MENTAL HEALTH CARE DURING LOCKDOWN - Healthy - Pleasanton Weekly
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Staying
Healthy SUMMER 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
VOL. XXI, NUMBER 11 • JUNE 19, 2020 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
MENTAL HEALTH CARE
DURING LOCKDOWN
Local therapists find new ways to treat patients amid
COVID-19 pandemic Page 11
5 NEWS County allows outdoor dining, all retail to reopen
5 NEWS Brown, Pentin running for mayor of Pleasanton
17 OPINION Dear Big Tech: The time to act locally is now
Page 2 • June 19, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEW PLEASANTON LISTING!
TIM TALK BY TIM HUNT
Lessons learned living,
serving orphans in Uganda
B ack in 2000, Mike McCoy of
Danville thought he had his
retirement planned.
The Danville businessman owned
a lot in a golf course community
that is complemented by health care,
a mentoring program with home vis-
its and camping programs. Fourteen
students have completed college, in-
cluding two physicians in residency
about an hour from Squaw Valley and another three in medical school.
so he could spend winters skiing He was particularly proud of one
and his summers golfing. But God, graduate who won a MasterCard Gorgeous Bonde Ranch Home - Walk to Downtown Pleasanton
through his wife Mary Ann, had a Foundation scholarship to Arizona
different plan. State. At ASU he was awarded the 4625 MIRADOR DRIVE
The AIDS epidemic was raging Nelson Mandela Award as the most
in sub-Saharan Africa, leaving thou- influential black person on campus. 3 Bed - 2 Bath - 2,240 Sq Ft - 10,987 Sq Ft Lot
sands of kids orphaned. Mary Ann He received a 50% scholarship to This beautiful and meticulously maintained home features an updated
felt called to do something about it. attend the ASU business school, but
That started in 2000 with a $250 had no way of raising the necessary kitchen, stunning wood floors and a private, resort-like backyard with pool,
donation to sponsor an orphaned $75,000 to match it. He didn’t tell spa and lush landscaping.
child in Uganda. That led to a trip to Mike because he felt they already
Uganda to meet her and then bring- had done so much for him. Mike
ing her to the United States — after finally learned of it and, encouraged Contact Gina for additional details or visit ElationRE.com
a divine intervention at the U.S. em- by a Barnabas partner, the two of
bassy so she could get a visa — and them raised the $75K in one day. To 7-TIME WINNER AS PLEASANTON’S BEST REALTOR & HALL OF FAME MEMBER
then adopting her in 2005. date, they believe they have touched
Meanwhile, Mary Ann and Mike 10,000 kids.
sponsored other children and then Mike shared the key lessons they Gina Piper
Mike suggested she would need learned while working in an impov-
more help than the family check- erished country with a high unem- 925.200.0202 - DRE# 01201349
book, so she set up a nonprofit orga- ployment rate. Gina@ElationRE.com
nization in 2001. On a 2002 trip she “If I walked in their shoes, believe ElationRE.com
worked alongside a woman named me, I would have the same attitude.
Grace. In contrast to today, being You know, you get deceived. You
HIV-positive meant death because don’t have transparency. You get lied
the antiretrovirals (ARVs) drugs had to and your money really doesn’t
limited distribution. go where you think it’s going to go.
The village where they worked Projects eventually get finished, but
was full of widows whose husbands
had died of AIDS and it was just
at two to four times the cost,” he
said.
D I D YO U K N O W
a matter of time before their wives That’s why living there and under-
would die. Mary Ann was stunned standing the culture is critical. When 4 of 5 students would encourage
when Grace told her she would not they built the school in 2005, he
see her again and asked she take care felt they had good controls in place others to attend Las Positas College.
of her children. and spent the money well. It wasn’t
Mary Ann promised she would do the same for their child sponsorship
all she could, God willing. Grace died
six weeks later. Mary Ann changed
the group’s name to Children of
Grace. Or, as Mike told members
of the San Francisco Bay Barnabas
Chapter, “Grace died, and Children
program that has more money flow-
ing through it. They set up their own
Ugandan nonprofit in 2007.
When doing business there, he
always requires an MOU that he
said works very well with Ugandans.
Invest in
of Grace was born.” There’s also the understanding that
The organization’s mission is to to get anything done requires a fa-
provide an education and health care cilitation fee. He uses local lawyers
to children impacted by AIDS. and noted that one time it took three
Mike made his first trip in 2004, submissions of the same paperwork
and they decided to buy land and before it moved ahead.
build a school. That led to the first of “I cannot give anybody a bribe.
several key lessons they learned. You I ask the lawyer to get it done and
need to understand the culture and send me the bill,” Mike said, adding:
you can only do that when you live “I will tell you this. As I look back
there. After their experience with the
local person, they parted ways and
on it today, my wife and I would not
trade the last 15 years for the best
Register Today
got out of the school business.
That led to them to move to Ugan-
golf course home or skiing Squaw
Valley or anything else we might
www.laspositascollege.edu
da where they lived for 10 years. have done. We had a chance to kind
They’ve seen much fruit with 700 to of learn life over again. I would en-
800 kids in their education program courage anyone.” Q
About the Cover
Tri-Valley mental health professionals, such as Brent Robery from the
Community Presbyterian Counseling Center, have had to adjust their care
during the coronavirus pandemic — one primary way is to offer remote
therapy sessions via videoconference. Photo by Ryan J. Degan. Cover design
by Amy Levine. Vol. XXI, Number 11
Pleasanton Weekly • June 19, 2020 • Page 3
ĝ İ
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Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN
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If you could change something
about your past, would you?
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İ
bTnM`U.M@]nq@qMmbrj years of local Stephanie Leeds
experience Marketing
/O__;dtodtpOÛ dbsBKs_Oppœ #8 øoWObM_| I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve had
many ups and downs in my life. High
OsdtobO{sø_OyO_aBo^OsWbUpsoBsOU|œyWostB_O{lOosWpOzdo^Tdo|dtJ|aWbWaWWbUsVO highs, and low lows. Every experience
sWaOdbsVOaBo^Osà |tsW_WWbUat_sWl_OdlsWdbpTdoyWostB_pVdzWbUpÛToda zB_^sVodtUVp has made me who I am and gotten me
sdKdbsBKs_OppBUObsøUtWMOMyWMOdKVBssdtopÛ|dtoVdaOzW__VByOsVOadpsO{ldptoOÛ
zVW_OloWdoWsWWbU|dtopBTOs|J|aWbWaWWbUlV|pWKB_soBTTWKà
to my current station in life. And it’s a
really great place.
8WpWs B|oOBdaOWbMOoàKdaæ8WostB_sdpOOVdzzOäoOaBo^OsWbUVdaOpà
9do^zWsVtpà9do^zWsVsVOObMWbaWbMà
Osdto oWMUO dBblodUoBasB^O|dtsd|dtobO{sl_BKOJ|lodyWMWbUptTTWKWObsTtbMpsd
Rick Robertus
ltoKVBpO|dtobO{sVdaOJOTdoOpO__WbU|dtoKtooObsà9WsVdtoO{K_tpWyOdlsWdbÛzOzW__ Software engineer
TodbstlsdpW{adbsVpdT|dtoJoWMUO_dBblB|aObspà B__TdoMOsBW_pà I think I should have been more careful
about my words when I was younger. I’ve
OsĆp_dd^dtoJOpsà3sW_WOdto dbKWOoUOlodUoBasdplotKOtl|dtoVdtpOsdaB{WaWO said some hurtful and insensitive things
|dtooOstobà
to people over the years. I’ve already
apologized profusely, but wish the words
9VBsĆp|dtobO{sadyOá OsĆpaOOssdaB^OBl_Bbà!d+oOpptoOà had never come out of my mouth.
/OoWdtp_|à
B__tpsdMB|Bsøø
#to.OKObsKsWyWs|Ú Michelle Garrison
Retired
# !/##! 3/2 /2
28
I would have traveled to see and spend
with my mother more while she was
dying of brain cancer. I regret that I
didn’t realize back then that I had the
power to leave my job temporarily in
order to take every possible opportunity
doWbd dtosÛ tJ_Wb O_!dosO oWyOÛ WyOoadoO !dosdb9B|ÛßÛ+_OBpBbsdb
to spend time with her.
JOMÛàJBsVŚÛ/Ś B__Tdo OsBW_p JOMÛJBsVŚÛ/Śĝ JOMÛJBsVŚ/Śĝ
doUOdtp+dpWsBbddaO t__|.ObdyBsOM WyOoadoOdaOø8WpWs TTdoMBJ_O/sBosOoWb+_OBpBbsdbÝ/O__Oosd
O_!dosOàKdado8WostB_2dtopœ doOÝ dyOo dbsVp#OOp
+! !/ +! !/ /#
Walter Adams Insurance sales
I wish I had expressed more gratitude
to the people in my life, like my parents,
who facilitated my ability to grow into a
well-adjusted, successful person, and to
impart so many good lessons and values
oWpsWbB9B|Û oObszddM !OzaBb+_BKOÛ+_OBpBbsdb 2VoOOKBps_Op9B|Û tJ_Wb to my son. I thank them all the time,
JOMÛJBsVŚÛ/Śĝ JOMÛàJBsVŚÛ/Śĝ JOMÛJBsVŚÛ/ŚĝÛÛ now that I’m an adult, but I regret that
8WpWs oWpsWbBàKda2d/OO#to 8WpWs!OzaBbàKda2d/OO#to dyOø3l t|OoÛ/d_M+oOyWdtpdaO9WsV
Bo^OsWbU BalBWUb bKoOMWJ_O Bo^OsWbU BalBWUb oWMUOsd2VO!OzdaO I didn’t show more appreciation toward
/# /# /# them during my youth.
Jeff Garrison Retired
I regret that as an adult, my profession
took me so far away from my childhood
home, such that I didn’t get to spend
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enough time with my parents, and they
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JOMÛàJBsVŚÛ/Śĝ JOMÛ BsVŚÛ/ŚĝÛÛ JOMÛJBsVŚÛ/Śĝ didn’t get to see their grandchildren often
/d_M#yOop^WbU+oWKOÛt__|3lUoBMOMs #TTø Bo^Os+odlOos|/OKtoOMdo t|Oo t_sWl_O#TTOopÛ#TTø Bo^Os enough. At the same time though, had I
!d#tsø#Tø+dK^Os dpssd/O__Oo
/# /#
not moved to California, I would not have
/#
the same great life that I have today.
—Compiled by Nancy Lewis
Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
odK^sdb oWyOÛ+_OBpBbsdb dbUyWOz BbOÛ+_OBpBbsdb OsBWoWO+_BKOÛ/Bb.Badb
JOMÛàJBsVŚÛ/Śĝ JOMÛJBsVŚÛ/ŚĝÛÛ JOMÛàJBsVŚÛ/ŚĝÛÛ The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd.,
/d_MWb B|pÝ/O__Oo dyOMø3l .OloOpObsOMBBll| t|Oo .OloOpObsOMBBll| t|Oo Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate,
USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton.
dVpObW.OB_psBsOodtl Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly,
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. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
Page 4 • June 19, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST County to allow outdoor dining, all retail;
Council coverage
The Pleasanton City Council Main Street closing on weekends to help
majority on Tuesday directed city
staff to bring forward a draft ac- Religious services, outdoor fitness classes also due to reopen under new health order
tion plan that will outline the
process for future community BY JEREMY WALSH and shops more room to operate social distancing and the necessary a statement.
O
conversations and public consid- utdoor restaurant dining, outdoors. use of face masks while in public. “We will continue to have more
eration of issues related to po- larger religious services and “We are pleased to hear Alameda I’m confident Pleasanton is up to the cases, but the steady increase in hos-
licing policies and practices in
all retail stores are on track County Public Health Department challenge.” pitalizations and the steep increase
Pleasanton.
They tentatively set a special to be allowed again in Alameda has accelerated the reopening of In announcing the new health in the case rate we were seeing in
council meeting for July 14 to dis- County today, under proposed up- some local businesses, including in- order, scheduled to take effect today, late May has slowed and the hos-
cuss the future draft action plan dates to the COVID-19 shelter order door and outdoor retail and outdoor Alameda County health officer Dr. pitalizations have stabilized. We are
only, with a community listening unveiled by the county’s health of- dining,” Pleasanton City Manager Erica Pan cited stabilizing conditions also making significant progress in
session before the council to fol- ficer last week. Nelson Fialho told the Weekly last in recent weeks but encouraged resi- expanding and improving the effi-
low by the end of July. In response, Pleasanton city offi- Friday. dents to exercise caution and still ciency of our contact tracing teams,”
More coverage of that item, cials — who’d advocated for the Tri- “Having this announcement now, adhere to social distancing and per- Pan added.
and others from Tuesday night’s Valley to reopen sooner due to lower will give our businesses some time sonal hygiene recommendations. The new order issued by ACPHD
regular council meeting, can be infection numbers locally — agreed to plan and prepare to open on June “The indicators we monitor to comes one week after the three Tri-
found on PleasantonWeekly.com
to close Main Street to vehicular 19,” Fialho added. “At the same determine if we should continue Valley mayors co-signed a letter
in the coming days and in the
upcoming print editions. traffic on weekends starting this af- time, it’s up to all of us to main- moving forward through reopening
Other key topics from the ternoon (June 19) to give restaurants tain safety standards locally through are stable or improving,” Pan said in See OPENING on Page 8
meeting including affirmation of
the city’s midterm budget update
reflecting more effects and esti-
mates from the COVID-19 crisis,
the city’s new emergency rental
Brown,
assistance program providing
grants to help impacted residents Pentin
pay their rent, further decisions
on tobacco retailing regulations,
a LGBTQ Pride Month procla-
running
mation and a 28-item consent
calendar. for mayor
In honor of Juneteenth Narum announces she
Tri-Valley Haven is commemo- won’t seek top seat
rating Juneteenth (which is today)
with a special community dis- opening up this fall
play at its community building at
3663 Pacific Ave. in Livermore. BY JEREMY WALSH
The nonprofit is inviting Sitting Pleasanton City Council
people to leave a sign or token members Karla Brown and Jerry
describing what they celebrate Pentin, who are terming out of
about diversity and what they their current positions this year,
can do to help end racism. The each announced in the past week
community display, along with a
that they will be seeking elevated
banner honoring Juneteenth, will
be available for all to see through office with the city by running for
the end of the month. the mayor’s seat in November.
Juneteenth commemorates the The second-
end of slavery in America, the day RYAN J. DEGAN term council
federal Emancipation Proclama- From left: Barry Mew, Larry and Rita Fisher and their daughter Cindy after the neighborhood procession June 12. members are the
tion orders were read in Texas on Rita had been away from home for 3-1/2 months recovering from a bad case of coronavirus. first two candi-
June 19, 1865. dates to launch
More drive-in concerts ‘Welcome home!’ their campaigns
for the mayor’s
chair, which
The Alameda County Fair-
grounds has announced its next Neighborhood parade greets Pleasanton woman returning will be fully up
round of drive-in concerts, to be
after long battle with COVID-19 for grabs with Karla Brown
held next weekend. Mayor Jerry
Starting today, tickets will go BY RYAN J. DEGAN “Oh my God, it’s amazing,” here at Ironwood. So many of Thorne ineli-
on sale for two showings of coun- A Pleasanton neighborhood Fisher told the Weekly in a brief us prayed and were thinking gible for re-elec-
try superstar Garth Brooks’ up-
joined together last Friday to cel- interview from her driveway on of them. She overcame a really tion due to the
coming one-night video concert
that is airing on 300-plus outdoor ebrate one of their own returning Friday. difficult situation, so we are just city’s term limit
theaters on June 27. Show times home following a lengthy battle Fisher, who said she was really thankful.” laws.
in Pleasanton will be 8:45 p.m. with a serious case of COVID-19. stunned by the surprise congre- To greet Fisher — who spent a “I have the ex-
and 11 p.m. After 3-1/2 months spent in gation, added that after so long month and a half in the intensive perience needed
One night before, on June 26, hospitals and rehabilitation cen- away from home, she was most care unit battling COVID-19 — to lead the city,
the fairgrounds will welcome ters due to becoming infected looking forward to sleeping in when she finally returned home, and to take on Jerry Pentin
three tribute bands to the stage by the coronavirus, Pleasan- her own bed and eating “real Mew reached out to Ironwood the challenges our city faces as we
while concert-goers watch live ton resident Rita Fisher arrived food.” friends to organize a little wel- recover from our current econom-
from their cars. Running from back at her home in the Village “We’re a community of seniors come home party for their long- ic hardships, manage our public
7-10 p.m., the show will feature
at Ironwood — a seniors-only and when one of our own gets absent community member. health and listen to residents’ con-
Stung (The Police tribute), Heart-
less (Heart tribute) and Queen neighborhood on the east side ill, it affects all of us,” said Barry On Friday morning as Fisher cerns about city and police policies.
Nation (Queen tribute). of town — and was greeted by Mew, Fisher’s neighbor. “Rita and drove into the gated community I remain committed to listening to
For tickets or more informa- a social-distancing procession of (husband) Larry got a chance to
tion, go to alamedacountyfair. about 150 neighbors. feel the love from the neighbors See PARADE on Page 10 See MAYOR on Page 9
com. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • June 19, 2020 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
Farmers’ market manager resigns after
LGBTQ+ Pride Flag argument
Director ordered bakery owner to stop handing out flags; video of verbal exchange went viral
BY RYAN J. DEGAN She told the Weekly that Floyd’s place for members of the LGBTQ+
The California Farmers Market use of his space as a platform for community.
Association (CFMA) stepped down Livermore Pride was inappropriate As for the decision to resign as
Tuesday as manager of the Liver- because nonprofit organizations market managers, Hayden said she
more Farmers’ Market after an ar- who want to have a presence at the had received threats of protests
gument between its representative market need to register prior to at- and boycotts and even got mul-
and members of Livermore Pride tending the event. tiple death threats. These threats,
and a local bakery owner earlier As for the physical flags them- she said, created an environment
this month went viral. selves, Hayden said she witnessed where CFMA officials felt wouldn’t
The incident occurred on June children using the flags as toy be safe for vendors.
7, when Dan Floyd — owner swords and was concerned about Livermore Downtown, Inc., who
of Dan Good Cookies, a vendor the sharp points. She claimed that had previously contracted with
at the market — and Livermore if Floyd had removed the stick and CFMA to manage the market, con-
Pride Executive Director Amy simply distributed the cloth flag demned Hayden’s actions, saying
Pannu were handing out rainbow part, then the act would have been they are “appalled by the actions of
flags in honor of LGBTQ Pride acceptable at his booth. (She also the executive of CFMA, the market
Month, but CFMA Executive Di- LIVERMORE PRIDE contended she had once asked the operator for the Livermore Farm-
rector Gail Hayden told the duo A still photograph pulled from the viral video showing CFMA Executive American Legion to stop handing ers Market.”
to stop, saying the practice of Director Gail Hayden ordering a farmers’ market vendor to stop distributing out flags in the past.) “Livermore Downtown Inc. be-
distributing flags violated market the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag. For his part, Floyd — who did lieves in equality for all. We stand
policy. Farmers’ Market manager to Liver- threatened to suspend him until he not return requests for comment as with our community in support-
Pannu captured the end of the more Downtown Inc. on Tuesday read the CFMA’s rules. of press time Wednesday — was is- ing and celebrating our LGBTQ+
ensuing conversation on video, morning. The market will not be “The mission of the market is sued a citation by the CFMA for al- neighbors. The Livermore Farmers
which then went viral on social held this Sunday while Livermore not your political point of view,” lowing a non-employee to be in his Market will be temporarily sus-
media and resulted in calls for boy- Downtown Inc. works to find a Hayden told Floyd in the video. booth, and later stated he would pending operations and the search
cotting CFMA because of Hayden’s new market organizer. “The mission of the market is for not be attending the Livermore for an inclusive market operator
actions. Hayden responded to the con- farmers. And you’re in a different Farmers’ Market in the future. has begun,” The Livermore Down-
“Based upon the video and state- troversy in a phone interview with rights situation here because you’re Livermore Pride officials stated town Inc. Board of Directors said
ments by Dan and Amy, Livermore the Weekly on Tuesday. a non-(agricultural vendor) ... I don’t that LGBTQ+ identity transcends in a statement on Tuesday.
Pride contends that the level of “It’s a standing policy. It had even care what the flags are for, that politics and Hayden’s use of words In a Facebook post, Livermore
verbal escalation exhibited by Ms. nothing to do with sexuality; it has has nothing to do with anything.” constituted “a targeted verbal at- city officials added: “The occur-
Hayden was inordinate given the nothing to do with that,” Hayden “My job is to run the market, tack against LGBTQ+ community rence at the market that led to
purported ‘offense’ she claimed said. “In fact, we have gay em- not to satisfy your political point of members.” CFMA’s resignation is not reflective
was being made,” Livermore Pride ployees, we have gay people in view,” she added, according to the “The fact that LGBTQ+ identity of Livermore’s values of inclusion
officials said in a statement. our family, we have gay market video. is explicitly neither a political asso- and respect.
“The hostility toward both Dan managers, the consultant was gay. Floyd, in response that day, ciation nor choice is a dog-whistle “The City Council believes that
and Amy over something as simple We don’t have any problem with acknowledged that he had not to everyone who rallies around the a city can best stand against bigot-
as a small free flag being handed gay pride, but we have a problem reviewed the rules Hayden was false notion that being LGBTQ+ is ry, intolerance, and hate through
out optionally to Market consum- with flags and it was blown out referring to but did say, “Gail what somehow a choice to be exercised leading by example and living our
ers suggests that they were targeted of proportion and it’s very sad is actually disturbing to me is how only under certain circumstances, shared community values. This
because they were representing the now because people are boycotting you are treating me right now. I when condoned by others, and out month, the rainbow flag is flying
LGBTQ+ community. Nothing else something that doesn’t need to be have been very open with CFMA of the public eye,” they said. at City Hall as a colorful reminder
explains the outright vitriol and boycotted.” since I came here,” according to Livermore Pride also contended of how our city is strengthened
weighted language used in this According to the video (which the video. that Hayden’s response to Floyd and enriched by the diversity of
recording,” they added. captured just under three min- Hayden disputes any claim of a was not proportional to the al- its residents, business owners,
Livermore city officials con- utes of the conversation), Hayden lack of inclusion, and instead con- leged offense, further stating that and students, and we continue
firmed that CFMA formally re- told Floyd he was violating market tends that the issue was one based they were no longer convinced to work toward a more inclusive
signed its role as Livermore rules by passing out the flags and on liability and protocol. that the market would be a safe community.” Q
Pleasanton alumni demand a ‘race-conscious’ education
More than 1,500 signatures on petition to overhaul PUSD history curriculum
BY JULIA BAUM College Board. But Mei said at the “I’ve grown up in an affluent about more than just a white ver- Sean O’Sullivan said that youths
As large demonstrations continue June 11 meeting there should be an suburban bubble my whole life and sion of history, regardless of how need a “shared understanding” of
several weeks after the killing of “active effort to incorporate more the curriculum has prevented me uncomfortable it is,” and to help how African Americans and other
George Floyd in Minneapolis, Pleas- race-conscious history” by PUSD from seeing past a nice little history students make meaningful connec- minorities were historically harmed
anton students are calling for the that’s lacking in current lesson plans. with a bow on top. If it weren’t for tions between historic decisions like by racist schooling and housing poli-
introduction of a “race-conscious Brown v. Board of Education and cies, as well as contemporary events.
history curriculum” in local schools. modern-day events. Unaware until “I’m calling for a shift in our cur-
More than a dozen recent high ‘It’s not that all we learned about she did project research this year riculum to focus on more recent
school graduates phoned in during white history was obscured, but we just that a Marin County school district issues involving inequalities and
a meeting of the Pleasanton Unified was ordered to desegregate last Au- injustices in America” such as the
School District Board of Trustees didn’t learn enough about other races.’ gust, Mei asked “how this is not impact of the Violent Crime Control
last week, urging district officials to important enough to learn about in and Law Enforcement Act of 1994,
support an overhaul of the history Jennifer Mei, Amador Valley High alum class.” O’Sullivan said.
curriculum for one that more deeply “The disparity in education fund- In recent weeks, Arnav Garg re-
informs students about race rela- “I can tell you a bit about the the extra 1,000 hours I put into re- ing is essential for students to un- flected on a history education that
tions, racial bias and discrimination, Mongols and maybe something searching for Comp Civics, I would derstand, and taking a day or two he called “excellent” but said has
and white privilege. about the Civil Rights movement, feel utterly unprepared to talk about to teach about redlining and the “several holes that are critical to fix
Content for the AP History cours- but that’s about it. It’s not that all race issues with any sense of cred- racist housing policies that created in this system, if we are to be able
es that Jennifer Mei took before she we learned about white history was ibility,” she added. these segregated districts can’t hurt, to educate our students to solve
recently graduated from Amador obscured, but we just didn’t learn Mei continued that the district has especially when they affect our own
Valley is widely dictated by the enough about other races,” Mei said. a “responsibility to educate students education,” she added. See EDUCATION on Page 7
Page 6 • June 19, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
25th Wedding Anniversary
PUSD braces to cut $11 million
Cindy & Kevan Krysler
from its budget June 10, 1995
Teacher/staff retention are top priority for board as district awaits
final verdict from state budget talks Cindy and Kevan Krys-
ler are celebrating their
BY JULIA BAUM “We may be in a situation that been finalized yet, specifically those
25th wedding anniversa-
Pleasanton Unified School Dis- there won’t be greater clarity until requiring negotiations with the dis-
trict has been busy working to early in July, and so that puts us trict’s collective bargaining units.
ry. They were united in
create a new budget by the end of into a precarious situation where Sheikholeslami informed the marriage, June 10, 1995
June that identifies and carves out we have to build our budget based board that staff had discussions in Oklahoma City, OK.
$11 million from district spending on more conservative assumptions with the county about trigger op- They have three children,
while staying prepared to respond that we know for now,” Sheik- tions “so that if certain options were Matthew, Claire and Trev-
to significant moves by the state. holeslami said. not available to the district and cer- or who have grown up in
California’s economy has taken a PUSD is considering a multiyear tain options weren’t advantageous Pleasanton. Cindy and
huge hit since the onset of shelter- suspension of the districtwide ma- to the operations of the district, Kevan didn’t know what
in-place orders forced a number riachi music program and cutting that there would be other levers by blessings life had in store
of businesses and organizations to back funding to the high school which the district could exercise.”
for them, but they have
reduce or cease operations entire- career and technical education pro- Trustee Jamie Yee asked if the dis-
had an amazing 25 years.
ly, causing a fiscal chain reaction gram. Library specialists at the el- trict had considered offering early
throughout the state. ementary school level could also see retirement to some employees. A They have been a blessing
Governor Gavin Newsom’s May their hours decreased by half from recent cost analysis of the pro- to their parents and we
budget revision projects a $41.2 five hours per day. posal indicated some savings but wish them many more
billion revenue decrease and $12.8 The district has also managed Sheikholeslami said, “The timing of years of happiness.
billion increase in expenditures for to identify some opportunities to that plan for initiating is very com-
fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21. increase revenue such as request- pressed given the situation that we
Under Newsom’s budget, Local ing additional donations from the were in, and we felt that it would
Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Pleasanton Partnerships in Educa- be more strategic to use that in a
would experience a 10% decrease, tion Foundation and using remain- second-year planning process.”
prompting California public school ing gift funds from the defunct Board President Steve Maher Many
M any
WORLDS
districts — including PUSD — to Pleasanton Schools Educational En- wondered about cuts across the
brace for state cuts. richment Foundation on existing board so that “everyone kind of suf-
During an update at the board’s music and STEM programs. fers but then no one loses a position
regular online meeting on June 11, The trustees and staff will work so that we don’t lose people.” One
MUSEUM
assistant superintendent of busi- through those issues next week “I’m afraid that if we start cutting
ness services Ahmad Sheikholesl- before the board’s final budget vote in certain areas, people will seek
ttm
m
ami said the State Legislature has on June 25, Sheikholeslami said, elsewhere for employment. If that
been developing an alternative “knowing that most likely that bud- does happen, we will lose people so
budget that rejects the majority of get will need to be revised and that when we do add money back
Newsom’s proposals and reallocates refined once the state budget is in, we won’t have someone to take
funds to the LCFF, while using approved.” Some of the reductions up that position,” Maher said.
possible federal funds to minimize and plans in the district’s budget “There may be other types of
impacts to schools during the finan- won’t be implemented until staff budgetary assumptions that are
cial crisis caused by the COVID-19 has greater clarity. good business practice that we
pandemic. Trustee Joan Laursen asked why should be looking at in terms of our
State leaders are also looking at the district would “need to follow business operations and tightening
adding Assembly Bill 1835 as part
of the proposal, a proposed law
the May Revise numbers and not go
with the hope and prayer the legis-
the belt,” Sheikholeslami added.
“Because as we indicated previously,
Now Open
currently working its way through lature is planning.” Sheikholeslami our structural deficit spending, we Beginning June 13th
the legislature, which Sheikholesl- replied that the Alameda County were in that mode prior to this and
ami said “requires any supplemen- Office of Education wants school the fiscal challenges that lie ahead Weekends only by appointment
tal and concentration grants that districts to prepare budgets that can of us are not going to go away in a
school districts don’t use in a par- handle worst-case scenarios at this single year. The earlier we can start
Facemasks and social distancing will
ticular year would need to be kept time. with some of those smart reduc- be required. Call for details.
with those students, and to be used “That’s their approach right now, tions, they will pay out better in the
in out-years, and so that could a prudent approach. It does put out-years as well.”
• Automobile Gallery
be swept into other parts of the us in a precarious situation but I The board is set to vote on the • Into China
budget.” think we have to plan that way,” he final budget at its June 25 regular • Spirit of The Old West
Newsom and legislators still need added. meeting; the trustees had a special
to work out a number of differences Laursen then inquired whether budget workshop scheduled for last • Art of Africa
before the state’s final budget is ad- the county would accept PUSD’s night, after the Weekly went to • Natural History – Coming in 2020
opted next month. plans for adjustments that have not press. Q
This is Blackhawk Museum...
article being published. Following public comment, Su-
EDUCATION There were also big holes in the perintendent David Haglund praised
Continued from Page 6 lessons that James Dormer learned the graduates and other Pleasanton
during elementary school about the youths in his latest report for their
race-related problems in this coun- fate of the Ohlone Indians who lived activism, calling it “remarkable to
try.” Garg said he felt so strongly in the Tri-Valley for 5,000 years. see our students lead a peaceful and
about the matter that he reached out “Oddly enough, I never learned what powerful demonstration this last
to several of his social studies teach- happened to them,” Dormer said. “It week here in Pleasanton, advocat- Coming Soon in 2020
ers “and they agreed with me.” was as if they disappeared, never to ing for awareness and moving these
Within a few days, Garg posted trouble the white landowners.” conversations forward. These stu-
an online petition calling for the Only last year in his junior year of dents, as we expect and celebrate,
district’s history curriculum to “in- high school did Dormer finally learn are busy making a better world.”
corporate race-conscious education about the state-sponsored geno- The graduates’ statements came
programs into all levels of educa- cide of Indian tribes including the during the non-agenda public
tion.” More than 1,500 people had Ohlone and how their killers were comment portion of the board’s 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA
signed the petition at the time of this awarded with jobs in government. meeting. Q www.blackhawkmuseum.org • 925-736-2277
Pleasanton Weekly • June 19, 2020 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
Woerner, Nop announce bids for Livermore mayor
McCorriston running for Dublin City Council
BY JEREMY WALSH and social servic- “I am so looking forward to budgetary decisions over the next
Election season is starting to es are responsive the opportunity of serving oth- few years, and the current health
ramp up in neighboring Livermore to the commu- ers. Being a mayor is about lead- crisis has compounded the finan-
and Dublin. nity’s needs. ership, understanding people’s cial uncertainty to the community,”
Within the past week, Livermore “We must meet plight, uniting people and guiding he said. “As a council member, I
Vice Mayor Bob Woerner and local these extraordi- them through the pain and strug- will use my leadership experience
real estate professional Mony Nop nary times with gles they are experiencing now,” in finance to ensure city resourc-
launched their campaigns for the thoughtful and Nop said in his campaign launch es are balanced with sound fiscal
city’s mayoral seat, which is fully up proven leader- statement. strategies and to objectively evalu-
Michael Mony Nop Bob Woerner
for grabs on the Nov. 3 ballot with McCorriston ship. My con- He also outlined the “five- ate initiatives that are truly in the
Mayor John Marchand terming out. structive rela- point vision for Livermore” that best interest of Dublin.”
And over in Dublin, financial to the Livermore City Council in tionships with key local and region- will drive his campaign: protect McCorriston is a longtime Dub-
professional Michael McCorriston 2012 and then won election to full al leaders in the public and private public safety, build downtown lin resident with 35 years of ex-
announced his bid for Dublin City four-year terms in 2014 and 2018, sectors will be very beneficial as we now, mitigate homelessness, in- perience in banking and finance,
Council this fall. said he seeks the mayoral position join together to implement change. crease access to affordable hous- the last 20 of which has involved
They appear to be the first can- because he wants to “build upon Livermore’s future is bright and full ing and bring high-paying jobs to treasury operations for large multi-
didates to publicly declare their the progress we’ve made as a com- of opportunity, but we have difficult Livermore. national corporations. Q
intent to run for their respective munity and spearhead change as challenges and decisions ahead of Vying for one of two regular Editor’s note: Full stories on each
offices. Typically, candidates in needed in the city we love.” us that the next Mayor must be able Dublin City Council seats on the candidate’s individual campaign
municipal elections would have Among his priorities, Woerner to tackle on day one,” he said. ballot this November, McCorriston announcements can be found online at
started kicking off their campaigns pointed to addressing the needs for Nop, a former Livermore police said his candidacy will focus on PleasantonWeekly.com. Any resident
publicly by spring, or even before, more diverse housing, supporting officer for 17 years who now works fiscal sustainability, smart develop- who would like to announce their
but the coronavirus pandemic has smart and balanced growth, apply- as a Realtor, said he is seeking his ment and housing solutions for his candidacy for elected office in the Tri-
shifted that norm. ing sound fiscal management to city first elected office “to be a true city. Valley can send their information to
Woerner, who was first appointed budgeting and making sure police leader in Livermore.” “Our city is facing some tough jwalsh@pleasantonweekly.com.
OPENING for also supporting our request,”
Haubert told the Weekly last Friday
attendance to 25 people and provide
services outdoors.
Plan template and implement risk
assessment and individual control
implement COVID-19 health
screenings before work and employ-
Continued from Page 5
evening. To support business reopenings in measures, physical distancing, disin- ees to complete self-assessments.
calling on Pan to take a sub-regional ACPHD reported as of Tuesday Pleasanton, city officials have signed fecting and cleaning protocols, and She also encouraged residents to
approach to the county regulations there were 4,481 confirmed COVID- off on the Pleasanton Downtown employee training to prevent the wear face coverings, including while
and reopen the Tri-Valley because of 19 cases (previous or active) and Association’s proposal to close Main spread of COVID-19.” protesting — and if you protested,
low coronavirus case rates in three 112 deaths among county residents. Street to vehicles for eight successive She advised employers to get tested for COVID-19. Q
cities and more expedited reopen- The Tri-Valley had recorded 67 cases weekends starting this weekend.
ings for nearby San Ramon and in Pleasanton, 67 in Livermore and The closure will include the length
Danville.
The mayors also pointed to the
collaboration among the three cities,
35 in Dublin — plus 57 at the Santa
Rita Jail in Dublin, which is kept in
a separate category.
of Main Street from Bernal Avenue to
Del Valle Parkway, with openings for
cross/through traffic at St. John/Ray
Las Positas launches
Stanford-ValleyCare and the Alam-
eda County Fairgrounds to operate a
That represented upticks of two
cases in Pleasanton, nine in Liver-
streets and Rose Avenue/Neal Street.
It will start at about 2 p.m. on Fri-
new film studies major
regional COVID-19 testing site open more and five in Dublin compared days and continue through about 10 Degree to be offered starting in fall
to residents of Pleasanton, Dublin to one week earlier. (Countywide p.m. Sundays — operational from
and Livermore with no out-of-pock- increases were 496 positive tests 4 p.m. Fridays to 8 p.m. Sundays, BY EMMA HALL so much in the redesign and glo-
et cost nor appointment. City of- and 10 deaths during that weeklong with two hours on either end for Las Positas College in Liver- balization of this curriculum and
ficials announced late last week that period.) setup and breakdown. more will introduce a film stud- development of the film studies
the fairgrounds testing center would The revised Alameda County “During this street closure, restau- ies program alongside an Associ- program, and has built a strong
be extended through July 10 — 9 health order will focus on increased rants, retailers and other downtown ate of Arts degree or Certificate of network of students during her
a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays for adults personal and economic activities in merchants will be allowed to expand Achievement in the field this fall. short time here,” Amy Mattern,
and kids 10 years old and up. group settings with safety protec- their outdoor footprint to serve cus- Students will learn about the the dean of arts and humanities,
Pan formally denied the mayors’ tions in place — outdoor dining tomers, following industry guidance history and analysis of filmmak- said in a statement.
request last Friday afternoon in a at restaurants, indoor and outdoor and other applicable standards set ing, film production, film act- The program will have a re-
response letter that cited her depart- retail, religious services, outdoor fit- out by the County and State,” Fialho ing, music composers in film, quired core course, a revamped
ment’s new order allowing more re- ness classes and outdoor museums. wrote in his letter to the PDA. multimedia reporting and more, version of the original film stud-
openings countywide starting today. Pan said her department also ex- Downtown businesses that ex- according to LPC officials ies class. In this course, students
“Our responsibility as a Health pects to loosen restrictions in two- tend outdoors onto Main Street can “I’m most looking forward to were allowed to customize the
Department is to the whole county, to four-week increments under its extend 15 feet into the street but enriching my understanding of class to their own interests and
and we can’t risk losing ground reopening plan that outlines phasing must leave current sidewalk clear. film as an art form and applying goals. According to the college,
we’ve gained against COVID-19 by for the potential future return of all The middle 15 feet of Main Street the things I learn into practi- it will give students an important
introducing regional complexity at activities. will remain clear for emergency ve- cal knowledge of the process of and unique approach to focus on
this time. We’ve heard you and oth- Retail and outdoor dining will hicle access and social distancing for creating a film, eventually using their own individual career path.
ers in the community and think our be authorized to reopen at reduced pedestrians. that knowledge to create my Due to the COVID-19 and
modified reopening plan addresses capacity to ensure physical distanc- To expand into the public right-of- own content or help others cre- classes becoming strictly remote,
some of the concerns raised and ing and safety plans must be imple- way, a business must provide the city ate theirs,” Travis Danner, a film film studies faculty will be pro-
keeps us on the road to safe reopen- mented, in alignment with the state’s with “a simple site plan.” Restaurants studies student at LPC, said in a viding their teaching through
ing,” Pan wrote in the response letter guidance. Pan “strongly recom- can pursue extending their alcohol statement. Canvas and Zoom.
to mayors David Haubert (Dublin), mended” those businesses continue service by applying with the state for The creation of the film studies “I’m figuring out ways to tran-
Jerry Thorne (Pleasanton) and John to focus primarily on pickup and a temporary catering authorization. program began with Elizabeth sition online, though I prefer to
Marchand (Livermore). delivery options to limit lines and The city and PDA will work to Wing Brooks, a professor of hu- be in the classroom with my stu-
Haubert expressed support for crowds. identify curbside pickup spots for manities and film studies at LPC. dents,” Brooks said. “We use our
the latest health order and said he Limited religious services will be retail on side streets as well as park- Originally, the class was a part library databases to show films
thought the Tri-Valley mayors’ letter allowed to resume too, for up to 100 ing and safety protocols. They will of the humanities program, but from all over the world to teach
played a key role in the more expe- people or less than 25% of build- also evaluate the street closure on a her students’ inquiries about a about the world through film, so
dited reopenings. ing capacity, whichever is lower. weekly basis, according to Fialho. major in film inspired her to put even though we aren’t physically
“I’m pleased that Dr. Pan listened Pan encouraged faith groups to For the county’s part, Pan remind- forward additional film courses. together, students will be able to
to the Mayors of the Tri Valley and continue virtual services (especially ed all businesses that operate “must “Elizabeth has accomplished ‘travel’ from home.” Q
I’m thankful to Supervisor Haggerty for high-risk congregants) and limit complete the Site-Specific Protection
Page 8 • June 19, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
The choice model to agree with Rouse’s assessment,
with Trustee Amy Miller insisting
that parents should reserve the
funds from Measure J; Cherrier felt
that the cameras should also come
from the general fund.
Dublin Unified advances plan for reopening schools right to take the risk of sending Marken noted that the district
their child to school in the fall if would be applying for a federal
BY RIYA CHOPRA all week due to childcare concerns of families wanted their students they feel that it is the best choice grant to cover all of the expenses,
The Dublin Unified School Dis- and other considerations. in school full-time, 21% wanted to for their family. though he remarked that it is as of
trict Board of Trustees is moving “A key component of this ap- only engage in distance learning, Cherrier was the only board yet unclear whether school districts
forward with a plan to reopen proach is the use of camera sys- and 39% wanted their students member to express hesitance at will be granted such provisions.
schools in the fall that allows fami- tems in all classrooms that will to go to school two days a week. the idea of opening schools in the Another prominent concern
lies to choose whether their stu- allow students to study at home A survey of staff yielded similar first place, arguing, “On March 13, brought up frequently in public
dent is physically present at school and participate in class almost as if results. we voted to close. Right now, the comment was the privacy of stu-
full-time, two days a week or not at they were there,” Marken said in a After a lengthy debate, the board situation is worse.” In light of the dents and staff with regards to
all. message to the community. voted 4-1 to approve the choice pandemic’s growth, he felt that it the cameras being installed. “The
Recommended by DUSD staff Students who are attending model and, in turn, the purchase was irresponsible to open schools solutions we are looking at are not
and endorsed in concept by the school virtually will be logging of the cameras and learning soft- as early as August. 24/7 Big Brother cameras,” Marken
board majority last week, the so- into their classes throughout the ware, with Board President Dan Marken emphasized the flexibil- said trying to assure those with
called “choice model” includes day, watching livestreams of their Cherrier dissenting. ity that the choice model provides. concerns.
purchasing and installing cameras teachers and submitting assign- “When we closed schools on With the cameras installed and “Staff can turn them on and
in each classroom for $1 million ments along with the rest of their March 13, we didn’t know very new software in use, students and off as appropriate. Please do not
to $1.4 million and purchasing class — with technological support much about the virus and how it teachers will be able to transition be alarmed — we are, of course,
a learning management system from either Canvas or Schoology. was going to move around,” Board much more smoothly to full-time going to address privacy concerns
(either Canvas or Schoology) for Student and staff safety was a Vice President Megan Rouse said. distance learning should COVID- and other issues that go along with
$75,000-$150,000 for a two-year primary guiding principle used to “I do feel like now we are in a dif- 19 cases spike once again in the this investment. Allow us time to
contract. design the choice model, Marken ferent place. To date, there are 30 fall. District surveys showed that develop this part of our plan and
While logistics are still being said. The lowered number of stu- cases in Dublin; our community both staff and students were dis- we will report out when ready,” he
worked out, the premise of the dents in classes will allow for prop- has a handle on social distancing appointed with the confusion and said.
reopening plan is that families will er social distancing protocols to be and protocols that have really kept inconsistency of distance learning Ultimately, Marken cautioned
be able to choose how often their implemented, and there was some the virus to a minimum here.” during spring 2020, and having that the logistics are still being
children attend school in person in discussion of students and staff “I believe that this plan is the these systems in place would stop worked out and that most ques-
the fall. using proper personal protective right way to approach this and this from happening again. tions will remain unanswered for
In his presentation, Superinten- equipment (PPE). that having an opportunity for Cherrier ultimately cast his dis- the time being. The district has
dent Dave Marken stated that if In his presentation on June 11, kids to return to the classroom is senting vote solely because he was been sending out weekly com-
25%-35% of students start school Marken maintained that the plan absolutely the right way to go. Still, opposed to the source of the funds munications to the community
entirely virtual and 30%-35% of was designed out of a desire to this plan makes sure that for those for the cameras. As it stands, the to update them on the process as
students attend school two days a allow families as much flexibility who aren’t ready to return, it’s not money for the learning manage- it unfolds, all of which are avail-
week, then the district will be able as possible to allow for vastly dif- something we impose on them,” ment system will come from the able at www.dublin.k12.ca.us.
to safely accommodate 40%-50% fering household needs. An official she added. district’s general fund, and the The first day of school is still
of students who must be in school district survey indicated that 35% Three other trustees appeared cameras will be paid for using slated for Aug. 11. Q
MAYOR told the Weekly this week that she
has decided not to run because of
maintaining a safe drinking water
supply while opposing potable
candidates to do the same.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine
and play “an active role in driving
programs and policies that make
Continued from Page 5
COVID-19 impacts on her “day reuse. Corps who has spent his long Pleasanton one of the safest and
you and being your voice in city job,” managing her family’s com- She also issued a campaign civilian career operating a media most desirable communities in the
leadership,” Brown said in a state- mercial property business in Iowa. promise to voters, vowing to production business, Pentin said nation.” Q
ment on Sunday. “Faced with the realization that turn down campaign donations as mayor he would continue to Editor’s note: Full stories on each
Pentin, who announced his cam- I’m not going to be able to commit from “builders and developers champion local initiatives, advo- candidate’s individual campaign
paign to the Weekly days later, adequate time to campaign, I have who aim to influence her votes,” cate for responsible growth, priori- announcements can be found online at
said in a statement, “Addressing made the difficult decision to not and encouraging fellow city tize sound fiscal decision-making PleasantonWeekly.com.
the pressing issues around traffic, run for mayor this year. It simply
e
schools, economic development, isn’t the right time for me,” Narum
public safety and affordable hous-
ing is a challenge, and I’ve met
these challenges. With your sup-
said.
“However, I do want residents
to know that I still have two years
Liverm S P E A RE FEST
I VA L
port, I will continue to represent plus left on my City Council term.
SH AK E
S OME
Pleasanton with fiscal responsibil- I will continue to be fully en-
ity, common-sense values, and a gaged during those years working presents
collaborative work ethic. I will to advance policies that ensure the
continue to work with the coun- health and well-being of our com-
H AV E N E S S
cil and our city staff to prepare, munity so that Pleasanton con-
plan and preserve the future of tinues to be a special place to call
Pleasanton.” home,” Narum added.
E AT
The two seasoned city officials Pentin and Brown each first
competing for the head chair —
along with any future candidates
for mayor who might declare in
earned election to the City Coun-
cil in 2012 and were re-elect-
ed in 2016 (with Brown the top
R
GA Virtual Shakespeoarre
the weeks ahead — will lead a vote-getter both times). They have
crowded Pleasanton city election served the maximum number of
e r C amp f
on Nov. 3. terms allowed for regular coun-
S u m m
So far, four candidates have cil positions under the city’s term
- 5 & 6 - 8
G RA D E S 3
thrown their hat into the ring for limit law, but each is eligible to
the two regular council seats (four- serve up to eight more years on the
year terms) that are opening up council, as mayor.
this fall, with Pentin and Brown A real estate professional who
terming out. previously worked for more than
But one familiar name won’t be
appearing on the ballot.
10 years in the semiconductor in-
dustry, Brown said her mayoral
Step into the world of Shakespeare...from home
Vice Mayor Kathy Narum, who campaign will focus on listening All campers receive a Camp Toolkit delivered to their homes!
July 13-24 @ LivermoreShakes.org
is in her second full term on the to residents, supporting slow- and
council and deeply contemplated smart-growth policies, preserving
campaigning for mayor this fall, the city’s historic downtown and
Pleasanton Weekly • June 19, 2020 • Page 9
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