Earth Unfiltered' film festival 5 12 - Pleasanton Weekly
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‘Earth Unfiltered’
film festival
Page 14
VOL. XXII, NUMBER 38 • OCTOBER 15, 2021 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
5 NEWS Pleasanton skate park plans on a roll
12 PULSE Preliminary IDs out in Pimlico deaths
17 SPORTS Emotional trip to city’s ‘Sports Memorial’
Join us to celebrate 60 years of
Courage. Compassion. Healing.
Since 1961, ValleyCare has been committed
to providing compassionate, human-
centered health care to our neighbors in the
Tri-Valley and beyond.
And now, it’s time to celebrate.
Join us Saturday, October 23, from 10 a.m. –
2 p.m., for our 60th anniversary celebration
event, with giveaways, exciting news about
the future we’re building together, and
wellness tips from our experts.
Throughout the event, visit virtual booths
to learn about cutting-edge robotic surgery,
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cancer screening, breastfeeding advice for
new moms, employment at Stanford Health
Care – ValleyCare, and more.
We hope you’ll join us for this special online
event as we celebrate our commitment to
world-class health care for the families of
the Tri-Valley.
celebrate.valleycare.com
Page 2 • October 15, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
10x13_VC60.indd 1 10/8/21 6:00 PM
WHAT A WEEK BY JEREMY WALSH
PLEASANTON LISTINGS
Remembering
Bob Butler
M any with long ties to the
Pleasanton community are
mourning the recent death
of former mayor and councilmember
93. That in-
cluded a turn
as mayor from
1982-83.
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Robert “Bob” Butler. “I will 7941 FOOTHILL KNOLLS DR 4868 DOLORES DR
Serving on the Planning Commis- never forget 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms
sion and City Council during crucial my first Plan- 3,046 Square Feet 2,880 Square Feet
times in Pleasanton’s evolution of the ning Commis-
1970s and 1980s, Butler was a cen- Bob Butler sion meeting,” SOLD! SOLD!
tral figure when decisions were made Butler said in
and projects were approved that con- Dolores’ 2016 article. “Foothill Road
tinue to have important impacts on ridge development was on the agen- NEW LISTING - OPEN SAT & SUN
the community we know today. da, and the meeting lasted from 7:30
Hacienda Business Park. Ruby p.m. until 2:30 a.m. My wife got so 3232 VERDE COURT
Hill. The mall. The Senior Center. worried ... that she called the police.” 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 1,928 Square Feet
Stoneridge Drive freeway inter- What a great anecdote. Lovely townhouse in the highly desired Verona neighborhood featuring a
change. Foothill Road developments. Especially to someone like me, bedroom with full bathroom downstairs.
(Just to name a select few.) who has spent my share of occasions
“Bob Butler was an exemplary in a council chamber watching as the
public servant, and the city of Pleas- clock ticks past midnight — albeit in
anton is better for his service,” City the age of text messages, to alert my 7TIME WINNER AS PLEASANTON’S BEST REALTOR & HALL OF FAME MEMBER
Manager Nelson Fialho said in a wife.
statement from the city last week an-
nouncing Butler’s passing.
Butler was a transplant to Pleasan-
ton, initially relocating here from the Gina Piper
“With a 15-year tenure on Pleasan- Midwest in 1960. He and wife Mary- 925.200.0202 • DRE #01201349
ton’s City Council, Bob was a cham- Ann (who died in 2009) had four gina@elationre.com
pion for Pleasanton and played a children together. The couple were
ElationRE.com
major role in shaping our city into also charter members of the Pleasan-
the outstanding place it is today,” ton Community Concert Band when
Fialho said. “Through his thought- it formed in 1975; he played trom-
ful leadership, Bob helped to guide bone, saxophone and percussion.
Pleasanton through a period of trans- A veteran with two years of active
formative growth that developed two duty in the Army and nearly three
hallmarks of our city — Stoneridge decades in the Army Reserve, Butler
Shopping Center and Hacienda.” worked a full career with GE Val-
The city lowered its flags at the lecitos before “retiring” and opening
Civic Center in Butler’s honor on a tax preparation business.
Oct. 6. I look forward to reading much
When the news came out last more about Butler’s personal, profes-
week, one of the first things I did sional and public accomplishments
was go through our archives for past after his family publishes a full obitu-
coverage of Butler. I’d never had the ary in the days or weeks ahead.
opportunity to meet him in person, And perhaps Peter MacDonald,
and I certainly wasn’t around town who worked as city attorney for
during his council tenure (I was born Pleasanton during part of Butler’s
five years before he left the dais). council tenure, put it best in reflec-
Of course, his city service predated tion of the late councilman.
the Weekly, too, as we debuted in “Bob Butler was probably the
2000. smartest councilmember I ever
Fortunately, an article our Tri-Val- worked with,” MacDonald told me
ley Life editor Dolores Fox Ciardelli via email last weekend. “Bob came
wrote about Butler five years ago across as almost apolitical because he
was particularly illuminating and would acknowledge the other points
reflective, upon him receiving a of view, and then calmly explain how
2016 Ed Kinney Community Patriot he was going to vote. He was respect-
Award — an annual service recogni- ful to other opinions, and respected
tion program here in town, named for his clear thinking.”
for another late former Pleasanton RIP Bob Butler. Q
mayor. Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh has been the
Butler served for four years on editor of the Pleasanton Weekly since
the Pleasanton Planning Commis- February 2017. His “What a Week”
sion before being elevated to the City column runs on the first and third
Council, where he sat from 1978- Fridays of the month.
About the Cover
Rendering shows “Option 2” — one of two design concepts under
consideration by the City Council — for the planned all-abilities playground at
Ken Mercer Sports Park. Image by RRM Design Group. Cover design by
Doug Young.
Vol. XXII, Number 38
Pleasanton Weekly • October 15, 2021 • Page 3
$125M+
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119
Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN
soBbpBKsWdbppWbKO
41+ When you see someone indoors not
|OBopdT_dKB_O{lOoWObKO wearing their mask properly when masks
are required, how, if at all, do you react?
The Agent You Hire Matters!
It’s no question that the local real estate market continues to favor sellers & houses are Beth Griston Retired
STILL in high demand, however with the slight recent slowdown, the time might be of the Ordinarily, I avoid them and not say
essence and hiring the right agent to sell your house is more important than ever. Our anything because I don’t want to risk
pO__OopJObOsTodapVdosOosWaOpdbsVOaBo^OsÛadoOO{ldptoOÛadoOdTTOopÛ_OppsWaO escalating the situation. However, if we are
WbOpKodzÛBbMBVWUVOobOslodKOOMpBpBoOpt_sdTdtobO{sø_OyO_aBo^OsWbUpsoBsOU|à somewhere where avoidance is impossible,
like next to one another on a plane, or if
ÖÖ B__tpsdMB|BsøøTdoBKdal_WaObsBo|Kdbpt_sBsWdbBbMoOTOoObKOp we were in close proximity to other high-
of our past happy clients. ** risk individuals, like in a retirement home,
I would probably feel compelled to ask
/ Sun / Sun them politely to fix their mask.
Sat Sat
en en
Op Op Anna Gourgiotopoulou
Lawyer
I would tell them, “Please put your mask
on and respect the people around you
the way they are respecting you.” And I
2515 Bishop Avenue, Fremont 7380 Stonedale Drive, Pleasanton
would not be very polite about it. At all.
tps WpsOMø3lMBsOM Û ÛÛpT /sdbOoWMUO2dzbVdaOKdaatbWs|Û3lMBsOM
Bed & Full Bath on main level, Ideal location near ^WsKVObÛbOzddoWbUÛWMOB_KdaatsOo_dKBsWdbÛ
Parkmont School, Near BART, ACE Train, shops sdloBsOMpKVdd_pÛ WpsOMBsĝÛÛ
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Stefan Bartl
d
Sol Sol
d Solar finance
If I felt genuinely unsafe, I would ask
the person to fix their mask. But if not,
I would just leave it up to the business
owner and his or her employees to
enforce the rules.
5246 Riverdale Court, Pleasanton 3465 Ashbourne Circle, San Ramon
SOLD with multiple offers. OBtsWTt_ İ#TKOà ÛÛpTdT_t{to|_WyWbU
/lBKWdtp Ûà ÛpTsdzbVdaO plBKOà WpsOMBsĝÛÛø/d_MBsĝÛÛà
WpsOMBsęĝÛÛęø/d_MBsĝÛÛ VOK^dtoaBo^OsWbUBspVJdtobOàKda
B__BoWMBęŒààsd_Wps|dtopÝ B__/sOyOŒààTdoMOsBW_pà Nicole Thames Marketing
I would be afraid to speak up because
ng d mask-wearing is such a politicized issue
ndi Sol
Pe and I don’t want to get into that with
people. I feel that the onus is really on the
business owner to take a stand and ensure
their customers are following the rules. I
also would try to create distance between
myself and the improperly masked person
because I like to avoid confrontation.
3420 Finnian Way, The Terraces, Dublin 424 Fitzwilliam Street, The Courtyards, Dublin
à ÛpTsdzbVdaOps|_OlObsVdtpOtbWsę SOLD with multiple offers.
Investment property/Starter home ÛpTKdbMdÛøKBoUBoBUO Andrew Angeles and Candace
+oWKOMBsĝÛ WpsOMBsĝÛÛę/d_MBsĝÛ Frazier
B__/sOyOŒààTdoMOsBW_pà B__/sOyOŒààsd_Wps|dtopÝ Lawyers
We would gently and politely ask the
d
d Sol person to wear their mask properly over
Sol their nose and mouth indoors. If that
doesn’t work, we would look to the
establishment to insist that their patrons
comply with the rules.
—Compiled by Nancy and Jeff Lewis
5501 Bridgeport Circle, Livermore 932 Winsford Court, San Ramon
SOLD with multiple offers. İÛà ÛÛpTœ8WOzpà Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
oWMUOldos WoK_OÛ WyOoadoO WpsOMBsĝà à/d_MBsĝà à
bsOosBWbOoĆp O_WUVsÝ ÛÛpTę /VdzWbUpb B|p#TTOop
The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd.,
WpsOMBsĝÛø/# //BsĝÛÛ Suite 203, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate,
B__/sOyOŒààsd_Wps|dtopÝ USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton.
Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100
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ààŚ B|oOBdaOWbMOoàKda POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly,
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Page 4 • October 15, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST Fun for everyone: City Council reviews design
‘Week of the Stars’
The Pleasanton Partnerships
options for all-abilities playground
in Education Foundation (PPIE) Concepts for new Pleasanton amenity praised for ‘color, creativity and whimsical nature’
is hosting its “Week of the
Stars” event from this Saturday BY JULIA BAUM past two years including approving lifting up others.” with a replica Pleasanton arch also
A
through Oct. 24 to generate fter months of public input and budgeting funds for the design “The idea behind this concept is to featured in Option 1. A large main
support for Pleasanton Unified on two design concepts for process. encourage each individual to rise up play area with a replica of Kottinger
School District students and Pleasanton’s planned first all- “We don’t make decisions in a to their unique potential as well as Farm “or other key historic building
educators.
abilities playground at Ken Mercer vacuum, we really reach out to our to uplift others and find joy in that,” in Pleasanton that could be interact-
The fundraising program in-
cludes a “Great Auction” being Sports Park, the City Council gave residents,” Brown said. Along with project manager Gina Chavez told ed with in a variety of ways” has also
held online starting this Satur- their own feedback last week. building a website dedicated to the the council that evening. “You’ll see been proposed for Option 2, along
day (Oct. 16) at 9 a.m. There “This is creative, this is like creat- project that is updated regularly, the a lot of elements that are related to with nature-themed play areas outfit-
are also opportunities to make ing art,” Mayor Karla Brown said city also held six stakeholder meet- rising up like sky elements including ted with mounds, sand and sensory
general donations to PPIE. after a staff presentation at the Oct. ings with different groups to discuss the sun and the clouds.” play items.
A “Teacher Appreciation” 5 council meeting. “It seems each the playground. Celebrating “the park’s green, lush Though both concepts have differ-
function allows residents to sign playground is very unique and dif- Using “as much of the public input setting and undulations,” Option 2 ent themes, each option includes ad-
up for free and offer comments ferent, so we just want to make sure received as possible while also re- — otherwise known as the “Pride of ditional accessible parking spaces, a
of praise for their favorite PUSD that there’s some concept there, that flecting the character and feel of the Pleasanton Playground” — “encour- drop-off and loading/unloading area,
teacher. The nonprofit will then
we want to pay for this one day, and community and park,” staff said in ages users to discover nature through new parking stalls and a walking
do a lottery drawing and issue
gift cards to selected teachers. we want it to be just as beautiful as a report that “the two designs are organic shapes, natural materials and loop around the perimeter. Regard-
Participating restaurants are the designs are.” meant to be interchangeable so that textures, and a variety of adventures less of which design is chosen, the
also offering 10% off on dine- City officials started planning its items in option one can be placed in and challenges along the way,” ac- new all-abilities playground will re-
in or takeout meals during the first all-abilities playground four option two and vice versa.” cording to staff. place the existing and outdated play-
“Week of the Stars.” To learn years ago, when families of rela- Called “Pleasanton’s Rise Play- Interpretive play features that staff ground currently east of the softball
more about the program, visit tives with special needs originally ap- ground,” Option 1 is an “inspira- said “highlight the unique character field complex at Mercer Park.
ppie.org. proached staff with the request, and tional” playground that “encourages of Pleasanton” are featured in Option
have made it a top priority over the bravery, confidence, and the joy of 2, which also includes an entry area See PLAYGROUND on Page 9
SCS Property
Dublin city officials are virtu-
ally hosting their second vision-
ing session on the future land-
Rules for
use and preferred development
for the SCS Property, located
between Tassajara Road and
lifting
Brannigan Street.
The 77-acre site has been
local mask
the subject of local debate for
some time, including with the
ultimately rejected At Dublin
mandate
project concept. Groups will be able
The session, set for 7 p.m.
Wednesday (Oct. 20), will focus to set independent
on ideas shared since the Au-
gust meeting and initial concept masking requirements
land-use plans in response. Visit BY SUE DREMANN /
dublin.ca.gov. PALO ALTO WEEKLY
Eight Bay Area counties will lift
Sunol history the indoor mask mandates after a
East Bay Parks is presenting series of criteria are met, they an-
an event at Sunol Regional Wil- nounced late last week.
derness this Saturday (Oct. 16) RRM DESIGN GROUP
The counties of Alameda, Con-
from 12-4 p.m. on the long his- Overhead rendering shows a design concept for the new skate park being proposed for Ken Mercer Sports Park in
tra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Fran-
tory of the parkland in southern central Pleasanton.
Alameda County, “starting with cisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara,
Sonoma and the city of Berkeley
the Ohlone Peoples who called
the area home for millennia, and
continuing through a century of
Skate park plans on a roll reached a consensus on crite-
ria to lift health orders requir-
ranching and homesteading.” Council weighs in on process driven by community ing the masks and to allow or-
The free event, hosted by ganizations to set requirements
naturalist Kristina Parkison, will BY JULIA BAUM Andrew Lambert, son of not be having this meeting today independently.
celebrate the land’s history with Seven years after Pleasanton late parks and recreation com- about this incredible new skate They will lift the indoor mask-
music, crafts, games and other city officials and residents started missioner David Lambert, has park to benefit the next gen- ing requirement in public spaces
activities. Call 510-544-3249. Q
planning to build out the cur- worked closely with the city on eration of Pleasanton,” Andrew that are not subject to state and
rent skate park at Ken Mercer the project and said during the Lambert said. federal masking rules when all
Sports Park, two proposed de- Oct. 5 public hearing that he’s According to a staff report, the following occur:
Correction sign schemes were unveiled to spoken with more than 40 local both skate park concept designs • The jurisdiction reaches the
Last week’s cover story “How to the Pleasanton City Council last youth about it. “are meant to be interchange- moderate (yellow) COVID-19
spend bond money” included week. “Their voices might be small, able so that items in option one transmission tier, as defined by
an outdated completion date Starting in 2014, the city was but the numbers of Pleasanton can be placed in option two and the Centers for Disease Control
for Phase 1 of the Emerald High identified as being “deficient in youth that support this is out- vice versa,” and “were created to & Prevention (CDC), and remains
School project. The Dublin
skate facilities” by a half-acre and standing,” Andrew Lambert said, maximize the use of the potential there for at least three weeks; and
school board has adjusted the
estimated opening date to fall began planning for a buildout. adding that “they have an oppor- skate park space while retaining • COVID-19 hospitalizations
2023 (although signage at the Last year staff presented the top tunity to create something that the existing skate park and other in the jurisdiction are low and
construction site, including that locations for a skate park, with is truly fitting for the Pleasanton site features and amenities to the stable, in the judgment of the
depicted in the cover photo, the west end of Mercer Park ad- skate community.” extent feasible.” health officer; and
still cite the prior date). The jacent to the existing skate park “If it wasn’t for my father David
Pleasanton Weekly regrets the ultimately being chosen. Lambert, without him we would See SKATE PARK on Page 8 See MASKING on Page 10
confusion.
Pleasanton Weekly • October 15, 2021 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
Drought: Water rates for DSRSD
customers to increase next month
Stage 2 water shortage rates will go into effect on Nov. 5, after a ‘critically dry year’
BY JULIA BAUM mon’s Dougherty Valley, “Without secutive days per week, then one
With reservoir levels shrink- conservation, the average single day per week starting Nov. 1 and
ing during another “critically dry family residence water bill is esti- lasting through Feb. 28. To reduce
year,” Stage 2 water shortage rates mated to increase $3.40 monthly evaporation, watering is limited to
will go into effect next month ($6.80 per bimonthly water bill).” between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
for customers in the Dublin San Officials said, “The increase in Water leaks must also be stopped
Ramon Services District’s service rates is a way to encourage custom- or repaired “upon discovery or
area, after the Board of Directors ers to do all they can to conserve, within 24 hours notification by
approved the rate increase at its especially those who use the most DSRSD.” Potable water for washing
Oct. 5 meeting. water.” hard surfaces such as buildings,
“The district is ramping up water Since last month, DSRSD has fences and vehicles is prohibited,
conservation because we are con- been operating under a Stage 2 “except for building exteriors and
cerned about water supply for next water shortage emergency, mandat- fences for the sole purpose of re-
year,” General Manager Dan Mc- ing 15% water conservation and painting or repairs,” and pressur- CDWR
Intyre said in a statement on Oct. limiting the timing and frequency ized washers must be equipped View of Lake Oroville from the South Fork showing extremely low water under
7. “The drought is serious, and of outdoor irrigation. The Zone 7 with a quick action shut-off nozzle. the Enterprise Bridge this summer.
anything we can do to save water Water Agency and cities of Pleas- Cleaning windows using a direct
now is essential.” anton and Livermore have also connection to potable water is also only serve water upon request, control, and all potable water con-
The cost of a unit of water (100 recently required customers to cut prohibited. commercial kitchens must use pre- struction meters must be replaced
cubic feet or 748 gallons) will back on their water use by 15% Commercial and construction rinse spray valves, and hotels must with recycled water construction
increase from $1.32 per unit to compared to 2020 use and placed businesses must also comply with offer customers the option to opt meters.
$1.66, effective Nov. 5. According limits on irrigation. the 15% water conservation man- out of daily linen service. For more information about
to the district, which serves water Outdoor irrigation will be limit- date. Restaurants, cafes and other Potable water also may not be water conservation and water rates,
customers in Dublin and San Ra- ed to no more than three non-con- places serving or selling food may used for construction and dust visit www.dsrsd.com. Q
LPC requiring COVID-19 vaccine for in-person classes this spring
New district mandate does include provisions for medical, religious exemptions
BY CIERRA BAILEY to ensure our students are learn- for medical and religious exemp- person classes and must have students must upload a photo or
The Chabot-Las Positas ing and our faculty and staff are tions, according to CLPCCD. received their final dose 14 days scanned copy of their completed
Community College District working in the safest possible Those who have a verified medi- prior before becoming eligible to Centers for Disease Control and
(CLPCCD) announced that for environment,” CLPCCD officials cal or religious reason — as de- visit either Chabot College or Las Prevention COVID-19 vaccina-
the upcoming spring semester, said in a statement last week, fined in federal or state laws and Positas. In addition to in-person tion card. They can also submit
students attending in-person adding that the board came to regulations — may be subject to classes and activities, students proof by sharing their health data
classes or any other activity at the decision after consulting with additional safety protocols, which must show proof of vaccination to via CLEARED4 to their electronic
Las Positas College in Livermore health officials and education officials said will be considered access all on-campus services, in- health record or by uploading their
must be fully vaccinated against partners throughout the state. on a case-by-case basis. cluding tutoring, the library and proof through the QR code from
COVID-19 and provide proof. The vaccination mandate ap- Students are required to have STEM Center. the “Digital Smart Health Card” ac-
“It is the belief of the Board of plies to all faculty and staff as well their vaccination information or Officials said that students cessible at myvaccinerecord.cdph.
Trustees that as a public agency, as students. exemption approved before they planning to attend online-only ca.gov.
it is incumbent upon our district However, there are provisions are eligible to register for in- classes for the spring 2022 se- CLPCCD said it will send up-
mester who will not be visiting dates to students’ email addresses
campus for any reason are not if additional information becomes
PLEASANTON DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION PRESENTS required to upload their vaccina- available.
tion information to register for Registration for spring classes
courses. opens on Nov. 9, and classes are
2021 To submit proof of vaccination, set to begin on Jan. 18, 2022. Q
CONCERTS IN ‘Back to
Broadway’ at
THE PARK Firehouse
The Broadway spirit is set
to take over the Firehouse
Arts Center next weekend
SUNDAYS - 4pm-6pm
as David Burnham &
Friends are performing at
the downtown Pleasanton
6HSWHPEHU2FWREHU venue. Burnham, known
for roles in “Wicked”, “The
/LRQV:D\VLGH3DUN FRUQHURI1HDO )LUVW Light in the Piazza” and
“Joseph and the Technicolor
Dreamcoat”, is coming to
town joined by “some of the
Bay Area’s favorite musical
0DUPCFS]`KBDLRVJHMFZ October 17| NFHBUPOFT and theater performers in an
evening looking back to the
COURTESY OF FIREHOUSE ARTS
past and looking forward
THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON SPONSORS! to the future of one of
0HGLD6SRQVRU America’s most longstanding
and entertaining pastimes ... the Broadway musical,” Firehouse
officials said. The “Back to Broadway” show is scheduled for next
Saturday (Oct. 23) at 8 p.m. Visit firehousearts.org for tickets.
Page 6 • October 15, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
County program to ease building of
LIVE AT THE BANKHEAD
in-law units in unincorporated areas
Pilot to help develop 18 ADUs via lottery system; deadline to apply is Nov. 27 BRANFORD
Housing officials in Alameda management services to more than naturally affordable housing stock
MARSALIS
County have launched a program 100 homeowners who want to build by creating new homes in existing MUST-SEE JAZZ
that aims to add 18 affordable hous- an additional housing unit on their neighborhoods. By offering custom- VIRTUOSO
ing units in unincorporated areas and single-family property. ized guidance, we can make sure that
to simplify the process of adding in- It will initially serve the unincor- homeowners have the support they MON OCT 25
law units to single-family properties. porated areas of the county, spe- need to successfully build a new unit 7:30pm
The pilot — called the accessory cifically Castlewood, Happy Valley, that is safe and legally permitted.”
dwelling unit (or ADU) program — Sunol, Ashland, Cherryland, Castro Interested homeowners should
is expected to result in the develop- Valley, Fairview, Hillcrest Knolls and submit an online application by
ment of 18 in-law units through San Lorenzo, as well as the unincor- Nov. 27. Property owners who meet
a lottery system with a Nov. 27 porated areas near the cities in East baseline eligibility criteria will be
application deadline, as demand is Pleasanton, South Livermore and entered into a random lottery and
anticipated to be high. Hayward. undergo a remote screening process
The program follows a related Officials hope to eventually offer in order of lottery number starting
move in San Francisco, where su- the program countywide. in November.
pervisors in March waived fees for “We need to continue to explore The county will partner with the CIRQUE
building inspections, plan review, creative housing solutions to support non-profit group Hello Housing to MECHANICS
records retention and site surcharges the stability and vitality of house- administer the program. More infor-
for in-law units. holds throughout the county,” said mation is available on its website at BIRDHOUSE FACTORY
The Alameda County program will Housing Director Michelle Star- hellobright.org. Q SAT OCT 23 at 8pm
also offer free consulting and project ratt. “With ADUs, we can increase —Bay City News Service
Chamber honoring community TRIBUTE TO
BENNY GOODMAN
award winners AT CARNEGIE HALL
‘Pleasanton, Let’s Celebrate’ event downtown next week SUN OCT 24 at 3pm
BY JEREMY WALSH supporter of Foothill High School town to today, will be performing. GET TICKETS NOW
The Pleasanton Chamber of Com-
merce is set next week to recognize
athletics, Malatesta also previously
chaired the PDA, the Chamber of
Tickets cost $75 per person to at-
tend, with tickets available at www.
LivermoreArts.org
925.373.6800 | 2400 First Street, Livermore
recipients of its 57th annual Com- Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of pleasanton.org. Q
munity Service Awards, over a year Pleasanton.
later than originally planned after the Chevron Teacher Award: Jona-
onset of the pandemic canceled the than Grantham. Given to a stand-
first ceremony in March 2020. out Pleasanton Unified School
“Pleasanton, Let’s Celebrate” — a District teacher, the award honors
community event outdoors in Bar- Grantham for his dedication as direc-
one’s Backyard in downtown — is tor of bands for Amador Valley High
also now part of the business sup- School, a comprehensive program
port organization marking its 75th with 350 participating students in-
anniversary during 2021. volved in different types of bands
The ceremony will include post- and ensembles.
humous recognition to Bernie Billen, Business Philanthropy: UNCLE
winner of the 2020 Distinguished Credit Union. “For businesses that
Individual Service Award, who died have provided philanthropic service
this past August after a long battle beyond the scope of normal business
with cancer. activity.”
The award honored Billen for con- Excellence in Business: Bum-
tributing to Pleasanton “through ex- bleBee Marketing Services. “For
ceptional service to the community businesses that have made a posi-
or philanthropic efforts.” tive impact in the Pleasanton com-
Noted for her community spirit munity through their achievement
ever since she moved to Pleasanton within the scope of normal business
in the 1970s, Billen was dedicated
to a wide variety of organizations
and activities such as the Pleasan-
activity.”
Green Business: East Bay Re-
gional Park District. “For busi-
See your pediatrician,
ton Downtown Association, the city’s
Centennial Celebration in 1994, the
Pleasanton-Tulancingo Sister City
nesses that promote sustainable
environmental business practices
throughout their organization for the
right in your kitchen.
Association and most recently Hively.
The other Community Service
benefit of employees, customers or
the community.” Virtual visits or in-person visits at
Award winners, who were also first Excellence in Service: Spectrum
announced last year, are as follows:
Lifetime Achievement: Vic Ma-
Community Services. “For orga-
nizations that have contributed to
LPSR Pediatrics
latesta. “For individuals who have Pleasanton.” Spectrum is a nonprofit
contributed to Pleasanton through that assists low-income individuals,
exceptional service to the commu- families and seniors in the Tri-Valley.
nity or philanthropic efforts over the The special event will run from
whole of a career.” 5-7 p.m. next Wednesday (Oct. 20)
Malatesta owned and operated in Barone’s outdoor venue on St.
Vic’s All Star Kitchen in downtown John Street with hors d’oeuvres and
for 25 years until selling the restau- drinks. Retroactive, known for play- genpeds.stanfordchildrens.org
rant to enjoy retirement. A longtime ing high-energy music hits from Mo-
Pleasanton Weekly • October 15, 2021 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Livermore curity Awareness Month is a glob-
ally recognized event co-led by the
National Cyber Security Alliance
‘Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart’ and the Cybersecurity and Infra-
structure Agency (CISA) of the U.S.
BY CIERRA BAILEY Cybersecurity Awareness Month iors anyone can take to protect dress this summer, Woerner cited Department of Homeland Security.
In an effort to promote the Champion program, which is a col- themselves and their organizations, establishing a new cybersecurity di- Key cyber safety tips the city
awareness of online safety and pri- laborative effort among businesses, according to officials. vision among the city’s public safety recommends include:
vacy, the city of Livermore recently government agencies, colleges and The city’s commitment to this initiatives. “This is one of the areas • Enable multi-factor authentica-
declared October as Cybersecurity universities, associations, nonprofit effort includes offering residents a that we were talking about getting tion to add an extra layer of protec-
Awareness Month. organizations and individuals com- free cyber safety mobile app and going on but now we’re doing it tion to online accounts
“This is an important part of the mitted to the Cybersecurity Aware- more than 100 cyber safety re- quite seriously,” he said during the • Use strong passphrases/pass-
core mission of the city govern- ness Month theme of “Do Your sources on the city’s website that June 24 virtual luncheon. word manager
ment, which is to keep the citizens Part. #BeCyberSmart,” city officials cover a number of topics like fam- Cybersecurity became a critical • Perform software updates
safe,” Mayor Bob Woerner said at said in a statement. ily cyber safety, cybersecurity ca- priority for the city following a regularly
the City Council meeting where the Cybersecurity Awareness Month reer opportunities, reporting cyber ransomware attack in late 2019 • Research before downloading
proclamation was announced. aims to shed light on security vul- crimes, phishing and scams, and that shut down email, phones and anything new
As part of this initiative, the city nerabilities, while offering action- cybersecurity for businesses. computers at Livermore City Hall. • Check all privacy and security
is also a participant in the 2021 able guidance surrounding behav- During his State of the City ad- Now in its 18th year, Cyberse- settings. Q
“Every neighbor that visited the with 38,000 square feet of dedi- trees, and the shade and the screen- Brown said that Andrew Lambert
SKATE PARK community outreach meeting the cated skateable area plus picnic, ing from Hopyard is important, but “has been working on this for so
Continued from Page 5 other week at the skate park lo- hangout, view and events areas, I think we should try to still reach many years” and supported nam-
cation supported lights,”Andrew modern fabric shade structures, an for a little more parking here.” ing the skate park after his father
In both designs, the basic foot- Lambert said. “Every Parkside extra drop off area/access point in Vice Mayor Julie Testa said, “I in the future.
print of the existing skate park will (Drive) resident that visited all the south parking lot, and 18 ad- absolutely would stress the need “It also took a lot of patience for
remain intact but the surrounding supported the new and advanced ditional parking spots in the north for a restroom” as part of the him to learn just how slow govern-
curb will be removed “to improve lighting technology.” parking lot. plans. “While a quarter of a mile, ment really goes, and it does go
accessibility, increase the size of He added, “Designers have Both concepts were praised by the skateboarders can zoom there slow,” Brown said. “He’s passionate
the drop-in area (where park users promised us that the nearest house, the council; most members like or, quite frankly, choose not to about this for others, so he’ll prob-
start their runs), and otherwise which is over 500 yards away be- Kathy Narum said they would “rely make the trip to the restroom, it ably be off at college by the time
repair and incorporate the existing hind layers of trees and the Zone 7 on the skaters as to what they would really be better for every- this is done. I hope he comes back
facility into the new design.” building, will not be affected by a want, they’re the ones that are one to have a conveniently lo- to ribbon cut with us.”
Both designs include areas for single ray.” going to use it,” though Council- cated restroom that would incen- One of the designs will be de-
beginner, intermediate, and ad- The first concept includes an member Jack Balch said he “did tivize using it, and for the parents veloped for final approval, and
vanced skaters, as well as spaces 86,000 square foot skate park with like Concept 2 and hearing Mr. and the younger kids, I think is is expected to be presented for
for skate classes and workshops, 34,000 square feet of dedicated Lambert, junior, talk about it as his mandatory.” adoption in December or January.
plus access from both parking lots skatable area, plus sections for preference.” Due to the expense, Narum said The skate park is being funded
and landscaped buffers with shade picnicking and relaxing, as well “I just felt that the rounded feel she would like the bathroom as an through the Skatepark Capital Im-
trees around the skate park’s ex- as shade structures, 20 additional compared to the meandering paths add alternative to the construction provement Program and currently
terior. Overspill guards are being parking, a drop-off and arrival area and sidewalk that we already have bid so the park is “done soon- has a $400,000 design budget,
planned to “significantly reduce at the main parking lot, and would on the frontside of Hopyard, really er than later,” while Mayor Karla with expenditures expected to be
lighting from bleeding into other retain most of the existing trees. just carried that concept through,” Brown supported the bathroom in $118,382. Construction funding
areas,” and staff also recommended “Concept Design 2” proposes Balch said, and added that he fa- the package bid. has not been identified yet for the
shutting off the lights at 10 pm. 90,000 square feet of skate park vored “preserving as much of the Toward the end of the hearing, project. Q
New election boundary process gets underway at DSRSD
Board launches remapping effort with first public hearing
BY JULIA BAUM areas — also called “divisions” — Board of Directors were previously presentation from a consulting de- tions for reconfiguring the five
Dublin San Ramon Services Dis- “to reflect new data from the 2020 elected by all voters living in the mographer about changes in popu- voting division boundaries will
trict (DSRSD) kicked off the pro- Census,” according to a statement district’s entire service area includ- lation” was given during the Oct. be shown at next Tuesday’s board
cess for drawing up new election from the district. ing Dublin and San Ramon, con- 5 board meeting, and several new meeting, followed by another pub-
division boundaries with the first Two years ago, DSRSD started stituents living in each division documents were added to the dis- lic hearing and possible final vote
of three public meetings last week. transitioning from an at-large to now elect just one representative trict’s “Census Redistricting” web- next month, though the board may
Before its next district election area-based election system under to the board. page, where the public can submit schedule more meetings if needed.
in a year, DSRSD must develop the California Voting Rights Act. Spokesperson Lea Blevins told suggestions for division maps. Blevins said that “once ap-
new boundaries for its five election While all five members of the the Weekly that “an informational Several proposed maps with op- proved, most likely in November,
the new voting boundaries will be
NEW
applicable for elections in Novem-
COMMUNITY PROGRAM ber 2022.”
FROM HOPE HOSPICE The next board meetings on
remapping will be held in person
at the DSRSD office in Dublin at
The Family Caregiver Respite Program 7051 Dublin Blvd., on Oct. 19 and
Nov. 16, starting 6 p.m.
helps low- and middle-income families The redistricting deadline is
care for a loved one living with dementia April 17, 2022, as extended by
Senate Bill 594.
by providing complimentary respite care. For more information about the
census redistricting process in-
cluding supplemental documents,
a community of interest submis-
sion packet and interactive map
of DSRSD’s current division, visit
Find details and eligibility information at www.dsrsd.com/about-us/census-
HopeHospice.com/respite redistricting. Email questions and
comments to contact@dsrsd.com
or call (925) 829-8770. or call Blevins at 875-2294. Q
Page 8 • October 15, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Can’t COME to Us?
RRM DESIGN GROUP
Rendering shows “Option 1” — one of two design concepts under
consideration by the city of Pleasanton — for the planned all-abilities
playground at Ken Mercer Sports Park.
said she had “a tremendous prefer-
PLAYGROUND ence for number one” and its “color,
Continued from Page 5
creativity and whimsical nature,” but
that “the bird needs to be more
Option 1 would include a rise whimsical instead of bald eagle,” as
plaza in the play space leading into depicted in the rendering, and sug-
a cloud mound climbing area, “and gested swapping it with a butterfly
then that leads into a focal feature instead.
which is concentrated with an el- “It kind of conflicts with this
evated structure that could be a bird, whimsy and play and color and
but could also be another element, the wonderful Rainbow Road,” Testa
and it has multiple types of climbers, said.
slides, a zipline, and ramps coming Testa also asked why both con-
off of it,” Chavez said. cepts have no water feature, which
Another feature in Option 1 that staff said they have been “very, very
has received “a lot of attention” from sensitive” about implementing dur-
the community is Rainbow Road, ing the recently declared local water
We’ll COME to You!
a multicolored path with different shortage and 15% conservation
colors of the rainbow and musical mandate.
instruments lining it. “It’s been very difficult for conver-
On either end of the rainbow are sations because we understand that
a spinner rocking zone and fitness
group area, before moving into an
sensory for a lot of our special needs
participants comes around that sand
OUR TRUCKS WILL BE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
active play space with a large net and water play,” staff said. “We have TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAYS
climber and bank shot basketball, definitely heard a lot of families say
which includes various sized hoops they’d like the water feature, but
instead of just one so that people staff is feeling very sensitive to the We DELIVER
of all abilities can play side by side. drought situation and the makeup
Quiet areas, additional picnic areas of the recycled water in the park Around the Bay Area!
a!
and a sensory play area are also in- and how we’d logistically make that
corporated in the design. happen.” • Live Lobster
Both concepts received high praise Testa said she “would still beg to
from council members, though Op- include a mister for cooling, and if it • Live Crab
tion 1 was preferred in their com- isn’t on during critical periods, then
ments, with the exception of the it isn’t on during critical periods.”
• Lobster Meat
bird. “It just brings so much joy; I think • Crab Meat
“I do kind of worry about the bird we would really be missing an op-
concept, which I think is really neat portunity,” Testa said. “Pleasanton is • Lobster Tails
and unique, but just the practicality hot, it’s getting hotter.” • Wild Shrimp
of it, the durability of it,” Council- Councilmember Jack Balch said
member Valerie Arkin said. he was also “not a fan of the bird, • Lobster Corn Chowder
The bright colors and themes in but I also just want to caution that • Lobster or Crab Roll Kits
Option 1 appealed to Councilmem- when we talk about a butterfly or
ber Kathy Narum, but she said, “I something else, we’d almost just be
have a little bit of concern with the switching the problem.”
bird, the maintenance of it. These “I’ll let designers design, quite
things don’t do any good if they’re frankly, but I think it’s an excellent
broken and not easily repairable.” concept of butterflies,” Balch said.
Go to our website & order online from the market.
“That’s something I’d ask be
considered as you move forward.
There are several opportunities
for public input in the near future, www.newenglandlobster.net
We want the kids playing on this,” including another playground sur-
Narum said. vey planned early this month and Market Hours Wholesale: (650) 873-9000
Brown said, “I think I’m going to another Parks and Recreation Com- SATURDAY: 9AM - 10PM
fall to the side of concept one, which mission meeting in November. A SUNDAY: 9AM - 9PM Market: (650) 443-1543
is more colors and more frivolous final conceptual design and project
fun and more things to look at and cost estimate will be rendered once
things to touch,” but that she was all public input has been received. Scan 824 Cowan Rd.
“not a fan of the bird, sorry.” Staff said there is currently enough
BURLINGAME
“I’m certainly not a designer but I funding for design but none has and
like the idea of this rainbow theme been identified yet for construction,
coming through, love the kites, the and that the design estimate “will Order
flying kites there,” Brown added. be utilized to identify the amount of
Vice Mayor Julie Testa called the funding needed for the construction
Now!
design unveilings “so exciting” and of the project.” Q
Pleasanton Weekly • October 15, 2021 • Page 9
NEWSFRONT
New poll finds 71% of Bay Area residents think
quality of life has declined
Most respondents say region is on the ‘wrong track’
BY KEVIN FORESTIERI / housing costs, more people liv- Top of mind for Bay Area resi- remotely at least some of the time. in gridlock traffic, and have far
MOUNTAIN VIEW VOICE ing on the street and consterna- dents is the high cost of housing, Only about one in three respon- more flexibility in taking care of
Bay Area residents grappling tion over droughts and wildfires which 76% of respondents de- dents (34%) want to continue to children and other family respon-
with the high cost of living, grow- — but that COVID-19 may have scribed as an “extremely serious” work from home all the time and sibilities during the day. On the
ing homelessness and high taxes tipped people over the edge, ac- problem, followed by general cost slightly more than a third (36%) other hand, the report by Joint
say the quality of life has sunk in cording to Russell Hancock, Joint of living at 68%, homelessness at want to work from home “most” Venture makes clear that it’s taken
recent years, with a record num- Venture’s president and CEO. 66% and the increasing frequency of the time. a psychological toll, and that the
ber looking to leave the region “When you toss a highly infec- of wildfires and droughts at 60%. A large number of Silicon Val- majority of those working from
altogether. tious disease into the mix you get Among those seeking to leave ley employers, including tech gi- home feel more isolated and alone
The grim appraisal, captured in a smothering amount of anxiety,” the Bay Area, the vast major- ants like Google and Apple, have than prior to the pandemic.
a survey by Joint Venture Silicon Hancock said. ity (84%) cited the high overall delayed a full return to the office “Across income levels and most
Valley in partnership with Bay The survey, which was con- cost of living as a major rea- until this January, leaving many demographic categories, majorities
Area News Group, shows a stark ducted late last month, found son, followed by housing costs employees to work from home for of residents feel more stressed, say
decline in public perception of that 71% of those who responded (77%), quality of life (62%) and nearly two years. During the ex- their families are more stressed,
the Bay Area since the COVID-19 felt the quality of life in the Bay the amount of taxes (58%). tended hiatus, the survey found feel that it has become harder to
pandemic began last year. Polling Area is worse now than it was five Though the survey draws a cor- 44% of those working remotely stay connected with family and
of residents across five counties, years ago. The opinion was felt relation between the pandemic have felt their work-life balance friends, and are more worried and
including Alameda and Contra strongest among people ages 50 to and rising levels of anxiety and has improved. That number sinks uncertain about the future,” ac-
Costa, found 56% of respondents 64 and those making a household discontent, 66% of those polled to just 20% among those who have cording to the report.
are likely to leave in the next few income between $100,000 and said they approved of how their had to continue working in person Only a sliver of respondents
years, up from 47% in 2020 prior $250,000. The perception also employer responded to the during the COVID-19 pandemic. (5%) said they wanted to make a
to the pandemic. changes based on political affili- pandemic. The abrupt switch to telecom- full return to in-person work once
The results show residents ation, with 92% of those leaning And among those working from muting has been a mixed bag. the COVID-19 public health and
are frustrated with the perennial Republican believing that quality home, nearly all — 95% — say Respondents say they are sav- employer restrictions have been
problems of Silicon Valley — high of life has declined. they want to continue working ing time normally spent sitting lifted. Q
nated with two doses of Pfizer or lift the masking mandate if in school until they can be vac- vaccination status, in health care
MASKING Moderna or one dose of Johnson eight weeks have passed since cinated,” the counties’ announce- facilities, public transit and adult
Continued from Page 5
& Johnson (booster doses not a COVID-19 vaccine has been ment said on Oct. 7. and senior care facilities. Califor-
• 80% of the jurisdiction’s considered). authorized for emergency use by “Contra Costa is coming back nia’s masking guidelines in K-12
total population is fully vacci- Alternatively, they could also federal and state authorities for strong, thanks to so many of our schools would also not be affected
5- to 11-year-olds. residents making healthy choices, by changes to local health orders.
Currently, Alameda, Contra such as getting vaccinated, or The county health officers have
Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara doing the courteous thing and to decide on metrics for reimpos-
Enjoy a Career as a counties are all in the CDC’s
orange, or “substantial,” tier, ac-
wearing masks in places where
the risk of transmission is a little
ing indoor mask requirements
should that become necessary,
cording to the CDC’s County higher,” Diane Burgis, chair of the Santa Clara County Health Of-
Black Tie Chauffeur Check tool.
Most Bay Area health depart-
Contra Costa County Board of
Supervisors, said in the county’s
ficer Sara Cody said during a
Thursday morning press confer-
ments issued the masking re- statement. “I’m thankful for every ence. They are jointly keeping an
quirements for their respective resident who has done their part.” eye out for emerging new variants
We train you to become a Professional. jurisdictions on Aug. 3, following Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra and assessing how the vaccines
a summer surge in cases, hospi- Costa’s health officer, said in the do over time with new variants,
Full-Time positions available. Flexible talizations and deaths. statement it is no accident that she said.
schedule. Stay connected with But with regional data showing transmission is slowing in Contra A Food and Drug Administra-
that the surge is now receding, Costa County. tion (FDA) advisory committee
your community and enjoy a and with the Bay Area one of the “Public health interventions, is scheduled to consider an ap-
career driving for our elite most vaccinated regions in the including the masking require- plication from Pfizer-BioNTech
country, Bay Area health officers ment, are working. We believe to grant emergency use of its
Chauffeur Team. agreed it is time to plan for a that health orders, along with COVID-19 vaccine for 5- to
transition. vaccination, outreach and educa- 11-year-olds on Oct. 26.
Lifting a local indoor mask tion are all adding layers of pro- Cody said she has “enormous
mandate would not prevent busi- tection against COVID-19 in our gratitude” to the public in Santa
nesses, nonprofits, churches or community — and saving lives,” Clara County and in the region
others with public indoor spaces he said. for following the COVID-19 pro-
from imposing their own require- Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda tocols. Because of that, the region
ments, however. COVID-19 easily County health officer, said “Masks has gotten to the point of being
spreads through airborne drop- and vaccines together have pro- able to potentially lift the mask
lets, and face coverings remain tected residents of Alameda mandates.
highly powerful in preventing its County and the Bay Area during The fourth infection surge,
spread, San Mateo County’s pub- the summer wave. While we ex- which was fueled by the more
lic health department noted. pect COVID-19 and flu to circu- communicable delta variant, was
“Each jurisdiction will rescind late this winter, with more people relatively blunted compared to
its order when criteria are met in well-protected from severe illness other parts of the state and the
that jurisdiction. The criteria were by vaccination we will be able to country because residents have
developed to assist in determining loosen mask requirements safely.” largely heeded the five ways to
the safest time to lift the indoor People who are not fully vac- lower transmission: testing, vacci-
masking orders, based on regional cinated for COVID-19 must con- nations, masking, ventilation and
scientific and medical consensus. tinue to wear masks in busi- social distancing, she said.
Call 925.487.7741 or The criteria also provide safety nesses and indoor public spaces, The public can track together
Email your Resume to for school children, ages 5-11,
who need the added protection of
in accordance with state health
guidance.
with health departments how
each county is doing by going to
hiring@blacktietrans.com masks in the community to keep
case rates low so they can remain
The state also requires face cov-
erings for everyone, regardless of
www.cdc.gov and looking at the
counties’ COVID-19 websites. Q
Page 10 • October 15, 2021 • Pleasanton WeeklyMoving forward, together.
Right now, in this moment of uncertainty, there’s a
promise we can count on: together, we’ll continue
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Stanford Medicine, made up of Stanford Children’s
Health, Stanford School of Medicine, and Stanford
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We’re answering the uncertainty with an unwavering
commitment to our community, and meeting this
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We are here for you.
Pleasanton Weekly • October 15, 2021 • Page 11You can also read
