Ushanjali School of Dance Annual Day in San Ramon

Annual Day STUDENT SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE by the Students of Ushanjali School of Dance will be held in the Multipurpose Room, Windemere Ranch Middle School, San Ramon on Saturday, APR 21 2012 at 5:00PM.
The school imparts Training in primarily Bharatanatyam, as also in Indian Folk Dances, Semi Classical Dances, Indian Fusion and Contemporary Dances out of 3 locations: San Ramon, Pleasanton, Fremont.
Instruction is open to age 5 years onwards, for a nominal fee, four times a month. For more information contact [email protected]

Tamil Chithirai Thiruvizha in Pleasanton Apr 14

Tamil activities continue to take center stage with Tamil Manram bringing a FREE fun filled afternoon of events at Hart Middle School, Pleasanton for traditional Chithirai Thiruvizha.

Chithirai Thiruvizha (Festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Chitirai) is an annual celebration during the month of April, with roots in Madurai. It is one of the longest celebrations of the world and lasts for one month. The first 15 days of the festival is celebrated for Meenakshi, and the next 15 days are celebrated for Alagar.

Chithirai Thiruvizha Festival
Chithirai Thiruvizha Festival in Madurai

Chithirai Thiruvizha 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 2 PM
Hart Middle School
4433 Willow Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588

  • புலி வேஷம், மயிலாட்டம், ஒயிலாட்டம், பொய்க்கால் குதிரை, முளப்பாரி வைத்தல், பூக்கோலம், காட்சிப் படங்கள், காணொளிகளுடன் கூடிய கண்காட்சி, பொருட்காட்சி
  • பம்பரம், பல்லாங்குழி, பரமபதம், பாண்டியாட்டம் போன்ற விளையாட்டுக்களின் செயல்முறை விளக்கங்கள்
  • கனிவான நிகழ்ச்சிகள், போட்டிகள் மற்றும் பரிசுகள்

Happy Holi, and too bad no Holi colors this year as well

Happy Holi!
After the grand Holi Dhamaal in 2010 organized by TVIA in the Emerald Glen Park in Dublin, we saw no one coming forward to organize one last year, and of course not this year as well. Holi sure is a fun time. Its one time when even strangers from the community can come together and get playful with each other. Bonhomie, dance, music is in the air. The fun is unique in itself, and sets up a good, interesting instance of an Indian festival for children.

If we don’t see an impromptu gathering in the Emerald Glen park, or elsewhere in the Tri Valley Area on the weekends of 10th/11th March, or even the next one, lets see if some of us would like to step up in ensuring we don’t go without one next year (2013).
Please participate in the poll below, if you can. Please provide an update for others if you or some group you know plans to get together to throw some colors for this year as well.

[polldaddy poll=6017680]
Please contact admin[a]trivalleydesi.com if you would like to help organize next year.

There is something wrong with daily deals … Until Now!!

Lately – “Big Daily Deal” concept has taken hold. Millions of consumers are bombarded with offers every single day, telling them what to buy, when to buy, and if they do not buy it, they are doomed.  Consumers are told,

  • Today you deserve a day at the spa, even though you may not be interested in one
  • Tomorrow get a haircut at saloon that you have never been to before and will never go to again
  • Day after tomorrow, eat at this restaurant, 40 miles away from your home, where you will never visit again

There is more unknown deal coming your way the day after…  Keep waiting until “figure out what you may (or may not) want.

Icing on the cake is look on the poor merchant’s face, he was probably convinced to offer that he did not really want to sign up for, but has to honor it. He is trying to read in your eyes and ask

  • Are you going to buy more than the coupon value?
  •  How many coupons are you going to use?
  • Are you someone who is a repeat customer?

Have you ever felt that you are being judged by this merchant? it is not a great feeling.

I thought, there is something fundamentally wrong with direction of the offers market. Is there something that can be done?  How can we help the local businesses manage their campaigns in a cost effective way, so they can offer the most discount to the customers, not the middleman. Business owners make offers that they want to, and they will be happy to honor it. Customer knows that they will always find a local deal at a single place when they want it, not when they are told by the “Big Daily Deal Company” and above all, it should be simple to use, not cluttered with all kind of irrelevant information.

So here it is… my attempt to provide a unique experience to restaurant owners and its patrons through www.b4eatingout.com . A website, which has local deals, up to the minute updated by local restaurant owners/managers. Whether you are stepping out for a quick lunch or planning a family dinner,  always check B4 EATING OUT.

Would you like 15% off your bill at Favorite India or A Free Appetizer at Hyderabad Biryani house in San Ramon or Free Entrée at Luna Loca in Danville.. Check the site. A lot more restaurants are coming up. Deals can be printed, emailed or viewed on any device. ALL DEALS are valid when presented from your mobile device…

Check www.b4eatingout.com . Your feedback is crucial and appreciated. Leave your comments


 

California Meditates – Take the meditation challenge

California Meditates – the meditation challenge comes to Dublin/San Ramon.
Get ready to meditate for 30 days – attend an Open House, get your questions answered, get updated about tools/support available. Its a novel wellness campaign (from the Art of Living Foundation), of empowering people from various backgrounds to use meditation as a practical & effective tool to increase one’s well-being and quality of life includes the following highlights: Easy to access Meditation sessions, Opportunities for Group Meditations, Gala Meditation Celebrations, etc.
California Meditates - Challenge - Art of Living 2012
Registration Fee waived till Feb 21.
When: Saturday, March 3, 2012 11:00 am
Where: ART OF LIVING – Tri Valley Center
6690 Amador Plaza Rd
Dublin, CA 94568

How:
Official Website
Tickets
Cost: $0.00 – $25.00

What/Why: The Meditation Challenge
Benefits of regular meditations include greater peace of mind, better focus, increased enthusiasm. A common question that a beginner or any others may ask is how to keep up the practice. The Meditation Challenge offers an opportunity to be guided into meditating daily with some consistency, for a month or less.

Easy, Convenient & Effective
Experience some benefits of meditation through a few days of practice. To support you the challenge offers
* Easy access to guided meditations
* Guidance from experts to help you have a better meditation experience.
* Fun, comraderie- Invite your friends/coworkers to the challenge.

How do I Get Started?
*Register for the challenge & meditate each day.
*Join us for group meditations each week.
*Win prizes each week as you complete the challenge

Tamil Pattimanram Entertainment Festival in San Ramon

BayArea-Tamil-Manram-San-Ramon-Feb-2012Tamil Manram is proud to present an entertaining afternoon of pattimanram by ‘Sivaji’ fame Pattimanram thiru. Raja (on Feb 12).  The title for pattimanram is “திருமண வாழ்வில் அதிகம் விட்டுக் கொடுத்து அனுசரித்துப் போகிறவர் ஆண்களே! பெண்களே!”
The evening promises to be one to laugh, think and join the debate!

If you are interested to participate in the pattimanram here are the rules.
Participant must be a member of Tamil Manram. If you are not a member, you can become a member online.
Prepare a 5 minutes audio or video on the pattimanram topic, either favoring men or women. If you create a video send it as YouTube link. Send the audio clip/video link to JP at [email protected] and Venu [email protected].
Deadline to submit your entry is February 5, 2012.
Once selected, participant must pay $25 participation fee (which includes admission ticket)

Pattimanram
Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2 P.M.
Quail Run Elementary School
4000 Goldenbay Avenue
San Ramon, CA 94582 [ Map ]
$10 (members); $12 (non-members)
Purchase tickets online

Two Day Bengali Theater Festival in Pleasanton

Natya Mela 2012, a two day Bengali Theater Festival will be organized by Sanskriti in Pleasanton on Feb 4 and 5. Sanskriti is a Bay Area’s prominent Cultural and Charitable Association.
Venue: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road,Pleasanton,CA,94566

Feb 4, 2012 – Saturday
3:15 PM “Bhul Swargo” Actopia, Bay Area
4:20 PM “Ekti GaNye Thaki” ECTA, New Jersey
5:55 PM – 6:40 PM Break
6:45 PM “Thikana” Brishchik, Seattle

Feb 5, 2012,Sunday
2:15 PM “Burkah Nama” Auditiya, Bay Area
3:00 PM “Norok Gulzar” Ankur, Sacramento
4:05 PM – 4:35 PM Break
4:40 PM “Tiktiki” Re-Act(Houston-Durgabari) Texas

Tickets are 20 – 30 USD, with a combo for two days for 40.
Check here for synopsis of the plays, and to book.natya-mela-bengali-theatre-2012-pleasanton-sanskriti

Last year, in October, Sanskriti was involved in organizing a festival to celebrate Durga Puja Other Cultural Programs and activities, including games like Carom and Table Tennis. As well they organized an event to pay tribute to Rabindra Nath Tagore on the occasion of his 150th Birth Anniversary at the same location Amador Theater, Pleasanton.

Dublin Library hosts an intriguing workshop on the Spiritual Practice of Chanting

On 29th January, 2012 (Sunday) attend a free workshop on the Spiritual Practice of Chanting at the Dublin Library. The workshop would cover topics like what is Chanting, what name of God should one chant, how should one chant and benefits of Chanting.

  • Venue: Dublin Public Library 200 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568
  • Language: English
  • Date: Sunday, 29 January 2012
  • Time: 2.00 PM – 3.30 PM
  • Total seats available: 30

This event is being organized by the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF). SSRF’s aim is to “educate society on the spiritual dimension and how it affects our lives. We conduct research and convey knowledge about the spiritual dimension to help people understand it, advise those who are curious to experience it for themselves, and guide those who have intense desire for spiritual growth and God-realisation towards achieving their goal.”

SSRF was founded with the blessings of His Holiness Dr. Jayant Balaji Athavale. As a Consultant Clinical Hypnotherapist, he had learned that some of his patients with whom he had very little success, had recovered after adopting spiritual remedies such as visiting sacred places, remaining in the holy company of spiritually evolved people (Saints) or performing certain religious rituals. After interacting with Spritual minded people, he concluded that there are spiritual causes behind not just illnesses of patients, but also behind all major events and most problems in life. He worked tirelessly in the field of Spirituality to share with others his research into the understanding of the spiritual dimension using a scientific approach. The believers also believe in their ability to perceive the subtle dimension or the unseen world, or in other words, sixth sense.
The organization is based out of Australia, has very active member base in Europe, and also registered in the USA.
Not sure what brought the workshop to the Dublin (California) Library, but it may be worth attending – even if just to get more exposed to the intriguing concept.
Check out this video on the concept:

Understand Your Child Workshop

Understand Your Child – Workshop will be conducted on February 3rd, 2012 – 7:00pm in Dublin, CA.
Parenting can prove to  be a very rewarding experience in one’s life. Because of the changes in our  lifestyles, values and human relations, parenting is also becoming a challenge with parents having to deal with many issues related to children’s behaviour.  Often parents are found saying my kid

· Does not listen to me
· Jumps around and breaks  many things
· Does not eat properly
· Is just glued to the TV  all the time
· Is just not interested in studies, etc.

Understand Your Child workshop is a 2.5 hour interactive seminar from the Art of Living which helps parents deal with several such issues by finding the root cause behind them. It gives them an insight into how children think and thus a better understanding of their behavior. It points out small things that adults tend to overlook that may have a deep impact on children. Several hundred such workshops have been conducted benefiting many thousands of parents making their relationships with their children much more harmonious.

Please click on the following link to register for the workshop: http://secure.artofliving.org/event_details.aspx?event_id=102175

WORKSHOP DETAILS
Date & Timings: Feb 3rd 2012 Friday at 7.00 p.m.
Course Location: 6690 Amador Plaza Road, #215, Dublin, CA 94568
Contact Information: Sridhar Nomula (510) 334-7908 and Rashmi Patel (925) 3361203

 Invite your friends, family& peers!

Jhankar Live Bollywood Music at the Dublin Library

Stop by at the Dublin Library on Sat, Jan 28 for a “breathtaking” bollywood music concert by Jhankar Live. Started in 2006 by a group of passionate music enthusiasts, the team excels in presenting soft, melodious songs as well as fast-paced numbers. Jhankar Live Bay Area Music GroupJhankar-live-bollywood-music-dublin-ca-2012

JhankarLive also performs for charitable causes and supports education and artistic talent development of poor children. Members of JhankarLive, fondly called “the jhankaris”, are all full-time employees of leading Bay Area organizations. Since its very first year of performing, Jhankar Live has performed to massive applause and rave reviews. For more information about the free afternoon concert, please call (925) 828-1315 or write to [email protected].

An afternoon of Bollywood Music
Saturday, January 28
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Dublin Library
200 Civic Plaza, Dublin
(925) 828-1315

Update: Jan 28, 2012
The group performed to a packed hall. The songs were chosen in memory of late Deva Anand and Shammi Kapoor. Entertaining!

Jhankar Live Performs in Dublin Library
Jhankar Live Performs in Dublin Library

Pleasanton’s Downtown Yoga takes you on a retreat to India

Local Pleasanton based ‘Downtown Yoga’ is organizing a “Return to India” – a 14-night/14-day retreat in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. If you wanted to visit India with a Yoga twist, this could be your chance! Dates are February 11-25, 2012.

Danae Robinett and Jim Coughlin will host and guide the group. The group will be staying at the Kondai Lip Backwater Heritage Retreat Center. This event is limited to 24 guests. Pricing is Single $3,490 per person, Double $3,190 per person, Triple $2,990 per person. All guests will be responsible for their round-trip airfare to and from Bangalore.
The pricing includes 14-nights accommodation fees, all yoga practice fees, all travel to and from the Kochin Airport to the Kondai Lip Retreat Center in Kerala, all internal travel to and from sacred sites and tour events, all meals, all event coordination.

Downtown Yoga is located on Main Street in Pleasanton, California. Number is 925-819-9983.
They align most closely with the Iyengar Yoga Tradition and integrate several fundamental directions from the Yoga Sutra of Patanajali in their philosophy & teaching.
The next Spring Renewal Retreat will be from April 28 – May 5, 2012 that takes you to Haramara Retreat Center in Sayulita, Mexico.

Local student on Christmas and Holidays

The ‘melting pot’ that is America is at no time more evident than during the holiday-season. It reaches the crescendo at Christmas, when, whatever your ethno-religious background, you just don’t want to NOT be a part of all the revelry. What does it then mean for non-Christians, especially as you see yourself doing more for Christmas, than for your own festivals?

Shalaka Gole, a budding student of journalism from California High School in San Ramon lays it out rather nicely in an article posted on December 23, 2011 in San Ramon Patch .

An All-American Christmas, the Hindu Way:
There is nothing like the voices of Dean, Bing, Ella, Frank, and Judy to ring in the holiday season. This year, I started listening to Christmas music on Nov. 28. Our family’s old prelit tree stands decked out in the corner as early as Dec. 4th. And I was planning Christmas presents to my friends before Thanksgiving.

This is all pretty standard American stuff, but I did all this disregarding the fact that I was raised as a Hindu in an Indian house.

I wholly subscribe to the American idea of Christmas, along with my immigrant parents and little brother. We do dress up and cook for Diwali, every year. But Christmas presents are also the norm, decorating the tree is a major event and Santa came for my little brother for 10 years. We have been willingly sucked into the commercialism and culture of the season, and I’m not terribly sorry.

I used to feel guilty about liking Christmas and felt like I was trying to fit myself into an idea of Christianity that I don’t believe in. I wasn’t sure of what it meant for me to love Christmas, a holiday that wasn’t really mine to celebrate.

But I’ve started thinking of Christmas as a culturally American time, where different kinds of people can come together for many different reasons. To some it may rightfully mean the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but to others like me, it means the mood and actions of all those around me.

There is something about the feeling of the holidays that makes the cold air less biting and puts everyone in a better mood. People smile more, sing more, count their blessings, and give to others. At school, I see Jews, Christians, Hindus, and religiously confused teenagers alike talk about how much they love the atmosphere. It’s cliché, but I think the cliché stems from truth.

I think Christmas can be said to embody America, commercialism and a profit-driven mentality mixed in with charity and good feeling, shared by those of all ethnic backgrounds. It has become a holiday anyone can celebrate, and include or leave out the pieces they wish.

This year, I’ll spend Christmas weekend eating a home-cooked Jewish meal, opening presents, listening to Sinatra and sharing with my Jewish, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and Christian friends, making it a truly American holiday.

Pleasanton School to host Spandana Spelling Bee 2012

Harvest Park Middle School, Pleasanton will host Spandana Spelling Bee 2012 on Saturday, 4th February 2012 Time: 10 AM to 7PM. It will be open to students from the entire Bay Area. The purpose is to encourage kids to excel in their spelling habits.
Registration fee: $20 until 10th Jan 2012, $25 until 29th Jan 2012
Last date for registration: 29th Jan 2012 11:00 PM
Categories:

  • Junior Bee (1st to 3rd grades)
  • Intermediate Bee (4th to 5th grades)
  • Senior Bee (6th to 8th grades)

There will be 3 Winners from each category. Winners will get trophies and certificates. All participants will get certificates.
For Rules, Guidelines, Sample Words and Registration, please visit www.spandana.org/spellingbee.html
Spandana will provide reference material for preparation upon registration. All students from any schools in Bay Area are encouraged to participate. 10% of registration fee will be given to schools/PTAs that support this event.

100 devotees to chant the 1000 names of Lord Ayyappa

For the first time ever, Ayyappa Samaaj will be conducting this very special puja for Lord Ayyappa on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Livermore Temple. On this day, at least 100 devotees are needed to chant the 1000 names of Lord Ayyappa. All devotees are requested to participate in this event LAKSHA ARCHANA on DEC 17 2011 @ 4:00 PM and receive HIS blessings. Register for Laksha Archana and/or Maala Dhaarana (Deeksha).

Also, all devotees are invited to attend Ayyappa Bhajan, Archana & Abhishekam at the Livermore Shiva-Vishnu temple on Sunday, December 18, 2011 @ 6:00 PM. Every month, on Uttara Phalguni thithi, bhajans, abhishekam and archana are scheduled at the Livermore temple.

Schedule (Sunday, December 18, 2011):

6:00 PM Sankalpam, Abhishekam
6:30 PM Bhajan Starts with Sharana Ghosham
7:00 PM Bhajan Ends, Aarti and Maha Prasadam

This is part of Ayyappa Samaaj’s Mandalam Season 2011 – From 11/16/11 To 1/15/2012.
About Mandalam Season: The months of Kaartika / Vrishchika, Maargazhi / Dhanur are most auspicious for Lord Ayyappa, during which period Mandala Puja is celebrated. Devotees observe traditional austerities (vratham), which normally start from the first day of Kaartika/ Vrishchikam (November 16). Devotees initiate the vratham by wearing a Thulasi or a Rudraksha maala. After 41 days (on December 25th) the devotees end their vratham by carrying Irumudi and removing the maala. (Kids can observe short vratham days by wearing maala on December 17th and end it on December 25th). On January 15, 2012 we will also celebrate Makara Vilakku puja.

Free YOGA CLASSES Every Saturday

HCCC HUMAN SERVICES PRESENTS

Weekly Yoga Classes

Where: Temple Assembly Hall
Shiva-Vishnu Temple
1232 Arrowhead Avenue
Livermore, CA 94551
When: Every Saturday
Time: 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M

Yoga Bharati conducts FREE yoga classes at Shiva-
Vishnu temple, Livermore every Saturday. To enroll in the
yoga class, attend any Saturday class and sign up with the
instructor.

Free Health Advisory Services and Health Fair

Do you need medical advice from a health care professional? If so, HCCC offers free health clinic every Saturday. Also check out the Health Fair on Dec 3.

Free Health Advisory Services

Where: Temple Assembly Hall
Shiva-Vishnu Temple
1232 Arrowhead Avenue
Livermore, CA 94551
When: Every Saturday
Time: 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M

THIS SERVICE IS FREE! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! NO HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIRED!

Any question, please contact temple at 925-449-6255.

Health Fair on 3rd Dec
Free medical advice on Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Women’s Health, Nutrition & Diet, Chiropractic Services, Physical Therapy and Eye Disorders.

When: 3rd Dec 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M

Free evaluation: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and
Cholesterol

For more information please contact Suman Jain at
[email protected] or call the temple at 925-449-6255.

Karvachauth – Tradition and Fun

Its Karvachauth time, again. If you live in the Tri Valley area, this year (2011) as well you can head out to Livermore Temple for the Karva Chauth Puja / Katha. There will be three sessions on Saturday, Oct 15, 2011 – including at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The pooja sessions can be joined only in the beginning, else one would need to wait for the next session.

Within Bay Area, Sunnywale, Fremont Temples typically have huge gatherings of women coming coming in the evenings for Thali Puja. In the Tri-Valley area, the Livermore Temple is slowly but steadily becoming a nodal point for this north-Indian style puja as well (even as its predominantly a Venkateswara temple). Karvachauth Moon View 2011

Mehndi/Henna – Putting Mehndi on the day, or the day prior, is also a big part of the tradition. Can’t see someone professional catering to the Tri Valley residents. So its either Do-It-Yourself, or there are other places in Bay Area to head to for about 25 bucks: Lovely Sweets-Tisha (Fremont) – 510-396-7501, or Sadia Fashion House (Fremont) – 5109968062, and probably many others.

There is special food for this festival too. Most of the grocery stores or “Sweet Shops” (like Cafe Tazza) in Dublin/Pleasanton will carry the stuff – Matthi (mostly sweet), Phenia-Jalebi, Cocunut, etc. is traditionally required.

At least in northern India, this festival has become a big fun (and big money and more!) event (beauty treatment and spas in Ludhiana, botox for Karwa Chauth in Delhi,  and and even a Karvachauth mobile app that turns the screen of your phone into a ‘sieve’ / ‘chalni’, through which one can see the moon). There apparently are no big events or get-togethers that have caught up here, but don’t be surprised to see desi women, probably traditionally attired, in movie theatres in Hacienda and elsewhere during the day this time around! Get togethers in the evening to watch the chand (moon) together has become quite common, followed by dinner pot lucks.

The last thing is the big wait for the moon – that, especially on this day, seems always to play hide and seek. Moonrise on Oct 15 this year is slated to be at 8:38 PM for San Francisco.

About: Karva Chauth is an annual one-day festival celebrated by Hindu and some Sikh women in North India and parts of Pakistan in which married (and some un-married) women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands (or future husbands). The fast is observed in the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The festival has become a big deal with Indian diaspora, including in US.

Rising Tri Valley Asian Indian Population

According to 2010 Demographic Profile Data, 11.3% of San Ramon, 7.4 of Pleasanton, and 6.8% of Dublin population is now of Asian Indian Origin.
This is a reasonably high concentration of Asian Indian population in one valley area. And if you live here, its not a surprise anymore if you see an even higher percentage of your desi brethren once you are driving in the shopping catchment area of Dublin, living in a residential cluster like Windermere, or even shopping in a place like Costco, or Babys-r-us (that tells an even different story!)

  • Dublin has 3,116 Asian-Indians, i.e 6.8% of total population
  • Pleasanton has 5,214 Asian-Indians, i.e 7.4% of total population
  • Livermore has 1,578 Asian-Indians, i.e 1.9% of total population
  • San Ramon has 8,179 Asian-Indians, i.e 11.3% of total population
  • Danville has 745 Asian-Indians, i.e 1.8% of total population

In San Ramon, where public schools are excellent and quite some new housing has been built in the last decade, Indians skyrocketed from 1,463 in 2000 to 8,179 in 2010, a jump of 459%.
City of Pleasanton, with good housing and schools, shot up 175.29% from 1,894 Indians in 2000 to 5,214 in 2010.
Dublin, a smaller city really came up from behind, with only 672 (2.2%) of its residents from India in 2000, to a new number of 3,116, an increase of 363%. This is attributable again to good schools, new upcoming housing, and better connectivity.

The numbers reflect the demographic patters of some other dynamic parts of California economy.
Indian Americans now constitute 22.6% of the population in Cupertino, 18.08% in Fremont, 15.52% in Sunnyvale, 13.64% in Santa Clara and 11.46% in Union City. By numbers, the state of California, San Jose remains first with 43,827 Indians, followed by 38,711 in Fremont and 32,996 in Los Angeles.County Population Asian Indians USA 2010
Aaccording to Census 2010 data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Indian American population in California rose from 360,392 residents in 2000 to 528,176 in 2010, an increase of 46.4%. In Counties, Alameda (from 47,194 to 72,169) and Contra Costa (from 13,376 to 18,255).

Tamil Cultural Celebration Muthamizh Vizha in Pleasanton

Muthamizh Vizha – Celebration Of Tamil Culture – Literature, Music, Dance and Drama, especially related to ancient art forms is being held in Harvest Park Middle School Pleasanton, CA on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM.

A scene from some Muthamizh Vizha
A scene from some Muthamizh Vizha
In its continuing tradition, Tamil Manram is proud to present muthamiz vizha with “neeyaa, naanaa” style makkaL vivaatha arangam (மக்கள் விவாத அரங்கம்), skit and other entertainment events with literary value.
The title for makkaL vivaatha arangam is குழந்தைகளை வளர்ப்பதில் முக்கியப் பங்கு வகிப்பது – தாயா? தந்தையா?
If you are interested in participating in makkaL vivaatha arangam, please contact Sridharan Minor, VP Cultural at [email protected].

  • Muthamiz Vizha
  • Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM
  • Harvest Park Middle School – 4900 Valley Ave Pleasanton, CA 94566
  • Free for Tamil Manram members.

Muthamizh Vizha Tamil Cultural Program
Muthamizh Vizha Tamil Cultural Program

Tamil Manram is committed to the growth of Tamil cultural activities in the bay area. Tamil Manram regularly conducts Children’s events and encourages our children to learn Tamil language and Tamil culture.

Remember ‘zindagi na milegi dobara’? Tomato battle in Alameda County Fairgrounds

Desi’s are now totally aware of the Spain’s Tomato Fight Festival La Tomatina – courtesy the movie ‘zindagi na milegi dobara’. Well, a baby, but fun version of a similar –  Tomato Battle:NorCal is coming to Alameda Farigrounds (Pleasanton) on October 1st. It’s an all-day event featuring a beer garden, battle of the bands/rock show, and a GIANT FREAKING TOMATO FIGHT!!!

www.tomatobattle.com – Costs $40 – teens and up!

Here is a video from past Tomato Battles:

 

Pakistani Group performs in Pleasanton Fairgrounds

A musical mela will be bring forth entertainment for Pakistani youngsters on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at the Alameda County fair ground in Pleasanton, California. There is no entry fee for the show, which is scheduled to start at 11:00 am, while the music session will begin around 2pm onwards. The show is presented by the Pakistan association of San Francisco bay area (PASF) and PakMusic.net. It features a live performance of Kamijee and the North American Tour team for the first time in the Bay area.

Free Public Speaking Class

Due to popular demand, Genius Kids is offering FREE public speaking classes this week (Sept 12, 13). Give your child the best life skill – effective communication, self confidence and critical thinking skills, the ability to interact in any social situation.
Monday September 12, 2011 – from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for Grades K-3rd.
Tuesday September 13, 2011 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for Grades 4th-8th.

Personal Benefits:

  • learn to be more sensitive and skilled communicator
  • public speaking encourages you to look inside yourself and explore what matters to you–>share
  • learn to consider listeners-what do they want, need, like,care about
  • learn the power of speech-words have emotional content
  • words can hurt, heal, create, build, transform
  • in the beginning there was only speech…learner may only have speech
  • learn to focus topic, how to structure, learn to listen, critically evaluate, discriminate type of message, appeal is it valid?
  • learn to be active in learning–speak up and learn

Practical Benefits:

  • can give or get help in class
  • oral communications always one of top skills demanded by employer- what occupation doesn’t need it?
  • learn to speak concisely, clearly and confidently
  • will help you speak out in important situations, as parent, citizen, customer, tax payer Social Benefits
  • nature of human to form groups- depends on communication skills
  • learn ability to persuade others—change things for better–be involved- seek civil justice, human rights-democracy-freedom of speech

Dandia in Pleasanton Fairgrounds – Oct 15, 2011

SEF Dandiya will be organized on Oct 15, 2011 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton featuring Dhol Baaje Entertainment, like last year. Tickets are $15 – and recommended to be purchased in advance as they WILL be sold out on the day (at actually any dandiya event). This is your only other chance to attend garbha this year in the Tri Valley, other than one Organized by Windemere Friends

  • Free garba/dandia lessons available from 6:00-7:00pm on the event day for those who have purchased the tickets.
  • Contact [email protected]
  •  Free Parking
  • Complimentary checkin of dandia sticks while you enjoy Garba
  • Free entrance for Kids age 5 and below
  • Special Dancing Area for Kids for Extra Safety

SEF Dandiya Pleasanton 2010

Other SEF Events at Sept 24, Oct 1 and 4 in Santa Clara.

Garba-Raas-Dance
Garba-Raas-Dance

————————————–

OTHER BAY AREA DANDIYA EVENTS:
————————————–
Induz Dandiya 2011 featuring Dr. Sharvari Dixit
Saturday, Sep 24 7:30p to 11:30p
at Centerville Junior High School Fremont, Fremont, CA
Induz Dandiya 2011 featuring bay area’s most popular Garba/Dandiya DJ Dr. Sharvari Dixit and troupe. Make it an extra special Navratri celebrations for you and your family at the spacious and convenient venue in East Bay.
Tickets www.sulekha.com/induz
Child care facility, ample parking, food, dandiya sticks etc will be available.
————————————–
lap once, clap twice, clap three times…and you’re almost there!
Garba is THAT easy! This TWO HOUR workshop will teach you the basic hand and feet coordination to get YOU on the dance floor this Navratri season!
Get a head start and join us in the Garba & Raas workshop on:
– Sunday, September 18th from 1PM to 3PM in San Jose, OR
– Sunday, September 25th from 1PM to 3PM in Milpitas
Register: [email protected]
————————————-
Gujarati Cultural Association Upcoming Events – Navratri Garba/Dandia
Date: September 25 & 30
October 1,7 & 8th
————————————-
Small Steps Foundation Diwali Dandia Nite 2011 – Oct 8th
Saturday, Oct 8 7:30p
at Centerville Junior High School Fremont, Fremont, CA
SSF Dandia Nite 2011 in Fremont!
Most kids friendly dandia – Local Center will manage the kids corner with beautiful, craft, fun and brain bending activities, when they are tired from dancing. Biggest in Fremont with electrifying Bollywood music by Dimple Patel.Buy your tickets at sulekha.com or from the other store ticket outlets.

Windemere Friends – Dandiya for Education 2011

After last year’s overwhelming success, once again“Windemere Friends”- a neighborhood group of Indo American families is organizing “Dandiya for Education 2011″. 100% profits go to neighborhood schools!

  • When: Oct 1, 2011 – 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Where: Windemere Ranch Middle School (Gym)
  • 11611 East Branch Pkwy, San Ramon, CA

Tickets: $12 each, $15 at the door (if there’s any left)(Kids 5 yrs & under free)

Contact: [email protected]

Dandiya For Education 2011 San Ramon
Dandiya For Education 2011 San Ramon

The Band: “Aseem and Madhvi”. The Bay Area’s most famous group for singing Dandiya. They have been performing in the Bay Area for more than 15 years!

  • Free dandiya training 7 – 7:30 PM
  • Popular Indian food served by Indian Restaurant
  • Dandiya will be available for purchase

So get your Indian outfits ready for the fun filled evening with family, friends and neighbors!
Come and relish a variety of Indian- food  and the bay-area’s best live Dandiya-music to go with it !!

Dandia or Raas and Garba, is a traditional dance popular in Western India. In India, this celebration occurs during the fall festival of Navratri (Nav-raa-tree). Dandiya is a dance with short sticks that promotes slow calorie burning. Many folks have tried Dandiya and enjoyed it. We will have a special training session from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM for all newcomers.
Windemere Friends – We are a group of concerned citizens that want to make a difference in our community. We have started this in August 2010 with the aim of organizing activities that we like right here in San Ramon while raising funds for the schools.
The group is 100% volunteer based with no administrative costs.

Today’s deal: $10.00 For Facial Threading in San Ramon/Dublin

Hi Everyone – Come To Sasta Desi to check out today’s amazing deal: Today’s deal: $10.00 For Facial Threading! Includes Eyebrows, Upper Lip and Full Chin.  Just Click on the link above to purchase the deal and to save a lot of money on your favorite local desi restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques and more!

Appointment Must Be Made
In Home Service For Groups Of 3 Or More.
Buyer can buy up to 4 Coupons
Coupons Will Be Valid For One Year From Purchase Date.

Seeking teachers to teach Telugu, Hindi and Mandarin

Recently opened learning center seeking to introduce Telugu, Hindi and Mandarin classes for students ages K-6. Please call 510-364-4033 or email [email protected] with resume and experience. Must have experience in teaching kids these languages and a formal curriculum structure. Center located in San Ramon and open 7 days a week. Classes will be on weekends – Saturdays or Sundays.

Rooms available for lease as well for tutors who wish to conduct their own business.

Seeking Carnatic and Hindi Music Teacher

Recently opened learning center seeking to introduce Carnatic and Hindi singing lessons for ages K-6. Please call 510-364-4033 or email [email protected] with resume and experience. Must have experience in teaching kids these subjects and a formal curriculum structure. Center located in San Ramon and open 7 days a week. Classes will be on weekends – Saturdays or Sundays.

Rooms available for lease as well for tutors who wish to conduct their own business.

Free Public Speaking Class

Have you always wanted your child to overcome shyness, be an effective communication, learn the importance of social etiquette and how to present themselves in various situations.. well this is your chance. The Lil’ Genius Kids, a franchise of the award winning center Genius Kids,  presents a FREE public speaking class at its new expanded location 1021 Market Place, San Ramon on Wednesday September 7, 2011 from 6:30-7:30pm. Grades K-6 – email [email protected] for a FREE coupon or call 925-244-1080 to reserve a seat.

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John Maxwell

The Lil’ Genius Kid, an award winning educational concept and franchise of the most innovative educational center, Genius Kids, featured on  CNNMoney.comhttp://cadillac.money.cnn.com/cnn/cbu/episode.jsp?pv=true&ep=4

has expanded its location to a beautiful large campus at 1021 Market Place, San Ramon CA 94583.

Offering drop in care and membership driven programs, catering to PreSchool, Pre-K, K, and After School Grades K-6th, as well as Reading , Book and Public Speaking Clubs – including pick up from local schools.

Contact Rennu at 925-244-1080 or email: [email protected] for more information.

Most classes are filling up so do not miss this wonderful opportunity of an accelerated award winning  educational facility to the residents of the Tri-Valley.

Little Genius Montessori Preschoo, Pre-K, Kindergarten in Dublin,CA

Little Genius Montessori provides a loving and caring environment for children ages 2.5 to 5 years old in our Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Extended Child Care programs. We are located in Dublin, CA.
We are currently accepting applications for the priority wait list. Please call
925-803-5867 for more details or for tour.

Email: [email protected]
Please visit us at www.littlegeniusmontessorilc.com

Talk By Dentist

HCCC Human Service Presents a talk By Dr. Preeti Chitgopekar on Dentures, their care and their fitting in your mouth, Gum health, disease and Cardiac Issues, Implants and how it fosters quality of life

Where: Assembly Hall at Shiva Vishnu Temple 1223 Arrowhead Ave Livermore CA 94550

When: September 3rd 2011 from 2  P.M.to 4 P.M.

More information Contact :  Suman Jain at [email protected]  or call temple 925-449-6255#3

 

 

Annual Seniors Day

HCCC  Human Service Presents  ANNUAL SENIORS DAY. We invite seniors to come and enjoy a day full of activites- talent show.

Where: Shiva Vishnu Temple Assembly Hall, 1223 Arrowhead Ave Livermore CA 94550

When: Oct 8th, 2011 From 10:oo A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Register by Oct 4th 2011 to participate in the performance.

To register- Contact  Suman Jain at suman [email protected]  or 925-371-5640  OR Dharini Baskaran at [email protected] or 925-875-9689

Shiva0Vishnu Temple Office at 925-449-6255 #3

 

Pleasanton, Dublin redistricting may result in Indian-American winning US Congress seat

Last week, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville have been redistricted in the Congressional electoral map. And this suddenly creates a possibility that we may see the third ever Indian-American getting elected to the U.S House after Dalip Singh Saund (1956)and Bobby Jindal (2004).
So what’s the scoop, and who are we talking about here?

A young Indian-American is now challenging established norms in an audacious bid to win a seat in the U.S House of Representatives. Ranjit Gill, a law student at University of California in Berkeley is just 24 (he’d have crossed the qualifying age by election day), but he’s drummed up a war chest of nearly $ 500,000, the third-highest in the country for a Republican challenger, forcing the party leadership and political pundits to take notice. If Gill can pull it off, he will be the youngest U.S Congressman since 1797.

Ranjit Gill (Ricky) makes an audacious bid for US Congress seat

Gill, known locally by his nickname Ricky, is aiming for the Ninth Congressional District in California, which is currently held by Democrat Jerry McNerney, 60, an engineer from Pleasanton now serving his third term. Normally, few would have given the Indian-American upstart any chance, considering the monotonous regularity with which incumbents, riding on the odds stacked against challengers in terms of raising money and nursing constituency, are re-elected.

But a growing anti-incumbency mood coupled with lucky breaks in constituency redistricting offers Gill a sniffing chance. An electoral map approved this week by California’s bipartisan Citizens Redistricting Commission will include more of San Joaquin County, where Hispanics outnumber whites, while cities like Pleasanton and Dublin (McNerney strongholds) have been moved to other districts. Local pundits say the changes have dropped areas that Gill knows nothing about (read Dublin, Pleasanton) and constituents who know nothing about him. McNerney has already said he would move from Pleasanton to San Joaquin County.

A first generation Indian-American whose parents are both physicians, Gill is pumped up in an area which has a large Sikh community involved in farming and agriculture and a big Hispanic labor force. His forbears hail from Ropar in Punjab but he was born in a town called Lodi, California (not related to the dynasty or the town from the sub-continent; it’s a town most famous for Zinfandel wine) and speaks both Punjabi and Spanish. Gill has staked out positions on major issues for the agricultural industry, including his support for diverting water to the San Joaquin Valley and the creation of a guest worker program.

Much of his campaign contributions are believed to come from alumni supporters at Princeton and UC Berkeley, and Indian-Americans in the medical, agricultural, and academic fraternity. California’s large and pedigreed Sikh community and the nearly 15 per cent Asian-American population in the district has already lined up to support him. His parents, both obstetricians who moved to the area in the 1970s, are well known in the medical community and are plugged into a sprawling fund-raising network for local political causes, which Gill has tapped into from his campaign headquarters at the Flag City RV Resort near Lodi.

Gill will turn 25 — the minimum age required to be a member of the House — a month before the June 2012 primary. He was 17 when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger chose him to serve as the student member of the State Board of Education. He attended Princeton University, graduating in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in public policy.

So Dublin, Pleasanton, Danville residents don’t really get to vote for Ranjit Gill. But the fact that voters in these cities are not part of his contituency now simply increase his chances of winning.

Life in Tri-Valley