Oktoberfest at Hacienda in Moraga this Sunday

Hacienda de las Flores
2100 Donald Drive, Moraga
Sunday, October 26th, 2014
2:00pm – 6:00pm | $5

Oktoberfest 2014 will take place on Sunday, October 26, from 2 to 6 PM at the Hacienda de las Flores. Music will be provided by a live oompah band, and bratwurst mit kraut, strudel and pretzels along with German beverages will be available. Pumpkin painting and jumpy houses will entertain the children. A $5 donation per adult is requested. Under 21 is free. Parking and a free shuttle to the Hacienda will be available from Donald Rheem School. This event is presented by the Hacienda Foundation, and all proceeds will go to improvements to the Hacienda. If you’d like to help out with Oktoberfest, please send an email to info@haciendafoundation.org. Gemutlichkeit!

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Joaquin Moraga Sex Abuse Scandal Going National – 48 Hours Exposé Showing Tomorrow

October 17, 2014 11:30 am

The child sex abuse scandal from the 1990’s at the Moraga middle school Joaquin Moraga in which millions of dollars have been paid to settle multiple cases is about to get more national attention as the CBS documentary news show 48 Hours will be featuring this scandal tomorrow on a new episode:

A former middle school athlete kept quiet about years of abuse by a trusted coach. Can she now get the woman to admit to her crimes? Tracy Smith reports in an all-new “48 Hours” Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

Check out this Contra Costa Times article for more information.

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Saint Mary’s College Offers Leadership Programs for Working Adults

October 3, 2014 10:00 am

Sponsored By Saint Mary’s College:
Saint Mary’s College was founded in 1863 and is commited to social justice, respect for all persons, and the power of education to transform lives. It’s one of the oldest schools in the West, yet planted firmly in the 21st century on a foundation of strong values.

Saint Mary’s College of California Leadership Studies Program provides an innovative and practical education for students in the theories, perspectives and practices of leadership, which are responsive to the unique challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Come meet our faculty, staff and alumni at our Open House event Saturday, October 18, from 10:00am-12:00pm! Find out how the M.A. and B.A. programs are catered towards adult learners and how school can fit into your present life. RSVP and bring a friend.

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Regulation of the Day (Darth Vader Edition)

September 29, 2014 11:30 am

Recently I decided to run in Mulholland Open Space in Moraga (which has amazing views) when I encountered this regulation:

“Animals that are under a person’s control are permitted on the paved portion of Donald Drive without a leash.”

I can understand having leash rule, I can also understanding having a no leash required rule, but I cannot for the life of me understand a no leash required but must-be-in-control rule. Can someone enlighten me? This is done for legal reasons only, right?

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Moraga Pear & Wine Festival on Saturday

September 26, 2014 4:30 pm

Moraga Pear & Wine Festival:

Moraga Commons Park
Saturday, September 27th, 2014
10:00am – 4:00pm | Free

The 16th Annual Moraga Pear & Wine Festival will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Moraga Commons Park from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

This is a family friendly event with activities for all ages celebrating Moraga’s Pear history! Join your friends and neighbors for: entertainment with DJ RyanO, wine tasting with Lamorinda Winegrowers Association, grape stomping, pear pies, jumpies, food, local artist booths, community booths, and more!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00 am All Booths Open

10:00 am to 4:00 pm Entertainment with DJ RyanO

11:30 am Pear Recipe Submissions Due to Judging Table

12:30 pm Adult Pear Pie Eating Contest

12:45 pm Youth Pear Pie Eating Contest

1:00 pm Pear Recipe Winners Announced

1:15 pm Grape Stomping

4:00 pm Booths Close

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Friday Question of the Day – What Should be Done About the Orinda/New Rheem Theatres in Lamorinda?

September 26, 2014 8:30 am

Rheem Theatre, Moraga

According to this Contra Costa Times article the The New Rheem theater in Moraga is not profitable to the owners so for a cool $4.75 million it can be yours for the taking. Moraga Councilman Dave Trotter noted that, “Over the past two decades, our community has mobilized and worked to save the Theatre and keep it open. It may now be necessary for the Moraga community to do that again, and I believe the Town government has a legitimate role to play in making that happen.”

Should these theaters be allowed to go the way of the Pleasant Hill Dome Theater and be demolished to make way for newer buildings or should the the city government get involved to help save these iconic theaters so they can continue hosting festivals such as the California Independent Film Festival?

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Amphitheatre of the Day

September 24, 2014 8:30 am

Donald Dr, Moraga

Recently I happened to be checking out Mulholland Ridge open space in Moraga (amazing!) off Donald Dr. when I encountered the Cindy Waxman Trail. Peeking inside I noticed a semi-hidden amphitheatre. Anyone know if this is actually used?

According to the Moraga Parks Trail Guidebook:

On the other (uphill) side of the parking area is the start of the well-marked Cindy Waxman trail. That natural trail takes you up the hill through eucalyptus, oak and pine trees for about a quarter mile. It connects to Donald Drive at a gate. You can walk through the gate, turn left, and go up Donald Drive to Mulholland Ridge for a longer hike.

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Prostitution Solicitation at Rheem Shopping Center Massage Parlor in Moraga

August 28, 2014 10:30 pm

From the Moraga PD:

The Moraga Police Department conducted an investigation into possible illicit activities occurring at Wonderful Spa, a massage parlor located at 450 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga.

With the assistance of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, an undercover operation on 8/28/14 at approx. 1656 hours resulted in the arrest of 52-year-old Situ Li of San Leandro for misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution. Li was booked at the Moraga Police Department and released on a signed Promise to Appear. The incident is also being investigated for possible use permit violations against the business. Please contact Sergeant Brian South at 925-888-7052 for any inquiries.

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home/made kitchen café & bakery Opens in Moraga

August 27, 2014 11:30 am

337 Rheem Blvd, Moraga

Earlier this month we learned that home/made kitchen cafe & bakery would be opening soon in Moraga near 24 Fitness and they have now opened. I dropped by recently and tried their Chef’s Scramble (2 eggs, spinach, bacon, goat cheese), served with fruit and potatoes and it was delicious, as was their fig scone, yum! There is plenty of space both inside and out and the warm, natural lighting is a nice complement to the cozy atmosphere. For now they’re open for breakfast, brunch and lunch until 2pm with their coffee bar open until 4pm on weekdays. Check out their website here.

Check out photos of the inside including a closeup of the chef’s scramble and menus…

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Story Poles for Moraga Town Center Homes Next to Fire Station

August 18, 2014 8:30 am

Story poles have been placed recently at the Moraga Town Center Homes project next to the Moraga fire station on Moraga Way to show how tall the units will be. This project has been revised for 36 units, of which 21 will be 2.5 story townhomes with the remaining 15 units planned for 2 story cottage duplexes. Check out this Lamorinda Weekly article noting the various problems placing homes next to a fire department training area.

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