Practical Problems

Car pool to the bay area – how and why

9 Comments

For many people who settled down in the San Ramon – Pleasanton “Outer Bay” area, the “compromise”, if you will, has been with the commute. Though Tri valley is considered within the catchment area of the economic engine that is Silicon valley, the commute could be anything but easy. But then where else would you find nice, new houses at the price with top notch education?
Anyhow (with the premise that majority of Indians work in IT) some people do get to do a manageable commute to the local Chevron or Sybase or Oracle offices. But for a vast majority, if they don’t get to work from home, there is no other way but to head out on 680 or 580. Yes, you can get to beat the traffic if you head out at 6 or 11. Or it may not be as bad if after a short commute, BART can take you to the city.
But Car pools are surely something that come to the rescue of the commuters who have to go to bay area. There is a carpool lane from Dublin to Livermore (from Airway Blvd to GreenVille Rod), but its eastbound only, so only helps in evening rush hour as people head home to Livermore, and even beyond to Tracy. During office hours, the car pool between Alcosta and Livorna help commuters between Alamo to San Ramon on 680. Finally if you are travelling southbound on 680, from start of Fremont uptil Milpitas (Route 84 to 237) you can enjoy the carpool, again during office rush hours.
Unfortunately the 580/680 intersection in Pleasanton/Dublin is a real bottle neck during rush hours, and there is no carpool till Hayward on 580 or till Sunol on 680. Many Pleasanton folks are rather happy to take Sunol Blvd exit to reach their homes in the evenings. Fortunately, 880 does have carpool lanes, and there is battle still to be won once you reach 880.

So over all riding with someone else does make sense, and thus a need to turn the car into a ‘high occupancy vehicle’. There also are Park and Ride points like in Danville (Sycamore Valley Rd & 680) or Dublin (Koll Center and Tassajara Rd), Pleasanton (Johnson Dr and Stoneridge), San Ramon (Bollinger Canyon & 680) and a few in Livermore where you can meet carpool partners or your vanpool in a central location. Many lots also feature easy access to transit connections. You don’t even need a car to use a Park & Ride lot since many lots offer bike lockers. Car pooling is convenient and less-expensive, and you can even cross toll bridges for free. Additionally, carpooling helps reduce vehicle emissions to help keep our air cleaner. All you need is one or two other people to make it work (who work close by and have same timings). Carpool with neighbors, coworkers, family, friends. If you are looking for any desi people to carpool with, feel free to use this site to connect as many people search for car pool partners. There are many other websites – the ridematch services, classifieds, Craigslist, etc. which can help you to find a partner. And don’t frown when you search on google and even find people discussing issues like how do or would spouses react if you carpool with a person of opposite sex in routine! Go carpooling!

Services

Montessori Preschool and Day care in Windemere

Leave a comment

Little Genius Montessori is a home based Montessori Preschool opening in your Windemere neighborhood with programs designed to meet the needs of your children.

We have Preschool / pre-k programs using Montessori material. We are accepting applications for Fall 2010. Please visit our website for more information. We have early bird special discount.

http://www.littlegeniusmontessorilc.com/.

Culture, Events

India Independence Day 15th August Celebrations 2010

2 Comments
Happy Independence Day 2010
Happy Independence Day 2010

The Federation of Indian Associations is again organizing the grand mela and parade on August 15th 2010 (Sunday) at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA, 94536 (Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave). The Festival of India Banquet Night would be held at San Ramon Marriott.

The booth price at the festival ranges from $550 for a non-profit to Corporate for $5,000. This big festival in the San Fransisco Bay Area, California, showcases and shares India’s rich culture and heritage through various events. Over 120 booths will feature Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothes, jewelry, food, and more. The parade is a work of art featuring 15 floats representing different states of India, the Indian-American community and businesses organizations. The grand carnival will feature Bollywood star Aftab Shivdasani and Bollywood Singer Arpita Mukerjee who will serve as Grand Marshals leading the parade. Parade assembly is at 12 noon sharp, with entertainment and shows set to commence at 2 p.m., continuing throughout the day.

  • For Parade, participants will line up on Capitol Avenue and proceed along Liberty Street onto Walnut Avenue.

    Parade Route
    Parade Route
  • COST: $5 general entrance. The health fair and Sunday’s parade are free. The tickets can be purchased at the gate for $5. Entry tickets need to be purchased separately for Saturday, August 14th, 2010 and Sunday, August 15th, 2010. Tickets will be valid for the day purchased only and need to be exchanged to wrist bands at the “On-line” ticketing window near the mela entrance. If you bought a $4 ticket online prior to Aug 13, get an printed email confirmation.
  • Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday with a free health fair that includes consultations with more than 100 doctors and nurses
  • It costs about $250,000 to hold the two-day festival, the Bay Area’s largest Indo-American celebration
  • Organizers had to cancel the 2008 parade because of a lack of funds
  • Festival of India became an instant success when it started in 1992
  • More than 50,000 visitors expected to central Fremont
  • Celebrations will begin Friday, August 13 with an official flag raising ceremony at San Jose’ City Hall at 6:30 p.m
  • Parking available in neighboring commercial lots. See Parking Map for the Independence Day Festival in Fremont here. Parking Map 2010 Festival of India Fremont(courtesy fiaonline.org)

There will also be a Free Health Fair (10:00 am – 01:00 pm), Dance Competition, Kids Corner, Mela on Sat, August 14, 11am – 7pm at Fremont Hall of Justice Parking Lot at corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave.
Dance Competition Entry Form Deadline is Fri, August 6, 11:30pm – Sat, August 7, 12:00am. The form can be accessed here.

2010 Grand Marshal is Aftab Shivdasani. Last year it was Mauli Dave (Singer)
Chief Guests this year are Jeevika Shah, Mrs. India 2004 and Arpita Mukerjee, Bollywood Singer
Indian Musical Extravaganza with SaReGaMaPa Finalist Mauli Dave

Jeevika Shah
Jeevika Shah
Aftab Shivdasani
Aftab Shivdasani
Arpita Mukerjee
Arpita Mukerjee

Time 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Festival Mela Stage

Festival of India Banquet Night
Place: San Ramon Marriott
Time: 8:00 pm
Music, DJ and Sumptuous Indian Dinner
FIA Members: Free
Tickets: $50/Person

Free Health Fair
10:00 am – 01:00 pm

Saturday, Aug 14, 2010

Free Health Fair

10:00 am – 01:00 pm

Mela (Fair)
10:00 am – 07:00 pm

Dance Competition
11:00 am – 05:00 pm

Dance Competition/Awards
05:00 pm – 06:00 pm

Sunday, Aug 15, 2010

Mela (Fair)
10:00 am – 07:00 pm

Cultural Program
11:00 am – 12:00 Noon

Parade
12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm

More details to follow…

****************************************************************************

Global Indian Technology Professional’s Association (GITPRO) is also celebrating India’s Independence Day (and its own Anniversary) as a free event on Sunday, August 15, 2010, 5:15-7:15 pm at Washington Park Hall, 840 W Washington Ave, Sunnyvale, California.

High Lights:
1. Journey and the Role of Indian Entrepreneurs in USA/India
2. 1857 the First War of Independence
3. Hindi Patriotic Songs Cultural Program

******************************************************************
Sunnyvale Hindu Temple – Cultural Event on the occasion of Independence of India
By Mile Sur Mera Tumhara Group
Sunday 15th Aug, 2010 4:00PM – 6:30PM
(Free & Snacks will be served)
Also, there would be a Hasya Kavi Sammelan by famous humorous Poets from India on Saturday 14th August 2010 8:00PM (its a ticketed event)
******************************************************************
Celebrating Independence Day of India, Big Cinemas will be screening a number of popular Bollywood movies free for cine lovers across the US.

Movies like ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Chak De India’, ‘Namaste London’, ‘Rock On’, ‘Sivaji’, ‘Dasavatharam’, and ‘Indian’ have been lined up for screening in 11 theaters for the week long ‘Spirit of my Tiraga’ beginning August 7.

BIG Cinemas is also the in-cinema partner for India Day Parade Fremont.

Culture, Events

Celebrate July 4 – but don’t keep fireworks for Diwali

1 Comment

Or the best is – July 4 Fireworks: Watch Them, Don’t Buy Them
Though buying and using fireworks is legal in Dublin (but not in Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon or Danville) – note that its so for celebrating the Independence Day, and not for other festivals like Diwali for Indians or Japanese hanabi taikai. So if you are harboring any ideas to buy the crackers this week for the dual purpose, drop the idea and instead enjoy the fireworks show in one of the Dublin parks, or the city organized celebrations in other cities (as noted below).

Use of “safe and sane” fireworks, which carry a state fire marshal’s seal and do not explode, fly or burn excessively hot, are legal on private property in just a dozen Bay Area communities, including Dublin where Safe and Sane Fireworks can Be Used in Single Family Neighborhoods and Designated Parks on the Fourth of July.
But fireworks purchased in those cities can be set off only in those cities.

Designated Parks in Dublin For Use of Safe and Sane Fireworks
1. The Alamo Creek Park (Dougherty Road & Willow Creek Drive)
2. Dublin Sports Grounds (Dublin Blvd. & Civic Plaza)
3. Emerald Glen Park (Tassajara & Gleason Drive)
The City of Dublin has designated the 3 Parks where the use of Safe and Sane Fireworks will be permitted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the 4th of July Only!!!
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY TYPE, including “Safe and Sane”, will be permitted at many City Facilities, Parks or Public Schools. See list here:
http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us/pdf/Designated%20Parks%20in%20Dublin.pdf

The City of Dublin does not allow the use of any fireworks in multi-family housing areas or any other City facilities, schools, and non-designated parks. Please do NOT hesitate to report any non-permitted use of fireworks to Dublin Police Services at (925) 462-1212.
Fireworks are sold by non-profit groups located in the City of The application process for a fireworks booth begins in April of each year.

Many of the non-profit organizations in Dublin, CA, support their community service efforts by selling fireworks every year. This year, the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks starts on Monday, June 28. The list of participating organizations include:
Rotary Club of Dublin 7944 Dublin Boulevard (Hooters)
Wells Band 4400 Tassajara Road (Safeway at Waterford)
Dublin Partner in Education 4400 John Monego Court (GMC Buick)

Personal fireworks use, which is illegal throughout Contra Costa County which includes San Ramon and Danville. Offenders could face $500 in fines for the smaller fireworks, while possession of more potent fireworks like M-80s or cherry bombs could lead to felony charges, fines of up to $5,000 and jail time.

San Ramon’s “Red, White and Blue Picnic and Fireworks” is Sunday, July 4 in the city’s Central Park at 12501 Alcosta Blvd. Families are welcomed to enjoy a picnic in the beautiful park setting beginning at 1 p.m., with the fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call the City of San Ramon Parks and Community Services Department at 925-973-3200.

The Pleasanton Police Department and the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department want to ensure everyone has a safe Independence Day and remind you that ALL FIREWORKS, INCLUDING SAFE AND SANE, ARE ILLEGAL IN PLEASANTON. Violations are taken very seriously and violators can expect to receive a citation and have their fireworks seized.

Its rumoured that one can always go to China Towns or Mexico to buy fireworks anytime, but a good place to learn what’s legal and illegal in each state is the American Pyrotechnics Assoc website http://www.americanpyro.com/State%20Laws%20(main)/PDFStates/california.pdf

Despite the ban of fireworks that exist in most cities in the area, including San Jose, you won’t have to go very far in your city to see somebody shooting off fireworks. “Illegal fireworks are available everywhere now,” said Gilroy Fire Marshal Jackie Bretschneider, whose city is one of the few to allow the so-called “safe and sane” fireworks. The debate on banning fireworks is starting to heat up. One Northern California city is resuming fireworks sales after reasoning there was no way to enforce a ban. But officials in most cities are sticking by theirs, insisting the bans are the only way to prevent a rash of fires and injuries.

List of 275 Communities Permitting State-Approved Fireworks
http://www.ca-fireworks.com/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=508

Reference:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_15413967?nclick_check=1
http://sanramon.patch.com/articles/july-4-fireworks-watch-them-dont-buy-them
http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us/qa-fire.cfm?Ans=3NV113232200719125023&PL=exp&SL=FS
http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/news/?nid=84

About Pleasanton, Culture, Youth Activities

Conversation Hindi Camp in Pleasanton

Leave a comment

Organized by US Hindi Organization (USHA), the Conversational Hindi camp will provide a creative, fun, and interactive environment and focus on developing conversational Hindi skills.

CampHighlights:

· Unique exposure to Hindi
· Practice spoken Hindi through theater, real life situations, indoor and outdoor games and peer-to-peer conversing
· Animation Movies & Songs
· Provides both fun and learning
· Step up to a higher speaking level
· Lots of activities for the whole day!

OPEN TO ALL PUBLIC / Grades K-8 / June21-June25/ 9am – 4pm
code: 94588. Camp. Carden West School.
June 21-June 25 – 9am-4p / $335.00
Instructor(s): Manju Mishra
Location: Carden West School(Pleasanton)
For Registration email [email protected] or call (650)493-1566
Other classes in also being held in Belmont, Fremont, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, San Jose, Sunnyvale
http://www.ssreg.com/usha/

Madhu Bhasha Kendra in also organizing Hindi camps in Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose and Saratoga
Schedule is here http://www.hindionline.org/tentative_schedule.htm

Or as always, India Community Center has summer camps in a wide range. Check http://www.indiacc.org/culturalcamps

Entertainment, Movies

Indian movie theater scene warming up in bay area

3 Comments

Watching Indian movies in Theaters in the bay area is a warming up scene – but with all the desi population, it surely has potential to hotten up. For tri-valley folks, not only did recently Naz and IMC got acquired by Big Cinemas, and reopened, at only 20 miles away, the Brenden 14 theater in Concord across the street from Swagat is also beginning to show a hindi movie or two.
(If you can’t find the hindi movie listing on yahoomovies, you will find the timings on fandango.com. You can even get two tickets for 14.99 in Concord, Modesto or Vacaville Costco. There are over 800 free parking spaces.
As an illustration, Rajneeti is playing from July 4 (1:05 4:35 8:10), next to Sex and the City 2. They are also developing some reputation for some sumptuous samasos they have on sale with the Hindi show.)

AMC Mercado 20 in Santa Clara, UA Emery Bay in Emeryville, Century 25 Union Landing in Union City, and Cinedome 7 Newark also show first run Hindi movies.

When Naz cinema closed in Fremont early this year, there were rumours that it closed due to rat infestations! But no, it actually got purchased by Big Cinemas, Anil Ambanis entertainment company which is out there purchasing all such theatres in the US.
For all its notoriety with filth, you could actually book tickets in advance online, and they were also pragmatic enough to often show subtitles. What if bad customer service was part of the entertainment!
The replacement of Naz, Big Cinemas Fremont 7 opened in Feb. They apparently have $5 Tuesdays, Real tickets! (Not raffle tickets!), there is a courteous staff that tells you to enjoy the show, and smiles!! They offer Matinee for all films before 6:00 pm — and they actually have shows before 6pm!

  • Big Cinemas Fremont 7, 39160 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont.
  • UA Emory Bay Stadium 10, 6330 Christie Ave, Emeryville.
  • Century 25 Union Landing, 32100 Union Landing, Union City.
  • Cinedome 7, 6000 New Park Mall, Newark.
  • AMC Mercado 20, 3111 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara.
  • Brenden 14 1985 Willow Pass Road Concord.

Hopefully more can be added to this list soon!

Events, Networking

Relocate to India job fair

2 Comments

24th June, 2010:  Relocate to India, Job Fair

When: 24 June 2010
6pm to 9pm

http://www.siliconindia.com/ events/june24caindex.htm

Where: Biltmore Hotel , Suite 215 Laurelwod Road Santa Clara , CA 95054

Jobs in India for returning professionals

Companies in India are looking to hire professionals with US experience / education. The SiliconIndia Job Fair 2010 will bring together recruiters, HR Managers and candidates who are looking for that right company and opportunity to return to India You can meet recruiters at their booths personally and discuss employment opportunities. It is not just software anymore; companies are also looking for specialized skills in systems, chip design, testing, senior level project management marketing, business development and much more? This is 7th year of these one of a kind job fairs where professionals returning to India can interview with hiring companies in U.S. only. From our previous events, more then half the attendees’ return back to India in 3 months with job offers. There are half the attendees’ return back to India in 3 months with job offers. There are company’s specific relocation packages to India. By industry estimates, more than 20,000 professional Indians have returned back to India in last 2 years. It’s much more convenient to get the dream job with a MNC in India while in U.S. at SiliconIndia Job fair then looking for a job after landing in India.

Things to do

Cherry or fruit picking near Tri Valley

1 Comment

Brentwood – which is about 30 miles away is quite a farmland with many a farms for Cherry or fruit picking.  We decided to try it out as well.

From Livermore Costco, its about 30 minutes away, going up north on Vosco. A friend has visited Nunn Better farms for Cherry picking last week, so decided to try out the same.

One interesting thing was that there are no good websites for specific farms – the most useful is a Trail Map here: http://www.harvest4you.com/pdfs/HT2010_mapwcat.pdf

Some Yelp reviews made the place sound like very farm-ish. You’ll get dirty, there’s too much sun, etc. – though it didn’t turn out to be exactly like that.  Anyhow, we went there a little late in the evening (though the best time is to go early morning).  The drive was interesting, with the mostly single lane Vasco Road meandering around a load of Windmills of all varieties.  The Nunn Better Farms is about 3-4 miles ‘inside’ Brentwood – so as you pass some other farms, you’re are like this one better be good. They have posted ample signs directing you to the farm, so that also raised expectations. Over all, it was an OK experience. Not sure if its normal, but a good majority of the Cherries had that line that tends to divide the cherry into two lobes. Not many actually had two lobes.
At USD2.50 a pound, it seemed a little expensive in this cherry season. The cost at the local grocery or Costco is same – with better quality. But well, then, its also some cherry picking experience with the kids (that gets you there to begin with).
They stopped people from coming in at around 4:15 PM – and most of the other farms close at 4:00 PM for U-pick. For the Picked fruit, there are stalls outside most farms where you can buy already picked fresh fruit, but the prices are again no better than the local stores. You’d also find local olive oil, in addition to fruits on the sale. We picked up some white pear and peaches and blackberries – mostly pretty good.

So cherry/berry picking is surely something to do in Summers if you live in Tri Valley.

Cricket

Cricket to continue at San Ramon park, but hours limited

3 Comments

In response to resident concerns, the San Ramon Recreation commissioners modified the Cricket hours at Monarch Park to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. once the school is opened for play in August and stipulated that the 240-member association strictly adhere to the time constraints. The league will play cricket on Saturdays at Windemere Ranch Middle School, while league play on Sundays would remain at Monarch.

Noise, traffic and not being able to use the park when they want are just some of the complaints that neighbors of Monarch Park on North Monarch Road have about organized games of the sport made popular in Britain, India, Pakistan, Australia and other countries.
The San Ramon Cricket Association rents the Monarch Park cricket pitch — the only one in the city — to host its league games on weekends from March through November. For about the past two years, games have taken place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Monarch Park.
As of Aug. 1, the commission would permit league cricket play on Saturdays at Windemere Ranch Middle School, while league play on Sundays would remain at Monarch.

The parks staff is also asking that the cricket pitch — the only one in the city — remain at Monarch Park and be rented to sports organizations for group play. Parks staff would also like to look at possibly adding a cricket pitch to the yet-to-be built Rancho San Ramon Community Park. The 35-acre Dougherty Valley park is not expected to be built for a few years.

“We love playing cricket,” said Zeeshan Khan, a 12-year resident of Gale Ranch, the subdivision where Monarch Park is located. “We’re as much as privileged to live in San Ramon as our neighbors are.”
The vast majority of the association members, composed of about 70 percent of San Ramon residents, hail from countries including India and Pakistan, where the sport, played on a 360-degree field, is hugely popular and part of the heritage.
Following the vote, which Commissioner David Ernest opposed, league leaders said they were pleased.
“This is a very positive outcome for the SRCA,” said Sridhar Verose, association president. “We are happy the city commission is supporting us.”
But some neighbors said the decision failed to address several issues.
Stephen Moy said the small neighborhood park on North Monarch Road was never intended for adult league play — of any sport — and that cricket players deserve a more suitable location.
Samantha Finnegan, a mother to children ages 2 and 4, said she remains concerned about safety after seeing the cricket ball fly into the playground area and cannot use the park on weekends when she is off work because the fields are occupied.
“It has nothing to do with cricket as a sport,” she said. “To me, it’s 100 percent about the use of the park as a neighborhood park for my family.”
Although the commission’s decision will stand unless appealed to the City Council, the location issue will be revisited when the Parks and Community Services Department updates its master plan, said Director Karen McNamara.
One potential site for a permanent cricket field is the 35-acre Rancho San Ramon Community Park slated to be built in the next five or six years by Dougherty Valley developers.

From:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_15094592 By Rebecca F. Johnson Correspondent Posted: 05/15/2010 05:24:32 PM PDT
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15063841 By Sophia Kazmi Contra Costa Times Posted: 05/11/2010 03:56:48 PM PDT

Entertainment

Punjabi Giddha dance competition

1 Comment

Perhaps nowhere even in urban Punjab would you see such a fervor for the local folk dance Giddha as you would see in the Bay Area.
Six local Giddha teams get together with teams from LA, DC, Dallas and Seattle to participate in the 2nd Annual West Coast
Giddha Competition. This competition is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the beauty and spirit of the Punjabi culture. This event serves as a night to celebrate the rich tradition of Giddha and Punjab.
The competition this year will take place on May 22, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. at the state-of-the-art Castro Valley Center for the
Arts in Castro Valley, CA. This year about 20-25 teams could be submitting applications for the competition. Months of preparation, long practices, and devotion make the competition highly competitive.

Saturday May 22, 2010
5:00 PM
Castro Valley Center of Arts
19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley CA 94546
Parking is available next to the theatre.

There is unfortunately a $20 ticket to the event; However the Tor Punjaban Di™ II Committee claims that it will also use portions of the proceeds from the event to help fund youth events and organizations, aiming to promote education and awareness of the Punjabi culture via music and dance. As well they have already pledged to financially assist out of state teams that qualify for the competition. Tickets will be sold at locations throughout the Bay Area.

Giddha is a popular folk dance of women in Punjab and exhibits teasing, fun and exuberance of Punjabi life. The dance is derived from the ancient ring dance and is just as energetic as Bhangra and at the same time it manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance and elasticity. Giddha is essentially danced in circles. Girls form rings and one of the dancers sit in the centre of this ring with a dholki (drum).

The vitality of Bhangra can also be seen in the Giddha dance of the women of Punjab. This dance translates into gestures, bolian-verses of different length satirizing politics. The dancers enact verses called bolis, which represent folk poetry at its best. The subject matter of these bolis is wide ranging indeed – everything from arguments with the sister-in-law to political affairs figure in these lively songs – bolis can also cover themes from nature to excesses committed by the husband and his relatives, some talk about love affairs to the loneliness of a bride separated from her groom.

No musical instruments except perhaps a dholak accompanies Giddha and provides the rhythm for the dance. The distinctive hand-claps of the dancers is a prominent feature of this art-form. Giddha is a very vigorous folk dance and like other such dances of Northern India is taxing on the legs of the artists. (from Sikhwiki)

Some pictures of the event from last year (copyright G&H Studio)

Giddha - Bay Area Competition - Punjabi Dance
Giddha - Bay Area Competition - Punjabi Dance
Giddha - Bay Area Competition - Punjabi Dance
Giddha - Bay Area Competition - Punjabi Dance
Culture, Events

Basant Kites Festivals in Bay Area

3 Comments

Spring! It’s that time of the year when India and Indians everywhere come alive in a riot of vivacious colors to herald spring! As India is a country of diverse cultures there are many varied festivals to celebrate the arrival of spring in the different parts of the country! Basically most festivals have a religious fervor to it and are symbolic of victory of good over evil !
Holi, and then Basant Panchami.
During spring in the northern states of Haryana and Punjab, the mustard fields are in full bloom and resembles yellow carpets laid out on acres of land . Hence, yellow is the color of the festival and people wear yellow clothes and fly yellow kites on the rooftops after a religious ceremony dedicated to the Goddess of learning! People fly kites in the nights as well using searchlights!
The spring festival Uttarayan of Gujarat in north India falls at a time ,when the sun and the wind flow ,is favorable for flying kites!

In the Bay Area, there are at least two festivals being celebrated.

Basant Kite Festival, Baylands Park in Sunnyvale, Sunday, May 16, 2010
“We are gearing up for the Basant Kite Festival. This year for the very first time we will be celebrating this cultural tradition, common in India and Pakistan, by bringing the Silicon Valley Pakistani and Indian communities together. Every year at this event we fly desi kites, have a kite flying competition, music program at the center stage, dancing (bhangra and others), children games and activities, vendor booths and stalls, food booths, etc.”

Basant Kites Festival Sunnyvale 2010
Basant ites Festival Sunnyvale 2010

Kids ‘n Kites Festival, Central Park, Fremont, Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Department is holding its annual Kids ‘n Kites Festival on Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival, presented by American Swim Academy, is located within Central Park, next to Aqua Adventure Waterpark.

The festival is free to the public, and includes free kites to the first 2,500 children in attendance. There will be live entertainment on the main stage, interactive booths highlighting summer activities, play area for the kids, food, and more. The festival has something fun for everyone!

Kids N Kites Festival Fremont 2010
Kids N Kites Festival Fremont 2010
Culture, Events

Baisakhi Mela 2010 in Concord

3 Comments
Baisakhi Mela 2010 or 7th Annual Diversity Spring Festival will be held on Saturday May 01 2010 at the Todos Santos Park Plaza in downtown Concord from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The mela will feature dances, and programs for children.
May 1st 2010 10:00am to 5:00pm
Free Entry & Food
Todos Santos Park Plaza
Downtown Concord
California 94520
(off of Willow Pass Rd. Corner to Grant St.)
Presented By: South Asian Behavioral Health and Training Foundation – SABH CENTER.
A Non-Profit California agency providing residential & mental health services to mentally & developmentally disabled, new immigrants & seniors
The festival is sponsored by the Therapeutic Residential Services, and the Federation of Inod-American Association of Northern California.

Baisakhi Mela 2010 or 7th Annual Diversity Spring Festival will be held on Saturday May 01 2010 at the Todos Santos Park Plaza in downtown Concord from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The mela will feature dances, and programs for children.

  • May 1st 2010 10:00am to 5:00pm
  • Free Entry & Food

Todos Santos Park Plaza

Downtown Concord

California 94520

(off of Willow Pass Rd. Corner to Grant St.)

Presented By: South Asian Behavioral Health and Training Foundation – SABH CENTER.

A Non-Profit California agency providing residential & mental health services to mentally & developmentally disabled, new immigrants & seniors

The festival is sponsored by the Therapeutic Residential Services, and the Federation of Inod-American Association of Northern California.




Youth Activities

Summer camps for Children

1 Comment

With school vacations right round the corner, mommies and daddies could use some the information here for planning out the vacations – perhaps more constructively than doing some of the other things. Of course this is more if you live in Pleasanton/San Ramon area (and sorry, nothing particularly desi here, other than that you should definitely expect a few desi kids in these summer camps – for more India related camps, see at the bottom):

2010 Summer Science Topics
Students today are looking for challenges! Spectrum of Science is helping elementary age children develop a competitive edge while giving them fun based science designed to instill confidence in science & to turn learning into play! Our interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates more than just “science”. Lessons are designed to stimulate youngsters to express their own originality & to motivate them to see their world in a totally new way! Projects & activities are creative, entertaining & imaginative & create passion while expanding their minds!
http://www.spectrumofscience.com/index_SummerCamps.htm
Summer Camp – This Land Is Your Land 2010
This Land is Your Land Summer Day Camp for children ages 5 – 15 blends the exciting science and nature studies developed by Sarah Shaffer, with art, music, hiking, swimming, and outdoor games. Our goal is for every child to have a summer filled with outrageous fun in a beautiful, natural setting. We say, “No child left indoors!”
http://sarahscience.com/pages/summer.html
Roughing It Day Camp
This premier all-outdoors program is located at the Lafayette Reservoir. Instruction for all abilities in horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, adventure and more. Longer sessions designed for growth, friendships, and fun for every camper!
http://www.roughingit.com/
Galileo Summer Quest
is a fun summer day camp for entering 5th—8th graders, where students dive into subjects they are passionate about or want to explore. Campers choose from a selection of inspiring Majors and Minors taught by experienced instructors. They also develop their teamwork skills, while creating strong connections with peers who share their interests.
http://www.galileo-learning.com/galileo-summerquest/index.html

2010 Summer Science Topics

Students today are looking for challenges! Spectrum of Science is helping elementary age children develop a competitive edge while giving them fun based science designed to instill confidence in science & to turn learning into play! Our interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates more than just “science”. Lessons are designed to stimulate youngsters to express their own originality & to motivate them to see their world in a totally new way! Projects & activities are creative, entertaining & imaginative & create passion while expanding their minds!

http://www.spectrumofscience.com/index_SummerCamps.htm

Summer Camp – This Land Is Your Land 2010

This Land is Your Land Summer Day Camp for children ages 5 – 15 blends the exciting science and nature studies developed by Sarah Shaffer, with art, music, hiking, swimming, and outdoor games. Our goal is for every child to have a summer filled with outrageous fun in a beautiful, natural setting. We say, “No child left indoors!”

http://sarahscience.com/pages/summer.html

Roughing It Day Camp

This premier all-outdoors program is located at the Lafayette Reservoir. Instruction for all abilities in horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, adventure and more. Longer sessions designed for growth, friendships, and fun for every camper!

http://www.roughingit.com/

Galileo Summer Quest

is a fun summer day camp for entering 5th—8th graders, where students dive into subjects they are passionate about or want to explore. Campers choose from a selection of inspiring Majors and Minors taught by experienced instructors. They also develop their teamwork skills, while creating strong connections with peers who share their interests.

http://www.galileo-learning.com/galileo-summerquest/index.html

Camps being Organized in Milpitas India Community Center (a good 30-45 minutes drive away from Tri Valley):
SUMMER CAMPS – June 14th – August 27th, 2010

  • ICC Sports & Table Tennis Camp
  • Entry / Beginner Level
  • Intermediate Level
  • Advanced Level
  • ICC Cultural and Speciality Summer Camps
  • Cultural Immersion Camp
  • Hindi Camp
  • Crafts of India Camp
  • Community Service & Leadership Camp
  • Movie Magic Camp
  • Bollywood Dance Camp
  • Invent a Bot Robotics & Animation Camp
  • BollyHop Camp
  • Space and Rocketry Camp
  • Robot Factory Camp
  • Vedic Math Camp
  • Gandhi Camp
  • Chess Camp
  • Treasures of the Taj Camp

Check these camps here.

Other than these there are Dance Camps being organized by likes of monasampat.com

Bollywood Dance, Culture, Training

Bollywood & Indian dance classes in Tri Valley

2 Comments

Today, there are many dance academy or classes in the tri valley cities of San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Danville and Livermore. They tend to primarily cater to a growing tendency of parents to have their children train in some form of bollywood dancing, as well as some are more culturally serious and go into the dephths of Bharatnatyam and Kathan, the traditional dance forms.

Typically youngsters are attending these classes on weekends. The classes are held in one rented dance studio or another. They pick up one or two of the recent bollywood numbers and have the class learn steps to the music. The classes typically end in a performance in one of the auditoriums in the area. For the final performance, parents buy tickets which cover the cost of renting the facility and arranging for dresses, etc.

Like any other kind of basic training anywhere else, these classes cost USD 10-15 per hour (per week) – and are typically arranged for 8-10 weeks a time. Some of the companies are local to Bay Area, while some have national presence. While a couple are local programmes, for the classical forms.

Mona Sampath Dance Company
Bollywood Dance, Fitness – all levels
Dublin & Pleasanton Classes
Dublin Fitness 2000: 7373 Village Pkway, Dublin, CA 94568
Pleasanton Spark: 3550 Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Rented Studio
inf…@m…com

Gurus of Dance
Bollywood Dance
Fitness 2000 7373 Village Pkwy Dublin, California 94568
classe…@g…com

Arya Dance Academy
Nationwide presence – classical dance to bollywood – Troupes, Pageants
Fitness 2000 7373 Village Pkwy Dublin, CA
register.ary…@g…com

Stepz Bollywood Dance
Dance and fitness – Bollywood dance
1901 Camino Ramon, Suite C, Danville, CA 94526
Taal Studio 6715-E Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568
CLOSED

Nupoor Dances
Taal Dance Studio, 6715 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
nupoordance…@y…com

Vrindavan Indian Dance Academy, Dr. Bindu S. Shankar
Bharatanatyam and Folk Dances
c/o San Ramon Valley Dance Academy
101 Ryan Industrial Court,
San Ramon, CA 94583.
bind…@v…com

Kalaikoil Dance and Arts of India, Swetha Dixit
Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Vocal, Hindu Vedic chantin
6715-G Dublin Blvd, Dublin Ca 94568
Livermore – near the Hindu Temple
swethadixi…@c…com

4Ever Dance Studio
Saira Khan – Bombay Jam, Meera Sarkar Riar – Kathak, Karan Riar – Bollywood
6635 Dublin Blvd Dublin, CA 94568
inf…@4…com

Riar Academy of Performing Arts
Bollywood and Kathak classes in Dublin, San Ramon, Livermore
6635 Dublin Blvd Dublin, CA 94568
inf…@r…com

Earthly Delights Fitness
7063 Commerce Cir Pleasanton, CA 94588
Dance: CLOSED

Nanny, Services

Desi nanny in San Ramon

391 Comments

Its been interesting to note how many people search for (and hence are looking for) desi nanny services in San Ramon/Dublin area.

If you a desi nanny looking for more work,  or are looking for a desi nanny, please use the comments space below to share it with others!

You could also try Sittercity.

Difficult to find a desi or Indian in this website in the tri-valley area, but you never know when someone adds!

Also try craigslist here:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/kid/eby?query=&srchType=A&nh=52&nh=53

Services

Handyman services in Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton

1 Comment

Its a known fact that many desi’s can go to extremes when it comes to managing small household repairs and handyman kind of work. While many prefer to offload or outsource such services to a handyman, others can go to great pain to work themselves to repair anything, small or big.

Typically high income double salary professionals would prefer to call in a handyman – there are enough other things keeping them busy.

A network of referrals always helps here. You don’t always want an unknown person from craigslist in your kitchen helping fix something, or painting your child’s bedroom.

So please share here any handyman that has worked for you and you would prefer recommending to other fellas!

Networking

Yahoo group for desi community in tri-valley

7 Comments

This is a group for Desi folks in the East Bay Area ( mainly San Ramon , Dublin , Pleasanton , Livermore , Danville ) to meet other fellow desis. Everyone is encouraged to participate and organize events for the group. Our intention is bring together people from the East Indian / Pakistani community in the East Bay area . So if you are looking for a place to interact with people from India or the Indian Continent, to make new friends, you’r in the right place.

  • http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EastBayDesi/

Sample of questions being addressed:

Can you please refer any good driving instructor here in San Ramon? I prefer someone who can come to San Ramon and teach my wife.
Ladies dinner on oct 23rd fri evening at 6:30pm
Looking for a Nanny
Feedback on Pleasanton KinderCare
playdates
Need Vegetarian Catering service
  • Can you please refer any good driving instructor here in San Ramon? I prefer someone who can come to San Ramon and teach my wife.
  • Ladies dinner on oct 23rd fri evening at 6:30pm
  • Looking for a Nanny
  • Feedback on Pleasanton KinderCare
  • playdates
  • Need Vegetarian Catering service
About Dublin, Events

Holi celebration in Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton Mar 7, 2010

2 Comments

Holi kab hai…Kab hai holi…?!

For the second year, the Tri Valley India Association is organizing the Festival of Colors ‘Holi Dhamal’  in the Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon area. The Holi itself is on Mar 01 (Monday) as per holifestival.org and is being celebrated widely in the San Fransisco Bay Area.

  • When: Mar 7th, 2010 (Sunday)
  • Location: Emerald Glen Park, Dublin, CA (Use 4201 Central Parkway, Dublin CA – 94568 for GPS/Online directions)
  • Time: 11:00pm – 2:00 pm
  • Cost: Adults $7; Kids (4 -12 yrs):$5; Kids 4 and under: Free; Group of 10 of more -Adult $5; Group of 10 or more – Kids $4  (Apparently Cost includes  colors)

No water guns allowed

Email [email protected] for tickets or more Info

Tickets Available At:

  • Kamal Spices (Pleasanton) – 6700 Santa Rita Road Pleasanton, CA 94588-3467 (925) 227-1600
  • New India Bazaar (Dublin) – 4552 Dublin Boulevard Dublin, CA 94568-7564 (925) 875-1692
  • New India Plaza (Dublin) – 6040 Dougherty Rd (at Houston Pl) Dublin, CA 94568 (925) 829-9950
  • ONLINE at https://www.sulekha.com/ticketsV3/buytickets.aspx?cid=588997
Holi - Festival of Colors Celebration 2010 - at Emerald Glen Park, Dublin CA (Pleasanton San Ramon Livermore Danville - Bay Area)
Holi - Festival of Colors Celebration 2010 - at Emerald Glen Park, Dublin CA (Pleasanton San Ramon Livermore Danville - Bay Area)

Map:

View Larger Map

About San Ramon, Events

Career Neworking Group in San Ramon

Leave a comment

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WinCareerNetwork/

This group is primarily for people living in the San Ramon, Dublin & Pleasanton areas which include large communities like Windemere and Gale Ranch. The primary purpose is to provide a forum for people to meet other like-minded individuals face-to-face in a friendly environment and foster career-oriented professional networking..

This Group will help those who want to improve their careers as well as those who are looking for work.. Topics of discussion include, typical interview questions/answers, technical discussions, presentations, work-place issues, job sectors etc.Occasionally, we have guest speakers as well.
The members also notify the group of important career oriented topics, seminars, networking opportunities that they become aware of, from time to time.

If you are interested or if you think you can contribute something to this group, please let us know…This is a voluntary and non-profit activity and all programs are free to the participants.

Culture, Events

India Republic Day 2010 Celebrations

2 Comments

India Republic Day (January 26) Celebrations will be on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 6:00 PM at Newark Pavilion, 6430 Thornton Ave., Newark, CA 94560. There will be a cultural program, patriotic songs, followed by dinner with invited guests.
Contacts: www.fiaonline.org or 51O-938-8668.

Also announced are the 18th Festival of India and Parade Celebrations on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave – same location as previous years).

Organized by Federation of Indo Americans of Northern California.

india-republic-day-2010-bay-area

Culture, Entertainment, Events

Desi Indian New Year Parties 2010

Leave a comment

No, the Trivalley area still does not have the critical mass of Desis to successfully host a party on its own. Private get-togethers for sure, but not the kinds where an entrepreneur can take initiative to put some classy entertainment together, book a party place, and take the risk of selling enough tickets.

But its apparent that almost all the better known Bay Area desi spots will have one or more parties being thrown together. Works for families and groups, and partners and singles. A DJ and dance floor is apparently the minimum denominator; some of the higher end ones have a celebrity or two visiting as well.

This year can drive to Fremont, Milpitas, Sunnywale, Newark, San Jose, Concord, or even Sacramento! In the coming year or two, hopefully we will see a party right here in San Ramon, Dublin or Pleasanton.

Leave behind 2009 in style, enjoy the evening and entertain yourself!
Here is a quick list of what events are scheduled in the Bay Area to welcome the new year 2010:

Holiday Inn – San Jose
http://www.bollywoodcool.com/
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Dance Performance by Kashmera Shah and Stand-up Comedy
General Tickets – $75.00

Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara
www.tigerfest2010.info
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Performance by Upen Patel , Celebrity Fashion Show
Minimum $75.00

Diamond Palace , Fremont
www.shindalivenye.com
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Sukshinder Shinda, Micki Narula
Tickets $99

India Community Center , Milpitas
www.indiacc.org
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Stand-Up Comedy, Dance
Tickets $79

The Diamond Palace, Fremont
510-453-1521
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Andhra Dance, Telugu DJ, Tambola
General Tickets – $59.00

City Beach, Fremont
www.desinewyearparty.com
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Akhil Tatreja DJ and Remix
General Tickets – $69.00

Udupi Palace, Newark
510-794-8400
General Tickets – $25.00
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: DJ – AR Rahman Beats

Hilton Concord Hotel, Concord
925-888-4392
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Live Band, DJ, Professional Photographer
General Tickets – $65.00

Hilton Hotel, Sacramento
916-772-7555
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Multiple Ball Rooms, DJs
General Tickets – $65.00

Sneha – Banquet Hall, Sunnyvale
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: DJ, Dance
Tickets $50

Happy New Year!

Life in Tri-Valley