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RIP, Cabo
Page 14
VOL. XVIII, NUMBER 21 • JUNE 16, 2017 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
Residents show off interesting talents,
hobbies in county fair displays
PAGE 12
5 NEWS Haglund hired as new PUSD superintendent
10 EDITORIAL County fair: A Pleasanton tradition
11 SPORTS Foothill wins NCS softball championshipJENNIFER & NICK TRAVIA
2 scientists
23 hours spent
researching birth centers
1 healthy baby
As scientists, Daniel’s parents did extensive research before choosing where
to deliver their baby. They talked to friends, scoured the internet, toured hospitals
and talked with nurses. They discovered Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare has
on-site OB-GYNs, anesthesiologists and pediatric hospitalists 24/7, as well as the
highest level Neonatal ICU in the Tri-Valley. And good thing, because Daniel decided
to come four weeks early. Today, he’s proud to be the center of attention.
See their story and find an OB-GYN: ValleyCare.com/Baby
Or call: 844-229-7871
Page 2 • June 16, 2017 • Pleasanton WeeklyTIM TALK BY TIM HUNT
The Spotorno land 4295 Bevilacqua Court 4233 Mairmont Drive
saga drags on 3 Bed/2 Bath, 1,805 Sq Ft 5 Bed/3 Bath, 2,416 Sq Ft
T he seemingly endless saga of
the Spotorno Ranch contin-
ued earlier this spring when
the Pleasanton Planning Commission
reviewed the latest plans.
stakeholders to consider the bypass
road, and it recommended relocating
the route from the hills to along the
flat portion of the ranch.
Lewis has proposed two key
The family has owned the parcel changes in its plan:
in the Happy Valley area off Alisal 1. Eliminating the bypass road.
Road for more than 150 years. The 2. Increasing the density in the spe-
Spotornos have run cattle and sheep cific plan from 0.67 units per acre to 856 Aramon Court 4684 Black Avenue
for decades and hav been striving to 1.25 per acre for the flat portion. 3 Bed/2 Bath, 1,471 Sq Ft 3 Bed/2 Bath, 1,377 Sq Ft
develop a portion of it for nearly 20 In the study session, planning
years. commissioners seemed inclined to
I have known the family since our eliminate the bypass road. The golf
days in the 4-H program together course traffic, which has been routed
Coming Soon to Downtown Pleasanton!
many years ago when Sycamore north on Alisal to Sycamore since
Road was known as “Chicken Alley” the course opened, has not been a
471 St Mary Street - 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2,632 Sq Ft
and families in the semi-rural area burden. Historic home on 2 parcels totaling over 25,000 Sq Ft
routinely raised livestock and chick- And residents living along the golf
ens. There are still some lots where course have worked with county
Development potential on additional lot!
that lifestyle continues, but there Supervisor Nate Miley and the city
also are plenty of custom homes on to lift the no-left-turn restriction onto
large, landscaped lots. That’s particu-
larly true on Sycamore, a mish-mash
of relatively new construction with
Happy Valley Road during morn-
ing commute hours. It was crazy
to go back north into traffic if resi-
Gina Piper
older homes.
The current proposal by Tim
dents were headed south on I-680 or
wanted to drop their kids at Foothill
925.200.0202
Lewis Communities would develop
31 acres on the flat portion of the
High. The original plan would have
closed Westbridge to all traffic other
www.PleasantonRealEstate.com
Spotorno site near the access road than emergency vehicles. Better Homes & Gardens Tri-Valley Realty / BRE#: 01201349
to the Callippe Preserve Golf Course The second key request, which
and dedicate the remaining 123 city staff members opposed, also was
acres as permanent open space. The met with skepticism from commis-
Happy Valley Specific Plan identified sioners who seemed to prefer the
as many as 97 homes if all of the de- 22-lot option. Just what the potential
velopable land were used. The spe- loss of 17 units would mean is what
cific plan was approved in 1998 and the developer now is considering.
since has been modified by Measure Given the hodge-podge of housing
PP (the hillside initiative). along Alisal, the new neighborhood
That predated the city’s building of
the Callippe Preserve and surround-
would be a sharp contrast — just
like the golf course homes are to the
I love when
ing trail and open space and building
sites. Developers gave the land to the
south and Bridle Creek and the mix-
ture of homes along Sycamore are to my Clients say,
city in exchange for the entitled lots the north.
that surround it as well as city water The initial plans call for homes to
and sewer services. range from 3,350 to 4,000 square
A key part of that plan was de- feet on lots that range from one-half
“I don’t know
veloping the Spotorno property so acre to two-thirds of an acre, so it
a north-south bypass road could certainly would be upscale housing.
be constructed connecting the golf Reducing the number of sites likely
course and its homes with a new
east-west road (now Sycamore Creek
Way serving the Bridle Creek neigh-
would transform the development
from stick-built homes to custom
lots to make it pencil out.
what I would do
borhood and Sycamore Heights) so
the rural traffic patterns on Happy
Stay tuned and think good
thoughts about the long-suffering
without you.”
Valley, Alisal and Sycamore could be Spotorno family who have been
maintained. hung out to dry way too long. They
At that time, Greenbriar Homes are the antithesis of real estate specu-
had submitted a plan to develop lators — they’re looking for some
the Spotorno parcel. Various plans, payoffs for land they have stewarded Fermata M.,
calling for 75 to 79 homes, have for 150 years. Q
been submitted since 1999. Green- Editor’s note: Journalist Tim Hunt
Professional Caregiver
briar subsequently withdrew its has written columns on the Tri-Valley
application. community for more than 40 years. His
After the golf course opened, “Tim Talk” blog appears twice a week at
the city organized a committee of PleasantonWeekly.com.
About the Cover
Entrants in the Collections and Place-Setting competitions are among those
on display in exhibition halls at this year’s Alameda County Fair, which opens
today and runs through July 9 at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Photos by
925-621-7650 HIREDHANDSHOMECARE.COM
LIC.#214700014
Daniel Kim. Cover design by Paul Llewellyn. Vol. XVIII, Number 21
Pleasanton Weekly • June 16, 2017 • Page 3A Celebration to Benefit Sunflower Hill
Streetwise
ht
ASKED AROUND TOWN
What are you most looking
forward to this year at the
Alameda County Fair?
Victoria Lorrekovich-Miller
Saturday, July 29, 2017 Wine tasting room associate
5:00 - 10:00pm I am excited about some of the musi-
cal acts, like Wynonna Judd and Night
Wente Vineyard Ranger. We already have tickets for them
and will make a great evening out of it.
5050 Arroyo Rd. Livermore
FEATURING Join us for an evening of fun & surprises under the stars at Wente Vineyards!
Enjoy live music, dancing, fabulous food, award winning wines,
silent & live auctions and more. All proceeds to help with
Sunflower Hill’s mission of creating an intentional Kaitlin Miller
community for individuals with special needs.Sponsorships Middle school student
available. Purchase tickets at www.sunflowerhill.org I am so excited to go this year because
Sunflower Hill is an IRS recognized 501c3 non-profit organization. Tax ID# 80-0897595 A S u s ta i n a b l e S p e c i a l N e e d s Co m m u n i t y it will be the first year ever that I’m
allowed to walk around with just my
friends, without our parents hovering
over us every second. I like knowing my
mom will be close by, but I am looking
forward to the independence of her not
holding my hand the whole time.
Tom Gamier
Chemist
For me, it’s all about the carnival rides.
Going on all of those crazy rides with
my kids makes me feel like a kid again
myself — kind of like playing in the mud
and climbing trees. The older I get, the
more I crave the sensation of feeling like
a care-free kid again.
Karina Birch
Teacher
I am most looking forward to seeing all
of the different, exotic breeds of animals,
such as the chickens, rabbits, parrots
and alligators that I only see exhibited at
the fair. I know they are treated humane-
ly because I read about that on the
fair’s website. If that were not the case, I
would not be interested.
Glenn Beamer
Account executive
People-watching. People from all over
the Bay Area come to Pleasanton’s
Alameda County Fair. I hate to admit it,
but I enjoy keeping track of how many
tattoos, piercings, ear gauges and butt
cracks I see during just the few hours
I spend at the fair. I keep track of the
more attractive things I see, as well.
—Compiled by Nancy Lewis and Jenny Lyness
Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
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Page 4 • June 16, 2017 • Pleasanton WeeklyNewsfront
DIGEST School board hires David Haglund
New Donlon principal
The school board Tuesday
hired local vice principal Janet
as district’s next superintendent
Gates as the new principal of
Donlon Elementary School. 29-year educator from Southern California takes helm at PUSD on July 1
Gates will start her new job BY JULIA REIS for years, both in Santa Ana and Unified and what kind of district that “Thank you so much for your con-
July 1 after three years as vice
principal of Lydiksen Elemen-
tary. She has 16 years of class-
room experience, including 11
in Pleasanton teaching AVID,
T he Pleasanton school board
Tuesday night unanimously
approved a three-year em-
ployment contract between PUSD
and Santa Ana schools administra-
in Riverside, in working to break
barriers for all students and to help
create innovative programs to serve
them, whether for typically under-
served or typically high-achieving
is and what great things they’ve done
for kids ... I am very confident we
have a great individual, a very quali-
fied individual, that will lead us.”
Haglund will be PUSD’s fifth
fidence and your support,” he said.
“Most importantly, I want to thank
you for the opportunity to serve this
community, and that’s the way I see
the role of the superintendent.
health and life and earth sci-
ence at Harvest Park Middle tor David Haglund as the district’s ones,” school board president Joan leader since spring 2015. Deputy “I’m the chief servant of the dis-
School. next superintendent. Laursen said. “Dr. Haglund may superintendent of business services trict,” he continued. “I’m not the
“I am so excited to serve the Haglund, a 29-year educator who not learn the names of all 15,000 of Micaela Ochoa has been serving as guy that tells everybody what to do
members of my own Pleasan- most recently worked as deputy our students in his first year, but I interim superintendent since Janu- — that’s really not where my heart’s
ton neighborhood,” Gates said. superintendent of educational ser- guarantee that our students will get ary, when the board fired Rick Rubi- at ...What I can do best is to be a
“Thank you to the Donlon
vices and chief academic officer for to know him and he will be person- no after six months in the position. guy that can come in and figure out
community for being willing
to walk with me this year as we Santa Ana Unified School District, ally involved in their success.” In comments to the board, PUSD how to remove obstacles from the
get to know each other.” was appointed to the position by Added trustee Valerie Arkin, “We administrators and community path. It’s not about giving direction,
Gates replaces Sebastian a unanimous board vote in closed did a very exhaustive process and members at Tuesday’s meeting, Ha- it’s about facilitating motion, so I
Bull, who was named last session Tuesday. He will start July 1. we really reached out to many many glund said he was “thrilled” about look forward to that opportunity.”
month as the new principal of “Dr. Haglund has been involved people, as well as looking at Santa Ana becoming superintendent. In a brief interview Tuesday evening,
Foothill High. Haglund said he is “very impressed”
She lives in Pleasanton with with the Pleasanton community.
her husband and their dog “In the process that superin-
Snickers. They have three tendents go through, search firms
grown daughters. She earned
typically interview lots of folks and
a bachelor’s degree in biologi-
cal sciences and teaching cre- they identify the priorities of the
dential from UC Davis and a community,” he said.
master’s in teaching leadership “When I read the findings from the
from St. Mary’s College. Pleasanton report, there was a whole
See HAGLUND on Page 8
Rotary Spirit Run
The Rotary Club of Pleasan-
ton’s 24th annual Father’s Day
Spirit Run is set to start Sunday DSRSD
morning under the Pleasanton
Arch in downtown.
More than 1,500 runners
debates
and walkers are expected to
participate in the popular
sewer rate
event that serves as a fundrais-
er for college scholarships and increase
community and international
projects of the club. Hike wouldn’t impact
This Father’s Day tradition Pleasanton ratepayers
has continued to grow as run-
ners, their children and fami- JULIA REIS BY JULIA REIS
lies participate in a 10K run or David Haglund (left), newly appointed as PUSD superintendent, speaks with school board president Joan Laursen and The Dublin San Ramon Services
5K walk or run, as well as three Amador Valley High student board member Nicole Zhang during a break at Tuesday’s meeting. District Board of Directors on Tuesday
Kid’s Challenge races. is scheduled to consider a proposed
For registration and other five-year wastewater rate increase that
information, visit www.spirit-
run.com. Costco and the city’s CIP would take effect July 1 for customers
in Dublin and south San Ramon.
Council talks allocating $6.4M for Stoneridge/I-680 project Pleasanton ratepayers would not be
Family Days impacted by a rate increase, local of-
The Museum on Main is BY JEREMY WALSH Interstate 680 northbound widen- The Stoneridge/I-680 north ficials said. DSRSD provides wastewa-
bringing back its Family Days As the Pleasanton City Coun- ing project in 2018-19. widening is identified in the Gen- ter treatment to the city by contract.
on the third Saturday of the cil studied the staff-recommended Disbursing those funds within eral Plan as a necessary project The board will hold a public hear-
month from June to Septem-
capital improvement program (CIP) two years, according to city staff, to accommodate full build-out ing on the proposed rates at 6 p.m. in
ber, giving children, parents
and grandparents the chance for the next four years, some of the depends on the council’s future for all residential and commercial the DSRSD boardroom at 7051 Dub-
to take part in free hands-on discussion last week focused on a decision on the proposed John- development contemplated in the lin Blvd. before voting on the matter.
demonstrations, crafts and ac- long-planned freeway project likely son Drive Economic Development General Plan, according to city Affected residents who live in single-
tivities related to each month’s needed sooner if Costco comes to Zone (EDZ) — a plan that could finance director Tina Olson. family homes and townhouses would
theme. Johnson Drive as proposed. pave the way for a Costco on part New developments across see their bills go up $15 in 2017-18,
The fun kicks off this Sat- The CIP plan proposes more of the 40-acre vacant land on Pleasanton have paid fees to the or 3.9% over the current rate, ac-
urday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. than $80 million in expenditures Johnson Drive parallel to I-680 city to offset their impacts on the cording to the agency. Condo owners
outside the downtown muse- from 2017-18 to 2020-21 for 89 just past the Stoneridge exit. city’s transportation system, but would see an increase of roughly $11
um for the “County Fair” Fam- improvement projects, falling into “The reason we’re reserving the those funds can only be spent on next fiscal year, while owners of multi-
ily Day. Participants will learn
categories such as streets, facili- $6.4 million: (Stoneridge/I-680 specific projects identified in the family properties would pay nearly
about exhibition booths and
animal judging and try their ties, parks, water and sewer. north) is a council priority,” City Man- General Plan, Olson said. $10 more for wastewater services.
hand at making quilt squares, One recommendation from city ager Nelson Fialho told the council “It’s very limited what you can Annual rates would increase
winning at carnival games and staff is to allocate $6.4 million in during its June 6 meeting. “We want- spend it on,” she said. “We could every year through 2021-22, with
picking the winning horses. traffic impact fee reserves, collect- ed to be conservative and park that not use that development impact single-family and townhouse own-
For more details, visit www. ed from developers over the years, money in the event that we’re ready ers ultimately paying $474.14,
museumonmain.org. Q toward the Stoneridge Drive and to spend it on that project.” See CAPITAL on Page 8 See SEWER on Page 8
Pleasanton Weekly • June 16, 2017 • Page 5NEWSFRONT
Rising pension costs dominate City Council’s budget review
Final budget adoption scheduled for next week
BY JEREMY WALSH The CalPERS board late last year so that will provide more accurate The council is scheduled to sales, according to Fialho.
The city of Pleasanton remains in voted to lower its discount rate, or projections, City Manager Nelson weigh final adoption of the two- General fund expenditures are
sound fiscal condition with general assumed rate of return on its invest- Fialho said. year budget during Tuesday’s broken down by 73.7% for person-
fund revenues projected to keep ments, from 7.5% to 7% — mean- Options could include pre-funding regular meeting, along with final nel, 19.3% for materials and sup-
rising during the next two fiscal ing cities, schools, state agencies the pension liabilities, like the city has approval of the associated four- plies, 5.4% for transportation and
years, but more than $15 million and other employers will have to done in the past, and looking toward year capital improvement program training, 1.1% for repairs and main-
worth of new pension costs due in contribute more to CalPERS to help investment options to raise additional (CIP) outlining various city proj- tenance, and 0.4% for capital outlay.
the years ahead could impact that make up the revenue difference. capital. Cost-cutting moves and fewer ects for 2017-18 through 2020-21. The largest costs in the person-
stability going forward, according These higher costs, on top of the infrastructure improvements would nel category are salaries including
Other budget takeaways
to the city’s latest budget report. regular employer contributions, will also be on the table. overtime (59%), pensions (17%)
The City Council last week spent be spread out from 2018-19 to 2022- After analyzing the new CalPERS The recommended budget es- and medical benefits and leave
just under an hour reviewing the 23, increasing steadily each year. data and potential strategies, city timates $115.2 million in general (12%). Personnel expenditures are
staff-recommended city budget for In Pleasanton, early estimates staff anticipates bringing forward fund revenues for 2017-18 and expected to rise by 4.9% and 3.3%,
the 2017-18 and 2018-19 fiscal forecast more than $15 million a formal proposal to the council in $117.2 million in 2018-19, com- respectively, in the next two years.
years, which estimates more than in additional pension costs over the summer or fall. pared to expenditures of $107.9 The budget recommends adding
$115 million in revenues and more the five years, starting at almost “We just want to be absolutely million and $110.4 million, respec- two new, full-time police officers.
than $107 million in expenditures $700,000 for 2018-19 up to more accurate with our strategy, and that’s tively. The general fund accounts for City officials estimate an operat-
from the city’s general fund each year than $5.6 million for 2022-23. For why we need just a little bit more 62% of the city’s operating budget. ing surplus of just over $6 million
and leaves the city with operating comparison, next year has budget- time before we come to you with a About 84% of general fund rev- next year, with almost $5.2 million
reserves of around 20% of expenses. ed about $13.8 million in regular recommendation,” Fialho said. enues come from taxes, while 10% going toward the CIP and the re-
But the public conversation fo- CalPERS-related expenditures from Brown urged her council col- come from department revenues maining $832,664 into operating
cused primarily on how the city, the general fund. leagues, while weighing approval such as service fees and the remain- reserves. In 2018-19, the operating
already familiar with the problem of “I think we all understand the of the new two-year budget, to act ing 6% from other revenue sources. surplus is estimated at $5.6 million,
unfunded pension liabilities, is brac- tsunami is coming, and that we as soon as possible on addressing City officials estimate sales tax with $5.1 million toward CIP and
ing for the latest financial curveball must be very aggressive in early- and the upcoming pension cost hikes. will grow each of the next two the rest into reserves. Contributing
from the California Public Employ- pre-payment,” Councilwoman Karla “Pre-funding that debt will save years, by 2.1% and 3%, respec- $5 million to the CIP is common
ees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Brown said last week, later adding, us a lot of money,” Brown said. “I tively. They also anticipate secured practice for the city, Fialho said.
“It’s hitting all cities. Obviously “We’ve got to be fiscally careful.” just want to make sure we’re paying property tax growth, at 3.6% next In all, the city expects to end
it’s not just Pleasanton; everybody is City officials are working to de- everything we can. We don’t have to year and 1.2% in 2018-19. 2017-18 with almost $21.6 million
struggling with how are they going velop strategies to address the latest wait for the bill due to say where in City sales tax revenues, projected in general fund reserves and 2018-
to address it,” Tina Olson, city’s new pension costs, but they aren’t this budget am I going make some to reach a 20-year high of $23.7 19 with just over $22 million in
finance director, told the council ready to present recommendations, significant payment, like the $15 million in 2018-19, are slowing operating reserves — or about 20%
members during their June 6 meet- waiting on a CalPERS actuarial million ... or some similar large pay- though due to regional shopping of expenses, the minimum reserve
ing at the Pleasanton Civic Center. report due in the next month or ment against our PERS.” competition and online consumer level under city policy. Q
To earn your rewards all of the following transactions and activities
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Page 6 • June 16, 2017 • Pleasanton WeeklyNEWSFRONT
Amador Valley
Optometric
Ex-employee files racial Health officials warn of Family Eyecare
For the Professional
discrimination suit salmonella risks linked Attention Your Eyes Deserve
against Pleasanton firm to backyard poultry
Prescription Sunglasses
• UV protection
• Polarized to
‘No one should be treated this way in America in reduce gglare
re
the year 2017,’ plaintiff says The California Department of no deaths have been reported,
A former project manager for a flag purse strung over her shoulder. Public Health has issued a warn- state health officials said.
Pleasanton construction company Dolan said Kenneth Hayden ing to residents about the risk of Salmonella symptoms include
filed a lawsuit against the company later gave the purse to Wright as salmonella infection from con- diarrhea, fever and abdominal Convenient Weekday
and its owners last week accusing a Christmas gift at the company tact with live poultry. cramps that usually begin 12 to 72 & Evening Hours
• Trend Styled Eyewear with excellent
them of racial discrimination and Christmas Party with the offensive Many outbreaks in recent years hours after infection. Most people frame stylist to help your eyewear needs
harassment and subjecting her to photos of him and his wife inside. have been linked to people keeping recover within a week without • “No-Line” Lenses / Computer Lenses
unwanted racial commentary and Wright said in the statement that backyard flocks of chickens and treatment but some people, in- • Specialty contact lens care, including
differential treatment. she filed the suit “because no one ducks, state health officials said. cluding young children, elderly CRT for nearsightedness reduction
and scleral lenses for keratoconus and
Filed in Alameda County Superi- should be treated this way in Amer- Live poultry, particularly baby adults and those with weakened
irregular corneas
or Court on behalf of Tishay Wright, ica in the year 2017.” chicks and ducklings, may have immune systems, are at higher • “Dry Eye” Treatment and Management
a black woman, by San Francisco “This is not Alabama in the 1940’s. salmonella in their feces and on risk for more severe illness. • Macular Degeneration Assessment
attorney Christopher Dolan, the suit This country is going backwards and their bodies even when they ap- The Department of Public • Soft and Gas Permeable Bifocal
alleges that Southland Construc- it has to stop,” Wright said. pear healthy and clean, accord- Health encourages people who Contact Lenses
• Laser Vision Care - LASIK
tion Management Inc. and its own- Her attorney Dolan said, “This is ing to state health officials. have contact with live poultry
ers, Kenneth and Anita Hayden, just a sign of how people feel em- According to the U.S. Centers to always wash their hands with
decorated their office with photo- powered by our current president, for Disease Control and Preven- soap and water after handling the
• Most Vision Plans Accepted
graphs of President Donald Trump and his racist and sexist statements tion, at least 372 people in 47 animals, their eggs or anything in • Medicare Assignment Accepted
and Confederate flags saying, “The about women and minorities, to states nationwide since the start the area where they live and roam. • Ask About AARP Discount
Southland shall rise again.” blatantly harass and discriminate of the year have been infected People should also prevent
Dolan said in a statement that the against others.” with various salmonella strains live chickens, ducks and geese Dr. Barry C. Winston
Faculty, UC Berkeley School of Optometry
Haydens appeared to be “proud of “The message couldn’t be any linked to live poultry contact, from coming into their homes Certified in the Treatment of Ocular Disease
their handiwork” and had photo- clearer: ‘I stand with Trump and with 36% of the cases involving and should not allow children VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE
BARRYCWINSTONOD.COM
graphs taken of themselves in front I’m racist. If you don’t like it then children under 5 years old. under 5 to handle live poul-
of the Confederate flag, which he get out of my business and out of Those numbers include 21 try or eggs without supervision Black Avenue
said is “the offensive symbol of slav- my country,’” Dolan said. California residents. Nation- and subsequent hand washing, Professional Offices
ery,” with Kenneth dressed as Donald The suit also accuses Kenneth wide, 71 people have been hos- health officials said. Q 4450-C Black Ave, Pleasanton
Trump and Anita appearing to be a pitalized from the infections but —Dan McMenamin, Bay City News 925.462.2600
Trump supporter with a Confederate See SUIT on Page 8 off Santa Rita Road behind
Lynnewood Methodist Church
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Pleasanton Weekly • June 16, 2017 • Page 7NEWSFRONT
can terminate the superintendent’s classroom teacher over his career. He
HAGLUND contract for cause or without. If the has a doctorate of education from
Continued from Page 5 board were to find cause to nullify University of Southern California. and traffic signal changes. Unlike
the agreement, they would have to He rose to the top during the
CAPITAL Stoneridge/I-680, those projects
Continued from Page 5
lot of it that really resonated with me notify the superintendent in writ- PUSD’s nearly four-month hiring could not be funded with traffic
in terms of the things I’m passionate ing within five days of the decision. search led by consulting firm Haz- fee for general fund purposes. impact fee reserves, according to
about — 21st century learning, as an If the board ard, Young, Attea & Associates. It has to be for those specific Olson.
example, creating new opportunities didn’t have cause, The firm received over 50 applica- projects.” Councilwoman Karla Brown
for more innovative educational pro- they would need tions and interviewed around 20 can- One qualifying project is the responded later by saying, “If the
grams — those are things I’ve done for to notify him didates. Consultants brought seven to Stoneridge/I-680 north widen- negotiations come back and more
a long time in other districts,” he said. in writing two the board for their consideration, and ing, which would need to be funding is needed to expand the
“To see a community that’s really ready months before six of them were part of the board’s completed sooner if Costco and infrastructure for Costco and two
to take a step in that direction was very terminating the initial interviews in early May. other large businesses such as hotels, which is what’s being dis-
attractive to me.” contract and Trustees then selected three fi- hotels come to the Johnson cussed ... you’re going to have to
He added his initial plans are “to lis- pay up to nine nalists who were interviewed by a Drive site, according to city find that money somewhere else,
ten and to learn about the community.” months’ salary. David Haglund panel of community members, then staff. like the general fund.”
Haglund will earn an annual base That nine-month again individually by the board. For those developments to ad- To cover the city’s share, of-
salary of $265,000 and health ben- maximum would increase to a year The board announced their selec- vance, the council would have to ficials are considering borrowing
efits over 220 workdays. He will get should he receive a satisfactory eval- tion of Haglund as the superintendent approve the Johnson Drive EDZ internally, taking out a bank loan
18 days of sick leave annually and uation after the first year of service. finalist late last month. On June 2 and outlining how redevelopment or a sales tax sharing agreement
27 vacation days plus holidays. If the board finds Haglund’s perfor- 5, trustees, district administrators and would occur at the vacant in- with Costco to pay back the re-
Haglund will also receive mance satisfactory after his first year, union representatives interviewed res- dustrial-zoned land, once home tailer for fronting the city’s por-
$10,000 for one-time moving ex- they will consider extending his con- idents and colleagues about Haglund to a now-demolished Clorox re- tion of the infrastructure projects.
penses, a nearly $3,000 stipend for tract by an additional year. They will in private meetings in Santa Ana. search center. A council hearing City officials have been nego-
possession of master’s and doctoral also consider a salary adjustment when “They spent a lot of time and on the EDZ proposal is expected tiating with representatives of
degrees, and a coach for profes- he is evaluated and could increase his talked to a lot of folks that I’ve no earlier than the fall. Costco and developer Nearon
sional support for one year. pay “at any time during any school worked with for years before they If the Johnson Drive Enterprises for a proposed
By comparison, Rubino — who was year,” according to the agreement. made their decision, and I have a EDZ is not approved, the agreement about how much
fired as superintendent by the board There were no public comments great deal of respect for them tak- Stoneridge/I-680 project would each will pay for necessary
without cause in January — received on Haglund’s contract. ing that time to do that work — I not necessarily move forward infrastructure improvements
an annual base salary of $256,000. Haglund has held positions as a know this is an important decision in 2018-19, in which case the — a deal that would require
The contract states that the board principal, district administrator and for them,” Haglund said. Q $6.4 million would return to the council’s approval in open
the traffic impact fee fund to session.
customers could expect a rate de- post-drought increases in water use. be reprogrammed for other “It is true that we are still in ne-
SEWER crease next fiscal year, all com- “The pace of development con- eligible projects, according to gotiations with them. There is no
Continued from Page 5 mercial rates would increase the tinues to strengthen the district’s Fialho. firm proposal,” Fialho said June
following four fiscal years based on financial position, with the benefit The freeway project is just 6. “There are days where I think
condo owners $327.03, and multi- the annual change in the consumer that the addition of new resources one of the overall transporta- we’ll be able to have this discus-
family property owners $276.96, price index. will have only a modest impact tion improvements, estimated sion with the council pretty rap-
according to DSRSD. For more information, visit www. on utility rates over the next five at $21.4 million, needed to ac- idly, and there are days like today
Wastewater rates did not change dsrsd.com/wastewater-rates. years,” McIntyre said. commodate the Johnson Drive where I’m pessimistic about the
this fiscal year. DSRSD will use some of that EDZ, Fialho said. How to pay project even moving forward.”
In other business
Commercial customers, mean- added revenue to create eight new for those remaining costs is “When we’re ready to have a
while, would be charged under a At its meeting earlier this month, staff positions next fiscal year that subject to ongoing negotiations funding proposal ready to share
new structure where rates would no DSRSD’s board adopted operating are largely focused on operations, with the developers and ulti- with you, we’re committed to
longer be based on customer catego- and capital improvement budgets deferred maintenance, and preven- mately City Council direction. having that openly and transpar-
ries like car wash and grocery store, for the next two fiscal years, along tative maintenance of treatment sys- “Two-thirds of the expenses ently and take as much time as
but on wastewater strength levels with a 10-year plan to guide spend- tems. The additions will bring the associated with (EDZ) are im- possible with the community
and volume of wastewater treated. ing on infrastructure, for the agency number of total full-time positions pacts caused by the develop- and council and Planning Com-
While low-level commercial that also provides water service to up from 113 to 121 and are meant ment, and the expectation is mission to understanding the
Dublin and parts of San Ramon. to address a large amount of staff the development would pay for financing,” he added.
DSRSD expects total revenues to turnover from retirements over the those costs,” Fialho said. “And The council did not take a
amount to roughly $99 million in last two years, McIntyre said. the city would pay for its share vote on the $6.4 million allo-
2017-18 and $110 million the fol- Dublin trunk sewer line rehabili- of the improvements that tie cation for the Stoneridge/I-680
FD #429
lowing year — increases of 22.5% tation, the expansion of the water back to what’s in the General project nor any other part of
LOCALLY OWNED and 11.1%, respectfully, general recycling plant in Pleasanton and Plan.” the CIP proposal as last week’s
AND OPERATED SINCE 1891
manager Dan McIntyre wrote in a the replacement of a drinking water The other roadway projects meeting was for discussion only.
Burial & Cremation letter to the board. That growth, reservoir serving central Dublin are include Johnson Drive widen- Final CIP adoption is scheduled
he said, is primarily due to growth among the agency’s major capi- ing, Stoneridge Drive widening for next Tuesday’s meeting. Q
Celebration of Life in the customer base from new tal improvement projects planned
Services
development, as well as anticipated over the next two years. Q
Reception Facilities The company, which was found-
SUIT ed in 2000 and has its headquarters
Continued from Page 7
Advance Planning on Valley Avenue, says on its web-
Made Easy Hayden of assault and battery, say- site that, “Integrity and service are
for a free consultation ing that on one occasion he threw key for Southland Construction.”
or in-home visit call a cellphone at Wright, which then The company says its mission is
ricocheted off of her desk and hit “to serve the construction needs of
her in the arm. commercial, retail, and industrial
WEEKLY MEETING NOTICES The suit alleges Wright witnessed businesses with integrity, quality
Kenneth and Anita Hayden mak- and accountability, while meeting
City Council ing “racist comments” about other budgets and timelines in order to
Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. employees of different ethnicities at glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and re-
Council Chamber, 200 Old Bernal Avenue
Southland, including Hispanic and store honesty to the marketplace.”
• Public Hearing: Adopt resolutions approving 2017/18 annual assessments Sikh employees. The company says it “seeks to
for Lighting and Landscape Districts 1984-1 (Ponderosa), 1993-1 (Windsor),
1993-2 (Bonde Ranch), 1994-1 (Oak Tree Farm), and 1995-1 (Moller Ranch)
The suit, which says Wright serve our customers, vendors and
Deanna Moser
• Consider introduction of an ordinance to add to the Pleasanton Municipal worked at the company from June employees as we serve the Lord Jesus
925.846.5624 Code a new Chapter 9.26 Restrictions on Smoking in Multifamily Rental 22, 2015, until March 9 of this Christ” by displaying qualities such as
to view our facilities visit: Apartments and a unifying amendment to §9.24.060 year, seeks unspecified general and “honesty, integrity, loyalty, respect for
www.grahamhitch.com punitive damages. others and ourselves, perseverance,
4167 First Street, To explore more about Pleasanton, Kenneth and Anita Hayden couldn’t accountability and teamwork.” Q
Pleasanton FD#429 visit us at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov immediately be reached for comment. —Bay City News Service
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“You hear rumors that you have at Foothill with an arm as strong as
some great players coming in, but Courtney’s.”
you don’t know for sure because This could be the beginning of
you’ve never seen them play,” said a Foothill run as the Falcons lose
Foothill coach Matt Sweeney, who LISA HERMES PHOTOGRAPHY
only three seniors. But true to his
saw his team finish 26-4. The Foothill Falcons celebrate personality, Sweeney was quick to
“Then you worry about their clinching the NCS championship play off any thoughts of a repeat.
work ethic and if they will be coach- with a 6-2 win over eighth-seeded “We told the girls before the semi-
able,” he added. “All these kids were James Logan in the finale. finals and then again before the finals
very good and unbelievably coach- that there is no guarantee that we get
ancisc
able. Some kids today act like they score to win the game anyway, so to this level,” he said. “Teams have
Fr
know everything, but that wasn’t let’s go get it.” gotten this far with freshmen and
Th e
what these kids were like.” The Falcons drew even right not gone back. You have to enjoy
nTRING TRIO o
The core group of power for the away, with Alley scoring the first it when you get there because you
a
Falcons came from freshmen, pitch- run after racing around the bases never know if you will get back.” Q
SS
er Nicole May and catcher Court- on some Logan miscues and Be- Dennis Miller is a contributing sports
ney Beaudin. Throw in sophomore audin delivering the first of a pair writer for the Pleasanton Weekly.
Hope Alley at shortstop and there of big hits, singling home Nicole To contact Miller or submit
was bound to be some adversity Craven to make it 2-2. local high school sports scores,
over the course of the season as the In the third, the Foothill catcher game highlights and photographs for
team learned to play. In fact, the came through again, this time drill- his weekly Pleasanton Preps column,
Falcons had only five players — two ing a two-run home run to make email him at acesmag@aol.com.
of which were starters — returning.
“I don’t think we knew as a team
how good we could be early in the
season,” Sweeney said. “We stum- Pleasanton Golf Center
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Pleasanton Weekly • June 16, 2017 • Page 11COVER STORY
Residents show off interesting talents,
hobbies in county fair displays
BY PLEASANTON WEEKLY STAFF
he Alameda County Fair point where he creates close to 30
T is opening in Pleasanton
today, offering its famil-
iar array of carnival rides, horse
races, fireworks and concerts.
batches of craft beers each year.
When making his home brew,
Weldon said he enjoys experi-
menting with “all kinds of weird
But in addition to these well- ingredients,” such as green tea,
known attractions and amuse- breakfast cereals, orange peel and
ments, the fair hosts a multitude ginger. One of his primary rea-
of intriguing annual contests that sons for entering the Home Brew
span diverse interests, unusual Contest each year is to encourage
hobbies and extraordinary talents. other members of the Draught
There are contests that children Board Homebrew Club to par-
and adults alike can enter and ticipate, and thereby get the club’s
that provide an opportunity to name “out there.”
not only compete for ribbons,
but perhaps more importantly, Poetry Contest
to share passions, hobbies, tal- Pleasanton’s Rob Campbell is a
ents and interests with the entire professional geologist who owns
community. an environmental, geological and
Each competition is judged by hydrogeological consulting firm
fair-appointed experts, and the that specializes in bio-remediation
judges’ decisions are final. Win- of toxic substances in soil and
ning entrants, along with other groundwater.
submissions, from each competi- He enjoys writing poetry in his
tion are displayed in exhibition free time and submitted several of
halls during the fair, which runs his original poems into the fair’s
until July 9 at the Pleasanton Poetry Contest this year.
DANIEL KIM fairgrounds. Campbell, who has a lifelong
Niche submissions, such as this Howdy Doody display, show an inside look of the wide array of collections that are Here’s just a taste of the dozens stuttering condition, said that by
showcased at the Alameda County Fair. of competitions at this year’s fair: writing poetry, he can “commu-
nicate freely and easily, without
Home Brew Contest any obstacles.” So, he finds writ-
A primary contender every year ing to be not only enjoyable, but
in this category is Jack Weldon, “very liberating, therapeutic, and
a certified building, home and cathartic as well.”
welding inspector. He’s also presi-
dent of the Northern California
Draught Board Homebrew Club
and an award-winning brewer
who has received multiple rib-
bons over the course of several
years.
This year, Weldon won Blue
Ribbons in the categories of Sweet
Stout and English Cider — like
many of the other contests, the
official judging of the Sweet Stout
and English Cider occurred im-
mediately prior to opening day.
Weldon said he developed an
interest in craft brews in his 20s.
“I was poor but had expensive
taste in beer,” he recalled. “My
boss gave me a $100 bill in my
Christmas card (in 1990) and I
found a home brewing supply
store in Pismo Beach where a guy
told me I could make my favorite
style of beer for about $35 for
five gallons rather than $15 for a
single bottle.”
Weldon said he soon began
brewing a few different kinds of
DANIEL KIM beers each year. Over time, he Pleasanton’s Nancy Lewis submitted an ela
Entrants in the Collections Contest include this Mr. Potato Head display. has developed his hobby to the Life” out of her SuperBall collection, with e
Page 12 • June 16, 2017 • Pleasanton WeeklyCOVER STORY
2016
PLEASANTON
W E E K LY
my oldest daughter Kate’s pre-
school teacher many years ago,
wanting to know why she was so
insistent that a piece of blue con- Cosmo’s Barber Shop now has a second location.
struction paper was ‘Cewuwian’ Cosmo’s 2 Custom Barber & Beauty Shop is now open at
— cerulean, an obscure shade of 2739 Hopyard Road in Pleasanton (formerly “Shear Cuts”)
blue,” she recalled with a laugh. in the Gene’s Fine Foods Shopping Center. We specialize
in haircuts and styles for men, women and children.
Photography Contest
Doug Weiss, a Livermore resi-
dent who works in security, pur- GRAND OPENING SPECIALS
sues photography as a hobby he
picked up on a whim during what
he describes as a “bit of a dark
$4 off $2 off $5 off
any men’s or children under 12 any color
time” when he needed something
women’s haircut or senior citizen’s or perm
to keep him distracted, and to
allow him to “get away from all of haircut
the chaos of our society and find
Men’s Haircuts ....$12 Beard Trim ..........$5 Women’s Haircuts . $14 & Up
peace.” Boy’s Under 12 ....$10 Flat Top ...............$14 Girls Under 12 ....... $12 & Up
He said the camera he bought Senior Citizens ....$10 Men’s Color Senior Citizens ...... $12 & Up
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
during that time reignited his pas- Shampoo & Cut ..$15 & Cut ...................$45 Color & Perm ........ $45 & Up
sion to travel the world, and to Shave ...................$20 Color Only ...........$35
Jack Weldon, a frequent winner in the fair’s Home Brew Contest, shows off his
award ribbons from over the years. photograph it for others to see.
Weiss said his favorite things to OPEN 6 days a week
No appointment necessary —
It was in 2010 that Campbell she was a child. photograph are, “without a doubt Monday – Saturday 8 am to 8 pm
walk right in.
began submitting his work to the As a child, her collection was natural landscapes as well as astro- These offers are good at the
fair in Pleasanton. Almost every about the SuperBalls themselves, photography.” He has traveled to 2739 Hopyard Road - Pleasanton
Cosmo’s 2 location only.
year, he has placed among the top but now as an adult, the balls are Peru with his camera and hopes to 925-462-0123
competitors. He keeps his Blue all about the memories associated continue venturing off to his other
Ribbons on display in his office with them, according to Lewis. “bucket list” locations such as Den-
along with his many professional “Regardless of how sophisti- mark, Sweden, Estonia, Finland,
awards and acknowledgments. cated technology becomes, there Norway, Russia and Iceland.
will never be an app that can re- Weiss, who maintains he is not
Collections Contest place the ability to keenly preserve competitive by nature, entered the
A popular draw for the exhibi- cherished memories of a person, fair this year, as well as over the
tion halls each year, the Collec- event or experience, than by hav- past several years, “as a person-
tions Contest offers a range of ing a tactile, tangible connection al challenge more than anything
displays featuring anything and to them,” said Lewis, who also else” — and he enjoys seeing
everything from the world of col- prepares the Weekly’s Streetwise whether he can “best” his own
lectibles, such as Howdy Doody column with her daughter Jenny personal best results.
merchandise, Christmas orna- Lyness.
ments, Samuel Adams beers, Mr. For Lewis, the SuperBalls were Place-Setting Contest
Potato Heads and even small East- an excellent educational tool for Joyce Senechal, a professional
man Brownie cameras from the her children when they were chef, is also someone who has
early 1900s. young because as they played with been competing in county fair
Pleasanton’s Nancy Lewis, a the SuperBalls, they developed contests for several years.
partner in a law firm that special- hand-eye coordination and fine Competing this year in the
izes in commercial insurance cov- motor skills as well as learned Place-Setting Contest, Senechal
LAS POSITAS
erage litigation, is showing off her basic concepts such as colors, said she believes an ornate, beauti-
elaborate display of SuperBalls, counting, sorting and sequences. fully set table is part of the experi-
which she’s been collecting since “I remember getting a call from ence of fine dining, and she enjoys
creating a warm and inviting din-
ing environment for her clients,
as well as for her own family and
COLLEGE
friends. MULTIPLE START DATES FOR
She added that a major reason
she enters contests each year is to SUMMER SESSION.
learn about all of the other catego-
ries that people compete in. FLEXIBLE CLASS SCHEDULES AVAILABLE!
When people enter the contests,
it is because they are passionate
about the subject matter of their
category, according to Senechal. WWW.LASPOSITASCOLLEGE.EDU
She finds that anything people are
excited about and want to share
with others, is by its very nature,
absolutely fascinating.
For Senechal, entering the fair
competitions is not really about
trying to win a Blue Ribbon, but
instead, is about developing an
understanding of and apprecia-
tion for, “what makes other people
tick.”
To see what makes all the com-
petitors tick, check out all the
displays at this year’s Alameda
County Fair. For a list of every
DANIEL KIM contest, visit the fair website at
aborate display for the Collections Contest by building a multi-dimensional “Tree of http://annual.alamedacountyfair.
each ball in her exhibit associated with a particular memory from her life. com. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • June 16, 2017 • Page 13Tri Valley Life What’s happening around
the Valley in music, theater,
art, movies and more
s the purple balloons lifted slowly Hewitt said, with Bosco’s mostly in Pleas- Society that he was nationally recognized
into the sky at Smith Elementary anton before he died in 2009, and Cabo as a Distinguished Dog for the American
School in Livermore last week, the reaching out to Livermore as well. Kennel Club,” Hewitt said. “He has a cer-
children called out. She recalled Cabo working at Donlon tificate, a medal, some patches.”
“Bye, Cabo!” Elementary years ago with special needs He had two different vests to wear to his vol-
“Bye, Cabo!” children. unteer jobs — a purple one for Valley Humane
It was a celebration of life for recently “There was a little boy named Dylan who Society and a red American Kennel Club vest.
departed Cabo Hewitt, a handsome yellow was so adorable,” she recalled. “He didn’t “When I would put his therapy vest
Labrador retriever who faithfully visited Mi- speak but he could hear. He was in a wheel- on him, he knew it was all about me and
chelle Holbrook’s classroom from noon to chair. Every time we walked in the room his human interaction would be involved. He
12:30 p.m. every Tuesday for the last seven eyes would light up. He wanted to pretend would ignore Don,” Frances Hewitt said.
years under the auspices of Valley Humane Cabo was his dog so I gave him Cabo’s leash.” But he became Don’s dog when it was
Society’s therapy dog program. They would just sit there together, time to go pheasant hunting in Rio Vista.
“The kids fell in love with him, and he Dylan happy to hold the leash and Cabo “He was a different dog,” Frances Hewitt
loved the whole school thing,” owner Frances apparently pleased to be by his side. said. “When Don first took him out, he be-
Hewitt said. “He even stood in line with the Another young boy named Brandon came stiff as a board and his right paw would
kids every year to get his picture taken.” was terrified of dogs. come up. Cabo was a ‘pointing lab.’”
After the school visit, Hewitt and Cabo “But after a month Cabo was his buddy,” She said the breeder produces champion-
would visit Quail Garden Assisted Living Hewitt said. “He called him ‘Wobble,’ and ship hunting dogs that also become amazing
in downtown Livermore. they would walk out to the field and back.” therapy dogs with “incredible dispositions.”
“In one day, he would touch the lives The Hewitts own two special cars — a Last year, Cabo was diagnosed with a
Canine volunteer of young kids and then the lives of the
elderly,” Hewitt noted.
1917 Model T and a 1967 Ford Mustang
— so the city of Pleasanton calls each year
heart disease, then in February a cough
turned out to be cancer in his left lung.
touched the hearts Cabo also was happy to let students share
books with him in reading programs at li-
when it wants a classic ride for the mayor
in the Veterans Day Parade on Main Street.
Although he curtailed many of his activities,
he still jumped up when Hewitt brought out
braries in Pleasanton and Livermore; and he While the mayor sat in the back seat to the vest he wore to visit the school.
of many would don a red, white and blue bandana wave at the parade-goers, Don drove and “He would still play ball with the kids,”
to welcome home military members. And Cabo would ride shotgun. Hewitt recalled.
he participated two years in Valley Humane Cabo was also a hit with men from the But Cabo continued to decline and stopped
B Y D OLORES F OX C IARDELLI Society’s Critter Camps for youngsters. Veterans Affairs hospital in Livermore he met eating. He died May 21 at the age of 12-1/2.
Frances and Don Hewitt moved to at monthly luncheons at the Livermore Pleas- “I had more flowers and cards in my
Pleasanton in 1998 with their black lab anton Elks Lodge, where Hewitt is a member. house — he really touched this commu-
Bosco, who soon became a popular dog “Cabo earned enough hours (a mini- nity,” Hewitt said.
about town as he accompanied Frances mum of 500) through Valley Humane The celebration of life at Smith Elemen-
on many of her duties with Pleasanton tary was good closure for the students,
Downtown Association. she added. Even without Cabo, she plans
Seven years later, when Bosco was 9, the to continue visiting the school and the as-
Hewitts returned to his birthplace, Three sisted living residents.
Sisters Labradors, in Oregon — an AKC Now she is working on a scrapbook for
Breeder of Merit — to adopt Cabo, who is Cabo and remembering all his special ways.
Bosco’s great-nephew. They called their He really touched this community,” she
n
ne
neww dog after their favorite vacation said. “There were so many heartfelt mo-
spot, Cabo San Lucas, where they have ments when I would watch him with
been going since 1995, although hiss a kid.”
registered name is Ebonstar’s Caboo For more pictures and informa-
del Sol. tion, visit Cabo’s website at www.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
dogs did therapy work,
Both of the dogs ccabohewitt.com.
ca bohewitt.com. Q
Cabo, a longtime canine volunteer in the Tri-Valley, rests
on the mosaic bench in Kottinger Park. After the photo
was taken, his owners saw that he had the wings of an
angel.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Students release balloons for Cabo at a celebration of his
life at the elementary school he visited for seven years until
he died last month.
Page 14 • June 16, 2017 • Pleasanton WeeklyYou can also read
