HVCA Board Homestead Valley Music Festival… Next Meeting ... · 8/12/2014 · Gwen Gallagher, Eric Woodhouse, Jill Thomas, Jeanie and Jeff Gilliam, Penny Alexandris, Devi Brown,

1 Deadline for the September Headlines: August 15th, 2011

HVCA Board Next Meeting—Sept. 6

HVLT Board Next Meeting—Sept. 13

CERT Committee 3rd Tues., as called

Sanitary Board Tues., 8/23, 7:30 PM

Tam Des Rvw Bd 1st/3rd Wed.,7:00 PM Log Cabin, Tam Vly

A. A. Meeting Saturdays, 10:00 AM

N. A. Meetings Thurs & Fri, 6:30 PM

Homestead Village Walking Group

Fri., 1:15-3:15 PM

Blue Bear Music On Summer Hiatus

Puppy Training Gentle Touch Classes Thurs., 6:30 & 7:30 PM

Ali Weiss Music Thurs., 9:30 & 10:30 AM and 3:30 & 4:30 PM

Tues., 9:30 & 10:30 AM

T’ai Chi Chuan Mondays, 6:00 &

7:00 PM

Group Meditation Wednesdays, 6:30 PM

Music Together Fridays 9:30, 10:30 &

11:30 AM

Mat Pilates Wednesdays., 9:00 AM

Volume 56, Issue 8

HomesteadHomesteadHomesteadHomestead HeadlinesHeadlinesHeadlinesHeadlines AUGUST, 2011

Homestead Valley Music Festival…

Monotones to Headline This Year’s Festival, Sunday, September 4th

By Bob Westbrook

The Music Festival Committee is HUGELY excited to announce the line-up for the 2011 Homestead Valley Music Festival, to be held once again on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend (September 4th) from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, in the meadow at the Homestead Valley Community Center.

Headlining the festival is the Monophonics who will perform a 90-minute power set that blends old-school funk and soul, and is sure to get the crowd groovin’. Raised amid San Francisco’s rich musical culture, these young musicians proudly carry on the tradition of music native to their hometown. As a mainstay of San Francisco venues such as the Boom Boom Room and the Independent, the Monophonics have created a national buzz and fervent local following, sharing the stage & bill with such names as Budos Band, Orgone, Soulive, Macy Gray, and many others.

A special treat this year is The Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir! The Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir introduces gospel music to youth ages 13 to 18. The choir, first started in 1997, now includes 21 members from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. OIYC was voted the Best Youth Gospel Choir in the 2007 Northern California Gospel Academy Awards. It has per-formed at local events such as the San Jose Jazz Festival, Women’s World Cup Games, Oakland Museum’s Juneteenth celebrations and “Voices of Youth” at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral.

Joining us this year is San Francisco Bay Area troubadour and award winning songwriter, Forest Sun. Forest has regaled audiences around the globe with his wealth of songs and stories, all sung and told with back porch ease and bonho-mie. Sun's music has been compared to everyone from Jack Johnson, The Ayett Brothers and John Mayer to Van Morrison and Bob Dylan , but his unique style is entirely his own. Forest has opened for Bonnie Raitt, The Beach Boys, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne, Keb Mo and many others.

Cont. on Page 6

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Homestead HeadlinesHomestead HeadlinesHomestead HeadlinesHomestead Headlines

Images of Early Homestead Valley By Chuck Oldenburg

Brabos’ Oral History Chapter 2

Life of Tony Brabo in the 1920s

Tony Brabo was born in Mill Valley on February 14, 1912, third from the young-est in a family of ten. The family later lived in Santa Rosa. Both of his parents died there in 1924, and 12-year old Tony and his younger brother became or-phans, wards of the state. Tony quit school after sixth grade. The county located a couple on a ranch in Ignacio that took them in for about a year. The county then moved them to a dairy ranch in Tennessee Valley, located where Miwok Stables is today at the GGNRA parking lot. The rancher, Mr. Cunha, had a terrible repu-tation—nobody would work for him for very long. Tony did.

Tony slept alone in a shed near the milk barn. No heat, no lights, no plumbing, an outhouse on the far side of the corral. He arose at 3 am, brought 75 cows into the milk barn and attached milking machines. He carried the 5-gallon milk containers to the cooler in the milk house. He would finish up about 7 am and go to the ranch house for breakfast. At 3 pm he repeated the milking operation. At 7 pm he went to the ranch house for dinner. Fortunately, the rancher’s wife served excel-lent food. Quite a life for a 14-year old. Tony’s younger brother lived in the house with the Cunha family, and went to school with their two sons.

Every day for over two years, he milked cows twice a day for $40/month. He sel-dom left the ranch. He had no friends and rarely saw anyone. One day another rancher offered him a job milking cows for $90/month. He took it. His brother stayed at the Cunha ranch while Tony worked at the Pimental Ranch, which was located where Tamalpais Valley School is today. After about a year, he left to see what went on in the outside world. He had deposited his paychecks in the bank and withdrawn very little money while working on the two dairy ranches.

He lived with his sister in Mill Valley. His first job was as a laborer at Angel Is-land. It paid $3 per day, but he had to pay 25 cents for the ferry trip. He later found other jobs as a laborer in various Marin locations.

In May 1929, Tony met Homestead Valley resident Mary Bettencourt at IDESST Hall, a Portuguese lodge in Sausalito. The occasion was the annual Holy Ghost Festival. They danced the Chamarita, a Portuguese folk dance. They were served the traditional Azorean meal, Soupish (Sopa do Espirito Santo), a beef, tomato and cabbage stew. Mary was the first girl Tony had ever met. She was 18 and he was 17. Two months later they eloped and were married in Alameda at the home of Mary’s half-brother. It was July 3, 1929, the second day of the great fire on Mt. Tamalpais and Mill Valley. They could see the conflagration from Alameda.

It was with some trepidation that they returned to Mary’s home in Homestead Valley. They were greatly relieved when her father, Manual Bettencourt, wel-comed his newly acquired son-in-law into the Bettencourt family. Chuck’s articles are posted on www.millvalleyhistoricalsociety.org. Photos are clearer on line than in print. He can be emailed at [email protected].

Homestead Valley

Contact Info.

Community Center Main Office Les Lizama,

Executive Director (415) 388-0137

[email protected]

Programs Desk David Ross

(415) 388-0128 [email protected]

HVCA Fax Number (415) 388-0150

HVCA Board Pres. Devi Brown


HVCA Bd. Vice Pres. Bob Carreras


Land Trust Philip Moyer


Sanitary District Tom Roberts


Stolte Grove Rentals Sheila Neilsen

(415) 388-2162

E-Mail Center & Headlines

[email protected]

HVCA Web Site www.homesteadvalley.org

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Land Trust Notes…

Homestead’s July 4th Pops! By Dana Schmidt

The annual Homestead Valley July 4th parade and BBQ drew the largest crowd in years! Patriotic bikes, trikes, goats and scooters driven by energetic children and their parents paraded from Volunteer Park to Stolte Grove. Thanks as always to Southern Marin Fire Department for leading our parade!

This year, when the marchers arrived at Stolte Grove, they met Tony and Mary Brabo, Homestead’s old-est couple, who were seated in front of a log from the 700-year old redwood tree that had fallen into the creek five years ago. Tony is 99 years old and Mary is 100. On July 3rd, they had celebrated their 82nd wed-ding anniversary. The Marin County Board of Supervisors recently passed a resolution of commendation for their 82 years of marriage. HVCA Board President Devi Brown read from the resolution as part of the ceremony and Supervisor Steve Kinsey dashed in from a neighboring pa-rade to extend his congratulations. Thank you Chuck Olden-burg for arranging this lovely recognition.

Our good neighbors Whole Foods and Safeway generously donated part of the food and drinks for the traditional BBQ fare of sausages, hot dogs, sweet corn, chips, and water-melon. Thanks Whole Foods and Safeway! The feast was prepared and served at lightning speed by a core of trusty volunteers who over the years have honed the process. Helen Beck ran the yummy bake sale again this year, with record sales- thanks to all the bakers!

Prizes were awarded to over 65 children who participated in the parade and barely fit across the stage for two magnificent bows. Then everyone gathered around the stage for a bit of magic and chuckles with Benny and Bebe’s Magic Circus. A slightly chaotic dog show followed with prizes generously donated by Critterland Pets and every dog very deserving of the prize they received. Finally, the children gathered to take the blindfold and have a crack at the two piñatas. The first one fell pretty easily; the second one was a bit more challenging, but both result-ing in lots of goodies for all. Big thanks to all the volunteers who made this possible- from decorating the Grove the night before, to hauling supplies to cooking to bartending to ticket taking to grill cleaning to bake sale baking and more! Abby Wasserman, Jim Derich, Terry and Jim Nevin, Margaret Harding, Renee Glazier, Mona Steinberg, Nancy Willard, Roz Hamar, Ed Barton, Luis Ottley and his fiancé Carrie, Sue Gonzales Gwen Gallagher, Eric Woodhouse, Jill Thomas, Jeanie and Jeff Gilliam, Penny Alexandris, Devi Brown, Susan Crutchfield, Philip Moyer, Trish Hibben, Sandy Waks, Christina and Chuck Olden-burg, Joyce Johnston and Liz Bolton. Extra big thanks to Les Lizama and David Ross at the Community Center who do so much to make these community events possible! Thank you to all who attended the event and thank you volunteers and sponsors!

Tony and Mary Brabo

Photo Courtesy: Curt Oldenburg

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Summer Camp Tam June 20– August 19

“Summer Vacation Adventures”

Nine Weekly Themed Sessions

Session 1: June 20-24 Around the World In 5 Days Session 2: June 27-July 1 Wild Animal Safari Session 3: July 5– 8 Olympic Medals Session 4: July 11-15 Tam Cafe Session 5: July 18-22 Hollywood Heroes Session 6: July 25– 29 D.I.Y. - Everyone’s A MacGruber Session 7: Aug. 1-5 Flash! Kids Make News Session 8: Aug. 8-12 Rock Stars Session 9: Aug. 15-19 Game Show

Mon—Fri 9:00 AM—4:00 PM $250.00 per Week (Week 3 $200.00)

Deposit—$25.00 per week (non-refundable) Pre and Post Camp Available (additional fee)

See Your Friends At

At Homestead Valley

2011 Summer Day Camp

June 20—August 19, 2011

For children entering grades K through 5

Main Phone: (415) 388 - 0137 Camp / Pool: (415) 388 - 0128

Fax: (415) 388 - 0150 email: [email protected]

Land Trust Notes…

New Kids In Town By Philip Moyer

ThereOs a good chance if youOve been walking in the Upper Pixie Trail area recently that youOve heard a lot of squawking. That would likely be the Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis or the Red-shouldered Hawk, Buteo lineatus, families with fledglings getting used to life on the wing. ThereOs at least one nesting Hawk pair in the Upper Ridgewood area too. Good news for the neighborhood because their diet consists of rats and mice and we have so many to share.

Maverick Says: It takes a whole lot of effort to keep our Open Space looking good. Take your clippers along on your trail walks and help reduce the broom, thistle and other weeds that keep spreading despite our on-going eradication efforts. And when you see our work party announcements, please come join us and keep the volunteerism going…

The brush is getting dry and fire danger is high. Everyone needs to be alert to these dangers. If you see someone camping out, building a fire or just a bunch of people partying and smoking in Open Space call the Marin County Sherif. There is no smoking or camping allowed in any of the parks, trails or anywhere in Land Trust Open Space. Marin Conservation Corps crews just completed four days of hard work all over the Valley to help keep the fire fuel danger down and weOd like to say a big thanks to them for their work and to Maverick for his excellent management to achieve the goals we had in mind for them. Cowboy Rock, Pixie Trail, Upper Ridgewood and Upper Reed Street are all looking so much better. Awesome achievement, Mav!

So go take a hike... and keep in touch. Thanks for your support!

5

Homestead Headlines

Homestead Valley Classifieds LOCAL PLUMBER Residential plumbing repairs and small installations. Toilets, faucets, and garbage disposers carried in stock. Many excellent local references. Lic #287544. Stanley Searles, 388-8260. searlesplumbing.com ELVES, FAIRIES, EARTHWORMS, & BUTTERFLIES appreciate my work in the garden. I do maintenance gardening, weeding, and yard clean-up. Tree & shrub pruning. Garden and irrigation system design, installation and repair. Fences, non-toxic pest management, and handyman jobs. Gutters cleaned. Steve 389-0345. MATH TUTOR Retired JPL/NASA/ Boeing engineer, MS in Mathematics. Junior high through college-age. David Hilt, cell 415-342-5030, hm 415-380-8775. 300 Ridge-wood Ave., [email protected] FOUNDATION TO FINISH—Bicknell Construction Licensed Contractor—State Lic. #562860 James Bicknell (415) 461-5822 LOCAL REALTOR® Live in Homestead—Raised in Homestead. Caring. Professional. Kim Strub, Frank Howard Allen Realtors (415) 218-4255 HOUSECLEANING Reliable, hard-working, excellent references and experience, free estimates, reasonably priced, apartments/homes/offices. Alba Rivas 350-3368 DOMINGUEZ PLUMBING New water heater/copper piping, drain cleaning, all remodeling repairs. Installation of toilets, faucets & garbage disposals.. References. Miquel Dominguez (415) 990-2008 Lic. # 895436 PEREZ LANDSCAPING Pruning, Hauling, Tree Service, Retaining Walls & Fences, Irrigation, Garden and Clean-ing Services Free Estimates Arnulfo Perez 271.4412

ADVERTISING RATES: (Per monthly issue)

$50 FOR A DOUBLE BOX AD $25 FOR A LARGE BOX AD $6 FOR A SMALL 3 LINE AD ($1.50 for each additional line)

CALL 388-0137

E-Headlines “Green” Delivery

Receive the Homestead Headlines notifications via email and view the Headlines as

each issue is posted at www.homesteadvalley.org. Please contact our office and

provide your full name, mailing and email addresses at

[email protected] or call us at (415) 388-0137 and we’ll happily add you to our confidential

email distribution list.

Homesteadvalley.com is an interactive community website where neighbors can add free ads, news and photos. Find current Homestead listings and sales in the Real Estate section. Sponsored by Kat Ryan of Frank Howard Allen Realtors, 271-4994.

20 Years as Homestead

Valley Specialist

JAMES P. NEVIN SR.JAMES P. NEVIN SR.JAMES P. NEVIN SR.JAMES P. NEVIN SR. Attorney At LawAttorney At LawAttorney At LawAttorney At Law

305 Holly St., Mill Valley, CA 94941 305 Holly St., Mill Valley, CA 94941 305 Holly St., Mill Valley, CA 94941 305 Holly St., Mill Valley, CA 94941 415415415415----389389389389----1777• [email protected]• [email protected]• [email protected]• [email protected]

Estate Planning Estate Planning Estate Planning Estate Planning ProbateProbateProbateProbate

Trust AdministrationTrust AdministrationTrust AdministrationTrust Administration

HOMESTEAD HOMESTEAD HOMESTEAD HOMESTEAD RESIDENTRESIDENTRESIDENTRESIDENT Since 1976Since 1976Since 1976Since 1976

LOOKING FOR AN AFTERSCHOOL AND

WEEKEND JOB? LOVE THE OUTDOORS?

BECOME A HOMESTEAD LIFEGUARD

OR GATEKEEPER

Homestead Valley is looking for lifeguards & gatekeepers for the remainder of the

2011 pool season, ending October 16th.

Attractive hourly wage and flexible hours, including after-school. Must be

lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certified...and be at least

15 years old.

For information visit www.homesteadvalley.org

or call David at 388-0128 or email

[email protected]

Bound editions of Chuck Oldenburg’s History Articles—on sale now, $15.00.

Having a Party? The Homestead Valley Commu-nity Center and Pool are available to rent for parties, events, meet-ings, and more...check rates at

www.homesteadvalley.org or call Les Lizama at (415) 388-0137.

6


THIS NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE HOMESTEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 315 Montford Avenue Mill Valley, CA 94941 VOLUME 56 ISSUE 8 August 2011

Editors: Les Lizama and David Ross


The mission of the Homestead Valley Community Association is to enhance community for theThe mission of the Homestead Valley Community Association is to enhance community for theThe mission of the Homestead Valley Community Association is to enhance community for theThe mission of the Homestead Valley Community Association is to enhance community for the Homestead Valley residents through cultural, educational and recreational activities, events and service.Homestead Valley residents through cultural, educational and recreational activities, events and service.Homestead Valley residents through cultural, educational and recreational activities, events and service.Homestead Valley residents through cultural, educational and recreational activities, events and service.

Non-profit Corp. POSTAGE

PAID Mill Valley, CA

94941 Permit #26

Return Service Requested

Cont. from Page 1 Homestead Music Festival…

Rounding out the fest is The Muddy Roses (featuring bass-ist and HVCA Executive Director Les Lizama in support of his daughter Alicia). The Muddy Roses are a foot stompin’ firecracker of a good time. Their sound is a large helping of classic country with a side of gritty folk and swampy blues, all finished off with a dash of feminine wiles. With soaring three-part harmonies, tight instrumen-tation, and sassy humor, we reckon you are guaranteed to have your hands clappin’ and your heart poundin’.

Arrive early and don’t miss out on any of these fine acts. Complete details and set times are available at www.homesteadfest.org.

Lots of food, beverages and fun will accompany our excel-lent musical offering including a menu brought to you by Jon O of Jon O Catering with Marin Horizon Schools “BBQ Crew” doing the heavy lifting, Lisa’s Bar in the Meadow, run by rapier witted Homestead resident Lisa Santos, jumpee (courtesy of Marin Horizon School), and a cool kids craft area from Kim Strub and friends rounding out a day for the entire family.

ALSO, we will be holding a Silent Auction in support of the festival, and are asking community members for donations of auction items such as sports tickets, lessons (swim, piano, violin, etc.), vacation homes (a week or so), wine, trips (sailing on the bay, plane/helicopter rides, etc), dinners, ANYTHING that you might find enticing at such an event. If you have such an item you would like to donate, please contact Kevin Suther-land at [email protected] or (415) 994-9224.

On the Calendar…

Next “Homestead Walkabout” Saturday, August 27, 9:00 AM Get acquainted with Homestead Valley's wonderful hiking trails, get some exercise, and meet some of your Homestead neighbors. Dr. Jerry Freedman will be leading a 1 1/2 to 2 hour leisurely paced walk. Dogs and children are welcome. Call Jerry at 383-1270 for details and meeting place. Note: this hike includes a moderately strenuous climb to the top of Homestead Hill (approximately 700 feet).

Homestead Valley Music Festival Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 11:00 AM—5:30 PM In the meadow at the Homestead Valley Community Center. Food and beverages available. For more information, visit www.homesteadfest.org.

Documents

HVCA Board Homestead Valley Music Festival… Next Meeting ... · 8/12/2014 · Gwen Gallagher, Eric Woodhouse, Jill Thomas, Jeanie and Jeff Gilliam, Penny Alexandris, Devi Brown,