Saving the Earth with “Green” Transportation

While there has been much debate about the reality of global warming, everyone agrees that we need to “take care” of this planet on which we live so that it will continue to be a clean, safe, healthy place in which to raise our families.

“Global warming” refers to the increased average temperature of the air and oceans near earth’s surface that could have future dangerous results.  Our “carbon footprint” refers to the level of greenhouse gases emitted from various human activities that raise or lower our near-surface temperatures.  While many greenhouse gases are being studied, carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles using petroleum-based fuels has been named as a major cause of unsafe global warming.

The solution seems obvious – manufacture efficient, cost-effective vehicles with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.   A two-fold approach holds promise for some encouraging results.

1. Biofuels recently appeared on the market promising not only to reduce carbon emissions, but to reduce our dependence on oil.  Biofuels are derived from the sugar fermentation of plant materials such as wheat, corn, beets, sugar cane, and molasses.  Ethanol is now the most common biofuel worldwide.  Biodiesel fuel is ethanol’s “sister” so to speak, being used as an additive to diesel fuel.
2. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV’s) are one of the other options manufacturers are taking to reduce harmful emissions.  These vehicles make a gradual transition to less harmful vehicles possible.

Simply put, a hybrid electric vehicle combines the conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system (power train).  Several types of HEV’s exist and provide these advantages:

• Some HEV’s use their internal combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator.  The generator then can either recharge the vehicle’s various batteries or directly power the electric drive motors.
• Other HEV’s reduce idle emissions by shutting down the internal combustion engine while the vehicle is idling, then restarting it when needed.
• Modern HEV’s often use smaller internal combustion engines, thereby automatically reducing carbon emissions.  The electric power train is then used to supply the additional needed power boost.
• Technologies such as “regenerative braking” slow the vehicle by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy (extra energy present due to the vehicle’s forward motion alone) into electric energy that replenishes batteries instead of being wasted as heat energy.
• HEV’s provide the opportunity for software to be introduced that adjusts the balance between greater fuel efficiency and added power.  In the future, HEV owners may be able to partially control this balance as they wish.

AAA Transportation is on the leading-edge of taking responsibility for our planet.  We have been using hybrid vehicles to successfully serve both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Areas since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

The Vintage Estates – Sublime and Refreshing Elegance

Romantic … Like a French Chateau … Luxuriously Relaxing …Indescribably Wonderful … Breathtakingly Beautiful …A Place with Everything

These are some of the ways people describe their visit to the Vintage Estates in the town of Yountville in Napa Valley.  Spreading over 23 acres, the Vintage Estates is almost a township of its very own.  You’ll find these delightful experiences throughout its stunningly beautiful grounds:

• The Villagio Inn – 112 guestrooms with Italian architecture and influence insure luxury takes on new meaning here.  Private patios, balconies, spacious rooms, fireplaces, down comforters, oversized sunken bathtubs, and luxurious robes await you.  Embrace a sparkling swimming pool and jacuzzi, a welcome bottle of wine, daily champagne breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, coffee and cookies, concierge and room service to round out your ultimate enjoyment and refreshment.
• The Vintage Inn – Featuring 80 elegant guestrooms infused with a French flair, this Inn welcomes you with vaulted beamed ceilings, rich French fabrics, a down comforter, a private balcony, a sunken whirlpool bathtub, and a fireplace.
• Spa Villagio – Indulgence awaits you here with Mediterranean-style.  Every care is lifted away with waterfalls, reflecting pools, and bubbling fountains.  Sixteen state-of-the-art treatment rooms and five private spa suites provide an exceptional array of soothing treatments, saunas, hydrotherapy soaking baths, and romantic seclusion.
• Business Complex – Conference service managers and modern technology insure every detail of your event is seamless.

1. Seven varied executive conference rooms inspire creativity with natural light and beautiful scenery.
2. The Historic Barrel Room is a 2,700 square foot space suitable for business meetings, conferences, and retreats.  Having once been a wine maturation cellar in the 1870’s, it is truly “Napa Valley’s Most Unique Event Space”.

• The Pavilion – This 16,000 square foot area of Vintage Estates offers unique outdoor venues for “one-of-a-kind” corporate and social events, and weddings.  In traditional California wine country garden ambience, a flowing watercourse and fountains bring charm and elegance.  Evergreen elms and flowering magnolia trees fill the air with beauty and fragrance.  Wedding receptions of up to 1,000 guests are easily accommodated as well as dining for up to 600 guests.
• The “Vintage 1870,” V Marketplace – Housed within and around the 139 year-old Groezinger Winery complex in Vintage Estates, you can enjoy the many high-end shops, galleries, restaurants, and a wine tasting cellar.  Winding cobblestone walkways and cozy picnic gardens await along with special events and entertainment year-round.

AAA Transportation has been successfully serving both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Areas since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

The Claremont Hotel Club and Spa – Your Urban Paradise

Claremont Resort

Nestled in Berkeley Hills, but still convenient to the San Francisco business district and the Bay Area lies a “dream come true”.  Whether your needs are personal or for business, you will find superior elegance, sophistication, breathtaking views, deep relaxation, and world-class cuisine.  This “dream come true” is The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa – the ultimate urban paradise.

“Paradise” should have everything you could ask for – wouldn’t you agree?  The Claremont truly fits this definition.  Situated on 22 beautifully landscaped acres, this AAA Four Diamond property offers amenities sure to please everyone, including children.

Luxurious, Comfortable Guestrooms – At The Claremont, your room is truly unique.  None of their 279 guestrooms are exactly alike but each one offers “a touch of old world charm and casual California elegance”.  Choose between six styles – Classic, Memorable, Distinctive, Spa Elite, Studio Suite, or Petite Queen.

On-Site Quality Dining –

• The spacious Meritage dining room presents ever-changing menus created by Executive Chef Josh Thomsen.  Indulge your senses in dishes that are pairings of fine wines with local, fresh cuisine while gazing at panoramic views of San Francisco Bay.
• The Paragon Bar and Café offers a more casual, but lively, dining pleasure.  Featuring American Comfort Food by Chef de Cuisine Charles Crossley, the Paragon lets you relax with outdoor deck seating and live jazz three nights a week.

Spa Claremont- You’ll find it hard to choose between the treatments Spa Claremont offers – nine types of facials, five “Journeys” engulfing your body in a series of aromatic therapies, fourteen massages that include couples and pre-natal massages, detoxifying water therapies, body wraps, polishes & scrubs, acupuncture, Pilates, and yoga.  Pre-spa options like a steam room, Jacuzzi, and lounge insure your complete relaxation from head to toe.

The Club- Recreational amenities easily combine quality family time with any busy schedule.  Spend time with your family in the newly-renovated fitness complex, three pools, ten tennis courts, hiking trails, golf, concerts, art festivals, and yoga.  The Kids’ Club and a day camp insure even the youngest ones’ satisfaction.  The Bayview Café offers salads, sandwiches, hamburgers and other snack favorites poolside for your ultimate convenience.

Business Events – With professional conference managers and 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, your every business need is creatively assured.  Whether you desire an indoor or outdoor venue, The Claremont provides custom menus, fitness breaks, structured activities, and six customizable boardroom settings.  Wireless and hard-wired technology plus an in-house IT Department insure seamless presentations and events.

AAA Transportation will superbly complete your experiences at The Claremont.  Offering unsurpassed transportation planning and solutions, our stellar fleet and professional chauffeurs leave you relaxed and carefree from the beginning to the end of your special event.  You may make your reservations either online or by calling one of our friendly operators at 866-558-0222.

Relax – Enjoy – Indulge:  AAA Transportation is at the wheel!

Night At the Opera – Grandeur, Harmony, Rapture!

Aida … Lucia di Lammermoor … Candide … these are just a few of the world’s grandest operatic melodies you can enjoy on Friday, November 13, at 8 PM in the historic Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA.

The world famous Oakland East Bay Symphony, conducted by Maestro Michael Morgan in his twentieth year as music director, will blend beautiful voices and soul-stirring orchestral playing to fill the Paramount with arias, overtures, and intermezzos especially selected for this moving, unforgettable operatic evening.

Maestro Morgan has also assembled a group of exceptionally talented young singers for your enjoyment, including:

Hope Briggs, soprano
Heidi Moss, soprano
Lori Willis, mezzo-soprano
Kalil Wilson, tenor
Zachary Gordin, baritone
Brian Leerhuber, baritone
Joshua Bloom, bass-baritone
and
Oakland Symphony Chorus
Lynne Morrow, Music Director

Even the most casual opera-goer will recognize and enjoy the wide range of well-known vocal and orchestral selections that will be featured.  Children ages 10 and over will also enjoy this lively concert.

Doors open 60 minutes before show time.

The Oakland East Bay Symphony (OEBS) is a regional orchestra serving the diverse population of Oakland and the East Bay.  The aim of the OEBS is to make classical music accessible to everyone in the region, particularly to those who might otherwise never hear live symphonic harmony.  With outreaches to schools as well, the Symphony has gained regional and national recognition for its unique convergence of artistic excellence and community service.

Completed in late 1931, Oakland’s Paramount Theatre is one of the finest remaining examples of Art Deco design in the United States.  Suffering three decades of neglect after its initial fame of “movie palace” in the 1930’s, it was restored to its original splendor in 1973.

Since that time, this historic Depression-era building has been meticulously maintained and fully upgraded to modern technical standards to enable the beautiful Paramount to grandly serve all the arts.

In addition to Symphony presentations, The Paramount also features Hollywood classic movies in which you’ll enjoy a newsreel, cartoon, previews, and the Paramount’s prize give-away game “Dec-O-Win”.

Also enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of professional ballet presented by The Oakland Ballet at various times through the year.

AAA Transportation proudly provides first-class, luxury transportation to individuals and businesses in the Tri-valley and the Bay Area.  Since 2001, we have offered a stellar fleet of late model limousines, sedans, and vans. You may make your reservations by calling 866-558-0222 or online at www.aaa-trans.com.

Our professional staff is waiting to guide you in selecting the best ride in town!

The White Crane Winery – Elegance at Its Best!

Rising majestically above the lush, green Livermore Valley wine country, White Crane ridge has been etched into the skyline for centuries.  Nestled among the fragrant grape vines and roses lies one of Livermore’s premier wineries - The White Crane Winery! 

The White Crane Winery offers ultra-premium wines, breath-taking settings for personal and business events, and fun & laughter for Wine Club members.  Some of the ultra-premium wines include their own estate-grown cabernets and chardonnays, plus a select variety from other prestigious Livermore wineries. 

White Crane’s wines have won over 46 gold, silver, and bronze awards including:

Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot – Cabernet Franc – Zinfandel – Pinot Noir- Chardonnay – Sauvignon Blanc – Sparkling Wine – Vintage Portuguese Port & Estate Chardonnay Port

White Crane offers their wines through their exquisite tasting room and their exclusive Wine Club.

Tasting Room Hours:  Friday – Sunday from 12 Noon – 4:30 PM.

Wine Club members enjoy these exclusive benefits:

• Free enrollment
• Priority for 1^st release of White Crane’s ultra-premium wines
• Vineyard summer concerts
• Food and wine pairing cooking classes
• Harvest Grape Stomping Party
• Wine maker dinners
• Barrel Tastings

…. and more!

The White Crane Winery also offers romantic, majestic, and refreshing settings for weddings, special events, private parties, and corporate retreats.  Packages include catering, wine, and setup so all you need to do is … RELAX!

• Imagine saying “I Do” in their fragrant, beautiful vineyard and rose garden. 
• Perhaps you and a group of friends would enjoy “stomping grapes” or making memories at wine and food pairings. 
• Your Baby Shower will be “the ultimate experience” at the White Crane.
• Make your next corporate retreat “unforgettable” among White Crane’s pristine vineyard grounds.

The White Crane Winery is also concerned about surrounding families and communities.  Therefore, they are hosting a picnic/concert to benefit students from the Livermore Valley Unified School District (LVJUSD).  Proceeds will be used to buy new instruments and music, instrument repair, and supplies essential for the music program in this district.  When?

Saturday, September 26, from 12 Noon – 5 PM

Tickets include food and the concert by local musicians

Make your online reservations here:  White Crane Winery

AAA Transportation has been successfully serving both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  You may make your bookings by calling 866-558-0222 or online at www.aaa-trans.com. 

Hot Sizzling Thursday Nights at the Pleasanton Hilton.

Pleasanton is known as having a small town atmosphere with big city connections.  Having the best of both worlds makes Pleasanton a “happening” location for one of the most prestigious hotels, The Hilton Pleasanton at The Club.  This top-class, three diamond hotel has some of the most luxurious amenities in the Tri-Valley area.

You may ask, “Why would I be interested in The Hilton Pleasanton?”  One reason is their “Hot Sizzling Nights” every Thursday evening.  Top-notch live bands perform on the patio from 6 PM – 9 PM.  Then there’s an “After Party” inside from 9 PM – 11 PM.  Each week features food and drink specials you don’t want to miss.

The remaining schedule for August is:

August 20 – The Fundamentals perform a dance concert.  Known for their “Red Hot Rockin’ Soul” music, The Fundamentals feature three lead vocalists, horn and rhythm sections, and dancers (upon request).

August 27 – Jam Funkshus perform a rock/pop concert.

Enjoy a culinary masterpiece before the concerts in The Hilton Pleasanton’s gourmet dining room.  If you’re traveling, you can also enjoy their indoor basketball and tennis courts, free access to a first-class health club – ClubSport, indoor and outdoor pools, jogging track, health spa, child care, and children’s programs.  For business needs, The Hilton provides a 24-hour business center.

Do you have wedding bells ringing in your dreams?  Modern Bridal is presenting Contra Costa’s first-ever luxury wedding showcase this coming Sunday, August 23 from 11 AM – 4 PM.   Hosted by the Marriott hotel in San Ramon, you can sip champagne and nibble choice hors d’oeuvres while feasting your eyes on the West Coast’s most sought-after wedding ideas.  Premier venues, extravagent wedding cakes, exotic honeymoon destinations, and a bridal runway fashion show are just a few of the exciting aspects of this fashionable occasion. 

The Marriott San Ramon carries the Marriott tradition with pride in its exquisite rooms, 16,500 square feet of meeting space, business center, fitness center, pools, and other fine amenities.

AAA Transportation provides first-class, luxury transportation to individuals and businesses in the tri-valley and the bay area since 2001. We offer a fleet of late model limousines, sedans, and vans.  You may make your bookings by calling 866-558-0222 or online at www.aaa-trans.com.  Our professional staff is waiting to guide you in selecting the best ride in town!

Verismo ~ Arias ~ Intermezzo ~ Elegance

The curtain slowly rises to the delight of a hushed audience.  A stage filled with vibrant colors, elaborate costumes and scenery, lights of various hues dance across the actors and actresses, keeping time with the orchestra’s ethereal melodies … this is the LIVERMORE VALLEY OPERA!

Come with me to downtown Livermore where the Bankhead Theatre produces some of the most engaging operas heard anywhere.  Having been recently renovated, the Bankhead Theatre offers excellent viewing from every seat in the house.  In addition, every opera is accompanied with super titles in English.

The Theatre’s stated mission is to “enrich the community by producing the world’s best operas, and to foster careers of local talented opera singers, directors, and conductors.”  Every opera is a locally produced, fully-staged production accompanied by an orchestra.  The Theatre produces verismo operas, which are vignettes surrounding the lives of ordinary people as they interact in love; jealousy; and raw – sometimes violent – passion.

The Bankhead Theatre presents two performances each year; one in the Spring in March, and another in the Fall in October.  The upcoming Fall opera begins on October 10^th and features the presentation of two operas normally shown together; Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) by Mascagni and Pagliacci (Clowns) by Leoncavallo.  Affectionately called “Cav & Pag”, the vignettes weave the story of love found … then stolen … then revenged … then … (you’ll need to see the opera to fill in the blanks).

The Bankhead Theatre also presents special concerts, fund-raisers, and events.  One such fund-raiser scheduled for August 2 is named “Open in the Vineyard”.  Held at the Retzlaff Vineyard, the performance will feature arias, musicals, and much more.  Bring your family and friends plus a picnic basket for this outstanding gathering.  Also watch their website for the Winter fund-raiser named “An Intimate Musical Evening”.

AAA Transportation is your carefree gateway to these marvelous outings.  Our luxury stretch limousines elegantly carry up to 8 people while providing complimentary sodas and beverages.  Our late-model Town Cars and Toyota Prius’s also give you and your group “royalty” treatment.  As always, our professional chauffeurs arrive to pick you up and safely deliver you right on time.  Make your advance reservations by calling 866-558-0222 or go online at www.aaa-trans.com.  Our friendly staff is standing by to take your reservations now.  We also wish you and your family safe trips on the road no matter where you go.  Please don’t drink and drive.

Concerts and Fine Dining at Wente Vineyards

Concerts at Wente Wineyards

Imagine sitting down with your friends or family to an exquisite four-course dinner surrounded by the elegant ambiance of a vineyard setting.   Add to this delight front-row seats to the most outstanding concert performances around.  You may ask, “Where can I find this magical experience?”  Wente Vineyards in Northern California is the gateway to this fantastic encounter.

Tucked away in 3000 acres of prime vineyard country, Wente Vineyards is in its 125^th year, and is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery.  The Concerts at Wente Vineyards bring top-named performers almost “to your table”.   A few of their upcoming events are:

Blondie and Pat Benatar – July 22: Music lovers know the fame of these two performers.  Blondie has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while Pat Benatar is a Grammy Award nominee.

Kathy Griffin – July 23: Known for her “off-the-wall” comedy, Kathy will have you laughing all through the night.  Rest of the lineup is here.

You choose from front-row seating just 10 feet from the stage, Orchestra seating to either the left or right of the stage front, or a range of group tables elegantly stationed in the middle of lush vineyards and gardens.

Before the concerts, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards offers superb flavors in four-course meals that feature organically grown local ingredients and a unique variety of wines.

Adding to your enjoyment, The Course at Wente Vineyards provides discounted tee times on their first-class golf course the day of each concert.

Wine-tasting events are offered 7 days a week in their Estate Tasting Room.  For private occasions, you can reserve intimate tables in Wente Vineyard’s wine caves for the most unique wine-tasting experience ever.  Tours of their wines, which are stored and aged in the caves, are also available.

AAA Transportation helps begin your day or evening with the perfect start by our fleet of luxury limousines, sedans, and vans.  We safely transport up to 20 people at a time to the beautiful French doors of Wente Vineyards.  While you are enjoying complimentary sodas and beverages, our professional and courteous drivers are delivering you to this “must-have” opportunity.  Make your reservations in advance by either calling 866-558-0222, or online at www.aaa-trans.com. We provide the personal attention you deserve. As always, AAA reminds you to Not Drink And Drive!