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silicon valley local Your Silicon Valley Connection

MAGAZINE

Meet Larry Stone Assessor, Santa Clara County

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HOME OF CHAMPIONS

@GOSTANFORD

Why Choose Margaret & David Yost?

• Almaden Valley’s #1 Agent • Coldwell Banker’s Top 1% • Top 100 Residential Real Estate Agents in Silicon Valley • The power of a team with 40+ years combined real estate experience • Strong negotiating skills and an extensive marketing program • A proven track record of outstanding results.

Margaret Yost CalBRE#00947936 David Yost CalBRE #0145061 408-599-2130 www.YostGroup.com Team @YostGroup.com

Why Choose Margaret & David Yost?

• Almaden Valley’s #1 Agent • Coldwell Banker’s Top 1% • Top 100 Residential Real Estate Agents in Silicon Valley • The power of a team with 40+ years combined real estate experience • Strong negotiating skills and an extensive marketing program • A proven track record of outstanding results.

Margaret Yost CalBRE#00947936 David Yost CalBRE #0145061 408-599-2130 www.YostGroup.com Team @YostGroup.com

“The key here is that the members of the popular Premier League team – Tottenham ed $700,000 to help support 49ers family recognize that they have been Hotspur – and together, in one of the poorer organizations. Again, here is blessed with a special opportunity - one that districts of London, they held a collaborative mitment that helps improve is not to be taken for granted,” Joanne said. event for 100 low-income youth showcasing ducational opportunities for “The 49ers take this responsibility seriously. the PLAY 60 movement and the importance of ommunities they serve.

That is why we do what we do. Whether it getting out to play, 60 minutes a day, through wo very popular — and is a rookie or a seasoned veteran, ownership both football and soccer. It was an amazing oductive — fundraising or a 49ers alumnus, we are so very proud of day. The 49ers were the first to host such a Pasta Bowl. This has become large scale event kick-off to the new season, while playing the -season training begins. All International Series gether and literally serve game. The following le of admiring fans with year, another team nd fun. All proceeds go to repeated this warm, nity. There is also the 49ers monumental gesture.

Fest, held in March in Lake The 49ers plan to do ways sells out. It’s a fun something similar 013, the 49ers Foundation when they return to n during the weekend to London in October ea charities.

2013. the Foundation side. There The 49ers are ity Relations side. Each also very active ave one day off. Typically it in spreading the heir day off, the Community messaging of the nizes community events NFL “Play 60” an opportunity to participate Campaign to inspire events where they can children to be active e in need in the Bay Area. and keep healthy. rd game tournament Vernon Davis is the us illness at the Ronald 49ers spokesperson. building a playground in A photo of the 2014 49ers Foundation giving announcement at Levi’s Stadium One year, inspired ring incarcerated youth to by the youth’s nd more productive path and our 49ers and their authentic commitment to commitment to the campaign, he hosted a for the 49ers philanthropic transforming the lives of those in need.” team of 15 students from the 49ers Academy s always about the people Indeed, when I visited with Joanne, there who participated in a competition to write a d in our community. There was definitely an energy, a spirit that touched commercial for “Play 60.” Vernon arranged for of players who can relate to a Limo ride to a special evening held at his home everything and everyone there. It was obvious pbringings and they pour – all about helping benefit community – and with an Academy Awards Red Carpet look, plus events. FLY is a perfect infectiously and fantastically impactful. The Paparazzi and Oscar-like statues for the kids. A players and students talk TTI fun, memorable event for everyone for a life time! 49ers feel that community has done so much als.

The players inspire and h the Giants’ Another example of the tremendous player to benefit them as an organization and, as or the kids they personally participation is Joe49ers Staley who, with a librarian a result, the organization in turn is happy community8visits.

44 Foundation Meet Michael and proud to be able to give back to the for a mother, loves reading to elementary d, like when they have TNESS A Proud Tradition community - as it has and will continue to in Musarra, students and was recently honored with aOn wn to train in between er perpetuity. If there were a Super Bowl Trophy national accolade for helping build literacy hey made a huge difference And Off The Field Manager, among youth. It does make a difference. And given to the organization based on what they tal, school, andGeneral community do off the field, as well, no doubt the San the list of what all the 49ers do, individually, 2010, when they traveled toSan Jose Hotel Fairmont 49ers would be winners of that one as a Team and as an organization is a very e NFL International Series 40 Featured Companies Francisco each and every year. long one. All without fanfare, but with total day off. Instead of site-

tableof contents

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14 Dedicated 40John A. Sobrato

SILICON VALLEY’S

FEA and the inside: Art of from The TO WORK FOR Making a

22

City to The State

Difference Connecting Employers and Employees 14 An Interview With Larry Stone - Assessor, Santa Clara County

ealth creation

To Work For

52 Health & Fitness Age Is Just A Number

54 Financial options for every

22 John A. Sobrato And The Art of Making a 54 Meet Tim Ritchie A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM Difference The President of dventure SFL: What you know today, whatValley’s would the Silicon Gavin Newsom of today like to say to the young 26 Live Conversations Tech Museum Gavin Newsom?

Making AGN: Comeback Innovation I would tell myself thatOf success is not a

phase of your life

place or a destination; it’s a direction. There is no Preser “havingva made said 80 LetChurchill tionit.” As Winston 32 Fertility Them Play theYou secret to success from failure to 5 Things Should Knowis movingVideo Games! failure with enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Oh, and I would definitely tell myself to use less hair gel.

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.

80 Photos courtesy of The Tech Museum of Innovation

Reactable lets visitors experiment with a revolutionary electronic instrument to create new music.

Name: Bridgette Travis Last Podcast Listened To: Invisibilia Favorite Ride: The Coast Loop Most Fun I’ve Had: Riding the 2014 Oregon Outback Favorite Cycling Apparel: Machines For Freedom

171 University Avenue, Palo Alto • 650.328.7411 • www.paloaltobicycles.com • Hours: Mon – Fri 10am – 7pm, Sat 10am w w w.– s v6pm, l o c a l Sun m a g 11am . c o m – 35pm

SVL: If you could give a 16-year-old advice what would it be?

MM: Dedicate yourself to continuous learning, embrace many interests and have fun.

SVL: What is you’re feeling about Philanthropy and helping serve in the Community?

MM: As a hotel we have an active history of supporting organizations that benefit the community. We’ve made philanthropic contributions to many San Jose charities and hosted local charitable events. From our current sponsorship of Hunger at Home, to our yearly California Coastal Cleanup, to celebrating our tenth annual Pajama Drive next year, we have developed a longstanding commitment to community involvement.

SVL: What’s new at Fairmont San Jose?

MM: We have wonderful things happening at Fairmont San Jose. Our upcoming Winemaker Dinners will be on October 21 and November 11, and promise sensational wine paired menus. The holidays are just around the corner and we’re offering two delicious Thanksgiving brunches, two festive Christmas buffets, two New Year’s Eve celebrations and of course Holiday Meals To Go. We will be completing our South Tower renovation early next year and it looks spectacular.

SVL: Tell me about the hotel’s bee program?

MM: Last year we partnered with Bees At Home, a local bee rescue company, to expand on our rooftop honeybee hives. Our culinary team uses the honey harvested from our four hives in Fountain Restaurant. This year we created a Pollinator Bee Hotel from scrap material found throughout the hotel. It serves as a world-class habitat for nesting and reproduction for wild mason bees. We’ve embraced sustainable practices like these that positively impact our environment.

SVL: What is the toughest part of your job?

MM: With over 500 colleagues from diverse backgrounds and interests, one of the toughest challenges (and one of the most enjoyable) is getting to really know each person, their abilities, what motivates them and their aspirations.

SVL: How do you see the hotel changing in the next year?

MM: Next year we plan to redesign the hotel’s main lobby and lounge area. We are looking to create a more modernized design concept while embracing the history of our landmark property and brand. We are very focused on introducing new and heightened elements into our product and service as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary next year.

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

Watching Your Health?

By Scott Budman

I

t will tell you the time. The weather. Your stock prices. You can book an Uber ride, a hotel room, or a pizza, all by touching the screen.

But, unlike your smartphone, you don’t have to expend the effort to take it out of your pocket.

After all the hype, the Apple Watch is here. My first impression? It’s an awful lot like an iPhone – not that that’s a bad thing – but with Budman a much smaller screen.

Now, to be honest, if you’ve already spent the money for a smartphone (and are spending more money on the monthly data plan), do you really need its mini-me?

Which brings me to my second impression.

Admittedly, I haven’t worn a watch since buying my first cell phone. But the Apple Watch will, eventually, be a lot more than just another way to check your text messages. It may take awhile, but this could be the next wave of devices: Connected, literally, to our bodies, and telling us a lot about what’s going on in our world.

And by “our world,” I mean a lot more than text messages and stocks. Before rolling out the Watch, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased a feature called ResearchKit that will collect health data from Apple devices. If you agree to it, your data would be collected anonymously and studied by doctors.

12 www.svlocalmag.com

The possibilities here go way beyond ordering food or making a phone call from your wrist. It could soon mean a new way to fight diseases. Silicon Valley companies like 23andme have been collecting DNA for purposes like this.

Imagine if millions of us could learn about, and fight, a disease like Parkinson’s by wearing a watch. App makers are already working to help; Doctors and hospitals are already lining up to collect data.

We in Silicon Valley are always on the lookout for the next “New” thing. The Apple Watch is the next entry. Look for brisk sales in the beginning, and lots of imitators. But what happens next should be even more interesting.

And, dare I say, healthy.

Scott is the business & tech reporter for NBC Bay Area. He’s on Twitter: @scottbudman

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Larry Stone

An Interview With

by approximately $70 per year. Last year 264,000 homeowners applied for and received a homeowner’s exemption in Santa Clara County.

SVL: What challenges did the Assessor face during the Great Recession?

LS: The challenges were enormous. The number of assessment appeals quadrupled to more than 36,000 during the four-year downturn. At the same time, we proactively reduced assessed values on 136,000 properties, a reduction of assessed values in excess of $27 billion.

SVL: This year is the 39-year anniversary of the passage of Proposition 13. What was it like after the historic property tax revolt?

LS: Absolute chaos! The Proposition 13 ballot initiative passed by the voters provided no process or guidance for implementation. Immediately after passage, property tax revenue necessary to fund public schools and local government, declined by 58 percent. The Proposition 13 initiative was so poorly drafted that it required the state legislature to place a supplemental measure on the ballot six months later, which allowed for an assessment to be reduced when the market value of a property declines. Overall, Proposition 13 did pro-

Assessor, Santa Clara County

SVL: What is an assessed value and how do you arrive at that number?

LS: In California, an assessed value is the dollar value of property determined by the local assessor for the purpose of property taxation.

California Assessors are required to assess all property at fair market value at the time a property is transferred or at new construction. State certified appraisers in my office perform market-based appraisals to determine an assessment. Last year, the Santa Clara County Assessor’s office processed 71,192 recorded deeds of which 25,895 resulted in reassessable changes in ownership. In addition, the office processed 33,280 building permits of which 6,701 were reassessable new construction.

SVL: Is it possible for a homeowner to get their property tax lowered?

LS: Yes, during the “Great Recession” my office proactively reduced the assessed value of 136,000 properties reducing the assessment roll by $27 billion. During the economic recovery following the recession, all Assessors are required to restore the assessments to their Proposition 13 base year assessed value to reflect improving market conditions.

SVL: What happens when a property owner believes a property is over assessed?

LS: The property owner may file a formal assessment appeal. If the owner is unable to reach agreement after discussions with

SVL: What is a Home Owners Exemption?

LS: Homeowners are eligible to receive a $7,000 exemption applied to their assessment if the home is their principal residence. The exemption reduces the homeowner’s property tax

14 www.svlocalmag.com

the Assessor’s appraisal staff, the property owner is entitled to a hearing before an independent Assessment Appeals Board.

There is no filing fee to appeal an assessment. The value decisions of the Assessment Appeals Board are final.

Larry with former Vice President Biden

vide property tax stability and predictability, preventing many homeowners from losing their homes due to skyrocketing home values and corresponding increases in property tax prevalent in the 1970’s.

SVL: Did you ever meet the author of Prop 13 … Howard Jarvis?

LS: No. However, I encountered him shortly after the June 1978 election. My business office was in San Francisco near the famous Tadich Grill. The restaurant did not take reservations. Shortly after the election, a long line of diners, including me, were waiting for a table. Howard Jarvis walked through the door and was escorted to a table, welcomed by a standing ovation from the patrons.

SVL: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

LS: I am passionate about politics and love to play golf. I also have a bucket list to see in person 38 of the world’s major sporting events. I have completed 29 events including four Super Bowls, three World Series, the Triple Crown of Horse Racing, Olympics (Winter and Summer), the five major golf championships, Tour de France, Wimbledon, etc. There are nine sporting events left on my list including the PBA Bowling Championship and the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, which will be challenging.

Larry Stone

An Interview With

by approximately $70 per year. Last year 264,000 homeowners applied for and received a homeowner’s exemption in Santa Clara County.

SVL: What challenges did the Assessor face during the Great Recession?

LS: The challenges were enormous. The number of assessment appeals quadrupled to more than 36,000 during the four-year downturn. At the same time, we proactively reduced assessed values on 136,000 properties, a reduction of assessed values in excess of $27 billion.

SVL: This year is the 39-year anniversary of the passage of Proposition 13. What was it like after the historic property tax revolt?

LS: Absolute chaos! The Proposition 13 ballot initiative passed by the voters provided no process or guidance for implementation. Immediately after passage, property tax revenue necessary to fund public schools and local government, declined by 58 percent. The Proposition 13 initiative was so poorly drafted that it required the state legislature to place a supplemental measure on the ballot six months later, which allowed for an assessment to be reduced when the market value of a property declines. Overall, Proposition 13 did pro-

Assessor, Santa Clara County

SVL: What is an assessed value and how do you arrive at that number?

LS: In California, an assessed value is the dollar value of property determined by the local assessor for the purpose of property taxation.

California Assessors are required to assess all property at fair market value at the time a property is transferred or at new construction. State certified appraisers in my office perform market-based appraisals to determine an assessment. Last year, the Santa Clara County Assessor’s office processed 71,192 recorded deeds of which 25,895 resulted in reassessable changes in ownership. In addition, the office processed 33,280 building permits of which 6,701 were reassessable new construction.

SVL: Is it possible for a homeowner to get their property tax lowered?

LS: Yes, during the “Great Recession” my office proactively reduced the assessed value of 136,000 properties reducing the assessment roll by $27 billion. During the economic recovery following the recession, all Assessors are required to restore the assessments to their Proposition 13 base year assessed value to reflect improving market conditions.

SVL: What happens when a property owner believes a property is over assessed?

LS: The property owner may file a formal assessment appeal. If the owner is unable to reach agreement after discussions with

SVL: What is a Home Owners Exemption?

LS: Homeowners are eligible to receive a $7,000 exemption applied to their assessment if the home is their principal residence. The exemption reduces the homeowner’s property tax

the Assessor’s appraisal staff, the property owner is entitled to a hearing before an independent Assessment Appeals Board.

There is no filing fee to appeal an assessment. The value decisions of the Assessment Appeals Board are final.

Larry with former Vice President Biden

vide property tax stability and predictability, preventing many homeowners from losing their homes due to skyrocketing home values and corresponding increases in property tax prevalent in the 1970’s.

SVL: Did you ever meet the author of Prop 13 … Howard Jarvis?

LS: No. However, I encountered him shortly after the June 1978 election. My business office was in San Francisco near the famous Tadich Grill. The restaurant did not take reservations. Shortly after the election, a long line of diners, including me, were waiting for a table. Howard Jarvis walked through the door and was escorted to a table, welcomed by a standing ovation from the patrons.

SVL: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

LS: I am passionate about politics and love to play golf. I also have a bucket list to see in person 38 of the world’s major sporting events. I have completed 29 events including four Super Bowls, three World Series, the Triple Crown of Horse Racing, Olympics (Winter and Summer), the five major golf championships, Tour de France, Wimbledon, etc. There are nine sporting events left on my list including the PBA Bowling Championship and the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, which will be challenging.

Larry with former President Clinton

SVL: What is you’re feeling about the level of Philanthropy in Silicon Valley?

LS: I think serving the community is an absolute responsibility of citizenship. It is truly ingrained in my DNA. In the Stone household, my dad used to say we had two religious holidays: Opening day of baseball and Election Day. As a kid, I remember both fondly, as I got to spend the entire day with my father and skip school. More than that, it reinforced the idea that we belonged to larger community and had a responsibility to support that community.

I have spent the last 38 years formally serving my community as an elected official, first as a mayor, city councilmember and for the last 22 years as County Assessor. Beyond public office I have served on more than 25 non-profit boards ranging from The Sovereign Order of St. John, Rotary Club of San Jose and KTEH Public Television to California Air & Space Museum Educational Foundation; and the YWCA, as the first male board member.

I have cofounded several of these organizations, such as the Santa Clara County Arts Council, which became a national model for a public-private partnership and the Cupertino Educational Endowment Foundation, which has grown to an $11 million endowment, making it one of the most successful public school foundations in the nation.

It doesn’t have to be all altruistic. A recent government study concluded that there is a “strong relationship between volunteering and health: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”

16 www.svlocalmag.com

SVL: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?

LS: My answer varies over time. Right now, it would be Alexander Hamilton.

SVL: If they made a movie of your life, who’d play you?

LS: Bill Murray! I take my work, my family and friends very seriously; but I do not take myself seriously. Humor is infectious and medicinal.

SVL: What is the toughest part of your job?

LS: Without doubt, the government bureaucracy. When I campaigned for assessor in 1994, I completely underestimated just how difficult it would be to implement a performance-based, measurement, budgeting and management system. It took ten years before I was allowed to formally evaluate the performance of my staff.

SVL: What is your primary mission as County Assessor?

LS: Based on the simple idea that what gets measured gets done, my office has a clear mission, including precise performance indicators, strict cost metrics designed to measure improvement over time, all integrated directly to the budget.

SVL: How is this accomplished?

LS: We have developed a comprehensive cost accounting system that allows us to financially account for every activity task performed by my staff. Integrated with the payroll system, it captures the fully loaded cost, including benefits,

overhead, etc., of all activities such as a residential or commercial appraisal, or an audit of a major company, etc. Managers use the cost accounting data to measure performance, and establish quality standards, allocate resources, and measure completion rates.

Customer service is our top priority. We often convey unwelcome news to property owners, so quality customer service is extremely important. When a property owner calls our office a live person answers. Taxpayers’ calls and emails get returned promptly; moreover, we take time to explain the rationale for our decisions. We are committed to helping taxpayers to receive the maximum property tax benefits allowed by law. In 2016 the Assessor’s office achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 86.2 percent from an independent survey of taxpayers who have conducted business with my office. Considering we are a government, tax office, that is phenomenal.

Assisted by technology, we have sharply reduced customer contacts from a high of 250,000 in 1994 to 43,839 taxpayers who contacted the office by telephone, and 15,463 who visited our public service counter.

SVL: What is one thing you would change about San Jose?

LS: Without a doubt cost of housing and homelessness, or as many now calling it ”houselessness”.

Every night in Santa Clara County, over 6,000 people are homeless, and 25 percent of these cold and tired individuals are children.

These kids should be dreaming about their future, not worrying about whether or not they will have dinner and a safe place to sleep.

Families make up 36 percent of San Jose’s homeless population, and they are the fastest growing segment.

All too often, those who are without a home are not permanently homeless. Many

work one or more minimum wage jobs. They are the working poor who live paycheck to paycheck. They drift from crisis to crisis; from apartments and friends’ couches to shelters, to the street, and back again. Often they must choose between bus fare, food or housing. Taking a child to the doctor and paying cash for medicine may mean a few weeks in a shelter or on the street.

Solving this problem is more than just the responsibility of the government. For ten years, Carmen and I have generously donated to EHC LifeBuilders now called HomeFirst, and we have co-chaired with John A. Sobrato the annual “In from the Cold” dinner which has raised millions of dollars to attack the homeless problem.

Larry with former President Obama

Larry with former San Jose Mayor, Tom McEnery

SVL: Where is your favorite restaurant to dine at in Silicon Valley?

LS: The Founders Room at the Silicon Valley Capital Club.

SVL: What are the last three books you have read?

LS: Hillbilly Elegy, Shoe Dog, Boys in the Boat, I’m from Seattle, remember.

SVL: You are famously known for your close relationship with President Bill Clinton and Hillary. How did that happen?

LS: It’s actually a very funny story. In 1990, as Sunnyvale Mayor, I was asked to co-host a reception for the little-known Governor of Arkansas.

I am a huge sports fan, especially baseball. The night of the event, which I tried unsuccessfully to avoid, was the night Nolan Ryan pitched a record 6th no-hitter against the Oakland A’s. I missed the game. The next morning at breakfast I waved my unused baseball tickets in the face of the man who would 2 ½ years later become President.

Clinton said he felt my pain, and we’ve been friends ever since. His way of expressing appreciation, nearly a decade later, he invited my wife and me to spend a night with the Clinton’s in the White House.

Larry with former President Clinton

SVL: What is you’re feeling about the level of Philanthropy in Silicon Valley?

LS: I think serving the community is an absolute responsibility of citizenship. It is truly ingrained in my DNA. In the Stone household, my dad used to say we had two religious holidays: Opening day of baseball and Election Day. As a kid, I remember both fondly, as I got to spend the entire day with my father and skip school. More than that, it reinforced the idea that we belonged to larger community and had a responsibility to support that community.

I have spent the last 38 years formally serving my community as an elected official, first as a mayor, city councilmember and for the last 22 years as County Assessor. Beyond public office I have served on more than 25 non-profit boards ranging from The Sovereign Order of St. John, Rotary Club of San Jose and KTEH Public Television to California Air & Space Museum Educational Foundation; and the YWCA, as the first male board member.

I have cofounded several of these organizations, such as the Santa Clara County Arts Council, which became a national model for a public-private partnership and the Cupertino Educational Endowment Foundation, which has grown to an $11 million endowment, making it one of the most successful public school foundations in the nation.

It doesn’t have to be all altruistic. A recent government study concluded that there is a “strong relationship between volunteering and health: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”

SVL: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?

LS: My answer varies over time. Right now, it would be Alexander Hamilton.

SVL: If they made a movie of your life, who’d play you?

LS: Bill Murray! I take my work, my family and friends very seriously; but I do not take myself seriously. Humor is infectious and medicinal.

SVL: What is the toughest part of your job?

LS: Without doubt, the government bureaucracy. When I campaigned for assessor in 1994, I completely underestimated just how difficult it would be to implement a performance-based, measurement, budgeting and management system. It took ten years before I was allowed to formally evaluate the performance of my staff.

SVL: What is your primary mission as County Assessor?

LS: Based on the simple idea that what gets measured gets done, my office has a clear mission, including precise performance indicators, strict cost metrics designed to measure improvement over time, all integrated directly to the budget.

SVL: How is this accomplished?

LS: We have developed a comprehensive cost accounting system that allows us to financially account for every activity task performed by my staff. Integrated with the payroll system, it captures the fully loaded cost, including benefits,

overhead, etc., of all activities such as a residential or commercial appraisal, or an audit of a major company, etc. Managers use the cost accounting data to measure performance, and establish quality standards, allocate resources, and measure completion rates.

Customer service is our top priority. We often convey unwelcome news to property owners, so quality customer service is extremely important. When a property owner calls our office a live person answers. Taxpayers’ calls and emails get returned promptly; moreover, we take time to explain the rationale for our decisions. We are committed to helping taxpayers to receive the maximum property tax benefits allowed by law. In 2016 the Assessor’s office achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 86.2 percent from an independent survey of taxpayers who have conducted business with my office. Considering we are a government, tax office, that is phenomenal.

Assisted by technology, we have sharply reduced customer contacts from a high of 250,000 in 1994 to 43,839 taxpayers who contacted the office by telephone, and 15,463 who visited our public service counter.

SVL: What is one thing you would change about San Jose?

LS: Without a doubt cost of housing and homelessness, or as many now calling it ”houselessness”.

Every night in Santa Clara County, over 6,000 people are homeless, and 25 percent of these cold and tired individuals are children.

These kids should be dreaming about their future, not worrying about whether or not they will have dinner and a safe place to sleep.

Families make up 36 percent of San Jose’s homeless population, and they are the fastest growing segment.

All too often, those who are without a home are not permanently homeless. Many

work one or more minimum wage jobs. They are the working poor who live paycheck to paycheck. They drift from crisis to crisis; from apartments and friends’ couches to shelters, to the street, and back again. Often they must choose between bus fare, food or housing. Taking a child to the doctor and paying cash for medicine may mean a few weeks in a shelter or on the street.

Solving this problem is more than just the responsibility of the government. For ten years, Carmen and I have generously donated to EHC LifeBuilders now called HomeFirst, and we have co-chaired with John A. Sobrato the annual “In from the Cold” dinner which has raised millions of dollars to attack the homeless problem.

Larry with former President Obama

Larry with former San Jose Mayor, Tom McEnery

SVL: Where is your favorite restaurant to dine at in Silicon Valley?

LS: The Founders Room at the Silicon Valley Capital Club.

SVL: What are the last three books you have read?

LS: Hillbilly Elegy, Shoe Dog, Boys in the Boat, I’m from Seattle, remember.

SVL: You are famously known for your close relationship with President Bill Clinton and Hillary. How did that happen?

LS: It’s actually a very funny story. In 1990, as Sunnyvale Mayor, I was asked to co-host a reception for the little-known Governor of Arkansas.

I am a huge sports fan, especially baseball. The night of the event, which I tried unsuccessfully to avoid, was the night Nolan Ryan pitched a record 6th no-hitter against the Oakland A’s. I missed the game. The next morning at breakfast I waved my unused baseball tickets in the face of the man who would 2 ½ years later become President.

Clinton said he felt my pain, and we’ve been friends ever since. His way of expressing appreciation, nearly a decade later, he invited my wife and me to spend a night with the Clinton’s in the White House. www.svlocalmag.com 17

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Our

Private Cooking Lesson With Alex Tishman

Regional Head Chef, Big City Chefs

Perhaps you like to cook.

For my wife and I, cooking is the last thing we would ever want to do. Our feeling has been, if you want to eat good food, someone else needs to cook it- Boy was I wrong!

By Rich Borell, Founder & CEO of Bay Area Mags LLC

N

ow, you’re probably thinking I must eat a lot of junk food and be extremely overweight. Thankfully, I don’t indulge in junk food and I enjoy exercise - be it playing tennis or using my home gym. Still, it’s hard to believe I weigh 149 based on how I eat.

For us, and as it is for many, cooking can be frustrating. You spend good money on ingredients. You invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as you thought, or hoped, it would be.

Eating healthy can be a challenge. We have busy lives and are on the go all the time, so we don’t always set aside the time to prepare a healthy, flavorful meal.

That being said, we decided to bring Regional Head Chef Alex Tishman from Big City Chefs into our home for a Sunday afternoon and teach us how to prepare a couple of delicious meals. While this sounds very exciting, my first question to my wife, when she suggested we should have a private cooking lesson, was: “We’re spending how much to do what?”

Boy, was I wrong. If only I knew before what I know now … So, let’s get started.

Our planned menu was based on what we wanted to learn along with some valuable suggestions from Chef Alex. He came up with the following: • Hanger Steak with mushrooms pan jus • Chicken (one whole, which we will butcher and then cook the different cuts) • Salad with English peas, shaved carrots and radishes, and simple shallot mustard vinaigrette.

Preparing for Chef Alex was pretty painless. He requested that we take a few pictures of our cooking utensils, and simply make our kitchen counters, along with some space in the refrigerator, available to him.

Once Chef Alex arrived, we kicked back and let him get things rolling. It was awesome that the price included the shopping of food and other needed ingredients. He sure saved us a lot of time and frustration.

From the start, with his vivacious personality, you feel as if you’ve known him all your life. We knew right away we were in for a fun day of cooking, right in our very own kitchen.

Chef Alex came so well prepared with a delightful customized class for us. He fully understood our busy schedules and our desire to create some great food from our own kitchen. He would teach us what we would like and not what we wouldn’t like.

As we started, his friendly, informal teaching style put us at ease.

We immediately felt comfortable that we’ll be able to reproduce the same fantastic results later on.

As the class went on, Chef Alex engaged us in the preparation of the entrées and salad. Most importantly, we learned tips on how to do all those little touches that make a big difference in flavor, texture and presentation; like, how to make carrots attractive and crunchy in your salad.

Some of the items we went over during the three hour private-class included: • Proper cooking techniques along with presentation • A big concern of ours … timing of the entrée and side dishes • Some good tips on safety … those knives are very sharp – especially the “Mandoline” (a dangerous but highly efficient instrument) • We learned some tips on nutrition and other health information, including good answers to questions we had about Fish As time went on, we tested some of the Chicken, Hanger Steak, Mushrooms and sauce that we prepared. Delicious.

We were amazed also how good our kitchen could smell. Next, our jaws we’re dropping - we couldn’t wait to dive in and reap the rewards of the last three hours.

As the end of the class came, and my wife and I had just about finished everything we had cooked, Chef Alex had tidied everything up.

Our kitchen was left squeaky clean. It was all a wonderful experience.

In sum, indeed, for many people, cooking can be frustrating. We spend good money on ingredients. We invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as we thought, or hoped, it would be.

What we learned and experienced is, with a little help and guidance, we all can create successful dishes packed with flavor and nutrition that are a joy to create. I encourage you to treat yourself and invite Chef Alex Tishman of Big City Chefs into your home, as we did. You will learn to have fun in your own kitchen and cook some great meals.

Bon appetit!

Our

Private Cooking Lesson With Alex Tishman

Regional Head Chef, Big City Chefs

Perhaps you like to cook.

For my wife and I, cooking is the last thing we would ever want to do. Our feeling has been, if you want to eat good food, someone else needs to cook it- Boy was I wrong!

By Rich Borell, Founder & CEO of Bay Area Mags LLC

N

ow, you’re probably thinking I must eat a lot of junk food and be extremely overweight. Thankfully, I don’t indulge in junk food and I enjoy exercise - be it playing tennis or using my home gym. Still, it’s hard to believe I weigh 149 based on how I eat.

For us, and as it is for many, cooking can be frustrating. You spend good money on ingredients. You invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as you thought, or hoped, it would be.

Eating healthy can be a challenge. We have busy lives and are on the go all the time, so we don’t always set aside the time to prepare a healthy, flavorful meal.

That being said, we decided to bring Regional Head Chef Alex Tishman from Big City Chefs into our home for a Sunday afternoon and teach us how to prepare a couple of delicious meals. While this sounds very exciting, my first question to my wife, when she suggested we should have a private cooking lesson, was: “We’re spending how much to do what?”

Boy, was I wrong. If only I knew before what I know now … So, let’s get started.

Our planned menu was based on what we wanted to learn along with some valuable suggestions from Chef Alex. He came up with the following: • Hanger Steak with mushrooms pan jus • Chicken (one whole, which we will butcher and then cook the different cuts) • Salad with English peas, shaved carrots and radishes, and simple shallot mustard vinaigrette.

Preparing for Chef Alex was pretty painless. He requested that we take a few pictures of our cooking utensils, and simply make our kitchen counters, along with some space in the refrigerator, available to him.

Once Chef Alex arrived, we kicked back and let him get things rolling. It was awesome that the price included the shopping of food and other needed ingredients. He sure saved us a lot of time and frustration.

From the start, with his vivacious personality, you feel as if you’ve known him all your life. We knew right away we were in for a fun day of cooking, right in our very own kitchen.

Chef Alex came so well prepared with a delightful customized class for us. He fully understood our busy schedules and our desire to create some great food from our own kitchen. He would teach us what we would like and not what we wouldn’t like.

As we started, his friendly, informal teaching style put us at ease.

We immediately felt comfortable that we’ll be able to reproduce the same fantastic results later on.

As the class went on, Chef Alex engaged us in the preparation of the entrées and salad. Most importantly, we learned tips on how to do all those little touches that make a big difference in flavor, texture and presentation; like, how to make carrots attractive and crunchy in your salad.

Some of the items we went over during the three hour private-class included: • Proper cooking techniques along with presentation • A big concern of ours … timing of the entrée and side dishes • Some good tips on safety … those knives are very sharp – especially the “Mandoline” (a dangerous but highly efficient instrument) • We learned some tips on nutrition and other health information, including good answers to questions we had about Fish As time went on, we tested some of the Chicken, Hanger Steak, Mushrooms and sauce that we prepared. Delicious.

We were amazed also how good our kitchen could smell. Next, our jaws we’re dropping - we couldn’t wait to dive in and reap the rewards of the last three hours.

As the end of the class came, and my wife and I had just about finished everything we had cooked, Chef Alex had tidied everything up.

Our kitchen was left squeaky clean. It was all a wonderful experience.

In sum, indeed, for many people, cooking can be frustrating. We spend good money on ingredients. We invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as we thought, or hoped, it would be.

What we learned and experienced is, with a little help and guidance, we all can create successful dishes packed with flavor and nutrition that are a joy to create. I encourage you to treat yourself and invite Chef Alex Tishman of Big City Chefs into your home, as we did. You will learn to have fun in your own kitchen and cook some great meals.

Bon appetit!

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. www.svlocalmag.com 23

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 24 www.svlocalmag.com

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. www.svlocalmag.com 25

Are Live Conversations Making a Comeback?

By Caroline Moriarity Sacks Director of INFORUM

I

n the technology capital of the world, San Franciscans know better than most about the latest messaging or communication apps. In a city turning conversations more virtual by the minute, a phenomenon is also developing: its citizens are wanting more interactions offline, with real people. At INFORUM, The Commonwealth Club’s Innovation Lab, we’re constantly seeing the benefits that come from live interactions.

While some may argue that social media, forums, podcasts or live video streams are just as useful as the real deal, you miss the events that aren’t captured by film or social media. These are the experiences that can only be seen or heard firsthand. Notice the facial expressions on the executives on stage? Or, the way a panelist lights up because he/she noticed their family in an audience?

These cues provide more color and context that can

add to a person’s individual experience.

Let’s not forget the benefits of making real human connections. Sometimes the best part of an event is simply hearing the commentary from attendees. Conversations that happen before and after a program is just as impactful, if not more rewarding. Plus, these conversations often open up doors to meeting new people who can become a connection in the future.

There’s also a difference between witnessing it online vs. in-person. Yes, we can listen to audio from a conversation between Marissa Mayer of Yahoo! and Marc Benioff of salesforce.com, but being there to laugh with the audience, feel the tension or witness history is something that you can always look back on. That experience is one of a kind.

There are more benefits and we encourage you to see for yourself at our next INFORUM event.

Check out our site for the next program; we hope to see you there: inforumsf.org

Salesforce Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff and Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer photo by Ed Ritger

HAPPINESS WITHIN REACH: The Open Secret

By Carole Pertofsky

“I want to be happier. I just don’t know how.”

In my work as faculty, presenter and leadership coach, I hear this confession from adults, 18-80.

We live complex, stressful and often disconnected lives, often bombarded by media that convinces us that buying all kinds of stuff will make us happy, beautiful, successful, prestigious, and even more loveable individuals. Sometimes it does, in the short run. The Pertofsky real problem, however, is that this media-created trance can blunt our quieter universal quest for deeper joy and kindness. But there is very good news. Deep happiness is within reach.

By peering into the lives of the happiest people, we can discover the research-based secrets about the quality of “happiness.” What makes the happiest people more joyful and kinder?

Let’s begin with your unique life. Take a “timein” and think about this: What makes you happy?

Stop reading, make your complete list, and when ready, place your experiences within these 3 categories: 1. SHORT TERM PLEASURES: Feeling the rush of sensory pleasures, such as great food and wine, great sex, sports, entertainment, is terrific.

The happiest people intentionally organize their lives so they have time to kick back and enjoy life. But here’s the catch- these experiences are fleeting. We want more, we crave more, and we’re bombarded by media that encourage us to get out there and grab “more” pleasure. But the problem is that our brains have faulty wiring. The

harder and stronger that we pursue that great rush of pleasure, the more we want. The more we want, the more unhappy we become. And as unhappiness soaks into our day, the more we seek to avoid the discomfort and find another pleasure jolt. Whether the rush comes from food or drugs; money or prestige; gambling or overwork, this downward cycle inevitably leads to discontent, social comparison, restlessness, depression and even addiction. Enjoy those healthy fun pleasures, but understand that they alone will not result in sustainable happiness and contentment. Sorry!

2. FLOW: Does your “this makes me happy” list include experiences that lead to that zesty feeling of a “YES” fist pump? Maybe you love untangling complex coding problems, mastering a new level of communication skill or fixing a gnarly machine? This great feeling of accomplishment, called “flow”, sparks curiosity, adds vitality and helps us thrive. The happiest people deliberately seek out engaging challenging experiences and they love achieving new levels of mastery. But here’s the secret: Those happy folks also know how to fail! Why? Inevitably, the “flow” urge prompts us to take new risks and step out of our comfort zone. And what do we find there? When we outgrow our current competency level, we hit the “don’t know how” zone, which feels like incompetence or a setback. If we stick with it keep trying, and keep failing, until finally comes the day when we master a new skill set and we experience the great feeling of flow. The happiest people understand that gaining mastery requires resilience- to bounce back after a setback or failure, and eventually enjoy that great experience of flow. Nelson Mandela reminds us that “the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Flow, being fully engaged, mastery. These are powerful ingredients

for deep life satisfaction.

MEANING: Did your list include connecting with others, offering compassion, being kind to yourself? Meaning is the real sweet spot for the happiest people. Happy people know how to notice and savor the good that surrounds us so often in our day. Think about this - if you hang out in the zone of negativity or threat or stress, you’ll find something to criticize in almost every second.

The happiest people chose to be happy - they deliberately focus on and seek the positive benefits of each moment. We call this a positive mindset.

But here’s the trick- life is never trouble free.

Even the happiest people also struggle and face disappointment and adversity. They understand that pain is part of life too, and deep meaning and purpose arise when we deliberately reframe life’s difficulties into opportunities for meaning and compassionate action. Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor, reminds us: “Everything can be taken from us but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Meaning isn’t an abstract or general life principle.

It’s a vibrant, deliberate frame of mind that recasts life’s inevitable difficulties into purposeful thought and action. Almost nothing imbues our lives with meaning and purpose as intensely as when we contribute to the happiness of others and when we treat others and ourselves with kindness and patience. The Dalai Lama teaches,” If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

Happiness IS within reach. Enjoy life’s healthy pleasures. Challenge yourself to grow, engage with life and master new accomplishments and skills.

Above all, discover your unique capacity to bring greater joy and meaning to your personal life, as well as to the greater good of our world. When you seek opportunities to help others and heal the world, you’ll find that you will truly flourish as your days will be imbued with wonderful sensual pleasures, inner peace, meaning and purpose.

And that’s the open secret to deep, sustainable happiness.

Dining

Scott’s offers extensive, balanced menu

SS

cott’s located in downtown San cott’sSeafood, Seafood, located in downtown Sanon Jose onAve. Park Ave. is situated Jose Park is situated perfectly and perfectly and just awayMuseum, from just steps away fromsteps the Tech the Tech Museum, the San Jose Museum of the and San Jose MuseumSt. of Joseph’s Art and the historicGet St. Art the historic Basilica.

Joseph’s tourist out yourBasilica. tourist Get mapout andyour you’ll findmap that and it’s just from Chavez you’llacross find that it’s Cesar just across fromPlaza, Cesarwhere Chavez you’ll surelyyou’ll enjoy Music in the Park during Plaza, where surely enjoy Music in the Park the summer and within eyesight of the Cenduring the Performing summer andArts. within of the ter for the Its eyesight prime seating Center aforterrific the Performing Arts.

Its prime seating offers view of the City’s downtown and, to mention, it’s City’s in perfect align-and, offersnot a terrific view of the downtown ment catch ait’s plane or two making to a catch not to to mention, in perfect alignment descent to the San Jose Mineta International a plane orYour two making descent to the Airport. parkinga is validated in San the Jose Mineta International Airport. Your parking is valiground floor garage.

Stepininside the sixth floor dining room dated the ground floor garage. and you’ll be treated to a bright, butroom warm Step inside the sixth floor dining and atmosphere with lots of wood accents. Take you’ll be treated to a bright, but warm atmosome time to lounge in the centralized, full sphere with wood accents. somemartini time favorservice bar lots thatoffeatures manyTake of your ites and a in large TV. The ample, bar main dining to lounge the screen centralized, full service that features space seats 270; the banquet room can comfortably many of your martini favorites and a large screen TV. The handle up to 100. At Scott’s, your dining experience ample, main dining space seats 270; the banquet room can will be led by first class service that will be delivered comfortably handle up to 100.

Atvisit.

Scott’s, your dining expeconsistently throughout your rience will be led by first class service that will be Nava delivered Executive Chef and General Manager Alex began his career with Scott’s back in 1992. In 2003, consistently throughout your visit. heScott’s took over as Executive Chef and General Manager. offers an extensive, well-balanced menu with a seWhen asked of what he’s most proud about Scott’s, lection that ranges from the local an assorthe takes only a second tofreshest point to hisseafood, loyal staff and ment of pasta and chicken dishes, to prime, dry-aged the family like atmosphere they all work hard tosteaks. create.As you peruse the menu, you’ll enjoy warm French bread Alex offers an extensive, well-balanced menu andChef ice water punctuated with a slice of lemon. Drawing with a selection that ranges from the freshest local from the seasons, you mayofenjoy suchdishes, as Jumseafood, an assortment pastaappetizers and chicken bo Wrapped Prawns, filled with fresh Dungeness crab and to prime, dry-aged steaks.

As you peruse menu, you’ll enjoy warm mushrooms servedthe with a mildly spicy peanut sauce. AnFrench bread and ice water punctuated with a slice other tasty appetizer choice might be the Seared Blackened of lemon. Drawing from the seasons, you may enjoy Ahi with Seaweed Salad and Wrapped Sesame Soy dressing.

Look for appetizers such as Jumbo Prawns, filled other reliable salads such as a traditional Caesar and a yumwith fresh Dungeness crab and mushrooms served with a mildly spicy my Oven Roasted Beetpeanut option.sauce. Another tasty appetizer choice might the Seared Blackened For your main entrée,bethere’s certainly somethingAhi for evwith Seaweed Salad and Sesame Soy dressing. Look erybody.

Yep.salads Fresh such local as seafood like Salmon, Halifor otherPasta? reliable a traditional Caesar but, Sole, Trout and Lobster?

Mouth watering!

How about and a yummy Oven Roasted Beet option.

ForMignon, your main there’s certainly Rib something Filet Newentrée, York Steak, a dry-aged Eye, or a for everybody.

Pasta?

Yep. Fresh local seafood like Roasted Chicken? Got it!

Salmon, Halibut, Sole, Trout and Lobster? Mouth If you still have a little room left to take care of your sweet watering!

How about Filet Mignon, New York Steak, a 30 www.svlocalmag.com

A Bay Area Tradition

Scott’s Scott’s Seafood Seafood 185 Park 185 ParkAvenue Avenue San Jose San Jose (408) (408)971-1700 971-1700 www.scottsseafoodsj.com www.scottsseafoodsj.com Beautifullyremodeled remodeledon on the the inside Beautifully inside ......and and also on the outside with this splendid rooftop also on the outside with this splendid rooftop patio.

Enjoy thethe private dining or intimate dining patio.

Enjoy private dining or intimate ambiance for your special occasion ... and also the dining ambiance for your special occasion delightful view overlooking downtown San Jose. ... and also the delightful view overlooking downtown San Jose. tooth, then you might want to consider some of Scott’s dry-aged Rib Eye, or a Roasted Chicken? Got it! heavenly desserts like; Key Lime Pie, Warm Molten ChocoIf you still have a little room left to take care of late Cake, ortooth, maybethen Scott’s Jack, (that’s your sweet youClassic mightRaspberry want to consider some Scott’siceheavenly desserts like; Key Lime Frenchofvanilla, cream with raspberries, Triple secPie, and Warm Molten Chocolate Cake, or maybe Scott’s Claswhipped cream). sic Raspberry Jack, (that’s French vanilla, ice cream At Scott’s you’ll also have a fabulous choice of fine local with raspberries, Triple sec and whipped cream). wines from Northern California, with an extensive At Scott’s you’ll also have along a fabulous choice of selection of world beers. fine local winesclass from Northern California, along with anLunch extensive selection of world class beers. hours are from 11:30 to 5PM Monday-Friday; dinLunch hours are from 11:30 to 5PM Monday-Friner is served up starting at 5PM Monday-Saturday and day; dinner is served up starting at 5PM Monday-Satstartingand 4:30PM on 4:30PM Sunday. on Scott’s accepts Visa,accepts Masterurday starting Sunday.

Scott’s Card, Discover, Diners, and American Reservations Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diners,Express. and American Express.

Reservations are recommended! are recommended!

SCOTT’S SEAFOOD

185 Park Avenue 420 Castro Street #1 Town & Country Village 185San P ark #1 T own & C ountry V illage P alo A lto Jose A venue • S an J ose Mountain View Palo• Alto (408) 971-1700 (650) 323-1555 (408) 971-1700 (650) 966-8124 (650) 323-1555 www . scottsseafoodsj . com www . scottsseafoodpa . com www.scottsseafoodsj.com www.scottsseafoodmv.com www.scottsseafoodpa.com

A Bay Area Tradition

SCOTT’S SEAFOOD

185 Park Avenue 420 Castro Street #1 Town & Country Village 185San P ark #1 t own & c ountry v illage P alo a lto Jose a venue • S an J oSe Mountain View Palo• Alto (408) 971-1700 (650) 323-1555 (408) 971-1700 (650) 966-8124 (650) 323-1555 www . ScottSSeafoodSJ . com www . ScottSSeafoodPa . com www.scottsseafoodsj.com www.scottsseafoodmv.com www.scottsseafoodpa.com

185 Park Avenue • San Jose (408) 971-1700 • www.scottsseafoodsj.com

PRESE RVATION 5 Things You Should Know

By Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh

Your fertility isn’t skin deep. It’s as simple as that. Just because you look like you’re 28 when you’re 42, doesn’t mean your ovaries are the same. Unlike men who don’t run out of sperm, it is totally normal and expected for every woman to run out of eggs by a certain age. The average age of menopause is 51 and it’s very difficult to get pregnant during the 10 years leading up to that age.

Some of us are born with more eggs or run out at a slower rate but at the end of the day most women are not fertile in their 40’s.

It’s unfair for women to be made to feel like there’s something wrong with them when they’re told they’re not fertile at the age of 40. Not many women are fertile in their 40’s. Empower yourself with knowledge about your fertility so you can learn more about your options.

Running out of eggs doesn’t mean you also run out of options. Women in their 40’s often turn to more creative ways to grow their family: donor eggs, donor embryos and adoption just to name a few. I find that most of my patients who see me over the age of 40 say they wish they had frozen their eggs when they could have. Women today sadly learn that they’re running out of eggs at the same time that they decide to start a family. Egg freezing technology has changed dramatically over the past 5 years or so.

Women don’t have to say that they wish they froze their eggs 10 years ago…..a time when egg freezing success rates weren’t as good as they are today. The time is now to ask your doctor whether egg freezing is for you. Here’s what you should know: 1. There are tests you can do to find 32 www.svlocalmag.com

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh Photos by Jennifer Crandall

out more about your fertility. Your doctor can order an Anti Mullerian Hormone level (AMH) as a guide regarding how much battery you have in your biological clock.

Cycle day 3 FSH and estradiol levels and an antral follicle count (ultrasound looking at your ovaries often done by a reproductive endocrinologist) can also be used clinically as a guide.

2. If your Mom or other female family members had fertility issues related to conditions like endometriosis or early menopause, you should strongly consider preserving your fertility and seeing a doctor

to talk more about your options.

3. There are some medical conditions that require drug treatments that can be what we call “gonadotoxic” ie result in damage to eggs or sperm.

Patients who are diagnosed with conditions like Lupus, blood disorders, and cancer are often put on chemotherapeutic Dr. Eyvazzadeh has been hosting “Egg Freezing Parties” designed to raise awareness of fertility issues since 2014. drugs. Freezing eggs/sperm Harvard Medical School, she completed a can give these patients a chance for pregnancy in the future fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at University of Michigan. She after their treatment is over if they run out also completed a Masters in Public Health in of eggs earlier because of the treatments.

Health Management and Policy at University 4. Freezing eggs for future use is best in of Michigan. She has a private practice in younger women because our eggs have a the SF Bay Area. higher chance of being viable the younger Each day she hears story after story we are. If you’re considering freezing your from women struggling to conceive. In her eggs in your late 30’s, you could still have a attempt to alleviate some of this heartbreak, good chance for pregnancy. Speaking with she has gone on a mission of “fertility a fertility specialist would be helpful before awareness”. Her hope is to empower you decide to freeze your eggs. women at an early age, making them more 5. Egg freezing involves a surgical aware of their own personal fertility levels procedure. Women have to take selfadministered shots in the skin of their lower and allowing them to be better educated about their options. Never again does she abdomen for about 10 days prior to the egg want to hear “If I had known 10 years ago extraction procedure.

To hear more about the process of IVF or that my egg reserves were running low, I would have done things differently”. egg freezing, please read Dr. Aimee’s next In 2014, she launched her message with article.

“Egg Freezing Parties”. These hosted parties Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is a native of offer women a chance to learn more about the Bay Area. She is a graduate of UCLA egg freezing and ask their questions in a School of Medicine. After completing her comfortable, safe environment with likeresidency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at minded women.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and www.svlocalmag.com 33

The

San Francisco 49ers

Community Relations and

49ers Foundation

A PROUD TRADITION BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD

ncer sula with Breast Ca m To Jim h ac Co ad 49ers He r 2014 Warriors in Octobe

49ers Linebacke rs visit Good Samaritan Hos pital

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,

ving dinner to Serving Thanksgi at Loaves & Fishes homeless 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 23rd 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 23 years, the Foundation has donated nearly $30.6 million - $4.6 million in 2014, including a $1 million gift to launch the 49ers STEM Leadership Institute in collaboration with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and the Santa Clara Unified School District with significant support from Chevron.

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 2014, 49ers players participated in more than 50 events, donating over 400 hours of volunteer time, impacting over Joanne Pasternack 80,000 people in Director of Community need annually.

Relations and the In 2014, 100% 49ers Foundation of the players participated in one-or-more community events.

Meet Joanne Pasternack, the Director of Community Relations and the 49ers Foundation for the San Francisco 49ers. Joanne attended 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.

36 www.svlocalmag.com

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 former 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

49ers honor troops aboard the USS America

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 best in the NFL, but in all sports. In 2013, they achieved this goal and were named the national recipients of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s prestigious Steve Patterson Award for excellence in sports philanthrophy. They were also one of four finalists for the Global Beyond Sport Award for outstanding sports team.

The San Francisco 49ers Foundation was honored by the San Jose/Silicon Valley Business Journal for being No. 13 in corporate philanthropic giving in 2014. Not bad for a company that has only 250 employees. The No. 2 Company, by comparison, was Cisco, with 72,000 employees.

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

Coach Tomsula Greeting Football Camp for the Stars Participants - a camp for athletes with Down syndrome

49ers STEM Leadership Institute

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 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 2014, the 49ers Foundation facilitated $750K 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 CoChairman for Second Harvest Food Bank for www.svlocalmag.com 37

LB Patrick Willis with Make-A-Wish recipient

QB Colin Kaepernick with a Make-A-Wish guest

two years. The Bayview Hunters Point YMCA near 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 38 www.svlocalmag.com

with the Taube Family Foundation and the Koret Foundation, the 49ers, philanthropist Tad Taube and Koret have raised $1.25 million 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 2014, 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 and 2013, when

dedication and passion. they traveled to London to play in the NFL “The key here is that the members of the International Series game, they had one day off. Instead of site-seeing, they arranged special 49ers family recognize that they have been blessed with a special opportunity - one that days with a hugely popular Premier League is not to be taken for granted,” Joanne said. team – Tottenham Hotspur – and together, in “The 49ers take this responsibility seriously. one of the poorer districts of London, they held That is why we do what we do. Whether it a collaborative event for 100 low-income youth is a rookie or a seasoned veteran, ownership showcasing the PLAY 60 movement and the or a 49ers alumnus, we are so very proud of importance of getting out to play, 60 minutes a day, through both football and soccer.

It was an amazing 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 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 has been a 49ers spokesperson.

2014 49ers Foundation Contribution Announcement at Levi’s® Stadium 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 to benefit them as an organization and, as Another example of the tremendous a result, the organization in turn is happy player participation is Joe Staley who, with and proud to be able to give back to the a librarian for a mother, loves reading to community - as it has and will continue to in elementary students and was honored with perpetuity. If there were a Super Bowl Trophy a 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 www.svlocalmag.com 39

FEATURED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR WHY WE’RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

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.

40 www.svlocalmag.com

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

FEATURED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR WHY WE’RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

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 42 www.svlocalmag.com

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

FEATURED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR WHY WE’RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

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 44 www.svlocalmag.com

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.

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wellsfargo.com All loans are subject to application, credit qualification, and income verification. Š 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

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FEATURED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR WHY WE’RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

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 46 www.svlocalmag.com

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.” www.svlocalmag.com 47

Source: FORTUNE, March 17, 2014 © 2014 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. 0310-9005

FEATURED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR WHY WE’RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

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.

48 www.svlocalmag.com

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

Marina Gavric

Marina Gavric Health & Fitness Training www.marinagavric.com

Age is Nothing But a Number Y

ou don’t spend 20 years in the fitness industry without learning a few things about numbers. A valuable term I learned early on, and attest to, is the age old adage that “Age is nothing but a number”.

Each of us has a calendar age and a biological age. We’ve all seen this … Often I will see a 30 or 40 year-old who may look and feel considerably older than his or her actual age … or a 60 or 70 year-old who may look and feel considerably younger. How and why is that?

Good health and well-being, so much of it is in our mind. Also our diet and exercise. It includes an attitude, our habits, our way of life. Healthy and vibrant, the good news is we don’t have to be stuck, where we might not be happy. The choice is ours and there are things we can do to improve.

We should control our health rather our health control us. Health, fitness and wellness, no matter what our age, is a great recipe that works … and is everyone’s best reward.

When and how did those years get stuck within layers of unhealthy fat, lining our frames? Can you pinpoint the time you became older than you really are? Think back.

Was it when you were 12 trying to get out of gym class?

Maybe in college when all your time was spent studying and socializing over noodles 50 www.svlocalmag.com

and cocktails? Perhaps your fitness years were lost when the children began ruling your world or work sucked you in to the career abyss? Is it possible you just haven’t found your way out. Resolving when you began losing those years is key to getting them back.

No matter what your current age or fitness level, taking action in changing your fitness age, to grow younger as you age, to become a fitter and wiser you, begins with some simple, clean life choices we can all make.

Ask yourself: How old am I? How old do I feel?

What is my fitness age? If I have lost years of vibrant life, when did I lose them? How can I get them back? And when do I begin taking action in the fight to take them back?

Don’t let your “real” age rule or get the better of you. You can do it ... let your fitness age take the spotlight! … Stay Hydrated, Stay Focused, Stay Fit!

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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.

52 www.svlocalmag.com

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

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

I

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 www.svlocalmag.com 55

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: 56 www.svlocalmag.com

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. www.svlocalmag.com 57

Featured Local Business that will hit the exact al dente mark with plenty of pizazz. The decor is classic Italian-American 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.

Italian family recipes an in an open-kitchen, very

A Delicious Taste of Italy

friendly ambiance, inside and also outdoors. Thus,

The dream came to Joe Antuzzi II, the proprietor of Sunnyvale train station.

wearing shorts or a suit and tie.

it is a bistro, meaning it is meant to feel casual where people would feel comfortable whether

il postale: to create a fun, festive and popular restaurant similar to what you would find in the Old World Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, il postale’s Italian fare - located in a historic downtown, close to setting seems perfect, in an old world charm of the train station, where people would come from its own. There, you will experience award-winning

Laura Reiley of CitySearch wrote: “il postale is an Come and enjoy il postale Italian-American Bistro & Italian gem of a restaurant in Sunnyvale, with Bar. When not able to attend, you may also wish to generous portions and attentive service.”

near and far, and feel right at home - enjoying such Italian-American food and at reasonable prices. delicious Italian food and wine and in such a warm, The intent was not to reinvent the Italian culinary friendly and comfortable setting.

world, but to include already very popular old

menu. This way you can bring il postale’s delicious, Good Life Publications wrote: “Big-hearted and fun and friendly festivities to you. Buon appetito! two-fisted, this robust restaurant likes to lavish its customers with generous portions and atten-

So it came to be that in 1995, il postale Italian-Amer-

tive service.

ican Bistro was born. il postale is Italian, meaning the Post Office. It is conveniently located

“Here is a place that turns out food Dean Martin

in the heart of historic downtown Sunnyvale - yes,

would have loved. The marinara is perfection,

on Murphy Avenue -just across the street from the

and there’s invariably some seafood pasta dish

58 www.svlocalmag.com

consider their very popular “Cater your next event”

il postale Italian-American Bistro & Bar A Delicious Taste of Italy 100 S. Murphy Avenue Sunnyvale (408) 733-9600 ilpostale.com

Featured Local Business that will hit the exact al dente mark with plenty of pizazz. The decor is classic Italian-American 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.

Italian family recipes an in an open-kitchen, very

A Delicious Taste of Italy

friendly ambiance, inside and also outdoors. Thus,

The dream came to Joe Antuzzi II, the proprietor of Sunnyvale train station.

wearing shorts or a suit and tie.

it is a bistro, meaning it is meant to feel casual where people would feel comfortable whether

il postale: to create a fun, festive and popular restaurant similar to what you would find in the Old World Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, il postale’s Italian fare - located in a historic downtown, close to setting seems perfect, in an old world charm of the train station, where people would come from its own. There, you will experience award-winning

Laura Reiley of CitySearch wrote: “il postale is an Come and enjoy il postale Italian-American Bistro & Italian gem of a restaurant in Sunnyvale, with Bar. When not able to attend, you may also wish to generous portions and attentive service.”

near and far, and feel right at home - enjoying such Italian-American food and at reasonable prices. delicious Italian food and wine and in such a warm, The intent was not to reinvent the Italian culinary friendly and comfortable setting.

world, but to include already very popular old

menu. This way you can bring il postale’s delicious, Good Life Publications wrote: “Big-hearted and fun and friendly festivities to you. Buon appetito! two-fisted, this robust restaurant likes to lavish its customers with generous portions and atten-

So it came to be that in 1995, il postale Italian-Amer-

consider their very popular “Cater your next event”

tive service.

ican Bistro was born. il postale is Italian, meaning the Post Office. It is conveniently located

“Here is a place that turns out food Dean Martin

in the heart of historic downtown Sunnyvale - yes,

would have loved. The marinara is perfection,

on Murphy Avenue -just across the street from the

and there’s invariably some seafood pasta dish

il postale Italian-American Bistro & Bar A Delicious Taste of Italy 100 S. Murphy Avenue Sunnyvale (408) 733-9600 ilpostale.com www.svlocalmag.com 59

Mike Wasserman

Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 1 One of the many services provided by Santa Clara County govern-

• Easily view closure information for food facilities that are imme-

ment is protecting consumers by conducting restaurant health

diately closed due to a major violation

inspections. The results of the inspections are now easier than

• More information about the placard color and compliance score

ever for the public to access. Simply download the County’s new

• Submit feedback to the Department

SCCDineOut mobile app to find out whether or not a local restaurant is in compliance with food safety laws. Launched recently by the County Department of Environmental Health (DEH), the SCCDineOut app is the latest product in the County’s effort to inform residents about the food safety compliance records of area food facilities.

By using SCCDineOut or scanning the QR code on any posted Green, Yellow, or Red colored inspection placard, diners can gain immediate access to the most recent food inspection results for a restaurant, including any specific violations. They will also be able to view a list of restaurants that have been closed for food safety violations during the last six months. The most recent inspection reports are readily available online as well at https://services.sccgov.org/facilityinspection The information online and on SCCDineOut is in easy-to-understand language. The colored placards are issued as Environmental Health Specialists conduct inspections throughout the year. Inspection schedules vary and depend on the historical compliance of food facilities. The inspections are more frequent for facilities that have had violations.

Features of the new SCCDineOut app include: - Inspection results for thousands of food facilities within Santa Clara County • Search by food facility name or those near your current location

• Sort inspection results by compliance score

Mike Wasserman

• View contact information for food facilities

Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 1

60 www.svlocalmag.com

EXPLORE WHEREYOU LI VE

We e k e ndE v e nt s&Muc hMor eAr oundTheBayAr e a

Fi nal l yFr i day . c om

Photo by Nicolas Genin/Flickr

Investing With the Stars

By Scott Budman

I

’m hustled down a hallway, for a secretive, exclusive one-on-one. No one can see, and the crowds are kept away. The handler says “You’ll have three minutes.”

This, as you might imagine, rarely happens when we reporters talk to Venture Capitalists.

This is no ordinary VC, though. It’s Jared Leto, heartthrob thespian and winner of this year’s Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (“Dallas Budman Buyer’s Club”), certified rock star (“30 Seconds To Mars”), and tech investor.

Within seconds of talking to him, you can tell that Leto is the real deal. Yeah, sure he’s handsome, famous, etc, etc. He also knows his technology, having invested in rising startups like Zenefits, Surfair, and Wish, while starting his own companies that blend art and technology.

“Artists deserve a seat at the tech table,” Leto says, to explain why an already stratospherically famous person would seek out tech startups. “I’m looking for creative opportunities, and I see a lot of creativity in technology.”

62 www.svlocalmag.com

Leto joins a growing list of well-known entertainers jumping into tech with their wallets.

Ashton Kutcher invested in AirBnB. Jada PinkettSmith invested in a safety app called bSafe. Andy Samberg, T.I., Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, the list goes on. Clearly, tech is the hot spot for famous people.

They tweet, they show up to board meetings.

They’re clearly serious about learning and making money. Kutcher recently spoke at TechCrunch “Disrupt,” telling the crowd that he looks for creative people and good ideas, not “people talking about market cap and social media platforms.”

At a recent Consumer Electronic Show (think: geek paradise) in Las Vegas, I saw no fewer than three rappers talking up headphones. 50 Cent, insisting that sound quality made his ‘phones the best; Ludacris, talking about why his brand is aimed exclusively at the high-end listener; and of course, Dr. Dre, who started Beats Electronics, brought celebrities like Lady Gaga into the fold, and just sold his company to Apple for a cool three billion dollars.

So, again, why take the time to invest? Well, according to Forbes, Dr. Dre is now worth $620 million. Who wouldn’t want to play that role?

Scott is the business & tech reporter for NBC Bay Area. He’s on Twitter: @scottbudman

TEAM STORE VISIT OUR OFFICIAL TEAM STORE LOCATIONS SAN JOSE

Westfield Valley Fair

SAN FRANCISCO Westfield SF Centre

PALO ALTO

Town & Country Village

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

The Presidio: It’s What’s Going On!

F

By Rich Borell

or many of us, the Presidio of San Francisco may only be 10-40 miles down the road.

Perhaps you drive through it from Lombard to get over the GG Bridge. However, ever since the Inn at the Presidio opened a few years back, my wife and I have spent a few weekends each year staying at this historic hotel … right in the middle of the Presidio of San Francisco.

This former military base has so much to offer - from its many hiking trails to enjoying the open space with your pet. This vast land has over 1,400 total acres and just under 1,000 acres of open space. If you’re looking for something to fill a day … or a weekend … or more, this vast open land sure has plenty to offer.

For you history buffs, you can check out over 400 historic buildings. A good place to start is the Presidio Officer’s Club. There, you will get a good 64 www.svlocalmag.com

taste of history through multi-media exhibits.

One of our favorite pastimes is to hop on the PresidiGo Shuttle. One thing we really enjoy is seeing, and experiencing, the Presidio on foot.

Each time we stay, we explore a different route … our favorite is going down to Crissy Field – and observing the spectacular views of the bridge. You can feel free to get off the shuttle anytime, as it has 40 stops.

No matter what one’s age, one activity

WEEKEND GETAWAYS everyone would want to catch is The Walt Disney Family Museum. At the Disney Museum you will capture the true history and timeline of Walt Disney’s life and the Disney enterprise. I would suggest allowing at least four hours for this selfguided tour, as well as your hands-on experience with exhibits and taking in all the original artwork that’s there.

Wish you could stay here? Well, you can. You can keep the car parked and stay at the Inn at the Presidio. This Georgian Revival-style hotel, built in the early 1900’s, was once home for bachelor officers when the Presidio was a U.S. Army post.

Now you can stay here at this historic landmark.

When we stay, we always put a request in for a room on the third floor. From here you get incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, also the fog rolling in and, on clear days, you can see many sailboats.

Each room is extremely spacious, offering Wi-Fi, flat panel screens and mini-fridges. For a bit more, I would suggest getting a suite on the third floor. This has a large sitting area and a gas fireplace.

The hotel offers an evening wine and cheese reception … usually there’s live music, as well. Or you can stroll outside with your wine and kick back on their outdoor deck that features a large fire pit with cozy rocking chairs. It’s truly delightful.

You’re also within walking distance to some nice restaurants on base. Recently opened is The Commissary, a new restaurant by the awardThe Inn at the Presidio

winning chef, Traci Des Jardins, featuring Spanishinfluenced California cuisine.

One of our favorite places to eat is the Presidio Social Club – which once was the home of the ex-military barracks. Inside the Presidio Officer’s Club, you can try out Arguello. This restaurant offers Mexican food with a contemporary bar.

If you still have a little time on your hands, there’s plenty more to do in the Presidio, such as: A beautiful stroll along Baker’s Beach … perhaps a round of golf at the Presidio Golf Course with its enchanted forest setting … and, yes, there’s even a bowling alley.

And think you might miss that latte or cappuccino at Starbucks? Not to worry, they have one of those, too.

People would love coming from all corners of the world to experience this, and do. A far away distant world that’s literally just a few minutes away. There’s the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow … for us, this is a gem at the foot of the Golden Gate.

www.svlocalmag.com 65

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

town Palm Springs. The views and grounds are awesome of the Golf Resort, they have a large pool with two hot tubs. We were also able to enjoy a little tennis.

We had an early dinner reservation so we didn’t get too much activity in today. We did walk downtown and strolled the Palm Springs Walk of Stars … I heard that there are over 400 stars! Interesting and delightful to see and experience.

Palm Springs – Fun In The Desert Sun!

L

By Rich Borell

ooking to relax? Perhaps a nice getaway and some sun, some fun, some R&R? How about a nice quiet desert resort? Sounded great to us. Just 100 miles east of Los Angeles was our recent long weekend getaway destination … Palm Springs.

For this weekend destination we decided to do a road trip. Our journey started out early Friday morning with a quick cup for the road from Starbucks.

Along with its gift shop and Beef & Bakery store, it’s the best service along I-5 you can encounter.

Our first stop along the way was breakfast at the Harris Ranch, located in Coalinga, about two hours from Silicon Valley. If you’re traveling along Interstate 5, you may know the Harris Ranch is a welcome oasis for travelers.

After stopping off at a few rest stops to stretch a bit, our next encounter was going to be lunch. As we we’re driving, we saw a sign for a restaurant I didn’t even know still existed, so we pulled over and had lunch at Bob’s Big Boy... Yes, it was great to see them still around.

There are many amenities at this fine establishment including comfortable lodging, some of the best steaks you will ever enjoy, along with a café for that quick bite.

We arrived in the Palm Springs area around 2PM. Our stay for the next few nights was at the Desert Princess Inn. This Golf Resort is located about five miles from down-

66 www.svlocalmag.com

If you’re in the Palm Springs area, then the Purple Room Restaurant & Stage is a must for dinner and a show. It all started in 1960 … The still popular venue is considered to be one of Palm Springs “Original“ Rat Pack Hangouts ... where Frank Sinatra would bring friends to Eat, Drink and Play.

Saturday morning we were up early to meet our group for the Desert Adventure Tour. This is an open Jeep tour that takes you along the San Andreas Fault. The tour was great and very informative.

You can experience the landscape of an active fault, walk between the steep canyon walls – we actually we’re able to have one foot on each of the two major plates in California. The tour took us through a natural Palm oasis. We also learned about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter and more.

Our tour was about three hours. We had lunch planned at the Peaks Restaurant, located on top of the San Jacinto Mountain, over 8,500 feet up. The aerial tram will take you up the mountain. The gondola floor rotates while ascending and descending so that everyone sees everything. Yes, this is a “must” if you’re in the Palm Springs area.

Ticket prices are reasonable if you only want to take the ride up for photos and get some great hiking in. There are a couple of cool trails anyone can enjoy, and also a couple of cafés that offer a different price range, being considerate of people’s budgets.

If you’re looking for entertainment in the evenings there certainly is no limit as to what’s available. You will find several high end Indian Casino Resorts close by. To fill our evening, we took in a few shows. At the Morongo Casino, we saw the very talented comedian, Lilly Tomlin. Saturday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort, we saw the very talented singer, Marie Osmond.

With many points of interest, the World’s largest rotating Aerial Tramcars, over 130 Hotels & Resorts, over 100 Restaurants and sunny days practically every day of the year … If you’re looking for a nice relaxing and fun getaway, plan on enjoying a nice weekend in sunny Palm Springs. We sure did.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

town Palm Springs. The views and grounds are awesome of the Golf Resort, they have a large pool with two hot tubs. We were also able to enjoy a little tennis.

We had an early dinner reservation so we didn’t get too much activity in today. We did walk downtown and strolled the Palm Springs Walk of Stars … I heard that there are over 400 stars! Interesting and delightful to see and experience.

Palm Springs – Fun In The Desert Sun!

L

By Rich Borell

ooking to relax? Perhaps a nice getaway and some sun, some fun, some R&R? How about a nice quiet desert resort? Sounded great to us. Just 100 miles east of Los Angeles was our recent long weekend getaway destination … Palm Springs.

For this weekend destination we decided to do a road trip. Our journey started out early Friday morning with a quick cup for the road from Starbucks.

Along with its gift shop and Beef & Bakery store, it’s the best service along I-5 you can encounter.

Our first stop along the way was breakfast at the Harris Ranch, located in Coalinga, about two hours from Silicon Valley. If you’re traveling along Interstate 5, you may know the Harris Ranch is a welcome oasis for travelers.

After stopping off at a few rest stops to stretch a bit, our next encounter was going to be lunch. As we we’re driving, we saw a sign for a restaurant I didn’t even know still existed, so we pulled over and had lunch at Bob’s Big Boy... Yes, it was great to see them still around.

There are many amenities at this fine establishment including comfortable lodging, some of the best steaks you will ever enjoy, along with a café for that quick bite.

We arrived in the Palm Springs area around 2PM. Our stay for the next few nights was at the Desert Princess Inn. This Golf Resort is located about five miles from down-

If you’re in the Palm Springs area, then the Purple Room Restaurant & Stage is a must for dinner and a show. It all started in 1960 … The still popular venue is considered to be one of Palm Springs “Original“ Rat Pack Hangouts ... where Frank Sinatra would bring friends to Eat, Drink and Play.

Saturday morning we were up early to meet our group for the Desert Adventure Tour. This is an open Jeep tour that takes you along the San Andreas Fault. The tour was great and very informative.

You can experience the landscape of an active fault, walk between the steep canyon walls – we actually we’re able to have one foot on each of the two major plates in California. The tour took us through a natural Palm oasis. We also learned about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter and more.

Our tour was about three hours. We had lunch planned at the Peaks Restaurant, located on top of the San Jacinto Mountain, over 8,500 feet up. The aerial tram will take you up the mountain. The gondola floor rotates while ascending and descending so that everyone sees everything. Yes, this is a “must” if you’re in the Palm Springs area.

Ticket prices are reasonable if you only want to take the ride up for photos and get some great hiking in. There are a couple of cool trails anyone can enjoy, and also a couple of cafés that offer a different price range, being considerate of people’s budgets.

If you’re looking for entertainment in the evenings there certainly is no limit as to what’s available. You will find several high end Indian Casino Resorts close by. To fill our evening, we took in a few shows. At the Morongo Casino, we saw the very talented comedian, Lilly Tomlin. Saturday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort, we saw the very talented singer, Marie Osmond.

With many points of interest, the World’s largest rotating Aerial Tramcars, over 130 Hotels & Resorts, over 100 Restaurants and sunny days practically every day of the year … If you’re looking for a nice relaxing and fun getaway, plan on enjoying a nice weekend in sunny Palm Springs. We sure did.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

A MEMORABLE WEEKEND TRIP TO JAMESTOWN AND YOSEMITE

By Rich Borell

Hello Everyone, I want to share with you a recent long weekend getaway my wife and I took. This road trip took us to the Gold Country, where we enjoyed fascinating historic Jamestown and the most breathtaking views of Yosemite National Park.

Our trip started out Friday around noon to beat the Bay Area getaway crowd. We had accommodations for Friday evening, just outside of Jamestown, at the Jackson 68 www.svlocalmag.com

Rancheria Hotel & Casino. We really want to extend a warm thank you for a great room.

While driving up to Jackson, my wife always wanted to visit Daffodil Hill located in Volcano, CA, a few miles outside of Jackson. It’s the perfect time of year since all the daffodils are in full bloom. If you’re in the area traveling, this is a great place to get out and stretch and walk through the gorgeous gardens. You will see some rather loud and colorful peacocks, too, as you walk along the path.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS Daffodil Hill is open only in the spring, usually from the end of March through the first three weeks of April … best of all, admission and parking are free.

From there, we drove to the hotel to settle in for the evening, grab a bite; yes, pay our dues on the casino floor; and, of course, do some shopping in the gift shop.

Our Saturday morning started out with a quick bite in the café, and then it was on to the Gold Country. Our first stop was Angels Camp, also known as the City of Angels.

The story goes that Mark Twain based one of his short stories, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, from a story he had heard here in 1865.

Thus, a great reason to celebrate every year with the jumping Frog Jubilee each May at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Some say that Angels Camp other name is “Frog Town” – now you know why!

Angels Camp is a very historic town …

I’d suggest definitely stopping by the Angels Camp Museum to get the scoop on the town.

The hours are Thursday – Monday from 10AM – 4PM. From Angels Camp we drove to Jamestown.

This amazing town is filled with many historic homes and buildings near Main Street. The first gold here was discovered by Benjamin Wood, who had come from Oregon. The

crossing and also Woods Creek, which runs through Sonora and Jamestown, were named in honor of him. This was in the early summer of 1848; just a few months before, the famous gold discovery took place at Sutter’s Mill about 100 miles north, which started the Gold Rush. Jamestown is the home of the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park; and for you TV buffs, the TV shows, “The Wild Wild West” and “Green Acres”, were filmed in and near Jamestown.

If you visit the Gold Country, I’d definitely make time to visit Jamestown, park your car, step back in time and walk the street. I’d suggest dining at the Willow Steak House (established 1864), where the builders of the Sierra Railway once hung out in the bar. If you decide to stay in Jamestown, there are several historic hotels, including the Royal Carriage Inn, the National Hotel and the Jamestown Hotel.

After our stop in Jamestown, we continued for another hour’s drive to Yosemite National Park. There are several choices for lodging.

We decided to stay at the Yosemite Westgate Lodge. Normally, you would want to spend 3-4 days in the park; however, we didn’t have that much time. We did work in some of the most famous areas like Half Dome which is Yosemite’s most familiar rock formation. A “must” is getting a view from the viewpoint at Valley View; there, visitors can take in Yosemite Valley in its entirety. Clearly visible are the original lines formed by the glacier which carved out the valley. Of course, there’s Bridalveil Fall. It’s just a short hike on a paved trail and you’re right up to the front of the waterfall.

Another “must” is El Capitan – a giant granite rock that stands more than 3,000 feet from the base... a great thrill, I’m sure, for the rock climbers of the world.

The beauty of Yosemite is astonishing, whether you have a day or a week. One visit and you’ll gladly want to come back again and again! www.svlocalmag.com 69

The Magical World of Kevin Hauge & The Children’s Musical Theater San Jose

Y

ou have not fully lived until you have seen a musical performed at CMT San Jose. All who have, know this. And, yes, it’s true, the more shows, the merrier. And, what’s more, now celebrating its 47th year, CMT has been recognized and continues to be arguably the best youth musical theater in the country. How and why this is, is indeed very special.

It is no secret, one important reason is the brilliant Artistic Director, Kevin Hauge, who soon will be celebrating his 20th year at CMT. People wonder, people ask all the time, just how does he do it?

There are so many musical performances, back-to-back, so many children, multiple casts even, with so many who have never even acted a day in their life (not officially anyway) or even been on a stage before (act, dance, sing, in such a big 70 www.svlocalmag.com

perfect production, are you kidding?) and with so little time to rehearse and prepare, just a few weeks to put it all together, from nothing to totally magnificent. And it becomes just that, the most wonderful show … every time. But how?

How does CMT do it? With this model, the youngest performers, ages 6 to 14, are placed in what is called “Rising Stars”. They perform upwards of five shows a year and many have racked up 30 theater credits by the time they age out to CMT’s next level, “Mainstage”. During Mainstage, these high school and college kids take on three shows a year from Ages 15 to 20.

In addition, CMT also provides Silicon Valley with two “Marquee” productions a year, which this year also includes the very popular Mary Poppins.

For the older productions, Kevin has a direct hand in choreographing and directing.

Even more impressive, since its founding in 1968, CMT casts everyone who auditions. If you have the guts to get in front of the artistic staff, you’re in. CMT never wants to turn anyone away for financial reasons, so scholarships are available. Even children with special needs, and performers where English is their second language, have been a part of these performances.

Raw numbers can also tell the story of CMT. Take, for example, its first Rising Stars production of this season, the Sound of Music.

The title - which Kevin secures for each of the 10 productions - along with CMT’s reputation, have led to 250 children auditioning. In a first for CMT, it went from normally a two-cast production to four casts. It also added shows both in the evenings and for school-sponsored field trips.

That’s a lot of von Trapps!

For Kevin, it was all about creating an enriching experience on stage, that a 60-person cast entails, compared to larger casts. And with more school shows, there would be twice as many opportunities for school children to experience a live performance.

Kevin would ask, “Can we continue to raise this bar, to meet the challenges of the community? I am so very pleased to have this job. The ultimate is this, where the kids can learn and grow. Getting in touch with what’s inside of them – that’s the real joy of this job. And turning it into something special. For each of them to find their niche, to find their direction, this is always something delightful.”

The families, the children, the audiences all love CMT. The shows are all fantastic productions. The children enter raw and exit

as stars. The audiences jump out of their seats with such great appreciation and the children (yes, they seem bigger than life on stage, and yet they are indeed children) have established such great relationships and wonderful memories, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime. This is the magic that you will see, hear, experience … and enjoy here, like nowhere else. It is a very unique, special and magical place.

“One key lesson is, ‘Don’t underestimate the ability of children’. People cannot believe later on, following the show, when the actors are outside to greet the audience, that they are real children. The experience of rehearsals and performances brings out and stretches something from within as far as they can go. It gives them this, the confidence, of being successful and accomplishing something wonderful …

“The greatest thing here is the life-long relationships. I still see lots of families, even if their kids are grown, who keep coming back.

And we now have children of children we had years ago who come … and we are not far off from our third generation.”

Kevin would share, “One of the greatest joys I have is being a father and the pride I have and what this experience is like. Watching the kids grow up through CMT is so very moving. We can’t take ownership for their accomplishments and growth, it’s theirs, but we certainly can and do appreciate the being in with them on the journey …

“There are six former CMT’ers who are currently on Broadway. Yes, but that number is always changing. It’s fun going to Broadway and seeing our kids. It was hard work on their part, the school work, the additional time and work that they put into getting there. We have been a part of that journey together. It is such a joy to be around … and indeed how very proud we all are. We are not a star machine. And, yes, we all take great pride in all, as many go on to become great teachers, or directors, or are usually busy in all walks of life. We are here to develop children for the joy and we take great pride in their growth and their lives. Indeed, here at CMT, we are so blessed and have so much to look forward to.”

Here’s to CMT … and Kevin Hauge … and everyone who helps to make this the very special place that it is. For children and parents and grandparents, alike … people of all ages… and many wonderful memories for the ages … Here’s to this special, joyful and exciting magic … Enjoy! www.cmtsj.org

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Marina Gavric

Marina Gavric Health & Fitness Training www.marinagavric.com

Commit to Balance, to Your Fitness Success and to Yourself S

taying committed to an exercise and health plan is not always the simplest task.

Breaking bad habits is never easy. “I have tried and tried!” … Yes, I know, I hear this, everyone’s story, all the time!

Regardless of what age you may be or at what point you are in your life, men and women, boys and girls … a corporate executive, a student, an employee, a stay-at-home parent … we’re all busy all the time. Please recognize that health & wellness, as well as fitness & nutrition, are interrelated. It’s all a good thing and it’s a choice we make in our busy lives.

Once you have resolved a priority to yourself of “health & fitness” in your life … make “finding balance” a key component. You can stay genuinely dedicated, enjoying your commitment, while not falling victim to excuses. What a positive difference in our lives and how we feel (the energy alone, perhaps meaning better sleep) we all seem to know it would make.

It’s a matter of doing. For example, Jane is a busy executive and, although Jane is a fictitious character, she represents a good number of men and women. She is up at 5am, by 5:15am has her coffee in hand and for the next hour, before she rounds up the kids for school, she reviews her yesterday and prepares for today. In no time, she then packs up her home team, briefcase in hand and is out the door. Finally, she’s at the office and sits with another cup of coffee, with breakfast in hand … whatever pastries there may be. The sodas come later.

Day in and day out, Jane reflects on making life changes to improve her well-being and feel good about herself, inside and out. Yet, day after 72 www.svlocalmag.com

day, Jane’s willpower gives in and she seems to repeat the same old routine, a cycle, she wishes she could break. When? She feels too busy. She feels not up to it”. She believes there is no other way. She speaks for many, many people.

No matter the phase of the health cycle one is in, we all struggle with this … to get in that workout in or say no to an extra helping of our favorite foods. The first step is to find your balance … and to commit to change. It starts with that commitment … even if one step at a time to begin with and to win.

Regularly reflect on all your priorities … then decide on the commitments you can realistically make and stick with them. Whether this week it’s a 30 minutes for 3 days-a-week commitment or next week a 40 minutes 6 days-a-week commitment. A key is to write your commitments down. As you would keep your word to your boss or loved ones, keep your word to yourself.

Stay Hydrated, Stay Focused, Stay Fit

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Telephone: (650) 968-1364

Looking Down Not Up

By Andy Dolich

At a recent sports industry forum there was a fair amount of discussion regarding the “Looking Down Not Up” media mode of how Millennials and many other two-eyed creatures are consuming their favorite spectator sports.

It’s yesterday’s news, especially in Siliconia, the worldwide capital of innovation, that our lives are crowded with super communicating devices. The sports world continues to keep shrinking through hyperconnectivity. There are several mega-trends that I’ve diagnosed which are changing, cash registering and confusing the sporting landscape.

A PICTURE’S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Technology sometimes hinders human integration. It’s clear that millions of us now communicate through pictures and videos and less in words, especially if they are big with lots of letters. The heck with baseball cards, box scores, 8x10 glossies and printed programs - let me send you an Instagram. Here’s a shot of my favorite linebacker walking his Schnauzer in Santa Clara.

The positive interactivity of fans at games is going to be changed if we pay no attention to the fans sitting right next to us.

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CONTENT IS KING Why would you want to buy a super pricey ticket to sit behind home plate when MLB.com offers access to every one of its 2,430 regular season games for $130? We now have NFL Red Zone, NHL Center Ice, NBA Gametime and MLS Live. There is so much video and statistical information that you’ll need to have as many eyes as the Jumping Spider who has four sets to watch the cornucopia of choices. Looking down is becoming much more compelling, Look Up and you may miss something. Confusing.

WHOSE DEN IS IT ANYWAY? The visual experience of viewing a game in a stadium has been changed by the Cowboys gargantuan LED center hung “galaxy’s largest” TV at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. No matter how hard you try to look down at actual players and live game action on the field your eyes will be pulled to the board. This is an analog of the Looking Down Not Up equation but, nonetheless, it takes you away from live action.

Fans want the best possible experience and they will determine which way they want to watch/communicate with their favorite teams/ sports. That being said, it’s hard to give a standing ovation with a phone in your hand. Sports fans are the ultimate committed customers - they will do what they want no matter what the marketing mavens have up their sleeves.

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Dedicated from The City to The State A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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

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Francisco’s bureaucracy when I opened my first business, Plumpjack.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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 www.svlocalmag.com 77

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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: If you could wave a magic wand, what would you like to see happen these next four 78 www.svlocalmag.com

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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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.

SFL: 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’?” www.svlocalmag.com 79

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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