressing the pressing issue of homelessness and poverty. We also raised the bar on environmental stewardship and helped pave the way for this new tech-boom. Beyond anything else, I am most proud of representing citizens who not only tolerate diversity but also celebrate diversity. San Francisco
The Lt. Governor discusses how cities and metros are fixing the economy at the Milken Institute in Los Angeles.
is a city that celebrates its interesting differences but, at the end of the day, also unites around our common humanity - the fundamental idea that we are all in this together. It was this spirit that led to San Francisco opening up City Hall to same sex couples in 2004. SVL: As Lieutenant Governor of California, you are as close to this Governor as anyone ... and the same is true with the relationships with other Governorships and politicians throughout the country. What have you learned from these relationships and this extraordinary experience? GN: I’ve had the opportunity to work with some extremely gifted politicians from Willie
Brown to our current Gov. Jerry Brown, both of whom are two unique and distinct personalities. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with former President Bill Clinton and when I was Mayor of San Francisco, I worked with mayors John Hickenlooper in Colorado and Martin O’Malley in Maryland, who’ve both gone on to be Governors of their states, and I am now honored to call them friends. The one thing I’ve been able to learn from all of these individuals is that the best politics is a better idea and that ideas matter. SVL: What in these past four years as Lieutenant Governor are some of the greatest, proudest accomplishments? GN: I’m proud of the economic development plan my office put out in 2011 and the resulting statewide economic summit, both of which articulate a vision for success in building the “Next Economy” in California. Additionally, last year I released a report on college education, Boosting California’s Postsecondary Education Performance, which has started a conversation around the changing needs in higher education. Additionally, I am an active member of the UC Board of Regents and CSU Board of Trustees, I have voted against tuition increases in order to keep higher education affordable and accessible. I am also proud of the work we do on the State Land’s Commission, particularly around making this important state agency more open, transparent and collaborative. SVL: Presently, and looking ahead, what are some of the biggest challenges or concerns we’re facing, needing our attention? GN: The rapidly recognizable and growing divide of income inequality and social mobility in our state and nation is of great concern. It’s real. Alan Krueger referred to it as the “Great Gatsby Curve.” As everyone knows, we live in two different worlds in the same state - a coastal California and an inland California - we must reconcile this growing economic divide. As I tell my business colleagues, businesses can’t thrive in a world that’s failing and all of us are better off when everyone is better off. SVL: If you could wave a magic wand, what would you like to see happen these next four
The Lt. Governor is at Ross School in Marin County. He is sharing the stage with 4th graders who have taken on the role of Lieutenant Governor for the year. They get to interview him and hear his thoughts.
The Lt. Governor is at Long Beach City College for an event centered around his higher education report … examining California’s higher education framework and providing recommendations for improvement.
years? GN: I would like to see a 21st Century governing model based on openness, transparency and collaboration, a system that is designed for participation, two-way conversations and active engagement with citizens. I’d like to see a system that treats citizens as partners, not as subjects. Rather than doing things to you, we do things with you. An effective, flexible and accountable system of government where the short term interests of Sacramento do not get in the way of the long term interests of California.
SVL: What advice do you give to aspiring students, and young professionals, wanting to get ahead, wanting to make a difference? GN: I would tell young professionals to learn from, don’t follow others. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Be open to argument and interested in evidence and not to be ideological. I would say that everyone’s expression is unique - no one else has it. Be sure to maintain your authenticity and stand on principal.
The Lt. Governor is visiting Yosemite National Park, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the park.
SVL: Who are some leaders we should be watching for who are doing great things? GN: Mayor Greg Fisher of Louisville, Kentucky, is doing some extraordinary things with citizen engagement; having just met Malala Yousafzai, who is changing the world for women and girls, there is no question her influence is growing every day. One thing is clear, leadership can be found anywhere – in our schools, our churches, our community centers, not just in our state capitals or legislative chambers. SVL: What is your definition of leadership? GN: There is no better definition then the quote by John Quincy Adams, “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Leaders are not born or “made,” they decide in a moment that now is the time to be and do more.
The Lt. Governor celebrates San Francisco Pride during the annual parade.
SVL: Are you encouraged with politics in Sacramento? In Washington D.C.? GN: If you are referring to our nation’s capital where ideas go to die, then absolutely not. I’ve always believed that if you don’t like the way things are going when you’re standing up, then stand on your head and go local. Remarkable things are happening at the local level. While Sacramento has had its struggles, in the past few years we’ve been able to turn things around. At the end of the day, however, I look for inspiration at the local levels. It’s bottom up, not top down; regions rising together.
SVL: Are you an avid sports fan? Who do you root for? As Lieutenant Governor, who can you root for? GN: I grew up a Bay Area sports fan watching the Warriors, 49ers, Raiders, A’s and Giants. I spent countless nights falling asleep to Giants. SVL: If you were to have a dinner party and could invite anyone (living or not), who would you like to invite and what would you want to ask them or talk about? GN: I would have Vaclav Havel, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez and Mother Teresa over and we’d talk about leadership. I envision the topic for the evening focusing on this question: “Which is more effective and long lasting, the application of one’s ‘moral authority’ or ‘formal authority’?”
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John A. Sobrato and the Art of Making a Difference
stories@svlocalmag.com
A
recent sampling: The Sobratos Donate $20 Million To The New Packard Children’s Hospital Addition To Be Called The Sobrato Pavillion … The Sobratos Donate $5 Million To Build The Sobrato Pavillion at the Valley Medical Center (which is the largest donation ever to a general hospital west of the Mississippi) … The Sobrato Cancer Center at VMC (a most important addition, opened 2009, on a floor in the new Specialty Center Building) , … The Sobratos Donate Hundreds of Millions of Dollars to the Community Foundation Silicon Valley … The Sobratos Build and Maintain Three Centers for Non-Profits That House 65 Non-Profit Organizations … The Sobratos Help Build Schools and Training Centers…
I believe in Positive Role Models and here is clearly a shining example unlike any other. From a tiny seed comes a Giant sequoia tree, something that is far bigger, beyond imagination or belief. One’s life can be like that, too, how we can help shape infrastructures and benefit others along the way, that makes such a difference in other people’s lives. In this regard, leading by example and helping make this a better world, John A. Sobrato is truly a giant among giants, a champion among champions. This is not your typical story, but again, this is not your typical person. It’s about making a difference in this world we live in. How fortunate are we? You couldn’t begin to imagine. Our Silicon Valley would not be a fraction of what it is today had it not been, and continues to be, because of John A. Sobrato, the Sobrato Organization, the Sobrato Family Foundation, the Sobrato Foundation … and especially the Family Sobrato, John A. and his wife Sue, their son, John Michael, their daughters, Sheri and Lisa, and Lisa’s husband Matt Sonsini. They all work diligently together, committed to serving and contributing back to
The Sobrato Family Learning Commons at Saint Francis High School.
our community. To answer the question, “I am but one person, what difference can I make?” - If you were to listen to John, an only child of immigrant parents, who became a selfmade multi-billionaire, and does so much for community, you will be amazed. What do you attribute your success to? He said he was lucky, that one thing after another just fell into place.
I believe he was referring to the love of his family and the work ethic that was instilled in him from an early age. He is persistent and committed to what he believes in: excellence, quality and service. He grew up going to school at the Palo Alto Military Academy (now Harker School), Bellarmine College Prep and then
The Sobrato Center for Humanities & The Arts at Bellarmine College Prep.
Santa Clara University (graduating with Honors with a degree in Business), where he was also a classmate and lifelong friend of, yet, another great Positive Role Model, Father Paul Locatelli, who for half a century was that for Santa Clara University, Silicon Valley and The Vatican. John worked his entire life, as a youngster and all through school. His real estate career began also at an early age; in fact, it was when he was a student at Santa Clara University and he began working with Nick Carter & Co. Part-time, he devoted three days to his class schedule and three days to his work schedule, working in real estate. It was at age 21, while still a student at Santa Clara University, John became the youngest to enter the Millionaires Club in Palo Alto Real Estate. He did this by
selling Eichler Homes (“and that was a lot of homes, at $20,000 a home”). I believe John made his own luck - and throughout our entire conversation, he was focused not at all on himself, but on serving, and helping benefit our families, causes and community – which he has been doing for many years (more than half a century himself), and is still very actively doing today, as much as is humanly possible. I was excited and looking forward to having this one hour talk with John. I arrived early, for which I am grateful – this allowed me time to admire all the framed portraits of their buildings that adorned all their walls, from top to bottom. Each and every one is absolutely beautiful. The framed pictures were hanging there as if displaying one’s own family, indeed so proud of each and every child. I want to add, too, that John is an extremely humble man. He is all about what’s good for community – and helping to make a difference. He was concerned at the time when I called him about too much publicity – he was about to be honored by 1,200 of our greatest community leaders with the distinguished David Packard Award at Joint Venture Silicon Valley and was about to be written up in the Business Journal. He asked if I could please possibly wait, for he felt it was a bit much at this one time. It was I who asked for this article, not he. He came to meet with me punctually at 2pm, flanked by important meetings before ours and then again right after. As busy as he was, he was as gracious as could be. He looks like a movie star, he may be 72 years old, but his looks defy his age and he has so much energy. He had a smile on his face throughout our talk. What really lit up his face, though, was when we started talking about his family and the Non-Profit projects they have done and
are doing. There are indeed many, and he is grateful for and proud of them all. It is so apparent, everything is very close to his heart. To say he cares, is an understatement – it is a passion. And to him it is not about just giving, it’s about a gift being used in a way that will serve them, perpetually, over time. Our needs today are greater than ever. I often say to the many wonderful Non-Profits, who all do so much: “Where would we be without you?” Shudder that thought. So many of the Non-Profits have been, and are, supported in a very large way by the Sobrato Family Foundation, and so I say again: “Where would we be without this generosity and devoted hard work?” Again, shudder that thought. Indeed, without this support, it would be a very different community world that we live in. John was selling residential real estate when he joined his mother in the development of some of the first tilt-up high technology buildings in the early 1960’s, after founding and running Midtown Realty in Palo Alto until 1973. It was then, in 1973, when he sold Midtown Realty and moved to Cupertino to concentrate on development, where he has been busy ever since. Silicon Valley was just being born and this became the beginning of what was to become an illustrious builder / developer career, par excellence. Imagine what it was like back then. I will not forget how John said, when he first started in the early 1960’s, how there was no Silicon Valley yet at that time, just orchards everywhere. He added, too, that it was Southern California, at the time, that was considerably ahead in the look of commercial buildings. A decade later, John visited Southern California to talk with and learn from the people in the industry, and he also took with him his 10 year-old son, John Michael, to absorb everything. Silicon Valley was about to be launched … and John M, would later become, and currently is, the CEO of The Sobrato Organization. Never too early … How
purposeful and dedicated are they? Indeed, very … An interesting note: the three children, and all their children (the grandchildren), all become Board Members of the Sobrato Family Foundation and start attending all Board Meetings once they reach age 18. John went on to build many of Silicon Valley’s most beautiful buildings. He said that from all what he had learned, that he would pay more to have better materials that would provide for a better, more beautiful building … it was always about the quality … and that reputation has consistently followed him wherever he goes, in everything he does. In our conversation, John also made a point about contributing, that people think
John went on to build many of Silicon Valley’s most beautiful buildings. contributing means simply donating money. People don’t have to, it may not be in everyone’s means to do so, and that it is just as important to volunteer - that, indeed, it may be even more important. Can you imagine if more and more people were to get involved by volunteering, what a big positive difference it would make? What John A. Sobrato has done for our Silicon Valley these past 50 years goes well beyond words. The Sobrato Family Foundation, established in 1996, thankfully is in place to continue to help support our Non-Profit community for many years to come. This may be called the Sobrato Way … caring for community … and helping make our Silicon Valley a better place in which we live. What we can learn from all this is truly a masterpiece … and is namely John A. Sobrato and The Art of Making A Difference.
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Ken Korach, Oakland A’s Radio Announcer A GREAT PASSION FOR THE GAME AND LIFE ITSELF
K
en Korach has been living the life of a dream come true. For the past 19 years he has been and is the radio voice of the Oakland A’s. He was born in Los Angeles in 1952. He is the son of a high school and junior college baseball and basketball coach. He has loved sports since the day he was born and remembers playing catch before he could walk. He grew up minutes from Dodger Stadium, but in his childhood grew up an Angels fan … because they were local and born then, too, in 1961. It’s as if real life angels have been watching over Ken and everything has been in an exciting and perfect alignment. Beyond a doubt, Ken grew up in a family and household that has always loved life, sports and broadcasting. As Ken puts it, he had heroes growing up. Growing up, “We were a CBS Family”. Every night, they would watch Walter Cronkite. He was certainly one. There was a book, The Morrow Boys … Ed Morrow was yet another … and the family tree of great broadcasters … also an inspiration. He grew up listening to the greats: Vin Scully and Chick Hearn and Dick Enberg … and another he loved listening to: Bill King doing the Warriors games. Also Bill King doing the Raiders games, and then Bill King and Lon Simmons doing the A’s games. “Indeed, I loved broadcasting as much as I loved sports.” Ken first went to San Diego State, where he was Sports Editor of the school newspaper, and then graduated from UC Santa Barbara. His broadcasting career began in Petaluma in 1980, doing a variety of things, including high school sports and eventually Sonoma State football and basketball in 1982. He went on to do A-ball part-time in 1981 and a full-season of A-ball (California League) in 1984. The team was in Rohnert Park … and then AAA-ball in 1986 in Phoenix. It was a distance, yet, from where he was heading. He was growing and so was his reputation. Unbeknownst to him, perhaps, it would be just a matter of time and he was enjoying it all. In addition to baseball, he would also broadcast both football and basketball for San Jose State and UNLV. He was also broadcasting AAA-ball (Pacific Coast League) in Las Vegas … that was when he got “the call” … To read the rest of this great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Sports”.
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BAY AREA LEGENDS A WALK & TALK DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH
AL ATTLES W
e met in what was a different day and age. Yet, it seems like yesterday. I remember the team arriving … It was amid a lot of excitement back then. It was 1962. Professional basketball was coming to San Francisco and the Bay Area! Meet the NBA … Meet the Warriors … Meet Al Attles. It was just a few years before, in 1958, Major League Baseball had just successfully moved the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles and the New York Giants to San Francisco, becoming the first two professional baseball teams west of the Mississippi. In 1962, the National Basketball Association (the NBA) followed, and successfully moved the Minneapolis Lakers to Los Angeles and the Philadelphia Warriors to San Francisco, becoming the first two professional basketball teams west of the Mississippi. It was quite an era here back then. John Kennedy was President, no sign yet of the Beatles (and their concert at Candlestick Park coming just a bit later in 1964) and our San Francisco Giants, in just their 5th year here and playing in what was a “beautiful” new Candlestick Park, were playing the New York Yankees in the World Series. It would be two years later, in 1964, San Francisco would host the GOP National Convention here at the San Francisco Cow Palace, starring Barry Goldwater. It would be 23 years later, in 1985, for Super Bowl XIX at the older Stanford Stadium and 54 years later, in 2016, for Super Bowl 50 to return to the Bay Area. During this time, the 49ers have won 5 Super Bowls, the Giants have won two World Series and the Warriors have won one NBA Championship, in 1975, with Al Attles as the Head Coach. Fast forward to the present day and it’s the same wonderful Al Attles. The same warm, friendly smile, the same positive endearing energy and the same unforgettable and most recognizable voice. And, now, there’s all this wonderful history, stories and people we can talk about, too. Al is everyone’s best friend and everyone is Al’s best friend. Case in point, to this very day, his North Carolina A&T basketball teammates are all still extremely close. They won championships playing together as a team some 50+ years ago and they still talk with one another, frequently, all the time, and as recently as just yesterday … To read the rest of Coach Al Attles’ great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Sports”.
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President & Chief Executive Officer, Joint Venture Silicon Valley
The impact of the California economy at large At Joint Venture Silicon Valley we take a keen interest in how our regional economy impacts, and is impacted by, the California economy at large. Our region contributes significantly to the state in taxes, new businesses, patents and other indicators of economic growth that show how we’re leading the recovery out of the recession. This month we’ll be participating in a statewide economic summit and talking about the state’s economy on our weekly radio program. For more information on our initiatives, visit http://www.jointventure.org. California Economic Summit in Santa Clara May 11 The California Stewardship Network,
an alliance promoting economic vitality, and California Forward, a bipartisan good government reform effort to improve performance and democracy, will host the first statewide California Economic Summit, Can-Do California: Thriving Regions Lead to a Thriving State, on May 11 in Santa Clara. The summit will connect regional and state leaders to develop a shared agenda to generate jobs and improve regional competitiveness. A series of fourteen regional forums were held around the state in March and April to identify economic opportunities and set priorities for state and regional action. For more information, visit www. caeconomy.org. “Inside Silicon Valley” on 1590 KLIV The California economy and our region’s legislative future are the topics for May on “Inside Silicon Valley,” Joint Venture’s weekly public affairs radio program. Guests this month include “California Crackup” author Mark Paul (May 4 & 6), California Forward director Jim Mayer (May 11 & 13), economist Tapan Munroe (May 18 & 20) and State Assemblyman Rich Gordon (May 25 & 27). The hour-long program airs every Friday at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday at noon on 1590 KLIV.
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Owner of Antonella’s Ristorante Located in the Rose Garden Area SVL: How long have you owned Antonella’s? LK: I have had Antonella’s for 13 years. SVL: What made you decide to become a Restaurant Owner? LK: I have always wanted to own my restaurant since the 8th grade SVL: Where did you grow up, where did you go to school and what did you study? LK: I grew up in the East Bay of Danville and Alamo, in high school I had to take a home economics course and the teacher told me I was very talented in the kitchen. In high school I was entered into a cooking competition and I won first place and had to cook in front of local chef’s and restaurateurs at the Disneyland hotel. It was a great experience. After high school I went to study at Cal Poly and I have a BS in Hotel Restaurant management and BA in Business Admin and an AA in culinary arts. SVL: What do you love most about what you do? LK: I really enjoy talking with my patrons and giving them a true dining experience with wine recommendations and food recommendations. SVL: What kind of changes have you seen over the years? LK: The changes over the years have been incredible from amazing new talent in the food industry to huge food price increases. Cost have soared over 40% higher in the last 8 years. SVL: How often do you experiment to offer up a new special? LK: Every night we have specials and once a month on average we host a wine maker dinner event
“I really enjoy talking with my patrons and giving them a true dining experience with wine recommendations and food recommendations.”
SVL: How often do you change your menu? LK: I change our menu twice a year, usually April and October, and featuring more healthy items.
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Scott Budman Columnist
New stadium, new tech W
hen you think “New football stadium,” you probably think “big money.” And, you’d be right. Here in the Bay Area, and all over the country, stadiums cost money. Lots of it. Money that, if you’re building for San Jose Shark or recent San Francisco Giant games, comes back to you as a good investment. But these days, especially here in the Bay Area, stadium investments mean more than money going towards quarterback salaries, luxury boxes and delicious concessions: It means money going towards top-flight technology. The kinds of technology we’ve gotten used to in our homes and businesses. The kind we now want to see when we attend sporting events, even concerts. The kind of money that flows to companies like Ruckus Wireless. They wifi stadiums. Really. Think about it. How often have you been at a convention, even in an office, where the wifi runs out? Now, multiply that to get to 60,000 people at the same time, and you have an idea of what Ruckus faces when it transforms a huge stadium so we can all check our smartphones and tablets. “We’re excited, and frightened,” says David Callisch of Ruckus, which cannot comment on whether it will actually handle the 49ers new stadium. “But, when you try to extend that to
a big massive stadium of 60,000 people, half of whom have smartphones and iPads, all trying to get onto the network at the same time, it becomes a big mess.” A mess that will be solved by gametime, according to the 49ers. As they broke ground on the stadium of the future, we could all envision a day when we catch the action live, then glance down towards our laps for the instant replay. Stay tuned. Scott Budman is an Emmy award-winning reporter, covering business and technology for NBC Bay Area News. He is also the host of the weekly NBC show, “TechNow,” and can be heard doing business updates every afternoon on KNBR radio. You can find Scott on Twitter: @scottbudman
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Trust: Your BusinessBuilding Currency by Terri Norvell CEO, Trust Yourself Now – a people development company
TRUST MATTERS If you want a stronger ROI—build trust. If you want a team that delivers reliable service—build trust. If you want customers to buy more and post positive comments online—build trust. Why? Because it’s the cornerstone of creating a sense of community with your product or service. Ultimately, Terri Norvell the degree of trust you build with people will determine your organization’s success and its profitability. It’s possible you’re eroding trust without being aware of it. Distrust is fueled by not believing another, by neglecting to follow through on promises; and by feeling disconnected. In the extreme, distrust can damage the relationships that make a business run smoothly. Not good. Instead, regard trust as the currency for nurturing relationships. Make it your new strategic advantage. That’s a bold goal, but it’s exactly why trust needs to be as your focus at three levels.
TRUST REQUIRED AT THREE LEVELS The first level is trusting yourself, the second is building trust among team members and the third is having your customers fully trust you and your team - in each position. You need self-trust to lead your teams confidently. And if your team members don’t have a high degree of trust with each other, how can your customers ever be expected to have faith and confidence in your organization? Without it, how can community building ever happen? THINK OF TRUST AS DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS In my work with organizations, I define trust as belief in the honesty, reliability, and ability of someone (including yourself). So, really, I regard trust - an ongoing, active process - as a verb rather than a noun. It’s never stagnant because a person’s trust level adjusts based on his or her ever-changing thoughts and actions. Think of it as having a trust bank account with deposits and withdrawals. Every time people do what they say they’ll do, a deposit goes into the trust-building account. Conversely, every time they don’t do what they say, it’s like a withdrawal. At the end of the day, have you and your team members built up your trust accounts with each other or taken away from them? … To read the rest of Terri’s great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website at (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category: “Business Owners”.
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Leader
Among Leaders
Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino, who has worked tirelessly to bring BART to Silicon Valley, tosses a shovel of dirt at the official groundbreaking for the extension in 2012.
Carl Guardino & The Silicon Valley Leadership Group
SVL: What is the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and what are you working so diligently on? Carl Guardino: The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is an association of 375 member company CEOs that was created 36 years ago by tech legend David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard. It is the Leadership Group’s vision to ensure the economic health and high quality of life in Silicon Valley for our entire community by advocating for adequate affordable housing, comprehensive regional transportation, reliable energy, a quality K-12 and higher education system and prepared workforce, a sustainable environment, and business and tax policies that keep California and Silicon Valley competitive in a global economy. Membership is open to Silicon Valley firms and supporting industries including software, systems, manufacturing, financial services, accounting, transportation, health care, defense,
communications, education and utilities. For 2013, out top three priorities are US Comprehensive Tax Reform, High Skilled (Worker) Immigration Reform and California Environmental Quality Act Reform. All three of these policy areas need modernization to help grow jobs and the innovation economy. SVL: What are some of the Silicon Valley Leader Group’s prodest moments? CG: There have been numerous achievements of the Leadership Group in its first 36 years. In just the past year alone, those achievements have included: • BART: Successfully championing the BART extension to Silicon Valley. In 2012 construction began and the extension will open on-time and ahead-of-schedule in 2017. • Regional Patent Office: Successfully secured
one of our nation’s first regional patent offices, to be located in Silicon Valley with an opening date this year. • CalTrain: Successfully advocated through the Legislature and CA Transportation Commission for more than $1 billion to improve and electrify the CalTrain Commuter Rail System. • Air Travel: With San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, secured a direct flight by All Nippon Airlines between San Jose and Tokyo, launched on January 11. • Community: Founded and still direct the popular Applied Materials “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot” each Thanksgiving morning. In 2012, in only its 8th year, the Turkey Trot attracted 24,200 paid participants, raising more than $1.2 million for three local charities who help needy families.
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a great law that has been greatly abused for nonenvironmental purposes. SVL: You work closely with many of our exemplary CEO’s, who help lead our Silicon Valley to being the special place it is. How would you define a hero and who are some we should know about? CG: The Leadership Group is proud to be owned and driven by nearly 375 Silicon Valley CEOs, primarily in the innovation economy spaces of high-tech, bio-and med-tech, clean-and-green
SVL: You work closely with many of our devoted elected officials in Sacramento and Washington DC. Are there some we should know about? CG: We have the pleasure of working closely with State and Federal officials to improve the Carl Guardino emcee’s at the opening ceremony of All Nippon business climate to create jobs. Recent Airways first Dreamliner 787 flight from Mineta San Jose partnerships include the following International Airport to Tokyo. The event included dignitaries and more than 50 media. Carl and the Leadership Group leaders: worked directly with Mayor Chuck Reed, the city and airport • Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, staff to secure the important non-stop flight. with strong support from Congressmembers Anna Eshoo and Mike Honda, played a leading role tech, venture capital and financial services. I in our mutual efforts to secure a regional have many mentors and role models amongst patent office in Silicon Valley. those leaders. Among them is Aart de Geus, CoFounder and CEO of Synopsys; Tom Werner, • San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed was a key CEO of SunPower; Mike Klayko, CEO of Brocade; partner in helping finalize federal funding for our BART extension, secure the regional Mike Splinter, CEO of Applied Materials; Godfrey Sullivan, CEO of Splunk; and Bill Watkins, CEO patent office, secure the direct flight of Bridgelux. They all share key common traits between San Jose and Tokyo on ANA and to enhance the regional business climate in they care deeply about their employees and the communities in which they do business, investing Silicon Valley. the time to personally participate in solutions, • State Senator Michael Rubio, who has been while still balancing family and running globally a courageous and thoughtful leader for competitive companies. meaningful modernization of the California
SVL: You have always been and always are the ultimate optimist. Are you optimistic about our future economy, education, transportation, housing and health departments, say for the next 5, 10 or 20 years? CG: I continue to be an optimist, as I have never met a successful CEO in Silicon Valley who was not optimistic. You just cannot change the world as a pessimist. Unfortunately, I cannot look out 5, 10 or 20 years from now, as the rapid nature of change does not make that possible. Think of the innovation in just the past five or ten years. Who could have predicted many or any of those disruptive technologies that are now just standard in our lives? Six to seven years ago Silicon Valley companies were not a driving force in the mobile phone business, but Apple and Google now practically own the space. This type of innovation has occurred repeatedly here, ever since orchard farmers innovated around spraying machines and other farm equipment. SVL: What are our greatest challenges and if you could wave a magic wand, what needs to be done to meet these challenges? CG: Our biggest challenges are not technological, but political. It is incumbent on
the Leadership Group and others to continue to reach out to well-meaning elected officials - especially at the state and federal levels - to help them better understand the impact of policy to create and keep jobs in California and America. Most elected officials, while incredibly smart and well-meaning, have little to no private sector experience, especially when it comes to executive roles. We need to help them understand the realities of competing globally, and the impacts that policies can have - positive or negative - to create jobs. SVL: In the various areas of philanthropy and volunteerism, what can we do to help make this a better community? CG: There is so much more that each of us can do to make our communities a better place to live, work and contribute. I try to live by example, with a “Time, Treasure, Talent� approach. In that way, I try to invest the time that I can to help others, with appropriate amounts of treasure as best as I can afford, bringing to bear whatever limited talents I might have to contribute. Each of us have gifts - be they time, treasure or talent - and we simply need to match those gifts with our passions in the community.
Carl interviews Rep. Anna Eshoo on stage at the first-ever California Economic Summit, held May 11, 2012 in Santa Clara. It was an unprecedented gathering of leaders focused on working together to put California’s economy on a sustainable path for growth.
SVL: Please share with us - what is it that gives you so much satisfaction, joy and happiness in all that you do and how, at the end of each day, it all helps make such a big difference for so many? CG: I am reminded of standing on the stage at the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, with my friend and mentor Mike Splinter, CEO of Applied Materials and our Title Sponsor. As we prepared to the race start, we looked out at a sea of participants totaling
Repeatedly, people realize that CEOs are just like the rest of us, normal people working as hard as they can to make a difference with their lives and taking care of their families. more than 20,000 people. As far as the eye could see, people were smiling and waiting our race to start. The sense of community, of caring for others, of starting the holidays in a fun and healthy way, brought tears to my eyes. Scenes like that, the culmination of literally thousands of hours of hard work in preparation, make our volunteer efforts worthwhile. SVL: You host your outstanding weekly radio program: “The CEO Show” on KLIV 1590. For anyone who may not be familiar, what is it about and what have been some of the most memorable moments? CG: Years ago, I grew frustrated that the only time most people read or heard about CEOs was the occasional “Enron” or “Worldcom,” when a small fraction of executives do things that are both illegal and unethical. Almost every CEO with whom I have had the pleasure to work is incredibly smart, but also wise, thoughtful and caring. They all work 80-hour plus weeks, usually traveling globally on a constant basis with huge sacrifices to themselves and their families. Yet on top of that, the CEOs in our network also give back to their employees, the communities in which they do business
and to numerous non-profits. Through that frustration, “The CEO Show” was born. Thanks to the generous support of Empire Broadcasting CEO Bob Kieve, who owns KLIV and KRTY, “The CEO Show” is in its sixth year on the air every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The goal is simple - bring on a CEO for a live broadcast in which both I - and anyone who would like to call in - can ask questions of the CEO. Repeatedly, people realize that CEOs are just like the rest of us, normal people working as hard as they can to make a difference with their lives and taking care of their families. SVL: Under the: What people don’t know about you category … or what most people probably do know by now … is that you commute 32 miles every day by bike. What does this unique daily routine mean to you? CG: I try to practice what I preach, or when it comes to cycling to work, to peddle what I preach. America has an epidemic with 35 percent of our friends, family and neighbors including our colleagues at work - overweight or obese. We are literally eating ourselves to death, with improper diets and nutrition and a woeful lack of exercise. Part of my way to stay in shape, ease stress, and take one more car off of the road is to commute to work by bike It is also a time-efficient way to exercise without taking more time away from my wife Leslee and our two little girls, Jessica and Siena. SVL: Life is great – you have your wonderful family. I believe this illustrates what it’s all about … the “what” and “why” you do what you do … for today, for tomorrow. Your thoughts? CG: I am incredibly blessed to have Leslee as my wife and partner. She is the most selfless person I know and one of the most entrepreneurial. She is a successful businessleader, the Co-Founder of CanyonSnow, while balancing life as a wife and mother. Her ability to balance it all while still remaining calm under pressure is inspiring. Our two little girls, Jessica (8) and Siena (3.5) are forces of nature. As an Ironman Triathlete, I always thought I had boundless energy . . . then I became a father. Wow! My appreciation for and respect of single parents has only grown, as it takes the two of us to chase our girls around and still make it through each day with any energy left at all.
! o d e l o T Holy LESSONS FROM BILL KING: RENAISSANCE MAN of THE MIC
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oly Toledo! Nobody could ever say it like Bill King! Nobody! The life and times of Bill King … a trip down memory lane … unlike any other … a great man who transcended sports … greatly … and life, too. So many pictures … so many memories. It’s funny how things come full circle. Oakland A’s Announcer, Ken Korach, in his childhood grew up in Southern California. He had his share of broadcast heroes right there: Vin Scully, Chick Hearn, Dick Enberg, three of the best ever. And, yet, there was one in faraway Northern California, Ken would listen to, never missing: Bill King. If you were to consider the best announcers of all-time, Vin, Chick and Dick would be in at the top of that short list. So, too, would be Bill King. One the very best of them all. Basketball (with the Warriors), Bill and Chick (with the Lakers) were the all-time best. Football (with the Raiders), there was no one better. Baseball (with the A’s), the broadcast team of Bill and Lon Simmons, couldn’t be beat. For thirty years, Ken listened to his hero, Bill King. And then in 1995, Ken was hired by the A’s and would be working together in the same booth, at home and on the road, with his life-long hero, Bill King. He was indeed a real-life hero of Ken’s and also a great influence. They worked ten years together – Bill was always great to him and made him feel comfortable, on and off the air. There was humility, never an ounce of standoffishness, as some might have been or might be. Not Bill, he could not have been kinder or more supportive. “During these ten years, he was the world to me. He was a wonderful friend. We had a great friendship and a great broadcast partnership.” In addition to Bill’s being perhaps the best
announcer of all time, there was so much more in so many ways. He really was ‘the most interesting man in the world’. After the passing of Bill, Ken felt compelled to write this book about him and his life lessons. He had had such an amazing life, his story needed to be told… To read the rest of this great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www. siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Sports”.
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Dining
Scott’s offers extensive, balanced menu
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cott’s Seafood, located in downtown San Jose on Park Ave. is situated perfectly and just steps away from the Tech Museum, the San Jose Museum of Art and the historic St. Joseph’s Basilica. Get out your tourist map and you’ll find that it’s just across from Cesar Chavez Plaza, where you’ll surely enjoy Music in the Park during the summer and within eyesight of the Center for the Performing Arts. Its prime seating offers a terrific view of the City’s downtown and, not to mention, it’s in perfect alignment to catch a plane or two making a descent to the San Jose Mineta International Airport. Your parking is validated in the ground floor garage. Step inside the sixth floor dining room and you’ll be treated to a bright, but warm atmosphere with lots of wood accents. Take some time to lounge in the centralized, full service bar that features many of your martini favorites and a large screen TV. The ample, main dining space seats 270; the banquet room can comfortably handle up to 100. At Scott’s, your dining experience will be led by first class service that will be delivered consistently throughout your visit. Executive Chef and General Manager Alex Nava began his career with Scott’s back in 1992. In 2003, he took over as Executive Chef and General Manager. When asked of what he’s most proud about Scott’s, he takes only a second to point to his loyal staff and the family like atmosphere they all work hard to create. Chef Alex offers an extensive, well-balanced menu with a selection that ranges from the freshest local seafood, an assortment of pasta and chicken dishes, to prime, dry-aged steaks. As you peruse the menu, you’ll enjoy warm French bread and ice water punctuated with a slice of lemon. Drawing from the seasons, you may enjoy appetizers such as Jumbo Wrapped Prawns, filled with fresh Dungeness crab and mushrooms served with a mildly spicy peanut sauce. Another tasty appetizer choice might be the Seared Blackened Ahi with Seaweed Salad and Sesame Soy dressing. Look for other reliable salads such as a traditional Caesar and a yummy Oven Roasted Beet option. For your main entrée, there’s certainly something for everybody. Pasta? Yep. Fresh local seafood like Salmon, Halibut, Sole, Trout and Lobster? Mouth watering! How about Filet Mignon, New York Steak, a
Scott’s Seafood 185 Park Avenue San Jose (408) 971-1700 www.scottsseafoodsj.com Beautifully remodeled on the inside ... and also on the outside with this splendid rooftop patio. Enjoy the private dining or intimate dining ambiance for your special occasion ... and also the delightful view overlooking downtown San Jose. dry-aged Rib Eye, or a Roasted Chicken? Got it! If you still have a little room left to take care of your sweet tooth, then you might want to consider some of Scott’s heavenly desserts like; Key Lime Pie, Warm Molten Chocolate Cake, or maybe Scott’s Classic Raspberry Jack, (that’s French vanilla, ice cream with raspberries, Triple sec and whipped cream). At Scott’s you’ll also have a fabulous choice of fine local wines from Northern California, along with an extensive selection of world class beers. Lunch hours are from 11:30 to 5PM Monday-Friday; dinner is served up starting at 5PM Monday-Saturday and starting 4:30PM on Sunday. Scott’s accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diners, and American Express. Reservations are recommended!
A Bay Area Tradition
SCOTT’S SEAFOOD 185 Park Avenue San Jose (408) 971-1700 www.scottsseafoodsj.com
420 Castro Street Mountain View (650) 966-8124 www.scottsseafoodmv.com
#1 Town & Country Village Palo Alto (650) 323-1555 www.scottsseafoodpa.com
The Earthquakes Have Their Beautiful New Stadium
It’s So Very Special and It, Too, Can’t Be Beat! I had the great pleasure of meeting and talking with Dave Kaval, President, of the San Jose Earthquakes. “Enthusiastic!” That’s the word. If allowed just one word to describe Dave, it would be “so very Enthusiastic” (OK, three words). Also words like Brilliant … and Ambassador … These would fit, too. He’s a young Stanford MBA wizard, who also earned a degree in International Relations as an undergrad. In addition to being President of the Earthquakes, he also teaches two days a week at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the best imaginable Ambassador for the Earthquakes, for Soccer, for Sports and now … for this beautiful new Stadium. The tour was incredible. It featured everything but the soon-to-be fun and wonderful excitement of the crowd. They are building it. That will come. Dave is literally wearing two hats … one as the President of the San Jose Earthquakes Team and Organization and the other as the new stadium Project Manager. He talked to me as if these were his new-born twins. He couldn’t have been more enthusiastic, proud or inspiring. Circle your calendar now: March, 2015 – That’s the 2015 Season Home Opener and Welcome to what will be one of the most beautiful stadiums in all the country and the world. Funny, how it’s been decades and, then, suddenly there are these new jewel sports attractions – beautiful, all of them: AT&T Ball Park, Stanford Stadium, Cal’s Memorial Stadium (remodeled), the 49ers Levi’s Stadium and now the Earthquakes Stadium. Lew Wolff, owner of the Oakland A’s, is also the owner of the Earthquakes.
Lew for many years, along with his son, Keith, have designed and built many beautiful hotels and office buildings. Keith, is also overseeing the stadium building together with Dave. As Dave said, they are working very well together. “It is all state-ofthe-art and truly amazing seeing how beautiful it Dave Kaval is and how it’s coming President, San Jose together. Everything is Earthquakes going to be so awesome. Everyone is so very proud of what’s coming to fruition and very excited about what soon will be.” The tour was the best. Here come with me … To read the rest of this great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Sports”.
SILICON VALLEY
RESOURCE GUIDE Fall/Winter 2014
SiliconValleyResourceGuide.com
y k c e B & Jim n a g r Mo
GOOD LEADERSHIP INSPIRES GOOD MORALE
Photo credit: Jim Gensheimer
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ilicon Valley has been and is blessed with many great people, companies and organizations doing great things … those who work hard and give of themselves to help make our world, our society, our region a better place.
You have no idea my delight when I got the green light to meet with Jim & Becky Morgan. With perhaps only one exception, that being David Packard and William Hewlett, H-P and their respective Foundations, no one has done more to help support our Silicon Valley community in the ways that Jim & Becky Morgan, Applied Materials and their Morgan Family Foundation have. If by chance you may not know yet who they are, please know two things: they are Morgan Family Foundation Board Members (l to r): an incredible Team and their long list of accomplishments, Valerie and Jeff Morgan, Becky and Jim Morgan and Photo credit: Carol Turner and accolades, far surpass the Dr. Mary Finegan four pages I have to tell their everyone was back then. Eight moves in story. Their story begins in nine years, it was “not much of a smooth the 1950’s, having met as students at Cornell. They recognized a very special quality sailing”. Jim had been ROTC and was a 2nd Lieutenant in the military – the time was in each other and, as the saying goes, the during the Vietnam War. Becky said that rest would become history. Jim was from Indiana – he was his dorm her dream was for a family and she hoped, someday, for a $40,000 house. rep to their class Council. Becky was from Fast forward, they arrived in 1968 Vermont – she was the VP of her class. It in Palo Alto and moved into, yes, their was 1956, women were not allowed to be $40,000 home … their 1st house … an class President. Becky said, it was not like Eichler. Becky added: What kind of home an 18 year old guy to be as supportive as can you buy here today for $40,000? Thirhe was. He was special. They have now been happily married for 53 years and that teen years later they sold their home for $210,000. Becky, in the meantime, had support of and for each other has never gone on to get her MBA at Stanford, and changed. They have two terrific children Jim in 1976 became President of Applied that they are extremely proud of and what they do - their son, who founded a founda- Materials. I asked Jim if he could see that very first day the wonderful success that tion to preserve historical landmarks and was about to come? “You know, Ken, my their daughter, who is an OB GYN. first day as President of Applied, the quesSuccess did not just find Jim and Becky tion was whether we would go bankrupt Morgan. They were young, fresh out of college, working to find their way, much like or not. We were losing money, had little
equity and were $10 million in debt. In 1976, that was a lot of money!” That was not the answer I was expecting. It was what he said next that put everything so into perspective. “We turned it around. We established a vision and kept to it. We cut 5 of the 6 businesses that were away from our core and added some new ones. We started thinking of propelling the business rather than working in the fear of going bankrupt. And we quickly saw a tremendous rise in millions of dollars in sales.” Yes, this is an illustration of Leadership and how it worked and how it transformed everything. Jim went on to say that in 1976, the company leaders were located and working separately in Palo Alto, away from the company employees in Santa Clara. One of Jim’s very first acts as President was to move the management group back to Santa Clara – where they would be a visible and inclusive part of the company. This was very important to Jim. “Morale is important to success!”, he said. “Good leadership inspires good morale!” He realized later that his personal mission was to help individuals and organizations realize their potential. If you want to know in a nutshell, who and what Jim and Becky Morgan are about, I would say, this is it. They are on the same page, and always have been. Jim moved to CEO 1977-2003 and then Chairman 1987-2009. During this time, Applied Materials grew to become one of the most successful and most respected companies in Silicon Valley and the world. I mentioned how it seems he has always surrounded himself with outstanding people, that his Board of Directors read like a Who’s Who. He and Becky both said how very important that was and still is today. In 1996, Jim won the National Medal of Technology for Industry Leadership. He was awarded the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Lifetime Achievement Award for his ethics, community engagement and business success. And he takes great pride in being a founder and supporter of the popular Tech Awards – honoring people who help humanity through technology. He was then surprised that they selected him to be the first recipient of the Global Humanitarian Award.
Photo credit: LucieXYZ Photography
Under his leadership, Applied Materials won every award or has been on every good list imaginable: The 100 Best Corporate Citizens, The Super 100, Biggest Best Companies, 100 Most Important Companies in the World, 100 Best Management Teams in the World, Best Companies for Asians, Blacks & Hispanics To Work For, 100 Best Companies To Work For … and endless times, too, for always being among the very best, here or anywhere, in their corporate giving. It was as if all these years, Applied Materials was synonymous with success and giving. The interesting thing? When financial times were hard, and community charitable giving was often cut back, Applied Materials employees gave more. Yes, more. They felt community would need more. For Becky, what has always been an extremely important and driving force is: “Public Service” and “Collaboration”. That in a nutshell helps to describe who she is. She doesn’t care to be called a politician. Rather, she likes to be called “Public Servant” - and that it’s about our working together and finding solutions. Indeed, she has dedicated her entire life to being, and doing, just that. She has served as a Santa Clara County Board of Supervisor, and as our State Senator in Sacramento, and then as CEO of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley – a
job for which she was recruited and for which Also, there is “Teen Success, Inc.” to help she felt suited. support teen mothers. We know that without Many of her achievements will forever be a this support, the outlook for teen moms is rather positive difference for Silicon Valley. For exbleak. Over 23 years, first with Planned Parentample, she led the fight to save Caltrain. Gov- hood and now with an independent organizaernor Deukmejian did not want the state to tion, more than 4,500 girls have been helped be in the transit business. Had it not been for to avoid a second child until ready, to graduate Becky, who negotiated the sale with Southern from high school and to learn life skills. “They Pacific, whose legislation set up the Joint Pow- respond so well with our weekly group help,” ers Board and who said Becky. worked very hard to And third, there get the needed votes is the Morgan Family – and who is especialFoundation in which ly grateful to Willie the Morgans are truly, Brown, John Vasconand fully, engaged. cellos and Al Alquist, These first two efwho helped greatly to forts are supported see it through – makby the Morgan Faming it all happen. It ily Foundation. It is would indeed be a all a passion of love very different picture and dedication to the of us standing still Morgans. Over 200 today. Back then it grants a year are given was 17,000 - today it to many great causBecky Morgan with two Teen Success, Inc. is 30,000 daily riders, scholarship winners. Photo credit: Kris Ahmed, es in the community who would be withsupporting education, Teen Success, Inc. out transportation or youth development stuck in even more and many non-profits traffic on 280 or 101. such as Breast Cancer Connections and Bring Me The construction of Highway 85 was origia Book. One cause close to their hearts is the nated by Becky. She had heard the complaints Eastside College Prep. An example I thoroughly coming from the people in West Valley, that enjoyed hearing was a story of this young girl, so many were driving through their neighboreleventh child in her family, who graduated from hoods. What would life be like, here and now, the school, was accepted at MIT, had an internif we didn’t have our Caltrain and Highway 85? ship at Hewlett-Packard and is now a sophomore I shudder to think. in Boston. That brings us to today – with that special What the Morgans left me with was this. vision of theirs. What matters and is of imIt’s about making a difference where we can. portance to the Morgans is to help make this Their message was that of generosity, giving a better world - work that others have done, and paying forward, for our present and fuand are doing - and what together we can do, ture. When fortunate, we can do more and collaboratively, which we can learn and grow must make a difference. We don’t want our from and make a difference. families to go from rags to riches to rags in There are three facets that keep the Morgans three generations. Time also means so much. as busy as ever. First, there is the Northern Sier- Please volunteer if and when possible. Helpra Partnership in the Sierras – to help preserve ing and giving means so much to others. The and protect the landscape, the rivers and lakes. strength and well-being of our community 60% of all Californians and all northern Nevadepends on what we all can do. dan’s get their water from there. It’s taking care The Morgans are great leaders, inspiration of our present and looking ahead for our future – and role models for us all. I am and we are this water supply is essential for our living. indeed most grateful.
Meet Kumar Malavalli A LEADER AMONG US & A LEADING STAR (IF THERE WERE SUCH A MOVIE): IN “MARCH OF THE ENTREPRENEURS”
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e started by my sharing the names of the wonderful people I have interviewed. “Yes, a great person!”, he said after every name. “A brilliant leader … a wonderful philanthropic heart.” Indeed, Kumar recognized each person and complimented how each one was helping in big ways to make this a better community, a better world. The mentor part of him responded with joy when he heard: “To surround yourself with good people … Yes, that’s the key … You can’t do it yourself.” I had the great pleasure recently of meeting and talking with Kumar Malavalli. He may not be the household name to the general public, like he should be - not yet anyway. He is, however, such a wonderful story, great inspiration and positive role model to so many. He is a star that’s worthy and deserving of our recognition. Kumar has been very busy, and focused, starting and overseeing one successful company after another. Today there is a string of them. He also has a history of mentoring others, donating millions to great causes and serving on a number of Boards in technology and the arts, including Board of Trustee of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. His office was in a beautiful setting and faced a lovely natural reserve. It was truly peaceful and calm, as he was. When I met Kumar, it was apparent how very present and warm he was. Most gracious and humble, too. As we talked, it was obvious he has a brilliant
mind and a very good heart. He knew a lot, and what he might not know, he was curious about, interested and wanting to know more. In 1995, Kumar became a Co-Founder and CTO of Brocade, one of the most successful companies in Silicon Valley history. He developed the concept for the Storage Area Network Solutions, which not only created this new extremely successful company; it also gave birth to an entirely new multi billion dollar industry, as well. In more practical terms, here is an example we all can grasp: Brocade is the official networking solutions provider for the large venue of 68,000, usage all at the same time, the firstever of its kind, anywhere in the world for our amazing new 49er Levi’s Stadium. Things did not necessarily come easy or overnight for Kumar. It took time. But, then, when he built it, they came. I call it “Karma for Kumar”. Kumar was born and raised in Mysore, India. His father, definitely a role model and inspiration for Kumar, was a Government Administration Officer. He had gone to the University in Mysore, receiving undergraduate and master degrees in History and Economics. He was the “Gold Medal Winner”, which meant he was #1 in his class, the same as our Valedictorian. Kumar glowed when he spoke of his parents and how very proud he was of both of them. Kumar followed his father’s steps, going to the University in Mysore, and received his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. He then went to the University in Dusseldorf, Germany, to get practical training in the Industry of Electrical Engineering. It was a difficult time, though, for Kumar. This was a three year program which he felt would be very important for his career. He had just met his wife and they were married in India shortly before leaving for Germany. The economy there was such that his wife was unable to get a visa and she remained behind at
home in India. Finally in 1973, after the three years and a successful education in the field of Electronic Systems, Kumar migrated to Canada where his wife happily joined him. Kumar and his wife landed in Toronto where English would be the prevailing language, a job would be easy to get and so, too would getting a visa. Within a week, all was in order, and Toronto would be their home as it turned out for the next 22 years. Kumar had worked for ITT Communications and then Amdahl and continued to do very well working for HewlettPackard in Canada. It was then, however, in 1995, when lightning struck. Kumar had a dinner appointment to meet with a Venture Capitalist in Silicon Valley - at Gaylord of India at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto - to discuss this particular idea of his. This dinner date, and Kumar’s idea, would change history for the Malavalli’s, Silicon Valley and all Technology. It was fascinating talking with him. Kumar was instrumental in choosing the name – Brocade, like a beautiful woven Fabric. He has quite a list of people who have inspired him. For example, he talked about the likes of Jack Welch (“The best CEO ever!”), John Chambers and Steve Jobs, Wim Roelandts (of HP and then Xilinx) and Meg Whitman (of EBay and now HP). Legends all of them. His face lit up with the mention of each one. Kumar shared how he loves reading – everything from the Classics to PG Woodhouse, a British author (“I’d laugh so hard, I’d feel like I’d burst”), Charles Dickens, James Hadley Chase, Tom Clancy and Dan Crane. He loves mentoring and helping others, especially in Education, Health and the Arts. And he loves photography, especially portraits, events and nature. He recently vacationed, photographing polar bears in the Artic and penguins in Antarctica. He is very excited, later this year, he and his wife are going back to Antarctica, this time with a helicopter and a zoom lens, where they will be able to photograph “The March of the Penguins” (one of his favorite movies, which he saw again just the week before we met). The message we all saw in “March of the Penguins” reminds me very much of the leadership qualities, dedication and perseverance of Kumar. I’d like to call it “March of the Entrepreneurs” … Kumar-style. Helping to make our community and the world a better place … and enjoying it … for and with others.
Dave Cortese
County Supervisor, Third District
Children and Seniors: Time to leap ahead
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am pleased to tell you that after years of belt tightening and negotiated labor concessions the county finds itself in better financial shape than it has been in decades. At our mid-year, we will be reporting a positive budget variance for the first time in years. Do we still have challenges? Yes we do. But the reality is that with voter support of a new 1/8 cent county sales tax and with the state on the brink of balancing its budget for the first time in recent memory, we can now look at restoring essential services and reigniting key programs for children and seniors. It really is time to start catching up—to take a leap ahead. In 2011 as President of the Board of Supervisors, I declared it “The Year of the Child” citing the United Nations quote, “Humankind owes to the child the best it has to give.” As a nation, we have slipped severely in education; as a consequence juvenile justice issues have become more challenging and our workforce has become deficient. But in 2011 we rolled out a new initiative called School Linked Services that puts county services to assist our children and their families right on our school campuses. With our financial prognosis improving, this is an area you should expect to pay big dividends on your taxpayer dollars.
Children were not the only priority in 2011. That year we also launched another initiative called the “Senior Agenda”. It has
already started paying off. Thousands of seniors receive hot meals every day and not one senior nutrition meal was cut during the back-to-back recession. Moreover, senior programs like transportation are being expanded to account for the fastest growing sector of our population. So, the county is on the move! Look forward to more from us in 2013. Please contact my office at 408-299-5030 or dave.cortese@bos. sccgov.org if you have questions, concerns, or anything we can assist you with.
PREMIER HOME & DESIGN SPECIALISTS OF SILICON VALLEY
Craftsmen’s Guild Design & Build DREAM BUILDERS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS
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have known the Craftsmen’s Guild and the three brothers these 30+ years. They have always worked closely together, they have always worked hard at what they do and they have always taken great pride in each and every job that they have done … and do. It is quite a statement when any company has been and continues to be successful for more than 30 years. There are always good reasons behind it. I would gladly recommend them … and I have. SVL: What is Craftsmen’s Guild? CG: The Craftsmen’s Guild is a family-owned business comprised of the three of us brothers, Mike, Matt and Moe. Mike’s degree and expertise is in Architectural Design, Matt’s degree and expertise is in Structural Engineering and Moe’s degree and expertise is in Business Management. Together, for more than 30 years, we have completed over 3,000 designs and many hundreds of construction projects. SVL: What are people’s most frequently asked questions and what sets you apart? CG: People usually will ask: how long have you been in business and how much experience do you have. They also will ask what the quality of the work you do is and how much knowledge do you have. That’s what the client wants to know … and honesty
is the key to the end of it. The Craftsmen’s Guild has established a valuable reputation for creative and unique designs, as well as superior construction. Our proven design-build system enables us to complete any construction project efficiently and within budget. Our expertise lies in the design, planning, engineering and city permitting for additions, remodeling and new homes. For more than 30 years, we have been working together and are each expert in our respective fields. That’s what we do. That’s the reason behind our success. SVL: What do your clients, and you, love most about what you do? CG: Most people ask for Remodeling, Additions and Rearrangements. Most people would like to rearrange what they currently have … this would be number one. Kitchens and Baths would be number two. And a brand new House would be number three. Our clients are delighted when they hear that we can do it all for them, and with the highest quality, from beginning to end. One reason for our success is that we are a family business. We put all our heart and mind into our business. That, thankfully, is why we are successful and why we love what we do.
Craftsmen’s Guild, Inc. UNIQUE HOMES, ADDITIONS & REMODELS
30 Years in Business Design • Build
BEFORE
All Under One Roof from A to Z Planning • Building Design Engineering • Permitting Interior • Construction Management • General Contracting • Consulting
The Amini Brothers
(408) 366-1000
moe@craftsmensguild.com www.craftsmensguild.com
AFTER
PREMIER HOME & DESIGN SPECIALISTS OF SILICON VALLEY
Meet Chris Larson
Owner - Premier Door Services, Inc.
DESIGNING BEAUTIFUL GATEWAYS FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOME SVT: What sets Premier Door Service, Inc. apart? Premier Door Services, Inc.: We believe it is because we offer what is called a true “turn-key service” This is something that many of our clients really appreciate. As often desired, we can be counted on from beginning through completion. We can do everything for you, including customdesign and installation, whatever your needs may be. We offer full service. SVT: What does it mean when you say “Full Service”? Premier Door Services, Inc.: Everyone’s home is unique; so, too, is everyone’s wants and needs. Our clients may come with their architect and contractor that they are working with. They may wish to simply select the doors they like and will install them themselves. Many, on the other hand, may wish that we design and custommake doors to fit their home and have us install them. Yes, they like that we can do it all. Indeed, it can be both convenient and re-assuring. SVT: What are some of the most requested things you do and offer? Premier Door Services, Inc.: We love our Entry Doors. The Entry Door to one’s home sends a statement. There are many beautiful selections to choose from. This will often depend on the style of your home. For example, there’s Modern, Contemporary, Craftsman, French Country, Spanish Mediterranean. The glass and ornamentation, too, so often is also a work of art. Whether it’s for your doors, windows, mirrors, we love the coordinating, making it all a good, artful fit. We all take pride in all that we do.
Premier Door Services, Inc.
Door Sales and Service Quality, Professional Installations * Residential and Commercial * Moulding and Hardware * Wood and Vinyl Windows Two Showrooms 394 State Street, Los Altos (650) 559-8281 5853 Winfield Blvd., San Jose (408) 281-3219 info@premierdoorservices.biz www.premierdoorservices.biz
Not all doors are created equal From inception to installation, we take great pride in our ability to provide you and your home with the finest products and service possible.
Premier Door Services, Inc. 394 State St., Los Altos • 650.559.8281
5853 Winfield Blvd., San Jose • 408.281.3219 www.premierdoorservices.biz Contractor License #790327
PREMIER HOME & DESIGN SPECIALISTS OF SILICON VALLEY
LOOKING FOR SPACE IN YOUR HOME? YOU WILL FIND IT AT WALLBEDS “N” MORE!
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had the distinct pleasure of meeting and talking with Eric Lynch, the owner of Wallbeds “n” More. So informative and such a great find. Saving space – such an important and invaluable concept. A tour of their showroom is well worth the visit. All the wallbeds are innovative and beautiful ... also quality and practical. It’s such a great idea for one’s home. It will be a happy surprise for all those who visit. SVL: What is Wallbeds “n” More? Wallbeds “n” More: We specialize in beautiful and comfortable wallbeds. We offer a great selection and without the overhead expense. Most furniture stores do not carry wallbeds - certainly not with the wide variety that we do. Ten years ago, we looked and looked for wallbeds and could not find any – so we created a showroom to be near you and offer all you could ask for. It is definitely recommended that you personally visit a showroom. It’s more than a catalogue, website or pictures. Here you will be able to experience for yourself the many different designs … and observe the excellent quality … and be able to enjoy choosing your personal favorite. SVL: What’s so special about Wallbeds “n” More? What sets you apart? Wallbeds “n” More: Saving space. Simply put, we magically create for everyone an extra room that you do not have and wish you did. Many of our customers may have just downsized … or have children coming home from college … or out of town guests coming to visit, like family and friends, or perhaps young couples with a baby, or maybe someone in a studio. The wish list is there – and this is truly a great solution for everyone. A whole
new bigger room by day … that easily transforms into a beautiful and comfortable bedroom by night. What’s so important, too, is that the mattress is a real mattress; it’s always there for a good night’s sleep. It’s not a futon, rollaway or air mattress. SVL: What do your customers, and you, love most about what you offer? Wallbeds “n” More: What’s so wonderful is the look on people’s faces once they find us. What all our customers say all the time: “We are so happy!” “We had no idea that these would be this nice!” “We are so glad we found you!”. It’s such a great find, a real discovery. They never really knew this existed, not like this. And now it adds to their home a whole new dimension that they are so very happy with and grateful for. As someone said, “it’s one of the greatest inventions”. Indeed, it truly is.
STYLE MEETS FUNCTIONALITY
Wallbeds“n”More
SUMMER FOR A LIMITED TIME, GET UP TO
$
300 OFF Select Models
Visit a showroom today to discover the best options and savings for you!
Struggling with a small space?
Here’s a quality solution. Turn one room into two with our Hidden Bed & Desk! Available in Full or Queen
Financing available! Desk units available with all wallbed styles. Price match guarantee.
EXPERT ADVICE • SUPERIOR QUALITY AND SERVICE Expansive showrooms open by appointment. Call today!
CAMPBELL (408) 761-4732
MOUNTAIN VIEW (650) 477-5532
www.wallbedsnmore.com
Our Wallbeds Are: 4 Easy to Use 4 Very Comfortable 4 Stylish 4 Affordable
PREMIER HOME & DESIGN SPECIALISTS OF SILICON VALLEY
WHY THE GRANITEROCK DESIGN CENTER IN CUPERTINO IS SUCH THE AMAZING ATTRACTION FOR EVERY HOMEOWNER
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have had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Graniterock Design Center in Cupertino several times and have thoroughly enjoyed it each and every time. Be prepared for your inner and outer senses to be touched. The ambiance there – as beautiful and peaceful, as it is – is extraordinary. Everyone there could not be nicer or more helpful. This is what they do - they enjoy being there. They love it - and they are happy to share this beautiful experience with you. SVL: What is it, Graniterock, and why so special? GDC: The Graniterock Design Center in Cupertino specializes in any type of masonry or landscape material for your home or business. From Stone Veneer and Stone Cladding to Flagstone to Limestone and Granite Flooring; Graniterock sources material from all over the world to find that perfect material to fit your project. Are you building your new dream home or remodeling an outdated landscape? Are you looking to add curb appeal to your office complex or building? Do you need to freshen up your property before you sell it to maximize its value? Graniterock is here to assist. No project is too large or too small for you to experience the Graniterock value of “Yes We Will!”
SVL: What are people’s most frequently asked questions and what sets you apart? GDC: The experience you will find at the Graniterock Design Center is like no other. With over 200 different materials on display, you will be able to touch and feel many options of interior and exterior stone to start your dream project. Let our highly experienced and well trained staff show you the type of service and professionalism that has garnered Graniterock the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge award as well as the Forbes list as one of the “Top 20 Places To Work”. Our people take pride in making sure your experience at Graniterock is memorable and well worth your time and energy. SVL: What do your clients, and you at Graniterock, love most about what you do (and offer)? GDC: Graniterock has been serving the construction industry and design community since 1900. Being in business for over 114 years demands that Graniterock listens to our customer’s needs and demands. Having a sustainable business requires constant and evolving material choices to satisfy our customers. Graniterock will find and source the perfect material for your project and your dreams from all over the world.
Great Projects.
Great Products.
Great Lives. CUPERTINO DESIGN CENTER 408.996.4500 1505 South DeAnza Boulevard
www.graniterock.com
REDWOOD CITY BUILDING MATERIALS 650.482.4100 330 Blomquist Street
PREMIER HOME & DESIGN SPECIALISTS OF SILICON VALLEY
REBARTS INTERIORS: A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE & HEART E
ver walk into a store where you immediately love not only the store, but also the people … and all that they do to help? It’s as if they are friends, like family, who really care … it’s indeed a special feeling. This was my experience at Rebarts Interiors. I am not alone – Perhaps good reason why they have been recent Board Members of ASID (their regional chapter of the American Association of Interior Designers) and over many years have so many loyal customers. At Rebarts Interiors, they are great at what they do … and who they are … and they are well worth checking out for your home.
SVL: Rebarts Interiors offers a unique and special combination. How would you describe it? RI: Rebarts Interiors is your one stop shop for all your window covering needs. We make it easier for our clients when you come in and explore our
gallery showroom. You are able to see, feel and experience all the latest window treatments and innovations. We help you to design your home with our custom blinds, shades, shutters, roman shades, and draperies in many styles, colors and textures to custom fit any shape and size. Our commitment and our goal is to develop a working relationship with you, our valued client, in making your window fashion vision become reality, from the beginning stages to the end. SVL: What inspired you to get into the business with your family? RI: We are a family-owned and operated business which started in 1985, and just like fine wine, our business keeps improving with age. Today, we have two design gallery showrooms, combined with window covering cleaning and repair service. Rebarts Interiors has gained something new from each generation that has contributed to its growth and prosperity. Becky manages the main showroom in Burlingame, and our daughter, Alexandra, manages the San Carlos showroom, while our son-in-law, Michael, operates and manages the Certified Hunter Douglas Repair Service and also the On-Site Cleaning Service. Most of our staff includes our family, too. It is our experience and commitment to excellence which allows Rebarts Interiors to thrive, hopefully for many decades to come. SVL: What do your customers, and you, love most about what you do? RI: Since we are a family-owned business, we treat our customers like family, too. It is a blend of family traditions and values which we incorporate into our business practices. We treat every customer that comes in, or calls us, like a new friend of the family. We get to know you, our valued customer, from the initial stage of the consultation to the final reality of your beautiful window fashions installed. The highest percentage of our business comes from referrals of our past clients, because we like to make sure that everyone has a thoroughly satisfying experience at Rebarts Interiors.
The w o d n Wi s n o i Fash rts e p x E Your one-stop source for all your interior design and home décor needs, including custom window shades, shutters, draperies, curtains and more.
247 California Drive • Burlingame, CA 94010 990 Industrial Rd. Ste 106 • San Carlos, CA 94070
650-348-1268 www.rebarts.com
PREMIER HOME & DESIGN SPECIALISTS OF SILICON VALLEY
MEYER APPLIANCE & KITCHENS BY MEYER – WHERE DESIGNING FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE IS OUR PASSION
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eyer Appliance and Kitchens by Meyer is a third generation company that my family and I have personally known, and shopped, my entire life. Their large showroom in Mountain View features many new kitchen vignettes from contemporary to traditional. They have new countertops in quartz, granite and marble - in over 20 different colors and styles. If you are considering buying new appliances or remodeling a kitchen or bath - their showroom is full of practical and exciting ideas. They also have a team of qualified real designers that help their customers through the remodel experience. With 65 years of experience, they know the pitfalls and the ways to make the most out of your remodel experience. Whether it’s your dream or their custom design, expect that they will exceed your expectations. SVL: Please tell us more about your Kitchens … Meyer: Our kitchens are a signature product and feature elements from around the world. From modern to traditional, Tuscan and Scandinavian, expect the best in quality products. Whether it’s your dream or our custom design, expect that we will exceed your expectations. No room in a house draws a crowd like a well done kitchen; with its high-end appliances, flooring, counters and cabinets. SVL: Please tell us more about your Bathrooms … Meyer: Bathrooms are unique in a house in that they are forgotten until needed. But, they can also be the ideal place in a home to pamper yourself. With a little planning and some of our featured bathroom products, a bathroom can also be a work of art. With gorgeous fixtures, flooring and optional
jacuzzi, you may find yourself spending more time in the relaxation of a Meyer Signature bathroom. SVL: Please tell us more about your Appliances … Meyer: At Meyer, we not only remodel kitchens and bathrooms, but we also sell the appliances that install into the home. This allows us to be appliance experts. We know which are the best appliances on the market, how best to install them, and which ones are right for you. This is an advantage over our competition and allows us the edge in customization, which suits our clients that are looking for something unique.
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
MEYER APPLIANCE & KITCHENS BY MEYER
KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • APPLIANCES Please visit our large showroom: 861 East El Camino Mountain View, CA 94040
(800) 540-8318 www.kitchensbymeyer.com
PREMIER HOME & DESIGN SPECIALISTS OF SILICON VALLEY
TUBZ – THE LARGEST ARRAY OF “HANDS-ON/ FEET-IN” BATHTUBS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! AND SO MUCH MORE: TOTO TOILETS & WASHLETS, FAUCETS, SHOWERS & SHOWER PANS, VANITIES, ETC.
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hile Tubz’s showroom is a sight to behold, it’s so much more than that: It’s a place to be experienced. You will find 400 bathtubs: every imaginable size and shape, even some really special lines unavailable elsewhere. What I enjoyed was seeing that this family-run business still has the passion that made this company famous. Way back in 1980, Tubz founders, Tom & Kay Harrison began designing tubs with their patented recessed back jets and ever since have specialized in extra deep tubs with an emphasis on back and neck therapy. The folks at Tubz really encourage you to, as they say, “Come put your tootsies in our tubs – because you wouldn’t even buy a new pair of tennis shoes without trying them on first.” With all they offer, you’re sure to find just the right tub for your bathroom, your body and your budget. SVL: What is Tubz? Tubz: Tubz is the result of a 30-year passion to collect and offer the widest possible array of tubs, first in San Jose, then the Bay Area, then the State, then the Country, and now in the World. It’s true! I can’t tell you just how hard we had to work, what we had to do, and still do, to have been so successful. BUT, it wasn’t the growing selection we offered that made us famous. Customer after customer says they are here because they were referred to us by their builder, their designer, their architect, whoever. That sustains us. What we offer is sound advice based on decades of
“We believe every home in the country ought to have one of these ... the ‘oh so civilized’ Toto Washlet.”
manufacturing, designing, testing, repairing and ultimately marketing perhaps some 50,000 bathtubs. SVL: What is Tubzology 101? Tubz: Well, that is the title of the book I’ve yet to write in response to all the people who tell me I should do so because it’s apparent to them that they learn more about tubs in one short visit to our showroom than they ever learned anywhere else they’ve ever gone. Nobody knows tubs like Tubz does. SVL: What’s so special about your specials? Tubz: It’s like this: Tom is a compulsive buyer. Kay is a compulsive seller. I swear, she looks for any excuse to slap a rubber duckie and a clearance priced purple sticker on a tub. For more information about Tubz, please view our Tubz videos on YouTube by typing in: “Welcome to Tubz in Fremont”.
YOU WANT STYLE?
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YES, OF COURSE WE HAVE ALL THE “OTHER” BATHROOM FIXTURES SUCH AS NEARLY EVERY TOTO TOILET INCLUDING THEIR BIDET WASHLETS IN ALL 3 RESTROOMS; FAUCETS, VANITIES, STEAMERS, SHOWERS, ETC.
COME EXPERIENCE 400 “HANDS-ON/FEET-IN” MODELS
(510) 770-8686
4796 Davenport Place Fremont, CA 94538
www.tubz.net
30 Different Walk-In tubs including the largest selection of whirlpool bathtubs in a single showroom anywhere in the world! OPEN: Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CLOSED: Friday & Saturday!
May we suggest wearing slip-on shoes and bring measurements of your available space.
Having An Impact & Making A Difference For Community Where Would We Be Without Our Nonprofits? “Our Nonprofits play a critical role in the world we live in today. People in the community don’t realize how much they do and how that affects the quality of life for every one of us. They contribute so much.” Thus began this insightful and inspiring conversation with Porcia Chen Silverberg. SVL: Where do you work and what do you do?
PCS: I am the Executive Director at Thrive – The Alliance of Porcia Chen Silverberg Executive Director, Nonprofits for San Mateo Thrive - The Alliance of County Nonprofits for San Mateo Thrive was established County in 2000 by a group of leaders from the nonprofit sector to help promote collaboration and support nonprofits, in order to strengthen the economic and social health of San Mateo County. With a membership of nearly 200 members,
Thrive is a “go-to hub” for people who want to make a difference for San Mateo County, as well as the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. We are a conduit for Government and Nonprofits. Instead of making 50 to 200 calls, they can make one call to me. I love to connect people and organizations. For Thrive, I do pretty much everything that’s asked of a nonprofit leader - I am the chief Fundraiser, Evangelist, Member Relationships Director, Outreach Director and Ambassador. I am very fortunate to have an incredible associate, Cindy. Together, with the support of a handful of volunteers, we run all of Thrive’s programs. I am very proud of what we are able to accomplish. SVL: Where did you grow up, go to school and what did you study?
PCS: I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, until I was almost 14 when we moved to Denver, Colorado. I went on to study Communications at the University of Colorado at Boulder … To read the rest of Porcia’s great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Non-Profits”.
| | your wellness world
Valley Medical Center: World-class care. Regional specialty services. A growing need for YOUR help.
T
he day started like any other in the Emergency Department of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (VMC) – fast-paced and action-packed. But as morning turned to afternoon, the staff knew something was different. New patients just kept coming; via ambulance, helicopter and walking themselves through the door. It was a rush like no other. By day’s end, over 500 patients had come through the door for treatment, more than double the daily average from six years ago. It was a new record. And this was just a regular day, seemingly like any other. There were no major storms or disasters to speak of – just a lot of sick and injured people who needed to see a doctor. The day was emblematic of the challenges facing the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System (SCVHHS). As the economy has worsened, more and more residents of Santa Clara County have nowhere else to turn when they need medical attention. In fact, fully one-quarter of all Santa Clara County residents get their care at Valley Medical Center and VMC community clinics. From primary care for children, to emergency care for adults, VMC forms the backbone of this community’s health system. As a teaching hospital, VMC trains an overwhelming number of local physicians and nurses, including all Stanford University School of Medicine students. VMC operates the busiest emergency department in the region, and one of two burn trauma units in northern California. But as costs rise and public dollars decline, the staff of VMC has to do more with less. In fact, over the past 10 years, the patient demand for SCVHHS services has doubled, all the while undergoing nearly a decade of year-afteryear budget cuts. In that time, SCVHHS staff has gone to enormous lengths to realize efficiencies, reduce waste, innovate, and find ways to serve more people with less money. But if current trends continue, VMC will face dire financial and operational challenges.
The doors of Valley Medical Center are open to all. It’s up to all of us to keep it that way. Your help is needed now, more than ever. To learn more about how you can support VMC, contact the VMC Foundation at 408-8855299, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or visit www. vmcfoundation.org.
For these reasons and more, all of us, regardless of where we get our healthcare, have a stake in the future of VMC. No other public institution – save the folks who bring us clean drinking water – do more to protect the health and wellbeing of this community than VMC. Without it, emergency departments at private hospitals would be overwhelmed, contagious diseases would go unchecked, and hundreds of thousands of our neighbors, co-workers and friends would be without care. If you are among those who have helped, thank you. In 2008, you may have voted for a bond measure to re-build Valley Medical Center, and construction is going strong. You may have recently donated to support the Sobrato Cancer Center, or our Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab program, or VMC’s Burn Center – all state-of-the-art services, made stronger by our generous supporters. You may have even received care at VMC, Silicon Valley’s biggest and busiest hospital, and told others that the quality of care is top-tier.
The Sobrato Cancer Center
at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
World-class cancer care. Available to all.
The Sobrato Cancer is located in the new, state-of-the-art Valley Specialty Center building (left) on the campus of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Dr. Aemonn Dunphey explains to John A. Sobrato and Jeffrey Sobrato (top right) how the Varian Trilogy® Linear Accelerator delivers ultra-accurate radiation treatment, eradicating cancer cells while preserving healthy ones.
Everyone, no matter rich or poor, should have access to the finest oncology services. At Valley Medical Center’s new Sobrato Cancer Center, that mission is met daily. But with budget challenges and growing need, VMC’s talented team can’t do it alone. They need your help. Please support the VMC Foundation. Your public hospital is here for all, regardless of ability to pay. Let’s make sure it stays that way.
www.vmcfoundation.org
Meet Gregg Adams VMC’s top trauma surgeon
G
regg Adams, M.D., Chief of Surgery at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is on a mission to keep you alive. For the faint of heart, his job responsibilities would seem daunting; manage over 130 surgeons, maintain VMCs high standards for trauma services and disaster response and – oh yeah – scrub in for between 200 to 400 surgical procedures each year. VMC Foundation Executive Director Chris Wilder sat down to talk with Gregg about his career, his day-today-day responsibilities, how he manages the stress of life-and-death situations, and what makes VMC such an inspiring place to work. Chris Wilder: True or false - the trauma team springs into action only when an ambulance drives into the ambulance bay or a helicopter lands on the roof.
Gregg Adams: False. Trauma begins with prevention. We go out and talk about wearing set-belts, and talk about wearing helmets on motorcycles and bicycles, and talk about the problems with drinking and driving and talk about gang violence. CW: There have been times where you have actually been called to the scene of accident. Can you tell me one of those stories?
GA: I’ll use the example of a young man who was at a worksite. He was digging a hole for a foundation that collapsed around him and was buried up to his neck in dirt. He could obviously not hop into an ambulance because we was completely surrounded by dirt, and they couldn’t just dig him out, because they feared it might destabilized more of the structures around him, endangering everyone around him. So we figured out a way to slowly remove
the dirt, to reinforce the hole, monitoring his vital signs - because when you are crushed by dirt, actually releasing the pressure can be as dangerous as the crush himself.
CW: That makes me think of every medical drama and movie. Hollywood does a pretty good idea of showing people what an emergency department looks like. But what do they get wrong?
GA: One is that they have an enormous number of exciting things that happen in 60 minutes with time for commercials. The second thing is that we are not all beautiful. CW: One thing the TV shows do is make the emergency departments feel like controlled chaos. Does it feel like that in real life?
GA: You are never confronted with one problem. You are confronted with 5, 10 or 50 problems. Someone that was hit by a car may be drunk, may have cracked their spleen, have a head injury, etc. The only information you have may be what their vital signs are, or what laboratory tests tell you. So, to a certain degree, it’s a little bit of sensory deprivation and learning to make decisions in a data poor environment.
CW: So it would seem to me that would take a bit of the pressure off if the patient doesn’t survive, but it doesn’t.
GA: No. I think that we are all set up as a system, as human beings, as professionals, as people who have pride in their work - I would love for everyone to survive. Trauma in particular is a killer of young people. That takes a toll and you have to learn to manage that as a human being. CW: How do you do that?
GA: Everyone does it differently. You get a hobby, you get a pet, you hug your kids, you get involved in public service in a different way, you begin to give lectures on wearing your helmet, safe practices, gang avoidance. They become passions for you because you are tied up in the last patient you treated that didn’t survive. CW: And you find that passion in so many people who work at VMC.
GA: Oh absolutely. And it’s one of the reasons why people not only come here to work but stay here to work. You come here because you want to take care of the most complex, most interesting, and challenging patients you can imagine. And ultimately you stay here because you are working with some of the best colleagues you find anywhere in the world. Dedicated. Smart. Funny. Compassionate. Absolutely beautiful human beings.
www.vmcfoundation.org
PHELPS & COHEN Eric Phelps, DDS, MS • Jason Cohen, DDS, MS
ORTHODONTICS
At our office, consultations are complimentary. This article includes some frequently asked questions and answers from orthodontics consultations.
I see a lot of kids with braces at eight or nine years old. Isn’t that too young?
Although eight and nine year olds typically still have 12 primary teeth, many children this age can greatly benefit from early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I Orthodontics. Reasons for early treatment include: severe crowding, impacted teeth, jaw size discrepancies, crossbites, and many more. While the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7, a simple ‘Rule of Thumb’ is: “Eight is great, nine is fine!”
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment? Over the past three years, about a third of the consultations at our office have been for adults. No matter what your age, if you have healthy teeth and healthy gum tissue and bone around your teeth then you are a candidate for orthodontics. PRIMARY MOLARS
I have been told that I need four bicuspids extracted because my teeth are crowded. What is your opinion?
With the development of self-ligating braces (we use Damon braces: www.damonbraces.com), I believe it is easier to create enough space to avoid extractions in most cases. The extra space typically is created by widening the arch form which results in a nice, broad, esthetic smile. Avoiding extractions is another great reason for Phase I Orthodontics (as shown in the images below). Creating more arch width in an eight or nine year old patient often provides enough space to avoid the need for bicuspid extraction. On the other hand, a primary goal of treatment is to get the incisors (front teeth) in an esthetic and functional position. Sometimes bicuspid extraction is needed to achieve orthodontic treatment goals.
Can you tell me about Invisalign?
Invisalign is a treatment option for patients that would like to have their teeth moved but are not
PHASE 1 ORTHODONTICS CREATING SPACE FOR PERMANENT CANINES
MADE SPACE FOR BICUSPIDS AND CANINES
(AVOIDED NEED FOR BICUSPID EXTRACTION)
NO ROOM FOR ADULT CANINES
PHELPS
Eric Phelps, DDS, MS • Jason Cohen, DDS, MS 2075 Forest Avenue, Suite 2 San Jose, CA 95128
ORTHODONTICS
(408) 298-3433 Fax (408) 298-6304 http://www.phelpscohenortho.com
& COHEN
interested in wearing braces. We now have an iTero digital scanner at the office that produces a digital 3D model of the patients upper and lower set of teeth in just over 10 minutes. No more impressions!!! Digital models are more accurate than models created from impressions and can be uploaded instantly to Align Technology for treatment planning. The orthodontist uses advanced Invisalign software to create ideal final positions of all teeth. A series of high-tech clear plastic aligners are then produced that move teeth in small increments.
great time to be a Bay Area sports fan because of the success of our local teams. In my opinion, it is even a greater time to be a parent of a sports fan because of great role models like Buster Posey and Patrick Willis!
For more information visit: www.invisalign.com
I would like to thank the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers for supporting our inaugural charity concert in Campbell, CA on September 1st, 2012 in support of the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST). Please read about ichthyosis on the following page and join us for next year’s concert at the Flint Center in Cupertino on September 7th, 2013.
Why is everyone wearing jerseys?
Eric Phelps, DDS, MS
Everyone Wednesday and Saturday are jersey days at our office. We started the tradition a few years back and it has become a highlight for our staff and patients. Jerseys create some interesting conversations, especially when one of our assistants wears her Dodgers jersey. It is a
For more information about our practice (offices in San Jose and Pleasanton), please visit our website at www.phelpscohenortho.com.
CREATING HOPE AND THE DREAM
FOR A COLLEGE EDUCATION
by Stephen E. McMinn
A Collaboration That’s Making A Huge Difference In Our Local Public Schools THE CALL FOR HELP
G
reat minds develop great ideas often as a result of a great need. These elements came together to spawn a very special and gratifying project to address a huge need. G.W. Hellyer Elementary School Principal, Sheilah Lane, needed help. She was concerned about the test scores at her school, scores that were placing her at risk with the State of California. The learning challenges were daunting and something had to be done to Sheilah Lane - Retired Hellyer Elementary School Principal. She saw her school’s test reverse a trend headed in the scores increase dramatically through the Junior University Program she helped create. wrong direction. With limited funds and resources, how would it be possible to not only significantly, but quickly increase Hellyer’s scores? This journey began in 2007. At Hellyer, many parents did not know how best to support their children. “Good”, it was felt, meant just showing up each day at school. The truth appeared in the numbers and test scores and it was evident that “good”, in reality, wasn’t. The test results proved something was missing; low achievement seemed uncorrectable. This was the barometer used by the state to measure From academic probation in 2007 to API scores well above 800 in the school. There was not much room or reason 2013, Hellyer test scores were among the highest in the county left for optimism. They had tried everything, she for at-risk student populations. thought. The discouragement also reflected an stands for Academic Performance Index – and accurate picture of the school’s student culture. “STAR” stands for Standardized Testing and Was school fun? Was learning fun? What Reporting. This, in essence, is the grade given chances, what opportunities, what future laid annually to each public California school based on ahead for the children? Did these children even have a dream of going to college? For many, sadly, the average student body academic achievement results. It shows how the students in any the answer was no. The results were clear … and particular school are faring when compared with it was disheartening. Hellyer Elementary School received their annual similar schools. The results came in and they were not good. API STAR achievement results that year. “API”
The Hellyer API was a startlingly low 736. The passing California state standard is 800 with a top score being 1,000. Hellyer was about to be placed on probation. Principal Lane realized something needed to change, but what? The administration, faculty and staff had worked hard to improve learning and this is what came back. The school seemed out of options. It was around this time that Liz Nandakumar, a Resource Specialist for Hellyer Elementary had a short discussion with Claude Fletcher, the Chancellor of Valley Christian Schools. Claude and Liz’s families attended the same church and they were acquainted with each other. Valley Christian sits on a hill overlooking the south valley of San Jose and was clearly visible from Hellyer Elementary. Many times Liz had looked up at Valley Christian where her children attended and wondered if help might be available from them. Liz had the same concerns as Sheilah Lane and asked Chancellor Fletcher if they might have interest in a collaborative partnership to have high school students tutor the Hellyer students. Claude’s answer was positive and from this small discussion came a first meeting held at Valley Christian. Attending were Dr. Clifford Daugherty, President of Valley Christian, Principal Lane, Liz Nandakumar, Cindy Nardi, the Valley Christian High School Outreach Coordinator and Dr. Joel Torode who at the time was the principal at Valley Christian. Ideas were exchanged, concepts mapped out and from this small meeting the Junior University was born. To carry the theme further, the high school mentors were coined by Principal Lane as Junior Professors as a way of planting the seed to her students that college was a viable, reachable option in the future if they worked hard enough.
The excitement of learning is evident in these Hellyer Elementary students as they begin to dream about going to College.
The task of implementing the program fell to Cindy Nardi and Liz Nandakumar. Working tirelessly, they developed a curriculum to teach the Valley Christian students how to mentor. They worked with Principal Lane to secure valuable class time for the mentoring activities. Valley Christian students had to be recruited to join the effort as mentors. And students at Hellyer that would benefit most from the mentoring had to be identified. Even seemingly mundane issues such as transporting the older students to Hellyer had to be arranged. The program was kicked off during the 2007/2008 school year and immediately embraced by the students, teachers, and parents. Once the program became established, Cindy Nardi and Liz Nandakumar began to dream of an extension of the program to include after-school activities such as athletics
The Making of “Junior University” – A Newly Created Foundation for Excellence and Joy in Education and School
Junior University and Lighthouse Initiative Team members from Franklin-McKinley School District, Andrew Hill High School and Valley Christian Schools meet with San Jose District 2 Councilman Ash Kalra (3rd from left) and Madison Nguyen, Vice Mayor of San Jose and District 7 Councilwoman (3rd from right).
and music combined with bible stories attended by students under parental permission. If a child wanted to learn the trombone, they would be teamed with a high school trombone player. The same would hold true for those interested in soccer, cheerleading, painting, robotics, or baton twirling. The opportunities were limited only by the children’s imagination and integrated with faith based activities. The initial attempts were rebuffed but then the results of the hard work of Junior University began to bear fruit. What was happening was a culture shift among the students and the teachers in confidence… in learning… and API STAR results. Where before there was pessimism, there was now optimism. Where there was despair, there was now hope, and with it amazing progress. In 2008, the first year following Principal Lane’s initial meeting with the leadership at Valley Christian, there was an astonishing 54 point increase from 736 to 790 in Hellyer’s scores! That indeed was a BIG positive upswing. In 2009, it
dipped a bit to 773; however, it has taken off since then and increased every year. In 2010, it jumped to 808. In 2011, it was 818. In 2012, it was 819. In 2013, it was 828. Armed with these outstanding results, Cindy Nardi and Liz Nandakumar decided to again propose the after school program to include additional activities. Their hard work was rewarded when the request was approved. The results had spoken for themselves and in this case “more was better”. Thus came the renaming of the program from the Junior University to the “Junior University and Lighthouse Initiative”. The students are motivated to learn and excited to be there. Parents are delighted with the turnaround. The principal at Sylvandale Middle School, Dan Fowler, even commented on the high quality of students he was receiving from Hellyer and wanted to know how he could help. Changes as big and as drastic as these don’t happen overnight. But they have. What had happened? Could the program maintain its momentum?
WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE “ASK” MADE As explained by Principal Lane in a FranklinMcKinley School District newsletter from 2009, “Junior University has the objectives of improving
An Andrew Hill High School mentor gives one-on-one instruction to his mentee.
One-on-one mentoring creates a spark driving the mentees to excel.
academic achievement of students and the school culture through one-on-one mentoring and tutoring of elementary students by volunteer high school students, serving as Junior Professors.” Success at Hellyer continued under the direction of Principal Jerry Merza, who succeeded Sheilah Lane upon her retirement, at the end of the 20082009 school year. Principal Merza commented on his goals upon taking over at Hellyer, “The State of California requires all schools to have an API score above 800. That is every school’s goal. “My first year here we were not at 800. When we made that tremendous growth that catapulted us above 800, it was a huge accomplishment and put us where the state wanted us to be. With the help of Valley Christian High School and the Junior University and Lighthouse Initiative, we have been able to sustain and grow our score each year.” Hellyer students were so successful that the program was attracting the attention of officials in the FranklinMcKinley School District, of which Hellyer is a member. In a meeting with Dr. John Porter, Superintendent of the Franklin-McKinley School District, he urged the schools to continue working together and answer the question in everyone’s mind: “What is the magic”? In 2012, Carla Haakma, then Principal of Los Arboles Literacy and Technology K-3 Academy and now a district administrator, collaborated with Jerry Merza to bring Junior University to Los Arboles. Dr. Daugherty, realizing that Valley Christian students couldn’t scale their resources to multiple schools, reached out to Andrew Hill High School Principal, Bettina Lopez. She endorsed the program and appointed Joshua Greene, Support Services Coordinator, as the coordinator to find mentors from Andrew Hill to work in conjunction with Valley Christian students at a third school, Lairon College Preparatory Academy (Grades 4-7). More wonderful high school “Junior Professor” mentors were needed and Andrew Hill High School delivered. Principal Maria Dehghanfard of Lairon was delighted with the involvement of Andrew Hill, commenting that, “We’ll be involved with Andrew
Sam, a Valley Christian student mentor, teaches two aspiring Hellyer trombone players.
“Our students via mentors in the Junior University and Lighthouse Initiative, are exposed to the qualities of Goodness, Peace and Joy. These positive role models create a desire to learn and emulate these qualities in their own lives.�
Jerry Merza Principal Hellyer Elementary
Hill High School, where most of our children end up … so for us to have both schools involved as mentors is really a great opportunity for all of our kids.” This collaboration was so successful that through the efforts of Cindy Nardi and Liz Nandakumar, the program expanded even further to include the after-school Lighthouse program offering even more enrichment opportunities. By 2013, the program blossomed into a three-day-aweek schedule involving over 700 student trips and seven collaborating schools. The “Junior University and Lighthouse Initiative” is now under the direction of the Leadership Team. This team includes Carla Haakma, Franklin-McKinley Director of Categorical Compliance and Assessment Programs, Dr. Maria Dehghanfard, Principal of Lairon College Preparatory Academy, Dr. Ricardo Balderas, Principal of Los Arboles Literacy and Technology Academy, Jerry Merza, Principal of Hellyer Elementary and, most recently, Dan Fowler, Principal of Sylvandale Middle School. Principal Mark Lodewyk of Valley Christian High School and Principal Lisa Arnett of Valley Christian Junior High School also serve on the team with the support of Dr. John Porter, Superintendent of the FranklinMcKinley School District and Dr. Clifford Daugherty, President of Valley Christian Schools (K-12). More than 325 volunteer high school and junior high school students are now transported to three Franklin-McKinley elementary schools, including Hellyer, Los Arboles and Lairon. Cindy Nardi, Valley Christian High School Community Outreach Director and Joshua Greene, Andrew Hill
Robotics and dance are two of the Lighthouse programs taken advantage of by the Simon family.
Mentors look forward to their interaction with mentees, such as Ramatu and Kasandra.
Support Services Coordinator lead volunteer Junior Professors as they inspire and mentor their eager elementary mentees. The initiative expanded offerings for a wider range of student gifts and talents including not only academics, but also the arts and athletics for the Seven Trees Community elementary students. Participating schools are asked to join an organization called the “Quest Institute for Quality Education”. The Quest Institute serves as a conduit for the development of capital and human resources to support collaboration. Expanding the program to after-school elective type activities was a key for Dr. Ricardo Balderas, Principal of Los Arboles. As he relayed, “When students are exposed to different things, who knows where they’ll find their passion? Maybe it will be service, maybe mathematics, maybe music, maybe acting. So the more things they are exposed to, the more choices they have. We look forward to those opportunities.” Principal Lane initially envisioned this program as providing cross-age learning, an older student teaching a younger learner, providing inspiration and academic support in an effective, comfortable environment. Connecting with successful, motivated, college-bound high school students implants the idea in impressionable elementary students that they too can go to college. Many of the Seven Trees Community students are secondlanguage learners and with extra tutoring provided by Junior University and Lighthouse mentors, they are achieving great success. The benefits are twofold: the elementary students receive tutoring and support, improving their academic performance, and high school mentors discover that they can
truly model success and transform lives by their volunteer service. As each week comes and goes, the excitement in the young students’ faces is tangible as their Junior Professor mentors disembark from their buses and arrive on campus. As Dr. Daugherty explained, “More comes back on the bus than goes over on the bus as the Valley Christian and Andrew Hill High School mentors realize the joy of selfless service.” At each visit to the three schools, Valley Christian High School and Andrew Hill High School students Javier worked with his Grandfather to create a special hat for his mentor, Jeevan, a Valley Christian provide kindergarten High School student. through sixth grade students with one-onart, robotics and more. Volunteer high school one academic, artistic and athletic mentoring students develop a highly personalized connection, opportunities. Under the supervision of offering inspiration, encouragement and a professional teachers, each “Junior Professor” is challenge to hundreds of elementary students to assigned one or more students to teach reading, plan and prepare to attend college. math, choir, dance, weekly instrumental lessons, From the start, the students became more excited about learning. Each time the buses arrived, they exuded enthusiasm and with anticipation … they looked forward to their new friends from Andrew Hill and Valley Christian who spent time with them, serving as tutors and mentors. The “magical” connection of the minds and hearts between high school students and elementary children, combined with the “Of course you’re going to college like me” message, brings a feeling of “Goodness, Peace and Joy” to involved students. The test scores reflect that. During the summer of 2013, the Leadership Team debuted a Lighthouse Initiative called “Splish! Splash! Learn to Swim Camp”. This special program paired Valley Christian High School student volunteer athletes with almost 200 elementary school students from the FranklinMcKinley School District. Held at Valley Christian Schools’ Aquatic Center, the program consists of swim lessons, Bible stories, prayer and training Maddie, a Valley Christian Junior High School student (left) looks in the Christian faith, all done with parental forward to weekly mentoring to help Zeke with reading. permission. Special reduced fees from $150 to
have received such mentorship … the joy, confidence and appreciation … are abundant. The answer to a call … met with success and meaning and results … that go well beyond words, pride and happiness. It may seem awkward that a private Christian school can collaborate with a public high school to make such a difference in the lives of atrisk younger students. The key to the cooperation and success can be found in one of our most important documents – The Declaration of Independence. The program has relied on a foundational segment of that document which states the following: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
only $25 for eight lessons over a four week period are available to students from the three Seven Trees Community Schools, where 85% or more of the children qualify for low cost or free lunch programs. Cathy Manthey, head of Valley Christian’s Aquatic Center, directs “Splish! Splash!” by recruiting enthusiastic Valley Christian High School athletes and alumni as volunteer swimming instructors. She explains, “Drowning is a leading cause of accidental deaths among children in the United States, ranked second only to car crashes. Participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. Our athletes are happy to volunteer. They realize these children may never learn to swim without their help.” “I have never heard of a program such as this where swim lessons are offered at a discount Cathy Manthey, Valley Christian Aquatics Director encourages a for children. It is such an innovative idea. young “Splish Splash” participant. Because not only is it benefiting children in this community, but the students that are providing the swim lessons from Valley Christian High School are receiving a benefit by participating in this and being part of this experience for the kids It’s a “win-win” for everyone involved”, said Carla Haakma, District Administrator for the Franklin-McKinley School District. Andrew Hill and Valley Christian students love every moment of their involvement in these initiatives. There is a team spirit of community … the bus ride back is always one of happiness. They feel they have received more than they have given when they leave. Clearly, the real joy for the high school mentors is Antonio and Luis give a “thumbs up” to “Splish Splash.” in the giving. And for the students who
“We are anxious to spread into our schools and the surrounding community these concepts of value building and joyfulness.” Carla Haakma Franklin-McKinley School District Administrator
individuals, puts the time in to prove it, leading to created equal, that they are endowed by their the students beginning to realize that life is what Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that they make of it. among them, are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Thus far, the results are a testament to the Happiness.” This one phrase puts us all on equal footing. We powerful receptivity of students to the time that’s invested in their lives from outside role models. It have a platform for common virtues. In every in no way seeks to diminish the love and support child there is value and promise. The goal of the of their teachers and family structure, but rather Junior University and Lighthouse Initiative is to works to affirm and support it. create within the students a light of promise that as equally created individuals they can experience Comments or inquiries are welcome at life as it was intended. StephenMcMinn@creighton.edu This leads to a thirst of learning and dreaming about what they can achieve. This combination of Light, Life and Learning is the process through which these students become successful. It is the “Magic” that Dr. Porter spoke of when he challenged the Leadership Team to discover and answer the question, “What’s the Magic?” in such achievement scores. Students at this young age have no concept of the barriers that exist between private and public, religious and non-religious schools or those with or without extraordinary means. Applied Math Science & Engineering students learn team building through Robotics competition. (Standing L-R) Timmy, Kevin, Jerry Merza – Principal at Hellyer Elementary, Annette Lane What they do have is an – Robotics Director at Valley Christian, Joshua, Dale. Jason and Troy, kneeling. understanding of when someone values them as
| | local schools
Valley Christian focuses on excellence
V
alley Christian Schools, in San Jose, California, was founded in 1960 and has grown into one of the largest independent K-12 Christian school systems in the United States. Their “Quest for Excellence” has been evident both inside the classroom and out in the community. With its strong foundation of Christian values, the school challenges its 2300 students from kindergarten through high school to discover their God-given talents as expressed in A3: Academic Excellence, Artistic Beauty, and Athletic Excellence. Accredited by both ACSI and WASC, Valley Christian takes pride in its top-notch facilities that are among the finest in California—two campuses, an extensive sports complex, and the new 46,000 square foot Conservatory of the Arts (music, theatre, dance and visual arts) & Student Life Center. Along with its unique Conservatory of the Arts opportunities for students passionate about the arts, the Applied Math, Science and Engineering Institute [AMSE] allows students of high ability to enjoy unique challenges. An example of such an opportunity is the International Space Station project, in which Valley Christian students pioneered the first-ever high school Cube Lab™ experiment place aboard the Space Station in January, 2011. Valley Christian High School is a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon “No Child Left Behind” school and was just voted “Best High School” in the 2011 annual survey of parents by Bay Area Parents magazine. In addition, 54 sports teams allow students to compete and develop character at the highest levels of high school athletics. Valley Christian Junior High School recently achieved national recognition, taking top honors, including Intel School of Distinction—Middle School Mathematics Excellence 2011 and Intel School of Distinction—2011 Star Innovator”.
Schools recognized for this award have demonstrated excellence in math and science education and their ability to promote students’ problem solving. Valley Christian Elementary School additionally benefits from all the award-winning programs throughout the upper and middle school campuses being integrated into special hands-on science learning, AMSE enrichment curriculum, and conservatory training, and Little Warrior sports opportunities for students in grades K-5. Daily Bible classes, weekly chapel services and many community service events give students a loving environment in which to learn more about the Christian faith, and to become excited about the eternal perspective Jesus Christ brings to their lives. A special Student Support program at all campuses is available for students with diagnosed learning challenges. There is also an International Student program at Valley Christian Schools that integrates 90 students from around the world to give a broadened perspective to the campus. Families are encouraged to learn more about Valley Christian Schools’ remarkable programs and dynamic, loving faculty through www.vcs. net. To arrange a personal tour by campus— call 408.513.2500.
VCHS reaches for the stars V
alley Christian High School continues its journey back to space for 2013. The International Space Station (ISS) project and the Satellite Development program, both features of the Applied Math, Science, and Engineering (AMSE) Institute at VCHS, are continuing a path unique among all high schools in the world. Returning to the ISS for the third consecutive year, VCHS students constructed four new experiments. The launch to NASA’s U.S. National Lab on March 1, 2013, was aboard the SpaceX Dragon launch vehicle. These microlab experiments include studies in plant growth, ferro fluids, electro-plating, and bacteria growth. AMSE Institute leaders and students have also been mentoring other schools and organizations to develop their own experiments to launch to the ISS. Current partners include Los Gatos High School, the Girl Scouts of Hawaii, as well as other high schools ranging from Southern California to Minneapolis. Dr. S. Pete Worden, Director of NASA’s Ames Research Center, said, “I am very proud of our collaboration with Valley Christian Schools and the Quest Institute for Quality Education. This year, they have expanded this scientific endeavor to include seven additional organizations, making this STEM activity one of the most exciting space programs available to high school students.” With these experiments now operating on the ISS, another group of students will continue their efforts towards an astonishing goal: the first-ever high school-designed and constructed satellite launched into space.
This satellite contains a camera to view the launch out of the Space Station, as well as a GPS, accelerometer, tilt sensor, thermometer, hygrometer, gyroscope, anemometer, and compass. Data from the satellite will be directly communicated to the ground tracking station recently constructed at VCHS. Preliminary testing, including a pre-launch of a model of the satellite attached to a six-foot helium balloon, has been successful. Encasing the enclosed experiment, senior Gabe Davis makes final preparations on the cube lab to be launched to the International Space Station.
Mason Ivy, the head of the ISS Development team commented, “It’s an honor to be a part of such a historic program and I am proud to see the team’s hard work pay off.” The satellite will be transferred by rocket to the ISS for deployment in August, 2013. More information on these or other programs within the AMSE Institute at Valley Christian may be found at www.vcs.net/mathscience
245 students strong, the band marches down historic Colorado Boulevard for the Tournament of Roses® parade
VCS Students in
T
Rose Parade
he long-held dream of being invited to play international language of music. These young in the Tournament of Roses Parade® came ambassadors had the time of their lives sharing true for the students, parents, and faculty of Valley cultures and having fun in this once-in-a-lifetime Christian High School’s opportunity” said Sally Marching Band and Color Bixby, President of the Guard. For the first time Tournament of Roses in the Rose Parades’ 124Parade. year history, a combined The combined group marched as a bands performed Crown unit, comprised of Valley Imperial March, by Christian and Chinese William Walton, and high school students from Aztec Fire, by Jay Bocook. No. 57 School in Beijing. In addition, Valley This “East-West Fusion Christian commissioned All-Star Band” was among Valley Christian High School student, Brooke an original work by Read, leads the East-West fusion band in the final 22 marching Mr. Bocook for the Pasadena. bands selected from 2013 parade. The work over 450 applications to combines western and participate in the annual Tournament of Roses eastern styles of music that reflected the fusion Parade, which has run consecutively since 1890 of the two bands. in Pasadena, California. The 2013 parade was “The participation in the Rose Parade is just viewed by 39 million TV viewers in the US and one of the examples of how Valley Christian 28 million around internationally. Schools’ Conservatory offers unique international “I’m very proud of the Valley Christian experiences for high school students to broaden Schools’ role in creating the first East-West Fusion their knowledge in music, varied cultures, and All-Star Band for our 2013 parade. This was a world affairs,” says Dr. Clifford Daugherty, spectacular combined band to showcase the President of Valley Christian Schools.
What is ichthyosis? Ichthyosis is a family of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaling skin that may be thickened or very thin. The prefix “ichthy” is taken from the Greek root for the word fish. Each year, more than 16,000 babies are born with some form of ichthyosis. Ichthyosis affects people of all ages, races and gender. The disease usually presents at birth, or within the first year, and continues to affect the patient throughout their lifetime. What is FIRST? FIRST is a vibrant, growing foundation connected to its members and families by the special skin and unique management needs of individuals and families with ichthyosis and related skin types. FIRST supports families across the country and around the world. An example of how FIRST can have an immediate impact in your community is the online ‘Tele-Ichthyosis’ tool: http://www. firstskinfoundation.org/content.cfm/Ichthyosis/ Tele-Ichthyosis/page_id/762 If a baby is born with a rare skin disorder, doctors can upload images, documents or questions to the Tele-Ichthyosis web portal and receive guidance from an expert panel. What causes ichthyosis? Most forms of ichthyosis are very rare. The genetic mutation that causes the disorder is passed from parent to child. In some cases however, neither parent exhibits the disorder themselves, but they are carriers of the defective gene. When two carriers pass their mutated gene on to a new life, the child will inherit the disorder. In some very rare cases, the genetic mutation occurs spontaneously in the affected generation.
Who is Tommy? Tommy is a friend of FIRST and the NFL’s Biggest ‘Little Fan’ (pictured in his favorite FIRST overalls). Tommy is currently touring the NFL. So far, Tommy has visited the Colts, 49ers, Broncos, Eagles, Bengals, Chargers, Raiders, Browns and Giants. He has met great people in the front offices of the different teams as well as some amazing players. All of us at FIRST greatly appreciate the NFL’s support! Please visit the following link to follow his journey and see photographs from his travels: http://www.firstskinfoundation.org/news-details. cfm/Ichthyosis-News/NFL-s-Biggest-Little-Fan-is-onthe-move/id/164 Dane’s Friends for First Concert Our son, Dane Christian Phelps, showed signs of ichthyosis at 6 weeks old. His rare form of ichthyosis, which was likely caused by a spontaneous gene mutation, also affected his heart. Although Dane only lived to be 3 ½ years old, he touched many lives and will continue to reach thousands more with Dane’s Friends for First Concert. Please join us on September 7th, 2013, for an inspirational night of music and dance at the Flint Center (De Anza College, Cupertino, CA). There will also be a silent auction that will include special items Tommy collects on his journey around the NFL. We would love for you to join us! For more information please visit: https://www. facebook.com/DanesFriendsForFIRST Article submitted by Suzanne and Eric Phelps of San Jose, CA.
Silicon Valley Non-Profits
I
Introducing Silicon Valley Non-Profits!
n this day and age, many of us are looking for purpose and asking ourselves how we can help make a difference in our community and our world. If we were to ask ourselves, where would we be without our Non-Profits, that’s a good question - they do a lot! With them, it’s hard enough in our world. Without them, it would be unthinkable. Indeed, we have many Non-Profits doing great works and they are always looking for people, like you, who can and would like to help.
At the same time, there are many people, like you and me, who wonder what specifically more we can do with our money or, especially, just by volunteering – indeed, what a difference that does and will make. The greatest gift of all is in the giving and what a big positive difference it makes in the lives of others. In Silicon Valley Non-Profits, learn about various great people and great organizations doing great things. May it become a growing Resource for you and many others, there’s nothing like teamwork, that can help us all in making a big positive difference for a better community here at Home.
Enroll in Cancer Prevention Study-3. By enrolling in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3), you can help us understand how to prevent cancer, which will save lives and create a world with more birthdays for everyone. This New Year, resolve to help fight cancer by participating in CPS-3. During 2013, CPS-3 enrollment will be held at locations throughout the Bay Area.
For more information about enrolling or volunteering, please visit cancer.org/cps3 or call 1-888-604-5888.
Š2009, American Cancer Society, Inc. No.080131-Rev.10/10
Who has the game plan in your family? In an emergency, every second counts – that’s why it’s crucial to identify a meeting place in case your family is separated during a disaster. Designate a meeting place in your neighborhood and one outside of the neighborhood in case you have to evacuate. Establish the right emergency plan for your family – we’ll show you how.
Download the Earthquake mobile app to make your plan or visit redcross.org/ prepare today
Silicon Valley Chapter
I AM FOR THE CHILD
™
Learn More. Attend an orientation for information. Help. Volunteer at the office or special events. Donate. With your support, we can provide an Advocate for every child on our waiting list.
Become a friend, mentor and advocate for an abused child.
w w w. B e M y A d v o c a t e . o r g For more information Call: (408) 573-5665 Email: info@cadvocates.org
Housing Trust Silicon Valley works to make our community a more affordable place to live by increasing the supply of affordable housing, assisting first-time homebuyers, and preventing homelessness. Since 2000, Housing Trust Silicon Valley has invested over $75 million in our community and created over 10,000 affordable afforda housing opportunities.
Leading the way home for Silicon Valley Residents www.housingtrustsv.org I 408.436.3450 I info@housingtrustsv.org
Your child has just been diagnosed with a developmental, medical, psychological, learning or other issue — what now?
You are not alone.
Parents Helping Parents strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.
Parents Helping Parents Sobrato Center for Nonprofits–San Jose 1400 Parkmoor Avenue Suite 100 San Jose, CA 95126 www.php.com | (408) 727-5775
Coverage for every child Santa Clara Family Health Foundation (SCFHF) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose focus is on raising funds to support the Healthy Kids insurance program and the Children’s Health Initiative in Santa Clara County. Through the Foundation, community leaders, community members, foundations, corporations, local businesses, friends, and other supporters can contribute funds to help achieve the goal of providing every child in Santa Clara County with access to quality health care through insurance. We believe that one uninsured child is one too many. If you have a child or know a family with children who do not have health coverage, live in Santa Clara County and the family maximum monthly income is below $5,700 for a family of four, please call us at 1-877680-4555 or visit our website.
Santa Clara
Family Health Foundation www.healthyfamilyfund.org (408) 874-1999
Nothing Else Matters When You’re Hungry.
Give What Matters Today!
When Bella’s parents lost their jobs and home, they turned to Second Harvest Food Bank to feed their family. Bella is not alone. Nearly 250,000 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties rely on Second Harvest each month to receive the healthy food they need to survive. Every $1 you donate will provide 2 nutritious meals for a family like Bella’s.
Thank you to Silicon Valley Local Magazine for donating this advertising space.
SHFB.org
866-234-3663
Join the STEM movement at STEMpower[ed]!
At Silicon Valley Education Foundation, we support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education as the gateway to 21st century jobs. Our STEMpower[ed] website is an easy-to-use site to help parents and educators find the best STEM programs to create that critical spark in their students.
Visit stempowered.svefoundation.org for the one-stop-shop for STEM education in the Silicon Valley. About SVEF: Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) is a not-for-profit resource and advocate for students and educators. We are dedicated to raising student performance in the critical areas of STEM.
Thanks to you and thousands of people like you, United Way Silicon Valley is working to improve community conditions by helping local people become financially stable and independent. We have been privileged during this tough economy to expand our work. We’ve grown programs and partnerships that help more young children learn to read. We’ve provided one-on-one credit coaching for low-income adults and we’ve funded some of the most innovative and effective programs in the county. Everything we do, we do with your help. Please consider donating to United Way Silicon Valley today and help us continue to improve community conditions and change lives.
“Only 16% of the charities we rate have received at least 2 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that United Way Silicon Valley outperforms most other charities in America.” Ken Berger, CEO Charity Navigator
www.uwsv.org
HEALTHY FUN SUMMER LEARNING Summer Camps YMCA OF SILICON VALLEY
What makes Y camps different? Our campers… • Learn values and positive behaviors • Practice healthy habits • Participate in fun activities • Develop leadership skills • Discover talents and potential • Develop a sense of responsibility • Gain independence and confidence • Build character • Explore nature • Make new friends and learn social skills • Go home with memories to last a lifetime
et rest you and g Find the Y nea mp guide at your summer ca
mmercamp ymcasv.org/su
Our day and overnight camps… • Are accredited by the American Camp Association • Meet the highest standards in nearly 300 areas, including health, safety, personnel, transportation and facilities • Are staffed by caring people trained in safety, CPR, First Aid and child development We offer financial assistance if you need it. We inspire kids in camps spanning from Morgan Hill to Redwood City and in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains at Camp Campbell. YMCA OF SILICON VALLEY 1922 The Alameda 3rd Floor, San Jose, CA 95126 | 408 351 6400 | ymcasv.org/summercamp
Fighting for clean air & healthy lungs in our local communities since 1911
- Youth Tobacco Education & Prevention - Support Groups for Lung Disease Patients - Clean Air Campaigns - Smoke-Free Communities - Lung Disease Research - TB Prevention Program - Lung Health Speakers Bureau
- Asthma Management Classes at Schools - Quit-Smoking Clinics - Breathing Improvement Courses - Home & School Environmental Assessments - Summer Asthma Camp - Community Forums & Events - Information & Referral
JOIN OUR EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT ALL BAY AREA RESIDENTS CAN BREATHE EASIER! (408) 998-5865 1469 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 www.lungsrus.org
Pacific Autism Center for Education Connect • Support • Educate
Pacific Autism Center for Education provides for the educational and residential needs of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Specialists in speech and language development, occupational therapy, behavior management and special education instruction work as a team to serve the diverse needs of our clients through our innovative Children’s Therapeutic Services for toddlers to school aged, Sunny Days Preschool, The PACE School for ages 6-22, and Residential Group Homes for those aged 6-59.
Now accepting students!
(408) 245-3400 | info@pacificautism.org 1880 Pruneridge Avenue, Santa Clara, CA www.pacificautism.org
Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley
Strengthening families, Changing lives. “Our daughter started the year suicidal. Thanks to her therapist, she’s now in better emotional shape than she’s been in many years.” - Parents of a teenager served
through our school-based clinical counseling services
You can help! Each year, we reach more than 7,000 children, teens, and adults in Silicon Valley in need of counseling and support. We invite you to join us in strengthening families and changing lives. Find volunteer opportunities, ways to give, special event dates, and news:
| www.fcservices.org | 650.326.6576 | 408.292.9353
Based in Palo Alto and San Jose. Serving our neighbors at community-based locations throughout Silicon Valley.
Continuing a tradition of service since 1948. To protect the privacy of our clients, we use licensed stock photography for illustrative purposes.
DO GOOD
BY DONATING YOUR GOODS!
SHOP • DONATE • VOLUNTEER
Cabinets Doors Appliances Electrical Tiles Plumbing Paint Lighting Flooring Hardware Tools Windows
donate your new and reusable building materials, appliances, cabinets, furniture, tools, and home improvement materials to help build affordable housing. Your donation may be tax deductible and pick-up service is available in the East Bay and Silicon Valley. Drop-offs end 30 minutes before closing.
proceeds from the ReStore help build Habitat for Humanity homes in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties, making the dream of homeownership a reality for families with limited incomes. Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
BayAreaReStores.org • 800-SHOP-090 (800-746-7090)
OAKLAND 9235 San Leandro St.
SAN JOSE 1008 S. 2nd St.
San Jose 1608 Las Plumas Ave.
You a r e
CoRdIAllY INVITed to a
SpeCIAl ToUR of
VAlleY MedICAl CeNTeR in San JoSe
Join us for a special insider’s tour which will include a look at our state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Rehabilitation Center and highlight the new construction on the VMC campus.
Schedule Your Tour
About VMC Foundation
Tours are scheduled on an ongoing basis. If you are interested, please call 408.885.5206 or email vmcfoundation@hhs.sccgov.org. Individuals and groups—large and small—are welcome.
VMC Foundation raises donations from the community on behalf of our hospital and the entire Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System. The Foundation seeks these funds for programs that support community well-being, improve the quality of care, and promote access to medical treatment for all residents of Santa Clara County regardless of their ability to pay.
Valley Medical Center 751 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128
Cr e a TVPr oSe r v i c e s Af ul l ar r ayofvi deopr oduct i onser vi ces andequi pmentf oryourpr oduct i on needsatcompet i t i ver at esi ncl udi ng:
Ge t YourCus t om Quot e 4 0 8 . 2 9 5 . 8 8 1 5e x t . 3 0 5| i nf o@c r e a t v pr o. c om www. c r e a t v pr o. c om Pr oc eedss uppor tCr eaTVSanJ os e,anonpr of i tc ommuni t ymedi ac ent er . 255Wes tJ ul i anSt r eet ,Sui t e100,SanJ os e,Cal i f or ni a95110
Building a community free of bias, bigotry and violence by ▌transforming youth into community builders and ▌empowering crime victims to thrive
FACES IMPACT annually
▌Educate over 4,300 youth and adults on social emotional intelligence: peaceful conflict resolution, appreciation of differences and upstanding leadership skills
▌Assist over 9,000 victims of violent crime to overcome the traumatic experience and to rebuild their lives
CAMP EVERYTOWN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE COMMON GROUND VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ADVOCACY
EXTREMES OF HATE: GENOCIDE STUDIES AND CRITICAL THINKING FINANCIAL RESTITUTION COURT ACCOMPANIMENT
"
To this day, my Camp Everytown experience remains very impactful because it reminds me that no matter where you are in life, you have to remember to look back, to look forward and
408-286-9663 ▌ www.SVFACES.org
"
next to you, and be there for each other. ― Thy Truong Camp Everytown alumna 2005
Creating Opportunities for Self-Reliance in Santa Clara County • Advocacy to Cut Poverty • Behavioral Health • Children, Youth and Family Development • Economic Development • Education • Employment • Financial Education • Housing Services • Immigration Legal Services • In-Home and Long-Term Care • Older Adult Services • Refugee Resettlement and Foster Care • Senior Nutrition and CalFresh • Youth and Senior Community Centers
S E R V I N G A L L C U LT U R E S A N D B E L I E F S 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134 408.468.0100 | www.CatholicCharitiesSCC.org | info@CatholicCharitiesSCC.org Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
@GregKepferle
CatholicCharitiesTV
Professional counseling you can afford
Sofia University’s Community Center for Health & Wellness (CCHW) in Palo Alto is a nonprofit counseling center and advanced training institute offering professional services at an affordable sliding scale fee for individuals, couples, families, children and groups. The CCHW offers a wide variety of services by combining contemporary psychotherapy with values that honor the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, social, and creative aspects of life. Our core philosophy is that the persons we serve are whole and complete, to be accepted, respected and encouraged to grow in directions that expand their inherent health and wholeness. CCHW is proud to support our community by bringing quality mental health services and spiritual guidance to those who may be struggling in our tough economy.
650.493.5006 • COUNSELING@SOFIA.EDU • WWW.SOFIA.EDU/COUNSELING
Your Partner For Success THE SOLUTION FOR ALL YOUR EMPLOYMENT NEEDS
Recruiting Solution – we send those who are truly jobready and a fit for the position and company. Diversity Solution – diverse work groups create better solutions to challenges. Retention Solution – people with disabilities have higher work performance, greater retention and lower absenteeism.
Coming soon…TransAccess will change its name to…
EXPANDability
TransAccess provides E persons with disabilities E access to adaptive technology and career transition services so that they can achieve their desired education and employment, and improve their quality of life.
1150 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 7A San Jose, CA 95128
Diversity solutions tailored to your company. Staffing Service Social Enterprise – when you need contingent, temporary help or sourcing for direct hire positions, we will provide talent specifically matched to your requirements. Whether you need one person or groups of individuals, our forte is matching the right person the first time.
Employment Services – We connect youth and adults in work experiences with employers and develop career transition programs and job coaching so that they are successful contributors.
Access to Technology Services – Enable persons with disabilities to
complete their work task, provide reasonable accommodations that make sense for your business. We train employees on the latest innovations, such as voice recognition. We find low-cost solutions, such as built-in utilities or ergonomic adjustment.
Ergonomic Services – Help employees stay safe and reduce repetitive
www.transaccess.org
actions. Decrease workers’ compensation claims and time off due to injury. Increase your employee productivity by determining the best workstation setup.
408 278-2000
Please call us to see how we can help you.
Anyone is at risk of homelessness. Everyone deserves a decent place to live. HomeFirst helps people find and keep permanent housing. With your support, we can end homelessness.
www.HomeFirstSCC.org
34 YEARS OF FEEDING THE HUNGRY Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen is committed to providing no cost, hot nutritious meals and support services in a dignified, safe and caring environment. We provide services to all needy individuals, with special concern for families, senior citizens and homeless. Loaves & Fishes was founded in 1980 to fill a void in the community for these special populations. Our kitchens now serve meals five days each week at four locations. The number of guests has grown from the initial 11 guests served on February 15, 1980, to more than 400 people served daily. Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, handicap or sexual orientation.
WWW.LOAVESFISHES.ORG
we can see we can see the end of cancer thesee end of cancer we can from here. from he end of here. cancer
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T h e sepe o plearea ne w ge ne rat io n o fblo o d c anc e r pat ie nt s.T h e yliveno rmal live s,so me managing t h e irare c o ndit io n ge wit h o ut lo so o fpills o r t re at nt s s. wit h disc o uraging e f f e c t s, T h e sepe o ple a ne w ne rat io nt f blo o d c anc e r me pat ie nt T h e ylive no rmalside live s, so me t h ank s t ot disc ve rie s io f unde dh in T h eo L uk e mia &s L y mph o ma So c ie t y . Ande t h e se managing h e iro c o ndit n wit o utpart lo t s by o fpills re t re at me nt wit hdisc o uraging side f f e c t s, disc o ve rie s apply t o many dif f e re nt k inds o f c anc e r. Almo st h alf t h e ne w c anc e r t h e rapie s t h ank s rat t o disc o ve rie f unde inie part by T h eL e uk e mia & so L y mph o ma So c ie t y .And t h e se epe o plearea ne w ge ne io n o f blo o ds c anc e rdpat nt s.T h e y live no rmal live s, me appro ve d sby t h eF D A many be t we e nf 2 0 0 0k and 2 0 1 2 we re first appro ve dh f o r blo o dc c anc e pat ie nt s, disc o ve rie apply t o dif e re nt inds o f c anc e r. Almo st h alf e ne w anc e r rt h e rapie s ng t h e ir c o ndit io n wit h o ut lo t s o fpills o r t re at me nt s wit hdisc o uraging side e f f e c t s,t many wit h re se arc h suppo rt e d by L L S. F o rge t so me day . We ’ re mak ing c ure s h appe n t o day . Are appro d by t h e F D Ae be t we e n2 0 0 and 2 0 1 2So we re first appro ve df o r blo o dc anc e r pat ie nt s, t odisc o ve rie s f unde dve in part by T h L e uk e mia &0 L y mph o ma c ie t y .And t h e se y o u aware o f h o w c lo se we are t o many ne w lif e saving bre ak t h ro ugh s? O r h o w y o u c an h e lp? e rie s applyt omany dif f e re nt k inds o fc anc e r. st h alf t h e w c anc e r t h e rapie sing c many wit h re se arc h suppo rt e dAlmo byL L S. F o rge tne so me day . We ’ re mak ure sh appe nt o day .Are F i nd o ut at l l s .o rg/ gba o r c al l 4 0 8.4 9 0 .2 6 6 6 . e d byt h eF D A be t we e n 2 0 0 0 and 2 0 1 2 we re first appro ve d f o r blo o d c anc e r pat ie nt s, y o u awareo fh o wc lo sewearet omanyne w lif e saving bre ak t h ro ugh s? O rh o wy o uc an h e lp?
wit hre se arc hsuppo rt e do by L S. F o rge t so me .We ’ re mak ing6 c ure appe nt o day .Are F i nd utL at l l s .o rg/ gba o rday c al l4 0 8.4 9 0 .2 6 6 . sh Make a donation. Volunteer your time. Be an ambassador for LLS areo fh o wc lo sewearet omanyne w lif e saving bre ak t h ro ugh s? O rh o wy o uc an h e lp? within your community. Help us make someday today. o utatl l s .o rg/ gba o rc al l4 0 8.4 9 0 .2 6 6 6 . Greater Bay Area Chapter San Francisco Office 221 Main Street, Ste. 1650 San Francisco, CA 94105 Silicon Valley & Monterey Bay Office 675 N. First Street, Ste. 1100 San Jose, CA 95112
Family Giving Tree’s
Back to School Drive
Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty In the Bay Area, 74% of low-income 10th graders score below Algebra standards. When 80% of jobs created in next decade will require STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills, not having the proper school supplies can be a barrier to learning. The Family Giving Tree’s Back to School Drive gets kids started off on the right foot!
“ Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats
THREE EASY WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
1
Lead a Drive
2
Buy a Backpack
www.FamilyGivingTree.org
3
Visit us Online
Fth Estate
We at Fth feel strongly about helping the homeless community with their most pressing needs. With that in mind, we are purchasing and filling up backpacks with essential supplies for survival out on the street. These kits contain things like Clif bars, first aid kits and socks, which with your help, we will eventually be able to refill at our Sunnyvale distribution center. Our cost is currently $60 per kit.
Food is an immediate need. In order to address this issue in a mobile, agile fashion we thought, what better way to feed people than by taking the food to them? To test the feasibility of this idea, we began talking to food truck owners and found that many of them already feed the homeless on their own and they would be more than happy to join our food truck network for the homeless!
Although the majority of our funding comes from internal volunteers and board members, it still takes a strong network of donors to make a sustainable impact on the issues of homelessness, hunger and ultimately survival of these less fortunate but still incredibly valuable members of our society. As a 501c3 organization, all donations are eligible for a charitable tax deduction.
2 yr Goal: 7,693 backpacks and supplies distributed to the entire Bay Area homeless community.
2 yr Goal: mobile app developed to dispatch a network of food truck drivers to people in need.
2 yr. Goal: bring in $500k to purchase a food truck and 7k + backpacks for the homeless.
instagram.com/FthEstate
facebook.com/FthEstate
@Fthestate
fthestate.tumblr.com
Http://Fth.estate is a 5013c non-profit organization based in Sunnyvale , Ca. For volunteer, sponsorship or media inquiries, email Kristine@fth.estate
Discover Your Open Space
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is right in your own backyard. We offer 26 preserves, 62,000 acres, and over 225 miles of trails, plus hiking and nature programs nearly every day of the week, free of charge! Discover scenic baylands or majestic redwood forests just minutes away from Silicon Valley.
www.openspace.org
SCORE: Often The Answer To A Small Business Owner’s Prayer
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or those of you small business owners who face not only numerous challenges from the economy, but also from changing technology, changing market needs and changing government regulations, SCORE often can and does provide important valued assistance. Would you like to find a place where you could talk to seasoned small business owners, experienced senior managers who you can level with in confidential meetings to find new solutions and bounce off ideas you have? Here is where 1000 s of small business owners turn to each year in Silicon Valley for assistance - The Silicon Valley Chapter of SCORE. Indeed, there are over 50 volunteer experts waiting for you to call the San Jose offices. SCORE understands your challenges, as well as your lack of time and resources. Many small business owners and entrepreneurs have benefited over the years from these valuable services and consultations - why not you? Silicon Valley SCORE is part of a national network of chapters helping small businesses grow and prosper. Here you will find to assist you: • Unlimited no charge one hour counseling appointments with two experts when you are available.
• On site or at a mutually convenient location with an appointed mentor where needed. • Meeting seminars and workshops on key topics at minimal charge. • On line counseling where you ask the critical question and get an answer in a day or so. If you are starting a new business, SCORE has both workshops and seminars geared to rapidly bring you up to speed as to the key things you need to know to maximize your chances of success. SCORE can help you with that critical plan you will need. Counselors are available by appointment for free to guide you and you can continue to make counseling appointments for as long as you need their help. SCORE also offers two counselors per appointment with a long history and plenty of experience in owning, managing and starting a business. Please call (408) 453-6237 or visit the SCORE website at www.svscore.org where you can request an appointment or register for one of their workshops or seminars. SCORE is located near the San Jose International Airport at 234 E. Gish Road, Suite 100, San Jose. SCORE always looks forward to your call and wants to help.
SCORE Success Story Janis King, In Home Support Network, LLC
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anis King is an amazing and versatile woman. She was born in San Jose and lived in the San Francisco Bay Area her entire life. She worked in the electronics industry for some years when she decided she wanted a change. She began working for a home care agency as a personal attendant, and within six months of becoming a caregiver, a close friend suggested that she start her own business. Janis contacted SCORE and started regular counseling. In 1987, with the help of her SCORE counselor Lloyd Michaels, Janis started her first business, Loving Hands Home Care Services Inc. The business provides in-home care services to the elderly and developmentally disabled. By 1995, the business became a success! Loving Hands generated more than a million dollars in annual revenue. In 2004, Janis sold Loving Hands. In 2005, she kicked off a quarterly, upscale magazine called Soul Mag, published by her enterprise, Soul Publications, a subsidiary of Fit for the King International, a non-profit corporation established in 1995. Within the first year of its inception, Soul Mag became a nationally distributed publication through Anderson News and was placed on news racks in more than 356 stores and 327 chains. In July 2006, Janis King developed The King Media Group, a multi-media corporation that
staged its first music festival at Arena Green Park across from HP Pavilion. In January 2007, Janis was offered her own television show on a local commercial station, KICU Channel 36. She accepted the challenge and decided to use the content of Soul Mag in a weekly lifestyle television show called The Art & Soul of Urban Living. Janis’s passion is to market her dance fitness
“SCORE aided me in discovering and developing the ability to be an entrepreneur.” program, “It’s in the Dance,” and promote an annual music and wellness festival. The nonprofit corporation still reaches out to those in need, reinvented as Fruitful Living, Inc. Fruitful Living’s mission, through a collaborative effort linking other corporations, is to enrich our community. In 2010, Janis decided to go back to her original business. Under the name of In Home Support Network, LLC, Janis started again a new home care agency, The Caregivers, which provides in home care services to seniors, developmentally disabled, cancer patients and our veterans. “Every business I have developed is as a result of the workshops, collaborations with my SCORE mentor and the many other counselors I’ve been blessed to work with,” said Janis.
Psychedelic Science
at Sofia University
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ofia University is gaining a worldwide reputation in the area of psychedelics research, thanks in large part to Sofia University cofounder, James Fadiman. Like his colleague, Stanislav Grof, Fadiman was originally involved in psychedelics research in the early 1960s before they were effectively banned by the U.S. Government. A resurgence of interest over the past 10 to 15 years has led to more research and greater acceptance of these substances by governments and the public.
Recently, Sofia U co-sponsored the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Psychedelic Science Conference 2013 in Oakland, California. James Fadiman, Ph.D.,featured as one of the international experts in the field, held a workshop titled, “Psychedelic Horizons Beyond Psychotherapy.” The MAPS conference also included a presentation going into more detail about the challenges and benefits of teaching future therapists to be more sensitive and competent in working with clients who have used or are using psychedelic substances. At Sofia U, Fadiman coteaches courses on psychedelic research and clinical issues with faculty member David Lukoff, Ph.D. The two-unit residential course was first offered in the fall quarter of 2010 and has been well received. The class covers clinical research on psychedelic drugs as adjuncts to psychotherapy for the treatment of addiction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and existential distress at the end of life, as well as how to address psychedelic experiences that clients bring into psychotherapy. While not all students who enroll in the class intend to be clinicians, clinical aspects are discussed throughout the course. Lukoff commented, “Our fondest hope for this course is that it paves the way for other universities, particularly those offering graduate training for mental health professionals, to use this precedent at an accredited graduate program to advocate for including similar courses in their curriculum.” Understanding psychedelic experiences requires knowledge about the interdisciplinary context, traditional uses, and applications behind modern research on psychedelic drugs for treating trauma and addiction. Lukoff commented on the specific need for this type of course: “With all of these clinical and research advances, how could a doctoral psychology
program not provide training in this area? The recent research is beyond compelling that therapy, experientially supported with psychedelics, helps resolve combat trauma in veterans as well as other forms of trauma and reduces anxiety in cancer patients.” Sofia University is currently developing an online course for its global students and has plans to offer the class through other institutions. In addition to the psychedelics course at Sofia U, increasing interest in psychedelics in higher education is reflected in Sofa students’ dissertations and research. Fadiman commented, “Our students whose dissertations have dealt with psychedelic issues are doing psychedelic clinical studies at Yale and Johns Hopkins University. Sofia University is one of the few academic institutions in the world that supports graduate study in this area, thus fulfilling part of its mission to remain at the forefront of clinical training and emerging research areas.” In addition to sponsoring the Psychedelic Science Conference this year, Sofia University also held an event on May 2, 2013, called, “Psychedelic Experience: Healing, Growth and Discovery” hosted by James Fadiman and Brad Burge, the Communications Director for MAPS. The event can be viewed on Livestream at www.livestream.com/ sofiauniversity. The event included engaging dialogue on new research opportunities including discoveries in neuro-science, longterm effects of ongoing use, and work done in indigenous settings. The evening’s dialogue also considered the application of psychedelic substances for chronic sleep disturbances, severe life-long allergies, academic test-taking, neuromuscular improvements, successful withdrawal from anti-depressants, as well as the almost totally unstudied effects of micro-dosing as well as experiments in accelerated scientific problem-solving.
Paul Talks Green: What Will We Do About Global Warming…And When?
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an you “see” accelerating change without study, science and effort?
Is it part of our survival kit, built in from birth? Seems not. Two facts that matter. You are aging. Global warming is real, but the destinations defined in part by the speed of these trends may not be obvious without proper perspective, study and trained skills. They are mostly ignored without science, measurements and your willingness to study and accept reality. If you are a healthy 50, it may seem that your health is robust and steady. But it rarely is. System breakdown is underway and is accelerating. Life has an expiration date. That change is hard to see without measurements, tools and directed attention. After 50,000 years, the human experiment, at about 1800 AD, reached a population of 1 billion people. In the next 212 years the population reached 7 Billion with only a slight increase in RATE of change. Hard to see in the early graph. Then came a “dramatic population spike” that was in the math and numbers all along. Global warming rates and anthropogenic cause, were quite accurately calculated and published in a paper by Svante Arrhenius in 1895...and ignored. The facts Paul Wingate were in. The cause was us. (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Arrhenius/ arrhenius_2.php) Back then coal was extracted and burned by 1000’s of tons. Now coal is removed from earth at 23 million tons/day. Plus oil at 12 million tons/day. Plus over 300 billion cubic feet of methane/day. And they are burned, except for too much of the methane which is lost to leakage. A worse condition. The chemistry is unchanged. Burned carbon fossils release CO2 into our atmosphere, trapping heat. The leaked, unburned methane is a nastier blanket gas. Most of us know the facts, but will you give up junk food, cigarettes and overindulgence for a longer, better life? Walk a bit more? What will you do about global warming...and when? Will your children and grandchildren be toasty warm...or toast? Wake up. Learn more. Vote for survival. Buckle up for a rough ride.
HOMEOWNERS SEEK
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS
TO SAVING WATER
MANY REASONS WHY MANY TURN TO HEAVENLY GREENS
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s many Californians are aware, the drought situation is getting worse by the day. With 2013 being the driest year on record and current conditions suggesting we won’t see a significant change for the remainder of 2014 – many homeowners are seeking water savings alternatives to landscaping like never before. One fact remains true in the water savings debate – when it comes to wasting water, it’s no secret that the biggest offender is the average homeowner’s lawn. In fact, it may surprise you just how much water the common yard actually requires to stay green – a shocking 56,000 gallons a year! If you visit our website we have a number of consumer awareness guides and helpful tips – over 16 of them. Free guides on Designing with Artificial Turf, 22 of the most common questions, the Top 5 Myths About Artificial Grass or the Hidden Costs of Real Grass which are all very informative. Dog owners have seen incredible benefits as well, imagine no more muddy paws and finally an end to brown dead lawn that, during winter… becomes a complete unusable mess. Heavenly Greens is the turf choice for hundreds of dog facilities through the bay area including; the Marin Humane Society, Humane Society of Silicon Valley and the Peninsula Humane Society. It IS possible to have a beautiful lawn and a dog! They have also included up to date information about local water municipalities rebates and currently offer consumers their own $500 instant rebate to help support the water saving cause. Heavenly Greens is so confident in these products that they’re backed by a 15 year warranty on all installations. You can also visit their showroom in San Jose or call them at 888-724-TURF (8873) to have a qualified turf technician visit your home for a free site evaluation.
A CONVERSATION WITH SAN JOSE’S MAYOR
Chuck Reed
Paula and Chuck Reed ride in the Rose, White, and Blue Parade on the Fourth of July, 2010.
SVL: Looking back, what have you learned from being Mayor? Mayor Reed: That you can never stop thinking about the budget. SVL: As Mayor, what accomplishments are you most proud of? Mayor Reed: When I ran for Mayor, I ran on a platform of honesty, fiscal responsibility, and open government. Those have remained my focus throughout my tenure. During my first term, we successfully implemented the Reed Reforms, which allow residents to know more about the workings of their government by requiring greater disclosure by elected and appointed officials, by toughening restrictions on lobbyists, and by increasing the role that residents play in the budget process and San José government. We also launched the Green Vision for San José, an ambitious 10-point plan to invigorate the economy and improve the environment, and as of 2012, have more than 10,000 clean tech jobs in the city.
In my second term, the City Council implemented much-needed fiscal reforms to solve the City’s enduring budget problems. In 2012, nearly 70% of San Jose voters approved a comprehensive set of pension reforms that will protect the long-term health of the City’s retirement plans and generate the savings necessary to begin restoring core services to the community. These decisions were difficult, but they were necessary to prevent fiscal disaster. They also allowed us to avoid passing significant costs to our children and grandchildren. Now after a decade of budget cuts, we have an opportunity to restore police services, bring new jobs to San José, and begin to restore core services. SVL: What issues are still important to you? As Mayor, what would you still like to see happen? Mayor Reed: My top priority is restoring capacity in the Police Department as the City emerges from a decade of budget deficits.
While the San Jose Police Department has some of the best officers in the country, a decade of spiraling costs, caused primarily by skyrocketing retirement costs, have left the department understaffed and reduced its ability to respond to, investigate and prevent crimes. From FY 2001-02 to FY 2011-12, the San Jose Police Department was forced to eliminate almost 400 positions from its workforce – including 300 sworn police officer positions – even though the City increased the Police Department budget by nearly $100 million (view the chart). Due to the tough, but necessary, decisions made by the City Council (including pay cuts and pension reforms), the City of San Jose has been able to avoid further cuts to police staffing and is now in a position to begin restoring critical police department services. SVL: What would you like to do once you leave office? Mayor Reed: I plan to spend more time with my family and return to practicing law. I will not be running for elected office again. SVL: Where did you grow up? Where did
you go to school and what did you study? Mayor Reed: I grew up in the small town of Garden City, Kansas. I left home for the U.S. Air Force Academy, served in the Air Force, then went on to obtain a Master’s in Public Affairs at Princeton University and a law degree from Stanford. SVL: Who have been your role models and who has inspired you in politics and life itself? Mayor Reed: The three Js: Jesus, Jefferson, and JFK. SVL: What did you enjoy most about being Mayor and what will you miss? Mayor Reed: Being Mayor is a great job, and the work of being Mayor brings me into contact with people throughout our diverse community. I’ve had the chance to cut the ribbon on new branch libraries and see children check out their very first library books, to meet young men and women who have turned their lives around thanks to programs of the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, to experience and learn about cultural traditions that I wouldn’t have otherwise. That’s what I’ll miss most.
Mayor Reed participating in the pre-game ceremonies for the San Jose Earthquakes home opener to its 2012 Major League Soccer season.
SVL: How do you feel now as the end of your Mayoral career is about to come to a close? Mayor Reed: As much as I love being the Mayor of San Jose, it is a difficult job and requires a lot of time. I am looking forward to having more time to spend with my wife Paula and our children and grandchildren. I am looking forward to having a more normal life. SVL: From all your experience, what would you recommend for the next Mayor that you think would be helpful? Mayor Reed: Learn to say no to your friends. Tell the truth. Place service above self. SVL: Looking ahead, if you could wave a magic wand for San Jose and Silicon Valley, what would you like to see? Mayor Reed: I would like to see: • A city that is on sound fiscal footing, that is again the safest big city in America, that has a fully staffed police force and libraries that are open full-time again. • Future City Councils hold firm on protecting our employment lands (from being converted to housing) and working to improve San Jose’s job/housing ratio. • The achievement gap between low-income and wealthy children disappear so that children from all of San Jose’s diverse neighborhoods can grow up and realize the opportunities that our country and this valley provide. • A valley that remains the Innovation Center of the World.
country offers tremendous opportunities. Take advantage of them. Dream big, set goals, focus, and study hard. Most importantly, if you’ve gotten off track, there are resources and means to regain direction. The Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force is one such resource that has had great success helping young adults turn their lives around. And when you achieve success, don’t forget where you came from. SVL: What’s the best piece of advice anyone has given you? Mayor Reed: Curt Shipley, my high school basketball coach (Kansas state champions in 1966), taught me the power of a team focusing on a goal, working hard, and not caring about who scores the most points. SVL: What’s the toughest part of your job? Mayor Reed: Having to say no to nice people who are doing good things. There isn’t enough time in the day to attend every festival, celebration, or special event that the Mayor gets invited to. SVL: What do you do in your spare time? Mayor Reed: Bicycle the creek trails with my wife Paula.
SVL: What do you like most about living in the Bay Area? Mayor Reed: 1) The climate and natural beauty. San Jose has some of the best weather in the world – and plenty of trails for hiking and SVL: Did you think you would be the Mayor biking, easy access to the coast and the mountains. 2) The people. Not only is Silicon Valley a of a large city when you were a teenager? global center of innovation, we are home to Mayor Reed: I never imagined I’d be people from all around the world who focus where I am now. I grew up in a small farming on what we have in common rather than our community and my parents hadn’t had educational opportunities. I worked my first job, differences. We share our traditions with the sweeping floors, in elementary school and soon broader community through food and festivals after was digging ditches, shoveling gravel, and that make this a vibrant place to call home. working in the fields. It was hard work, and it SVL: Do you have a hidden talent? pushed me to focus on my education. Mayor Reed: Few people know that I can sew and did, in my younger days, make SVL: If you could give a 16-year-old some of Paula’s maternity dresses. I can also advice, what would it be? do some rough carpentry when needed (like Mayor Reed: This is the advice I have for recently building my grandson a treehouse). young people: Don’t let external forces, life circumstances, or other people limit you. This
Dave Cortese
County Supervisor, Third District
CalWorks Guides Clients Along a Path to Employment in Santa Clara County
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s a Santa Clara County Supervisor for returned to the workforce, but without a diploma, nearly seven years, I know that our she had to settle for low-wage jobs. She knew that Safety Net programs work. We help the was not the life she wanted for her and her children. neediest with medical care, housing, food and That’s when she turned to CalWORKS for help. other crucial necessities of life. But we also help Jessica enrolled in a vocational school and earned people to help themselves. The county offers an associate degree in paralegal studies. While programs that provide training and counseling working as a paralegal at Elise Mitchell Law Offices, that can move clients toward employment and a she is continuing her studies at San Jose State chance to start their lives over. University and has her sights on corporate law. CalWORKS is one of these. The program Jessica’s story is just one of many that start provides clients with the tools, training and skills with a program offered by Santa Clara County. that prepare them for work. Besides training, And hearing her story reminds me of why my job clients receive such support services as child care, as a supervisor is so rewarding. counseling, transportation, books and materials for school. Local employers become CalWORKS partners, stepping up to provide jobs when clients are ready. But it’s better to put a face to the program in telling the real story. At the 23rd annual CalWORKS Achievement Awards Ceremony, I and other supervisors recognized outstanding participants who overcame enormous challenges with courage, tenacity and persistence. Award recipient Jessica Sanchez Gonzales ran away at age 13, and by age 18 was married with her first daughter. After a few years, her marriage fell apart and she found Supervisor Cortese with Award Recipient Jessica Sanchez Gonzales herself as a single mom of two Photo Courtesy of County of Santa Clara daughters with no income. She
2014-15 Foothill College Celebrity Forum Bill Nye, “The Science Guy” October 22, 23, 24 He is a science educator, comedian, television host, actor, writer, and scientist who began his career as a mechanical engineer at Boeing.
Robert Gates November 19, 20, 21 He’s an American statesman and former President of Texas A&M who served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense.
Anderson Cooper
Platon
January 21, 22, 23 As a CNN anchor, he goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view and travels around the world to film human-interest stories.
February 18, 19, 20 He is an award-winning photographer who has taken photos of many worldfamous people. As he shows his photos, he will share interesting stories about his subjects.
Walter Isaacson
Soledad O’Brien
March 25, 26, 27 He wrote the only authorized biography of Steve Jobs and will talk and about Job’s life. Aaron Sorkin has completed the screenplay for the longanticipated Isaacson movie.
April 22, 23, 24 Maria de la Soledad Teresa O’Brien is an American broadcast journalist, executive producer, and philanthropist. Last year, she launched Starfish Media Group dedicated to uncovering and producing empowering stories.
Alan Alda May 13, 14, 15 One of TV ‘s greatest stars, he is best known for portraying Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H. The role earned him five Emmys for acting, writing, and directing. His latest book is, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself in which he takes a humorous look at a serious question: What has been the meaning of my life?
www.celebrityforum.net
Local Community Spotlight
Sponsored by Toyota of Sunnyvale
Welcome to Sunnyvale Sunnyvale, California has long been known as the heart of the world famous Silicon Valley. Sunnyvale has always excelled in quality of life and in business recruitment, retention, and expansion. Recently, the Dr. Oz Show announced, with the statistics from GallupHealthways Well Being index, that Sunnyvale is the happiest city in America. We are known for our top ranking schools and our expansive pool of quality employees in the fields of technology and innovation. To top that off, Sunnyvale is the number one leader in patents per capita over any other city in the nation. That can be attributed to our legendary corporations such as Rambus,
Motorola, Yahoo, Advanced Micro Devices, Microsoft, Apple, NetApp, Juniper Networks, Intuitive Surgical, Google, Lockheed Martin, Synopsys, Spansion, Broadcom, Applied Signal Technology, Blue Coat Systems, Northrop Grumman, Fujitsu, Maxim, Infinera, Dionex, Serious Energy, Silicon Imaging, Cepheid and many others. Our economy is resilient as a result of our business diversity and we are always the leader in the nation’s economic recovery. Sunnyvale’s city government has a reputation for facilitating smart development and for encouraging sustainable business and environmental practices. Our police and firefighting personnel are cross trained and are combined into a single department of Public Service. The Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce is known providing opportunities and benefits for all ranges of business from individual shop owners to world renowned corporations. http://www.svcoc.org
Featured Sunnyvale Business
Green is Good!
What Makes a Vehicle “Green?” When you think about buying a new vehicle, there’s more to consider than just how many people it will seat, or whether it comes with a navigation system. You also may be concerned about the effect your vehicle has on the environment. Going green is a serious choice to make with your vehicle. It may not be easy being green, but Toyota is working hard to bring green — or environmentally friendly — technologies to the vehicles we drive. Green vehicles produce fewer harmful impacts to the environment than standard internal combustion engine vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel. Green vehicles use alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies for power and locomotion. As part of their contribution to sustainable transport, environmentally friendly vehicles reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to energy independence by reducing oil imports. Battery-powered Toyotas and plug-in hybrid Toyotas are getting more and more popular. They have better fuel economy than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, and increase the range or maximum distance attainable, before discharging the battery.
Currently, Toyota offers several green-technology vehicles:
These special vehicles show the world that Toyota Green is Beautiful — in more ways than one!
all-electric WE QUOTE PRICES ON THE PHONE!
Phone: 408-913-9082
Shop online at: ToyotaSunnyvale.com • 898 W. El Camino Real • Sunnyvale
Jessica Fullmer
Sustainable Business Institute
SBI’s Business ‘Seal of Sustainability’ The Seal of Good Earth-Keeping and Business Efficiencies with Profitability The Old paradigm: Winner-Loser, chasing only profits only looks good in near-sighted, short duration, small arena, views. In our recklessly plundered, over-extracted, interconnected world entering severe climate crisis, biz-as-usual capitalism, has failed. Billions are starving. Life support systems are collapsing. Not wise. Not sustainable. The Sustainable Business Institute (SBI)- Creates New science: All systems are connected and complex. Understanding nature, whole systems, efficiency and flow can lead to bigger, more secure and more durable profits. The Seal of Sustainability (SOS) acknowledges and rewards corporate citizenship, environmental stewardship with more visibility so caring consumers will vote with their dollars to buy from them. The SOS will encourage businesses to continue to improve their sustainable business practices. Profits and prosperity for all follow... It is a win win for business and the quality of life we will all enjoy in the future. Caring for the environment is a profit decision, not a luxury. It is a survival necessity that pays well. Many Fortune 500 companies have made extra billion$ in profits while doing the right thing. Being in the flow creates natural efficiencies and benefits. The nonprofit, nonpartisan Sustainable Business Institute (SBI, sustainablebusiness.org) was created to promote this emerging story: disconnected, old business thinking can no longer succeed in a shrinking, connected world with stressed support systems. Caring for the planet is a key to profitability and competitiveness. SBI teaches and helps businesses to find ways to use inclusive, connected, systems intelligence and efficient practices, policies and procedures. The SOS is designed to be a catalyst and map for change. SBI honors companies that demonstrate this awareness in practice. SBI will encourage companies to reach that goal, while adding to consumers awareness about which companies care about safety, health, and happy grandchildren; only possible with a healthy planet.
Education in Silicon Valley
STEM Education Crucial to Economy and U.S. Competitiveness By Muhammed Chaudhry
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ith President Obama and education and technology leaders urging that STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) education become a national priority, now is the time to make a stronger push for STEM literacy and STEM integration in our local schools. This is especially important here in Silicon Valley, center of innovation and out-ofthe-box thinking. Silicon Valley understands the need to prepare our students for 21st century jobs and the innovation economy, which require strong math and science knowledge and critical thinking skills. Not enough students are following this path to replace the generation of innovators and visionaries who built Silicon Valley. We know our K-12 students, here and across the nation, are not performing well in science and math (the “S” and the “M” in STEM), which does
Muhammed Chaudhry is President & CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation. He previously worked in the corporate world for IBM, Dazzle Multimedia and the Clorox Company. He serves on numerous community boards, including the California Consortium of Education Foundations, the Hispanic Foundation and is on the advisory board of Fundly. Contact him at muhammed.chaudhry@ svefoundation.org or on Twitter: @ macrhamuhammed.
not bode well for our future workforce and maintaining America’s reputation as a global technology leader. American students consistently rank near the bottom in science and math literacy among students from developed countries. Here in Silicon Valley, where the world thinks we produce only high-achieving students, too many of our kids are not mastering the important “gateway” subject Algebra I, whose success in 8th grade is critical to prepare for college and a possible
degree in a STEM field. We need to turn this around if we are to keep moving forward to build a competitive workforce for tomorrow. The Silicon Valley Education Foundation is working toward this goal, presenting rigorous science and math (algebra) courses in summer and yearround programs for middle school students to master the basics before hitting high school. More than 5,000 Silicon Valley youth have achieved success in these programs, supported by top Silicon Valley companies, such as Flextronics, SAP, Texas Instruments, Walmart, JP Morgan Chase and Ernst & Young. These programs offer resources to arm students with skill for college and eventually work in STEM fields. The effort will drive the economy and ultimately provide American employers with home-grown talent.
silicon valleylocal proudly presents
Schools & Teachers of Silicon Valley
EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT Our Public Schools
Hello Everyone, Education is such an important part of our community, our youth being such an important part of what is and what will be our foundation ‌ our present and our future. There are tremendous strides and accomplishments being made. There are many great schools, teachers and students doing many great things, deserving our attention. We are glad that we can help introduce public schools throughout Silicon Valley. We are pleased to be able to share with you some of these schools and their principals.
All The Best!
Ken
Ken Packer
Bullis Charter School Los Altos
www.bullischarterschool.com
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ullis Charter School (BCS) was founded 10 years ago by a group of parents committed to creating a high-quality, innovative public school option in the community, one that focuses on developing the individual child, and inspires students and staff to reach beyond themselves to achieve their full potential. I am very proud that over the last decade, BCS has been continuously and successfully actualizing that vision. From its inception, introducing a project-based curricula integrated with robust visual and performing arts (drama, dance, music, and art), foreign language, and STEM programs taught by a highlyWanny Hersey, talented and nationally-recognized Superintendent/Principal corps of educators, to the current school year, and the implementation through grades K-8 of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) units that utilize the design-thinking process at the FabLab@BCS and the new MakerSpace, BCS continues to be in the forefront of what is possible in public education. The dedication of BCS staff to their profession and their students is a great source of pride for me. The entire faculty worked collaboratively to develop a performance-based compensation model, and have committed themselves to being assessed on that basis. Teachers annually create Focused Learning Goals for their students in the areas of academics, social-emotional growth, behavior, and individual passions, and hold themselves accountable for helping every student achieve these. I am honored to be working in a community that embodies the spirit of Silicon Valley, that values creativity and entrepreneurialism, and allows students and staff the freedom to innovate and soar.
Los Altos School District
Superintendent Jeffrey Baier
The Los Altos School District inspires a passion for learning and prepares all K-8 students to thrive in our rapidly changing global community. The district operates seven elementary and two junior high schools and is a top-rated school district in the State of California. LASD serves 4500 K-8 students from portions of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View and Palo Alto. All nine schools in the district have been California Distinguished Schools and/ or National Blue Ribbon Schools. LASD is nationally recognized for its innovations in education and its awards including the first district to create blended learning mathematics environments utilizing Khan Academy. To learn more about the innovative teaching & learning happening daily in Los Altos Altos School District follow us on twitter @lasdk8 or like us on Facebook.
Revolutionizing Learning Los Altos School District is revolutionizing learning by empowering our teachers to challenge students to actively discover curriculum. Our schools ignite a passion for learning. We prepare our children to become creative problem-solvers and collaborative learners. LASD is passionate about providing the best education possible for our students -- one that shapes them into creative thinkers, collaborative problem solvers, and responsible young citizens. We achieve this through a rigorous academic program, a nurturing environment and a commitment to character development. REVOLUTIONIZE Learning LASD believes the student experience extends beyond content knowledge and must include a strong emphasis on 21st century skills development. Our curriculum blends critical thinking and innovation creativity into the core academic subjects and across interdisciplinary studies. Today’s digital tools make it possible to expand the walls of the classroom and enable the integration of resources – scientific data, library collections, video and film archives –
from across the globe into the curriculum. Using research-proven strategies our teachers weave art, music and technology into everyday classroom experiences. Project-Based and Problem-Based Learning – an instructional method to help students understand how to collaboratively identify problems, research information, and present findings and solutions. Collaborative Learning - a practice of grouping students in well-structured teams that promote collaboration, leadership and other life/career skills, while enhancing student academic performance. Blended Learning – working closely with Khan Academy LASD developed a blended learning approach that has been recognized internationally and across the US. Inquiry-based Learning in Science - inquiry instruction involves students in a form of active learning that emphasizes questioning, data analysis, and critical thinking. In science, this instructional practice places students in the role of a scientist and enables them to discover knowledge through scientific experiments.
Almond Elementary School In addition to inspiring academic excellence in students, Almond Elementary fosters curiosity, courage, perseverance and passion in learning. This is achieved through a curriculum that extends beyond core subjects and delves into music, the arts, physical education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Woven into this fabric of instruction is a diverse community of staff members and families who place all emphasis on doing what is best for children at all times.
Principal Erika Benadom
Blach Intermediate School Blach Intermediate School is an amazing place for kids for many reasons, but a few big ones stand out. Being a small school of 500 allows our entire staff to know the kids really well - there is no way to be anonymous here. Our Blach staff also makes our school an amazing place to be – they are passionate and involved. Finally, kids at Blach have a voice on campus. They create clubs, problem solve issues they see, and work with teachers directly to make sure they get what they need for success.
Principal Sandra McGonagle
Covington Elementary School The unity of the Covington Community; parents, teachers and students, creates a rich and engaging environment for learning on our school campus. Students love coming to Covington School because teachers are caring and enthusiastic, the community is engaged and the curriculum is challenging and relevant. All these elements together prepare Covington students to be life-long learners and leaders who are inspired to contribute to the larger community and world.
Principal Erin Green
Egan Jr. High School
Principal Brenda Dyckman
Egan is a great school because of our amazing teachers, highly motivated and happy students, ongoing enthusiastic parent support, and a truly caring environment that ensures our students have a voice. Egan has continually achieved recognition as one of the top Junior Highs in California, and this speaks to our students demonstrating they care about their schoolwork and feel empowered and cared about by the staff. Students are actively involved in making decisions, given varied opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, and are always welcomed to express their point of view. Our students leave Egan with strong academic skills, but, as important, life skills to help them to enjoy a truly successful and fulfilling life.
Gardner Bullis School
Principal Katie Kinnaman
Gardner could be characterized as “small, but mighty!� Our students are compassionate, bold, diverse and innovative. We are truly focused on the whole child — strong academics, school wide social-emotional programming, and well-rounded art, music and PE experiences for all children. We have a tremendously talented and dedicated parent population. Our parents are vital oncampus volunteers, as well as strong behind-the-scenes fundraisers and community event organizers. Thanks to their generous support we have a state-of-the-art STEM lab and technology embedded into every classroom K-6 (including 1:1 laptops in grades 3-6) . Gardner staff has an unparalleled dedication to professional development and recently committed to a school-wide focus on literacy development and foundational reading skills from kindergarten through grade six.
Loyola Elementary School
Principal Kimberly Attell
Loyola School is a special community where students are nurtured to take risks in their learning. The spirit of the Loyola community encompasses support for the student, staff and parent learning. Our school is a place where students are the center of our conversations and attention. This student centered focus is embraced by all staff, in all classrooms and across all programs. Teachers design learning experiences that foster a growth mindset and meet the needs of all students. It is a place where academic rigor is balanced with a rich arts and social development program. Loyola School is proud of the neighborhood community feel that parents and students have both on and off campus.
Oak Avenue School
Principal Amy Romem
Oak School is a true community “center.” The campus is busy around the clock, around the calendar. Starting with a short flag salute each morning, we greet each other and share what’s new and exciting. We are a dedicated team of professionals who care about the success of our students and the strength of our community: communication is vital. Teachers teach the “whole child” - academics, STEM, character education and the arts. When you walk on campus, you notice our “small school” feel, see the many hands that shape our school environment, and know that you will be known by name. It is a special place.
Santa Rita School Santa Rita School has an amazing, warm and caring community of parents, teachers, students and staff. Collectively, we work together to create the most optimal learning environment for our students. On a daily basis, our teachers design innovative learning experiences that engage students and encourage them to explore learning beyond the boundaries of school. Whether students are dissecting hearts using three- dimensional technology or “Skyping� with Park Rangers in the Gold Country, it is clear we are preparing students for their future. A future that will require them to think critically, work collaboratively and communicate clearly. Principal Greg Land
Springer Elementary School
Principal Wade Spenader
Springer Elementary School is a place where students feel a sense of belonging. This is due to the tremendous caring of our staff and the positive, respectful, and supportive campus climate. Academic rigor is emphasized in every classroom. Springer Elementary School is a true community of learners. Students and teachers alike are encouraged to collaborate, think creatively, and problem solve. Being a community of learners, allows teachers to share their passion for learning and inspire intellectual curiosity in our students.
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Teachers of Silicon Valley
Scott & Lily Homer
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o have one virtuoso string musician at a school is rare, but to have a married couple, each with elite training, experience, and a passion for imparting excellence to students, is like catching lightning in a bottle! Scott Homer, the Dean of the Conservatory of the Arts program at Valley Christian Schools, became the youngest concertmaster of a major symphony (the Sacramento Symphony) in modern U.S. history— he was just 22—and later served as concertmaster for other symphonies and chamber orchestras in New York. He founded the Symphonic Orchestra at Valley Christian High School and has pioneered their unique Early Music Ensemble where, for the last five years, accomplished string students learn to play baroque-period instruments. He also teaches the Conservatory strings class for the VCS fifth graders, as well as
Valley Christian Schools, San Jose even younger musicians. Mr. Homer loves “the infectious enthusiasm” of his students and his role in enabling them to “skip all the bad habits” of learning their instrument. Graduating from The Julliard School and the Hong Kong Conservatory of Music, Lily Homer served as the Concertmaster of the Australia Broadcasting Sinfonia in Sydney, and has appeared with Yo-Yo Ma and other recording artists. At Valley Christian Schools, Mrs. Homer is
the Director of String Development and teaches ensembles from third grade through high school. While she dearly loves her new learners in the younger grades, she is especially energized by the advanced students. “They experience music at a deeper level of enjoyment, as you can bring out much more of the history and background of the music, and develop advanced techniques; you can also joke around and talk about issues of life with them,” says Mrs. Homer.
Teachers of Silicon Valley
Jennifer Gerlach latest project on campus: a Biosafety Level Two lab, enabling students to replicate current cancer cell research developments and expand upon those research techniques. She loves the focus and drive of the VCHS students she mentors (many of whom are also working at Stanford in their spare time) as well as their high innate intelligence. The result: “we can collaborate Valley Christian High School, San Jose together and come up with creative approaches opportunity to pioneer as to the projects in which hat brings they are engaged.” Mrs. a biologist the Director of Scientific Gerlach is very excited specializing Research, part of VCS’ about her contribution in parasitology (well, unique Applied Math, Science, and Engineering to their futures. “This someone has to love program provides high (ASME) Institute. Aside them!), who was also school students with a biological defense from her Honors Biology researcher for four years classes, Gerlach heads up critical lab and research a special class created as skills that will allow at Lawrence Livermore a venue for the school’s them entry into research Lab, as well as current adjunct professor at atomic force microscopes. universities and careers. Valley Christian is giving She mentors select Ohlone College teaching them opportunities which Infectious Disease to students using critical so very few students become an educator at lab and research skills, ever get to have, and I’m and is also overseeing Valley Christian High playing a part in this!” the completion of her School? Perhaps it is the
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Teachers of Silicon Valley
Graciela Marques-Hahn
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rs. Graciela MarquesHahn is the Executive Director of Neighborhood Christian Center. As a founding member, Mrs.
Marques-Hahn helped to open our childcare facility in 1981. Her vision has been the driving force behind the center for years, and her creativity
Neighborhood Christian Center
and knowledge has helped us remain a leader in Santa Clara. The Green philosophy is the brainchild of Graciela who has been a relentless visionary. I can truly say: “All I learned in life I learned from my parents or the freedom they granted me to be one of the “local kids”. What does this have to do with learning and NCC preschool? At a very early young age we give children an opportunity to: “Explore”, “Create”, “Wonder” and “Discover”. This is the basic foundation of all learning. This is what we need as human beings. To use all our senses to experience making choices and taking real risks. I am free to unhurriedly explore my life and this amazing world and universe.
Teachers of Silicon Valley
Kristin Annab
Neighborhood Christian Preschool
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ristin has worked in Christian education for the past 22 years. Her education began in 1988 as a preschool aide while attending San Jose State University. Once she completed her first semester of college in 1989, she had enough units to become a preschool teacher. Kristin then rose to become Assistant Director in 1991, after the opening of the 2nd NCP location in San Jose, all the while earning her B.A. in child development with a minor in special education. Kristin received her degree in 1994. After earning a California state teaching credential, she began teaching special education at Valley Christian Elementary School. She then taught first grade for VCES, all the while keeping the books for NCP. Kristin became director
in 2007 upon the opening of the new facility located at Crossroads Bible Church. Kristin is married to her wonderful
and supportive husband Mike, and together they have 3 children, Emily-10, and twins Jacob and Kaitlyn-6.
Local Schools
Bellarmine College Preparatory S
ince 1851, Bellarmine College Preparatory has educated young men in the Jesuit tradition of the development of “the whole person.” Simply stated, Bellarmine graduates are well prepared academically, and have also become men who pursue truth and justice and who have matured with a great sense of the importance of providing service to others. While the “Bellarmine experience” is unique to each student, there are commonalities shared by all. Among them is the depth of unparalleled academic programs, a wide variety of award-winning co-curricular opportunities, transformative immersion and Campus Ministry experiences, and faculty and staff who model the Saint Ignatius of Loyola philosophy of cura personalis: care for the person. From its beginning 163 years ago as Santa Clara Prep on the campus of what is now Santa Clara University, to its newly renovated campus in the College Park neighborhood of San Jose, Bellarmine College Prep has always been a Catholic secondary education institution respected for its caliber of students, quality of education, and tradition of developing “men for others.” Bellarmine’s commitment to educate qualified students regardless of the financial circumstances of their families is the reason
behind its need-based financial aid program, with 24 percent of its students receiving tuition assistance. In academic year 201415, Bellarmine’s Financial Aid budget will be an unprecedented $4.1 million, an amount generated partially from the
school’s endowment, with the remainder the result of direct fundraising with generous support from parents, alumni, parents of alumni, corporations, and foundations, and through events such as the annual Golden Bell Auction and the Mothers’ Guild Fashion Show for Financial Aid. Although nearly one in every four students is a recipient of tuition assistance, all students benefit from this, as its socio-economic and cultural diversity makes Bellarmine the exemplary school it is today. To learn more about Bellarmine College Preparatory, visit online: www.bcp.org
WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
START HERE.
JESUIT 960 West Hedding Street San Jose, California 95126-1215 408.294.9224 • www.bcp.org
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 26th • 10am – 1pm
Local Community Spotlight
Sponsored by La Fiesta Restaurant
Welcome to Mountain View
Downtown Mountain View has become one of the most popular destinations, day or night, and so, too the surrounding city of Mountain View. Here you will find many wonderful restaurants to choose from, as well as shops and one of the nicest Performing Arts Centers anywhere. Every year, Mountain View offers many wonderful community activities and festivals throughout the year. Always fun, for example, is the Summer Outdoor Movie Night Series, and you also would not want to miss the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival, one of the oldest and largest of great annual traditions in the Bay Area. Named for its views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the lovely city of Mountain View is also home to many of our large hi-tech companies that share such a storied presence, the likes of Google, Microsoft, Verisign, Mozilla, Symantec, Linkedin, Intuit and many others. The Farmers Market is also a very popular weekly tradition. It features over 70 growers and food vendors with peak season produce, including organic produce, and many other offerings. Open Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you enjoy the outdoors, Mountain View boasts one of the most popular parks in the South Bay - Shoreline Park, which includes the
nationally-renowned Shoreline Amphitheater for concerts and special events, and also the beautiful, very popular Shoreline Golf Course. If you’re into history, be sure to check out and enjoy the delightful Rengstorff House or one of the world’s largest computer collections at the Computer History Museum. Mountain View is one city you would like to come to and enjoy a day or evening, when the city comes alive. Enjoy the restaurants and pubs, shops and bookstores and the Performing Arts Center. In Mountain View, you can stroll and experience and enjoy the many cuisines of the world. Here many people have come to know just how pleasant it can be.
Featured Mountain View Business
La Fiesta Restaurant Unsurpassed Mexican Cuisine Since 1977 — A Tradition in Downtown Mountain View The Garcia-Lopez family invites you to enjoy our family recipes that have been handed down to us for generations. From our “Mole Poblano” to our “Grandma’s Special”, enjoy the taste and ambiance of Mexico. We feature the greatest Margaritas, more than 200 Blue Agave Tequilas & a wide selection of beers. Thank you all - We appreciate again being voted: The Best Mexican Restaurant in Mountain View by the Mountain View Voice, The Best Margarita in Mountain View by the Mountain View Voice and also The Best Mexican Restaurant in Silicon Valley by the Metro. Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch and Dinner, plus a Champagne/Sangria Brunch Saturday and Sunday. Banquet facilities available with seating up to 40. Wonderful for Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagements, Quincineras - any and all Special Events and Get Togethers - for Families and Friends.
La Fiesta Restaurant
www.lafiestarestaurant.net
240 Villa Street (between Castro & Calderon Streets), Mountain View. CA 94041
Telephone: (650) 968-1364
Photos courtesy of The Tech Museum of Innovation
The Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater is the largest IMAX Dome screen in the West. It allows guests to be immersed in a giant wraparound screen for an unforgettable film experience with crystal clear images eight stories high and 13,000 watts of wrap-around digital surround sound.
Reactable lets visitors experiment with a revolutionary electronic instrument to create new music.
MEET TIM
RITCHIE THE EXTRAORDINARY PRESIDENT OF OUR SILICON VALLEY’S WORLD FAMOUS THE TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION
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recently had the great pleasure of meeting and talking with Tim Ritchie, President of The Tech Museum of Innovation in downtown San Jose.
My conversation with Tim, who arrived at The Tech in October 2011, was so insightful and inspiring. Technology is in many ways determining our world’s present and our future. All ages, especially the young, need to be able to grasp it, and to find confidence in it. The Tech welcomes 400,000 to 500,000 visitors a year. Its mission is “to inspire the innovator in everyone,” and, as Tim says, it’s not so much a museum as an The Tech Studio is a collaborative design space with digital fabrication, exhibit production and experience. prototyping. Visitors see first-hand how The Tech creates new exhibits – and be among the first The Tech also to test them. Some examples of programming in The Tech Studio include Beta Jams, Computer houses the Hackworth Science Education Week, Makerspace @ The Tech, and Social Innovation Workshops. IMAX Dome Theater, ago, a group of women from the Junior League an absolutely stunning of Palo Alto wanted to create a science center. experience that attracts an additional 150,000 They breathed life into this by making a few visitors a year. It is the largest IMAX Dome screen key calls, including to Bob Noyce (co-founder of in the West, and it’s such a different experience Intel), who responded: “Let’s get this thing going.” than a flat screen. If you have seen a film here, He called Bill Hewlett and David Packard, and you know. If you haven’t, you really should. It’s they responded: “Let’s make this happen.” And that great. Gordon Moore (Intel), too. Quite the Who’s Who How did The Tech begin? More than 30 years
Social Robots is the newest hands-on experience where you can design and build a real robot using sensors, controllers and actuators.
of Silicon Valley. The first Tech Challenge design and engineering competition took place in 1988. The idea was for students to discover their inner innovator, to gain confidence, and to be inspired by this grand experience. The participants learn as much about themselves as they do about the world. The competition started where The Tech offices are now, next to the Civic Center in downtown San Jose. Then, the beautiful building housing the museum opened in 1998. Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale had all wanted it. But it was the City of San Jose that became the champion of this cause. No one wanted this more than San Jose, and no one more than its mayor at the time, Tom McEnery. Tim Ritchie was born and raised in Louisville. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Davidson College in North Carolina, his law degree from Duke Law School, and his master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. Was there something in particular that inspired Tim early on? The answer is a definite yes, and it was as early as the eighth grade. Tim read a book that truly inspired him and influenced his life:
Social Circles promotes social enc
How To Start Your Own School and Why You Need To Start One. It was about learning and society. “I knew how much I loved learning,” he said. “The premise being: How institutions of learning can and do make a difference … and, if and how we can master it, this is vital for a better world.” Throughout Tim’s career, his love and appreciation of learning, serving others and making a difference for society became very apparent. From 1998 to 2002, Tim, a lawyer at the time, felt there was a different course meant for him to make a more significant difference. At that time, he had been doing volunteer work in Birmingham, Ala. It was impactful and he was enjoying it. His greatest ambition and love was to help people toward imagination and success. Tim said many people inspired him along the way, in particular his father, who was entrepreneurial and never afraid of taking a risk. That confidence to think big and try and try again would become important in Tim’s way of thinking about possibility. And his father volunteered, helping those in poverty. This would influence Tim as well. By 2004, Tim was running the McWane
counters through playful interaction.
Science Center in Birmingham. It was this experience at McWane, as well as his outstanding previous professional experience in law, community development, education, finding solutions and community leadership that prepared him very well for what soon would be his calling at The Tech. As Tim puts it, “I have a good sense for what ‘there’ looks like, what success looks like, and how to get ‘there’. The definition of success and good leadership is how to move institutions from ‘here’ to ‘there.’” Indeed, it’s essential for the direction of The Tech in the 21st Century. “At The Tech, the students are greeted as our treasured guests. We believe there’s a light bulb within each and every one. When we see that light bulb turn on, there’s hope. The key is keeping that light on.” “Students need a safety net to fail. They also need an ‘I want to.’ I want this so badly that I’ll stick with it to the end. Here at The Tech, it’s safe to fail, and we instill the wanting. Enter the confidence, the encouragement, the ‘it’s OK,’ the perseverance, the want to keep on going. Yes -
I want to. It’s safe to. And I can do it. Indeed, it’s all enriching.” Is there a book that stands out that Tim would highly recommend? “Yes, there is. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is a great book, one I feel everyone should read. It’s an inspirational true story of how one boy’s idea improved the lives of everyone in his community including himself -harnessing technology to make the world a better place.” “There are challenges we face, and we need to find solutions. Technology is really a means to an end, a way to solve problems. There has to be a better way, which means we have to find a way to figure these things out. Such solutions will come from technology. We are in trouble if we do not find technological answers to the problems we face.” Tim is also a big champion of finding ways to ensure more women are engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Numbers are rising for women in technology and science, but not as much as they are in law and medicine. Tim added that high-tech companies are enthusiastic and supportive of this effort as well. This year’s Tech Challenge program had more than 2,000 participants, and more than 40 percent were girls. “We are very excited about the program and we want to make it more accessible for more students wanting to participate.” The open-ended, design-challenge experience in The Tech Challenge is evident on the museum floor, too. Social Robots, on The Tech’s lower level, allows visitors to design and build their own robot. It’s not the kind of experience you can skim through; it takes time, and that helps develop confidence and encourage perseverance. The Tech is in the middle of a $50 million capital campaign to revitalize the entire museum including exhibits and educational programs. As part of that, Tim is aiming to raise $3 million to convert the IMAX Dome Theater to a digital format so that The Tech can expand its educational capabilities. “The Tech is not a museum. It’s an experience,” Tim said. “People need to come and experience it.” With Tim Ritchie at the helm, it’s a VERY special experience, getting better and better all the time as a model for our children, our community and our society to learn, grow and become the best they can be.
Redefining Seafood in the Bay Area THE SEA By Alexander’s Steakhouse is the Bay Area’s premier seafood dining destination. The restaurant distinguishes itself by focusing on rich sumptuous morsels from the sea, prepared with modern technique and flair. Chef Yu Min Lin blends contemporary cuisine with Japanese sensibility and ingredients to transform The Sea’s menu into the extraordinary. Experience The Sea at its best. Lin’s approach to cooking is inspired from his extensive training and experience in both Japanese and French cuisine for over 20 years abroad and here in California. He aims to source wild, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients from land and sea. The goal is to bring out the natural flavors of freshness and present the dishes in a simple and pure form. Since he was 14 years old, Yu Min began his culinary career as an apprentice and worked his way up to Executive Sushi Chef at Shintori Cuisine Japonaise in Taipei and Shanghai. During his 10 years at Shintori, Yu Min was also trained extensively under traditional Japanese chefs in Tokyo and Yokohama, honing his knife skills and knowledge to bring out the best of the highest quality fresh seafood.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2001, Yu Min took a position as line cook at Water Grill where he worked with celebrated chef Michael Cimarusti. Chef Cimarusti’s classical French cooking techniques have a great influence on Yu Min which are reflected in his cuisine. Yu Min then accepted Chef Cimarusti’s invitation as opening Sous Chef at Providence in 2005, and was promoted to Chef de Cuisine after two years. During his tenure at Providence, the restaurant was named “One of America’s Top 50 Restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine, “Best Seafood Restaurant 2006” by LA Magazine, and awarded two stars by the Michelin Guide. To further develop his culinary skills and techniques, Yu Min performed stages at The French Laundry in Yountville and Manresa in Los Gatos. While on a family trip to the San Francisco Bay Area, Yu Min was recruited by Alexander’s Steakhouse to be its opening Executive Chef at The Sea in Palo Alto. With his passion and impeccable culinary background, Yu Min aims to redefine the seafood culinary experiences in the Bay Area.
Offering a Modern Interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence.
SAN FRANCISCO 448 Brannan Street 415-495-1111
CUPERTINO 10330 N. Wolfe Road 408-446-2222
PALO ALTO 4269 El Camino Road 650-213-1111
W W W. A L E X A N D E RSST E A K H O US E . C OM
Local Community Spotlight
Sponsored by Outback Steakhouse
Welcome to The Great Mall
The Great Mall is located in Milpitas, just off the Great Mall Exit, between 880 and 680. It was built by the Ford Motor Land Development and Petrie Dierman Kughn in 1994. The Great Mall was later acquired in 2003 by the Mills Corporation and then in 2007 by the Simon Property Group, today’s proud owners. Early on, since the 1950’s, the Great Mall had been a Ford Automobile assembly plant. Believe it or not, Ford Mustangs were produced at this plant; bearing the name “San Jose” as the assembly location, which, in fact, was actually Milpitas. It was a busy plant back then – where Ford Fairlanes, Torinos, Pintos, F-Series pickup trucks and Escorts; Edsel Rangers and Pacers; and Mercury Cougars, Montegos, Comets, Bobcats, Lynxes, & Capris (the US version) were all being assembled – that is, up until 1983. Then, in the early 1990s, developers converted what had been that old automobile assembly plant into this beautiful new shopping center - soon to become known as the Great Mall. Commemorating the Great Mall’s history, there is a plaque located in the southwest section of its parking lot, for everyone to enjoy reading. The Great Mall of the Bay Area officially
opened its doors on September 22, 1994. Unlike many other malls, yet common for Mills malls, the Great Mall “became a flat”, or a spread out mall, and became the second largest mall in Northern California. Here, now, you will find everything in this one destination - from Century 20 Theaters, to nearly 200 stores, plus a wide-variety of some 31 Restaurants. There are so many things for you to experience at the Great Mall. In the heart of it all, you will find the always delightful Outback Steakhouse. It’s as if you’ve found your way down under, Mate - where the menu, the accent and the flavor are a joy - and a combined fun day, or evening, for everyone.
Featured Great Mall Business
Where everything is
FRESH
( 4 0 8 ) 2 6 3 - 5 4 0 0 | W W W. O U T B A C K . C O M 1246 Great Mall Drive (Located in the Great Mall) Milpitas, CA 95035
Accountability is Motivational by Terri Norvell CEO, Trust Yourself Now – a people development company
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ccountability IS motivational when your company culture is supportive and consistent. Yet too often the first thought about accountability is negative. As in, ‘Who’s accountable for this mess up?’ Bottom line, accountability gets a bad rap and suffers due to a lack of knowledge. Terri Norvell The lack can be in limited knowledge, skills, direction, measurement, feedback, acknowledgment or trust. That’s when the workplace feels like a maze in the unknown...with people being paid to guess at what to do.
Let’s change that. Accountability deserves to be defined and discussed with each team member regularly. Here’s why. Accountability is about setting people up for success in advance. This is how accountability becomes motivational. There’s a simple 4-step process that when followed provides the clarity and infrastructure for everyone to thrive. With clarity of direction, the internal motivation to excel is more than possible, it’s probable. Motivation is an inside job. This cycle becomes self sustaining with consistent reinforcement. Take a look at these four accountability culture building steps: 1. Sharing the Big Picture - the overall company focus and specific goals so that everyone knows, ‘how what I do every day ties into the results that must be achieved‘ 2. Setting Expectations - providing clear individual expectations and involvement encourages engagement and accountability 3. Monitoring Progress - manager monitoring and monitoring one’s self provides opportunities to reinforce actions 4. Providing Feedback - good performance = praise feedback, poor performance = corrective feedback...feedback drives performance Accountability is a personal choice to rise above circumstances and own achieving desired results. It’s an inside job. When team members are accountable to deliver results - no matter the challenges or obstacles and know they’ve done their best.... there is indeed a feeling of satisfaction from the inside out. Being accountable is motivational and the business results are quantifiable. This is the desired cycle in all businesses!
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Education in Silicon Valley
SVEF helping students, teachers By Muhammed Chaudhry
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et me introduce myself…I am Muhammed Chaudhry, President & CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving education and academic opportunity for students across this valley. I am so pleased to be given this space to write about a topic that has been a passion of mine for many years – education. This month, as SVEF marks our fourth year incorporated under that name, we celebrate many successes in our mission to support public schools, to advocate for educators to deliver a quality education for all and to successfully prepare students for college and 21st century careers. Over the last four years, we have helped more than 3,000 middle school students boost their math skills and set their sights on college with our “Stepping Up to Algebra” summer program. Last summer, we added a “Stepping Up to Science” course to prepare 9th graders for Biology I
created an open-source website for teacher lesson sharing called Lessonopoly. org, and in 2010, we launched our blog – “Top Ed” – which gets 1,300 daily hits. To accomplish all this, we are blessed by generous support from many corporate sponsors, among them Wells Fargo, Google, Muhammed Chaudhry is SAP, Texas Instruments President & CEO of the Silicon and Flextronics. These Valley Education Foundation. companies want to help He previously worked in the nurture our next generation corporate world for IBM, Dazzle Multimedia and the of Silicon Valley innovators Clorox Company. He serves from our own local talent on numerous community pool. boards, including the California Consortium of We have come a long Education Foundations, the way from our early days as Hispanic Foundation and is on a grassroots organization the advisory board of Fundly. Contact him at muhammed. with an office in a trailer. chaudhry@svefoundation. Our one-time staff of three org or on Twitter: @ and budget of $150,000 has macrhamuhammed. grown to 30 employees and $5 million. And we continue and eventually to reach for to grow. We now reside in college and careers in the a large office in the Sobrato science and technology Center for Non-Profits near fields that drive Silicon downtown San Jose, and Valley. Many of these students would be the first in have become a leading voice their families to achieve the for education across the South Bay. dream of attending college. We invite you to visit us, We’ve helped more than or our website (www.svef. 500 teachers with grants of $500 - $1,000; we’ve hosted com), to share your stories about your students and education forums on topics teachers and to give us your from the achievement gap thoughts about education. to teacher evaluations; we
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Jean-Michel Cousteau
President, Ocean Futures Society www.oceanfutures.org
Secret Oceans 3D – Unveiling Some of the Seas Best Kept Secrets
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aze across the glistening sea and watch as the sun’s rays glimmer and bounce off the glassy seas and ocean waves. A body of water that covers more than two-thirds of the planet and yet below the surface of the ocean lies a world still so mysterious to us– from those who merely marvel at its beauty to scientists who spend their lives searching for answers to its secrets. Over the course of my life, I have had the honor and privilege of dipping below the surface of the sea to soar nearly weightless among the animals that inhabit the ocean world below. My dream has always been to share with the world these beautiful and precious underwater cities that teem with the dazzling diversity of life. With new advanced digital and macro-camera technology, along with the unwavering dedication of the Ocean Futures Society and 3D Entertainment Films teams, I am sharing with the world some of the ocean’s most beautiful mysteries. Secret Ocean 3D is my newest film set for release in March 2015 and with it I bring to the large format screen the secrets and beauty of the sea that have touched me most deeply. What a dream it is to bring such a world
beyond the scope of our naked human eyes and onto a magnificent 3D cinema screen. I am confident this will bring each one of us closer into the heart of the ocean world. Life began in the sea – and for millions of years, every form of life has been forced to find ways to adapt and evolve to challenges they face. What has emerged from evolution is an ocean world bound by an intricate system of balances, with each process of life influenced and altered by the living and nonliving world around it. Secret Ocean 3D brings us up close and personal with some of evolution’s most ingenious relationships. Among these creations is the web of life wherein all creatures, plant and animal and microbe, are intertwined and interdependent. In a sense these linkages and relationships are symbiotic – a term that means living together. This oceanic cohabitation has resulted in some really amazing interactions among very unlikely partners. —Co-authored by Jaclyn Mandoske To read the rest of Jean-Michel’s great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www. siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Leadership”.
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What is Hype and What is Reality in
Green Home Remodeling and Building? By Dan Fritschen
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reen” remodeling and building of homes have been heavily promoted to homeowners for more than a decade, resulting in real cost savings but also a lot of wasted money and time pursuing savings that never materialize. There are so many products and services that are promoted as “green” but what really makes a difference? When deciding for your remodeling or home building project, Dan Fritschen here are a few tips. 1. “Reduce, recycle, reuse” is really the start to any green project. “Reduce” is particularly key here for home remodeling and building. Want to be green? Reduce the size of your addition or home or minimize the changes and give the money you save to an organization that is planting trees, cleaning water or making some positive environmental impact.
2. “Upgrade insulation, use more energy efficient glass in windows and install a ‘greywater’ system are some of the basic recommendations I give clients,” says Dave Edwards from Earthbound Homes, the leading green remodeling and home builder in the Bay Area. 3. Avoid the “while we are here..” or “for a little more money..” traps that cause homeowners to exceed their remodeling budgets and often create more debris and use more materials. Before saying “yes”, consider if the upgrades and changes are really going to make a difference to you and your home or if you are just saying “yes” because it seems like a good idea. Consider saving that money instead and donating it to planting more trees or other environmental efforts that really has a positive impact. 4. Save gas and time when planning your remodel or new home by using the Earthbound Homes iPhone app. Use it on your mobile device to get great design ideas. Get an instant remodeling cost estimate at http://www.remodelormove.com.
TYK Group is a group of companies that were founded by Dr. Tae Yun Kim. Each company was created with the purpose of helping people through different industries and different methods. Dr. Kim’s life mission is to help people discover their full potential so that they can utilize it in their lives.
Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions is the world’s leading supplier of real time contamination monitoring systems and airborne particle counters that work to monitor any clean environment. With its superior software design, data integration ability and worldwide support offices, Lighthouse provides its customers with leading edge contamination monitoring solutions. www.golighthouse.com
Jung SuWon is essentially the art of living life itself. This is the true “way” of the martial arts warrior– not just overcoming in combat, but a complete overcoming in every aspect of our daily living. When you learn this art, there will be no obstacle you cannot overcome. At Jung SuWon, students from ages 3 to 73 learn how to face & conquer their own fears & weaknesses to become the best they can be! www.jungsuwon.com
With the motto of “He Can Do, She Can Do, Why Not Me!”, the non-profit TYK Foundation helps individuals, families, and communities to improve quality of life by offering support to those facing hardship, helping people succeed in their lives and personal goals, and teaching people to take charge and become leaders to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. www.tykfoundation.org
The Tae Yun Kim International University is dedicated to the complete development of Body, Mind and Spirit of each student. Here, we combine meditation, physical training and discussion classes with practical real life experiences to uncover the truth about our strengths and weaknesses so that each student may become the Master of his/her Life. www.tykuniversity.com
Executive Leadership & Coaching is more than just Life coaching. It provides a specific process of interaction over a period of time that encourages a shift in who you are, how you feel about yourself, what you do, and how you do it. As your confidence grows, you can learn to take control of your life, and expand your ability to make significant changes, move forward in new areas and have more of what you want in your life. www.executiveleadershipandcoaching.com
Wherever Dr. Tae Yun Kim goes, the unique and eye-catching designs of her custom created clothes and shoes always create an exciting buzz. Now she is sharing her wisdom and experience of Ki Energy with you through the colors and designs of clothes, shoes and jewelry at TYK Fashions. TYK Fashions is Dr. Kim’s creative expression of Ki Energy. www.tykfashions.com
He can do, she can do,
Overcome and succeed
me?
why not
The story of Dr. Tae Yun Kim is a timeless, epic journey. It has been a monumental struggle with the hearts and minds of a world that tried to tie her down at every turn of her life. Through it all, Great Grandmaster Dr. Tae Yun Kim has demonstrated the power of her motto “He Can Do, She Can Do, Why Not Me�. Tae Yun Kim offers her life story as a message of hope to all who want more from their lives. For those who find themselves wrapped in their own struggles, bound by weakness, taken over by the negative influences, or just simply those who feel there must be more to their lives, the life story of Dr. Tae Yun Kim is a point of inspiration and a road map for others to use so they can find completeness and fulfillment in their own lives.
Overcom succeed
Dr. Tae Yun Kim
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Innovative New County Program Helps to House the Homeless By Mike Wasserman Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 1
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anta Clara County is home to 2,500 chronically homeless people— individuals who have been living on the streets for a year or more. Loss of employment, underemployment, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, Mike Wasserman medical conditions, and substance abuse issues are some of the many circumstances that contribute to homelessness. With an average life expectancy of just 47 years, chronically homeless individuals are far more vulnerable than the general population. The County recently launched a new housing pilot program in partnership with the organization Destination: Home and the Housing 1000 Campaign. Since then, the number of homeless individuals who passed away on the streets decreased from 61 in 2011 to 39 in 2012. The County’s $1.2 million homeless housing pilot program is modeled after similar programs that other jurisdictions have successfully implemented. While it may sound costly, the program actually significantly reduces the County’s cost of providing homeless services because many chronically homeless people rely upon expensive
emergency services. According to the Institute for Metropolitan studies, the annual cost of a chronically homeless person on the streets can be three to four times more expensive than the cost of permanent housing ($60,000, un-housed vs. $16,000, housed.) The County’s pilot program saves taxpayer dollars while doing the right thing for our most vulnerable population by getting them off the streets for good. Housing the chronically homeless represents an efficient use of public resources. It frees up police officers from ticketing homeless people for sleeping outside and allows them to fight serious crime. It lets emergency rooms be used for medical emergencies instead of treating chronic health conditions that could be handled through preventive care. Homelessness is a complex issue to tackle.
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Jan Hutchins
Former News Anchor & Mayor of Los Gatos
Thinkaholics Anonymous or “What the hell were you thinking?”
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now what is the most rampant, destructive and largely untreated disease ravaging our world, destroying lives, fomenting conflict, war, misunderstanding, misery? It might be hard for you to hear this and almost certainly challenging to understand, but you are not who you think you are. In fact, it is the very thoughts you hold about yourself and identify as your self, that create much of the suffering in your life. Certainly did in mine. I’ve started my own deadly-playful recovery program, Thinkaholics Anonymous, dedicated to freeing us from the tyranny our thoughts. Our motto is “What the hell were you thinking?” TA helps us relieve the suffering caused by our belief in thinking. Our meetings are silent because only in the silence can we hear the thoughts for what they are and not automatically believe and identify with what they’re saying. Don’t get me wrong, I love thinking, recognize its value as a survival mechanism and enjoy communicating ideas. I just know I’m a Thinkaholic, easily get hooked by my thoughts, and have too often “come to” after
a binge of belief-ing asking myself. “What the hell were you thinking?” The fellow they named Buddhism after, described thinking as “the waterfall,” because we are so easily carried over a cliff by it and fall out of touch with reality. This is how it happens: The mind is always measuring our experience as either pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. It uses all its tricks to reach out for more of the pleasant. It contracts and creates reasons to avoid, the unpleasant. It’s bored by the neutral. Here’s the trick. We create stories around the thoughts the mind is creating based on those sensations. It’s how we can love someone so much one minute and hate them the next. They didn’t change; the reality about how we feel about them in our heart didn’t actually change, but our thoughts about them changed in response to the sensation they just triggered in us … To read the rest of Jan’s great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category: “Business Owners / Health & Fitness”.
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The first time I met
By Scott Budman remember, as if it was yesterday, the first time I interviewed Steve Jobs, one-on-one, with no other crews in the room. Of course, I also remember when Steve Jobs got fired. I wasn’t reporting back then, but knew of Apple, because it was cool, I was from the Bay Area, and some of my friends had Apple computers. But back to the interview. I wondered if I’d get to experience the “Full Steve.” You know: cocky, impatient, brilliant. The whole “reality distortion field” thing. I wasn’t disappointed. We set a chair a few feet in front of the new eMac for Budman classrooms. Then we hit the top of the machine with a bright light with a red gel on it. The photographer shooting the story was pleased with the look. Then Jobs walked in. Not pleased. “Why do I have to sit AWAY from the eMac? I want to touch it.” And, after another glance, “Why is it RED?? The computer is WHITE! What’s going on here?” We quickly did away with the setup, lights, and chair. Practically trembling, 99 percent sure I’d already blown the interview (not to mention all the good will built up with the Apple PR team to actually get the interview), I attached a wireless mic to Jobs’ black turtleneck. We were silent for a bit, him checking the time, me thinking law school might have
actually made more sense, when I had a lastditch idea: “Steve, how about you just show me around the new computer?” That did it. Jobs spent the next 30 minutes (we were given five) walking around the eMac, touching it, showing off every nook and cranny of it. He was wonderful. He even sat down to talk strategy, and how the new machine would usher in all sorts of easy computing for its fans. I came away with a new appreciation of Jobs that day. I though back to the day when Jobs left Apple. And, years later, when I was living outside Apple’s Cupertino headquarters on a day when times seemed so bad, a competitor flew a plane overhead with a phone number so laid-off Apple employees could call for work. It was during that time that Dell CEO Michael Dell famously suggested Apple sell the company and move on. Several hundreds of billions of dollars later, Michael Dell is still in business, but his products are dwarfed by Apple’s -- and Steve Jobs. Jobs himself has often told reporters that leaving Apple the first time was the best thing that ever happened to him. Did he become humble and meek? No, thank goodness. But on the day he came back, I remember him sketching out what Apple was selling at the time, crossing it all out, and replacing it with just four boxes, to represent the categories Apple was going to focus on -- and eventually dominate. Now, years later, Jobs is gone, and I’m faceto-face for the first time with (of all people) Michael Dell. The man of the notorious “sell the company” comment. As it turns out, Dell was among those who said very nice things about Jobs on the day
he died. He told me he respected Steve Jobs, tried to lead by his example, and “probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Steve.” Pretty impressive stuff to hear from a billionaire. We got to talking, for a bit, about Jobs’ legacy, and could there be another like him? After all, even with all the deserved respect and thoughtful tributes to what Jobs accomplished for Apple and the tech industry as a whole, we here in Silicon Valley are known for looking ahead. What’s next, and who will lead us to it? As for candidates for the next Steve Jobs, let’s start young. Mark Zuckerberg? An obvious choice, because he’s clearly ahead of his time, pushing through decisions that, after initial skepticism, prove to be spot-on. Speaking of Facebook, how about COO Sheryl Sandberg? Not as young as Mark, but ahead of her time in the tech world, with a strong feeling that education is what’s needed for a better tech industry (remember, Apple used to push that pretty hard, too). I’ve also been impressed by Aaron Levie, the young CEO and co-founder of Box.net. His is a company focusing on cloud storage - not as consumer sexy as Apple, but crucial to the future of tech. He has written several posts recently pretty much saying that he does what he does because he watched Steve Jobs do it. Touching and thoughtful, from someone who will surely be part of the next big tech wave. But, In the interest of keeping this somewhat concise (and feel free to let me know if you have ideas of your own), I’ll just add one more: I was reminded of someone else I’ve spoken to a lot lately, when I read a tweet that said, “Apple needs to buy Square and make Jack Dorsey the new CEO.” Ha, ha, that’s a good one. But wait a minute. Two companies at once, both changing the game. Add in a focus on the future and -- remember Apple’s early days? - a keen fashion sense and the similarities are almost eerie. If we have to crown a “next” Steve Jobs, why not end the game with a Square, and a tweet? Jack Dorsey, the pressure’s on.
It’s no fun being the “next” anything, but the tech world is looking for a new icon. Scott Budman is an Emmy award-winning reporter, covering business and technology for NBC Bay Area News. He is also the host of the weekly NBC show, “TechNow,” and can be heard doing business updates every afternoon on KNBR radio. You can find Scott on Twitter: @scottbudman
Love & The Art of Seeking
A Wonderful Romance by Tana Marie
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hhh, LOVE — supreme mystery, exquisite commodity — the imperative goal. Mankind has pondered it, adolescents toy with it, adults yearn for it, yet children give it freely. We all possess an intrinsic understanding the natural flow of love — whether expressed or not. So why is there so much pain or confusion surrounding it? How can love be such a sublime mixture of pleasure and pain? Romance is wrought with conflicting experiences because: being in relationships for the wrong reason; unrealistic expectations; trust issues; fear of intimacy; or disillusionment. Love isn’t supposed to hurt — EVER. Period. It wasn’t constructed that way. Love’s very nature is comfortable, nurturing, growth oriented and sustaining. Make love your friend by reconnecting with that fresh, childlike belief in love. If you are seeking a wonderful romance, the first thing to do is get very specific about the characteristics, values, physical characteristics, lifestyle, goals and personality traits you want and need in a romantic partner. This will become your ‘Romance Wish List’, which is essential for everyone who is truly ready for a sustainable love relationship. One of the reasons a specific list is so powerful, is that too many
people enter a relationship by default. They don’t necessarily know what they want or need in a relationship, so they begin a relationship with “someone” hoping that love will grow, and conquer all. It doesn’t. Love must be given a helping hand. By specifying your needs and desires before you create the relationship you will accomplish two things: 1. You’ll have a better chance of creating a healthy relationship right from the start. 2. You’ll know if they are a viable contender, because you’ll both have similar wants and needs. ‘The List’ is not to be some edict from on high that is impossible for anyone, short of Superman/ Superwoman, to measure up to. Instead, it is a guide for you to know if they match your criteria. If they don’t, you’ll save untold hours/days. If they do, you’re so ahead of the game! Enjoy. Remember, stop ‘looking for love’, just BE love and see what happens. Tana Marie Award Winning Author * Intuitive Counselor * Reverend * Romance & Dating Strategist * Weddings * Your Perfect Life Exists – Let’s Create It Now!” (831) 646-1137 * TM@TanaMarie.com * www.TanaMarie.com
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Between the 21 percent solar, 50 percent fuel cell and 29 percent energy conservation, the County Goverment Center is on pace to become one of the largest Zero Net Energy buildings in the world.
New Renewable Energy Sources for Santa Clara County By Liz Kniss Palo Alto Council Member
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anta Clara County will be generating our own energy through revolutionary fuel cells. The production of clean, renewable energy at County-owned buildings and parking lots will save the County millions of dollars. By the end of this year, fuel cells will be generating half of the electricity at the County’s headquarters. We have reached an agreement with Sunnyvale’s Bloom Energy to install fuel cells at four Liz Kniss County-owned sites including the County Government Center in San Jose. As a result,
fuel cells will be producing 20% of the County’s electricity and 50% of the County Government Center’s electricity. The fuel cells are expected to be installed in October 2012. The County has already installed solar canopies on parking lots and solar panels on rooftops at four County facilities, including the County Government Center. As a result, solar will be producing 9% of the County’s (including VMC’s) electricity and 21% of the County Government Center’s. The project uses funds from recently issued Qualified Energy Bonds. Between the 21% solar, 50% fuel cell and 29% energy conservation, the County Government Center is on pace to become one of the largest Zero Net Energy (ZNE) buildings in the world and perhaps the first building of its size to be retrofitted to ZNE. The solar canopies alone will save the County $16 million over 25 years in reduced energy purchases. Going Green is saving us big money.
Meet Chris Wondolowski If You Are Looking For A Great Role Model…You Need Not Look Beyond The Great “WONDO” I had the great pleasure the other day of meeting and talking with Chris Wondolowski, the San Jose Earthquakes and MLS (Major League Soccer) Striker and Star Player. I have met many “famous” people / star athletes before. But this was different. He was as interested and excited about talking with me, as I was with him. I complimented him on ‘this’ or ‘that’ and he would say “Thank you very much. I really appreciate it” - and it was genuine. It was a breath of fresh air and I appreciated that. He had just completed an arduous workout session – and he was being so gracious to stand with me and spend this time conversing with me. We talked about a number of things, and then in particular, we talked about his heroes. Did he or does he have heroes, people who have inspired him to this very day? Oh, yes, many, he said. Former teachers, and especially his Dad, his coaches, fellow players he has played with and plays with. The accomplishments he was proud of were all team oriented and he always wanted to talk about the team. Then he also included in the conversation his excitement for the new stadium. We both would glance just a 100 yards away from the practice field where we were standing
… admiring as if we could get a glimpse of the joy around the corner. But none of the talk was a focus on him, it was him that also included his teammates, the gratitude and sure the hope of what was to come. It was different. He was different. Wondo’s father played soccer at Cal Berkeley, so soccer was in Chris’s blood since early childhood. One of his brothers, Stephen, also played soccer and played professionally for the Houston Dynamo. He now is a development soccer coach in the Earthquakes youth organization. Wondo was born in the East Bay and played soccer at De La Salle High School in Orinda. De La Salle has been famous all these years for its football, its Football Hall of Fame Coach, Bob Ladouceur, and its great football winning tradition. Coach Ladouceur was one of the winningest coaches in high school football history - or any sports history for that matter. He was / he is a legend in his own right. I asked Wondo if he was an inspiration and hero of his? … To read the rest of Wondo’s great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Sports”.
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Bold Action Needed to Combat the Childhood Obesity Crisis By Ken Yeager Santa Clara County Supervisor, District Four
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hildhood obesity is a topic that is very important to me as a person and as an elected official. It is not just an issue of concern. It is a crisis, and there is no magic bullet that will serve as a solution. It is a multifaceted, complex issue that will require government, businesses, schools, and parents together. One in four middle Ken Yeager school and high school students in Santa Clara County, ages 13-17, are
overweight or obese. For some populations, such as Latinos and African Americans, those numbers are one in three. More than half of adults in Santa Clara County are overweight or obese. Children who are obese after age six have a greater than 50 percent chance of being obese as an adult. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. If this trend continues, this will be the first generation of children to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Childhood obesity is not just a health issue. It is an economic issue as well. Obesity costs the taxpayer millions of dollars in related healthcare costs. Employers are effected through lost productivity and increased insurance costs. The cost of obesity in Santa Clara County are estimated at $420 million in healthcare and $496 million in lost productivity.
Even though there is a lot of new work happening through governments and regional partnerships, we are a long way from solving the childhood obesity crisis. While we must continue to educate, increase access to healthy food, and make physical activity a bigger part of city living, bold actions are also needed to draw attention to this problem. Because the effects of childhood obesity often seen later in life, too few people are motivated to act now. Sometimes new and even controversial ideas can help move the discussion along. An exciting idea that we passed in Santa
Most of us instinctively know that fast food is bad for you. When you look at the data, it is even worse. Clara County was a first-of-its-kind ordinance I authored to require restaurants to meet minimum health requirements for its kids meals that are linked to toys or other incentives. It has often been referred to in the media as the “Happy Meal Ban,” but it is not a ban at all. Rather, it gives parents a tool to resist the millions of dollars spent on marketing unhealthy meals to their children.
Most of us instinctively know that fast food is bad for you. When you look at the data, it is even worse. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for children 6-8 years old is 1500 calories, 58 grams of fat, and 1800 mg of sodium. If you look at a basic kids’ meal of a cheese burger, small fries, and 12-oz soda, it has 750 calories, 30 grams of fat and 895 mg of sodium. One meal would provide 50% of total daily calories, 52% of fat and 50% sodium. Fast food restaurants sold more than 1.2 billion meals with toys to children in 2006. In 2006, restaurants spent at least $360 million on toys. Toy giveaways are estimated to be the second highest child-directed expenditure by the industry, after TV advertising. In a study of children’s meals at restaurants, 10 of 12 of the highest calorie meals came with toys. All this money is being spent to influence children when they are young and their taste buds are developing. In essence, these toy offers get kids hooked on the taste of fast food at an early age. Santa Clara County’s ordinance ensures that food provided along with toys meet minimum health standards. A few months after Santa Clara County passed its ordinance, San Francisco passed an ordinance of its own, and New York City is considering one as well. Now the restaurant industry is taking notice. Recently, Jack in the Box announced that they will no longer offer toys as part of their kids’ meals. McDonald’s— the fast food chain that started the kids’ meal toy craze—is making changes of their own. They announced that they will be reducing the serving size of french fries and including fruit in all of their Happy Meals. The awareness being raised by Santa Clara County’s ordinance is helping the restaurant industry and parents to confront the need for change. We have made some good first steps, but much more still needs to be done.
Jean-Michel Cousteau
President, Ocean Futures Society www.oceanfutures.org
Dive into underwater treasures S
tanding on the edge of a boat peering into the vast blue deep of the ocean is a thrilling – and sometimes intimidating— experience. My father “helped” me get over my nervousness by simply throwing me overboard at the age of seven with the newly invented SCUBA tank on my back, but for folks without such assistance, you have to simply take a deep breath and make the plunge. In the past five years California dove enthusiastically into ocean conservation when the Fish and Game Commission voted to adopt a network of underwater reserves along the coast between Oregon and the Mexican borders. It is encouraging to have these new marine protected areas as a statewide system of protected ocean waters. For me, it gives me a sense of hope that future generations will have similar experiences of diving the giant kelp forests off our California coast as I did on my first dive after my father’s passing in 1997 at Anacapa Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. I remembered that dive vividly as if it was just yesterday. There was an unusual opening in the kelp. The sun’s rays were shining brightly through the kelp, lighting up this little, inexplicable patch of sand-like a spotlight on an empty stage. All around me there were tiny garibaldi, brightly colored damsel- fish native to the area. In normal light, they’re a fantastic, shimmering orange, but here in this bright sunlight, they were like festive candles, a string of party decorations
Photo: © Carrie Vonderhaar, Ocean Futures Society
announcing some underwater fiesta. What can I do but follow these playful, carrotcolored fish to the sandy bottom? What can I do but give myself over to their sweet allure? I drop to my knees and fall on the spot and I am overcome with emotion. It is almost mystical. I have been thinking of my father, of course, and now it feels as if he is here with me, on this sun-splashed ocean floor. For the first time since his death, he is near.
Lydia. Raising children is the hardest and most rewarding job I will ever have and one that SVT: How long have you been keeps me challenged, grateful doing this and what do you and very proud. Lydia is 13 and love most about your work? in 8th grade. She is a terrific RF: I joined SAMCEDA in July of student and excels at multiple 2008 and thoroughly enjoy what sports. She has a wonderful I do. Having a vibrant economy sense of humor and makes impacts all our communities on me think! Julia is 18 and in her many levels. On the Peninsula, first year at the United States we expect our cities to provide Naval Academy in Annapolis, top notch services, we expect MD. When we were looking at to have well-maintained parks various colleges and universities and open space to enjoy, Russell Hancock Rosanne Foust Scott Budman she said more than once that and we expect an efficient she wanted to go somewhere transportation infrastructure. In that would challenge and order to have all this (and more) motivate her. When she decided we need a vibrant economy on the Academy many people that can sustain and enhance asked why. Her answer was simple, “I wanted our quality of life. SAMCEDA works to ensure that these expectations become reality. These are tough to be part of something greater than me.” As issues, but I am energized by finding solutions that a parent, I could not be more proud of both daughters. make this a great place to live, work and play. business advocacy organization.
Rainy Hake
Bay Area Mags LLC Announces the Acquisition and Relaunch of SiliconValleyTalk.com
Chuck Reed
Terri Norvell
Tyler Mariucci
Lina Broydo
SVT: What are some key challenging issues we SVT: There are many organizations you work are facing you would like us to know about? with and Boards you serve on – you are a hub RF: The biggest challenge I see on the horizon of everything and everyone – who and what is fear of change. Society is moving at a faster inspires you? pace than I think anyone could ever have RF: My parents never had very much from a anticipated and sometimes the immediate material point of view. By todays’ standards we reaction is “No. Stop. I want everything to slow would be poor, actually very poor and yet I never down.” this Recognizing change felt poor. We never owned a home, my Dad The Pulse of Silicon Valley ... Experience in thethat form of isaninevitable we collectively need to find ways that engage both worked three jobs at various points in his life, extraordinary roundtable - where experts leaders, points of view. Thoseand that see change as positive we never had a new car…always a used one, weCommunity andfamily citizens, all under one speak out and share and roof, those that see change as negative. never professionals went on an overnight vacation, we didn’ttheir have music, artand or dance lessons and yet we stories ideas. SVT: What can we do to help make this an even were rich in what really mattered. They instilled in me and my brother and sister the value of hard better community? a positive and others upbeat, informative inspiring Be open, flexible,place patient,where kind, resourceful, work, It’s education and treating as you want to RF:and we will learn about and learnoffrom people, great companies creative, hardworking, dedicated, committed, be treated. They instilled the importance familygreat willing to engage and grateful for the freedoms and faith. readorganizations newspapers and doing watchedgreat the things. andThey great and opportunities we have. news and made sure we were aware of current
| | DINING OUT
A Delicious Taste of Italy
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he dream came to Joe Antuzzi II, the proprietor of Il Postale: to create a fun, festive and popular restaurant similar to what you would find in the Old World Italian fare — located in a historic downtown, close to the train station, where people would come from near and far, and feel right at home — enjoying such delicious Italian food and wine and in such a warm, friendly and comfortable setting. So it came to be that in 1995, Il Postale, the ItalianAmerican Bistro, was born. Il Postale, is Italian, meaning the Post Office. It is conveniently located in historic downtown Sunnyvale (yes, down the street from the train station), located in what was the original post office building. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Il Postale’s setting seems perfect, in an old world charm of its own. There, you will experience award-winning ItalianAmerican food and at reasonable prices. The intent was not to reinvent the Italian culinary world, but to include already very popular old Italian family recipes and in an open-kitchen, very friendly ambiance, inside and also outdoors. Thus, it is a bistro, meaning it is meant to feel casual,
Il Postale, The Italian-American Bistro A Delicious Taste of Italy 127 West Washington Avenue Sunnyvale (408) 733-9600 www.ilpostale.com
where people would feel comfortable whether wearing shorts or a suit and tie. Laura Reiley of CitySearch wrote: “Il Postale is an Italian gem of a restaurant in Sunnyvale, with generous portions and
attentive service.” Good Life Publications wrote: “Big-hearted and two-fisted, this robust restaurant likes to lavish its customers with generous portions and attentive service. Here is a place that turns out food Dean Martin would have loved. The marinara is perfection, and there’s invariably some seafood pasta dish that will hit the exact al dente mark with plenty of pizzazz. The decor is classic ItalianAmerican and so is the menu. A place to be casual and get involved with the food.” As another reviewer wrote: “The menu is plentiful and not to mention excellent.” There is also an array of popular vegetarian and vegan options, plus an outstanding wine selection and a full bar, as well, to choose from. Come and enjoy Il Postale, the ItalianAmerican Bistro. When not able to attend, you may also wish to consider their very popular “Cater your next event” menu. This way you can bring Il Postale’s delicious, fun and friendly festivities to you. Buon appetito!
Lina Broydo
“Local” Getaways Travellina
Tahoe welcomes travelers with dogs G
oing to the dogs gets a new meaning in the beautiful North Lake Tahoe. The man’s or the woman’s best friend is no longer persona non grata in Tahoe. “Without a doubt, North Lake Tahoe is a dog town,” said Tourism Director Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe
Resort Association. “Even the Tahoe City Post Office keeps treats behind the counter, so when Fido visits he or she is treated special.” So pack your pooch and kick off the summer with a few recommendations for a doggie and their masters favorite lodgings in the North Lake Tahoe region: • The spectacular Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe welcomes pets at their five-star luxurious resort. The non-refundable Pet fee is $125 for cleaning for the entire stay, which covers 2 dogs max. The room rate is not included. • In Incline Village, the lakeside and equally well-appointed AAA Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino will also take your pooch, but they must be 25 pounds or lighter. Pets are charged $50/ night. • Located on the West Shore, Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages is a winner of the Golden Bone Award from DogFriendly.com. Guests stay in charming red cottages. Fees are $20/night per dog. • Lake Tahoe’s Tahoma Lodge is a historic, family-owned property with one and two-bedroom cabins that are geared for families. Dogs are $10/night. The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus makes searching easy with its website, www. GoTahoeNorth.com, that allows potential visitors to search lodging by “pet” and offers more than a dozen properties and rental companies that fit the bill.
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Involving your toddler in recycling he routines you create for your child while he is young will grow into habits over the years. Although your toddler may be too young to understand the need to be eco-friendly, it is possible to get him into the routine of recycling by presenting it in an entertaining way. Here are some tips to get your toddler involved in recycling some common household items. Sorting the Household Waste Sorting the household waste is a fun activity to carry out with toddlers as it appeals to their natural inclination to categorise and sort items. It also gives them a sense of achievement when they get it right. Set up three plastic boxes and label each of them with pictures of what they should contain: one for paper, one for plastic and one for glass. Your toddler can help you search through old magazines or catalogues for suitable pictures for each box, which you can then cut out and stick on. This gives you an opportunity to talk through what types of waste should go in each box. The pictures will serve
as a useful reminder to your toddler when he is deciding what to place in each box. When sorting the household waste, give your toddler the responsibility of spotting which items can be recycled and into which box they should be placed. He will need a lot of direction at first, so be sure to offer praise and encouragement when he gets it right. Where items have a recycling symbol stamped on them, point it out to your toddler. He will soon start to recognise it on a range of everyday items. Composting If you have enough space in your garden, a compost heap can be used to recycle your biodegradable household waste. The setting up of the compost heap is a job for an adult, but your toddler will enjoy finding things to throw on to it.
Choose a suitable area of the garden and start the compost heap by placing green garden waste, brown garden waste, fruit and vegetable peelings and shredded newspaper in a pile. The pile should rest directly on the earth, not on concrete or plastic. You can enclose the compost heap with wood or wire to keep it neat, but this is not essential. The compost will take a few months to rot down and will need to be dug over once a month. When the bottom of the heap starts to turn brown and crumbly, the compost is ready to be used. Set your toddler the task of finding things to add to the pile. Along with garden waste and peelings from the kitchen, the compost heap will benefit from old teabags and eggshells. Avoid anything synthetic, oil and cooked food scraps which could attract vermin. Again, it may be helpful to sit down with your toddler and go through some old magazines and catalogues to choose pictures of items which can be added to the compost heap. These can be cut out and stuck on to a piece of card to be used as a reminder for your toddler when he is choosing what to throw on to the heap. Clothing Toddlers can also get involved in recycling old clothing. Although you may be passing wearable items on to a younger sibling or another child, you may have clothing that is unfit to be worn again. There are recycling outlets for used clothing which pay an amount of cash per kilo. If your toddler attends a nursery or daycare facility, they can use such a scheme to raise cash and to teach the children about the benefits of recycling. Nursery managers are usually happy to receive fundraising suggestions. Alternatively, you could
By involving your toddler in recycling and making it an entertaining activity, you are building a positive habit for the future.
use the money raised as an incentive for your child by saving it towards a treat, such as a day out or a coveted toy. Old Toys Another key area for recycling is your toddler’s toys. You may face some resistance to passing on items he has enjoyed playing with. A long forgotten toy can suddenly become the current favourite if your toddler thinks he may have to part with it. One approach is to explain that these can be passed on to children who have fewer toys than he does, although he may be a little young to empathise with their situation. Another tactic is to schedule such a clear out shortly before Christmas or his birthday. They attraction of new toys arriving may persuade him to part with some of his existing collection. By involving your toddler in recycling and making it an entertaining activity, you are building a positive habit for the future. Before you know it your child will be recycling items without prompting and may even be the one reminding you to be eco-friendly. stories@svlocalmag.com
BACK IN TIME
2000
• The Seattle Kingdome is demolished by implosion • The NASDAQ reached an all-time high of 5,048 • Bill Clinton is the first U.S. President to visit Vietnam • The U.S. Supreme Court stops the Florida Presidential recount giving the state to George W. Bush • Average cost for a gallon of gasoline $1.70 • U.S. Postage stamp 33 cents • Microsoft chairman Bill Gates steps aside as Chief Executive Officer • Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis Rams beat Tennessee Titans, 23-16 at the Georgia Dome Atlanta MVP is Kurt Warner, St. Louis QB • In a pre-dawn raid, federal agents
seize six-year-old Elián González from his relatives’ home in Miami, Florida.
• 100th US Golf Open at Pebble Beach • Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana Pacers 4-2 in NBA finals MVP is Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. • Sammy Sosa’s becomes the second player to hit 50 or more home runs in three consecutive years, joining Mark McGwire • The 100th Space Shuttle mission (STS-92) is flown. • NY Yankees defeat NY Mets 4-1 to win their 3rd straight World Series Championship; MVP is Derek Jeter, NY Yankees • U.S. retailer Montgomery Ward announces it is going out of business after 128 years.
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Former ‘49ers star Steve Bono is now helping other Bay Area athletes make the right decisions with their investments.
The San Francisco Bay:
A Crossroads of Wealth Creation
F
ew places in America are surrounded by as much wealth as the San Francisco Bay. While entrepreneurial technology companies and the venture capitalists backing them have been getting all the headlines, a half dozen major sports franchises have been consistently generating wealth in the Bay Area for years. And regardless of the various sources of wealth, the inevitable complexities remain the same. One California sports icon, Steve Bono, who played collegiate football at UCLA and professional football as quarterback from 1985 to 1999, including five years with the San Francisco 49ers, is now dedicated to helping these Bay Area athletes make the right decisions with their money. “I was lucky enough to be surrounded by trustworthy advisors during my career and
was able to avoid the unfortunate financial situations we often hear about,” said Bono, now a principal at Constellation Wealth Advisors in Menlo Park. Bono helped establish Constellation’s newest Steve Bono division, Constellation Sports Wealth Advisors, to focus on the unique financial challenges faced by professional athletes and coaches. “The assets earned during an athlete’s relatively brief playing career need to be properly managed to support a financially secure and comfortable post-retirement lifestyle,” said Bono. “Money doesn’t come with a game plan or a coach.”
Organization & Photo Credits: The Tech Museum | Mr. Koz: Jerome Brunet, San Jose Jazz | Calpulli Tonalehqueh Aztec Dance Group | RJ Muna Pictures: Ballet San Jose
WHAT COULD YOU DISCOVER?
Discover Silicon Valley arts and entertainment at LiveSV.com
Fast. Inspiring. Moving. Groundbreaking. Whether an art exhibit, cultural celebration, dance troupe, animal park or rockin’ riff, the Silicon Valley arts and entertainment scene delivers unexpected experiences as unique as our Silicon Valley lifestyles. So look around you...what could you discover?
DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED.
HOW TO PERFECT YOUR GOLF SWING
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he search for the perfect swing is the Holy Grail for golfers all over the world as they strive to ďŹ nd an action that will permit them to play the game to a high standard. Grooving a golf swing that is repeatable and dependable can only be achieved through practice, and this will require time and patience. Trying to perfect a swing while playing in competition is never advisable as you cannot possibly give your full concentration to the areas that need attention. Professional golfers will work tirelessly on their swings, some even hiring teachers who will give advice on elements of the swing. For recreational golfers, perhaps securing the services of a club professional will help, but for most golfers, it is a case of trial and error on the practice range. What can you do to improve
you swing? The starting point for anyone who hopes to improve their game is to ensure that the fundamentals are in place. These include a good grip, proper stance, correct alignment and tempo of the swing. When the basics are in place, you will be in position to hit golf shots that are reasonably good. Your next step is to experiment with things that may improve your swing allowing you to hit the ball longer, straighter and with more spin. For example, ball position is something that can have a real impact on your swing as it often determines the angle at which you approach the ball and how this affects your arms and shoulders on the downswing. If you position the ball too far toward your front foot, this can encourage an over-the-top pass at the
ball, probably resulting in a pull or a slice. On the other hand, if you position the ball too far back in your stance, you may find you are blocking the ball to the right or hooking it wildly. Experiment with ball position and you will most likely find that placing the ball in the middle of your stance or just fractionally toward your front foot will reap dividends. On longer clubs like the driver, the ball will be further toward your front foot. A tip you will find helpful when working on grooving your golf swing, is to experiment on the practice range with different tempo swings. Some recreational golfers swing very hard and fast in order to attempt to hit the ball further. You may be surprised to find that with a more leisurely, smooth swing, you will actually achieve greater distance. In reality, you want to hit the ball better, not harder. Fast swings tend to pull the arms into play too quickly and this often results in cutting across the ball, leading to a slice. The tempo of your swing is possibly the most crucial element you can work on as it will promote a repeatable swing you can rely on under pressure. In fact, you can groove such a swing in the garden at home without the need to hit golf balls. Find the tempo that works best for you, and make this part of your golf game. Another element that impacts on your swing
is how you stand to address the ball. This can make a real difference to the quality of your shots and determine how high or low your ball trajectory will be. It can also influence how you bring the club head to the ball. Are you possibly stretching for the ball at address? Or is your stance too upright causing you to slice? Again, take time on the practice range to experiment by hitting shots while taking a variety of address positions. A tall person will naturally stand more upright to the ball while a shorter person will reach more for the ball and have a flatter swing. On that subject, if you are serious about grooving a solid, repeatable golf swing, you would do well to make sure you are using golf clubs suited to your height. Badly fitted clubs will have you swinging on an arc that is unnatural and will inevitably result in hooking or slicing. As is true for even the best of players, grooving a good golf swing is a matter of practice. You may find that there is a great deal of trial and error involved until you find a swing that suits you individually. Do not treat this as a chore, but enjoy those times you spend on the practice ground, realizing that it will result in a better golf swing that will in turn, allow you to derive greater enjoyment from the game and improve you score. stories@svlocalmag.com
As is true for even the best of players, grooving a good golf swing is a matter of practice.
Silicon Valley’s Newest Trails By Liz Kniss Palo Alto Council Member
T
he County is funding two of the most exciting new recreational trails in Silicon Valley. After being the first to propose County funding for them, I’m pleased that we are able to provide the pivotal funding for both the Adobe Creek Bridge and the Ravenswood Bay Trail Connection. The Adobe Creek Bridge over Highway 101 will be a safe, yearround connection for Liz Kniss pedestrians and bicycles between Stanford and Palo Alto to the 1,940-acre Palo Alto Baylands Preserve and its trail system. $4 million will go to the City of Palo Alto for the project.
Another $400,000 will go to the Ravenswood Bay Trail Connection - the final link in the (San Francisco) Bay Trail between Redwood City and Alviso. This link will complete approximately 16 miles of uninterrupted shoreline trail. The Bay Trail is a 500-mile shoreline trail ringing San Francisco Bay, of which 310 miles have been completed. This link will also connect the Peninsula and South Bay segments of the Bay Trail to the East Bay segments. The funds come from a Santa Clara County fund that can only be spent on recreational facilities near Stanford. $10.37 million was paid by Stanford to mitigate the loss of recreational opportunities caused by new development on the University’s core campus. Urban trails are vital to keeping us healthier and connecting us to nature. Taken together, these projects offer new recreational opportunities for strollers, hikers, runners, bikers, birders, nature lovers and families with children. I’m glad that we can jump start two projects of such regional significance.
Urban trails are vital to keeping us healthier and connecting us to nature. Taken together, these projects offer new recreational opportunities for strollers, hikers, runners, bikers, birders, nature lovers and families with children.
MACLA is an inclusive contemporary arts space grounded in the Chicano/Latino experience that incubates new visual, literary and performance art in order to engage people in civic dialogue and community transformation.
• Latino Art Now Annual Art Auction • Artist Workshops • Live South First Fridays Performance • Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts • Family Art Sundays
Come to MACLA and see our youth creating videos, enjoy great Latino art, participate as a family making art together, attend vibrant live performances and learn to dance! Gallery Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 12-7pm, Friday and Saturday 12-5pm. Free Admission 510 S. First St., San Jose CA 95113 408-998-ARTE
Lina Broydo
“Local” Getaways Travellina
Californian Russian Settlement Marks 200 Years C
elebrating the bicentennial anniversary of Fort Ross, the town where the first Russian settlers came to California’s Sonoma County is offering an exciting array of programs in honor of this very historic occasion. They established it as a thriving community from 1812 to 1841 and as a hub of entrepreneurial activity. The anniversary of Fort Ross tells the “fascinating story of Russians in California, some of the first European influences north of San Francisco,” said Robin Joy, an interpreter at Fort Ross Historic Park and Fort Ross 2012 Bicentennial Co- Chair. In 2009, the historic Fort Ross state park was in danger of closing due to the budget cuts. Vladimir Vinokurov, the Consul General of the Russian federation in San Francisco, was instrumental in approaching the Renova Group, one of Russia’s leading business concerns, which set up the Renova Fort Ross Foundation. “The foundation helped with the repair and preservation of some of the historic buildings in the Fort Ross state park as well as with allocating of funds to the on-going celebration of the bicentennial history of Fort Ross,” said Vinokurov at his recent meeting with the travel writer.
“Russian General Consul Vinokurov shares a passion for Fort Ross,” said Joy. “He brought the Russian Ambassador, Honorable Kislyak, to Fort Ross on two occasions. The Ambassador then went to Russia and encouraged successful business leaders to support Fort Ross. We are grateful to him.” The park has since been removed from the for-closure list. For the list of Fort Ross 2012 Bicentennial celebration events please visit: www.fortrossstatepark.org and http:///www. fortross2012.org Lina Broydo is a travel and arts writer and resides in Los Altos Hills, Calif.
TOP
10
Reasons to Shop at Local Stores
Y
ou may already shop locally because it is convenient, or perhaps you don’t shop locally at all. There are however, many excellent reasons why shopping at local stores is very beneďŹ cial to you and the community in which you live. Here are the top ten reasons why you should do more local shopping: Better Customer Experience
Are you tired of being served by a grumpy, miserable, or even downright rude checkout operator? If you shop locally you are more likely to be received with a smile and have a very pleasant customer experience. At your local shop you are not just a faceless money-carrier, you are a person. Building a friendly relationship with the local shop owner makes for a much more relaxed atmosphere and a nicer shopping experience allround. Rather than making your day worse, shopping at a local store might just brighten your day. Helping to Local stores are owned and Maintain the operated by local people. The Community very same people as yourselves who care about the neighbourhood they live in. Local businesses donate to local charities and causes and improve the surrounding area. Why? They care about the area in which they live, just like you. Support local stores and you are supporting your local community.
Local Economic Properity
Money you spend at local shops and businesses is money that is kept in your community, enriching it for all. When you spend at a superstore the profits are taken by the corporation, whereas when you spend locally your whole community indirectly benefits, since that money will be re-invested in your region.
Unique Nothing destroys a region’s Community character like the imposition of Charactor an all-purpose megastore store. Local communities are unique places that have their very own culture, history and individual quality. Local stores are a part of this rich history and culture, having usually been around for several decades serving as pillars of the community. By supporting these local businesses you are ensuring the maintenance of the tradition and character of your area. A traditional diner or grocer is part of a town’s identity, and you would do well to support them with your custom. Unique When you shop at a local store, Products and you get to buy unique, local prodQuality ucts of a diverse range that you Produce would not find at a superstore. The stock has been carefully picked by the owner, rather than the dictates of market research and profitability. Especially when it comes to fruit and vegetables, shopping locally is superior to supermarket shopping in every way. The produce is fresher and tastier than supermarket goods, often picked only a day or two beforehand. Fresh, organic, locallygrown food is also not only healthier for you, but it is also healthier for your community, as you are sustaining local agriculture.
Using local businesses encourLocal ages healthy competition. This Competition ultimately brings you, the consumer, and a cheaper, wider range of goods. Multiple companies competing in individual markets is much better for everyone than one huge conglomerate selling a narrow range of every type of product. More Local Jobs
Small local companies create a wide variety of local jobs which help sustain community economies. By shopping at local stores and using local businesses you are ultimately creating a supply of jobs in your local area, through increasing demand for goods and services. Supporting Regional Agriculture
Through buying your fruit and vegetables from local outlets there are multiple positive effects. Aside from cheaper food bills and fresh produce, by supporting local farmers you are reinvesting money into your community and also helping the environment by reducing transport pollution. Helping In the world today everyone wants the to do what they can to help conserve Environment the environment and the planet’s natural resources. Shopping locally serves this cause in several ways. Major road congestion is reduced, as is general transport pollution. Buying goods from local stores also reduces fuel and energy consumption by bypassing the need to import from around the world. Local shops require little infrastructure, further decreasing our impact on the environment. Local Decision Making
Important decisions made by local stores and businesses ought not be harmful to the community since the owners are part of the community too – they have a vested interest and are committed to the area’s future themselves. Decisions affecting the community are not made in corporate board rooms hundreds of miles away, they are made by fellow members of the community who appreciate their impact. Happy Shopping! stories@svlocalmag.com
TR TIP
WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO
RIP PS
O, SEE AND EAT ACROSS THE GLOBE
Europe’s LOW COUNTRY
HIGHLIGHTS
The triumphal arch at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels.
Story by Rich Borell, CEO & Founder
Hello Everyone, I want to share with you my itinerary from my recent trip to Europe. It was a whirlwind trip traveling to Belgium, Luxembourg, Amsterdam along with Hamburg and Berlin Germany. We booked our trip 6 weeks in advance using European Destinations Travel Agency. They had a very good website to navigate hotel upgrades and get enough info to plan our trip. We also spoke with one of their senior travel agents to put the final touches with private drivers to pick us up as we arrived in each of our destinations. What we like about them is they are available 24/7 which was a plus for us. Our trip started early on a Wednesday, with our flight originating from San Jose, our first plane change was in Denver, from Denver we flew to Chicago, then Chicago to Brussels. We had an uneventful flight, taking United Airlines along with their Star Partners. We arrived on time in Brussels the next day at 9:20AM. While in Chicago we checked in with United’s customer service and was able to purchase and upgrade for a modest fee for the long flight to Brussels … very cool. Thursday: We had a nice driver waiting for us –the drive to our hotel was about 45 minutes. We stayed at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels; a luxury hotel that was once a Palace. The staff at the Metropole were very welcoming, the hotel is in a good location close to major shopping areas, the rooms are good size and very clean. After lunch we took the hop on hop off bus to get acquainted with the city. Every two years the Grand Place comes alive in Brussels with a stunning flower carpet of begonias. They say there are over 100 volunteers and over a million begonias. This event brings out the locals and is a hot tourist spot. For dinner we wandered around and checked out various menu’s and ended up at nice local restaurant, we took a table outside so we could
The Atomium, Brussels
do some people watching. I started out with a standard in Brussels, a bucket of mussels and Salmon. Our waitress spoke excellent English who lived in L.A. for a number of years. For dessert, of course, we shared a Belgium Waffle. Friday: Our day started with breakfast which was included at the hotel. We started out getting back on the hop on trolley with our first destination being the Atomium, which was the main pavilion and icon of the 1958 World Fair. Representing an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times; The Atomium offers the only true 360° panoramic view of the 19 municipalities. The whole thing is made up of 9 spheres (one at each of the 8 points and one in the middle) connected by 20 tubes
(12 cube edges plus 2 tubes for the 4 diagonals): the structure rests on 3 pillars (or bipods). After lunch we walked down to a park located at the foot of the Atomium called “Mini - Europe” Mini-Europe is the only park where you can have a whistle-stop tour around Europe in a few short hours. A truly unique voyage! Stroll amid the typical ambiance of the most beautiful towns of the Old Continent. While there you can enjoy some great shopping to bring home. For dinner we decided to check out the all new Hard Rock Café located in the Grand Place. The menu is complete with all your favorites like New York Steak, Twisted Mac, and Chicken & Anne Frank House Museum, Amsterdam Cheese to one of my stand by favorites, Grilled Salmon. While there, you can enjoy an upscale Flea Market where everyone brought some great rock memorabilia with some pieces their treasures out to sell; it was interesting so from John Lennon, The Sex Pistols, Jimi Hendrix we spent a few hours browsing around. We also and Elvis Presley. bought a pass for the hop on hop off to get a feel of the area. We had a 5:30PM flight out to Saturday: Amsterdam with a brief layover in Munich. Our Our day started out with breakfast at the hotel travel agent suggested flying as opposed to the train before our train to Luxemburg. Our train arrived on to save time, however it would have been nice to time; our driver met us and drove us to the Le Royal see more of the country. Resort Hotel. Our room was ready; the heat wave Our flight arrived on time around 10Pm we had we left in the U.S. has certainly followed us to Europe. a friendly driver pick us up; our drive was about Luxemburg was pretty warm, in the high 80’s. 30 minutes from the airport. Our driver gave us The hotel is ideally located, if you want to the low down on Amsterdam. We arrived at our walk around downtown to enjoy Plaza D’Armas, hotel around 11PM; fortunately, there were a few shopping on the upscale stores, sightseeing or for upgrades available so for our two nights we were eating at the numerous restaurants in the area. The able to get a nice room. breakfast buffet offers a great variety of choices of While in Amsterdam we stayed at the Convent fruits, cereals and breads etc. Amsterdam Hotel in one of their suites which Le Royal Hotel comes with a five star Spa if provided ample space and comfort. The room was you’re looking for a great place to relax. There’s very quiet with a view of the street. The staff was also a pool and sauna along with a fitness room. very friendly and polite … nothing was too much Things to check out while in Luxembourg include: trouble. The hotel is centrally located with access to Cathedral Notre-Dame all the major sites and all forms of transport. William Square Palace of the Grand Dukes Monday: St. Michaels Church Our day started out with breakfast at a nearby Starbucks, and a short walk where we stood in a Sunday: long line to get into the Anne Frank Museum. The We did a lot of walking today, they actually had museum opens at 9AM, if you get there around
8:30 the line goes pretty fast, again, even at 8:30 the line was quite long. If you remember the story of Anne Frank, you will enjoy the museum as there’s a large TV screen in most rooms that offers a narrative of the events. On display at the museum is the Academy Award Shelley Winters won and later donated to the mueum for her character performance of Petronella van Daan in the Diary of Anne Frank. You can see the award as it’s displayed in a bullet-proof glass case in the museum. After Anne Franks we found a quiet place for breakfast. After breakfast we – yes found the hop on hop off bus, bought a ticket and journeyed to the Van Gogh Museum. This museum boasts the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh which features over 200 paintings and several hundred drawings. If you happen to be there on the weekends, it can get crowded. Virtually across the street from the Hard Rock was the Heineken Museum. This was a cool attraction and a must see while in Amsterdam. You get to know everything there is about the history of the Heineken family, how they brew and of course the best part, sampling. It’s about a 90 minute tour from start to end, lots of interactive activities. You also get a couple of drinks included with the price of your ticket. During the evening after dinner we took in a guided tour of the Red Light District. We had a great time; all I will say is that the Red Light District of Amsterdam leaves nothing to the imagination.
and gives you a great feel of the city, you will stroll through some of the bombed out locations during the WW2. Steve was our tour guide, great personality and very informative. Here are a few places you may want to check out depending upon how much time you have in the area: Emigration Museum Warehouse District St. Michaelis Church Planten un Blomen (beautiful botanical garden) In case you got to Hamburg after Amsterdam and need another fix, there is a Red Light District in Hamburg. While in Hamburg we stayed at the Marriott City Center. This is a great location as you’re only a few minutes’ walk to shops and some nice restaurants. The rooms are above average on size, plenty of amenities. For dinner we ate at the Restaurant Franziskaner. If you’re looking for delicious Bavarian Food, this is the place. The owner was real cool, spoke great English. The waitress thought there was a problem since we hardly touched our food, but it was just that the portions were too much for us. Maybe, we were also a little full from enjoying some shots of Schnapps?
Tuesday: Once again, our day started out at Starbucks, we had until around 2PM in Amsterdam before we took a flight to Hamburg Germany. We did some shopping and finished at one of the “coolest” attractions in Amsterdam. For around 20 Euros you get to put on a large heavy coat and gloves to step into an ice freezing room with a bar and musical video. The price also includes a free shot of something that was pretty good. Did I mention your seat for the video is an ice block. Our flight to Hamburg left on time; we had a brief layover in Copenhagen Denmark and enjoyed a nice dinner at the airport.
Thursday & Friday: Today we took the Ice Train which is the best way to travel; the trains are fast and comfortable. Our trip to Berlin would be a pleasant two hours. My only recommendation would be that they should have the stops also in English to alter tourists of their destination arrival. Our driver was on time, met us at the deck and drove us to the Ritz Carlton where we will be spending the final nights of our trip. If you want to travel and really feel pampered trust me, the Ritz Carlton is the way to go. While in Berlin, you will want to check out and get some pictures at Check Point Charlie. This was the famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. You will also want to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial. The memorial contains the last piece of Berlin Wall with the preserved grounds behind it and is thus able to convey an impression of how the border fortifications developed until the end of the 1980s.
Wednesday: Today, the heat wave finally left and it cooled down with a light rain as we did the “Great Walking Tour” in Hamburg. By the way this is a free offered by Sandeman Tours. The tour is just over 2 hours
Saturday: Like all vacations, this one was coming to an end. We have a 7:45AM flight from Berlin to Frankfurt, with a short layover then non-stop to Denver and finally back in the Bay Area.
p i r T a s y a w l A the Ages 5 for
NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE!
Story by Rich Borell, CEO & Founder
R
ecently, my wife and I decided to take a trip to Orlando, Florida, over the summer. We planned to spend a few days at each attraction: The Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Studios and Downtown Disney. We also included a day tour to the Kennedy Space Center. We planned our stay at the Waldorf Astoria for the week. Both the Waldorf and the Hilton Orlando are connected with a world-class convention center, creating a hip oasis in the middle of Orlando’s Theme Park magic. Truly convenient, the hotels are located inside the Disneyworld gates. The name Waldorf Astoria is synonymous with luxury. If you have ever stayed at the Waldorf in New York, you will see that this Orlando property nicely brings together that New York style with the ever-delightful Floridian charm. Whether you stay there, or not, I encourage you to dine at its legendary restaurant, Bull & Bear. This restaurant is definitely the area’s most popular go-to restaurant when it comes to fine dining. Along with this fabulous restaurant, be sure to also check out the spa, awardwinning designed golf course, state-of-the-art workout center … and our favorite: your own chic private cabana with a personal server. Before I go any further, I want to wholeheartedly thank the management for their wonderful hospitality. Here’s the scoop on what I highly recommend: be sure to buy a planning app before you even arrive in Orlando to help you map out your day(s). Indeed, it’s well worthwhile. Then, you can use the app on your phone, update wait times, re-optimize your schedule, etc. By having a plan, we were able to see every single attraction, including parades and fireworks. The longest we ever waited was 20 minutes. This was in the middle of the summer during peak days.
Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando.
The Magic Kingdom is a great place. This is a good combination of rides and, of course, you have to ride the coasters. The Castle draws everyone’s attention – this is where they play shows with all the characters. Space Mountain is where you must go first. Get yourself a fast pass early before the lines are long. One of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood-style action with live shows, thrilling attractions, backstage tours and star-studded
special events. Feel like the star in your own movie as you romp through the streets and sections of the park that blend together like a large, bustling movie set. Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood heydays from the 1930s and 1940s, captured by the neon, chrome, art deco and modern architecture. Step into the action with exhilarating attractions and experiences inspired by television and silver screen favorites. Go center stage and into the spotlight with the American Idol Experience, stunt shows and more. Collect autographs and pose for photos at special events. Another cool ride is the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow and, of course, the Rock n Roller Roller Coaster staring one of my favorites – Aerosmith. When it comes to rides, be sure to check out The Great Movie Ride, the 18-minute tour of some of Hollywood’s most famous films. Then there’s the 50’s Prime Time Café, which is located at the Disney Hollywood Studios. Bring your appetite and your sense of humor. The theme is Mom’s kitchen circa 1955. There are TV’s throughout the restaurant showing black and white sitcoms, from “Father Knows Best” to the original “Mickey Mouse Club”. You can’t help but smile when you see these blasts from the past. Everyone is “family”. Your server will introduce you to your “cousins” while giving you warnings to keep your elbows off the table and remind you to eat your vegetables. It’s all in good fun and adds to the unique experience. There are a lot of 50’s knick-knacks and the dessert menu is on a View master! For people who have never been here before and who love animals, this is an ultimate great place to visit. We loved the safari ride and the different animals from all around the world that they had. The only downside is that it’s so far away from all the other parks. However, this park is still worth checking out, if you are here. Disney gives you a unique look at nature and animals through Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Enjoy yourself and take your time in the Animal Kingdom. If you have time to spend extra days at any of the parks, I would recommend doing
The Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Orlando are connected with a world-class convention center.
this park and the Magic Kingdom for more than one day. I would recommend going to the park early or late afternoon. If you are staying at a resort, take advantage of “Extra Magic Hours.” When you enter the Animal Kingdom, you will walk through what is called “The Oasis”, with animal exhibits, exotic plants, jungle habitat etc.- all of which is really cool. This park is divided into five parts: Discovery Island, Camp Minnie, Camp Mickey, Africa and Rafiki’s Planet. Outside of the Animal Kingdom, I can recommend the Rainforest Café. Dinner was great; so, too, was the service. It was impeccable and you can also get in some shopping. This park is fun and there is a lot to do. You can visit the world in less than a day … and the fireworks at night are amazing. From the food to the gift shops, you will have a blast. We were on the go all day and crammed just about everything in! The Future World was great, a few nice little attractions there. I really enjoyed the greenhouse … which is about one living with the land. I had read about ‘Soarin’ and was eager to see what this was. It was excellent. The more popular rides, such as Soarin and Test Track, have long waits. It would be a good idea to get a fast pass for these, unless you don’t mind waiting an hour or more. Epcot Center, the world showcase, was
brilliant! It was much better than what I thought it would be. It’s very well done. We really enjoyed going from place to place, different attractions from around the world. There are different shows going on during the day that are very interesting. The fireworks/ lights illumination, which start around 9pm, were truly amazing! It’s very well done. We also had a wonderful time eating at Les Chefs de France. Of course, always remember to make a reservation here 2-3 months before you go. But, hey, it’s in Disney, what can you expect? This is one of Epcot’s overlooked gems. Many of the tables overlook the ‘streets’ of France and give you a bird’s eye view of the comings and goings while you enjoy your delicious meal. The tables are covered in crisp white linens, the interior is light and airy and the service is always top notch. I’m going to first talk about the ambiance. It really does make you feel like you’re dining at some French bistro in Paris. The wait staff is from France, with the accent, and they would speak with you in fluent French if you were to ask them to. When we first arrived, our server brought us French baguettes, and it was really good. Indeed, it was warm, crisp, but soft and fluffy inside. Then I ordered the Salmon dish (with red pepper sauce and chive mashed potato) - it was delicious. The fish was cooked to perfection … I was a real big fan of sauce. It had this light, tangy and tomato-based taste to it and it complemented everything very well. After being out in the heat and crowds for a few hours, this restaurant in the French section of Epcot was a welcome respite. We were seated promptly, and the service was spot on from the moment we arrived throughout. We could not have enjoyed this experience more. Downtown Disney, originally the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. This 120 acre shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is loaded with great things to do, and consume, if you’d like to spend a day away from the parks. Parking is free here. Downtown Disney is awesome. This place
is what I call a mall outside. It has shopping, dining, and attractions - and you can spend a day here by itself. You must stop here even if you are not going to Disney. There are shows and many places to eat. My favorite part besides the giant pin trader’s tent was the candy store. Who doesn’t love candy? You must stop by Downtown Disney. There are three main areas here. Marketplace (East Side), Pleasure Island and West Side. Market Place (or East Side), Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, Planet Hollywood - Reservations are highly recommended. Rides are totally awesome. Shopping and food and beverage are nice. Rides not to miss: Harry Potter’s Forbidden Journey, Spider-Man, Poseidon, Popeye (water ride), and Simpson’s. I’m not into roller coaster rides, but they have several. Also most rides are 4D with special effects … and you also get sprayed with water. What an amazing park; from the moment you drive up to the park, you tingle, Rip ride rock it (AMAZING), Shrek, Mummy Returns, Simpsons are all great, but TRANSFORMERS is awesome (as the Americans would say), great shows throughout the day, must stay for the show at night - my advice buy a unlimited fast pass for both parks. If you are disciplined, you will ride them all over and over. The Kennedy Space Center is a must-see attraction if you are visiting the Orlando area. It’s about a two hour drive. We were very fortune to attend a lecture by Astronaut Sam Durrance, who flew on many Space Shuttle missions. There are two museums there - including one that houses the actual Atlantis that went to space - with lots of information to educate you on the space program. There are two IMAX movies that will take you back into history. Be sure to make the Atlantis exhibition part of your plans. The gift shop will have a lot of cool stuff – plus, lots of good places to eat. I also want to extend my thanks to the management at the Kennedy Space Center for making our visit such an enjoyable and memorable one.
SPOTLIGHT ON TRAVEL
r o d n e l p S & y t u a e B The that is Old Europe Prague
WHERE SIGHTSEEING IS A MAJESTIC WALTZ By Rich Borell Hello Everyone, I wanted to share some of our recent adventures as my wife and I enjoyed what was a wonderful visit to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. If you are planning a visit to Prague, Bratislava or Budapest you can definitely cover a lot by walking. Vienna is a larger city, so you will need other forms of transportation to get around.
buildings. We continually caught ourselves saying to each other: “check out that building!”, because everywhere we looked, everything was so unique. The city was like an architectural museum, very much older Europe. Here’s a brief list of some places you want to be sure to see while in Prague: • Charles Bridge • Prague Castle • Old Town Square • Church of St. Nicholas • Stalin Monument
Prague Let’s start with Prague. As we walked around (and I DO mean WALKED … yes, about 7miles per day) you will be mesmerized by historic
The heart of Prague, Old Town, is filled with many houses, churches and other structures dating back to the 13th century. When visiting, be sure to include the Old Town Hall
and Astronomical Clock, the Carolinum, the Municipal House and the Estates Theater. Located in the center of Prague is a vibrant square surrounded by baroque buildings, lively cafes, street entertainers and craftspeople. Situated at the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral is the most important and largest church in Prague. The cathedral is the burial place of the former Czech kings and a home of the Czech Crown Jewels. You definitely want to include this stop when planning your itinerary. Connecting the Old Town with Lesser Town, this popular pedestrian bridge is filled with musicians, painters, vendors and tourists during the summertime. Here you will be able to take some great pictures. Once the initial charm of Prague has sunk in –I encourage you to take a trip to the Castle District and be even more amazed with some awesome sights. This fairy tale castle on a hill overlooking the Vltava River is the most popular sight in the city, reflecting the city’s “Bohemian Baroque” architecture. The seat of Czech rulers for
Bratislava
1,000 years, today it houses the office of the President. Contained within the castle walls are three courtyards, beautiful gardens, shops, and restaurants. St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic landmark of the city since 926, that has always been the center of Prague’s religious and political life, is in this giant castle. Bratislava Next we took the train to Bratislava, Slovakia. I suggest purchasing a first-class ticket; it’s more comfortable and less crowded for your four hour journey. The first-class ticket will also get you access to the business lounge where you can relax and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks before you depart. You will also be able to get assistance taking you to your train and loading your luggage up. Keep in mind … not a lot of English is spoken in these parts. Here’s a brief list of some places you want to be sure to see while in Bratislava: • Bratislava Castle • Michael’s Gate • Primate’s Palace
Budapest
Old Town, Bratislava, was a delightful surprise to both of us … lots of shops, museums to see. One item I suggest seeing is the St. James Chapel. It’s the oldest sacral medieval structure in Bratislava. Be sure to take a walk downstairs. A must-see on your trip is the Bratislava Castle. The castle was originally built as a frontier post for the Roman Empire; a later version was built by King Sigismund in the 15th century. This castle burnt down in 1811, leaving only ruins … and it took until 1956-68 for the castle to be rebuilt to its current format. The castle is located on a hill overlooking the River Danube, the southern-most hill of the Small Carpathian Mountains. There are two ways to walk up to the castle - up Beblaveho Street from the Old Town or from Mudronova Street by the Slovak Parliament building up at the hill. You will find a museum along with a restaurant that has a full service bar. Weather permitting, I suggest eating outside and enjoying the beautiful views of the Danube. Budapest Our next train ride was just a little over two
hours and took us to the brightest jewel on the Danube: Budapest, Hungary. Budapest was created in 1873 from the separate towns of Buda, Pest and Obuda. Its population of two million resides in 23 districts. Here’s a brief list of some places you want to be sure to see while in Budapest: • Buda Castle • Chain Bridge • Hungarian Parliament Building • St. Stephen’s Basilica • House of Terror We both felt Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever seen. Since we have traveled through Europe extensively, that says a lot. Between the view from Fisherman’s Bastion, the Matthais Coronation Church and the nighttime view of the five lighted bridges and Parliament Building, it’s a must tour … and, if you have time in the evening, so, too, is a cruise along the Danube a must. We were very impressed with Budapest being the largest city and capital of Hungary. It’s clean, feels safe and it’s also very easy to get around by foot … and, best of all, the people of Budapest
speak good English. The cost of eating out is look into when planning your trip to Eastern inexpensive, with lots of options. There are also Europe. many Hungarian wines and beers to choose from. Mamaison Suite Palace Hotel Prague: Vienna The hotel is clean and the hotel staff Our final two hour train ride took us to extremely polite and helpful. They were able to Vienna, Austria. The historic center of Vienna is help us with all our queries concerning tours and rich in beautiful architecture, including Baroque restaurants … and recommendations made by castles and gardens, as well as the late-19ththem all turned out fantastic for us. century Ringstrasse, that is lined with grand You can book your tours through them; buildings, monuments and parks. however, keep in mind they will charge, I believe, Here’s a brief list of some places you want to a 10% add-on fee; however, well worth it. be sure to see while in Vienna: You are within three minutes of walking and • Schonbrunn Palace being at the Charles Bridge. • Hofburg Palace Choose a large or junior suite on the upper • St. Stephen’s Cathedral floors so you can have a great view of the river. • Millennium Tower • Historic Center of Vienna Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava: Nice hotel located in Old Town. Pleasant staff, The most important fine arts museum in very good breakfast. Good views, you can see Vienna is the Kunsthistorisches Museum. It is not only the Hviezdoslav Square, but also the one of the most impressive museum buildings of Castle. the 19th century. The architects were Gottfried The old city center is a one minute walk Semper and Carl von Hasenauer and it opened away. The River Danube is two minutes away. in 1891. The museum shows the art collection of Overall the hotel has a welcoming and warm the Habsburg Dynasty, collected over centuries. atmosphere. Staff is happy to help, and most On the stairway going to the second floor is the speak very good English. Rooms are spacious sculpted group of Canova, Theseus Slaying the and clean. Minotaur. The number one tourist attraction of Vienna Marriott Budapest: is St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), This property is beautifully located on the located at Stephansplatz, and is the most Danube - has the best staff and just the best important Catholic Church in Vienna. It has attention to detail. We were very impressed. a multi-colored tile roof with a diamond Rooms are typical Marriott, perhaps slightly pattern and two tall towers which are the most more spacious than in the average property. If recognizable symbols of the city. you qualify for the executive lounge, this is an If visiting museums is at the top of your list, excellent amenity. Not only is the view great you won’t be disappointed in Vienna. but breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres were I will briefly mention, if you do decide to visit ample and of a good variety. the Mauthausen-Gusen Concentration Camp, it’s about an hour train ride outside of Vienna … be Marriott Vienna: sure to schedule a private tour. Not much English The staff at the hotel was all very helpful and is spoken in this town. the rooms were comfortable and clean as you A word regarding currency: Austria and would expect. Slovakia use Euro’s; however, the Czech Republic The hotel has a great location, within walking has their own called Czech Koruna, and Hungary distance to all of the major sites and near two uses the Hungarian Forint. Don’t worry, it’s metro stops. not that confusing, and if you have an iPhone, The breakfast was good, a big spread with there’s an app that does everything for you. fantastic quality. Before I wrap this up, I wanted to suggest If it sounds like a delightful trip, it was. a few hotel accommodations you may want to Until next time … Bon Voyage!
| | BODY & SOUL
Gaining ‘satisficience’ By Jan Hutchins Former News Anchor and Mayor of Los Gatos Zensun30@gmail.com
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atisficient, a created word meaning a combination of satisfying and efficient. An antidote to perfectionism… I intend you have an experience of satisficience and need your cooperation. Please read only these first few words using your mind. Instead, shift your attention into your body. Make it your intention to experience these words as something happening in your heart and belly rather than your head. None of what is to come is for your mind. I invite you to breathe and enact this word, RELAX, until you do actually relax some. I imagine living in a culture where almost everyone is anxious, at least slightly dissatisfied and repressing something, so before we do anything else, let’s relax. I also imagine you are busy trying to get, do and/or be something and reading this article is a diversion from that “need”. Thank you for your time and attention! I hallucinate that the distance, or difference between here and now, with all it’s so-called “problems”, and being or having the things you want or reaching the goals you’ve set is the very definition of stress. These words are meant to be a means of easing the anxiety, stress, urge to control that come with the territory here in our Silicon Valley rush toward imagined (or actual) success and riches. I’m checking into our connection after doing what I’m inviting you to try. I’m feel-
ing relaxed as I write. I feel lots of joy imagining you experiencing this. I feel frustrated we’re not in the same space so I could see you and guide you. I am comfortable if this is not your medicine and you move forward “as stressed as I damn well am, thank you”. If you’re still with me, try relaxing again but this time allow an even deeper release with each exhale. You might feel like you’re deflating yourself, like you’re letting the air out of a balloon, releasing the pressure that keeps it stretched out of it’s natural shape. Like the balloon, we’re festive when we’re all puffed up with effort and ego playing our roles in this modern day gold rush. In my desire to survive and thrive, fear of failure arises and I become artificially happy, even festive, in an attempt to hide my fear and vulnerability from you and even from myself. Puffing myself up to hide being so stretched by the strain I’m about to burst is a way of life in our worlds. With each exhale continue relaxing layers of tension out of, or perhaps it will feel like off of, your body. When the next thing; the call, meeting, encounter, emotion, thought comes, see if you can meet it with a little relaxation, first. Some awareness you are actually breathing, next. Try that “relax and breathe” thing again and this time add a pause between the exhale and inhale. Repeat a few times until you get your face to relax a little, releasing tension from the forehead, jaw, tongue, eyes as you exhale, continuing to let it tension drop from your body and mind during the pause.
Start to allow the pause between the breaths to be at the top of the inhale and at the bottom of the exhale so you rest and relax, inhaling, pausing, exhaling, pausing as you gently slow down and find your way energetically to the ground. If you’re actually trying this, “You’re welcome!” I imagine I have your attention and you’re experiencing or being reminded of an alternate reality. Silence, stillness, enlightenment without words are available in these spaces. Enjoy and play for a while then come back when you imagine you’re ready for more. I imagine energy being birthed in my belly and rising up in me as I inhale. Try it a few times. I source it from the sensitive areas at the bottom of my torso, my genitals, anus and the area between. More on this delicate subject in my next article. I cannot overestimate the power waiting for you in this part of the body. So relax and breathe, lifting energy up from the bottom of your torso and pausing at both ends of the process until how you think and feel, your thoughts about what is happening,
your “story” in your head, becomes less interesting than playing with the vertical power residing in the energies this squeeze releases. Women might recognize this squeeze as the exercise recommended to help them be better lovers, men are taught to do this to keep their Prostate healthy. Either way, this as a vitality pump that not only produces energy but a sense of self-confidence and lightness in the body. This combination of pause breathing and conscious lifting of energy up from the bottom of the body are key elements in the practice of yoga and provide those of us striving to be, get and become with a convenient, free, technique to bring ease and acceptance, body wisdom and freedom from being controlled by anxiety. Practice this in moderation. Stop if it’s at all uncomfortable. It should be pleasurable almost beyond imagination. Discuss with your yoga teacher the nuances of this technique and/or contact me or this publication with feedback about your experience.
Blueberries:
THREE HEALTH BENEFITS OF A SUPERFOOD By C. Carr
B
lueberries are native to North America and widely cultivated in Europe. They thrive in temperate climates and require a position of full sun and acidic soil to produce a substantial crop. For the gardener, a young bush can be bought quite cheaply from a local garden centre and planted in a pot, if soil conditions are not ideal. Typically a bush will grow to be about 1.5 metres high, with the berries themselves growing on new branches that develop each growing season. To ensure the best yield possible, it is advisable to grow two or more bushes close together to provide cross-pollination. Once established, a blueberry bush can provide an excellent source of nourishment for many years at no cost. Blueberries are regarded as a ‘superfood’ by many nutritionalists on account of the unique health benefits they provide. These benefits include: 1. REDUCED BODY FAT. Studies in animal models have suggested that blueberries can subtly alter metabolism, resulting in increased rates of fat oxidation with a consequential decrease in body fat. A moderate intake of blueberries also appears to be linked to improved levels of fasting glucose in the bloodstream (delaying the onset of hunger) and sensitivity to insulin, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity. 2. REDUCED RISK OF CANCER. Blueberries are particularly rich in antioxidants. These are chemicals such as pterostilbene and anthocyanins (pigments responsible for the blue hue of blueberries) that have a protective effect against cancer and ageing. Antioxidants react with harmful chemicals called free radicals that are liberated from cellular processes, thus preventing the damage to cells and DNA that is associated with the progression of old age.
3. PREVENTION OF NEURODEGENERATIVE ILLNESS. Preliminary studies in animals have indicated that diets rich in blueberries may provide some degree of protection against neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Blueberries provide high quantities of vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, along with a multitude of minerals required for the intense metabolic demands of neurone cells. Although neurodegenerative illnesses may not be curable, their progression may at least be slowed by attention to diet.
Senior service agencies
getting creative
In Silicon Valley, approximately one-fifth of the population is 65 and older. This figure will jump to one-infour by the year 2030. While we have all heard about the demographic “age wave,” what is less known is that half of adults 60 and older in Santa Clara County (50%) live below the Elder Economic Standard Index (EESI), an area-specific measure of poverty, according to the latest report from Council on Aging. Right now, many benefit programs only serve individuals that meet the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) - a cost of living at about $1000 per month. While 25% of seniors fall under the FPL, an additional 25% live below the EESI, a more accurate measure of poverty, leaving them in ‘the eligibility gap.’ Local senior service agencies are coming up with creative solutions to engage the community in helping their neighbors. For the past two years, The Health Trust partnered with Council on Aging to engage 90 volunteers and 270 agencies to inform 28,000 adults 50+ of local resources and keys to healthy aging. Resources highlighted included free and income-based local programs for health, fall prevention, housing, transportation, in-home support, caregiver support and food and meal programs. Volunteer ‘Health Champions’ connected with faith communities, libraries, health clinics, senior lunch programs, ethnic sites, after-school programs, hospitals, the Veterans Administration, and more. Silicon Valley is one of the wealthiest areas
in the nation, but at least one-half of our seniors have a myriad of unmet needs. ‘Healthy Steps’ is one of many volunteer opportunities to help ensure that older adults spend more years in good health and engaged as vital members of our community. How can you help to make this a place where we can all age with dignity and health? For more information about how to get involved, please contact: Pauline de Lange, MA Health Promotion Coordinator The Health Trust in partnership with Council on Aging paulined@healthtrust.org (o) 408-879-4105
Unbelievable Views No Crowds Family- & Pet-Friendly Every Saturday & Sunday 1-6 or by appmt
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751 13th Street @ Avenue I Treasure Island
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415-525-4154
SJSU Nursing Reaches Out
to the Community
The San José State University (SJSU) Valley Foundation School of Nursing Nurse Managed Centers Program addresses the primary health care needs of the greater San José area with a
mission, “to provide quality community based health care services in an innovative educational environment.” The focus of the Nurse Managed Centers is health promotion and illness prevention for populations across the lifespan. Nurse Managed Centers provide services to well and frail elders, lowincome families, and provide services to persons with chronic mental illness. A unique feature of the SJSU Nurse Managed Centers is the academic focus as they serve as the clinical setting for undergraduate nursing students in both community and mental health practicum experience. Services provided include
blood pressure monitoring and screening, diabetic management (glucose monitoring and screening), health education classes, health promotion programs, Toby Adelman, RN, Ph.D. medication Associate Professor education and Community Health San Jose State University monitoring, nutrition education, and home visits. By collaborating with a variety of organizations such as the Health Trust and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the SJSU Valley Foundation School of Nursing is standing in its commitment to creating a healthier Silicon Valley. By utilizing the services of health practitioners in our community to provide quality health education and promotion, for example Rosen Method exercise classes for seniors at an independent living facility, or Better Bones and Balance classes at the Timpany Center, we fulfill our mission of providing innovative education in the science and art of professional nursing.
HEALING HEARTS BODYWORK
Patricia Angelina, C.M.T.
Call for Appointment
Rosen Method Bodywork Practitioner & Movement Teacher
408-624-6167
www.HealingHeartsBodywork.com Patricia Angelina at Healing Hearts Bodywork
Rediscover Your Authentic Self through Touch and Movement Patricia Angelina is a holistic bodywork practitioner and movement teacher with over 20 years experience. She practices bodywork with a focus on the integration of body/mind/spirit/emotions: the whole person. Through deep relaxation awareness is enhanced. Free up your own natural breath and aliveness.
Rosen Bodywork
Rosen Method is a bodywork modality that focuses on the connection between breathing, emotional responses and body functioning to help release unconscious chronic muscle tension.
Rosen Movement
Enjoyment and ease of movement are the emphasis of Rosen Movement classes. This gentle exercise method can be taught to people of all ages, sizes and abilities. The classes are made up of stretches, joint mobilizations and dance-like movements that are done to music. Classes are fun, stress-releasing, and energizing. Experience feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and more in touch with yourself! By moving together as a group we offer each other support and community. “The Rosen Method movement class has been great for improving my balance and helping me get more limber. It’s fun doing the movements to music with a group. I feel more connected to my body. Patty is very friendly, helpful, and professional.” -- Kristine F.
Using a “listening touch,” I focus on the places in the client’s body where chronic tension is held and where free movement of breath is inhibited. The objective is to slowly expand the client’s awareness of himself and to invite relaxation and release of the holding. As this process unfolds, habitual tension and old patterns may be released, freeing the client to experience more aliveness, new choices in life and a greater sense of well-being. “This work is about transformation – from the person we think we are to the person we really are.” — Marion Rosen
Experience: Deep Relaxation Being - Not Doing Letting Go Accepting Allowing
Rosen Movement — Moving & Living With Ease!
First Class FREE! CMT CERT. #1295
Preventive — Restorative Lose your aches and pains, gain freedom of movement, vitality and joy!
LOVING WHO YOU REALLY ARE!
The Local State SVL: Will the elements that drove market prices in 2013 be with us in 2014? CT: Despite the seasonal market mellowing we experienced. over the summer following a most competitive first half of 2013, the forthcoming new year is shaping up to look remarkably similar. Headlines for the first half of. 2013 focused on the. historically sparse supply of homes and increasing competition among buyers. This led to swift and dramatic appreciation throughout our market area. Forecasters could have never predicted. how rapidly this market would snap back in terms of valuations with most areas reaching or surpassing former peak prices. The Silicon Valley inventory of active listings heading into the close of this year is nearly 20% lower than the same period of 2012. Equity markets have also risen to an all-time record high for the Dow and 13 year high for the Nasdaq. As we head into 2014, this even lower supply will be met with continued pent-up demand, normalization of new housing formation and investors both locally and globally. The combination of these forces will most certainly result in modest to significant appreciation over the first half of 2014.
Chris Trapani Founder & CEO, Sereno Group (650) 947-2901 serenogroup.com
SVL: Do foreign buyers still see Real Estate in the San Francisco Bay Area as ideal havens for their money? Will this phenomenon continue to grow?
RT: Absolutely. The confidence with which foreign buyers are investing in Bay Area real estate continues to grow. They are attracted to this area by our Mike James world-class universities, vibrant, President, fast-growing economy, and Coldwell Banker the culture of innovation in our Residential Brokerage technology sector. Additionally, (925) 275-3085 the San Francisco Bay Area is CaliforniaMoves.com still considered affordable compared to other large destination cities around the globe. Even our most expensive markets like Southern Marin, San Francisco and Palo Alto, are well below the price per square foot/meter of similar cities like London, Paris and Shanghai. Coupled with a mild year-round climate and the fact that our region is a global leader in technology, communication and social media, there is no sign that the high desirability of the Bay Area changing any time soon.
of Real Estate 2014 SVL: Is 2014 going to be a sellers or buyers market in Silicon Valley?
RH: 2014 should prove to be a more balanced year for both buyers and sellers in the Silicon Valley. 2013 saw Bay Area sales continue to rebound, with median sales price increasing by double digits, plus multiple offers and bidding wars fueled by a consistent lack of inventory. Moving forward, the California Association of REALTORS(r) is forecasting sustained demand for homeownership with continued, but slower, growth in sales and home prices. The California median home price is forecast to increase 6% to $432,800 and even higher locally. One thing to watch in 2014 is policy changes to the mortgage interest deduction and mortgage reform, plus the actions of the Federal Reserve which could impact housing affordability and the economy. That said, mortgage interest rates are expected to stay historically low, with 5.3% Rainy Hake rates projected for the average 30-year fixed mortgage. Executive Vice While sellers enjoyed soaring prices and multiple offers in 2013, 2014 President, should offer patient homebuyers a less frustrating environment - as Alain Pinel Realtors inventory levels rise, competition from investor’s decreases, and the real (408) 741-1111 estate market becomes more balanced and stable for buyers and sellers. apr.com
SVL: How high will mortgage rates rise in 2014? market stall if rates go too high in Silicon Valley?
Will the local
TT: At the NAR conference in San Francisco recently Chief Economist Lawrence Yun forecasted we’ll see a flat pace of sales in 2014 and a 6% increase in prices. He is also expecting interest rates to climb from their current average of 4.16% to 5.4% by the end of 2014. With rising rates, we anticipate more buyers rushing to get in their homes early in the year. For the rest of 2014 we expect the housing demand to continue to be strong due to Silicon Valley’s strengthening job market. The increase in rates and prices will keep our market at a steady level.
Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder Intero (408) 863-3000 InteroRealEstate.com
The market for new homes, on the other hand, is expected to jump quite a bit. Yun predicts sales of newly built homes will climb 18.5% in 2014. Along with an increase in sales, locally we’re expecting a large increase in new-home construction starts, which will boost our market. At Intero we expect Silicon Valley’s pace of sales to increase next year, along with prices. There’s just too much momentum going right now for a significant stalling or flat-lining to occur even with the anticipated increase in mortgage rates. Overall we see a strong 2014 to look forward to.
Discover Your Personalized Mortgage Road Map. We all want financial well-being, comfort and security, right? The only question is, how do we get there? You can try to navigate the world of real estate and finance alone, or you can work with a professional team who is with you at every turn. While the lending landscape is far different than 10, 5 or even 3 years ago, Partners Mortgage has been helping homeowners achieve their dreams for over 25 years. We’ve helped over 20,000 clients, and here is how we can help you: • Modern mortgage analysis with side-by-side comparisons, audio and video, and interactive explanations. • Personalized solutions; your first phone call identifies your short and long term goals – upfront. • Flexible, team based approach for your convenience. • Connections for every aspect of real estate and finance, because we recognize that every situation may benefit from a mortgage change, and may require additional resources. In one phone call…what can you actually achieve? Over the last 18 months, our most common outcomes are: savings of hundreds per month with a lower rate; removing costly MI by refinancing out of FHA; combining your 1st and 2nd mortgage into one fixed payment; shortening loan terms for a more comfortable retirement; buying that 2nd home you’ve always dreamed of; and moving up so your space grows with your family.
I look forward to helping you find the path that is right for you.
Contact me for your customized mortgage analysis today.
Joe Cucchiara
Partners Mortgage Mortgage Planner & Radio Host MLO 273084
p. 408.342.3755 e. jcucchiara@partnersmortgage.com
RE360Radio & Community
RE360 is the educational and informational initiative driven by Joe Cucchiara, with a solid mission to provide trusted resources and advice to the consumer and professional real estate community. Real Estate 360 consists of a 5 day per week radio program in the Bay Area, a monthly South Bay event, informational blog...and more to come! With the goal of raising the bar in our industry, we love to connect integritydriven professionals, and communicate with consumers to help them make the best financial decisions possible. If you’ve got something to bring to the table...pull up a chair and join us at our next event!
As Host of RE360Radio, Joe enjoys bringing a wide array of expert guests and community leaders to the program, Monday thru Friday! Tune in for advice from: • Top real estate agents & neighborhood specialists who offer tips on buying & selling. • Financial planners, CPA’s, tax specialists, attorneys & market analysts. • Interior designers, home technology companies, landscape architects & contractors. • Investors, authors, business owners & much, much more!
www.re360radio.com When To Tune In Monday thru Friday | 3-4pm PST
KDOW AM1220
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Introducing Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage/San Jose-Willow Glen
I
t is with great pleasure that I introduce you to our Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage / San Jose - Willow Glen office. I could not be any prouder than I am of each and every one of our professional, resourceful and most friendly agents. We are all so very fortunate to live and work in this most beautiful region of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Our homes, our neighborhoods and our schools are certainly among the nicest imaginable. Whether it’s selling or buying your Home, we all take great pride in presenting you with the best service possible. We thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the work we do and all that we
can do to make this the best possible experience for you and your family. There is a reason why our office is one of the top offices in the state of California. I like to think that our office is more like a Team, a Family, all of us working together – for all who we serve and all that we do. This is what makes my job so very special and enjoyable. It is why we love coming to work every day. This is not a job but a passion. And I am glad to say it resonates here every day. With Best Wishes, James Nichols Managing Broker
Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker’s Average Sales Price is
20% Higher Than
the Nation’s Average!* With low inventory, there may be no time like the present to make a move. To get started, contact our San Jose Willow Glen office today and experience firsthand the legendary Coldwell Banker service that has been trusted since 1906. Coldwell Banker. Where home begins. Visit CaliforniaMoves.com today. *NAR average price for 2012 is $225,386.
San Jose Willow Glen | 1712 Meridian Way | San Jose, CA 95125 | 408.723.3300
©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304.
Ruth and Perry Mistry SVL: How does your marketing strategy set you apart? Ruth and Perry: We define, implement and execute on traditional marketing, as well as social media, digital media and mobile marketing. We promote and advertise our homes, as well as impart market trends through sites, such as Trulia, Realtor.com, Coldwell Banker.com, Google, Facebook and Twitter, to name a few. We have a very prolific blog and spend a few hours a day working on Digital/Social Marketing. Our website www.ruthandperry. com has been found to be very useful. Being excellent and patient listeners to our client’s wants and needs, we enable our sellers to show their home better by working with stagers, contractors and inspectors at the onset of the listing process. We work well with our Buyers and Sellers, in a team approach, while advising them of marketing trends and inventory levels, as well as interest rates and contract issues, while securing their financial and legal interests. As a team, we have two graduate degrees, including an MBA; we keep abreast with the newest technologies, concepts and media trends, all to enable a crisp marketing message. While working for a top-notch company like Coldwell Banker, we find it easy to implement and execute our Marketing and Sales plans. SVL: What percentage of your business comes from Referrals or Repeat Customers? Ruth and Perry: A third of our business is from Repeat Customers and Referrals. We have been in business for nearly 30 combined years and have sold hundreds of homes. We rank in the top 10% for sales at our office year after year. We understand that Selling or Buying a house is one of the largest
investments a family makes. Since we manage the process from start to finish with patience, trust, execution and excellence, we generate faith and repeat customers. Quite a few of our clients are investors. Since we are also well-versed with multiunits, additions and renovations, and are experienced investors in Real Estate, too, we are able to effectively guide our clients and friends. SVL: What do you attribute your success to? Ruth and Perry: We attribute our success to our clients, with whom we work in a team environment. Having a thorough understanding of the Bay Area Market and Counties and their trends enables us to operate in an environment of Trust, Generating Results and Excellence. Furthermore, working at Coldwell Banker and having access to the cutting edge marketing, web tools and wonderful fellow team members, and support staff, helps us thrive. We have lived in Silicon Valley for over 26 years and have enjoyed living in Los Gatos, CA since 1998 after living in Santa Clara and Blossom Valley. We have two children. Our daughter is in her second year at Col Poly and our son is a Junior at Los Gatos High School. (Go Wildcats!) When we are not working we both enjoy traveling so Perry can increase his stamp and coin collections, we are movie buffs and Ruth enjoys doing crafts along with outdoor hiking and spending time with the family. After living in different locations with in and outside the United States we both agree that Los Gatos and Bay Area is a Great place to call home.
More Than 30 Combined Years of
Sales Excellence, Results & Trust! Luxury properties and houses for sale
Ruth and Perry Realtors速 R) 408-859-4111 P) 408-656-5343 ruthmistry@yahoo.com http://www.ruthandperry.com
“Each client treated as if he/she is my only client.”
Diane Templin
Realtor
DRE# 01741912 (650) 224-1335 (Cell) dtemplin@taffecoagent.com
http://www.taffeco.com
http://www.taffeco.com
OVER $500 MILLION SOLD OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN REAL ESTATE OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
OFFERING: AGGRESSIVE, INTELLIGENT AND STRATEGIC REPRESENTATION
MATT ZAMPELLA
PENINSULA DIRECT: 650-223-9343 SOUTH BAY DIRECT: 408-205-8343
MATT@SERENOGROUP.COM
WWW.MATTZAMPELLA.COM 258 High Street, Palo Alto, CA • 214 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, Los Gatos, CA
t s i l a i c e p S RTH SA/NO
ES BERRY
Y VALLE
Steve Gray
SVL: How long have you been in the real estate business? SG: About 26 years — first in mortgage loans. SVL: How long have you been in residential real estate sales? SG: About 25 years SVL: What separates you from other agents? SG: The determination to really listen to clients wants, needs, and preferences. I work mostly with buyers and I sift through listings to find what is closest to their list of preferences. While most buyers settle on a home within one and a half months, I have had clients with special needs (especially those seeking buildable lots) who have needed up to two years to find what they really want. SVL: What should a buyer or seller know in working with you? SG: That a real estate purchase or marketing a home is a team effort. It takes focused attention for a period of time. It is very similar to the “mastermind” concept advanced by Napoleon Hill, where we, along with the affiliates we are working with, work together in a concentrated effort to complete a goal. There is more to it than just finding a property and getting it under contract or finding a ready willing and able buyer for a property. It takes some experience to avoid pitfalls and make sure that all the inspections and legalities are properly taken care of so problems don’t develop years after a sale is closed.
SVL: Can you recommend service providers who can help me with repairs or home improvements? SG: I personally have developed relationships with many reliable contractors over the years. Also, Village Square Realty has an extensive property management arm that has a roster of reliable service providers. SVL: How has the recession affected the residential real estate market in the Santa Clara Valley? SG: Prices in most areas have been reduced by about 30% -- roughly where they were 10 years ago. The East Valley and Evergreen areas have been hit more severely, partly due to more common use of low-down-payment financing in those areas in the last 15 years. On the other hand, values in Palo Alto and Los Altos have been much less affected; perhaps as low as 5%. We are beginning to see multiple offers on beautiful properties with good locations and coveted schools. SVL: What would surprise most people about bank-owned and short-sale properties? SG: Major banks are having appraisals done on these properties and are rigid on holding the line once a value has been determined. Unless the appraisals are flawed, these properties are NOT being sold at drastically discounted prices, as compared to current sales prices for the neighborhood. SVL: What other profession would you choose if you weren’t working in Real Estate? SG: Composing film scores.
Whether buying or selling, trust the experts at Village Square Realty to help you put the pieces together.
Providing a superior level of informed, professional Real Estate services to buyers and sellers in the greater Los Gatos area.
Village Square Realty
15575 Los Gatos Boulevard Building # A Los Gatos, California 95032 Main:(408) 399-3418 Fax: (408) 399-3422 http://www.villagesquarerealty.com
Steve Gray
Agent (408) 317-1919 stevegray@yahoo.com
Northern California Chapter 2013-2014
Letter from the
President Larry Schreiber Vice President Steve Bono Secretary Pierre Spear Comptroller Russ Isaacson Executive Board Henry Ford Ernest M. Galaviz Lorry Greenberg Carolyn Hoskins Ira Klein Allan Kennedy Diane Kneis Frank Nunley Gary Weaver Presidential Advisory Board Morris Bradshaw Brent Jones Dana McLamore Milke Merriweather Eason Ransom Delvin Williams David Fiore Tom Coombs Steve Kinney Klays Chairman Gary Weaver Ambassadors Jerry Mertens Gordy Soltau Len Rohde Managing Editor of Legends Magazine Jeff Bayer Editor Helen Mendel Editorial Photography Jeff Bayer Printed by Jim Otis Iguana Design & Print iguanadesignandprint.com
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
President On behalf of the NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter, welcome to the 31st Annual NFL Alumni Charity Golf Classic at the prestigious and historic Olympic Club.
During my four years as chapter president, I’ve strived to develop relationships with other Northern California non-profit organizations and helped to prepare the Alumni Chapter for a successful future through those partnerships. Fortunately, two things have helped me achieve our goals. First, being able to work with many outstanding NFL Alumni who’ve been very committed to our Caring for Kids mission. And second, a dedicated Executive Committee. I’d like to salute them for their commitment and thank them for the trust they’ve placed in me to be their President. Kids are at the heart of our Alumni organization’s mission. We have donated more than $2 million dollars to many local kid’s organizations that help provide educational programs, sports programs, and help families with kids that have medical challenges. Our NFL Alumni donate their time and talents in many ways which help these organizations give back to the kids. Of course, we thank our generous sponsors. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to fulfill our organization’s mission in the Northern California region. Finally, we need to acknowledge our past 17 honorees, all of whom have played a big role in the rich history of Northern California pro football: Fred Biletnikoff, John Brodie, Willie Brown, Dwight Clark, Roger Craig, Ben Davidson, Tom Flores, Ted Hendricks, Brent Jones, R.C. Owens, Jim Otto, Jim Plunkett, Bob St. Clair, Jack Tatum, Y.A. Tittle, Bill Walsh and Gene Washington. Thank you for joining us today. Enjoy the 31st Annual NFL Alumni Charity Golf Classic!
Sincerely, Larry Schreiber NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter President
Northern California Chapter 1311 Madison Avenue Redwood City, CA 94061 Phone (650) 366-3659 Fax (650) 261-3992 www.nflaumninoca.org
Please join us on Facebook NFL Alumni Northern California
Honorees Cliff Branch Nearly 30 years have passed since he wore the Silver and Black, but Cliff Branch still ranks amongst the Raiders all-time best wide receivers. After playing 13 seasons (1972-85), Branch is still third in receptions (501), yards (8,685) and touchdowns (67). He’s also the only wide receiver in franchise history to have played for all three Raiders Super Bowl Champion Teams. Branch was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round (98th overall) in the 1972 NFL Draft. He was a four-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection from 1974-77. Branch had some of his best NFL seasons during this stretch. In 1974, he led the NFL in receiving yards (1,092) and touchdown receptions (13). In 1976, Branch caught 46 passes for 1,111 yards (24.2 per catch) and 12 touchdowns. Today, Branch still holds Raiders postseason records for receptions (73) and receiving yards (1,289). Included in these numbers are his five receptions, 62 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl XV vs. Philadelphia and his six catches for 94 yards and a score in Super Bowl XVIII against Washington. In addition, Branch’s 99-yard pass reception from fellow NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter honoree Jim Plunkett in 1983 remains as the Raiders longest pass play.
John Taylor
Before coming to the Raiders, Branch was a star football player and sprinter at the University of Colorado. While playing for the Buffaloes, Branch set the NCAA Division I-A record for most kickoffs returned for a touchdown (eight).
The San Francisco 49ers were down 16-13 in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXIII. They had the ball at Cincinnati’s 10-yard line with 39 seconds left. After a time out, the 49ers called a pass play: “Red Right Tight Z Left 20 X Up.” “Z” was Jerry Rice, who went in motion to the far weak side and went past “X”. That receiver was John Taylor, who was lined up to the left of the weak side tackle. Joe Montana dropped back to pass as Taylor cut towards the middle of the end zone. Taylor caught Montana’s pass in the back of the end zone for the winning score and the 49ers third Super Bowl title. But Taylor’s 49ers career was more than just that catch. In nine seasons with San Francisco (1987-95), Taylor played in 121 games, caught 347 passes for 5,598 yards and 43 touchdowns. He was also a member of three 49ers Super Bowl Champion teams. Early in his career, Taylor made his mark as a punt returner. In 1988, Taylor led the NFL with 556 punt return yards and two touchdowns – one a 95-yard return vs. Washington on Monday Night Football. Taylor was selected by the 49ers in the third round (76th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft out of Delaware State. He was a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection (1988 and 1989) and was named to the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team. Taylor is also a member of the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
nFL Alumni
53rd Scholar- Athlete Awards Dinner Once again, the NFL Alumni was a proud supporter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame 53rd Scholar-Athlete Awards Dinner, which was held on February 21. On this special night, more than 20 students from Northern California high schools received scholarship awards. The evening also celebrated the students for their balance of athletics, studies and community leadership.
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
NFL Alumni
It’s All About the Children Valentine’s Day at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital and a visit to George Mark Children’s House
This past Valentine’s Day, NFL Alumni made the day extra special for patients at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. Representatives such as President, Larry Schreiber, NFL Alumni Legend, Gordy Soltau, Henry “Model T” Ford, Secretary, Pierre Spear and Executive Committee Members Len Rohde and Carolyn Hoskins were among those bringing toys, games and teddy bears to the children and their families. The day after Valentine’s Day, Schreiber and Gary Weaver brought gifts and touched some hearts at the George Mark Children’s House in San Leandro.
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
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red ribbon
Drug Awareness Day The NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter held its 11th Annual Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Day on Oct. 23, 2012 at St. Pius Church’s gymnasium in Redwood City. More than 350 school children from San Francisco to Redwood City participated in this educational forum, which was held indoors for the first time due to inclement weather. During the day, the kids learned about the perils of drugs and alcohol. The speakers for the day included Alumni President, Larry Schreiber and three other former 49ers: Dennis Brown, Willie Harper and Eason Ramson. In addition, former Oakland Raiders linebacker Gary Weaver addressed the students along with FLY (Fresh Lifelines for Youth) spokesperson Tara Schmidt, retired San Francisco Police Officer and NFL Alumni Executive Committee Member Ernie Galaviz and substance abuse counselor Floyd Burrell. NFL Alumni Executive Committee Member Carolyn Hoskins, once again coordinated this educational and inspiring program. Special thanks also goes to EA Sports for providing giveaway items and to St. Pius Principal Rita Carroll for use of the facilities. The following awards are presented each year at the NFL Alumni Drug Awareness Day. The Eason Ramson Drug Free Life Award The Coach Ben Parks Community Service Award The R.C. “Alley Oop” Owens “Don’t Quit Award”
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
Charities
nFL Alumni is proud to support these outstanding organizations that do so much to enrich the lives of youth in northern California. (Partial list) African American Community Mount Madonna School Athletic Program Health Advisory Committee Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall Of Fame Anatomy Divison Dept. of Surgery NAACP B.O.K Ranch National Football Foundation And Hall Of Fame Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program NCAS Pacific West Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Niles Rotary Club Bethel Church Oak Grove Youth Football Boys & Girls Club of Tracy Oakland Youth Rugby Center For A New Generation Our Common Ground Champion Charities Palo Alto Sports Boosters Commitment To Excellence Dinner Paul Valeau Community Youth Center Peninsula Council of Lions Clubs Daily City Youth Health Center Redwood City PAL Daily City-Colma Chamber Educational Foundation Redwood City Baseball Club Daly City -Colma Educational Foundation Rock & Roll For Magglio Domini Hoskins Black History Museum Salvation Army Driscoll Ranch Rodeo San Bruno Junior Giants East Palo Alto Tee Ball San Bruno Rotary Club Fatherhood Collaborative San Mateo Co. San Francisco Boy Scouts of America George Mark Children’s House San Jose Sports Authority Grambling University Football Department San Mateo Co. Dads Count Henry Ford School San Mateo PAL Holiday Heroes Sequoia High School Alumni Assoc. Jelly Belly Charities SFBAC, Boy Scouts of America Jeremiah’s Promise Silicon Valley Rugby Football Job Train Soul Stroll For Health Jobs For Youth Special Olympics Northern California Kelly Shea Gallo Foundation St. Pius School Kinship Support Network Stage 1 Community Theatre Live the Dream Foundation Strides For Life Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Ted Hendricks Foundation Menlo Atherton Pop Warner Football The Arete Fund Milbrae Community Youth Center Project The Grambling Legends Millbrae Community Foudation Unsung Hero Event Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation Woodside High School Athletics
The NFL Alumni has donated more than $2.5 million toward youth charities in support of their mission of Caring for Kids To donate, go to www.nflalumninoca.org
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
State Senator Jerry Hill as he views exhibit with Carolyn Hoskins
Black History Museum The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center was proudly on display this past February and March at the Woodside Plaza in Redwood City, where DeAnza Properties generously donated the space for the length of the exhibit. Hundreds of friends, supporters, politicians, educators and community representatives paid a visit to see this unique collection of Black History assembled by NFL Alumni Executive Committee member Carolyn Hoskins. Once again, the NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter proudly sponsored this incredible event.
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in memoriam “ To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die” Over the last three years, the NFL Alumni has lost these great friends. We mourn their loss, but they’ll be with us forever.
2011 Forrest Blue Clyde Connor Al Davis Garland Gregory (49ers, 1946-47) Bill Johnson John Henry Johnson Chester McGlockton Joe Perry Floyd Rice (Raiders, 1976-77) Bubba Smith Chuck Smith (49ers, 1956) Jerry Smith (49ers, 1952-53, 1956) Bill Stits (49ers, 1957-58) Skip Thomas Bob White (49ers, 1951-52) Wally Yonamine (49ers, 1947)
2012 Ben Davidson Cleveland Elam Tom Keating Roland Lakes R.C. “Alley Oop” Owens Freddie Solomon Jerry Tubbs (49ers, 1958-59)
2013 Errol Mann Chuck Muncie Lou Spadia
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
We are grateful to our wonderful sponsors for their support of our mission Caring for Kids 95.7 Radio ABHOW Foundation Action Skatepark Aflac Alana’s Alex N. Lilly, Jr. American Asphalt Andaz 5th Avenue New York Andaz Napa Hyatt Applebees Applewood Pizza Audio Visual Resources Beach House, Half Moon Bay Benihana B Street & Wine Boyett Construction Buca di Beppo The Cakery California Drywall Carpaccio The Cheesecake Factory, Palo Alto The Cheesecake Factory, San Mateo Cordevalle Golf Club Crepevine Cruise Planners American Express Crustacean Dairydell Canine Driscoll Ranch Edmund’s Florist Elephant Bar Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, Seaside EMI Capital Records, Mike Krinik Eric Farber, ESQ Facebook The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui FedEx The Fish Market Five Guys Four Seasons Silicon Valley Gary Danko GoKart Racer Gordon Biersch Gordon Prill Hilton San Francisco Hornblower House of Prime Rib Hugh Stuart Trust Hyatt London Churchill Hyatt Regency Fisherman’s Wharf Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency Santa Rosa Iguana Design and Print Inn at Spanish Bay Interstate Truck Center
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
Janice Futch-Claridge Jackson Rancheria Jelly Belly Candy Company Jim Barnett Jos. J. Albanese Concrete Construction, Inc. Keenan Land Company Kincaid’s KNBR – Hooked on Golf Lodge at Pebble Beach Lori Peck Maloney Security Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Mezzaluna Monterey Bay Aquarium Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards The Office Old Navy Oracle Team USA Outback Steakhouse Ozumo Pacific Sports Resort Pacific Athletic Club Palo Alto Grill Pebble Beach Golf Links Pet Club Prime Financial Services Ruth Chris, Maui Sam’s Chowder House San Francisco 49ers San Francisco Giants Sanmina-SCI Seasonal Celebrations Sofitel San Francisco Bay Sonoma Raceway Spyglass Hill Golf Course SSI Food Services Stack’s Stanford Golf Club Starbuck’s San Mateo St. Francis Electric Sundance the Steakhouse TaylorMade-Adidas Tesla Motors U-Haul, Belmont United Airlines Up & Away Ballooning The Van’s Restaurant on the Hill Villa Lucia’s Pizzeria Vivace Ristorante Wailea Golf Course, Maui The Wine Group Jim Warren Woodside Bakery
THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR
THE NFL ALUMNI
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OUR Legends
Gordy Soltau
One individual who has played a huge role in making the NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter one of the country’s best is Gordy Soltau. For 29 years, the former 49ers wide receiver was chairman of the chapter’s signature event, the annual charity golf classic. Thanks to Soltau’s dedication and leadership, a strong foundation has been created for the event’s future success. Last year, Soltau joined an elite group of 49ers alums as he was inducted into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame. The NFL Alumni congratulates and salutes Gordy Soltau for a job well done, on-and-off the field!
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
In the Community
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2013 LEGENDSMAGA ZINE
Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Induction The NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter congratulates Oakland Raiders great Tim Brown and San Francisco 49ers legend Brent Jones on their inductions into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. The pair were honored on May 23 at the 34th BASHOF Enshrinement Banquet, which was held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Brown was presented by a past honoree of the NFL Alumni Charity Golf Classic, Pro Football Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff. Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young, who roomed with Jones on the road, presented his former teammate.
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Looking to the Future – Super BowL L
The NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter is proud to be part of this great regional experience of bringing Super Bowl L to the new 49ers Levi’s Stadium.
Jerry rice
TOY DRIVE
Nearly 20 years ago, NFL Alumni Executive Committee member, Carolyn Hoskins held the first Jerry Rice 127 Foundation Toy Drive and Festival in her driveway. The toy drive is now more than a neighborhood gathering. This past December 8th, more than 500 people came to the 18th annual event in Redwood City. In fact, 32 Bay Area children’s organizations directly benefited from the day’s activities. Many NFL Alumni were there – including former 49ers Dennis Brown, Allan Kennedy and Eason Ramson; former Seattle Seahawk Larry Bates; former New York Jets player Tom Coombs and Oakland Raiders alum Gary Weaver. Everyone who donated a toy got their picture taken with the NFL Alumni. Special thanks goes to Carolyn Hoskins, the event chair, Liz Buljan of the Pierre Bulljan Group, as well as the support from FedEx, DeAnza Properties and local merchants.
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