Adam Golden

Have you ever heard of Slow Food? Most likely you're aware of fast food, but have you ever thought about what the opposite of that would be and why whatever the opposite of it is would be so inspiring to so many?

Just this past Labor Day weekend, San Francisco played host to Slow Food Nation. This huge event was a gathering of people, food, market and music to celebrate the concept of Slow Food. My wife is way into food, restaurants, and eating, so when I heard about the event I thought of her and decided to learn a bit about it.

According to the Slow Food USA website, "Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment." Very interesting.

As I perused their site, I remembered reading an article about the concept of Slow Home. Yes, they are interrelated. In fact, the architect and academic, John Brown, that founded the concept of Slow Home has a rich website devoted to his movement, as well. His site is extremely detailed and gives a thorough background and explanation of both his movement and Slow Food, the idea that started it all. One section explains, "In the same way that slow food raises awareness of the food we eat and how these choices affect our lives, Slow Home provides design focused information to empower each of us to take more control of our homes and improve the quality of where and how we live." Also very interesting. Especially for us Realtors.

As I sat reading the background of the Slow Home and Slow Food movements on Brown's site, it got me thinking. If we could tie these two movements in and add even more aspects of all of our lives that rush us around and make us crazy here in the Tri-Valley and all over the world, we could call it Slow Life. I thought I was on to something.

The more I thought about it, I really liked the idea. For several years now, I have felt the need to slow down. Actually, for me it is more about focusing on quality versus quantity. That goes for everything that I experience, whether it be food, time with my kids and wife, business, free time, etc.

Sure enough, as I kept reading I discovered the Slow Food and Slow Home movements have already been studied and expanded. There is a book out there by Carl Honore entitled, In Praise of Slow: How a Worldwide Movement is Challenging The Cult of Speed. From what I understand, Honore explains in his book the global Slow movement came about as a sort of backlash against our frenetic pace, the common mantra that faster is better and purposely towards an embracement of deceleration. Even more interesting.

As I sit and reflect on what I've learned it comes to mind that some people might confuse Slow with backward. I don't think this is what is meant by the movement at all. I do think that technology and strategic thinking and "pushing the envelope" would all be welcomed by the Slow concept. This isn't about denying yourself or your business advancements, but about concentrating on making what you have and what you appreciate better.

What do you think? Is Slower better than faster?

Still don't know what to do for the month of March? Here are a couple of local Tri-Valley suggestions.

DANVILLE
Eggstravaganza, Saturday, March 22^nd, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon
Located at the Community Center, this event will have an egg hunt, crafts, games, face painting, and photos with the Spring Bunny. Rain or shine. Pre-registration required. (925)314-3400 for more information.

DUBLIN
Shamrock 5K Fun Run and Walk, Sunday, March 16^th, Registration: 7:15 AM, Start Time: 8:30 AM
Registration and start line take place on Dublin Blvd. in front of California Carpets. Parking Info: Follow Festival Parking Signs and park either on Clark Avenue or Sierra Court.
CLICK HERE FOR BROCHURE/REGISTRATION FORM

LIVERMORE
St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade, Saturday and Sunday, March 16th
Two fun-filled days of Irish Music and Dance, Food and Drink, Artists' Booths, Commercial Vendors, Non-Profit Displays, Carnival Rides, Games and more!
Times: Parade: 9:30am Saturday Festival: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission: Free
More info: St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade site

19th Century California Gold Rush Era, Thursday, March 20th
Jody Hornor will give a lecture on the "19th Century California Gold Rush Era" at 7 p.m. This is part of the Ed Kinney Lecture Series. Step back in time to the 19th century through the images from Jody Hornor's award-winning Golden History Books (The Golden Corridor, The Golden Quest, The Golden Highway 49). Wander from scene to scene by foot and by stage. Sail around the horn. Visit the vibrant city of San Francisco in its infancy. Pass through the Hub of Sacramento on the way to the mines. When the presentation is completed, Hornor will talk about the technical and research aspects of producing these kinds of works. Hornor's books will be available for purchase.
Sponsor: ALVHS (Amador-Livermore Valley Historical Society)
Location: Museum on Main, 603 Main St. Pleasanton
Times: 7:00pm
Admission: $10 donation ($5 for ALVHS members). Reservations Recommended.
More info: at the Museum on Main 462-2766 Museum on Main Street

Wente Vineyards Winemaker's Dinner, Thursday, March 20th
Enjoy fine food and wine with Karl Wente, fifth generation winegrower. Karl, in the small lot winery, creates hand-crafted special releases and takes this opportunity to pull out some special wines from the library for the evening. The gourmet four-course dinner and accompanying wine pairings present a unique and delicious chance to experience the best of Wente Vineyards.
Location: Wente Vineyards Event Center, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore
Times: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Admission: $89 Club Wente Members, $109 Public, plus tax
More info: Wente Vineyards 925 456-2012.

SAN RAMON
Cirque D'Amour featuring the Zunyi Acrobats of China, Saturday, March 29th at 8:00pm
Presented at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center
"Cirque D'Amour" recounts ancient Chinese tales through songs, dance and mind-blowing acrobatics. Join this fabulous journey of discovery with colorful dragons, fire-breathing lizards, mischievous fairies and giant playful bugs. Performed by the award-winning 35 person Zunyi Acrobatic Troupe, assisted by creative costumes and stage props, the troupers bring together the best of traditional Chinese and modern Western acrobatic movements and choreography. Single Tickets: $40

Run Like the Wind ½ Marathon and 5K, Sunday, March 30th
Presented be Windemere and designed by and for residents of the Bay Area, the "Run Like the Wind" in San Ramon Half Marathon and 5K race promotes a healthy, active lifestyle for all ages and fitness abilities-from first timers to elite runners. With a variable, fun course through the beautiful rolling hills of the San Ramon Valley, the first of its kind "Run Like the Wind" in San Ramon Half Marathon and 5K race is poised to become the signature Spring race of the East Bay. Come support the community and encourage physical activity among children and teens, a portion of the proceeds from this race will go to local middle and high school athletic programs who provide student volunteers.

PLEASANTON
City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Presents Series
Bill Harley, Thursday, March 20^th
Don Lewis & Young Expressions, Saturday, March 29th
Civic Arts Tickets is located at the Amador Theater's box office, 1155 Santa Rita Road, on the Amador Valley High School Campus.
Hours are Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 2 PM.
caboxoffice@ci.pleasanton.ca.us
(925) 931-3444

Every year I participate in the City of Dublin's Real Estate Tour. It is a great way for me to keep abreast of all the planned commercial and residential changes occurring within the Tri-Valley, and specifically, the dynamic City of Dublin. This year, the tour covered a broad range of exciting developments, from a westside creation to dreams for many new communities out east. I am going to focus on two major developments under construction in this post, and I will feature other planned projects in upcoming posts.

One new development is creating a space for itself in the western Dublin hills. Schaefer Ranch, a Discovery Homes community, is currently under construction, and has already seen an approximate one-mile extension of Dublin Boulevard to the west. Discovery Homes is proposing the following neighborhood elements:

• 284 single family residential units
• 18 estate lots
• 5.3 acre commercial parcel (this may change to approx. 100 smaller homes)
• Day-care site
• 10 acre neighborhood park - Schaefer Ranch Park will total 10.6 acres. Construction begins in 2009-10 by Discovery Homes and completes in 2010-11.

The second exciting project is Grafton Station, a 318,000 sq.ft. retail project located on Dublin Blvd., east of Brannigan. The project will be developed in phases, and the first phase includes the recently completed and now open Lowe's Home Improvement store.