News Digest News Digest (August 27, 2004)

New Beth Emek opens

Congregation Beth Emek is holding a 6-mile Torah Walk today from its former location in Livermore to its new home at 3400 Nevada Court in Pleasanton. Led by Rabbi Richard Winer, members and friends of the congregation and clergy from other faiths will take part in the processional, which begins at 5 p.m.

The dedication will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 29, with ceremonies and an open house. The $4.6 million project is on 2 acres of land, with a 9,000-square-foot craftsman-style building with sanctuary, social hall, classrooms, library and administrative areas as well as outdoor worship space and gardens.

For more information, contact the synagogue at 931-1055 or www.bethemek.org. Join film fun

The sixth annual California Independent Film Festival needs volunteers for the event, which takes place in the Livermore Valley Wine Country on Nov. 4-7. A kick-off meeting is being held for volunteers at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Goal Line Productions, 5959 Coronado Circle, Pleasanton. Those who are interested but cannot make the meeting, may contact volunteer coordinator Stephanie Petermeier at 462-6964 or spetermeier@comcast.net.

Hollywood legend Tony Curtis will be honored with the 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Saturday Night Gala Tribute, and over 60 films from all over the world will be screened during the four-day event. A special screening of Curtis' landmark film "Some Like It Hot" will take place at the Vine Cinema on Friday night, with a Marilyn Monroe look-alike contest.

Tickets can be ordered at 552-REEL (552-7335) or by calling Livermore Winegrowers Association at 447-WINE (447-9463). Fair Board vacancies

The Board of Directors of the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association announced that two positions are being vacated by George McDermott and Alameda County Superior Court Judge Hugh Walker. McDermott has been a director for 34 years, and Walker has worked on the board for nearly a decade.

The Fair Board is responsible for policies and operation of the 268-acre Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Board Members are requested to invest a minimum of 10 hours each month. For an application, due Oct. 15, call the CEO's office at 426-7500. Applicants, who must reside in Alameda County, should include information on their community involvement, as well as an explanation of how their experience and professional expertise would be of benefit to the Fair Association.

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