Silicon Valley Local Magazine - Amy Robe

silicon valleylocal SUMMER 2016

Your Silicon Valley Connection

M A G A Z I N E

Amy Robe

LEGALSHIELD ASSOCIATE A Champion Leveling The Playing Field For Business & Family

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The Reininger Family Palo Alto

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Oncal l

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F oral ow mont hl yf ee,youcanr es tas s ur edt hatwhet herhi r i ngempl oyees ,i mi t at i ngdebtcol l ect i on,deal i ngwi t hwor ker ’ scomporany ot herl egali s s uesaf f ect i ngyourbus i nes s ,yourwi l lhaveacces st ot he l egaladvi ceyouneed,al ls oyoucanwor r yl es sandl i vemor e.

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“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 community visits.

44 16 The Art of Helping Foundation 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 Many Where Help students and was recently community - as it has and will continue to in 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 Is Needed among youth. It does make a difference. And given to the organization based on what they tal, school, and community CAL BUSINESSES do off the field, as well, no doubt the San the list of what all the 49ers do, individually, 2010, when they traveled to 49ers would be winners of that one as a Team and as an organization is a very e NFL International Series 24 John A. Sobrato And 50 Featured Companies Francisco each and every year. long one. All without fanfare, but with total day off. Instead of site-

tableof contents

32

44

50John A. Sobrato 16 Dedicated

SILICON VALLEY’S

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

24

City to The State

Difference Connecting Employers and Employees

ealth creation

ELL

motivational

The Art of Making a Difference

28 Live Conversations

OMPANIES Making A Comeback OR

To Work For

62 Health & Fitness Age Is Just A Number

66 Financial options for every

66 Meet Tim Ritchie A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM L COUSTEAU The President of 32 Rebarts

dventure

rnia Chapter

2013-2014

whatValley’s would the Silicon Interiors:SFL: What you know today, Gavin Newsom of today like to say to the young Tech Museum A Tradition of Gavin Newsom?

Innovation Excellence GN: & Heart I would tell myself thatOf success is not a

phase of your life

place or a destination; it’s a direction. There is no “having made it.” As Winston said Preservation Them Play 36 Fertility 38 LetChurchill 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.

38 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 7

Ken Packer Ken Publisher & Packer Executive Editor Ken Packer Publisher & Executive Editor ken@svlocalmag.com Ken Packer Publisher & Executive Editor ken@svlocalmag.com

ROADS TO ANYWHERE, Whats right with this picture/ What’s right with this picture/ Whats right with this picture/ Whats right with this picture/ What’s right with this picture/ GOING NOWHERE FAST What’s wrong with thispicture picture Whats wrong with this Whats right with this picture/ Publisher & Executive Editor ken@svlocalmag.com ken@svlocalmag.com

Whats wrong with this picture What’s wrong with this picture Whats wrong with this picture Whats wrong with this picture

How did they know way back in 1962 … that what everyone in their everywhere. Our High Tech World here is booming and so, too, is call this seems episode, matters Think lat- commercial cerns, our worries … when wewe could be doing somany muchnew more to commute to “What experience heremost, dailymatters and we most”. still (decades real estate … and are witnessing beaumatters most, most”. cerns, worries … when we could be doing so much more er)about can’tcall seem …“What here as sung to us inmatters The Music Man:Think tiful it, this andtoepisode, itgrasp will make sense. makecorporate this aour greater community, a better world, right here, where buildings going up, meaning many, many thou- to call thisabout episode, “What matters most, matters most”.

Think cerns, our worries whencommunity, we could beadoing so muchright more to where it, and will make make thisand a… greater world, What’s right with thisit picture: In sense. just a few short years, Silicon we live, play. We need to. better sands ofwork more employees, plus thousands of new beautifulhere, apartTrouble, oh we got trouble call this episode, “What matters most, matters most”.

Think cerns, our worries … when we could be doing so much more to aboutWhat’s it, andright it willwith make this alive, greater a better world, right here, where thissense. picture: Into just few short years, Silicon make workcommunity, and play.

We need Valley has rebounded from its worst itsabest.

It is now arguMuchwe of ourcondos wealth comes from finding solutions in here, technology. ments and that I see going upto.everywhere as well.

Rightabout here with in Valley)! it,River and will(Silicon make make thisand a greater community, a better world, right here, where What’s right thisitCity picture: In sense. just few short years, Silicon we live, work play. need to.from Valley hassuccessful rebounded from itsaworst toinits best.

It isStates. now arguMuch ofasked our wealth comes finding solutions in anyone or We thought … where are … all these people and ably the most region anywhere the United It Has In programs.

In games.

Generating billions trillions of technology. dollars Trouble with a capital “T” right with from this picture: Into just few short years, Silicon Muchwe live, work and play.from We need to.solutions in technology.

ValleyWhat’s has rebounded its worst itsabest.

It in is now arguof our wealth comes finding their cars going to go … in what is already so overly congested? ably the most successful region anywhere the United States.

It In programs.

In games.

Generating billions … trillions of dollars is therhymes Gold Rush over again, the land of opportunity, milk and worth. Sports and entertainment alone are that, too. It’s the sign That withall“T” Valley hassuccessful rebounded fromanywhere its worst toinits best.

It isStates. now arguMuch of our wealthGenerating comes frombillions finding… solutions in technology. ably the most region the United It In programs.

In games. trillions of dollars is the Goldcome Rush all over again, the landmany of opportunity, milk andof theworth.

Sports entertainment honey.

People here to be successful, even ultra-suctimes and theand games we play. alone are that, too. It’s the sign And that stands for Traffic. the most successful region anywhere in the United States. worth.

It When In programs.

In games.

Generating billions … dollars is theably Gold Rush all over again, the land of opportunity, milk and Sports and entertainment alone are that, too.trillions It’s theofsign the question was recently asked for people’s opinions what honey.

People come here to behave successful, manyso even ultra-sucof the times and the gamesas we We’ve surely got trouble! cessful.

Financially speaking, things never been good …

But life is not a game.

As much weplay. have done, and do, I feel is the Goldcome Rush here all over again, the landmany of opportunity, milk and can Sports entertainment alone are that, It’sdown the sign help traffic, I wondered.

Iswe thishave what it’stoo. come honey.

People to be successful, even ultra-suctheworth. times and theand games we play.

Right here in River City (Silicon Valley), cessful.

Financially speaking, things have never been so goodof…

But with life isthe not game. much done, and do, I feel so great. collectively there isa so muchAsmore weascan do. There are many honey.

People come here to be successful, many even ultra-sucof the times and the games we play. to?lifeWe should have seen this as coming.

Is done, this the best have to cessful.

Financially things have never been so good …

But is not a game.

Asismuch we have and do,we I feel Right here! so great.time,speaking, there so much more weto can do.

There are many At the same this great region, in all the wealth and success morecollectively people coming, what will that mean what already is the offer, now, in 2016?

We have all these High Tech great minds cessful.

Financially speaking, things have never been so good …

But life is not a game.

As much as we have done, and do, I that feel so great. collectively there is so much more we can do.

There are many At the same time, this great in all the wealth and can successexisting more peoplepattern? coming,Itwhat will thatbeen meanstretched to what already that abounds us (far bigger than region, most countries!), how, then, holding has already … it willis the have helpedcoming, master continually getting and traffic Like yesterday … theand daysuccess before … more sosame great. collectively therewhat istechnology, so much more weto can do.

Therebetter are many AtToday’s the time,report? this great region, in allmost theand wealth people will that mean what already is the that abounds (far bigger countries!), then, can existing holding pattern?

It then? has already been stretched … it will you explain why weushave the 5ththan highest homeless ratehow, in the be stretched even further.

What faster.

Why can’t someone, anyone, do this with traffic and by andabounds before that it’s bad, really … wealth and forecast?

Atthe theday same time, this…great region, in bad all the and successexisting more peoplepattern? coming,Itwhat will thatbeen meanstretched to what already that us (far bigger than most countries!), how,the then, can holding has already … it willis the you explain why we have the 5th highest homeless rate in the saying be stretched even further.

What then? country?

Something’s wrong with this picture.

It’s up to us.

People will always ask, what did we do to help … to Silicon Valley,pattern?

I’m talking throughout the Bay Area, where Continue what we’re doing andthan it will onlycountries!), get worse. how, then, can existing that abounds ushave (far bigger most holding It then? has already been stretched … it will you explain why we the 5th highest homeless rate in the be stretched even further.

What country?

Something’s wrong with this picture.

It’s up to us.

People will always ask, what did we do to help You will often hear me say, “Where would we be without our help our community, to help others?

When weand lookothers: for meaning traffic is bad everywhere.

For example, Elon, While… to you explain why we havewith the 5th highest homeless rate in the It’s upbetostretched even further.

What then? country?

Something’s wrong this picture. us.

People will always ask, what did we do to help … to You not will often me say,much! would we be without our helpout ourhow community, others? look meaning Truly, they do so willIalso hear me say, tolives get … ustoittohelp Mars, etc., inWhen a record time, I wish and purpose in our comes to this … canwe we, willfor we INon say Profits?” this to be hear the bearer of“Where bad You news. think you and ev- figuring country?

Something’s wrong with this picture.

It’s up to us. People will others? always ask, what did wefor domeaning to help … to You will often hear me say, “Where would we be without our help our community, to help When we look Non Profits?”

Truly, they much!

Youother will also me say,you and purpose in our lives … comes towe thiscan. … can we, will could also figure out howwe toit get us around the Baythe Area inwe a “Where would our Non-Profits besowithout the likes ofday …”hear make a big difference where can, while It’s story eryone already realize this fordo what it is. The IIndeed, experiYou will often hear me say,much!

“Where would we be without our and purpose help ourin community, toit help others?

When we look for meaning Non Profits?”

Truly, they do so You will also hear me say, our lives … comes to this … can we, will we reasonable Seriously. would our Non-Profits befor without the likes of …”

Indeed, atime. big where while can.one, It’sitthe story enced a traffic jam that 3¼ hours, what have been there“Where are many who dowas so much to help!

Thankshould you, Silicon Valof themake starfish …difference yes, for that one, we andcan, each and we every Nonwould Profits?”

Truly, they do sowithout much! the Youlikes will also hear me say, makeand purpose in our liveswe … it comes towe thiscan. … can we, story will we “Where our Non-Profits be of …”

Indeed, a big difference where can, while It’s the 45 it took going trip that 1½ there are many who there do and so … much toanother help! you,took Silicon the starfish … yes,offor that one, and anddepend every one, leyminutes Community Foundation, SVand Gives, and Thank everyone who is aVal-doesof matter.

The quality our lives and oureach future on it “Where would our Non-Profits be without the likes of …”

Indeed, make a big difference where we can, while we can.one, It’sitthe story there are many who do so much to help!

Thank you, Silicon Valof the starfish … yes, for that one, and each and every When stop lights are out of sync, a light turns green but no one hours, when it took 20 minutes coming back.

Every day, no matSV Gives, and everyone who is what a does matter. part, ley andCommunity all our greatFoundation, Non-Profitsand ... That being said, as a commuwe do today.The quality of our lives and our future depend on there are many who do and sois) much to help!

Thank you,who Silicon Val-does of the starfish … yes, that one, anddepend everysense one, moves because the light before it and is and red, doesn’t make leyterCommunity Foundation, SV Gives, matter.

Thedoquality offor our lives oureach future on itto which direction, it great was bad. part, and all our ...and Thateveryone being said, as isa acommuwe today. nity, we are indeed so very(itNon-Profits fortunate.

Therewhat are two valleys here. There is such a divide and it’s worsCommunity and SV Gives, and everyone who is what a me.does matter.

The quality of our lives and our depend on I even see traffic that’s backed up onto thefuture freeways … and part, ley and allwe ourare greatFoundation, Non-Profits ...

That being said, as a commuwe do today. nity, very fortunate.

There areare two valleys here. There suchpeople a dividewho andhave it’s worsThe reality is thatindeed we are so one valley and two-growing-far-apartening.

There many companies andismany how many haveThere I seenisbecause of that?and I have predicted part, and all our great Non-Profits ... That being said,sometimes as a commuwhat weaccidents do today.

Yes,we noare matter which direction, you’re often stuck, nity, indeed so very There are two valleys here. such aand divide it’s worsThe reality that wefortunate. are one and while two-growing-far-apartThere many companies many people who have separate divides.is The “have’s” havevalley so much, the rest beenening. helping makeare a big difference (donating in money and/ accidents waiting to happen and sure enough.

It’s terrible and, forreality hours each day.areEvery little trip two-growing-far-apartthere’s traffic. It’s slow or ening. nity, we are indeed so very fortunate.

There areare two valleys here. There ismany suchpeople a dividewho andhave it’s–worsThe is that we one valley and There many companies and separate divides.

Theacross “have’s” so much, whilea the been helping makeboth a bigare difference (donating inthat money and/ (which includes many all thehave board) are having hardrest or volunteering in time, invaluable).

I hope many in my opinion, one ismany way too many. and many people who have non-moving or non-flowing … valley and every day it’s very stressful. been The reality is The that we are one and while two-growing-far-apartening.

There are companies separate divides. “have’s” have so much, the rest helping make a big difference (donating in money and/ (which many all across the board) are having aecohard more,orincluding volunteering in time,will both arebe invaluable). hope time.

Wehave areincludes athe limited area, facing challenges regarding companies, also so inspiredI to jointhat in. many We now worst traffic in the country?

Are we the to the grin separate divides.

Theacross “have’s” have so much, while restand or volunteering been helping makeboth a bigare difference (donating inthat money and/ (which includes many all the board) are having a hard in time, invaluable).

I hope many time.

We are a Transportation, limited area, facing challenges regarding including will to also so inspired to join nomics of Housing, Education, Non-Profits andthe Each more, and every one ofcompanies, us, collectively, can indeed make a in.

When is enough enough?

There has bebe a better way. such I hope it bear it, accept it, or many assume nothing can or willare behaving done about it? eco(which includes all across the board) a hard or volunteering in time, both are invaluable).

I hope that many time. We are a limited area, facing challenges regarding the ecomore, including companies, will also be so inspired to join in. nomics of Housing, Transportation, Education, Non-Profits and Each and every one of us, collectively, can indeed make such a is excellence we seek – to accept and tolerate what is, and what People’s Health and Well-Being.

Keeping up is one thing; getting big positive difference … beyond imagination.

It already amounts to millions of hours and billions of dollars litertime.

We are a Transportation, limited area, facing challenges regarding the eco-Each more, including companies, will also be so inspired to join in. nomics of Housing, Education, Non-Profits and and every one of us, collectively, can indeed make such a People’s Health Well-Being.

Keeping up is of one getting big positive … think beyond imagination. will should bedifference unacceptable.

It’s not working (literally and figahead is yeteach another.

In these “great” it’son great for whom?

It’s abe, new day and age, we can outside the box, we can ally wasted year,and let alone the tolltimes, it takes all usthing; in stress. nomics of Housing, Transportation, Education, Non-Profits and big positive Each and every one of us, collectively, can indeed make such a People’s Health and Well-Being.

Keeping up is one thing; getting difference … beyond imagination.

That is positive farand from excellence.

We have a problem right, ahead is yet another. these “great” times, it’s currently great for whom?uratively). a new day age, we can think outside the box, we can Unbelievably, nearly 20% ofInSilicon Valley residents makeIt’s such a big difference together right here atall home People’s Health and Well-Being.

Keeping up is one thing; getting big positive difference … think beyond imagination. ahead is yet another.

In these “great” times, it’s great for whom?

It’s a new day and age, we can outside the box, we can and it really needs fixing, fast, while we’re continually stuck in trafIlive wanted to write my column this topic because …

I care. … it’smake nearly 20% ofonharder Silicon Valley residents currently inUnbelievably, poverty … and it’s getting for many to make ends time.such a big positive difference together right here at home ahead is yet another. these “great” times, it’s currently great for whom?

It’s a new day and age, we the box, Unbelievably, nearly 20% ofInSilicon Valley residents make such a big positive difference together right here at we home fic here, going nowhere.

It’llcan onlythink get outside worse, far worse (if can that’s One accident is one accident too many.

Our loved ones are prelive in poverty … and it’s getting harder for many to make ends … it’s time. meet. That’s not too sustainable.

Unbelievably, nearly 20% of Silicon Valley residents currently make such a big positive difference together right here at home All the best, possible, and unfathomably, it is) rather than better, if we don’t. live in poverty … and it’s getting harder for many to make ends … it’s time. cious.

Our arenot precious.

Our health too,all: is to our meet.

That’s too I would likelives to suggest thissustainable. possibility to is allprecious; of us, oneso,and live in poverty … do andbetter. it’s getting harder for many toWhat makeIends … it’s time. well-being.

We can We need toto doall better. am meet.

That’s not too I would like tosustainable. suggest possibility of us, one and all: to All the best, please step up.

We are all sothis busy living in our busyness, our conmeet.

That’s not too seeing, though, is I believe an alarming cause for concern …to I would like tostep suggest thissustainable. possibility to all of us, all: please up. We are all so busy living inone our and busyness, our conI would like to suggest this possibility to all of us, one and all: to please step up. We are all so busy living in our busyness, our conIn case youstep haven’t noticed, is soliving muchinbuilding going on please up. We are allthere so busy our busyness, our… con-

II II

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS \\\ CONT.

Muhammed Chaudry

Scott Budman Award-Winning Reporter Scott Budman is an Emmy award-winning reporter, who appears nightly on NBC Bay Area News, as well as on KNBR radio. He is the co-creator and host of the syndicated NBC program “TechNow,” which airs Saturday nights at 6:30pm.

Scott has covered Silicon Valley since 1995, and is still on the lookout for interesting personalities, startups, and gadgets. A Bay Area native, Scott was born in Oakland, and attended Skyline High School before heading south to UCLA. You can reach him at scott.budman@nbc.com. He’s also on Twitter: @scottbudman

Marina Gavric Marina Gavric Health & Fitness Training Marina is a long time fitness enthusiast. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Fitness & Sports Nutritionist. She has a BA in Fitness Leadership, and enjoys being a Bootcamp Specialist, a Functional Movement Specialist and a TRX Suspension Training Specialist. Marina has over 20 years of experience motivating individuals to safe and effective fitness, including health and wellness lifestyle changes, while achieving their fitness goals. She is trained in and extremely passionate about weight loss, strength training, as well as endurance and athletic programming.

Being a long time runner and body builder, she often takes part in community runs & events and is a strong promoter of sustainable living. As an independent Personal Trainer & Nutritionist, Marina is a corporate trainer throughout the Bay Area, plus she also meets with and trains her private clientele. www.marinagavric.com

President & CEO, Silicon Valley Education Foundation Muhammed Chaudhry is President & CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation. He is oneof Silicon Valley’s most prominent voices for education and serving the underserved student. Under his leadership, SVEF has become the leading education foundation in the South Bay supporting students, teachers, parents and the larger academic community. He has supported children and education causes since his days at San Jose High Academy when he led several youth campaigns aimed at improving the lives of students. Later at San Jose State University, he worked summer jobs as a city recreation leader, tutoring “at-risk” youngsters and teens in math and English and encouraging them to achieve in school and go to college. He has forged partnerships with the business, technology, academic and civic communities to advance education causes, such as improving high school graduation rates and overall college and career readiness, and raising student performance in the critical areas of math and science to help narrow the student achievement gap.

He is especially focused on developing intervention programs – particularly in the STEM fields of math and science – to help struggling youngsters reach for college and become Silicon Valley’s next leaders and innovators. Prior to leading SVEF, Chaudhry held management positions in brand marketing with The Clorox Company and Dazzle Multimedia. He also worked for IBM. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University and is a graduate fellow of the Stanford Executive Leadership Program. He serves on numerous community boards, including the California Consortium of Education Foundations, the Hispanic Foundation and Partners in School Innovation.

He is an active member of San Jose Rotary Club and personal interests include golf, long-distance running and volunteering with various philanthropic causes, including the national Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Youth Association and its “Muslims for Peace” initiative. He resides in San Jose with his wife, Rabia, and their 6-month-old twins. Contact him at muhammed.chaudhry@svefoundation.org or on Twitter: @macrhamuhammed.

Julie Hart Conde

Andy Dolich Andy Dolich is a Partner in Odgers Berndtson’s North American Sports Practice based out of San Francisco. He joined Odgers Berndtson in 2013, bringing over four decades of experience in the professional sports industry. From 2007-2010, he was the COO of the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers, where he was responsible for all revenue generating operations. Previously, he held two executive positions in the National Basketball Association, including President of Business Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies and President and COO of the Golden State Warriors.

Andy has a BA in government from American University and an MA in sports management from Ohio University. He currently serves on a number of sports industry and community-invested boards and organizations, and is also an instructor at Stanford’s School of Continuing Education.

Wedding and Event Planner Owner of Celebrations By Heart Julie Hart Conde, wedding & event planner, is the owner of Celebrations By Heart (a full service wedding & event planning company). Julie has spent her entire working life in the service industry. She studied Hospitality Management at University of San Francisco and has extensive expertise in catering, restaurants and hotels (Embassy Suites, Hyatt and Joie de Vivre Hotels).

All of this experience (both hands on and in management), as well as her deep passion and enjoyment for serving people and making their lives easier, inspired her to create Celebrations

By Heart to help brides and grooms plan meaningful, authentic and memorable weddings.

Terri Norvell

Carole Pertofsky Director, Wellness and Health Promotion Services, Stanford University Carole Pertofsky, M.Ed., is Director, Wellness and Health Promotion Services at Stanford University, national speaker, and seminar leader. She teaches positive psychology, mindfulness and wellness courses at Stanford University, businesses, Esalen Institute, and other leading retreat and seminar venues. She is co-founder of “Tools for Healing”, a non-profit wellness support for individuals living with life-threatening illnesses. Carole is a certified leadership and wellness coach and consultant for individuals, and teams focused on high performance. She is the recipient of numerous grants and awards.

11 www.svlocalmag.com

CEO, Trust Yourself Now – a people development company Terri Norvell is a breakthrough speaker and founder of Trust Yourself Now – a people development company. Prior to 1996 Terri was VP of Training & Marketing for a $1.2B Silicon Valley property management & development company; GM of a $9M temporary housing firm; President of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce; Founding Board member for the Housing Industry Foundation and the Mountain View Performing Arts Center. Terri is co-author with Jack Canfield and Ken Blanchard of the highly-acclaimed book, The Masters of Success. Terri@TrustYourselfNow. com www.TrustYourselfNow.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS \\\ CONT.

Muhammed Chaudry

Scott Budman

President & CEO, Silicon Valley Education Foundation Muhammed Chaudhry is President & CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation. He is oneof Silicon Valley’s most prominent voices for education and serving the underserved student. Under his leadership, SVEF has become the leading education foundation in the South Bay supporting students, teachers, parents and the larger academic community. He has supported children and education causes since his days at San Jose High Academy when he led several youth campaigns aimed at improving the lives of students. Later at San Jose State University, he worked summer jobs as a city recreation leader, tutoring “at-risk” youngsters and teens in math and English and encouraging them to achieve in school and go to college. He has forged partnerships with the business, technology, academic and civic communities to advance education causes, such as improving high school graduation rates and overall college and career readiness, and raising student performance in the critical areas of math and science to help narrow the student achievement gap.

He is especially focused on developing intervention programs – particularly in the STEM fields of math and science – to help struggling youngsters reach for college and become Silicon Valley’s next leaders and innovators. Prior to leading SVEF, Chaudhry held management positions in brand marketing with The Clorox Company and Dazzle Multimedia. He also worked for IBM. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University and is a graduate fellow of the Stanford Executive Leadership Program. He serves on numerous community boards, including the California Consortium of Education Foundations, the Hispanic Foundation and Partners in School Innovation.

He is an active member of San Jose Rotary Club and personal interests include golf, long-distance running and volunteering with various philanthropic causes, including the national Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Youth Association and its “Muslims for Peace” initiative. He resides in San Jose with his wife, Rabia, and their 6-month-old twins. Contact him at muhammed.chaudhry@svefoundation.org or on Twitter: @macrhamuhammed.

Award-Winning Reporter Scott Budman is an Emmy award-winning reporter, who appears nightly on NBC Bay Area News, as well as on KNBR radio. He is the co-creator and host of the syndicated NBC program “TechNow,” which airs Saturday nights at 6:30pm.

Scott has covered Silicon Valley since 1995, and is still on the lookout for interesting personalities, startups, and gadgets. A Bay Area native, Scott was born in Oakland, and attended Skyline High School before heading south to UCLA. You can reach him at scott.budman@nbc.com. He’s also on Twitter: @scottbudman

Marina Gavric Marina Gavric Health & Fitness Training Marina is a long time fitness enthusiast. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Fitness & Sports Nutritionist. She has a BA in Fitness Leadership, and enjoys being a Bootcamp Specialist, a Functional Movement Specialist and a TRX Suspension Training Specialist. Marina has over 20 years of experience motivating individuals to safe and effective fitness, including health and wellness lifestyle changes, while achieving their fitness goals. She is trained in and extremely passionate about weight loss, strength training, as well as endurance and athletic programming.

Being a long time runner and body builder, she often takes part in community runs & events and is a strong promoter of sustainable living. As an independent Personal Trainer & Nutritionist, Marina is a corporate trainer throughout the Bay Area, plus she also meets with and trains her private clientele. www.marinagavric.com

Julie Hart Conde

Andy Dolich

Wedding and Event Planner Owner of Celebrations By Heart Julie Hart Conde, wedding & event planner, is the owner of Celebrations By Heart (a full service wedding & event planning company). Julie has spent her entire working life in the service industry. She studied Hospitality Management at University of San Francisco and has extensive expertise in catering, restaurants and hotels (Embassy Suites, Hyatt and Joie de Vivre Hotels).

All of this experience (both hands on and in management), as well as her deep passion and enjoyment for serving people and making their lives easier, inspired her to create Celebrations

By Heart to help brides and grooms plan meaningful, authentic and memorable weddings.

Andy Dolich is a Partner in Odgers Berndtson’s North American Sports Practice based out of San Francisco. He joined Odgers Berndtson in 2013, bringing over four decades of experience in the professional sports industry. From 2007-2010, he was the COO of the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers, where he was responsible for all revenue generating operations. Previously, he held two executive positions in the National Basketball Association, including President of Business Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies and President and COO of the Golden State Warriors.

Andy has a BA in government from American University and an MA in sports management from Ohio University. He currently serves on a number of sports industry and community-invested boards and organizations, and is also an instructor at Stanford’s School of Continuing Education.

Terri Norvell

Carole Pertofsky

CEO, Trust Yourself Now – a people development company Terri Norvell is a breakthrough speaker and founder of Trust Yourself Now – a people development company. Prior to 1996 Terri was VP of Training & Marketing for a $1.2B Silicon Valley property management & development company; GM of a $9M temporary housing firm; President of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce; Founding Board member for the Housing Industry Foundation and the Mountain View Performing Arts Center. Terri is co-author with Jack Canfield and Ken Blanchard of the highly-acclaimed book, The Masters of Success. Terri@TrustYourselfNow. com www.TrustYourselfNow.com

Director, Wellness and Health Promotion Services, Stanford University Carole Pertofsky, M.Ed., is Director, Wellness and Health Promotion Services at Stanford University, national speaker, and seminar leader. She teaches positive psychology, mindfulness and wellness courses at Stanford University, businesses, Esalen Institute, and other leading retreat and seminar venues. She is co-founder of “Tools for Healing”, a non-profit wellness support for individuals living with life-threatening illnesses. Carole is a certified leadership and wellness coach and consultant for individuals, and teams focused on high performance. She is the recipient of numerous grants and awards.

12 www.svlocalmag.com

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.

14 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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Monday through Sundays (10am - 6pm) Gamedays: Open - 2 hours prior to kickoff Close - 30 minutes prior to kickoff

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The Art of Helping Many Where Help is Needed A VISIT WITH DR. EMMETT CARSON & SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION “Lifelong Philanthropy - Here in Silicon Valley, we have a front-row seat to view trends, not only in the tech sector that gives us our name but also in philanthropy. Here, where the ceiling for wealth is high, and so are the needs of those without it, we’re seeing a major shift …

“We are seeing more people embrace philanthropy … Developing ways to partner with them in achieving their charitable passions is our job … Philanthropy is becoming a lifelong pursuit, one that addresses a wide range of problems, issues and needs … The effect this trend will have on our communities is up to all of us.” - Dr. Emmett Carson A VERY SPECIAL MERGER It was October, 2006, when Dr. Emmett Carson was recruited to oversee the merger of the Peninsula Community Foundation (San Mateo County) and the Community Foundation Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County).

The merger took place in January, 2007, and for Dr. Carson it meant moving to California from Minnesota to undertake the unprecedented challenge of merging two separate community foundations – an attempt to unite donors in two very different counties, as well as bridge many different business communities and city politics.

Predictably, there would be a lot of resistance.

Dr. Carson accepted this challenge, becoming CEO and President in late 2006. He is the first to say that the merger of the two entities – whose staffs 16 www.svlocalmag.com

were almost completely unknown to one another – was a collaboration that took shape over time.

As CEO, Dr. Carson has continued to lead a unified Silicon Valley Community Foundation to new heights. The nonprofit organization has grown exponentially thanks to the great staff, the many wonderful relationships built, the overall inspiring group of partners, and its many donors. Silicon Valley Community Foundation has become the largest community foundation in the nation and in the world.

SVCF’s work in the community locally, nationally and globally continues to grow. “Our grantmaking activity in 2014 is just one example of the incredible generosity of individuals and corporations throughout the Bay Area,” said Dr. Carson.

In addition, SVCF launched the Center for

Early Learning, reinforcing its commitment to Silicon Valley’s young children and their families. Research completed last year included the 2014 Silicon Valley Index in partnership with Joint Venture Silicon Valley, and a report on human trafficking in Silicon Valley, completed in partnership with Juniper Networks Foundation Fund and Not For Sale. The first project of the Center for Early Learning was the Parent Story Project, a first-of-its-kind on the well-being of Silicon Valley parents. Plus SVCF also was honored to co-host a historic meeting at the White House of representatives from more than 150 community foundations and government agencies.

SVCF “By The Numbers” 2014: Contributions: $1.96 Billion … Assets under management $6.5 Billion Grants: $474 Million (awarded from all funds) … Number of Grants: 65,500, including those from matching gift programs Grants: $216 Million to Bay Area charities ... Grants: $18 Million to International Charities …

Countries: 57 received grants, including the U.S.

attended Chicago public schools, then Morehouse College and then Princeton University. When he was very young he experienced a tragedy when a neighbor’s child was shot and killed. Dr. Carson’s family quickly picked up and moved across town. He remembers, it was between 3rd and 4th grade. His life, he said, changed. The family moved just 30 blocks away and, yet, it was a world of difference. He saw and he experienced the differences in inequality and social justice. It was two worlds apart. This would impact him and his work - his entire life - to this very day.

Role models were his mom and dad. They taught him about “Heroes” and “Sheros” in black history. His father would read to him every night about successful African-American professionals, which truly inspired the young Dr. Carson. He had learned so much about African-American professionals, and all minorities, that it fed him a sense of wanting to make a difference for many, for all people. This spoke to him: “Hey, the world can be what you make of it.”

At Morehouse, he EXPERIENCING AN thought he would go to law ALL-IMPORTANT school and be an attorney.

PARTNERING But he had a professor With its individual, (who was kidding at family and corporate the time) who said he donors, as well as nonprofit would not endorse him partners, Silicon Valley for law school (he would SVGives, hosted by SVCF, raised $8 million Community Foundation have, he later admitted). for local charities in one day in 2014. is working to make a big Instead, he recommended positive difference for many Economics and Public of our nonprofits and our community as a whole.

Policy, saying: “It would be a stronger major for Dr. Carson added, “There are many who live you … that you can influence people every day.” and work in Silicon Valley, who are wonderful It would be more impactful for Dr. Carson, he supporters of Silicon Valley Community suggested, and as things have turned out, he was Foundation, who are from all around the world. right. He was Dr. Carson’s advisor in school …

Many donors are multi-dimensional. They see and is one of his “Heroes.” themselves as global citizens. It is important to them where they want to make a difference, for PREPARATION FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE where they have come from, and also for a better Morehouse, Dr. Carson said, prepared him very world.” When asked if he thinks philanthropists well. It was a time when being African-American can move mountains, Dr. Carson responded, “I felt challenging and that the education he received hope so.” there gave him confidence … and a feeling that he was ready, prepared, for the highs and the lows of THE ROAD TO SILICON VALLEY attending Princeton.

Dr. Carson was born and raised in Chicago. He The mental preparedness was so helpful, being 17 www.svlocalmag.com

just one of a handful of African-American students to complete that program … and the first to have been accepted in the middle of the year. There would be positives and negatives … It was a whole new world, he felt. “Someone’s got to be first, so being a first at anything, you have to carry your own weight.”

FIRST DESTINATION: THE FORD FOUNDATION. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? Fresh out of Princeton, the young Dr. Emmett Carson was recruited to work for the Ford Foundation. “It was a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “There were many brilliant people all around me. It was like a university with some of the most brilliant people … together there to create a better world.” He had a mentor while there, from whom he learned much about philanthropy. He learned plenty, he said, about what philanthropy can do and how to work it effectively. This helped prepare him early on and very well for what was to come.

NEXT DESTINATION: THE MINNEAPOLIS FOUNDATION. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? From the Ford Foundation, he was recruited to become the CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation.

At the young age of just 33, he was already being asked to be the CEO of one of the largest community foundations in the country.

Emmett shared, “The pressure was, for example, when making a $500,000 decision on something … making sure I got it right. I learned it was so important to know the people, the histories, the politics … who over-promises and who under-delivers. It’s about big risky things. It’s not as risky when we know the actors and who we are betting on. It’s also very important to be a part of the community.”

THEN THE WEST COAST CALLED … WELCOME TO SILICON VALLEY At that time came this challenge, this opportunity, to come to Silicon Valley. Dr. Carson shared: “It was exciting to come here, to execute a merger that was unprecedented. (1) Can you get this merger off the ground; can you get it to work?

(2) Can you be an advocate on important issues, where it would be tough, and still raise the money and the support needed? (3) Can you bring our partners, our companies, our governments 18 www.svlocalmag.com

together to approach and find solutions for these large issues facing us?

Dr. Carson, as we have seen, was up to it … and also with the great art of collaborating. Here and now, working closely together with Carl Guardino, the CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, is a perfect example. He discussed the importance of “the three-legged stool” functioning right, together, in this case, namely: Nonprofits, Business and Government. It’s imperative that we need to work together for rightful solutions.

Just the night before our meeting, he and Carl went together as a team to Sacramento (Dr. Carson representing the nonprofits community sector and Carl the business community sector) and met with our legislative leaders (representing the government community sector). Their

Emmett Carson greets families in December, 2014, at Caltrain Holiday Train presented by SVCF.

message was this: “If we don’t address these pressing issues that we face today in housing, transportation and education, if we don’t take action, it has certainly reached the crisis point that we will choke off our own success … for our present and our future.”

ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC? When asked if he’s optimistic, without hesitation, Dr. Carson responded, “I’m very optimistic because we have all the raw materials here. We have amazing smart people here who have figured out such amazing things. We have resources here that are financial to help us get what we will need. And we have a state of mind

regarding changing rapidly, a cultural mind set, to change. What’s been missing has been the political will. And we have reached a point, especially with housing, transportation and education, a convenience for some and a problem for others. It has become a problem for everyone … that has become intolerable for all.

many together, making a big positive difference.

A SPECIAL DAY AND CAUSE OF CARING: SILICON VALLEY GIVES. Another great example is “Silicon Valley Gives.” Initially, it was to have been a one-dayonly event. There have been Days of Giving in other cities - some successful, some not. Here, there would be challenges … In Santa Clara and THE THREE-LEGGED STOOL AND A PLAN IN San Mateo Counties, where there are 41 different PLACE? communities. People are busy, tens of thousands “Do we have a 5-10 year plan that we of commuters from the South Bay heading north presented or are things on the drawing board? and tens of thousands heading south. Unlike No, I think it’s somewhere in between … where other cities, where there is a central city, with a we have a good idea where the Valley is … central media, newspaper and social network: institutions where we’re doing well … and where “which you could depend on for a successful we’re falling down. Now the issue is to see if the campaign” … not so here, this was totally political energy is there to move forward with unchartered waters. some of the issues that we face. Now, it’s a matter Key sponsors stepped forward in 2014: The of the government to make specific bills and turn John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and them into action. To hopefully get enough support Microsoft, also the Sobrato Family Foundation and behind them … and then hopefully a Governor’s the David & Lucile Packard Foundation and PayPal, signature on them.” meaning the costs would be met and everything raised would benefit local grant-making initiatives.

FROM WORKING TOGETHER COMES The staff at Silicon Valley Community Foundation POSSIBILITY diligently researched how other communities were What is Dr. Carson’s vision? He sees that there successful … and a significant commitment of time are a lot of nonprofit and for-profit leaders who are across the organization was allocated to plan and heroes, too many to mention or single out, plus implement for the overall event. many partners that they are very blessed to work Silicon Valley Gives 2014 was a wonderful with. “It is a pleasure and privilege to meet with success. By The Numbers: $8,000,833 was raised, people every day to help make their dreams into 674 nonprofits participated and benefited. There reality … and our community a great and better were 14,889 donors, 21,869+ unique donations place to live and work.” and $233 was the average gift size. All in one He added, “It is this belief that is so inspiring day, a day no one was sure about, speaks well of for our community and the world … So what’s Possibility. exciting is that we get together with donors and discuss with them ‘Possibility Starts Here’ and how WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT OUR NON they would like to see our community benefit, how PROFITS? WHERE WOULD OUR NON PROFITS they would like to see change in the world. Our BE WITHOUT SVCF? donors are generous to all kinds of great causes.”

P.S. There’s great news ahead. On May 5, 2015, there will be a Silicon Valley Gives II ! What WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO HELP? a Cinco de Mayo it will be. There’s also a Silicon Two great examples. One is “The Big Lift” in Valley Gives 2016 planned now, too. What a San Mateo County. This effort to ensure all the Big Positive Difference this will make in helping county’s children can read well by third grade benefit many nonprofits and our community. has been undertaken by a consortium of over It is these special partnerships and the many 100 nonprofit organizations, including the county people working together that make these kind Board of Education. A federal grant of $7.5 of Possibilities real for our today and tomorrow. million in private donations will help the entire These are but a few examples where Silicon Valley county. It’s not one single effort, but many, where Community Foundation has done much and each one is important, and this represents so continues to help many where help is needed.

19 www.svlocalmag.com

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.

25 www.svlocalmag.com

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 26 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.

27 www.svlocalmag.com

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

30 www.svlocalmag.com

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.

31 www.svlocalmag.com

Featured Local Business your family?

RI: We are a family-owned and operated business which started in 1985, and just like fine wine, our business keeps improving with age. Today, we have two design gallery showrooms, combined with window covering cleaning and repair service.

Rebarts Interiors has gained something new from each generation that has contributed to its growth and prosperity. Becky manages the main showroom in Burlingame, and our daughter, Alexandra, managfor many decades to come.

SVL: What do your customers, and you, love most about what you do?

RI: Since we are a family-owned business, we treat our customers like family, too. It is a blend of family traditions and values which we incorporate into our business practices. We treat every customer that comes in, or calls us, like a new friend of the family.

REBARTS INTERIORS: A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE & HEART Ever walk into a store where you immediately love not only the store, but also the people ... and all that they do to help? It’s as if they are friends, like family, who really care ... it’s indeed a special feeling. This was my experience at Rebarts Interiors. At Rebarts Interiors, they are great at what they do ... and who they are ... and they are well worth checking out for your home.

fit any shape and size. Our commitment and our goal is to develop a working relationship with you, our valued client, in making your window fashion vision become reality, from the beginning stages to the end.

SVL: What inspired you to get into the business with

es the San Carlos showroom, while our son-in-law, Michael, operates and manages the Certified Hunter Douglas Repair Service and also the On-Site Cleaning Service. Most of our staff includes our family, too.

It is our experience and commitment to excellence which allows Rebarts Interiors to thrive, hopefully

SVL: Rebarts Interiors offers a u nique a nd s pecial combination. How would you describe it?

RI: Rebarts Interiors is your one stop shop for all your window covering needs. We make it easier for our clients when you come in and explore our gallery showroom. You are able to see, feel and experience all the latest window treatments and innovations.

We help you to design your home with our custom blinds, shades, shutters, roman shades, and draperies in many styles, colors and textures to custom 32 www.svlocalmag.com

We get to know you, our valued customer, from the initial stage of the consultation to the final reality of your beautiful window fashions installed. The highest percentage of our business comes from referrals of our past clients, because we like to make sure that everyone has a thoroughly satisfying experience at Rebarts Interiors. w w w. s v l o c a l m a g . c o m

37

Featured Local Business your family?

RI: We are a family-owned and operated business which started in 1985, and just like fine wine, our business keeps improving with age. Today, we have two design gallery showrooms, combined with window covering cleaning and repair service.

Rebarts Interiors has gained something new from each generation that has contributed to its growth and prosperity. Becky manages the main showroom in Burlingame, and our daughter, Alexandra, managfor many decades to come.

SVL: What do your customers, and you, love most about what you do?

RI: Since we are a family-owned business, we treat our customers like family, too. It is a blend of family traditions and values which we incorporate into our business practices. We treat every customer that comes in, or calls us, like a new friend of the family.

REBARTS INTERIORS: A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE & HEART Ever walk into a store where you immediately love not only the store, but also the people ... and all that they do to help? It’s as if they are friends, like family, who really care ... it’s indeed a special feeling. This was my experience at Rebarts Interiors. At Rebarts Interiors, they are great at what they do ... and who they are ... and they are well worth checking out for your home.

SVL: Rebarts Interiors offers a unique and special combination. How would you describe it?

RI: Rebarts Interiors is your one stop shop for all your window covering needs. We make it easier for our clients when you come in and explore our gallery showroom. You are able to see, feel and experience all the latest window treatments and innovations.

We help you to design your home with our custom blinds, shades, shutters, roman shades, and draperies in many styles, colors and textures to custom fit 36

w w w. s v l o c a l m a g . c o m

any shape and size. Our commitment and our goal is to develop a working relationship with you, our valued client, in making your window fashion vision become reality, from the beginning stages to the end.

SVL: What inspired you to get into the business with

es the San Carlos showroom, while our son-in-law, Michael, operates and manages the Certified Hunter Douglas Repair Service and also the On-Site Cleaning Service. Most of our staff includes our family, too.

It is our experience and commitment to excellence which allows Rebarts Interiors to thrive, hopefully

We get to know you, our valued customer, from the initial stage of the consultation to the final reality of your beautiful window fashions installed. The highest percentage of our business comes from referrals of our past clients, because we like to make sure that everyone has a thoroughly satisfying experience at Rebarts Interiors.

33 www.svlocalmag.com

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 34 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 36 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 37 www.svlocalmag.com

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

38 www.svlocalmag.com

EXPLORE WHEREYOU LI VE

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! o d e l o T Holy LESSONS FROM BILL KING: RENAISSANCE MAN of THE MIC

H

oly Toledo! Nobody could ever say it like Bill King! Nobody!

The life and times of Bill King … a trip down memory lane … unlike any other … a great man who transcended sports … greatly … and life, too. So many pictures … so many memories.

It’s funny how things come full circle.

Oakland A’s Announcer, Ken Korach, in his childhood grew up in Southern California. He had his share of broadcast heroes right there: Vin Scully, Chick Hearn, Dick Enberg, three of the best ever. And, yet, there was one in faraway Northern California, Ken would listen to, never missing: Bill King.

If you were to consider the best announcers of all-time, Vin, Chick and Dick would be in at the top of that short list. So, too, would be Bill King.

One the very best of them all. Basketball (with the Warriors), Bill and Chick (with the Lakers) were the all-time best. Football (with the Raiders), there was no one better. Baseball (with the A’s), the broadcast team of Bill and Lon Simmons, couldn’t be beat. For thirty years, Ken listened to his hero, Bill King. And then in 1995, Ken was hired by the A’s and would be working together in the same booth, at home and on the road, with his life-long hero, Bill King.

He was indeed a real-life hero of Ken’s and also a great influence. They worked ten years together – Bill was always great to him and made him feel comfortable, on and off the air. There was humility, never an ounce of standoffishness, as some might have been or might be. Not Bill, he could not have been kinder or more supportive.

“During these ten years, he was the world to me. He was a wonderful friend. We had a great friendship and a great broadcast partnership.”

In addition to Bill’s being perhaps the best

announcer of all time, there was so much more in so many ways.

He really was ‘the most interesting man in the world’.

After the passing of Bill, Ken felt compelled to write this book about him and his life lessons.

He had had such an amazing life, his story needed to be told…

To read the rest of this great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www. siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Sports”.

41 www.svlocalmag.com

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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

44 www.svlocalmag.com

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 45 www.svlocalmag.com

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.

46 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 47 www.svlocalmag.com

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 48 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 49 www.svlocalmag.com

FEATURED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

A Great Job … What Does That Mean and Where Is It? Are you thinking about a job position change to another company?

Do you see yourself working for a company that’s a great place to work?

Would you enjoy working for a company that engages with its employees and provides opportunities for overall job happiness and growth?

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, then you would most likely be a candidate to work for a company whose values are implemented in its workplace culture.

Silicon Valley Local Magazine in the coming weeks and months will take a more personal approach and go to the source … to find out more on what makes a company tick.

Ken Packer

Publisher & Executive Editor ken@svlocalmag.com

Our goal is to search out, through our independent research, companies to work for and find out from key individuals some good answers to some good questions: What makes their company fun, what is their leadership philosophy and what is the meaning, and joy, in being a part of their organization.

Indeed, there are key factors to be considered before making one of the most important decisions of your life, and career, when searching to join a new organization, such as: A company that respects its employees, shows fairness to all, rewards its employees with perks, and by other means, and offers fair compensation, along with benefits.

How does an organization communicate, do they encourage diversity, is there team building, how can you advance, how can your ideas be welcome, how are your efforts appreciated and how is the compensation opportunity toward meeting your needs … and also your goals?

And, so, how does one who is possibly looking, and hopeful, find and learn more about great companies to work for … many of which may be under people’s radar? There may be many, and, yet, even just one, may be for each person such a great find.

If you are thinking about a change of companies, or looking to start your career with a company that’s a leader in its industry, we invite you to check out … as we continue our quest on finding … “Featured Companies To Work For In Silicon Valley”.

50 www.svlocalmag.com

SILICON VALLEY’S

FEATURED COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

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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.

52 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 54 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 56 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.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

Financial options for every phase of your life

Whether you want to save for the future, secure a personal loan, utilize exclusive online and telephone banking services, or enjoy the convenience of our ATMs and many locations, we are here for you. Call, click, or stop by and talk with a banker. If you would like to open an account over the phone, call 1-800-932-6736 any time (or 1-800-311-9311 for service in Spanish).

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

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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 58 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.”

59 www.svlocalmag.com

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.

60 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 62 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!

Offering a Modern Interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence.

SAN FRANCISCO 448 Brannan Street 415-495-1111

CUPERTINO 10330 N. Wolfe Road 408-446-2222

PALO ALTO 4269 El Camino Road 650-213-1111

W W W. A L E X A N D E RSST E A K H O US E . C OM

| | your wellness world

Valley Medical Center: World-class care. Regional specialty services. A growing need for YOUR help.

T

he day started like any other in the Emergency Department of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (VMC) – fast-paced and action-packed. But as morning turned to afternoon, the staff knew something was different.

New patients just kept coming; via ambulance, helicopter and walking themselves through the door.

It was a rush like no other.

By day’s end, over 500 patients had come through the door for treatment, more than double the daily average from six years ago. It was a new record. And this was just a regular day, seemingly like any other. There were no major storms or disasters to speak of – just a lot of sick and injured people who needed to see a doctor. The day was emblematic of the challenges facing the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System (SCVHHS).

As the economy has worsened, more and more residents of Santa Clara County have nowhere else to turn when they need medical attention.

In fact, fully one-quarter of all Santa Clara County residents get their care at Valley Medical Center and VMC community clinics. From primary care for children, to emergency care for adults, VMC forms the backbone of this community’s health system. As a teaching hospital, VMC trains an overwhelming number of local physicians and nurses, including all Stanford University School of Medicine students. VMC operates the busiest emergency department in the region, and one of two burn trauma units in northern California.

But as costs rise and public dollars decline, the staff of VMC has to do more with less.

In fact, over the past 10 years, the patient demand for SCVHHS services has doubled, all the while undergoing nearly a decade of year-afteryear budget cuts. In that time, SCVHHS staff has gone to enormous lengths to realize efficiencies, reduce waste, innovate, and find ways to serve more people with less money. But if current trends continue, VMC will face dire financial and operational challenges.

64 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 67 www.svlocalmag.com

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: 68 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.

69 www.svlocalmag.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-

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

70 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 71 www.svlocalmag.com

THE LOCAL STATE How high will mortgage rates rise in 2016?

Will the local market stall if rates go too high in Silicon Valley?

Is 2016 going to be a seller’s or buyer’s market in Silicon Valley?

No one knows for sure but after a couple of years of the Federal Reserve being wishy washy on rates I think they are finally ready to move which is really a good thing. It means they are comfortable with where the economy is today and where they think Tom Tognoli the economy is going to Founder, President & CEO be in the foreseeable fu- Intero Real Estate Services, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate ture. If there were con(408) 342-3001 cerns about the future InteroRealEstate.com they would not be raising rates. I think we may see mortgage rates as much as 1/2 of a percent higher by the end of the year.

Regarding the local market stalling, I don’t think so. One thing to remember is there is a lot of discretionary wealth in the Silicon Valley. Probably more so than almost any other place in the country. I do think that rates could potentially effect affordability but what I think most buyers will do is start to opt for 3, 5, 7 and 10 year fixed rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages with lower rates over the 30 year fixed that has been so popular with the low interest rates over the last several years. Keep in mind that historically the Silicon Valley housing market has followed in lock step with the stock market. So…as the stock market goes the housing market typically goes and vice versa. I do think that the rate of appreciation will begin to slow down a bit but as long as companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn and the like are growing and expanding and bringing more people into the Bay Area prices can’t go anyplace but up. The good and bad part about Silicon Valley is we are land locked with mountains and water. Unless someone can figure out a way to get people from the East Bay or South Bay to the Silicon Valley in less than 2 hours each way during commute time, demand in the Silicon Valley is going to continue to remain

no significant change

strong for the foreseeable future.

72 www.svlocalmag.com

Silicon Valley will continue with a healthy market in 2016 and will likely occur within the business economy.

In Santa Clara County in 2015, we saw higher closed sales in both units and dollar volume than in 2014, while inventory continued to decline.* Even with new listings coming in at the beginning of the New Year, if the trend from 2015 continues, low inventory

Rainy Hake Executive Vice President & COO

Alain Pinel Realtors (408) 741-1111 apr.com

will remain a challenge and will add to buyer frustration as demand outweighs supply. Although the foreign investor surge has diminished to some extent, there is still a strong pool of buyers, mostly from China and the local technology sector. Interest rates are anticipated to rise, but not enough to dramatically affect the market to any great extent. The coming year will likely mirror what we just experienced this past fall, with one to three offers being the norm and only the best properties in prime locations experiencing the frenzied multiple offer presentations. Most think we will see lower single digit appreciation for the year – although real estate continues to be a good long term investment. New construction and mixed-use will continue to grow in Silicon Valley and several residential projects are in progress for the year to come. Development is happening at a slower pace than needed, aiding in pent up demand and therefore buyer fatigue. Moving forward, we are anticipating a traditional spring market with limited housing supply and consistent consumer demand. *Source: TrendGraphix Market Snapshot – Santa Clara County, All Properties, 2015 YTD vs. 2014 YTD

OF REAL ESTATE 2016 Do foreign buyers still see Real Estate in the San Francisco Bay Area as ideal havens for their money?Will this phenomenon continue to grow?

Will the elements that drove market prices in 2015 be with us in 2016?

2015 was another very strong year for foreign investment in U.S. real estate, especially here in the Bay Area and particularly from Asian buyers.

The dollar volume of all foreign investment in the U.S. reached $104 billion for the 12 months ended March 2015, up Mike James 13 percent from the President same period a year ago, Coldwell Banker Residential according to the Nation- Brokerage al Association of REAL- (925) 275-3085 TORS®. More than half CaliforniaMoves.com of that investment went to California and three other states – Florida, Arizona and Texas. No one knows for sure exactly how much foreign investment there is in the Bay Area housing market, but anecdotal evidence from our agents and managers in the field tell me it is substantial. And it’s probably not surprising, considering the fact that the Bay Area has long been one of the most sought after housing markets for Chinese investors and other offshore buyers.

Asian buyers and other international investors are attracted by the strength of our local economy, particularly the tech sector in Silicon Valley. They also favor the stability of the U.S. political and financial systems, our strong schools and world-class universities like Stanford and Cal, solid appreciation on homes in the Bay Area, and the relatively affordable prices - yes “affordable” - compared to many other major cities around the world. If you have any doubt about just how fast Chinese and other Asian investment is growing in the U.S., consider a recent NAR study that found Chinese buyers were the number one international investors in U.S. real estate over the past year with $28.6 billion in sales volume, nearly three times the number two country, Canada. As recently as six years ago, Canadian investment in the U.S. market was more than double China’s, which also ranked behind India and the U.K. and was at the same level as Mexico.

on the record low avail-

Reflecting back on our 2015 forecast, we focused a great deal able supply of real estate inventory in Silicon Valley.

Real estate has always been driven by the laws of supply and demand. Just when it seemed implausible that inventory levels could decline any further, January of 2015 experienced the lowest level of available properties as far back as records have been documented.

While we anticipated continued and relatively low

Chris Trapani Founder & CEO Sereno Group (650) 947-2901 serenogroup.com

inventory for 2015, it would have been difficult to predict that we would be closing out this year with fewer available properties than during the same period of 2014. At this point, it’s reasonably predictable to confirm that January 2016 will eclipse all prior records of low residential real estate inventory levels in Silicon Valley.

Frankly, with such little inventory it would take little demand to buoy such a market.

Nevertheless, given what we expect will be a remarkable lack of available properties early in this coming New Year, when met with peaking seasonal demand in the first two quarters of 2016, the result will be further appreciation of Silicon Valley property values.

More sellers may be wondering how long this upward appreciation cycle will continue and if they are hoping to time the market and maximize gains of these recent years, may finally be motivated to sell. One theory would be that sellers who have on the horizon a goal of selling and either downsizing or relocating out of the area within the next few years, could become more active this coming year. The move up market has also been constrained as low supply has a compounding effect since most people prefer not to sell until they find a suitable replacement property.

We do hope that inventory loosens and more supply becomes available to meet demand in 2016. It would be healthy to see a larger percentage of first time and move-up home buyers participating in the Silicon Valley market. Whatever the case may be, Silicon Valley will surely be an exciting place to be and own real estate in 2016!

THE LOCAL STATE How high will mortgage rates rise in 2016?

Will the local market stall if rates go too high in Silicon Valley?

Is 2016 going to be a seller’s or buyer’s market in Silicon Valley?

No one knows for sure but after a couple of years of the Federal Reserve being wishy washy on rates I think they are finally ready to move which is really a good thing. It means they are comfortable with where the economy is today and where they think Tom Tognoli the economy is going to Founder, President & CEO be in the foreseeable fu- Intero Real Estate Services, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate ture. If there were con(408) 342-3001 cerns about the future InteroRealEstate.com they would not be raising rates. I think we may see mortgage rates as much as 1/2 of a percent higher by the end of the year.

Regarding the local market stalling, I don’t think so. One thing to remember is there is a lot of discretionary wealth in the Silicon Valley. Probably more so than almost any other place in the country. I do think that rates could potentially effect affordability but what I think most buyers will do is start to opt for 3, 5, 7 and 10 year fixed rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages with lower rates over the 30 year fixed that has been so popular with the low interest rates over the last several years. Keep in mind that historically the Silicon Valley housing market has followed in lock step with the stock market. So…as the stock market goes the housing market typically goes and vice versa. I do think that the rate of appreciation will begin to slow down a bit but as long as companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn and the like are growing and expanding and bringing more people into the Bay Area prices can’t go anyplace but up. The good and bad part about Silicon Valley is we are land locked with mountains and water. Unless someone can figure out a way to get people from the East Bay or South Bay to the Silicon Valley in less than 2 hours each way during commute time, demand in the Silicon Valley is going to continue to remain

no significant change

strong for the foreseeable future.

Silicon Valley will continue with a healthy market in 2016 and will likely occur within the business economy.

In Santa Clara County in 2015, we saw higher closed sales in both units and dollar volume than in 2014, while inventory continued to decline.* Even with new listings coming in at the beginning of the New Year, if the trend from 2015 continues, low inventory

Rainy Hake Executive Vice President & COO

Alain Pinel Realtors (408) 741-1111 apr.com

will remain a challenge and will add to buyer frustration as demand outweighs supply. Although the foreign investor surge has diminished to some extent, there is still a strong pool of buyers, mostly from China and the local technology sector. Interest rates are anticipated to rise, but not enough to dramatically affect the market to any great extent. The coming year will likely mirror what we just experienced this past fall, with one to three offers being the norm and only the best properties in prime locations experiencing the frenzied multiple offer presentations. Most think we will see lower single digit appreciation for the year – although real estate continues to be a good long term investment. New construction and mixed-use will continue to grow in Silicon Valley and several residential projects are in progress for the year to come. Development is happening at a slower pace than needed, aiding in pent up demand and therefore buyer fatigue. Moving forward, we are anticipating a traditional spring market with limited housing supply and consistent consumer demand. *Source: TrendGraphix Market Snapshot – Santa Clara County, All Properties, 2015 YTD vs. 2014 YTD

OF REAL ESTATE 2016 Do foreign buyers still see Real Estate in the San Francisco Bay Area as ideal havens for their money?Will this phenomenon continue to grow?

Will the elements that drove market prices in 2015 be with us in 2016?

2015 was another very strong year for foreign investment in U.S. real estate, especially here in the Bay Area and particularly from Asian buyers.

The dollar volume of all foreign investment in the U.S. reached $104 billion for the 12 months ended March 2015, up Mike James 13 percent from the President same period a year ago, Coldwell Banker Residential according to the Nation- Brokerage al Association of REAL- (925) 275-3085 TORS®. More than half CaliforniaMoves.com of that investment went to California and three other states – Florida, Arizona and Texas. No one knows for sure exactly how much foreign investment there is in the Bay Area housing market, but anecdotal evidence from our agents and managers in the field tell me it is substantial. And it’s probably not surprising, considering the fact that the Bay Area has long been one of the most sought after housing markets for Chinese investors and other offshore buyers.

Asian buyers and other international investors are attracted by the strength of our local economy, particularly the tech sector in Silicon Valley. They also favor the stability of the U.S. political and financial systems, our strong schools and world-class universities like Stanford and Cal, solid appreciation on homes in the Bay Area, and the relatively affordable prices - yes “affordable” - compared to many other major cities around the world. If you have any doubt about just how fast Chinese and other Asian investment is growing in the U.S., consider a recent NAR study that found Chinese buyers were the number one international investors in U.S. real estate over the past year with $28.6 billion in sales volume, nearly three times the number two country, Canada. As recently as six years ago, Canadian investment in the U.S. market was more than double China’s, which also ranked behind India and the U.K. and was at the same level as Mexico.

on the record low avail-

Reflecting back on our 2015 forecast, we focused a great deal able supply of real estate inventory in Silicon Valley.

Real estate has always been driven by the laws of supply and demand. Just when it seemed implausible that inventory levels could decline any further, January of 2015 experienced the lowest level of available properties as far back as records have been documented.

While we anticipated continued and relatively low

Chris Trapani Founder & CEO Sereno Group (650) 947-2901 serenogroup.com

inventory for 2015, it would have been difficult to predict that we would be closing out this year with fewer available properties than during the same period of 2014. At this point, it’s reasonably predictable to confirm that January 2016 will eclipse all prior records of low residential real estate inventory levels in Silicon Valley.

Frankly, with such little inventory it would take little demand to buoy such a market.

Nevertheless, given what we expect will be a remarkable lack of available properties early in this coming New Year, when met with peaking seasonal demand in the first two quarters of 2016, the result will be further appreciation of Silicon Valley property values.

More sellers may be wondering how long this upward appreciation cycle will continue and if they are hoping to time the market and maximize gains of these recent years, may finally be motivated to sell. One theory would be that sellers who have on the horizon a goal of selling and either downsizing or relocating out of the area within the next few years, could become more active this coming year. The move up market has also been constrained as low supply has a compounding effect since most people prefer not to sell until they find a suitable replacement property.

We do hope that inventory loosens and more supply becomes available to meet demand in 2016. It would be healthy to see a larger percentage of first time and move-up home buyers participating in the Silicon Valley market. Whatever the case may be, Silicon Valley will surely be an exciting place to be and own real estate in 2016!

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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

74 www.svlocalmag.com

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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.”

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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

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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 78 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.

79 www.svlocalmag.com

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-

80 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 82 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!

83 www.svlocalmag.com

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WHAT HAPPENS IN

By Rich Borell

Hello Everyone, When we think about weekend getaways from the Bay Area, we may consider Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa, Lake Tahoe … Ever think about parking the car and flying to Vegas?

That’s exactly what my wife and I did recently.

Our last trip there was very memorable since we spent New Year’s Eve celebrating with hundreds of thousands of people on the Las Vegas strip. This time we thought how fun to have a long weekend getaway there.

Our trip started out on a Friday late-morning flight via Virgin America out of SFO. Once we landed, you can feel the party starting … Indeed, this city radiates so much energy. Cab fares are posted so you will have an idea of what to pay.

With gratuity you can figure on $20, or a little more, for the fare.

84 www.svlocalmag.com

Our stay was at Harrah’s Resort Hotel. They were very nice to work with, and we would like to thank them for the suite upgrade they gave us. We were early (about 3PM); yet, our room was ready and we could drop off our luggage.

We had a few hours before our 5:15PM dinner at The Strip Steakhouse located inside the Planet Hollywood. Dinner was early since my wife wanted to get some shopping time in at the Hard Rock Café prior to seeing the Kiss Concert at 8PM. For our short time before dinner, we strolled the mall next door to Planet Hollywood. The Strip Steakhouse is a chain; however, it’s a great place to eat with excellent service. I don’t usually eat red meat; however, tonight I had the urge to have a nice Rib Eye Steak. My wife had the Filet along with her two favorites, Lobster and Crab. If you have time for a long dinner, with the urge to

WEEKEND GETAWAYS be catered to, then this is the place to come. We also had the opportunity during dinner to chat with their Operations Manager and want to send a thank you to her. BTW, if you enjoy Ports, you may want to cruise their exclusive selection.

As I mentioned, the Kiss concert was at the Hard Rock Café - the band featured two of its original cast, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – and they played to a delighted full house. If you have a chance to see them, they put on a great show.

On Saturday, we prepared a list of fun things we could choose from; however, since the weather was a sunny 70 degrees, we opted for a nice walk instead. Some suggestions of interest during the day might include: *An all-day visit to Area 51 *There are four thrill rides at the top of the Stratosphere Tower *At the New York New York you can hop on a 67 MPH rollercoaster *Drive a race car at Exotics Racing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway *Crime Solving at MGM’s Grand CSI – The Experience We spent some time at the Mirage at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, which defines wildness in a whole new way. You can also catch a glimpse of several white Tigers and

Lions along with the Dolphin Habitat. The shows were awesome!

Saturday, night we had two shows on tap, first, was a Murder Mystery Dinner put on by Marriage Can Be Murder. It was a great show and dinner was delicious. The cast of characters did a great job in getting the audience involved.

Our main show was at 10PM, at the Mirage, to see Ray Romano from the very popular TV Show, Everybody Loves Raymond. Kevin James opened the show, getting the audience involved, and was hilarious. Of course, Ray Ramano was himself, and everybody was in stiches. I’ve seen some great comedians, and I would put Ray high on my list as one of my favorites next to Jerry Seinfeld.

When he was closing the show and about to say good night, he said I have one more thing for you … He brought out Adam Sandler to sing a few songs. The lyrics we’re hilarious, so you guessed it, not your typical song to sing along to. After Adam played, Ray and Kevin came back out and, together, they did a Q&A with the audience. We also got to meet Ray’s twin sons, sitting near us in the audience.

So if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, and don’t want to drive, check out sin city! Yes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas … except for the great experience of it all and good memories.

85 www.svlocalmag.com

Carly Cleverly

Â

Finding YOUR Place in the World: Selecting a Major for the Future I applied to the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University as an incoming freshman, guided by my father’s insistence that a business degree would secure me in an ambitious career after graduation.

Unfortunately I was waitlisted, along with the vast amount of other young students with the same thinking influencing their decisions. I then switched into the College of Arts and Sciences, with a slight triumph, since I would now be able to pursue a major of my own liking. I have always loved the humanities subjects in school and knew that I would flourish in a degree such as History, English or Psychology.

Now looking back as a recent graduate, I am entirely grateful that I was able to strengthen my critical thinking and writing skills through English because 86 www.svlocalmag.com

these abilities are versatile and can be used in any career. It is with dismay that I reflect on the decline of humanities majors, due to this transitional view that undergraduate majors must connect with potential careers. On the whole, I believe that my major has been better rounded and unbounded, liberated from the restricting core requirements of a business major which has little room to explore outside of their major. It is my advice to new college students that they select a major that they find sincere interest in and can enjoy. I was able to succeed in my major because I love literature and writing. If at all possible, try to deter from these ways of thinking that discourage majors that may not have obvious connections to careers.

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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 88 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 90 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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Thank you all - We appreciate again being voted: The Best Mexican Restaurant in Mountain View by the Mountain View Voice, The Best Margarita in Mountain View by the Mountain View Voice and also The Best Mexican Restaurant in Silicon Valley by the Metro.

Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch and Dinner, plus a Champagne/Sangria Brunch Saturday and Sunday. Banquet facilities available with seating up to 40. Wonderful for Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagements, Quincineras - any and all Special Events and Get Togethers - for Families and Friends.

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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 95 www.svlocalmag.com

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 96 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’?”

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