The construction on the Caldecott Tunnel’s fourth bore is expected to be finished in mid-2013 with the fourth bore opening up to traffic in late-2013. The fourth bore will allow for two bores to be open in each direction at all times, helping to counteract reverse commute traffic.

The two crews boring from each side of the hill have met, connecting the tunnel from Orinda to Oakland.

Crews are currently working on digging out the lower part of the tunnel. That section, known as the bench, is where the pavers will come in and lay down road.

The Caldecott Tunnel’s fourth bore construction is being done at a cost of $391 million.

Acalanes High School Principal Aida Glimme sent out a message to parents Tuesday warning them of three reported cases of chicken pox at the school in the last week.

According to an Acalanes parent who asked to be unnamed, there have been more than the three reported cases of chicken pox at the school.

In her message, Principal Glimme has asked that students with chicken pox or chicken pox symptoms remain home from school until the rash has crusted over.

Chicken pox is extremely contagious and can be spread two days prior to the rash developing and for as much as a week after the rash appears.

American Legion Post 517 of Lafayette is holding their annual crab feed this Sunday, Jan. 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The crab feed will be held at the Lafayette Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling Dom at 925-376-1511.

Proceeds from the event go to the benefit of American Legion Boys and Girls State programs that happen in Sacramento each year. Proceeds will also go toward sponsoring local high school oratorical contests.

American Legion Post 517 of Lafayette was incorporated in 1938 and holds meetings on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, visit http://www.lafayetteveterans.org/alpost_115_517.html.

This week is full of big high school rivalry basketball and soccer games that could go a long way toward determining league champions and NCS seeds. All of these games are guaranteed to bring out lots of fans from both schools.

Boys Basketball:
Monday, Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m. – Acalanes at Miramonte
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m. – Miramonte at Campolindo

Girls Basketball:
Monday, Jan. 23, 7:00 p.m. – Acalanes at Miramonte
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7:00 p.m. –  Miramonte at Campolindo

Boys Soccer:
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:15 p.m. – Campolindo at Acalanes

Girls Soccer:
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:15 p.m. – Acalanes at Campolindo

Lafayette School District Parent Education is sponsoring a night with Peggy Orenstein, author of the bestselling books “Cinderella Ate My Daughter” and “Schoolgirls.”

The event will take place at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center on Thursday, March 8, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Orenstein, who lives in the Bay Area, will discuss some of the major topics in her bestselling books, particularly the effects of growing up as a “girlie girl” in a princess and pink driven society for young girls.

Refreshments will be provided by the Lamorinda Moms Club.

For more information about Orenstein, visit http://peggyorenstein.com.

Acalanes High School Principal Aida Glimme sent out a message to parents about a sexual crime committed in the school’s parking lot shortly after school was out on Friday.

A man was seen by students masturbating while watching one of Acalanes’ female students.

The man was described as Caucasian, middle-aged with greying dark hair. Witnesses reported the man leaving in the passenger seat of a white Toyota Camry, while another man drove the vehicle.

The Lafayette Police Department is asking that anyone with additional information about the crime, or who witnesses a similar crime, call their dispatch number immediately at 925-284-5010.

Former Stanley Middle School teacher Michael Merrick has put an end to an ordeal that has caused grief throughout the Stanley community. Merrick took a plea deal, pleading guilty to six of the felony counts against him for the molestation of a student he was tutoring in 2010.

Merrick was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison for his crimes.

As part of the plea deal, Merrick had to admit that he had in fact committed the crimes he was charged with. Merrick admitted in court that he had in fact molested the student.

The case was set to go to trial on Monday.

Anyone driving along Pleasant Hill Road between Olympic Boulevard and Mt. Diablo Boulevard in the past few months has certainly noticed the construction going on. If you hit it during commute hours, delays are almost guaranteed.

The good news is that progress is being made, but the bad news is that construction will continue for the next few weeks or even months.

One of the most recent additions was the installation of additional posts along the sidewalks, which stops people from parking on and blocking the path. Some older posts on the sidewalk were updated with new reflective tape.

The Campolindo High School Chamber Choir singers will be performing an A Capella Showcase concert on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will take place in the Campolindo Performing Arts Center on campus. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door beginning at 6:45 p.m. All seating is general admission and is first come first served.

A dessert reception will follow the concert for all in attendance.

The concert will feature a variety of modern popular songs all done in the style of a capella.

For more informtion, visit http://www.campochoir.com.

The Moraga Movers have organized a Casino Night fundraiser to bring in money for the new play structures at Rancho Laguna Park in Moraga.

The event will be at the Hacidena de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga, on Saturday, March 3, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Moraga Recreation office as early as this Friday and any business day up until the event. Tickets are $75 per couple or $40 per person.

Games available at the casino night will include poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, a raffle, and several other games.

More information can be found at the Town of Moraga’s website at http://www.moraga.ca.us.