County delays new reopenings - Pleasanton Weekly
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County delays
new reopenings
Page 5
VOL. XXI, NUMBER 13 • JULY 3, 2020 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
Alameda County Fairgrounds adapts to pandemic with drive-up events
Page 12
5 NEWS Preparing for the 2020 wildfire season
16 TRI VALLEY LIFE Fair competitions held online
18 OPINION Dysfunctional train wreck in Dublin USD
on your list of
safe places to go
“Stanford Medicine is probably one of the safest places you can be.
We are taking every precaution.”
—Mary Hawn, MD | Chair of the Department of Surgery, Stanford Medicine
At Stanford Health Care, we are raising standards to create a safe environment
for our patients and staff.
• Employees are tested for COVID-19 using • Waiting rooms and clinics are arranged for
methods developed by Stanford Medicine. physical distancing.
• Every individual entering our facilities is • A restricted visitor policy and expanded
given a mask and screened for symptoms access to telehealth video visits limit the
of COVID-19. Those with symptoms are number of people passing through.
directed to a separate waiting area.
• Patients are tested before all procedures
• Appointment check-in is available through and surgeries and when visiting the
the MyHealth app, reducing patient queues emergency room.
and use of shared devices.
• Enhanced cleaning measures are in place,
• Medical teams have sufficient personal utilizing chemicals and UV light.
protective equipment (PPE), including
• Specialized filtration systems eliminate the
gowns, gloves, and masks.
circulation of airborne contaminants.
We are prepared to provide healthcare through this crisis, with safe in-person care and
convenient telehealth video visits.
To learn more about how we are adapting care, visit: stanfordhealthcare.org/resumingcare
Page 2 • July 3, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEW DOWNTOWN LISTING!
TIM TALK BY TIM HUNT
Rethinking racism
and white privilege
I have a confession. Over the past
few weeks, I have come to realize
just how big my blindspot was
when it comes to the lives of Black
people, particularly Black men.
schools were integrated in the South.
I recently read an article that demon-
strated that homes in Black neighbor-
hoods were assessed at significantly
lower values than other neighbor-
I have listened to several long dis- hoods in the same city.
cussions of race and race relations I heard another pastor argue that Gorgeous townhouse just steps away from Main Street
— all put together by faith-based reparations are a Biblical principle.
organizations that I have connec- That was a word that I typically dis- 583 SAINT JOHN STREET
tions to. missed out-of-hand or got irritated. I
It was striking to hear Dallas mega- have a new understanding. 3 Bed - 3 Bath - 1,745 Sq Ft - 2 Car Attached Garage
church Pastor T.D. Jakes tell Pastor What I heard over and over and This beautiful townhouse has been remodeled to perfection and includes a
Ray Johnston that he had influence over again was how frustrated and
when he was in the pulpit, but was tired these Black leaders are because bedroom with full bathroom downstairs. Excellent opportunity to live and
just another Black man when he was they’ve been battling these issues for enjoy the downtown lifestyle!
driving in a car. years and ears (mine included) were
I read a lengthy interview in the closed. Jakes, who has a national
Wall Street Journal with South Caro- presence and is a guest on talk shows Contact Gina for additional details or visit ElationRE.com
lina Senator Tim Scott who is Black. frequently, summed it up when he
He described the Washington Capitol said, for the first time, he can be com- 7-TIME WINNER AS PLEASANTON’S BEST REALTOR & HALL OF FAME MEMBER
police stopping him four times as he pletely honest in a conversation with
tried to enter the Senate even though fellow pastors.
he was wearing his official lapel pin. My eyes and ears started to open Gina Piper
He’s been stopped while driving at when Transforming the Bay with
night several times. Christ put together a forum with 925.200.0202 - DRE# 01201349
Other Black pastors described hav- Effrem Smith and three other Black Gina@ElationRE.com
ing the “talk” with their sons about pastors from the Bay Area. ElationRE.com
what to do if they are stopped by I also plugged into the Q Confer-
a police officer. Jakes described an ence when it did a special program
incident where his adult son called on race relations as well as Granite
him late at night to say he’d been in Bay’s Thrive Conference that went
a car accident. Another driver had virtual this year (seen in 98 coun-
T-boned him and they were wait- tries) and featured a half-day pro-
ing for the ambulance and police to
show up. Jakes said he reminded his
gram on race.
That’s where I saw Jakes and Pas-
D I D YO U K N O W
son exactly what to do when the of- tor Miles McPherson from San Diego
ficer approached him and then stayed interviewed as well as Condoleezza 4 of 5 students would encourage
on the line until he heard a polite Rice, the former Secretary of State
interaction. and national security advisor. She others to attend Las Positas College.
This is a world that I do not live grew up in the Jim Crow South
in. With one exception, every time in Birmingham, Ala. I’ve heard her
I have been stopped for a traffic
violation I earned the stop. Noth-
ing bogus. Clearly, that’s not true for
Black men as I have come to learn.
It was also striking to hear a Ni-
gerian-born British pastor talk about
speak a few times and she emphasizes
that there’s been significant progress,
but there’s still much work to do.
I also joined an international call
put together by Global Celebration,
the Christian group that we went to
Invest in
his heritage and compare it to African Israel with in 2018.
Americans. His parents moved him My takeaways: I have much to
from Nigeria when he was 2 so he learn and will listen. McPherson
grew up British. He has a family name asked a particularly pointed ques-
and a family history. Compare that tion: How often do you hang out
to American slaves who arrived in with a person who doesn’t look like
chains and were given the last name you, doesn’t vote like you, doesn’t
of the family that owned them. The watch the same media as you or has
family history goes only as far as the different political views than you do?
first slave. Ouch.
I also heard a pastor lay out a
convincing case for how the country
This is a very complicated issue
and is one that will require a multi-
Register Today
was built by whites and for whites.
Whether it was Jim Crow in the
faceted approach to move forward. Q
Editor’s note: Journalist Tim Hunt
www.laspositascollege.edu
South, redlining for lending in Black has written columns on the Tri-Valley
neighborhoods, or zoning designed community for more than 40 years. His
to keep Blacks out of the explosion in “Tim Talk” blog appears twice a week at
private Christian schools once public PleasantonWeekly.com.
About the Cover
To adjust to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Alameda County
Fairgrounds has begun offering drive-in entertainment. Here Rick and Diane
Kemsley get ready for a drive-in concert last Friday. Photo by Ryan J. Degan.
Cover design by Amy Levine. Vol. XXI, Number 13
Pleasanton Weekly • July 3, 2020 • Page 3
Many
M any
WORLDS VERY Streetwise
One
MUSEUM
REAL What was the last thing you
ASKED AROUND TOWN
ttm
m
LOCAL said ‘Yes’ to that you really
NEWS wanted to say ‘No’ to?
Barb McKay
Business owner
Every morning when I wake up I say “Yes”
to making a great breakfast for my kids,
Now Open when all I really want to do is sip my cof-
fee in silence and respond to business-
Beginning June 13th Support local related emails. But if I said “No,” what
kind of mother would I be? So of course,
Weekends only by appointment journalism with I do the right thing and make a nourish-
ing meal for my two fast-growing boys.
Facemasks and social distancing will a print or online
be required. Call for details. subscription
Maddie Gallagher
• Automobile Gallery starting at only Hostess/bartender
• Into China $5/month I recently said “Yes” to getting together with
• Spirit of The Old West friends, even though I had so many impor-
tant things to take care of and was very
• Art of Africa Visit: exhausted and needed some rest. I didn’t
• Natural History – Coming in 2020 PleasantonWeekly.com/ want to disappoint them, or miss out on
join hearing what was going on in their lives.
This is Blackhawk Museum... But I left after half an hour because I was
just so tired. I should have politely declined.
Kyle Tucker
Waiter/jack of all trades
I said “Yes” to going shark fishing with
friends in the Marin Headlands. It was a
great experience, but I should have said
Coming Soon in 2020
“No” because it took so much out of
me. I was not physically or mentally pre-
pared for such a vigorous challenge.
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA #PressOn Belle Henry
www.blackhawkmuseum.org • 925-736-2277 Graduate student
I let my roommate and dear friend of
mine convince me to take a very intense
summer class with her, and that class
has gone online. This means that “Logic”
20 19
PLEASANT
O
W E E K LY N
awaits me at every moment I’m available
to do it, Monday through Sunday. Ugh.
Madison Monahan
Where the Client-Caregiver College student
I said “Yes” to a social activity with
Relationship is Everything. friends, even though I had a major paper
due. It’s just so hard, especially now dur-
ing this time of social distancing, to turn
down an offer to get together, at a safe
social distance, with friends.
—Compiled by Nancy Lewis and Jenny Lyness
Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
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Page 4 • July 3, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST County health delays reopening timeline
New DUSD decisions
The Dublin Unified School
District Board of Trustees on Tues-
indefinitely amid COVID-19 case uptick
day revisited and approved the 19 cases, with one death, at Livermore vets facility; county also announces new lead health officer
same proposed tentative agree-
ment with the Dublin Teachers’ BY JEREMY WALSH reopen by early- to mid-July. The the sustained effort and sacrifices museums and First Amendment
T
Association that the board major- he Alameda County Public move also affects future phases made by our residents and busi- events.
ity voted 3-2 to reject on June Health Department on Mon- of reopenings, such as those to nesses,” they added. “As the pan- The postponement is open-end-
11. Those who switched their
day postponed indefinitely include schools, bars, personal ser- demic evolves, we will need to ed, with no firm new date for the
position cited reconsideration in
light of new clarity on the state its reopening timeline for business- vices, gyms, indoor museums and remain flexible and nimble in our next cycle of reopenings, but the
budget. es that had been on track to return gatherings of up to 99 people. response. We all play a part in safe- next week or two will be critical
The board on Tuesday also in July, citing the need to better “Given recent increases in ly reopening our communities and for those future decisions, officials
voted 3-2 to formally accept the contain the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 case and hospitaliza- protecting people at high risk for said.
resignation of Superintendent amid recent upticks in local cases tion rates in our county and re- COVID-19 infection and death.” The announcement of ACPHD
Dave Marken (Miller and Rouse and hospitalizations. gion, we are temporarily pausing For now, the county remains in hitting “pause” came several hours
in dissent) and unanimously The delay means ACPHD will our reopening plans,” ACPHD of- the reopening phase instituted on before the department confirmed
identified Dan Moirao as the top now keep closed businesses and ficials said in a statement Monday June 19, which allowed all retail its leader Dr. Erica Pan — the
candidate for acting superinten- activities such as indoor dining, afternoon. stores, outdoor dining, religious public face and voice behind the
dent pending final contract ap-
salons and barber shops, pools and “We recognize the multifaceted and cultural ceremonies with lim- county’s COVID-19 shelter order
proval next week.
Moirao, who has worked in professional sports without fans — challenges presented by a slow ited size, outdoor fitness classes,
public education and private all of which had been scheduled to reopening and are grateful for dog parks, college sports, outdoor See COVID on Page 10
consulting during his career,
spent some time with DUSD in
the 2018-19 year as acting super-
intendent of education services. PUSD to
See full coverage on Pleas-
antonWeekly.com and in next
week’s paper.
rely on state
4th picnic canceled
deferrals
Pleasanton’s Fourth of July cel- Special board meeting
ebration, typically held at Lions
Wayside Park, is canceled this on budget set for
year due to the pandemic, said Monday morning
W. Ron Sutton, founder of Make
A Difference for Pleasanton,
which hosts the annual noontime BY JULIA BAUM
event. Pleasanton Unified School District
The event, “Freedom and will be able to avert cuts to programs
its Evolution since the Revolu- like special education and career and
tion,” always includes a rousing technical education through state de-
performance by the Pleasanton ferrals but must contend with both
Community Concert Band, $2 repayment and an uncertain financial
hotdogs with drinks sold by the future for the state, according to the
Lions Club, and hundreds of latest budget update to the board.
American flags handed out by
Following an updated state budget
Boy Scout Troop 908.
The celebration attracts hun- proposal from Gov. Gavin Newsom
dreds of people of all ages and last week, administrators said during
ACFD
involves about 100 volunteers. a board meeting on June 25 that the
Alameda County firefighters responded to a vegetation fire near Grant Line Road in rural Livermore on June 24.
district now has some reprieve but
DMV location shift will need to keep a close eye on both
The California Department
of Motor Vehicles field office at
Preparing for wildfire season the state’s overall fiscal performance
and PUSD’s reserve funding levels to
6300 W. Las Positas Blvd. closed stay afloat in coming years.
last week for renovations, an esti-
Tri-Valley officials advocate for fire prevention, The recently negotiated state bud-
mated two-month-long project to but urge residents to stay ready get will hold Local Control Funding
include roof, furniture and HVAC Formula levels to the 2019-20 levels
replacement. It is scheduled to BY EMMA HALL million acres burned. Causes of wildfires in the with a 0% cost-of-living adjustment
reopen Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. With summer’s arrival usher- So far this year, California has Tri-Valley (COLA), which originally was set at
The DMV is working to estab- ing in California’s wildfire season, had 3,000 wildland fire inci- Because of increasingly dan- 2.3%.
lish a temporary Pleasanton office fire officials in the Tri-Valley area dents, according to Cal Fire. As gerous weather and terrain con- According to Ahmad Sheik-
at the Stoneridge Shopping Cen-
are urging residents to take the a result, preparing for wildfire ditions, Tri-Valley agencies have holeslami, assistant superintendent
ter at 1 Stoneridge Mall Road. It
is scheduled to open July 22 at necessary precautions to prevent season has become an increased become wary of potential wild- of business services, “this restores
9 a.m. and remain open deliver- the spread of vegetation fires and priority for fire agencies around fires. In the last month, Liver- to us about $11 million in revenue
ing DMV services even after the protect themselves in case one the state, including the Tri-Valley more and Pleasanton have had for PUSD” and avoids reductions to
main field office reopens. To learn breaks out. communities. 63 fires incidents; out of those, categorical programs in adult educa-
more, visit dmv.ca.gov. Q The fear of another deadly “We’re concerned about fires 32 were vegetation fires. tion and CTE; the money will come
fire season haunts Californians anywhere in our district, but As recently as Sunday night, through deferrals from the state.
each year, especially less than especially if you live up in an Alameda County Fire Depart- With a $54 billion state revenue
Corrections two years removed from the dev- area where a fire can get up and ment crews responded with Cal shortfall expected next year due to
Last week’s story “Five homes astating 2018 season in which go and run to. It can be any time Fire to a 30-acre vegetation fire the COVID-19 pandemic-induced
chosen for 2020 Heritage 1.67 million acres burned and of year or day that a fire can be at 8:10 p.m. on Altamont Pass recession, the State Legislature and
Preservation Awards” misspelled 100 people died because of fire disastrous,” said Dan McNamara, Road and Dyer Road outside Newsom were at odds until recently
the name of one of the incidents — most notably the battalion chief for the San Ramon Livermore. Officials reported the over how to preserve spending for
homeowners. The house at 4547 Camp Fire in Paradise and Butte Valley Fire Protection District.
Third St. is owned by the Abrott County. The year prior, over 1.5 See WILDFIRE on Page 6 See PUSD on Page 8
Family. The Weekly regrets the error.
Pleasanton Weekly • July 3, 2020 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
City Council rejects 77-acre At Dublin development proposal
4-1 vote goes against contentious retail/housing project in East Dublin
BY RIYA CHOPRA retail will not materialize in the way is the EIR,” he said, referring to the
The Dublin City Council denied we want it to.” However, she also flaws he saw in the environmen-
the At Dublin project last week, expressed concerns about what tal impact report prepared for the
rejecting the proposed retail and would happen to the land if the project.
housing development spanning council flatly denied the At Dublin “(If we deny) without prejudice,
76.9 acres in eastern Dublin that project. I don’t know that my concerns
has been a source of contentious “If we don’t approve this project, will be addressed in the EIR. Spe-
discussion in the community for I’m worried about what we will get. cifically, there are issues about the
several years. I’m not susceptible to the threats burrowing owl and traffic circula-
The motion to deny the project of RHNA ... but I do think those tion as a result of the forthcoming
in a 4-1 vote was made with preju- things are real and legitimate and school. It is a major corridor that
dice, meaning that the existing ver- every time we kick the can down has impacts on the overall through-
sion of the proposal is essentially the road the retail gets smaller, and put at a critical section of Dublin
dead. If the applicant, Shea Proper- I don’t want to see that happen Boulevard.”
ties of San Diego, wants to continue again,” Josey said, referring to the Earlier in the meeting, Hernan-
with developing the property, the upcoming regional housing needs dez noted that the land in question
company would have to reapply allocation (RHNA) cycle. was one of the last large undevel-
and start over with the process, ac- Josey did offer some specific con- oped tracts left in East Dublin.
cording to city public information ditions she wanted to see, includ- “This piece of land deserves to
officer Shari Jackman. ing a guarantee that no more than have unique elements that we can
“I’ve given my feedback to the CITY OF DUBLIN 15% of the residential units were be proud of,” Hernandez said, add-
developers over and over again The At Dublin project, which the council voted down last week, involved a three or more bedrooms. She also ing that in her eyes, the current pro-
for a long time,” Councilwoman large undeveloped tract in East Dublin. argued the mitigation agreement posal fell short of the expectations
Melissa Hernandez said during that the applicant had reached with set when it was initiated in 2017.
the council’s hearing on June 22. up to 240,000 square feet of retail Discussion spanned two differ- the Dublin Unified School Dis- Kumagai was perhaps the most
“When I hear consensus, I’m hear- commercial development; and re- ent board meetings after the regu- trict was better than past mitiga- conflicted of the council members,
ing from the residents that they lated infrastructure and landscape larly scheduled June 16 meeting tion agreements, and that denying acknowledging his strong belief in
want a project to be proud of, improvements, according to a staff was adjourned due to technical dif- this proposal would set a poor building more affordable and age-
and this is not a project that we’re report prepared by city principal ficulties after hours of discussion. precedent for developers in the restricted housing while also noting
proud of.” planner Amy Million. The item continued for nearly six future to agree to better mitigation the lack of community consensus
Councilwoman Jean Josey cast The report also stated that the more hours on the evening of June agreements. that he wanted for the project.
the lone dissent vote at the end of development would generate an 22. Mayor David Haubert, mean- He expressed that the council did
the public hearing that spanned estimated $2 million in annual tax The public hearing was accom- while, initially advocated that the not have enough community input
two online council meetings this revenue to the city’s general fund. panied with nearly 1,000 emails council deny the At Dublin pro- during the initial study sessions.
month. The land in question is located sent to the council members, ac- posal without prejudice, which “Somehow we need to go back to
“This project is not my ideal for in between Tassajara Road and cording to Josey. Councilman would’ve allowed the applicant to the drawing board,” he stated.
this spot. But it is doable, and it’s Brannigan Street and bordered by Shawn Kumagai, too, noted that work with city staff and commu- “I’m not opposed to dense hous-
not high-density housing ... There Gleason Drive to the north and public comment was overwhelm- nity members in order to revise the ing if it’s smart and along the main
will be a mix of small shops and Interstate 580 to the south. ingly opposed to the At Dublin existing proposal. corridor and incorporates mixed-
fine dining and entertainment,” The applicant’s request included proposal being approved. “We could continue the item in- use and walkable space .. age-
Josey said. “I don’t think the ideal amendments to the city’s General The city’s Planning Commission definitely, and if the applicant can qualified was one of my asks and
project for this space exists.” Plan and East Dublin Specific Plan. had also recommended that the get community consensus, they can you made it work, and I appreciate
The At Dublin proposal called Those requests were ultimately council deny the project in a 3-2 bring it back. If they decide to give that,” he said, referring to the appli-
for the development of up to 566 struck down by the council major- vote. up and not come back, fine,” he cant. “But in the end, it’s not a great
residential units including apart- ity, primarily due to their concerns During the council’s delibera- said. project, and the people aren’t will-
ments, detached small-lot single- that the proposed development did tions, Josey told her colleagues Vice Mayor Arun Goel was op- ing to overlook the negativity they
family homes, and 55 and older not reflect the community’s vision at one point, “I do not love this posed to Haubert’s proposed course see about the impact on schools
age restricted single-family homes; for the land. project. I have real concerns that of action. “The biggest issue for me and traffic.” Q
what you may have.” While vegetation fires are the and lives and we just don’t want to difference between life and death,
WILDFIRE For mowing and weeding dry most common, Testa reminds com- see that happen.” we’re going with life and we’re
Continued from Page 5
grass, it is recommended that those munities that fires could start any- gonna have to not worry about
Wildfire evacuation
fire was mainly wind-driven with a chores be done in the morning as where. Specifically, urban wildlife social distancing,” said McNamara.
moderate rate of speed amid light winds tend to pick up in the af- places like Pleasanton Ridge that If a wildland fire does arise, of- “When you get to an evacuation
flashy fuels before being contained. ternoon. With a gust of wind, dry were once well-protected are now ficials encourage residents prepare center or something like that, we’re
To prevent more incidents, fire grass and equipment that could at-stake. early for evacuation. going to have put social distancing
officials recommend homeowners spark a flame, a fire could start in “The Pleasanton Ridge was his- Testa recommends backing cars into play and things might look a
have at least 100 feet of clear- seconds. torically fairly well-protected just into a driveway or garage if the little bit different. Instead of hav-
ance around their residency. Using Sparks from electrical equipment by how moist it is, it’s not the sunny day’s weather foresees wildfire risk. ing one evacuation center open, we
fire-resistant materials like tile- and leftover cigarettes are two com- afternoon slope — it gets shade as Power outages are also common might have to have three.”
roof stucco siding instead of wood mon examples of wildfire causes, the sun goes around towards the during wildfires, so make sure the In case of a wildfire, even if a for-
sided, implementing residential but anything that is flammable or west,” Testa said. “But that’s all garage door can open manually or mal notice isn’t sent out but citizens
sprinklers, and avoiding plant- mechanical could start flames in the changed now.” has a battery backup. Keeping es- are concerned about flames spread-
ing high flammable tires are also right weather. Even a titanium golf With Fourth of July approaching, sentials like clean clothes, phone ing to their home, they should evac-
recommended. club hitting a golf ball off course a common concern is that fireworks chargers, computers and important uate. But what is most emphasized
“You don’t have to get rid of all has caused a local fire incident, ac- could start possible wildfires. Al- files together are important while is that the community heed warn-
your landscape, you just need to cording to Joe Testa, deputy chief though no fireworks have caused evacuating as well. ings, take precautions and leave
maintain the landscape you have for the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire fires in the Tri-Valley yet, officials Fire officials also recommend when asked by their department.
around your home, especially if Department. still heed warnings about the pyro- family members pick a designated “A fire could move a large amount
you’re someone who backs up into “We see the well-intended per- technic device’s risk. area to meet. Due to social distanc- in a quick matter of time in a large
open space or interface areas,” Al- son trying to remove dry grass and “Fireworks do start fires in our ing and COVID-19, meeting up area. Personally, having been to the
ameda County Fire Chief David weeds in the heat of the day, and communities every year; it’s not a in evacuation centers could be in majority of the wildfires in the last
Rocha said. “We really encourage they’re using a tool that hits a rock false claim or worry,” Testa said. “It question. five years, you can’t take anything
you to take care of the landscap- or something like that and acciden- happens in our communities every However, at the end of the day, for granted. Everything is changing
ing, remove any dead vegetation, tally hit a spark, or it just overheats single year. And if it were to get being away from the fire is what’s so fast,” McNamara said. “We tell
change out plants and things like itself. It’s something that concerns in the wrong spot, it certainly can most important, officials said. people: Be a part of the solution and
that are more fire resistant versus us,” Rocha added. cause a threat to someone’s homes “The first thing is if there’s a not a part of the problem.” Q
Page 6 • July 3, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
Pleasanton Weekly • July 3, 2020 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
Pleasanton school board gets more clarity on reopening plans
Options to include hybrid model, independent study, FLEX Academy
BY JULIA BAUM With most Pleasanton classrooms depending on the furniture lay- in our secondary programs where families who both need to work
The final implementation plan averaging around 960 square feet out and other factors. However, teachers could potentially be teach- and students are only coming to
for reopening Pleasanton Unified of total space, accommodating they also said wearing face masks ing different classrooms and differ- school two days a week” if the
School District to students in fall is enough students while maintaining and keeping students in the same ent groups of children,” Diolazo district is still obligated to provide
still emerging, but it became clearer physical distance is one of the big- groups must be higher priorities said. childcare for essential workers?
how that strategy might look and gest considerations for reopening if less than six feet of distance is All students and staff would be Diolazo replied that Gov. Gavin
operate at the Board of Trustees all 15 campuses. needed. required to wear face masks unless Newsom’s order was to provide
meeting last week. Desks must be six feet apart and “There is no number for the size exempted by age or special needs. emergency childcare to essential
Three options for student learn- “arranged in a way that minimizes of groups so, as practical, students In lieu of a cloth face mask, a face workers during school hours from
ing in the 2020-21 school year face-to-face contact,” according to should remain in the same space shield would be permissible. March 13 through the end of the
are part of the reopening plan still Alameda County Public Health De- and in the same groups as small Additionally, everyone would school year.
being fine-tuned before being final- partment guidelines, but Ed Dio- and as consistent as possible,” Dio- need to self-screen at home or “It sounds like parents are on
ized for board approval in mid-July, lazo, assistant superintendent of lazo added. New students could before entering any buildings. Any- their own,” Laursen said. “Based
but staff told the trustees that the student support services, said there also be added to a cohort after it one unable to do so before stepping on the numbers of intent of families
success of each is dependent on are some exemptions to relax the has been established for at least on campus would have to provide who might be interested in long-
paying close attention to details. distancing. four weeks. an onsite visual or temperature term independent study or FLEX
Sending their child to school “If we have stable cohorts, con- County health officials encour- screening. Academy, is it possible that we
in person on a staggered schedule sistent cohorts of students, then age keeping students in the same District staff and faculty mem- could have room and sufficient staff
several days per week was the most that actually would allow for five space or groups “as small and as bers also previously gave feedback to have the remaining students in
popular scenario chosen by 89% feet of distance,” Diolazo told the consistent as possible,” but recently indicating that hiring more staff to school on somewhat of an everyday
of respondents for a recent pre- trustees during the June 25 board gave teachers leeway to instruct support custodians and daily clean- normal basis?”
registration intent data form, which meeting. “That one foot actually multiple groups of students as long ings on campus to ensure health Assistant superintendent Janelle
also included a flexible hybrid op- changes the number of kids we can as they practice physical distancing and safety were top priorities for Woodward told Laursen, “It would
tion and the district’s long-term plan for in specific classrooms.” and personal care protocol. reopening. depend on staff and many other
independent study program, but it Staff estimated that 12 to 18 “Teachers can join different co- Trustee Joan Laursen asked,
could also be the most challenging. students could fit in a classroom, horts of kids, which makes sense “How’s that going to work for See REOPENING on Page 9
Report finds Zone 7 drinking water exceeded standards in 2019
BY JULIA BAUM governments — and, in almost all such as the new ozonation treat- Agency ensures that our water is customers,” Figures said.
Tri-Valley residents might be happy cases, the quality was significantly ment at the Del Valle Water Treat- safe, clean and sustainable for our Other items of interest include
to know the quality of their drinking better than required,” officials said in ment Plant and Zone 7’s campaign community.” water quality testing results, a special
water met, and often exceeded, all a statement. to eliminate contaminants such as “We have invested in state-of-the- graphic detailing the steps taken to
state and federal standards last year, The newly redesigned report per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances art monitoring and treatment sys- process water before it reaches Zone
according to the 2019 Annual Con- uses graphics and detailed informa- (PFAS). tems — and we demonstrate our 7 customers, and how the agency is
sumer Confidence Report for the tion about the sources, treatment, Board President Sandy Figuers en- commitment to excellence with our monitoring and responding to the
Zone 7 Water Agency. safety and testing of local drinking couraged customers to check out own, more-stringent Zone 7 stan- COVID-19 pandemic.
All water supplied by the agency water. Sections within the report the report and “take a few moments dard. Our water quality is second- The Consumer Confidence Report
in 2019 “met the regulatory stan- also highlight new and ongoing to step inside the world of water to-none, and we are proud to share is available for download at www.
dards set by the state and federal projects to improve water quality and understand how Zone 7 Water this comprehensive update with our Zone7water.com/CCR2019. Q
PUSD where it can stop showing re-
serves?” Sheikholeslami added.
“What the state has done essen-
tially is to give districts and everyone
district’s 45-day budget revision,
which will incorporate the updated
for termination at the July 6 board
meeting including an unnamed ad-
Continued from Page 5
“How long would it take to recover a little bit of time to really prepare state budget and any changes made ministrator and four graphic spe-
public schools. As of this week, beyond maintaining it at 19-20 themselves for needed reductions,” to expenditure planning, will be cialists “due to lack of work and/or
Newsom had agreed to issue $12 levels to pay back those deferrals? Sheikholeslami said. “Had the state brought to the board on Aug. 13. lack of funds,” according to district
billion in deferrals and add $1 Those are two big questions that implemented the governor’s (origi- Five full-time positions are up documents. Q
billion in one-time federal fund- will probably push this problem nal) recommendations, it would’ve
ing through the Coronavirus Aid, out for many years. It took almost a been a shock to the system.”
Relief, and Economic Security decade for the state to recover from Anticipating “there will be a day
(CARES) Act. the last recession and pay off defer- we have to deal with the loss of
PUSD is “looking at somewhere rals from that.” revenue that the state is facing,”
between $20 million to $24 million By making the necessary reduc- it was suggested that PUSD make
combined deferrals in this fiscal tions, Sheikholeslami said the dis- reductions “based on organizational
year to the next, and then there’s trict won’t have $6 million of deficit efficiencies and effectiveness.”
a large amount of deferrals start- spending, benefiting them more in Knowing that there is likely
ing February all the way through the future. many unknown costs surrounding
May,” Sheikholeslami said. If federal “We believe we can achieve that COVID-19, the district said they
funds come through, there will still by reducing the identified $11 mil- will “have to be careful as we go
be deferrals but he said “they will lion of reductions to about $5.5 forward and consider the future in
not be as large” and most districts million and that will play a huge role terms of the deferrals, the state rev-
will try bridging those gaps with when it comes to the out-year plan- enue stability and ongoing COVID-
other accounts or reserves. ning as we will have to maneuver, 19 impacts to education.”
“However, because the magni- how the state recovers from this, Staff will dig deeper into more
TRI-VALLEY HAVEN
tude of this deferral is so large, it how long the recovery is going to details of the pending state budget
will require the district not only to be, how long these deferrals are,” he and update their plan this month. Haven’s Juneteenth display
utilize those options by probably, said. “Any type of good budget plan- Any specific immediate reductions Tri-Valley Haven commemorated Juneteenth with a special community
and most likely, look at borrowing ning and reduction planning that we that need board approval before display outside its community building in Livermore, inviting people to
money through short-term loans, do today will allow the district to then will be voted on at a special leave a sign or token describing what they celebrate about diversity and
and so there is interest costs and really weather the storm better.” July 6 online meeting, starting 9 what they can do to help end racism. “Juneteenth has been a holiday
repayment,” Sheikholeslami said. Staff recommended to the board a.m. for Tri-Valley Haven for a few years. Given all of the racial tension and
There are also “two big ques- maintaining appropriate reserve Another special board meeting consciousness about oppression and violence, we decided to open things
tions” lingering about paying back levels to allow the district to handle on July 14 will focus on school up this year and invite folks to participate,” Executive Director Ann King
the money. cash flow issues that they anticipate reopening but also include an up- said. “Many of the pledges and the comments are personal and inspiring ...
At the end of this event, we will compile a binder full of the pledges, a book
“Next year, is the state going to during the deferral periods and also date on where the district is with
of action to end oppression.”
recover its revenue to the point prepare for an uncertain future. budget planning at that point. The
Page 8 • July 3, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Livermore Farmers’ Market selects new manager,
slated to reopen next week
Foragers Market to take over management in wake of CFMA’s ouster over pride flag argument
BY RYAN J. DEGAN between J and K streets. The tradi- Association, stepped down on June actions and tone.
Livermore Downtown Inc. has tional year-round Sunday farmers’ 16 after an argument between its While CFMA later apologized for
officially reached agreement with a market is scheduled to reopen July executive director and members of the encounter, Livermore Down-
new manager for its farmers’ mar- 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Sec- Livermore Pride and a local bakery town issued a joint statement with
ket, selecting Foragers Market to ond Street, between J and L streets. owner earlier in the month went the city of Livermore condemning
lead operations and put the twice- Livermore Downtown officials say viral. the incident and CFMA’s conduct.
weekly market in position to return Foragers Market is led by Harvin- The incident occurred on June “CFMA’s recent actions were un-
next week. dar Singh, who is well-versed in 7, when Dan Floyd — owner of acceptable and do not represent
Announced Monday, nearly two the local food scene and previously Dan Good Cookies, a vendor at the values and principles that are
weeks after the previous manage- worked as Whole Foods Market the market — and Livermore Pride appropriate for the Farmers Market,
ment company resigned amid fall- regional local forager from 2006 Executive Director Amy Pannu were and all other programs or services in
out from a controversy involving to 2016. Singh was also heavily handing out rainbow flags in honor the City of Livermore,” they said in
the LGBTQ+ pride flag, downtown involved in the San Ramon Farmers’ of LGBTQ Pride Month, but CFMA the joint statement.
officials say the new market man- LIVERMORE DOWNTOWN INC. Market. Executive Director Gail Hayden told “The Farmers Market is a com-
ager will not only fit in well with Livermore Downtown Inc. has “Harv’s commitment to building the duo to stop, saying the practice munity institution that many have
Livermore’s diverse landscape but selected Foragers Market by local food security and healthy com- of distributing flags violated market anxiously awaited both for a return
will also be instrumental in expand- Harvindar Singh (shown) as the new munities through his curation style policy. to social connection and, impor-
ing the market’s offerings. manager for its farmers’ market. and various programs has become a Pannu captured the end of the tantly, economic recovery for the
“The Foragers Market team will huge draw,” Downtown Inc. officials ensuing conversation on video, many independent growers, food
continue to curate Bay Srea’s best talented food makers,” Livermore added. which then went viral on social crafters, artisans and others whose
collection of local food purveyors Downtown Inc. officials said in a Without a management company media and resulted in calls for boy- passion brings them to the Market
and artisan producers that will fit statement. to lead the operation, the Livermore cotting CFMA because of Hayden’s each week,” they added. Q
well with Livermore’s diverse and The Thursday farmers’ market is Farmers’ Market has been closed
growing demographic. Their focus slated to reopen July 9, from 4-8 since June 18.
will be on seeking local Livermore p.m. and continue through October, The market’s previous man-
and surrounding Tri-Valley areas for at Carnegie Park on Third Street, ager, California Farmers Market Invitation to Bid for
General Contracting Services
No-cost meal service at PUSD during Tri-Valley Haven (TVH) is a service agency that provides
emergency shelter and resources for adults and children
summer break starting July 13 who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault,
or homelessness. Through this Invitation to Bid, TVH
Pleasanton Unified School Dis- Perusse, “We are going to do a for pick-up at Pleasanton Middle is seeking general contracting services for three of their
trict is offering no-cost meal service 3-day pack out on the 29th to and Alisal Elementary on Mondays, facilities.
to families in need in July and give families as much as we can Wednesdays and Fridays from
August. The district was recently before we take a brief break” 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Community Building that serves as the
approved to continue serving meals while their kitchen undergoes Alameda County Community administrative offices for Tri-Valley Haven is a 5,042
via the federal meal program Seam- some repairs. Food Bank has committed to deliv- square foot facility built in 1997. Sojourner House is a
less Summer Option for the re- Service will resume July 13 and ering groceries so “Grocery Fridays” 3,000 square foot, 1-story, single-family residence built in
mainder of summer. end August 7, right before the will continue as well. No meal ap-
June meal service ended Mon- new school year starts on Aug. plication is required and children
1967 that contains 4-bedrooms and administrative offices.
day; according to child nutri- 11. No-cost meals for all children do not need to be present. Q Shiloh, the second facility, consists of two single-family
tion services coordinator Kelsey under the age of 18 will be offered —Julia Baum buildings totaling approximately 7,500 sq. ft. The scope of
work for these three facilities include a variety of exterior
and interior improvements.
a district’s ability to offer a full- Zoom and Google Classroom.
REOPENING time distance learning option for Students opting for independent The bid package containing the drawings and project
Continued from Page 8
students.” study would remain concurrently manual will be available on PlanWell on July 7, 2020.
things. We’re absolutely open to “We, along with districts across enrolled in their current school Bids will be due July 30, 2020 at 3 pm. The bid
utilizing our available resources to the state, are seeking clarification and have a contract outlining their information can be accessed at the PlanWell San Ramon
support our families. Can we do it of this language,” Haglund said. standards and expectations. Fail-
website. Once on the website take the following these steps:
at the level of all students all the “Until we receive clear guidance ure to maintain adequate prog-
time — I don’t know that we can on what is (and is not) allowed, we ress would result in returning to Step 1: https://www.e-arc.com/location/san-ramon/
hit that capacity.” will move forward as if the option a “seat-based” program, per state
Trustee Jamie Yee noted that with to incorporate distance and virtual education code. Step 2: Go to Planrooms and click on
many parents working from home, learning is fully available to our At the elementary level, students “Order from PlanWell”
the district’s previous numbers on families and staff.” unable to attend school in-person Step 3: On the left hand of the page go to Public
childcare could be outdated by this In addition to the hybrid model for medical reasons will be of- PlanRoom and hit “Go.” This will take you
point. “When we just think about with some in-person learning sev- fered a distance learning program
our normal childcare situation, we eral times a week, the district also “that would be held at each re-
to all of the public projects that are out for bid.
have, what, 800 kids on a waitlist,” plans to offer a distance learn- spective elementary school based Step 4: Locate the “Tri-Valley Haven Facilities
Yee said. “We actually don’t know ing option that’s facilitated through upon need and staffing,” PUSD Rehab Project”
who needs childcare at all, so I long-term independent study, and officials said. This option would
Step 5: Order Plans and Project Manual
don’t think you can plan the child- an enhanced virtual instructional let students remain at their home
care thing unless you know who model called the FLEX Academy. schools with their own teacher for For questions or clarifications regarding this Invitation
needs childcare.” The FLEX Academy would be the entire year.
to Bid please contact Kenneth Jones at 925-207-3830 or
The passage of the state budget taught by PUSD teachers and fol- The new school year is sched-
omnibus bill last week has pre- low the same course outlines used uled to begin Aug. 11; the district via email at kjones@landisdevelopment.com. Inquiries
sented what Superintendent David in their traditional school. Stu- will start contacting families that regarding the scope, architectural drawings, or project
Haglund called “a significant issue” dents in grades six through 12 wish to enroll in FLEX Academy manual should be directed to the Architect, Michael Fowler
in a letter addressing the PUSD enrolled in the FLEX Academy or long-term independent study in at Walovich Architect at mfowlower@walovich.com.
community on Monday. Haglund would still be enrolled at their cur- the near future. Reopening recom-
said that Assembly Bill 77 “in- rent school and receive instruction mendations will be prepared for This is a Federal Prevailing Wage Project.
cluded language that may restrict through online portals such as board approval on July 14. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • July 3, 2020 • Page 9
NEWSFRONT
Livermore Lab expanding current
facility with supercomputer updates
Modernization project expected to reach final phase by 2022
BY EMMA HALL As a result, construction to ex- that particular building has ample
Lawrence Livermore National pand system capacity was advanced square footage,” said Anna Marie
Laboratory has broken ground on with new computer designs, in- Bailey, the program facility manag-
its Exascale Computing Facility creased requirements, number of er. “We have nearly 50,000 square
modernization project to provide processors per system, and the feet of data center space and we’re
advanced supercomputer services density of processors per rack. only adding the power to meet the
to its laboratory by expansion on The project, which did not have needs of exascale computing in the
LLNL
the campus. a formal groundbreaking ceremony future.”
Design rendering shows concept for expansion project now underway at LLNL.
The project aims to significantly because of COVID-19, involves ex- LLNL officials estimate that the
upgrade the mechanical and elec- panding the current cooling system modernization project will reach
trical capabilities of the lab’s Liver- from 10,000 tons to 28,000 tons by completion in July 2022, but it According to LLNL, El Capitan year to 18 months to manufacture,”
more Computing Center. adding piping and pumps that will will be substantially completed by will run roughly 10 times faster she said. “The laboratory is dedi-
Since 2004, LLNL has had some add cooling tower capacity. Cur- November 2022 so crews can begin on average compared to the facil- cated to that strategic planning and
of the largest, fastest and most ad- rently, the electrical system will also preparation for a separate infra- ity’s current Sierra system. Bailey so in my role as the HPC engineer,
vanced systems, and to further this be upgraded from 45 megawatts structure package. One of the sys- stated that each machine lasts on I have to look at that whole gamma
venture, National Nuclear Security to 85 megawatts to ensure high- tems being used to showcase the fa- the floor for five to seven years, and of what’s coming down the line,
Administration (NNSA) facilities performance computing. cility’s new capabilities is known as are eventually retired for the next what type of systems do we forecast
require high performance machines “Since then we’ve been hous- El Capitan. It is projected that this effective supercomputer. ... and try to forecast what types
to exceed current capacities, ac- ing high performance comput- supercomputer will be the world’s “It’s not a simple thing. A lot of of technologies will provide over
cording to lab officials. ing machines in that facility and fastest supercomputer by 2023. this equipment can take up to a several generations.” Q
Glazer calls for more protections for vulnerable people
Public letter to governor urges for clearer guidance from state on COVID-19 protocols
State Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orin- Newsom should also expand and we need to do our best work serious consequences,” Glazer said. Protecting seniors and those
da) on Monday called on Gov. and extend state services and pro- to protect them,” Glazer said. State health officials have ob- who are medically vulnerable is
Gavin Newsom to do more to pro- grams that benefit seniors and Younger family members of se- served a rise in coronavirus cases not as much of a priority as it
tect seniors and medically vulner- medically vulnerable people, Glaz- niors and medically vulnerable statewide over the last two weeks, should be, Glazer suggested, add-
able people during the COVID-19 er said. people should also stay inside to leading to the postponement of ing that local health officials and
coronavirus pandemic. Glazer used the example of the prevent spreading the virus to oth- various businesses and activities governments also need to moni-
In a letter to Newsom, Glazer state’s Great Plates Delivered pro- ers in their families, Glazer said. resuming operations. tor how high-risk populations are
said the governor should make gram, which delivers three restau- The risk of doing so is even On Sunday, Newsom ordered moving around to protect them
state guidance clearer that seniors rant-prepared meals each day to higher for people in what Glaz- bars across the state to close after from the virus.
and the medically vulnerable eligible seniors, as something that er called “overcrowded living a surge of coronavirus cases that “This is a life-or-death choice
should avoid entering or working should be expanded to support conditions.” some state officials see linked to for so many here in California,”
at non-essential businesses and high-risk residents. “That young person that goes young people going out to bars he said. “I don’t think you should
that those businesses should have “If we do want to protect our out and gets the virus and may and restaurants and not taking sugarcoat the consequences of this
clearer signage to ensure medically most vulnerable Californians as be asymptomatic comes home and proper precautions like wear- virus on the elderly. And yet it
vulnerable people know a busi- we go forward, we need to make it infects others in that household, ing face coverings and practicing seems to have been forgotten.” Q
ness is non-essential. clear that they need to stay home including the elderly, which has physical distancing. —Bay City News Service
COVID which is kept in a separate statisti- and anyone who enters the center is in local cases, disproportionate im- during these unprecedented times,”
Continued from Page 5
cal category, had 60 cases and Sunol screened for the virus. pact on communities of color, local Pan said in a statement released
had fewer than 10. The center has now implemented impact of the outbreak at San Quen- through ACPHD late Monday
and related decisions — is leaving The Veterans Affairs Department a universal masking policy for all tin State Prison, and the alarming afternoon.
Alameda County for a position with confirmed on Monday that one staff and residents, and anyone who disease trends we see in counties “There has never been a more
the state government. COVID-19 death involved a resi- doesn’t have a mask is provided one, that have opened at a faster rate,” challenging time to be a public
Pan’s top deputy, Dr. Nicholas dent in the Livermore Community officials said. Employees following ACPHD officials said on Monday. health officer, yet I look forward
J. Moss, will take the reins as the Living Center, under the Palo Alto federal guidelines for appropriate “This week and next will be crit- to the honor of serving to help
county’s interim health officer effec- VA Health Care System. personal protective equipment. ical for assessing the impact of lead this work more broadly state-
tive Tuesday. There have been 18 other con- activities authorized to resume in wide,” she added. “I leave here
Alameda County’s COVID-19
case rate had increased to 71.1 per
firmed cases of the virus among
residents and employees at the mili-
‘This week and Alameda County on June 19th, and
we will continue to closely monitor
proud of the work our Public
Health Department does every day
100,000 people (up 7.9) over the tary veteran care facility in Liver- next will be critical our data to inform next steps re- to keep our communities healthy
previous seven days, ACPHD said more, VA officials said. garding reopening and attestation,” and safe, and confident in Dr.
on Monday. The Livermore Community Liv- for assessing the they added. Moss’ ability to continue our plan
The public health agency also ing Center is working to investi- And the department will be doing to address the complex issues of
reported seeing a daily increase gate the circumstances around how impact of activities that analysis with a new leader. this pandemic.”
in COVID-19 hospitalizations since 10 residents and nine employees Pan, the county’s interim health Moss, the county’s new interim
last week, following a period of ended up recently testing positive, authorized to officer since July 2018, has been health officer, has served as deputy
daily decreases. officials said. The exact timeframe appointed as the state epidemiolo- county health officer and acting
ACPHD reported that as of for the string of cases as the VA’s
resume.’ gist and deputy director overseeing director of the Division of Commu-
Tuesday, there had been a total of center, as well as information about ACPHD statement the Center for Infectious Diseases at nicable Disease Control and Preven-
5,963 confirmed COVID-19 cases the resident who died, have not the California Department of Public tion since earlier this year.
and 135 deaths countywide. Highs been released. News of the outbreak at the Health, Gov. Gavin Newsom an- He joined the department in
by community included Oakland Officials confirmed that the veter- Livermore veterans facility comes nounced on Monday. April 2013 to lead the HIV/STD
(2,352), Hayward (987), and Fre- ans who tested positive for COVID- as the COVID-19 case count con- “I’m thankful for the opportunity Section to provide oversight and
mont and San Leandro (290 each). 19 were transferred to the VA hos- tinues to increase in the Tri-Valley to have served Alameda County for planning for HIV care, build sus-
As for the Tri-Valley, Livermore pital in Palo Alto for treatment. All over the past week and a half, like the past nine years, and grateful tainable funding for HIV preven-
had 169 cases, Pleasanton had 119 residents and staff of the Livermore has been seen in other parts of the for the community’s support of the tion, and integrate HIV and STD
cases and Dublin had 53 cases, as facility are currently being tested for Bay Area, the state and the country. dramatic measures we had to take work in the department, officials
of Tuesday. Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, COVID-19 every three to four days, “We are concerned by the increase to slow the spread of COVID19 said. Q
Page 10 • July 3, 2020 • Pleasanton WeeklyYou can also read
